Chapter 26 The Final Battle
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A/N: Hello my lovely readers and reviewers! I am just so surprised this story has gone this far! I never imagined it would! It just makes me happy you guys like it! As I'm sure you can tell this story is coming to a close. cries I'll be sad when it's over but relieved at the same time.
Djl- I hope it's not the end…That would be kinda sad if my story ended there or if Inuyasha and Kagome and the gang were killed then…. But I think this update shows it didn't. Plus I don't think you would be very happy if it ended there. I know I wouldn't. But as for the fate of the Inu gang….you will just have to on read below to find out.
Taeniaea- I'm glad! I didn't think it was all that great but I'm sure glad you think differently! Of course you could just be saying that to be nice…Thank you!
alaskagirl24- Thank you! I hope you like the next chapters to come!
inuyasha1818- Thank you!
VampireAlexanderluver- I updated!
bullseye1985- Thank you. I had a few people who didn't want me to put some spoilers in. One of them even threatened to quit reading if I did, so since I hate to disappoint people I made two chapters to satisfy all my readers.
kyasarinyume07- Yes me too. But what could she do? I mean he is her master after all. He created her to obey him.
kagomef7- Thank you for your reviews. And I'm sorry if you don't like some of the things I write. I can't please everyone as much as I'd like to. I just hope you'll continue to read my story! And thank you for pointing out the names I spelled wrong. I knew they were spelled wrong but I didn't know the right way and no one ever corrected me so I left them alone. If you see future mistakes please be so kind as to point them out to me! I really appreciate it!
ryoko at 13- Thank you so much! Please continue to read my story!
HopelesslyEscaflowne-Thank you! I love reading your long reviews! They make me so happy! And I agree with you about Kanna. But you never know she may just be of some use in the end….You will just have to see.
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Naraku cackled in triumph as his body began to reform inside the safety of his own barrier. Kanna stood beside him holding his heart, her face grim. As he had done so many times before, it appeared Naraku had won this battle once again. The only difference this time was that they all were about to lose their lives.
"Soon you will all be dead!" Naraku cackled as bit by bit his body slowly began to reform.
"What are we going to do?" Sango asked beginning to feel worried.
"What we came here to do." Miroku answered with determination. "Kill him!"
"Kukuku! You still think you can beat me Houshi? Hasn't yours and that pitiful Miko's failures to kill me proved that I cannot be defeated? At least not by the likes of you pitiful beings."
"We will defeat you!" Koga said with more determination than he had in him….
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"What's taking them so long?" Inuyasha asked to no one in particular. "They have been in there an hour or more!"
"Do you think we should go after them?" Takashi asked. "Just to see if they are okay?"
"But what about Kagome? She hasn't woken up yet." Shippo said not taking his eyes off the woman he loved so much and considered to be his mother.
"Let's just wait a little longer." Inuyasha said. He looked down at his mate's sleeping face wondering how she could look so angelic at a time like this. But despite how she looked on the outside on the inside she was having her own inner turmoil...
Kagome saw her friends in a dark and dreary room in the palace. Naraku and Kanna stood in the center, a barrier protecting them. Kanna held Naraku's heart and their only chance of defeating Naraku inside that protective place. Kanna's face was sad and she couldn't look anywhere but down.
"What are we going to do?" Sango asked.
"What we came here to do!" Miroku answered determinedly. "Kill him!"
"Kukuku! You still think you can beat me Houshi? Hasn't yours and that pitiful Miko's failures to kill me proved that I cannot be defeated? At least not by the likes of you pitiful beings!"
"We will defeat you!" Koga said with more determination than he had in him. He rushed forward and was followed by Sesshomaru. Koga slammed his fist into the barrier and Sesshomaru thrust forth his Tokijin.
Their attack failed and they were thrown back.
"Weaklings!" Naraku taunted. "Your end is near!" He cackled causing all in the room, minus Sesshomaru, to shudder.
Kagura and Ayame helped Koga and Sesshomaru to their feet. In that time Naraku and his barrier began to glow. The room began to rumble and shake. The walls and ceilings rattled ominously.
"What's happening?" Ayame asked her fright clear on her beautiful face.
"I don't know but it can't be good!" Koga answered unable to take his eyes off Naraku.
Suddenly the barrier exploded. A huge amount of power overtook Naraku's enemies. They screamed in pain as the light overpowered them. When it cleared nothing remained. Not even the palace. They were gone. Dead. Destroyed. No longer of this world. Kagome felt as if she had lost everything dear to her. Her heart sank as she watched on.
Naraku looked down at his only remaining slave standing beside him. The girl looked up at him emotionlessly.
Kukuku! See Kanna! I have won! No one can defeat me!" His smile broadened.
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Kagome's eyes shot open and she sat up quickly. Inuyasha, startled, almost lost his balance and was barely able to keep from falling himself.
"Are you alright Kagome?" He asked.
"I'm fine. We have to get inside before it's too late!" She said earnestly.
"What? Why?" Takashi asked.
"Because the others are in danger! We have to warn them! We have to save them!"
"How do you know this?" Takashi's heart beat quickened. He was worried for them. But what if Kagome was just being delirious? It could be the side effects of her using so much power. He had no way of knowing if she was telling the truth or not.
"You had a dream didn't you Kagome." Tessa said holding Shippo and Kirara close.
"Yes." Kagome nodded not daring to look anyone in the eyes.
Both males looked at Tessa confused, wondering how she knew this. Taking this as her cue Tessa continued.
"The last time Kagome dreamed of someone in danger was when she dreamed of her father's death. In her dream her father was driving on his way home from work, when suddenly he clutched his heart. He lost control of the vehicle and the car crashed." Tessa answered. Kagome nodded that is was true. "Kagome told me and her parents about it but no one but me believed her. That is, until it happened about a week later. The doctors said he was killed from a heart attack and that luckily he died instantly."
Takashi nodded solemnly. He had no idea what a car was but knew now was not the time to ask. It must have been hard for Kagome to know about a parent's death before it happened. She must have blamed herself knowing that if she had tired harder she could have somehow stopped it.
"Why didn't you tell me this?" Inuyasha asked Kagome.
"It didn't seem relevant and you never asked. And right now is not the time to dwell on it. We have to get inside and save everyone before it's too late!" Kagome said rising to her feet. They had wasted to much time dawdling and she wanted to get inside now! She didn't need to add their deaths to her conscience.
The other's including Tessa, followed her inside the palace.
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They made it inside just as Sesshomaru and Koga were about to attack. Kagome rushed in and shouted, "Stop!" They skidded to a halt inches from Naraku.
"What!" Snapped Sesshomaru turning on the miko.
"We all have to get outta here now!" She said waving her hands excitedly.
"No! I will not run! I refuse to resort to such childish behavior! I will kill Naraku now!" Sesshomaru said turning his back on the miko.
"Sesshomaru no!" Kagome shouted but was too late. Sesshomaru had already swung Tokijin and brought it down on Naraku. As Kagome had dreamed he was flung back. Only this time Koga didn't fly back with him. This gave her some hope. If she had changed a part of her dream from happening, maybe she could save her friend's lives.
"We have to get out of here now! Before it's too late!" She said waving her hands to the exit for emphasis.
"Oh but it is too late!" Naraku interrupted rubbing his hands together.
Everyone looked at him to see him and his barrier glowing with a white light. The light was getting brighter and brighter by the second. It was getting harder and harder for them to see.
"We have to leave now or we'll all be dead!" Kagome tried again. And this time without haste they listened. One by one they filed out of the room as fast as their legs could carry them. Of course the demons were in the lead, but the humans were not far behind. I guess the prospect of losing their lives gave them more energy than they normally would have had.
They had only made it a few seconds outside the palace before they heard a huge explosion and were then flung forward. Many bodies slammed into the ground, none to softly, and into each other. It was not a pretty sight. Limbs were tangled and laying in odd and uncomfortable directions. Groans of pain were heard all around.
Inuyasha helped Kagome to her feet and made sure she was okay, as he saw Takashi and Miroku and Sesshomaru do the same for Tessa and Sango and Kagura. Kagome then made her way over to Shippo and picked him up.
"Are you okay?" She asked the young boy.
"Yes. Just a few bruises." He answered. "Nothing a youkai like me can't handle."
Inuyasha smirked behind Kagome.
"Good. Everyone else all right?" Kagome asked turning to face the group.
Some answered with 'yes,' some nodded, and some didn't answer at all. Sango picked up Kirara and made sure the neko wasn't harmed either.
Kagome turned her attention to the once huge palace. It was now a pile of rubble. Nothing was left standing. It seemed she had gotten her friends out just in time.
"Where's Naraku?" Tessa asked slightly worried.
"I don't know…" Kagome started. But then the dust that had been kicked up during the explosion cleared. Naraku walked towards them smirking all the while. His body was now fully reformed and he looked just as menacing, if not more so than before.
"Tsk. Tsk. Naughty little miko you are." He said shaking his head. "Why if you hadn't come in when you did your friends here would have been dead! But you had to be a spoil sport and ruin everything." Naraku said in mock anger. "No matter. That just means I get to have more fun when I finally do kill you! I can't wait to see your horror filled faces begging me to kill you! Begging me to end your life!"
"You will be the one begging for death!" Inuyasha said his anger getting the best of him.
"You think so Hanyou?" Naraku said his hate for Inuyasha ever present in his voice.
"I know so!" Inuyasha clutched Tetsusaiga tighter.
"Well, we will see."
"Where is Kanna?" Kagura asked making her presence known.
Naraku turned to her his eyes flashing. "She is safe." Was all he said about it. "But you should be more worried about yourself. I shall kill you to for betraying me!"
Suddenly Kagura was on her hands and knees holding her chest and gasping for breath. Then just as suddenly as it started the pain stopped and Kagura felt fine again.
"What did you do to her!" Sesshomaru questioned taking one step towards Naraku.
"I merely pinched her heart. It is after all in my hands." And in his hand there indeed was Kagura's heart. Beating with a life of its own.
"Give it back!" Sesshomaru ordered. For about a minute Naraku remained silent as if he was thinking. Sesshomaru was getting angry when the demon spoke.
"Gladly! It will be more fun when I kill her in battle." And with a flick of his wrist he sent the heart back Kagura's body.
Kagura gasped at the sudden weight and fullness of her chest.
"I want her to feel the pain I inflict when I stab her through the heart!" Naraku grinned evilly. "She will regret ever crossing me a second time! And with any luck she will be begging me to spare her. I can just see it now….the fear in her scarlet eyes…kneeling before me and begging for me to let her live! 'Please master! I promise to never disobey you again!'" He said mocking Kagura.
"I would never give you the satisfaction!" Kagura said when she was able to get at least somewhat used to the new heavy feeling in her chest.
"Look who's so tough now that she has her heart and friends behind her! I can't wait until I can wipe that arrogant look off your face!" Naraku said angrily.
"Enough talking! Let's get to the part where we kill you!" Inuyasha interrupted. He was tired of this pointless talking! His body was aching for a battle. He carelessly charged forward and swung his blade. "Wind Scar!"
Naraku threw up his barrier and blocked the attack.
"Inuyasha! We're not going to kill him that way! We have to find his heart!" Kagome said afraid for Inuyasha's life. He was so careless and tended to react on impulse. One day he might get into trouble and she'll never see him again!
"Well what else are we supposed to do! He's hidden his heart and we have no idea where it is! I will not do nothing and let him kill us!"
"I'm not asking you to do that!"
"Well what do you want me to do!"
Tessa was feeling utterly helpless. She couldn't do anything! She couldn't fight because she knew she would only get in the way. So what could she do to help them win this battle or at least turn the tables so it was in her friends' favor? She thought and thought. And then an idea came to her. 'That's it! If I can find Naraku's heart for them…But how do I go about doing that? ...Kagura!'
With Shippo in her arms she ran up to Kagura. "Kagura. I think I have an idea. But I'm going to need your help."
"Tell me." Kagura ordered.
"Well…since you and Kanna are basically sisters created from Naraku, it's almost like you are the same, right?" Tessa began.
"Go on."
"Well maybe you can sense where Naraku hid Kanna. I was thinking you two must have some kind of connection."
"Maybe you're right girl." Kagura praised her scarlet eyes flashing with hope.
Tessa smiled brightly. "My name's Tessa by the way."
"I know. Now quiet! I have never done something like this before." Kagura said sternly. "I need to concentrate!"
Tessa immediately clammed up and stepped back a few paces. The battle going on around them was getting closer than she would have liked. Plus, she thought Kagura might want some space to do whatever it was she was going to do. Tessa watched as Kagura as closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
'Okay.' Kagura thought. 'If that girl is right then I should be able to somehow reach Kanna. Just how to do that…is what I need to try and figure out. Deep breath… okay… Think… I need to reach out to her and try and find the connection that I hope we have." Kagura focused on sending out a part of her to search for her sister. In her mind she called out her sister's name hoping somehow she would hear her. No such luck. Kagura opened her eyes angrily. Maybe that girl was wrong in thinking they had a connection. Or maybe Kagura's wasn't doing it right. Maybe the key to finding Kanna was not reaching out…but reaching deep inside herself! This time when she closed her eyes Kagura focused on reaching to the depths of her soul. It took some time but after much searching she found the connection she was looking for. She followed the path set out for her and called her sister's name.
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Tessa watched as Kagura's eyes remained closed for some time. Suddenly her eyes shot open angrily. 'I guess I was wrong…' She thought when Kagura closed her eyes to try again. This time whatever Kagura was doing seemed to be working. At least that was what Tessa thought when Kagura suddenly swayed and fell to the ground. Kagura didn't even stir when Tessa ran to her and called out her name. 'I hope she's okay! I'll feel terrible if something happens to her because of me!'
Sesshomaru witnessed Kagura's fall but was in no position to go and catch her. At present moment Naraku seemed to be holding them all back with ease. No one, not even Sesshomaru himself could get close enough to deliver a damaging blow. It was quite tiring and Sesshomaru was loosing his patience, which was quite lacking to begin with.
So he gave one last glance back to Kagura, to assure himself she was okay, and saw the woman Tessa kneeled at her side. Figuring she would be alright for the moment he continued his fighting.
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"Kanna?"
Kanna's back stiffened the second she heard someone call out her name.
"What is it?" The baby in her arms asked.
"Nothing. I must have just imagined it." Kanna said looking around.
"Next time don't startle me so. I'm trying to sleep!" The baby once again closed his eyes and went back to sleep soundlessly.
Kanna thought she heard her sister call her name but Kagura was no where to be seen. There were only trees and bushes all around her. 'Maybe I only thought I heard her.' She thought.
"No sister. You're first assumption was right." The voice said again this time stronger than before.
Unable to help herself Kanna looked around again, searching for her sister.
"You won't see me that way. Close you're eyes." The voice that was supposedly Kagura's said again.
'Alright. What harm could it do?' Kanna thought and did what she was asked. At first she saw only the blackness you always see when you close your eyes. But then a figure began to take shape before her. Kanna was startled at first, afraid it was some trick of Naraku's, but she was unable to open her eyes. It was her curiosity to know what was happening that kept her from doing so.
Kanna continued to watch as the figure became clearer and clearer until her sister was standing before her. "Kagura! How are you—How did you...Where are we?"
"I don't know myself where we are really. It was that girl. Tessa. The one related to the Kagome girl. She told me that I may be able to find you if I could find the connection we had with each other. You know we were created the same way and all. I thought I might at least give it a try, ya know just to see if it worked. And as you can see here I am." Kagura said spreading her arms wide the nothingness they now stood in. "Do you have his heart?"
"Yes. What do we do now?" Kanna asked still getting used to this whole thing. The whole idea that they could talk to each other this way was so new and strange. If only they had figured it out before!
"Well, tell me where you are." Kagura said getting slightly impatient.
"I don't really know. I'm in a wooded area. I think Naraku must have put up a barrier so you wouldn't be able to find me even if you were able to get past him." Kanna said a little crushed. She hadn't thought of that before.
"Don't worry. I think I can find you now." Kagura said happily. "This will be the day we get our freedom! I'll see you." And Kagura was gone.
Kanna opened her eyes and stared down at Naraku's heart. It seemed to be sleeping. Hopefully it was unaware of what had just gone on. It would ruin everything if he did! 'Come quickly Sister!'
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Kagura awoke with Tessa leaning over her, a worried expression on her face. "Are you okay?" She asked the second Kagura's eyes fluttered open.
"Yes I am. What happened? Why am I on the ground?" Kagura sat up. The Inu gang was still locked in battle with Naraku. They were still holding out but for how much longer?
"I don't know. You just fainted I guess. Did it work?" Tessa asked hopefully.
"Did what work—Oh yes it did! I think I know where she is too!" Kagura got to her feet immediately. "Let's go right away. I don't want Naraku to notice we're gone till it's too late!"
Tessa nodded and followed after Kagura into the woods. "Do you know where you're going?" She asked.
"Not especially. Kanna did say she thinks Naraku is hiding her in one of his famous barriers. I just have this feeling that I'll just know when we're there though. I don't know how to explain it."
"Great." Tessa said sarcastically. "We could be looking for hours!" She said under her breath.
Shippo nodded in agreement. "I think she may have lost it." He whispered back.
If Kagura heard Tessa's and Shippo's last comments she didn't show it. Her mind seemed to be only thinking of the task at hand. She continued marching forward, ready and alert for any signs of her sister. And besides she really didn't care whether they believed her or not. When she finds Kanna they'll be the ones apologizing anyway.
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"Where's Kagura!" Naraku demanded. "Where did she go!"
Many heads turned but no one spoke so he tried again.
"I said WHERE IS KAGURA!" He reiterated losing what little patience he had.
"We don't know!" Inuyasha snapped. "She probably ran off! You were the one that gave her heart! She probably knew you would kill her so she left while she still had the chance!" Inuyasha said loving the way Naraku's face contorted with rage.
"GRRRRRR!" Naraku growled unable to hide his anger. That was one mistake he would never make again. He was almost sure Kagura would stay to try and kill him. But for once his assumption was wrong! If he had known she would flee he would have never given her her heart. "I'll kill her later!"
"Naraku." Kagome said asking for his attention. She had also noticed Tessa and Shippo where missing as well. She assumed they were together. Possible looking for Naraku's heart together.
He turned to her. "What!" His eyes bulged. He had let his guard down, allowing the Miko to notch her bow. Damn it! She had her arrow aimed right at him. Sure it wouldn't kill him, but still that was beside the point anyway. Just because he couldn't be killed didn't mean almost dying didn't hurt like hell! And he had been doing so good keeping her from even getting one shot before this moment! He didn't even attempt to move out of the way as she let go and sent her sacred arrow flying. She was too close and no matter what he did, she'd still hit him.
The arrow sliced him clean in half but the cocky smile never left his face. If he only knew how soon that smile would be wiped clean and gone forever!
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An hour had gone by and Kagura was certain Naraku had to know of her absence by now. He wouldn't go after her until he killed the others, so she had time. Suddenly she stopped. Tessa and Shippo, unaware slammed into her back.
"Watch it!" Kagura snapped.
Shippo and Tessa glared back but didn't say anything.
"It's here." Kagura said in a low voice.
Shippo and Tessa looked at one another. They didn't see anything. All they saw were the same bunch of trees and leaves they had been seeing for the past hour or so. They watched as Kagura drew out her fan and flung a few low energy blades of wind straight ahead. The blades didn't go far before they were repelled by some unseen force.
"A barrier." Tessa said in awe. "You were right."
"Shh!" Kagura said harshly.
Tessa clammed up immediately. For a few moments they stood there unsure of what to do. Suddenly the barrier began to shimmer. For a mere second Kagura was able to see Kanna before she would suddenly disappear again. 'He's been weakened! Now's my chance!' Kagura thought. "Fuji no Mai!" Her attack hit the barrier destroying it. Her sister wasted no time in rising to her feet and calling her name.
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Kanna watched as her sister stood just feet from her but unable to see her. Kagura let out a few long energy wind blades, waking the baby. Well at least Kagura knew where she was now. The baby in her arms face darkened as he saw Kagura. Kanna knew better than to speak. She'd be in trouble if Naraku found out she was against him. She could only hope Kagura would find some way to get her out of here.
Suddenly the barrier began to weaken. Kanna knew it was now or never. If her sister was going to destroy Naraku's barrier it had to be now.
"Fuji no Mai!" Kanna never thought she would ever be so happy to hear those three words! The barrier shattered freeing Kanna.
"Kagura!" Kanna said with more emotion than she had ever used in her entire life.
Kagura nodded her greeting. "We have to get back fast!" Kagura said climbing on her feather and motioning for the rest to follow. "I want to see the look on Naraku's face when we destroy his heart! And then we shall get our freedom, Kanna!"
Tessa helped Kanna on the huge feather and then Kagura set off. In a few minutes they returned to the site where the battle against Naraku was taking place. Kagura thoroughly enjoyed the look of utter and total horror on her soon to be ex master's face when he saw her coming.
If he didn't see it before, he now realized the mistake he had made in giving Kagura her heart. At least then he had had the leverage. But because he was so sure of winning, of destroying Kagura and the Inu group, he had made the biggest mistake of his life (Aside for his human side loving Kikyou). And now he may lose his life because of it!
Kagura landed grinning. Naraku wanted so badly to wipe that smirk of her face! But at this moment he was at the disadvantage.
"Not so sure of yourself now, are you?" Kagura said.
Naraku ignored her and turned to Kanna. "Kanna, if you value your life you will come to me. Now!" He ordered.
Kanna had never been so torn in her life. She wanted her freedom more than she would have ever thought, but she couldn't disobey her master! He created her to obey. It was something she could hardly control. So, unconsciously she took on step forward.
"That's it. Good girl!" Naraku praised extending a long tentacle. Kanna would have taken another step had her sister not stepped in.
"Fight it!" Kagura said placing her hand tightly on Kanna's small shoulder. "He will only kill you after he gets what he wants." Kanna nodded determinedly. She would not listen to him if she could help it. They were in this together!
"No!" Naraku screamed. Out of anger he threw out several of his tentacles towards Kanna. He would get his heart! Even if it meant killing Kanna in the process.
His attack could have succeeded had Takashi not created a massive ball of light and destroyed all of Naraku's appendages.
"You…." Naraku trailed off stunned. There was only one race of demons that attacked like that. And of his knowledge he had killed them all…unless this was their kin! They must have hidden his existence…
"What is it Naraku?" Takashi smirked. "Cat got your tongue?"
Naraku remained silent but managed a glare.
"What's going on?" Kagome asked confused.
"It turns out Naraku killed my parents for their power." Takashi answered unable to hide his disgust. "They hid me from him so that I could live on happily." He turned to face Naraku sending him a glare that would have killed him had he not been youkai.
"So you are the brat of those two ungrateful demons….or should I say gods." Naraku spat with venom.
"Gods?" Tessa questioned. "What's he talking about?"
"My parents were the gods of the sun. I'm guessing Naraku perused them for their power and when they refused, he killed them. But he never imagined they had a son!"
"You are quite right, brat! But now that I know of your existence I can kill you too!" For the moment Naraku seemed to have forgotten about his heart and that it was in his enemy's hand. He charged at Takashi.
With out a seconds thought Takashi focused his energy and produced a massive energy ball. He threw it towards Naraku but Naraku some how managed to escape harm. Naraku was too close for Takashi to make another energy ball in time. And Naraku seemed to be moving extremely fast. Faster than any one imagined he had in him.
"Kanna! Turn your mirror on Naraku's heart!" Kagura ordered. "Hurry!"
"What?" Kanna said perplexed. She stared blankly at her sister.
"Just do it!" Kanna didn't move. "Now!" Kagura said more earnestly.
Hurriedly Kanna gently set the inhuman child on the ground and pointed her mirror at the seemingly innocent babe. She didn't see the point of this, obviously it wouldn't work. I mean, Naraku created her and obviously this mirror. His own creations could never harm their creator. But then again….Kagura was an exception.
Naraku stopped his assault on Takashi immediately. He was feeling intense pain running through is body and accumulating at the place where his soul would be had he had one. He fell to the ground gasping on his hands and knees. Slowly he turned his gazed to where he last saw his heart. The site that befell him sent shivers down his spine. "No! Kanna, NO! Stop it!"
At first nothing seemed to be happening and Kanna had a feeling her first assumptions where right. But one glance at her hopefully soon to be ex master told her otherwise. He was on the ground screaming for her to stop. That he was her master and she must obey him. But something inside her took over. It must have been some primal instinct to be free because for the first time in her life she turned away from her master. She ignored and disobeyed him for the very first time in her life! How great it felt!
Kanna once again looked at the baby before her. Now it too seemed to be in pain and fighting for its life. Like many other of the humans she stole souls from, a white and wispy cloud surrounded the babe. And then Kanna knew what was happening. Kagura had been right in thinking Naraku could be defeated in this way! He had placed his weak human heart, his weak human side in to this babe. Yes, it was no ordinary baby. Yes, it had some inhuman abilities. But deep in its core, in the soul it shared with Naraku was the human. Like she had done so many times before, she was stealing his soul, killing him.
The child's face was read from straining and fighting against Kanna. And she loved every minute of it. As wrong as that sounds, she was tired of him using her!
She looked at her sister. Although she wasn't smiling, Kanna knew her sister must be feeling excited. Soon she would be free! The others behind her sister were either watching Naraku in anticipation or watching the babe. They all had the same hopeful look in their eyes.
Naraku was not on his hands and knees. Sweat was boring off his forehead and his breathing was labored. It was obvious he was fighting for his life. But he was weakening. Kanna could feel more and more of his soul being taken in. He wouldn't be able to hold out much longer. This whole time no one spoke a word. That is until Sesshomaru broke the silence.
"This is taking too long! Why don't we just kill him right now!" He took one step forward and unsheathed Tokijin.
"Yes, let's!" Inuyasha agreed following his brother and unsheathing his sword.
Kagome notched an arrow, Sango readied her Hiraikotsu, Kohaku even readied his sickle, Miroku pulled out a sutra, Takashi formed a low energy ball, Kagura readied her fan, Koga cracked his knuckles, and Ayame pulled a flower from her hair. Without even speaking they all attacked at once.
Naraku tried in vain to get away, but only managed in collapsing in a sorry excuse for a heap. He lay on the ground disoriented as he was attacked. He screamed bloody murder, the pain was so unbearable! Dust was kicked up but when it cleared Naraku was gone and only a patch of white ash remained. The only thing still left was the not so innocent babe. But now that Naraku was gone he was having a harder time keeping himself alive.
His soul was being sucked in more rapidly. Within seconds Kanna had stolen his whole soul. During his last seconds of life he screamed in agony. Then the screaming suddenly stopped and the only thing that remained was the lifeless babe.
"What should we do now?" Kagome asked.
"Destroy it!" Inuyasha said immediately. "That way he can never come back!"
Kagura being the closest swung her fan. The babe was easily destroyed. Just like Naraku only white ash remained. It was almost like he never existed. "It's over." She said in disbelief.
"What should I do with my mirror?" Kanna asked.
"Keep it somewhere safe. We don't want to let it fall into the wrong hands." Kagura answered wisely.
"Miroku!" Sango said suddenly. "Look at your hand!"
Miroku jumped and looked at his now shaking hand. In all the excitement he had forgotten all about it. Shakily he unwound his prayer beads and let them fall to the ground. The world seemed to slow at that moment as he stared at his hand in disbelief. Sango came up behind him and looked over his shoulder. She smiled.
"He's gone." She whispered. "It's all finally over." Kohaku watched his sister smiling. He knew she really loved this monk.
"Yes." Miroku turned and hugged her. He still couldn't take his eyes off his now whole hand.
Kagome grinned at her two friends. She turned to Inuyasha. "Let's go home." She said.
Inuyasha nodded and wrapped an arm around her. The group left the battle ground in too much shock to speak. You would think they would be celebrating their victory. But I guess it was all just so unbelievable that they were still waiting for reality to sink in.
They continued walking until the palace once belonging to Naraku was far form site. At dusk they set up camp for the night before it finally hit them that Naraku was gone for good this time.
The friends stayed up and partied, celebrating their long awaited victory. Even Sesshomaru joined in all the fun. Their laughter went on for hours. The night was half over before anyone nestled down for sleep. And when they finally did it was a deep and much needed sleep. They stayed in slumber for the rest of the night and almost the whole next day.
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How did I do? I know it took me along time. I'm sorry. I think this chapter is really crappy. This chapter was also really hard for me to do. I wanted it to be as good as I could and as long as I could make it. Which meant, every time I was tired of typing I had to stop and start again the next day. Otherwise the story starts going down the drain! Lol. I am so happy I made this chapter 16 pages and over 6,200 words! My longest chapter ever created! Lol. Once again I am sorry I took so long to update!
So, was any one totally surprised about how Naraku was killed? I know I was! Lol. When I start my typing there is no stopping me until I get it all out! Well I hope you like it! Please R and R! Thank you!
Clouds of the Sky