Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha or any of its characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi. However, this story and created characters are mine.

Chapter 21: Sibling Rivalry

Midori stared at the reflecting pool. The stars sparkled in the cool water. She rested for a moment. Her search left her fruitless. There were no leads to any of the minions. Even with InuYasha's nose at her disposal, finding them was not easy.

"Well, well, here you are," Kagura smirked at the young girl, her fan widely displayed.

"Hello, Kagura," Midori smiled, despite the upcoming conflict between the two, "Have you come on Naraku's behalf?"

The smirk widened on the wind witch's face. Her question was amusing.

"You no longer control me," Kagura began, bringing her fan to her face, "I figured out your weakness."

"Didn't I tell you my weakness?" Midori now stood squarely at her opponent. Her eyes glimmered with a hint of insecurity from Kagura's confidence.

"You told me of your fear," the eldest Naraku offspring hissed, "but I know how to destroy you!"

Crescent blades shot from her striped fan, causing Midori to jump. Deep grooves were left in the soil where she once stood. The young girl, now kneeling on the ground, looked up at Kagura. As she stood, her appearance changed, shifting her shape.

"They always say that you are your own worse enemy," She smiled, holding an identical fan in her right hand.

"Doesn't matter, I know how to kill you!" Kagura shot at her impersonator, releasing silver streaks from her fan. Her twin retaliated with her own attack, causing a swirling vortex in the center of the fighters.

"I don't see how," Midori said in Kagura's voice, "since I don't have a heart."

The tornado dispersed as Kagura chuckled to herself.

"Come at me and I will prove it."

Midori hesitated a moment. What if Kagura is right? What if I do have a weakness? The thoughts made her nervous. She never stopped to think about any such weakness. It would make sense, though, for Naraku to make me feel invincible. That way he could dispose of me if I ever fought him. Her nervousness grew to fear seeing Kagura's open stance. The wind sorceress held her arms open wide, taunting her to attack. True or not, she would not let on opportunity like this be lost. The image of Kagura faded as Midori transformed into InuYasha. Now equipped with a contact weapon, she lunged forcefully at Kagura, hoping to stab her in the heart. Kagura smiled at the approaching demon.

Midori's heart pounded. With Kagura gone, there would only be three minions left to kill. But if she were to fail, it would mean her death. Naraku had to pay, and Kagura would pay the first piece.

Kagura watched the shape shifter run towards her. Glee formed inside her. She knew what to do, what she wanted to do. She focused on her opponent, waiting for the right moment to strike. This will be her night.

Midori, with her borrowed claws, neared Kagura's chest. Her right hand pulled back, ready to swing at her enemy. Kagura saw her chance.

The wind witch brought her arm down, just below Midori's hand. With a mighty thrust, Kagura raised her fan, cutting Midori's palm.

The shape shifter retracted her attack and jumped away from Kagura. Pain shot through her arm. Using her free hand, the shifter grabbed onto her throbbing arm, panting. She heard Kagura's laughter, making her fears a reality.

"I was right." Kagura ceased her laughter to comment on her success, "Now I can kill you."

Midori released her grip on her injured arm. Now she had to protect her hand at all costs until her task was over. She transformed into herself, painfully, and reached for her blades. Her intense gaze was transfixed on her opponent, each eye filled with fortitude.

"Just try it." Kagura chuckled. Her words rang through the young girl's ear. The taunting only built up her resolve. Even if this creature knew her weak spot, she would fight, and win.

With newfound determination, Midori sprinted at Kagura, her blades grasped tightly in each hand. The stripes of steel sliced through the air. She watched as Kagura released more blades. Keeping her eye on her target, Midori dodged the oncoming barrage. Leaping from side to side, she knew this would be her only opportunity.

"Kohaku?"

Kagome called into the hut carrying a pitcher of water. She looked around, finding no one in the hut. Dropping the container, she rushed to find Sango.