The Fox's Son

Chapter 61 - The Battle Begins

Kagome groaned as she continued to pump more of her holy power into the barrier that was merely holding off the power of the blade. Naraku hasn't even started using the So'unga's attacks yet and the sword in his hand was already proving to be deadly. The mere fact that such power was in Naraku's hands, made him more dangerous than he usually is.

"Very impressive, Kagome." Naraku said in cruel mirth. "You've managed to hold off So'unga for a full minute. I wonder how much longer you'll last." his voice sounding like acid dripping off of tongue.

Kagome felt her anger bubble up inside her at his words. She knew she wouldn't last for much longer. At this rate, her energy was being sapped from her. However, she would not die kneeling at his feet like a coward. No, should she die today, she was going to die with her head held high, dammit. She began to fight to stand up, ignoring aches and energy drain on her body. She would not be weak in front of her adversary.

Naraku watched in shock as she struggled to stand. When she finally reached her full height, she glared fiercely into his eyes - an angry brown met a started red. Her barrier began to glow brightly and started the expand, burning the hanyou along the way. He growled and leapt back before it could do anymore damage. The So'unga might have easily withstood the power of purification energy, however, he could not.

The glow died down, revealing Kagome standing with her bow grasped firmly in her hand and an arrow in the other. Fierce determination burned in her eyes as she knocked the arrow and pulled back. With her resolve established and conviction regained, Kagome poured most of her energy into the attack, the entire arrow glowing and crackling intensely with pink flames. Naraku sneered at the girl in anger and frustration. Placing So'unga in front of him, Naraku charged at the miko at top speed. He was going to end the nuisance once and for all.

Kagome released her arrow as he moved towards her. It's bright pink light exploded everywhere, blinding both her and Naraku, and anyone else that was close enough to see it. Kagome heard Naraku roar in pain as an intense burning sensation tore through his body.

With a growl, Naraku began to focus his youkai into the So'unga, increasing the blade's power. The energy began to push back the holy wave of energy, at the same time, relieving his pain. Although his skin was still smoking, he almost let out a soft sigh of relief as the arrow finally began to fade away and fall to the earth with a dull clatter.

He snarled at her once more. The So'unga cried out for her blood as it pulsed in his hand. It was enjoying the taste of the power the miko had just unleashed upon them, while Naraku was weakened, himself, by the impact of the attack. This fact further irritated and infuriated the spider hanyou.

"Enough of this." he said. "It's about time I end this. It was fun while it lasted." Naraku spoke in feigned arrogance.

The miko fell on her knees, gasping for breath as she leaned on her bow for support. A grimace crossed her features as she watched in resignation as Naraku came upon her. He lunged forward with the So'unga moving to stab her through the chest. Before he could move the sword to impale her, however, a fireball the size of a basketball emerged out of no where, nailing the hanyou directly in the face. Naraku was sent flying back at the impact of the ball of fire.

Kagome gasped as she watched the fireball hit the ground. 'SHIPPO?!!' Kagome screamed inwardly as the flames of the fire dissipated. The flames died down, revealing a young fox kit standing like a cat that was about to pounce on its prey. His fur and ears were standing on end and his once gentle sea green eyes, were now a raging blood red. The kit let out a protective growl as he glared at the hanyou.

Naraku sneered in response, not yet knowing the true identity of the young kit. "What's this, Kagome?" he chided. "Another fool who has come to save you? I wonder why so many cling to you. First, it was Inuyasha....then it was the wolf.....and now it's this pitiful little thing."