Now that Inuyasha had mastered the Dragon Scaled Tessaiga, the group was in the middle of tracking down Naraku and Moryomaru before either of them could take Kohaku and Koga's Shikon jewel shard.

They soon came across a village in danger of being devoured by a demon tree called Yomeiju, capable of devouring humans and demons alike, before a seal had been placed on it by a priestess 50 years ago, who Gohan and Inuyasha were betting was most likely Kikyo.

But recently, the tree began devouring the villagers who got to close.

"It happened only a few days ago." explained a villager "Since then, we haven't dared to go near the Yomeiju, for fear that it would devour us too."

"The seal hasn't weakened, yet the tree is coming back to life." Miroku observed "That can only mean one thing."

Kagome nodded "A Shikon jewel shard."

Gohan drew the Ryuuga, which took on its tiger claws form "Probably Naraku. I'm not sure what he's up to, but he's been pretty damn generous in spreading these jewel shards around lately. They're everywhere."

Miroku nodded "Indeed there are. But what use could he possibly have for this tree?"

Gohan shrugged "Who cares? I'll just cut it down! Dragon Current!" And out of the claws shot the demonic lightning dragon.

It was repelled by a barrier, courtesy of Naraku, who smirked "I see you two are still up to your old tricks, Son Gohan, Inuyasha."

That was when a face appeared on the Yomeiju "I haven't tasted demon in ages!" Surprisingly, it's vines were capable of piercing Naraku's barrier.

Naraku's smirk didn't lighten up "Go ahead, try and cut me down. You won't get a better opportunity. But of course, my heart isn't here with me at the moment, so I'm not sure it would really do you much good." Then, at the last second, he absorbed Yomeiju into his own body, before fleeing.

"Why'd he run away?" Asked Shippo

"He didn't come here to face us." Explained Miroku "He came for the tree."

Wasting no time, they took off after Naraku.

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Koga and Trunks sped through a rocky, mountain valley terrain.

"Are you absolutely sure Koga?" Asked Trunks

Koga nodded "There's no mistaking it, the scent is Moryomaru."

They stopped when they saw something. Kikyo and Kohaku on a path above them.

Sensing something, Kikyo looked in their direction, but Koga and Trunks hid.

"What is it, lady Kikyo?" Asked Kohaku

"I can sense we're in the presence of another Shikon jewel shard." Explained Kikyo

Sure enough, at that moment, Moryomaru burst out from the cliffside, destroying the path, causing Kikyo to fall over the edge.

Koga and Trunks went over to where Kikyo lay unconscious "I guess we got here too late, no one could survive a fall like that."

Trunks shook his head "I wouldn't be too sure of that. From what Gohan told me, lady Kikyo isn't so easy to kill."

"He speaks the truth." Kikyo agreed as she stood "Your names are Koga and Trunks, are they not? Have you also come here in search of Moryomaru?"

Koga nodded "We have."

Kikyo looked at them firmly as she pointed an arrow at Koga "Listen to me, cease your pursuit of Moryomaru."

Koga smirked "Lady, I heard you were reckless, not stupid."

"I have no intention of taking your life." Kikyo stated flatly "I need only for you to give me the Shikon jewel shards in your legs."

"Alright, now I'm sure you're insane." Koga muttered

Kikyo ignored his comment "You must have noticed by now. The Shikon jewel shards in your legs are being controlled by the will of another. I'm sure you've experience the sensation many times now, where your legs stop moving in the face of an enemy, and not even the Ryu scales can overpower it."

Koga nodded "Kagome and Gohan told me about it. They said it's happening because of an ancient priestess called Midoriko."

Kikyo nodded "And now, I have joined her soul with mine, for the sake of defeating Naraku. In order to destroy him, the Shikon jewel must be completed and purified as a whole. Every time your legs stop moving, it's because Midoriko is attempting to give your shards to Naraku. However, if you lose your shards in the midst of battle, you may very well lose your life as well."

Koga raised an eyebrow "So, you were just hoping I'd hand over my shards and run away, right?"

"I made a vow to bury Naraku." Kikyo warned "You have my word."

"Don't give me that!" Koga snarled "You listen to me, you're not the only one who's got a score to settle with Naraku. He's killed dozens, no hundreds, of my fellow wolf demon tribe members, and still you expect me to run away just to save myself?!" He quickly dodged Kikyo sacred arrow and leapt upwards "Guess you were aiming for my legs. Big mistake. Well it's been interesting, but if I waste any more time here, I may never catch up with Moryomaru. See you Kikyo." And with that, he disappeared in a cyclone.

Then Kohaku slid down the cliff "Lady Kikyo!"

Kikyo sighed "I tried to prevent an unnecessary sacrifice, but I failed."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that lady Kikyo." Trunks put in "Koga's no weakling. The Ryu scales deemed him worthy for a reason. Because Ryu knew that Koga, Gohan and Kagome may be the few beings capable of destroying Naraku." And he sped off after Koga.

"Moryomaru is getting away. We should go." Kohaku spoke up.

Kikyo nodded.

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As Gohan and the others raced after Naraku, dark clouds loomed overhead.

"This smell makes me sick." Inuyasha muttered

Gohan nodded "Naraku's demonic presence. We're getting closer."

Soon enough, they found Naraku in mid-air, in a confrontation with Moryomaru and Akago, their miasma turning the forest below into a barren wasteland.

Moryomaru smirked "I've been expecting you, Naraku."

Naraku returned the smirk "So, Moryomaru, you long for my Shikon jewel shards. I applaud your ambition."

Moryomaru scoffed "At this point, the only advantage you have over me is the number of shards you possess!" And he launched several adamant spears at Naraku, destroying a large part of his body, but he only smirked "It's futile, I cannot be killed no matter how many times you try. My heart is inside you, and I don't imagine you want any harm to come to it."

Moryomaru frowned "Perhaps, but that works both ways, doesn't it? For you cannot kill me either, so long as your heart remains inside my body.

Inside Moryomaru's body, Akago smirked 'That's right. Like it or not, our fates are connected, Naraku. If I die, you die.'

Naraku, hearing this, smirked "Really? Before you go on, I should tell you that your betrayal comes as no surprise, I knew this would happen when I first released you from my body."

Akago's eyes narrowed 'What?!'

"You knew this would happen?" Moryomaru snarled

Naraku nodded "Why would I allow my heart, my very life, to exist outside my own body in such a weak, infantile form? Perhaps it is because I know you so well, I can foresee you betraying me and attempting to overthrow me one day. And just as I expected, to protect yourself, you created a suit of armor in Moryomaru. No. He's a genuine fortress. I must say, you've done an impressive job of fattening him up for me. I look forward to devouring him."

Moryomaru grunted "You can't talk your way out of this."

Naraku smirked as his body regenerated, taking on a scorpion-like form "You really think you can defeat me? Let's find out, shall we? And let the one who's left standing be vindicated!"

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"Lady Kikyo, an enormous demonic presence is rising." Kohaku noticed

Kikyo nodded "Indeed. It would appear that Moryomaru is not alone."

"You mean Naraku is there too?" Asked Kohaku

Kikyo nodded as they made their way.

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Naraku's tentacles wrapped around Moryomaru, as his claws attempted to pierce him, but thanks to the power of Ginka and Kinka, he couldn't break the armored shell.

Moryomaru smirked and fired a blast of adamant at Naraku "What's wrong Naraku? You have no better strategy for besieging this fortress? It's over. Die!" And he fired another adamant blast, ripping Naraku's body to shreds.

Naraku's remains then glomped onto Moryomaru, engulfing him in an attempt to absorb him, but the plan apparently backfired, and Moryomaru absorbed Naraku instead "I've consumed him. At last I've won!"

Everyone looked on, speechless.

In separate locations, Kagome and Kikyo simultaneously sensed what was happening 'Naraku's and Moryomaru's jewel shards are joining together!'

Moryomaru felt this happening and smirked "All I need to do now is obtain the remaining shards."

Kagome's eyes widened "Koga and Kohaku are both close by!"

Moryomaru then blasted several adamant spears below him, barely missing Koga and Trunks "I have to admit, I didn't think you had it in you to beat Naraku."

"Wait for it." Trunks muttered "That's gonna backfire soon."

"Koga! Run before it's too late!" Kagome pleaded

Koga smirked "Don't worry about me, Kagome. He's gonna come for me either way, so I might as well face him now."

Moryomaru smirked "How admirable of you." And he fired several spears of adamant coated in demonic fire and lightning.

Koga found that the Raiso wasn't able to deflect them, and Trunks's Dragon Twister cancelled them out, but barely.

Gohan and Inuyasha then used their Platinum Cannon and Adamant Barrage simultaneously, but Moryomaru wasn't hurt "Your attacks cannot penetrate my armor."

Gohan and Inuyasha landed by the others "Koga, Trunks, lure him to the ground. We don't stand a chance while he's airborne."

Inuyasha nodded "But on the ground, I can use the Dragon Scaled Tessaiga to cut through his demon vortex."

Koga nodded "Let's do it." And he took off running.

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Sango was preparing to go after them.

"Sango, I can sense another shard." Said Kagome "That means Kohaku's nearby, he's probably with Kikyo."

Sango's eyes widened 'That's right. If Koga's shards are taken, Kikyo will use Kohaku's shard. If that happens, I'll lose him forever.'

"Let's get moving, Sango." Kagome suggested

Sango nodded.

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Koga took off running as soon as he hit the ground as Moryomaru flew after him "You can't keep up with me even after swallowing the Shikon jewel?"

"You left yourself wide open!" Inuyasha roared as he charged at Moryomaru from above with the Dragon Scaled Tessaiga, but was in for a shock 'I can't see any demon vortexes!'

Going for Plan B, he brought the sword down on Moryomaru 'The demonic energy is flowing back out!'

Gohan tried to attack with a Dragon Tornado "Inuyasha! What the **** are you doing?!"

"I can't see any demon vortex!" Inuyasha snapped "The Fuyoheki must be hiding them!"

Koga then attacked with the Raiso, but it didn't affect Moryomaru, who attempted to grab Koga with his tentacles.

Seeing this, Gohan got Koga out of the way by punching him in the face, much to Koga's clear fury "What the **** was that for?!"

"Run you idiot!" Gohan snapped "If Moryomaru absorbs you, that means he gets your jewel shards, your Ryu scales, and your Raiso! If that happens, we're done for!"

Koga then attempted, but his legs froze, and Moryomaru's tentacles caught him.

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Kikyo sensed what was transpiring "Moryomaru has Koga's shards now. We must hurry Kohaku."

"Wait Kikyo!" Kagome shouted as she and the others arrived on Kilala "Kikyo, you intend to use Kohaku's jewel shard, right?"

"Kohaku, there must be another way! You don't have to do this!" Sango pleaded

Kohaku shook his head "It's okay, I've made up my mind."

Kikyo nodded "It's the only way to destroy the Shikon jewel and Naraku, I hope you can forgive me."

Sango wasn't satisfied "But he's my brother, you can't expect me to just watch him die."

"Sister, this is the path that I have chosen." Kohaku stated firmly

Sango shook her head "That may be true, but I still can't accept it."

"Stand aside, we have no time." Kikyo warned

"I can't do that." Sango stated firmly "If you insist, then you'll have to go through me first."

"Kagome, I know you can sense it too." Said Kikyo "Even as we speak, Koga's shards are being drawn into the Shikon jewel."

Kagome nodded "And that's why we're here. Please Kikyo, just wait a little while longer."

"Waiting is not going to change anything." Kikyo retorted

"Gohan and the others have been doing everything in their power to make themselves stronger, because they want to defeat Naraku before you do." explained Kagome "That way, innocent lives don't have to be sacrificed."

Kikyo shook her head "Naraku cannot be defeated by the sword alone."

"Their efforts have to count for something, don't they?" Asked Kagome "Whatever it takes, I'll protect Koga's shards, I promise. Just give me some time, please don't use Kohaku's shards. Sango, I need you to stay here with Kohaku." And with that, she took off on Kilala, ignoring Sango's pleas to wait.

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As they struggled in Moryomaru's tentacles, Gohan had an idea "Koga! Attack Inuyasha's Tessaiga with the Raiso. None of us can break through that shell on our own, but combining the powers of the Raiso and the Tessaiga might work. I can't use Ryuuga on it because the combined demonic and spiritual powers have a 50/50 chance of destroying Tessaiga! We can't take that risk!"

They nodded and did so.

Now that the demonic energy of the Raiso was being absorbed by Tessaiga, Inuyasha brought the blade down on Moryomaru's shell.

Moryomaru smirked "It's no use. My demon vortex is hidden by the Fuyoheki."

Inuyasha snorted "I don't need any demon vortex! The part of you trying to suck in the jewel shards from that scrawny wolf leads straight to your insides you bastard!" And he shoved the blade even further into the shell, but Moryomaru released a miasma.

Inuyasha and Gohan were sent flying away, leaving an unconscious Koga in the clutches of Moryomaru, before Kagome's sacred arrow purified the miasma.

"How dare you!" Moryomaru hissed as he fired several adamant spears, but Gohan used the double-bladed naginata form of the Ryuuga, which then changed back into its katana form, to destroy them with a Dragon Current with double the power, landing a small crack in Moryomaru's shell in the process.

Moryomaru then attempted to flee, with Koga in his clutches, with Gohan and Inuyasha chasing after him, along with Kagome and Kilala.

On the way, Kagome gasped.

"What is it, Kagome?" Asked Gohan "What's wrong?"

"Moryomaru hasn't absorbed the Shikon jewel yet." Explained Kagome "I don't know what he's waiting for, but I can still see it. "

Trunks and Gohan looked at each other and nodded 'This is not gonna be pretty.'

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Inside Moryomaru, Akago noticed this too "What is this? My armor should be invincible after absorbing Naraku and the Shikon jewel. The jewel's powers don't seem to be having any affect."

"You still haven't figured it out, have you?" A voice taunted as Naraku's face appeared before Akago "Moryomaru is still vulnerable because he's unable to use the power of the Shikon jewel."

Akago's eyes narrowed "Naraku. So you were alive all this time?" And he stuck adamant spears into Naraku's face, but he only smirked "Foolish creature. You never realized that you were being consumed from within."

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Outside, Koga slowly regained consciousness "Damnit! My legs are stuck!"

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Inside, Akago smirked at Naraku as he attempted to penetrate the barrier "Even if you do consume Moryomaru from the inside, you'll never break through my barrier."

His smirked vanished as his barrier was penetrated, courtesy of Yomeiju after the tree was absorbed by Naraku, who smirked "These tendrils belong to a demon tree known as Yomeiju. It dissolves barriers to feast on demons. I had this specially prepared just for you. You'd be wise to just accept it and return to my body."

"Damn you! I'd rather die than be consumed by you!" Akago hissed as he shoved several more adamant spears into Naraku's face."

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Akago then attempted to flee from Moryomaru, which Gohan and the others noticed.

Seeing this, Gohan and Inuyasha attacked with their adamant and platinum cannons, but Akago protected himself with his own adamant.

"You would abandon Moryomaru in order to escape from we, would you?" Naraku's voice questioned "Despite knowing that the minute you step outside of his protection, you would be killed."

"But when that happens, you too shall die." Akago spat

Naraku smirked "Spiteful child. You'd actually sacrifice yourself just to take me with you?"

Watching the whole thing, the injured Koga slowly crawled over to Akago and summoned the Raiso "You little bastard. This ends now!"

Naraku just looked at him and released a cloud of miasma, before using adamant tentacles to slam Kilala into the mountain, but the others escaped, with Gohan holding Kagome in his arms bridal-style, gripping her tightly "**** you Moryomaru!"

Naraku chuckled "Oh, but Moryomaru no longer exists." And he consumed Moryomaru from the inside, taking Moryomaru's body as his own and covering Akago in adamant "This is the end. Koga, you body will soon dissolve and your jewel shards will fall into my hands at last."

Realizing this, Koga turned to his last option 'Please, elders of the wolf-demon tribe. Lend me your strength.'

Unfortunately, it did no good.

Seeing this, Gohan charged in "Now that I have double the firepower, thanks to sacrificing the power of the naginata form of the Ryuuga and evolving the katana form, I have twice the firepower!"

Kikyo and Kagome both sensed what the problem was 'The souls of Koga's ancestors are being overwhelmed by Naraku's demonic presence."

Gohan charged his purification attack "Naraku, I, Son Gohan, master of the Ryuuga, successor of the great Inuboshi, will not let you harm those I care for! Dragon Flash!" And the purification powers of the Ryuuga hit Naraku's adamant arm dead on.

Koga was in excruciating pain 'My legs are burning, I can't move! Wait, I see it! Naraku's heart! The infant!' Using the Raiso, Koga cut Naraku's tentacles and charged at the infant, being protected from the miasma by the souls of his ancestors 'Yes, it's working! They're protecting me!' And he brought the claw down on the barrier, exposing it from Naraku's protection and destroying Naraku's arm and the adamant he absorbed from Moryomaru.

Kikyo watched, impressed 'The Ryuuga must've lent its power to the souls of Koga's ancestors.'

Koga landed a safe distance away from Naraku.

"Everyone stand back!" Miroku shouted "Wind tunnel!" And he opened the Wind Tunnel in his right hand, intent on sucking in Naraku, who snarled angrily "Damn you monk!"

"Naraku! I will sever the ties that bind us!" Miroku roared 'I may never get another chance to destroy him!'

"Please you have to stop!" Sango pleaded "Stop before it's too late!"

Miroku shook his head "I can't do that!"

He winced from the excruciating pain from the poison.

Naraku smirked "The miasma's toxins will kill you before you can suck me in!"

"That would frighten me if I were only doing this for myself!" Miroku retorted "But I'm not! I'm doing this for the woman I love! And for my friends! If I can just hold it a bit longer!"

By this point, blood was pouring out of his eyes and mouth, but he continued ignoring Sango's pleas for him to stop.

"Curse you monk!" Naraku hissed "You won't have my heart!"

Realizing what he was trying to do, Trunks entered the fight from where he was standing with Kikyo and Kohaku, and ripped the Fuyoheki from Akago's clutches, before throwing it into Miroku's Wind tunnel, before Miroku coughed up more blood.

"Miroku! That's enough!" Inuyasha shouted as he forcefully close the Wind tunnel and caught Miroku as he collapsed.

"I see you're as naive as ever Inuyasha." Naraku spat "If you hadn't stopped him, you would've sucked in my heart. He had the perfect opportunity to destroy me, and you stopped him. For that, I thank you." And he disappeared in a cloud of miasma.

"He got away…" Koga got out, before he collapsed.

Gohan slung Koga's arm over his shoulder "I got you. How you feeling?"

Koga sighed "Not great, but better than the monk."

Koga was right.

Miroku has blood pouring out of his eyes and mouth.

"Sango… Forgive me…" Miroku got out before he lost consciousness.

"Miroku did it for Sango." Kagome said to no one in particular "That's why he wouldn't close the Wind tunnel. He knew if he could destroy Naraku, Kikyo wouldn't have to use Kohaku's shard."

Sango looked at Trunks "Thank you. He probably wouldn't have made it if you hadn't thrown the Fuyoheki in his path."

Trunks smiled "I did what I had to for a friend. That's what a true Kamikaze would do."

Kikyo walked over to them and examined Miroku "The wounds from the miasma extend down his right arm, like the legs of a spider. If the Wind Tunnel remained open even a few minutes more, he would not have survived it. He's lucky Trunks threw the Fuyoheki in his path, and Inuyasha closed it when he did."

"Will he make it?" Asked Gohan

Kikyo sighed "I'll attempt to purify him. But you must understand. A body that's taken in that much miasma is unlikely to ever be fully restored, but I'll do what I can."

Sango quietly sobbed over the events of the battle.

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Naturally, the group had to set up camp to recover from the battle.

Kagome looked at Koga "Your injuries don't seem to be bothering you."

Koga shrugged "Nothing hurts since you and Gohan saved me."

Gohan smacked him and Trunks on the back of the head "I told you two ****ing idiots that searching for Naraku on your own was a bad idea."

"Hey scrawny wolf boy, you know you're lucky to be alive. If you were smart, you'd give us your shards and go back to your wolf demon tribe." Inuyasha barked

Koga scoffed "You're starting to sound like Kikyo. I guess it shouldn't come to me as a surprise though, seeing as you two dated before."

Inuyasha, sweating profusely, angrily attempted to cut down Koga with Tessaiga, but the wolf caught the blade in his hands "That's none of your damn business! I'll kill you!"

"How's Miroku doing?" Asked Kagome

Gohan sighed "Lady Kikyo is still attempting to purify the miasma in his body."

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"If I can transfer the miasma that's in him to me, then I can use my body to cleanse it." Kikyo explained

"But won't that hurt you?" Asked Sango

Kohaku said nothing 'Her body is already being consumed by Naraku's miasma, but she'll remain silent.'

"It's strange." Sango muttered "On the one hand, you'd risk your life to save him."

"And yet I lead your brother Kohaku to his death. Is that what you wanted to say?" Kikyo finished "If someone can be saved, I'll try to save them. That is all I can do."

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Naraku returned to where Mount Hakurei once stood, where he conversed with the voice of Onigumo, explaining the one thing that frightens him: When Kikyo was there when he took back the infant, Kohaku's shard emitted a VERY pure light.

He was confronted by the voice of Onigumo, which gave him an idea: Use the negative emotions that bind him to Kikyo and Inuyasha, to his advantage.

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As Kikyo took in the remaining miasma, Miroku awoke "Kikyo? Have you saved me?"

Kikyo nodded "I have. For now at least. I was able to cleanse the miasma, but it left deep scars within your body. If you continue to use your Wind tunnel, the scars from Naraku's miasma will eventually make their way to your heart. When that happens Miroku, nothing can save you."

Miroku looked at where Sango and Kohaku slept "I know. I'm well aware of my physical condition. For that very reason, I would prefer that this remain between us if you don't mind."

Kikyo nodded "I understand."

Miroku looked at the woman he loved 'Sango, you have enough on your mind. No matter what happens to me, I won't regret what I did.'

Kikyo was preparing to set out, when Inuyasha confronted her "Kikyo."

"The miasma has been cleansed." Explained Kikyo "But Miroku will need to rest a little while longer."

"So he's gonna be ok?" Asked Inuyasha

Kikyo nodded and walked away.

"So you're leaving too?" Asked Inuyasha, knowing who was behind him

Kohaku nodded and left with Kikyo, but not before telling Inuyasha that she would take care of him.

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Kagome awoke while the others slept, and watched while Gohan meditated.

She looked on in shock at what she saw 'Is that a spider web?!'

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By morning, Kikyo and Kohaku were watching over a random village.

"Kohaku, you must stay near me." Kikyo warned

Kohaku nodded.

At that moment, some sort of demonic spider web shot towards them, but Kikyo's sacred barrier protected her and Kohaku.

'These spider webs don't appear to have any affect on the villagers.' Kikyo mused 'Still, I know who's on the other end of these webs. And his intentions are surely evil.'

She finally intervened when one of the village children was entangled in the webs.

"Stand back." Kikyo warned 'Using an innocent little girl. Naraku will stop at nothing to force me to touch one of those webs.'

Kikyo then used butterfly familiars to break the webs, but as soon as she did, a web sprung out in front of her, ensnaring her.

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"That way." Said Kagome "I can see webs falling from the sky."

Inuyasha smelled something as they raced towards it 'This is Kikyo's scent.'

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"Yes. It was a priestess that saved my daughter." Explained a village woman "But as soon as she did, she looked as if she had fallen ill, and then she left."

Inuyasha nodded 'I knew it. She was here.' He then raced off alone.

"I guess that priestess must've been Kikyo." Shippo guessed from Koga's shoulder.

"Boy, is that ever cruel, ditching his comrades like that to chase after an old flame." Koga grunted

"Believe me Koga. You do not want to go there." Shippo warned

Gohan sighed "The guy just doesn't get it, no matter how many times Kagome and I say sit."

They heard a loud crashing sound, followed by a loud grunt.

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In a cave, Kohaku was being protected by barrier, created by Kikyo's Shikigami spirits, Kocho and Asuka, having been forced by Kikyo to stay away 'What's happening to you, lady kikyo?'

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Kikyo hid in a hut, entangled in the spider webs, unable to purify them, seeing visions of her sealing Inuyasha to the tree 'Naraku. After all these years. How dare you attempt to cloud my mind with such visions.'

That was when Inuyasha entered the hut "Kikyo!"

"Stay back Inuyasha!" Kikyo warned, but collapsed as she felt the wound from Mount Hakurei reopen.

"Hang in there Kikyo!" Inuyasha pleaded, but found himself entangled in the spider webs as well.

And the Tessaiga couldn't break through them.

Luckily, Gohan, Kagome and the others arrived, and Kagome's sacred arrow purified the webs.

"Um, what is she shooting at?" Asked Koga

Gohan shrugged "I guess the spider webs."

"Is is Kagome that's purifying the webs outside?" Asked Kikyo

Inuyasha nodded "I think Kagome can see them too."

Kikyo's eyes narrowed 'How can she see them? Is it part of Naraku's plan?'

Kagome found that her arrows couldn't purify the webs inside, and reached out to touch them.

"Don't touch the webs!" Kikyo shouted from inside, but it was too late.

The webs grabbed Kagome and pulled her inside.

Koga attempted to charge after her, but found a barrier surrounding the hut.

Gohan then stepped forward and drew the Ryuuga "I'll purify it! Dragon Flash!" And he used the Dragon Flash, but found that it couldn't break through the barrier.

Inside, Kagome saw the final confrontation between Kikyo and Inuyasha 50 years ago, and felt sorrow for them both.

Then she saw Gohan taking the fatal blow for her during the confrontation with Sounga.

In reality, Kagome awoke and found Inuyasha and Kikyo watching over her "The webs are gone."

"The three of us are gathered here. The webs must no longer be needed." Explained Kikyo "You saw what happened before. I saw what happened with you two as well. I know what he wants. The moment I touched his spider webs, the miasma began to spread." She handed Kagome her bow "There is only one way to heal it. You must shoot my wound using this bow. Only that can purify Naraku's contamination."

Kagome nodded and took the bow, but the string snapped.

"You too have been contaminated by Naraku's spider webs." Explained Kikyo "Naraku set this trap for us. To begin with, he magnified my wound so that I would leave Kohaku behind. He knew I would do that, rather than allow the miasma from my wound to defile his shard. Next, he used me as a decoy to bring Inuyasha out into the open. Do you know why? So he could plant negative feelings in your heart. The end result of a chain of events he set into motion."

"But why would he want to do that to me?" Asked Kagome

"You are the only one who can cleanse Naraku's poison from my body. He couldn't have that. That is why Naraku showed you those visions from 50 years ago. But what I don't understand is what purpose he would have from showing you the other vision."

"I think I know. Gohan has been in love with Kagome his entire life. Only problem is, Kagome probably feels insecure about whether or not he still feels that way, now that she plans to return his feelings." Explained Inuyasha "Naraku plans to use that insecurity to his advantage."

Kikyo nodded "And he knew you couldn't purify me with those negative feelings in your heart. And now that Koga had lost the protection of the Wolf demon tribe, Naraku can steal his shards at any time. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do now."

"Don't just give up Kikyo." Kagome stated firmly "I can still save you! There must be a way!"

Outside, Gohan and the others noticed the barrier dissolve, as Kagome and Inuyasha exited the hut.

"Everything alright Kagome?" Asked Gohan, noticing the sad expression on her face

Kagome nodded "It's nothing. Inuyasha, I think you should stay here with Kikyo."

Inuyasha nodded "Alright."

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As they sped through the desert, Kagome remembered Kikyo's instructions: to head 10 leagues east.

Her bow could only be restored using the bow string kept in the mausoleum of Mount Azusa.

But if there was even the slightest bit of darkness in her heart, it would be impossible for her to ever reach the mausoleum.

Sensing something, Trunks took off on his own.

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In the cave, Kohaku was confronted by Byakuya, along with several Saimyosho.

Kocho and Asuka were easily destroyed, leaving Kohaku to defend himself.

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"Your Shikigami disappeared?" Asked Inuyasha as he ran, carrying Kikyo in his arms bridal-style.

Kikyo nodded "Please hurry. We must find Kohaku."

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Kohaku and Byakuya were in a chase through the forest, as Byakuya constricted him with several poisonous snakes "This is pointless, Kohaku. Remember, you belong to Naraku."

Kohaku felt his vision blurring, and he collapsed from the venom.

"The venom in those snakes is miasma." Explained Byakuya "I have to make sure I sufficiently contaminate your shard before I take you to Naraku."

He was about to take Kohaku's shard, when…

"Dragon Twister!"

"Meido Zangetsuha!"

"I see your methods haven't changed." Byakuya muttered "Trunks, lord Sesshomaru, what brings you two here?"

"Moryomaru's scent has disappeared. I presume he was eaten by Naraku?" Sesshomaru guessed

Trunks nodded "You presume correctly, lord Sesshomaru."

Byakuya raised a curious eyebrow "So, you've come to save Kohaku, have you? It seems a bit out of character for you."

"I noticed a foul smell and I came to get rid of it." Sesshomaru stated flatly "And yet, here you are."

Byakuya smirked as he jumped onto his origami crane "Hate to disappoint, but I must take my leave. Perhaps next time, you'll be so kind as to announce yourself." And he departed.

Rin and Jaken then emerged from the bushes.

"The snakes are poisonous. Don't touch him." Sesshomaru warned

"Okay, but what if you've already been bitten?"

Sesshomaru and Trunks looked and saw that Jaken was bitten by one of the snakes "Please help me lord Sesshomaru. This beast doesn't want to let go."

Sesshomaru and Trunks looked at each other, and sighed simultaneously.

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Gohan and the others arrived at the bottom of Mount Azusa.

Koga whistled "Now that is a long staircase."

Gohan shrugged "With our Ryu scales, we'll reach the top in no time."

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Inuyasha and Kikyo arrived at where Kohaku's smell stopped "Kohaku's scent stops right here. It looks to me like Sesshomaru's crew took him with them, along with Trunks."

Kikyo nodded and winced in pain.

"Kikyo? What's the matter?" Asked Inuyasha worriedly "Is the miasma spreading?"

Kikyo said nothing 'My body will surely fail soon. You are the only one who can save me, Kagome.'

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As Gohan's group raced to the top of the mountain, they found that they weren't getting any closer. Suddenly, a white figure appeared in front of them, followed by the group being enshrouded in thick mist. When it cleared, only Kagome was there.

The figure looked at Kagome "A human?"

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"It is said that spirit guardian of Mount Azusa can appear as a god or a demon." Explained Kikyo "It's appearance is always a reflection of the beholder's heart."

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What Kikyo said was true.

The guardian revealed its face to look exactly like Gohan, much to Kagome's surprise.

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"How the **** did we end up back at the bottom?! Why isn't Kagome with us?!" Asked Koga

Gohan twitched visibly "For the 18th ****ing time, I DON'T KNOW KOGA!"

Miroku sighed "No deed to panic you two. Mount Azusa is a sacred mountain. Kagome's disappearance can only mean it has accepted her."

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The guardian brought Kagome inside the mausoleum and handed her a bow "Here, take it. Now go. If you truly desire to save this woman, and truly love this man, you will be able to take this bow back down to the foot of the mountain."

Kagome nodded and left.

On the way down, she saw that she couldn't get any closer to the bottom.

She saw Gohan racing up the stairs "Kagome! Where are you?! Kagome!"

"Gohan! I'm over here!" She called out as she saw Gohan and the others, along with Inuyasha and Kikyo, in front of her, but found herself tangled in spider webs.

"Hang on guys." said Gohan "I'm going after Kagome. I don't care what you say, I'm going to protect the woman I love." And he disappeared.

Suddenly, the ground beneath her disappeared.

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Kikyo noticed her bow snap 'Something has happened to Kagome. The spirit guardian of Mount Azusa tests people's hearts. Kagome may be swayed by the illusions of the spirit guardian.'

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Kagome found herself dangling on the edge of the cliff, one hand holding on to the edge, and the other holding onto the bow "I feel like my arm is gonna tear off. It's this bow. It's so heavy."

"Hand over the bow. Now." said a voice as Gohan appeared above her "This cliff is within a barrier created by the spirit guardian. No one else can enter. Now give me the bow quickly."

Kagome tried, but couldn't "It's so heavy, I can't lift my arm!"

Gohan sighed "I see. So you desire lady Kikyo's death, like she said."

"What about her?" Asked Kagome "Did she have any intention of helping me?"

"Throw away the bow!" The guardian called from the sky next to them "Young man, it is you who desires this girl's heart, is it not? For she had stolen your heart the moment you saw her? Tell me, what do you think will happen once she has the bow? The man will attempt to claim your love, or die trying. Of course, that won't happen if you abandoned the woman, it is a matter of survival."

"You are free to abandon my heart if you wish." Gohan said solemnly "Just know this. No matter what, I am in love with you. I alway have been, and I always will be."

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"This isn't right. She's taking way too long." Said Koga

Gohan nodded "You guys wait here. I'm going. I'll either come back with Kagome, or I won't come back at all." And with that, he sped off.

At that moment, Inuyasha arrived with Kikyo "What'd we miss?"

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Gohan sighed "I guess no matter what, you won't return my feelings. I suppose that was the case. Goodbye then my love." And he fell over the cliff, but Kagome caught him with the hand she was using to hold on to the cliff, causing them both to fall, but Gohan caught on with one hand further down the cliff.

"Gohan, you're wrong!" Kagome screamed at the top of your lungs "I was foolish before in not realizing your feelings for me, I can admit that. But ever since we both came to the Feudal Era, I realized my mistake, and I know where my true feelings lie. And I know what they mean, I love you Gohan, and I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize it. Understand? I'm just saying I won't abandon you out of fear of rejection, I don't need to." She suddenly found that the bow became way lighter than before.

Gohan then disappeared, and Kagome found herself falling from the cliff.

"My child, the boy was nothing more than an illusion. One that your heart created." The guardian explained "The spider webs which entangle you have now been severed. Use that bow to save the priestess, and protect the man you love."

'Help… Help me Gohan!" Kagome screamed in her mind.

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"Oh? She's escaped." Naraku mused as he clung to his spider web "She's free of my web."

"So what will you do, Naraku?" Asked Byakuya

Naraku smirked "Isn't it obvious? I will take Kikyo's life, as I originally planned."

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"Kagome!" Gohan called out as he raced up the stairs "Where are you?"

Suddenly, he saw Kagome falling from the sky, and caught her in his arms "You did it. You got the bow."

Slowly, Kagome opened her eyes "Gohan? Is that you? The real you?"

Gohan nodded "It's me. Are you ok?"

"Yeah… He came for me…' then she gasped "In the sky! Those are Naraku's spider webs!"

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At the bottom, Inuyasha, Koga and the others were waiting "Something's coming!"

"Quickly! Koga, you must run!" Kikyo pleaded

Koga shook his head "I can't do that. I just picked up Naraku's scent. He somewhere nearby."

Suddenly, they found themselves trapped by Naraku's spider webs, and lifted away in a ball of Naraku's spider webs.

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Gohan and Kagome returned to the bottom of the mountain… Only to find a giant crater where the group was supposed to be.

"Naraku…" Gohan snarled as he looked up.

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Koga, Inuyasha and the others were struggling in vain to free themselves from the webs.

"Koga… Why didn't you run?" Asked Kikyo

"What's the matter now? Besides, isn't this what you wanted? You're the one who's been trying to give Naraku my jewel shards. I wouldn't even be here if you hadn't been using Midoriko's soul to mess with my legs." Koga spat

"The situation has changed." Kikyo stated gravely "I can no longer help."

Suddenly, the webs loosened, and they started to fall before Kilala caught them, with the exception of a few.

Inuyasha and Koga landed on the ground safely.

Kikyo, however, was grabbed by Naraku, who smirked evilly "Kikyo… So, how does it feel to die in the arms of your most hated enemy?"

"Don't you touch her, Naraku." Inuyasha snarled

"Hold it mutt!" said Koga before turning to Naraku "You wanted me, well here I am!" And he summoned the Raiso and charged, dodging Naraku's arm coated with adamant before blasting him, but Naraku blocked the attack "Impressive." He launched his arm again, which Koga dodged.

"Cool it scrawny wolf boy!" Inuyasha shouted "If Naraku gets your jewel shards, we're dead!"

"Don't you worry! I've got this!" Koga retorted as he continued dodging Naraku's attacks.

Kikyo regained consciousness in Naraku's arms.

Sensing something, she looked on in shock 'His shards! The jewel shards in Koga's legs are being purified! It can only be the will of Midoriko's soul! If Naraku were to consume those shards, they would purify the jewel! It would destroy him! Naraku hasn't noticed them yet…'

Naraku smirked "This must be difficult for you, seeing me collect the final shards, knowing there is nothing you can do to stop me from completing it."

Kikyo gave a small smirk "You can say whatever you want. When Son Gohan arrives, and the three of them unite, none of it will matter."

Koga charged again, using 60% of the power of the Raiso.

One finger was 20% of its power, equal to the Wind Scar.

Two fingers were equal to the Backlash Wave.

Three fingers were equal to the Dragon Twister, which equaled the Lightning Wolf Hurricane.

Koga was using his Lightning Wolf Hurricane to destroy Naraku.

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Sensing a sinister feeling, Gohan and Kagome sped up.

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Koga continued evading Naraku's attacks, but his legs froze as he was trapped by a cloud of miasma.

Seeing this, Naraku wrapped his tentacles around Koga's legs "You're mine."

'That's right Naraku. Now just make contact with Koga's shards.' Kikyo pleaded inside of her mind 'You and I are connected by your web. That means once you touch the shards, both of us will be purified. Then I can join Midoriko in destroying you once and for all. I may even be able to save Koga's life. Naraku, I will not die here! I will not allow myself to die in your filthy arms! Inuyasha…'

Naraku's tentacles pierced Koga's legs and struck the jewel shards, purifying his tentacles, causing them to disappear.

Koga then fell, but Kilala caught him.

Then Naraku's spider legs grabbed Kikyo, and he smirked "Kikyo… As long as our spider web connects us, there can be no secrets. I am well aware of the hatred and contempt you feel towards me, not to mention your lingering affection for Inuyasha. Isn't it a pity, Kikyo? Dying in the arms of your hated enemy, knowing you would never again feel touch of your beloved Inuyasha."

"Let her go!" Inuyasha roared as he brought the Tessaiga down on Naraku's arm.

At that moment, Gohan and Kagome arrived on the scene.

Kagome aimed her only arrow, but Kikyo mentally called out to her 'Wait.'

Koga then showed up next to them "Kagome! Gohan!"

Gohan sighed "You're ok?"

Koga nodded "He got ahold of me, but I managed to escape."

Kagome noticed the shards in Koga's legs had been purified.

"Naraku… I'm gonna make you pay for this!" Inuyasha snarled

Naraku smirked "You must be happy Kikyo. Your beloved Inuyasha has arrived just in time to watch you die."

"That's not gonna happen!" Inuyasha roared as he used the Dragon Scaled Tessaiga and cut through Naraku's demon vortex, but Naraku regenerated "Now you see. That sword of yours will never be-"

Suddenly, his adamant arm opened up, revealing his underlying flesh, along with the Shikon jewel.

"I see it!" Kagome exclaimed "The Shikon jewel!" She quickly readied her arrow "Inuyasha! Gohan! The Shikon jewel is inside his body!"

Inuyasha nodded "Good. I'll cut through you and the jewel!"

Naraku was forced to let go of Kikyo, but Inuyasha raced to her and caught her before she hit the ground "Kikyo! Hang in there Kikyo!"

The hole in Naraku's body began closing.

"My jewel shards are supposed to purify Naraku, aren't they? Well it's now or never! Well let's see if it works! I wasn't planning to play along with Midoriko's soul, but what choice have I got?"

Then Kagome's eyes widened "The jewel's presence is gone. Koga it's a trap! Naraku doesn't have the jewel!"

Koga's eyes widened "What?!"

Naraku smirked. "Too late now!" His tentacles grabbed Koga.

"I don't understand. Where did it go?" Asked Shippo

Kagome shook her head "I don't know. One minute, the jewel was there, the next it was gone! It just disappeared."

Gohan nodded "In any case, we can't let Koga enter Naraku's body. Instead of purifying Naraku, the shards in his legs will be instantly defiled! There isn't much time. I'm going." And he sped off to rescue Koga.

Back at the bottom, Inuyasha pleaded for Kikyo to wake up "Kikyo, come one Kikyo!"

Slowly, Kikyo awoke "Inuyasha? Go… Go help Son Gohan save Koga… Hurry…"

Inuyasha slowly nodded "Don't worry. I'll be back for you."

Koga attempted to destroy Naraku's body, but he only caused Naraku to unleash miasma and to tighten his holds "This is the end Koga!"

Gohan charged in with the Ryuuga and used the demonic wind power of the Dragon Cyclone, dissipating the miasma, allowing Koga to use the Raiso to destroy the adamant tentacles. He then charged in, destroying the rest of the adamant "You better be alive Koga. I'm not letting you die before we battle it out for Kagome."

Koga smirked "Are you kidding? I barely got a scratch."

Gohan was about to retort, but looked closer and his retort died in his throat "Koga…"

Koga was being bound by spider webs, and his jewel shards were being defiled.

Kagome's eyes widened when she located the jewel 'Is that what I think it is?! All this time Naraku had the jewel hidden inside Kikyo?!'

Suddenly, Kikyo's soul collectors emerged from the sky above.

Kikyo looked at Kagome and gave her the mental signal 'Now…'

Kagome nodded and attempted to shoot the arrow, but Naraku destroyed the ground underneath her, causing her to fall.

Suddenly, Kikyo's soul collectors began protecting Kagome.

"Damn you!" Naraku hissed as he launched his tentacles toward the jewel.

Seeing this, Kagome quickly fired her arrow

The arrow hit the jewel first, destroying the tentacles, before the soul collectors redirected the purified jewel towards Naraku, who released a cloud of miasma, defiling the jewel, but the purification remaining inside the jewel hit him dead on, allowing Gohan and Koga to break free.

"Lady Kikyo's spiritual energy is destroying Naraku!" Gohan shouted, before he noticed the spider webs loosening "Koga, let's go!" he slung Koga's arm over his shoulder and attempted to escape.

But seeing this, Naraku ripped the jewel shards out of Koga's legs at the last second.

"My Shikon jewel shards!" Koga cried

"Forget about that now!" Gohan shouted.

Kagome watched as Kikyo's spiritual energy fought against Naraku's demonic energy "Can you see it Kikyo? Naraku's in pain right now!"

"Kagome… the rest is up to you" Kikyo said weakly.

The jewel was slowly defiled, as Naraku's demonic energy overcame Kikyo, defiling the jewel.

Naraku began laughing maniacally "I've won!"

Kagome gasped in horror.

"Kagome…" Kikyo said weakly. "Protect the last shard… Protect… Kohaku's light.. This is something… Only you can do now…"

Still laughing maniacally, Naraku made his way down towards them "Kikyo! It appears you've lost!"

He prepared to stab her with his tentacles, but Inuyasha cut them down "Not so fast Naraku!"

Naraku smirked "Only one shard left, and no one to stop me. We'll see how courageous you are without Kikyo protecting you. That's right, she's finished! She lost to my demonic energy!" And he disappeared in a cloud of miasma.

Inuyasha made his way to Kikyo and the others "Kikyo…"

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A crimson sunset.

"Come back Kohaku!" Rin pleaded "You're not supposed to move!"

"I must return… Lady Kikyo is in danger…" Kohaku argued "I have to go and find her…"

"Just to be clear, don't expect lord Sesshomaru to bring you along with us!" Jaken squeaked

"The scent in the wind has changed." Sesshomaru spoke up

"Does that mean something has happened to lady Kikyo?" Asked Kohaku

Sesshomaru shook his head "It's not that…"

Trunks nodded "Gohan…"

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Kaede saw the blood red sunset.

She knew this was a bad omen.

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(At the same time)

Inuyasha sat with Kikyo in silence.

Gohan, Koga and the others gave them some space.

Then Gohan made his way over to them, taking on the double bladed naginata form of the Ryuuga "Inuyasha, there is a way to save her. But only I can do it. Stand back."

Inuyasha slowly nodded as he put her down and backed away.

Gohan took on the naginata form of the Ryuuga "This ritual can save you, but at the cost of your spiritual powers. You'll live again, but as an ordinary woman. Do you accept these terms?"

Kikyo nodded "I do."

Gohan nodded in understanding as he created a symbol on the ground using Kikyo's blood, and began the ritual.

"When the Yin and Yang unite as one, the path of revival has begun!"

He summoned the Yin and Yang elements on each blade, as he began glowing with golden demonic energy, which took on a dragon-like aura.

Suddenly, Kikyo floated in the air, and was bathed in the same golden light, as the souls within her disappeared.

They stayed this way for a few moments, before they landed on the ground.

The symbols of the ground disappeared.

"The broken soul has now been mended. The path of revival has now ended."

The light around Gohan vanished.

He re-sheathed the Ryuuga before he collapsed, but Koga caught him before he hit the ground.

"I understand what just happened." Explained Koga "The Dragon Rebirth Ritual. He basically transports a small fraction of his soul into another. It takes an incredible amount of demonic energy to perform this ritual, so don't expect him to wake up until the morning."

Kagome breathed a sigh of relief.

Inuyasha smiled "If you guys wouldn't mind, I'd like to be alone with her."

They nodded and moved elsewhere.

Inuyasha held Kikyo in his arms as she slept "It's been so long since we could be like this. Not since before Naraku tore us apart. I was willing to use the Shikon jewel to become human, so we could be together, and you could be a normal woman."

"I realize that was a mistake."

Inuyasha looked as Kikyo slowly awoke "I wanted to be an ordinary woman. Now, I am. Now, I realize that I was wrong to try to change you. Thanks to the others, I realized my mistake. I'm sorry Inuyasha."

Inuyasha shook his head "Kikyo, you were the first woman that I ever loved. The first person I ever cared for. I'm just glad you're alive. You've been given a second chance. Now, we can be together. Once Naraku is destroyed, we will be together." And he engaged her in a long, passionate kiss, tears of joy falling down his cheeks.

Koga was silently cheering for him 'Go mutt go!'

Kagome smiled.

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"Master Jaken, Trunks, why has lord Sesshomaru brought us here?" Asked Rin

Trunks shook his head "I don't know Rin. but it must be important."

Jaken looked at Kohaku, who started into the sky, clearly distraught 'Lady Kikyo… The light I saw last night… It was yours, wasn't it?'

"The priestess isn't dead, Kohaku." said Jaken "The Ryu scale Gohan gave me connects our thoughts. He saved her, but he's greatly weakened now because of it."

Seeing something, Sesshomaru then took to the skies in his full demon form, and returned to the ground, with a female dog demon "Sesshomaru. I thought that might be you. I assume you have questions about Tenseiga your father left you. I can think of no other reason you'd come visit your mother."

Trunks was choking on his own spit, as was Jaken.

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When Gohan finally regained consciousness, though still weakened, he found that the group had some unexpected visitors.

"I see. So you were following Naraku's scent?" Asked Miroku

Ginta nodded "We figured it would lead us to Koga."

Hakkaku nodded "We wanted to get there in time to help him fight. But we didn't make it in time."

Gohan and Inuyasha shared a 'yeah right' look.

"Well, what matters is that you came." Said Miroku

Sango nodded and smiled "I'm sure Koga must've been relieved to see you."

They nodded "Yeah, but Koga must feel really frustrated that his shards were taken away."

Koga shrugged "No matter. I've still got the Raiso, and the Ryu scales. If anything, the jewel shards were holding me back."

Gohan smirked and high-fived him "That's the Koga I know. In any case, though, would you two mind accompanying lady Kikyo back to the village?"

They nodded "Sure, no problem."

Gohan smiled "Good, thanks. Also, Ryu deemed you guys worthy of his scales because of your unwavering loyalty to Koga. So, you each get one weapon. Apparently, Ryu scales can shape shift into weapons."

They each got an awesome weapon:

Ginta got a chain-sickle

Hakkaku got a claw

"Alright, bye Kagome, Gohan!" Hakkaku called back

"See you real soon!" Ginta called back

"You take care." Miroku warned

"Goodbye." Kagome called

Gohan walked over to them "Ginta, Hakkaku, take care of her, or face Inuyasha's wrath. I'm not sure even sit commands can stop him. Lady Kikyo, just remember, if you think you lost your spiritual power for nothing, you're wrong. Your effort won't go to waist."

Kikyo nodded and bowed "I understand. Thank you, Son Gohan."

Gohan shrugged "I kept my promise, didn't I?"

Kikyo smiled "I suppose you did." And with that, Kikyo, Hakkaku and Ginta departed.

Inuyasha smelled something as they left 'It's coming from above those clouds. I can smell Trunks and Sesshomaru, and some other demon.'

Gohan sensed the same thing 'Sesshomaru, take care of Trunks. Bro, be careful.'

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Sesshomaru's group arrived at a castle in the sky, where his mother, Inukimi, lived.

"Sesshomaru, as I recall, you used to despise humans, did you not? And yet here you are with three humans in your company, two of which being mere children. Perhaps you intend to eat them?" Asked Inukimi

Sesshomaru shook his head "No mother. The older human is of great power. In his possession is the Sounga."

Inukimi raised an eyebrow and looked at Trunks "Tell me, does another of great power possess the Ryuuga?"

Trunks bowed "Yes, my lady. My young mentor Son Gohan."

Inukimi nodded "I see. Anyway, Sesshomaru, what do you need of me?"

"Tenseiga can be used to open a path to the Underworld. Father must have told you about it at some point, did he not?" Asked Sesshomaru

Inukimi raised an eyebrow as she held up her necklace "Oh? Your father never spoke of it. He simply gave me this Meido Stone. He told me to use it should you ever come to me for advice. Oh, and he mentioned something else as well. As I recall, he said using the Meido soon would place you in great danger. But he told me not to be worried or sad about it."

"She seems to be really good at not worrying." Rin muttered

Trunks nodded "This explains A LOT. Like mother, like son."

"What ever shall I do? Your mother is terribly distressed." Inuktitut mocked

Sesshomaru chuckled lightly "Your words are hollow as always."

Inukimi shrugged "Very well then, I shall have you entertain me." And she lifted up the Meido stone.

As soon as she did, a large demon hound appeared before Sesshomaru, who immediately used the Meido Zangetsuha on it, but it wasn't affected, since it was a hound from the Underworld.

The Underworld hound then grabbed Rin and Kohaku, and flew back through the Meido.

Sesshomaru prepared to follow it, but Inukimi stopped him "Wait Sesshomaru! You intend to take the path to the Underworld. For what? To save two human children? You were never prone to such foolishness."

"Nor am I prone to it now, mother." Sesshomaru replied coolly as he entered the Meido, leaving Jaken and Trunks alone with Inukimi.

"The tragedy here is that none can return alive after the path has closed." Explained Inukimi, pretending to be distraught.

Jaken and Trunks shared a glance.

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Sesshomaru flew down the path to the Underworld 'There it is. A path leading straight to the Underworld.'

He looked down and saw the Meido hound running along the path, and used poison claw to attack the beast, seeing Rin and Kohaku unconscious inside the stomach as minions of the netherworld approached them.

Seeing this, Sesshomaru used the healing Tenseiga to cut the beast in two, causing it to fall off the path.

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Inukimi watched Sesshomaru using her Meido Stone "Minions of the netherworld and the Meido hound are all demons of the Underworld. He used healing Tenseiga to cut them down."

Jaken blinked "He did? But why would lord Sesshomaru use healing powers?"

"Jaken, the healing Tenseiga can cut down those not of this world." Explained Trunks "Since those creatures aren't of this world, the healing abilities of the Tenseiga can kill them."

Inukimi nodded "The young man is right. Tell me, little demon. What is the relationship between the human girl and Sesshomaru."

Jaken blinked "Her relationship to him, you say? Well, based on what I've seen, one might say that he tends to favor him over me."

"The human girl will die." Inuktitut stated flatly.

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Kohaku opened his eyes and saw Sesshomaru watching over them "Lord Sesshomaru."

"It appears that you're able to move." He mused out loud "I suppose that's the power of the Shikon jewel shard."

Then the path behind them disappeared, as skeletal birds attacked them, but Sesshomaru easily disposed of them as he ordered Kohaku to guard Rin.

'What lies ahead?' Sesshomaru thought 'Is there something at the other end of this path that can help me to perfect the Meido Zangetsuha?'

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"My lady, what will he find when he reaches the Underworld?" Asked Jaken

Inukimi shook her head "I don't know. In truth, I don't wish to know. Once he steps into the darkness of the Underworld, he will be finished. Despite his powers, not even Sesshomaru will be able to return, much less those two human children. Sadly, there is no turning back on the path to the Underworld. Sesshomaru, the darkness of the Underworld is right in front of you."

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Kohaku suddenly stopped "Lord Sesshomaru! It's Rin! I don't think she's breathing!"

Sesshomaru's eyes snapped wide open, before they narrowed "You're sure Rin is dead?"

Kohaku nodded "She isn't breathing, and I can feel her body getting colder and colder."

Sesshomaru nodded "Very well, set her down."

Kohaku did so.

Sesshomaru drew the Tenseiga, but he found a problem 'What is the meaning of this? Where are the minions of the netherworld?'

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Inukimi watched Sesshomaru with her Meido stone "You cannot save her if there are no minions of the Netherworld for you to kill."

"Does that mean Rin will die?" Asked Trunks

Inukimi nodded "The human girl will have to die. Although, in theory, she could be revived if Tenseiga was used to cut down the guardian of the Underworld. However, in actual fact, that would never happen. The guardian exists beyond the darkness of the Underworld, and no one has ever returned from the darkness. The girl's time has come. She cannot be saved."

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Sesshomaru furiously gripped Tenseiga 'Why Tenseiga? Answer me! I never should've brought her with me. When I summoned Rin back from the Netherworld after she was killed by wolves, I should've left her in a human village.'

Suddenly, they found themselves enveloped by the darkness.

When it disappeared, Rin had too.

Sesshomaru and Kohaku immediately chased after the darkness.

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"So, he leapt into the darkness." Inukimi mused as she watched Jaken cry "Little demon."

"It's Jaken my lady." He corrected

Inuktitut ignored him "I am not a heartless monster. It would sadden me as well if my son were to lose his life while training with his sword. I intend to open a path for him." She held up the Meido stone.

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As they made their way through the darkness, Sesshomaru saw a bright light, revealing the path out of the Underworld.

"Please come out, Sesshomaru." Inukimi called out "If you continue towards me, you be able to exit the Underworld. However, this path I've opened will soon close, and once it does, you will never be able to return to this world."

"Kohaku, listen to me. Take this path while it is open." Sesshomaru warned "This is something I must do alone."

Kohaku hesitated, but nodded and leapt through the path, right before it closed.

Sesshomaru, however, continued towards a red light he saw 'It's Rin's scent.'

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Kohaku appeared in front of Jaken after exiting the path "So, what will happen to lord Sesshomaru?"

Inukimi scoffed "That fool is none of my concern. He had his chance. Ignoring his mother's kind gesture. What a spiteful child he is."

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Sesshomaru continued along the path, towards the eerie red light 'I smell death.'

Sure enough, at that moment, a large humanoid figure appeared at the end of the path, holding Rin in its hand.

'I suppose that must be the guardian of the Underworld.' Sesshomaru mused.

He watched the guardian make its way to a large pile of corpses, and how Rin was about to be sucked into the red light, along with several other corpses 'I'm coming for you Rin!'

Sesshomaru charged at the guardian, and using Tenseiga, he cleaved the guardian in two, catching Rin in his arm "Please Rin. You're safe now. Wake up."

But Rin didn't wake up.

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"That's odd." Inukimi mused "The guardian of the Underworld has been cut down, and yet she remains lifeless." She looked at Jaken "Little demon. Tell me, is it possible the human girl has been revived by Tenseiga once before?"

Jaken gasped and nodded "She has. Why do you ask my lady?"

"Then she cannot be brought back to life." Inukimi stated flatly.

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Sesshomaru, realizing the reality of the situation, dropped the Tenseiga 'She cannot be saved? I cannot save her? Tenseiga… I let her die… For something like this! Nothing I could've gained was worth losing her… Nothing at all…'

He felt a single tear of grief fall down his cheek, but didn't care.

Suddenly, Tenseiga began glowing, and the corpses began desperately crawling towards it.

Sesshomaru saw this "You all wish to be saved, is that it?" He gripped the Tenseiga, and he, Rin and the corpses were enveloped in a pure, blue light.

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Inukimi saw this "The corpses of the Underworld are all being purified."

"Meido Zangetsuha!"

Trunks and the others looked back to see Sesshomaru emerge from his Meido, which had expanded greatly, holding Rin in his arm.

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Sesshomaru stared down at Rin's body.

"What's wrong Sesshomaru?" Asked Inukimi "You look so sad. Tenseiga has matured considerably and your Meido has expanded, just as you'd hoped. Isn't that cause for celebration?"

"Did you know this would happen to Rin?" Sesshomaru growled "Did you mother?"

"If I'm not mistaken, you have already used Tenseiga to revive her once, have you not?" Asked Inukimi, receiving a nod "Son, Tenseiga can only call a person back from the dead once."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened.

Inukimi nodded "It only makes sense. Life is not supposed to be limitless, after all. It's not something that can be renewed over and over again for your own convenience. Sesshomaru, had you come to believe that you were a God, perhaps? That you did not to fear death as long as Tenseiga was in your hands? You needed to learn to things: The desire to the life of a loved one taken by death, and the sorrow and fear which accompanies that loss. Your father wanted me to tell you this: Tenseiga is a sword for healing. Only a person who values life and possesses a compassionate heart may wield such a weapon and use its power to bury their enemies. That is the requirement of any who wish to be worthy of Tenseiga, a sword that can save lives, and condemn others.'

Jaken felt tears brimming in his eyes 'So Rin had to die in order for lord Sesshomaru to learn about compassion?'

"Little demon, why are you crying?" Asked Inukimi

"The name's Jaken, my lady." He stated flatly "It's just that, lord Sesshomaru, by his very nature, will never shed tears. So I must cry in his stead."

"Is that how you feel, Sesshomaru?" Asked Inukimi

Sesshomaru said nothing

Inukimi lifted the Meido necklace from around her neck "This is her last chance, you understand." And she placed the necklace around Rin's neck, as it then began glowing.

"What is that?" Asked Trunks

"It's the little girl's life, which was left behind in the Underworld." Explained Inukimi.

Slowly, Rin opened her eyes, and began coughing. She stopped and smiled weakly when she felt Sesshomaru placing his hand on her cheek "Lord Sesshomaru. You're here."

"You're okay now Rin." He said softly

Rin nodded "I am."

Jaken bowed to Inukimi "Excuse me, my good lady. Please allow me to thank you on lord Sesshomaru's behalf."

"If Sesshomaru happy that I've brought her back?" Asked Inukimi

Jaken smiled and nodded "Very happy, I presume."

"All this fuss over a little human girl." Inukimi muttered "He's inherited one of his father's more unusual traits."

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As Sesshomaru's group was leaving, Inukimi stopped Kohaku "Child. I have question for you. How was it you were able to survive the Underworld? As far as I knew, that was only possible for demons, never for humans."

"It's because my life is sustained by a Shikon jewel shard."

Inukimi nodded "I see. Then you'd best remember this. Your life cannot be saved by Tenseiga. Just as the girl was beyond its reach, so too are you."

Kohaku nodded "Thank you. I will remember that."

Trunks knew to warn Gohan of this.

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"Kikyo said that?" Asked Inuyasha

Kagome nodded "She probably meant she wanted me to purify Kohaku's shard like she was trying to do."

"If she wanted that, then does that mean that Kohaku's shard can still be used as a weapons to kill Naraku?" Asked Koga

Kagome shook her head "I don't really know what Kikyo meant by that, and I don't know what she wanted for Kohaku either. But I do know she wanted us to find him and protect him. So I suggest we start looking."

The others nodded, and they set off.