Now unknown to everyone in the house, Kagura wasn't as much as a loyal ally as they thought. In truth she was actually working for Naraku, serving as a spy for him. When Inuyasha's business started to overshadow Naraku's, he approached Kagura, revealed to her what he was, and what Inuyasha was but offered her a reward she couldn't refuse if she spied on the family and found out everything she could about Inuyasha. One night when it had become late she sneaked out of the house and went to meet with Naraku. When she arrived she had to wait outside for a while because he was busy at the moment. He was in a private room gazing at a painting that hung over the fireplace mantle and was covered by a drape. Tsubaki was in the room as well and at the moment she was ranting.
"I don't understand why we can't destroy him and his family now?" She said.
"You're too impulsive Tsubaki." He said looking away from the portrait. "Just killing them would make it too quick not to mention it would raise suspicion from the authorities. I have a reputation in this town and I wouldn't want it to be besmirched."
"Well what do you suggest we do?"
"For now I suggest we wait. Wait for his family to really become fond of him, let him feel loved again, and just when he thinks he's finally found happiness that's when we strike. It's not enough to just destroy the people he loves. We have to turn them against him. Make them hate him, it'll hurt even worse. That Tsubaki will be true torture for him."
"And what of that horrid little governess? I want her dead!"
"Patience Tsubaki. Patience." He said. "We'll see to her soon enough. You have to trust me."
"I just don't like the idea of her being alive. Especially if she's who I think she is." Tsubaki said.
"There's no need to think it Tsubaki. She is who you suspect her to be." He chuckled sinisterly.
"It's not fair! How can she just come back like this?! Why couldn't she just stay dead?!"
"I guess there was something in this world she wanted. Something she wanted so bad that her spirit returned to this world in the form of a new life."
"Then she must die! If she lives she'll ruin everything! Everything that I've worked for! I finally have everything I ever wanted and I won't allow her to take it away from me!"
"Your unstable jealousy toward her is very unhealthy and it may lead to your downfall if you're not careful. I promise you she will get what's coming to her in due time. Now leave, I will contact you when the time comes for us to make our next move."
Tsubaki wasn't pleased with Naraku's calmness but she did as he told her to. Shortly after leaving, Kagura entered the room. She had heard some of Tsubaki's insufferable demands though she didn't hear the whole conversation. All she heard was Tsubaki scream that she wanted a governess dead. Did she mean Kagome?
"What does she have against Kagome?" Kagura thought. "That woman is about as threatening as a common house fly."
"Come in Kagura." Naraku instructed.
"Did I come at a bad time?" She asked.
"No."
"May I ask what it was that you two were talking about? Tsubaki seemed very pissed."
"She's always pissed but I'll deal with her when the time is right. Now tell me what you've learned in that house?"
"Nothing yet. That stupid groundskeeper still refuses to talk. He's loyal I'll give him that."
"You'll have to try harder. Inuyasha is a thorn in my side and as long as he's around I'll never be able to achieve my goal."
"And what goal is that? To put him out of business."
"No. What I have in mind is much more complex than that."
He then removed the drape from the painting revealing it to be a portrait of Lady Kikyo.
"Tell me Kagura do you recognize this woman?"
"If I'm not mistaken she's one of Kaede's ancestors."
"Correct. Her name was Kikyo and centuries ago we were to be married." He walked over to another draped object and just like with the portrait, he removed the drape and under it was an antique wedding gown that was on display. "This was her wedding gown. She never got to wear it. It would have been perfect, all she had to do was marry me and then I would give her eternal life and eternal love."
"What happened?"
"She didn't want me. She tried to leave me and she ended up taking her own life. Kagura I never thought that I would see her again but now things have changed. I've been given a second chance because I've found her again."
'What are you talking about? She's dead."
"Tell me Kagura, did you ever notice that the lovely governess who resides in that house happens to look very much like Kikyo."
"You mean Kagome?" Kagura looked up at the portrait and realized that woman in it was indeed a dead ringer for Kagome.
"I must admit there is a remarkable resemblance." Kagura said.
"I have found my Kikyo, Kagura and this time there will be that wedding." Naraku declared.
"Kagome? You think that she and this lost bride of yours are the same person?"
"In a sense. I believe that Miss Higurashi is my Kikyo reborn."
"How romantic." She said sarcastically. "But I don't believed in reincarnation."
"You didn't believe in vampires either but look where you are now."
"Alright for argument sake let's say she is the reincarnation of the woman in the picture. What makes you think she'll marry you? You did say that Kikyo didn't want you."
"She was confused back then. She didn't understand what our marriage was to be. What my love for her was but she will this time."
"And if she rejects you?"
"She will not reject me. I know for a fact she won't because things will be much different. The obstacle that kept us apart all those years ago will be done away with."
"What about Tsubaki? Does she know about your upcoming wedding plans?"
"As far as she's concerned I want to destroy any part of Kikyo as revenge for her rejection of me. If she knew what I was really after it would lead to insubordination and I can't have that. Not right now anyway."
"You're one hell of a manipulator."
"Comes with the job. When the moment is right I shall reclaim my bride but I cannot make her mine as long as that white haired nuisance still walks. I must be rid of him. That's where you come in."
"I don't understand."
"Before I make my next move I want to know everything there is about him. What his plans are, what his goals are, what his connection is to everyone in that house."
"That's easier said than done. He's very secretive and he definitely won't open up to someone he barely knows."
"It will be a trying process but do not forget the reward you'll receive if you succeed. I'm sure what you want will be worth all your hard efforts."
"And you're really going to give it to me? No tricks?"
"You have my word." He said in his most convincing tone of voice.
"Fine. But I really don't think he'll agree to a therapy session. He seems like one of those guys who think that therapists are quacks."
"Who said anything about you getting him to talk through therapy? No you're going find out more about him by trying a different tactic."
"Which is?"
"Well isn't it true you studied hematology for a few years?"
"Yes but what does that have to do with anything?"
Naraku smiled deviously as his wicked plan began to formulate in his mind. He was sure that Inuyasha would fall for his trap hook, line, and sinker.
"Here's the plan."