Author's Note: Ok, it really wasn't my fault that this chapter was late. I was going to have it the 18th or so (of December), but I went on vacation for 2.5 weeks. Sorry!

I'm jealous of all you hard-core anime/Inuyasha fans in the Ohio area, because there's a conference in Columbus, Ohio on Jan 23-25 called Ohayocon. They'll have Richard Cox, the English voice of Inuyasha, Moneca Stori, the English voice of Kagome, Toshifumi Yoshida, a producer for Viz Video (DVD makers), and some people from ADV films. I can't go because of midterm week, but if anyone goes, TELL ME HOW IT WENT!

Muchas gracias to animeluvr8 and Jash010 again, without whom this chapter wouldn't have been possible. It took three drafts to get it right…even though the cool stuff's in a later chapter…

I hope you like it! Later days!

*          *          *

Naraku shoved his hands in his pockets, frowning at the feel of denim against his hands. Wearing the clothes of a commoner…how low have I sunk? Scowling, he resisted the urge to pull his hair down from its ponytail to give his face some cover, if only because his minions had warned him.

"You gotta blend in, boss. They already got the police after you. You don't wanna stand out."

"Hmph." He adjusted the dark blue T-shirt. "After I take care of business, I'll find some clothing worthy of me."

A slow smile spread across his face as he gazed down at the picture in his hand. The miko's family was conveniently arranged before him, practically begging him to destroy them. Really, the foolishness of these humans. They're so complacent in this world that it will hardly take any effort whatsoever to get rid of them.

Naraku's smile disappeared as he was nearly jostled on the crowded sidewalk. His expression darkened viciously as human after human crowded him, completely unaware of his presence. Slowly, his hands fisted in his pockets.

Gods, they're everywhere! I've never seen humans in this kind of concentration before! To his utter humiliation and shame, his heart started pounding in his chest. He knew they couldn't hurt him, but there were just so many. He felt like they were closing in on him…

Gasping, he dug his way out of the crowd and ducked into a building. He bent slightly, lifting a hand to clutch at the fabric over his heart. Dammit, it must be this human center of mine. That damn Onigumo must be afraid of such tight situations. Naraku smirked. I doubt he's ever seen that many humans at once either.

Regaining his composure, Naraku straightened and placed a hand over the nearly completed Shikon Jewel. I only need to learn the location of one piece. Once I find it and take the shards from those fools, the jewel will be complete…

He gazed out into the bustling street.

…And I'll never fear again.

"Sir! Excuse me, sir?"

Naraku blinked and turned to the human approaching him. A scrawny young man smiled at him.

"Are you interested in purchasing a suit, sir?"

Finally, Naraku took a look around the store. Hundreds of finely woven "suits" lay at his disposal. Reaching out, Naraku took a look inside the collar of one particularly nice, dark suit.

"Armani. Hmm." Another smile worked its way across his face. "I like it."

Decision made, he turned to the clerk. The boy's eyebrows furrowed, and he instinctively took a step back.

"S-sir?"

"I'll take it."

*          *          *

Kagome clutched at Inuyasha's sleeve as they watched Ishiyana—or whoever he was at the moment—grow more and more upset.

"I-Inuyasha, do something!"

The hanyou scowled. "What am I supposed to do? The moron's been possessed, and I'm not exactly an exorcist!" Reluctantly, he smiled. "Where's that monk when you need him?"

Ishiyana clutched the sword angrily and turned to glare at the others. "Well, what the hell are we standing around for? We have to go catch that son of a bitch."

Inuyasha growled. "Not with you the way you are. Whoever you are, release Ishiyana. He's a big enough pain in the ass without someone else controlling him."

Ishiyana's tremendous black eyes blinked in surprise before a rough, gravelly laugh rumbled through his chest.

" 'Whoever I am'? You're even more like my son than I thought."

"Yeah, yeah, we got that part. Why the hell did you bring up Onigumo before?"

Ishiyana scowled. "You idiot. I am Onigumo!"

Inuyasha's eyes widened, and he tightened his grip on Tetsusaiga. "You…why you—"

"All right, I'm tired of this." Abruptly, Ishiyana appeared behind Kagome and held the tip of the sword to her throat. He glared at Inuyasha. "You have a choice, hanyou. Either you take me to Naraku, or I slit the throat of our beloved Kikyo."

Grinning, he snagged her hair and tipped her head back. "Even if you are a double, it seems you're worth something." He lowered his voice and muttered under his breath. "Though it figures I was born a generation too early this time around."

Trembling with rage, Inuyasha extended the sword towards them. "Let…go…of…her," he started slowly. "Now."

Ishiyana's smile didn't waver. "I gave you your choice, hanyou. I watched her die once, I can do it again." He tipped the sword towards her, pricking the skin on her throat. She whimpered, fear shimmering in her eyes.

Inuyasha hesitated, then lowered his sword, his eyes hard. "Fine," he ground out. "But you have to release her, NOW."

Ishiyana scowled. "If I did, you'd kill me in the next breath." He slipped his free hand from her hair to her arm, gripping it painfully. "You'll take us both."

I'll kill him for this. Inuyasha balled his fists, moving closer to them. "I said, release her!"

"Do you think I'm bluffing?" With a deadly calm, Ishiyana shoved Kagome in front of him and positioned the sword. "Too bad."

As the terror pooled in her eyes, Inuyasha panicked. "Stop!" The boy stared at him, nothing revealed in the black depths of his eyes. Inuyasha slowly put the Tetsusaiga away and turned his back to the two.

"Get…on." Rage rolled painfully through him, but he couldn't risk Kagome's safety. He stiffened at the feel of the two climbing onto his back.

"I'm sorry, Inuyasha." The soft, sniffled words drove a dagger into his chest. He reached up and gave Kagome's knee a gentle squeeze. Nothing you could do. His expression darkened. But he won't get away with this.

Ishiyana managed to keep the sword gently against Kagome's neck as he fisted his hand in the back of Inuyasha's shirt. Slipping his free arm around her waist, he held her close, giving her a grim smile.

"Nothing like a little insurance." Facing forward, Ishiyana delivered a sharp kick to Inuyasha's side. "Let's go."

Growling and promising thousands of bloody deaths for Onigumo, Inuyasha took to the air.

*          *          *

Kagome whimpered as Ishiyana tightened his hold on her. In reflex, Ishiyana pressed the sword closer to her throat, scowling darkly at her. Inuyasha flinched slightly at her distressed sound and, as he took another leap, tightened his hand reassuringly around her knee.

Don't worry, Kagome. I won't let him hurt you. He scowled. I promise.

Sniffing, Inuyasha came to a stop over a store. People were running about frantically, yelling and waving their arms.

Kagome leaned over to look Inuyasha in the face. "Why did you stop?"

"Naraku was here."

Eyebrows rising, Kagome tried to understand the clatter of voices below.

"…Guy came out of nowhere and stole a suit!"

"He sent that poor guy through the window!"

"He knocked over a police car!"

"He was a freak! I saw a tentacle, I swear!"

Inuyasha frowned and looked at Kagome. "Do you understand what they're talking about?"

She nodded, bewildered. "It…it sounds like Naraku stole a suit and resisted arrest. I guess…he's on the run."

Inuyasha sniffed at the air and took a leap. What the hell is Naraku thinking?

*          *          *

I hate this goddamn era!

Naraku scowled as he ducked into an alleyway, letting the strange vehicles with the flashing lights and horrible noises race by. Pulling the picture out of his jacket, he crumpled it and threw it to the ground.

"Dammit, at this rate, I'll never find the miko's family before Inuyasha catches up with me." His scowl darkened as he wandered deeper into the alley. So much for using the family as leverage. I could've held them for ransom, taken the miko's jewel shards, and slaughtered them all! Now, I don't have the damn time!!

With a growl, he ran through the alleys towards the edge of the city. I'll find somewhere to hide for a while, let this blow over, and then figure out what to do. He frowned. I can't establish myself here if that miko's family still exists to claim the house.

Abruptly, Naraku burst out of the buildings and found himself unprotected. He took a long look around, taking in the fields and trees surrounding him. A river rumbled under a nearby bridge, and small children ran about.

I…hate…humans.

Gritting his teeth, Naraku slipped behind a tree, though it afforded him little cover from the authorities. What kind of morons would design a city that just…stops?? His hands fisted. I can't believe that in the future, humans run amok like this. What the hell happened to the demons?

"Excuse me, young man, but you look troubled."

Naraku stiffened at the sound of a time-wearied voice. Placing one hand on the rough bark of the tree, he turned to face a gently smiling old man. Leaning on a gnarled cane, the old man lifted a hand to his gray beard and huffed.

"What could be the problem? You're a promising young man." His smile grew. "Or, at least, you dress like one."

Naraku blinked slowly, trying to process the fact that the old man had no fear of him, the first being to do so. His mouth pulled into a frown.

"There's nothing wrong with me, old man. Go away." You'll attract attention if you stick around much longer. Naraku flinched at the sound of growing sirens and pressed himself briefly against the tree for comfort. Schooling his face into an expression of mild contempt, he took a strong step away from the tree and straightened his suit jacket. He glared down at the old man, who continued smiling pleasantly.

"I must leave now. I have…business to attend to." He tried to step around the man, but the old codger kept stepping into his path. Naraku scowled for an instant before pulling his face into a chilling smile. "Sir, I would suggest you move. Now."

The old man chuckled. "You young people seem to have trouble appreciating your elders."

At that, Naraku's smile became slightly genuine. "Actually, old man, I'm a lot older than you think." His smile fell as the flashing lights came into view. "This conversation is over."

As he pushed by the old man, Naraku heard a dry chuckle.

"You can't always hide from your problems. Sometimes you have to face them yourself."

Naraku stilled. "That's not my style." He scowled. "You wouldn't understand."

"Oh, wouldn't I?" The old man hobbled closer. "Perhaps instead of running, you should face down your…troubles. A man like you, I'm sure, could make a difference in his world if he wanted to."

Eyebrow quirking, Naraku glanced over his shoulder. "And if that 'difference' is out of reach?"

The old man smiled. "Grab something closer."

*          *          *

Ishiyana pried his eyes open, greeted by dark mist. Groaning, he tried to sit up, but he found himself bound by a hard, black material.

"So, you're awake."

Blinking, Ishiyana watched his father walk into view. He matched the man's grim smile with a scowl.

"I don't know what you're up to, Dad, but I'm getting tired of it." He struggled vainly against his binds. "Get the hell out of my body!"

Ishiyana's father smiled. "Not yet. I have a few scores to settle."

"With who?"

"Naraku, for starters. Then I'd like to get rid of that Inuyasha fool, if only through fatherly devotion to you." He grinned mockingly and turned away. "And if I could do in that new Kikyo, I'd be set."

"YOU'RE GOING TO WHAT??"

The man rubbed his ear. "There's no need to shout." Slowly, he turned to face his enraged son. "Think about it. I wanted her so badly that I formed Naraku, and because of that, my soul withered and rotted. Now, I find out that once again, I missed my chance to have her."

He trailed off in thought, a sickening smile crossing his face. "Then again, if I have control of your body…" He glanced down at his son. "I may get to have her after all."

Ishiyana froze, rage boiling up within him. "You…dare…say that…to me?" Something vile rolled in his stomach. "You will never…touch a hair…on Kagome's head."

His father chuckled. "You idiot. I already have!"

Ishiyana closed his eyes. Whatever was rolling in his stomach split open, and something new and dark bubbled out. Trembling, Ishiyana opened his eyes and glared at his father.

"You will regret that."

The quiet words sent a chill down the man's spine. Swallowing, he gave a soft shrug. "What could you possibly do to me?"

Ice hardened Ishiyana's gaze. "There are worse things than purgatory, father."

Abruptly, Ishiyana flexed against his binds…

CRRAAACK!

Shards flew about the area, forcing his father to lift a protective arm over his face. "But-but that's impossible!" Lowering his arm, he jumped at the sight of his son standing inches away from him. Another chill went down his spine at the utter calm on his son's face.

Gritting his teeth, the man pushed his face into his son's. The boy didn't flinch.

"You think you can take me on? I was too powerful for you in the feudal era, and I'm too powerful now!"

Slowly, Ishiyana began to smile. He lifted a hand, studied it, and curled it into a fist. Lifting his gaze to his father's, his smile grew.

"Frankly, Dad, I don't give a damn."

In one swift move, Ishiyana slugged his father in the face. The man stumbled a step back, surprised, then lifted a hand to his cheek and smiled.

"You really are an idiot. You can't hurt me that way. We're souls!" The man laughed softly, shaking his head. "It's a wonder we're related."

Ishiyana scowled. "So, what, I have to take you over?" Yuck. What a creepy thought! "Or, maybe…" He lifted an eyebrow, thinking back to old memories with his father. "Since this is my body, I just have to kick you out, hmm?"

His father snorted. "Please. I'm begging you, try to do that. I haven't had any real amusement in years."

At that, Ishiyana raced forward, preparing to kick his father in the stomach. Maybe if I can knock him down… He lifted his foot, aimed his kick…

…And was caught by his father.

The man held onto his son's foot and smiled. "You continue to fail, son." The boy hissed in pain as the black aura started seeping into his ankle. With a well-aimed twist, he knocked his father's hand away and landed on the ground, rubbing his ankle.

Dammit. How am I supposed to beat him if he just keeps infecting me?? Ishiyana scowled. It's as if…as if he's not bound by… He blinked, then slowly smiled.

"I get it." Immediately, he stopped rubbing his twisted ankle and stood. As he'd expected, there was no pain. Ishiyana let out a bark of laughter as he faced his father. "I get it! I kept losing because I was thinking in mortal terms, but we're not mortals at the moment, are we?"

"Hmph. So, eventually, you catch on." His father turned away, losing interest. "No matter. It won't do you any good."

Ishiyana took a step forward, then hesitated. Ok, so I'm not supposed to think in mortal terms. But how the heck do I fight him, if not physically? Can I even beat him physically? He stared at his father, his heart pounding. If I don't figure it out, Kagome and Inuyasha may be in danger! He snorted suddenly. Though I doubt that in my body Dad could beat a demon. Inuyasha'd rip me apart if he were upset enough. The thought sobered him. With the things his father hinted doing to Kagome, Inuyasha might very well get upset enough to kill him!

Looking up, he noticed a vacant look in his father's eyes. What's he doing? He scowled and strode forward, standing directly in front of him. The man vaguely noticed.

"Hey…HEY! You're controlling me right now, aren't you?? Cut it out!"

The man simply smiled. Abruptly, Ishiyana got a horrible vision of his father, in his body, forcing himself on Kagome. Is THAT what he's thinking about???

"I said, CUT IT OUT!!"

With those words, Ishiyana lifted his hands, grabbed his father's shirt…

…And flung him 20 yards away.

"H-huh?" Ishiyana looked down at his hands. "Oh, right! It has nothing to do with normal limitations!" Testing himself, he squatted and leaped. Bingo! He landed right next to the man, who glared up at him with hatred.

Suddenly, the man reached up and snagged his son's shirt over his heart. "You know, I really didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice." He sent his aura directly into Ishiyana's heart.

Gasping, the boy crumpled to the ground. His heart squeezed painfully, and despite his attempts to remind himself that it wasn't real, he could feel his heart crushing. Blearily, he looked up at his father, at the demented look on his face.

No. I won't lose. I can't afford to! He pulled in a single, sharp breath, closing his eyes. I have…I have to protect Kagome.

His head pounded, circling that one thought. I have to protect Kagome. I have to protect Kagome.

Slowly, the aura seeped back out.

I have to protect Kagome.

His eyes snapped open, he jumped to his feet, and he clapped his hands over his father's.

"I WON'T LET YOU HURT HER!!"

He erupted in golden light, and all was silent. Still shimmering, he looked down his nose at his father, who lay crumpled on the ground, unconscious. Picking him up, Ishiyana stared forcing his own aura into his father, unconsciously using it to keep him immobilized.

"I will never let you hurt her."

With a sigh, he turned his thoughts outward, mimicking his father.

"Time to get my life back."

*          *          *

Inuyasha's eyebrows lifted when Ishiyana's sword tapped him on the neck. Glancing back, he saw that it had wandered away from Kagome's neck, and Ishiyana's eyes were closed. Immediately, the hanyou landed, set Kagome down, grabbed Ishiyana's arm, and, using the boy's favorite move, flipped him over his shoulder.

"Omph!"

Ishiyana peeled his eyes open, then swallowed hard. His eyes crossed as they focused on the really, really big sword that hovered over his nose.

"Uh…Inuyasha? Do you have to hold that thing so close?" He smiled weakly. "You could put an eye out with that."

Inuyasha growled. "You think I'll fall for that act? I should kill you right now for even touching Kagome—"

"Whoa, whoa, act? Inuyasha, it's me!"

Inuyasha's grip on Tetsusaiga tightened. "How stupid do I look?" He scowled. "I swear, if you weren't in Ishiyana's body, I'd slice you in two!"

Ishiyana blinked. "Hold up. Since when do you care?"

Kagome watched the volley of words, a frown crossing her face. This doesn't seem right. Why would Ishiyana's father put on an act when he was doing so well before? Her frown grew until she got a good look at his face.

Or, more specifically, his eyes.

"Inuyasha! He's back to normal!"

The hanyou glanced over his shoulder. "Huh? How can you tell?"

A grin split her face. "His eyes! His eyes are back to normal!!"

Ishiyana raised an eyebrow. "Am I missing something here?" He glanced at the two of them. "What was wrong with my eyes?"

Scowling, Inuyasha took a good look…and started feeling like an idiot. "Feh. So you are back." He pulled the Tetsusaiga away from the boy, allowing him to sit up. "And I don't care."

"Ishiyana!! I'm so glad you're back!!"

Both boys started as Kagome sped across the short distance and threw her arms around Ishiyana. "I was so worried!!"

Ishiyana's face turned bright red as she squeezed him tightly. "I…uh…I'm sorry?" His tongue tied itself in knots.

The sound of grinding teeth drew his attention. Inuyasha's arms were folded tight over his chest, and a scowl threatened to put cracks in the hanyou's teeth. Inuyasha turned away.

Dammit…does she have to hug him like that? Two minutes ago, she was terrified of him. His scowl deepened. Does she get off on that kind of thing??

At the sound of his low growl, Kagome pulled away and glanced at him. Oh for crying out loud, is he jealous again? Annoyed, she opened her mouth to snap at him, but she was stopped by Ishiyana's hand on her arm.

"Kagome…what did I do?" Ishiyana looked her in the eye. "What did my father make me do?"

She blinked at his hard tone. "Well…" How am I supposed to tell him that he went on a killing spree, hijacked Inuyasha, and implied that he was going to kill me? She bit her lip, saying nothing.

That was all he needed. Nodding firmly, he pulled himself to his feet.

"Well, then, we'd better get moving." He glanced at the sword in his hand. "If my father wants to wreak havoc on Naraku, I say let him." A sneer curled his lip. "Then maybe he'll go to hell where he belongs."

The others said nothing for a long moment before Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and stepped forward.

"You say you're back to normal, but I'm not so sure. Let go of the sword."

Ishiyana frowned thoughtfully at him. Glancing down, he attempted to pry his fingers away from the sword hilt, but nothing happened. Annoyed, he tried again, but he only got his muscles to flex.

"I…can't."

Inuyasha scowled. "Then we're not out of the woods yet. You could succumb again at any moment!"

Immediately, Ishiyana's gaze snapped to his and hardened. "I can promise you, that's not going to happen."

"Hmph." Inuyasha pulled out Tetsusaiga again. "Maybe I should just knock you out now and save myself the trouble later."

"Don't even think about it." Ishiyana lifted his own sword. "I've got a score to settle with Naraku now, and I'm not going to let you stop me."

"Feh. As if you could do me any damage!"

"Wanna bet?"

Sighing, Kagome stepped between the two and put her hands up. "Could you two fight later? Naraku's getting away."

Inuyasha frowned grumpily, but he slid the sword into its scabbard. "Right. Let's get out of here." Bending over, he helped Kagome onto his back and growled under his breath as Ishiyana clambered on.

"I should make you walk."

Ishiyana grinned and tightened his grip on the hanyou's shoulder. "Aw, gimme a break. You know you wouldn't make me walk after you all by my lonesome."

"Not if I broke your legs first."

Ishiyana batted his eyes. "I knew it! You do care!"

"Shut…up."

*          *          *

Naraku leaned against the bridge, still pondering the old man's words. Perhaps the old codger was on to something. I can worry about the miko's family and setting up a position here later. First… He rolled the jewel in his hand. I should take care of my human heart. Then I'll deal with all of them, he smiled, and I'll be unstoppable.

He glanced up over the wreckage of police cars in front of him. Through the smoke and steam, he could just barely make out a red outfit streaking through the air.

Face my problems, hmm? His smile grew, and he pocketed the jewel.

Here they come.