Disclaimer: I don't own Kagura, Sesshoumaru and the rest of the Inuyasha characters mentioned here. They all belong to Rumiko Takahashi. But I do own Kagura's new identity.
After escaping from Naraku's manor, Koeshi sits by a bonfire in a forest, unable to relax herself. She was only seconds away from destroying Naraku. Koeshi closed her eyes…she thought about the possibilities if she went through the miasma. If she went through the miasma…then she would not take any damage, and would have finally killed Naraku. But she would also be found out, Naraku would know she's alive. Koeshi thought about these things, until something hit her hard.
"Wait…even if he found me out…" Said Koeshi to herself. "…He won't be able to kill me!" Koeshi remembered her destroyed heart. Yes, if she had gone for it, Naraku would now be dead. Even if he found out that she was alive, he couldn't kill her now, and she could've finally put an end to his life.
"Aaaarghh! Damn it! Curse it all!" Koeshi cussed furiously. "God…if only my anxiety didn't get the best of me…" Even though it seemed that she had herself in one piece, attempting to go for Naraku's murder made Koeshi really nervous. She was about to, and did go into a confrontation with the master of evil, after all. And there I was…saying that there was no margin for error… Koeshi thought. I'm such an idiot! It totally slipped my mind that he didn't have my heart anymore! The ninja chastised herself inside her head.
"Huh…hmm…well, I guess even if I did go into the miasma, I could've still gotten seriously hurt." Koeshi started looking into the other side of things. "I mean…I'd be fighting Naraku, alone. And I doubt it's gonna be painless." She added. "…I…I guess I do need help." The female ninja lay herself down on the grass, staring directly at the star-sewn sky above. It was a beautiful night. The stars glimmered above, lighting up the gloomy sky. Koeshi stared at the dancing lights…it somehow reminded her of someone.
Vivid memories of her, back when she was still in her old identity, and a tall, ivory-haired man…they were standing so close to each other. She remembered it so well…everything was so perfect at that time. He looked at her with a pair of strong, golden eyes, while lovingly holding her with his one good arm. She rested her head on his bosom…drugged by his love. She never expected that he would actually take interest in her. He was always cold and distant. He wouldn't let just anyone come near him, with the exception of his companion Jaken and that human girl, Rin. Koeshi then felt sort of guilty on how she treated him back then. The man was of high stature among demons, and yet she always managed to speak casually towards him. Sometimes, she even got to curse him face-to-face. But he never lifted a finger to hurt her. It was a very unusual thing for him to do.
But now, the man thinks she's dead…after witnessing her turn into dust with his own two eyes. He seemed torn when the Tensaiga didn't work…he couldn't save the woman he loves. Koeshi was saddened. But another thing that surprised her so much, was when they were together one starry night such as this one. He drew close to her, holding her fondly, and met his lips with hers. It was the most unforgettable moment she had with him. His pallid-haired, golden-eyed Lordship…in love with someone who was born from the blood of the foulest of all evil…until now, Koeshi can't reconcile with herself why he chose her. But she never cared what the reason is, as long as they would be together. She wants to go back to him, but how will he react when he saw her? His departed beloved's ghost? Or maybe another one of Naraku's tricks? Perhaps this isn't the right time to think about such things. She still has a mission to finish. A few moments went by, Koeshi was growing sleepy. She kept on thinking about her darling lover, as she slowly drifted deep into sleep. She felt warm, as if he was there, watching over her. Koeshi finally fell into a deep sleep, unknown to her that she kept on reciting her lover's name…over and over.
Koeshi woke up early next day, the fresh morning mist slowly drifting on her skin. She had gathered some fruits from the nearby trees and was eating them in her little campsite.
"Hmm…what to do today?" Koeshi said in a garbled manner, as she took a large bite from a ripe mango. "Oh yeah…find someone smart enough to join me, and stupid enough to take on Naraku." She said, swallowing the piece. She then remembered her nostalgic musing last night. A picture of her beloved's face occurred in her mind. Koeshi sighed. She wanted to get him to join her…but will he trust her? She recalled the first time she asked him to help kill Naraku…and it was one hell of a persuasion game… it was difficult enough when she was Kagura back then, so what makes her think he will agree to someone like her?
"Grrr…that guy!" Koeshi complained, thinking if he would join her. "If only he wasn't so hard to convince!" But seeing she has no other choice, she agreed with her thoughts. She got up and started to be on her way. There's not much of a choice anyway… Koeshi pondered. Getting Sesshoumaru to join her was the most fitting choice there is. There was no way she'd ever enlist Inuyasha, or that wolf demon, Kouga, who were about some of the capable ones who could take on Naraku. So, his Lordship was the only choice.