They found that the source of the dismal mood of the city was death.

Once they reached the top of the hill to the castle entrance, the courtyard was a battle field filled with dead demons and castle guards. Before entering, Sango changed into her battle garb. When she returned looking like a true slayer, Yuuki noticed it was nearly identical to Kohaku's outfit. She wondered if they had killed demons together. I wonder if Kohaku will be here.

The front doors were forced open, parts of it broken. They quietly entered the dark castle and on a breeze through the silence they heard someone quietly praying. Down the entrance hall they came upon a guard that was propped against the wall, holding his bleeding wound through his armor. Kagome rushed to him first followed by Shippo, "Are you all right?"

She knelt beside him and readied to aid him, but he put a hand up to stop her. "Please, don't waste your medicine on me." She looked at him sadly as the others approached. He glanced up at them and said, "You must be the ones the Chief Counselor predicted."

"What happened here?" Miroku asked.

"About three hours ago," he replied, physically becoming weaker as he used up energy to talk. "A demon was spotted taking over the form of a guard he had devoured. We all had our suspicious, but we're bound by oath... With the samurai present, we found our courage and fought, exposing the demons... it was war."

"What happened to the servants?" Sango questioned.

He shook his head, "It was chaos. They fled, some escaped outside, some fled deeper into the castle, hiding in places only servants know of."

"Three hours," Yuuki murmured to herself. She wondered of the little girl O-Toki. If she had made it outside she would have gone home already.

Then Inuyasha asked, "Can you walk?"

The guard shook his head. "I'll be fine." He then pointed down the right corridor, "You'll find a locked door leading to the upper levels. The king's room is at the top."

"Thank you," Kagome said to him and stood up again.

Miroku stepped forward and put his hand up in prayer, murmuring a blessing for him before they moved on. Using the master key, they accessed the stairs to the upper levels, moving deeper into the thickness of the demonic aura. Yuuki swallowed down her rising paranoia, her instincts telling her to run. Sure enough they passed by more dead soldiers, as well as samurai. Sango murmured in the silence, "Who knows how many more are dead. This castle is vast."

As they walked through the halls, a few demons burst through the tatami doors to catch them off guard. Inuyasha leapt forward with his claws and tore through them, leaving Miroku to burn the rest with his sutra. Kagome stared down at the dead demons in worry, "This isn't good if demons are still roaming around."

Yuuki couldn't help but say, "Who knows how long they've been at this castle. They could be searching for any survivors in hiding." As much as the truth saddened her.

"Grah!" A man's voice was heard from further down the hall, followed by a clang of metal. "Vile demons! Die!"

"Let's go!" Inuyasha took the lead running down the hall. Following the sounds he broke down a door to enter a room. Inside were two samurai facing off with a handful of demons.

Sango darted inside and swung her Hiraikotsu into the backs of a couple of demons, making sickening cracks as their bodied snapped back abnormally. Yuuki followed after her and pulled off her rosary. She flicked her wrist, activating the whip, and with a swing she tore through the remaining few, searing them with holy power. As the demon's spilled and collapsed on the floor, the samurai were able to relax and lower their weapons. They were breathing heavily with their armor beaten something fierce. "You have our gratitude," one of them said.

"Yukimura!" Another samurai came running in through another door. Breathless and wide eyed he forced out, "The second unit in the tower was wiped out!"

"Damn," the samurai Yukimura glared at the ground. "The handful of us left are all that protects this castle..." His men flaking him lowered their heads as well, defeat weighing on them.

Kagome perked up however, "You're Yukimura?"

"Hm?" He glanced at her, "You've heard of me?"

She smiled, "We met with your wives outside the castle." Pulling around her backpack she explained, "She and the other wives of the samurai gave us something to give you all. To help with your spirits."

The men approached and were in awe, pulling out the food with their names on them. Yukimura accepted his with tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you..." He then took a deep breath and regained composure. "You heard that! Our wives are praying for us, so we won't disappoint them!" His men shouted in rejoice and pulled out the remaining food, running off to distribute them.

Yuuki frowned and walked up to Yukimura, gaining his attention. "Whoever is left, you all should leave the castle now and return to your families. We'll be able to handle the situation from here on."

Yukimura sighed heavily. "We cannot."

"There's no point in dying here," Sango insisted.

He raised his head and stood proudly, stating firmly, "We are the samurai. We protect the king and we protect the people. We've failed our king, however we must rescue all those still trapped in this castle. That is our duty, and should we run then we pay that cowardice with our lives."

While it was admirable, Yuuki couldn't help but feel frustration. "What about your wives and children?" She questioned. "You're no good to them dead. You've lost so many already."

"They must understand," Yukimura replied in resolution.

She tch'd in frustration. "Whatever," she grumbled and walked off.

"Yuuki?" Kagome looked after her worried.

What's the point in us being here if they just let themselves die? Yuuki marched on, leaving the samurai to speak with her friends. It was pointless to argue with the samurai, however it was a waste nonetheless. The Era's are very different in that perspective. She frowned, her heart already aching for the wives and children who will miss their loved ones. Samurai or not, I wouldn't forgive whoever I was with if they let themselves die like that. Is this what Kagome has to deal with all the time? No doubt Inuyasha is the type to sacrifice himself, playing it off as something stupid. If he does that to me I swear-

Yuuki stopped short on the stairs and caught herself, pressing her hand to her chest. Her eyes widened as she took a breath. Not good. The demonic energy is making my emotions unstable. No wonder I'm so furious. With a dangerous line of thought. "Yuuki!" She looked back to see her friends finally catching up. Sango looked at her worried, "Are you feeling all right?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine," she replied. "Just the negative energy is getting to me."

"To be a samurai is a great honor," Miroku said and she already felt a little guilty. "Don't blame them for their choice. It's difficult, I know, but their families have already accepted their fates."

"Yeah," she could only nod at that.

In the brief silence, there was a distant whimper. Yuuki perked up and Inuyasha said, "I heard it too, up the stairs."

Racing to the top, they spotted the young girl in a servants plain kimono, huddled to the wall and slowly shuffling along. Coming up the stairs so suddenly, she jumped and screamed. "It's okay!" Yuuki put her hands up and smiled at the girl, "Please, it's all right. We're here to help you." The crying girl stared at them and refused to move, trembling in place. Yuuki took initiative and slowly approached, kneeling to her level. At a closer look she could see the girl was covered in dirt and scrapes. "Are you hurt?" She shook her head. Yuuki smiled and the girl seemed to relax. "What's your name?"

"T-Toki..."

"O-Toki?" The girl nodded. "I have a gift for you. It's from your brother."

Toki perked up at that. "J-Jiro?" She sniffled.

She nodded and took out the small pinwheel from her skirt pocket. "He made this for you, and he said to hang in there, okay?"

Overcome with emotions Toki began to cry again as she took the pinwheel. "H-He's okay?"

"Yes, he's fine, your family is all right down below in the town." Yuuki stroked the little girl's head to help sooth her. "Listen, O-Toki, there are samurai down the stairs that are searching for survivors. Go find them and hurry back home, okay?"

"He's just two stories up..."

"Huh?"

"The king," Toki repeated. "Or the demon. He's in the kings room two stories up."

"Thank you, O-Toki," Kagome said to her and the girl hurried off down the stairs.

"We're almost there," Sango murmured.

Yuuki's chest tightened in anticipation, and she wondered if the others were feeling the same. "Yeah," Inuyasha replied, "And he's waiting for us."

Despite Naraku waiting, they ran the rest of the way up. So close. So close to going home. Not just for herself, but for that mysterious priestess, too. If what she said was true.

They opened the tatami doors to the king's room, but were blocked by a screen. Then there was a man's chuckle. Yuuki didn't recognize it, but the hairs on the back of her neck rose. "So, you've finally arrived."

Sango growled under her breath, "Naraku..."

They moved around the screen. Yuuki walked close next to Inuyasha, keeping behind him, but staring at the man standing on the king's threshold. He was tall, with long, wavy black hair. His eyes were blood red, skin deathly pale. He wore purple and black robes, and standing next to him was Utsugi in her cursed mask. "You took your time," he said with an easy smile.

Yuuki swallowed, sensing that he was suppressing demonic aura. Like suspending an anvil above their heads. Inuyasha was quick to draw his sword and pointed the massive weapon at him. "Naraku, you summoned Yuuki to this world. Send her back, or I'll lob off your head."

Naraku was unfazed, or rather seemed to ignore him. He was focused on Yuuki herself, and she felt like he was going to devour her whole. "Utsugi, is that the girl you require?" Utsugi only nodded.

Yuuki stepped out from behind Inuyasha and glanced at Utsugi. "She's not an incarnation of yours, right?"

"Yes, that's right," Naraku replied to her surprise.

So, he was humoring her by answering. "Then why did you summon me to this time? Do you want me, or does Utsugi?" Demanding him to send her back would be pointless, she figured.

Naraku chuckled. "You're an intuitive girl. I personally have no need for you, I've merely helped Utsugi summon you here."

Sango whispered to the others, "He's being rather forthcoming."

Inuyasha glanced at Yuuki, "Careful, Yuuki. Don't trust him."

Yuuki stepped forward, raising a hand to show she wouldn't attack. "I have no idea what Utsugi wants with me, and I don't care. I want to go home. Tell me what deal she made with you, and I'll make another."

"What!?" Inuyasha nearly shouted.

Kagome looked to her worried, "Yuuki?"

She ignored them. It's not like I can muscle him around. Naraku's smile turned sly, "Very interesting. Utsugi's requested that I keep our deal a secret. However if you offer me a deal worth something, I'll consider it."

Inuyasha eyed Yuuki suspiciously. "Yuuki, don't be stupid."

Yuuki took off her rosary and Utsugi's mask twitched, focusing on it. She offered it to Naraku, "I'll give you my Seishin powers."

Shippo shouted, "What!?"

"Yuuki," Kagome said, "you can't make deals with Naraku like this! He'll just betray you!"

"I don't have very many options," she replied evenly.

"Disgraceful..." Yuuki glanced over at Utsugi.

"I don't care about these abilities. They're useless to me in my world. You summoned me here and it can't be for anything good considering you're with Naraku, a notorious evil demon. Someone else with Seishin powers I would think you're the disgraceful one, coward."

Utsugi twitched and she knew she got to her. Naraku smirked back at Utsugi and she looked to him. "A tempting proposition. I wouldn't have considered this turn of events. You're an interesting one." For a moment Yuuki felt hopeful, but when Naraku looked back at her... "Unfortunately your mere powers are still weak, and aren't worth much to me. Besides, I believe you'll prove useful to me."

Utsugi was quick to turn to him. "She's mine."

Yuuki was suddenly jerked back and she realized Inuyasha pulled her back and stepped in front of her. "You really are stupid, you know that?"

"It was the best option I had," she argued back. She then sighed, "Although it's useless now." Still, it was Utsugi with Naraku's help she was summoned here. She needed them to get back home.

"So now it's my turn. Wind Scar!" Without much warning Inuyasha swung his glaive and the streaks of raw power raced towards Naraku and Utsugi in the confined space.

They remained still and allowed the Wind Scar to collide with a barrier protecting them. "Hiraikotsu!" Sango hurled her weapon and Miroku joined in, throwing out his sacred sutra. The combined weapons stuck to the barrier for a moment but then were repelled.

"It's not working!" Shippo cried helplessly. "He's gotten stronger since last time!"

"Yuuki," she looked over to Kagome as she readied her arrow. "Use your talisman!"

"Right," Yuuki closed her eyes and fished the talisman out from her pocket. She folded her hands around it in prayer as her Seishin powers outlined her body. Kagome's arrow outlined in the same energy fired at Naraku. Kagome's pink aura and Yuuki's white Seishin powers swirled around the arrow and struck Naraku's barrier. Naraku made sure to keep close eye on it. It fought furiously against his power, refusing to be deterred, and the metal tip created a crack. Instead of worrying, Naraku only grinned.

"Just like Kagura said," he murmured. "I've seen enough." With a wave of his arm a force repelled the arrow and knocked them all off their feet, furniture getting kicked up and everything slamming against the back wall.

Yuuki cried out from pain, but refused to stop and pulled off her rosary. She threw them into the air and clapped her hands, "Bullet Storm!"

"Wind Scar!" Again the attacks raced towards them, but were stopped by the barrier.

"So pitifully weak," Naraku commented as he raised his arms. From the depth of his sleeves a purple smoke flew out and raced towards them.

"Miasma!" Sango shouted and put on her mask. "Hold your breath!"

Yuuki's eyes widened, seeing the purple cloud rushed at them too quickly. There was a crash from their side and before their eyes a red rosary was tossed into their view. The fiery beads hung in the air and expanded, circling in place. The miasma crashed into the rosary's fiery barrier in an unforgiving torrent. The heat and force cause them all to flinch, and then standing in front of them was a priestess.

Yuuki went wide eyed. "It's you!"

The woman she shared a soul with glanced back at her. "It's become too dangerous. You must leave, now!" She then pulled out a sutra and whispered a chant into it.

Naraku's laughter was heard. "Lady Kinya, you've saved me some trouble by coming to me first."

Her sutra shined with a white light. Reaching her hand into that light, she pulled out a sheathed katana. Sango gasped at the sight of it, "It can't be..."

Kinya drew the silver gleaming blade and the sheath disappeared in glittering light. At once she seized her rosary and withdrew the barrier, then with a single swing of the katana a power sliced through the miasma and burned it away. Naraku was revealed once again, "You will die a painful death, priestess." It was a promise.

Kinya tucked the rosary into the sleeve of her haori and pulled out more sutra. She whispered into them and then flung them at Yuuki and the others, the slips of paper sticking to their foreheads. Inuyasha blinked, "Wait, what the-!?"

"Begone!" Kinya's voice rang in their ears and everything went white.

"Gyaah!"

All at once Yuuki and her friends shot upright. They froze, listening to peaceful sounds of a village; children laughing, wagons rolling by with horse's hooves clopping. They looked around and realized they were in a hut, the women in futons and all of them wearing wetted cloths on their foreheads. "Hm?" They all turned to see an old man peek into the hut through the door. "Oh, you are all awake?" He smiled, "I'm glad."

Yuuki blinked, "Umm..."

"How in the hell...?" Inuyasha looked around frantically to make sure he had everything.

"What happened to us?" Shippo asked baffled.

"Well, I don't know," the old man replied. The rest of them quickly checked their affairs while he checked on a pot of tea. "My name is Kichibei. I found you all on the ground at the entrance of the village this morning. Would anyone like some tea?"

"Uh- yes, please," Kagome replied.

Once everything was accounted for, they sat for a moment. "It must have been that priestess' doing," Sango concluded.

"She did seem powerful," Shippo said and Inuyasha huffed.

"If she faced Naraku alone then she's screwed."

"Hopefully not," Yuuki mumbled. The thought of it had guilt weighing on her.

Kichibei passed around cups of hot tea and Kagome looked over at her. "Yuuki, was that the priestess you were seeing in your sleep?"

She nodded, staring down at her cup. "She had told me she was coming to help us fight Naraku... I didn't think she'd send us away like that."

"I recognized her sword," Sango said and they all looked to her surprised. "It was described in a scripture back in my village. Ginkkoken, the silver moonlit blade, a powerful holy sword that belonged to a high priestess. It was said to have disappeared with her a long time ago. If she can wield that sword then she might've been able to get away."

Miroku turned to the old man that was sitting quietly on the side. "Excuse me, what day is it?"

"Hm? It's the tenth day of the month."

"And where might we be?"

"Ringo Village."

Miroku's shoulders dropped. "I see..."

Sango sighed heavily, "We're on the other side of the mountains... far from the castle town. It'll take days to get back."

Kichibei watched them sadly as they all fell silent, heavy with regret and frustration. Hearing the birds chirping outside Miroku said, "I wish I could say it's a good morning."

Kagome made an effort and lifted her head, "Is everyone okay at least?"

"I guess," Shippo replied and no one glanced at her. "We weren't able to destroy Naraku…"

Yuuki stood up and headed for the door. "Yuuki?" Sango questioned.

"I need to be alone for a moment." Without a glance back she left.

They stared after her sadly as she left the hut. "Poor Yuuki," Sango murmured.

"To be so close yet so far from going home," Miroku added. "She must feel the weight of hopelessness we all once felt when facing Naraku."

"You're so slow! Loser!"

"Shut up!"

Two kids ran by her as she slowly walked the road, kicking a pebble as she went. She sighed heavily. What was I even hoping for? Lifting her head she noticed a path leading up a hill. Wishing to be more secluded with her thoughts she followed it up. A demon that wipes out entire villages, creates unbreakable curses, creates other beings, can summon her through time... For how hopeful she had been, she wished the encounter with Naraku was a bit more climatic than what it was.

At the top of the hill was a small shrine housed beneath a walnut tree. Yuuki decided to take a seat in the shade with the shrine. That was the best bargain I had, she thought despondently. He appeared genuinely interested for a moment... However he had other plans with her? Was he just teasing Utsugi? What about Kinya? He said she saved him time by going to her... Is it my fault if she's killed?

Endless questions were swarming in her head, and her heart was heavy with disappointment. Crushed hopes. She rested her head against the tree trunk and closed her eyes. She drowned it out. With effort she cleared her head and slowed her heart rate, slipping into meditation.

She must have sat there for some hours. The shadow of the tree shifted and exposed her to the sun. There were faint footsteps and the presence eased her out of her meditation and her eyes fluttered open. She perked up in surprise, "Grandpa Kakuju?"

"Yuuki," he tilted his head, "What's wrong? You seem melancholic."

Yuuki sighed deeply. Kakuju sat with her as she went over the trip to the castle town, venting a little. Crossing her arms she held onto her sleeves tight. "They all seem so powerful to me," she said, staring at the leaves above them. "Maybe I'm just especially weak... We couldn't touch Naraku- his barrier is unbreakable. I'm starting to realize it won't be simple... I might be here for a long time."

Kakuju hummed, nodding to her story. "Times like these are especially trying. However, it appears fate is in your favor."

"Why, because of Kinya saving our asses?"

Kakuju chuckled. "Well, you're not wrong... In Lady Kinya sending you to this village, she sent you to me. And I can help you learn how to break this Naraku's barrier."

Yuuki lurched forward, having choked on air hearing that. She turned to him wide eyed, "A-are you serious? A barrier as strong as Naraku's?"

He chuckled again at her reaction. "Yuuki, I've told you that Seishin is a special power that lives in all beings. In the trees, the animals, the people. Only a select few can harness and wield it's raw power because it is so great. I can teach you a technique to break through any barrier, however you will need to retrieve something specific to help you. Do you see the mountain near us?" Yuuki looked to the east to see the sharp looming mountain that was fairly close to the village. "That is Mount Houoh. At the peak is a special tree called the Megatama tree. You will need to get one of its fruits and bring it back."

"A Megatama fruit," Yuuki's body was humming with hope once again despite herself. "I just need to get a fruit from the top of the mountain and you can teach me how to break all barriers?" He nodded with a hum. She shot to her feet, "Grandpa, can I trust you to stay here?"

He chuckled, "Well, it depends on how fast you can get back here. I am very old you know."

"I'll be back soon!" She promised and ran off.

Running as fast as she could down the hill she nearly slipped and tumbled, barely catching her footing and reaching the bottom. She found her friends roaming the town together and yelled, "Guys!"

They all turned around surprised as she slowed, breathing hard and struggling to catch her breath. "There you are, damn," Inuyasha commented as he crossed his arms. "I thought you-"

"Grandpa Kakuju can teach me how to break any barrier!" She forced out once she had the breath.

They were caught off guard. "Any barrier?" Miroku questioned.

"Are you serious?" Kagome asked excitedly.

Still panting, Yuuki pointed to the mountain. "On the top of that mountain is a tree that has a special fruit. If I can get that then Kakuju can help me learn how to break any barrier."

"Ah, I see," Miroku brought a hand to his chin as he looked to the mountain. "Mount Houoh is a sacred mountain where monks and priests gather for their training. It's rumored to have mysterious spiritual properties that they're unable to explain. I believe I know the way from here."

"Well, if we're all in agreement," Sango said with a smile, "Let's head out now."

Miroku took the lead to Mount Houoh. Starting from the base of the mountain the air was cleaner with a pure presence, showing how powerful the mountains holy aura was. Along the path about halfway up, there was a rundown hut with a water well. Looking over the place Shippo asked, "Is this the place where monks stay for their training? What a dump."

"Monks don't need luxury," Miroku said proudly. "They only need a roof to protect against the rain."

"Then did you stay here for training?" He inquired and Miroku went silent at that.

"Course not!" Inuyasha replied for him as they all continued walking. "All the women are back in the city."

"Hey now!" He frowned at him. "There's no need for hostility, I did my own training in the East. Staying here wasn't a part of my regimen, though I would have happily participated."

They all basically ignored him and Inuyasha glanced over at Kagome. "What are you staring at?" Miroku pouted a little.

"Mm... I'm not sure," she began carefully, eyeing the top of the mountain, "but it feels like there's someone watching us."

"I can feel it, too," Yuuki added, following her line of sight.

"It's said that there is a spirit that protects this mountain," Miroku explained. "It's possible that the holy power is coming from the spirit itself."

Looking over Sango said, "More than likely the spirit won't allow us to take a fruit from the tree. It might be difficult for us."

Proceeding on guard, they weaved through tunnels on the mountainside and climbed cliffs. Yuuki found herself panting from the thinning air the higher they went. She glanced around to check on the others and was surprised to see Inuyasha in the back with Shippo. "Inuyasha? Shippo? Are you guys okay?"

Inuyasha was breathing heavy himself. "I don't think I can go any further. The spiritual power here is too much." Looking down at Shippo beside him he added, "Shippo's already out for the count."

The poor fox demon was lying on the ground dizzy and nauseous. "I'm gonna be sick..."

"Mew..." Sango looked down in worry to see Kirara collapse beside her. "Oh no, Kirara can't go on either."

"Inuyasha, stay back with Shippo and Kirara," Miroku instructed. "We'll continue the rest of the way."

"Yeah, fine," Inuyasha grunted as he picked up the two limp demons and headed back down the mountain for them.

The four humans were left, however Sango eventually couldn't go on. "My body feels too heavy," she said, straining to breath. "I'm sorry."

"No, you're fine, Sango," Kagome assured. "Even Miroku's having a hard time."

He sighed. "The spiritual powers are stronger than I anticipated. I doubt I'll be able to go on much further either." He helped Sango get to her feet and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "Kagome, you and Yuuki go on and try to get the fruit from the mountain. Perhaps if you make it to the top the guardian spirit will allow you to take one."

"Yeah, hopefully," Yuuki replied and pushed on.

Miroku retreated with Sango and Kagome and Yuuki were left by themselves, straining to breathe however were both on their feet. "It's been a while since it was just the two of us, huh?" Kagome said for light conversation.

Yuuki glanced at her and smiled back, "Yeah... This reminds me the first time I climbed the steps to your shrine when we were kids." The two of them laughed breathlessly at the memory. "I remember thinking it was so stupid, I was so tired I had such an attitude after."

"Did you?" She laughed, "I couldn't tell the difference with you."

They eventually came to a stop to try and catch their breath. "My body feels like lead," Yuuki panted.

"Same," Kagome looked forward and said, "We should be almost there... The path turns up ahead around the peak." They then both looked down the mountain side. "Oh, wow, that's a long way..."

"Don't slip." They could spot the others halfway down and waved. Sango and Miroku waved back with Shippo jumping lively. Yuuki glanced at them, but found herself staring at Inuyasha. Was he staring back? "He must be frustrated," Kagome glanced at her, "Not being able to make it to the top."

Kagome watched her friend's face, seeing a subtle change. She smiled, "You seem to be getting along with him better than before."

Yuuki blinked and her face went back to normal, as if coming back to her senses. Kagome couldn't mistake the light blush though. "It's easier, but he's still a lousy dog. Loud and annoying, rushing in head first."

Kagome laughed a little at that, looking back down at him. "He has his tendencies, but he's good at heart."

Yuuki glanced over at her friend. She was staring at Inuyasha with a soft expression, a smile she hadn't seen before. Yuuki swallowed, her chest feeling tight. It's not like she actually likes Inuyasha, right? Kagome made up the story that Inuyasha was her boyfriend as an excuse for their friends. However they didn't actually seem like a couple. Yuuki quickly shook her head, Not that it matters to me. "Come on, we're almost there."

Kagome nodded, "Right!"

Yuuki held out her hand and Kagome took it. Together they pushed through whatever force was fighting against them. Staggering feet and legs trembling, they made it around the bend to the top. Regardless of the tremendous effort it took to breathe, Kagome still smiled and laughed a bit, "It's a cute little bonzai tree."

Yuuki glanced around with one eye forced shut. "I don't see any spirit..."

"Maybe it won't show itself," Kagome replied. "Making it to the top like this might show our worth."

They inched forward and tried to kneel down, but both collapsed on their hands and knees. Kagome focused on her breathing while Yuuki grit her teeth, slowly reaching out with a shaky arm to the Megatama tree. There were tiny red fruits in the shape of yin yang symbols. Once she managed to pick one off, a ferocious wind picked up and they were unable to breathe for a moment.

"I commend you on your spiritual strength." A deep voice spoke to them and they peeked up, seeing a small tornado morph into a humanoid figure above them. "Many neophytes come seeing the fruit of the Megatama. Many fail. You Priestess' have shown your worth. You are free to take the Megatama fruit." And with that the spirit disappeared along with the wind.

It was a bit easier to breathe for them and they were able to get back to their feet. Looking at the small fruit in her hand Yuuki said, "This took a bit longer than I would like."

"At least we have it now," Kagome encouraged as they headed back. "It will take a few days to get back to the castle, but you'll be able to break Naraku's barrier now- assuming he's still there."

"Well, he did mention he had other plans for me," Yuuki slipped the fruit in her skirt pocket. "And I know Utsugi doesn't want to lose me, so they most likely won't be difficult to find." Once they walked back down the bend, they spotted their friends down below again and Kagome waved. Yuuki said, "I wonder if we just jump they'll catch us," and Kagome laughed.

"Don't make me laugh, my legs are still weak."

Pushing through their exhaustion, the group made an effort to hurry back to the town and made it by sunset. Yuuki took the lead up the hill to the walnut tree and was relieved to see Kakuju still there. "Well, I'm surprised you're back so soon," he commented. "Did you retrieve the fruit?"

"Yes," she pulled it out to show him and he hummed.

"You made it to the top. That is very impressive. Both you and your friend." Yuuki and Kagome glanced at each other in surprise. How was it that he knew certain things? "For the strength of every person that reaches the top of Mount Houoh, the trial set by the spirit guardian becomes that much more difficult. Very powerful warrior monks and priestess' from hundreds of years ago have made it to the top. It's nearly impossible to do such a feat anymore. Be proud of yourselves."

"Thank you, Grandpa Kakuju," Kagome replied.

Yuuki nodded as well, unsure of how to take the information. Kakuju instructed, "Swallow the fruit, then stand next to me as you've done before." Yuuki popped the rock hard fruit in her mouth and swallowed it whole. With the vibrant orange sunset beating down on them, her friends watched as Yuuki stood in front of Kakuju, him taking her hands in his. She closed her eyes and opened her mind.

A light shone beneath them, their hair and clothes swaying again by a building force. Light shot up around them and turned translucent, twisting upwards like heat waves, thrashing their clothes and hair furiously. The energies from them then spun up and disappeared into the sky. They calmed down at once and Yuuki slowly opened her eyes, the new information flooding her mind almost painfully. "There," Kakuju's voice was a bit raspy. "Now you should know how to use the Seishin powers to dispel barriers."

"All right!" Shippo cheered happily. "This time we'll destroy Naraku for sure!"

While her friends were happy, Yuuki was staring down at Kakuju. "Grandpa Kakuju...?" She could feel his hands trembling around hers.

His breathing was also a bit labored. "Sorry, dear..." With a grunt he collapsed.

"Grandpa!"

Kagome gasped, "Oh no!"

They rushed over as Yuuki knelt to him, helping him sit up. She looked him over wide eyed with worry, "Hey, are you okay? Grandpa? Kakuju?"

"Don't kick the bucket yet, old man," Inuyasha said as Miroku knelt with them and examined him.

"He doesn't appear sick," Miroku said to her and she looked at him anxiously. He smiled sympathetically, "He'll be all right, he's just exhausted." Frowning down at him he asked, "Grandpa Kakuju, was that the Tamashii no kyouyuu?"

After a cough, Kakuju replied, "You're a knowledgeable monk. You indeed have powerful friends, Yuuki."

"I don't understand, what is that?" Yuuki demanded.

"It means sharing of souls," Miroku explained. "It's a powerful knowledge sharing technique, though it's dangerous to do and consumes a lot of energy. Only those with spiritual abilities are able to accomplish it."

She looked down at Kakuju in horror while he stared up at her innocently. "Grandpa, you used that technique on me three times now. I appreciate your help, and I wouldn't have even gotten here without you, but please save your strength."

He chuckled, "Oh, it's been a while since anyone's fretted over me. Worry not," he said, patting her on the head. "I wouldn't have lived this long to begin with if I wasn't resilient." He attempted to get up with a grunt, but failed. "Oh, but I suppose that one was a bit more than I anticipated. " With a hum, he looked up and stared at Inuyasha.

Inuyasha stared back at him lazily for a moment. Eventually he blinked and realized, "Wait, you want me to carry you!?"

Kagome smiled at him sympathetically and said, "Would you please, Inuyasha? We'd all appreciate it."

"The inn I'm staying in isn't far," Kakuju promised. He then held his arms out to him like a child.

Annoyed and grumbling, Inuyasha decided to cave. "Only because you're useful to us," he said stubbornly as he effortlessly scooped the old man up.

"Oo, so strong," Kakuju commented, wrapping his arms around Inuyasha's neck.

Shippo laughed openly, irking Inuyasha, while the other's shielded their giggles. "Just keep your mouth shut or I'm dropping you." Kakuju hummed in mock intimidation.

Yuuki hurried to Inuyasha's side. "Thank you, Inuyasha," he glanced down at her and was surprised to see a full genuine smile on her face. "I really appreciate it."

"W-Whatever," brushing it off he carried the old man down the hill ahead of the others.

Sango stared at Yuuki, watching her face closely, examining her expression as she stared after Inuyasha. She furrowed her brows up. She couldn't... did she? She looked over at Kagome for conformation. Kagome was watching Yuuki as well. When she noticed Sango staring at her, she only gave a smile. Sango blinked, feeling like she was missing something. But if Kagome was okay, she supposed the situation was fine.

The group stayed the night Kichibei's hut and headed out in the grey dawn. The quickest way was a straight shot through the mountain range. It would still take a few days, however with Kagome piggy backing on Inuyasha, Yuuki riding Shippo's form of a goose, and Miroku and Sango riding Kirara, they made good time in the daylight. The Highway past Tsuzumi Village happened to be cleared as well, and they were able to make it back to the castle town in three days.

However, as they approached the atmosphere was changed; colder, and it set them on edge. They approached the first house before the bridge, seeing it trashed; holes in the roof, the door was ripped away, deserted with dishware sprawled out through the door into the street. "Was this house so dilapidated last time we were here?" Yuuki questioned as they passed by.

"I think it was a lot nicer before," Shippo replied from Kagome's shoulder.

"I wonder if a burglar got in there," Sango said as they walked up to the bridge. They then stopped, staring out at the castle town, seeing the other housing before them decrepit as the one they passed. "But… All the other houses look pretty ruined, too," she murmured.

"Yes, the whole town feels pretty desolate," Kagome said, staring in worry. "I wonder if it's because of Naraku."

"It has to be," Miroku replied. "We let a witness escape the castle. He must have punished the town. If Naraku is allowed to continue to sit in the castle, this town will soon…"

"If everyone's not dead already," Inuyasha said quietly, speaking everyone's minds, and then walked ahead of them.

They hurried into the village and stopped when they turned a corner, seeing Kagura there in the middle of the street. She was smiling at them slightly annoyed, tapping her closed fan on her chin. "You sure kept me waiting. I was just about to fall asleep."

Once Yuuki laid her eyes on her she was seeing red. "Tame for a wakeup call, bitch," she growled and marched to the front to face her.

"Right, the cripple of the group," she chuckled and asked in sarcastic concern, "Do you still have a bandage on?" In response Yuuki pulled off her rosary and cracked her whip at the ground, creating a large gash. Kagura only smirked, an excited glint in her eye.

"Why are you even here, Kagura?" Miroku asked suspiciously.

"It's not like you to face us alone," Sango added.

"I only want one thing," she replied. She then pointed with her fan at Yuuki and said, "I'm here to take your soul."

Yuuki barked a laugh, "You think you can do it by yourself? Fucking try."

"It's simple enough when you can't touch me," she said and opened her fan, hiding her amused smile behind it. Yuuki smirked and Kagura narrowed her eyes. "Go ahead and try. I wouldn't mind seeing the looks of despair on your faces."

Inuyasha whipped out his Tessaiga and said, "Yuuki, take care of it quickly!"

"Right," Confidence was flooding out of her as she put her rosary back on. She then closed her eyes and concentrated her power.

Kagura wasn't giving them a chance and shouted, "Dance of Blades!" With a wave of her fan the wind whipped up and created blades flying at them.

Yuuki remained immobile, focusing as Inuyasha shouted, "Wind Scar!" His attack cancelled out Kagura's to her annoyance.

Yuuki's Seishin powers outlined her body and she held her arms out wide open. They could see the air shift around her like heat waves. She snapped her eyes open and shouted, "Spirit's Rage!" The translucent energy shot out like tendrils at Kagura. Kagura narrowed her eyes, and then gasped as the invisible force collided with the barrier, revealing it before shattering it like glass. "Now!"

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango flung her Hiraikotsu at Kagura, but demons flew out of the woodworks to take the blow for her.

"Wind Scar!"

Inuyasha swung his blade and unleashed his attack again, but Kagura smirked and waved her fan. "Dance of the Dragon!" The air twisted in a tornado and warped Inuyasha's attack, sending it right back at them.

They ran to dodge and Yuuki tossed up her rosary. She clapped her hands and scattered the beads at her, creating a distraction as Kagura focused on dodging. Kagome then knocked back and arrow and fired in her confusion. Kagura smirked and plucked a feather from her hair, transforming it to a giant size. "You won't get away!" Miroku shouted and then removed the rosary from his hand. "Wind Tunnel!"

"Hang on to something!" Kagome shouted.

Inuyasha jumped over to her and grabbed a hold of her, making sure she didn't get sucked into the void Miroku unleashed. Shippo shouted as Yuuki grabbed onto a side of a building, snagging him by the tail. Sango and the transformed Kirara stayed close to the ground, hugging tightly. Kagura glared down at Miroku as she was slowly getting pulled in by his hand tunnel. She then smirked as Saimyosho came out of nowhere, flying straight for Miroku. "Miroku!" Sango shouted and he was forced to close his hand. Yuuki lashed out with her rosary, killing the Saimyosho easily.

"Count yourself lucky," Kagura called down to them. Yuuki glared up at her and she smirked back. "You just made yourself useful by being alive."

"Get back here!" Inuyasha shouted as she flew off. "Dammit!"

"That was amazing work, Yuuki," Kagome said to her, gaining her attention.

"Thanks," she replied and glared after Kagura, "but it sounds like I just gave Naraku some new ideas."

"And since Kagura got away, Naraku will now know that we can break barriers," Sango added.

"So what?" Inuyasha questioned.

"So," Miroku replied trying to be patient, "even though we can break the barrier and attack Naraku, he'll become more evasive and become more difficult to find."

"We can't worry about that now," Inuyasha argued. "Kagura is here which means Naraku must still be here. All we have to do is hurry up to the castle and kill him once and for all!"

"Yeah!" Shippo chimed in excitement.

They regrouped and hurried through the town to the castle. The place was deserted, no people, no sounds, they didn't even come across demons when they passed through the front gates. The castle was as wrecked as the town. Inuyasha sniffed as he ran ahead, knowing that path already. The others ran behind him, but Yuuki stopped at the stairs. She noticed something colorful on the ground and looked down, seeing the pinwheel. Her eyes widened in horror. "Toki…"

Kagome stopped, hearing Yuuki's voice, and looked back at her confused. "Yuuki? What is it?"

The others stopped and turned back as well, seeing Yuuki kneel and pick up the pinwheel. "This is the pinwheel I brought to Toki for Jiro…"

Kagome stared down at her friend sadly. "Oh no…"

"I guess she wasn't able to escape," Sango said quietly and Yuuki's grip tightened on the pinwheel.

"That might not be the case," Miroku spoke up. "She may have dropped it when she fled the castle. She may have reunited with her brother."

May have. Yuuki stared down at the pinwheel sadly. However in her heart she knew she didn't make it. The town is in ruin. Naraku must have wiped the place out once we disappeared. Shippo hopped into her view and he smiled up at her. "Maybe it fell out of her pocket when she was running away."

Yuuki made an effort to smile back. "Yeah. You're right."

"Either way, we need to get to Naraku," Inuyasha said and she looked up at him. She only nodded and he took the lead again. Naraku and Utsugi... Whatever their plans are for me, I need to find a way to beat them.