Unable to believe that she was gone, Inuyasha was searching the river of miasma for Kikyo, hoping to find at least any sign that she was alive.

Unfortunately, he found nothing.

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Koga raised an eyebrow "So you're saying that Naraku put up that huge barrier and hold himself up in that mountain in order to kill this one woman?"

Gohan face-palmed "Koga, lady Kikyo was no ordinary woman. Naraku feared her spiritual powers. He wanted to rid himself of his heart. The human heart beating inside him that still yearned for Kikyo. This greatly bothered him. He tried once before, during the whole thing with Muso. But Naraku absorbed Muso back into his body. He felt that it had been too soon to release him."

Kagome's eyes widened "Then that means Naraku was…"

Miroku nodded "Those enumerable clumps of flesh we saw deep inside Mount Hakurei. He was trying to create a body which could seal his human heart, and then cast that body away."

"That way, nothing would stop him from getting rid of the greatest threat to him, and that was lady Kikyo." Gohan finished

"So now that he's finally succeeded in killing off that scary priestess, does that mean that that bastard Naraku can do whatever he wants whenever he wants?" asked Koga

"That about sums it up."

"Well, I'm not gonna let that happen."

At that moment, Ginta and Hakkaku showed up.

Koga sighed. He knew what he had to do.

"You guys have to go home. Back to the mountains." He told them seriously ""It's gotten much too dangerous now for you. Besides, you'll slow us down."

'At least Koga's honest.' Ginta and Hakkaku thought, slightly ruefully. Glancing at Koga's legs, they thought about the two Sacred Jewel shards embedded there and wished that they too could have a share of Koga's power.

But, knowing there was nothing they could do concerning their leader's decision, they only nodded "All right, Koga. We'll see you around."
Koga, at this point, could not contain his emotion. This could be the last time he would see Ginta and Hakkaku, the two who had stayed by his side through thick and thin. To him, the two were his family who he loved dearly.

"Take care of yourselves," he whispered, and he embraced Ginta and Hakkaku in a fierce hug.
"We will, Koga," Ginta said when the hug had ended.
"Good luck defeating Naraku!" yelled Hakkaku, waving.
Ginta and Hakkaku left, cheerfully saying goodbye to their leader Koga. And Koga was smiling fondly at them.

Gohan shrugged "Well, glad to have you onboard Koga."

Koga smirked as he bumped fists with him "Glad to be here." He stopped.

"What's wrong?" asked Kagome

"I don't hear the mutt complaining like usual. Where is that idiot anyway? He looked awfully down about something."

Gohan sighed "Inuyasha's having trouble accepting lady Kikyo's death, not that I can blame him. His first chance as love and happiness was ripped away from him by Naraku 50 years ago. Now he has another chance at being with the woman he loves, only to have her ripped away from her again, by the same bastard as before."

The others nodded in agreement.

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Inuyasha continued searching down the river 'Kikyo… Why did you try to fight him on your own? Why didn't you wait until I got there? Kikyo! Even in the river, the miasma is weakening. Kikyo… You're there, aren't you Kikyo?!"

He thought back to what Sesshomaru had said to him, and how Kikyo had told them of Naraku's weakness: the heart of Onigumo still beating within him 'Kikyo didn't believe in me… That's why she died… Damnit! Kikyo… Did you really die here, all alone?'

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Morning came.

Gohan and the others were waiting for Inuyasha to return from searching for Kikyo, when he finally did.

Alone.

Inuyasha began choking up "I just thought I'd be able to… find her remains at least."

Gohan and Koga looked at him, but said nothing.

Inuyasha walked towards them and sit down without a word.

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The group decided to check to see what areas were affected by the the destruction of Mount Hakurei.

They found Shintaro and his village were doing ok after the incident.

Gohan saw Inuyasha silently looking out at the ocean "Hey. You doing ok?"

Inuyasha said nothing.

"I know what you're going through. I haven't told anyone this yet, except for Kagome. It was about 4 years ago, I was fighting an evil big monster named Cell. I had the responsibility of taking him out since I was the only one powerful enough to do it. I had him on the ropes and I had the perfect chance to take him out, but I was so consumed by my power and anger that I wanted nothing more than to make him suffer. Unfortunately, that gave Cell the chance to blow himself up and take everyone with him. Because of this, my dad had to sacrifice himself to save us all. I've lived with that guilt every day since then. Do you know how much that guilt has resurfaced since I first came to this era? Every time I let you, Kagome or the others get captured or hurt, and after the incident with Mukotsu and Renkotsu, it's even worse. Every time something happened to them, it nearly killed me inside. But I eventually learned how to deal with it, by vowing to get stronger so I'd never let anything like that happen to the people I care about ever again, and nobody else would have to go through what I did. I inherited my father's role, as the one to protect the world. I vowed to myself that I'd keep getting stronger so I could protect those who can't protect themselves. If I don't, I'll never be able to face my dad again. If I can get over my grief, why can't you?"

Inuyasha paused, then smiled "Thanks Gohan. I needed that."

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Sunset came.

The group came across another village that had been attacked by the demons that had escaped from Mount Hakurei.

Naturally, they set to work burying the fallen.

They soon got help from an elderly monk passing by.

"So you came from the area of Mount Hakurei?" asked Miroku

The monk nodded "I have been on a pilgrimage traveling around these lands. I'd heard that Mount Hakurei, the sacred mountain, had collapsed, and that an evil aura was spreading south. Oddly enough, it's exactly as that priestess said. It was two days ago. An injured priestess washed up on the river bank near a village on the other side of the mountains. She mumbled about being wounded by Naraku. Then she said that she had to go after this Naraku."

Inuyasha's eyes widened 'That has to be Kikyo! There's no doubt! So she did survive!'

But the elderly monk continued "However, her injuries were so serious, she may have already died from them."

Kagome turned to Inuyasha "Go. Kikyo must be waiting."

Inuyasha nodded in gratitude and took off.

Gohan sighed "Well, I should go after him. This may be a trap. Koga, I'm trusting you to look after Kagome."

Koga nodded, and Gohan sped off.

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Morning came.

"Inuyasha and Gohan haven't returned yet." Sango mused

Miroku sighed "Well, let's keep going. They'll find us sooner or later, whether Inuyasha picks up her scent, or Gohan senses Kagome's spiritual power."

Koga nodded "Easy enough."

That was when they were confronted by men from a castle, and decided not to bother putting up a fight, seeing as they could easily get passed them.

Shippo and Kilala evaded them, and escaped to find Gohan and Inuyasha.

They had no idea what they were walking into.

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Kagome and the others were brought to a castle, where "suspicious characters" we're being beheaded.

Kagome was separated from the others when the lady of the castle ordered her presence, and ordered the men to kill Koga and the others.

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Shippo and Kilala were searching for Gohan and Inuyasha when they came across a large horde of demons that escaped from Mount Hakurei.

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Kagome was brought before the lady of the castle, who was holding the infant in her arms "Now that Kikyo is dead, it seems you are the only one able to sense the sacred jewel shards."

Kagome's eyes widened, and she looked back to see the monk from before collapse to the ground, dead.

Kagura appeared behind the body "Honestly I've had it. That bastard makes me look after this stupid infant."

"Kagura! Then this priest…"

"Don't you see? I was controlling him with my dance of the dead."

The infant controlling the woman chuckled "No one will come to save you. The monk, wolf and demon slayers will be killed by the castle soldiers. Son Gohan and Inuyasha will not come. They are completely obsessed with finding Kikyo."

Kagome's eyes widened "This infant is Naraku incarnation. Just what do you intend to do with me?"

The infant scoffed "I told you. You are the only one left who can see the sacred jewel shards. I have need of your eyes."

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Koga and the others were fighting off the castle men, with Sango doing most of the work.

But defeating them without killing wasn't Koga's specialty.

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The infant chuckled darkly "Kagome, I will make good use of your eyes. Kagura, I want you to untie her ropes now."

Kagura shrugged and cut the rope around Kagome.

The lady of the castle fell, dead.

The infant, Akago, then used his powers to search Kagome's heart 'What is it about this girl's soul? I can find no darkness. That cannot be. With every human, there is always some darkness in their soul. Perhaps anger, hatred, or…"

Kagome's eyes widened 'What is… This terrible feeling? It feels like he's groping around inside my heart… Help me… Help me Gohan! Gohan isn't… isn't coming to rescue me… Gohan isn't coming… Him and Inuyasha are still searching for Kikyo… Gohan isn't going to come and save me… Gohan…'

Akago's eyes widened 'I found it… I finally grasped the darkness in your heart, Kagome. You can't get away from me now… Now hold me tightly… Let our souls unite and become my eyes…"

Kagome tightened her hold on Akago as her eyes shut, before they opened again, looking forlorn.

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Koga and the others were still fighting the castle guards, without trying to kill them.

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Kagura watched them from the castle "Those three are still alive, and it seems as if they refuse to kill the castle soldiers. As usual, they're far too principled."

Akago chuckled "But soon they'll want to kill the soldiers. After all, the soldiers are quite intent on killing them. The malice of the soldiers is contagious, and soon the humans will kill each other. The human heart is weak. Hatred is bred easily. This girl is no exception."

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Gohan and Inuyasha were still looking for Kikyo.

'We've been up and down the river where the old priest said.' Inuyasha mused 'But I can't find Kikyo's scent anywhere. And none of the villagers around here claim to have seems a priestess either. What's going on?'

"Umm, Inuyasha?" Gohan interrupted his thoughts "We've got company."

He looked up to see a large horde of demons.

Shippo transformed back "Phew. They're gone. I don't think they saw me here either. But Gohan and Inuyasha are nowhere to be found. And Kilala and I got separated."

That was when Gohan picked him up by the tail from behind "Hey Shippo."

Shippo started freaking out when he saw a demon in the grass, but calmed down when it turned out to only be Kilala.

He quickly explained the situation.

Gohan's eyes widened "Kagome and the others were taken to the castle? While we were searching for Kikyo… This was a setup!" he bolted as fast as he could, with Inuyasha and the rest following soon 'Kagome… Please, just hang in there a little bit longer. I'm on my way!'

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With the arrival of Gohan and Inuyasha, Koga and the others quickly defeated the men without killing them.

"Gohan." said Miroku "Kagome has been taken inside the castle."

Gohan nodded "I'm on my way." and he sped into the castle as fast as he could 'I can sense Kagura and some other one I don't recognize. Hang on Kagome! I'm on my way!'

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Kagura and Akago brought Kagome to an abandoned temple, where Kanna presented them with a sacred jewel shard.

"I want you to implant that tainted sacred jewel shard into Kagome." Akago told Kagura "Once it is in, she will be completely under our control. My mission here is almost done. Implant the shard and I shall go into hiding."

Kagura nodded "With this, Kagome will become Naraku's slave. She will share the same fate as Kohaku."

Hearing Kohaku's name snapped Kagome out of it 'I can't move my body… This strange infant has a grasp on my soul… I have to break free… I have to free myself from its grasp…'

"Kagura, hold on." said Akago "She's a stubborn one. She's regained consciousness. It's useless. You must realize by now that Son Gohan won't come and save you. He made his choice, and he chose Kikyo over you. Remember Kagome, when you learned that Kikyo had died. The woman who came before you was gone. The moment Son Gohan and Inuyasha heard that Kikyo was alive, they went after her. Whether she's dead or alive, Son Gohan chose to go after Kikyo instead of stay with you. Don't you feel bitter towards Son Gohan? Don't you hate Kikyo? It's okay to feel hatred. You're not wrong to hate them. Fill your heart with bitterness once more, and let me grasp your soul."

Kagome's eyes then shut.

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As he ran through the forest, Gohan felt a chill in his spine 'I've got a bad feeling about this. Kagome, hang on just a little bit longer!' and he picked up the pace.

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As Kagura prepared to place the tainted jewel shard into Kagome, she began fighting against Akago's influence 'I'm bitter toward Gohan? I hate Kikyo? I guess I have every reason to, but…' she resisted the jewel shard "You're wrong. What you're saying to me is completely wrong. Gohan can't help worry about Kikyo. Even if I feel pain and jealousy towards Kikyo because of it. However, bearing a grudge against Gohan and feeling jealousy toward Kikyo, these are normal feelings that any human would have. And it doesn't mean that I should feel bitterness towards them. Gohan is a good, kind, pure-hearted person who worries about all of those he cares about. Including me. I know… All these feelings… they mean… that I… They mean that I'm in love with Gohan!"

Akago growled.

"KAGOME!" Gohan's voice roared as he slashed through the walls of the temple.

"Gohan… you came for me…' Kagome mentally got out as she lost consciousness

Gohan caught her as she collapsed, and glared at the others "What did you do to her?"

Akago scoffed "I just rummaged around inside of her soul a little bit. Because you can't help worry about Kikyo, I was able to find a tiny speck of darkness in Kagome's heart. It's too bad. Just one more little step and I could've "

"You little bastard."

At that moment, Koga and the others showed up.

"Monk, demon slayer, wolf. How many of the soldiers did you kill?" Akago questioned

Miroku glared "Hate to disappoint you, but we don't kill needlessly." then his eyes widened 'This infant… The ghastly color of his skin… Was he created from the clumps of flesh Naraku was producing at Mount Hakurei? Tell me. Are you Naraku's human heart?"

"Why would you think that?"

"We know that Naraku hid himself at Mount Hakurei in order to create a more powerful body. But also, he wanted to cast away his human heart. Naraku told us he cut away his human heart, which continued to yearn for Kikyo. That way, he could slay her."

"This baby… is Naraku's heart which yearns for Kikyo?" Gohan questioned slowly "It's absolutely sick! The underhanded ways Naraku toys with people's emotions!"

"There is a possibility that I am indeed the human heart which Naraku once possessed. I can clearly see into a person's heart. There weaknesses and frailties. I know just what to do to make one suffer, to feel sorrow or hate. This is all familiar to me. But if there's one feeling that I did not inherit from Naraku, it's the anguish of yearning for Kikyo. And where do you think that feeling went? Those disgusting clumps of flesh you saw at Mount Hakurei? That's where."

Miroku's eyes widened 'That was Naraku's abandoned heart.'

"And that is why I feel neither pain nor sorrow." Akago stated easily

Gohan glared at him with fury "So in other words, you're just a monster with Naraku's heart, all twisted and grotesque. That's all I need to hear. Now you will suffer." he drew the Ryuuga and launched a Dragon Cyclone at them, which was easily repelled by a barrier, destroying the temple. Fortunately they got away before the temple blew up, allowing Akago and the other incarnations to make a getaway. Gohan looked at the unconscious girl in his arms 'Kagome… I'm sorry I left you all alone… I promise I'll never you fall into Naraku's hands again… Never will I let you suffer like lady Kikyo did…'

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The group returned to Kaede's village to allow Kagome to recover.

"Forgive me Kaede." Inuyasha said quietly.

Kaede shook her head "Say no more Inuyasha. My sister Kikyo was forced to return to this world of the living. While here, her soul only suffered. And so…"

"I was unable to save Kikyo's soul… She was killed for a second time by that bastard Naraku…"

Kaede sighed "Sister Kikyo's soul has faded now. She will no longer have to suffer. So Inuyasha, you need not suffer either. Yes, my dear sister is gone, but I wish her remains could be returned to her proper resting place."

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"I hope Kagome is ok." Shippo muttered "She's been sleeping ever since we got back."

Koga shook his head "Kagome's not one to give up so easily. Besides, Gohan is with her."

Sango nodded "She'll be just fine. Trust me."

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As Gohan watched over her, Kagome slowly opened her eyes, then looked at him and smiled warmly "I see… So you did come for me after all…"

"Kagome, I'm so sorry about what happened." Gohan said quietly "I wasn't there for you."

"It's okay. Really." Kagome said softly

"No, it's not. I let you get into serious danger. Again. Any later, and I would've lost you."

Kagome smiled sadly at him "But if you were to hear news of Kikyo's whereabouts, you'd go off with Inuyasha to look for her again, wouldn't you?"

"No, I wouldn't. Inuyasha's the one who loves her. If anybody should, it's him. I will never leave you again Kagome."

Kagome silently leaned on Gohan's shoulder 'Gohan will always be worrying about others first. But I still love him. That's why I love him.'

Gohan smiled softly as he placed an arm around Kagome's shoulder and pulled her in closer to him "Thank you Kagome…"

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"You're sure it's alright for us to go back?" asked Kagome

Inuyasha nodded "Sure, there's nothing for you to do around here anyway. Later guys."

"Well if you say so." Gohan and Kagome then jumped into the well.

Inuyasha looked down the well, lost in his thoughts 'Now that Kikyo is gone, I guess all I have left to cling onto that is Gohan and Kagome's relationship. Let's just hope he doesn't make the same mistakes I did.'

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Sota was messing around with his soccer ball when he saw Gohan and Kagome emerging from the Well House "Hey Gohan, sis, welcome home!"

Kagome gave a tired smile "Nice to be back."

"Hey kid." Gohan gave a tired wave "I'm heading home, tell the others I said hi."

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Mrs Higurashi smiled "Kagome. Welcome back dear."

"You were gone for some time." Grandpa Higurashi pointed out "It was hard coming up with excuses for your school."

"I'm just glad that you're home again safe."

Kagome nodded quietly.

"What's the matter?" asked Grandpa Higurashi "You tired or something?"

Kagome shook her head "Not tired, at least not that tired." then she handed them something wrapped in a cloth "Here you are, a present, apparently some kind of rare dried food."

"Oh, I can't wait to try it."

"I'm gonna go rest in my room." Kagome made her way up to her room and thought back to her earlier conversation with Gohan 'I can't keep putting myself through all this, and I definitely can't keep putting Gohan through all of this. He keeps putting himself at risk just to protect me, and whenever I get hurt he gets so emotionally messed up over it. The only way to fix that is to become stronger myself.' she sat up "Okay!"

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Gohan dropped down on Mount Paozu "Hey mom, I'm home."

"Hi sweetheart." Chichi poked her head out "You've been gone for quite awhile. It was getting hard to get the school to buy the excuse that you're sick."

"Sorry, but someone's gotta deal with this whole Shikon Jewel shards thing."

"Well I'm just glad you're home safe."

"Thanks…" he appeared rather downcast.

"What's wrong? You must be tired."

"Not really, I'm gonna go workout."

"Are you sure? If you're that exhausted-"

"Then it means I'm not good enough." Gohan's voice was increasingly tense "Oh right, I almost forgot." he handed her something wrapped in a cloth "Here."

"What is it?"

"Some rare dried food we got from a village awhile back. I already gave some to Kai too on my way back." and he made his way back outside.

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Kagome was putting it away in spades during dinner.

"Maybe you should pace yourself sis." Sota muttered.

Kagome just kept putting it away "I'm going back to school tomorrow after months of absence, I need to store up energy. I think I'll be here for awhile, so I'm gonna buckle down and study hard. Besides, I desperately need to catch up in all my classes."

"Well you seem ready to go."

"Yep." she held out the bowl "Seconds please." then she noticed the others staring "What is it?"

"Nothing."

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Kagome was soon soaking in a hot bath 'I'll get a good night's sleep and forget all about the Feudal Era for awhile. I'll concentrate on who I really am: a junior high school student in love with her best friend.'

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(At the same time- on Gohan's end)

Gohan was pushing himself to his limit, using his elemental powers in his Dragon Saiyan form, which he had reawakened in the present after awakening Super Saiyan in the Feudal Era, and using his elemental powers that come with the form, and chucking rocks at the trees surrounding him.

He didn't even bother looking when Piccolo appeared behind him "You don't have to push yourself like this."

Gohan just kept chucking boulders.

"Kagome's strong, she can take care of yourself."

Gohan switched from just boulders to boulders from one hand and fire-infused Ki blasts from the other.

"Pushing yourself half to death won't bring him back."

Gohan let out a furious roar and fired a Masenko, destroying a large part of the surrounding forest and leaving a scorching crater in the ground "Any other cliches you wanna shove down my throat Piccolo? I'm not the same naive little kid I was when you first trained me, I've grown up enough to realize my mistakes. I just wish I had before."

"Gohan-"

"Don't even say it! It was my fault and you know it! I have no excuses for what happened against Cell! I had the chance to finish off Cell, but I didn't take it! I had the power to finish it, but I let it go to my head, and because of that dad paid the price! Because of me, my mother lost her husband, my little brother will grow up without a father, and the Earth lost its first and greatest protector. It's my fault!" he finally fell to his knees and broke down sobbing "It's my fault… I've already lost my father, I can't lose them too, and this whole ordeal with the Band of Seven was just way too close a call."

"And how do you think she's feeling right now? You think she doesn't feel exactly the same about you?"

Gohan slowly looked up at Piccolo, tears still streaming down his face.

Piccolo put a gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder "Think about this from her perspective. She's already lost her father, the last thing she needs is to lose her best friend too."

Gohan froze, then wiped away the tears and stood "Fine, I'll take a break and rest for a little while before I get back to it."

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After taking a long hot bath and a nap, Gohan started putting it away during dinner, several times more than Kagome was.

It got to the point where even Goten was disturbed "Maybe you should pace yourself big brother, you're gonna make yourself sick."

"Can't-afford-to." Gohan got out between bites "Haven't had a good meal in months, had to keep meditating several times a day to suppress my Saiyan appetite and keep from starving to death. I need to build up my strength again, I'm gonna be here for at least 2 weeks so I'm gonna buckle down and study hard." he held out his bowl "Thirds please."

"Coming up." Chichi went to get another helping.

Gohan was about to wolf it down, but noticed Goten staring at him "What?"

"Nothing." was all he said.

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Gohan finished one last workout before bed 'Now to forget about the Feudal Era for awhile and focus on who I really am: a half-Saiyan junior high school student in love with one of his best friends.'

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Unfortunately, that was easier said than done for both of them.

Kagome found the entire school being decorated almost exactly like the Feudal Era "Oh come on!"

That was when Yuka, Ayumi and Eri showed up "Hey Kagome, how's it going? So you're well enough to return to school?"

"Um… yeah."

Ayumi smiled "That's good, you sure were gone a long time."

"What was it again?" asked Yuka "An inner ear disorder that made you hear all kinds of strange things?"

Kagome chose not to dignify that "Nevermind me, what's going on here?"

"Oh just more preparations."

"Wait, Kagome's been away for such a long time he probably doesn't know anything about any of it." Ayumi pointed out.

"Oh yeah, you're right."

"About what?" asked Kagome.

"Cultural festival." Eri told her.

"...What?"

"We're having a cultural festival." Ayumi clarified.

"A festival? But what about classes?"

Yuka grinned "Classes, are you kidding? We're too busy with all of this, we just have classes in the morning."

'Why did we have to come back when classes weren't crucial?' she hung her head.

"Are you okay?" asked Ayumi.

"I'm going home."

Eri quickly stopped her "Hold on a minute."

"Guess I'm not really needed here or over there right now."

"Why are you so depressed Kagome?" asked Yuka "You've gotta try and shake it off, what can we do to help you?"

Kagome just sighed.

Then Ayumi had an idea "I know, let's sing!"

"Sing?"

"Yes, that'll cheer you up."

"Well…"

"You know what? Kagome, you should participate in the festival as well." Eri suggested.

"Huh?"

Yuka nodded "That's right, we could sure use the help."

"What's that?"

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Kagome blinked "An understudy?"

Yuka grinned "Yeah, think of it as being like a stand-in or like a substitute.

Ayumi nodded "Come on, I mean how hard could it be?"

"Well… okay then, I'll do it." Kagome relented "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Sing with the choir!"

"Sing?"

"Help with the food." said Yuka.

"The food?"

"Acting." said Eri.

"Acting?"

"I have a small role for you, the heroine's friend Brilliant."

"So which should I do?"

Yuka grinned "All of them of course."

"All three?!"

"You're the understudy." Eri pointed out.

"But-"

"Don't be so chicken." Ayumi coaxed.

Yuka turned angry "Look Kagome, we've got a practice and preparation but you'll be done with all of this in a few days so doing all three should be easy."

Kagome eventually relented "Okay, fine.

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5 minutes after Kagome showed up, Gohan looked around "Nope." and he left.

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Gohan showed up at his house "Hey mom, I'm home."

Chichi poked her head out of the kitchen "What are you doing home so early? I thought you had school."

"So did I, until I found out that the cultural festival was taking place and classes mean less than nothing."

"Huh."

"Anyway, I'm meeting Kai downtown, he wanted me to help out in the dojo he works at after school."

"He has a job?"

"He lives on his own, he's gotta pay rent somehow." and he flew off.

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"Naraku tried to use Kagome's eyes?" asked Kaede

Miroku nodded "To find the remaining sacred jewel shards. But that means that he has no idea where it is, meaning that there are shards even Naraku can't find. Probably hidden somewhere even Naraku can't find."

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Naraku had run into a problem.

One shard. One shard of the Shikon jewel had yet to be located, and even he was unable to find it. In order to find it, he tracked down a demon named Mimi Senri, capable of hearing all things in the world.

After some time, the final jewel shard was located: at the border between this world and the netherworld.

Now all Naraku had to do was figure out how the **** to get there.

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Actually, by dojo, Gohan meant a garage on the edge of Tokyo and he was meeting up with Krillin and Kai to screw around with stuff.

Gohan pulled out a gigantic tire "Come on, just cram yourself in there."

"I can't, my body's too big." Krillin told him, earning a look "What? Nevermind. Hey Kai, hop inside this thing."

"For what?" asked Kai.

"Just get in the tire."

"No!"

"Come on, just do it. Don't be such a coward." he pushed Kai inside the tire.

"Fore the record, I don't wanna do this."

"Don't worry, I'll stop you." Gohan promised.

"Hey don't let the midget push me, he's jacked up on juice."

"Oh shut up!" then Krillin pushed him.

Gohan was prepared to catch him, but then answered a phone call instead "Oh hey mom. I told you, I'm helping Kai out at the dojo. No I'm not at the garage, don't forget that Kai got banned from there after last time. Well have fun shopping with Zangya."

"Why am I still rolling?" Kai shouted "Gohan!"

Then Gohan realized his mistake "Oops. Mom, I'm gonna have to call you back." then he hung up "Run!" then he and Krillin ran after the tire.

"When will it end!" Kai rolled down a flight of stairs, through a crossway in the street, and bounced off of the roof of a car.

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Chichi came out of the mall with Zangya to see Kai roll past "What?"

Then Gohan and Krillin ran past "Kai's in the tire!"

"Of course he is. I thought you said you weren't going to the garage again."

"We both know you didn't believe that for a second."

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Vegeta had been flying over Tokyo out of sheer boredom when he saw Kai rolling down the street beneath him 'The things I do.' he floated down and held out one hand.

Kai's tire hit Vegeta's hand full force, then tipped over and eventually stopped spinning, allowing Kai to puke violently.

Once Gohan and Krillin arrived, Gohan voiced what all three were thinking "...I'm next." he then started arguing with Krillin and even Vegeta over who was next.

"HEY!" Kai finally finished puking and ended the argument "What happened?"

"I got a phone call."

(A/N: For those who didn't figure it out, this scene is inspired by Grown Ups 2)

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Kagome was not having fun with the cultural festival.

She was forced by Ayumi into singing the most important solo of the choir.

Eri had given her the main female role of the play.

Yuka had made her track down some rare food for the stands.

She was on the roof screaming out her frustration.

"Sounds like the stress is getting to you." a voice said from behind.

Kagome looked to see Hojo walk up to her "Oh hey Hojo."

"I hear you've taken on a lot of work for the festival."

"Not taken on! More like forced to! At first, it was just helping out a little. Then the jobs got bigger and bigger!"

"Well, you haven't been in school for awhile. So maybe everyone just wants you to really be a part of this festival."

Kagome shrugged "Say Hojo, do you know how to cook any unusual dishes?"

"Well, I'm not really much of a cook."

Then Kagome got an idea.

Hojo was about to ask her out, when he noticed that she was gone "Where'd she go?"

"Seriously man, you'd think you'd learn."

Hojo looked to see Kai staring at him, clearly bored.

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Kagome borrowed the last of the dried food from her grandpa.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"I'll be back soon." said Koga

"Be careful wolf." Inuyasha warned "The smells can be kind of extreme."

"Says the half-breed mutt. I'll be back later." and he jumped into the well.

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After getting his stomach pumped, Kai was eating some of the dried food for a snack "These things are tasty, but they're kind of on the tough side. Maybe I can boil it." so he did and sat on the couch with a magazine.

That was when Koga came in, having followed Gohan's scent, and saw the demon "Oh crap."

Kai looked up "Oh hey, how's it going?"

Koga said nothing, he just destroyed the demon before Kai saw it "That was close."

"What was?"

"That must've been the Shiro Nyudo Sango mentioned. Where's the rest?"

"Rest of what?"

"The rest of the dried foods Gohan and Kagome brought back."

"Oh I went through all of those really fast, the one in the pot was the last of it. Name's Kai by the way."

"Koga."

"The wolf guy Gohan beat the crap out of?"

"Oh you heard about that."

"Kind of hard not to."

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"Hey Kai!" Gohan stopped by Kai's apartment and saw Koga screwing around with Kai's pet cat, Kuro "Okay, a few questions. How are you here, why are you here, what's with the beads around your neck and what the hell are you doing?"

Koga shrugged "Jewel shards, the others sent me to get you and Kagome, she gave me this necklace and sent me over. Also, here." he handed Gohan a note saying Down boy "And to answer your last question, I'm messing around with your friend's cat while he masturbates." he then got a Ki blast to the head that went through the wall "Okay, I deserve that. Anyway, let's get Kagome and go back."

"No can do, she's part of the cultural festival and if we make her leave now she'll throw a fit."

"Can friends and family come too?" asked Kai.

"I don't see why not?"

"Mind if I come too?" asked Koga.

"Yeah, let me stop you right there. Look Koga, whenever Inuyasha shows up it's easy to cover up his ears with a hat but yours are another story, along with your claws, fangs and the sword strapped to your side." he shut Koga up before he could protest "Down boy."

WHAM!

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Kagome had brought the dried foods to school for the cultural festival.

But she didn't count on them becoming reconstituted demons and wrecking the home ec room before leaving to explore the school.

Fortunately, Kagome and her friends had a backup plan: raiding a grocery store.

"Well, at least that's taken care of." Kagome muttered

Gohan nodded "But who could've done that to the home ec room though?"

What they didn't notice was a demon fungi creeping up behind him.

"Hey Gohan, Kagome!" that was when Koga, Kai, Chichi and Goten rounded a corner "What the hell is that thing?"

"That's a Kuro Tengudake!" Koga quickly drew Shiroga and destroyed it "You guys alright?"

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at Kai's!" Gohan barked.

"Would you shut it! Never mind why I'm here, what were you thinking?"

"Thinking about what?"

"You guys brought those dried foods back, didn't you?"

5 minutes of explanation later…

Kagome's eyes shot wide "What? Are you telling me that if you boil the dried food then it'll turn back into demons?"

Koga slurped down some noodles "You mean you brought them back here without knowing?"

"We wouldn't have brought them back if we knew." Gohan pointed out.

"Fair enough. So how many did you guys bring anyway?"

"Let's see. Kagome had 4 and I had 4, we brought 4 here."

"4? No wonder they were gone so quickly." Kai muttered.

Koga stood "So I've gotta take out demons in this world too? Oh well, at least I get a workout in."

"Don't worry Koga, this is my chance to put my training to good use."

Gohan smacked Kai on the back of the head "Forget it Kai, it's way too dangerous. Just let us handle it and try to stay out of the way."

"What are you saying Gohan?" asked Chichi "Kagome has an important presentation, doesn't she?"

"But-"

"No buts."

"Right!" Kai raised a triumphant fist "It's settled then. This is a once in a lifetime even for you guys, you let us take things from here!"

"Let's do it!"

Kai and Goten cheered.

Gohan slammed his head against the wall "Okay guys, we've gotta take care of this before they do something stupid."

"Kagome!" a voice called as they saw Ayumi rushing toward her.

"Down boy!" Kagome shouted in panic, causing Koga to fall to the ground.

"What're you doing?" asked Ayumi

"Nothing at all!" Kagome lied as she laughed nervously.

But it was cut short when Koga stood up against and looked at Ayumi "Hey. How's it going?"

Ayumi smiled "Hi." and then she dragged Kagome away, much to the confusion of Gohan and Koga.

Then Kagome saw everybody else in weird feudal costumes, explaining Ayumi's lack of reaction.

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Koga had gone off on his own to track down the demons "I can handle those things by myself. 3 more left. They're hiding around here somewhere." He tried sniffing them out, but the scent from the food stands was blocking it out "Well, so much for that plan."

Then he spotted a curry stand and ran for his life, remembering an incident the night before when Kai got curry for takeout, and how his tongue had been burning non-stop for hours.

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The choir performance was going well, until Kagome saw a demon fungi Amara Daruma appear in the bushes behind the audience, right when her solo began.

Kagome was about to rush off the stage, when Gohan appeared and killed the demon, and gave Kagome a thumbs-up in a dashing manner.

Kagome was extremely touched by this 'Gohan… Thank you…'

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Gohan and Kagome met up with Koga once the choir performance was over "2 down, 2 to go. We better hurry."

It would've been easy if Eri and Yuka hadn't dragged her away to get ready for the play.

The only way that Kagome could see to handle this was the play ending early.

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Gohan and Koga ran around the outside the school, searching for the demons.

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The play began.

Improvising, Kagome walked out on stage "Josephine! Where are you Josephine?"

Then Eri walked out "Here I am, lady Escargot Purin! What's Kagome doing?! She just skipped 7 pages of dialogue.'

"I know this may sound unexpected, but I want to get married immediately. You'll find someone won't you?" asked Kagome 'I'm sorry, but this is the only choice I had.'

Eri nodded "Of course, miss. But don't you think that could wait until-"

"I beg your pardon Josephine!" Kagome cut her off "Do you refuse to obey me?"

Eri shook her head "Oh no! I'll take care of it right away!" She turned to leave, but tripped, much to the amusement of the audience.

Next was a scene with Hojo.

"Lady Escargot, to me you're a moonye, an oyster on the half shell!" Hojo declared

Kagome beamed "You make me so happy Pierre Pannacotta! I think I'm deeply, madly, ravenously…"

Hojo cut her off "You don't have to say it! Come my lady, let me feel your embrace!"

They were running to hug each other dramatically, when…

"Hold it right there!"

Gohan crashed through the roof dramatically.

(A/N: Yeah. Let's backtrack a little)

Gohan and Koga were still searching for the demons outside the school, when they came to the roof of the auditorium.

Watching the scene as Kagome and Hojo were about to embrace, Koga was about to go down there and butcher Hojo.

Naturally, Gohan had to intervene "Down Boy!"

Koga slammed onto the roof, cracking it.

Angered, he drop kicked Gohan into the air and slammed him onto the roof, sending him crashing downwards.

(A/N: So, he decided to go with it.)

Gohan glared "Pierre, you will not defile lady Escargot with your filthy hands."

Kagome looked in shock, before she ran over to Gohan "Please stop! You must not fight over me, I beg of you! Please stop this very minute!"

Gohan looked at her "I know what I'm doing. Just try to follow along."

Hojo, apparently getting the hint, nodded.

"My dearest Hannabart Pekopon! This is my fault! I implore you not to blame Pierre!" Kagome pleaded.

Gohan shook his head as he got on one knee "Forgive me lady Escargot, but I am the one at fault here. Now is the time I must confess my true feelings. My lady, I have been in love with you ever since we first met under the cherry blossom tree when we were children. Right then and there, I knew you were my soulmate."

The audience, mainly the girls, went 'awwww' at this.

Kagome looked at him in shock, before she regained her composure "Pierre please leave, I beg of you! I cannot involve you in this tangle web! Excellent! Now all I do is make up some lines and wrap this up!'

But Hojo ruined it "No I refuse to leave! Step away from lady escargot! Keep your filthy hands off her Hannabart! We will see which of us deserves the affection of lady Escargot! I challenge you to a duel!"

Gohan smirked and drew the Ryuuga "If you're that willing to rush to your death, then so be it."

Suddenly, the room began shaking as a Kamitsuki Suika demon fungi emerged from underneath.

Much to the surprise of Gohan and Kagome, the audience thought that it was part of the show, and loved every minute of it.

Hojo turned to Gohan and smirked "It looks like our duel has been postponed."

Gohan nodded "But once this foul beast is dead, we will fight to the death for my lady's heart."

Hojo then charged at the demon "Prepare to die, demon!"

Kagome looked on in horror 'What are you doing Hojo?! That's a real demon! Pekopon, do something!"

Gohan nodded "Whatever you wish my lady. Dragon Cyclone!" the Dragon Cyclone obliterated the demon, not to mention a good part of the auditorium.

Hojo and the audience looked on, speechless.

Gohan re-sheathed the Ryuuga "Are you still man enough to fight for my lady?"

Kagome grabbed Gohan by the arm "Let's go Pekopon! Please take me away now while we still have the chance! Lead me away, beyond the skies!"

Gohan got on one knee and kissed Kagome's hand "Your wish is my command, my lady."

Kagome looked down at the audience "Farewell everyone! And rejoice in the knowledge that I, Escargot Purin, will be freed from all my worldly burdens, and will live happily ever after! Farewell!"

Everyone looked on in stunned silence, before they started cheering.

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Outside, Gohan and Kagome ran towards Koga as he jumped down from the roof and smirked at Gohan "Not a bad performance."

Gohan silently punched him in the gut "That was for drop kicking me through the ****ing roof!"

Then they felt the ground shaking.

Gohan looked in a certain direction "I see it! On the roof!"

They ran towards it, and were EXTREMELY disappointed by the appearance.

"This thing is supposed to be a demon?" asked Kagome

Koga slowly nodded "I think it's called a Yumenamazu."

The demon was actually a large catfish with a mustache.

So Kagome decided to make it their main course.

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Gohan, with a sleeping Kagome on his back, and Koga headed back to his house after the festival ended.

"That was 6 hours of my life I'm not getting back." Koga muttered "Are things always like this when you guys come here?"

Gohan shrugged "Somewhat, just minus the demons. Anyway, once Kagome wakes up, we'll head back. We've got to hurry and find the last remaining jewel shards and stop Naraku."

"Apparently, aside from the ones in my legs and the one Sango's brother has, there's only one shard left."

Gohan looked over at the beautiful girl sleeping on his back, gently resting her head against his shoulder "But now that lady Kikyo is gone, Kagome is gonna have to deal with the task of purifying Naraku and the jewel by herself. I just hope she can handle it."

Koga put a hand on his shoulder "Kagome's a strong woman. She can take care of herself."

"I know Koga, but I just can't help worrying."

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In the middle of the night, a group of women stood over a cliff, carrying something that resembled a body, before they threw it into the marsh below and left.

An old man spotted the package, which was revealed to be a human corpse without any skin or hair.

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"A village of demon women?" asked Gohan

The old man nodded "It's true. I saw them with my own eyes last night. I went into the forest to gather herbs and lost my way. I wandered around for a time and finally ended up near a marsh. Some women were on a cliff above, holding something, and they threw it into the marsh."

"What was it?" asked Koga

"I'm certain that is was a human body. A body that had been skinned! Humans would never do such a terrible thing. It had to be the work of demon women!"

Gohan and the others shared a look.

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"Demon women?" Shippo muttered "That's creepy."

Miroku nodded "It's rather strange that I don't feel any demonic aura coming from around here."

"Kagome, do you sense any sacred jewel shards?" asked Koga

Kagome shook her head "Not at all."

"If there aren't any sacred jewel shards, maybe we shouldn't bother going to such a dangerous place." Shippo suggested, terrified of the concept of demon women.

Gohan shook his head "We have to check any and all areas even the slightest bit suspicious."

Miroku nodded "That's the only way to make sure we got the sacred jewel shards before Naraku does."

"Naraku's nothing but evil." Kagome reminded them "We can't let him finish creating an impure Shikon jewel."

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A samurai who had been injured in battle was now the latest victim of the demon women village.

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A young man struggled across across the ledge of a cliff "Wakana…"

Suddenly, he lost his footing and fell into the river below.

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"Something the matter Miroku?" asked Sango

Miroku nodded "I think I sensed a demonic aura just now."

"You sure?" asked Koga as they took off running

"It was only for an instant, but I definitely felt it."

They ended up in the marsh the old man mentioned from before, where they found the young man, unconscious, floating in the water, before Koga fished him out "He's not dead. Just unconscious."

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"I go by the name Shinnosuke." said the man.

"You mentioned earlier that you were looking for your missing fiancé. What did you mean by that?" asked Gohan

"Well, just 3 days before our wedding ceremony, I was called into battle. I was seriously injured. A full 2 years passed before I was able to return home. Not long ago, I finally returned to my home town, but the village had been burned to the ground. And my fiancé, Wakana, was nowhere to be found. I searched for her, not knowing if she was dead or alive. That's when I had heard of a village inhabited solely by women. I heard that the village was made up of women who had lost their husbands and children to war, and that they live together to support each other during their time of need. When I heard, I thought that perhaps Wakana had given up on my return, and joined them."

Miroku stood "I've heard enough. We will accompany you to this village."

Shinnosuke shook his head "Thank you for the offer, but how would we find it?"

"No need." Koga muttered "They found us." he looked over to where he had spotted two women on the path above watching them, before hurrying away.

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They soon made their way to the village.

"Yes, this is indeed a village for women who have lost their loved ones." the village head woman confirmed "Together, we manage to make our living here. Unfortunately, this Wakana you are searching for is not with us. Just look for yourself."

Shinnosuke looked, and sadly nodded "I see."

"She's not here." Kagome whispered to Sango.

"How sad for him." Sango murmured.

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"What'll you do now?" asked Koga

"I'll keep searching for her." Shinnosuke stated firmly "I can't let myself give up. I love Wakana. She's the only woman for me."

"He's so devoted to her." Kagome muttered

Sango nodded "She's a lucky woman." She blushed when she realized what she said and saw Kagome staring at her "Don't read anything into that."

"Feel any evil or demonic auras?" asked Gohan "I don't sense any suspicious except-" he stopped when he saw Miroku flirting with one of the women "Are you even listening?! The closest thing to evil here is Miroku's lecherous behavior, and Sango's jealousy.'

"Miroku, isn't it time we left?" Sango ground out "It doesn't sound like this is the village of demon women we're looking for, does it?"

"May I have a word with you travelers?" said the head woman "The paths at night are dangerous. We have little to offer you, but please stay the night here and start out fresh in the morning."

Miroku bowed slightly "Thank you. We would be much obliged."

"Good. The ladies can follow me to their quarters." said one of the women

"Gentlemen, that way please." said another.

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"Inuyasha, Gohan, perhaps we should continue our journey tonight." Miroku suggested

Koga snorted "You just don't want to stay because you're separated from the women."

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Kagome smiled at Sango "Isn't it great, not having to camp outside?"

Sango nodded "Sure, I appreciate the room, but shouldn't we be looking for the village of demon women. Miroku, he's such a womanizer!'

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Miroku's sighing was apparently contagious.

Shinnosuke sighed sadly 'Where are you, Wakana?'

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In the shrine, Wakana peeped out from the window "Shinnosuke… You're alive after all… I'm so glad… All this time, I thought you had died in battle…"

A glowing light appeared behind Wakana "Do you wish to return to your loved one's side? I shall let you see him again soon. But I will be here. Bring the man here. Bring him to me."

Wakana nodded.

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"Hey Miroku, how do you feel about Sango?" asked Gohan

Koga nodded "From what I heard, you guys were alone for awhile at Mount Hakurei."

Miroku raised an eyebrow "And?"

"Did anything happen between you there?" asked Shippo

Miroku recalled how Sango had been injured by Kagura, and he had been poisoned by protecting her from demons and Saimyosho "Nothing happened between Sango and I. You have my word."

Gohan and Koga looked at each other.

Then he noticed one of the village women motioning for him to meet her outside.

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"Hey Sango, are you sure there's nothing between you and Miroku?" asked Kagome

Sango nearly dropped her Hiraikotsu while cleaning it "What do you mean nothing? I don't follow."

"When we were at Mount Hakurei, you to were all alone for quite a while, right? Do you have any good memories of the time you spent together?"

Sango thought back to how Miroku had collapsed from the poison, and how she claimed that they would die there together, and blushed 'I'm almost positive I said something like that. Miroku's womanizing hasn't changed one bit since then though.'

"Come on, are you sure nothing actually happened?"

"Hey, cut it out Kagome!" Sango continued polishing her Hiraikotsu, her face turning red all the while "Miroku and I don't have that kind of relationship."

"What about your feelings? You like Miroku don't you?"

That time, Sango did drop Hiraikotsu "You can't be serious Kagome! Me, like that pervert?!"

"Sorry. You're not fooling anyone, Sango.'

"He's irresponsible, a delinquent, and he lies without any remorse!"

"Too bad. Cause I've been watching Miroku, and I really get the feeling that he likes you, Sango."

Sango's head snapped to her "Why? What'd you mean?"

"I just get that feeling. It's like you're his special girl. He really seems to care about you a lot."

"Really, you think so?" Sango asked hopefully

"You think so too, don't you Kilala?"

They saw Kilala against the door, and saw Miroku flirting with one of the women, much to Sango's clear ire.

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"Come one Inuyasha!" cried Shippo "Are you just gonna let Miroku do that?!"

Inuyasha snorted "It's better than having him in here all night sighing about the women."

Shippo angrily jumped on top of him "Sango's gonna be furious!"

"Why?" asked Inuyasha

Gohan sighed "You're really that dense, aren't you?"

Koga nodded "Come one mutt! I get it and I've only been with you guys for a few weeks!"

This little squabble would've continued, but Shinnosuke spoke up "Excuse me. I'm going to sleep. I'll be leaving here at first light. I must continue my search for Wakana, and I need to make use of every hour of daylight."

Gohan nodded "I understand how you feel. Loving a woman that much."

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Kagome and Sango were awoken by a noise in the middle of the nightmare and saw all of the village women going somewhere.

"I'm going to follow them." Sango whispered

"Wait!" Kagome pleaded "I'll get Gohan, Miroku and the others! They're probably close by, so it'll just take a second."

"There's no time to look for them." and she took off, alone.

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In the men's quarters, Gohan and the others sensed something and prepared to check it out, when Kagome ran up to them "Sango went off to follow the women on her own!"

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"The scent of living water creatures?" asked Kagome

Koga nodded "I don't know what it is, but I just picked up the scent all of the sudden."

"Just when the women started to move." Inuyasha pointed out.

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Shinnosuke awoke to find Wakana enter the room "Shinnosuke."

Shinnosuke's eyes widened in happiness and relief as he hugged her "Wakana! Wakana, how I've searched for you my love!"

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Miroku was lead by one of the village women into the shrine.

But unknown to him, it was a trap…

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Sango followed the women to the marsh, only for them to grab her and take her underwater, before she lost consciousness.

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Gohan and the others arrived at the marsh, but found no sign of Sango.

"Sango's scent ends right here." Inuyasha muttered

Koga nodded "She probably went under the water."

At that moment, the village women appeared, demonic vapor seeping out of their mouths, meaning that someone or something was controlling them.

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Miroku noticed something about the woman 'A demonic aura. Is there something inside her belly? Aw geez, just my luck too!'

At that moment, a large watery face burst out of the scroll and crashed towards Miroku, who dodged it "Tell me, what kind of demon are you?!"

The demon cackled "I want your flesh! Give me your flesh!"

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Sango awoke in an underwater cave, chained to a cave wall.

"So your conscious." said the head woman "And now we shall make you one of us. Here. Swallow it. You must swallow it. Very soon, the egg will hatch inside your stomach, and you too shall become one of us."

Sango glared at the woman 'No way. You're not gonna make me swallow that thing!'

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Miroku glared at the demon "You want me to give you my flesh?! I've heard the rumors about a village of demon women who were skinning their poor victims alive. So, you're the one who's possessed these innocent women."

"Exactly." The demon confirmed "I needed to find male flesh in order to return to my former self. I was once the demon who ruled over the nearby marsh. One day, I was exercised by a monk and sealed into a scroll. And not satisfied with that, those humans tore away my flesh and painted a quanan on the scroll. They completely restricted my movements! The fools. They sealed me up, but my soul did not die. I've waited patiently for the moment of my resurrection! And now you shall become a part of me!" she lunge at Miroku, who escaped.

The demon notice Wakana leading Shinnosuke to the shrine, and hid inside the shrine.

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"Remember guys." said Gohan "They're being controlled, so go easy."

Inuyasha snorted "I know that. I'm not in the habit of hitting women."

Sensing something, Gohan sped off.

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Miroku fled from the shrine, realizing that all the village women were being controlled, and pondered how to free them, when he saw Wakana leading Shinnosuke into the shrine, to the waiting jaws of the demon.

Wakana, regaining control of herself, pushed Shinnosuke out of the way, before the demon regained control.

At that moment, Gohan arrived "Miroku, tried using your sacred sutras."

Miroku nodded as he struck the demon with his staff, causing it to flee while screaming in pain.

Miroku, unable use his Wind Tunnel, punched the woman in the gut with a sacred sutra, freeing her and freeing her from what had been controlling her: a demon salamander in her stomach.

Gohan went over to Shinnosuke and handed him a sacred sutra "Hit her in the stomach with this. That will free her."

Shinnosuke stared at him in shock "You want me to hit my fiancé?"

"Do you want another guy to hit your fiancé?"

Shinnosuke sighed "Point taken." and he hit her with the sacred sutra, causing her to puke up a demon salamander before she lost consciousness "Will she be ok?"

Gohan nodded "Let her sleep." and he and Miroku sped off.

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The spirit of the demon submerged itself into the marsh, taking on the form of a massive salamander demon "How fortunate for me. A half-demon's flesh just ready for the taking!"

Inuyasha snorted "What're you going on about, toad-face?"

The demon chuckled "The flesh of a half-demon is worth that of 5 humans! No, more like 10 I'd say. I shall devour you and complete resurrecting myself!"

Inuyasha smirked and drew the Tessaiga "I don't know what you're talking about, but nobody messes with me!"

He charged, but couldn't due to the bewitched women.

The demon blasted Kagome and Shippo backwards, but Gohan caught them "You alright Kagome?"

Kagome blushed, but nodded "Thanks." She took Shippo into her arms.

Using the sacred sutras, Gohan and Miroku freed several of the women.

"These women are all unfortunate souls who lost loved ones in the war." explained Miroku "They need to be comforted. They probably looked to the quanan hanging scroll for guidance and comfort. Sadly, they went to the wrong place. They didn't know the salamander demon was sealed in the hanging scroll."

"So why show us now after all these years?" asked Koga

The demon chuckled "I don't really know all that's happened while I was sealed up. However, what I do know is that an evil aura that's permeating the world has given me enormous power!"

Inuyasha smirked "So Naraku's influence has reached this far, even to this filthy swamp. I hope you're ready to die, cause now I'm serious!"

Miroku and Gohan were having a hard time with all the women "There's too many of them to handle on my own! Sango! Can you lend me a hand here?!"

Gohan blinked "What the **** are you going on about Miroku? Sango's not even here! How did you not notice! You were busy flirting with all the women. Sango got upset and went to deal with the women alone."

"She went alone?" He then noticed a soaking wet Kilala.

Inuyasha finally finished off the demon with a Wind Scar, but the women needed the demons exorcised from each of the women.

"Gohan, you know what to do, right?" asked Miroku "You wrap things up here! There's some urgent business I need to take care of." and he took off

Gohan finished exercising each of the women.

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Miroku and Kilala went underwater to look for Sango, only to find her bewitched like the rest of them.

Miroku prepared a sacred sutra, but couldn't get close enough due to Hiraikotsu.

He tripped her with his staff, causing her to lose her grip on Hiraikotsu, until she slashed Miroku's right arm with her sword.

Sango charged at Miroku, who used his staff to block her sword, eventually knocking it from her hands, but she slashed his face with her hidden blade on her wrist.

"I should've known as much. You are truly fearsome as an opponent." Miroku praised

Sango slashed as him, but he blocked the blade and hit her in the stomach with a sacred sutra, causing her to spit up the egg and lose consciousness.

Then Gohan and the others showed up.

"Is Sango alright?" asked Kagome

Miroku nodded "More or less."

"What's with this weird little egg?" asked Shippo

"It's a demon salamander egg. If it had hatched, I'd be in a lot worse shape than I am now."

Kagome's eyes widened "Sango was possessed as well?"

Inuyasha and Koga each raised an eyebrow "She was bewitched like the village women? How'd she let that happen?"

"She was upset when she took off. She obviously wasn't thinking straight." explained Kagome "And none of this would've happened if Miroku hadn't kept flirting with the girls."

Miroku looked at them innocently "Are you suggesting that this is my fault?"

"Yes!" they all shouted simultaneously.

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"So you're returning to your village?" asked Koga

Shinnosuke nodded.

Wakana bowed "Thank you for all your help."

Inuyasha shrugged "Truth be told, we really didn't do that much."

"Speaking of which." added Shinnosuke "I would like to thank the monk as well."

Gohan shook his head "He's kind of busy right now. I wouldn't interrupt him."

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"I'm so sorry about this." Sango said sadly "It's all my fault."

Miroku shook his head "No need to apologize Sango. Besides, I'm as much to blame. Kagome informed me that my bad habit of flirting with women was the cause of all this. I'm really sorry Sango."

Sango turned away "You don't have to apologize. I was careless, that's all. You didn't have anything to do with it."

There was a brief silence between them, before Miroku spoke once again "Sango, I want you to hear my feelings. You don't need to say anything, just please hear me out. You're not like the others Sango. You're a very special woman to me."

From behind the bushes, Inuyasha scoffed "Special he says. What a jerk. He's just flirting with Sango like he does with every other woman he sees."

"Shut up." Gohan snapped quietly.

"Somehow it's different with us." said Miroku "You see Sango, I've never had such strong feelings for a woman as I do for you."

Sango blushed a light pink and turned away.

"Except… There's one problem. I feel as if I cannot love you as an ordinary woman. You're my comrade, the woman I fight along side."

"So he's saying they're just gonna be friends?" asked Shippo

"That's terrible!" Kagome growled "He's not getting away with this!"

Sango felt tears brimming in her eyes "Oh I knew that. You didn't have to tell me. It's not as if… As if I hoped you would love me. I never thought that." She slowly stood "You've said it all, right? I'm going."

She started to walk away when Miroku's voice stopped her "I'm just getting started. If this battle with Naraku ever comes to an end, and the curse on my Wind Tunnel is broken… If I make it out alive… If we made it that far, would you come live with me?"

Sango looked up slightly.

"Would you bare my children, Sango?"

Sango's head snapped up, tears falling freely now.

Kagome was gushing "Oh wow! He proposed to her!"

Koga was just in awe "Damn. I can never get stuff this good back in the mountains."

Gohan nodded "This, Koga, is just the tip of the iceberg."

Sango fell to her knees "Yes…"

Miroku looked at her intently "You'll have my children? 10 babies, or maybe even 20?"

Sango looked back as he clasped her hands "Yes. Miroku, does this mean you'll stop womanizing?"

Miroku gaped at her.

"You will stop flirting. Right?"

Miroku silently looked away, giving Sango her answer 'I'll take that as a no.'

Koga sighed "Damn. And it was getting good."

Gohan smirked "Time for Plan B." and he threw a Ryu scale at the back of Miroku's head, causing it to fall forward… and for his lips to crash into Sango's.

Sango, despite being startled by this kiss, returned it with full force, the sun glistening in the background…