Hakudoshi and Naraku were discussing the arrow shot by Kagome, and how it's spiritual powers belonged to Kikyo "That very same arrow broke my barrier once before, you know."

Naraku nodded "Then Kikyo must be alive. Only she can imbue an arrow with so much spiritual power, that it can do this."

"You should go immediately and kill her."

'I cannot sense her presence. Perhaps she is trying to hide herself. That would suggest she's not fully recovered, then. I must now lure her out and destroy her.'

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'There's no mistaking it.' Kagura mused 'That infant, Hakudoshi's other half, is Naraku and Hakudoshi's heart.'

Unknown to her, Kohaku was thinking the same thing 'Neither Naraku nor Hakudoshi have died. Is it because they are demons? What must I do to destroy Naraku?'

Kagura snapped him out of his thoughts "Hey, Kohaku. I assume that you haven't been told about it?"

"About what?"

"The truth about that infant. After you took it from the castle, where were you supposed to take it?"

"I don't know. That infant. Even if it meant killing everyone in the castle, I was ordered to take it away from there. If you knew where it was, then what?"

"I've told you many times before that one day, Naraku will remove the sacred jewel shard from your body, and you will die. If Naraku isn't killed, then your life can't be saved."

'If the infant is found, can Naraku be killed? It seems obvious that Kagura wants to betray Naraku. But… I'm sorry. I don't know."

Kagura simply shrugged and walked away.

'I can't let them find out. That I've remembered everything, and that I want to kill Naraku. If I keep pretending to be a slave, I'll eventually come across that infant again. Until that time, I must not disobey Naraku's orders…'

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Inuyasha was out looking for Kikyo, searching the spot where he had last seen her, but found nothing 'Kikyo… You've hidden yourself away again… Which means you haven't regained all of your strength yet…'

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Kagura brought Hakudoshi some new clothes after he finished recovering.

"Hakudoshi, go and lure out Kikyo." Naraku ordered "And take along Kohaku. Do as Hakudoshi tells you. How you go about it is up to you. Just make sure that Kikyo cannot stay in hiding."

Hakudoshi smirked wickedly and nodded.

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The first step of Hakudoshi's plan involved confronting and slaying a massive rat demon by the name of Zushinezumi, followed by Kohaku stealing a shrine off of the demon's back, with Hakudoshi giving Kohaku a warning: if the shrine opened, he would die.

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Hakudoshi soon set the shrine down and opened it, revealing a massive, endless horde of demon rats emerging from inside, devouring everything in their path.

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"Tell me, do you sense something strange?" asked Miroku

"Someone's coming!" cried Shippo

In front of them was a group of villagers running from the horde of demon rats.

Gohan and the others were about to slay them, when Sango stopped them "No, don't!"

She was too late. Inuyasha struck a large number of rats with the Tessaiga, causing them to multiply.

"I knew it. Zushinezumi." Sango muttered "Don't kill them! The more of these things you kill, the more they multiply."

"Then how do we destroy them?" asked Trunks

"With a special toxic smoke. But you need the right ingredients. Unfortunately, I don't have them with me."

Then it was time for Plan B. Miroku started sucking them up with his Wind Tunnel.

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"You village was attacked?" asked Gohan

The old man nodded "Luckily, my grandson and I were up in the mountain behind the village. The others were not so lucky."

"Sango, where do these things come from?" asked Koga

"There's usually a large demon who's their chief. He carries the rats in a miniature shrine, which he carried on his back. And he releases them to kill humans and animals. But he only attacks when he intends to eat. I've never heard of a large rats attacking a village."

"There's a lot more of them. Their scent is coming from far off. It's as though their numbers are growing."

The group sent the old man and his grandson away, and decided to check this out.

'I can smell them, and the wolf probably can too.' Inuyasha mused 'The way they're increasing isn't normal. What the hell is going on?'

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Hakudoshi and Kohaku watched as the rats devoured everything in their path.

Hakudoshi sniggered "They just keep coming don't they? The rats will scatter everywhere, and they'll devour all the humans. Before very long, this land will be devoured by rats."

"So you think this will make Kikyo come out of hiding?" asked Kohaku

Hakudoshi blinked "That's right. I almost forgot. I suppose she will sooner or later, as soon as she realizes what is happening."

'I can't believe he'd resort to this, just to lure Kikyo out of hiding.'

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Kikyo watched as the number of rats expanded "Kocho. There is something I require. It is in the western mountains."

Kocho bowed and flew away.

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"These filthy rats have overrun the whole region!" Sango cried

Miroku nodded "And you say we have no way to battle the storming hordes directly."

"They won't die, even if you slay them, so they keep multiplying. And since they've spread so far, we can't trace the source."

"By source, you mean the miniature shrine?" asked Gohan

"I heard that if you destroy the shrine, the rats will disappear."

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"Miroku, Sango and Gohan have been gone a long time." Shippo said to no one in particular.

"Geez, why do I have to wait inside this barrier too?" Inuyasha grumbled "It's completely stupid!"

Koga hit him over the head "Shut up, mutt! Knowing you, you'd get mad and start swinging that sword around. They'll only multiply if you do that!"

That was when Kagome and Trunks noticed a group of Saimyosho.

"Does that mean that Naraku is behind the rampage of the demon rats?" asked Trunks

Koga growled "I figured he'd have to be behind this somehow."

Inuyasha nodded "I didn't think he'd die in that fight."

That was when Gohan and the others returned and killed the Saimyosho.

"Well, now we know one thing for certain." said Miroku "Naraku is somehow involved."

Gohan nodded "I've got this weird feeling in my gut that he wants us to know he's behind this. He's probably trying to lure someone out into the open. But not us. And if my gut's right, which it usually is, then he's trying to find, lure out, and kill lady Kikyo."

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Kikyo and Asuka watched the demon rats from above.

"Lady Kikyo." said Asuka "Kocho has returned."

Kocho floated in front of them and handed Kikyo something "Here, lady Kikyo. I brought it you. The branch of Okutama that you asked for."

Kikyo nodded "Good. Asuka, Kocho. It is time to leave."

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Using the branch of Okutama, Kikyo cast a spell, causing the branch to grow into a massive tree, guiding the demon rats to it.

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Gohan and the others noticed the demon rats changing their direction.

"This can only mean one thing." explained Miroku "Someone, somewhere, has cast a mayose. It's a spell that lures demons together, and destroys them. But only one with immense spiritual power can cast such a spell."

Gohan and Inuyasha looked at each other, and nodded.

"I'm going to try and find the source of where the rats are coming from." Gohan took off in a burst of speed, leaving no room for anyone to argue.

Trunks, Sango and Miroku followed after him.

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Hakudoshi sensed something and smirked "Kikyo had finally made her move. Kohaku, I want you to stay here. Guard the shrine closely, and don't close the doors."

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"Hey Kagome, if Kikyo is really up ahead, you think Naraku will go there to?" asked Shippo

Koga nodded "Probably."

Then they saw a group of people about to be devoured by the rats.

Shippo used one of his fox tools to scatter the rats, allowing the people to get to safety.

Before long, they found the mayose tree, reaching up into the clouds.

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Gohan sped across the countryside "This village was devoured a while ago by the looks of it. And just because it was in the path of the rats. I better pick up the pace." he sped up.

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Kohaku stared at the shrine 'Why let more loose? Kikyo has already come out of hiding. Damn him! He's doing it for his own enjoyment! If I close these doors, the rats will stop. Even now, it may save some lives.' that was when he noticed Saimyosho watching him 'I'm being watched. If I close these doors, Naraku will know that my memory has returned.'

Then he saw the Saimyosho being destroyed by several senbon (A/N: Throwing needles).

Gohan appeared in a burst of speed and looked at him blankly "Kohaku, I know you're being controlled by Naraku and all, but this is getting really old. On the way here, I saw so many villages being devoured by rats. If Sango found out about this, she'd be devastated."

Kohaku's eyes filled with sadness and sorrow.

Gohan noticed this as he killed more Saimyosho "Tell me, Kohaku. When did you get your memories back? I noticed just now. The look in your eyes. You've remembered everything, don't you?"

Kohaku looked around, saw no Saimyosho, and nodded slowly "I remember everything from that day. I remembered after the incident at the castle. I swore then and there to kill Naraku, and decided to stay with them to get close enough to kill Naraku."

"As admirable as that is, think about how Sango would react." then Gohan noticed several more Saimyosho appear "Well, time's up. Good talk. Now we fight." he charged at Kohaku as the Ryuuga took on its staff form.

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Just as Koga and the others found the Mayose, Hakudoshi appeared and destroyed it, before Koga, Inuyasha and Trunks wounded him.

Hakudoshi retreated, but not before telling them to give Kikyo a message: As long as Kikyo hid from Naraku, the same thing would happen over and over again.

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Just as Sango and Miroku arrived and saw Gohan battling Kohaku, the rats attempted to return to the shrine.

"Gohan!" Miroku shouted "Destroy the shrine! Hurry!"

Gohan nodded and continued his assault on Kohaku, who continued to defend himself.

The rats attempted to devour them too, but Miroku sucked several of them up with his Wind tunnel.

Kohaku continued to run, before the rats advance on him.

Without thinking, Sango dove in and attempted to save Kohaku, before she attempted to destroy the shrine, but found that it was protected by a barrier, before she and Kohaku were engulfed in the rats.

"Sango! Move!" Gohan shouted "Platinum Scale Cannon!" out of the Ryuuga's katana the form shot several platinum dragon scales, breaking through the barrier and destroying the shrine, causing the demon rats to disappear.

Inuyasha saw Kikyo watching them from above a cliff "Kikyo…"

Kikyo then walked away with Kocho and Asuka.

Sango and Kohaku lay unconscious.

Slowly, Kohaku opened his eyes and looked at Sango 'Sister… She's badly hurt, all because of me… Sister…'

Slowly, Sango opened her eyes and looked at him "Kohaku… Are you alright?"

Kohaku looked at her sadly, and upon receiving a nod from Gohan he ran away, being protected by Saimyosho and a barrier.

Sango watched him leave, before breaking down into tears, as Miroku comforted her.

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"I wonder if Sango's going to be ok?" asked Shippo "She was badly bitten by the demon rats."

Gohan sighed "Physically, she'll be fine. But learning that her younger brother, her own flesh in blood, was responsible for so much death and destruction."

Trunks slowly nodded "Gohan, can I talk to you in private for a second?"

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"Sango, are you in any pain?" asked Miroku

"I cannot forgive Kohaku for what he did." She replied flatly "Because of those rats, many villages were destroyed. Not only that, at the castle that was assaulted by the birds, he killed many people. Even if Naraku ordered it, what Kohaku did is unforgivable. I know that in my head, but when Kohaku was attacked by the rats, I felt as though my heart was being crushed. Then when I saw that he was okay, I felt relief from the bottom of my heart. Though I should, I can't hate Kohaku."

"Sango, it's okay. You shouldn't have to hate him."

"Yes, but after all of this…"

"Answer truthfully, Sango. Do you regret protecting Kohaku?"

I do, but if I hadn't protected him, I think I would regret it more."

Miroku took her hand in his "And that's fine. That is simply the way of the human heart."

Tears swelled up in her eyes "Thank you, Miroku."

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"So what's up?" asked Gohan

Trunks looked at him sternly "I need to know. I promise not to say anything, but please, tell me. What happened between you and Kohaku?"

Gohan sighed "I found Kohaku guarding the shrine, being watched by Saimyosho. I used senbon made from Zalamascales to kill the Saimyosho, and started talking to Kohaku. From the look in his eyes, I realized something: he recovered his memories, and is staying with Naraku to get close enough to kill him. I tried to talk him out of it, but couldn't by the time Sango and Miroku showed up."

"I see. I'm guessing he doesn't want Sango to find out."

"Next time I see him, I'll try to get through to him."

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Kikyo observed the damage caused by the demon rats, shocked and outraged that Naraku would go so far just to lure her out of hiding.

She gave Kocho and Asuka a lock of her hair, deciding that if Naraku wanted her, she would go find him.

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Kagome stopped in front of the well and looked back at Koga and the others "Well I'm off you guys, Gohan already went back and you know how protective he gets."

"Alright Kagome, be sure to take your time and rest." Sango told her.

Miroku nodded "We'll be doing some recuperating ourselves."

"Yeah, those rats all chewed them up pretty bad."

"Now be sure to use the medicine, I'll bring back some more." Kagome told them "Hey Trunks, you coming?"

"You go ahead, I'll be there in a little bit." Trunks told her "And Kagome?"

"Yeah?"

"...Nevermind, just go ahead."

"Alright, later guys." then she leapt down the well.

Trunks looked down the well one the blue light disappeared "Looks like she crosses over pretty fast."

"You know, Gohan seemed kind of down when he left." Shippo commented "I wonder what's wrong?"

"I think I have a pretty good idea." Trunks let out a sigh "It's that time of year."

"What do you mean?" asked Sango.

"About 4 years ago, Gohan and I and our comrades took part in a huge battle to save our home. We won, but Gohan's father was killed and Gohan has blamed himself for it ever since."

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"I see. Sister Kikyo, you say?" asked Kaede "So she's still in this world. I should have known as much."

"You don't seem very surprised, Kaede." Inuyasha muttered

"A little while ago, two girls who seemed like Shikigami appeared. They took soil from my sister's shrine. I'm quite sure what it was for. I think the soil was used to heal wounds which were inflicted on her by Naraku."

"Listen Kaede, I don't know how you feel about it, but I for one am really glad that Kikyo was saved. Also, the person who saved Kikyo from being eaten away by Naraku's miasma. It was Kagome."

"I see. Kagome, you say?"

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Kagome laid down on her bed, her cat Buyo curled up on her stomach "You know you've gotten kind of heavy Buyo, what have they been feeding you?" she received a mix between a meow and a yawn, and she just sighed and looked up at her ceiling "Gohan, I wonder how he's doing right now. He took off without a word the minute we got back and didn't even look at me. Kai hasn't seen him either. Gohan…'

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Gohan stood in a wasteland, not just any wasteland, the very same one where the Cell Games took place, painful images of Goku's death flashing through his mind 'Father… I still need you… no… no… NO!' he flashed into Super Saiyan and began firing a rapid barrage of Ki blasts in random directions, destroying the surrounding mountains, before he finally fell to his knees and began quietly sobbing 'Father…'

"I don't think I've ever seen you so broken, not once in the entire time I've known you."

Gohan looked up to see Kai standing in front of him "Kai…"

"You've always been this happy go lucky jackass." Kai let out a sigh "This is the first time I've ever seen you give up. Your father, the man I see as a hero, is…"

"Shut up! Don't you dare say another word! I had to put on a brave face for everyone, I couldn't let Kagome or even Piccolo see me like this, and now I've been pinching my cheeks so hard they're bleeding out gallons! If this were a dream then I should've woken up by now! It isn't a dream is it, he's not coming back is he?"

"...No Gohan, he isn't."

Gohan promptly let out a roar of grief and began firing off Ki blast after Ki blast in several random directions, tears streaming down his face "DAMMIT! A protector, someone who will protect everyone on this entire planet?! What kind of fool would say something like that?! My kind, that's what! What was I thinking when I said that?! I'm no protector, I'm just some weak and pathetic excuse for a warrior who's in way over his head!" he began pounding the ground endlessly until he stood in the center of a massive crater "I'm too weak! I can't protect any of them! Dammit! Dammit! DAMMIT!"

Kai floated back down in front of him "Gohan."

"Go away Kai, just go away and leave me alone!"

"I can't do that, I'm not going to just stand by and let you hurt yourself more than you already have."

"It's my own body, and it's none of your damn business!"

"Then you can't blame your father for doing what he did, if you're standing by what you say then his death was none of your business."

"Shut the hell up, say one more word and I'll beat you to a bloody pulp!"

"If that's what you need in order to feel better then go ahead, I'm not going to lose to you as you are now. You may be much more powerful than me, but as you are right now your will and spirit are weaker than they've ever been."

Still in his Super Saiyan form, Gohan charged at Kai in a rage.

Kai sidestepped the attack, then grabbed Gohan by the arm and slammed him into the ground with ease "Get a grip you idiot!" he picked Gohan up and slammed him against a plateau, holding him by the neck "Can't you see things clearly yet? You were so sure of yourself, sure that you could overcome every obstacle you faced and in all the time I've known you you never once doubted your strength. But facing just one guy, making just one stupid mistake, took your confidence and shattered it beyond recognition. And your father was your inspiration, your role model, your guiding hand. I'll well aware that you feel as if your world has shattered now that he's gone, and the strongest foes in the universe blocked your way time after time! You'll never find your way like this, you've already lost yourself in your regret and your guilt. I know that it hurts worst than anyone could imagine Gohan, but you have to bottle up your feelings. Don't think about the one man that you've lost, you can't get back what's already lost to you. But you have to think about what you still have right in front of you, the people you care about that you still have to protect!" he let go of his grip.

Gohan slid to the ground and stared at his hands 'What I still have to protect…' images began flashing through his mind as tears began streaming down his face "Kagome… mom… Goten… Inuyasha… Miroku… Sango… Shippo… Koga… Piccolo… Trunks… Krillin… all of them… I still have all of them…"

"I see."

"And I need to see them. I need to see all of them." and he promptly flew off.

"...You're welcome!"

"You didn't need thanks and you know that."

Kai looked and saw Piccolo standing behind him "How long have you been here?"

"Since before you got here. You did a good job in there."

"I did what I thought was right, Gohan is my friend and if he's in trouble then I'm going to help him in any way I can."

"I see." he promptly removed his weighted clothing "I think that earned you a good training session for today."

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A few days went by, and Gohan, Kagome and Trunks returned to the Feudal Era.

Kagome was in the middle of making lunch for everybody.

Gohan had gone into the forest to blow off steam.

Sango was anxious since Kilala had gone off on her own "Still no sign of Kilala. I wonder where she is."

"Why are you getting so worked up?" asked Koga "She can take care of herself, even if she is a cat."

They ignored the last part.

"But she sure has been taking off on her own a lot lately." Shippo mused

"We're not too far from Sango's birthplace." explained Miroku "Kilala's probably very nostalgic about the area."

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Kilala lowered herself to the ground, and began wandering through the forest.

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Kohaku was with Kagura, searching an abandoned temple.

"Hey, Kohaku." said Kagura "You won't find Kikyo around here. Trust me. Try someplace else."

Kohaku nodded "I understand."

"Just keep yourself busy enough that Naraku spares your life. And I'll do the same." and she took off on her giant feather.

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Kilala found herself in a familiar field.

She recalled being here several years ago, when Sango and Kohaku were still young.

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Kohaku made his way to the demon slayers village, careful not to be seen by anybody, and paid his respects to the graves of his father and the other fallen demon slayers, remembering what had happened that tragic night.

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Kilala came across a familiar waterfall and lake, remembering how Sango and Kohaku had played here several times before.

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Kohaku came across a familiar cave, remembering how he and Sango had hidden from a storm once before.

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Kilala found herself in a familiar clearing in the forest, recalling how she and Sango had saved Kohaku from a bear demon once before, and placed medicine on his wound.

Out of gratitude, Kohaku had visited a secret spot of his, and gave Sango a bouquet of lilies, much to her joy.

Kilala soon found herself surrounded by demons.

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Feeling something wrong, Sango decided to go look for Kilala.

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Kilala was on the losing side of the battle with the demons.

One of the strikes would've finished her, if Kohaku hadn't intervened "Let's do it, Kilala."

Together, they wiped out the demons with ease.

"Not bad. But you couldn't have left any for me?" Gohan emerged from the bushes

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As she searched the forest, Sango ended up finding Kagura, but got no useful information out of her.

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Kohaku, Gohan and Kilala were having some grilled fish "It's nice to see you two. It's been awhile. How's my sister? She okay?"

Gohan shrugged "I'm pretty sure she's getting close to ripping off Miroku's prayer beads and sticking his Wind Tunnel on his balls just for the heck of it."

"Sorry I asked. I appreciate you worrying about me. I can't go back though. Not until I kill Naraku. Only then can I go back to Sango. So many people have died. And because of me. That's why the least I can do is try to avenge their deaths. I don't know if I'll make it out of this alive. Besides, I don't know if I deserve to live after what I've done."

"Do what you want. But I've got a solution for that. I plan to use the Shikon jewel to revive everyone who dies because of the actions of Naraku and his allies, with no memory of how they died. That should bring you back, and spare you the grief of killing those people."

"I'll still remember that I was the one who killed them." He patted Kilala on the head as he noticed a wound from the battle and put some medicine on it "Hey Gohan, if I show you something, can you promise to keep it a secret?"

"Sure."

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Sango stopped by the demon slayer village, saw the incense Kohaku left behind, and ran after him.

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Sango noticed the corpses of the demons from before "They haven't been dead for very long. No matter what happened, Kohaku is still my brother!"

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Kohaku brought Gohan and Kilala to his secret spot "What do you think? Isn't this place great? This spot hasn't changed a bit. I wish Sango could see it. I think she'd love it here."

Gohan smiled "I know she would."

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Sango sprinted through the forest 'Kohaku… Kohaku…'

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"Well, it's been nice seeing you again, Kilala, Gohan. Say hello to my sister for me." said Kohaku, tears brimming in his eyes "Goodbye…" he walked away before the tears fell from his cheeks.

Gohan knelt down to the demon cat "I'm gonna head back and meet up with the others. You join up with me later, Kilala." he leapt away, into the trees.

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Much to his grief, Kohaku hid from Sango on the forest path behind a tree, as she rushed past him without knowing.

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Sango continued along the forest path until Kilala jumped out of the bushes "Kilala…"

Kilala motioned for Sango to follow, so she did.

Kilala led Sango to where Kohaku had brought her and Gohan before.

Sango looked on in astonishment "Beautiful… a garden of lilies…" She petted Kilala on the head and noticed something "You're injured… and there's medicine on it… Kohaku…" she recognized that medicine "Kilala… You were with him… Kohaku…"

Sango couldn't take it anymore.

She broke down sobbing.

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Before long, Sango and Kilala returned to the others, and didn't say a word about what happened.

Neither did Gohan.

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Kohaku returned to Hakudoshi and Kagura, his resolve much stronger than before.

He would kill Naraku, and avenge his village, if it was the last thing he did.

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Gohan and the others were running through the forest, when they came across the corpses of several parasite.

Gohan and Inuyasha went a little bit further, and found a massive hole in the ground.

"So, those rumors were true?" asked Trunks

Miroku nodded "They said that seven days ago, the mountain disappeared overnight."

Koga and Inuyasha knelt down and each took a sniff "It's faint, but I'm definitely picking up the scent of Naraku."

Koga nodded "And demons. The soil here is drenched in it. It reeks of demons."

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Kagura slaughtered several parasite demons in mid-air, annoyed about the fact that they kept on coming, no matter how many were killed.

Soon, she came across Kohaku burning a whole tree of them "So, did you find the nest? What are these strange insects, anyway?"

"Parasite chrysalis." explained Kohaku "Something's not right, though. They use giant demons as their hosts. There's no way they'd build nests outside their hosts."

"You're awfully familiar with them. What else do you know?" asked Kagura "Don't play dumb. Why did Naraku order us to kill the parasites as soon as we found them? You must have some idea, don't you?"

Kohaku shook his head "No. I don't know why."

They soon retreated after a Saimyosho told them to come back.

Kohaku could've sworn he saw one of the mountains move.

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'The parasite chrysalis had no place to go, meaning they couldn't live inside the large demon any longer.' Kohaku mused 'Naraku must've ordered us to kill the parasite chrysalis because he didn't want anyone finding out about the host. A mountain that moves. Could that be the host of the parasite chrysalis?' he saw Kagura taking off by herself.

"She has a bad habit of willfully going off on her own." Hakudoshi muttered "I don't understand. Why does Naraku keep such an unreliable woman like Kagura alive? Kohaku, Naraku's given his order. Go and help Kagura."

Kagura was thinking the same thing as Kohaku.

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"It's near." Inuyasha muttered "I smell a demon."

Gohan nodded "I can sense it."

That was when they saw the mountain in front of them move, revealing its face.

It sent one of its fists flying towards the group, but it missed.

"Tell me. Do you serve Naraku?" asked Gohan

"Naraku. Naraku, you say? The very name of the fool who entered my body, and disturbed my sleep. I was awakened from my 200 year slumber, after deeply inhaling his filthy aura and miasma. He stole the protective stone from within my body. Where is Naraku? If you're hiding him, you won't be spared!"

"You misunderstand. We're after Naraku as well." Gohan tried to reason, avoiding the giant fist in the process.

"Tell me where Naraku is. Until you do, all will suffer my wrath!"

"He already told you, we don't know!" Inuyasha drew the Tessaiga "We're looking for Naraku ourselves!"

"Hold it!" Trunks cut in "You mention that Naraku stole your protective stone. What is this protective stone you speak of?"

"A stone that is vital for me, Gakusanjin. The stone acts as a barrier that allows me to continue my slumber, undisturbed. the Fuyoheki."

"Tell me Master Gakusanjin, the Fuyoheki is the stone that keeps you passive as a demon mountain?" asked Gohan

"It dissipates my demonic aura, and keeps enemies from approaching, so that I will not engage in unnecessary battles."

"So that's it. If Naraku stole this Fuyoheki to hide his demonic aura, so he could hide from us. Master Gakusanjin, what does this Fuyoheki look like?"

"Why do you ask?"

"We'll retrieve it for you, and allow you to return to your slumber." explained Gohan

"I do not trust you."

His fist advance on Gohan, who was forced to use his Dragon Current in self, then prepared to leave

"Young one. Why didn't you kill me? You could have."

Gohan nodded "Very true. I could have. But there was no need. You're not Naraku's ally, so you're not my enemy. I see no sense in killing unnecessarily. If we find the Fuyoheki while we're tracking Naraku, I will return it to you."

In response, Gakusanjin dropped several small crystals from his arm "Take some. They are crystals of my demonic aura. Grab a few. When you are near the Fuyoheki, the aura of the crystals will disappear. If you move away from it, the aura will reappear."

Gohan picked up a few and bowed slightly "Thank you, master Gakusanjin."

"That will be enough. Now go." he stomped away.

"I still don't get it." Inuyasha muttered "What's Naraku up to? Why did he steal something like the Fuyoheki?"

Gohan shrugged "Probably trying to hide something really important. The only question is, what is he trying to hide? We're already having a hard enough time finding Naraku, so why does he still need to hide his demonic aura?'

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Kagura picked up a few of the crystals left by Gakusanjin 'It's all starting to make sense. Naraku is going to use the Fuyoheki to camouflage that infant's aura, and keep it hidden.'

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Kohaku was heading to meet with Kanna while being accompanied by a few Saimyosho 'Kanna is supposed to be with the infant. I'll finally find it. Kagura said that the infant is found, Naraku can be killed.'

Along the way, he saw Kocho and Asuka flying across the sky.

Hearing buzzing from the Saimyosho, Kohaku looked at the two Shikigamis "You want me to kill them?"

Almost immediately after he attacked them, paper dolls fell to the ground, which was noticed by Kohaku "Shikigami. Whose are they?"

He dodged a blast of purifying light fired by Kikyo, who caught the Shikigamis in her hand "You are Naraku's subordinate?"

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"I sense a sacred jewel shard." said Kagome "There's just one. It's Kohaku!"

Sango's eyes widened "Kohaku?"

Gohan and Trunks looked at each other, and nodded.

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Kikyo glared at Kohaku "The sacred jewel shard keeps you alive. Isn't that right? Does Naraku control your life? Why do you obey Naraku? I sense that your soul is…" She was cut off when Naraku appeared behind her, and attacked her with his tentacles.

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Gohan looked at the crystal "The demonic aura is disappearing from the crystals Gakusanjin gave us."

"Does that mean that the Fuyoheki is up ahead?" asked Kagome

"No doubt about it. Naraku must be there too. I'm also sensing lady Kikyo's spiritual powers."

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As he caught Kikyo in a cage made of his tentacles, Naraku smirked wickedly "We haven't met in far too long, Kikyo. Not since mount Hakurei."

Kikyo steadily prepared a sacred arrow "Naraku…"

"It's a shame. I was certain that I had finally killed you the last time we met."

"Things won't always go the way you expect, Naraku. I didn't noticed that he was standing right behind me. I didn't sense his presence. Even now, I don't sense his demonic aura. How is that possible?'

"What's wrong, Kikyo? Weren't you expecting me?"

Kikyo didn't reply. Instead, she fired her sacred arrow, destroying a large part of Naraku's body, leaving only his head and shoulders, smirking as she realized that she couldn't reach her next arrow "What are you staring at, Kohaku? Hurry and take Kikyo's head! Are reluctant to obey me, Kohaku?"

Slowly, Kohaku advanced towards Kikyo, when Gohan appeared and easily kicked him into a nearby tree "Sorry, kid."

Angered as he saw Kikyo trapped, Inuyasha drew the Tessaiga and charged at Naraku, who released a cloud of miasma.

Kagome quickly purified it, but not quick enough to stop Naraku from escaping.

Gohan quickly cut the tentacles, freeing Kikyo "Are you alright, lady Kikyo?"

Kikyo nodded "I was careless. I didn't sense Naraku's demonic aura."

Inuyasha shook his head "That wasn't it. He must've stolen the Fuyoheki in order to come after you."

"Fuyoheki?

"A protective stone that hides demonic auras." explained Trunks "It's weird, though. If he was after lady Kikyo, he seemed unusually casual about it."

Inuyasha nodded "Yeah. Good point."

Sango looked on sadly, seeing that Kohaku had escaped 'Kohaku…'

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Koga, Kagome and Trunks tried to listen in as Gohan and Inuyasha discussed with Kikyo.

"So you're saying that Naraku was a diversion?" asked Inuyasha

Kikyo nodded "I'm certain of it. And that's not all. My Shikigami were close to discovering something."

"Discovering what exactly?" asked Gohan

"It seems that Naraku did not die by my arrow."

Inuyasha nodded "Ever since mount Hakurei, he won't die no matter how many times we destroy his body."

"That must mean his heart was located somewhere outside of his body. It must be what he's trying to hide with the Fuyoheki." Gohan theorized

Kikyo nodded "In order to destroy Naraku, I must find his heart." and with that, she disappeared, into the mist.

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Naraku gave the Fuyoheki to the infant, to hide his demonic aura.

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Hakudoshi and Kohaku killed a demon known for consuming human souls.

As ordered by Hakudoshi, Kohaku slit open the belly, and took the stomach.

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"This sucks." Koga muttered "I thought that since we had these crystals, we'd find Naraku without any problems."

Sango nodded "And it's Naraku's heart we're after."

"That's what Kikyo told us." Inuyasha stopped "I smell a demon."

Koga nodded "I smell it too."

They quickly took off, with Kagome riding on Gohan's back, before finding several demon corpses.

Then they were attacked by a large, lizard-like demon.

"The hell kind of demon is that?" Inuyasha muttered

Gohan shrugged "Who know? Who cares? Rip it to shreds!" and he used the Ryuuga to slash it to pieces.

"What was it?" asked Shippo

"Looks like a mutated fusion of a number of demons." explained Trunks

Then they noticed several Hakus, or hearts of demons, flying out of the body.

"You think Naraku is involved somehow?" asked Kagome

Gohan nodded "Corpses of demons are scattered in 4 directions. This one probably isn't the only one with a Haku that keeps him moving."

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Using the Goraishi, Koga quickly slaughtered another soulless demon attacking a group of villagers.

Inuyasha used his Iron Reaver Soul Stealer to get another.

Sango used Hiraikotsu to get another.

Trunks got two more with the Dragon Twister.

Gohan cut through one that was chasing after Shippo. "What do you guys think?"

"I can smell them." Inuyasha growled

Koga nodded "There's lots of them."

Inuyasha quickly slashed through another.

Gohan got another with the Dragon Cyclone.

"These demons are starting to look more and more human." Kagome noted

Gohan nodded "No doubt about it. Compared to the earlier ones, it's almost like…"

"Exactly. It's almost like the earlier demons were all experimental versions."

Koga and Inuyasha looked in a certain direction "This scent. Hakudoshi is nearby."

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Gohan sped along a cliff path, and found Hakudoshi waiting "Well, you all sniffed me out, did you?"

Gohan glared at him "Hakudoshi. What kind of dirty trick do you have up your sleeve this time?"

Hakudoshi smirked "Why don't you ask Moryomaru here? Moryomaru, go ahead and fight Inuyasha."

Gohan looked at the large Haku demon behind Hakudoshi and blinked "Oh. Okay, I'm game. I'll use your little sex toy as target practice for my new technique."

Inuyasha, Koga and Trunks were rolling on the ground laughing.

By this point, Hakudoshi was sprouting a tic mark "Moryomaru, kill him."

As Moryomaru advanced, Gohan attacked with his Platinum Scale Cannon.

When the dust settled, it revealed that Moryomaru was flying with demonic wings, with Hakudoshi on its shoulder, as he smirked deviously "Why the big surprise? I created Moryomaru from various demons, after all. Making him fly was easy."

Gohan whistled "Not bad for a sex toy. In any case though, all he did was dodge." And he used the Dragon Cyclone to destroy part of Moryomaru.

As he prepared another platinum scale cannon, parts of Moryomaru's flesh grabbed onto Gohan, who smirked "Is that it? Platinum Scale Cannon!"

Seeing this, Hakudoshi leapt out in front of the attack, shielding Moryomaru as his barrier was broken, and his body was ripped to shreds.

One of Moryomaru's tentacles grabbed Kagome by the waist, pulling her into the air.

Hakudoshi smirked wickedly "Give us the crystals, or the girl will be a head shorter."

Gohan growled as he pulled the crystals out from his kimono and tossed them into the air, and they were grabbed by one of Moryomaru's tentacles "This was for the sex-toy line, wasn't it?"

Hakudoshi smirked silently and floated away, releasing Kagome to the ground.

Angered, Gohan slammed his fist into the rock "****! The one time I make wisecracks in battle, and this is what happens! I'm sorry guys. This is all my fault."

Koga shook his head "You did what you had to do to save Kagome."

Shippo nodded "Koga's right. There are other ways to fight Naraku."

"Moryomaru bothers me, though." Sango muttered

Miroku nodded "Hakudoshi put himself at risk to protect him."

"He went out of his way to stop the demon from being destroyed." Inuyasha noted.

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In a cave, Hakudoshi brought the crystallized demonic auras and Moryomaru to Akago and Kanna.

Kanna told Moryomaru that she would put a soul in him, holding the infant out to the demonic golem.

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A few days went by, when Gohan and the group received some startling information "The demon mountain was killed?"

The villagers nodded "It was about 3 days ago. Something that looked like shafts of life struck the demon mountain."

"Are you certain he died?" asked Miroku

"He fell and lay there motionless. Everyone's too afraid to get anywhere near it."

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"You thinking what I'm thinking, bro?" asked Gohan

Trunks nodded "The only demon mountain I can think they could've meant is Gakusanjin. The strange thing is, I don't send any demonic aura around here. It's just an ordinary mountain."

Gohan shook his head "No look at that." He pointed at the corpse of Gakusanjin "Poor guy. He must've pursued Naraku even after he left us. Naraku probably destroyed him."

"Then, you think Naraku did this?" asked Sango

Koga took a whiff "This is a human scent. It smells like a few. The scent is still fresh. So that must mean that humans came here after Gakusanjin died for some reason."

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In a village attacked by demons, three children, referred to as ascetics, defeated it and took away the remains, and took it to a temple.

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"Some ascetics are going around slaying demons?" asked Gohan

The old villager nodded "A group of ascetics who live in a sacred mountain in the east. Each one of them carries a strange weapon that looks like a great urn, and the lads destroy those demons with the light that comes out of those earns."

"You said each one. Do you know how many there are?"

"3 of them came the other day. There were rumors that there were several more."

"Well, we know of the strange shafts of light that brought Gakusanjin down." said Kagome

Gohan nodded "These must be the same ones. Let's go."

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Miroku looked at one of the mountains "So, that's the sacred mountain in the east?"

Sango nodded "We're almost there."

"So, what do you guys think?" asked Trunks "Any chance these ascetics are somehow connected to Naraku?"

Inuyasha nodded "Probably. Especially since they defeated Gakusanjin."

Gohan felt something "Kagome watch out!" And he pulled her away.

Several shafts of light shot out from the forest, before returning to the urns held by 3 masked children "Darn it! We didn't hit him!"

"It's not our fault! The target's smaller than usual!" said one of them, noticing that humans were with him "Woman, you better get away from that demon, unless you want to die."

Gohan motioned for Koga to look after Kagome, and glared at the children "What are you kids doing with such dangerous weapons? Who gave them to you?"

One of them scoffed "Why, what's it to you? Especially because you're about to be slain. Perish foul demon!"

Shafts of light shot out of the urns towards Gohan, who drew the Ryuuga 'These shafts of light have substance!' he cut through the shafts of light, revealing several demons.

Inuyasha then went over to the kids and pounded each of them on the head, much to their clear ire "What do you think you're doing?! How dare you do that to the light of the Goryo earns!"

"How did you get those earns?" Inuyasha questioned "Where did they come from?"

"Silence demon! We're taking that with us to our graves!"

"Fine with me." Inuyasha picked up two kids by the ear in each hand, and one under his foot "Then you can die here if you want."

"Come one Inuyasha." Kagome scolded, before trying a gentler approach "Listen. You kids shouldn't have those earns. If you keep going around doing dangerous things like that, you're definitely going to get hurt one day."

"Leave us alone!" One snapped "Demons will never defeat us as long as we have the Goryo earns!"

"One just did." Shippo stated flatly

"Shut up! You'll regret this! The next time we meet, you'll pay for this!" they ran off.

"Unbelievable!" Kagome fumed "I can't believe somebody would let those kids go around slaying demons!"

Trunks nodded "At first I thought they might be Naraku's henchmen. But they seem way too inexperienced."

Gohan frowned "Maybe, but someone's definitely pulling those strings behind those kids. And whoever that is must be connected to Naraku."

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Kagura eyed the corpse of Gakusanjin 'So, it's true that Gakusanjin died. Naraku passed the Fuyoheki to the infant. And if Gakusanjin pursued them and was killed, then there must be some leads to the infant around here.'

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Gohan and the others came across a temple "I can sense a strong demonic aura from that temple." He was proven right when shafts of light were blasted towards them, which Gohan cut through and destroyed, and advance inside the temple, revealing that all the ascetics were all just little kids.

"Step back. All of you." a priest with a demonic right arm by the name of Goryomaru emerged from inside the temple "Demons. You have the audacity to appear before me?"

Gohan's eyes narrowed as he eyed the priest I can sense powerful traces of demonic energy from this guy. He must be one of Naraku's minions.'

His thoughts were cut short when several demons arrived and began attacking temple.

Goryomaru then used his demonic arm, shooting out multiple shafts of light, destroying several of the demons.

Gohan and the others took care of the rest.

"Despicable. You're demons. So why do you kill other demons?" Goryomaru questioned

Gohan scoffed "That's what I want to ask you. Goryomaru, was it? Aren't you a demon as well?"

"How dare you." One of the kids growled "Master Goryomaru is a human! He is not a demon! He's an important ascetic!"

Goryomaru nodded "It is true that this arm is from a demon. However, as you can plainly see, it moves as I will it to. I overcame a demon who possessed me and tried to devour me and my spiritual powers. My real arm was indeed eaten. But this arm works well to destroy the vile demons."

Gohan's glare didn't drop "And you give little kids weapons to kill demons for you? How are you going to explain that one? Tell me, are you the one that ordered them to kill Gakusanjin?"

"Gakusanjin?"

Miroku nodded "The demon of the mountain. The demon who preferred to stay dormant as a mountain rather than fight useless battles. Gakusanjin was after another demon, or rather a half-demon, who had disturbed his sleep. And the name of the half-demon he spoke of is Naraku. We want to know the reason you killed the innocent Gakusanjin."

"Children, is this true?"

The oldest of the children looked down sadly "We can't tell if the demons are good or bad."

Goryomaru then looked at Gohan and the others "I'd like to tell you to leave at once, seeing as your business here is done. But if you leave now, you'll surely be attacked by demons in the area. I will allow you to spend the night in the temple."

Gohan accepted the offer before Inuyasha could be set off again.

Unknown to them, demons lurked outside.

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"What do you think about his story?" asked Inuyasha

Trunks shrugged "When we mentioned Gakusanjin and Naraku's names, his face didn't show any signs of recognition."

Koga scoffed "This is someone capable of putting on quite the charade. Something like that wouldn't make them flinch."

"I wonder if Naraku's nearby? Why do you guys think?" asked Kagome

Sango shook her head "I really don't know. But as long as Naraku has the Fuyoheki, we won't be able to find him."

Miroku nodded "Too bad we don't have the crystal fragments from Gakusanjin."

Then one of the ascetic children approached them "Hey. It's time for dinner."

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'Goryomaru is involved with Naraku.' Inuyasha mused 'I'm sure of it. But what is he planning to do bye saving these kids? Hey, how come Goryomaru isn't eating with us?"

"Because he's busy putting light into the Goryo earns." explained one of the kids "He says it makes him very exhausted."

"Why do you kids do something so dangerous?" asked Kagome "Where are your parents, anyway?"

"Our parents are all dead. They were all eaten by demons."

"All of you here are orphans?" asked Kagome

"Yes, and if the master didn't take us in, we'd have died on the road side."

Another nodded "That's why we're helping master Goryomaru with his work here at the temple. Our worst enemies are those demons."

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Kagura looked at the temple with several demons by her side 'What a creepy temple. The demons are coming in hordes, like they're being drawn here. Strange that they don't go inside, especially when there's no barrier. There's something going on, and I have to find out what it is. You demons. You are going to become my soldiers!" she killed the demons.

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Hearing what was going one, one of the children looked outside "Demons are attacking the temple! What'll we do? The urns aren't ready!"

Gohan looked at the children "You guys stay in here. We'll take care of them."

They raced outside and quickly set to work, before Kagome noticed something "These demons are already dead!"

Koga stepped forward "I've got this. Lightning claw!" he used the Goraishi form of his weapon to destroy them, but more kept coming.

Seeing this, Miroku sucked in several of them with his Wind Tunnel, before Saimyosho arrived, preventing Miroku from using it.

Gohan's eyes widened in realization "Now I've got it. This is Kagura's Dance of the Dead!"

Koga quickly charged after Kagura, before the gears clicked in his mind 'If Kagura is attacking, does this mean Goryomaru isn't one of Naraku's henchmen?'

The children retrieved their Goryo earns and attempted to kill the demons, but they didn't work.

Kagome quickly purified them "The Goryo earns don't work on those demons." She looked at the weakened Goryomaru "What's wrong?"

"He can't move." explained one of the children "He's always like this after he refills the earns with light."

Kagome looked at the weakened Goryomaru 'He's so pale.'

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"Get the **** out here, Kagura!" Koga snarled "I know you're around here!"

Kagura appeared above him "So what's the deal? What's you're connection to this temple?"

"Why are you attacking this temple? Does that mean that Goryomaru is Naraku's enemy?"

"Goryomaru? Does he mean the man in the temple? It's all starting to come together.'

Angered, Koga summoned the Goraishi onto his hand "Doesn't matter! I'll kill you right here and now!" he prepared to use the lightning claw, but Kagura used her dance of blades to distract him long enough for her to get away, before leaving several lesser demons to fight him, much to his fury.

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Sensing something, Kagome pulled out the sacred jewel shard, which somehow caused Goryomaru to fully recover, before he grabbed Kagome "Do not move."

At that moment, several demons broke in, before they, along with Kagura, were blasted by Goryomaru.

With a serious wound in her chest, Kagura fled.

The children fled "Thank goodness you're alright now master. Your power has returned to you!"

Goryomaru smiled and nodded "I'm glad that you're safe here too."

Kagome looked at him fearfully 'Was Goryomaru protecting me from Kagura? For a second, his eyes were so cold, though. I felt that awful feeling somewhere before.'

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As he and his group passed a river, Sesshomaru noticed something fall into the water.

"What seems to be the matter, lord Sesshomaru?" then Jaken noticed Kagura, floating unconscious in the river "Wait a minute! Isn't that Kagura?"

"I think something's wrong with her." said Rin.

"What ever shall we do, lord Sesshomaru?"

"Forget about her. We're going." He stated flatly as he continued walking.

Jaken looked at the river and saw Rin making her way towards Kagura "Hey Rin!"

"She'll be washed away!" Rin tried to pull her to shore, but was swept under water herself.

"Honestly, what are you thinking!" Jaken jumped in after her "Grab onto this stupid!"

Bad idea.

Rin grabbed on, and unintentionally pulled Jaken in too "Help! Save us! Don't leave us like this!"

Sesshomaru watched the little episode and sighed, before he pulled the three out of the water.

"She drifted all the way in this condition?" Jaken questioned "She's a goner if you want my opinion."

"Is she dead?" asked Rin

The two watched with astonishment as the wound regenerated, and Kagura regained consciousness, without a shirt on 'I'm not dead. Naraku has a hold of my heart, so I didn't die. Serves him right.' then she became aware of her surroundings, and noticed Sesshomaru and his companions "You people…"

"Lord Sesshomaru saved you." explained Rin

"As an afterthought!" Jaken squawked

"We're going." Sesshomaru stated as he began walking away

"Aren't you going to ask what happened to me?" asked Kagura

"I don't care."

Now Kagura was angry "Even if I told you that I found Naraku's heart?"

Now that got his attention.

"Listen Sesshomaru. You must've noticed by now. Naraku never dies no matter how many times he's slain. That's because his heart is located somewhere else. In order to destroy Naraku, you have to destroy his heart."

"Lord Sesshomaru, be careful! Don't trust her!" Jaken squaked "It may be some kind of trap!"

Kagura scoffed as she pulled out a certain something "It's up to you whether you believe me or not. But it won't hurt you to hang on to this."

"What is that thing?"

"A demonic aura crystal." she tossed it to Jaken "Naraku stole a jewel named that Fuyoheki that can hide his demonic aura. He uses it to completely hide the location of his heart. That crystal stops glowing when it approaches the Fuyoheki. That's what happened when I attacked Goryomaru's temple. From what I can tell, this Goryomaru fellow is the protector of Naraku's heart."

"Wait a minute here Kagura!" Jaken squawked "That would mean that Goryomaru is a part of Naraku's group! Why wouldn't you of all people know that already?"

"Naraku doesn't trust me enough to tell me things like that."

This was when Sesshomaru cut into the conversation "If what you say is true, then Naraku must already know that you're after his heart. He's smart enough to figure out that much. And that means it's useless for you to take any further action."

"What about you, Sesshomaru? Why don't you get him?"

Sesshomaru allowed a tiny smirk to creep it's way onto his face "Kagura, are you planning to use me to kill him for you?"

"Naraku can't possibly be killed except by someone of your caliber. No one else surpasses you in terms of your skill or demonic power."

Jaken was taken aback by this 'Such flattery!"

Only Rin saw in between the lines.

Kagura stood "Thanks for everything today. I'll be going now."

"Already? Didn't you come to ask lord Sesshomaru for help?" asked Rin.

Kagura looked stunned for a second, but shook her head "Nothing of the sort. I just…" She didn't finish her sentence as she took her giant feather 'I wanted to see him again, before I died… Just one more time… That's all…'

"She went away."

"Put on your clothes!" Jaken squawked, before he looked at the crystal "Lord Sesshomaru, what shall we do about this?"

"I'll leave it to you." He replied coolly

"Please my lord! That puts me in such a bind!"

"You should hang on to it, master Jaken." Rin suggested "That lady didn't seem like she trying to trick us or anything this time. I'll bet she was secretly in love with lord Sesshomaru."

Jaken gaped at her.

Rin gave an innocent smile "She praised him. Don't you remember that?"

Jaken just continued to gape 'This kid is so simple minded.'

Sesshomaru said nothing.

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"Hey Miroku, Trunks. Are you guys sure about leaving the temple like this?" asked Inuyasha

Miroku nodded "I want to check something out today."

"I have a feeling we need to look into this." Trunks told them

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As she flew threw the sky, Kagura met up with Hakudoshi, who gave her more work to do.

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"This is it." said Miroku "A demonic aura is pouring out of this place."

They went inside and found a disturbing sight.

"Carcasses of demons." Sango noted

"This scent. Gakusanjin's body is here too." added Inuyasha

"Those ascetics were dumping the demons they slew in a place like this?" asked Shippo

Miroku nodded "So it would seem. That would mean that they're gathering the demonic auras on purpose."

"That's bound to attract other demons here." Trunks pointed out.

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Hakudoshi and Kagura showed up at the temple.

Hakudoshi personally went after Goryomaru, striking him in the throat.

Goryomaru tried to attack Hakudoshi, but was unable to break through his barrier.

Following the smell of blood, Gohan and the others arrived just in time to see Goryomaru slain by Hakudoshi.

At that moment, Kanna appeared with the infant, before escaping with Hakudoshi.

"Kagura, what's going on?" asked Gohan

Kagura scoffed "Isn't it obvious? All this time, Naraku's heart was hidden from danger right inside this temple."

Gohan blinked before the gears clicked "You mean the infant is his heart?"

Kagura took off without another word.

At the very least, Gohan felt that Goryomaru deserved a proper burial.

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Hakudoshi and Kanna brought the infant to a giant stone ogre demon.

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"Let's move guys." said Gohan "We've got to hurry before he can hide his heart in a new location."

Along the way, they were attacked by Kagura, who left without another.

Gohan attempted to go after her, but Trunks stopped him "Hold it Gohan. She intends to betray Naraku. That would explain her behavior. When she attacked the temple, she was after Naraku's heart. Despite the orders from Hakudoshi, she didn't try to fight us. Maybe Kagura is trying to guide us to Naraku's heart."

Gohan shrugged "Fair enough."

Kagura looked down at them and smirked about the fact that she was planning to use them, for she valued her life too.

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"Damn! We lost her!" Koga growled

"Look!" Kagome shouted "A stone demon!"

"In there, huh?" Gohan muttered "Let's go." they entered the body of the demon, making their way down to the stomach "I'm feeling something. No mistake. Kagome, stay close to me."

Kagome nodded 'Gohan senses the same person I do in here.'

"I know you're in here. Show yourself!" Gohan used the Dragon Current, destroying part of the demon's body.

Naraku revealed himself "Welcome Son Gohan. You've finally come."

"Naraku." Inuyasha snarled

"What's wrong, Inuyasha, Son Gohan?" Naraku mocked "You're finally facing the person you've sought for so long, yet you show no joy."

Trunks and Miroku looked at each other and nodded 'Judging by his confidence, Naraku has already moved the infant containing his heart to somewhere else.'

Naraku chuckled darkly as he held out the tainted sacred jewel "Now then, give me a present before you go to the netherworld. Kagome, I mean the sacred jewel shard that you have in your possession."

A current of dark power rippled through the belly of the demon as it came to life, the liquid the group was standing in turning into stomach acid.

"You will all dissolve inside this demon." Naraku taunted "Leaving only the sacred jewel shard behind."

"Before that happens, we'll take your sacred jewel!" Inuyasha snarled as he and Gohan used their Platinum Cannon and Adamant Barrage, but even their combined power was unable to pierce through the flesh.

Noticing the power of the jewel making the demon stronger, Kagome tried to purify it, but Naraku disappeared.

As he did, the acid began to burn everybody.

As Inuyasha, Miroku and the others tried to protect themselves from the acid, Gohan continuously tried using the Dragon Flash to destroy the demon, but it wasn't strong enough.

Then Gohan ran over to Kagome and the others as Miroku's spiritual barrier dissolved, and gave Kagome his kimono top "Put this on, Kagome. But I need your jewel shard. I know what I'm doing, but I need you to trust me. If I can used the purified jewel shard to increase the purifying power of my Dragon Flash, I can get us out of here!' He placed the jewel shard on the Ryuuga, which began pulsating in reaction to the jewel shard.

But that was when it happened.

The sacred jewel shard became defiled from the presence inside the demon, causing Gohan to transform.

His eyes turned pitch black, his nails grew longer, and fangs grew in his mouth.

"Kagome. Can you hear me?" a voice called out

Kagome found herself in a white void, with Zalamain front of her 'Are you Ryu? What happened to Gohan?'

"The jewel shard immediately became defiled when it left your possession. You have to call out to him, but with strong enough emotion."

Kagome blushed "You mean…"

"You have to confess your love for him. It's the only way to save him. Are you willing to?"

"Yes. I love Gohan, and it's time he knows."

"Good. Now go."

Kagome found herself back in reality.

She knew what she had to do.

"Gohan!" She ran through the stomach acid and hugged his waist "Gohan, don't give in. You're stronger than this! And I know you're the strongest, most good-hearted person I know. That's why… I love you Gohan. I LOVE YOU!" she grabbed him by the neck and kissed him full on the lips, completely ignoring the pain she felt as her ankles were swallowed up by the demonic stomach acid.

Gohan hesitated for a moment, before kissing her back, giving Trunks, Koga and the others the finger, as the jewel shard in the Ryuuga was purified "Ka...gome?"

Kagome released him and looked up at him "Gohan… are you alright?"

"I am now. Kagome, I need you to stick close to me. Just for a little bit longer."

Kagome put her arms around his waist.

Gohan charged one final attack "Take this Naraku! Dragon Flash!" the fused demonic and purification powers of the Ryuuga shot straight through the demon's stomach, destroying it completely in a stunning burst of power.

Gohan breathed a sigh of relief "We're safe now Kagome."

Kagome slowly nodded before her arms slipped and she lost consciousness, with Gohan catching her before she hit the ground.

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Kikyo came across Kanna and Akago as she realized that Akago was Naraku's heart. As she drew her bow to destroy the infant, Moryomaru attacked Kikyo, allowing Kanna to be rescued by Moryomaru and escape.

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"So this is it?" asked Jaken "The temple Kagura spoke of."

Sesshomaru and his group had arrived at the temple of Goryomaru, only to find the corpses of hundreds of demons scattered around the area, and the body of Goryomaru was gone "There's nothing for us here. Let's go."

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Gohan and the others had returned to Kaede's village to recover.

Kaede tended to Kagome's wounds "This medicinal herb works well against demonic acid burns."

Kagome nodded and smiled "Thank you. I appreciate it, Kaede."

"How is Miroku doing?"

Sango shook her head "He still has some Saimyosho poison in his system."

"Even I can't help him there." Myoga stated

"Where's Gohan?" asked Kagome

Trunks pointed to where Gohan was sitting on a branch of the sacred tree.

Kagome climbed up to meet him "Hey."

They stayed silent for a few minutes.

"How are you feeling?" asked Gohan "Your feet must hurt a lot. I still have a long way to go, before I can protect you. I'm so sorry Kagome. It's my fault you're in so much pain."

Kagome shook her head "Don't worry about it, really. If you hadn't been there, we probably wouldn't have even gotten out of there alive. Besides, in a weird way, I was happy when it was happening. I mean, I'm glad that I was by your side." She closed her eyes and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Gohan smiled and put his arm around her shoulder 'Me too. I'm glad that you were by my side. I really am, Kagome. I promise, on Son Goku's blood, that by the time Naraku is destroyed, I will have properly confessed to you, Kagome.'

A/N:

I took out the scene about Kagome's friends meeting Inuyasha or Koga or whoever I would've put in because it really held no importance to the plot in this one. That, and I wanted to give both Gohan and Kai some character development and build on their friendship a little.

The grieving scene between Gohan and Kai was based off of Luffy grieving over Ace's death in One Piece.