Now that Kikyo was powerless, Naraku decided to turn his attention towards Kagome, since she was the only one left who could purify the Shikon jewel, and potentially obliterate his soul with it, once it was complete.
But first, there was one other target to be dealt with: a priestess by the name of Hitomiko, who he encountered before.
Hitomiko's spiritual powers were rumored to rival even that of Kikyo, even as a child.
Naraku, not wanting to have problems with her in the future, targeted her 15 years ago, which led to Hitomiko's master being killed, and Hitomiko driving Naraku back with her spiritual powers, forcing him to retreat.
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Hitomiko lamented on her encounter with Naraku, recalling that her master's last words were true. She'd spent her entire life fighting demons.
She did not choose this fight, but such was her fate as a priestess.
A villager approached her, telling her that a traveler had collapsed outside the village.
The moment she tried to help him, spider webs escaped from his mouth.
However, Hitomiko sent them back at him, wrapping him in his own threads.
She then heard Naraku's evil laughter before collapsing.
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"Are you sure Kagome?" Asked Gohan
Kagome nodded "I'm positive. Those are Naraku's spider webs."
'Damn you Naraku!' Inuyasha mentally growled 'Those webs are what he used to defile and nearly kill Kikyo. What's he plotting this time?'
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"That's where they originated from?" Asked Koga
Kagome nodded "Up there by the shrine."
Then some villagers approached them "Um… Who are you people?"
"Are you from the village?" Asked Miroku "I don't mean to pry, but I feel I must ask you. Has anything unusual here happened in the past few days. Something happened here, didn't it?"
The villagers shared a few glances, and one nodded "Actually, something did happen to lady Hitomiko, the priestess who used to protect our village."
He then went into detail about how she died after helping a sick traveler, and requested that they sever her head and bury it separate from her body.
However, none of them could bring themselves to do what she'd asked, and they buried her whole.
"And then, something happened." The villager added ominously.
He was cut off by the ringing of bells, as Hitomiko emerged from the shrine "What is this? Do we have visitors?"
Gohan turned to Inuyasha and Koga "Well?"
Koga nodded "She's dead, no doubt about it. I smell a corpse."
Then spiderwebs appeared attached to Hitomiko "So, I gather you must be Kagome?"
"How do you know my name?" Asked a shocked Kagome
"Listen Kagome, you must leave this place immediately. Turn away and never look back. Otherwise, I'll be forced to kill you." Hitomiko warned as her eyes turned dark.
Koga immediately charged with the Raiso, but the webs pulled Hitomiko away "You are a fool! You will never destroy me by severing the spider webs!" And she disappeared.
"What just happened?" Asked a villager
"A demon named Naraku has taken control of Hitomiko's body." Explained Kagome
"Isn't there anything we can do to save her?" Asked a villager
Inuyasha sighed "At this point, all we can do is recover her remains."
"Whatever the case, we've gotta do what we can to help, especially if Naraku's involved." said Gohan "She wouldn't have wanted this. My guess is she made that dying wish to make sure something like this didn't happen."
By this point, the villagers were on their hands and knees begging them to allow them to honor her remains.
Kagome nodded "I understand. We'll do what we can to help you."
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From the shadows, Naraku was planning to manipulate Hitomiko as a way to steal Kagome's spiritual powers and kill her.
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The villagers were frightened when spider webs covered Hitomiko's shrine.
Then a massive wave of spider webs poured down the staircase to the shrine.
Inuyasha's Tessaiga didn't work, but Hiraikotsu cut through them, before it was repelled by a barrier.
From the top of the staircase, Hitomiko scoffed "Your weapons are powerless against me. A priestess's barrier can only be broken by a priestess.
Kagome's eyes widened as she saw several of Hitomiko's sacred bells attached to the spider webs surrounding the shrine, realizing that they were what was holding the barrier together.
She shot one of the bells, destroying it, but the arrow was stuck in the webs.
Hitomiko smirked "We are connected."
Before anyone could react, Kagome was quickly pulled inside the barrier and vanished.
"Kagome!" Gohan screamed her name as he charged at the barrier with the Ryuuga, but even the duel-elemental attacks and the Dragon Flash couldn't break through it.
"Naraku, that bastard. He was after Kagome from the very beginning." Gohan realized
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Kagome suddenly found herself in room with Hitomiko, who was attached to several of Naraku's spider webs and held up Kagome's arrow "I don't understand, what point is there in stealing your feeble power?"
And the arrow disappeared as it was incinerated by a red flame "I wonder what Naraku was hoping to accomplish."
"Lady Hitomiko, I came to this shrine because I want to save you." Explained Kagome
Hitomiko glared darkly "Oh really? You propose to save me, do you? How absurd." And she used her sacred bells to form a circle around Kagome, made of her blood "Kagome, do you think it was by chance that you were given the name Kagome? That name you bear holds a special power. A power hidden within you since the day you were born."
Kagome looked at Hitomiko fearfully 'I don't understand. Why is she telling me this?'
Hitomiko smirked "You are no more than a bird in a cage. You shall never leave. Never."
Kagome found that she couldn't move, and saw Naraku above them "Naraku! Stop hiding up there and show yourself! You're a coward!"
Although she could barely move, Kagome shot a sacred arrow at Naraku's head.
"Now I see." Hitomiko mused "It is not you he is after. I'm supposed to steal the power that resides within that bow."
Kagome's eyes widened as she looked at the bow 'The bow I received at Mount Azusa.'
"If I'm not mistaken, that bow was originally meant to be wielded by another." Hitomiko spat "A person who would've been able to master the use of it."
Kagome's eyes widened 'Kikyo…'
"You merely aim and release with it." Hitomiko chided "Unable to harness its spiritual power. And yet you believe you could save me? Leave the bow here, and be on your way. Do so and your life will be spared. But take it with you, and you shall die.
Suddenly, she was being strangled by spider webs, as Naraku's voice revealed itself "You'll spare her life, will you? Then you leave me no choice."
"Show your self Naraku!" Kagome yelled as she locked and loaded another arrow.
"Do not waste your arrows." Hitomiko please weakly
"Indeed." Naraku rasped out as a spider mark appeared on Hitomiko's chest "If you must shoot, aim here. Shoot the arrow through her chest. Once you do, Hitomiko will finally die, and you will be saved."
"I won't do it!" Kagome stated firmly "I won't take orders from you Naraku!"
She didn't notice Hitomiko's eyes glaze over as the webs released her.
"Then you leave me no choice but to kill you." She stated in a monotone voice as she took a drop of blood from the circle and blew on it.
The minute she did, crimson flames emerged from the blood and surrounded Kagome, who locked and loaded her arrow.
"Now then, will you shoot her to save your own life?" Naraku questioned.
Without a word, Kagome shot the arrow at Hitomiko's bells, breaking the spell.
Without wasting any time, Kagome started running, but the spider webs surrounded her.
Naraku's hideous voice laughed "You cannot escape Hitomiko's barrier! The only way to escape is to destroy Hitomiko! Will you refuse to fight and allow her to kill you, or will you shoot the spider nesting within her and win your freedom? You can only choose one. But before you do, I shall tell you this. If you destroy Hitomiko with your sacred arrow, her soul can never be saved. The priestess will die a demon, and so will her soul, which means it will be cursed to join my spider webs in the fires of hell for all eternity! You'd do well to keep that in mind. One more thing. Now that I've told you this, should you choose to shoot Hitomiko, your heart will be corrupted for all eternity as well."
"Shut up!" Kagome screamed "I've heard enough of your talk, naraku!"
"Either outcome suits me fine." He retorted nonchalantly "Either you allow Hitomiko to kill you, or you sacrifice Hitomiko to save your own life, thereby corrupting your heart. A heart so vile that it is capable of condemning Hitomiko for personal gain will surely fall victim to my spider webs. Corrupt Kagome and steal her spiritual power, Hitomiko. And you, Kagome, know that within Hitomiko's barrier, you must kill or be killed."
Blood started dripping from the webs, turning into Crimson flames when they hit the ground, cornering Kagome, preventing her from running.
"Those flames are made from your blood Kagome." Explained Hitomiko "I'm afraid they'll only intensify as you get closer."
With no other options, Kagome turned and ran, trying to figure out what to do next.
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By this point, Gohan was just slamming shoulder-first into the barrier.
Yeah, he's reached that point of desperation, guys.
After 2 hours of using the Dragon Flash and Dragon Magma on each end of the naginata form of the Ryuuga, this is what he's decided on.
All that was on his mind was breaking the ****ing barrier, and saving the woman he loved.
Even if he looked like a total fool while doing it.
Which he did.
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Kagome kept running 'I'm sure lady Hitomiko was trying to tell me something. So if I learn how to use the bow properly, I can save lady Hitomiko? I already know that Naraku wants me to shoot her, but I would never be able to do that. Besides, even if it got me out of this situation, then what? My heart would be so corrupted, I would never be able to escape Naraku's spider webs.'
She kept running until she fell through a hole in the floor.
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She finally stopped when she fell on Naraku's spider webs.
She looked down to see the horrific landscape below her.
Corpses, blood, skeletons, crows, vultures, and anything and everything else in that category.
Kagome was horrified by this "What is this? An illusion?"
"This is no illusion." Hitomiko spat as she grabbed Kagome by the neck "You are in hell! You will answer me! Why were you given the name Kagome?! If you cannot understand that, you are to be incinerated by the fires of hell! You must remember!"
Frightened, Kagome pushed her back, but looked in surprise as he hand came off "This is the hand of a demon."
The spider re-appeared on Hitomiko's chest as webs emerged from it, surrounding Kagome with Crimson blood flames.
"Can you feel the pain?" Hitomiko questioned "Are you burning up? Though it may feel that way, this fire will never kill you. But you will suffer this pain for all eternity. Cry all you want. No one can save you now, foolish girl." She looked up, revealing a demonic appearance "You dare to talk of saving me, but you have no power to speak of. You can't even save yourself!"
By this point, Kagome was weighing her options 'Maybe shooting that spider is my only choice. But when she was choking me just now, with this hand,I sensed a strong emotion from her. But what was it? Was it fear? No, no worse. It was a deep sorrow. I can't allow myself to leave this person here!'
She thought about Hitomiko's question.
Why was she given the name Kagome?
Once, during her childhood, she'd asked her mother about her name, and learned that her mother saw a star-shaped light on her chest the day she was born.
Kagome's eyes widened in realization 'The Shikon jewel had been hidden in my body from birth. When I was born, my mom must've been able to see its light. Which means my name 'Kagome' actually came from the Shikon jewel! But so what? It still doesn't mean I was born with any special powers. I don't understand! I don't know what you're talking about!"
Hitomiko smirked maniacally "In that case, down into hell you go."
As the flames wrapped around her in a violent whirlpool, Kagome remembered when the other kids would make her play 'Kagome, Kagome'. She always hated that game, because the other kids always taunted her because she had the same name.
It was actually during one of those times that she developed a small crush on Gohan without realizing it, after he defended her from some boys picking on her.
Then her eyes snapped open 'Is that it? Could that be the power I was born with? Who's behind me? Naraku! I want to save lady Hitomiko. If I can somehow combine the spiritual powers of the bow with my power, I can do it!' Then she saw a light on the spider-mark 'The shape of that light! I see it! This is what lady Hitomiko was trying to tell me! Please bow of Mount Azusa, I'm begging you to lend me your strength.'
She locked and loaded an arrow 'Pierce the light of that star and set her free! Take this!"
She fired the arrow, but right before it hit Hitomiko, it disappeared, and reappeared behind her, hitting Naraku in the face.
Kagome smiled "I did it! Amazing. So this is the true spiritual power of the bow."
Hitomiko opened her eyes, no longer possessed by Naraku, and was surrounded by a pure light.
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The pure light from Hitomiko destroyed Naraku's spider webs, and dissolved the barrier.
Just as Gohan was charging head first into it for the 12th time.
He finally got through, and ran straight inside.
Mainly because he couldn't stop.
Koga and the others ran after him.
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Kagome opened her eyes and found Hitomiko standing in front of her and smiling "It is all over. You are a true mystery. In the end, you were able to combine your own power and the spiritual power of the bow to shatter the evil presence that bound me. You save me, Kagome. That much I understand. However, it was only in the moment you released the arrow that your power became visible. Something is sealing your true power. What it is I do not know."
Suddenly, she collapsed, but Kagome caught her.
Hitomiko smiled at her "Kagome, you are such a mysterious person… The source of your power, and even your name…' And with that, her eyes closed.
Hitomiko was finally at peace.
Around that time, Kagome heard a yell, followed by a loud crashing sound.
She looked to find Gohan slammed head first into the main shrine.
Slowly, he removed his head "I'm okay. What about you, Kagome?"
Kagome nodded.
Then Koga and the others arrived.
Miroku examined Hitomiko "She had already passed on."
Sango nodded "But it seems that she's finally at peace."
Kagome said nothing.
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After an hour of thank yous from the villagers, they departed, deciding to head back to Kaede's village.
"What's wrong Kagome?" Asked Gohan "You haven't said a word since we left."
Kagome shook her head "It's nothing. I'm fine. If what lady Hitomiko said was true, my power is being sealed by something. Or someone. Kikyo, maybe? Or perhaps…'
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Sesshomaru's group was confronted by two demons who heard of him losing his sword.
Apparently this had been happening a lot since he lost the Meido Zangetsuha to Inuyasha, and Tenseiga was once again useless.
But naturally, Sesshomaru defeated them with ease.
Trunks and Jaken understood that the other reason they had come for Sesshomaru was to get Kohaku's jewel shard.
Unknown to them, Byakuya was watching from above, before departing.
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After the incident with Hitomiko, Gohan and the others returned to Kaede's village.
Inuyasha was off spending time with Kikyo, after being apart for so long.
Apparently, despite losing her spiritual powers, Kikyo was using her knowledge of herbs and medicines to act as the village healer.
Koga was in the middle of hunting with Hakkaku and Ginta.
Miroku and the others were doing what they normally did while Kagome was drying her clothes, being given a priestess kimono by Kikyo to wear.
During this time, Gohan was worrying about the fact that now that Kikyo had lost her powers, Kagome would have to her role all alone.
The only problem was, she couldn't.
"Kagome's spiritual power has been sealed?" Asked Kaede
Gohan nodded "At least that's what lady Hitomiko told her."
"And you believe my sister is somehow responsible for this?" Asked Kaede
Gohan shrugged "Well, that's what Kagome believes."
"Impossible." Kikyo stated as she and Inuyasha entered the hut "I would not seal away the only thing capable of destroying Naraku."
"Then what else could it be?" Asked Gohan
Kaede thought for a moment "I presume the Shikon jewel feared Kagome's spiritual power and decided to take action. As you well know, the Shikon jewel contains a good spirit we call Naohi, and an evil spirit, Magatsuhi. If you are right about Kagome's innate spiritual power being sealed, there can be but one explanation."
Kikyo nodded "The evil will, Magatsuhi, sealed that power out of fear."
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Byakuya returned to a small cave on his origami crane.
He saw Naraku conversing with the Shikon jewel, offering some of his flesh so it would manifest and eliminate the sacred light.
A tornado of purple energy spiraled out of the jewel and burrowed into Naraku, causing his back to explode with violent light as a figure emerged and flew off with other demon body parts attached to it.
"Naraku, was that a new incarnation or something?" Asked Byakuya as he entered the cave.
"No. Not quite. It came from inside the Shikon jewel. It is the evil will of the demons that have been sealed within it for many years." Explained Naraku as the hole in his waist regenerated.
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Gohan was in the middle of meditating when he was ripped out of his by a sinister feeling in the pit of his stomach "What was that?"
"Did you guys feel that too?" Asked Koga
Kagome nodded "I sensed something, it was pure evil."
"And headed straight for Sesshomaru!" Gohan shouted as he picked Kagome up on his back and sped off, with Koga, Inuyasha and the others following as fast as they could.
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"Is something troubling you, lord Sesshomaru?" Asked Jaken
Sesshomaru and Trunks looked at each other and nodded.
At that moment, a dark cloud appeared overhead, revealing the demon that took Naraku's flesh, appearing as an armored warrior.
"Another incarnation?" Sesshomaru mused
Without a word, the demon extended its claw to attack Kohaku, before Sesshomaru cut off its arm with his poison claw, giving Kohaku and the others the time to get on A-Un as he took to the air.
The demon quickly regenerated its arm and smirked at Sesshomaru "You're weak, demon."
"What did you just say?" Jaken squawked
"I'll say it one more time. You are weak." He repeated
Without a word, Sesshomaru charged, avoiding the claws, and pierced the demon's chest.
But the demon just smirked "Now then, have you realized how weak you are yet?"
Trunks looked on worriedly 'This isn't right. Lord Sesshomaru's arm should've pierced that thing's body. But it looks like it's being swallowed!'
Several spider legs grew out of the demon's back and attempted to stab Sesshomaru, but he escaped, revealing that his hand had been burned by a poison far stronger than his own.
"You must escape lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken pleaded "If you were to lose your right arm, you would no longer be able to fight!"
"Rin get down!" Said Kohaku as he struck the demon in the head with his chain-sickle.
The demon didn't even flinch. Instead, he looked at Kohaku and smirked.
Sesshomaru glared at Kohaku 'Fool!'
Kohaku jumped down, thinking that if the demon was Naraku's incarnation, it wouldn't be able to touch him, since Kikyo purified his shard.
Without a word, the demon struck Kohaku's shard with one of his spider leg tentacles, defiling it, rendering him unconscious.
Sesshomaru tried to rescue Kohaku as he was entangled in the demon's tentacles, but his arm was stabbed through.
The demon smirked "That should stop you."
What he didn't expect was…
"BANZAIIIIIII!"
Gohan appeared in a burst of speed and cut off its arm, freeing Sesshomaru and Kohaku.
Then Koga and Inuyasha showed up "Well, you must be Naraku's latest."
The demon's smirk vanished "Naraku. How dare you group me with that half-demon."
Sango and the others picked up the unconscious Kohaku.
"The shard has been defiled." Explained Kagome "I'll purify it." She looked at the demon 'Did that guy defile it? Is he just another one of Naraku's incarnations? Something feels different about him.'
Noticing her, the demon shot a glare at Kagome, causing her eyes to go blank as she collapsed, unconscious.
"Bastard. What the **** did you do to Kagome?" Gohan snarled
The demon only chuckled.
"Take Kohaku and leave. He is in the way." Sesshomaru warned "You too."
Gohan's fury tripled "Koga, Inuyasha, take Kagome. I'm getting this bastard."
They nodded as they took Kagome onto Kilala.
Sesshomaru reappeared behind Gohan, who noticed his wounded arm "Back off for now, lord Sesshomaru. You're hurt. You don't stand a chance right now."
Sesshomaru gave a small smirk "You underestimate me, Gohan. I am more than capable of defending myself." And used his true demonic power to heal his arm.
The demon smirked "I guess you want some more." He transformed his arm into a blade and slashed it at Sesshomaru, who dodged before transforming into his true form and ripping the demon's head off.
The body fell to the ground, releasing a powerful miasma, along with several tentacles aimed at Kohaku, before Trunks cut them off with the Trunks, glowing golden with his Super Saiyan power.
The demon chuckled from Sesshomaru's jaw "Go on. Tear me to pieces. I'm just borrowing this body."
"Who the hell are you?" Gohan snarled
The demon smirked as Sesshomaru was trapped by its tentacles "Since you ask, I'll tell you. My name is Magatsuhi."
Gohan's eyes widened "Magatsuhi? The evil will within the Shikon jewel? I get it. This bastard must've borrowed some of Naraku's flesh, and manifested!'
"Exactly. Son Gohan, there's one power that can destroy his body, but it's not ready yet. You need to buy time."
"I'm on it. I don't give a **** if you are Magatsuhi. I'll still obliterate you for hurting Kagome!"
Magatsuhi smirked "Alright, but I'll take the dog with me."
Jaken looked on in horror as Sesshomaru was strangled by Magatsuhi's tentacles 'Lord Sesshomaru can't even break free when he's using his true power as a dog demon! Although, while he's in that form, he can only rely on brute strength. He is a dog after all, and from the look of it, not a bright one. If he undid the transformation, he'd shrink and be able to slip free. But right now, that won't occur to him.'
Gohan face palmed "Sesshomaru! Undo the transformation!"
As soon as his dog form was completely engulfed in Magatsuhi's tentacles, Sesshomaru reappeared on the outside after undoing the transformation, and glared at Jaken.
Jaken flinched "No I wasn't thinking anything, I swear!"
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"That means master Jaken was thinking something." Said Rin
Miroku nodded "It seems the two of them are connected somehow."
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As Gohan prepared to use his new technique with the tiger claws form of the Ryuuga, or Meido Claws, as he referred to it affectionately, Sesshomaru continued slashing through Magatsuhi's tentacles, until they blinded him, restraining his movements, before Gohan cut him free with a Dragon Cyclone from his claws "I know you don't want help, but I can't let you die. Now watch out. I'll use my Meido Claws."
See what I mean?
Anyway, the claws turned black, surrounded by demonic energy.
Magatsuhi smirked and his body parts scattered "By all means. Give that Meido Zangetsuha a whirl. But be careful where you aim. You could just as easily end up killing your friends."
Gohan turned to Sesshomaru and nodded.
Sesshomaru nodded back and turned to Koga and the others "Follow me." And he started slashing through body parts.
"What ever could he be doing?" Asked Jaken
"Isn't it obvious? He's gathering Magatsuhi's body parts in one place so I know where to aim my Meido Zangetsuha." Explained Gohan
Sesshomaru finished gathering Magatsuhi's body parts in mid-air "Okay. You'll have to fend for yourselves now."
Trunks nodded in understanding.
Sesshomaru then flew towards Magatsuhi's head as he drew Tenseiga 'Magatsuhi. He must die by my hand. My very pride is at stake.'
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From his cave him, which was still missing part of its roof after Sesshomaru and Trunks's last visit, Totosai noticed pieces of metal vibrating "Woah. That was faster than I expected, Sesshomaru." And he quickly jumped on his demon bull Momo and flew towards the battlefield.
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Sesshomaru flew towards Magatsuhi's head as he whipped out Tenseiga 'I can smell it. The true form of Magatsuhi that's manipulating these other parts. The scent is slightly different from Naraku's rotten stench.'
He slashed Tenseiga beside the Magatsuhi's head.
"Why use Tenseiga, a sword that heals?" Asked Jaken
Shippo nodded in agreement "I thought that sword couldn't cut anything."
Gohan smirked "Because there is one thing Tenseiga can cut."
The moment Sesshomaru slashed with the Tenseiga, a massive, pale face with red eyes appeared, furiously glaring at Sesshomaru "No! Damn you!"
"I get it." Trunks mused out loud "Magatsuhi was formed from the souls of demon sealed within the jewel. It looks like Tenseiga is still effective, since Magatsuhi isn't of this world."
"You'll pay!" Magatsuhi's true form spat as it disappeared, being protected by various body parts, which Tenseiga couldn't cut through.
Magatsuhi smirked "How pathetic. That sword may be able to cut through souls, but it will never be able to cut through Naraku's flesh!" And he then stabbed Sesshomaru through his chest using his tentacles.
"Now, I'll say it one last time. You. Are. Weak." Magatsuhi spat as Sesshomaru was engulfed in his body parts.
Gohan rode Kilala to the top of the compilation of body parts as he began slashing at them.
Rin started crying, but Jaken told her not to, as it would dishonor his memory. Sesshomaru fought with courage, honor, and pride, even if it cost him his life.
Gohan, however, wasn't willing to accept it, and continued hacking away "Sesshomaru, I don't care if you don't want my help! I won't leave you here to die!"
"Are you really so proud than accept help from one of the people who took Meido Zangetsuha from you? I know you're smarter than that, Fluffy!" Trunks screamed
Koga and everyone else conscious blinked 'Fluffy?'
Just as Gohan was bound by Magatsuhi's tentacles, the body was ripped to shreds by a powerful green light.
When Magatsuhi's body opened, it revealed Sesshomaru, alive and well, a crackling green energy source at his left shoulder, shocking everybody.
Sesshomaru looked at the light on his arm with shock 'This sensation…'
At that moment, Totosai arrived on the battlefield on his flying bull.
Sesshomaru saw this 'Totosai. In that case…' he saw Magatsuhi's spider legs 'This is it!' He swung his left side, and a massive burst of light scattered Magatsuhi's body parts, freeing Gohan in the process.
Sesshomaru landed on the ground and, to the astonishment of everyone (except Totosai), including him, he was holding a new sword in his regenerated left arm!
"So it's finally appeared, Sesshomaru." Explained Totosai "Finally, a weapons that did not belong to your father. This is your sword, Bakusaiga."
Sesshomaru looked at his new sword in his new left arm "This is my new sword, is it? Bakusaiga?"
Magatsuhi smirked as he tried to regenerate, but got quite the surprise 'What?! Not only can't I regenerate, but now even body parts that were unscathed are coming apart!'
"The effect of his blade remains even now." Sango noted
Koga nodded "Not only that, but it keeps spreading."
Inuyasha nodded "If Naraku touches any demons touched by that sword, the effect would spread to him too."
Magatsuhi smirked "I'll admit, this diversion has proven to be very surprising. However, as I am only borrowing this body, you've done me no harm."
Without a word, Sesshomaru used the power of Bakusaiga "Dragon Burst!" And the raw power of the newly-named Dragon Burst destroyed Magatsuhi's head
"Serves you right, insolent talking head!" Jaken squawked "That's what you get for attempting to belittle lord Sesshomaru!"
"Where's Magatsuhi's true form?" Asked Inuyasha
The clouds vanished, revealing that Magatsuhi had escaped.
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Gohan watched over Kagome as she slept "How is she?"
Koga shook his head "She still hasn't woken up."
Trunks and Sesshomaru were examining the Bakusaiga.
Trunks whistled "Wow. And I thought Koga's Raiso was powerful. This thing might be just as strong, if not stronger."
Sesshomaru nodded "Before I forget…" Using his new left arm, he punched Trunks in the gut "Don't EVER call me Fluffy."
Trunks nodded "Say what you want, it gave you you the necessary rage to destroy Magatsuhi's body."
Then Totosai cut into the conversation "Please show me your Bakusaiga, Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru nodded and held up the sword.
Totosai examined the blade and smiled "This sword has always been a part of you, Sesshomaru. It was waiting for you. But before you could wield it, you needed to show you were worthy of it by standing on your own as a great demon."
"What's this? Why I'll have you know lord Sesshomaru has always stood on his own!" Jaken squawked
"Shut up, Jaken." Sesshomaru, Trunks and Totosai said simultaneously.
'It makes perfect sense.' Gohan realized 'Overcoming his attachment to Tessaiga. That was the test for Sesshomaru. He had to let go of the past.'
Now that the interruption was out of the way, Totosai continued "You once lost your left arm in an attempt to take Tessaiga. It was a most unfortunate event. But now, you have gained a new arm, along with Bakusaiga, a sword that is truly yours and yours alone, proving that you had finally surpassed your father, and that you have been released from your obsession with Tessaiga."
Gohan walked up and stood by him "It's up to us to stop Naraku. Me, Koga, Kagome, and you, lord Sesshomaru. We may be the few beings capable of taking him out."
Sesshomaru nodded and gave a small smile "Naraku won't live to see morning next time we see him. And please, don't call me lord. We are equals, Son Gohan."
Gohan shrugged "Suit yourself, Sesshomaru."
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Kagome was having a nightmare.
No, not where Naraku killed Gohan and she was powerless to help, or anything like that.
It was the kind where Gohan passed his high school entrance exams, but she failed.
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She woke up suddenly in Kaede's hut.
"What's wrong Kagome?" Asked Gohan softly, his voice filled with concern "Are you still in pain?"
Kagome blinked "But… How'd I…?"
"You fainted after Magatsuhi glared at you." Explained Koga "Do you remember what happened?"
Kagome's eyes widened in realization 'That's right… I remember now… I suddenly felt weak…'
She looked and saw Sango and Rin with an unconscious Kohaku "How is he, Sango?"
Sango shook her head "He hasn't woken up since it happened."
"I'm sure it's because Magatsuhi defiled his shard." Explained Kagome as she tried to purify it, but soon stopped "It's not working. I can't purify it! I don't get it. I could do this before…"
"If you can't, what'll happen?" Asked Rin.
Kagome gasped in realization 'Hold on a second… Did Magatsuhi do this to me?'
Gohan had the same though, just much angrier 'That mother ****er did something to Kagome's spiritual powers.'
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Jaken and Trunks were waiting outside the hut for Totosai to finish forging a sheath for Sesshomaru's new sword.
Before long, he finished "Okay. All done. A scabbard for Bakusaiga."
Sesshomaru slowly took it, and examined it.
Satisfied, he nodded "Thank you, Totosai. You've done well." He then turned to his companions "Jaken, Trunks, I want you two to stay here with Rin and Kohaku."
Both nodded, Jaken very reluctantly.
Then Gohan emerged from the hut "Are you going after Magatsuhi?"
Sesshomaru nodded "Magatsuhi is my pray now. Now that I've learned his scent, I'll hunt him down and kill him."
Gohan sighed "I figured it would be like this. At least take Koga with you."
Then Koga emerged from the hut "Alright, let's go slaughter us some Naraku!" And he grabbed Sesshomaru by the arm and started running.
Sesshomaru looked back, eyes screaming 'Help me' as Koga dragged him away.
"Are you sure they'll be okay?" asked Trunks "I mean, I like Koga and all, but he's been a little… weird, lately…"
Gohan flinched.
He had made the mistake of bringing coffee back from the present once, and now Koga was hooked on the stuff.
Anyway, Gohan nodded "Magatsuhi isn't of this world. Only Sesshomaru's Tenseiga can cut him down. Besides, with Koga's Raiso and Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga, those two have more than enough firepower to completely slaughter any traps Naraku sets. In any case, Magatsuhi is the one who sealed Kagome's power. It's the only explanation. To undo the seal, we have to destroy Magatsuhi. And I'm not to happy about leaving the job to those two alone. Especially when Koga's like that."
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Kagome looked at him sadly "I'm sorry Gohan."
"What for?" Asked Gohan "You have nothing to apologize for."
Kagome sighed "I guess so. But it's just frustrating. I feel so useless."
Gohan shook his head "Don't worry. We'll fix this. Besides, I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but this is a good sign. If Magatsuhi and Naraku went to the trouble of sealing your power, they must be pretty scared of it."
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Byakuya noted that Magatsuhi wasn't coming back.
Actually, Naraku wasn't expecting him to come back.
However, Naraku had a good idea of what Magatsuhi would do next. In fact, he was looking forward to it.
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The next morning, Kagome and Gohan were about to head back to the present to prepare for their high school entrance exams coming up in about 2 weeks.
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Kagome was rather lonely and bored at the moment.
When she got home, she found a note left by her mother, saying that they won a trip to a hot spring.
She realized that she was so late… Until she remembered that it was Sunday.
She decided to get some sleep, but the traffic outside was WAAAAY too noisy.
So, after getting something to eat, she decided to hit the books 'I wonder what Gohan is doing right now… Hang on! What is Gohan doing? Usually he comes to check up on me right after we get back! I'm lonely. And after I finally came home."
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Gohan was actually heading to check up on Kagome, since Kai and Piccolo were busy with training. As he made his way, he sensed something from the well, and got a surprise, in the form of a little girl who travelled with Sesshomaru "Rin? How did you get here?"
Rin smiled and held up Jaken's Staff of Two Heads "I just jumped in after master Jaken gave me this staff."
Gohan shrugged "So, why are you here?"
Rin blinked "Oh, right. Lady Kaede wanted miss Kagome to have this." she handed him Kagome's bow from Mount Azusa "Well, bye!" she jumped back into the well and disappeared.
"Okay…"
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Kagome was asleep at her desk, when she woke up and found a blanket covering her "A blanket?" she looked and saw Gohan sitting on her bed, reading a book.
Gohan looked up and smiled at her "So, you sleep well?"
Kagome felt tears swelling up in her eyes "Gohan…"
Gohan bolted to his feet "What happened? What'd I do?"
Kagome shook her head, her cheeks turning pink "No, that's not it. I'm just so glad to see you, that's all."
Gohan's cheeks turned a nearly invisible pink "Anyway, Rin came by earlier. Apparently, Ryu scales let people come through the well. According to her, Kaede wanted you to hang onto this." And he handed her the bow from Mount Azusa "Your spiritual power might be sealed, but it can still help you clear your mind. Truth be told, Trunks could probably use it right now."
Kagome's eyes widened "You mean…"
Gohan smiled and nodded "He's asking Hiyori to marry him as we speak."
Kagome smiled, happy for him.
She heard something and saw Gohan heading out the window "Well, guess I'll be seeing you. Later." And he jumped out the window, but Kagome grabbed him by his shirt, which ripped, and he slammed face-first into the ground "Why do I get the feeling my life is just a running gag at this point?"
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Koga sneezed.
"Something wrong?" Asked Sesshomaru
Koga shrugged "Somehow, I get the feeling that Gohan just failed epically with Kagome."
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"Nobody's here?" Asked Gohan
Kagome nodded.
Gohan sighed "Listen, Kagome. I've been thinking. And Koga and the others agree. How would you feel about staying on this side until the battle with Naraku is over?"
Kagome looked at him and gave an empty smile "Well, I guess you don't need me there anymore. Next thing you know, you'll be going to the hot springs and stuff with Koga and Inuyasha and everyone else."
"No, I'm not doing that."
Noticing something, he grabbed a little charm from her desk "You know, when you've seen the real thing, these really lose their kick."
Kagome giggled and nodded.
Gohan stared for a moment, before his eyes widened in realization "Wait a minute. That's it! Kagome, what if Magatsuhi was able to seal your spiritual power because that was lady Kikyo's wish back before she died the first time? Originally, the Shikon jewel was never good nor evil. It would reflect the heart of its owner. But within the jewel, good and evil are constantly at battle. When lady Kikyo died after she and Inuyasha wounded each other, she had no intention of being reincarnated. All of her spiritual powers were channeled into the Shikon jewel until they were reborn in you, and then you ended up bringing the Shikon jewel back into the Feudal Era. Even if the seal on your powers was lady Kikyo's wish, it was only because she didn't want to fight anymore. The jewel granted her her wish."
Kagome nodded "That reminds me of something. My grandpa once said that when the person who obtains the jewel makes the one and only correct wish, then the jewel will be purified, and disappear from this world forever. Even if sealing my powers was Kikyo's wish somehow, it wasn't the one and only correct wish my grandpa was talking about."
Gohan was twitching at this point "Kagome, I learned about that from your grandpa months ago. I've been trying to find the answer for ages! Not even lady Kikyo knows the answer. I was planning to bring back everyone who died because of the actions of Naraku and his allies, but is that really the one and only correct wish?"
Kagome shook her head "Not only that, but I promised Kikyo that I'd fight. That's why I have to do this. I have no choice. Gohan, do you think I'll be stronger once the seal's been removed?"
Gohan looked at her "So you chose to fight? Is that what you're saying to me?"
Kagome nodded and leaned on his shoulder "I want to see this through, but I know I can't stay with you guys unless I get stronger. Anyway, I should say thanks. It's sweet that you're always worrying about me. Please just let me stay with you."
Gohan's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and knowing fully well that he had no chance of winning this argument, Gohan took Kagome's hands in his, determination and passion burning in his eyes "If that's what you want, then I promise I'll protect you with my life."
Kagome's cheeks turned redder every second as she saw Gohan leaning in 'Is he going to kiss me? Yeah, I think he is…'
She started unconsciously leaning in to meet him in the middle.
But just as their lips were about to touch…
"We're home!"
The moment was fading.
Then Sota came in "Hey Kagome! When'd you get back?"
Kagome had to shove Gohan's face into the carpet to muffle his angry cursing.
And the moment was gone.
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After the little almost kiss, things were uneventful.
Fortunately, so were the exams.
And now, at the Kai's apartment, Gohan was venting to Kai about what happened "And just 2 seconds away from sealing the deal, Sota bursts in and ruins everything!".
"Yeah yeah, I know." Kai wasn't really paying attention.
"Oh come on, you could at least try to pay attention."
"At least you can try, I can't find a single woman that interests me.
"You guys really are pathetic when it comes to women." said a voice.
Both turned to see Inuyasha standing before them "Shut up."
Inuyasha smirked, until a scream was heard.
All three ran into the kitchen to see Kagome screaming "Cockroach!"
Then Kai suddenly grabbed a newspaper and held it like a mallet "Stand aside! I shall slay the vile creature!"
Inuyasha beat him to the punch "Wind Scar!"
Well, the cockroach was gone… Along with half of the kitchen.
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Since Gohan and Kagome left, things had been relatively peaceful in the Feudal Era.
Kohaku's shard was still defiled, and he hadn't woken up.
Unfortunately, while Inuyasha was on cockroach patrol back in the present, the village was attacked by several of Naraku's demons.
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Sesshomaru and Koga were still searching for Magatsuhi, miles away from the village.
"You smell it too?" asked Koga
Sesshomaru nodded "Magatsuhi's scent is near."
Sure enough, at that moment, Byakuya appeared in front of them "Well well, you both came all this way after catching Magatsuhi's scent? The great lord Sesshomaru and the leader of the wolf-demon tribe have sharp noses indeed." then he looked at Sesshomaru and blinked "A left arm? I thought you didn't have one. Did it grow back?"
"In a manner of speaking. Now leave. This has nothing to do with you." Sesshomaru growled
Byakuya scoffed "I see your manners haven't improved since last time. You two are interested in this one, I suppose."
At that moment, Magatsuhi appeared behind him.
"Magatsuhi." Sesshomaru growled as he slashed at Magatsuhi with the Tenseiga.
But it didn't work.
Byakuya watched as Sesshomaru repeated the process 'Swing that sword all you want, Sesshomaru. That Magatsuhi is merely an illusion I've created. By now, the real one is right back where you started.'
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Miroku and Sango were attempting to finish off the demons attacking the village, with Miroku using his Wind Tunnel, Sango using her Hiraikotsu.
But the ominous shadows with the demons hadn't disappeared.
Miroku's eyes widened in realization as he ran towards Kaede's hut "Damnit! These demons are only a distraction! Their true objective is Kohaku!"
But they were too late.
By the time they arrived in the hut, Kohaku had been possessed by Magatsuhi.
"This boy possesses within him the final shard. It will complete the Shikon jewel." Magatsuhi stated from inside Kohaku's body.
"Give Kohaku back!" Sango growled
The Magatsuhi-possessed Kohaku gave a sadistic smirk "Worry not. I shall return his body when I'm finished with it. That is, I shall return his corpse. Now that I've taken control of his body, it's clear to me that the boy's life is being sustained by the power of the shard."
"He intends to take Kohaku to Naraku with the jewel shard still inside it!" Miroku realized
"I won't let him anywhere!" Sango growled
Magatsuhi smirked as several demons burst through the walls of the hut.
Magatsuhi, inside Kohaku's body, rode one of the demons and looked at Miroku "Will you pull the boy to his death with your Wind Tunnel?"
Miroku grabbed Kohaku and aimed his Wind Tunnel at the shadow of Magatsuhi behind Kohaku "You are the only one who will be pulled in!" and he pulled the shadow in.
"What were you hoping to achieve?" asked Kohaku, still possessed as he broke away, the shadow of Magatsuhi reappearing behind him "As long as this defiled jewel shard is here, my power is infinite. Did you honestly believe that you could absorb me? However monk, you have taken in something that was never meant for humans. The poison of evil spirits."
Miroku coughed up a small amount of blood.
Through Magatsuhi's manipulation, Kohaku's weapon mutated, and he smirked "Are you ready? It's time for you to die sister. And you shall die by my hand."
"Magatsuhi!" Sango growled "I know it's you!"
Without a word, Kohaku brought the weapon down on the spot where Kohaku had injured Sango before.
Rin attempted to call out to him, before being poisoned by Magatsuhi as well, despite Jaken's efforts to stop her.
The demons burst out of the hut, with Magatsuhi taking Kohaku.
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"Smooth move, stupid." Gohan grumbled as he helped Kagome out of the well.
"I get it, I said I was sorry!" Inuyasha barked "What more do you want from me?"
The argument was cut short when Inuyasha smelled blood and poison from Kaede's hut.
They arrived to find the hut completely destroyed.
They found Miroku and Sango lying unconcious.
"Sango, what happened to you?" asked Kagome
"Kohaku…" Sango got out weakly "Please, go after him…"
Miroku slowly opened his eyes "I'm sorry, Gohan… I don't have much time…"
Gohan sighed "Miroku, what happened?" he opened Miroku's robes and found that the scars from the miasma had reached his chest "Because of the master of potions medicine, you didn't feel anything while you were fighting, and ended up overdoing it, didn't you?"
Miroku nodded "I'm sorry…"
Sango gasped as she realized she could hear Miroku's Wind Tunnel, even when it was closed.
Gohan sighed "Miroku, while I'd absolutely LOVE to verbally bitch-slap you for this we don't have the time. Kagome, Inuyasha, we're going after Kohaku. Miroku, Sango, both of you sit tight until we get back."
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Sesshomaru continued his attempts to cut down Magatsuhi with the Tenseiga, but continued failing.
Koga suddenly realized when he looked at Byakuya "Sesshomaru! He's a fake Byakuya's creating!"
Sesshomaru re-sheathed Tenseiga 'Now I understand. How foolish of me.' Koga. Find the origin of the fake and destroy it."
Koga nodded and slashed at Byakuya's gourd with the Raiso, destroying it and dispelling the illusion "So that's where the scent was coming from."
Byakuya nodded "A piece of Magatsuhi's flesh that lord Sesshomaru sliced off. It carries a fraction of the soul that couldn't escape in time. More than enough to fool you both from a great distance. Unfortunately, it took you both too long to notice. My condolences. But, since you're both here, I figure why not have you both amuse me awhile longer?"
At that moment, 1,800 demons surrounded the three of them.
Sesshomaru smirked "You underestimate us Byakuya. Do you honestly you could defeat us with demons as weak as these?"
Byakuya grinned "Well, that is why I gathered about 1,800 of them."
Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga took out 1000 of them, with Koga taking out the last 800 with his Raiso.
Byakuya was twitching violently "All of them at once…?"
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Gohan, Kagome and Inuyasha raced to the scene.
"Gohan, hurry!" Kagome pleaded "Magatsuhi's influence has left Kohaku's shard darker than I've ever felt it before! I just hope I can still purify it!"
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Despite Shippo's protests, Sango prepared to head after Gohan and the others.
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Jaken watched over the unconscious Rin fearfully 'Rin still isn't showing any signs of waking up! Wait! If lord Sesshomaru were to find out about this, my life will be over!'
He immediately started grovelling as he heard someone entered the hut "Oh please forgive me lord Sesshomaru! How could I let this happen?! I'm so- Oh, it's only the demon slayer. Don't scare me like that."
Sango ignored him "How is he?"
Kikyo shook her head "He's still asleep, but doesn't appear to be in pain."
Sango nodded "So he was unable to feel pain. He only took the master of potions medicine so he'd be able to fight by my side. If only he'd felt it, he never would've pushed himself to the point where his Wind Tunnel would tear. Lady Kikyo, lady Kaede, if you wouldn't mind, could you give us a moment alone."
Kikyo and the others had no objections, and took Rin so she could make an infusion to ward off evil spirits.
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Under Magatsuhi's possession, Kohaku rode the eel demon, being chased by Gohan, Kagome and Inuyasha, with an ominous black cloud looming over head.
"Naraku!" Gohan snarled "He's trying to take Kohaku's shard! But that's not gonna happen! Platinum Cannon!" and the spears of titanium killed the eel demon, but Kohaku's weapon mutated again and he escaped.
Magatsuhi-Kohaku smirked maniacally "So, you've come back to take the jewel shard. Get any closer, and I shall tear this boy's body apart limb by limb! I am immaterial. It won't hurt me. This boy's body is nothing more than a vessel for the shard." he smirked as Kagome failed to purify the shard "Foolish girl. It's hopeless! Don't tell me you've already forgotten that I sealed your spiritual power! Kikyo's magic has no effect on me. Now watch as the Shikon jewel is made whole once again!"
"Kohaku, snap out of it!" Gohan yelled as he charged, but was trapped by the mutated bones from the weapon.
Magatsuhi-Kohaku frowned "Snap out of it, you say? Don't you know what will happen if he does? Let's just say that if you could see what the blackened Shikon jewel shard was showing Kohaku right now, you'd understand. All of Kohaku's dreadful sins! The shard is forcing him to relive the day he killed his father and clan, over and over again! If Kohaku's forced to wake up now to the reality of his past, it would break his very soul. No. I'd say that his soul had already been broken." tears of blood fell from his eyes.
Gohan's eyes widened with fury.
"Even so, you still have to wake up Kohaku!" a voice called out as Sango arrived on Kilala "Wake up Kohaku!"
"What a cruel sister you are." Magatsuhi taunted in Kohaku's voice "If I wake up, I'll die. You should know that."
"You have to fight back Kohaku!" Sango pleaded!
Magatsuhi-Kohaku smirked "Your words are meaningless now. The damage is done."
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In his dream, Kohaku continued pleading for help after reliving his worst nightmare for so long.
Suddenly, one of Kikyo's soul collectors appeared and lead him to a glowing portal outside Naraku's castle. Once through the light, he saw Sango looking after Miroku. He was glad she was safe.
However, he then had an infusion of memories from when Magatsuhi possessed him, horrified he hurt his sister again, not to mention forced Miroku to put his life on the line to save him for her sake.
"Please help me… Kohaku…" Sango pleaded quietly as she turned to look at him "Help this man, and help me. I beg you."
Kohaku's eyes widened as he felt tears swell up 'Help? Me? You think I can help?"
Sango smiled "Don't worry. You can do it. You are my little brother, after all." and she and Miroku disappeared in a bright light.
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Sango continued calling out.
Eventually, Kohaku snapped out of it "I'm here sister!"
"Do you recognize me?" asked Sango
Kohaku nodded and smirked "Like Gohan would say, we're not going through that again."
"He woke up?! How?!" Magatsuhi's voice rasped out
Kagome's eyes widened "I see it! There's a light inside Kohaku's shard again!"
"Impossible!" Magatsuhi hissed
Finally having had enough, Gohan summoned the naginata form of the Ryuuga and broke free of his prison "Are you saying lady Kikyo's light has moved into Kohaku's shard, Kagome?"
Kohaku's eyes widened 'That's right. The soul collector! Lady Kikyo somehow rescued me from the past! Sister, wait! Are you saying that it really isn't too late?"
Gohan smiled at him "It's never too late, Kohaku."
Sango nodded in agreement.
Kohaku thought for a moment, before lowering himself until he was directly above a VERY DEEP ravine "Magatsuhi. So, are you ready to die?"
"How amusing." Magatsuhi taunted "You intend to jump, is that it? Do you think I'll get scared and escape your body? It's futile! To be sure, as a vessel, you will be of no use to me. But rest assured. I will still control the flesh around the shard!"
"I wouldn't be so sure." Kohaku retorted "Because you won't be able to escape in time. Gohan and my sister will take the shard before you get the chance. I swear, it will never be yours Magatsuhi!" and with that, he let go, and fell.
As Kohaku fell, Magatsuhi felt himself being forced out.
Before Kohaku could hit the bottom, Naraku's tentacles grabbed Kohaku and pulled him upwards.
Gohan looked up and realized that Naraku was inside the dark cloud above them.
Sanog quickly cut the Tentacle with Hiraikotsu, allowing Kohaku to fall onto a ledge on the cliffside.
Gohan's Ryuuga then took the claws forms, and he smirked "I've been waiting for too ****ing long to use this on you. Get ready Naraku! Meido Zangetsuha!" and he launched the Meido upwards from his claws, combining it with Inuyasha's Meido Zangetsuha, devouring the tentacles.
As the Meido disappeared, so did the cloud.
But Kagome could still feel the presence of the defiled Shikon jewel all around them "Gohan! Inuyasha! Be careful! Naraku's still alive, he's around here somewhere!"
Sure enough, at that moment, Naraku's tentacles burst out from the cliffside, and started lunging for Gohan and the others, with one of them grabbing Kohaku and lifting him towards Magatsuhi, who smirked "You tried, but in the end, it wasn't enough." he was cut off when his right eye was... well, cut off "How dare you!"
Sesshomaru and Koga appeared.
Gohan looked at them blankly "Hey guys. There's this new thing. It's called showing up on time for a ****ing fight, you idiots!"
"Shut up!" Koga barked "It's not like you were getting anywhere on your own!"
Gohan snorted "As if! I was just about to unleash my Meido Claws on his ass!"
Sesshomaru sighed "Both of you, SHUT THE **** UP!"
Everyone, even Naraku (from where he was hiding) blinked. Sesshomaru just cursed?
Naraku's tentacles lunged, but Sesshomaru and Koga used the Bakusaiga and the Raiso to destroy the tentacles, as well as all of the others bursting out of the cliffsides, freeing Kohaku, allowing Sango to grab him.
Sesshomaru glared at the large floating spirit head "It ends here, Magatsuhi. Rather than face me, you chose to use Byakuya of the dreams so you could allude me. Are you really that fearful of Tenseiga?"
Kagome's eyes widened "Tenseiga is the only sword that can cut through Magatsuhi! And if Magatsuhi is destroyed, my sealed spiritual power will finally be released."
Magatsuhi scoffed "If you could destroy me with Tenseiga, you would have done it with your first stroke."
Sesshomaru smirked "It's not that I couldn't destroy you. I merely chose not to." he caught Magatsuhi in his attempts to escape "I wanted you to see my face. That way, you'd know it was me who was killing you. You see, I like to tease my prey before I rip it apart." and with that, he brought down Tenseiga.
Magatsuhi screamed in pain before he vanished "Damn you! Don't think that this is the end! I am indestructible, and I will have my revenge!"
Gohan went over to Sesshomaru "Nice work. We definitely have to use Bakusaiga in our rematch once Naraku and Magatsuhi are dead."
Sesshomaru nodded in approval "You can count on that."
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In the village, Kikyo, Jaken and Kaede watched in shock as an ominous red aure emerged from Miroku's body.
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Sango came up to Sesshomaru "Please listen, lord Sesshomaru. Before coming here, Magatsuhi attacked the village. In the battle, both Miroku and Rin were infected by his poison!"
Sesshomaru's brain sort of 'turned off' after hearing Rin's name, and he flew off.
"He can fly?" asked Sango
Koga nodded "Sadly, I can't. I was riding on his fluff the entire time."
"Call it that again, and you're walking!" Sesshomaru called back.
Gohan chuckled, then turned serious "In any case, we should probably go too guys. For all we know, the village could be in trouble, and they're all alone."
Koga and the others nodded, and he and Inuyasha quickly took off, with Sango, Gohan and Kagome about to follow.
Gohan turned and saw Naraku appear and grab Kagome from behind.
Naraku chuckled evilly "Kagome. It seems your spiritual power has not yet returned. I have been hiding behind my barrier, but the fact that you were unable to sense my presence surprised even me."
Gohan reached the top off the cliff as the Ryuuga took on its naginata form "Naraku, you bastard!"
Naraku smirked "So what are you waiting for? Go ahead. Attack me. Oh, don't worry. I'm not planning to kill her. Not until I've taken Kohaku's shard, that is." his tentacles emerged from his body before they were destroyed by Sango's Hiraikotsu, which didn't even faze him "It's pointless. All you've done is sever an unnecessary tentacle, one that can be sacrificed at any time. Just as Inuyasha and Son Gohan's Meido Zangetsuha and Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga did. You only destroyed that which I did not need."
Kagome struggled in the grip of Naraku's spider legs 'Right now, Naraku believes that I have no spiritual power, but he's wrong. I still have enough power to find the Shikon jewel! It has to be somewhere within his body! If we aim directly for it, we can defeat him! Where? His head? Neck? His heart, maybe? Gohan! Sango! The jewel is in Naraku's right shoulder!" Naraku's legs tightened their grip, strangling her until she lost consciousness.
Naraku frowned at her unconscious for "So, you still have enough spiritual power to see that?"
"Naraku, you bastard!" Gohan snarled as he charged, but he was repelled by Naraku's barrier "****! Quit hiding behind your barriers!"
Naraku smirked "What will you do, Son Gohan? Protect the shard, or your beloved Kagome? If you don't hand over Kohaku's shard, she will die."
"Naraku, you wretch. Using such a dirty trick. This is low, even for you."
Gohan looked at Sango and nodded as he summoned the Yin and Yang elements on both blades of his naginata "Naraku. This next attack will send you to Hell. You took Kagome hostage so that I wouldn't attack you, or else risk hurting her. Well bad new for you. This attack only hurts evil. When the Yin and Yang unite as one, the path of destruction has begun!" he leapt into the air and brought both blades down the barrier, dissolving the barrier and wounding Naraku's shoulder.
Several tentacles shot out from his shoulder, separating Sango from Kohaku, with Gohan saving her before she hit the ground "Are you ok?"
Sango nodded.
The miasma from Naraku's wound dissipated, revealing something shocking.
Gohan groaned angrily "****! He's got Moryomaru's armored shell! Why am I not ****ing surprised! **** my life!"
Naraku smirked "So you've noticed? Have you ever heard of the demon Meioju? He had the hardest shell of any demon. That is, until Moryomaru swallowed him and made his shell his armor. It snapped Sesshomaru's Tokijin with ease, and I recall Inuyasha's Tessaiga and your Ryuuga didn't fair much better. When he ceased to be useful to me, I consumed Moryomaru. And now, the Shikon jewel is protected by that same impenetrable shell. It was no accident that you were able to attack me. I allowed it. I wanted to see how futile your efforts are. Kohaku, the only way to save Kagome's life now is to sacrifice yourself and hand over the shard."
Gohan growled "Kohaku, don't do it. He's lying. He won't let her go."
Slowly, Kagome regained consciousness, which Naraku noticed "Well well. So you're awake already? I'm impressed."
Gohan's furious glare intensified 'It may be sealed right now, but Kagome's spiritual power is the thing Naraku fears most. We have to use that to our advantage!'
'There has to be a way to save Kagome!' Kohaku screamed in his mind, before he noticed a bright light shining from deep within the ravine 'That light! It's one of the arrows Kagome dropped when she was attacked! Why is it shining? That's right! The one speck of light from lady Kikyo is still within my shard!'
Naraku looked at him with an evil smirk "Is your life that dear to you, Kohaku, that you're willing to sacrifice Kagome?" and his tentacles burst out and lunged at Kohaku, with Gohan's naginata Ryuuga cutting off several of them. Naraku's smirk didn't waver "It's hopeless."
Kagome suddenly felt something "It feels like I'm being sucked in! Gohan!"
"Hang on Kagome! I'm coming!" he called out as he sliced through the tentacles.
Naraku's smirk widened "It seems you still don't understand. It is I who holds the advantage."
Kohaku son quickly grabbed his attention "Give me your word, Naraku. Promise me you'll return Kagome, unharmed if I give you my shard."
Naraku smirked "You have my word, Kohaku."
"No Kohaku! He's lying to you! Don't do it!" Kagome pleaded "Naraku would never let me go free! You know that! Besides, the Shikon jewel shard sustains your life! If you lose it, you're going to die!"
"It's no matter." Naraku spat "His life was forfeit to begin with. He has nothing to lose."
Kohaku slowly nodded as Naraku's tentacles wrapped around him "Yes. My life was forfeit."
"Snap out of it Kohaku!" Gohan pleaded "Don't be fooled by Naraku's lies!"
Kohaku shook his head firmly "Let me handle this. Please."
Naraku smirked as he and Kohaku were covered by his barrier "That's right, Kohaku. The day you murdered your father and comrades with your own hands. On that day, you died. Both in body, and in spirit."
Kohaku nodded "It's true. There have been many times when I felt it would've been better if I'd simply died back then. For a long time I spent every day thinking about dying. But things have changed. I'm different now. My sister, Gohan, and the others have given me the strength to live and fight on! I'm going to save Kagome, whatever it takes! I have lady Kikyo's light, and Kagome's arrow! The two are connected through my hand! Take this Naraku!" and he stabbed Kagome's arrow into the spot where the Shikon jewel was "Naraku, I will defeat you! I will not die!" and he thrusted the arrow into Naraku's body, eventually breaking through the shell.
Gohan and Kagome watched, as they realized that Kikyo's spirit was guiding Kohaku.
'If I don't break free from Kohaku soon, I'll be consumed by this purifying light!' Naraku screamed in his mind before throwing Kohaku away from him and attempting to fly away with Kagome.
Enraged by this, Gohan charged "I'm gonna shatter your skull, Naraku! Platinum Cannon!" and the spears of platinum ripped Naraku's body to shreds, and he caught Kagome in his arms, holding her bridal-style "You alright, Kagome?"
Kagome nodded as Gohan set her down.
Kagome watched the ominous dark clouds above them "It looks like Naraku escaped into the clouds."
Gohan nodded "The damn coward."
Neither of them noticed a piece of Naraku's discarded flesh.
Sango retrieved Kohaku and returned to the others.
Gohan nodded at Kohaku "You did well, Kohaku."
Kohaku shook his head "To be honest, I still have doubts. After what I did, do I deserve to be alive?"
Sango nodded "You do. From this day on, you have to live, Kohaku. You can overcome your past."
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Back in the hut, Miroku told Kikyo and the others that he was feeling better now for some reason, learning that an evil presence had left his body.
Kikyo and Kaede guess that it was part of Magatsuhi he absorbed, meaning Magatsuhi was probably killed.
Outside, Jaken berated Rin for scaring him so much, as Sesshōmaru would kill him if she was harmed. Rin, lacking her usual cheerful demeanor, apologised in a trance-like tone, saying that she was alright now. The moon became blood-red as Rin ignored Jaken, continuing on into the forest as miasma appeared. Once she entered the miasma, Magatsuhi's aura appeared around Rin. Jaken attempted following, but was thrown back by a gust of wind. He watched as Rin took off on a demon.
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Kohaku smiled at Gohan and the others, not noticing a piece of Naraku's flesh creeping up behind all of them.
"So, you'll be staying with us now, right?" asked Sango
Kohaku smiled and nodded "Yes, I will, sister. I know my sins haven't been erased, but I'm done running away. Thanks to you and Gohan, from now on, I'll face them."
Gohan smiled and patted him on the back "Good for you, Kohaku. From now on, you'll live."
No sooner had he said this, the piece of Naraku's flesh pierced Kohaku's neck and took the final shard, killing him.
Gohan and the others watched in shock, before noticing Naraku's tentacle as it flew into the dark cloud.
They watched as Sango broke down crying, holding her brother's corpse.
Gohan clenched his fist so tightly that his hand was bleeding.
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In the meantime, the shard reached the inside of the clouds, where it combined with the rest of the shards, reforming the completed and fully defiled Shikon jewel.
Now that he had all of the shards in his possession, would nothing stand in his way?
Naraku was ready to use the fully restored Shikon jewel to complete his transformation into a full-fledged demon.
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"She what?" Miroku questioned
Kikyo's eyes widened as her spirit returned to her body "Rin was abducted?"
Jaken nodded "That's right, Miroku! It was the demonic presence that came from your body! It enveloped her and she was gone!"
Miroku's eyes widened "That means it was…"
Trunks nodded "Magatsuhi. He was the one responsible for taking her?"
"Jaken, how could you let that happen?" Shippo cried "You were supposed to be watching her!"
"I know that!" Jaken squawked "What'll I do, run away? When he returns to find Rin missing, lord Sesshomaru will surely kill me!'
"So, Magatsuhi survived?" asked a voice that made Jaken's blood run cold as Sesshomaru appeared "As I expected."
"Expected?" asked Trunks
Sesshomaru nodded
"Sesshomaru, what exactly did you mean when you said he survived?" asked Miroku
"Are you suggesting that Magatsuhi's real form was hiding in the body of the monk this whole time?" asked Koga as he and Inuyasha appeared behind him
Sesshomaru nodded "Precisely. Now, I don't have any time to waist." and he flew away as fast as he could.
Jaken and Trunks both knew what this meant 'He left without so much as glancing at me/ Jaken! Is Rin really in that much danger?'
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Sesshomaru continued flying as fast as he could, his mind racing 'Magatsuhi would've taken Rin to Naraku, and for one purpose only. To seal the powers of Tenseiga and Bakusaiga.' he continued flying, knowing what he had to do.
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Sensing what had happened with Gohan and the others, Kikyo prepared to use one last technique.
It turns out that when Gohan revived her, she didn't lose all of her spiritual powers.
But the majority of it was gone. Possibly 10% remained, at the most.
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A devastated Sango wept over her brother's lifeless body.
Gohan snarled with fury "Where's Naraku hiding? Kagome, can you still sense him?"
Kagome nodded as she held back tears and looked into the clouds 'I see it! Naraku's blackened Shikon jewel! I'll use my sacred arrow. It may be powerless right now, but it can still show Gohan the way.'
She fired her arrow into the clouds.
Watching the arrow, Gohan took on the naginata form of the Ryuuga "Twice the blades is twice the power! Burn in Hell Naraku! Meido Zangetsuha!" and he fired the Meido Zangetsuha from both blades.
However, the clouds of miasma turned into tornados, which flew away, Naraku chuckling evilly from within "You let your guard down! Son Gohan, perhaps now you realize how weak you are! Despite your efforts, you couldn't save your dear Kohaku! Kikyo's light has died! And as for Kohaku's shard, it has now been fully defiled!" and with that, he disappeared.
Kagome looked on in horror.
It was true. Kikyo's speck of light had disappeared.
Furious, Gohan slammed his fist into the ground as he comforted a sobbing Kagome.
As the sun rose, Gohan and the girls noticed saw a light shining from the wound in Kohaku's neck where Naraku took the shard.
Suddenly, a pure light enveloped Kohaku, as he slowly opened his eyes.
Apparently, when Naraku took the shard, Kikyo transferred the light from the shard into Kohaku, acting as his life source.
Sango hugged him, tears of joy streaming down her face.
Needless to say, Kohaku felt the same.
Giving them a moment alone, Gohan joined Kagome in looking at the rising sun "As glad as I am that Kohaku's alive, it doesn't change what happened. Naraku's grown stronger. But so have we. And we'll grow even stronger once your spiritual power is unsealed. The fight against Naraku was left to us, Kagome. It's time we finish it."
Kagome nodded in agreement.
The final battle was about to begin…
A/N:
Next chapter is the final battle against Naraku and the last one focusing on the Inuyasha half of this fic, the chapter after that will start focusing more on Dragon Ball stuff.