That scent is familiar! Koga sniffed the early evening air. It has to be Naraku! I’m not going to waste any time catching up to him.
“Koga, is something wrong?” asked Ginta.
“Naraku’s barrier has opened! I can smell his stench from here.”
“Um, are you sure it isn’t just this strange weather?” asked Hakkaku a bit afraid the scent is that of Naraku.
“What are you two just standing there for? Come on! We have a meeting with Naraku and we can’t be late!”
Ginta and Hakkaku exchanged concerned looks. A whirlwind formed around Koga as he started running up and over a ridge. Ginta and Hakkaku ran after him followed by a pack of wolfs.
Trees appeared as speed lines to Koga as he sped past them.
Naraku, you won’t get away from me this time. That stupid mutt failed to destroy you but rest assured that I won’t! My fallen comrades will be avenged and Kagome can live in peace with you out of the way. Ah, I can already smell your blood running from your decapitated body. How my heart yearns to kill you! Just you wait!
*******
“Come on! We haven’t got all day!” shouted Inuyasha impatiently with his arms crossed.
Sango came running out of the house with her boomerang. Miroku and Shippo carried some food provisions they might need on their journey. Kagome got on Inuyasha’s back carrying her bow and arrows. Kirara transformed into a large cat to carry Miroku, Sango and Shippo.
“Alright, we’re set!” said Sango.
“Inuyasha,” Toto-sai called out to him. “You’re going to need all the help you can get.” For a moment it seemed that Toto-sai had become courageous. He extended his hand to Inuyasha and said, “Here, take Myoga.”
Myoga squealed as if he had been given a death sentence.
“You can bring him along, Toto-sai,” said Inuyasha.
Toto-sai froze in fear. “Um, I just remembered I have something to get back at my cave,” stalled Toto-sai.
Inuyasha’s eyes turned red with anger and shouted at Toto-sai to hurry up. Toto-sai and Myoga quivered as they mounted Toto-sai’s bull and followed after Inuyasha and Kirara.
“Good luck my friends,” shouted Raygan from afar with Akemi.
Kagome and Sango waved back at the remaining companions as the adventurers left on their journey.
The old priest approached Raygan and Akemi. “Dragon Master, will you not accompany them?” he asked.
“Inuyasha’s destiny is not my own,” said Raygan. “My fate lies with a great dragon that is said to reside in these parts.”
“A great dragon, you say? You refer to the mystic Dragon King then?” the priest asked rubbing his chin.
“So you have heard of such a dragon?”
“I have indeed,” the old priest hung his head recalling the myth. “Dragons from many regions feared the Dragon King for it possessed great power over the hearts and minds of dragons,” he continued. “The Dragon King tired of its responsibility over the leaderless dragons and retreated to the mountains. When the presence of the Dragon King was gone, the dragons with tainted hearts emerged from hiding and continued to wreak havoc on country sides. Priests and governors tried to persuade the Dragon King to return, but none have convinced the Dragon King to do so. Many years have gone by and the Dragon King still resides in the cave inside the mountain.”
“Old priest, do you know where the cave is?” Raygan asked.
After a bit of hesitation the old monk raised his staff in the direction of the cave. “Follow the winding river to the mountains,” the priest gave the directions to the dragon’s lair. “When the river bends north continue heading towards the tallest mountain. There you should find the cave between the mountain tops.”
Raygan faced in the direction the old monk pointed. He thanked him then ordered Dragon to transform.
“Raygan, are you sure about this?” Akemi asked concerned.
“When I left the village back home I left determined to fulfill my destiny,” he held her hands. “Now I will use this gift to help my friends and protect you from all harm.” He embraced her assuring Akemi that all will be well. “We must go,” Raygan turned to the old priest. “Goodbye, old priest. May our paths cross again.”
The old priest bowed. Dragon flapped its great wings. Up and away the dragon carried its passengers to the great dragon’s cave as the priest waved them off.
*******
The wandering priestess paused and turned to west. She had noticed the dark clouds covering the land but a familiar feeling came over.
I feel Naraku’s barrier opening. Can this be so? Kikyo clenched her bow. Naraku must not be far. I must find him while his presence can be felt.
She panned around waiting for a demon to emerge but none came. Kikyo determined what she felt was indeed Naraku’s barrier opening. The priestess started her journey to the source of Naraku’s presence.
Naraku, long ago you took my life. Now I shall take yours.
Soul collectors floated beside Kikyo like bodyguards. Kikyo burned with the sensation of releasing an arrow; an arrow aimed at Naraku’s heart.
*******
What’s this I feel? Has Naraku weakened the barrier to his castle? Kagura walked through a forest. Those clouds surely must have been created by Naraku, but why does he weaken his barrier? Could this be a trap for his enemies? Humph, what do I care what Naraku does? This isn’t my problem.
She was about to walk away when she thought of Raygan.
The dragon master might be lured to Naraku’s trap, but I already repaid my debt to him for my freedom... Yet this could be my opportunity to seek revenge on Naraku for all the torture he put me through. Preposterous! I wouldn’t go anywhere near his castle! I’ve gotten my freedom, and I plan to enjoy it.
Kagura shrugged her thoughts aside, turned east and walked away.
Why do I feel uneasy about this?
Still feeling uncomfortable Kagura disappeared into the forest.
*******
Hmm.
Sesshomaru stopped walking. Jaken slowed Aun to a halt. The sleeping Rin on the dragon’s back rattled awake as soon as Aun stopped marching. She peered over to Jaken and asked what was going on. Jaken wondered too.
Why has Master Sesshomaru stopped? Does he sense danger? Is he thinking about something . . . or someone? “Milord, is everything well?” Jaken approached his master.
“Jaken, we must change our course,” Sesshomaru turned to Rin. “Rin, stay in hiding with Aun. Jaken and I won’t be long.”
“Where are you going, Master Sesshomaru?” asked Rin.
“Just remain here, Rin,” Sesshomaru reaffirmed himself.
Rin sat on Aun watching as Jaken followed after the dog demon.
“Milord, where is it that we go to?” he asked a bit nervous.
“We head to Naraku’s castle.”
“Naraku’s castle!” Jaken gasped tossing his staff in the air.
Sesshomaru kept his gaze ahead of him following the scent of Naraku.
I warned you before, Naraku. You cannot escape my grasp. This time I will make sure you never come back.
The little frog demon trembled in the fear of meeting his doom as he followed the calm Sesshomaru.
*******
The old wolf sat on a cliff overlooking the rocky valley of the wolf tribes. A strong scent of miasma troubled him. His granddaughter who happened to be standing near him gazed at the darkened sky.
“Gramps,” Ayame addressed her grandfather. “There’s some strange yet familiar smell in the air.”
“That is the scent of the demon your fiancé Koga instructed us to be on the lookout for.”
If my grandfather has caught the scent of the demon surely Koga has too, thought Ayame. Knowing him, he’s probably tracking down the scent.
“What is on your mind, daughter?” asked the old wolf.
“Oh, I was just thinking about Koga and wondering if he caught the scent also.”
“I believe he is after the source of the scent.”
“Gramps, I want to help Koga,” she said firmly. “I cannot let my fiancé fight against a strong demon all on his own! I want to help him.”
“You must not go about this alone either, Ayame. Take a pack of wolfs to assist you.”
“Gramps…”
“Please, for my sake. I want to be assured that you will have some protection should anything go wrong.”
Ayame understood his concern for her. She hugged the old wolf then summoned a pack of wolfs to join her on her mission. She twirled a whirlwind around her and sped away after the scent of the demon followed by the pack of wolfs.
*******
Scenes of Koga, Inuyasha, Kikyo and Sesshomaru changing their course to follow after Naraku’s scent flashed on Kanna’s mirror as Naraku chuckled wickedly to himself watching his enemies follow into his trap. Motioning his hand, he signaled to Kanna that he had seen enough. Kanna lowered her mirror and exited his room. Naraku peered out his window into nothingness daydreaming on how he was going to exterminate his enemies.
When Kagome and Koga walk into my trap I will take their shards. With their shards and the ones on Kohaku I will have the completed Jewel of Four Souls. Then I will use the power of the jewel against Inuyasha and the others. This sounds almost too easy to accomplish. Onigumo’s heart skipped a beat. Yes, Onigumo you will see Kikyo again . . . before she is completely destroyed! And that Inuyasha, I’ve never met a half breed so arrogant! I will take great pleasure in killing him!
Zombie-like Kohaku stood by the doorway into Naraku’s room.
“Kohaku, time is critical. I need you to go to a position outside the castle and wait for further instructions.”
Kohaku bowed and left the room.
Kohaku, you will keep Sango busy enough for me to collect Kagome’s jewel shards. Once I have all the other jewel shards in my possession I will remove the ones from your body!
The already cold room grew colder.
*******
“Inuyasha, why did you stop?” asked Miroku shouting from atop Kirara.
Pouring sweat Inuyasha frowned and made a glare at Miroku. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m tired!” he shouted.
“Thanks, Inuyasha,” Kagome got off his back. “I’ll walk from here.”
Toto-sai offered to give Kagome a lift but Inuyasha needed a ride as well.
Of all the times Kagome brought her contraption of hers to ride on, when she really needs it she doesn’t bring it! Inuyasha complained about the absence of Kagome’s bicycle.
“If only Hachie were here,” said Miroku said out loud. “That would solve our transport issue.”
A weird, demonic voice called out to them from above. “Master Miroku!” shouted Hachie floating down to meet them.
“Speak of the devil,” murmured Miroku.
Hachie popped into his raccoon self and greeted the traveling party.
“Hello, Hachie,” Miroku stood in front of the group. “What brings you to these parts?”
“I was passing by when I noticed the weird weather. My destination isn’t far from here, but while I was flying I spotted you all and thought I’d stop by,” smiled Hachie with a cute, innocent, respectful expression.
Miroku approached Hachie with a friendly smile and put his arm around him.
Why does Master Miroku give me that look? I know it from anywhere! He’s up to something.
“Hachie and I are going to have a little chat,” he said to the traveling party. “Now if you’ll excuse us,” Miroku turned Hachie’s and his back to the group. “Hachie, we were wondering if you could lend your assistance to us. All we need is a ride down the valley and that’s it,” Miroku smiled deceitfully.
“Master Miroku, I don’t like that look in your eyes. Something tells me that I’m flying into danger if I give you a ride,” Hachie shook.
“Nonsense, Hachie. You exaggerate. Now, please do me this favor,” Miroku leaned close to Hachie’s face. “Or I’ll suck you into my wind tunnel if you don’t.”
Hachie squealed. They both turned around and Miroku announced the news that Hachie volunteered to carry them to their destinations.
“You convinced Hachie to carry us to Naraku?” asked Shippo with disbelief.
“Naraku!?” screamed Hachie.
Inuyasha hit Shippo on the head for making such a stupid remark. He then approached Hachie and admitted to him of where they were going, and that Hachie had no choice in all this. Hachie sighed and bowed his head. Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Shippo got on top of their new transport Hachie. Toto-sai chuckled to himself about the whole incident. It was a nice distraction from the doom that lay ahead of them. Myoga remained with Toto-sai on his bull. The bull glided in the air besides the transformed Hachie heading in the direction Inuyasha pointed them to.
*******
Fog disrupted Dragon’s sense of direction. Soaring above the fog allowed Raygan to spot the highest mountain and pointed Dragon in that direction. The dark clouds floated over the tallest mountain. Akemi noticed an opening on the side of the mountain bringing it to Raygan’s attention. Raygan guided the dragon down onto a natural plateau. The dragon shook its scaly neck as the passengers got off it. Steam rose off the rocky terrain giving the place an eerie feel. Dragon shrunk feeling a bit uneasy about the presence of the great dragon. The dragon master read his dragon’s mind. Patting the little dragon to relax, Raygan ordered it to wait outside of the cave. He then turned to Akemi.
“From here I go on alone. Please remain out here no matter what happens. If I should take too long assume the worst. Take Dragon and ride out to help Inuyasha and the others.” The dragon master approached her. She hid her face behind her hood. Pushing back her hood he placed his hands on the sides of her face to see her emerald eyes. “Akemi, you must be strong,” he said searching her face. “You have traveled this far without giving up on me. I know now that I will complete this task.”
“Raygan, please be careful,” she cried meeting his dark pearl eyes.
For a moment he thought of not entering the cave, but the memory of his father and the long road to this point urged him to continue.
“I love you, Akemi,” he whispered. “I promised Father I will fulfill my destiny. I also promised to marry you. It will be so!”
She tightened her grip on his hands and closed her eyes fighting back tears. Raygan lifted her face and locked lips with Akemi’s. She placed her hands on the sides of his face holding him to her not wanting to let go. Raygan could feel Akemi’s heart beating as he kissed her. His heart about to break through his armor. Trying not to let his love for Akemi overcome his mission, Raygan pulled himself from Akemi. The dragon master got on one knee in front of his faithful companion and ordered Dragon to follow Akemi’s instructions should he not come out.
“Do not let anything happen to her, Dragon,” he commanded.
Raygan stood back up, removed his cloak exposing his armor and made sure he had everything he needed. His black attire was decorated with his navy blue, dragon scale armor on his shoulders, knees, elbows, boots, breast and back plates. He fastened his mask on and looked at his lover one last time then turned to the cave entrance. Raygan drew an arrow against the string of his bow, aimed it at the cave entrance and released it. The arrow flew right through suggesting there was no barrier sealing the entrance. Raygan proceeded into the cave not turning around to see Akemi. Akemi held her hands tightly hoping for Raygan’s safe return. She watched as Raygan disappeared into the darkness of the cave and perhaps out of her life forever.
*******
A rock nearly tripped him in the darkness of the cave. The dragon master attempted to adjust his eyes, but there was no light to adjust to. The blackness of the cave and humid condition was making him drowsy. Raygan placed his hands against the walls of the cave and continued moving forward using the walls as his guide. He walked for a time until he saw a speck of orange light flickering in the distance. Raygan regained his composure and pressed ahead towards the light.
Is this light coming from the lair of the dragon?
His heart raced with anticipation of what lay ahead. Reaching the light seemed to take an eternity, but when he finally reached the mouth of the tunnel it led to an enormous cavern glowing orange from all corners. Raygan assumed the shrine look meant that this was the Dragon King’s throne. He drew an arrow prepared for anything. The ground underneath him got warmer with every step. Sweat dripped off Raygan’s forehead. The temperature rose the deeper he went into the cavern. Once he passed a column of rock formations he heard the sound of air filling a giant vacuum. Raygan took another step and heard the air pushed out of the vacuum. The sound was the great dragon’s breathing. Raygan accidentally kicked a rock while trying to take a step. The slow, deep breathing rhythm turned into a growl. The cavern was suddenly filled with the sound and rumble of a great beast moving.
Raygan kept his composure. “This is no time to be afraid,” he told himself.
A powerful, deep voice echoed in the cavern shaking some rocks loose.
“Who enters my domain?” a deep roar echoed in the chambers.
“I am Raygan the Dragon Master,” Raygan spoke into the air unable to see the great beast. “I am seeking the Dragon King that resides within these caverns.”
The ground trembled as a massive shadow emerged from the ground. Boulders and dirt rolled off the body of the shadow. Raygan stood at ready with his bow and arrow. The great, grey hued dragon extended its head towards the high ceiling of the cavern. Two large horns stuck out of the dragon’s head. Its face was fierce and its mouth was lined with large, sharp teeth. The dragon got on its hind legs and strong arms swinging its mighty tail against the side of the cavern wall causing rocks to fall off the unstable ceiling. The dragon’s wings extended twice as long as the length of the dragon itself. The Dragon King’s great roar did not move Raygan from his place.
*******
Akemi was startled at the roar of the great beast. She removed her cloak revealing her dark yellow armor preparing for battle but stopped short of entering the cavern. Much to her dismay she leaned against the mountain wall following Raygan’s instructions.
*******
“Dragon Master? There is no such thing. Why do you disturb my slumber?” the Dragon King growled.
“Dragon King, I come from a family of dragon tamers. For generations, my family has developed the talents to tame and train dragons. By overcoming you I will become the most powerful dragon master that ever lived,” said Raygan with pride.
The great dragon’s wicked laughter rocked the cavern.
“Foolish mortal, you believe you alone can destroy me? I am vastly superior to all dragons you have come across!” The Dragon King snarled. “Your arrogance will cost you your life.”
Raygan placed his arrow on his bow and rose to aim it at the Dragon King. The dragon became defensive. It stomped the rocky floor causing a strong shake making Raygan lose his aim and balance. The arrow flew past the dragon’s head and broke against the rocky wall. The dragon took in a deep breath preparing to cook his intruder. Raygan acted quickly. He got on one knee and withdrew the swords on his back as the Dragon King released the greatest ball of fire ever seen. The two swords formed a barrier around Raygan shielding him from the impact of the fire ball, but the intense heat began to overwhelm the barrier. Raygan held on as long as he could but the dragon’s fire blast did not seem to end. He struggled to hold the barrier as the swords were becoming too hot to hold on to. Fortunately, the dragon stopped breathing fire and retracted his head to see his crisped victim, but much to its horror Raygan was unharmed. The dragon master slowly got on his feet.
This cannot be! How could he have survived my flame?
*******
Akemi felt the entire mountain quake. Big crumbles and dust escaped the tunnel entrance.
The entrance is blocked?
The little dragon rushed to Akemi trembling in fear. She knew the little dragon was frightened of the Dragon King’s presence.
*******
The Dragon King lunged at Raygan snapping its jaws, but the mortal dodged its attacks. Determined not to let a mortal control him, the Dragon King smashed its tail against the cavern walls trying to unbalance the dragon master. Raygan tried to keep himself afoot by holding on to firm boulders. When he got the opportunity Raygan leaped in the air and struck the mighty dragon on the neck with his two swords. Much to Raygan’s surprise the two swords did not penetrate the dragon’s scales. The dragon smacked Raygan with its arm sending him crashing onto a boulder and his swords flying off his hands.
The dragon slowly approached Raygan licking its lips preparing to eat him. The impact against the boulder disoriented Raygan. The Dragon King lurked closer to Raygan savoring his victory. The dragon master shook his head and reached for Flaron. As the dragon opened its giant jaws preparing to clamp them on Raygan, the dragon master swung his sword upward slashing the dragon’s lip splattering blood on the rocks around them. The Dragon King drew back roaring in pain. Raygan clasped Flaron firmly in his hand. The blade’s orange glow reflected off the dragon’s eyes. Raygan took a few steps to the side locking gazes with the dragon. He came over to one of his swords and replaced it in its sheath. A rock rolled away behind Raygan distracting his attention. The dragon swung its great tail and smacked Raygan on his side sending him flying across the cavern. Raygan landed on a rock feeling a cracking sensation. He had broken something. Raygan moved his arm to lift himself up but a sharp pain struck his elbow. Too weak to get up and believing he broke his arm, Raygan rolled to the side revealing his bow lying cracked in half. One end of the cracked bow had been piercing his elbow between his armor causing the pain he felt. Relief came over Raygan only for a moment as the cavern began to rattle again. Raygan sat up and reached for Flaron. The dragon pounced trying to land on Raygan. The dragon master moved out of the way and grabbed his precious sword as the great dragon stomped on the ground. The dragon retreated from Raygan’s presence at the sight of his sword. Raygan swung Flaron unleashing some of its power at the great dragon. The Dragon King roared in disbelief that his scales were penetrated by a phantom sword. Raygan spotted his other sword and rushed over to it. He replaced that sword in its sheath. Now the dragon master was complete again except for his bow. There was no way for the dragon master to fire off a shot at the Dragon King’s heart. The only way to turn the dragon over to Raygan’s command would be to manually stab the arrow at the heart.
His sword releases some form of energy that can break through my scales! I must be watchful of his moves. He can’t hold on to that sword forever. The Dragon King growled at Raygan.
“Thinking about taking my sword?” Raygan asked the dragon.
“You can read my mind?” gasped the great dragon.
Raygan raised the Flaron before him. Sensing Raygan could potentially defeat him, the dragon attacked ferociously attempting to prevent any of Raygan’s possible attacks. The cavern seemed about ready to collapse. Raygan dodged the falling rocks at the same time trying to counter the dragon’s assault. The great dragon turned its back to Raygan and flung the falling debris at him with its wings. Pinned to a corner to avoid being crushed by the flying rocks, Raygan used Flaron to break the incoming rocks into harmless pebbles. While he was busy breaking the rocks, the great dragon flanked Raygan and got a hold of the dragon master with its powerful talons. Flaron slipped off his hand as the dragon tightened its grip on the weakened mortal. Raygan could feel the hot breath of the dragon’s mouth bearing over him. The dragon opened its great jaws and snapped them over Raygan’s body. Sharp fangs pressed against Raygan’s breast plate unable to penetrate it. Suffocating, the dragon master struggled with the very last of his strength to break free, but it was useless. Everything was beginning to dim. The dragon’s mighty fangs pressing at Raygan’s chest prevented any hopes of gasping in any air. Raygan fainted with the crushing pressure.
A tingling sensation coming from its talons made the Dragon King ease its grip over its prey. The dragon’s talons began to burn. Raygan’s motionless body landed on the ground as the dragon flapped its talons to cool them down.
How can this be?
The dragon stared at the burned mark the armor left on its palm. The little air entering through Raygan’s nostrils were enough to revive him. Coughing Raygan crawled on the rocky ground to reach Flaron.
Why can’t I eat him or touch him? Wondered the great dragon.
*******
Akemi paced impatiently outside of the cave worrying about Raygan. It has been quiet far too long. The silence worried Akemi more than the noise of the battle. Negative thoughts entered her mind. She tightened her fists fighting against her own thoughts. In her heart she knew he was alive, but she could not figure out why it has grown so quiet. She approached the cave entrance. She stopped at the mouth of the cave when she felt the ground rumble again.
I hope this will all be over soon.
*******
The great dragon stared down at the battered warrior slowly rising to his feet.
“Dragon Tamer, why do you not admit defeat?” the Dragon King wondered.
“I . . . will . . . fulfill my destiny,” he replied out of breath.
“I will simply have to bury you under the rubble!” the dragon crashed against the walls and stomped the ground. “It’s a shame I have to do this. I loved my chambers, but your persistence leaves me little choice.
With the little strength he had left, the dragon master dodged the dragon’s desperate attacks. Raygan slashed at the dragon with Flaron each chance he got. The dragon swung its mighty tail at Raygan. Raygan unleashed Flaron’s energy against the dragon’s attack severing the tail from the dragon. Squirming on the floor in pain, the diced dragon kicked its hind legs wildly trying to crumble the carven. Raygan raced at the dragon and leaped at the dragon’s heart swinging Flaron. Flaron broke through the Dragon King’s scales around its heart. Raygan quickly drew an arrow as he landed on the dragon. Gripping it in his right hand, Raygan thrust the arrow through the dragon’s open wound. He kept pushing the arrow until his arms were nearly shoulder deep. Finally, the arrow pierced the great dragon’s heart.
“Dragon King, be mine!” he shouted piercing the dragon’s heart with the purification arrow.
The arrow disappeared under the dragon’s pulsing muscles and oozing blood. The Dragon King squirmed on the ground reacting to the pain of arrow as if alcohol had been applied to its wound. The dragon stopped struggling taking in slow, deep breaths to ease the pain. Raygan arms dripped with the dragon’s blood. Raygan struggled to get on stay feet worn out completely from the great battle. He took a deep breath then fell on one knee before the defeated great dragon.
“Dragon King . . . you are now . . . under my command,” he panted “I require . . . your assistance . . . and of those under you . . . to fight off a great demon threatening these lands.”
“Dragon Master, you have proven your worth,” the great dragon said faintly and humbly. “I wish not to partake of this task you ask of me,” the dragon confessed. “Old age has caught up to me. I desire to die in peace away from the troubles of this world. You are now powerful enough.”
“The truth is, Dragon King, this demon is the ultimate evil. My friends and I need all the help we can get.”
“Truly you have upheld your family honor, but I cannot accompany you on your mission or follow you wherever you go. Fret not, Dragon Master, you have not come here in vain. Because of your steadfast determination to see this through, I offer you authority over the dragons that I have been made ruler of,” said the Dragon King. “In return all I ask is for peace.”
The Dragon Master bowed in agreement. After a bit of struggling, the Dragon King got on all fours and faced Raygan.
“I give you the hearts of the dragons,” said the dragon.
The great dragon closed its eyes and released all of the hearts of the dragons from its own heart and gave them to Raygan. The floating, orange glowing spheres entered Flaron.
“You have received what you have sought. Go and be victorious, Milord,” bowed the Dragon King.
Raygan bowed in respects to the defeated dragon then left the dragon’s presence. Using Flaron Raygan broke through the boulders making his own way out. The thunderous explosions echoed out of the mouth of the cave. The dragon master reappeared bathed in both his and the Dragon King’s blood. Akemi picked up her cloak and rushed over to Raygan wiping off the blood stains. As she cleaned his face Akemi noticed his weary eyes were fixed on her. Raygan did not have to tell her he emerged victorious. He knew by the look in her eyes that she knew this. She slowly put her arms around Raygan’s bruised and battered body. His breath blew on the side of her head against her ear. Still embracing him, Akemi helped him walk over to more plain area on the ground and lay him down to rest. She pulled out the healing potion from underneath her garments and applied it to Raygan’s cuts. Raygan closed his eyes and rested.
Inuyasha . . .
*******
Like the half dog he is, Inuyasha sat on all fours sniffing the air while Hachie led the traveling party in the direction the dog demon pointed.
“That way,” Inuyasha would say every time Hachie had to steer course.
With a big “I’m proud of you” smile, Kagome patted Inuyasha’s head. Hating to be patted like a real dog Inuyasha jumped up waving his fist at Kagome.
Inuyasha drew his attention back to Naraku’s scent. Concluding that Naraku’s castle had to lie just up ahead, Inuyasha ordered Hachie to land on the ground. As soon as the last passenger got off him, Hachie morphed back into his normal self. Toto-sai landed his bull next to the rest of them. Inuyasha stepped ahead of the crowd facing distant mountains and trees.
“Kagome, do you sense any jewel shards?” he asked.
“Yes, I do.”
“How many can you tell?”
“Several. I’m sure of it.”
A smirk came over his face. Drawing out Tessaiga Inuyasha approached the barrier.
Why is Inuyasha drawing his sword when there’s nothing around? Hachie remained in wonder. Is there a barrier here or something?
Inuyasha raised the red Tessaiga over his head and was about to break the barrier when his nose caught a familiar scent. “Someone’s coming,” said Inuyasha.
“Who or what is it?” asked Kagome a bit worried.
“A demon,” said Inuyasha.
Sango and Miroku prepared to encounter the demon. Myoga hid under Toto-sai garments.
“Relax. I’ll handle this demon on my own!” said a prideful Inuyasha.
“Inuyasha, please be careful!” shouted Kagome.
Silence fell over the traveling companions as trees brushed against the increasing winds. His kimono flapped with the wind. The brave half demon readied his sword as a whirlwind appeared out of the tree line.
“Hey, isn’t that Koga?” asked Sango easing her hand of her boomerang.
“It is,” answered Miroku with a sense of relief.
The whirlwind spun closer to them. Inuyasha grinned with his back turned to group. He was about to use the wind scar against the whirlwind, but Inuyasha noticed the prayer beads around his neck light up after Kagome shouted “sit boy”. Inuyasha’s view of the whirlwind became dark from the concussion he received slamming the dirt with his face.
The whirlwind disappeared revealing the dashing Koga. The wolf demon stood tall and proud wearing a serious face. He paused to announce himself to the group. Ease and great joy came over him when Koga’s eyes focused on Kagome. The wolf demon ran over Inuyasha and rushed to hold Kagome’s hand.
“Kagome, I thought I’d never see you again, but it seems that fate has brought us together!” he said in a flirtatious tone staring deep into Kagome’s eyes.
Kagome smiled with her eyes closed blushing from embarrassment. “Hi, Koga, Uh what are you doing here?” asked a nervous Kagome.
“I’m following the scent of that demon Naraku!”
“You smelled it too?” asked Miroku.
“Of course I did! I have a keener scent of smell than that mutt ever will!”
Inuyasha burst out of the ground in anger. “Step aside, Miroku! I’m going to finish him once and for all!” shouted Inuyasha raising Tessaiga over his head.
“Inuyasha, sit,” commanded Kagome.
The ground trembled again when Inuyasha formed another crater on the earth with his chin.
“Um, Kagome, perhaps you should stop that,” Sango said with concern. “We’re going to need his full strength to face Naraku.”
“Well, I suppose you’re all here for the same reason as mine,” concluded Koga. The group nodded. “Great! I’ll have an audience to watch me as I tear Naraku limb from limb!” Koga’s ego took over.
“Don’t be too hasty, Koga,” warned Miroku. “Naraku is more powerful than you think. We’re all going to have to work together to defeat him.”
“Fine, just make sure Mutt Face doesn’t get in my way, or I might end up killing him too,” Koga crossed his arms.
“Let . . . me . . . at him!” muttered Inuyasha with his mouth full of dirt.
“What are you all standing around here for?” asked Koga.
“Naraku’s barrier is just up ahead,” said Shippo. “Only Inuyasha could break it.”
The group turned their attention to the faced-down Inuyasha.
Koga raised an eyebrow. “Oh, please! I’ll break through it!” Koga said turning to Kagome. “Stand back, Kagome.”
“Koga, Inuyasha has to break through it with the Tessaiga. You can’t break the barrier on your own,” Kagome informed him.
Inuyasha used his sword to help himself on his feet.
“That’s right, Koga,” said Inuyasha with dirt marks and grass stains on his face. “Stand back and watch me break Naraku’s barrier!”
Koga crossed his arms and watched as Inuyasha approach Naraku’s barrier. The Tessaiga glowed red and with one swing broke the barrier.
*******
Excellent! They’re right on schedule.
Naraku stood up and walked out of the room into the hall of his castle heading for a balcony. An evil smirk formed on his face holding the almost complete Shikon Jewel.
The remaining jewel shards are almost at my door step. It’s only a matter of time for me to collect them from the corpses of those fools! Naraku stepped out and took a whiff of miasma. Let’s find out how long they are able to hold out against the miasma.
*******
The barrier opened. The scenery changed from distant mountains and tree lines to a dark, ghastly castle on a hill in a ripple fashion. Inuyasha rested the oversized Tessaiga on his shoulder feeling proud of himself.
Naraku’s castle, Inuyasha thought. Finally! But why am I afraid going in? Maybe it’s because I don’t want Kagome to join me, but knowing her stubborn self she’ll follow me anyway.
“That’s Naraku’s castle,” Koga stated the obvious. “Let’s go in there and crash his party!” he said turning to Kagome. “Kagome, I want you to stay out here where it’s safe. Leave this up to us to battle that cowardly demon!” Assuming Kagome was thinking about his wellbeing, Koga held her hand and comforted her. “Don’t worry about me, Kagome,” he leaned close to her. “I will bring you that monster’s head on a platter then I’ll make you my wife.”
Kagome caught the sight of Inuyasha falling over himself at Koga’s words.
“Come on, Mutt Face, you ready to get this guy or what?” Koga teased Inuyasha.
“I’m waiting for you!” shouted Inuyasha.
“Fine! Let’s go! Stop fooling around!”
“We’re coming with you,” said Miroku.
“Whether you like it or not,” added Sango gripping her boomerang.
Kagome placed her pouch of arrows on her back and carried her bow. “Let’s go get him,” she said bravely.
A look of disapproval came over Inuyasha, but he was not surprised. He nodded lightly then took a step forward into the area the barrier enclosed.
Sango’s heart became heavy at the thought of confronting Kohaku again. Dear brother, we shall free you from Naraku’s bond!
After a bit of hesitation, Shippo took the brave step forward following closely after his friends into battle. Toto-sai sat quietly on his bull. Myoga quivered but a sign of hope came over him at the possibility that Toto-sai may flee.
“So, Toto-sai, I guess we should be leaving about now, right?” he laughed nervously.
Toto-sai remained deep in thought. His heart pounded harder than he ever pounded a sword. Shaking his head out of daydreaming, Toto-sai frowned and signaled to his bull to float. Myoga sighed in relief but then he realized that Toto-sai was following the crowd and started trembling in fear.
“Relax, Myoga. We’ll make it out of this,” said Toto-sai with confidence and faith in his friends.
*******
“Master Sesshomaru, Inuyasha and his companions are headed to Naraku’s castle as well,” informed Jaken.
Sesshomaru eyed his half-brother and the traveling group from afar. So you think you can face all of us, Naraku? What are you planning? Sesshomaru stepped forward out of the tree line in direction of the castle but at a safe distance from Inuyasha. Hmm, Inuyasha must have broken the barrier for me to cross this boundary so simply.
Jaken wept in fear carrying his staff behind Sesshomaru. The great dog demon displayed no emotions, but he carried a burden in his heart.
Rin, stay clear of danger.
Somehow the dog demon knew that this confrontation would be the last with Naraku and being so, Sesshomaru had some concern about the little mortal he rescued long ago. Naraku put her in danger as a diversion last time Sesshomaru faced Naraku. That same thought troubled Sesshomaru, but he continued walking as if not caring about her at all. Jaken tried keeping close to his master as they crossed the opened barrier.
