Kohaku and I were making our way through the forest as Naraku's pesky Poisonous insects followed us. "He really doesn't trust me, huh?" I wonder as I let out a sigh, but Kohaku then stops, making me grab a tree branch and swing myself around to stand on it.
"Is something wrong, Kohaku?" I ask, as he turns to me.
"We should rest here for a moment, so you should eat while you can (Y/N)," Kohaku answers.
"Alright, I'll be back." I insist as I jump down and begin to look around the forest. Finally, I spot a few apples on a nearby tree, prompting me to jump up to get them. "I'm glad that I'm not stuck in that stuffy mountain, but I really hope I don't run into Kagome and the others." I think as I grab the apples. A scream sounds out, nearly making me fall out of the tree I'm standing in. Quickly, I look down to see two monks underneath the tree.
"That was punishment from Buddha. Now there's no denying the fear that exists deep in your heart." The old Monk states, as I put on a confused expression. "Is this Monk on something?" I wonder as I take a bite of my apple.
"Uh, Master?" The young Monk questions, looking away from the old Monk.
"What's that?" The young Monk asks, making me look and see stairs leading to a temple.
"There's a mountain temple up ahead. This is a Heaven-sent gift. A veritable Heaven and Hell." The young Monk adds as he places his hands into a praying position. "A temple, huh?" I question as I finish eating the apple.
"Enough. You have a weak heart, and you depend too heavily on the help of others, which is why you see such illusions." The old Monk declares, while waving his fist around. "That old man is blowing smoke out his ass." I think as I roll my eyes and take a bite of another apple in my hand.
"Yes, sir." The young Monk bows, causing the old Monk to begin walking.
"Now then, let us seek shelter." The old Monk made known, as the younger Monk followed him.
"I knew it..." I trail off as I finish eating the apple, and then feel a sting from my wrist. "Better get back to Kohaku." I think as I make my way through the trees towards the Shard.
(To Kagome)
She and the rest of the group were walking up a mountain path when they began to hear a few Villagers gossiping.
"Excuse me, gentlemen. Can I speak to you for a moment?" Miroku requests as he walks down to them, causing Inuyasha to scoff.
"What's he doing?" Inuyasha asks, as Kagome turns to him.
"Can't pass through without finding out what's going on," Kagome answers as they all follow after Miroku.
"Well, there is a Temple around here that was built to quiet the souls of the Band of Seven." Villager 1 informs.
"And what is the 'Band of Seven'?" Miroku questions.
"Their story started over a decade ago. It is believed they traveled to our Territory from somewhere in the East." Villager 1 responds.
"They were ruthless Mercenaries. The whole band of them." Villager 2 made known.
"They served no one Lord. Instead, they lived as Ronin, finding temporary employment in any battle they happened to come across." Villager 3 points out.
"There were only 7 of them, but their strength was incredible. They could do the work of 100 men, and their raids were unnecessarily savage. Those who were slain by the Band of Seven were sliced to pieces and burned alive." Villager 1 shudders.
"The only people capable of such atrocities are those with a real penchant for murder." Villager 2 insists, making Kagome tighten her grip on Shippo.
"Yeah..." Kagome trails off.
"The Warlords soon had second thoughts about the Mercenaries, whose strength they now feared. So they sold them out and ordered them hunted down. It's said the Mercenaries put up a hard fight, but it was all in vain." Villager 1 explains.
"I would think so." Miroku nods.
"The Band of Seven escaped into the mountains, but they were completely outnumbered by the Warlords' soldiers, who came after them. They were finally captured just a little north of here. They were each beheaded, and then their bodies were buried. Still, the Villagers feared their Curse and decided to quiet the 7 souls. Eventually, they erected a Tomb at the base of the Sacred Mountain. The Tomb of the Band of Seven." Villager 3 specifies.
"I see," Miroku says.
"We overheard you talk about their Spirits being resurrected," Kagome states, causing the men to grumble and look at one another.
"It's true. They say that the Tombstone split into two, and there was no lightning that day either." Villager 1 declares.
"It's believed that the 7 Souls escaped. Isn't that right?" Villager 2 asks.
"It's true." Villager 3 answers, making Kagome and the rest walk away.
"Hmm. Wandering Spirits." Miroku mutters, causing Songo to turn to him.
"What do you think of the Villagers' tale, Miroku?" Songo questions.
"It's possible that with Naraku's evil gone from here, all the rabble have become free and possibly even resurrected," Miroku responds as Inuyasha glances back at him.
"I don't know whether they're supposed to be Specters or Demons. We're walking in that direction, though, so we're bound to find out. If we come across 'em, we just kill 'em." Inuyasha remarks, but then Kagome stops with a concerned expression.
"What's the matter, Kagome?" Inuyasha asks, causing Kagome to look away.
"I sense a Sacred Jewel Shard around here," Kagome answers as Kirara sounds out, while jumping off Songo's shoulder.
"Huh? What's wrong? Where are you going, Kirara?" Songo questions cause everyone to see Kirara rush in front of everyone.
"What's with her? She's sure acting strange." Shippo responds as Kirara transforms and runs off, making Songo gasp, and then rushes after her.
"Songo!" Kagome calls out, but Songo quickly gets on Kirara, who begins flying.
"Kirara, was it Kohaku's presence that you sensed?" Songo asks, causing Kirara to sound out.
(To (Y/N) )
Kohaku comes into view, and I was going to call out to him, but he suddenly turns as if looking at someone.
"Kohaku!" Songo's voice rings out, making me freeze as she and Kirara land on the ground below the tree he was standing in. My eyes widen as I see Kohaku jump down, and they stare at each other.
"Kohaku." Songo pleads as she steps towards him, causing Kohaku to step back. Suddenly, I see the Poisonous insects begin to swarm around us, as I make a fist in both hands. "I wish they could be together again..." I think as I clench my fists.
"Who are you?" Kohaku asks, gripping his weapon.
"It's me. Are you still under his control?" Songo questions as I see Kohaku stumbling in place.
"Why do I remember your face?" Kohaku asks as he places his hand on his face and begins grunting. Kohaku goes to throw his Chain Scythe at Songo, and I quickly get in between them, forcing Kohaku's weapon back with my own.
"That's enough, Kohaku," I answer, walking back over to a lifeless-looking Kohaku. "I hate having to get between them, but I won't let them hurt each other." I think as Kohaku places his Scythe back in his waistband.
"(Y/N)?" Songo questions me.
"Songo..." I respond as her eyes widen.
"Why are you siding with Naraku?!" Songo exclaims, but I flash a sincere smile as I sheathe my sword.
"I'll protect everyone, including Kohaku." I insist, but then a slight fog begins to roll in, causing Kirara to sound out while rushing over to Songo.
"Hmm?" Kohaku sounds out, but then grunts, making me turn to him.
"What is it?" I ask, only to see him jump up into a nearby tree, prompting me to follow him.
"Kohaku! (Y/N)!" I hear Songo call out, which makes me grit my teeth. Kohaku and I stop on a high-up branch as I look up to see Songo and Kirara in the air, making me let out a sigh of relief.
"You shouldn't be so careless. You're being watched." Kohaku informs, but then a laugh sounds out, causing me to look over to see a man in a nearby tree. "He was the one who caused that fog... It must be poisonous gas." I think as I glare over at him.
"You were taking far too long, so we came instead." A deep voice scoffs.
"That woman. The two of you know her?" The man questions caused Kohaku and me to look back up at Songo and Kirara.
"It's none of your concern," I respond, glaring over at the man. "I won't let these guys do whatever they please." I think with an annoyed expression.
(To Jakotsu)
He was walking along the path when a bunch of men riding horses appeared.
"Hey, you there, make way and get off the path at once!" The General calls out, but Jakotsu was in a daze and not listening.
"Men, stop your horses!" The General orders all of them to stop, making Jakotsu stop with a smile.
"Did you say something to me, Warrior?" Jakotsu asks.
"What manner of being are you? Your appearance is strange." The General answers with a suspicious expression.
"You'd better be careful if you're going on ahead. I hear a frightening Specter is in the area." Jakotsu warns.
"Spare us your warning, stranger. We're on our way to slay it." The General, made known as Jakotsu, chuckles.
"I assume you have no idea what the Specter looks like, do you?" Jakotsu questions the General, who narrows his eyes.
"Meaning what? Do you know its appearance?" The General asks Jakotsu, who's now laughing.
"Of course I do, for I am the phantom you seek," Jakotsu answers with a malicious expression, making all the men, including the General, gasp.
"Gun Battalion, to the front!" The General demands, causing a bunch of men holding firearms to rush in front and point the guns at Jakotsu.
"Oh, what are those?" Jakotsu asks with a curious expression.
"A Specter over a Decade old wouldn't be familiar with this new kind of weapon. Fire!" The General bellows, as several gunshot sounds ring out. Blood seeped from Jakotsu's kimono, but he merely placed his finger on it and then licked it.
"Now I understand. This is the Matchlock Gun I've heard so much about." Jakotsu infers making the General's expression turns sour.
"Wretched Spirit! Second Battalion, to the front!" The General calls out, causing the gunmen to switch places.
"Don't tell me you're gonna try that again," Jakotsu states as he grabs the hilt of his sword.
"All right. If it's a fight you want... Fine!" Jakotsu chirps as he draws his blade, and it rushes towards the men, making their screams echo.
"Impossible! How could he have slain so many men from that distance?!" Warrior 1 exclaims as he looks down at all the bodies lying on the ground in front of him.
"This brings back such fond memories of the past," Jakotsu remarks as his blade is covered in blood.
"Get hold of yourselves! Do not fear him! Surround the phantom!" The General instructs the men to hold out their weapons while gathering around Jakotsu.
"He's using some kind of Magic!" Warrior 2 proclaims as Jakotsu chuckles.
"Nice try, but I don't use any such thing," Jakotsu informs as he holds up his sword.
"I didn't then, and I don't now!" Jakotsu declares as he waves his sword towards the men.
(To Kagome)
"Huh?" Inuyasha sounds as he stops running, taking in the scene with wide eyes.
"What happened? Do you see anything?!" Kagome exclaims, causing Inuyasha to turn to them.
"Stay back!" Inuyasha demands, making Kagome stop her bike and gasp at the sight of all the dead men and horses surrounding one man, who was looking into one of the guns.
"This is unusual. I'll take it back to Brother Renkotsu." Jakotsu insists as Inuyasha and Miroku stare at him.
"Those were the Warriors we spotted at the crossroads." Miroku points out as Kagome walks with her bike over to Inuyasha and Miroku.
"They were slain by that one person?" Kagome asks, pulling Jakotsu's attention away from the gun to see Inuyasha and gasps with wide eyes.
"Are you the one I'm searching for? Are you Inuyasha? You're exactly how she described you..." Jakotsu trails off.
"She?" Kagome questions as she and Inuyasha put on confused expressions.
"I've never met you before. How'd you know my name?" Inuyasha asks Jakotsu, who blushes with a bright smile.
"You're adorable!" Jakotsu beamed at Inuyasha, and as he and Miroku put on an uncomfortable expression.
"What?" Inuyasha questions as Jakotsu rested his sword on his shoulder.
"I especially love those fuzzy ears of yours. I want them." Jakotsu responds while licking his lips.
"Just who are you, and what are you after? You don't smell like a living person. You reek like corpses and Graveyard soil." Inuyasha jibes, causing Jakotsu to sigh.
"Inuyasha, could he be...?" Miroku trails off, and Inuyasha nods.
"Yeah. Some Villagers were talking. They said some disgusting Specter rose from the Grave. That'd be you, I presume." Inuyasha hypothesizes as he glares at Jakotsu.
"They told us of a group of 7 Mercenaries who loved to kill, who were so evil they were later hunted down and beheaded. Are you one of the Band of Seven?! Answer me!" Miroku demands with an angry expression, but it only brightens Jakotsu's smile.
"Inuyasha is handsome, but you're pretty sexy yourself, Monk." Jakotsu flirts as Inuyasha and Miroku stare at him in disbelief, making Kagome back up a couple of feet.
"Nobody minds if I suck him up, do they?" Miroku asks, wearing an uncomfortable expression, as he grabs the beads that're wrapped around his Wind Tunnel.
"No," Inuyasha answers with an annoyed expression, but Kagome then gasps.
"Hold on, he has a Sacred Jewel Shard!" Kagome proclaims, causing Miroku and Inuyasha to immediately look back at Jakotsu.
"Maybe he revived through the power of the Shard." Kagome adds.
"Make sense. Who gave you the Sacred Jewel Shard?!" Inuyasha exclaims as the shard in Jakotsu's neck shines.
"You know, you're cute when you're angry." Jakotsu compliments.
"Shut up." Inuyasha insists as he jumps over towards Jakotsu.
"Ok, dead man!" Inuyasha calls out as he draws his sword and points it at Jakotsu.
"Start talking to me, and I want all the details," Inuyasha demands.
"That's an interesting sword you have, Inuyasha. Which is stronger, though? My sword or yours?!" Jakotsu asks as he waves his sword down, causing a light to flash towards Inuyasha.
"Huh?" Inuyasha sounds as he parries the light.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome shouts as Miroku gets in front of her and Shippo.
"Get back, you two. It's some kind of 'Trick' Sword." Miroku points out, making Jakotsu pull his blade back, so that the light is absorbed back into it, and he chuckles. Inuyasha and Jakotsu Stare at one another before Jakotsu finally waves his sword, as another light rushes towards Inuyasha, who blocks it. However, the trick sword swings back around and slashes Inuyasha, and everyone gasps.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome calls out once more with a worried expression.
"It's a Bending Sword!" Shippo proclaims.
"So tell me, Inuyasha. What do you think of Jakotsu of the Band of Seven, huh?!" Jakotsu exclaims as he swings his sword towards Inuyasha once more.
"Not too much!" Inuyasha states as he slashes at the light, allowing him to see the multiple blades attached to his one sword. However, Jakotsu doesn't waste a second as he slashes his sword towards Inuyasha, who begins countering, while dodging.
"It comes right back even if he repels it," Miroku notes.
"It's like a snake. It keeps striking." Kagome specifies as Inuyasha starts dodging all the swords' advances.
"Keep running," Jakotsu advises with a sadistic expression as Inuyasha does exactly that, but he then grins.
"Gotcha." Jakotsu insists as he swings his sword around again, but Inuyasha dodges both strikes, jumping backwards, doing three flips, and landing.
"Isn't this fun?!" Jakotsu exclaims as he laughs, while his sword chases Inuyasha around the terrain. However, the sword finally slashes Inuyasha in the face, causing Jakotsu to pull back his sword.
"Ah, excellent. The fear on your face is so exciting. More fear!" Jakotsu chirps as he swings his sword down, and it rushes towards Inuyasha.
"Hiraikotsu!" Songo's voice rings out as her Boomerang rushes towards the sword, making the blades ensnare it.
"Inuyasha!" Songo calls out with a worried expression while riding on Kirara towards them.
"Songo!" Kagome calls out as Songo jumps off Kirara, and they both land on the ground.
"Inuyasha, are you alright?" Songo questions Inuyasha, who glances back at her.
"I'm fine," Inuyasha responds as Jakotsu glares at her with an enraged expression.
"That wench," Jakotsu remarks as he pulls his blade up, causing it to rush towards Songo, who dodges only for her wrist to be sliced. Jakotsu pulls back his blade as he glares at her.
"Stay out of this, you vile, despicable woman! No one interferes with me and Inuyasha!" Jakotsu roars, but he quickly looks over just to be punched in the face by Inuyasha.
"I'm sick of listening to your pointless babble!" Inuyasha snaps, causing Jakotsu to flip backwards three times and land on one knee.
"Oh, my. That was cruel." Jakotsu insists as he holds his face where Inuyasha punched him.
"Oh, get over it and tell me who gave you the Sacred Jewel before I have to seriously hurt ya." Inuyasha threatens as Miroku and Kagome rush over to Songo.
"Are you alright?" Miroku asks as Songo turns to him, while holding her wrist.
"Songo!" Kagome calls out.
"You're bleeding!" Shippo points out as Songo looks over at them.
"It's just a graze. But something tells me the Sacred Jewel Shard was probably from Naraku." Songo states, making everyone gasp.
"Earlier, when you sensed the Sacred Jewel, it was Kohaku... And also (Y/N)." Songo informs, causing Kagome's eyes to widen.
"She was with Kohaku?" Kagome questions, and Songo nods.
"I saw the Saimyosho nearby them as well," Songo responds with a worried expression.
"Meaning your brother is still under Naraku's spell." Miroku specifies as Kagome makes an anxious expression.
"Is (Y/N) under Naraku's spell as well?" Kagome asks Songo.
"I don't think so... She acted the same. However, before she left with Kohaku, she said that she would protect everyone, including Kohaku." Songo answers, causing Miroku's eyes to widen.
"She joined Naraku to protect us?" Miroku questions, and Songo nods.
"Oh, (Y/N)..." Kagome trails off as Inuyasha growled at Jakotsu, who chuckles.
"Filthy vermin," Inuyasha remarks, causing Jakotsu to blush.
"Excellent. He's at it again. Jakotsu hasn't changed one bit." A man who was watching from atop a cliff chuckles maniacally. However, he grabs a vile out of his bag and puts it to his mouth, which was covered with a mask. Suddenly, a dark cloud of smoke escapes from under his mask.
"Sorry to spoil the mood." The man apologizes as he rips the top off the vile he just put to his mouth, making the dark cloud rush towards Inuyasha and Jakotsu, who were below him.
(To Inuyasha)
"Jakotsu, I'll ask you one more time. Was it Naraku who gave you the Sacred Jewel Shard?" Inuyasha asks, causing Jakotsu to look away with an uninterested expression.
"I'm not really sure. I've never met the man." Jakotsu muses to Inuyasha, making him hold out his sword.
"That's it. I've had it with your stupid little jokes." Inuyasha insists, but then a black smoke begins to appear.
"Huh?!" Kagome, Miroku, and Songo chorus.
"Huh? Smoke?" Inuyasha questions as he and Jakotsu look over at it.
"Just when it was getting fun. Damn you, Mukotsu!" Jakotsu glares at it for a moment, but then looks over towards Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha, you'd better leave while you are still able," Jakotsu warns and turns away.
"What the heck are you talking about?!" Inuyasha exclaims, but once the smoke touches his foot, it burns him. Inuyasha quickly picks up his foot and jumps away from the gas.
"What is that stuff?" Inuyasha asks.
"It's poisonous gas," Kagome answers as Jakotsu begins waving at them.
"See you soon, Inuyasha!" Jakotsu calls out, running through the gas and disappearing.