Tuesday, May 24, 2005

The Soul Cages: Frozen In Time
*episode 2*

Inuyasha and Kagome approach Kagura and Sesshomaru. The demon lord looks up at their approach. “An interesting plan.” he says. “Kagura has filled me in. I must assume that my brother had no part in its formation.” Inuyasha says, “I don’t even know what the plan is.” Sesshomaru says, “It is a proposal far beyond your limited capacity for strategy.” Inuyasha makes a barely audible growl. His brother continues, “I take it you are the architect Kagura.” Kagura says, “It was Kagome’s idea.” Kagome says, dismissively, “We did it together. Now Kagura, it’s time to call Koga.” The sorceress nods. She extends her fan in Kagome’s direction. She snaps the fan open and gives an articulate flick of her wrist. Kagome is encircled by a whirlwind. The current circles her for several seconds before shooting off away from the gathering. Kagura says, “It should reach the mountain domain of the wolf tribes in a minute or two. It will lose some of its potency, but he should have no problem picking up the scent. If he reacts as Kagome predicted, he should be here in a few minutes.” Kagome says, “Knowing Koga, he’ll drop whatever he’s doing and follow my scent.” “Getting him should be much easier then summoning you was.” Kagura says to Sesshomaru. “We know where he is. I had to send my scent out in all directions to find you.” “I get it.” Inuyasha says. “You’re calling them by manipulating scents in the wind.” “Yes little brother.” Sesshomaru says. “And that is the essence of your woman’s plan.” Kagome says, “Hey! I have a name, and it’s Kagome. Anyway, if Naraku hasn’t thought of it, he might not be hiding his smell.” Kagura says, “I can bring the wind here from all over. If he isn’t masking his scent well enough, anyone of the three of your noses should be able to find him. By having you all work at once we can cut the time it takes to a third of what it would take with just your nose Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru says, “Then once we have found Naraku, we surround him. I am not pleased that I will have to rely on any of you, but Naraku has proved that he is able to escape my pursuit. I must trust you to cut off his escape routes so that he will be forced to face me.” Inuyasha says, “How about you cut off his escape so he fights me. I do have the oldest business.” Kagome shakes her head in dismay. “Inuyasha.” she says. “It doesn’t matter who beats him. He’ll probably take you all on at once. He won’t win, but he will fight all of you.” The half-demon looks crestfallen, and several minutes pass in silence. At length, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru sniff the air. Suddenly, a living tornado flashes across the horizon. When he gets close enough, it becomes apparent that Koga’s target is Kagura. As the tornado is about to slam into her, Sesshomaru’s arm flashes out. When the dust clears, the others see Sesshomaru holding Koga by his calf. The leg in question is extended in a kick clearly aimed at Kagura’s head. The lord tosses the wolf away from her. Koga lands gracefully and glares at Sesshomaru. “How come you’re protecting Naraku’s bitch?” Koga asks. “I thought you were enemies.” Kagome says, “Koga, Kagura no longer serves Naraku. She’s free now and she’s helping us fight Naraku.” Koga says, “I don’t care! She killed my comrades and now I’m going to kill her.” Koga throws himself at her once again. In the ensuing flash, Sesshomaru grabs Koga by the tail and flings him away; this time his landing is anything but graceful. The lord says, “The next time, I will simply kill you. Your nose and your speed may prove assets in this venture, but if you jeopardize my chance for vengeance by trying to harm Kagura, I will not show you mercy.” “Koga!” Kagome shouts. “We have a way to find Naraku. We plan to surround him and make it so he can’t run away. Then we’re going to destroy him. You can be part of this, but only if you stop trying to kill Kagura. The plan centers around her, and besides that; she’s my friend now. She’s proved to me that she can be trusted. Attacking her will be the same in my mind as attacking me. Do you understand me Koga?” The wolf gives a disgruntled grunt. “So what’s this plan of yours?” he asks. After Kagome explains the plan, Koga reluctantly agrees to participate. The three canines spread out around Kagura and Kagome. After several minutes of sniffing various air currents, Sesshomaru says, “Kagura, this one.” She flicks her wrist and says, “This?” “No.” he says. After several tries, Kagura finds the right one. After Inuyasha and Koga confirm the scent as Naraku, Kagura gives a direction and distance. Koga says, “I’ll go ahead and get around to the other side of him. You had better be there when he runs. And you,” he says to Kagura, “if this is a trick, I’ll skin you alive.” With that, he heads off. Kagome says, “Let’s get the others and go.” The four head back to the village where the others wait.
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