Monday, June 13, 2005

Homecoming: Blood in the Darkness
*episode 1*

The group departs the inn early the next morning. Despite yesterday’s failure to eradicate Naraku, they seem in good sprits. However, Miroku has a sneaking suspicion that there is something the others are not telling him. Finally, unable to continue the cruel hoax, Sango borrow Kagome’s pocket mirror and hands it to the monk. After stopping at a stream to allow the monk to reclaim some of his dignity, the group continues. A little after lunch, Kagura says, “Inuyasha, tonight will be the night of the new moon.” Kagome says, “That’s right, you know about that.” Kagura continues, “The chances of Naraku actually seeking us out so soon after our last encounter seems farfetched, but still, I don’t think we should let our guard down.” “You don’t have to tell me that.” Inuyasha says. “I been dealing with this all my life.” Kohaku says, “I’m sorry, I missed something. What’s so special about the night of the new moon?” Attempting to redeem his image by acting as the voice of knowledge, Miroku says, “At certain times, all half-demons lose their demonic powers and become only human. For Inuyasha, this time is once a month when the moon is dark. From sunset to sunrise he is vulnerable. If his enemies learned this, they would come after him at this time and destroy him.” Kohaku asks, “Shouldn’t you go somewhere to hide?” “Where?” Inuyasha asks. “Anywhere I go there’ll be demons. Lately I’ve been relying more on these guys to watch my back.” They continue walking. Kohaku stops and asks, “What about Kagome’s home?” The entire party stops and turns to look at him. He continues, “You said that only you and Kagome can go there, and that there aren’t many demons there. Why don’t you hide there?” Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku all stare at him slack-jawed. Finally, Kagome says, “It’s so simple. How come I never thought of that?” Sango says, “We wouldn’t have to spend the whole night worrying.” “Incredible,” Miroku says, “from the mouths of babes.” Inuyasha is, for once, speechless. Kagura says, “If that is going to be, the rest of us will have some time to kill. Sango, I believe Kohaku had expressed interest in going home.” Sango looks uneasy. “Sister,” Kohaku says, “We have to talk, alone.” The two head away from the group. Inuyasha turns to Kagome. “You ok with this? There are at least some demons in your world, and if they come after me your family could get hurt.” he says. Kagome tells him, “I’ll keep my bow handy. I’ll have some explaining to do, but everything will be ok.” He nods, “If you’re sure, we should go now.” He turns to the monk and says, “We’ll meet you tomorrow in Keade’s village, unless to go to the slayer’s village, in which case we’ll meet you there. Either way, try’n stay put.” Kagome nods and the two depart. As they head off into the distance, Miroku turns to Kagura. He is about to say something, undoubtedly the wrong thing, when Kagura raises her fan menacingly. Remembering his past transgressions, the monk almost jumps back, and walks away sighing.
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