Thursday, June 16, 2005

Homecoming: Blood in the Darkness
*episode 6*

Inuyasha is in Kagome’s family’s kitchen, looking somewhat embarrassed. Kagome’s mom is cooking and only occasionally sending a curious glance in his direction. However, Sota and grampa are both still staring openly at him. He wiggles his ears…or at least he tries to. His ears are in no position to be wiggled, seeing how they are on the wrong part of his head. Not to mention that they are the wrong shape and size. Never in his life has Inuyasha imagined that he might find himself embarrassed not to be a half-demon. Vulnerable yes, uncomfortable certainly, but to actually feel humiliated to be without his ears, claws, hair, and eyes, has never occurred to him. He is feeling so agitated that he’d like to crack his claws. Unfortunately, he no longer has claws and these fingers are of no help. Kagome has gone to her room to “study”, leaving him to fend for himself. He has finally decided to join her, as opposed to sitting there being a spectacle, when her mother calls, “Diner’s ready.” Kagome comes down promptly and the meal begins, however, the boy and the old man both seem more interested in him than their food. Suddenly, Kagome drops her fork. “Inuyasha,” she says, “I sense a shard of the sacred jewel, and it’s close.” He tells her, “Let it go. I can’t protect you so it’s best if we look for it tomorrow.” She says, standing up, “You don’t understand. I mean really close. I think it’s coming to us.” Inuyasha stands up as well. He grabs the Tetsusaiga which had been leaning against a wall. The two head out into the shrine. Kagome stops and turns toward the old well house. Inuyasha says, “It can’t be coming through the well. Only we can do that.” After he speaks, the door to the well house slides open and the outline of a figure appears in the shadows. “Show yourself!” Inuyasha calls. Seemingly obedient, Kikyo steps into the dim light coming from the street and the house. Unsure how to react, Inuyasha and Kagome wait for an explanation. The priestess says, “So this is when you lose your demonic powers, Inuyasha. You hid it from me for all of our time together, but you not only tell this girl, you come to stay with her when you are vulnerable.” She continues, her voice heavy with anger, “Tell me, will you come to live here when you are like this always? Or will she come to live with you? You clearly seem to have chosen between us, I am merely curious what you plan to do in your life without me.” Rage burns in her eyes. Inuyasha says, “Kikyo, it’s not like that. We aren’t…Kagome and I…I don’t love her more than I love you.” Kikyo asks, “If not, why do you not say that you love me more than you love her.” She pulls her bow off her shoulder. As she draws an arrow, she continues, “Your loyalties are clearly divided. Let me settle that for you.” She turns her bow on Kagome. Inuyasha thrusts his body between them. The priestess asks, “So, is that how it is?” She lowers her bow. “Child,” she says addressing Kagome, “I leave the completion and purification of the jewel to you. Inuyasha, I am going to hell now. This is your last chance to join me.” Kagome tries to step around Inuyasha, but he holds her back. “I’m sorry,” she says, “…sit.” She steps over him and walk over to Kikyo. The night is shattered by a resounding *smack*. Kagome has just slapped Kikyo and clearly the shrine maiden doesn’t know how to respond. Kagome says, “Don’t do this! You know he has mixed feelings; let him decide in his own time.” Enraged, Kikyo says, “You only say that because day by day you become dearer to him! Were the tables reversed, you would also try to force a decision.” Kagome says, “You’re wrong! I would let him make his own choice because I want him to be happy. You don’t belong here. Go back to the warring states era.” Kagome turns and walks back to Inuyasha. Kikyo once again draws her bow; only this time she makes no attempt to discuss matters. She fires at Kagome who is helping Inuyasha to his feet. Not having his back to her, Inuyasha sees the arrow and thrusts his arm across Kagome’s back. The projectile pierces the fur of the fire-rat and Inuyasha can hear his bones shattering. Drawing another arrow, Kikyo says, “Fine, then die with her!”
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