Episode 125 - Darkness in Kagome's Heart
While Inuyasha desperately searches for any sign of Kikyo, Miroku and Sango tell Koga about Kikyo‘s relationship with Naraku. Koga learns how Naraku was created from Onigumo’s unfilled desire and jealousy for Kikyo, and how those human feelings drove the demon to destroy her. The story convinces Koga that Naraku needs to be smashed now, more than ever, and resumes his pursuit of the fiend. Kagome watches Koga leave and wonders how Inuyasha’s own search is going. Inuyasha frantically scours the shoukai polluted riverbank for traces of Kikyo. His heart is haunted by grief, guilt, and Sessho-maru‘s cruel words. Emotionally exhausted after the search, Inuyasha returns to his companion’s empty handed and discovers Kagome waiting for him. Kagome’s efforts to comfort him are strained and painful -- she’s torn between her relief Kikyo’s dead and the devastation Inuyasha feels. They pass each other in agonizing silence leaving important words left unsaid. Later in the day, during the team’s travels through the demon-ravaged villages, Inuyasha is strangely quiet and pensive, and avoids Kagome. At one of the decimated villages they meet a fellow traveler - a monk - that tells them about his recent encounter with a gravely injured miko. The miko fits Kikyo’s description and, noticing Inuyasha’s reaction to the news, it is Kagome who suggests he go investigate. The group treks on without Inuyasha but, as they journey, the samurai of a local noble arrests them. Shippo and Kirara escape and immediately set out to find Inuyasha. Sango, Miroku and Kagome are taken to a castle where they join other travelers, also captives. They watch helplessly, as travelers are put to death by order of the ruler of the castle. Inside, the sinister figure of the woman clutches a baby to her bosom as she watches the orders carried out. Under more orders from the castle’s noblewoman, the samurai separate Kagome from the others and lead her inside the castle. In the gloom of the castle, the noblewoman greets Kagome, telling her she’s the only one left who can “see’ the Shikon jewel shards. In the shadows kneels the priest Kagome recognizes from the village. The old man falls over dead at her feet and, horrified, Kagome understands it’s all a trap. Her fear is confirmed when Kagura emerges from the darkness. Kagome is told “ help won’t be coming’ and drawing ominously closer, Kagome realizes it isn’t the woman speaking, but the baby. The evil infant taunts Kagome, telling her “Inuyasha won‘t be coming because he‘s searching for Kikyo.” Kagome recognizes the ‘baby’ for what it is -- Naraku’s latest evil construct-- and it desires Kagome’s ability to see the Shikon jewel shards. Outside in the castle’s courtyard, the vassals prepare to slaughter Miroku, Sango and the captives, but Sango frees herself with a hidden blade. Dodging the guards, she frees Miroku and they fight the samurai for their lives. Within the murky castle Kagura restrains Kagome, so she can’t escape the evil baby’s embrace. The baby seizes Kagome and snuggling close and, seized in its tiny clutches, Kagome feels her heart invaded. The child searches Kagome’s heart for signs of darkness so it can infiltrate and command her soul. Kagome’s heart cries out for Inuyasha, but the realization he’s abandoned her for Kikyo gives the infant just want it wants -- a spot of darkness in Kagome’s heart. The baby clings closer, bonding with Kagome’s soul. Kagome’s broken heart calls to Inuyasha one last time before she’s overpowered by the vile child. The noblewoman falls over, dead. Kagome now holds the baby.
