Episode 152 - Protect and Plunder!
Abi-Hime grows more suspicious of Naraku. She’s had nothing but trouble since they struck their deal and Abi-Hime wants out of the bargain. Abi-Hime’s mother suggests they strike at Naraku’s weakness. She knows he’s hiding something important to him at a nearby castle. Abi-Hime musters the flock and launches an attack on the palace. At the castle, the new baby receives tender attention from the court ladies. However, his “mother”, the Lady of the manor, is still dazed, confused and uncertain the child is really hers. Flashes of horrible events haunt her, and awful visions of his birth refuse to leave her head. The Lady spots a familiar face from her nightmare on the palace grounds - Kohaku. The Lady stops the boy to question him, but Kohaku’s new friend, the old man, provides an alibi - the boy arrived after the infant’s birth. Kohaku is not the only new face in the vicinity of the castle. Inuyasha and the team have arrived in the town near the palace. Miroku questions the locals all day about the demon birds without success. Since it’s late, the group decides to stay the night in town before continuing their search. At a remote mountain hideout, Kagura ponders a way to rid herself of Hakudoshi and Naraku. She watches as Abi-Hime passes by leading her flock. Evil little Hakudoshi interrupts Kagura’s musings by dispatching her to follow and spy on Abi-Hime. Tagging behind the advancing horde, Kagura watches as Abi-Hime orders her birds to destroy Naraku’s Saimyoushou: by doing so Abi-Hime proves she’s no ally of Naraku. Back at the castle and town, Kohaku and Sango spend a restless night. Kohaku has nightmares and, waking, confides to his elderly friend he’s lost his family. The old fellow reassures Kohaku and tells him that everyone who lives at the castle is like a family - he’s part of them now. Meanwhile Sango has poignant memories of Kohaku and the annihilation of their kin. Before either sibling has time to fully explore their feelings Abi-Hime attacks with her brood-thirsty birds. Kohaku’s exterminator training takes over as he cuts down the demons with chain and scythe. While battling the vicious creatures, Naraku calls to him, ordering him to protect the baby. Inuyasha and the team also rush to the castle’s defense. Enroute, Kagome senses the presence of a single Shikon shard: Kohaku must be the castle! Sango fears Kohaku may be under Naraku’s spell, complicating the situation. Sensing her concern, Inuyasha tells Sango to search for Kohaku when they reach the castle - he’ll take care Abi-Hime and the birds. Inuyasha hasn’t long to wait for Abi-Hime’s assault: she arrives with questions as well as a desire to fight. Abi-Hime asks Inuyasha why he’s protecting a castle special to Naraku when he’s supposed to be Naraku’s enemy. Her accusation is a surprise for Inuyasha and the others, as is Abi-Hime’s admission she isn’t partnered with Naraku. When Inuyasha tells Abi-Hime they intend to be the ones to destroy Naraku, Abi-Hime’s temper flares - her ego won’t allow any more orders from a mere half-breed - and she lashes out at Inuyasha with Naraku’s 3-pronged halberd. Above them, Kagura floats on her feather, keenly watching the fight. Inuyasha and Abi-Hime clash, Miroku, Kagome, Sango and the castle guards hack away at the demon birds. Kohaku successfully makes his way to the Lady’s chambers to rescue her and the baby. He leads them to safety through the inferno of the burning castle and an onslaught of ferocious demon birds. During the skirmish, one of the palace guards remarks that Kohaku fights like a demon exterminator. His comment resonates with the boy stirring up memories from his past, and Kohaku starts to remember who he was. As the castle falls and Kohaku begins to regain his memory, Naraku continues asserting his evil control over the boy. He beckons with chilling orders for Kohaku - kill those around him and take the baby.
