Episode 153 - The Fate is a Cruel Reunion
The noblewoman, courtiers and guards lavish praise on Kohaku as he prepares to battle Abi-Hime’s monstrous birds. They are unaware Kohaku is possessed by Naraku and being told to kill everyone and steal the baby. Kohaku turns on the palace guards who fall victim to the bite of his sickle chain. But this killing spree is different for Kohaku -as he slashes his victims, Kohaku is tormented by doubts and flash backs from the past. Even as Naraku’s voice urges him to murder, Kohaku’s memory starts to emerge, but it is not enough to spare the guards and court ladies. The Noblewoman watches the bloodbath in shock. She can only ask ‘why’ as Kohaku looms over her and the infant. Sango spots her brother from the air. Landing, she surveys the slaughter, recognizing the butchery as Kohaku’s doing. As Sango confronts her brother, the Lady flees with the baby, but her escape is brief; Kanna and her mirror trap her. Gazing into Kanna’s mirror, the Lady’s soul is devoured and she collapses, dead. Kanna departs with the infant. Hovering high above the fallen castle, Kagura quietly observes the drama until interrupted by Saimyousho who deliver a message: “pick up Kohaku”. Other parts of the doomed palace aren’t so quiet as Inuyasha and Abi-Hime engage in another ferocious battle. Abi-Hime’s volleys of flame are driven back by Tetsusaiga as the combatants try to destroy each other. When Kagome sees the birds flocking, Abi-Hime realizes they’ve finished their vampiric task and retreats. Although Abi-Hime leaves believing she attacked an ordinary castle rather than Naraku’s stronghold Kagome knows better - she can sense Kohaku’s Shikon fragment within the castle’s ruined walls. Kohaku’s presence means Naraku must have a connection with the palace. Elsewhere on the castle grounds, a heartbroken Sango confronts Kohaku. Gazing at his sister, Kohaku’s recall continues to return. Horrible memories flood the boy’s mind and Kohaku’s deadly past returns with such a vengeance the boy can barely stand. Sango watches helplessly while her beloved brother wrestles his inner demons. Before she can help, Kagura swoops in, scooping the boy up and escaping Distraught, Sango watches them flee. Escaping on Kagura’s feather, Kohaku’s memory returns and he clearly recalls murdering his father, the the demon exterminators, and gravely wounding Sango. Unable to live with his sin, Kohaku steps off Kagura’s feather, committing suicide. Plummeting towards his death, Kohaku recalls every evil act he performed for Naraku with agonizing, perfect clarity. But the boy cannot escape his personal hell easily -- Kagura rescues him before he hits the ground. She scolds Kohaku for trying to kill himself, but Kohaku doesn’t care if he dies. Back at the castle, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo and Miroku join Sango. Inuyasha comments on the carnage and Sango admits it was Kohaku’s doing. Shocked and grief-stricken, Sango is inconsolable. Kohaku’s action at the castle is too much to bear and Sango wonders forlornly if she could save Kohaku’s heart even if she could tear him from Naraku’s control. The team resumes their search for Abi-Hime’s avian lair. Sango recalls seeing Naraku’s evil baby in the arms of the woman Kohaku was about to kill. The connection between Naraku, the castle and Abi-Hime’s birds begins to fall into place … Enroute to Hakudoshi’s lair, Kagura has questions of her own. The puzzle comes together when Kagura realizes the baby must contain Naraku’s ‘heart’. Hakudoshi, meanwhile, confers mysteriously with one of the Saimyoushou as he waits for Kagura and Kohaku. That night, Miroku, Inuyasha and Kagome discuss their strategy. Even though Abi-Hime has betrayed Naraku, a connection remains between the birds, the blood and access to the other world. As the their discussion dwindles, they notice Sango sitting alone, miserable about Kohaku. Miroku joins her, holding her close. Abi-Hime also comforts a loved one. Because of the blood taken at the castle, the poison in Abi-Hime’s mother is now reduced and ‘Mother’ is feeling much better - so much so the bird demons plot to destroy Naraku. There are more changes at the nest as well - Naraku’s protective barrier has vanished! Back at camp, Inuyasha wakes to the scent of uncovered bird’s nest. Before he can investigate, however, Kikyo’s two Shikigami arrive. They have a message from Kikyo for Inuyasha. She wants to see him - now!
