Episode 154 - The Demon that Links to the Other World
Kikyo’s shikigama, Kochou and Asuka, beckon Inuyasha to follow them to Kikyo’s retreat. Miroku witnesses their departure, concerned about the mysterious meeting. The shikigama lead Inuyasha deep into the forest. In a clearing, Inuyasha spots Kikyo’s soul stealers. Kikyo sits in the center of the activity, recovering her strength. She welcomes the cautious Inuyasha cordially. When he asks about her condition Kikyo tells him how Kagome purified Naraku’s poison and healed her. Kikyo then changes the subject by asking Inuyasha if he’s noticed the barrier surrounding the bird’s nest is gone. Although Inuyasha knew nothing about the barrier, once mentioned it makes perfect sense to him. A barrier around the bird’s nest would prevent him from picking up its scent. Kikyo asks if he knows what Naraku is plotting and Inuyasha replies Naraku’s after the last jewel shard located in the other world. This seems to confirm something for Kikyo and she tells Inuyasha the boundary will open soon. Back at camp, Miroku informs Kagome that Inuyasha left in the middle of the night with the shikigama. Kagome knows what that means - a rendezvous with Kikyo. The encounter between Kikyo and Inuyasha continues as she asks if his group plans to pursue Naraku into the other world. He replies “‘yes” and Kikyo warns him not to take Kagome. Naraku is luring them into a trap. He wants Kagome’s ability to see jewel fragments and plots to use her to locate the final shard. Kikyo volunteers to go instead, but Inuyasha stops her. She’s still weak and, more importantly, Inuyasha confesses he can’t protect her. He doesn’t want to see Naraku hurt her again. Kikyo relents and gives Inuyasha a special arrow for Kagome to use -- an arrow smeared with soil from Onigumo’s grave. It’s up to Kagome how well she uses the weapon. As dawn breaks at the campsite, Miroku, Sango and Shippo are concerned as the sky is filled with Naraku’s demons. The trio is also angry at Inuyasha for running off after Kikyo, again. Kagome sits alone, not far from the others, depressed over Inuyasha’s latest exploit. Inuyasha returns to camp and tells Kagome where he’s been, giving her the arrow. He confesses he went only to see if Kikyo was all right. He asks Kagome if she’s mad, and although she says she isn’t, even Inuyasha senses Kagome is upset. Elsewhere, Sessho-maru has noticed the demon activity and caught the fresh scent of the bird’s nest -- and Naraku. He sets off to investigate. The team is also on the move following the new scent trail towards the bird’s nest. As they near their destination, Kikyo’s warning weighs heavily on Inuyasha’s heart. He warns Kagome there’s danger waiting for them on the other side and promises no matter what, he’ll protect her. At the nest, Abi-Hime and Naraku have a confrontation about the castle. Abi-Hime tells Naraku her mother, Tekkei, is now much better. On cue, Tekkei explodes from the mountain, revealing a monstrous, flaming bird. Eager to be rid of Naraku, Tekkei swallows the smug scoundrel while Abi-Hime gloats. Inuyasha catches Naraku’s scent as the team draws closer to the bird’s lair. Myoga joins them, providing another clue about Naraku’s interest in the blood-sucking birds. The old flea tells them about Abi-Hime’s mother, Tekkei, and how she is related to the birds that live in on the other side. Tekkei is the connection between the living world and the next. Reminding Inuyasha how ferocious Tekkei is, Myoga leaves abruptly as the team arrives at Tekkei’s nest. Reveling in Naraku’s ‘demise’, Abi-Hime welcomes Inuyasha and the others with a threats and Tekkei informs them she’s eaten Naraku. With that, Abi-Hime launches a vicious attack on Inuyasha and the team. The demonic melee halts abruptly as Tekkei’s head splits open and Naraku emerges from her skull. Horrified and enraged, grief-stricken Abi-Hime attacks, meeting her own death at the business end of Naraku’s tentacles. The team is appalled at Naraku’s cruelty but he tells them they should be grateful to him for dispatching Abi-Hime and opening up the boundary between this world andthe next.
