Episode 163 - Sango, Kirara, Kohaku, The Secret Garden
Kirara has disappeared and Sango is concerned. Despite reassurances from Inuyasha, Kagome and Shippo, Sango senses there is a reason behind Kirara’s absence and worries. Sango is correct in her assumption - Kirara is pursuing a personal “mission”, returning to the ruined demon exterminator's village. Elsewhere, Kohaku explores an abandoned mansion while Kagura waits impatiently. He discovers a bundle of incense and sets off from the compound even though Kagura warns him not stray too far. As Kirara nears the exterminator village, she pauses to enjoy good memories of the area during a time when Sango and Kohaku where innocent youngsters. Inside the gates of the exterminator village, Kohaku has memories of his own. Placing the incense at the graves of his father and friends, he mourns their deaths, guiltily grieving for being the instrument of their destruction. However, not all of Kohaku's returned memories are bad - after leaving the village, Kohaku passes places from his past which stir warm, pleasant memories of his sister and friends. Making her way 'home', Kirara continues to enjoy cherished memories shared with Sango and Kohaku. Sitting in a forest glade near the village, Kirara recalls how Sango rescued her timid little brother from a bear attack, then gently treated Kohaku's wounds with a special exterminator ointment. Kirara remembers how, to thank his sister, Kohaku vanished for a few minutes, returning with a huge bouquet of white lilies for Sango. Kirara's revels are severed by the approach of a hostile presence. Suddenly the feline is surrounded by four large, ugly demons. Back at the team Sango is through waiting for Kirara’s return. In spite of urging from the others to relax and join them for tea, Sango resists, excusing herself to search for Kirara. Miroku watches her leave apprehensively. Although he'd like to follow, Miroku senses Sango must go alone. Kirara is attacked by the quartet of demons and about to be overwhelmed when help suddenly arrives from Kohaku. The two old friends join forces and defeat the four demons quickly and efficiently. Tracking Kirara, Sango encounters Kagura, who is waiting for Kohaku to return. Kagura is surprised Sango isn’t on the offensive, but the sorceress is still wary. Sango makes it abundantly clear she's searching for Kohaku and, reluctantly, Kagura points Sango in the right direction. The reunited Kohaku and Kirara enjoy a victory meal after defeating the demons. Kohaku asks Kirara about Sango’s health after the rat attack. Relieved, he learns Sango has recovered and is well. Kohaku confides in Kirara his plan to destroy Naraku and atone for the sins he’s committed. He apologizes to Kirara for the misery he's caused. Noticing Kirara is wounded, Kohaku gently treats Kirara’s wound with the same exterminator ointment the way Sango treated his wounds after the long-ago bear. Arriving at the exterminator village, Sango finds evidence of Kohaku’s recent visit - burned incense near the graves of their father and the others. A further search of the area reveals the remains of the dead demons. Examining their wounds, Sango recognizes the mark of Kohaku's weapon. Tearfully she recalls the night she lost her brother to Naraku's evil control and sprints into the woods, calling Kohaku's name. Meanwhile, Kohaku shares a special secret with Kirara. He guides Kirara to his special place -- a secret garden filled with beautiful white lilies. A lifetime ago, Kohaku gathered flowers to celebrate the love for his sister - now he gathers flowers to honor the exterminator dead. Kohaku bids Kirara goodbye and turns to walk his solitary road. Suddenly, Kohaku senses the approach of someone and hides. He sees Sango running down the path, calling his name. Kohaku remains hidden, suffering and torn between his desire to reach out to sister and the desire to protect her until he destroys Naraku. Kohaku's heart breaks as he watches his beloved sister rush pass. Sango’s mad dash ends when she encounters Kirara on the road. Relieved, Sango asks Kirara where she’s been, and Kirara motions for Sango to follow. The feline leads Sango to Kohaku’s secret garden. Sango gazes at the dazzling carpet of white lilies, understanding. She remembers the bouquet from Kohaku, how happy they were, and sobs bitterly. But life, and the quest for the Shikon fragments, continues. Sango reunites with Miroku and her friends. Kohaku returns to Kagura and Hakudoshi. Fate has severely altered the lives of the siblings, but the secret garden remains eternally serene. Its flowers guard Sango and Kohaku's precious memories until a day when they can be a family once more.
