INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT

Among the Twinkling Stars

Picking up from last episode, Kagome's plunge lands her right into Inuyasha's arms. She is relieved to see that it is the real Inuyasha and not some illusion, while Inuyasha is relieved to see that Kagome managed to get the bow. Suddenly, Kagome notices Naraku's spider webs! They must get to the others quickly!

Meanwhile, at the base of Mount Azusa, Naraku has made his move. He engulfs Kikyo and everyone else in a web orb and carries them off. However, it isn't long before the webs loosen and everyone is able to escape except Kikyo. "Kikyo, how does it feel to die in the arms of your hated foe?" Naraku questions sarcastically.

Koga tries attacking the evil demon using Goraishi, but the attempts are futile. As he is doing so, Kikyo notices that the shards in Koga's legs are being purified. This was the will of Midoriko's soul. She believes if Naraku swallowed those shards, than he would be destroyed on the spot. Luckily, Naraku has not noticed this.

At the same time Inuyasha and Kagome race to find their friends, Koga has become entangled in Naraku's grip and is getting drawn in. Kikyo watches with hope and anticipation. She believes that once Naraku takes in those purified shards, he can be destroyed and even Koga can be saved. Unfortunately, as soon as Naraku touched the shard, he is stunned by the effect and releases Koga. What Kikyo expected did not happen.

Moments later, as Naraku is taunting his captive Priestess, Inuyasha arrives. Then Kagome runs up from the ground below and aims her only arrow...knowing that she cannot miss. Kikyo, however, tells her to wait (the two are able to communicate telepathically). Inuyasha uses the Dragon-scaled tetsusaiga and hits the demon vortex perfectly, but Naraku seems to regenerate at first. But wait! Naraku's sharp icicle-like arm opens up to reveal the Shikon jewel. It must have been from a combination of Koga's purified shards as well as Inuyasha's sword. Before Inuyasha can get to the jewel, Naraku drops Kikyo knowing the young hanyou will opt to save her.

As Naraku's body begins to close, Koga attempts to go inside and purify the jewel. Just then, Kagome notices that the jewel is no longer in Naraku! She calls for Koga to stop, but it's too late. Koga is pulled inside Naraku's miasma laden body. Miroku cannot stand by and watch this! "Wind Tunnel!" he cries. The good Monk is able to suck out the miasma so that Inuyasha can help Koga. The sad news is that Koga's shards were defiled by the miasma, and Miroku's wound has spread.

From a ledge high above Kikyo's body, Kagome calls down to the Priestess asking for help in finding the jewel. That's when Kagome notices that Naraku has placed the jewel inside Kikyo's body. "Now!" Kikyo instructs Kagome. The young girl takes aim and even though Naraku tries to stop her, Kagome hits the target sending the arrow and the jewel directly into Naraku. This gave Inuyasha and Koga the ability to flea, but Naraku was still able to grab Koga's shards. At first it appears as if Kikyo's spiritual energy will finally destroy Naraku, but his demonic energy was stronger. (What did you expect? There are many more episodes to go....)

"Only one shard remains. I shall watch how you fight without Kikyo," Naraku shouts triumphantly just before disappearing, "Kikyo lost to my demonic energy!". Before Inuyasha can pursue, Kagome calls for him as Kikyo's life is quickly fading away. Inuyasha asks the others if he could have some time alone with his beloved Kikyo. The others look on helplessly when he walks away with Kikyo in his arms. Kagome is overcome with grief, because she could not save the Priestess. "Don't cry, Kagome. My soul was saved." Kikyo tells the young girl telepathically.

Elsewhere, Kohaku senses serious trouble and wants to find Lady Kikyo, but Sesshomaru informs him it's already too late. At the same time in the village, Kaede notices Kikyo's soul collectors. A vision of Kikyo appears before her to say goodbye and apologize for the trouble she has caused. Kaede sobs knowing her sister is gone.

Returning to the others, each of them are having regrets that they could not do more to save Lady Kikyo. Including Koga, who is asking himself why he is still alive even without his Shikon shards?

Laying in Inuyasha's arms, Kikyo asks him if he remembers back before Naraku tore them apart? "How could I forget," he says, "Back then, I was ready to become human and live with you." Inuyasha began to cry. "I couldn't save you!" he sobs. "Inuyasha, you came for me. That is enough." she tells him smiling weakly. After a passionate kiss, tears spill from Kikyo's eyes and only moments later...she disappears from Inuyasha's arms. In the aftermath, Kikyo's shinigami swirl in the illumination of her beautiful soul. The warmth of the light blankets those left behind.

A very, very sad episode.....Anyone have a tissue?...