As Rumiko Takahashi's "Feudal Fairy Tale" "Inu-Yasha" reaches its midpoint, the characters examine where their loyalties lie. When an elegant lord proposes to Sango, Miroku, the itinerant monk with the roving hands, must weigh his affection for her. Because he's the youngest member of the team, the other characters treat fox-spirit Shippo like a child; he begins to show signs of maturity, working to become a contributor to the battle against Naraku. Tsubaki, the Dark Priestess who fought Kikyo for possession of the Shikon Jewel 50 years earlier, uses sorcery to take possession of Kagome--and tries to force her to attack Inu-Yasha. Kagome's love for the half-demon makes the teenage heroine more difficult to control than the youth-obsessed Tsubaki anticipated. But two darker relationships provide the key to these adventures. Wind Sorceress Kagura wants to escape from Naraku's domination; she schemes against her demon-lord and covertly aids his enemies. The bitter rivalry between Inu-Yasha and Sesshomaru comes to the fore as each brother attempts to destroy Naraku single-handedly. In the lighter-hearted episode 72, Inu-Yasha reveals the seldom-seen kindly side of his nature when he helps the Lynx-demon Bunza rescue his tribe in a way that preserves the diminutive boy's fragile pride. Knowing there are episodes of "Inu-Yasha" yet to come is reassuring--like knowing there's more chocolate cake left as you finish your first slice. (Unrated,suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, nudity) "--Charles Solomon"