A/N – Alright, here you guys go, the updated version of Chapter 2!

Chapter Two – A New Friend.

The sun was disappearing under the horizon in a beautiful clash of orange, pink, and the purplish blue of the clouds; as if it were giving all of it's energy to make the day longer. Kagome walked slowly along a dirt-grass road, her feet dreading every single step. She'd stopped a few times to eat and drink, but besides that it was a slow going walk, away from Edo, away from everything and everyone she knew. The clouds had moved in and day was succumbing to night when she decided to stop. Kagome drew her bow and arrow, just in case as she walked slowly into an empty clearing. She scanned the area with her pure energy, deeming that no demons were near her. Or people for that matter, besides a small village about two miles away. But the amount of food in her backpack was enough for her to survive on for about three weeks or so. She had some gold coins from their travels, but she'd left about half of them with Miroku and Sango. So by the time she ran out, she should probably be near a village.

After she'd scanned the area, she began setting up a small campsite, just for the night. The tedious process was slower, due to her being on her own, but after doing the same thing for years, she knew what she was doing. The sun had set all the way and it was dark by the time she finished. Heaving a great sigh as she sat down, she stared up at the sky. In the quiet of the early night, she felt oddly at peace as she looked at the stars and the moon. The night was the one time she found peace. A sanctuary from all the world. In some ways, night caused less pain than the day did, and for that Kagome was calm. Pulling a fruit from her pack, she ate silently, sharing no words to the warm silent night air.

Something near Kagome pulsated. She jumped, and looked to the source of the pulse. A slight glow emanated from the opening of the bag. Kagome reached inside and dug around for a moment until her fingers brushed against the source, and it sent a jolt through her system. The secret item she'd brought with her. A piece of the Shikon No Tama. It wasn't large, but it was formidable. Enough to have demons after her by late morning tomorrow. She gazed at it as it sparkled with a faint purple light under the silver moon. She needed a way to protect it, and herself from any demons after the Jewel. She rolled it around in her hand as she mulled it over. The Jewel was born into her body at birth, right? The light above her head went off. Her other hand went to her side, where a scar still remained from the first time the Jewel had been extracted from her body. Her fingers traced it; then she pulled a dagger from her bag. Kaede had given it to her a while back. Anything for the safety of the Jewel and the people that live in this time. And for my time. This is going to hurt. Kagome thought. She closed her eyes tightly and raised the blade's tip to the scar. Putting pressure on the blade, she cut into her skin, drawing about an inch long incision down her side. She dropped the blade, wiping the blood off on the grass first, then lit a small fire to it, so no demons would smell her. The Jewel was next. She grabbed it and gently pressed it into her body, effectively hiding it's aura while she hid her own. It didn't hurt so much, because the Jewel was pure, and made the wound heal faster. She watched carefully and removed her hand, letting the wound heal quickly on it's own, right in front of her eyes. She wiped blood off of her skin, then put the washcloth in the fire. Kaede had taught her that. She smiled as she remembered the elderly priestess. In the time she'd spent in Edo, Kaede's village, Kaede had taught her about all kinds of healing herbs and things about being a priestess. Even how to deal with people that wanted her help. She doused the fire, making sure not a whole lot of smoke was created. Kagome remembered the day that Kaede told her that her powers surpassed Kikyo's, and soon enough, Midoriko's. If she was stronger than Midoriko, wouldn't she have been able to take her soul back right then? No, Kaede explained. Her power was dormant, only used for the gravest of situations. Kagome had asked Kaede to keep it a secret from the others. She wasn't sure that she wanted everyone knowing she was a super powerful priestess. Even if she was a super powerful priestess, that didn't mean she knew how to use it, or even run very far without getting super tired. Bleh. I need to get in shape.

Kagome began formulating a plan for the next few months or so. While she was traveling, she would try to run to for at least half of the time. And when she stopped, she would practice her bow skills after lunch, even though she was a fair shot already. Sometime she'd need a tutor to teach her how to use a sword. Once, Sango had tried to teach her, but she'd done a pretty terrible job. But before any of that happened, she needed new clothes that would stand the test of time, rather than be ripped apart every three minutes of fighting. Small rips and tears, she could fix, but sometimes her whole outfit got stolen, or taken off. She sighed and shook her head, leaning back on the makeshift bed she'd made. Sleep soon overtook her, and she rolled on her side, bow strung in her hand.

~*~*~

The morning light was warm on Kagome's face when she awoke the next morning. Her bow was still clutched in her hands, and her dagger was still lying right next to her head. Dappled light shone through the leafy branches above her, and she winced as light hit her eyes. She stretched out on the ground, relishing in early morning air. Then a barrage of mental images, all of the people she'd left behind. Shippo's face stuck in her mind, tears forming in his eyes.

Kagome shook the memory off with some considerable effort. Then something brushed against the leaves in the undergrowth. Within a second, she drew her bow and aimed at the forest. She was silent, her eyes raking the bushes around her. The noise stopped, but Kagome kept her dagger close to her side as she put her things back into her backpack, scanning the area for any demonic auras, but found nothing. Just a few small animals. She dismissed it and started running toward the village, keeping close to the side to avoid unwanted attention.

About two hours later she reached the village, which was just opening for the morning. People stared at her strange clothing, but said nothing, for they recognized her in a way. She held the bow in her right hand, and kept her face cool, distant, but still smiling in a way.

As she approached the little stand, the shop-keep smiled, and bowed. "Hello. You are the famous priestess, are you not? How may I be of assistance?"

Kagome smiled. "I was wondering if you had a Priestess outfit and a set of black clothes. If it's not too much trouble." She nodded slightly.

"No problem at all." The shop-keep nodded, and turned around inside his stand. A few moments later, he returned with a Priestess outfit and the black set of clothes Kagome requested. He held them up for her to inspect. The black clothes were a pair of loose pants and a loose shirt. Kagome nodded her thanks, and began to hand the shop-keep some coins.

He looked at her, aghast. "Oh, no Priestess; keep your money. Consider it thanks for the work you have done." He said, bowing.

Kagome blinked. "In that case, I thank you greatly. And, if your village in any time is in trouble, ask for me. I'll be there to help." She nodded to the shop-keep and turned away, walking out of the village.

After using a family's shed to change clothes in, she sat under a tree on the edge of the village in her Priestess outfit. It felt somewhat nice to have clothes covering her whole body for once, and now men did not gawk at her scantily clad legs and body. She was just about to practice with her bow when she heard the bushes rustle again. Her dagger flashed in her hand, but she lowered it when she heard a whimper that sounded like a puppy. A small white puppy with fluffy ears and gold eyes limped out of the bushes. She tested it's aura, but it didn't seem evil, just hurt. And it was a demon. As it stepped fully out from the undergrowth, she noticed a large cut on it's leg, and bright red blood on it's white-silver fur. It whimpered again, nosing the wound.

It's eyes shone with an odd light. It seemed as if he knew what she was doing. "Come here, little one. It's all right." Kagome called softly, holding her arms out to it. It whimpered again, limping to her and up into her lap. She made a noise in the back of her throat as she inspected it's wound. He sniffed her hand as she dug around in her pack, looking for the right herbs. When she found the right ones, she looked to the dog, whose eyes seemed to catch the smallest rays of light and reflect them back, almost dazzling her.

"Where's your mother, baby?" Kagome asked the little puppy, rubbing under its chin.

It looked at her sadly through those strange golden eyes. Kagome knew then what had happened to the pup.

"I think you need a name." Kagome thought for a moment about names in general. "How about Makoto?" Kagome asked the pup.

It responded by dipping its head, way more understanding and wise than any other creature should have been. Then again, it was a demon. Who knows?

"Okay. Makoto it is, little one." Kagome smiled down at the dog. "Do you want to travel with me?"

Makoto seemed to give a doggish smile, before reaching up and licking her face. Kagome laughed. "I'll take that as a yes." She said; thanking the Gods that someone was able to be there with her every step of the way. Kagome felt a pang in her heart when she looked at Makoto's eyes. In them she saw close to the same color that Inuyasha's were. Makoto's, however, were more muted and mysterious. Wiser. Which, in comparison to Inuyasha, was somewhat rude, but there was just no way around it. The eyes glimmered like some ancient being, one that had lived through many sorrows and joys. Kagome marveled at him.

For the rest of the day, Kagome began to work on her skills. She ran from just past noon to about 1 o'clock or so she thought. Makoto would watch Kagome from the shade of the tree they had sat under before as she ran laps around a large field. He wasn't healed enough to run with her yet, but he would be soon. Makoto and Kagome ate lunch after that, and after a short break, Kagome began practicing her bow aim on a tree. She had a target set up on its thick trunk. Makoto, being a smart dog-demon, would snort every time she missed the bull's eye. Kagome rolled her eyes at him. As the sun went down, Kagome realized that she would get stronger, she would show Inuyasha that she could do something right and be more powerful than him.

~*~*~

Inuyasha was alone in the Sacred Tree, thoughts swirling through his head. He still couldn't believe she'd left. It was so sudden, to him, anyway. With a pang of regret and sorrow that rang throughout him, he realized how he must look to Kagome. I know we were never truly together...I should have at least honored her feelings, or said something about it. I never should have messed with Kikyo. I still care about her, but... I don't know anymore. I don't love her anymore. She's so cold, and Kagome was always so warm. Kikyo... She never showed any emotion; always kind of rude. I suppose Kagome could be that way sometimes, but she was never the way Kikyo was. He remembered her legs around his waist when they ran. Fuck.... I really screwed up, didn't I? The sky offered no reprieve from his pain, the moon floating in the starry night sky, seeming cold and harsh to his eyes. Wherever you are, Kagome. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. The words he'd neglected to say for so long now echoed throughout his head like a ringing bell. He didn't know, though, that his words were wasted. Deep, deep in his mind, he knew that she wasn't going to come back. She would move one. He knew she wasn't his anymore, to keep within his heart like a caged bird. In the future, she would be in someone else's arms, someone else's happiness. Inuyasha sighed heavily, remembering her hair waving in the breeze as she walked away, her scent blowing toward him. Soon though, his mind drifted, sleep slipping over him.

~*~*~

Makoto always seemed to keep Kagome near him no matter what. He was like her guardian. And he grew fast. In the first day that Kagome had found him, he'd grown just a little bit bigger.

Twilight enveloped the Japanese countryside, illuminating the hills with the last traces of a beautiful sunset. Strips of purple-blue clouds looked like they were thrown across the sky haphazardly. As the first few stars came out, Makoto took up a defensive position, so he could see and hear everything. Time for spiritual exercises. Kagome thought. She focused on her priestess abilities. All things that were goodness and purity. After a few moments of concentrating, Kagome opened her eyes. She sat in a quiet field. The tall grasses brushed against each other, creating a disjointed rhythm. In the very center of the field stood the Great Priestess Midoriko.

She smiled tenderly at Kagome. "Hello, dear Kagome." The woman said.

Kagome froze. "How do you know me?" She asked in bewilderment.

Midoriko just smiled again. "I've been watching you since the day you were born, Kagome."

"You… Have? Why?"

"Many dangers await you, Kagome. I am to teach you better in controlling your powers." Midoriko watched as the breeze played with the grass before parting from it. "You were calling me as well."

"I was?" Kagome was thoroughly confused.

"Yes. Your soul called to me." The Great Priestess answered, placing a hand over her own heart.

"Oh…" Kagome murmured.

"I need to teach you something Kagome." Midoriko was abruptly serious.

"What is it?" The young woman asked.

"You need to be able to create strong barriers to protect yourself against all kinds of demons. Even Naraku." Midoriko explained. "Just as you are able to extend your powers into your bow, you are not limited to just that. Many priestesses were able to prevent a demon from touching them by creating a field of energy to cover their skin. Some, like my self and Kikyo, are able to create barriers around themselves and others. I want you to try and extend your power onto your skin. Focus on directing your power into your hands, Kagome."

Kagome closed her eyes again, directing the flow of her power into her hands. Midoriko watched in satisfaction as Kagome's hands began to glow with a white gold light. (A/N I changed the color of Kagome's power because I just don't think pink suits her very well.)

"Very good, Kagome." Midoriko smiled encouragingly. "Now try all over your skin. The flow of energy shouldn't be much different than projecting it into your hands- You've got it!" the Priestess exclaimed as Kagome took on an almost glowing outline. She literally glowed at the edges.

"That was amazing! I didn't know I could do that!" Kagome was astonished as well.

"Now that you have mastered that, try a barrier." Midoriko was beaming.

"Okay." Kagome seemed excited to learn all she could do. She concentrated fiercely, and in moments, a barrier shimmered around her.

"Now, Kagome, pay attention. I'm going to attack the barrier. You need to stay focused so the barrier doesn't break." Midoriko pulled a sword out of its sheath and sliced at the barrier a few times. It held, not even trembling. Impressive; it takes a lot to protect yourself against a woman like Midoriko. "Good!"

The moon shone brightly, illuminating the field with an eerie silver glow. "Can I try something, Midoriko?"

Curiosity picked at Kagome's thoughts as an idea same to her. "Of course, Kagome, go ahead." The priestess agreed.

Kagome closed her eyes and let her power flow through her limbs and into every muscle and vein. She felt limitless as to what she could do. Midoriko watched Kagome as her entire body glowed for a moment, then stopped. She knew that Kagome was very powerful, but even Midoriko hadn't heard of anything like this before. Kagome was truly a special being.

When Kagome opened her eyes she saw Midoriko studying her with stunned interest. "Midoriko?"

"Kagome, you are amazing! My, with the help of someone powerful at your side, Naraku will be just a memory." Midoriko stared at the phenomenon that was the girl from the future.

Kagome grinned. "Wow."

Midoriko seemed to fade in and out of existence, like a fuzzy radio station. "Kagome. I must be going now."

"But why? I need you." The young priestess protested.

Midoriko took Kagome by the shoulders. "Promise me this, Kagome. When the time comes, do not hold back. Sympathy is not an option in a fight." She paused, fading again. The pressure on Kagome's shoulders was almost non existent. "And I promise you that you will find happiness. You are destined to have a happy ending. Never give up hope…" Midoriko smiled a last time before disappearing.

Kagome opened her eyes to an almost black sky and concerned gold eyes. They seemed to ask 'Are you alright?'

The young woman smiled reassuringly at the dog. "Let's go to sleep, Makoto." Then they curled up on her mat and fell asleep, the embers of the fire dying in the cool night.

End Chapter 2 – A New Friend.

A/N – I know there were some confusing things going on in this chapter, so if you have any questions ask in PM or review and I will answer in the Author's Note Of Chapter 3.