By: MamiLuckey
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Sole copyright belongs to Viz and Rumiko Takashi. I just enjoy the work they done and simply wanted to put my twist out there.
Rating: M for contents referring to violence and sexuality
Pairing: Kagome/Sesshoumaru; Inuyasha/Manamiko; Sango/Miroku & Shippo/Rin
Authors notes: This is my first Fanfic so please bear with me…
I spent many hours trying to get research so I can do INUYASHA justice. I wanted to make sure that what the character would say, the scenery, food, customs and ceremonies would all be correct.
As a reminder who Manamiko is, she is a half demoness and half miko. She stands 5'2'' with long wavy light pink hair that she wears in a half up do with jeweled combs, flowered head piece that has a crystallized white flower in the middle and ornamented chopsticks… she has piercing sea green eyes that have slits for pupils. Her skin is pearl white with barely noticeable glittering scales. She has a light gray tribal marking over her left eye and she has dragon wings coming from her back. Manamiko wears a green and gold kimono with a black obi. She carries a black and gold parasol (paper umbrella) with a hidden double edge sword in the staff. Her powers for a her demonic side: she breathes both fire and ice, her wings causes wind storms, when she growls it causes earthquakes, she is immortal and will always keep her youth. Her miko powers: Strong barriers that the red Tetsusaiga can't break that can protect her and an area of 100 meters, she throws purity orbs, she can transfer her miko powers to her sword to purify demons when she cuts the demons and she can heal both humans and demons (without killing the demons with her miko powers). Bad ass bitch right? Mana (love) mi (beautiful) ko (child) or Mana (love) miko (Priestess) so Manamiko is a beautiful love child or a Priestess of love (I thought I would explain why I choose that name)… She has a very open and loving heart that only Kagome's rival. She is a lot alike to Kagome, except she tries to acts like a bitch and a hard ass, kinda like a certain hanyo. Keep reading to find out how she comes into everyone's lives.
Minka= old Japanese houses (huts)
Shoin-zukuri= Japanese houses (the ones with the cute curved points at the end corners of the roof)
Sensu(s)= folding paper fans
Otouto= little brother
Konnichiwa= hello/ good afternoon/ greetings (also spelt konichiwa)
Sama= formal Mr., Ms., Mrs., Miss./ very highly respected
Katana= sword
Dojo= training area (literal meaning= place of the way)
Tessen= iron fan/ war fan/ fan designed for battle
Mitomo= beautiful friend or beautiful companion/ Manamiko's dog
Sempai= someone in the same social class but is your superior
Chapter 3: The training of a Miko/Warrior
_Unlike the others, it took Inuyasha and Kagome a full day to reach the village where the Miko known as Manamiko resides. The village was a well to do one. Kagome figured it should be considered a higher class city rather than a village. A village consisted of many minkas, whereas this one had multiple shoin-zukuri and a huge palace in the heart of the city.
Every where the two went, there were humans walking around in expensive silk kimonos; the women had beautiful sensus and parasols, all of them had exquisite accessories. The city had cherry blossom trees everywhere, but it had many Japanese maple trees alongside the sidewalks. People where walking together having conversations and laughing, children laughing and playing; everyone looked happy and unafraid of any danger, including the threat of demons.
"Can you believe how at ease everyone is here? Look at them Inuyasha, they are unafraid and… happy."
Inuyasha doesn't even bother to look around. "Keh, what do you expect Kagome? Everyone running around like chickens with their heads cut off? No, the reason is Manamiko-sama. She is… well," he scratches the back of his neck, "very powerful. I mean not only is she a powerful miko among humans, but a feared Hanyo. Even my fearless half brother respects her, if that tells you anything."
"No way! Sesshoumaru hates anything and everything that is not demon. Manamiko has to be very powerful and hmm well cruel to have him respect her. Inuyasha are you sure she is the right one to train me?" she asks wearily.
*FLASHBACK*
"Manamiko-sama! Manamiko-sama" a young Inuyasha runs to the only person ever to show him kindness, besides his mother. Manamiko turns to the voice that calls out to her. She smiles and embraces the young hanyo as he tackles her, she holds her ground not even moving an inch.
He looks up at her -and gives her the biggest smile his tiny face will allow.
"What is it little one? A flower for me? Aww Inuyasha what a beautiful wood poppy. My my, this is a rare one, do you know why my Otouto?"
Inuyasha shook his head side to side. "No. Why is it rare Manamiko-sama?"
She looks down at the young one. 'He is going to be so handsome when he becomes of age and strong too; he could rival his brother in both looks and strength. So young, so innocent. I do hope he can keep his innocence and his big heart'. "Because young one; this wood poppy is white. The glaucidium are usually a light pink to light purple flowers, the one you give me is white. Thank you for this gift."
*END FLASHBACK*
Inuyasha quickly brushes his memories aside to look at the girl who has captured his heart. "Of course she is stupid. Manamiko-sama will be the perfect miko to teach you anything and everything you need to know about your powers. She is far from being cruel. You got that?"
Inuyasha keeps walking and steals another look at Kagome. 'She is so beautiful. Her bright blue eyes capture anyone who comes across them. She is young and full of energy. Not to mention she is ALIVE! She is warm to the touch and her heart beats. She has a kind heart and air of innocence of her. I know I love Kikyo but Kagome is just so much more. She accepts me for who and what I am. I know she will never ask me to be something or someone that I am not. I am happy that she is in my life.'
Kagome goes to a beautiful young maiden. "Ma'am, do you know where the Miko Manamiko lives?"
The young lady looks at the girl in strange clothes. "She resides in the palace." With that she walks away, not giving the outsiders another glance.
Kagome is astounded by the beauty of the vast palace. "Look at this place Inuyasha! It's so… so beautiful"
"Keh, it is nothing Kagome. This is her being modest."
As the couple enters the gates; Kagome reaches for Inuyasha's hand, seeking for reassurance. He doesn't pull away but actually gives her hand a light squeeze to comfort her.
A young miko greets them in the courtyard. "Manamiko-sama extends her welcome to all visitors. Please come in and wait till she finishes with her meditation, she will be with you shortly."
Inuyasha and Kagome walks into the palace and converse lightly in the waiting room. When the miko walks in, it is as if time stands still.
Kagome looks at her in astonishment. 'She is so stunning. I can feel her spirit, it is neither good or evil. More like a perfect combination, a true neutral. The perfect balance between Yin and Yang. She feels… I don't even know if this is right… timeless. Her wings have the edging of her skin but the inner skin is a light pink. I want to stoke her wings. By Kami she is beautiful and STRONG. Her body radiates her strength.'
Inuyasha looks at her and gives her a boyish grin. "Well Manamiko, we met again. It has been a long time."
She looks at the hanyo. He reminds her of a young child that crept in her heart. The grin on his face tells her exactly who it is. "Well well, Otouto, you are right it has been a long time. I am glad that you were able to survive your brother's lands and 'protection'" Her hand reaches up to the crystallized white flower that is in the center of her floral headpiece.
She looks at the two and her gaze falls on their hands that are still intertwined. She notes their closeness. 'Now this is interesting. She is a miko, a very strong but untrained one; and here is Inuyasha. They are holding hands, they are not just comrades, but possible lovers? Hmm. At least I was right about something. He has become quite handsome and by the feel of him very strong.' She smiles to them and herself.
"What do I owe to this unexpected visit Inuyasha? Who is your lovely friend?"
"Konnichiwa Manamiko-sama. My name is Kagome. We are here to train. I have heard of your miko abilities and would be grateful to learn from you."
"I see, get out of my home! Leave now! DO NOT LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT INUYASHA! I am about to tear this fool to shreds!" Manamiko unsheathes her katana from its hiding place in her parasol. She leaps towards Kagome with a deafening fierce war cry.
Inuyasha looks at the two and steps back, his arms cross in front of his chest and he takes a sit on the floor. Kagome has a look of complete horror on her face and turns away. She stumbles and runs as fast as she can from the being threatening her life.
"What have I done to upset you? I came to you looking for assistance. INUYASHA SAVE ME!" Kagome was bewildered and terrified. She did not know what to do or even what to think.
"He will do no such thing. You and your life belongs to me now child." Manamiko says with an evil smirk on her face. She blocks Kagome's only way out of the palace. "Do you have any idea how many foolish people come to me to teach them? What makes you think you are worthy? Worthy of my teachings; better yet, what makes you even worthy to keep your life?"
Kagome was afraid. The only other time she felt this kind of fear was when she was around Naraku. She didn't know what to do; she even forgot how to breathe.
Do something girl. If you don't pass this test I will kill you. Do not let the petty human thought of begging make me kill you. Mikos are strong, confident and very proud. Stand up and fight me and I will make sure you get those powers of yours under control and strengthened.
"I do not know what I done to make you want to kill me. We came here looking for guidance and now you want to kill me. What happened to you extend your welcome to all visitors like the young miko said?" 'Shit shit shit! Think of something Kagome! THINK! I don't want to fight her! She can easily kill me… Wait! That is what she wants. She wants me to stand up and challenge her. Why else would Inuyasha just sit there looking bored? He knows she will not kill me. He would never let anything happen to me. Not ever, not me, no way.'
Kagome stands up straighter, reaching her full height. She has no idea what she is going to do but she knows that she cannot run away. "I will not have you threaten my life. You have no idea who you are messing with and how you pissed me off."
Manamiko smiles, 'good girl' she thinks to herself. "So I take it you are going to defend yourself?"
"I am going to more than defend myself." Is all that Kagome says in a flat voice.
Manamiko throws a sword on the ground in front of Kagome. 'Where did she get that sword? Wait she gave me a sword! A sword! How the hell do I use this?'
Kagome picks up the katana and flings herself at Manamiko. The Ryu miko deflects the feeble attempt and trips Kagome. They fight in silence. The next strike was not as hasty as Kagome's first. Soon they started to clash swords and Kagome built up a sweat.
Manamiko soon got bored of playing with Kagome. Again she made Kagome lose her balance and pointed her katana at Kagome's throat. "Well done child. Get up we start your training now."
The two mikos walked into the dojo to start their training. Kagome is stunned by the amount of beautiful weapons that decorate the walls. "Choose one that speaks to you. These are all spiritual weapons, purified and seeking a wielder." The Ryu Miko comments as she sees Kagome's curious eyes.
Kagome walks alongside the weapon filled walls, her fingers lightly grazing the polished weapons. From staffs and spears, to katana and tai chi, nunchaks and sickles to Kusarigamas (Kohaku's weapon); Kagome keeps walking. When Kagome's fingers reach a pair of Sai dagger, she stops. She didn't necessary feel them pulsate, like the pulsing that the Tessaiga gives Inuyasha, Kagome senses the Sai dagger hum to her.
The handle of the Sai dagger was black and gold and the metal was highly polished strong metal. When Kagome picked it the daggers, she knew then that was the weapon she wanted to use in close combat. Besides, most demons, and humans for that matter, fought with swords. The Sai daggers were design to counter swords. 'These are so pretty! Like a long fork for a weapon… Note to self: don't eat with these like you are an uncivilized. Ok may they look like a trident, that instead of a rod making it longer, it has a handle to protect me in close combat. Yea I think these are what I want to learn.'
Manamiko looked as the girl picked up the Sai daggers. 'Interesting. I would have thought her to pick up one of the tessen. This young miko is more than meets the eye.' Manamiko walked towards Kagome and gave her a reassuring nod.
Inuyasha was getting bored. He decided to terrorize Manamiko's pet, a sable and white Japanese Chin. 'Keh. You better be grateful Kagome, and learn from her.' Inuyasha looks at Kagome and Manamiko, while absently playing with the tiny dog. 'Wow. Those two together, they are beautiful. Not only are they both beautiful, but so strong… Hmm... I remember having a crush on Manamiko as a child, she hasn't changed one bit. I thought Kagome had the biggest heart, I mean she was the first HUMAN to accept me for being a hanyo. That in itself is tremendous but really Manamiko was the first BEING to accept me and show me kindness outside of Mother. I am happy that I am able to see her again.'
Manamiko couldn't help but be surprise by Kagome's ease and grace with the Sai daggers. Kagome was able to best some of the mikos, with Manamiko coaching from outside the fights, by the end of the day.
"Good job child. Kagome, you have much potential, tomorrow we will start training on your miko gifts. Your miko gifts are one with your being; your mind, spirit and energy. Be warned child, you will be exhausted in every aspect. You are not only training your body to be able to endure battle, you are still a miko. As a miko, it is your responsibility, to not only yourself but to all who you come in contact, to have strength in your abilities and have them under control. This will not be easy but it will be done by the time you leave my residence."
Kagome gave her sensei a respective bow. "Very well, go now and regain your strength. Everyday will be harder than the last." Manamiko turns form her and notices that Inuyasha stops playing with her dog 'Mitomo' to follow Kagome. "Inuyasha, a word please."
"What is it Manamiko-sama?"
"Drop the formalities Otouto, I see you as a little brother. We are one of the same, so to speak, we are both hanyos at the least. That aside, this girl, explain her to me. What is your relationship? She bares no mark, so I don't have to worry about you mating the child."
"I do not think of you as an older sister, Manamiko. If you don't want me to call you Manamiko–sama; than stop referring to me as little brother." Inuyasha said hotly. "As for my relationship to Kagome," his eyes softening, "she travels with me and is my most trusted friend. Kagome does not have my mark because she is not my mate. I don't know why any of this matters to you. She is a friend and will always be a friend."
"Fine, Ot- Inuyasha. I am curious is all." Her heart releases a little bit of tension. 'Why am I relieved hearing she is just his friend? Interesting.'
The days were filled with mind breaking and body wrenching training for Kagome. She couldn't even think after her miko training. Kagome was severely weaken when she finished her physical training. Every evening, once her training was complete for the day, Kagome would eat a small simple meal and retire to resume her training. She barely spoke and made simple yes/no answers, too exhausted to do much more than eat and sleep.
After a week of training Kagome, Manamiko notice this. 'Maybe I am pushing this child too hard? I would take it easy on her if we had more time. So sad that I have to do years of training in a matter of weeks. I hope that I will not break her; it would be a shame to have all that power go to waste. On the other hand, with her weaken like this, I can talk to Inuyasha and not upset his dear 'friend'.
Inuyasha would busy himself doing nothing. He sat in the dojo watching the girls who pike his interest. He would take short naps (he refuses to call them as Kagome does, cat naps, really he is a inu-hanyo meaning dog half demon). If he wasn't doing either of those, he found himself playing with the Mitomo or eating all of the food in the food storage. 'Damn it Kagome! I am bored! Hurry and learn as much as you can from Manamiko! There is nothing to do for me here. I want to go back to hunting Naraku. Maybe this was a bad idea to take this much time away. Keh!'
After teaching Kagome for another day, Manamiko wanted to relax. She wasn't tired or frustrated or even over worked. She simply wanted to relax her body and mind. 'Maybe that child is draining me? No, I have to be getting old. I am only 7,000 years this century; I have at least another 13,000 of youth. No I am still in my prime time. No matter; one long soak in the onsen and I will feel better.'
Manamiko went to her private hot spring to relax. She floated around for a little bit. She loved simply taking in nature; listening to the wind whispering to the leaves, the insects playing their melodies and the birds singing their tales. Manamiko closed her eyes to listen to the beautiful music. She enjoyed how her bathing robe floated around her wet body. Everything about the moment was utterly serene to the miko-hanyo. To preserve this time, Manamiko placed a barrier around the interior of the onsen and blocked her scent. 'No need to disrupt this orchestra'
"I am such an idiot! I rush off to make sure she trains to the point when SHE is happy. Never mind the fact, that more than half the time Kagome is the reason why we win the battles. She has no idea how much power she already has and has control of. I mean I understand wanting to be stronger. But DAMN IT! She could train after we kill Naraku." There was a long pause, Manamiko couldn't help but listen to the bored turned frustrated Inuyasha.
As Inuyasha was nearing the onsen, he felt the need to voice everything out. No one was around from what he smelt, heard or saw. "I hate everything. I loved once and I still love. Kikyo why did you leave me? Why did you not trust me? We could have been good for one another if you would have trusted me. You had so much pain and hate in your heart as you died, you didn't let it go when you were resurrected. You fought everyone except villagers. Even when you started to let someone in again, you still couldn't move on. I tried and I think that I have moved on. I did actually. Kagome open something inside me, that not even you could Kikyo. She is trusting and kind. She has the biggest heart I have ever known; she accepts things and people for who and what they are. I remember when I use to look at Kagome, how she reminded me so much of you. I don't see you in her any longer Kikyo, I see her and only her. You have no idea how many times I get lost in her blue eyes. I know I love Kagome; I am just not too sure if I am in love with her. I don't know if I ever truly was in love with you either Kikyo. All I know is that the two of you mean so much to me. I love you both and I wanted you both. I was and still am willing to protect both of you with my life. I just don't understand. If I am in love, wouldn't I know for certain? That is not something that should even be in question?" Inuyasha sat down on a branch in the tree closest to the hot spring. He sat there gazing in the stars. He even allowed a single tear to drop, since he was all alone anyway.
Manamiko was astounded. She was confused about this private confession that Inuyasha gave to the Kami Sumas. Then she was worried about pruning. Inuyasha was so close to her, if she tried to leave he would know she was there the entire time. If he knew she was there the entire time Inuyasha would… well she wasn't so sure what he would do.
Manamiko cleared her throat. "Inuyasha. Come down here and talk to an old friend."
Almost falling off the branch from being taking surprise, Inuyasha was pissed. "What the hell you doing? And what the fuck is your problem?" He continued cussing and ranting.
"Shut up pup! Get down here and talk to me, you know I have had a long life and I can give you some of my wisdom. Don't worry, unlike how things are, I still bathe with a robe so I am decent. So get your ass down here now!"
"Keh" was all he said and gracefully landed on the ground. He decided to sit on one of the rocks surrounding the onsen. "Why did you hid yourself?"
"I hid myself when I was alone. I didn't want to upset nature when it was playing for me to enjoy. So I placed a barrier around the onsen so I can move and I concealed my sent so the living nature wouldn't be offended from me relaxing to its music. Foolish Inuyasha, I am not one to spy and pry into someone's personal life that they are not willing to share with me."
"What? You feel sorry for me know? Or are you upset cause I had told you earlier Kagome is just a friend? Now you heard me say all that girly shit to myself, and you want to try and help me?"
"Oh stop trying to be defensive. You are always trying to be hard and angry to cover your true feelings. Don't forget Inuyasha. Who was watching over you when you were in Sesshoumaru's lands and under his 'protection'? Me. Who would check up on you throughout the years to make sure you were fairing well? Up until the last 52 years, I was there for you. So do not give me bullshit. Because I know you. I know you better than anyone else. For the fact that I have known you form a child turned to an adolescent and to a young man. I am the one person in this world who would listen to you and understand. Yes, this Kagome is a rare child. She accepts you for being a hanyo, she is caring and very loving. She supports you. But Inuyasha, does she understand you, your emotions and your thinking process? Having knowledge of those things does not mean she understands. I understand because I have felt the same thing as you." She gets up out of the onsen and heads to her chambers.
"I do hope you clear your head and begin to see what it truly is that you want. You will be surprise on what you will find that you want. If you're lucky whatever you want will accept the gift your offering."
She left Inuyasha to think about her last words. She laid on her futon to go to sleep. 'Ahhh Inuyasha. I do hope you will be happy. That is all I ever wanted for you ever since you where a child. You deserve to … be… hap-py.'
The normal schedule picked up. Kagome training, Manamiko teaching and Inuyasha unsure how to keep himself entertained. When it was a few days before the two had to go back to Kaede's village, Manamiko had something to say. "Child you are not ready. You are learning at a remarkable rate. You learned in days that others spend months on, in a matter of weeks you bested mikos who were under me for a few years. Still it is not enough. I believe you are a rare miko. Your power, if controlled and developed, would be one of the strongest in the land. I want to continue our training."
"NOW LISTEN HERE MANAMIKO! Kagome and I need to get back to hunting down Naraku and the jewels. We cannot and will not stay here just so Kagome will be your heir. No we are leaving; we are going to pick up Shippo and met Miroku and Sango in the village."
"OSUWARI! OSUWARI! SIT BOY!" Kagome put so much force in her commands, that there was a huge crater where Inuyasha was once standing. Neither mikos could see Inuyasha in the middle of the crater. Kagome waited till she heard a moan from the hole before screaming, "You do not think! Stop acting like you know how everything is and how I feel. This is my training not yours. So butt out."
"Listen Kagome, I was not saying that you needed to stay here. I agree you and your pack need to reform and continue in your search. You still need training though. I was going to ask, how would you feel if I traveled with you till your training is complete? That way, you train as you should but you continue on with your quest."
"Inuyasha, you really are a baka. You heard Manamiko-sama? She is going to travel with us to continue my training. Besides you decided we needed more people to travel with us. Remember that was your idea!"
'I am a fucking idiot! I had to suggest we take time to train. Then say we need more people. Damn it, even when the group likes what I have decided, it still bites me in the ass. Great!' Still not able to fully get up, Inuyasha just laid there waiting till The Beads of Subjugation's power wore off.
The three were off to pick up Shippo the next morning. Kagome on Inuyasha's back while he ran; Manamiko, using her ryu wings, would fly and soar over head. Sometimes the three would walk together, but Kagome wanted to pick up Shippo as soon as possible.
'Everything is working better than I could hope' she thought with a smile on her lips.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I would appreciate it if you would review. If I made a mistake in this or previous chapters, let me know so I can get them fix. I am also open to suggestions; I already know where I want the story to go and end, but like a great cake the baker knows how it will look like but the eater knows what flavor(s) they want… BE MY EATER LOL! And a special thanks to knifethrower. I think it's funny how a simple comment got me to get out of my 2 day writing block. For others that are enjoying please review… Ohh and one more thing, I will try to get a new chapter done at least once a week
