JennyTheWhiteWolf: Hi you guys. First I would like to say that I have no excuse why this took so long other than life got in the way of my writing. I do hope that that changes. All I know is that I am not giving up on this and will see it through to the finish.
Inuyasha stared angrily over at his companion. His hands were clutched into tight fists across his chest and within the folds of his sleeves. Sango chose to ignore him and focus on the road ahead of her. Nestled in her neck lay her beloved friend Kirara who was very happy and content. She was enjoying the warmth of both Sango and the sun's rays that shined on her fur.
"Why are we walking like this for?" Sango groaned at Inuyasha's impatience.
"I told you that Kirara needs rest and I do not wish for you to carry me like a sack of potatoes at the moment. Besides we do not need to rush. You should enjoy the good weather and easy going atmosphere while it lasts. We are constantly fighting or are on the run and this is a very welcome change of pace." Inuyasha huffed his disapproval.
"Yeah well every moment we waste Naraku goes further into hiding and has more time to plot whatever next dastardly deed pops into that sick head of his to throw at us."
"So in other words he's making you a nervous wreck and too paranoid to let your friends enjoy their time?" Inuyasha glared at Sango who shook her head at him taking a little bit of satisfaction at having ruffled his fur a bit.
"Whatever, but you can't tell me it doesn't bother you knowing he's out there doing only who knows what." Sango sighed once again at Inuyasha's impatience combined with his stubbornness and lack of understanding.
"Of course it does Inuyasha, but at this moment there is nothing I can do then what I am doing now. I am keeping eyes and ears on full alert at all times for a hint of a clue as to where that monster could be. The other is to travel as we are to gain more ground and maybe even stumble upon him by chance. I am also training to be stronger so that when we do face him I will be ready to handle whatever he may throw at us. You can focus on that and to work on techniques and strategies to better prepare and to do exercises that can increase strength, speed, agility, and maybe even your demonic capabilities. You can even meditate to help center you and gain a better grasp of a calm and clear mind that is necessary for such a critical battle that lays in wait. There is much you can do other then simply charge where you think Naraku could be. You should take advantage of that." Inuyasha took Sango's words in and once he gave them a moment to really sink in did he realize that she was right. This was a perspective he did not consider since he is so worried about what Naraku is doing he has been constantly in the mindset that once he is able to catch him that he will be able to end him and that every moment that slipped away decreased his chances. Getting things done faster and covering more ground quickly was a way to be able to find him faster and before he could do more harm than what has already happened. With always being on the run and in such a rush he didn't and couldn't contemplate training in the way that Sango was suggesting. It seems that lately there has always been a quick and easy way to get stronger and perhaps he did rely too heavily upon that. Perhaps he should change how he approaches things, after all he can't always expect for every time he comes close to death that a miracle or some secret strength will save him.
"Perhaps you're right. It's just every time I think of him I get so angry and wonder what the hell am I doing here and why I am not going after him. Especially since he is such a danger and has hurt so many people that I care about." Sango nodded knowing exactly what he meant for it was a feeling she shared.
"I do you understand, really I do, but I also know my limitations and can only do so much. It's very frustrating, but every time I practice I feel a little better knowing that I am getting stronger and more prepared for when I do face that monster." Sango watched as Inuyasha contemplate her words and nodded. His stance had eased some and his walk more steady, not nearly as agitated as it had been before. A comfortable silence stretched between the two and they were enjoying the slight breeze when she noticed Inuyasha's ears twitch and him taking a sniff of the air.
"What is it?" Inuyasha focused up the road and noticed a man in the distance making a beeline straight for them.
"A human to be sure, but as for what he wants I don't know." As the man got closer and closer she could tell he was distressed because he was making excellent time in closing the distance between them, especially because he seemed to be an elderly gentleman and rather rugged and sweaty. Once he reached them he bent over to catch his breath.
"Please help me. My daughter fell on our way back to the Village. She's hurt and needs to see the Healer, but I'm not strong enough to carry her on my own. Can you please help me take her back. Sango placed a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder and smiled at him.
"Of course we will please lead the way." She could feel Inuyasha scowl on her back, but chose not to say anything. It didn't take very long to find the man's daughter off on the side of the road. The girl was holding her side with one hand and with the other against her leg. Her clothes were dirty and scratched from the fall down the side of the road where it dipped suddenly. She could see the trail of her fall all the way to the gravel littered area in which she must have landed. Seeing her in that condition she knew that she could not in any way move on her own, on that leg. She may also have broken a few ribs if her expression was anything to go on along with her holding her side. At best they could be badly bruised. Before she said anything Inuyasha walked forward in a rather unusual, but welcome show of helpfulness. He bent down to eye level with the girl and said a few words she didn't catch. What she saw next made her smile warmly at her friend. The girl who was fighting back tears of pain reached her arms out toward Inuyasha who easily picked up the girl bridal style and held her close so as not to jostle her and cause her more pain. The girl flinched at the change of position, but held Inuyasha close for protection.
"Alright old man, where too?" The man smiled in such gratitude and began to walk in the direction of his village. The walk was steady for the girls sake and thankfully it didn't take them very long to get to their destination. The man then directed them to the healers hut where Inuyasha sat the girl down who smiled and thanked him excessively which he replied saying not to worry about it.
"Thank you both so much for your help. You two came at the perfect time." Sango smiled at the man.
"It's no trouble I'm glad we were able to help." With the situation winding down and the safety of his daughter guaranteed the man was able to take a deep and steady breath and to collect himself. It was then that he was able to closely examine his rescuers and seemed to take notice of Sango's boomerang for the first time.
"Miss do you happen to be a demon slayer?" Sango surprise must have shown for the man elaborated.
"Then reason I ask is that about a month ago we were having some trouble with a minor weasel demon. It was then that this young man in armor carrying a demon bone weapon which looks like what your weapon is made from came and took care of it. We were able to talk some, but I remember him so vividly because he looked so dejected and sad that when I asked him why, he said that he had lost his kin and that he was the last of a great legacy. If you happen to be a demon slayer and part of that great legacy that poor lad was a part of perhaps you can find him. Sango's eyes widened at that as well as Inuyasha's. The both of them instantly thought of Kohaku but the words the man said next deterred that.
"He seems to be about your age maybe a couple of years older with blue armor. He left towards the west the last that I recall." Sango thanked the man for the information and contemplated what to do about it.
"If you do find him perhaps the two of you can do something about that deep rooted sadness in your eyes. You are both far too young to carry such haunted looks even when you smile." Sango once more thanked the man who clasped a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze before he returned to his daughter.
"We can go after him if you want." Sango tore her eyes off the retreating figure of the man to turn to Inuyasha with an incredulous look on her face which turned to a smile seeing Inuyasha ready to go in whatever direction she chose.
"Not now at the moment. After all that was a month ago and he could be anywhere by now. Though we have gone on less, the matter is that I would very much like to have everyone here before pursuing a lead like that. It's not the time that it would take that bothers me. What bothers me is that I know that I get blind sided to anything that has to do with my family. I don't think clearly and I have fallen into traps over it before that cost us dearly. Though I would very much like if we keep tabs on him." Inuyasha nodded.
"I get it. When we get back and are altogether we can think of going after him then. After all we still don't have any leads on Naraku." Sango smiled at her friend.
"Thanks Inuyasha. Also if we were to leave now we can reach the next village before nightfall." Inuyasha crossed his arms and rolled his eyes.
"That is if you don't find us anymore damsels in distress." Sango began to walk and Inuyasha kept pace with her out of the village.
"You were the one to find them, not me. Though I suppose it's good we have our knight in shining armor to the rescue who can do all the heavy lifting." Inuyasha huffed and the two with Kirara still asleep on Sango's shoulder continued along the path.
Naomi yawned tiredly as she hit the off button to her alarm. She got to her feet after have casually tossing off the blankets. She walked around slowly gathering her things for the day while trying to fully wake up. Thankfully she could take her time considering it was a week end, but she had made plans with Kagome today. In fact she knew Kagome was also to see her sister that day too. She figured she could set up the archery range where she could practice at her place while those two did their studies. Kagome seemed happy about the range though rather nervous at the thought of being tested. Naomi being dressed and ready made her way out of her room towards the living area. She couldn't help, but smile as she saw her sister asleep at the table with her face resting on a pile of books and a pen still in hand. Several more books and notebooks were scattered around her. Naomi quietly gathered the items she could without waking Akira. It was then that she gently nudged her sister into waking. Akira spoke something unintelligible before yawning largely and stretching out the kinks in her back and neck with loud cracks and pops.
"Would you like some breakfast or maybe get some decent sleep on a more horizontal piece of furniture?" Akira began to rub the sleep from her eyes by using both her hands making it appear as if she were trying to mold her face.
"Breakfast would be amazing, especially coffee. I would love you even more with coffee." Naomi chuckled.
"Is it you would love me more when there is coffee in you or that you would love me more that I give you the coffee?" Akira groaned as she was finishing setting all her papers and books in order.
"Both." The two both lightly chuckled at that as Naomi went about making breakfast. Akira got up from the table to get ready and clean the smudge of ink that she noticed on the side of her hand.
"Today I will be taking some of my own tests to finish off my degree. I will be doing that as soon as I finish working with Kagome. I can pick you back up from her house after I finish, which shouldn't take too long." Naomi walked over and placed a cup of steaming hot coffee with cream and sugar just as Akira likes it, in front of her. Naomi would normally tell anyone other than Akira to be careful because it's hot, though didn't bother with her as she figured that she may have lost the feeling of her taste buds a long time ago with the way she can down such hot liquid at such a quick pace.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Naomi had walked back and began plating a very simple breakfast. Akira began to eat quickly while Naomi ate at a much slower pace. Her gaze would drift to one of the few furnishings of the house. It was a picture of a happy couple laughing and smiling at each other, their own secret joke. Why they kept that picture was more of a joke really. When the two were young Naomi would constantly ask what their parents look like. Akira being so young couldn't really remember and didn't have the heart to tell her so. They had no pictures and no mementos of their parents other than the necklaces that each wore. Akira had then taken a magazine to find a picture of a couple and put it on photography paper. After that she framed it and gave it to Naomi. Naomi could tell instantly that it was fake and the two laughed over it. Now they keep it and hope that maybe their parents were somewhat like those smiling people in the picture. Maybe Akira gained that tough and commanding nature from their father and perhaps Naomi gained her warm and easy going nature from their mother. Absent mindedly Naomi finished her food and Akira got up and made her way to the restroom where Naomi could only guess that she was finishing getting ready for what she knows will be a long day. Having finished up herself Naomi began to do the cleanup. After she began to gather her things for the day.
The two packed the car up with the gear that Naomi got from the archery contest that she won a while back, but has never had the room to set up. Akira put her two rather large bags with the rest of the stuff before getting behind the wheel and making her way to the Higurashi shrine.
Miroku woke up after having slept on the softest bedding he has ever slept on in his life and made his way to the bathroom to relieve himself. It was Souta who told him of the different functions of the restroom which simply left him flabbergasted. After having taken a shower before he slept, he can begin to understand why Kagome insists upon cleaning so often. It seems that in the future there is a convenience around every corner. To shower or bathe has always been more of a luxury in his time where in the future it is an everyday occurrence for the most part. Simply having running water in the home completely astounds him and electricity still baffles and amazes him. The world had drastically changed and so suddenly from his time that he barely recognizes it perhaps this is a part of how Kagome felt when she first fell through time lost in a world similar to your own, but not. At least he had someone like Kagome go to guide him. He had to admit though there was luxury around every corner he couldn't help, but notice the lack of trees and the air quality was much to be desired. Shaking his thoughts of the future he quickly went back into the bed room and changed into an outfit that Kagome's mother had brought for him so that he could fit in. How she could accurately know what would fit was surprising as with the clothes themselves; they are restricting and strange. The shoes were the strangest of them all.
'I suppose that I will find out if these clothes look alright when I see the others because it all just seems strange to me.' Miroku set out of the room and towards the kitchen where he believed the others might be. It was then that he realized that many were not awake yet though Kagome's grandfather sat at the table with some hot tea in his hands.
"Good morning Higurashi-sama. Kagome's grandfather looked at Miroku with an approving smile and gestured to the seat next to him.
"Good morning to you as well Miroku. I must say that I personally like your other clothes better, but this seems to suit pretty well. The outfit will come in handy if you plan to venture further than the shrine. However, I must caution you if you do plan to go and explore about the area. The dangers here are quite different than the ones you are used to fairing in your time. It's not that I think you are incapable of protecting yourself mind you only that much has changed about the world though people, they do not." Miroku had taken the gestured seat and listened with rapt attention as Mr. Higurashi spoke.
"Thank you for the advice. I will keep it in mind while I am here and try to learn as much as I can. Also this tea is quite good." The old man laughed and took a sip of his tea.
"I should thank you for the company. My daughter and grand daughter are still asleep as I tend to be the first one up. They both work very hard and ask for very little help in return. How are you fairing with the changes so far."
"There is so much and can be a bit overwhelming, but Kagome has been very patient and helps me whenever I needed it; which seems to be a lot." The old man nodded his head sagely.
"Yes indeed we have many advances and wonders here compared to then, though I feel as if much has been lost in tradition and our spiritual selves." The two continue to drink their tea until Miroku excused himself from the table to go and meditate underneath the goshinboku.
It was a little before dawn that Kagome awoke. She smiled when she felt little Shippo curl closer toward her when she shifted. She ran her fingers through his orange red locks and swept the bangs from his sleepy face. Ever so carefully she turned and maneuvered him so that she could get up without waking him. She pulled out her books to do some last-minute studying. Flipping through the pages of her notes time passed rather quickly and before she knew it the sun had already began to rise. Deciding to call it quits for now she began her way down stairs and into the kitchen. She smiled warmly at seeing her mother and grandfather at the table.
"Good morning dear. Would you care for some tea?" Kagome shook her head towards her mother.
"Not at the moment thanks. Have either of you seen Miroku? I know he tends to get up rather early."
"Yes that young man has good manners and listens to his elders. You could take some pointers from him you know." Kagome chuckled and made her way towards her grandfather and gave him a hug while simultaneously giving g him a kiss on the cheek.
"You know you love me just the way I am." Riza smiled happily at the pair.
"I saw him by the goshinboku earlier dear. Perhaps he's still there." Kagome nodded and gave a little wave before heading outside. The light outside took a moment to get used to, but she quickened her steps to the God tree. Sitting at the base was Miroku. The Rays of light made his very dark tresses shine and create a sort of glow about his complexion. The Serene look upon his face was what drew her. He has always been handsome, however in this moment it was different. He seemed so at ease. She couldn't help, but to stare appreciating. She was so used to the baggy monk clothes he always wore that she forgot just how fit Miroku was. He was wearing sneakers blue jeans and white button-up shirt. It was simple, but looked good. Without opening his eyes he called out to her.
"Some consider it rude to stare you know." Kagome smiled sheepishly at being caught and made her way over to sit next to him. Then feeling playful she bumped him with her shoulder.
"What can I say I was enjoying the view." Miroku cracked open an eye to look at her.
"Aren't you feisty this morning." Kagome laughed at that.
"Perhaps, but I must say modern looks pretty good on you." Miroku smiled. The two continued to make idle conversation about how their night was before Miroku both chose to meditate together. This was how Akira and Naomi found the two once they made it up the stairs. Naomi as excitable as ever quickly made her way over though she was out of breath having insisted on sprinting the way up.
"Hey Kagome you really should have a warning sign at the bottom of those steps. Something like 'if the never ending amount of stairs doesn't kill you then the lack of oxygen might' you know something catchy." Akira made her way over to the three with the shake of her head.
"You look fine to me." Naomi struck a dramatic pose with a peace sign.
"That's because I'm a warrior athlete. I'm a precisional instrument of speed and aerodynamics." Akira again shook her head.
"That's from cars." Naomi waved Akira off with a smile and Kagome laughed. Miroku was confused, but smiled at the easy going atmosphere.
"You two lovely ladies must be related. I am Miroku it's a pleasure to meet you." Naomi smiled at Miroku.
"Yeah that's my big sis Akira. She's going to test Kagome here and then head off to take some of her own. I'm Naomi and I brought a bunch of archery supplies I had to set up a place to practice and give Kagome here a few pointers." Miroku nodded and continued to smile.
"If it will help I can be of assistance if you like." Naomi smiled brightly at Miroku.
"I like you; you're good people." Naomi said this facing Miroku and then turned to her sister.
"Hey Akira it looks like you don't have to do the heavy lifting this time."
"What happened with you being a warrior athlete?" Naomi waved that off.
"Pft I said speed and aerodynamics not strength and imovability; that's your thing." Akira rolled her eyes.
"Imovability isn't even a word and in any case we better get back on track. Kagome if it's alright with you I would like to get started." Kagome nodded in return.
"Of course and the two of you can set up behind the grounds. There is a lot of space there." Naomi gave a salute before dragging Miroku away behind the house.
"Should I be worried for Miroku?" Akira shook hear head.
"No that's just Naomi in a good mood." Kagome led Akira toward her room. It was there that Akira opened her binder that coordinated with Kagome's and placed the first test. Kagome taking the initiative sat down and began at once. After completing it in a shorter amount of time than she thought handed Akira the paper as she was given the second while Akira went over the first. This went like this for a couple hours without the two being the wiser. It was only the alarm that sounded from Akira cell phone that told her that it was time for her to go. Kagome was really glad to have done so much in such a short amount of time and she was even happier with the results. She hardly missed a question out of the lot. However, it had taken quite a bit out of her. Kagome waved Akira off and wished her luck on her own tests. After that she made her way to behind the grounds to see a complete archery range. Miroku was sitting against a tree, out of breath and his bangs stuck to his forehead with sweat. Naomi looked to have collapsed on the grass and looked as if she was refusing to get up again.
" Are the two of you ok? Naomi turned her face toward the sound of Kagome's voice.
"Your stairs are the devil." Miroku laughed at that.
"You hardly brought anything up."
"Hey I carried stuff too. Of course it was the stuff that happened to drop off of what you were carrying, but hey you didn't have to go back for it right? Plus after how many times we've gone up and down those devil stairs you should be happy I did that much. " Naomi chuckled to herself as Miroku laughed at her her and she picked herself up off the ground to face the two fully.
"Anyway let's get back to the fun stuff. You ready for this?" Kagome nodded.
"Ok first this will sound strange, but believe me when I say that there is a reason for what I do ok." Kagome nodded as Naomi picked up a bow and handed it to Kagome. Kagome accepted and followed Naomi towards a rather large target.
"First we shall do some short range shooting. I want you to begin firing with your eyes closed at close range. I will correct your stance from there." Kagome being a little hesitant followed Naomi's orders. Kagome took her stance and when she was ready to fire closed her eyes. She felt Naomi make a few nudges here and there though the changes were minimal and was told to fire.
"Very good. I can see you've done this before. Definitely self taught, but that's not at all uncommon with sort of sport. Now I see you don't really need to do this exercise since the point is to teach the subconscious mind the feel of your stance and the bow in your hands. We can go on to the other targets and practice on them." Miroku watched the two practice. Naomi was very comfortable with a bow and would fire off arrows from unorthodox angles and still manage to hit a perfect Bulls eyes. Kagome from all her time shooting at demons in his time had such ease as well though she was far more rigid and stiff than Naomi was. He figured it was the stress of knowing her life could be on the line with every shot that caused this, where Naomi was simply having fun trying to find another way to make the experience all the more challenging. Time passed this way and Akira had eventually come back and took Naomi home with her. The two of them waved Naomi and Akira off and watched as they disappeared from view. The two of them decided to rest by the goshinboku enjoying the last bits of day left.
"I do like them. They seem like good people who want to help." Kagome nodded at that.
"Yeah they are pretty cool. I had never seen archery the way that Naomi does. She's carefree and nimble and loves to play the angles. The only way I have ever seen has been strict and rigid. Aim down your sights and hit your target. Kikyo was the only other example I have ever had until now. I gotta say that it was refreshing." Miroku smiled at that and did see that some of the stress and worry began to leave her the more time she spent not only practicing with her bow, but spending that time with Naomi and her bubbly personality. To see a far more carefree version of Kagome was also enlightening for Miroku. He never realized just how tense Kagome has always been in his time and to see her now in hers he can see how going back could be difficult though very glad that she does.
"Kagome, Miroku, come on inside supper is ready." Miroku got up first and offered Kagome a hand up with his ever present charming smile. Kagome chuckled and accepted his hand. When she got up she replied back to her mother that they were coming. Smiling back at Miroku she turned and began to lead the way back.
The little girl with silver white hair and purple eyes grimaced as she took the make shift bandage that she had used for herself off. While the wound healed over due to her demonic heritage. However the smell of the dried blood at having not been able to properly wash herself or her clothes for days is taking it's toll on her. She looked around at the empty barn that she found herself in. She had been wandering through the woods and found herself in a quiet little village. It's not the place she needed to be, but still it was safe for the moment. She told herself that she would leave in the morning first thing before anyone knew that she was there. Until then she huddled within the hay for warmth and allowed her eyes to shut.
JennyTheWhiteWolf: I hope that you enjoyed it. I am going to work on the next chapter now and have it out as soon as I can. Please review every response is greatly appreciated.