The clang of metal against metal filled the practice area. The melody of the clash sounded through the camp.

"Watch out for her parry" A man's voice called.

Shippo Higurashi lounged on the grass watching the combat. He nodded as he watched his sister spar against their elder brother Kohaku. He chuckled to himself as Kagome, small compared to Kohaku, easily parried his blows. She was good. She knew her limitations and used them to her advantage. She was small but she made up for it by being fast. Most importantly though, she was patient and observant. This was what made her a deadly opponent despite her size.

Kagome completed a strike the blow shaking her arm. She stepped back panting as sweat ran down her face. She brushed her hair away from her face with her free hand. A perfect smile lit Kohaku's face.

"Come now, you can't tell me you are tired after so few rounds"

A cold smile appeared on her face.

"I said no such thing . . . Only to guard your blind side"

She lunged then feinted to the left. Kohaku parried with a bit of difficulty and countered with an overhead swing. Kagome stepped out of the way and his sword crashed into the ground. As he pulled his blade up, a chunk of dirt came with it.

"You know she's too fast for you Kohaku" Shippo called.

Kagome laughed "Don't take your anger out on the ground brother . . . your opponent satnds before you not under you"

Kohaku lunged toward Kagome twice. She easily parried then swung in a side slash of her own then retreated staring at him.

"You are growing up, little sister" He smirked at her.

"Don't goad her brother" Shippo warned him, too late.

Kagome charged forward suddenly. She delivered blow after crashing blow against his sword. Then she brought her sword down in a two handed overhead arc. Kohaku blocked it but the blow shattered his sword. Kagome knocked his feet out from under him and pointed the tip of her sword at his neck.

"Yield or die" She stated coldly

"I yield to The Priestess of Death" He yelled out.

She nudged him with her booted foot "I despise it when you call me little sister"

"I shall never make that mistake again" he said while sitting up

"That was a good move . . . but it was reckless" He took her offered hand and was pulled up.

"Don't criticize my moves just because every time we spar you land on your ass. You yielded . . . I won. No ifs about it" she smiled

"She has a point Kohaku" Shippo walked over. "She beat you and that annoys you"

"Nonsense . . . I simply-"

"Priestess Priestess" A small boy ran up to her. "They caught a demon scout"

"Good. Where are they"

"With the rest of the prisoners. Is there anything else I can do" He looked up with hero worship in his eyes.

"Yes" She handed him her sword "Take this to my tent and guard it and my bow"

"Yes Lady Priestess" He walks away holding her sword to his chest like a precious jewel

She sees her best scout waving at her and she follows him into a tent to see a man chained to a pole.

"I think he can be salvaged" Kagome stated

"I agree" Shippo said

She stepped forward with Kohaku hovering beside her.

"Who do you serve" She demanded in demon.

The man looked at her and his gaze traveled over her body appreciatively. Kagome straightened up as Kohaku slapped the guy across his face twisting his head sideways.

Kagome saw the pendant he wore. At closer view it was a silver snarling dog in a ring of silver.

"Brothers. The Prince of Demons holds sway in his mind . . . Bring me the truth powder . . . by the time the sun sets we shall pursue their army"

The man looks at her closely "Oh shit . . . you're . . . you're the Priestess of Death"

"Indeed I am . . ." She blows a powder into his face "And you will tell me all you know . . . And by tomorrow night I will have the Prince of Demons for my prisoner"