Chapter Seven: The Training of a Miko and Lovers Past

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As morning broke, Sango awoke with a yawn and a deep stretch, stirring Kirara from her slumber as well. "Ah, good to see you awake on this beautiful morning Sango." Said girl turned toward the voice and saw through sleep-bleared eyes that Miroku was directing his trademark smile at her.

"Good morning to you, too, Houshi-san," she replied, her formality letting him know she was in no mood to be charmed. Kirara rubbed against her leg as she stretched, starting from her shoulders all the way down to her twin tails. Sango absentmindedly pet her down the length of her body a few times before taking inventory of the hut. Kaede didn't seem to be present, which wasn't abnormal. She was probably off on some early morning priestess duties. Inuyasha wasn't in his usual spot by the door, not that that was particularly uncommon either. He often rose before the rest of them. Then she turned to Shippo who was still sleeping soundly curled up on Kagome's sleeping bag…with no Kagome in sight. "Miroku?"

"Yes, my dear Sango?"

"Where are Kagome and Inuyasha?"

"Ah, so then you have forgotten?" Miroku asked with a certain gleam in his eyes. "They never came back last night."

"Do you think they're okay?" she wondered, genuine concern evident in her voice. "Should we go to look for them?"

"No, I think they're just fine." Miroku's attempt to reassure her fell short considering that perverted little smirk he was wearing on his face; it always signaled trouble coming. Sango also didn't like the tone of his voice. "In fact, I'd say they're better than fine…"

"Miroku…" Sango warned, her right hand curling into a fist. Neither human noticed the stirring coming from Kagome's sleeping bag, the kit being woken up from all the noise.

"Just think of all the glorious things they could have been doing all night," he continued on without a trace of fear.

"Houshi…" She growled, her fist shaking threateningly.

Miroku visibly flinched, knowing that was a sign of Sango's impending wrath. He could quit while he was ahead, but that would just be so out of character for him. His perverted demeanor was back with a vengeance. "You know we really should follow their example, Sango dear."

Sango's hand swooped in and connected harshly with his skull. "Stupid lecher!"

Shippo sighed and called Miroku and idiot before dozing back off.

Inuyasha sat fidgeting among the branches of the Goshinboku, the sleeping girl still curled up in his lap. He sighed for about the millionth time that morning as he once again looked at the sun's place in the sky. Was she ever going to wake up. He mentally groaned. Daybreak was a couple of hours ago and saying he was restless would be an understatement to say the least. Finally Kagome stirred slightly and Inuyasha breathed a sigh of relief, but to his annoyance she was still asleep. He growled audibly this time, closing his eyes. The desire to move suddenly became too much, so he relented and scooped up the slumbering girl into his arms. Leaping from the canopy, he landed as smoothly as possible. Kagome shifted in his arms, burying her face further into his chest and clutching his haori lightly with one hand. Inuyasha, who had looked down to study her actions, blushed slightly and returned his eyes to the path ahead.

As they neared Kaede's hut Kagome moved again, but this time gold eyes met with droopy chocolate ones. "Thanks, Inuyasha," she muttered before closing her eyes once more.

"Keh," was his reply, but her breathing had slowed, an indication that she had already drifted off to sleep again. He ducked through the door to Kaede's hut where he was met with several quizzical stares. He glared at them all, a silent warning, as he walked over and placed Kagome on her sleeping bag. He sniffed the air as his eyes gave Kagome a quick once over. When he turned back around, he was displeased to find everyone still looking at him expectantly.

He growled and startled the humans of the room when he snapped. "What?!"

"We were just wondering where the two of you have been…all…night…long," Miroku innocently cooed, pausing slightly between each of the last three words. Inuyasha growled fiercely again before striking the monk roughly on the head. With stars in his eyes, Miroku futilely tried to explain. "I was only thinking of Kagome's well being, honest."

"She's fine!" Inuyasha barked irritably. With that he stormed out of the hut and into the surrounding forest. Sniffing the air again, he continued deeper into the trees.

"You know you really shouldn't test him like that," Sango chastised. "One day you're going to push him too far and Kami help you when you do because no one else will."

"Sango, your words…they sting!" Miroku whined, acting wounded.

"Can it, Monk."

Inuyasha continued to follow his nose, but soon found it was no longer necessary because the presence of the numerous serpent-like white soul-collectors told him he had nearly reached his destination. As he stepped into a small clearing, he was rewarded with Kikyo, her back facing him. "Kikyo," Inuyasha began, unsure of many things; this was the first time they had spoken since that day…the day she set him free. Questions buzzed around his head, most of which he thought he knew the answer to, but couldn't be completely sure.

Kikyo glanced over her shoulder at him before fully turning herself around to face him. "I am glad to see you came. I was unsure as to whether or not you would answer my call."

His eyes softened at her vulnerability and he wondered if this was the same person at all. "I'll still come when you call, Kikyo. You outta know that. We're still allies, if nothing else. We'll need to be strong if we're gonna defeat Naraku."

"Yes, you are correct. Do you know why I've summoned you, Inuyasha?" Kikyo was returning back to her normal, distant self.

"I'm guessing about what's been happening to Kagome."

"Yes, this was a most unexpected turn of events. How does the girl fare?" she inquired, though her face remained impassive. She had spoken briefly to her sister the day before, making sure to catch her when she'd stepped out and away from the others.

Unsure of what information she was looking for, he answered to the best of his abilities. "Better than she was, I guess. Last night was the first time she didn't have a nightmare."

"So then, am I to presume that Kaede has not yet begun her training?"

"No, not yet."

"Well, the sooner the better. Naraku has been on the move again, as to what his plans are, I know not. Kagome is stronger than what I first anticipated, even up until recently. The girl's powers will only increase as her training develops. Once trained, she will be of great use in the battle against Naraku, a fact that will surely become known to him shortly. As you are aware, miko training is not all that she is lacking. You must not allow her to fall into his hands, the results could be disastrous. However, I fear you will not be enough to protect the girl; she must be taught to protect herself as well."

"Hai." Inuyasha nodded the short affirmation. "Did you wanna come back with me? You might be a big help."

"No, my appearance will only serve to distract the girl. I will come later on in her training." With that she turned to walk away.

"Kikyo, wait!" Inuyasha suddenly commanded as he approached her. She stopped and looked back at him, waiting for him to continue. "I never thanked you, for what you did for me a few days ago, so…thanks, Kikyo." He stumbled with his words, but solidified their meaning with an embrace, somehow different than the ones they used to share. She turned in his hold, returning the gesture. After a moment they parted, the soul-demons twisting themselves around her, a sad smile on her face as they lifted her away. Inuyasha stared on for a moment, before turning and starting back to Kaede's.

Kaede made her way back to her hut a bit tired from the healing she had just performed, but knowing all to well that Kagome's very fate may lay in the elderly miko's own hands. Her training was of the utmost importance. "Where to begin…" she pondered out loud to herself as she trekked through the village. Had she not been so highly respected, the few villagers witnessing her musings would have undoubtedly believed her to be senile; fortunately, however, that was not the case. She assessed the sun's location, shading her tired eyes with a wrinkled hand, and deemed it to be approximately nine o'clock. "Good. There is still more than enough time to begin Kagome's training."

Kaede peeled back the mat covering the entrance to her hut to find a fuming Sango and a yawning Kagome groggily rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Miroku was sitting further away than usual from Sango and the kitsune was huddled up by Kagome for protection.

"Good to see you all are awake," Kaede greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, Kaede," Kagome replied as best she could.

"Child, you should eat some breakfast quickly, we have training to begin."

Kagome seemed to awaken more upon that information, quickly agreeing before rummaging around her pack for a fast bite to eat. While Kagome was eating, Kaede had gone to look for a few things. She still had not returned by the time Kagome was through, so she took it upon herself to change out of her pajamas and into her usual school uniform. When she emerged from the back portion of the hut, Kaede was waiting for her. The older woman looked Kagome over before shaking her head. She handed Kagome a package and the younger priestess thought she knew where this was heading.

"Change into this child. I think it will be better suited for your training." Kagome took the package willingly, despite her guess as to what lay inside. She returned to the back room and upon opening the parcel, her assumptions were proved correct. Held within its wrappings was a pair of red hakama, accompanied by a white hakui. She sighed before reluctantly putting on the outfit. When the long white ribbon fell from the clothing she almost considered not wearing it, before settling for a braid with the ribbon keeping it in place. Satisfied with the distinguishing touch she'd added, she returned to the main room of the hut and awaited Kaede's approval.

Said woman looked up from a colorful drawing Shippo had been showing her to take in Kagome's appearance. "That'll do child." The old priestess slowly stood up, motioning for Kagome to follow her as she headed toward the door. Kagome, however, suddenly seemed to notice Inuyasha's lack of presence and inquired the others about it.

"He wandered off a little while ago," Sango informed her. "Fuming at Miroku."

Kagome acknowledged her but was mildly concerned. Shaking it off, she grabbed her bow and arrows and followed Kaede as they silently made their way to a meadow in a small clearing near the village.

"You're friends have told me you have become quite skilled at archery and indeed you have, as I have witnessed myself on a few occasions," Kaede praised upon reaching their destination. Kagome blushed lightly at the compliment. "I want you to shoot a normal arrow and then one infused with your purifying powers." The elder miko meticulously gazed around the area before finally finding a target that met her satisfaction. "Aim at that tree over there."

Kagome nodded her understanding then drew an arrow from her quiver. She notched it in her bow before taking aim at the designated tree. It took off with a twang resonating from the bow string and hit dead center of the tree. She glanced over at Kaede, waiting for some sort of commentary or instruction but received none, so she notched a second arrow. This time as she took aim, she willed her purifying powers to flow into the arrow before releasing it. A similar twang as before sounded, as well as a thunk when the arrow buried its head into the tree's trunk slightly to the left and down from the other arrow, the magic dispersing from it having no evil to purify.

"Excellent form; that of a true natural," Kaede approved with a smile. "You display a wonderful discrimination between using your powers and not and have great aim as well. You are quite the archer, child." Her smile widened at Kagome's blush. "That is not all we are to work on, however. What other ways have you been able to unleash your powers?"

Kagome thought it over for a minute, resting her left hand on her chin and her elbow sitting on her right arm which was crossed over her chest. After a moment she responded. "Well, there've been a few times like what happened with Mistress Centipede – you know, purifying powers in my hands – and of course sensing and purifying sacred jewel shards. Oh and then there was the time with Tsubaki when I deflected her curse with my bow. I've been able to break through barriers a few times too with my sacred arrows, and possession and mind control seems to have somewhat less effect on me. As far as I can remember, those are the only significant things I've been able to do."

Kaede gave her an appraising look for a moment. "We will continue your training after lunch. I am making a stew that requires simmering." Kagome looked at her questioningly, wondering why the morning training's session had been so short. They barely accomplished anything. "While I do that I would like for you to practice your archery on your own for a little while and then collect some herbs for me. I am running quite low on some important ingredients, and my attempt to gather more supplies was cut short by Inuyasha's swift arrival yesterday. I would greatly appreciate the assistance." Kagome nodded and the old miko walked away towards her hut. Kagome collected the spent arrows and seeing that they were still usable returned them to her quiver, before following Kaede's orders.