Naraku

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Authors Note:: Worst. Updater. Ever. But this plotline still makes me grin with much interested and as I read it yearly, I update lol.

Chapter 9:: Stronger

"Inuyasha! Watch your 9!"

Kagome's voice echoed through the trees. She was crouched on one knee, arrow locked on their target. It was fast and it was putting up one hell of a fight. It continued it's escape maneuver down the same path with Inuyasha hot on it's trail. The youkai was something feline related and knew how to excel in evasion through the trees. Inuyasha lost sight of it momentarily but with her improved eye accuracy she caught a glimpse of it's movements.

'You may be fast but you're not faster than this...'

Her shot was lined up and the muscles in her arm flexed.

"HIT THE MARK." It was was loud declaration to everyone who was in vicinity to hear. Mostly a warning to Inuyasha that was she was taking the shot and to not get caught too close to it.

She released the taut arrow and watched as it soared with strength and speed propelled by her refined miko powers. It flew through the sky with a streak of pure pink. She stood not breathing, her heartbeat in her ears. This was the moment. It was her moment to prove all the shit she had to endure this past almost year was worth it.

It hit the neko youkai in straight through it's right shoulder, pink sparks burst from the enemy before it was purified and nothing but dusty particles remained.

"God dammit Kagome! I was going in for that kill, I was right there!" He swung around to give her wide unbelievable eyes and released the power in Tetsusaiga. It transformed into it's thin feature and was sheathed.

"Inuyasha!" She huffed at his aggravation. "This was my damn hunting exersize you jerk! I was passing the test YOU gave me! My shot lined up perfect. Did you see that perfect hit! Can't call me weak anymore!" She grinned, holding her head high with pride.

"Yes I sure the hell can, you weakling human girl!" He huffed, but she was right. This was her last test before he allowed for her to hunt with Hoshimaru and himself. He would not allow her to join them as before she was just not dependable and he could not worry about her during the hunt. He could not stop to protect her if something were to go wrong. That was all different after she completed her real Miko training with Kaede. She spent five months in gruel battle with him. He did not go easy on her and ended up hurting her severely several times. But she was trooper and would never give up, only until she passed out from pure exhaustion and strain. Thank goodness for Kaede was there to help heal. Even without Kaede's spiritual assistance, she somehow was able to recover a lot faster than regular humans. The strong Miko lineage that coursed through her blood that she shared with her late ancestor Kikyo, was just a powful force. Kagome developed her Miko powers relatively fast, a little over four months. It took her a little under three weeks to fully control barriers, six weeks to memorize and excel in herbology and twelve weeks to master archery. That was not her forte in the beginning. Kagome felt that in order to achieve greatness in Archery, she needed to gain strength in mind and body, and that she did. The relentless training she endured with Inuyasha allowed her become an acellent master of the art of bow and arrow.

"I know you're proud, just tell me."

"You could've done better." Inuyasha scoffed.

"HOW?!" Her voice picked up in irritation. "I clearly spotted the enemy myself and landed the final blow!"

"Yeah but you're too slow!"

"You two! Stop argueing!" Hoshimaru entered the clearing rolling his eyes at his father and friend.

"Kagome that was most excellent! I was so excited the whole time! I think you did amazing!" Hoshimaru beamed with excitement and gave Kagome one of his signature grins.

"Hey you runt you were suppose to wait behind with Kaede."

"I didn't want to miss Kagome's test!"

Inuyasha glared at the two of them, but the tinge of joy and pride in his senses didn't go unnoticed. He ended up raising two great warriors.

"When can we have our first hunt. I am so ready, I cannot wait!" Kagome stretched her arms high above her head, reaching for the sky. The white blouse pressed against her body stretching with her. Her back popped a few small times and she tucked a long black lock behind her ear. The sun filtered through the trees, a little light beam captured the glossiness of her hair. Inuyasha stared at her in a strange way. Hoshimaru caught the look and glanced at his father and back at Kagome. He saw the slight changes recently and smiled. He liked Kagome a lot and was happy to see his father finally not be alone. Not only that but his lessons weren't as terrible as they use to be before Kagome arrived. Now that he had someone else to pick on he wasn't so focused on Hoshimaru only.

"Father, I am hungry and we could probably do a stock for Kaede-baasan." He looked at his father with pleading eyes. "I would have to say she passed as well!"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah you runt." He looked at Kagome. "Feh. You passed. Lets go wench."

"Yayeeeeeee!" Kagome fist bumped the air and danced around in a circle before stopping. Her toned switched and her eyes glimmered. "So what's it gonna be, what are we hunting..?"

::

Kagome was excited. Beyond excited! She wanted to scream out loud how awesome she was, but she needed to keep her calm. It had been nine and half months that she resided in Edo. Nine and a half months that she felt an emptiness she could not fill. She hadn't been home, to her real home since falling through the well and the pain from that in itself was finally starting to ebb away. The emptiness she felt from him leaving was a whole nother story. The brief moments of three days she spent with him held on, deep in her being. Ever since Naraku had left it was like he took a huge piece of her with him, and she felt... empty. Although she was happy being around Kaede, Hoshimaru and sometimes Inuyasha, she couldnt escape the deep and utter lonliness she felt at night when they weren't around. All the restless nights drove her crazy. That's why she began to train. She took the advice Hoshimaru gave her and it worked, she battled day in and day out, studied and trained all day. It worked up until the night rolled around and she had to sleep, and she couldn't. So for nine and half months it was this very moment she was waiting for. To finally hunt. To be part of something bigger she felt. Not only did they hunt for Kaede and themselves, but for the entire village. Inuyasha would find a pack of whatever on the menu that month, and take them all out. Bring back the remains and preserve the food, but he would never allow Kagome to join, only Hoshimaru.

One night they were having a bet about how well Kagome was doing with her archery. Inuyasha was confident Kagome would not hit the bullseye target with her eyes closed. She explained very happily that she could and would, but only if he allowed to give her a chance at hunting with them. Of course Inuyasha being Inuyasha, agreed. And he lost. That is where the test came into play. If she passed the test, she would get a chance. Now that she passed, he wasn't too happy taking her. He never thought she would become so... proficient in all ways needed to be an excellent warrior. Especially considering in less than a year.

Inuyasha led them out into the wilderness a little deeper than where they had slain the last youkai. It was a quiet walk at first, but the closer they got to their destination the more Kagome's skin tingled and pricked. They were getting closer to something and she had a feeling it was their hunting target. Inuyasha stopped and turned around, eyes golden eyes darker than usual connected to hers. He whispered.

"From here it's you. I can't hover anymore. You wanted in, now you're in. Im trusting you from now on..." his eyes pierced her soul as he said those words. She nodded to him. He trusted her. He really trusted her and she believed him 100 percent.

"I won't get in your way." I promise.

He faced the opposite direction again and proceeded forward. Kagome connected eyes with Hoshimaru and they had an understanding. She nodded at him and followed Inuyasha's sprint into the clearing.

It was a clan of boar demons. Giant. Fucking. Boars. At least five times the size of them. There had to be at least seven of them in total. Inuyasha raised his fingers, three. Their goal was to capture, slay and bring back three wild boars. She gulped the anticipation down and tried her hardest to quell the tremors running through her legs. Tremors of excitement. A few deep breaths, and she was off. She decided that Inuyasha was going in straight North, she would go around West and take them out from behind. She kept her eyes on the clearing and focused in position. Four of the boars ran the opposite direction of the fight the moment Inuyasha and Hoshimaru began battle. Why did they run? It didn't matter, there were the three left and they were all the enemy.

She stretched her spiritual pressure out and checked her small surrounding, she was clear of interference. She watched the fight through her arrows eye waiting for the perfect moment moment. There it is. Inuyasha sliced down the side of a large boar and while it was roaring in pain, Kagome took her shot. She supressed all Miko purification power and released her arrow with precision. She couldn't go purifying their meal ticket. She grimaced slightly as the arrow pierced straight through the boar's temple and lodged itself there. It shrieked something awful and hit the floor with a loud thud. She didn't even pay attention the look on Inuyasha's face. The second and third boar turned her direction and she shielded herself from their aura search. Im so thankful I learned how to hide my precence. She silently thanked Kaede for the added lesson and watched the boards turn back to their enemy. The rest of the fight went down the exact same. Everytime Hoshimaru and Inuyasha wounded a boar, she helped by taking the last shot from the distance. The noise of battle settled down and copper scented the air. She stepped from the clearing and ran towards them.

"I think we make a great team."

"Yeah you kill steal!" Inuyasha laughed at her but had to admit she was right. Having her there made their fight entirely way too easy. Maybe he wouldn't take her just for the extra fun. He chuckled.

"Lets get this back home.." they all nodded and began the task

::

Kagome sighed and slipped further into the hot waters of the spring. The tension of the day eased off as the natural waters soaked into her skin and soothed the tired muscles she overworked today. She rubbed her palm into the muscles extending from her neck to shoulder, applying pressure. A knot protested against her hand and she squeezed. She could really go for a massage about now. One of the those luxuries of her time she had never once experienced. How did people here get rid of their aches and pains other than these hot springs? Did they have a salve or ointment maybe? She would definitely ask Kaede about that. Since her expeditions with Inuyasha began to become harder, she noticed her body became a little more achy than normal. The way she healed faster than before did not go unnoticed, but that didn't mean she wasn't still sore all over. Her hands dropped down and she slipped further into the warmth, nose barely above water.

*!crack!*

Her eyes shifted, completely aware. Inuyasha and Hoshimaru always alerted their presence while she bathed. Being as they were men and she was not, it was ruled that they not interfere with her bathing time, she wanted complete privacy and if they needed her, they would call out before coming closer. She hid herself, summoned her aura and stretched it around her as far as she could. Nothing. Her heart beat picked up, she wasn't far from home, she could sprint just in case. I definitely heard that. There is something out there hiding. I need to go.

She stood. Modesty was thrown out the window, in times like this she didn't have the luxury to worry about her body being seen. They were still at war and she wasn't about to take any chances. One thing she learned about being in Segoku Jidai was that when someone was alone out at night, if they weren't truely alone, they weren't really safe. Trust no one. Inuyasha made her never forget it.

She put herself into defence mode and moved quickly. Her naked body dripped with water and she crouched next to the red haori. It was thrown over her slick skin, bow and arrow in hand, she dashed off towards the village. She kept her speed at max and ran through the trees and brush. Aura was still stretched out to its max radius, she still felt nothing but her senses told her otherwise. There was someone out there hiding and she was taking zero chances. She positioned her bow and shot at a base of a tree in front of her. The arrrow glowed a soft purple hue and faded out. She whispered a mantra and ran past it. A barrier shield that doesnt necessarily keep one out, but acts as a sensor. If anyone crosses past the barrier that isn't already within, it will alert her. Even if one is hiding oneself, she will still be able to know. Kaede-obaasan I hope this works like in practice.

She broke into the clearing of the village and continued her pace until she reached Inuyasha's hut and calmed herself. She didn't want to make a scene if there wasn't anything to be worried about. She was just being cautious. She tapped on the wooden door and it swung open hastily.

"Keh. Took you less than normal. Ready to eat?"

"Yes, thank you." Hoshimaru was already in the dining area eating with Keade.

"Everything has been properly stored. Thank ye Kagome. I hear ye hunt went well? Was it what ye imagined to be like?" Kaede's soothing voice filled the room and Kagome couldn't help but to be elated.

"Yes it was! It was everything I thought it would be, possibly more. I am thankful it was a hunt I was able to accomplish."

"Yeah and she stole all the kills to herself!" Inuyasha grumbled under his breath. He didn't like not being in the spotlight but was genuinely happy about her achievement.

"Come darling, have a seat please." Kaede offered her a bowl, it was steaming already awaiting her. She took the bowl with both hands and bowed softly. "Thank you obaasan." taking her seat at the round table, she looked at everyone. Inuyasha never sat at the table, but always was always laying in front of the fire. His bowl in front of him as well.

This whole time being here was always like this. They would wake early before sunrise, begin their studies first, and then begin their combat training. Once the day turned to night they would return home, bathe, eat together, sleep and repeat with few changes in between. Several of the modern luxuries she brought with her were long gone. Some remaining makeup was left, but everything else was used. Her paper books were all that was left and she couldn't be more happier. In the time she picked up combat, she made sure to teach Inuyasha and Hoshimaru how to read and write, and they in turn would help her teach the village as well. She wanted everyone to learn. As far as she knew, only noblemen or great status knew how to read and write and and that was not fair. So she shared her knowledge with the new world she was now part of. She never knew if she would get back home, but until then, this was her family and this was home, she would make the very best of it.

They all ate in comfortable silence and it was time for rest shortly after. Kaede and herself said goodbye and headed back to their residence the next hut over. She said goodnight to her mentor and went to her room. She couldn't stop thinking about her sensor barrier. No one had crossed over, maybe she should let it go and get some rest. She sighed and did just so. There was a small window of view available and she stared into the treeline. Another sigh. She laid down and tried to get comfortable. Sleep came quick

And was interupted quick, or so it felt. She woke up to her heart pounding madly in her chest. It ached and she whimpered. Was this anxiety? What the hell? The beating made itself clear in her ears and a shock ran down her spine. The sensor barrier! She shot up and dressed faster than she knew. Someone crossed the barrier. But why is my heart pounding, this isn't the warning from the spell. She froze. She hadn't felt this feeling in nine and a half months. Was she feeling his presence? This was a new feeling and she couldnt place it. It was a deep feeling that rested in the pit of her belly. She broke out in goosebumps and the feeling intensified. She quietly snuck out of her room and was at the entryway, hand placed on the door. She turned to the firepit, it was out cold, no embers left. It was well early into the morning, perhaps two, three? She was still learning how to tell time without a clock. They generally slept three hours after sunset. People wouldnt wake up for another hour or two. Her bow and arrow rest at the door, she grabbed them and slipped out. She looked to left at Inuyasha's home and looked to the right at the treeline, towards the well. Should she alert someone? No. She almost shocked herself at her own thoughts. This feeling is telling me no. Just go.

She turned to the treeline and made her way to the well. I think I'm being summoned. The urge to get to the well was digging its way through her body and her walk turned into a sprint. Kagome sprinted down the path as she had done almost daily. She never stopped jumping in the well and could never give up hope that she'd get home one day. The feeling was screaming in her ears, they were red hot and her blush began to match her ears as she entered the clearing to the well.

He was sitting on the edge, one knee propped up, chin resting on the arm that was resting on the knee. The moon was basking down onto him brightly. The pale white of his skin glowed in the dark and his hair looked like it was full of glitter; the way his tresses glimmered down his back was lovely. He was still just as gorgeous as the day she met him, as the day he left her here. His head disconnected it's rest and he looked straight at her, red glistening eyes straight through her. His gaze chilled down her spine and her body became a nesting ground of goosebumps again.

Who was going to speak first? They just stared at each other for a while not saying anything, drinking each other in.

"You've been training." His voice was low but deep. It shocked her for a second and she slightly jumped.

"What took you so long?"

He wasn't getting off the hook that easy.

He broke gaze first with a distasteful frown and looked away. He muttered low, "I had things to do."

Now the anger was about to reach the surface. "It's been almost a year." She forced that one out through gritted teach. Be calm, don't be brash and stupid. "You left on purpose. You didn't want to deal with me." And now it was the sadness. Ugh! She was too emotional! She wasn't expecting this! It was all about to come out. Naraku glared at her. "And now you want to show up in the middle of the night. I felt your call before you even crossed the sensor."

Naraku's eyes widened slightly as to question, sensor? "Yes, you crossed my sensor barrier. Im suprised you didn't notice." She gave him a blank look. "You missed out on a lot these past nine months."

She too looked away. "How did you even summon me here?"

"I didn't. I sat here and said your name. And here you are."

They looked at each other again. Was he feeling this pressure in his chest like she was? He stood and she held her breath too long before taking another.

"It was you at the spring wasn't it?"

They both wanted to look away but didnt. Her cheeks tinted pink and his may have too, but she couldnt tell. She just knew the look in his eyes got darker and they both knew he saw her when she stood out of the water looking through the darkness for the enemy before taking off. The feeling nesting in her belly, in the pit of her womanhood was rushing through her bones. His eyes looked black.

"I never pegged you to be the one to fuck up and snap a twig alerting your presence." She needed to change the subject. Now that it was clarified, move on, don't make this awkward. She chuckled, trying to change the mood. He finally came back and there was hopefully plenty of time to be mad at him later.

"You've learned well. You are very fast in your run."

Let's start early.

She took her hand to hand stance and and grinned at the red eyed demon. "Want to see what I've learned?"

He smirked and shot foward. They exchange several blows, him mostly throwing offensive and her defending herself. He had no power in his hits, he too was testing her abilities. She evaded all attacks and threw in some of her own. Not only could she hand to hand, she focused on power leg training as well. She dropped low and kicked his ankle in swoop. He backflipped quickly avoiding contact and she stood with a grin. "Almost."

"Not quite. You -"

"You piece of shit!"

They frozed in shock and looked at the pissed Inuyasha entering the clearing. He glared at his disciple. "You didn't even fucking hear me coming did you? I hid nothing."

Kagome looked down guiltily "You can't hunt again, you're not ready" he said in his usual pissed tone.

Kagome's head whipped back up angrily. "What! NO! I worked so hard for that! Please!" Her back was to Naraku now as she pleaded with Inuyasha. He glared at her. "You can't multitask when you're too distacted. Until you learn you cannot," and stepped around her

"But-..." Inuyasha cut her off.

"What the fuck are you doing here." You're not welcome.

She could practically hear him say it and she was saddened. "Inuyasha, please."

His eyes were dark golden and angry. "Yeah right, after he left you here. Really Kagome?"

"Yes."

"Feh! Youre a fuckin idiot." And he left.

Inuyasha wasn't going to get in the middle of this. He knew kagome would never be his. Fate gave him his chance with Kikyo and it would be foul of him to take away Naraku's chance. After all, he took his first one away. He was happy with Kikyo and he missed his mate, but Kagome was not her. Aside from that, he knew the only reason Kagome stayed was because she was left. She would have followed Naraku if he had let her. The lonliness Kagome had was not his to fill.

They were alone in the clearing again but now she didn't know what to say.

He turned around and began to walk away and fear entered her heart. "Stop it, where are you going?"

He didn't stop and didn't say anything.

Kagome felt the tears begin to pool in her eyes and they dropped profusely. They were silent tears but he stopped moving after they fell. Her tears were salty but the sadness she radiated was sweet. It was a cruel and devine scent in one.

"I need you to not leave again." He tears were silent and her voice didn't waver. It was a demand. Naraku turned back to her and began walking towards the village, stopping directly to her side. She didn't move, just stared at where he was standing before.

"Well then."

She wiped her eyes with a smile. "Well then."

::

xoxo

Chapter update wooohooo.