Hi I'm back, and so tired. We drove over 3000 miles in five, FIVE DAYS! On top of that I came down with a cold as soon as I got back. So ya, I'm sorry that this didn't come out sooner but I was so tired. Hopefully I'll get to post the other one-shot I promised soon. By the way when Phet and Kagome are speaking its English. I really don't think Kagome would buy him being able to speak Japanese.

Chapter 9

He's the Shaman?

Ren had said the Shaman wouldn't be back until dusk. A nap would be nice but a bath would be even better. I found and old-fashioned tub, secluded by a curtain screen from the rest of the house. There was no faucet; it was going to have to be filled by hand.

I quickly began pumping water into a large bucket I found, then dumping it into the tub. Even in the feudal era I never had to do anything like this. Even with my advanced strength, filling the tub was hard. I only managed to fill it about ¾ full before I quit. That should be more than enough. . . .Oh yeah I've just remembered something.

I turned around and looked for Ren. AND HE WAS WATCHING ME. Geez, I've had enough to deal with I don't need another Miroku on top of that. "You're being quiet on purpose, aren't you? Expecting something? Sorry to disappoint you, but you're not getting a show. You'd better sit outside until I'm done." I opened the door as Ren slowly dragged his body outside.

Men. I quickly undressed and stepped into the frigid water and began to scrubbing my skin. I found a small bar of hand-made soap on a niche in the wall. After soaping my hair with the lemony sage bar and rinsing off, I lay back to think. Questions and thoughts spun through my mind turning into confusion.

Giving up, I climbed out, dried off, got dressed then opened the door for Ren who had been lying with his back pressed against it. "You can come back in now."

Ren wandered back in while I sat on the bed with my legs folded beneath me and began combing through my hair. "Well Ren, I hope you and Kadam-san are prepared after we get out of here. My guardian, well he at least considers himself my guardian, is going to unleash hell on all of us." Including me, especially me.

Tucking my arms behind my head, I lay down on the bed with my hair cascading across the pillow. Ren put his head on the mattress near me and looked at me with an apologetic expression. I smiled gently and stroked his fur. "I understand why you two did this, but that won't change the consequences. He is going to be livid, not to mention Souta and Shippou." Ren nodded in acknowledgement and lay down on the floor, while I rolled over to face the wall.

I must have dozed off, because when I opened my eyes the hut was dark except for a small lantern in the kitchen. I immediately sat up and my eyes swept the area.

Seated at the table was an old man, and I meant old. He feels different from any of the demons or holy people I've seen. Almost . . . Almost like the well did, timeless and eternal. Just who or what is he? The so called Shaman was busy picking the leaves off of various plants. Standing up, I had to fight the habit to slip into a fighting stance.

"Hallo little lady. You sleep long time. Very tired. Very very, very tired." I approached the table cautiously. If he wanted to attack, he would have done so while I was sleeping. But I still don't like or trust this guy.

"You hungry? Eat, Good food, hmmmm? Very tast-ey."The man stood up and scooped soon vegetable stew out of a bubbling pot on the wood stove. He added a piece of flatbread along the edge of the bowl, and returned to the table. Pushing the bowl towards me, he sat down and continued stripping leaves.

I hope he hasn't poisoned it. With my powers poison would sicken me, but it wouldn't kill me. I know Ren wouldn't willingly put me in danger but people can always be deceived. Especially when they're desperate. I slowly pushed out my aura to fill the room, trying to test him. The shaman clucked his tongue as I felt his aura retreat.

"What your name?"

"Kagome." I said proudly. No matter my faults I was proud of my name. It was the proof of my burden.

"Ka-go-meh. Your name have many meaning. Both good and bad." Ren grunted and lifted his head off the floor as I tilted my own in acknowledgement.

I asked him, "What is your name?"

"My name, uh too immense. You can call me Phet."

"Phet-san." I spoke. "Ren lead me here and -."

"Ahh Ren, your tiger. Yes Phet be acquainted with why you here. Anik say you and Ren coming, so I go to Suki Lake today for . . . . preparation."

Of what? I thought. "Hmmm so Kadam-san told you."

"Yes, yes Kadam tell Phet." The Shaman picked up a little cage that held an exquisite tiny red bird. "Birds at Suki Lake are many, but this bird largely extraordinary. Phet linger all day capture. Bird sing be-u-ti-full song."

"Doubtful." I commented. Is this guy serious? He has to know what a caged bird would mean. Moreover why would he show it to me? Most consider it charming, but I know better.

"Who is knowing? Sometime bird never sing, whole lifetime. Only sing if special parson. Can Ka-go-meh special parson?" He then laughed as if he knew who I was. He knows, he has to. It's the only explanation. But how could he know, or rather how much does he know? Through his aura alone I knew he was a very powerful person, and it almost seemed like he was restraining himself. Phet-san could probably feel my power as well.

I calmly asked "Phet-san what is the bird called?"

"He is Druga's hatchling."

I set my half eaten stew to the side. "And Druga?"

He grinned. "Ah Druga be-u-ti-full goddess, and Phet is willing low servant. Bird sing for Druga and special women."

"So you are a priest of Druga?" I asked suspiciously.

"Priest edify other citizen. Phet exist alone. Serve alone." That can't be all. Priests don't feel like this. Just what sort of power is he using? It \'s unlike anything I've ever seen before

"Hmmm it is very beautiful." I said referring to the bird.

He asked "Ka-go-meh, you travel lengthy way yes?"

"Yes, I'm from Tokyo, Japan I met Ren and Kadam-san there and traveled here."

Phet-san nodded. "And your tiger is not always a tiger. Am I correct in say this?"

I looked over to Ren who nodded. "Yes, you are correct."

"You wish to help the tiger?"

"Mmhh, I can understand how he feels a little bit. And I'm not one to abandon a person who needs help. He should be free to live his own life." At that moment the little red bird burst into song and continued for the next few minutes. Phet-san closed his eyes with an expression of pure delight. When the bird stopped he opened his eyes and looked at me.

"Ka-go-meh! You very special! Joy full is my feeling! Phet perceive song of Druga! At present you must respite. Important sunrise is tomorrow. Phet must pray in the dark hours, and you necessity sleep. Embark on your travel tomorrow. It's hard as difficult. In first light, Phet assist you in the company of tiger. Druga's secret to unveil. Now go drowse."

"I was just sleeping." I tried to argue as I crossed my arms stubbornly. I hate it when people think they know what's best for me.

"No. Phet pray. Necessary express thanks Druga in favor of unforeseen blessing. You essential slumber."

I nodded dropping the subject. It won't do any good to argue with Phet-san here.

He shooed me over to the bed and sent Ren with me. After dimming the lamp, he pulled a satchel over his shoulder, smiled at me and left. I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. I followed Phet-san's aura until I was certain he wasn't coming back.

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I awoke the next morning when Phet-san clapped his hands. "Hallo Ka-go-meh and fateful Ren. Phet pray even as you is sleeping. Druga make miracle! You must awaken! Compose yourself and we converse."

"Okay I'm up." I mumbled. I would have been up soon enough anyways, I usually woke early. In the kitchen Phet-san was cooking eggs and already had a large plate set on the floor for Ren. I sat down at the table and began to run my fingers through my hair in an attempt to remove the snarls.

Ren stopped eating and watched intently as I combed my hair. "Ren stop watching me and eat. You're skinny enough as it is." I pulled my hair into a bun and used Rin-chan's pin to secure it as Ren turned back to his food.

Phet-san brought me a plate with a small salad and an omelet. Then he sat down to address us. "Ka-go-meh, I am favorable man at present. Druga exclaim to me she will help you. Anik Kadam pursue remedy Ren. He ask what can he do? That nighttime, Phet dream two tigers one pale like moon, one black night resembling. Druga speak softly my ear. She say special girl can break curse. Phet know girl is Druga's favored one. She struggle for tiger. I tell Anik, watch for special girl. I give indication girl alone, black hair, many color eyes. She be devoted and her utterance are powerful like goddess melody. Help tiger be free again."

He placed his hands on the table and leaned closer to me. What's with this guy? The flattery is getting a bit excessive, even if he's trying to convince me to help Ren. I already decided that on my own.

"Ka-go-meh, Phet perceive you are exceptional favored one of Druga."

"And just how do you see that?" I asked, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in my voice.

"You are strong beautiful warrior like Druga."

"Me?" I narrowed my eyes. "You're fully aware of who you're asking, aren't you?" I can't be any more obvious Phet-san, please give me an answer.

Phet-san's eyes softened as he took my hand. "Phet know. That why you favored one of Druga. Do not thrust away destiny, toss away like weed!" Phet-san's voice rose into a crescendo.

"I'm very familiar with destiny Phet-san. That's why I'm cautious for both of our sakes. So what am I to do?" Phet-san nodded and released my hand.

"Druga help you at Kanheri cave. Use key to open chamber."

"Key?" I questioned.

"Key is distinguished Mujulaain empire seal. Tiger knows. Find underground place in cave. Seal is key. Druga read you to answer. Free tiger."

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. It can't be that easy, it won't be it just won't. I was overwhelmed to an extent. I never expected to undertake another journey again. Outside of training Shippou and Sesshoumaru had done their best to keep me out of trouble. Then again I'm probably taking this a lot better than anyone else would. At least I'm not a reincarnation to them.

Phet-san watched me curiously and spoke. "Ka-go-meh, have faith in self. You strong women. Tiger protect you."

You have no idea. I glanced down towards Ren, then over towards Himiko. I chuckled lightly. "Perhaps, but I can protect myself." Phet-san nodded even as Ren gave an indignant snort. Almost like he didn't believe me. He really should. I surprised him yesterday and I wasn't even that serious. Okay, I'm definitely keeping my skills hidden as long as possible. Of course if there was danger I would help, but the look on his face alone would be worth it.

"So Phet-san where to next?"

"Tiger know where to go. Fallow tiger. Get seal. Must hasten departure. Before you go, Ka-go-meh Phet bestow you goddess blessing and prayer."

Phet-san picked up several leaves and waved them around my head and down my arms. He them pulled out another leaf and touched my eyes, nose, mouth, and forehead. I sensed no ill will, so I bore the ritual reluctantly. He then turned to Ren and repeated the process. The turning to me bowing he spoke. "Ka-go-meh, now time to depart."

Ren headed out the door as I bowed swiftly to Phet-san. "Thank you for your assistance." He smiled warmly as I grabbed my backpack and followed Ren outside. Grinning Phet-san came to the little doorway and waved goodbye.

Wow I'm tired. No, no Kagome doesn't get a tattoo. I really didn't think she needed one, she already has control over her powers. And I really really wouldn't think that Phet's powers would slip by hence the distrust. Actually she might end up distrusting quite a few people. But can you really blame her? Hands up who thinks Ren's going to flip out when he sees how strong Kagome is? His current thoughts of her are mainly based on the reading and music. Giggle, it's going to be so much fuuuunn!