Day 17:

Miroku absently watched Sango play with the children, a fond smile gracing his lips. She would make a wonderful mother. She was protective, strong, and absolutely adorable.

As though Sango knew he was thinking about her, she looked in his direction. Ah, there it was, those roses blooming in her cheeks. Her head whipped in the opposite direction so fast she didn't see his smug grin. He so enjoyed watching her reactions.

Shippo jerked for a moment and the girls didn't notice, too busy running around. But Miroku noticed. He must have heard Lady Kagome and Lord Sesshoumaru, again. Miroku's smile faded away and he leaned back as his thoughts drifted off.

They had been training, practically non-stop for three whole days. Even when they travelled Lord Sesshoumaru was training Kagome. Be it mental, spiritual, or physical, they were always training.

Every night Kagome went to bed more exhausted than the night before. The circles under her eyes only grew but each day she still got up and threw herself into her training. Miroku felt exhausted from all of it and he wasn't even the one training.

Sango was worried about Kagome, even though she didn't say anything Miroku could tell. They were all worried. No one said anything though because they knew this was what Kagome wanted.

Shippo jerked again and this time the girls noticed. Their smiles disappeared from their faces and a heavy silence pressed down upon them. Miroku saw their struggle to put on happy faces and resume their game, albeit half-heartedly. None of them could truly enjoy themselves when Kagome was undertaking such a challenge, especially considering she did it so as to protect them.

Maybe it was time to say something.

Miroku rose, drawing the others' attention. He gave them an easy going smile. Of course he wasn't nervous about interrupting two very powerful individuals, no, he wasn't nervous.

"Miroku?"

"It's alright my darling Sango, I had just thought to suggest that Kagome take a break. She has been working rather hard after all. She also seems quite tired so I - " he coughed. I need to stop babbling. "I thought I would go talk to Kagome."

"That sounds like a great idea!" Sango cheered, her face brightening with relief, and Miroku knew it was worth it if only to see that look on her face. "We'll come with you, right guys?"

The kids cheered in agreement and started to run off past a frozen Miroku.

"Wait – what? Oh, no, no, I don't think that's such a good idea. No, I should handle this on my own and -"

"Come on!" Sango chirped, grabbing Miroku's arm and tugging him along.

"Don't you think it best, my lovely Sango, if you and the children were to wait for Inuyasha to return from hunting? Or you can help Jaken sort through the herbs and berries when he gets back? Surely -"

Sango gave him a glare that effectively stopped any extra words that wanted to spew out of his mouth.

So much for talking to Lord Sesshoumaru and Kagome by myself, now I get to have a very hopeful audience.

He sighed. Now he really had to convince Kagome to take a break, or deal with three very upset companions.

It didn't take them long to reach the glade where the demon and miko trained, and when they did reach the training spot they all froze. The sight before them was one very few would get to witness and truly appreciate.

Sesshoumaru moved with speed almost too fast to be seen, and Kagome, well, she was stunning. Sesshoumaru always radiated power and strength, his battle prowess, though impressive, was nothing surprising.

Kagome on the other hand was a shock. True she had always been able to help during a fight with her bow and arrow, but this was something different. Her bow and arrow were discarded at the edge of the glade and Kagome was merely left to defend herself with her hands and miko powers.
Miroku was ready to rush in and protect her. She doesn't have anything to channel her power through. She always uses her bow and arrow. But she didn't need to.

Her entire body was flaming with her miko powers, and her hands blazed with nearly blinding light. And how she moved, by the kamis, she was moving faster than was humanly possible. Even while she attacked with the intensity of a warrior in heated battle her face was calm. No sign of anxiety showed in any of her features as she faced down the most deadly demon Miroku ever knew.

"Woah," Shippo breathed, his green eyes wide with wonder. Miroku could only nod in speechless agreement.

How was it possible for her to learn so quickly? Watching her it was as though she had a lifetime of battle experience, but yet…

"Guys," Kagome panted, demon and miko coming to a halt, "What going on? Dinner isn't done already, is it?"

Miroku examined her with a practiced eye and was startled. He was so shocked by her fighting skills that he did notice how pale she was or how weak she truly was.

"Kagome," he murmured gently, walking forward slowly as though nervous to scare her off, "We all think you could use some rest. You have been pushing yourself too hard."

Lord Sesshoumaru looked, rather quickly, in his student's direction. His eyes scanned her body quickly and though Miroku couldn't be sure, he would hazard a guess the inu was concerned. Of course, Lord Sesshoumaru would not know human limitations. He was a daiyoukai after all.

Kagome waved her hand at him as if she could wave away his statement, yet the small motion caused her to wobble on unsteady feet. Her skin appeared to pale even further.

She almost looks as pale as Sesshoumaru!

"Ridiculous," she panted, "I'm fine!"

"Kagome," Sango gently called out to her friend, "Please, we're all worried about you."

"Miko, have you been pushing yourself too hard?" Sesshoumaru inquired, hearing his voice came as a surprise to the others, let alone hearing him say a full sentence, that had concern in it.

Kagome turned to face him, her reiki flaring wildly all of the sudden, "I'm -"

And she proceeded to pass out.

"Kagome!"