Chapter 20
Kagome's Training Begins
Kagome's Musing --- Day Six
Kagome sat down at Genkai's porch & was stargazing, deep in thought. It was in the middle of the night; apparent that she can't sleep even with the difficult training she had undergone the whole day. The past six days had been the longest day of my life. Rough training from Master Genkai really help me a lot. From enhancing my miko powers & improving my physical state to diverting my attention away from my previous losses. But at night, I cannot escape the harsh truth of my failure. She gazed down at her hands & narrowed her eyes. I swear that I will defeat Naraku & collect the Shikon no Tama in order to reverse all the things that Naraku destroyed. I owe that to everyone. Her thoughts continued & caused her to be awake for another hour.
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FLASHBACKSDAY ONE:
"Mom, please trust me. I can take care of myself. It's only training. Plus, it's not like I haven't been gone for a week. I'll be fine," Kagome pleaded with her mother. "Oh dear, I'm just worried. It's only yesterday that you came back. And with that--- incident, I don't think you're physically & emotionally ready for this," Her mother argued. Kagome bowed her head at the mention of "that incident". Then she looked up, fierce determination apparent in her eyes.
"Trust me, mom. I know what I'm doing. Also, it'll help me divert my attention from that. Mom, I beg you, let me do this--- please." Her mother sighed. There's nothing she can do to change her daughter's mind. She didn't like it. Her daughter had suffered enough. As a mother, she can feel what her daughter is feeling. But she cannot deny the responsibility her daughter has. She's very proud of Kagome but at the same time she's extremely scared for her. "I can't stop you, can I?" Kagome's mother gave her daughter a sad smile. Kagome smiled back. Her eyes suddenly turned serious. "But you must promise, if you can't handle the training, stop. No matter what they tell you. I don't want you to overstress your self. You deserve better treatment. If that happens, come straight home. Do you promise?" "Yes I promise. Oh, thank you mom!" They hugged each other. Kagome's mother watched her go upstairs & packed her belongings. She's very strong-willed. Oh Kagome! You do not know how proud I am of you.
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Outside:
"I'm going now, take care while I'm gone." Kagome said with a smile. "Bye Kagome!" Souta said.
"Take care of yourself, child." "Yes grandpa."
"Kagome, be careful ok. (pause) I think someone is here to pick you up." Kagome looked from her mother to the person she's referring at. Kagome was surprised to see Hiei. I did not sense him. He must have masked his powers when he came here. Kagome smiled at him & greeted him. "Good morning." "Hn."
She turned her attention back to her family. "His name is Hiei. He's one of the spirit detectives I was talking about. He's a friend." Hiei stared at Kagome with a surprise look on his face. Apparently, he was not prepared for that. A friend?
Kagome's mother bowed at Hiei in greeting. "Please take care of Kagome." "Hn." "Oh my."
"Don't worry, mom. He's just quiet & shy. Besides, he doesn't know any language besides 'hn'." Kagome teased. Hiei glared at her. Kagome giggled in return.
"I guess you're here to accompany me?" No response this time. She sighed.
Hiei soundlessly walked to Kagome, took her belongings from her arm & hoisted her backpack with ease. "Thanks!"
"We'll be going now. I'll be back after six days. Bye everyone!" They all waved goodbye & Kagome began to walk away. Hiei glanced at Kagome's mother & said, "She'll be fine. There's no danger that will come to her while she's at Genkai's place." Kagome's family smiled. "I understand," Kagome's mom replied.
Kagome looked at Hiei, surprised. Then she smiled & said, "Thanks Hiei." "Hn."
They both walked in silence. When they reached the last step of the stairs, Kagome started a conversation. "So, how are we gonna get there? Is it far?" She glanced at Hiei. He's been really quiet. Is he mad at me for what I said? "I'm not mad." Kagome chuckled. "I forgot you could read minds. At least you're not mad. I'm sorry for teasing you." "Hn."
"So, how are we gonna get there?" She repeated her question.
Hiei stopped walking. Kagome looked at him, curious. "What---" She was surprised & shock at the same time. For a moment, she was lost for words. She allowed Hiei to carry her while he was jumping from tree to tree, roof to roof & run with inhumane speed. Eventually she snapped back to reality. "Hey why did you---" "It'll be faster. You humans are so weak & slow."
"Hey! I'm sorry I'm not as powerful as you." Kagome huffed. "At least you could warn me before you do that," she added. After a while she spoke. "I'm--- I'm not heavy, am I?" Hiei & Kagome we're not close enough & so she was embarrassed to be carried by him. "No, you're light." Kagome's blush deepened.
Kagome looked at the scenery as it passes by her eyes. She remembered how InuYasha used to carry her. InuYasha. She hid her face on Hiei's shoulder. Not really caring for his reaction or what he may think. She just needed a shoulder to lean on.
When Kagome's head touched Hiei's shoulder, he tensed. He could hear her thoughts. Surprisingly, he didn't make any comments.
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Genkai's Place:
When Kagome & Hiei arrived, Genkai & Yukina were surprised to see the sleeping bundle in his arms. Genkai arched her brows in question. "What happened?" Hiei just glared. He glanced at Kagome, "Oi! Wake up. We're here" Kagome stirred. "Are we there yet?"
"Hello Kagome." Kagome's head perked up at the new voice. She blushed & quickly dismounted herself from Hiei. The beautiful girl with blue hair behind the old woman giggled at her discomfort. Kagome smiled at her & the girl smiled back.
Kagome glanced at the old woman & bowed her head in respect. "My name's Kagome." The old woman smiled, "Kagome, I'm Genkai & this is Yukina." The girl being referred at bowed her head. Kagome did the same. "It's nice meeting you both."
"I'll be the one who will train you. I heard about your loss. I give my condolences." "Thank you, Genkai-sama."
"Will you be able to carry out the training today?" "Yes." Genkai nodded her head, satisfied with her.
"Very well then, you may leave your things to your room. Yukina will accompany you. After you finish organizing your things, come outside & I'll teach you right away. "Hai."
"Please come with me, Kagome-sama." Kagome took her backpack from Hiei & followed Yukina inside.
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Training Session:
"That's it, Kagome. Now hold your center."
"Focus! Your concentration is wandering." After twenty minutes.
"Ok that's enough." Kagome's shoulder slumped forward. She wiped the beads of sweat that formed on her forehead with the back of her hand. Her breathing was rapid & shallow, like she was in a marathon. "Let's take a break first."
Kagome & Genkai walked towards the steps of the dojo & sat at the floor. Hiei was casually leaning at the wall when Yukina came with a tray of drinks in her hands. "Have a drink first." She offered the drinks to the three of them. Hiei & Genkai wordlessly accepted the glass from her. Kagome smiled when she took the glass. "Thanks, Yukina-chan." Yukina wiped Kagome's forehead with a towel she was carrying. They were becoming fast friends.
"You're very talented, Kagome." Genkai began. "If you work hard enough, you'll be able to control your miko powers with ease in two days & then I'll teach you how to use it as an offensive attack."
"When I'm in the feudal era, I usually use a bow & arrow to kill Nakaku's minions."
"When you learn the things I'll teach you, you won't need a bow & arrow or any weapon. I'll teach you to make intangible weapons with your powers."
"Any kind of weapon?"
"Yes."
After the short break, they resumed the training. It continued until dusk. By the time Kagome ate her dinner & finished her bath, she succumbed into deep sleep.
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NOTE:
THIS IS IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ! I will end this fic right after Kagome's battle with Naraku. But don't feel dishearten. There'll be a sequel, although I will have to remove the characters from the Feudal Era. The well will be closed. I think that's how the end should be. If Kagome & Inuyasha do end up together, I want them to be together in Kagome's time. Not having Kagome end up in the Feudal Era or have them both travel back & forth to be together. Shippo will be with Kagome in her time. Also for the sequel, new characters will be introduced. They will be the cast of Ranma. The story will be lighter than All Things Well, less angst, more comedy & romance, same action & adventure. Of course, the love triangle between Kagome, Kurama & Hiei will be concluded before the end of the fic. Hence, the winner of Kagome's heart will have another rival in the sequel. What do you think? I really love crossover, don't you? Please give me your opinion about this. I need some feedback from you guys. Also, I still haven't decided for the title so please don't hesitate to give your suggestions. Thank you very much!
Anyone is welcome to share his or her ideas for the fic.
Voting for the poll will only be concluded before the end of this story. So till then, keep on voting everyone!!
I thank everyone who reviewed my fic & for the ones who continuously vote for the pairings!! I love you all!!
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Poll Results:
KuramaxKagome 119votes
HieixKagome 116votes
SesshoumaruxKagome 3votes
KougaxKagome 3votes
InuYashaxKagome 12votes
KoenmaxKagome 7votes
YusukexKagome 2votes
This will be the other pair: (not subjected to change)
KuwabaraxYukina
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Review Responses:
To Sesshomaru27, Killiara, Silver Ivy, Jade Dagashi, ShadowFox-Nightmare, kidakkia, & Itsuki-chan:
Thanks for voting! Please vote again! Here's another chapter for you!
To kagome75:
Thanks!! I'm still not sure when I'll make Kagome a demon… as I say, I'm still having writer's block… Anyway, thanks for voting…
To Sango132004:
Well thanks to people like you who continuously vote for Kurama, he's now taking the lead!!! Woohoo!! Thanks for voting!!
To sacaku:
Thank you very much! Well, here's what you've all been waiting for, another chappie! Yey! Thanks for voting as well…
To White-Destiny-Pure-Snow:
Thanks for voting! I'm sorry, I was really planning on giving Kurama the first few scenes before Hiei. It's just from the beginning, Kurama tops the vote. But the following scenes will for Hiei, so don't worry. Hope you like it!
To K005:
Thanks for voting & for suggesting an idea... Actually, I already thought of something that can make Kagome a demon that's different from the other fics. I just hope I can satisfy the reader with that… It'll appear after a few more chapter…
To Takowasha:
Thanks for voting!! About your question, I want the readers to feel & watch the development of everyone's relationship… After all, true love takes a while to realize. It's not fun if it starts quite fast.
To snowbrat:
Hehehehe… don't worry, none taken… I love a little angst & tragedy a little here & there. To spice things up. Plus, it'll make Kagome stronger for future battles in life. Thanks for voting as well…