Upon reaching the trees, Kagome settles back against the trunk she and I sat at before, smiling at me as I resume my place as well. The others settle before us in the grass, soaking in the view.

"So, my dear, how have you been while living in the Western Shiro." the monk inquires.

"Oh, Miroku, it's been so great." she says, shifting to press her leg against mine, silently seeking comfort and grounding. I know now that she does not want the incidents mentioned, at least not yet. Brushing my hand against her leg, letting her know I understand, I rest my hands in my lap.

"Indeed? And what do you do all day to occupy yourself in such opulence?" he asks, his voice coloured with mirth, though his eyes have caught the exchange between us, and dart back and forth. I had forgotten how observant and keen minded the monk is.

"Mostly, I just relaxed. I was mourning, I guess. It was hard when the well closed." she murmurs, brushing her finger gently down the child's cheek, smiling lightly. "Recently though, I've been learning self defense and how to use a sword and various daggers, which, by the way, Sesshoumaru, I think I prefer a tanto to a wakizashi, it's shorter and easier for me to handle, especially if I'm carrying both a katana and one of them." she interrupts herself, turning to face me, to tell me, her smile bright as she rambles.

I nod, "Understandable. I presume Morina is instructing you with the tanto?"

"Mhm, Naoko and Morina want me to finish the basics with each before trying to teach me to incorporate them together. We tried sai, but they don't feel right."

"Hn, having a good foundational understanding and proficiency is important."

"Right, that's what Naoko said. Though, Morina did say I was getting pretty good at hand to hand, she's started teaching me some more advanced stuff."

"Um. Sorry to interrupt, but you're learning blades and hand to hand?" Sango chimes in, her brows furrowing a bit.

"Yeah. I also have a miko who just arrived today to teach me how to control and master my reiki." Kagome answers brightly.

"That's great, Kagome." Miroku says, as Sango nods slowly, her face hard to read. Her scent reveals concern, confusion and a touch of jealousy.

"When did you decide to learn? And why?" Sango asks curiously.

Kagome shifts a bit, before responding. "I got tired of being a damsel. I know I'm still only one person, but I don't want to rely on others entirely anymore. I don't want to always worry I might hurt someone here because I can't control my powers, and be helpless until someone else can come to my rescue. So, I'm learning how to defend myself, with and without weapons." she avows with a firm look of determination. Her leg presses against mine again, and I shift minutely closer, pleased she is seeking comfort, even covertly, from me. I notice the monks eyebrow twitch up a bit as he sees the movement again, before a soft smile forms, and he catches my eye, nodding slightly.

"I am glad to hear you are taking control. We wish for nothing more than your happiness, and it soothes to see and hear that you are." Miroku tells Kagome with a knowing smile. His wife looks at him, her own brow arching in silent question, only receiving the same from the monk.

I shift my gaze to InuYasha, realising he has been silent thus far. His face is grim as she stares at Kagome's leg. Ah, he has figured it out then. Well, I will say nothing until Kagome does, or it becomes necessary.

4/5/21 a/n: yay for pack!