Frost-Bite
I hope you enjoy this new chapter I had fun writing it.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inu Yasha or the Yu Yu Hakusho characters.
Meanings:
`Thought'
"Speech"
Telepathy
BeastSound Affects: BOP, THWACK, COUGH, WHACK AND SO ON. When you see something like this So… (Its a word drawn out: Like soooooo)
Chapter 7.
'Awakening: A Miko's Ancient Soul'
Toran had spoken with Kariudo that he was to accompany them for the meantime. She had a task for him and would prefer to tell him away from prying ears. The trio continued to walk towards the edge of town while Kagome dramatically explained what happened when Yanagi released the souls within her.
Toran and Kariudo were clearly amused, the miko's hands and arms were flailing everywhere as her mouth spewed words unknown to them non-stop as they made there way out of town. Kagome continued to drown Toran and Kariudo with her futuristic words when she realized that they were staring at her strangely.
'It figures they wouldn't understand hell I should have known.'
And well you should. Kagome almost jumped from her skin hearing the voice in her head. Not one for being possessed Kagome barked back a warning whoever spoke to show their cowardly self.
Coward, I think not Ka-go-me. As for being possessed? Your not!
'Then who are you?'
I am you of course.
'Yeah right and I'm the Queen of the Nile!'
You are not Queen of the Nile; however we are our souls reincarnated therefore I am you Ka-go-me. Yanagi and you released the souls within you that were willing and I am the end result an avatar or a beast if you will.
'You mean to tell me your my soul which is me, but if that were true then I wouldn't be hearing you as I never hear myself speak in my head.'
To answer your question we are one with a twist. When we are fully awakened and trained we will be able to change forms as you have seen others do. Once our power is fully awakened and we train our soul will long to be complete. It will be a matter of time before our soul calls back our stolen piece we will train hard we will never be called weak or a burden. We will learn how to handle the powers our soul holds.
Kagome's body shuttered and the fine hairs stood on end. This was gonna be one of those days Kagome thought as they continued to converse while spreading out her senses to watch for danger. The inner demon sensed the approach of Kariudo and Toran and decided that Kagome should have a bit of fun with the felines.
Kagome sheepishly smiled quirking her head to the side looking at the demoness who has been a friend let alone teacher.
"What?"
"Do you always talk nonsense or is this day special?" Toran questioned not knowing if the miko had managed to hit her head to cause such delirium.
"Just because you don't understand the words doesn't make it nonsense and yes this is a special day because Yanagi had given me the chance to embrace my how you say other worldly souls." Kagome stated proudly turning on her heal humming an upbeat demonic tune leaving two stunned demons behind, of course Kagome didn't know what she was humming but it had a beat to it and she liked it so she continued on her way.
Toran and Kariudo had looked from the retreating miko to each other in awe. Was it even possible? The miko had some explaining to do the aura and power surrounding her was demonic yet pure. How that could be was beyond their comprehension. Toran shook her head in defeat tightening her grip on the wrapped package she carried she ordered Kariudo to follow hearing the ancient ballad of strength the miko hummed as she walked ahead of them.
Wasting no time Kariudo was by Kagome's side while Toran chose to remain behind contemplating the things she knew about the miko and her recent actions as of late. Kariudo would playfully nudge Kagome then pretended that he never touched her. Kagome glared at him knowing he would try pushing her shoulder again so she waited for him to advance and when he was about to nudge her again he unfortunately stubbed his toes on a buried rock while at the same time Kagome dashed to the side so quickly that Kariudo couldn't stop his momentum falling and landing on his face. Kagome and her beast laughed.
"That's what you get for shoving me. Humph and I thought we were becoming best friends." Kagome teased with a smile offering Kariudo a hand up.
"I'm sorry you fell but it serves you right, you shouldn't be playing tricks on me besides I think Toran would beat you to a pulp if I had gotten hurt and if you pester her to much, she'll go all kitty on you." Kagome stated while looking at Toran who held a wicked grin towards Kariudo.
"Okay okay I'm sorry but I just had to tease you, everyone is so lost in their own head its just too quiet." Toran grabbed Kagome's hand making Kagome walk with her. Kariudo just stood there like a fool muttering to himself.
'Rule number three: Don't shove Kagome and pretend I didn't do it. Otherwise I'm kitty food.' His beast snorted leaving him alone for the time being. Kagome finally escaped Toran's grip and began to skip while asking Toran questions from what she had asked about earlier. The surprised look on Toran's face had Kariudo choking back a laugh after he heard Kagome's question.
"Which part did you want to know?" Toran believed she could hide her absent brain trying to fish information from Kagome without her directly knowing.
"Well, for starters, did it hurt the first time?" Now bugged eyed Kariudo held a his hand over his mouth, he did not want to make a sound and the question Kagome just asked in no way seemed innocent. What had she said when they were tuned into their own heads.
"Now you have me confused, first time hurt what?" Toran was truly betwixt a rock and a hard place she should have been paying attention but she was trying to get information from her beast. Kagome looked at her tilting her head then asked.
"What do you remember about training and can you change form like Sesshomaru?" Oh this was an easy one.
"Hn. I remember well, then keep this in mind miko. Training will always hurt morning until night until you become better at what you are trying to accomplish even then practicing what you have learned will still hurt day and night but not half as bad. Once that is complete changing into beast form is not hard at all, however the first transformation always leaves you fatigue and dry mouthed. Then you have mastered what you have learned both logical and beast will never forget a move or lesson learned or shone until our dying day. Then perhaps one day you will be able to teach someone else what you have conquered." Kagome looked to be in thought when she asked.
"Wow, that sounded like you were living the reminder the way your face contorted from a frown to a grimace." Toran blinked, had she shown the dislike of a time when she first trained with her father?
"Be that as may Kagome, I too had to train from an early age most youkai do at least the intelligent ones." She knew then that her body was going to be in a world of hurt and that did scare her. No one likes pain. Kagome nodded her head in agreement.
"So true, you should have been there when I had to train in the pride lands. Hot desert sand was the worst but when I had to train in the jungle. Now that was exciting and I did enjoy learning how to swing from vines." Kagome's eyes were so big that she could not stop her mouth even if she wanted to.
"Wow tell me about Africa oh tell me about the jungle first, did you see any gorilla's, or the elephants and giraffes in the desert? What about the hippopotamus, and the crocodiles?" Kagome rambled while Kariudo thought of how a miko born in Japan who has not traveled outside of Nippon know about these animal/youkai?
"How do you, no let me rephrase that. How about you tell me what you know of Africa and I will tell you if it is true or not." Kagome didn't realize that she told them she knew a lot about animals in other countries.
"I read about them, though I one day wish to see them for myself. Majestic creatures live all over the world some are extinct do to humans hunting them down for sport." It was now Toran and Kariudo's turn to blink wide eyed.
"What was this word extinct? Did that mean there were no more living species do to the humans." Toran asked, looking at the miko then to Kariudo and back again.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. Extinct is when a species no longer lives. Humans have no concept of the damage they are doing to the world. Soon there won't be another species living if the humans have not already killed them all." Shaking his head Kariudo couldn't really imagine being without certain animals let alone those animals that are youkai.
"Who taught you to read Kagome? I've only seen shoguns, lords and army read never the women unless they were the wife of the shogun or high priestess?" Kagome knew what they were asking and it wouldn't hurt to say the truth with a bit of a spin.
"My dad taught me, he was a monk. In fact he taught me a lot of things even brought scrolls for me to study while he worked. As the years gone by my father would test my knowledge each time making sure I knew what it was I was talking about and then he taught me numbers, how to count, add, subtract and so much more. He called his office a living library." Both youkai nodded they could see how a monk needed to read and know about numbers and such but teaching a female was something different.
"I remember my dad telling my mother that I would one day be a high priestess, because he believed I could make a difference. He used to tell me never to follow another miko or monks belief if it was vastly different from our own." Toran nodded in agreement it was a smart move on his part. But Toran got the feeling that her father was no longer of the living world.
"You speak as if your father is no longer of the living. What happened to him?" Came Toran's gentle voice knowing this question may be hard for the miko.
"He was killed by bandits. They stole everything worth stealing not that we had much but they left him for dead. My mother and I had walked up the steps seeing a bloody trail from the front of the temple. The worst fear came to mind and we ran. My mother was five months long with my brother." Toran patted the miko's shoulder offering her sympathy and Kariudo shook his head as if saying it was a shame.
"My mother fell unconscious, I remember telling my father not to leave us that Kami couldn't take him away that we still needed him. My father's bloody hand touched my face making me look down at him. He said Kami has a plan that requires him to leave. That I will understand when I was older. He told me to never hold back and do whats right. Everyone deserves to live. By that time, I was crying on his chest he kissed my hand looking at my mother he said look after your mother she will need you after I'm gone. I love you all so very much and then he died." Kagome wiped the tears from her eyes remembering a time so long ago that she felt it then as she did now. Sorrow.
"I am truly sorry for your loss, it is hard especially when you are young yet he left you with something to remember him by." Kagome looked up at Kariudo with a smile her sadness dissipating each second.
"He did. I have a little brother that looks so much like him and I know when he grows up he'll be the strong ever joyful man of the house." Kagome wiped the tears from her eyes and laughed. She truly laughed with no sorrow to mar her scent. Both demons were amazed by Kagome's emotions were all humans like this?
"Well that was a good teary moment but enough of that." Kagome wiped the last of the tears from her eyes. "So what else do we have on the agenda for the rest of the day?" Kagome stated looking up to her new friends?
"We continue walking until we reach the next clearing then we camp and after we all have eaten, your training will begin." Kagome got up dusting herself off she bowed politely and with a swish of her arm out towards the trail they would be taking the youkai understood the gesture saying a "Thank you kind maiden." Earned them a sincere smile.
They were once again in their own thoughts making their way slowly it would be near dusk when they would reach the next clearing. Kagome herself had realized while talking to her inner self that she just couldn't call herself avatar or beast she was more than that so she decided to call the avatar and beast by name knowing that her souls were female. To say the least the beast was wondering what name they should be called. It took a while to figure out a name but when Kagome did it should have been obvious.
'I will call you Yuki, for you are beautiful as snow on a winters day. However, when we merge as one I'd like to call us (Burakku-Aisu) Black Ice. I think it fits us both once we finish training.'
Yuki, the name will work well. Then it is agreed upon, once we master and conquer all there is to learn and our soul is whole allowing us to merge when needed we will be called (Barakku-Aisu) Black Ice. It seemed like Kagome's beast liked her new name and the one they would use while joined together with the powers of dark and light they would become known as Black-Ice.
Taking a backseat in her mind allowing her beast Yuki to speak informing her of all the wonders of training and new skills they both will learn. It was then Kagome stopped Yuki alerting that her that she needed to speak to her companions about this new development. Yuki smiled on the inside.
'This should be amusing.'
Without hesitation the information spewed from Kagome's lips like a fine wine all the while the felines were in their own thoughts talking to their own beast while they feigned listening to the miko but couldn't help themselves something was different about her and they had yet to figure it out only if they had truly listened then they would have heard the information they sought. Kagome spoke about Yuki and the training she would go through. The miko was clueless to her traveling companions awareness though Yuki knew better.
The felines would give a smile or nod, when they thought it was needed. Toran and Kariudo tried to figure out the change in the miko but couldn't place what their senses already knew. What could it be? The logic and understanding was tugging at the felines mind causing the fine hair to stand on end, feeling the pulsing power coming from the miko and the sword Kariudo just acquired for her had their senses on high alert.
Toran looked to Kariudo to see if he knew of anything only for him to shrug his shoulders so they both went back to talking to their own beast at least Toran tried but her beast just seemed to laugh at her which Toran just hissed. Kariudo had no better luck he always had his beast in the back of his mind observing it was one to never talk unless during a battle so trying to get some information for it was pointless. Meanwhile the miko kept telling them details to what she could feel and how she had acquired a beast just from just her soul becoming one with her but wouldn't be whole until she retrieved the other piece of her soul Kikyo had.
Turing her head Toran squinted her eyes trying to figure out the miko's aura, scent and the strange power that seemed to caress and tease their senses as if saying.
'You can't deny that you feel it, taste it, fear it, for I'm strong, hear me roar.'
Toran knew Kagome had little to no training in using a sword let alone anything else besides the bow. She decided that Kagome was going to get the training she needed and Kariudo would be helping. Only if they knew what Kagome was capable of doing now that the souls were joined as one. Yuki was fascinated with the miko, the purity continued to pour from her soul while holding their demonic nature.
Yuki was content, yet anxious to use their skills and powers she want to see what they as one could do now that they were whole. But such things had to wait till they were much further away from the village before they could train their new powers. The sword in the miko's hand pulsed with power as if in agreement with Yuki. This is what brought Kagome's attention to the sword and to her companions saying what she thought would fit this moment.
"No words can really describe this feeling except magical." It wasn't long before the trio reached the edge of Tenbun Oka.
Kagome felt that things would be changing soon as all things do. She couldn't believe her luck but then again the thought of having an beast made her feel not so alone that she had someone to truly confide in. Kagome prayed that she wouldn't physically change much and she knew the Kami would do what was best for her. Coming out of her musings Kagome did a quick scan of herself touching her face, looking over her arms and so on smiling slightly that in fact she was still herself.
It was as if Kagome had a sudden urge to talk about the training she wanted so badly. was pleased until she noticed Toran and Kariudo were off in la la land. 'Did they even hear what I told them? I wonder if they even listened to a word I said? Those ungrateful cats, if they allowed me to think they were listening all along the nerve of them.' Kagome's mind ranted.
'We could have them walk into a wall of ice. That would get their attention.'
'I guess they don't want to know the interesting part, oh well, they'll find out sooner or later I guess. Oh the fun of being me.' Kagome mentally cheered. It would be best to talk to the cats before something happened that she could not control. Calling out their names and not getting any feedback Kagome became upset and angrier as they continued to ignore her.
"Ugggh!" Kagome huffed her anger getting the better of her as she stopped walking.
The two youkai were so focused on their thoughts to realize that the miko stopped talking and was glaring at them until she stood in her tracks waiting for either of them noticed her presence was no long behind them and not long after they did. Each knew something was missing but lacked a response to check to see what it was.
They never took notice of the silence as the two continued on their way. Their senses slammed into them, causing both of them to turn around noticing for themselves that the miko was not by their side. Toran turned around while Kariudo turned his head to look back. Both saw the disappointed reprimanding look the miko wore in the distance. The youkai looked to one another only for Kariudo to shrug his shoulders not knowing why the miko was looking at them heatedly until she began to pace back and forth shouting.
"That's it, I can't take it anymore!" Kagome declared. Toran looked at the miko puzzled as Kagome continued her tirade by stomping her foot left hand on hip until she had their complete attention.
Toran and Kariudo turned around to face the fuming miko with questioning glares of their own. Kagome began waving a finger and shouting at them when her aura and the unknown power began to flux. They should have been listening but were so fascinated with the changes in her that they just zoned out not realizing they had done anything wrong.
"AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE IF YOU DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR WHAT I HAVE TO SAY FINE! THEN SAY SOMETHING. JUST DON'T PRETEND THAT YOU'RE LISTENING WHEN IT'S CLEAR YOUR NOT! I HATE TALKING TO WALLS!" Kagome lost herself in the anger emotions that she kept bottled up for so long poured out of her like a raging river.
The two youkai became wary of this fact as the fine hairs stood on end as if she were a youkai sending out her youki in warning. Taking a step back Toran and Kariudo could not find fault to the miko's words yet they were more concerned about the power emanating from her and it wasn't the purification that caused alarm.
Leaping away at a safe distance from the angry miko they watched Kagome very carefully as she tried to calm down. Her power continued to flux and Kagome's body began to glow in a light shade of blue as wisps of red swirled around her like a vortex subconsciously she spoke.
"IT'S NOT LIKE I'M FORCING YOU TO LISTEN, I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW WHAT HAD CHANGED IN ME, BUT NO…. YOU KNOW WHAT I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU'D THINK! I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" Toran and Kariudo stood there listening trying to figure out what she was talking about when the miko's tone changed dramatically as did the strange power as it flickered into steady beats before disappearing.
"Stupid me for saying anything at all. Not like I can change it back, but then again why would I want too." Kagome didn't even notice the growl that escaped her mouth she was too focused fighting her emotions to see her companions shudder and rub their arms.
Kagome couldn't help it, she hated being ignored yet she questioned herself. 'WHY!' Wiping the tears from her face Kagome could here Yuki as she kept speaking to her telling her to be strong in the face of others that she was stronger than anyone believed. One thought ran through her mind at the time and that was to run.
So she did just that.
Yuki continued to speak telling her that someone with a pure heart and soul that she was someone powerful and worthy as the Kami Zoutou no Tengoku. Kagome reached the forest in no time her tears had dried from the wind leaving tears stains upon her face. The voice within calmed her spirits, giving her something to believe in. Herself.
It would be best not to show weakness in front of an ally or enemy. Clenching her fists Kagome knew Yuki was right. It was time that she learned how to control her emotions. Kagome never realized how far and fast she had traveled. Toran and Kariudo had to shake the stupor from their eyes as they had watched as the miko run. Toran and Kariudo came to the sudden realization that the miko had changed in more ways than one as they ran after her.
They needed to get to the bottom of this and were determined to get the answers needed to satisfy their curiosity but first they needed to catch her before she could harm someone or herself. They finally reached the miko who was propped up against a tree in deep thought. Stopping a few feet away from the miko Toran took the privilege to speak knowing Kagome had already sensed their presence.
Kagome had sensed them approach and looked down not wanting to see or talk to them yet. A rumbling sound bubbled up from her chest to her throat and out came a horrific growl stunning the youkai before her.
I think they got the roar of it. Yuki smiled in hindsight. Kagome wanted to giggle feeling the bark that came up and out of her mouth. It scared the felines and it also caused her to jump scaring herself at the same time.
"Forgive us Kagome, we happened to be in deep thought we heard most of what you have said that is why we were trying to figure out what has changed in you yet we could not place it at the time until now." Toran stated as Kariudo also voiced his concern.
"It is true Kagome something has changed within you yet we had no clue to what it is?" Kariudo got on his knees both hands in a prayer as he shimmied forward but keeping a safe distance should she want to attack.
"Please forgive our rudeness we meant no harm." He bowed down into the snow. Now how was Kagome to deal with that here she practically yelled at them for not listening when they were trying to decipher what had changed in her.
'Well if they had listened then they would have heard the part about awakening the youkai, elemental and Demi-Godess souls but somehow I doubt that. I guess I better explain to them about that part maybe then they'll know what happened.' Toran and Kariudo waited for the miko to respond testing the air Toran was about to speak when Kagome had.
"I'm sorry for yelling, it's just that I hate when no one pays attention to what I'm talking about and this is important at least it is to me." Kagome whispered the last part knowing they heard perfectly well.
"Apology excepted! Only if you except ours as well." Toran replied while Kariudo took a different approach.
"Kagome!" Kariudo called out earning a look of sadness from the miko. Walking up to her Kariudo pulled her into a hug earning a chop to the ribs for his efforts.
Looking deep into his eyes Kagome took in a deep breath to calm her nerves that were on overload. Blinking up at him Kagome noticed something strange. 'He smells like pumpkin spice!' Kariudo continued to look down on the miko seeing her blink several times as she took several deep breaths when the miko's eyes widened in surprise Kariudo spoke.
"What is it that surprises you? Let me guess you finally realized that your falling in love with me." That statement earned a deep blush from the miko who pulled away from his embrace shaking her head in denial.
"Gah, Ugh, no it's not that at all…." Kagome chided. Toran smirked at the two, Kariudo did have a way with the ningen.
"Then why do you blush so beautifully?" Kariudo questioned wanting to know the reason.
"It's just you…" Kagome trailed off sniffing at him again to make sure what she smelled was in fact pumpkin spice and sure enough it was.
"Just what Kagome." Toran questioned watching the miko as she sniffed at Kariudo.
"You smell like pumpkin spice did you by chance eat pumpkin bread. So strange that I can smell it. But that's what you smell like." Confusion laced both youkai faces 'How was Kagome able to determine what he smelled like.'
"And how do you know of this?" Toran asked already knowing the miko could not answer fully.
"I know what pumpkins smell like, I have eaten it before, but Kariudo wearing it is a different story. Now lets test my nose on you Toran." Kagome said with a smile skipping to Toran who looked down at her saying.
"It appears that whatever you and Yanagi did somehow empowered your senses. What are you, miko refrain from sniffing me there. That is rude to have done that." Toran stated to a happy but flustered Kagome.
"I just wanted to see what you smell like and that's a tough one. I know the base of your smell which is vanilla, but the rest is hard to figure out." Kagome sniffed again towards Toran not wanting to upset her with how close she had been and sniffing the neck was a good a place as any to sniff, right? That's where Inu Yasha and Shippo had sniffed not to mention Sesshomaru also did that once with the poison master from the band of seven.
"It seems your senses have grown stronger. Tell me is there anything else you can sense, see, hear or smell?" Kariudo added while Kagome looked in thought.
"I can sense the village, small animals and small youkai animals not to far off. Then I can smell the crisp fresh scent of snow and the pine trees oh and "sniff-sniff" um wildflowers Cyclamen, Scilla, Snowdrop and is that Witch Hazel? Hmm never expected that growing in winter. Anyways, I don't just sense or smell things. I can hear and see further than I have before, The air is fresh, so crisp and clean. Yes a good day to begin anew." There was no mistaking it Kagome somehow acquired enhanced senses while in Yanagi's care.
"Tell me Kagome do you hear someone or something talking in your head?" Kagome looked up so fast wondering if they finally figured out what she was trying to convey.
"That's what I was trying to tell you when I had yelled for your opinion." Toran blinked back the surprise.
"Very well what does it say to you?" Toran was curious to what the voice would be telling the miko. She knew the miko was special but to inherit a beast had never been heard of even if you had youkai souls.
"For starters, I named her Yuki. She has been telling me about all the souls I hold and how we became one when we were with Yanagi. Yuki tells me that we will need to train to become stronger learning more about our senses and how to control our power when our soul is whole." What Kagome told them was not what Toran had been thinking putting her mind to rest Toran nodded at Kagome.
"So you named your beast Yuki, it suits her I would say. Now about when your soul is whole? Would that have to deal with the living dead miko Kikyo." Toran knew the answer she just wanted Kagome to confirm it.
"Yes, Yuki says we will have to call our soul back in order to grow stronger to reach our true potential." Kagome looked down in thought wondering how she would be able to kill Kikyo well not really kill her because she was dead already. The question remained would she have to do it by force or will Kikyo give it back to her if she asked?
"The only thing that worries me is that she may not want to give up my piece of soul, will I have to fight for it?" Toran looked thoughtful nodding her head in understanding. Kariudo looked lost but soon caught on when Toran bopped him on the head.
"It may come down to that if you want to be whole and grow stronger. I doubt Inu Yasha will let you take the soul back. He may be a problem." Kagome sighed, yeah she knew that would happen for sure. 'He really didn't care about me as I look at it from another point of view. Oh well can't make everyone happy.'
Indeed, if she even dares think about touching you, I will literally bite her hand off. Wait I take that back, I don't like the taste of graveyard soil and ashes. Yuk. Just the thought of it has me wanting to sneeze. Kagome snorted out loud listening to Yuki talk if having a beast was this much amusing then there would be no stopping her from laughing out loud and Kami help her, she loved to laugh.
"It seems your beast Yuki has amusing words to share with you." Kagome looked up at Toran with a small smile.
"I find her quite amusing for the time being she gave me something to laugh about and I couldn't help but snort otherwise I would have choked out my laugh not getting enough oxygen to my brain." Now it was Toran who had tried to hide a knowing smirk. Who would have thought that having a beast stops the loneliness from biting into your heart and would begin helping it heal and I heard her laugh.
Amusing am I, Ka-go-me. Yuki tried to sound deep and it came out like a dying calf.
'Oh stop your going to make me pee my pants. That's just too funny.' Kagome wiped the slobbers off her mouth before making a hasty retreat to relieve herself. Coming back from her nature break Kagome asked that when they set up camp could they teach her some combat moves.
Toran knew Kagome had little experience when it came to fighting with or without weapons. The only exception was her bow though Kagome was good she needed to be great. Now that Kagome had gained a beast along with the weapons and clothes she desperately needed she would honor Kagome's request beginning with hand to hand combat. That way when they were on the move Kagome could practice the hand movements following what her beast instructed.
This should prove interesting. Came Toran's beast.
The thought was gone when Toran caught the scent that Kariudo did. Toran looked up at Kariudo who nodded then moved ahead of them then disappeared altogether. Toran licked her lips. Seems Kariudo was hunting down a boar for the evening meal. Kagome shrugged her shoulders seeing Toran lick her lips seems they would be setting up camp sooner than later. With a smile Kagome hurried up her pace she was hungry and knew they'd be eating a good portion of meat and procuring the rest for travel. Turning to look back at the road it began losing its path to the village. Turning back around Kagome bumped Toran's arm gaining her attention.
"So were setting up camp soon?" Kagome proudly stated hearing the soft grunt of the boar as it made its last breath. Toran looked down at her.
"It seems so, there is a spot in the cusp of trees to make camp and a fire." Looking to where to suggested indeed it would be a good spot there was not much snow covering the ground do to the trees.
Kagome right away began gather stones to build the hearth fire pit. Two foot long 'y' shaped sticks and a straight one which she began to sharpen on the rock. Kariudo moved into camp and dusted off the first layer of snow at the edge of camp and dumped the skinned and gutted boar onto the fresh packed snow before carving the meat for everyone. To his surprise Kagome had asked him to cut out the bacon. Kariudo had no clue what this bacon was and he asked her. Kagome had blinked not knowing if he was kidding her or not.
"I assure you I have no idea what bacon is do you Toran?" In all honesty Toran had heard of it but had never seen it and she told them.
"I've only heard ningen talk about it a few times, I only know it comes from pig or boar stomach." Kagome was floored then remembered youkai didn't need to cook their food.
"Your right its from pigs or boars. Its a fatty section with little to no meat typically called the pork belly but you can find it mostly anywhere on a pig or boar. However, the look and imagined taste is really deceiving the eye and mouth when its cooked properly." Explaining bacon to a demon is a first for Kagome even though she should have known she had to explain it to Inu Yasha and Shippo when she had brought some from her time.
"Hm now I understand which part of the fatty meat you want." With a flip of the boar Kariudo began slicing out the pork belly area for Kagome to cook.
"Um can you cut that into thin slices this way it will cook better. I guarantee that you'll love it when its done cooking plus the smell is mouth watering." Kagome licked her lips seeing how much bacon was actually cut from the pork belly. Toran smiled she would be the judge of that.
The carcass of the boar was picked clean four stacks of meat awaited to be taken. Kariudo handed Kagome the bacon in sections seeing how there was quite a lot of it. Kagome had found the flat stones she needed to construct the hearth. Digging a small hole in the ground Kagome began lining the hole with the flat rocks then began making the cover with the rounded stones. Taking the hot stones from the fire she added them to the hearth at the end away from the food.
She had Toran and Kariudo look for tade leaves to cover and cook the meat in and peat moss that could be used to seal the cracks in the rocks. Once the task of sealing the hearth cracks was done Kagome began tearing and placing the tade leaves on the flat rocks. Digging into her skinned pouch pulling out a small pouch that kept her salt she made, Kagome sprinkled the meat with salt then placed the bacon and jerky meat into the hearth then covered it with the tade leaves.
Kagome planned on making enough bacon and jerky to last a while she knew there would be no way to cook in the higher elevations. Kagome added some melted snow to the hot rocks causing them to steam she quickly closed the gap with more stones and peat moss Kagome added more wood to the fire then took off the top rock of her hearth allowing the steam from the bacon and jerky fill the air around them taking a deep sniff Kagome sat back and looked at her handy work before spearing her smaller pieces of meat to the spit. Kagome let the fire do its job. She smiled in satisfaction.
Kagome couldn't wait till the food was done cooking however, a pang in her lower gut signaled she needed to relieve herself. Kariudo held out a large slab of pork out to Toran who took it carefully gathering a snow pile she placed the meat upon it and began slicing it up to eat while Kariudo just cut the large piece into four then bit into the smaller one without a care and sat down to continue his meal. Kagome finally got the fire going strong. Taking each piece of meat she re-stabbed them flipping them over fire where it hung. She couldn't wait for the pork to be done she was practically starving.
Toran had some one on one hand to hand combat training and knew this was going to be tough and hard to learn the first few days, into weeks and who better to help in that department other than the shishi himself. .
"Kariudo we have much to do!" Kariudo looked at Toran his eyes narrowing in wonder as to what they were going to be doing. With a bonk on the head he remembered training Kagome teaching her hand to hand combat.
"Kagome you done hiding?" Toran threatened earning a quizzical look from Kagome not understanding her meaning.
"Look at yourself miko? Tell me what you see?" Toran stated sensing a change in the miko.
"I see myself?" Kagome smiled finally understanding what Toran meant.
"Look within!" Sighing Kagome closed her eyes and took several deep breaths so that she could search for whatever Toran saw or felt. After a few minutes Kagome could find nothing out of the ordinary so she opened her eyes and met Toran's.
Look within your soul and tell me what it is that you sense!" Kariudo stood still not daring to move the red hued eyes spoke ill-intent but somehow the miko called the beast that was looming within her back into her cage. Taking a much needed breath of air Kariudo didn't know he was holding out.
It was long match, Kariudo kept a slow pace always tapping Kagome's hand as if saying I gotcha. Kagome would pull back then jam her hands forward towards her opponent back and forth each tried landing a hit on the other smelling that the miko's meat was finally done cooking he called a halt to the match when she bowed to him waving her hands frantically in the air.
"Wooohoo Toran, I lasted longer this time round than the last two and I've only landed on my behind four times. This is so much fun, I don't know why the others' would never train me." That thought brought Kagome to missing her friends and little Shippo whom she loved so dearly.
When she would meet with her friends again Kagome would tell Shippo what she wanted and hopefully he would agree. With that happy thought Kagome removed her meat from the fire and set it down going to the hearth she checked on the rocks seeing they were no longer steaming she took them out and sat them by the fire only to put her gloved potholder and quickly grabbed hot rock after hot rock and stuffed them back into the spot where the other rocks were so she could finish the meat quickly. Taking up her meat on the skewer Kagome bit into the delicious salted pork humming while she ate with the others in peace.
End chapter.
I hope you all enjoyed the update and newer version of my story. Please be kind and Review, it helps keep me motivated.
Japanese Word Translations:
Yuki: Snow
Kariudo: Hunter Shishi: LionNingen: HumanBaka: Idiot, stupid fool etc.
Shimatta: Damn it, shit,
Yougan: Lava
Ro-zu: RoseKinu: Silk Hanabira: Petal Senritsu: MelodyYanagi: WillowTenbun Oka: Destiny Hill