CHAPTER 4: TIME
Kagome stood at the top of the mountain steps, a cool breeze lifting her hair. She looked down them. Behind her was a mile and a half of stairs. It was an under statement to say she was winded, but she had been able to do it nonetheless. She guessed climbing the shrine steps everyday had really helped. The cool breeze chilled her heated skin nicely and she took a breather. Man, what is it with dojos being on really tall mountains? Must be to prove worth, if you can climb, you can come. Lifting her duffel bag with a few clothes onto her shoulder, she walked slowly to the entrance. It was an old style Japanese dojo, with the sliding thick paper doors and wooden platform holding it up. It wasn't very big, but could easily out do her house. Out back, she assumed there was a training rink, for weapons or something. Every once and a while along the path, she passed a sakura tree, its sweet blossoms tinting the air with their pleasant scent. She wondered if the sakura's were blossoming for Miroku and Sango. The trees were very romantic in some eyes, and if she knew her friends, Miroku probably would have made a move now. She smirked. Damn pervert.
The wooden porch stairs thudded as she stepped up, and approached the door. She took a breath. Her grandfather had warned her, if she was to accept this, she was to be behaved and do every thing Nishi-sensei said for her to do. And if she couldn't take the training anymore, she could come home. She didn't plan on going any time soon.
She raised a hand to knock, but was stopped when the door suddenly slid open. There Nishi stood, face hard, hands behind his back. She blinked.
"Come," it was a simple command, but it took Kagome by surprise. What had happened to the kind man at her house?
He sensed her confused air and turned to her, "I will tell you now Kagome, you are now training under me, and that means I am no longer your friend. I am you sensei. You will do everything I say, and if you fail to comply, you will start over. The training will be hard and intense, and only your meager clothes will supply you. I do not want to outside world distracting you. I will take you to your room, where I will give you your first task."
He turned his back again and walked strictly down the hall. She hurried to catch up. Well, that answered her question. Curiosity getting the better, she searched her surroundings. The walls were plain beige, the floor wood. She could find no art, or decoration of any sort. She gulped. What had she gotten into? He stopped curtly in front of a door and slid it open.
"This will be your room." She looked in and frowned. It was just like the rest of the place, plain and boring, but add a bed. "I have a bathing house out back, right behind the kitchen."
She nodded and turned to give her gratitude. But she screamed and flew back as his hand raced past her head. She bent back up, alert now, and stared at him. He nodded approvingly. "What are you doing!?"
"Your reflexes are better than I expected. You have more skill than I thought. Here this is your first task," he reached around his back and pulled out a black strip of cloth. He handed it to her. She raised a brow. "It is your blindfold. You will wear it all day, every day. You may only take it off in your room. Otherwise, it stays on, even if you're eating. I want to heighten your senses first. And Kagome, raise bright and early, we start tomorrow."
She watched him go, her alertness higher than ever. Well, if he was going to take cheap shots at her like that, she'd better start. Dumping her duffel bag on the floor. The only things in there were a few shirts and a pair of jeans, wash things, her brush, and pictures. Pictures of her family and...her family. Her face softened and she opened her bag, taking out a small stack. On top was her family, and the rest...well, the rest were her other family. The first one that hit her eyes was one of Miroku and Sango, sitting what would look peacefully. But truth was, Miroku had a good smack on his cheek and Sango was glaring daggers at him. She flipped. Shippo stuffing his face with a candy bar. Flip. Shippo looking up curiously at the camera, a face so cute it was illegal. She smiled a small smile. They were all so impressed with the little disposable camera. It flashed at them and they jumped, still confused how it imprinted them on paper. But she came back a week later with the developed photos, gaining their attention to no end. Some of them were crooked, some one else taking a picture. She laughed as one came up. It was taken at a hot spring, of her with nothing but a towel on striking a skimpy pose, Sango laughing her ass off behind the camera. She had forgotten it was in there, and quickly snatched it when Miroku was about to lay eyes on it. Sango knew instantly which one it was and laughed madly. She sighed. Flip. Good times. Ah, and one of her favorites. She had caught Inuyasha off guard as he stared up at the stars, a gentle look taking his features. Of course it was over when the flash went off. She sighed again. Why wasn't it still that way? Why was she here, moping over pictures of her friends instead of being there with them? She knew. Inuyasha. It was Inuyasha's fault she could say, but she knew the truth. It was her's, because she was weak. Because she was useless. So she was replaced with Kikyou. Her fist clenched. She had never really hated anyone before, but every since that woman had stepped into the frame, Kagome couldn't stop the feelings that rage din side of her. That's why she got mad when he went to see her, that's why she hurt sometimes. And now, her worst fear had come true. Inuyasha had turned back to Kikyou, all because she couldn't be who Kikyou was. Well damn it, that going to change. She was going to become strong; she was going to be better. Better then Kikyou. Hell, better than Inuyasha. That gave her a nice tug of smugness. Wouldn't it just really gut him if she was better then him? Oh she could see it now, her kicking ass, and him watching shocked. Then he would see. Her resolve renewed, she tied the blindfold to her head and entered the world of darkness.
1 month later:
It's been a month. A whole month. Sango sighed. Oh to the gods how she missed Kagome. That girl was the only sister she had, and she left. All thanks to a certain someone. She glared at his back. Stupid hanyou, so thickheaded and stubborn. Didn't know a good thing even if it bit him in the ass. Oh, he put on a good face and made everyone think he was fine. But she knew, she saw right through him. That boy was suffering, and she was enjoying every bit of it. Shippo shifted in her arms, getting comfortable with Kirara. Her arms were tired, but she wouldn't complain. These two were the only ones who were warm any more, and the only things that gave comfort. Oh, Houshi-sama was still his flirtatious self with her, but she knew once again. Kagome's lose had been a blow to him too. His normally light air was now clouded with thoughtful silences, and his only happy moments she saw was when he gave into temptation and gave her a good feel. But even to her, they were half hearted. Of course, it wouldn't go without a smack, but she too gave it half-heartedly. It just wasn't the same. She missed how Kagome would roll her eyes at Miroku, and laugh as Sango stormed past her in an angry huff. She missed Kagome's bright mind, and inquisitive romantic ideas. She sighed, a sigh that was sighed many times before. She just missed Kagome. She was sure Miroku did too, but he pulled together better than she did. Shippo missed her, and she could even see Kirara missed her, her normally flicking tails lifeless and still. And it was all because of a certain hanyou.
But Sango had to be fair though. As she stared at the couple in front of her, she forced back her scowl. She'd hate to admit it, but she'd rather have Miroku grope her fifty times a day than have a relationship like Inuyasha and Kikyou's. To Kikyou, it was like she had won a war. She kept a strong smooth step and held her head high, and walked with Inuyasha like he was a prize. But of course, she knew better. The bitch was manipulative and had something scheming in her head; Sango could practically hear the sparks go off in her head. Every since she had joined their little quest, she had wormed her way into Inuyasha's head, training him like an obedient puppy. Though Sango would have seen that any day, she much preferred the famous 'sits' Kagome gave him. At least then he responded. But now, he walked on like it didn't matter any more. He cheered up if a jewel shard was sensed, but quickly reclaimed his quiet demeanor as soon as it was retrieved. And she often woke up to find him staring into space, Kikyou asleep beside him, or her head in his lap. That was when she saw the real him. His face was blank and his eyes empty. Sango didn't want to hate him; he was suffering as them, but couldn't help herself. The stupid hanyou had gotten rid of her only friend, sister, and 'gal pal', as Kagome had said. It didn't help much that he was in his little stupor, they had started with three jewel shards, and now they were down to two, losing and gaining some along the way. Sango knew, she knew everything. Kagome was missed.
The same time:
Nishi scowled again at his apprentice. She sat in the middle of an empty room, legs crossed, relaxed and set free. He could feel the energy in the room; it floated and drifted around her. It was the same. He knew she sensed him, even if it was meagerly. She was not making the progress he was sure she would. This girl had so much potential, why did she not use it? For the past month it has been this way, and still, she could not see. She had adjusted to the blindfold faster than he thought, finding her way around and able to eat like regular. But she still could not see. He 'saw' her aura falter as she neared sleep. Like every day. Form dawn till dusk, she meditated, and ended up falling asleep. She had told him she was bored, that she couldn't help it.
He sighed and approached her, her colors parting for him. "All right that's it. I've had it."
Her head snapped up, her now sensitive hearing picking up his footfalls. She switched to her knees and lowered her head. "What do you mean sensei?"
"This," he flung a hand, "your progress. I know you can do better. Kagome, what is wrong? Can you not feel it? Your true senses are screaming at you to wake up!"
She lowered her head further. Yes she had felt it. And was hesitating. She wasn't sure she could do this.
"I think its time to increase your training," her head snapped up, blind eyes going wide, "it is necessary. You are not searching for the potential you know you have. And besides, I think I've been going easy on you. All my other pupils were male, and since you are not, I knew not how to treat you. But now I do. You are just the same as them, so you get nothing special. Eat healthy tonight Kagome, it will be your last."
She blinked her covered eyes, "what are you saying sensei?"
He stood tall, "you are to go to the lone hut, near the top. That is there for final stages of training, but I see I must use it. You are to stay there and meditate, focus your senses with your aura. You are to fast, nor bath. You will stay, ignore your body and not return until you have achieved the sense."
"But what if-"
"Don't worry, I will know if you are in trouble. I know all that goes on at my dojo. Now quick and eat, you leave tonight."
:::::::::::another chapter, another step to payback.
Shout outs:
Bubblebean022: I know, I mad it that way. I wanted some thing different.
Swimchick1614: yep, that's what I'm going for!
Jammies2000: yes it is. Just don't tell!
Goddess of desires: at least someone got it...some what.
Shelly: she will be and it might seem that way for a while, but its really not. I know confusing.
eMePlOyNoOoPeE: oh, yes! Kickin some ass!
Kagome stood at the top of the mountain steps, a cool breeze lifting her hair. She looked down them. Behind her was a mile and a half of stairs. It was an under statement to say she was winded, but she had been able to do it nonetheless. She guessed climbing the shrine steps everyday had really helped. The cool breeze chilled her heated skin nicely and she took a breather. Man, what is it with dojos being on really tall mountains? Must be to prove worth, if you can climb, you can come. Lifting her duffel bag with a few clothes onto her shoulder, she walked slowly to the entrance. It was an old style Japanese dojo, with the sliding thick paper doors and wooden platform holding it up. It wasn't very big, but could easily out do her house. Out back, she assumed there was a training rink, for weapons or something. Every once and a while along the path, she passed a sakura tree, its sweet blossoms tinting the air with their pleasant scent. She wondered if the sakura's were blossoming for Miroku and Sango. The trees were very romantic in some eyes, and if she knew her friends, Miroku probably would have made a move now. She smirked. Damn pervert.
The wooden porch stairs thudded as she stepped up, and approached the door. She took a breath. Her grandfather had warned her, if she was to accept this, she was to be behaved and do every thing Nishi-sensei said for her to do. And if she couldn't take the training anymore, she could come home. She didn't plan on going any time soon.
She raised a hand to knock, but was stopped when the door suddenly slid open. There Nishi stood, face hard, hands behind his back. She blinked.
"Come," it was a simple command, but it took Kagome by surprise. What had happened to the kind man at her house?
He sensed her confused air and turned to her, "I will tell you now Kagome, you are now training under me, and that means I am no longer your friend. I am you sensei. You will do everything I say, and if you fail to comply, you will start over. The training will be hard and intense, and only your meager clothes will supply you. I do not want to outside world distracting you. I will take you to your room, where I will give you your first task."
He turned his back again and walked strictly down the hall. She hurried to catch up. Well, that answered her question. Curiosity getting the better, she searched her surroundings. The walls were plain beige, the floor wood. She could find no art, or decoration of any sort. She gulped. What had she gotten into? He stopped curtly in front of a door and slid it open.
"This will be your room." She looked in and frowned. It was just like the rest of the place, plain and boring, but add a bed. "I have a bathing house out back, right behind the kitchen."
She nodded and turned to give her gratitude. But she screamed and flew back as his hand raced past her head. She bent back up, alert now, and stared at him. He nodded approvingly. "What are you doing!?"
"Your reflexes are better than I expected. You have more skill than I thought. Here this is your first task," he reached around his back and pulled out a black strip of cloth. He handed it to her. She raised a brow. "It is your blindfold. You will wear it all day, every day. You may only take it off in your room. Otherwise, it stays on, even if you're eating. I want to heighten your senses first. And Kagome, raise bright and early, we start tomorrow."
She watched him go, her alertness higher than ever. Well, if he was going to take cheap shots at her like that, she'd better start. Dumping her duffel bag on the floor. The only things in there were a few shirts and a pair of jeans, wash things, her brush, and pictures. Pictures of her family and...her family. Her face softened and she opened her bag, taking out a small stack. On top was her family, and the rest...well, the rest were her other family. The first one that hit her eyes was one of Miroku and Sango, sitting what would look peacefully. But truth was, Miroku had a good smack on his cheek and Sango was glaring daggers at him. She flipped. Shippo stuffing his face with a candy bar. Flip. Shippo looking up curiously at the camera, a face so cute it was illegal. She smiled a small smile. They were all so impressed with the little disposable camera. It flashed at them and they jumped, still confused how it imprinted them on paper. But she came back a week later with the developed photos, gaining their attention to no end. Some of them were crooked, some one else taking a picture. She laughed as one came up. It was taken at a hot spring, of her with nothing but a towel on striking a skimpy pose, Sango laughing her ass off behind the camera. She had forgotten it was in there, and quickly snatched it when Miroku was about to lay eyes on it. Sango knew instantly which one it was and laughed madly. She sighed. Flip. Good times. Ah, and one of her favorites. She had caught Inuyasha off guard as he stared up at the stars, a gentle look taking his features. Of course it was over when the flash went off. She sighed again. Why wasn't it still that way? Why was she here, moping over pictures of her friends instead of being there with them? She knew. Inuyasha. It was Inuyasha's fault she could say, but she knew the truth. It was her's, because she was weak. Because she was useless. So she was replaced with Kikyou. Her fist clenched. She had never really hated anyone before, but every since that woman had stepped into the frame, Kagome couldn't stop the feelings that rage din side of her. That's why she got mad when he went to see her, that's why she hurt sometimes. And now, her worst fear had come true. Inuyasha had turned back to Kikyou, all because she couldn't be who Kikyou was. Well damn it, that going to change. She was going to become strong; she was going to be better. Better then Kikyou. Hell, better than Inuyasha. That gave her a nice tug of smugness. Wouldn't it just really gut him if she was better then him? Oh she could see it now, her kicking ass, and him watching shocked. Then he would see. Her resolve renewed, she tied the blindfold to her head and entered the world of darkness.
1 month later:
It's been a month. A whole month. Sango sighed. Oh to the gods how she missed Kagome. That girl was the only sister she had, and she left. All thanks to a certain someone. She glared at his back. Stupid hanyou, so thickheaded and stubborn. Didn't know a good thing even if it bit him in the ass. Oh, he put on a good face and made everyone think he was fine. But she knew, she saw right through him. That boy was suffering, and she was enjoying every bit of it. Shippo shifted in her arms, getting comfortable with Kirara. Her arms were tired, but she wouldn't complain. These two were the only ones who were warm any more, and the only things that gave comfort. Oh, Houshi-sama was still his flirtatious self with her, but she knew once again. Kagome's lose had been a blow to him too. His normally light air was now clouded with thoughtful silences, and his only happy moments she saw was when he gave into temptation and gave her a good feel. But even to her, they were half hearted. Of course, it wouldn't go without a smack, but she too gave it half-heartedly. It just wasn't the same. She missed how Kagome would roll her eyes at Miroku, and laugh as Sango stormed past her in an angry huff. She missed Kagome's bright mind, and inquisitive romantic ideas. She sighed, a sigh that was sighed many times before. She just missed Kagome. She was sure Miroku did too, but he pulled together better than she did. Shippo missed her, and she could even see Kirara missed her, her normally flicking tails lifeless and still. And it was all because of a certain hanyou.
But Sango had to be fair though. As she stared at the couple in front of her, she forced back her scowl. She'd hate to admit it, but she'd rather have Miroku grope her fifty times a day than have a relationship like Inuyasha and Kikyou's. To Kikyou, it was like she had won a war. She kept a strong smooth step and held her head high, and walked with Inuyasha like he was a prize. But of course, she knew better. The bitch was manipulative and had something scheming in her head; Sango could practically hear the sparks go off in her head. Every since she had joined their little quest, she had wormed her way into Inuyasha's head, training him like an obedient puppy. Though Sango would have seen that any day, she much preferred the famous 'sits' Kagome gave him. At least then he responded. But now, he walked on like it didn't matter any more. He cheered up if a jewel shard was sensed, but quickly reclaimed his quiet demeanor as soon as it was retrieved. And she often woke up to find him staring into space, Kikyou asleep beside him, or her head in his lap. That was when she saw the real him. His face was blank and his eyes empty. Sango didn't want to hate him; he was suffering as them, but couldn't help herself. The stupid hanyou had gotten rid of her only friend, sister, and 'gal pal', as Kagome had said. It didn't help much that he was in his little stupor, they had started with three jewel shards, and now they were down to two, losing and gaining some along the way. Sango knew, she knew everything. Kagome was missed.
The same time:
Nishi scowled again at his apprentice. She sat in the middle of an empty room, legs crossed, relaxed and set free. He could feel the energy in the room; it floated and drifted around her. It was the same. He knew she sensed him, even if it was meagerly. She was not making the progress he was sure she would. This girl had so much potential, why did she not use it? For the past month it has been this way, and still, she could not see. She had adjusted to the blindfold faster than he thought, finding her way around and able to eat like regular. But she still could not see. He 'saw' her aura falter as she neared sleep. Like every day. Form dawn till dusk, she meditated, and ended up falling asleep. She had told him she was bored, that she couldn't help it.
He sighed and approached her, her colors parting for him. "All right that's it. I've had it."
Her head snapped up, her now sensitive hearing picking up his footfalls. She switched to her knees and lowered her head. "What do you mean sensei?"
"This," he flung a hand, "your progress. I know you can do better. Kagome, what is wrong? Can you not feel it? Your true senses are screaming at you to wake up!"
She lowered her head further. Yes she had felt it. And was hesitating. She wasn't sure she could do this.
"I think its time to increase your training," her head snapped up, blind eyes going wide, "it is necessary. You are not searching for the potential you know you have. And besides, I think I've been going easy on you. All my other pupils were male, and since you are not, I knew not how to treat you. But now I do. You are just the same as them, so you get nothing special. Eat healthy tonight Kagome, it will be your last."
She blinked her covered eyes, "what are you saying sensei?"
He stood tall, "you are to go to the lone hut, near the top. That is there for final stages of training, but I see I must use it. You are to stay there and meditate, focus your senses with your aura. You are to fast, nor bath. You will stay, ignore your body and not return until you have achieved the sense."
"But what if-"
"Don't worry, I will know if you are in trouble. I know all that goes on at my dojo. Now quick and eat, you leave tonight."
:::::::::::another chapter, another step to payback.
Shout outs:
Bubblebean022: I know, I mad it that way. I wanted some thing different.
Swimchick1614: yep, that's what I'm going for!
Jammies2000: yes it is. Just don't tell!
Goddess of desires: at least someone got it...some what.
Shelly: she will be and it might seem that way for a while, but its really not. I know confusing.
eMePlOyNoOoPeE: oh, yes! Kickin some ass!