CHAPTER 7: THE RETURN
Damn it! Where was the old bat? Kagome scanned the air with her now controlled skin, tiny hairs rising and falling at will. She just had to read the book didn't she? Though it was very interesting and very helpful in some aspects, he just had to notice it was gone. Of course he had asked about, if she was reading it, if she was practicing from it and so on. She was reading it, and she considered a few spells and wards, but not really. But then he found she was reading the stupid book and made it a part of her training.
The old sword shifted in her nervous hands. For some weeks now she's been using it, getting use to the weight and feel of it, and soon enough he said it would be like another limb. She twitched her head to the side as she felt a vibration. She growled. Stupid ward, why couldn't she have read faster? Currently, Kagome stood in the middle of a large empty room, feet planted apart in the stance she was taught, both hands gripping the hilt of the sword firmly. Behind the cloth over her eyes, they slowly roamed over the misty forms of the room. The ward he was using was to block energy and presence, and it was working damn well. Once and a while she'd pick up a flash and try to attack, but the space would be empty. He might have been old, but damn if he wasn't fast!
Kagome calmed her breathing. She needed to focus, become aware of everything in the room. No easy task when the one object you were looking for had a ward plastered to his arm, blacking his scent and feel from her. Oh he was tricky all right, and if she didn't admire that about him. She felt a tingling, and back flipped just in time to save her shins as one of his daggers went streaking past her legs. His form disappeared again, she crouched to the ground. If she couldn't smell, hear or see him, she could use another feel. Keeping her sword defensive, she planted a palm on the floor and waited. It was some time before he moved again, the shuffle of his feet giving off subtle vibrations. They neared her rapidly, and she shot out her blade to clash with his in a show of sparks.
"Good, your getting better, improvising," he grunted as they parted, Kagome going to a respectable corner of the room.
She smirked a little to herself. Yeah she was good, a lot better than she had been. No longer did her feet thump when she ran, but whispered over the ground at break neck speed. That's her favorite part of her skill. It made her feel free for a time, the wind whistling past her, the rush of speed a heady high. Her velocity and speed allowed her to jump great heights and distances, something you would see Inuyasha do. Her strength came next, firm muscle rippling under tough skin. She didn't exactly lose weight, but she no longer had her baby fat. In it s place was toned hard muscle, earned by fasting and training for hours on end. Her skin became taunt and tough, minor scars from previous spars with Nishi nicking her legs or arms. She developed a nice tan, better than from the feudal era, and her features struck more on the eye. She had a graceful way about her, flowing smoothly from one to the other, attacking or defending. She was no longer the weak miko girl that we all know, but a ready warrior miko, a hard glint to her grin and excited way about her in a fight. And she loved it.
Her distracting thoughts gone, she was just in time to feel the air thicken around her, the feeling of Nishi approaching and she blocked the blade that came down horizontal, and she grunted in effort. This bastard was strong. She threw him back, the ward shimmering around him, giving her a view. She slashed vertical, and he avoided it a split second in time. Metal was heard clashing, sparks flying, as she cut and blocked. But she smiled all the while. She was playing with him by now, and he knew it. A bang was heard, and Kagome stopped her sword an inch form his throat as his was flung several feet. He panted softly, not of his old age, but the challenge he actually had of keeping her at bay. She waited moment longer before sheathing the sword in the sheath as her hip. She offered a hand and Nishi was yanked to his feet. He shook his head.
"And yet another disappointment on my part, for yet another student ahs surpassed me."
"Don't say that sensei, I still have much to learn," Kagome said, a flutter in her chest at the words.
He shook his head again, "that you do, but its nothing I can teach you."
He threw a towel at her to wipe her sweating face; she caught it but brought it to her face slowly. Her lips twitched worriedly. She had mastered the master, and her training was over. She wanted to protest and say it was just another test, but she knew better. Even in the past month of her training, she knew it would end soon. And to her surprise, she didn't want to leave. She liked Nishi adored him, and liked his comforting wise company. And she liked the peacefulness of the dojo; it reminded her of the country of the feudal era, the reminder neither a good nor bad thing. But...it was coming to an end, and she had to accept that.
Nishi felt her discomfort, and patted her shoulder gently. He led her down a hall, and tried to ease her sadness with his presence, tearing the ward form his arm. "We knew this day would come Kagome, it can't be avoided. But what troubles me is that it came this quickly." He stopped her and faced her hesitant aura. "Kagome, I know you told me you preferred not to speak of your reasons to be here, but with all that's happened, I believe I have a right to know. Come this way."
He led her to a room with a few cushions to sit, and a waiting pot of tea on a warmer. He poured the calming tea into cups and handed her one. She accepted it, but not what eh wanted. He wanted to know the truth, the real truth. She couldn't just lie and say she wanted to kick ass, cause no that's not the whole reason. She couldn't lie because eh would know. It was amazing what subtle changes in the voice could reveal. She rotated the steaming cup in hands and tried to calm her frantic thoughts. She had tried to avoid all thoughts of Inuyasha and the shikon jewel unless she was training, which gave her enough emotion to push herself. But now, in his serene room, she had no excuse to bring the memories up. But he wanted to know, and he was her sensei. She could not just ignore him.
"I...I don't know exactly where to start..."
"Take your time, that's all we have."
She nodded, and told all. She told him everything, the shikon jewel, the demons, her friends, Inuyasha. She told till her voice grew hoarse and she had to take a sip of cold tea. All the while, he remained passive, nodding periodically. It irked her to know it reminded her of Sesshomaru. When she was done, crickets could be with the cicadas outside, and darkness had taken over, though it made no difference to them. Nishi sighed. He faced his troubled pupil, and she emitted sadness like an ocean made waves. These memories her sad, yet she acme here because of them.
"You are going back aren't you?"
She turned away and nodded, knowing he'd see it anyways.
"Do you think it wise? I mean just to go back to prove yourself worthy to a man you love who no longer wishes to see you? I find that doubtable Kagome it's not like you at all. You're stronger than that, you've proven it. No, going back because of him would be unwise."
She looked to him surprised, blinking blindly.
"Kagome, that jewel, the one that came from body it belongs to you does it not? Don't shake your head, cause you know I'm right. Child, that treasure was given to you to protect, not that of your former self. And to go back with it for something else it entirely selfish. Kagome, you have a goal, a purpose, and you're ignoring it. Kagome, from what you've told me, this is your quest to fulfill and no one else's. You have a destiny, and with me as your sensei, I demand that you take charge of it."
She lowered her head thoughtful. Was he right? Was this really all for her and not Inuyasha? Inuyasha said he had a claim on the jewel, but was that really true? It had come from Kagome's body not his, and she was the only one who could find them and purify them. And she had started this whole thing, so it not her duty to complete the jewel? She raised her head, her resolve taking a turn in another unknown direction. She observed Nishi quietly, him still waiting patiently for her response. He was right. This was her quest and she had abandoned it cause her heart got in her way of her head. She licked her dry lips.
"But how do I do this? Where do I go to go back?"
"You follow instinct and your heart Kagome. Giving up is easy and you've done that already, now it's your turn to try your hand at actually achieving what's rightfully yours to do."
"Thank you sensei," she whispered, a weight lifted form her shoulders.
"But one more thing Kagome, I have a couple things for you." Nishi lifted his sore form from his spot and made his way to the door on the far right. He slid it open. "It came yesterday, but I was going to wait till you leave, but I feel you might need it now."
From the newfound closet he pulled a katana, a few feet in length and black sheath gleaming form it polish. She watched amazed as he came to her and placed the sword by her bent knees in front of her. She lightly ran a hand over the surface transfixed. This sword it was giving off a faint glow, a faint energy, that reacted at her touch. Her fingers passed by engravings and she lifted her blindfold heedlessly. It said "Ichi Kyo", or "one today". She looked to him curious.
He smiled, "its what my master always said to me, 'Nishi, there us is only one today and you cant go back to fix it.' I've taken it to heart. You should too Kagome, you only get one chance at this life."
She nodded understanding. "Take it out, I want to see what old Toutousai pulled out this time."
She grabbed the hilt strongly, giddy all at once. In a flash, it was out and shining a bright blue steel in the moonlight that filtered through the window. She stared in awe. Even without her blindfold, she could see the aura of the blade and it had awakened at her touch, flowing comforting energy through her arm. She made a few quick slashes. It was light as a feather, never once resisting to friction of air or made a sound.
"Its beautiful," she breathed and held the blade close to her face. She felt a pull to it, a new yearning. It felt right, this sword was hers and no one else's.
"And now for my next gift, besides my blessing. I want you to take that spell book home Kagome. Study it inside and out. I have a feeling you might need it." He came over and placed a strong firm hand upon her shoulder. His aura softened. "You have a fate, a large one at that. No go fulfill it."
And with that, got up and left, one of the last times she'd see him.
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Two weeks had passed since her arrival back home, and she practiced nonetheless. She felt it right, like paying a respect to Nishi. It was the least she could do for everything he'd had given her. He had given her strength, speed, intelligence, and hope. Hope for a better today and tomorrow. Hope for her and her fellows. For her soul and well being of her heart. Her family asked no question at her enlightened mood, but tons about her training. They had been quite surprised to see her home early, only six months away. Of course Souta, begged her to demonstrate her skill. She gave in to his pleading aura this once and had cut enough firewood for two winters with her little show. Souta was overjoyed.
She also had fulfilled Nishi's last wish and studied the spell book he had given her. She took so many sheets of rive paper and so much ink practicing, she had to give them all to her Jii-chan, who was very grateful for her miko empowered charms, delighted that his granddaughter took her power seriously. She perfected the ward Nishi had used on their last spar, the one to hide his presence and smell, and learned how to plaster it to her skin for a good long time. And now she realized why Nishi had given it to her. Even though he had told her that this was her quest, he had unconsciously understood that even though she wanted to go back, it would be painful to see her past friends, especially Inuyasha. She made the ward, and figured that she could go back, and no one would know. There wouldn't be a smell or trace of her. She thanked Nishi in her prayers. He had prepared her and she knew she was ready. Ready to go back.
The news had been quiet shocking to her family, but her mother understood the look of her daughters face and didn't argue. In fact she gave Kagome her blessing. And here two weeks, later Kagome stood at the lip of the well. The well that had sucked her into an unknown world and showed her what life really was. She stared into the powerful depths with her blind eyes, her black blind fold covering her most prominent feature. With it, she was unnoticeable. She wore a simple black tight sweater, no loose fabric to get in her way. She itched her back uncomfortably. She'd just have to get used to her breasts being bound, they were trouble enough when training, but to face danger like them like that? Sorry she didn't want to take the risk of distraction. And under the bonding was the ward that would hide her so well. She wore a dark blue sash around her waist; sure she was going to need it once she started gathering food for her quest. The dull black spandex pants covered her discreetly, though she could less what others thought, and the combat boots she dug form her closet were worn and comfortable, good for a fight. And she wore "one today" strapped to her back.
She took a deep breath, and reached around her neck where the shard she had taken now rested in a new vial. She could do this. She's done it before. But has she ever gone of on her own? Has she ever fought on her own? Not back then but now she knew she could. She was stronger, she was new. And she better. And she knew she would undoubtedly meet her friend along the way, there were only so many shards left, but she'd deal with that in time. Taking one last breath to rest her nerves, she fell forward and back to the time she loved so much.
::::::::::::::fingers hurt...so's next time, I'm sorry. My eyes hurt to.:::::::::::::::::::
Damn it! Where was the old bat? Kagome scanned the air with her now controlled skin, tiny hairs rising and falling at will. She just had to read the book didn't she? Though it was very interesting and very helpful in some aspects, he just had to notice it was gone. Of course he had asked about, if she was reading it, if she was practicing from it and so on. She was reading it, and she considered a few spells and wards, but not really. But then he found she was reading the stupid book and made it a part of her training.
The old sword shifted in her nervous hands. For some weeks now she's been using it, getting use to the weight and feel of it, and soon enough he said it would be like another limb. She twitched her head to the side as she felt a vibration. She growled. Stupid ward, why couldn't she have read faster? Currently, Kagome stood in the middle of a large empty room, feet planted apart in the stance she was taught, both hands gripping the hilt of the sword firmly. Behind the cloth over her eyes, they slowly roamed over the misty forms of the room. The ward he was using was to block energy and presence, and it was working damn well. Once and a while she'd pick up a flash and try to attack, but the space would be empty. He might have been old, but damn if he wasn't fast!
Kagome calmed her breathing. She needed to focus, become aware of everything in the room. No easy task when the one object you were looking for had a ward plastered to his arm, blacking his scent and feel from her. Oh he was tricky all right, and if she didn't admire that about him. She felt a tingling, and back flipped just in time to save her shins as one of his daggers went streaking past her legs. His form disappeared again, she crouched to the ground. If she couldn't smell, hear or see him, she could use another feel. Keeping her sword defensive, she planted a palm on the floor and waited. It was some time before he moved again, the shuffle of his feet giving off subtle vibrations. They neared her rapidly, and she shot out her blade to clash with his in a show of sparks.
"Good, your getting better, improvising," he grunted as they parted, Kagome going to a respectable corner of the room.
She smirked a little to herself. Yeah she was good, a lot better than she had been. No longer did her feet thump when she ran, but whispered over the ground at break neck speed. That's her favorite part of her skill. It made her feel free for a time, the wind whistling past her, the rush of speed a heady high. Her velocity and speed allowed her to jump great heights and distances, something you would see Inuyasha do. Her strength came next, firm muscle rippling under tough skin. She didn't exactly lose weight, but she no longer had her baby fat. In it s place was toned hard muscle, earned by fasting and training for hours on end. Her skin became taunt and tough, minor scars from previous spars with Nishi nicking her legs or arms. She developed a nice tan, better than from the feudal era, and her features struck more on the eye. She had a graceful way about her, flowing smoothly from one to the other, attacking or defending. She was no longer the weak miko girl that we all know, but a ready warrior miko, a hard glint to her grin and excited way about her in a fight. And she loved it.
Her distracting thoughts gone, she was just in time to feel the air thicken around her, the feeling of Nishi approaching and she blocked the blade that came down horizontal, and she grunted in effort. This bastard was strong. She threw him back, the ward shimmering around him, giving her a view. She slashed vertical, and he avoided it a split second in time. Metal was heard clashing, sparks flying, as she cut and blocked. But she smiled all the while. She was playing with him by now, and he knew it. A bang was heard, and Kagome stopped her sword an inch form his throat as his was flung several feet. He panted softly, not of his old age, but the challenge he actually had of keeping her at bay. She waited moment longer before sheathing the sword in the sheath as her hip. She offered a hand and Nishi was yanked to his feet. He shook his head.
"And yet another disappointment on my part, for yet another student ahs surpassed me."
"Don't say that sensei, I still have much to learn," Kagome said, a flutter in her chest at the words.
He shook his head again, "that you do, but its nothing I can teach you."
He threw a towel at her to wipe her sweating face; she caught it but brought it to her face slowly. Her lips twitched worriedly. She had mastered the master, and her training was over. She wanted to protest and say it was just another test, but she knew better. Even in the past month of her training, she knew it would end soon. And to her surprise, she didn't want to leave. She liked Nishi adored him, and liked his comforting wise company. And she liked the peacefulness of the dojo; it reminded her of the country of the feudal era, the reminder neither a good nor bad thing. But...it was coming to an end, and she had to accept that.
Nishi felt her discomfort, and patted her shoulder gently. He led her down a hall, and tried to ease her sadness with his presence, tearing the ward form his arm. "We knew this day would come Kagome, it can't be avoided. But what troubles me is that it came this quickly." He stopped her and faced her hesitant aura. "Kagome, I know you told me you preferred not to speak of your reasons to be here, but with all that's happened, I believe I have a right to know. Come this way."
He led her to a room with a few cushions to sit, and a waiting pot of tea on a warmer. He poured the calming tea into cups and handed her one. She accepted it, but not what eh wanted. He wanted to know the truth, the real truth. She couldn't just lie and say she wanted to kick ass, cause no that's not the whole reason. She couldn't lie because eh would know. It was amazing what subtle changes in the voice could reveal. She rotated the steaming cup in hands and tried to calm her frantic thoughts. She had tried to avoid all thoughts of Inuyasha and the shikon jewel unless she was training, which gave her enough emotion to push herself. But now, in his serene room, she had no excuse to bring the memories up. But he wanted to know, and he was her sensei. She could not just ignore him.
"I...I don't know exactly where to start..."
"Take your time, that's all we have."
She nodded, and told all. She told him everything, the shikon jewel, the demons, her friends, Inuyasha. She told till her voice grew hoarse and she had to take a sip of cold tea. All the while, he remained passive, nodding periodically. It irked her to know it reminded her of Sesshomaru. When she was done, crickets could be with the cicadas outside, and darkness had taken over, though it made no difference to them. Nishi sighed. He faced his troubled pupil, and she emitted sadness like an ocean made waves. These memories her sad, yet she acme here because of them.
"You are going back aren't you?"
She turned away and nodded, knowing he'd see it anyways.
"Do you think it wise? I mean just to go back to prove yourself worthy to a man you love who no longer wishes to see you? I find that doubtable Kagome it's not like you at all. You're stronger than that, you've proven it. No, going back because of him would be unwise."
She looked to him surprised, blinking blindly.
"Kagome, that jewel, the one that came from body it belongs to you does it not? Don't shake your head, cause you know I'm right. Child, that treasure was given to you to protect, not that of your former self. And to go back with it for something else it entirely selfish. Kagome, you have a goal, a purpose, and you're ignoring it. Kagome, from what you've told me, this is your quest to fulfill and no one else's. You have a destiny, and with me as your sensei, I demand that you take charge of it."
She lowered her head thoughtful. Was he right? Was this really all for her and not Inuyasha? Inuyasha said he had a claim on the jewel, but was that really true? It had come from Kagome's body not his, and she was the only one who could find them and purify them. And she had started this whole thing, so it not her duty to complete the jewel? She raised her head, her resolve taking a turn in another unknown direction. She observed Nishi quietly, him still waiting patiently for her response. He was right. This was her quest and she had abandoned it cause her heart got in her way of her head. She licked her dry lips.
"But how do I do this? Where do I go to go back?"
"You follow instinct and your heart Kagome. Giving up is easy and you've done that already, now it's your turn to try your hand at actually achieving what's rightfully yours to do."
"Thank you sensei," she whispered, a weight lifted form her shoulders.
"But one more thing Kagome, I have a couple things for you." Nishi lifted his sore form from his spot and made his way to the door on the far right. He slid it open. "It came yesterday, but I was going to wait till you leave, but I feel you might need it now."
From the newfound closet he pulled a katana, a few feet in length and black sheath gleaming form it polish. She watched amazed as he came to her and placed the sword by her bent knees in front of her. She lightly ran a hand over the surface transfixed. This sword it was giving off a faint glow, a faint energy, that reacted at her touch. Her fingers passed by engravings and she lifted her blindfold heedlessly. It said "Ichi Kyo", or "one today". She looked to him curious.
He smiled, "its what my master always said to me, 'Nishi, there us is only one today and you cant go back to fix it.' I've taken it to heart. You should too Kagome, you only get one chance at this life."
She nodded understanding. "Take it out, I want to see what old Toutousai pulled out this time."
She grabbed the hilt strongly, giddy all at once. In a flash, it was out and shining a bright blue steel in the moonlight that filtered through the window. She stared in awe. Even without her blindfold, she could see the aura of the blade and it had awakened at her touch, flowing comforting energy through her arm. She made a few quick slashes. It was light as a feather, never once resisting to friction of air or made a sound.
"Its beautiful," she breathed and held the blade close to her face. She felt a pull to it, a new yearning. It felt right, this sword was hers and no one else's.
"And now for my next gift, besides my blessing. I want you to take that spell book home Kagome. Study it inside and out. I have a feeling you might need it." He came over and placed a strong firm hand upon her shoulder. His aura softened. "You have a fate, a large one at that. No go fulfill it."
And with that, got up and left, one of the last times she'd see him.
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Two weeks had passed since her arrival back home, and she practiced nonetheless. She felt it right, like paying a respect to Nishi. It was the least she could do for everything he'd had given her. He had given her strength, speed, intelligence, and hope. Hope for a better today and tomorrow. Hope for her and her fellows. For her soul and well being of her heart. Her family asked no question at her enlightened mood, but tons about her training. They had been quite surprised to see her home early, only six months away. Of course Souta, begged her to demonstrate her skill. She gave in to his pleading aura this once and had cut enough firewood for two winters with her little show. Souta was overjoyed.
She also had fulfilled Nishi's last wish and studied the spell book he had given her. She took so many sheets of rive paper and so much ink practicing, she had to give them all to her Jii-chan, who was very grateful for her miko empowered charms, delighted that his granddaughter took her power seriously. She perfected the ward Nishi had used on their last spar, the one to hide his presence and smell, and learned how to plaster it to her skin for a good long time. And now she realized why Nishi had given it to her. Even though he had told her that this was her quest, he had unconsciously understood that even though she wanted to go back, it would be painful to see her past friends, especially Inuyasha. She made the ward, and figured that she could go back, and no one would know. There wouldn't be a smell or trace of her. She thanked Nishi in her prayers. He had prepared her and she knew she was ready. Ready to go back.
The news had been quiet shocking to her family, but her mother understood the look of her daughters face and didn't argue. In fact she gave Kagome her blessing. And here two weeks, later Kagome stood at the lip of the well. The well that had sucked her into an unknown world and showed her what life really was. She stared into the powerful depths with her blind eyes, her black blind fold covering her most prominent feature. With it, she was unnoticeable. She wore a simple black tight sweater, no loose fabric to get in her way. She itched her back uncomfortably. She'd just have to get used to her breasts being bound, they were trouble enough when training, but to face danger like them like that? Sorry she didn't want to take the risk of distraction. And under the bonding was the ward that would hide her so well. She wore a dark blue sash around her waist; sure she was going to need it once she started gathering food for her quest. The dull black spandex pants covered her discreetly, though she could less what others thought, and the combat boots she dug form her closet were worn and comfortable, good for a fight. And she wore "one today" strapped to her back.
She took a deep breath, and reached around her neck where the shard she had taken now rested in a new vial. She could do this. She's done it before. But has she ever gone of on her own? Has she ever fought on her own? Not back then but now she knew she could. She was stronger, she was new. And she better. And she knew she would undoubtedly meet her friend along the way, there were only so many shards left, but she'd deal with that in time. Taking one last breath to rest her nerves, she fell forward and back to the time she loved so much.
::::::::::::::fingers hurt...so's next time, I'm sorry. My eyes hurt to.:::::::::::::::::::