Chapter 4: The Training

She was exhausted once the party was over. Laxus wasn't kidding when he mentioned it when she first witnessed a brawl breaking out and saying it was just a normal thing. There was a mess everywhere and various bodies passed out on the floor. She sighed as she stretched her arm, to see the green Fairy Tail sign on her right forearm. She wasn't sure if she should get it, but Cana had been extremely persistent alongside the Thunder Legion. She could've sworn she saw Laxus smile when Mira placed the stamp on it. At least it would be something to remember them by once she was back home.

She really liked all of them. They were so welcoming and downright hilarious. They were truly a family and the new vigor of winning these so called Grand Magic Games really took over. She was excited to see the event. Anything that would keep her entertained while she could figure something out. She needed to go back. There were still unfinished business with Naraku. She highly doubted that Kikyo would be present for the final battle, whenever that would be. There were just a few more shards left to find and they desperately needed them. The more shards he had, the more powerful he was becoming.

She hated violence. She hated death. But sometimes it was necessary, specially with a demon like Naraku.

She sighed again. After the party, those that were still conscious had taken off to pack for their training for the next three months. Mira invited her to come along with her, her siblings, and Cana. Lucy, who she really enjoyed the company from after they talked, also offered for her to come with her Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Erza, Levy, Jet, and Droy. It was very sweet of them, and she kind of wanted to go because of Wendy since she took a huge liking to the younger girl. However, she felt unsettled.

Laxus quickly took her away the moment Gray started to take off his clothes. He didn't want her seeing the notorious stripper. She didn't complain since she was starting to get really tired. She had two drinks and they helped on her unsettled nerves. She saw Laxus drink at least 5 big mugs of beer, but the man was walking just fine. Probably a dragon trait. As she looked up at the full moon in the dark sky, an idea came to mind.

"Can you take me to where the well is?"

He stopped walking and gave her a look, "You want to go there now?"

She could only nod her head. He sighed, and without a word, he went up to her and picked her up bridal style. Whatever she wanted to say, she couldn't as she felt his arms around her. She knew she was blushing, and within a second, they were gone.

The woods felt cold and ominous because of the lack of light. He placed her down and both started to walk. She had her arms wrapped around herself, her feet making a crunching sound as she continued through the dark woods, following him since she could tell he knew where they were.

She swallowed as it finally came into view, since it had just been two or three days since she almost drowned. She wasn't really sure, so seeing the well again was making her slightly nervous.

I just have to touch the bottom of it, she encouragingly said to herself, And then maybe I can go back.

She saw the rope by the side of the well, which she figured it was the one Laxus used to pull them back out. She grabbed it and secured it around her waist while the other end she tied it around the tree that was five feet away from the well. He silently watched her as he leaned against the tree where the rope was secure. He crossed his arms and let her do what she needed to do. He could tell it was important for her.

She took a deep breath, sat on the ledge and brought her legs over. Without another thought, she jumped.

She came back up for air and to relax. She counted to three and then she went under the water again. She swam, all the way to the bottom and she could feel her lungs starting to tighten, but she just prayed she could see the familiar blue light. She stretched her hand and she was able to touch the bottom with her index finger.

But nothing happened.

She was running out of air so she immediately swam back up. She gasped loudly as she could feel the disappointment spreading through her. She grabbed the rope and pulled herself back up. He was there, and he extended his arm for her to grab it. She did and as she came out, she let herself fall to the grass. She felt the string with the flask of the shards move and ripped it out.

"Is this your doing?!" She shouted angrily at the inanimate object, "What else do you want from me?!

It's—" her voice broke, "It's already bad enough I've lost three years of my life for you! And now I can't go back?!"

Her shouting was so raw and filled desperation and fury. She really wanted to throw the shards and never see them again. Laxus felt his throat grow hot by her angry cries. She seemed that she needed to let it out, so he didn't approach her yet.

She was just simply furious. Furious that things always seemed to happen to her. Reincarnation of Kikyo, being hated and attempted to be killed by Naraku numerous times, to Inuyasha never accepting her love, for missing out on a bunch of family things, and now, to being stuck in a new world.

There was a sudden pulse that he felt from her, but as quickly as he felt it, it disappeared. He was confused, thinking that just maybe he just imagined it. She had stopped her cursing and angry screaming. Now she was just crying on the grass, small whimpers coming out of her lips.

He really did feel bad for her.

He removed his coat that was around his shoulders and placed it over hers. Gently, he placed his hands on either of her shoulders and pulled her towards him as he sat down and placed her on his lap.

She felt so small and fragile.

She curled against him, seeking the comfort and security she was starting to feel by being with him. He was her anchor at the moment, and she felt herself being drawn like a moth to the light.

At least before she was still in Earth.

He still didn't say anything. He just held her while at times she would continue to cuss out whoever had done this to her. He ran a hand through her soft silky hair, in hopes that it would lessen her nerves.

Sure enough, she fell asleep and it didn't take long for him to do so as well.

She groaned slightly, as she could feel a knot on her shoulder for sleeping on the hard floor. She could feel the cool grass against her cheek, gently scratching her face. It tickled more than anything. Memories of the previous night soon came, that her eyes shot wide open and she sat up abruptly.

Laxus was waking up, right next to her.

She blushed and her heart started to beat faster than normal as she realized she spent the whole night with him.

She heard him let out a throaty moan as he stretched his arms, making her blush to worsen. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, in hopes to get rid of the sleepiness that he still had. He could hear the chirping of the birds and the gentle squeaking of the squirrels as the rays of the morning came through the forest.

She had her back to him as she was trying to get rid of how red her face probably was. He raised an eyebrow as he knew that she knew that he was awake and poked her on the side. He still didn't do good with being ignored.

"It's rude to not say good morning to the person you slept with you know?"

Oh yeah, that was the worse thing to say.

She turned around, completely flushed and staring at him in shock, "Y-You are su-such a pervert!"

She screeched loudly, making him cover his ears as he winced, "Fuck woman. You don't have to scream!"

She scooted away, trying to put some distance between them. She swallowed as she took a peek inside his coat that she was currently wearing and sighed in relief to see she was still fully dressed.

He glared at her, "I'll have you know I don't fuck women unless I'm told to do so."

She returned it, "Do you have to be so crude?"

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "I'm just clarifying. I didn't touch you. I ended up falling asleep soon after you did."

She averted her eyes from his, "I'm sorry for my outburst last night. I feel bad that I keep using you as my personal handkerchief."

He got up and stretched, "Everyone goes through something at some point. It's better to do it when someone is there instead of doing it alone," he made a face, "That is pretty shitty."

He helped her get up, and as she used her hands to remove any of the grass that got stuck to her she confusedly looked at her clothes, "Shouldn't I still be wet? Or possibly sick? I mean, I fell asleep wet."

And for the first time ever, she saw just a hint of read spreading through his face. It was very minimal, but it was there.

He was blushing.

He swallowed as he looked away, "I used my body heat to keep you warm during the night. Not enough to electrocute you, but enough to make sure you wouldn't end up being sick."

She found the gesture really thoughtful and smiled at him, "You're just making it really difficult for me to figure out a way to thank you."

He raised an eyebrow at her, but then an idea hit him. He walked up to her and leaned down, putting his face dangerously close to hers while wrapping an arm around her waist. The familiar blush was back in place and her blue eyes were wide in alarm.

She couldn't even form a sentence. However, a mischievous glint appeared in his eye and he smirked.

"You're too easy to tease."

She gawked at him, but before she could say anything, he took them away from the forest.

He took them to Evergreen's place since he had told the three of them to be there early in the morning. They had objected at first, but now that he was officially back in the guild, he was back in his leader status of his team.

"I don't give two flying fucks if your head feels like Natsu and Gajeel are fighting in it alongside Erza because they dropped her cake. Be there or else."

Apparently it worked because he could already hear Evergreen's screeching.

And it was just barely seven in the morning.

Crash.

"Bickslow, how many times I've told you, your fucking dolls don't belong in my kitchen?!"

"Come on Ever, they were just getting me something to drink!"

"There's coffee all over the place..."

"Shut up Freed!"

Smack, "DON'T TELL HIM TO SHUT UP!"

And that's when Laxus decided to open the door, with Kagome in front, and a mug was sent flying through the air.

Kagome had many demons and arrows thrown at her before, that dodging became second nature to her. She quickly ducked and Laxus moved his head out of the way as the mug crashed onto Bickslow's apartment door across the hall.

She blink at the shattered mug and then looked at them, "That's one way to say good morning."

Evergreen smacked Bickslow on the face with her fan, "I'm so sorry! This idiot gets himself carried away. Reminds me a lot of Natsu."

Bickslow gawked at her, "You're the one that threw it!"

Kagome looked at Laxus, who seemed to be trying really hard to be kept from murdering them, "How are you all going to train for three months?"

"Easy. I just have to threaten them that I will kill them and leave them to fend for themselves to where we are going."

And although she had just met the man not that long ago, she had a feeling he was saying the truth.

"Are you going to be joining us Kagome?" Freed politely asked as he went to pick up the pieces of the mug that had been sent flying, "Although from my understanding, you had a lot of offers."

She blinked, "You want me to tag along?"

Evergreen forgot her argument with Bickslow as she jumped towards the raven haired girl and grabbed her hands, "Please! Honestly, I need some female company if not I'm going to go insane these three months!"

Kagome wasn't sure what to say as years of self doubt creeped in, "You don't think I'll slow you down?"

Laxus snorted as he walked towards the kitchen, "If Bickslow hasn't slowed us down after all these years I doubt you will."

Bickslow was really offended, "What's today? Pick on Bickslow day?"

Laxus gave him a bored look, "You brought this on yourself. She told you to not have them come in the kitchen."

Evergreen ignored the men and turned to her, "So? Is that a yes?"

Freed smiled kindly at Kagome, "I have found a few books that could maybe help us. You could come and read them yourself. Levy let me borrow her gale reading glasses last night since you and Laxus left before she could give them to you," he was oblivious by Kagome's blush, "It won't take you too much time to read the books."

Now that really caught Kagome's attention. Maybe going with them would be the best. After all, it was because of them that she was alive in the first place.

"Alright," she said with a nod, "If you don't mind me coming along, I would love to go with you guys."

Evergreen cheered loudly and enveloped her in a hug. After that, it was set. They ate a quick breakfast at Evergreen's place and then all of them went in their own ways to pack. Kagome had no clue when Laxus had packed and brought his bag with him since apparently it was at Freed's place already.

So all that was left was finding her clothes to wear. Evergreen had wanted to tag along, but he knew that would turn into a whole day thing and they didn't have time for it. He would just have to rely on his sense of awareness and keep a lookout for any women's shops.

As they neared Downtown Magnolia, something caught his eye. He grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her inside a store.

A weapon store.

She turned her head to look up at him, "What are we doing here?"

He didn't say anything as he pushed her inside. The store man greeted him respectfully and full of glee, making Kagome look at Laxus even more confused.

He doesn't even carry a weapon!

He continued walking all the way to the back of the store where they were finally met with a wall filled with different kinds of bows. Her eyes dramatically widened as she took them in. She could see some were made out of the strongest wood, and even some made of metal.

She felt like a child in a candy store, but she was confused.

"Pick one."

She whirled around, "Wait what?"

He rolled his eyes, "Pick a damn bow so we can go shopping and then go to the station. We have an hour for all of that."

"I-I can't accept a bow!"

He quirked his eyebrow but didn't say anything.

She shook her head, "I'm sorry but no. You're already doing too much for me. Letting me crash at your place, feeding me, you're buying me clothes, and now this? At this rate I'm never going to be able to pay you back! I-"

He clasped a hand over her mouth as she was going to continue ranting, "Breathe. God. Pick a damn bow. You said you're an archer right? Might as well practice your skills while you're here. It'll help you in the long run. Pick one. We only have less than an hour now because you're taking too long."

He finally let her go and she huffed. But long and behold, there was that glint of excitement in her eyes and quickly started to check out the bows she had been eyeing.

After leaving the weaponry store, Kagome was happily holding on to her new matte black recurve bow as a quiver of arrows, in similar color, sat on her back. He almost wanted to laugh. She was walking like a kid on Christmas morning. She thanked him for ten minutes as they made their way to the clothing store. He finally told her to shut up, which she did, but continued beaming.

However another small argument arose when she saw the size of the store but after going back and forth again, she ended up sticking her tongue out him while he had a smirk plastered on him.

Thankfully she wasn't a complicated shopper. The few times he had been in a women's boutique, he had almost fallen asleep because of how long Evergreen took. Another time he had come with Mirajane and Lisanna when they were younger and that had been hell as well. Kagome was quick and she seemed to have an idea of what she was going to look for already. She got 2 skirts, three shorts, 4 pairs of jeans, 5 different types of shirts in different colors, three sets of workout gear (which he had made her get first) sandals, tennis shoes, boots, and a dress because why the hell not. She really thought it was too much, but a glare from his made her shut it. Which it was starting to confuse her. Usually she would've yelled at Inuyasha if he gave her such a look. She wouldn't even stand it coming from Sesshomaru.

Why was it different with him?

What surprised her the most, is that even he had ventured off and showed her a few things.

As he passed by the underwear area, an idea came to mind. There was something about riling her up that it was downright comical to him. Whether because he intentionally made her blush or because she could not win an argument with him, like about the clothes since she pretty much needed them. Although he knew better. He could see she had a deadly temper, but he was gonna have his fun anyways. Her voice didn't turn into a high pitch annoying screech how Evergreen or Mirajane would sound. Hell, even Erza. Although after hearing her since he was back, Lucy was the worst.

It was just hilarious hearing Kagome, in his own sick twisted sense of humor. So, he decided to push it by grabbing a black lace bra with red detailing. He showed it to her, a smirk on his face as he suspected she would blush and get embarrassed.

She almost did.

Two can play this game, she furiously thought in her head as she could see the stupid smirk on his face. Oh yeah, she was going to get him back after what he pulled back at the well. She was noticing that he was more relaxed when it was just them two. He tended to show more facial expressions instead of just his scowl or glare. She had a feeling it was because she couldn't judge him for what he had done in the past and wasn't fangirling like half of the female population from what she had seen in Magnolia. She lost count on how many glares she got just because she was walking next to him.

"Oh I actually needed a new bra," she slyly said as she grabbed it from his hands and inspected it, "Oh look at that. You got my size! Thank you," She then lowered her voice to what she hoped it was a seducing tone, "I should head there and look for matching panties don't you think?"

She didn't wait for a reply as she walked past him as she flicked a lock of hair over her shoulder. She was holding in her laugh because she could just feel his face gawking at her. She was indeed, blushing, since she has never been bold enough to do something like that, but Kami be damned. That man was having too much fun riling her up.

His gray eyes were large as he followed her retreating form.

Did she just…

And that dark voice that likes to get on his case occasionally replied back, Indeed, she did.

He hadn't seen that coming.

Now dressed in her new clothes, a pair of black shorts and a fitted dark blue shirt and tennis shoes, they made their way over to the station where the rest would be. She really liked the weather where they were. It was so fresh and cool.

Although her heart was still yearning for the freshness from the Feudal Era.

As they met up with them, Freed handed them their train tickets and made their way to it. Bickslow went in, followed by Evergreen, Freed, and Kagome. However she heard the large footsteps behind her stop, so she turned around, holding on to the rail as she was going up the steps. She could see the glare on the blonde's face.

"Are you ok?"

He was glaring at the train like if it had offended him.

And then it clicked. "Oh right, your mo—"

He quickly put a hand over her mouth, "Shut it. Last thing I need is for that to get back to Natsu. I wouldn't hear the end of it."

They made their way inside and found where the rest of the group was sitting. They had found a private compartment. Probably from preventing people seeing Laxus with his motion sickness. Freed was sitting on one side while Ever and Bickslow were sitting on the opposite, arguing already. Laxus headed straight to the side of the window and left Kagome to decide where she wanted to sit.

She really didn't want to get caught in a fight between the two mages, so she decided to sit in between Freed and Laxus, who already had his eyes closed and arms crossed.

"How long is it going to take us to reach where we are going?" She asked Freed since the other two were still going at it.

"It is a 5 hour trip to Clover Town," he responded politely, "Feel free to rest whenever. Laxus always tries to sleep most of the rides to lessen his sickness."

"Do you think we'll see Blue Pegasus?" Bickslow asked as he petted one of his totems.

Evergreen shuddered, "Although Ichiya is a well respected wizard, I rather not."

"I would if those two would shut the fuck up."

Kagome was the only one that heard him.

She had never seen anyone with a bad case of motion sickness, so seeing him hunch over when the train started to move and his face turn slightly green, she found it comical but mixed with pity. A strange combination.

It was half way through the trip that everyone had quiet down. Evergreen had laid down, occasionally kicking Bickslow in her sleep. The man also was leaning against the window snoring away. Freed had also fallen asleep, as the past two or three days he had been going to sleep well to help with the research for Kagome. Apparently they were still very tried from the party the night before.

However, she wasn't sleepy.

She put on the glasses and opened the book and started to read. She was amazed by the magic of the glasses as she was going through the pages rather quickly and actually maintaining the information in her brain.

This would've made high school so much easier for me! She thought with excitement as she read the book.

An hour into her reading, the train jerked slightly, making Laxus move away from the window with a loan groan as he held his head and rest it between his legs.

Whoever decided to make this a dragon slayer's weakness, he bitterly thought, I hope they're rotting in hell.

His eyes snapped open when he felt a cool wet cloth against his forehead and a hand massaging the back of his neck.

He tried looking at her but his whole vision twisted and he groaned, "What are you doing?"

She slightly snorted at how his usual strong voice sounded like a small child, "You're about to puke your brains out. I'm trying to prevent that. I don't do well with throw up."

If it wasn't because of how shitty he felt, he would have brought up her puking outside of his apartment building. He let her push his head towards her lap where he settled. The cloth that had been on his forehead moved towards his closed eyelids and he let out a small groan on how good that felt.

"Better?"

"Much."

They were silent for a moment and then, "You hunted demons, but don't like throw up."

It was more of a fact than a question.

She rolled her eyes, "Or demon guts. Although it's not like I had much of a choice anyways to avoid seeing that. I would either send Miroku or Inuyasha to retrieve the pieces of the shards from a destroyed demon. They smell gross."

She looked down at him, where she could see he was still pale but no signs of green on his face, "You always get it this bad?"

A grunt, "I meant it when I said Natsu is worse. Erza has to knock him out for him to make it through the trip."

She cringed, "That sounds pleasant."

They stayed silent for a moment that she subconsciously started running her hands through his hair as she hummed to herself while she continued reading with her other hand.

He let out a groan again, but she guessed he was just having another wave of nausea again.

Just open your eyes and see the glorious ti—

You need to go away.

Oh come on, it growled, We have to show our gratitude for her being so caring. Don't you smell her? It's intoxicating, and the way her hands are moving it's making—

Seriously. Shut the fuck up. I barely even know her.

A pause, Since when has that stopped you?

Shut. Up.

Ohhhhh so you like her. Little Laxus has a crush?

Why are you even talking to me? I preferred you being a quiet bastard.

You're such a wuss. But fine. I'll let you enjoy your little crush.

Not a crush. At least that's what he told himself. He was holding a weird small attraction towards the woman, but he wasn't gonna admit that to himself.

"Laxus," a shook on his shoulder, "Laxus."

He groggily opened his eyes to see Kagome's dark blue eyes staring at him, "Oh, now you're awake. You were growling kind of loud. We are here."

He immediately sat up. He hadn't felt time move that fast on a train, ever. His gaze fell upon hers.

"Where are the others?"

"Something along the lines of 'Not risking my life to wake him up.' Bickslow was the first one out the door."

It growled, pussy.

He mentally rolled his eyes. He helped her gather the rest of their things and made their way out.

He took in a deep breath, grateful that he no longer had to be inside the train. Laxus couldn't help but smirk. This is when the fun was going to start.

The team knew they would be coming to Clover Town and daily go out to the forest, train, come back to their inn.

Or so they thought.

"So Laxus," Freed finally asked, "Which inn was the reservation to be made? I'm sure that Kagome and Evergreen must be exhausted from the trip and would love to freshen up."

"Follow me." He said gruffly, in order to mask how he really was feeling. As he walked by past Kagome, she saw him attempting to hide his grin.

What is he planning?

They followed him. And walked. And walked. And walked.

It wasn't until they hit five miles that Evergreen finally lost it.

"Where the hell are we going Laxus?!" She loudly exclaimed, making birds hurriedly fly out of the trees.

He set down his bag, "We are here."

Bickslow removed his helmet and looked at his best friend with a worried look, "Did the motion sickness finally rot your brain? There's no inn here."

"We are camping here."

That was immediately followed by various yells of complaint, specifically from Evergreen and surprisingly Bickslow.

"Are you out of your mind?!"

"How are we gonna shower?!"

"We are not gonna have any privacy man!"

"How am I supposed to sleep on the ground?!"

"What are we gonna do for food?!"

As they were arguing, Kagome had been looking at the trees with deep concentration. At the last part, she grabbed her bow and an arrow and stared at a specific tree. Just as a squirrel jumped out to go to the next tree, she fired, successfully killing the squirrel. It landed with a 'thump' on the ground, catching the attention of the others.

She went to pick it up and grimaced as she saw that the arrow had gone in through the eyeball. She was a little shocked to see that the squirrels in Earthland were slightly bigger than her world. She walked back to them and tossed the arrow with the squirrel still on it at Laxus who caught it with ease.

"I hunt them and cook them, but I don't skin them. I'm going to look for some firewood. I saw some good branches a couple hundred yards ago."

She didn't wait for a reply as she ventured off.

She was in her element after all.

The Thunder Legion were openly gawking at her and then they turned back to Laxus.

"That," he said as he removed the arrow from the squirrel's eye, "Is how we are going to survive the next three months."