Chapter Eight: A Lesson in Archery
Kagome watched the trees beneath as they flew over them. Her heart was racing and she was unconsciously rocking back and forth nervously. This woman that took her said nothing and the questions Kagome wanted to ask Kagura were likely not going to get an answer. She thought of escaping again, but with Rin's life on the line, she couldn't. She prayed that Sesshomaru would catch up to them and save her from this woman and whatever fate awaited her. She looked back every now and then to see if she could see him running through the trees to find her and bring her back.
"Please, Lord Sesshomaru… help me." She brought her hands together and prayed. Tears welled in Kagome's eyes and she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep calm.
Suddenly, there was a strong burst of power and the air around them chilled rapidly. Kagura's feather began to freeze over, becoming too heavy to fly as ice overtook it. Kagura quickly dispelled the feather and both she and Kagome began to plummet to the earth. As a wind picked up and slowed Kagome's fall, Kagura noticed this and grabbed onto her kimono to slow her own fall as well. They hit the ground softly and looked around. Kagura was already ready to fight, her fan out and open.
"Kagome." A strong feminine voice that Kagome barely recognized called out to her. Kagome and Kagura looked over to Tōran, who pointed a double-sided spear made of ice toward Kagura, "Are you alright?"
"Uh'huh." Kagome nodded, glancing between Kagura and Tōran.
"Your scent." Tōran glared at Kagura, "While I am no enemy to Naraku, yet, the Lord of the Western Lands has warned all territory leaders of his activities and his scent. Unless you release the girl to me now, Naraku will have the Panther Tribe at his opposition as well. The Lord of the Western Lands is ally to my tribe and I will not allow one under his protection to be taken through my lands unopposed."
"Lord of the Western Lands?" Kagura questioned, "Are you talking about Sesshomaru? So, he is not just a prideful demon after all. He rules the West. Is that correct?"
"It is." Tōran nodded, "Now, release the girl to me."
"I don't think so!" Kagura waved her fan furiously toward Tōran and the wind took the shape of crescent blades, firing toward the blue haired demon with intent to cut her down. Tōran quickly jumped out of the way without much challenge. As she flew through the air, she pointed her spear at Kagura once more and fired off her own attack, daggers of dense ice shooting toward Kagura at high speeds.
Kagura gasped as she tried to dodge them, but one hit her shoulder and another struck her left leg. She struggled to keep standing. Tōran walked forward and stood by Kagome's side.
"Lady Tōran. Thank you." Kagome said gratefully.
Tōran nodded in acknowledgement, but did not take her eyes of Kagura.
"Damn you." Kagura cursed and pulled her feather from her hair. The ice had faded from it, so she was able to cast the spell that allowed her to flee. A gust of wind lifted her into the air and she rode her feather further down river, though noticeably unsteady, likely from being injured.
"Are you injured?" Tōran asked once Kagura was out of sight.
"No, I'm okay." Kagome said. Kagome was shaking and Tōran could see it. Kagome felt relief wash over her and it brought her back to crying, this time of a positive mind. Thanks to Tōran, she was freed. She brought her hands to her face, embarrassed at her weakness.
"You're safe now." Tōran said, putting a hand on Kagome's shoulder.
"Why are you being so kind to me?" Kagome asked, using her sleeve to wipe her face.
"I have no reason to be unkind." Tōran said and sat down next to Kagome, "Have any of your memories returned to you yet?"
"No. I think I got a small piece of one yesterday, but a demon attacked and I can't remember the girl's face." Kagome explained and then remembered something, "You knew me before, right?"
"Yes." Tōran said.
"Do you know anything about me?" Kagome asked.
"Honestly? No, not much at all." Tōran sighed, "I know you originally traveled with two humans, a young fox demon, and Lord Sesshomaru's younger brother, but I know little else. Unfortunately, you and I did not meet on positive terms. I was going to sacrifice you and your friends to… well, he was my master at the time." Tōran explained and saw the horrified look on Kagome's face. "Don't worry. Things took a strange turn. My brother and sisters were slain and Lord Sesshomaru brought them back to life. It was an eye-opening circumstance that led us to letting go of an old grudge and trying a new life."
"Really?" Kagome asked in surprise.
"Yes. We owe him a lot, which is why I would ne-…" Tōran stopped speaking when she caught a familiar scent. She stood up and helped Kagome to her feet. A moment later, Sesshomaru came into view.
"Lady Tōran?" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.
"Good afternoon, Lord Sesshomaru." Tōran bowed politely and motioned to Kagome, who stepped forward as if requested, "I retrieved your guest from the woman with the feather. She is unharmed."
"You have my thanks, Lady Tōran." Sesshomaru bowed back slightly.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to ask a question." Tōran said while looking curiously at Kagome. The amnesia-stricken girl looked nervously back and forth between the two demons. She wasn't speaking since she knew that the last time Tōran was around did not end well for her.
"Of course." Sesshomaru said.
"She hasn't regained any of her memories, correct?" Tōran asked and Sesshomaru confirmed with a curt nod, "Have you tried having her experience things the way she normally did. Reminding her body who she is may help inspire her mind to recalling old memories."
"I see." Sesshomaru said and remembered he had something for Kagome. He slid his hand into his haori and handed Kagome the bottle holding jewel shards. "I was told these would help."
Sesshomaru held the bottle out to Kagome and she graciously took them, bowing politely, but still saying nothing to either demon. In her mind, this was a "speak when spoken directly to" situation. She truly did not want to get slapped again. The last time almost broke her neck.
"Keep those on you at all times." Sesshomaru demanded and then turned to Tōran, "I know very little about her normal life, but she was adept with a bow and arrow. I may attempt that. Thank you, Lady Tōran, for your advice and retrieving her from Kagura."
"I was honored to give aid." Tōran said before turning toward the South, "I am going to return to my home. Seeing Kagura fly in that direction tells me we need to put up more guard and search for the demon you call Naraku a little more thoroughly. We'll send word on any updates."
Sesshomaru stood silently as Tōran waved to Kagome and himself before leaving. Once she was out of sight, Sesshomaru stepped up to Kagome. Kagome felt his shadow loom over and turned toward him, obviously fearful of his next actions. He stared down at her, his stoic expression giving her no hint of anything he was thinking. She began to tremble and he closed his eyes, sighing.
"Come. We need to return to Rin." Sesshomaru said.
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." Kagome said.
Sesshomaru turned back toward the west to follow the river back to Rin. As they walked, Sesshomaru was deep in thought about today's situation. Kagura pretty much made sure to follow the river the entire way to the south. What did this mean? Even Naraku had to know that following such an obvious landmark was a dumb idea when kidnapping someone. Was this a trap? Another one of his tricks? There wasn't enough information to know. What he gathered so far was that Naraku was the one who visited Kagome in his courtyard back when she first arrived and is probably why Kagome lost her memory.
"Naraku must have some plan for her." Sesshomaru thought, "Keeping her around may prove helpful."
.
.
There was a notable shift in the air around Sesshomaru. Ever since they returned from Naraku's kidnapping attempt, his mind wandered off more and so did the harsh treatment he normally showed Kagome. While it was cause for concern on her part, she wasn't going to question it. She had a theory that he didn't really realize that he was being kinder because his mind was always elsewhere. The only time he seemed to check back in was when Jaken wouldn't shut his mouth about something and he had to issue one of his well-known over the shoulder glares at the high-voiced imp.
As night fell on yet another day of travel, the group came within a few miles of a large mountain range and decided to make camp. It was only a small campfire that they made Jaken create. As he grumbled on about doing work for humans, Kagome and Rin chuckled amongst themselves. The small conversation continued on until Rin turned to Sesshomaru with excitement.
"Are we close, Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked.
"Yes." Sesshomaru replied, his eyes closed as he rested against a tree.
"Kagome, if you get your memories back, will you come visit sometimes?" Rin asked.
"I hope so. I would like to." Kagome nodded, but she wasn't certain in her answer. Sesshomaru's obvious dislike of her made her question whether she could see Rin once this was dealt with.
The night came to a close and the group fell to sleep. Jaken slept atop AhUn's saddle while Kagome and Rin leaned against the two headed demon for comfort, laying snuggled under a shared blanket. The demon lord lay silently, though not completely asleep. His senses were on the surrounding area. There was a disturbance on the wind. He could feel something approaching. However, he sensed no hostility.
"Show yourself." He called out calmly as he stood up.
Out of the shadows of the trees, an old man with a walking cane twice his size appeared. He stepped into the clearing with the group, glancing to those sleeping before looking at Sesshomaru.
"I know why you have come." The old man spoke up, his voice strained. "And I cannot help you."
"What?" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "You're the old priest of the southern mountain?"
"I am. And I am not not at the power I once was." The priest said regretfully. "Naraku, the half-demon menace has stolen my scrolls and my staff. However, even if they were returned to me, the curse he placed on the young woman to wipe her memory is likely too powerful for me to break."
"You know?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"I do. Naraku was very clear with his threats when he came and stole what was mine." The priest explained, his hand so tight around his walking stick that it shook. "I do apologize for my inability to aid you, but unless my artifacts are returned to me, I dare not try, for the curse could backfire and make things much worse for the girl than they already are."
Sesshomaru stayed silent. He glanced over to his sleeping comrades and tried coming up with another idea for returning Kagome's memory. So far, the only chance of returning them was the sacred jewel and what Tōran suggested.
"I understand." Sesshomaru nodded.
"I wish you luck." The old man turned around and walked back into the shadows of the tree, all evidence of his presence, including the scent that Sesshomaru should have been able to pick up, wiped away.
Sesshomaru stood silently. Rin would be happy about this, but Kagome was little more than a burden in her current condition. If this was how things were, it was time to head back to the castle. In the morning, they would head back home and try something a little differently.
.
.
After a long trip back to the Western Lands, the group was exhausted. Jaken's whining never gave anyone a break and the constant attacks by weaker demons or human bandits made it difficult for anyone but Sesshomaru to relax. Once they got home, they all took the day to get some good food, bathe, and slept through the entire night… including the Lord of the castle himself.
When the morning came, Sesshomaru woke bright and early. Breakfast for him and one other was already prepared and set out. Miss Jukudo opened up the dining room door with a groggy Kagome following right behind. Kagome sat at the table and looked around for Rin.
"Lord Sesshomaru, where is Rin?" she asked a long yawn following her question.
"She will not be joining us today." Sesshomaru explained as he ate. "You will begin your training. If I am to continue dragging you out on our journeys, you will learn to protect yourself. Today, we begin training with a bow and arrow, something you're normally experienced with."
"A bow and arrow?" Kagome tilted her head curiously and glanced to the two swords that lay gently against a far wall. "Not a sword? You use swords."
"I can train you in archery just as well. It is also something you've done in the past, so we'll see if it helped bring back a memory." Sesshomaru stated. "Now, eat."
Kagome wasn't one to argue with Sesshomaru anymore. She ate quietly. Once they were finished, she followed him out to the back of the castle. Beyond the courtyard, there was a dirt path down toward a rundown field filled with dirt and patches of short grass. The demons of the castle trained here often.
A young woman stood patiently waiting for them. She bowed and greeted them both with a pleasant smile that Kagome wasn't used to seeing. The sincerity of it was a little off-putting, which only caused her to question the smiles she had been getting from everyone but Rin.
"I've got everything ready. Nine targets, different distances, and creature size." The woman said as she pointed out over the target area. The targets were strategically placed for Kagome to hit small, medium, and large targets at close, medium, and far ranges. It didn't seem too hard.
"Now I know why they wanted me to dress this way…" Kagome commented on her new outfit. It was meant for battle, not casual travel and had armor similar to Sesshomaru's. It wasn't the most comfortable, but that was supposed to change the more she wore it.
"Here you go." The woman handed Kagome her bow and helped her get a quiver over her shoulder. "I'm Yukino by the way. I've seen you around, but never got a chance to talk to you."
"I'm Kagome." Kagome replied, her mind more focused on the weapon she had been handed.
"Good luck." Yukino said and bowed to both of them before Sesshomaru dismissed her.
"Ready to begin?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I'll try my best." Kagome said nervously, smiling sheepishly.
When training began, Kagome expected to hate her life. She thought she was going to get yelled at, pushed, hit, or something when she messed up. Instead, she was met with an odd and disturbing amount of patience as she fired off arrow after arrow. Sesshomaru stood behind her, critiquing her stance and giving what advice he could about her aim. Out of a hundred shots, only twenty-eight actually hit the target, but it was the last fifteen that all hit in a row, so something clicked.
"Hm…" Kagome looked at her right hand, rubbing her thumb around her index and middle finger.
"What?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I don't know. The last few shots… felt different." Kagome explained vaguely.
"Different how?"
"They were easier and they weren't hurting my fingers." Kagome held out her hand to him like a peace sign. "These two always have this rougher skin and I didn't know why. It bothered me for a while, but maybe this is why. You said I did this before, so I probably have this rough skin because of the bow."
Kagome notched another arrow and aimed at the target farthest away. As she pulled the string back, something came over her vision. She could see the waving of white hair and was moving over land quicker than normal. A large black bird flew over a river and she was aiming at it.
"Huh?" Kagome shook her head as the vision was suddenly gone. She looked to the bow and realized she had fired the arrow. When she looked to see where the arrow hit, it struck the very center of the medium sized target placed at medium range.
"Well done." Sesshomaru said.
"I think I had another vision." Kagome turned to him, gripping the bow with both hands. "It was like I was on your back and firing at a really large black bird. I couldn't make anything else out besides moving much faster than I know I could."
"It wasn't my back." Sesshomaru retorted as if he had been insulted. "It was my brother."
"Inuyasha is his name, right?" Kagome asked and Sesshomaru nodded. "Lord Sesshomaru, you know I have no intention of offending you, right?"
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, stared, and then nodded.
"Okay, so I want to ask a question without getting you mad at me." Kagome said and watched him to gauge the reaction, but as usual there was none. "Why do you hate your brother?"
"He's a half-demon, an abomination." Sesshomaru stated.
"Whoa." Kagome said out of surprise. "Don't you think that's a little harsh? He is your bro- half-brother. If I had a little brother, I'd rather him be around as family. I doubt he wanted to be born hated by you."
Something about that statement bothered Sesshomaru. He did not show it. He only stared at her as she got back to firing off more arrows. She was hitting the target every time now, but it wasn't something Sesshomaru noticed because his mind was elsewhere again.
"I doubt he wanted to be born hated by you."
It was true. Inuyasha had a hard life because of the circumstances of his birth. Sesshomaru isn't stupid enough to deny something that obvious. Inuyasha also never got to meet their Father and his Mother died as a human does. The two of them were the only family either of them had. Inuyasha was not born with the desire to be hated by the only family he had left. Sesshomaru brought that down on him.
Kagome suddenly cheered as another arrow hit the target, pulling Sesshomaru from thoughts he had abandoned long ago. The fact that she brought them back out again frustrated him. He had no intention on allowing his brother into his life. The fact that he reconsidered the thought due to a careless and ignorant comment made by this human woman only angered him more.
"All of them hit this time." Kagome stepped up to Sesshomaru with enough excitement that she could only be compared to Rin in his mind. He looked up from her and to the targets. They were all riddled with arrows, practically every one of them on the mark. This was only one day of training.
"Well done." Sesshomaru said and looked to the sun. He must have been lost in thought for quite some time because it was already coming to the afternoon. When he looked at Kagome, he noticed the sweat soaking her new outfit and the dirt on the bottom of her pants and at her knees. How many times had she gone back and forth to retrieve the arrows? He didn't know. He hadn't been paying attention. However, the results of her training were impressive.
"It's coming on lunch time." Sesshomaru stated.
"Okay!" Kagome spun happily on her heel and put the collected arrows away. The two made their way back to the castle. Kagome walked in front of Sesshomaru, a rare occurrence, but she was so proud of her progress that she wasn't paying attention to the normal etiquette for the moment. Sesshomaru found himself watching her cheerfully make her way back to the dining hall and chose not to rain on her parade this time. Instead, as they reached the castle doors, she realized she was being dumb.
"Oh no. I'm so sorry, Lord Sesshomaru." Kagome stopped and turned to him, bowing politely. "I didn't realize I was walking ahead of you. I know I'm not supposed to on castle grounds."
Sesshomaru said nothing as he reached out and grabbed the back of her training outfit.
"Just keep walking." He said as dragged her along, not acknowledging her apology as anything important and pulled her to lunch. The two reached the dining hall to see Rin and Jaken were already there. They sat in their respective seats and began eating. Kagome told Rin about her training and Rin told her about Jaken getting stung by a huge bee out in the garden because he wouldn't leave the nest alone. Jaken sat in a pout, his left cheek swollen and red from the bee sting, a sight everyone found entertaining.