Chapter Four: She Is Our Answer

Sunrise came and thus Kagome was up and ready. Her chores and morning rounds were completed sooner then usual. At noon, Kagome was ready for training.

Everyday, at midday, she and her younger brother would train. Reciting enchantments and spells, creating barriers and especially hand to hand combat.

Two archers stood thirty passes from one another, on a circular platform. Both holding tight bows, armed with arrows that were pulled all the way back against the bow's string. They stood silently, neither moving, nor taking their eyes off the other.

Kagome with a completely relaxed face, but Sota on the other had trembled slightly, a trickle of sweat slipped down his temple. This was his least favourite exorcise.

The elderly priestess from the sidelines watched intently at her two grandchildren. All was silent in the pregnant pause before the woman's hand lifting with a small golden bell. At the sound of the ring, both arrows fired.

It took exactly four seconds. Four seconds for the arrows to fly pass one another, only by a hair's length between them, then heading straight for their targets. Said targets moved swiftly to dart from the arrow's path.

Kagome managed to gracefully leap to the side, as she twirled, the arrowhead darted past her and landed on the ground behind, leaving her untouched.

Sota on the other hand, didn't move fast enough. Kagome's arrow collided with the fabric of his shoulder. Sending the boy flying backwards and landing hard on the ground with a loud grunt.

Half a second of silence past before Kagome sighed. She then called out playfully "God why do you have to be so slow!"

Sota groaned from his place on the ground and said "It's not my fault, your damn arrows are cursed or something."

Kagome laughed as she jogged her way to her sibling. She pulled the arrow out of the her brother's clothing, leaving another patch job she'd undoubtedly have to sew. Then grabbed his already risen hand to help him to his feet.

He sat up with his head bowed and said with a sigh "I failed again…" Kagome frowned at him. Sota had never been skilled in combat. He was far better with spell-casting but he could never hold up his end in a fight. His heart was simply to timid.

Kagome lowered herself to kneel before him, gently she said "Hey it'll take time for you to get it, just keep your head up squirt." She then affectionately nuzzled his hair. He grumbled and shooed away her hand "Kagome I'm already thirteen! I should have gotten this by now. You did…"

There he goes again, comparing their skills. She knew exactly why he always measured his talents with hers. It was because their father always pushed them so hard to be exceptional. Kagome could remember the full days and nights of harsh training in her youth, they never stopped because he wouldn't let them.

Once she collapsed of exhaustion and the only thing she received from it was a tongue lashing from their father…and then an actual one.

Shaking from the bitter thoughts, Kagome smiled at him and said "Oh come on, when I was your age a turtle could beat me in a race." Sota let out a soft giggle but quickly gathered his composure. "Listen…you won't improve over night, but you have to keep trying."

Sota gazed softly at his sister. He had every right to envy her. She was the greatest priestess their shrine had ever known. Capable in both spiritual and physical combat, but especially for her light.

No matter how terrible everything seemed, she always found a way to smile. Which in turn, made him smile back.

"Yeah, your right…" he took her hand gratefully and was pulled to his feet. "One more?" She asked, he nodded enthusiastically as she walked back to her place on the other side of the circle. She then call out with a smile "This time try not to move like molasses".

"Oh you're going to pay for that one!" He shot back, reaching for the arrows in his quiver.

Kagome was about to reach for her own arrow, when suddenly Kaede's voice rang out "Kagome, Sota". Both siblings looked to their grandmother, who was still standing at the sidelines.

"We have visitors."

They both looked confused at one another before lowering their bows and walking out of the ring. They were rarely pulled out of training, but when they were, it was either very important or very bad.

"Who is it Grandmother?" Kagome asked curiously. Kaede lifted her lone eye to her granddaughter with a smile "Our neighbours to the west have come with a special request. Come, we must meet with them."

—

As they came to the shrine's steps, Kagome saw four monks. They appeared weary and exhausted from their travels, having three riding mules carrying heavy bags of supplies.

When the four saw the Higurashi family approaching, they instantly bowed respectfully. While still bowing low, the lead monk took a single step forward before announcing "Great Lady Kagome…we have traveled far."

Kagome held back a blush at such a formal title, but she bowed to the monks as well. Unsure of why they were there, she didn't know if she should thank them for coming.

The four monks stood back to full height, as the leader cleared his throat "We give you many pardons for our intrusion, but it was urgent that we come."

Kagome smiled politely and replied "There's no intrusion fare Monk, but I must ask what is the urgency of your situation? Are you in any danger?"

The monk sighed heavily before stepping to the side, exposing the tiny form that hid behind him.

Kagome was taken by surprise at the young girl who hid fearfully behind the monk. Only half of the girl's face was showing from behind the man's robs. Her deep, dark eyes were shimmering with curiosity and worry, while her hair appeared in long messy waves.

Beyond her surprise, Kagome found herself smiling at the cute little girl, unable to do anything else.

"This…" the monk began "is Rin…she is in great need of your help Priestess, a great demon pursues her and she needs protecting."

Kagome's smile faded. Demon's in the western regions were known for taking young women for sacrifices. To make them either slaves or dinner. But…this girl was a child, no older then nine years. What kind of Demon were they dealing with.

Kagome nodded to the monks before coming forward, her eyes connected with Rin's. Her smile never wavered as she bent down onto her knees.

The monk move further and exposed Rin completely. She wore an adorable orange and yellow kimono, and her hair was long as it was wild, with the exception of a silly ponytail at the side of her mane.

Rin stood fiddling with her fingers, she stood bashfully but was somewhat calmed by Kagome's smile. With sparkling eyes, she finally said "Hello Rin…my name is Kagome." Rin said nothing, but found herself giving a soft smile in return.

Kagome held back a smirk of triumph before she turned around and looked at her brother. "Sota, why don't you take Rin inside and get her comfortable."

Sota smiled and replied "Sure." He strutted forward and presented his hand to Rin, with great hesitation she took his hand and was led into the Shrine.

When they were out of sight, Kagome looked back to the monks, they all watched the girl leave with such long and worried expressions. When they came back to themselves, Kaede stated "Come…we have much to discuss."

—

The four monks sat in a straight line, as the two Priestesses sat across from them. They were in a pregnant silence, not knowing where to begin the long conversation about the myserteous girl.

Kaede was first to speak "What happened to this poor child that brought her to our Shrine's doorstep?"

The lead monk bowed his head and explained "Rin is an orphan, he has been a charity case for our small village ever since her parents were killed by bandits."

His eyes were dark as his gaze pulled to the floor.

"For the longest time the girl would do nothing, she wouldn't speak or smile…never acknowledged anyone…until one day she came with this incredible grin…she said she met the Lord. We thought that the power of god had reached her…but it wasn't our Lord she spoke of, it was the Lord of the Western lands."

"Lord of the Western Lands?" Kaede echoed, the monk nodded.

"Yes…a great demon who has never once looked at us humans. He hates our race, so much that we are nothing but rats in his eyes, not worthy of his wrath nor his attention. It was better to not be noticed by such a power, verses being his victims."

"I'm sorry…" Kagome interrupted softly "but what would a Demon Lord want with a little girl?"

He only lifted his hand to rub his neck tiredly, "that we still do not know…we simply know that for three nights he had come and visited the girl. We believe that he was going to steal her away, and god knows what terrible things a demon could do to an innocent child."

Kagome bit the inside of her cheek. At one time, she would agree with his way of thinking…but now, she knows that even demons can have pure intentions. Though, the monk continued.

"Immediately, we packed up everything and brought her here. We know that you'll be able to hide her from that creature. We managed to hide her scent with a sacred sutra, but this is a relentless being."

The monks hands began shaking as he suddenly bowed, pulling his forehead to the ground. The other three followed his lead as their leader begged "…you must find it in your hearts to protect this child by any means necessary."

Kagome took a deep breath as she looked to her grandmother. Taking in an orphan child was one thing, but keeping her under strict protection from a possessive Lord was another.

But how could they refuse.

Kaede nodded once before proclaiming "it would be our deepest pleasure to take Rin in…but we must take precautions. If Rin is to stay here, she can not stay unguarded, Kagome will be her guardian."

Kagome took in a breath of surprise. It made sense for her to protect Rin, she was the strongest in combat and more then capable of exorcising a demon…but she would have to guard her day and night…effectively cutting into her time with her Half-Demon lover.

But then all at once Kagome had a sudden yet wonderful idea.

"What if…Rin defends herself." she spoke softly, but managed to have all eyes turn to her. Kaede gave her a confused look, which pushed Kagome to say "What if I train Rin to become the Shrine Priestess after me. That way even if she were to be captured, she would at least know how to defend herself."

The monks looked at one another before turning back to the young Priestess. "What must she do?" Kagome sat up just a bit straighter as she explained "give us five years…five years and she will be a trained Priestess, but for now, she can learn a few defensive spells."

Kaede closed her eye in contemplation, while Kagome held her breath. The silence seemed endless to her. The next few moments could change her life for the better…or keep it the same forever.

Then…Kaede smiled and said "To train another generation would be an honour for this Shrine." The monks all nodded in agreement. It was such a simple and yet powerful idea.

"Then we shall leave her to you. Protect our dear Rin from evil, and train her to be a strong and worthy Priestess."

A sudden smile claimed Kagome's lips. 'This is it…' she thought happily 'she is our answer.'

—

The night was like any other, Inuyasha waited 'patiently' outside the grounds of the Kagome's shrine until sundown.

The minute it was dark, he would cautiously sneak into the prayer room by the back window. However, tonight was different. She came to him.

He saw Kagome in a near sprint from his place on a high branch. No bow, nor quiver, nothing to defend herself.

She would never be so foolish as to run after dark without any kind of protection.

Without thinking twice he leaped down from the tree and landed directly in front of the sprinting girl. She let out a surprised shriek and skidded to a sudden stop.

Inuyasha gave Kagome a deep scowl and barked "What are you thinking running out here! What if someone saw you and you don't have your bow…" his scolding was cut off as Kagome squealed like a little girl as she leapt forward.

Throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight embrace. She happily smiled and nuzzled into his chest.

Inuyasha was beyond confused, but enjoyed the affection either way. He didn't hesitate to place his arms around her and return the embrace.

She panted for a few seconds before saying "Inu…yasha…I have something wonderful to tell you!" His canine ears twitched as he asked curiously "What is it?"

Kagome pulled back and looked up at her Half-Demon. The man she loved more deeply then anyone in her life. She continued to take deep breaths, desperately trying to keep her voice even, but she smiled all the while.

Licking her lips and keeping her arms to his chest, she stated "Inu…today, a young girl was brought to the Shrine. Her name is Rin and they've given me permission to be her guardian and mentor."

Inuyasha cracked an eyebrow, not really understanding what she was getting at.

"Don't you see? If I train her in the spiritual arts, then she can be the next Priestess! She can…replace me." the last part was said more softly, as a blush took her cheeks.

All at once it clicked in his mind. His hold instantly tightened on her as he brought her back into his arms. Embedding himself into her soft hair he whispered "do you mean…are you…can we…" Kagome smiled brightly into the crook of his neck, he was so shocked he was unable to form a sentence.

She whispered to his skin "Yes…after she is properly trained, we can go." Kagome pulled back again to look into his eyes, he wore a look of disbelief but his eyes were alive with joy.

"You can take me…to the forest, to the mountains, to the sea, anywhere…as long as we're together."

In a wave of emotion, Inuyasha pulled Kagome flush against him and claimed her lips. Kagome moaned into the passion and held him just as tightly as he held her. As they released, he gazed into her eyes with a love that could never be expressed with words.

"How long?" He asked, a new and exciting smile touching his lips, Kagome shook her head "It all depends on her, if she's talented then…maybe three years." His smile faded only slightly. Three years was a long time.

"Can't we just leave her to the old hag to train, or your father?"

Kagome released a jagged breath, if only it were that easy.

"No…grandmother is old and can't train like she use to. As for father…he has certain methods that shouldn't be enforced with a timid girl like that." Inuyasha sharpened at her remark.

"What methods?" He asked, but she didn't answer, all she did was lean into him and curl into his arms. The one place she truly felt safe. Inuyasha's arms wrapped around her in comfort as he nuzzled her temple.

Kagome gently nuzzled him back before saying with a small smile "Well…maybe one year. Grandmother is a greater teacher then I am…" He grinned and whispered "Make it six months and I'll make it worth your wild."

A mischievous smile took her lips as she leaned in and gently kissed the skin of his neck. Inuyasha shuttered at the sensation as she giggled sweetly. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"

Without another word, Inuyasha took hold of Kagome's outer thighs and lifted her to straddle his waist. She gasped and clenched his shoulders for balance, but was silenced again by his passionate lips.

Inuyasha began carrying her to their private den where he'd show her exactly what he had in mind.