Kagome's head was buzzing. She hadn't known there were so many medicinal herbs. A few of them were familiar like ginseng root and wheat seed but the rest sounded like components from a chemistry lab assignment.

"Five minutes," she muttered.

Kaede continued lecturing her on the proper way to prepare a healing salve. Either she hadn't heard Kagome or she pretended not to.

Kagome shook her head. Standing up, she announced, "We've been at it for hours, Kaede. I need a break."

Before the girl could stop her, Kagome charged out of the hut. Kaede called after her. Kagome picked up her pace. If Kaede was going to ignore her need for a break, she was going to ignore her right back. Was it childish? Yes. Did she care? No.

The moon hung above, illuminating Kagome's path toward the river. She needed distance from the village and the weight of the obligation that had been thrust upon her.

In comparison, Gramp's wish for her to take over the shrine didn't seem so bad. At least at home, things made sense. She understood people's expectations even if she didn't agree with them. There was an order to things. Here the world felt as if it had been flipped upside down. Like Alice's journey through Wonderland, Kagome found herself figuring things out as she went along.

Kaede's instructions helped. She started with the role of the Shikon Miko. According to Kaede, it wasn't that different from the duties of a typical priestess with one distinct exception— protecting the jewel came before all else —even her own life. Kagome wasn't sure how she felt about that. On one hand, she understood the gravity of the situation. If someone like Tsubaki used the jewel's powers, she could destroy an entire city. However, Kagome wasn't sure that dying would solve that particular problem.

Skills such as archery were sure to help mitigate that situation. Kagome just hoped she could master the bow. Her attempts so far left a lot to be desired. Though Kaede was patient, even she eventually decided not much could be done in such a short period of time and suggested they move on to other practical applications. That was how Kagome found herself sitting through a lengthy lesson on healing remedies.

Her eyelids were heavy. Without the rush of adrenaline, Tsubaki's attack caused, Kagome was fading. The long hours in Kaede's warm hut were beginning to catch up to her. She needed fresh air.

Outside, the night was cool. The slight chill was exactly the type of jolt Kagome needed to remain awake. She ignored the goosebumps breaking out on her arms and marched across the bridge. Something called to her from the other side of the river. Kagome listened to her instincts.

The moment she reached the hillside, a sensation caused her skin to prickle. It felt like a single finger tracing the curve of her spine. There was barely any pressure which gave her the impression that whatever had reached out was curious, not hostile.

Regardless, the unexpected intrusion caused her to shiver. She paused to glance around to confirm that Kaede hadn't followed her. The village was quiet. A handful of lanterns were lit but no one was up. She was alone.

She wondered if she was starting to become delusional from lack of sleep. Maybe she had imagined the sensation. Or maybe she had unknowingly stumbled into yet another dangerous situation.

Drawing her arms around herself, Kagome decided to go back. The prospect of continuing her cram session didn't sound fun but at least no one had attacked her inside the hut. As she turned around, Kagome gave the forest and fields one final glance. She saw nothing yet she couldn't escape the feeling that someone— or something —was watching her.

"Kaede, can the Shikon Jewel sense evil?" she asked as she entered the hut.

The girl was busy tending to her fire. "The Shikon Jewel is equal parts dark and light. It is the wielder who determines if it will remain pure or be tainted by malicious intent."

Kagome frowned. "Is that a yes?"

"The answer to your question is not as simple as a 'yes' or 'no' response. While the jewel will seek a barer, it does not discern between good and evil. Both halves seek to control. They are constantly at war. If you sense an evil presence, you may be becoming aware of the jewel's inner struggle. It is also possible that your spiritual abilities are awakening."

"My spiritual abilities?" Kagome echoed, uncertainly. She turned her palms over and studied her hands. "You mean that pink light?"

"Energy projection is a technique you can harness for both defensive and offensive purposes. My sister was capable of destroying demons with a single touch," Kaede shared.

Kagome didn't consider killing to be the act of a person with pure intentions. Not that she would say that out loud. It was clear by the way Kaede spoke about Kikyo that she admired her older sister. Kagome didn't want to offend her. Kaede was the one person who knew her secret and the only one who she could go to for answers. Kagome couldn't afford to alienate the girl.

"Are there other, easier techniques I could learn before that?" she asked.

"A spiritual barrier is one of the foundational skills a priestess needs. Defending yourself is critical when you encounter a demon. Once you erect a shield, you can focus on attacking," Kaede explained.

Kagome bristled at the last word. She was starting to understand why Lord Taisho sought unity. The way Kaede spoke about demons reminded her of the way Yuka complained about the first years at school— only worse. Kaede's intolerant view on demon-kind made Kagome uncomfortable. She didn't believe that all demons were bad. After all, their leader wanted peace. That had to count for something, right?

"Okay, let's start with that then."

Kaede arched a brow. "We haven't completed your study of medicinal herbs."

"I'm about to marry a demon lord who doesn't like me, remember? I think the healing herbs can wait."

"You make a good point," Kaede relented with a nod. "We should practice outside. Your powers are unstable. I can't risk you ruining anything in here."

Kagome eyed the hut door. When Kaede stepped outside would she encounter the same sensation that Kagome had? She watched the young girl stroll outside. Kaede didn't appear to notice anything unusual. Kagome decided it had been her imagination and followed.

Kaede led her to a clearing several paces from the edge of the village. "Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Start by focusing on your physical balance. Keep your weight evenly between both feet."

"Okay." Kagome adjusted her stance.

"Now, focus on the balance within. Clear your mind of fear, anger, sadness, and regret. You need to be at peace so you can control your abilities," Kaede instructed.

"And if I can't?" Kagome asked, thinking of how terrified she'd been when Tsubaki's shikigami attacked.

"You risk corrupting the jewel inside of you. You are no longer an ordinary woman," Kaede reminded her. "You must protect this village and all others like it from the demons who seek to destroy it."

"What about Lord Taisho?" Kagome questioned.

"Touga Taisho is a rare exception. Few demons would consider us as more than a fleeting fancy or meal."

"What do you mean?"

Kaede sighed. "Touga Taisho's second wife is a human princess from a nearby province. I'm certain it is his love of her that motivated him to take such a stand for unity. That being said, don't assume the members of his court will share his opinion. When you enter the Western Palace, you will be a sheep amongst wolves. Trust no one."

Kaede's warning made Kagome uneasy. She tried to laugh it off. "Guess I need to learn to protect myself then, huh?"

Since arriving in the Sengoku Period, she had been trying to make sense of things. It was difficult to wrap her head around the fact that demons were real. Kagome had always considered her grandfather's stories as just that: stories. Kagome never thought they were real.

Gramps tended to embellish and exaggerate. He believed that the more exciting a story was, the better chance he could sell something. As she matured, Kagome learned to tune him out. She wondered what her grandfather would say if he could see her now. Knowing him, he'd probably slap an ofuda on her forehead.

Kaede also chose a direct approach. She instructed Kagome through the steps of generating a spiritual shield. The process made sense. Kagome understood the theory. It was the execution she was struggling with. She balanced her physical body, focused on her intention and visualizing the shield. The challenge was clearing her mind.

She accepted people based on their actions, not because they were born a certain way or came from a well-known family. Mama had taught her that a person's worth came from what they gave instead of what they had. Being from a modest family, Kagome had seen the truth of that lesson each day.

After her father died in a car accident, Gramps and Mama banded together to care for the shrine. Mama also took on a few part-time jobs for extra income. Kagome helped out by taking care of Souta. She fed him, changed his diapers, bathed him, and sang him to sleep. The extra chores never bothered her. Kagome loved raising her brother, even if in recent years he had become a pain. She wondered if it had been the same for Kaede and Kikyo.

Neither of their parents was alive. Kaede's prejudice might have come from that. If a demon had killed her parents, Kagome could understand why Kaede had reservations. She hadn't asked about Kaede's family. She was hoping that with time, the younger girl would open up to her.

"Your fears are preventing you from establishing control over your abilities," Kaede chastised. "Your powers are an extension of yourself. If you are unfocused, they will seek any outlet that opens for them. You must be the one to direct them toward a single source."

"Like electricity?" Kagome asked.

"What is electricity?" Kaede inquired, brow furrowing.

Kagome opened her mouth to explain the scientific discovery, then snapped it shut. The only way Kaede would be able to relate to the phenomenon was in relation to the natural world. "Lightning," Kagome rephrased.

Kaede seemed confused by the metaphor. Kagome explained visualizing herself controlling lightning. In school, she had studied the technology people had developed to harness electricity and use it to power their homes. She figured she could do the same with her reiki.

Kaede's eyes widened. "I've never thought of it that way. Yes, lightning is a perfect representation of your abilities. See yourself channeling your reiki into a single bolt. Perhaps this method will produce results."

Kagome tried not to grimace at that last part. Even though she initially surprised Kaede with her ingenuity, the girl had reverted to her judgmental tone. It seemed it would take more than one good idea to impress Kaede. With a sigh, Kagome raised her hands.

She concentrated on the marble-sized orb within her body. Kagome pictured sparks of energy shooting out of the jewel and entwining together to form a strand of light. She visualized extending the light up into her chest and out through her palms but when Kagome opened her eyes, she saw nothing.

"Again," Kaede instructed.

Kagome tried. She failed. Kagome attempted a third time and failed.

After the fourth go, Kaede shook her head. "Wait here." She disappeared into her hit, returning a few moments later with a bow and quiver.

"What's that for?" Kagome asked.

"When a priestess can't access her powers, it means she's blocked emotionally. I'm going to help you remove that block." Kaede drew an arrow from the quiver and nocked it.

Kagome stared at the girl. "Hold on a sec! Are you going to shoot me?"

Kaede's response was to fire an arrow directly at her. Kagome had less than a second to react. Her hands flew up to shield her face as her entire body tensed. There was the sound of the arrow ricocheting off something, followed by a thud where it hit the ground.

Hesitantly, Kagome lowered her arms. She found herself encased in a dome of pale, pink light. The instant she realized her success, the barrier fell.

"Good."

Kagome blinked, startled by Kaede's praise. "Good? You tried to hit me!"

"You blocked it."

"You didn't know I could. I *didn't* know I could!" Kagome cried indignantly.

Kaede grabbed another arrow, ignoring Kagome's reaction. "Do it again."

"Wait, I'm not ready!"

The second arrow shot across the field with unparalleled speed. Kagome flipped her palms out to prevent it from striking her in the chest. Her shield manifested just in time to catch the arrow. It hung suspended in the air a few centimeters from her face.

Kagome let out the breath she had been holding. She stared at the pointed tip before turning her attention to Kaede.

"What was that?"

"You need to be prepared," the girl told her unapologetically. Kaede reached behind her to retrieve another arrow. "If you were to encounter a demon right now, you would be dead within seconds. You need to be prepared to purify them."

"Hey!"

Kaede several arrows, one right after the other. Each struck Kagome's barrier and shattered like panes of glass.

"You can't keep doing that!" she snapped.

"Then find a way to fight back," Kaede challenged.

Kagome glared at Kaede through the pink sheen of her barrier. She had never been as frustrated as she was at that moment. Kagome was tired and hungry. She was trapped in an unfamiliar place without a single familiar face. Everyone here believed Kagome was a famous shrine priestess. The only person who knew the truth was on her last nerve.

And she had had enough.

When Kaede released her last arrow, the wooden shaft splintered into hundreds of pieces. The flint piece split in two and the feathered end burst into flames.

Kaede lowered her how, a look of awe on her face. "Fire?"

"What? Is that wrong too?" Kagome asked with a roll of her eyes. The remnants of the arrow shuddered at the sound of her voice. "I suppose your sister did it better, right? Bet she grew that whole forest and paved the way for that river." Kagome gestured to the landmarks behind her. "Well, newsflash, I'm not her. I'm not Kikyo. My name is Kagome. Ka-go-me. I'm not an all-powerful priestess. I'm just an average high school girl. I don't want to destroy demons. I just want to go home. I don't know what's so hard about that to— Kaede? "

She paused, noticing the change in the girl's demeanor. Kagome followed her gaze to the ground where the arrow fragments were binding themselves together. The chips of wood fit like jigsaw pieces to form a bow. Fibers from the destroyed feather tips threaded into a cord that wove through holes drilled by the flint flakes.

Kagome watched the transformation, too stunned to utter a word. Kaede was under the same spell. The two waited in silence as Kagome's reiki crafted her weapon. When the process was complete, Kagome's barrier faded.

She knelt to pick up the bow. Turning it over in her hand, Kagome asked, "How?"

"I have never seen an ability like this before, nor have I read about one. Creation has always been a rare skill. It takes years to master and even then it is limited to a spiritual entity— a shikigami. No record exists of a priestess with the capabilities to create weapons. A priestess's power is unique to her. Each one is born with certain inherent strengths but at their core, they are the same. They all abide by the same laws that bind the spiritual world— the same limitations— all but you."

"What does that mean?"

Kaede shook her head. "I don't know. I need to consult with Chief Sako. The yokai taijiya village has sworn to protect our history as well as our lands."

"There is an entire village dedicated to demon slayers?" Kagome questioned.

Kaede nodded. "They guard Midoriko's final resting place. It was their decision to entrust the Shikon Jewel to Kikyo. If anyone can explain your powers, it will be them."

"Okay, let's go."

"I will make the journey alone. You have your role to play," Kaede reminded her.

"You can't be serious," Kagome cried. "I'm not ready. You said so yourself that I'm not ready!"

"Whether you are prepared or not no longer matters. The time has come." Kaede pointed to the horizon where a stream of golden light was beginning to bleed into the night sky. "Lord Taisho's entourage will be arriving shortly. We need to make you presentable."

LINE BREAK

As the first rays of dawn stretched across the Western Lands, Sesshomaru landed inside the palace walls. He had leveraged his return flight to consider the blue-eyed miko. She was indeed different from the priestess who had been promised to him. This woman possessed a strength Sesshomaru believed only existed within daiyokai. Even more perplexing was her ignorance. She appeared completely unaware of her capabilities.

When Sesshomaru had extended his yoki to the woman, she had instinctively blocked him. No one— not even his father —had ever shielded themselves so effortlessly from an assault. The woman had not seen him yet her response was swift as if she had anticipated an attack. Either she was gifted with foresight or her talents were even more exceptional than he originally surmised. If it was the former, her ability could come in handy on the battlefield. If it was latter, Sesshomaru was convinced having her at his side would be equally useful.

He would not entertain the idea of taking her as his mate but he was interested in procuring a powerful ally. The blue-eyed miko could be a rather advantageous addition to his inner circle. Conversing with her was sure to be more agreeable than dealing with Jaken. As for the two-headed dragon Sesshomaru had come across on his travels, he was certain the woman would not pose a threat. The dragon was his favored companion. Sesshomaru preferred him because of his silence.

In the palace, such a trait was difficult to come by, especially where his mother was concerned.

"My beloved son."

He attempted to cut back the way he had come but Arisu had cleverly brought along her handmaidens. A pair of timid demonesses blocked his exit. Scowling, Sesshomaru turned to face his mother.

Her expression was that of a predator who had successfully cornered its prey. There was a subtle tilt to her painted lips and a spark in her metallic eyes. She was poised. Dressed in the finest silks available, she looked every part a docile lady. In the human court, his mother's appearance would have fooled the attendees but they were not amongst the humans.

Sesshomaru was well acquainted with how diffidently the demon court operated. They did not differentiate power between females and males. An alpha was designated as the leader regardless of gender. In the case of his parents, both Touga and Arisu were strong alphas, each representing an ancient inuyokai line.

His mother was descended from the Crescent Clan. It was their mark that Sesshomaru bore on his forehead, along with the smaller pair of stripes on his cheeks. The wider set was from Touga. The markings from his father were more prominent, a distinction made solely for the firstborn. The marks denoted Sesshomaru as Touga's primary successor. The title used to be a source of pride for him. Now, however, the role was tainted by duty.

"I do hope you are not still cross with your father," Arisu said. "He has the best intentions in regards to your future, as do I."

"If your intentions truly are for the best, I suggest you leave me to make my own decisions," Sesshomaru responded.

His mother's facade did not waver. "Oh, my beloved son," she cooed, reaching out one hand to gently pat his cheek. "You should not look upon your betrothed with such scorn. Though this union is purely political in nature, you may be surprised how much fun having a human mate can be."

Sesshomaru recoiled from her touch.

"When your father first brought Izayoi into our bed—."

"That is enough, mother," he interrupted, grimacing.

"They aren't as fragile as you may think," she told him with a wink.

Sesshomaru resisted the urge to retch. If there was one thing he despised more than unnecessary chatter it was hearing the sordid details of his parents' nightly activities. What happened in their private chambers was meant to remain private.

"I've heard the Shikon Miko is a great beauty. Perhaps, once you've set your sights on her, you will change your mind."

"I will not."

"Sesshomaru."

"Taking a mate has never been an action I wished to follow through on. It is an inconvenient distraction at best. At worst, it is a weakness that my enemies can use to exploit me. No," he stated sternly with a shake of his head. "I will not change my mind. It does not matter how attractive the woman is. I will not allow myself to be tethered to another."

His mother made a tsking sound as she folded her hands inside the wide sleeves of her kimono. "I pity the girl for having to suffer your arrogance."

"She does not require your sympathy for she shares my sentiments".

Arisu's eyes widened. "You have met her?"

"No." The lie rolled off his tongue easily. "I am merely certain her feelings are similar to mine."

His mother stared at him. "Whether you two are aligned in your opinion or not, it will not change your fate. You are to wed the Shikon Miko. I suggest you prepare yourself for your duties as her mate, lest you bring dishonor to our family name." She bowed her head and summoned her handmaidens.

Sesshomaru watched the trio disappear down the corridor as the weight of his mother's words tightened around his neck like a noose.