"Your form is off. Do it again."

Kagome groaned. Her legs were sore. Her arms ached. Her head throbbed. They'd been working this particular form for hours and she was still no closer to beating Sesshomaru. Everything hurt, including her pride.

"Focus," he said.

As if she needed a reminder…

He swung the bamboo staff at a downward angle, bringing it across her left shoulder to her right foot. Kagome barely managed to shift out of range of his attack. Sesshomaru lunged forward, thrusting the end of the staff at her. Kagome sidestepped. She raised her forearm as she moved to block him in case the staff followed. Sesshomaru had taught her that fights were similar to chess. She needed to always be thinking ahead. One move was useless. Kagome needed to have a counterattack in mind, a contingency plan.

That was difficult when she was tired. Perspiration was causing the uniform to stick to her back. Each time Kagome moved, she could feel it lift off her skin and then snap back in place. It was distracting and gross. She'd never been this sweaty before. And that included all their previous sessions.

It had been two weeks since she arrived in the Sengoku Era. Sesshomaru had kept his promise. With the exception of her first morning, they trained daily. It started as soon as she woke. Sesshomaru would escort her from her chambers to the courtyard. They began with stretching and a few laps. Once her muscles were warmed up, Sesshomaru led her through the several basic combat forms. From there, they advanced in sparring matches, weapons training, or a mixture of both.

There was a break for meals. Sesshomaru did not eat with her. He used the time to hone his skills. Watching him was equal parts motivating and discouraging. His movements were fluid as if he was doing a dance. He never hesitated. He never faltered. It was effortless and beautiful. Everything from the way his hair swayed, to the determined set of his jaw was perfect. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him. As a result, Kagome developed a bad habit of depositing more porridge on the ground than in her mouth. Luckily, A-Un was always around to clear away the evidence of her distraction.

The two-headed dragon spent his days lounging nearby. He would watch over their sessions from sun up to sun down. If he perceived a threat— such as someone approaching the courtyard —he would stand up and hiss. Once when Jaken appeared, under the guise of delivering a summons to Sesshomaru, the dragon tossed him out. Another time, Yukana came to fetch her for a fitting, and A-Un stood in the doorway, blocking her view. Kagome discovered most of the palace was as afraid of A-Un as they were of Sesshomaru.

Not that she minded. Kagome preferred to have her lessons in private. The fewer people who knew about her training, the better. She couldn't trust anyone here wouldn't out her to Tsubaki… if they hadn't already.

Sesshomaru taught her about battle strategy as much as he did physical skills. He informed her that both were valuable tactics in securing victory over an opponent. Considering how easily he had cornered her in A-Un's stall, Kagome had to agree. Which was one of her reasons for keeping their sessions a secret. Tsubaki couldn't prepare for an attack she didn't see coming.

Kagome's focus shifted to the present. The bamboo staff came at her from behind, targeting the back of her knees. She held her breath and jumped. The weapon crossed beneath her with a swish. Kagome spun away from the swing through, dodging Sesshomaru's corresponding strike. He'd used the same attack pattern on her last week. That time, Kagome ended up in the dirt.

Not today, she grinned.

She anticipated him rotating around to jab at her chest. Kagome positioned herself to block the strike but when Sesshomaru moved, she noticed the pattern had changed.

Her realization was too late. The staff arched up and came down along the back of her shoulders. The force set her off balance. Kagome pitched forward. Instinctively, her arms shot out to break her fall.

There was no need.

An arm slipped around her waist, catching her before her palms hit the dirt. "Careful." Sesshomaru spoke the words across her ear. Kagome's face heated. He was so close.

"Thanks," she said, regaining her footing.

He straightened up, studying her. "What did you do wrong?"

"Nothing. You changed the routine on me."

He frowned. "Do you think your opponents will follow a discernible pattern when you fight them?"

"No," Kagome grumbled.

She hated when he was right, which was often. It was so frustrating, even more so when she realized the person she ought to be mad with was herself. How many times had Sesshomaru told her to adapt? Surroundings, weather conditions, weapons, opponents— Kagome would never be able to plan for all of them. She needed to build up her skills to address whatever she came up against.

"You cannot allow yourself to become discouraged over a loss. Failure is an opportunity to develop your skills. You can either learn from it or continue repeating your mistakes. Which will it be, Kagome?"

He was right. Again. She sighed, annoyed at him for pointing out the obvious. It reminded her that she still had a long way to go. Learning to fight was definitely not as easy as the movies made it look.

"Okay, let's go again."

Sesshomaru nodded. That was the only warning Kagome received before he charged. He came at her like a force of nature yet his footsteps made no sound. If he hadn't attacked her from the front, Kagome wouldn't have known he was there.

She dropped to the ground and rolled, narrowly avoiding being slashed by his claws. The instant her feet were flat on the ground, she was up and sprinting toward the oak tree. Sesshomaru followed. He was fast. Kagome knew she couldn't beat him with speed or physical strength.

And she didn't plan to.

Up until now, Kagome had been practicing defensive strategies. But if Sesshomaru could break the pattern then so could she.

As he closed in on her, Kagome halted, pivoted around, and raised a barrier. She saw Sesshomaru's eyes widened a second before he hit the wall. Then Kagome heard something she never expected from the daiyokai.

He cursed.

She had to have heard that wrong. There was no way Mr. I've-Got-A-Stick-Up-My-Ass-But-That's-Perfect-Too had used profanity.

He swore again.

Kagome couldn't help it. She burst out laughing. Her concentration faltered and her barrier collapsed.

Sesshomaru cradled his left arm. Her reiki had scorched the sleeve of his hankimono, revealing the flesh beneath. It was a violent red color, almost as angry as the glare Sesshomaru was giving her. Her laughter died.

"Here, let me take a look," she said, approaching him.

Sesshomaru scowled but permitted her to wrap her hand around his. Kagome was too busy inspecting his burn to see his expression shift into a smirk. He rolled his wrist over top of hers, grabbing hold of her forearm. He twisted it around behind Kagome's back. Sesshomaru stepped closer, holding her directly in front of him so she was unable to turn out of his hold.

"You may show your guests compassion in the palace but on the battlefield, it will get you killed."

"Noted," Kagome muttered.

He released her. "We will end here for today."

She spun around. "Why?"

"Have you forgotten what tomorrow is?"

Kagome exhaled dramatically. "Believe me, I've tried." Sesshomaru didn't seem amused by her theatrics. "I don't see why that means we have to cut our practice short."

"I thought females preferred to have ample time preparing for events."

"There's not much I have to prepare," she told him. "Your mother has already taken care of the guest list, the decorations, the menu, the music, even my kimono. She's also lending me a couple of her handmaidens to assist Yukana and Izumi with getting me ready. All I have to do is show up."

"And marry me."

"Well that's kind of the point of this whole thing, isn't it?" Kagome asked, rubbing her wrist where he had gripped her. He really didn't know his own strength.

"Indeed."

They hadn't spoken about the wedding much. It was easier to pretend they were just friends— or allies in Sesshomaru's opinion. Somehow they'd fallen into a routine that acted as a safety net for their newly formed alliance and as a shield against all the 'what if's' awaiting them. Like what if Kikyo was dead? What if convincing the yokai clans and humans to coexist took years, decades even? What if there was no way for her to return to present-day Tokyo?

Sesshomaru's messenger had arrived in Kaede's village ten days ago. He confirmed she had received Kagome's message yet no reply had been sent back. It was possible the younger girl didn't trust the Taisho clan. Kagome had been waiting to see if Kaede would contact her some other way, but not a single letter had arrived. Did that mean she couldn't go back home? And if so, what would she do after her arrangement with Sesshomaru was over?

Kagome shook away the negative thoughts. She couldn't worry about those things right now. If Kagome let herself get carried away, it would perpetuate the spiral. She'd go back to being a frightened girl lost in the past. The only thing worse than being stuck here was being a victim. Kagome wouldn't let that happen.

"One more round?" she prompted.

"No. You are done."

"I'm not done," Kagome insisted.

He arched a brow. "You quit before our match was over."

"I was worried about you! Look at your arm," she said, gesturing to his burn.

It appeared to be blistering. Kagome felt guilty for using her reiki against him. She had meant to shock Sesshomaru, maybe even impress him a little. She didn't want to hurt him.

"We should go see the healer."

"There is no need. Yokai recover at an accelerated rate," Sesshomaru told her.

"Still, you should get checked out, just to be safe."

"Are you worried about me, miko?" he questioned. Kagome willed herself not to look away. Sesshomaru held her gaze. "And when the healer asks how I sustained such an injury, what should I tell him?"

"That you lost," Kagome replied.

His eyes narrowed. "I do not lose."

"You did today."

"That was not a victory. You underestimated your opponent and gave up your advantage for a foolish sentiment," he argued.

"Compassion isn't a foolish sentiment. It's what you need to learn if you want to change the future. Or did you forget that?" she snapped.

Sesshomaru glowered at her.

"Ugh, you really are impossible!" Kagome shoved past him. She collected her bow and quiver and proceed to stomp out of the courtyard.

Every time she thought they were making progress, Sesshomaru said or did something that set them back. Kagome wondered if showing him her history book would change his attitude, particularly the chapter on 1945. Of course, doing so would reveal she hadn't just seen the future, she was from the future. There was no telling how Sesshomaru would react. And she wasn't keen to find out.

"Good afternoon, my lady," Izumi greeted her outside her chambers.

"Hey, do you mind if I soak in the tub for a while?"

The handmaiden eyed her weapon curiously. "Target practice again?"

"Yeah," Kagome laughed nervously.

Izumi pursed her lips, looking like she wanted to say something. Instead, she smiled and started preparing the bath.

Kagome didn't like lying to her handmaidens. Though she still found it awkward to have them constantly hovering around her, they were kind. They had become accustomed to her informal speech and mannerisms. She'd begun to think of them as her friends.

Friends she kept secrets from.

Just like Jinenji… Kagome went to the gardens in between training and dinner each afternoon to check on the young hanyo. He was thriving at the palace. As Hina had predicted, the gardeners found his help extremely beneficial. The new sprouts were coming in better than any season prior, including the flowers being grown for the wedding ceremony. Each time she visited, Jinenji took her over to the patch of banda orchids. He was very proud of them. Arisu's constant praise had provided a much-needed boost to his confidence.

Jinenji had stopped clinging to Hina. He was often seen working alone in the dirt or speaking with the other gardeners. Kagome didn't see him hunch in on himself at dinner anymore. Jinenji had become comfortable with the Taisho clan. Kagome was glad that he had found his place in the world.

She only wished she could do the same.

Sighing, Kagome entered her bedroom, making sure to slide the door closed behind her. She dropped her bow and quiver on the floor at her beside. Kagome removed the tanto blade from her belt and tucked it under her pillow. When she turned around, she jumped.

Last week, Yukana had placed a full-length mirror in the corner so Kagome could watch them as they did her hair and makeup. She was still getting used to her reflection. The person Kagome saw staring back at her was not the same naive school girl who had fallen through the well.

Carefully, she removed her guard uniform. There were so many bruises on her skin that she appeared more purple than porcelain. No matter how long Kagome soaked in the yuzu baths prepared for her, the bruises did not fade. Her handmaidens thought she was shy and modest. While that wasn't untrue, Kagome's real reason for undressing alone was to hide the discolored skin from them. If they saw the marks, they'd report it to Touga or Sesshomaru. Kagome wasn't sure which was worse.

It wasn't that they had intentionally hid their activities from Touga, Arisu, and Izayoi but neither she nor Sesshomaru felt the need to explain their time together. Kagome got the sense that his parents would disapprove. If that happened, it was likely she wouldn't be able to train anymore. Kagome couldn't risk it. She refused to rely on Sesshomaru and the guards to protect her. She needed to take care of herself. In this era, that meant learning defensive techniques.

The next time Tsubaki came for her, Kagome wouldn't run. She would face the dark priestess head on.


Sesshomaru watched the miko storm off. Her knuckles were white where she gripped the leather strap of her quiver. Her brow was pinched. Her lips were moving in soundless murmuring, which he surmised was about him. Her footsteps were heavy against the hardwood floors as she marched into the palace.

Once again his temper had gotten the best of him, yet he could not find a reason to care. The angrier the miko became, the harder she worked. It appeared that she responded to confrontation better than praise. If Sesshomaru complimented her, she became uneasy. The miko would stammer. Her footwork grew sloppy. Positive reinforcement distracted her. But if Sesshomaru challenged the miko, she ignited. Her reiki would surge around her during her follow-up attack, creating an impenetrable barrier. Her strikes were direct and methodical. The more he tested the theory, the more certain he was about how to motivate her.

Kagome had advanced quicker than most of his soldiers— his inuyokai soldiers. Sesshomaru was impressed by her dedication. It was almost unheard of for a female to choose a role in battle. Kujaku was the only other he knew of who shared the miko's level of determination and talent. The difference was that Kujaku decided to pursue combat as a way to repay Touga.

The miko's choice may have seemed to be born of necessity but Sesshomaru knew how capable the guards were. As a member of the Taisho clan, she was under their protection. Kagome could have hidden away in her chambers serving tea or learning how to play the shamisen. That was how the other court ladies wasted their time. Yet, she showed no interest in such idle activities. Her interests were far more advanced.

When she had asked about sending a letter to the village, Sesshomaru assumed she would need a court scribe. He had been surprised to learn she was capable of writing it herself. Her penmanship was neat. Though her phrasing was rather peculiar, he discovered she had a decent vocabulary. Sesshomaru was aware that priestesses received an education. He had expected those lessons to be focused on spiritual abilities. Reading and writing were skills typically reserved for nobles. Even the scholars who taught them were rare. It made him curious about Kagome's background.

Her education was not the only area of speculation. Sesshomaru had noticed a few aberrations about the miko. She had a strong grasp of geography, including the lands beyond Japan. Arithmetic was another subject she excelled in. During their evening meal last week, his father had mentioned an issue with his ledgers. Kagome had offered to take a look. She discovered an error with the accountant's formula and demonstrated how to correct it. There was also the matter of her scientific understanding. The miko knew the names of the stars, how their positions changed with the rotation of the seasons, and how that related to weather patterns.

A fool would consider Kagome clever, believing the knowledge was derived from her gift of Sight. Sesshomaru was not a fool. Her abilities were the product of consistent study. They had improved over time, much like her combat skills. Either she had been under the tutelage of a great scholar or she was not who she claimed to be.

Despite Jaken's inefficiency, Sesshomaru had sent him off in search of the answer. No one at the palace would miss the imp, himself included. He had warned Jaken that this task was his final chance at redemption. If he failed, Sesshomaru would not be merciful.

Raising a hand overhead, he glanced up to find the sun at the highest point in the sky. His parents would be taking their midday meal soon. With any luck, he could return to his chambers unnoticed.

With the wedding ceremony less than a day away, the palace was busier than normal. Extra attendants had been hired to assist with the festivities. They escorted incoming guests to their chambers. Gifts were delivered from across the country. The musicians practiced in the genealogy assembly room. It was pure chaos.

Sesshomaru was looking forward to the solitude of his room.

But he would find no peace there.

He slid the door to his chamber open and found the room occupied. Inuyasha was seated on the floor, one leg tucked underneath his, while the other hung over the courtyard porch. His arms were folded beneath the large sleeves of his Fire-rat robe. "So you're really going to go through with this?" he asked, not looking at Sesshomaru.

"Why are you here?"

"You can't marry her."

"Inuyasha, I warned you once already about the miko. I will not repeat myself," Sesshomaru reminded him.

"We don't know anything about her. What if she's working with Tsubaki? What if she's the reason Kikyo died?" He was on his feet now. His hands were clenched into fists at his side. It was the same stance Sesshomaru had seen him take when someone spoke ill of Izayoi. "How can you trust her?"

"I do not trust her."

"Good." He gestured to Sesshomaru's forearm. "That could have been a lot worse."

The burn was still visible against his pale flesh. It was healing, though the process was slower than anticipated. Sesshomaru attributed that to Kagome's innate abilities. He had never encountered an opponent like her before. Even with the Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha's mate had never possessed such power.

Or empathy.

The spot where he had come into contact with Kagome's reiki was still warm but there was no pain. That had stopped the instant she dissolved her barrier. What remained was a red patch on his skin, a sign that she had marked him. His lips curled upward. Perhaps he could concede that she had obtained victory. At least to himself.

"Why did she attack you anyway?" Inuyasha asked, eyeing the mark.

"You appear quite concerned about my relationship. Do you envy me?"

"N-No!" his brother sputtered. "Besides, there's nothing to be jealous of. She's not even that pretty."

Sesshomaru disagreed but he said nothing.

"That's not the issue. Kikyo and I knew each other. I trusted her. She trusted me."

"Her first mistake," Sesshomaru remarked.

"What I had with Kikyo isn't anything like what you have with that imposter," Inuyasha snapped.

"Precisely. The miko and I have a relationship built upon mutual interests. We are working toward a common goal, not driven by fleeting feelings."

Inuyasha tilted his head. "Oh yeah? And what goal is that?"

"The same one our father has."

"You don't believe in that!"

"No, Inuyasha, it is you who doesn't believe. If you agreed with our father, you would not have sought out the jewel to change yourself. You would have not denied your mate. You would have never allowed her hand to be promised to another."

"You don't understand! You've always been a daiyokai. You were born first. You were revered before you could even walk. Not me. I was the object of scorn and contempt in both courts. I'm not even permitted in my grandfather's home. Did you know that? She wanted to introduce me to her family but they turned her away at the gate. Her father said he didn't wish to see her or her bastard. People might be scared of you, Sesshomaru, but you've never been hated like that."

"Do not presume to know the details of my life."

"I don't presume anything!" Inuyasha argued. "I know how you grew up. I've been to all the banquets held to honor your battle victories. The court admires you."

"A court composed of yokai," Sesshomaru pointed out. "No hanyos or humans are a part of that collective."

"You think marrying a human will change that? Look at how that turned out for my mother. She's been exiled from her home!"

"This is her home. Her place is with our father."

"Is that what you're going to say to your woman when this fails? That her place is with you? Do you think she'll be okay with that?"

Sesshomaru stiffened. If the miko's plan was unsuccessful, how long would it be before demon-kind was eradicated from existence? And what would become of their arrangement? Sesshomaru assumed he would follow through with his original plan and separate from her. By doing so, he would be able to return to war. Perhaps he could prevent the annihilation of his kind.

However, once they separated, she would be alone. There was no telling who would come for her— either out of a desire for the jewel or as a way to seek revenge against him. There were many who regarded him as an enemy. If they banded together, the miko would not stand a chance. Sesshomaru had a vision of her form strewn across the ground. Her kimono was in tatters, the grass was covered in crimson, and her eyes were glazed over, lifeless and dull.

"Our plan will not fail," he told Inuyasha.

He would not allow it.