It wasn't long before they came across a less-than-savoury individual hellbent on turning them into their next conquest.
They'd chosen the most direct route to Bokuseno's glade. Sesshoumaru hadn't provided any real information about who he was and how he could help in the first place, but Inukimi had felt no need to rush, so they'd continued mostly on foot.
Kagome had mentioned she had no issues with flying, even bringing up Sesshoumaru's scaled companion, but Inukimi had waved her off, telling her she was enjoying the time away from the duties that came with her station.
Going up against a lower-level youkai also gave her a chance to put her new training regimen to the test, having only Sesshoumaru as an opponent up to that point—and he'd been a little reluctant to unleash the full potential of his powers against her.
No matter how many times she'd asked him to.
Considering it was only one weasel, Kagura and Inukimi elected to sit this one out, finding shelter in a nearby tree as Kagome stepped closer. The weasel hissed and bared its claws as it slunk around in the grass, the stench of its youki burning her nose as reiki pooled around her fingers. She hadn't even bothered with her bow, wanting more time with hand-to-hand combat—making a mental note to pick up a smaller, concealed weapon in the next village they passed.
"Do not rely solely on your sight," Sesshoumaru reminded her. "You must prepare yourself for the loss of any sense." Kagome nodded, eyes fluttering shut as she focused on youki alone. Inukimi's was a vibrant violet, Kagura's a pale comparison, multiple tendrils latched together in symbiosis. But they were not a threat and were instantly dismissed.
Sesshoumaru's was hidden, as it often was, leaving a void, easily taken over by the muddy brown of her opponent. Kagome tilted her head, her own aura a paler shade of pink than it had been before—back when she'd been connected with Kagura.
Truth be told, she did feel a difference. She was more grounded now, though that could've been due to the nature of Kagura's powers. It could've also been that she'd been spending so much time around gentler creatures like Rin and Jinenji; the murderous intent of the weasel alone made her feel dirty.
A snarl had Kagome's head snapping up, narrowly missing the slash of its claws as it darted by her. She spun away, eyes opening to find it had multiplied. The creatures ran through the grass, encircling her as she held her ground, trying to decipher which one was the leader.
The stench hadn't increased, Kagome realizing too late that the rest were illusions as one behind her cut across the grass, tearing through her sleeve in the process. She didn't cry out, too embarrassed that she'd been caught unaware, sending a flurry of sparks after it to regain control.
Two more illusions went for her head, her line of attack faltering as she ducked, the third sailing right through her. Cursing under her breath, she ignored the rest of them, reiki singeing the grass before she managed to encase it in a barrier. The weasel's snarl was cut off as Kagome disposed of it, a few measly ashes floating to the ground before she whirled on Sesshoumaru.
"Some help you were!" she griped, holding onto what was left of her sleeve. It was a superficial injury, her pride taking most of the hit, temper lashing out in retaliation. He'd even warned her ahead of time, knowing precisely what the weasel was capable of, yet she'd still faltered.
"Any interference was unnecessary," he replied, lifting his chin.
Kagome's eyes narrowed. "So you just plan on letting me go up against anything we come across? Regardless of the consequences?" Why was she so angry? She'd fought worse before—been hurt worse before.
Sesshoumaru let out a snort, and she got the distinct feeling he was close to rolling his eyes. "Unlike the rest of your pack, I am fully aware of your abilities, miko. You did not require my aid."
Her retort died on her tongue as he passed her, hand still gripping her sleeve.
Had that been a compliment?