The Path Before Me

Chapter 10

Coming Together

Kagome Awoke the next morning feeling better than she had the night before. Though admittedly having her protector appear in her dreams could have helped that. It was becoming more of a regular occurrence. Usually nothing of importance was said they would just sit and talk about her training and how she felt. The woman had taught her how to create the appearance of her old self so her friends were still clue less as to her change.

Well not all of them, she had shown Sesshomaru and Gin. That was another thing that was becoming a regular occurrence Gin would come to her training sessions and even occasionally help with her training. She remembered the first time she had offered to help, even Sesshomaru was surprised.

Flash Back

I was pushing as hard as I could against Sesshomaru's sword. He said that any opponent could be overthrown no matter how strong they were. She was doing just as he had instructed, she had lowered her center of gravity and braced her knees, he had said from their the task should be easy enough. Though she was starting to have serious doubts about that.

Kagome felt the sweat starting to run down the sides of her face and she was exhausted. She had been at this for well over an hour. For what seemed like the hundredth time that night Sesshomaru threw her back and she landed on her very sore butt.

She rubbed her lower back from her position on the ground but didn't get up. She gave a dejected sigh. "Sesshomaru, isn't there so other way to do this because I don't think this is working for me." She looked up to the stoic Tai Youkai that was standing a ways off. Though he didn't show it she could see the slightest hints of impatience in his eyes.

Sesshoumaru seemed to have gone in to deep thought about why this wasn't working so I decided to look around the clearing that had become their usual meeting place. It was the same seemingly mystical clearing that they had met in a few weeks ago. Though her group was continually traveling it seemed they were never far from this clearing. The trees were as calm and peaceful as they had been in prior weeks. She noted that Gin was in the same tree she always resided in when she would watch these training sessions.

Kagome didn't know why she had suddenly taken a liking to watching her training sessions but she had proved to be something of an ally whenever Sesshomaru would be too overbearing. Many times when Sesshomaru would just come at her ruthlessly never giving her a break, Gin would just jump in.

After one of the two noble youkai would conquer the other Gin would tell him something about Kagome's training would lose it's effectiveness if he didn't let her rest and recoup once in a while. Sesshomaru would normally remain his stoic self and she would turn and jump back in to her tree, and training would begin again with Kagome rested during their long battle.

Tonight however Gin seemed to be debating on something, Kagome was begging to wonder what could make the demoness so contemplative when she leapt off her perch and began walking towards herself and Sesshomaru. Gin turned to Sesshomaru with the faintest hints of a smirk on her face. "You teaching method is flawed Fluffy." Gins voice was it's usual but humor could be heard in it's depths.

I swore I could see Sesshomaru's eyebrow twitch as he growled out his response to Gin's criticism. "What? This was taught to me be my father and his before him, hime." her gaze returned to Gin whom still seemed to be amused but less so after Sesshomaru's taunt.

"Well Sesshomaru that's your problem your doing it the men's way, and unless all you senses have dulled to that of a sub-human you know she is other wise." This time I was positive I saw his eyebrow twitch. "Unless you have a point or an ulterior possibility we'll use it."

Gin visibly smirked, which was an odd thing to see on her. Like Sesshomaru she never really showed emotion and such a blatant display was offsetting. "Well Sesshomaru I so happen to so why not step aside and let someone more skilled show the girl the proper way." I saw a challenging look pass between the two but to my astonishment Sesshomaru turned and walk to the side.

Gin drew her sword out and held it before her. I had never seen her sword up close but it was beautiful. Her blade looked amazing it had a dragon and fox that wrapped around the sword in different direction and what appeared to be rose petals dancing down the blade. I was in awe of it when she settled into an fighting stance. She nodded and we flew at each other our swords came together in the same position that had become so familiar with Sesshomaru's own sword.

She kept the pressure on my sword but she began speaking to me. "If you do as Sesshomaru instructed you to, you end up in a dead lock with your opponent, the only thing you manage to do is keep your opponent from overtaking you immediately." Her voice was soft and understanding though it was new I kept my focus on her soft voice. "Instead if you wish to overpower you opponent, slide you blade down your opponents to just above their hilt and push with both your physical strength and you miko abilities." She nodded to me as an indication to try as she instructed.

Fueling a little more strength into my own sword I felt the blade begin to slide down her own once close to the hilt I pushed with everything I had, Miko powers included. Her blade must have contained youki as well because the clearing was filled with pink and silver light. When the light cleared I saw Gin had been pushed back a few paces.

I was so amazed all I could do is gawk at Gin. I had pushed her back that far? I was so in awe I hadn't noticed my slightly agap mouth. Gin looked at me and gave one of the most gorgeous smiles I've ever seen. "Trying to catch flies Kagome?" Her tone was bright and pleasant though I turned my head away, closing my mouth as I did blushing to the tips of my hair.

Turning back to her, I gave her one of my own heart warming smiles. I couldn't help it, the next minuet I ran up to her with all my speed and gave her a hug. I had never realized that she was almost as tall as Sesshomaru but I did now, I was hugging just above her waist. I was so happy that I had finally done it.

Sesshomaru watched as his student ran to his childhood friend and hugged her. It was the first time I had seen anything, let alone shock written so clearly across her face. Though to my own shock she returned the girls hug. She released Gin and thanked her with all the earnest of a young child just receiving the gift they'd always wanted. The next thing she did shocked me beyond belief as the girl hugged me. Now it was my turn to be surprised. I could see Gin's amused expression but she was smiling.

I had no intentions of returning the girls hug but my body did otherwise. I was surprised to enjoy the girls warmth. Her scent was flooding my senses and I had no desire to let go. When she pulled back to look up and smile at me, I found myself smiling back at her. She let go of me and Gin and I looked at each other smiling, something we had not done in a very long time. There was something about this girl that could make her even melt...us.

End Flash Back

Both youkai had dismissed the young Miko and when she said goodbye to the pair of them she had been pleasantly surprised to receive them from both youkai. So now she had two instructors. She had gathered bits and pieces of their past but nothing solid really. Gin apparently had been outcast from her family around the same time Sesshomaru's mother died. Sometimes the two youkai would bring up the mention of people known simply as 'they'. Neither were clear on 'they' she had a feeling that it might have been maybe other old friends.

She didn't have anything else to go on really. They had stopped reached the end of new things to teacher her so they were just showing her how to improve. Sometimes one of them would have another spell or enchantment for her to learn. Now however she could match the either youkai in battle. She was matching the two youkai in speed now she just had to work on her reflex's. The two had also helped her with her new acquired youkai abilities.

She had discovered that mixing her youki and miko powers into one orb made them doubly effective. She could control them and move them at a whim. She could change their energy from miko, youkai, miko/youkai or healing. The mix of the two were blue while youkai was green and miko remained pink. Healing oddly enough was gold.

The found that like Gin she could use her claws in the same fashion as InuYasha's Blades of Blood. However they had no need for the blood, the could simply summon energy into their claws and send the waves hurtling at their opponent. Totosai upon Kagome's request was forging her a sword of her own. She was having her sword designed in a similar fashion to Gin's.

On the blade would be a fox and Dog wrapping around the blade The hilt would be black with the symbols of both the animals and her friends and mentors. As well as the scabbard, she figured it would always remind her of why she fought, should she ever forget

Kagome focused on the road ahead of her and her companions and smiled. She really did love being here, She may not have anyone by her side but now it didn't matter if she did or not. Inside she'd always know she'd be strong enough to take on anything,

Elsewhere

Akito's eyes were trained on the fire soaking up the information his sister had just presented to him. She had told him of Naraku's imprisonment and cruelty he had bestowed on her before he had used a jewel to force her into submission There were rumors of a great evil that threatened the land but he hadn't thought that they would be affected by such. Miyo had said that she didn't even think that we could beat him together.

My mind wouldn't allow this cruelty to go un-avenged though. "What if the family were to re-unite and go after him."Miyo's eyes told me she had been thinking about the same thing. I think with their help that we'd have a chance, they would have to come to our aid, it was our code. I don't know, I don't think that I can forgive them." Miyo looked relaxed but her eyes spoke of unease.

"Even now you don't think that your actions could have been wrong as well?"His tome was neutral. Miyo's eyes flared in anger but then disappeared just as quickly. "No, I just think that what they did was just as wrong." Silence rained over the siblings. Miyo knew that she shouldn't hold it against them they were both, no they were all wrong, but still the wounds they inflicted ran deep.

Miyo's eyes were suddenly drawn to Akito when he stood to leave most likely to visit his intended mate. "You know they forgave you and made the effort to show their apology and friendship, it was you who finally cut them off all together not them." With that he was gone, his words stung but it was ultimately true. She was happy for him though, he had found some one that could heal him emotionally and that made her happy.

Even Gin had moved on, she didn't date much but those who knew her knew that when not in their presence she could be the person she never let anyone know. She had been with a few guys, but they never saw them or really knew till after. That's the way she was though, after the fight people had turned on her left and right so she supposed it was only natural she kept hidden from everyone.

Miyo's eyes had been closed and she had been laying against a tree when she sat bolt up and wide eyed. How could she have missed it? She had suffered through those few months but there after she was freed to go where ever, Gin had not she had stayed and felt the backlash, so she was not the only one to suffer... Miyo suddenly felt guilty. Akito was right they had made an effort and it was high time she did too.

With her mind set she set out into the forest and the Fire died behind her. Before she met with Gin she needed to retrieve two people and her brother. The Family was going to reunite and there grudge was finally going to be put behind them. Miyo wanted revenge and she'd have it, and she'd have her family. She doubted they'd stay together after the fight but at least they'd know that no ill will stood between them.

In the Northern Lands

Soft footfalls fell on the cherry wood floors that flowed through the owner's house. She was begging to feel restless. It had been to many years since she had been out and having adventures. Even after she had returned to resume her role of ruler she had trouble adjusting to this life style. Though her companions and herself at the time had not had an excellent reputation, they had fun and were happy.

Now her days were filled with walks in the garden, bureaucrats and luncheons. Her friends would have thought that this life would have suited her better than that of their old life but honestly it didn't. She hadn't heard from any of them for a while, she was begging to miss them. Maybe one day someone would just stop in and say hi. Akito had stopped briefly once but Miyo had come and retrieved him. She was in a hurry about some mission, she was there long enough to say hi, and grab her brother for whatever reason.

She hadn't seen Gin in a while either. She used to make regular check ups on her but after she mated she hadn't really stopped by. She had spoken to Kin awhile back and she had said the same thing. She hadn't heard anything from Sesshomaru unless it was concerning Noble affairs.

Sitting in one of the great rooms she looked out the floor to ceiling window, the sun's rays hitting her ocean blue hair light up withe aqua highlights. Her equally ocean blue eyes traveled over the grounds of the palace. This was the life that she was destined for, her eyes darkened at the thought, but she and the other children of the royal families had wished for more.

She remembered her adventures with the family with a warm light. They had lived their dream and she was sure that many of them still did. She however decided that it was best for her lands if she returned home after everything that had happened. The memory of the family's meeting was one she'd cherish. It was when her life had changed forever.

Flash Back

I stood at my mother's side like any obedient child. I smiled and never spoke unless spoken to. I hated this act but mother insisted I be on my best behavior at the ball that was being held for the royal families and extensions of the royal families. They had stuffed her into this wretched Kimono, don't get it wrong she thought it was beautiful she just hated having to actually wear it.

I was taken out of my thoughts as the Lord of the Western lands called for silence. This year the ball was held in the west. It had been this way for many years but this was the first year they had allowed children to attend. He called the ruling families to the front in recognition. My Father and Mother and I made our way to the western lord. I silently wished they hadn't let children come, I would have been much happier at home. When all four families were organized the received a round of applause, next the lord asked for all of the children to step forward. As we did so I noticed I was not the only one of my age, the other royal children seemed to be my age as well.

"Let me introduce you to the future rulers of the four lands." The great lords voice was warm and boyiant as he announced this. Murmurs of approval ran through the crowd. "Children you're welcome to converse and play in the courtyard if you'd like."He dropped his voice to a whisper "It's going to get boring with all of us adults talking about business." He gave us a wink and with out further warning we all made our ways outside.

The first thing that became apparent once we were outside was that the daughter of the eastern lands had brought a friend of her's with her. The two ran around making formations for a bit before finally stopping next to each other with mischievous smiles. "I never thought we'd get out of there!"Exclaimed the daughter of the eastern lands. The son of the western lord made a noise of agreement and the daughter of the southern lands made an inattentive 'yea' sound.

Everyone fell into silence unsure of what to say, so I took the time to see what everyone looked like. The daughter of the Southern lands had reddish/ honey colored hair. It was put up neatly using hair sticks with the exception of the back and some pieces framing her face. Her eyes were blue, but unlike mine they were more of a fall blue. She was also in a Kimono though she seemed more comfortable in hers, than I was. Adoring each cheek she had two blue stripes and on her forehead was a leaf with a water drop on the tip.

The western lord's son was fairly tall with silvery/ white hair going down to his waist. He had two maroon stripes on his wrists and cheeks. His amber eyes were inquisitive and warm. He was dressed in almost all white with the exception of the prints on his kimono top. He had apparently shed his formal top in favor of the fighters top he had underneath. When he turned his head I realized that he had a crescent moon on his forehead.

My eyes shifted to the daughter of the eastern lands. The first thing that struck me was that she was darker than either of the others. Though it made for a nice contrast to her hair and her eyes which were brilliant silver. Her eyes were bright and full of happiness. I would have expected her to of been in a Kimono but instead she wore Hakama's. Her top was feminine though, the top had the sleeves where of a traditional Kimono and unlike the men's haori went over the top of the pants and had a waist tie. She had stripes on her wrist's and cheeks as well. Her forehead had a design on it that I could barely see through her bangs. I had never seen anything like it but shrugged it off.

My attention then swivelled to the girl who was now playing tag with the daughter of the east. She reminded her of a flame. Her hair, eyes, markings and out fit seemed to be made in the image of flame. She wore an outfit similar to east's daughter. She wasn't as dark as her friend but still darker than the rest of them. Suddenly the girl in all silver stopped and looked around.

"Hey Miyo, Where's Akito?" The girl identified as Miyo stopped and looked around now noticing that the person known as Akito was in fact, not with them. As if on cue a blue green blur shot out of the castle doors and stopped revealing a boy with green/blue hair. I really couldn't tell what color it was, one minuet it'd look green the next blue.

"There you guys are!"The boys voice was exasperated but had a jovial sound. "Dad tried to make me sit through the seminar. I was hoping that you two would save me but instead I had to make my own escape." She saw Miyo and the silver girl exchange glances, before the two of them started laughing so hard they were on the ground.

"Gin! Miyo come on show some sympathy do you know how boring that was!" Gin and Miyo just kept laughing. Akito must have noticed the three other people that were just silently watching. "Hey guys who is everyone?" Miyo and Gin got up and straitened themselves out

"Huh, oh I almost forgot we had others here."Gin rubbed the back of her head as a sweat drop formed on the side of her head. "Um, we really don't know who anyone is, sorry for laughing Akito-kun but you should have heard yourself."With that Gin's smile widened and Miyo chimed in her agreement.

"Well, So who's who here?" Asked an ever out going Miyo. Everyone looked at each other before the daughter of the souther lands stepped forward a bit.

"My name is Kunico daughter of the Southern Lands."She gave a small bow and stepped back. Next was Sesshomaru and after him I introduced myself and they likewise. After introductions they had begun getting to know each other. Parting they knew that something great would come of their relationship.

End Flashback

In the coming years they would become closer to each other than they had or would ever be to their own families. They had met roughly around the age of 9 in youkai years. When they where roughly 17 years they would head out on their own adventure. Their parents had called them crazy but they had set out on their own anyway. When they had set out our parents were pissed, but we loved it.

Sato's attention was drawn back to reality as some of the Lords and Ladies of her larger provinces were brought into the room she occupied. Pushing thoughts of her prior life she smiled warmly as she could at the whinny and prim nobles. Going to greet them and to get the meeting underway she effectively locked all thoughts of the family behind her.

In the southern mountains.

We see a moderate wealthy looking home. It sat on a small flat formed on the mountain. Where the cliffs all around the dwelling were nothing but stone but on this little shelf grew grass and plants of all varieties. The owner of the dwelling was in her garden, admiring her tomatoes and how much they had grown. They now stood waist high and for her that was quiet an accomplishment.

The still petite figure wore a Chinese Kimono that had slits up the sides for easier movement. Her hair was put up into a messy bun, though strands of her hair kept falling in her face. Her ocean blue eyes looked up at the sun with a look of annoyance. She had come out here in the early morning but it was now afternoon and it was becoming too hot for the elemental youkai. She was an air youkai she was used to being high in the frigid heights.

Flicking back a strand of honey/red hair walking in to her modest home she paused to look at her mussed complection in the mirror. She had a few smudges of dirt on her face hiding the blue stripes on her cheeks but nothing obscured her family's crest adorning her head. Giving herself a look of disgust Kunico walked in to the small hot spring in her house and decided to take a bath.

She stripped off her dirty gardening clothes and slid into the comforting water. She always enjoyed soaking in a good bath. She sometimes wished that she had some control over water. However to her dismay she was an air elemental though she did have minimal control over plant life. She had chosen this perch on the mountain for it's privacy and because she could shape it into what she wished of it.

She sunk down into the water further so that her nose and eyes stuck out of the water. Her thoughts had taken an unpleasant turn to her library where a very formal letter was written to her from her parents. It was yet another letter chiding her for choosing the location of her home. They said when the Lands where passed to her she had best move to her ancestral home. Kunico gave a small 'hmp' and smirked a little. 'As if! That stuffy old place gives me the creeps now.'

Kunico's eyes darkened a few shades, that's right it wasn't until she had come back that her home had bothered her. She had become accustomed to the outdoors in her travels and returning home she found it stuffy and uncomfortable. Kunico absently ran her fingers through her hair as she realized how much she missed them.

When the group had become divided she hadn't hesitated to jump in and fight, she had stuck by Gin and Sato through it all. Though later she had found Sato annoying, but they persevered. One day though, she didn't really know why but everything just pissed her off, even Gin. Who at the time had become slightly closed off. Kunico's eyes changed to a murky blue that was clouted with guilt. That day she had ripped Gin for everything she was, she had essentially said she hated her. Later she had made something of amends but Gin never really opened up after that. There after she was outcast from her own family.

Gin had disappeared after that. She had heard rumors about her but nothing more, she still saw Sato ever so often but other than that she never saw anyone from the family. Kunico looked down at her hands that were pruning and stood and walked out of the hot spring. Absently calling forth warm air to dry her. Changing into clean clothes she walked out onto her stone balcony. She missed her friend dearly and she wished that they could all meet again and make amends just so maybe they could all put their past's behind them.

The fates above smiled as their plans to finally rid the world of Naraku and mend a broken family were set into motion.