Sorry for the late update guys. Life has been hectic the past month. But I managed to take spring break and catch up on a few things. Anyway, enjoy!

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Previously:

Training would be her main objective now. She knew how to be independent. Now she had to learn how to really fend for herself, be able to survive an attack from strong demons, and such. After that, then she'd work on being able to protect others.

Then she'd be ready.

Chapter Three

Past and Present

Kagome sighed and fell to the ground, landing in a bed of soft grass. Her breathing was heavy as she tried to catch her breath. Her bow and arrows were leaned against a willow tree not far from her.

It had been three weeks since her decision to concentrate on training. She'd only been working on endurance since then because her shoulder was still healing. She spent her mornings running without stop in an attempt to increase her lung capacity. It'd be important if she had to get somewhere quick. She also didn't want anyone carrying her anymore.

It was incredibly hard though. In her first few days, she could only run for ten or so minutes without stop before she was ready to pass out. Her wounded back and arm always made it so much worse for her. But she refused to give herself a break. Self-pity would definitely not help her.

Now she could go the whole morning running. She'd made sure she ran through different terrains so she'd be prepared for that as well. In the end, she was always exhausted. It was expected since she was only human, but she wanted to still be able to put up a good fight afterwards if need be.

She decided that she'd designate training for the mornings and spend the rest of the day trying to find food. The schedule was working out so far, although there were times when she had passed out from lack of food and energy. It had been hard trying to get food with a wounded shoulder.

At the end of these three weeks now, her arm was much better, and so was her back. She could get around fine and in a few more days she would be able to train her archery skills. She'd have to strengthen her arm again as well since she hadn't been using it much.

Kagome sat up as her breathing returned to normal. She made her way to the willow tree and sat under it, her bow and arrows resting beside her. The branches of the tree cast shadows as the sun's rays streamed through breaks in the leaves. The misty color of the tree somehow made the atmosphere relaxing.

It sat on the hilltop alone. She could relate.

This was her favorite tree. Although she traveled everywhere with no real destination, she always seemed to unconsciously come back to this tree. It gave her a peaceful feeling that seemed to take all her hardships away.

Kagome sighed and stood up. She'd have to find a village today. Her weapons were beginning to wear out. She wanted to just get a new knife and craft her own bow and arrows. She didn't really have the experience to make them, but she wanted them customized for herself. She'd been using a bow long enough to know every curve and how it all worked together. She'd just have to practice making them and maybe watch an expert do it.

Kagome strapped on her trusty weapons, her only companions, and headed off.

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Kagome peeked around the corner of the tiny house. In and out, that was her mission. The hood of her cape draped over her hair and face, she walked into town. Even after four months, she wanted to keep a low profile. There was no telling who might recognize her as the priestess.

It was market day along the town center. Stalls were set up, merchants from across the country sold worldly goods, local farmers sold fruits and vegetables from their fields, and customers glanced at all that was offered. Kagome made a bee-line for the weapons master, although the abundant, luscious fruit caught her eye many times.

Kagome stood by the edge of the man's display. His awning shaded the various swords, daggers, spears, and bows he'd crafted. The girl observed a customer viewing a particular shining sword. The owner swelled with pride as the man complimented the craftsmanship.

As the two negotiated over a price, Kagome eyed a well-fashioned dagger. It was the perfect size, only slightly smaller than the one she owned now.

Stealing wasn't her favorite thing to do, but since she lived alone, she had no currency with which to trade for goods. She could trade her bow and arrows for the knife since she'd be making another one anyway, but it most likely wouldn't be enough. They were worn out with all the use she'd put them through. Besides, she'd need them if she hoped to catch any big game until her new bow was finished.

The owner smiled at the paying customer who was walking away waving, new sword in hand. Kagome scouted for the perfect timing. The owner went to one end of the display to show a newcomer a spear that lay behind the tables set up. Kagome took her chance and left her post. With a flick of her cape, the dagger was in her hands and tucked into her waist belt, unseen by anyone.

Kagome smiled at her success.

"You!" someone shouted from behind her. She'd spoken too soon. Kagome froze, an uneasy feeling creeping up her spine. "Stop right there!"

She could hear person pushing past others in a hurry to reach who he spoke to. She didn't turn around, fearful that they had seen her thievery. Maybe it was a soldier. A village this big probably had some type of protection from the Lord of the land, especially considering the recent demon activity.

Kagome could hear them stepping right behind her. But he brushed right past. Kagome blew a sigh of relief, but soon caught her breath. That guy…

"There you are, Sango!" the young man exclaimed, giving the surprised girl a hug. She wore a brightly colored kimono, and her brown hair hung freely.

"Miroku!" she exclaimed, returning the affection. "Where have you been?" He wore his usual monk's robe and carried his trusty golden staff. His hair was much longer than Kagome remembered.

The young man smiled, "It's only been a week. I told you it might take a while to travel to my old master's home."

"I was worried…" Sango trailed off and looked away.

Kagome's heart wouldn't stop racing. She had to get away, quick. But her curiosity didn't let her get far. She surreptitiously made her way around a meat display and faced the opposite direction of the couple. She tugged on her hood to bring it further down across her face. Her ears strained to hear their conversation.

"Ah, my lady cares for me," Miroku smiled blissfully. "What an honor."

Sango coughed and changed the subject. "Have you seen Inuyasha? He left with Shippo two days after you did."

Miroku took on a horrified look. "He left my darling to fend for herself?"

Sango blushed at his pet name, but replied angrily as a cover up. "I can take care of myself, thank you."

"Of course you can." Miroku grinned at her rose-colored cheeks. "I haven't seen him," he stated seriously. "Did he say where he was going?"

"Of course not," Sango said sadly. "He doesn't do much talking these days."

Miroku nodded in agreement. He leaned closer. Kagome barely heard him say, "Do you want to talk somewhere quieter?"

Sango nodded. The two headed in Kagome's direction. She kept her back turned to them as they passed, her heart seemingly pounding out of her chest. Once she was sure they were far enough ahead, she followed after them. A feeling of fear and sadness kept pricking her mind, but she ignored it. Ever since she'd been alone, she had wanted to know what they'd been up to, and now was her chance.

The couple found a quiet spot just outside of town. Kagome followed the road out of town casually until she could slip into the surrounding forest. The girl got as close to them as she could without leaving the protection of the trees.

"… been different since her disappearance." That was Sango's voice.

"She was like family to all of us. But she was especially important to him," came Miroku's melancholy voice.

"He'd gone too far that day though," Sango sighed. "I knew I should have convinced him to go get her sooner than he had. I will never forget the face he made when he came back, saying she wasn't at home and her scent was no where to be found."

"Hard day for us all…" Miroku said, sadness evident in his words.

Kagome's heart was still pounding. Her plan had worked to its fullest potential. She knew it would hurt the whole group, but hearing it first hand was different from anticipating it. She was almost tempted to run to the oak the two sat under and throw her arms around them. But her determination and pride wouldn't let her.

"Don't worry about Inuyasha," Miroku said with confidence after a moment of nostalgic silence. "I'm sure he just went off following another lead."

"You're probably right," Sango agreed. "Besides, it'll be the night he turns human soon, so he's sure to come back. He hasn't stopped looking for her since the day he found out, though."

"Which is probably what we should be doing too, you know," Miroku half teased. "We only stopped so I could visit my master."

"How'd that go, by the way?" Sango asked with concern. "Did you get the ointment for your Wind Tunnel?"

"It's fine now," Miroku brushed it off. "Come on now, we have to try and find some leads. The sooner we find her, the better for all of us."

The couple rose and reentered the town. Kagome stood where she was.

"Wow," she breathed. They were looking for her. This whole time, they'd had faith in her. They were great friends…

Memories flooded into her mind: the whole group, happy in their travels, fun times they'd have when they settled down to camp, surviving as a pack, making new friends, saving new places, collecting jewel shards…

Tears sprung to her eyes involuntarily. She hadn't realized how much she missed it all. She had never really let herself before. She had always concentrated on other things.

Her hand rested on her chest where the last jewel shard laid dormant. It kind of symbolized her whole past life with them.

Kagome closed her eyes, allowing herself this moment of weakness. When the tears stopped, she stood up fully. It wasn't time yet to see them again. But she'd at least give her devoted friends a sign of hope.

Stringing an arrow, the girl summoned her miko powers and released. The arrow flew off and landed in a nearby vegetable field, the pink glow lighting up the whole area.

Without another thought, she turned and ran the opposite way.

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Six Months Later

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Determination flared through her cocoa brown eyes as she aimed her deadly arrow at her target. Despite its erratic movements, her hands never faltered. Her confidence soared as her arrow did. The pink glow overwhelmed the demon easily. It couldn't even give a cry before it disintegrated completely.

Kagome lowered her bow. That was the third attack in this one day, and it wasn't even close to nightfall.

It had been a full ten months since her departure from her friends. She had changed a lot since then, not only physically, but also mentally. Her hair was as long as she remembered Inuyasha's to be, reaching past the length of her back. Her bangs now flowed with the rest of her locks, sometimes forming a curtain over her eyes. The compassion and warmth her brown eyes used to hold had dulled and given way to suspicious narrowed eyes. Her archery was excellent. Her timing was always on point, even with a howling strong wind. Her bow was now crafted to her liking, customized by her for her, making it even easier.

In her past life, she spent her time worrying about others, making sure they were okay. That part of her had slowly diminished, not because she wouldn't do that anymore, but because the need never arose. She'd been taking care of herself this whole time with no other care in the world. She worried about herself, just trying to get herself through the day.

Often, she'd think about her past and wonder how her friends were doing. At those times, it was as if there wasn't enough darkness in the world to hide her loneliness and sadness. But she always came back to the present and carried on.

Kagome sighed as she strapped her bow around her back.

Demon attacks had become more and more frequent. She was used to them and they provided adequate practice. Still, their constant appearances made life slightly harder on her, especially during the winter. It was close to spring and prey was beginning to show up again, so it wasn't that big of a deal. But it got to the point where their showing up annoyed her.

As the girl made her way through the tall grass, she felt a familiar sense go off. Cursing her bad luck, she readied her bow once again. Two demons in a row?

Kagome loosened up as she realized the newcomer wasn't rushing after her. They were just close by. Her eyes scanned the clearing. At the edge of the woods, a figure came forward. The demon was staring straight at her. She stared back, unfazed. She held an arrow in place, but had the bow tilted down. Every muscle tensed as he took a step forward. Suddenly, he was no longer there. Instinctively, Kagome raised her bow and shot, excluding her miko powers.

The demon stood not three feet from her, pinching the point of the arrow which was less than an inch from his face.

"You could be dead right now," Kagome stated matter-of-factly. Her voice sounded foreign to even her. She'd had no reason to use it before since she was alone.

The demon narrowed his eyes at her, his silver hair adding an ominous shadow across his face. "So could you, miko," he growled.

Sesshomaru. Throughout the past six months, she had seen him in the distance a few times. They had also unintentionally crossed paths before. This was the first time they had shared words, however.

"So why aren't I dead then?" Kagome challenged. There was no fear in her anymore, only confidence.

The lord snapped the arrow in half before walking past her. "This Sesshomaru won't waste his time on such a pathetic human," he growled over his shoulder.

"This 'pathetic human' could have ended your miserable life just now," she shot back.

Quicker than she could see, Sesshomaru suddenly was holding her by the throat. "Don't think for a second that the likes of you could accomplish such a feat."

His amber orbs pierced her brown ones. "Oh, it is possible," Kagome growled despite her lack of oxygen. It was odd. Kagome knew the capabilities of the demon, but still held no fear of him.

Their eyes stayed locked with Kagome suspended in the air. Sesshomaru's grip tightened, but still her eyes remained focused. His claws transformed green as poison seeped from his nails, burning the flesh of her neck. Kagome merely blinked, remaining immovably determined.

Finally, Sesshomaru grunted nonchalantly and released her. Kagome fell lightly to her feet and stared after him as he walked gracefully away.

There was something of satisfaction in her eyes watching him. He didn't kill her for some reason, although if she had said that ten months ago, he would have. Not to mention she had seen more of him over the past few months than she had the whole time she was with Inuyasha. Was he maybe following her?

Kagome shook the absurd idea from her mind as she turned to walk away. The Great Lord Sesshomaru following her? Impossible.

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Yes, I know, it's yet another short chapter. Sorry! Writer's block is kickin' my behind! I'll try and put more length in the next chapter. But anyway, tell me what you think. Ideas are welcome as well.