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Previously:

Without warning, Kagome flipped away from her position to see a gleaming sword in her place. She had had just enough time prepare herself after she'd sensed the demon.

Kagome landed on the soft grass, cool to her un-sandaled feet.

"You!" she exclaimed as Sesshomaru's features became distinguishable.

The girl had barely uttered the word when the demon raised his sword and charged at her again.

Chapter Six

Beginnings

Kagome skid away from the demon, drawing her sword at the same time. Excitement and adrenaline flowed through her limbs at lightning speed. It was finally time.

Grinning, Kagome raised her sword against Sesshomaru's. The metal clashed as they connected. Their eyes locked as they glared at each other across the gleaming silver.

"Nice to see you again, miko," Sesshomaru stated in his cool, deep voice.

"And you," Kagome replied, unable to help the grin from spreading across her face. The demon slashed her sword away and jumped back.

Kagome fell into her offensive stance. Her right hand curved around the blue leather with her arm pointed out in front of her so the sword was perpendicular to her body. She was almost crouching down with how much her legs bent, but it gave her quick mobility. She saw that the demon had only his puffy clothing on. No armor. It was almost an insult. But with or without it, she'd make him bleed.

The demon observed her stance. It was different, but he would wait to judge its effectiveness. The fiery determination lining her cocoa eyes told him it would be an interesting duel.

Just as he readied his sword, the girl sprang forward first, ebony hair flying. Her sword came fast, but he easily parried it. Her swings didn't stop, however. Kagome moved fluently with the sword, using her wrist to quickly snap it into another slashing attack. Sesshomaru parried them all. It took a moment, but he found an opening in her offensive strikes. He took the opportunity, and slashed at her vulnerable side.

Kagome flipped away with lightning reflexes, but was quickly assaulting him with the sharp metal again. Her agility and grace had greatly improved since the last time he'd seen her handle a sword. He dodged and parried her every attack, but it was difficult to find an opening for his own attacks.

Just when he thought she'd never stop, he saw her movements begin to slow.The girl had just about run out of stamina. She'd spent so much energy that she couldn't even tell how open she was leaving herself.

It was going to be just about over, and so soon. The demon smirked as he lunged at the side she'd left vulnerable. The metal connected with flesh, spouting fresh blood. To his surprise, she continued closer to him so the sword continued to drive its side into her abdomen. The demon realized too late that the girl had brought her sword to her side, slicing his vulnerable waist as she came past. Crimson blood burst from the new opening as she spun around and brought her blade across his back.

Sesshomaru slightly stumbled forward until he regained his composure. He turned to face his opponent who was using her free hand to press it on her new wound. The triumphant grin she wore drowned out any pain she felt. To her, it was hardly a scratch.

So, she'd managed to trick him, having him thinking he'd worn her out, when in reality, she had planned out the whole thing. The cuts weren't deep, and they'd heal quickly, but she had used her intelligence and speed in a potentially deadly combination.

He swiped at her to which she easily dodged and sent a counterattack. So she still had her speed despite her injury and excessive use of stamina. That was good. But it wasn't over. He still had one more test for her.

Putting on his most charming smile, he swung in a way that he knew she'd have to parry. He held his sword in place as she did.

"Your speed and awareness persist, even after such relaxing leisure time," he said coolly, appreciating the instant blush that reflected off the silver between them.

"Y-Y-You saw that?" Kagome gasped.

"Saw and heard," Sesshomaru replied, the smirk playing across his face. "Quite a lovely voice you have." He paused, a devious grin spreading across his face as he added, "Lovely body as well."

The red girl gasped and the grip on her sword loosened. Sesshomaru took the opportunity to push her away with his own sword and slash at her again. Kagome had barely recovered her senses in time to hold her sword up against the attack. He came at her just as swiftly as she had done to him earlier. She only just managed to keep up.

'He saw everything!' Kagome's head screamed inside as she dodged another attack, stumbling to the grass in the process. 'He heard everything!' She rolled away from the sword that stabbed into the soft earth. 'I can't believe this!' Still on the floor, she brought her sword to protect her body just as Sesshomaru's sword clanked down on top of hers.

His legs on either side of her body, he leaned over her. Her hair was splayed out in every direction. That smirk came back. "Distracted, miko?" the demon smirking triumphantly, standing over her as if he'd won. In a flash he tilted his sword so it was perpendicular to hers. The cold metal grazed Kagome's neck as she gulped. The mischief in his eyes dulled. "Disappointing," he said in a soft, cold voice, beginning to retract his sword. She let his out-of-character words distract her. He had had higher hopes for her.

Anger flared through Kagome's body at the insult and the realization of his invasion of her privacy. There was no way she'd let their duel end like this.

Her thighs slid to hit his feet. Losing his balance, he turned his sword to the side. It dug into the earth and helped him regain balance, but in the meantime, Kagome had rolled away from him. With lightning speed, she stood up and pointed her sword at him. Sesshomaru turned to see that it was inches from his face.

"You of all people should know not to get distracted," the girl grinned triumphantly. The demon slowly grabbed the hilt of his sword. Just as he prepared to attack her, Kagome swiftly stepped forward so her sword grazed his cheek, creating a thin line of blood in about the same spot her dagger had.

"I wouldn't do that," she growled, resting the sword on his shoulder, ready to bring it across his throat at any moment.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her, thoroughly impressed. But it was time to stop playing around.

"You forget, miko," he stated. "I'm a demon." In a flash, he gripped the sword in his fist and brought its blade toward her head without switching its position in his hand. Kagome hardly had time to react.

The two stood in their positions, equally aware of the silence as well as how easily their lives could end.

After what seemed like an eternity, Sesshomaru withdrew his blade and replaced it in its sheath. Kagome slowly did the same.

"Training under this Sesshomaru won't be easy," he stated as he began to walk.

Kagome hurriedly caught up, her eyes wide with realization. "I know," she finally brought herself to say. The words sounded more like a breath of relief. "I can do it," she added in a steadier tone.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her and continued to walk. Kagome followed behind him, excitement and triumph bubbling throughout her body.

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Kagome's breath came in gasps as her lungs screamed for oxygen. Her legs burned so badly, she felt she'd stumble and never stand up. Her muscles seemed to be pulsating as blood rushed to her limbs in attempts to rejuvenate them. Her sword, dagger, bow, and quiver had created rashes in the spots where they kept hitting her body as she moved over rocks, dirt, grass, and creeks. She could feel blisters the size of pancakes forming on her feet.

They had been running nearly nonstop all day. The sun was slowly melting into the horizon, and they'd started at dawn. The day after their duel, Sesshomaru had come back from retrieving his armor before sunrise, allowing her time to get some rest and bandage the gash in her side. It burned with pain as she attempted to keep up with the demon's fast pace. She felt she'd faint from blood loss at any moment. Either that, or the lack of food.

But Kagome refused to complain or comment. Her determination to impress this demon was too great. It wasn't to gain his approval, really. She just wanted to make sure he would train her. That kind of experience under her belt was too great for her to lose. Since just about all his actions seemed to be a test of some kind, she made sure she kept up.

"Keep up," Sesshomaru growled over his shoulder. She couldn't even bring herself to reply.

Finally he stopped. She gratefully did the same. Her body hunched over, forcing her to inhale in short, quick breaths.

"Sit up and hold your breath," he commanded. She stood and struggled to obey until she exhaled not seconds later. "Hold it!" he growled. The girl obeyed as best she could. After a couple moments, her breathing returned to nearly normal.

"Quick breathing doesn't give your body enough time to absorb the oxygen," the demon stated, walking across the meadow gracefully. The girl nodded understandingly and followed him.

Now that she wasn't suffocating, she took the time to notice her surroundings. A peaceful aura instantly spread through her body. It was her tree. The willow tree she'd left behind sat atop the hill, its branches floating in the breeze. The normally pale green leaves were now brownish in color in accordance to the season. Its beauty continued to awe her though.

Kagome walked over to its trunk, forgetting the burning toxins in her legs. Her hand grazed the bark, making a smile spread across her face. Without thinking, she grabbed hold of a branch and pulled herself up. She tucked herself into her usual spot, feeling instant comfort to be in a familiar place. Her eyes closed as the last drops of sunlight warmed her face.

Sesshomaru observed her from outside the curtain of branches. He blinked and looked into the sunset. Dusk began to settle as the two sat in a comfortable silence.

Sesshomaru finally broke the silence. "This is the last time you'll be here for a while."

"I know," Kagome said, opening her eyes. She jumped down gracefully. "Thank you," she smiled, her old kindness showing in her face.

Sesshomaru glanced at her before he began to run again. She kept up easily, the peace of the only home she'd known in the last year and half lingering in her.

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The creature's eyes narrowed at the young girl. What an insufferable child! All she ever did was cause trouble!

What was with her obsession with those damnable flowers? Why did she find the need to irritate him with that high pitch squeaking she called "singing"? Even her checkered kimono annoyed him to no end!

"You stop that!" Jaken commanded as the child from hell twirled with her arms spread out. "You're giving me a headache!"

The girl laughed and began to hum a tune. "Look at the stars Master Jaken! Aren't they beautiful?"

"What? Who cares about the stars? They're unimportant to someone of my rank." The creature folded his arms and stood taller, pride showing on his pointed face.

His stature quickly crumbled when a bush rustled behind him. He squeaked in fear while Rin shrieked, "Lord Sesshomaru! You're back!"

The demon wore his usual stoic mask as he stepped fully away from the forest into the clearing. Rin jumped up and down next to him, her excitement bubbling out of her body. She always seemed so happy to see him.

"Milord!" the recovering toad creature exclaimed. "You're back early."

"We went faster than I expected," he replied coolly.

"W-What do you mean 'we'?" Jaken started uneasily as the demon walked past him.

The toad had barely gotten the question out when the little girl screamed again, "Lady Kagome!"

Kagome stepped from the same spot as Sesshomaru had. Her face instantly lit up in a smile as she bent down and accepted the hug Rin offered, her raven hair falling like a curtain to the floor.

Jaken's eyes bulged. "What is she doing here?" he exclaimed with disgust. He wouldn't have known it was her from her scent. Rin certainly remembered her though.

Kagome stood up from her hug and glared at him. "You have a problem, toad?" she challenged. Her hand grazed the hilt of her sword.

Jaken emitted a cackle of a laugh. "And what if I do? What would you do about it?" The words had barely left the tip of his tongue when he felt cold metal pressed atop his head. With the flat side down, Kagome stood over him with her sword drawn, glaring down at him.

"Lord Sesshomaru! She's attacking me! Do something!" His arms waved and his eyes bulged more under the weight of the pressure she applied.

"The miko will be staying in our company for a while," the demon stated in his monotone as he walked westward. "She'll be my apprentice."

Kagome left him be, walking in the same direction as Sesshomaru. Jaken stumbled after them exclaiming, "But why, Milord? How could such a pathetic human girl be of any use to us?" He glared at the girl, green jealousy sweeping through his eyes.

The demon stopped to look at him. "She has proven her worth. When her training is done, she will serve as an officer to the Western Lands." With that, he turned and continued to walk, leaving both Jaken and Kagome open-mouthed and wide-eyed.

Kagome hurriedly caught up with him. "An officer?" she asked incredulously. "I'm hardly cut out for that. Besides, I have my own plans after this is over."

"I figured as much," Sesshomaru stated without looking at her. "After that, you'll serve me. With my direct training, you'll be more than able to handle the job." He glanced at the girl. "You didn't think I was going to train you just for the fun of it, did you?"

Kagome stared at him without words. It made sense, there had to be some reason that he wanted to train her, other than her supposed potential. But an officer? Of all of the Western Lands?

She'd heard small rumors and tidbits of information throughout her excursions to towns or villages. There are five regions all together, Western, Eastern, Southern, Northern, and Central, each with their own lord. The lord handles all the big decisions, domestic or foreign. They usually receive power through heritance. Lords assign generals to overlook certain areas of the land, usually only two or three, simply because it is too much land for one person to handle alone. They are selected directly by the lord to handle feuds between races, demon or human. Officers are like the generals' right-hand men. They obey the general, usually doing most of the fighting if it is necessary. Below officers are several ranks of subordinates. They're usually mercenaries or village chiefs. They take care of small matters that higher ranks don't really have to bother themselves with.

So as an officer, Kagome would have skipped several rankings straight to the big leagues. She'd be handling most of the fighting and be only two ranks below the lord himself. It was an honor to be chosen for such a task, but she was hardly someone Sesshomaru would choose.

Jaken finally came back to reality. "But Lord Sesshomaru! A human officer? And she's a female? How will that look to the other lords? You remember last time a human was let into the ranks?"

"It was nearly two centuries ago," the demon replied, sounding exasperated. "He tried to kill the Southern Lord in his lust for power. Everyone knows that story."

"How do you know she won't do that too—"

Sesshomaru cut off Jaken harshly. "She won't. A miko has too pure a heart for that. I'll handle any disagreements other lords may have about my decision. And it won't even be announced until her training is complete."

All was silent. Jaken glared at Kagome and mumbled under his breath. Sesshomaru attempted to cool down from the irritation the creature caused him. Rin had long fallen asleep on Ah Un. Kagome just followed her new master in silence.

She would be an officer of the Western Lands, under the command of Lord Sesshomaru. It truly was a big honor. And it was showing trust on Sesshomaru's part, which she didn't quite understand.

Still, fear crept into her heart. Would she really be able to handle it? And would she even achieve her own goal of defeating Naraku and proving herself to that certain hanyou?

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And that's it. Probably could've been better. Sessy's slightly out of character. So is Kagome. Trying to make them fit the plotline though. Anyway, hopefully the next chapter will be up soon. Tell me what you thought of this one, the reviews keep me writing. See ya'll next time!