A/N: First things first… I am soo sorry it has taken me so long to update. I temporarily lost internet and also moved into a new house. Its been a long few months and for that I apologize. Next, I wanted to talk about the last chapter a bit. I know it seemed weird that they made love next to a dead body, but think of his perspective. He had feared that Kagome was gone. Also, he is a demon and he walked in seeing Kagome so to speak, bathed in the blood of their enemy. Between the relief of her being alive and the alluring sight before him, his inner demon, his instincts if you will, took over and he could think of nothing else. I should have explained it all better in the last chapter and for that, I am also sorry. Now that that's all cleared up…. On with the story!

New beginnings: Kagome's POV:

I woke the next morning to find myself extremely sore. I could not believe everything that happened last night, let alone that Midoriko had spent a good portion of the night training me on how to properly use all of my powers. She explained to me that I was now fully trained as a night training in my head was similar to years of training in the waking world. Time moved slower while in the dream world and that is why she took the whole night, explaining about my powers and how to access and utilize them properly. I knew how to heal, how to infuse my powers within my own body to make myself a fierce opponent. I also learned how to fully unleash my purifying abilities onto my enemy so that I may be able to defend myself and protect the ones I loved. I was also able to erect a strong impenetrable barrier to keep all involved in my life safe. Natasha was entering my room to prepare me for the morning meal. "Lady Kagome…. It is time to wake. You have a long day ahead of you." She said with a smile. I knew she wasn't sure how to approach me and I decided to reassure her.

"Please, just Kagome. I don't like all the formalities." I said with a warm smile. I got up and walked to the hot springs. I quickly undressed and got in, as it was getting closer to autumn and as such was getting a little colder. Natasha went to work, cleaning my hair and body and making me look presentable. I was surprised when she got me dressed into my miko garbs. I turned around after my hair had been pulled into a high pony tail. "Why am I not wearing the usual morning attire? Am I to train before I eat now?" I couldn't understand, I thought I was done with all this.

"No Kagome." Natasha giggled. "I was told that until after the war, this was how you were to dress, My lord wished to train you at random times and wants you prepared. He also told me to tell you to be on guard always, as he wishes to make you aware of attacks at any time."

I knew then that this all started because of the events I cannot remember and that he is not going to take it easy on me. I then closed my eyes and sent out little tendrils of power to sense where Sesshomaru was. When I found him I was thrilled. It worked. He was just inside of the gardens, laying in wait. I knew then that this would not be a dull day, as I was sure he was not the only one who would be helping me become more aware of the dangers around me. I was sure that others who have wanted to spar with me were also going to come at me at random. I was excited to say the least.

I looked over to Natasha and saw that she too held a small smile on her face. I knew she was able to feel what I had done and was pleased that I didn't take her warning lightly. She looked me in the eye for the first time since she met me, "Please enjoy your day. Kagome, I know you are ready, now it is time to show them." She then bowed to me as I exited my room. I slowly started walking in the direction of the gardens being ultra aware of everything around me. I knew he could change locations at any moment and I wouldn't allow myself to be caught off guard. Once I got close to the gardens, I could sense Sesshomaru clearly. He was just on the other side of the wall from me. I knew he could sense me but I was ready. I took the initiative and jumped out at him from the entrance. I could tell he was shocked as I lunged at him, but he still moved nimbly out of the way. His amber eyes looked at me with pride and enthusiasm as he spared with me. Both of us taking turns throwing blow after blow, each of us deflecting or dodging the other.

"I see you took the warning I sent with conviction." Sesshomaru stated while he dodged my hand which was moving faster than I thought it could. The training I had undergone the night before paying off in full.

"I know better than to take anything lightly. I became suspicious when I was dressed in this instead of the kimono." I pointed out. He took the momentary distraction to sweep his leg behind my feet, attempting to throw my balance off. Instead I simply jumped over his foot and landed just to the left of him, taking the opening to punch him in his side. He barely showed that I had hit him, the only sign was a small wince and then his face was stone. I knew things were going to get serious. I pushed more of my powers into my legs and arms, making me more agile and stronger so that I could counter anything. I was surprised when he unleashed his poison whip, most likely to try to make me use every ounce of who I am in this fight. I was ready. When the whip came flying at me I put my arm up. It was encased in my barrier. His whip bounced off and I threw a small knife with a bit of my powers in it at him. He deflected with his whip and then, we stopped.

"It is time to eat. You have done well." Sesshomaru said with a smile meant only for me. We walked side by side into the dining hall, neither of us bothered by the perspiration on our bodies. I was so hungry. Tiasho looked at us amused and since neither of us had any injuries, it was safe to assume it ended in a draw.

"It went well my son?" Tiasho said with a wicked grin. Inuyasha was on the edge of his seat, he wanted to hear about this as well.

"It did, she made the first move and defended well, I made a mistake in underestimating her abilities.

It felt good to hear my mate say something like that about me. I knew he meant every word. "I think we should shake things up a bit." I stated in a way that made everyone look at me like I was crazy. "What I mean is, I don't think that Sesshomaru should be the only one pushing me to my limits, I think I should go about my day and see if any of you can catch me off guard. I want to see how far I've come and if I am truly ready for this war. I don't want to go int o this unprepared." I stated matter of factly.

It was then, when I saw all the smiles across the table that I knew I was really going to be tested and that my mate was pleased that I had come to this decision on my own. I knew from this point on, the fun was really about to begin.