I would like to apologize for how long its taken me to update this story. I had been having creative blocks with how to continue the next chapter as it seemed to stand alone as a one shot.

I hope InuKik fans approve and please leave a review with your opinion

Many thanks

Darkpheonix666

Kikyo wandered through the village quietly her long black hair flowing behind her. She had gotten so shy rushing off she completely forgot about it. However she felt a bit more relaxed with it lose. While she liked the style she kept it in; her head ached a little when she untied it afterward. Having it loose felt comfortable; less achy when she finally released it from the ribbon.

"Lady Kikyo" a kind voice said from behind her. She turned to see an elderly man and woman standing beside her. They were local villagers who lived outside the village. Their children lived elsewhere due to being traders and needing to be near a bigger hub.

"Yes; what can I do for you?" she said politely. Even if she was troubled; she would never show it to the village people. It was her duty as a Miko to help the weak and less fortunate; as well as to fight demons.

"We were wondering have you met someone new recently?" The elderly woman asked hopefully. She had noticed Kikyo sneaking off lately to meet someone; since the teen spent a lot of time caring for her sister it was nice to see her doing things for herself. Not that she didn't like how caring the priestess was to her sister; she just tended to neglect her own needs.

Kikyo stiffened; had they learned of her relationship with InuYasha? While some of the villagers didn't mind him; others were not so keen on him. They were working on him being welcomed into the village; but not a lot of people trusted him yet.

The elderly husband saw her expression and chuckled "No need to worry Milady; it's just you seem much happier as of late. That and you slip off sometimes away from the village. The missus and I couldn't help but wonder is all" he explained kindly.

Kikyo felt a heavy sense of relief upon hearing that. A few of the villagers had been pestering her upon when she would get a husband. Most women were expected to at 16; but Kikyo was now 18. She smiled warmly "Not at all; I have met a new companion but it is nothing to worry yourselves over. He is a very shy person and is intimidated by the village; so I have been kind enough to go keep him company" Kikyo lied.

In point of fact she had been going to visit InuYasha upon the grounds of innocent courtship. So far they had kissed and embraced each other multiple times; however they had not slept together at all. She loved InuYasha but she wasn't ready to do such things with him yet. While she was not the type to stay celibate until marriage; she wasn't emotionally prepared to yet.

The elderly man smiled kindly "You are a good soul Milady; we hope that you will one day meet a young man who will truly cherish you" he said politely. With that he and his wife wondered away into the village.

After they left Kikyo couldn't help but feel troubled by what they had said; they had really hoped she was engaged. Her duties as a priestess prevented such things but she was open to them. She did wonder what it would be like to get married; but that person would have to accept that she was a priestess. Upon their marriage she would still have to fight demons unless she lost her spiritual power.

InuYasha knew what it was like to be different; which was a common bond they shared. They were unable to show their weaknesses or allow themselves to falter; or it would put them in danger. But somehow they found strength in each other and were able to show the sides of themselves they kept hidden from others in their daily lives.

She sighed wearily and bowed her head; it was a rare time she was allowed to feel human. She spent so much time performing her priestess duties that she never really relaxed or was allowed to do normal female things. Many times had she envied the other village girls who could colour their lips, wear pretty kimono's or flirt with the male villagers. She didn't have the luxury to do such things; she was always tending to the needs of the village.

But after meeting InuYasha she had learned to feel new things and embrace in her femininity. She found herself worrying about her appearance and concerned over whether or not she was late. She felt happiness fill her when they met and her heart raced every time he held her in his arms or pulled her into a sweet kiss. Through him she had learned what it was like to be...somewhat normal.

A short time later

Kikyo padded towards the hut in which she and her sister Kaede lived. Her sister was only 10 compared to herself; which is why she was so protective over her. She wanted Kaede to have a better life compared to herself. She wanted her sister to be able to enjoy being a girl; instead of her lifestyle.

Kaede was also taking priestess training and had learned all about medicinal herbs. She wasn't as skilled with the bow yet; but she was coming along well. While she admired Kaede's dedication; she wanted more for her. She encouraged Kaede to play with other children her age; so she could relax after her training. She also encouraged her to help the local villagers who were elderly or in need of help.

Suddenly the flap door to the hut opened and Kaede rushed outside. She was wearing a joyful smile and her brown eyes were lit up with happiness "Kikyo!" she cried out joyfully. She rushed towards Kikyo and hugged her tightly; due to her small stature she could only reach her knees.

Kikyo smiled fondly and knelt down to reach her sisters height; she then hugged her sister warmly. Next to InuYasha; Kaede was her next most important person in her life. After their parents died in the war; she had cared for her since she was small. When their parents had died 5 years ago; she had been 13 and Kaede 6; being the eldest Kikyo had put her life on hold to raise her sister.

"I'm sorry for worrying you Kaede; have you been good?" Kikyo said gently. When she was away she made sure her sister was either home or being watched over by someone else. She wasn't exactly misbehaved; but she tended to wonder off or get herself into trouble sometimes.

Kaede nodded "Uh-huh; I picked a bunch of herbs on the way home to make into medicine. Their on the table inside" she said proudly. Unlike the other kids in her village; she wanted to be a powerful priestess just like her sister.

Kikyo smiled as she pulled away; she had taught her sister well. But still she worried that by doing so Kaede was missing out on playing with kids her own age. "Kaede?" she questioned curiously her tone hesitant. She would never force her sister into things she didn't want; but she would always encourage her.

"Hmm?" Kaede answered curiously. Kikyo was acting strange today; she didn't seem like herself. Had something happened that made her upset? Usually Kikyo was more laid back and solemn; she seemed more troubled and slightly anxious today.

"Do you suppose you could spend time with the other children while I am away? It would bring me peace of mind that nothing will happen to you" Kikyo asked firmly. She recalled previously when Kaede had been out gathering herbs Mistress Centipede had attacked her. If InuYasha had not saved her that time she would have been badly hurt or worse.

Being with other children would signify Kaede could be kept an eye on. She would not be by herself and would be reminded to go home instead of staying out. It would bring her peace of mind knowing her sister was out of harms way.

Kaede didn't mind the other kids; but the older boys tended to be annoying. However she had no argument in playing with the other girls and the smaller boys "Ok; if it makes you happy Kikyo" she agreed. She would do anything to make her sister happy and stop her from worrying.

Kikyo smiled with relief; she was grateful her sister was so understanding. She never made things difficult or acted badly behaved. It gave her great joy to know she had raised her well in her parents place.

"Thank you Kaede; now shall we eat lunch?" Kikyo suggested kindly. After all that rushing around she had become hungry. Not eating wasn't good for the body either; and Kaede tended to be forgetful.

Kaede smiled and rushed inside happily to prepare the bowls and utensils. She loved her sisters cooking and hoped to learn the recipe's someday. While she rarely spoke about it or considered it; she knew Kikyo would make a great wife.

But that choice was completely up to Kikyo; her sister was very strong and independent. If she did fall in love it would have to be with someone who deserved her completely. But then again Kikyo acted so indifferently to men it was questionable if she would ever settle down.

"I wonder; does big sister have someone special to her?" Kaede questioned to herself. She put the feelings aside as she looked out the rest of the utensils. She would ask Kikyo another time; when they weren't bonding.