Disclaimer: I do not own any of the wonderful InuYasha characters created by Rumiko Takahashi, nor do I own any of the Greek gods listed within this story.
Sensei
A gentle rain had just started to fall when the group met Apollo, the Greek god disguising himself as a master healer. They decided to join Apollo in his hut out of the rain rather than remain in the open. They broke down camp, grabbed their things and followed Apollo over the rise. InuYasha grumbled the whole way there. He did not like this man one bit. "I thought she knew how I felt after last night" he thought as he watched his Kagome walking next to HIM. He scowled and turned away from the sight. "Why are you so grumpy, InuYasha?" Shippo asked as he scampered over. "Are you jealous that Kagome is walking with Apollo?" Shippo giggled, and then fell to the ground as InuYasha whacked him on the head. "Shut up, brat! I ain't jealous! I'm just mad we're stopping again when there are so many shards still out there!" he snuck a glance at Kagome again. "What the?! Why's she holding his arm?! And blushing?" He growled again.
Kagome walked silently next to Apollo, lost in her thoughts. Being true to her nature, it wasn't long before she tripped on a tree root. Apollo caught her before she could fall and silently offered her his arm for support. "I am such a klutz! Arigato, Apollo." She blushed as she accepted the offered arm. "Anytime, dear lady" he blessed her with his radiant smile, causing her to blush again. The group continued on until they reached Apollo's hut. "Come on in, everyone. Please make yourselves at home" he offered his hospitality as they entered the hut and gasped.
The hut was huge inside! Besides the great room they stood in, there was a large cooking area, a large sitting area filled with large pillows surrounding a fireplace 3 people could stand in without hitting their heads on the mantle, and at least 4 rooms off the back wall. "Wow, Apollo! What an extraordinary home you have!" Miroku looked around with admiration. "Feh! It'll do for the night" InuYasha grumped. He was still upset that Kagome was paying so much attention to the healer.
"Let me show you to your rooms" Apollo led them to the rooms in the back. "This first room is mine." He moved on to the second door. "Dear ladies, you may have the second room" he opened the door to reveal a spacious room decorated in sage green and gold tones. There were two large, overstuffed futons covered with matching linens and fluffy pillows. To one side was a small vanity table with a mirror. It was filled with glass bottles that appeared to be lotions and perfumes. "Please help yourselves to anything in the room" Apollo offered as the girls took everything in. "Arigato, Apollo. You are more than generous" Sango thanked him, obviously in awe of the luxuriousness of the room. "There's a closet full of clothing you may use as well during your stay" he pointed to a small door in the back. Kagome walked over and opened the door, revealing dozens of kimonos and yukatas made of the finest silk. "They're beautiful, Apollo" Kagome breathed as she caressed the soft garments. "You are going to spoil us" she beamed at him. "Nonsense! Everyone deserves a little pampering now and then" he brushed off her comment and moved on to the next room. "Monk and hanyou, you may use the third room" he opened the door revealing a room slightly smaller than the last. It was done in purples and reds, otherwise it was almost identical to the previous room. Instead of the vanity, there was a desk with an assortment of papers and writing supplies. "Monk, please feel free to use the supplies to restock your sutras while you are here" Apollo gestured towards the desk. Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully "I did use up most of my supply in the last battle. Arigato, Apollo." He accepted the offer. InuYasha snorted and turned away. "You're all going soft" he skulked over to one of the futons and jumped into the center, sat down with his hands in his sleeves and Tetsusaiga in his lap. "InuYasha, stop being so rude!" Kagome scolded him, causing his ears to flatten against his skull. "Its okay, Kagome" Apollo flashed his thousand watt smile at her, causing InuYasha to growl. "You're all tired and in need of sleep". He led them out of the room. "The last door leads to the bath house. Please feel free to use it whenever you want."
Apollo returned to the sitting area and gracefully positioned himself on a large pillow in the center. The others gathered around him, all except InuYasha, of course. "Your generosity is deeply appreciated, Apollo. How can we ever repay you?" Miroku bowed his head in thanks. "Apollo waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense! It's lonely here and your company is more than enough payment for the use of my hut." He turned to Kagome. "Lady Kagome, I sense you are a Miko." She nodded confirmation. "Have you been honing your healing powers?" he asked. "The village priestess Kaede has been teaching me, however there's so much to learn!" she sighed. "I haven't had much time to spend with her lately. We've been too busy retrieving the shards." "Then it is fortunate that we have met!" Apollo exclaimed as he took her hands in his, causing InuYasha to growl again. "I insist you all stay here with me for a while so I can complete the training Kaede has started!" InuYasha started to protest. "No way! We got shards to find!" "InuYasha- SIT!" he slammed into the floor. Kagome huffed. "Miroku, Sango, Shippo- are you all willing to stay for a while so I can complete my Miko training?" she asked the group. They nodded their assent. "Then it's settled! We accept your offer, Apollo sensei" she turned to InuYasha, who was getting up off the floor. "InuYasha, please come out onto the porch with me" she walked out the door, fully expecting him to follow. He flattened his ears again and followed her out.