Disclaimer: Nope still don't own Inuyasha…ah well I'm young I have time work on it.
Author's note: Because I'm a moron I just realized that I don't have school tomorrow so I'll spend it working on my new story which has much longer chapters then this one, but until then here's chapter seven! You'll all be happy Kagome's back. Oh and thanks to all who reviewed thanks, and to iamkagome12- chapter ten will be for you.
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When Good Mikos Go Bad
Chapter 7 Healing of Wounds
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Lady Marianne and the young apprentice; now revealed to be named Tari had reached their temple by midday without a problem, as they drew nearer Marianne had noticed the trails of fresh blood. Now she sat with the others from the temple, surrounding the injured young miko before them in prayer.
The girl was indeed lucky to be alive, deep gashes covered her back continuing down her limbs. Bones were broken and limbs twisted unnaturally, her bloodied clothing had been discarded for the ceremony, she lay bare in the center of the spiritual circle, a single stone and herb rested on her chest. Upon her arrival Lady Marianne had sensed the girl's dire condition and tremendous spiritual power, and immediately began conducting the healing rites, gathering the other priestesses before the girl could reach the point of no hope.
One would think the girl was already dead for all the reaction she was showing fro being moved so much, not once had the unconscious girl twitched, flinched or moaned, since her arrival. The bruises and minor cuts were that marred every inch of the girl was the least of the damage, the worst of the girl's injuries would be the life threatening gashes on her sides, shoulder and skull which were leaking her life's blood away.
Sensing the strength of the soul fighting to remain in the world of the living, Lady Marianne continued to lead the chant. Words of healing flowed from her lips in a song of stability, wrapping around the young women, grounding her spirit and easing her pain. Lesser wounds sealed flawlessly, minor bruises faded without a trace, and the more serious wounds slowed in their bleeding.
If a demon were to come within ten feet of the group they would instantly be purified, any within the mile would fall ill; the spiritual energy was so intense, within the temple. Feeling the peak of power and limit for the others, Marianne focused on the girl's soul, willing her hidden power to concentrate in the stone. A top the girl's chest the stone glowed brightly pink at first but as the light intensified and brightened it turned near white shimmering throughout the temple. Gasps echoed around the spacious room, never had such a powerful priestess come amongst them.
The energy surrounding the mikos broke, the remnants flowing into the stone and in turn healing the last of the center miko's wounds. Some of them collapsed at he intensity, others swayed dangerously where they sat, Marianne alone felt stable, drained perhaps but not to the point of weakness. She stared at the girl before her, the power stone still shinning brightly pink once more on her chest. With her injuries lessened to mere scarps and the bones set to repair the girl was out of immediate danger, but had unknowingly slipped into a comatose state.
Marianne could not help but stare in wondered awe at the stone's extended glow. 'Never in all my life have I heard of a miko with such power by any standard this girl should have died long before the sisters found her, and she hasn't even been trained yet. If this is her raw power one can only imagine what she could accomplish with a few years of training.' Her continued musings went unnoticed as the others attempted to regain their sapped strength. 'She could be a very dangerous enemy, or a very powerful ally…Its no use deciding her fate now, when she awakes I will judge if she is to be trusted, but…either way… I will make good use of her potential.' She glanced back to the stone before closing the ceremony and removing the object from her bare chest.
Shippou stood jaw set in determination, he refused to cry anymore, 'men don't show their tears no matter what' Inuyasha had told him that once, besides he had run out of tears anyway, three days was enough, no more. The weak resolve the kitsune had established crumbled with one look at the big yellow backpack that had once been a promise of treats and toys.
The tears returned just as his remaining friends stepped back into the camp. Sango took one look at the wailing child and his position facing the pack and headed over to comfort him, nodding to Miroku, who began packing up their belongings.
"Its going to be okay Shippou," the slayer assured, "we're moving on, you just have to be brave, Kagome wouldn't want you to be sad forever, right?" Shippou nodded slightly still fighting a wave of tears from spilling over, a small smile playing on his lips at the thought of his mother figure chastising him for mourning her. The smile faded as the rest of what she said soaked in, they were leaving, but they hadn't found Kagome yet.
Inuyasha had crept into camp silently helping the monk clear away the site. When the camp was bare of all else Inuyasha looked somberly at the yellow monster-bag, and without so much as a word heaved the thing onto his back, surprised at how heavy the thing was, 'how the hell did she carry this thing all the time?'
Shippou couldn't help the feeling of wrongness as he watched the hanyou walk ahead of the group, the feeling only intensifying as they walked away from their former camp. Something didn't seem right, it was wrong to leave, but they trudged forward leaving Kagome behind.
Author's note: Before you all start accusing me of being a liar yes the unconscious girl was Kagome I said she made an appearance never said she would be awake for it. So what do you all think of Marianne, evil, misunderstood, power hungry, over protective priestess, review and let me know. Between this chapter and the next there's a bit of a time lapse as everyone is under the impression that Kagome's dead and she's in a coma, and still with broken bones, and Inuyasha has his arm that needs healing so about a month passes in their time between the two. And I did update on time its Thursday just as I said it just took a little longer to type than I thought but hey this chapter's longer than my others so review I love feedback.