Alright time for Kagome's adventure to continue. I have a surprise for you guys in this chapter hehe. I hope you like it.
PLEASE READ: In the last chapter I made a small typo with the amount of yen I used. It was supposed to be 30,000 yen not 300,000 yen. My apologies for that. Enjoy!
BIG NEWS: After this chapter all of my chapters will be in third person only! It might seem a bit strange with the sudden change, but it's easier for me to write it that way. Thanks!
Ch. 8
"I'm so sorry I'm late!" I screamed as soon as I appeared in the training grounds. It was already 11 o'clock at night and I knew Nyata was not going to be happy with me. When I arrived in the dojo, I was already scared out of my wits.
"Glad you decided to join me Kagome," her voice echoed through the building.
Swirling around, I saw Nyata standing there with a smile on her face. I instantly became confused. She didn't look angry at all. She looked…happy? That was strange because normally if I didn't get to bed on time, I was given the death glare and a harsh training session. This time I had been exponentially late too. She laughed when she saw my dumfounded expression. "I am not angry with you Kagome. I know why you are late and I'm okay with it. It was about time you got rid of the ridiculous schoolgirl outfit. I must say as well, that that outfit you chose is definitely going to draw some eyes."
I shook my head in amazement at how Nyata could completely change her entire attitude. One minute she was pissed at me for doing something wrong and the next, she's all happy and understanding about me being late. Deciding that I should just go along with it and not voice my utter confusion, I spoke. "What is it that I shall be working on today Nyata-sensei?"
"Well let's go over what you've learned so far. You have improved your senses exponentially and can now detect an aura as well. You have perfected your miko abilities, can absorb knowledge, use hand to hand combat, and fight with some weapons. Tonight, I'm going to complete your weapons training. Kagome, you have improved so well and at such a wonderful pace, that this part of the training should be very easy. Weapon use seems to come easy to you so we shouldn't be too far behind in your training tonight. But, before we begin, I have something for you. Consider it a…gift from me for your incredible improvements."
I was touched by her kindness. Nyata was one who projected her self in a very dignified manner. She didn't seem the type to give gifts just out of the blue. This was an unexpected yet not entirely unwanted change of events. I couldn't wait to know just what it was she had gotten me. My curiosity was at its peak and I was itching for my surprise.
Nyata disappeared suddenly and I jumped with a quick yelp at the sudden vanishing woman. When I realized just what I'd done, I couldn't help but laugh at my own silliness. I would think by now that I would be used to her doing things like that. Guess not. Only thing is that she always chose the moment where I least expected it. I guess that supports the saying "Expect the unexpected."
Nyata was gone for about ten minutes. I couldn't understand how my 'something' could take so long to get. It wasn't like her to take up so much time when I could be practicing. As a matter of fact, I probably should go through a few exercises before she gets back. The dojo was full of weapons that I could choose from to use. It was a large, square, wooden structure. The space was easy to maneuver in and it served its purpose well.
I walked into the storage room where all the weapons were stored in their respectable places. My fingers were to my chin as I pondered what weapon to practice with. There were several different ones to chose from; katana, spears, whips, shuriken, daggers, etc. Nyata was bound and determined to teach me how to affectively wield every weapon possible. So far, I had accomplished daggers, whips, knives, and the katana. My katana wasn't as sharp as some of my other work, but that's because I haven't worked with as long as the others. I still had A LOT to learn with the weapon use. For now, I would go with the spear. I had begun training with the spear yesterday and needed to practice with it.
I stepped up to the wall where the multiple spears were hanging elegantly. Each one was a few feet long and had a sharp knife at the end; a truly formidable weapon if used correctly. The weapon came off its perch easily, gently coming up and over the two hooks that held it up. I balanced the weapon in my hands while I examined its make-up. This was an excellent spear. It would do nicely.
With a firm grasp upon my spear, I returned to the center of the room. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The image of Naraku entered my mind and my grip upon the staff of the spear tightened 'till my knuckles were white. Just the thought of that despicable creature turned my blood to boiling lava. My routine began with a few shifts and thrusts. I continued like this, adding in juts and parries while increasing my speed and viciousness. That is how Nyata found me. She 'poofed' back into the room as I continued to do my dance with the spear. I hadn't noticed, but it seemed as though while I was practicing, the knowledge of the spear's use came naturally to me. It was like I wasn't even putting forth an effort to twirl the spear with the grace and skill of a true master.
I sensed her before she could perform her chore. With speed unheard of, I ducked and swerved my leg out, effectively dropping her to her back. My foot embedded itself in her chest to hold her down. The head of the spear lay mere inches from her throat. My breath was ragged with the exertion of energy. Sweat was coating my body in a light sheen. I swallowed harshly to saturate my parched throat. The whole area was now silent. Nyata was gaping at me with wide eyes. She had her body supported with her elbows and her chin tilted in submission to my blade. Irritatingly sluggish, I withdrew the piercing blade from her personal space.
It was still silent when she stood. She was still gawking at me with obvious wonder. I shifted my gaze back and forth between the spear lying righteous in my palms to the thunderstruck beauty before me. "Ano…" I breathed in a hushed tone. Nyata closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She was quivering slightly as her head shook from side to side. I could hear her muttering under her breath but I couldn't make out the words.
She cleared her throat softly before she finally addressed me. "That was…unanticipated. It was astounding Kagome. In all my years I have never seen such an adaptation to the teachings of weaponry. And I haven't even taught you much on the workings of a spear yet! Marvelous; simply marvelous Kagome. I have no quip about entrusting you with this gift. You will do it a great justice. Now please come sit with me while I present my gift to you."
I followed obediently as Nyata led me to the armchairs that she had set up in the corner of the dojo. She gestured with her hand for me to have a seat. Once we were both comfortably resting in the cottony feel of the cushions, Nyata looked at me with an expression that could only be described as pride- a wonderful mixture within her amethyst eyes. "I must say, Kagome, that I have never been more proud of you. You have shown me that you have what it takes to make a wonderful ruler of Heaven. It pains me to know that our time together is drawing to a finish. You have improved and improved on so many levels. I can't begin to describe the immensity of my pride in watching you strive for the absolute best. This gift that I have for you I had made after the very first training session. It has taken exactly this long for it to be made. The gift was not easy to create I'll tell you that now. I want you to give me your word that you will take the utmost care of this object."
Apparently, what she had to give me was very special. Nyata wouldn't have made such a fuss over it if it wasn't. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it could be. The anticipation was killing me. I had to know what it was already. "You have my word Nyata-sensei. And you know me enough to know that I never go back on my word."
Nyata smiled, "That I do Kagome. That I do. Are you ready for this Kagome?'
"Yes, absolutely."
Nyata's smile widened and she reached behind her, "Close your eyes and hold out your hands."
I did as instructed, the excitement near enough to make me squeal like a little girl. I hadn't received a gift in so long. I heard a rustling of cloth and my excitement peaked. The soft clanking of metal resounded around me and I felt a weight fall into my open hands. My hands closed around the object as I began to ponder what it was. "You may open your eyes now Kagome," Nyata's crisp voice sang.
With a newfound hurriedness, my eyes popped open and I looked down to what was resting in my hands. It was beautiful! It was perfect! It was a….
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/Switch/
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Kaede listened in amusement as the kit and half-man, half-demon argued over who would get the last bowl of stew. It was humorous at how much the two quarreled with one another. After Kagome had departed, the scuffles seemed to escalate more and more by the day. Only they weren't aggressive, they were playful. It seemed that Inuyasha and Shippo had developed a stronger bond since the beautiful miko had left. It was amazing what her absence could do. Now it was just playful banter that kept the two entertained.
So far there had been no rumors of Naraku or the jewel shards. Miroku and Sango had been spending time together. His hentai ways had nearly come to a stop. His flirting and groping was only for Sango now, and she didn't seem to mind his attentions now that they were engaged. It was obvious that the two were in love- a deep, once-in-a-lifetime love. Kaede could still remember the time she had found them in a truly compromising position that her laughing in her miko garbs.
Flashback
Kaede shuffled her old-lady body up and down the field picking and plucking medicinal herbs as she spotted them. This truly was one of her favorite activities. It kept her old muscles working and kept her preoccupied. The village depended on her healing amenities and she would let herself die before failing her village in any way.
As she neared the outskirts of the field closer to Inuyasha's Forest, she noticed a trail of medicinal herbs that would serve great for minor injuries. Not one to pass up an offering such as this, she began to gather up the medicinal herbs and place them in the hand-woven, dust- net of a basket. The path of herbs led her up and into a small clearing full of flowers and herbs of different kinds. She continued to pick the herbs, completely unaware as to what was happening just yards away from where she stood.
Kaede, with a small grunt, knelt down to gather a few stubborn herbs, when the sound reached her ears. At first she dismissed it, claiming it to be a simple mishap caused by her old age. But when the sound reached her ears, Kaede looked up in curiosity. What greeted her eyes shocked her beyond words. Miroku had Sango up against a tree, and they were both kissing passionately. His hands were on the young woman's behind, and she seemed to be the source of the noises that Kaede kept hearing. Miroku's hands continued to trace up and down Sango's body. Sango would moan every time Miroku touched her in a sensitive spot. Kaede couldn't believe what she was witnessing. She knew Miroku and Sango were engaged, but to do this already was surprising to even her. Kaede shook her head, muttering a few words about the perks of youth.
"Ye two know that ye will have much more privacy inside a hut. This be no place for this kind of behavior," her voice startling the two. Miroku jumped away from Sango so fast, it was almost as if he'd been burned. Sango's face was redder than a rose bush in full bloom. She was fiddling with her hair trying fix its flustered appearance while attempting to hide her obvious embarrassment. Kaede had a look of amusement on her face. She knew they didn't think they would be caught out here. "What would the children think if they saw ye like this? Ye should do such things someplace where ye won't get caught."
"K…Kaede," Miroku stuttered, scratching the back of his head, a light blush covering his cheeks and nose. "Um…What are you doing here?"
Kaede chuckled, "No need to be embarrassed ye two. It is only natural for the two of ye to take part in these actions. Ye are engaged after all. I am just here collecting herbs and I happened to stumble upon ye moment of passion. Don't mind this old woman though. I am taking my leave," Kaede turned and began her walk back to the village. She turned just before she left the clearing, "Be more aware of ye surroundings next time ye two. Have fun!"
Flashback
Kaede would never forget that day. She couldn't help but be happy for the two lovers. It was good for them. They needed each other. It was only a matter of time before Naraku was defeated and the little pitter-patter of baby feet reached her ears. She knew Miroku would waste no time in getting Sango pregnant as soon as possible. Now as she sat listening to the two males bicker back and forth, she couldn't help but wonder when Kagome was going to come and visit; if she ever did.
Everyone missed her. Shippo would sometimes cry over missing his mother. Sango and Miroku missed her dearly, and even Inuyasha couldn't help but wish for her company again. It wouldn't be long now until she returned. She would be a completely different person when she came back. Kagome wouldn't even be human when she finished her duties back home. Kaede continued to sip her tea and watch as the younger party conversed with one another. Her thoughts remained on the absent miko.
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/switch/
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"Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin shouted, spotting the god-like demon entering the gardens. The young girl dashed up to her father figure and attached herself to his leg. "Hello milord!"
Sesshomaru looked down at the innocent child and gave a small smile. A clawed hand gently patted her on the head. "Hello Rin. How are you today?"
"I'm great Lord Sesshomaru," her smile turned to a pout, "But Jaken keeps being mean to me!"
"Hn."
Although it wasn't much of a response, Rin knew that Lord Sesshomaru was contemplating what punishment to give the little imp. Jaken never seemed to learn his place. His annoying voice echoes through the castle every time he saw it fit to yell at either Rin or one of Sesshomaru's servants. Said imp came running up shortly after Sesshomaru's arrival. "Milord! Rin step away from Lord Sesshomaru! He does not need your filthy human scent all over him!"
"Jaken!"
"H…hai milord?"
"Leave her be."
Rin looked up with a smile at her lord. She knew that she could always count on him to defend her and protect her. Her only wish now was for him to accept her as his daughter. Sadly, she knew that would never be. The one thing she wanted more than anything in the world was a family to call her own. Lord Sesshomaru was the closest thing to a family Rin had had since her real family had been killed by those bandits.
Rin, without a thought, grabbed on to Lord Sesshomaru's hand and tugged him towards the gardens. It was a strange sight watching the little child pull the young lord towards a field of flowers. All the servants knew that he loved the little girl. He had a soft spot for her like no other and they all could see why. Rin was just a pure bundle of happiness and innocence.
Sesshomaru let the small smile on his face grow slightly at the child's eagerness. Rin continued to tug on his hand as she led him into the field. Only when she was happy with how far she'd pulled him, she let go of his hand to run out into the field and drop into the flowers. She squealed and laughed with a child's true joy. Sesshomaru watched her play from the comfort of a soft patch of grass beneath a Sakura Tree. Normally he wouldn't allow Rin to do such a thing as to pull him along like she had done, but he couldn't bring himself to scold her when she was this happy just to be in his presence.
As he sat watching Rin play and Jaken be tortured, he thought about the miko, Kagome. He couldn't seem to get her out of his head now-a-days. His dreams, his thoughts, his actions all revolved around something to do with the miko. His beast was still driving him up the wall with its constant pestering. It just became more and more restless as he continued to deny his beast what it truly wanted. The beast had even resorted to begging and using please, something unheard of for his demon side. Sesshomaru was almost to the point of going back to Inuyasha's Forest to see if the girl had returned early.
Oh yes. Go, go, go! We must go. We must go and see Kagome. She will be there. I want to see her! Please!!
Enough Beast. You know that I cannot just leave. My half brother told us that she would be gone for five months. There is nothing I can do as of now. And Sesshomaru hated that fact. The fact that he couldn't do anything to bring Kagome back so that he could begin his task. It had only been three months- agonizingly slow months.
Make up an excuse! Go out patrolling the lands for a while. Then we can go see if Kagome is here! It is perfect. I want her! She is perfect!
I know Beast, I know. You do make a good point; however, I can't just up and leave. There is much to do here at the castle…
Bullshit! You want to go see her just as much as I do. You are intrigued by her. She interests you like no other. She isn't a subordinate bitch. She is so…sexy! The beast flashed a pleading look at Sesshomaru's mind. Over the past few months, the barriers that Sesshomaru had worked on all his life to perfect were slowly crumbling. All because of one little miko. He could not deny, though, that he was eager to begin earning the woman's heart. He was interested in where exactly she had gone and why. Maybe a small visit to the well would be alright.
Yes, finally!! His beast howled with joy.
Sesshomaru sighed and called for Jaken. "Yes milord?"
"Prepare my armor Jaken. I leave tonight for patrol."
"Hai milord. Right away."
The little green imp scuttled away as fast as his little stumpy legs could carry him. Rin, having heard the declaration, came running over. "You are leaving Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Hai Rin."
Rin began to pout cutely, "Can I come too?"
"Not this time Rin. There is someone that I have to go see and you cannot be with me this time. I will return shortly though, so I need you to be on your best behavior for me. Can you do that?"
Rin's pout turned to a determined smile, "Absolutely Sesshomaru-sama!"
"That's a girl," he praised. He softly patted her head again before standing and making his way towards his chambers to put his armor on.
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/Switch/
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"It's a sword," I gasped in awe. It was the most beautiful weapon I'd ever seen. The sheath was as black as the night sky and imbedded in it were small sapphire and jade jewels. Gold designs flowed intricately around the sheath as well, giving it a magnificently powerful appearance. With a vigorous wonder, I slid the blade from its sheath to observe its handiwork. My eyes were wide in fascination. This was the most beautiful sword I'd ever seen. It's blade shown with a blue tint to it. It was obvious that the blade was shaper than anything I'd ever witnessed.
I lowered the blade so that I could examine it closely. When I brought it closer to my eyes, I noticed that there were two silver dogs embedded into the slick metal. "This is…gorgeous," I said, glancing towards Nyata who had a look of endearment on her face, "Are you sure this is mine?" I asked.
Nyata laughed, "Yes Kagome. It is yours. It has a name to: Shensai na Hogosha.
"Shensai na Hogosha," I repeated, "Beautiful. Thank you so much Nyata. This means so much to me. You have no idea."
"You are very welcome, but that is only half of what I have to give you."
I looked up shocked, "There's more?!"
Nyata grinned, "Yup, and I have to say that you've really earned this one. The next gift isn't anything material. I'm giving you three days off. You can use those three days to visit your friends in the Feudal Era to let them know you are doing fine."
I gaped at her, "You're serious? This is no joke? I can really go?"
"Yes Kagome. I want you to go. You have done so well in your training and I think you've earned a break."
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" I said, jumping up and hugging her.
She awkwardly rubbed my back. "You're welcome Kagome. Now, you still have to do your training for tonight. We've already used up some time, so I'm going to be a little tougher on you to get what you need to know learned tonight. Tonight, I'll finish your instruction on some more weapons and then I'm going to show you how to use that sword of yours. Once you return in three days, the real stuff begins. I'll be teaching you element control, spells and incantations, and a lot of other things. Enjoy this vacation while you can. Oh, and by the way, you should try looking for Sesshomaru. From what I here, he's quite taken with you still. He awaits your return so he can get to know you better."
"Thanks for the heads up I guess," I said, a little uncomfortable.
"Well then, let's get this party started!" And my training continued.
Sorry this chapter took a little longer to do. I've been trying to finish some summer school work. Ugh.
Shensai na Hogosha: Holy Guardian/Protector.
Note: The rest of my fanfic will be in THIRD PERSON!!
Next chapter up soon.