Chapter 9: Friendship

"Well you haven't been gone for very long, but you've already experienced so much," Kakuju said, impressed at the group's strength.

On the way to Kaede's, Inuyasha caught a familiar scent and soon after the group bumped into Kakuju, who was surprised to say the least that the group returned so swiftly.

"It looks like you can use the power of Shikigami with your sword much better now," Kakuju praised Alice, "Please tell me what happened."

Alice sighed before looking to Kagome, "How about you tell the story since I never really saw the end of it."

The girl nodded and proceeded to tell Kakuju about their battle with the spider and what all had happened during and after the fight.

"Wow, that was a risky move there," Kakuju told Alice after Kagome finished and before she could speak up he finished, "but your intentions were good and you came out of it."

Alice closed her mouth, content with what the elder had said, before listening as he went on, "Your friends are right though, you should consider your safety when deciding something as well as others', especially since you'll most likely be facing stronger demons as your journey continues. But know this, together your strength can't be beaten, but apart and everyone will suffer the damage."

Everyone stared at the man in awe at his words as he finished, "There is hope though. Shikigami isn't just a weapon, it can be used to heal and I think you should learn how to use healing Shikigami."

"You're right. If I learn how to use healing Shikigami I can help out more if someone gets injured," Alice agreed.

"Great, then stand beside me, close your eyes and be very still," Kakuju instructed.

The student followed the master's orders, closing her eyes as he held her hands. Like before, she felt her Shikigami flare out and power fill her. But this time, the power that coursed through Alice's veins felt relaxing, like cool water, and she felt her Shikigami grow calm.

Once again she saw visions of other Shikigami users, but this time she saw them heal the wounds of people, animals and even demons. Alice watched in awe as each scene flashed by, giving her the wisdom of healing.

"Now you have learned the techniques of the healing Shikigami," Kakuju said as she opened her eyes.

"Yes, thank you Grandpa Kakuju," Alice replied as she bowed towards the wise old man.

"Wow! Your Shikigami just seems to grow more and more powerful," Kagome said as she walked up to Alice.

"Yeah, your Shikigami can help us out even more now," Inuyasha put in, with an impressed look on his face.

Alice laughed as Kakuju came over and helped her practice her new Shikigami on damaged plants. While Alice and Kakuju worked, Inuyasha and Shippo passed the time by catching fish in the riverm while Kagome stayed and watched the girl improve her skill, giving her advice that she learned from Kaede about healing.

"Are you confident in using the healing Shikigami now?" Kakuju asked Alice as they finished.

She nodded as he continued, "That's good. I cannot teach you anymore about it, but remember past Shikigami users can also teach you more techniques in your visions, so you'll be more skilled in the art of healing."

"Yep. I never realized Shikigami was so helpful though. I mean, I thought it was just used to fight and stuff like that, I would've never guessed that it could be used to heal," Alice replied.

"Shikigami has many uses, as you will see as your journey continues. You should go now though, you have a long journey ahead of you and you wouldn't want to return when it's dark outside. But don't worry, I'm sure we'll meet again," Kakuju said as he waved off the group.

"Thank you!" Alice called as the group continued on towards Kaede's village.

"Well that was a pointless journey, we didn't learn a thing about why you were brought here," Inuyasha complained as they walked through the forest.

"I agree it's disappointing that we didn't find anything, but I wouldn't call this journey pointless. Alice learned a lot about her Shikigami and we did help out that village," Kagome argued.

Inuyasha merely replied with the usual, "Keh" before turning around and continuing on the path.

Alice barely heard the rest of the conversation between the two. Her mind was filled with questions about the man she met in her dream. Who was that guy? Why couldn't I hear him speaking when he was so close to me? Why did I feel so uncertain when he was around? Will I see him again? I wonder if the others know anything about him.

She sighed. She still hadn't told the others about meeting the man and she guessed she never would. They probably don't know the man at all, and it's not likely that I will see him again.

"Alice," Kagome's voice broke through her thoughts as the named looked up to see Kagome glancing back at her.

"We've arrived at Kaede's. Are you okay? You look a bit pale," the priestess asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, I guess I just need some rest, that's all," Alice replied as they stepped into the house.

After greeting Kaede, everyone gathered around the fire and shared a meal.

"So did you find any clues?" Kaede asked when everyone had finished their meals.

Alice shook her head, "Unfortunately no."

"But we did learn more about Alice's power, Shikigami," Shippo put in, "When we were fighting a spider demon, Inuyasha was about to be killed but Alice saved him by using Shikigami."

"Shut up Shippo," Inuyasha growled from where he was sitting next to Kagome.

"No, it just freed everyone, that's all. Only after I set you guys loose was the spider defeated," Alice corrected, "I have so much to learn, and in so little time. But I have to get these new techniques down quick or I'll slow everyone down."

"Be patient, even if it takes time don't push yourself too hard or you'll only backpedal. I'm sure you all are very tired though. After what happened today no one could blame you. It's probably best if you get some rest now," Kaede advised as she looked over at the worn out faces of the group.

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired," Shippo yawned.

"I agree, good night Kaede," Kagome put in as she walked over to a sleeping mat near the corner of the room and laid down on it.

Alice followed the young priestess, laying down on the mat next to Kagome's, and closed her eyes to let the darkness pull her into a dream.

In her dream, Alice met a wind Shikigami user who helped her learn some wind techniques. After bowing in gratitude towards the figure that was fading away, she found herself alone again in her dream. She tried to pass the time by walking around the dream forest, smelling the flowers near the path she walked on and listening to the birds chirping through the trees. Wow I could stay here forever! It's so peaceful.

Alice laid down in a sunny meadow and found herself thinking about Inuyasha and the others. I never realized that it would be this fun hanging out with them. When I first heard that I was trapped in the Feudal Era, I didn't think that I'd be able to make it. But now that I've made friends with everyone, I think I'll be able to handle things perfectly now.

She smiled and felt herself become warm with happiness. I've never really had a friend before, thanks to my style of clothing, but having a friend is a nice gift. I hope we can stay friends for a long time.

A cold wind blew over the meadow as Alice jerked up in surprise to see what had happened to the once peaceful atmosphere. She gasped in horror to see that everything that had been filled with warmth and life was now shriveled up and dead. The girl quickly got up and backed away, looking to and fro at the now cold forest in front of her. What's happening? she thought as she began to panic.

She then felt herself bump into something, and spun around to see none other than the man with the long wavy black hair and the purple kimono standing behind her. Alice could still feel the icy touch of fear on her skin but managed to brighten up and calm down a bit when she recognized the man before her. This time however, she could see his face since he was turned towards her now.

The man had striking red eyes that seemed to make Alice feel as if he could read her thoughts, but she pushed away the thought while speaking up, "Thank goodness it's just you. Do you know what happened here? Why is everything so creepy now?"

Alice saw the man's eyes narrow in what looked like interest as he looked at her. She felt his aura wrap around her, having the same effect on her as it did in their first encounter, and backed away from him a little before adding cautiously, "What is your name anyway?"

The man closed his eyes and smiled before looking at her and responding to her question. To Alice's disappointment, she couldn't hear the man's voice and she felt a wave of sadness and loneliness come over her. Why can't I hear him? He's right next to me for kami's sake! Ugh, this is horrible. I thought I'd at least be able to distract myself by talking to him, but I guess that won't work.

Alice looked up to see in astonishment that the man was gone. Where did he go?! She thought as she looked around widely for the man.

"Where are you? Please don't leave me here alone!" she called out desperately and when no reply came she curled up into a little ball and felt warm tears streak down her face.

"Alice," replied a smooth silky voice.

The named stiffened at the sound of the voice and a touch on her shoulder. She then quickly turned around to see the man behind her, surprised that she could hear his voice. But before she could reply, she saw a blinding light from behind the man that swarmed over the two until Alice couldn't see the man anymore.

/././././././

Alice slowly opened her eyes to see a ray of sunlight shining over her head. She got up and stretched a bit before she realized that Kagome and the others were already up and looking at her.

"Morning," Kagome said cheerfully.

"Morning," Alice greeted as she got up and sat next to the girl while reaching for a bowl of soup.

As she ate her breakfast, Kagome spoke up saying, "Hey Inuyasha, how about we take the day off today?"

"The day off? Why should we?" Inuyasha replied irritably.

"Well Alice must be exhausted from all the fighting yesterday, and plus we all could use some relaxing time," she answered.

"I agree, a day off would be nice," Shippo put in.

"But I don't think it's a good idea for us to split up," a voice spoke up.

Alice looked around the room, asking, "Who was that?"

"Huh? Oh that was Myoga." Inuyasha explained.

"It's been a while Master Inuyasha," Myoga greeted from his spot on the hanyou's shoulder.

"Wow, a talking flea? Well I guess I can't be too surprised. Nice to meet you," Alice said to the flea.

"Nice to meet you too, I'm Master Inuyasha's bodyguard, Myoga," Myoga responded.

Alice chuckled a little at the thought of a flea protecting someone like Inuyasha.

"He runs away at the slightest sign of danger. Not much of a bodyguard huh?" the hanyou sighed disappointingly.

"Never mind that, I agree with Kagome's suggestion," Myoga continued, trying to change the subject, "There are demons everywhere, we should make teams of two just to be safe."

"I agree, we don't want to get into any trouble," Kagome put in.

"Okay! Let's make the teams now!" Shippo exclaimed. "Who do you want to travel with today Alice?"

Alice thought for a moment. It would be nice if I can practice more of my Shikigami, especially since I've learned some new moves, so I guess I should go with someone I could train with.

"Would you mind if I tag along with you Inuyasha?" she asked.

"Sure, if it's alright with you," he replied.

"Great! Then I get to go with Kagome. Say, do you want to collect chestnuts with me?" Shippo asked Kagome.

"Sure, that sounds like loads of fun," she replied as the two walked out of the hut.

Alice and Inuyasha soon followed but veered off towards a wide field where they could practice. Inuyasha practiced using his Tessaiga while Alice practiced combining her wind Shikigami with her sword.

"I see you've learned a new form of Shikigami, want to spar to test it out?" Inuyasha called over to Alice.

"Sure, that would help out a lot," she replied.

The two of them spared for about two hours before both were exhausted and called for a break.

"Wow, you're pretty good at fighting," Alice praised as she took drink of water.

"You're not bad yourself. Those were some pretty good moves there," Inuyasha replied, wiping some sweat from his forehead. Alice laughed as they both headed back towards the village.

"Hey Inuyasha? Can you help me with something?" Alice asked as they walked through the forest.

"With what?" Inuyasha questioned.

"I'm looking for a certain herb. It has an odd smell, and you're good with scents so it would make the process a lot faster if you helped," Alice answered.

"Is that right? What a pain... Fine, I'll help you," Inuyasha reluctantly agreed before taking the lead and walking off the path towards a bush nearby.

"Can you find it?" Alice asked.

Inuyasha sighed. "Be patient. I can sort of smell it," Inuyasha replied before sniffing around the bush.

The scene made the girl laugh to herself. He's very serious about this, and with him sniffing around like that it makes him look exactly like a dog.

Something behind them caught her eyes as she turned around and said, "Huh? Wait a minute…"

She then bent down and picked a herb that she spotted behind them. "Hey Inuyasha!" Alice called over cheerfully.

Inuyasha, still sniffing around, yelled back irritably, "Don't bother me. I said I'm looking for it!"

"Sorry, but I've already found it," Alice admitted. Inuyasha turned around while replying, "What?!"

"Sorry about that, but thanks for coming along," she quickly said, trying to avoid fighting with him.

Inuyasha walked over to Alice and confirmed the herb in her hands as the one they were searching for and sighed.

"What a waste of time. Well, at least you found it. But it doesn't really smell like much," he commented.

"Of course, you have to squish it first. You see?" Alice explained as she squished the herb together and held out the mush in her hand for Inuyasha to smell.

Inuyasha bent down to smell it before quickly jerking his head up and holding his nose. "Ugh!"

"What's the matter with you?" Alice asked, tilting her head.

"Baka! Get that stuff away from me!" Inuyasha yelled as he jumped back a few feet.

"Hmph, I warned you about the smell," Alice replied irritably.

"It doesn't matter, just take it and go away. Now!" Inuyasha yelled back before running off.

"What's his problem," Alice muttered angrily as she walked back towards Kaede's village.

After a while she noticed Kagome in the woods on the side of the road. Hmm? I wonder what she's doing. Alice thought as she snuck up into the bushes near the girl.

Kagome was standing alone on a small hill holding a piece of candy and Alice could just make out what she was saying, "Aw, there's only one candy left. Huh? I feel like someone's watching me."

She stiffened as Kagome looked around. How could she tell I was…? Alice's thoughts were cut off as she saw Shippo step out from a nearby tree looking at the candy Kagome held with much interest in his eyes.

"Oh it's just you Shippo. What's up?" Kagome asked before she too noticed the look in Shippo's eyes.

Shippo remained silent, his gaze still locked on the candy in Kagome's hands.

"Oh this candy? Here you have it," Kagome said kindly as she handed the candy over to Shippo.

"I can have it?" Shippo asked with a look of surprise as he took the sweet treat.

Kagome nodded and Shippo quickly ate the dessert and once he finished he said happily, "That was delicious! As a thank you, I'll show you a transformation I've been practicing."

Shippo vanished in a cloud of smoke and Alice saw Inuyasha run up to meet Kagome the exact moment it happened. Heh, well this will be interesting she thought amusingly.

"Huh? Inuyasha? Oh Shippo, that was amazing," Kagome praised as she obviously didn't catch what Alice saw, "But he doesn't look that dopey. He looks sharper than that."

Alice had to bite down on her tongue to keep herself from laughing when a pink blob like creature floated down towards Kagome.

"Huh?" the young priestess said in confusion.

"Thanks for saying I look dopey," Inuyasha growled.

Alice saw Kagome's face turn red in embarrassment before looking back at Inuyasha and practically squeaking "You're the real one?" She then ran off and Alice felt a stab of sympathy towards her, it wasn't her fault that she mistook Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha, do you think Kagome likes my transformation?" Shippo asked, unaware of what was really going on.

"I don't really know, but probably not," Inuyasha replied.

Shippo sighed disappointedly as Alice looked at the two in disbelief. Can't these two knuckle heads figure out that Kagome's hurt? Ugh what jerks. She then got up and ran after Kagome, "Hey Kagome are you alright?"

Kagome turned around, surprised to see Alice, before sighing and saying, "You saw that huh? I guess I just missed that that was the real Inuyasha. I didn't mean all of those things I said though."

"It's okay! He'll probably forget all about it in the morning," Alice reassured trying to cheer Kagome up.

Kagome smiled before replying, "Yeah, he probably will. Thanks Alice!"

She then hugged Alice, who stiffened at first to the unexpected hug but quickly relaxed and hugged Kagome back.

"It's getting pretty dark. Let's head back to Kaede's," Alice noticed as she looked towards the darkening sky.

Kagome nodded and the two happily went back to the hut, ate a nice dinner, courtesy of Kagome's mom, and went to sleep. What a day Alice thought before she drifted into a peaceful slumber.


Okay so I'm actually going to talk more in this chapter. I'm so happy that I can finally post new chapters up, after what seemed like months to me xP
Guess what people? She met the mysterious man again! Did you figure out who he was yet? Haha fun stuff right?

Moving on, as you can see I'm not far in this game at all due to school work but I'm making my way through it ^-^ I chose to go with Inuyasha on my "day off" first because hey, he's a fun character to hang with xD But poor Kagome, who would've guessed that it wasn't Shippo but Inuyasha she was talking to? (I personally saw it coming a mile away) Lucky for Kagome, Alice noticed her feelings and went after her~

But ugh! When is Miroku and Sango going to show up! I hope they show up soon, it's reallt annoying not seeing them around... Maybe they'll pop up in the next chapter who knows?

Please read and review~