A couple hours after breakfast Kagome took her three apprentices, plus Souta and Shippou outside to practice "Now it's time to get back to practicing" she said hand on her hip, the five children lined up and Kagome nodded glad they listened well.
Before she could even begin to instruct them, Rin and Soten, the two girls had become fast friends, came flying towards them "Onee-chan, can Rin join the lessons, do you think she has some spiritual powers to" the ebony haired child squealed latching onto the kitsune.
Which reminded her "And here, it's that gift Rin said she was making for you, it's a bracelet that will protect you from all kinds of curses" she chattered on and on not letting Kagome speech, then thrust the bracelet into her beloved elder sister's hands.
Kagome looked at the gift and smiled "Thank you Rin-chan, I'll treasure it well" she slid the bracelet onto her wrist "Now as for you have miko powers, hmm I don't know" Kagome closed her eyes and focused concentrating on Rin.
Two minutes later, her brown eyes opened and she smiled sadly down at the little girl "I'm sorry Rin-chan, you don't have powers, but I can still teach you a couple of things, how does that sound" Kagome offered so the little girl didn't feel left out.
"That's okay onee-chan, can you teach me how to throw daggers like you, or perhaps shoot a bow and arrow" Rin clapped her hands together and Soten giggled, she wanted to learn to, that way she'd be able to do her part in the future living in this massive estate that was still scary to her somewhat.
She sighed in relief, "And what about you Soten-chan, do you want to learn something as well" Kagome turned her attention on the other little girl, and the tiny thunder demon nodded her head eagerly "Well come on then stand next to Shippou, Rin you stand next to Natti" she ordered.
Then to their awe, Kagome formed three daggers, and a short blade that was the length of Soten's arm, handed the daggers to Rin, and the sword to Soten "Right then you five" Kagome pointed at the older girls, Souta, and Shippou.
"Start you're laps while I get these two started" she commanded, the five children were off and Kagome turned to the two girls "Okay, first have you ever channeled you're youkai into a weapon Soten-chan" she asked kneeling before the little girl.
Soten immediately shook her head "I have not Lady Kagome" she sighed and scuffed her foot in the dirt, "But I really want to learn" she perked up a second later, this was something she really wanted, so that she could protect people.
Kagome smiled softly and patted the youkai child on the head "It's quite easy, first reach inside of yourself like you would if you were going to use one of you're abilities, concentrate and channel you're youkai into the sword, once you do that it will get easier and harder" she recited.
Rin kept her eyes glued to her friend as Soten did as Kagome instructed and held her blade upwards, it was a slow process as it went from silver to glowing a luminescent yellow, and the end of the blade held a small ball of yellow youkai, signaling the youkai girl had thunder abilities.
"Now aim you're sword at one of the targets and release all that pent up youkai" Kagome murmured softly moving out of the way, Soten opened her eyes and thrust her blade forward, the attack shot of the end of her sword and went flying.
It completely missed the targets and just like her brothers thunder attack, obliterated the ground, Soten fell backwards from the blast and landed harshly on her butt "Ouch" she cried softly as she reeled from the blast, Rin was in a similar state but she was staring at the spot in awe.
"Wow Soten-chan, you're like super strong" she jumped to her feet and danced around a bit until Kagome turned her attention on her, "It's Rin's turn now right Onee-chan" Rin asked excited to try her hand at learning how to protect herself somewhat.
Kagome nodded still a little shocked that Soten had managed to do so much damage on her first try "Yes it's you're turn Rin-chan, take aim at one of the targets, like me" she pulled out one of her own daggers, that she hadn't had a chance to use yet and tossed it properly at the target.
"And throw you're daggers, it's okay if you don't get it right the first time, that's what practice is for" she warned so that in the case the little girl did fail, she would know that it wasn't the end of the world and would be ready to try again.
Rin took a deep breath, remembering the way Kagome had stood and held one of the small daggers in her hand, then threw it with as much power as she could, it swerved and then fell, falling a few feet short of the target.
That one hadn't worked so she tried again, shifting her stance a bit, then threw the second dagger with much less force trying to keep it lined up properly with the target, it came much closer than the first and Rin realized she only had one dagger left to try with.
So she narrowed her soft brown eyes, moved a little to the right, then with all her might tossed the last dagger she had in her hand and squeezed her eyes shut, a thwack sounded and then she was being swung around "You did it Rin-chan, this Kagome is so proud of you" Kagome squealed.
Her eyes popped open and she peered over the kitsune's shoulder to see she had managed to hit the side of the target, it wasn't much but at least she wasn't being left behind "Rin did it, Rin did it" she cheered and Soten clapped her hands together enthusiastically for her friends accomplishment.
Kagome set the little girl on her feet and brushed off her kimono "Okay I have a very important question for you Rin-chan" she started drawing Rin's soft brown eyes onto herself, seeing as she had the girls attention "What kind of power do you want in you're daggers" she asked.
Not quite sure what her elder sister was asking Rin cocked her head to the side curiously "Like what Kagome-onee-chan" she questioned in a small confused voice, Kagome had a hard time not scooping the girl into her arms and squealing again.
"Well see my daggers and Koware-chan's are imbued with protective, immobilizing or volcanic abilities" Kagome ticked off her fingers and Rin's eyes lit up as she thought on what she wanted her daggers to be imbued with.
It only took a few minutes before her to decide "Flowers, I want my daggers to have the ability to produce a really strong flowery scent, some youkai have really sensitive noses, and water that has poison qualities" Rin explained hoping it was possible.
Surprised that Rin had come up with something that quickly, Kagome quickly thought the idea over "It's possible, we'd need Sesshomaru's and Hakari's help, it's the flower part I'm not sure, I'd have to ask Sesshomaru on that one" she tapped her lip.
Rin nodded "So what's next Onee-chan, do Soten-chan and I get to run like the others" she asked eager to get in a little exercise, Kagome laughed softly patted both girls on the head and sent them off to run a few laps just as the others finished.
Before Choko, Kokoa, or Natti could move off and practice with their swords, Kagome stopped them "You'll work on creating a barrier with you're reiki today" she said, "It's the same concept, imagine a circle around you and expend it outwards" Kagome said.
Then she turned to Souta "As for you, work on making a barrier with you're ofuda, and Shippou, you and I will work on our fox transformation" Kagome finished closing her eyes, she'd only managed it once, and she wanted to see if she could do it again.
Shippou was eager to transform into his fox form and he quickly closed his eyes imagining himself in that form and working his youkai to the very center of himself, a soft pop signaled in his ears, and his green eyes opened to find that he and his mother had transformed together.
She was beautiful in her fox form, a sleek black with blue highlights long fluffy tail and of course black fox ears, Kagome padded over to him and nudged him gently with her nose, then they were off, darting across the training fields in their fox forms.
It made him wonder if they could communicate in their fox forms so Shippou opened his mouth "Kaa-chan" he called and a sort of odd barking escaped from his mouth, Kagome skidded to a halt and turned to face him chocolate brown eyes widened in awe.
"Shippou-kun" Kagome asked hearing that strange noise come from herself, "Wow, we can talk to each other like this, that's so wicked" she murmured as Shippou dashed towards her and pounced, causing laughter to erupt from the both of them.
They tousled gently before they felt the strain of holding their transformations, and they transformed back into their humanoid forms, "That was awesome Kaa-chan, if we're ever in trouble, we'd be able to use our fox forms to escape from danger" Shippou chattered a mile a minute.
In the Godly Realm, the fates were plotting, Kagome was going to need a lot more warriors in the fight to come, and having heard her wish for a certain someone to be revived decided to grant it, this was the last thing they could do for the kitsune/miko to make her prepared for what was to come.
"Naraku, we are granting you you're life back" a males voice filtered into his ears, as he sat in the godly realm surrounded by all things pure, it was a little sickening, but it made him suspicious "You will be a key player for our chosen savior of this world" another hissed.
"If you fuck up there will never be a second chance for you" a females voice snarled, "And this woman has full rights to deal with you however she wishes, in fact we know she's looking forward to ordering you around like a good little spider" she continued.
His jaw locked, what the hell was going on, these voices weren't making much sense, "Are you saying I'm to become a servant to someone" he snarled, and then an invisible hand wrapped around his throat cutting his air off, Naraku choked and struggled under that pressure before it was removed.
"In a way yes, but she will teach you right from wrong, don't let us down Naraku and perhaps you'll find happiness in you're new life" the voices continued swirling around him now, and then in a blinding flash of light, he found himself sprawled out on the ground before a massive estate.
Kagome whipped around when a familiar youkai reached her senses "Get Inside all of you Now" she barked flaring her own youkai out summoning Kegawa and Masshiro to her side, the seven children charged into the estate without looking back or questioning her.
She wasn't the only one who sensed the youkai, because soon enough, Bankotsu, Jakotsu, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru were at her side as well along with her two nekomata companions "Why the Fuck is Naraku alive" Inuyasha snarled hand gripping the handle of his Tetsusaiga.
"I've no doubt it's something the fates did and that bastard is going to be forced into submission" Kagome snarled for once her own inner youkai fueling her actions, she wanted to inflict some pain on the spider youkai who'd once made her life in the past hell.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu took a wary step away from the kitsune female, and eyed her warily with cobalt blue and dark brown eyes, even Sesshomaru was looking at her as if she'd become insane "Perhaps you should let us handle him" he suggested.
Immediately Kagome shook her head "No, just make sure he can't run, I won't have him escaping, I can use him against Akuto, Naraku will be a good ace in the hole and he's sneaky as hell, at least he'd be useful for something, plus I stick by what I say, everyone deserves a second chance" she stated.
Though her hand was gripped tightly around the handle of her chiryo-ho as the five of them plus the two nekomata companions walked to the front of the Aoiro Estate, where Naraku was stood frozen, his soft red eyes flying left and right until he spotted them.
Before the spider hanyou could even so much as scream, Kagome leaped forward pulling her sword from it's aquamarine sheath "Yogan no Sakeme" she called driving the tip of chiryo-ho into the ground, lava spurted from beneath the ground and Naraku leaped out of the way.
His foot scorched instantly "Filthy bitch" Naraku snarled commanding his miasma in an all to familiar move and a few tentacles shot forward, Kagome spun hacking away at the tentacles with ease as she let out little balls of purifying energy.
Inuyasha watched in awe "Did you teach her how to fight" he asked looked at his brother, they'd gotten past their hatred of each other and were quickly becoming comfortable with each other, Sesshomaru lifted a silver brow.
"This one did not, Kagome taught herself, I merely instructed her on what to do and the rest is history" he chuckled in amusement as the ground rumbled as Kagome shot a blast of poison at Naraku blinding him with the green plume of poison.
Naraku rubbed at his eyes fiercely, that poison was potent and his eyes burned, but he kept on hoping to get a hit in on the somewhat familiar girl, Kagome bit her lip, and used some of her fox magic to become invisible, at least she wasn't fighting inside the estate, didn't need anymore destruction.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu were standing to the side in awe as their lady, plus her two nekomata fought the spider hanyou that had once controlled them and ordered them to kill his enemies, funny how things worked out because now they were helping Kagome and not Naraku.
"What the hell did you do to my eyes" Naraku shouted unable to see anymore, only his senses kept him on his feet and fighting still against his opponent, he had no idea what was going on, or why he'd been returned only to be attacked like this.
Kagome swiped at her hair and thrust her blade forward "Mizu Tatsumaki" she murmured and the water of tornado blasted from the end of her sword and went spinning forward a path of destruction as it tore up the ground and crashed harshly into Naraku.
The attack faded a few minutes later, the spider hanyou sat up spitting out water, then he was on his feet again, thanks to the water, his eyes had been washed from the poison, he was glad that it hadn't done to much damage.
She growled in frustration, was she really going to have to unleash her full youkai/aura on the hanyou just to get him to submit, Kagome dodged to the left as Naraku got a little close for comfort and swiped at her in hopes to rake his claws down her face.
Kagome kicked out with her foot and her heel smashed into his knee, she snickered inwardly in remembrance as she remembered doing the same to Inuyasha "Come on Naraku, I know you're better than that" she taunted cruelly, hoping that the hanyou would fall for her baiting.
And he did, Naraku if anything became more enraged than before and his miasma swirled around him angrily, Kagome grinned innocently and while he was distracted made an illusion of herself out of her fox magic using both of her abilities to the fullest.
Then she shot a blast of reiki at the ground causing dust to fly into the air, Kagome quickly used her fox magic again and made herself invisible, now all she had to do was wait for an opening then she'd know Naraku down a peg, or three.
She watched for a time as Naraku got more and more frustrated with not being able to get a hit on her illusion, then Kagome saw it, the perfect opening, she dashed forward and leaped into the air, aiming her foot straight at Naraku's back.
Her foot connected and the spider hanyou was sent careening forward, face planting in the dirt and skidding painfully a few meters, Kagome had minimal time as she dropped her transparency transformation and the illusion and dropped the barrier around her aura/youkai.
Just as he was preparing to just to his feet, Naraku found himself embedded in the ground a few feet, as a monstrous youkai/miko aura slammed into him pressing him harshly into the dirt, "Do you submit Naraku" Kagome snarled walking a little closer and the ground caved in from the force she was using.
Naraku growled in a warning way, "Fuck you Bitch" he snapped wincing as that aura shoved him harshly into the ground and dirt filled his mouth, Naraku spat it out with another snarl "Like hell I'd ever submit to a whore like you" he cringed but remained stubborn.
Sesshomaru shook his head, Kagome hated it when potential pack members refused to submit, and just as he'd thought it Kagome drove her foot down on top of Naraku's head and snarled at him in an inhuman way, it even made him extremely wary of her.
"Submit" Kagome growled pressing her aura more forcefully against Naraku slowly crushing him, a few bones snapped loudly and a pained growl filled the air from the spider hanyou, she was certain she'd be able to teach him how to use his abilities for the right side instead of the evil side.
He turned his head to the side stubbornly "Go to hell bitch" Naraku grunted struggling to get to his feet, but each time the foot embedded in his back would shove him down again and he'd get a face full of dirt and grass again, not to mention his bones were slowly breaking under the pressure.
Kagome shook her head and drew to her full height lifting Naraku up out of the ground by his shirt and punched the hanyou square in the face, his body sagged in her hold and she dropped him unceremoniously on the ground "I Said Submit" she ordered more insistently.
This time not even he was able to say anything and Naraku sluggishly turned his head to the side "I submit" he groaned, the aura/youkai vanished and his body went limp on the ground, then Kagome was leaning over him healing all the damage she'd caused to him.
When his wounds and bones were all healed, Naraku slowly sat up and his red eyes finally lit up in recognition "You're Kikyo's reincarnation, that Kagome girl" he spat hopping to his feet and pointing an accusing finger at the kitsune.
Seeing as she'd basically tamed the spider hanyou and that he was harmless, Sesshomaru approached with Inuyasha, Bankotsu and Jakotsu in tow "I'd be careful how you talk to her Naraku, she has a habit of punishing disobedient pack members" the inudaiyoukai taunted.
Kagome pinned angry chocolate brown eyes on the form of the youkai she claimed as brother of her heart "Be careful Sesshomaru" she warned and he tossed her a small smile, "Anyway, from now on you are to call me Lady Kagome" she faced her newest pack mate.
Naraku spluttered in anger "And as you're alpha you aren't allowed to argue, so keep you're mouth shut is that understood" she ordered and his jaw slammed shut, unable to disobey Naraku nodded red eyes glaring hatefully at his enemy as she led him inside.
He was given his own rooms on the opposite end of the estate and was told his meals would be brought to him whenever she found a use for him, Naraku grudgingly admitted only to himself that the rooms were nice, but there was no way he'd ever help that wench, he'd die before he helped her.
"Hey Sesshomaru I have a couple of questions for you, I'm teaching Rin a bit of dagger throwing and possible how to wield a bow and arrow, she requested for her daggers to hold the abilities of poison and water and of course a strong flowery scent for those nose sensitive youkai" she explained.
Sesshomaru blinked his golden eyes in confusion before his mind caught up with what was being said "I can of course help you with the poison qualities, it's the second one that might be difficult, there is such a youkai who has the ability to use flowers as his weapon" he started.
"His name is Keshi, he is an elemental plant life youkai, dark green hair that borders on black and eyes that are as bright as the sun, but he doesn't much like this one, as we've fought several times in the past" Sesshomaru admitted.
The kitsune female sulked at that "What if you just pointed me in his direction, in a week I have to take Eri, Hojo, Yuka and Ayumi to get their crests that they requested" Kagome gave the dai that she claimed as family in everything but blood a hopeful look.
Unable to say no, Sesshomaru nodded "You realize I will be going with you correct, though once I catch wind of him, I'll stay out of the way, he's rather hotheaded" he warned and Kagome clapped her hands together happily.
"Who all will be going with you on this little trip" he glanced at her from the corners of his eyes and Kagome grinned and took a deep breath, she had to plan this carefully, it would do her no good if she kept most of her friends and family cooped up in the estate.
"Well, Sango, she's still able to travel, Miroku and my Shippou-kun of course, along with my three little apprentices, perhaps Souta, I'm assuming you're pack will be coming along" she paused and got a nod from Sesshomaru in answer.
"Then I promised Ishi that I wouldn't keep her cooped up, and maybe Inuyasha that's if he wants to come along, though I doubt he will cause he's trying really hard to make his relationship with Hinoko-san work" Kagome tapped her lip.
"And of course the four previous mentioned, Eri, Yuka, Ayumi and Hojo, so we'll need both Masshiro and Kegawa and AhUn" she finished skipping a head of the dai for a second before returning to his side with an impish smile on her lips.
Sesshomaru chuckled, after everything the girl had been through she was still so pure and innocent, "And how long do you think we'll be gone" he asked already calculating what he'd need and if he'd have enough time to go check on his estate in the West.
"Hmm" Kagome hummed softly "Depends on how long it takes us to find Keshi-san, so maybe a few weeks, I've been wanting to get out and travel for awhile anyway and this is the perfect excuse" she said as they stopped in front of the dining hall doors.
The minute they walked in Satomi, Toya and Kaede were before the girl "Is everything alright, Souta came flying in here saying that we were under attack and then were felt the ground shaking and everything" Satomi asked staring her daughter down.
Their fur was standing on end "Oh everything's been taken care of now, and we don't have to worry, where are they hiding at" Kagome waved her hand dismissively calming everyone in the hall down, though it didn't escape their noticed that she had a few scrapes, but nothing to life threatening.
"In our room, Kaede erected a barrier and told them to stay put until you or someone came along to tell them it was safe to wander again" Toya puffed up proud of his mate, he couldn't wait to be able to do his own things, use his own abilities and what not.
She let out a sigh of relief and turned to go and relieve them of their hiding, when she remembered something "Higashigawa-san come walk with me" Kagome ordered lightly, the male kitsune leaped to her side and her mother sent her a concerned look, that she ignored for the time being.
"You wanted to speak with me Milady" Higashigawa grimaced, technically the girl was his step daughter now as Satomi had explained and it just felt wrong calling her that anymore, it's why he wanted to be relieved of his position as captain of the guard.
Kagome nodded "Mama told me that you wish to pass on you're position to someone else" she stated and the male nodded slowly "Do you have someone in mind so that we may have a meeting after lunch" Kagome prodded.
Glad that it wasn't a scolding, Higashigawa nodded "Yes, I'd like to make Bankotsu and Jakotsu Co-Head Captains over the entire Guard, do you think they'd accept the position together" he asked nervously, this was nerve wracking.
Her expression lightened "I'm certain they'd accept it with little fuss, in fact I know they would enjoy it, they truly love training new members and what not, Father" she added at the end sneakily and Higashigawa turned a bright red in embarrassment.
"Right then uh we'll talk after lunch" Higashigawa stuttered out before turning on his heel and disappearing from sight, Kagome doubled over consumed with her laughter, a moment later she got her amusement under control and lowered the barrier over her young grandparents room.
Rin and Souta were the first ones before her "Is it all over now Sis" Souta asked and Kagome nodded scooping her little kit into her arms "Oh, will we resume lessons after lunch" he prodded with a hopeful smile, he really wanted to get stronger.
"Yes, that goes for you four over there as well" Kagome gestured for them to go on and the four girls left the room speeding down the hall, Rin chose to grab onto her hand and Souta attached himself to her hip as they walked to the fully repaired dining hall.
Touga was by her side the minute she sat down "Sesshomaru has apprised me of the fact that you are leaving for a few weeks to do some traveling and track down an elemental youkai" he growled, he didn't like it one little bit.
She leveled a look at the inuyoukai and raised an ebony brow "What exactly are you implying Lord Touga, that I'm not capable of protecting my precious people, or that I'm to weak to leave the Estate" Kagome asked in a deadly calm voice.
He reeled back not expecting her to catch on to his concern so quickly "It's not like that, it's just that whenever you leave you tend to get in trouble one way or another" Touga argued back calmly, he just hoped he didn't piss the kitsune off anymore.
Her eye twitched in irritation "Akuto wouldn't be that much of a fool to attack me while surrounded by some of my most trusted friends and companions" Kagome crossed her arms not to impressed with the male at her side at the moment.
The daiyoukai sighed and ran a hand through his silver moonlight locks "And besides it's not like you'd be left here in the estate" Kagome continued and his head snapped up, of course since Sesshomaru was going, why the hell had he thought he would be left behind.
"I see, in that case this one will prepare for travel" Touga straightened and went down the long table to eat his lunch, that had been mildly embarrassing and he was certain that everyone was laughing at him for his stupidity, how was it that he always ended making a fool of himself in front of Kagome.
Kagome rolled her eyes inwardly and took a bite of her meal, delicious as always "Kagome dear, will this craving for meat ever subside, or will our gums not ache like this" Satomi asked after chewing her latest bite, everyone paused in their own eating to hear what their Lady would say.
"I don't think the craving will ever disappear, and yes the aching will fade after a few weeks" she nodded taking another bite, Satomi returned to her own meal and everyone else continued eating quiet chatter filling the hall as everyone ate.
When she was done Kagome stood Higashigawa knew what was coming and he approached with Bankotsu and Jakotsu in tow "We'll go to meeting room three, it's the smallest and more comfortable for our meeting" Kagome said leading the way to said room.
"What's going on Lady Kagome" Bankotsu asked looking between the two kitsune's, had something happened between them, he hoped not because he really like that male youkai, even if he was always whacking him over the back of the head.
Kagome glanced at Higashigawa "Due to my recent mating with Satomi and becoming a main member of the House of Hearts Clan, I've decided to relinquish my title as Captain of the Guard to someone else" he started facing his two generals.
"That being the both of you, from this day onward Bankotsu, Jakotsu, you are Co-Head Captains of the Guard, you'll have to find you're own generals in the case you are sent out on patrol" Higashigawa finished looking between the two raven haired ningen males.
He felt his jaw drop open in surprise "That was unexpected" Jakotsu scratched the top of his head in confusion, did that really just happen, they were just handed a top ranking job in the estate without even working for it, that was insane.
"You can say that again Ja, why us Higashigawa-san, surely we weren't you're first choice..." Bankotsu trailed off when the male kitsune laughed nervously, so he hadn't even considered anyone else, it was crazy how much they were trusted, not only by Kagome, but by the others as well.
He shared a long look with Jakotsu before they nodded "We, Me and Ja, accept the position you've bestowed upon us, and we'll do you proud Higashigawa-san" they bowed before their former Captain and Higashigawa relaxed immensely.
"Thank you for not kicking up a fuss about it, there is no one else I trust more than the two of you with the entire Guard, I know you'll teach them properly just as you've been doing" Higashigawa shook hands with both men and Kagome watched on with a bright smile on her lips.
After that the meeting ended and Kagome went off in search of the seven children she'd found herself training and led them back to the first training field, the reason they didn't go with the larger second training field is because the continuous use of reiki or spiritual powers would put the youkai guard on edge.
So it was better to stay as far away as they could hence training field one, the minute they were on the field, Rin and Soten were sent off for another round of laps since they hadn't finished earlier, and Choko, Kokoa, Natti and Souta began practicing raising a barrier again.
While she and Shippou practiced with their fox magic, fifteen minutes into the training session, Satomi who was on break for a few weeks to celebrate her mating with Higashigawa appeared, followed by Toya and Kaede.
"We'd like to join you is that alright, we've decided that since we have some time off we'd like to travel with you when you leave, and I remember that foxfire cloud thing you did, so could you perhaps teach us how to use our youkai powers to do the same" Satomi asked.
Kagome's face lit up in excitement "Like you even need to ask, come on join in Mama, Gramps, and Granny Kaede" she snickered, it was so weird seeing the two elders as young adults, but they had gotten the bigger shock, of course they were also mated, in a private ceremony between themselves.
"You should learn to Shippou" she turned to her kit who looked just as excited to join in the family training session, he'd never bothered to learn the foxfire cloud, focusing more on his pranks and transforming into a fox.
As she was preparing to show them how to use their foxfire cloud, something nagged in the back of Kagome's mind, only when she turned to Kaede did she realize what it was "Granny, you know you're eye is healed right" Kagome blurted suddenly eyeing the bandages.
Kaede faltered in her steps and her hand immediately went up to her bandage covered face, she hadn't thought that "Are you sure child, is my eye really healed" she asked in a hopeful way, the one currently visible hazel eye lighting up in excitement as her soft brown hair was ruffled by the breeze.
And her soft brown tail twitched in obvious happiness "Absolutely Granny, do you want me to help you" Kagome asked bounding towards the young woman, it was still so weird, but stranger things had happened and really she was glad that she got to keep her friends and family and not lose them.
"Would you Kagome, it would make this one feel extremely honored after everything you've done for us" Kaede murmured sheepishly, it was hard not to pick up on youkai talk after living in the Aoiro Estate for an undetermined amount of time, she would miss it once she went back to the village.
Kagome's chocolate brown eyes lit up and she happily started helping her grandmother unwind the bandages around her eye, five minutes later the last of the bandages were removed and they dropped to the ground uselessly, and Kaede opened her right eye to reveal another hazel eye.
The young Kaede was so happy that she couldn't help but bounce all over the place causing everyone to laugh until she returned to her previous place "Sorry about that, shall we get back to the lesson" she coughed sheepishly with a wide smile on her lips.
"Of course, right then, first reach inside of yourselves and find you're core, it's different for you Souta, because you have spiritual powers as well, and focus on forming a cloud beneath you're feet" Kagome instructed showing them first before letting them try.
"As for you Souta-otouto, you'll need to reach deep within you're core to find you're youkai powers, it's difficult at first but the more you practice, the easier it will be to use both you're spiritual and youkai powers together" she turned to her little brother.
Once the five of them were hard at work, Kagome took a moment to check on her apprentices and Rin and Soten, Choko, Kokoa, and Natti were still trying to raise a barrier, while Rin was practicing her knife throwing skills, and Soten was learning how to wield her own youkai properly.
Glad to see everyone trying so hard, Kagome lifted her head to the sky just as a strong breeze blew past them and whipped her long blue/black hair around, it felt wonderful and then a soft scream interrupted the moment and Kagome looked at the person.
Satomi had managed to lift a few feet off the ground and was struggling to keep from toppling over "Mama, expend a little more youkai stabilize you're cloud of foxfire" Kagome instructed gently hoping that her mother took her advice.
A moment later, the cloud expanded and Satomi managed to get her balance "Can I sit down or something" she asked panting from the exertion it had taken to manage this much, Kagome nodded and she lowered herself to her knee's "Well this isn't so bad" Satomi smiled patting the cloud.
Though she had been able to form her cloud, she wasn't very high up "Is it always like this at first" Satomi questioned wondering if over the week she'd be able to get her cloud to go a little high like she remembered Kagome being able to.
"Yeah I remember it took me weeks to be able to go as high as I can now, you'll probably have to ride with me or Sesshomaru at first on his cloud and while we are stopped for a certain amount of time you can still practice" Kagome quipped.
The next person to form their cloud, but at a much higher height was surprisingly Toya, in all his now soft red haired glory and slightly darker fox tail, he much like his daughter in law chose to sit down on his cloud "Heh, this is actually pretty fun" he chuckled loudly before cringing.
Kagome smiled fondly "You're ears are going to be pretty sensitive for a few months, I know mine were and I still have trouble with extremely loud noises" she laughed softly and her grandfather rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
After Toya was Shippou, then Kaede, and finally Souta "Now we practice directing the cloud in a certain direction" Kagome formed her own quickly and lifted a few feet off the ground, "Now all you need is to think and you're cloud will go in anyway you want it" she instructed doing the same.
This part was much easier and soon her family was flying around the training field on their foxfire clouds, it would take a lot of work before they were able to go much higher but at least they got the concept of one of their many new abilities.
"Thank you for teaching us Kagome dear, we'll be certain to keep practicing throughout the week, who knows we might get it down by then" Satomi wrapped her arms around her daughter and squeezed tightly, Kagome returned the hug with a smile.
"Perhaps, but you never really know" she shrugged when Satomi pulled away, "Now Souta it's time to get back to practicing raising a barrier like those girls" Kagome shooed him towards her apprentices with a smile and Shippou scampered after him.
The rest of the week passed by in the same manner, everyday Kagome training the seven children and her family in their youkai abilities, while simultaneously preparing for travel, until finally it was the day for them to set out.
As the enlarged group approached the gates Sesshomaru turned around and looked at his gami servant "Jaken stay here with Koware, you could be of some use to her, help raise you're hatchlings" he ordered shocking the kappa.
"Oh thank you Milord" Jaken crowed before turning on his heel and charging to the doors to tell his beloved Koware that he was staying for once, Kagome nudged Sesshomaru gently in the side and gave him an innocent smile that had his hackles raised.
"Aren't you just a big softy now" she snickered prancing forward before he could even defend himself, Inuyasha snorted softly but the usual insults that would have spewed from his mouth stayed conspicuously absent for once and Sesshomaru sighed in relief.
Eri turned around and eyed her youkai suitor for a moment, having heard what Kagome had said, did that mean Sesshomaru had once been one of the youkai she was constantly warned about, if so what had made him change so much and why was he chasing after her in the first place.
Sesshomaru caught the look his chosen mate sent him and flashed her a small smile, it was all he'd been able to manage so far and she was proving to be quite the challenge, no matter, it would only be a matter of time before she gave in to him and then he could claim her as his.
Kagome cleared her throat "Okay the first place we'll be going is to get Eri, Yuka, Ayumi and Hojo their crests that they decided on" she formed her cloud and the four aforementioned climbed on, not only that but Satomi, Kaede and Toya did as well, as they hadn't quite got theirs down yet.
Sango and Miroku were already on the back of Kirara, they were eager to get out and do some traveling before they were unable to do so because of Sango being pregnant with twins, right now she already looked like she was three months along, but at least she was still able to walk and do exercises so that she didn't lose her flexibility.
Shippou got on Masshiro with Souta, while Rin and Inuyasha chose to ride AhUn, and Choko, Kokoa, Natti and Soten leaped on the back of Kegawa, Ishi took to the skies flying, and Touga and Sesshomaru formed their own youkai cloud, and soon they were off traveling over the lands.
"You know I can't wait until the threat of Akuto is taken down, perhaps I'll do some more traveling after he's gone" Satomi said "Be able to have a proper honeymoon with Higashigawa" she sighed, that would be so wonderful Satomi thought to herself.
Soft laughter came from her daughter and everyone smiled, "Lady Kagome, no offense but you have a rather strange pack" Ishi's voice flowed up to them from her spot at the back of the group, Kagome craned her neck around to meet her brown eyes.
"Ah true, but I also learned from the best, only the strongest are added to my pack, that way everyone is protected" Kagome nodded gesturing at Sesshomaru indicating he was the one who taught her everything she knew about forming a pack that would be worthy of an Alpha.
Ishi frowned softly "You mean Lord Sesshomaru taught you everything about pack that you know currently" she tilted her head to the side in confusion and Kagome nodded, "Oh, well that's interesting" Ishi blinked not sure what to think about the strange pack she'd found herself in but so long as it kept her away from Akuto, that's all that mattered to her.
It took them two days to travel to the little hut that Kagome had gotten her crests done at, the minute they touched down that inuyoukai male flew out of the hut and attached himself to her side "Well Lady Kagome such a pleasure to see you're doing well" he chattered.
Before Touga could stop himself a warning growl rumbled from between his lips, he didn't like this other male touching what belonged to him, Kagome sent him a strange look and Sesshomaru let out an aggravated sigh "Pardon me" Touga grimaced and headed into the surrounding forest to calm down.
"I know it's been awhile" Kagome smiled at the young inuyoukai male "I, well they have a request for you" she pointed at her four friends that were standing next to each other, Ago turned to spy the four ningen before bounding over to them.
"And what request do you have to make of this Ago" he chattered excitedly and Kagome couldn't help but let the smile form on her lips, he sure was full of energy, Yuka blinked in confusion before she was nudged forward by the others.
Seeing as she had been nominated the reluctant spokesperson, she cleared her throat "Ago-san, we come before you because we'd like to get crests, just around our wrists, we are prepared for the pain" Yuka started this was so weird.
"Our crests will be a purple/blue band around our wrists stopping here..." Yuka explained point to the spot "And in this place will be a dark blue infinity sign like this" she finished showing the youkai the drawing she'd made so that it would be easier to recreate on their flesh.
Ago nodded "That is interesting, well if you'd one at a time follow me into my home, we'll get started on you're crests" he gestured at his small home, Yuka took a deep breath and took a step closer, then she followed him all the way to his house and through the door.
Kagome bit her lip, but Sesshomaru placed his hand gently on her shoulder "I have business to attend to in the West, I must check on my Estate" he murmured, she nodded staring into his golden eyes with an unsure expression "You're friends are strong" Sesshomaru soothed before taking to the skies.
After twenty minutes, she began getting worried, she remembered the agonizing pain and wondered why Yuka wasn't screaming "Kagome-chan, if you're wondering why Yuka hasn't made a sound yet" Hojo stepped up to the girl he had at one point loved but had gotten over his crush ages ago.
"That would be nice, what did you do Hojo" the kitsune whirled on the brown haired teen, Hojo chuckled softly, since they'd come here to the past all four of them had changed, they didn't cower like she'd thought they would, instead they faced this new world with courage.
He rubbed the back of his head "Before she went in Yuka took a pill I created that has a numbing agent in it, that numbs the nerves that cause pain in a person, I imagine, she's calmly watching Ago-san burn her flesh" Hojo coughed as he explained and showed off the pill he'd created before they left.
"And how long have you been working on that little concoction" Kagome huffed in amusement, all that worrying she'd done had been all for naught and she should have known Hojo would come up with some kind of way to make sure they didn't feel agonizing pain.
Hojo smiled widely "Since we decided we were all going to get crests" he announced and Kagome rolled her brown eyes at him in exasperation, "Say Kagome how do you know if a youkai is interested in you" he asked suddenly.
Her brows climbed into her hairline in surprise "Well if a youkai was interested in you, they'd let out pheromones, though because you're human Hojo, you wouldn't sense that, I wonder though if you and the others have spiritual powers" Kagome tapped her lip in thought and closed her eyes.
She was checking to see if her four friends from the future had the ability to wield spiritual powers, immediately Kagome found her answer, only the boy she was speaking to did, "Kagome" Hojo tapped the kitsune on the shoulder in confusion.
"You have the ability to wield spiritual powers like Souta-otouto and Miroku" she said easily, not all that surprising, Eri, Yuka and Ayumi didn't have that kind of instinct, while Hojo was a natural healing and understood life more than the girls.
He wasn't expecting that "Really, does that mean if I train I'd be able to wield those powers and actually heal people or make barriers like you and the other spiritually talented ningen in this world" Hojo asked getting excited.
Hearing the question, Miroku approached the brown haired teen "If you'd like while I'm teaching Souta-san, I can also train you in the ways of being a monk" he offered and Hojo nodded eagerly, he truly wanted to learn it seemed.
Kagome was glad that her friends and family were fitting into the world "Which reminds me, you should all learn how to wield a weapon in the case you get sent out on a job" she faced her three friends and they nodded in understanding, she would have to tell Yuka when she came out.
"Say Sis, do you think we could practice while we are waiting" Souta leaped to Kagome's side eager to practice with his youkai and spiritual abilities while outside the estate, this was his second time leaving the safety of the East, he only hoped it didn't turn out like the first time.
And just like that Satomi, Toya, Kaede and Shippou all joined in "Yes, it's just the perfect opportunity to train with our abilities" Satomi nodded already delving deep within herself and forcing her youkai to form the cloud, she wanted to get this down before they went back after all.
Not having much choice and since it was a good idea after all "Alright, just let me get those five girls started on their own practice" Kagome smiled turning to face her three apprentices, Rin and Soten, the little female thunder demon had wanted to come along so that she didn't miss out on any training.
Plus she wanted have a weapon created from Kagome's reiki and her own youkai and a tooth from her mouth, so they'd also have to make a stop at Totosai's, it had been awhile since she'd seen the old demon and she had an offer for him that he wouldn't be able to refuse.
Without much prompt from their teacher, Choko, Kokoa, and Natti immediately started raising their barriers, they'd managed to create an oval shape over the week, but it was a start, while Rin started throwing her knifes at a tree, and Soten unsheathed her sword to practice wielding it.
Once that was done, Kagome turned back to her family "Okay then, why don't we try something different today" she clapped her hands together and the five kitsune stopped trying form their foxfire clouds, "Afterwards you can go back to trying to create you're foxfire clouds" Kagome stated.
Toya grinned, this was possibly the strangest thing he'd ever done, but he was happy that they'd all decided to move to the past with Kagome, they've learned more about their history than they ever did reading a book "So what are you going to teach us child" he asked eyeing his granddaughter curiously.
"I thought I could teach you how to use you're magic in the other more fun way such as playing pranks or becoming invisible to hide, or transforming into you're own fox state" Kagome giggled Shippou's green eyes lit up in excitement, that was something even he could help with.
Souta's eyes widened, "You mean we can actually become kitsune's" he asked and Kagome grinned, before she could show them though, Yuka exited Ago's home cradling her wrist in her hand it had bandages wrapped around it and they were bloody.
"Ugh, not sure if I ever want to go through that again, the smell of burnt flesh isn't the most appealing smell in the world" she grimaced approaching Kagome and flopping down to the ground, Kagome smiled, she completely understood Yuka.
Hojo decided to go next and entered the small house his steps confident and head held high, he would be brave in the face of potential pain, plus he wanted to find out exactly how well his little pills worked and see if he couldn't make them more potent in case they wanted to get more crests in the future.
Kagome shook her head "Imagine getting one on you're forehead, you're other wrist, around you're thighs and ankles" she chuckled and Yuka cringed moving out of the way, Kagome rolled her eyes in amusement before facing her family again.
"Right to transform into you're fox forms, and I only managed to do mine because I was under an extreme amount of stress, you have to close you're eyes, reach into you're core the center of you're youkai powers and force them into action while imagining yourself as in a fox state" she explained.
Then to their amazement, she and Shippou transformed into their fox forms, and started leaping around gently tackling each other and rolling around as they played and had fun, before transforming back into their humanoid forms.
"And it's much easier to transform back, all you have to do is imagine yourself in you're human forms again and viola, you'll be back on two feet" she snickered once her family was trying their hand at transforming into their fox states Kagome turned to Yuka.
Yuka blinked and frowned wondering what her friend wanted "Let me heal you Yuka" Kagome offered gesturing at her sore wrist, the numbness was wearing off and she was beginning to feel very light headed as the pain grew.
"Uh sure, you mean you can actually heal people" she asked unwrapping her wrist cringing as it started throbbing when air hit her exposed and raw flesh, even though it hadn't hurt much, it had still hurt and she only hoped Kagome wasn't kidding.
The kitsune smiled reassuringly and filled her hand with healing reiki, it had been awhile and she couldn't wait to teach her little apprentices the same trick, "Yep" Kagome quipped holding her hand over Yuka's wrist and healing it so the skin wasn't tender and sore.
Five minutes later she pulled away and Yuka hesitantly poked her wrist only to sigh in relief as it generated no pain, then she started twisting it around "Wow, is there anyway you can teach me that little trick" she asked curiously.
"Sorry Yuka, but there is something you can use" Kagome stated in excitement, she'd almost forgotten, she could imbue a weapon or something with her healing reiki and gift it to her friends "Also when we get back I'm gonna teach you, Hojo, Ayumi and Eri how to wield a weapon" she said.
Not sure what her friend was hinting at "Why would we need to, oh in case we ever get sent out of the estate on our own, that way we'd be able to protect ourselves is that right" Yuka's eyes lit up in understanding and Kagome nodded "Okay, that's not to bad" she grinned.
"Kagome-sensei" Natti called drawing Kagome's attention onto the youngest of her three apprentices, the kitsune cringed seeing the wildly flaring aura of the little girl and leaped forward jumping into the barrier with ease and pressed her hands down on Natti's shoulders.
This calmed her somewhat "Calm down Natti-chan, close you're eyes and concentrate in lowering you're barrier until it drops completely" Kagome instructed gently, her voice soothing and relaxing to the little green eyed priestess in training.
It took a couple of tries and Natti breathing in and out in a calming way before she managed to let her barrier drop "Sorry, I don't know what went wrong" Natti frowned, all she'd been doing is trying to get her barrier to form a perfect dome shape and it went insane.
Knowing what had been the problem, because she'd had the same, Kagome took Natti by the shoulders again and turned the little girl around to face her "You were trying to force you're reiki to work to fast, slow and steady wins the race" she scolded gently.
"Oh, thanks for explaining it to me Kagome-sensei" Natti lowered her head embarrassed at herself, Kagome patted her gently on the head letting her know she wasn't angry, and Natti stared at her sensei and her determination was renewed and soon she was quickly back to work.
Seeing as Natti was once again practicing, Kagome took a moment to sit down and relax "Kagome-chan" Sango carefully sat next to her "You've been doing so much lately, I bet this is like a mini vacation for you" the brunette giggled behind her hand.
"You've no idea" Kagome leaned back hands pillowed beneath her head, this entire time she'd had a barrier raised around all of her friends and family, nobody knew how far her barriers could reach and she could make them invisible now, so that's something she was going to keep secret for now.
Sango smiled and rubbed her swollen stomach "What do you think they'll be Kagome-chan, two girls, two boys, or one each" she asked wanting to get someone else's thoughts on what her children would be, besides the youkai healers opinion.
Kagome twisted her head to the side to stare at her friend "I bet it will be two girls, the fates are funny like that, and poor Miroku would have his hands full, bet he won't have time to be perverted if that happened" she whispered through her snickering.
She couldn't help but join in with the laughing, Sango could totally see that happened and her poor husband would be run ragged trying to chase off any males that came after their daughters wanting to court them, it would be downright hilarious.
"That would be quite the sight and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for the both of us, it'll pain us to leave you though" Sango sighed softly leaning back like Kagome had but being careful not to jostle her stomach to much in case her little ones decided to make her sick.
Her lips curved upwards in an amused smile, and Kagome closed her eyes enjoying the breeze, for once she had her long hair unbound as she traveled and it felt wonderful, though sooner or later they were going to run across an enemy and she'd have to put it up again, for now she had no worries.
The ground shaking jolted Kagome out of her relaxed state and she was up on her feet chiryo-ho unsheathed before she could stop herself, it was never a wise idea to spook her, Soten lowered her sword and stared at the destruction she'd created in horror.
"Oops" she laughed nervously "Erm was that supposed to happen Lady Kagome" Soten asked looking at her sword as if she'd never seen it before, Kagome sheathed her sword with a sigh of relief before walking over to the little thunder demoness.
"That's what happens when you don't have much control over you're own youkai, it's okay, it happened to me, but perhaps you should wait to practice that particular ability until we are back at the Aoiro Estate alright Soten-chan" she kneeled before the little girl and Soten nodded shakily.
"So what should I practice if not that" she asked putting away her sword, she'd be getting a new one soon anyway, "It's boring just practicing wielding the sword, so what would you suggest Lady Kagome" Soten asked again.
Kagome tapped her lip in thought "Why don't you work on channeling you're thunder ability into you're hand, without releasing it" she said and Soten eagerly started working on that, it would be fun plus it was something knew that only she could learn.
Just as she was preparing to sit down again, Touga came flying out of the forest with a female youkai on his heels, and she was being rather persistent in her pursuit of him, clinging to his arm as best she could even as he tried to get away.
"Wait please" she whined in a high pitched voice that had every hearing sensitive youkai in the clearing cringing at the annoying sound "I'm pretty, and I want you" she boasted and Touga grimaced peeling himself out of her grasp.
Inuyasha blinked when a blast of anger hit him square in the face, it wasn't just him, everyone felt it and the person, or youkai it was coming from was, his golden-amber eyes trailed the clearing and spotted the culprit, Kagome, and he wondered why the hell was she so pissed.
Then it hit him, she liked his Father, though he had the feeling she didn't really know it quite yet and was fighting him every step of the way through their courtship, Inuyasha sniggered to himself, oh man his Father liked Kagome to, because he kept glancing at Kagome panic in his golden eyes.
Kagome grit her teeth and crossed her arms letting out an irritated sigh, then to everyone's amusement she stomped forward and planted herself in front of the other female angrily "You have no right to him" she snarled glaring forcefully at the elemental youkai female.
"Neither do you bitch, I saw him first so back the hell off" she snapped wrapping her arms around Touga again to his disgust, "Besides, you have nothing to you, you're just an ugly old hag" the female snickered unaware of the danger.
Having had enough of the insipid female, Kagome squared her shoulders and unleashed her aura, the youkai hit the ground with a thud and a crack sounded signaling something had broken "Listen here you, get the hell away from TOUGA" Kagome growled in a dangerous voice.
Seeing his chance, Touga inched his way away from the two fighting females, he knew that Kagome had lost herself to her inner youkai for the moment and had no idea what she was saying, on some level she knew that they were meant to be, but the human side of Kagome, didn't want to admit it yet.
Once her aura was hidden away again, the female elemental youkai scrambled to her feet and fled without much more prompt, no way was she going to mess with that kitsune female again, or attempt to take something the kitsune claimed as hers obviously.
When she was gone, Kagome blinked her chocolate brown eyes in confusion "Uh what just happened" she turned around looking around, laughter filled her ears and she faced Inuyasha, who whistled innocently but it proved to much and he started howling in laughter again.
"Kagome you should have seen yourself lost to you're inner youkai" he chortled in glee, the ensuing months would be quite interesting and he couldn't wait to see his Father and Kagome hook up, to be honest he'd never thought himself and Kagome suited to each other.
This way, Inuyasha thought, at least Kagome would have someone who wouldn't constantly degrade her with insults, and she'd be happy, his Father would make sure of that, "Don't worry about it Kagome, you'll find out eventually" he patted her gently on the shoulder before leaning against a tree.
Ten minutes later after this little episode, Hojo came flying out of the little house, Ago on his heels, "It's amazing, I've never seen a ningen endure that much pain" he shouted in excitement pointing at Hojo in awe.
"What did you do Hojo" Kagome frowned in concern, the teen turned fully towards her and smiled sheepishly, then she saw it, there on his forehead was the infinity sign, along with a band going across his brow connecting to the infinity sign.
"Well, I wanted to see how much pain I could endure with my little concoction, and it turns out there's quite a lot that I still need to learn" he grimaced as Ago wrapped bandages around his head, Kagome shook her head in exasperation.
"Please don't try to give Ago-san a heart attack, not sure he could take it" she quipped dryly and the male inuyoukai chuckled in embarrassment, when he was done wrapping Hojo's head, he pointed to the hut and Ayumi followed after him disappearing with in for her turn.
Hojo sat down against a tree resting next to Yuka, "So is there a reason you decided to get extra" she huffed, the brown haired teen nodded, "Are you gonna tell me so I can decide if I want to get the same, if you can handle it then I can to" Yuka pouted.
He took a deep breath "I wanted to get this because if I ever find someone I want to mar...mate/marry, then I'd be able to have my own clan name to back me, we aren't royals, but at least I'd have something that would make me desirable to females of this era" Hojo joked.
Yuka immediately put that idea out of her head, her relationship with Ni was going extremely well, so she didn't need a clan name to back her in the past, "Come to think of it Hojo, has anyone peaked you're interest in the Estate" she asked tilting her head to the side curiously.
"As a matter of act a female youkai has peaked my interest very much so, she's one of the healers in the medical ward, though I haven't learned her name yet because she's always busy" Hojo sulked, he really want to learn more about the female he had taken a sudden fancy to.
Kagome skipped over to her two human friends and plopped down in front of them "Oho, does this youkai by chance have forest green eyes and bright yellow hair" she asked with a wide smile, Hojo nodded "Her name is Azayaka" Kagome took a deep breath.
"And besides you she's one of the best healers I have in the medical ward, she's a youkai that relies mainly on her healing youkai, she has no fighting abilities at all, that's why she's never left the estate since she came to me" she explained.
Glad that he was learning more about the one he liked Hojo scooted forward "Do you know if she happens to like anything" he asked hoping to be able to ask her out on a walk or give her a gift when they returned to the estate.
The kitsune grinned "Mhm, flowers that have herb properties, if you find such a flower and gift it to her, she won't be able to stop talking, she's a chatterbox if I've ever seen one" Kagome laughed kindly, the girl was very sweet but also the shyest youkai she'd ever met.
Taking the words to heart, Hojo was resolved to find such a flower so that he could give it to the youkai female "Wait came to you, do you mean that she was in trouble before she came to you" he asked remembering the words from before.
She let out a long suffering sigh "It was a right mess, her Father wanted her to marry this disgusting pig youkai" Kagome growled in annoyance, it had taken her a week to hunt him down and end him "And she came to me for help" she shrugged.
Hojo cringed "Well thanks for telling me what I can do to attract Azayaka-san's attention" he nodded leaning back in his previous spot, but Kagome didn't leave, instead she pressed a glowing hand to his forehead and wrist.
Yuka snickered "You should probably remove those bandages now, they are kind of pointless" she grinned showing off her own healed wrist, Hojo tore off his and eyed the healed skin with a contemplative look in his eyes.
"And I'll be able to learn this if I practice" he asked poking his forehead gently much like Yuka had poked her wrist earlier to determine if it truly was healed, Kagome nodded and stood heading towards her family to tell them they could practice forming their foxfire clouds again.
None of them had managed to transform into their fox forms "Okay you five girls, take a break, lunch will be ready soon" Kagome called setting up the fire and preparing a meal for everyone gathered, Ishi and Sango helping their Alpha so that she wasn't doing everything by herself.
In a pack everyone was assigned a job, and Kagome was happy that her pack understood this without having to tell them to get off their butts and do their share, thirty minutes after she'd announced lunch would be ready, fish stew was boiling over the fire and it was about done.
Ten minutes after that, the stew was being passed around in wooden bowls with wooden spoons "You've gotten better Kagome" Inuyasha slurped up his own food, "Do you got anymore ninja food" he asked suddenly.
"Sorry Inuyasha since I started traveling with Sesshomaru I haven't gotten any, plus I can't go back through the well anymore either, as I had the fates seal it permanently" she sent him a sad smile "But I might be able to make that sometime out here if I had help" she offered.
As that was the best he was going to get, Inuyasha nodded "I'll help, it will be different and I bet a lot more tasty, it won't have those nasty artificial flavors" he wiggled his tongue in remembrance getting a round of giggles from the females sitting around the fire that had been made by him and Miroku.
Sango was on her second bowl when Eri exited Ago's hut and seeing as she was the only one left Ayumi quickly took her place inside "Oh I wondered if lunch had been made" Eri flopped down next to Hojo and a bowl was placed in her hands.
"Yeah it's still warm so eat up" Kagome grinned before eyeing Touga "You've been awfully quiet since earlier, what's up Lord Touga" she asked, he jumped and gave her a sheepish smile, before running a hand through his hair.
"Ah just thinking through some things it's nothing to worry about Kagome" Touga sighed softly before taking another sip of the stew, he could only hope she gave in soon because the strain of being away from his soul mate was getting to him.
He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he missed the concerned look Kagome tossed him, "Say sis, what exactly does you're sword stand for, I know you call it chiryo-ho for short, but what else does it mean" Souta called out curiously.
Grateful for a distraction Kagome pulled her blade from her sheath "Well her full name is Mizubyokiyogan-chiryo-ho, but like you said I call her chiryo-ho for short" she began the explanation, noting that even Touga was paying attention.
"Basically it's a name that describes her various abilities, Mizu Tatsumaki, her water abilities, Byoki, for an obscure name for her poison ability that Sesshomaru helped with, Yogan no Sakeme, her lava qualities and chiryo-ho for her healing abilities, hence Mizubyokiyogan-chiryo-ho" she finished.
Souta blinked before whistling softly "Wow, it's a mouthful for sure no wonder you call it chiryo-ho, wait a second why do you call it, her, cause I'm pretty sure swords aren't defined by male or female ways" he cocked his head to the side in confusion.
Kagome broke down in a fit of giggles "She speaks to me, in the language of swords, only I can understand her because she is a blade forged from my reiki, Sesshomaru might be able to as well" she snickered stroking her hand along the sword and she thrummed in happiness.
Curious, Souta did the same thing only to get shocked "Oops, I kind of forgot, only I'm allowed to touch her, it's nothing against you, but it's something I did to prevent her from being stolen" Kagome grimaced and hurriedly healed the wound her sword had inflicted on her brother.
"Eh it's okay sis, it's a neat trick for sure, and I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to steal her from ya" he shrugged moving back to his previous spot between Soten and Rin, the two little girls giggled and his cheeks turned red in embarrassment.
Finally Ayumi returned and Kagome quickly healed Eri and Ayumi so that their wrists didn't bother them "So what's the plan" Eri looked between everyone wondering if Kagome would send them back to the estate now that their crests had been burned onto their flesh.
Kagome tilted her head to the side as she thought "I'll give you the rest of the week off, besides you guys need to learn more about this era" she said softly, Choko, Kokoa, and Natti were distracted by training so she was safe for the time being and Soten wouldn't understand because she was to young.
"True" Ayumi nodded, the more she learned the easier it would be to teach ningen/youkai/hanyou children in the future when the school had been finished, though she had only found one youkai who was pretty smart, but he hadn't told her if he'd accepted her offer yet so she still had a long ways to go.
"You also mentioned learning how to wield a weapon" Hojo pointed out and Kagome folded her hands into her lap a grim expression on her face "What kind of weapons would you suggest we learn to wield" he sighed, he was resolved to get strong so he wouldn't have to be protected all the time.
Eri and Yuka shared a look "We'd like to have a short sword and perhaps a small boomerang of sorts" the clasped onto each others hand as Yuka spoke, and Sango looked surprise wondering if they'd gotten the idea from her hiraikotsu, that she'd left behind.
"Do you think we could make a stop at the old slayer village" Sango piped up "I might be able to scrounge up some weapons for these four, you just handle the protection part Lady Kagome" she offered and Hojo perked up a bit.
Kagome nodded "It is interesting, you'd be able to have both long and short range attacks, though you'd have to work on you're throwing skills and aim, not to mention being able to wield a sword properly as well" she tapped her leg in contemplation.
"What about you Ayumi, what would you like" she turned her attention on the other girl that had come with her from the future, she was the only one who hadn't found someone she fancied yet, but it was only a matter of time.
Ayumi tilted her head to the sky as she thought on what she wanted to learn, spiritual abilities were out because Kagome had already told them that Hojo was the only one who had that sort of ability, so what was left, and she didn't really fancy carrying around a sword or any weapon really.
"I don't really like sharp weapons so what if I just had a barrier, you can do that can't you Kagome-chan" she asked looking at her best friend with a hopeful expression, not having thought of that, the kitsune hummed softly in the back of her throat.
A moment later "What if you carried around a few daggers that weren't as sharp, but still effective and imbued with immobilizing qualities, and had a ring imbued with my reiki to raise a barrier and would also blast you're enemy away with a concentrated wind attack" Kagome offered.
The girl nodded "It sounds wonderful Kagome-chan, that way all I'd have to really practice was knife throwing" Ayumi clapped her hands, how her friend was going to manage all this didn't even cross her mind, but Kagome had this way about her that made people like her at first glance.
All eyes turned to Hojo and the young man started sweating beneath his robes that he'd been given since he'd gone to the Eastern Estate with Kagome, "A scalpel for short range" he blurted out immediately, he'd be able to channel his own spiritual energy into it to make it more deadly.
"And bow and arrows for long range, I'd always wanted to learn how to shoot an arrow" Hojo coughed feeling a little embarrassed, Kagome leaned back in her spot probably thinking over how she was going to manage all the requests she'd been given and silence settled over them.
Before they knew it Sesshomaru was before them eye twitching in obvious anger and then Eri was in his arms, he was dragging her away and then they were gone out of sight, utter silence, then Inuyasha broke it by snorting in amusement.
"Wonder what the hell climbed up ice cubes ass" he chortled and because Hinoko wasn't there to reign him in Sango smacked him over the back of the head just as Kagome did the same, Inuyasha began pouting and he crossed his arms.
Kagome smiled, she could almost bet on it that when Eri and Sesshomaru returned the two of them would be mated, or at least the younger dai in the group would have his mark placed on the girl, to show all who she belonged to and that she was off limits to all other males.
Touga if anything seemed to get even more depressed and she couldn't help but giving him a strange look "It's nothing Kagome" he gave her a pained smile and Kagome frowned wondering what was wrong with the usually happy inudaiyoukai, it bothered him that he was so down right now.
So in an attempt to make him feel better Kagome sneakily scooted into his side and his arm wrapped around her shoulders of it's own accord, but he did seem to come out of his depression a bit and that brought a smile to her own face, that was quickly echoed by a much smaller one from Touga.
Everyone hid their smiles, soon there would be another pack wedding/mating among them, this time with their own favorite kitsune and Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's Father, Touga himself, and what an event it would be, they bet that all the lands would gather to see it.
But they also knew that Kagome wouldn't let herself be happy until Akuto was taken down, that's probably what was putting a strain on the both of them, not to mention, Kagome hadn't realized that she already liked the older dai.
Five minutes later after their abrupt departure from the clearing outside Ago's house, Sesshomaru with Eri trailing a couple feet behind him returned, the girl looked deliriously happy about something as she let out this extremely sappy sigh and sat down in her previous spot.
It didn't take much prompt before she tossed her hair over her shoulder to reveal a crimson strip crest on her neck "This marks says Sesshomaru's courting me" she bragged in a sweet tone and Kagome smirked at the younger dai, who avoided her knowing gaze.
Yuka eyed it curiously "So does that mean you two are dating" she asked, none of them had gotten the hang of talking like the people of the past, so it was very confusing, some terms were the same but sometimes they meant the opposite of what they meant.
Eri glanced at her youkai suitor and he nodded giving her permission to explain "In a way yes, this is just the temporary mark, when we mate whenever he decides it's time, I'll get a different one and a lock of my hair will turn silver and a lock of his black, plus my eyes will be rimmed with amber" she started.
"And his dark brown and we'll be able to feel each other even if we are far apart" she finished with a happy smile, and then she was sighing in that way again, Yuka eyed her friend weirdly before she turned to Kagome.
"Do all youkai create those little marks" she asked more than a little intrigued now that she'd seen it, Kagome gave a start, but it wasn't her that answered, Sesshomaru's Father, if she recalled Touga spoke up sucking her into the explanation.
He shook his head silver hair swaying side to side "I believe it's just us inuyoukai that create courtship marks on our potential mates, if the courtship fails, the mark will simply disappear, whereas the mating mark is permanent" Touga began golden eyes highlighted by the fire making them glow amber.
"The only way to break a mating bond is death, that's why we inuyoukai wait for our mates, the ones who sing for our black blood, the only way to tell if someone is our other half is their scent" he continued and Kagome scooted a little closer into his side eyes wide in excitement.
Sesshomaru also looked very interested, he hadn't noticed it at first, but Eri did indeed smell very pleasing to his nose, she was witty and challenged him, but in a good way that didn't piss him off constantly, was it possible she truly was his other half, his true soul mate.
He discretely scented the air around his chosen mate and his amber eyes lit up, yes she was his, and no one could have her now that he'd found her, Sesshomaru sat back a pleased smirk on his lips, he couldn't wait, these next few months were going to go by agonizingly slow for him.
Eri smiled at her youkai suitor, she couldn't wait until she really was mated to the younger dai, he made her happier than she'd ever felt in her entire life, 'Just a few months' Eri reminded herself as she leaned back on her hands and looked at the darkening sky.
"Lord Touga" Kagome asked in a small voice, when his golden-amber eyes locked with her chocolate brown she gave him a shy smile "Would you like to go on a walk" she offered biting her lip, she hoped he didn't reject her offer.
His eyes lit up and he was on his feet pulling her up with him a second later, and with her hand clasped gently in his much larger stronger one, Touga led Kagome into the surrounding forest so they would have their privacy as they walked.