Chapter 8

Instead of joining the neat pile of its brethren in the centre, one lone green sphere ricocheted up the shallow curve and shot over the lip of the basket like an overzealous skater at a skate park.

Kagome was quick to trap the offending pea under a cupped palm before it rolled off the wooden platform and into the dirt proper. Returning to the mountain of pods beside her, she continued shelling them. It was a meditative task and really, a small price in exchange for obaa-san's cooking. It was obvious the old woman's hands were arthritic and would not appreciate this task.

The murmur of hushed greetings from down the lane made her look up, and as she'd guessed, Kikyou was walking in her direction, still a few huts down but slowed to speak to the villagers clustering around her.

As the priestess approached where she sat in front of the hut of her foster family, Kagome smiled, and gave a little wave. Kagome was admittedly a little awkward, still haven't really gotten the hang of how to handle interactions with Kikyou. It felt like saying hi to a popular senpai at school.

"Kagome." The older girl stopped in front of her. "You've been well?"

"Oh yeah!" She nodded, not at all expecting the miko to actually stop to talk to her. "Better. That's for sure. You?"

"I am well." Kikyou replied. "Would you care to go on a walk with me?"

For an embarrassing second, Kagome felt her mouth gape open. Then she gathered herself, laughing sheepishly before setting down the basket of peas carefully beside her. "Sure. I'll just let obaa-san know."

After letting her foster family know of her whereabouts—to which they enthusiastically approved by the way—Kagome followed Kikyou down the lane and out onto the main road separating the rice paddies from the clusters of huts on the hillside.

She felt like a bumbling child beside the priestess, whose posture did not falter even once while they walked. Also, where was she supposed to walk? All she'd seen the other villagers do was trail behind the priestess and it wasn't like she'd had much interaction with Kikyou since she'd first arrived and was kind enough to find her accommodations.

"Kaede told me about her misadventures the other day." Kikyou spoke up quietly beside her, interrupting Kagome's inner turmoil at attempts to strike up an intelligent conversation.

"O-oh yeah?"

"Yes." The red hakama clad figure beside her paused, turning to meet her eyes. "Thank you, for saving her."

"It's nothing at all." Kagome smiled shyly, reaching up to tuck an errant lock of hair behind her ear. "Anyone would've done the same, I'm sure."

"Well, it was certainly fortunate you are attuned to the water elements. Is your home village near the sea?"

"Uh, yeah, something like that." She didn't really feel like explaining the concept of swimming pools.

Kikyou was about to say speak again but a cluster of villagers had spotted them, and started bowing and murmuring to her. The miko gave her an apologetic smile, moving to address the newcomers.

Kagome looked on with still surprised Kagome how the villagers treat their priestess, respect certainly, and worship even. As if Kikyou was a deity and not merely a miko. Giving her head a good shake, Kagome cleared those thoughts.

It was a bit ungenerous of her to think that. So far, from what she'd gathered, Kikyou was said to have immense spiritual power. One of those holy servants that her grandpa lamented was a relic of the past. Religion really was a much bigger influence here than it was in modern times.

Kikyou returned to her after the villagers took their leave, suggesting they walk towards the rolling hills leading away from the village. Probably wise, given how they kept getting interrupted.

"I also would like to thank you for keeping her company. Kaede is not like the other children," She paused, a small frown pulling at her elegant features. "And perhaps that is due to the fault of my own. Since mother and father passed away, it's been the just the two of us and I'm afraid she has to help out too often and it has prevented her from forming closer friendships with the other children her age."

At the obvious melancholy clouding the older girl's expression, Kagome reached out to lay a comforting hand on her shoulder, belatedly realizing that she didn't know if touching a miko was proper etiquette. Too late.

Deep, ochre eyes looked up, mildly startled, into her own. "It's the other way around, Kikyou-sama." Kagome hurried to reassure her. "Kaede's been a friend to me. I-it's been a difficult few weeks adjusting, as you know."

"From what I hear, you've adapted very well. And amassing medicines have been much faster with the aid you provide to Kaede."

"Oh!" Kagome could feel her cheeks warming. "Thanks! I'm glad I'm finally helping out."

Kikyou's answering smile was small, but true. In the golden light of dusk, her dark eyes lightened a touch, but it did not chase away the hint of sadness in it. Her features though, were brightened by the glow, enhancing her beauty. In that instance, Kagome could understand, if only a little, a fraction of Kaede's desire to be like her sister. The aura of quiet competence, the sincerity of the priestess was something rare indeed.

"Please, as a token of my thanks for saving my sister, if in the future you have need of a favour or assistance with anything, do not hesitate to let me know. I will do what I am able." Kikyou's countenance grew serious again.

"No no," Kagome flapped her hands, trying to decline. She was literally training to be a lifeguard this summer. It'd would've been her job to pull people out of the water. "Please don't. It's really no big deal. I care about Kaede and—"

"I insist, Kagome."

Sighing, she felt herself give in. "Ok. I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."

Maybe the miko will forget about this and just stop bringing it up if she agreed. Or maybe Kagome could ask if she knew of a way to help her find a way home?

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A/N: Hi again. Sorry for the wait. Every chapter with Kikyou in it takes like four times as long for me to write it out. I'm still kinda anxious about her characterization in this story, but it's good to get out of my comfort zone, develop skills etc. etc.

The next chapter will follow soon… cuz InuKag I have way more practice at ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. However, this plot, the exact sequence of words and any original characters described therein, I reserve all rights to.