InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpected Circumstances ❯ Strength of Will ( Chapter 9 )

It had been four days since the battle at Naraku's castle ended and today found the group traveling back towards Kaede's village. The group needed a break from traveling and some nice home-cooked food. Kagome desperately wanted to see her family after everything that happened and maybe take a nap on her nice warm, comfortable bed. All of them were travel weary and they were still two days away from the village of Edo. Although there was still some tension among the group, every step they took brought them closer to feeling normal again.

 

Miroku and his ever-wandering hands had not ceased in their quest to grope Sango every chance they got; damn that cursed hand of his. Likewise, Sango's aim with her boomerang in connection to Miroku's head was vastly improving. Inuyasha still seemed distant towards Kagome, but everyone could tell that he was more than happy to have her back, if his good mood was anything to show for it. Shippou had never stopped being anything but go-lucky and he was constantly practicing to erect his new barrier. Kagome, on the other hand, was battling her own inner demons. Granted, she was happy to be back with her friends, but she could not help but think of how close she was to being lost to them all for good.

 

When she had been captured she had never felt so helpless; she was terrified that she would never see her family and friends again and that thought helped her to make her most recent decision.

 

Kagome was tired of being a victim; she was tired of always having to depend on someone to come to her rescue whenever there was a tiny bit of trouble. The thought of training to advance her miko powers had crossed her mind once or twice, but she had never acted on those thoughts. However, recent events made her re-think her position.

 

Sesshoumaru had told her straight out that she was to be used to destroy Naraku, so why not do any and every thing in her power to make sure that it was a smooth transition? When they got back to the village she was going to ask Kaede to refer her to a miko who could train her and help her develop her inner powers. Kaede, a strong miko in her own right, would be a great teacher. Unfortunately, she had once broached the subject before with her and the old woman had told her that she was just too old and not near as strong a miko that should be training her. After that conversation, Kagome dropped the subject; if Kaede could not teach her, then no one could.

 

Kagome now sang a different tune, things were going to be different from here on out. No more `Help me Inuyasha' or `Somebody help me'. No. Never again. She would seek out a miko to train her and she would bring an end to the evil hanyou once and for all!

 

With her choice made, Kagome held her head up high and continued on her way with a new resolve: become strong. Not for anyone else, but for herself.

 

“What are you smiling about?” Sango asked. She had been watching Kagome and saw the many emotions that had passed over her friend's face. Just what was she thinking about?

 

“I've made a decision,” she stated. At this announcement, the group stopped and looked at her expectantly.

 

“Well, what is it?” inquired the ever impatient Inuyasha.

 

“I'm going to ask Kaede to refer me to a miko who can train me in developing my skills,” Kagome started. “I'm tired of being a burden to all of you all the time; it's time I did something useful to benefit the group.”

 

“Kagome, I want you to know that you are anything but a burden to us,” Miroku said. “But I do agree that this could be very helpful, and I will assist in any way possible to help you in your endeavor.”

 

“You know that you have my full support Kagome. I want you to be confident in yourself, and if this is what you want, then I say go for it!” agreed Sango.

 

“What do you think Inuyasha?” Miroku asked.

 

“I think it's a pretty good idea. Then we'll have twice as much power among us to take down Naraku. Just let me know what I can do Kagome,” stated Inuyasha.

 

“Wow, thanks guys, you don't know how much it means to me to have all of your support,” Kagome elated.

 

The band of warriors once again found themselves comfortable in each other's presence. They all began to joke and laugh again as they continued their way towards Kaede's village. Kagome's decision seemed to have broken the ice that was building among them, and she could not have been happier.

 

 

****

 

For the past few days Sesshoumaru had found himself looking in on the miko and her group as they made their way towards the small village in which they seemed to call home. He was angry at himself for letting such a small woman get to him like this; he never found a human so interesting before and although he knew she was a powerful miko, he could not bring himself to use that as an excuse to follow her.

 

However, he was never one to question himself, and he did not intend to start doing so now. He was a curious being and he had every right to indulge his inquisitiveness. Sesshoumaru had overheard Kagome talking about seeking out an older miko to train her, and he had to admit that he was impressed that she was taking this step to better herself.

 

He slowly shook his head and started back to his camp. He had been leaving more often as of late and figured it was time that he took his ward back to his home so that he would not have to worry about her safety while he was gone. Sesshoumaru had a mission: find Naraku and kill the bastard. Ever since he had pulled his disappearing act from the battle the demon lord had been openly seeking him out. It was faster traveling alone so he often left his ward, Rin and his vassal Jaken to their own devices while he traveled. In the past couple of days he had heard of very few rumors of a demonic aura headed towards the southeast; and since there were no other clues, he had followed them, only to be disappointed in the end.

 

His search would be relentless until he found the vile half-breed, no one could hide from Sesshoumaru once he decided they should be found. His olfactory senses had been on high alert for any sign of Naraku, but so far had proven unsuccessful. No matter, in time there would be no place for the half-demon to hide, he would kill him before he let him out of his sight again. Yes, he admitted that he had made the mistake of taking his eyes off of Naraku, but at the time it could not be helped; the young miko that was the key to finishing the bastard off was still unprepared, still woozy and fatigued, it would have done no good to deny her a break.

 

`Damn, it would have been easier if I would have just left her for dead,' Sesshoumaru thought.

 

 

****

 

 

Arriving at Kaede's village was uneventful. The travelers set their belongings down in the small hut and flopped down onto the mats provided for them for their rest. Kagome said a quick farewell to all of them and set out to the Bone Eaters well to visit her family. Inuyasha had, of course, insisted that she stay with them in the feudal era, but it seemed as if he did so to simply keep up appearances. He only threatened her once before letting her go on her way.

 

The small group that was now minus one, sat around the small fire in the middle of the hut, happily partaking in the delicious stew that Kaede had made for them. She asked them of their travels and was, needless to say, frightened and relieved for Kagome whom almost lost her life. The old woman shook her head; trouble seemed to follow that poor girl wherever she went and being the kind heart that Kagome is, she no doubt had a hard time fighting back. There was no doubt in the elder miko's mind that Kagome was sent to this place to do wonderful things, the girl radiated a pure power and her heart was a beautiful purity that was almost impossible to find.

 

Kaede's heart cried out for the girl, she was unwillingly thrown into such a harsh life at such a young age, but never once complained about it. Kagome graciously accepted her fate and did her best to help her friends and those in need. Kaede looked around the small hut at her young companions; each of them had a story of their own hardships, each of them at one point or another being ripped away from someone they loved. Kagome had slowly begun to mend all of their hearts and brought all of these bleeding hearts together; and what an odd group they made! They were a strong bunch, each with their own talents and strengths to add to the group. However, as strong as they were, she could not expect them to forever protect Kagome when they are in the heat of battle. The old woman sighed; perhaps it is time she sought out a miko to train Kagome.

 

“What's wrong Kaede?” asked Shippou.

 

“Nothing child, I was merely lost in thought. I am glad ye all returned safely,” she responded.

 

“Indeed, it was quite a long journey. It is nice to have shelter to sleep in again,” Miroku commented.

 

“It's been a long time since we've all had a decent night's sleep, I'll be glad to have a roof over my head, if not for a little while,” Sango said.

 

“Feh, you guys complain too much. Sleeping outside ain't so bad,” spoke Inuyasha.

 

“Yes, well, not everyone can find a nice comfortable branch to roost in for the night,” Sango started. “Give us a break, we're only human.”

 

“Fine, but don't get too comfortable,” Inuyasha said. “As soon as Kagome gets back, we're setting out again. Naraku is still out there, and I'll be damned if he gets too far away from us.”

 

The rest nodded in agreement and went about their leisurely activities. Kagome had said she would be gone for about three days, so they had plenty of ample time to rest and recuperate. Weapons needed to be sharpened and cleaned and getting in some practice couldn't hurt any.

 

 

****

 

 

Kagome watched as she was enveloped in the familiar blue light of the ancient magic of the well. She smiled happily and climbed her way out of the well and headed towards her home. She called out to her mother who was in the kitchen cooking; upon seeing her, Kagome flung her arms around her mom in a tight hug. Her mother was more than happy to see her daughter safe and sound, it always worried her when she went off to fight demons, and although Inuyasha was there to protect her, in didn't stop her anxiety.

 

“Kagome dear, I'm glad you're home. Are you hungry? Would you like some dinner?”

 

“Yes please. I think I'll go take a bath, I'll be down in a bit.”

 

Kagome hugged her mom once more and headed up the stairs. Her brother's door was open so she peeped her head in to see what he was doing. Souta was engrossed in one of his video games and had yet to notice her presence. Kagome used this to her advantage. She snuck around his seated form and then flung herself on top of him, mercilessly tickling his sides.

 

Souta had not noticed his sister standing in his doorway, nor did he notice her stalking up to him. He let out a high pitched squeal when he was tackled to the floor and could not contain his laughter as his sides were attacked by Kagome's skilled tickling fingers.

 

“Sis…please…stop!” Souta pleaded in between giggles.

 

Kagome relented and let her brother take in some much needed air. She ruffled his hair and he playfully swatted her hand away.

 

“You really shouldn't play those games so much, they'll fry your brain,” Kagome taunted.

 

“Yeah, well, it's boring here without you around. I have to do something,” Souta replied.

 

She gave a small smile to her brother and gently patted his head. She felt bad for always leaving, but Souta had always been the most supportive. Souta loved that his sister fought demons, she was really cool! Plus, he got to meet Inuyasha, his new hero, who always taught him a new fighting technique whenever he came. Souta missed her very badly when she was gone, but he looked up to her and vowed to one day be just like his big sister.

 

“Mom's making dinner, I'm going to take a bath and then go down to eat. You should wash up and go see if she needs any help,” said Kagome. He nodded and she walked out of his room to take a much needed and desired bath in her big tub.

 

It was not too much longer when she emerged from her bath, now fresher and cleaner than she had felt in months. She dressed and walked down to join her family for dinner who were all waiting expectantly for her arrival. She took in all of their faces, content that she got to see them again. She took her seat and they all helped themselves to dinner. Kagome felt at ease with them while they laughed and talked about the goings on in their lives. When dinner was over Kagome volunteered to help her mother with the dishes so she could have a chance to talk to her privately.

 

“Mom, I just wanted you to know that I am going to be away for a while,” Kagome started.

 

Her mother sighed; Kagome was gone for almost two months in between her trips last time, how much longer was she going to be away this time?

 

Taking a deep breath her mother voiced her question. “How long will you be gone dear?”

 

“I'm not exactly sure. While I was gone this time a lot of things happened that made me think about my usefulness in the group. When I get back to feudal Japan, I'm going to ask Kaede to refer me to a miko who will help me develop my skills. I'm not sure how long that will take.”

 

“I see. Please…just be careful dear, you know I worry about you.”

 

“I know mama. Don't worry, I'll send Inuyasha every now and then to give you an update on my well-being; I don't want you to be worried.”

 

Her mother gave her a tired smile and a thank you before sending Kagome off to bed. Kagome walked into her room and collapsed on her bed for the first time in a long time. It did not take a long time for sleep to come to her and she was thrown into a world of peaceful dreams.

 

 

****

 

 

The days she spent with her family and friends went by quickly, too quickly. Soon she found herself in the arms of her family, wishing them well and telling them that she would keep in touch. She slowly made her way to the well house and made her way down the steps. Kagome took the time to study the well, bracing herself against it and peering inside its black depth. So many adventures had started here; so many memories were birthed on that fateful day that she was dragged into the well by a crazed centipede demon. It took her to the place where she first fell in love.

 

Kagome shook her head to rid herself of the traitorous thoughts; Inuyasha and Kikyo were meant to be together, she had told him that she wished them the best. As much as she wanted love, it was not what was important right now. Now she had to focus on her strength, now she had to focus on herself. She determinedly nodded her head and jumped through the well once again to return to the world of five-hundred years past.

 

Inuyasha, as promised, was waiting at the well for her to return. When he saw the blue light of the magic he jumped down from his perch on a nearby tree and started for the well. He grabbed Kagome's hand as it emerged from the well and also took her gigantic backpack that was no doubt filled with ramen and other ninja food that he had grown so accustomed to.

 

“Alright Inuyasha you can give me my bag back now.”

 

“Feh! Come on Kagome, where's my ramen?!”

 

“Is that all you think about? No `hi Kagome, nice to see you'?” she sarcastically asked.

 

“Yeah whatever,” he smiled. “Come on, I think Kaede wants to talk to you,” he said as he lead her towards the village.

 

The walk was made mostly in silence; Inuyasha had had three days to come to terms with the fact that Kagome would be gone for some time. He would miss her; he would miss her a lot. She had been the one constant in his life for the past few years and now she wasn't going to be near him every day. She was the best friend he had.

 

“Inuyasha, while I am gone, do you think you could go to my family every now and then and tell them I'm okay?” she asked.

 

“Sure.” That was the least he could do after all that has happened. He looked over at her and smirked; she sure had grown up a lot since she first came here. He wasn't a pervert or anything, but Kagome had filled out in all the right places. He was a man after all, he wasn't blind; he could see that she was indeed an attractive female. If he didn't love Kikyo so much, he would not have a problem with being with Kagome, she was everything a guys could want: smart, loyal, funny, beautiful, and she had a stubborn side to her that some would fine annoying, but he found endearing. Giving himself a mental shake, he raised the mat in the doorway to allow her through into the hut.

 

“Hi everyone!” Kagome shouted.

 

All the occupants of the hut simultaneously replied their hellos and pleasantries. Everyone knew that Kagome would be leaving soon for her training, although they didn't know when and where yet, so they were planning on making their time together as pleasant as possible until then. Sure, she wasn't going to be gone forever, but just the thought of her being away from them for an indefinite period of time was a bit unsettling. What would happen when one day she had to return to her time for good?

 

Inuyasha and Kagome found a seat and made themselves comfortable in the small hut. Kagome was going to miss these moments when they could all sit around and talk about nothing important, just enjoying the time they had together. The next few months were going to be challenging, she knew, and moments like these were going to help her through it. She watched as Miroku's “cursed” hand made its way to its favorite object, Sango's bottom. Sango was in the middle of her sentence when she felt the offending object grasp her rear and without missing a beat, she fisted her hand and gave the lecherous monk a nice black eye. Inuyasha guffawed at the stupid letch as he soothingly rubbed his hand over his now swollen eye. The demon slayer and the monk would always be a great form of entertainment.

 

As night drew upon the small village, the young miko finally worked up the courage to ask Kaede about referring her to a priestess for training. The room grew quiet as everyone listened to their conversation.

 

“Kaede, I have been thinking about strengthening my priestess abilities and was wondering if you could recommend a miko to help train me,” Kagome asked almost hesitantly.

 

Kaede thought deeply for a moment, it was not like she could just send the young prodigy to just any miko. The girl assumed a great amount of power within her small being. During the three days that the girl had been gone visiting her family, Kaede had thought about who would be able to help her if she so desired to seek training. She had narrowed it down to two priestess that she had known for quite some time; Isaki who resided in a large village about three days travel from where they were, and Megumi, a priestess who lived in a remote area of Japan's country side in a small village about ten days travel.

 

Both priestesses were very powerful and both would no doubt train Kagome well. Both held little patience when it came to training and would no doubt be hard on the poor girl, but in the end it would be in her best interest to have tough love. Isaki was a very wise teacher and had trained many accomplished mikos. She was known far and wide for her instructions and would teach Kagome all she knew. Megumi was a very excellent instructor, but her talents were not so well known. She did not have very many close alliances, but living in a small village would give Kagome the privacy she would need to conduct her training. The fewer people who knew about the training, the safer she would be.

 

“I have thought of two priestesses that would be best suited for training ye: Isake who lives in a village not too far from here and then there is Megumi who lives a bit further from here. Both are very talented instructors and have much to offer ye,” Kaede finally explained.

 

“So which one do you recommend? Is there one that you prefer?” asked Kagome.

 

“I believe it would be in ye best interest to take up instruction under Megumi's care. She resides in a smaller village and the fewer people who know of ye lessons, the better; although her village is ten days travel from here.”

 

“Well then it's settled. I'll ask this Megumi to take me under her wing and begin my training with her.”

 

“I will send a parchment with ye to state your purpose with her, she will allow ye within her care once she reads it,” Kaede spoke assuredly.

 

Kagome nodded and watched as Kaede began to write her message on a piece of parchment. `Wow,' she thought, `this is really happening, I'll be leaving the group for a while, doing something on my own.' She felt a sense of self-pride well up inside of her, `This isn't going to be so bad, and besides, when I am done, I'll be able to help out with taking down Naraku, I will not be a burden anymore!'

 

“Well I believe it would be in our best interest if we all got some sleep. If we are heading out tomorrow then we'll need all of our strength to make this long trip,” Miroku suggested.

 

“Aye, that would be wise of ye. Kagome, I have faith in your abilities and I know that ye will make us all very proud,” spoke Kaede.

 

“Thank you, that means a lot to me,” Kagome said softly.

 

The entourage laid around the fire silently. Kagome was stroking Shippou's hair while he slept on, she would miss him so much, but they had promised to come and visit her every now and then to make sure she was doing ok. `It's not forever,' she kept reminding herself. Inuyasha had his eyes closed but Kagome doubted he was asleep; he was never one to do much sleeping. Kagome stole a glance over to Sango and Miroku. She couldn't hear what they were whispering about, but every now and then Sango would cover her mouth with her hand while she giggled and blushed. Those two were so in love it was painfully obvious, but only when Naraku was destroyed would they be able to take their relationship to the next level.

 

Naraku: a worthless creature that hurt so many people. He was the reason for so many deaths and so much heartache. Her friends alone had suffered so much; it was for them mostly that she would gladly see him die. `Sesshoumaru said that I was a key asset to destroying Naraku. I owe Sesshoumaru my life, I wonder if he would approve of me seeking training with a miko. I am supposed to comply with his orders with no questions asked, but what if he has less than admirable purposes for me, I mean, what if he sacrifices me to get Naraku?!' Just thinking that way had Kagome's temper flaring; there was no way that she was going to allow that stuck up demon to sacrifice her life, she was the only one that could make that decision.

 

Kagome tried not to think on this any more, this was going to be one of the last nights with her friends for a while and she wasn't going to waste it by being melancholy. She smiled when she saw Shippou kick his leg out a few times while he dreamt, and then closed her eyes to sleep.

 

 

****

 

 

After the group said their good-byes to Kaede they headed out for the small village that housed the miko Megumi. The trek was not completely uneventful; half way through their journey the came across a village that was in need of an exorcism, so they were able to have a warm bed and a good meal for the night.

 

The group had never been this far north east before so the country side was all new to them. It was a breath-taking sight to say the least. Gone were the scattered villages that were advantageously placed throughout most of Japan and in their places was nothing but beautiful, untouched countryside that was home to some of the most magnificent looking trees and flowers the group had ever laid eyes on. Beautiful willow trees met the eyes of the group as they made their way through the valley. Every now and then they would come across a strategically placed cherry blossom tree, as if the Kamis themselves had hand-placed them there. It was magnificent.

 

In the distance they could see a thin line of smoke rising in the air, signaling the village. Their strides were small, prolonging the inevitable arrival in the village where they would leave their friend behind. However, their efforts did not help as much as they had hoped, for they arrived all too soon in front of the shrine where the priestess of the village occupied.

 

The shrine had many steps leading up to the main structure which was rested atop a hill. The village itself was home to no more than twenty huts, each of which had one small window over-looking the valley and each of which had a mat covering the doorway. The small town was quaint and had two large fields for their harvesting and there was a small pond resting just before the tree line that surrounded the village. The place was very quiet with only a few people roaming the streets, talking and trading stories with one another. The people of the town stopped their conversations to observe the group that had just arrived.

 

They felt the eyes on them, it wasn't unnatural, they all got this a lot. There were not many groups that harbored a miko, monk, demon slayer, two demons, and a half-breed, so it had become second nature for them to earn critical stares. However, for some reason in this town, it seemed a bit spooky to have the eyes of all on them. Some of the women grabbed a hold of their children tightly, a pure look of terror written across their faces. The children themselves did not seem affected by the small group of travelers, occasionally one could be seen pointing and smiling at Inuyasha and his fuzzy ears. The adult men stepped in front of the woman and children with nervous gestures, but no one dared to make a move toward them to welcome them to the village.

 

No one in the village had seen travelers in their part of the country side since they had settled there. The people that came to live in this quaint village had wanted to be as far away from the wars and other political rampages as possible. This place had become a place of isolation, only close family and friends knew of this settlement, and they hardly ever traveled to visit them here. It was just not the place to be; it was too far away from…well, anything! For these reasons and more the people could not and would not take their eyes off of the travelers; it would not be in their best interest to trust them so immediately.

 

Taking in a collective breath of air, the group made their way up the shrine steps and came to face to a set of very large mahogany doors with massive gold rings for the knockers. Kagome gulped audibly and raised her hand to the rings and grabbed a hold of one. She knocked twice before the doors silently opened to allow them entry.