Satisfied by Sereia

Chapter 3

"To be honest, I never expected the well to open again in the first place," Kaede said, leaning on her cane as they wandered through the village. "It seemed to open with the purpose of pulling ye through to dispose of the jewel, but now…" She trailed off in contemplation, her one eye going in and out of focus as various thoughts crossed her mind.

A few children waved as they passed, welcoming Kagome back with warm smiles before heading towards the local stream, happy to find a way to cool off as the sun climbed to its peak. Even amongst the chatter and constant buzz from fenced-in livestock, there was a tranquillity that eased Kagome's nerves, almost making her forget about her recent exam—and all the near misses that had gone along with it.

"Have you sensed anything out of the ordinary?" she asked, a frown tugging at her lips. Nothing felt out of place, but maybe Kaede was more in tune with the comings and goings of the village than she was, considering how often she hopped between eras.

The old miko shook her head, pausing momentarily to catch her breath. "Nothing that hasn't been accounted for," she said, motioning east. "Inuyasha took Rin to the neighbouring village a fortnight ago, but it was only due to a flu outbreak and wasn't youkai-based. He's set to fetch her in the morning."

Kagome nodded, happy that Rin had also developed an interest in the medical field. Her reiki wasn't as strong as Kagome's, or even Kaede's, but she was still young, and showed promise, her will just as determined as her predecessors.

"It's a good thing Sesshoumaru doesn't mind her travelling to other villages," she mused.

Kaede chuckled. "It didn't come from lack of trying. She recited a long list of reasons as to why it was the next logical step every time he entered the village. I suspect his lordship got tired of hearing it." They both chuckled, knowing for a fact that although he appeared indifferent, he'd bend over backwards to give her what she wanted.

"Oh, to be on his good side," Kagome said wistfully.

"Keh, why would you want that? Jaken would probably use it as an excuse to order you around."

She rolled her eyes as Inuyasha fell in step beside them, hands already tucked into his sleeves.

"Says the guy who doesn't automatically pull out his sword every time he shows up now," she retorted, Kaede cutting off his reply by poking him in the ribs with her cane.

"Argue all ye want, pup," she said, still brandishing her cane. "Ye benefit from being on his good side as well."

Inuyasha stuck his nose in the air. "I could still kick his ass if I wanted."

"Whatever you need to tell yourself to help yourself sleep at night."

"Oi! You're supposed to be on my side, wench!"

Kagome skipped ahead, hands at the ready as she got into position. "I'm on my own side. But you're welcome to try and win me over—after you beat me." Inuyasha gave her a feral smirk, instantly unsheathing Tessaiga. Kaede rolled her eyes, stepping out of the way as Kagome raised a barrier to contain their attacks.

Training sessions often turned into spectacles, some of the villagers even going as far as placing bets on the winner, but neither party ever walked away without learning a lesson, forced or not. Kagome kept her body still, carefully watching her friend while trying to anticipate his next move.

It had taken a while to convince him she was up to the task, though leaving him with a face full of dirt the first few times had helped. Inuyasha had eventually relented and agreed that training against a miko wasn't something he should pass up, especially with the number of times they'd come up against those with holy power during their travels.

It also boosted her confidence every time she did beat him, both of them knowing better, even though Inuyasha cited some pathetic excuse after each defeat.

He'd also learned that making the first move often led to said defeat and had started planning out his strategy instead running headlong into the fight, relying solely on his strength and that of his sword.

Deciding she'd take her chances this time, Kagome blasted him with an array of sparks, using the distraction to spin around him and land a blow to his side. She'd meant to send him to his knees, but Inuyasha had been anticipating it, ducking low and hitting her back with the broadside of Tessaiga.

Their powers clashed, and they jumped away from each other. "Gonna have to do better than that to beat me, K'gome," he said with a smirk.

"I haven't even gotten started yet." She flexed her fingers, rolling her reiki into a ball. "Have you been working on your sewing skills? I'm going to put a hole straight through—" They straightened as Ah-Un landed next to her barrier with a snort, both heads bobbing as Kohaku let up on the reins.

Kagome immediately forgot the skirmish, reaching for the dragon as her barrier dissolved. Her fingers skimmed along their scaled necks, faces nuzzling hers before searching for treats. "I hope you've been behaving yourselves."

Kohaku jumped from the saddle, feet not making a sound as they hit the ground, Kaede looking up with a frown. "We weren't expecting ye back until tomorrow."

He patted the dragon in thanks, then shifted the weapon on his back. "There wasn't any point since Rin came back early." Dread crept up the back of Kagome's neck as she exchanged a look with Kaede. "I sensed you were still in the village, Inuyasha-san, so I assumed she was still helping the other village when I passed by earlier."

Inuyasha sheathed Tessaiga with a frown. "What're ya talkin' about? I ain't supposed to pick her up until tomorrow."

Blood drained from Kohaku's face. "Rin isn't here? But I checked with the village head. She finished treating everyone last night, so when they found her bed empty this morning, she assumed she'd returned early."

All three adults shook their heads. "Rin isn't here," Kagome repeated. "Did you sense any youkai while you were in the village?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary, which was why I didn't think anything of it."

She whirled on Kaede. "Tell Miroku to stay on alert. And to keep an eye out in case she did decide to come back by herself." She turned to Inuyasha, but he was already waving her off.

"I'll grab yer stuff. Get a head start with the lizard and Kohaku. I'll scope things out on the ground and catch up."

Flashing him a grateful smile, she jumped into Ah-Un's saddle. Kohaku quickly joined her before clawed feet padded against the ground and lifted them into the sky, already sensing their disquiet.

"Find her quick!" Inuyasha called after them. "The bastard will never forgive us if something happened to her!"