A Sister's Gift

Chapter 32 – Archery Anyone?

“Many blessings to you,” Kagome replied to the kindly old man.

The morning had flown by at the shrine. She was, once again, amazed at the number of people who came to worship here. Her own village did not compare in the least. At the most she blessed ten visitors during morning worship, but here they kept pouring in.

A quick glance around, and she spotted Kikyo giving a young woman and her child an offer of blessings. Kagome headed toward her, giggling as her stomach growled loudly. She blushed as she glanced around, hoping that no one heard the rumble.

Kagome waited patiently as Kikyo finished giving instructions to the woman on ways to keep her child from chewing her fingernails. The woman bowed her gratitude, and Kikyo stood to face her friend.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” Kagome said as she pointed to her grumpy stomach.

“I could use a bite, as well, Kagome. I believe the hour is close to noon. Shall we locate Inuyasha, and Ani?” Kikyo replied.

“That sounds like a good idea to me.” Kagome said as she turned to head toward the shrine doors. The bright sun took a bit of adjusting to, before they could actually see. As they blinked the brightness away, a friendly voice called to them.

“Kikyo! Kagome!” Ani called. She ran to meet them, and was greeted by smiling faces. “I was looking for you. I was wondering if you would like me to bring your meal to the hut, or perhaps you would like to eat outside today?”

Kagome and Kikyo both agreed that since the weather was so lovely that they would take their meal under the tree outside their hut. Ani waved and ran off to comply, just as Inuyasha joined them.

The trio all stretched out underneath the shade of the tree, and relaxed while watching the passerby’s. A few fellow miko’s stopped to speak briefly before continuing on their way. Kagome spotted a few miko’s walking with protectors close behind, which made her wonder if Sesshomaru was alright. It was unlike him to be away from her so long.

Ani soon arrived and joined them. They enjoyed the light hearted banter along with their meal, and soon Ani rose to take her leave. She instructed them to head to the dojo, in order to join the activities taking place there. Apparently they would spend the remainder of the day meeting fellow miko’s and doing a little sparring and such.

Kagome and Kikyo exited their hut, after grabbing their weapons. Inuyasha followed close behind, watching the crowd for any signs of danger to the miko’s he was charged to protect. As they rounded the corner of the garden he was stunned to see so many young women wearing priestess garb. The electricity of their combined power made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Kikyo, alone, exuded immense spiritual power, which he had become accustomed to over the years, but this gathering gave him a panicky feeling.

“Damn, I hope I walk away from here in one piece,” Inuyasha muttered.

Kikyo and Kagome giggled. “I suppose this is a little nerve shaking for you, Inuyasha,” Kikyo said.

Inuyasha gave a ‘grumph’, but otherwise kept his mouth shut. He decided this would be a bad place to show his ass, and figured that he would remain as low profile as possible. He noticed several wolf demon’s standing together quietly, watching over their mistress’s. Wolves are usually a loud bunch, but it looked like they were trying to keep on the down low. They didn’t look very pleased about this gathering either.

To the far left he could see a badger demon, and nearby there was three fox demons. Two of them were females, and all had the slave necklaces adorning their neck. ‘Well, at least I’m not the only one that’ll get fried if this shit gets out of hand,’ Inuyasha thought sourly.

Kagome and Kikyo made their way to the archery range. She and Kikyo spent a little practice time on their journey here, and Kagome was very impressed with Kikyo’s skills. She stepped back to give her friend first go. Kikyo pulled back the string with experienced grace and sent the arrow straight into the center of the target. Kagome congratulated her, but knew that she wasn’t finished by far. The second arrow split the first in two, which drew the attention of several passerby’s.

Kagome watched silently as her friend sent repeated arrows into the same spot, until she simply grew bored. The crowd around them clapped loudly for the young miko, who bowed her thanks. She looked to Inuyasha, who smiled back proudly, before stepping aside for Kagome to try her hand.

Kagome’s bow drew quiet a bit of attention, since the design was so exquisite. Several of the young women asked to hold it, and Kagome complied with a smile. Everyone was impressed with the weight and feel, as well as the beauty of her gift, and Kagome thanked them for their kindness.

Kikyo stepped away from Kagome, to stand next to Inuyasha, while her friend took a turn with her bow. She smiled as she watched Kagome’s arrow sink into the bullseye. The second arrow sailed to the first, splitting it neatly in two. She had to admit that Kagome was an impressive archer, and would make a worthy opponent in competition.

The crowd seemed astounded that both of these women were so adept with the bow and arrow. The number of observers grew, as Kagome sent repeated arrows flying to the center of her target. Kagome used her training to tune out the sounds of the clapping and gibbering voices around her. She remained focused on her target, which was not an easy thing to do. She had never competed before, and only a handful of people had ever watched her practice. Sango was her main witness, as well as several wayward youkai that found themselves on the receiving end of her arrow, but they didn’t live to tell the tale. Kagome sighed as the last arrow missed the dead center, and slammed in a notch to the right. The crowd cheered nonetheless, as the two miko’s had certainly proven their skills.

Kagome turned to Kikyo and Inuyasha. Kikyo was clapping with a smile and Inuyasha just stood behind her grinning. Kagome felt pretty good about the session, and packed up to try her hand at something else.

“Ladies, I would like to say that I am greatly impressed with your archery skills. Both of you could far out-shoot the best archers in the Imperial army.” Kagome and Kikyo turned to the young man, who issued the compliment. He was quite handsome, with pale skin, long ebony hair, and a smooth silky voice. He was expensively dressed and carried an air of authority. Behind him stood two guards, which had their eyes focused on Inuyasha at the moment.

“Please, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Onigumo. I am cousin to the Emperor,” said the young man with a slight bow.

“Domo Arigato, Lord Onigumo. I am the miko Kikyo, and this is the miko Kagome.” Kikyo said with a slight smile. She could barely hear the low growling from behind her, and knew that Inuyasha felt distrust for this man. She, as well, received a strange vibe form this Onigumo, and a quick glance to Kagome confirmed that she felt it also.

“I look forward to seeing you in competition. I am sure that you both will excel in your skills against the others.” Onigumo bowed slightly, with a glint in his eye. “Good day, lovely ladies.”

They watched as Lord Onigumo took his leave, followed by his two soldiers. All three of them felt a slight chill snake down their spine.

“I don’t know about you two, but that guy gives me the creeps,” Inuyasha bluntly stated.

“Agreed,” the miko’s replied in unison.