The bell rang throughout the classroom signaling the end of the period as students began collecting their things to leave for the day. As Akiko followed suit the teacher was talking loudly over the noise regarding their break before the next semester wishing them well before she exited the building completely and made her way through the streets. Holding onto Tobi's harness the animal lead her around, the side of his body just barely brushing against the side of her leg above the knee. "I wonder if Kagome will be home this time..." the young woman wondered aloud. The animal gave a grunt beside her. "She's been gone a longer than normal." They had all been expecting her to return any day now. But both wondered if she'd come home with news regarding Aisu. The young woman would even due with word on Sesshomaru's whereabouts. Inuyasha had been very wary as of late regarding his half-brother since he had not been seen for quite some time.

Nearly a year had passed since the gathering and her return to the modern world. It actually felt odd, having begun to grow used to the Feudal Era even if she had been unaware of it at the time during her stay. The family had been rather surprised when Akiko walked through the side door dressed in such formal attire and they rushed her with questions as to where she had been. Luckily, Tobi had transformed back into his canine state so Grandpa didn't have a heart attack at the sight. After two months of waiting they both knew news would most likely not be coming soon and the young woman enrolled in the university near them to continue her studies.

In the meantime when not busy with homework Tobi proceeded with Akiko's training in the backyard behind the shrine out of sight from anyone that could come by to visit. He had been a general, the art of fighting coming naturally with his teaching methods with the sword. And they also focused on her ice powers honing the technique in order for its release to almost be second nature and act as an extension of herself when it came to protection.

It was two days into her break when Kagome finally came walking through the door announcing her arrival. Akiko and Tobi had been lounging in the living room, the young woman reading a book while the animal rested near her feet on the other end of the couch, when their heads picked up at the sound of her voice. "Welcome home," she smiled when the cousin entered the room.

"I'm glad to be back," the teen sighed. "I'm exhausted." To express it she sprawled herself out on the floor.

"Any luck finding shards?"

"A few, it's still a slow process... We have nearly half, but still a long way to go it seems."

"It's impressive though. Most people would've given up by now. You'll get there, just don't give up hope."

"I won't..." Attention turning away from the ceiling, Kagome looked to her cousin. "How has your training been progressing?"

Finger touching the glass that sat on the table beside her the surface instantly frosted. "Well. It's becoming easier to control." Tobi sighed heavily at her feet, head shifting so they rested on top of her legs. "And I have a great teacher." Scratching him behind the ear in thanks, Akiko continued, "How are Inuyasha and the others?"

"They're good," Kagome answered.

"Bet Inuyasha wasn't too pleased you came back so early," Tobi muttered lowly. When the cousin had first learned that the animal could in fact speak she nearly fainted and Akiko made her promise not to say anything to their family. This had occurred after the young woman explained her sudden exit from the Feudal Era. The group had been woken when the horde came charging through and dealt with the strays that attempted to attack the village. Inuyasha was surprised she managed to get away from his brother, but she simply stated,

"There was no other choice."

"I had to come back," the teen reasoned. "I have a major test to study for tomorrow." Akiko hummed in understanding. "Shippo was wondering how you were doing."

The young woman smiled. "He's sweet. Tell him I said hello." There was a moment of silence that passed between them. "Have you heard anything from Aisu?"

"No... But we finally saw Sesshomaru a few days ago."

That peeked her interest. "Really? What happened?"

"Nothing." That was rather surprising, and Kagome noticed her expression. "I know. I was the same way when he continued to move on without engaging Inuysaha. He didn't even say anything as if we weren't there in the first place. Rin and Jaken were nowhere to be found, and there was no sign of Aisu. Though Inuyasha thought he caught her scent for a moment when we traveled north for a bit. But it disappeared before we could investigate further."

"If you do see her, can you try and find us some answers?"

Kagome smiled. "I'll try my best."