Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!

The Immortal Mortal

Chapter One: Sisters, United By Blood

"Baka na. You're such an idiot, Akita."

The young woman looked up at her older sister. "Hm? What do you mean, Aikyo?"

Aikyo laughed. "You're hakama are on backwards!"

"Huh? Are you serious?" Akita asked, looking down at her clothes. She blushed realizing her sister was telling the truth.

"You've got to be the worst priestess ever! I can't believe my master saw potential in you."

"Don't be so mean, Aikyo! Besides, do you forget that it was you who suggested the notion of my becoming a priestess? I'll learn the ways of a priestess just as well as you."

Aikyo snorted. "Yeah, whatever just hurry it up. We have to make it to the forest temple by sundown."

"Yes, I know, for the hundredth time," Akita sighed. "You're so impatient."

She smiled as her older sister threw her hands up and left. Akita fixed her priestess garb and took one last look around her soon to be former home. Her personal possessions would be given to the villagers as well as her hut but she didn't mind.

She wasn't sad about departing. Although she was fond of the village, she had no qualms about leaving to train as a priestess. She was so excited to begin training with one of the region's most renowned priestesses. Her spiritual powers had barely surfaced but she was certain they could be honed over time. Akita drew in a deep breath and pushed aside the bamboo curtain in the doorway, ready to start her new life.

When the pair finally reached the temple stairs, they were both exhausted. Aikyo looked at the setting sun. "Good, we're not yet late." she breathed.

"Race you to the top!" Akita shouted, running up the long flight of steps.

"Akita! Give your respect! This is a sacred-" Aikyo hung her head and smiled. "Why do I bother?" she muttered to herself before sprinting after her sister. "Wait up! You don't know where you're going!"

Once at the top of the steps, Aikyo pointed at one of the buildings. "That is where Priestess Megumi-sama prays in the evenings. Go wait outside."

"Wait, where are you going?" Akita asked nervously.

"I need to light the lanterns before dark. Just go on, you'll be fine. She doesn't bite," she nudged Akita in the arm then added, "often."

It was well past dark and Aikyo had lit all of the temple lanterns before Priestess Megumi emerged from her room. Akita jumped as the door slid open.

"Head Priestess! I am Aikyo's younger sister! I am here to train in the ways of the priestess!" Akita said quickly, "But… you already know that… What I mean to say is… thank you for giving me this chance! I'll do my best!"

Akita bowed and Aikyo, who had been watching nearby, suppressed a laugh.

Priestess Megumi smiled, "Welcome, Akita-san. Come, it's nearly time for supper."

Akita blinked, surprised at her kindness then smiled back.

"See? It wasn't that bad, was it?" Aikyo said over dinner.

"No, I suppose not." Akita stirred the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks.

Aikyo raised her eyebrows. "You're not still nervous, are you?"

"Not really, well, perhaps a little," she admitted. 'It's just…"

"What?"

"I feel a bit odd, that's all. The air here is different."

Aikyo rolled her eyes. "Of course, baka, the temple is charged with spiritual energy. It wards off most weak demons but even humans have to get used to it."

"I suppose..."

"Give it a week."

The two finished their meal and changed into white cotton kimonos, preparing for bed. They lay beside each other in their shared room, waiting for sleep to overcome them. Crickets chirped outside and the sisters' breathing was steady and quiet. All else was silent. Akita turned on her mat to face Aikyo's back.

"Sister?"

There was no response.

"Are you awake?"

Aikyo sighed and rolled over. "I am now."

Akita smiled. "I'm really glad I was born with spiritual powers too."

"Don't brag," Aikyo snorted, "You're barely a novice. You'll need a hundred years to catch up with me!"

"I'm not worried about that."

"Hm?"

"I'm just glad I get to stay with you."

"Akita…"

"When you left to train two years ago, I felt so alone, even with grandfather there…" Akita shut her eyes to stop her tears, "I knew it was for the best but… it hurt to see you go."

Akita's eyes snapped open in surprise when her sister grabbed her hand. Aikyo gave her a small smile.

"I missed you too, baka…"

"Ow! These bandages are too tight!"

Akita cringed. "Gomen-nassai! Is this better, sir?"

The man grumbled, "Figures I'd get the inexperienced priestess…"

"This is how I get experience!" Akita growled under her breath.

There had been a demon attack and a few of the villagers had been injured. Priestess Megumi had quickly destroyed the demon and tended to their wounds with the help of her two pupils.

"Not those herbs, Akita-san." Priestess Megumi smiled, "Try these, they don't sting as much."

Akita nodded, "Thank you."

Aikyo smirked and walked up behind her sister. "You know, the men are saying that your healing techniques could kill them quicker than the demon."

Akita's eyes widened. "Are they really saying that?"

One look at the villagers' apprehensive faces told her 'yes'. She sighed and hung her head as Aikyo laughed and continued with her duty. A hand fell on her shoulder. Akita raised her brows at the aged high priestess.

"Do not worry child. In time, ye shall improve." Priestess Megumi spoke with wisdom, "Even the mightiest tree began as a mere seed."

Akita watched as she left and smiled at her words. Perhaps she was right…

"Akita! You snail, hurry up! We are leaving!"

Akita snapped out of her reverie and grinned. She ran to catch up with the two. As they reached the temple stairs, she turned to Aikyo.

"I'm a snail, eh?" she asked playfully, "We'll see! Race you to the top!"

"Akita!" Aikyo shouted as her sister ran past their smiling master. She glared then gave in, running to chase after her. "Wait up!"