Kaede hobbled down the paved paths of her humble village, but not in a hurry. These days she didn't have much to hurry for.

No more irritable hanyous rudely demanding quick answers.

Or sweet mikos offering to help where needed.

There were no more holy men to chase away from innocent girls.

Neither a distraught demon huntresses to secretly comfort.

Nor children with unconditional amounts of energy to entertain.

No more proud demon cats to give worthy praise.

There was also no jewel to protect from savage demons...but did that account for the well missed protectors of the humble village?