The miko's scent had been soured by melancholy for a week. A book lay between her and his ward as she taught Rin how to read, but the smile on her face was forced.
"Mama is sad." The kit sat beside him on the grass.
"Indeed."
"What made her that way?"
"A memory."
The kit cocked his head to the side, his face scrunched in thought. "Did she talk about Kikyou again?"
"It seems she still struggles with her own identity."
Short arms crossed over the kit's chest. "She's always been better than Kikyou."
"Your point it moot, kit. She surpasses everyone."
Small fangs grinned up at him.