"Do you think something is coming?" Midoriko glanced sideways at Sayo as the girl rubbed her arms.
"There is always something coming for us," she sighed.
"I suppose." Sayo stood and looked down at the base of the windy hill. "Why are you up here, Lady?" Midoriko closed her eyes.
"A touch of agoraphobia. The village is too crowded. If you're cold, Sayo, you can return without me." They tiny priestess shivered and nodded before sliding gracelessly down the greenery. "It's going to rain," said Midoriko. As if on cue, thunder boomed overhead and lightning flashed. Droplets began to pat the ground. "Nine days until the next rainfall. The farmers are lucky." She stood and walked down the hill with more grace than Sayo. The rain began to fall with fast precision.
"Mrow?" Midoriko paused at the base of the hill. A small two-tail gave her a curious look.
"Hello, little cat. You should be careful; the villagers will see you as a demon and chase you out." The two-tail rubbed its head against her knees. Midoriko knelt and scratched its ears. "A powerful cat; but that won't keep you dry." She scooped the cat up and carried it into her hut. It was simple place; used only as somewhere to sleep. The cat jumped out of Midoriko's arms and landed on the edge of her bed. "You need a name, little cat."
"Mrow?" It cocked its head to the side as Midoriko sat on her bed and watched it carefully.
"Kila?" she tried. Kila let out a triumphant meow. "Ah, first try. I am good. Sleep tight, dear Kila, and tomorrow we shall fly." Midoriko stretched out on the bed and Kila curled up beside her. They were asleep almost instantly.
"IT'S A DEMON!" The familiar cry brought Midoriko immediately awake. Ronin shrank against the wall as Kila yawned.
"Very astute, but not the best way to wake someone up." Midoriko walked past Ronin with Kila at her feet. Outside, Sayo was running for the hut.
"Lady! Is everything all right?"
"Its fine, Sayo. Ronin was scared of a cat."
"Cat?" Kila looked up at Sayo and meowed a hello. "Oh…you're so cute!" She scooped the tiny cat up and scratched her neck. "What will we feed her?"
"Whatever she asks for." Ronin came out of the hut, red-faced.
"Breakfast is ready," he mumbled, and led the giggling priestesses away from the scene.
"Oh…oh my," whispered Sayo as the fire surrounding Kila dissipated, revealing her larger form. Midoriko held out her hand, and Kila obediently romped over to have her ears scratched.
"Do you trust me, little cat?" whispered Midoriko. Kila purred and watched the priestess curiously.
"Midoriko…what are you doing?" asked Ronin nervously. "LADY MIDORIKO!" She ignored him and let the wind whip through her hair as Kila flew over the hills and into the sky.
"Amazing. You are a remarkable creature, Kila." The cat let out a joyful yell, causing their friends on the ground to wince. Midoriko laughed at the clouds.
"Lady!" yelled Sayo. "Come down, quick!" Recognizing the urgent tone in her voice, Midoriko told Kila to land.
"What's wrong? I don't sense anything."
"One of the village girls fainted; Ronin went to help."
"Kila!" cried Midoriko before running back to her village with Sayo and the cat at her heels.