"Its just overwork." Sayo sat down beside Ronin and Midoriko. "Right, Lady?"
"Yes, Sayo. They're hurrying to plow the fields."
"Why?" asked Ronin as he absentmindedly scratched Kila's ears; he had warmed to the two-tail after realizing that it was no threat to them. "We have plenty of time to work with." Midoriko stood and stretched.
"It's what Sayo was asking me about earlier." Ronin glanced sideways at the tiny priestess, but she looked confused.
"I thought that was nothing."
"I didn't want to worry you. Kila?" The cat hopped out of Ronin's lap and trotted beside Midoriko as she left them outside the small hut. "I'm going flying."
"Wait!" cried Ronin. He started to jog after her, but Kila transformed and they flew off into the clouds.
"This is strange," said Sayo worriedly. "She's never acted like this before. I think…I think this is big," Ronin."
"We've got to talk to her." Sayo smiled wryly.
"Can you fly?" He hung his head, and she sat back down. "We'll wait."
"Kila?" The now tiny cat meowed up at Ronin. "Where is Midoriko?" Kila pawed the ground nervously. "Please, Kila? I know she wants to be alone, but…I need to talk to her."
"Mrow." Kila bobbed her head and turned towards the hills. Ronin followed her to a cliff-top, where he started to run.
"Midoriko! What are you doing?" The priestess was standing on the edge with her arms spread.
"I can feel them, Ronin. Every last one. There are so many coming, and all for me. I feel rather special." Her eyes were closed, and she wore a sardonic smile.
"What are you talking about?" Ronin shivered as the wind bit through his kimono.
"War." Midoriko opened her eyes.
"You're crazy. Wars don't come and find you; they're started over arguments of territory and power. I've been in many battles, I know." She shook her head.
"You've never fought in a war."
"If…if you truly are serious I will rally the men."
"You should, but they won't be much help. This war is mine." Ronin pushed through the winds to look her in the eye.
"Tell me what's coming…I don't understand."
"Demons. Many, and powerful. You can't stop them, but I will."
"On your own? Bullshit!" Midoriko stared at him. "We fight with you."
"I know. But you won't be with me. You will be here. I can smell it. Mountains will rise, the earth will shake, and this strange time of unneeded power can end. The greatest beings on earth will clash so we can end an era."
"Midoriko…" he stopped. Tears were falling down her cheeks.
"It's too much. No creatures should have so much power, so much control."
"You… you're scaring me. Please…just…stop crying!" Midoriko's tear stained eyes widened with shock as she found her friend weeping. Ronin wiped his own tears away and placed a hand delicately on the priestess's cheek. "I don't understand this. I never have. But…I want you to be with me." Midoriko gave him a sad smile.
"I would like that, but in the end I am alone." He kissed her, salty lipped yet sweet.
"You're not, no matter how much you want to be."