A roar rolled across the sky as thunder shook the earth. Kagome was soaking wet, her inky black hair heavy with rain. She couldn't see anything; her bangs were covering her eyes and she didn't dare let go of Kuro's fur to push them away. To do so would mean to tumble down and be lost miles behind. She felt Shippo curl closer to her stomach as he adjusted his grip, at least he wasn't that wet.

They were currently traveling at ludicrous speeds; Kuro was unwilling to take any chances in the storm. It wasn't the rain that had worried the Kitsune though, but rather the dark clouds that blocked out the sun. As he ran, Kagome's light streaked by, giving away their position to anyone who bothered to look. She bit her lip in frustration as she tried to get the power to dim more. Kuro had managed to take it down a notch with his charm but she still shone just enough to make them highly visible. Kagome tried to will the glow away, just like her miko powers, but when she squinted through her bangs she didn't see any change.

"Uhgf! Useless'' she muttered into Kuro's shoulder blades, her eyes scrunching closed. A flash of light behind her eyelids made her snap her eyes open again. The ground shook from the impact and Kagome felt the hairs on her arms prickle as electricity filled the air. That one was close. Kuro flinched under her, but he didn't lose his footing. Another crack of thunder pierced her ears and she squinted her eyes as the rain began to come down in heavier torrents. The sharp prickling of the drops made her skin feel as if ants were crawling along it. She shivered, unsure if it was from the cold or the tingling pain on her skin.

A low howl pierced through the raging storm and Kagome heard Kuro yip his response. She furrowed her brows as she shamelessly eavesdropped. What wasn't natural? She wasn't able to make out the howl completely, the thunder echoing around too loudly. Kuro seemed to understand it though, his replying yips were sharp and Kagome had the distinct feeling that he wasn't pleased.

'Cover her!' He had yipped, and Kagome looked down in shame, knowing she was the cause of his worry.

With a jolt, Kagome felt her stomach shift as Kuro quickly changed directions. Blue fox fire sparked, illuminated his paws and eyes as she felt him push even faster. He gave three sharp yips though his panting breaths and Shippo tensed.

"He said we can't go see Sango! He said we need to go to the west for some reason!" Shippo's revised message reached her and Kagome wondered why the general had suddenly wanted to change directions. A flash to her left caught her eye and she tensed as she saw a demon quickly approach. Kuro didn't seem worried though and she soon saw why. Sprinting towards them was a black inuyokai, his dark hair was held in a high ponytail that streamed behind him and his bangs clung to his forehead. He wore a similar uniform to Kuro, except his was a deep navy blue, mostly hidden under his black armor. Three sakura blossoms adorned his shoulders, showing his allegiance to the west. Stern blue eyes stared at her from a pale face and Kagome leaned closer to Kuro, her grip tightening at the fierce look the demon was giving her.

She frowned then, wondering why she felt intimidated by the dog demon. Frown deepening, she was about to give him a piece of her mind for sneaking up on them when he held out a blanket for her.

"Cover yourself," his voice was sharp and to the point. Before she could call out his rudeness, he shoved the green blanket at her and Kagome had to scramble to latch on to it quickly before it got blown away. Hell, she nearly got blown away by having to grab it.

"Hmpf, the nerve of some.." she muttered under her breath as she angrily wrapped the blanket around herself and Shippo. Their surroundings became a little dimmer and Kagome cursed her luck. A strong gale whipped her hair back, a difficult feat considering the long locks were soaked and wanting to cling to her skin. With her bangs suddenly out of her face she turned her head to the left and saw the dog demon still running next to her.

Another roll of thunder shook the ground and Kagome could have sworn she heard the deep thumping of a drum. She strained her ears, listening for the next roll of thunder. When it came, she jolted in her seat, it was close and she definitely heard the hammering of a drum. Each strike came with thunder and Kagome felt her breathing quicken as anxiety filled her belly. Something was not right.

"Kuro!" She shouted, not missing the harsh glare the black haired dog demon gave her. She ignored him, not letting his attitude ruin her concentration. "Do you hear that drum!?" She shouted over the rain.

Drum? His thought came to her and Kagome picked up on his secrecy. Yeah, when the thunder comes I hear the beating of a drum! Kagome replied back mentally, hoping that her powers cooperated with her today. She knew he heard her when he let out a yip, telling his soldier to be on guard.

The anxiety in her belly didn't settle though, and something inside of her was screaming for them to get out of the rain. "Kuro! We need to get out of the rain!" She flinched as a crackle of lightning struck close by and instinctively she felt her power rise to protect her. Hearing Shippo's gasp, she froze, realizing what she had just done. Peeking to her left, she saw steel blue eyes gazing at her in confusion.

Great, just great.

Before they had set off from the village Kuro told her that if anyone were to encounter them, she would be seen as a lake spirit. He had charmed her appearance but his powers couldn't hide her glow, only smother her appearance and aura some, making her seem like a weak nature spirit. Honestly, the comparison was close enough. He had warned her not to use her powers, though she was able to mentally speak to people which was weird. Kuro had explained that speaking probably used the least amount of energy of anything she did. The theory made enough sense to her.

As she looked at the black inuyokai who was shooting wide eyed glances at her as he ran, Kagome closed her eyes in frustration. She had accidentally messed up Kuro's charm after all.

"Kami," she heard the demon breathe and Kagome felt anxiety grip her throat. A sharp yip from Kuro had the inuyokai snapping his head forward. She felt Kuro's chest rumble as a warning growl left him, low and deep. He had just reprimanded the demon for being distracted and Kagome was thankful his attention was once again on the forest path.

Suddenly, Kagome felt the pull in the back of her head and her instincts screamed in warning, "Kuro go left!" He obeyed without hesitation and just as he did, a flash of white-hot electricity struck where they had just been. Kagome felt the hair rise on the back of her neck but before she could warn him again, the lighting struck.

A roar filled her ears and she felt herself being flung away from her trusty steed. Shippo was still clinging on to Kuro who had whipped around to stop, his claws gouging the earth. She met his wide green eyes just as she felt her impact jar her teeth. It was softer than she expected. She glanced up and met the wide blue eyes of the black dog demon, his grip on her tight as he held her bridal style. His deep, blue eyes snapped up to look at Kuro and he nodded his head sharply. Without wasting a beat, he had her placed back upon Kuro's back, blanket intact, they sprinted off once more.

Kagome was still in shock, her grip tight on Kuro's damp fur. It happened so fast, and she still had no idea what caused her to fly off. The lightning? No, she didn't think that was it, if anything her powers would have protected her, right? She curled closer to Shippo but a sting on her left shoulder caused her to hiss. She felt a body land behind her, and she blushed as the dog demon wrapped an arm around her waist. She glanced back at him with wide eyes as he bid her to sit up. She wrapped her legs around Kuro's middle tightly before she slowly straightened, making sure Shippo still held on tight.

He tugged at her damp, white kosode near her shoulder and Kagome would have blushed more if it weren't for the look of worry on his face. His entire attitude had done a 180 after her secret got out and Kagome couldn't help the ache that pierced her heart. He was worried because of what she was. A bitter smile lifted her lips as she let him inspect her for wounds. His warm fingers trailed across her shoulder for a moment before he helped her fix her kosode.

"Just a bruise," he called out and Kagome felt Kuro nod his head as he sprinted. From her seated position, Kagome was able to see her surroundings better and she recognized the forest near Sango's village even through the heavy downfall. So much for not being able to go, something clearly changed.

A roll of thunder cracked in the sky and lightning traveled along the clouds in streams. The deep beat of the drum returned, and she shivered in fear. She wasn't sure why she was the only one who could hear it. Its beat was loud and echoing, and it was as if the source of the thunder came from the beating of the drum. Kagome furrowed her brows, her memory was tugging at her, teasing her that she should know what it meant. A crackle of lighting nearby had her jumping out of her thoughts. The light illuminated the forest once more and she briefly made out several figures running on either side of them, each adorned in the deep blue color of the west. She didn't know how she had missed them before. They were quite far off from them though, so she figured it could be excused.

A wary smile tugged at her lips, Inuyasha would never let her live this down. She could nearly hear him nagging in her head as he grumbled about her causing trouble.

"There's a clearing up ahead!" A voice boomed behind her, causing her to jump. She had nearly forgotten the dog demon was there. His grip around her waist tightened and she fought down another blush. Just to make sure she didn't fall off, that was it, was what Kagome chanted to herself. Ignoring the warmth of his arm Kagome squinted through the rain and she could see a cave in the distance. For a moment she wondered if the demon behind her misspoke, there was no clearing up ahead. She chose not to think too hard about it, instead she was thankful that they were running towards the cave, it was shelter!

Suddenly, the demons that had been flanking them from a distance closed the space, each taking quick glances in her direction. Her heart clenched in trepidation and she shivered. Inukimi was not going to be happy about this. As a matter of fact, she could feel Kuro's irritation rising at the attention she was receiving. As the others closed in, Kagome felt her head begin to swim as voices crowded her mind. Their emotions and thoughts getting stronger and stronger the closer they came. It hadn't been so bad with just the three of them, but now she could no longer push out all the thoughts and emotions that invaded her head.

A kami!

How, where did she come fro-

Why is she he-

Does the lord kno-

Kagome clenched her eyes shut and leaned forward, ignoring the arm that held her around her waist like iron. Their excitement, fear and hesitance invaded her, and she found her own emotions beginning to swim in turmoil. "Too much" she whimpered out as her clutch on Kuro's fur tightened. She felt him growl deep in his chest, the sound managing to soothe her some. Thanks Kuro, she mentally sent.

Pain began to blossom behind her eyes as she tried to ignore the voices and emotions that invaded her thoughts. Her head was beginning to throb and everything was too bright, even in the darkness of the raging storm.

Is she o-

What's wro-

Should I he-

Kagome are yo-

"Kuro, I- I dont think" she panted out around clenched teeth, her head swimming. She groaned, the sound pitful. The aching pulse of her head was made louder as the drums continued to bang across the sky.

"Kuro- I can't-" she panted out and another sharp wave of pain stabbed at her between her eyes. This time she didn't have the energy to fight it, and before she knew what was happening the world went black.

TBTW

Kuro's thoughts were racing a mile a minute as he sprinted through the forest. Kagome was limp in his arms, and her kit was being carried by his second in command who ran to his left. The thunder continued to roll almost nonstop, and the lighting was just always out of reach. Not only had Kagome's secret gotten out to a few of his men, but he had forgotten that she could be overwhelmed by too many people. The lady mother had warned him of such a possibility when she explained the situation of the newborn kami. He had felt her fingers loosen mid-sprint and if it weren't for Gentaro, then Kagome would have been flung far behind.

His plans to return to the west were dashed when he realized the lightning was in fact chasing them. Earlier, his men had sounded the alarm that the storm was following them even though they should have been getting further away. No matter what direction he turned, he was pelted with rain and lightning. If he returned to the west the storm would cause severe damage to the city buildings. Most of them were built from lumber, and though the palace was mostly made of stone, Kuro didn't want to risk the civilians or his family.

Still, they couldn't run forever. He bit back a growl of frustration, wondering why the storm followed them. Perhaps a witch? As his gaze swept the treeline a shadow caught his eye. Just as he turned his head to look in its direction, lightning struck the area where it came. He furrowed his brows and swept his eyes around again. He caught sight of a shadowy figure following them, it was transparent yet dark in nature. Kuro growled as he eyed the apparition, his eyes widening as he noticed more and more join in the chase.

He inhaled sharply as he saw them reach out and phase through the trees. Lightning struck again and Kuro glanced back just in time to see the shadowy figures disperse under the strike. His eyes widened further when he looked to his left and saw the lightning once again strike true. The lightning wasn't chasing them, it was scattering the shadows that chased them. It was helping them. Kuro felt dread sink into his belly as he ran, daring a glance back, he saw the figures reform. His jaw tightened in frustration. The lightning was only buying them time. They had no way of defeating things that could reform even from such a powerful strike.

An apparition appeared before him suddenly, phasing through the trees and reaching a clawed hand out. He spun around and covered Kagome with his body, never stopping his sprint. A sting on his back made itself known but he ignored it, instead trying to think of a way out.

"Gentaro! Take the kit and leave! Have one of the men send a warning, we need tenseiga!" Kuro was sure of it. When the apparition had gotten close enough to strike him, he had been able to make out its features. It was like anyone Kuro had encountered, just any random face he would pass by. What he had felt though was different, the impurity of the soul wasn't from malice or misdeeds, but from the chains that bound it to the world of darkness. They were being hunted down by yurei, the ghosts of the dead that resided in the underworld.

"On it!" Gentaro called over, his face set in determination as he held the scared kit. With that, the black haired inuyokai was gone and he picked up his pace.

"When the next strike hits, scatter!" Kuro growled out to the rest of his men as he adjusted his grip. Chancing a glance down at his charge he let a worried frown mar his face. Her hair clung to her skin and raindrops saturated her eyelashes. Her glow had dimmed some in her unconscious state, but the blanket still helped immensely.

Glancing back up, he spotted the clearing his general had made out miles behind. He had completely forgotten about it when he felt Kagome slip off. Clenching his jaw, he turned away to get more cover, but something caught on his ankle and he lost his balance. He braced himself to land on his back, clutching his charge closer to him as he broke their fall. Without wasting a second, he struggled to stand, growling in frustration at the shadowy hand holding his ankle down. He kicked with his other foot, and for the most part his blows faded through, but when he kicked at the hand holding him, he felt it land true. Just as he managed to stumble away, he felt the hair on his arms stand on end. Glancing up, his eyes widened as a bolt of electricity shot their way. Maybe it wasn't helping them after all.

Even as fast as he was Kuro knew there was no way he could dodge the strike. He flinched instinctively, curving his body over Kagome's in an attempt to protect her as he braced himself. His nose burned at the smell of electrified air as he clenched his eyes shut, waiting for the pain.

"General!" His eyes snapped open as his men called to him, and Kuro realized the strike never hit. Eyes wide, he stared around him in disbelief. A brilliant gold barrier surrounded them, the lightning crackling along the edges and searing the shadowy forms of the Yūrei that dared get close. He glanced down and for a moment he forgot where he was. Kagome was shrouded in gold light similar to that of the barrier that saved them. On her forehead was a golden fox of nine tails. Inari had saved them.

"General!" He heard his men call again as they squinted through the light of the barrier.

"We're fine!" he called out as he gathered his composure. Gaze trailing back up, he saw another flash of lightning strike the barrier, arcing out and around to destroy the shadowy beings. Briefly he saw the barrier dim, and when he was sure it was not a trick of the light he glanced back down at Kagome.

A gasp slipped through his mouth as he saw the trail of blood that was running down her face. Inari's mark was beginning to etch itself into her forehead and Kuro saw Kagome's skin begin to dim. His eyes narrowed in thought as he watched the lightning strike, then quickly looked down at Kagome again to see her glow flicker. He didn't really know the nuances of it, but it seemed like Kagome's power was fueling the barrier somehow. Unconscious as she was, she still managed to ward off the searing hot lightning with the help of Inari-kami.

But even with Inari's help, the barrier flickered, and the lightning seemed almost aware of this. It's next strike was not on the barrier, but around it. The impact was just as strong, but it didn't seem to help destroy the Yurei nearly as much. He would give anything to have his storm elementals with him at that moment.

"Hiraikotsu!" The unfamiliar call had Kuro whipping around, his arms holding Kagome closer as he covered her fully with the blanket and wrapped his jaki around her protectively. Her secret was out enough as it was. With a sharp yip, he warned his men to keep quiet about her

Green eyes narrowed as Kuro watched a giant boomerang fly through the apparitions, the shadows scattered and to his great surprise, they did not reform. He followed the boomerang back to its master and he readied himself as he noticed the armor-clad female assessing him. Her eyes glanced down to his cargo and he growled low in his throat. Another strike of lightning flashed and the golden barrier that had protected them shattered.

He moved instantly, avoiding the shadowy beings that sought to get close to him as he made his way back to his men. They surrounded him and scattered the shadows that tried to chase. A sharp bite of purity bit at him and had his hackles rising as it crackled nearby. He turned and his eyes landed on a monk with a low ponytail. His eyes were closed but his brows were furrowed in concentration. His left hand held a golden staff and his right was wrapped in prayer beads as it held a sutra. He got ready to defend himself before a woman's voice called out.

"Don't! We're just trying to destroy these things!" he paused, unsure if he should believe her. A nekotama flew in from the surrounding forest, fire on her paws as she stood in front of the monk protectively. That was the last clue Kuro needed to know, this was a slayer. He had heard the kit call out a name before, "what is you name slayer!" He shouted across to her. She hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Sango!"

With a sharp whistle to his men they slowly fought their way forward. Whatever the monk was doing was helping, the apparitions no longer reformed when struck down. With each step forward he and his men watched as the blackened souls turned pink, leaving as small orbs floating up towards the sky. Once in position near them, he nodded to them sharply. The slayer simply nodded back, understanding the temporary truce between them even though her eyes wandered down to what he held.

Kuro felt nearly useless as he watched the monk, slayer and his men finish off the rest of the shadows. He knew it was a ridiculous emotion, his life was literally on the line to make sure the newly made kami remained safe. It was an important job and he prided himself on always giving his best. Though now, Kagome almost felt heavy in his arms, the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. He flicked his gaze down, eyes trailing the blanket where her nose should have been. And yet, even with the weight of his responsibility Kuro was glad for the chance. He had already seen the kind heart the new kami had, and he could not live with himself if something were to taint it. He almost snorted, he felt like a lovesick kit! It had only been a day since he met her!

And yet his heart could not lie, he knew Kagome had potential to be something great. He wanted to help nurture that, almost in the same way he wanted to for his own daughter. The ring of steel had him snapping out of his thoughts, his men had finished off the last of the shadowy beings and put their swords away. They stared at the monk and slayer warily but didn't show any signs of hostility. Good. Kuro straightened before he turned and addressed the two before him, easily slipping into his formal speech.

"This one is Kuro, general of the western armies." The slayer, Sango gasped, and she once again looked down at the covered body he held.

"My name is Miroku, it's an honor to meet you, Kuro-sama," Miroku bowed and Kuro felt his men ease. He narrowed his eyes; the monk was sharp.

"Do you know of a Miko?" He asked, ignoring the monk's greeting. He saw the man smile warmly, but Kuro wasn't fooled. He was a kitsune, and above all he was a trickster. This man had a sharp gleam in his eye that spoke of wisdom and knowledge.

"Two actually, what might you want with them?" Purple eyes remained calm but when Kuro glanced at the slayer, he saw her eyes dart between him and his charge suspiciously.

"Who are you holding?" The slayer bit out. Her eyes narrowing as she began to walk around him in a half circle, her boomerang held tightly in her clutch.

"Now Sango dea-" the monk was cut off by the woman's sharp glare.

"Tell me the names of the mikos you know monk, I will not harm them." Kuro ignored Sango's glare on him as he addressed Miroku again, his green eyes fierce.

The purple-clad monk hesitated for a moment before answering, "an elder miko named Kaede, and a young woman named Kagome."

Kuro nodded to him sharply, "we are allies then. We just came from the elder miko's village when we got caught in the storm and… whatever that mess was." He then turned to Sango and cut her off before she could speak.

"It is the miko," he heard her inhale sharply. "She is fine, I believe, but we must get her to shelter now." His tone didn't book any arguments. The slayer stared at him for a moment before nodding.

"Our village is just north of here. Follow us." Her tone was sharp as she gave him a final glare before calling for her nekotama. Kuro took a moment to give a message to one of his men before signaling to the others to scout ahead. Just as he prepared himself to spring, he paused. The thunderstorm had stopped. The clouds still hung low and dark in the sky, but no rain fell. Even the thunder that had gone off nearly nonstop was absent.

"We noticed it as well. When the last of those Yurei were scattered, the storm stopped." Miroku had turned to look at him and he met his violet eyed gaze evenly.

Kuro had been right about the monk, he was sharp. "There is much to explain," he bit out curtly as he nodded down to Kagome, indicating that they should leave. "Go, I will follow."

Miroku nodded and motioned to Sango that they should go ahead. Kuro curled Kagome closer to himself and sped off after them, eager to get Kagome somewhere safe.

TBTW

Sango's thoughts were racing as she made her way back to the village. Her damp, black hair clung to her face and her uniform was soaked through. She could feel Miroku's heat on her back and she suddenly shivered at the cold. She glanced back, looking at what the demon held in his arms with trepidation. Kagome was wrapped in a blanket; it covered every inch of her but Sango could have sworn it had a faint glow. And though she couldn't see her sister, she was tempted to believe the demon before her.

His green eyes were sharp and the red hair that framed his face clung to his tan skin. She then wondered briefly if that was how Shippo would look like when he was older. She gasped, Shippo!

"Where is the kit!" She called back over her shoulder. Kagome never left him behind.

"Safe!"

Sango relaxed minutely. If he knew about Shippo then it gave him more credibility. Kagome had learned how to hide her kit well when there were signs of danger. A sharp whistle had her snapping her eyes forward and she waved off the guards at the gate. When they realized who she was they began to open the gate, allowing all five of them through.

She swiftly dismounted Kirara and Miroku was next to her in a heartbeat. With a yawn, Kirara transformed back into her smaller form, letting out a soft 'mew' as she padded towards the demon general. Sango raised an eyebrow as her nekotama made to jump into Kuro's already full arms. The kitsune let out a yip and Kirara's tails drooped as she was turned away.

"This way," she motioned for him to follow, ignoring Kirara's unusual behavior and the stares they were receiving from the villagers. She led them back to a small meeting hut and slid the door open. The hut only had one room, and a small firepit lay in the center of the wooden floor. Ignoring her wet clothes, Sango sparked the fire and a warm glow soon lit up the room. She took a seat opposite of the door and waited for the others to follow suit.

Miroku chose a spot next to her and she watched curiously as Kuro walked in after a moment's hesitation. His green eyes roved the room before he carefully sat down, never once uncovering any part of Kagome. At least he was attentive to her safely. That begged the question though, "why do you have Kagome?" Sango watched as the demon's hard-set face closed off further before responding in clipped tones.

"This one was assigned to her protection as well as the kit's. She is a great ally to the west."

Sango furrowed her brows in confusion. She knew that Kagome often visited the west throughout the years to visit Rin, but that was completely different than becoming an ally to the west. What had changed? The white-clad demon seemed to sense this before continuing.

"Kagome-sama has come to hold a great power, and with that power, she has assured the future of the west." The demon's tone was sincere, and Sango felt her eyebrows rise to her hairline. That was a loaded answer, and she couldn't help but feel that there was still more to be said. She also didn't miss the honor the demon gave to her mortal friend. Kagome, what did you do!? She was so caught up in her thoughts that she almost missed her husband's question.

"May we see her?" His question was simple, but the implications seemed to hang heavy in the air. She glanced back down at the fine green blanket that covered her friend. He was hiding something from them, something must have happened to Kagome.

"This one will allow it, simply because she was going to tell you anyways." Kuro made it clear that he didn't like the idea, but he was unwilling to fight Kagome on the matter. Sango was sure she couldn't be more surprised. Yet even with that thought, she felt her chest clench in anticipation as the fox made to uncover Kagome. He paused, his claw tipped hand hovering over the silky green blanket.

"You must swear your secrecy to the west. Not another soul can know about this, not even your families." His words were grave as he eyed them, and she saw Miroku nod easily.

"Very well, you have our word." His smooth voice brought her out of her own hesitance, and she nodded sharply in agreement. Without waiting, the demon drew the blanket back and Sango felt her eyes widen. Kagome was glowing.

A sharp breath escaped her as she studied her sister. Her black hair was damp and clung to her pale face. Dark lashes brushed her cheeks softly and her lips were a rosy hue. Sango's eyes trailed to her forehead and she froze as she spotted the golden fox upon her brow. Kagome had been blessed by the kami. Was that why her skin was glowing? She briefly glanced at Miroku before doing a double take.

His eyes were impossibly wide, and his mouth hung open in shock. A hand was dawn up towards Kagome and it trembled slightly, his other hand holding his staff in a white knuckled grip. "How," he breathed out, reeling in shock.

"How can she be a kami!?"

Sango gasped as she looked away from her astounded husband back to Kagome. Surly Miroku was mistaken!?"

"We are unsure." Kuro's words confirmed Miroku's', and Sango felt the blood drain from her face. The question repeated itself in her mind as she gazed at the black-haired kami in shock. Kagome, what did you do!?

"I must return her to the west, she will be safest there."

"We will go with you!" Sango's eyes flew to Miroku as he spoke. He was leaning forward, and a worried light filled his eye. "You cannot argue, we will go anyways." For a moment Sango wondered if her husband had been replaced. His shock was understandable, but his bluntness threw her off. To her surprise Kuro nodded in agreement.

"Very well, your powers will be useful for her protection."

Sango felt left behind as the two began to plan for the trip, their voices hard as if weighed down with heavy responsibility. "Wait! Miroku, how are you sure she is a kami?" The question fell easily from Sango's lips. She was still confused, as far as she could tell, the only thing that was different was that her skin glowed and she had Inari's mark upon her brow.

Miroku turned to her, his violet eyes were soft but held the hints of worry and excitement as he spoke. "Her aura, it's as if it were molded from the sky and earth itself. His jaki was around her earlier, so I couldn't be sure, but the power she gives off now is unmistakable. She is a newly made kami!" His excitement leaked into his voice at the end and She nodded numbly as she glanced back at Kagome with wide eyes.

Miroku spoke again, his serious tone catching her off guard, "does she have a shrine?"

Kuro shook his head. "No, it is being built as we speak."

Miroku nodded in understanding, "we shall have one built here as well." he paused before continuing, "and one in Edo too." The demon nodded easily as he delved back into conversation with her husband.

"Very well, prepare yourselves. I shall remain here with my charge."

Sango didn't have a chance to speak before she was dragged out of the hut by an eager Miroku. She bit her tongue until they safely made it to their own home before she rounded on him.

"Miroku! What's going on we can't just leave, what about our kids!?" Miroku clasped his hands over hers, his violet eyes serious as he began, "Sango dear, our friend is a newly made kami. And even as powerful as she is, she is very vulnerable. If we were to ignore her in her time of need, not only we be terrible friends, but we would also be selfish. A kami needs shrines and prayer in order to maintain their power, did you see her skin dim?"

Sango nodded slowly, at first, she thought it was from the flickering light of the fire. "Her glow shouldn't be that weak. I don't exactly know what healthy is, but that can't be it. If she were to die, Kagome would be lost forever. Kami are not reincarnated." She clenched her hands tight around Miroku's and she let out a trembling breath as she nodded her understanding. The heavy weight of responsibility lined her shoulders and her eyes grew fierce. She would not let Kagome die.

"How do we help her?" Miroku smiled at her as he motioned for her to change and pack a bag.

"A shrine, all kami need shrines. The more the better. They are places of power because they help hold a kami's power. It allows them to have a safe place to reside and it is also a place of healing. I believe it also helps amplify the prayers she receives, giving her strength." Sango listened as she shoved spare clothes in a bag, her mind racing.

"Would praying to her now help?" She was met with smiling violet eyes.

"Yes, join me?" Sango nodded and moved away from her task, once again holding her husband's hands as he led them in prayer.

"To the new kami, Kagome-sama, we wish for your recovery and safety." The prayer was simple, and Sango repeated it, her voice full of emotion. She would help Kagome, she was family. Her eyes flew open then but Miroku beat her to it.

"The twins will be well here in the village where it's safe. The sooner we leave the safer they are." His voice assured her, but Sango was hesitant to leave her kids behind. "We will visit them." She nodded in reluctant acceptance at his words, and once again began to pack. There was much to be done.

.

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I am quite surprised at the attention this story is receiving. 27 reviews for two chapters, 46 follows and even 24 favorites! And a majority of that is just from FanFic! (my dokuga account is under the same name). Seeing all the notifications and kind words you guys give is a nice boost! Thank you all so much!

This chapter was quite challenging in a way. I struggled to display the emotions I wanted but I hope they came off well enough. There are quite a few good theories going around in the reviews and I can't wait to read more. Now, I have good news and bad news.

Good news- I have solidified the plot and now know where I want to take this story.

Bad news- I'm a STEM major and my time is not my own. I'm still working on a schedule, so for now updates will be random.

Once again thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed!