Kagome watched the silent Kazou inch closer to the fire. Normally the General would have been perfectly fine in this weather. But he had traveled through the days that she and Kohaku had not dared to. Kagome had gained access to the hybrids memories. But this had been before the General arrived. Clear as a bell she heard his voice pleading for shelter and guidance. In that moment he saw light peaking from the snow. Luckily Kazou had seen that as a opportunity.
It was her very first honest prayer. Some knowledge she didn't have before was suddenly available to her. She was a new God that served under Inari-sama. Kagome felt a giddiness and warm overwhelm her after Kazou had joined them. Prayers were food for Gods. The daiyoukai was still bare chested and cold. The glances Kohaku was making had not been unnoticed. Kagome grinned into her blanket when she caught Kazou sneaking looks when Kohaku finally went to sleep.
Kagome stood up with her thickest blanket and placed it on Kazou's shoulders. He watched her silently and curiously. He wrapped it around himself without complaint. Kagome felt this was something Inutaichou had somehow instilled in those he trained. She sat down stretching. "You know... You remind me so much of my son. It isn't just because you are part fox. It's how you subconsciously tense your eye brows when you are in deep thought. It's cute. I wonder how he's doing? He's so happy that I won't grow old and die. It makes me feel guilty that I wanted that not so long ago. He lost his parents too... Just like how you were picked up by the Lord of the West; I took him in. It seems Sesshoumaru has taken after Inutaichou after all. Rin is the ultimate evidence of that... How is Rin? She must be grown by now. 25 years... it's gone in a blink of a eye." Kazou wasn't sure why she was sharing all of this information with him. Or if she was even talking to him. The miko was just rambling on. "Rin-sama was mated to someone of Lord Sesshoumaru's choosing. It's not a loveless mating. Rin-sama had eyes for that elemental Byakko for as long as she was in Lord Sesshoumaru's company." Kagome smiled softly.
Finally she had decided to ask him about his deepest desire."Do you plan to mate Kazou? Your life has been filled with solitude and longing. I'm sure Inutaichou would want you to do something other then try to fulfill his last wish." Kazou was silent. How could this woman know these things? He had told no one but Lord Sesshoumaru. The Lord was not the type to share things. Especially with this Miko who was just supposed to be useless human. "You prayed to me Kazou. That's the thing when you throw out prayers so willy nilly. Anyone could answer them and receive access to your memories."
"What do you suggest I do then 'Kami-sama'? Pray with all my might that you find me someone to spend my eternity with? Pray that you Kagome Kami come with me to the West? Pray that the council will get off my shit because I'm a mutt with no family name? Life isn't that simple Miko, Kami or whatever you claim to be." The ends of his slate grey hair bristled and red lined his eyes. Kazou hadn't known where this anger had come from. But it had burst from him unexpectedly. "Of course it isn't that easy. I need a offering to accept that prayer. You owe me one already." The odd woman held out her hand as if waiting for Kazou to give her something. "I have nothing to offer you." Kazou had said softly and slightly defeated. His shoulders sagged a bit. If he had do or fox ears Kagome was sure the would be flattened. "You can offer me your friendship and loyalty. If you offer me that I will comply with your prayers."
Kazou looked deep into her blue eyes as if he was looking for something. He then closed his intense eyes and relaxed. "I offer my friendship and loyalty to the Kami Kagomi. I hope my prayers are answered." He sounded defeated but sincere. Kagome smiled widely with white teeth. "I accept. I don't go back on my word Kazou. Remember that."
In the morning the sky was trio and one Nekomata headed towards Kaede's village. Supplies were low, animals were few and far between. Kazou wasn't suffering as much as the other two. Idiotic demons were plentiful and he even offered to kill something for Kagome. She was tempted but she declined. She did not want to eat when she knew there was nothing for Kohaku to eat.
Interactions between the males of the group was interesting. The pair often pulled little pranks on each other for amusement. From snow balls to tripping the other when their attention was averted. But Kagome knew it was elementary school level flirting that was going on. Kohaku had taken a immediate interest in Kazou's swords. After he was comfortable Kohaku probed the daiyoukai about it. Apparently he had a vast collection of weapons. Even ones from foreign lands. When Kohaku had apparently tried to cop a feel Kagome knew then... that the boy was stung by the love bug. Or lust bug. Whichever it was Kagome didn't know or care. She was just content that Kazou had returned the favor.
"Welcome Kagome-kamii!" A Miko dressed thickly in her warmest kimono had greeted them. One of the villagers had a child years ago that they had named after the passed Miko Kaede. "Hello Kaede-chan! These are my companions Kohaku and Kazou." Kaede bow to them both and lead them into the village. "Wow. There's been so many changes." There were new buildings and faces Kagome did not recognize. "The village is thriving under your leadership Kaede!" Kagome smiled softly. Kaede introduced the few grown youkai that had joined their community. There were quite a few orphan children. Kaede's village had become a haven for troubled youkai, humans and between the two. "People from other villages have been visiting for business and trade. Our economy is doing very well. Many skilled craftsmen have joined us." Kaede glowed as she talked about her village. She was worthy of Kaede's name and legacy.
They came to a stop at a large building made of strong wood. "This is the shrine we built for Kagome-sama! This is the place the orphaned children live. Offerings are made to you as well as prayers. I hope you you find it suitable enough to give it your blessing so it will become a proper shrine." Kagome sunk to her knees. She was grateful and honored to have a place. It gave her a feeling of home that she longed for. "Kaede. Why don't you take Kazou and Kohaku inside? I want to get started while I'm in such a good mood."
Kohaku took Kagome's bag and followed the Miko. "I'm surprised at the amount of Youkai children..." Kazou didn't know villages like these existed. "Well we are certainly unique. Kagome-sama's influence has been good for us. This is the one place she always returns to." The dark haired young women slid a bedroom door open. "You may stay here. I'm sure Kagome-sama has brought her bedding with her."
"Kaede! Kaede! Do we have visitors? I smell visitors!" A child with ginger hair bounced towards the entrance. Her eyes were milky with blindness. Three thin stripes were underneath each of her eyes. She excitedly turned her head in Kazou and Kohaku's general area. "A human and a fox-dog... Youkai I think?" She tilted her head in thought not entirely sure. Kaede sighed patting the girl's head. "You know it's rude to make a game out of someone's race Hu. Apologize to our guests." The little girl seemed sheepish as she apologized. "It's fine... Children are meant to make inquiries. I am a fox and a dog hybrid." Kazou knelt down to the girl and let her get a good whiff of his scent. "My name is Kazou." Hu took her time getting to know the scent. She eventually moved over to Kohaku to get a better sense of what he smelled like. Kohaku's posture was stiff and he was stone faced. "Mister... you smell spicey." It made little Hu wrinkle her nose.
"That is not Kohaku little one." The air had been charged with energy. It was hard to determine weather it was holy or demonic. It seemed pretty neutral. Kohaku and Kaede exchanged a grin. "It seems Kagome-sama has made it official! This is now her shrine." Hu the child was in silent wonder. She had never felt this way before. It was like the warmth after being in the cold for so long. It made Hu feel right and content. It seems it was time to found the source. Hu slipped away while Kaede continued to give the guests a tour of the shrine.
After a few minutes Hu had found the source of the energy that now covered the shrine. The 'Kagome-sama' Kaede had often mentioned was rested up against a tree. "... Are you Kagome?" Hu asked as she inched closer. She suddenly felt shy. "I am. Are you Hu?" The voice was soft and gave the little youkai goose bumps. The child wrinkled her nose and took in the scent of Kagome. She smelled like the earth, the trees, and even the water. Hu was sure she wouldn't be able to find her unless she was close. "How do you know my name? You haven't even come in the shrine! Do you know about the other kids?" A hand simple pet her in just the right way. Hu's mother had calmed her this way when she was young. It was a certain touch that made her melt. "Come on Hu. It's cold out here. Let's get you back into the shrine."