Chapter 2: Tomoe is an active Familiar Again!
It surprised me the next morning, before I could prepare Nanami breakfast that she announced that she was leaving. Onikiri, Kotetsu, and I tried to dissuade her from leaving, but to no success. The only thing that kept her from leaving was that she wanted to apologize to Tomoe about what she presumed wrongly. I smiled and nodded.
"Although, we are going to the Netherworld to find him, he likes to be there to blow off steam or to escape the normally empty shrine. But, the district he most often visits usually does not have a very good reputation. Now, we are going through the passage way to get there. Please stick close to me so you won't be lost or taken."
I explained about the Netherworld to Nanami while I took lead with a paper lantern and our will-o-the-wisps coming up the rear. With my manipulation of shadows, we entered the passage way. When we entered the red light district, I had Nanami hold onto one of my visible tails so that she would not be taken. Not that the young Land God minded, I would think since she was petting my tail with a dazed, pleased expression. We walked into a building that smelt of sweat, perfume, make-up, and sake. The female Racoon Youkais do help keeping it clean, but they can't get all of the smell out since they are mostly open 24/7.
I flicked my fan open to hide my frown and wrinkled nose. Why my son had not developed his sense of smell was beyond me. It was probably because of the overwhelming smells now-a-days. When we came to Tomoe's room, Nanami and I stayed out of sight while Kotetsu and Onikiri dealt with Tomoe. I wanted to hear his honest opinion to someone not me. If I were to be in there I was sure his answer would be different. So when I heard his careless remarks, I was so disappointed and sad that I had no words for him. I just gave him my cold glare to make up for my lost words. Besides, Nanami had expressed my notion clearly as well.
"Let's go Nanami, it seems we had wasted our time here. I'll guide you back."
We left my son in a huff. We walked down the street until Nanami stopped to curl up. I put my arms around her to comfort and to ward off the other youkai.
"Come on dear, we shouldn't idle in the street. With your scent being so enticing and the rumors of your heritage and new position, youkai will flock to you and since you are not strong enough right now to defend yourself properly, you will be easy prey without me."
Nanami nodded and before she would get up, Tomoe came in with a snarky remark.
"She is right. Someone like you is like a free feast to these lots. You should be going back to where humans should be. Don't worry Kagome, I'll take her home. Now stand up, woman."
Those words were just right to tick Nanami off. Said newly Land God got up and slapped him across the face and rant to his face.
"You are the one who should go home! Is that shrine something you can abandon easily!? Isn't it your precious home!?"
After that, they got into a heated argument. When it came to an end, Tomoe disappeared back to the red light district, and Nanami was left fuming. Onikiri, Kotetsu, and I led her to the bus stop she wanted to go to. I needed to go back to the shrine, so it wouldn't be suddenly overrun by youkai. I left her with Onikiri and Kotetsu so that if anything happened they would alert me. I also gave her a wooden bead prayer bracelet for a bit of extra protection. I hugged her. I felt her hug me back hesitantly but firmly. I pulled back to smile.
"Have smooth journey to wherever you go and be safe, it was a pleasure getting to know you in our short time, so I hope you will be happy where you go next. Just visit every so often, alright?"
I watched her hesitantly nod before leaving to the shrine to clean it up bit. I don't want any unwelcomed visitors. *smirk*
Later that night, Nanami came back with Tomoe as her familiar. It cheered me immensely when she decided to stay even though I already knew she wasn't going to leave. I listened to the story of how it went about and found out she lost her bracelet I gave her when she changed at the witch's house. Tomoe also got in a fit of why I didn't become her familiar. Onikiri and Kotetsu came in to my defense.
Flashback
"Kagome-dono doesn't need to be Nanami's familiar since she doesn't leave as often as you do!"
"And when she does, it's for something important!"
"She always comes back on the date she promised!"
"She cares for the shrine and completes her duties!"
I sat there in awe and had happy crocodile tears running down my cheeks as I hugged the two will-o-the-wisps to me. I looked over their heads to smirk at the dumbfounded Tomoe. I did see Nanami snicker and yawn. I let go of them to get everyone out of the room for Nanami to get some rest.
End of Flashback
I strode to my room to enjoy my forward leisure days. Now that Tomoe was the new Land God's familiar, he will now have to shoulder all the responsibilities we used to share. I will also need him to learn how to cook since Nanami is still human.