August 9th
Despite being confronted by Demons in the Era, mistaken for a priestess who would surely bring prosperity to the impoverished village, not to mention harboring a mysterious jewel within her body wanted by both humans and Demons, The Goshinboku still refused to send her back home. Although she returned once before, many weeks ago, it would not, at all, work. With little hope she'd ever return to her family, Kagome felt she would certainly be stuck in the past for years to come.
The wolves, which had been prowling the woods as of late, sinking their fangs into the animals, leaving behind remnants of carcasses here and there, Yuuta, along with the other men of the village, managed to chase them away. Though the village was very pleased by this, despite losing a great deal of animals to the beasts, High Priestess Kaede appointed Yuuta as head of the hunting party. It was an honor, appraised by many, though Satouru scornfully rebelled, inciting further rivalry between himself and Yuuta.
It was during this time, three weeks later, of early August, while the men were out hunting and the women tended the fields, which were finally showing signs of growth, that Kagome noticed the village undergo the first signs of starvation. The people were becoming sickeningly thin, the children often crying of stomach pains, the elderly barely leaving their huts in favor of sleeping, and what's more, Kagome couldn't help but notice the change that'd taken place over her own body; even she had lost a considerable amount of weight, the clothes given to her by Aiko quite loose fitting, but it was not at a dangerous stage for the young girl yet.
With the construction of the village delayed, the people too weak to cut down the trees in the forest which would provide them lumber for their huts, they focused their endeavors entirely on finding food. Whether it was fishing, hunting or foraging in the woods, anything would suffice to give them enough energy to complete their arduous tasks in life.
Though their strength was slowly depleting, Kaede was thankful the young men and women still had enough energy within them to sustain themselves a little longer, enough strength to continue hunting, looking after the fields, and also looking after one another. With the barrier still in place, protecting them from any further Demon attacks, Kaede did her best to strengthen it, just as her deceased sister had years ago.
During this time, Kaede met with Kagome on more than a few occasions, the two getting along much better than they had in the past. Since the beads of subjugation was entwined around the child's wrist, continuing to suppress her spiritual powers not yet fully controlled, Kaede decided to release Kagome from confinement within the village, allowing the young girl to freely walk in and out at any time; with the beads in place, it would also be impossible to sense her powers, therefore, giving her better protection, unless removed.
Bending down, her hands reaching into the thorny bush, Kagome plucked a few black berries, the red dye staining her fingers, dropping them gently into her basket. After spending a few hours in the sweltering heat gathering what she could, she and Aiko filled two baskets to the brim with delicious and sweet berries, the remainder of the baskets laid out beside them, filled with a collection of herbs, some for medicinal purposes and some edible.
Wiping the sweat from her forehead, her cheeks and her neck, Kagome stood up, wiping the dirt from her brown kimono, a couple baskets positioned atop each other against her hip. "I think this should be enough, what do you think?"
Aiko nodded, grabbing her own baskets and wiping the sweat from her face with the sleeve of her kimono. "We're lucky we got them so early. The heat has been terrible," she sighed. "Let's go this way. We still have a little more time."
Nodding, Kagome followed Aiko deeper into the woods, the path easy to follow. Eventually, they arrived before a small collection of Fig trees, the likes of which surprised Kagome. Not only were there Fig trees, there were also some trees here and there filled with a large yellow fruit, the likes of which Kagome found familiar.
"Pears!" She cried out with delight. How lucky were they to have stumbled upon such a fruit? She had no idea they had pear trees so close to the village, even if it was a short walking distance.
Upon hearing the word pear, Aiko blinked. "You mean this Nashi?" She asked, reaching up to gather the large round yellowed fruit before presenting it to her friend. "Do your people call it a pear?"
As she brought it closer, Kagome leaned further, taking the fruit into her hands. Examining it, she realized it seemed a lot different than the usual pears back home, this kind rounder and the skin harder. Deciding to bite into it, Aiko looking on curiously, Kagome reveled in the light taste dancing across her tongue. It tasted like a pear, but the taste was somewhat different, but not in a bad way. "Yes, but it's a bit different than what we have back home. Not going to lie, but these are much sweeter."
Aiko smiled. "Yes. We've had Nashi trees for many years, but pretty soon they will be gone. Autumn is just around the corner and soon we'll be hit by the storms of Winter. We should collect what we can from here before then."
Kagome nodded. Near the end of September, Autumn would certainly come, and with it, the weather could become colder. "Have you thought about replanting the Fig and Nashi seeds in the village? That way you wouldn't have to make the long walk to the woods to find them." Kagome asked.
"No, we haven't thought to do so. Actually, that's a great idea. When we return to the village, we should bring that up to High Priestess Kaede."
The two spent a couple more hours in the woods, often spotting a few of the men out hunting, their countenance somewhat energetic while others were quite exhausted. After managing to collect what they could find, the two girls eventually made their way back to the village. Fortunately, there haven't been any sightings of Demons in the area, and for that, they were glad.
The arrival back took little time, their sandaled feet crunching atop the dry brownish grass as they sauntered past the fields. The soil was very light in color, dry and in need of water. The last it had rained was weeks ago, and more than a few times a day, the women fetched water from the lake, tossing it upon the fields so the soil would suck in the much-needed moisture; it was a tiring process, with little to no results, but fortunately enough, small saplings sprouted forth.
Finally arriving before High Priestess Kaede's hut, Kagome and Aiko stepped inside, the tired priestess within greeting them from her seated position in front of the fire. Setting down the basket, Aiko and Kagome displayed their findings to the older woman, Kaede nodding approvingly at the results.
"Ye did very good. This alone will be enough to last for two days," Kaede replied, shifting her hands through the medicinal herbs curiously. "Was this all ye could find?"
Aiko nodded dismally. "I'm afraid so. Without rain, much of the plants have been withering away to nothing…"
"There's not much else we can do," Kaede replied with a shake of her head. "I'm afraid there isn't much left besides tending to the fields, but I've got Mayoko and the other girls handling that…"
"Is there anything else you want us to do, Lady Kaede?" Kagome asked.
Hours passed, and as evening fell upon them, the hunting party finally returned from the forest, arriving once more nearly empty handed. Yuuta managed to capture one adult deer, Satouru acquiring two rabbits, and the remainder nothing but a basket filled with small fish. Judging by the bruises marring Satouru and Yuuta's complexion, it was obvious the two were involved in a scuffle during their hunt, Satouru looking displeased while Yuuta feigned ignorance. Nonetheless, Kaede was grateful for the food found, and soon enough, the food was cooked and distributed equally.
While many retired to their huts for the night, exhausted and still not satisfied entirely with their small morsels of food, it was enough to sustain them another day. Kagome and Aiko retired to their hut as well, but before they could change into their sleeping attire, an abrupt loud and shrieking wail resounded in the night.
Bemused and startled by the noise, the two girls shared a look, feeling the hairs on their arms stand on end. What was that noise? Shortly after, there was a commotion outside, and curious of the situation, the girls noticed the entire village gathered together; Kaede was among them, looking on curiously as a crowd gathered around a single young man.
"There's something in the woods! I think it's a Demon, High Priestess!" The younger man replied, his expression terrified.
"What are you talking about Takashi?" Satouru replied, his arms crossed ignorantly. "It's either a Demon or it's not."
"What happened? Tell us slowly." Kaede asked, hoping it was nothing more than a wild animal.
As Kagome and Aiko ventured closer, the incessant wail continuing from somewhere close by, they saw the expression of the man in the crowd, his raven hair pulled back in a messy top knot, his cheek marred with dirt and his entire body trembling.
"One of the goats from this morning got loose, and I've been trying to find it all day. It seems it gnawed on its rope and disappeared into The Forest of Inuyasha," He replied, fidgeting with his fingers nervously. "I looked all over, but I couldn't find it, High Priestess. However,"
"However?" Kosuke asked, his expression becoming worrying. To lose one of their precious goats was certainly not a good thing. "What did you see?"
"A Demon!" He replied, almost frantically. "I saw it with my own eyes, surrounded by blue fire!"
"Blue fire?" Kagome questioned, her head canted to the side bemusedly. "What kind of Demon was it?"
Takashi didn't know. "Whatever it was, it was underneath The Great Tree, High Priestess. I have a bad feeling…"
As startling as this was, Kaede wasn't sure how to really proceed. There was a Demon in the woods, a Demon Takashi wasn't able to discern before fleeing back to the village. And yet, it was near the tree, the very same tree which brought Kagome to this Era. "If that is the case, we should be fine. The barrier has been strengthened. For now, I suggest ye all retire to ye huts. Tomorrow, if the Demon still presides in the forest, we shall take matters into our own hands."
"But High Priestess…" Takashi stammered, entirely paranoid of the thought of the creature somehow finding a way past the barrier.
Despite his uneasiness, as well as the other villagers fearfully looking off towards the wood's direction, Kaede shook her head. "It will be fine. For now, stay away from the forest and retire for the night."
While everyone returned to their huts, the remainder without homes yet retiring to the barn, Kagome and Aiko ventured back to the hut. After donning their night kimonos, the two laid themselves in their futons, wide awake and listening to the wails.
It was incessant. The cry like that of a woman, and yet, it was supposedly a Demon. If anything, the people believed the wail signified a distressed call to lure the villagers into the woods, fooling them to believe someone was in danger.
"Aiko," Kagome voiced. "Do you really think it was a Demon?"
Turning onto her side, Aiko's brown eyes looked upon the girl beside her, her eyes staring at the roof above them. "I think so. Takashi said the Demon was surrounded by blue flames."
"Then why didn't it attack him? Demons can easily pick up on scents," Kagome questioned.
Aiko mused. "I'm not sure. Maybe he was downwind of it? Or it could be a case where it didn't notice him."
"It's been crying like that for over an hour now."
Aiko nodded.
Looking away from the ceiling, Kagome turned towards her female friend. No matter how much she tried to drown out the noise with her own thoughts, she couldn't rid herself of it. "Why does it sound so pained? It sounds like it's in distress…"
Realizing Kagome was feeling empathy, Aiko's felt somewhat alarmed. Pushing herself up from her futon, Aiko's gaze narrowed disapprovingly. "No Kagome. You mustn't feel upset. It's certainly a ploy to lure us into the forest."
Lifting herself up as well, Kagome couldn't help but scrunch her face in confusion. Was it truly a trick to lure them to the forest? But what if it was really a distressed cry for help? For some reason, she couldn't help but feel something else was wrong. "I'm not sure … but I have this feeling something is wrong…"
"Kagome?" Aiko voiced. Noticing her friend lift herself out of her futon, rummaging through one of the chests for her kimono, Aiko quickly lit the candle beside her, the small flame lighting the room. "What are you doing? Where are you going?"
Pushing her arms into the sleeves of the kimono before wrapping and tying the obi around her waist, Kagome ambled to the door, looking back suddenly at her friend. "Sorry, but I can't sleep. I want to find out why it's making that noise."
Aiko quickly stepped out the hut, grasping Kagome's arm in hopes of pulling her back. "No. Lady Kaede said she would figure out what to do in the morning. She said we mustn't venture into the woods until its safe," She panicked. This was entirely too dangerous, and she feared Kagome was under a spell. "Let's go back inside, okay?"
Regardless of her worry, Kagome pulled away, smiling. "Don't worry. I just want to take a quick look. Besides, the Demon didn't harm Takashi, right? I just want to take a peek and see if something is wrong. I'll only be a few minutes. Besides," She held up her wrist, displaying the white and blue subjugation beads to Aiko. "With these on, it won't sense anything."
"Kagome!" Aiko cried, but despite wanting her friend to ignore the Demon's cries, Kagome ran off towards the forest. Unsure of what to do, Aiko chased after, but as soon as she reached the outskirts of the village, the looming trees of the forest staring back at her, she stopped. Kagome's form disappeared past the line of trees, and Aiko looked on worryingly. "Kagome…"
Venturing further into the woods, the cries became much louder and clearer than before. It was definitely the sounds of a woman for sure, but was it truly a Demon like Takashi said? The more she continued on, the more she was beginning to regret her decision. Aiko expressed her concerns not to go into the woods, fearing it was a trap, but normally when Kagome set her mind on something, there was no turning back.
"Maybe I was a bit too stubborn…"
The darkness settled itself around her, an eerie fog arising at her ankles, and while she rubbed the warmth back into her arms, shivering as the cold set in, she saw a light up ahead.
"That light…"
Believing she was closing in on the spectacle, Kagome continued on the path, stepping through bushes here and there on her trek. Eventually, she arrived near the clearing, the sight of the Goshinboku directly ahead, but realizing she wasn't alone in the vicinity, she concealed herself behind the trees, faintly glimpsing an awe-inspiring sight.
Blue flames danced before her eyes, their rounded embers lighting the clearing in an ethereal glow. As Kagome's gaze looked on in fascination, it drifted towards the base of the tree. Seated against the bark, a woman with alabaster skin and long flowing crimson hair was dressed in a red, white and green kimono with many layers, her obi untied and her shoulder bared and swollen. A pained expression graced her face, her eyes shut tightly, and her hands held gently against her stomach. Her cries were indeed incessant, and judging by the scenario, it seemed she was indeed in pain.
'Something's wrong…'
"It hurts…" The woman cried out, tears falling as she writhed against the tree, her grip upon her obi clenching and unclenching.
Trying to discern the situation, Kagome squinted her gaze, looking past the multiple layers of her attire. Although her arms covered her stomach, there was no denying the blood which seeped through her clothing. She was injured.
Kagome gasped. Not good. If she was out here this long and crying out in pain, then something was certainly wrong. While it was probably best to remain concealed, Kagome couldn't help but move away from the tree, revealing herself. Ever so slowly, she approached the woman, avoiding the flames floating around the vicinity.
"E-excuse me…" Kagome called out, somewhat softly.
Although her voice was barely above a whisper, the woman's amethyst eyes opened. Looking upon Kagome curiously, her expression strained, she regarded her hesitantly, but she didn't move away. "You … are a priestess?"
Kagome paused, her eyes widening in surprise. How had she known? Even though she wasn't a trained one, it was certain she had sensed the spiritual powers within her. But how? Were the subjugation beads defective?
"It's … subtle, but I can sense it…" She replied softly, her eyes straining to remain open. Noticing the young human's hesitance, she released a sigh. "I won't harm you…"
Relieved by this, and yet worried all the same, Kagome approached further and knelt before her. From far away, she didn't seem any bigger than herself, but up close, it was obvious the woman's height measured at least 6 feet tall. Everything about her, except for her eyes and hair were indeed humanlike in appearance. And yet, as Kagome scrutinized her further, she realized she had a long crimson tail flowing around the base of the tree, and tall sharp fuzzy ears perched atop her head. Was she a Kitsune?
Blood coated her lower abdomen, and a pool of blood fell trickled down her ankles, most of which shocked the young girl. The Kitsune's layered kimono was ripped in many places, revealing a struggle recently took place.
"You're wounded…" Kagome replied, covering her mouth from the sight. The injury to her abdomen seemed severe, but she couldn't be sure since she wore so many layers.
"Yes … my clan was attacked. I managed to escape, but my injuries, I fear are great…" She replied achingly.
Worried she was losing too much blood, Kagome suddenly panicked. Remembering she had a first aid kid back at Aiko's hut, Kagome quickly stood up, hoping to retrieve it. "Let me go get help. If we can clean and stitch your wounds, you should be fine."
Yet, before she could run off, the Demon caught her wrist, shaking her head slowly. "There's not much time. I'm not … long for this world…"
Her eyes widened at this. If she couldn't run back to get the first aid kid, then what could she do? She was injured, and was dying right before her eyes, and yet, she couldn't do anything. "There must be something I can do…"
Those words surprised the Kitsune, her strained eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hearing such words from a priestess … I'm surprised…"
"Oh, but I'm not a priestess. Actually, I'm just an ordinary girl…" Kagome replied, her eyes lingering on the blood worryingly.
"Ordinary?" She asked. "I see…" As her amethyst eyes closed, her breathing became somewhat calmer. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes, looking upon the girl intently. "If you can … would you do me a favor?"
Kagome nodded, a hand held to her chest. "Of course. What is it?"
Removing her arms from her stomach, her gaze shifting there suddenly, Kagome looked down as well. To her surprise, she saw a large bump protruding through her kimono, revealing without a doubt, the Kitsune was pregnant. She was in labor.
A gasp escaped her. "I didn't know you were pregnant…" This was bad, so very bad. While she watched the woman struggle to remove her layered attire, Kagome assisted, and managing to slip the remainder off her shoulders, the Kitsune was finally free of her clothing.
"I cannot feel my baby moving," She replied, caressing her bump achingly.
Her hands flew to her mouth, the blood accumulating between the woman's legs was surely heartbreaking. Most likely, she must have miscarried, but Kagome didn't know the first thing about how to handle such a situation.
"Won't you help me … bring my child into this world?" She pleaded, her eyes glistening. "I cannot lose this child…"
Tears threatened to fall. Deliver her child? But how? If she could not feel her child move within her womb, and judging by the loss of blood pooling between her legs, it was most likely the case of a miscarriage. But then again, miscarriages normally happened during 20 weeks or so, right? Was it different for Demons? Kagome wasn't sure. The child was probably… No. She didn't want to think negatively. Maybe the child was still alive. "I've never done this before…"
"It's … alright. It's a first for me as well…"
Swallowing nervously, she released a breath and nodded. "Alright. What should I do?"
Bringing a clawed finger up, her nail sliding against her stomach, she prodded the bump softly. "Pull the child from my womb…" She replied softly, noticing the girl's face consort into a fearful one. "I cannot deliver … my child normally, priestess. This is the only way…"
"But, if you do that…" Kagome trailed off.
She smiled. "I … wish to hold my child before I pass on… Will you do me this favor?"
Despite wanting to refuse and find some way to save her, Kagome nodded. "Of course. I'll do what I can." Rolling up her sleeves of her kimono, kagome positioned herself directly in front of the Kitsune, her eyes locking with her amethyst ones. "Alright."
Pleased by her comply, she eased herself onto the ground, allowing herself to lie directly upon her back. With the priestess beside her prepared to pull the child from her womb, the mother dug her sharp nail directly under the belly button, dragging her hand further down until it was big enough to ease the child through. Blood seeped from the open wound, and though it was not deep enough to cause any harm to the infant, it was enough to urge a pained cry from her.
While the smell of blood and the sight of it almost overwhelmed her, Kagome held herself together. Leaning forward, she reached her hands inside the open wound, immediately urging a wale of pain from the woman. "I'm sorry…"
A pinkish layer of skin greeted Kagome, and realizing it would probably need cut, especially considering she could not see any baby within, she reached into her pocket. Once retrieving the small dagger, which she brought back with her from home weeks before, she looked dismally to the Kitsune lying down. "I need to cut through so I can get your baby out…"
"Do what you must. I will … endure…" She replied almost breathlessly, her vision darkening slightly.
Nodding. Kagome pulled her blade up, the point sharpened and never used. Taking a deep breath, she pushed aside the outer layer of her stomach, thankful for the flames dancing around the vicinity and providing her light. As she made a small incision against the skin, slicing it enough to where she could pull it apart, she saw the pinkish sack within. She was almost there, she was sure of it.
Perspiration fell from brow, and she very carefully made a cut, followed after by a couple more, and she realized the sack held layers. Kagome only hoped she wouldn't somehow injure the baby within. To her relief, the final skin tore away easily, and this time, she saw the outline of the baby's cranium within, its small auburn hair sticking out.
"We're almost there!" Kagome replied. The only thing left was to pull, but she was reminded of the umbilical cord. What if the cord had somehow wrapped itself around the baby's neck?
"Do … you see my baby?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes … but I just hope I can pull it out without causing harm…"
Understanding the urgency, the Kitsune slowly attempted to upright herself, and with the help of Kagome beside her, she leaned back against the tree, out of breath. The pain was indeed great, but she still had energy to spare. "I … shall assist. If you can pull the child, I'll … take care of the rest…"
As the mother reached down, pulling back the layers of skin for Kagome, she leaned forward once more, her dagger lying on the ground beside her. With both hands, she carefully reached inside, her fingers gently touching the sides of the baby's head. Not wanting to pull directly on the cranium, she reached a bit further, feeling around for the umbilical cord, and when she felt it, somewhere wrapped around the shoulders of the baby, Kagome moved it away. It was a lot more difficult than she first thought, though, it was a simple process. Once the cord was out of harm's way, she pulled the lower body forward.
It happened within a few moments time, and shortly after removing the child from her womb, the baby was cradled in her arms, its small form moving on its own accord, and an infant's cry immediately after. It had survived.
"Thank goodness…" Tears prickled Kagome's vision. "It's a boy…"
The Kitsune smiled in relief and reached for the child. As Kagome handed her the baby, the mother touched a spot on the cord attached to its bellybutton, and with a flick of her finger, sliced it.
As the cord fell away, her cerulean eyes took in the sight of the baby. It was beautiful, despite the blood smeared all over her hands and kimono, it was still a wonderful sight.
"His father would have been proud…" She replied, grasping her plain white kimono before wiping the blood from her child's body. "He looks so much like his father."
"What will you name him?" Kagome asked, too hesitant to ask about the husband.
For a moment, the Kitsune pondered the question. What name indeed? As her amethyst eyes took in the sight of her child, noticing his small fuzzy red ears like her own and a peach colored tail like his father's, she smiled. "Shippo…"
Kagome beamed. "It's a wonderful name."
She nodded, but certain weakness overcame her, and feeling her arms become limp, she leaned further back against the bark. Her breath came out short, her vision darkening and becoming blurry. Her time was drawing near, she could feel it. "I'm glad … I could hold my baby…"
Noticing her strength to hold her child against her was weakening, Kagome quickly leaned forward, steadying the Kitsune's arm so the child wouldn't fall. "There's still time. I'm sure I can—"
She shook her head. "My time has come. You brought my child into the world, and for that … I am truly grateful, priestess. I do have one … last favor to ask of you…"
Without even knowing the answer to that, Kagome nodded, her gaze drifting to the child in her arms. Although their meeting was short, it was the only natural thing to do. The mother wanted her child to live on, and it seemed, she trusted Kagome enough to want her to raise her baby. "Are you sure? I'm … a human…"
She nodded, smiling weakly. "Human you are … you showed me a compassion I never once received from your kind," She replied. "I believe … you will nurture my son just fine. Please … take care of him. Shippo … he doesn't have anyone else to look after him. Without the love of a mother … how would he survive?"
Understanding, Kagome accepted the kit, and held the child against her chest, its small eyes closed as it slept. "I'll take care of him," She replied, tears spilling from her eyes.
Noticing her tears, she frowned, her hand lifting to wipe them away. They were genuine and pure, enough so, she felt satisfied leaving her child with the girl. "Thank you, priestess. I'll surely watch over the both of you…" In her final moments, her entire body emitted a soft light, the light dissipating into nothing more than a blue flame, lingering with the rest dancing around Kagome.
The bell rang throughout the village, signifying great distress among the villagers. The people stirred from their slumber, and prepared for the worst, they quickly fled to Kaede's hut, the elderly priestess holding up a torch in the night, and immediately surrounded by the entire village.
Aiko fidgeted nervously, her eyes looking towards the forest with uncertainty. Half an hour had gone by since Kagome's disappearance into the woods, and though she promised not to linger too long, Aiko was beginning to fear something terrible happened.
"Aiko has told me Kagome ran into the woods a short time ago," Kaede replied, inciting immediate whispers among the people. "Whether or not it's the Demon's doing, we shall only take our best men into the forest. Any volunteers?"
While the bandits were gathered around, their fingers in their mouths biting at their nails nervously, Yuuta stepped forward. "I'll head out. I'm familiar with those woods. Tracking her shouldn't be difficult."
"I'll go as well!" Kosuke exclaimed, his urgency to find Kagome and protect her overflowing the forefront of his mind.
As Mayoko clung to her husband fearfully, she noticed the determined look spread across his face. Though they'd only known Kagome a short time in their household, she was like family to them. "My husband and I shall look as well."
"There's no need for that, honey," Daisuke replied. "I'll feel better if you were safe here than out there. I'll bring Kagome back."
Kaede nodded approvingly. "Very well. Let us be off."
Gathering a horse for the High Priestess, the men settled on walking the remainder of the way there. During their trek, they were followed by the other villagers, despite Kaede's warning to stay within the barrier.
Seeing this, from atop her stead, Kaede frowned. 'They've really had a change of heart for the child.'
"Wait!" Aiko called out, running through the throng of people to catch up. When the others turned at her quick approach, she stopped beside Kosuke, catching her breath. "I want to go with you. I'm at fault for letting her go into the forest, especially alone."
"Are ye certain, child?" Kaede inquired. "Ye may very well come across the Demon within. There is no telling what may arise."
Aiko was determined. "I want to save Kagome!"
But at her exclamation, a figure appeared within the tree line, the villagers suddenly pointing their fingers towards the woods in surprise. Looking on nervously, hoping it wasn't the Demon, they were surprised it was Kagome, covered in blood from head to toe, walking towards them.
Aiko gasped, her feet carrying her forward, and immediately threw her arms around Kagome's shoulders. "Kagome!"
Almost losing her footing, Kagome smiled, easing away from Aiko so the child in her arms wasn't crushed. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to take too long."
Despite her words, Aiko fumed. "You were gone more than three minutes! Do you know how worried I was?"
While it was obvious Aiko was upset, Kagome otherwise felt apologetic to her, as well as everyone else suddenly gathered around her. It was clear from their stares, they saw the blood, some believing it was her own, but at the sight of something held snug against her bosom, wrapped in a thin one-layer white kimono, she held the child out.
Easing her way off the stead, High Priestess Kaede approached Kagome, her aged eyes taking in the sight of the newborn Kitsune silently asleep in her arms. Immediate silence overtook her, her mouth falling slightly open in surprise.
When Aiko saw the child, she couldn't hold back a gasp, though she did not seem fearful, in fact, she seemed quite worried, if not cautious. "Kagome…"
"What the hell is that?" Satouru asked, approaching her as well, his eyes noticing the twitching fox like appendages upon its auburn head. "A Demon!" He exclaimed, his fists tightening at the sight. "What is wrong with you? Why would you bring such a monstrosity to our village!"
To the word monstrosity, Kagome glared. "He isn't a monstrosity. He's a baby," She replied, trying her best to keep her voice lowered so as not to wake the child. While the other villagers looked on silently, their thoughts confused as to why she arrived in a bloody mess, Kagome sighed. "I was curious of the wailing, and so I wanted to find the source of it. I ignored Aiko's warnings, and for that, I'm deeply sorry. But, what I found wasn't a Demon hoping to sink their fangs into me, but a mother who was in constant pain. She showed me kindness, and I returned the favor. She couldn't deliver her child properly. In the end, her child survived, and she entrusted me to look after him."
Upon her explanation, the villager's confused expressions became somewhat understanding, though, the sight of the Demon within the young girl's arms did little to soothe their worry.
"You what?!" Satouru growled. "Not only do you supposedly have the blood of a priestess flowing within you, but you showed mercy to a Demon and plan to raise its child? I've never heard of such a thing!"
Despite Satouru's harsh words, Aiko and the others didn't deny it. While it was indeed strange for a human to want to protect and raise a Demon, it was simply unthinkable. "I'm not sure that would be possible, Kagome…"
"How come?" Kagome was surprised her friend was also against it. "He's a baby…"
Aiko nodded, touching her shoulder gently. "I know. If he weren't a Demon, then we would reconsider, but he isn't Kagome. Should it be known our village is harboring him, our lives would surely become forfeit."
Kosuke agreed. "Not to mention the shortage of food. How could we possibly manage to feed another life when we're barely getting by with what we have?"
They were right. The people were starving, including herself, and with so little going around, bringing up another child in the village was almost unthinkable. And yet, Kagome couldn't turn away. This child, she would raise as her own; he was now her duty, someone she hoped to protect, and she only hoped to convince the villagers. "I promised her. I can't break that promise. Regardless of what you say, I will raise this child. If I should leave this village to do so, then so be it."
"Kagome?!" Aiko replied in surprise.
Yuuta couldn't help but step forth. "If Kagome should decide to leave the village and raise this child on her own, then I shall accompany her."
Kosuke blanched at this. The thought of Kagome deciding to leave the village in favor of raising the child, was enough to upset him. While he had nothing against the baby, despite the fears of what their Daimyo in Edo would do to them should he find out, Kosuke didn't like the thought of Kagome leaving.
"Yeah me too!" One of the bandits called out, raising his fist in his exclamation.
"Me three!"
"Wherever Boss goes, we go!"
"Yeah!" They all shouted in unison.
Kagome smiled at their words, feeling slightly teary eyed at their want to follow her. She used her one clean sleeve, not stained with blood, to wipe at her eye. "Thanks, you guys."
A chorus of whispers resounded around the young woman, many questioning whether or not they would lose their priestess in favor of raising the Demon baby.
"Good riddance. We don't need a wench like you to protect us against Demons anyways," Satouru replied scornfully, despite receiving scowls and dirty looks from the villagers, including the bandits. "She's been nothing but trouble since she was brought to our village!"
Aiko glared. "That's enough, Satouru. I would really appreciate it if you didn't bad mouth my friend like that."
The bandits cracked their knuckles. "What'd you say about our Boss?!" They replied angrily, their eyes narrowed and their stance predatory.
Satouru didn't back down. "She's not even a real priestess, so I don't understand why you're all so protective of her. She's hasn't done anything but lead Demons into our village, and most of our huts have been destroyed by the catastrophe! Not to mention her rogue bandits, the very cause of our ruined harvests from the start!"
"Boss?" One of the bandits called out.
Kagome blinked, not at all fazed by Satouru's usual outbursts against her. "Yes Akira?"
"Permission to snap his neck?!" He palmed his fist with his knuckles.
Satouru seethed, his arms crossed. "I'd like to see you try!"
Hearing this, Kagome held back a giggle. "No Akira. What did I say against killing?"
His shoulders slumped at this, but then, a thought occurred to him and he leaned in close to whisper in Kagome's ear. "Then can I at least hit him real hard?"
Unable to hold back her laughter, which did not go unnoticed by others, especially Satouru's scornful stare, Kagome laughed. "No!"
While it was obvious a fight was sure to arise between the bandits and Satouru, Kaede held up a hand to silence everyone. "So ye truly wish to raise this Demon as ye own?" Kaede finally replied after a moment's pause.
Kagome nodded. "Of course. If anything, I'll hold full responsibility."
Understanding, despite Satouru's want to rid the child from their village, she nodded. "Very well. Then, for the time being, the child may stay."
Everyone turned at this, their eyes widened in disbelief, and Kagome's hopes lifted. Despite the severity of the situation, she was willing to allow Shippo entry into the village, and for that, Kagome was truly grateful.
"Lady Kaede! This is unthinkable!" Satouru growled. "We can't harbor Demons! If the Daimyo finds ou—"
Kaede narrowed her gaze at the young man beside her. "He won't find out unless someone in our village reports it."
Kosuke couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "But why High Priestess?"
"I have trust in Kagome. While it may be against our customs to care for Demons, we must remember that Kagome was raised differently. She was raised with a gentle kindness within her, and ye have all witnessed it. Despite having the blood of a priestess flowing in her veins, she helped a Demon in distress, despite our fear going out into the woods. Her instincts as a priestess, despite her lack of training, drove her to help that Demon and deliver its child to this world," Kaede replied. "I have no doubt in my mind, the child, under her care, will grow up just fine. Were my sister still alive, I feel even she would have gone out of her way to do just the same…"
Though they were unsure before as to whether or not accept the child into their village, after hearing their High Priestess's explanation, she reconsidered. Perhaps raising a Demon baby wouldn't be too bad, maybe, it would grow up differently?
"That is my reasoning. Should anyone be against it, speak now," Kaede answered. To her satisfaction, no one said a word, not even Satouru, who was glowering at Kagome. Smiling, she placed a hand upon the newborn's head, touching its soft hair gently. "We will welcome this child into the village."
"Thank you!" Kagome cried elatedly.
Although she was still apprehensive, Aiko otherwise smiled for her friend. "If that's the case, then welcome to the village, little one."
Kosuke leaned in curiously, smiling at the small bundle cradled against her chest. Even for a baby, the child was quite adorable, despite looking more human than Demon. "What's the baby's name?"
"Shippo," Kagome replied happily.
Yet, before allowing the child access into the village, there was one small problem, and that problem centered entirely around the barrier. The barrier acted as a means to keep Demons out, whether or not they possessed righteous or cruel hearts. Capable of fixing this dilemma, Kaede crafted another set of subjugation beads, similar in appearance to Kagome's and entwined it around the baby's wrist. With this, the child could freely come and go from the village without the fear of being purified.
Kagome held up her own bracelet, smiling at the child held in her arms, still asleep and unaware of the happenings around him. "Now we really are connected. Don't worry, I'll protect you from now on, my sweet Shippo."
Droplets of rain suddenly fell upon them, the sight unpredicted, leaving the people staring up into the evening sky bemused. Rain. It was something they hadn't seen in weeks, something which they'd been deprived of for so long. Delighted by the shift in weather, no longer appreciative of the sweltering heat they'd been experiencing, they joined together in celebratory cheers, raising their hands to the heavens joyously. Perhaps good things were bound to happen from now on.