The stare Ungai sent her left Kagome biting her tongue, her gaze shifting to Lady Tsubaki beside her. Had she said something wrong? A slight shift of the head from her instructor answered those thoughts, and Kagome lowered her gaze. Perhaps her words had offended the elder monk, though Shinsen and the others remained calm.

"Such a notion is not becoming of a priestess! Why, the very thought is absurd! Demons are our enemy, girl! They are evil creatures that have a tendency to resort to all kinds of trickery! And that two headed demon is no exception!"

Lady Tsubaki cleared her throat, but despite the awkwardness settling around the room, she smiled. "My student was curious, Ungai. In fact, she's only had a few encounters with demons. A few months ago, her village was attacked, not just by a demon, but also bandits. The child has lost much from the damage, but her curiosity remains. As unlikely as it seems, she has lived a sheltered life, safe from preying demons, and has only recently realized their existence."

Kagome sweat dropped at the older woman's response. It seemed Lady Kaede didn't hesitate to share that information with her, but it took the monks off guard, and they stared at her, furthering her embarrassment. Geez, I know this is the Warring States Period and all, but there's no reason for them to act uptight… I was only asking a question.

"She's lived sheltered from demons all her life?" Shinsen asked, leaning onto the table to scrutinize the young girl. "There is much I wish to ask, but I dare not intrude as it is not my place. If that is the case, you have been fortunate. But this training to control your spiritual powers will determine whether you can survive against future encounters. It would be wise not to underestimate them."

"I… understand," Kagome said.

Ungai scoffed. "Such foul creatures do not deserve to live in the same world as us! One day, I'm certain, humankind will pave a path to their extinction. And when that day comes, the Heavens will smile upon us once again…"

Although there was a fine distinction between their beliefs, Kagome thought of Shippo. Much like this conversation, a similar one had played out the day she had delivered Shippo into this world, shortly before his mother's passing. Despite the seriousness of the situation, his mother hadn't dared strike her but had entrusted her with her son's safety. Not only that, but Kaede had trusted her decision to raise him, regardless of the superstitions surrounding the village.

But over time, I changed the hearts of everyone in the village. Shippo isn't dangerous. He's only an infant, and I promised his mother I would raise and protect him. If nurtured right, he will grow into a fine adult. I just know it…

"You have much on your mind, girl?" Ungai asked. "Tell me. Do you find it wrong that we hunt demons? I would like to know your thoughts."

She swallowed. Well, even now it was obvious she didn't agree with them, but rather than stifle her thoughts, she ignored Lady Tsubaki's silent warning and gave him an answer. "Though I've only encountered a few demons in my life, I have witnessed enough to know how wicked they can be," She said, her words comforting the monks. "I witnessed friends and neighbors ripped to shreds by an awful bird demon, some still half alive before they met their gruesome fates. There was even a centipede demon that had chased after me, intent on devouring me whole, and how I escaped, I still cannot fathom…"

Ungai nodded, pleased by her explanation. "Yes. They are frightening creatures that deserve no mercy—"

"And yet," Kagome continued. "I encountered another demon, this one different from the last two. She laid on the outskirts of the village dying and had complications giving birth. When I stumbled upon her, she never once lashed out, but had spoken to me as though I were a friend. There was enough energy left for her to kill me, but she didn't."

Shinsen mused. "The only reasonable explanation for why it didn't attack was likely linked to its wounds. You are lucky to be alive. But like Ungai said, these creatures needn't receive such sympathy. Since their birth, they are evil. Once their instincts kick in, they will no doubt fall into a slaughtering frenzy. We have seen it plenty of times on our journey."

Kagome paused. Their instinct? Well, it didn't seem impossible, but surely if the individual was raised properly they would learn to withstand any urgencies. If they were going by this, then humans were no different. What creature in this world didn't have instincts? For instance, the bandits that had rampaged through the village previously had set all the huts on fire, but had done so without injuring a single person, and though they paid for their actions through physical labor, they had learned right from wrong.

While Ungai appeared agitated by her response, Shinsen smiled. "It's obvious you possess compassion, and you see goodness in all creatures, including demons. And while there may be truth in your words, such demons are very few in this world. Human life is fleeting, and it is not worth questioning. Those thoughts may one day lead to your end, child."

"Have… you ever killed a child? A demon child," Kagome asked.

"Kagome. That is enough," Lady Tsubaki said, shaking her head. "Your questions are not appropriate."

Ungai nodded. "Plenty. Even infants."

But regardless of her instructor's warning to put an end to her questions, Kagome continued, her hands clenched beneath the table. "What about… half-demons?" It was a topic they had recently brought up concerning the Western Region. From what she knew, they were children born from a demon and a human, that much Lady Kaede had revealed before she and Yuuta had left the village.

When she first heard the story, she found it almost impossible to fathom, but sometimes love could blossom between the unlikely pairs. It was almost similar to the expression, opposites attract. Literally. But according to the aged priestess, half-demons were abominable creatures, neither wanted by demons or humans. Kagome wondered if she would ever see one during her stay in this world.

A familiar fist slammed on the table, and once again, Aiya and Maemi scooted closer to Kagome. Ungai narrowed his brown orbs at Kagome, and his voice rose sterner in his hatred against demons. "Half-demons?! They are the worst of those vile creatures! Child, do not pity such creations! They are born from heinous crimes of trafficking and rape, and hold no place in Heaven and Hell! Girl, your empathy towards these demons will lead to your downfall! Mark my words—"

Unable to stand much more of his accusations against demons, Kagome stood up from the table and excused herself. All the while, she ignored the open-mouthed expressions from everyone at the table. But just as she stepped out of the room and closed the shoji screen door, she overheard Ungai speak to Lady Tsubaki.

"Keep your eyes on her. She still lacks in her training. Is she continues those foolish thoughts, she'll not last long out there."

The hours passed since the heated discussion at the breakfast table, and turning her gaze to the small window beside her futon, she noticed the darkening skies. What Ungai and Shinsen had said earlier weighed on her mind, and torn between her responsibilities as a priestess and a mother, she sought meditation to cleanse her thoughts.

Instincts would drive anyone to resort to violence, even animals. It wasn't only centered on demons and half-demons. Still, the thought of those monks hunting even infants sickened her. It was cruel. Then again, it wasn't surprising she compared them to humans. After all, an infant was just that. An innocent babe unable to protect itself. Children were no different.

I won't get far in life? What a thing to say to someone you just met! The nerve of him! There's no way I'll let something like that happen to Shippo, or anyone I meet along the way! I hope I never run into that monk again!

Kagome inhaled and exhaled and shook her raven locks, but still her thoughts remained loud and clear. The meditation she'd undergone months prior seemed useless, even after six hours, and wearing herself out from training hadn't aided her endeavors. Even now, she somehow doubted she would sleep tonight.

A knock on the door drew her curious stare, and she saw Aiya on the other side. When it slid open, she saw the rounded face and brown eyes of the child peer into the room. "Yes?"

"Are you hungry? Maemi and I prepared dinner," She said, revealing a tray filled with rice and soup. "Are you still upset?"

The inquiry surprised Kagome, and realizing she might have caused trouble for the caretakers, she frowned. It wasn't her intention to ruin a visit between friends, but Kagome never expected the conversation would turn the way it did. Either way, there was no helping it now. Realizing that sulking wouldn't lighten the situation, she smiled at the child and beckoned her closer.

The action alone brought a smile to Aiya's face, and she wasted no time in her approach before lowering the tray onto the low-rising table. "Thank goodness! Don't pay any attention to what those monks said, Kagome. I believe you."

"Believe me?"

She nodded. "Maemi and I have never seen a demon up close before, since we never leave the barrier of the shrine grounds. So, we aren't knowledgeable on that topic. But I believe you. We both do. Maybe demons aren't all bad."

"Thank you, Aiya. That means a lot… But I suppose I was also in the wrong. After all, those monks have experienced more demon confrontation than I have, but that still doesn't make it right to attack the innocent."

Aiya mused. "Yeah. That makes sense. But there's nothing we can do about it…"

"Sorry… This isn't an appropriate topic to discuss. I hope I didn't trouble all of you after I left. The last thing I wanted to do was add more fuel to the fire."

"You needn't apologize! There's nothing wrong with asking questions. Maemi and I do that all the time."

Moving away from the window, Kagome approached the table with Aiya and inhaled the aroma of the soup in front of her. It smelled delicious. "Thank you for the dinner. Have you and Maemi eaten yet?"

The child nodded. "Yeah. We didn't want to disturb you, and Lady Tsubaki had us take care of some chores before dusk. It seems like she'll be leaving in the morning."

"Again?"

"After what Monk Ungai said about those demons, she said she wanted to check on the villagers below the mountain. She might be gone for a few days at most."

Well, that was no surprise. Lady Tsubaki often disappeared most days to visit the neighboring villages and the capital. But the conversation from earlier piqued her interest. Demons, stronger than any the monk's had encountered, had decimated countless villages in the Shinano Province. And it wasn't far from the Kai Province.

That was worrisome. How many demons were there? Were they in an alliance? How different were they compared to the ones she had already faced? Now that she thought about it, it was a shame that villages did not have the same protection as they did. A barrier.

"Oh… that reminds me…"

"What is it, Kagome?"

"A barrier!"

"Huh?"

Lady Tsubaki had taught her how to manifest her spiritual energy, which would not only shield her from harm, but allow for an opportunity in battle. Kagome understood the basics, but the amount of energy poured into that exercise required far more than she could muster.

I wonder if there's a way I could manipulate something else to act as a barrier… Otherwise, that'll leave me too drained to do anything else. Could something as simple as a rock work in that instance? I guess I won't know until I try…

A familiar tap pulled her away from her thoughts and toward the door across the way, and recognizing the towering form of her instructor standing outside the room, Kagome welcomed her inside.

"Oh, Lady Tsubaki! I thought you already retired for the evening," Aiya said, canting her head at her lady's entrance.

"Will you excuse us, Aiya? I wish to have a word with Kagome."

Without a voice of complaint, the child stood up and exited the room, waving from the door before scampering down the hall to rejoin Maemi in their evening duties. From there, Lady Tsubaki closed the door and joined Kagome at the table, her aqua orbs shifting to the untouched meal.

"You should eat, Kagome. You will need your strength for tomorrow."

"Aiya said you are leaving in the morning. Can I come with you?"

"I've left the twins in charge of your lessons…" She said, and Kagome lowered her head, frowning. "It may be a week or less while I'm away, depending on the situation. At first light, you will continue your studies on medicinal herbs and how to apply them in emergencies. Maemi will teach you the basics of brewing remedies, and I'll expect you to continue your training with the bow and staff. Do not neglect your meditation either. Other than that, I expect you will remain on the grounds until my return. Do you understand?"

"Yes… About earlier, I—"

But Lady Tsubaki interrupted her. "About that… your mannerisms at breakfast were inappropriate. I understand you hold a softness for demons, but why that is, I cannot fathom. As the monks said, you cannot trust a demon, regardless if they show any signs of empathy or weakness. Human hesitation is a risk one should never take, even for that of a priestess, Kagome."

"I know. I heard enough of that already. Sorry for saying this, but I can't agree with what they said earlier. I understand demons are evil, and I've witnessed how terrifying they are, but among them, I'm sure there are kind ones. Attacking innocent demons isn't any different from attacking a human child or helpless animal."

She frowned and released a breath. "Kagome… you are still naïve."

Regardless if she was or not, unless something could prove her otherwise, she would remain firm in her belief. "Since we're on the topic, I would like to confide in you about something."

"Go on."

"Lady Kaede warned me not to say anything, but I can't keep this a secret forever. Tsubaki… I have a child back home. And he isn't human."

A moment passed between them, and Kagome held her breath, awaiting any signs of reprimanding from her instruction. But none came. Instead, Tsubaki stared at her wide-eyed and her mouth slack jawed, until a thin line formed on her lips. "Is that so?"

Kagome blinked. Was that it? Was that the only reaction? And here she expected her to leave the room or something. Instead, she remained grounded in front of her with her hands folded on her lap. "Aren't you surprised?"

"I can't say I'm pleased to learn this about one of my students, but then again, it's your decision, Kagome. I'm sure this came as a surprise for your High Priestess and the entire village. Correct?"

"Yes… At first they were displeased by this, and I was warned the village could suffer at the hands of the Daimyo if found out. But Lady Kaede trusts me, and for a while, the village has kept quiet concerning the matter…"

"They must respect you quite a lot to accept this. It was a reckless decision, but I'm sure there was a reason behind it. Love, I assume?" She asked, holding her breath and narrowing her gaze.

It was an unusual stare, as though she feared to hear her answer, but there was nothing shameless about it, and Kagome nodded. "Yes. I love him. It's why I wanted to dedicate time to training. I wouldn't want my spiritual powers to turn against my child."

"Your child… remains in the village with your husband? How is your husband coping with this new environment?"

Kagome blinked. Husband? Her thoughts returned to Yuuta and the misunderstanding they had created with the villagers and the Demon Slayers. Her cheeks reddened, and she waved her hands in front of her. "H-husband? No, I—" And then it occurred to her. Lady Tsubaki wasn't asking about Yuuta, but the father of Shippo! "I think there's a misunderstanding. I'm not married. Not yet… If I'm honest, the child isn't mine. His mother passed away late last year."

Realization crossed her countenance, and she coughed into her palm, her cheeks reddening. "Oh… I see," She said, as though relieved. "So, you adopted the child? What kind of demon was its mother?"

"A kitsune. With red hair and ears."

Her brows furrowed, but she nodded just the same. "A red kitsune… I see. Tell me how this began. Am I to assume it's related to the demon you spoke of earlier?"

"Yes. His mother was hurt outside the village and had complications delivering her child. Despite everyone else's fears, I aided her to the best of my ability, but complications arose, and I had no other choice but to perform a C-section."

Again, Lady Tsubaki's brows furrowed. "What is that? I've never heard that term before."

"I-it's when… you take a knife and make a clean cut from the belly button to the lower abdomen," She said, demonstrating with her hands. "Although I never knew her name, she asked that I watch over her son. She said he was the last of his kind left. I couldn't abandon him and live with the guilt," Kagome said, but something about her stare troubled her. "Lady Tsubaki? What is it?"

"I'm… just relieved. That's all. And here I thought you had followed a similar fate as an old friend of mine," She said, laughing despite the pain in her eyes. "Thank you for trusting me with this secret, Kagome. But there is something you should understand, as I'm sure Lady Kaede has already mentioned. Raising a demon child isn't the same as nurturing a human. In the beginning stages, there are similarities, but as it matures, complications arise. Instincts, Kagome, which must be handled with precaution. But as I've seen your interactions with Aiya and Maemi, I'm sure you'll handle the situation with care."

"Thank you for understanding."

"However… Do not forget. Human life is fleeting. Your child will outlive you, should nothing ill arise. The separation is predestined, something you will both have no choice but to accept."

Blue eyes widened at the revelation. "I didn't realize…"

Tsubaki drummed her fingers on the table and closed her eyes, and a beat passed between them. "You said he is the last of his kind? Of the Red Kitsune. Your scent, mingled with others, won't always linger on him. If he is fortunate, he may be accepted into another group of demons later in his life. Maybe other kitsunes who still thrive… Kagome… I'm not saying this to hurt you, but you must understand what the future holds for both of you."

Although she comforted her with a simple touch, Kagome found it hard not to cry. Just thinking about the possibility of separation ached her. "I understand. I guess we'll cross that path when it comes…"

Another sigh escaped her. "Now, considering your situation, there's always a chance you might meet a demon. One who may or may not have good intentions. That individual might consider raising Shippo as his own."

"L-Lady Tsubaki?!" Kagome stuttered and swallowed her tears. "What are you saying?"

Mirth flickered in her aqua orbs, but her frown remained. "It's not impossible, Kagome. There are situations that arise in our lives that we must be ready for. You're young. You are also lovely, and you're compassionate towards demons. This will bring you trouble one day."

And how the conversation turned. One minute she acted like she might find a demon husband one day, and the next, she found a reason to warn her. Which was it? And why was it so difficult to read her? "Lady Tsubaki, that would never happen—"

"Regardless… Heed my advice. No matter the temptation, do not fall astray. Should you ever meet such a demon, keep your distance. I would hate to see an ill fate befall you. Do you understand me, Kagome?"

"Yes. Of course I do."

A smile quirked her lips, and she nodded, pleased with the response. "Good. Well, I've said what I needed to. Finish your meal and retire for the evening. When morning comes, I'll already be gone to visit the neighboring villages. And one more thing…"

"Huh?"

"When I return, I would like to hear more about your son," She said, standing up and smiling at her.