"Aided your family? Whom?"
"Now that is an intriguing question indeed. You are barely half the age of 50 but it seems our connection comes from hundreds of years ago."
When he turned his gaze to her, it held curiosity and patience.
"It appears you age as gracefully as myself, priestess."
This time, she couldn't help but let out an exhausted laugh.
"It's complicated—"
"As are all things with the passing of time."
Whoever this fox was, he was stubborn.
"Well, if you're a fox decedent—"
"Naive of you to think I am not well into my maturity."
Kagome Higurashi huffed. She was tired, exhausted, and confused but also worried. And this fox? This fox was far too sassy for her liking. Instead of arguing with him, she began to rattle off her histories and interactions with different breeds.
"Shippo is the main fox I know. Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha are dogs. Koga and Ginta are wolves. Jaken was an imp—I think?"
This time, the fox stopped in his tracks and raised his brows.
"How does a priestess hold knowledge and alliances with half of the royal demon houses?"
And just like that, it clicked. He knew these names. Which meant they were either significant—or alive.
"So, Shippo?" She tried to restrain her eagerness and fear all at once.
"Shippo and I had come to an alliance after the dropping of the bombs. Such a time was ideal for alliances—to ensure our kind survived. The young fox had only four tails then and we sealed a blood pact of assistance. However, I had asked what such an alliance would carry as a ripple—he had sworn he had pledged his loyalty to only a human."
Kagome heard him hum at his own words and slowly, she watched realization appear in his face.
"Odd that he left out that you are a time-traveling human, or you simply do not die?"
Ignoring his request and probing for information, Kagome decided to put a halt on all questions. No, if nothing else, she deserved answers.
Had she not waited long enough?
Had she not been patient?
Did she not deserve something?
Upon hearing her request, the fox nodded.
"The wolves did not abandon you. You were simply outside of their radius of detection. When the shields went down they chased the surrounding grounds dry. They had no scent or power to follow as your energy was depleted. Do you understand?"
She nodded slowly taking in the information.
But, were they okay?
"I am to assume they are well, but the rumblings of such an event will spark whispers if not curiosity. Tell me, who is your intended that you hoped to protect?"
Her intended? Now she was confused.
"Ginta? He wasn't my intended—he was my friend…"
Another irritated sigh.
"You are trying to tell me that you are human, but have lived five hundred years. You are mated or have an intention but you do not. You requested aid but did not expect it. Tell me, can I have your name at least?"
She nodded.
"Kagome, I helped my friends with Naraku—and the jewel…"
Not that he would understand, but she hoped.
To her surprise, he gave her a suspicious look and then chuckled.
"Oh, the Champion priestess. The protector of canines. Destroyer of Naraku. The jumper of realms—I have heard of you."