The group watched in silent awe as Mesu ate, slipping food under her mask without a care. She looked up from her food at them, catching them as they stared. "What the hell are you all staring at?" she inquired. "Nothing." they responded, all at the same time. She sat her food down and stood up. "I'm going for a walk." she said and disappeared into the woods. "Does she ever take off that mask?" Shippou wondered, helping himself to Mesu's leftovers. Inuyasha shot the little kitsune an evil glare. "It is a bit unnerving watching her eat." Miroku pointed out. "I'm sure she has her reasons." Kagome defended. "She's been with us for a month now. Don't you think it's time she told us?" Shippou stated, earning him a bop on the head from Inuyasha. Thus began an argument between the two. And because of their shouting, no one saw Sango slip off into the forest after Mesu.
Mesu had traveled a good distance into the forest before she stopped. Slumping against a tree, she removed her outer robe, revealing a black tank-top like hakama. Up and down her arms were covered in scars, from escaping her coffin. She slid down to the ground, removing her mask as she laid her head on her knees. She looked absolutely pitiful.
Sango ventured into the forest, finally finding Mesu, sitting alone in the shadows. As she tried to get closer, Mesu stirred. "What do you want Sango?" Mesu inquired. "I just came to check on you. To see if you were okay." Sango replied, stepping closer. "I'm fine. Now go away." Mesu snapped. "You don't sound fine to me." Sango stated, moving even closer, to where she could see Mesu clearly. At the sight of Mesu, Sango gasped. "Horrifying, isn't it?" Mesu questioned. "What happened to you?" Sango asked. Mesu remained silent. "Mesu?" "This is punishment for loving someone and protecting him with your life." Mesu replied. "What do you mean?" Sango asked. "Is it wrong to love someone you grew up with? Is it wrong to love someone who loves another woman?" Mesu inquired, tears rolling down her cheeks. "No." Sango replied, kneeling beside Mesu. "It's never wrong to be in love." "Even if he'll never love me back?" Mesu sobbed. "You don't know that." Sango stated. "How could any man love me when I look like this?" Mesu cried, jerking her head up. Sango's eyes widened at the sight of Mesu's scars. "I'm sure he would still love you, even with those scars." Sango said reassuringly. "You tell me. Will Inuyasha love me with these scars?" Mesu sniffed. "You love Inuyasha?" Sango inquired. Mesu nodded slowly. "I've loved him for as long as I can remember." "Why don't you tell him how you feel?" Sango wondered. "Because, his heart belongs to another." Mesu replied. Sango remained silent, she knew it was true. Mesu stood up, putting her robe and mask back on. Sango stood too. "Please. Tell no one of what I have told you here. Not even Inuyasha." Mesu requested. "I promise, I won't tell anyone." Sango said. They walked back to camp, silent as the night itself.
Another short one. Sorry about that. Don't worry, they'll get better. Thanks for sticking with me.