Keep walking…I must keep walking…

Mizoshi kept repeating the phrase over and over until it had lost all meaning.

Here I am. Just…walking. Away. Away from a man I know and love and going deeper and deeper into this immense forest with this hanyou-hating youkai.

Sesshoumaru marched along beside her under the heady pines. The forest floor underneath their feet was littered with the trees' needles. On their trek, they passed many flowing streams that threaded their way through bright clumps of dead autumn leaves, but she didn't dare think on taking a drink. The youkai would have never permitted it.

Sesshoumaru is so silent. He hasn't spoken once, and it's nearly been two hours after we left for our destination.

Hungrily, Mizoshi snatched up her second plum and bit down into the velvety purple fruit.

Purple. The hue he always wears…

Tears blurring her vision for the third or fourth time that day, Mizoshi chewed her food quietly. However, Sesshoumaru always seemed to be eerily aware of her eating habits. He glanced over at her quickly and then fixed his sight somewhere in the distance; disgust curling his lips.

That's right. Youkai don't eat human food. I must truly sicken him. I suppose he and Kagura are a good match.

"Wench," he hissed. "Where did you get that food?"

It was if she was struck by lightening. "Naraku g-g-gave it to me," she stuttered in fear.

"Naraku?" he scoffed. "Yes, the dark demon lord. I can't even ponder why he let you go. You should've been condemned to the earth long before now."

Her fingernails dug into the skin of the plum from her grasping it so tightly. Her entire body was trembling.

"I can't fathom why he was so attracted to you. Surely, there are those of your race with more pleasing countenances. Your features are so plain. And, I'd bet you have no real powers or skills."

Like a flower after the frost, Mizoshi's head drooped down. A tear escaped the corner of her right eye.

Behind her, a grunt of agreement rose up. It of course emanated from Jaken who had not let his severe gaze on her back waver for one moment. The repulsive toad demon would certainly report anything she did wrong. Anything at all, even it was just for walking too slowly.

He makes no apology for hating me. I wonder why he's letting me live?

Oh, yes. The saimyoushou.

Though the venom wasps were not to be seen, they was no denying they could be hiding anywhere or watching from any expanse of air.

"Well, at least you have the virtue of silence," the light youkai continued. "Good. Inferiors should hold their tongues."

A spark ignited inside her. Now, instead of completely surrendering to tears, she had the dim imaging of throwing the plum she held so tightly in her left hand squarely at the white-haired youkai's head. It would be a victory. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

However, it would mean my head. I have the impression Sesshoumaru would never let any cross him.

Or would he protect me? Would Naraku come then?

Deciding it was best not to dwell on hopeless thoughts, Mizoshi tried to become oblivious to the situation. She was going to a village. There would be people at that village. She would have a home. With people.

Although, I wonder. Is that really a good thing? If it weren't for certain people, I'd have never encountered the dark hanyou or this light youkai, and I would have my entire family around me.

Tears clinging to her cheeks for an entirely different reason, Mizoshi dared a peek at the powerful youkai and could help but compare him to her former lover. Whereas Sesshoumaru's hair was straight and silvery white, Naraku's hair had been curving and raven black. While Sesshoumaru dressed in the pale, glowing tones of moonshine and starlight, Naraku's clothes consisted of the dusky indigos and violets of the sunset that would precede the darkness of night. Sesshoumaru was aloof and unwelcoming; Naraku was accessible and gracious.

Or, perhaps not so gracious. His ulterior motives overshadowed that. But still, he's friendlier than this Sesshoumaru.

"What were you to him, girl?" the dog demon inquired sharply.

She was at a loss.

Should I tell the truth? What business was it of his?

Then, she remembered the sword sheathed at his side.

"A consort," she replied meekly.

"You shared his bed?" The youkai's voice rumbled across the fallen tawny leaves.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Fool half-breed," he murmured. "Have you got a death wish?"

"No." Her answer was automatic. She searched not for death, but a rebirth. Still, she might get the former if she stayed here any longer with Sesshoumaru.

The dog demon lord was shaking his head. "Another opportunist," he sighed. "Did you kill? For him? Did you help with any of his plots to reclaim the Shikon jewel shards?"

The unnatural front of primness shattered. Slowly, she returned to her normal awareness. "The Shikon jewel? I have heard of no such thing."

An exceedingly sour expression lined the great youkai's face. "Please. Certainly, you must have assisted Naraku some way. Why else would he keep you?"

Her heart was in pieces. Her vision was suddenly awash with tears. "I haven't killed. I did not offer him any help."

"Then, you truly are useless." The voice ahead of her was harsher than a knife's blade.

Thankfully, the rest of the journey was made in silence. Step after step, mile after mile, Mizoshi came all the more closer to her goal. Her new home.

We set off when the sun was rising into the sky, and now it's early afternoon.

Indeed, it wasn't long until all three plums had been devoured. At present, she carried only the formal kimono and the sheaves of paper that depicted her most precious thoughts.

We must have walked over five miles by now. How much further is it?

Jaken appeared to have had the same thought. "My lord, we have traversed so far. Why not simply slay her and leave her to the animals?"

"Jaken," he said warningly, "be silent."

The little toad's contempt for me is almost stronger than his master's. Oh, how much further is it?

With little else to do, Mizoshi began to think. However, time and again, her mind could only snatch up one single subject--the Shikon jewel.

What is the Shikon jewel? Naraku never mentioned it. But, it's not like it matters now. Nothing that pertains to Naraku matters anymore.

The shadows lengthened as the fiery orb above rose higher still. Under the rays of golden radiance, Mizoshi began to forget the dark interiors of the castle, yet, the image of the dark hanyou remained clear. His image would remain crystal clear throughout the weeks and years ahead.

Unfortunately or just the opposite, her imagings were abruptly cut when she smacked right into a heavy body. A sinking feeling entered her stomach.

Did I…

His homicidal glare confirmed this.

I ran right into Sesshoumaru. When did he stop moving?

"Watch it, half-breed," he hissed in a tone that rivaled steam. "You're on shaky ground."

Nearly scared out of her wits, Mizoshi cautiously followed the dog demon several paces behind him. Not more than ten minutes later passed when fields of green started to appear through the woodlands surrounding their party. They were getting close.

And obviously, it was close enough for the light youkai.

"Follow that road," he ordered gruffly, "and it will lead you to the human settlement, although, I'll doubt you will be welcomed there either. Come, Jaken."

"Yes, m'lord," the miniature youkai squeaked.

At last, they were gone. The light youkai and his servant near melted into the dense plant life that surrounded them. Mizoshi watched until they were swallowed by the nature that sprouted tall on all sides. Soon, it was if they had never been there at all.

This forest is like an enclosure. A cage of trees. Now, I break the lock and reenter the roadside.

Pushing aside the bushes that bordered the wide expanse of dirt, Mizoshi set her feet upon the rutted path. From this distance, she could smell smoke. Smoke that emanated from cook fires.

A village. A village is less than a mile away. My fate rushes to meet me.

Rather nervously, she put one foot in front of the other. It wasn't long until the hearty shouts of some men reached her ears. However, for once they were not yelling after her. Further down the road, the three villagers in question were trudging towards a huge cluster of cabins. Small patches of farmland and scattered cottages headed these cabin dwellings where people lived their lives. The road wound right through the center of both types of shelters and then branched off into narrower streets and alleys.

A village. An actual village. It's not very large, but it could be home.

As the men passed through to the township beyond, an old woman, a young maiden, and two little girls were leaving the main gate and were now rapidly approaching Mizoshi on the rutted path. Presumably, it was a grandmother, her daughter, and granddaughters.

I hope I look presentable. This will be my first time around people in over a month.

Nonchalantly, she lowered her gaze and walked towards the congregation of sounds and smells.

I know not where I'll sleep tonight, but that can wait for now.

"Mother!" one of the little girl's cried. "Who's that lady?"

"Never saw her about," the girl's sister murmured.

"Stop your nosing," the old grandmother hissed in a tone that could compare with Sesshoumaru's. "Prying into the affairs of others comes to no good."

Still, as she passed the matriarch and her child and grandchildren, Mizoshi couldn't help but feel four pairs of eyes searching her.

I'm a stranger here, but, I could become a local. I could fit in.

Mizoshi head remained down as she passed into the village square. It wasn't long until the muttering started. People began to swarm around her akin to bees around a honey. Self-consciously, she brushed her hair out of her eyes. Her cursed golden eyes.

Maybe they won't notice right away.

She was pressed in by all sides by wooden structures. Outside of thesedomiciles were bazaars where people sat behind their wares and sold them for profit.

A marketplace. That's how I could earn my livelihood. But what to sell?

The shopkeepers watched her warily as did the villagers in the street. Soon enough, comments twirled through the air.

"Who is she?"

"A strange woman."

"A stranger?" a voice gasped. "We haven't seen any travelers since…"

"Aye," another gentleman interrupted. "Such a tender thing…"

"Look at those clothes. Do ye suppose she's rich?" This particular maiden's voice dripped with jealousy.

Her clothes. Yes. She was still dressed in the ruby red kimono that once occupied her old wardrobe in Naraku's castle. A fine kimono for demonic nobility, but a poor choice aroundsuspicious village dwellers.

A good thing I didn't change into my "gift." I would stick out even more.

Abruptly snapping her head up, she surveyed the scene around her. Many people were staring, or trying to pretend they weren't. Many humans. Real humans.

Apparently, this village is very isolated and no wonder. It is veiled by woods.

Mizoshi forced herself not to meet any glances. She kept her lips curved in a soft smile.

See? I'm as normal as any. No one can tell that I've shared an entire month of my life with demons. No one can tell I am part demoness. I look perfectly natural.

Except for my eyes.

Feeling a bit braver now, she allowed her own eyes to study the villagers that studied her, and was shocked by the overt hostility that contorted a few faces.

It must be because I resemble a noblewoman. No matter. Once, they get to know me—

It comforted her somewhat that not all faces were hostile. The majority of villagers were merely curious. Just as she was curious.

Eventually, she was stood at the end of the road. Two streetscurved both to her right and left, but these were mainlyfor private homes and for the people who owned them. Here, at this spot,she had good vantage point of the main road. The marketplace could be glimpsed in all entirety, as well as the thirty or so people.

Thirty or so people all staring at me.

Quite frankly, it was beginning to make her queasy.

Why can't they just continue on their way?

They were judging her. Scrutinizing her. Sizing her up.

Suddenly frightened, she stumbled backwards. Her back met the outer wall of a small shrine.

I can move onto the next village if I have to.

While the smile slid from her lips, the villagers moved closer to her.

Will they attack? I haven't done anything wrong.

"Mizoshi!" a voice yelled. "Mizoshi, is that you?"

Her eyes widened. That voice was so familiar.

I won't look. It can't be possible. He's gone, isn't he?

"Mizoshi!" the voice was closer now. "Is that really you?"

Heaving a sigh, she turned to the boy who was hailing her and nearly slid down the wall completely. Warm chestnut brown eyes greeted her. Freckles dotted the rosy cheeks underneath them. The boy's hair was dark brunette and quite unkempt with bangs tickling the tops of his eyebrows.

"Mizoshi," he breathed. "I knew you were alive. The Kami have answered my prayers."

She could only stare back in returnat the teenage boy who was her brother.

Kami means god or gods. (sighs) Happy college days. Well, it's good to be back I guess. Can't be lazy all the time. A big thanks to all who reviewed :) Also, since school has begun, my updates will be less frequent. (About once per week, maybe two if I'm lucky.) But, the chapters shall be longer.

loves-winged-dark-angel: I'm working at it. I got them up to 2,000 words though. (They were around 1,500 before.)

SimplyTurquoise: Those are my thoughts too on the "relationship" between Kagura and Sesshoumaru. I think it would lean more one-sided. (Isn't it always that way?) The older brother, Ken, will be appearing. Sesshoumaru took Mizoshi along simply because he was curious as to why Naraku would take her in his home. Also, he wanted to see if she could perhaps benefit him. (But mostly, he took her just to rub it in Naraku's face.)

Aspendragon: Wow! I don't know what to say, except that it looks fantastic! All that red, and I love the way Mizoshi's hair looks. The phoenix rising behind her is the perfect touch. I voted 100!