Mizoshi's feet trod along the frost bitten ground. Surprisingly, the steep mountain was not too far away from other human settlements. Indeed, this area was far more populated than the desolate grounds Naraku's castle had once stood. Ahead of her was a tiny township in the plains. In the tall yellow grasses, Mizoshi could hear the unmistakable sound of children playing. Every so often there was a laugh or a giggle, and the grasses trembled in indignation.

Good. They won't see me.

Satisfied, she continued walking into the human settlement itself, and found it mostly deserted. In all likelihood, the parents of these children were inside their huts; vainly trying to fend off the winter chill; their less robust siblings sitting on the straw mats nearest to the roaring hearths.

Ducking low, Mizoshi's walked in between the rows of housing. From inside the huts' hopefully hot interiors emanated noises and smells that swirled across the canvas of humanity in the many different hues that was its people. A baby's sleeping yawn. A fire being stoked. The clang of a metal kettle as it struck the stove. Meat cooking…

Mizoshi's mouth watering…

Wait! How can I steal food from these villagers? Am I to creep into the storehouses like a rat? A thief? Rats aren't wanted either. In fact, they eliminated

On the contrary, it wasn't as if Mizoshi was afraid of being slain in the process of pilfering a sack of rice. It was the…morality of it. Sometimes, there had been just barely enough to last through the frigid season in her former home when she had a family to name her own—patiently or impatiently waiting until the vividly green rice shoots poked through the dirt when spring eventually decided to arrive again.

I don't want these people to starve either.

Remaining out of sight, Mizoshi crouched around the living spaces, seeking a way out of the village and for a glimmer of what lay beyond.

All will be well as long as it doesn't snow too hard.

Suddenly, her ears were peaked at attention.

"Mother?" a thin, piping little boy's voice perked. "Tell me the story again."

Mizoshi froze under the window she was currently intent on sneaking past.

"All right," an elderly female voice chuckled. "I'll tell it again. Not much else to do on these blustery days."

She waited: an invisible intruder in this private family affair. But, what she heard next glued her to the spot.

"Okay, Ichiro. I will tell of you the tale of the legendary phoenix demons. And then afterwards, you can help clean. Is that fair?"

I can't believe my luck. But, do I really want to hear?

"Years ago—a thousand years I believe," her voice carried a teasing lilt, "the phoenix demons ruled the northernmost edges of our country. They were a powerful people, and the phoenix clan flourished; unchallenged by human or other demon. Mind you, this was a very long time ago."

Mizoshi pressed her ear up against the boarded window.

"This proud family lived in luxury, and its members were able to fly over the countryside below. They sure were a sight to remember, or that's how the legend goes."

"Tell me, grandmother," the little boy Ichiro's voice was hushed. "What did they look like?"

"Their eyes were as yellow as flame; their hair redder than the radishes that grow in our garden. Always, they were dressed in gold—the tawny thread sewn from real gold treasures. Oh, yes. Very attractive. Very magnificent. And very, very vain. " She spat out the word.

Mizoshi was standing on her tiptoes while craning her neck for better reception.

"From the mainland," the woman continued her story, "the dragon demons came. They were jealous of the phoenix brood, and wanted to battle. The boastful phoenixes were ready to fight, even though they never experienced such conflict before. Indeed, their pride cost them dearly." The old woman held her breath. Somehow, Mizoshi knew how the story would end.

"And so, there was a war. A war that would claim the lives of hundreds of phoenix demons." The old woman's voice grew more eager. She didn't seem too sorry about this development that had affected her relatives. If this tale was truth and not fiction, that is.

"Did all the phoenixes die?" The child was intrigued.

"No, I don't believe so," the grandmother whispered. "Phoenixes are resilient creatures, as resilient as dragons are hot-headed. Now, do you understand the lesson behind this tale?"

"Yes," the boy answered firmly.

"And what is it?"

"One should always be humble." These words sounded rehearsed, but she herself knew them well.

"That's right, Ichiro."

Silence filled the hut. The story was finished, and Mizoshi needed to be on her way. Sunset would come swiftly. However, this tale explained extensively what had happened to her debatable "brood." Turning away, she was pulled back by a question she had been longing to ask ever since she had acquired her powers.

"Grandmother, do demons have souls?"

A break in conversation. Then…

"I imagine so. All creatures have a spark of life from Kami-sama…"

She relaxed.

"…even if they are all evil by nature."

She went rigid. Carefully, she exhaled her breath after she realized she had been holding it.

Oh, what does she know? I'm not evil. Besides, she never said anything about hanyou.

Again Mizoshi was ready to leave, but her efforts were thwarted when the child asked yet another inquiry.

"Grandmother?" In that moment, the boy sounded exactly akin to her now dead brother, Nibori. Mizoshi shooed away the sudden ache in her heart and forced herself to listen. "Where are the phoenix demons now?"

I don't want to miss anything relevant. I need to learn more about my heritage, even if it's only myth.

"Gone, but not forgotten," the woman replied sagely. "However…" her voice took on a deadly serious edge, "there have been undeniable reports that a strange, scarlet, winged being was spotted flying atop Point Honou."

Another pause.

"Wow." The little boy's tone was saturated with awe.

"Now, Ichiro, I'm going to go outside and when I come back…"

Quickly, Mizoshi pumped her legs as fast as she could before she was spotted. Or perhaps she should stand in the front of the door and introduce herself as a real descendent of the legendary phoenix demons. She could just envision what the result would be.

Mentally preparing herself for what lay ahead over the cloud filled horizon; Mizoshi traipsed on ahead. And thought:

What can I eat in the middle of winter?

Selections of questionable food types blurred in her mind's eye as her feet mechanically walked the road.

Let's see…meat would involve hunting, if I choose not to rob. Rice is impossible this time of year as are most plant staples unless of course I steal them too from someone who had the initiative to gather it themselves.

Mizoshi foolishly adjusted her kimono tie, not really seeing the green embroidered fabric.

I'll just have to find something. Within five days.

Naraku's threats still echoed in her head.

What if I'm late? Will he order me…

Too many worries. Too little sunshine. Indeed, the air was becoming crisper as the gray morning progressed.

If it would just warm up a little, the journey wouldn't be as difficult…

Shivering, Mizoshi concentrated on the story the old grandmother had lovingly told her grandson back in that nameless village and trudged onwards until she found herself walking through a narrow valley. On the other side of this once fertile trench was…more trees.

The woods won't help me much. The shade beneath the pines will prohibit most growth from occurring.

Catching her pathetic excuse, she immediately modified her thinking. Yes, she would have to think of other options if she wanted to survive out here, however unconventional they were.

I suppose I might find some berries in the forest. Or, maybe I'll run across a rabbit, or better yet a deer. If I have the nerve to obtain actual game.

Fish was questionable. They wouldn't be near the shore and would most definitely congregate in the inaccessible center of the water where it was warmest.

Still, anything is worth a try. I don't want to return empty-handed. That would prove to Naraku how useless I appear to be, and would stretch a hearty smirk across the wind witch's painted lips.

Expecting no dire problems, she innocently went on ahead, pitifully unprepared for the events that transpired next. From out of the gnarled branches of the woods, stomped out an unnatural and unmistakably demonic being. Shuffling right towards her.

Who is this? Someone sent by Naraku? One of his "agents"?

Unsure of how to react, Mizoshi stopped in her tracks and let the being approach her. His eyes were trained on the dirt and he muttered what sounded to be curses and oaths under his breath. A huge sword of some kind was hitched over his shoulder, the sword itself partially hidden by his long white hair.

White hair. Not that unusual. My father possessed white hair, and so did that Sesshoumaru.

Who is this person?

Mizoshi picked apart every detail she could glean, from his curious hair, to his serendipitous sword, to his bizarre clothing. He wore a brilliant red hakama and a matching haori. Amazingly enough, his feet were bare. Though Mizoshi's powers weren't at all strong and barely adequate, she could clearly sense his strength.

Should I run? Is he ally or enemy?

When the being's head snapped up, she immediately chose the latter. Flashing gold eyes met her own.

White hair. Gold…eyes?

Suddenly, she had a certain sinking feeling.

Surely this can't be…

The being shook out his distinctive white hair. It was this movement that alerted Mizoshi to the fact that two furry pointed ears of the same color were perched at the top of his scalp.

Dog-ears?

Oh, no.

"Hey!" the boy with the ears greeted roughly. "Who the hell are you?"

Mizoshi was taken aback. However, having been used to Kagura's snappy retorts and snide remarks, she was well versed in dealing with unfriendly individuals.

I did manage to survive with Naraku this long. Still, my sole protector is not here to protect me right now...

"Who are you?" she countered. "Are you a demon?"

"Gee, ya think?" The white-haired, gold-eyed being rolled his eyes before fixing her with an unblinking stare of sheer loathing. "Ya know, you're pretty stupid for someone who works for Naraku. His damned stench is all over you, did ya know that?" He was near snarling now. There was to be no witty banter, and there was to be no chance at friendship.

I know who he is. If I could just ask him without getting killed in the process…

The more she gazed at this demon in her path—this obstacle—the angrier she became. She did not like him. Not one bit. In fact, this fiery pressure in her chest was more akin to hatred to dislike. The exact same hatred she shared for another white-haired, golden-eyed demon. This couldn't be a coincidence. In the end, she decided to drop all formalities.

"You're Inuyasha, aren't you?" she spat, momentarily surprised at the bitterness in her tone before she dissolved back into blissful, boiling fury.

"Naraku tell ya that?" he queried. "He must've. Here to kill me? Steal the rest of the shards of the sacred jewel?"

"Isn't that supposed to be your job?" she hissed in answer. Again, she surprised herself more than him.

What's happening to me?

Instantaneously, it struck her. Right on the back of her dull head.

I'm surviving. I'm talking to buy some time to escape. In the process, I cannot afford to show weakness.

"What the hell kind of lies has Naraku been telling you?" Inuyasha looked positively furious. "Eh, it doesn't matter. My Tessaiga will speak for me."

Without warning, Inuyasha freed his sword. Up close, Inuyasha saw that was impossibly sharp, impossibly curved, and impossibly deadly. Also, to make the situation worse, the sword was both longer and thicker than his arms both put together. The sword too seemed out of place, as if it had not been crafted from mere mortal hands.

He could slice me apart.

"Ya know, you should fight back or somethin' or you're just going to be killed faster," he taunted.

I can't fight him. Not in this realm, and not in any other. If Naraku can't even destroy him, how can I?

Panicking, her eyes on the sword, Mizoshi closed her eyes—reappearing a safer distance away. When she opened her lids, Inuyasha was looking disturbed; sword still brandished out.

"What did you just do?"

Unwilling to answer, she teleported again. Mizoshi was beginning to notice that the furthest she could travel whilst in this manner was a little less than five yards. A precious minimum of twelve to a possible maximum of fifteen feet wouldn't help her much though.

"Stop doing that, wench, and fight me! Where's Naraku?" he demanded.

Hugging the tree trunk she had reappeared by for leverage, she watched him stalk towards her. As Mizoshi eyed the angry dog demon stepping closer to her feeble defense, she insanely grew bolder.

"I've met your brother Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha," she dared to use his name. "Now, I know where your temperament comes from."

Before Inuyasha could retort with either his weapon or his mouth, a resounding boom shook the earth. The tree swayed slightly under Mizoshi's fingertips. Instinctively, Mizoshi gripped the wood tighter.

What's that now?

Startled, Inuyasha peeked over his shoulder, surveying the line of trees. When he turned his gaze back to her; he was frowning. Hastily, he withdrew his sword and spun on his heels to face the forest. Then he began to sprint.

"I'll deal with you later!" Inuyasha promised, shouting into the wind. "And next time, you're going to tell me where your master is!"

Finally, the murderous dog demon was gone. Relieved, Mizoshi's sank down into the brown carpet of mushy pine needles.

He's gone. Inuyasha, murderer and thief, is gone. I'm spared.

There was no acceptability in what Mizoshi did next. In moments, fat cowardly tears coursed down her icy cold cheeks. Although the warmth of her salty miseries felt nice on her chilled face, she quite wished they would disappear entirely. She was weeping like a child.

Why does everything have to be so hard?

For five whole minutes, Mizoshi methodically wiped her face as more water poured—water she was wasting. A river or a stream could be miles away for all she knew, and here she was, weakening her body by dispensing valuable liquid.

I could've been killed. So soon in my journey. And I wasn't even prepared. Wouldn't have even stood a chance.

Still, this was her new reality for the duration. Evidentially, Naraku had been right in remarking that her paints would not carry her far in the uncharted wilderness.

I have been pampered, but I'd never admit it to Kagura. And Naraku, would you care?

Managing to pull herself together, at last, Mizoshi hauled her pathetic frame off the forest floor and righted herself. She had to get out of this area, sooner rather than later.

Speaking of which, why does this always happen? Do I have bad karma when it comes to trees?

The humorous thought vaguely amused her and emitted a small ray of hope in her anxiety-stricken body; urging her legs to move with all their strength right up and over a bordering shallow hill; leaving the dense thicket of trees in her dust. She was not venturing inside those woods where the homicidal Inuyasha along with whatever had caused that explosion.

Jogging in earnest, Mizoshi chose to stop when she had the keen sensation she would topple over from exhaustion if her flimsy shoe touched one more space of dirt. Seeking to grip something for balance, she wholeheartedly clung to a wooden structure that was off the worn roadside. She let out a sigh.

What am I to do now?

Exploring with her hand, she noticed the wooden structure was smooth and even. In fact, she was presently resting on a rectangular edge. With curiosity, she forced herself away from her intended rest haven and confirmed her own suspicions.

It was a sign. A sign that bore the words…Point Honou. Below the title of the landmark was a wavy, unassuming arrow that curved to the left. Following it with her gaze, she noticed a rutted, grassy side path that inclined ever so slightly upwards to the hump of a hill that was partially obscured by naturally occurring fog coupled with some familiar mountain mist.

Point Honou?

This is too good to be true.

Now, she could see where the old woman had gotten her facts from. The entire epic had been probably formulated from local village lore.

But, what if it is true?

Mizoshi debated this for a moment.

What am I expecting to find? My great-grandmother? My ancestors? A grave with a single scarlet feather on top?

It was nothing but nonsense. However…

Doubting her hastiness already, Mizoshi started to wind her way up the sloping path that lead to her probable legacy.

Author's Note: Inuyasha has arrived! Rest assured, he will appear again. This is my first time writing him, so if he's slightly OOC, that's why. Naraku and Kagura will appear in the next chapter. Also, there will be other character introductions, along with one more OC. Most importantly, I appreciate those that review! Many thanks!