Hoshiko wondered sometimes how things had come to this. She had thought most creatures were all the same; cruel and judging. Not only 200 years ago had she been accepted for a time in her father's care. Then fate decided to be cruel once again and destroyed the one demon who had finally given her the friendship, companionship, and love she needed. It had been almost throwing a fatal blow at her chest. Now, 200 years later, she wandered with demons and humans that had given her friendship and kindness. It made her wonder; could the world be finally changing its opinion on hybrids and hanyou's? She had to admit, though, if this were reality the world would finally be peaceful and happy endings would infuse. For someone like her.

"Momma, there it is!"

Hoshiko glanced up from her thoughts at her pup's excited voice. In the distance she could clearly see the quiet peaceful village with the familiar huts, grazing animals, and villagers wandering about. Never had she been happier to see this familiar place again. She could hear the sounds of hoes rowing, voices talking, and the smells that were so familiar. She inhaled deeply to smell the fresh earth and the whiffs of the villagers she had grown used to. It had been a month at the most since she had last been here. It was almost heavenly to be home. As much as she liked the castle she honestly preferred this kind of life. It was the world she was born into and here she would stay.

"Indeed so, pup. We are home."

Sakura and Minoru, distracted from their quiet conversation, just looked at the village with expressions close to disbelief. This was the village Hoshiko and Rin lived in? It was tiny by most village standards. They had expected something more large and fine. Hoshiko chuckled quietly at her companions. Apparently, this was different than what they had expected. She gently tapped her attendants shoulder to gain her attention. Both sets of red and silver eyes immediately shot to gaze into her sparkling blue eyes.

"Not what you thought," she prodded teasingly.

"No."

Hoshiko began to laugh lightly causing all her companions to look at her for a moment with smiles. Her laugh was like listening to beautiful ringing bells. The demon lord enjoyed listening to her laugh; it was one of the sounds he loved to hear. The corner of his mouth twitched threatening a small smile but it quickly disappeared. Sesshomaru glanced up when he caught a whiff of his half-brother coming at their direction. He wasn't too surprised Inuyasha had caught a whiff of their scent quickly and had come to investigate. It wasn't a moment or two before the hanyou burst from the woods in front of them landing with a soft thud before his older half-brother. He stared for a moment. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in response. His brother looked down right annoyed.

"Sesshomaru," Inuyasha bit out.

The demon lord inclined his head in response. As much as he disliked his brother at times they no longer were enemies. Minoru and Sakura had both placed their hands on their weapons. They could immediately smell he was a half breed, a hanyou. They didn't like it much. But when thinking of their lady it made them falter. She was a hybrid. Hybrid and hanyou were classified the same; impure, unworthy, scum.

"Is this an enemy, milord?"

"No," Sesshomaru replied neutrally. "This is my half-brother, Inuyasha."

The two demons stared at the hanyou before them. Inuyasha slowly raised himself to his feet as he returned the gaze of the two unknown demons with a hostile expression. He never liked strangers. Hoshiko was a bit surprised the lord had acknowledged Inuyasha as his brother which was a bit surprising. Inuyasha's expression wavered when the demon lord called him his brother. He was surprised too. It certainly was rare when that happened. He usually denied their relation. Sesshomaru ignored the looks he was getting.

"Who might you be?"

Hoshiko stepped forward as Inuyasha's gaze snapped to her in response. She tried to comfort his sudden change in attitude with her eyes. He was weary, downright nervous.

"Inuyasha, I promise they are no threat. This is Sakura, my attendant, and Minoru, my protector and companion."

"Keh," he huffed as his eyes settled on the two demons. "As long as they stay out of my way."

"Of course they will. I promise."

His gaze narrowed on her face for a moment in thought. Inuyasha relaxed his stance a little.

"Whatever."

The demoness shook her head in response. He always was a bit childish but in a way she didn't blame him, she'd had a similar lifestyle. They both hadn't been accepted by either of their kinds and so when company came along it was right for them to be weary. It was no wonder Inuyasha was so rude to them, they might be a threat. When she finally returned his gaze his eyes had softened a bit. Hoshi smiled gently.

"You got Kagome's letter, didn't you?"

"Hai. We came back because of Sango's baby."

"Feh. I don't see why it is such a big deal. Anyway, Kagome has been eagerly waiting for your return," the hanyou said. "I will go inform her."

The hanyou took off toward the village without looking back. There was a moment of silence before the demoness sighed. She had better keep her word with Inuyasha, although it may be unnecessary. Her gaze met her two companions.

"Sakura, Minoru. Accompany Jaken until I call for you."

"As you wish, milady."

Hoshiko reached to lift her pup off An-Un's saddle. It was time to go home, she was eager to get back to her hut, honestly. Things needed to be done and preparations made. She also was eager to see her human friends again. She patted the two headed dragon on the snouts gently before following Sesshomaru to the village. Their other four companions disappeared behind the trees leaving only Rin, Hoshiko, Hikaru, and Sesshomaru. Rin peered over her mother's shoulder. Why weren't they coming too?

"Why do we have to leave them behind?"

"Inuyasha is weary of them. It is better for now, pup."

"Oh."

Rin slid out of her mother's arms and skipped at her side. Hikaru obediently walked at the little girl's side wagging his three tails in excitement. He was glad to be home, out of the castle. Nature was better by far for the little wolf demon. For a moment there was only the sound of their footsteps before a certain miko came hurrying down the road waving eagerly with her friends behind her. The demoness smiled happily. To see them again filled her with joy.

"Hoshiko, Rin," Kagome called.

"Kagome!"

The miko and demoness gently enfolded each other into a hug when in reach. It was nice to receive a hug from her close friend she hadn't seen for some time. Immediately, once Hoshi had slipped out of Kagome's embrace, she was pulled into Sango's embrace. It was harder to hug her because of her large belly. The three females laughed happily. To be together again was certainly something they should cherish. Hoshi had missed them dearly.

"My, Sango, you have gotten larger but you glow with happiness!"

"Is that a compliment or not," Sango giggled. "However, it is good to see you again, Hoshi! I'm so glad you could make it back!"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I not be here? I will always come for things like this!"

While they talked Inuyasha approached his older brother with the monk by his side. Sesshomaru glanced at his brother. He then noticed the old flea demon Myoga sitting on his shoulder watching him with a wary eye. Myoga seemed to still be timid of him. It was no surprise. He didn't have a high reputation of being kind to his father's followers in the past.

"Greetings, Lord Sesshomaru," the old flea said.

"Myoga."

"It pleases me to see you are holding the truce between you and Inuyasha."

The demon lord didn't comment for a moment, just raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, to not see you and the master fighting."

"Hn."

Inuyasha and Miroku wondered at the slight difference in Sesshomaru. The look in his eyes was different. They still were cold, but there was something else lurking in the golden depths. They wondered at it but decided to not comment on it. Inuyasha even didn't comment with his big mouth. Instead, they merely started a conversation about demons that had been lurking about lately. Myoga couldn't help but notice Sesshomaru's momentary glances over to the females. The other two males missed it. They obviously were not paying the demon lord any attention, as it was he was merely listening to the monk and hanyou. Curious to see what kept his attention, he looked past Inuyasha's hair. He could only stare blankly.

'It is impossible,' Myoga thought to himself in shock. 'It can't be!'

But it was. He gazed at the green haired demoness with shock in his eyes. How could she still be here? Hadn't she died? She had disappeared so long ago, on the night of the master's death! For a moment he thought it couldn't be her but once he heard her speak he knew there was no doubt. It was Hoshiko. The demoness the master had raised in secret! He could never mistake her. He had seen her so many times with her light green hair and sparkling blue eyes. But how, how was she alive? She died! Myoga was in disbelief.

"Hoshiko," he cried.

The demoness turned around to stare at him. For a long moment their eyes stared at each other and Myoga could see shock and disbelief run over her features before joy filled her eyes. She looked like she was greeting an old friend, which she was. A stunning smile overcame her face. She remembered him! It was truly her!

"Myoga!"

He leaped off Inuyasha's shoulder to land in her now held out hand. He stared into the gorgeous face he hadn't seen over 200 years. The demoness was here, she was alive! He wondered how in the world that could be but that was for latter matters. It pleased him to see her so well and happy.

"It is you," he said. "I can't believe it."

"Is it really that shocking?"

"I thought you had died long ago!"

"Why does everyone think I'm dead," she huffed.

Everyone was staring in disbelief. Hoshiko and Myoga knew each other? How was that possible? Even Sesshomaru had to admit it was startling. It must of have been from the past, there was no explanation other than that. They hadn't seen each other before that.

"You know her," Kagome asked the flea in surprise.

"Of course I know her. I've known her since her young years when she was only a pup! Of course, she has grown quite dramatically since then."

He turned back to the demoness who was smiling hugely at him.

"You certainly have changed! You have become the beautiful and strong demoness we all knew you would be."

"Oh," Hoshiko replied blushing. "Thank you, Myoga."

"Although, your hair is far longer and you have certainly grown a few inches," he said as he looked her over. "You have grown quite wonderfully."

Hoshiko tilted her head down a bit smiling at the flea demon. A lovely blush covered her cheeks. She didn't know what to say other than 'thank you.' The old flea chuckled at her expression. She had always been a bit flustered when they complimented her looks. That hadn't changed.

"Of course, it has been many years since I last saw you. Over 200 years have passed."

"I know. It has been awhile."

"But how are you alive? I thought you died!"

"You thought Hoshiko had died," Sango asked.

"Indeed. I assumed she would die because the last time I saw her she had been weakened by blood loss and injures that weren't healing. But I thought she died when she went with-"

He wasn't able to finish. Hoshiko quickly squished him between her hands looking quite panicked. The old flea had almost revealed her secret, said her father's name! Everyone's eyes narrowed at her expression. They had heard what the flea was going to say and yet she had prevented them an insight to her past. Again. She wasn't opening up quickly.

"Such is the life of a flea," Myoga mumbled.

"I'm sorry."

"Hoshi," Miroku asked. "Myoga knows your past doesn't he? He knows who your father is."

"You haven't told them have you, Hoshiko," Myoga quietly said. He understood now.

It wasn't a question; it was a statement. She glanced up in horror at her friends who were staring at her. Just by her expression they quickly gathered Myoga did know who her adopted father was. He knew her past, he knew her story. Miroku immediately had his question answered without words. She quickly made up her mind. It wasn't time, she wasn't ready!

"Would you give me a moment," she squeaked softly.

She didn't wait for an answer from her companions. Hoshiko took off running toward the north-east carrying the old flea in her hands. She wished to speak to him alone. She didn't want her friends to hear what would be said, especially Sesshomaru or Inuyasha. She heard Rin cry for her to come back but she pretended she didn't hear. Her companions frowned as she disappeared. Why wouldn't Hoshiko let them into her heart? Leaping over fallen trees and bushes and dodging low branches she raced into the woods. The woods grew thicker as she continued deeper into the lush greenery. Once she felt she was far enough and ensuring no one had followed, she put the flea on a branch at her eye height. He stared at her for a moment.

"Hoshiko, what is the meaning of this?"

"What must be said cannot be heard by them. I do not wish them to hear right now. Besides, it's best if we speak alone for now."

"I believe they have a right to hear. They will be questioning why you and I left."

"Let them, who can guess the real reason?"

"Indeed," he murmured lowly.

"I know what I'm doing can't be the best ideal for now but right now, who doesn't have a secret or two?"

"If I may question your reason for this secrecy, may I ask why?"

She did not answer him but glanced away almost in what he could name as shame. He waited for her to respond but she didn't. A few minutes slowly trickled by. He decided to break the silence. It was time to question her now, he needed to know.

"I do not understand what is going on, Hoshiko," he quietly said. "I believe you owe me an explanation."

"I haven't told them anything," came her low answer.

"That I gathered by their expressions back there."

"Obviously."

"Hoshiko, why haven't you told them?"

Her eyes filled with tears and she slid down the trunk of the tree sitting at the base. She was silent for a long moment. The old flea jumped down to sit on her knee so he could look at her better. Her sorrowful gaze met his. He hated the tears that spilled down her cheeks.

"You know why," she whispered.

"You still believe that false lie? When will you listen to the Master's words?"

She winced.

"It is not a lie. I know it's my fault he is dead. I was so naïve I became his downfall."

"You were not his downfall. You were his strength and his pup, the demoness he raised. You are not the reason he perished. Not at all."

"Hai, I was! I was the bait."

"That is true, little one," he soothed. "But how could we blame you? You were young and not at full power."

"So? I'm still the reason he ran to his downfall."

"Hoshiko! Will you stop this foolishness?"

She remained silent.

"I haven't seen you for over 200 years. I do not know what has occurred during that time, but you have led yourself to believe you are the reasons for the Inu No Taisho's death."

"Don't say his name," she whispered, pained.

"Ever why not?"

"It hurts in here," she said quietly as she tabbed above her heart with a talon.

He sighed heavily before again speaking, changing the subject.

"When will you stop running from the past? From him?"

"I don't know, Myoga. I can't face it, it hurts so much and the guilt is so heavy on my heart. How can I stop running when all I get is another bruise on my heart?"

"Any wound can heal, Hoshiko."

She glanced at him with pained eyes. Tears threatened to spill over from her cheeks again. He hadn't seen her in such a lowly state. She truly was a wreck inside and it made him wonder how she managed to hold on for so long. Was it her promise to the Master?

"I know wounds can heal but it can take so much time."

"Hoshiko, what did the master use to tell you? About pain?"

Silence met his question but the reply came soon enough.

"'Pain hurts, but it makes you stronger.' "

"Exactly."

"Those words don't exactly help me, Myoga. I've been drowning in pain since father's death."

"It has made you stronger. I can see a new fire in you. The new power you have and the desire to protect once again."

She faintly smiled past the tears.

"Hoshiko, I know you and the Master had deep feelings for each other. He did everything he could to keep you safe by secrecy," he said ignoring her wince. "But you can't let this tear you apart. You are falling apart every day I can see that."

"Not as bad as I used to. I used to have fits that took me days at times to get over. This is nothing."

"The Master would be so disheartened to see you like this."

"And he broke my heart that night he left me to perish under a humans hand."

Myoga frowned at that.

"Do you wish he didn't?"

"You know my answer to that. I loved Izayoi too. I didn't want him to die but I knew it was going to happen. How could I do that to him, force him to do knowing his mate and newborn son died as well?"

"He would have done so, you know that. You and him had been together far longer than he and Izayoi."

She glared angrily at the flea demon.

"I loved Izayoi too! I even loved their unborn child despite all the pain it brought me. Would you believe me if I told you I made Inutaisho go to Izayoi?"

Silence met her revelation as the flea stared her down in shock. How could that be possible? How? Why? She met his gaze with defiance and he immediately began to question this. He needed to know the truth, the story he hadn't known.

"You made the Master go after Izayoi."

"He hesitated, Myoga, at the last moment. He wanted to go to her but he wanted to stay with me too. I told him to go knowing completely well what would happen. He also knew. His heart was torn between two. I made him decide his mate, she was far more worth to him than I."

"Hoshiko, Izayoi meant nothing more to him than you. You both owned a piece of him. He valued you as much as her. Do not ever say such a thing!"

She gaped at him for a moment as tears ran down her cheeks and agony wrote itself clearly in her eyes.

"Hoshiko, how are you alive," he finally asked. "I thought you perished with the Master."

"He made me stay behind."

"He made you stay behind? Then why couldn't we find you? We searched frantically for you in the rubble of the burned building to locate your body but when we didn't we continued our search. We never found you. We assumed you must have died."

She frowned at him and looked away in pain.

"I left with Izayoi and Inuyasha," she whispered.

"How is that possible? When I located the young master at such a young age you weren't around!"

She said nothing. The young demoness just looked at him with pain in her eyes and he suddenly understood. She'd left. She had disappeared like nothing more of a shadow into the woods only to reveal herself now. Why? What was her reasons for disappearing into no existence?

"Why did you disappear?"

"Myoga," she said as she pinched the bride of her nose. "Please, don't."

He silenced himself but folded his little arms. She'd gotten secretive since the last time he'd seen her. He waited for her to recoup for a moment before she suddenly spoke up quietly but it still startled him from the silence.

"How can I tell them? Sesshomaru. . . Inuyasha. . . My friends. . . They will hate me!"

"They could never hate you. It wasn't your fault!"

"Curses, old flea, you do not understand! Tell me, did you watch Inutaisho battle to save you? Did you watch him die!"

He stared at her in disbelief for a moment.

"Sesshomaru and Inuyasha will not hate you. It surprises me Sesshomaru's opinion even bothers you."

"Oh," she whispered. "How could it not? He's Inutaisho's son!"

"That is true."

"Him and Inuyasha are linked to him by blood. I was only an orphan he took in."

"You are as much the Inu No Taisho's child as they are. He raised you, provided for you, protected you, and most of all loved you although he never said it a loud. He was your father too."

Hoshi did not reply as she gazed into the distance quietly deep in thought. He didn't disturb her thoughts. But still it made him wonder what made her think so hard right now. He didn't have to wait long. His patience was rewarded.

"How are Saya and Totosai," she suddenly asked.

"Saya? I do not know where he has gone but it is fairly easy to retrieve him and as for Totosai he is forging swords for other demons. Why the sudden curiosity in them?"

"Find them and go the mountain nearby where father died. I buried a small chest there. Please, retrieve it for me."

"Retrieve the chest? Why does it have any meaning?"

"Inutaisho gave it to me," she whispered. "It has a few things in it I'd like to recover. Please, Myoga. Please."

"Oh, alright. I will return by dusk tomorrow with Saya and Totosai with your chest."

"Thank you."

"But why retrieve the chest?"

She stood up and began to walk away forcing him to hop beside her. Hoshi stopped by a tree and placed a lightly shimmering silver hand on the rough bark. Her suddenly determined but sad eyes found his. A single tear like a diamond slid down her cheek.

"I am going to tell them."

Hoshiko is going to tell them about her past (and all of you too!)! GASP! How will everyone react but most of all, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru? Can they forgive her for her mistake? Or will she be cast out? But the main thing is, Sesshomaru's reaction. DUN DUN DUN! Hope you enjoyed this and PLEASE review, the more reviews the quicker I post ;)