Shortly after the chaotic situation within the rice patties, Kagome and Aiko found themselves at the lake down the hill from the village. It hadn't been long since she had last bathed, but after having been tripped into the murky water and felt up by Satouru and Mitsuki, she felt she needed to scrub every inch of herself.
Aiko remained near the edge of the waters, watching as Kagome furiously scrubbed at her porcelain skin. As her brown eyes searched the vicinity for any watchful eyes, she deduced it was just the two of them.
"Why don't you join me?" Kagome called, but Aiko was hesitant.
"We don't often bathe, Kagome. Once every week is enough for our humble village. We don't exactly get the luxury to bathe like the rich, with their scented oils and perfumes," She replied.
Kagome was sure she heard that somewhere before, but still, how could they simply bathe once a week? With her long hair, Kagome had to frequently wash at least three to four times a week, otherwise her hair was an oily mess. "I think we deserve another bath, especially after what we went through up in the rice patties."
Aiko pondered. What could it hurt? No one else was around to see them. As she watched Kagome scrub at her hair, Aiko decided to go for it. Removing her old kimono, folding it gently as she laid it upon the grass, she stepped into the water.
Noticing this, Kagome glanced over her shoulder, her blue eyes watching as the girl approached her, wading through the water towards her. Aiko had the body of a young teenager, her breasts much smaller than Kagome's, yet she was just as curvy, though much slimmer.
When she settled herself into the warm water, she removed her ribbon from her hair, allowing her long strands to fall upon her back, submerged as she scrubbed gently. She couldn't help but look at Kagome curiously, a nagging question which had burned itself into her thoughts since earlier that day. "Kagome, what is a nurse?"
Kagome blinked at this, and briefly pondered how she should tell her. Of course, the only women in this time period who were capable of healing others were normally holy women, but despite that, there were only male doctors. "A nurse is what we call … a woman who is capable of healing others, making sure that person is comfortable…"
"So, your mother is a priestess?"
"Not exactly. My mother works alongside many doctors to provide for the injured. She helps everyone no matter the age. Although I live on a family shrine, she isn't a priestess. My grandfather however, he lives by the words of Buddha."
Aiko nodded, still not entirely sure what was so different between a nurse and priestess. However, she found it very odd that her mother worked alongside male doctors; the thought was entirely unheard of. "Still, I'm surprised your mother and yourself are knowledgeable in western medicine."
"Why is that?"
"Well the practice is completely banned from Japan," She replied. Then again, Kaede had strangely allowed Kagome to tend to Daisuke's wound with such a method. As she looked each way, hoping no one was listening, she leaned into Kagome, her voice lowered to a whisper. "Kagome, did you come from overseas?"
"No, I was born in Japan. I've never gone overseas. My mother, however, did several years ago," She replied, wondering why Aiko was trying to keep their conversation a secret.
"I see. That makes sense. Listen Kagome, I don't think you should go around practicing…" She leaned in again to whisper. "western medicine. It's a forbidden practice that will cost you your life, if you're caught."
Hearing this, Kagome's blue eyes widened. Kagome didn't realize what she had just done to help Daisuke could put her own life at risk. As if her life wasn't already hell enough.
Noticing her discomfort and sudden paranoia, Aiko patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Lady Kaede won't say anything. I'm sure she has asked Daisuke to keep quiet about this as well. So, don't worry."
Even so, the very thought of someone hacking off her head because she had tried to help someone left her feeling unsettled. Then again, what did it matter? Kagome wasn't planning on staying. When night came, she would leave this village and make her way back to the place she woke up in within the forest. After everything she went through, it still felt like a dream. If she was brought here, surely there was a way to return.
Eventually after their bath, they made their way through the village, ignoring the curious stares of those passing them. It was obvious they realized the two had bathed, and although it was none of their business, it was still strange to them. Fortunately, no one said a word, continuing on their way to continue their chores.
"Kosuke said he wanted to have lunch with you," Aiko suddenly voiced.
She nodded. "It's already past noon, but I haven't seen him until this morning."
Pausing in her trek, Aiko turned to Kagome before lowering her head apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join you two during lunch. I just remembered I have to take care of some things. I hope you do not mind…"
Kagome waved her hands in front of her, shaking her head in the process. "No, it's alright. Don't worry about it. I'll meet you back at the hut?"
Aiko nodded. "Yes. I shouldn't be too long."
With that, the young woman left Kagome as she ran off around the corner of the huts. Kagome wondered what it was the young woman had to do that caused her to run off quickly, but she didn't linger on the thought for long.
"No, give it back!"
The sound of boyish laughter and a child crying brought Kagome out of her musings. Turning her head, she saw a small little girl, standing in a circle of four boys, crying as she reached for her small straw doll.
"Give it back! That's mine!"
The boy snickered at her futile attempts to return it, and Kagome couldn't help but narrow her gaze. "Why you want it back? It's so ugly!"
"Yeah, it's ugly!"
From Kagome's perspective, the boys looked at least ten years old while the little girl seemed a little younger. The girl was dressed in a pale pink cotton kimono, her long black hair pulled back in a low ponytail, with two strands of hair shortened on either side of her face. The boy, however, looked exactly like the punks who had approached her in the rice fields, only a lot younger. The sight of this, angered Kagome.
"Please, give it back! Mama made it for me!"
"Your mom's dead! You need to grow up!"
"Yeah, grow up!"
Tears fell from her large brown eyes as the boys laughed at her. Kagome felt a slight pain within her heart when the boys had shouted about her deceased mother. How awful. How could they treat her so coldly?
Deciding to put an end to their mischief, Kagome approached them, swiping the small straw doll out of one of the troublemaker's hands, much to their surprise. "That's enough. That's very heartless of you."
The boys backed away, looking at one another as they saw the anger emanating from the older woman's stare. Should they yell back at her? What would she do to them if they did? They weren't naïve; they heard from some of the adults what this woman had done to the guys in rice patties, and they weren't sure if they should mess with her or not.
"Well?" Kagome glared, and it was enough to send the boys running off, screaming fearfully. Once they were gone, Kagome turned to the little girl, whose face was wet and red from tears. Bending down, she handed her the straw doll, and she took it happily. "Are you alright? Just ignore them. They're jealous you have such a cool doll."
The child sniffled, wiping her face with the sleeve of her kimono. "Thank you…"
"What's your name? My name is Kagome."
"Ume…" She replied softly, her head lowered timidly at the beautiful girl before her. "Mama named me after plum blossoms."
A smile graced Kagome's face, and she stood up, holding her hand out to the child. "It's a beautiful name. Ume, do you want to play with me for a while?"
The little girl was surprised by this, and almost immediately a large smile spread across her face. "Yes!"
As he finished hauling in more wood for High Priestess Kaede, Kosuke leapt off the seat of his cart, wiping the sweat from his brow. By now, it was well past two in the afternoon, and still he hadn't met up with Kagome and Aiko for lunch. Patting his oxen gently for another day of hard work, he untied the reins, leading it inside a large gated area within the village.
After which, he found himself walking around the village, carrying with him a small basket filled with delicacies he had quickly put together earlier in the day. From one end of the village to the other, his brown eyes searched high and low for the girls. During his walk, he happened upon Aiko, who was helping an elderly woman outside a hut. That's right; if he remembered correctly, Aiko was always helping those in need around the village, especially the elderly who couldn't get around as much.
"Afternoon, Aiko,"
Turning at her name, Aiko greeted Kosuke as she supported the older woman. "Have you finished Lady Kaede's errands?" She asked.
"Yes. I know it's late, but I'm about to take my lunch break…"
Aiko nodded. "I see. I'm sorry, but I won't be joining you and Kagome. I completely forgot I had other things to do around the village."
That was understandable. Still, he didn't want her to go hungry during the day. As he rummaged through his small basket, he pulled out a couple rice balls, and Aiko took them gratefully. "I made plenty."
"Thank you, Kosuke."
"Do you happen to know where Kagome is?" He asked, looking around the area once more for any signs of the girl.
Aiko pondered. "She could be back at my hut. If she isn't, I'm sure she is around the village some place."
"I see." With another nod, he waved goodbye to Aiko, before making his way towards the woman's hut. It wasn't too far from where he was, and he made it within a couple minutes. Knocking on the outside of the hut, he waited for a response, but there was none. Curious, he pushed back the flap and stepped inside. "Kagome?"
Strange. She wasn't inside. His only guess was that she was somewhere outside. Surely, she wasn't still working, especially on an empty stomach? He pressed forward again, this time searching around the fields and all throughout the village a second time, but there was still no signs of the young woman. Where had Kagome disappeared to?
Just as he was about to give up, he recognized a couple people sitting atop the hill above the village, and as he approached, walking up the incline, he recognized the taller individual as Kagome. A smile brightened his cheeks, and he called out to her. "Kagome!"
At the sound of a masculine voice calling out, Kagome whipped her head around, her gaze landing on a familiar man jogging up the hill to greet her and Ume. "Kosuke!"
After finally reaching the top, he settled down beside her and the little girl, wiping the sweat from his forehead once more. Here he thought he would never find her, but she was here all along. "I was searching for you."
Kagome flushed, smiling as she sweat dropped. "I'm sorry. I was spending some time with my little friend."
At the mentioning of friend, Ume's head perked up, and her brown eyes widened at Kagome. Friend? Did she hear right? This older woman was her friend? "Really? I'm your friend?"
Kagome nodded, patting her on the head before brushing back some loose strands out of her face. "Of course you are."
Curious, Kosuke leaned forward, smiling at the little dark haired child on the other side of Kagome. She was holding tightly to her arm, eying him curiously. "Hello Ume. What is that?"
Lowering her large eyes to her lap, the child held up a small assortment of flowers entwined by the stems. "It's a flower crown. Kagome made it for me…"
"It's very pretty!" He complimented, causing the little girl to blush at his words.
"Kagome was teaching me how to make one. She said you need to gather the prettiest flowers and tie their stems together until it forms a circle," Ume replied, holding up another flower crown to Kosuke. "See?"
Kosuke nodded. "I see! It's amazing. I've never seen a flower crown before."
Noticing the basket at his side, Kagome saw the familiar shapes of onigiri within, wrapped by seaweed. The sight practically made her mouth water. To her embarrassment, her stomach grumbled, earning a chuckle from the man beside her. Blushing, she tried to hide her embarrassment, but Kosuke only laughed.
"Please, help yourself. I've made plenty," He explained, handing Kagome a couple rice balls.
Excited she was eating something other than porridge, Kagome took the rice balls from Kosuke, giving the other to Ume beside her. "Here you go, sweetie."
Ume only blinked at the food. "For me?"
"Yes," Kagome replied.
"Really?" A large smile fell upon her face as she continued eying the food. It was the first time someone besides her father had offered her any food, and it looked so tasty too. "Thank you!"
She was such a cutie! From the looks of it, it seemed the little girl never had anyone else to look after her or play with for that matter. When Kagome asked about her father earlier, Ume mentioned that he was always working in the fields until sun down, and she only ever saw him briefly. It was sad to think about it, but Kagome was glad she could spend a little time with her today.
Ume's mouth was slightly covered by small grains of rice, and with a spare handkerchief, Kagome wiped away the grains, causing the child to blush as she chewed her food.
"You are very good with children," Kosuke remarked, and Kagome couldn't help but smile at this. "Do you have any of your own?"
Kagome's blue eyes widened. "Me? No, I don't have any children."
"Truly? I'm a little surprised to hear that," He replied, watching her. "I take it you are unmarried?"
She nodded. "I guess it's weird, right? It seems a lot of girls my age already have children and husbands…"
Kosuke supposed that was true. Still, a beautiful young woman such as her still single? Well it left Kosuke curious. "I'm sure you'll find someone to start a life with."
"Oh … well I'm not really looking to get married, at least, not any time soon," She replied, sweat dropping.
"Really?" Either way, Kosuke was kind of glad she was still single. She was an interesting woman, very different from all the other girls out there, but that wasn't a bad thing. "I'm sorry it's only rice balls for lunch. I haven't had time to fix up anything else."
"It's okay. I haven't had these in so long. I'm actually glad I got to eat some. Thank you Kosuke."
As the three sat here, taking in the scenery of the woods before them with the village behind them down the hill, Ume eventually fell asleep, her head nestled upon Kagome's lap. As Kagome tenderly ran her hands through the child's hair, she couldn't help but look over at the man beside her.
Realizing he'd been staring, Kosuke looked away, doing his best to fight off his embarrassment. What should he say? "Has … the day been well for you?"
"Well … there was some happenings that put me off this morning."
He blinked. Happenings? "Did something trouble you while you were working today?"
She nodded. "Well, let's just say there are still some people in the village who don't like me very well. Aiko got caught up in it, and well … I'm sure you've heard the rumors by now." Kagome couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm afraid I haven't heard…" He replied. "Early this morning I left the village to gather firewood for Lady Kaede. I just recently returned before I went to search for you."
"I see."
"Are you alright?"
Kagome nodded. "I'm alright. I'm not very used to living here. To be honest, I really would like to leave and find my family, but…"
"But?"
She sighed and her shoulders slumped. "It's just that, Lady Kaede doesn't want me to leave. She thinks it would be better I stay here. Not to mention she has every village man keeping their eye on me, so it's difficult for me to just leave."
That was troublesome. Then again, he kind of understood what the old lady was doing. "Those woods are dangerous, even if they belong to our High Priestess. It's not safe in the mornings or at night. We have been lucky so far that our village hasn't gone under attack."
"What do you mean, dangerous?"
"Well, there are demons out there," He replied,
His words brought her alarm. Wait a minute, what? As she sat there, pondering his words, Kagome recalled Kosuke explaining to her about the story of the forest. He mentioned a half demon who had tried protecting the village long ago against an evil demon. "Demons..." To be honest, Kagome had yet to see even a trace of a demon roaming around, and she wondered if there were many. "Kosuke, how come I've never seen any demons around the village? I've been here for over a week now, but I haven't seen anything…"
"It's probably because of Lady Kaede's barrier."
"Barrier?"
He nodded. "So far we have been lucky this year. Her barrier surrounds the entire village, and even demons who are far away can sense it. Sometimes we get a couple strays, but ever since she put up the barrier, our village has been rather peaceful. However, conjuring this barrier takes its toll on our High Priestess. She's not as young as she used to be, so that means eventually our barrier will fall."
"I see. I take it only priestesses have this sort of power?"
Kosuke nodded. "As far as I know, yes. It would be nice if we could have another priestess within our village, but I doubt that would happen. With our luck, our village won't last long, and neither will our protection."
"It won't last because of the barrier?"
He shook his head. "Since our harvests have been poor this year, as well as last's, the protection we get from Edo will eventually be stripped from us. Our Daimyo lives there, but he can't foresee our protection for much longer if things continue worsening for us. If things continue as they are, we will no longer have a home to call home."
That was terrible. To live in an era where there was danger around every corner, and needing to succeed in life in order to be protected seemed rather harsh. How could Kagome hope to live such a life with these people?
"Although it might seem like I'm trying escape by leaving the village days at a time, that's not truly the case," He admitted. "Of course, I want this village to prosper, and even if people see me as the type to slack off, I'm honestly doing more than that. During my travels, I have been searching for those with spiritual abilities to aid our village."
Kagome furrowed he brows. "You've been trying your hardest to help everyone…"
He nodded. "Now a days, it seems many priestesses and monks are living within wealthy villages, especially those such as Edo. If you don't have money, then you are turned away. I can remember a time, long ago, when they helped everyone, regardless of wealth or poverty…"
So even those kinds of people have become cruel. How was that not surprising? Sometimes life wasn't fair.
Sitting within her hut, Kaede found herself pondering about all that had happened earlier within the day. When Kagome had surprised her with her knowledge of Western Medicine, Kaede couldn't help but believe she was indeed from a different line of people.
Her conversation with Daisuke regarding her supposed spiritual abilities left Kaede stumped. Was it possible she came from a line of priestesses? Kaede remembered sensing something within the girl, yet she couldn't make heads or tails if that something was good or bad.
"Kagome … what are ye?" There was a knock outside her hut suddenly, and already knowing who it was, Kaede beckoned them inside. "Come in."
The sight of a young woman with long brown hair, held back by a plain black hair tie, with straight bangs covering her forehead, stepped inside the small hut. Without a moment's pause, she lowered herself onto her knees before the High Priestess. "You called for me?"
"Sit, child."
Doing as she was instructed, Aiko stood up and approached the elderly woman before taking a seat across from her.
"What have ye learned about her?"
For a moment, Aiko was silent, recalling all that had happened within the morning. "Kagome is a strong person and she is a lot braver than most women I've met. Her knowledge of certain things … confuses me, but it's clear to me she isn't from around here…"
It was just as Kaede thought. "Go on."
"This afternoon, there was some trouble within the rice patties…"
Kaede's eyes narrowed at this. "Trouble? What sort of trouble?"
Aiko gulped, realizing she had suddenly upset the older woman, but she had to tell her. The elderly priestess had every right to know what transpired while she wasn't looking. "Kagome and myself were confronted by Satouru and his three friends … it seems they are against her living within the village," She explained. "I was surprised by Kagome's sudden change in personality. She mentioned that women have every right to voice their thoughts and opinions…"
Kaede frowned at this. "I see…"
"She also said, without women, there wouldn't be any men. Lady Kaede, I'm afraid that Kagome believes herself equal to everyone, no matter their gender or status," Aiko replied somewhat hesitantly.
How interesting. Kagome was indeed a strange person. Where on earth did she come from? "I have never heard of such a thing. This is probably why she is so eager to leave…"
"Where do you think Kagome came from?" The young girl asked. "For her to not know about the practice being banned, and her strange manner of words, not to mention her clothing … Do you believe she came from overseas?"
Kaede wasn't entirely sure. "I believe there is more to her story than what she lets on. Tonight, I will be speaking to her about her place in the village. If her story is deemed believable, then perhaps I can lessen her burden."
"Forgive me for saying this, but I thought you said she wasn't a prisoner…"
"She isn't," The older woman replied. "If we let this child leave now, as she is, there is no certainty of what might happen to her. Aiko, continue keeping watch over her. Ye are likely her only friend in the village, someone she can put her trust into."
She nodded. Aiko didn't feel right about any of this. Although it was an order to watch over Kagome, it still made her uncomfortable. Aiko didn't want to just watch her, she wanted to just be friends with the girl, but it seemed Lady Kaede had other plans.
"Where is Kagome now?"
"With Kosuke, I believe..."
Understanding, the older woman sighed. If she was with him, then she was sure that was just fine. "Very well. Ye may leave now."
Aiko hesitated. There was something else weighing heavily on her mind. She felt she couldn't leave without telling her everything else. "There is one more thing … Lady Kaede."
The High Priestess arched a brow. "What is it?"
"It's … about Satouru…"
Realizing two hours had flown by so quickly, Kosuke stood up, his basket at his side completely emptied of its contents. As he looked upon the darkening sky, he looked down at his side, watching as Kagome gently tried to stir the sleeping child.
"Ume? It's time to go home," She cooed.
Stirring from her peaceful sleep, Ume rubbed her eyes tiredly. As she looked up at the motherly figure sitting before her, Ume leaned into her warmth. "Are we leaving?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes, sweetie."
A little disappointed by this, the child reluctantly pulled away from Kagome and stood up. With her flower crown and her doll held tightly to her chest, she took Kagome's hand and followed the two down the hill towards the huts.
On their way, they saw many of the villagers finishing up their chores in the fields, many retiring to their homes to spend time with their families. When they neared Ume's hut, they were welcomed to an empty home.
"Papa is still working," Ume explained.
Kagome frowned at this. She honestly didn't want to leave the child by her self. "When will he return?"
"Not until the moon is high in the sky," Ume replied.
"Then would you like to stay with me until your daddy comes home?" Kagome asked.
From her elated grin, the little girl couldn't help but jump up and down, her hand tightening around Kagome's. "Yes!"
Then it was settled. As Kagome and Ume made their way back to Aiko's hut, Kosuke left to inform Ume's father that his daughter would be spending some time with a friend of his until he returned home. Kosuke did that so there would be no future misunderstanding, and afterwards, he made his way to Lady Kaede's.
When the two girls neared the hut, they stepped inside, only to realize Aiko had yet to return. Where was she? Kagome wondered if she was truly busy throughout most of the days.
As Ume settled herself onto Kagome's futon, Kagome couldn't help but smile as the child played with her straw doll. She was combing her fingers through what appeared to be the doll's hair, made from horse hair she thought. A sudden thought came to Kagome just then and she moved to approach the chest lying across the room. Aiko had mentioned her things were inside, and as she opened it, she saw her uniform folded within neatly, and her shoes tucked underneath.
A smile crept onto her face. Thank goodness, she still had her clothing. Sorting through them, she also found her school shoes as well. Everything was accounted for, and for that, she was extremely thankful. Looking back at Ume, who was distracted by her doll, Kagome turned back to the chest, and reached for her school ribbon, slipping if off her school blouse before closing the chest.
Returning to the child's side, she bent down and handed her the blue and white pleated ribbon. "Here. For your doll."
Her eyes lit up at the beautiful thin cloth, and as Kagome handed it to her, she took it into her small hands, eyeing the fabric as if it were out of this world. "It's so beautiful. Where did you get it?"
"It was given to me three years ago," She replied. Well, she couldn't actually tell the child about her high school, now could she? In this day and age, being taught was a privilege, and only those with money could afford it. If Kagome told them the truth about herself, she would no doubt face terrible circumstances, of which she didn't want to face. It was best to keep it a secret, for now.
As the hours passed and darkness fell upon the village, Ume had long since fallen asleep. During the time, Kagome had busied herself with cleaning up the hut. She felt she at least owed that much to the girl, especially considering she gave Kagome a roof to sleep under. However, there was still no sign of Aiko, and Kagome wondered if something happened to her.
Pushing back the flap to her hut, Kagome gazed out to the streets of the village. Small lanterns were lit here and there, but no one but the dogs and chickens wandered the paths. Was it possible Aiko was with Lady Kaede?
As she turned back inside, she saw Ume was slightly stirring in her sleep, her large brown eyes blinking as she tiredly stared at Kagome near the door. Her doll was still held protectively to her chest. "Are you ready to head home?"
Ume nodded. "Papa should be home," She yawned, picking herself up from the futon.
With her hand held out to the small girl, Kagome exited the hut, following the same route Kosuke had led them earlier. Eventually they arrived, and to Kagome's relief, Ume's father was at the door looking out.
"Papa! I'm home!" Ume exclaimed, running towards her father who enveloped her with a tight hug.
From what Kagome could see in the darkness of the night, he was a rather large man, masculine in his arms, his chest and legs, with a short scruffy beard and his dark hair pulled back in a top knot.
"Thank you for looking after my child," He thanked her.
With a respectful tilt of her head, Kagome smiled. "It was nothing. Good night Ume."
The child waved backed. "See you tomorrow, Kagome!"
After saying her goodbyes to the child, Kagome turned and made her way back to Aiko's hut. As she passed the stray dogs and chickens on her trek, she finally arrived at the hut. Entering inside, she sauntered across the wooden floor boards and opened the chest. Taking her shoes and uniform into her arms, she crept back out into the darkness of the night once more.
It was now or never. Even though Kaede told her yesterday she wished to continue the conversation, Kagome knew she couldn't wait much longer. No one was watching. It was the perfect opportunity, one she might not get again.
"I'm sorry Aiko … Ume … Kosuke," She softly muttered to herself. If she got any closer to these people, she would want to stay, and staying was not on her agenda.
As she tiptoed around the huts, careful of anyone noticing her, she suddenly pressed her back against one of the buildings, her breath caught in her throat. From the corner of her eye, she saw a man making his rounds down the street, his eyes looking each way for any signs of suspicions. From the looks of it, he was one of the men on night duty, and if he saw her, her plans would surely go to waste.
Kagome waited a long minute, watching him from the shadows of the hut she leaned against. Eventually he continued on his way, around the corner and out of sight. Relieved by this, she took one last look around the village before dashing as quickly as her legs could carry her up the hill.
As soon as her back was to the village, she descended the steep incline, past the fields until she was standing before the entrance of the woods. Her heart was drumming loudly in her ears, and she placed a hand to her chest to steady her breathing.
"Well, there are demons out there,"
Kagome remembered the words Kosuke said to her during lunch. There were demons out there in the woods, and she was sure it wasn't as safe as it was during the day. 'What are you doing, Kagome? Don't let this hold you back.'
Taking a deep breath, Kagome slowly made her way forward. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, but she tried to ignore it. The Goshinboku Tree was somewhere in the woods; if it brought her here, then surely it would take her back home. Right?
Yet as she pressed on, the distinct sounds of twigs snapping behind her brought her to a complete halt. That sinking feeling within her grew stronger, and she had every nerve to just run, but fear caused her to pause. Something or someone was behind her.
Was it a demon? Maybe it was a dog? Surely it wasn't a chicken…
But before she could ascertain just who or what it was, she was immediately grabbed from behind, a rough and calloused hand covering her mouth which prevented her from screaming. As she struggled to fight off her captor, she found it difficult to do so as her arms were pinned to her sides. To her worst fear, she was dragged into the woods, desperately kicking her legs to escape.