The path down the mountain was quiet.
The snow had thinned as the world neared the end of winter. Replaced by the muddy thaw of early spring.
The forest she was in by now was unfamiliar. Too distant from her home up the mountain to be recognisable.
The area looked as if it hadn't been treaded in decades. Every tree and stone touched by the absence of humanity.
By the time Keyuzu reached the base, night had fallen.
The moon rose red.
Its light spilling over the fields surrounding a nearby village. The rooftops shrouded crimson.
The same colour that marked her birth. The colour of her curse.
It was the first time a blood moon had risen in 16 years. The first time since Keyuzu was born.
She heard the talks of the villagers in the town. Muffled by the distance.
She only ever saw a person besides her sensei on the day she was born. A day she now does not remember.
Her stomach ached from hunger. Her cloak was torn from the descent.
She just needed warmth. Food. A place to rest.
Lanterns flickered an orange and yellow hue along the dirt road to the village. The light fighting against the red tone of the sky.
The faint smell of boiled food and rice drifted down the path. Keyuzu stepped ever closer, each step heavier than the last.
She walked through the open gate.
Several villagers turned to look. A girl they had never seen. Dressed in a torn cloak with a sword tied at her hip.
She bowed politely. Just as her sensei had taught her.
"Please."
She said softly
"I only need shelter and food for the night. I haven't any money."
At first nobody answered. Until a man carrying a basket of fish stepped closer. His gaze fell onto her face.
As she looked up at him. Her eyes caught the moonlight.
Her bright red eyes.
He froze.
Whispers ran around the gathered villagers.
"The blood moon…"
"Look at her eyes."
"She's cursed."
"She'll bring death."
The sound rose like the start of a storm. Mothers pulling their children away. Men reaching for tools and standing in front of their families.
Somebody threw a rock.
"Get out!"
Another voice. Another voice.
"Demon!"
"Monster!"
More stones followed. Most missing. Some hitting her shoulders or legs.
A stone hit her shoulder with a dull thud. Pain blooming under her cloak.
She stumbled back. Not from fear but from disbelief.
"No no I'm not... I promise."
Her voice broke
A torch arced through the air, narrowly missing her head. The fire burst to life behind her.
The mob of villagers surged forward. Weapons or tools raised.
Keyuzu turned and ran. Past the fire. Past the gates. Into the forest.
Kicking up dust as she ran. Branches tore at her cloak and sleeves as she fled.
The shouts followed. Torched swelling like hateful stars.
One hand found her sword. The other clutching the wooden charm around her neck.
The charm given to her by Ryouma.
Never kill when it is not necessary.
The words echoed through her head. His voice. The one thing she could hear through the chaos.
She ducked down and hit behind a fallen tree. Trying to stay calm and steady despite the heave in her chest.
In the distance the glow of torchlight got even stronger. Closer.
The villagers had spread out and gathered others. Hunters. Men from neighbouring villagers unite to kill her.
Her hands trembled as she drew the blade from its sheath slowly. Cautious to make no noise.
It's only for self defence
The blade caught the red light of the moon. Gleaming like fresh blood.
"I don't want this."
Her voice was low and trembling
"I don't want to fight."
Dogs barked in the distance. Only making her more afraid.
"Sensei what do I do…"
Footsteps closed in. The howling grew louder.
She slid the blade back into the sheathe. Pressing the hilt to her forehead.
"Should I just run away?"
The forest didn't answer her.
She stood up. Peering around to see if the coast was clear.
Men still stood dotted around the forest. But she saw a path. Where nobody would see her.
She ran.
Deeper into the woods. Away from the light. Away from the hatred.
The blood moon hung overhead. Glistening like an open wound.
Watching.
Waiting.