-1I must act quickly. Silently. They must never know I am here….

With this in mind she glided swiftly through the shadows.

I pray this works, and may the gods protect me if it doesn't..

A twig slashed her flawless face, sending coppery warmth trickling down her cheek. The blood-smell was unsettlingly familiar, but she forced herself to ignore it and continue onward. The forest was thinning, the grey light of dawn beginning to seep through. Just a few more miles; she was almost there. If all went as planned, he would die this time. Then at last she could be in peace.

So long I've awaited this…now at last I may have my revenge.

Reaching into her draping sleeve she felt for the small sack hidden there. It was still there, the bit of cord still holding it shut. Its bulk reassured her. At last she reached the place she'd discovered not long ago, where the trees ended and the soft mountain mists gave way to a thick lethal fog. The upper corner of a thatched roof could barely be seen through the miasma.

She'd found the manor, but was the lord himself at home?

I hope so, Naraku….for I've a gift for you….

Breathing deeply the priestess walked into the poisonous cloud. It was dark within, but after a moment she found her way. The powerful demonic aura melted away before her pure one. In moments she stood before the front porch. She tensed momentarily, waiting to be attacked, but none came. How odd…perhaps he was merely biding his time before he made his presence known? She felt for his aura, but sensed nothing. Guardedly she set to her task. Taking the sack from its hiding-place she carefully opened it, examined the contents for a moment , then quietly began strewing them about. The fine sand-colored powder drifted through the air, then at last seemed to disperse. The priestess smiled. Good. That should be enough. She still had some powder left, though; what to do with it? Acting on a sudden impulse she went up onto the porch, walked up to the door and smeared the dust on the door. There, now he'd be sure to get some of it. Satisfied, she put the now-empty pouch away and turned to leave. Disappearing silently into the mists, she left behind only footprints and her deadly toxic spoors.

From a dark room inside the manor, a small child watched in a mirror as the miko walked away. She knew that woman; her 'father' had told the girl her name.

"..Kikyou…"

Silently the child got to her feet and started down the hall toward her master's room. He would wish to know he'd had a visitor……