Disclaimer: By the way, the haikus in the story are written by me, RockyShoreline, so I am not infringing on any known copyright.

Mizoshi slinked back into her room. The first thing she did was tear off the clinging, sultry kimono of red silkand chose a modest kimono of greencloth from the depths of her wardrobe. Plucking the flower out of her hair, she exchanged it for a simple wooden clip. She was not on display any longer. This was the real her.

How dare he summon her and treat her like that? Setting spies on her and dodging around her every attempt to get to know him? She was lonely. He was lonely. Whenever she served kindness, it was thrown right back into her face. Honestly, she saw no need for further contact or breakfasts. He never ate anyway. Her family was gone, and this cold, belligerent man wouldn't let her go.

Angrily, she threw a bit of a "fiery" temper tantrum and tossed the book he'd given her on the floor. Surprisingly enough, the book flew open on a certain page. She blinked. The words of the three old, white-haired women that huddled around the well by her former home came back to her. Some labeled them as "crazy widows," but Mizoshi always believed everything they said. Presently, one important piece of their wisdom filled her mind. Everything happens for a reason. Any unusual happenings or accidents are a sign from the gods.

Deciding to read this particular haiku the pages flipped to, she proceeded:

The thorny black rose

Shakes with tears passed off as dew

Beauty in darkness

Such a horrid poem, she would've thought; had it not already explained her current situation. Naraku certainly was dark, completely covered with impenetrable thorns and the like. Did he shake with a hidden sorrow? What had happened in his past? Was there another girl? Was his family killed too?

Mizoshi felt a new emotion now. Shame. She had acted cruel towards Naraku because he had rejected her advances. How self-righteous of her! Perhaps he suffered as well, yet preferred to keep it hidden.

Picking up the book, she set it on the dressing table just as Kanna padded into the room. "Is anything the matter? Did you fall?" She sounded unconcerned. She was probably curious if the captive guest were testing any escape routes. Her or someone else.

"No, Kanna." Mizoshi smiled innocently. "The book slipped from the table. That is all."

"Naraku-sama wanted you to have these." Kanna held out a beautiful porcelain dish filled over the brim with plump cherries. Her favorite.

Hesitantly, she took the offering from the little girl. "Thank you, Kanna. Tell Naraku-sama I am grateful."

She nodded and walked off, holding her precious mirror under her arm while she carried the cherry bowl with her small hands. Mizoshi couldn't guess what the mirror was used for. Was little Kanna so vain that she couldn't bear to be apart from one? Or was it something else? A toy? Again, when it came right down to it, she knew nothing.

Resigned, Mizoshi sat on her bedding and brought a cherry to her mouth. The taste was exquisite. Cheerfully, she ate each one, until there was only a puddle of pink juice left in the contours at the bottom. It was then she noticed the design on the porcelain bowl. Birds. Bright yellow birds flapped their wings around the circumference of the dish. The same exact yellow hue of her eyes. Well. Naraku certainly got his message across.

"Did she receive my gift?" Those pointed teeth gleamed in the candlelight.

"Yes, Naraku-sama."

"And?"

"She said she was grateful."

"I'll bet. Thank you, Kanna. That will be all for now. Remember to keep a sharp eye on your sister."

"Of course." The girl in white drifted away.

Although, he wasn't worried about Kagura's pathetic attempts at freedom: it Mizoshi's sullen face that flashed across Naraku's mind. What did she honestly think? That he was an enchanted prince whom snatched her away from dreary days of hardships to a gleaming castle where all the servants sang happy tunes? The poor girl was obviously attracted to him, but she was little better than a human and a stubborn one at that.

Wounded, she had marched back to her chamber. Why? He had done nothing wrong. Not yet anyway. The girl was wearing thin on his patience. But, in spite of her cheek, he would not cast her out. However, he would attempt to make her obedient if she continued her presumptuous ways. Let her bat her eyelashes at him then when she was in shackles.

Still, Mizoshi could become powerful. If Kagura hadn't told him of her possible heritage, she would be in the dungeon this second. On the other hand, there were other reasons.

When Mizoshi looked into his eyes, she did not recoil or show any revulsion. She saw him as he was and made no judgments. There was a kind of sparkle in her eyes that confounded him. Were there stars in her demonic eyes? Is this how the enigma of love started for mortals? And as for hanyous…

Mizoshi reminded him of her. They had the same traits though not the same face. She was the one thing he wanted the most, but for all his efforts, he lost her anyway. Naraku couldn't fathom the notion of love. In any case, Mizoshi had best tread carefully. He would let her momentary scorn slip by, but next time would be the last.

Whew! Got another update in within 24 hours. I will always update as soon as possible, but if college becomes too hectic, I might actually have to bury my nose in an actual academic book for a change. (grumbles about essays) But then again, I don't go to bed until 2:00 anyway. :) Much thanks goes out to GiR, ShawKoh1989, InuIsMine!, werewolfpixie, and chrissy for showing your support! To InuIsMine, the kimono does hold some significance later in the story if it goes as planned.