Damn him! Damn him to hell! How dare he ask me a question like that?
Kagura silently tried to control her rage without much success. When Naraku was gone, the gloomy castle slept easier. The tentacles that had been wound around her wrists and ankles slackened somewhat, and she enjoyed a slight measure of freedom. Not that there was much to be had here.
Closing her eyes, she imagined herself riding her downy feather across the star dusted skies. The wild breezes blew her hair out of its restraining bun while the heavenly illuminations of silver shone on her magenta-encased form. Down below, sometimes she saw someone waiting for her. He had been standing a good long time, but she innately knew he'd wait forever. An admiring smile decorated his handsome features; his white moon-kissed hair so long, it competed with his trailing, regal robes of the same paleness.
Together, the two would tear off into the navy blue clouds; locked in a mutual embrace. But like some sort of pleasant dream interrupted by a nightmare, her master would always show up; crimson hellfire blazing in his eyes, and drag her by the hand, away from the object of her affections; back into the darkness where she "belonged." It wasn't fair!
Mindlessly, she tossed a small vase into a faraway corner where it hit the wooden floor with a crash, although, Naraku wouldn't care about the mess because it was a piece of her own pottery she'd broken. In any case, she'd be expected to clean it up.
Would Sesshoumaru be touched if her knew it was imaginings of him that kept her sane? Or would he laugh in her face?
Kneeling, she picked up the shattered porcelain pieces that were the same color of his hair. Tears misted her vision. Her life would be perfect if she could truly share her heart with him. But, how could she share her heart when her master had stolen it?
For some unknown reason, her existence was harder to bear than before. Of course she didn't need to cook special breakfasts in the past; nor keep an eye on a spoiled, sulking quarter of a demon.
Kagura didn't want Mizoshi to know happiness. Why should she? Naraku made the act of simply breathing hell for each of his incarnations and slaves, why should the girl be any different? As for this "love" Naraku wished to understand…
Mizoshi needed to be introduced to the real demon. Maybe if Naraku grew frustrated enough, he'd be thus inclined to turn his wrath on his toy.
Her anger satisfied for the moment, she silently waved to the imaginary magnificent dog youkai in parting. In the future, she would be just as free as he under the celestial bodies above or die trying.
Smiling painfully, she raked the shard from the vase across her arm and watched the ruby drops of blood stain the immaculate whiteness.
Obediently, Mizoshi waited in the garden at sunset at the appointed time. Glumly, she sat on the bench, watching the oblivious koi fish chase each other.
On the first occasion ever, she had eaten breakfast and dinner alone in her own chamber. Kanna delivered both trays and spoke only when forced. Kagura, having done her daily duties in Naraku's absence, seemed glad to be rid of her burden and had taken up residence in her private apartments. Naraku himself was presumably languishing in a separate corner of the shadowy castle in solitude. Indeed, all day Mizoshi felt a keen sense of rejection; sharper than any sword could be. If it wasn't for her paints and the bright radiance of the glowing sun outside, she feared madness would consume her being. The loss of Kohaku's visit was the worst. Foolishly, Mizoshi assumed they would be allowed to meet together regularly. For weeks possibly. She'd even tried to talk to Kanna about it, but only received one single grim response…
Her black eyes were as hard as coal. "He's ill."
"Ill? What do you mean? How?"
"The mortal boy is too sick to be moved from his quarters," the ghostly girl whispered.
"Why? Is he in pain?"
"The boy's head hurts him." Kanna sedately responded. She could've been talking about a bowl for all she cared.
Reluctantly, Mizoshi let the situation drop. She wouldn't learn a thing. Of course, that's exactly the way he wanted it.
Mizoshi tipped her head up towards the darkening skies. Somewhere, the sun could be spotted sinking down into a hillside bed of tawny, scarlet, and lavender clouds. But here in this secluded garden, all she could see were the icy, far-flung stars appearing. Nightfall had already fallen upon her without her full awareness, and Naraku would come with the dark.
All of a sudden, she felt arms winding their way around her waist. Cold lips carried a velvety chuckle to her ear. "I've arrived, Mizoshi. Did I mention I always keep my promises?"
Sighing, she ignored the question. He had never said anything of the kind, but it wasn't really a question anyway. Wasting no time, Naraku trailed kisses down the side of her neck; his mouth landing on that left shoulder that intrigued him so much. Was it wrong to admit she enjoyed it?
As the moon rose, their lips touched once more. Completely enfolded in his sable, purple, and indigo robes; she let herself drift. Oh, this felt right. She loved him. Mizoshi knew this now. In his embrace, all walls fell away, and she could truly be herself. Underneath Naraku's enigmatic, "evil" exterior, she believed she had finally found his heart.
Slowly, his hands wandered below and snaked down her curves, but she hadn't the faintest objection. Still, it seemed that flirtatious, playful caressing was all he wanted to do. Unlike before, he didn't force his attentions on her.
Suddenly, Naraku broke contact with her previously accommodating form. Standing back now, he gazed at her with a mischievous gleam in his crimson eyes. A bit perplexed, she watched as the collecting shadows dissolved into a harsh moonlight that illuminated every contour of his handsome, ivory face. Why had he stopped? She was left speechless. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, yet she couldn't pick out a single page from the cluttered ledgers of her brain. She wanted to touch him again. To love. To forget. Yes, he would make her forget. They would make each other forget the chaotic world they were forced to walk in as despised hanyous. Both wantedeffortless bliss, and they could find in each other's embrace. Mizoshi hadn't realized love was such a desperate emotion.
"So, how was your day?" he asked mildly.
She blinked in surprise. What a normal thing to say after such an extraordinary experience! Or wasn't this as special for him as it was for her? All the same, she slipped back into her prim, meek skin. "Well enough," she replied. Damn him!
"Winter's coming," he pronounced carefully. "When you wander out into the gardens, you'll need something warm around you. I shall provide you with something"
Something warm? In that case, it wouldn't be Naraku. He was colderthan snow.
The conversation wore on tediously, and Mizoshi forced herself to pay attention even though all she really wanted to do was rest on his chest. Soon enough, he took his leave; bringing her close for one last absent peck on her cheek. Then he was gone.
What was this? Yesterday, he couldn't keep his hands off of her as if she were a rare treasure, and now he'd completely brushed her aside like a used inkpot. Lost in thought, she retreated into her chamber and slid under the blankets of her bedding; trying to comprehend this mysterious turn of events.
Whew! Another chapter done. Thanks to all who reviewed! This chapter was a bit dark and angsty, but the story will lighten soon. There's still more romance to come! (Along with the BIG scene. ;) But, PG-13 of course.)
GiR, there will be more Sess/Kagura later, but the Inuyasha gang won't be making an appearance. (Simply because Inuyasha tends to steal the limelight from the other main characters). And don't worry: Naraku will NOT die in this story. Unfortunately, I have no idea how the fic will end as of yet.