Mizoshi inhaled deeply as she approached the lord of the castle. He was smirking casually at her. Mizoshi had a pretty good inkling at what exactly he had called her for, yet would delay it for as long as possible. Or until she gave in…
"My dear Mizoshi. You are absolutely radiant," Naraku grinned. "Yellow and violet mix well for you."
What was this? Was he trying to sweet-talk her now? Naraku wasn't the type to spew compliments.
"My lord, I have something I wish to discuss with you," Mizoshi began.
"My lord?" He instantly frowned, yet his eyes still contained mirth. "Why the formalities? Please, address me by name—if you can bear to." "It's only because I have something very important to ask you." The sentence gushed forth in a rush.
The mirth in Naraku's blood-red eyes was quickly replaced by a suspicious hostility. In that space between seconds, a warning bell resounded inside her. One didn't push the dark hanyou too far. He would never permit it. Always, she must remember her place.
"I came to ask…" he voice quivered. I came to ask what? What you plan to do with me? If you return my affections? When I will touch the green grass again? What? What?
Through the haze of confusion, she saw Naraku's eyes became harder and harder. Presently, they resembled razor-edged rubies. She was terrified they might cut her flesh. At last, she chose the most neutral, immediate response
"I came to ask if I may cook my own meals." There. It was said.
The deadly glare dissolved into dismay. "That's all? Why?"
"I want to make myself useful," she replied humbly. "I realize I am the only one who eats in this castle. Kagura needn't make it."
Momentarily, he stared at her. Then, he elegantly let the matter drop. "As you wish," he murmured silkily. "But really, there is no reason for your services. You are not a mere servant, Mizoshi."
She shriveled under his predatory gaze. What was she thinking when she entered into this arrangement? Why did she go into his room and let him…do what he did? So. Kagura was right. Again. Now, he had a new pretty to play with. What a fool she was. She had been so lonely; she'd completely given herself away.
Gracefully, he jumped down from the rock. Naraku landed on his feet of course. His eyes were burning into hers now. Gold struck ruby. Somehow, she endured the scrutiny. What did his eyes see? If not a mere servant, what else?
And yet, her traitorous body didn't care. As soon as he pulled her close and claimed her mouth with his, she was utterly lost. The heat and friction between their lips was unbearable. When Naraku slid his hand down her arm, seeking her waist; it felt like a line of fire being aroused. Truth be told, his caresses made her feverish.
Mizoshi could sense the lust coursing through his body. She exhibited no surprise when she found herself lowered to the sand. The rocks around them gave some measure of privacy, but not much. Still, Mizoshi wasn't complaining. The cool moon-speckled sand below her rapidly sweating body provided her some small share of comfort.
It feels like I'm of fire! she thought.Indeed, she had the sensation of flames licking behind the sheet of her flesh.
There was a sensation of—something. Something that needed to be released. Passion inflamed her blood. Involuntarily, her throat contacted. The body part needed to speak: to release a single string of words on its own accord. A single string of words her mind didn't dare comprehend. What if they were true?
Nearly gasping, Mizoshi's pulse pounded in her ears and wrists. However, Naraku seemed not to notice. The dark hanyou's movements and explorings were growing more zealous until the sound of a throat clearing filled the air. "I'm not interrupting something, am I?"
Altogether, her skin cooled. The heat of the moment was over. Naraku reluctantly climbed off of her to face the woman in lavender. Desperately, Mizoshi covered herself; retying her kimono.
"Yes, Kagura?" Naraku's tone was tinged with malice. Obviously, he did not enjoy being interrupted. But, to be perfectly honest, Mizoshi was almost grateful for the intrusion.
"I came to report my findings," the wind sorceress said smoothly, gaze averted from Mizoshi.
"That will not be necessary," Naraku replied. "But first, Mizoshi has a matter to bring up with you."
Standing, she was left looking in the incarnation's bitter scarlet orbs. Yet she wasn't fazed by her overt hostility. "From now on, I shall prepare my own meals," she stated matter-of-factly.
"About time," Kagura grumbled. "Even Kohaku, a twelve-year old boy, can forage for himself."
"That's enough, Kagura," he hissed. "Mizoshi, you may leave."
Gladly, she fled the scene; seeking whatever safety the rotten wooden walls of the castle provided. In her opinion, she had been spared.
"Couldn't you have waited?" Naraku scowled. "Is it an issue of life or death?"
The impudent woman simply launched into her retelling; avoiding the question. "I checked around. All they were doing was picnicking by the riverside. Later, they fell asleep. Everyoneexcept Inuyasha. I watched him watch the others until he got suspicious someone else was spying from afar. That's when I made my exit."
"Good. Did you meet any other interesting individuals?"
A hesitant nervousness entered his servant's eyes.
"So, there was someone. Do tell."
Quickly, she focused her eyes on the ground. "Just Sesshoumaru. I dropped by."
"And what did you tell Lord Sesshoumaru?" A bit roughly, he jerked her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"We conversed about old times before he threatened to cut me in half." Kagura answered unflinchingly.
"Old times?" he smirked. "Fair enough. Nevertheless, I can't help thinking you disobeyed my orders." Naraku cruelly tightened his grip. Why hadn't he been watching? Naraku honestly didn't consider sending one single pair of saimyoushou to be assured Kagura wasn't off cementing lethal negotiations. It wouldn't surprise him if she had cut a deal with Sesshoumaru. After all, she had tried in the past.
"Forgive me, Master. I only spoke with him to discover if he had learned any new information."
Master? Kagura was clearly frightened whenever she addressed him that. "New information? Idiot girl. Why would he deign to tell you even the simplest truths? You stay away from that dog youkai, or you will regret it." Fiercely, he released her.
Watching her scurry away from him, he silently swore. Couldn't his second incarnation complete the easiest task without an uproar? Not only that, but she'd disrupted an intimate occasion that hadn't reached full culmination. Naraku considered going to Mizoshi now, but ultimately decided against it. For all he knew, she could be already abed.
Although, he had noticed a peculiar quality in Mizoshi's demeanor. She wanted make herself useful? He would digest that in silence. Before she asked her question, Naraku didn't know what to expect. Well, he would indulge her. Every morning and every evening, she could cook the rice. At least she wasn't as slothful as Kagura. In spite of the overall constancy in his domain, he couldn't help feeling he was losing control of an integral part of the situation. Something was different. Something was off.
Naraku hoped there wouldn't be anymore unpleasant surprises.
Thanks for everyone's kind reviews. I remember before I said the story would be around 40 chapters, but now I think it might be raised to 50-60.
Angel-of-fire4002: Nope, sadly. Only Naraku and gang (besides Sesshoumaru) know about Mizoshi. Inuyasha and Koga won't encounter her.
Blackwave: Don't worry, Mizoshi's powers won't be too strong. (Since she is only 1/4 demon.)
Ganheim: Mizoshi OOC? I didn't really notice. Well, my explanation about her "charging into the relationship" after being so shy is that Mizoshi is rather confused (not to mention naïve) and really doesn't know what she wants. (Also, it doesn't help Naraku's so darned manipulative.) I hope that cleared some things up.