Mizoshi abruptly awoke for the third time with little enthusiasm. She couldn't sleep. There was no real point anyhow. Wasn't it always dark in this castle anyway? When did she ever get the blessed chance to behold the sun?
Groggily, she climbed out of her heaped bedding and felt her way to the hallway. She shifted aside the screen on the opposite wall and stumbled onto the veranda. It was pitch black with the faintest touches of predawn gray swirled across the dusky horizon. It was very early morning, and everyone must surely be asleep. Mizoshi could only assume Naraku slept for normal intervals. As for Kagura…well, she never missed a thing. There was no doubt the demoness could be right behind her right now.
She sighed heavily as she turned back inside her prison. Akin to a wisp of smoke, she wafted through the shadowy corridors until she was safely standing in the center of her chamber. Even now, tears still blurred her vision. She didn't want to sleep again tonight. It had been one feverish dream after another. Once, she swore she had heard her mother's voice.
Quietly, she strode over to her dressing table and loomed over the cosmetic box that she had set on it. Mizoshi wondered if she should open the lid. However, she knew what was inside would pain her. It would pain her for the rest of her days. Mizoshi was half-tempted to bury her dead brother's gift, but she didn't even want to glance at the bracelet, much less hold it.
Her siblings were dead. Her parents were dead. And, now, when she thought she found her first love, she discovered he was dead inside too.
All of a sudden, the grief within her chest turned to burning rage with white-hot intensity. Digging her nails into the edges of the table, she let the steaming tears fall. How dare he treat her this way? What made him so dead inside? What?
Out of the blue, a blast of heat rushed from her weeping eyes, scorching the wood instantly. It didn't take long for the golden flames to appear. Gasping, she blinked rapidly as she watched the flames grow bigger and brighter. Without thinking, she snatched up a vase that held an orchid plant; turning it over so the cooling water could quench the blaze.
Breathing hard, she put the vase down with a crash and inspected the burned area. Mizoshi desperately hoped Naraku or Kagura wouldn't take notice. But where exactly had the fire come from? Yet, deep down, she realized the truth. There was an innate knowledge brewing in her veins where the blood of her father had mingled with her mother's. Obviously, her phoenix temperament had gotten the better of her. Although, she had never set the furniture of fire before because of it.
Mizoshi's heart pounded wildly as she stared down at the blackened wood. Her powers had awakened. Why? Why had they roused now? Where were they when her entire family had been chased from the village that fateful afternoon? Where had they been when the suspicious village children had ganged up on her in the marketplace whenever the adults weren't watching? Why here? Why now? Most importantly, what would Naraku do?
I can't tell anyone. Ever.
The thought had come to her quite naturally and rationally. No one here could know. It would only lead to more trouble. What if that was what Naraku was keeping her for? Was he aware that she would develop powers? What would he do with her now?
Slowly, a newfound fear replaced her childish tantrum. Somehow, having Naraku's affections seemed less important now. Mizoshi wasn't an idiot. She was aware of what the "master" was capable of if something or someone served his purpose.
At least I can defend myself, Mizoshi pondered grimly. Still, she had no idea where the power had come from. She was angry and…it just exited from her eyes. Was it possible to call the flames at will?
Deciding to test her theory, she retrieved a blank sheet of drawing paper and placed it on the floor. Then, she simply stared at it, willing it to burn. Ten seconds passed. Then thirty. Finally, two whole minutes had gone by without the slightest spark. Secretly, she was disappointed. Was the explosion of flames a one-time affair only?
Feeling worse than before, she replaced the paper with her other borrowed art supplies and wandered down the corridor outside. Lo and behold, who should she find but Kagura standing there. Great. "Don't worry. I would never attack a helpless half-breed. You don't even have one power to call your own," her snide voice echoed in Mizoshi's mind.Well, now she could prove the wind witch wrong. A single lick of fire could cause that lavender silk kimono to combust. Somehow, the idea amused her, and in spite of herself, she smiled. Right at Kagura. This did not go unnoticed.
The demoness scowled. "What are you smirking at, wench? Was it particularly good last night?" she inquired wickedly.
Mizoshi shrugged. "I'm just rather pleased this morning."
"That won't last long," she grumbled. "Why are you awake so early anyway?" The wind witch's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"I could ask you the same question," Mizoshi replied coolly.
Those scarlet eyes glittered dangerously. "I am a youkai. Unlike your kind, my body doesn't require nearly as much sleep."
Mizoshi nodded as if Kagura was talking about the weather and proceeded to move around the constantly irritable sorceress. Unfortunately, she was stopped by a shrill voice. "Where are you going? To your dark lord's bed?"
Inwardly, she shuddered at the notion. After what had happened last night, she didn't want to see him. It would be too awkward. Besides, how could she pretend nothing was wrong with her? Would he be able to tell if she had "grown into" her powers?
"No," she stated flatly. "I am going to make myself breakfast. Actually, I'm doing you a favor so you won't have to."
Kagura glowered sourly before whipping away into an adjacent doorway. Going along her merry way, Mizoshi walked to the kitchen. While setting the rice to cook, she again tried to will flames to appear under the pot with her eyes, but failed miserably. Truth be told, she was disappointed. Had her power completely disappeared?
As the rice boiled, Mizoshi pondered. The flames materialized when she had been angry, or when she was…passionate. Of course! That's why her skin had been so hot when she was with Naraku. The power must be intimately tied to her emotions. But, could it be controlled?
When the rice was finished, she mechanically lumped it into a bowl and carried it to the small eating table that occupied a spot in the kitchen. The tea she had brewed was already waiting for her. Bringing the teacup to her lips, she eagerly drank the satisfying liquid.
Things will be fine. I'll keep my secret and learn how to use the power. If I didn't set Kagura aflame yet, I should be all right. Everything should run smoothly as long as—
"So, this is where you are," a male voice drawled.
Almost choking on the tea, Mizoshi hastily swallowed. Looking up, she saw Naraku glide towards her. Precisely the person she didn't want to encounter.
"I believe I will join you for breakfast this morning. I hope you do not mind," he said with a smirk.
How could she refuse? It was his kitchen in his castle.
On the back of her neck, a hot blush was creeping. An odd prickling sensation had covered her entire body. In the end, she was left with an above normal temperature. Her face must certainly be flushed now. The hot blood pounded behind her eyes ominously.
Nonetheless, Naraku didn't notice her inner tumult. He cleared his throat. "Mizoshi, I think we have something to discuss this morning."
Her heart leapt to her throat. "What?"
"Last night."
Silently, Mizoshi prayed she would not give herself away.
"It's about us," Naraku continued. "And our relationship."
Oh, a cliffhanger! Really, I don't plan for my chapters to end that way, but I really think I should end it there. But, really, does anyone think there are too many of them? Well, I hope I'm not too sadistic. :) I always say this, but thanks for the reviews! Updates should be coming quicker now that my research paper is done. Also, I expect the chapters should be getting a bit longer.
Blackwave: No, Naraku won't intentionally hurt Mizoshi, and he won't take her soul either. That would be wrong. (I hate it when people have a tragic ending!)