Tears still clouded Mizoshi's vision as she waited for sunrise. In this place of demons and witches, she had worked out a schedule that consisted of retiring early in the evening and arising early in the morning. But what good did it matter when she tossed and turned under her blankets into well past midnight anyway?
She had felt fine and even at peace last night until Kagura had interrupted her bath with all the venom she could spray at her. Now, however, she wasn't crying over the vindictive demoness. Instead, she was weeping over herself and her lost love. It was such a hopeless, helpless situation for both of them.
Unable to wait for dawn any longer, Mizoshi got up out of bed and tied the simple white kimono she had worn before around her. Maybe, just maybe, he would meet her breakfast. That single hasty conversation over a quick meal yesterday morning wouldn't make the dilemma dissolve. Although the dilemma itself was simple enough, it had no clear solution. The dilemma was timeless: she cared for him, but he didn't care for her. It was a case of unrequited love that was ceaselessly documented through the ages.
Of course, it was evident what she should do in such a hopeless dilemma. Mizoshi knew sooner or later she must leave this castle and attempt to live a new life before it could be taken from her. Yet, what was to prevent another mob from running after her? Would she truly belong anywhere in this world? Any village? At least in the presence of another hanyou, she was given the illusion of safety. And love. As a result, Mizoshi eternally waited in this rather bleak existence…just waiting. Waiting almost like a small child would for a shooting star to streak across the heavens. An implausible event.
Still, her hunger would not wait. Sighing, Mizoshi wandered down the darkened hallway towards the kitchen. At least she didn't have to worry about the wind witch poisoning her food since she started cooking it herself. Trudging to the corner of the room, she picked up the bag of rice and found it was unusually light. Come to think of it, she had forgotten to check if there was any more rice in the entire cooking area. She had meant to ask Naraku about it, but obviously, her train of thought had been disturbed the previous day.
Already guessing what would transpire next, she peeked inside the nearly empty bag and confirmed there was only a sprinkling of grains left behind that had collected in the bottom creases. With a sigh of exasperation, Mizoshi began looking any other stores of rice, but came up empty. In fact, there were no other sources of food left in the kitchen. Surely, Naraku had a supply of food somewhere. He had to have some place in the castle where he amassed those boxes of tealeaves that he drank so frequently of.
Moodily, she walked back into the winding corridor. Where would Naraku keep a supply of tealeaves, rice, fruit, and other foodstuffs? All at once, Mizoshi's eyes landed on a nearby wooden door. The basement. Somehow, that's where Mizoshi knew the subterranean vaults of the castle would be. It was the perfect place one would stock up consumable items.
Taking a deep breath, Mizoshi approached the door. Frowning, she scrutinized it up and down. Wasn't there something she was supposed to remember about the basement? Hadn't Naraku explicitly mentioned it? Maybe she should try to seek him out first before wandering into the bowels of the castle.
And maybe she'd make herself appear weaker yet. There would be no actual harm in opening the door for a quick scan, would there?
Without any further hesitation, Mizoshi swung open the door and took a measured step inside. The first thing she noticed was the pitch darkness. The entire room was black as night. Second, there was a peculiar smell of decayed earth and spoiled meat. Apparently, there was something either dead, rotten, or both down here. Nevertheless, the only thought that bloomed into her head was to obtain a source of light. Seconds later, Mizoshi reappeared at the entrance of the cellar with a readily accessible lantern she had discovered in the kitchen.
Holding the light up, she treaded into the basement: her curious feet leading the way. As far as Mizoshi could tell, there was just bare space. Wooden floorboards carried the thumping sounds of her footsteps as her staring eyes gazed at the even emptier wooden walls. Just ahead was a flight of wooden steps that dropped away deeper still into the shadows.
The lantern bobbing all the while, Mizoshi proceeded to mount the steps. Perhaps what she needed would be at the bottom. And yet, the smell of spoiled meat was growing stronger. Truth be told, Mizoshi was currently ignoring a gnawing fear in the pit of her stomach. Indeed, the further she traversed the basement, the keener the gnawing grew. Go, an inner voice whispered. Go now. You are not wanted here.
Stop that! She ordered herself. I'm going. Besides, I'll be climbing back up those steps soon enough. Then, I'll leave. None will be the wiser.
Steeling herself, she walked down to the lower level. In the center of this ground floor was a trapdoor. Mizoshi could do no more than guess what might be underneath. Her curiosity getting the better of her again, she timorously approached the square that was set in the middle of the room. I should know better, but I have to see. What could Naraku possibly have under here?
Mizoshi carefully kneeled by the trapdoor. However, before she could dig her nails under the structure's edges to lift it, a familiar voice disturbed her. A voice that chilled her to the bone. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?" the voice growled.
"Naraku!" Mizoshi gasped. Springing to her feet, she looked up at the master himself and nearly cried out in fright. Naraku was dressed as regal as always in his gold-accented kimono of royal blue and purple. He was clothed as finely as any prince or nobleman, yet his pale face was contorted in pure, demonic fury. He was angrier than Mizoshi had ever seen him. Naraku's crimson eyes literally glowed red with rage.
"Mizoshi," he said her name mildly, "what did we speak of during your first morning here?"
Scared out of her wits, Mizoshi wracked her brain to remember. Suddenly, at the most inopportune time, it hit her. "Never wander into the basement," she squeaked.
"And where are you now?"
She felt her stomach fall completely. If she had gotten around to eating, Mizoshi had the impression her breakfast would be on the floor. "The basement," she replied weakly.
Naraku smiled thinly, but the rage didn't leave his blood-colored eyes. "Good. That clears up any confusion." With that, the dark hanyou slowly strode towards her. "You do understand that I can't let this pass. You have disobeyed my rule, and now, you must be properly disciplined."
Thanks for all of your reviews, guys! No, Naraku's not going to hurt her. The next chapter is almost half done and should be posted by Sunday. Now, to answer some questions.
puppet-cat: Thanks for reviewing, but I can't answer your questions because I don't understand Spanish! Sorry.
blackwave: At first, Mizoshi's powers will be triggered by her emotions. Later, she will be able to control them. Should Naraku throw Mizoshi out, she will meet some other familiar characters…and that's all I can say without it becoming a spoiler. ;)
hotcocoalatte: Nope, one thing I can promise is that Naraku will not die at the end. Endings like that make me feel like the whole story was a waste. As for him turning good, I think all that would cause is a major case of OOCness.