Disconnectedly, Mizoshi walked into the walled garden. The hour was late. She didn't even attempt to sleep; for she knew her eyelids would never remain closed. It had been long day. Impossibly long. But, thankfully, Naraku had kept his distance after the fiasco this morning. Kagura was taking up another space in this castle, and kept to herself as well. The demoness was probably pining again about her lost freedom. Mizoshi was honestly beginning to enjoy Kanna's company the most. At least the ghostly little girl's mouth remained shut.
The grass under the dogwood glistened in the starlight. The tree itself boasted its full autumn foliage. Crimson leaves waved in the wind and fell on the illuminated grass below. The red leaves reminded her of eyes. Pairs of crimson eyes watching her.
All the other flowers had died, even the hardy sapphire snapdragons. The plants were starting to rot back into the soil. It annoyed Mizoshi to some extent that they would bloom anew next spring for some unnamable reason. Maybe it was just her melancholy mood.
Resigning herself to the wooden bench under the fiery crimson tree, she peeked into the neighboring koi pond. The fish were listless, wandering aimlessly around in their chilled prison. They would die. Each and every one of them. Mizoshi wondered who fed them now.
Glumly, she watched the fish swim, or in some cases, just float. They moved exceedingly slowly. If only they could be properly cared for.
Nearly mesmerized in watching the fish, Mizoshi was supremely startled and almost tipped off the bench onto the ground when she heard a distant thump. It sounded like a lifeless body being dropped to the floor. Thrust out of her reverie, Mizoshi immediately thought of Naraku. Not that he was the one who struck the floor, but that he was acting out his currently considerable wrath on a new target.
Ignoring the notion of "minding her own business," Mizoshi marched back into the castle, expecting the worst. But surprisingly, Naraku was not there. It was Kohaku.
"Kohaku!" She rushed over to him. He had evidently fallen from sheer weakness. The boy lay crumpled on the wooden floorboards; his hands fruitlessly running up the smooth wall for some sort of support. Carefully, she dragged him up to his feet and turned his head so he could face her. However, she almost frightened herself by doing so. The boy's brown eyes were utterly blank.
"Kohaku!" she cried his name again. "What's happened? Are you hurt?"
Naraku! He's done this! she mused furiously. Was he starving and beating the boy?
"Kohaku, answer me!" Mizoshi's voice quivered.
The boy blinked once. "Who are you?" he asked.
Mizoshi was completely taken aback. Had he forgotten her? Did he remember anything?
"Kohaku!" another voice rang out. "There you are." It wasn't long before the wind sorceress came around the corner. Inwardly, Mizoshi cringed. The harlot had arrived.
Full of self-importance, Kagura sauntered towards them. Her red lips twitched when she spied the two of them. "It's hardly surprising one would find you two together."
"Mizoshi was already feeling the heat build up in her cheeks. Kagura had that effect on her. "What do you mean by that?"
"The prey always sticks together." The words rolled carelessly off her sharp tongue.
Mizoshi ignored her comment. There were more important matters afoot. "What's wrong with Kohaku?" she demanded.
Defensively, the demoness folded her arms across her chest. She looked just like her master when she assumed that posture. "He doesn't remember you?"
"No."
"Well…perhaps Naraku cleared out his memory again. He was out for a couple of nights."
"He was out?" Mizoshi was both dumbstruck and excited. "You let him go?"
The wind witch chuckled. "Don't get so enthused. Naraku was the one who let him leave. Kohaku performs certain duties outside the castle. He is actually useful-- unlike some beings."
With great effort, she forced herself to avert her gaze before she could set the snippy wench aflame. This was about the frightened boy, not about her. "But, why would Naraku wipe out his memory just for traveling the countryside?"
"Most likely, he recognized someone on the road and it brought back some terrible memories. You do know Naraku razed his entire village, don't you?"
Mizoshi gritted her teeth. "I was informed."
"To further your information, Mizoshi, sometimes Kohaku remembers the destruction of his village. Kindly, Naraku removed his memory long ago, although sometimes, it returns without warning. Consequently, Naraku must remove his memory again when that happens. This boy's memories would truly destroy him, so it is exceedingly merciful to keep him ignorant of them."
Wonderingly, Mizoshi gazed down at the boy. He was swaying gently back and forth. From the glazed look in his mahogany eyes, there was no sign he understood or even heard what they were saying. It was if he was in a trance. Questionly, she caught the currently smirking wind witch's eye.
"Don't worry about Kohaku. He's in no real pain. The only prominent symptom is a general dazedness. Yet, sadly, he does not remember new people in this state. Such a pity." Kagura resumed leering at her in her arrogant way.
She was shocked. "He doesn't remember me at all?"
"Did I stutter?" The demoness' scarlet eyes narrowed in confrontation.
Tired of this game, Mizoshi balled her hands into fists and turned her back. Her cold, bare, windowless chamber had better prospects at the moment. She would rather talk to the inky shadows that congregated in the corners of that room than converse any further with this permanently unpleasant witch. Still, walking away from the incarnation did not cause her voice to disappear.
"That's right. Run away. Oh, and try not to enter any other forbidden areas. You may not be so lucky next time," Kagura remarked.
Against her will, Mizoshi turned back around to face the demoness, but she and Kohaku were already sweeping down the corridor in the other direction. Kagura, assured of her own superiority, had taken her "ward" away. She'd won the argument after all. What would be the point of listening for this quarter of a demon's feeble retort?
Grief clung to Mizoshi as she stepped back inside her haven. This one guest room in an evil hanyou's lair was the only home she had left.
Finally out of sight of all who could hear, Mizoshi let the tears fall again. How many times had she cried in the past two days? Twice? Three times? Four times?
She felt sick inside. Nothing could cure it. Slowly, everyone in this castle was turning against her. Oh, why did Naraku have to tell Kagura of her transgression? She could only imagine the frank amusement that curled around the sorceress' lips. At last, she herself had done something to anger Naraku. Honestly, Mizoshi didn't think their relationship would ever be the same again, which would be just fine with the wind witch.
She could just see them now. Laughing and gossiping about the disobedient castle pet. In spite of the observable anger and hostility Kagura held for her master, Mizoshi sensed something akin to jealousy squeezing around her heart. They belonged together. They were both real demons. She was nothing. An intruder.
Hoping to halt the stream of irrational, bitter thoughts, Mizoshi picked up the book of poetry Naraku had given to her on that first morning. How generous he had been then. Sighing heavily, she thumbed through the pages. Line after line of poems greeted her. Nothing really struck her interest until she noticed that the corner of one page had been distinctly folded over. A neat little crease marked the spot.
Curious now, Mizoshi's bleary eyes roamed the tanka poem before her. Obviously, this page was of some significance. In hushed interest, she began to read.
Winter's winds shall whip
With such unbearable bitterness
Seeking to destroyBut worry not my flower
My constant touch shall warm you
Mizoshi's mouth dropped open. The poem described her situation perfectly. Winter was indeed coming, and she had been given shelter. As for the last sensuous line, she was unsure of what to make of it. Was this his feelings for her? Did he mark this page on purpose?
The empty chamber gave no reply.
Thanks, guys, for the lovely reviews! Somehow, the story must go on, in spite of the increasing homework load. And why do all the teachers/professors always have to have tests on the same day? That's twice the studying :( Well, now to answer some questions.
Okay, a lot of reviewers have been asking about when the romance is going to start. I admit I've been focusing heavily on the drama for the past five chapters. Well, the good news is the romance will begin again in the next upcoming chapter. As for Naraku, yes, he will fall for Mizoshi…but I'm trying to keep him character at the same time. (Nearly impossible to do I know.) But, in time, he will care for her. As for loving her, he'll eventually say the "L" word too.
Blackwave: No, Naraku's not going to use Mizoshi for her powers. They're not really strong enough to do anything major. Sesshoumaru will be coming in near the end of the story, and he'll help Kagura in a small sense. (And Mizoshi too.)
SakuraEviltwinofSango: Why is he so cruel? Well, I guess that's his personality, although it does make him seem hotter. ;) Hmm, why am I thinking of that song from Labyrinth…
bowowlover: Punishment? That sucks.
Shippo: No, she will not be used by Naraku. Besides, she really isn't powerful enough to do anything for him.
GiR: See? Kohaku's still around. :) It's amazing that I just started writing this chapter when people started mentioning him. Kanna's still around too, and she should be appearing later. Sesshoumaru will also appear later. Sorry for the long update, but I just couldn't think of anything to write in the midst of two English essays. (They're done finally!)
Wow, this was a long note!