Mizoshi had awoken to a brand new day. She tried to keep herself busy, but constantly found herself longing to return to the tiled pool in the walled garden. There, amongst the grass and under the dogwood's leaves, she felt like she could be herself. However, the daylight was growing harsh. All the sun's rays accomplished was illuminating the dead plants. Beneath the silver moon, all imperfections were erased, and she no longer had to think about the regular going-ons in the world of daylight. Naraku was right. Night must inevitably fall. And now, she went out to meet it.

Throwing down her paintbrush, Mizoshi got to her feet and left the room. The castle's winding hallways were becoming second nature to her. Indeed, she was growing used to the lack of light. She couldn't decide if that was good or bad.

Drifting into the garden once more, Mizoshi sat on the now familiar wooden bench. It had rained earlier that day, and the wood was damp. For the most part, the storm clouds had rolled away, leaving a sprinkling of stars in their wake. A hazy golden moon lent some illumination to the budless garden.

With no hesitation, she dipped her hand in the pool to feel the water's temperature. Not surprisingly, it had grown icier. No wonder the fish were so sluggish.

She was watching them die. Slower and slower. Though they were just fish, something people ate everyday; she couldn't help pitying them.

So engrossed in watching the koi tails swishing through the water, Mizoshi didn't notice the roaming dark figure coming from behind until the figure had placed both hands on her shoulders. The hands were large and meaty, but with a cool touch. They were indisputably masculine. She didn't even have to turn around before his voice came.

"What are we staring at so intently?" Naraku purred.

"The fish," Mizoshi replied quietly. "They're beautiful, and perfect for meditation."

The dark hanyou chuckled. Soon, she felt more weight being added to the wooden bench as Naraku sat beside her. He didn't have to ask for her permission. It was his domain after all.

In spite of the oblivious front she sought to keep up, Mizoshi had to look at the hanyou that was so near to her. Fearlessly, she met his burning gaze. He smiled thinly in return; those crimson eyes gleaming. Despite what had transpired yesterday in the basement, he seemed to be in much better spirits.

"Tell me, Mizoshi, have you been using your power?" Naraku inquired in a carefully sweetened tone.

Her heart sank. That's right. He knew now.

"Only three times," she admitted. "And they were all accidents."

"Accidents?" He raised an eyebrow. "We can't have that. You might hurt someone."

Namely him. Mizoshi had not forgotten she had nearly set Naraku's robes on fire. In addition, she had singed one wooden dresser, completely burned one bath towel, and scorched the castle's floor. She desperately hoped he wouldn't delve into the subject too deeply.

"Well, what is it that triggers these episodes?" he continued softly.

She couldn't tell a lie. "Usually, my power is tied to my emotions. The first occurrence happened when I was full of sorrow. The second onset happened when I was full of anger. I was full of terror the last time it happened."

"Terror?" Naraku broke in. "You were honestly terrified of me?" An impossibly amused smirk curved his mouth.

Surely he must have been joking. "Of course. You looked like you were about to slay me."

"And here you are," he drawled. With a secretive glitter in his ruby eyes, Naraku raised himself from the bench and held out his pale hand. "Come," he ordered quietly. "There is something I want to show you."

Mizoshi was automatically on alert. "Oh? What?"

Naraku's expression did not change. His hand remained outstretched. Worriedly, she at last took it. There was no real choice in the matter.

Slowly, they moved through the withered garden and into the castle corridor beyond. Like two shadows, they navigated the twisting hallways. Mizoshi followed behind Naraku meekly. What does he want now? Whatever could he show me? She did not have good feeling about this new development.

A little while later, they came to a small flight of steps. Six wooden planks led up to an arched opening. It was an open window. Outside, Mizoshi could glimpse navy blue sky that was slightly obscured by the shroud of fuschia miasma in the far distance. All at once, Naraku released her hand. The dark hanyou turned to face her mischievously. "Go up them," he breathed.

"Why? What's up there?" She gazed up at the high window uneasily.

He nudged her towards the steps playfully. "You'll find out," he promised.

That's what she was afraid of. Knowing it was useless to refuse, Mizoshi walked up the wooden planks. At the top was a stone terrace. She was now standing on top of one of the massive castle walls. Below was…nothing. If one would fall here, they wouldn't be conscious to see the bottom. Above was sky and clouds. She shivered slightly in the chilled breeze. Mizoshi was utterly alone. Where was Naraku? Was he behind her?

It suddenly occurred to her that was the prime place to dispose of something one wanted to get rid of. It was so easy. A single push, and then it was over. What if that's what he had planned? Did Naraku no longer want her? Of course, instead of just letting her go, he had to possess her life.

"Naraku?" she called out. "What are you plan--" But Mizoshi's words were cut off when two strong hands grabbed her around the waist. Hardly two seconds passed until Mizoshi found she was completely airborne. She watched wide-eyed as the terrace and the castle itself faded from sight. She was free, after all these weeks. Or was she?

The arms around her grew tighter. They were the only things that kept her from plunging to her death. Mizoshi knew who was holding her. It was undeniable. Would he let her drop?

An amused chuckle brushed her ear. "Now, you may wish to cover your nose and mouth."

She could see why. The barrier of noxious miasma was coming up fast.

Closing her eyes, and praying this night wouldn't be her last; Mizoshi clung to him as they tore through the purple smoke. The filmy poison clung to her skin, creating a burning sensation across her entire body. If she hadn't been part demon, she couldn't have possibly survived the exposure.

The night air rushed on past her. The stars, once past the poisonous cloud, were full and bright. Mizoshi had never beheld them as clear as she did now.

Finally, he abruptly landed on a sturdy tree bough. The branch swayed alarmingly in the wind. His grip loosened, but he hadn't let go. Instead, he turned her back around so she could face him. Immediately, Mizoshi gasped in shock. Naraku wasn't there. In his place, she was met with a strange creature. A long, trailing cloak of white fur encased its body. A bluish mask protected its face. What did this thing want? She was sure she had heard Naraku's voice.

Carelessly, the beast removed his fearsome mask. Naraku's familiar smirk greeted her. Raven strands of his curling hair blew in the wind. They were a stark contrast to the whiteness of his fur cloak. His red eyes shimmered.

"Now," he spoke, "allow me to show you the world."

I am VERY sorry about the long waits, but there is just so much stuff to do. I can hardly play a video game anymore. I've been playing the same one since Christmas! And now, I can barely write. Well, hopefully the next chapter will come sooner since the brunt of my college work is finally done. As always, thanks a bunch for reading and reviewing!

Tiamath: Yup, the tanka's mine. I always wanted to try one. Usually, I just write haikus.

Sesshy-chansbestpal: Sesshoumaru will be coming in maybe 7 or so chapters. Keep an eye out :)