Looming against the horizon, Mizoshi saw the massive stone edifice in the distance coming up fast. Seconds later, they broke through the smoky barrier of miasma. From previous experience, she knew to cover her nose and mouth completely so as not to breathe in the slightest trace of toxic fumes. In her free hand, Mizoshi held the bunch of wildflowers. She knew that some of the flowers had been swept away in the wind, but that was unavoidable. Especially when Naraku refused to slow his speed for any reason whatsoever.
Naraku's arms were the only things holding her upright in the gusty air. If she chanced to look down, she'd see verdant valleys and thick forests. In a sense, he had shown her the world. However, she had the vague notion he would pass over bustling villages or crowded cities. Actual populated areas. Of course, this was impossible for him. Naraku obviously did not want to be spied from below by any mortal or youkai eye. In fact, when the castle window came into view, Mizoshi was almost saddened to be back so soon. There was so much more she wanted to catch a glimpse of.
Finally touching ground on the castle wall, the dark hanyou released her. Trembling a bit from the cold autumn breezes, Mizoshi wanted nothing more than to warm herself by a fire. Inquiringly, she turned to Naraku and nearly burst out laughing when she noticed what had happened to a lucky few of her flowers. Three blooms—one white and two golden—had lodged themselves in his raven tresses. Against her will, she smiled merrily at the sight.
A heated look entered Naraku's crimson eyes. "What is it, Mizoshi? Something amusing you care to share with me?"
In answer, she boldly pulled out one of the blooms. It was possible he might take offense, but she honestly had forgotten her present fear of him. "This." She held out the blossom. "This is what I found amusing. There's more in your hair."
'Well, would you kindly remove the rest for me?" he literally purred.
Taking the gambit, Mizoshi carefully eased out the rest of the flowers while Naraku's eyes remained locked on hers. She let the fragmented petals blow away on the wind. "There," she announced. "All finished."
Naraku was watching her with an odd expression. Secretly, she thought he might be amused as well, but she knew better not to push him too far.
"Come inside," he finally intoned. "It shall be warmer for you."
So, he had noticed her trembling. Unfortunately, she had not been appropriately dressed for a surprise outdoor rendezvous. The aqua blue kimono was too light and flimsy for the pre-winter weather. Gratefully, Mizoshi followed Naraku back down the rickety steps and into the connecting corridors ahead. She noticed a change in the air immediately as she traversed the narrow halls. In the forest, the atmosphere had been clean and fresh. Flowers couldn't help but thrive there. Here, in the depths of the castle, the environment had grown dark and musty. Mizoshi glanced down mournfully at her little bunch of nature. How long would the blooms last before they withered and died from lack of nutrients? How long would she herself last?
The old fear had returned. Was she making a huge mistake in deciding to remain here? Once the hard snow fell, escape would be near impossible. If she wanted to leave, timing was of utmost importance. If she wanted to…
"Mizoshi, is something wrong?"
She jerked her head up to find the dark hanyou surveying her pinched features and swaying gait. Both were easily recognizable symptoms of an uneasy mind.
"No. I'm just tired," she lied with a weak smile.
He nodded matter-of-factly and resumed his pace. No real concern marred his perfect face. Slightly depressed at his lack of interest for her, Mizoshi dropped her head wearily and continued walking. They were getting closer to her bedchamber, or so she thought. Instead, Naraku trod right past her doorway and crossed the threshold into his own. What was this now?
With a sense of dread, Mizoshi went in after him. Once inside, he again turned around to face her. There was an all too familiar glittering in his ruby-colored eyes.
"Mizoshi," he pronounced her name carefully, "this is where the finest quality vases are kept. You can choose whichever one you desire."
In the corner of the room were five slender vases. All were empty. Keenly aware of his burning gaze on her back; she went over to the artistic pieces. Mizoshi could see that they were altogether heavy and beautifully detailed. Two were constructed of white ceramic with classical intricate designs. One was clear crystal. The other two were carved out of gleaming jade. Ignoring the jade vase of dark green, she alternatively picked up the orange one. She felt the weight of the hunk of carroty precious stone and allowed the dim lighting to play over its curvatures. Perfect.
Setting the vase on the floor, she wedged the posies inside its contour. They looked radiant. Smiling, she spun around to meet Naraku, and once more, he was watching her with an odd expression. A bit disturbed now, Mizoshi vainly tried to keep her eyes on her "host" instead of on the bed that was achingly close by. All the while, Naraku kept on watching her. It was getting unnerving. Did he want…?
"I suppose you'll want some water," Naraku said absently.
"Yes," she replied. Her voice sounded very far away, even to her. Oh, couldn't he see that the wildflowers weren't as important as he thought?
Of her own volition, Mizoshi eased herself closer towards the dark hanyou. Those magnetic red eyes sparked dangerously. She was getting close to him…much too close. She could feel the flames. Fortunately, fire was her element.
One moment she was staring into the depths of his eyes, and the next, he was pulling her roughly into his arms. Firm kisses were planted on her lips and neck. Momentarily shocked by the invasion, Mizoshi at last settled into his embrace and returned his special brand of "affections". So. This is what Naraku had in mind. Little did he know, is that Mizoshi had longed for his touch as well. Acting upon instinct, she pulled at his robes, even though she was instantly stunned by her own behavior. Indeed, Naraku had awakened something in Mizoshi. Something that had been asleep all her life. In response, he began to untie her kimono with frenzied movements. The passion they had abstained from for the past couple of lonely nights was exploding right in front of their eyes.
It wasn't long before she found herself lying on his soft mattress with Naraku tumbling right on top of her. This was the very spot in which they had made first made love. Now, they were about to repeat the experience. In a flood of unbridled emotion, they peeled the rest of their clothing off and let the waves of their fierce desires crash against each other. Then, there was the calm after the storm.They clung together in the aftermathlike two shipwrecked prisoners. And they were prisoners. Prisoners of love. Or was it something else?
It was purely lust for me.
No. Shaking away the awful memory, Mizoshi let herself relax alongside the dark hanyou whom was presently twirling a thick lock of her dark tresses around his fingers. Time passed and he remained utterly silent. Paying it no mind, she laid her head on his muscled chest and closed her eyes. Tonight, she knew she would sleep peacefully. She hoped he would too.
However, just as she nodded off to sleep, Naraku did mumble something. Something she possibly couldn't have heard. Though Naraku's words were virtually unintelligible since his lips were muffled in her hair, Mizoshi couldn't ignore them.
Strange. From what she could make out before unconsciousness came to claim her, it almost sounded as if Naraku had whispered, "I love you."
All right, I'm back! And I passed Algebra. Woo-hoo! Hmm, this chapter is fluffier than I wanted it to be, but hopefully I didn't damage Naraku's bad-boy image too badly. ;) Well, thanks for leaving all the reviews, guys. I appreciate it!
Blackwave: Naraku will admit his love very soon. I would say in around 3 or 4 chapters. Maybe sooner. I'm not too sure about her staying with him in the castle for the rest of the story though.
mouse10: Ken is Mizoshi's brother.
Sesshy-chansbestpal: Seven? That's nuts. I only had around four.
RenegadeMustang: I'm guessing it's just a general statement Naraku remembers from his human past. He had to lure the girls away somehow. ;) But no, Onigumo's past won't play a part in this.
MoonlitStarDestiny: Don't worry, Naraku will have some explaining to do about his feelings. :) But, honestly, I really don't think Mizoshi would be capable of defeating Kagura. (She is a wind-sorceress.) And Ken is Mizoshi's brother. As a mini-spoiler, he is the only member of her family that survived.
Shadow Nocturne: (backs away slowly) I'm updating! I'm updating!