His words hung on the shadowy air. There. He'd said it.
Yet she wasn't awake to hear them. Looking down upon Mizoshi, Naraku noted her eyes were closed and her breathing had deepened rhythmically. Good. Her unconsciousness was part of the reason he had declared his "love."
Although, he hadn't. Not really. Was there really a shred of truth to his words? He didn't believe so. Were they a lie? Naraku wasn't sure of that either. Running uncertain fingers through her hair once more, Naraku pulled back the silk coverlets gently and got to his feet. The situation was growing too confusing.
In the distance, stood the infamous jade vase. The flowers spilled out over the brim; displaying their pure, innocent charms. The blooms gazed serenely at him. How calmly they accepted their imminent demise. They were no different from the one that had picked them.
Automatically, his own gaze switched to her. Sighing, Naraku snatched up his kimono and wrapped it around his naked body. There would be no more answers tonight. For either of them.
Obviously, his thesis had proved incorrect. Merely saying the words had little effect on his emotions. The declaration itself had not garnered the desired outcome. Should he repeat them?
No, he answered himself. Now was not the time. It was too risky. Suppose she should overhear?
Naraku continued watching her sleeping form, and felt an irrational surge of envy make its presence known. His jaw clenched. His nostrils flared. Sweet Mizoshi, despite the demonic blood in her veins, slept the ignorant sleep of mortals. Mortals simply closed their eyes and experienced deep relaxation and blissful dreams. They could choose to close themselves off to the chaos around them. He, a demon, was kept perpetually alert, especially when he was abed. His dreams were filled with blood, screaming, destruction, and maniacal laughter. Still, all they did was reflect his true nature. He'd known nothing else. However, it was almost uncanny how these gruesome visions never manifested when she was curled up beside him. With Mizoshi near, his mind soothed. As for his heart…
Forcibly, he turned his thoughts from her to his mission. The Shikon jewel. Yes. That was his prime objective. He had almost succeeded in momentarily forgetting about it. Merely thinking about the prized relic caused it to materialize in his waiting palm. Smirking, he let his eyes wander over its features. It glowed with an eerie magenta luminosity. So perfect, except for one single flaw—it wasn't whole.
Mizoshi would never see it. Never. It wasn't as if he considered her competition, but, all the same, he'd rather she remain oblivious of its existence. It was too difficult to explain. Naturally, she could utilize the jewel as well to become a full demon the same as he. Still, the pressing issue was that Naraku liked Mizoshi just the way she was. He had more…creative uses for the Jewel of Four Souls the girl couldn't possibly understand. The Shikon jewel was for him and him alone.
Striding over to the doorframe, Naraku abruptly turned back. She was still sleeping. Good. It suddenly struck him ironic that his two most precious possessions were in the same room.
Cradling the violet jewel protectively, he stalked away. Naraku could never truly be at peace until the rest of the shards were found. With or without Mizoshi.
Dawn had broken, and Kagura couldn't care less. Much of her time was devoted to brooding around the castle, so it didn't matter whether it was day or night. She brooded not by choice, but by necessity. The reason was simple. There was nothing else better to do.
And so she danced. And trained. And honed her skills and powers for that inevitable day she would claim her freedom. Kagura was merely testing the speed of her winds; spinning them around her chambers faster and faster until she was finally able blow out of this hell and fly skyward into the heavens.
Satisfied by her silent oath, Kagura continued her journey through the wooden corridor. She would content herself into believing that she wasn't going to be a prisoner for the rest of her days, even though that stubborn weight of doubt hung heavily in her chest, threatening to bring her down to her knees. In time, that too would pass.
But, first, she was to clean her master's chambers. It was one of her most hated chores, but she had no real choice in the matter. As long as she continued to serve him, her heart would remain untouched.
Scowling, she at last approached the threshold of Naraku's room and very nearly growled. Mizoshi was sleeping in her master's bed. Of course. The wench.
Kagura stepped into the room and watched on with jealousy at the girl's restful breathing. Her chest rose and fell so calmly. A small smile curled her lips while her ebony hair curled on the pillow. Even in her sleep, she mocked her. Mizoshi enjoyed this? This life? This hell? Perhaps she should educate her.
Bitterness welling to the surface, Kagura's fingers gripped around her lethal fan. Her existence had been easier without actively caring for this ungrateful harlot who jumped under the sheets with her nefarious master on every occasion. Yet, in the idiot girl's mind, nothing was wrong about the affair because she loved him. Love. Something that was denied Kagura, but given freely to her cruel, undeserving overlord. This vagabond was the cause of it. Because of her, she'd been subjected to more harsh treatment than ever before. Maybe she should even the score.
Unthinkingly, Kagura had whipped out her fan. One magical dance of her blades and the impediment would be no more. It was such a tempting proposition. Kagura's hand shook violently.
Suddenly, there came a light footfall behind her. She froze. Damn. She'd been caught already. Bracing herself, she steeled for the impact.
"Kagura?" a whispery voice called out to her.
She relaxed. It was Kanna. Although, she might report this to Naraku. Turning to her "sister," she forced herself to remain composed. "Yes, Kanna?"
The first incarnation's abysmal black eyes stared into the room and took in the intruder dozing there. Then, her eyes darted back to Kagura. "You are considering slaying her." This was a statement, not a question.
"Yes," Kagura repeated neutrally.
"Should you kill her, you'll reap your own demise. Naraku has no use for unruly tools."
Kagura saw the wisdom in Kanna's words. Should she take Naraku's amusement from him, he would end her own life as well out of pure spite. It would matter little if he truly cared for the girl.
Truly cared for her? What was she thinking? Naraku could care for nothing, save his own skin. Besides, Kagura reasoned, why should I put my immortality at risk for her?
In a huff, Kagura moved away from the door. She could clean the room later. All the water the world contained couldn't clean the filth that resided within anyway. Kanna followed closely behind her, much to Kagura's irritation. Was her sister spying on her? Or protecting her? She wasn't sure. In any case, Mizoshi was safe for another tomorrow. For the time being.
Hmm, I just noticed something. Mizoshi was asleep the entire chapter, and all the other characters appeared! Heh. (This is what sleep loss does to you. You begin rambling.) Once again, thanks to the reviewers for all your support! Oh, and God bless AdultSwim for bringing new Inuyasha into our lives!
moonlitStarDestiny: I saw that movie too. For some reason, I thought it would be better than it was. Oh, and Sess/Naraku is one of my favorite pairings. ;)
loves-winged-dark-angel: One thing I can promise is that she will not be kidnapped.
RenegadeMustang: See? There's Kagura. :) Not to sound vague, but Sesshoumaru can show up anytime. I haven't decided where to work him in yet, but he will definitely appear twice.