Mizoshi awoke well rested. For once, she wasn't dreading to start another day. She wasn't exactly exuberant, but she wasn't completely disheartened either. In fact, she felt rather calm with an aura of happiness glowing faintly at her spirit's core. Things would start turning around today. They had to.

The past week had been chaotic. First, Naraku's rages and harshness had thoroughly depressed her, and then Kagura had made it that much worse with her constant unpleasantness. Now, she was ready to begin anew.

However, Mizoshi's cheer was quickly interrupted by stark confusion. This wasn't her room. This was…

In a rush, the previous evening's events replayed in her mind. She had the memory of the golden moon hovering in front of her golden eyes as she alighted on a treetop with a certain someone. Yes, Naraku had broken her chains last night. Even now, in the confines of his chamber, she could still remember the cool breezes rushing past her as she flew through the star-sprinkled air. She could remember the sensation of the dewy grass under her bare feet. She could also remember in her mind's eye the silvery field of wildflowers—the last of the season. Later, Naraku had taken her back home, but she seemed to recall that the night had not ended there, which explained why she wasn't in her bed.

But there was more wasn't there? Right before she fell into slumber, she had heard something. What was it?

Mizoshi had been in Naraku's embrace. His long hair had mingled with her own as he brought his lips to the nape of her neck. Mizoshi smiled at the recollection. It was such a blissful memory. Soon after, Naraku had moved from his lips to her ear. His mouth had burned a fiery trail across her skin. Naraku's lips parted and he had said…something. Something that had made Mizoshi very rosy.

I love you. All at once, the words came flowing back. I love you. Mizoshi felt her cheeks pale. Had she misheard him? Had she dreamed the entire situation? She must have. Naraku had already admitted his true feelings before. It was purely lust for me. Of course, unless he was lying at the time…

No, she thought furiously. I will not allow myself to be crushed again by the whims of the inconstant dark hanyou. Why break my heart just hoping? Still, the words would not leave her mind, no matter how hard she tried to push them back out. In fact, it half-saddened her to ponder on the subject. So, she wouldn't. But then, if she knew of his true feelings, why was she here in his bed? More questions without answers.

Forcing herself to brighten up, Mizoshi redressed herself in her modest aqua kimono. Yet, upon closer inspection, she saw it was stained from grass and dirt. If Kagura saw her like that, she'd never hear the end of it. Sighing, Mizoshi trudged out of the room that Naraku had obviously left a while ago. Apparently, he was off making other plans that involved him and him alone.

Without a glance at her surroundings, Mizoshi marched to her wardrobe and threw open the doors to greet the many kimonos hanging there. Choosing a charcoal black one with true blue peonies arrayed across the silk fabric; she tossed her old robe aside and tied her new ensemble firmly around her waist. At the very least she could dress the part of a nobleman, even though she knew she would always be a village girl at heart.

And surprisingly, that was fine by her.

Naraku moved akin to a shadow under the wide-branched trees. He was dressed as before in his white baboon skin disguise. He had left the castle immediately this morning, leaving Mizoshi to fend for herself. She could survive without him for a couple of hours.

But what am I really doing out here? he mused. Should I attempt to track down Inuyasha and his little friends? No, now's not the time. Should I make a desperate dive for more jewel shards then? No, too messy…

Ultimately, he decided that nothing grand could be accomplished today. He lacked a plan. Naraku was never the type to run into any battle unprepared

I'll make them come to me, he decided. In the end, they shall all come to me

Satisfied with his train of thought, Naraku suddenly found himself in a sunny clearing. He growled in irritation. The light didn't suit his tastes. Naraku prepared to take flight towards his castle, but froze when he saw the high grasses trembling in the distance. So. Someone was coming. Perchance he would meet another young woman. Mizoshi could use a friend.

However, it was no half-hanyou girl that broke out of the dense wilderness whilst fleeing for her life. No. It was Sesshoumaru. Striding elegantly.

Sesshoumaru's intense eyes of amber involuntarily fastened on him. He scowled. "Naraku."

"Lord Sesshoumaru," he replied sarcastically. "What an honor."

"I told you what would happen if you came looking for me again." To illustrate his point, the dog demon laid a threatening hand on his sword.

"Don't flatter yourself," Naraku hissed. "I was just taking a midday stroll."

Sesshoumaru nodded impassively; eyes locked on his own. Apparently, he didn't think Naraku worth the effort, or he would've started attacking by now. Their past skirmish was completely forgotten.

"So," the white youkai continued, "I have heard you are in the possession a new wench."

Naraku kept his voice carefully low. "And who told you that?"

"It doesn't matter."

Kagura. She must've. Why would she tell Sesshoumaru about Mizoshi? That was a matter that deserved considering. And heavy questioning.

"Well, Naraku? Are you getting…soft?" The irritating bastard let the word hang for emphasis.

Naraku smirked under his mask. "No more softer than a demon lord who keeps a human girl for company."

He silently chuckled at Sesshoumaru's murderous look. With that, Naraku took his leave in a whirling of miasma.

Even though Naraku had never left his guard down for a second during the confrontation, he was still truly unnerved. Why would his incarnation mention Mizoshi? Did she plan to exterminate her? Did she discuss such a thing with Sesshoumaru? Or was she busy making a fool out of him? Neither would do.

Naraku knew it was better to reach the castle sooner than later. It wasn't as if he thought Kagura would personally slay her right this moment; it was that she might be making plans. Leaving the disobedient wind sorceress for long periods of time was hardly a sound idea.

He would have to take some action once he reached his abode.

Whoo, that didn't take very long to update! I finally got my act together somewhat. To be honest, I didn't feel like writing for the past few weeks. I hope I'm over that now. As always, thanks to all reviewers for the support!

Blackwave: Sesshoumaru's still around, and he'll get to meet up with Kagura again. After that, he might appear one more time at the very end.

gothic-ember: Sorry about that, but I thought it would be the only believable way for Naraku to say it right now. Later, it will be better!

Tiamath: Only time will tell…