Mizoshi ran away from the cursing and swearing.
"I didn't see you, Kagura! The corridor is pitch as night."
So much for the theory that this day would be "better". On her way back from the breakfast room, she had a rather nasty collision with the wind sorceress. Mizoshi honestly couldn't spot her in the rolling shadows. All she knew was that she was walking in a rather good mood right before their shoulders crashed together. Then the screaming began.
"It was an accident!" she called after Kagura's fuming form.
I suppose I could've paid better attention. Then again, she wasn't looking either.
Oh yes, this day was getting off to a fantastic start.
But really, how could anyone see anything in here? Oil lamps were rare, and open windows were even rarer. Mizoshi resumed navigating the maze of halls and passages, intent on reaching her destination.
Right as she was about to round another corner, Kanna, the ghostly little girl, emerged from the other end. No one could miss her glaring white kimono and star-streaked hair.
Tentatively, Mizoshi approached her. "Good morning, Kanna."
The ghostly little girl blinked, but her face remained expressionless. Obviously, she was unused to such greetings. "Good morning," she answered dully.
Mizoshi was beginning to get uneasy. Kanna had that effect on her. In fact, every time she stood in the incarnation's presence, she noticed a slight vibrating in her chest. It was almost as if her soul wanted to jump out of her body. Of course. That must be the purpose of the mirror she constantly carried with her. This did nothing to comfort Mizoshi.
On the bright side, this was a rare opportunity to get acquainted with her. Kanna was hardly ever seen roaming around. Besides, anyone's company was better than Kagura's at the moment. However, she could think of only one thing to ask.
"Kanna, where's Naraku?"
"Master left this morning."
A coldness crept into the pit of her stomach. "Left?"
"He never stays away too long," Kanna continued in her whimsical tone.
That was a relief. Only the gods knew what would happen should Naraku take his leave forever. Would she make it out of the castle alive? Or would the demons posted outside eat her in a single bite? As for the wind witch, she would most likely make it her personal duty that Mizoshi's feet never touched damp autumn grass again. Speaking of which, Mizoshi let her mouth run astray once more.
"Kagura doesn't like me, does she?" Instantly, she clamped her lips shut. Oh, why had she said that?
"I know not what "like" means," the incarnation replied.
This conversation was going nowhere fast. In addition, Mizoshi had the impression she was blocking Kanna's way. That circular mirror the eldest incarnation held gleamed ominously.
"Was there anything you needed?" floated Kanna's soft voice.
Mizoshi swallowed hard. "No. Nothing."
"As you wish." Gently, the ghostly little girl put one foot in front of the other. It was like she was hovering instead of treading down the lonely corridor. Feeling a bit relieved that the unsettling mirror was moving further and further away, Mizoshi resumed her journey. Finally, she reached her objective. With a furtive hand, she pushed aside the willowy screen and stepped out onto the connecting veranda. On this small wooden porch, one could see the landscape that unfolded itself over the hills beyond the castle walls. But, before one could leave the proximity of the castle, the person in question would have to fight the legions of demons at the gate that could quite possibly gobble the intruder whole. Obviously, only the person who controlled this mass of airborne demons could exit freely, and that person was not her. No. That person was elsewhere.
Well, she would make the most of it. Curling up on the porch, Mizoshi watched the demons twist and twirl around each other. Their shrieks and growls truly horrified her, but she was convinced she could rush inside the castle for safety if it was so needed. Safety. Safety in the presence of yet two unfriendly youkai. It was ironic to ponder.
A heavy sigh escaped Mizoshi as she shifted her weight. She remembered the simpler times back in her village when her and her family would be preparing for the long winter ahead, and how Mizoshi and her brothers would play in the autumn leaves while their mother picked berries. Now, she couldn't even see the fall foliage. Part of her wished she could return to that time.
As tears hazed her vision, a warning breeze caressed her cheek. Her head immediately snapped up to witness a twisting column of deep violent wind approach the castle. Neatly, the poisonous barrier above parted to allow the twisting column of miasma smoke passage. Mizoshi gawked when the miasma touched down in the exact center of the dusty courtyard. Instinctively, she knew who this was.
It wasn't long until the vapors dissipated and the familiar form of Naraku emerged. His night-black hair blew about his shoulders. His red eyes gleamed with intensity. Dressed in the same white-furred pelt from before, it too blew fiercely in the toxic airburst's wake.
Gazing into his face, Mizoshi felt an odd chill. Naraku's expression was angry. Furious. At her?
Scrunching up to seek shelter from the sudden chill, she watched the dark hanyou come towards her. She moved not an inch from her spot. His attention remained fastened on her.
"Mizoshi," he pronounced at last. "How long have you been out here?"
"An hour or more," she replied honestly. "You were gone?"
"I had to perform certain duties. Then, I realized that I was best needed here."
She continued gazing up at his expression. Naraku's features remained set in stone.
"Where's Kagura?"
She started in surprise. "Kagura? She's…inside."
"Good."
In a mere second, he had disappeared inside the formidable castle. Not another word escaped his lips. For an instant, she considered following him, but decided not to be a pest. Yet, she couldn't help wondering. What did he want with Kagura? What had happened out there?
Naraku's footsteps thudded down the wooden planks. His conniving incarnation could never escape him for long. He always made sure of it.
Just as he expected, he found Kagura, mistress of winds, crouched down on the floor of her chamber. She appeared to be lost in whatever she was doing. Not even bothering to announce himself, Naraku reached out and sharply spun her around. A jagged piece of pottery dropped to the floor. Drops of scarlet liquid followed after it. Hissing in annoyance, Naraku seized her wrist for inspection. Blood coated his fingers.
"Kagura! I warned you about this. Why are you so intent on destroying your flesh?" His voice got louder. "My flesh?" With a growl, he tossed the shard away. It hit the wall and shattered into tiny pieces. Pieces that were too tiny to cut thick stripes into her skin anymore.
Boldly, she lifted her head to meet his eyes. "But, don't you like how I decorate your flesh? Each cut is another gift to you."
Naraku gritted his teeth. He considered throwing her into the same wall that had smashed her "toy," but chose to stay his hand. She wouldn't be able to tell him anything if she was unconscious.
"Kagura, cease your snide comments. We have much to discuss."
"Oh, what about? Did you find someone else to kill?"
"Actually, that's precisely what it's about. I met Sesshoumaru today."
His incarnation stiffened. "You intend to kill him?"
"Not yet. Although, it just so happens Lord Sesshoumaru had something very interesting to say."
Kagura set her thickly painted lips into a prim line. Her features betrayed nothing.
"Lord Sesshoumaru spoke of my "new wench." Now, how did he know that when I have told him nothing, and you were out only a few days ago, hmm?"
She had no answer for him. Instead, she rubbed her wounded wrist. However, he already knew her plans. Though Kagura's face feigned innocence, her eyes remained expressive. They sparked with rage. Rage at being discovered, and rage at the hanyou girl.
"You know what you will happen if you try anything, Kagura. Or shall I put you in the dungeon again to refresh you memory?"
Immediately, her calm façade broke, and fear cloaked her face. She remembered the dungeons, and what had transpired there when she had attempted to betray him. It made him smile to see the experience had sincerely terrified her.
Naraku no longer had to speak. His control would never ebb.
Proudly, he stalked out into the hallway. He was still the master here.
At last one woman believed that.
Hmm, somehow I turned Kagura into a cutter. Well, she could be the type. Thanks to all my reviewers. You're the ones that help keep the fic going! Sorry about the slight delay.
moonlitStarDestiny: Kuro is still around and will make one more appearance. Sesshoumaru will meet up with Mizoshi, and he will help her in a sense…for the first time anyway. (tiny spoiler)
Shippo: Yup, Kuro will be appearing very soon. Everyone likes Naraku's pet spider, huh:)
SakuraEviltwinofSango: Kagura won't hurt Mizoshi because of Naraku. (She's just having nasty thoughts.) And nope, there will be no official marriages between anyone.
bowwowlover: I wasn't planning to, but that's actually an interesting idea. First being Naraku's wench and then Sesshoumaru's. That would be a fangirl's dream. ;) But really, I don't think I'll head that way.
Ganheim: Yeah, I think Sesshoumaru would have definitely killed Naraku too. Except, this fic takes place before Rin's abduction. (Like right after Kagura betrayed Naraku.)