The wide bowl of rice had been emptied and pushed to the side. For the first time in nearly two days, Mizoshi's hunger was sated. Now, she rested on the worn wooden planks that constructed the floor of the food preparing area and played with her new "friend."

Kuro had not left the room all through her simple breakfast. While Mizoshi sat at the small table in the far corner with her chopsticks, the arachnid idled by the wall, crawling this way and that. It was almost like it was waiting for her to finish her meal.

Giving into the situation fate had thrust her in; she had gotten up from her empty dishes and walked over to where the spider was.

At present, she was examining the predator from every angle; petting its downy black hair; gazing into its multiple red eyes. Sometimes it would mischievously creep away from her, but it would always skitter back to its original position. It was playing a game. Just like its master, it was playing a game. No doubt Naraku was using his pet to gather information about her whereabouts. Indeed, he was the probably the very individual that had sent the arachnid in here. And as usual, Mizoshi was too stupid to leave.

Sighing, Mizoshi at last raised herself from the floor.

I can't play with this venomous spider all day. I should be doing something else.

The arachnid took the hint and slowly inched away, presumably seeking a dark corner in which to hide.

I should feel privileged the thing didn't puncture my flesh.

After her experience with Naraku's rage, the spider was the least of her problems. She had honestly forgotten her fear of it.

Or perhaps I'm simply becoming more acquainted with my environment. How long will it take until the darkness that surrounds this castle and its lord enters my being as well?

With a heavy heart, she stalked back to her own chamber. It had been a quite awhile since she'd spent any time there.

It's so cold in this place. It's going to be a hard winter.

Yet again, Mizoshi unwillingly turned her thoughts towards the uncertain, potentially terrifying future ahead. How would she ever live through the snow and ice here? How could she possibly live with a wind witch that wished her ill, a toxic spider, and a nefarious hell demon? And that wasn't counting a certain soul-stealing mirror…

Although, I shouldn't freeze. I can burn many substances for fuel to keep warm. Maybe I should set the entire castle aflame too while I'm at it.

She immediately gasped at the notion. What would that accomplish? Naraku would kill her. No question. Setting fire to the web would only accomplish one objective: annihilating the prey. The spider would effortlessly swoop to another crevice to weave another home while the traitorous prey crackled and burned—still stuck in the original web. Oh, the dark hanyou would slay her for even considering it.

Naraku couldn't read minds, could he?

In the end, she decided to put all images of fire out of her mind. They would only serve to remind her of the upcoming lesson with the evil shape-shifter.

Rummaging under her mattress, Mizoshi pulled out an unfinished painting. It was her best one yet, even if the subject matter was outdated.

On the sheet of paper was Mizoshi herself. She was swathed in white, including her kimono, shoes, and skin. A pure white maiden. The only details she had filled in with color were her lips and hair. It was her in a wedding costume. She was to paint the groom in his traditional black kimono, but that was ridiculous to think of anymore, wasn't it?

Ripping the paper in two, she felt a deadly calm caress her being. Dreams and fantasies would be pushed aside. Now, she would focus on her survival. On a brighter side, she could use this shredded paper in her lesson. This painting deserved to crisped to a cinder.

But then the once prospective groom would see it…

Angrily, she crumpled both halves into a ball. She would soon see if she could call her flames on command. Setting her eyes into a squint, she waited for some sign of smoke.

"Mizoshi?" a soft voice sounded out.

She directed her gaze up to find Kanna the ghostly little girl staring at her. She bit back a scream.

"Yes, Kanna?"

Mizoshi intentionally kept her voice low and non-threatening, and above all, did not even glance into that cursed circular mirror.

Or maybe that's why this particular incarnation was sent. Does he somehow know of my malicious thoughts?

"Master Naraku is asking for you in the courtyard," she whispered. "Follow me."

Of course she did not get a say in this. The lesson was at whatever time suited the mentor. Yet, didn't he mention that they were to begin in the late afternoon? Another lie.

They both shuffled through the yawning corridors Mizoshi had learned to loath, sweeping past rotten wood and scattered cobwebs. Kanna stoically set one pale foot in front of the other. Reluctantly, she fell into line behind the eldest incarnation of Naraku. Silently, Mizoshi marveled at the abrupt differencebetween Kagura and Kanna. How could one set her into a rage with a mouth that never quieted and the other scare her senseless with nary a word? She was surprised they were related.

After traversing through various twists and turns, some familiar and some not, they at last came to the entrance of the sandy courtyard. It was then that Kanna wordlessly left, taking her magical mirror with her.

Good riddance. Yet the real threat is up ahead.

Trying to remain unseen for the moment, Mizoshi walked across the powdery ground. The boulders and craggy rocks rose steeply around her, obstructing her vision. The courtyard was clear as far as she could see. Above her, thevarying shades of the noxious purple clouds competed with one another. Not a ray of sunshine could be glimpsed.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of another tint of purple. And it was no wonder. It was the color of his kimono. She watched his lips curl in the parody of a welcoming smile.

"Mizoshi. It's so good to see you. I hope you are excited to begin utilizing your full potential. I have even provided the kindness of assembling a kind of training area."

Mizoshi had noticed. Stray planks of wood were strewn here and there. Empty boxes were lined along the defensive wall. Rags and bits of old towels were thrown together in a pile.

Had he done all of this for her?

His voice broke into her thoughts. "Kohaku does excellent work."

Her ears perked. "Kohaku? Where is he?" She had not forgotten the demon slayer boy with the sad chocolate eyes and feverish look.

"Moving on with the lesson," the dark hanyou continued; pointedly ignoring her, "stand over by me, and focus your attention on that crate."

He's not going to answer me about that boy. I'd half-forgotten him myself.

Complying, she stiffly made her over to the demon. Her eyes locked on the crate.

What an obedient wench I am. Oh well, all the sooner to get this over with.

"Now," he purred, "unleash your power. The power of flame."

Mizoshi squinted her eyes together and glared at the hulking cube. Nothing happened. Desperately, she tried to will the fire to appear, but still nothing happened. After five minutes, both hanyou gave up.

"Hmm, we must tap into your emotions," Naraku speculated. "Tell me, Mizoshi, what triggered your power before?"

She didn't hesitate to reply. "You," she whispered.

"How fortunate. I'm sure there is a way I can arouse the fire within." He smirked knowingly at his acquisition.

In response, Mizoshi shot him a look of complete distaste, even though it could cost her her life.

"Easy, Mizoshi. I never forced you before. Why start now?" he said cruelly.

It took her by surprise when the hell demon hauled her by the shoulders and forced her to stand in front of him. She could feel his hands pressed into her skin.

"Use your feelings for me," he suggested. "Use whatever feelings I'm awakening in you to activate you power. Either love or hate should do."

Love or hate.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she searched her heart for a spark.

I should hate him for all the pain he has caused me. For throwing my "love" back in my face, for being so damned insensitive, for turning against me, for throwing me in that cell, for treating me like his personal property…

And yet when she opened her eyes again, all her hatred came to naught. The wooden crate still taunted her.

What does it take? If only this had never happened…

His hands still gripped her shoulders. His breath caressed her neck.

In an explosion of emotion, the crate suddenly burst into flame. At once, Naraku let her go.

"You did it," he hissed. "Whatever you felt; it achieved your end."

But Mizoshi exhibited no joy, for she realized the truth.

I love him. That was what I felt. Love. I still love Naraku…

Thanks to all my reviewers for their support:)

Sakura evil twin of Sango: Kagura's backing off a while, but she still wants Mizoshi gone. She hasn't truly changed for the better.

werewolfpixie: LOL! Roasted spider…hmm. I know it's a stereotype, but rice is the only thing I really know about Japanese food. About the chapters…well I think it'll definitely be around 10 or more. I know I keep adding more, but I'm trying to find a good place to end the story so it doesn't seem rushed.

MoonlitStarDestiny: That's crazy. Five times? And I'm sure the weather doesn't help.

Sesshy-chansbestpal: No, Mizoshi won't be as strong as Kagura. (With her fan, Kagura dominates.) I'm not a big fan of Good Charlotte, but I love their song "I Just Wanna Live."