"Now, dear Mizoshi, duplicate your feeling for me and set the other objects aflame."
He didn't have to repeat himself. Effortlessly, she directed her burning gaze on the other two wooden crates. Both were set aflame nearly simultaneously. Next, her rapidly tearing gaze seized sight of the wooden planks. One spark, and they were instantly ablaze. The rags of cloth were no exception.
"Easy," he whispered. "You've mastered the technique. Cease now."
His voice was deadly serious. Blinking her watery eyes, Mizoshi stopped. Rooted to the spot, she watched both wood and cloth burn into ashes.
This is what I am. This is my legacy. Destruction. Reduced to cold ashes none will miss.
But, aren't phoenixes supposed to rise from the ashes?
Against her will, her thoughts then turned to her long-dead father.
Did he possess this power too? A pity he's not here to teach me instead of this…monster.
This monster that I love.
"That's enough. That's it for today's lesson." Naraku stated. "We'll begin anew tomorrow."
Does he mean the lesson or us?
It was impossible to ponder.
"You may leave now," he told her curtly. "I'll send for you if I have need."
And that was that. Her lesson was over. Chancing to gaze over at the dark hanyou, she saw that he was lost in thought. His red as blood eyes were fastened on the fire that licked along the discarded wooden objects.
Was he really interested in me, or my power?
Too many subjects to think on. Wiping away a stray tear, she retreated back into the castle. Apparently he used the courtyard for her instruction to spare the furnishings of his own abode.
The walls immediately closed in on her. She required…fresh air. Yes. She would return to the garden. The garden that bordered her previous accommodations. If Naraku objected, she would know within the hour.
Walking the familiar way, she quietly shuffled into her former chamber. But, there were no happy memories here. No. This had simply been a place to spend her idle time.
Sliding the rice paper screen aside, she stepped onto the stone pathway that wound its way through the flowers. Or rather, it would if there any flowers left in the walled garden. Everything had withered. Everything. Even now, icy frost clung to the rotten husks of plants, damning them back to the dirt all the more quicker. Mizoshi decided not to bother looking in the koi pond. All the fish must certainly be dead by now.
Gazing past the pond, Mizoshi was startled when she realized she wasn't alone. Kohaku occupied the lonely wooden bench that was positioned under the scarlet dogwood. A stray leaf had dropped on the boy's shoulder, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Kohaku!" she called out.
The demon slayer boy jerked out of his reverie. Those chocolate brown eyes focused. "Mizoshi?"
His voice was tentative, as if he didn't believe it was she.
Feeling a smile twist her lips, she went over to him. "You remember me?"
"Of course," he replied. "Well…mostly." Kohaku flushed embarrassedly. The boy looked away uncomfortably. "I…I…wanted to see you again, but that lady said you moved. I've just been sitting in this garden you showed me, and here you are."
Mizoshi was taken aback. "You were waiting for me?"
He shook his head. "No," he confessed. "I had assumed we'd never cross paths again."
How honest he sounded.
There is no permanence in Kohaku's life. No foundation. He could see a person once, and never expect to lay eyes on them again.
A pang of sympathy squeezed her chest. On instinct, she sat beside the boy. He reminded her so much of her brother.
"Kohaku," she whispered. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
A wide-eyed stare was her initial response. "I'm not sure," he managed at last. "I know nothing of where I come from."
At present, Mizoshi wanted to growl in displeasure.
How much of Kohaku's memory did he steal? What does he do to make him stay here as a…slave
An awkward silence had sprung up between them. It was then that Mizoshi decided to ask the question.
"Kohaku, have you ever left the castle?"
The demon slayer boy appeared shocked. "Yes. I have. On various occasions. Usually, when I'm told to perform an errand. And, sometimes…sometimes…" he trailed off.
"What? What is it?" She was instantly alarmed.
"Sometimes I hate it." The boy's lips curled in extreme dislike. Then, to her horror, he gripped his head in both heads. He trembled from head to toe. "Sometimes…I wish it was just stop."
Her heart had skipped a beat. "What, Kohaku?"
The demon slayer boy's eyes bored into her own. "My life."
Mizoshi bit her lip hard. "Surely, you can't mean that."
At the boy's haunted gaze, she switched to another topic.
"How does he let you out of here? Where exactly do you go?"
Now, Kohaku was the one alarmed. "Don't!" his tone quavered. "Don't try to escape. He finds you. He always finds you. And if he does, he'll…"
"I know," she finished for him quietly. Mentally exhausted, she closed her eyes. "I know," she repeated.
Both captives eased once more into an uneasy silence.
Mizoshi twisted and turned under the silken sheets. Softly, she allowed her breath to exhale through parted lips. In her sleep-fogged brain, she vaguely remembered her talk with Kohaku. They hadn't spent long together though. Shortly after beginning their discussion, Kanna had conveniently wandered into the garden and called him away. Perhaps this time it was for good. However, none commented that they were found together.
It's only a matter of weeks now. Maybe sooner.
Turning on her side, eyes closed, Mizoshi sighed depressedly.
What next?
As if to answer her inquiry, she heard the screen that served as a barrier of her own open. Someone was in her chamber…
Was it Kohaku? Had he come back?
No such luck. The light, sliding gate could belong to one person and one person alone.
Naraku is here.
Impudently, he moved to stand in front of her bed.
"Mizoshi?" His velvety voice caressed the air.
There was no use to pretending she was wrapped up in her slumber. Reluctantly, she gave her eyelids permission to open. Gold struck crimson as their gazes met.
"You're awake." Those lips tugged into a smirk. "Good. Good."
"Why have you come?" she asked hoarsely.
Does he want to? Tonight? Oh, but I couldn't bear his touch at the moment…
Kagura's right. I am the kind of woman she says.
His ruby orbs glittered. "Not for what you are considering, still, I do require your presence in the courtyard. Lesson two is about to begin."
Instantaneously, she sat up in her bedding. "Another lesson? Now? Forgive me, Naraku, but it's the middle of the night."
"It's well past midnight," he corrected her wryly. "Get dressed Mizoshi."
Foolishly, her anger rose to the surface. "What if it's not a suitable hour for me?"
Naraku's features automatically turned cruel. Those burning eyes blazed warningly. "It's suitable enough for me." The hell demon eyed her dangerously, daring her to contradict him again.
It's my throat if I choose not to.
Giving up, she retied her scarlet and orange kimono from before and followed her "teacher" along the drafty corridor.
All too soon, her bare feet met the sandy ground of the training area. Searchingly, she set her sights on the atmosphere above. Anything was better than staring at the dark hanyou's back for a moment longer.
She had to admit, the skies were astonishing to behold in the evening. The purplish streaks of miasma melted in with the deep indigo of night. Though it was far too hazy to glimpse stars; a stark crescent moon rode the toxic cloud formations. And, illuminated by the celestial object, was Mizoshi's worst nightmare.
The wind witch stood in the center of a courtyard. Casually, she stroked her lethal fan.
They approached each other, eyes locked. The youkai demoness and hanyou demoness stared each other down. Kagura smiled, but it was not pleasant.
It was calculating.
"We are to demonstrate your self-restraint, Mizoshi," Naraku announced. "Let the lesson begin."
His ensuing laughter could've reached the hidden stars.
Whew! Another chapter gone. I have a lot of action and twists planned further down the road, so this chapter is just preparation. Once again, a big thanks to those who reviewed!
Sakura evil twin of Sango: Sesshoumaru will make his appearance in 3-4 chapters. He will appear in at least three different chapters. (Good news for Sesshy fans!)
someone: Naraku doesn't use the spider to spy on Mizoshi. Kuro just kind of likes to follow her around. (Like a puppy with eight legs. :))
Sesshy-chansbestpal: I love eggs! Especially omelets.
werewolfpixie: Don't worry, you weren't grouchy at all. Basically, Kagura hates Mizoshi because she loves Naraku and is a bit of a pampered mistress while she is forced to be his servant whilst keeping her away from any chance at love. (And away from Sesshoumaru.)