Mizoshi awoke crumpled up on her bed like a used rag. She allowed he blurry eyes to focus as she pushed aside the blanket. Day had dawned again. So, she had managed to sleep the horrible night through after all.

In my dreamless slumber, I was safe. I didn't have to think or feel. I was blissfully unaware.

Although, she wasn't safe now. Not in the least. The sadistic hell demon and his equally sadistic incarnation could come crashing into this very chamber any second wielding katanas. Of course, both could have killed her in her sleep, but at least then she would've been oblivious to the deed. In any case, there was nothing she could or could've done to halt their efforts.

Except burn them straight back to hell…

However, Mizoshi was neither feeling destructive nor mournful. She was merely tired.

Not to mention disgusted…

Sitting up on the mattress, she let her eyes wander the shadowy room until her gaze fell on a familiar rectangular shape. It was the book. The book of poems Naraku had given her at their first meeting. She had left it on her beside table and never paid much notice.

Picking it up in her trembling hands, she flung the book across the room.

There. That should make me feel better. But, somehow, it doesn't. It just doesn't.

The book of romantic writing leered at her from the opposite wall. Thankfully, it had not curiously opened to an ominous page. Good. She got the distinct impression there would be no more "hints."

Cautiously stepping out onto the drafty floorboards, Mizoshi tore off the plain yukata she wore to bed and chose a simple dark green kimono from the depths of her wardrobe. She had initially worn this particular item when she had first arrived to this…abyss. She no longer wanted to impress the dark hanyou with trails of crimson silk. This was her.

Now dressed, she quietly she sat on the floor, pondering. She supposed she should cook breakfast, but she truly wasn't hungry.

What is here to do in this place except while away the time?

Coming to a decision at last, she rose to her feet. If she spied him in the hall, she would walk right past his threatening shadow. Let him stab her in the back. He'd already done so anyhow.

Tracing the familiar route on trembling legs, she came to the entrance of the walled garden and slid back the screen. If anything, the fresh air should do her some good. And, perhaps Kohaku would be here. It was worth a try.

Mizoshi knew as she dreamily strode across the winding path that the sounds of birdsong should be heard, especially this early in the morning; yet, there was nothing. Not even a breeze. Still, the thick clouds overhead had thinned, and some cerulean sky could be spotted here and there. She took whatever comfort in that she could obtain.

So absorbed in the heavenly formations, she took no heed of the sudden added weight to the wooden bench she had sat upon. It was a sly feminine voice that distracted her.

"There you are. We thought you might've committed suicide. Such a shame."

"Kagura," Mizoshi ground out. She turned to look into the wind witch's heated scarlet eyes.

She smiled demurely. "In the flesh. I was so disappointed our lesson ended so early."

"That was no lesson," Mizoshi hissed. "That was cruel sport for you and your depraved master." She kept her eye on Kagura's lethal pink fan.

"And I thought you loved him," she said offhandedly. The incarnation was rubbing the salt directly in the wound.

How much does she know? Did Naraku tell her of my idiotic confession?

"Well, you put on quite a show last night," the wind witch went on, her eyes not quite meeting Mizoshi's.

"As did you," she snapped back.

"Now, now," the second incarnation chided. "Naraku has stated he doesn't want us two ladies fighting. Even though, I only know of one bred lady in this garden. The other appears to be a sulky infant."

Mizoshi's anger flamed in her cheeks, but the wind witch was getting to her feet.

Lucky for her…

"As a word of caution, Mizoshi, Naraku was most displeased at your appalling behavior. He says he will to speak to you privately about the entire matter later on."

Her mouth jumped ahead of her. "When?" Mizoshi couldn't keep a note of distress out of her voice.

"Later on!" the demoness screeched. "He doesn't tell me every single detail." With that, she took her leave. Still, that didn't prevent the lavender-encased woman from speaking over her shoulder,

"Oh, and Mizoshi? Only around half of the vocabulary I chose to describe you was accurate. Quit being so grievously offended. You'll be worse off than you'll know if that attitude doesn't change."

Mizoshi was seething by the time the demoness left the grounds. So, she had come to gloat. Kagura was extremely fortunate she did not continue her insults on this occasion, or she would be a smoking pile of ash. However, in the end, Mizoshi knew she wouldn't. She couldn't.

How can I? I would have to answer him should anything happen to his own flesh and blood. Besides, it would be by all accounts murder, no matter if the person were demon or no.

In spite of this, there were more pressing issues ahead. Naraku's desire to call on her did not sit well with her. The dark hanyou wouldn't gloat as his servant had done; he would punish. Or worse.

Have I done anything wrong? Anything at all? I didn't ask to be captured and abused. Infant indeed…

Still, Mizoshi could sense the reason behind Kagura's words. Maybe her temper had gotten the better of her. Perhaps she no longer knew her place. A dangerous position.

Ultimately, Mizoshi resigned herself to waiting. Nothing else could be done.

And so, she passed her day. Bustling in the kitchen, reclining in the garden, and wandering the corridors; taking care to keep a lengthy radius around the door to the cellars. And the dungeons.

In truth, she was searching for the inconstant hanyou. An insane thing to do, but it was better to face him on her own accord instead of being surprised. And yet, not a trace of Naraku could be seen.

Was he prowling the countryside again?

Obviously, Naraku would appear solely when he willed it. He wished to remain unseen at the moment. Consequently, he was.

Surrendering to the inevitable, Mizoshi finally walked out onto the porch that was across from her present chamber. Her next chamber very well might be a cell below.

Nervously, she twined her fingers through her hair.

Any moment. Any moment of his choosing…

Anxiously, she watched the demons on the horizon fight, growl, and tear at each other. Maybe she would be introduced to them "later on" when he fed her to them.

An hour had passed. The skies were beginning to darken. Naraku would soon be here. It was rather appropriate for him to arrive with the darkness.

Sure enough, there came a barely audible footstep from behind her. She could almost feel his malevolent aura brushing her back. She shivered, and not from the harsh wind that sprang up only recently.

"Mizoshi," he hissed from behind her.

She was frozen. A state could've been put her in her place.

Stealthily, he dropped down behind her. She could feel his body pressed against her own. Naraku gripped the back of her neck. She tensed at the coldness of his wintry touch.

It begins…

Startlingly, he did nothing cruel. In fact, his touch was almost…gentle. Fluidly, he hand trailed down her left shoulder, going on to caress her spine, and then lower still to the small of her back. Seconds later, both hands had been placed on her shoulders. Naraku began to massage them lightly. Inside, Mizoshi had turned to liquid flames. Her eyelids lowered in pleasure.

This was certainly a welcome change. But…why?

Curiously, she turned to behold his pale, handsome face, but was stopped by a hand to her neck.

"Don't move," he rasped.

Suddenly afraid, she opened her mouth and a hand was instantly clapped over it.

"Don't speak."

She couldn't utter a sound as Naraku's arms wrapped around her waist. Mizoshi didn't dare protest when she discovered her cheek pressed to the silk of his navy and purple robes.

What game was he to play now?

Though she tried in vain to remain composed, her body acted on its own volition. In one desperate heave, she was frantically sobbing in his embrace.

No escape now. There is no escape.

Yes, it's another update in under five days! First off, thanks to all new and old reviewers. I appreciate it :) (I'm such a dork, lol.) Mizoshi and Naraku will start to make up now. Sesshoumaru will come soon, as will Mizoshi's brother.

Sesshy-chansbestpal: Yeah, I like to pile on the heavy drama. And pink? Yuck!