There was no fight in her body. None at all.

She does not protest. Of course. It matters little if Mizoshi is a hanyou; she is still primarily human. Therefore, she still must love me, as any weak human would. How pathetically touching.

Teasingly, he stroked her throat, running his hand down her curves to her immaculate kimono tie. His assault of kisses had not halted.

Women by far are the easiest beings to manipulate. All one has to do is hit the right places. This newest conquest of mine won't be any different.

Yet, she was. She was different. For she was one who loved him. Sadly, no other female ever had the opportunity to develop feelings for him, not that any ever would have.

Obviously, she enjoys the company of dark men. But why, I wonder?

Indulgently, Mizoshi sank further into his embrace. "Naraku," she breathed.

"You haven't yet answered my question." A liquid chuckle escaped his mouth.

She hesitated a bit. All of a sudden, the turned her head so she could look into his eyes, and he was floored at what he found there. The gold in her orbs shimmered in a glittering haze. It was if she were on the brink of tears. Nevertheless, those hated droplets of water couldn't wash away the love that was glowing there. Frankly, it made him uncomfortable to think on it, so he crushed his lips against hers instead. Naturally, this entailed him to close his eyes in the process. He didn't want to bear witness to her delusions of romance anymore.

I don't need an answer. She's already answered my inquiries. However, I have a query or two of my own…

Softly, he brought her down to the floor. At the moment, all questions would have to wait.

Naraku wasted no time exploring Mizoshi's charms; caressing each new part of her flesh he uncovered with his own. Watching on with glee, he observed the flickering fires of her delight rise higher as his fingertips ran along her now nude skin. He was stoking the coals. Soon enough, the blaze would burn.

The girl gasped under his ministrations. "Naraku. I…"

Once more, he silenced her with a kiss. He had no desire to hear that word.

A woman has never accepted my presence so completely before.

Her hands were upon him as well, but he took little or no note of it. Feebly, her fingernails scratched at his chest, but other than that, she was completely lost in the sensations he alone created. Still so inexperienced in the act.

Exactly the way it should be. I hold the power here.

Yet, he did have the wonder. If he truly held the power, why was he endeavoring to please her?

The next few moments were as bright as flame. The world was burning, and Naraku was trapped in the heat. His eyes sprang open in disbelief.

Hot as lava…

At once, he became alarmed.

Would she dare?

And then, ripples of merciful cooling broke out along with the beads of sweat that were currently rolling down their bodies. The inferno had lost steam. All at once, the conflagration had sputtered off, and both were embroiled in the aftershocks. Immediately, his first assessment was that he had not been set aflame.

So, she can control her emotions.

That made one of them. Because he knew no longer what to think.

"Naraku," she groaned.

He stiffened atop of her and couldn't help but gaze into those eyes of fiery yellow.

"Naraku," she repeated. She stretched out her arms for him, but fell asleep before they even made contact. A small, satisfied smile decorated her glowing face.

As he watched her, he became overwrought. With emotions. Emotions that had stirred beneath the surface only short weeks ago, but hadn't clawed themselves to the surface until now.

Like restless corpses quickening with supernatural unlife; scrabbling at the mound of dirt that covered their graves.

He had been a corpse once. A near corpse anyway. A man who could no longer move. So, he asked to be awakened again. Still, he was dead inside. Emotions were nothing. Even when the priestess that had sparked his creation died, there was simply…nothing. In any case, she would have never returned his affections. Onigumo's heart had eventually ceased to beat. Now, that same cursed heart was rattling at his ribs.

I cannot abide this! Every time I try to take her, she takes me! She is not my captive as much as I am hers.

After hastily getting redressed, he impatiently scooped her up in his arms and automatically carried her to her own room. Mechanically, he laid her on the bed. She would sleep here…for tonight.

This "experiment" hadn't worked well out all. As intriguing as finding what love was all about, I had never expected to feel. Make her feel, yes. Keep her as my amusement, yes. Manipulate her and her love, yes. I realize now I'm manipulating myself by letting her remain here. I'm being played a fool by my own intentions.

Almost on its own volition, the Shikon jewel appeared in his hand. It was a reminder. A reminder from his demon half.

This is my sole objective. This is what I live for. Nothing else. Mizoshi has gotten in the way of this for far too long. This game must end.

The violet luminescence emanating from the gem was lovely. Certainly lovelier than gold. As he focused his attention on it, it became increasingly clear what he must do.

Always, Naraku had likened himself to the earth. He shaped it to his physical desires, and ensnared all he could of its surface with his woody tentacles, including the girl herself. But, Mizoshi's fire was too brilliant. She threatened to destroy all he had painstakingly won and created, even this castle.

Never would he allow that to happen.

Cradling the incomplete jewel, he stalked towards the door. On his path, he discovered a sheet of paper.

What has she been depicting now?

To his relief, it wasn't of him or of her dreamy illusions. It was of a humble dwelling; a small cottage surrounded by trees. Perhaps this painting was even of her own former home.

Then I shall send her back there if that is what she yearns for…

Mizoshi awoke without feeling harassed for a change. In fact, she had slept rather tranquilly. And, with a sudden blush staining her cheeks, she remembered why.

My lesson. My wonderful lesson. So. Naraku does care. There was no mistaking his uncharacteristic tenderness last night.

Maybe, just maybe, if I pray hard enough, we can be together.

I knew he couldn't hate me. Not for a second. I'm sorry I ever doubted.

As if on cue, the man that meant more to her than anyone on the earth's surface sauntered into the room. He bore a tray that held a meal and a teapot. Immediately, she sat up, and couldn't contain her expression of gladness.

We are to have breakfast together? After all this time? Things are turning out to be just fine, after all.

Heavily, the dark hanyou set the tray down. He looked up at her. "Sit," he commanded flatly. "There is something very important I wish to discuss with you."

The change was instantaneous. Her face fell. Horror swept through her; chasing away her happiness.

Something important to discuss?

Frowning, she scooted onto the floor, taking her place at the table. Her meal smelled heavenly, and she could see it was truly filling. Smoked trout laid over top a pool of rice in the center of the plate. Four ripe plums bordered the edges. An impressive presentation. In fact, the most impressive she'd seen so far.

"Eat," Naraku ordered. "You will need your strength for today."

"I'm not hungry," she replied hotly. "And why do I need my strength for today?" A progressively sinking feeling pervaded her stomach. "Why? What's going on?" Mizoshi's voice became hoarse with anxiety.

The dark hanyou bent his head towards hers. Those crimson eyes shone dully with grim seriousness. "You will be leaving the castle."

"Oh? For another walk?" Her tone turned hopeful.

"No. I am granting you your freedom. You will leave the castle this afternoon with my incarnation. I am returning you to the world of the light."

Her mouth opened in absolute devastation. All Naraku did was watch on soberly.

How can he remain so calm?

Because to Mizoshi, the world as she knew it just ended.

(sniffs) I made myself sad writing that. Yes, it's true. Naraku's going to let Mizoshi go. (shields self from various blunt objects) But, without a shadow of a doubt, I promise they will be together by the story's end. And this isn't on an impulse; I was planning to do this for a while now. As a small comfort, Sesshoumaru will be showing up soon, (with Kagura if that pairing is your thing), and Ken will be introduced. (Another OC, but he's not going to be a Gary-Sue.) Oh, and Kuro will appear again. He hasn't been given the boot. :)

Thanks to all for your wonderful reviews and continued support. The story's taking on a bit of a change, but I hope it will ultimately be a good one.