The sun was lowering in the sky. Blearily, Mizoshi walked back to her new and exceedingly modest home.

Today had been her second day with Kita at the marketplace, and it was already starting to feel like a laborious task. However, it was not as if the work in itself was hard—it was simply mentally tiring to sit up straight behind the stand and smile at all the curious and potentially talkative passer-bys.

"Hey, Hiroshi! Who is that?"

"Have we seen her before, Emi?"

"Look, she's sitting with Kita!"

"Is she a relative?"

Seemingly relaxed, Mizoshi carried on all conversations with a heavily hidden strain of anxiety. Some accepted her presence. Most didn't. To be sure, most girls and other young adults did, but the younger children and their parents did not.

Can they tell somehow? Can they smell the "tainted" blood?

Luckily, none took notice of the damning color of her eyes. A shady maple hanging over Kita's spot veiled that fact. Only if one were inches away from her face could they discern the difference. Like Kita herself. Still, the young maiden hadn't brought up the subject once. Kita appeared to be just as friendly and welcoming as she had on the first day. Kita was a friend. Maybe not a true friend, but certainly a colleague. As for Ken…

Oh, wherever did he inherit his temper?

Even though she had sold two paintings yesterday, her brother had not been satisfied. Last night at dinner, he had simply stopped speaking and went immediately to bed after he learned how little she had earned. She still had the memory of his raised tone ringing in her ears…

"Eighteen paintings!" he hollered. "Eighteen and you only sold two?"

"Ken, please! Kita told me herself that not many would buy them."

"True, but sister, don't you think that they are a tad too expensive?"

"Kita listed the price herself!" she reasoned hotly. "I had thought you would at least rely on her judgment."

That's when her brother had stormed outside and didn't come back until the moon tinged the blades of grass silver.

Unbeknownst to Ken, today hadn't been any better. She had sold only one single painting an hour or two ago to an elderly man who thought the illustration of the pale pink peony would brighten up his "meager furnishings." It was also a present for his wife's birthday.

Hopefully, more villagers will have birthdays, or Ken will surely throw me out for not doing my "share."

But, Mizoshi had gotten over her brother's sulking. She was secretly proud she was getting paid for her hours of painting, never minding the circumstance that had brought the opportunity about. Yet, she refused to sell one particular depiction.

Naraku's image will remain. Besides, who would purchase a painting of a demon?

Sighing, Mizoshi entered the ramshackle structure that was to last throughout the winter and placed her paintings on the damp earthen floor. The small living space was eerily empty.

Ken must be either in the fields, in the woods, or visiting in the village.

Well, I don't have to stay alone by myself either, do I? Dinner can wait.

Humming to herself, Mizoshi slid aside the tattered cloth that served as a door and wandered over the low hills and rolling banks towards the forest beyond.

It's been a while since I've had some time for myself.

Birds twittered above her in the pine boughs. Insects hovered; suspended in the golden, sunlit air. The air smelled sweet yet tangy from the pine needles. The wind rustled the leaves of a nearby maple and the ground was littered with its brilliantly colored leaves

I could live here forever. Quite easily too. If only I were a bird. Or rather, a full-phoenix demoness.

Her heart aching with a sudden longing, Mizoshi sat on those ocher leaves and lay on her back. The blue sky above was cloudless and clear. How she just wanted to fly into it.

Flying. I flew once. Twice in actuality. But once, I flew with the sole man I ever loved holding me tight…

Naraku. What is he doing now? Not thinking of me obviously.

But, do I want him to think of me?

The question went unanswered, although the sounds of birdsong and rustling foliage became unnaturally loud along with the quietness of her own mind.

A bit sleepily, she settled her head on a patch of grass. She closed her eyes.

This so peaceful. So very peaceful. Why can't all days be as such?

When she opened her eyes again, she found the sun had sunk much lower in the azure sky. In fact, it was setting; smearing the woodlands a rusty pink in its tawny glow. She was on her feet in an instant.

Why did I fall asleep? Anything could've killed me if it chose. Why am I so stupid?

Preparing to tear off through the trees towards the distinct aroma of smoke emanating from over a dozen cook fires, a sharp snap invaded the natural sanctity. Immediately, she stiffened from fright.

What's that?

And then there was a flash between the tree trunks. A flash of white.

Someone is spying on me!

Before she could break into a run and escape, the sound another branch snapping came from behind her. A hand clamped down on her shoulder. A hand pulsing with rage.

"What are you doing out here?" a male voice snapped. "I was worried. Kita told me you went home and you weren't there--"

"Ken?" she breathed with relief.

"Yes. Ken. Did you expect someone else?"

" A demon perhaps?" she said sheepishly.

Her brother looked at her strangely. "So, what are you doing here?"

"Taking a leisurely walk in the forest."

"And you didn't tell anyone you were going?"

"No one was around. I was to be gone for…"

"Over two hours!" he butted in harshly.

"No!" she proclaimed loudly. "I simply lost track of the time. I'm sorry, Ken."

There's no way I'm going to tell my efficient, responsible brother I fell asleep.

Ken raised his brown eyes to the heavens as if praying for strength. At last, he faced her; worry and concern knitting his brows together.

"You weren't…meeting someone here, were you, sister?

At once, she grew thoroughly enraged. "Of course not, brother. Do you consider me so improper?"

"Not at all." Ken backed up hastily. "It's just that…mother used to meet father in the woods."

"I'm not mother," she hissed through gritted teeth. "Who would I meet here? Who?"

How dare he? Has Kita been gossiping to her brother about her? Did her own brother have his own suspicions about what had transpired over the past month?

"I just thought, sister…" his words trailed uselessly away from him on the chilled breeze.

Completely flustered, Mizoshi ran her fingers through her tangled hair. Her brother's eyes followed the movement and locked on her wrist.

"Sister, have you found your bracelet?"

Momentarily confused, Mizoshi followed his gaze and beheld the sudden appearance of the wooden piece her brother had painstakingly carved for her months before.

My bracelet? How? Why is it here? I wasn't wearing it when I arrived. I must've left it at…

…Naraku's castle.

The change within her was immediate. Her skin grew flushed. Her vision blurred. Her heartbeat sped.

When I was blissfully unaware, someone was looming over me. Someone had to fasten the bracelet around my wrist, and I surmise Kagura wouldn't lower herself.

That means Naraku…

"Mizoshi, you have been acting odd ever since I first met you." Ken's eyes narrowed. "What is it now? Your cheeks are bright red, and you look as if you've just seen the gate to the underworld!"

"Nothing," she squeaked in reply. "It is nothing. I confess; my imagination has been running away with me lately. I'm still adjusting to life in Jari Village."

"Adjusting? Yes, I suppose it is a shock. After having lived in such opulent surroundings only a lord and his castle can provide," Ken grated. Without bothering to warn her, her brother abruptly stalked off, leaving her stunned in the rapidly darkening clearing.

"Brother, it's not like that! Just listen to me!"

Mizoshi hastily hurried after Ken, but not before straining her ears for any other sounds that might accompany a hidden person. Or a hidden dark hanyou. The silence remained. The barest trace of noise was from the contact Ken's soles made on the dry, crumbling plant life.

We're alone now. Whoever was here is not here now.

In truth, she was vaguely disappointed.

What would have happened if I'd remained wrapped up in my slumber? Would I have awoken in--?

But, that was absurd to ponder. Besides, it would drive her mad. Reluctantly, she chased her brother's rigid, angry form through the bushes.

Wait until he finds out how many paintings I sold this afternoon…

Naraku skimmed across the air currents in his swirling mass of violet miasma. Hopefully, none would glimpse him so high in the atmosphere. Not unless someone was actively searching that is…

But, this was not the issue weighing on his mind. Far from it. Instead, he was remembering how sweetly vulnerable Mizoshi looked as she slept so soundly under the swaying branches.

Automatically, memories of her rushed over him as he had taken in her slumbering body. How different she had been. Her unkempt hair streamed over the dusty ground. Her face bore faint smudges of dirt. The silken kimono she chose to wear upon her departure had disappeared and in its place was a much gaudier one of homespun linen. The blue did not flatter her features, nor the yellow.

I prefer her in my own wardrobe. I prefer her in my own chamber—in my own bed.

Smoothly, he had slid the equally cheap bracelet over her wrist. At least she would have her most cherished possession with her now.

The irony that they had initially encountered one another in the forest was not lost on him. The more he had gazed upon her, the more he thought about…unwise courses of actions.

Unfortunately, he had been chased away when someone had approached the otherwise deserted clearing.

If only she would've opened her eyes…

Yet, she would've seen me. That wouldn't have been prudent.

Now, he was returning home. However, he did not know for how long he would languish in the center of his web.

Little point to do so when the web contains only other malicious spiders like myself. There is no prey to keep my interest. No little bird that flutters into my embrace, fully aware of the venom pumping through me during every second that passes by and giving not the slightest heed.

Oh, why did that damned fool have to interrupt us?

After the rude invasion, Naraku had watched from a distant yet convenient treetop. Watched as Mizoshi wakened to find a boy around her age enter the vicinity of the area.

At first, Naraku had felt…betrayed. He would be lying if he insisted jealously hadn't flowed through his very blood when he laid his hand on her shoulder. The reason was simple enough. She was his. Or she had been. He had never grown accustomed to let others touch what was his.

She is mine. No one else has kissed her. No one else had seen her in all her glory. No else has bedded her.

Mine.

Still, snatches of their heated conversations had reached his range of hearing. The words "sister" had brought an odd sense of relief.

So, that had been her brother.

Still, I simply saw no family resemblance.

The boy had been pitifully normal. One could tell by a single glance he enjoyed nothing more than upholding village society and chiding his relation of her "improper" behavior. Also, he hadn't the intriguing golden eyes his sister possessed.

Now, as Naraku headed back to his castle, his twisting thoughts wound through the intricate pathways of his brain to completely unknown territories.

What do I feel now? Relief? Regret? Anxiety?

One thing was clear. Mizoshi was clearly being berated in her new home. She was unhappy.

What was I thinking allowing her to leave?

If it hadn't been for her said brother, there was no telling what Naraku would've contemplated.

Could I really bring her back? Should I dare? Would she wish to return of her own free will?

The wind currents whipped through his ebony mane as he rode the massive gusts back to his castle. Back to his empty chamber.

Alone once more. I did not expect to miss her presence. But, what exactly should I do about it?

Gritting his teeth in an anger of unknown origin, he landed with ease on the wide terraced edge of the haunting stone abode.

And, to fuel my outrage, I have returned empty-handed. But, did I really desire to bring her back in the first place? I merely wanted to return the bracelet, didn't I?

Clenching his fist, he wanted to lash out at the conflicting brew of emotions that were bubbling within him.

I, Naraku, should not be feeling this way! I should not be acting like a foolish love-struck mortal!

As the gravity of what he had just thought sunk in, a shadow shifted in the inky air inside the castle walls. He knew who it was. Indeed, he had requested his presence. Almost instantly, Kohaku marched through the archway. Kohaku, the boy he had abducted so many months ago. The demon slayer boy. Although now, it was the very being he had been trained to kill that he served. The boy, dressed in his emerald and black combat uniform, sedately approached him.

"Master? You requested an audience? Do you have a duty for me to perform?"

"No," Naraku sniffed. "I shall handle it personally. You are dismissed."

The boy's eyes bore no emotion as he bowed and slunk away back into the yawning interior of the formidable castle.

Kohaku's interference would bother me, and I cannot trust Kagura. Nor can I spy using Kanna's mystic mirror. The most and only satisfying approach would be this—touch upon the matter myself.

Oh, yes. How I would enjoy touching upon "it." Immensely so.

Elegantly, Naraku crept back into his halls of darkness and dust. There was more work to accomplish. More diamond-bright threads to weave. His web needed added luster for a proper homecoming after all.

I did not realize what my idle musings would lead to, but we shall find out soon enough…

First off, thanks to all who have reviewed. You guys have been so supportive and helpful with your comments, some right from the beginning. Thanks :) I am updating as much as possible. I would like to update more, but I've already had three tests, and school only started three weeks ago! (mumbles) Also, never take Astronomy. Hard as &$&$. Sesshoumaru will be coming very soon with Naraku following after. (Yes, the reunion.) Kouga might appear once too. :)

NarakusGirlJeanne: Yeah, I think Sesshoumaru could have a relationship if he found the right girl. (And stop thinking of only himself and his superior ego, lol.) As for Rin, I think he considers her a sort of companion or daughter. (I just can't see the two of them together.)

FreakyKrazer: I didn't answer it? (smacks forehead) Sorry about that. I just didn't see a question. Yeah, Ken sucks. I was debating whether to have Nibori alive, but I thought that a twelve-year old wouldn't have as much chance surviving in the wilderness. (Unless you're a demon slayer like Kohaku.) I update as much as I can, but I wish I could update at least twice a week. School really started with a bang.

Sesshy-chansbestpal: Yeah, I know about Kagura. The Naraku thing just makes it suckier.

NarakusTwinSister: Both. Kita's just a really friendly yet curious girl, although she doesn't really approve of the fact Mizoshi was employed in a lord's castle as an…entertainer. Plus, she's wary of the fact that she's slightly abnormal.

RenegadeMustang: No, they won't find out about her fire powers, but they will find out something else about Mizoshi involving her "employer."