The unforgiving crisp winds of late autumn swirled around Mizoshi's shoulders; fanning out her ebony hair. Her long kimono brushed the ground and swished against her bare legs. The leaden clouds above reminded her of cold steel. Merciless. Cold.

Miserably, Mizoshi stiffly walked across the slightly frozen soil.

A storm's brewing. Lucky me.

As if rubbing it into her numbed face, light snowflakes began to drop slowly to the earth. It was hardly the first snowflakes she'd beheld all season, but judging by the ominous sky above, it appeared that there would be many more to come.

Oh, why did this have to happen?

Blinking away tears that threatened to freeze on contact, she forced herself to march onwards. The dead leaves below had long since lost their vibrant glossy luster, and now merely caused her path to become slippery and wet. Another obstacle.

What am I to do? Oh, Kami-sama…

At the moment, Mizoshi surmised Ken was calling her every derogatory word he could think of, probably putting even to Kagura to shame, and that Kita was mindlessly agreeing with every sound that he regurgitated out of his foul mouth.

That little wench deserves my brother. She should marry him. She'll be so obedient and dutiful; she'll hang herself in the forest before long.

Bitterly, she ducked under several scraggly tree branches and trudged ahead. She needed to find help and fast.

No doubt that Ken, the greatest hypocrite of them all, is reclining in Kita's warm hut while she feeds him dinner. Afterwards, she'll most likely rub his feet and comfort him for the loss of his wretched relation. Or, perhaps she will be happy for him.

Not enjoying her self-pity as immensely as she had hoped, Mizoshi decided to instead put what was left of her brain to good use.

I can fend for myself for a few nights. Warmth won't be a problem because of my "cursed" golden eyes. I can build fires. As for shelter, well, I'll think of something. As for food…

Not wanting to consider her hopeless situation any longer, she goaded herself to take another step. It wasn't as if she were bone tired or about to drop from exhaustion, but a heart weighed down with dejection and despair could be just as hazardous.

I will survive! I must.

More hated breezes ruffling her tresses, Mizoshi lowered her eyes to the dirt. She would count each step until her feet led her to her new home.

Or to my new grave. Whichever comes first.

Though she could not find the sun behind the thick clouds, she could sense it was near sunset. Now, nightfall would rapidly approach. The temperature would totally plummet.

But, I shall not freeze!

Desperately, she tore off through the forest.

I intend to discover another village and soon. Jari Village couldn't have survived solely on its own resources, could it? There must be more centers of human activity nearby.

Her running becoming faster and more erratic, Mizoshi whipped around the trees that threatened to scratch her face bloody. It was her reasoning her frenzied movements would raise her own body temperature.

But not for long. Soon, I'll tire.

But, there's still hope. There must be!

Still, she had to silently comment Naraku's gift was doing its best to keep her toasty. The silken material had melded against her skin and was actually making her sweat from perspiration. Yet, this welcoming warmth would not last the duration if she had to spend whole days out here.

Whole days…

Wait! I survived before. Couldn't I do so again? Especially with this new power of mine?

Her heavy footfalls thudding against the dry plant life below where her only answer.

Keep moving. Keep moving. It's my only chance…

However, the gods had other ideas. At last, when she had finally cleared the wide expanse of trees and was now facing a rolling hillside pocketed with several clearings; she had only just recently discovered how exactly close to the edge she was. Panting from exertion, Mizoshi attempted to skid to a halt, but found she was seconds too late. Moments later, the ground dropped away from her as she took a tumble down the hillside itself.

When she had ceased rolling, Mizoshi simply lay on her back, trying to breathe in a gulp of chilly air that irritated her already overworked lungs all the more; sending her into a huge coughing fit. The fall had completely knocked the wind out of her. Eventually, she regained her normal breathing, and for that she was grateful. Regrettably, it was the lesser of her problems at the moment.

My ankle. It's stabbing with pain…

Frantically, Mizoshi tried to get up, but found she could not make the effort.

Surely, my ankle isn't…

Worriedly, she flung up her kimono and examined the throbbing area. It was starting to puff and swell.

I think it's a sprain, but still, I'm not going to go anywhere fast on it.

Mizoshi was keenly aware that her situation had grown from bad to worse.

I can't walk for the time being, and for all I know a blizzard could be forming.

Gazing up at the smoky gray clouds, she felt a wave of tiredness wash over her slackening body.

I can't fall asleep. If I do…

Snap.

At once, Mizoshi jerked up her head.

Someone is approaching!

Propping herself up on her elbow, she nearly fainted when she saw a frosty white shape moving towards her. Predatory gold eyes looked her up and down.

Sesshoumaru.

First, I am thrown out of the village, then I sprain my ankle, and now he comes. The gods are most definitely conspiring my death.

Effortlessly, he glided to her side. Those amber eyes scrutinized her fiercely. Apparently, he could've been looking at a pathetic wounded animal for all he cared.

"Wench, why are you here?" he demanded. "Did I not take you to a village?"

I'm not going to lie. Why have that tainting your soul before your imminent death?

"I ran from the village. The villagers set themselves upon me."

The light youkai snorted. He made no immediate reply.

I shouldn't even waste my time talking. I know what will happen now.

As it turned out, the dog demon didn't disappoint. "Hanyou aren't welcomed by the human or demon brethren, are they?"

She remained silent.

"It's best hanyou are never born at all to disgrace the youkai race," Sesshoumaru went on haughtily. "Why bother? Such things were not meant to exist."

Sullenly, she took in cruelly handsome face. He smirked. His features had gone from predatory to deadly.

"And here you are. Weak and shaking from the cold."

And injured. But why correct him?

"I can smell the scent of those pitiful humans, but Naraku's stench still clings to you. It nauseates me. Anyone who would willingly serve such a being has no purpose."

Uselessly, her fingernails dug into the icy soil.

Here it comes…

The light youaki scowled at her as she took in the sight of his frosty hair dancing upon the breeze; mingling with the iciness of the snowflakes drifting through the atmosphere. It was lovely to gaze upon. So picturesque. At least the dog youkai's demonic beauty would grace her worthless corpse.

"Why do your eyes linger upon me, half-breed? Stare down at the ground, wench, and I'll promise this will be painless."

She didn't waste time dallying on unnecessary dialogue. "You are to kill me?"

"Don't...talk," he positively hissed as his foot shot out to land heavily on her back. Automatically, her arms buckled under her and she was left whimpering on the dirt.

Be quiet! He won't see me cry. I accept my fate. No, my punishment. Is this my punishment for falling in love with the dark hanyou? For sharing his bed? For attempting to save his life? Is Ken right; am I merely a demon's whore?

"Pathetic," Sesshoumaru murmured. "Consider it a mercy, wench of Naraku. You wouldn't survive anyway in this forest under these conditions."

I'm going to die. I suppose I'll soon see if hanyou are destined for hell.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Mizoshi heard the slight caress of metal as the dog youaki drew his sword from his sheath.

I can only hope it'll be painless. One quick blow to the head…

Not even bothering to cry, she clung to the ground for dear life as if doing so would anchor her to this plane of existence. Then, she smelled it.

Is that…?

Suddenly, a great gust of wind swept over the land. That particular scent grew stronger.

Is that…miasma?

To confirm her suspicions, a silkily familiar voice rode the blast of wind.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, surely you will not eliminate something that belongs to me, will you? Even you are not that arrogant."

Her eyes springing open at long last, Mizoshi looked past Sesshoumaru's stiffened form; hand still wrapped around her instrument of intended destruction, and beheld the being swathed in white fur. A bluish baboon mask obscured its face. Framing the beast on either side were the winged saimyoushou.

Naraku.

Hatred showing in the light youaki's face, Sesshoumaru prepared to attack, but the dark hanyou was just too fast. Impossibly swift, the dark hanyou made his move, and the sight of it nearly sent Mizoshi collapsing right back to the dirt.

Naraku's abdomen had simply burst forth with dozens of root-like tentacles. With unerring dexterity, they slammed Sesshoumaru away from her. Far from losing his balance completely, Sesshoumaru retalited by slicing through the tentacles.

Speechless, she watched the battle continue in an unchanging fashion. Naraku would strike. Then, Sesshoumaru would strike. The distance between the two of them kept increasing. It was clear the two were evenly matched for the most part.

But, who would win?

What would the villagers say now if they discovered two enraged demons were fighting over me?

Somehow the romantic allusion was lost on Mizoshi. At any point and time, she could very well be slain in the crossfire.

Please, Naraku…

No matter how perilous the situation was, she couldn't help noticing the saimyoushou were drawing closer and closer to the dog youaki. Their buzzing pierced the thick air.

The saimyoushou are toxic…aren't they?

What effect would the stingers of these demonic bees produce on this seemingly indestructible Sesshoumaru?

As the conflict wore on, the light youkai's face transformed from one of wrath to one of bland amusement.

"You put up a remarkable front, Naraku," he commented matter-of-factly. "Tell me, does this wench mean so much to you?"

"She's mine!" Naraku snarled. "What other explanation do you require?"

With aplomb, Sesshoumaru neatly sidestepped from the fray in a blinding flash of radiance. Now, he had reappeared at the crest of a nearby hill; glaring at the dark hanyou with undisguised dislike.

"Very well, Naraku. I shall leave your wench to you. It's no concern of mine is she lives or dies."

Mizoshi watched awestruck as the light youaki rose into the air itself until he was literally flying; his sparkling, pale mane spreading out behind him.

He's like a star. An ice-cold warrior star. How his malice nearly froze me. To death.

Privately praying she'd never see the dog lord again, she returned her attention to the man who had started it all. The man she loved best. The only man she ever loved.

Apparently having gained his composure, the tentacles disappeared back inside the glaring baboon pelt. With purpose, he walked towards her and immediately collected her in his arms. Silently, she clung to him as the violet vapor rose around them once more as Naraku took flight; the saimyoushou following after.

An indeterminate amount of minutes passed until Mizoshi found herself once again in the dusty courtyard that preceded the dark abode that was Naraku's castle. She was still in his embrace. And still, he remained unnaturally quiet.

Why does he not speak? What's happening to him under that disguise?

"Mizoshi," he spoke softly, "are you hurt?"

"My ankle's sprained," she whispered with a slight grimace. "It just needs to heal, and I'll be fine."

"Yes," he replied soberly. Under the mask, she could feel his eyes roaming over her. "You're dirty," he observed. "And cold."

"Yes," she mumbled.

Why was he acting so distant?

Without warning, she launched into another coughing fit.

"And sick," Naraku added. "Hardly surprising with humans and their filthy diseases. Come, Mizoshi. We can't have you dirty, cold, and sick, can we?" he purred.

Her gaze wandering, Mizoshi allowed herself to be carried into the place she thought she had left behind forever. Secretly, she was glad to return.

Is that evil? Is it wrong to desire such?

As soon as Naraku entered his home, the wooden walls engulfed her. From below, she could hear the recognizable creaking of the floorboards as the dark hanyou padded through the yawning corridor.

"Kagura," he called out. "Run a bath."

"For you?" that well-known strident voice floated into the hall. "Can you not fill the tub yourself?"

"Do what I say!" Naraku snapped.

A pause. Then…

"Is she here?" The wind sorceress's tone was indiscernible.

"That is none of your concern. Do as you are told!"

Shivering, she pressed her face against his chest.

At least these baboon furs are soft…

Eventually, Mizoshi assumed she had fallen asleep, for when she awoke, she found herself in the wooden tub with steaming water up to her shoulders. The odor of sandalwood crept into her nostrils. Involuntarily, she felt herself relaxing. Ever so lightly, a cloth rubbed up and down her arm.

Naraku.

Or is it Kagura?

No, it was not Kagura. The hand that was so delicately washing her body was unarguably masculine, with a touch that could not be applied to any other.

Strangely, she felt no desire to talk. Instead, she sank deeper into the water and let the dark hanyou finish his scrubbing and washing. She remained calm and let her breathing becoming deep as she settled into the haven of the bath. Naraku kept quiet as well. Oddly, it was soothing.

I miss the peace between us.

Having poured a cistern full of water to rinse the soapy residue from her locks, Mizoshi knew her cleansing was at an end.

He didn't have to. I could've washed myself—

Her thoughts were abruptly cut off as he scooped her out of the cooling suds. Immediately, he wrapped a fluffy towel around her quaking body and again took her in his arms. Her hair was left to drip onto his kimono. Searchingly, she tipped her head up to drink in the dark hanyou's handsome face. Those crimson eyes of his winked and flashed at her. His lips curved into a reserved smile.

"What am I to do with you?" he scolded lightly. "Every time you wander outside, you attend to attract danger."

"I attracted you," she replied teasingly. However, her voice was still too weak to carry the banter properly. Perhaps that was why her remark made Naraku frown fiercely.

I thought he would appreciate it. It's not like I will die from any of my injuries. There was no need to be so grave. Why is he staring at me so intently?

"You're hungry, I assume?" His tone was needlessly formal.

"Famished," she answered honestly.

That's right. I scarcely had the chance to cook any dinner before Ken attacked me.

Ken. I will never think his name again. My brother's dead. Emotionally if not physically.

"Kagura can do that too," Naraku stated off-handedly. "It's been a while since she's done anything worthwhile."

Still the same Naraku.

But, why does something feel so different?

The fingers of his right hand curling around her midriff while his left supported her neck; Mizoshi knew she was being taken further into his home.

He's treating me like an infant.

Regardless, she was extremely grateful. The very same person who had thrown her out into the foamy, perilous sea had reeled her back in to safety.

Yet, why is he shaking?

It was undeniable. Naraku's limbs shook under her as he somberly transported her through the many twisting corridors that perpetually smelled of damp wood intermingled with the faint scent of miasma.

He's shaking with something. Is he wrestling against some powerful emotion?

Becoming fully alert, Mizoshi found she needn't have made the effort. They were crossing over the threshold of a vaguely familiar room. A bit unceremoniously, she was tossed onto a bed.

"Sleep," Naraku instructed as he pulled the coverlets over her. "I shall bring you your food."

Mizoshi was unsure of what to say. In the end, she uttered the sole thing she could think of.

"Thank you, Naraku, for saving my life.

An odd flicker entered his crimson eyes. Abruptly, he spun on his heel, and slammed the rice-paper screen behind him without another sound escaping his sharply defined lips. A wave of tension swelled over Mizoshi as she lay under the silk sheets.

Did I anger him? What did I do? Doesn't he want me back? If not, then why did he take me? No, I'm sure that's not the case. If that were true, my bracelet wouldn't be around my wrist, would it? Naraku knew I was in Jari Village the entire time. He was watching me.

So, what's the problem now?

Her mind tying itself in knots, she simply closed her eyes, sank into the pillow and admitted defeat. Too much had happened today. A fight, an uprising, banishment, a near execution, and presently, a conflicted rescue.

Answers will come. They will sooner or later.

Before she realized it, Mizoshi had plunged deep into merciful unconsciousness.

Yay, they're back together! Now, the romance starts again. (It will, believe me. Naraku's behavior will be fully explained in the next chapter.) Again, Kagura and Kuro will make appearances soon. Wow, there's a lot of "K" names in here. Speaking of which, Koga and maybe some members of the Band of Seven might be appearing later on. (Like Bankotsu.) As for the length of the fic, well, I'm honestly not sure. It won't be too soon though.

And, I must thank all those reviewed. I'm not lying when I say this is one of the nicest and most supportive bunch ever. :)

NarakusGirlJeanne: I'd have to say Suikotsu. I love the complicated types. (And those green stripes on his face are kind of smexy.)

RenegadeMustang: Unfortunately, no. (Good idea though.)But, Mizoshi will grow as a character and eventually she'll get more powerful.