Naraku's trailing robes of navy and violet violently swept across the floor planks. Presently, he was in a profoundly unpleasant mood that could be discerned by any, including her. Skulking over towards his preferred spot by the large window in his apartments, Naraku grudgingly sat.

What's happening to me?

Again, that loss of control was whipping over him; burning a hole into his very heart.

It's her. The fire of phoenix. It incinerates my every thought.

Foolishly deciding he could simply let her fly away into the sky, he had never been more wrong. No. He couldn't let her go. He had constantly gazed at the empty, gilded cage she had left behind and longed to hear her birdsong.

What the hell is wrong with me? Why can't I comprehend what this idiotic human heart feels?

A fresh wave of anger cresting over him, Naraku growled and slammed his fist into the wall. Bright crimson blood was his reward as the substance flowed over his scratched knuckles.

I let her go. For once, I did the honorable thing. No strings attached. However, I didn't count on this.

Almost immediately, the little bird was pecked at. Like a peacock in a forest swarming with swallows. Bound to be different. Bound to be hassled. Bound to be in danger.

Assuming control over the situation, Naraku had landed near Mizoshi's precarious position with the arrogant dog lord. Half for sport and half for another dimly realized reason; he had dueled with Sesshoumaru over the bedraggled, sickened hanyou girl. Little did he realize is that her presence would disrupt the castle. Again.

So, the spider had been forced to drag the immobilized prey back inside his den. And, the prey rejoiced.

I can't let her go. It's just not possible. On various levels. But, can she really remain here? Didn't I discover that it matters little if she's here or not. Essentially, the damage has been done.

Once more, Naraku's fist collided with the wall.

This is one of the few characteristics within that me that I myself cannot control. I hate it.

But, do I hate her?

So lost inside himself, he did not notice the carefully planted footsteps of his rebellious incarnation. Murderously, his glare bore through her.

"Kagura. This had better been important." He could not disguise the malice in his voice.

Had it been Mizoshi, would I have reacted in the same manner? Then again, I already know Kagura hates me.

Arrogantly, his pretty child tosses her head. "I smelled blood in the air, and assumed that perhaps you had finally given in."

"Explain your insinuation, Kagura," he rasped.

His tone must've been fearful, for his incarnation's scarlet eyes suddenly flared with an anxious light. "I assumed you had finally…killed her--"

He didn't wait for her to finish. "You dare to assume! Never assume!" Without thought, he instantly allowed a lump of scarlet to materialize in his upturned palm and squeezed his marred fingers around the mass of flesh that was his incarnation's heart. Without fail, Kagura cried out in pain, and landed heavily on her knees.

True justice. My heart hurts, and now, so does hers. Soon, she'll learn not to question or attempt to unmask my motivations…

"D-d-damn you," she gasped, clutching her chest. "Let…go of m-my…"

"Weak," he growled. "If you are so weak, my servant, you should not wander in master's affairs."

With one final squeeze to illustrate his point, he allowed the thing that his "daughter" prized the most disappear back inside his flesh. Dazedly, Kagura, chest heaving, unsteadily regained her footing. Though she was in a weakened state and forced into compliance, the defiance in her eyes rivaled hot steam.

She still hates me. With all her heart.

Good.

"Now, Kagura, kindly check on Mizoshi. She is in her old room. If one hair on her head is disturbed, what happened in here will multiply fifty-fold. I alone decide if she lives, dies, or something in between."

"Something in between?" Her eyes glittered akin to sparking embers. "Like…my life? A constant torture?"

"If I will it," he replied instantaneously with an edge in his tone. "All of you are under my control. You, Kanna, Kohaku, her, all of it."

Perturbed, he watched, bemused, as his incarnation staggered to the doorway.

My eyes will always follow you. And your eyes will always follow her. My spy.

A sigh exuded his lips as he resituated himself in his cozy corner. From here, he could keenly sense each and every vibration on any given silky thread. At the moment, his fellow spiders were tracking the eerily silent prey.

The little bird is resting her wings, I suspect.

He couldn't wait for her to heal.

The little bird should regain flight soon. It'll be more amusing that way…

Mizoshi stirred under the silken blankets. Her lungs still ached from the cold and the frenzied coughing that had followed. Her forehead burned with fever and her arms and legs ached. She was sick, but still alive.

My illness is hardly serious, but it's enough to confine me to this room for a day or two. A day or two of more anxious waiting.

Grudgingly, she reached for another plum.

I'm uncertain if I could stomach another bite, but I should eat. I want to recover as quickly as possible.

However, before she could bring the fruit to her lips, she felt a new weight being pressed against her chest. Coarse hairs prickled across her bare upper arm. Instead of instantly becoming alarmed as she would've done weeks earlier; she rather calmly took in the invader to prove that her original suspicion was correct.

"Kuro?" she whispered. "What are you doing here?"

The large black spider silently gazed back at her with its eight red eyes.

She sighed. "Did Naraku send you?"

The arachnid simply crawled further across her front.

Of course. It can't speak. Even if it could, would it tell me anything anyhow?

Setting aside the purple fruit, she took time to pet the spider.

"Why do you keep following me?" Mizoshi asked quietly.

The dark arachnid didn't answer. But, something else did.

"Now, that is disturbing."

On alert, Mizoshi's eyes nervously scanned the room before stopping on the wind sorceress herself. Presently, Kagura looked as if she might vomit. In fact, she seemed pained.

Does she hate me that much?

"Kagura," Mizoshi said. "You're here."

"And so are you," the demoness sniffed. Heatedly, she stalked over to the foot of her bed. At the incarnation's approach, Kuro bared his fangs.

"He only does that to me," she noted with fake despondency in her tone. "He never does that to Kanna. Or you, it appears. I suppose the disgusting thing knows who's loyal to its master and who isn't."

Faster than Mizoshi thought possible, Kuro abruptly scuttled off the mattress and onto the floor whereupon it made a break for the liquid shadows that bordered the entire chamber.

"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Kagura smiled evilly.

She stiffened. "What does?"

"The castle pet goes to the other castle pet," the bitter woman pronounced distastefully. "Oh, well. It's the way of the world."

"Did he send you?" Mizoshi was getting tired of the demoness's tirade.

A strange glimmer entered Kagura's scarlet orbs. "Yes. Don't worry. I imagine you'll be seeing more of him. After all, the black lord wants to reinforce the not-so-pure maiden's delusions. I know all about how he allegedly saved your life from the terrible dog demon," she positively hissed.

Mizoshi tried her best to steady her gaze squarely on Kagura's own. "This disappoints you?"

She shrugged coldly. "It would make less work for me. A lot less work." Airily, the wind witch sat on the corner of her bed; pursing her painted lips. Studying Mizoshi intently. "You know, I just don't understand."

Mizoshi was perplexed. "Understand?"

"You were offered freedom. Actual freedom. Handed to you on a silver platter. And you just gave it away?" Her fingers gripped the end of the sheet.

Still, Mizoshi did not show fear. "Freedom, Kagura, is more complicated than one would imagine."

The demoness was outraged. Her red mouth sneered. Her eyes flared. "You're lecturing to me, you filthy—"

"Kagura?" another voice whispered.

Both her and the wind witch turned to behold the ghostly little girl standing there. That soul-stealing mirror was still firmly held between her pale, delicate hands. Doing her best to avoid looking directly into the void child's onyx eyes, Mizoshi inwardly shuddered.

I can't decide which incarnation scares me more.

"What?" Kagura's pout became more pronounced.

"Naraku-sama desires that you collect the boy and prepare to leave the castle immediately," Kanna stated mechanically. Not a trace of emotion could be gleaned in her languorous words. Her mission completed, the ghostly little incarnation drifted away.

The wind witch groaned. "Always taking orders." Spitefully, her bare feet made contact with the floor below as she sprung off the mattress. Mere seconds later, that lethal pink fan was out. Mizoshi tensed, but Kagura did not notice. Her attention was focused somewhere in the distance.

"Where are you going?" Mizoshi asked innocently enough.

"My master hasn't told me yet," she launched back with malice, "but I would wager it has something to do with the Shikon jewel."

Her ears pricked up. "The Shikon jewel?"

The demoness returned her gaze. Mock shock raised her eyebrows. "You mean…you haven't heard? Naraku didn't tell you? Strange. I would've thought for sure you would've heard some idle gossip outside these walls."

"Kagura, what is this…Shikon jewel?" Furtively, she pulled the silk sheets closer to her neck. The wind witch was creating an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of her being.

Why do I have the feeling she's baiting me?

"Ask Naraku. He knows everything there is to know about the Shikon jewel." Thoroughly pleased with herself, Kagura tried to sashay into the surrounding corridor, but lost the effect when her hand rose to her chest and nearly toppled over.

"What is it, Kagura?" Vainly, Mizoshi tried to sit up. "Should I call for help?"

"Don't you dare call for him!" the woman in lavender nearly shouted. "I'm fine! Leave me alone!"

"Doesn't Naraku know of your condition? Maybe…"

"Maybe you should close your mouth. After all, Naraku put me in this condition."

In a huff, the incarnation fumed to the door. However, she did not simply step through the portal. Slyly, she cocked her head over her shoulder to mete out one last snide remark.

"I only hope that Naraku always treasures you. You don't want to know what he does to things that he loses interest in."

At last, she was gone. Lethal fan and all. Letting the breath she had allowed to collect in her lungs fully exhale between her teeth, Mizoshi permitted herself bounce back on the mattress.

Good. She's gone. Still, can I believe her?

Mizoshi did not enjoy this new prospect that Naraku had hurt Kagura yet again, but could she really trust the demoness?

No, Naraku cares about me. He saved my life from that dog youkai assassin when he could've left me to his sword. He's not completely bad, is he? No being is entirely bad.

Except Sesshoumaru.

Turning over on her side, Mizoshi had forgotten all about the plum that lay next to her. She was no longer hungry.

And what is it about this Shikon jewel? What is it? Does Naraku have it? Should I mention it to him? What is it exactly? I have heard of no such thing. Is it valuable? Priceless even? Does Naraku wear it? Why hasn't he mentioned it before?

Curling her arms around her pillow, she closed her eyes and surrendered to the unerringquestions about the mysterious jewel.

I wonder how large it is. Does it sparkle? Is it like green, smooth jade, or more akin to crimson, multifaceted rubies? Is it a piece of jewelry, or a loose stone?

More importantly, what about Naraku himself? What constitutes for his odd behavior? First, he saves me, then, he's distant. Speaking of which, where is he now?

Sighing heavily, Mizoshi picked up the plum and bit into its soft skin as an after thought.

I want to get well as soon as possible. I can't remain an invalid for the entire duration here.

How long will Naraku keep me here now? Forever? Another couple of weeks? The winter as he originally promised? No. I can worry about all that later. First, I must get grow strong enough to get out of bed, then, I should exercise my fire power. Why didn't I use it before? Oh, yes. Because I was constantly afraid of getting caught.

As the sweet fruit juice swept over he tongue, Mizoshi curled her legs under her. Haphazardly, she had righted herself to sitting position. For the first time, she scrutinized the vast chamber around her and saw immediately that it was all too familiar. This was the apartment she was initially housed in. This meant Naraku had moved her from the other room.

So, he has put me in a separate section of the castle. The other room was only a twistingcorridor or two away from his own private chambers. In Naraku's twisting mind, could that be interpreted in any way? Does he wish to distance me?

Admiring the memorable vases of polished gold, warm orange, and cerulean blue from the bedding; she hastily gulped down the perfect plum and laid aside the pit. Across from her was the carved wardrobe. Well, at least she would have clothing once she regained enough equilibrium to move.

I will uncover the answers. Not only about Naraku and his underhanded actions, but about this Shikon jewel as well.

Kagura darkly trod the hall; prepared to fetch Kohaku and disembark from this gloomy place.

Damn him. Why must he always use that worthless human boy to further his own ends? Or me for that matter? Each and every one of his incarnations and servants should betray him—

"Kagura?" a familiar voice breathed.

She snapped her head up to witness her pallid sister gliding towards her.

So loyal to "father."

"Kanna," she spoke her name slowly, "what do you want?"

The eldest incarnation stood there for a moment before raising her soulless black eyes to her own. "Why do you seek to intimidate the girl?"

Her perfectly polished mouth opened in momentary dismay.

Now, Kanna is defending her?

"Naraku-sama is master of this house. He controls all within. We are his tools, and she is his toy. We will never know anything better, and neither will she. Why fight against our shared master's desires?"

Instantly, Kagura's eyes narrowed in irritation.

How could the two of us have been cut from the same cloth?

Yet, there was bare, rational sense behind the void demoness's sullen tone.

Why should I let the wench bother me? Is she not also a prisoner, the same as me?

"Yes, Kanna," Kagura replied neutrally. "I understand. I will now take leave to complete my task."

Leaving her behind, Kagura moved through the winding,curving interiors of the hated castle with fresh purpose.

She is kept here; I am kept here.

With this knowledge of the Shikon jewel, could I persuade Mizoshi to turn against Naraku. The jewel is very alluring. Once she discovers the truth behind it, will she too decide to gather shards? To steal? If she would, then…

She would surely perish.

Gleefully, Kagura had the sudden whim to dance.

Why should Mizoshi be allowed to live? She's been a terrible burden. She can't even find shelter with normal villagers. This is no place for one such as she. Besides, any who would willingly stay with Naraku is begging to be destroyed.

The pain fully dissolving in her chest, Kagura, the Wind, wisped outside the poor shack where Kohaku was staying.

I can only imagine how interesting the next few weeks could be…

Whee, everyone likes the fic :) Thanks for all your kind reviews. As promised, Kuro has made his appearance. (And will continue to do so more hopefully.) Also, some of you are asking about Mizoshi and Naraku fanart. Yes, a picture does exist. Aspendragon did a beautiful job on it. (More is explained below.)

Shaynie M: Yes, actually. The title of the fanart is called "Mizoshi, the Phoenix Hanyou" and the artist is Aspendragon. I'm not sure if I can provide the link on this site, (some sites are really against it) so I could e-mail out the link to anyone who wants it. (Or you could do a search. It should pop right up.)

Fade2Black2008: Mizoshi has golden/yellow eyes and straight black hair that's mid-length. (Like the tops of the shoulders, but not quite elbow-length.) She's average height, and a little curvy. I hope that's enough info and I hope the fanart comes okay if you decide to draw it! It's weird that I can see OC's in my mind's eye, but can't draw them for anything. (Art teachers gave me C's out of pity.) :)