Mizoshi stared at Naraku. Naraku stared back. The Shikon jewel was a silent spectator. She could not break the quietness. The calm.

The calm before the storm.

When Naraku began to speak, it was like lightening striking. Now, the rain would pour in rivulets, and Mizoshi was helplessly trapped without any shelter or protective coverings.

"Mizoshi," his voice rumbled, "I shall tell you the story of the Shikon jewel from beginning and hopefully to its end." His mouth quirked a bit. "It all started with Midoriko, a powerful priestess who managed an entire army. Their goal was to exterminate—and purify--as many youkai as they could."

Momentarily forgetting the circumstances that preceded this conversation, she felt her jaw drop away from her in amazement. "A woman had this much power?"

The demon lord chuckled. "Oh, yes. Midoriko could purify ten youkai at once without a backward glance. She was renowned for her spiritual powers. Since her death hundreds of years ago, not one miko has equaled or exceeded her prowess."

She was stunned. No, impressed with this woman who had been more like a goddess than a flesh and blood human.

How could I have not heard of her?

"But," Naraku dramatically sighed, "not all good things last. A man whom loved Midoriko was corrupted by the very youkai she sought to destroy. Needless to say, this opportunity was just too good to miss. He attacked the good priestess for seven nights and seven days, neither yielding. Finally exhausted and near death, Midoriko swallowed the youkai into her own heart. What popped out of her chest was the Shikon jewel itself."

Mizoshi was riveted. Her gaze strayed from Naraku and focused on the eerie violet stone again.

Should I trust what he says?

The dark hanyou chuckled. "I am well aware where your eyes linger. Imagine, Mizoshi, the battle is unending inside this jewel between the miko and youkai. Eternal. That is why the jewel must be saved. It must be used. But, humans are selfish, you see. They want to keep this precious bauble to themselves. Armed with no idea how to properly use it, and only desire to fulfill their own selfish wishes."

Her breathing becoming more rapid, she allowed the information to sink in. The jewel was…so bright.

It's transfixing me.

"Fifty year ago, a priestess named Kikyou came into the fold." The rabid amusement in Naraku's tone became more pronounced. "The mortals avariciously took control of the jewel yet cowardly placed it into the hands of a single young woman. Yes, she was the most powerful priestess in the land, but an exceedingly foolish one."

Immediately, an unpleasant suspicion formed in Mizoshi's brain. Vainly, she tried to remain neutral about the issue.

Was he involved with this woman?

"A hanyou came into the village. A dog hanyou she was involved with. She fell in love with him. And he with her." Once again, Naraku's eyes flickered red. Whether it was for dramatic effect or from unresolved emotion of powerful proportions, she could not discern.

Where is he going with this tale?

"The Shikon jewel can grant any wish. That is why the vile dog hanyou wanted it." He nearly spat out the words.

"What was his name?" The sentence emanated from her lips like an icy cloud of mist.

Naraku looked directly into her eyes. "Inuyasha."

Inuyasha…

"Next," the dark hanyou's voice rang with authority, "he sought the jewel after he gained her trust. Such a little fool. Both of them. He stole the Shikon jewel and killed Kikyou as well."

This priestess was dead.

How sad. She must've been so young.

All at once, the Shikon jewel flared to pure purple radiance before winking out completely. Naraku had sent it back to its hiding place. The place Kagura most likely hoped Mizoshi would be foolish enough to infiltrate.

What exactly does the Shikon jewel do? How did Naraku come to possess it? Why is it incomplete?

As if sensing her questions, Naraku continued on. He was going to weave this story with his spider silk until it layered the walls.

"The Shikon jewel is very powerful. Did you know, Mizoshi? Only one tiny shard can fulfill any being's wildest dreams. That's what the humans, the ningen, believe anyway. However, if one hopes to achieve anything, one has to possess the whole jewel. Which leads to how the jewel got broken in the first place."

She sat patiently.

He's going to tell me everything. Right to the last detail.

"Inuyasha killed Kikyou in cold blood, and the Shikon jewel was burned with her body. It was lost to me for fifty years until it reappeared again. Unfortuantely, due to another equally useless priestess, it was splintered by a haphazard sacred arrow. It is my aim to gather all the shards and reconstruct the jewel."

"Why?" Mizoshi blurted out.

Naraku's eyes were the reddest they ever were. But this time, it was not in murderous malice. No. It was sheer amusement. This tragic tale was a rapturous joy for him to relive.

"You ask why?" he murmured. "Why? My dear Mizoshi, can you think of anyone greater? I understand the jewel and how to utilize its powers. Besides, you could say Kikyou wanted me to have it. She as well dropped it into my hand."

He laughed. Not elegantly chuckled, but laughed. It sent Mizoshi's hairs on end.

Whatever is his meaning? Is the priestess not dead?

Shivering, she burrowed deeper under the blanket. Somehow, in the pitch dark of the chamber, the hell demon noticed this.

"Don't worry. I shall let you rest. We can resume this development at a later date if that is your desire."

Eyes wide open; Mizoshi heard the friction of fabric as Naraku's warm body laid beside her own.

"Naraku, I thought…"

"I'll stay until you dream," he promised huskily. "Now, off to sleep you go."

Tensing, Mizoshi turned to glimpse Naraku, but only managed to come in contact with his silky, shadowy mane. The dark hanyou took this opportunity to nuzzle into the vulnerable hollow of her throat.

"Sleep," he soothed. "Just close your eyes."

With no other choice in the matter, she simply let her eyelids droop and allowed the waves of tiredness to wash her away. Still, it did not affect her range of hearing.

"The Shikon jewel can destroy. Remember that."

A zone of blackness swept over her vision, presumably when she had lapsed into unconsciousness. Still, when she awakened later, those words were still echoing in her head. Groaning, she pressed a hand to a temple that was beginning to throb.

I'm not even out of bed, and the gods have granted me a headache.

Naraku was gone. Mizoshi was sure to scan the entirety of the bedchamber for the man she now loved and feared.

Did he really speak those words? Did he threaten me?

After dropping off the mattress while emitting a small grunt, Mizoshi stumbled over to the wardrobe and snatched up a pale peach kimono. In all honesty, she didn't much care what hue it was.

I have to find Naraku. Again. Damn him for being so distant!

Half in a fury, she strode with purpose into the corridor.

The Shikon jewel can destroy.

Remember that.

Was it a warning? A caution? Did he believe she would attempt to steal what he had so painstakingly gathered?

Even now, only remnants and fragments survived in Mizoshi's brain, much like the fractured jewel shards themselves. She remembered little of the story save that Naraku's attention never strayed from the glowing object.

A priestess…a hanyou…tragedy. Does this jewel merely bring tragedy?I cannot worry about that now.

When did things grow so sour between us?

With an increasing sense of anxiety behind her every step, Mizoshi slipped inside the food preparing area where she discovered she would not be eating breakfast alone.

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

"Of course," the demoness smirked superiorly. "I've always been here. Not by choice however. Not like others."

With flourish, the incarnation whipped out her fan and spread it over her prettily painted features. She now knew that this was the wind witch's habit when she was trying to be coy.

"What is it you want, Kagura?" she asked. "Did you wish to speak to me about something?"

"Not particularly." The incarnation wisped over to where she was standing on the threshold. "But…" The fan dropped to her side, "there is some advice I could give you."

"Advice?"

"About the Shikon jewel. Surely, you must've wondered about it."

Is she trying to trap me in a web of her own?

"No, I haven't." she replied honestly.

I didn't have to. Not with Naraku present.

Before Mizoshi could open her lips, the wind witch's tongue was already working.

"You should, Mizoshi. Naraku has the coveted jewel in his possession. Do you know what it really does? Why it is so important?"

Not pausing to wait for Mizoshi's reaction, Kagura went on blathering anew.

"One shard. One shard of the Jewel of Four Souls can increase a youkai--or a hanyou's--power tremendously. It can fulfill any wish. Naraku too has a wish of his own. Do you wish to know what he desires above all else?"

"Not particularly," Mizoshi repeated the wind witch's own banter. With that, she turned on her heel to leave. She wasn't searching for any games to play.

"You should, Mizoshi!" Kagura cried out. "Naraku will collect all the shards and become the most powerful being in all the land! Why does he deserve such prestige? He already controls this entire palace and all within!"

She almost expected the incarnation to stamp her foot with this declaration.

Coolly, Mizoshi reluctantly turned to face her. "Why are you telling me this?"

A sick smile pulled the corners of Kagura's scarlet mouth. "For your benefit. Think of it, Mizoshi. One shard, and your fondest wish can be yours. You wouldn't have to rely on Naraku. You wouldn't have to rely on anyone. You would be able to increase your demonic abilities and perhaps, in time, become a full-fledged phoenix demoness."

Mizoshi was on her guard.

She can't fool me.

This is what Naraku meant! Kagura wants to destroy me with this knowledge. To tempt me. To bait me. She'll get me eliminated if she could.

Kagura's red eyes narrowed. "Does that vacant expression mean you are considering my offer? Consider, Mizoshi." Her voice grew lower. "He'll let you leave this place sooner or later. He may even have you hunt sacred jewel shards for him. Why not simply take a few for yourself? Naraku won't mind if he truly cares for you."

She thought. Eventually, the answer escaped from her tightly coiled being.

"Kagura, the Shikon jewel is Naraku's affair. I do not mind if he decides to gather them for his own purpose. I want no part of these…shards."

"Useless!" Kagura shrieked. "Useless. Just like my sister, Kanna. Obiedient to the brinkof the abyss!"

Invounatarily, she stepped back. Mizoshi had never seen the wind scorceress so unrestrainedly angry.

Those red eyes flared. They snapped and crackled. "He's just going to turn you into his slave then. Knowing you, wench, that would make you completely at peace." The lethal fan was shaking in her clamped fingers.

"Kagura…" she began haltingly.

"He's not going to keep you forever, Mizoshi. When he uses that jewel to become a pure-blooded youkai; he'll have no heart. Then, you'll know absolute hell. You'd have consider my generous offer then!"

Mizoshi was stunned.

Can she be telling the truth?

"Corrupting the girl, are you?" a cool monotone broke in.

Immediately, the wind witch's face drained. Wearily, she snapped her fan shut, and stared at the space behind Mizoshi. Panic rose in her chest.

He's here.

Yet, before she could turn around, two strong hands placed held the base of her neck to restrict the movement. At once, she was alarmed.

His hands are on my neck.

"Naraku! What a surprise." Kagura hastily bowed.

She must know she's in trouble. This incarnation never displays respect to anyone.

"Answer the question, my child. Are you corrupting this girl?" The dark hanyou's voice was dripping with unfathomable cruelty.

"No, the damage has already been done, my lord," Kagura dared to retort.

Mizoshi could sense the rage as Naraku tightened his fingers at the base of her neck. She gasped. Seemingly realizing what he was doing, the hands disappeared. Roughly, she was pushed out of the line of fire.

"Entertain yourself, Mizoshi," Naraku rasped. "We have a problem to deal with here."

It happened so fast. Naraku lunged for Kagura. Kagura struggled. The lord hissed. A slap was heard. The sorceress cried out. In seconds, the hell demon Naraku had morphed into was dragging his disobedient creation behind him.

Helplessly, Mizoshi ducked inside and set about to the task of cooking herself breakfast.

My wish would be to fly away.

I hate…her.

"You will not speak to her. Is that clear?" her master ground out. "You will not talk to her. You will not see her. Is that understood?"

Kagura stubbornly refused to answer. This earned another smack as Naraku's hand made contact with her cheek.

"Answer me!"

She would not. It would not change her predicament.

"I have plans, Kagura. Plans. For her. You will not interfere with them. Hence, your situation."

Swiftly, the dark hanyou fastened her hands in the manacles. The dungeon would be her place to sleep tonight. He relished her trepidation.

"You'll talk eventually," he whispered. "I guarantee it." With no trace of concern, he harshly squeezed her chin in an "affectionate" gesture. Then, he was off. Presumably to toy with his pet.

He's gone.

I have nothing to say to him. Soon enough, he will require my services. One can't expect Naraku to take care of his own errands.

With her acute hearing, she could distinguish the heavy thuds as he ascended the wooden steps. Later, there was the slam of a door andabolt clicking shut over it.

Like a door would stop me. But, these magically forged chains will.

The harsh metal scraping against her skin, especially around her neck, Kagura, the Wind, closed her eyes.

I will be free. He'll see. Everyone will see. No one will be safe from my merciless gusts of air. She will see too. She will be sorry she declined my offer.

Beneath Mizoshi's weak façade was a survivor's spirit. She did not wish to contradict her sole lifeline in any way.

I would've shared if we had been successful. We could've both slain Naraku with each of our sacred shards.

After further speculation, Kagura mused that watching Mizoshi speed through the air, driven by wind blades, would be too amusing a sight to let pass.

Serves her right for aligning with him. Oh, that's right. She loves him. I wouldn't know the feeling.

Or do I?

Unbidden, an image of the dog youkai spread over her vision.

Sesshoumaru is free. If I were free, would he let me walk beside him? Be free together?

The chilling drafts surrounded her. How she wanted to meld in with them.

How I envy them all. Even him…

Sorry about the longer wait, but college completely took over last week. Once, I had two exams and a ten-minute presentation all on the same day!

Anyhoo, now that you've seen my rant, I notice some want Inuyasha and his gang to come for the ride. However, honestly, I just don't see a place I can fit them in here, especially since Naraku just trash-talked Inu. I feel that their introduction at this late point would kill the romance element here. Personally, I'd like to keep it a "villains" only thing. (Sesshoumaru and Band of Seven included.) I promise Inuyasha will appear elsewhere. As always, I must thank all who review. Not to get corny, but those who leave comments really power the fic along. Also, I must note there will be a real romance scene in the next chapter! (Which I'll try to have out by next Friday!) :)

Freaky Krazer: Well, not exactly, but there is a hidden reason he's telling her. Kind of as a way to measure her loyalty.

Paige-kun: I see what you mean. But, Kouga won't be around too long. (Just 1-2 chapters.) He won't even interact with Naraku. (Although Mizoshi will.)

crystalstears: All good points. Yes, I agree Mizoshi is spoiled, but it's her dependence on Naraku that keeps her alive. (At least in his home.) If she was too strong at this point or desired independence like Kagura, there'd be no reason to keep her.