Mizoshi awoke to silence. Groaning, she lifted her eyelids and let consciousness rush through her. Immediately upon remembering where she lay, she turned quickly for a glimpse of his familiar shape underneath the silken sheet. However, it came as no surprise to her when she discovered the once occupied side to be vacant.

He is not here. Did I expect that he would?

No. But, I was hoping. For once, I would like very much to wake up next to the dark hanyou's body heat and not an empty space.

Throwing aside the covers, Mizoshi sat up and immediately felt the cold draft sweep across her bare upper arms. The realization dawned.

My yukata…

Instantaneously, her eyes fastened on the white material that was neatly folded.

He must've done that.

Hastily tying the colorless sash around her goose-pimpled flesh, she found that she had dressed none too soon. For Kanna, the ghostly little girl, had chosen that exact moment to waft through the opened screens of rice paper. Suddenly, it was if Mizoshi's stomach had plummeted right through the wooden floorboards; most likely coming to rest where Kagura was in all likelihood spending her "sunny" morning.

Kanna. What has she come to tell me?

The circular silver mirror in her delicate, pale hands glinted ominously.

Will this be the day I experience the full extent of its power?

"Mizoshi," she whispered, "you are to eat as quickly as possible. The food is already prepared and waiting. Naraku wants you to be well-fed."

Her now trembling shoulders were beginning to sweat. "Why?" Her throat was completely dry. It took considerable effort to even utter the single word.

The eldest incarnation's onyx eyes merely stared through her. "I do not know, save that you must obey Naraku-sama's orders."

With that, the white child drifted away, leaving Mizoshi helplessly numb.

Kanna. The incarnation said my name for the first time ever

A chill shuddered her entire being.

Now what is happening behind my back? Did I do something to displease him?

With a feeling of absolute dread, she hastily ran her fingers through her tangled hair as she entered the increasingly familiar sight of the castle's corridors. Before full realization bloomed, she was standing stupidly before a tray of steaming salmon and fuzzy peaches. Deciding to surrender to the delicious aroma, Mizoshi crouched down behind the low table, picked up her ornately patterned chopsticks, and promptly began placing the morsels in her mouth. The fillet wasn't even half gone before her "host" appeared.

Forcing herself to swallow the meat without choking, she managed to gasp out a greeting. "Naraku! What--"

"Good morning, Mizoshi," he said rather briskly, intentionally cutting her off. "You are eating, I see. Good. Be certain that you are well nourished."

For a fleeting second, that fish wanted to rise up her throat. "Why?" She could not disguise her suspicion.

He was smiling. Deviously. "If you wondering if I am going to deposit you somewhere, you can lay aside your fears. I was merely going to take care of some business in the countryside, and thought you could come along."

He's so congenial.

He's planning something.

"Why?" the word shoved itself out. "Why do you need me to…"

Again, he cut into her inquiries. "Because I command it. Surely, Mizoshi, you don't wish to stay cooped up inside for the rest of your natural lifespan, do you?" His smile was beginning to fade in conjunction with the hardness coating his ruby eyes. Naraku did not like being questioned.

Knowing full well there was nothing to argue, she nodded. "I'll be ready soon."

"There's a good girl," he whispered. "Oh…and be sure to wear something warm. We don't want you taking sick. Again."

Moments later, he was gone. The itinerary having been read off, his purpose was done. Moodily, she stabbed her chopsticks through her fish.

Stupid. I was stupid to think…

Making herself devour every last bit, she followed the usual routine of choosing a kimono. Quickly, she snatched a heavily layered garment of crimson and jet. Red and black weren't her favorite hues, but she cared little for her clothing, save that it would be toasty.

Bracing herself for the unknown, she rushed into the hall once she was prepared. It came as no surprise to her that the dark hanyou was waiting for her in a pool of shadow.

"You're ready," he breathed, "and I approve. The colors are more than suitable."

Mizoshi gazed down at her kimono quizzically.

His chuckled echoed from the gloom. "Of course, you with your upbringing would not know that certain kimono colors are worn at certain seasons…but no matter. Such things are best left at the idiotic human courts."

He insults me now?

"We will depart shortly," he intoned. "Come." He held out an almost deathly pale hand out of the thick shadowy corner of the corridor.

With no real choice in the matter, she gave in, and let him lead her through miles of architecture and darkness to a familiar ladder. She had been here. This was the ladder that led out on the castle wall. Feeling like a bird thrown into the sky only to discover that it had actually been freed to be sport for the hunter's bow, Mizoshi climbed to the top. She could barely glance at her surroundings before the purplish miasma vapors rose up around her. Moments later, she was airborne. They were airborne.

Freedom. Or an illusion of freedom anyway.

Naraku's grip was tight. Perhaps it would be more merciful if her simply let her drop.

I'm suicidal now? Surely not!

An indeterminable amount of time passed until she found herself in a small clearing. It wasn't until the sight of the ever present trees in the forest dominated her vision did she realize they had touched ground. Immediately, she spun on her heel to face the white-furred, masked figure Naraku had become.

"Now, do as you wish," he instructed her with a hint of amusement in his tone, "so long as you do not run too far or entertain any ideas of escape. My saimyoushou will be watching. I'll be back soon enough."

Escape? Where? To another hostile village? There's no place for one like me to run. He's my sole option at life at present.

Wanting to laugh out loud at the irony, Mizoshi watched wordlessly as her dark lord spiraled into the atmosphere once more in a plume of toxic clouds. Then, he was finally gone. Vanished.

I suppose now I can do as I wish. That is, until Naraku calls for me.

Well, I'll just have to make the most of it.

Breaking through the line of trees Mizoshi had learned to loathe, she was very suddenly overcome with the sight of a rolling hillside. The bright green grass was a welcome vibrancy during such a dull gray day. Before she fully comprehended it, Mizoshi was rolling down the hillside just as she used to when she was a mere slip of a girl. It was only until she reached the bottom did a flush enter her cheeks.

Here I am. Carrying on no better than a child. In clothes such as these. What would Naraku say? Would he find it charming? Or infantile?

Brushing off her slightly wrinkled kimono, Mizoshi's eyes fell upon a convenient log. A rather large convienent log. The wood was rotten and old. But, it would surely burn a hearty flame. Furtively, her eyes scanned the area.

I'm alone. I'm alone at last. Not one saimyoushou either.

Involuntarily, she smiled.

A perfect occasion to practice.

Truly, Mizoshi did not wish to hide her desire to perfect her power from the dark hanyou. It was just that she did not know how quite to broach the subject.

My power has gotten me in trouble with Naraku. Twice. Would he willingly consent in allowing me to burn a few spare furnishings?

She heavily doubted this.

Besides, I don't want him to think I want to become stronger. All the more so to be careful since that wind witch introduced the issue of the sacred jewel. I certainly don't want him turning against me.

A strong gust of wind blew Mizoshi's hair cleanly over one shoulder.

It's just…what if Naraku can't protect me? Shouldn't I at least learn how to harness the power of fire in an emergency?

In her mind, the answer was "yes."

I will not burden him. I shall fight for myself if the need arises.

Feeling considerably more at ease, she prepared to do battle against the abandoned log.

I must concentrate…

Focusing her eyes intently, Mizoshi thought of flames. Hot, wild licks of flame that would instantly set the brittle wood into a blaze.

I can do this. I will this…

It appeared that her body readily matched her mind. Soon, she was starting to feel rather feverish--as if she were sick again. No doubt her cheeks were bright red now. Then, like florescent sparks, she sensed something invisible leap out of her eye sockets. Barely a second later the log caught afire right in front of her flame-colored eyes.

I've done it.

The fire wasn't big, but it was definitely noticeable. It was no bigger than her morning rice bowl, but it burned true, permeating the chilly, damp air with its heady smoke.

Mizoshi was pleased.

I'm not so weak anymore. I'll never be as powerful as a youkai, or even a true hanyou, but I can survive.

I should try again.

Actually starting to enjoy her power, Mizoshi proceeded to abuse the log by burning several holes in its rotted, cracked exterior.

The log is dead anyway, and it won't endanger the rest of the forest. What a splendid idea this was.

To her delight, she noticed that each flame was growing larger and lasting longer than the one lit before. Unbidden, a surge of pride welled up in her being.

Would Naraku feel pride as well?

Overhead, a black shape suddenly careened into the woods behind her. The incessant cawing of the crow that had rudely interrupted her training was currently rustling somewhere in the bushes. Startled, Mizoshi looked around.

Is someone here?

The crash of thunder answered her question. Her gaze fastening on the swaying, barren, lonely branches of autumn, she guessed that a thunderstorm of some sort was brewing. The bird needed to seek shelter.

And so do I.

Mizoshi walked a couple of steps before crumpling to the dirt.

I didn't realize my "training" would consume so much of my strength.

Not worried at present, Mizoshi simply inclined her head up towards the leaden atmosphere where a raindrop grazed her cheek.

I don't mind a little rain. All will be well. Perhaps it will extinguish my small "blazes" in its service.

The wooden log was literally smoldering. A conflagration was sizzling and sinking further and further into the wood. Any nose in a mile's radius could probably trace the smoke emanated from the site.

It's nearly overpowering, but it should clear soon…

"Ginta, someone's built a fire!" a sharp, gravely voice cried out.

"What? Where?" a more whimsical, cultured voice asked his companion.

"Down here!" the former yelled. "Kouga? Kouga!"

My private place is not so private anymore.

Scurrying around the log, Mizoshi hid herself from view. And just in time. For a flurry of footsteps chose that exact moment to crash out of the forest.

"Kouga!" the first voice called out. Then to his partner, "where is he?"

"Here I am, you two dunces!" a new voice that rang with authority cried out.

This must be the leader.

Behind the log, she shuddered.

Please don't let them find me.

"Is it Kagome?" the first unidentified voice mused. "Maybe her and her friends have made camp--"

"Don't be foolish!" Kouga yelled. "Why would that mutt Inuyasha camp make camp in wolf demon territory?"

Her blood froze in her veins.

Inuyasha? The one that killed the young priestess and coveted the scared jewel?

Wolf demon territory?

Another raindrop fell on Mizoshi's face. The drops were picking up into a steady drizzle.

Shaking with cold and anxiety, Mizoshi peeked out at this Kouga.

"I don't know why they would camp here!" The bald wolf demon, Ginta, stared at the ground nervously.

"Yes! I don't know why I even thought it!" The other wolf demon with a shock of white hair followed his comrade's lead and he too cast his eyes on the ground uneasily. Obviously, they did not enjoy sharing different opinions from their leader's own.

The wolf demon in the middle—Kouga--snorted. "You two are pathetic! I think I need me some new henchmen," he muttered whilst scratching his chin.

"Oh, please! Don't replace us!" Ginta clasped his hands together pleadingly.

"Yeah!" the still unidentified wolf demon chimed in.

Kouga rolled his eyes.

In this seemingly humorous interlude, Mizoshi took this opportunity to examine this Kouga.

He was handsome. There was no denying that fact. No doubt he was a pureblooded demon like Sesshoumaru and Kagura. His tanned skin was burnished from the sun and his eyes were a brilliant sky blue. His sweeping raven black hair streamed into a ponytail behind his head. As for his garments, he sported a black leather breastplate accented with silver. Below it was a tunic made of brown fur. More brown fur wrapped around his forehead and wrists. Still more of it constructed his boots as well. Kouga's comrades were dressed in the same manner.

Wolf demons.

Well, judging by the way they're acting, they don't seem too brutal. Not like the dog youkai…

"There's nothing here except some scorched dead wood. Most likely from a fight. A pity we had to miss it." Kouga sounded vaguely disappointed. "Shall we move on?"

"Yeah!" This appeared to be the gravely voiced wolf demon's preferred word. "We need to find some food before winter or the wolves will be upset…"

"Not to mention destroy Naraku!" Kouga interrupted. His olive-skinned fist pumped into the air.

Ice was warmer than how Mizoshi felt right now.

Kouga seeks Naraku's death? How would he respond to one such as I?

As it turned out, she didn't have long to find out.

Mizoshi watching on in horror, Kouga wrinkled his nose up.

"Speaking of which, I think I caught a whiff of that wretch's smell right now!"

She panicked.

Does he mean me?

"Naraku's scent is so disgusting," he hissed in fury. "It's coming from over there. In the trees! I'm surprised he has the gall to show up around these parts!"

Kouga started to run with Ginta and the other wolf demon simply gawking. Mizoshi had ceased thinking. She was running to. Back into the woods.

"It's a woman!" Kouga proclaimed. "Let's get her, men. She could be Naraku's newest incarnation!"

Desperately, she weaved her way through the dark tree trunks. She was still weakened, but she was fast enough. For the first five seconds. Then, Kouga was most definitely gaining the advantage.

Why is he so breathtakingly fast?

Sharply turning around, Mizoshi pushed with her eyes in one final frantic attempt and lit the very low-hanging bough above the rapidly advancing Kouga afire. This stopped him in his tracks.

"Careful! This wench is a flame demon!" Angrily, he tried to stave off the cinders and embers that were now freely pelting his head.

Flame demon? He thinks me of a true demoness?

Paying it no heed, Mizoshi bent this distraction to her advantage and ran a few more yards. It was at that space and time she heard it.

The flow of water…

A river's nearby!

The actual drizzle, however, was growing steadier into atotal shower. Any more of her fire power, even if she could use it, would be useless. Already, her recently created fire was mostly doused in all probability.

"Don't just hang back!" Kouga growled. "After her! Don't let her escape. Maybe she knows where Naraku is!"

Her actions were automatic. There she was by the riverbank. Below was the river.

And down she slid.

The river's not too wild. I should be able to…do something.

Oh, Kami-sama, why does this keep happening to me?

Without consideration, she waded into the river.

It was freezing.

To make matters worse, the rain was currently pouring in torrents.

"Don't let her get too far! With all this water, we'll lose her scent!"

"Shut up, Hakkaku!" Kouga screeched.

Probable death or hours of incessant interrogation and torture.

Mizoshi decided on the former and allowed herself to be carried by the swift current.

It's…so…cold!

There was no shying away from the chill now. She was immersed in it. Trembling uncontrollably, Mizoshi let affairs go where they would.

Although, I won't last long in this glacial water.

Gradually, the voices of Kouga, Ginta, and Hakkaku drifted away. However, she could not discern if it was because of the increasing distance, or the fact that was she was decreasing in consciousness.

Oh, Naraku. Is this what you intended?

Just as her eyes started to close, a buzzing distracted her. A buzzing that grew louder and louder.

Am I—

Before she could finish her thought, Mizoshi felt herself being pulled ashore. Meanwhile, the droning was worse than ever. Using every ounce of her strength, she glanced up. Dozens of red eyes stared back at her. Red eyes that were connected to curved, winged bodies with stingers.

The saimyoushou.

He cares.

Foolishly desiring to faint out of pure relief, Mizoshi forced herself to remain awake until she was deposited on the frost-scarred ground once again.

Now, what happens?

Again, she did not have to wait long for an answer.

"Stupid, reckless, incorrigible girl!" a familiar voice ground out. "It's just as I expected."

Naraku.

A deep sigh exuding from his lips, Mizoshi was immediately packed amongst white furs. No sooner was she nestled safely in arms that were tighter than really necessary were they up in the clouds.

Despite Naraku's rage-filled embrace, she slept.

Not dreaming.

Author's Note: How long has it been? Two weeks? Curse research papers! Lately, there isn't enough writing time as I would like. Ah, well. That's reality, I suppose. Thanks to all reviewers for your support! You're the best!