In the dimness, Mizoshi waited for her audience with the dark hanyou to commence. In the meantime, she preoccupied herself with her incessant drawing.
I'm lucky to be creating forms on proper paper at all…
Last night before she retired, Mizoshi fully anticipated that…more events would happen until she could finally sleep. In actuality, she was relieved when he continued walking down the yawning corridor, pale jaw set, crimson eyes hardened. Of course, that did not stop them from meeting. As Naraku bid her good night, she hesitantly asked where her paints had gone to. She had just recently found a scant few of them. With a ready grin, he indulged her. The problem was again named from Naraku's own lips: Sesshoumaru.
Again, Mizoshi was thwarted. Not only were the vast majority of food stores left to spoil in the twining tunnels below their old homestead, but mostly of all of her painting supplies were left scattered on the desolate grounds as well.
It seems that everything that I needed to remain happy and healthy was abandoned in the dust.
However, this did not shock her. Naraku had been under duress. Apparently, her needs were considered small and unimportant in the dark hanyou's progressive mind. Still, fate chose to be kind to Mizoshi when she discovered a few old papers lumped together in a cobwebby corner with a full inkbottle and a lone brush located mere inches away. It was if they had been propelled by some strong wind. From the initial wind of Naraku's hasty escape, or from a stealthy,vindictive incarnation's fan, she was uncertain.
Along with precious paper and ink, Mizoshi had found something else quivering in the alcove. Kuro. Now, the spider was quite comfortable in her bedchamber. Maybe it would even choose to house its new web here. Curiously, she turned from the shiny black cherry blossoms she was currently illustrating on the corners of the otherwise blank and not to mention slightly wrinkled paper to look at the huge arachnid that was currently flexing its hairy legs. After giving it a cautious pat, she returned to her "work."
I can't wait to leave. Maybe Sesshoumaru's attack was a blessing in disguise, or I might've never left.
As soon as the thought swept through her mind, the brush trembled in her hand; spattering unsightly ink blots over the now ruined petals.
What if he can read my thoughts? How could I even consider thinking that? Betrayal. A traitorous thought. Acting no better than Kagura.
But, in all truth, the castle was growing boring. No matter where it was located. Everything was bland, and one day melted in with the next. Nothing eventful happened. Hardly any contact, hardly any duties that required performing, hardly any life.
If only Naraku could be more open with his feelings…
Today was it. Today was when she would rejoin this world. This time, as a hanyou. A hanyou lady.
Now, that I've dressed for the occasion…
Mizoshi flicked her gaze over her apparel for a fleeting instant before resolutely focusing her eyes on the paper that she had sullied. For a brief second, she was near blinded by fiery orange silk. This would be her signature wardrobe from now on. The carroty kimono was cinched in at the waist by the efforts of a leaf green sash. This fastener was embellished with tiny golden clumps of flowers.
This was by far the best piece she "owned" now. Unfortunately, much of her previously borrowed clothing had gone astray. Since Naraku usually stuck with a particular style of kimono—commonly glimpsed in shades of blue, indigo, and violet--and Kagura was never seen without her habitual lavender and burgundy-striped robe; Mizoshi felt that there was no reason why she couldn't stick with a certain garment as well.
Green paired with orange. Two unlikely shades. Almost as improbable as a phoenix youkai descendant that preferred jade over ruby red.
Apparently, her mother's influence was still the stronger. Her own favorite colors had been green and blue.
Swallowing a lump in her throat, Mizoshi's hand reached out and sought Naraku's pet, but merely grabbed a handful of empty air. At this sensation of nothingness, she snapped her head around to see where the spider had scurried off to. Setting her brush aside, she scanned the entirety of the floor, but could not detect the arachnid's whereabouts anywhere. Until she chanced to glance at the doorway…
There Kuro sat; nestled in the palm of his master. Naraku's ruby eyes shimmered knowingly.
"Mizoshi, he breathed. "The sun has risen. You shall leave soon, yes?"
She was at a loss for words. He had materialized so suddenly...
"Er…yes, Naraku. Yes. Um…when the sun is at its highest." Somehow, this type ofvague, poetic language sounded lame coming from her lips. Still, the meaning was clear enough. She had intended to leave later in the afternoon.
I don't want to leave now. I need more time to prepare. More time to steel myself for what lies ahead.
"Nonsense," he purred. "You will disembark as soon as possible. The fewer hours you are out at night; the better chance at survival you have. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I…yes—Naraku. I will leave immediately." Smiling, she attempted to move her ruined paper to an out-of-the way spot.
"And just what is that?" In three long strides, the dark hanyou was literally levitating above her.
Mizoshi knew better than to keep anything a secret from him. Even though there was none to be kept at the present moment. Submissively, she surrendered the paper to his scrutiny. He grabbed it from her so abruptly that the delicate rice paper almost ripped.
What does he imagine I'm keeping from him?
The dark hanyou studied the decorated paper for a second or two. Then, he elegantly let it waft back down to the wooden planks below. Obviously, these illustrations did not interest him. However, they did not escape comment.
"Beautiful, but you must put your talents to better use." Idly, he stoked Kuro with his now free limb. "Because, sweet Mizoshi, your art won't help you survive out on the road." Slowly, he walked closer to her while still petting the jet-black spider. "Are we understood?"
How dare he treat me so condescendingly?
Forcing her cheeks to remain pale, she staunched her boiling irritation. "Yes, Naraku," she replied simply. "I promise to return alive."
"See that you do." His eyes narrowed for what it seemed like the umpteenth time that week. "You must leave, Mizoshi. Now."
She shivered. "Why?"
Is he trying to get me to leave?
"Haven't you been listening? Should I repeat my reasons? Or perhaps you wish to wait until after sunset with only darkness and feeble starlight to comfort you," he mocked.
All of a sudden, he pulled her up off the floor and forcibly set her on her feet. Mizoshi opened her mouth in protest, but reconsidered.
"Hurry," he urged. "Go." The dark hanyou's already low tone dropped even lower. "Before I change my mind," he whispered.
I do have to leave now. Naraku is actiung…so strange. I might not get another chance to feel the sun bathe my face in liquid gold warmth, or to gather the food I will so desperately need in a very short while.
Mizoshi made a small gesture to the hallway beyond. "Of course. I'll leave now, Naraku. Goodb—"
The dark hanyou's mouth had covered her own before the rest of the word had the chance to be completed. At this abrupt and rather violent invasion of her personal space, she suppressed a shudder.
His passion is so changeable and impulsive, just like a tempest. What if the storm winds blow a little too hard?
She had to wonder about this puzzling affair, for Naraku had nearly succeeded in knocking her right off her feet for the third occasion in a row.
"Such a becoming kimono," he murmured in her ear. "At our next meeting, I hope to become more acquainted with it." With a parting kiss, he pushed her back on her own heels; obliging Mizoshi to catch her balance on her own.
Would he catch me if I fell? Would he bother?
"Goodbye, Naraku," she finished in a rush before he surprised her yet again. "I'll see you soon."
"How soon?" His face was set impassively.
"As soon as I return."
"Make it five days or less," he spat. "Should you choose not to return in that period; I'll send someone to fetch you. I can promise that." Naraku's tense hand had reverted back to the spider's abdomen. It was at that point that Kuro emitted a hiss of agreement.
Can Naraku's "pet" understand us?
Fully aware she was leaving behind a possessive, malicious, not to mention technically evil half-demon; Mizoshi hurried along the passageway without a second glance.
I need food. I'll need to eat. What other alternative do I have?
Is he truly worried I'll abandon him?
He wouldn't have to worry. None left the spider's web for long. Besides, she had already been bitten with his toxic affections. She could never run too far…
Getting out the castle was the easy part. Scaling down the mountain would be the not-so-easy part. No climbing or falling debris would be involved, but a ribbon of unending stone would be. Ever so gently it would slope down to the base of the mountain—made slippery with moisture and gravel stones.
Carefully, Mizoshi wandered through the morning mists to her destination. The cool condensation felt fine on her face.
This is what I remember. Long walks. Communing with nature. I feel so light and airy.
She experienced no impediments until the world suddenly didn't seem as light anymore.
What's happening?
Tentatively, she stood up on tiptoes to confirm there was nothing ahead of her. Nothing except thin air.
But why does it feel so undeniably heavy?
It was if there was an invisible barrier in front of her. A barrier…
This is the spiritual barrier Naraku had warned me about. And was exceedingly secret about as well.
Acting upon instinct, she plowed on ahead and made some feeble progress. However, it wasn't long until the air became denser yet and even more resistant to every step she took.
What is this barrier?
Desperately, Mizoshi focused her will on the blank space in front of her and allowed her phoenix demoness to fly to the surface. She allowed a blast of heat to shoot out in front of her. In response, the barrier redoubled its efforts. In fact, as her unseen flame spiraled into nothingness; she reeled backwards.
My demonic powers, weak as they are, appear to make it worse.
Feeling more than a little foolish, Mizoshi decided to try another tactic that involved getting down on her hands and knees in the desire that she could physically crawl to her goal. After a minute or so of this, she immediately gave up.
Why is this barrier so powerful? How did it get so powerful?
She could almost see it. Waving and bending along with the fog.
Wanting to give up in pure frustration, Mizoshi angrily darted her rapidly heating golden eyes around the proximity and found to a sudden delight that she was indeed closer to where the barrier apparently ended.
If I can hold out for a little longer…
In the spirit of the moment; she honed her skills for the last time; attempting to teleport right out of the barrier itself.
The result was instantaneous. A burning pain seized her chest, quickly spreading out to ignite every nerve in her body. Mizoshi nearly cried out. It was if her very veins had been ignited.
This was a bad idea.
Thankfully, she did shift to the nearer to the edge of the barrier. Victory was almost hers…
With one final lunge, she broke through the undetectable wall, and landed hard on her side. In the end, she had fallen through the barrier.
What is wrong with this barrier? Naraku stated that I would have little trouble…
Suddenly, it hit her. Groaning painfully, Mizoshi rolled over on her back and instead looked into the misty skies.
Unless Naraku indirectly affected the barrier.
Truly, he did not wish me to leave. Perhaps this barrier was strengthened by his reluctance…
She learned the hard way thather theory was incorrectwhen she tried to reenter the barrier and was bounced backwards in the process. It was no good. Whatever this was didn't want her coming back inside so soon.
Naraku should've explained things further to me…
Deciding to run-- not walk--from the hostile area, she tripped down the rest of the mountain.
She made it. Had I any doubts? But, no. She has a burning ambition.
Naraku smirked at the image of his little bird shimmering in the glass of Kanna's mirror.
For one instant, he suspected she might surrender and return home with her feathers drooping. But lo and behold, she'd found a way through.
As if she couldn't. The barrier was at its most stringent in its efforts to repel full-blooded demons. However, hanyou could make the attempt. Especially, a creature such as Mizoshi. Her beloved dead father was merely a half-demon.
She never talks of him for too long. Strange. To the best of my knowledge based on what she has told me; she was nine when he died. Surely, she must possess some memories of him.
"Leave me, Kanna. I will send for you when you are needed."
His eldest, most obedient incarnation nodded curtly and left the room in a whisper of white.
I wonder where she is going. Who she will meet.
More importantly, Naraku pondered the more tedious questions.
If she honestly believes she has some measure of freedom now, will she forget about me? Fly away to build a nest someplace else?
But, that would be extremely unwise. The little bird would never beat her wings again if that were the case.
Betrayal is unforgivable. I should know. I created Kagura as well as her more intelligent "sister".
Here, Naraku would sit. Not only would he watch his new "hired help," but he'd watch his conquest the most carefully of all.
Dire consequences await the little Mizoshi bird should she try to migrate to another home…
Letting go of her was neither painful nor heartbreaking. However, Naraku didn't like seeing her back wander out of his stronghold. Naraku could be considered trite and obsessive, but the prey should never escape from the predator's web for any reason. In all truth, there had been a hidden resolve and determination in her stance that she should take to the road. It was almost as if she wanted to leave.
I shall have to weigh her loyalty…
Settling deeper in the darkness, the even darker hanyou waited.
Mizoshi has known my kindness for two long months. Now that she has her own well, let's see how faithful she remains…
Author's Note: There. That was believable approach, I think. Band of Seven members could be showing up as early as the next chapter, although, I've been thinking of introducing Inuyasha too at the same time. And yes, Sesshy will make an appearance. (Haven't forgot about him!)