InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Smokes and Mirrors ❯ Love of a Tree ( Chapter 9 )

Smokes and Mirrors

 

Chapter 9 - Love of a Tree

 

The sun was shinning, the cool wind breeze was blowing, the birds were chirping… She hasn't felt this content since-

 

Since their last family outing.

 

Kagome was still under the tree. Her back was against the trunk, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her legs stretched out before her yet crossed at her ankles. She tilted her head upwards to look at the branches again. They were so tick and full of leaves, barely any sun filtered through.

 

She didn't mind though. They gave her shade, protected her from the harsh rays of the sun.

 

Protect. To protect. The tree protected her.

 

She smiled at the idea. This tree reminded her so much of her father it wasn't a surprise Sota associated with it. The tree's aura practically screamed at her, telling her I am your father and not just any other regular plant that has survived through time.

 

Her smile never faltered as a memory of a time long ago flittered in her mind. She closed her eyes, never wanting to let go of the images…

 

O.o.O

 

A little six year old Kagome sat in her father's lap as he watched his son play in the sand. They were at the park. His job was to keep the kids busy while their mother rushed to the hospital. His mother-in-law was laying in her death-bed and the old lady's final wish was to see her daughter again. His wife, Anna, loved her mother as much as she loved her children. She could not refuse such request and felt extremely honored her mother would rather see her than her older brother. Not that he would have cared anyway…

 

“Why is mama so sad?”

 

Kagome's innocent question startled her father. Yoh wasn't quite sure how to explain this. “Well,” he started carefully. “Her mama is sick and she might die.” Talk about straight forward…

 

“Mama-Asaki is sick?” The girl asked as if to clairify. “I was sick and Sota was sick. But we didn't die.”

 

Yoh couldn't help but chuckle. How could he possibly explain this to her?

 

“Is it because she's old?”

 

The man sighed in relief. Kagome was smart for her age. “Yes, sweety. That's exactly it.” He smiled at his daughter, sparing little Sota a few glances now and then.

 

Kagome was looking at her brother now. “What do you think she'll be after she dies?”

 

“I don't know. I never thought about asking her.” Yoh had taught his children, or at least Kagome, that when one dies they are reborn the moment their spirit leaves the body. However, they would look different and would have different memories if they were to be human again.

 

“I want to be a butterfly.”

 

The little girl now had a smile on her face. When asked why, she answered with wanting to be free and beautiful, to not have to be afraid of anything and travel all over the world.

 

“What do you want to be papa?”

 

Without missing a beat, Yoh answered. “A tree.” He was still smiling, but no longer was he looking at his kids. He was lost in a world of peace where everything was green and the sky was blue and the sun always shined. “As a tree I could watch over you two.”

 

“But a tree can't move.” Kagome's voice broke through his haze. “How can you watch over me when you can't even move? If I walk away you can't follow.”

 

She never ceased to amaze him. “I don't have to move.” He answered matter of fact. The confused look across her delicate face made him continue. Patiently, he added, “When you feel lonely or need to just be somewhere, all you'll have to do is find me.”

 

Somewhat understanding what her father meant, Kagome raised her hands to hug him. “But papa, there is so many trees. How can I find you?”

 

Chuckling at his daughter's antics, he replied. “Don't worry, pumkin.” Pulling her back, he looked her in the eyes. “You'll know its me when you see it. Besides,” he hugged his daughter again, rubbing his hand in a circular motion on her back. “I won't be going anywhere for a really, really long time.” He sat her back on his lap.

 

He did not want his daughter having such sad thoughts run through her mind at such a tender age. Kagome's innocent eyes on him made him laugh again. “Remember, I'm not as old as Mama-Asaki.” He winked at her.

 

Finally smiling, Kagome slipped off her father's lap and started playing in the sad.

 

o.O.o

 

Kagome bit her lip to prevent any quivering. `You lied papa. You lied.' The teen squeezed her eyes tighter to prevent the tears from forming, from falling. `You said you wouldn't go anywhere!' Feelings of betrayal overwhelmed her. `You Lied!' She screamed in her head, her nails now digging into the ground.

 

Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm herself down. She had to take it easy; she can't loose her cool, her self-control. She mustn't let that barrier around her heart break. It took her so long to build it, she wasn't about to loose it thanks to some useless memories.

 

Kagome took one more deep breath, before leaning back against the tree once more. Just as she was about to relax, her sixth sense picked up a stare. She hesitantly opened her eyes. They were downcast and so she noticed the shadow of a figure not so far away.

 

“Hey, you ok?” His voice was a bit gruff, belonging to an unknown person.

 

She looked up questioningly. Greeting her sight was a rather attractive looking young man. His long black hair hung in a high ponytail and any loose strands were held back by a fury brown head band. The boy wore the typical white shirt with light green tie and dark green dress pants. Two more stood not far behind him, both dressed similarly.

 

Thanks to the outfits, she figured they all went to the same school as her. So didn't they know to stay away from her? Haven't they heard the rumors yet? Her brows furrowed some more in confusion.

 

The boy approached her and bent down to eye level. He reached for her right hand, slowly pulling it out of its position. “I don't think the ground can take much more of this torture.”

That's when she noticed her fingers, or more precisely her nails were still buried in the ground where she previously dug in.

 

“I'm fine.” She snapped, pulling her hand away from the intruder. She didn't like it when people saw her weakness, and hated it even more when they would point it out.

 

All he did was smirk. He didn't pull back, nor did he let go of her appendage. On the contrary he leaned in a bit more. “I like a fiery girl.”

 

Disgusted by what she heard, Kagome tapped into her reserve of energy. She freed her hand first then sent the other guy flying backwards. A resounding slap was heard as the boy fell backwards on his ass. His hands cushioned his fall, preventing him from completely falling on him back, but it didn't prevent the red mark on his cheek to grow redder in color.

 

The boy smirked as he sat there, rubbing his cheek. “It's hard to believe you and that kid Sota are so closely related.”

 

“That's none of your business.” Kagome snapped again. Did Sota tell him they were siblings? Did the entire school know who she was now? Those were but a couple of questions now running through her mind. And the nerve of this guy! Who the hell did he think he was anyway?

 

By the time the boy got to his feet, Kagome was already standing five feet away, narrowing her eyes at him. His smirk turned into an all out toothy grin showing off perfect set of teeth. The stranger took one step forward and that's as far as he ever got.

 

A rather thick branch fell out of nowhere and hit its mark right in the head.

 

The bell rang as Kagome took that opportunity to make a mad dash towards the school's entrance. Looking back once, she spotted the tree again. The guy was sitting where he was standing just a few minutes ago. His companions seem to snap to and reached out to help their fallen comrade. The boy was rubbing his head while trying desperately to stop the world from spinning round and round.

 

She looked at the tree one last time before turning back to continue the rest of the way in.

 

A ghost of a smile appeared.

 

`Thanks, dad.'

 

 

***

***

 

 

A.N.

 

Well there you have another: Kagome's first confrontation with Koga. I think it went rather well. I like Koga and think he is rather cute, especially went concerned or acting cocky. His face is adorable! However none can beat the overall cuteness of Inuyasha!

 

Here are the shout-outs (Thanks!):

 

Swirling eyes: hihi! I'm glad I've got your curiosity picked. What happened will be revealed bit by bit. Hopefully I will not disappoint any readers.

 

Seito: LOL! Like I mentioned before, she was just kinda dragged into the family. But I think it was for the best. We'll just have to wait and see where my story goes!

 

Vanessa Schmid: English isn't my first language, so pardon my mistakes. In fact, English is the third language I've learned (that's what happens when you're an immigrant living in a French province… Yup! I'm Canadian and proud of it! ^_^ ). Every time I write I try to improve my grammar, though my spelling is usually impeccable (thanks to MS word!) Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read.

 

Miaa hiaa: I seriously don't know how I came up with something like that… I do hope you're enjoying your read, though! Thanks for your review.

 

Fallen_Tenshi_: LOL! Thanks!

 

Anime Lady P.I.M.P: Wow! Thanks! I'm honored to be your fav author. Also, thank you for the lovely review. I am nowhere near a great author, unlike some who truly do deserve the title of Author. Thanks anyway, I'm really flattered!

 

And a big Thank You to all my readers. Please review; it's appreciated. I'll smell ya next chapter!

 

Quote: Laughter is the closest link between two people. Anonymous.