InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Green Child ❯ Stand in the Rain ( Chapter 3 )

A/N: Look mommy! A lunchbox with a caterpillar on it!

 

...

 

Wow, that was random.

 

Please don't ask, I really don't even know. Go ahead and read the long-awaited chapter, if you want to. The song is by Superchick. Brilliant song, you should listen while you read.

 

Chapter Three: Stand in the Rain

 

§§§

 

She never slows down.
She doesn't know why but she knows that when she's all alone,

feels like its all coming down
She won't turn around
The shadows are long and she fears if she cries that first tear,

the tears will not stop raining down


So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, what's lost can be found
You stand in the rain

 

§§§

 

“Milord. One of the scouts from near the Eastern Border has returned. He says he has an urgent message for your father.” The servant kneeled before his young master, head bowed in dereference to his lord's son.

 

“What is so urgent?”

 

“He says that he has news of an unknown and extremely powerful miko, residing near our border in the East.”

 

There was a moment's pause as he considered the implications.

 

“Send him to the council room. I will alert Chichue.”

 

§§§

 

Kagome woke up and sighed. Her eyes were focused above her on the drably boring ceiling. Actually, there appeared to be a couple of holes in the thatching, where bits of bright blue sky was peeking out. Whosever hut this was, they needed to get that fixed, hopefully before the next big rainstorm hit. Actually, on that subject, whose hut was she in, anyway? Turning her head slightly to the left, she groaned as the stiff joints in her neck popped. Two feet away was a knee covered in familiar baby blue fabric.

 

“I passed out again, didn't I?” Sheesh, that's the third time now! I'm just on a roll, aren't I?

 

“Hai, you did Midori-sama. But you saved me! Arigatou gozaimasu Midori-sama!” Cho was practically quivering with joy, her doe eyes sparkling.

 

“It was nothing. Really.” Kagome bit her lip as her face warmed. She was no good at stuff like this. It always embarrassed her when people thanked her. They always seemed to think that whatever she'd done was such a big deal.

 

“Where am I, Cho-chan?” Kagome asked.

 

Cho glanced around at the hut for a moment. “This is the dwelling of my mentor, Chinatsu-sama, protector of this village. She had one of the village men bring you here the day before yesterday. I ran back to the village to tell her after I found you unconscious.” The girl paused for a moment. “Why exactly were you unconscious, Midori-sama?” She blinked, her head tilted sideways.

 

Kagome sighed and stared at the ceiling again. “I don't know, Cho-chan. All I know is that I panicked when I saw you being attacked. I knew I couldn't save you; I wouldn't be able to reach you in time. But still I tried. And then there was a blinding flash of bright white light, and it felt like something ripped from the back of my neck to the top of my skull. And that was it. I have no idea what the light was, or even where it came from.”

 

“I saw the light as well. It came from you, Midori-sama.”

 

Kagome snapped her head around to stare incredulously at Cho, straining her neck. “Are you serious?” she asked.

 

Cho nodded. “Yes, it surrounded you, until I couldn't see you at all. And when it faded, you were sprawled on the ground, and there was no trace of the demon,” she said, and then looked thoughtful for a moment. “Actually, now that I think about it, the light wasn't totally white. There was a very slight pinkish tinge to it, almost like holy power, but it was too light.”

 

Kagome frowned, thinking back. She realized that the girl was correct.

 

For a few minutes there was silence. Finally Cho stood. “I'll go and tell Chinatsu-sama that you're awake finally.” She gave a quick bow and skipped from the room. Kagome smiled as she watched her go. What a cheerful little kid.

 

After a moment Kagome's grin faded. It struck her then, just how far she was from home, either of them. She didn't know where she was. Scratch that. She didn't know when she was. She was lost, more lost than she'd ever been before.

 

... This sucks! Tell-tale wetness prickled at the corners of her eyes. She sniffed deeply, refusing to give in to the urge to roll over on the floor, sobbing her heart out.

 

“Excuse me? I am Chinatsu. Cho told me your name was Midori, correct?”

 

Kagome blinked forcefully, and took a deep, shuddering breath before turning towards the voice. In the doorway of the hut stood a woman. From the twin streaks of gray at her temples, you could tell that she was not young, but her face showed few signs of aging, only some very small wrinkles feathering out around her eyes. Those eyes were deep and brown, but danced with slight hints of a silver-gray. She was practically beautiful enough to be a demon. Kagome gulped.

 

“Um, well, Midori technically isn't my name, but it's what Cho's been calling me. So yeah, I guess it works.” Kagome grinned slightly nervously. The woman was just a bit imposing.

 

Humor danced in Chinatsu's eyes. “I don't mean to be rude, but might I ask why I cannot know your true name, Midori-san?” she asked.

 

Kagome gulped. Aw crap. “Errr, ya see. I'm not...from around here. And I don't think it'd be a good idea if people here found out who I am. There could be rather bad consequences. It's complicated,” she finished, rather lamely. The other miko was definitely not buying it.

 

“Look, Chinatsu, you don't want to know. Trust me, it's a lot better this way.” Kagome's voice unintentionally became pleading, begging for the acceptance of this half-truth. It probably was really better this way. Imagine what would happen if she'd told Chinatsu instead, “Yeah, hi. My name is Kagome, and I'm from the future. I got pulled down a magical well when I turned 15 by some creepy monster that was technically dead at the time, and ended up half a millennium before my own time. Then I fell into the well again and ended up here, in this time, which is obviously even farther in the past. So yeah, I know I sound insane, but trust me, it's all true! Seriously! I even blew up a weird demonic jewel! Loads of fun, that was.” Oh yes, that would get a wonderful reaction!

 

Chinatsu looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded and said, “Yes, of course. It's really your prerogative, and it's not my business to ask. My apologies.” She bowed.

 

Kagome grimaced. “Really, it's nothing. It's just easier this way. You're too kind Chinatsu-sama. You let me into your home and took care of me while I was unconscious. If there's any way I can repay you, please-”

 

“Nonsense!” Chinatsu cut her off sharply. “You saved the life of my apprentice, with no heed to your own safety. That more than makes up for any service I pay you. You are welcome here, an honored guest. Now, how are you feeling?” She kneeled next to Kagome and pulled a rag from a bowl of water next to her palette.

 

Kagome humphed but remained silent while the miko examined her thoroughly. She was mostly fine, except for a slight fever. And her forehead itched, but there was nothing she could do about that at the moment, seeing as how Chinatsu slapped her hand away sharply every time she tried to itch it. Chinatsu went into the only other room for a moment, and came back with a bowl of soup. She watched with keen eyes as Kagome sat up shakily. It was odd how weak she felt, but she could barely hold the bowl. As she crunched on the vegetables in the stew, Chinatsu watched her thoughtfully. When Kagome was draining the last drops from the bottom of the bowl, Chinatsu broke the silence.

 

“Midori-san, Cho told me that you've never actually had any training as a miko. Is this true?”

 

Kagome had to swallow before she answered. “Yes it is. I had a very small amount of instruction from an elderly miko I know, but really not more than how to shoot a bow and purify demons with my arrows. And please, there is no need to be formal with me. Just cal me Ka-I mean, Midori,” Kagome hastily corrected her slip.

 

Chinatsu smiled. “Then I must ask the same favor. And I would be willing to train you.”

 

Kagome's mouth gaped open. “T-train? Me?” she stuttered. “Are you serious?”

 

Chinatsu laughed. “Of course I am, Midori-chan. Is that acceptable to you? Or do you have other plans?”

 

Kagome looked dazedly at the wall. “No, I've got nothing better to do, I don't think. But...wow! Thank you Chinatsu! Thank you so much!” With a high-pitched squeal of joy Kagome leapt on the woman, arms wrapping tightly around her neck. The woman gingerly returned the enthusiastic hug, still laughing.

 

Kagome coughed suddenly and let go of the miko's neck. “Ugh, maybe that wasn't the best idea I've ever had.” She bent double, coughing violently. Chinatsu smiled and went to retrieve some water.

 

§§§

 

The next morning Kagome felt almost back to normal. Chinatsu assured her that they'd have a lesson later on in the evening, at the same time she taught Cho. One of the village women was giving birth, and both she and Cho were needed. Kagome offered her help, but Chinatsu assured her that they could handle it by themselves. Kagome decided that she didn't want to stay in the village, as she'd felt a bout of depression coming on since the previous day, and she didn't want company. Besides that, the villagers all looked at her rather oddly. So instead Kagome wandered alone up the side of one of the mountains ringing the small valley the village was nestled in. She took her time, not wanting to overexert herself, and around noon she found a slight cliff which overlooked most of the valley, and placed herself underneath a tree away from the edge, watching the storm clouds gather against the mountains in the distance. From this vantage she could tell that the village was in the same place as Kaede's village, so this must be the same village, only farther in the past...

 

Suddenly, she was crying. Wet salty water dripped down her cheeks and along her neck, disappearing into the collar of her shirt. It just wasn't fair!

 

Why the hell did this happen to me? What have I ever done to you? Kagome glared up at the sky, her vision blurred. First I lose my normal life, and my home, and I get thrown into some fairytale world with monsters, and stupid, good-looking boys that are always supposed to protect me, and don't. And I get stuck there for a while, and I get used to it. I even like it. And then I just get torn from everything I know all over again! Gently Kagome smacked her head against the bark of the tree, clenching her hands into fists to stop from ripping at her own hair.

 

I'm just a freaking teenager. I'm not even 18 yet! Not for two months! Hell, I'm probably never even going to graduate high school. And I'm just supposed to take on the responsibilities of the world, aren't I? “Aren't I? That's what you want from me, right?” Her voice cracked as she watched the sky. The storm clouds were getting closer.

 

The sky didn't answer her.

 

Kagome sighed and looked down at her hands, clenched on either side of her crossed legs. “I miss my mom. I miss my friends. I miss...InuYasha.” She scowled at her knees. She was supposed to be over him. Guess life just isn't that easy after all.

 

Her forehead was itching again, so she rubbed at it, trying to resist digging in with her fingernails. Something was...off. Not right. There was a small patch of skin there that was the wrong texture, far too smooth. Frowning she drew her fingers over it again, feeling its shape.

 

And then she froze. God, that can't be possible! Please, tell me this isn't happening! Her mind was whirling, tumbling over her discovery. Something inside of her screamed in horror, but the rest of her was frozen. She couldn't move, her fingers were still trapped against the design on her forehead.

 

A bird trilled in a tree nearby, and she pulled herself free of the stupor. Scrambling to her feet, she turned blindly, stumbling back the way she'd come. On the way up she'd noticed a small stream that widened into a pool with mostly still water at one point. In it, the reflection of the sky could be seen.

 

After several frantic minutes she found the pool. She brushed through the undergrowth surrounding it, and fell to her knees beside it. The mud pressed disgustingly against her bare skin, making her shiver, but she ignored it, in favor of staring in horror at what she saw in the water. On her forehead, there was a design that she'd seen only once, but it was familiar all the same. Too familiar.

 

How long she sat there, her mind numb with shock, Kagome never knew. But after some time, the mostly calm surface of the water was broken by a small drop of rain. Another one landed on the back of the hand clenched tightly against her leg. Then it began to fall in earnest, destroying the image in the water.

 

She didn't faint. No, not this time. Instead she turned to her left, and threw up into a bush.

 

She remembered thinking about how young she was. Practically a child. Well, apparently the name Cho had given her fit better than anyone could have imagined. Green.

 

A Green Child.

 

...

 

Midoriko

 

§§§

 

Well, dang it. My biggest twist is already out, and it's only been three chapters. Please don't murder me. If you kill me, then I can't tell you the rest of the story! And then you'd never know!

 

So tell me, who saw that one coming? *cackling maniacally*

 

I'm also sorry for the ridiculously long wait. I feel terrible. I had to get this chapter done before school starts up again for me. Updates will probably actually come faster once I start (Tuesday. UGH!). I know that sounds weird, but it's true. I'll be procrastinating from homework, so I'll want to do something else. Namely this. So yeah, be happy!

 

Right now I'm listening to the song Best of You by the Foo Fighters. I looove this song! I've also been obsessed lately with the song Superman (It's Not Easy) by Five for Fighting. And Nine Crimes by Damien Rice. *swoon* So yeah, it'll probably show up at some point as a title. I absolutely adore that song! Seriously! I made a video to it, SessKag fanart if you're interested. Go back to the link from chappie 2 and you can get to my youtube account from there.

 

Terms!

Chichiue - A very old and respectful term for one's father, no longer in common use

Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you

Chinatsu - Thousand Summers

Midoriko - `ko' is a suffix, attached to words to indicate youth. Onnako is a word which means `young woman.' The name Hanako means `Flower Child.' Aiko is `Love Child.' Is it not obvious then, that Midoriko means `Green Child?' This occurred to me a year ago when I was researching Japanese names to use in fanfiction.

 

Thank you so much to all the amazing people who've reviewed so far. You people PWN! Thanks go to all these great peeps! Hope I didn't miss anybody.

fma_inu123, hikari hime, WhiteRose-Kurama, MoniQ, helikesitheymikey!, yusukekuramasgirl, VixenPC, Maru-KunKun, lolliepop4, Neko-hanyu, Sharae, Spirit of the Sky, kit, Lady Skorpio, MoonlightShadow-of-Darkness, ScarredHeart10, Yoco, Minute-Mist, hermonine, Twisted Priestess, Lyra Roseshard

 

fma_inu123 - Thank you very much! And yes it did hurt. I'm probably just a bit sadistic. Poor `Gome. ;-P

 

WhiteRose-Kurama - You are far too smart. Yes, obviously, you were right. And as to how far back she is...that won't be revealed for a while. But I will tell you that it's less than 1000 years. That's all you're getting! Ha! Thank you sooo much for the review! And the questions! I just eat them up!

 

MoniQ - Thanks! I'm glad you're SHOCKED! I bet yyou're even more shocked now, ne? Lol. I suppose you'll have to review on Dokuga all the time now, since Spark is closed. *sniff* Glad you liked the vid, isn't it an awesome song?

 

helikesitheymikey! - He he, I say no more! You can wallow in your suspicion! Ha! :P Thank you very much.

 

Maru-KunKun - Thank you, my only Spark reviewer for chapter 2. I hope you can find me on another site! *salute*

 

Neko-hanyu, Do you have any pocky left? Please? Since I left you guys with such a twist? Strawberry pocky is the best stuff in the world!!!

 

SilverHanyou123 - Ha! You get TWO review responses! Doncha feel lucky? Thanks for the double review! You like the numbers 123, don't you?

 

Lady Skorpio - Thank you, I didn't know that. For this story we'll stick with green though. Thank you for the Review! Ja!

 

MoonlightShadow-of-Darkness - Oh you are beyond wonderful! When I got your review I freaked out (very immaturely, might I add) and danced around the office of my parent's restaurant. Thank you so much for inflating my ego! Yay!

 

Yoco - Aww, thanks. It was nothing. Really! So, are you gonna tell me what the theories were/are? What about now? Lol

 

Twisted Priestess - Yes!! I've got people who actually LIKE WHAT I WRITE! Oh that just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks!

 

Lyra Roseshard - Crap, I haven't read your story yet. I will though! Never fear! Lol, see you on Tuesday T.T

 

 

It's raining outside.......