InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Guardian Cu' ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Cu Cebhfhion 
In which Cu' gets a little ahead of himself to pay a visit to the second golden yellow flower.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Drama / Fantasy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.08.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 186 | Status: Work In Progress
In which Cu' gets a little ahead of himself to pay a visit to the second golden yellow flower.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Drama / Fantasy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.08.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 186 | Status: Work In Progress
The Characters and World of InuYasha belong entirely to the admirable and talented Rumiko Takahashi. I in no way lay claim to them or make any money off of them.
Cu' the Guardian, aka GinCu' is mine, so is his meadow and the plot of this story.
Chapter Eight
She had no idea what compelled her to leave the pile of vegetables she was preparing for dinner scattered about, half chopped on the kitchen counter, stop to put the kettle on to heat water for tea and step out the back door to gaze expectantly toward the huge God Tree that towered over one side of the Shrine grounds, but that is exactly what Umeko Higirashi found herself suddenly doing in the middle of a very ordinary day.
Courtesy of an unscheduled German tour bus, a much larger number of visitors than usual were scattered about the neatly swept courtyard enjoying the pleasant weather of an exceptionally lovely afternoon. Most of them were, predictably, gravitating around the immediate environs of the historic shrine itself, with many providing their much welcomed patronage to the tiny on-site gift shop. Momentarily the image crossed her mind of a certain elderly shrine keeper doing an ecstatic 'happy dance' behind the counter while totaling up the windfall that this unexpected crowd of tourists represented. Umeko briefly considered going to see if her father-in-law needed any help, but that idea abruptly vanished, to be tucked away beside any thoughts of fixing dinner, as soon as she saw the solitary figure standing beneath the Goshinboko.
It was quite evident to her, even from a distance that this one one particular visitor hadn't arrived on the bus. Pale skinned, the tall slender figure was clothed entirely in what appeared to be a loose but well fitted outfit made of light gray silk. Although for the most part austerely plain, both of the wide bell-shaped sleeves of the outer robe were finely embroidered in shimmering designs depicting the flight of snow white cranes. From the dark silver of his hair, rippling in silky waves down his back to the tops of his polished gray boots, the man 's form coruscated brightly in the dappling of sunlight falling through Goshinboko's thick canopy of leaves making it appear as though he were covered in a finely powdered dust made of diamonds. Hands loosely clasped behind his back and apparently quite oblivious to the tourists around him, the man appeared to be lost in contemplation studying an old scar which marred the otherwise unblemished bole of the tree.
Mesmerized, Mrs. Higirashi made her way over to the Goshinboko for a closer look. She was quite startled to discover that not only were the hair and clothing of this unusual guest silver gray, so were a pair of upright dog ears poking through the thick hair on top of his head.
Even though shocked by the sight, fascination trampled her sense of propriety. Umeko stared in wide-eyed astonishment at the man several minutes before thinking to glance around to see if anyone else was aware of his strange anomaly. Surprisingly, out of the all people in the immediate vicinity she was the only one paying any attention to him at all.
The ear closest to her flicked in her direction and a warm, low pitched voice said, This is really a delightful old tree Umeko. Then he turned to grace her with a friendly smile.
Inwardly ashamed of her uncharacteristic display of rudeness, Mrs. Higirashi once again found herself staring at him, this time totally unable to break away from sight before her. His face was perfect, it's beauty that of a young man on the cusp of adulthood, dominated by a pair of black-lashed silvery gray eyes that emanated from within their glittering depths a silent demand for her undivided attention. Overcome by a deep sense of calm she relaxed and covering her lips with the tips of her fingers, Umeko shyly smiled back at him.
How did you know my name is Umeko? she asked, her eyes still glued to the stranger's face.
I heard the Shrine Keeper mention your name to one of the guests. They were comparing the merits of homemade dumplings, I believe. He was most adamant that his daughter Umeko made the best he had ever tasted. There was an unspoken question in her eyes at his answer and the stranger laughed as he added, Very few ladies visit a shrine wearing their house slippers and an apron.
Oh my, Umeko blushed, I guess not.
Do you know, this lovely tree is now the oldest of it's kind left in Japan. Giving the Goshinboko a gentle pat he returned his attention to the petite wide-eyed woman standing next to him. Ah, forgive me, Child, it seems that my poor manners have put you at a disadvantage. My name is Cu'...and yes. I certainly would like that cup of tea you are going to offer me.
Mrs. Higirashi's mouth fell open then closed with a snap as she realized the strange young man was already halfway across the busy courtyard heading directly toward her house. As she caught up to him it surprised her to see that absolutely no one in the crowd around them had as yet shown the slightest amount of interest in either his odd apparel or his even odder ears. As they made their way through the milling group of visitors, it was as though he was entirely invisible to everyone's eyes but her own.
Cu' politely ushered Umeko into her own home, paused to pull off his boots and stand them neatly beside the door, then took seat on one of the cushions at the low kitchen table. He sat quietly watching Umeko prepare the tea, his arms folded across his chest and a pleasant smile playing across his handsome face.
After serving him a cup of tea, Umeko lowered herself onto the seat across from her unexpected guest. For a quiet moment she gazed into the steam arising from her own cup before asking in a shy voice, What you said about the Goshinboko tree...about it being the oldest in Japan..surely there are some as old, if not even older.
No, not a one. Looking at it you wouldn't think it to be exceptionally ancient but, he took a sip of tea, it is actually quiet venerable and has passed down through the long years of it's life unmarked, except for the scar on it's side.
She smiled, glancing up to meet his eyes. One of Dad's favorite stories about the history of this shrine, concerns that mark.
Cu' nodded over the rim of his cup for her to continue.
It's part of the Legend of the Jewel of Four Souls. Supposedly there once was a demon sealed to the tree by a Miko in that very spot where the scar is now.
Yes, Cu' nodded amiably, But it was a half demon actually...a hanyou named InuYasha, sealed by the sacred arrow of the lovely Kikyou...tragic story really.
Umeko gave him a puzzled look, Dad never mentioned their names. In the only version I've ever heard they were just called the Demon and the Miko....after all, it's only just an old legend... Cu's silver eyes were staring back at her over the rim of his cup, .....isn't it? ...an old story?
It is an old story, Child, Cu' placed his cup down on the table in front of him, which just happens to be true. Goshinboko's scar is in the very place where InuYasha was pinned for fifty years. He slept there, under Kikyou's enchantment until he was finally awakened and set free by her reincarnation.
But, really there are no such things as de.... her eyes traveled up to fasten on the sight of Cu's silver furred ears. He wiggled them and winked at her roguishly. Those are very real, aren't they? she squeaked and pushed away from the table. Her heart began to race anxiously with the realization that perhaps she was sitting in her kitchen and chatting over tea with something that reason told her didn't exist.
Oh yes, quite real. But they are only ears Lady Umeko. You needn't fear them and you needn't fear me. In a warm white glow Cu's aura intensified, it's peaceful calm wrapping gently around his uneasy hostess and immediately soothing Mrs. Higirashi's somewhat jittery nerves before she could bolt out the back door and run screaming across the Shrine's broad courtyard like a madwoman.
I guess, she took a deep breath as her heart rate returned to normal. Focusing on the finely grained wood gleaming below the mats on the table top Umeko said softly, It's just that you..err, they are so...unusual...your ears. I mean. Discreetly scooting back into place Umeko relaxed and settled onto her cushion, wondering not only why she had allowed a strange man into her house but why she was suddenly not the least bit afraid of him any more. But had she truly been afraid? She couldn't remember being so. Looking back up into Cu's face she smiled and reached for her cup.
Yes, I suppose they are, his right ear performed a neat little flick-twitch, it's delicate movement not at all missed by his Hostess, but should you one day, in say the very near future, meet someone else with a pair like mine they will perhaps not seem nearly quite so shocking or strange? Cu' retrieved his cup as well, paused to swirl the contents thoughtfully, took another sip and watched with raised brows as the little woman across from him gulped down her entire cup of tea without pausing for a breath. As soon as she sat her cup back on the table Cu' leaned across and caught her eyes with his glittering silver gaze. I've come to talk with you today about your daughter.
Kagome? A natural look of motherly alarm crossed her face. What about my daughter?
Kagome, Cu' reflected for a moment, then smiled, How lovely. Not a common name at all....yes, very pretty indeed.
Why do you want to talk about my daughter?
Because she is very important, Child, Cu' whispered. Before Umeko could back away he reached over and traced a counterclockwise spiral in the center of her forehead with his right index finger.
Kagome, impor.... Guardian? Recognition lit up her features in the form of a welcoming smile. It is good to see you again. What is it that you wish of me?
I am here about Kagome. She will turn fifteen tomorrow, he stated simply before taking another sip of his tea. Stopping to savor the taste before continuing he gazed deeply into her eyes, Before she can leave for school in the morning your daughter is going to fall into the Bone Eater's well.
Oh,my, Umeko sat up, a startled expression on her face, That old well is really very deep. I'll have Dad put a lock on the well house door tonight..Thank you for war...
No, you must absolutely not lock up the well...
But Guardian, she may be severely injured.. Motherly concern was again trying to clouding her reception of Cu's message.
She wont be. Trust me Child. She is meant to fall down the well. His aura strengthened to reassure her. Although Umeko possessed a mature soul, it was still one that Cu' had sent much farther forward in time than what it would have normally been reborn into. Sometimes a prolonged limbo of waiting for rebirth made a soul temporarily forget things, fogging it's memory with doubts and half truths. The Guardian sighed inwardly at the sad fact that because of this, she may have mostly forgotten why he had sent her ahead in the first place. 'Have to make do with what you have..'
I do trust you Guardian..but why...
The soul of the tragic Miko in your old story is the very same soul that I sent to be reborn as your daughter, Kagome. She must fall through the well to be reunited with her Other.
Her...Other? Umeko blinked at that piece of information, She is tied to another soul...who?
That of InuYasha, the half demon...Kagome is the one in the story who woke him back up.
But, Guardian that legend is centuries old. There is no such thing as demons..
Umeko, open your mind, try to remember why you are here. Taking her chin in his hand Cu' stared into her wide brown eyes, reaching deep into the mind behind them to repair what had been lost.
There are no demons now..no magic in this age...no miracles, her voice took on a flat, expressionless tone.
Of course there are, Cu' muttered as he concentrated on fixing what time had broken, They're just not talked about, he smiled to himself as his fix snapped neatly into place, Who do you think does them?
Guardian what is it you wish of me? Mrs. Higirashi's face was serene, her eyes full of trust as she watched Cu' refill her cup with steaming hot tea.
Kagome has accepted a very special task. Her soul was sent forward into this time both as a protection and to insure she successfully completes what she is set to do. Tomorrow she will return to a time five centuries in the past to free InuYasha. This is what is meant to be.
Umeko nodded her understanding Picking up his cup, Cu' stood gracefully ,walked over to the sink and continued talking while he washed, dried and put away the evidence of a guest for tea. In three days she will come home, followed a short time later by her Other. For the next year Kagome will spend a great deal of her time in the past with him. You must always support her in this task and never forbid her to go Umeko. She will be well protected by InuYasha for they are rare souls who have been drawn together and shown love and selfless devotion to each other over countless lifetimes.
Again the serenely smiling woman nodded. I am honored to be entrusted with this duty, Guardian and will do my best to see that she is successful.
Cu' knelt down next to her. I know that you will, Child. He rested the tip of his right index finger lightly on her brow. In one year the well will close and Kagome will not be able to pass through it again for three. When it opens for the final time..
I will let her go with gladness in my heart...
Yes, Child, Cu's long finger traced a clockwise spiral as he whispered, You will, with much gladness and great joy..
Hey Mom, I'm home, Souta Higirashi barreled into the kitchen in the way that small energetic boys have and plopped down at the table across from his mother. Whats for dinner anyway? I'm hungry now..can I have a snack? Mom?...uh, Mom?
Umeko Higirashi looked up from her cup of tea with a start. Souta was leaning across the table waving his small grimy hand in her face. Oh, my...Souta! Stop that.. she recovered her motherly poise quickly, I was just thinking about Kagome's party tomorrow, then her motherly eyes got a good look at her son's dirt begrimed fingernails, Oh, Souta .go wash up..
But Mom, with speed born of guilt the dirty hands disappeared behind his back, Can't I have a snack?
Not with those hands..now go wash up dear. It will soon be time for dinner.
Bounding back out as noisily as he had come in, the sound of sneaker clad feet pounding up the staircase was interrupted by series of loud thumps, bumps and thuds that sounded suspiciously like the contents of his backpack being accidentally unloaded right in the middle of the stairs. There was a childish grumble she didn't quite catch.
Souta??? It was the ' Mom Voice ' that always got an answer. No running in the house, dear.
Sorry Mom.. What ever mess had decorated the stairs was hastily removed and the footsteps continued on their way in a much more subdued manner.
Mrs. Higirashi stared back down at her teacup. What ever had possessed her to sit around all afternoon drinking tea? She glanced over at the scattered vegetables on the counter, the head of cabbage half cut through and still partially impaled on her favorite kitchen knife. Sighing she then stood up and placed her cup in the sink. By the clock she had sat daydreaming for over an hour, but she couldn't even remember when she had actually sat down, or why. Shaking her head she freed the long bladed knife from it's cabbage prison and resumed her interrupted chopping.
Hey Mom, I'm home, Kagome breezed past the kitchen door, then backed up to poke her head in.I aced that math test today, she said brightly, ..and got a ninety six on my history paper.
That's wonderful dear, Mrs. Higirashi smiled up at her daughter then continued assaulting the wedge of cabbage in front of her.
Mom, I was wondering, would it be OK if I meet Yuka and Eri at the mall later?
I don't think that will be a problem, dear. If you could though, the pile of chopped cabbage was scooped into a waiting bowl and several carrots, an onion a pair of sweet potatoes fell prey to Mama Higirashi's relentless attack, go help your Gramps inventory some of the new stock for the gift-shop. He had a busy day today and I'm afraid he hasn't had a chance to open up the delivery that arrived this morning.
Sure thing Mom, I'll go change and help him out. What all came in?
He said something about expecting a case Shikon Jewel key rings, among other things. Mrs. Higirashi smiled at her daughter and shook her head, You know your Grandpa, always looking for something new that might sell.
Gramps and those silly glass beads, Kagome rolled her eyes, reshouldered her yellow backpack then trotted up the stairs. There was a surprised quickly escalating into angry, Hey! What do you think you're doing in my room? followed by the sound of a slamming door and the return of energetic boy feet rushing back down the stairs.
Going over to Hiro's, Mom, Souta called out as he shot swiftly through the kitchen and out the back door, a hairsbreadth ahead of the sound of one being yanked back open upstairs.
Souta !!! Who said you could read my diary?
He's not here, dear, Mama called cheerily over her shoulder, then shook her head at the grumble that escaped over the slam of a closing door. Thankfully not all days were this noisy in the Higirashi household. Most were on the whole really quite tranquil in spite of the fact that her daughter could be a little hot tempered and her son a little too nosy for his own good. She laughed at the thought. Mr. Nosy got to Miss Hot Temper every time, but at least the storms were always short, blowing off as quickly as they came up.
Finished with the chore of chopping, Mama tidied up the counter then went to the refrigerator to pull out the rest of the ingredients for dinner. Hers was a peaceful household, stable, unexciting and quite ordinary, a home where nothing unusual, unless daydreaming over tea all afternoon counted, ever happened. Umeko Higirashi loved her children, her father-in-law and her quiet life at Higirashi Shrine.
At the moment she had no idea that in less than a week her kitchen would be invaded by the presence of a brash, foulmouthed bundle of energy wearing bright red and crowned not only by a thick mop of light silver hair but a proudly upright pair of dog ears as well. If anyone had told her that this was what lay in the near future she would of course have laughed, quite politely behind her dainty fingertips, at the very absurdity of such an idea. Things like that just didn't happen in real life, not to her and not to her family.
She would have been even more astonished had she known that when it most certainly did happen, she would take one look at the scowling intruder, rub both of his fuzzy ears and realize that she was not surprised by his wonderfully strange appearance at all.
Cu' sat above his garden watching the Soulspheres dance, a contented smile on his face now that the mortal stage was set to host the eternal play. This time it was a game that he had no intention of losing. He had already sent out the last of the blossoms from the spray of flowers lately decorating his waist, gifting each with his blessing and the strength they would need to complete their goals. The first he had sent out was a happy shade of orange, the serene blue and deep pink colored ones following a short time later. Like a special treasure he had held onto the fragile bud with its bright green bracts until nearly the last moment before sending it out to meet the soul that so desperately needed it.
The past was set, the present was set, the future was set and so Cu' leaned back on his hands, crossed his legs at the ankle and waited. Predictably it wasn't a very long wait.
You really do think you can win this time don't you ? a sly voice whispered in his mind's ear.
Damn right ya stupid bastard, the Guardian spoke out loud, a smirk curling up the corners of his mouth as he lay back in the tall grass, head comfortably pillowed on his hands,"this time your sorry ass is mine.
Cu' the Guardian, aka GinCu' is mine, so is his meadow and the plot of this story.
Chapter Eight
She had no idea what compelled her to leave the pile of vegetables she was preparing for dinner scattered about, half chopped on the kitchen counter, stop to put the kettle on to heat water for tea and step out the back door to gaze expectantly toward the huge God Tree that towered over one side of the Shrine grounds, but that is exactly what Umeko Higirashi found herself suddenly doing in the middle of a very ordinary day.
Courtesy of an unscheduled German tour bus, a much larger number of visitors than usual were scattered about the neatly swept courtyard enjoying the pleasant weather of an exceptionally lovely afternoon. Most of them were, predictably, gravitating around the immediate environs of the historic shrine itself, with many providing their much welcomed patronage to the tiny on-site gift shop. Momentarily the image crossed her mind of a certain elderly shrine keeper doing an ecstatic 'happy dance' behind the counter while totaling up the windfall that this unexpected crowd of tourists represented. Umeko briefly considered going to see if her father-in-law needed any help, but that idea abruptly vanished, to be tucked away beside any thoughts of fixing dinner, as soon as she saw the solitary figure standing beneath the Goshinboko.
It was quite evident to her, even from a distance that this one one particular visitor hadn't arrived on the bus. Pale skinned, the tall slender figure was clothed entirely in what appeared to be a loose but well fitted outfit made of light gray silk. Although for the most part austerely plain, both of the wide bell-shaped sleeves of the outer robe were finely embroidered in shimmering designs depicting the flight of snow white cranes. From the dark silver of his hair, rippling in silky waves down his back to the tops of his polished gray boots, the man 's form coruscated brightly in the dappling of sunlight falling through Goshinboko's thick canopy of leaves making it appear as though he were covered in a finely powdered dust made of diamonds. Hands loosely clasped behind his back and apparently quite oblivious to the tourists around him, the man appeared to be lost in contemplation studying an old scar which marred the otherwise unblemished bole of the tree.
Mesmerized, Mrs. Higirashi made her way over to the Goshinboko for a closer look. She was quite startled to discover that not only were the hair and clothing of this unusual guest silver gray, so were a pair of upright dog ears poking through the thick hair on top of his head.
Even though shocked by the sight, fascination trampled her sense of propriety. Umeko stared in wide-eyed astonishment at the man several minutes before thinking to glance around to see if anyone else was aware of his strange anomaly. Surprisingly, out of the all people in the immediate vicinity she was the only one paying any attention to him at all.
The ear closest to her flicked in her direction and a warm, low pitched voice said, This is really a delightful old tree Umeko. Then he turned to grace her with a friendly smile.
Inwardly ashamed of her uncharacteristic display of rudeness, Mrs. Higirashi once again found herself staring at him, this time totally unable to break away from sight before her. His face was perfect, it's beauty that of a young man on the cusp of adulthood, dominated by a pair of black-lashed silvery gray eyes that emanated from within their glittering depths a silent demand for her undivided attention. Overcome by a deep sense of calm she relaxed and covering her lips with the tips of her fingers, Umeko shyly smiled back at him.
How did you know my name is Umeko? she asked, her eyes still glued to the stranger's face.
I heard the Shrine Keeper mention your name to one of the guests. They were comparing the merits of homemade dumplings, I believe. He was most adamant that his daughter Umeko made the best he had ever tasted. There was an unspoken question in her eyes at his answer and the stranger laughed as he added, Very few ladies visit a shrine wearing their house slippers and an apron.
Oh my, Umeko blushed, I guess not.
Do you know, this lovely tree is now the oldest of it's kind left in Japan. Giving the Goshinboko a gentle pat he returned his attention to the petite wide-eyed woman standing next to him. Ah, forgive me, Child, it seems that my poor manners have put you at a disadvantage. My name is Cu'...and yes. I certainly would like that cup of tea you are going to offer me.
Mrs. Higirashi's mouth fell open then closed with a snap as she realized the strange young man was already halfway across the busy courtyard heading directly toward her house. As she caught up to him it surprised her to see that absolutely no one in the crowd around them had as yet shown the slightest amount of interest in either his odd apparel or his even odder ears. As they made their way through the milling group of visitors, it was as though he was entirely invisible to everyone's eyes but her own.
Cu' politely ushered Umeko into her own home, paused to pull off his boots and stand them neatly beside the door, then took seat on one of the cushions at the low kitchen table. He sat quietly watching Umeko prepare the tea, his arms folded across his chest and a pleasant smile playing across his handsome face.
After serving him a cup of tea, Umeko lowered herself onto the seat across from her unexpected guest. For a quiet moment she gazed into the steam arising from her own cup before asking in a shy voice, What you said about the Goshinboko tree...about it being the oldest in Japan..surely there are some as old, if not even older.
No, not a one. Looking at it you wouldn't think it to be exceptionally ancient but, he took a sip of tea, it is actually quiet venerable and has passed down through the long years of it's life unmarked, except for the scar on it's side.
She smiled, glancing up to meet his eyes. One of Dad's favorite stories about the history of this shrine, concerns that mark.
Cu' nodded over the rim of his cup for her to continue.
It's part of the Legend of the Jewel of Four Souls. Supposedly there once was a demon sealed to the tree by a Miko in that very spot where the scar is now.
Yes, Cu' nodded amiably, But it was a half demon actually...a hanyou named InuYasha, sealed by the sacred arrow of the lovely Kikyou...tragic story really.
Umeko gave him a puzzled look, Dad never mentioned their names. In the only version I've ever heard they were just called the Demon and the Miko....after all, it's only just an old legend... Cu's silver eyes were staring back at her over the rim of his cup, .....isn't it? ...an old story?
It is an old story, Child, Cu' placed his cup down on the table in front of him, which just happens to be true. Goshinboko's scar is in the very place where InuYasha was pinned for fifty years. He slept there, under Kikyou's enchantment until he was finally awakened and set free by her reincarnation.
But, really there are no such things as de.... her eyes traveled up to fasten on the sight of Cu's silver furred ears. He wiggled them and winked at her roguishly. Those are very real, aren't they? she squeaked and pushed away from the table. Her heart began to race anxiously with the realization that perhaps she was sitting in her kitchen and chatting over tea with something that reason told her didn't exist.
Oh yes, quite real. But they are only ears Lady Umeko. You needn't fear them and you needn't fear me. In a warm white glow Cu's aura intensified, it's peaceful calm wrapping gently around his uneasy hostess and immediately soothing Mrs. Higirashi's somewhat jittery nerves before she could bolt out the back door and run screaming across the Shrine's broad courtyard like a madwoman.
I guess, she took a deep breath as her heart rate returned to normal. Focusing on the finely grained wood gleaming below the mats on the table top Umeko said softly, It's just that you..err, they are so...unusual...your ears. I mean. Discreetly scooting back into place Umeko relaxed and settled onto her cushion, wondering not only why she had allowed a strange man into her house but why she was suddenly not the least bit afraid of him any more. But had she truly been afraid? She couldn't remember being so. Looking back up into Cu's face she smiled and reached for her cup.
Yes, I suppose they are, his right ear performed a neat little flick-twitch, it's delicate movement not at all missed by his Hostess, but should you one day, in say the very near future, meet someone else with a pair like mine they will perhaps not seem nearly quite so shocking or strange? Cu' retrieved his cup as well, paused to swirl the contents thoughtfully, took another sip and watched with raised brows as the little woman across from him gulped down her entire cup of tea without pausing for a breath. As soon as she sat her cup back on the table Cu' leaned across and caught her eyes with his glittering silver gaze. I've come to talk with you today about your daughter.
Kagome? A natural look of motherly alarm crossed her face. What about my daughter?
Kagome, Cu' reflected for a moment, then smiled, How lovely. Not a common name at all....yes, very pretty indeed.
Why do you want to talk about my daughter?
Because she is very important, Child, Cu' whispered. Before Umeko could back away he reached over and traced a counterclockwise spiral in the center of her forehead with his right index finger.
Kagome, impor.... Guardian? Recognition lit up her features in the form of a welcoming smile. It is good to see you again. What is it that you wish of me?
I am here about Kagome. She will turn fifteen tomorrow, he stated simply before taking another sip of his tea. Stopping to savor the taste before continuing he gazed deeply into her eyes, Before she can leave for school in the morning your daughter is going to fall into the Bone Eater's well.
Oh,my, Umeko sat up, a startled expression on her face, That old well is really very deep. I'll have Dad put a lock on the well house door tonight..Thank you for war...
No, you must absolutely not lock up the well...
But Guardian, she may be severely injured.. Motherly concern was again trying to clouding her reception of Cu's message.
She wont be. Trust me Child. She is meant to fall down the well. His aura strengthened to reassure her. Although Umeko possessed a mature soul, it was still one that Cu' had sent much farther forward in time than what it would have normally been reborn into. Sometimes a prolonged limbo of waiting for rebirth made a soul temporarily forget things, fogging it's memory with doubts and half truths. The Guardian sighed inwardly at the sad fact that because of this, she may have mostly forgotten why he had sent her ahead in the first place. 'Have to make do with what you have..'
I do trust you Guardian..but why...
The soul of the tragic Miko in your old story is the very same soul that I sent to be reborn as your daughter, Kagome. She must fall through the well to be reunited with her Other.
Her...Other? Umeko blinked at that piece of information, She is tied to another soul...who?
That of InuYasha, the half demon...Kagome is the one in the story who woke him back up.
But, Guardian that legend is centuries old. There is no such thing as demons..
Umeko, open your mind, try to remember why you are here. Taking her chin in his hand Cu' stared into her wide brown eyes, reaching deep into the mind behind them to repair what had been lost.
There are no demons now..no magic in this age...no miracles, her voice took on a flat, expressionless tone.
Of course there are, Cu' muttered as he concentrated on fixing what time had broken, They're just not talked about, he smiled to himself as his fix snapped neatly into place, Who do you think does them?
Guardian what is it you wish of me? Mrs. Higirashi's face was serene, her eyes full of trust as she watched Cu' refill her cup with steaming hot tea.
Kagome has accepted a very special task. Her soul was sent forward into this time both as a protection and to insure she successfully completes what she is set to do. Tomorrow she will return to a time five centuries in the past to free InuYasha. This is what is meant to be.
Umeko nodded her understanding Picking up his cup, Cu' stood gracefully ,walked over to the sink and continued talking while he washed, dried and put away the evidence of a guest for tea. In three days she will come home, followed a short time later by her Other. For the next year Kagome will spend a great deal of her time in the past with him. You must always support her in this task and never forbid her to go Umeko. She will be well protected by InuYasha for they are rare souls who have been drawn together and shown love and selfless devotion to each other over countless lifetimes.
Again the serenely smiling woman nodded. I am honored to be entrusted with this duty, Guardian and will do my best to see that she is successful.
Cu' knelt down next to her. I know that you will, Child. He rested the tip of his right index finger lightly on her brow. In one year the well will close and Kagome will not be able to pass through it again for three. When it opens for the final time..
I will let her go with gladness in my heart...
Yes, Child, Cu's long finger traced a clockwise spiral as he whispered, You will, with much gladness and great joy..
Hey Mom, I'm home, Souta Higirashi barreled into the kitchen in the way that small energetic boys have and plopped down at the table across from his mother. Whats for dinner anyway? I'm hungry now..can I have a snack? Mom?...uh, Mom?
Umeko Higirashi looked up from her cup of tea with a start. Souta was leaning across the table waving his small grimy hand in her face. Oh, my...Souta! Stop that.. she recovered her motherly poise quickly, I was just thinking about Kagome's party tomorrow, then her motherly eyes got a good look at her son's dirt begrimed fingernails, Oh, Souta .go wash up..
But Mom, with speed born of guilt the dirty hands disappeared behind his back, Can't I have a snack?
Not with those hands..now go wash up dear. It will soon be time for dinner.
Bounding back out as noisily as he had come in, the sound of sneaker clad feet pounding up the staircase was interrupted by series of loud thumps, bumps and thuds that sounded suspiciously like the contents of his backpack being accidentally unloaded right in the middle of the stairs. There was a childish grumble she didn't quite catch.
Souta??? It was the ' Mom Voice ' that always got an answer. No running in the house, dear.
Sorry Mom.. What ever mess had decorated the stairs was hastily removed and the footsteps continued on their way in a much more subdued manner.
Mrs. Higirashi stared back down at her teacup. What ever had possessed her to sit around all afternoon drinking tea? She glanced over at the scattered vegetables on the counter, the head of cabbage half cut through and still partially impaled on her favorite kitchen knife. Sighing she then stood up and placed her cup in the sink. By the clock she had sat daydreaming for over an hour, but she couldn't even remember when she had actually sat down, or why. Shaking her head she freed the long bladed knife from it's cabbage prison and resumed her interrupted chopping.
Hey Mom, I'm home, Kagome breezed past the kitchen door, then backed up to poke her head in.I aced that math test today, she said brightly, ..and got a ninety six on my history paper.
That's wonderful dear, Mrs. Higirashi smiled up at her daughter then continued assaulting the wedge of cabbage in front of her.
Mom, I was wondering, would it be OK if I meet Yuka and Eri at the mall later?
I don't think that will be a problem, dear. If you could though, the pile of chopped cabbage was scooped into a waiting bowl and several carrots, an onion a pair of sweet potatoes fell prey to Mama Higirashi's relentless attack, go help your Gramps inventory some of the new stock for the gift-shop. He had a busy day today and I'm afraid he hasn't had a chance to open up the delivery that arrived this morning.
Sure thing Mom, I'll go change and help him out. What all came in?
He said something about expecting a case Shikon Jewel key rings, among other things. Mrs. Higirashi smiled at her daughter and shook her head, You know your Grandpa, always looking for something new that might sell.
Gramps and those silly glass beads, Kagome rolled her eyes, reshouldered her yellow backpack then trotted up the stairs. There was a surprised quickly escalating into angry, Hey! What do you think you're doing in my room? followed by the sound of a slamming door and the return of energetic boy feet rushing back down the stairs.
Going over to Hiro's, Mom, Souta called out as he shot swiftly through the kitchen and out the back door, a hairsbreadth ahead of the sound of one being yanked back open upstairs.
Souta !!! Who said you could read my diary?
He's not here, dear, Mama called cheerily over her shoulder, then shook her head at the grumble that escaped over the slam of a closing door. Thankfully not all days were this noisy in the Higirashi household. Most were on the whole really quite tranquil in spite of the fact that her daughter could be a little hot tempered and her son a little too nosy for his own good. She laughed at the thought. Mr. Nosy got to Miss Hot Temper every time, but at least the storms were always short, blowing off as quickly as they came up.
Finished with the chore of chopping, Mama tidied up the counter then went to the refrigerator to pull out the rest of the ingredients for dinner. Hers was a peaceful household, stable, unexciting and quite ordinary, a home where nothing unusual, unless daydreaming over tea all afternoon counted, ever happened. Umeko Higirashi loved her children, her father-in-law and her quiet life at Higirashi Shrine.
At the moment she had no idea that in less than a week her kitchen would be invaded by the presence of a brash, foulmouthed bundle of energy wearing bright red and crowned not only by a thick mop of light silver hair but a proudly upright pair of dog ears as well. If anyone had told her that this was what lay in the near future she would of course have laughed, quite politely behind her dainty fingertips, at the very absurdity of such an idea. Things like that just didn't happen in real life, not to her and not to her family.
She would have been even more astonished had she known that when it most certainly did happen, she would take one look at the scowling intruder, rub both of his fuzzy ears and realize that she was not surprised by his wonderfully strange appearance at all.
Cu' sat above his garden watching the Soulspheres dance, a contented smile on his face now that the mortal stage was set to host the eternal play. This time it was a game that he had no intention of losing. He had already sent out the last of the blossoms from the spray of flowers lately decorating his waist, gifting each with his blessing and the strength they would need to complete their goals. The first he had sent out was a happy shade of orange, the serene blue and deep pink colored ones following a short time later. Like a special treasure he had held onto the fragile bud with its bright green bracts until nearly the last moment before sending it out to meet the soul that so desperately needed it.
The past was set, the present was set, the future was set and so Cu' leaned back on his hands, crossed his legs at the ankle and waited. Predictably it wasn't a very long wait.
You really do think you can win this time don't you ? a sly voice whispered in his mind's ear.
Damn right ya stupid bastard, the Guardian spoke out loud, a smirk curling up the corners of his mouth as he lay back in the tall grass, head comfortably pillowed on his hands,"this time your sorry ass is mine.