◇INDIGO◇ (Inosuke x OC)

Chapter 4

"Time to wake up! Time to wake up!"

The loud sqwauking of a crow woke me from my sleep. I gasped, shooting up from my bed. I let out a sigh of relief as I realized it was just my crow. I calmed my racing heart, and looked towards the animal. It can talk?

"You scared me." I exhaled, smiling at the crow before reaching my hand out to pet it. I felt its cool soft feathers run between my fingers, causing me to hum lightly.

"Oh. I should probably name you." I stated, pausing my petting. He cooed in return, and I brought my hand up to my chin.

"Hm... How about Noizu?" I clapped my hands together with a smile. "It means noise, because you're very loud." I bluntly stated.

"Noizu! Noizu!" He screeched. He then nudged his head against my hand, and I started to pet him again.

"Noizu it is." I laughed lightly before getting up. I put on my uniform, and left my room. Today is the day I get my sword.

"Morning." I saw Miss Misaki's silhouette in the kitchen. I heard running water, assuming she was doing the dishes from last night.

"Good morning." I replied softly. I walked over to her, and tried to help her with the dishes. She lightly slapped my hand away, making me pause.

"This is your special day! Don't waste your time on dishes!" She scolded me, and I tilted my head.

"I don't really have anything to do until my sword gets here." I stated, and she sighed.

"Well, go find something you want to do. Don't sit here and do chores!" She tried to shoo me away, pushing me out the door. I turned to look at her.

"But I want to help you." I spoke calmly, and she only sighed again.

"You're too kind! Get out and do something you like!" She yelled, closing the front door. I smiled, standing on the porch.

"But I like helping you..." I mumbled, before jumping off the porch steps. I heard Noizu screech before landing on my shoulder. I chuckled, petting the creature before walking into the forest.

I felt the scenery around me. The way the trees were rooted into the ground, the wind cascading through my clothes, knocking the trees around. The scent of earth filled my nose, and I smiled slightly.

I quickly found my favorite tree, since it was the biggest. I could feel its roots from miles away. I rested my hand against the trunk, running my fingers along the rough bark.

"What the hell is a child doing all the way out here." I heard a grumble echo from behind a different tree. I sighed, knowing a spirit had seen me. I turned, spotting the silhouette of a small hunched over man. He must be elderly.

"Good morning." I greeted him, bowing before the man.

"Tch. Who cares what time it is?" He replied bitterly. I only straightened back up, and smiled.

"What are you doing scampering around these grounds?" He asked, glaring at me.

"I'm taking a walk." I replied, and he scoffed.

"Taking a walk, huh? Taking a walk right into your grave! It's dangerous out here! Do you want to die?! It doesn't look like you can see through those bandages, so why the hell are you walking through the damn forest?!" He yelled, and I leaned back on my heels with my hands behind my back.

"I'll be fine. Thank you for the concern." I replied, bowing again.

"Stupid girl! I'm not worried!" The man yelled at me, and Noizu squaked loudly. I turned to look at the crow.