Madara's Daughter

Chapter Two

Hikari's POV:

My father's stern gaze met mine, examining my dirty appearance. I should've taken a bath.

"Why are you so dirty? You are a female, you are meant to be clean and presentable,"

"But Tou-san I was only playing with Fu-chan and Miku-chan!"

He shook his head, "Don't let it happen again. Women are meant to be pristine," he examined her once more, "Just as men are meant to provide them a safe and clean environment. Understand?"

No.

"Yes, Tou-san," I said.

Izu-chan entered the room, grinning widely, "Lighten up Nii-san, today was a good day! We dominated the battlefield!"

  I looked down, suddenly finding my feet fascinating. Wow, they really were dirty. I didn't even know my feet could get that dark! And look at that floor tile! I didn't know we had stone tiles, I thought they were wood.

"C'mon, Ni-san, she needs to bathe before dinner, and it's almost dark. The bath you had will be freezing soon! We wouldn't want her catching a cold,"

"Fine. You're excused for now Hikari," Tou-san said, sternly.

  I left the room with my head hung low and my spirts even lower. Father's words made me want to both punch something and cry. Prior to that moment, I had never thought of myself as less than human. But the way he spoke... it made me feel as if I were cornered by a beast that wanted nothing more then to strike me down. It made me feel worthless. So, as I slid out of my kimono, I made a silent promise. To be better than what people thought I would be. I... I wanted to be... strong.

I longed to make everyone realize that I was not some pampered princess. I craved to see them acknowledge me, to see them realize that I had risen above them.

First thing in the morning, I was gone about two hours after sunrise. Clad in a thin kimono that reached down to my knees and black leggings I ran through the forest, my bare feet occasionally snapping a twig or crunching a leaf.

I reached the tree, and looked around for a moment. I grinned. Picking up a small, sharp, oval rock I ran at the tree trying to channel the energy to my feet like I did when I was playing with my friends yesterday.

  Instead, I ran into the tree. I hiss as I look at the cut on my hand. This is going to be a long day.

  By the time I went home, I could climb up about three fourths of the tree, though I still wavered and was rather easy to knock over. But, it was a step in the right direction, I suppose.