Inuyasha: Come What May

Chapter 2: Simple Minds

Chapter 2

The fields have more color to them than what I saw last night, and with only a few flowers I can recognize out of the many I can't. Pinks, whites, baby blues, bright greens and even a few reds here and there, dot most of the land even beyond the tree line. The air is fresh, dewy and smells of sap, pine, wet leaves and blossoms. The dirt at my feet is just as refreshing as I thought it would be and with every step I don't feel a shutter of pain but an embracement.

I've wandered most of the yard, keeping from going inside to the best of my ability since I don't want to meet up with Lady Kimi unless I absolutely need to.

This is the most freedom I've felt in a long time, and finally... I don't have any fear wrapping its fingers around me.

Kneeling down, I pluck a daisy to add to my collection. I lean back up and string the flower by its stem into the flower crown I am shaping. The crown isn't exactly circular and is more of an awkward oval. Then again, I was five the last time I had made one of these and I wasn't good then either.

The sun just barely pours over the treetops, warming my beaten skin and awakening me from the sleepless night I had. I still feel so much better than I did since before last night, especially after breakfast.

Most of the meal was left in silence and full of tension. My mother and I sat across the table from the Lord, Lady and their son, and being that we are not demons, we were the only ones that ate a normal meal. The three ate meals of raw meat that was nicely cut to resemble what they called 'tataki.' Instead of eating with our fingers this time, we tried the utensils they provided us, which are two thin sticks.

Lady Kimi glowered at me when I struggled constantly with the sticks, dropping my food with everything I picked up and sometimes not even having them reach my mouth before it'd fall to my lap. My mother had to just watch them use the sticks for a few minutes before she could do it with ease. It left me frustrated. I just wanted to eat.

After a while I didn't care what looks I earned from Lady Kimi, I picked at my food with my fingers—can you blame me? I never want to starve again.

The best part of the morning, though—other than my escape into the field—was getting out of that tight kimono and into another that allowed my legs to slip out of the bottom without exposing too much. I can run, jump, slip and fall and not even have to worry about getting it dirty. And I did so immediately. The second the servant was done tying my obi I ran out the screen door to my freedom and ever since I've been plucking random flowers in full attempt to keep from wondering into the forest.

That was about an hour ago.

Unfortunately, with every step I take, I'm noticing I've gotten closer and closer to the forest. It's dark and mysterious but not scary or creepy, but it feeds my curiosity. I know if I adventure into the thicket, I'd get lost.

I don't know these lands; I don't speak the tree's language or know the animals. Not yet, at least. It's a slow process. I have to listen to the wind as it waltzes with the leaves; I have to listen to the way the rain hits their trunks and how the animals scurry up and down them. Tree listening is a deep skill and once it's learned, tracking becomes an easy skill to master.

You see... the trees see and know everything. They are everywhere, communicate with each other and the most important of the elements, earth, water and air. Trees can warn of danger, protect from harm, and tell you how to get home. Most don't listen now a day. With every gust of wind, I learn a little from the howls the trees make....