This is a short story I entered into the Young Authors competition at school. I won first place in the fiction division. *dances wildly* What the judges didn't know was that it was based upon a certain anime- Inuyasha!
The basis for this is the point of view of the sacred tree. In the show, they keep mentioning this all powerful sacred tree. Well, just how all powerful is it? Does it have feeling? Does is have a conciousness? Is it a spirit?
And thus this little creation sparked within my brain. So of course I had to share it with you guys!
I have stood in this sacred spot for centuries. When she bound your body to me, I welcomed your soul with open arms. You slept soundly against me. I covered you in soft vines and leaves, shielding you from danger. For decades we were one, watching as the era faded. No one dared step upon our ethereal forest.
That is, until the day the world ended.
It is she, the one who betrayed you. Only, it isn't her. The one who pierced you to me perished in flames.
Who is this woman?
She runs forward, her young face turning red against the wind. Then she stops, seeing you; seeing only you.
No one ever saw me. I am feared, worshipped, loved, feared. Whether they praise or cower, I am only a being, invisible to the human eye.
She steps forward, more determined this time, and steps upon my roots. She's facing you now, her eyes roaming over your eternal face. My power has kept you alive and young for decades.
Never forget.
She's gone in minutes- perhaps it is seconds. Time is an old friend that hands out privileges graciously.
By nightfall she is back again, bringing a beast with her. If I were capable of chuckling, this would be a time to do so. No beast has ever overpowered me. For millennia I have stood here, silent and protecting over this beautiful world. These two cannot possibly tear me down.
But this is unexpected. The beast has turned on her. It now holds her in its jaws, sneering at her foolishness. With a mighty shake, he throws her to the ground, crimson dripping from his fangs. Her blood moistens dirt and seeps down into my roots.
There is nothing I can do for you child. Death will fall upon you, but you may rest your weary head within my branches; I shall comfort you.
The beast wraps its mighty body around me, struggling to move me but an inch. Her body is against me now, just as you are. Her eyes flutter and droop close, but with a burst of strength, she reaches forward and cuts the thread that binds us.
Our connection is tossed to the ground, and your eyes are open, seeing her for the first time. That single moment has shattered the world.
I have failed.
Reaching forward, my fingers nothing more than branches, I stroke your face on last time. In this moment, I know that I can no longer shade you from the harsh realities of the world. I will no longer be able to save you from the dark.
Remember me.
For the first time, I feel sorrow. It is a wicked emotion that threatens to tear up my roots one by one, but I will bear it, for I know it's the only thing you will leave behind.
In an instant the beast shatters, finally succumbing to my power.
Once again I have failed. I told you never to forget, but you already have. One look in her eyes and an eternity with me is wiped away.
Love her. Laugh. Cry.
This is all I can give you. All I ask is for your return.
When her body withers and turns cold, and you are still as you are now, return to me. Lift yourself into my arms and surrender once more. Sleep within my branches for all eternity.
This is our promise.
Until then, I will wait. I will reach towards the never ending sky and think only of you.
I will wait.