I don't own inuyasha!
Chapter two
My day starts with my awakening, which isn't always great but today it was exceptional. I rise from my futon and straighten the quilts and animal hides before starting a small fire in the fire pit.
I usually eat leftovers from supper or sometimes fish that I remembered to catch during daylight hours. After I start warming up my meal I head towards the hot spring to wash up.
I always stay cautious while I head there, since I do awaken before the sun has risen. Once I'm done there I check on my meal and my cabin to make sure it doesn't burn.
Once I have completed eating and washing the materials used, I pull on my miko training yukata and walk out of the forest and onto the path towards the village. As I walk along the dirt path I take in the scenery, watching as the wild life run throughout the visage. The wonderful smell of honeysuckle and moist sakura leaves enters my senses as the sun begins to rise.
I close my eyes while I continue to walk listening to the calm drumming of the earth's heart, and the sound of her creatures moving about. Waking up at this hour does have its perks.
A contented sigh passed my lips, sometimes life was beautiful when you're alone. I looked up at the sky and noticed the moon was still visible but the sun was easily over shadowing it and showing all of its blazing glory.
Though the moon also shines brightly when it's all in its lonesome. Sometimes the best of nature works best alone. 'I wonder if Tsuki-yomi and Amaterasu are fighting'
I sighed and trained my eyes on the road ahead. The village was in view now as I passed the small lakes. 'I know he was wrong for killing uke-mochi, but they are siblings, and shouldn't fight' I sighed while I continued on my journey.
Very few people were awake at this time, just like always. I waved and smiled to the kind villagers that I passed while heading towards the shrine where kaede resided.
I made my way up the steps, one at a time, slowly reaching the top. I will never tire of seeing the koi pond with small stone benches and sakura trees surrounding it.
To the left was kaedes hut, in between two sakura trees. To the left was the shrine for Amaterasu, complete with the villagers and travelers offerings, also between two sakura trees. I headed towards the shrine and placed my offering on the alter then clapped two times and began to pray.
Once I was finished I bowed then began moving towards kaedes hut. I walked in silence listening to the crickets and the sound of my sandals against the grass.
"Lady kaede" I said before moving the boar hide covering aside and stepping into the hut.
"Welcome child are you ready to begin?" Kaede said taking a drag of her pipe.
"Of course lady kaede, tonight is the Tuski-yomi festival correct?" I said slipping off my sandals and stepping onto the main flooring.
"You are correct child, tonight is the full moon of half season" she replied released the smoke from her mouth.
"It is said that Tuski-yomi was born this night, is this true lady kaede?" I asked sitting on my knees at one of the ends of the table.
"I am not certain child, I doubt that it is truly known when Tsuki-yomi was born or even when Amaterasu was born for the matter. All I do know is that without them none of us, ningen, youkai, or haynou would exist." Kaede said finishing her pipe. She dumped its contents in her fire pit then stood.
"Come child, let us begin." Kaede said slipping on her sandals and stepping outside.
I nodded though she had already left the hut. I stood and slipped into my sandals and joined kaede outside.
Kaede walked to the side of the hut and grabbed two brooms. She handed one to me and we began our day of training/shrine upkeep.
I was sweeping while kaede was arranging decorations for the festival when I began to speak.
"Lady kaede, why haven't you taught me to fight yet?" I asked taking a break from my sweeping.
"Why do you ask child, you haven't had a problem with our pace beforehand" kaede said still arranging the decorations.
"I know, it's just that I ran into some trouble the other day..." I trailed off my eyes trained on the ground.
"It wasn't more full blooded youkai was it?" Kaede asked now looking towards me.
"No, lady kaede, it's nothing please forgive my previous complaint" I said bowing letting my blonde hair touch the ground.
"Child."
I rose and looked at kaede, her expression was serious.
"Come." And she began to walk away.
(Interval)
"Attack me" her words left her lips as she stood completely still on the other side of the glen.
"Lady kaede I-"
"You want to learn how to fight, yes?"
I nodded. "Then do as I say and attack me."
I sighed and looked to the ground. Taking a breath I raised my hand to the sky. "Axillio ab alto!"
A sword materialized in my hand just like last time. "Child, where did you learn that trick?" Kaede asked, lifting a greyed brow.
"I told you, I ran into some trouble and well I learned this." I answered gripping the sword a little tighter.
"Hm, well lets begin. Attack." Kaede said placing one arm in front of her. "Yes, my lady" I said then launched towards her, holding the sword to my side.
I swung wide aiming for her head but she dodged it. Making me turn around, my back facing her. She grabbed my arm forcefully stopping my movement.
"Lesson one, remain calm in any and all situations especially during battles." She released her hold, letting my arm return back to my side.
"Now try it again but this time remain calm and think over your actions thoroughly"
I nodded and walked back to my original position. I took a breath and gripped my sword. I analyzed her appearance and her former actions and the perfect plan came to mind. I closed my eyes and breathed before opening them and lunging towards kaede once more.
I swung wide again but this time sweeping my leg low. So while she dodged she was tripped by my leg. She landed on her back, her face covered with shock and pride.
"Very good child, but that was only lesson one there are many more lessons before you will be able to fight for yourself." Kaede said standing and dusting off her yukata.
"Of course lady kaede." I gave a small bow. "Now let us finish decorating, for tonight's festival."
"Yes lady kaede"
(Interval)
The moon was high in the sky and the lanterns were lit and everyone was conversating and partaking in the festivities. I slipped on my silk kimono, it was a light blue color with full moons designed on it. It was tied with an elegant dark blue obi.
This kimono was left to me by my mother who died when I was a young girl. I placed my blonde hair up and placed a simple but elegant kanzashi.
I put on my traditional makeup that I only wear for special occasions.
I grabbed my hotchiku before slipping on my sandals and joining the festivities. I sat on a special matting near the festival's fire pit.
Kaede stood and tapped a pot to gather all people present attentions. "Tonight we offer a feast to Tuski-yomi for protecting us throughout the night and tonight the full moon of half season we feast and play the traditional music in Tuski-yomi's honor." Everyone present clapped and cheered.
"Now, Dersa play the moon's dance" kaede said. I nodded and lifted the kanzashi so it was near my lips and began to play the notes to the familiar song.
Many couples and children began to dance to the notes that were released with every breath from my lips and movement of my slender fingers. Every note served a purpose of telling the story of Tuski-yomi, some notes were low and mysterious, some were high and joyful.
Some notes were short and sudden to acquire the feel of sudden change, some notes were long and drawn out to give the feel of a slow and steady progression. Some notes were sad and pained, some notes were joy filled and happy.
Every individual feeling created during the song told of Tuski-yomi's life and his trials.
Once the song was done we all sat down to a meal and conversations.
When the festival was over, kaede and I with the help of a few villagers cleared the festival site. Once everything was finished I headed back to my cabin.
After washing up, I dressed in my sleeping yukata and went to sleep on my futon.
(Interval)
A/N: sorry it took me so long to update this story I've been busy, I apologize.
I know I didn't tell you all what some of the words and phrases I've used mean but I assure you I will tell you soon, I'm just too lazy right now...
Well I hope you enjoyed it bye! ^.~
