Disclaimer: Do you really think that I could be the life giver of
Inuyasha? YEAH RIGHT! I could only wish for the talent. ^_^
Chapter 1: *Yaadein
Stillness had fallen over the slumbering city, the kind that only happens with the falling of the snow. A deep blanket already covered the paved roads and steel and glass monoliths, rendering all sounds silent. The ever-present glow of the cities light filtered though the softly falling snow, diffusing into a soft rose glow that lit the low hanging clouds. A blizzard had come to claim Tokyo as its home for the present, and all slept, secure in their homes. Except one.
~Flash~ Smoke scent, orange red flickering light painting the walls of the small room. Shrill cries, voices, sounds of running feet. Strong arms gathering to a warm side, motion, jolting, heat passing by in waves. ~Flash~ New scene.cool, dark forest, trees passing by in a blur. Gone was the scent of smoke, the hellish light of fire. Only warmth from arms holding tiny body securely. Fear, though.that hung all about, tainting the sweet pine scent with its acridness. Wide eyes watched, dim glow in far horizon only sight left of home, gone. ~Flash~ New scene.A hut, populated by one lone human woman.cheeks seamed with countless wrinkles. Herbs scented the interior, drowning out all other scents.sweet, bitter, musty, some putrid. She hid her nose and eyes in smoke scented/stained sari. Soft murmurs, voices speaking.A knarled hand rose, placed upon her head.she bowed beneath the wave of sleep that consumed her. ~Flash~ New scene Tall, shiny buildings blocked out the sky.many forms seen busily moving about intent upon their lives.Flat colours, flat sight. No smell but of bitter exhaust. Shaky limbs propelled the tiny child forward, crying her loss to world about.gone were warm comforting arms of mother, gone, familiar pine scent. Tears, bitter loss, fear, anguish marked the human child's cries.
With a startled yelp, Poppy bolted upright from the twisted, sweat soaked sheets, flailing, trying to untangle herself, only to fall upon the floor with a loud thump. She half sat, half lay on her pile of bedding, heart racing a mile a minute. One shaky hand lifted to her forehead, pushing her hair from her eyes. "What the hell was that??" She closed her eyes, trying to recall her dream, only to fail, getting only the briefest of glimpses. " Why on earth do I keep dreaming that? Stupid dream." A slight scowl marred her delicate features as she half growled her annoyance under her breath. Looking around, she pulled the clock from the stand, and then groaned. 11am. She'd be later for classes yet again if she didn't get her arse in gear! Man, wear was her roommate; she was supposed to get her up. As if the imps of the perverse heard her, her door was pulled open, aforementioned roommate sticking her head in.
"Thought I heard you up! I thought I'd let you sleep in a bit, classes were cancelled because of the snow. You looked like you could use it yesterday." Sata leaned against the doorjamb, grinning. "Have a battle with the bed last night?"
Poppy rolled her eyes, untangling herself from the sheets. "You could say that. The least you could do is help me outta this mess!" She untangled herself, standing and stretching as a giant yawn threatened to crack her jaws. "So, what's for brekkers?" She took a sniff, catching a whiff of orange spice tea. and ramen?
"You mean lunch." Sata laughed. "What else but ramen? Couldn't get out to do any grocery shopping, baka. Too much snow out there. Almost 2 ½ feet."
"Gah. I'm sick of ramen."
Sata shrugged. "What else do you expect us to eat on our poor, university budgets?
"Oi, too true. Oh well, on to food! At least we still have that orange spice tea mum sent. Don't know what I'd do without it!" With that last comment, Poppy headed to the bathroom to wash and dress. Sata looked after her, shaking her head in amazement. How did Poppy know they still had the tea? She hadn't even brewed it yet. Shrugging, she left to the kitchen. That girl always was weird. Humming under her breath, she set the table.
Stretching as she walked, Poppy made it to the bathroom, and grinned toothily into the mirror, pirouetting in front of it with a critical eye. Always slim, years of martial arts training had left her with a sleekly muscled form, though her chest gave no room to doubt that she was indeed female. She detested that. Ug. Breasts, completely useless, unless one wanted kids. Oh well. Picking up her brush, she began to undo the ravages of the night, dragging the stiff bristles through short, thick dark amber hair while dark gray, almost silver eyes peered from under her fringe. Satisfied that it wasn't now sticking up in cowlicks she left still dressed in her flannel pants and tank, to attack Sata for food.
At the table, the two talked amiably over their ramen, mostly about classes and such. Looking at the two, one would think that would have nothing in common. Regardless, the two were best friends; ever sense they had met 2 years ago. While Sata Nakamaru was native to Japan, and looked it, Poppy Taylor was from America, having transferred to Tokyo for graduate studies. Sata was tall and willowy, with long ebony hair and pale complexion. Her dark eyes though missed nothing, hidden behind wire framed lenses. She was a true academic, and loved nothing more then a new mystery to solve, and truths to discover.
Poppy, on the other hand, was more inclined to the physical, though that did not mean that she wasn't smart. She was, incredibly smart. She just chose to let others think otherwise, as that would leave them unbalanced when they found out otherwise. She found that hilarious. She was barely 5'3 in height, and sleekly muscled from years on physical training. Short amber hair framed a face with high cheekbones, pointed jaw line, and aquiline nose. Her skin, courtesy of her Indian (a/n- as in from India ^^ Thought I might just add that here to clear up any misconceptions.) heritage, was a dusky gold. Her eyes, as well, showed her blood, being tilted upwards at the corners. All else, though, had no distinct ethnic features.
Besides physical characteristics, Poppy and Sata were as different in their personalities. Sata was the calm one, who thought things through and remained unruffled by any sudden changes to what was routine. She was the water to Poppy's fire. Poppy was possessed of a temper that would flare on the least whim. She had a cavalier attitude towards life; a "devil may care" approach to living that would leave many brave people gasping. Even though their differences, they were the best of friends. Perhaps it was because of these differences. One could be what the other couldn't.
As it was, both girls trusted the other completely, to the point where Poppy felt safe telling Sata of her dreams. It helped her, and perhaps she could figure out what it meant. They both sat in silence for a while until Sata finally spoke up.
"I don't know.it almost sounds as if you are trying to remember something that happened to you when you were little. I've read that sometimes, if trauma experienced in childhood is too severe, a child will block all memory of it, so as too keep their minds safe. Do you remember anything from childhood at all?" She looked over at Poppy, who lounged in her chair, on hand propping up her chin. Sata's brows furrowed as she thought this out.
"Nope. Nothing from before I was 3, I think. Remember, I told you that social service workers found me abandoned in an alley. Only thing with me were my clothes, a smoke and blood stained sari. Strange thing is, I could speak Hindi and Japanese, but I didn't know a word of English, though I was in America. They never could figure it out." That was more then she had ever told Sata before, but if it could help her figure out these stupid dreams, then why not? Couldn't hurt, right? Poppy ignored the chill that spread down her spine.
"Huh. Well, obviously you were in a fire, that was in your dream, and your clothes smelled of smoke." Sata's voice trailed off as her eyes took on a glazed look, thinking over the puzzle pieces handed to her. "How could you be in America if you didn't know the language though?"
Poppy knew that look: Sata was thinking out loud. It was no use in speaking now; she wouldn't even answer until she put together what she knew. Poppy got up and wandered into her room to change into her clothes. Looking through her closet, she decided on dark blue jeans, and a pale baize peasant top pattered with shades of brown and blue and flared cuffs. Wandering back in, she snorted as she saw Sata still gazing off into the middle distance, muttering under her breath. Sighing, she stood in front of Sata's blank face, and attempted communication. Tough luck.
"Hey, Sata, I'm going to your cousins shrine to think, and also get that tour you were nagging about." No reaction. ""I might decide to play with fire while I'm there." Again, nothing. She was a pyro, that should have gotten a reaction. Damn. "Then I'm gonna seduce Souta." Nope, nothing. This was frustrating. One more try, then she was gone. "I hear your cousins grandpa is quite sexy and good in bed." Oh well. Knowing Sata, she'd come out of her trance state in a few hours, and then respond. That would be a site worth seeing. But for now, Poppy just had to get out of the confines of the apartment, or she'd go crazy. Crazier. Whatever.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/ N: Hello folks, I am back. When I started this originally, it didn't get QUITE the response I had hoped for.lol. Got on review, thought I do thank you for it, Pyroangeli423 ^_^ Made my day. Anywho, I've revised this somewhat, and changed the plot. Hopefully it is better. This, though it is the first chapter, mainly serves to set the mood and background. There will be action, adventure, and enough fluff in it soon enough. ^^ I hope this works better, and please please please!!!! Review me! I would like to know what I'm doing right/wrong, and general comments please! Does anyone know a good beta, cause I could use one ^_~;; Thanks, and I love all you wonderful people out there! *Yaadein= memories in Hindi
~*~Gryphnwng~*~
Chapter 1: *Yaadein
Stillness had fallen over the slumbering city, the kind that only happens with the falling of the snow. A deep blanket already covered the paved roads and steel and glass monoliths, rendering all sounds silent. The ever-present glow of the cities light filtered though the softly falling snow, diffusing into a soft rose glow that lit the low hanging clouds. A blizzard had come to claim Tokyo as its home for the present, and all slept, secure in their homes. Except one.
~Flash~ Smoke scent, orange red flickering light painting the walls of the small room. Shrill cries, voices, sounds of running feet. Strong arms gathering to a warm side, motion, jolting, heat passing by in waves. ~Flash~ New scene.cool, dark forest, trees passing by in a blur. Gone was the scent of smoke, the hellish light of fire. Only warmth from arms holding tiny body securely. Fear, though.that hung all about, tainting the sweet pine scent with its acridness. Wide eyes watched, dim glow in far horizon only sight left of home, gone. ~Flash~ New scene.A hut, populated by one lone human woman.cheeks seamed with countless wrinkles. Herbs scented the interior, drowning out all other scents.sweet, bitter, musty, some putrid. She hid her nose and eyes in smoke scented/stained sari. Soft murmurs, voices speaking.A knarled hand rose, placed upon her head.she bowed beneath the wave of sleep that consumed her. ~Flash~ New scene Tall, shiny buildings blocked out the sky.many forms seen busily moving about intent upon their lives.Flat colours, flat sight. No smell but of bitter exhaust. Shaky limbs propelled the tiny child forward, crying her loss to world about.gone were warm comforting arms of mother, gone, familiar pine scent. Tears, bitter loss, fear, anguish marked the human child's cries.
With a startled yelp, Poppy bolted upright from the twisted, sweat soaked sheets, flailing, trying to untangle herself, only to fall upon the floor with a loud thump. She half sat, half lay on her pile of bedding, heart racing a mile a minute. One shaky hand lifted to her forehead, pushing her hair from her eyes. "What the hell was that??" She closed her eyes, trying to recall her dream, only to fail, getting only the briefest of glimpses. " Why on earth do I keep dreaming that? Stupid dream." A slight scowl marred her delicate features as she half growled her annoyance under her breath. Looking around, she pulled the clock from the stand, and then groaned. 11am. She'd be later for classes yet again if she didn't get her arse in gear! Man, wear was her roommate; she was supposed to get her up. As if the imps of the perverse heard her, her door was pulled open, aforementioned roommate sticking her head in.
"Thought I heard you up! I thought I'd let you sleep in a bit, classes were cancelled because of the snow. You looked like you could use it yesterday." Sata leaned against the doorjamb, grinning. "Have a battle with the bed last night?"
Poppy rolled her eyes, untangling herself from the sheets. "You could say that. The least you could do is help me outta this mess!" She untangled herself, standing and stretching as a giant yawn threatened to crack her jaws. "So, what's for brekkers?" She took a sniff, catching a whiff of orange spice tea. and ramen?
"You mean lunch." Sata laughed. "What else but ramen? Couldn't get out to do any grocery shopping, baka. Too much snow out there. Almost 2 ½ feet."
"Gah. I'm sick of ramen."
Sata shrugged. "What else do you expect us to eat on our poor, university budgets?
"Oi, too true. Oh well, on to food! At least we still have that orange spice tea mum sent. Don't know what I'd do without it!" With that last comment, Poppy headed to the bathroom to wash and dress. Sata looked after her, shaking her head in amazement. How did Poppy know they still had the tea? She hadn't even brewed it yet. Shrugging, she left to the kitchen. That girl always was weird. Humming under her breath, she set the table.
Stretching as she walked, Poppy made it to the bathroom, and grinned toothily into the mirror, pirouetting in front of it with a critical eye. Always slim, years of martial arts training had left her with a sleekly muscled form, though her chest gave no room to doubt that she was indeed female. She detested that. Ug. Breasts, completely useless, unless one wanted kids. Oh well. Picking up her brush, she began to undo the ravages of the night, dragging the stiff bristles through short, thick dark amber hair while dark gray, almost silver eyes peered from under her fringe. Satisfied that it wasn't now sticking up in cowlicks she left still dressed in her flannel pants and tank, to attack Sata for food.
At the table, the two talked amiably over their ramen, mostly about classes and such. Looking at the two, one would think that would have nothing in common. Regardless, the two were best friends; ever sense they had met 2 years ago. While Sata Nakamaru was native to Japan, and looked it, Poppy Taylor was from America, having transferred to Tokyo for graduate studies. Sata was tall and willowy, with long ebony hair and pale complexion. Her dark eyes though missed nothing, hidden behind wire framed lenses. She was a true academic, and loved nothing more then a new mystery to solve, and truths to discover.
Poppy, on the other hand, was more inclined to the physical, though that did not mean that she wasn't smart. She was, incredibly smart. She just chose to let others think otherwise, as that would leave them unbalanced when they found out otherwise. She found that hilarious. She was barely 5'3 in height, and sleekly muscled from years on physical training. Short amber hair framed a face with high cheekbones, pointed jaw line, and aquiline nose. Her skin, courtesy of her Indian (a/n- as in from India ^^ Thought I might just add that here to clear up any misconceptions.) heritage, was a dusky gold. Her eyes, as well, showed her blood, being tilted upwards at the corners. All else, though, had no distinct ethnic features.
Besides physical characteristics, Poppy and Sata were as different in their personalities. Sata was the calm one, who thought things through and remained unruffled by any sudden changes to what was routine. She was the water to Poppy's fire. Poppy was possessed of a temper that would flare on the least whim. She had a cavalier attitude towards life; a "devil may care" approach to living that would leave many brave people gasping. Even though their differences, they were the best of friends. Perhaps it was because of these differences. One could be what the other couldn't.
As it was, both girls trusted the other completely, to the point where Poppy felt safe telling Sata of her dreams. It helped her, and perhaps she could figure out what it meant. They both sat in silence for a while until Sata finally spoke up.
"I don't know.it almost sounds as if you are trying to remember something that happened to you when you were little. I've read that sometimes, if trauma experienced in childhood is too severe, a child will block all memory of it, so as too keep their minds safe. Do you remember anything from childhood at all?" She looked over at Poppy, who lounged in her chair, on hand propping up her chin. Sata's brows furrowed as she thought this out.
"Nope. Nothing from before I was 3, I think. Remember, I told you that social service workers found me abandoned in an alley. Only thing with me were my clothes, a smoke and blood stained sari. Strange thing is, I could speak Hindi and Japanese, but I didn't know a word of English, though I was in America. They never could figure it out." That was more then she had ever told Sata before, but if it could help her figure out these stupid dreams, then why not? Couldn't hurt, right? Poppy ignored the chill that spread down her spine.
"Huh. Well, obviously you were in a fire, that was in your dream, and your clothes smelled of smoke." Sata's voice trailed off as her eyes took on a glazed look, thinking over the puzzle pieces handed to her. "How could you be in America if you didn't know the language though?"
Poppy knew that look: Sata was thinking out loud. It was no use in speaking now; she wouldn't even answer until she put together what she knew. Poppy got up and wandered into her room to change into her clothes. Looking through her closet, she decided on dark blue jeans, and a pale baize peasant top pattered with shades of brown and blue and flared cuffs. Wandering back in, she snorted as she saw Sata still gazing off into the middle distance, muttering under her breath. Sighing, she stood in front of Sata's blank face, and attempted communication. Tough luck.
"Hey, Sata, I'm going to your cousins shrine to think, and also get that tour you were nagging about." No reaction. ""I might decide to play with fire while I'm there." Again, nothing. She was a pyro, that should have gotten a reaction. Damn. "Then I'm gonna seduce Souta." Nope, nothing. This was frustrating. One more try, then she was gone. "I hear your cousins grandpa is quite sexy and good in bed." Oh well. Knowing Sata, she'd come out of her trance state in a few hours, and then respond. That would be a site worth seeing. But for now, Poppy just had to get out of the confines of the apartment, or she'd go crazy. Crazier. Whatever.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/ N: Hello folks, I am back. When I started this originally, it didn't get QUITE the response I had hoped for.lol. Got on review, thought I do thank you for it, Pyroangeli423 ^_^ Made my day. Anywho, I've revised this somewhat, and changed the plot. Hopefully it is better. This, though it is the first chapter, mainly serves to set the mood and background. There will be action, adventure, and enough fluff in it soon enough. ^^ I hope this works better, and please please please!!!! Review me! I would like to know what I'm doing right/wrong, and general comments please! Does anyone know a good beta, cause I could use one ^_~;; Thanks, and I love all you wonderful people out there! *Yaadein= memories in Hindi
~*~Gryphnwng~*~