Disclaimer: *sings* If I had a million dollars... I'd buy me the rights to Inuyasha... ;)
Authors note: Ok! Thanks for all the positive reviews. And I can definitely say that I now have a much clearer idea of where this story is going. Originally I was going to add Inuyasha and the gang in this chapter, and explain past events in chapter five... but... anyways, this chapter is exploring a bit more of Aki's POV and what started her troubles.
I'd just like to say, that this was the hardest chapter I've had to write so far. The end of Aki's POV took some time to get completely straightened out... and I'm still a little uncertain about this one... but, it's as good as it's going to get. Just don't hate me too much when you finish reading it. k?
Chapter four
Aki was now a guest in Kaede's hut. The old priestess had been generous and had insisted that she stay for as long as she needed. It was late now, and although they were settled comfortably inside the hut, Aki could almost feel the stars glow coming through the thatched roof, and she longed to reach out to their light. The summers air was crisp and clear... and most importantly, clean, as there are no gas powered engines there. Even in the country there was always an undertone smell of machinery. Here everything was still absolutely pure. Aki couldn't help but feel refreshed.
Aki sighed, and pulled the blanket more snugly about her figure, and bringing up just above her chin. She felt so at ease with herself. Her mind was less troubled, thus allowing her to relax her muscles that had been tensed up with stress for weeks now.
"Ever since that day..." Aki sighed, because, as all good things, they had to come to an end. Just as she had begun to relax the sudden memory began to creep up again, making her tense up uncomfortably. The sudden flow of emotions began to pull her in all directions. Feeling tears prick behind her eyes she hastily closed her lids, trying to hold them back. "It isn't fair..." she moaned in a whisper, "I want it to be over... I wish it never happened. And Although her whimper was spoken too softly for any human ears to detect, she couldn't help but turn on her side to peer in Kaede's direction. She was still sleeping, breathing evenly, and calmly, as if everything was normal... no concerns... "At least she's sleeping well..." Aki thought, even a little jealously since sleep didn't come so easily for herself lately.
Aki allowed a tear to trace its way silently across her cheek. She could smell the salt from it, she could imagine how it tasted. More followed that single tear, and soon they were flooding out of her eyes, it was a wonder that she didn't make a sound. Aki had to squeeze her eyes shut, trying in a futile attempt to stop the flow. That familiar depression had sunk back into her form, giving her a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I don't know if I can fix it..." she thought suddenly, when she remembered again, that she had no plan.
~~~~~~~~~~Aki's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do you tell your parents, that you are their unborn child? How do you tell them your sorry for something that hasn't happened to them yet? How do you explain to them that they will one day be together... when right now they are still young and awkward around each other? At least... they said they were...
I grew up there, in the countryside, in a place so completely unforgiving, so unfair. I'm used to being called names, to have a spit ball or two fly in my direction. I'm used to the stares... How did dad handle it? He looked stranger than I do to them. He had the white hair, the claws, fangs, and his eyes... they were even more noticeable than my own... but they accepted him. Not me.
He commanded their respect. He didn't listen to the whispers. The stares never seemed to affect him, in fact, they seemed to bounce back to their owners. In public he was a man to be respected, he was cunning and intelligent, despite the fact that he had never been schooled as they had. In public he was respected somehow... why can't I be? I'm his daughter. I don't look nearly as strange, I go to school and I have done well, as my mother had before me. I have a fangless smile, and clawless hands.
But I am a girl. They know I'm not nearly as powerful as my father was. And even though they will never know his history with my mother, about the feudal era or his countless battles, they know that he has done extraordinary things. Somehow, they know, deep inside their subconscious, that he was a hero to their ancestors.
Mother is different. Despite her years she still held her youthful qualities. Everyone was drawn to her charm and optimism, her laugh, and smiles. She was a hard working woman, she had a degree in history, but she was more of a modern day miko, of sorts. She owned her own small business of herbal remedies, and was often sought after for advise.
But then there's me. I'm awkward, and I don't measure up to them. I'm temperamental, and often naive. When I genuinely smile in public, I feel like the world is watching me, as if I'm about to get into trouble...
In public and at school, I'm the tough Akiko. Not to be messed with. I thought I was untouchable. I held some respect for doing so well in my academic studies, but nothing more. At home, I'm different, bubbly and happy, enjoying things any other teenage girl would. I only had a few friends who knew that Aki.
But in the end, I was a teenage girl. And like everyone, I had my secret crush. And that day... when everything changed...
I was alone in the classroom. I would have been with my friends, but they were in a student government meeting, something I had refused to join in with them... I should have. It would have saved me a lot of trouble. At the time I didn't mind. But then he came in, and walked over... I didn't know what to do... he was looking at me. Him. My heart was racing so fast, I practically had to make myself think: breathe in... out... in... out...
"I thought I'd find you here." he smiled... at me!
"Err... uh... hi!" I sounded like an idiot. What happened next was still a blur in my eyes. He started to talk to me, as if we were the best of friends, and I talked back, slowly, gaining confidence. But then, as everything often does, it ended all too quickly, the bell had rung, demanding students to return to class. I remember dreading everyone's return.
He stood. I thought he was going to leave... instead, he began to make his way to the window. He opened it and started to climb up onto the frame.
"What are you doing?!?"
"I know you're strong, but how fast are you?" It was all he said, and started to move, as if he was about to jump.
Before I had a chance to think, I leapt up and grabbed him by his shirt collar. It was just my luck that students started to file in, only to see me, holding onto him by his shirt... by the open window. It looked bad. But it got worse.
I was sent home early. I had been set up, and I was too broken hearted to say otherwise. It was all he wanted, to get me expelled. I trudged my way home with a broken heart and spirit. By the time I had arrived home someone had called my parents, wishing to make an appointment to talk to them about me.
And although, my father didn't say anything. My mother was livid.
And just when things couldn't get any worse...
~~~~~~~~~~ End of Aki's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aki shook her head. Feeling very weary, and tired. But no matter how much she tried to allow that blissful slumber to take her, she couldn't sleep. A permanent frown was plastered onto her brow, indicating that she was still troubled, remembering past events.
She suddenly felt confined in the little hut. It seemed to Aki that it was keeping the clean air out and Kaede's soft snores in, and after tossing a little, she gave up. Instead, she got up in one fluid motion, allowing the blanket to slide onto the ground discarded. Casting one look at Kaede's sleeping form, she picked up the blanket and folded it carefully before leaving it by her feet. That done, Aki turned on her heel and snuck out of the hut.
Embracing the clear night she looked up dreamily at the stars, and although those terrible thoughts were still haunting her, she couldn't help but smile. Aki started to head away from the village, and it seemed that with every step she took, the more the frown seemed to slip off of her saddened facade. She only to stop at the base of a tree. Close enough to remain in the village, but far enough to breathe.
"I'll sleep here I think." Aki said, decisively before leaping up onto one of the sturdier branches.
Aki, looked so peaceful there. Too tired to think, too tired to cry. She just sat there, with her back propped lazily against the tree. A gentle breeze picked up slightly to disturb her hair a little. But Aki hadn't noticed. She was already asleep, finally accepting her own exhaustion. And maybe, for a moment, it was as if nothing was wrong with her, as she slept in a dreamless slumber.
Authors note: So sorry yet again. It's a bit of a cliffy... my sister said I should change my name to warn people of how cruel I am. I promise that you'll know the rest of what happened back in the country soon enough. Aki can't hold it all in forever after all... either way, all the problems started at school... at least you know that much, right? I promise I'll update soon... that is, if you want me to... ;) (No worries, I'll update in a day or two).
Authors note: Ok! Thanks for all the positive reviews. And I can definitely say that I now have a much clearer idea of where this story is going. Originally I was going to add Inuyasha and the gang in this chapter, and explain past events in chapter five... but... anyways, this chapter is exploring a bit more of Aki's POV and what started her troubles.
I'd just like to say, that this was the hardest chapter I've had to write so far. The end of Aki's POV took some time to get completely straightened out... and I'm still a little uncertain about this one... but, it's as good as it's going to get. Just don't hate me too much when you finish reading it. k?
Chapter four
Aki was now a guest in Kaede's hut. The old priestess had been generous and had insisted that she stay for as long as she needed. It was late now, and although they were settled comfortably inside the hut, Aki could almost feel the stars glow coming through the thatched roof, and she longed to reach out to their light. The summers air was crisp and clear... and most importantly, clean, as there are no gas powered engines there. Even in the country there was always an undertone smell of machinery. Here everything was still absolutely pure. Aki couldn't help but feel refreshed.
Aki sighed, and pulled the blanket more snugly about her figure, and bringing up just above her chin. She felt so at ease with herself. Her mind was less troubled, thus allowing her to relax her muscles that had been tensed up with stress for weeks now.
"Ever since that day..." Aki sighed, because, as all good things, they had to come to an end. Just as she had begun to relax the sudden memory began to creep up again, making her tense up uncomfortably. The sudden flow of emotions began to pull her in all directions. Feeling tears prick behind her eyes she hastily closed her lids, trying to hold them back. "It isn't fair..." she moaned in a whisper, "I want it to be over... I wish it never happened. And Although her whimper was spoken too softly for any human ears to detect, she couldn't help but turn on her side to peer in Kaede's direction. She was still sleeping, breathing evenly, and calmly, as if everything was normal... no concerns... "At least she's sleeping well..." Aki thought, even a little jealously since sleep didn't come so easily for herself lately.
Aki allowed a tear to trace its way silently across her cheek. She could smell the salt from it, she could imagine how it tasted. More followed that single tear, and soon they were flooding out of her eyes, it was a wonder that she didn't make a sound. Aki had to squeeze her eyes shut, trying in a futile attempt to stop the flow. That familiar depression had sunk back into her form, giving her a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I don't know if I can fix it..." she thought suddenly, when she remembered again, that she had no plan.
~~~~~~~~~~Aki's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do you tell your parents, that you are their unborn child? How do you tell them your sorry for something that hasn't happened to them yet? How do you explain to them that they will one day be together... when right now they are still young and awkward around each other? At least... they said they were...
I grew up there, in the countryside, in a place so completely unforgiving, so unfair. I'm used to being called names, to have a spit ball or two fly in my direction. I'm used to the stares... How did dad handle it? He looked stranger than I do to them. He had the white hair, the claws, fangs, and his eyes... they were even more noticeable than my own... but they accepted him. Not me.
He commanded their respect. He didn't listen to the whispers. The stares never seemed to affect him, in fact, they seemed to bounce back to their owners. In public he was a man to be respected, he was cunning and intelligent, despite the fact that he had never been schooled as they had. In public he was respected somehow... why can't I be? I'm his daughter. I don't look nearly as strange, I go to school and I have done well, as my mother had before me. I have a fangless smile, and clawless hands.
But I am a girl. They know I'm not nearly as powerful as my father was. And even though they will never know his history with my mother, about the feudal era or his countless battles, they know that he has done extraordinary things. Somehow, they know, deep inside their subconscious, that he was a hero to their ancestors.
Mother is different. Despite her years she still held her youthful qualities. Everyone was drawn to her charm and optimism, her laugh, and smiles. She was a hard working woman, she had a degree in history, but she was more of a modern day miko, of sorts. She owned her own small business of herbal remedies, and was often sought after for advise.
But then there's me. I'm awkward, and I don't measure up to them. I'm temperamental, and often naive. When I genuinely smile in public, I feel like the world is watching me, as if I'm about to get into trouble...
In public and at school, I'm the tough Akiko. Not to be messed with. I thought I was untouchable. I held some respect for doing so well in my academic studies, but nothing more. At home, I'm different, bubbly and happy, enjoying things any other teenage girl would. I only had a few friends who knew that Aki.
But in the end, I was a teenage girl. And like everyone, I had my secret crush. And that day... when everything changed...
I was alone in the classroom. I would have been with my friends, but they were in a student government meeting, something I had refused to join in with them... I should have. It would have saved me a lot of trouble. At the time I didn't mind. But then he came in, and walked over... I didn't know what to do... he was looking at me. Him. My heart was racing so fast, I practically had to make myself think: breathe in... out... in... out...
"I thought I'd find you here." he smiled... at me!
"Err... uh... hi!" I sounded like an idiot. What happened next was still a blur in my eyes. He started to talk to me, as if we were the best of friends, and I talked back, slowly, gaining confidence. But then, as everything often does, it ended all too quickly, the bell had rung, demanding students to return to class. I remember dreading everyone's return.
He stood. I thought he was going to leave... instead, he began to make his way to the window. He opened it and started to climb up onto the frame.
"What are you doing?!?"
"I know you're strong, but how fast are you?" It was all he said, and started to move, as if he was about to jump.
Before I had a chance to think, I leapt up and grabbed him by his shirt collar. It was just my luck that students started to file in, only to see me, holding onto him by his shirt... by the open window. It looked bad. But it got worse.
I was sent home early. I had been set up, and I was too broken hearted to say otherwise. It was all he wanted, to get me expelled. I trudged my way home with a broken heart and spirit. By the time I had arrived home someone had called my parents, wishing to make an appointment to talk to them about me.
And although, my father didn't say anything. My mother was livid.
And just when things couldn't get any worse...
~~~~~~~~~~ End of Aki's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aki shook her head. Feeling very weary, and tired. But no matter how much she tried to allow that blissful slumber to take her, she couldn't sleep. A permanent frown was plastered onto her brow, indicating that she was still troubled, remembering past events.
She suddenly felt confined in the little hut. It seemed to Aki that it was keeping the clean air out and Kaede's soft snores in, and after tossing a little, she gave up. Instead, she got up in one fluid motion, allowing the blanket to slide onto the ground discarded. Casting one look at Kaede's sleeping form, she picked up the blanket and folded it carefully before leaving it by her feet. That done, Aki turned on her heel and snuck out of the hut.
Embracing the clear night she looked up dreamily at the stars, and although those terrible thoughts were still haunting her, she couldn't help but smile. Aki started to head away from the village, and it seemed that with every step she took, the more the frown seemed to slip off of her saddened facade. She only to stop at the base of a tree. Close enough to remain in the village, but far enough to breathe.
"I'll sleep here I think." Aki said, decisively before leaping up onto one of the sturdier branches.
Aki, looked so peaceful there. Too tired to think, too tired to cry. She just sat there, with her back propped lazily against the tree. A gentle breeze picked up slightly to disturb her hair a little. But Aki hadn't noticed. She was already asleep, finally accepting her own exhaustion. And maybe, for a moment, it was as if nothing was wrong with her, as she slept in a dreamless slumber.
Authors note: So sorry yet again. It's a bit of a cliffy... my sister said I should change my name to warn people of how cruel I am. I promise that you'll know the rest of what happened back in the country soon enough. Aki can't hold it all in forever after all... either way, all the problems started at school... at least you know that much, right? I promise I'll update soon... that is, if you want me to... ;) (No worries, I'll update in a day or two).