Saga 7: Demons, ghosts, & goddesses
Ch.21. Sunlit Garden
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu Yu Hakusho characters except Michiru, Freya, Mara, Lulu, Osho, Jugo, Lenos, Raruna, Shadow Dark, and her sister

The day was bright and sunny as Michiru wandered about the yard around Genkai's temple, stopping at each plant to quench its thirst. At one point, she stopped at a cherry blossom tree, the petals floating slowly in the breeze, occasionally catching in her smooth, billowing hair before sweeping lazily to the ground.

Carefully setting the tin watering can by her feet, Michiru then stepped so she was next to the tree, and scanned everything about it from the thin gray branches to the tiny, swirling blossoms in the air. After observing the tree for a few moments, Michiru then began to gently stroke the tree with the fingertips of one hand while her other hand reached for the watering can. Smiling, she uttered a strange incantation and then began to pour unending amounts of water at the thick roots of the tree's base. Then, she began to do something strange, as at least would seem that way in the eyes of a normal human. She actually began talking to the tree, while still watering steadily and softly patting the trunk.

"Isn't it a lovely day?" she questioned out loud to the tree, happily staring at the bright blue sky above her. "Not a single cloud in the sky..." she continued on in a dreamy voice. "So pretty...I truly wish I could turn into a bird. To be able to soar through the air without a single worry in the world..." Michiru trailed off, spending several moments looking longingly at the sky, before the cherry blossom tree gave a little shake, apparently, in her ears, meant the tree had had enough water. With a start, she pulled away the watering can, then giggled at the tree's irritable remarks about how someone of her kind shouldn't be trying to drown the wildlife of the neighborhood community. However, the tree (whom Michiru had learned was quite old & elderly) cut itself off in mid-sentence and warned her that a strange aura was approaching her, and that she should be on guard.

Quickly dispelling the small charm she had placed on the watering can, Michiru quickly turned around, preparing to greet them, friend or foe. Desperately hoping it was a friend, she turned quickly to meet face-to-face with...no one. Shocked and puzzled, Michiru turned back to the tree, expecting to hear it laugh, or something like that, however, nothing of the sort happened. When she was about to ask if the thing had been joking or not, she then heard what sounded suspiciously like a snore from within the old bark. A cross between a chuckle and a sigh escaped her lips sounding to the effect of a 'humph'. However, when she turned away, she felt with a pang that the old tree had been right. There WAS someone or something near her, for the chakra around the person emitted a soft glow, something Michiru could just barely see out of the corner of her eye.

Suddenly feeling braver than she had in a while, Michiru stood up, head held high, and called out "I know you are there, despite the fact you have concealed yourself very well. I don't know who or what you are, but if you are here to fight or cause harm to someone, I ask kindly that you leave. I do not want to fight or use violent aggressiveness, so I ask of you; please leave this sacred place if you wish to attack me or anyone else here. If you need assistance or are here to pray, you are more than welcome to come down, but please leave us be at this holy place, for we simply reside here and wish to stay at this peaceful place without the mark of evil tainting it."

The moment Michiru had spoken those words, she knew they had power, for there was a rustle in the branches of a few towering redwoods nearby before the aura slowly began to fade away. Surprised at her courage and happy the person had decided to comply to her request, she began to move on to other vegetation around the yard. In fact, she was feeling so lighthearted and cheerful, Michiru decided to sing to voice her happiness. The brunette then began to softly hum the tune while tending to a rose bush, then began to chorus the lyrics her mother had sang to her when she was a child. (A/N- For those of you who have watched the series .hacksign enough, you'll recognize these words)

Shine, bright morning light
Now in the air the spring is coming
Sweet, blowing wind
Singing down the hills and valleys

Keep your eyes on me
Now we're on the edge of Hell
Dear my love, sweet morning light
Wait for me, you've gone much farther
Too far...

As she continued to sing, Michiru realized that all the plants and trees seemed to be swaying to her voice. Several birds even landed on her shoulders as Michiru felt her heart warm to all the support she was receiving from Mother Nature, since there was so much joy & pain marked in the memories of her song. And, for the first time in years, (most likely) she felt truly happy within her soul.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey there! So sorry about the wait! I've had the damn writer's block again! Argh! bangs head on wall Anyways, yeah I know, corny chapter, but I gotta put in filler chapters before I can get to the good stuff if you know what I'm sayin. Well, I'll try and update soon! Please PLEASE PLEASE send me a review! PLEASE!!!! Ciao.