Chapter 3
Breeze. A cold rush of late winter air wound around a grand twisted tree. It's gargantuan size and girth portraying it's age of hundreds to maybe even a thousand years old. The elder tree was housed in a valley deemed valley of the Kami as no demon set foot or whatever appendages they had in this sacred piece of land. The tree itself was worshiped as if it were a god in a sleeping state. Humans have traveled to pray to the gods for a multitude of things and sat offerings at the base of what they called Kenshi ki or heaven and earth tree. What the humans believed was nearly accurate. This tree was very special. It's valley home was protected by a goddess, Nature to be specific.
'wwooosh, foowish'
The tree's bare branches creaked and groaned as the wind maneuvered around briskly. Though the tree was rather old, it still stood strong as though it were a mountain standing tall.
'whisper'
A faint voice was carried on the wind.
"Wake..." the soft voice twined through the breeze.
A shear silhouette materialized near the holy tree. Her ghostly shape hardly there. She placed a delicate palm against the smooth bark.
"Wake...my child." she spoke with quiet demand, a soft glow erupted from her hand.
Slowly the Kenshi ki unwound it's large twisted frame to reveal a glowing mass. The woman once again placed her translucent hand on the ball of light, her power dropping the barrier in place. Left behind was a curled up body.
"Come now my sweet it is time for you to wake. This realm requires your assistance for what is to come." she commanded the bundle to rise from its long slumber.
First, a deep breath moved the being. Then, a feeble movement of the long black pearl strands of hair were brushed aside so the being could rub the centuries of rest from their eyes. A set of beautiful soft jade rimmed in a dark jade eyes drifted to the silhouette woman's face in confusion.
"Mother?" the soft feminine voice a bare whisper of not being used in so long a period.
" Welcome back my dear daughter!" the shear woman spoke proudly.
The petite woman's lovely face warped further in bewilderment. "Why have I been awoken mother? My sleep was supposed to be a permanent punishment. The other gods will have us both burning in hell's fire if they find you released me."
The other woman shook her delicate head and a soft laugh escaped her dainty lips. Her daughter on the other hand wasn't amused. "This is no laughing matter mother."
"My sweet child, the other gods gave permission for your release. They have a mission for you my child. If you succeed in their expectations you shall have your freedom...permanently."
"What is so important that they can't do themselves? They are gods for heaven's sake! Why can't they fix their own problems?" the green eyed woman cried out furiously, her temper causing her eyes to shift pure white.
Her mother immediately knew her daughter was starting to lose control of her other half. "Calm yourself Jade. You must not allow your dark side to control you. That is what got you punished in the first place."
'Breathe' she thought forcing her mind to draw a blank. The white receded leaving her angry green gaze to fall on the sky above.
"You don't have to remind me. My slumber was anything but peaceful. I was tormented by the destruction I caused while in a state of pure fury. I had lacked control in my younger state and was unable to hold back my inner demon rage." Jade fumed.
"No. Dark angel of fury yes. I've told you before..." her mother was cut short.
"Yeah, yeah. Just please leave enough alone. You never explained why the gods can't take care of this task they are charging me with." Jade didn't want to hear about the being who aided in her existence.
"The Kami are losing power in this realm. The humans corruption has gone to far. They do not worship as they once have and prayers have been impure. The Kami are unable to maintain stable form here, at least not without possessing a strong host."
"Then how is it mother that you are here, though faded as you are?" asked Jade.
"Holy ground and you my dear help strengthen my bond to this world. I am Nature, so therefore I'm always near." her mother explained.
"Fair enough. Now, what is it the gods wish of this unfortunate soul?" Jade quizzed sarcastically.
"Find the village of Inuyasha. You need to seek out the half demon and Shikon miko along with the elder demon brother. They will play a big part in what is to come. You will aide them in any means necessary to save the remaining good in this world. A darkness sealed before my time threatens release so work fast my daughter and be safe. Use your abilities as a demi goddess angle to save this world. It is now your realm to protect Jade. I shall lend assistance where I can. You will not be alone in this love."
"Very well then mother. I will assume the responsibility, but seeing as I will be taken as protector of this realm I will never truly be free. Is that right mother?"
Nature looked to her daughter with sad eyes and nodded. "It is a price to pay to have you out of that dreadful slumber. At least my Jade, you will not be alone. The group you seek have also been deemed protectors. They are strong warriors that will be beneficial in your life. Now go child, you haven't time to waste. Enough has already gone. Take flight my sweet." her mother commanded to which Jade acknowledged.
She summoned her brilliant onyx black wings that glittered in the mid morning sunlight. Testing the movement after centuries of not being in use, she took to the skies bidding her mother a farewell for now. One thing she admired from what she inherited from her father was her wings. The ability to soar through the sky was feeling of freedom like any other. The fury was what she despised.
Being half goddess had its own very useful perks. Being daughter to Nature, she had power relating to elemental properties. Over her many years of slumber, she was able to hone her abilities mind wise. She was the reason demons really never truly were able to enter the valley at first as her mind had the elements constantly maneuvering around as a warning to stay away. Humans were responsible for the holy aspect with pure prayers and pure holy barrier around the valley. Yet something seemed off about the barrier lately, as if it were growing weaker by the moment. Her mother was right. Something was definitely wrong and it was her job to repair the situation.
A/N: as promised added on my day off. This chapter is specific to Jade. Next chap will be involving the group.
