This one is probably a little short, but I was literally dragging while I was writing it. I swear I had to start over at least five times, and I'm not even sure if I even like it. But I hope you guys like it more than I do.
The rest of the boys and Genkai were already at a clearing. I paused at the forest's edge while Hiei continued towards them. Openings in the middle of a forest were never safe. I didn't trust them. Instead, I stood close to a tall oak and brushed my fingers across the harsh bark. The boys started sparring, only showing flashes of movements that were almost impossible to follow. To challenge myself, I tried to keep track of Hiei, who seemed to be the fastest. I could catch three out of five moves, but eventually I gave up. Sitting down, I opened the notepad and started sketching the deer that I had seen earlier. I let the sounds of Yusuke and Kuwabara shouting fade away.
All too soon, I was pulled out of my trance by Genkai sitting next to me. I glanced over, but it was as if I wasn't there. She kept her eyes on the fighting boys.
"How long where you with your old master?" She bluntly asked. I flipped to a clean page and quickly wrote down 'forever.' She only took her eyes off of the sparring for a moment and nodded.
"Did he kidnap you?" I scoffed inwardly. The idea that Master had to kidnap me was ridiculous.
'No. Father throw in river. Master save.'I kept my writing short to spare her time. For the first time, I wished Hiei could have just routed my thoughts to her. Genkai's face kept its usual stony demeanor.
"Why did your father throw you in a river?" It was odd how she could ask such personal questions in a way that sounded like a demand.
'Killed mother.' I moved my eyes to the fighting boys in the clearing, refusing to let the burning feeling that crept up my chest overtake me.
"How?" Genkai shifted her attention from the paper and locked on my face.
'Birth.' I didn't lower my gaze as I wrote. She nodded, somehow satisfied by the short answer. Standing, she motioned for me to follow her. I waited to see if she was heading into the clearing, and after seeing she was not, I obliged. She led me to a tree even larger than the one I was originally sitting under, a broad tree barren of any leaves to define its type. It looked like it had always been there, since the beginning of time.
"Sit." She pointed to a high part of the trunk that pushed out to make a ledge. I gave her a strange look, but she didn't seem to be anything but serious. So I sat my notepad and pencil down and started climbing. There were handholds carved into the side, making the trek easier. Soon enough, I had made it to the ledge. Pulling myself up, I rested on the bed of moss that was coating the rough bark. I took a moment to take in my surroundings. I was much higher than I first thought. Genkai's territory stretched out for miles. The trees were just starting to change, and along with the cool breeze that brushed against my face I was reassured that winter was just around the corner. I wondered what Genkai wanted me to do up here.
Suddenly, the giant tree started budding. Leaves were forming everywhere. Soon, it was as if summer had returned, only to this one tree. Flowers took full bloom, exploding in a flurry of color and fragrance. My mouth hung open in disbelief as I picked a blossom, only to have it disappear as soon as it left it's branch. Ivy started wrapping around the tree, and soon hung from every limb, creating a veil. Finally, it seemed like the radical change had stopped. Quiet blanketed everything, not even the wind that swept through the new foliage made a sound. I felt the great tree shudder, then sigh, as it shed everything it had grown.
"Come down, Suteki." I barely heard Genkai calling up to me, I was still too stunned by what I had just witnessed. Shakily, I climbed back down. The boys had gathered around, and all were staring at me as my feet hit the ground.
"That was amazing!" Kuwabara exclaimed, grabbing me by my shoulders. I cringed but forced a smile, nodding slightly in agreement. Since Hiei was done sparring, he could finally route my thoughts.
'How did that happen?' I looked at Genkai. It had to have been a coincidence that it happened while I was in it, right?
"This tree is called Seirei no kagami, or the Mirror of Spirit," It was Kurama that spoke, so I turned my attention to him, "When someone sits in its seat, the tree reflects the person's—or demon's— energy. From the way the tree flourished, I'd say your energy is pretty strong."
"More importantly, if the spirit of the one who tries to reflect themselves is malicious or corrupt, the tree won't react. You seem to be safe." Genkai crossed her arms and headed back to the temple, not giving me a second glance.
Safe? So this had all just been a test to see if I was safe to be around? At first, I was a little insulted, but then I paused. On my first night here I had attacked one of their own. They had let a stranger into their home without knowing the first thing about me. They had every right to be concerned. A feeling of content washed over me. These people had deemed me safe. I smiled softly and looked around at the guys. All of them seemed happy, except Hiei of course.
"Come on, I'm starving. I'm sure Yukina has breakfast ready by now." Yusuke whined. So they started walking back. I took a final glance at the tree that helped me secure a safe spot in what seemed to be the nicest place I've ever been in. Sending up a silent thanks, I hurried after them, already smelling Yukina's cooking wafting from the house.
So what did you think? Eh... Try not to be so harsh on the reviews, I already know this chapter isn't up to par. I'll try to do better with the next chapter, I promise! Thank you all so much for your support. I love you all! :)