A/N: I know this is a short chapter... but whatever... hope you enjoy!
Chapter Three: Inuyasha's Forest
The dark shadows are unnerving in the dim half light… but Kaede races on, nimbly over all the debris that I somehow can't see.
As I somehow trip over another tree root, Kaede gives a loud sigh.
Perhaps… she's fed up with me already… maybe she'll let me go home – maybe-
"Here we are! The center of Inuyasha's Forest!"
And the middle of… absolutely nowhere!
I think a moment about the name. Inuyasha. What a… weird name! Kind of lame actually. I'm about to say so, when the words stick in my throat.
Before us… is a large tree -what are they called again? God tree? - With vines growing in long, HUGE tendrils around it. I think that any arborist would call this unhealthy… maybe I should give the school Hojo's dad's number when I left….
All thoughts abandon me when my eyes are drawn to the figure that is motionless in the shadows of its trunk.
Getting to my feet, knowing my eyes are almost mesmerized, I walk up to the base of the tree and stare up into his face.
Eyes closed, the boy's face is… emotionless, and almost peaceful. He's wearing a traditional, red haori and his fingernails are abnormally long and sharp. If that's not strange enough – his ears and hair definitely are. Long strands of silvery white hair fall to his shoulders, and at the top of his head are two rounded triangles. Dog ears.
Without thinking, I reach out, and feel the soft texture of his ears.
"Enjoying yourself?" Kaede questions, a wry tone to her voice.
Blushingly, I pull away from the boy and hide my hands behind my back, mentally scolding myself.
Idiot! I shouldn't be touching some strange… thing's ears! Kami knows where they have been.
I almost laugh at my own stupidity… but think better of it.
Shaking off my sudden lightheadedness as I toss my hair over my shoulder, I glance at Kaede's smug expression.
Has she made me a believer out of me… or what?
"Umm.."
She stares unwaveringly at me, probably as if she's waiting for me to say something. Probably for me to admit she's right – but at the moment I don't feel like giving her the satisfaction.
In order to stall, I turn back to look at the… amazing creature - Inuyasha, I presume, - and notice something I should have noticed earlier. Something that sends a jolt of sadness to my heart. I feel restless and lonely. I don't know why. But that one thing I failed to see… is bothering me.
An arrow is protruding from his chest.
*A/N: Please REVIEW 'kay? I'd really appreciate if you did! :D