The Power of Nature

On the way back, Kagome found out how much Ki knew about her and soon told her just how he knew.

“You can even talk to trees? That’s amazing! Oh…” Kagome felt sad for a moment. “After all the trees that Inuyasha’s knocked down or the one’s I hit with my arrows … They probably aren’t too happy with me.”

Ki couldn’t help but smile. She was trying to make an apology for past events, in a way. “Actually, they speak highly of you. We cannot always help the destruction caused. Besides, a human may build a home from the woods but they plant more for food and clothes. While they use, they also help.” As he said this, he noticed a sad expression spreading on her face. What did he say to upset her? “I’m sorry, if I made you-”

“It’s not you.” Kagome shook her head. “I just don’t think you’d say something as nice about humans if…If you saw the way the world was in my time. Sure, there are people who still care. But, with the skyscrapers and all, there isn’t much room for foliage in big cities.”

“Skyscrapers,” he asked. From the sound of those things, he didn’t much like them. How could they not have time for the earth they live on?

“Oh, they’re really tall buildings made of metal and glass mostly.” Kagome paused a moment. She looked at him, putting a smile on her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you too. If it helps, there is still a lot of green in the world. There are still a lot of rainforests. Some people even buy up large amounts of land, just to keep in lush and green. It all isn’t that bad.”

The relieved him a bit. For a minute, he was worried about how the world turned out. He was thinking about ‘great war’ and the like maybe destroying most of the greenery or something. Now those thoughts dispersed, and his calm ways returned to him.

“So Kagome, do you have family back where you are from?”

“Oh yes. I have my mother, grandpa, and Souta. Oh, and of course our cat Buyo. My father died when I was very young, so I don’t remember him much. Then of course, I have three close friends. Though… We’re not as close as we use to be, but they still treat me as if I never leave.” she sighed a moment. “I hope grandpa isn’t telling them another crazy illness that I magically have. One day, he’s going to have to explain why I’m not in bed when they pop over.”

“While I would usually ask why you wouldn’t tell them the truth, I kind of understand why you wouldn’t. Most people wouldn’t believe in a time traveling miko. Even some very powerful demons wouldn’t believe it. If the trees hadn’t told me, I probably wouldn’t have,” he replied.

Kagome laughed. “That’s true. So, you do you have family?”

He stopped a moment, taking his time. Kagome stopped behind him. He turned around. “I do. I have a hanyou son. I hadn’t seen him or his mother in so long; I went to see them not too long ago. To my dismay, I found his mother was no longer living. If…If I had just not worried so much about the demon laws- It’s all in the past now. I didn’t speak to him. I feared making my appearance now after so many years would upset him. I hadn’t realized so much time had passed.”

How sad this news was to Kagome. The sad look in his eyes really showed how much he had loved this woman. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she looked up at him. “I’m sorry to hear that. However, maybe your son would be like Inuyasha. Sure, he never got to meet his father. In a way, he rather resents him. But, I’m sure if he got to meet him that he’d be very happy to see him.”

Ki’s eyes shone. “Do… Do you really think my son would be happy to see me?”

“I’m sure he would.” Kagome gave him one of her brightest smiles. She was glad she had been able to cheer him up a bit. Then she noticed the nervousness on his face. ‘For a demon,’ she thought,’ he’s not good at hiding his emotions. Most of the ones I meet are hard to read or show only a lust for power.’

“…If I do see him, then what do I say? From afar, Jinenji looked like he was content and enjoyed working-”

“Did you say Jinenji?!?!” Kagome’s eyes widened.

Ki raised a brow. “Yes. Do you know my son?”

“Of course I know him! Inuyasha and I were trying to help our friend Sango’s pet fire cat, Kirara. While I was there, he taught me a bit about grown and mixing herbs. He was so nervous back then, and the villagers were so mean. However, after those giant worm-like demons tried to attack his mother and the rest of the village, everyone treated him better. Mostly because he saved them and they realized he wasn’t a bad guy after all.”

“So, you were the one who helped my son! I spoke to one of the villagers who told me the story, but they didn’t know the names of those who were around. I am greatly thankful for how much you helped him.” He bowed in thanks. “I am so proud of how he is right now, even after all that had happened to him. To know you and Inuaysha were the ones that helped him during one of his greater times in need, when I wasn’t there to do so, truly makes me happy.”

Kagome blushed. “I don’t think we helped that much. Jinenji was a kind, strong demon in the first place. All he needed was-well-a nudge in the right direction, I guess.” She scratched the side of her face nervously. It was hard to try to accept such a kind compliment.

Hearing nice things about one’s son would make any father proud. Still, he was nervous about how his son would react. Then, an idea hit. “I’m sorry if I upset you or anything, but would you mind accompanying me to see him? I’m just not sure I can see him alone, to be honest. It’s been so long.”

For a moment, Kagome wasn’t sure what to say. In then end, she gave him a quick nod. “I’d love to. But first, I need to get back to everyone.”

Ki chuckled. “Of course. I didn’t expect you to want to come right this minute anyways. Besides, I have a few more plants I need to help out before I go.”

They had stepped into the village now. Ki followed her to Kaede’s hut, where everyone stood in surprise.

“Kagome, is this the plant demon you told us about,” asked Sango.

“Yes. This is Tonriyu Ki. Tonriyu-”

“Please, just call me Ki. It’s so much easier,” he interrupted. He never did much like formalities.
….

Inuyasha didn’t like this person. Not at all. He was just too nice. Being not one to meet any plant demons in his life, he just figured them to be just as treacherous as any other demon, even if he didn’t sense anything bad about him.

Everyone else just ignored Inuyasha, as they usually do. They had been helping Ki plant and fertilize in the forest. He appreciated the help quite a lot, constantly remarking about how it was so nice to see people doing that. Sango, Miroku. Kagome, and Shippo noticed Ki would go quiet from time to time. At first, they thought he just enjoyed the peace and quiet a lot. Soon, they realized it was because he had a hard time knowing what to say. Being a demon who doesn’t speak a lot to others, it would be difficult to know what to say when he finally did. They helped him out though, starting conversations or asking about different kinds of plants. From the looks of it, he really did enjoy all the interaction.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind coming with all of you. I’d really like to meet the man who helped Kirara get better,” announced Sango.

“Yeah, why don’t we all go? We can look for the jewel while we’re at it,” growled out Inuaysha. He mostly aimed the statements to Kagome, who in turn rolled her eyes.
…

She was glad to have gotten over the crush she once had with Inuyasha. If that had still been going on, she was sure she would have gone crazy by now. Though without it. She found herself getting rather lonely. She wanted to be with someone, but didn’t know if she would find anyone. Hojo was more like a friend and so was Kouga. Inuyasha was forever more just a friend. There wasn’t really anyone else. With her going back and forth from her time to the Feudal Era, she didn’t really have time for romance either.

‘It would still be nice,’ she thought, sighing softly as she did.
….

Ki notice her sigh and wondered what she would be thinking. It was strange, but the more he was around this woman the easier it was to interact with others. It was just so easy to talk with her. ‘Just like she was,’ he thought. He did miss his lover, but he knew he had to get over her. As much as it pained his heart to think like that. Finding out that Kagome and Inuyasha had helped Jinenji over a year ago helped him better understand that his love’s death was not too long ago. She had grown old and had died in peace, from what he knew.

‘If I had mated with her, she would have been able to live longer, and stayed younger for much longer. We would have been able to live out our lives together. But, I knew she didn’t want to leave her home. I can understand that. It would have been hard for her too, to try to get use to youkai society. They weren’t always so kind to human mates. Still…’

He tried to shed those thoughts. Now was not the time to think about it. His heart yearned for her, and he felt oh so lonely. Years to a human looked like only months to a demon like he. His biggest regret was not realizing how long it had truly been. Then perhaps, he would have at least seen her one more time before-

“Hey, are you okay?”

Ki turned his head to the miko looking up at him. There was concern in her eyes. He nodded and told her he was fine. Reassuring her a bit more, she finally believed him. She went back to working, and he looked around a bit. She had been the only one to notice that something was bothering him. ‘She must look out for everyone in her pack. Just like a mother would.’ While there were many things different about her, the kind heart but strong spirit she had made her look like a noble youkai female. Sure, many daiyoukai, when on their own, acted mean and nasty. Nevertheless, when they have finally found their mate and no longer need to constantly have to prove their power, their mean ways would shed. Of course, they wouldn’t show their kindness to a lesser youkai or human though. That would go against the demon nature.

‘One of the reasons I couldn’t put her through that,’ he assured himself. ‘Sure, she was strong of heart. To have to prove all the courts she was worthy enough though, she wouldn’t have had it….’

He was starting to upset himself again. Instead, he continued his work. They would be done soon and could head off to Jinenji’s village.
…

“You all ready yet???” Inuyasha was aggravated. He had to wait for everyone to get ready to go.

“Yeah, we’re done now, Inuyasha.” Kagome had replied in a frustrated voice.

‘That boy sure likes to upset everyone,’ thought Ki. Speaking quietly to himself, he said, “This will be quite the journey.”