A Father's Wish

Kotori's eyelids fluttered open, revealing a pair of hazel eyes that slowly transformed into a deep shade of scarlet. The sudden color change was accompanied by a surge of memories from her past, flooding her mind with images and emotions she thought she had long forgotten. She took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present moment, but the memories were too overwhelming to ignore.

As she blinked her eyes, Kotori noticed a faint figure in the sky, resembling her in every way. The spirit hovered in the air for a moment, as if waiting for her to acknowledge its presence, before vanishing into the wind. The sight of the spirit filled Kotori with a sense of wonder and longing, leaving her questioning the meaning behind its sudden appearance.

Why….Papa? You should of let me die I deserve nothing but death!

As the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs echoed through the woods, Kotori's ears perked up, and she quickly turned her head in the direction of the sound. Her heart raced with anticipation and fear as she wondered who or what could be emerging from the dense foliage. Suddenly, through the blur of her tears, she saw the figure of her trusted mentor, a welcome sight amidst the surrounding uncertainty.

" What are you doing here, Master Kikyo?"

The priestess observed Kotori intently, her expression riddled with concern. As she studied the young woman, she couldn't help but notice the unique blend of human and demon that made up her identity. However, what alarmed her most was the sheer amount of aura that was emanating from Kotori's body. The priestess had encountered many individuals with diverse auras in her lifetime, but this was unlike anything she had ever seen. The aura was both powerful and chaotic, as if two opposing forces were struggling for dominance within Kotori. The priestess knew that she had to act quickly to help Kotori harness her aura before it became a danger to herself and those around her.

 Kotori's head drooped down as she tried to conceal the pain and vulnerability that was reflected in her gaze. She took a deep breath and raised her head, her eyes now shining with a glimmer of curiosity and hopefulness. With a gentle tone, she asked Master Kikyo, "Would you be kind enough to share some details about my father? I am eager to learn more about him." Her voice quivered a bit, betraying the mixed emotions she was feeling - longing, sadness, and a hint of excitement.

With a gentle expression of warmth and compassion, the priestess turned to face her and gave her a kind smile. As she looked up towards the top of the hill, her gaze settled on a small tombstone, barely visible in the distance. The air was still and quiet, and a sense of peacefulness enveloped them both. It was a moment of reflection and perhaps even remembrance, as they stood together in the serene surroundings. 

"Could you tell me about this place? And do you happen to know who this tombstone belongs to?" asked the priestess.

The atmosphere was heavy with grief as Kotori and Lady Kikyo stood in front of the tombstone. The marble structure was adorned with intricate designs and engravings, which had faded slightly over time. As the two of them looked at the tombstone, Kotori slowly opened her mouth and finally spoke with a trembling voice, "It's Papa's resting place." She could feel a lump forming in her throat as she fought back tears. Memories of her father flooded her mind, and the pain of his loss felt fresh again. Lady Kikyo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and they stood there in silence for a few more moments, paying their respects to the departed soul.

" I promise, Hiso. I will do whatever it takes to protect your daughter and I will not let anything bad happen to her."

As Kikyo and her companion walked away from the scene, she felt a sudden chill down her spine. She sensed a presence behind her and turned around, only to catch a fleeting glimpse of a male figure. It was Hiso, but in the spirit who she had known for years. She knew that Hiso's appearance was a sign, a warning that danger was lurking nearby. Kikyo understood that she had to act quickly to protect Kotori and brace herself for what was to come. With a heavy heart, she turned her head saying her final farewell to Hiso until they meet again. 

"My dear Koko, I want you to experience a life filled with love. It's important to me that you are able to depend on others and make friends. I hope you have lots of fun and experience happiness every day. It's okay to laugh, cry, and even get angry sometimes. I believe in your strength to overcome any problems you may face in life. Follow your heart and fall in love with a decent guy who can take better care of you than I can. Always know that I love you, my sweet and precious daughter."