Planting Trees, Wet Knees

Earth Day:

"Have you done this before?" It was the third time Koharu had been asked that today. She wasn't sure at this point if she should feel insulted or not.

"Dug a hole? Yes." She responded without humour, instead focusing on the task of shovelling dirt.

"No! Silly, I meant planting trees!" The cheerful person, who she had been partnered with for the day, responded. It was a woman about her age, yet they were complete opposites. She had bright hair for one, almost matching her shining personality.

Koharu sighed, taking a moment to wipe sweat from her brow. "Planting trees, yes." While it had been a few years ago, she often had spent time in the gardens of her home. Either being roped into helping her mother or the employed gardeners, it was a memory she should've looked back onto fondly. Yet thinking back on this times didn't ever invoke feelings of joy, just bitter sorrow. "A few times." Naturally she didn't elaborate further, her tone remaining neutral. Perhaps once upon a time she would have enjoyed this activity more, but now it was just a job.

Her partner didn’t seem to notice the lack of enthusiasm. "Isn't it exciting? These trees will grow tall and strong, providing shade and oxygen for years to come! It’s like we’re leaving a legacy for the future!" The woman’s eyes seemed to sparkle with the energy of someone genuinely passionate about the task at hand.

Koharu for her part just resumed with her work, giving a non-committal grunt. Despite her inherent distaste for this human, they seemed to know what they were doing at least. The soil here was rich, perfect for nurturing new life. Once more she plunged the shovel into the ground again, digging a new hole for the next sapling. In the background around the pair, other volunteers bustled around, some raking the soil while others carried young trees in pots.

It was a lively affair filled with chatter and laughter, a true community effort. How long had it been since Koharu had witnessed something like this? How long since she had been surrounded by so many fools? If she thought on it any longer those memories might resurface, the ones she kept locked away in the deepest recesses of her mind. A lifetime could pass and the wounds would still feel fresh. All she could do was lament how foolish these people were being.

"Why did you decide to join this project?" Her partner suddenly asked, breaking the silence and snapping Koharu from her thoughts.

Koharu hesitated. She hadn't exactly volunteered out of the kindness of her heart. No, it was just an easy payday. A less unsavoury method of earning the money that she desperately needed. It was not the first time she had done something like this, so she was confused at her own hesitation to answer. She just didn't feel like sharing that sort of answer.

"Thought it was time to do something different," She said instead, her tone measured and calm. "Besides, the land around here looks like it could use some care."

Her partner beamed at her and nodded, it seemed the answer had satisfied her for now. "That's a great reason! We've taken so much from the earth, it's only fair to give something back to it." She really seemed to believe what she was saying. For someone her age to act like this, how naïve she was. Koharu wondered how sheltered this woman had been growing up. Then again, this entire community seemed to be the same. It was strange, almost unbelievable. Yet here they were, all acting like this. It made her feel uneasy.

The conversation had ended there, and the pair continued on in silence for awhile. Only the sounds of the scraping of shovels and distant chattering of the other volunteers filled the air. It was repetitive work, but Koharu found the repetition of digging and planting oddly soothing. Maybe it was because her last few jobs had been far more chaotic in nature. It provided a stark contrast to her usual day to day, and that was kind of nice.

They continued in a pleasant silence for a bit longer. After a few more saplings had been planted, the woman turned to Koharu with a bright smile on her face. "I'm Aiko by the way!"

It shocked her for a moment. Had they not introduced themselves to each other earlier? They had been working together for over an hour now, how strange. "Koharu." She replied finally, with a small nod.

"Nice to meet you, Koharu!" Aiko extended a dirt covered hand, which Koharu shook bemusedly. "So, what do you think about the clean up part of the project? We’re supposed to start that after lunch."

Koharu shrugged. "It's necessary. Keeping the land clean helps everything grow better."

"Exactly! Plus, it’s kind of satisfying, isn’t it? Seeing a messy area get all cleaned up?" Aiko's enthusiasm was infectious, Koharu even finding herself nodding in agreement despite herself. What a strange person. At the very least, she made this monotonous work more bearable.

With that they kept working until noon, where the organizers called for a lunch break. It was a simple affair, but the vibrant warmth of the community gathering made the food an afterthought. Koharu sat on the edge of the clearing, watching as the others shared stories and laughter. Not one to engage directly in revelry, not anymore anyway, she passed the time by writing.

Despite her obvious attempts to avoid social interaction Aiko joined her not long into the break. She sat next to her, balancing a plate of rice and vegetables.

"So," Aiko said between bites, "After lunch we’re heading to the riverbank. There’s a ton of litter there, and animals have been known to get tangled up in fishing lines. Think you’re up for it?"

Koharu nodded, though she thought it should have been obvious. "I can handle it."

"Great!" Aiko was still bursting with energy despite all the work. She wasn't a real human, Koharu was quite certain of that. No normal person could be this energetic for so long. "It’s really sad to see the animals suffer because of human carelessness. But I guess that’s why we’re here, right?”

Koharu didn't have the heart to respond. She was only here for the pay check after all. The work was tiring enough, and it wasn't worth upsetting her partner right now. Especially since there was still half a work day left. But she inwardly reaffirmed to herself, just here for the pay check. Nothing else, right?

After the lunch hour was over, the group of volunteers gathered once more. Gloves, bags and various other tools for the clean up were handed out to the pairs.

Koharu received her supplies, and joining up with Aiko headed to the riverbank with the others. The walk was short but pleasant, Koharu would have very much liked to walk this route some other time, when she wasn't being pestered by Aiko.

When they arrived at the riverbank, the damage was evident. Bags clung to branches, bottles and cans littered the ground, and various other bits of trash floated in the water. It was certainly a stark contrast to the rest of the surrounding area. Koharu noticed Aiko's face falling slightly at the sight, but she seemed to quickly mask her disappointment with determination.

"Right, let's get to it!" Aiko said resolutely. She pulled on her gloves and picked up a bag, diving straight into the task. Almost literally, as she very nearly tumbled into the water in her over enthusiasm.

Koharu followed suit, though her movement was more methodical. She remembered the times when she had done similar work back home, though under very different circumstances. Back then, it was a punishment, a lesson in humility that had initially created that spark. Now she focused on the task at hand, not wanting to spend time dwelling on the sadness that seemed to be creeping into her heart. The repetitive nature of the job, picking up the trash and putting it in a bag became a mindless routine, calming in a way.

Aiko’s voice pulled her back to the present. "Hey, look at this!" In her hands was a small bird, its wing tangled in a piece of fishing line. The bird struggled weakly against its restraint, chirping.

Koharu moved over quickly, as she felt her heart wrench at the sight. Quickly and without a word she took out a kunai and carefully cut the line, freeing the bird from it's tangled prison. Aiko gently held it, checking for injuries before setting it down on the ground. The bird flapped its wings experimentally before taking off into the sky. "Good job!" Aiko said, smiling at Koharu.

Koharu nodded. "Just doing what needed to be done." Though her voice was softer than usual.

While they worked Aiko kept up a steady stream of conversation. It was mostly talk of the future, and about the difference they were making. Koharu nodded occasionally. She gave just enough responses to keep Aiko talking, but not enough to truly engage in the conversation. Koharu didn't mind the chatter, it filled the silence and kept her from thinking too much.

But then Aiko said something that made Koharu pause. "You know, my parents used to bring me here when I was little. Back then, the river was so clean you could see the fish swimming. It was my favourite place in the world. I want to bring that back."

Koharu paused in her work and looked at Aiko. She saw a glimmer of something. It reminded Koharu of herself, once. There had been a time when she had believed in making the world better. She had fought for it, sacrificed for it, and in the end she had lost everything. Reality was harsh.

But somehow Aiko was still full of hope, still fighting for a better tomorrow. For a moment, Koharu felt a flicker of something she had thought lost. Though, once again a heavy dose of reality snuffed it out just as quickly as it had arrived. Still, she didn't wish to hurt Aiko's feelings on the matter.

"I'm sure you will." Koharu found herself saying. "One piece at a time you'll be able to do it."

Aiko smiled a grateful smile, and Koharu couldn't help but feel warmed by it. "Exactly! One piece at a time."

They continued to work in silence for awhile longer. The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur of similar tasks. Removing the debris, untangling more animals, and clearing the riverbank of trash. By the time the sun had begun to set the area was noticeably cleaner. As the volunteers gathered up their tools, Koharu took a moment to admire the view.

"We did good work today," Aiko said, stretching her arms above her head. "Thank you for your help, Koharu. It’s been great working with you."

Koharu gave a small nod. "You too."

The return walk back to the village was filled with Aiko's continued chatter about future plans for the project. Even after the full day of work, her enthusiasm and energy was undiminished. Koharu listened quietly, her mind on the events of the day. While driven by a need for money, and initially reluctant, she couldn't deny it had been a nice change of pace.

When they finally reached the village, Aiko turned to Koharu with a bright smile. "Thanks for the help today! Maybe I'll see you at another clean up?"

Koharu blinked and hesitated. Then after a moment she nodded. "Yeah, maybe."

"Great!" Aiko beamed. "Until then, let's keep doing our best!"

Koharu's lips curled into a smile, Aiko's relentless enthusiasm having worn her down finally. "Yeah, take care."

The two parted ways, and having collected her payment for the day's work Koharu returned to her lodgings for the night. She would leave this place soon enough, but maybe she would come back someday to visit.

[Closed]

2006 WC

6000 Ryo [4000 Base & 2000 C-Rank MN Bonus]
20 AP
+20 Vigor

1092+908=2000/2000 Chakra Suppression
908/2000 Chakra Infusion

Koharu Yuki wrote:

Earth Day:

"Have you done this before?" It was the third time Koharu had been asked that today. She wasn't sure at this point if she should feel insulted or not.

"Dug a hole? Yes." She responded without humour, instead focusing on the task of shovelling dirt.

"No! Silly, I meant planting trees!" The cheerful person, who she had been partnered with for the day, responded. It was a woman about her age, yet they were complete opposites. She had bright hair for one, almost matching her shining personality.

Koharu sighed, taking a moment to wipe sweat from her brow. "Planting trees, yes." While it had been a few years ago, she often had spent time in the gardens of her home. Either being roped into helping her mother or the employed gardeners, it was a memory she should've looked back onto fondly. Yet thinking back on this times didn't ever invoke feelings of joy, just bitter sorrow. "A few times." Naturally she didn't elaborate further, her tone remaining neutral. Perhaps once upon a time she would have enjoyed this activity more, but now it was just a job.

Her partner didn’t seem to notice the lack of enthusiasm. "Isn't it exciting? These trees will grow tall and strong, providing shade and oxygen for years to come! It’s like we’re leaving a legacy for the future!" The woman’s eyes seemed to sparkle with the energy of someone genuinely passionate about the task at hand.

Koharu for her part just resumed with her work, giving a non-committal grunt. Despite her inherent distaste for this human, they seemed to know what they were doing at least. The soil here was rich, perfect for nurturing new life. Once more she plunged the shovel into the ground again, digging a new hole for the next sapling. In the background around the pair, other volunteers bustled around, some raking the soil while others carried young trees in pots.

It was a lively affair filled with chatter and laughter, a true community effort. How long had it been since Koharu had witnessed something like this? How long since she had been surrounded by so many fools? If she thought on it any longer those memories might resurface, the ones she kept locked away in the deepest recesses of her mind. A lifetime could pass and the wounds would still feel fresh. All she could do was lament how foolish these people were being.

"Why did you decide to join this project?" Her partner suddenly asked, breaking the silence and snapping Koharu from her thoughts.

Koharu hesitated. She hadn't exactly volunteered out of the kindness of her heart. No, it was just an easy payday. A less unsavoury method of earning the money that she desperately needed. It was not the first time she had done something like this, so she was confused at her own hesitation to answer. She just didn't feel like sharing that sort of answer.

"Thought it was time to do something different," She said instead, her tone measured and calm. "Besides, the land around here looks like it could use some care."

Her partner beamed at her and nodded, it seemed the answer had satisfied her for now. "That's a great reason! We've taken so much from the earth, it's only fair to give something back to it." She really seemed to believe what she was saying. For someone her age to act like this, how naïve she was. Koharu wondered how sheltered this woman had been growing up. Then again, this entire community seemed to be the same. It was strange, almost unbelievable. Yet here they were, all acting like this. It made her feel uneasy.

The conversation had ended there, and the pair continued on in silence for awhile. Only the sounds of the scraping of shovels and distant chattering of the other volunteers filled the air. It was repetitive work, but Koharu found the repetition of digging and planting oddly soothing. Maybe it was because her last few jobs had been far more chaotic in nature. It provided a stark contrast to her usual day to day, and that was kind of nice.

They continued in a pleasant silence for a bit longer. After a few more saplings had been planted, the woman turned to Koharu with a bright smile on her face. "I'm Aiko by the way!"

It shocked her for a moment. Had they not introduced themselves to each other earlier? They had been working together for over an hour now, how strange. "Koharu." She replied finally, with a small nod.

"Nice to meet you, Koharu!" Aiko extended a dirt covered hand, which Koharu shook bemusedly. "So, what do you think about the clean up part of the project? We’re supposed to start that after lunch."

Koharu shrugged. "It's necessary. Keeping the land clean helps everything grow better."

"Exactly! Plus, it’s kind of satisfying, isn’t it? Seeing a messy area get all cleaned up?" Aiko's enthusiasm was infectious, Koharu even finding herself nodding in agreement despite herself. What a strange person. At the very least, she made this monotonous work more bearable.

With that they kept working until noon, where the organizers called for a lunch break. It was a simple affair, but the vibrant warmth of the community gathering made the food an afterthought. Koharu sat on the edge of the clearing, watching as the others shared stories and laughter. Not one to engage directly in revelry, not anymore anyway, she passed the time by writing.

Despite her obvious attempts to avoid social interaction Aiko joined her not long into the break. She sat next to her, balancing a plate of rice and vegetables.

"So," Aiko said between bites, "After lunch we’re heading to the riverbank. There’s a ton of litter there, and animals have been known to get tangled up in fishing lines. Think you’re up for it?"

Koharu nodded, though she thought it should have been obvious. "I can handle it."

"Great!" Aiko was still bursting with energy despite all the work. She wasn't a real human, Koharu was quite certain of that. No normal person could be this energetic for so long. "It’s really sad to see the animals suffer because of human carelessness. But I guess that’s why we’re here, right?”

Koharu didn't have the heart to respond. She was only here for the pay check after all. The work was tiring enough, and it wasn't worth upsetting her partner right now. Especially since there was still half a work day left. But she inwardly reaffirmed to herself, just here for the pay check. Nothing else, right?

After the lunch hour was over, the group of volunteers gathered once more. Gloves, bags and various other tools for the clean up were handed out to the pairs.

Koharu received her supplies, and joining up with Aiko headed to the riverbank with the others. The walk was short but pleasant, Koharu would have very much liked to walk this route some other time, when she wasn't being pestered by Aiko.

When they arrived at the riverbank, the damage was evident. Bags clung to branches, bottles and cans littered the ground, and various other bits of trash floated in the water. It was certainly a stark contrast to the rest of the surrounding area. Koharu noticed Aiko's face falling slightly at the sight, but she seemed to quickly mask her disappointment with determination.

"Right, let's get to it!" Aiko said resolutely. She pulled on her gloves and picked up a bag, diving straight into the task. Almost literally, as she very nearly tumbled into the water in her over enthusiasm.

Koharu followed suit, though her movement was more methodical. She remembered the times when she had done similar work back home, though under very different circumstances. Back then, it was a punishment, a lesson in humility that had initially created that spark. Now she focused on the task at hand, not wanting to spend time dwelling on the sadness that seemed to be creeping into her heart. The repetitive nature of the job, picking up the trash and putting it in a bag became a mindless routine, calming in a way.

Aiko’s voice pulled her back to the present. "Hey, look at this!" In her hands was a small bird, its wing tangled in a piece of fishing line. The bird struggled weakly against its restraint, chirping.

Koharu moved over quickly, as she felt her heart wrench at the sight. Quickly and without a word she took out a kunai and carefully cut the line, freeing the bird from it's tangled prison. Aiko gently held it, checking for injuries before setting it down on the ground. The bird flapped its wings experimentally before taking off into the sky. "Good job!" Aiko said, smiling at Koharu.

Koharu nodded. "Just doing what needed to be done." Though her voice was softer than usual.

While they worked Aiko kept up a steady stream of conversation. It was mostly talk of the future, and about the difference they were making. Koharu nodded occasionally. She gave just enough responses to keep Aiko talking, but not enough to truly engage in the conversation. Koharu didn't mind the chatter, it filled the silence and kept her from thinking too much.

But then Aiko said something that made Koharu pause. "You know, my parents used to bring me here when I was little. Back then, the river was so clean you could see the fish swimming. It was my favourite place in the world. I want to bring that back."

Koharu paused in her work and looked at Aiko. She saw a glimmer of something. It reminded Koharu of herself, once. There had been a time when she had believed in making the world better. She had fought for it, sacrificed for it, and in the end she had lost everything. Reality was harsh.

But somehow Aiko was still full of hope, still fighting for a better tomorrow. For a moment, Koharu felt a flicker of something she had thought lost. Though, once again a heavy dose of reality snuffed it out just as quickly as it had arrived. Still, she didn't wish to hurt Aiko's feelings on the matter.

"I'm sure you will." Koharu found herself saying. "One piece at a time you'll be able to do it."

Aiko smiled a grateful smile, and Koharu couldn't help but feel warmed by it. "Exactly! One piece at a time."

They continued to work in silence for awhile longer. The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur of similar tasks. Removing the debris, untangling more animals, and clearing the riverbank of trash. By the time the sun had begun to set the area was noticeably cleaner. As the volunteers gathered up their tools, Koharu took a moment to admire the view.

"We did good work today," Aiko said, stretching her arms above her head. "Thank you for your help, Koharu. It’s been great working with you."

Koharu gave a small nod. "You too."

The return walk back to the village was filled with Aiko's continued chatter about future plans for the project. Even after the full day of work, her enthusiasm and energy was undiminished. Koharu listened quietly, her mind on the events of the day. While driven by a need for money, and initially reluctant, she couldn't deny it had been a nice change of pace.

When they finally reached the village, Aiko turned to Koharu with a bright smile. "Thanks for the help today! Maybe I'll see you at another clean up?"

Koharu blinked and hesitated. Then after a moment she nodded. "Yeah, maybe."

"Great!" Aiko beamed. "Until then, let's keep doing our best!"

Koharu's lips curled into a smile, Aiko's relentless enthusiasm having worn her down finally. "Yeah, take care."

The two parted ways, and having collected her payment for the day's work Koharu returned to her lodgings for the night. She would leave this place soon enough, but maybe she would come back someday to visit.

[Closed]

2006 WC

6000 Ryo [4000 Base & 2000 C-Rank MN Bonus]
20 AP
+20 Vigor

1092+908=2000/2000 Chakra Suppression
908/2000 Chakra Infusion

1092 words towards Chakra Suppression
908 words towards Chakra Infusion

6 words discarded

Approved