Girl Warrior by Chronotope

Part One

Author's Note: This is a reworking of a fanfic I wrote 5+ years ago. I am sproucing it up and introducing more depth to the story. The story was originally published as 25 separate chapters, but I have broken it down into 5 parts, ranging from 10,000-20,000 words.  The format of this and subsequent parts will be reformatted periodically as needed. Certain parts also require substantial reworking, and I am open to reviews.

Given that this is an alternative universe setting, I have played with some personality traits and ideals to allow for a better story. This is also a first person fanfic, and an experiment in writing style. Please be aware that this story is not intended for the faint of heart, as there will be graphic sexual situations as well as violence. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I never believed in predestination, but sometimes I felt like the gods were mocking me. It was like my life's journey had already been decided by fate. In other words, I was the youngest of a pair of twins.

Twins could be the best, and the worst, for a ruler. If an Emperor, lord, or even a commoner were to have twins, it meant that the god's had wanted to grant them a favor, but only if the twins were male. Unfortunately for my father, my sister and I could never be the son he hoped for.

My sister and I were a disappointment in my father's eyes from an early age, but that did not stop him from attempting to make the best of the situation. My sister, Kikyo, was the older twin and thus received slightly more care and endearment. I did not hate her for that- it had been ingrained into my being that I was the lesser of us; Kikyo would always have priority. I simply accepted my situation in life.

Because we were both girls, father decided to educate Kikyo in the ways to run a country, warfare, politics, and diplomacy. And by educate, he dictated to Kikyo's tutors exactly what to teach her. I rarely saw Father for more than a few hours at a time.

My sister and I were, for the most party, separated from the day of our birth. She went off to learn how to rule a country while I was left behind. It soon became obvious that Kikyo had no interest in politics, war, economy, or anything other than fashion and her social position. I developed the exact opposite tastes, enamored with everything that had to do with the country or scholarly knowledge. Maybe it was because I was never allowed to be formally trained, or to learn how to use a weapon, that I felt the desire to obtain what was out of my reach.

Our nanny, a pleasant old woman named Kaede, taught me how to use a bow and arrow along with a small amount of aikido. We had to keep our meetings brief and to the point, so I was never usually allowed to ask questions, but one day Kaede looked pale and frazzled, so I had to ask her what was bothering her.

"Kaede?" I looked at the old, wrinkly woman and I stretched my arms above my head, and then bent down to touch my toes. "What's the matter?" I had been looking forward to this afternoon's lesson, the snow had finally melted from the trees and we would be able to train together again.

Kaede shook her head, not wanting to answer my question right away. She only did that if the answer would cause me more harm than good. "Your dear father has found out about our meetings, child, and we will no longer be able to train because of his orders."

I stopped, my hear thumping in my ears. No more training? But… I enjoyed this so much! "That's unfair!" Standing up, I stamped my foot, annoyance going through my every fiber. "He probably thinks it'll interfere with Kikyo's education somehow. It's always about Kikyo!"

The elderly woman shook her head, reaching over to rest a hand on my arm to still me. "Nay, child. I think it's because he's taking the advice from his Seer to seriously."

"You mean Naraku, that idiot?" Crossing my arms, I sat down next to Kaede after a moment, thoroughly upset. This was so like Naraku, he would find out something that I enjoyed then my father, and Father would usually take it away, using the excuse that it would somehow interfere with Kikyo.

"I think it is because your father believes what Naraku says, that you or Kikyo carries Midoriko in your soul." Kaede replied calmly, gently putting an arm around my shoulders. She tried to comfort me, but I was still angry.

"I doubt that. Midoriko has been dead now for almost a hundred years. Father's just being superstitious."

"That's probably true, but you must remember because your father is the Emperor and a grown adult, while you are still a child." Kaede said quietly, fingers gently petting my hair.

"I am not a child Kaede, and I am old enough to make my own decisions on what I want to do!" I stood, a bit angry with the entire affair and with how Kaede still saw me. I was fifteen, going to be sixteen in about seven months, and by common standards already a woman.

Sometimes I wish I could go back to that time- the time just before I met him and others like him. Everything was so much simpler then, but, like I said, I was old enough to make my own decisions.

Literature was one of my favorite past times, aside from training from Kaede, and I gained much of my knowledge from reading. Father did not bother to assign me a tutor- after all, why would I need more intellectual skill other than the basic reading and arithmetic abilities that other noble children had? I was only the second child, and it would be unlikely I would inherit the Imperial Throne. Literature was a semi-perfect solution to my never ending boredom and lack of friendship.

I had a large scroll rolled out across my lap, and I read it with some interest. One of the few things I requested from Father was that I received scrolls from the Continent on a monthly basis. Oddly, he obliged, and every few weeks I would receive a stack of scrolls, ranging from adventure to politics to read through.

I normally enjoyed this reading without interference, but today was an exception. Looking up as I heard footsteps, I scowled slightly to myself. The wonderful Princess Kikyo was gracing me with her royal presence. "Hello, Kikyo." We were both technically princesses but hardly anyone talked to me with a royal honorific, and I certainly wasn’t going to extend that courtesy to someone who was on the same technical station as me.

"Sister." Kikyo sat down next to me, delicately folding her legs underneath her with her hands in her lap, the opposite of my position. I was splayed out across the mats with a pillow behind me, scrolls in a pile to my right, with a pot of jasmine tea to my left.

"I see you're reading another… Scroll." Kikyo scowled, attempting to read the top of the scroll, but the language difference of the Continent's and our own surpassed her knowledge. Written language was certainly not her strong suit.

"Yep, another scroll. What is it that you want?" I asked, placing the rough, hand-made paper to the side, being wary not to tear it.

Kikyo shifted uncomfortably, her long tresses of black hair tucked into a peasant-styled bun. "Well… Remember when we were little children and Father separated us?"

"Of course." How could I not remember? I thought of it almost every day, it was like an old wound, constantly getting pushed and picked at by the society around me. "What about it?" She only ever brought it up if something was wrong, and I was hesitant to get involved with her emotions.

"Well, Father's been thinking that he made the wrong choice. I mean… I'm not very good at politics and government… And…. And." Kikyo let out a sniffle, wiping her dark brown eyes gently with the back of her hand.

I sighed inwardly, it was always like this; she was the victim of all of Father's ideas and I was the consoler. "There, there Kikyo…" I gently placed a hand on her shoulder, unsure of how to cheer her up. I couldn't understand why she was sad. Father never thought anything of me, so I had no expectations in regards to praise or disappointment.

Kikyo and I didn't have a relationship, but she seemed to feel that I was the only one she could confide in. We know we were sisters but we never had the sort of bonding experience that most siblings had. I often wondered if this was Father's plot all along; separate us to break us, and then infuse the seed of doubt. Maybe I was reading too many Continent stories.

"Go take a bath with me, K-Kagome?" Kikyo asked quietly, hiccing softly as she wiped her moist eyes again.

"Okay…" I rolled the foreign scroll and set it to the side, standing with Kikyo. We walked quietly, moving through the pearly light of the afternoon, cutting across the main courtyard. It was early autumn, and the trees and flowers were still clinging to their summer blooms.

Servants bowed to us, greeting us with a quiet, "Good morning Princess Kikyo and Princess Kagome." It made me cringe; the only reason for them to use the honofric was because we were together. I was technically above them in station, but Kikyo and I were worlds apart in terms of recognized importance.

"Oh, wonderful, Natsuko is in the springs." Kikyo stated vehemently, pushing a paper screen to the side and kicked her silk slippers off. We both saw the other woman's slippers at the first gate to the springs. I stepped through as well, shutting the doors behind us. I didn't have any slippers- my feet were good enough to walk on grass and wood. There was no need to coddle them.

Natsuko was Father's new concubine, and it was rumored that Father was still trying to have a male heir. Neither Kikyo nor I liked Natsuko, the woman looked down on us and seemed to be constantly trying to control Father. Our assumptions were probably correct, but either way we had to endure her. She was the daughter of one of the court’s higher ranked generals, and like me fell into the technical gray area of nobility.

Kikyo and I pushed apart another screen, this one made out of thing slabs of wood. We were greeted with the sharp, sulfur smell of the hot springs, both of watching as handmaids moved out of our way.

"Hello girls." Natsuko was lounging against one of the many smooth rocks in the communal hot spring. She reminded me of a bulbous toad, even though she had the characteristic beauty that all of the ladies in the court desired. Her skin was pale; almost the color of milk, but it reminded me of a frog's underbelly. She had long hair, which was held back at the moment by a serving woman, another attendant brushing the long tresses.

"Hello, Natsuko." I replied, gently nodding me head in acknowledgment, Kikyo doing the same. Both of us started to disrobe, but I had to help Kikyo out of her obi. Physically Kikyo and I were night and day. I wore the garments of a boy because I had yet to become a woman, and my breasts weren't so overly gratuitous that I needed to wear regular, feminine clothing. I unwrapped the long piece of silk, gently untying the fragile bonds, Kikyo's pale form coming into visibility. Neither Natsuko nor Kikyo seemed to be embarrassed of their nakedness, lounging in the water without hesitation. I, though, given my delayed growth, was more hesitant to disrobe under their scrutiny, and removed my youth-styled clothing off when they both had their attention elsewhere. Sliding into the spring, I moved away from the two women, simultaneously jealous at their feminine forms, and relieved that I did not have to deal with the consequences and responsibilities that came with being a woman of the Imperial house.

Using the steam to hide myself, I brought an arm up covering my chest. I did not want to hear criticism from the others. Natsuko smirked; apparently she caught the entire show as I moved into the water. "I see Princess Kagome is still a little girl… While Kikyo is already a woman. No wonder Takashi hates you." Takashi was the name of my Father, and I rarely head the name muttered in such a common fashion. Maybe this was a clue to Natsuko and Father's relationship.

"Quiet Natsuko, you know Kagome is more of a woman then you!" Kikyo snapped, rubbing her alabaster-colored skin with sakura petals, a servant kindly offering her a linen cloth.

Natsuko smirked, "I doubt that, she barely has her woman-curls yet." I glared, and simply rubbed the dirt off of my skin. I eyed the other two in annoyance mentally comparing my physical appearance to theirs; my skin darker than a noble woman's should be. I resembled a peasant… And it made me cringe. I spent too much time in the sun, maybe if I rubbed cow's milk on my skin every night like Kikyo, my skin could turn the color of it, or at least a shade or two paler?

After a moment of stifling silence, Natsuko stood, water rolling off of her voluptuous form, waiting for the servants to come and robe her. Blushing, I quickly looked away, my eye level with that of Natsuko's large breasts. No wonder Father liked her… He always desired women with a large chest and pale skin, even when Mother was alive.

Natsuko could feel my gaze shift, and she moved, leaning down so that her breasts were even closer to me. "Look at them all you want, because you'll never get your own!" Laughing as I colored in horror, Natsuko took the robe the servants offered, wrapping it around her shoulders and went to a private dressing room.

Kikyo scowled, scooting closer to me. "Ignore her, Kagome; she's just an old maid. We know what Father is using her for." I nodded, and dunked my head underneath the water, and attempted to wash the thoughts out of my mind.

xxxxxx

"But why? Why is Mama dead?" A five-year old Kikyo asked, crying bitterly into her kimono sleeve.

I looked away, unable to watch as the mikos prepared Mama's body for cremation. I felt Mama's death more than Kikyo, because she seemed to be the only one who understood me and my situation.

"It is hard to say, child, but Kami has a plan for all of us." Kaede said quietly, hugging us gently to her sides, tucking our heads unto her arms as the mikos lighted the fire.

"No, I want to watch Kaede." I pulled away and stared as they started the process of getting rid of the empty shell that Mother used to inhabit. We didn't know why she had died, only that the healer had been unable to cure it.

The mikos dappled lantern oil along the cloth of Mama's pale white robe, and the Daiisan readied a large torch. "We pray in the name of Kami. We wish for Kenanko's soul to be sent to Heaven, and that her reincarnation may have as fruitful lie as she did." With that final prayer, the Daiisan lowered the torch, Mother's kimono catching fire.

I watched as Mother disappeared into a plume of smoke, Kikyo's sobs rising as a prayer from the mikos and the Daiisan started. I simply watched, not shedding a tear. Mother would not want me to feel bad that she was gone; she would want me to be happy.

I woke up in a sweat, hands trembling as I gripped the silk sheets of my futon. I hadn't remembered that time for almost a year, why was it suddenly coming back? It bothered me, and I know I wouldn't be able to fall asleep again.

Sitting up, I walked quietly to the paper screen that went into the Royal Family's private courtyard. Pushing the screen back, I stared up at the full moon, the area below my navel hurting intensely. The pain throbbed and churned, but I endured it, letting the night air clear my mind.

After almost an hour of standing there, watching the Moon, I stood and closed the screen, walking towards me futon again.

I stopped suddenly; something wet was rolling down my leg. I reached down, and pulled my hand back. Red. Blood.

I nearly swooned, I had become a woman but on the worst night possible, a full moon, the time when evil was at its most powerful. Was this an omen for my life to come?

I kept my initiation into womanhood to myself for most of the next day. I was afraid telling Kaede that I had gotten it, but after some time the pain became unbearable and I told her. Kaede was happy, but she was also worried about the omen of me coming into womanhood on the full moon, but it could not be changed now.

"Ye are a full woman now, Kagome, and all I can do is hope that I raised ye right to make your choices." Was the first thing Kaede said to me. I nodded slowly, running my finger across the lines in my palm. I already had this awkward conversation when I was twelve, right after Kikyo got her own monthly cycle; everyone assumed I would follow her. We touched on the subject of intimate relations only for a few moments, and went onto more pressing matters. We discussed what it could mean for me to reach adulthood so late in life, merely weeks from my 16th birthday. Neither of us could make heads or tails of what it truly meant, only that I had finally caught up to my sister. Father would be pleased, and secretly I was as well. It meant that I could finally be of use to the empire; I could be married off or held as a pawn of power. Either way, it meant my station as the awkward, not-quite-woman princess was over.

At a little past midday, one of the manservants came in, an entourage of maids following him. "Princess Kagome, delegates from the Western Territory will be arriving in a few hours, and the Emperor wishes you to be present."

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. Father wanted me at a political gathering, what was he planning? He surely did not have a suitor lined up, which meant that this was a state matter, and the presence of the entire royal family meant someone powerful and important would be arriving. "Indeed and why are you here other than that?" I eyed the army of aids behind him, an odd feeling of intense fear forming in my gut.

"We're here to dress you for the arrival. We have heard of your coming into womanhood and we are prepared to dress you as the woman of status that you are." One of the maids replied, bowing towards me.

My face colored rapidly and I sent an accusing glare at Kaede who simply shook her head. "The laundry maids must have told your father when they changed your futon this morning."

I scowled, and watched as the manservant exited, seven women staring down at me. I could feel their eyes staring at my darker than normal skin, my tangled hair, and my chipped nails. Even the freckles that had started to peep up on my cheeks and along the bridge of my nose were under intense observation. They were noting every flaw, every piece of dirty, everything that went against the code of royal presentation.

"Oh my, oh my!" One of the maids crouched down, holding a cherry wood comb and pins. "You hair is so long Princess Kagome, but it's in such bad condition!" The maid pulled my hair out from its coarse ponytail. I yelped. I could feel the knots being pulled.

"Your skin is so dark! You're like a little peasant boy!" A younger maid said, holding a cat-hair brush and powder bowl. "We'll make you look pretty, like ivory!" She swished the brush in the bowl, mixing the crushed pearl, rice, and soybean paste.

"And your nails are so chipped! We'll have to file these down!" Yet another maid said, holding a soapstone set in a small piece of rose wood. She examined my nails, "tsking" at their state.

The other four maids had a long spool of silk and a light linen kimono and hakama. "We're going to dress you in this, Princess Kagome, so just leave everything to us!"

I stared at all of this, unable to believe what was happening. I started to scoot back, slapping at the maid's hands as they started to undress me. "Get away from me! I'm not going to dress up just for my Father!" I was annoyed that Father was suddenly demanding this of me- I was the reject, I had no idea how to be a lady of the court! The maids did not bother with my protests, and I was stripped down nude and had a strange cream put on my hands and feet, one that smelled like rice and sugar. A steaming cloth wiped away the dirt on my limbs, along with the remainder of the cream, attempting to clean away my smudges and blemishes. Another set of maids put the power on my face, neck, collarbones, and hands to give the illusion that I was pale like Kikyo or Natsuko.

"You look completely different!" One of the maids held up a mirror, and I looked at my new color. I looked strange, in my opinion, I looked almost like a walking ivory doll, and the powder made my skin itch. The maids apparently thought I looked beautiful now and kept commenting on it. I, however, felt silly.

"Stand up Princess." One ordered politely, "tsking" quietly when she saw my breasts. I complied, finding it strange to be standing nude in front of a room full of strangers. A silk covering was wrapped around my small, but existent chest and hips. Another wrapping, this time much larger and lighter, went around my entire torso then down to my knees. After that, another silk covering, but this time in the shape of a robe, was placed on my shoulders and pinned together with a small enamel leaf. The silk under coverings were opaque, and a person could see the dark outlines of my nipples if they were to look close enough. Finally, a silk robe in a deep green color went around me, then a sand colored linen kimono with tiny leave designs along the long sleeves and hem. The obi was of a similar dark green as the under color, and I was finally dressed.

"I hate this." I stated quietly, and Kaede simply returned a sympathetic look, the maids starting to twist and braid my hair into an elaborate headdress. "Why do I have to wear this? I look like a doll." I struggled and strained against their prodding hands, attempting to push the too-long of sleeves up my wrists.

"A very pretty doll!" One of the maids said, my hair being pulled rather roughly. I scowled at her attempt to be kind- it only made me feel more annoyed. The woman did not notice as I winced and cringed, but I put up with their methods. Finally red-enamel combs were placed in my hair, and I was allowed to look in the mirror once again. I was greeted with the stare of a completely alien figure; the dark blue eyes the only part I recognized. I wondered what I had done to garner this strange torture, and who would be so important that even I had to get dressed formally.

"You look amazing, Princess Kagome!" The maids cried in unison, congratulating each other on a job well done.

I, on the other hand, felt mortified.

xxxxxx

I stood in the outside foyer, my ankles and wrists felt as if they burning from the powder the maids had put on me. I yearned to scratch and wipe the make-up off frantically, but if I made the slightest movement other than to look doll-like, it would be interpreted as rude. So instead, I decided to survey my one parent.

Father was just as robust and handsome as I remember, but signs of aging were slowly starting to creep in. The lines around his eyes, the small gray hair at his temples… Father must be at least fifty now, maybe even older. I know he married Mother when she was young, and there was a large age gap between them.

As I stood absorbed in my thoughts, I did not notice as a servant snuck by, handing father a note. He contemplated the parchment, and then my Father nodded slowly, turning to Kikyo and me. We had been standing behind him for a good fifteen minutes, and when he looked our way, I took the change to move my position to behind Kikyo, making it possible so that I could rub my writs. "Yes Father?" I realized that he was staring at me, as if he had seen a ghost.

Father shook his head, almost annoyed at me for opening my mouth. He turned to Kikyo, ignoring me all together. "Kikyo, these delegates are… Different form you and me."

"What do you mean?" Kikyo cocked her head to the side, peering at Father with curiosity, if not stupidity.

"Well, they are not human. They are yokai, an older race than we are, and are exceedingly powerful. So please, both of you," he turned to address me this time, as if I was the one who was the blubbering idiot. "Do not offend them. We hope to make a pact with their nation, for the Continent is brewing with civil war and this would benefit our kingdom greatly."

Kikyo and I nodded, and we remained quiet. 'Not human?' I pondered the idea, 'what would they look like? Would they have three eyes, or would they be hideously deformed?' Frowning, I bit my lip, smudging a small bit of the dark red paint the maids had used on my lips. I had heard stories of yokai, but we had never been allowed to see any. I was barely allowed out of the palace, the forest surrounding it was my absolute boundary. After a moment of tense waiting, Kikyo and I moved behind Father again, this time the Emperor sat down on his knees, leaving us standing behind him. Women always stood, because we were not officially allowed to be a part of the discussion or be recognized as significant or important.

"Now announcing the Crown Prince Sesshomaru, and the Prince General Inuyasha!" A servant called from about twenty feet away, the main gates to the small foyer opening. I was curious. 'So, both of these yokai are princes? Interesting…' Squinting to see the new comers, my vision blurred by the sunlight, I had to wait for a moment while they walked through the archway. Then, quite suddenly, it felt as if my heart had stopped.

They were gorgeous. These beings in front of me must have been gods descended from heaven. Both brothers had honey colored eyes, delicately pale skin, and silver hair. One, his name Inuyasha, had the most delicate dog-ears on top of his skull, and I had a sudden urge to go over and rub them.

Sesshomaru seemed even more god-like than his brother. Everything about him was perfect, even the strange magenta strips on his cheeks and sapphire crescent moon on his forehead made him look amazing. To think I had been expecting monsters!

Every other female in the courtyard must have had the same look on her face as me; Inuyasha smirked to himself and quickly hid it, attempting to obtain a cool façade like his brother. I was slightly amused at that, but my attention drew elsewhere.

I could not help but stare at either of their faces, and slowly I started to absorb their entire appearance after my initial shock and amazement. Sesshomaru wore dark, amber colored robes with embroidered purple circles. He also had a half-gauntlet made of stone armor across his left shoulder and his chest, a red sash at his waist holding two swords.

Inuyasha was dressed equally as rich. He wore the bright red robes of the fire rat, one of the most coveted materials in Japan because of its fire-resistant properties. He had no distinct markings, and had an air of mayhem. He had one katana at his waist, and was, oddly, barefoot.

I wished with all of my heart that one of them would look at me; just to give me a fleeting glace of recognition for my existence. My frame trembled delicately, and I had to hold onto my fan a bit tighter, steadying myself to keep from swooning. It was not lust that urged me on, but simple human nature. To be recognized by these creatures would be an amazing, an impossible, feeling.

The brothers stopped at a respectable distance in front of Father. Both yokai’s attention was focused on the most powerful man in the human world, and I mentally chided myself for thinking they would look at me. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Kikyo was equally disappointed.

"I am Lord Sesshomaru." The eldest tipped his head, just barely.

"I am General Inuyasha." Replied the yokai in the fire rate robe. Obviously, Sesshomaru was heir to the Western Territory, and Inuyasha, like me, was stuck as an underling. I felt more compassion for Inuyasha, but he seemed gruff and not nearly as cultured as his older brother did

Father nodded, "I am Emperor Takashi of the Ryuiko dynasty. These are my daughters, Kikyo and Kagome." I felt the piercing, golden gaze of the brothers stray over me, for just a moment, but they were quickly centered on my father once again. Even if it was just a moment of eye contact, I felt goose bumps appear across my body.

"Emperor Takashi, we bring a proposal from Our Father, Taiyokai Inu-Taisho." Waving a clawed hand, Sesshomaru watched as a servant ran forward, taking out a large, creamy piece of parchment. Such a movement seemed a hundred times more graceful done by a yokai. "This is an official letter from him to you, it has been unseen by my brother or I."

Father nodded, and took the parchment, breaking its seal then unrolling it slowly, reading it line by line. After a few moments of silence, Father let out a tired sigh. "I see. So the civil war on the Continent has officially erupted. Who leads it?"

It was Inuyasha's turn to speak; "we have yet to find out that information, but we believe it is a rebel group from the far West. That is all we know." Inuyasha was the Head General, which was his job as the second born- to serve his brother. That would have been my job if Kikyo and I were male.

Father nodded, "I see. We shall continue this talk at another time, you must be weary or at least in need of a reprieve from your journey. We shall speak about this tomorrow; tonight I invite you to a feast with my daughters and me in our personal gardens." At that, human servants rushed forward, taking the luggage that the brothers and their yokai servants had brought with them.

Sesshomaru answered for the troupe. "We gladly accept your offer."

As people moved to leave, Sesshomaru raised his head, his eyes catching mine. It felt as if my soul and mind were being stripped to the core, as if he could see what I was thinking. I never needed anyone more than him, my young soul and body calling out to the yokai in front of me, as if it knew something I did not. I yearned for his touch, for his acknowledgement, for his very being. I felt that there was something much more between us, as if our souls were already intertwined with fate. However, just as quickly as those feelings emerged, they were gone as soon as he looked away.

I was able to catch my breath, and I quickly dropped my eyes to the ground, feeling as if my blush was visible through my layers of cream and powder. I exited quickly, practically on Kikyo’s heels. The dinner tonight would be hard, but I anticipated it with my every fiber.

I turned quickly to leave the outside foyer, my breath coming hard as I made my way towards my room. I needed to calm down and get my bearings. Dinner wasn't for another three hours. I could finish reading my scroll.

Pushing back the screen to my room, I took a large breath, kicking off my geta just outside my door. Reaching for a towel, I wiped the powder off of my hands and face, the rash I had been itching bright red and highly visible.

No wonder Sesshomaru had been staring at me! I must have looked like I had fleas from all of the shifting and attempts I made to rub my wrists. Blushing deeply in embarrassment, I hid my face in the cloth, breathing softly. 'I'll take a nap until it's time for dinner.' I put the towel to the side, and started to disrobe, having some trouble when I got to the smaller knots, but I managed to take the expensive silk off in one piece. After fumbling about for another few minutes, I moved to my futon, clothed in a small linen shift, and fell asleep.

xxxxxxxx

Long gone, no more.

To find it where you least expect it.

The sudden return changing everything.

I was roused almost an hour later, why had I thought of that old rhyme. What did it mean? I didn't have my time to think about that rhyme however, a group of maids was standing over me. Apparently two hours until dinner was barely enough time to get me ready.

The maids moved me into a large, wood tub, stripped me nude, and decided to dump a bucket of freezing water on me. Shivering, I held my upper body, my frame shaking from the shock and sudden cold of the water. "C-C-Couldn't y-you have g-gotten it f-from the hot s-springs?" I demanded, but remnants from the powder and cream were wiped off, and the ritual of putting on a kimono started again.

Instead of the two layer kimono from this afternoon, the maids dressed me in a seven layer, formal kimono with an equal number of silk shifts underneath. Protesting as the maid pulled the sash a bit took tight, I took a shaky breath, and I was handed a large, koi-decorated fan.

"You know how to use one, right little Kagome?"

I turned and found Natsuko standing in my door frame, her kimonos parted daringly down her front so that the entire world could see her ample cleavage. "Yes, unlike you, I know how to act like a lady." I replied coldly. I didn't need to hear the nasty words that would spew from her.

Natsuko laughed, shaking her head, the ornaments in her elaborate hair tinkling. "I doubt that, leave us." She ordered the maids, and after a moment of hesitation they left, a few trying to stay behind and finish their job of preparing me. I eyed the woman, taking a step back as she approached. "Now then now then…" She grabbed the front of my kimono, ripping it open to laugh at my chest. "How pitiful, are you really the daughter of that whore?"

"Don't talk about my mother like that!" I snapped back, and slapped Natsuko across the face. The woman seemed stunned, as if she hadn't expected this rash behavior from me. I let out an annoyed sound, fixing my kimono.

Natsuko laughed, spitting out the blood that had formed from my hit. She folded her fan, hitting me across the cheek with it, sending me to the ground. "And to think… That man said you looked like his dead wife." She turned, slamming open the doors to the maids. "Fix up this girl; she messed up her hair and makeup."

xxxxxx

It took the maids an extra half hour to fix my appearance from my "discussion" with Natsuko. I was presented with a mirror to look at the foreign face that stared back. The only thing I was able to recognize again were my deep blue eyes; my only real signature trait.

"Princess Kagome, I am here to escort you to the Emperor's gardens." A manservant stated, holding a paper lantern to light the way.

I nodded and stood slowly, sliding on my geta as I stepped onto the balcony. I proceeded to walk forward at a teetering pace. The kimono's design was different than what I was used to; the heavy silk was tight on my stomach, thighs, and just above my knees, while the lower half around my calves swished awkwardly. "Is it supposed to feel like this?" I asked slowly, nearly falling over, a maid catching my arm.

"Yes Princess Kagome, please proceed or you will be late." The manservant said, and after a moment of clumsy walking, I followed after him.

xxxxxx

Crickets chirped pleasantly in the cool evening, and decorative red and white paper lanterns had been placed around the Palace. Fireflies had been captured in glass vials with small holes, and were used to light the path around the garden. I looked about myself, trying to take in the ethereal scene. It was so beautiful! I nearly tripled as the man servant suddenly stopped.

He turned and looked at me sternly, holding the lantern off to the side. "Princess Kagome, please understand that this dinner is crucial to our country's survival. Do not make a fool of yourself." This old man was lecturing me on how I should act! Humph!

I scowled in return, "don't warn me, I'm not an idiot. Go tell Kikyo."

Before the servant could reply, I pushed past him, two imperial guards opening a set of large, iron decorated doors which led to Father's private gardens. I smiled inwardly as I walked through the multiple sakura trees and jasmine plants. Lanterns were placed specifically around the garden to make the trees or bushes glow. I'd give Natsuko credit for one thing; she knew how to decorate.

I rounded a bend in the garden, passing a large granite and gold Buddha, the Buddha holding a lit candle in his upturned hand. I saw the dinner table. No one was here yet, meaning that either Kikyo had gotten lost or I was a tad early.

Sighing in relief, I took a seat on the right of Father's cushion, hands bunched in my lap. I loved Father's gardens; they were the most beautiful of all the gardens in the palace and easily the oldest. But I rarely got to see them; I wasn't the favorite after all. I took a breath of the fragrant air, flowers blooming all around the table.

'Sesshomaru was amazing, even Inuyasha. Both of the yokai were so beautiful, so majestic and beyond compare to any man that I have seen. Am I really falling in love with a man that I have barely met? And why would he return the feelings? I, a girl turned woman just a day ago, who just now has a budding figure…' Closing my eyes, I contemplated my dilemma. However, I didn't have much time to brood and I felt my face redden underneath my powder as the rich voices of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha echoed through the garden. Was I even supposed to be here? I looked around, wondering where I should duck behind, and quickly stood, nearly knocking over the table as I rushed behind a sakura tree. I leaned out just enough so that I could see the two men come around the bend.

Sesshomaru was dressed in a deep blue kimono. I could see a sprinkling of silver-thread embroidery along the hem and sleeve of the outfit. He had his long hair down, the mane of silver-white locks standing out the most of all of his features. He didn't have either of his katana, showing that he had faith with Father's intentions. Even unarmed, he an aura of such perfect skill and power, that I’m fairly certain he wouldn’t have needed a katana to protect himself.

Inuyasha was dressed in orange robes this time. In my eyes, his appearance was slightly dim in comparison to his brother. His snow white hair was harsher and didn't have a metallic sheen to it; his demeanor was also rougher and more common, as if he had not gotten the same training as his brother. He also didn't carry his katana.

"Inuyasha, stop looking like a spoiled puppy." Sesshomaru said coolly, sitting down at his spot at the table.

"Feh! You know I hate being here Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha replied, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his kimono, glaring down at the plates laid out on the table. "I can't stand the damn smell of these humans." His nose scrunched up as he sniffed the air.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, "yes, but we need their help, even if you don't like it. Our numbers are dwindling, Inuyasha. If the war on the Continent spreads her, we won't be able to defend ourselves."

Inuyasha glared, and turned to the side, almost seeing me as I hid behind the tree again. So these brothers hated humans. Does that mean they would kill me if they knew I was unintentionally eavesdropping? Frowning, I looked to the side, shifting my foot ever so slightly. Unfortunately, it landed on a pile of dead leaves; the sound sent the two brothers into defensive positions, both instinctively reaching for their nonexistent weapons.

"Who's there?" Sesshomaru asked, his eyes narrowed to deadly accuracy. He was looking for any sort of assassin, his body rigid as his muscles became taunt, ready to spring at any moment.

"Show yourself!" Inuyasha snapped as well, flexing his clawed hands.

Heart thumping erratically, I slowly moved from behind the tree. "I-I'm sorry… I came here early and I… I…" Looking down at me feet, I felt my entire face color.

Inuyasha sighed, leaning back into his relaxed position. "It's just you, Princess Kagome."

'Just me…' I nodded, the tiny bells in my hair tinkling gently. "Y-yes, I'm sorry." I didn't dare look up. I could feel those rich, honey colored eyes boring into my every fiber. If this continued, I would start shaking like a leaf! Last thing I wanted was to offend the two yokai princelings somehow.

Sesshomaru stared at me coolly, and after a minute waved a hand. "We accept your apology, Lady Kagome, now please take a seat." He motioned a cushion right of Father's, the cushion across from him.

'Father had planned me to sit near to him the entire time!' I felt my heart race for a moment, and I slowly sat down delicately onto my knees. "Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Inuyasha." After a few moments, I stared down at the table in front of me, an awkward silence filling the air.

"So… Princess Kagome, are you Kikyo's younger sister?" Inuyasha asked, gently tapping his fingers along the enameled wood of the table.

I knew he was trying to make conversation, but it was still a touchy subject. I closed my eyes. "No, I'm Kikyo's younger twin."

Inuyasha looked confused. "But you look so much younger than her! Don't lie to me if you are!"

"I'm not!" I started to blush furiously. This was all because of my obvious breast deficiency!

His next comment was stopped as Sesshomaru held up a hand, seeing that the subject was causing me discomfort. "I'm guessing then that Lady Natsuko is not your blood mother?"

I nodded, opening my eyes to stare at the cloth on Sesshomaru's left arm. "No. She's Father's concubine. She has lived with us now for almost a year.” I knew my reply was monotonous but I couldn't help it. I was intimidated and attracted to this god-like creature in front of me.

The silence drifted back into the courtyard. After what seemed to be an eternity, more footsteps echoed through the trees. Father, Natsuko, and Kikyo all came together, making me feel like even more of a fool. If I had been a paranoid person, I would've thought that there was a plot to make me look stupid in front of the yokai. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha stood, each nodding their heads in response as the Emperor entered. Father took a seat at the head of the table. Natsuko, as usual, was at his side.

"Esteemed lords, please know that tonight's feats has been crafted in your honor. My head chef has made delicacies from the Moon Palace." Father announced proudly, waving his arm in a grandiose motion.

"Thank you, Emperor Takashi." Sesshomaru replied, Inuyasha doing the same. Both yokai bowed their heads, showing respect to their host.

"This is my consort, Lady Natsuko, and my daughters, Kikyo and-" He waved his hand in my general direction.

"Kagome." Sesshomaru said, finishing the Emperor's sentence. "Apparently Lady Kagome arrived early, so we had a bit of a talk." Father raised an eyebrow in my direction but decided not to pursue the topic. That would be rude to do in front of our guests. Instead, he waved the chefs in, the first course arriving.

I watched as bowls of miso soup and edamame were placed in front of us. I pulled my chopsticks out from inside their napkin, delicately holding the thin, green sticks in my hand. I brought the edamame bean up to my mouth, savoring the taste.

I watched Sesshomaru out of the corner of my eye, attempting to be discrete. Sesshomaru brought the chopsticks up to his lips, holding a single edamame bean in the sticks. Every movement was precise, even down to the way his pale lips parted. I shivered; the only thing giving away my inner anxiety was the soft tinkling of the bells in my hair.

Father ate quietly, and after a moment addressed the entire table. "How is the trade in the Western Territory, has it been affected by the war yet?" Father asked a typical diplomatic question.

Inuyasha set his miso soup bowl down, "not really. But the price of calligraphy ink and ox hair brushes has gone up significantly, nothing else seems to of been affected." As Father and Inuyasha talked about economy, I looked towards Sesshomaru, daring to move my view from his left shoulder up to his face. His eyes were not focused on anything in particular, just the beans he ate one after another.

I was rather thrilled to find that he was not focused on Kikyo as most statesmen were at dinner. It made me happy to know that my sister's looks were not everything. 'But… If he's not attracted to Kikyo, he would not be attracted to me at all!' I stared down at the swirling bowl of miso soup, taking it gently in my hands. The yokai women must be beautiful creatures! 'Wait… Does that mean he thinks I’m ugly?' Started at my own though, I nearly choked on the soup, and started to cough, the conversation stopping.

"Are you alright, Lady Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked, his gold eyes fixed on my face and neck. He was watching how I shuddered, as if assessing as if I was really choking.

"I-I'm fine!" I blushed and quickly took a sip of tea, staring down at the table once again, this time in horror. I had made a fool of myself in front of these godly creatures!

"Anyways…" Father continued his conversation. He was slightly displeased at my rather unsavory actions. I couldn't help it if I thought of something ridiculous. After a moment, he called for the second course; sashimi shaped like flower blossoms. I grinned when I saw this dish. So Father still remembers what I liked! It seemed as if Father was also trying to cater towards my needs, not solely towards the two yokai. Taking a piece of the dark pink fish, I dipped it in a small dish of soy sauce and wasabi, eating the entire piece with a satisfied smile. Heaven!

The rest of the dinner continued smoothly, and the third course was fried squid and vegetables. While the man course was of a strange meat that was deep red and covered in a dark, strong smelling sauces. The two yokai seemed to love it, the plate clean after a few moments. Father received compliments for his chefs and how they gauged Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's love of something called venison. I had no particular taste for it.

Towards the end of the meal, when the last cup of tea or sake was being poured, the conversation finally got serious. "We would like to form a pact with you, Emperor Takashi. A military pact to be precise." Inuyasha said, taking a sip of his tea. "Our armies are still depleted from the Great War, and we would like to form a solid resistance with our allies from the Eastern Territory along the Eastern coast, and to possible go to war on the Continent if the need arises."

Father nodded seriously, frowning into his tea. "I see, that sounds reasonable enough, but how will I have a safeguard that you will not turn on me with the other yokai nations to take over the Human Domain when my men are gone?" The ever pessimist, Father was thinking of the possible negative situations that could happen in the future.

Sesshomaru's mouth twitched, "as shrewd as ever. We guarantee that we will not go against you in any war to come, unless certain events occur." Was he amused or annoyed? I couldn't tell.

Father let out a laugh, "you didn't answer my question, but no matter. Do you have a contract draw up already, or would you like my scribes to create one?"

Inuyasha shook his head. "We have one, already sighed by Father. It is in a large white chest." Father turned, waving to a servant to get the item.

We waited for a few minutes, and then the servant returned, setting the chest next to Inuyasha. Inuyasha leaned over, pressing his thumb into something that was like putty which recognized the shape and grooves of his thumb. After a second, the lid popped open. Reaching in, he pulled out a large, creamy scroll that had a wax seal. Breaking the seal, he rolled it out across the already cleared table, reaching for a long, white-haired brush.

Father read the contract quietly to himself, Natsuko peering over his shoulder to read it as well. I attempted to, but I was only able to read a few of the sections, '…agree to supply soldiers… Neither side will act against the other… Consequences…' And it continued on.

Father reached for a brush, dipping it in blue ink; the ink that an Emperor wrote in. Signing a long stream of characters, he waited as a servant poured hot wax next to his signature, Father pulling out a pendant from around his neck, pressing his seal into the wax as it cooled. "Now that that is settled, I thank you for your time spent here, Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Inuyasha." Father said quietly and stood, bowing just barely to the two lords and left with Natsuko.

'What is Father thinking?' I frowned; he was leaving Kikyo and me with two foreign men all alone! Well, we weren't really alone, there were servants. But still, it was a risky gamble. I shifted uncomfortably, and slowly turned to Lord Sesshomaru, "have you... By chance… Read the Continent's Confucianism scroll?"

Sesshomaru seemed surprised at my question, perhaps he had not expected human females to be able to read, but he nodded. "Yes, I have Lady Kagome. It was quite fascinating."

I blushed at my direct question, my hands clenched around the fan that I had in my sleeve. Most noblewomen were supposed to be airy and mysterious, not whatever I was doing. "I thought it was t-too, especially how certain areas were outlined in depth…"

Sesshomaru nodded, his thick, silver tresses gently swishing around his shoulders. "Indeed it was."

We talked about many of the Continent's scrolls, and even some Japanese proverbs. Apparently Lord Sesshomaru was surprised at my knowledge of the world outside the Palace. He had thought me to be like any other noble lady. As Sesshomaru and I talked, I didn't notice as Kikyo and Inuyasha left, going their separate ways. The yokai in front of me was the only other person around, and after we stopped talking, I noticed it had gotten quite late.

"Lady Kagome, I would like to apologize for my brother's actions earlier." Sesshomaru added quietly at the end of our conversation, the words coming from him making me feel happy.

"Oh! You mean the comment on how he hates humans?" I hadn't really been fazed by Inuyasha's comment at all.

The yokai nodded, "yes, that was rude of him. But please understand that he was mistreated by humans for a long time, as all yokai have. But his situation was a bit more extreme…"

I frowned, finding the statement to be strange. "Really? But you both seem so kind." I watched as a small smile graced Lord Sesshomaru's lips, my heart beat becoming erratic again, a blush rising to my face.

"That is a nice compliment, Lady Kagome, but you must never judge someone by appearance alone." Sesshomaru stood to leave, and I quickly did as well. I bowed, the bells in my hair tinkling their own 'goodbyes'. "Thank you for the conversation Lady Kagome and I hope we will be able to have another soon." He bowed as well and I was just barely able to catch the rich scent of his hair and body. I turned to leave, my mind and soul singing happily for the rest of the night.

The days that followed the feast were filled with leisure and pleasure. Father took the two brothers on multiple hunting trips and other similar outings around the neighboring country side. I rarely got to see Sesshomaru, and the few times that I did, it would have been inappropriate to strike up a conversation like we had on his first night in the Palace.

Sighing, I stared up at the leaves above me, hands on my knees. I had gone outside the Palace walls today to try archery in real terrain, but my plan failed miserably as one of the servants found me with a bow and confiscated it. So instead, I decided to take a scroll from the Palace's library.

I had chosen randomly among the thousands of ancient and new scrolls, and I happened to pick one on the biography of Fa Mu Lan. Needless to say, I was entranced for almost all of the afternoon. I had never known that such a woman ever existed! It was amazing to think that she had been able to become a general and lead the army to victory with one battle after another. It was rather inspirational, but she also lived five hundred years ago.

I stood, slowly stretching my tense muscles as my thoughts drifted from my new found heroine back to the yokai Prince. Did Sesshomaru still see me as a child? Or was I a woman in his eyes? I was a woman to most human men, in my prime for marriage and child birth. But what about yokai? Weren't they immortal? Frowning as I thought this, I reached down for the scroll, tucking it underneath my arm. Most common girls now would either have suitors or already married at my age, what were Father's plans for me? Did he even have any? I know he did for Kikyo; his mission was to marry her off to some powerful Prince, or even better, now that I thought of it, to a son of the taiyokai!

Stepping over the large roots of the ancient trees, I nimbly picked my way through the under growth, listening intently for wild boars or bears. As my bare feet landed on a patch of dirt, I sighed. Kikyo this, Kikyo that… I let my thoughts wander from my sister to much more important matters. 'If Sesshomaru were to see me know, I would probably die of embarrassment!' I had donned my usual wear; a short peasant kimono with male pants. My hair was tied into a high pony tail and my skin was slowly starting tanning even more.

Scowling, I kicked the ground with my foot, and ended up stubbing my toe on a rock. Just my luck… I nursed my foot as I moved towards a tree trunk, leaning against it to see if I had broken my nail; no. Staring down at my pulsating toe, I started to lose my senses in the calm world around me, and if it hadn't been for the wind carrying voices, I might never have discovered what lay just twenty feet away.

Hobbling over to behind a bush, I peered out between the twigs, positive that I had heard the voice of Natsuko and Naraku. An odd pair to be alone together, given their different stations and purposes; Natsuko the royal concubine, and Naraku the Seers.

After my eyes adjusted to the gloom, I felt my blood rush to my face; I couldn't believe what I was seeing! The two were naked, embracing as if they had just finished a round of love-making, murmuring quietly to each other.

I could barely hear Naraku, so I leaned a bit closer. "Natsuko, my darling, how long must this go on?" Naraku asked softly, his pale hand moving down the front of Father's concubine. I'm not sure what compelled me to stay and watch, the entire affair was just indecent.

Natsuko shuddered as his hand cupped between her legs, the woman turning to look at Naraku, her hair a mess. "Not much longer… Soon I will be able to bear your child, Naraku. I have had to use many child-killing herbs to keep the Emperor from getting a son too quickly, and they are slowly wearing off. Now that it's been a year, he has embraced me fully and trusts me and desires no other body than my own!”

I watched with a reddened face as Natsuko spread her legs, my eyes able to see everything from this vantage point.

Naraku's fingers swirled around Natui's dark sex, three of his fingers pressing into her birth canal. "Do you want me, Natsuko?" His dark head moved to her neck, sucking gently on the concubine's thin skin.

She nodded, her face flushed with desire as her lower half writhed from Naraku's intrusion. "Y-Yes milord… My only lord. I need you, I need your seed."

Naraku smirked, and pulled his fingers out of the woman, moving his body around so that her legs wrapped around his waist, attempting to pull him into her hot core. "Say it, Natsuko."

He pressed down on her hips with his hands, holding his erect member just barely against her opening, the woman squirming against him even more. "I want you Naraku! O-Only you! Take me!" Letting out a cry as the Seer thrust his member into her, the two started to love-making ritual again, their grunts and moans filling the silent air.

I blushed deeply, even more so than before. Where would I go? What should I do? Who should I tell! I moved away, slowly at first, but my foot landed on a twig the harsh sound firing through the air, and the two stopping their love-making immediately.

"Who's there?" Natsuko and Naraku scrambled apart, quickly trying to get their clothes on.

I stood wide eyed for a moment as I saw a flash of red gleam from Naraku's eyes. I spun around on my heel and ran back to the Palace as fast as I could.

xxxxxx

Panting, I collapsed onto my futon, my mind reeling even more. What… What the hell had I just seen? Pressing my hands to the sides of my face, I stared up at the ceiling. 'Treachery!' A tiny voice in my mind called out, and I quickly agreed to it. 'Not to mention the entire affair had been extremely embarrassing!' I blushed as I recalled the images of Natsuko subjugating herself, my face feeling like a hot coal.

Hiding my face in my pillow, I took a soft breath. 'But what should I do!' Feeling frustrated and confused, I gripped the pillow tightly, mind reeling with flashing images of the two having sex and the gleam of red in Naraku's eyes. I scowled, where had I seen that sort of eye before? I knew I had, but I just couldn't recall. Sitting up suddenly, I threw my pillow across the room, knocking over Mother's shrine.

Gasping, I quickly ran over, picking up the broken pieces of a special figurine Mother had given me. I felt tears start to form at my eyes; this day had just gone from bad to worse! Biting back the tears, I stood, holding the five pieces of a white dog figurine. After thinking for a moment, I set down the figurine in a small towel. Father told me yesterday that I had to always wear a kimono now and face powder if I was going to meander around the Palace. So, I would have to wear one if I wanted to go to the stables.

Scowling at the figurine, I pulled on a light pink and green kimono, tying a simple green sash around my waist. I grabbed a bowl of white powder, dabbing it over my face and neck loosely, putting a small amount of pink rouge on my lips. Reaching down again, I grabbed the figurine, opening the door to my rooms; I pulled my geta on quickly.

It was almost sundown, and the strange sound of cicadas with the lowering of the sun gave the Palace an eerie feel. The hair at the back of my neck was standing up on end as I moved from the private chambers of the royal family to the main compound. It was odd; no one seemed to be around, maybe Father had taken the yokai Princes on another hunt?

Frowning, I walked through an inside foyer, passing Father's great receiving hall. I was about half way towards the stables. I knew one of the artisans who could glue this figurine back together, but the silence and constant clicking of my geta was slowly starting to wear at my nerves.

I moved through the servant's quarters. My paranoia was not unfounded, and I knew I was not alone. I could hear the faint padding of feet quietly behind me, as if something was stalking my every movement. Heart racing, I speed up for the last few feet of the corridor. I reached outside, taking the chance to look behind me. Nothing. Nearly panicking, I bolted towards the artisan storage house and stables, one of my geta snapping in half.

Cursing my ill luck, I limped the rest of the way, heart thumping the entire time until I was safely inside the charcoal-smelling rooms. "I-Izo?" I called out softly; hoping not to bring awareness to the pursuer that possibly still lurked outside. I waited for a few minutes, and not hearing a response I limped forward, looking around for the wrinkly artisan. Not hearing anything from within the room except for my own breathing, I shut my eyes, attempting to calm my frazzled nerves. 'Keep it together Kagome, there's a reasonable explanation for this…'

I opened my eyes after a moment, and then inched forward towards the back of the room, where Izo's work station was. Not seeing the old man around or in some horrible murder scene, I let out a sigh of relief, taking a seat on his stool. 'Kami… I'm going to give myself a heart attack!'

"Pr-Princess Kagome?" The wobbly old figure of Izo emerged from the back room, the elderly man gripping a cup of tea, attempting to look at me through bushy brows. He was having a meal, and I felt a bit sheepish to think that he had been killed.

"Oh! Izo!" I hopped off of his stool, opening the small cloth so he could look at figurine. "I… I accidentally dropped this, could you glue it together again?"

Izo took the pieces up in his hands, eyeing them through a large loop. After a moment of silence, he slowly nodded. "Yes Princess Kagome." He moved around me, sitting down at the workstation, pulling out a small vial of a clear, putrid smelling liquid, along with a horse-hair brush. "T-This will only t-take a minute."

I nodded, and patiently went to wait a bit away from the old man. I looked around at the large tapestries and paintings scattered about the workspace, a smile coming to my lips.

"Little Princess Kagome! It's a pleasure to see you!" A significantly younger Izo said to me, his wrinkly hands holding a tiny dog figurine that had billowy clouds around it. "Your Mother wanted me to give this to you for your fifth birthday!"

I giggled happily, taking the tiny statue, holding it to my heart. "Thank you Izo!"

"You're very welcome little Princess!"

"…Princess… Princess Kagome…"

I snapped out of my daydream, turning to Izo who held the drying dog in his hands. "Oh thank you!" Walking over, I took it carefully in my hands. "I will be much more careful from now on!" Bowing politely, I turned to leave the artist's home.

Outside, the sun was still setting, but I felt happier and more carefree, as if this tiny figurine had reinvigorated my resolve. 'I will find out why Natsuko was with Naraku!' Bringing myself together, I walked quietly forward, my thick ponytail thumping against my back. But… After a few minutes of walking alone in the dark, desolate stables, my heart started to shake, and I became frightened again. 'Where is everyone? They should be back by now!'

I stopped where I was, listening for any sign of approaching horses or voices. Nothing. Nearly crying angry tears, I moved forward, halfway towards the entrance of the servants' quarters when I heard the footsteps again. This time they were coming loud and quick!

Forgetting my promise to father to remain lady-like, I threw my whole and broken geta off, grabbing the hem of my kimono to make a run for it. Who would dare attack me inside of the Palace? It was foolhardy and would be counted as treason.

Gasping for breath, I ducked behind a pile of firewood, my blood pumped full with adrenaline. The steps had stopped, as if waiting for me to make a move. I waited, for what seemed like an eternity, and slowly made a move, away from behind the wood pile. Not seeing anyone, I hardly expected to be smashed down, into the ground from above. "Little Princess…" Hissing into my ear, I felt the blood drop from my face, my breath coming in quick, shallow bursts.

"Let me go!" A hand went over my mouth, and I started to kick and tried to bite at the hand covering my mouth, but nothing would shake the attacker off. I was not so young to not know what happened when a man caught a woman he was after, and at the moment that worried me the most.

"Little Princess…" The voice repeated, a hand clawing down the back of my kimono, claws pressing through to my skin, cutting my flesh. "You saw something you shouldn't have…" I let out a whimper when the five symmetrical cuts started to bleed, tears falling from my eyes.

The man leaned down, and I was able to barely catch a glimpse of my attacker, the red gleam in his eye giving his identity away. It was Naraku, my Father's trusted Seer!

Scrambling against him with renewed vigor, I kicked and thrashed, managing to land a bare foot in his stomach. But Naraku didn't seem to be fazed by anything; his dark hair was pooled across my head and upper shoulders. "It's useless, Little Princess." He stated calmly, but with a hint of detached amusement that made my hair stand on end. Tears squeezed from my eyes as I felt the Seer start to unwind my sash. He was going to take that! The only thing I had that could be considered maidenly!

"G-Get off of me!" Hiqquping out this sob, I was surprised when my attacker was suddenly lifted off, a rich voice saying;

"And just what are you doing to Princess Kagome?"

Naraku growled, his red eyes gleaming in the gloom as he attempted to claw at Sesshomaru. The yokai had other plans, and threw him into the wood pile. Howling in rage, Naraku stood, and after a moment assessed the situation, then turned, vaulting over the outer complex's guard walls in one great leap.

I stayed on the ground, letting the sobs rack my frame. This had been too much. Sitting up slowly, I wiped my face off of the powder, large streaks going down to reveal my tanned skin, my hands cut and bruised from when I fell. Mt back burned painfully, but I was more embarrassed over who had saved me. I dared not look up towards my savior; not wanting to see his reaction to me sniveling and blubbering like a small child.

"Lady Kagome, are you alright?"

I was forced to look up as a clawed hand was offered to me, and I slowly stood, aided with his great strength. "T-T-T-Thank you." More tears forming as I looked towards his down turned face, I lost all decorum and political knowledge, and simply rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly.

I made it awkward for Sesshomaru, but after a moment he seemed to get used to me. Sesshomaru slowly lowered a hand, gently patting my upper back, his fingers feeling the shallow cuts from Naraku's claws. "Are you alright?" He asked again, this time his voice tinged with slight worry.

I nodded slowly, and moved away, wiping my face again, just now noticing I had gotten white and pink make up all over the front of his hunting furs. "Oh! I-I'm sorry…" Reaching around for the cloth of my dog figurine, I saw, in dismay, that it was broken into around twenty pieces. "O… Oh…"

I kneeled down, and slowly picked it up, staring down at the tiny dog. "I-I'm sorry L-Lord Sesshomaru, but I d-don't have an-anything to w-wipe you off with." Fresh tears came as I realized my prized possession was permanently broken, and this time I gripped it to my chest, another sniffle coming from my frame. My back burned as I knelt down, the gravity of what had just transpired finally hitting me.

"It is alright, Lady Kagome. You must see to a medic about your wounds, and tell your Father of Naraku's betrayal." I felt a warm, reassuring hand get placed on my shoulder, but I shook my head.

"N-No, Father treasures Naraku's guidance too m-much to believe me. B-Besides…" I looked up at him with my teary blue eyes, just barely able to make out his features. "I'm just the y-younger twin."

Sesshomaru peered down at me, his face showing a hint of kindness. "Princess Kagome…" His gentle arms reaching around, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I am sorry." He didn't seem to understand about my relationship with my Father, but he did not push the issue. Sounds from the hunting party suddenly erupted in the courtyard, and we quickly flew apart, I teary and blushing at the same time, while he remained as regal as ever. "Go, Lady Kagome, you will have enough time to get to your healer."

I nodded and turned, stumbling towards the healer’s hall.