Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!! (sigh)
Okay so this is the first chapter of my newest fanfic! Since my last one didn't do so well, I've decided to start a new one in the hopes that my dreams of being a writer will not be squashed by internet fanfiction readers. Blah! Anyway, here goes!
One Life to Live
Chapter One:
"So, you're actually going to go through with it?" A tall, beautiful woman with long dark brown hair sifted through a pile of clothes on her best friend's bed.
"I don't really have much choice do I?" A girl with long raven waves answered. A frown was plastered to her otherwise stunningly beautiful face. "What's the big deal with marriage anyway? Who even said I wanted to get married? And even if I did, I wouldn't want to marry Kouga! We are so not right for each other!" Sango nodded in agreement.
"Did you tell your father you didn't want to marry Kouga?" Sango asked sympathetically.
"Of course I did. And I had a really good argument too! I calmly explained the situation, but as usual, father didn't even listen to me! It really goes to show that even a princess has no say around here!" Kagome held up a long, hunter green gown with rich detailing around the edges. It fell to the floor when she stood up. "What about this one?" She asked looking to Sango for help.
"Nice, really nice." Sango answered. "But it's missing something...." she paused and looked the dress over for a moment. "She then opened Kagome's jewelry box and brought out a brooch, some rings and a very large pendant on a chain. "This completes the ensemble perfectly."
"Where is she? She's late? This behavior is not only unacceptable, it reflects badly on our entire family!" A very angry Kikyou was trying to persuade her parents into starting the festivities early.
"Come now darling, we can't hardly start without your sister, she is the bride you know. What kind of congratulatory party for the marriage of our youngest daughter would this be, without the youngest daughter?" Kikyou's father answered sternly. "Now quiet down."
Suddenly, the music of trumpets drifted into the great hall of the immensely large castle. "The princess, she comes." Her majesty the queen sighed happily. "Look how beautiful she is."
"Yeah, isn't she gorgeous?!" Kikyou mimicked, not moving from her seat. Kagome took her seat at the head table, while Sango snuck away and into the vast crowd that was now 'oooing' and 'awwing' at the king and queen's youngest daughter. Kikyou's face was still set in a grimace as Kagome sat next to her. Their father began.
"As you all know, our youngest daughter Kagome, is to be married in four days. The gentleman we have selected for our daughter, is Kouga, whom you may know as the governor's son. I think you will all agree with me in saying that he is the perfect young man with which to share our daughter's nuptials." There came an agreeing cheer from the crowd. "And on that pleasant note, let the festivities begin.
Kagome was dreading what happened next. It was expected of her of course. She stood from the table, and walked slowly down the set of stairs leading down into the great hall below them. Awaiting her at the bottom of the stairs, like any gentleman awaiting his lady, was Kouga eagerly awaiting her. He took Kagome's hand and led her out to the center of the room. The crowd dispersed, as music filled the hall, and they began to dance.
Kagome caught sight of her father at the head table. He was grinning broadly, and talking to his adviser. 'What a fool father is to hire such a man. Why, he is no more than a few years older than I am, and the same age as sister Kikyou.' She then noted her mother's grim expression. Her mother had tried to deter her father's deciding who Kagome should marry, but he would not be swayed, as usual.
"Are you enjoying yourself my darling?" Kouga asked, looking into Kagome's eyes. Of course, it was unladylike for a woman to lie. She just smiled up at him.
"What do you think?" she asked sweetly, which drew a bigger smile from her fiance. The song ended, and Kouga bowed low to Kagome's feet. He then hurried off to talk to Kagome's father.
Sango found Kagome amongst the crowd congratulating her, and telling her what a great man Kouga was. Kagome was nodding and smiling, as she had been told to do. "Kagome, I think I see a spot on your gown. Come, and I'll help you be rid of it." Sango grabbed Kagome's hand and they wove in and out of the crowd until they made it to the bathroom.
"Sango, what are you talking about? There's no spot!" Kagome protested as she was shoved into the bathroom.
"Of course there's no spot Kagome!" Sango replied. "I saw you were in absolute agony, and that was the excuse to get you out of there."
"Thanks, but sooner or later we're going to have to come out of here." Kagome said, sinking onto the closed lid of the toilet. "And it doesn't matter where we are, Kouga will find me."
"You're right, that guy is absolutely creepy."
"Thanks for cheering me up Sango."
"I've given up trying to make you feel better about this whole thing." Sango answered. "I've begun thinking of a plan on how to get you out of here, so you don't have to marry that dud Kouga."
"What do you mean get out of here? I can't leave!" Kagome jumped from her seat. "What would father and mother think, and Kikyou? And Souta? He looks up to me you know! I can't just leave! I have responsibilities!"
"Oh shove it!" Sango said. "You keep on talking about what everyone else expects of you. Why not do what you want for a change. Listen, I'll have something thought of by tomorrow."
"Well you better, cause you're my last hope."
Well, how'd you like my first chapter? Oh, and just in case you're confused '' is thinking, and "" is talking aloud. Please Review! No flames please! Constructive criticism is welcomed.