Here you go - my first srory in english...If there are some mistakes just whistle ;))))

Chapter 1

What's up with all those restrictions?

Do you know the word – popular?

Do you comprehend the meaning? Something, that is an interest of many living creatures, simply calls and somehow orders to kneel before it. It is like vogue, the latest thing in fashion and it would make you "so cool" if you possess it.

Unique things are rare and therefore priceless. Not every man…or youkai (even a quite rich and powerful one) can keep a treasured thing only for himself.

Feudal Japan was a land of versatility, species, completely opposite attitudes and world views, customs and most unexpected turns of events.

The youkai society was roaring in amazement – a new entertainment for bored and jaded aristocracy was found. What could be more fun and invigorative than a game of breaking and seduction with a wildly stubborn and refractory prey, who was spirited enough. Nevertheless, these…required playthings were vanishing from the face of the earth because of endless hunts for them and because of a pressure upon population's minds…

Japan – a home of straight-haired and dark-eyed people. Therefore, Kagome Higurashi, born in the Land of traditions and beliefs, looked like a rebel starting with her ebony curly hair.

A 16-year old girl sent an arrow flying to a distant apple's graft, successfully hitting her aim. The apple fell down into a puddle, splashing water all over a 17-year old woman, dressed in miko clothing, who immediately cried out.

"Ka-go-me! I know you did this. Come out and, please, stop behaving like a frolicsome child at least for a second!" Her face turned from slightly angered to worried. " What if somebody sees you playing pranks, what if this somebody is a matchmaker – you will loose the opportunity to become a noble man' s wife and to unite our families."

Kikiyo finally spotted her sister standing on a roof and sighed.

"Just get down safely, will you. Tomorrow is a festival and I am not quite sure you are craving to celebrate it with a broken leg."

Kagome, who honestly attempted to look ashamed, smiled brightly.

"A broken leg, huh? Well...it would make a difference you know. For example, I won't have to put all those uncomfortable layers of kimono AND I won't have to tolerate that boy…was it Haiji or something…"

"It is the advisor of Island Provinces – Hojo. You really ought to remember his name by now."

"Hmm…Now when I carefully think about it…thanks for this marvellous idea, Kikiyo!"

Kagome looked on the ground as if searching for a specific place to land. At the same time the girl observed her big sister, who was horrified, - it was so much fun. Kagome's family was already used to her childish tricks, but they never ceased to wonder at girl's escapades.

But what could she do really? She didn't feel a particular wish to become a proper and obedient housewife, who has to agree with her husband in everything, give birth to children, make that weird and bitter smelling "health-giving" tea, arrange flowers, dance, sing and play koto for guests…the exhausting list goes on.

Nevertheless, she had a magnificent gift. Even an experienced miko Kaede, who passed through their town three years ago, confirmed her elder sister's assumptions. They said that Kagome had unique and unusually strong power, maybe it was miko's energy or something else – they were not sure. And her strong character and a kind, compassionate soul were a bonus.

Kagome sighed, knowing destinies of many young women, but a quiet yet confident voice whispered to her, that fate can be favorable and full of surprises.

An imperceptible smirk crept onto her face, when she noticed her brother's approach. He was not aware of the mischievous girl on the roof, so he was an easy victim. 'Never loose your vigilance. It is like nature's law – the natural selection. You can be careful all your life, but then one moment you relax – and…you even do not get a chance to know what happens after…Quite sad really…' Kagome jumped on Souta, landing softly and in one piece.

"It seems I will have to go to the festival after all"

Kikiyo helped Souta get up and winked at her sister. "What in the world made you change your mind? Could it be that…you finally realized what you can achieve by marrying the advisor Hojo?.. You will have a chance to sit motionlessly and silently behind him on some events and to make tea, although with your incomparable skill I am afraid even the best doctor won't be able to find an antidote."

"Ohhh…I can comprehend actually this annoying situation. That…Hobo will have the right to send me back here, if I misbehave...or if I won't seem clever and submissive enough…yes, yes, yes. You simply inspire me, Kikiyo. What would I do without you?"

Girls grinned and Kagome heard someone mumble warmly: "Restless bundle of mischief".

Souta smiled slightly at them and said carefully.

"I assume there are presents for you in the house. I have noticed magnificent kimonos and a lot of wooden lacquered accessories with gold. Something tells me that another family's emblem on trunks is not just for beauty…"

Kikiyo's anxious eyes stopped on motionless Kagome.

"Even if they did set up those meetings in parks – does not mean anything. Maybe mama managed to persuade father."

Seeing utter horror and disgust in sister's stormy-blue eyes she added reassuringly.

"We all know how diplomatic and convincing mama is. She most probably will find a way to dissuade him…"

"Father dislikes me…"

"But, Kagome!"

"He acknowledges what kind of difficulties I can bring. He is nothing but afraid of my gift, so he detests me. Now he's found a family, who will take me away from home. So that I won't be able to develop my powers, where I'll have to become a puppet, a pretty doll, wrapped in expensive kimono, with a ton of white stuff on my face…I'll be like a vase – a compulsory house decoration..."

Then a strange light appeared in the depths of her cornflower-blue eyes. She looked up mischievously and satisfaction crept onto her pale face.

"Of course it is fate of noble girls. But Kikiyo here gave me an excellent idea to think about…A husband can easily turn out of the house his wife, if she doesn't answer the standards …"

"Then a marriage doesn't threat you."

Looking at merry sisters, Souta felt a tad better.

"I hope your good mood won't disappear soon. I heard a trip was arranged to a far away palace. Generally speaking it is not completely safe to travel through…those mysterious lands, because stirring events seem to have been absorbed by very soil. I am not sure who is going, though."

A servant came closer and bowed, telling girls that they had been summoned by their father. Sisters exchanged uneasy glances and headed for the main building. Kagome dressed in dogi and Kikiyo in miko robes silently entered a round room, bowed to a man, who was sitting and looking a bit pensive. With a hand's movement he allowed them to take a sit on a pastel tatami.

He attentively examined Kagome, sighing in defeat.

"Why do the gods torment me with such an irresponsible daughter? Perhaps it would have done you good to be included in a Tea House. As a geisha you could do well. People respect them; aristocracy takes into consideration their knowledge, beauty, perfect manners - the qualities you are deprived of. Unfortunately it's too late for regrets. If you want to change the past, what is certainly impossible, then you have to change your own point of view, your life style, your thoughts, your very being. Can you, my young daughter, realize what I intend to say? Do you remember the words about woman' place?"

"Yeah…'respectable woman has to be unnoticeable like a shadow'…I heard that."

"I am glad you do keep in mind such phrases, but why not apply them?"

Kagome avoided father's gaze and tugged her sleeve.

"I do not wish to discuss your inappropriate clothing…Kagome and Kikiyo, I am aware of your irrelevant way of spending time, so I reached a decision to send you both to another place, where you will free yourself from mutinous and proud features. You won't be able to see each other, although you will be quite close. After living in a palace you'll change for the better. Various people will surround you, hopefully erasing unwanted thoughts."

Stunned sisters couldn't do anything but stare. The prospect of being separated, locked in a building full of ambitious and impudent human beings was simply terrible.

They left the room after hearing that horses will be ready tomorrow morning.

Kagome shivered, feeling moist caresses of the southern wind. The sky was already blue and fustian. Pale light of the setting sun illuminated moving figures. Dry air was filled with various smells, but still some odor was missing. All her life resembled a quest – endless pursuit for…she didn't know for sure. And how could she? Inside her heart there was a mortal anguish, that dreary sensation that something is wrong, that she's supposed to run freely on distant and enigmatic lands.

Suddenly an unprecedented feeling touched her heated skin, crept into her soul and howled longingly, calling…

She brought hands to her chest, searching for the source of glittering light that gave her confidence in the future. Shikon no Tama looked completely innocent, but Kagome had a firm conviction – the pink bead radiated enormous power.

Finally deciding that a kimono would come in handy Kagome calmly tossed it inside her trunk. Herbs and vials with every possible medicine were packed up a long time ago.

Birds' sleepy chirping didn't assist her in awakening. Ever so slowly she stretched her arms, crawled to a basin with cold water and desperately tried to open slightly swollen eyes. 'No more late night trainings…that's for sure. Why do I ALWAYS find trouble…no, no – it finds me with ease, no need helping it. I just swear that I won't fight with those guys…again. But it WAS fun… '

"Stop this thundering knocking! I am not deaf…I will be ready in a minute…Only after a short nap…"

Kikiyo carefully opened a door. Tilting her head she looked around, marking sister's level of undress and opened trunks with items scattered around a room. She quickly gathered objects and packed them up. Found a suitable kimono and dressed drowsy Kagome into it.

Servants came and took down all the parcels and chests. There was a fleeting parting, because their mother wasn't at home, and two carriages took off in the south-west direction.

Slumberous Kagome couldn't contain chilling quiver. Her brother and mother won't see her for a whole year. And today somewhere in the afternoon Kikiyo's coach will take a different turning and leave her all alone.

"You know, Kagome, I think nothing awful will occur. Tomorrow a daughter of some samurai – will join you. You'll like her for sure. She is also a freethinking person, so I am more worried about people, who're going to stay under one roof with you."

Kagome smiled farewell, trying to conceal burning tears.

"I hope to return soon. I won't let you down, sis."

Seeing the recessive carriage with Kikiyo she cried out.

"They will remember us forever! If they think that Higurashi can be broken, then they are cruelly mistaken! Why are we dragging ourselves along? Hey, coachman, show me how our horses can gallop!"