The Princess Crusade

Prologue

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived two princesses; sisters who hated each other. Although they were identical twins, the only thing they had in common was their appearance. They did not share preferences or personalities. Kikyo was wiser, graceful, and always yearned to be the center of attention. Kagome was gentle but guarded, never allowing anyone to come too close, and her shy nature always posed a problem with trying to find her a suitor. That, and the fact that Kikyo incessantly sought after the men her sister favored.

Always in competition, each princess would try to outperform the other in various subjects and skills. Kikyo was an expert at archery, and their teachers had always favored her skill over Kagome's. But Kagome had the gift of song, and when she sang, she attracted everyone's attention, much to Kikyo's dismay. Both were fluent in their studies, but Kikyo always surpassed Kagome intellectually. For Kagome was more creative and had the hands of an artist, so textbooks never grabbed her attention.

The sisters were too different, and because of this, a bond was never formed between them. Eventually, as they grew older, their differences lead them to despise each other. Kagome hated her sister's vanity, Kikyo hated Kagome's purity, and no matter what anyone tried, those two refused to become friends. Even when their father grew ill, and begged them to reconcile before he passed, the girls remained rivals.

Kagome felt guilty about never granting her father's dying wish, but she just couldn't waver in what she firmly believed in. Her father had always been unaware of Kikyo's true identity, and most people were. Everyone saw her sister as a beautiful and strong woman, which she was, but Kagome knew the real Kikyo. The Kikyo that was incapable of compassion, who schemed and lied. What Kikyo hungered for was power, and Kagome knew she would stop at nothing to get it. Her sister was pure evil in a heavenly form.

It was shortly after the kings death, when the princesses realized they both would be up for the crown, did their rivalry reach a new level. For the king had not been blessed with a son, and so one of them was destined to become the ruler of their kingdom. But, since they were born twins, only seconds apart, it was tough to determine which sister should receive the title of queen. Although Kikyo seemed the obvious choice, it was unfair to Kagome to just be tossed aside. The kingdom would not rejoice over such an unfair decision.

And so, a pact was made between the girls and their family's royal advisors. The first princess to find a prince, and get married, would receive the crown and the responsibility of ruling the land. This seemed fair to both princesses, and they shook on it, both intending to be crowned queen.

Kikyo knew exactly where to look for her Prince Charming. Across the Shikon Marsh, past the Bone Eater's forest in the land of Myoga, there ruled a great King. It was said that his kingdom continued to grow on account of his eldest son's bravery. Now, Prince Sesshoumaru was an incredible warrior. Not only was he swift in the art of combat, but he was also wise in strategy. With his mighty Tensaiga at his side, his opponents were no match for him. Their land was his prize, and he never lost a battle.

The King had another son by the name of Inuyasha, but his skill did not match his brothers. Very few had actually met Prince Inuyasha, for he often hid in solitude, refusing to step outside of the castle. It was said that he resented his brother and his father, and his hatred was understandable. The King barely acknowledged his younger son; Sesshoumaru received all of his attention and praise. Their mother had died delivering Inuyasha, and some believed that the King blamed Inuyasha for the death of his wife. His punishment was cold, callous disdain.

So, with her eyes set on Prince Sesshoumaru of Myoga, Kikyo sent forth a messenger to his castle, inviting him to a royal banquet. No one knew of Kikyo's plans, not even her sister, and when the young prince rode into their kingdom, everyone was taken by surprise. Especially Kagome. But she too had a man in mind as her betrothed; Prince Hojo of Hiraikotsu. Hojo had been her friend for many years, and Kagome knew she could count on him now. Before her father's death, he had proposed marriage to her many a times, but Kagome always refused him.

Ever since she was a little girl, Kagome had longed for true love. The kind of love that only existed in fairy tales. She had never experienced that sort of feeling in all her seventeen years, but she was willing to forgo her dream of romance for the good of the kingdom. For even though Hojo had been a true friend, she did not love him. But Kagome realized, as she observed her sister decorating the great hall for Prince Sesshoumaru's arrival, some things were worth sacrificing.

Our story begins with the entrance of Prince Sesshoumaru. As Kikyo eagerly awaits him within the castle walls, Princess Kagome wanders the gardens, unaware that he is steadily approaching. She is in such a sincere state of happiness as she stops to smell the many flowers, that much time passes by. Eventually, she falls asleep in the grass near her mother's monument, only to be awoken by Prince Sesshoumaru himself.