AUTHOR'S NOTES: The whole "knight" thing in the title doesn't actually involve a knight but represents Inuyasha being her "knight in shining armor!" That, and it looked nice. Ha. Also, this type of story and where it takes place is completely something I've never done before and is out of my comfort zone but my latest obsessions have been ninjas (thanks to NTT Solmare!) and ninja princesses. Also, this story has been stuck in my mind for days and I feel like writing it out will help me. Hope you will enjoy it!
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TITLE: The Ninja Princess and Her Knight
SUMMARY: Kagome Higurashi, the ninja princess, has been training to be a ninja since the day she began to walk. Expecting the worst, Kagome must travel to find the last scroll to complete her training during these troubled times. Traveling with her four trusting ninja companions, they experience brutal battles, heartache decisions, and forbidden love.
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The Ninja Princess and Her Knight
Chapter One
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"KYAH!"
Kagome slid to her side as she lands in a three-point stance and dust flies all around her. Noticeable sweat drops run down her face as she breathes heavily through her ninja mask.
"Not good enough!" Kagome's grandfather taps his walking stick to the ground. He stands in the same spot as he furiously yells at Kagome, "You've been at this for hours, Kagome! How can you expect to be superior to your clan if you cannot even fulfill a simple jump!?"
Kagome immediately stood up and bowed to her grandfather, "Yes, Master Toyo!"
Kagome starts running to the side of her grandfather and leaps in the air once more. She somersaults halfway up a tree and lands on a branch. She quickly runs up, stepping from branch to branch, aiming to reach to the highest tree in the forest. As she reaches the top, she looks down while looking desperately for a spot to land on the ground. She estimates her landing is at least three stories high. She can sense her grandfather staring at her as he patiently waits for her to jump off the tree.
Kagome took a deep breath and goes to jump off the tree. Her mind is blank and focuses on how to land. As she falls to the ground, Kagome raised her hand and summons her wind powers.
The wind was light but it helps Kagome lands safely to the ground.
Luckily, she didn't slide and perfectly landed at a three-point stance. She felt calmer as she landed and sighed in relief. She stood still for a few moments before acknowledging her grandfather's satisfied expression.
"Well, done, milady," Miroku stood next to her grandfather with a huge smile on his face. "Not only are you beautiful but you are also a strong-willed lady. Any enemy would tremble at the sight we have witnessed..."
"Enough with the compliments, Miroku," Sango snapped. She was walking towards the group with her Hiraikotsu strapped to her back. "Princess Kagome needs to hear more criticism and less praises. She can't let her guard down at all whatsoever."
Sango hands Kagome a water jug. Kagome bowed and drank the water with gratitude.
"Although..." Sango started, "Your tsa-tsa janpu was beautifully done from afar, milady Kagome." Sango bowed.
Kagome bowed in return, "thank you, Sango. Thank you too, Miroku. I appreciate the kind words."
Miroku sheepishly grinned. BONK! Miroku laughs as he rubs the back of his head after Kagome's grandfather hits Miroku's head. Her grandfather bluntly says to Miroku, "you should not be saying such things to a princess who has an arranged marriage prepared for her."
Kagome's chest tightened at the harsh comment. 'Arranged marriage...' echoed in her mind. She kept a poker face on but she was definitely hurt in the inside. She has known from the beginning that she is not allowed to date anyone or experience love as a commoner would. Putting her feelings to the side, she calls out to her grandfather, "Master Toyo. Shall I continue training?"
Her grandfather smiled, "we shall call it for the day. I need to speak with a few representatives of our clan to discuss political matters." He bowed and started to walk away. He stopped to turn to look at Kagome over his shoulder, "you did well today, my lovely granddaughter. Your hard work has definitely shown off these past few weeks."
Kagome's eyes widened at the sudden change to her grandfather's expression. Normally, he has her train from sunrise to late evening but it was only the middle of the day. Without vocally questioning her grandfather, she bowed, "thank you ...grandfather."
"We better head back to the estate, Princess Kagome," Sango called.
Kagome smiled, "Sango, enough with the formalities. You're practically my sister since we were little. I keep telling you to call me Kagome!"
Sango smiled back, "Regardless of how well we know each other, you are the ninja princess and I am just a mere ninja."
"Social parties should not matter between us!" Kagome waved at Sango as they began to walk towards the Higurashi estate.
"You know," Miroku had a pondering look to his face, "Kagome is right, Sango. You're supposed to be her friend, not just a ninja who serves the princess."
Sango sighed, "Not you too, Miroku..." Sango adjusted the straps that held her large boomerang. "We must respect our superiors. I cannot show any signs of weakness, especially when it comes to Kagome's safety."
Kagome knew Sango sees her as her sister as well but puts up a front about it. Kagome did not pursue to continue the conversation and changed the subject, "is Inuyasha in his room?"
Miroku answered, "No, I believe he is training as well by himself."
"Hmm?" Kagome was confused, "'by himself?' Why? He's usually nearby when we are training..."
"Awe, don't be sad, milady!" Miroku smiled, "I'm sure he misses you too!"
Kagome blushed, "n-no! That's not-"
"Miroku, you idiot!" Sango punched Miroku in the arm. "Inuyasha is training alone because Master Toyo asked him to."
"Huh?" Kagome's brows furrowed. "What's going on?"
Sango shrugged, "Honestly, I have no idea..."
To break the awkwardness, Miroku happily clapped his hands together, "let's eat! I am starving!"
"You just ate, Miroku," said Sango. "Add any more food to your stomach, and then you will become fat in no time."
Miroku laughed, "Ah, that is true... but if we were to immediately leave, right now, as least I am full!"
Sango rolled her eyes, "as if. You'll just slow us down if we have to make a run for it!" Sango playfully pushed Miroku.
Miroku laughed as he tried to balance himself from the shove.
Kagome was walking behind them while watching the two flirt with other. Kagome knew they had feelings for each other but Sango refuses to admit it. "He's so full of himself!" Sango would say every time Kagome brought it up. "Who could love such a pervert?" Kagome has not yet to ask Miroku because she never really got the chance or have spent any alone time with him. Come to think of it, it was as if everyone was making sure he was not alone with her. Kagome shrugged the thought and then wondered about Inuyasha.
'Inuyasha...' Kagome turned her head as she heard slashing noises to the right of the road.
"It must be Inuyasha." Miroku looked to the right also as if reading Kagome's mind. "Should we say hi and see how he's doing?"
"I don't want to waste time. I promised Madame Jo that I'd help her load the town's goods today for her departure," Sango said.
"Wait, she didn't ask for my help!"
"Well, then... help! I'm sure the 'more the merrier' is applied for this occasion." Sango turned to face Kagome, "Princess, are you going to see Inuyasha?"
Kagome snapped her eyes back to Sango, as if remembering she was walking with Miroku and Sango, "Yes, I am. I think I can train some more with Inuyasha."
"Always working hard as usual!" Miroku said while walking with Sango to go help out at the village. "Try not to work too hard or you'll stress your poor little body out but if that happens, I will be more than happy to massage- ow! Ow! Ow!"
Sango pinched his cheeks, "Seriously, Miroku? I should just kill you."
Miroku waved in defense, "h-hey! I was just being nice to milady!"
Sango rolled her eyes for the fifth time, she mocks him, "oh, please..." She shakes her head and turns around to bow to Kagome, "Princess Kagome. Please, let us walk with you to Inu-"
"That won't be necessary," Kagome interrupted with a smile. "I'll be fine. Plus, Inuyasha is close."
Sango obviously hesitated but knew Kagome was persistent on getting what she wants, "Alright. As you wish, milady."
Kagome started to walk towards Inuyasha's direction.
...
Kagome could hear Inuyasha breathe heavily as he swings his tessaiga in the air. It looks as if Inuyasha was trying to master his katana stances than the weight of his blows.
Kagome watches Inuyasha with admiration in her eyes. She has respected Inuyasha not only as a ninja but as a person. Her memories of Inuyasha flashes before her eyes.
...
3 years ago...
"Huh?" Kagome stepped out of the front door and sat patiently on her porch listening to the raindrops hit the roof. As she meditated, she noticed a body hunched next to a tree from afar.
"Who are you? Are you alright?" Kagome called out as she stood up. The body did not move or show any indication that he or she heard her. Kagome quickly assumes the person was sleeping as she walked towards the body. But was curious as to why would someone be sleeping in the rain.
"Milady Kagome, what are you doing out here?" Miroku was walking with two of his friends towards the Higurashi estate as he noticed Kagome quickly walking towards the forest in her backyard. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh! Miroku, there is someone sleeping near that tree and I want to make sure that person is okay," Kagome said.
"Let us come with you then," Miroku pointed with his head towards Kagome and his friends nodded in agreement and walked towards her.
Kagome nodded with gratitude and continued to walk towards the body. As she kneeled before the person, she noticed blood all over the person's body. Kagome did not stop to think and touch the person's shoulder, "Are you alright!?"
Confused by her expression, Miroku finally noticed that the body was covered in blood and ran next to Kagome. "Kagome, let me see..."
Kagome backed up a little to give Miroku and the stranger some space.
"Uhn..." the stranger's voice was raspy but Kagome was relieved to know that he was still alive.
"He's badly injured..." Miroku sighed. He asked one of his friends to help carry the stranger to the village's doctor. "We need to take him to the doctor immediately to tend to his wounds. Judging by the wounds, he looks like he was in a bad fight." Miroku looked down to the ground with pity, "it also looks like he was drugged up but still managed to fight off whoever did this to him."
Kagome's eyes widened. "Who would do such a thing?!"
As they arrived at the doctor's small building, they immediately took care of the stranger. Few hours have passed and Kagome patiently waited for the doctor. She had her hands on her lap, twirling her thumbs. "I wonder if he's alright..."
As if on cue, the village doctor came out, sighing in relief, "he'll be fine. Any longer, he would have died out there. Thanks to the princess, this man's life was spared."
"Is he awake?" Kagome asked.
"Yes," the doctor was hesitated, "but he is requesting to leave."
Without thought or permission, Kagome went to the stranger's room.
"You obviously cannot leave!" Kagome cried, "who in the world gets beat to death to only be released to die anyway?!"
Kagome was breathing heavily. She was staring into the stranger's eyes. His eyes had a soft expression as if telling her a thousand stories. Kagome noticed his eyes were gold, which was rare. Judging by his posture as he was sitting down on the bed, he could be from a noble family.
"You're..." the stranger started, "...you're the ninja princess, Kagome."
"Who I am is not important!" Kagome's face was hot. "Please, explain to me what happened to you?"
"I..." the stranger looked confused, "I am sorry, but I do not know. That is why I wish to leave. I don't know if I'm an ally or an enemy to your clan but judging by my wounds, I don't think I am good karma. I wish to not bring any troubles, especially to the Higurashi clan."
Kagome stared deeply into his eyes, "I am safely going to assume you are an ally. Our enemy wouldn't think twice-"
"Kagome!" A strong voice interrupted Kagome from behind. She turned to see that it was her grandfather. "Please, let the poor man be. If he wants to leave, he can leave as soon as he is able to."
Kagome looked back at the stranger, "Please, tell me. What is your name?"
The stranger's ears perked up, "my name... is Inuyasha."
...
"Princess?"
Kagome shook her head as she looked into Inuyasha's soft, gold eyes. She immediately smiled, "Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha put his katana in its sheath. He took out a handkerchief to wipe his forehead. "Did you need something?"
Kagome bowed, "I was wondering if I can train with you..."
Inuyasha shook his head no, "I am finished training as a matter of fact."
"Oh..." Kagome was sad but kept a straight face. "Are you heading back to the village?"
Inuyasha nodded. As if he knew she was going to ask, he started to walk towards Kagome to head back to their village with her.
...
"Master Toyo!" the young messenger ran towards Toyo frantically. "Urgent message from Katsuragi!"
Toyo remained calm as the young messenger breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath. The messenger started, "Master Katsuragi wishes to inform you that many villages have been attacked by the Agoshi Clan!"
Toyo's eyes widened, "how can this be!?"
The messenger continued, "He is seeking power and is trying to destroy all 7 clans!"
"He is insane! He agreed to a peace agreement within the clans."
"Yes, but after his wife and three daughters were murdered from another clan, he is seeking revenge from everyone saying that all clans have betrayed him."
"...murdered?"
"Yes, they were killed not too long ago and rumor has it that he is not thinking straight and is just attacking random villages he comes across..."
"This is not good..." Toyo looked worried and then nodded his head. "We must prepare everyone. Has Katsuragi done so?"
"So far, just his clan, this clan and three others."
"Good, we must warn the rest before it's too late..." He turned his head as he whispered, "it's too early for Kagome..."
"Grandfather?" Kagaome called out. "What's too early for me?"
Toyo straightened himself, "I apologize, granddaughter. Did you hear everything?"
Kagome nodded.
Toyo's shoulders slouched, "I know I have prepared you for many types of situations, especially this kind of situation, and even though you have not mastered a lot but..." he looked into his granddaughter's worried eyes, "but I have high hopes that you will succeed this mission."
Toyo looked at Inuyasha, "Inuyasha. Please continue this conversation with my granddaughter. Do you understand your position?"
Inuyasha bowed, "yes, Master Toyo."
Toyo looked deep into Inuyasha's eyes and put his hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, "and please, protect Kagome."
Inuyasha nodded, "understood. I will protect Princess Kagome with my life."
Sango and Miroku showed up as soon as they heard the news.
"Miroku. Sango." Inuyasha looked at the two. Both Sango and Miroku nodded as if they had a telepathic conversation with Inuyasha.
Kagome felt like an outsider, "What's-"
"Please, come with us, milady." Miroku smiled. He placed his hand on Kagome's back, gesturing her to walk towards the horse stables. "It's best that we explain this on our way out of this country..."
"Wait! On our way out of this country?!" Kagome's eyes widened. "Where in the world are we going? Why-"
"Princess Kagome," Inuyasha interrupted. "Please forgive me, but we do not have the time to explain."
"Then I order you to explain to me, Inuyasha," Kagome did not pull away and furiously stared at Inuyasha.
Confused at the tone of her voice, Inuyasha has never heard Kagome speak to him this way before. He hesitated for the first time, "Princess... I... Milady Kagome. I understand how frustrated you are but now is not the time to feel selfish. Please remain calm until we know we are safe."
'Selfish!?' Kagome thought, 'All of you are the ones who are being selfish!'
Kagome sighed and headed to the horse stable with Miroku and Sango.
...
Hours later into their journey, early evening, Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku were traveling on two horses, heading to the border. There wasn't that much talking and a lot of awkward silences. Kagome refused to say anything because she felt like everyone was purposely trying to ignore her.
"I'm sorry, Princess Kagome," Sango softly said, "I understand how frustrating this is but... we hope that you'll understand once we know we are in a safe environment."
Kagome sighed in defeat, "I understand... but it hurts when everyone knows something that I do not."
"Well, it's not easy for us to even keep quiet about it until this day too," Miroku calmly said.
Sango nodded, "I agree. I understand I always say that you are the princess and we are just ninjas who serve you but as a friend, I wish I could tell you but the less you know right now the better."
"I don't understand why I can't know now?" Kagome gripped on the reins. She was riding the horse with Inuyasha who remained quiet the entire time. "I know the Agoshi clan is attacking villages and seeking powers. Why is everyone being so shy about it?"
"Let's stop here," Inuyasha pulled the reins and hopped off the horse. He held out his hand to help Kagome off of the horse. "Miroku, let us check the surroundings. Sango, please stay with the princess and find a good spot for us to camp."
Sango nodded.
"Wait. I can help, Inuyasha," Kagome started to walk towards Inuyasha and Miroku but was immediately halted by Inuyasha's hand.
"No, princess," Inuyasha said. "Master Toyo wants me to protect you and I cannot put you in any danger."
Kagome tried to hold back the tears, "I am not just a princess! I am also a ninja too! You can't make me put all of my training to the side! Why is everyone treating me like a kid all of a sudden!?"
Miroku sighed, "Milady, I understand why you are upset but you must remember as a ninja that you must never question the orders that you are given. We are doing our best but I promise when Inuyasha and I return, we will explain everything. We must first make sure this area is safe before talking about the enemy. If we were being followed, then we could accidentally leak secret information."
"Fine."
Miroku and Inuyasha headed out to secure the area while Kagome and Sango gathered some wood to make fire. Kagome was sighing the entire time but would smile at Sango whenever their eyes met.
"Doesn't this bring back memories?" Sango asked cheerfully. "We used to gather wood all the time when we were little and training to be ninjas."
"Yeah," Kagome laughed, "grandfather always scolded us if we brought back wet sticks!" Kagome mocked her grandfather's tone, "Kagome! Sango! These sticks are wet! No one could start a fire with this! Not even the Gods! And what is this!? Why are you two covered in mud!?"
Sango laughed with Kagome, "he was so angry with us. I remembered we had to run two miles and back even though it was nearly midnight!"
"Grandfather was pretty strict!" Kagome put down the wood and started to make the fire. "He's calmed down a lot throughout the years though..."
Sango agreed, "Especially since Inuyasha arrived."
Sango had her back turned towards Kagome but Kagome quickly looked at her as soon as commented about Inuyasha. "You're right. Ever since Inuyasha joined our clan, grandfather seemed less stressed."
Sango nodded with a smile. "I do not blame him. Inuyasha is a trustworthy person and has proven himself not only as a ninja but as a man as well. Although, it'd help if he smiled once in a while."
As if Inuyasha heard his name, he and Miroku arrived to their campsite indicating that the area is enemy free. Inuyasha was carrying a large package over his shoulder and put it next to a tree. He opened it and pulled out blankets and four thin, twin size futon mattresses.
Miroku stared at him, "all of that fit in that?" Miroku had thought of the same thing as Kagome.
Inuyasha confidently says to Miroku, "Don't question my packing technique."
Inuyasha and Miroku were setting up the beds around the campfire. As soon as they were finished, Inuyasha gently sat down next to Kagome.
Sango was preparing the fish that she caught while Kagome was preparing the fire. Miroku was looking at a map to plan out the route the group must head. After they finished eating dinner, Inuyasha began to spoke.
"Princess Kagome, your grandfather wants us to look for the Sacred Higurashi Scroll."
"Sacred Higurashi Scroll?" Kagome looked deeply into Inuyasha's eyes.
"Yes, the Sacred Higurashi Scroll is hidden within the depths of the Kaiji regions. We must obtain it before Agoshi finds out..."
"I thought the sacred scroll is a myth?"
"That's what your grandfather wants everyone to believe. But the scroll has been hidden for more than over one hundred years by your ancestors. Only the minds from the chosen few carry the information of the location of the scroll. He didn't exactly tell us where the scroll was but mentioned that you would once we arrived at the location he directed us to. This scroll holds valuable information. The information is so valuable that it must only be obtained by someone who is of good nature."
Miroku started to speak, "that someone is you, princess Kagome. Although, we do not know for certain if you are to retrieve the scroll, we must try. Your grandfather has only told Sango, Inuyasha, and myself... He's limited it to the three of us because of our relationship with you, milady."
Kagome looked down at her hands that neatly clasped on her lap. "So…"
Inuyasha continued after Miroku, "If anyone knows that the scroll still exists, we do not know what will happen. We are asking you, as your loyal ninjas, will you please help us search for the Sacred Higurashi Scroll?"
Kagome absentmindedly stared at the three individuals who were bowing on the floor in front of her waiting for her response.
Kagome looked down again, "I…"
...
To be continued!