AN: IM NOT DEAD! AND THIS IS MY NEW STORY! It shouldn't be too long and I hope that you guys enjoy it. It is based on the Grimm Fairy Tale The Goose Girl. Credit also must be given to the wonderful Miss Shannon Hale for her brilliant retelling of such a wonderful classic! Of course this will involve all of our favorite characters from Inuyasha. My other Inuyasha stories are almost ready for an update (shrinks back from stones being thrown). I finally got my computer up and running with the next chapters for Rose Water and Battle for the Dream. You'll be seeing new chapters shortly.
Anyways I do not own Inuyasha and if I did I wouldn't be writing this story! I also did not think of the concept of the Goose Girl. Credit is given to the wonderful imaginations of the Brothers Grimm and also to Shannon Hale for her wonderful novel.
Enjoy and please don't forget to leave lots of reviews!! I love hearing from all of you! And without further delay…..
THE GOOSE GIRL
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When the Princess Kagome of Koudo was born, she did not open her eyes for three days. The royal physicians tried everything they could to get the child to come to life. But she simply refused to open her eyes; she didn't want to.
Of course the queen was in a great state of distress. Would her firstborn die? She didn't want to wait to find out. So, she did the most desperate thing she could think of: she sent for her sister.
Now, the queen and her sister did not get along very well at all. Queen Hirgurashi was a proud woman, born and raised of one of the noblest families in the kingdom. She acted the part of courtier flawlessly. Her grace, charm, and wisdom were beyond comparison, and everyone acknowledged her for her beauty and quick wit. It was no surprise when she won the heart of the King.
Her sister however, was a different story. Midoriko was strange. At least, that was the general rumor. Although she was born and raised a noble, the eldest sister did not desire the life of a courtier. So, to the shock of many, she became a wanderer, choosing to travel the country…alone. This was scandalous for a woman of noble rank. So, to avoid any disruptions in the younger sister's engagement to the King, the family disowned her. Midoriko did not care though. She was liberated, free to do as she so chose and go anywhere she pleased. She traveled all over the world and learned about many things. She was fascinated by different languages and cultures, had a knack for healing various illnesses, and most of all, adored animals of all shape and sizes. It was said that when she wasn't wandering the world, she had a tiny cottage tucked away in the White Mountains. Some people called her crazy, many called her outrageous, but the general consensus was that she was a witch. So, you can imagine the surprise when she was called to the castle to attend to her tiny niece.
Queen Hirgurashi waited impatiently inside the nursery. She stared down at her infant daughter, who still lay in the crib. A frown settled upon her face. Why wouldn't the girl just open her eyes?
"Worried sister?"
The queen spun at the sound of the voice. "I was wondering when you would arrive," muttered the ruler.
Midoriko smiled slightly, "I must admit I was surprised when you sent for me. It has been three years since last I saw you."
"I cannot help your wanderings," the queen said hastily. She glanced over to the crib. "I seek your help."
"I know," said Midoriko as she walked over to her sleeping niece. The elder sister glanced carefully at the newborn babe. She was small, even for a full term infant, with a full head of dark hair. The tiny princess's eyes were shut tightly. Midoriko smirked slightly. There was a stubborn look of determination on the little child's face.
"Well?" asked the queen. She was growing impatient.
"You have nothing to fear, the child simply has yet to say her first word," Midoriko said with a smile.
"Her first word? She is only three days old, she cannot speak!"
"Alas, we are all born with a word on our tongue when we first come into this world. Your daughter is simply struggling to get it out. She will not open her eyes until she speaks it."
"This is absurd. You are telling me my daughter is simply being stubborn?"
"Yes," laughed Midoriko. She gently lifted the child from the crib. "Perhaps, all she needs is a little help. What is her name sister?"
"Kagome," the queen replied. She watched with a wary eye as her sister held her babe. "Her name is Kagome."
"Very well, Kagome," murmured the eldest as she nuzzled the baby to her chest. She muttered softly into the princess's ear. Immediately, the child opened her tiny, delicate mouth, and let out a small sound.
"I…I don't believe it…what did you say to her?" asked the queen in astonishment.
Midoriko only smiled again, "Sometimes all we need is a little guidance. Now, Princess Kagome, open your eyes."
Bright blue eyes flashed open and revealed themselves to the world.
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"Oba-san!" squealed the tiny princess as she launched herself into Midoriko's arms. It had been seven years since Kagome was born with the word on her tongue, and Midoriko still remained at her niece's side. She had taken it upon herself to become the girl's nurse and guardian. The queen had reluctantly agreed, only because she felt indebted to her sister. After all, had it not been for her strange ways, Kagome never would have opened her eyes.
Midoriko smiled at her niece. These last few years of raising the girl had been the happiest of her life. Kagome had a free spirit. She was curious and wanted to know everything and anything all at once. She laughed as the tiny princess nearly toppled both of them to the ground.
"Kagome-hime, what will we do today?"
"Go to the stables! I want to see my horse!"
Midoriko smiled, "Alright, we'll go see your horse."
Kagome shrieked with delight. It had been two days since she had last seen her horse, Chijin. The tiny princess had named the animal thus because "Chijin" was the first word spoken from his mouth. She, like her aunt had a gift for speaking with all sorts of creatures. When she had heard his name spoke on his first breath, Kagome had known he was to be hers. Chijin was a proud beast, with a magnificent white coat that shone brightly even on the darkest of days. Though she was still learning to ride him, the stallion had developed a strong bond with the girl, quickly becoming her best friend and confidante.
As they approached the stables, Kagome could hear the horse calling her name softly. She smiled and ran the rest of the way to the arena fence where Chijin trotted up to greet her. Laughing Kagome placed a gentle hand on his muzzle. He nipped at her playfully.
Princess, he said to her.
Chijin, I missed you. I am sorry I was not able to come see you. Mother, has been strict lately.
I missed Princess too.
"Here Kagome," said Midoriko as she held out a carrot.
Kagome fed her carrot to Chijin, who whinnied in reply. The little girl laughed.
"Kagome-hime," said a tiny voice.
The princess and her nurse turned about to see a young girl staring at them intently. Kagome shuddered inwardly. It was Nazuna, the daughter of Kyo, the palace key holder. Nazuna bowed respectfully, and Kagome did her best to follow protocol and return the gesture. However, she found herself slightly intimidated. Truth being, not only was Nazuna three years older than Kagome, but she was also everything Kagome was not. Bright and quick witted, Nazuna flourished in her studies, while Kagome struggled. The older girl seemed to follow court etiquette perfectly, while Kagome constantly made mistakes. But most of all, Nazuna had the gift of people speaking, and her intelligence to converse and manipulate others with her words was beyond compare for someone her age. Kagome preferred to speak with her animals any day of the week. Some whispered that it was a shame that Nazuna had not been born the princess. Surely, she would fulfill her duties more diligently. Of course it was scandalous to say such things, but Kagome knew. However, she never defended herself.
"Nazuna-san, it is good to see you," Kagome said quietly.
"My mother and I would like to invite you to tea sometime," Nazuna said cheerfully.
Kagome only nodded her head.
Midoriko frowned at her niece, "Kagome-hime is honored, Nazuna-san, perhaps we can arrange it soon."
"Wonderful, mother will be so pleased. Whenever is convenient for you Kagome-hime. I shall speak with you later." The young girl bowed her and walked away.
Kagome sighed and bowed her head.
"Why do you let that girl bother you so?"
Kagome stared at her aunt, "She is better than me," she muttered pitifully.
"That's not true."
"It is…" Kagome sighed as she watched a bird land on the fence rail. It chirped and twittered at her, ruffling its feathers and puffing out its chest. Kagome giggled. She tried to repeat the sounds the bird made. In response the bird conversed back with her. Laughing, Kagome tried again. Once more, the bird twittered back.
"I wish I could understand the birds like I understand, Chijin!" Kagome said happily as she cooed at the bird once more.
Midoriko smiled as a twinkle grew in her eye, "Perhaps you can."
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From then on out, Midoriko taught Kagome the speech of the birds and many other beasts. She would take the young princess to the royal ponds to converse with the swans, or to the aviary to speak with the keen-eyed hawks that the King took with him on his hunts. Kagome imitated and learned their language by repeating and imitating their sounds. She grew confident in her abilities and soon learned the subtle differences in bird dialects and speech. Robins and nightingales sang with a constant melody, owls spoke with great wisdom; the hawks were shrewd and cunning. But, Kagome's favorites were the swans, who were elegant and noble, everything she wished she could be.
Midoriko grew proud of her niece and the confidence she had come to gain. Everyone had different talents. Some people could converse well amongst people, like Queen Hirgurashi, while others were excellent healers, like her. Kagome's gift was with the animals, being of such a gentle and understanding soul.
One day, while they were at the swan pond, Kagome settled, into Midoriko's lap. "Tell me a story Oba-san."
"What sort of story?"
"Anything!" giggled Kagome.
"Alright, I will tell you the story of the girl who spoke to the wind."
"You can speak to the wind?"
"This girl did."
"How?"
"She had the gift to speak with the wind. She wished to travel the world and with the help of the wind, it took her to all sorts of places she never thought she would ever see. On one of her many journeys, she traveled to a city in the clouds, where she met and fell in love with a handsome prince. The prince was taken with her rare beauty and married her. They traveled together, happy for many years to come."
"Is she still alive, the girl?" asked Kagome thoughtfully.
"I'm not sure," laughed Midoriko.
"Is it true though, can people speak with the wind?"
"Yes, it has been said that some people are given the gift to speak with and control the elements, but it is a rare gift indeed."
"I want to try it! Then everyone would see that I can do something special too!"
"Kagome-hime, listen to me," Midoriko said very seriously. She looked her niece straight in the eye, "I know what I have taught you, about speaking with the animals and nature and everything, but you must promise me something: never tell anyone of your gift. It could be very dangerous for you."
"Why?" Kagome asked worriedly.
"Some people just don't want to accept what they don't understand," Midoriko sighed. "Just promise me you will only use your gift around me and no one else."
Kagome nodded her head.
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Kagome tried to keep her promise not to tell. She really did. But, she was not expecting her mother, the Queen, to walk in on her one day while she was in the nursery conversing with one of the caged canaries. She had thought she was alone. Her mother had scolded her and sent her to her rooms.
Left alone for hours, Kagome had finally cried herself to sleep. When her chamber doors opened and her mother stepped through the door, Kagome tried to sit up straight and appear brave.
Queen Hirgurashi looked at her daughter with a scornful glance. "You will not be seeing your aunt anymore."
Panic seized the little princess, "Why not?"
"You will not question this. But let me make one thing clear: I must never hear of you speaking with animals again. You are not allowed to even go near them, do you hear me?"
"But, Oba-san…"
"I will not have my daughter learning witchcraft!" snapped the Queen.
Kagome shrunk back at her mother's harsh words. She had never seen the older woman so upset before. Queen Hirgurashi straightened her back and glared at the young girl. "You will never see your Oba-san again, do you understand? You are a princess, Kagome and heir to the throne of this kingdom. Start acting like one. So far you are proving to be a disappointment."
Kagome blinked back angry tears. Her mother couldn't do this to her, she just couldn't. She was to say something back, but she found she had no voice. So instead, Kagome did the only thing she could think of. She ran.
Kagome ran through the palace, through the royal kitchens, and out the back door. She ran through the gardens, past the stables, and finally reached the palace walls. She tried to climb the vines that separated her from freedom. All she wanted was her aunt; she needed the only woman in her life who had been more of a mother to her than anyone else. It was no use. Her tiny hands could not get a good grip and her weak arms, did not have the strength to pull her body to the top of the wall. She landed in a heap on the ground, with tears of shame running down her cheeks.
Finally, Kagome dragged her exhausted body to the swan pond where she curled up in a ball and cried herself to sleep. Two hours later, a palace guard, by the name of Suikotsu found the little princess, her body sick with fever.
For three days, Kagome burned. For three days, the kingdom feared the worst. But, on the fourth day she wearily opened her eyes as her fever broke. Relief swept through the palace, and the Queen murmured thanks to the gods that her eldest child was safe once again. However, Kagome remained sullen. Her heart was sick with grief. She never saw Midoriko again.
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"Kagome-hime, would you like some more tea?" asked Nazuna.
Kagome nodded her thanks and held out her cup as she let her lady-in-waiting pour her more of the hot liquid. She had reluctantly agreed to have tea with Nazuna and her mother, Kyo. At seventeen, Kagome was trying desperately to prove to the kingdom that she was indeed a true princess. The past few years she had devoted to her studies and etiquette. It was still a struggle.
Kagome sighed. She would never be what her mother demanded of her. Lately things had been worse. Her father had been killed last month after a horrible riding accident while out hunting. As the eldest child, that meant Kagome was the legitimate heir to the throne. Her mother had immediately started to prepare her, making her constantly study the kingdom's politics. Koudo was not a very large kingdom, but it was a proud kingdom all the same, sitting north of the White Mountains and Black Forest. Because of its size, Koudo's economics depended primarily upon its trade with the neighboring kingdoms. Silk was the latest endeavor and Kagome was trying to learn all about the origin and value of the expensive fabric. Her mind wandered.
"Kagome-hime, are you alright?" asked Nazuna.
"Yes, I'm fine," muttered Kagome. She stared absently at her lady-in-waiting and friend. Though she was still slightly intimidated by the older girl, Kagome had grown fond of her. Nazuna was the voice of reason when Kagome could find none. She was a good confidante when Kagome needed a friend. There was still a tinge of jealousy that stabbed at Kagome's heart though. Nazuna was well-loved by all at court. Her charm was astounding, and her voice was like music. Her looks were somewhat plain, with brown hair that she pulled back at the nape of her neck, and dull brown eyes, but her intelligence captured the eyes of many men. It was her infectious personality that drew people to her; a personality that Kagome certainly did not have.
Kagome was beautiful, she knew she was. Most people in the kingdom agreed so. With her long, wavy black hair, porcelain skin, and big sapphire eyes, it was hard to deny. But her shyness and introverted personality had not doted well on her. She didn't converse well with people she didn't know, she lacked the confidence. Not to mention the awful rumors that her aunt and former nurse had taught her witchcraft at a very young age, hardly fit for a princess. All in all, few people believed in her capabilities as heir to the throne, including the Queen.
Kagome sighed inwardly. More than anything, she sought to please the demands of her mother. Queen Hirgurashi was a stern ruler, wise as she was beautiful. It was said that the late King Hirgurashi valued his wife's opinion above everyone else at court, making her one of his most trusted advisors. When the King had suddenly passed away, the Queen had immediately taken action and held her country together. Like Nazuna, Kagome recognized that her mother had the powerful gift of people speaking. All admired her, but alas, she was a well respected woman with a hopeless daughter.
The sound of knocking on the door, snapped Kagome from her thoughts. Kyo rose gracefully out of her seat, the palace keys dangling somewhat loudly on the belt she wore at her waist.
One of the Queen's advisors entered, and Kagome rose and bowed, trying to follow the appropriate etiquette. "Kagome-hime," the messenger said thoughtfully, "Your mother, the Queen, wishes a word with you."
Kagome nodded and bowed to both Nazuna and Kyo, as she walked out of the room, following the messenger. What could all of this be about?
She found the Queen in the former King's study. Kagome felt herself inwardly groan when she stepped foot inside the room. It was still the same, even a month after her father's death. She swore she could still smell the tobacco of his pipe…
"Ah, my daughter," Queen Hirgurashi said sullenly, "you are here. Please, sit we have matters to discuss."
Kagome did as she was told and sat down in the plush chair across from her mother. A servant girl came with a tray of silver and fine china. She poured both of them tea, and exited the room quietly, leaving the royal family to themselves.
Kagome felt a deep quiet surround her. It had always been awkward to be with her mother. She watched the older woman as she sipped nervously on her tea. The Queen was watching her intensely, more so than usual. The princess shakily put her teacup down on the small table that separated them.
"You wished to speak with me, mother?"
The Queen nodded thoughtfully and sank back into her chair. She clasped her hands together, "My daughter, we have important matters to discuss."
Kagome nodded her head.
The Queen continued, "It is time for you to marry."
Kagome paled. "Marry?"
"Yes…marry. You are seventeen and without husband. It is unsuitable. If your father would have allowed it, you would have already been wedded and bedded by now."
The princess blushed at the thought. "Yes, mother," she said meekly.
"Good, you understand. Now, I have arranged a match for you. You are to be engaged and wed to the Prince of Musashi, the kingdom that lies to the east."
"The youkai kingdom?" said Kagome suddenly as she snapped her head. "I am to marry a demon?"
"Do not fuss over it, Kagome," said the Queen with irritation. "There is nothing to fear. This is an alliance between our kingdoms. You are to leave immediately."
"How soon?"
"Tomorrow," the Queen shrugged.
"Tomorrow?" Kagome exclaimed. She felt tears sting her eyes, "You want me to leave tomorrow to be wed to a man I know nothing about? What about everything I am supposed to learn? I am needed here! Why must I go to him?"
The Queen rose from her seat and walked over to the window smoothly. She stared coldly at the world outside. The sun was beginning to sink into the western sky. A heavy sigh, which was so unusual for the noblewoman, escaped her lips.
"Mother?" demanded Kagome boldly.
"You will not be coming back here, daughter."
The Queen's words stabbed at her heart like a knife. Kagome felt her whole body stiffen as she tried to comprehend what had just been spoken, "What?" was all she managed to squeak out.
"Your brother, Souta, will be named as heir, not you. He is the legitimate male heir to the throne, and the Council and I have debated and finally reached an agreement. Souta will become king. You are to marry the Prince of Musashi. That is the final decision."
Kagome let the tears roll down her face. She couldn't say anything to that. Her mother and the rest of the kingdom saw her as unfit to rule. That was it. Her worst nightmare and fear had finally come true. She was the royal joke and would soon be the laughing stock of the kingdom.
Silence stretched between mother and daughter for what seemed like an eternity. When the Queen finally turned around to face her daughter, her face was still stern and unmoved by emotion. "You were never ready to rule, Kagome. Consider this a blessing on your behalf. You would not have lasted a month on the throne."
Kagome nodded meekly, as her mother brushed past her. "Mother," she called quietly.
The Queen stopped and craned her neck to show she was listening.
"What is my betrothed's name?"
"Musashi is a three month journey, Kagome. This is the first time an alliance has ever been formed between our two kingdoms. How am I supposed to know the prince's name?" The Queen left the room, leaving her daughter with an empty heart.
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The following day, Kagome sighed as the palace disappeared from her sight. Never before had she been outside the palace walls, and now she was to journey three months into and unknown land, a land preoccupied by demons, none the less. Musashi was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world, and she was to marry the prince.
The princess clutched the reins of her horse and friend, Chijin. The horse snorted and pawed at the ground slightly. He could sense her distress. Kagome reassured him gently with a soothing pat on his mane.
"Don't worry Chijin; we're going to be fine," she said soothingly, even though she was unsure of herself.
"Kagome-hime," said Suikotsu as he trotted up beside her, "There is a village nearby with a well-known inn. I suggest we stop there for the night."
Kagome simply nodded at the captain of her entourage. The group that had been chosen to escort the princess was small, hardly fit for a royal procession, but then again, who wanted to accompany a princess who was perceived as worthless by her own mother, not to mention the kingdom? Besides, Musashi was a three month journey, at best. Kagome was lucky that some of the royal guard had even bothered to volunteer on her behalf. There were fourteen people in the tiny caravan. But, Kagome couldn't have cared less. She was too depressed to care. The only thing she was thankful for was the fact that Nazuna had decided to come along. The young lady-in-waiting had insisted on remaining within Kagome's company. Although, why she had agreed, Kagome would never guess. However, she was grateful to have a friend for support.
Princess, what's wrong? Chijin asked as he broke into his mistresses' thoughts.
"Nothing, my friend, don't worry about me." She patted him once again.
Kagome sighed and put a hand over her heart. She could feel the small lump of the handkerchief her mother had given to her, stuffed into her dress. Queen Hirgurashi, before Kagome had left, had given the small token to her daughter, as a sign of farewell. For one brief moment, and for probably the first time in her life, Kagome felt as if her mother had truly loved her. The small piece of cloth, as dainty as it might be, was beautiful, and intricately designed with a hand embroidered detailing. Three drops of the Queen's own blood tarnished the cloth, but she had told Kagome that this would protect her on her long journey.
Kagome patted the now familiar lump, affectionately. Perhaps the handkerchief was magic? That could be the only explanation for her mother dropping her own blood onto it. Yes, Kagome liked to believe that it was magical.
"Kagome-hime, are you alright?" Nazuna asked.
Kagome glanced over at her lady-in-waiting. She smiled sadly, "Yes, I am fine."
"Are you nervous about going to this new kingdom? I hear that the ways of the demons are much different from our own."
"I think so too…but a fresh start is just what I need."
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AN: Yay! The first chapter is done! I hope you all liked it! I am very excited. For this story I am hoping to use some characters from the manga and anime that we don't get to see very often. You might recognize Nazuna and Suikotsu, and yes both of them will be playing very large roles in the story. And don't worry; all of your favorite characters will be back! How could I ever forget them? Anyways, I would appreciate lots of great reviews! Email: