I do not own Inuyasha and Co., nor do I make any money out of this. The idea for the plot used here, however, is solely mine.

- sunkissedemerald.

Truth

By sunkissedemerald

Prologue

Reflections of the Past

Once upon a time, there lived a princess in a far away kingdom. The princess was renowned far and wide for many things—enchanting beauty and exquisite grace; it was her great compassion for all beings that held her legendary. So kindhearted the young princess was princes and common folk alike sought to pay her homage.

The young princess walked the halls, humming softly to herself. It was generally a happy day—the sun shone brightly and the birds chirped. The trees in the garden danced to the gentle breeze's rhythm, and the leaves whispered and hustled amongst themselves in their invariable yet tenuous post.

Ah, yes, it was a happy day.

Kagome silently made her to the back of the palace, careful to avoid the roaming palace guards and servants. Lifting her heavy skirts, she made a final dash towards a heavy door. Her hand was already upon the ornate, brass doorknob, but to her chagrin, it refused to turn! Jiggling the doorknob this was and that, she cast about a worried glances over her shoulder.

"Princess!"

Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no, no…

"Princess!"

Maybe if I walk away, she'll think I haven't heard her. Yes, that's what I'll do. Quickly now… Kagome abruptly dropped her hand from the doorknob and made to walk away from the door when suddenly-

"Don't even think about it, young princess!" An old, weather-beaten lady with graying hair sternly gazed at the guilty princess.

"Kaede-baa-chan! I wasn't going anywhere, you know. I was just…"

"Princess, you've less than an hour to prepare to meet your royal guests!"

"But, Obaa-chan..." Kagome wailed.

"And quit your wailing! It's very unbecoming for a lady all the more a princess!"

It was really a hopeless case. Kaede wasn't going to let her off.

"Come now, Princess, you know I can't let you go off this time."

"Yes, Kaede-baa-chan, I understand." Kagome dejectedly made her way

One day, a most unfortunate day when rain clouds and thunderstorms ravaged the countryside and winds howled…

"Onee-sama, I'm scared," a small boy, about twelve years of age whined.

Kagome, pulling the scared young boy into her arms, whispered, "Shhh – Souta, look at me."

And when he did as her elder sister commanded, he saw the gentle strength shining in her eyes – a mark of royalty – and he felt comforted even for just a bit. Outside, screams could be heard and a struggle seemed to ensue – a clash of swords, a dull thud, and all was quiet once again. Kagome couldn't help but draw in a quick breath.

With all the strength she could muster, she looked at Souta in the eye, and told him that all was going to be fine. However, a gnawing cold feeling was there at the pit of her stomach – she didn't like to deceive people, especially those of her family.

"Ka… go… me…" a singsong voice called out.

Souta clutched at her sister's kimono, as if trying to will the voice away. Fear was reflected in his sister's eyes. He knew better than what his onee-sama was telling him. He knew she was just trying to comfort him before the final, most brutal blow was struck. Tears were threatening to fall down his face, and he couldn't help but sniffle quietly.

"Souta," Kagome began softly. "I have to go…"

"Onee-sama, onegai, we can flee – away from all this. Grandpa was already killed by the evil witch, and Mama's missing. I can't lose you too. Please, onee-sama… Onegai…"

"Souta…" Kagome grieved for the little boy's loss. It was not fair that he had to suffer all these at such a young age. She wished more than anything to alleviate her little brother's pain, but sometimes, you had to choose the lesser of two evils to do a greater good. "Souta-kun, you must be strong. Be strong for our people. Be strong for those who are weak, for those who are broken and hurt. I believe in you, Souta."

"Onee-sama, please!"

"Souta, I have to go…"

"Ka…go…me… Ka…go…me…" The ethereal, almost unreal voice grew more insistent, calling out Kagome's name louder and louder until it seemed to render the whole fortress trembling to its very foundations.

"Souta, remember that Grandpa, Mama, and I love you. Remember that above all else, and never fail to share the love we had for you to our people…"

Souta heaved a great sigh. "Onee-sama..."

"Yes, Souta?"

"You're a hero."

Kagome couldn't help but cry at his last statement. "A hero, now, eh?" She cracked a feeble smile at her little brother.

"KAGOME!"

"Souta, be strong, be brave, and above all else, never forget…"

The last thing Souta remembered was being in his sister's warm, comforting embrace… and then darkness…

A haunting scream, seemingly wracked with pain, cut through the thick, stormy night. The final blow was struck.

The princess succumbed to the evil witch's plan, it seemed. She lay there, on the cold marble floor, prostate and unmoving, but still as beautiful as ever. The evil witch triumphed at the princess's demise; but she overlooked a small but very important detail. The witch, then, because of her fatal mistake, was trapped in oblivion, promptly putting an end to her devious plans.

The princess, managed to evade death by an underlying, mysterious force, but instead, was locked away in an enchanted sleep. The whole kingdom mourned for the princess's fate, but they held on to the hope that one day, the Princess would once again arise and walk the earth.

Hundreds of years passed - empires fell and monarchs ruled, but the princess still slept on. It seemed that all hope for the princess was lost…