Kagome slid forward, her eyes owlish as she listened to her mother repeat the ancient fable, not daring to breathe as she watched her mother's lips slow to a halt, the woman always stopping the tale in the same place.

"Mother, you never speak of the treasure!"

Chuckling, the woman slid her hands down her daughter's obsidian locks, luxuriating in the feel of the lustrous waves, the small child's impatience surpassing her father's.

"My little one, my precious little princess, do not be angry with your mother. I do not know what the treasure is myself."

Pouting, Kagome shook her mother's hand off, her anger rising at the feeling of powerlessness, knowing that she must not blame her mother.

"It is not fair, I wish to know."

"I know my sweet, but do not worry. Your father will send men to the furthest ends of the world to find the answers you seek." Her smile faltering for a moment, she turned away lest her young should see the sadness that marred her beautiful features "But I do feel that sometimes, ignorance is bliss."