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Royal Dangers

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Chapter Six

Returning Home

Kagome walked slightly behind the young prince, allowing him to lead the way through the thick forest. They had been walking most of the day, their journey often punctuated with her comments on the beauty and size of the Western Lands. The demon lord remained silent most of the journey, letting his slight nods speak for him as the young woman rambled on.

The trees began to grow in numbers, until the pair found themselves walking amidst a towering forest. Kagome grew quiet as she slowed, staring up at the branches high above her. The dim light filtering through the many layers of leaves seemed to grow even dimmer as the time past, and the princess's fears were also growing. "Are you sure you know the way, Lord Sesshoumaru?" She asked, looking around at the shadows, imagining all sorts of mischievous creatures lurking in the darkness. "Are we almost there?"

The demon made no answer, but continued forward. He could sense she was afraid, and he knew her questions were her way of keeping calm. Still, her constant chatter was beginning to take its toll on his nerves. Without slowing, he spoke over his shoulder. "Princess, there is nothing in this forest that I would not be able to handle should we come across anything. You are quite safe with me." Whether intentional or not, his voice was reassuring to the maiden, and she fell silent once more, biting her lip as they continued.

After a few minutes had passed in silence, Kagome frowned. She hurried to catch up to the demon. "Um, Lord Sesshoumaru, I have been wondering something."

"What is it?"

Kagome took a small breath. "Why is it you keep helping me? When I was lost, the bandits, that horrid man... Why do you always help me?"

Sesshoumaru thought it over for a moment. "I recall answering that question before. If I had not aided you, who would have?" Kagome shook her head.

"I don't think that's it. At least, that cannot be the only reason." She looked up at him, searching his face for the slightest hint of an answer. Sesshoumaru's face was solid, revealing nothing. Kagome had just about given up expecting an answer from the stoic demon when his smooth voice broke the air.

"No, I suppose there were other reasons. You needed help, so I helped, that is a given. As well, you are a woman, young though as you are, and a Princess at that. It would be against my honor not to provide aid when it was obviously needed."

Kagome interrupted. "But you did not know I was royalty the first time you helped me," She pointed out. The demon considered this.

"That is true. Yet I aided you because you... intrigued me." He admitted this carefully, choosing his words wisely. From the corner of his eye he could see the surprise in the Princess's eyes. "You were the first human I had seen exhibit such bravery. Men I have encountered before pretended to be brave, but were as foolish as they come. Yes, I could sense you were frightened," He added, seeing her open her mouth to speak. "But you hid it well. You held your ground but knew when to submit. You certainly have inherited your father's traits. I am surprised at myself for not recognizing it then."

The young maiden shook her head slowly, and Sesshoumaru looked back at her. "No I haven't. My father was a wise, brave man. I have acted blindly, like a fool, and I would have paid for it many times had you not been there." She stared ahead, her sapphire eyes not truly focusing on anything.

Sesshoumaru glanced down at the downcast maiden. "You might not realize it, but you are more like your father than you think, Princess. Even when he was young, he was a brave man indeed, who ruled honorably. King Higurashi was the only human I truly respected."

This caught Kagome's attention. "You knew my father?" She probed, hurrying to match his stride. The demon nodded once, keeping his pace steady.

"Many years ago, when he first took the throne."

Curiosity got the better of the young woman. "You don't seem that old."

The demon prince could hardly contain his amusement. "Do you consider me 'old', Princess?" He noticed the maiden fall momentarily speechless, her cheeks reddening while trying to resolve her statement. With a motion of his hand he calmed her down. "I am four hundred years of age, roughly around twenty-eight in human terms."

Kagome shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe it. You look so young!"

The corners of the demon's mouth turned up, thoroughly entertained by her response. "I suppose for a child such as yourself, it would seem rather impossible, but I assure you it is the truth." Kagome started to nod, but then his airy words sunk in.

"I am not a child!" She retorted heatedly, feeling her cheeks burn. Seeing the smirk on the Western Prince's face, Kagome huffed. "I'll have you know, Lord Sesshoumaru, that I am seventeen, and I am by far no little girl." Her eyes flashed slightly, as if daring him to say otherwise.

Sesshoumaru nodded thoughtfully, his eyes telling another story. "Now I have a question for you." Kagome was taken aback, her anger disappearing rapidly, but she waited, glancing at his cool face as he kept going. "Why were you in the forest? After your last encounter, one would think you would have stayed away."

He sensed her emotions change drastically, and when he looked back in concern he found her face had turned very pink. This may prove to be interesting. Raising a quizzical eyebrow, he waited for her to answer.

Kagome felt like her face was on fire. She quickly brushed her dark hair from her eyes as she thought of a believable excuse, anything other than the truth, but none came to mind. "I... I was looking for you." The young woman murmured, blushing. Seeing the curious look on his aristocratic face, she bit her lip. "Well, I wanted to thank you for helping me before... Instead of just leaving me lost and alone, or something. So, when the chance came, I disguised myself and came back, hoping I could find the little clearing where you found me. Only, I got lost, and those bandits found me instead..." Kagome sighed to herself.

"It was a foolish thing to do. I would have saved us both trouble if I only did as I was told and had not snuck away. I am sorry for that." Her thoughts were interrupted when a soft chuckle pervaded the air. A small smile crept onto Sesshoumaru's face as Kagome glanced up at him, confused.

His golden eyes glimmered humorously. "Yes, it was a foolish act you committed." Kagome nodded sadly. "However," he continued, watching the maiden perk up curiously, "...It was a very noble act as well. Not many would have gone to such lengths simply to thank someone. An act like that takes courage, and spirit. Going alone was unwise, but your intentions were honorable."

Sesshoumaru nodded in her direction. "Unfortunately, there are many among these trees who wouldn't think twice as to harm a lone traveler, as you found out. Even then, you proved yourself a true Princess through your actions. Staying calm, keeping your pride intact, administering mercy even when it was unmerited. All traits which are needed to rule. You have these traits, Princess, and with experience you will be able to use them effectively when the time comes."

Kagome remembered. With a small smile, she took a deep breath. "Thank you." The Western Prince nodded and fell silent. The young woman followed his example and walked beneath the trees with the demon, glancing occasionally around her.

Unease settled in the maiden as the forest grew darker. Keeping her mind off the thoughts of prowlers and other dangers, Kagome gazed at the Western Prince. His movements were smooth, fluid... those of a predator. No, she thought, lifting her eyes to the back of the demon's head. He's so much more...

"We are stopping here."

Snapping back to reality, Kagome watched as the demon lord came to a stop. "Stopping? Why can't we keep going?" She realized how childish she sounded, but the thought of staying in the forest, in the dark, frightened her.

Patiently, Sesshoumaru turned and glanced at the princess, reading her face carefully. "Soon it will be dark. We will make better time tomorrow than trying to travel without light." He stated quietly. He watched the young woman blush softly and look around, her unease written clearly on her face. Out of her element, he thought with an inward smirk. Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru turned and began to walk away.

"Where are you going?" The panic was evident in her voice as she took several quick steps toward the demon's retreating form, and the demon paused once more.

"Stay here." Without another word of explanation, he disappeared amidst the trees, leaving Kagome alone.

Several minutes went by, each building the unease in her stomach. Every small sound made her jump, every crack of a twig adding to her tension as the princess waited, alone. Calm down, Kagome told herself, biting her lip. He will return any moment. She could barely see, as twilight had fallen and the shadows encased the forest. The absence of the sun made the air turn cool, and the princess wrapped her arms around herself, trying hard not to shiver. Where's my cloak when I need it?

A soft crunch alerted her, and Kagome whirled around to see a dark figure at the edge of the trees. Eyes wide, she opened her mouth to scream when the shape moved closer.

"Princess."

Her cry was cut short at the sound of his voice, and relief overwhelmed her. "Lord Sesshoumaru." The ever-stoic demon dropped his armful of wood on the forest floor, not looking up as she said his name. As he knelt down to arrange the pile, Kagome steadied her breathing. "You were gone so long." She said, almost accusingly. Sesshoumaru glanced up, then continued his work.

"You were safe." Came his simple answer. A moment later a spark flickered beneath his hands, and soon small flames were crackling merrily. Kagome, however, was not pacified.

"Safe? How would you have known?" Her sweet voice gave way to near hysterics. "You left me alone." She crossed her arms again, the slight hurt in her eyes emphasized by the firelight.

Sesshoumaru straightened and fixed his golden eyes on the young woman. After a short moment, he nodded. "I did. Because I knew you would be safe." He did not discuss it any further, nor did Kagome pursue the matter, although she still had not forgiven him. After a moment, she knelt down by the fire, careful to stay on the opposite side of her guide.

The demon watched the young maiden carefully. She once more pushed her loose locks behind her ear and hugged herself firmly, protecting herself from the growing chill, despite the warmth offered by the fire.

Leaning back against the rough bark, Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. He understood her panic at being left alone, her fear of being lost... Yet, he did not feel guilty for leaving her for the few minutes he had. He had scanned the area of any possible threats, kept his guard up until returning to the little clearing. She was never in any danger during his absence, just as he had predicted.

A sharp intake of air made him open his amber orbs slightly, his cool gaze landing on the young woman. She had moved closer to the fire, but despite her efforts her light shivers continued. Without changing position, Sesshoumaru spoke, his smooth voice filling the quiet air. "Princess."

Once more her head shot up, but this time her eyes were calm. "Yes?" She called softly, the firelight dancing on her skin in orange-tinted designs. Even her eyes seemed alive with the flame's color, the soft blues tinged like the deepest red embers at the fire's base.

Sesshoumaru gestured to his side. "Come and sit." He watched her face carefully, unsure whether her cheeks were red from the fire or from his words. "You are cold. The fire alone will not provide the warmth you need." He motioned once more for her to move closer, causing Kagome to bite her lip with indecision. Finally, she rose and slowly walked around the flames to his side, eying his indifferent face as she did.

Once seated, Kagome had to agree she did feel much warmer. She snuck a glance at the young demon, watching as the flames cast shadows along his sculpted jaw and perfectly aristocratic features, fitting him with a dangerous facade that became him quite well. Yet the shadows also worked to soften his features, somehow taking away the cold, menacing stranger from before. Somehow, I feel safer with him.

She switched her gaze back to the crackling fire, listening to the calming sound as it popped and hissed as the flames licked at the fuel within its grasp. "Lord Sesshoumaru?" Kagome heard as he turned her head toward her, knowing she had his attention. "I- I would like to apologize. For what I said. I should not have yelled earlier." She lowered her head to her knees, wrapping her arms around her legs for support. "I know you wouldn't have left me if it wasn't safe. I should not have doubted you."

Sesshoumaru looked down at the maiden by his side. "Do not apologize. You were not wrong to doubt." She broke her focus and met his gaze, confusion written in her dark eyes. For a moment they just stared at each other, then the Western heir leaned back. "You must sleep. We shall start again in the morning."

He offered his arm, and after slight hesitation, Kagome took it, snuggling close to his side. Her head rested on his soft pelt, marveling at the warmth it provided as her eyes heavily fell shut. As sleep slowly overcame her, she felt the weight of his arm secure itself around her shoulders, his hand coming to rest gently on her arm.

Sensing the princess was asleep, Sesshoumaru scanned the dark forest with his sharp gaze. He could smell several minor demons a mile or so away, but he did not concern himself with them- they would not openly oppose a demon of his caliber, despite the temptation of the woman in his arms. Satisfied, he gazed back at her, listening to her heart as it slowed. His hand moved to the top of her head, running his clawed fingers through her hair slowly. He paused when Kagome stirred against him, only to resume when she drew closer. Eying the partially hidden sky above, the demon prince closed his gilded eyes once more. Until tomorrow...

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Kagome sighed contentedly, burying her face in the soft warmth at her hands. A low sound emitted from the object, and she frowned, eyes still closed in her sleep. Trying to focus on the sound, she soon realized it was a quiet voice, saying her name. "Kagome."

Tired, the maiden shook her head slowly, eyes shut determinedly. "Sleeping." She muttered, feeling herself falling asleep once more. A firm but gentle hand shook her shoulder.

"Princess, wake up."

Grumbling softly to herself, the Eastern woman forced her eyes open, blinking as the dim morning light greeted her. Yawning prettily, Kagome searched for the source of her much-too-early awakening. She looked over the rich ivory pelt that she was lying against, her gaze lifting to face her traveling companion. Golden eyes stared back, amusement within their pools that did not quite reach the rest of his cool mask. Shocked, Kagome pushed herself up, immediately missing the warmth of her makeshift pillow.

"I- um, sorry, I did not mean to fall asleep on you... I mean, uh, I didn't-" She clapped a petite hand over her mouth to keep from babbling. Sesshoumaru nodded, his eyes still shining.

Without a word he rose to his feet, lifting with him the miraculously immaculate pelt with him, returning the thick fur to its place on his shoulder. Kagome could only marvel at how perfect the Western Prince appeared, compared to her sleep-ridden appearance. It's not fair, she thought as she combed her slightly tangled hair with her fingers, ridding herself of the few knots that remained.

Sesshoumaru waited patiently for the young woman to fully awaken. "Let's go." He helped Kagome to her feet then started, keeping an easy pace for the tired princess.

The first hour passed without much said between the two, as Kagome struggled to stay awake. As the day ripened, however, she found her voice once more, filling several miles with talk of her home. Sesshoumaru usually listened, offering a few words every once in a while as more distance was covered.

Eventually, the maiden ran out of subjects to talk about. The sun had already begun its journey back toward the earth, offering a few more hours of sunlight before its final rays also disappeared. Kagome picked her way through the brush, watching the young demon before her. Her eyes fell to his sash, and the two swords at his side.

"Why do you carry two swords?"

Sesshoumaru looked down at his weapons, then at the young princess, who was currently ducking under a branch. "They have their own purposes," he answered cryptically, watching the small frown grace Kagome's face. Before she could ask, he went on. "Toukijin has a demonic power that I use when my own strength is not enough." His fingers rested on the second hilt. "This one, Tenseiga, cannot kill. Rather, it heals."

Kagome looked at the sword in awe. "Heals? Like, if you get wounded in battle." Sesshoumaru nodded.

"That, as well as restores life."

The maiden's eyes widened. "Restores... you mean it can bring someone back to life?" Again, the demon nodded, glancing back at her wide sapphire eyes. The princess slowed to a stop. She seemed to be considering something, her face clouded slightly by thought.

Sighing, Sesshoumaru halted as well. He did not need to guess what was going through her mind. "Tenseiga is a powerful sword, Princess. Yet its power is limited." He turned back to face her. Softly, he continued. "A person may only be revived by this sword in the lingering moments after death, as the soul is being retrieved from this world to the next."

Tears formed in Kagome's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "So... my father is truly gone." A wave of sadness overcame her. Gone...

Fingers grasped her chin gently, turning her gaze upward. Kagome met the golden stare, trembling. "He is not truly gone." The soft baritone said this firmly, watching to make sure she understood. "As his heirs, you and your brothers keep him alive. Your actions and words reflect him. Do not forget that." Sesshoumaru waited until the trembling stopped before he released his gentle hold. "Now we must move on." Kagome nodded, knowing he meant to continue their journey. Inside, she also knew his words took on another meaning. It's time to move on.

After what seemed like hours, the two found themselves in a small clearing, which Kagome recognized as that from their first meeting. "This place..." She murmured, walking forward to look around. Sesshoumaru stopped as she took in her surroundings, watching the young woman with unreadable eyes. Kagome paused in front of one tree, touching the bark gently. Instantly she remembered being trapped against that same tree, and she withdrew her hand as if the contact had burned her fingers.

Sesshoumaru observed her step back, then turn to face him. Her soft face was solemn, her eyes bright. "The first time we met, I was afraid you were going to kidnap me. I did not know you were trying to help me." She flashed a weak smile and turned back to face the towering oak.

The Western Lord remained silent, electing to watch Kagome move about slowly. After a minute or so had passed, he cleared his throat. "We should continue. It will be dark soon." The princess turned back and once more followed the demon as he made his way through the trees. The two were quiet the rest of the way back, Kagome concentrating on avoiding low branches and Sesshoumaru searching for the village past the trees.

Finally, the little village was in sight. Kagome let out a joyful cry, much to Sesshoumaru's amusement. She rushed in front of him and took lead to the palace. Her subjects were already inside, due to the darkening sky, so no one noticed a demon passing through. Kagome saw the palace gates and breathed a sigh of relief. "We're there!" She whispered. The Demon Prince nodded and followed behind as the princess ran to the towering gates.

The guards were no longer on duty, and as a result the iron gates were locked. Kagome tested the bars gingerly, then leaned against the stone perimeter, disheartened. She glanced at the demon, who stared stoically back. "I can climb over the wall on the south side..." She didn't finish when he stepped closer and, wrapping an arm around her waist and holding her close, jumped up and over the stone wall, landing gracefully on the other side. Kagome had cried out when they jumped, and upon landing she found she was holding tightly to Sesshoumaru's waist. Embarrassed, she loosened her grip and drew away, her face flushed.

"Kagome!"

The demon turned at the sound and saw a well-dressed man and two armed guards running toward them. Instinctively, Sesshoumaru stood before the young woman. The three men slowed as they reached the demon and Kagome. Glancing up at Sesshoumaru, the man in the middle stopped in his tracks. "A demon!" His hand went to his side for his sword. His guards raised their spears, ready for use. The Demon Lord narrowed his eyes at this, laying his own hand on the blade at his side.

"Stop it!" The men all looked at Kagome as she rushed out from behind Sesshoumaru, standing between him and the guards. She stood tall, her face calm and determined, looking older than her seventeen years. If the demon had any remaining doubts of her royal heritage, they were wiped away with one look at the confident Princess. The guards looked from her to the stoic demon, then toward the prince for his order.

He did not seem to notice their wariness. The well-dressed man stepped forward, his arms held out, and Kagome broke her stance to meet him. Hugging his sister tightly, the man smiled warmly. "Kagome, I am relieved you are safe." He relaxed his hold on the young woman and looked up. "But who is this?" He asked, indicating Sesshoumaru. The demon had loosened his grip on the hilt of his sword, though he still rested his hand there as a precaution.

Kagome raised her head and spoke calmly. "Hojo, this is Lord Sesshoumaru, Prince of the Western Lands." She glanced back at the prince, her eyes grateful. "He saved my life." He nodded curtly, his gaze flickering back to the guards.

Hojo nodded as well, surprise written on his handsome features. "I see." He motioned for the guards to step aside and turned to the demon prince. "My Lord, thank you for what you have done. You have brought my sister back, and for that I am truly grateful." He bowed respectfully, and Sesshoumaru did the same. "Please, come inside. I would like to hear all that happened." He motioned for both to come with him.

Kagome started forward, but when she noticed Sesshoumaru had not moved she looked back at him. "Lord Sesshoumaru?" She asked questionably, waiting. He shook his head carefully, his golden eyes focused on her face.

"You need to be alone with your family. I must leave now." He said shortly.

The Eastern Princess frowned. "Will I ever see you again?" She asked, her eyes holding a hopeful gleam.

Sesshoumaru thought it over, then nodded. "Yes. I have a feeling we will see each other sooner than you think. Do not go into the forest alone next time, understood?" Kagome smiled and nodded. The demon bowed slightly, then leapt over the wall once more, melting into the darkness.

Kagome stared out for a moment, searching for a sign of the prince, but she could find none. Finally, she turned and joined her brother, who stood waiting for her. He had seen the demon leave, and the way Kagome looked after him until she was sure he was gone. He was surprised at her reaction, but he did not press the issue. Hojo placed an arm around his younger sister protectively and escorted her inside. Kagome sighed. Finally, she was where she belonged: home.

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Star: Ah, another short one, but who's counting? Another trip through the forest really put the princess on edge, didn't it?

Kagome: You can say that again.

Star: Okay, another trip through the forest really-

Sesshoumaru: *covers her mouth* Do not try my patience, wench.

Star: Hm? Mo, no hm, hmever.

Sesshoumaru: Stupid girl.

Star: *finally free* do that again, I'll have you die at the end.

Sesshoumaru: *glares*

Star: Uh, we'll talk later. Okay, thanks again for reading with me, hopefully the next few chapters will be edited quickly. You know the drill by now, reviews are nice, flames are not. Would you like your house in flames? No, I think not. So don't send them to me, my box will not be happy.