Kagome ran blindly through the castle, stumbling over her feet and beating up the walls. She ricocheted like a stray bullet, her miko powers speeding her like a cheetah but with all the grace of a newborn calf. She didn't stop once to pause and think, she just ran. All she could retain was the thought that her father had picked her a suitor. He who had always told the love story of his and mother's courtship. Now he had gone and picked out a man for her. She didn't want, need, desire, or care to have one. Especially if that suitor happened to be Lord Naraku! Her vision blurred and she bit back the hot tears, forcing the anger down to burn in her stomach.

How could he have done this to me? she bemoaned.

When she had heard the words leave her father's lips she was ready to scream her denial, her refusal, but all she could manage to display was her shock. Then, she just ran. Her legs carrying her without her mind knowing where she was going. Her thoughts were a blur, as she sprinted through the castle. She didn't pause to catch her breath, even when she felt her miko powers strain in protest like an aching sore muscle, she didn't stop. When she did stop, it was a sudden, fumbling halt.

Kagome looked at her surroundings and her shoulders slumped in relief. She was in her training clearing, and there was no other place she would rather be. She took a deep calming breath, and focused her holy energy to create a barrier around her to meditate. It gave a weak glint of protest, already tired but obeying its mistress command. Kagome felt its strain but forcefully ignored it, she needed to clear her mind and consider her limited options.

After a few minutes or so, she conceded that none of them were looking all that good..except for one. Yes, one option was looking extremely good. Now, just how to carry it out...hmm.


Kagome retreated to her room in her ghost-like state, only to startle Ming with her sudden appearance.

"Why is it you are always here when I need you most?" Kagome asked with a smile, but still genuinely curious.

Ming shrugged, "I'm hear when I feel I need to be. But Princess Kagome, where were you! You scared me running off like that, and you sister was frantic!"

Kagome sighed, "Ming, I'm sorry."

Ming took in Kagome body language. Her sagging shoulders, exhausted pose, happy yet sad light shining in her eyes.

"Princess, why is it I feel as though you are apologizing for more than running off after hearing of your courtship to Lord Naraku?"

"Because Ming," Kagome answered, "What I'm going to do, I'm sure you won't really like."


Ming hung her head, and brushed away a few tears before saying, "You have just become my best friend, if I may be so informal Princess, and now I have to let you go."

Kagome's eyes had also glistened over, "I'm sorry Ming. I truly am, but we both know it is for the best."

Ming sniffed, "Yes, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

Kagome leaned over to give her friend a hug, whispering, "Remember I might not have to leave."

Ming pulled back so she could look Kagome in the eye, "But, its most likely you will leave, and if that is the case..." she sighed, "Do you have everything you need ready?"

Kagome nodded, the stubborn set of her jaw didn't bode well. "Wish me luck Ming. But remember, if I don't see you again, you have been the best friend ever!"

The two friends shared one more hug, before Kagome left to find her family. One tear rolled down Kagome's cheek, betrayed the unease flutter of her heart. She hoped she'd be able to see Ming again, she really did, but knowing her father he would be unreasonably stubborn and refuse to negotiate. Holding her head high, she made her way to her family.


"Kagome, what brings you here?" The displeasure was clear in his voice, the tone was one that had always sent her scurrying to her room in a fountain of tears. But she wasn't a little girl anymore. Her mother's eyes meet Kagome's and she saw the determined set of her face. She knew that this would not be a pleasant meeting.

"Father, we need to discuss something," Kagome announced.

Her father gave her a quizzical look, "And what would that be?"

"My courtship to Lord Naraku. I refuse to court such a cold-hearted creature. Human, demon, or half-demon, I refuse."

King Aiko narrowed his eyes. "You are not in the position to refuse, Kagome. You will court Lord Naraku. End of discussion."

Kagome hung her head, but her voice, though low, was still heard when she said, "Father you give me no choice. Mother, Kikyo, please forgive me."

She meet eyes with her family, her sister's eyes sad, yet obviously happy for her. Her mother's eyes were filled with forgiveness yet depressed. Then her father's eyes, his were confused and angry.

"Goodbye my family," Kagome said, and even though it was whispered it was somehow heard by the other royal members, "Take care."

She then seemed to vanish before their very eyes as she put up her shield.

Kagome then exited the room, and went to collect her things she had left in the clearing for the journey ahead of her. No longer would she be staying at the castle, not if it meant she would have to court Naraku.


When she reached the clearing she rid herself of her princess finery and changed into her miko grab. She smoothed her hands over the material, admiring the feel of her new outfit. It wasn't some fine material that would rip at a sneeze but strong, durable. Just what she needed. Kagome then slipped her weapons into her clothes, effectively hiding them. She was tempted to bring her sword, but instead opted for the more traditional bow and arrows. It would be best that way to blend in if she was trying to escape the life of royalty.

Kagome smiled as she put her shield back up and made her way outside of the castle premise. Her eyes shone pale, steely with the rapant emotions coursing through her body. Finally she would be free, no longer did she have to be obedient. Kagome felt her heart soar as she thought, "Finally I can be the person I've always wanted to be!"