Chapter Seven
A Loss of Innocence
Kagome awoke and felt weak, she turned her head and saw Inuyasha. She tried lifting her hand but it was weighed down too much so she looked and found their wrists bound together. She used her little bit of strength to reach her other hand over, trying to untie the ribbon. Sadly, since she used the strength to move her hand, she couldn't undo their wrists. Her hands were shaking too much. She sighed and gave up, just then, Inuyasha's eyes opened. He smiled at her and then noticed how weak and fragile she looked. However, he could tell she was going to be just fine.
He saw she had tried to untie their wrists but couldn't so he did it for her. He ran his finger along the scar marring her skin, then traced his own with a smile. He looked to her and saw her staring at him lazily. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against her's, but didn't expect a response. She couldn't even untie a ribbon. He pulled back and the door slammed open, Kikyou storming in. For once, she wasn't dressed slutty. She was in a floor length, long sleeve, black nightgown. She glared at Kagome before looking to Inuyasha "Why?"
He looked confused "Why, what?" She glared "Why her and not me? What makes her so special? I'm a pureblood! Just like you! I'm fit for royalty and she's fit for a trashcan!" Inuyasha sat up, pinning her with a fierce glare "Don't talk about her that way!" Kikyou stomped her foot "I can give you things she never could!" He leaned forward "Oh yeah? And what's that?" She flinched at his harsh tone but continued "I can give you pleasure! I can give you trust! I can give you love!" He reeled back "W-what?" Tears gathered in her eyes "She could never love you like I do! Never!" She turned and ran out the door and Inuyasha stared after her, sadness dancing in his violet orbs. Kagome was upset, but didn't let it show. After all, just moments ago he was kissing her, now he's pining for Kikyou.
She looked away from him "Go to her." He looked down at her, shocked "W-what did you say?" She didn't move "Go to her. Kikyou needs you, Inuyasha." He seemed uncertain but nodded, kissing her cheek, before getting up and leaving after the girl, shutting the door behind him. He didn't even look back, not once. Kagome finally let the tears filled with sadness and betrayal run down her cheeks as she buried her face in his pillow. Desperate for his scent. Soon she heard a knock on the door and froze. She sat up, erasing the tell- tale signs of her tears "Come in."
Kaede walked in and immediately could tell what had happened. On her way, she had seen a teary Kikyou, something unusual. Then she saw her Lord going after her, so she decided to check on Kagome. Not only to see if she was fine physically, but emotionally as well. She heard the muffled sobs and gave the girl the time needed to compose herself. She sat on the bed and pulled Kagome into a hug "I know you're upset, and you want to hide out all day. I would too, but you have to get up, we are having your coronation today. You need your dress, your hair done, and your crown designed. You'll also have to express a talent, it helps prove your worthiness. It can't be drawing, after all it will be announced you are a talented artist and designed your crown. Ready to get started?"
Kagome nodded and they walked out into the hall. First they walked to the tailor, her dress could be finished in the time she had her hair done and crown designed. The girl rushed to them, obviously flustered "Fabrics?" Kagome blinked while Kaede laughed "Let her look and she'll choose. She didn't pick them yet." The girl nodded and guided them to a room filled with fabrics. Kagome walked around, leaving the regal area and the girl about had a heart attack "No milady! You can't choose from there! It has to be regal!" Kagome glared and Kaede simply stood, watching as Kagome continued looking where she pleased. Eventually, she decided on navy blue, silver, and sky blue silk "I want these."
The girl looked like she was going to cry "Those aren't regal..." Kaede sighed "Just work with it, I'll explain to the Queen. She'll understand." The girl nodded, taking the fabric and went to work while Kaede escorted Kagome to a different room. She walked in and immediately took notice of how it was designed like a salon. She sat in a chair that Kaede pointed to and waited as a woman came out. She grinned looking at Kagome's hair "What do you want done?" Kagome observed how her hair grew to her ankles with the change and decided to keep it long "Cut it to my knees, that's all." The woman nodded and kneeled, cutting the silky locks. She smiled and stood "What style do you want for later?" Kagome looked at her reflection "Ringlet curls in a partial ponytail with large curls for the rest." The woman nodded and ushered her out, telling her to return closer to the time since Rin would probably wreck it.
As they walked Kagome glanced into Inuyasha's room, unknowingly slowing her pace. Kaede followed suite and they both saw nothing changed from earlier, meaning Inuyasha must still be with Kikyou. She saw Kagome frown and eyes sadden. She wrapped her arm around the girl's shoulders directing her to Rin's room. Upon opening the door Kagome was forced to jump to the side as Rin crashed to the ground having missed the target of her glomp. (AN:glomp-tackle hug) She sat up pouting as Kagome calmly walked over to the vanity. The girl on the floor looked up at Kaede with confusion. One of Kaede's abilities was telepathy so she explained it to Rin quickly, images that she saw with her own eyes included. Rin's demeanor noticeably saddened as she looked to Kagome. The girl was brushing her hair, staring at her reflection.
She stood and sat the notebook and colored pencils in front of the girl. Kagome sat the brush down, lifting a pencil. She quickly drew, with expert detail, her crown. It was simple, made of silver with a diamond shaped black diamond in the center with black and regular diamond chips place throughout the rest. Rin stared in amazement at the sketch. It looked as real as it soon would be. Rin stood, guiding Kagome to her bed and sat. She closed her eyes, searching for Inuyasha with her mind's eye. It was an ability of her's, she could see anyone, anywhere, anytime. She continued searching and found him and Kikyou in an embrace, about to kiss, under a sakura tree.
She frowned and opened her eyes, telling Kagome and Kaede what she saw. Kagome developed tears but held them at bay. Kaede came and sat next to them "You know, I'm older than Inuyasha. I took part in raising him. I could tell you their relationship, why they're so close." She saw the girls nod and continued "Well, when they were four, they met and became acquaintances, soon, they became friends, it wasn't long until they were best friends. This was long before you were born Kagome, same to you Rin. He didn't even know who his mate would be then. Somehow, Kikyou had manipulated him into thinking she was his future mate, and soon convinced him to be her boyfriend. Remember now, he was still young and thought he was destined to be with her. He felt a deep sense of friendship but she manipulated him, made him think that was love. By this time they were nine. She stole his first kiss with all her lies. When they were thirteen, she convinced him to sleep with her, although he didn't want to. She had shoved the idea of being mates down his throat. Told him all these horrible things about how bad of a mate he was for not wanting too. That mates were supposed to."
Kagome was on the brink of crying and Rin was right with her but Kaede continued "A few days later, he was told that his mate was a human who was yet to be born. That his mate was you Kagome, he had opposed. Talking about how Kikyou said they were mates. His parents told him Kikyou found out who her mate was when she was five, she had convinced him they were mates when she was six. Turns out, she wasn't happy with her's so she decided to steal him from you Kagome. She had known about you from the start but ignored it. She heard about you when she was told about her mate. They wanted to make sure she knew Inuyasha could never be her's. She did it anyway. Inuyasha confronted her that day, yelled at her about how she betrayed him and she yelled back. She said he betrayed her by allowing himself to be given to you. She referred to you as 'some human piece of trailer trash, whore'."
Kagome gasped, deeply offended. She hadn't even been born yet! Kikyou had no right to take shots at someone who didn't even exist yet! Kaede read her thoughts "Kagome, what you just thought is what Inuyasha said. She didn't have any right to take shots at you when you were far from being born yet. Your great, great, great, great, great grandparents probably weren't even born yet. Let alone you. After their fall out he didn't talk to her for years on end. When he stopped aging, she started sleeping around with others that refused their mates or wanted a mistress. Trying to convince him he was missing out on something great, it only convinced him of how much of a slut she was. The reason she got to stay here was because her parents both work directly under the King and Queen."
She stopped to quickly gather her thoughts "Around ten years before you were born she started pursuing Inuyasha again. A last chance before you came into the world. She couldn't persuade him so she attempted to kill your family, he stopped her. He wouldn't lose you, especially before you got a chance at life, and especially not to her. When you were born she tried it again, and again he saved you. You know how periodically bad things happened to you?" She saw the girl nod "Well, Kikyou planned it all. Even you falling from that tree when you were still a tiny child. Inuyasha saved you every time." She waited as resignation appeared in Kagome's eyes. They knew the girl had forgotten the factor of who her savior was because of the trauma and a child's attention span is so short.
Kaede smiled "Yes, your savior was Inuyasha. However, your true attacker was Kikyou. She was only saved from the dungeon by her parent's convincing the royal family that she couldn't accept her mate from there. That when she got out she'd just go back to her old antics. Anyways, you showed up and she went back into slut mode. She was still dressing slutty before but she tried seducing him constantly once you arrived. Trying to use the past as a tool to make him waver. He hadn't even gave into her in the slightest up until now. I know I shouldn't have but I probed your memories Kagome. I watched through your eyes, everything that occured this morning. I believe he was reverted to the little boy he once was when he gave in and followed. However, now, now he's just an ass who doesn't deserve to call himself your mate."
This made Kagome let out a small, sad laugh. Rin joined in and the girls stood to get her dress and hair. They walked in and Kagome changed into her dress. It was navy blue on the top, strapless, with a sky blue belt like, v- shaped, waist that extended into a navy blue bottom that reached the floor and trailed slightly, a thin version of the silver over it. Her arms adorned with sky blue gloves that reached the middle of her upper arm, a silver strip at the top. Her feet were covered by silver ballet flats with small heels. They thanked the woman who still seemed scared about Kagome's choice and Rin had to laugh when she heard about what had happened earlier. They walked into the salon and sat as the girl did as she was told earlier. They walked back to Rin's room, careful to avoid everyone. Turns out a princess wasn't allowed to be seen before her coronation. Like a human bride.
They walked in and Kagome's crown sat on Rin's vanity. She smiled and rushed to it, placing it on her head gently. It was as beautiful as she planned and looked wonderful with her current appearance. She tenderly ran her fingers over it before standing to look in Rin's full body mirror. She was very happy with how she looked. Just then someone knocked on the door. Kaede stepped out and spoke with them before coming back inside "He said they are ready for you, Princess Kagome." Kagome smiled and followed Rin with Kaede behind her as they went into the throne room. Izayoi was inside and Inutaisho was shooed away to honor tradition.
She gasped when she saw the girl "You look beautiful Kagome." Kagome smiled "Thank you." She couldn't help but mutter under her breath "Not beautiful enough for Inuyasha though..." Izayoi heard her and gasped "What do you mean?" Kagome looked shocked "Y- y- you heard me?" She nodded "Super hearing. Now explain." She opened her mouth but Kaede stood in front of her "Allow me, Princess." Kagome nodded as Kaede transferred her knowledge to Izayoi, including what Rin saw. Izayoi gasped with a frown "How dare he do that to you! Well we'll just have to show him how precious you are, won't we?" She smiled at Kagome who returned it with a nod. They walked to Izayoi and to the top where Izayoi stopped and turn to Kagome "At the beginning you will be in the room behind here, on the other side of the doors hidden on the other side of the thrones. You will walk up the back stairs and appear at the top. Smile and bow while they introduce you, then announce your talent and perform it. Then you will kneel on a cushion that will be placed in between our thrones, we'll be sitting there with Sesshoumaru and Rin."
Kagome looked to the girl who nodded, then returned her attention to Izayoi "They will place a cape to match your gown around your shoulders and present you with a necklace holding our signature family jewel. You'll stand as they announce you as the new princess then you will walk down the steps and dance with any of us, sort of a family welcoming. Tradition would have Inuyasha but we both know he can't be relied on so it will be one of us. Who do you want?" Kagome thought it over in her head and decided "Can I dance with Rin?" She nodded and the girls smiled at each other "Inutaisho will walk you down and Sesshoumaru will walk Rin. Once you both reach the bottom the men will bow to you and walk off to the sides. Sometime during the dance they will come back up. Oh, and they'll call you Kagome Higurashi- Takahara. Takahara is our sur name and since your mated it's the same as marriage to us, except there's no divorce."
She stopped to catch some breath "Anyways, then you bow to the crowd when your done and then bow to each other. After that you will both come up and sit in your thrones. Kagome, as you can see, we have added yours which is blue to match your dress. How you got away with not choosing regal colors I shall never know. That woman wouldn't leave me alone until I chose something regal. Anyways, they cheer, yada yada, then we all stand, bow, and walk out and to the private royal garden where we will celebrate. Then we will change and go to bed. The end. Any questions?" Kagome raised her hand "Yes Kagome?" She looked surprised "How do you remember all of that?" Izayoi laughed "With time sweet heart, with time." She nodded and they went down the back way, they being her and Kaede. Turns out Kaede will be her personal correspondent and will be with her when possible considering she's the most knowledgeable doctor they have.
She took deep calming breaths as Kaede instructed to calm her nerves. Even drank some chamomile tea. It really did wonders, especially since Kaede even gave her a shoulder massage. Soon she got her cue and walked out the doors and up the steps. She stood at the top and smiled before bowing "Introducing, Kagome Higurashi- Takahara, soon to be Princess and Prince Inuyasha's mate. She is a talented artist and designed her own crown" She stood full height and swallowed her nerves "I will be singing." She closed her eyes, composing herself before beginning.
"Aimo Aimo
Nedel Lhushe
Noynar Milia
Ehndel Prodea
Phowto Mih
Koko Wa Attaka Na Umi Da Yo
Lulei Luleia
Sora Wo Mau Hibari Wa Nami Da
Lulei Luleia
Omae Wa Yasashi Midori No Ko
Aimo Aimo
Nedel Lhushe
Noynar Milia
Ehndel Prodea
Phowto Mih
Koko Wa Attaka Na Umi Da Yo
Tsunagu Te No Hira No Ondo De Shizuka Ni Me Wo Samasu Yo
Koko Wa Attaka Na Umi Da Yo
Aimo Aimo
Nedel Lhushe
Mukashi Minna Hitotsu Datta Sekai
Oide Attaka Na Sora Da Yo"
Everyone stared in wonder as she opened her eyes. She had a beautiful singing voice, she had proven herself. They didn't even care about the human thing because she was now changed. However, it wouldn't be complete until their Prince and Princess became one, in body, mind, and soul. Until then, she'd have urges that would be nearly impossible to contain. In other words, he could do whatever he wanted but she would suffer. Rin had been fully changed when she was coronated, so they didn't have to worry for her like they did Kagome.
They applauded and she smiled, then remembered the routine, she knelt on the blue silk cushion placed in the middle as she was told it would be. They draped a navy blue cape on her shoulders, made of a thicker version of what was used on her dress. Then a necklace was held up before being placed on her neck. It was beautiful, she believed it to be a red diamond, something she had never known existed. It rested on a silver chain and she gracefully stood as the man spoke "I present, our new liege, Princess Kagome Higurashi- Takahara." Kagome smiled as the cheered for her. Rin stood by her side, Sesshoumaru holding her hand, the other arm securing her so she won't fall. Soon, Inutaishowas doing the same to Kagome. They arrived at the bottom and the boys bowed while the girls nodded their heads in thanks before taking each other's hand and going to the middle of the room. They each place a hand on the other's shoulder and clasped their other hands together.
They began to gracefully dance, their dresses swirling together in a mixture of blue and white. They finished side- by- side and bowed to the crowd before bowing to each other and walking up the steps and sitting in their seats. Just as Izayoi said the crowed cheered loudly. When they calmed they all stood, with the exception of the missing Inuyasha, and bowed before leaving. It seems everyone knew about Inuyasha and Kikyou now. All with a minds eye and telepathy had spread it around. They all felt bad for their Princess but admired her strength. They walked silently to the garden. Inutaisho and Izayoi in front, Kagome in the middle with Kaede, and Sesshoumaru and Rin bringing up the rear.
As they turned into the garden Kagome saw Inuyasha's violet eyes staring at her but ignored them. Everyone followed her lead and ignored the unfaithful prince, locking the door out to the garden on their way in. They even closed all the shades over the windows so he couldn't spy. They sat and spoke about little things, until they touched down on the real issue. The topic of Inuyasha. Kagome sighed "What do I do with him? I can't let him off the hook but I can't really do much of anything either." Rin nodded then thought of something "Sesshoumaru and Inutaisho, you guys corner him and set him straight tonight. Me, Kagome, Kaede, and Izayoi will have a slumber party in my room. I don't want to go in Izayoi's, her and Inutaisho do God- knows- what in there and Kaede's is too small. Kagome's isn't an option, so that only leaves mine. Oh, and while your at it guys, confront Kikyou. After all, it takes two to tango." Everyone nodded in agreement of the plan and left to do what was planned for them. In other words the boys went to Inuyasha's room while the girls went to Rin's. This would definitely be an interesting night.
AN: I know it took a while to update but I had it done, over five thousand words actually, then my comp crashed and it went 'POOF!' I nearly cried. It was so perfect and I was so happy with it and happy to be done but then it did that and I was too angry to retype it till now. So I hope you like it and even though I hate Kikyou I managed to pull this off without jumping ahead of myself like usual. Isn't that great? It means I'm getting better. Also, I know some of you were probably expecting a lemon but there are several forms of 'innocence.' This was loosing the innocence of trusting so easily, innocence of love. As in, not knowing love hurts, at least not truly yet. The next one is called 'A Deafening Silence.' I bet you can't guess what's gonna happen. A hint, she'll loose another form of innocence (not the lemony kind!) Anyways, gots to go now, Ja ne!
The song is called 'Tori No Hito' it's from the anime 'Macross Frontier' it is really beautiful, and also known as 'Aimo.'