Hi everyone! I'm so glad that you liked the first chapter! I hope this chapter gets finished tonight, but I highly doubt it because of the amount of homework I have. Have any of you seen the Inu-Yasha shows on T.V.?!? They are SO awesome! The anime is FANTASTIC!!! The blood is a little dark though and some of the voices COULD be better, but I'll get used to them. ^-^ he he he! Well, I better start the chap now. And you are ALL the greatest!

By the way, you don't have to worry, Inu-Yasha will be in either this chap. or the next one. I can't WAIT!!! He is a major hunk of beefcake, as JadeWing would say! He he he.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Inu'Yasha. Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo!

Mirror Images Chapter 2

Captured

*****Kagome*****

After the banquet I rushed to my room as fast as my legs would carry me; of course, that meant I took a few wrong turns and got lost and was all turned around by the time I got there. I couldn't take it any longer. It was horrible! Everyone at the table kept staring at me as if I was something on display. They would glare if I did one thing wrong and I could hear a few tisks when I forgot to place the napkin on my lap. Whoop-de-doo! What did they expect from me?!? To be some heavenly maiden that was perfect in every way? I'm human! A commoner at that! I wasn't brought up the way they were. They could glare at me all they liked but they just received a glared right back! They deserved it!

I slumped onto the large bed after closing the double doors behind me and felt like I was about ready to cry. How could life get any more dull? This was the way I had to live until I die as another person!

"Ugh! This is so stupid!" I yelled, but it was muffled by the pillow.

"I couldn't agree more."

I sat ramrod straight and gasped when I saw who was before me. "How'd you get in?" I asked, not very pleasantly.

"Seeing that this is my room, I don't see why I shouldn't be allowed in," Princess Kikyo stated as she put the picture she was looking at of her little sister back down on the table.

"This is your room?" I asked in astonishment and a little embarrassment. "Then what am I doing in it?"

"You are me, remember."

"Well…yes…but-"

"No. I came here to bring you to the practice fields. I need to teach you defense if you're going to be me. Besides, you need to at least know how to protect yourself, but I do come first."

I wanted to say something, none-to-pleasant to her, but settled for a glare instead. No use getting my head chopped off before I see if I can even save myself. "You practice? What? Make-up?"

Her icy eyes turned even more cold-if possible. "No; the bow and arrow. I'm sure you heard of it before." This time I heard the mocking in her voice and wondered why she didn't like this arrangement at all. I was the one being sacrificed! Not her!

"Yes, I know what the bow and arrow are thank you very much." I turned away from her. Why was she so irritating?!? Why did she hate me so? Was it because I wasn't as sophisticated and proper as she? Maybe my birthright? What?!?

"Come this way, then."

She turned on her heal and I suppressed a sigh. Not this again! I'm not one to play follow the leader if I don't know where I'm going! What is with all these secrets?

I stayed behind the Princess, trying to ignore all the rumbling sounds that were still trying to get inside. What was so special about this place that attracted demons? Was it the Princess herself?

"It's the scrolls."

I blinked. "What?"

"The reasons why the demons come here. I guard the scrolls that reveal the whereabouts to the hiding place of the Shikon Jewel."

"H-how did you know…"

"I just knew what you would probably be wondering right now."

"Oh." Then, "How many people know where this jewel is? If it's so special that it attracts so many monsters, then how do you know who or what you can trust?"

She stopped and turned to look over her shoulder. "No one knows, not even myself. The scroll won't open, there-fore it is pointless for the demons to go after it."

My brows knit into a frown. "Then why do you guard it if it's pointless? Wouldn't you be wasting your time and energy by protecting something of no value?"

She glared, her gaze rock hard. "Who are you to judge what is of worth? You have no idea what you're talking about, and you are getting in way over your head. For your information, the demons might know something we don't, and if they get a hold of the scrolls, and are able to open them, then we are all in imminent danger. That is why I guard them. Wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry?" She started walking down the dimly lit halls again, forcing me to follow after her or risk being lost forever.

"I don't see how I can be safe. What I'm doing is suicide!"

She didn't say anything, just continued to walk on ahead. I looked down at the marble floor. Everything was so dark and dreary here. Was it like this only at nighttime? I sure hope so!

"Princess."

"Hmm?" She asked. She didn't even paused or startle at my sudden voice.

"Why are you telling me this?"

We appeared at two large double doors intricately woven with designs of Priestesses and demons, and human-like foxes that looked sneaky and deceiving. There were so many carvings into the wood that at first glance you wouldn't even suspect that it was. Kikyo gently placed a hand onto the handle, which was a large slithery serpent.

"Because. You will have to know sooner than later."

I knew what she was really thinking though. I'd probably die anyway so it didn't matter what she told me. I wasn't a threat, I was a savior; but to her I was just a replacement. She probably didn't care what happened to me one way or the other.

She pulled the door open with a large jerk and I squinted to see into the gray mist that was before me.

"This way," was all she said.

The room, once lit with candles, was huge, with brilliant golden colors and different kinds of weapons hung on the walls and leaned propped up against barrels of practice weapons. At first I couldn't believe my eyes, but they were working properly. It was my mind that couldn't take in the scene before me.

"You use all these?" I asked, unbelievably.

She looked at me as if I was a crazy person that should know everything…but didn't. I pursed my lips, wishing I hadn't said anything.

"Not all of them, but I do use most of them. For practice anyway."

She led me in a few exercises with the sword, but with me not being able to handle it, quickly moved to the bow and arrow. She said that it was more important anyway, because that was what she was known for. What good would I be if I couldn't use them?

I couldn't use them.

The first try that I aimed at the bull's-eye in the target went straight towards it… and then fell to the ground about half way there.

"You said you've heard of the bow and arrow! You can't even use it? How are you supposed to be me then? Everyone and anyone will be able to tell the difference!"

"Hey! Practice makes perfect, right? All I need is a little practice…"

"A lot of practice," she cut in wryly.

"And I'll be as good as you!"

By the look on the Princess's face I could tell that she seriously doubted it. My mind made up I turned back to the target and pulled back on the arrow. This time it went too far to the left. I had to get it right! I had to! If I didn't…If I didn't… they would…kill me!

"It's hopeless," she said, sounding even gloomier than I thought possible.

"No it's not!" I said. Now that I had something I needed to be good at, I knew I wouldn't stop until I got it right!

Screetch!!!

I whipped around to where I thought the sound came from. "Wasn't that a little close?" There was a pause of brief silence and then another, Screetch!!! I gulped, "Umm…"

"Shh!" She silenced me with a wave of her hand and grabbed a nearby bow and quiver of arrows. "Listen." It was an order. I hated being ordered around.

I opened my mouth to say something when there was a cracking sound on the ceiling and then half of it caved in, blowing dust and debris everywhere. I coughed and tried to cover my nose with my hand while waving the debris away from me. Through squinted eyes I could just make out the silhouette of a huge demon. When the dust cleared I noted that it was a crow demon, a very large crow demon. Worse, it was staring directly at me.

"Oh, no…" I started to say, not believing how my luck had changed so quickly and stooped downward so steeply. "It's just one thing after the other now isn't it? How do I manage to get into these kinds of things?"

The Crow demon tilted its head, its red eyes reflecting my image a little too clearly. It hopped in my direction, causing me to take a backwards step. I was not going to become bird food right about now!

It hopped towards me three more times and this time when I backed up I bumped into something hard and flat; the wall. I was trapped with no where to go. Wasn't this just peachy?

"Get away from me!" I yelled, closing my eyes and wrinkling my nose in disgust at the smell before me. I flattened myself against the wall, turning my head as far away from that monster as possible. "Someone help me!!!!" I screamed as it closed the distance between us.

"Demon be gone! You're not wanted here!" Came the strong voice of the Princess. She glared in concentration and the arrow she had pulled back was let loose. It sunk deeply into the crow's body, the demon screeching in loud horrendous shrieks of pain. It tossed back its head and another arrow flew free. Finally it collapsed to the ground, twitching three times, and then stopped altogether. It was dead. And it was true, the Princess was an incredible archer.

I stood there shakily. Had what happened really happened? Did the Princess just save me?

Panting, the Princess looked over in my direction. "Good, you're still alive. I guess there is a resemblance between us. Demons only tend to attack me. Though not a single demon has ever penetrated these walls before. Not while I was here. And especially not one of my barriers. Something is up. Either the demons are getting stronger, or-"

"Princess! Princess!!! Are you alright?!?" A little man ran through the doors and quickly scanned the area. When his eyes met the Princess's he went into hysterics. "Oh Princess, I'm so glad you're okay! Your parents, their highnesses, are completely worried about you! We all heard the attack, even servants from the opposite side of the palace! Is it safe here Princess? Is everything alright?"

He would have continued to keep babbling if it weren't for the Princesses sudden words, cutting him off. "Everything is fine now. Tell my parents that I am all right and that I will meet them in the study with Kagome in a few moments. Tell them that it is very urgent." When he stood there nodding his head she said, "Well? Go on! They don't know if I'm dead of alive so hurry! They need to know right away!"

"Oh! Right. Of course your grace, uh, I mean, your Highness." Bowing, he left the room and I could only hear the sound of his pitter-patter footsteps and he ran to inform the King and Queen everything that Princess Kikyo had just said.

"You," she turned in my direction. "Pack your things at once."

I stared, wide eyed. "What?!?" Was she kicking me out because I hadn't protected her? She wasn't the one who needed protection! Then again, I wouldn't object to leaving.

"We're going on a trip," she stated as she grabbed a different bow and a quiver full of fresh arrows that hadn't been used yet. She walked out of the room, causing me to jog to catch up to her.

"What do you mean, we're going on a trip?!? I thought you said we were safe here! Your barriers don't work any better than my grandfather's!"

Kikyo glared over her shoulder. "They work all right, they just weren't strong enough for the need and want of that demon, which has never happened before. But, that means that more demons might be able to get through. We can't put everyone in danger by our being here. We're leaving."

"But-what-I-the war!"

"What of it?"

"We can't just go anywhere you know! People are bound to be after you! Well…me, I guess. What about your parents, will they be okay with this? I don't think it's a good idea. Actually, I know it's a bad one!"

"Do you have any better ones?" I glared at the back of her head. Our pace quickened. "No. If we stay here it would be like offering ourselves as well as the Shikon Jewel over to them on a silver platter." She came to a halt and I realized that we were outside of her/my bed chambers. "Now pack a bag full of some of your clothes as well as mine. And don't forget a cloak. Hurry. I have to talk to the guards so they will ready our horses. I'll meet you back here in a few moments, and you better be ready."

With that said, she quickly rushed off down the corridor and to who knows where. I grumbled as I entered the elegant room, grabbing a pack and shoving clothes in it. Most of it was commoners where, but I also had to grab the red and white kimono, some garments that weren't too fancy, but might be something a Princess in hiding would where for a long journey, and a long tan cloak with a hood that traveled and inch higher than the ground.

I walked out into the hallway right as the Princess arrived. She shoved a canteen of water, some food and other important things we would need, and said just one simple word. "Come."

I followed her obviously to the study where we were greeted immediately by her parents and sister. They threw their arms around her and all three started talking at once. Demanding to know what happened, asking if she was hurt, and what she wanted to speak with them about.

"I have come to tell you that we are leaving," Kikyo stated, head held high, her eyes defiant.

"What?" He mother gasped, shocked.

"Is this some sort of jest?" The King demanded.

"No father. We are endangering the people here, as well as you three. It would be best if we left immediately. I will pretend to be serving the Princess, whom will be Kagome, and we will travel far and wide, in search for the Shikon Jewel. We will hide, bringing the demons after us, leading them away from this land. I will be fine, so you need not worry. The Crow demon that just attacked us went after Kagome instead of me, so I know if one demon was tricked into believing she was me, then the others will also. As long as she is by my side, I will be alright."

"But sister," Princess Kaede insisted, her little voice strangled.

Kikyo knelt down to her younger sibling's height. "Forgive me Kaede, but I must go. There is no question about it. It will be for the best… for all of us. I'll be fine."

The Queen was on the verge of tears, looking as if-for once-she really did care.

The King observed what was going on and sighed heavily. "If you insist, daughter."

Princess Kikyo stood. "I do."

"Then prepare the horses, you will leave now."

Kikyo almost smiled. "Thank you, father."

*****Time gap*****

This whole thing was a massacre, that was the perfect word for it; a massacre. We had been riding for hours now, and my whole backside was hot and numb. How could a Princess handle this if I could hardly handle it?

I think this stupid Princess jinxed us. Ever since she said that stupid comment about luring the demons away and having them follow us, we haven't been able to close one eyelid. Not only have demons been trying to kill us for the entire time, but I was about ready to fall of this stupid saddle and into a dreamless sleep! When I saw the first few rays of sun appear over the horizon I knew why. We had gone all night without stopping to rest, drink, or eat. When I need to stand later on I'll probably collapse to the ground, my legs like jelly and permanently spread apart the width of the horse's withers. With each galloping motion the same words kept running through my head. Why me? Why me? Why me? Why me?

We didn't stop to rest until nightfall. When we were hungry or thirsty we had to eat and attempt to drink while switching between a canter and a slow walk so we wouldn't wear out our horses. They were both magnificent creatures, but when you were tired and sore, and haven't gotten off the animal for an entire day, you tended to get frustrated with it very easily. I was not thinking very pleasant thoughts by the time we spotted the Inn on the outskirts of a town called Multaro. The only other times we actually had stopped was so the horses could have fresh water, and that was about the only time we could drink also without spilling the contents all over ourselves.

"We'll stop here tonight," Kikyo said as we slowed our horses and tried to ignore the questioning stares from the citizens around this part of the village. I made sure my hood was in place as Kikyo made sure her hair was securely wrapped and didn't make eye contact with anyone. "Pst."

"What now?" I whispered.

"While in public, call me Myumi."

"Alright. What should you call me?"

"Kagome will work. No one will know who you are."

"Thanks," I said wryly.

He handed our reins to the stable boy and sure enough, right as I planted both feet on the ground, I nearly collapsed. The ground spun before me and I had to shake my head and blink a few times to actually see correctly. I must be dehydrated, I thought to myself. It took every ounce of energy and left over muscle to stand up straight, and even then I had to hold my breath.

"Let's go," Kikyo said in a quiet voice, heading up the three stairs to the Inn doors.

Not stairs, I whined mentally.

Once inside we headed over to the Inn-keeper. "What'll it be fer ye?" She asked with thick commoner's accent. Even my accent wasn't that bad! "Would the lady like one room or two?"

I looked over at Kikyo for her response and she gave me a sharp look. "Oh!" I exclaimed. "Um… we'll take one room, thank you."

By the look in the Princess's eyes I could tell that that wasn't the answer she wanted, but she didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything. And there was no way I'd sleep alone with people and demons alike trying to kill me. She'd have to suffer through it.

We were given our key and both of us headed directly to our room, not even glancing at the stew, beer, and pie they were selling. We both must have had one thing on our minds. Sleep.

The room was small, but livable. At least it was only for one night. I wouldn't have minded staying longer to catch up on my beauty rest, commoner or not.

"One room? You asked for one room? Look how tiny this place is! What were you thinking?!?"

I plopped down onto the nearest bed and sighed blissfully. I knew that she would want an answer so I flipped over onto my back, not bothering to open my eyes though. For all I knew they were glued shut. "First of all, we need to stay together in case we're attacked." I didn't want to mention me wanting her protection so instead I said, "What if some psycho found you and killed you in your sleep? He wouldn't know that I was in another room, pretending to be you. Either of us could get killed if we were split up! Second, we need to save our money, even if we have a lot, who knows how long we'll be out here, and third, look on the bright side, at least there are two beds."

I got an earful after that, or at least… I think I did. I couldn't remember because after about three seconds of her yelling I fell asleep.

"Kagome, Kagome!" Someone shook me, hard. "Wake up! You must wake up!"

"Ugh?" I asked sleepily, slowly sitting up and rubbing my eyes to clear my vision.

"They're here."

"Who's here?" I asked, automatically on the full alert. "The demons?"

The Princess shook her head. "No. Village officers. They must have heard that newcomers were here. The war has made everyone really cautious lately, and I have a feeling they will want to investigate us."

"What?!? Why? We're just passing through! Honestly they won't think we are some kind of threat!"

There was a pounding at our door, both of our eyes flicking in that direction. "Would you like to bet on that?"

"No," I squeaked.

"Open up! By order of the Multaro guards! Surrender if you know what's good for you!"

"We didn't even do anything wrong!" I whispered harshly.

Kikyo stood, heading toward the door to unbolt it. "Remember, you are me, no matter what, but until they figure it out, you are Kagome. Understood?" She placed her hand over the bolt as the banging and yells grew louder. "And if you mess up and tell them the truth, and I get killed just to save yourself, I promise you my parents and the entire Kingdom will search you out and kill you. You chose what you want to have happen." Then she unlocked the door and opened it like a meek servant, not looking a single man in the eye. She scuttled back so they could enter the already crowded room. They breezed past Kikyo, not even giving her a second glance, and ran in my direction, pointion swords and arrows at me.

"Tell us who you are and what your business is here!" One man roared, poking me with the tip of a spear.

"Uh…m-my name is… Lady Kagome, and I have come here to visit my elder sister during this horrible time of war. Please, do not wish my servant or I any harm. We come in peace, I assure you."

They eyed me suspiciously. There were six of them. A little too many if you asked me. "Take your cloak off, miss."

I stared, receiving a sharper, harder poke in the shoulder. Another man growled, "Take off yer cloak!"

Obeying, I threw the hood back and unbuttoned the cloak. I winced when I remembered what I was wearing. The Priestess clothes, none other than the red and white robes of Princess Kikyo herself. I paled visible, the silence too quiet.

"You lie!" One shouted.

"You are a Priestess! No ordinary priestess, but Princess Kikyo in the flesh! For whatever reason you are here in this kingdom, it cannot be good. Not during a time like this! Tie her up! Don't let her get away! We'll bring her to our King and see what he wants done with her!"

"You!" Someone said, pointing a finger in Kikyo's direction. "Who are you? Traveling with the Princess and all…"

"She is nothing but my servant," I said in the strongest voice I could muster. I didn't now exactly why I wanted to save her royal behind, probably to owe her back for saving mine, but I felt like it was something I had to do. "Her name is Mayumi. She is of no concern to you. And I assure you I plan no harm. Please, let me go. I would never wish ill of your people."

I thought it was working until someone mumbled, "Save it for the King."

I was tied up, while putting up the best fight I could manage, and then they took Kikyo too. "You will serve for us now. If you value your life."

The Princess didn't respond.

*****Time Gap*****

I never realized exactly how far the outskirts of town were, until the ride to the palace was so long it causing me to be such a nervous wreck. I was so scared, I couldn't believe I had been found out so soon. At least Kikyo was safe for now, but what will happen to me?

It wasn't supposed to happen this way. I wasn't supposed to be caught so soon. Maybe if everyone thinks Princess Kikyo is dead it will be for the best. But still, that doesn't mean I want to die! Not for a stuck up noble Princess! She…she… she doesn't even care about her own people! Not if it would save her life! I don't ever want to see her again! The nagging part of the back of my mind said, You won't… if you're killed.

Things couldn't possibly get any worse.

Guess what, they got worse. Right when I arrived I met the King, and he smirked and sniggered and laughed in my face. He was allies with the Tuzaki Kingdom, and they happened to hate Princess Kikyo. They also happened to have a nicely filthy rat infested dungeon waiting for me until my execution. I kicked and screamed and did everything I could think of to get away. To bad for me they were stronger and had a greater number to keep me at bay I was held under control in no time at all.

"Looks like we'll be shipping you across the sea to the Tuzaki Kingdom," One guard stated right before I felt a sharp pain hit the back of my skull. My world, or should I say the pretend world of Kikyo's, went black.

Sorry it took so long! I really really am! And just so all of you know, Inu-Yasha will be in the next chap! I promise! Pretty please review! I hope you all enjoyed it!