Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, any fairytales, or the quotes I put before the start of the chapters. I Only own the idea of the story.

A/N: Sorry if I made you guys wait too long for this chapter. ^_^; Blame it on the burden and pressure that is school. -_-; Thank you, thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far, you've all really helped me get over my writer's block! Review after you read, ok? It makes me so happy to read reviews! ^_^

*~Fairy~*~Tale~*~Dreams~*


By MysticMoon

Edited by Icewings

Chapter 2- The Prince and Escape

"The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the road has gone and I must follow if I can. Pursuing it with weary feet until it joins some larger way, where many paths and errands meet -and whither then, I cannot say." --Tolkien, J.R.R.

Last chapter:

An even more important thought went through her mind. 'What will I do now?' Possible answers flew through her mind. 'Run away. But to where?'

Kagome looked up when someone almost knocked into her. And there it was. The solution to her terrible problem was tacked onto the door of a local tavern. It was a poster that simply read: SERVANTS NEEDED AT CASTLE

~*~*~*The Castle*~*~*~

The castle was in its usual morning hustle and bustle, people and servants just sleepily starting their assigned tasks. A young man lost in thought strode through the vast halls, the early sunlight streaming through the stain-glass windows guiding his way. Servants paused in their duties and bowed their heads as he strode them.

"Good… m-morning, P-prince Sesshoumaru." A timid young lad managed to stutter as he quickly bowed and edged out of the royal's way, the bed linens piled up in his arms making this seemingly simple action a rather difficult feat.

The prince, lost in thought, with his usual stoic and cold expression didn't seem to be paying any attention as he responded with a curt nod and continued on to his destination. The servant gaped at the retreating back of the future king with shock on his somewhat dirty face. The normally icy prince was in a good mood today.

Sesshoumaru almost sighed as he felt the servant's eyes boring through his fine clothes and onto his back…almost. Instead, he placed a scowl on his face.

'What is so shocking about a nod?'

Sesshoumaru mentally scolded himself. He shouldn't have been so involved in his thoughts as to -interact- with a common servant, especially with a whole group of them in the halls present. He should've ignored that filthy boy, just like he does with every other like him. He didn't want the whole castle knowing something could trouble their prince so much that he would actually acknowledge the existence of one of the laundry boys.

It was beneath him.

Sesshoumaru's features changed from preoccupied to grim as he turned a corner and into a more secluded area of the castle. This was no way for Sesshoumaru, future king, to behave. Presently, he dropped the subject, feeling that it was foolish to waste any more time thinking about it. His thoughts turned to a more puzzling matter. A day had passed since Sesshoumaru had dreamed again of the mysterious woman.

He had been absolutely positive yesterday that she was a real person. That somewhere out there, she was alive. But how to find her? Why is all this happening now, after years of the same dream? Nothing like that had ever occurred before… The questions have been plaguing his mind since he had woken up.

Then, as the hours passed, his hope dwindled and he became doubtful. 'So what if the mystery girl said things as if her life had many problems? It could mean absolutely nothing.' He told himself firmly.

'Still, she has never before given any indication that she might be a real person…' he thought with a miniscule bit of hope. Now, he was positively -disgusted- with himself.

Hope…hah!

Hope was for people fool enough to set themselves up for a fall. It made people more vulnerable to hurt, and he could not afford to feel any emotional pain. As future ruler, he could not let his own feelings get in the way of his judgment. This matter was starting to rein control over his thoughts and actions. A prince such as he should not and would not tolerate it. He had more pressing issues to think about.

Like his father's not-so-subtle ways in telling him that he needed a bride. The King's talk of all the pretty princesses of neighboring kingdoms, or the dainty, darling daughters from prominent families all the time was starting to grate on his nerves. Sesshoumaru knew his father was exaggerating.

He had seen all the 'pretty princesses' and 'darling daughters' this side of the world, and, suffice to say, his chances of marrying anyone remotely similar to his ideal wife was hopelessly bleak. There was so much inbreeding, it was rare to see even a tolerable face among the princesses, and those that weren't painful to look at were either the type that flaunted all over him, obviously for his wealth, or were the horribly shy type that would blush and stutter whenever he was in the vicinity. And all of their intelligence and common sense put together wouldn't fill a thimble. Actually, Sesshoumaru didn't want to get married at -all-.

He didn't need a woman burdening him with her inane chatter for the rest of his life. He didn't need or want a wife, his father be damned.

He definitely didn't want to be like him, the cheating bastard. Having all sorts of mistresses behind his beloved mother's back. Then, once she died of heartbreak, he had the gall to marry one of his low-class bitches not one year after the funeral, AND bring their secret child into the castle! Sesshoumaru felt the old rage build up inside of him again, and he fought hard to suppress it.

"PRINCE SESSHOUMARU!!"

Sesshoumaru didn't even turn his head. He knew who it was and he didn't want to be bothered. Maybe if he didn't answer, the stupid idiot would take a hint and leave him alone. Unfortunately, the prince had tried this method before, and it never worked. Not when it came to Jaken, who is more like the elder prince's babysitter than one of the king's advisors.

"I'm so glad I found you, my prince! I have been looking almost everywhere!" The toad-like man said, sucking in huge amounts of air as he made his way towards Sesshoumaru from the other end of the long corridor. The short, aged advisor had a murky complexion that almost looked a sickly green. Instead of being red faced from his exertion all around the palace, Jaken's had a muddy brown-red color that shaded his bald head.

"The king has demanded to speak with you, Prince Sesshoumaru, as soon as possible. Your Majesty said it was a matter of importance that he has been meaning to talk to you about for quite some time." Jaken said, after he finally caught his breath and bowed several times.

"Where is he?" Sesshoumaru said coldly.

"The throne room, Prince Sesshoumaru." Jaken answered nervously, not liking the way the prince was looking at him. Sesshoumaru didn't bother to say anything as he swept past Jaken. He had a feeling this 'talk' had something to do with marriage.


~*~*~*~


King Inutaisho sat in a large, intricate throne made specifically for a person of his rank and importance. He was stroking his long, white beard, an intense look of concentration on his face. The throne was dazzlingly gold encrusted with gems of all kinds; emeralds, rubies, diamonds, opals, and sapphires. It looked like it was worth not one, but several king's ransoms. The elderly king himself looked like a rich man. Although his attire was what one would call 'richly casual', Inutaisho hated the time's pompous clothing, and preferred to wear comfortable clothes without the heavy crown on his head. A heavy crown was a constant reminder of heavy responsibilities.

"Sesshoumaru," Inutaisho began, without waiting for Sesshoumaru to speak, "You do know you need a wife soon, do you not?"

Sesshoumaru's mouth curved into an almost imperceptible smirk. It was just like his father to be so up-front with his discussions. The king's time was not something to be wasted. Sesshoumaru's glacial sun-gold eyes looked directly into his father's as he stated flatly, "Father, I do not want a wife, nor do I even want to think about being burdened by one at this point in time."

"Nonsense, boy!" the king exclaimed, "How do you plan on having an heir?! You know fully well my reign over this kingdom will end at any moment as my health continues to decline. I need to leave this world knowing the future is somewhat insured! You will turn 21 in a few short months, Sesshoumaru!"

Sesshoumaru didn't show one bit of emotion as he replied calmly, "I will marry when I please." 'I will not let anyone to control me.'

"Do not disobey me, Sesshoumaru." Inutaisho said, lowering his voice dangerously. "I have already thought of a marvelous plan to find you the perfect wife, and I demand total cooperation." Inutaisho paused and looked at his son to watch his reaction. As usual, there was none. "In a month or so, we will be having three grand balls spanning the length of one week. Hundreds of eligible women of noble or royal birth from all across the lands will attend. If you do not choose a wife by the end of the third ball, I will be forced to choose for you."

Sesshoumaru searched his father's face. What he found told him the king was, (sadly) not jesting. Sesshoumaru's eyes darkened, concealing his momentary surprise. 'WHAT?!'


~*~*~*11:00 P.M.-Higurashi Manor-*~*~*~


It is almost time; she could sense it. Her palms were sweating and she tried to stay still and silent lying down on her uncomfortable bed. She turned her head to the left a little and met the wide-open eyes of her younger brother. 'Good, he is still awake.'

Anxious dark brown eyes met her blue ones as she gave an almost imperceptible nod. It was now or never.

Kagome had rushed to her brother right after she found the ad Destiny had tacked onto the door of the local tavern, in her hurry bumping into people along the way. She told the young boy an edited version of what Naraku had said in that dark alley and her idea of escape. Surprisingly, Souta had taken it better than she would have thought. He was still shocked at first, but then he finally nodded and replied gravely, "I had a feeling he would do something like that sooner or later."

Kagome had since been disturbed about what Souta had said. 'Souta shouldn't have to go through all this. He's so young. He deserves so much more and as his only family left, I'm going to make sure that his life will be as happy as possible.' The young woman firmly thought.

Kagome carefully sat up and got out of her bed and slipped her tiny feet into her worn shoes, trying not to make too much noise. The ratty draperies of the room flapped in the wind and revealed an almost full moon. Grateful for the extra light, the two carefully stepped over to the tiny closet where their few possessions were stored. Kagome pulled out a large bag, old and worn, but still serviceable. It was already packed and ready because of earlier preparations.

She scanned the room in the dim light and looked for anything she might have missed. Nothing. Then, she glanced in the tiny closet, where all that was left were threadbare rags that were used for often-needed patching. As she was about to turn away and close the door, something gleamed in the corner of her eye.

It was a delicate piece of light-blue silky cloth embroidered with silver thread that peeked out from underneath other garments in the very corner. 'I don't own anything of such a wonderful material. I wonder what it could be.' Kagome gently tugged at the silken piece of cloth and was amazed at the exquisite dress it was joined to. It was a ball gown. The texture and smoothness caressed her fingers. 'But where did this come from?'

Kagome thought hard. She was sure she had seen this dress somewhere before. 'Oh…. it was Mother's dress! She was so beautiful in it…' Kagome squeezed her eyes shut as the memories flooded into her mind.

~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~

A five-year old Kagome had gasped with unconcealed awe, "Mama! You look like a fairy princess in that dress!"

Kagome's mother had smiled at that, replying "And you will look like an angel in it someday sweetie, and make the man you love very happy."

Kagome had scrunched up her nose at that, and stated matter-of-factly, "I will never be as pretty in it as you, Mama, and I –won't- fall in love if it makes me all mushy like when you and Daddy are around each-other."

Her mother had smiled and folded her into her loving arms, telling Kagome that she hoped she would get to see her daughter fit into it someday.

~~~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~~~

Kagome felt a tear course down her face at the happy and sad memory. Suddenly, she brushed it off, reminding herself that this was no time to get teary. She turned her attention to the present, wondering, 'Why didn't I remember it before?' Kagome's sea blue eyes fogged over slightly in speculation. She still had a nagging feeling that she had seen or even worn this dress somewhere other than when she was younger. 'But when?'

"Kagome." Souta's voice interrupted her thoughts. Kagome hurriedly folded the dress and put it tenderly in the bag. She hefted the bag onto her shoulder, her expression that of determination.

"Let's go."

Kagome's small hand reached out and cautiously turned the knob of the door. She motioned for Souta to follow her as she made her way down the -long- flight of old stairs. They both held their breaths as she took the first creaky step. Kagome had never before noticed nor cared this much about the noisy groaning sounds the stairs made. Each creak, scrape, and groan she heard above the sound of the furious beating of her heart made her wince.

They both had to be very careful because the pitch-black darkness made it difficult to see ahead. Kagome's heart almost stopped when Souta tripped on a warped step and almost fell forwards if Kagome hadn't pulled him back; Souta landed with a thud. "I'm fine." he whispered. Kagome shakily nodded her head and helped him up.

Finally making it down the seemingly endless stairs, Souta and Kagome crept softly through the large house and out the kitchen back door. Keeping to the shadows, they quietly tiptoed around the house. The only sounds in the otherwise quiet night air were the sounds of crickets and other nighttime creatures.

"Kagome!" Came Souta's voice in a harsh whisper.

She turned around to her brother. "What?" she asked in a hushed voice. Souta's eyes were wide as saucers, clearly showing his fear of getting caught.

"The bushes, they're moving!" Kagome followed his large eyes to a rustling bush. Suddenly, something jumped out and attacked her midsection. Kagome caught the furry ball and squinted through the darkness.

"Shippou!" She whispered in an EXTREMELY relieved voice. She had thought it might have been Naraku, come to stop them.

"Do you want to come too?" Kagome laughed out after her initial shock had faded. She opened the flap of the bag lying on her hip and the fox happily jumped inside. 'I can't believe we almost forgot him. Poor Shippou would have been left alone in this wretched place.'

Looking left and right for anyone who might have been walking around near midnight, Kagome motioned to Souta.

Together, they made a mad dash across the large Higurashi property. They didn't notice the pair of narrowed, gleaming red eyes that have been watching them all along between dark curtains.

~*~*~*

Both panting heavily after scrambling over the wall separating the two properties, they stumbled through the dark night to Kaede's door. Kagome knocked loudly, the staccato sound penetrating the silence of the night. 'Please answer the door, Kaede.'

"Children, what are ye doing here this time of night?" the old midwife asked when she opened the door. Kagome explained everything in a rush of words while Kaede listened quietly.

"Will you please help us, Lady Kaede?" Kagome asked desperately when she finished. "We have nowhere else to turn."

"Of course I'll help ye children. I helped ye mother give birth to ye and I promised myself that I would watch over ye both after she died and left ye in the care of that horrible man." Kaede smiled, the corner of her visible eye crinkling. "Come in, children, and tell me what ye plan on doing to get away from that Naraku character."

Half an hour later, sitting in the modest and cozy kitchen, Kaede nodded. "That sounds like a good plan, Kagome. However, it will be very dangerous, child. Ye will be on your own after ye leave this place."

"Why don't you just stay here, Kagome?" Souta asked helplessly.

Kagome shook her head tiredly. "I can't, Souta. Naraku will not think to look here first, but I just know he will find out where we would be, sooner or later. It'd be harder to find us if we split up, and I've got to make enough money to take care of us. Then, I'll come back and get you, alright? We'll get as far away from here as possible and start a new life."

Kagome tilted her head when she heard the town's church bell's ringing. "It's midnight already. I should go before I lose any more traveling time. I don't know how long it will take to get to the castle."

The three stood outside Kaede's house. Shippou had already settled himself on Kagome's shoulder. "Did you put everything you will need in that sack, child? Food, water, clothes?" Kaede asked as Kagome stood and nodded. "Wait one moment." The midwife shuffled back into the cottage and Souta and Kagome said their goodbyes. She came back with a bow and arrows in one hand and a parchment in the other to find the siblings hugging, tears threatening to spill. "I promise I'll came back." Kagome was whispering to Souta, squeezing him extra tight.

"I hope I taught ye well enough to defend yourself with these, Kagome." At the sound of the old woman's voice, Kagome had turned toward it and Kaede handed the items to her. "And this is a map to the castle. Take the route to the west and remember: stay away from Wolf Forest. That is where the most dangerous bandits reside. Do not walk through dark paths and make sure you always see the moon above your head. Do not reveal yourself to anyone in the dark. You should get to the castle in a few hours in a steady pace. Take care."

Souta gave his sister one last fierce hug, telling her to come back soon. Kagome hugged Kaede too, thanking her for everything. Kaede had told her to be careful, and to come back if ever in need.

An old bag on her hip, her bow and a quiver of arrows slung across her back, a fox on her shoulder, and a map clenched tightly in her right fist, Kagome turned around and began her journey to the castle. The wind whipped at her hair and the shadows of the night surrounded her as she faded into the distance, the silver moonlight guiding her way.

It promised to be a long night.


Review Responses (I know…it's a bit late, but I really wanted to thank all of those who reviewed for the Prologue and 1st chapters):

Amber- Thank you for your compliment and for being the first reviewer!

Hikari- Yes, this is another Sess/Kag fic. Hope you like!

Totally Wicked- Ah! Hungry hippos! lol. This isn't a Inu/Kag fic, but I still hope you like it.

ginagurl1234- No, it's not Miroku, but thanks for REALLY, REALLY, REALLY liking it!

Windcleric- Yep! It's Sess! How'd you figure out?

Firefly- It is Sess! Thanks for reviewing!

Ruby-sama 4.5- I'm such a slacker, but I will update as fast as I can. ^_^

Sprout- Thanks for reviewing!

STaR- thank you for thinking it's such a great idea!

KawaiiAngel- Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long!

SilverQuick- OMG! You're the author who wrote White Dogs: Perversity! Thank you for reviewing! I love your story!

SiredHanyou- Inuyasha's coming, he's just not there right now, he will be soon though. ^_^

O2- lol. Your review was funny. Thank you for reviewing!

Me.. - Kikyou will be in this story, and she'll have an important part in the later chapters! Whether she'll be with Inu depends. ^_^

The perpetually perky GC-anime frEAK!- Thanks for reviewing and I hope that this story will make you happy that you decided to read other types of pairings! My friend is a total God Charlotte freak btw. ^_^

Sesshyangel- There will be more Sess in it later, promise. (hehe…lots more ^_^ )

Nihongo- Even -I- can't wait till she meets Sess! Sad really…

Krys- Thanks for reviewing! Sorry it took so long to respond…hehe

GinRain- Gah! I updated! ^_^

demongrl- They have to be mean, don't they? Thanks for liking it so much and reviewing three times!! You've really helped me write faster!

A/N: Review, Review, Review!!!! ^_^