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: I know what I'm about to say has -nothing- to do with my lateness of this chapter (or the chapter to my other story, either…) but I just want to thank all those wonderful, wonderful people who have been reviewing my stories. If I could, I'd hug all of you right now! ^_^ Did any of you notice that at one point, both of my stories had the same number of chapters with the same number of reviews? I almost died at my computer chair from happiness! Thank you! (I think…) If you asked a question, I answered them in a review so I wouldn't have to cut off your reading time. ^_^
*~Fairy~*~Tale~*~Dreams~*
By MysticMoon
Edited by Icewings
Chapter Three- The Wolf Thieves
"Two roads diverged in a woods, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
--Robert Frost
Last chapter:
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.
~*~*~*~*
The night air was moist from the previous day's shower and Kagome fervently hoped it wouldn't rain before she reached the castle. The winds seemed to roar as they tore at the trees, turning their branches into arms that wanted to reached out and drag her from the lonely dirt path.
She secured the scarlet cloak she had hastily thrown on at Kaede's tighter around her thin shoulders, and pulled the hood over her head as the wind picked up. As she went, she fingered the hem of the cloak and marveled at the velvety texture. It was another cast-off from one of her stepsisters, and they made sure to ruin it with several rips and tears before giving it to her.
Thankfully, it was easily mended, and it looked even better after she embroidered over the rips in gold thread. The thread she'd cleverly convinced Naraku they needed for a rip in something else. However, the expensive red cloth didn't even compare with the fragile silver-blue dress tucked safely in her bag.
Noises were magnified as Kagome strained her ears, listening for any unnatural sounds. Owls hooted and the bushes rustled, glittering beady red eyes of forest creatures peeked at her warily from the undergrowth, making her more nervous then she already was.
It seemed like the only things that kept her from panicking was Shippou comfortably settled on her shoulder, the bow clutched in her hand, and the shafts of moonlight that had managed to filter through the thick canopy of branches overhead.
Kagome had been walking for what seemed like eternity now and all she wanted to do was turn around and run back to the safety of Kaede's house.
Suddenly, after turning a bend in the road, she saw before her that the dirt path divided into three separate routes.
'Which way should I go from here?'
Kagome's head tilted upward to read the three arrows on the tall wooden post: one pointed to the east, one to the north, and the other to the west.
Kagome sighed when she found that it was too dark to make out what the signs said. She was unsure of which path to take.
'Kaede's map should help.' she thought, suddenly grateful to her old teacher for it.
She lifted the sleepy fox off her shoulder and reached into her bag, rummaging around for the map Kaede had given her. She found the old piece of parchment and quickly unfolded it.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind whipped past her, making her thin dress and crimson cloak thrash around her legs. It plucked at the map and yanked it from her loose grip. Temporarily blinded by her wind-whipped hair, she lost sight of it. When the wind died down, Kagome gasped and frantically scanned the ground for her only hope to find the right route to the castle.
It couldn't have gone far…
There it is!
It had landed in a puddle of brown mud…
Kagome desperately wiped the mud off the wrinkled paper with her fingers, but to no avail. It was now practically illegible, the information on the once precious paper lost to her forever.
"Just my rotten luck…" she moaned. "I will just have to take a guess then…" She didn't want to turn back, and there was no telling what creature might harm her if she waited until daylight to read the letters on the signs. The whipping of the wind made it so that lighting a fire to see the letters was not an option, but Kagome wouldn't give up so easily.
The path to the west had that well trodden look to it, so there was a good chance it was the right direction. The northern route didn't look very well-worn, so she doubted it was the way to the castle.
Looking to the east, she felt a terrible shiver run up and down her spine. Did she just see a floating -eel- fly through those trees? It was only for a split second, but -something- glowed a ghostly white against the shadows that seemed even darker down that path.
She would -never- in her right mind, or even in her -wrong- mind, go anywhere near there. 'An uncouth Neanderthal wouldn't because even they would still retain the most basic self-preservation instinct. Going there seems to say, "I'm tired with life."'
'What had Kaede warned me about before I left? Something about not to go to the Wolf Forest? Which path did she say I was to take?' Kagome sighed, she couldn't remember. Finally, after standing at the same spot for a long moment, she nodded to herself decisively and scooped Shippou into her arms. Kagome was about to take the western road when the red fox unexpectedly leaped out of her arms and dashed to her right, straight into the gloom in the eastern path. It was then obvious to Kagome that Shippou either didn't notice the plain -creepiness- of that path, or that he didn't like his life at all.
Wonderful…(A/N: isn't it just?)
"Shippou!!" she yelled. She cringed when she noticed her shout echoed loudly throughout the forest. 'This is certainly a fantastic turn of events,' she thought ruefully. Gulping down her nausea and fear, she took hesitant steps down the eastern trail. Really, what was there to be afraid of? This path could even be the one leading to the castle! (B/N Sure, yeah …right.)
At least…she hoped…
~*~*~*The Castle*~*~*~
With a stiff bow and a mocking tilt of the head, Sesshoumaru turned on his heel and strode briskly from the throne room. King Inutaisho watched his elder son's retreating back and smiled thoughtfully. He knew Sesshoumaru was angry…to say the least.
That boy needed a wife, he just didn't realize it. Sometimes, Sesshoumaru could be as stubborn as Inuyasha …although he was positive Sesshoumaru would -never- stand for being compared to his half-brother. At that, the king chuckled softly to himself.
~*~*~*
Sesshoumaru was livid. That old codger couldn't manipulate him like this! He could even hear his father -laughing-! At him and his frustrating predicament, no doubt. -No one- was allowed to treat him like some worthless puppet!
He'd find a way out of this…entrapment.
First of all, he needed a place to think. The gardens seemed like the best choice. No one would find him there.
After all, it was a vast plot of land with trees and flowers artfully placed so that they created many twists and turns that seemed to go on for miles. The maze was a particularly confusing spot. The chances of someone stumbling upon him there were slim.
With long strides, Sesshoumaru walked toward the ballroom, where the French doors opened to a terrace leading out to his destination. It was the closest exit to the gardens, and the seclusion he desperately needed.
~*~*~*Forest*~*~*~
"Shippou! Shippou! Where are you?" Kagome called as loud as she dared, searching the ground frantically as she reached a clearing. The moonlight spilled into the area and illuminated the setting. "Come back here!" She pushed back the hood of her cloak to see better and her hair shone an ethereal blue-black color under the moon.
'Where could he have gone? This place doesn't exactly give off the feeling of safety.'
Kagome jumped and her skirts swirled as she quickly turned around and peered around into the darkness. She thought she just heard something- a twig snapping to be exact. Kagome clutched the bow in her hand even tighter. The hairs on the back of her neck bristled.
Reaching over her shoulder with practiced ease, she took a firm hold on an arrow from her quiver and notched it on the bow, holding it in a loose, but ready, position.
She could almost -feel- a pair of eyes burning through her flimsy clothing to her skin. She was being watched, but by who, she almost didn't want to know.
Taking a deep breath she called out in a slightly quivery voice, "W-who's there?" Hopefully, that sounded as brave as she wanted it to.
Kagome heard a chuckle escape from the shadows to her right. "My, my…what do we have here?"
Quickly turning in the direction of the voice she called again, desperately trying to mask the slight trembling in her own voice, "Who are you?"
"Actually, I think the question is…what are -you- doing here again, Soul-stealer?" With that, a young man appeared from the shadows and his turquoise eyes glinted with anger. He would have been considered roguishly handsome with his short dark hair tied in a messy ponytail and clothing of a pirate if he weren't scaring her beyond caring.
"Soul-stealer?" 'What is this person talking about? Maybe he's mistaking me for someone else?…or…what if he's another lunatic out on the loose who kidnaps young women traveling during the night?!?' "I'm no 'Soul-stealer'. You must be mistaken. I'm just trying to find-"
"Don't you dare deny it!" he cut in roughly, "We've all seen you come here every night, little girl, and we know what you look like! Every time we chase after you and your soul taking pests, you just disappear. You have killed three of my men with your bow and arrows and we will avenge them with your death. This is -our- territory and you have crossed the boundary into Wolf Forest one too many times, witch."
Kagome was shocked speechless. 'I'm in the Wolf Forest?! Oh dear…Does that mean he's a member of The Wolves?! They are notorious all across the countryside for being thieving bandits! Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and needy!' (Does that ring a bell to anyone?)
Unexpectedly, his face broke into a sadistic smile, revealing his fang-like teeth and giving her the distinct image of a wolf. She could almost imagine him sprouting canine ears and a furry tail. If she weren't so scared, she would have laughed at this picture. As it was…she didn't think he would take it too well if she did. "But you can't get away now, not as long as I'm the leader of The Wolves."
Kagome felt like collapsing. This couldn't be happening…the LEADER?!? 'Gods! How in the world am I going to get out of this mess?'
Kagome slowly backed away from the bandit and was about to turn and sprint out of the clearing when he said mockingly, "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Little Red, you're surrounded by all my comrades and fellow thieves."
'Little Red?' Immediately stopping, Kagome looked intently at the trees and darkness around the open area, trying to keep her body from shaking in fear and her face neutral. The brute was right. She could see the light glinting off their weapons; swords, daggers, and rapiers.
She seriously couldn't see herself battling all these full grown, tall, bulky men! They'd just protect themselves from her arrows with their shields, whereas, unfortunately for -her-, nothing would stop those weapons from slicing her in half.
She hadn't even done anything seriously wrong! Is this what she got for letting that map slip through her fingers? This was a cruel world indeed.
She needed to buy some time. It seemed she couldn't change his dense mind that she wasn't a witch. What else could she do? An idea popped into her head. Maybe, just maybe, it could work.
Summoning up all her remaining courage (which, you must understand, wasn't all that much), she called out haughtily, "My, my, what scruffy hair you have, even for a bandit such as yourself." Faintly, she could hear some of the outlaws surrounding them chuckle with amusement. This time gaining tactic can either be called very brave or very suicidal.
The man's turquoise eyes showed a hint of annoyance and surprise at her change of personality. 'So…the wench is a fighter' he thought admiringly, then he reminded himself who she was, ' too bad she will have to die. '
"All the more for you to comb." He says, a wicked gleam in his eye that told her he definitely knew she was cornered and he might as well have a little fun before he went 'in for the kill'.
Kagome was taken aback at his answer, but continued to taunt, "What a hungry grin you have." At least he hadn't already killed her for her first statement.
"All the better to strike fear into my opponents hearts." Kouga growls, brandishing his sword and thoroughly reminding Kagome of a wolf poised to strike.
"Oh dear," she gulped, "what a sharp sword you have."
The reply being, "All the better to hack up my enemies with." With that, he charged towards her with sword raised for a downward strike with such great speed, she almost forgot to react. She darted out of the way into a roll and heard the swish of his sword as it sliced the air where she had just been. 'Much too close for comfort' She thought from her crouched position. Out of the corner of her eye, Kagome saw a few blue-black hairs drifting in the air.
He immediately came back with a swing at her side, which she evaded again as her mind scrambled desperately for a way to get out of her ghastly situation. Suddenly, she glimpsed a flaw in his form. His back was exposed to her for a split-second and she wondered at his carelessness.
Now that she had a strategy, Kagome shifted into a defensive stance and watched for his next attack. He turned and lunged with the tip of his sword pointed at her throat. It grazed her shoulder, but Kagome escaped the attack and she darted between his legs to come up from behind.
She pivoted around to see a bewildered Kouga looking around for her. The leader of The Wolves was turning around when an arrow was suddenly strung and pointed at his head.
Kagome had pivoted on her foot after ducking through his legs and an arrow was notched to her bow before Kouga had realized she wasn't skewered on the end of his sword. She'd drawn back her bow and pointed the deadly arrow at her opponent's head before he could even think of lifting his sword again.
"For the last time," She said with a calm that she didn't feel. "I'm not who you think I am. My name is Kagome Higurashi, and I took a wrong turn that lead me here." Taking a step back, the deadly pointed object still aimed at his head, she said, "Understand?" When he vaguely nodded, she breathed a sigh of relief, and lowered her bow.
Suddenly, he darted forward at such a speed she almost didn't catch it, and had brought up his sword.
"Ah!" Kagome exclaimed. The minute she dropped her defenses, he had attacked her again.
Now the brute had her pinned to a tree! The blade of her opponent's sword was across her neck, not quite penetrating the pale and delicate flesh. She was about to bring up her knee to hit him in a (A/N: *cough*) vulnerable spot when he shoved his own body against hers as if he knew what she was thinking.
She struggled in his grasp, but her hands were trapped between their bodies and she was afraid of cutting herself on the razor-like blade.
She soon realized it was futile to struggle and met his eyes angrily. He gazed into the fiery gray-blue orbs and realized his mistake.
"You're right," he said, surprised and thoughtful. "You aren't that witch. Though you both look almost exactly the same, your eyes are the wrong color." Then, he abruptly backed away and sheathed his sword. "We are sorry to have caused you any discomfort, but we really did think you were the wen- umm, woman who has been stealing the souls of this forest."
He signaled the dozen or more bandits to come out of their hiding places. Wonder and admiration were shining in their eyes as they looked on the woman who had managed to subdue their leader, if only for a second. "If you are lost, we will gladly help you." Motioning to one of the bandits, He said, "Now let's fix that cut on your shoulder."
Kagome nodded happily. Finally, her horrible day was improving!
~*~*~*
Two figures walked through the dense foliage, the taller one leading his tired companion as he tracked an invisible path. The small form of a fox was clutched safely in Kagome's arms. She had found Shippou with the help of the, dare she say it, -nice- band of thieves.
She found that without their weapons drawn, they were all actually very caring and willing to help all those in need. Her shoulder was only scratched, and instead of simply offering her his most sincere apologies, the leader -himself- offered to take her to the castle. Kagome accepted, although she was still wary about traveling with a person who almost -killed- her less than an hour before.
Kagome took a nice long deep breath when they finally stepped out of the forest. Now, she was standing at the edge of a vast meadow that spread out before her and the early morning rays of dawn welcomed her bright blue eyes. Far into the distance, she could see the tall towers of the castle with their banners flapping in the breeze. She had never seen a more magnificent sight.
Suddenly, Kagome became aware of yet -another- appreciative stare aimed her way and turned to find the leader of The Wolves gazing at her intently. They hadn't talked much throughout their short journey.
A light blush stained her cheeks. 'What could be so interesting about me? As my stepfamily keeps reminding me, I'm much too plain and ordinary to catch anyone's attention.' Plain black hair instead of the much-loved flaxen. Simple features, though she couldn't be sure since it had been forever since she'd last had the time to look in a mirror. Ordinary body that, although slim, does not have the coveted tiny, tiny waist. Ordinary stature that isn't petite or tall enough. So…ordinary.'
She was thrust out of her gloomy thoughts when the man beside her (who was -still- staring) thought aloud, "Yes, you are worthy."
"Huh?" she asked, confusion clouding her eyes.
He gave her a big (and somewhat creepy) smile. "Yes, yes. You have a fiery spirit and quite beautiful as well! You are the only girl worthy enough to be -my- woman!"
Kagome sweat dropped. Did she hear right? "Umm…woman?"
"Yes!" he declared proudly, "We shall marry the moment you return from the castle. I am sure you will make a fine wife and an excellent mother to our children!"
Kagome closed her mouth in a snap the moment she noticed it hung open in shock. Arguments crowded in her throat, threatening to choke her when they burst out in rapid succession. "But I haven't even known you for more than a few hours! You don't know anything about me! I don't even know your -name-! I don't think I'm even -ready- for marriage! Children!?!" Her voice had become a tiny squeak at the last part.
At first, his brow furrowed in confusion at her outburst, then, a light shown in his eyes, like he finally understood something. He stepped closer to her and said huskily, "Well, some things are easily remedied, my dear. My name is Kouga. And we will get to know each other better after we get married, of course." As he said the words, a predator's smile spread wider across his face.
Kagome flinched at his suddenly close proximity and inched away. When this…'Kouga' became aware of what she was doing, he threw back his head and laughed. When he got over his amusement, Kouga pressed even -closer- and said, "You don't have to do that, you know. I know -exactly- what you're doing. Why else would you say 'no' and refuse me!"
Kagome opened her mouth to say something, but Kouga interrupted, saying, "I have heard how coy some women can be and that there are certain 'rules' that they need to follow in courtship." He looked deeply into her wide eyes, unnerving her greatly.
"Even though I don't believe in all that crap, I'll suffer through it if it makes you -my- woman. I'll come for you and make you my mate one day, remember that." Kouga turned and disappeared back into Wolf Forest.
Kagome mentally shook herself out of her bewilderment. That was…unexpected. She had a feeling that the thief, erm… Kouga, would actually do his best to stay true to his word.
She shook her head sadly and thought about how her life just got more confusing and complex by the hour. Such a sharp contrast to the monotonous life she had been living not two days ago. Every day the same thing.
Wake up at dawn, cook, clean, act the part of the lowly maid, get insulted, cook, clean -some more-, sleep, and then the whole process would repeat itself all over again, with the occasional outing to Kaede's house. Maybe at the castle things will be different. Maybe not. All she could do was hope.
Readjusting the leather strap on her shoulder and making sure her bow was tied securely on the bulky bag so she would not have to hold it, she began to make her way across the meadow. Tall green grass brushed along her calves and the wisps of hair tickling her face reminded her of the sweeping blue gown in her bag. 'I wonder if I'll ever get to use it?'
Then, she remembered there were to be grand balls at the castle in which her stepfamily will most definitely be attending. 'Well, I'll make sure to stay away from the festivities where all the young ladies will be fawning all over the prince.' But she couldn't help but think. Maybe she'll get to meet her -very own- Prince Charming. Who knows?
Suddenly, a breeze blew past her and the sound of tinkling laughter floated into her ear with the joyful yet quiet words, "You have no idea, my dear." Kagome paused. 'What was that!?' She shook it off after a moment and kept walking, her eyes fixed on the fortress looming ahead. 'Just the result of no sleep…I guess.'
A/N: OK, not the most romantic chapter ever, but I've got the next chapter ready and waiting. So I guess the leading man has got a bit of competition for the leading girl. Hehe (I'm sooo evil) If you all are good and review, I'll give it to you WAY sooner than the other chapters have been coming out. ^_^;; Was Kouga too OOC? Gah! I'm having insecurities again. _
