O.O;;; KAMI!!!!! My number of reviews just shot through the roof! People DO
like this story!!! I FEEL LOVED!!!!!!!! *Hugs and kisses all reviewers*
Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
*starts dancing while happily crying.*
Kerra (?! ... either there's two people with this name, or you reviewed twice... oh, well! I'm not complaining! Thank you, and like I told your sister, I'll keep going)
Kerra- (Thanks!)
Corin- (Thank you! I'll keep up with the story. Breath!)
Crimson_Angel91 (Thank you!)
Roru-chan (That so sweet! Thank you so much! *Blushing uncontrollably*)
Luscious (Wow, thanks! About the shadow kitsunes, it's kinda complicated to explain right here but no, he doesn't like Kagome in the way you think. Kagome was only like, 5 when she, Souta and her mom left and I think that just a tad bit too young for dating. I can see how you get that, though. Thanks again!)
Bomhammer (here's my update!)
Raven Moonshadow (You're probably right. I love writing this story and readers took up arms when I said I was considering discontinuing. Thank you so much!)
ptbear (Thanks! It's hard for me to write in the normal POV and I've always really liked first person.)
angpankb04 (Thanks! I'll keep going!)
badluck-fangirl (Here the update!)
Mirror my dreams (Yeah, I've noticed that, too. I've got an account over at mediaminer.org, but I can't get it to work... *sighs and shakes head* I've said it before and I'll say it again I HATE COMPUTERS!!!!!!!! They're plotting against me!!!!! I KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
W?W?Su (I won't!)
badgerwolf (I'll keep going!)
inudemoness247 (I'm flattered! PLEASE DON'T DIE!!!! I'd never be able to live with myself!)
dragonleaf (The dragon's Hogosha, it mean's protector. You'll find out why in this chapter. Thanks!)
Hiei's-Pained-Assasan (Thanks!)
star's dream (too true... But I'm not giving up yet! Thanks for staying with this story for so long! *glomps*)
shan (Here's chapter nine! And of COARSE Kagome and Kurama will get together! It wouldn't be much of a Kur\Kag if they didn't!)
Blood Unicorn 15 (Here's my update!)
Sake-is-Yummy (The story goes on!)
MoonFox1 (Thank you! I forgive you, just review more, okay?!)
anonymousey226273 (0.o; I won't stop. Just pleeeeease don't throw melted ice cream on me! it's too sticky and I'll never get it out of my fur!)
Serena SilverMoon (Thank you! As for the kitsunes and the dragon... you'll find out soon!)
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InuYasha- So, you guys couldn't find him?
Kagome- No, and we looked everywhere!
Keiko- Actually, guys, there's one room we didn't check.
InuYasha- Why's that?
Keiko- Because DreamVixen dead bolted herself in there. *scream heard from DreamVixen's room.*
Miroku- This won't end well.
Sango- Got that right. Here's chapter nine while we save DreamVixen from Yusuke.
Kagome- Or vice versa
InuYasha- And the bitch still owns nothing but her name!
\...\ Youko\Kurama talk -...- beast talk *...* telepathy '...' thoughts (...) My annoying little author notes
********************************Memories*******************************
Did I just hear that right?!?!?! I stared at this girl who claimed to be old friends. My memories? Could I really take them back just like that?
-Don't you want your memories back?- Hogosha asked curiously. Taking a deep breath, I nodded.
"Great!!!!!!!" Yari said with a smile. Yakuso passed me the bottle. I looked at it while I waited for my stomach to settle. Once I figured that wasn't going to happen anytime soon, I gulped the drink down and was surrounded by darkness.
"Princess Kagome!!!!!!" four years old, I wrinkled my nose at the distasteful title. "get down here this instant!!!!!" I sighed and looked down to the old kitsune standing at the base of my tree.
"But this is the best place to study," I explained, holding up the thick old book for my nurse to see.
"Indeed!!!" the old bat snapped, her ears flat against her head, "You are Princess of the shadow kitsunes, not some common tree dwelling demon!!! Now get down here, General Reikoku's ceremony is in an hour and your father will have my head if you show up looking like that!!!" I wrinkled my nose again, but followed Nurse's instructions. An hour later, I was fidgeting impatiently next to my mother.
"Congratulations, Reikoku. you worked hard for this title." Mama said, smiling at the general. I was more curious about the two kits at his side. They looked my age, one had straight black hair and green tippings and bright green eyes. The boy next to her had black eyes and blue tippings. His hair was more ragged than the girl's. "Who are these adorable children.
"Thank you, your majesty. This is my little brother and sister, Ganko and Yakuso." Mama smiled at them.
"Nice to meet you. Perhaps you can keep my daughter company while I speak with your brother?"
"Yes, you majesty," the girl said politely. With that, Mama and Reikoku left. The boy looked around.
"So, princess," he said, bored "Is there anything interesting to do around here?"
"Not if you don't know how to make it interesting," I answered. The two of them looked at me, curiously.
"out of the way, brats," a snotty lord said, pushing his way past Yakuso. I glared at him.
"Watch this." I said, conjuring a spell. The lord's hair turned a bright, electric pink. Ganko and Yakuso laughed, after they got over their shock, anyway.
"Won't you get into trouble?" Yakuso said through her giggles.
"Nope. There are only three rules to living in the castle. One, don't break anything TOO valuable, two stay away from my father, and third and most important," I paused dramatically, "don't call me princess."
"I don't think this is a good idea." Yakuso said yet again. I rolled my eyes.
"Honestly, Yakuso. It's not like we've ever been told we can't go into the city,"
"That's because it's one of the rules that goes without saying!"
"Well, it's their fault then. They should know by now I only follow rules that have been told to me by a superior. Well, sometimes, anyways," After all the chaos Ganko and I managed to cause in the castle in the last year alone, we had guards following us constantly.
Not that that made any difference, except for making said guards look like idiots. I was at a bitter war with Ganko at the moment. Of coarse, he started it. Putting worms in my bed... figures he'd find out my one true fear. Bugs. I shuttered. At least I got him back. And managed to get away from the castle while my revenge went off. I brought Yakuso along because I didn't want her to get caught when it went off. We were in the shadow kitsune city right now. Suddenly I heard an angry scream in a nearby alley. Curious, I went to see what the fuss was about. A girl about my age was fighting six ten year old boys.
"Say uncle!" the girl said happily.
"Fuck you,"
"That's a bad word!!!!" the boys attacked, to have the crap kicked out of them in the blink of an eye. Yakuso looked at the girl in horror, while I bust out laughing.
"That's priceless!" I said, "Oh, man, you've got to teach me how to do that!"
"Kagome! You know it's not proper for a lady to learn how to fight men!"
"Says who?"
"Everyone!"
"Well, they're dummies. Fighting boys is a lot more interesting than learning how to sit properly at a dinner table, or how to curtsey and that junk," the girl in the alley grinned at me.
"I hear that!" she said enthusiastically, "Though I've always wanted to be rich. It stinks to be an orphan. Do you guys live near the castle? Could you imagine living in it? Have you ever met the princess?"
"Yakuso lives near the castle," I answered, "But I don't. it'll probably be very boring and sort of."
"Sort of?"
"What she means to say is, she is the princess. Right, Kagome," I glared at Yakuso. She. Was. Dead!!!! The other girl gasped.
"H-how do you do, Princess Kagome," she stammered nervously.
"Don't call me that!!!!!" She blinked.
"Kagome hates being reminded she's so far the sole heir to the shadow kitsune throne." Yakuso said sweetly. Now I wasn't even giving her the courtesy of a quick death. I sighed then looked at the girl thoughtfully.
"What's your name?"
"Yari, my lady," I glared. 'My lady' was almost as bad as 'princess.'
"You said you were an orphan, right? Any brothers or sisters?"
"No, P- err... Kagome?"
"Any family taking care of you?"
"No. I'm all alone."
"Do you have any belongings?" the look she gave me answered that. I sighed and checked my purse. "I should have enough... come on, let's go."
"Go? Where?" both girls looked bewildered.
"To the tailor, of coarse. I can't present you to my mother as my new playmate looking like that. She'll have a heart attack. We should probably get you some shoes, too..." both girls watch, mouths gaping as I headed down the street. Then raced to catch up, grinning.
"So, when do you think he'll come?" I asked, flopping down on my bed. Yari and I had been training, (something we'd started in the year she'd been my official playmate.) so I was still in my fighting outfit. Yakuso looked at me, bemused.
"What makes you so sure it'll be a boy?"
"Because I'm me." I wanted desperately for Mama's unborn child to be a boy. That way he could inherit instead of me. "So, when should he come?" Yakuso had taken up studying herbs while Yari and I trained, and had become good friends with the castle's head nurse.
"A day or so, now." I groaned. That was NOT soon enough for me. Yari grinned.
"Don't tell me we've finally seen the end of the great Kagome's patience?" she asked, teasingly. Yakuso laughed.
"That ugly toad didn't have enough patience to begin with," a voice at the door said. I turned to glare at Ganko.
"NOBODY ASKED YOU!!!!!!!! NOW GET OUT OF MY ROOM!!!!!!!!" I yelled. He smirked.
"Fine! Don't have to be so rude. I'll just give the message to someone else." My ears perked.
"Message?"
"Now your interested?" I glared at him. "Your mother's gone into labor."
.........
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I raced out of the room. When I got to Mama's quarters, my father was already there. We waited in nervous anticipation for nearly an hour when a babies cry was heard in the room. The nurse opened the door, ushering father and myself inside. I walked in to see my Mama holding a bundle in her arms. She looked up at us and smiled.
"Kagome," she said softly, "Meet your little brother,"
"What are you doing out here, Princess?" I glared at Ganko for the umpteenth time since his brother had become General.
"None of your business!" I snapped. I was there to get away for Souta's crying. Even telling myself he was the reason I had more freedom didn't help make it any less annoying. Yakuso was studying with the nurse and Yari with the Shadow kitsune army. She was on the verge of becoming the first female kitsune general. I had snuck far into the forest surrounding my home, where no one could find me. Too bad Ganko had some weird lock on me that I couldn't figure out. Not scent, spirit energy, soul, mind waves or anything else I could find to protect. He was just plain weird.
"Well, princess, don't get killed out here while doing things that are none of my business." I sighed. And to think, he was one of my closest friends. Before I could respond, a tiny black dragon came into the clearing. I stared for a second, then noticed the torn flesh...err scales on its right leg.
"You poor thing!" I cried, going to help it. Ganko stopped me with a yelp.
"Don't!" he yelled. "that's a night dragon. Very dangerous,"
"I don't care if he's a pixie in a tutu." I yelled back, "He needs help!" with that, I rushed over to the little guy and put a hand on his wound. He growled at first. "oh, shut up!" I snapped back, startling him into silence. I quickly healed him then checked for any other injuries. Finding nothing serious, I took a step back. "You should be alright now."
-thank you, vixen- the little guy said.
"no biggie," I smiled, "Well, I'd better head back home." So I started back to the castle. After a few minuets, Ganko joined me.
"You, princess, are a total airhead," I glared at him. "Do you know what you get after helping a night dragon?"
"A single wish. So?"
"...YOU KNEW THE WHOLE TIME?!?!?!"
"Duh, I actually pay attention to my studies. Unlike SOME people..."
"Why didn't you use it?"
"Why would I need it? I've already got everything and then some, what more could I possibly need?"
"Besides a life?" then the dragon appeared in front of us.
"Wha-"
-That's very noble of you. Helping someone who could give you everything, but asking for nothing in return.- the dragon said -Not many are that selfless, vixen-
"It's a lot more selfless to help those who can give you nothing." I responded. He laughed.
-True.- he said in bemusement. -Congratulations, you have earned the right to be a protected.-
"Protected?"
-That's right. I, Hogosha, am to stay by your side and help should the need arise.- I was about to protest, when Ganko spoke.
"Don't waste your time. She's too stubborn and bratty to accept help." I glared at him. Then smiled sweetly at Hogosha.
"What type of food do you like?"
I rubbed my eye with my fist as I followed my mother through the castle.
"Where are we going, Mama?" I asked sleepily.
"Just for a walk," she said, soothingly, "Don't worry and keep quiet. We don't want to wake anyone." I followed, confused. Why would my mother want to go for a walk at this insane hour, and bring Souta along at that? We walked out the door silently. Deep into the forest we went, were Mama made a portal. I hesitated.
"Well be back before, dawn, won't we?" I asked, "Hogosha will throw a fit if we're not." A slight look of pain crossed Mama's face, then disappeared.
"Of coarse. Now hurry," I followed my mother's instructions and slipped into the portal. The place we got out was strange. A funny old man was standing there, waiting for us. Mother came through the portal, and handed the baby to the old man. "Kagome?" she said, turning to me, tears in the eyes.
"Yes, Mama?" I asked in concern
"I'm so sorry," then everything vanished, as I slipped into unconsciousness.
There was no need to go on. The rest was just my life as a human. This is just a small part of what came before that. There were other, less significant, memories. Playing with my friends, dinners, fighting with Ganko... yet, even those insignificant memories felt so special to me. Because they were MINE.
I woke up to see a night sky above me. The fact that we were surrounded by new sights and smells told me the group had moved me while I was asleep. quite a distance, too. I sat up.
"Your awake! Are you alright?" I blinked at Keiko, who was smiling down at me, relief and concern written all over her face. I smiled back, Sango, Yukina and Botan weren't too far off, Kirara was in Sango's lap, InuYasha and Hiei were both lounging in separate trees, Yusuke, Kuwabara and Kurama were sitting by the fire, Souta was asleep under a nearby tree and Shippo was curled up next to me. However, Yakuso, Yari, Hogosha and Miroku were nowhere to be seen.
"I'm fine," I said, answering Keiko's question, "What happened?" Sango smirked.
"Well," She started, "After we convinced InuYasha to give the shadow kitsunes benefit of the doubt and not kill them when he thought you were poisoned after you fell-" I glared at InuYasha, who was suddenly trying to look small, "-We went down the road for a while, Kirara carried you. Then we decided to stop for the night and the Kitsunes and Miroku offered to get water from a nearby stream, though I think Miroku just wants to-"
"HENTAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I gasped and everyone else started laughing. An angry Yakuso stormed back into the campsite, followed by Yari, grinning like an idiot. Her grin widened when she saw me.
"So, you've joined us at last, have you princess?" I glared at my friend, upon hearing the hated title. She took a step back.
"Just checking!" she said hastily. Yakuso's sour face cleared up. As she burst out laughing.
"I never really did understand why you hated that so much."
"I have my reasons!" I said defensively.
"But you are." She pointed out.
"I don't care I still don't like being called princess!" InuYasha suddenly grinned. Uh-oh...
"It that so, Princess," he said smirking.
"SIT!!!" WHAM! "DON'T CALL ME THAT!!!!!!!!!!!" the rest of the group burst into laugher. Then I thought of something. "What happened to Sessho- maru?!" I demanded. Suddenly everyone got quiet.
"The scary guy with the kid and the toad?" Yusuke asked, "After he and dog-boy over there agreed to fight that demon we're going after together, he took off ahead of us." WHAT?!
"Sessho-maru wants to help! Why?" Silence greeted my question. I got a gut feeling that something was very, very wrong. "Guys," I said carefully, "What demon are we going up against?" Sango sighed.
"Naraku."
************************************************************************
"Damn it, Ganko!" Reikoku yelled at his little brother, "You must have SOME indication to where they've gone!" the kitsune in front of him stood mute. Reikoku sighed. "Get the hell out there, and don't come back without the prince and princess.
"Yes, sir," Ganko said, turning and leaving. When he got outside, he made the mistake of looking out to the lake. Where he'd dunked Kagome one day, when she complained about the heat. Kagome retaliated by dragging him under with her. Ganko sighed. He knew it was a long time ago, knew Kagome had no memories of such events, but couldn't help wishing things could go back to that. Maybe that was why he protected her... he sighed again, staring up into the sky, "Good luck, Princess." He whispered, hoping somehow the message would catch her ears.
************************************************************************
InuYasha- One, two...THREE! *door crashes down to reveal DreamVixen standing over an unconscious Yusuke with a frying pan.*
DV- HAH! WHO'S THE WEAK ONE NOW, PUNK!!!! HUH?! HUH?!
Everyone- 0_o;;;
Keiko- Boys never learn
Kagome- First a crowbar, now a frying pan.
Shippo- Where does she put all this stuff?
DV- From the same place Akane puts those mallets, Kagome puts her backpack whenever they're not camping out, and Botan puts her oar and the rest of the girls put anything else that just seems to come out of nowhere.
Sango- Oooh...
Mirkou- Where's that?
DV- I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
Miroku- Would you bear my child before that? *DV answers with frying pan*
Sango- Hentai
DV- Anyway, you know the drill by now. Let's see some more reviews! I'm gonna start writing chapter 10 right away and get it up asap because of all my wonderful reviews! ^-^
Kerra (?! ... either there's two people with this name, or you reviewed twice... oh, well! I'm not complaining! Thank you, and like I told your sister, I'll keep going)
Kerra- (Thanks!)
Corin- (Thank you! I'll keep up with the story. Breath!)
Crimson_Angel91 (Thank you!)
Roru-chan (That so sweet! Thank you so much! *Blushing uncontrollably*)
Luscious (Wow, thanks! About the shadow kitsunes, it's kinda complicated to explain right here but no, he doesn't like Kagome in the way you think. Kagome was only like, 5 when she, Souta and her mom left and I think that just a tad bit too young for dating. I can see how you get that, though. Thanks again!)
Bomhammer (here's my update!)
Raven Moonshadow (You're probably right. I love writing this story and readers took up arms when I said I was considering discontinuing. Thank you so much!)
ptbear (Thanks! It's hard for me to write in the normal POV and I've always really liked first person.)
angpankb04 (Thanks! I'll keep going!)
badluck-fangirl (Here the update!)
Mirror my dreams (Yeah, I've noticed that, too. I've got an account over at mediaminer.org, but I can't get it to work... *sighs and shakes head* I've said it before and I'll say it again I HATE COMPUTERS!!!!!!!! They're plotting against me!!!!! I KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!)
W?W?Su (I won't!)
badgerwolf (I'll keep going!)
inudemoness247 (I'm flattered! PLEASE DON'T DIE!!!! I'd never be able to live with myself!)
dragonleaf (The dragon's Hogosha, it mean's protector. You'll find out why in this chapter. Thanks!)
Hiei's-Pained-Assasan (Thanks!)
star's dream (too true... But I'm not giving up yet! Thanks for staying with this story for so long! *glomps*)
shan (Here's chapter nine! And of COARSE Kagome and Kurama will get together! It wouldn't be much of a Kur\Kag if they didn't!)
Blood Unicorn 15 (Here's my update!)
Sake-is-Yummy (The story goes on!)
MoonFox1 (Thank you! I forgive you, just review more, okay?!)
anonymousey226273 (0.o; I won't stop. Just pleeeeease don't throw melted ice cream on me! it's too sticky and I'll never get it out of my fur!)
Serena SilverMoon (Thank you! As for the kitsunes and the dragon... you'll find out soon!)
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InuYasha- So, you guys couldn't find him?
Kagome- No, and we looked everywhere!
Keiko- Actually, guys, there's one room we didn't check.
InuYasha- Why's that?
Keiko- Because DreamVixen dead bolted herself in there. *scream heard from DreamVixen's room.*
Miroku- This won't end well.
Sango- Got that right. Here's chapter nine while we save DreamVixen from Yusuke.
Kagome- Or vice versa
InuYasha- And the bitch still owns nothing but her name!
\...\ Youko\Kurama talk -...- beast talk *...* telepathy '...' thoughts (...) My annoying little author notes
********************************Memories*******************************
Did I just hear that right?!?!?! I stared at this girl who claimed to be old friends. My memories? Could I really take them back just like that?
-Don't you want your memories back?- Hogosha asked curiously. Taking a deep breath, I nodded.
"Great!!!!!!!" Yari said with a smile. Yakuso passed me the bottle. I looked at it while I waited for my stomach to settle. Once I figured that wasn't going to happen anytime soon, I gulped the drink down and was surrounded by darkness.
"Princess Kagome!!!!!!" four years old, I wrinkled my nose at the distasteful title. "get down here this instant!!!!!" I sighed and looked down to the old kitsune standing at the base of my tree.
"But this is the best place to study," I explained, holding up the thick old book for my nurse to see.
"Indeed!!!" the old bat snapped, her ears flat against her head, "You are Princess of the shadow kitsunes, not some common tree dwelling demon!!! Now get down here, General Reikoku's ceremony is in an hour and your father will have my head if you show up looking like that!!!" I wrinkled my nose again, but followed Nurse's instructions. An hour later, I was fidgeting impatiently next to my mother.
"Congratulations, Reikoku. you worked hard for this title." Mama said, smiling at the general. I was more curious about the two kits at his side. They looked my age, one had straight black hair and green tippings and bright green eyes. The boy next to her had black eyes and blue tippings. His hair was more ragged than the girl's. "Who are these adorable children.
"Thank you, your majesty. This is my little brother and sister, Ganko and Yakuso." Mama smiled at them.
"Nice to meet you. Perhaps you can keep my daughter company while I speak with your brother?"
"Yes, you majesty," the girl said politely. With that, Mama and Reikoku left. The boy looked around.
"So, princess," he said, bored "Is there anything interesting to do around here?"
"Not if you don't know how to make it interesting," I answered. The two of them looked at me, curiously.
"out of the way, brats," a snotty lord said, pushing his way past Yakuso. I glared at him.
"Watch this." I said, conjuring a spell. The lord's hair turned a bright, electric pink. Ganko and Yakuso laughed, after they got over their shock, anyway.
"Won't you get into trouble?" Yakuso said through her giggles.
"Nope. There are only three rules to living in the castle. One, don't break anything TOO valuable, two stay away from my father, and third and most important," I paused dramatically, "don't call me princess."
"I don't think this is a good idea." Yakuso said yet again. I rolled my eyes.
"Honestly, Yakuso. It's not like we've ever been told we can't go into the city,"
"That's because it's one of the rules that goes without saying!"
"Well, it's their fault then. They should know by now I only follow rules that have been told to me by a superior. Well, sometimes, anyways," After all the chaos Ganko and I managed to cause in the castle in the last year alone, we had guards following us constantly.
Not that that made any difference, except for making said guards look like idiots. I was at a bitter war with Ganko at the moment. Of coarse, he started it. Putting worms in my bed... figures he'd find out my one true fear. Bugs. I shuttered. At least I got him back. And managed to get away from the castle while my revenge went off. I brought Yakuso along because I didn't want her to get caught when it went off. We were in the shadow kitsune city right now. Suddenly I heard an angry scream in a nearby alley. Curious, I went to see what the fuss was about. A girl about my age was fighting six ten year old boys.
"Say uncle!" the girl said happily.
"Fuck you,"
"That's a bad word!!!!" the boys attacked, to have the crap kicked out of them in the blink of an eye. Yakuso looked at the girl in horror, while I bust out laughing.
"That's priceless!" I said, "Oh, man, you've got to teach me how to do that!"
"Kagome! You know it's not proper for a lady to learn how to fight men!"
"Says who?"
"Everyone!"
"Well, they're dummies. Fighting boys is a lot more interesting than learning how to sit properly at a dinner table, or how to curtsey and that junk," the girl in the alley grinned at me.
"I hear that!" she said enthusiastically, "Though I've always wanted to be rich. It stinks to be an orphan. Do you guys live near the castle? Could you imagine living in it? Have you ever met the princess?"
"Yakuso lives near the castle," I answered, "But I don't. it'll probably be very boring and sort of."
"Sort of?"
"What she means to say is, she is the princess. Right, Kagome," I glared at Yakuso. She. Was. Dead!!!! The other girl gasped.
"H-how do you do, Princess Kagome," she stammered nervously.
"Don't call me that!!!!!" She blinked.
"Kagome hates being reminded she's so far the sole heir to the shadow kitsune throne." Yakuso said sweetly. Now I wasn't even giving her the courtesy of a quick death. I sighed then looked at the girl thoughtfully.
"What's your name?"
"Yari, my lady," I glared. 'My lady' was almost as bad as 'princess.'
"You said you were an orphan, right? Any brothers or sisters?"
"No, P- err... Kagome?"
"Any family taking care of you?"
"No. I'm all alone."
"Do you have any belongings?" the look she gave me answered that. I sighed and checked my purse. "I should have enough... come on, let's go."
"Go? Where?" both girls looked bewildered.
"To the tailor, of coarse. I can't present you to my mother as my new playmate looking like that. She'll have a heart attack. We should probably get you some shoes, too..." both girls watch, mouths gaping as I headed down the street. Then raced to catch up, grinning.
"So, when do you think he'll come?" I asked, flopping down on my bed. Yari and I had been training, (something we'd started in the year she'd been my official playmate.) so I was still in my fighting outfit. Yakuso looked at me, bemused.
"What makes you so sure it'll be a boy?"
"Because I'm me." I wanted desperately for Mama's unborn child to be a boy. That way he could inherit instead of me. "So, when should he come?" Yakuso had taken up studying herbs while Yari and I trained, and had become good friends with the castle's head nurse.
"A day or so, now." I groaned. That was NOT soon enough for me. Yari grinned.
"Don't tell me we've finally seen the end of the great Kagome's patience?" she asked, teasingly. Yakuso laughed.
"That ugly toad didn't have enough patience to begin with," a voice at the door said. I turned to glare at Ganko.
"NOBODY ASKED YOU!!!!!!!! NOW GET OUT OF MY ROOM!!!!!!!!" I yelled. He smirked.
"Fine! Don't have to be so rude. I'll just give the message to someone else." My ears perked.
"Message?"
"Now your interested?" I glared at him. "Your mother's gone into labor."
.........
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I raced out of the room. When I got to Mama's quarters, my father was already there. We waited in nervous anticipation for nearly an hour when a babies cry was heard in the room. The nurse opened the door, ushering father and myself inside. I walked in to see my Mama holding a bundle in her arms. She looked up at us and smiled.
"Kagome," she said softly, "Meet your little brother,"
"What are you doing out here, Princess?" I glared at Ganko for the umpteenth time since his brother had become General.
"None of your business!" I snapped. I was there to get away for Souta's crying. Even telling myself he was the reason I had more freedom didn't help make it any less annoying. Yakuso was studying with the nurse and Yari with the Shadow kitsune army. She was on the verge of becoming the first female kitsune general. I had snuck far into the forest surrounding my home, where no one could find me. Too bad Ganko had some weird lock on me that I couldn't figure out. Not scent, spirit energy, soul, mind waves or anything else I could find to protect. He was just plain weird.
"Well, princess, don't get killed out here while doing things that are none of my business." I sighed. And to think, he was one of my closest friends. Before I could respond, a tiny black dragon came into the clearing. I stared for a second, then noticed the torn flesh...err scales on its right leg.
"You poor thing!" I cried, going to help it. Ganko stopped me with a yelp.
"Don't!" he yelled. "that's a night dragon. Very dangerous,"
"I don't care if he's a pixie in a tutu." I yelled back, "He needs help!" with that, I rushed over to the little guy and put a hand on his wound. He growled at first. "oh, shut up!" I snapped back, startling him into silence. I quickly healed him then checked for any other injuries. Finding nothing serious, I took a step back. "You should be alright now."
-thank you, vixen- the little guy said.
"no biggie," I smiled, "Well, I'd better head back home." So I started back to the castle. After a few minuets, Ganko joined me.
"You, princess, are a total airhead," I glared at him. "Do you know what you get after helping a night dragon?"
"A single wish. So?"
"...YOU KNEW THE WHOLE TIME?!?!?!"
"Duh, I actually pay attention to my studies. Unlike SOME people..."
"Why didn't you use it?"
"Why would I need it? I've already got everything and then some, what more could I possibly need?"
"Besides a life?" then the dragon appeared in front of us.
"Wha-"
-That's very noble of you. Helping someone who could give you everything, but asking for nothing in return.- the dragon said -Not many are that selfless, vixen-
"It's a lot more selfless to help those who can give you nothing." I responded. He laughed.
-True.- he said in bemusement. -Congratulations, you have earned the right to be a protected.-
"Protected?"
-That's right. I, Hogosha, am to stay by your side and help should the need arise.- I was about to protest, when Ganko spoke.
"Don't waste your time. She's too stubborn and bratty to accept help." I glared at him. Then smiled sweetly at Hogosha.
"What type of food do you like?"
I rubbed my eye with my fist as I followed my mother through the castle.
"Where are we going, Mama?" I asked sleepily.
"Just for a walk," she said, soothingly, "Don't worry and keep quiet. We don't want to wake anyone." I followed, confused. Why would my mother want to go for a walk at this insane hour, and bring Souta along at that? We walked out the door silently. Deep into the forest we went, were Mama made a portal. I hesitated.
"Well be back before, dawn, won't we?" I asked, "Hogosha will throw a fit if we're not." A slight look of pain crossed Mama's face, then disappeared.
"Of coarse. Now hurry," I followed my mother's instructions and slipped into the portal. The place we got out was strange. A funny old man was standing there, waiting for us. Mother came through the portal, and handed the baby to the old man. "Kagome?" she said, turning to me, tears in the eyes.
"Yes, Mama?" I asked in concern
"I'm so sorry," then everything vanished, as I slipped into unconsciousness.
There was no need to go on. The rest was just my life as a human. This is just a small part of what came before that. There were other, less significant, memories. Playing with my friends, dinners, fighting with Ganko... yet, even those insignificant memories felt so special to me. Because they were MINE.
I woke up to see a night sky above me. The fact that we were surrounded by new sights and smells told me the group had moved me while I was asleep. quite a distance, too. I sat up.
"Your awake! Are you alright?" I blinked at Keiko, who was smiling down at me, relief and concern written all over her face. I smiled back, Sango, Yukina and Botan weren't too far off, Kirara was in Sango's lap, InuYasha and Hiei were both lounging in separate trees, Yusuke, Kuwabara and Kurama were sitting by the fire, Souta was asleep under a nearby tree and Shippo was curled up next to me. However, Yakuso, Yari, Hogosha and Miroku were nowhere to be seen.
"I'm fine," I said, answering Keiko's question, "What happened?" Sango smirked.
"Well," She started, "After we convinced InuYasha to give the shadow kitsunes benefit of the doubt and not kill them when he thought you were poisoned after you fell-" I glared at InuYasha, who was suddenly trying to look small, "-We went down the road for a while, Kirara carried you. Then we decided to stop for the night and the Kitsunes and Miroku offered to get water from a nearby stream, though I think Miroku just wants to-"
"HENTAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I gasped and everyone else started laughing. An angry Yakuso stormed back into the campsite, followed by Yari, grinning like an idiot. Her grin widened when she saw me.
"So, you've joined us at last, have you princess?" I glared at my friend, upon hearing the hated title. She took a step back.
"Just checking!" she said hastily. Yakuso's sour face cleared up. As she burst out laughing.
"I never really did understand why you hated that so much."
"I have my reasons!" I said defensively.
"But you are." She pointed out.
"I don't care I still don't like being called princess!" InuYasha suddenly grinned. Uh-oh...
"It that so, Princess," he said smirking.
"SIT!!!" WHAM! "DON'T CALL ME THAT!!!!!!!!!!!" the rest of the group burst into laugher. Then I thought of something. "What happened to Sessho- maru?!" I demanded. Suddenly everyone got quiet.
"The scary guy with the kid and the toad?" Yusuke asked, "After he and dog-boy over there agreed to fight that demon we're going after together, he took off ahead of us." WHAT?!
"Sessho-maru wants to help! Why?" Silence greeted my question. I got a gut feeling that something was very, very wrong. "Guys," I said carefully, "What demon are we going up against?" Sango sighed.
"Naraku."
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"Damn it, Ganko!" Reikoku yelled at his little brother, "You must have SOME indication to where they've gone!" the kitsune in front of him stood mute. Reikoku sighed. "Get the hell out there, and don't come back without the prince and princess.
"Yes, sir," Ganko said, turning and leaving. When he got outside, he made the mistake of looking out to the lake. Where he'd dunked Kagome one day, when she complained about the heat. Kagome retaliated by dragging him under with her. Ganko sighed. He knew it was a long time ago, knew Kagome had no memories of such events, but couldn't help wishing things could go back to that. Maybe that was why he protected her... he sighed again, staring up into the sky, "Good luck, Princess." He whispered, hoping somehow the message would catch her ears.
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InuYasha- One, two...THREE! *door crashes down to reveal DreamVixen standing over an unconscious Yusuke with a frying pan.*
DV- HAH! WHO'S THE WEAK ONE NOW, PUNK!!!! HUH?! HUH?!
Everyone- 0_o;;;
Keiko- Boys never learn
Kagome- First a crowbar, now a frying pan.
Shippo- Where does she put all this stuff?
DV- From the same place Akane puts those mallets, Kagome puts her backpack whenever they're not camping out, and Botan puts her oar and the rest of the girls put anything else that just seems to come out of nowhere.
Sango- Oooh...
Mirkou- Where's that?
DV- I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
Miroku- Would you bear my child before that? *DV answers with frying pan*
Sango- Hentai
DV- Anyway, you know the drill by now. Let's see some more reviews! I'm gonna start writing chapter 10 right away and get it up asap because of all my wonderful reviews! ^-^