(A/N: ok, everything you need to read! Ok! No matter how boring it may seem, all the stuff below this message in italics is IMPORTANT! OK? So…read it.)

Hi! I'm Kagome! Well, actually I'm Princess Kagome Sophia Marie Cecilia Star. Daughter of King Trident and Queen Cassa, rulers of Atlantis. Oh yeah! I'm sittin pretty! But, as you know, it's not all fun and games. Once you turn 80, you have to shudders start LEARNING! DUH DUH DUUUUUUUH! You know. Manners, rules, what to do and not to do. Can you say BOREING?

OH! You're probably wondering why I said 80 years old right? Well, let me tell you a little about my family. Ahem We're mermaids.

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OK WELL THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE! SEE YOU LATER! Haha! Just joking! See, mermaids are immortal (yeah I know…) but it's true! See, I'm already 247 years next month!

Ok, well, let me explain…I'm the princess. Notice "the" princess. The one every girl wants to be. The one who is fawned over and has to many admirers to count. Ah…life was good…heh…sorry I'm getting ahead of myself. But yeah, I had it all. Looks, brains, money, compassion, ALL the perfect attributes of a princess. Except for one little thing…I was obsessed with the Uppers.

OH! Sorry! Uppers are what we call 2 legs. Land folk. Air heads snicker . Mortals. Humans. There are TONS of names (trust me I know…). They live in the Above world. No one and I mean NO ONE is allowed to even think of going there. And associating with a mortal is an instant death. Harsh I know.

So…I said that I lived in Atlantis. You know…the big underwater city made of coral and kelp. Well, actually, that's about right.

Except the palace. See, while I just accept my birthright and the whole I could have the moon and stars at my fingertips thing I like and know, I don't brag about it. My parents though…lets say they like to make sure everyone knows who they are, and the power they have over them. I heard my father even executed a man! Right there in the market place, just because he looked at my mother. I didn't believe it then and I don't now. Oh yeah, did I mention it's also illegal to even LOOK at the queen? Well, if anyone but the King or his sons or daughters looks "upon the queens face" it's, that's right, and execution. (Ugh…if I didn't know better, I'd think he LIKED killing people…)

But don't think I didn't like my life! Oh no…I loved it. I just wanted…something more from it. Something aside from the court life. The life I couldn't get with a group of guards, a dolphin to ride, and tons of exceptionally heavy jewelry. Heh…but then again…look where I am now…oh, sorry, getting ahead of myself again…

Well, back to the palace. Ok, first we start off with imaging one of the palaces the Uppers have, then picture it under water. Now, add in a 10-foot wall, made entirely of limestone (Father keeps bragging about how it came strait from Above). Mix in clumps of seaweed floating about and clinging to the walls, and you've basically got it. OH! But if you're in the mood for a special treat, stir a army of guards, a stable, and a large group of fish hovering around one particular window and voila! There you have a palace fit for…well, me. Haha.

Oh, since I'm talking about ME maybe I should tell you what I look like. OK! Picture a mermaid: Waist length black hair with 2 lavender stripes, a lavender tail, but deep purple eyes. (No one really knows WHERE I got them from since both of my parents have brown eyes.) There you go! Princess Kagome Sophia Marie Cecilia Star at your service. (A/N: Geez, I'm going all out aren't I?) All right I'm done blabbing (for now…) so, just read my tale ok?

Flashback

I swam gracefully across the palace grounds, careful not to let anyone see my light purple scales or hair even though I had cleverly disguised them. Amazing what a little octopus ink would do for one.

Hiding behind a statue of my father, who I was extremely mad at at the moment, I thought that maybe his big ego could be helpful to my escape. Moving quickly to a particularly large clump of seaweed, I moved it aside, sliding in. There was about a foot-and-a-half of space between the pale wall and the wall of thick seaweed that covered my movements.

Finding my satchel right where I had left it days before, I was REALLY glad I had planned ahead for this. Inside were only a few coins, a ribbon, and a few strings of pearls and coals for bartering, but it would look nothing out of the ordinary for a young mergirl. Speaking of which, I could hardly call myself a mergirl, even though I was still one. At the age of 34, I was finally going to go outside the palace walls. (A/N: ok, for merpeople, 34 for them is like…6 for us)

A long cloak that came down to the start of my fin covered most of me though I was still skeptical of what I was wearing. The fashion for most merpeople was to go simply…naked…after all, it wasn't like they had anything to hide like a concealed weapon or something. Now, see at the palace, this was strictly forbidden. Going topless was just…unruly. Pfft…like I'm REALLY gonna follow their rules…

I moved aside the stone, pushing my shoulder length hair out of my eyes (I normally had it up! That was a palace rule too…), and pulled it out, making a hole in the wall large enough for me to squeeze through. This was it. Months of planning. Hours of watching which guards go on patrol what nights and when to move in for the kill. I would finally get a taste of freedom. Even if it was only a small one. Swimming through the hole and moving the stone back in place, I turned around, the excitement in my eyes obvious.

End Flashback

So, ever since then I've been sneaking out, at least once a month. Mainly to get away from classes (and Creepy Hojo). So, well, now that you know a little about me, I hope that…aw, just read the story!

End Kagome Narrative

THIS IS ME

CHAPTER 1: Deeper, deeper

I swam quickly down the long hallway trying to act natural, which really wasn't to hard anymore. I was truly dreading this meeting with my parents. Normally it wouldn't be a problem, but since I was ordered to look my best, I knew something was up.

My waist length hair was tied up in the most annoying fashion and I desperately wanted to take it down, but knowing it would only attract attention to anyone who saw me, I waited patiently. Almost all of it was put up into a tight bun, but I had two thick braids that came in front of my shoulders hung down just above my navel. The braids were held together with beautiful mother-of-pearl clips, as was the large shell that decorated my bun. A long flowing silver-and-deep-blue dress deeply accented my eyes.

'Why is mother making me dress up like this?' I thought as I moved down the corridor, heading to the room I was told to meet my parents in. Stopping in front of the large wooden doors, I fixed myself up as best I could and told the guards to hold the door open.

Gracefully moving inside, I bowed my head to my parents and looked at them expectantly. You know, that "Ok, I'm here so what is it?" look that parents hate.

I looked around the room noticing we had a few guests. The first, was a tall merman, who wore a copper colored crown upon his head and stood very proudly. His long beard that reached his stomach was slightly white with age. The woman next to him looked much the same only she had beautiful bronze hair and warm cobalt eyes. Next to the man was a boy about my age. He had golden brown hair that stopped around his ears and a helplessly sweet smile seemed almost to be plastered onto his lips.

I was pondering what these odd people were doing here since it was obvious that they weren't from our clan. More likely they were from the Clear Water clan. A proud group of merpeople known for their grace and intellect.

My mother swam off her throne with a grace none but a queen could master and gave a hug. "Mother, Father…" I started, I didn't bother holding back any of my confusion, "Why have you summoned me?" My mother only smiled brightly and ushered me over to where the three outsiders stood. My father swam over to. "Kagome…" he paused as if deciding if he should tell me a really big secret or to keep it to himself. "As you know, the time for a princess to be married off is at the age of 200." My smile clearly lessened at bit, before he continued. " Since you have put it off for 47 years now, we've decided to take matters into our own hands." By now I was having trouble smiling. I had a BAD feeling of where this was going. And normally when I get these feelings, they're almost ALWAYS right.

The king sighed heavily like he was dreading these next words as much as I was. "You're now betrothed to Lord Ookami's son, Hojo, of the Dark Clan." My jaw dropped open (not very good for a princess of my stature, but hey, if your dad told YOU that you were getting married to someone you JUST NOW met, wouldn't you be just LITTLE upset? Hmm?)

"WHAT?" I finally got my mouth moving again and I had to scream. My mother's smile lessened quite a bit. "Oh please, don't take it so hard dear. You will have three months to get acquainted before a marriage date will be set. "No…" I managed to squeak out. "Y-you promised me…you swore that you wouldn't do this!" I swam backwards from my mother's embrace upward. (A/N: remember they're underwater so they can swim anywhere.) "Darling…" my mother started, worry evident in her voice. "That was so long ago. And we know that if you could choose you'd never marry at all." "Quite right." My father chimed in, more angry than scared. "You could never rule the ocean on your own and so, we decided that you would need a husband." "It is just a betrothal." All three heads snapped in the direction of the voice. 'Oh yeah…what's-his-name is still here.' It was the Lord that spoke. "We don't even know for sure if there will be a wedding." "Right." My mother turned back to me. "Which brings up another point." This time it was the merwoman. "Our son will be staying at the palace for the next 3 months." If possible, my jaw dropped even further.

Without giving any of them a second glance, I turned and swam as fast I my strength would let me out the window and into the garden.

I swam quickly across the grounds, my hair had come undone already so it flowed freely behind me. I no longer cared WHO saw me.

Slipping past the guards, I made my way over to the seaweed wall. Over the years, the clump now covered almost half the wall on the east wing. Hey, I'm not complaining. It just helped me conceal more and more items not to mention the small door I installed. It had also moved OUTWARD so I had even more moving area (which really helped when I had to change or something).

Moving aside the thick plant, I found my satchel right where I had left it last time I went out to the market place. Inside were only a few coins and shells, a small mirror, a shell comb, and a few pearls I would use to barter with. Perfect.

Next I got myself ready. Using a sea-sponge and a small bottle of dyed octopus ink, I rubbed my tail until the purple scales looked a deep green. I tied my hair into a loose bun and put my hood on over it so no one would see my natural highlights. My eyes I couldn't do anything about so I opted for not looking anyone in the eye.

I changed into no more than a simple lavender top with a stitched wave design at the bottom. I needed to get away. Anywhere, just away from them; away from him.

Sliding out the stone and swimming through, I headed off to the market place.

Weaving in and out of the crowds, I managed to make my way over to one particular tent. It's navy-blue colors making it stand out brightly.

Inside would be completely dark if not for the lamps placed around the room. Yes lamps. They're just glass balls, only about a foot long, that contain captured glow fish.

"Keade! Keade, are you here?" I called out. Even though I had been here many times before, the old sorceress that lived here and her home were still creepy.

The rustling of shells made me turn towards the many strings hung with shells creating a sort of door. The old magician appeared through them, her hair white with age and she looked at me through her one eye. The other had been lost during a war. Also, she was probably the only person who knew I was a princess, but didn't care. "What care I do for you today child?" her voice scratchy, but I was used to it. "Just the usual. Got anything new?" I answered back, still pretty angry about Hojo. Her one eye looked me over, and I noticed there was a strange gleam in her eye. "Come with me child." Her voice lowered and a wave of uneasiness came over me as she went back through the shell door. I followed obediently though.

We passed many odd things. Like me, she was interested in Above too. Some of the things I recognized. A flipper, a see-far, and a whatchamacallit. They were all things familiar to me. I even had most of them! And my collection was bigger than hers! Oh…heh heh, I'm getting ahead of myself.

So, anyway, we swam past all these odd items. Eventually, Keade stopped and pulled out a box. I instantly recognized it as a "dry box". It's a special container that holds things that can't get wet. Guess who the creator was? Oh yeah! Keade! See, she collected a WHOLE lot of books and things from Above. Of course, they can't get wet or else everything would be in vain, SO we put them in this box, and voila! Safe and sound.

She swam over to a door on the ceiling, (Yes there IS ceiling…) where all inside was air. They're called "breathing chambers". They were once used to help people who were drowning. We'd carry them down here, and put them in there so they could breath. Doctors could come up to check on the person, yet still be able to dunk their heads in the water to breath. They were basically giant bubbles that could be held underwater but still accessable.

Opening the trap door, she propelled herself upward and into the room, me not far behind. My body felt like a lead weight. It was like I'd increased a hundred pounds. It is so much easier to swim than to try to move in the air.

I watched silently as she opened the box and carefully took out the millennium old book, which had miraculously stayed intact. She flipped through the pages, each one wore and yellowed with age, but the beautiful designs that had been put into it still showed. She stopped on one page, which had a picture of a girl, with both a tail and legs. I studied it closer. It was as though, she had transformed from one the other because you could see the tail, but there was an outline of the legs actually IN it. Her hands were cupped at her breast and a small purplish jewel hung from her neck between them. It was as though it shone with power. The maid's hair was thrown out and her eyes were closed.

Actually, now that I took a closer look, she looked almost familiar. 'Hmmm…' I thought 'Why does she look so familiar? I don't think I know anyone who looks like that, but I know I've seen that face before…'

"Child?" Keade's voice broke through my thoughts. "Hmmm?" I grunted in response. "Have ye not been listening?" I looked at her. "Uh…" was my intelligent answer.

She sighed deeply before repeating what she said. "This story tells of a powerful jewel. One who will grant any person their hearts deepest desire.". "Deepest desire huh?" I muttered under my breath, but really I was intrigued. She nodded and continued. "It can grant you anything. Power, money…" she shifted her gaze to me. "Freedom…" I snapped my head up. "What was that last one?" I didn't notice my voice was choked with many emotions.

Keade put the book back in the box and went back into the water. "I've been watching you Kagome. I know that your parents want you to marry the Lord or the North's son. And I know you want to get away." "Wait…but how, I just…you… NEVERMIND!" I had given up trying to understand how she did things LONG ago. "This jewel…" I began looking at things in a different light. I may have a way out of this yet! "Will it let me NOT marry Hojo?" She gave a most unladylike snort. "Of course." She watched silently as I swam back and forth, doing a sort of dance. "The problem is…it's not here. Or in any part of the ocean for that matter."

I stopped mid-step. "W-what?" twitch, twitch She spoke as though nothing were wrong. "The jewel is found with the Uppers. To be more precise, the Lord of the Western land has it." "Great." I slumped over. "Well, thanks anyway Keade." I swam out the door, not bothering to look back. "Child. You don't know how much that will help ye." She spoke to open water, but didn't care.

The future held many things for me. Little did I know that that jewel would be connected to me in a way I couldn't even imagine.

Satchel: it's like a sort of bag or purse only…ok…think about like a messengers bag ok? Only it's not red and black or blue and white or whatever color. It's more of a brown. 'K?

Dang…6 PAGES! 3,220 WORDS! 17,190 CHARACTERS! I'M SO PROUD OF ME!

Ok, so how was it? Really bad? Good? Great? COME ON! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO TELL ME! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!

EARTH