Chapter 4

Sango sighed as the sun set once more. It was her second day out and the mountains her father had said she would see weren't getting any closer. Kilala looked up at her friend and growled, wondering if to land or not. Sango had a special connection with the two-tail: able to sense her thoughts as if one. Sango took this gift as a blessing of the gods, but only went as far as to understand what she was saying.

"Let's move on a little more. If I don't see any change in the landscape soon, we'll land," said Sango quickly. Kilala growled her reply and put on an extra burst of speed. Sango hoped to see some sign of life before it grew too dark; she wanted to get this over with.

A sudden beam of light below caught her attention and she stared down with awe. There, on the ground at the foot of the mountains was a city filled with light. Near the top, was a castle, larger then any Sango had ever seen before. She gawked and then signalled for Kilala to take her down. Kilala growled and shot towards the city; more like the castle to be exact.

"Kilala! Don't go towards the castle! Land outside the city. People might think it odd if we fly directly there," said Sango. Kilala turned slightly so they landed just outside the city gates.

Jumping off her back, Sango stared up at the marble walls with awe. She had never seen anything like it! The walls were at least twenty metres high, with archers and swordsmen patrolling the walls. Kilala let the fire engulf her and once she was in her kitten form; jumped up on Sango's shoulder.

"I hope they don't mind us coming so late. It's pretty late," muttered Sango, putting her hand on her Hiraikotsu. Kilala growled as one of the archers pointed to her.

Sango began to walk towards the arched bridge, which was beginning to go up. The archer signalled to the others and they pulled their bows back.

"Kilala!" shouted Sango as Kilala burst into flames and carried her towards the doorway. There were cries from above but Sango ignored them as she crouched lower on Kilala's back. Arrows were fired, but Sango ignored them as well, eyes intent on the rapidly closing door. Kilala let out a wild roar and slammed through the top of the gate just as it was closing. Sango ducked her head into Kilala's neck fur and winced as debris hit her back and shoulders.

"We made it!" shouted Sango as Kilala flew into the air. Kilala growled at her friend and Sango sighed, "Yes, I know we should've just flown into the city but I wanted to be civil for once. Don't growl at me, Kilala. I'm aloud to make mistakes. Now, land in an alley and we'll find an Inn. I have a little coin from Miroku."

Kilala dove towards the nearest alleyway, steering clear of sight. As they landed, Sango waited for Kilala to change back before walking out of the alleyway. Soldiers still were frantically rebuilding the bridge and others were running up and down the streets, eyes intent on the sky.

"We'll have to keep a low profile for a while. I doubt we'll get into the castle with these loons running around," said Sango as she slipped from shadow to shadow. Kilala mewed quietly from her shoulder and Sango laughed. "Yes, they are like deer, prancing too and fro without any realization of the inevitable. Point well taken."

Glancing at the signs above the tall buildings that decorated the street, Sango searched for a cheap one. Coming upon one Inn that caught her interest, the 'Dancing Dragon', she stepped inside. Immediately, the smell of beer and filthy men filled her nostrils and she gagged. Everyone in the common room had turned to stare at her and some men began to leer. They quieted once Sango put a firm grip on her Hiraikotsu and Kilala barred her fangs. Turning, Sango stalked out of the room and sighed as the door closed behind her.

"Maybe we should just go to the castle. I'm sure the Prince will welcome me," muttered Sango. Kilala voiced her opinion and Sango rolled her eyes, "I know I said we should keep a low profile but I really don't feel like being leered at."

Walking on, Sango was conscious of the sounds of feet behind her. Quickening her step, she put a firm grip on her Hiraikotsu and listened hard. At least seven men; all strong. She winced. Kilala could help her, but if the men had swords…she whirled and was surprised when someone vanished into the darkness. Sango raised an eyebrow and walked forward. Kilala growled and jumped down in front of Sango.

"What is it?" asked Sango.

A hand shot from inside the shadow's, grabbing onto Sango's wrist. She let out a scream and tried to wrench her arm free of the hands grip as it dragged her towards the shadows, other hand lashing out behind her. It was like trying to free yourself from iron; the hand did not budge. Sango pulled forth a dagger hidden in her sleeve and cut at the hand, which let go immediately. Looking up, she saw two molten gold eyes staring at her through the shadows, the moonlight twinkling off them. Then they were gone. Panting, Sango stepped back, only to fall hard on her bottom.

Five dead men were behind her and she was surprised to find them all neatly with there throats cut. Struggling to her feet, Sango rushed off in another direction, thanking the person who had just saved her from five thugs.


Walking back to the castle, the man regarded his hand with slight interest. The blood of the men he had killed still stained his hand and his other hand had a warm, tingling sensation within it. Growling with disgust, he tried to rid himself of the feeling, but it came on stronger, demanding his utmost attention.

"Why does my hand feel that way? It makes no sense. I should feel nothing of the sort, especially for her. She travels with Inuyasha after all, does she not?" asked the man to no one in particular. A woman with a basket of herbs cradled in her arms looked at him strangely and hurried on, not glancing back.

"Why did we even venture to this place? If it weren't for him I wouldn't have to resort to this…" muttering to himself, he made his way to the castle where his liege men and his others waited. All the while, he thought of the woman, and the way his hand still tingled from her touch.


"This is the last Inn," growled Sango, looking up at the rickety sign. It read 'Castle Illusion'. Kilala mewed happily and Sango opened the door and for once she wasn't hit with the waft of beer and unwashed men. Sighing with relief, she closed the door and regarded the room with interest. Laughter could be heard quietly from corners around the room and serving maids rushed around the room, distributing food and drink.

"Excuse me, miss. Where can I find the Innkeeper?" asked Sango to a passing maid. The maid stopped only briefly to call to the Innkeeper and then was off again, rushing to a hooded figure in a corner. Sango felt a shiver go up her spine as she tried to gaze into the dark cowl of there hood.

"Ah, m'lady. What is it you desire?" asked a voice from behind her. Sango whirled, eyes wide and then saw an old woman behind her, wiping her hands on her apron.

"I wish for a room. I have some coin that should pay for a room and a few hot meals, but nothing more," replied Sango, risking a glance at the corner where the figure was sitting. They were watching her with curious … violet eyes? Sango started when the Innkeeper tapped her on the shoulder.

"What is it that bothers you? My Lady," The Innkeeper added hastily. Sango turned and bowed slightly, waiting as the Innkeeper raised an eyebrow and turned. Risking a glance at the shadowy figure, she started again when she noticed them gone.

"You're room will be shown to you momentarily, m'lady," bowed the Innkeeper and shuffled off back to the kitchen. Sango nodded slightly, thinking about the violet-eyed man. The eyes seemed so familiar yet so unreal. Another tap on her shoulder made Sango start and a young woman bowed and then walked away, beckoning for her to follow.

"Kilala! Come on, you can play with the children later," called Sango. Kilala looked up from a group of children she had been playing with and ran over to Sango. The children sighed miserably and resumed there playing, but risked a few glances at the small two-tail.

"This is your room, milady," bowed the young woman. Sango glanced inside and nearly dropped her pack. The walls were a nice shade of navy blue with gold dragons worked into the wall. There was one queen-sized bed in the room and three comfortable chairs. The carpet was a deep shade of blue as well. Sango walked inside, studying the intricate work of the walls.

"Thank you. Could you bring up some food as well?" asked Sango. The young woman bowed and hurried away, shutting the door with a slight slam.

Kilala jumped up on the bed and sniffed at it profusely, searching for a good space to curl up on. They had hardly any sleep in the two days it took to get to the town and she was tired.

"Isn't it beautiful, Kilala?" muttered Sango, falling backwards onto the bed. It was soft and very bouncy. "Tomorrow we get to meet the Prince." Sango's face fell. She thought about her fathers' words and Miroku. He was waiting for her back at the village, waiting and hoping that she would come back soon.

Kilala nuzzled her hand and Sango began to pet her, her mind wandering. Miroku. He was the lecherous monk that she had fallen for, hardly what she thought of as her first love. But he was perfect, in every flaw.

There was a knock on the door and Sango rose, fatigue and famine washing over her. The young woman held two plates; one heaped with steaming fish and spiced potatoes, the other with another fish, larger then the first.

"Here you are, milady." Handing her the plates of steaming food, she retreated to the common room again. Sango thanked her and placed the larger fish down in front of Kilala.

Kilala pounced on the fish, tearing and biting faster then ever. They had only eaten the food Kagome had given them, which was hardly enough for a two day journey. Sango ate her fish and spiced potatoes with as much speed as her friend.

After they were done, Sango settled into the warm comforters of her bed. Kilala yawned broadly and snuggled against her, falling asleep immediately. Sango smiled, feeling happiness for the first time in two days. Yawning, she fell asleep quickly, dreaming of Miroku and their newfound happiness.


"Why is she still alive?" hissed the hooded figure as they stepped out of the 'Castle Illusion'. Growling, the figure surveyed the area, searching for someone in particular. Violet eyes met golden and another figure stepped from the shadows.

"Why isn't she dead? Did you stop my assassins?" snarled the hooded figure. The other only regarded them with cold gold eyes.

"She was no threat to you, Your Majesty. I'm sure the Prince will take kindly to her," replied the other.

"I do not care whether he takes kindly to her, I will not have my son playing games with one of no noble birth!" exclaimed the hooded figure.

The other sighed, and turned beckoning to the cloaked one. They walked off to the castle, arguing feverishly about the woman that slept peacefully in the Inn.


Watcha think? And for all you who are wondering, the Prince will be revealed in the next chapter. I am also terribly sorry for taking so long to get up this chapter! Forgive? Well, hope you enjoy it, and REVIEW!