A Twisted Fairy Tale

CH 9: The Initiation of Downfalls

"I want you to be my mate."

From the reaction everyone had given, it was obvious to Inuyasha that they had not expected for this event to arrive all too soon. But if there was a perfect moment for Kagome to reply, it was obvious that it should have been moments ago.

The wind blew harder, and the trees made a howling sound. However, even how much the wind blew and even how much the trees cried, nothing could take Kagome's attention away from the hanyou. She stared at him; her eyes, which had, widen a few seconds ago now narrowed to a stage of thinking and knowing.

Now, everyone's eyes were upon the Princess and hers, upon the hanyou. And as the minutes pass, the hanyou only got one reply from the princess. Ever so gently and graceful, she raised a delicate eyebrow at him, a wonderful, gentle smile upon her lips.

"So do I." She said nonchalantly.

Inuyasha's ears twitched, his lips tightening to a thin line, then to a smile of hope. He was not sure of what she had said. And if it were true, then he would love nothing more than to hear it again and again. Not just for his satisfaction but for his brother to hear. He tightened his grip on her, wishing for her to stay in his arms.

"Say it again," the hanyou demanded softly, almost desperately. "Say that you want to be my mate."

She responded with a confused look, but did as she was told. "I want to be your mate, Inuyasha."

Everyone, except the hanyou who embraced the princess with all his effort, stood frozen. Shippou stood still, his eyes wide. Miroku stared at the hanyou and the princess, his eyes wide and disturbed. He would admit to himself that the hanyou and the Princess did not seem right with each other. But it was the problem of having fewer guts to say it out loud.

"Well, this was unexpected." Miroku stated quietly, the tone of his voice desperately unhappy. "But, certainly, this is not the time for this." He quickly added, getting an instant glare from the hanyou.

A slight nod of approval came from the lord, who stared at the monk. "Indeed," said Lord Sesshoumaru. "Times for mating rituals certainly do not happen in the mid of wars. You above everyone, Princess Kagome, should know all this." He said, the tone of his voice unfeeling. The lord did not look at the princess nor at the hanyou, but started to walk straight towards a certain direction. "We have had enough rest, it's time for us to leave."

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

The caretaker of the Southern lands walked alone down the halls of the elegant castle. Prepared and somewhat happy clung to his senses. His movements were like the river that flows towards the sea. Nothing could not make him happy now. His princess was reported to have arrived. How he had missed her, and how he had dreamt of her last night.

Arriving at his destinations, he gracefully opened the doors to which lead to the misleading rooms of many. He opened another with so much more grace and entered it like an animal ready for it's first feast. First, out of everything, he noticed the princess, who sat on the futon with a scowl upon her lips. Against the right wall, was Lord Sesshoumaru, who opened his eyes to see who had entered. And three other unexpected guests, Naraku had not wished to know.

"Princess Kagome, it always great joy to my heart to see you once again."

The Princess did not say anything, but merely stood up, took something out of her bag and threw it on the little table. Naraku looked straight at her then at the cut-off human head on the table.

"Naraku, we had passed a human village on the way here to the Southern castle, only to witness a village full of dead corpses of both humans and youkais." The Princess stated, her tone deadly. "Tell me, why would I find such a village? You, the caretaker of the Southern lands, should have been well-aware of the attacks of the sorcerer Yukero."

Naraku bent down to pick up the head. "Princess Kagome. I was well-aware. However, all of the armies of the Southern lands was sent to your mother, to the border between the Western and Northern lands."

"Then, if a battle is to be held there... Tell me, what plot had my mother have in mind?" The Princess asked, her eyes demanding.

He looked towards the little kitsune youkai, and then to the human and then to the hanyou, who glared at him. He was less please to know that Lord Inuyasha was here. Not to mention also the kitsune youkai.

From the corner of his eyes, he watched as Princess Kagome walked towards Inuyasha. "Inuyasha, please leave these matters to me." She said, the tone of her voice surprising Naraku. It would seem that she had found another Kouga. Naraku knew the hanyou would hesitate, but it was inevitable for him to do as the princess say. Just like a puppy that would obey his master.

Soon the room was filled with silence, leaving only the Lord of the West, the Princess of the three lands and the caretaker of the Southern lands. The hanyou knew that the Princess would grow impatient if he did not mention any of his plots soon.

"From the information I could gather from our spies, it would seem that the attack of the Great Yukero would arrive sooner than expected. Your army, Princess Kagome with all of it's great battles, was to become the defence. While, Lord Sesshoumaru's army will attack from behind the armies of the Great Yukero. However, we still have a problem. The army of the Eastern lands wishes not to participate in battle."

The Princess nodded. "Then, I shall visit the Eastern lands and take care of this problem."

"Your mother also thought that this would be your decision. But we also greatly suspect the Eastern lands. Your mother fears that they do not wish to accept you as their true Princess." Naraku explained. "Ayame, one of Lord Kouga's pass lover, had taken the Eastern lands under her influence. She had even gone so far as to claim herself the real, rightful queen.

"The Eastern lands should have been valuable to us, Princess Kagome." Naraku watched, as the Princess's eyes narrowed. "It had great supplies of food, great weapons and armours. We need the army of the Eastern lands unharmed and ready for war."

Naraku walked towards the window, his hands landing on its tip. "As we speak, the Eastern lands are preparing their defence. We suspect that Ayame wishes to join forces with the Great Yukero. Even how much you have damaged the Eastern land's army with yours in the past, your mother believes that if they joined with the Great Yukero, that even with the alliance of the Western lands, we shall be beaten and the four lands will cease to exist-"

"Enough." Kagome ordered, her voice now more angered than usual. "Tell my mother that I do not need her planning and always thinking ahead for me..."

Lord Sesshoumaru's eyes opened, his eyes now focused on the Princess. Her hands were clenched. Something had angered her, more than usual. He could tell it was not because of the Eastern lands...but something about her mother. How he knew didn't matter.

The hanyou looked towards the Princess. "What do you suggest, Princess Kagome?"

"I shall not visit the Eastern lands, but will meet with Prince Hitori. After this, I shall visit my mother, Queen Yasashi. Tell her that I wish to speak with her about the matters concerning her past relationship with the Great Yukero."

"And what of the Eastern lands and Ayame, my princess?" Naraku asked. He watched as the Princess looked towards Lord Sesshoumaru. If it was possible, he thought he saw a smirk appeared on her lips, just for a split second.

"The Eastern land's army shall remain unharmed. But the disturbance of Kouga's pas lover shall not go unpunished. Tell my mother not to worry. And as for Kouga's pass lover her days are counted." The questions on Naraku's eyes made the Princess continue. "I have killed her lover, it's only appropriate for my future mate to kill her. This shall prove of his loyalty to me."

If anyone knew of what the Princess spoke of, it was Lord Sesshoumaru. It became crystal clear to him why the Princess had said yes to the hanyou. With her words of love and future mating, she had the hanyou under her complete control. She wasn't ready to give up on her virtue, but ready to use anyone who gets near her. In some ways, Lord Sesshoumaru, also knew she was using him, but he was also using her.

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

A lone figure jumped from tree to tree. His movements were as graceful as usual and his tasks like the usual: to deliver a message. A strange message was castled upon his brain, as he tried not to think of what it had meant. They were many conclusions that could have been made. But he wished not to know them. Though the message should be said calmly and without any emotion, the words in it brought emotions to creep up.

When he jumped from the highest tree, he saw the armies of men. All of them looked skilful terrifying men. He landed gracefully on a tent, and looked over at the army. his eyes was caught by the tent, and he knew straight away that his message should be deliver to the one who owns it.

Gracefully, he landed on front of it and entered. He was not surprised to find that the Queen had expected him. She stood on front of him, her beautiful face seductive.

"The message?" She asked gently.

"The Eastern lands will not be harmed. However, Ayame shall not go unpunished. Her days are counted. Princess Kagome shall visit Prince Hitori with Lord Sesshoumaru and her ward. And then, she will arrive here in three days. She wishes to speak with you about the matters of Queen Yasashi and her relationship with the Great Yukero."

The messenger bowed, ready to leave. But also waiting for his queen to dismiss him.

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

The Southern castle was large, beautiful and elegant. However, even in how much it is for beauty, it also had its ugliness. Not even Naraku knew of all its places and secrets. However, one did, for he had lived in here before. He knew every single way of going in and out, undetected. He was the enemy, yet he knew more of his enemies' home than what an enemy should.

With his sorcery, he transformed himself to a young male slave. He walked around the castle, watching his enemies from afar. Knowing how they interacted with each other. He could not help but want to laugh out loud at how they play with each other's lives.

From afar, he watched as they played in roles. They all wished, dreamed and hoped for something. Some very good actors, the others satisfactory and some of them too dumb to see clearly. He watched as the Princess said words of love to the hanyou. She had wished in front of the hanyou for someone to kill Kouga's lover, Ayame. The hanyou, being like the Prince in the shining armour dumbly 'thought of the idea' that he will do it, for her.

It would seem that the hanyou had not realised that the Princess had wished for him to do so. Sure, the Princess was definitely powerful enough to kill Ayame. But, she knew that this would only get her in a deeper trouble. Surely, murdering another ruler of the Eastern lands would make the people of the land wish not to make her their ruler. However, if the hanyou, from the Western land, did it. Then, they will see how they need someone like her...not like Kouga's pass lover.

So the hanyou had disappeared, taking a few youkais with him. While the Princess, Lord Sesshoumaru, Shippou and the monk stayed in the castle, where he could watch them closely. Though, the actors of this game wasn't only them, there was still the dead corpse, Kikyou who watched them closely. She thought herself not to be seen, but it did not passed him. He saw her, watched her and found out everything about her.

Before the Princess and the others had arrived, he would transform himself to a male slave. Kikyou, being the miko she is, trusted him. And as the days passed, he even watched as she started to care for him. She had told him everything - everything that he had wanted to know about these actors in this game. Funny how life would end so quickly. For after the last secret was told, Kikyou appeared dead in one of the halls in the castle.

He watched as Naraku merely told his men to take her out of the castle and burry her. Naraku ordered his men to watch out carefully for enemies. And that was all.

So now, every single hidden truth, lie and planning, was deep inside his head and he left the castle of the Southern lands, and went back to his army of men.

He watched as his men bowed to him with great respect.

The soldier who had served him well went straight to his side. "Welcome back, Great Yukero."

"And I am glad to be back."

"The army wishes to know when we attack."

A chuckle rose from his lips. "Do you really wish to meet the end so fast?" He asked, and then added. "Indeed, the end is soon to arrive, but the game of downfalls is just beginning."

The soldier gave a questioning look and only received another chuckle from his master.

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

Princess Kagome stared at the window, towards the forest of the Southern lands. Inuyasha had long disappeared, hours ago. It was night, and with her youkai eyes, she could see the shape of the deep forest. The trees' leaves flew towards her, as if saying hello. One of the leaves landed on her hand. She stared at it, wondering why the forest seems to almost act human.

A pull on her kimono took her attention away from the forest.

"Princess Kagome," said Shippou, his eyes always holding that respect for her.

She nodded for him to continue, as she observed him.

"Thank you, Princess Kagome."

"For...?"

"Saving me," he answered.

Her eyes widened, and then narrowed. "It was only appropriate for me to save you. You are after all my ward." She said, her voice harsher than usual.

The little kitsune youkai smiled up at her. "Lord Sesshoumaru told me something different... He said that even if I was your ward, you still didn't have to save me. I disobeyed your orders, dying in the hands of the enemies was the only appropriate punishment. Yet, you still saved me...thank you."

He was right. And she hated it. She had felt a terrible chill went up to her that time when she had thought of the kitsune's death soon to arrive. The irrational thought of risking her life to save him went to her. She had to admit, she could not stand the thought of the kitsune youkai dying. And the meaning of it all is what she feared the next. Lord Sesshoumaru had found a weakness...in her.

She could not let this emotion ruin her plans.

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

In the dark room, Lord Sesshoumaru looked towards the sky. There were many stars in the sky. - Too many for him to count. Another shooting star passed, and he watched as it cross the sky, down towards the earth, leading his eyes to the Princess. Her form moved gracefully, and she walked with great silence, but that was not what had disturbed him, it was the fact that she was alone.

An answer came to his head straight away. She was leaving, but not just leaving to do her plans, but also planning on running away from her weakness. Which would be the little kitsune youkai. Nevertheless, he couldn't just let her go by herself. He would come with her. He needed to have a conversation concerning the hanyou with her after all.

With great speed and well planned out thoughts, Sesshoumaru grabbed everything that he had needed and in white blurs, ran towards the princess.

In another window of a room, stood Miroku. A smile touched his lips, as he watched the Princess leave and the Lord of the West follow her. They were once again, heading to the same dark forest. The Deep Forest of Judgement. If his thought were right, or if he was wise as an old man, then the Princess and the Lord would be together. He did not know why, or how, but the Deep Forest of Judgement wanted those two together. And maybe, everything that was happening is just another game in life that it was playing to get what it wants.

"Maybe..."

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

She walked alone in the forest, her footsteps silent. Finally, when she knew she could tolerate it no longer, she stopped. She did not realize nor care where she was. She had not realized that she had stopped on front of Midoriko's grave. She only cared about one thing, which had disturbed her.

With her voice as govern as ever, "Come out, Lord Sesshoumaru."

The trees behind her rustled, and she turned around lazily. She watched as he landed with poise, the crescent moon on his forehead somehow made him looked somewhat...ethereal. But as soon as the thought came, was as soon as she pushed it away. She decided that she rally need to gain that mark soon. For, even now, she felt as if she was drawn by it.

What Kagome didn't know, that it wasn't the mark that she had felt drawn by, she was pushed towards that mark. Not by anyone, but by the force that made the Deep Forest of Judgement somewhat alive and real.

A feeling went through his spines as he realized where he was. But it would deem to him, that the Princess still did not. She merely stared at him, as if her eyes were reading him like an open book. But he did not mind, he walked passed her, only to stop beside her, facing the gravestone of the miko, Midoriko.

His eyes widened when the gravestone glowed a bright colour, making the Princess instantly turned around and face it.

"This is where we found the..."

"...Shikon no Tama." He ended, as he looked towards her.

The light faded away, leaving only the moonlight to give them some light. their eyes were once again locked with each other. Both of their eyes were not the same. For this time, they were reading each other and if anyone really knew, they were also admiring each other.

Once again, none of both knew of what to do, and the inevitable happened.

He could feel the wind blew gently, as a hymn was played. He watched as her hands lifted to caress his face, overwhelming his senses with her scent. And before both knew what to do, the demon lord's hands grasped her shoulders, as he crashed his lips against hers. He felt no push from her this time. He felt her respond, as her hands travelled to his back, deepening their kiss.

Then, as the minutes passed, Kagome felt herself come back. The immediate knowledge of the taiyoukai's body against hers overwhelmed her to the point of crazy. With great haste, she pulled away and straightened herself. With all her pride, she walked away, clearly telling the irritated demon lord of her secret message. Making it obvious to him that she did not want him at all, bruising his ego.

"Let us go, Lord Sesshoumaru."

I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

Now that both of the Princess and the Lord were gone, the Great Yukero had his chance. The Southern Castle's defences were down and in only a few days, a great army of human men and youkais tore down the castle. They took important hostages, but killed everyone else.

Yukero looked over at the once beautiful castle, now turned to a huge wrecked. This is what he loved above wars. Seeing the results of it. The dead corpses of bodies that surrounded the burned castled lay on the floor. Some of the soldiers were behead, for the humour of his men.

Looking to the side, he watched as another youkai soldier from the Southern land was thrown upon the ground. His men tortured him, and soon killed him. Then, his men brought more prisoners to kill. But before these two were tortured, Yukero stepped in, a smirked on his lips, as he recognised both of them.

"Do not torture the two." He ordered.

His most trusted soldier went to his side. "Great Yukero, there are the only ones left. Naraku had escaped."

"Let Naraku be."

"But...why are we letting these two lived?"

"Haven't you learned from your master already?" The soldier nodded, but gave a confuse look. "Wars are only beautiful when they are meaningful. I want the future battle with our emotionless Lord Sesshoumaru and tactful Princess Kagome to be somewhat...heated." Said Yukero, as he chuckled. "The little ward will make that happen..."

"And what of Naraku...?"

"He shall be our messenger." He answered with great amusement.

END OF CH 8 - A Twisted Fairy Tale

Demon Tenshi: This chapter is pretty short…but I needed it short. As you can see, it is preparing everyone for the next chapter… Anyway, I was very pressured this week, having tonnes of tests and all that… However, I refused to let myself get away from not updating for a long time, nearly a month. So, it is in my deep apology that I wish to say that I am quite disappointed at myself.

Crystal jade2- Awww…that was so nice of you to say…

Kage Neko- Thank you for reviewing in this chapter… I am so happy that you did. Anyway, I also thought the last chapter was funny…but I only added that in so to get to the point of both Kagome and Sesshoumaru to start to actually like each other.

Kjinuyasha- Well, I hope that you can keep enjoying this chapter.

RoxyBunny- Wow…you're such a nice reviewer. I guess I do want my FanFics to be different from everyone's. Thank you for noticing. And as you can see here, Kagome is a little scared…and Sesshoumaru just doesn't want to admit it.

Mysterious Flame- Unlike everything you ever read…? Wow…that makes me feel unique and I like unique… Thank you.

Sticky-Honey- LOL Don't beat up Inuyasha…he is just an idiot. He thinks that by asking that he would have Kagome under control, but I think it's a bit too late, don't you think?

teh one- Well, I guess there was jealousy in Sesshoumaru's attitude… And well, happy birthday! Well, I don't care about PK anymore…I mean, she was bound to happen…I guess.

Sessys-matelove- ok, thanks for the review.

death-resurrected- Yeah…The spell did end quickly… Yeah, the Great Yukero seems so…but I think that he has some benefits under these things that he does, don't you think? Anyway, maybe it'll end up as a Sess/Kag. But, who knows?

windprincess342- Thanks, I think I did well in the last chapter. It actually had a plot, that one. While this one…well, I had to do it in a hurry. I also do think that Miroku is funny when old. But I didn't want him to stay old, 'cause well, I don't like old perverts that much… Thanks for reviewing.

Punkchickykagome- It was kind of annoying when they hated each other, but I am not sure of what Kagome feels for Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru seems to err…want her…but I'm still not as sure. Thanks for the nice review.

Vi3t Babii- Inuyasha shouldn't be hated for what he did…he was just being really annoying, anyway, he's out of the way for now. However, he will be back soon.

Sexylucifer- Thanks for the reviews. However, I am also sorry for the long wait.

Kagome21- Inuyasha is really not Kagome's problem, but Sesshoumaru's. Kagome could just say no to him, however, Sesshoumaru can't just say no for Kagome.

Lil' InuTenshi- I'm with ya on that one… Babies can be annoying. However, they can also be so cute. Thanks for the review.

INUYASHAANDKAGOMEALLTHEWA- You do? Well, I wonder who would that be…? Would it be, Sesshoumaru or Inuyasha? Who knows? Well, Inuyasha is her future mate, while Sesshoumaru seems to be her kisser.

Myztical Star- You like long chapters? Well, I'm sorry about this one… Anyway, thank you so much for your review.

i-wish-i-was-kagome- Sesshoumaru does like Kagome, but who knows about Kagome? And they have broken the spell already.

sveta89- Me too.

KellyLuvsInu- Thanks for the review in the email. I think that Sesshoumaru had realized that he likes her, but as egos go free, how can he say it? Especially after that reaction Kagome had just given him. Kagome, she hadn't thought much of her feelings, yet.