Disclaimers: I own Nothing

Authors Beginning Note: Mostly about Kagome, adn introductions, adn some internal struggles. Not bad. If my story were meant to be longer, I think I could really expand and exagerate things to a heart-felt maximum...then again maybe its better I keep it short. :P

Chapter 9

Trapped

Kagome looked out onto the still celebrating village, her kimono fluttering lightly as a cool breeze tugged it. Her hands sat calmly on the wooden railing. It was in the middle of the night. Her body spoke of calm and prestigue, her mind and heart were mixed and confused.

I can't do this…I'm not who they think I am…and that poor man…he thought I was his daughter…

Recent Memory
"My child! At long last! Surely the Kami's have looked upon us with great joy and smiles!" He hugged her deeply.

I wish I could be who he wants me to be…I'm not the Empress…but…would it be worth it to have a father again…what about mom…and grandpa…and…could I be so selfish…

The stars laughed at her in mockery.

No…then there's Naraku and his plan…there's nothing I can do to stop it…I can't tell anyone…not while I'm being guarded so tightly…

She turned back to the doors. Guards stood outside in tight form, making sure none could come to cause her harm. Little did they know that by doing so, they were keeping her imprisoned. In the sky, on occasion a feather would float, and remind Kagome of Kagura's watchful presence.

I can't just do nothing…if I sit here…and mope…then Emperor Hojo will die…and even though he's not my father…he's someone's…and…Naraku will rule this country…the people…they're so kind and peaceful…

"Not getting any ideas I hope." Kagura flew silently to land on the boards of the ancient balcony. She snapped her fan in closure and stood close by her.

"You see those bugs out of the corner of your eye?" Kagome looked out of her corners, and saw something hovering in the air, but when she went to look, there was nothing.

THWAK! On the back of her head.

"Don't look right at them you dolt."

"But what are they?" Kagome asked even as she rubbed her head.

"Saimyosho."

"What?"

"Naraku's spies. He raises small tribes of them. He kills their queen and takes place as their leader. They do his bidding." Kagome looked at Kagura who only stared up at the sky. Her face was tired and strained, her eyes hopeless and cruel. Suddenly she pulled out a feather and hopped on.

"Your coronation as Empress Elect is a week from now. I suggest you get rest for your princess lessons tomorrow." And she faded away, to once again meet the sky.

"She's as trapped as me." Kagome said in startled realization.

It hadn't even been two whole days since they had left the village when trouble seemed to run into them. A large, oversized demon with the body of a bear and the head of a dear shot arrows of electricity at the three companions.

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango swung her weapon at the beast. It roared in fury as one side of its horns snapped. Sango caught the big weapon on its return path. Unfortunately she was worn out and could now barely lift it. She fell to one knee. Inuyasha stood in front of her, rusted Tetsusaiga in ready, Miroku stood in front of him. Both were just as tired from fighting the beast, who was as quick as he was strong.

"I hate to say it, but if something does not change in our favor, the outcome looks mighty grim."

"Save it for someone who cares, monk!" Inuyasha retorted.

If only I weren't so weak…it would have been a piece of cake for me to slice this bastard in half…

"Ready! Here he comes!" Miroku tensed, as did Inuyasha and Sango tried to get to her feet. The Yukai began to charge, head down and sharpened antlers ready to shred. Its attack however was quickly deterred, as a flaming animal rammed its side.

"What the hell!" Inuyhasa exclaimed. The burning ball stopped and hissed at the other Yukai.

"A neko." Miroku said, watching at it carefully.

Sango shifted uncomfortably, readying herself for a second wind if necessary. "Is it on our side?"

"We can only wait and hope." Miroku watched this new turn of events carefully.

The large neko stood almost as tall as a mans shoulder, its black flame tipped ears were back, its double tail grazed the grass and charred it as it whipped it in anger, it hissed again and the Yukai slowly, never turning its back, stumbled back into the woods it came from. The neko stood in satisfaction, purring- though it sounded more like a growl-it watched the three.

"UH Oh. This doesn't look good." Sango watched its beady slitted eyes, as it leaped in the air. She screamed. Inuyasha and Miroku leapt in the air, but found their target to be untouchable, as it disappeared. Sango fell on her back as a little kitten pomeraded across her chest in excitement before licking her face.

Sango sat up, holding the little thing. Its eyes were red, with black markings around it, ears were black. She had black socks, and black stripes on her two tails which flicked in merriment. A diamond of obsidian color rested on the middle of its forehead. A small poof of fur that reminded Sango of a lions main ringed her chest and neck. It mewed.

"Ah! Its so cute!" Sango cooed. The Neko kitten mewed again before making her home on Sango's shoulder.

"I don't trust it." Inuyasha said instantly. Miroku shook his head.

"Its recent actions prove other wise. Its possible that this could be Kirara." The kitten mewed.

"I think that means she is." Sango said, petting the pleasurable new companion.

Kagome walked down a corridor, following three guards and five ladies in waiting, one including Kagura.

"Empress Elect, forgive me for being forward with you, but you should walk with a greater air of confidence and grace. As a member of royalty you should stand with your back straight and shoulders rested, not slouch like an old woman." Kagura said pleasantly enough, but her eyes mocked Kagome. Kagome felt like slapping her, but kept her cool. Instead, she did as told. They were all just rounding the next corner when loud shouting was heard.

"Stop! Stop thief!" two guards were running after a small boy with a tail and triangled ears. He looked back in desperation. Two of Kagome's personal guards moved to apprehend this oncoming threat, the other staying back should something happen.

The small boy tripped and out of his arms a stale loaf of bread fell. He was surrounded, four spears pointing at his throat and he whimpered.

"Stop!" Kagome cried, running forward. She tried to move to the boys aid but the guards wouldn't let her.

"Please, Empress Elect, you must not. This demon boy is a thief. A common matter for the courts. Not something you should sully your hands with."

Kagome rose in height as her anger steamed.

"As Empress Elect, I order you to move aside so I may speak with him-thief or not, he is still nothing more than a boy!" They still hesitated but slowly moved back. The had theirweapons at hand should any foul play come to pass.

The demon boy curled himself in a crying ball of fur, tears falling in fountains.

"Please…don't…hurt me…I…didn't…mean it!" He sobbed loudly. Kagura snorted. Kagome quickly sat the boy in her kneeling lap as bizarre as his looks were.

A tail…and ears…and fur…but…he's so cute…

"There there. No one's going to hurt you."

"But…but…" He looked up into her eyes.

"Take me to my room. He is to have a joint room to mine, as well as a new outfit for him and is to be fed and properly treated for."

"But your heiness, he is a thief! He has committed a crime!" One of the young guards piped in an outcry of surprise. Kagome held the boy in her arms as she stood and looked the guard in the eye.

"Is it his fault that he has no food and must resort to common thievery, or our fault who have more food than even our dogs can eat, and do not spare any for the poor." Inside she was trembling, but she stood her ground. The guards looked at each other. Such words of wisdom they could not ignore. Surely the kami's had blessed them the moment Naraku returned to their kingdom with the heir to the throne.

"Very well." They bowed low. Kagome blushed. With haste, they returned to Kagome's hall, where a room was settled for the boy. Kagome returned to her room, she dismissed all of her ladies in waiting, but one remained still.

"What!" Kagome snapped, impatient with Kagura. Honestly, the woman was insufferable.

"It seems you're finally enjoying the thought of being in a position of power. Two more days until your coronation, and not long after that your happy marriage." Kagome's anger receeded as shoo looked into the bitter maroon eyes.

"Do you hate life so much? Do you want to die? Can't you get free?" Kagura's eyes became mere slits. She rapped her fan dangerously in her hands.

"It's none of your business." Kagome's mouth gaped open then shut. Kagura was right of course, but was it too much to answer a simple question?

"Look girl, understand this. You are just a pawn in Naraku's sick and twisted game. Got that. I'm not here to be buddy-buddy with you. My job is just to make sure you don't run away." With that she forcefully left. Kagome slumped to the floor.

I can't do this…I have to find a way out of here…I don't know how I can do it…but I've just got to…I can't let Naraku do this…I just feel…so helpless…

"Why are you crying?" Kagome looked down at the little boy who suddenly appeared out of thin air. She hastily wiped her tears and smiled.

"I wasn't crying, I just had something in my eyes. That's all."

"You're lying." Kagome sweat dropped, as the boy crossed his arms.

Sango always did say…that I was a lousy liar…can't even lie about being late at school…

"My name's Shippo. I'm a notorious and strong fox demon. What's your name?"

"Kagome. Higurashi Kagome." Shippo's nose wrinkled.

"Something's fishy here. You don't even seem like an Empress. Let alone smell like the Emperor." Kagome sighed.

"Tell you what, if you can keep a secret, I'll tell you a story."

"Really!" Kagome smiled.