Miroku and the Magical Coco Beans
Chapter 2 – Rainstorms and Mud
Author's Note:I don't own Inuyasha
Miroku sighed heavily and shook his head. They had been going at it since the moment they had both woken up two days ago. Inuyasha would say something, Kagome would counter what he said, he would make an angry retort, Kagome would yell, Inuyasha would get madder and then Kagome would simply laugh. It was enough to drive any sane person to insane! Miroku sent up a silent prayer in thanks for the monk training he had underwent. If he hadn't there was no way his temper would be only be beginning to fray. It also wasn't helping that they appeared to be lost and no closer to the castle then they had when the started out two days prior.
"I've already told you I won't tell you what the curse is woman!" Inuyasha roared.
"Why not," Kagome asked batting her eyelashes flirtatiously and smiling innocently. "I'm not going to tell anyone."
"You couldn't keep a secret if I sewed your mouth shut!" Inuyasha scoffed.
"Innocent little me?" Kagome mocked as she tipped her head to the side. "Why I'm the soul of discretion."
"I highly doubt that," Inuyasha grumbled. "Soul of discrepancy yes. Soul of discretion, never."
"Oh come on," Kagome said losing the naïve voice. "You know you want to tell me so just tell me already! You've told Miroku, why can't you tell me!"
"The curse won't let me," Inuyasha said yawning and placing his hands behind his head.
"Why not?" Kagome demanded.
"Because you're a girl," Inuyasha said as way of explanation.
"Will the curse prevent Miroku from telling me?" Kagome asked struggling to keep pace with Inuyasha's brisk walk.
In response Inuyasha tried to speed up. Miroku grinned as he watched the genie try and ditch the beautiful woman trailing after him. How he wished Kagome would follow him like that! Looking at her lovely rear Miroku found himself leaning towards her and stretching his hand out. He made it within two inches of her before his hand suddenly felt like it was on fire. Withdrawing the unlucky limb Miroku blew furiously on it. "On second thought," he muttered. "Maybe I wouldn't."
"I saw that monk," Inuyasha grinned wryly. "I told you to watch yourself didn't I?"
"I couldn't help it!" Miroku protested. "It's on a subconscious level I swear!"
"Couldn't help what?" Kagome inquired turning around to walk backwards so she could see Miroku.
"He was trying to grope you and got singed," Inuyasha laughed. "Stupid idiot."
"He what!" Kagome shrieked. Dashing behind Inuyasha, she yelled over his shoulder, "You pervert! Stay away from me!"
"Ah!" Inuyasha yelled throwing his hands over his delicate ears. "Watch it!"
"You watch it buster!" Kagome glared at him. "Why didn't you warn me before I started travelling with you that he was a pervert!"
"If I recall correctly," Inuyasha said. "I did. You're the one who said you were even if I said no. And we're not keeping you with us against your will, you're free to leave any time you want. Preferably sooner opposed to later."
"Why you conceited arrogant-"
"Halt!" a menacing voice thundered startling everyone and making Kagome trip.
Inuyasha barely managed to catch her before she landed on the hard dirt. "Stay behind me and the monk," he muttered throwing her behind him to shield her from view. He didn't plan on more bandits like this morning's crew attacking them because of Kagome's pretty face and gorgeously proportioned body.
Miroku stepped forward alongside Inuyasha to face what ever trouble might be brewing.
"I said halt!" the voice repeated and as the mist thinned they saw a knight jump forth from behind a large bush.
"Who goes there!" the knight asked placing a spear before him and whirling around blindly like a blindfolded child trying to hit a piñata with a baseball bat. He was clearly looking for the three travellers who stood stunned with equal expressions of disbelief written across their faces but was having little success.
"You were scared of that?" Kagome said. It was now quite clear that the individual they were facing was wearing armour two or three sizes to large for him and covered from head to foot in leaves and dirt.
"Dang nabbit!" the knight swore. "Can't see a thing with this blinking helmet on, one second," and with two or three good strong wrenches managed to take his helmet off to reveal a very handsome young boy with light brown hair and blue eyes. Shaking his head to fix his hair the youth turned to them. "Now that I can see you properly state your names and business."
"My name is Miroku," Miroku said stepping forward and giving a small bow. "And these are my companions, Inuyasha and the lady Kagome. We are travelling to Sorr- Tristania."
"Oh," the boy said dejectedly. "I've very sorry then but my conscience can't let you pass. I have seen too many men die trying to win the princess's hand. Even though you are a peasant by the looks of things I may not allow you to pass. Though originally peasants were banned from competing for the princess's hand the king is growing so desperate I am not sure he would abide by his own rules. There for you must defeat me to pass."
"Well that shouldn't be too hard," Inuyasha snorted. "One good breeze and you're toast."
"Inuyasha be nice!" Kagome snapped.
At the sounds of Kagome's melodious voice the boy's head perked up. "A lady travels with you?"
"Yes," Miroku grinned seeing how captivated the youth was with Kagome's beauty.
"It is an honour to meet you my lady," the knight said bowing deeply with a large flourish of his sword. Rising he moved forward to take her hand and kiss it but Kagome quickly removed her hand from his reach.
"It's very lovely to meet you too sir…" Kagome replied somewhat uncertainly
"Sir Hojo, my lady," the boy said bowing yet again.
"It's very nice to meet you Sir Hojo," Kagome replied with a smile and a perfect curtsy.
Upon seeing Kagome execute a flawless curtsy Miroku was struck with inspiration. He had been caught in an awkward situation when he had learned that only royalty were allowed to participate in the competition but what if….
Seeing a glint in Miroku's eyes Inuyasha muttered, "what are you thinking now monk?"
"Let me handle this," Miroku replied evenly.
"I think the wench is handling the situation well enough," Inuyasha grumbled shooting an evil look at Kagome who was fluttering her eyelashes at Hojo.
"Just trust me," Miroku murmured.
"Why do I get the impression I'm going to live to regret this?" Inuyasha sighed.
Smiling broadly Miroku stepped forward, "Allow me to introduce my sister the lovely Princess Kagome."
Both Kagome and Inuyasha's jaws dropped as they turned to stare at Miroku in horror.
Hojo beamed rapturously. "My lady if I may be so bold, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you that you were royalty. No one as beautiful as you could possibly be anything else."
At Hojo's comment Kagome's jaw snapped shut and she turned to him and smiled weakly. "I'm flattered Sir Hojo."
Bowing deeply Hojo turned from Kagome and turned to Miroku where he bowed so deeply Miroku was afraid he would fall over. "Your highness I apologize for my previous rudeness."
"It's alright," Miroku replied elegantly sounding every bit a prince. "It's was a mere mistake."
The handsome knight gave a small sigh of relief; people had been killed for less when dealing with nobles after all. Suddenly his face hardened and he stepped back drawing his sword again. "If you are royalty there is only one reason you would be traveling to my glorious castle of Tristania…to win the princess's hand!"
"Oh no," Miroku said hurriedly backing away from the tip of Hojo's sword which was wobbling back and forth due to a very unsteady hand. "You are mistaken good knight. Our carriage broke down on the road some distance back and we were forced to ask for directions to the nearest castle. A peasant informed us that the lovely castle of Tristania was closest and so we've been wandering around searching for this well reputed palace ever since. I was not aware the princess's hand was up for marriage until you mentioned it."
"Oh," Hojo said somewhat taken back. "So I can't challenge you to a duel then?"
"No you most certainly can't!" Inuyasha grumbled stepping forward.
"And who are you," Hojo asked taking in his long silver hair and red robes. "You don't look like any royalty I know."
"He's…." Miroku faltered. "He's uh…"
"He's my body guard," Kagome said quickly.
"If he's your body guard why does he not carry a sword or wear armour?" Hojo inquired.
Kagome and Miroku looked fearfully at each other. Oddly enough it was Inuyasha who came up with a lie.
"Because I don't need no wimpy weapon," he growled menacingly.
"I don't believe you," Hojo declared. "I shall expose you for a fraud and take your place as the lady's body guard."
"You're welcome to the position," Inuyasha scowled.
"Very well," Hojo nodded. "I will." Placing his rusty too big helmet of his head being careful not to ruin his beautiful locks the knight placed his sword between them.
Kagome screamed as Hojo lunged at Inuyasha. She dashed over to Miroku and cried, "stop them Miroku. He'll kill him!"
"I'm flattered that you're worried about me," Inuyasha grinned evading the lunge with ease.
"I'm not worried about you, you dolt!" Kagome yelled furiously. "Don't you dare lay a hand on him!"
Inuyasha's jaw dropped in disbelief as he ran around behind Hojo. "Just whose side are you on wench!"
"Certainly not yours!" Kagome yelled.
"Arrrrrrrgggg!" Hojo bellowed menacingly rushing at Inuyasha with his sword hoping to skewer him.
Inuyasha neatly sidestepped the naïve knight and as a result Hojo ran his sword straight into a large tree. "Uh oh." Hojo tugged once, and then a second time, and a third and a forth, and a fifth. Finally Inuyasha grew sick of watching him struggle. "Pathetic idiot," he muttered knocking Hojo on the shoulder and in one fluid motion pulling the sword from the tree. Looking at the sword in disgust Inuyasha raised the blade to the fair haired boy's throat. "Surrender. I've had enough fun and games for today."
Hojo quivered under Inuyasha's cold glare and sank to his knees and clasped his hands before him. "Spare my miserable life sir! I beg of you spare me!"
"Of course he will," Miroku said smoothly. "On the condition you lead my sister and I to the castle."
"It would be my honour your highness," Hojo replied curtly standing up straight and saluting. Offering his arm to Kagome he bowed, "may I escort the lady."
"I'm sorry but no," Miroku said quickly stepping between the two of them. "I need to speak with my sister privately as we walk. I would request you to walk before us out of ear shot yet within sight."
"I understand," Hojo nodded briskly. "I shall do as you command.
As Hojo marched off, Inuyasha muttered, "you sure I can't hurt him? Even a little? He's so stupid he probably wouldn't even realise he was hurt."
"Somehow I think you're right," Kagome sighed. "Miroku, why did you tell him we were royalty? There is no way their majesties will believe we're blue bloods, and they'll kill us all if they discover we lied!"
"Never fear lady Kagome," Miroku said stressing the 'lady'. "Everything will work out just fine."
"You saw what just happened," Kagome hissed. "How am I supposed to keep evading men touching me when their offering their arms left, right and center?"
"That could pose a slight problem I will admit," Miroku said thoughtfully.
"Do clothes prevent you from burning people?" Inuyasha asked.
"No," Miroku sighed. "I already learned that the hard way."
"Well this is a brilliant situation we're in," Inuyasha yawned. "Their majesties are bound to order a ball in your honour the second we arrive."
"We could tell them she can't be touched because her skin is so delicate," Miroku suggested.
His companions both looked at him and then burst out laughing when they realised he was serious.
"That's the stupidest thing I have ever heard," Inuyasha scoffed.
"I agree Miroku," Kagome said. "There's no way they'll fall for that."
"It could work," Miroku pouted. "Tell them it's an affliction you developed as a young child because you were always dressed in silk and satin and nothing ever hurt you so now you bruise easily."
"But-"
"I don't-"
"If either one of you can think of anything better by the time we reach the castle, I'm open to suggestions," Miroku said.
"The idiot's far enough ahead, why don't we run away?" Inuyasha muttered. "I knew your plan to win the princess's hand was crazy and now I've been proven right. Once we step foot in that castle we're hooked. This is the last opportunity we'll have to escape, I say we take it."
"No we're going to see this through," Miroku murmured. "I'm no quitter."
"I am," Inuyasha grumbled.
"You're also a pessimist," Miroku pointed out grinning.
"Your highness," Hojo called out. "We're almost at the castle!"
"That wonderful!" Miroku called out brightly. "We're done conversing now Sir. Hojo you may walk with us now."
Falling back to walk with the three travellers, Hojo beamed. "I never believed a knight's life would be as dull as it actually is," he admitted to them.
"Oh really?" Kagome smiled weakly feigning interest. "And how long have you been a knight now?"
"What time is it?" Hojo asked brightly.
"Nearly noon," Miroku said giving the knight an odd look.
"Is that really all?" Hojo asked incredulously.
"All what?" Inuyasha yawned placing his arms behind his head.
"I thought it must have been longer," Hojo smiled. "Sorry about that. So hmm….lets see…according to my calculations I have been a knight now for nearly…..well close to 3 hours."
Kagome stumbled as a result of her shock and Inuyasha's eyes nearly fell out of his head. "You're kidding," he said.
"I know I look much more experienced don't I," Hojo proudly agreed.
"No I'm just amazed at your stupidity is all," Inuyasha clarified. "No sane person I know would challenge someone to a dual after only being a knight for two hours!"
"Three technically," Hojo corrected.
"Why did your superior let you leave the castle so wet behind the ears!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Ah ha!" Hojo cried triumphantly. "You see I am the superior!"
All three travellers looked at him in disbelief. "You," Kagome coughed, "are the head knight?"
"Yes," Hojo said proudly rubbing one of the many pieces of dirt decorating his rusting armour off. "Actually to be honest, not to brag or anything, but I'm the only knight!"
"Oh," Inuyasha deflated and rolled his eyes. "Suddenly this all makes sense. The king and queen must have lost all their knights trying to win the princess's hand and so they knight Sir Nincompoop over there as a last resort."
Kagome giggled at that comment but quickly hid it with her hand as to not let Inuyasha see he had made her laugh. Just as she opened her pretty mouth to talk a large castle came into view as they arrived at the top of a hill.
"Oh my gosh," she breathed. The castle was breathtaking, it was built with a light grey stone and the cone shaped roofs were painted a royal blue and proudly flew blue flags. Yet as beautiful as the castle was, it exuded an overwhelming air of sadness and despair.
"I feel so sad."
"That's why we must continue," Miroku said softly his eyes hard. "A life filled with sorrow makes death seem like a blessing. No person, especially not a woman, should ever have to live in constant suffering."
Both Inuyasha and Kagome shot Miroku shocked looks, was this the same perverted monk that had asked every woman the encountered travelling, married or not, if she would bear his child? Was this the same man that had tried to grope Kagome? Inuyasha looked away quickly pretending the comment hadn't startled him.
Kagome's eyes softened, for a second. She felt that through his comment she had glimpsed the real Miroku's intentions. Maybe he wasn't simply the perverted monk she thought he was, hoping to win himself a pretty princess as his bride. Was it possible that Miroku sincerely wanted to help the princess because he knew she must be suffering? Those thoughts evaporated the second she saw Miroku's hand reaching towards her rear. "BAKA!" she roared moving to hurt him. Inuyasha stepped between the two of them and placed a restraining hand on her effectively dissipating her anger. Looking up at him Kagome reflected on how nice contact with another individual, genie or not, was.
"Don't be stupid," Inuyasha muttered ruining the pleasant feeling just as effectively as Miroku had destroyed her thought that he was anything but a perverted monk.
"What's wrong Lady Kagome?" Hojo yelped hurrying to her side. "Are you wounded? Did you twist your ankle? Do you need my strong muscles to carry you back to the castle?"
"If she did," Inuyasha growled, "I would be the one to carry her." He shot Kagome a scathing glare. "After all I am her body guard."
"I'm perfectly fine Sir Hojo," Kagome replied elegantly. "I'm simply eager to reach the castle."
"Of course you are," Sir Hojo said. "So onward we travel!"
"May I rest for a while?" Kagome pleaded turning to Miroku. "We've been travelling all morning and my feet are killing me!"
"If you ask me," Inuyasha said scratching his neck as he looked up at the sky, "we should take this idiot's suggestion and keep moving." Seeing her open her mouth to complain Inuyasha added. "Unless you want to be walking in a thunderstorm, that is."
"Thunderstorm!" Kagome shrieked. "That means rain!"
Dashing forward and starting down the hill she paused as Inuyasha called after her, "Very perceptive of you. Yes rain does tend to accompany a rain storm!"
"Stop patronizing me you pig," Kagome whirled around. "I just hate rain okay! Now let's get moving!"
The three men looked at each other, each wondering just why she hated rain.
"Let's continue then," Miroku sighed picking up his pace to follow her.
Running after the black haired woman Hojo called out, "Wait for me Lady Kagome! I hate the rain just as much as you!"
"Of course an airhead like that would," Inuyasha muttered. "He probably hates it because it makes his hair frizzy or something like that."
"Can't disagree with you there," Miroku chuckled.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
An hour later the rain began to fall. At first it was a light sprinkle, but that sprinkle soon turned into a steady drizzle and from a drizzle it progressed into a downpour. Miroku held a large purple sleeve over his face in a futile attempt to block some of the rain. He looked over at Inuyasha, white hair was plastered to his back and scowling in a manner that made Miroku wonder if he was trying to scare the rain clouds away. Hojo who was walking ahead beside Kagome had been complaining steadily for the past twenty minutes and he was beginning to get on both Inuyasha and Miroku's nerves.
Kagome however was by far the most miserable of them all. She had hardly spoken a word since it had started raining. Her hair had broken free of the braid she had woven it into earlier and now hung down to the middle of her back in wet snaky tendrils. Suddenly she began to sneeze violently drawing Hojo's attention from the rain that was destroying his glorious golden locks. "Lady Kagome are you alright?" he asked concerned slowing down. "You look pale."
Inuyasha, who had pointedly been ignoring Kagome since she had called him a pig, suddenly looked over at her as she began to sway on her feet. "I- I'm fine," she managed to say softly but before she could tell more lies about her health she tripped over a protruding tree root. Inuyasha rushed forward as she righted herself from the mud onto her knees. Butting Hojo out of the way, Inuyasha bent down on one knee and leaned forward to take her temperature.
"You're ice cold," he accused her. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I'll be fine the second I get out of the rain," Kagome said pushing herself off her knees and attempting to take a shaky step towards the castle which judging the distance was only a twenty or thirty minute walk away. "Plus we're almost there. No use giving up now." The second she put her weight on her left ankle however she let out a cry of pain and fell to the mud once more. "Damn it," she swore hitting the mud. "Damn it! Why do I always have to be the weakest?"
"Lady Kagome," Hojo said butting back into the conversation. "It's only natural that a lady like yourself would be well equipped physically for such a rainstorm."
"Of course, so that's my new role: a pretty princess incapable of doing anything," Kagome murmured.
Inuyasha looked at her face intently, and sniffed softly. Rain wasn't the only water running down her face he realized, though he was the only who would know it with his genie senses. Making a decision he reached under her and swept her up into his arms.
"What are you doing! Put me down this instant!" Kagome cried pounding on his chest. "Put me down at once!"
"Don't start this!" Inuyasha said gruffly tightening his hold on not allowing her to move. "You obviously can't walk and I'm the only one who can carry you."
"Kagome," Miroku asked keeping pace with Inuyasha's fast pace. "Does this have anything to do with…your…special abilities?"
"Special abilities?" Inuyasha asked confused looking at Miroku. "Miroku what in the world are you going on about?" He glared at the monk until what Miroku was implying dawned on him. "Looking down at the woman in his arms, he demanded. "Well is it wench?"
"Yes," she said ashamed and turned her face away from the looks of pity.
His mouth little more than a grim line Inuyasha turned to Miroku. "We've got to get her out of this rain fast.
"Good plan," Miroku nodded and off the two of them ran. Although Miroku was in peek physical form, he was no where close to Inuyasha. "I guess that's what you get for being human," Miroku sighed. "Being part genie Inuyasha gets all the fun, he can touch Kagome and run faster. No fair."
No one spoke a word until they reached the castle doors; even Hojo had picked up on the seriousness of the situation. Inuyasha reached up with one hand and pounded mightily on the huge oaken barrier between them and warmth and safety. "Let us in!" he bellowed.
"Who's there?" a voice asked as the door inched open a crack.
"Please let us in," Miroku panted. "The princess will surely die if we don't get out of this rain."
"Princess!" the boy squeaked and instantly flung open the door to allow them in. "Please come in sir at once."
"Thank you," Miroku said bowing in gratitude as he stepped inside. "Will you do me another favour and inform their majesties that the prince and princess of Beltaine are seeking and audience."
"Certainly sir," the red haired boy whom Miroku assumed was a page replied and promptly dashed off.
"How is she?" Miroku asked crossing to where Inuyasha was standing in front of a fire.
"She's freezing cold that's what," Inuyasha snapped. "You idiot, you should have told us about…the rain so we could have set up shelter."
"I didn't want to be a burden," the young woman muttered. "A self-centered pig like you would have left me to die."
Inuyasha opened his mouth to retort but only spluttered. "You have the gall to say something like that after I just ran for a quarter of an hour in the mud and rain carrying your dead weight in my arms? No thanks for carrying you instead of forcing you to walk on a clearly twisted or sprained ankle? Don't bother," he snapped as she blushed and opened her mouth.
"What's going on in here," a man demanded striding into the greeting hall wearing a night robe and a crooked crown just as Inuyasha was setting Kagome on her feet.
"Your majesty," Miroku said humbly bowing deeply. "I am very sorry to disturb you so late at night but as you can see my companions and I were caught within the storm and we request your permission to stay the night."
"The boy said the prince of Beltaine was here, where is he?" the king asked.
"I apologise for my appalling lack of manner's your majesty," Miroku said rising from the deep bow. "Allow me to introduce myself and my companions, my name is Miroku and I am the prince of Beltaine and the beautiful lady you see before the fire is my sister the Princess Kagome. The man standing beside her is her trusted companion and body guard Inuyasha."
"I have never heard of the country Beltaine," the queen said sceptically.
"Not many people have your majesty," Kagome said weakly struggling to stand beside her "brother" without relying on him for support. She curtsied as well as best as she was able with a soaking skirt and twisted ankle. "It is a tiny kingdom overlooked by many prominent map makers. We live a secluded existence within a mountain pass so not many people visit and those who do encounter our kingdom do purely by chance."
"So why are both the princess and prince of the country rejoining the world?" the queen demanded taking in their muddy clothes and weary demeanour. "And why have you arrived on our doorstep on foot and dressed as if you spent the last century in a pig pen."
Kagome blushed prettily, "I apologize for our appearance your majesty. Two days prior we were ambushed by a group of bandits and our guards insisted we flee while they bought us time to escape." She began to sob the very picture of a heartbroken princess. "My body guard hid my brother and I, and returned to see what had become of our guards and carriage but there was nothing left except the bodies of our fallen companions. The bandits slew every last one of them and took the carriage and the horses. Ever since we have been travelling on foot and we were told that your castle was the closest. This morning we met Sir Hojo and he gallantly offered to escort us to the castle. It began to rain almost an hour ago and we were forced to travel on instead of seeking shelter because we were starving and exhausted. My body guard Inuyasha was forced to carry me after I twisted my ankle on a tree root, also the reason for why my dress is covered in mud."
"We are sorry for your loss," the king said bowing his head for the memory of the guards they had lost. "We would be honoured if you stayed the night."
"Thank you," Miroku and Kagome murmured bowing and curtsying deeply.
"We will continue this conversation in the morning," the queen said reluctant to let them leave when she had more questions she wished to ask. "It is late and I'm sure you must be exhausted." She turned to Kagome. "I will send my ladies in waiting to help you unchange."
"That won't be necessary your majesty," Miroku interjected smoothly. "My sister has a rare disorder."
"Oh and pray do tell what that might be," the queen said barely managing to conceal her distaste.
"She was only treated to the finest silks and satins as a child and now as a result she bruises extremely easily. The princess learned long ago how to undress because even the softest hands bruised her tender skin," Miroku explained.
"Oh that is a terrible affliction. How ever have you survived my dear?" the queen asked.
"My parents wonder the same thing your highness," Miroku said. "The doctors told us they suspected with such a rare disorder they would not expect her to live past her eighteenth birthday."
"Are you sure it is not a curse?" the king asked eagerly. "From the sounds of it the Princess Kagome might have been cursed by an evil fairy."
"Oh give it a rest Harold," the queen sighed. "Enough of this nonsense, you are clearly tired and so am I. Let us retire and we will speak more about this in the morning."
"Good night your highness," Miroku and Kagome replied.
"Shippo show the guests to the kitchens for a hot meal and then show them to their rooms," the queen ordered.
"Yes your majesty,' the red haired lad bowed and then waited for the queen to exit before leading Miroku, Kagome and Inuyasha to the dining hall. Inuyasha picked Kagome up without a word and followed behind Miroku avoiding making eye contact with her. "I'll just go grab some food for you, it won't be much because the chefs have retired for the night but I think there should be some stew and fresh bread. If that's alright with you that is Prince Miroku and princess Kagome."
"That sounds wonderful," Kagome said ruffling the boy's hair and smiling as she saw his trembling knees. "You don't need to be so afraid of us Shippo, we're not like most royalty."
"You remembered my name!" the boy exclaimed. "You really aren't like most royalty. Is it true that you're under a curse like the king thinks?"
"I don't believe so," Kagome said slowly. "But things are constantly changing and if there's one thing I've learned it's that, the unexpected happens on a regular basis."
"You have no idea how true that is," Shippo breathed. "I'll run and grab your supper now."
"Thank you Shippo," Miroku said taking a liking to the small boy. Noticing how small the boy was for his age Miroku called out, "bring some back for yourself and you can eat with us."
Shippo flashed them one last astonished look before disappearing around a bend.
"Cute kid," Miroku said.
"The queen doesn't trust us," Kagome said bluntly.
"I know," Miroku sighed. "I had hoped she would."
"She's gone to set some sort of test up," Inuyasha whispered. "I heard her whisper something to her servant right before she left. Something about all the goose down mattresses in the castle."
"Mattresses?" Miroku repeated. "What would she want with mattresses?"
"I have no idea," Inuyasha said. "Why are you asking me?"
"I'm back!" Shippo shouted carrying in a tray with four bowls of fragrant smelling stew and a fresh loaf of bread. He placed a bowl in front of Kagome, then Miroku, Inuyasha and finally himself.
"Send the chefs our compliments Shippo," Kagome said. "This is delicious stew."
"I will," Shippo said. "Ayame's the best cook in the world, but their majesties treat her like dirt."
"You can tell Ayame that she's worth her weight in gold," Inuyasha said shovelling the stew in his mouth. "Best human food I've ever eaten!"
"So you guys are really royalty?" Shippo asked eagerly eyes on Kagome as he ate.
"Yes we're from the kingdom of Beltaine," Kagome said taking a slice of bread and dipping it in her stew.
"Cool, I should come back with you! I bet the people in your kingdom are much nicer then the ones here."
"Why do you say that?" Miroku asked.
"Because you actually don't mind talking to a servant!" Shippo said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "People here treat you as if you're invisible…except for you make a mistake and then they yell at you and don't let you eat for a week."
"That's horrible!" Kagome exclaimed.
"Are all the rich people in your kingdom like you?" Shippo asked curiously.
"Most are," Kagome said shooting an evil glare at Inuyasha. "There are a few exceptions however."
"You're Princess Kagome's body guard right?" Shippo asked Inuyasha.
"Yeah," Inuyasha shrugged. "What about it squirt?"
"Do you have a sword?"
"Yeah."
"Do you know how to fight bare handed?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you ride a horse?"
Inuyasha growled in irritation. "Don't you ever run out of questions?"
"No," Shippo smiled. "Lots of people ask me that, weird hey?"
"Not really," Inuyasha said ripping a slice of bread in two and using one half to wipe his bowl clean and the other half he slathered with butter.
Miroku sensing Inuyasha's restlessness quickly finished the rest of his meal.
"I'm done," Inuyasha announced pushing his chair back and standing up. "Where are we sleeping?"
"I'll show you to your rooms," Shippo said pushing his bowl away. "Are you done Princess Kagome?"
"Yes," Kagome said starting to rise and then embarrassed sat back down and waited for Inuyasha to pick her up. She found herself unable to meet his glaze as Shippo lead them door corridor after corridor until they reached a staircase which they climbed to reveal a hallway full of doors. Shippo led them to the end and then was about to assign them their rooms when a girl came up and said. "Sorry to bother you your highness but the queen has prepared another room for you."
"Oh alright," Kagome said "Shippo you can show Miroku to his room. Inuyasha can carry me and then return with the girl."
"Ok," Shippo said. "Goodnight Princess Kagome."
"Goodnight Shippo," Kagome said. "Goodnight Miroku, I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight Kagome," Miroku replied. "Sleep well."
Without a word the girl led them up to the third floor and then stopped in front of a large door. "This is where you will be sleeping," the girl said.
"Ok, thank you very much," Kagome said. "You can put me down Inuyasha. I'll be fine as long as I brace myself on the wall."
"Goodnight then, Princess Kagome," Inuyasha said placing her down gently.
"Sleep well," the girl replied in a voice that made a voice that made the hair on Kagome's neck stand on end. Shaking it off as nerves, Kagome wished them pleasant dreams and then closed the door and sighed heavily. Right now she wanted nothing more than to just fall into bed and let sleep claim her. Turning around Kagome almost screamed in terror, but managed to stop the scream just in time.
"I think," Kagome whispered to herself paling at sight before her, "I know what the queen wanted with all the goose down mattresses for." There before her braced against a wall was a tower of at least twenty mattresses high and a ladder…
Author's Note: Well here's the second chapter, so for the long update. I had exams and I hoped that more people would review…but I guess not. Oh well I like this story too much to stop so you don't need to worry about me stopping it. Cookies to whoever guesses what fairytales popped up…well fairytale actually. I just introduced some characters that will be parts of more fairytales. You wouldn't be able to guess them yet. Well please review and tell me what you think. Like? Disklike? Good? Bad? Too Long? Too Short? Please review!