First, I want to apologize to my most excellent reviewers about the long wait, but I'm really very busy these past few weeks. From now on, I'm keeping the updating to once a week. If I miss it, I swear I'll have very good reasons. Second, I just want to say that please keep the reviews coming. I consider myself a beginner in writing (especially writing in English) so I really appreciate constructive criticisms as well as praises. (I'm kinda vain, lol). Anyway, on with the story!
On the morning after their adventure, Kagome and Sango's lives went back to normal. Kagome once again became the Princess and Sango her servant. But unknown to them, the two people they met on the streets would have a greater impact on their lives than either one of them had anticipated.
The sun had just peeked over the eastern hills when the rooster crowed in the palace courtyard. Kagome pulled the soft bed sheet over her head, trying to ignore it and sleep a little longer. But she was forced out of her bed when the maid Yumi entered the chamber, carrying her training garments and a basin of clear water. "It's time to get up and start today's training Milady," Yumi said softly. Kagome sighed and sat still to let Yumi dress her. She felt so tired and would love to stay in bed till noon, the excitement of yesterday was now long gone. But she knew Sango would be up as soon as the sun rose, she was very serious about their training.
Just as Kagome had thought, Sango was already in the training ground waiting for her when she arrived. She was wearing the black and red battle armour of a demon slayer with her hair tied up high in a ponytail. The playfulness of yesterday was gone. Instead Sango's face was as serious and grave as ever. But her face softened and she smiled when Kagome approached her. "How did you sleep last night after all the excitement Kagome?" Kagome silently cheered when Sango didn't call her "hime" as she had always done, she smiled and answered, "Ok, I guess." "So, are you ready to train now?" Kagome nodded. Sango immediately turned back to being serious and she had a determined glow in her eyes. She unsheathed her katana and motioned for Kagome to do the same. And so, the sword practice began.
Kagome was nearly out of breath now; Sango was just too good. They've battling for nearly thirty minutes and all Kagome could do was trying her hardest to dodge and block her attacks. She dared not slowing down for just one split second, for Sango's movements were still as swift and forceful as ever. She was both attacking and defending, her patterns were flawless; Kagome couldn't help but admire her skill. Finally, Kagome was out of strength and her sword wavered. Sango decided to go for another strike and Kagome was unprepared. Soon, she was lying on the ground with Sango's sword tip pointing at her throat. "You win," Kagome said as she smiled, still panting heavily. With one swift and flowing movement, Sango slid her katana back into its sheath and helped Kagome up. "You are so good Sango," Kagome looked up at her best friend with admiration and respect, "I've still a long way to go." "Don't be so disencouraged Kagome," Sango answered, "You have improved a lot, though you haven't noticed. Besides, we each have our own strengths. I'm good with swords, but my expertise is on the Hiraikotsu. And you, Kagome, surpass me in archery. I'm more explosive, you are more focused. But that doesn't mean I'm not focused and you cannot be fierce in battle. That's just how we are." "For real Sango?" Kagome asked, suddenly excited. "Mm-hmm." Sango nodded sincerely. "Great! Oh, our training session has ended. Let's go get some breakfast; I'm starving!" Kagome exclaimed cheerfully, her face flushing red from the exercise. "Let's go then," Sango said, together they trotted back into the palace buildings.
Kagome and Sango were walking through the hallway when Yumi suddenly appeared around the corner and ran up to them. "Princess Kagome! Your mother the Empress wishes to see you," she said while kneeling down in a hasty bow. "Where is she?" asked Kagome. "She's waiting for you at your bedchamber, Milady." "I'll be there as soon as possible," Kagome said, giving Sango hug. Then she rushed toward her room without delay.
Kagome was running at top speed; she knew her mother didn't like to be kept waiting. But the downside to that was when she arrived at the chamber, she couldn't stop and bumped straight into Empress Higurashi.
"Kagome!" the Empress exclaimed, her face stern. "Sorry, Mama," Kagome bowed her head and blushed slightly in shame. The Empress however, was cutting her no slack. "When can you learn to be graceful young lady? You are a princess! If you continue being like this you'll never find a suitor!" Kagome couldn't help but giggle at the word "suitor". "But Mama," Kagome protested, "It'll be a long time before I have to find a suitor…" Empress Higurashi cut her off, "Kagome, that's exactly what I came here to talk about. You are fifteen, Kagome, plenty old enough to get married. There are girls younger than you who are already happy mothers. Recently, Prince Koga of the Wolf Demon Tribe has sent us his proposal of seeking your hand in marriage. He'll be coming to the banquet tonight and your father will announce your engagement." Kagome looked at her mother in disbelief, she was horrified. She couldn't believe that Mother, her firm but kind-hearted mother, would do such a thing to her. What about all those bedtime stories about true love she used to tell her when she was young? "Mom… Getting married? Now? I can't," Kagome stammered, "I don't love him, I've never even met him!" Empress Higurashi looked sympathetically at her daughter, trying to comfort her, "Things'll turn out just fine, don't worry. I married your father when I was fourteen and I never met him before our wedding day. And when I get to know him, I realized that he's wonderful man…" "But do you love him?" Kagome demanded angrily. "What did you say?" Empress Higurashi was in shock, "It's very impudent for children to ask their parents such things…" "Do you love him?" Kagome insisted, looking at her mother right in the eye. The Empress sighed, "Yes, I do. I guess I must've fallen in love with him somewhere along the way." "That's exactly what I'm talking about Mama!" Kagome shouted furiously, "I don't want to fall in love 'somewhere along the way'! I want to marry for love! And what if I'll never be able to fall in love with him?" "Kagome," Empress Higurashi wanted to be firm, but her voice sounded weak and tired, "We have no choice. Your marriage is for…" "No, I don't want to hear your excuses!" Kagome was in tears, "I think you and Papa don't care about me anymore! Or, rather, you never did!" "Kagome that's not true!" Empress Higurashi protested, but Kagome ignored her. She sprang up from her chair and bolted out of the door, sobbing as she ran. Empress Higurashi didn't try to call her back, instead she collapsed in her armchair.
Sango was skidding through the hallway, quite worried. She had heard about what happened between Kagome and her mom (rumours and gossip travel fast in the palace) and felt that her friend needed her support. But the palace was so big, Kagome could be anywhere. She searched all of their favorite spots, and finally found Kagome sitting on the elegant willow tree by the fountain, crying. "Kagome!" she called out, and saw her best friend looking up at her, her face stained with wind-dried tears. "Oh, Sango," she said with a reluctant smile, "hi." "Kagome, are you alright?" Kagome didn't reply, for she did not know the answer for sure herself. Was she alright? Kagome didn't think so, yet her heart did not hurt as much as before. She felt better out here in the beautiful garden, with the gentle wind caressing her face. In the end, she replied, "Yeah, I'm alright." Not wanting her friend to experience the pain all over again by telling her the whole event, Sango quickly explained, "I heard about what happened, I'm sorry." Kagome said nothing, she buried her face between her knees with tears silently flowing down her cheeks. "I just want to say," Sango paused and put her arm around Kagome's shoulder, "You are a good person. You are the best friend I've ever had. Whatever's going to happen in the future, you can make it through. You just have to follow your heart. Then, you will find happiness." Kagome looked up at Sango, suddenly a smile danced on her lips. "I believe you Sango." "No," Sango said, "You have to believe in yourself. Now, let's get you cleaned up and pick out a pretty dress for you. You don't want to appear as a mess in the feast. Lots of cute boys will be there!" "Sango!" Kagome chuckled at the teasing. Suddenly, Sango's pet Kirara, the Two-Tails, appeared out of nowhere and snuggled up on Kagome's lap, her head rubbing against her arms and she was purring mildly. "Kirara," Kagome looked down at the cute Two-Tails, "Even you are cheering me up. Nice kitty." Kirara purred harder and both girls chuckled. Then Kagome said cheerfully, "Let's go Sango! We have to get ready for the party!"