Born of Hope

by YukimuraShuusukeGirl

Summary:

Kagome wondered around in a new world, not knowing where she was she ran into a man called, Ruwalk. He acted like he knew her and dragged her away where she meets others, but they all call her 'Your Highness' what is going on…and why did the hot blond man try to kiss her?

Chapter 1

Chapter One:

Kagome took a deep breath opening her eyes, her surroundings becoming clear from the flash of blinding light. She felt what could only be the cold of the snow against her exposed skin making her shiver and want to huddle more into a ball to try to keep warm. Instead she slowly sat up taking in her surroundings; she couldn't make sense of what was happening.

Things were so confusing, and didn't understand what was happening. Her dreams weren't helping her either. Everything she once knew felt like it was crashing down. The words Midoriko said to her still echoed in her mind.

"You aren't a Higurashi…you never have been…."

"The family think you are…but there was another Kagome….she was kidnapped…..and you showed up with amnesia…"

"They thought you were their daughter…taught you her past…but you aren't her."

Kagome closed her eyes, the face of Midoriko in her mind. The expression of sorrow for what she had did; what she had to do.

"I had to give you that Kagome's Destiny…but now it is time I return you….I saved you…and you repaid that debt by saving me….now return to your home….and start to remember WHO you really are….remember what you left behind…..who you left behind…remember."

Kagome had awakened from her dream to see a flash of white then she was in a place she knew not. Taking a deep breath Kagome heaved a sigh, "What am I suppose to remember Midoriko?"

She really didn't understand a word the elder miko spoke, it made her mind swim with more questions she knew she would never get the answers too.

Out of everything she had been through, this is the most confused she had been. She wasn't the same person anymore.

She wasn't 'Kagome Higurashi'. That had been taken away from her. Kagome had no clue on who she actually was.

And that scared her.

It scared her a lot.

Taking a deep breath Kagome slowly stood up and tried to get rid of her thoughts, as her feet sank into the snow as she did so.

"Thank you so much Midoriko." Kagome muttered, she really could use a coat now. Midoriko could have at-least let her dress better if she was going to be in this kind of weather.

She wouldn't like to freeze to death.

Looking around Kagome saw the Gothic like Manor in front of her. It looked like it hadn't been used it years. But it also seemed familiar.

'Like something from a dream...' Kagome thought a frown on her face as she slowly made her way to look for the entrance of the building.

If anything the building would giver her some warmth from the wind that was nipping at her skin. Kagome walked slowly as she made her way closer to the building.

She was about to turn a corner to look at the other side of the structure someone grabbed her wrist.

"It is you..." the male breathed eyes wide, making Kagome frown in confusion.

---

Ruwalk frowned as he tracked his way through the snow, the only reason he was out in weather like this was because to the light.

The blinding white light.

He had volunteered to go see what it was. The only reason he volunteered was because the light came from the place that was sacred.

The place the Queen had treasured...that no one goes anymore.

It was forbidden to do so without a reason.

His King hadn't been back here since the day the Queen had been declared dead.

"I hope it is nothing..." Ruwalk muttered as he glanced up at the building that was starting to come into view.

What he wasn't expecting though was to see a woman standing up, she looked familiar. Frowning Ruwalk upped his walking paced to catch up with the woman who was walking slowly through the snow.

As the woman was about to turn the corner of the building he grabbed her arm, and she quickly turned around and looked at him.

Blue eyes connected to his own.

The blue eyes he had never thought he would see again.

"It's you..." Ruwalk whispered, shock evident on his face and in his voice. The woman just looked at him in confusion.

As if she didn't know who he was...or what he was talking about.

'Please let me be wrong' Ruwalk thought as he continued to stair into her blue eyes. He really wanted to be wrong about her not knowing who he was.

Chapter 2

Chapter Two:

Kagome blinked as she took the man in. It seemed as if he knew her, but she couldn't be too sure. Taking a deep breath she gave the man a smile smile, "I'm sorry...do I know you?"

A look of shock passed through the mans face before he let go of her arm and went into a kneeling position making Kagome go wide eyed, "What are you doing!"

The man gave her a small smile, still in his kneeling position, "We had though you dead My Queen." Hope filled the mans eyes, so much so Kagome couldn't tare her eyes away from him.

Kagome frowned, "My Name is Kagome...not 'My Queen'. I am not a queen or noble of any kind." The man smiled, as if he knew something she didn't causing her eyes to narrow.

"My name is Runwalk, my lady." he gave her a smirk once saying the 'my lady' part, causing Kagome to twitch slightly.

"Do you know how you came upon this place?" He diverted her attention to something else. Avoiding her temper, if he remembered correctly, her temper was to be feared.

"...I just woke up here..." She paused, Kagome didn't know what to say. That she was sent from another world, and had amnesia.., "I don't remember anything but my name." it was mostly the truth. She didn't remember her life here. She wasn't lying...well...not really.

"I see." A calculating look took over Runwalks face as he looked her over. It was as if he was looking for something. A blush came over her cheeks as the man, Runwalk, stood up the calculating look still upon his face.

"Is something wrong." Kagome asked snapping the man out of his thoughts.

Runwalk gave a sad smile, "Will you permit me to take you somewhere? I know people would will want to see you...memory gone or not."

Kagome didn't know why, but she trusted this man. He 'felt' like he wasn't going to do anything to her...that and he called her 'My Queen'. Taking a deep breath she whispered, "Alright..."

She just hoped she wouldn't regret saying that.

Runwalk held a hand out to her, which Kagome hesitantly took, and was led away. She hoped everything would end up alright.

---

Kagome blinked looking out the carriage as what looked like a large palace came into view. It felt familiar, but Kagome couldn't be sure.

She had a feeling she would get her answers here...though Kagome didn't know if she was ready for those answers yet.

As the carriage pulled to a stop Runwalk stepped out and offered a hand which Kagome took with a smile, "Thank you."

He flashed her a smile, "Follow me, we will get you into some dry warm clothes and then we can talk more." He really just wanted her in the safety of the castle walls before he went to report to the King about what had accrued.

He led her down the halls, which all seemed empty as they were passing a couple of grand doors Kagome heard barks and what sounded like wings?

As she turned around she saw a flash of white before she was tackled to the ground with a hard thud and a load yelp from her lips.

---

Chapter 3

Kagome started to laugh as she felt wet tongues of dogs lick her face, the laughter spilled out of her lips causing it to echo. She couldn't help it. The laughing wouldn't stop as the two dogs were literally in her lap and what looked to be a small white dragon wrapped around her neck it's head rubbing against her cheek in welcome.

Her hair which was in a bun, and was already falling out was becoming more of a mess from the animals greetings.

"Crewger, Illusuer, Hikaru!" The sound of a male voice echoed down the hall. The animals stopped what they were doing and gave small wines of disapproval, causing Kagome to laugh again.

Kagome wiped her cheeks off, a smile still present on her face as the sound of footsteps came closer.

"Are you alright milady?" Ruwalk asked as he kneeled down and offered his hand to her, a small smirk on his face. Kagome could tell he was amused.

"I am fine..." She gave him a glowing smile, and took his hand as he helped her to her feet. It was when she was fully to her feet she saw two men looking at her. Though only one of them really caught her attention.

He had blond hair and was wearing what looked to be high stationed clothing, she saw him looking at her with a look of longing and disbelief.

A crooning brought her attention away from him, it was the miniature dragon that was still curled up around her neck, and didn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

"...Hikaru...is she?..." the blonde male asked, who hadn't taken his eyes off her. To Kagome it looked like he was in pain asking this question. The dragon cave another crooning sound before the look of relief came to the mans face.

"...Kagome..." He whispered her name with such longing it Kagome could feel her heart ache.

The man moved forward his hand coming out and touching hers, and he leaned down and was about to kiss her, or so she thought, before Ruwalk interfered.

"Your Highness"

Kagome sighed in relief as she looked at the blonde haired male pause and look at Runwalk. She could already feel the blush on her cheeks at his close proximity.

"...Ruwalk?" the man frowned before looking back down at him, emotions going across his face so fast it was hard to figure out what emotions she saw.

"...we have much to talk about Your Highness..." He paused looking at Kagome who tilted her head to the side, "...Our Queen seems not in the best of conditions right now..."

This caused the man to freeze and look Kagome over, "Are you hurt?" There was some panic in his voice but she didn't know how to answer.

How could she answer him? She didn't know who he was...or what she was to him. Kagome didn't know what was going on at all.

Ruwalk flickered his eyes to Kagome again before sighing, "How about Our Queen changes into some warm clothes and I shall tell you what is going on..."

The man nodded, though reluctantly did so, he looked down at Kagome and sighed, "We shall talk later." he turned to the man that was behind him, "...Kaistern why don't you escort her to our rooms to get changed...and Ruwalk and I shall talk."

The man, Kaistern, nodded, and gave a small bow at the waist, "Follow me My Queen.."

Kagome looked around her with wide eyes, 'Queen...your highness...then...he is...I am...' These thoughts were going through her mind a mile a minute making Kagome very confused and not knowing what to do.

Kagome looked at Ruwalk who motioned her to follow him, and she took a deep breath and grabbed the hand Kaistern was offering to her and was lead away from the other two men.

'What the hell is going on!' Kagome thought, she was almost in tears with frustration. The dragon, as if sensing her mood, crooned at her running his head against her cheek as if to comfort her.

Kagome could only take deep breaths to calm herself down, but Kagome knew something was going on...and she was going to find out soon what it was.

 

Chapter 4: Chapter Four

Lykouleon frowned as he watch the woman he loved walk away, he didn't know how it was possible but she was alive. Hikaru, his dragon, confirmed it was her. She was alive and back home where she belonged. But there was something off...he could feel it.

He didn't know where to go from here. He wanted to follow her and not let her out of his site, but Ruwalk was nervous...he could tell. So whatever was wrong must be serious.

SIghing internally he watched the woman, his Queen, walk away. His heart clenched with every step she took.

To have her back after thinking her dead...

"My Lord." Ruwalk interrupted his thoughts, causing him to be brought back to what was going on.

"Yes, lets move to the study so we can talk more." Lykouleon sighed, as he made his way down the down the hall, one last lingering gaze looking down the hall where his wife and beloved had gone.

He would see her again...he just needed to talk to Ruwalk...then he could find her and have her never leave his sight again.

x-X-x

Kagome silently walked with the man, Kaistern. She didn't know what to say to the man, he felt familiar, as did everything about this place.

Her blue eyes flickered to the two dogs that were walking behind her and the dragon still attached to her neck. Everything seemed like a dream...a dream she had before but she couldn't quite place it.

"Here we are my Queen" the man, Kaistern gave her a smile and a small bow as he directed her into a large room. She gave him a glance as he stayed by the door and let her enter.

She was greeted with the sight of a young woman. The woman gave her a wide smile before she bowed, "I have some clothes waiting for you...if you follow me mi'lady."

Kagome stepped back, eyes glancing to Kaistern who gave a small nod, "She is one of our newer maids, but she will take care of anything you need...I will be outside the door waiting until you are dressed and ready." He gave another bow before stepping out of the room and closing the doors.

Kagome gave a grimace as she was lead into another room, and quickly getting stripped of her clothing. She gave a startled yelp when the dragon flew off her and landed away from her, his back turned.

"Well, aren't you modest." Kagome laughed as the dragon stayed turned away from her as she was quickly dressed into what looked like a Victorian type of dress...but it had more of an airy type of look to it...almost mystical.

The maid then took her hair pins out letting her long hair down, though it was wavier than she wanted it to be because of the wet snow and her hair being up as it started to dry.

As she felt her hair brush against her arms and lower back she sighed, 'MY hair really has gotten longer...I should have cut it while I had the chance.' She never bother to cut it when they traveled...she never had time. She liked keeping it shorter so Inuyasha didn't mix her up with Kikyo. Thought that wouldn't be a problem anymore.

A pang of longing swept through her as she thought of her friends, but she quickly shook herself out of it before she could think any more on the subject.

As she was finished getting dressed, she was ushered back to the door she had come into. The dragon coming back to her shoulder and sat there not moving from the spot.

"That was quicker than I thought it would be..." Kaistern muttered quietly as he glanced at Kagome who was dressed and in front of him and the two dogs by his side.

Kagome gave him a small glare, "Not every woman takes hours to get ready..."

Kaistern laughed, "I believe I have heard that before..." and he had, from the same woman in front of him. She never spent too long getting ready unless they were receiving guest...which wasn't very often.

Kagome narrowed her eyes as Kaistern led her back down the hall they had come, and further. It took a few minutes before they reached double doors and Kaistern opened them, letting her go through.

The minute the doors opened and Kagome stepped through, she was engulfed in warm arms, and brought close to someone in a strong embrace.

Chapter 5: Chapter Five

Lykouleon sat at his desk as Ruwalk stood not that far away giving him an update on when he arrived to the little getaway castle that Kagome had loved going to. He had went to check on the bright light that and happened there and found Kagome there.

"She seems to know her name, and seems to find thing familiar...but she doesn't' seem to remember..." Ruwalk spoke softly but could hear the tinge of sadness in his voice.

The King felt conflicted, he had his Queen back but at the same time he didn't. She didn't know who he was. He didn't know the love they shared.

"She is safe and here in the castle where it is safe." Lykouleon spoke, closing his eyes briefly. If Ruwalk hadn't gone to investigate in a timely matter, Kagome could have been found by someone else. Someone that meant harm to her and could have used her not having memories to their advantage.

"Thank you for getting to agree to follow you here." The King told the man who had been a good friend to him for years.

"She is weary but she seemed to trust something in me. I hope even without her memories it was her subconscious trusting me to bring her here." Ruwalk gave a sad smile. He was lucky she agreed. Most people would refuse a stranger such a thing. He had gotten lucky she had seen something trustworthy enough to trust him.

"Very true...but she doesn't remember anything." The last part was whispered mournfully as he ran a hand over his face. He didn't know what he was supposed to do. The woman he loved didn't know him and he didn't know how to proceed in this situation. He didn't want to scare her away.

"I guess you will have to trigger her memories...and woo her all over again while you do so..." Ruwalk said, amusement on the thought of his King trying to woo Kagome again. The first time had been amusing enough, but a second time. This was going to be very fun to watch.

A sound of frustration left Lykouleon's lips as he thought about it. Kagome had given him a hard time when he first courted her, she was stubborn and didn't want to become Queen. The two fell in love, after a lot of bumps in the road...but they had gotten there. He had to go through that all again...He would do it...he was happy just to have he alive in within arms reach.

Standing up the King started to walk and try to get his thoughts in line, Ruwalk watched from a distance, amusement flashing across his face. He was happy to see his King so lively. It had been awhile since he had been so. With the death of Queen Kagome, the king had been but a shell of himself.

Now that she was back, he was going back to his old self. A smile twitched on Ruwalks lips. It would be interesting to see how things played out from here on out.

Lykouleon stopped and froze when he heard footsteps and the sound of the door opening. There Kagome was, beautiful as the day he first met her. Her hair was down and a smile on her lips. Not able to control himelf, he rushed over taking her in his arms. He heard her shocked gasp, but he coudln't help it.

She was here and finally in his arms. She was alive. He was thinking today was going to end upa dream and he would wake up with hsi heart empty again. He had done so many times. It hurt, but he went on.

Having her in his arms, made his heart feel full. He was happy. It had been so long since he felt this complete.

"Welcome home" He whispered into Kagome's ears as he took a step back. Emotion filled eyes looked down at the woman who had a blush on her cheeks. Hikari, his dragon was still wrapped around her neck. He gave a coo in greeting, making a smile break out on his face.

"We have much we should talk about." His eyes glanced to Kaistern and then Ruwalk, then back at the woman who had his heart. His two trusted dogs and protectors where right behind Kagome, her silent protectors.

"Kaistern...Ruwalk...You two are dismissed. I will talk to you later. For now my Queen and I need to talk." He held his hand out to her, as he watched Ruwalk give a nod and leave the room, Kaistern gave a small bow left.

When the two were alone, Kagome took his hand aprihisivly. She didn't know what to exspect, but this man and the other two all seemed to know who she really was. She wanted to find out more...if this man was her husband. That means she loved him at one point...and he thought her dead this whole time.

A pang of sadness ran through her as he gently grasped her hand and lead he to a couch by a fireplace on the other side of the room. She hoped things would turn out okay. She just wanted to know who she was.

Chapter 6

Kagome sat on the elegant couch, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the man who claimed to be her husband, Lykouleon. He had the same warmth in his eyes, the same gentle smile she remembered, even if the memories were just beyond her grasp. Hikari, the dragon, coiled around her neck, seemed to radiate a sense of comfort, as if it recognized the man as well.

Lykouleon sat beside her, his eyes never leaving her face. He was both excited and apprehensive about what was to come. This was his chance to win her heart all over again, to help her remember the love they had shared.

"Kagome," he began softly, his voice filled with tenderness, "I know this must all be very overwhelming for you, and I don't expect you to remember everything right away. But I want you to know that I love you, and I'm here to help you remember."

She looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes. "I... I want to remember, I really do," she admitted, her voice wavering. "But everything is so hazy, like a dream I can't quite grasp."

Lykouleon reached out and gently took her hand in his. His touch sent a shiver of warmth through her. "That's alright," he assured her. "We'll take it one step at a time. We'll make new memories together, and hopefully, the old ones will start to resurface."

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of emotion. She may not remember their past, but the way he looked at her, the sincerity in his words, made her heart flutter.

As they talked, Lykouleon shared stories of their past, of how they had met and fallen in love. He recounted their adventures, the challenges they had faced together, and the moments that had made their love stronger. He spoke of her kindness, her bravery, and her unwavering spirit. He painted a vivid picture of the woman she used to be, and with every word, Kagome felt a stronger connection to her own history.

"I remember one time," Lykouleon began with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "we were on a journey to rescue a captured village, and you insisted on wearing a disguise to sneak into the enemy's camp. You dressed up as a rather convincing bandit, and I had to pretend to capture you. I was so captivated by your acting that I almost forgot it was all a ruse."

Kagome laughed, the memory dancing at the edge of her consciousness. "I always did have a knack for getting involved in unexpected adventures."

Lykouleon's gaze held hers, his eyes sparkling with affection. "And that was one of the many things I loved about you, Kagome. Your spirit was—and still is—unforgettable."

Before she knew it, the evening had turned into night, and the room was bathed in the soft glow of the fireplace. Lykouleon rose from his seat and offered his hand to Kagome.

"It's getting late, my Queen," he said with a gentle smile. "Would you like to rest for the night? We have a beautiful room prepared for you."

Kagome hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I think that would be best," she replied, her eyes never leaving his.

Lykouleon led her to a luxurious bedroom, where the bed was adorned with soft silk sheets and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. Kagome changed into a nightgown that had been laid out for her and slipped under the covers.

As she lay in bed, Lykouleon sat beside her, his hand gently caressing her cheek. "Sleep well, Kagome," he whispered, leaning down to place a tender kiss on her forehead.

For the first time in a long time, Kagome closed her eyes with a smile on her face. She may not remember her past, but in this moment, she felt safe, loved, and hopeful. It was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, a second chance at love and happiness.

Lykouleon watched over her as she drifted into slumber, his heart full of gratitude for the miracle that had brought her back to him. He knew that there would be challenges ahead, but he was willing to face them all to ensure that Kagome's memories and their love would be rekindled.

As he extinguished the bedside lamp and settled in a chair beside her, Lykouleon whispered a promise into the quiet room. "I'll never let you go again, Kagome. I'll be here, by your side, until you remember everything and beyond."

With that, he closed his eyes, knowing that the future held both challenges and joys, but as long as they faced them together, they could overcome anything.

x-x-x

The following morning greeted Kagome with the soft caress of sunlight. She stretched, the sheets falling away with languid grace. The room was bathed in a golden glow, and for a moment, she savored the quiet before reality fully set in.

A soft knock on the door brought her attention back to the present. "Come in," she called.

Lykouleon entered, a tray of breakfast in his hands. The aroma of freshly baked bread and fruits mingled in the air. "Good morning, Kagome," he greeted her with a smile that held the promise of a new day.

Kagome returned the smile, still feeling a bit uneasy about the situation she was now in but seeing him smiling at her left her with a sense of ease and warmth. "Good morning, Lykouleon. You've outdone yourself."

He set the tray on a nearby table, and they shared breakfast in companionable silence. The flavors were familiar, comforting, and she marveled at how even the simplest moments could feel like a rediscovery.

Kagome felt a small smile stretch over her lips more as she heard barking coming from the door and saw the dogs looking at her. She could get used to this...maybe this world she was in now she could get used to. It seems like she had been happy...maybe she could be happy again.