A Longing's Reflection by ItsyBitsySpider

Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, Mirror
Characters: Kagome
Description: The gift for her sixteenth year.
Rating: K
Disclaimer: Oh, yeah. Totally mine. I'm not a sexy Irish girl, but a Japanese woman.
Dedication: Rikayu, for her delightful artistry that inspired this story.  Mainly, her lovely pictures 'Mirror' and 'Helpless'.  ^^

xXx

It was her sixteenth birthday, and the whole kingdom was in a frenzy over the momentous occasion. Left and right, she received gifts from would-be suitors, friends and family alike. The entire day was happy, and busy.

Finally, she got a moment to herself and used it to slip away from the crowds, running down the hall, then the stairs, into the depths of the castle. Whispered words from the past, from a stranger, echoed in her mind.

On the eve of your sixteenth birthday, use this key I give you now. Unlock the unused chamber, and my gift for you will be there...

Of course, she'd been ten at the time and had tried to find the gift back then. The chamber had been bare.

Now, she fitted the key into the lock and turned it, listening wistfully to the familiar grind and thunk. The wood door swung open with a heavy, tired creak. She gasped.

All over the chamber, silk ribbons were draped, blending perfectly with her soft yellow dress. However, the stranger was nowhere to be seen.

Kagome Higurashi, princess of the Tokyo Empire, found herself disappointed.

Until she saw the ornamental mirror on the far wall. It stood at least ten feet tall, it's girth taking up three or four feet of space. The wooden frame was carved at intervals with delicate flowers and smooth, staff-thick vines, seeming almost alive for the vivid picture they presented.

Her face ached for the brilliant grin on her face. “Arigato, etoranze,” she whispered, walking amongst the hanging swaths of fabric to run her hand along the mirror.

xXx

Thanks for reading; R&R!