InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Even If You Cannot Hear My Voice ❯ The ceremony ( Chapter 18 )

 

WARNING: ONE LAST LEMON UP AHEAD

(a little reward for having to wait for me to recover before posting this chapter and b/c it's not the last-sorry)

 

 

 

After they had eaten their unusually large dinner of fish, wild boar (thanks to Inuyasha), rice, and berries for dessert (thanks to Shippou), Sango insisted on cleaning the dishes herself, so she starting gathering them up before she would go to the river with Kirara to wash them. The rest of the group went inside Kaede's hut to relax and chat while waiting for her to return.

 

“Nani?! We have three whole days before Sesshoumaru gets Sango's kimono?!” Kagome asked excitedly.

 

After quietly explaining Miroku's plans to everyone in Kaede's hut, Inuyasha was shocked that Sango hadn't heard his mate's sudden outburst outside since Sango had just started to walk to the river not two seconds before Kagome had practically screamed in delight. Keh! Weakling human hears! Inuyasha thought before answering the now giggling girl beside him.

 

“What's so great about that?” Inuyasha asked with one eyebrow raised.

 

“THAT MEANS I HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO GO AND BUY…” she stopped herself realizing that Miroku was standing close to her, “something.” She finished abruptly.

 

“Eh?” Inuyasha mildly responded as he shook his left ear out with his finger. Damn my mate has a shrill voice when she's excited, he thought before remembering his thoughts on the trip back, and his eyes filled with yearning before he took Kagome by the hand and started to drag her outside.

 

“Inuyasha? What're yo-“was all the current inhabitants of the hut heard of Kagome's protest.

 

 

Kaede merely chuckled to herself while Shippou rolled his eyes before announcing to no one in particular, “I hope I don't turn out to be like either Miroku OR Inuyasha when I grow up,” causing Kaede to laugh out loud.

 

No one was around to notice a squirming girl in a hanyou's arms being whisked away to Inuyasha's forest.

 

“Inu-“Kagome was cut off once again by the hanyou, but this time it was with a forceful kiss. Somewhere in Kagome's brain, a thought emerged about the two of them barreling through the forest at break-neck speed and how Inuyasha's eyes were closed, but her brain then decided it was much better to focus on the sensations Inuyasha was causing to run through her body instead.

 

Last time I wasn't going to take her the way I wanted, but there's nothing stopping me now. Then we can go and do her stupid shopping for whatever that “something” is supposed to be. Inuyasha wasn't just going to let Kagome do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted! Had he ever? Besides! Being mates was about give and take anyways, and he was going to take her the way nature intended!

 

Inuyasha looked around suspiciously before stopping and pinning Kagome to an extremely gnarled and old-looking tree.

 

“But, Inuyasha-“

Inuyasha gave her a warning growl and pressed his need between her thighs.

 

“Oh!” she gasped before feeling her cheeks growing red with her own desire.

 

Inuyasha's features softened when he smelled her own need, and he pushed her head aside with his left hand before hungrily licking and nipping the exposed flesh of her neck.

 

“Inu…yasha…” Kagome breathed out heavily. All thoughts of shopping completely forgotten, the young miko relaxed in her hanyou's arms and gave in to the onslaught of heated feelings.

 

Inuyasha started turning feral as he thought about how much he needed her this way. It was in his nature, being a dog demon, and feint jagged purple streaks appeared on his cheeks. Kagome noticed his apparent transformation, but she was unafraid. Even if he had turned into a full demon, which he wasn't yet, he wouldn't hurt her. She was his mate now. Nothing would tear them apart. She quickly wriggled out of her clothes so as to prevent another outfit shredding experience, and bit her lip slightly while she looked up at Inuyasha with bashful eyes.

 

Inuyasha felt like he was going to burst out of his skin when he saw his mate undress for him so readily as well as the blue crescent moon that had appeared on her hip. His eyes burned with intense desire, and he addressed her in inu-speak to convey his want. Bitch. Present yourself.

 

Kagome cocked her head slightly to one side and looked at him confusedly. She knew enough from their little inu-speak learning session that he was saying something, but what? Why won't he just tell me? Well, he is kinda transformed, I guess. Maybe he can't focus his thoughts into words? What does he want?

 

Louder, and more gruffily, Inuyasha growled at his mate once more, but this time, with a definite snarl. Bitch! Present yourself!

 

He lightly dragged his claws across her backside and grabbed her hips tightly. Kagome groaned in delight and realized with a deepening blush what her INU-hanyou mate wanted. Oh my god. With her eyes wide, she began to turn around and was unable to see her hanyou's satisfied smirk.

 

Inuyasha gathered her up and pressed himself on her lower back before kissing and licking her right shoulder. Kagome leaned her head to the left to give him better access, and Inuyasha responded with another one of his low, approving growls. Inuyasha pushed her legs open with his left hand, and could feel his mate's intense heat before delving a clawed finger into her. He heard a sharp intake of breath followed by a moan, and he thrust in another one before finding a smooth rhythm and kneading her right breast with his right hand. Kagome rocked against him a several times before feeling that hot tingling sensation build up again before her body clenched around Inuyasha's digits with throbbing ferocity. After allowing his mate a second to breathe and relax, Inuyasha quickly plunged into Kagome causing her to scream out his name into the forest.

 

Kagome had thought she was tight on their previous encounter, but she now knew that was nothing compared to this. Kagome felt that if she hadn't cried out every time Inuyasha thrust into her then tears would certainly stream from her eyes. Inuyasha could feel his mate's entire body tighten, so he slowed for a minute, giving her time to adjust. Kagome relaxed a little, making the increased pressure within her lessen, and she was slowly able to rock against Inuyasha, encouraging him to continue. Inuyasha gave her a reassuring growl and held onto her neck with his canines and her hips with his hands to steady her while he finished. Kagome felt the teeth on her neck to be oddly soothing, and she lost herself in the world that was her and Inuyasha. Kagome began to feel disoriented, and her body flared up in their passion as her orgasm caused her to call out her hanyou's name once more. Inuyasha felt the massive pressure on his groin and then released into his mate with a contented howl.

 

He slowly pulled out of her and placed his arms around her as she snuggled into his lap.

 

“Okay, what?” He asked a little exasperated.

 

“Huh?” Kagome replied dumbly.

 

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at her and paused for a second before continuing.

 

“You wanted to tell me something?”

 

“What?”

 

Inuyasha couldn't help but smile, though his was trying his best to seem fed up with the poor girl.

 

“Kami-sama, you're a stupid girl. Before! You wanted to tell me something, remember?!”

 

“Hey, I'm not stupid!” Kagome thought for a second. There was something-what was it? How the hell should she know? She couldn't think under these conditions! She looked up at Inuyasha with a sneer. “I don't remember!”

 

Inuyasha had to use all of his faculties to not laugh out loud at her, but he was not able to suppress the supremely proud smirk on his face.

 

Gods, I'm in trouble if I'm not going to be able to think straight every time we do this! She complained to herself with a sigh.

 

Inuyasha laughed his mischievous “I win and you lose” laugh before pulling them both to their feet and redressing. Maybe she won't remember about going shopping at all! Inuyasha loved food shopping, of course, but whenever Kagome was truly excited about shopping, it was about gift shopping and from the ridiculous way she was acting earlier, she definitely wanted to buy some stupid present for somebody. What she wanted or to whom she wanted to give it, he certainly didn't care, and he knew from past experience that gift shopping was not nearly as fun as grocery shopping anyways, so if she didn't remember, that was fine by him.

 

Kagome started to feel her mind beginning to clear as she idly hoped no one had heard her intense screaming. Gods, if Sango ever heard- Kagome quickly gasped and looked at Inuyasha with wide eyes.

 

“SANGO AND MIROKU'S WEDDING PRESENT!!!”

 

Inuyasha groaned loudly.

 

“I CAN'T BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT!!!” she cried before shooting Inuyasha a wicked glare. “IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE TRYING TO DO?! TRYING TO GET ME TO FORGET?!?!”

 

“Eh?! Bitch, what the fuck are you talking about?! Of course it wasn't! How could I be trying to make you forget when I didn't even know who the fuck you wanted to buy a gift for in the first place!?!?” Inuyasha retorted angrily.

 

“OSUWARI!”

 

“ACK!”

 

“DON'T! CALL! ME! BITCH!” Kagome screamed viciously.

 

“YOU ARE MY BITCH, BITCH!!!” Inuyasha bellowed right back after picking himself off the ground.

 

“OSUWARI!”

 

“ACK!!!”

 

“BUT THAT'S NOT HOW YOU MEAN IT WHEN YOU SAY IT!!!”

 

“HOW ELSE AM I SUPPOSE TO MEAN IT, YOU FUCKING CRAZY WENCH!?”

 

“OSUWARIIIIIII!!!!!”

 

“ACK!” Inuyasha looked up to find his mate running towards the well as he pushed himself out of the newly-formed three foot hole ditch in the middle of the forest path. “Fine, Bitch! I didn't want to go shopping with you, anyways!!!”

 

Inuyasha hit the ground once more when he heard a faint “osuwari” being screamed in the distance. Grumbling to himself, he got up again and panicked slightly. But what if she does go food shopping and doesn't buy me ramen?!?! He decided no fight was worth the lack of ramen, and took off after his beloved mate, the bringer of ramen.

 

 

 

********************************************

 

 

“OI! Hachi!” Miroku joyfully shouted the next morning while waving at the large yellow flying object in the sky.

 

Hachi transformed back into a tanuki with a popping sound and poof of smoke, while Mushin who was previously riding the raccoon-like creature stumbled clumsily from the abrupt change in footing.

 

“Ah, Mushin-sama. We are honored that you will be performing the wedding ceremony.” Miroku said respectfully with a low bow.

 

“Nonsense, my dear boy! *hic* It is my pleasure! *hic*,” the old and obviously drunk monk responded.

 

Sango, nearby, gave Miroku a vicious glare before stomping away when Mushin hiccupped yet again.

 

“Mushin-sama, I presume?” said the wise old priestess keenly.

 

“And you must be Lady Kaede. It is such a pleasure to me-*hic* make your acquaintance.”

 

Kaede bowed to the old monk and promptly turned to Miroku.

 

“I assume ye will wait to perform the ceremony until Mushin-sama…” Kaede paused for a second to find the rights words, “has recuperated from his long and tiresome journey.”

 

“That would be most wise, Kaede-sama. Besides, Inuyasha and Kagome have been gone since yesterday, and Sesshoumaru will not deliver Sango's present until at least tomorrow.”

 

“Of course.” The old priestess grimaced slightly at the thought of Sesshoumaru coming to her village. Many of the villagers wanted to attend the ceremony, but they would certainly not show up at all if the demon lord made his presence known close to the couple's nuptials. Miroku had of course told Kaede all about Sango's wedding gift so as not to be alarmed when the inuyoukai would eventually appear to deliver the gift and apparently drop off the young girl named Rin as well for a time. Of course, Miroku did say the two of them wished for a private ceremony anyways, so perhaps Sesshoumaru's presence will not be completely undesirable.

 

“Not to mention the fact that we can't exactly have a wedding without the bride, and Sango has stormed off into forest!!!” Shippou chimed in with a smug look on his face.

 

Miroku sighed and hung his head slightly in defeat.

 

“I suppose I should go after her.” He said with another sigh.

 

Kaede chuckled lightly, and Shippou rolled his eyes before muttering something that suspiciously sounded like “Duh, you stupid monk.”

 

Miroku couldn't say that he found it amusing that the young kitsune was acting more and more like Inuyasha all the time. I suppose it will only get worse as he gets older. Kagome is practically his adoptive mother after all, and that makes Inuyasha his adoptive father by default, he thought a bit exasperated. He tried to suppress thoughts of what would happen if Inuyasha and Kagome decide to live in Kagome's world, but he had been offhandedly worrying about it for a long time now. How would Shippou and his beloved Sango react? What about Kaede…and…him? Inuyasha was a hot-head, true, but he was the only best friend Miroku had ever had, and he would miss the hanyou greatly if they did decide to stay on the other side of the well.

 

He glanced at Shippou once more before setting off to calm his soon-to-be wife and couldn't help but smile despite himself at the very Inuyasha-like sneer on the kitsune's face.

 

Shippou looked back at the monk extremely perplexed at the fact that Miroku was smiling after assuredly hearing his not-so-friendly remark. Stupid humans, he grumbled to himself.

 

 

*********************************************

 

Kagome decided she was going to wear her light blue sundress with her yellow sweater for her shopping excursion, and pulled them out of her closet. Her mother was busy cleaning up the kitchen downstairs, and her grandfather was outside sweeping the grounds of the shrine. Souta was unfortunately still in school, so she couldn't ask him to go shopping with her, either. Her other friends were out of the question since they were still at school, and buying what she came here for would undoubtedly raise suspicion, anyways, so it was off to the stores on her own.

 

“Stupid Inuyasha,” she grumbled aloud. “He could've come with me if he wasn't being such a stupid jerk!”

 

She pulled her dress over her head and screamed when a pair of eyes appeared inches from her own. Kagome's mother heard her daughter's cry, and made her way quickly up the stairs before hearing,

 

“INUYASHA!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!” and deciding to turn around and focus her attention on cleaning the kitchen once more after giggling at her future son-in-law's superb ability to turn her normally sweet daughter into a powerhouse of strength.

 

“I slept on Goshinboku to keep watch last night, and now I'm going shopping with you, what do you think, you stupid girl?!”

 

“Ugh! Not with THAT attitude, you're not!” Kagome was actually taken aback by his apparently new-found determination to go shopping with her, and it was difficult for her to sound angry since she was actually overjoyed by his declaration-without the “stupid girl” part, of course. She almost asked him why in Kami-sama's name he was “keeping watch,” but Inuyasha interrupted that thought by shouting,

 

“Like anything you do or say can keep me away from you!” Inuyasha was rapidly losing his patience. She can't tell me where I can and can't go!

 

Though Inuyasha hadn't meant to say anything remotely sweet and endearing and instead meant his remark to be a challenge, Kagome's features softened nonetheless, and she smiled at him with a slight blush on her cheeks.

 

Inuyasha, still oblivious to the fact that what he said could be taken in a different context was convinced that she was FINALLY starting to understand that she was his bitch and she was FINALLY starting to realize when to submit! He growled his approval, and Kagome felt her cheeks get redder and her heart pound faster.

 

Inuyasha smelled her arousal and couldn't believe it. Was THAT all it took to get his bitch going?! This is fucking great! Inuyasha grinned and looked at his mate with lusty eyes, wrapped his right arm around her waist, pulled her head close to his with his left hand, and gave her a bruising kiss.

 

NO!!! We CAN'T do this in my room with my mom downstairs! She doesn't even know about me and Inuyasha yet!!! Kagome thought desperately.

 

Inuyasha sensed his mate's panic and felt her stiffen, so he relaxed his grip on her and looked into her dark eyes with concern.

 

“What is it, Kagome?”

 

“Gomen ne, Inuyasha, but…we can't do this right now. My mom's downstairs, my grandpa's outside, and besides, we have to go shopping for Miroku and Sango's wedding present…please?” Kagome asked shyly.

 

Inuyasha actually smiled, then held her tightly to his chest. “I'd never FORCE you into doing that with me, Kagome. Never.”

 

“Hmm…arigato…koishii.”

 

Inuyasha released his grip on her and took a step back.

 

“Keh,” he replied with a slight blush on his cheeks.

 

“Yoshi! Let's go…shopping!!!” The excited miko said with a shriek.

 

 

********************************************

 

Impudent spider youkai. Sesshoumaru seethed. Now I must glide to that disgusting little village Inuyasha protects instead of walking there at my leisure. Still. The kimono is exquisite.

 

Jaken and Rin were riding on Ah-Un behind their master apprehensively. Sesshoumaru didn't glide anywhere unless it was of the utmost importance. He always walked around as if every matter was beneath him, and if it did need his attention, there was certainly no need to rush there.

 

“Why are we traveling so quickly, Master Jaken?” Rin asked loudly.

 

“Quiet, you impudent wench! Lord Sesshoumaru always keeps his word!!...even if it is to an insignificant half-demon like Inuyasha.” He finished quietly so as not to annoy his master.

 

“Do you think that lady will like the kimono?” the young girl asked excitedly.

 

“Of course she will!” he yelled back angrily. Lord Sesshoumaru never shows such kindness in these matters. With tears in Jaken's eyes, he wondered if his lord would ever show him such grand affection.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as he quickly glanced at the horizon. Almost sunrise, he thought annoyed, and he transformed into an energy ball and vanished in the direction of Kaede's village.

 

“WAIT FOR ME, LORD SESSHOUMARUUUUU!!!” the little toad demon croaked in despair at his departed lord. “Hurry up, Ah-Un!!!” he screeched at the majestic dragon.

 

With what could only be described as a groan/growl, Ah-Un did their best to fly even faster than before so as to catch up with their master.

 

 

********************************************

 

 

Since Mushin was going over his scrolls for the ceremony, Kaede was helping Sango get ready, Kohaku was directing the villagers where to sit, and Shippou and Kirara were off picking flowers, Miroku was the only one who noticed a demon presence nearby. He quickly grabbed his staff and set off, unnoticed. I hope Inuyasha and Kagome get here soon, he thought. I can't believe they've been gone for two days. My poor Sango was so upset this morning that Kagome wasn't there to help her prepare for the wedding.

 

Surrounded by both the trees as well as an ominous feeling, Miroku announced himself to the presence, “SHOW YOURSELF!” he commanded.

 

Stepping out from behind a tree, Sesshoumaru walked toward the monk with Sango's wedding present in-hand.

 

“It is a shame, Monk, that you merely possess a mortal's sense of auras or perhaps you would not be so defensive.” The youkai-lord mildly chided.

 

“Yes, well. Thank you for arriving on time with the kimono.” Miroku said respectfully with a low bow before slowly taking the kimono from Sesshoumaru. “It's beautiful; arigato. Sango will be most pleased.”

 

It was made with a delicate white silk and adorned with light pink lining. A pattern of sakura blossoms that appeared to be falling from a tree were here and there on the fabric, and they abruptly stopped at the bottom of the kimono as if it were the ground itself. Miroku had only seen one thing in his life that was more beautiful than the kimono he now held, and it was the person to whom he was giving this marvelous gift.

 

“Inuyasha's charge will be here shortly.” Sesshoumaru paused and looked up for a moment before continuing. “Speaking of which-where is my half-brother?”

 

“He should be here shortly. The ceremony is about to start, after all.” Miroku said a little nervously. At least, they BETTER be, the usually naturally calm monk told himself.

 

Sesshoumaru arched an eyebrow at the monk when he sensed his anger and apprehension spike, then he looked towards the well out of the corner of his eye.

 

“It seems my dim-witted half-brother has decided to attend the ceremony after all.” Sessshoumaru remarked condescendingly, knowing his brother was in range to hear anything being said.

 

“What the hell are you still doing here, Sesshoumaru?!?!” Inuyasha demanded.

 

“Hi, Miroku-sama!” Kagome greeted him with a big smile.

 

“Oh. Hello, Kagome-sama,” the monk replied politely.

 

“Waiting for you and your wench to arrive in order to watch Rin while I attend to important matters in the West, of course.” He responded with his lip upturned.

 

“Well, where the hell is she, then?!” He shouted back when he couldn't smell her scent anywhere nearby.

 

“I didn't think your nose was as weak as a mortal's, Brother. After Naraku's disposal, it appears I have overestimated you. I will not make the mistake of expecting too much of you again.” Sesshoumaru said while looking extremely displeased with his half-brother.

 

Just then, Inuyasha caught her scent and was about to yell that he can detect scents much farther if he knew the scent well enough and that he certainly doesn't know Rin's that well since Sesshoumaru keeps her hidden half the time before they all heard,

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama!!!!”

 

And they all looked up to see a pretty little dark-haired girl waving excitedly atop a two-headed dragon and sitting next to a fuming little toad-demon.

 

 

In the village, Sango was far from calm and collected. Shippou and Kirara hadn't come back from picking flowers yet, Miroku's master hadn't looked too familiar with ceremonial procedures, Kohaku had almost sat everybody in the village already, Kagome and Inuyasha were somewhere only the gods knew, and her soon-to-be husband had disappeared!!! She started to feel dizzy, so she sat down on Kaede's futon, tears welling in her eyes. Kaede sat next to the girl and stroked her hair.

 

“It's all right, dear. Everything will work out.” Kaede soothed.

 

“How can you say that?!?! Save you and Kohaku, no one is here that I even care about!!!!” Sango shouted as a few tears streamed down her pink cheeks.

 

 

A few moments later, while Kaede was still trying to console the distressed bride, there was a tapping sound coming from the door of the hut.

 

“Sango? Sango, are you in there?” Miroku called inside.

 

Sango let out a shriek. “Miroku!!! Don't come in here! You're not supposed to see me before the ceremony!”

 

“Calm yourself, my dear Sango. I wouldn't dream of walking in on you at this time, I only wish to hand you something before we say our nuptials.” Miroku said in a playful tone.

 

Sango couldn't help but smile, though she still arched an eyebrow and cautiously approached the entrance of Kaede's hut.

 

“Yes, Miroku? What is it?” She asked mildly curious.

 

“Here, my Siren, my Tennyo, my Love. This is for you.” He said on the other side of the mat.

 

Sango blushed furiously before taking the garment from her beloved monk's outstretched hand protruding from where the mat was slightly pushed aside so the two could not see each other. As Sango held up the kimono, she gasped loudly.

 

“Kami-sama, Miroku!!! It's gorgeous!!! Thank you so much!!!” she exclaimed.

 

“I thought it would make the perfect wedding dress for you,” he told her softly.

 

She looked down at her normal kimono which she was wearing and agreed with her betrothed whole-heartedly. The guests were just going to have to wait. She also thought that maybe Kagome would get to the village in time to help her change into it.

 

“Thank you, Miroku. You have no idea how much this means to me.” She replied earnestly.

 

“You are most welcome, my beloved. By the way, Sango, Kagome and Inuyasha have arrived. Kagome told me to tell you that she will be with you shortly.” Miroku informed her with a smirk on his face. He could just see how relaxed her body became at this news, especially since there was an unmistakable sigh of relief on the other side of the mat.

 

“Well, my Love, I'll leave so you may finish getting ready.” Miroku said before rushing over to Kohaku to help with a small altercation two villagers were having about their seating arrangements.

 

Sango held up the kimono again and smiled brightly. She had no idea where Miroku could have gotten such a lovely gift, but she didn't care about that at the moment. She didn't even remember all of her previous worries she had had not even ten minutes earlier. She stopped gawking at the robe when she heard a rustling at the entrance of Kaede's hut, and saw a welcome sight.

 

“Sango?” Kagome called out sheepishly.

 

“KAGOME!!! YOU'RE FINALLY HERE!!!” Sango ran over to her best friend and hugged her tightly, still aware she was holding her precious kimono all the while.

 

“Sango, I'm so sorry it took so long,” she apologized with a worried look on her face.

 

“Kagome, it's all right. I'm just happy you're here.” Sango released her friend and held up the kimono. “Besides! You're just in time to help me change into this!!!” she shrieked in an uncharacteristically girly way.

 

Kagome gasped and touched the kimono lightly. “Oh, Sango! I've never SEEN such a beautiful kimono!!!”

 

“Miroku got it for me, isn't it wonderful?!” she cried out.

 

Kagome giggled at her friend and nodded before suggesting that it would probably look even better once someone was actually wearing it. That snapped Sango out of her girlishness, and she remembered that everyone was waiting for her.

 

“You're right! We have to hurry!” Sango exclaimed.

 

 

Once everyone was in their designated places, the ceremony began. Kagome had insisted that Rin be the flower-girl, something from a Western tradition, apparently, and she spread flowers around on the walkway to where Mushin stood. Kagome had informed Mushin that she had purchased a set of wedding rings for the pair (who was more excited and impressed by them than Inuyasha to Kagome's displeasure), so before the end of the ceremony, Shippou ran down the aisle, to both Miroku and Sango's complete shock and presented them with the gift. Miroku now understood what Kagome was so excited about a few days before and looked to the beaming miko. Following his eyes, Sango did the same, and her eyes brimmed with happy tears as she nodded ever so slightly at Kagome. Unbeknownst to the others, Inuyasha, however, did smile slightly at how happy his mate made everyone around her.

 

Following the ceremony, there was a grand feast made by the village women, and everybody was so contented that Kaede thought that even if Sesshoumaru had in fact stayed, the villagers probably wouldn't have minded.

 

A few days past the post-ceremonial bliss, Kagome and Inuyasha decided it was almost time to make the wish on the Shikon no Tama, so they told everyone that they were going to prepare Kagome's family for the worst. If anything should happen and they wouldn't be able to see Kagome again, they needed to know. Also, the fact that Inuyasha and Kagome had been mated for quite some time needed to be revealed, so they headed off for the Bone Eater's Well.

 

Once on the other side, Kagome started getting nervous. What would her mom think?! Surely her mom wanted her to be married before mated! She wouldn't understand…would she? This was way too much for her to take. How could she tell everyone? How could she say that something might go wrong, and they might not see her again? What if she did remain in the past-how could she be reborn in the future, if that's the case? Would she live to see herself be born and watch the whole saga from the beginning on the sidelines this time? How was that possible? She sighed before she let her own thoughts cause to become dizzy, and thought, Well, first thing's first. Time to tell Mama and Grandpa and Souta about me and Inuyasha. The young miko sighed again. Oh man, this is gonna suck!

 

The whole time Kagome was thinking, Inuyasha was just staring at her, perplexed. She had completely spaced out, and Inuyasha was beginning to think her brain was broken.

 

“Kagome!” he said for the third time before Kagome actually heard him.

 

“Huh?” she said dumbly before she realized what she had been doing for the last few minutes. Inuyasha just rolled his eyes and arched an eyebrow at her. “Uh…sorry, Inuyasha.”

 

“Are you okay, Kagome?” Inuyasha asked cautiously.

 

“Yeah, Inuyasha. I was just thinking, that's all.” Kagome said with her face still red from embarrassment.

 

“Keh! Well, I guess you shouldn't do that anymore since it looked so hard for you to do!” He pronounced with a smile, and then promptly kissed her to hopefully avoid the imminent “osuwari” that follows such comments.

 

Kagome tried to push him away, but he just kissed harder, and she finally gave up and kissed him back. He opened his mouth to see if she would explore his fangs with her tongue, and she did almost immediately. She's always crazy about those things! He smirked inwardly. Once they broke the kiss, Inuyasha gave Kagome a wary look since he wasn't sure if she'd still try to “sit” him or not, when he decided she wasn't going to, he realized it was time. Time for Kagome to possibly say goodbye to her life in the modern world for good and time to end their journey collecting jewel shards, but it was also time to start a new adventure-sharing their life together.

 

Once inside, Kagome called everyone together for a “family meeting.” Concerned, but still smiling, Kagome's mother set tea out for everyone before Kagome began. Tension was thick in the air, and Inuyasha especially was beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable.

 

“Mom. Grandpa. Souta.” She looked at them all in succession as she said their names with love and underlining sorrow. Suddenly what she wanted to say was so much harder to do now that she was actually doing it. Inuyasha gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, and Kagome found that it was easier to continue. “You guys know I love you very much, but I don't say it nearly as often as I should. Well, Mom, I love you. You've always been so kind and understanding, never condescending and always accepting. You were the first person who taught me what it was to love.”

 

Kagome went over to her mother and hugged her. Tears were now streaming down her face as well as her mother's, and for the first time, Kagome's mother was scared. It sounded like her daughter was saying good-bye to her for the last time.

 

Inuyasha noticed his mate's mother's increasing fear, but didn't stop Kagome from continuing. The young miko then went over to her grandfather and said,

 

“Grandpa, I love you, too. You've always kept us all informed of our spiritual heritage, and without that knowledge, I wouldn't have known many of the things that came in handy in the feudal era, so thank you. You taught me that knowledge and wisdom is a great asset in any era.” Kagome then proceeded to hug her grandfather and went over to her little brother.

 

“And Souta, what can I say? You're my little brother, and though I hate to admit it, I love you, too!” She proclaimed with a smile. Souta blushed and looked sheepishly at his big sister. He adored both Kagome and Inuyasha, and at times he was really sad that his sister was always gone, but he understood that what she was doing was really important. Souta was very mature for his age, and he demonstrated it well.

 

“Seriously, though. I just want you to know that I have always been proud of you, and that I want you to keep working hard and studying. After you were born, I realized how strong someone can be when they want to protect someone they care about because I wanted to protect you. It was a big responsibility I placed on myself, but I was okay with that. So thanks, Souta, for helping me discover my inner strength.” Kagome smiled and hugged her brother before continuing, “That's why I was never surprised when Inuyasha got stronger whenever I was in great danger. I already knew from my own experience that it could happen, even if it was something like a bigger kid picking on you on the playground!” Kagome exclaimed with a smile.

 

“Ah, sis!” he pleaded. He pulled her ear down to his mouth and whispered urgently, “Not in front of Inuyasha!”

 

Inuyasha, of course, could hear Souta and couldn't help but smile. His Kagome certainly had a way of embarrassing people, he knew that as well as anybody, if not more so. He doubted she had ever pummeled any of them into the ground in front of their friends.

 

Kagome sat back down, and was about to continue when her mother stopped her.

 

“Kagome, dear, what is this all about?” her mother asked a bit warily.

 

“Well, Mom. First of all, you already know that we defeated Naraku, but we still have the Sacred Jewel to worry about.” Kagome pulled the jewel from underneath her uniform and showed it to all of them. After a few “ooh's” and “aah's,” Kagome began speaking to them again.

 

“If somebody like Naraku got ever got ahold of it, we could have the same problems all over again, so…it must be destroyed.”

 

Kagome's grandfather looked as if he would have a heart attack and die right there. Of all the nonsense! He could keep it safe here at the shrine! As his mouth opened to inform his granddaughter of such, Kagome silenced him with words of her own.

 

“We don't even know if it would be safe here because there are people here who could taint the jewel as well. Besides, I couldn't live with the fact that I put you guys in danger because of this thing. Also, Inuyasha was given the choice to make a wish on it over 50 years ago, well…over 550 years ago when we're here, but…that's beside the point! The point I'm trying to make here is that he should be the one to make a wish on the jewel to make it disappear, no one else.”

 

With a grand huff, Kagome's grandpa stayed silent, but screwed his face up into a definite scowl of immense displeasure. Souta just rolled his eyes at the fact that he felt he was more mature than his own grandfather at times, and Kagome's mother giggled a little. Kagome continued,

 

“In any case, Inuyasha is going to wish to keep the well open, but-“everyone immediately got excited and a jumbled mess of thrilled approvals was heard before Kagome shouted,

 

“BUT-“they all quieted down, and Kagome went on, “But, we don't know if it will work or not, so we're just preparing you guys for the worst. If it doesn't, I obviously will not be able to come back here.”

 

At this piece of information, the room became deadly silent for several long moments, before Kagome's mother spoke up.

 

“Well, dear, maybe Inuyasha should make the wish in the feudal era while you stay here. This is your home, Kagome,” her mother suggested kindly.

 

“I know, Mom, but there is something else you should know.” Kagome sighed nervously, and she did not see her mother's features soften into a knowing smile.

 

“Inuyasha and I are…married.” There was no way on Kami-sama's good green earth was she going to say “mated.” In the youkai world, they were actually married, but she doubted that would understand or accept that concept very readily.

 

Inuyasha simply arched an eyebrow at her choice of words, but he let it slide, he supposed it was hard enough on her to say that to her family as it was.

 

“But honey,” Kagome's mom interjected, “Didn't you want to have a nice ceremony here with your friends and family?”

 

“Yes, of course I did, Mom, but…it just kinda happened, and-besides!” She added quickly, “How would we have hid Inuyasha's ears, anyways? I couldn't get married to a guy with a baseball cap on!”

 

“Well, we could've had him wear a top hat or maybe pinned down his ears, Sweetheart.”

 

“I guess-I'm…I'm sorry, Mom! I know how much you and Grandpa wanted me to get married here at the shrine!” Kagome began to sob in her mother's arms.

 

Seeing his mate's torment was almost enough to make Inuyasha freak out. He had no idea how much this “getting married” thing had meant to Kagome, but he felt miserable. His mate and her family had wanted something desperately, and he and his selfish bastardness had been the one to deny them that.

 

“It's okay, Honey.” Her mother soothed, “Why don't we have a ceremony of our own? Grandpa has the authority and knowledge to perform it, and you can wear my formal kimono that I wore when I married your father.”

 

“Really?” Kagome said despondently as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

 

“Sure. What do you think, guys?” Kagome's mother asked excitedly.

 

“Let's do it!” Souta cried.

 

“It's not a bad idea at all!” Kagome's grandfather had always wanted to perform Kagome's ceremony, though this was not exactly what he had in mind, she at least was going to have her ceremony in the shrine like she was supposed to!

 

Inuyasha felt more relaxed when everyone agreed to a private ceremony here. This way, he could still make his mate and her family happy, but he wouldn't have to deal with outsiders or hide his ears from them.

 

Kagome got dressed in her mother's wedding kimono and was surprised how well it fit. Kagome's mother was a bit taller than her, and if she fit into her kimono this young, maybe she would grow a few inches still! Inuyasha was plenty tall enough for her to grow a little, and maybe it wouldn't hurt her neck so much to kiss him after she grew! She stopping thinking about getting taller and began to admire the kimono she was wearing. It was beautiful, though it was not the extravagant work of art like Sango's, it was beautiful nonetheless. It was a midnight blue that brought out the depth and darkness of her eyes as well as the almost bluish tint to her raven hair. The lining was snow white, and it was strewn with white lilies in almost the same places that Sango had her sakura blossoms. Her hair looked too messy down, so she pulled it up into an elegant French twist and curled the two stubborn locks of hair in front of her ears that refused to stay in the up-do. Satisfied with the way she looked, she came downstairs to meet her mother. The boys were outside waiting patiently, so they had time for perhaps their very last mother-daughter moment.

 

“Kagome, Dear. You look lovely.”

 

“Thanks, Mom but I don't look as elegant as you did when you wore this kimono, though!” Kagome exclaimed with a smile.

 

“Thank you, Dear, but I find you are so full of life that the flowers on the kimono itself might begin to move! Besides, photographers doctor up the wedding photos a bit.”

 

“Mom, I just thought of something. If we aren't able to come back, Inuyasha and I will live for a long time, maybe even thousands of years, so even if we can't come back right away, I might be able to see you guys again. I don't know how it will work, but to be sure, we would stay away until well after all of this has occurred so as not to disturb anything, but I will try my hardest to come back to you guys.”

 

“I know everything will work out, Kagome. It always has. Even after your father died, we've always been protected by Goshinboku as well as this shrine. We just have to hope for the best.”

 

“Oh, Mom!” Kagome cried and hugged her mother tightly. The two women cried in each other's arms for a few minutes before letting each other go.

 

“Here, Sweetheart. I want you and Inuyasha to have these.” Kagome's mother held out two golden wedding bands as well as a solitaire engagement ring.

 

“Mom, no! I can't take these! These are yours and Dad's! Besides, we won't need them in feudal Japan!” Kagome protested resolutely.

 

“Kagome, I want you to have them. Please, Sweetheart. It will help you remember us if you cannot come back through the well.” Kagome shook her head violently. “Please, Sweetheart. Please, for me. It will make me feel better if I know you're always wearing something that reminds you of both us and your love for Inuyasha. Your father would have wanted you to have them as well.”

 

With one last look of unease, Kagome held out her left hand. “Okay, Mom. Thank you so much. They're beautiful.”

 

“You're welcome, Honey. Always remember that this shrine will never stop being your home, and that Goshinboku will always watch over you as it has our family for generations. I love you, Kagome, and I'm so very proud of you. Now let's not keep the boys waiting any longer-I think Inuyasha's ears have been twitching for five minutes now!” She said with a giggle. Kagome laughed as well and the two of them went outside with bright smiles on their faces.

 

Inuyasha's ears stopped twitching immediately at the sight of his mate. His mouth hung open a little dumbly, and he simply could not believe his eyes. His sweet little Kagome looked like a woman in his eyes for the first time, and she left him breathless. Kagome gave the rings to Souta to present later in the ceremony, and Souta swelled with pride at the important responsibility his sister had bestowed upon him.

 

Kagome's grandfather found that his responsibility was becoming increasingly harder as the ceremony progressed when he began to realize his only granddaughter was really getting married! He tried to compose himself, and everyone was becoming a little choked up except for Inuyasha, of course, but that was truthfully because he was still awestruck by Kagome's grace and beauty.

 

Finally the time came for them to exchange rings, and once Kagome had placed Inuyasha's ring on his finger, he followed suit, noticing for the first time the diamond that Kagome was already wearing. Confused, but no more so than he had been during the other rituals performed during the ceremony, he simply smiled at his Kagome, not paying attention to his now grandfather-in-law who had just pronounce them married and had ordered Inuyasha to kiss the bride.

 

“I said…You may now kiss the bride!” He yelled exasperated with the hanyou.

 

“Huh? Oh!” and with those elegant words, he kissed his now “official” wife, at least in the eyes of his new family.

 

After changing back into her normal clothes, packing a hell of a lot of ramen, as well as some other handy items like soap, Kagome turned to her mom.

 

“If we can't come back, say `good-bye' to my friends for me, will ya, Mom? I can't do it myself. They won't understand.” Kagome felt guilty about not seeing them herself, but she honestly didn't know what she could say to them.

 

“Of course, Honey. I'm sure everything will work out.” Her mother said calmly.

 

“Thanks, Mom. I think so, too. Mina, good-bye.” Kagome said once last time before the two newlyweds jumped into the well and out of sight.

 

“Mom-we'll see her again…won't we?” Souta asked teary-eyed.

 

“Souta, Dear, I do not think the gods would repay Kagome for everything she and her friends have sacrificed with such a cruel fate.”

 

“But still…” Souta replied uncertainly.

 

“Souta. Why don't we ask Goshinboku for Kagome's safe return?” his grandfather suggested.

 

“That's a wonderful idea,” his mother agreed.

 

Under the brilliant blue sky with a soft breeze blowing that caused Goshinboku's lush leaves to sway as if they were lazily dancing, Kagome's family kneeled before the majestic tree, and earnestly prayed for their miko relative's well-being.