InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Enemies and New Friends, Inuyasha Retold ❯ In the Village ( Chapter 16 )

I don’t own Inuyasha.

Warning: Lemon/Limes in this chapter.

This is a long chapter because I wasn’t sure where to split it and it’s all basically about the same subject. Sorry it has taken me so long to do an update but I found a new site called PaperDemon.com and have been obsessed with checking out the artwork and stories there. Every time I sit down to type, I find myself opening IE and seeing what’s new instead of working on my own story. I highly recommend visiting it and joining up. The administrator, moderators and members are all extremely nice and talented as well. Okay I’ll stop pushing my opinions on you now, LOL.
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They reached the village well after the sun had set. Not wanting to disturb the old woman from her slumber, the group claimed an abandoned hut that was on the edge of the village. Sesshoumaru entered last carrying Karma and stopped in horror.

“This is a hovel.” He announced distastefully.

“Get over it you stuck up asshole.” Inuyasha told him as Kagome prepared a pallet to lay Karma upon, “We need to be close by here whether or not it’s to your liking.”

Sesshoumaru gentle placed Karma on the pallet and sat next to the door. Everyone else found comfortable positions to sleep and settled down exhausted, but Inuyasha couldn’t even try to sleep when his brother spoke up.

“You must be here because of that well you and your woman vanish into constantly.” Sesshoumaru stated smugly.

“How do you know about that?!” Inuyasha questioned loudly.

“Shut up you two,” Kagome ordered crankily, “We full humans need our sleep!”

In response to Kagome’s command, Sesshoumaru pitched his voice so low that it could only be heard by Inuyasha. Even to Jaken and Shippo the tone was so low it seemed only a humming noise.

“I have gathered much information about you, my brother, in my previous quest to torment you. I am curious to know where it is you go when you enter the well.” The demon lord stated flatly.

“We…” Inuyasha started to explain quietly but stopped when Sesshoumaru interrupted.

“You are still speaking to loudly, Inuyasha. Reach deep within yourself,” Sesshoumaru instructed, “this form of communication is imprinted on dog-demons before birth to ensure privacy among our kind. Even as a half-breed you are capable of our speech.”

Inuyasha closed his eyes and was surprised to find the knowledge had risen to the surface of his mind at Sesshoumaru’s use of the dog-demon’s true way of speech. He opened his eyes and stared at Sesshoumaru for a few minutes silently.

“Why haven’t I known of this before now?” Inuyasha questioned in the same humming tones Sesshoumaru had used.

“Normally a pup’s knowledge is awoken by interaction with its parents. I am the only other dog-demon you have encountered and I had no desire to train an inferior half-breed in our true ways.” Sesshoumaru informed him.

“Inferior my ass.” Inuyasha stated before questioning, “What others? How many are alive? Why haven’t I ever seen them?”
“I do not know the precise number of living dog-demons. Occasionally an upstart seeks me out in an attempt to claim my lands and title. One of which was the donor of my new arm. Eventually it shall become wholly merged with my body. Even though the benefactor was of weak lineage, he was still a dog-demon and therefore his body was compatible with my own.” Sesshoumaru paused for a moment to let the information sink into Inuyasha’s head and then continued, “I am the Lord of the Western Lands, which is the reason you are ignored by the rest. If I were to perish without an heir, you would inherit the title and then become plagued by the others who wish it for themselves. Now I have answered your questions so I would like mine answered, where does the well send you and your woman, Inuyasha?”

“It sends us to Kagome’s time, five hundred years into the future. Karma is from that time as well. We attempted to take her back but the well will only transport Kagome and me.” Inuyasha ended with a shrug.

“I shall not allow Karma to be taken from me.” Sesshoumaru decreed, “To this effect, I have a request to make of you, Inuyasha.”

“You want a favor from me? The inferior half-breed.” Inuyasha laughed aloud before continuing in the humming tone, “This should be good.”

“Do not mock this honor, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru growled fiercely, “I wish to have you preside over the bonding ceremony of Karma and I, in place of Father. It would please my woman to have you and your pack participate in the ritual and I shall not stand for your mockery of such a sacred event.”

Inuyasha lowered his head, ashamed for his jest over what he knew to be the honor Sesshoumaru named it. Instead of apologizing Inuyasha mumbled, “I don’t know how the ceremony is supposed to be preformed.”

“How could you know such a thing, Inuyasha?” Sesshoumaru asked rhetorically before he calmly stated, “You had no one to instruct you before now. There is no cause to be ashamed of your ignorance.”

Sesshoumaru began to explain the ceremony in detail to Inuyasha. Not to long into the explanation, Inuyasha quit fully comprehending what he heard because just the thought of one of his expected duties turned his stomach. The moment Sesshoumaru finished, Inuyasha stood and went outside for some much-needed air. Sesshoumaru guessed the reason for Inuyasha’s flight so he waited a few minutes before he followed. The second Sesshoumaru approached Inuyasha whipped around to stare angrily at him.

“How the fuck can you be willing to have me scalp the woman you claim to love with my own claw?” Inuyasha growled, “Karma is human, do you have the slightest clue how much pain that is going to put her in?”

“Inuyasha, the pain is mutual and shall not last. It symbolizes the hardships mates must face together. I would never have you or anyone “scalp” Karma, as I am quite fond of her fiery mane. The sections you remove shall reattach to the other and bind us mind to mind, soul to soul. This is why choosing a true mate is not something one would rush into unthinkingly.” Sesshoumaru explained with patience for Inuyasha’s dilemma.

“You seem to be rushing it to me.” Inuyasha snapped, “Are you even certain bonding with a human will work the way you think? What if it kills her? Have you considered that?”

“Inuyasha, this is the way of our species. I was an experienced adult before our father even met your mother. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is meant to be. No other being in all my years has had the power to make me forget myself entirely. Karma is mine, and the ritual shall be done with or without you. Having a blood relation perform the full ceremony is proper but not necessary. If you consent I shall be willing to return the favor if you ever have need. Our father intended to bond with your own mother before he died, if that is a reassurance to you as to how safe it shall be for Karma.”

“I don’t know.” Inuyasha replied still torn by doubt, “If you tell Karma every detail and she agrees to this, I will perform the ceremony for you.”

A huge weight lifted from Sesshoumaru’s heart as he took in the fact that he and Karma would be mated properly. Relieved from the slight concern that they wouldn’t be, Sesshoumaru smiled slightly.

“I have noticed that you have no objections to scalping me.” Sesshoumaru teased lightly.

“Feh, if you try to force this shit on Karma it won’t be your scalp to feel my claw, it will be your throat.” Inuyasha swore.

“You shall do nothing of the sort, brother. You were incapable of killing me when you had no reason to stop yourself from trying. Now that you are aware my death would cause your soon-to-be sister pain, there is no possible way that you could bring yourself to even attempt to take my life.” Sesshoumaru stated smugly.

“Get one thing straight, Sesshoumaru,” Inuyasha said seriously, “even if Karma isn’t dumb enough to be bound to you, she is more my sibling than you have ever or will ever be. If you betray her, I will hunt you down and tear you to pieces with my bare claws.”

Sesshoumaru studied Inuyasha’s deadly serious face for sometime before he nodded.

“I believe I have made a grave mistake by forsaking you, Inuyasha.” The demon lord went back into the hut immediately after he stated so, not giving Inuyasha a chance to respond.

Inuyasha felt he had much to consider so he walked into the forest to spend the rest of the night on his favorite branch of the sacred tree. Kagome found him still sitting there the next morning after she had finished breakfast.

“What’s wrong, Inuyasha?” She called up to him.

Inuyasha almost denied anything was bothering him, but realized Kagome was the only person in the world who had a chance to help him make sense of his thoughts. He leapt down from the branch to land right in front of her. Inuyasha remained silent while he studied the bruise on Kagome’s jaw. He was surprised to find it intensified the perfection of the rest of her face. After taking the stare as long as she could, Kagome raised a self-conscious hand to her jaw in an attempt to hide the mark.

“It makes me look hideous, I know.” Kagome tried to laugh, “If I ever get dumb enough to really make Karma mad at me, just remind me of how hard she can hit.”

“You could never be hideous, Kagome.” Inuyasha insisted, “Although I haven’t decided if I’m going to knock the hell out of Karma for injuring you, yet. I guess I have to wait and see what she says when she wakes up.”

“You know what happened. Naraku tricked her, the same as he’s done to us all. Is that what’s bothering you?” Kagome asked.

“Partly, Naraku must have regained much of his strength to be openly attacking again and Karma handed him the only shard we’ve located since we almost destroyed him last time. He’ll go after Koga’s shards soon and then we both know Kikyou will hand over Kohaku’s immediately. I just feel pissed that we can’t find the bastard and finish him off for good.” Inuyasha took Kagome’s hand from her face and kissed her palm before he allowed it to drop between them clasped with his own.

“Don’t borrow trouble.” Kagome ordered softly as she used her free hand to pull Inuyasha’s head down for a tender kiss.

“Your making new troubles, wench.” Inuyasha said with a half smile.

He released her hand and pulled Kagome tightly to him as he kissed her deeply. There was no doubt about the trouble Inuyasha was referring to, since it was pointedly pressed against her. Kagome’s face broke into a seductive smile as Inuyasha ended the kiss.

“I can fix this problem for you, my love.” She whispered huskily.

“And just how do you intend to do that?” Inuyasha asked with lowered eyes and a crooked smile.

“Weeellll…,” Kagome breathed out as she rose to kiss Inuyasha lightly on the chin, “if you would remove your clothes and sit… AAHHHHH!”
Inuyasha slammed to the ground on top of Kagome. He pushed up his torso as much as possible to relieve Kagome of his weight but it wasn’t much because of the force of the rosary’s spell. The second he was able, Inuyasha stood and brought Kagome to her feet next to him. Inuyasha ran his hands up and down her body checking for injury.

“Are you alright?” He asked in almost panic as he felt her shaking.

Kagome burst out laughing hard. She had to clutch her sides as the force of her laughter sent some pain through her rib cage, but she still couldn’t stop laughing as she fell to the ground. Inuyasha crouched beside her worried that the crash had caused some kind of brain damage.

“Kagome?” Inuyasha asked uncertainly, “Kagome, I think I should take you to a hospital in your time.”

“N...No,” She gasped as she tried to control her laughter, “I’m f...fine. It’s just too funny.”

“I see nothing humorous about crushing you.” Inuyasha stated totally confused and slightly irritated that she could find anything funny about it. “Those spills hurt me, so I damn well know you have to be in worse pain. I’m taking you to a hospital, you must have brain damage or worse.”

Kagome had to choke back more laughter as she replied, “Yes, it hurts a bit in my ribs but I don’t have brain damage, love. I just can’t believe the irony of me using that word when you finally weren’t stopping me from having my wicked way with you.”

“Still not funny.” Inuyasha growled, “The way I see it you either have brain damage after all or you’ve finally gone completely insane.”

“Give me this thing before I change my mind and flatten you, jerk.” Kagome laughed as she reached to remove the rosary from Inuyasha’s neck.

Inuyasha stood fast and looked down at her in shock.

“Kagome, you are insane! You wouldn’t try to remove the rosary otherwise.” Inuyasha stated in alarm, “You damn well know if something happens to make me transform again this is the only thing that might keep you all alive.”

“Inuyasha,” Kagome sighed with a shake of her head, “you haven’t transformed in two years and even if you did, Sesshoumaru is with us now. He can just knock you out long enough to let us bring you the Tetsusaiga.”

At the mention of his brother, Inuyasha remembered the thoughts that drove him to his favorite thinking place to begin with. He leaned against the tree and slid slowly back down beside Kagome.

“What is it, Inuyasha? You can tell me anything, you know that.” Kagome said softly as she moved to kneel in front of him.

Inuyasha pulled her forward so that he could comfortably rest his hands on the crease of her hips. He stared unseeingly at her lap and remained silent.

“Inuyasha, talk to me. I hate seeing you this way.” Kagome prodded gently.

“It’s Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha said with a deep sigh, “He wants me to perform the bonding ceremony for him and Karma.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Kagome asked puzzled, “I think it’s great that he wants you to be involved.”

“I don’t get it. That asshole has been trying to either kill me or find ways to hurt me for years and now I’m just supposed to accept that he changed his mind? What if he hurts Karma to get to me?” Inuyasha told Kagome the questions that had been plaguing him all night.

“My love, have you watched those two together?” Kagome said softly, “I doubt they’ll ever have a peaceful moment but there is no question of either of their feelings. They are in love and I think it was meant to be that way. You can‘t be that upset by it or you would have tried to forbid it from the first time Karma told us.”

“It isn’t their being together. Even though I’m not thrilled with Karma’s choice.” Inuyasha explained, “It’s what I have to do to her in order to bind them.”

“Go on.” Kagome said when he paused.

“I have to use my claw to cut a section of each of their hair from the front left side of Sesshoumaru’s head and the right side of Karma’s still attached to the flesh. How am I supposed to handle the scent of Karma’s blood on my claws? I almost lost my mind when I tore apart those human bandits a long time ago, remember?” Inuyasha asked.

“Yes, I remember it very well. Why do you have to do that to them?”

“I have to hand each of them their own piece and say “The flesh is your soul and the hair is the binding rope.” then they place their own flesh against the wound on the other’s head and say together, “Let my flesh become yours as your flesh becomes mine. My soul belongs to you and I claim your own as mine. We are one being, body, mind and spirit. Nothing can break our binding rope.” Then the flesh should attach to the wound and heal it.” Inuyasha paused as the true meaning of the ritual finally dawned on him and he wished with all his heart he could be bound to Kagome in such an eternal way. Kagome had the same wish but remained silent as Inuyasha continued, “After that, I tie the strips of hair together and they go into a tent to um…consummate the union. When they uhh… you know, finish their business, they put on green robes and stand just outside the entrance to the tent. I have to go up to them where I can verify the joining was complete by the scent from the tent. I’ll have silver cuffs that I put on each of their left arms and say, “In the name of my father I bless this union. May it be long and fruitful.” Then I untie their hair and it’s finished.”

“I think it sounds beautiful, Inuyasha.” Kagome said dreamily, “Why are you so upset by it.”

“I just can’t get over the fact I’ll have Karma’s blood on my claws. I know in my head that it’s not like I’m going to kill her, but in my heart I’m afraid doing it will fuck with her. What if this joining makes her into a mindless killing machine the way I am without Tetsusaiga? I couldn’t live with myself knowing I helped do something like that to her.”

“You are worrying for nothing. Sesshoumaru would never take a risk like that he loves Karma. As for the blood, even in the unlikely event you can still smell it years from now, it will bring the memory of you joining your brother with his wife. You’ll be able to brag about that to your nieces and nephews once they come along.” Kagome pointed out and Inuyasha suddenly laughed aloud.

“Sesshoumaru’s pups are going to be half-breeds just like me!” Inuyasha hugged Kagome cheerfully as he told her, “Don’t mention it to him. When Karma does get knocked up I’m going to enjoy fucking with the asshole over that one.”

Inuyasha laughed wickedly as he imagined it. Kagome took advantage of his distraction since he was definitely feeling better. She quickly removed the rosary from his neck and when he quit laughing in order to protest, she clamped a hand over his mouth.

“The true reason for this has long since past, my love. You don’t need to be quieted anymore, I just use it as a method of punishment when you make me loose my temper, which isn’t fair to you. Just promise me you won’t try killing Koga anymore. There isn’t a reason for it, he has known for a long time that you are the only one I love. Koga just thinks it’s funny to make you jealous and to have you loose your temper.”

“You are not telling me Koga has known all this time how you felt, bitch, when I didn’t.” Inuyasha said deeply offended by the thought.

“Well what do you expect?” Kagome asked slightly irritated at Inuyasha now, “I didn’t know how you felt but it would have been wrong to keep leading Koga on when I knew he didn’t have a chance. You have no one to blame but yourself for not admitting you loved me a long time ago.”

Inuyasha’s response was to quickly stand and bring Kagome up with him. He took her free hand, not wanting to touch the rosary now that he was free of it, and forced Kagome to walk with him back to the village. Kagome smiled brightly because she knew it was his way of admitting she was right even if he didn’t like it.

As they approached the hut they had temporarily claimed, Inuyasha and Kagome saw a very irate Jaken gesturing wildly to Sesshoumaru, who was digging through the saddlebags hanging from the base of the two-headed lizard’s necks. Inuyasha gave Kagome a quick kiss as she headed off to see Kaede. Inuyasha walked up behind Jaken just in time to get pissed of by his words to Sesshoumaru.

“Lord Sesshoumaru, that whore is nothing but a worthless human! I can’t stand idly by while you intend to dishonor yourself by making that trash your mate. It was different when I thought you were merely keeping her as a concubine, it is acceptable to use humans in such a way. My lord, you used to understand this, ever since you saved Rin you have been getting soft. Let’s leave these humans and the half-breed scum so you may remember yourself. You were once a ruthless killer intent on power and domination but now you are turning into a softhearted pushover! Allow me to kill the wo…” Jaken was stopped short by Inuyasha knocking him to the ground.

Sesshoumaru watched silently as Inuyasha beat his servant in to a bloody pulp while Jaken cried out to him for assistance.

“That is enough, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru decreed when it seemed that Jaken was about to pass out. Inuyasha glared at his brother and punched Jaken one last time before releasing him. Completely undisturbed Sesshoumaru spoke to Jaken, “The time has come for us to part ways. You should consider it my last gift that I am allowing you to leave with your life, Jaken. If I ever again here you speaking derogatory remarks about my intended mate, you shall lose the gift I have granted. Now be gone before I change my mind and slay you here and now for your insulting remarks.”

Jaken started to protest but knew it was futile by the cold determination on Lord Sesshoumaru’s face. He hung his head low and walked away. Lord Sesshoumaru will regret choosing that worthless whore over me. I will never forgive him and that bitch will pay dearly. Jaken thought scornfully as he disappeared from sight.

“You should’ve just let me kill him, Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha snapped once Jaken was gone.

“He is of no consequence, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru replied as he pulled two armbands from his saddlebag. “These are the ceremonial cuffs which I spoke of last night.”

Inuyasha took the armbands from his brother and inspected them. Other than one was smaller than its mate was, they were identically designed. They were made to cover half the wearer’s forearm, out of intricately engraved thin silver. At the widest part was a narrow flat band, which read, “One body, mind, and spirit with my blessings.” Underneath this, the largest portion of the cuff was etched in fire surrounding a crescent moon and a dog’s head at the very center. Another flat band that read simply, “Sesshoumaru,” was at the narrow end. Inuyasha reverently traced the words “with my blessings” before he handed the armbands back to Sesshoumaru with a sad look in his eyes. The demon lord replaced the armbands and pulled out another set.

“Our father commissioned these after a seer informed him that you would be a male child, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru said as he held them out for his brother to take. “If they are not the proper fit, I shall have them resized by the original craftsman.”

Inuyasha stared at them in shock before he worked up the nerve to take the armbands made specifically for him. The only differences between his and Sesshoumaru’s bands was that at the center of his own was a full moon which had a silhouette that could have been him overlapping it and at the narrow end “Inuyasha” was engraved. Inuyasha found the larger to be a perfect fit when he briefly tried it on. Inuyasha turned it over repeatedly as if he were looking for something on it, which couldn’t be found. After a few minutes of fruitless investigation, he looked at Sesshoumaru.

“What spells are cast on this?” Inuyasha asked, “I could feel the power but none of the engravings hint at a spell.”

“Father’s blessings are on each of the sets.” Sesshoumaru replied but the demon looked as if he were holding back information that he wanted to give.

“Is that all?” Inuyasha asked suspiciously.

“If you have no secure place to store them, I shall return you’re mating bands to the vault at my castle. Of course that is if you will trust them in my keeping until you are in need of them, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru offered without answering Inuyasha’s question.

Inuyasha envisioned Kagome wearing the matching band to his own wishfully before he handed both bands to his brother. Sesshoumaru nodded his head and returned them to the saddlebag as Inuyasha cleared his throat.

“When…” Inuyasha began but had to stop shortly because he was overwhelmed by remorse. “Would you give them to Kagome when I die and tell her I’m sorry I couldn’t do it myself, Sesshoumaru?”

“You are a fool, Inuyasha but I shall do as you request if you happen to perish before making the woman your own.” Sesshoumaru responded.

Inuyasha was about to reply to his brother’s insult when they both heard a low moan coming from inside the hut. The pair raced inside as Karma sat upright and groaned in pain. Sesshoumaru immediately knelt next to her and wrapped his arms around her. Karma leaned into him before she looked at Inuyasha who was standing over them.

“How are Kagome and Sango?” She asked.

“Kagome has a nasty bruise and Sango won’t be able to use her arm for a while.” Inuyasha answered as he sat in front of the couple. “What happened to you out there?”

Karma looked very uncomfortable with the question and took a few minutes before she answered.

“I thought they were my mother and her boyfriend.” Karma muttered quietly.

“The woman said you claimed to have killed these people. Is that true?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“Yeah, I thought you said a demon killed your mother, Karma.” Inuyasha added his own thoughts to his brother’s question.

“I… I pushed her into the demon when my barrier rose.” Karma admitted. “She was trying to throw me towards the demon and it just happened.”

“I fail to see how that would be considered your fault, Karma.” Sesshoumaru comforted, “If the woman was so intent on sacrificing her own child to the demon, she deserved to be destroyed.”

“No one should have to die that way, Sesshoumaru. It isn’t right.” Karma said quietly as the memory resurfaced.

“That’s why you don’t want to deal with your past, isn’t it.” Inuyasha stated as the realization came to him. “You’ve blamed yourself since it happened.”

“There was so much blood.” Karma said with a haunted voice.

“Karma, you can’t keep blaming yourself. Shit happens and then you deal with it and move on.” Inuyasha told her gently.

“I don’t…” Karma started to say but Sesshoumaru interrupted her.

“That is the first wisdom Inuyasha has ever demonstrated, even though it was spoken crudely. You must not allow your misplaced guilt to give Naraku a readily accessible weapon to use against you. Tell me of this other person you claim to have killed.”

Inuyasha’s face went dark as he answered for Karma. “The bastard raped her when she was a child and fucking got what was coming to him no matter who killed him.”

“No, Little Brother, it isn’t that simple.” Karma insisted, “I saw him after I had been in training for over a year. I don’t know why but I followed him. When he went into an alley something in me just snapped, it was like I wasn’t me anymore. I blocked his way with a barrier and threw two knives into each of his kneecaps. When he couldn’t stand anymore, I picked up a metal bar from the ground and bashed his head. I didn’t stop until there was nothing left of his face to identify. I dropped the bar and started to scream for Captain Jack. I was suddenly in front of him but I could still feel the alley’s pavement under my feet. I told him what I had done and then blacked out. A week later, I woke up in the psychiatric ward of a hospital for demons and humans with power. The incident was covered by being blamed on gang violence but I had to stay there for six months before they would let me go.”

“Don’t tell me you fucking feel guilty over that!” Inuyasha exclaimed.

“Karma, if this man were to have encountered I, Sesshoumaru, he would have suffered a much more brutal death for I would take great pleasure in making the asshole beg to die. Delayed revenge for his actions against you was as just as if it had been done the very moment he laid a hand on you.”

“No it wasn’t just.” Karma said turning slightly to look Sesshoumaru in the eye. “Even if punishment had been given at the time, he wouldn’t have been killed like that.”

“Karma, if you do not except that you are not in the wrong, Naraku will be able to exploit your guilt.” Sesshoumaru insisted.

“But…” Karma started only to be stopped by Inuyasha.

“No fucking buts Karma! The only reason you think it was wrong is because of laws and shit in your own time. Forget law and tell the truth. If you saw someone molesting a child would you call the police or kill the guy to defend the child?”

“I’d kill the fucker.” Karma said instantly enraged by even the thought.

She noticed each of the brothers wore a smug “I told you so” expression, which caused her to really think the matter through for the first time since it happened.

“You know,” Karma said thoughtfully after a moment, “I saw so many shrinks that I lost count in the hospital. Not one of them encouraged me to look at it from that point of view. I don’t like that I did it without knowing for certain that he had treated any other children that way but I’m not sorry for killing him, just for the way I did it.”

“So you don’t have a guilty conscience anymore?” Inuyasha questioned.

“Nothing major, at least.” Karma told him.

“Good.” Inuyasha stood to leave as he said, “You and this asshole you claim to love need to talk. I’m gonna go track the others down and fill them in on it.”

Karma looked puzzled but Sesshoumaru nodded agreement to Inuyasha’s suggestion. Karma pulled out of his arms so that she could look at him comfortably. She was temporarily distracted by the realization her daggers were missing.

“What happen to my blades?” She asked Sesshoumaru in an almost panic.

“They are in my saddlebags along with the contents of your pants pocket that Inuyasha severed. The kitsune gave your toys to that monk and I recovered them for you.”

“Shippo and Miroku, you can say their names.” Karma teased half-heartedly. “What did Inuyasha mean by we have to talk? If it’s bad news I don’t want to hear it.”

“I do not believe it to be unpleasant.” Sesshoumaru said with a half-smile, “Would you do me the honor of becoming the bonded mate of I, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands.”

“Are you asking me to marry you, Sesshoumaru?” Karma asked in surprise.

“The bonding of dog-demons is for all eternity, unlike the pale imitation of humans.” Sesshoumaru stated with superiority.

“How can I marry you then? I’m human incase it slipped your mind.” Karma said a little sad at the thought.

“It has been done before, my wild-fire. I must warn you though, the ritual shall cause you pain and once complete your life shall be bound to mine for all time.”

“Tell me about the ritual.” Karma ordered.

Sesshoumaru explained the ceremony in detail and assured Karma that her pack would be welcome to witness it as well as Rin. She blushed hotly when she tried to picture making love to Sesshoumaru in a thin tent where the others would hear. Questions arose as he spoke but she waited until he was finished to ask them.

“Why does it have to be from the head that the flesh is switched?” Karma asked first.

“Aside from the fact that it is where the binding rope grows from, it connects us mind to mind. You shall never be capable of keeping secrets from me, nor shall I be able to keep anything from you.”

“Okay, I almost get that, I think.” Karma nodded at his answer and then asked, “What about consummating the marriage in a thin tent, does that have a real purpose or is it just to let you show off your skills?”

“It is a formality which has been observed for centuries. It confirms for the pack that the union is fully complete and no one can separate the pair.” Sesshoumaru’s chest swelled with pride from her comment as he answered the question.

“What about the cuffs? They sound more like something kinky than a symbol of marriage.” She grinned as she stated that.

“They cuffs are armbands which cover your forearm. Normally they are only decoration such as a ring is to humans, but mine have been blessed by my father before he perished.”

“Well they sound cool anyway. I just wanted to know if they were some spiritual thing that I don’t know about.” Karma looked very serious when she asked her next question. “What would happen to you if I was sent back to my time? You said it binds our lives and I don’t want to do this if it would harm you.”

“Do not fear, Karma. I would survive knowing the future holds you. You would return only to find me waiting.” Sesshoumaru reassured her.

Karma was about to give her answer when Rin burst into the hut. The little girl launched herself between Sesshoumaru and Karma as she tried to look at them both at the same time with an excited expression.

“Inuyasha said you’re gonna get married! Is it true? Will I get to play with Shippo always, now?” Rin fired off her questions as the rest of the group entered the hut.

Sesshoumaru looked irritated but Karma let out a joyful laugh and hugged the girl.

“Yes,” She said as she looked her fiancé in the eye over Rin’s head, “I will gladly become you’re mate, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands.” A mischievous look crossed her face and she added, “even though you are a major snob and an arrogant jerk.”

Sesshoumaru gently pulled Rin from Karma’s arms and set her aside. With a low growl to show his displeasure at Karma’s teasing insult, Sesshoumaru took his fiancée into his arms and kissed her deeply. Miroku let out a high-pitched wolf-whistle that earned him a light smack from Kagome and Sango because they thought it was an insult to the romantic moment.

“Damn, break it up you two.” Inuyasha said a little more harshly than he intended. “Did the asshole tell you all the details, Karma?”

Sesshoumaru ignored the comments and continued to kiss Karma. Once he was satisfied, Sesshoumaru ended the kiss to allow Karma to answer Inuyasha.

“I know everything, Little Brother.” She said breathlessly.

“Good.” Inuyasha nodded. “When’s the ceremony?”

“Now.” Sesshoumaru replied instantly.

“You are not getting married today, Sesshoumaru.” Kagome burst out in shock that he would think such a thing.

“I see no reason to delay, wench.” The demon lord snapped.

“You are going to at least wait until tomorrow and that is final. I am not letting my friend get married without having a proper feast prepared. Besides that Karma needs new clothes and I don’t mean what you labeled proper attire for a woman to replace her “men’s” clothing.” Kagome snapped back.

Karma lifted her eyebrows at that and waited for Sesshoumaru to explain, which he decided not to do at that moment.

“Very well, tomorrow it shall be but do not expect me to wait all day.” He answered Kagome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

T he next afternoon found the clearing by the well transformed into an elegant wonderland. Kagome had enlisted her mother and Inuyasha’s aide in the present to purchase all that she wanted the previous afternoon and Sango prepared a lovely feast with Kaede’s help since she had to do everything with one arm. Sesshoumaru and Miroku were forced into assisting with the setup of everything, while Karma was banned from the clearing under the watchful eyes of Shippo and Rin. No one had been saddened much to learn Jaken would no longer be around so that didn’t dim the mood in the slightest. Kagome gave Inuyasha finial instructions as she took a large unopened box back to the village for Karma. She dismissed the children as she led Karma into the hut they had claimed.

“I got these for you to wear.” Kagome said handing over the box. As Karma opened it she added, “I know it’s not a real wedding dress but I thought these fit your style more. I hope you like them.”

Karma gasped as she lifted an emerald green halter top and a long flowing black skirt from the box. Her eyes filled with tears of joy and she let out a laugh when she saw that Kagome had also added a pair of black jeans, which were identical to her ruined ones, to the bottom of the box.

“Thank you, Kagome. I…I can’t think of anything else to say.” Karma laughed tearfully.

“Then that is the biggest compliment I could ever get.” Kagome laughed as her own eyes filled with happy tears, “Put them on, Sesshoumaru won’t wait much longer.”

Karma put on the new outfit and twirled once she was finished. The top had a rhinestone choker, which was attached to the body by five strands of rhinestones running up from the top of her chest. The hem ended just above her navel leaving her customary exposed midriff. The skirt flowed from her hips in an ethereal way. Kagome claimed Karma’s chopsticks so that her fiery hair cascaded down her back in vivid contrast to the green top.

“I knew it would be perfect.” Kagome announced.

Karma grinned broadly as she said, “I may just decide to make this top my new fighting uniform. It allows a lot more movement.”

“Don’t you dare!” Kagome laughed as she picked up the jeans from the box. “I thought you might think that so I got you this one as well. It will be easier to wash since it has material going up to the choker instead of rhinestones.”

Karma hugged her as Sango walked into the hut to let the women know Sesshoumaru had given only ten more minutes before he would fetch Karma himself. They all laughed merrily and headed to the clearing. As they entered, Sesshoumaru’s mouth dropped at the sight of Karma in her new clothes. Inuyasha who was standing under a lattice garden arch pushed the button on Kagome’s boom box and suddenly the Beatles were singing “All Together Now” as background music for the ceremony. Karma smiled brightly at Kagome’s addition to make the ceremony represent Karma as well as dog-demon traditions. Sesshoumaru met Karma halfway and together they keeled before Inuyasha. He did his part to cut their flesh from the head and handed each piece to its owner with only a slight wince. As the couple held the hair to the other’s head and said the words, Karma felt a strange but comforting warm feeling extend from Sesshoumaru’s flesh. She was shocked at how firmly attached it was already when Inuyasha tied Sesshoumaru’s lock to her own. Together they rose and followed the red-carpeted path into the white tent, which was set up a few feet away. Karma got an attack of nervousness when she looked at the air mattress Kagome had brought from the present and draped with silk sheets. Sesshoumaru smiled gently down at her.

“Do not be frightened, my love. As I recall, we have already discovered our compatibility.” He teased softly then added as he read her mind, “No others exist at this moment for us so there is no cause to worry about being overheard.”

He kissed her passionately as he carefully began to remove her skirt. Karma forgot about her family outside and sighed happily as she ran her hands over his chest.

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you but I love not having to worry about injuring myself on your armor.” Karma informed him huskily as she removed his shirt to bare the magnificent chest beneath it.

Sesshoumaru growled lowly as he attempted to remove her top due to the defiance of the zippered back. Before Karma could explain how the zipper worked or remove the shirt herself, Sesshoumaru ran a sharp claw down the stubborn garment. It hung limply from the collar until he cut that as well. Karma placed her hands on her hips and gave him a reproachful look.

“I just got that shirt from Kagome and I liked it very much.” She informed him.

Sesshoumaru’s answer was to drop his pants and wrap her in his fur. The demon lord then lifted her and walked to the bed to lay down beside his mate.

“You should not wear garments which defy me. The accursed thing refused to be removed.” Sesshoumaru stated with slight irritation.

Karma heard his words but within her mind, she heard a silent prayer to his father as well. I know now what you meant, Father. I would do anything to keep my mate safe and protected for all time. Please help me never to disappoint this most cherished of all beings. Karma looked up at him with a touched expression and brought her hand to his cheek.

“You could never disappoint me, my love. We will protect each other until the end of our days.”

Sesshoumaru spread her legs wide and plunged into her welcoming center as his only reply. Karma managed to stifle her cries of ecstasy by biting down on his forearm. When her orgasm hit with shattering force nothing could quiet her screams of rapture. Outside of the tent, Shippo and Rin looked very worried.

“Inuyasha! He’s killing Karma!” Shippo exclaimed as he heard her scream.

“Let Go!” Rin shouted as she tried to free herself from a blushing Kagome’s grip, “Rin has to help Lady Karma!”

Miroku decided to explain because Inuyasha was in his own world and Sango seemed to be as embarrassed as Kagome.

“Karma is not being hurt. When a man and woman come together they get caught…”

“MIROKU! They are children, shut up!” Sango said forcefully before looking at the kids, “They are playing a game and Karma is losing. You know how much she hates that, Shippo.”

This answer satisfied both children and a few minutes after the shouting stopped Sesshoumaru and Karma stepped out of the tent. Inuyasha blushingly completed the rest of the ritual and the moment he did Karma could feel thousands of invisible strings running from her to Sesshoumaru and back again. For just a second the area was covered by a shadow that seemed to disseminate approval and joy before it vanished. Father, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha thought simultaneously. After a moment of awed respect Kagome, Sango, Shippo and Rin all ran to envelope the new couple in tearful hugs. Miroku and Inuyasha couldn’t stop themselves from laughing at Sesshoumaru’s almost panicked expression. Karma insisted on someone going to the hut to fetch her other new shirt and jeans. Inuyasha was unhappily the chosen candidate because he could go the fastest. Once he returned Karma went back inside the tent and came back out a few minutes later wearing the ceremonial robe open over her clothes in the same way as Sesshoumaru. They feasted and danced for a few hours before Kagome ordered everyone other than Sesshoumaru and Karma to help with the clean up. Sesshoumaru announced that he was taking Karma away for a few days in order to be alone and that Rin would remain in the village with the others. After a few final hugs between Karma and the other females, Sesshoumaru picked up his bride and quickly disappeared from sight.