InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Ad ❯ For Whom the Bell Tolls? ( Chapter 22 )

Chapter 22

For Whom the Bell Tolls?

Inu Yasha sat on the edge of his bed as he watched Kagome sleep, while playing with a little plastic package. The sun was already rising, and soon he would have to wake her. It had been three weeks since the engagement, and they had done nothing but argue. It wasn't so bad. Every argument landed them in his bedroom. He sighed deeply as he watched her sleep. The new rays of sun were washing away the shadows cast upon her slumbering form.

It was the wedding. He had no idea how much trouble planning even a simple one was. Tonight they had argued over the flower arrangements. The night before, they had nearly killed each other over the menu, and all the arguments fallowed the same structure: she wanting his opinion, and he not caring. Who cared if they had Chinese roses or Tulips? Why did she have to get upset when he said he preferred the lilies she had shown him last week? And why did she ask his opinion on the menu if she made it blatantly clear that they could not have Ramen?

Still, he did not regret his choice. He sighed as she gently stirred in his bed. God, she was pretty…not to mention smart, caring, loving and loyal. "What the hell are you doing with an ass like me?" He asked her in a quiet whisper. Sesshomaru had been cracking jokes about that particular question for months, but with the prenup signing only hours away, Inu Yasha couldn't help but wonder himself.

She was with him for her grandfather, first and foremost. That went without saying. She wanted to make her jii-chan happy by fulfilling his last wish of seeing his granddaughter married. They had signed their own prenuptial agreement a week after they started seeing each other with their private divorce conditions. She had specified that they could not divorce until the old man died. At this rate, they would be locked into a lifelong marriage. Inu Yasha smiled at the thought.

Then, she was also with him for their extracurricular activities. He smiled knowing that he had given Kagome her first orgasm. She had never told him with words, but he knew by her scent and her body's behavior. His pride swelled with the knowledge. He knew she was growing addicted to his scent, touch and feel. Soon, she would be as addicted to him as he was to her, which led to the question, how had he gotten under her skin? He had gotten off to a rotten start, but she had changed him. She had made him into a better man, one she would take to her bed. Words she had thrown at him in rage almost three months ago came back to haunt him, "When I take a man to bed, it is because I want to share something special with him, which means he damn deserves it. Not because of his wallet, but because of the man he is. Oh, and before your perverted mind misinterprets that, I don't mean the size of his dick…Just face it, Takahashi! You're out of your league!"

"I am." He thought as he played with the little package in his hands. He had to change his entire strategy, and by doing so, change his perception on life, women and love. The strange thing was that he liked the man he had become better than the man he used to be, even though the other him got more sex. He laughed to himself. Even if he wasn't getting laid every night, the intimacy he was sharing with Kagome was better than anything he had ever had before, even with Kagura, who had been his favorite. Besides, the old him wouldn't dare to think of love. He knew his standards were high, and no self-respecting woman that could meet them, would put herself through the hell of being with him. Yet, here was Kagome, sleeping in his bed. She was trusting him not to take advantage of her, even when she was begging him to fuck her. Kami, what had he done to deserve such a woman? "Thank you."

There was a third possibility, one that Inu Yasha almost didn't dare to consider. She could be in love with him…didn't humans say that love was blind? Hadn't she told his brother that she trusted and loved Inu Yasha completely? Wasn't she the kind of woman that never lied? "But, she's also a lawyer." He reminded himself. "She's a lawyer trying to look after the rights of the children, the penniless, the voiceless...Damn, even as a lawyer she's a saint." He smiled thinking back on the Saturday afternoons he had spent watching her tell the visiting children stories of the Shrine. He smiled as he remembered the way she would scrunch up her nose when trying to make sense of a brief. He smiled thinking that he loved her.

The impossible had happened. Inu Yasha Takahashi, self-proclaimed playboy for life, had found his match in the form of a one-hundred-thirty-five-pound, blue-eyed, lawyer/miko. He swallowed hard. At first, he had wanted her body, and then, he realized he wanted a woman like her to be his companion and mother to his children. When had it turned from a relationship of convenience to one of love? Could it have been at the cabin? Hearing her speak of wanting all three sides of him had been alluring to say the least, but he remembered his feelings changing for her before that. He had kept in check just to please her…Was it that night in her room? Could it have been that kiss they shared in the fountain on the first date? Perhaps it was when she kicked him out of her office the first time they had met. She had been different from the beginning, and he delighted in the thought that he could have her. He had sought out to conquer her, but found himself conquered instead. His father had been right, "Never underestimate the power the bitch you want has over you."

Now, he sat on the edge of his bed, watching the woman he loved sleep as he played with the plastic wrapper, completely in love with the woman he was guarding. Only a few more weeks until they became husband and wife, could he wait that long?

"Hey…what are you thinking?" He looked up to see Kagome's blue eyes open and watching him intimately.

"That we could have all three flowers at the wedding." He replied with a smile as he handed her the wrapper he'd been playing with. She smiled and sat up.

"A fortune cookie…I love fortune cookies." She smiled and hugged him.

"We could give them out at the wedding if you would like."

"That's a nice idea." She said as she broke the cookie in half to give to him.

"What does it say?"

"'You are loved by the ones that guard your sleep.' Weird, huh?" She asked him smiling. He leaned in and kissed her. "Inu Yasha, if you start that, we'll be late." She protested as he moved from her lips to her chin before reaching her neck.

"Shower with me…" he pleaded without moving away from her neck.

"Don't I always?"

.

*-*-*-*

.

Kagura hated doctor's offices, especially when she thought there could be something wrong with her, which is why she wasn't too comfortable waiting for her gynecologist to return with her test results. The constant nausea had persisted along with Sesshomaru's blatant attempts to get them alone. He had used the excuse of the wedding to trap Kagura in more than one compromising situation, each ending with him remarking her. This couldn't go on for much longer. She was going to go crazy. He was pursuing her more vigorously than when they had been younger, and now, to top it all off, she had found out that it takes fourteen days before a woman's body begins to show signs of pregnancy.

So, she now sat in the same chair Kagome had sat about a month ago when she had decided to go on the pill, only Kagura hadn't been so lucky. She hadn't refilled her prescription after ending her affair with Inu Yasha. She wasn't planning on having sexual intercourse for a while, and she felt her body needed a break. Besides, she hated having to take a pill every day when she was perfectly healthy. Now, she was sure she was paying the price. She looked at the diagram of the pregnant woman in fear. She wasn't ready to have a child, much less Sesshomaru's. How was she supposed to explain to her child its parents love/hate relationship? "Why the fuck couldn't I keep my legs cross?" She scolded herself.

"Well, Kagura, I have some good news, and some bad news." Kagura let her head drop in defeat. "You're not pregnant." It took a second for her to register the doctor's words. She took a deep breath and sighed in relief as a smile grazed her lips. But then, she looked at the worried face of her doctor and knew that the worst was still to come.

"And the bad?"

"From what I know of marking ceremonies, though not uncommon not to, most full youkai couples conceive. It is more of a magical union than actual science. The fact that you didn't could be related that you and Sesshomaru aren't ready to move into matehood, but it could also be a sign of infertility."

"You think that there is something wrong with me?" Kagura asked incredulously.

"I'm not sure, but I would like to run some tests. You've been complaining about terrible menstrual pain for sometime, which the pill alleviated. We didn't find any cysts last time, but I would like to examine you again. If you're free this afternoon, I have one vacancy."

"What does all of this mean?"

"I think you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS for short. It is the formation of non-malignant cysts that can lead to infertility. But, it is still possible for you to conceive using the help of fertility drugs." Dr. Aliza explained.

"Will you need to operate?"

"These cysts are usually treated with the pill, which is something you are used to taking. Kagura, I must be honest with you; there is no cure for PCOS. There is still a chance that you don't have it, but I want to get you tested as soon as possible. If you are, I want you under treatment as soon as possible. We can run a transvaginal ultrasound this afternoon around three, if you can make it."

"I was supposed to take Rin to buy her kimono for the wedding…I'll reschedule." Kagura decided as she looked up again.

.

*-*-*-*

.

Kagome and Inu Yasha entered Sesshomaru's feudal-style office promptly at 9 am. It was the second time in a month that Inu Yasha had been timely for something. Making a mental note to make sure all his insurance premiums were paid in case the apocalypse was really around the corner, Sesshomaru welcomed his guest. Myoga was already there. The young couple sat in front of the marble covered desk in the luxurious leather seats as Sesshomaru made a bit of small talk.

"Have you decided on your wedding dress, Kagome?"

"Hai, I'm going for the traditional shiromuku. I was going to go with Kagura and Sango on Friday to be fitted."

"An excellent choice…but I told you I was buying you the dresses. Tell Jaken what you want, and he will make sure you get it."

"I don't want to be a bother."

"It's not bother, and besides, you only get one wedding." Sesshomaru insisted.

"You know, for someone who seemed so against this union, you seemed to be intent on investing in the ceremony." Kagome didn't bother to hide her resentment.

"My opinion on whether you two are making the right choice is irrelevant. What does matter is the fact that my baby brother is getting married. I want only the best for my family."

"Keh, he's just hopping that Souta and Rin will feel weird about dating family." Inu Yasha grumbled.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at his brother before replying, "A father can dream…but, shall we get to the order of business." Sesshomaru handed Kagome a leather-bound book before continuing, "You need to sign where indicated on the last three pages. Myoga and I will be your witnesses."

Kagome took the "book" and made herself comfortable as she opened it and began to read. "I thought you said you trusted Inu Yasha completely.

"I do, but that doesn't mean I trust you."

"That document was made by my father." Sesshomaru retorted.

"And I never had the honor of meeting him, so I have no way to assert a judgment on him." Kagome snapped back. "I'm a lawyer and not stupid. I won't sign anything without reading it first." Kagome pulled out a pair of reading glasses as two men looked at her in disbelief. Inu Yasha, on the other hand, made himself comfortable before replying,

"I told you that you needed to get us a copy before hand, Fluffy."

"What did I tell you about calling me Fluffy?" His brother growled in response. The next hour was spent with Myoga trying to deflate the situation between the two brothers. When Kagome cleared her throat, all three turned to her.

"I have never seen a more badly written prenuptial agreement in my life, and I have seen plenty." Kagome complained.

"We told you it was unfair to the wife." Inu Yasha defended himself.

"It's not the level of injustice that I'm complaining about, which is bad. You cheat on me, and I get nothing. You decide to leave me; I get nothing. You die, and I get nothing…but that's another story. I'm complaining about the poor writing that was used." Kagome stood up to show them a portion that she had highlighted. "It says that this union can only be dissolved if both parties are not in love."

"So?" Sesshomaru looked at her a bit annoyed.

"Define love." She asked with a smile.

"To care for someone." Myoga answered immediately.

"I can care for you and not be in love with you." Kagome continued to argue.

"To want to take care of someone for the rest of their lives." Sesshomaru continued.

"You mean like a mother takes care of a child?" Kagome insisted.

"No, it's different." Inu Yasha spoke up. "It's to want to spend the rest of your life with this person, while the two of you grow together…to want to make this person your partner…companion…you want to build your life with that person. It's no longer looking out for number one, but for the two of you. You are willing to do anything for this person, just to make sure they never have to be sad again, and when you fail…it breaks your heart." He looked directly at Kagome as he spoke, making her shiver under his gaze. She smiled at him lovingly.

"If you can have that added to the document-with the broken heart changed to emotional pain, then I will sign it." She replied without taking her eyes away from the man she loved.

"I thought you didn't care about this document, since you will never need to use it." Sesshomaru asked as he examined the interaction between the couple.

"No, but it says there that someone can contest our marriage…accuse it of being fraudulent. If that were to happen, I want to make sure it is clear what this union is based on. Love is an abstract notion that we all understand, but cannot define. Your father was crazy to think he could create a prenuptial agreement based on it. The law can't define love, so how can this document?" Kagome asked rhetorically.

Sesshomaru chuckled. "You know, if this woman wasn't in love with you, she would have cleaned you out. No judge would hold a prenup like this one valid after such a convincing argument." They were interrupted by Jaken, who delivered the new prenup. The signatures in place, Sesshomaru smiled and shook Kagome's hand, "Welcome to the family; I hope it's permanent."

"Keh, of course it is!" Inu Yasha complained as his fiancée led him out of the office.

"Sorry about being so picky in there, but after how demeaning he has been to us these past three weeks, I thought he needed a taste of his own medicine." Kagome explained as they headed to the elevators.

Inu Yasha smirked as he kissed her temple. "That's my bitch."

"Really, Inu Yasha, in all this time you haven't found a better term of endearment for me?" She asked with a half-annoyed smile.

"No."

.

*-*-*-*

.

It had been nearly noon when his brother and his future sister-in-law had departed his office. The wench had caused him to work through lunch, not that he minded much. Kagome had proven herself diligent, watchful, and worthy to be a member of his family. It had been around one thirty Sesshomaru had received an alarmed called from his daughter.

"Rin, why are you crying?" He asked, but his daughter was unable to formulate a coherent response. All he understood were "Kagura" and "dying."

"Rin, take a deep breath." He tried again, refusing to jump to conclusions. "Now, let's try that again. Why are you crying?"

"Kagura cancelled our date to-to look for my kimono." She sobbed.

"And that has gotten you upset?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. When had his daughter gotten so spoiled?

"You don't understand. She-she had to go to the doctor. Dad…about a month ago, s-she told me she was getting her will in order…and-and now, she's too sick to go shopping!" Rin chose that moment to burst into a new set of sobs and tears. Sesshomaru felt something tighten deep inside him.

"Relax Rin; I'm sure it's just her physical. She needs to take it for her insurance." He lied. "I'll check it out, anyways." He hung up the phone, his daughter feeling better. He quickly had Kagura's secretary on the line. It didn't take long to find out the time and place for the appointment. If there was one thing about Kagura that never changed was her ability to forget appointments. She always had her secretary remind her of everything, including doctor's appointments. He looked down at the information. She had gone to see her gynecologist. There couldn't be anything life threatening about that, right?

"Jaken, I'm taking the rest of the afternoon off. Reschedule everything." He barked as he made his way downstairs.

.

*-*-*-*

.

The room was very small. There was hardly enough space for the bed, in which Kagura was lying on and the machine to her side. She was relieved that she didn't have to fill her bladder this time. For the normal sonogram, she had been left waiting ten minutes, which seems like a lifetime when her bladder is filled to the brim, and because she was nervous, she kept drinking more water.

Unfortunately, she wasn't feeling any better sitting in these yellow walls wearing a gown, than in the cold waiting room. Even though she didn't want children in the near future, it didn't mean she didn't want them at all. Now, it was possible she might never conceive. This was Karma at work. She didn't want the baby, so now, she wasn't getting any. To make matters worse, soon, a stranger would come, ask her to spread her legs and insert a probe into her. The prospects weren't very appealing. "Damn you, Sesshomaru! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be going through this!" She silently cursed unaware of the examining room's door opening.

"Kagura?" Said man asked as he entered the room, unsure what to make of her in a hospital gown.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She barked. "Why did they let you back here? I thought no one was allowed."

"They asked me if I was your husband." He explained. "Then, they asked me if this was the first time I was going to see my baby." There was a note of hope in his voice. His eyes were shinning with life, and Kagura almost felt guilty about saying,

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not pregnant. This is just a routine procedure." She finished with a lie. "An embarrassing procedure, I would rather go through alone." Kagura explained. His eyes seemed to sadden, but he also understood her request. He was about to leave when her technician appeared…her male technician. Sesshomaru stayed put. He smiled at the couple before looking at the chart.

"So, you two are the ones trying to conceive?" He asked with a smirk. He was a handsome elemental fire youkai, with ruby eyes and dark crimson hair. His facial markings were also red, which complemented his green scrubs nicely.

"No." Kagura replied before Sesshomaru could speak. "And he was just leaving."

"Are you sure you want to be alone, ma'am?" He asked as he placed the disposable cover on the transducer before lubricating it. Sesshomaru eyed the long thing instrument. Realizing how far apart the feet rest on the edge of the bed were, he didn't need much imagination to guess where the technician was going to insert that thing.

"I'm staying." He said with finality as he took Kagura's hand in his.

"This isn't necessary!" Kagura complained.

"Ma'am, this would work better if you relaxed." The technician explained as he sat in front of her. "Now, do you mind getting into the position?" He asked ignoring the growl Sesshomaru sent him. Kagura did as was told, subconsciously tightening her grip on Sesshomaru. He turned his attention from the technician to his mate-to-be.

"Does it hurt?" He asked as she seemed to tense under his gaze.

"No…just nervous…How did you know I was here?" She asked trying to get her mind off the procedure.

"Rin called. She thought you were dying. I called your secretary, and she told me you were here."

"I have to remember to kill her later."

"Kagome signed the prenup today. She has decided on the ceremonial dress…make sure money isn't an issue when she picks it and the others."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Kagome has decided to get just one dress."

"But brides have been known to have up to five gowns!" Sesshomaru protested.

"But she doesn't want to go through the hassle of changing five times! I don't blame her. By the way, I'm buying her the wig, so don't complain when you don't get the bill."

"Fine, then I'm paying for the reception."

"You need to take that up with Keiji." Kagura reminded him. "Did you get Inu Yasha his haori and hakama?"

"Yes, I found him an authentic red feudal Fire-Rat Kimono. I know the hakama is supposed to be black, but since the wedding isn't going to be one hundred percent traditional anyhow, might as well get my brother something he'd want to wear."

"Have you showed it to him, yet?"

"No. I'm waiting until the wedding day. I figure I can give it to him while I'm giving him a final warning about harming Kagome. Aren't you done, yet?" Sesshomaru asked the technician, who was getting a too intimate view of Kagura for Sesshomaru's liking. If he wasn't sure Kagura would nag him for it, he would have killed the technician afterwards.

"Just about…well, ma'am, you have the healthiest ovaries I have ever seen. Everything looks normal, but you still need to wait for the test results from your doctor." He then turned to Sesshomaru and finished, "Perhaps the problem is with you, sir."

"Problem?" He asked as his eyes flashed crimson. The technician was aware of Sesshomaru's dislike of him, but decided that it would be fun to taunt an inu youkai; they were such a proud breed.

"Well, a newly marked couple made of two strong youkai breeds not conceiving…it makes one wonder who's shooting blanks." Kagura had to physically restrain Sesshomaru from ripping the technician in half. The young man laughed and left the room.

"What was all this about?" He asked as Kagura made him turn around so she could change.

"My doctor was surprised I didn't conceive during the marking, so she wanted to make sure I was fine." She explained. "It was most likely the fates knowing we weren't ready for children." Kagura finishing, knowing she could easily hurt his pride.

"Why did you update your will?"

"Because Rin wasn't in it, and I have acquired more material items since I was required to get it when I opened my business."

"Talk to Rin. She has convinced herself that you're dying." He demanded as he opened the door for her.

.

.

.

.

*-*-*-*

.

.

.

.

Kagome sat on the edge of her bed as a single woman for the last time. The weeks had flown by so quickly, and now, her wedding day had arrived. Since her mother had past away, Kaida and Mai had taken it upon themselves to help Kagome get dressed. Both women had endeared themselves to the girl when they had first found out she had lost her mother when she was still young. Kaida, knowing her a bit longer, had made it mission to offer Kagome her motherly love, especially since she had no daughters of her own. For Mai, it was just part of her nature. Though she had married a Kizu and into the Kizu family traditions, she was a born nurturer.

The two dark haired women had arrived early in the morning to help Kagome dress and arrange her hair. It had also been an opportunity for the two of them to get to know each other better. It was important to be in good terms since both hoped they would be planning their children's wedding soon.

"Now, Kagome," Kaida began as she pinned back one of her misbehaving curls, "the shiromuku is an important symbol for your upcoming marriage." Both women worked diligently to help Kagome into the white silk kimono. Sesshomaru had specially ordered the silk to have the Inu symbol embedded into the cloth. The layers of silk felt like heavy sheets of iron as Kaida continued speaking, "With it you show your commitment to your husband: 'you will be dyed any color. You will conform to his social standing.' Though things have change, there is an important lesson in those words. You will need to compromise with your husband in order to have a successful marriage. This may include putting aside your dreams and ambitions in order to support his."

"But, it also means, that he needs to do the same." Mai continued. With her hair in a low braid, she reminded Kagome of a non-threatening older Sango. The woman didn't have Sango's temper, but she did have her daughter's smile. "No marriage can be successful in only one person is doing the work." She took the wig Kagura had ordered from Yura and placed it over Kagome's head. The back hair had been decorated with pearls and golden hair combs. "Fit for any samurai!" Mai smiled as she examined the young miko. The silk kimono was perfectly white as it hung from Kagome's curves, even if it had been designed in three layers. The ties had been adorned with gold, and the sleeves were made long and wide. With the wig, she looked like she had just stepped out of feudal Japan.

.

*-*-*-*-*

.

The wedding was only hours away, but Sesshomaru wasn't thinking about that. He had something more important on his mind. There was a certain wind youkai, who kept ignoring him, and the white envelope in front of him. He couldn't take it anymore, he had to know, but every time he tried to open the damn thing, he chickened out. Yes, even the great Lord knew fear.

Sesshomaru slammed the door to his study close as he made his way through his stone house towards his daughter's room, where she would be. Rin stood patiently as Kagura helped her tie her obi. Seeing her father enter her room from the mirror caused the young girl to turn towards him and bow. "How do I look, daddy?" She twirled around in her pink kimono, her hair still pinned in the usual manner.

"Radiant." He answered honestly.

"You don't look so bad yourself." She smiled as she took in her father's traditional armor. His pants were wide, and his haori had pink flowers embroidered on the sleeves, but the metal chest binds kept it from looking too feminine. He had completed the look with a pelt over one shoulder, which only added more attention to his excessively long, but elegant sleeves.

"Kagura, I need to speak with you a moment in private." The wind youkai gave him an incredulous. She pinned a feather to her low bun, and followed him outside. It was strange to see her completely covered, but it didn't make her any less lovely. She wore a white kimono with diagonal red stripes, symbolizing her wind energy. She took her matching fan and opened it as soon as Rin's door was closed.

"I'm armed, so don't bother trying anything." She warned.

"It's not about that…" he was hesitant, but still he handed her the white envelope. She raised a questioning eyebrow to him, only to find him turned away from her. She opened the offending piece of paper quietly before speaking softly and clearly,

"I would never have guessed that the great Lord of the Western Lands would have any doubts about his fertility."

"What does it say?" He demanded. Kagura smiled. He had always been this proud.

"That if your sperm count was any higher, you would impregnate women by shaking her hands. Sesshomaru, really, was this necessary?"

"What was I suppose to think?"

"That maybe it was the fates deciding we shouldn't have children. Honestly, don't you see how complicated things would be if we had conceived."

"Things didn't seem that logical to you when you thought you were the one with the problem." He shot back.

"I'm not the one with the fifteen-year-old daughter. We are talking about my last chance to have a child." She complained before he leaned in and whispered into her ear,

"Rin is your daughter."

"Sesshomaru…" Inu Yasha interrupted the two. He had heard most of the argument and was happy to find out that those two were together, though unhappy to hear them argue about it. "How does this thing go?" He asked innocently as he pretended to be ignorant about what to do with his father's sword. It was the one antique he had specifically left to Inu Yasha.

"Loop it in your belt." Sesshomaru answered as he walked away. "And hurry your ass up, we're late!"

.

*-*-*-*

.

The Higurashi Shrine was beautiful on that cold January morning. It had surprisingly snowed the day before, leaving the God tree and the grounds covered in a beautiful soft white coat. Kagome had insisted on marrying in front of the sacred tree, and when she wanted something, she got it. Souta was standing nervously in front of the tree, feeling the weight of marrying his sister falling on his shoulders. This would be his first official act as a Higurashi priest, and he was sure he would mess it up. Rin smiled from her place by her father's side. He felt better having her near.

The ceremony started with Inu Yasha walking to the altar, entering the area from the right. Keiji, having seen a Christian-style wedding when he was younger, had always wanted to walk the bride in that style. They had implemented a few modern things into their somewhat traditional wedding. The musicians began to play the traditional western wedding march on their flutes and drums, and they approached the altar from the left. He was filled with great joy and happiness as he saw his friends and family gather to wish his granddaughter good tidings in the new life she was about to embark. Looking at his Kagome, his eyes watered. Her mother had looked as lovely on her wedding day.

"I love you, jii-chan." She whispered as he led her to Inu Yasha before taking his place by his grandson's side. Today was a glorious day for the Higurashi family.

Kagome placed her hands in Inu Yasha's and smiled nervously. He stood stiffly as well as he whispered, "You look amazing."

"You look good, too." She smiled back, not hearing her brother's words of welcome. The two lovers stared into each other's eyes as they silently prayed to Kami that the other felt as they did.

They were brought back to reality as Souta began to purify those present in a non-threatening manner. He offered a prayer before the two before him spoke their oath,

"I vow to remain faithful and obedient in our married life." Inu Yasha squeezed her hand gently as they spoke in unison.

"In order to form a stronger bond between the two, we shall now perform San-San-Kudo." Souta announced as Kaede, dressed in miko robes approached the altar. Upon the makeshift table, there were three cups. She filled the first with sake and handed it to Inu Yasha. He took three small sips before handing it to Kagome. Kaede refilled the cup before Kagome did the same as her hanyou lover. Kaede then handed Kagome the second cup and filled it for her to drink in the same manner as the first. After she was done, Kagome smiled and handed it to her future husband. He drank it as well, before Kaede gave him the final and third cup to be drunk in this ritualistic manner. The two smiled as they shared their final cup. "Let this be a lesson you shall carry with you. Someday, its meaning shall be made clear to you." Souta spoke with an air of wisdom.

"Now the rings…" Miroku, dressed in Buddhist robes, and Sango dressed in her traditional exterminator attire approached the couple, each handing their friend a ring.

"With this ring and my honor, I pledge to love you, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in the good and the bad until death do us part." Inu Yasha vowed as he slipped his ring on Kagome's awaiting finger. Kagome was surprisingly calm as she repeated her vow. She knew she loved him.

The two placed a few twigs from the sacred tree upon the altar as an offering. A soon as Kaede had distributed the sake among the guest, they drank to the new couple. As soon as the ceremony was completed, Souta announced, "You may now kiss the bride." Inu Yasha smirked, as he took his wife into his arms for the first time, and claimed her lips in a slow gentle embrace, with the crowed cheered them on.

+++++

Strange chapter, I know, but it was necessary to set up a few things. One of you caught on that the thing with Kagura's pregnancy wasn't over. I hope this chapter didn't get too technical on you, but I needed to set the next stage. I can't remember the last time I needed to do that much research for just one chapter. If you want to know more about Japanese weddings, you can go to http://www.education.mcgill.ca/433-661bw98/g04/japanceremony.html. I hope I did a good enough job of describing it. It was hard, since I've never seen one.

I am so happy I got over 1400 reviews on ff.net!!!!!!!!!! 109 reviews on mm.org!!!!!!!!!!! And TTRCL is still receiving reviews!!!!!!!!!!! Me so happy. Sorry the last chapter was filled with errors, but I finished it around 4 am, and Meche's been on jury duty. Meche, come back; I need you.