InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Road To Forever ❯ Preparations ( Chapter 8 )

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Inuyasha or any of the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi. I do however own the title, chapters, plot and characters in this fan fiction that were made up by me and never introduced in the manga or anime.

 

 

" " : talking out loud

 

' ' : thoughts to oneself

 

Italics: thoughts, flashbacks or dreams

 

Bold: Inuyasha's demon thoughts

 

* * : sounds or actions

 

The Road to Forever

 

-Chapter 8: Preparations-

 

Inuyasha knew that Kagome would want a human marriage ceremony. He would never deny her anything that she wanted. He also realised the importance of having something `normal' to her for once in her life. The hanyou was sure she never imagined pledging herself to the man she was to spend her whole life with in a demon ritual, surrounded by deadly youkai.

 

He could relate. He never had anything normal either. He had pretty much raised himself, relying on his survival instincts to live. He never had a family or friends; at least not until the girl who would be his intended showed up in his life. She had given him everything he could ever hope for, and she was about to give him even more.

 

Falling into old habits and starting an argument after such a long and embarrassing talk about `feelings' no less just seemed to take the tension away. Inuyasha was glad that Kagome knew this, and didn't seem upset any longer.

 

Reality dawned on the silver-haired hero as the couple walked into the Higurashi living room. They were going to have to talk to her mother about this. All of a sudden, Inuyasha found himself feeling dizzy. He knew Mrs. Higurashi liked him, but would she really want her daughter to be MARRIED to a hanyou? Would she accept their future children? He knew that he could deal with disappointment but what about Kagome? If her mother didn't accept their love, Inuyasha knew the girl would be devastated.

 

Kagome's mother was just turning off the television when she noticed the pair walk into the room. Setting the remote down, she noticed the worried face of the hanyou and the smile plastered on her daughter's face. Confused by the opposite facial expressions of the pair she motioned for them to follow her into the kitchen. “Kagome, is there anything wrong dear? Is Inuyasha still sick? He doesn't look very well.” The older woman questioned.

 

Ignoring the last part of her mother's question, Kagome smiled. “Oh Mama, I have something wonderful to tell you!” The girl exclaimed beaming.

 

The half-demon's anxiety was getting worse, and the close proximity to his intended wasn't making this any easier. He tried to calm down and relax for Kagome's sake.

 

“Well, what is it dear?” Mrs. Higurashi asked.

 

Kagome had just noticed that Inuyasha didn't seem as excited as she was about the announcement. The smile on the girls face dropped. `Oh, no….maybe he doesn't want a human wedding. I just assumed that we would get married here and I thought that he would be ok with it. What do I do now? I didn't really even ask him what he wanted…and he probably didn't have a chance to tell me with the way I acted earlier. Oh god! I'm horrible!'

 

Mrs. Higurashi looked at her daughter and noticed the change of the girl's demeanour. The look on her face almost mirrored the hanyou's. “Oh Kagome…oh sweetie, that's nothing to be upset about!” The older woman said as sympathetic as she could, but she couldn't help being happy about what her daughter was trying to tell her.

 

“So how long? And when are you due? Oh I can't wait to play with my grandbabies! I bet he or she is going to have the most adorable little ears!” Mrs. Higurashi followed by grabbing Inuyasha's ears and smiling proudly. She sat back down and waited for a response.

 

Kagome and Inuyasha both went pale. Inuyasha fell backwards in his chair anime-style with a loud crash and a yelp. This was just too much for him to take. By the time he had righted himself at the table again, Kagome was laughing hysterically.

 

“Oh Mama *giggle* it's not what you think.” Kagome barely got out trying to regain her composure after watching her hanyou's previous display.

 

Inuyasha was slightly embarrassed, but after his previous conversation with Kagome, this didn't seem so bad. In fact, after the initial shock wore off from Mrs. Higurashi's question, he was happy by her reaction. Regardless of how wrong her assumption of their current circumstances were, she accepted them.

 

“Keh, she's not pupped if that's what you think. Kagome and I are going to be mates.” Inuyasha smirked a little as Kagome was still trying to quiet her giggles.

 

“Mates?” Mrs. Higurashi was a little disappointed but nonetheless happy. She assumed what the term meant, but she wanted to be certain.

 

“That's a demon term meaning that Inuyasha and I are getting married.” Kagome said looking at Inuyasha lovingly.

 

“Oh that's wonderful news! We can have it here at the shrine, and your grandfather can perform the ceremony! We have a lot of work ahead of us, goodness it`s going to take a good month to get the preparations ready. Oh, I`m so excited!” Mrs. Higurashi beamed. It was about time that boy worked up the courage to be a man and tell Kagome how he feels.

 

“Mama, umm, well actually we were hoping to get married a little sooner than that.” Kagome stared down at her hands, not wanting to burst her mother's bubble.

 

“Oh? Well, I know you probably don`t want to wait; but dear, you must be patient. You are going to have the rest of your lives to-”

 

“This needs to happen in a matter of days. I don't think we should wait any longer than three days.” Inuyasha said, interrupting the mother of his future mate.

 

Mrs. Higurashi was concerned now. “Okay, you two need to tell me what's going on.”

 

Leaving out the part about the couple's earlier behaviour under the Sacred Tree and Inuyasha's demonic lust, the pair explained their current situation. Mrs. Higurashi was afraid of what was to happen to her daughter, and agreed to hasten the preparations for the wedding. She would rather Kagome was married BEFORE she `mated' with the half-demon.

 

It was about one o'clock in the morning by the time Mrs. Higurashi realized what time is was. She said goodnight to the couple and walked upstairs to retire for what was left of the night.

 

“So, are you sure you don't want me to come with you Inuyasha? I mean it does have a lot to do with me too, and maybe I'd have better luck talking to Sesshomaru.” Kagome asked, yawning sleepily.

 

Inuyasha looked over at the girl and smiled. “No, it's okay. You have things you need to do here. I'd also feel better knowing you were here and safe. Carrying the complete Shikon no Tama across the western lands would definitely cause us some trouble on the way. We really need to get this done as soon as possible.”

 

“Okay, well I guess you're not going to stay the night then huh?” Kagome seemed disappointed.

 

“No Kagome, you know I can't. It's not just that I want to get to get started on this right away, but I know I wouldn't be able to control myself…I don't want to mess this up.. Besides, I'm sure there's a reason for the ritual. I don't want to end up with you in a worse state because we weren't thinking and let our urges have their way.” Inuyasha said as he gently brushed a lock of hair behind the young miko's ear, blushing.

 

Kagome brushed her lips against his and turned away, looking longingly at the half-demon she was soon to be bound to. “Well be careful Inuyasha, I love you.”

 

“I love you too Kagome. I'll be back soon, I promise. Just…wait for me, okay?” the hanyou blushed a little more at the heartfelt words.

 

Kagome smiled and nodded before she walked upstairs.

 

Inuyasha smirked and made his way out of the house. Now for the hard part…

 

After leaping through the trees all night and half of the day, Inuyasha slowed his pace and stopped by a small stream. His demon side was becoming more vocal since being separated from his intended in the early morning hours. He was starting to get a headache from the demon's constant harassment. It was taking everything in his power to try and ignore the voice in his head and the urge to run right back to Kagome that came with it.

 

“Why did you leave our mate? She needs us. She's in pain…”

 

Inuyasha stilled as he was about to take a drink from the creek in front of him. He knew about Kagome's pain, and he didn't want to think about how bad it was going to get. He had to do this.

 

`Fuck, would you shut up already? Do you think I don't know that? I'm all the way out here so that we can end her pain. I don't want her to hurt. I would give anything for things to be the other way around. This is all I can fucking do right now. So, if you don't mind, I would like to get to the western palace by tomorrow morning. The more you keep urging me to turn back, the longer this is going to take.'

 

Noticing the voice had quieted itself, the hanyou set out once again across the forests of the western land. `Please, just hang on Kagome…'

 

Meanwhile…

 

Kagome had no choice but to stay home from school today. The pain she had felt upon waking was unbearable and brought her to tears. It lasted much longer than it had the night previous. It subsided eventually and the young woman made her way downstairs where her mother was busily looking through bridal catalogues.

 

“Oh, are you feeling better now sweetie? Would you like me to warm you up some lunch?” Mrs. Higurashi asked, concerned.

 

“That would be great, thanks.” Kagome said sitting down as she flipped through one of the bridal catalogues on the table.

 

“I was hoping you would come down and take a look at some of these pictures. You know, I still have my old wedding kimono if you would like to use it. I remember you telling me how much you liked the western dress as well. I thought that maybe you could wear my kimono for the ceremony and pick out a dress for the reception.” Mrs. Higurashi said while busying herself fixing lunch.

 

“Oh Mama, that would be wonderful. I actually already have an idea of the kind of dress I want. Oh no, what about Inuyasha? I don't have any idea what he wants to wear. Maybe I shouldn't worry, I'm sure he's thought of that…” Kagome trailed off.

 

“Well, we could always have something made for him just in case.” Mrs. Higurashi supplied, setting down a hot pot of oden on the table.

 

“You should eat up Kagome and get dressed. I want to get your dress and start making out invitations today. Your grandfather's out right now talking to an old friend of his about getting Inuyasha some identification documents. Since we run the shrine, we don't have to worry about having the official documentation beforehand, but you will need to get it as soon as you can after.” The older woman stated as she sat down next to her daughter.

 

No sooner had Kagome heard her mother's words, she doubled-over in her chair, tears streaming down her face as another 5 minutes of excruciating pain overwhelmed her small body. `Inuyasha, please hurry back, I need you…'

 

The next day…

 

The morning dew had soaked the hanyou's clothes. The material stuck to his body as he ran through the fields surrounding the western palace, making him terribly uncomfortable. Seeing the palace for the first time in his life, Inuyasha was in awe.

 

The palace seemed to be carved straight from the rock of the mountainside. The morning light gave the white stone walls a golden glow. It was as if it was made of gold. Two giant statues of a male and female Inu-youkai made out of the same stone stood tall in front of the castle gates. The palace was enormous.

 

As he got closer to the massive building, Inuyasha took note of the ornate carvings covering the entire castle wall. Carved into the stone were strange markings Inuyasha had never seen before, but could only guess was the ancient written language of the Inu-youkai.

 

It was then that a strange sense of longing overtook the hanyou. His father was the Inu no Taisho and Lord of these lands, and yet Inuyasha had little to no knowledge of his culture or heritage. Myoga told him what he needed to know when he asked, the thing is, Inuyasha never before desired to know anything about his kin.

 

Things were different now. The silver-haired half-demon was almost mated and he and hi mate would someday have pups. Wouldn't they want to know where their ancestors came from? What kind of answers would he give his children about their heritage? Maybe he could get some answers while he was here.

 

As Inuyasha neared the gate entrance, he was stopped by a demon in full battle gear.

 

“Filthy half-breed, how dare you walk upon these lands! Leave now and keep your head!” An Inu-youkai guard said pointing a sword towards the hanyou.

 

Inuyasha smirked and looked the guard in the eye. “Keh, I don't have time to deal with the likes of you, no matter how satisfying it would be to rip you a new asshole with my Tetsusaiga.” he said as he unsheathed his weapon.

 

“Tet-Tetsusaiga?! How in the world did an ingrate like you come across the Great Dog Demon's sword? Drop it at once scoundrel!” The guard yelled at the sight of the fang.

 

“I don't think so. Now let through, I have some important business with my brother and I really don't want to be here any longer than I have to.” The hanyou said as he suddenly remembered why he was never interested in his culture.

 

The guard laughed. “Ha ha, very funny, like any honourable Inu-youkai around here would ever admit to being related to such scum. Now hand over the weapon immediately!”

 

`Great, I really don't have time for this shit! Looks like I don't have much of a choice though.” Inuyasha thought before knocking out and disarming the small handful of guards that had gathered at the gate.

 

Once inside of the palace gates, Inuyasha walked around trying to pick out his brother's scent. It was difficult as the place was practically drowning in Inu-youkai. One scent did stand out from the rest though, the scent of that small human child that always followed Sesshomaru. Inuyasha decided that the girl would not be far off from his brother.

 

Making his way into the palace and through a small courtyard, disabling random guards on the way, it didn't take long to find the girl. Before he had a chance to take a good look at her, a blur of white passed in front of his face, and he could feel the point of a sword poking him in the chest.

 

“What are you doing here? If you came looking for a fight, I can tell you I do not have the time or the desire.” The Inu-youkai stated in his normal, cold and unfeeling manner.

 

Inuyasha looked at his brothers cold gaze and smirked. “As much as I would rather tear my own tongue out before I ever asked you for anything, I came here because I need your help with something.”

 

Sesshomaru `almost' looked amused. “Well little brother, whatever could be so important that you would think that I would grant you the honour of offering my assistance; especially after the way you trespassed into the palace and attacked my guards?”

 

Inuyasha had already known getting Sesshomaru's help would be next to impossible. Actually having to ask him for ANYTHING was enough to make his blood boil. Kagome needed his help though, so he swallowed his pride and continued.

 

“I…Kagome and I need you to perform a mating ritual for us. You're the only one who can do it. Look, I'll give you the damn sword if it means you'll do it. I can't have her in pain any longer.” Inuyasha stated sadly.

 

The Lord of the Western Lands contemplated for a moment. “It seems you are in quite the predicament Inuyasha. Let me guess, in all your idiocy, you marked the girl unknowingly to both of you?”

 

“Why the hell else would I be here if that wasn't the case?” Inuyasha was getting angry, he knew his brother was getting a kick out of this.

 

Sesshomaru sheathed his sword. “Very well, I will perform the ritual. That human girl was very useful in the defeat of Naraku and is worthy of the honour. However, I do not want the Tetsusaiga. That sword is useless to me.”

 

“Okay, what DO you want then?” Inuyasha was a little surprised that his brother passed up the very same fang he fought Inuyasha countless times and lost an arm for.

 

“There has been an upset in the lands to the north of here. A band of rouge panther-demons are destroying human crops and villages. Normally, the well-being of humans would not be worthy of my attention. However, I will not let that scourge trespass and do what they please on my land. Twenty of my best soldiers were sent out to deal with the situation. Only two of the soldiers returned. It seems that the leader of these panther-youkai brandishes a unique demon sword. Instead of wasting more youkai trying to get rid of this threat, you will go and put an end to these creatures' miserable lives. Once you have done so, I will assist you.” Sesshomaru replied.

 

“Can't this wait? I don't really have time to be playing with cats!” Inuyasha growled.

 

“You do require my assistance, don't you? I would think that your intended mate is in quite a bit of pain right now. It would be best if you left right away, instead of prolonging her torture.” Sesshomaru said as monotone as ever as he walked away from the hanyou.

 

Inuyasha said nothing, only ran out of the palace, trying to pick up a trace of panther-youkai scent.

 

Author's Note: Well, that chapter seemed to take me forever to write. I'm still in a bit of a funk, but nothing time won't fix. I'm going to be away for a little while, so updates are going to take a lot longer.

 

I will try and write when I can, but unfortunately can't say for sure if I'll get another chapter out before the beginning of April. I assure you that things will be back to normal by the beginning of next month with regular updates.

 

Again I'd love to thank my wonderful reviewers:

 

kaitlynpope77 (FF)

xxMonkeey27xx (FF)

 

Yay! *gives candy*