InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The worth of a friend ❯ This is the end ( Chapter 18 )

The worth of a friend

 

Chapter 18

 

Bidding goodbye to the villages early the next day the Inu taichi was on the road again, but this time heading home for the final time, the battle with Naraku and his heart finally behind them and put to rest.

 

“It's still hard to believe.” Miroku whispered in awe as he looked down at his hole less hand, which was quickly grabbed by his wife walking at his side. “All the pain and suffering…is finally over.”

 

Listening to the others talking quietly behind him Sesshoumaru looked down at his mate as she walked silently beside him with a hand resting protectively on her belly. Remembering he still had to properly announce his mating back at his western home the taiyoukai sighed silently, not looking forward to the reaction of his overexcited mother, who was sure to gush over him and Hoshiko and probably wouldn't leave them be for a while to come.

 

When they all finally reached Keade's village later that same day they were surprised by the open and warm welcome from the villages, who were busily setting up tables and building a large fire pit in the centre of the village. Hobbling up to the group the old miko was the last to greet them all as they headed to her hut.

 

“Welcome home.” Keade smiled with a few tears in her eyes as Kohaku came up behind her.

 

Before the others had left to find Naraku's heart Kagome, with the help of Inuyasha, had removed the final shard in the boys back which was keeping him from the brink of death, and working together both the old and young miko's had used their powers to heal most of the serious wounds on the lad. Guaranteed that Kohaku was going to live they had all left him in Keade's care, who had brought him round to near full health.

 

“Sango-chan!” Kohaku cried happily, forgetting that the others were watching as he ran up and gave his elder sister a big hug. Laughing and crying the two siblings left the others and headed for the hut, Miroku and Kilala following closely behind them.

 

“So what's going on then?” Hoshiko finally asked, watching villages carrying baskets of food and others things.

 

“All the village has gotten together to present a celebration feast for you all. I dare say you need it.” Keade laughed before ushering the rest towards her home. “Come now, ye all must be tired and weary.”

 

Staying where he was Sesshoumaru watched the others enter the hut save for his mate, who realising that he was not following had stopping in her tracks and looked back at him. Walking back to him Hoshiko tilted her head back to look up into his handsome face, her hands resting on either side of his waist while one of his lifted to brush against her right cheek.

 

“This Sesshoumaru will leave you here with the others. I must head to the western palace and have it prepared for your arrival.”

 

Sighing at the touch and leaning into his hand Hoshiko smiled warmly as she pulled him firmly against her. “That will not take all night I hope. I would be happy to have you by my side for the party.”

 

Smirking slightly down at her Sesshoumaru leaned down and kissed her forehead, his chest rumbling softly in a contented growl before he finally pulled away. “This Sesshoumaru will not be long. Behave yourself while I am gone.” With that parting message the taiyoukai swiftly took to the sky on his youkai cloud, and in minutes had disappeared from sight.

 

Sighing sadly but smiling all the same Hoshiko suddenly snorted to herself as she headed back to the hut. Behave myself! Just you wait till I get my hands on you mate.

 

~*~*~

 

After spending a few hours with their friends Kagome, Inuyasha and Hoshiko left and headed for the well to tell their mother the good news and spend some time with her before the party started. Minutes later the three were seated in the kitchen while Mama listened to them tell what happened the past few days.

 

“It is good to hear that everyone is happy again, but what will happen to the jewel now?” Mama asked worriedly as she looked at the small chunk that hung around Kagome's neck.

 

“Well since it got shattered again we still have to go out again to search for the remaining shards. I have nearly half the jewel hear so there shouldn't be that many to find.” Kagome replied as she flashed a reassuring smile. “But after that I don't know what will happen mama. I know I will live a long time now I'm Inuyasha's mate, so if the well closes and we get stuck on the other side there's still the chance that you'll see us all again.”

 

Smiling through the little tears on her cheeks Mama gave them all a warm hard hug, telling them all they had better come and see her before ushering them upstairs after reminding them about the party they had to go too.

 

Spending another hour or so getting cleaned up and gathering more supplies they quickly bid mama goodbye for now and headed back through the well when they realised that nightfall was fast approaching. Entering the busy village as they sky turned interesting shades of dark blue and red with the setting sun they were awed at the effort that the villages had put into the party. Entering Keade's hut again they saw that Sango and Rin were already dressed up in beautiful floral spring kimono's, with two others hung up on the wall behind them.

 

“Come now children.” Keade ushered them in as the men of the group silently left the hut. “Lord Sesshoumaru returned not too long ago and brought these beautiful dresses for you to wear.” With a dreamy blush on her cheeks the older miko sighed fondly. Aye, to be young again.

 

With Sango's and Rin's help Kagome and Hoshiko were swiftly dressed and nearly jumped out of their skins when the sound of drums being played filled the air. Realising it was time to join the others the woman trooped out, smiling and giggling amongst themselves as they headed to the benches that were laid out, and their awaiting husband and mates.

 

~*~*~

 

Laughing and smiling as she watched her sister trying to get Inuyasha to dance with her Hoshiko heard the quiet snort of mirth from Sesshoumaru beside her, who suddenly without warning wrapped his boa like tail around her, hiding most of her body from view. Keeping her eyes on the others as they danced around the fire they widened slightly when he pulled her onto his lap. She quickly knew what he was about when she felt one of his clawed hands settle onto the little bump of her belly and gently stroke.

 

“My mother is most anxious to see you mate.” Sesshoumaru breathed softly into her ear as his hands continued to pet her.

 

Giggling lightly she turned her attention towards him, her arms wrapping around his neck to pull herself closer. “It will not be long Sess. You will be able to whisk me away come tomorrow. Though you don't look too pleased by it.”

 

Pulling her closer Sesshoumaru sighed softly in her ear before nuzzling it with his nose. “I should warn you now mate. My dear mother will make it her place not to give us a moments peace together with all the coddling she has planned.”

 

Laughing at the near pout he was giving her Hoshiko could bet that his beast was whimpering also at the thought. Stroking the marks on his cheek she nuzzled him reassuringly. “Isn't that what all mothers do Sess. Besides, we could always run off into the woods if you wish to have me all to yourself.”

 

Flashing his mate a very nefarious look at the thought he suddenly held her tightly to him before doing just that. So intent was he in getting away he didn't even realise that the rest of the Inu taichi were watching their departure, and that Inuyasha was smirking and laughing to himself over it.

 

Mumbling something under his breath about his hentai half brother Inuyasha suddenly got the same look Sesshoumaru had sported before leaving, and turning abruptly on his heal he stalked off to find his elusive mate, who was at the moment sat with Sango and a few other village women. Without giving her time to speak the Inu hanyou had scooped her up and dashed off in the opposite direction the other Inu and his mate had took.

 

Shaking their heads at their friends antics the rest of the Inu taichi stayed where they were, continuing on with the party and filling their bellies with food and drink.

 

~*~*~

 

Splashing around in the hot spring her and Sesshoumaru had slept near the night before Hoshiko smiled to herself as she reminisced on what took place, the playfulness her mate had showed her and the relentless pursuit he had in pleasuring her until she couldn't take any more. Sighing dreamily she lifted herself carefully out of the water, shaking her body when she was stood on the bank, which elicited a low hungry growl from somewhere in front of her.

 

Snapping her head up her wide eyes locked with the lust filled ones of her mate who had been back to the village to wake the others and collect her belongings. Ignoring the effect her position was causing and the continued growls she placed her hands on hips and smiled.

 

“What took you so long?”

 

Dropping her bag at his feet Sesshoumaru was at her side in an instant, one hand holding the back of her head tightly as he kissed her with a burning passion while the other grasped her left hip and pulled her flush against his hot body, which continued to shake with his rumbling growls as she moaned and sank against him. Finally pulling back to let her breath the taiyoukai looked down at her glazed over eyes and smirked in male pride, before lowering his head again and nibbling over to her ear.

 

“A little nymph shook her lovely body at me and…distracted me.” Sesshoumaru rumbled in her ear, causing his mate to gasp and shudder as the hot air of his breath tickled it in passing.

 

Giggling Hoshiko petted him in all the right places to distract him until she felt his hold on her slacken, and when she saw her opportunity she slipped away from him and dashed over to her bag.

 

“Now, now mate.” Hoshiko admonished in a sing song tone while she wagged a finger at him playfully. “We have a lot to do today, but if you're a good puppy I'll come play with you later.” Smiling at the pout he graced her with she quickly pulled out a change of clothes and dressed, and when she was ready she picked up her bag and grabbed his hand, before heading back towards the village again.

 

~*~*~

 

Hours later of talking and travelling found the two joined packs looking up at the huge western castle as they followed Sesshoumaru through the giant ornate front gates, pass courtyards and into the receiving hall, where a tall female inuyoukai was waiting to greet them.

 

“Maru-kun!” She gushed before running over and giving him a motherly hug. Locking eyes with the pink haired young woman next to him the inuyoukai swiftly moved her attention and affections to her, pulling her into a tight embrace before letting go and looking her over. “Oh Maru-kun…she is a beauty indeed is your Hoshiko. Oh I'm so proud of you my son!”

 

(A/N: I know Sesshoumaru's mother sounds a bit ditzy here but you gotta understands she's very old and like any good old mother she's wanting grandbabies. She'll be called Ayla for now. Anyway, enough of my rambles, on the with story.)

 

Looking as if he wanted to run and hide and take his mate with him Sesshoumaru just smiled slightly at her, glad that the others were behind him and couldn't see his reactions, before he made gestures for the servants waiting in the shadows to come forward.

 

“You all will be shown to your rooms and given time to freshen up before being fetched for the afternoon meal.” Was all he said before he, Hoshiko and his mother left.

 

The others just looked at each other and snickered under their breaths as they were led to their rooms, Inuyasha grumbling stuff under his breath until Kagome elbowed him hard in the ribs to shut him up, which earned her a glare and a `keh' in return.

 

~*~*~

 

The late night air found most of the Inu taichi resting either in their rooms, the gardens or like Sesshoumaru and Hoshiko in his study, where his mother was currently informing them that their mating announcement was being held tomorrow.

 

“Wow, that was quick!” Hoshiko breathed out after hearing all the preparations her mates mother had already accomplished.

 

“Nonsense my dear girl.” Ayla waved off. “The sudden this is over and done with, the sooner you two can settle down and give me plenty of grandpups!”

 

At this both Sesshoumaru and Hoshiko sweat drops, and feeling the meeting with the older inuyoukai was getting stale the taiyoukai quickly bid his mother goodnight, before dragging his tired mate off to his personal wing.

 

The following day was a blur to the two, with visiting youkai lords giving their blessings, some nicer than others, and the following party lasted for a whole five days. At the end of it both Sesshoumaru and Hoshiko wanted to tear their hair out at all the interruptions when they wanted a private moment, and the taiyoukai had come close on a few occasions in beheading some poor fool who dared to interrupt their private time.

 

The rest of the Inu taichi returned to Keade's village soon after, where they settled down and built their own homes, only returning to the western castle for the birth of Sesshoumaru's and Hoshiko's first pup, which was in a competition in who was going to be born first with Inuyasha's and Kagome's, when she and her sister went into labour on the same day. It caused quite a stir in the castle and all the servants were placing bets. Lets just say there was a lot of losers, and the only winner was Inuyasha who had finally found something he had bested his brother at, until his mate sat him unconscious for the fight that insured.

 

A year after that Sango and Miroku had their first child, a girl, which looked so much like her farther that her mother prayed she didn't inherit his lecherous tendencies. But that's a story for another day…

 

~*~*~

 

A/N: It's finally finished! I know it's a bit of a crappy ending :P but I've been scratching my head over this last chapter for months now. I'd type a couple of sentences, either get distracted or get mad, and leave it for a while. But anyway, I would like to announce that I need this story beta tested, so if someone would like to take this and pimp it up I'd be most pleased. I've also been writing another story called `Head to the past, to save the future'. I've completed quite a few chapters on it and will load a few of them to see what you readers think. And again if anyone wants to beta that one then let me know. Thanks a lot for all the reviews and I look forward to any suggestions and comments.

 

Ja ne!