Hell Knows No Bounds

A.N.: Hey folks! No worries, I am battling the lemons as we speak. *blushes* You'll have to forgive me"¦I've read lemons but it seems I'm a little shy about writing one! I commend those out there who have completed the task!! I'm a freak"¦I know it. Anyway, hopefully the lemons will be alone here soon. You shall have your cake (er"¦um"¦or lemon) and eat it too!! *flashes a victory sign* Fear not!

Disclaimer: I may not own Inuyasha, but I'm still cool in my own little world.

**Last Chapter**

Outside the hut, Sesshomaru's mind reeled. "˜Kagome"¦' His blood roared in his ears as her last statement reached him. "˜Oh gods"¦now how am I supposed to keep myself under control around her?' He smirked to himself as less than pure thoughts raced through his mind. "˜Very interesting courtships so far, indeed.' He stepped away from the hut and sat under a tree nearby, mediating in hope of bringing light to this new turn of events. Another sly smile lit his features.

"So then"¦" Sesshomaru leaned against the tree. "The chase is on."

**On with the story**

Chapter 10
Weddings are about the bride and groom, right?

Kagome began to grind her teeth together as Sango sighed for the thousandth time that morning. The demon exterminator was freakin to put it lightly. Every five minutes either fidgeting or finding some other flaw in her wedding garb. The inner kimono was of a light silk, sugar pink in color and complemented Sango's traditional eyeliner. The outer kimono was of a heavier silk; snow-white in color with sugar pink cherry blossoms embroidered along the sleeves' ends. Her obi was white as well, completing the gown that fell to cover her white-clad feet. Sango's hair had been left down save for some parts around the face that were pinned and adorned with white lilies.

The demoness eyed the gown approvingly; frowning at herself for not having a change of clothes for such an occasion. Nothing from her own time would have been appropriate and blood red wasn't exactly a lucky color to be donning at a wedding. The Hellhound growled low; her mind wandering to the whereabouts of a certain Taiyoukai. Sesshomaru had left early that morning and had not yet returned. Rin and Jaken were still in their company so Kagome could only assume that he would be returning.

"Will you sit still!? You're making me nervous!" Kikyo was toying with a silk fan that Inuyasha had given her. The priestess had traded in her usual priestess uniform for an old kimono of Kaede's. The material had needed a little taking in, but after some short maintenance the cloth was considered fit for adornment. Kaede had apologized to Kagome for having no other clothes to let her borrow.

None of the villagers had anything to spare; partially due to Kagome's tail needed space and their fear of the changed girl. A new demon in the area required a cooling period from the villagers. Most were still convinced that some demon had slain Kagome and taken her body. A small chuckle rose in Kagome's throat; now she understood Sesshomaru's and Inuyasha's annoyance with the quaint village.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I never thought this would happen to me. There was never hope of a husband or family for me." Sango smiled lightly to herself, toying with the prayer beads on her wrist. Miroku had broken the bead necklace that had covered his wind-tunnel and created matching bracelets for the both of them. "˜My sweet, perverted monk"¦' Little did she know that at that exact moment, Miroku was having a similar panic attack and was being "˜consoled' by Inuyasha; by means of growling and threats of disembowelment that is. Kohaku simply watched on, enjoying the interaction between the hanyou and his soon to be brother-in-law.

"Kaede's making the final arrangements. We'll be ready to begin soon." Kagome informed, eyes closed as her ears scanned the area around her. She had picked up Kaede's orders to a select group of village men and women who had agreed to lend a hand setting up seats and arrangements. Kagome opened her eyes and flashed Sango and Kikyo a comforting grin. "No need to feel nervous, Sango. Miroku loves you completely and you two will be very happy. As soon as this blows over we can start planning for Miss Kikyo!"

Kikyo blushed scarlet as Kagome giggled. It was amazing how fast things had moved on. So much had happened since that day at the well, Kagome didn't really feel the need to be sad or depressed over Kikyo and Inuyasha.

"But first things first"¦" Kagome quickly stood and grabbed Kikyo's hand, heading out of the hut. The demoness called to Inuyasha as she headed to the edge of the village. The hanyou quickly met them despite Miroku's nervous protests and claims of abandonment. Letting go of Kikyo, Kagome faced the two and fixed a serious expression on her face. Taking the Shikon no Tama from the chain around her neck, she held it out in front of her. "This needs to be taken care of. I am not returning home anymore so I will not need it. What will the wish be?" She watched as Kikyo and Inuyasha exchanged looks; their hands came together, fingers entwined.

"I wish for Kikyo to be given life"¦and I wish to become human." Inuyasha's eyes never left Kikyo's. The miko's eyes began to well up as he smiled gently at her. Kagome smiled brightly before taking Kikyo's hand and dropping the jewel into her opened palm. She then took Inuyasha's vacant hand and closed it over Kikyo's that held the glowing jewel.

Kikyo and Inuyasha closed their eyes; the jewel began to pulse showering the clearing in a blinding flash of pink and white. Kagome covered her eyes with sleeve and felt an explosion rip through the air around her as the jewel vanished; the area returned to its usual state and the light slowly disappeared. She heard Inuyasha gasp as her eyes focused. Kikyo's skin now held a rosy tone and her eyes burned with life and warmth. Inuyasha's silver hair was now black as a raven's wing and his once gold eyes now were of a burnt amber hue. Despite the reversal in his appearance, he was still breathtaking to behold. Kagome smiled as the couple beheld one another and then threw themselves into each other's arms; tears and laughter weighed in the air. This was a moment 53 years in the making.

"Kikyo"¦you're finally here with me." Inuyasha buried his head in the miko's hair, struggling against the tears.

"I'm so sorry, Inuyasha. I'm sorry I kept you waiting"¦" Words were no longer needed. Kagome giggled lightly once more before turning and leaving the couple alone; the sunlight shining around the embracing forms.

Kagome was halfway back to the hut when she spied Sesshomaru's silhouette against a tree. She ran to him, growling playfully at him. Sesshomaru returned the growl and it was only then that Kagome noticed the packages in his hands. Lifting an eyebrow at him, she cocked her head slightly as she examined the bundles wrapped in silk.

"What are those, Sesshomaru." The question seemed Rin-like even to her. "Did you actually bring wedding gifts?"

"Yes and no, my dear." Sesshomaru gave a quick smile before handing one of the packages to the curious demoness; her eyes widened as she slowly accepted the parcel from him.

"You didn't have to get me anything, Sess." Kagome blushed as she untied the ribbon holding the silk in place.

Her eyes widened even more as the cover fell away to reveal a breathtaking kimono and pair of slippers. The Kimono was silver, but changed from dark to light in different views, and was embroidered with ice-blue vines and leaves and curved and spread throughout the material of the kimono. The slippers were silver with vines for the straps. The silk was unlike anything Kagome had ever felt, the material ran off her finger like water and felt feather-light.

"Don't forget this"¦" Sesshomaru's handsome face now held a genuine smile as he handed her a small wooden box. Her astonished expression was quickly becoming a drug to him. Kagome shakily took the box, shaking her head in wonder.

The box held two diamond-petaled, silver-lined, sakura blossom combs, and a matching blossom hanging from an ice-blue, choker-length ribbon. Kagome felt faint, her eyes began to swim in tears.

"Oh gods"¦thank you so much, Sess." She gazed into his eyes, her emotions swirling around her. Sesshomaru quickly stepped forward and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. He smiled down at her before turning and offering her an arm; the last two packages balanced under his other.

"You should probably change before the ceremony." Kagome took the arm and together they headed for the hut.

Kagome gave Sesshomaru another quick kiss before entering the hut to comfort Sango and change. The Western Lord left to seek out Kaede and the children. Kagome sighed deeply, her back sliding against the hut wall as she dropped to the floor. Sango gave her a confused look only to have it change into a look of the utmost surprise as her eyes landed on the items in Kagome's arms.

"Gods, Kagome! Where on earth did you get all of this!?" Sango crouched in front of Kagome's dazed form and ran the tips of her fingers over the silken robe. She gingerly took one of the combs into her hands, fingering the diamonds in wonderment; a light went off behind Sango's eyes. "This is all from Sesshomaru isn't it?" A sly smile crept into place as Sango interrogated the demoness before her. Kagome raised her eyes to Sango's, the blush gave her ivory cheeks a pomegranate tint. Sango gave a victorious laugh as Kagome nodded her head slowly. "We should get you changed then." Without leaving room for argument, Sango hauled Kagome to her feet and began to help her out of her kimono.

Kagome felt as if she were dreaming as the silken robe fell into place around her; she slide the material between her fingers, careful of her claws. Sango skillfully tied the silver obi into place and stepped back to give Kagome to put the slippers on. The demon exterminator forced Kagome to sit on a futon as she grabbed a brush and the combs. Careful not to ruin her own appearance, Sango undertook the task of pulling up the hair framing Kagome's face into a comb on each side of her head. Kagome yipped painful as Sango snagged her pointed ear.

"Gomen, Kagome! I'll be more careful!" Sango laughed lightly as she finished her task. At Sango's request, Kagome pulled her hair aside to let the woman fasten the choker around her throat. Both women stood and smoothed out their clothes just as Kikyo appeared.

"Oh my! You both look amazing!" Kikyo smiled and beckoned for them to follow. "We're ready for you!" Sango gulped loudly before letting Kagome lead her out of the hut; Kikyo handed her a bouquet of white lilies before they began the walk to the God tree.

"I'm so happy for you, Sango." Kagome whispered as the wedding party came into view. Sango smiled brightly at Kagome, her grip on her flowers tightening.

Kaede stood at the end of a long path of flower petals; Kagome and Kikyo gave Sango another smile before walking ahead to stand at Kaede's right. Kohaku soon stepped to Sango's side and offered her his arm. The demon exterminator's eyes began to cloud as her brother grinned and took her hand and placed it on top of his forearm.

Inuyasha stood to Kaede's left, next to a spaced-out Sesshomaru who hadn't stopped staring at Kagome since she had arrived. Miroku looked on from his position in front of the old woman, his usual monk robes replaced by a deep purple kimono. Black dragons danced along the sleeves and across a shoulder. A black sash was tied across his hips and the silk of the kimono danced with the evening sun's glare. Miroku seemed to pale as Sango began the walk towards him, his breath left his body as her smile reached him.

The Inu brother's remained in their usual clothes, swords resting at their sides. Inuyasha flashed a grin at Kikyo before slapping Miroku on the back, nearly knocking the stunned monk onto his face. Shippo and Rin giggled from their spot on the grass a few feet from the main group. Shippo fidgeted in his new green kimono, annoyed with having to wear something so formal. Rin poked him playfully, the amber, flower-embroidered kimono brought her hazel eyes to life.

Kagome glanced around in growing interest. "˜Figures"¦everyone else had time to get clothes lined up for such an event and I totally spaced it.' She glanced up at Sesshomaru, his eyes bore into her. Kagome smiled slyly as him, her eyes burning brightly into his.

Sesshomaru felt a possessive growl rise in his throat, a smile tugging at his seductive lips. The clothes and jewels had been perfect for her; a woman of her spirit and heart deserved no less. The fire in her eyes and full lips curved in such a sinful manner was beginning to get to him; concentration was needed to keep everyone else unaware of just how powerful this woman was. "˜A goddess amongst mortals"¦' The two continued to stare into each others' eyes even as Sango came to stand next to Miroku before taking his hand.

The sun began to dip into the trees and the ceremony began, the smell of blossoms on the breeze wrapped itself around the gathering. And as Sango and Miroku' lips met, the fireflies began their dance of life and beauty. The cheers of the onlookers rose into the air and into the heavens as the day drew to a close.

Back at the village, the festivities were just beginning. Tables had been set up in the main square and food was being set as the wedding party began to make its appearance. Cheers and laughter rose to greet the happy couple as they took their seat at the main table. Sango blushed and Miroku scratched the back of his head absentmindedly as they gazed around. Kagome giggled as she watched them before going choosing a seat for herself, a presence behind her told her to turn. Sesshomaru smirked down at the demoness in front of him, snaking an arm around her waist.

"Would you do me the honor of sitting with me, Kagome?" Kagome smiled slyly and nodded; Sesshomaru led the way through the mass of humans to Sango and Miroku's table. Inuyasha and Kikyo fed each other, occasionally throwing bits of food at one another. Kagome scanned the crowd for Shippo and sighed in relief when she found him and Rin playing a heated game of tag with the other children. Kagome took a seat to Sango's right and Sesshomaru gracefully set himself on a cushion next to her.

Toasts were made and the music began, a ring of people already beginning to dance to the delightful tune. Kikyo gasped in excitement and immediately grabbed Inuyasha, dragging him into the ring to join in the fun. Kagome laughed heartily at the uncomfortable, stricken look that marred the now human boy's face. Sesshomaru added his own chuckle as he absently sipped at his cup of sake. Kagome popped bits of fruit into her mouth from a nearby tray as she watched a stumbling Inuyasha, giggling at his string of curses.

"Not quite so nimble on his feet when his life isn't in danger, is he?" Sesshomaru commented, watching in apparent amusement as Kikyo tried to guide his half-brother into step. Salt stung his nose as he smelt tears and he whipped his head around to face Kagome, concerned his comment had hurt her. A vision of Kagome holding a hand over her mouth, muffling a fit of laughter met his eyes. Tears fell down her cheeks as her mirth became too great to bear; her infectious laughter rang through the party. Sesshomaru inwardly beamed with pride for making her laugh so.

"I didn't"¦.think"¦.of it"¦.that"¦way!" Kagome wiped her tears away as her laughter subsided. "The look of"¦fear on his face would"¦make you think demons were attacking!" Sesshomaru chuckled deeply, enjoying her glowing, happy aura. Kagome noticed he was not eating and frowned. "Why are you not eating, Sesshomaru? Are you not well?"

"I do not eat human food usually." His nose turned up slightly as he continued. "And to eat in the presence of so many humans is extremely rare"¦..if not unheard of." Kagome's light chuckle made his eyes widen.

"You really need to lighten up, Sess." Kagome smiled again as she bit into a strawberry, the juice running down her chin. With a flash, Sesshomaru's thumb rested on her jaw as he held her in place. A hot tongue darted out, scorching a path across Kagome's snowy skin as it cleaned away the sticky film. The Western Lord's lips hovered barely an inch away from Kagome's, their breath mingling as their eyes danced in the torch-light. The demoness forced the forgotten strawberry down her throat and fought the heat that rose to her face. Another heat pooled within her as Sesshomaru sealed his lips against hers, the familiar hot tongue slipped in between the petal-like lips.

Sesshomaru growled lowly as he wrapped an arm around her, his tongue searching every part of her sweet mouth. Normally, acting so intimate in front of all these humans would have turned his stomach, but Kagome released a passion within him that he had never known. He felt the demoness in his arms answer his growl with one of her own, her clawed hands pressed against his steely chest. The demon felt his skin tingle under the fabric of his robes where ever Kagome's hands roamed. The noise and life around them faded away; an electric force began to pulse in the air.

Kagome moaned into Sesshomaru's mouth, tasting the spiced sake on his tongue as she battled it with her own. She was losing herself and fast. That's when a sudden tug on her kimono brought her from her reverie. Sesshomaru groaned as he felt Kagome's lips leave his; golden, venom-filled eyes scanned for the reason of intrusion. Both he and Kagome looked down to find a tearful Rin tugging on her robes. There were scratches on the girl's arms and legs and Sesshomaru growled at the scent of her dried blood. Immediately Kagome looked around franticly for Shippo, trying to distinguish the kitsune's scent from the others'.

"We were playing and a mean boy pushed me down. He called me a demon's brat and that I was no better than a filthy demon; he yelled at Shippo about being a worthless orphan that nobody would ever want! Shippo tried to defend me but more of them came." Rin began to cry harder. "They're in the field, I couldn't help him so I ran here to get Sesshomaru-sama and Kagome-sama!" In a rush of silver and ebony, the two demons made for the field with Rin cradled in Sesshomaru's arms.

A group of boys stood in the middle of the field, a red-haired kitsune shakily got to his feet as a boy twice his size came at him only to deliver another kick to his midsection. Shippo dropped to one knee as the boy turned to gloat with the other boys. He waited for a second blow but it never came. Sesshomaru and Kagome stood before him, a darkening aura surrounding the both of them.

"Take Rin and Shippo, Kagome." Kagome opened her mouth to protest, but the coldness in Sesshomaru's eyes froze her tongue. Taking a crying Rin from his arms and gently lifting Shippo with her soft tail, Kagome put a few yards between Sesshomaru and herself. The boys shook where they stood, eyeing the Taiyoukai fearfully. "˜I may have been to prideful to protect Inuyasha from such treatment, but I will not make such a mistake again.'

"So you feel strong beating a kitsune half your size, do you?" The icy edge to his words sent shivers down the boys' spines. The group of boys could not have been younger than ten years old. The oldest may have been eleven or twelve at most. "Cowardly actions such as yours should be punished by death, but I will not soil my hands with blood as filthy as yours. You have dishonored your families with such stupidity and should be ashamed. How will you face your kin knowing what you have done?" The words cut like knives; each boy looking at a different spot of grass. Sesshomaru knew what he was saying was beyond hard, but these humans had to learn before they did something far worse than bullying. Drawing up to his full height, he gazed intently at each boy. "If I ever hear of you looking or even breathing in the direction of Rin or Shippo, I will finish what you have started." And with that final comment, Sesshomaru turned coldly and gathered Rin and Shippo from Kagome.

"Thank you, Sess." Kagome smiled warmly as Sesshomaru nodded, he returned her smile with a small one of his own. Adjusting the children in his arms, Sesshomaru motioned for them to leave and so he and Kagome returned to the village, tails entwined as they walked in comfortable silence.

Kagome gazed at the demon at her side and was hit with a realization. She knew deep down what she really wanted, and it was Sesshomaru.


TBC

You like? Yes"¦no? Review review review!!! LoL Take it easy till next time!!! Cheers! "“ G.S.

Special Thanks to:

Kaisgirl112: thank you! I'm flattered that you find the story so great and I hope it continues to entertain you! *grin*

TricksterGoddess: Dude"¦*Blushes scarlet* I loved the review! Those are the reviews that make the 3 in the morning writing sessions worth it! LoL I am honored when people take the time to respond to my story, but especially emotional ones such as you are quite a treat!! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the last! ~_0