Beautiful Souls

With two weddings to prepare for, the group had decided to spend one final day in Kagome’s time before returning through the well. Kagome’s mother had been so thrilled to hear that Inuyasha had formally proposed, that the woman could barely contain her excitement as she began making plans for the wedding. This worried Kagome, who had specified that they just wanted a small wedding, with family and a few friends.

To try and take her mind off of her mother’s frantic preparation, Kagome decided to take the visitors to her time shopping for when they all returned to the Sengoku Jidai. Souta agreed to come too, having become close friends with Kohaku. The Tokyo mall would provide the diversion she needed, plus allow them to pick up the things she wanted to take back with them.

The large indoor shopping center was unlike anything the visitors had ever seen. Although they had spent nearly two weeks in Kagome’s era, they still had not adjusted to the grand scale of everything around them. Each of them absorbed all that they saw, making Kagome happy, especially when she noticed Sango admiring a modern outfit displayed in a store window.

Kagome and the others bought bathing supplies, snack foods, some camping equipment and, of course, candy. As they waited for the elevator, Kohaku had Souta explain to him how the moving room worked. The expression on Sango’s face made Kagome smile. The woman taijiya was greatly affected by the fact that her brother had taken such a profound interest in something, considering all that he’d been through because of Naraku. With that in mind, Kagome decided to make another quick stop.

Entering the bookstore, Kagome explained the different sections to her friends. Kohaku follow Souta to the area that would have books on mechanical devices, as Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha wandered the store, randomly pulling books off the shelves.

Kagome took Shippou to the children’s sections, hoping he’d be interested by the brightly colored illustrations and choose something to read. She was only momentarily surprised when the first book he chose had a large picture of Mickey Mouse on the cover. She let him pick two more Disney books, and two ‘Mickey and Friends’ coloring books as well.

She found Inuyasha in the fiction section, scowling at the shelves.

“This ‘Jones’ guy, from the ride yesterday. Is there a book about him?”

Kagome smiled, “Maybe, but we can rent the movies on the way home if you want to watch them before we go back.”

“Keh,” Inuyasha grunted. Moving along the rows, he recognized the title of one book, pulling it out to examine it - ’20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.’ Flipping through the pages, he muttered to Kagome, “I started reading this last night. This Captain Nemo guy is pretty interesting. Are there any more books like it?”
Kagome drew his attention to the other titles bearing the authors name on the same shelf.

Inuyasha read the back of each one carefully, finally deciding to add ‘The Mysterious Island,’ and ‘From the Earth to the Moon,’ to Kagome’s stack. Miroku found them, asking Kagome if he could repay her for a book on the history of Japan, making his eyes glow when she agreed. With the addition of a yoga book for herself, a martial arts book for Sango and a beginning physics book for Kohaku, Kagome paid for their purchases and they headed back to the shrine for dinner.

Kagome cringed at the stack of invitations her mother had bought while they were out. Sitting at the table addressing envelopes, Mrs. Higurashi smiled in greeting to them as they entered the house, talking loudly. Seeing the look on Kagome’s face, she laughed, “Don’t worry, I promise to keep it small. Some of these are going to cousins living in the United States, and they won’t travel on such short notice. I just want to make the announcement.”

“Short notice?” Kagome looked at Inuyasha as the two knelt beside her mother at the table.

Mrs. Higurashi nodded, “I set the wedding for three weeks from today. I know that Sango and Miroku are planning theirs for two weeks, so I wanted to allow enough time between the two. Is that all right?”

Kagome glanced at Inuyasha before nodding. Three weeks would feel like forever, but the timing was right.

As Kagome stood to leave with Inuyasha following suit, Mrs. Higurashi stopped her, “Kagome… have you thought about inviting Houjou?”

Frowning, Kagome thought. Houjou had always been a good friend to her, but should she invite the boy who’d had a crush on her for three years, to her wedding? Deciding he’d probably be more hurt if she didn’t, Kagome told her mother to go ahead and send him an invitation. He’d have to know about the wedding sooner or later, and it would be better coming from her than someone else.

As they went to join their friends in the living room to watch the Indiana Jones movies they’d rented, Inuyasha scowled, “He’d better not try anything.”

Kagome giggled, “It’s our wedding day, what would he try?”

“Keh. Just make sure he doesn’t.”

Stopping in the hallway, Kagome turned to Inuyasha and hugged him, “I told you… there’s nobody for me but you. Forever, got it? You don’t ever have to be jealous or worry about anyone who shows interest in me. All I’ll ever want is you, baka.”

Inuyasha smiled. He still wasn’t used to the idea that she wanted him exactly as he was. Every time he looked at her, fear pulled at his heart, worrying him that she didn’t understand how much he was giving of himself and how hard it was for him to let go of his past.

“Kagome,” he began, “When a youkai takes a mate… it’s forever. Very rarely does one partner survive the other’s death… the bond is so strong. I think that’s why Sesshoumaru hates my mother so much… our father was able to move on after Sesshoumaru’s mother died, and it’s unusual. When we mate for the first time… you’ll be marked as mine, for the rest of… well, forever. Being my mate will be dangerous because you’re human, immortal or not. Other youkai won’t accept it, even if I am just a hanyou. Our pups will be hanyou like me, and won’t have it easy either.”

Kagome searched his face, “Why are you telling me this?” She asked quietly.

Taking her hand in his, Inuyasha hesitated, “ I want you to understand what you’d be in for. Forever is a lot longer for a human than for a youkai… or a half-youkai. Are you sure you want to tie yourself to me? I’d rather die alone than know you’d regret…”

Her kiss cut him off, “Inuyasha, what can I say to convince you? Anytime I thought I’d lost you in the past… I felt like dying. So do me a favor, okay? Just shut up and make me your mate. Forever.”

Crushing her against his chest, Inuyasha’s world narrowed to Kagome. A soft sigh escaped him as he realized that he would never be alone again.

Kagome’s stomach leapt as his claws nearly tore through her blouse as he traced her spine. In Inuyasha’s arms, she lost all sense of time, and felt as though she could remain there forever. She couldn’t get enough of being with him. The familiar scent of him intoxicated her. She wanted to drown in the amber of his eyes, forever drinking in the taste of his mouth against hers.

Breathing deeply, Kagome rested her head against his chest. “Three weeks, huh?”

****************

Inuyasha was the only one who managed to stay awake for all three of the Indiana Jones movies they’d rented. Kagome’s head rested on his lap as the final credits rolled on the third film. Inuyasha was excited. He’d never known that stories like this existed. Although he could read, people in his time rarely did it for fun. Most couldn’t, and those who did read for pleasure were from the wealthier families. In Kagome’s world, such stories, whether in book form or movie, were everywhere.

When Souta had compared him to the adventurer, a charge had been ignited in the hanyou. A desire to know the tales of people who lived lives full of adventure had taken a firm hold. He was now eager to quench this thirst. Picking up Kagome, he quickly carried her up to her bedroom. Carefully positioning himself on her bed so that she was still snuggled against him, he reached for ’20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,’ and continued reading the adventures of the enormous submarine Nautilus, and it’s eccentric captain, Nemo.

He was already on chapter eighteen, reading about Nemo’s battle with a giant squid. Inuyasha could picture himself in such a battle, preparing to swing Tetsusaiga to deliver the killing blow....

“Inuyasha?” Kagome yawned sleepily, blinking as the night stand light stung her eyes. Noticing the book in his hands, she smiled sleepily, “How is it?”

Closing the book and setting it aside, he pulled her closer against him, “Interesting. Sometimes it’s hard to understand because I’ve never heard of a lot of the stuff he describes before... but I think I get the idea.” Maneuvering himself so that he could lie face to face with her, he ran his claw through her hair. “It’s not as exciting as you are though.”

Kagome blushed and grinned, “Oh yeah? How am I exciting?”

Inuyasha answered by rolling over so that he lay on top of her. Pinned beneath him, Kagome pouted, “That’s not fair.”

Grinning, Inuyasha leaned forward to catch her extended lower lip with his teeth, making her sigh. “No, it’s not,” he murmured before descending upon her. Beginning at her mouth, Inuyasha kissed his way down the side of her neck, pulling at the collar of her blouse to increase the exposed skin. Kagome moaned softly, trying to free her arms from between them.

“No,” He ordered, pressing himself more firmly against her.

Kagome moaned a little louder as every inch of Inuyasha’s body met it’s counterpart on her own. The hanyou’s kisses moved lower. Frustrated when the material would stretch no further, a growl rose in his throat, accompanied by a tearing sound. Looking down, Kagome realized he’d used a claw to cut open her blouse. A predatory look entered his eyes as he stared at her figure beneath him. The heat of his breath on her cleavage made her gasp softly. Again, Kagome tried to free her arms from where he’d pinned them beside her, desperate to be free of the bra that blocked his way.

“No,” he commanded again. His claw flashed, and in an instant, the offending garment lay in ruins around her.

Kagome couldn’t summon the strength to protest as Inuyasha’s tongue rasped against the skin between her breasts. A soft cry issued from her as he tentatively sucked one nipple into his mouth, sending a rush of fire through her body. Biting her lip to keep from screaming in pleasure, Kagome whimpered as his fangs scraped against the tender flesh.

Releasing her nipple, Inuyasha kept his eyes on her, slowing moving his head to torture the other one. He couldn’t get over how sweet her skin tasted, as though flavored with honey. Her scent called to him, becoming harder to ignore as he further inflamed her passion.

Kagome whined softly as the air cooled her moist skin when Inuyasha’s mouth left her. He pulled his body up the length of hers, making his ardor obvious. Kagome tried to focus her eyes on his face, finding it difficult.

“Kagome...” His voice was low and rough. His desire for her created an ache within him, begging to be allowed the surcease only Kagome could provide. Inuyasha struggled to contain the urge to make her his right then, lowering his head to kiss her softly.

A soft knock sounded on the bedroom door, “Kagome?” The small voice of Shippou called out sleepily.

Inuyasha buried his face in the pillow next to Kagome’s head. “I’m gonna kill that kid,” he whispered in her ear. Letting her up to find something to cover herself with, Inuyasha hid her damaged clothing before, after making sure she was decent, opening the door and staring down at the kitsune with what he hoped looked like an innocent expression.

Shippou clutched his Mickey toy in one arm, wiping sleep from an eye with the other, “I had a bad dream... can I sleep with you tonight?”

Kagome smiled and moved over, pressing her back against the wall so that Shippou could climb into beside her. The boy was asleep again instantly. Kagome looked over at Inuyasha who was still standing by the open door.

He was scowling. Inuyasha attempted to communicate his displeasure to Kagome while at the same time, reminding himself that it had been lucky that Shippou had knocked when he did. Kagome shrugged at him, settling in comfortably with the kitsune cuddled against her.

Watching them, Inuyasha suddenly realized that he was looking at his family. With a small smile, he climbed into bed with his adopted son and his soon-to-be mate, meeting her eyes. Kagome smiled, understanding.

When Sango entered the room the next morning to change, she grinned at the scene that greeted her, and left again so as not to disturb her sleeping friends.

*******************

The expression on Kaede’s face as she saw the group approach from the direction of the well was one that Kagome had never seen before. Her eyes widened and the old miko looked as though she might actually giggle. Running forward to meet them, Kaede drew Kagome into a hug, clearly relieved that she was alive.

Composing herself, Kaede still couldn’t help smiling, “Thank the Kami ye are all right, child. Come inside and tell me all that has happened.”

Following the woman into her hut, Miroku noticed a larger than usual pile of offerings around the hillside shrine. “What’s going on?” he asked Kaede.

Looking to see where his focus was, Kaede stopped to explain, suddenly serious. “The entire village has been mourning the deaths of those who have saved them from the great evil that threatened to destroy their lives. It seems that during the battle, the people felt an ominous presence come to oppress their souls. After ye left, I began receiving visitors, wondering what had happened. When ye did not return, the villagers assumed ye had all perished, and began making offerings to thy spirits, begging for their protection.”

Seeing the shock on their faces, Kaede nodded, “Word has spread, and offerings have been made from the surrounding villages as well. It appears that they were affected by Naraku’s presence too.”

Entering the hut, Kaede began preparing lunch as each of them took turns telling the story of what had happened in the two weeks they had been in Kagome’s time. Kaede marveled as Inuyasha told of the dramatic measures that had saved her apprentice’s life, and she listened intently as Sango described the experience in Midoriko’s cave, looking somber as she realized the full extent of her sister’s final act.

Serving each of them a stew made of rabbit meat and vegetables, Kaede addressed Kagome, “So it seems that ye will be staying with us after all.”

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, blushing a little, “Definitely,” she confirmed, taking the hanyou’s hand in hers, “especially since Inuyasha has asked me to be his mate.”

Kaede’s look of surprise at the announcement, turned to one of pure happiness. Turning to Inuyasha, she nodded proudly to him, “Congratulations, Inuyasha. Ye have done well.”

The hanyou didn’t disagree as he smiled softly at Kagome.

Turning to Miroku and Sango, Kaede queried, “And what of the two of thee?”

Miroku smiled proudly, “We would very much like to be married on the next forte night.”

Sango added, “Miroku will ask Mushin to preform the ceremony, but we would be honored if you would act as priestess at our wedding, Kaede.”

At a loss for words, the old miko opened and closed her mouth, before merely nodding her acceptance.

Kagome frowned suddenly. “Kaede, what happened to Kouga?”

Kaede sighed. “He waited for ye for the first week, then decided to search for ye himself. I tried to explain that he would be unable to find thee where ye had gone, but he would not listen.”

The noise of someone approaching from the direction of the village caused Kaede to rise. Glancing through the door, she turned to the group, “I think ye’d better come outside.”

Curious glances were exchanged as everyone joined the priestess in front of the hut. A large group of villagers assembled before them, many with offerings for the shrine. A hushed whisper arose from the crowd as one-by-one, those assumed dead appeared before them.

A man Kagome recognized as the village head stepped forward and knelt to bow before her, “We thank you for answering our prayers, oh, Kami-sama. We hope you find our offering suitable, and will defend our village from the further evils that plague us, as you did in life.”

Before Kagome could explain that they hadn’t, in fact, died, Inuyasha spoke, “What evils?”

Continuing from his position of supplication, the village head explained, “Since you vanquished the great evil that threatened our lives, many smaller demons have emerged to torment us. None of them would be a match for such a great one as you, inu Kami-sama, yet their doings cause our people great distress. Please, Kami-sama, tell us what we may do to earn your presence among us, and continue receiving the blessings of your protection!”

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, who seemed irritated at being addressed so nobly. Again, Kagome started to explain that a mistake had been made, when Miroku stepped forward, whispering intently in Inuyasha’s ear.

Inuyasha’s ears twitched with interest, and for once, he looked intrigued by what the monk was suggesting instead of disgusted.

At the hanyou’s nod of approval, Miroku stepped forward to speak, “Rise, my friend. Walk with me and we will see to it that the village is taken care of.”

Kagome frowned as Miroku and the village head went off in the direction of the leader’s house. Others from the crowd dispersed, but some remained, whispering to each other or kneeling in prayer. Turning to Inuyasha, she eyed him, “What was that all about?”

Inuyasha shrugged, “Miroku didn’t seem to think it was a bad idea that they thought we were gods. I admit, it does have it’s advantages.”

Sango scowled, “You actually agreed to such a deception?”

Inuyasha turned to her, “Look, we’ve been protecting the villagers for years already, right? We’ve never asked for anything from them and they’ve certainly never offered. Miroku suggested that it might be nice to have a place to return to every once in a while. If the villagers think we’re gods, we’ll be accepted here for generations without fear, or questions about why you humans don’t age.”

Sango still looked unconvinced, but she couldn’t argue with the logic. The average villager was extremely wary of anything that seemed unnatural. Protecting spirits, or shrine gods and goddess were another matter entirely. Any children she and Kagome had would benefit from the acceptance of the entire village, as children of living gods. It was deceptive and completely typical of Miroku... but it made a strange sense.

Meeting Sango’s eyes, Kagome nodded. She knew they had thought the same thing, and it was best to go along with the guys, hoping that nothing harmful would come of it.

****************

Leaving Kaede to plan the wedding details, Miroku and Sango headed to Mushin’s shrine, with Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippou and Kohaku along for the ride. Inuyasha insisted they had come along to make sure Miroku behaved himself before the wedding.

“ Someone’s gotta keep him in check,” the hanyou grumbled.

Kohaku grinned, calling Inuyasha’s bluff, “What makes you think Aue-ne can’t do it on her own?”

Inuyasha snorted, “She could before... but everyone’s been acting crazy lately. She might let him get away with something.”

Sango ignored Inuyasha’s yelp as she wacked him with Hiraikotsu, “You came because you don’t trust yourself to be alone with Kagome.”

Inuyasha scowled, his blush giving him away as Miroku started laughing uproariously.

Kagome shook her head, hiding her smile from the hanyou. She had a feeling that they were right. However, Mushin’s shrine wasn’t far, and they’d need more than a two day journey to keep them occupied if they were going to make it till their own wedding.

A slapping noise made her look towards Inuyasha, who had his hand to his face.

“Myouga! Where’ve you been hiding?” Inuyasha held out his hand, palm upright as the tiny flea youkai recovered from being flattened.

“Hiding, Inuyasha-sama? I’ve been doing no such thing!” Myouga sat cross-legged on the hanyou’s palm, looking offended.

Inuyasha scoffed, “We haven’t seen you in over a month. Knowing you, you probably figured trouble was coming and headed for the hills!”

“Is that any way to greet your humble retainer?” Myouga acted injured.

“Jaken’s a better retainer to that bastard half-brother of mine, than you are to me.”

The flea youkai stood up, “If that’s the way you feel, I’ll go! And after all the help I’ve given you...”

Inuyasha held the tiny demon between two fingers, squeezing ever so slightly, “Did you come for any particular reason?”

“I simply wanted to congratulate you all on defeating Naraku. The story of your deed has traveled far. There were rumors that all of you had died, but I knew they couldn’t be true.” Myouga resettled himself on Inuyasha’s shoulder so they could continue walking. “Where are you headed now, Inuyasha-sama?”

Sighing, Inuyasha told Myouga about the upcoming wedding preparations.

“Why, congratulations! Miroku, Sango, I am overjoyed to hear such news!” Leaping to Miroku’s shoulder, the flea whispered, “It’s not too late, you know. You can still make a clean getaway.”

Myouga flew through the air, landing on Shippou as Sango flicked him off her fiancee’s shoulder.

Pulling Myouga out of his hair, Shippou informed him, “Inuyasha and Kagome are gonna mate too!”

Kagome blushed at the bluntness of the kitsune’s statement. It sounded a lot different when you put it that way.

Myouga jumped back to Inuyasha’s shoulder, “Inuyasha-sama! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Keh,” he grunted but smiled as well.

Looking self-important, Myouga cleared his throat, “As your retainer, appointed to you by your Lord Father, it is my duty to instruct you in the proper manner for taking a mate.”

Kagome’s blush was only beaten in comparison to that of Inuyasha.

“What the hell are you talking about?” the hanyou hissed.

“If you do not properly mark your mate during the mating ritual, she will be at risk to other demons. An inu-youkai’s mark acts as protection for his mate. If done improperly, other youkai will try and take advantage of such an obvious sign of failure.”

Before Inuyasha could express the anger that crept across his face, Kagome took the flea from him, “What do we need to do, Myouga?”

Myouga shook his head, “You do nothing, Kagome-sama. It is Inuyasha who is responsible.” Noticing that Inuyasha was aiming a hand his direction, intending to crush him again, Myouga hurried on, “The male will need to make a small mark on the lower left side of the female’s neck with his fangs. The wound need not be deep, as long as it is a neat puncture with no ragged edges.”

Inuyasha’s eyes widened, “I have to bite her?”

Misinterpreting the hanyou’s concern, Myouga smiled, “The mark will bruise and then fade in a few days, leaving a distinct, fang shaped scar if done correctly.”

“We’re here!” Miroku looked relieved to have arrived in order to avoid hearing further details of the conversation occurring behind him.

Mushin appeared on the porch that surrounded the shrine in his care. Miroku’s guardian was a kind man with a sense of humor, and a reddened nose that testified to the years he’d spent pursuing an interest in drinking.

The old priest greeted his ward fondly by saying, “Still alive, I see?”

Miroku smiled, “Mushin. I would like to present to you my fiancee, Sango.”

Mushin widened his alcohol reddened eyes in surprise, stepping forward to take Sango’s hands. “Your fiancee, huh? She must be some woman to put up with you, Miroku.” Peering closer, he studied her face, “Ah yes, we’ve met before. You’re the taijiya who came after the boy when his Kaazana was torn. That was nearly three years ago.” He smiled, welcoming them inside, “We have much to discuss.

****************

Inuyasha sat outside, watching the stars come out. Their group had spend three days at the old man’s shrine so he could prepare to leave it long enough to officiate at the wedding ceremony. Everyone had helped with the arrangements so the hanyou hadn’t had much time to consider Myouga’s instructions to him. ‘I can’t bite Kagome,’ he thought to himself, ‘but if I don’t she’ll be in danger. What’ll I do?’

He recognized her scent long before Kagome sat down beside him. It was the first time they’d been alone together since returning to his time six days ago. She didn’t speak, allowing him to bring up what she knew was on his mind.

Giving in to her patient silence, he sighed, “I don’t think I can do it.”

Kagome didn’t look at him, “Inuyasha... you trust me, right?”

Puzzled, he turned to her, “Of course.”

“Do you believe me when I say that I trust you?”

Inuyasha considered that and nodded in agreement.

Finally she met his eyes, “Then believe me when I tell you that I want this, and you can’t hurt me. Not when I know that you love me.”

His eyes dropped, “But I’d have to physically injure you,” he explained.

Kagome nodded, “I talked with Myouga about it some more later. He said that your youkai blood would take over at some point and do the actual marking. You wouldn’t be able to control it.”

Inuyasha scowled, “That’s supposed to make it better? That I wouldn’t be able to control myself? What if I hurt you when I become a full youkai?”

“Myouga said that when a hanyou’s youkai blood takes over during the initial mating, it means that the female he’s chosen is his perfect match, and a suitable partner for him. Otherwise, he’s just chosen a replacement.” She looked down, unable to meet his eyes.

Inuyasha suddenly understood what this was about, “Kagome... that’s not... you know that’s not....”

Kagome nodded, “I know.” Looking up at him, she seemed resolved, “I’ll do whatever it takes to be your mate, Inuyasha. I’m not afraid of a little bite. You can’t hurt me. Not if you love me as I believe you do.”

Inuyasha was scared. He knew that he loved her... had always known it. He knew that his youkai blood wanted her too. He felt it rise in him every time he allowed himself to wander too close to the edge. She’d always been able to calm the demon in him whenever he’d transformed. No, there was no doubt in his mind that she was meant to be with him. If she wasn’t afraid of being marked, why was he?

Suddenly, he realized the reason for his distress. Sesshoumaru. His half-brother hated humans. If Inuyasha chose Kagome as his mate, Sesshoumaru might kill her. He might see her as another blemish on his precious family name. He realized that before he married Kagome, there was one last thing he had to do.

Turning to the woman he loved, Inuyasha smiled, “If you’re not afraid of me then I guess I shouldn’t be either.” As they walked back to the shrine, Inuyasha frowned thoughtfully. ‘Either I convince Sesshoumaru not to come near Kagome... or I’ll have to kill him.’

******************

Time passed quickly in the days before the wedding. After arriving back in Kaede’s village, Sango and Kagome became busy with the last minute preparations. Miroku seemed to spend a lot of time with the village head and Inuyasha made his plans for after the wedding.

He’d suggested that Kagome take Shippou and Kohaku back to her time after the ceremony, in order to give the newlyweds some privacy. She had asked what he was planning on doing while she helped her mother prepare for their own wedding, and he’d been vague in answering that he had something to take care of. She’d looked suspicious, but hadn’t questioned him further.

With the wedding only one day away, Inuyasha had decided to take the monk to the hot springs to talk with him before the big day. Reaching the nearest spring in less than an hour, the two men sank into the sulfur scented pool.

Inuyasha watched as Miroku stared absentmindedly as a breeze rippled the surface, “What’s bugging you? Women are the one thing I’ve never seen you worry about!”

Miroku sighed, “Inuyasha... I have a confession to make. I have never been with a woman before.”

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows, “What? For three years I’ve watched you flirt, fondle, suggest and ask women to bear your child... and you’re telling me that’s as far as you’ve gotten?”

The monk nodded, “I never wanted to leave another child orphaned the way I was. Once I met Sango, I hoped to keep myself away from her by flirting with other women. I guess I wanted her to not be interested in me as well, so I acted like a more experienced man then I am.... Now I’m afraid she may be disappointed.”

Inuyasha frowned, “Disappointed? How?”

“She may be expecting a more experienced lover than I’ll prove to be. How can she not be disappointed?”

Snorting, Inuyasha splashed water on the monk, “I may not be an expert, but I know that’s the last thing she’d think.”

Miroku stared, “What do you mean?”

“Sango always hated it when you’d flirt with other women. I think she’d be thrilled that it was all an act. She’s pretty possessive too. The fact that she’ll be the first will mean a lot to her.”

Miroku looked hopeful, “That makes sense. You think it’ll work?”

“Keh. Just tell her. You’ll see.”

Grinning, Miroku began nodding, “I don’t believe it, but I’m actually going to accept your advice.”

Inuyasha splashed him again, “Bouzu,” Amused by his friend’s deception, Inuyasha questioned, “So how far have you gotten with a woman?”

Miroku met his eyes, “You’ve pretty much seen all of it.”

Inuyasha stared for a moment before exploding with laughter, “You mean that I’ve actually done more than you? What does that say about me!”

Suddenly interested, Miroku leaned forward, “Oh? So exactly how far have you gotten with Kagome?”

Inuyasha just shook his head, smiling, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

*******************

Sango was extremely nervous as Kagome made sure her white kimono fit right. The dress was Sango’s mother’s. As a surprise, Kohaku and taken Kirara to the exterminator’s village and found the old trunk hidden among the remains of the abandoned huts. Sango had cried when she’d seen it. She, Kagome and Kaede had needed to do very few alterations to the beautiful shiro-maku, the traditional wedding dress, and Sango looked stunning in it.

Kagome adjusted the white wedding hood called a tsuno kakushi on her friend’s head, trying to keep the tears from her eyes. “I don’t understand why everyone cries at wedding,” she muttered, swiping at her eyes.

Kaede entered and smiled at the bride. “It is time,” she announced. Leading the two girls from the hut, they headed for the shrine just above them.

Miroku stood nearby with Inuyasha. Mushin had brought the monk’s father’s wedding garments, a montsuki kimono with a short haori that bore his family’s crest on both sides and on the back. His hakama pants were pleated neatly. Smiling, he extending his arm to Sango, who grasped it tightly as they approached the front of the shrine.

Mushin stood in his place, and Kagome could swear the tears in his eyes were not caused by the alcohol. Only a few people were in attendance at this sacred event. Kohaku and Shippou stood nearby, along with Kirara. Kagome joined Inuyasha and, as Kaede took her place near the priest, the circle of family and friends was completed. Only the village head, who had been honored to be asked to attend such a holy event between the Kami, looked out of place as he hovered nervously to the side.

Though not a Shinto priest, Mushin was used to preforming the ceremony, as the Buddhist religion had no formal wedding ritual of its own. He first purified the couple, then asked them to recite their vows. The ancient sake tradition of San San Ku Do began with Miroku taking three sips from the smallest of three cups, then the medium, then the large as Sango followed suit. Kagome and Inuyasha acted as family for the bride and groom, drinking a cup of sake to signify the union of the two families. The offering of small tree twigs called ‘sakaki’ were given to the Kami, and Miroku and Sango rose as husband and wife.

The village head congratulated the couple and insisted they follow him into the village. Embarrassed but agreeable, the newlyweds led the wedding party into the fields, where it seemed that every villager had assembled to celebrate their joining.

Sango smiled shyly as different women bowed to her and offered her gifts of material for clothing and rice for food. The men from the village all congratulated the new groom, jovially, but with a measured respect that was not lost on Miroku. A grand meal had been prepared, and just as Sango returned from changing into a beautiful coral and yellow silk kimono that Kagome had given her the day before as a wedding present, everyone was invited to share in the wedding feast.

The village was better off than many others the group had seen in their travels, but was nevertheless, poor. The food had obviously been prepared by the village head’s personal cook and Sango felt a twinge of guilt at accepting so much when everyone had so little. The fare was simple, but delicious. The fish had been cook to perfection and one farmer humbly told the couple that he had picked the rice especially for the occasion.

As the evening ended, the village head announced he had one more gift for the honored couple. Leading the way through the village he headed in the direction of the Bone Gobbling Well. Within a hundred feet of both the well and Kaede’s hut, on almost exactly the spot that Kagome’s own house would stand some centuries later, a modest sized hut had been erected.

With pride, the village leader announced that the village had come together to build an appropriate dwelling place for the Kami who so graciously agreed to dwell among them. To the stunned wedding party, he explained that this hut was only the beginning. Hastily built to shelter the new couple on their wedding night, the hut was the start of the village’s offering to those who blessed them with their presence.

Sango felt even guiltier as Miroku bowed low and graciously thanked the audience for their generosity. As the crowd began to clear, leaving the couple to begin their new lives, Kagome hugged Sango tightly, congratulating her. Inuyasha punched Miroku in the shoulder, but the monk got the message. Kohaku shyly hugged his sister and Miroku and Shippou did the same as they prepared to leave for Kagome’s time.

Walking with them to the well, the couple earned a final good-bye rub from Kirara before she vanished along with the others.

Hand in hand, Miroku and Sango walked back to their hut in silence. Once inside, Sango turned to face her husband, suddenly nervous.

“You’ll have to teach me what... pleases you. There is so much I have to learn.” Sango couldn’t stop the blush from spreading across her cheeks.

Miroku pulled his wife to him, kissing the top of her head as he held her in his arms. “There is something you should know, my love,” he wasn’t sure how to tell her. “You are the only woman I will ever allow myself to be intimate with.”

Confusion, and then amazed understanding entered her eyes as she looked into his, “You mean... but, all those other women...”

“Meant nothing. I could never have left a child alone in this world, and flirting was behavior inherited from my father, and cultivated at the hand of my guardian. Once I fell in love with you, I hoped to keep you away with my behavior.” Miroku grinned. “It appears I failed miserably.”

Sango stared at him, making Miroku fear that Inuyasha had been wrong after all. Her tears confused him more, but only until she pressed her lips to his, wiping away all doubt. Groaning at the softness of her skin, Miroku realized that, for the first time, he had no need to restrain himself.

Breath catching in his throat, he managed to whisper to her, “Sango... may I caress your bottom?”

Sango laughed, understanding his feelings exactly, “You better, you damn hentai Monk.”

Grinning, he slowly lowered his hand to the long forbidden area of her body that had haunted his dreams for so many years. Gently, he cupped her exquisite posterior, dragging her close to consume her mouth once more.

Reaching for his collar, Sango began removing his clothing, managing to bare his chest to her wandering hands. His skin was hot beneath her fingers, as she explored the contours of his well developed body, previously hidden from her view by the layers of his robes. Marveling at the hard, flat planes of his chest and the smoothness of his skin, Sango felt desire grow within her, burning her in a way she had never before allowed herself to feel. Miroku’s hand at the fastening of her kimono stilled her breath in anticipation.

As the garment fell to their feet, Miroku kissed the side of his bride’s neck, delicately tasting the skin with his tongue and eliciting a small gasp from her.

His hands moved to lightly touch her breasts. Miroku held his breath as he gently tested their suppleness through the binding that supported her. Watching Sango’s face for signs that he was moving too fast, Miroku found the edge of the bandage and slowly began unwrapping the material from her body.

Sango’s eyes fell closed as the binding dropped away from her, exposing to view what she had shared with no other. She felt a moment of discomfort at her unusual vulnerability, however when she forced her eyes open, the awe on Miroku’s face as he took in her image relieved all her fears.

She stood proudly before him, his eyes raking over her body, savoring the sight before him. Her skin was not flawless. Scars creased certain areas of her flesh, the remains of encounters with those she’d willingly faced to save the lives of others. These marks only enhanced her beauty. They were the reason Miroku had chosen her above any other woman. She was strong, both in body and mind. She was his companion, his equal, his wife.

Hand shaking, Miroku reached for her, her breast perfectly filling the palm of his hand, as if custom made. Her nipple hardened beneath his touch, furthering his mounting passion. Slowly, he caressed every inch of her finely toned body. The flatness of her stomach, the gently defined muscles of her abdomen, the power in her arms, the fluid tautness of her thighs, all were memorized in detail forever seared into his memory.

The dark curls at the center of her called him, and he was incapable of resisting their allure if he’d wanted to. Kneeling before her, Miroku feathered soft kisses over the delicate curve of her stomach, moving downward to the melody of Sango’s sweet gasps for breath. Placing his hands on the back of her thighs, her brought her forward to meet him. Tentatively, he tasted the heat of her passion.

Sango cried aloud as waves of electricity overtook her body. She placed her hands on Miroku’s shoulders for support, unable to stand on her own as her thighs opened to his ministrations. The warmth of his tongue within her sent chills dancing to every part of her. She ran her hand through the hair on his head, desperately clinging to the dark tresses, as her cries grew louder.

Miroku would live forever and never tire of her taste. Sango’s cries fell upon his ears, urging him to increase his efforts. A tension was coiling inside of her, and Miroku could feel the strength of it as he quickened his exploration at the gentle flower of her sex.

Sango’s cries reached a fevered pitch as pressure began to build within her, almost painful in its intensity. She tried to call out his name, frantic for something. Whether she needed him to stop or to continue, she didn’t know. She began to whimper, unable to do anything but hang on as the unbearable sensations of both pain and pleasure rose through her body, completely overwhelming her senses and reducing her to a pillar of nerve endings responding to his touch.

A wave broke within her, sending her hurtling over the brink as she called out his name. Sango’s knees grew weak, and she collapsed against him, supported only by his arms around her waist.

Gently, he lowered her to the tatami mat, covering her body with his lips as he climbed upward. Reaching the perfect curvature of her breasts, Miroku lightly drew his tongue across one of them, earning a weak moan from Sango. Slowly at first, as she recovered her strength, Miroku worshiped her breasts, lovingly caressing them with both hand and mouth.

Sango had thought there was no longer any muscle in her body that could possibly respond to her desire to move. As Miroku softly raked his teeth across her tender flesh, the fire at her center began simmering again, forcing her to grab at him, pulling him upward. Rising against her, Miroku kissed Sango deeply, drinking her in, using his tongue to probe even deeper, desperate to join his body with hers.

Soft, frantic hands as his waist made him moan softly. Meeting her eyes to make sure, Miroku saw in Sango the smoldering passion that matched his own. Loosening the belt of his hakama, he rose to remove them.

Unable to breathe under the force of her own desire, Sango absorbed every inch of Miroku’s unclothed body with her eyes. A sudden understanding of the monk’s obsession with her bottom grew in her as she stared at his, fascinated with the way muscle defined the chiseled shape, as if made of stone. As he turned to her, his erection stood firm beneath her gaze, making her ache with want of him.

Sensing Sango’s emotions, Miroku lay along side her, tracing the curve of her side until he rested his hand against her face, pulling her nearer. His mouth closed over hers, trying to set her at ease. Pulling at his shoulder, Sango rolled him over her, kissing him harder.

Miroku groaned into her mouth as his rigid member brushed against her silken thigh. Panting to regain control of himself, he struggled not to cause her pain with the insistence of his fervor. Suspending himself above her with his arms, Miroku positioned himself between her legs, pausing at her entrance.

Sango begged him with her eyes to continue, to ease the rising fury that consumed her.

Slowly, Miroku eased himself inside her, burying his face in her neck and biting his lip to keep from rushing. Sango’s breath quickened against his ear as he reached the barrier of her virginity. A final quick thrust broke through it, causing him to rush into her. Her soft cry worried him. Rising to search her eyes, he saw that they were closed, her breathing rough.

“Did I hurt you?” He gasped.

Sango shook her head, opening her eyes, “Don’t stop,” she whispered.

With a soft moan, Miroku drew himself out of her again and reentered, more quickly this time. Their gasps at the electric sensation mingled in the air, making them feverish. Succumbing to the blaze that lapped at his brain, Miroku thrust into her, Sango’s cries of pleasure further stoking the flame.

Sango wrapped her legs around his waist, eager to have him closer, deeper. The air around them shivered as their frenetic energy grew, and their breathy moans surrounded them. She dug her fingers into his sides, arching up to meet him, joining his rhythm.

Rolling over, she sat atop him, sinking upon him to the hilt. Using her legs to support her, Sango took control, impelling herself slowly on his shaft. Miroku’s hands clutched at her waist, helping her as he called her name roughly. Sango threw her head back, gasping loudly, her hair flashing behind her as their speed increased.

Miroku closed his eyes as a sudden surge of energy began drawing him closer to the pinnacle. Unable to bear it, he pulled Sango to his chest and rolled her beneath him once more. He felt her tighten around him as her body shook against his, overtaken by the height of her passion. Lunging into her one final time, the tide of his own passion broke, releasing his essence into her.

Collapsing against her, Miroku wrapped his arms around her as they both drew ragged breaths of air into their lungs, trembling. Removing himself from inside her, Miroku smiled as she whimpered at the loss of him. Kissing her tenderly, he murmured against her lips, “my love,” before drawing a blanket around the two of them, holding her close in his arms.

**************

Many miles away from where the lovers slept, on the opposite side of the island, a being rose from the waters of the ocean. Stepping onto the shore, her hair fell against her back, so black it shone blue in the moonlight. She was dressed in a black and blue kimono, much tighter than woman of that time wore. Her eyes were odd, elliptical irises surrounded by pools of blue.

Reveling in the light from the full moon, a malevolent grin spread slowly across her face. The evil aura that had prevented her rising was now gone. Her time had come.

******************************************************************************
A/N: Almost all of the characters in this story were brought to you through the genius of Rumiko Takahashi, and the letters S, E, and H. I do not own the characters, they own me.

ARGH!! I’m so sorry! I promised you Saturday, and I’m a day late! Please forgive me! This is my longest chapter posted so far, so I hope that (and the ending) makes up for it!

I had a couple questions about my plans for the sequel, so here’s a general answer. It will definitely be about the Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango, etc., etc. Their kids will be there too, but the main focus is on the group. Hooray!

Note: Obviously, there was lemon in this chapter! I did not post a lemon warning because this story is rated NC-17! If you don’t want to read lemon, what are you doing on a site called ADULT Fan Fiction? I hate lemon warnings because they ruin the surprise. If there is anyone out there who REALLY, REALLY want’s one, please let me know, and I’ll change my policy. Otherwise, enjoy!

Special thanks are in order! The ‘bedroom’ scene between Kagome and Inuyasha where Shippou interrupts, was inspired by my good friend, April Whytus. She was reading this story as I wrote it (at work!), and told me that the kiss earlier in this chapter wasn’t good enough because we’d already gotten past that. When I went home that night to finish the chapter, this scene was born out of that conversation. I really like it, so I’m sending kudos her way!

PJ - Hi! To answer your question, yes! Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Kirara, Shippou, Kohaku and all their kids will have eternal life. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear enough, and I’m glad you asked! Yeah, just had to get a teeny bit more angst in there before the wedding. Otherwise, you might all get bored! Inuyasha’s reaction to the ride is exactly why I wanted to take them to DisneySea. I thought it would be classic. Shippou came as an afterthought in that chapter. Once I introduced him to the Mickey statue, it just followed its own path. I’m glad you liked! I’m not sure how old he is, but like he says “I’m just a kid!”

Vikki - YEAH! I’m glad you’re excited about the story ideas! They’re all floating around in my head, so I can’t wait to get started! I’m so excited about your friends following my story too. Woo-hoo! Fans! It’s nice to be noticed! You’re right! People are reviewing and I feel great! It’s so hard for me the day after I post... I have to wait forever to read all of your reviews! I get so excited about them and it really helps keep me inspired!

Juice - I’m going to have about 20-ish chapters. I’m on 18 now, and I may have to extend upwards from 20 if I can’t fit everything in. 20 is my minimum, but I don’t want to box myself in and ruin the ending! I’ll keep you all updated as I get closer! Sango broke her arm... and then I forgot about it! ARGH! You get a cookie for catching it! Thanks! I’ll have to go back and figure out a way to fix it!

Anon - The eternity thing was so important to me! How could they be together, only to have her die so many years before him? I thought that this would be a way to make it all work out. I had to include the others too, because I can’t stand the idea of them having to separate from each other. I know, I’m trying to have my cake and eat it too, but I’m the author! I’m glad you liked Inuyasha’s proposal. I wasn’t sure whether to go with it or not, but I think it’ll heighten the suspense! Thanks for the approval!

CrossbowTrueShot - Hooray for new reviews! I’m glad you’re enjoying the story and thanks for another positive sequel vote! I hope the eternity thing wasn’t too throwing... I like the idea of them being together forever. Probably because I’m a romantic! It does make it’s way in the story now and again... you’ll see! Hope to hear from you again!

Stuey - JUST KIDDING! I really appreciate your honest opinion. You don’t have to like every chapter, just as long as you enjoy the story as a whole! It means a lot that you can tell me what you like and what you don’t like, because it helps me grow as an author. If you figure out what it was about chapter 11 that was off for you, let me know! I’m glad you liked the Disney thing. I really vacillated about it before writing it, but what can I say? I’m a big nerd sometimes. The world from here.... Well, we’ve got some weddings and stuff to get through, but as you can tell by the teaser at the end of this chapter, there is definitely a new ‘Big Bad’ out there. I’m really enjoying my new villain, so I hope you all will too! As for the bitch thing, he does use it now and again, but only in the most loving of ways. It did cut down a whole lot though, didn’t it? I’m glad you’re on board for the sequel and one-shots! I just don’t want all of this to end! YES! YES! You caught me in a plot whole! ARGH!!! I’ll go back sometime and fix it! Thanks for the heads up! I’ll try and make sure it doesn’t happen again!

Next update will be Wednesday! I know, it’s a wait... but I promise to be on time! Plus, Sesshoumaru’s in that one! Yeah, Sesshy!