A Sister's Gift

Chapter 49 – Freedom!

Kagome stood by Sesshomaru, Kikyo and Inuyasha. Tokie was kind enough to keep Rin occupied while the final phase of the spell was carried out. She was so nervous, as was Kikyo. Sesshomaru of course looked as if he had no care in the world behind his mask of indifference, but Inuyasha was fidgeting a bit. Kagome knew that Inuyasha was very excited, as was Sesshomaru, he just hid it very well.

He looked very handsome tonight, in his white silk with gold engraving. He presented himself every bit the aristocrat that he truly was. Kagome smiled up to his handsome face. His long hair flowed freely behind him and the gentle breeze would occasionally cause a few strands to dance. His chiseled features gave him a regal appearance, and his markings were just plain sexy. Kagome giggled quietly and squeezed his hand. He looked down briefly to her and lifted one of his elegant eyebrows in question. She just shook her head, and he returned his attention to the Emperor.

Kikyo stepped forward and placed their precious brew on the table. All eyes were on Emperor Tokugawa as he slid the glistening silver blade over the palm of his hand. One drop of his lifeblood into each cup, and the spell was complete.

Kagome stepped up beside of Kikyo and each of them took a cup, turned, and handed it to each of their mate to drink.

“Holy Kami! That shit was awful!” Inuyasha voiced his opinion as he choked down the final drop.

Everyone laughed at his antics, except for Sesshomaru, who grunted his agreement. The shit was awful.

Kikyo and Kagome issued the final words of the spell “... Free is spirit, Free is strength, your will no longer belongs to me. You are yours, and I am mine, through this spell your bindings will cease to be.”

Kagome and Kikyo reached up and after the final word was spoken, ripped the binding necklaces from their mates. Beads flew about. Everyone present could hear the tiny sound of them tapping the floor as the fell. Kagome looked into Sesshomaru’s beautiful golden eyes, which gazed back at her with pure love.

Sesshomaru could feel the spell dissipate when the necklace was pulled from him. He felt his power surge, and his strength returning to its entirety. He had never really noticed that he was not functioning at his full level, until that moment, and he took in a deep breath as his body adjusted. He could not tear his eyes from his Kagome’s shining orbs. She looked to him with such trust and honesty. She released him from a lifetime of servitude, and by doing so proved her love and trust.

All those around them became a blur of background noise and obscured faces, as the taiyoukai leaned forward to kiss his mate. Ever so slowly his lips descended on hers. Kagome was drowning in his molten gaze and her rosy lips parted ever so slightly as her mate came closer. His warm breath lightly caressed her as he brushed his lips against hers in a feather like touch. She slowly closed her eyes and he wasted no time in bringing her fully against him as he tasted her waiting lips. He slowly kissed his woman with passion and love, and she returned his affections with all of her being.

Inuyasha was oblivious to the tender moment shared between his friend and half-brother. As soon as the beads hit the ground he snatched Kikyo into his arms and spun her around and around, loving her laughter, as he watched her beautiful face light up while her long hair flowed behind her in the wind. She was the most precious thing in the world to him, and by setting him free she proved that she loved him as deeply as he did her. He never knew that he could feel this happy.

Cheers rang out among the crowd as everyone watched their hero’s reaction to gaining their freedom. The Emperor stepped up, and all eyes turned to him once more. “People of Japan, I present to you, Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Inuyasha of the Western Lands! May they, and their children, reign for many years to come! Let the celebration begin!”

“HOORAY!!!” chanted the crowd. Excitement and giddy happiness filled the air.

Sesshomaru ignored the crowd of cheering ningen, and looked down at his mate. She absolutely glowed with happiness, and he could not remember a moment when she was more beautiful. He reached up and held the shining object hanging around her neck. The Shikon jewel could not be in a safer place. Kagome would guard it with her life, and he would guard her with his.

Inuyasha finally released Kikyo from his crushing hug and she gasped for air after his blistering kiss. She looked around and found Kagome and Sesshomaru, then ran over to her friend. She flew into Kagome’s arms, both girls laughing and filled with glee.

Kagome squeezed Kikyo tightly, “I’m so happy that you and Inuyasha are coming to live with us at The House of the Moon!”

Kikyo giggled merrily, “Me too! I can’t wait to see it! Have you ever been there?”

“No I haven’t, and Sesshomaru hasn’t really told me that much about it,” Kagome replied.

“Congratulations to you both!” Tokie interjected from behind Kikyo.

They both turned and hugged their new friend. Kagome asked her, “Have you decided whether or not to come stay with us at the Western palace?”

Tokie frowned, and put on a falsely sad face, but then she burst into a happy smile, “Yes! We shall come to The House of the Moon with you! It will be a whole new life for us!”

“Us as well,” Kikyo said happily.

A deep velvet voice spoke up from behind Kagome. Sesshomaru smirked, “I dare say that the fortress will be at unparalleled strength. All who would dare oppose three powerful miko’s will certainly meet their untimely demise.”

All three miko’s giggled at the handsome youkai lords’ compliment. Kagome reached out and took his arm. “Where is Rin, my love?”

Sesshomaru nodded in the direction of the food tables, “I believe that Inuyasha and Tooru are giving her lessons on how to gorge oneself.”

Kagome giggled, “Shall we take a walk then?”

“It would be my honor, my lovely mate.” Sesshomaru replied.

Kikyo and Tokie watched them walk away then made their way to the food tables. They figured that they had better interject before Inuyasha and Tooru ate everything, leaving nothing for the other guests.

Kagome and Sesshomaru walked side by side through the courtyard until they reached a very secluded spot. Sesshomaru took a seat beneath a sakura tree, leaning against its gnarled trunk. Kagome sat down, legs neatly beneath her as she placed herself between his legs. He reached his hand up to her lovely face and gently traced her cheek with his fingers.

“You have given me much since I first met you Kagome,” Sesshomaru said softly.

Kagome frowned a little. “But I am the reason that you were enslaved in the first place.”

Sesshomaru reached out and hugged her tightly to him. “Yes, but had I not been enslaved I may have never come to know you as you are. I would not have come with you on this wondrous adventure. I would not have been reunited with my half-brother, found Rin, or befriended Tooru. I would not have met the Emperor and regained my lands.” He looked into Kagome’s eyes. “I believe that all things happen for a reason. I was destined to become your protector, and mate.”

Kagome smiled warmly up at her lover. He was very wise, and she felt her heart swell in pride. “So you forgive me for your enslavement?”

Sesshomaru scoffed at her, “‘Twas not you who enslaved me koi. It was that damned demon exterminator.” He showed a hint of irritation at the thought of that woman.

Kagome suddenly became concerned for Sango. Sesshomaru wouldn’t hurt her would he? He wouldn’t keep her from visiting would he? Her immediate distress did not go un-noticed by her mate.

“Kagome, do not fear for the slayer. You have my word that no harm will befall her or her village. She took you in and kept you safe until such time as I was able to take over. For that I will forever be grateful. Do not delude yourself into thinking that we shall ever be close, but for you, this Sesshomaru will tolerate the wench.”

Kagome jumped up, enveloping him in a massive hug. “I love you! You know that, right? I love you so much!”

Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her tiny body and pulled her even closer, while he breathed in her intoxicating scent. “I love you, as well, my Kagome.”