Across the Ages

WOOOHOOOOO!! I have 100 reviews for this story, I am so happy! You guys are awesome! Thanks for the science Rawben. Makes me want to add a Koga chappie :) We'll see. Monsters and Angels has been updated for those of you who were wondering. I see a couple more chappies for this one though.. at least.


Chapter Fifty Eight

Despite the lack of danger to them, Sesshoumaru insisted they hurry back as fast they could. They had bonding ceremonies to complete and a pup to bring into the world. Daunting tasks to be sure but he found he looked forward to them.

Ayeka couldn't face Inuyasha for most of the following day to his great amusement. He'd know exactly what his brother would do once he returned. He'd wanted to do the same with Kagome, but her advanced pregnancy gave him pause. He'd settled for working her to a frenzy with his mouth and fingers while the two had been alone.

He wanted to get the bonding ceremonies done and finished, although he wouldn't take her as he wished, his little human mate was very skilled with her mouth. That would do for now. With the four of them, Sesshoumaru's speed was only slightly diminished. It would take two and half days to reach the palace, rather than two.

Ayeka was so glad to see the walls of the western palace rise before her. She felt Sesshoumaru tighten his arm around her and she peered up at him. Stoic visage, face pointed straight forward, the victorious lord returned. They touched down in the courtyard amid wide eyed servants and gathered friends.

Rin detached herself from the group and rushed forward, throwing little arms around a white clad knee. The demon lord dropped his hand to pat her head and then lifted her up to his eye level. "Have you been good Rin?" he asked.

The tiny human child nodded, solemnly, "Rin missed her father" she whispered. The gathered youkai heard every word and watched in no small amazement as the most lethal lord of demons brought his face to touch noses with the child. "Your father is here now, no more missing" he whispered back.

There it was, he'd publically acknowledged her as his child. It was a big deal, Ayeka knew. This gave Rin a place in the youkai court, and due to his position, Rin was now the princess she always dreamed of being. Of course that made Ayeka one as well, as his wife. She let her eyes roam to Inuyasha and Kagome, them too. Suddenly the noble inu line had blossomed. Her own heart felt suddenly lighter, if she was unable to provide him a child, Rin would be his heir.

Rin squealed, making his ears ring but she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "And you brought mama back too" she told him matter of factly, "I knew you would". He transfered the child to Ayeka's arms. Ayeka soothed the child with kisses and hugs, "Of course, your father is the finest fighter in all the world" she told the child, amusement lacing her voice.

Rin looked up at the tall demon in awe and then she smiled sweetly, "My papa is perfect". Sesshoumaru patted her head again and Ayeka sat her on her own feet. The lord was already barking orders and demanding reports. Ayeka watched him with a small smile.

Tomika came to collect her and ushered her to the bathing rooms. Ayeka sank to her chin in the hot water, letting the warmth flood her body. Tomika bustled about telling her the status of all the planning. With the attack by the dragons, the advisors had pushed the ceremonies up. They had one week.

Kagome was happy but frantic at the news. One week! She had gowns to get! She told Inuyasha and he in turn told Sesshoumaru. The elder had nodded, they would be permitted to return to the modern era for three days. Ayeka had fished around in her belongings to find a small card which she gave to Kagome.

When questioned about it, she merely smiled up at Sesshoumaru and told him that he'd be learning about the wonders of plastic in the future. She gave Kagome the pin to her debit card and pointed to the gown she wanted and wrote down all the needed info. It would be rushed but that was fine.

Inuyasha was glad he'd never have to set foot in one of those bridal stores ever again. Kagome and her mother dragged him to half a dozen. He'd never been this worn out when fighting demons and he told them so. In the end, they carted back several large boxes.

Kagome's mother had arranged for a small informal ceremony for them at the shrine. Less than twenty guests watched the human ritual occur. No one was rude enough to mention the obvious state of the bride. Or the fact that the groom wore a small white kerchief tied around his head. When asked about their plans for the future, Kagome spoke up and said that they were moving abroad and wouldn't be back for some time.

Photographs were taken by mama and she cleverly used the top of the frame to hide Inuyasha's ears. Mrs Higurashi knew very well that visits would be few and far between. If ever. She knew that Sesshoumaru had demanded that Kagome wish on the jewel when they returned. It was for her daughter's safety, but it could seal the well.

She hugged her daughter goodbye, gave her a large satchel of prenatal vitamins and wished them well. What else could a mother do but give up her daughter for her happiness? Inuyasha surprised her by placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, "We will try to come back mama". She nodded, teary eyed and watched them go in that blaze of blue light.

Upon returning to the palace, Kagome and Ayeka had closeted themselves away with Sango and Tomika. Cooing over the lovely gowns she'd brought back. Kagome had chosen and empire waisted gown that almost hid her large stomach. The low scoop neckline would allow the mark.

Ayeka had chosen a strapless a-line gown. She complained her hips were too big for much else. She hoped that Sesshoumaru would like it, he'd merely nodded when she told him she wanted a modern dress. The organza over robe should maintain some measure of modesty. Both accepted the fact that they might have slight blood stains on the pristine silk.

It was that night that they spent the last night with their mates. Tomorrow would be the start of the cleansing. Sesshoumaru loved Ayeka into the small hours of the morning, her breathy moans and panting almost enough to make him break tradition.

Inuyasha and Kagome had spent hours giving pleasure to each other. Laying head to foot, side by side, they worked each other to nearly painful passion before release shot through them. As Inuyasha gathered his bulging mate into his arms, he grumbled to his pup, "I'll sure be glad when you come out of there. Dad wants your mom back".

Kagome giggled at his gruff whisper even as his hand caressed her stomach gently. She peered down at the thin golden band on his finger, a smaller one adorning her own. The rosary removed from him and placed in a drawer. This was what bound them together now. Inuyasha staunchly refused to remove it. For any reason.

Marriage and impending fatherhood suited the rough edged hanyou. Mellowing him somewhat, his heart finally at peace and content. He had value in the world, he had a mate and would welcome his pup soon. He was grateful to Kikyo at that moment. Grateful that she'd sealed him the tree. Let him sleep for fifty years, sleep and wait... for Kagome.

Tomorrow Kagome would wish on the jewel. He wondered what she would ask for. In another wing, Sesshoumaru wondered the same thing. Ayeka was curled against his side, her head on his shoulder, her arm thrown across his broad chest, her slim leg tossed across his lower stomach. His hand caressed her knee, making certain that sudden shifts in the night didn't turn painful.

Morning found them gathered in the garden. The journey they had undertaken together would end today. The jewel would, they hoped, vanish. Freeing them all from it's glittering clutches. Kagome took a deep breath and stared at the pink sphere in her palm. She had thought long and hard on the wish. Nothing selfish.

She closed her eyes and made her wish with all her heart, fighting to keep any selfish thoughts from creeping in. The jewel swirled and flared in her palm before lifting and hovering above them. The bright pink light pulsed like a heart beat.

Suddenly, a radiant priestess looked down on them, her hands cupped around the jewel. "Why do you wish this?" she asked softly. Kagome met her eyes and smiled softly, "because everyone deserves to be free" she whispered back. The priestess Midoriko smiled gently at the girl turned woman before her. "You have wished well Kagome Taisho" she said lightly, "You and your friends have suffered much for the jewel and kept your hearts pure of malice and selfish wants"

She floated to the ground, becoming nearly solid. She walked to Kagome and touched her forehead, "For your pure heart and great love the well shall remain open to you while your currently family lives. After that you must make your life here and move with time through the centuries. You cannot be in two worlds at once forever child". Kagome nodded. Midoriko then placed her hand on the wide stomach of the smaller woman, "You are a great demon, like your grandfather and your father. I gift you wisdom beyond your years to use for good"

The priestess went to Sango next, "You have been alone for too long slayer, for your courage and honor and acceptance of good hearts, your village will thrive again. Your children will carry on the legacy" Sango felt tears trickle down her face as the woman brushed her bangs aside. "Heal now slayer".

She moved to the violet eyed monk and smiled, "For your tremendous faith and loyalty, you will be whole and uncursed. I shall restore your hand, touch me with it and I'll make you sorry" she told him. Miroku blushed and she smiled, touching him as well. "Be faithful to your slayer"

She knelt near Rin and smiled, "Well little one, you are quite special to me" she told her, "You carry my blood within you. Now you have a mother and a father so you are not alone any longer. Use your powers little one and bridge the gap" Rin smiled secretively as though she understood what the woman told her and in her heart, she did.

Midoriko went to Shippo next, stroking his forehead. "You lost so much little Kitsune. Inuyasha is your father and Kagome is your mother. They shall not be taken from you" she promised. Her loving light spilling over the little fox.

She went to Ayeka and cocked her head. "You have so many fears" she mused, "You love him despite all hardships. The course of your life was altered by your father, but it brought you to this point. Do you regret that?". Ayeka shook her head. Midoriko looked over at the pregnant miko and smiled, "You love your friends so much. SUrelyt that love deserves reward. You are still human, but you will bear your lord children.

Ayeka gasped, how had she known? Midoriko smiled and traced her fingertips over her brow, "Be easy Ayeka, sorrow is behind you". Ayeka nodded, feeling wetness prick her eyes. Beside her Sesshoumaru tightened his grip on her hand softly.

The priestess moved to Inuyasha next and he eyed her warily, "So hanyou, you loved Kagome for herself at last. You guarded her and the jewel when you might easily have taken it from her. Your heart is noble and for your fierce devotion to her and your friends. I shall give you what you have wanted for so long. I shall make you a full demon. Free of madness, human soul intact" she told him.

She peered over at Kagome and then back to Inuyasha, "Shall I leave the ears?" she asked softly and the hanoyu blushed before nodding. She reached up and gently caressed his fuzzy ears. Inuyasha rumbled slightly and the priestess chuckled, "I see why now".

She hugged Kirara to her, whispering her thanks for good service and bestowed the youkai with a humanoid form and speech, hers to use if she desired. "So that our story might be told from the beginning my friend" she murmured into the soft fur. Kirara mewed and licked her former mistress' cheek.

She moved to Sesshoumaru last and the demon lord towered over her, stoic as ever. She smiled up at him and sighed, "And you Sesshoumaru-sama. The unknown candidate. To the world you appear cold and heartless but I wonder if ever a heart was so large? You took in an orphaned human and became her father, you love your wife. A rare thing in these times. Without having to, you embroilled yourself in the battle of the jewel. A demon like you could have easily turned a blind eye or taken control of the jewel yourself. Yet you did not"

Sesshoumaru grunted lightly, "I had no need of the jewel" he reminded her and she smiled all the more. "Ah yes, but when your mate returned, there were many things that you wished for weren't there. The jewel would have made them all too easy to make real. Yet you chose the path of honor and good"

His companions stared at the evasive demon. "It was because of your deep love for those around you, your desire to protect that the battle was won. Without you, your brother would not have escaped without serious injuries, the slayer and the houshi would not grace your halls. You knew these things. Despite cold words and pretension, you saved humanity" she went on.

She motioned the demon closer and he bent his head that she might reach his brow. His golden eyes snapped wide when her soft lips blossomed against the moon of his brow. "Your children shall be pure blood like you". He shook his head and studied him. "That is not needed," he told her, "I am grateful to know that there will be children".

Her eyes softened, "Very well, your heir shall be pure and the others shall be hanyou. Is this acceptable to you son of the west?" she asked. He nodded. She caressed his cheek, "You are not so very different from your father" she told him, "I miss him, but I'll see him again soon. The one true friend to me besides Kirara. He finally listened to me and did not interfere in the final battle".

All eyes widened at her words and she smiled, "Yes, your father was truly a demon beyond comparsion" she told them, "Well, until his sons were born". She smiled and lifted into the air once more, "My blessing upon you all" then she hugged the jewel tightly to her chest, "Thank you Kagome". Then the jewel burst and glittering fragments of the jewel vanished along with the great priestess from which it was born.

Sunlight streamed into the gardens and they lowered their eyes from the sky to stare at one another. Inuyasha seemed to recover first, "What did you wish for?" he asked. Kagome smiled at him, "Her freedom. Something that wouldn't serve any of us".

He looked her in confusion when she touched his face. "What?" she smiled up at him, "Inuyasha do you feel different?" she asked. He paused and then nodded, "I feel...stronger". She stroked the purple stripe on his tanned cheek, "Your full demon already". True his fangs and claws were longer and sharper, his senses perfected but inside he still felt like himself.

Sango let out an excited cry and they turned to see Miroku lift his perfect hand to the sun. No pain, no stump, like he'd never been cursed at all. He smiled brightly and then Sango jumped as said hand found it's way unerringly to her backside. She kissed him rather than hit him and he chuckled, "Yes, everything is in working order" he quipped.

Kagome had never imagined that one simple wish could grant so much. She smiled at her friends. The journey for the shikon jewel was over but new adventures were just beginning. They were alive and whole and loved. The world was new to them, a welcoming place without the shadow of Naraku or the dragons. The future was waiting.