Chapter 4

Kagome took a deep breath as she started into the darkness of the well. She was dreading this it was time to inform InuYasha that things would be put on hold for two months and not only that when she did return she would be bringing four strangers with her. He was going to blow a gasket and she knew it. InuYasha had never handled strangers or change very well. Mostly lashing out at everyone in an attempt to protect himself. Getting him to accept Shippo, Miroku and Sango had been a hard enough challenge and now she was going to ask him to accept four strangers he had never meet. Kagome sighed as she knew this conversation would most likely end in flurry of harsh words and sits.

For a moment she simply contemplated turning around and not telling him at all, but then the others would worry. She couldn't do that to any of them, she owed them all at least a heads up of what was to come.

Taking another deep breath to calm herself Kagome pushed herself over the lip of the well. The familiar light surrounding her as it transported her into the past. As she touched down at the bottom of the well Kagome could see the light shining through the top. She smiled to herself the air was always so much cleaner here and it was always so peaceful as the sound of birds reached her ears. Kagome reluctantly began to make her way out of the well as she grabbed on to the old familiar vines.

As she reached the top she knew she wouldn't have to wait long before InuYasha made his appearance. Sure, enough in less than two minute after she had climbed from the well the half demon was standing in front of her. A stern look set in his face. She could tell he was not pleased that she had already made him wait but she didn't care. She was still angry with him. Angry at the years of verbal abuse and mental anguish he had put had thought. She knew that she would forgive him she always did but today was not that day. She was here for a reason a purpose and once she had informed the others of what was happening she would leave.

"Kagome I..." He started but Kagome cut him off as she held up her hand to silence him.

"Save it InuYasha. I don't want to hear it right now." She didn't want him to apologize right now. If he did she may louse some of her resolve and waiver ever so slightly in her decision to go ahead with her secret wedding. It wasn't that she was still in love with InuYasha that would cause her to stumble but the fact that she felt guilty for keeping this secret from him. "Let's head to the village I have something to discuss with the group." Kagome didn't look at him as she brushed past him InuYasha falling in step behind her.

"Kagome! I'm so glad you back!" Shippo cried as they came into view over the hill. Kagome couldn't help but smile back as her friends came into view. She had missed them in just the few days she had been away. She frowned as the realization of how long she would be away hit her. This place had become her second home and the others her second family but this needed to happen.

"I'm happy to see you too Shippo. Where are Sango and Miroku?" Kagome smiled down at him sadly as she tried to push those thoughts from her mind.

"They are in Kaede's hut making dinner. Come on it should be almost done." Shippo smiled back as turned and rushed into Kaede's home. Kagome nodded as she made her way into the small hut. Sango was pouring bowls of soup as Miroko proper himself up on the wall behind her he looked deep in thought. 'I wonder if the wind tunnel is causing him pain again.' Kagome thought as she turned her attention back to Sango.

"Hey guys." Kagome smiled softly as she took her seat across from Sango. InuYasha following close behind her choosing to lean against the door frame.

"How was your trip home lady Kagome?" Miroku asked as he accepted a bowl from Sango.

"It was great thanks for asking." Kagome smiled back at him.

"Feh. Would you quit pussy footing around and spit out what you wanted to talk to us about. You already wasted enough time coming back so late. Now we can't leave until tomorrow." InuYasha huffed out. Kagome fought the urge to sit him already. Why did he always have to be so rude? Why couldn't he just be happy she even came back at all?

"InuYasha Your lucky she came back at all after what you said last time! So, you just leave Kagome alone." Shippo defended her as he yelled angrily at InuYasha. Kagome knew that Shippo was always the one who suffered the most when they fought. She knew he saw her as a mother and InuYasha well she wasn't quite sure how exactly he viewed InuYasha but she wished he had a better male influence in his life. But it tore poor Shippo apart every time they fought. She knew he felt like he would lose his family all over again.

"Shut up you brat you don't know anything. " InuYasha stated as he flicked Shippo between the eyes leaving a huge read knot. Kagome's eyes flashed with anger as she glared at the half demon in front of her.

"Sit boy!" Kagome yelled with satisfaction as InuYasha's face made contact with the dirt floor.

"I told you to stop doing that wench!" InuYasha yelled as he pushed himself up. Anger blazing in his amber eyes.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to hit him! He's just a kid!" Kagome scolded as she refused to back down.

"Feh. You baby him to much her a demon he needs to toughen up! You're going to make him weak!" InuYasha shot back.

"Now, now settle down you two we don't want to break Kaede's floor." Miroku laughed as he stepped between the two of them. It seemed as though he was playing peace maker more and more often. In the past year the fights between Kagome and InuYasha would start off small and then explode like a volcano.

"Feh she started it." InuYasha huffed as he sat back down. Kagome narrowed her eyes.

"Now Lady Kagome InuYasha said you had something to tell us?" Miroku asked. Kagome sighed there was no point in dragging it out she was on a time limit any way. If she didn't make it back to the other side she would be stuck her with InuYasha for two months. They would start the alteration of the portal tonight.

"Yes, I do. I'm afraid you're not going to like what I have to say, but I have made a decision. I want you all to know I did not make this decision lightly. I spent a lot of time and thought on it. So, please hear me out." Kagome stated and she could feel all eyes on her. "While I was home this time I was approached by the Prince of spirit world. King Ennmas son." Kagome waited for them to all tell her she was crazy or that she was making it up, but then again they had all heard and seen stranger things. After all she could travel through time.

"What did he want Kagome?" Sango asked.

"He has been watching us from the start and he has seen that the battle with Naraku has reached a stale mate. Neither side gaining any ground. He wishes to alter the portal in the well to allow four of his best fighters through. His hope is that with their added power they will be able to tip the battle in our favor." Kagome stated as she waited for their reactions.

"Feh. We don't need any more help. My sword is all we need." InuYasha huffed. "Besides we don't need any more men sniffing around."

"I for one would welcome the extra help. Naraku has been at large for far too long." Sango stated.

"I agree. If they can help us achieve our goals faster we should welcome them. My wind tunnel grows stronger every day. How much time do I have left a year maybe two?" Miroku stated as he looked down at his hand sadness feeling his eyes.

"I'm telling you we don't need em!" InuYasha all but yelled. "We are strong enough as is and if we need more power I will find Kikyo! She will know what to do." Kagome couldn't help but glare at InuYasha. Why did he always have to bring her into things?

"InuYasha why are you so against this?" Kagome spoke as she hung her head. "Aren't you tired of this fight? It's been dragging on for years now and Naraku still isn't dead. Don't you want to move on with your life?" Kagome asked as the room went silent all eyes were now on her and InuYasha.

"Of course, I want this to end! But I will be the one to end Naraku. I have to avenge Kikyo and I won't let anyone take that away from me." Kagome sighed. It always came back to Kikyo a woman who in her life had loved him but was now simply a shell of her former self.

"Is Kikyo really all you care about? What about Sango? All the suffering she has to go through every day because Naraku still has her brother. What about Miroku do you want to stand by and watch him die? His time is running out and if you let that happen because you were to foolish to accept help then his blood will be on your hands not Naraku's." Kagome questioned him angrily as she turned to face him. She could see the hurt forming in his eyes.

"Kagome." InuYasha whispered her name when he saw the fire raging in her eyes. She was angry, angrier then he had ever seen her before.

"No InuYasha just save it. It doesn't matter what you say the others have agreed to this and so have I. The alteration on the portal begin tonight at midnight." Kagome stated firmly.

"What! Have you completely lost your mind! How could you agree to let four strangers join our group! What if they take our shards?" InuYasha protested.

"I have not lost my mind and I never said they were strangers. I trust them." Kagome stated coldly. It wasn't a complete lie. She trusted Kurama and he trusted his friends so she would too.

"How can the two of you be okay with this?" InuYasha looked to Sango and Miroku for support.

"It makes the most since InuYasha. I for one am tired of chasseing my own tail so to speak and unlike you I am living in barrowed time." Miroku stated.

"No. I will kill Naraku before that happens!" InuYasha declared gruffly.

"You cannot guarantee it though. Naraku has been playing and toying with us for years. If we don't do something different I will die." Miroku shot back.

"Miroku is right InuYasha. We have spent years chasseing and fighting him to get nowhere. So, I for one will welcome them with open arms of Kagome trusts them." Kagome smiled she knew Sango and Miroku would both be on her side.

"Feh. Fine if that's the way you all want it. How long will theses alterations take?" InuYasha asked as his eyes hardened on Kagome.

"Two months and during that time no one will be able to pass through the well." Kagome stated.

"That's no big deal so we will look for the shard for two months and then you can go get them." Kagome took in a deep breath as she readied herself for what was about to come.

"No InuYasha we won't be looking for the shards. I am going to spend the two months at home." Kagome stated as she locked eyes with him.

"Like hell you are." InuYasha shot. "Do you know what Naraku could do in two months of you doing nothing!"

"He will do nothing InuYasha. He always waits for my return because I'm his target now! Not Kikyo! If you would get your head out of your ass long enough you would see that!" Kagome shouted.

"Feh. That doesn't change the fact that you can't go you said you stay beside me." InuYasha barked.

"I did and I will stand beside you until this is over but InuYasha Your exhausting! I need some space away from you! I need a chance to just be Kagome and not be constantly compared to a dead woman or to hear you drag my reputation through the mud like you have for the past two years!" Kagome shouted and his ears went glad against his head.

"Kagome I..." InuYasha started.

"No just shut up InuYasha I have had it with your attitude and the way you treat me like trash! Nothing you say or do right now will change that! The damage has already been done!" Kagome shouted as she stood. "I will see you all two months from now."

"No, you're not going!" InuYasha protested as he trapped her wrist.

"Let me go InuYasha!" The warning was clear in Kagome's voice.

"No, I won't. You're staying hear so we can talk..."

"Sit!" Kagome said louder than she ever had before. Making a break for the well as soon as his hand released its grip. She had never expected him to take the news well but she had not expected this kind of reaction. He had been rough with her before but he had never tried to force her to stay in the end.

Kagome slowed as the well came into view. Her portal to freedom for two months. For two months she could be a normal girl. The happy blushing bride and she and Kurama could live in their own little world. No demons no jewel shards no InuYasha. Just the two of them.

"Kagome wait!" It was Sango calling out to her from the tree line.

"Over hear Sango by the well!" Kagome called out as her friend made her way over to her. Panting heavily.

"Do you really have to be gone so long?" Sango asked as she leaned on the lip of the well.

"Yes, I do. I need a break from InuYasha and Shuuichi and I have decided to get married." Kagome watched her friend's eyes widen in shock.

"Kagome that's wonderful! I know how happy he makes you." Sango smiled up at her.

"Yes. He asked me when I went home the first time. I wanted to tell you then but InuYasha was always within hearing range." Kagome smiled sadly.

"It's ok Kagome. I understand why you are keeping this from InuYasha." Sango reminded her. "How are you going to explain your long absence after the wedding though?" Sango asked and Kagome blushed.

"Well you see he will be coming back with me." Sango looked confused by Kagome words.

"The four that I am bringing back he's one of them. Turns out he's a silver fox demon and had been working to keep humans safe. His real name is Kurama and that is what I will call him when he is here." Kagome explained and Sango gasped.

"Kagome are you sure that's wise? What if InuYasha finds out? He will no doubt try to kill him." Sango reminded her.

"Yes, Sango I know. That's why Kurama had agreed that when we are on this side of the well we will be discreet. I wanted him to pretend that he didn't know me at all but discreet was the best compromise I could get from him." Kagome laughed.

"That's better than nothing I guess." Sango smiled back at her. Kagome could see the far-off look in Sango's eyes as she looked up at the sky. She knew Sango was worried she had every right to be. There was a chance that she might never get to marry Miroku. Even Kagome knew his time was drawing near. It was becoming more and more dangerous every time he used the wind tunnel.

"Say why don't you and Miroku get married during these two months I'm away." Kagome suggested.

"We couldn't! What about Naraku? What if I end up pregnant and can't fight!" Sango blurted out and Kagome couldn't help but smile. She knew her friend wanted to fight she had a right to fight, but she also deserved to have a little piece of Miroku to hold onto if things didn't turn out for the best.

"That doesn't matter Sango you and I both know what's coming if Naraku isn't defeated soon. Miroku will be gone. If that happens I don't want you to have any regrets. And if you did have a child at least you would always have a piece of him with you. Plus, with the new additions to the group we will have more than enough to make up for your absence." Kagome could see her words were weighing heavy on Sango. "Just think about it okay." Kagome smiled and Sango nodded. "Now I have to get back. Please Make sure InuYasha doesn't fallow me. I really don't want him ruining my wedding with a sword fight. " Kagome laughed as she tossed her foot over the well.

"I'll do my best." Sango smiled as she waved her best friend off.

...

Kagome felt as though she might puke as she paces around her room. This was what she had wanted so why was she so nervous. She had been the one to push everything through and invite all the guests. She had hung all the simple black and red decorations. She had lit all the candles herself. Her mother had offered her help but Kagome had refused. She had wanted to do as much of it herself as she could.

During all that time she had not felt the least bit nervous. But now as she stood looking at her reflection. Seeing the way her hair had been swept up into an elegant and simple bun. The way the long white dress flowed out around her. It made it all so real. In just half an hour under the light of the full moon she would be married. She and Kurama would be declaring their love in front of family and friends.

Three years ago, if she had been told this day she would be marrying anyone other than InuYasha she would have laughed. Or thought them insane but now just the thought of being with anyone other than Kurama was unimaginable. It was funny how time had a way of changing so many things that you never thought possible.

"Kagome dear are you ready?" Her mother's voice came from the door.

"Yes, mama I'm ready." Kagome smiled as she picked up the roses she would carry down the isle.

"Good because I have a surprise for you in the kitchen." Kagome mother smiled back as they made their way down the steps.

...

For the first time in his life Kurama was nervous. Constantly straightening his tie or fixing his jacket. This was what he wanted. He had asked her. He wanted to be with her. So why was his heart beating so fast now? He even jumped a little when Yusuke placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Don't forget to breath man. We don't want you passing out on us." Yusuke laughed.

"Yes, that would be unfortunate." Kurama joked nervously.

"Just calm down. Once you see her all your nerves will be gone." Yusuke assured him with a smile.

"I hope you are right my friend. I don't understand why I am so nervous when it was I who asked her to marry me." Kurama stated as he glanced out over the small crowd. Kagome's grandfather and little brother along with what looked like three of her friends from school. Kurama felt sad for a moment the majority of Kagome friends were in the past. It truly bothered him that they would not be able to attend this joyful moment in Kagome's life. He knew it bothered her as well even if she would never show it.

"I am don't you remember how I was the day Keiko and I got married. You had to drag me back how many times? I even almost jumped out the window but when I saw Keiko walking my way my heart stopped and all those silly fears that seemed so big at the moment just washed away." Yusuke reassured him and Kurama was glad that he had him standing by his side. As he looked out over the crowd he was glad to see all his friends there.

...

Kagome couldn't believe it. Her eyes had to be playing tricks on her. There were four men standing in her kitchen for men that she knew very well. The first had his long black hair pulled up in a ponytail like he always had. His bright blue eyes beaming down at her. 'Koga!' She thought.

Then her eyes landed on the young boy who looked more like a teenager then a man. His bright red hair pulled back in a low green bow. 'Shippo!' Her mind raced. He had grown into such a wonderful man.

The last two there was no mistaking the golden eyes and the silver hair. InuYasha and Sesshomaru. Both standing before her both looking so modern in their suits. Just like Koga and Shippo.

"How? I don't understand?" Kagome said as tears filled her eyes.

"Don't cry mom you will mess up your makeup!" Shippo laughed as he handed her a folded napkin from the table behind him. "You didn't think we would miss your wedding, did you?" Shippo was the first to speak as she threw her arms around him.

"Yeah I have been waiting five hundred years to check out the guy who was able to take my woman away." Koga snorted at her and she couldn't help but laugh.

"She was never yours flea bag!" It was InuYasha's voice that drew her attention this time. "Five hundred years and that joke still isn't funny to anyone but you."

"So, you're all the future versions." Kagome stated as they all nodded in agreement. "I think my head is going to explode."

"I told you all of us at once would be too much for her to handle." InuYasha huffed as he pulled out a chair for Kagome. "Just breath stupid! I don't need that over protective fox coming after me just because you passed out!"

"So, you're okay with this?" Kagome asked as she looked him in the eyes.

"Feh. I'll never be okay with it but after a while I learned to accept that it was my own fault. In the past I was too rough around the edges for someone like you Kagome. I just couldn't see it then." InuYasha stated.

"So, this is your way of apologizing in advance?" Kagome smiled up at him as he looked away.

"Feh. Take it however you want it." InuYasha huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Now come on get up. The ice prick and I are going to walk you down the aisle." InuYasha's words were meat with a low growl from Sesshomaru. Kagome looked at him and back to InuYasha who saw the unspoken question burning in her eyes. "You help him with something in the past that earns you a place in his pack." InuYasha explained and Kagome nodded.

...

Kurama could feel his hands sweating even more as he felt four very powerful demons approach. They didn't seem threatening but their power was over whelming. Looking to Yusuke he could see that he felt it too. Kurama was about to speak when the music started to play. He watched as the first demon a Wolfe made his way down the aisle. Stopping in front of him.

"I just want to make sure you know Kagome is like a sister to me and my pack. If you break her heart I will personally sick all my wolves on you." Koga smiled as he moved to stand where Kagome brides maids would have stood if she had any.

The next one to appear shocked Kurama it was another Kitsune like him. Only he was read not silver and he was still very young. He was probably only now coming into his powers. Just as the wolf had he too approached Kurama.

"Just want to say sorry in advance for all the trouble I'm going to cause you." Shippo smiled as he moved to stand next to Koga. Finally, he could see Kagome making her way down the aisle. His heart stopped for two reasons as his brain processed what he was seeing. The first was how incredibly beautiful Kagome looked bathed in the moonlight. He had never seen a sight so lovely. The second was the fact that her arm was linked with a demon who had not been seen in over three hundred years. Lord Sesshomaru the most powerful and feared of them all.

He had been the ruler of demon world before he vanished. No one knew why or where he went. Some thought he had never existed at all just nearly been a legend. Something that had been made up to scare demon children back to sleep. How did Kagome know him? Then his eyes feel on the other man walking desire her and his heart dropped.

InuYasha. The very man that had caused her so much pain in the past. Why was he here now? Why were any of these demons here now? He was sure Kagome would explain latter but it did nothing to calm his worried mind now. He found himself growing more anxious the closer they got.

"Hey fox chill out were not going to cause any trouble. Were just here for Kagome. She is part of our pack after all. We have every right to be here." InuYasha smiled as Kurama let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. Pack law was something he was all too familiar with.

Even though dogs and wolves preferred large packs with more complicated rules and foxes preferred smaller family packs. They both ran off one fundamental law the Alfa must approve. That was why Sesshomaru was here.

"I see." Kurama whispered as he took Kagome hand from Sesshomaru. A sign that he had no intention of putting a stop to the ceremony.

"Don't worry fox boy you will have plenty of chances to go a few rounds with my past self. But for now, just enjoy tonight." InuYasha smiled as he moved to join the others.