A/N: This story has been sitting around in my broken laptop for a few years. I have been fortunate to retrieve and upload it for your reading pleasure. I hope that you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the original characters from the Inuyasha series. However, the many characters that pop up from time to time are indeed mine. Also, I don't own any of the names of paintings and whatnot that I put on here.
"…." –Speaking
'…' –Thoughts
"…"– Spirits Talking
"…"– Beast Talking
Together At Last
She knew, she would be stupid not to, that her mate would hang her for putting herself in such danger especially without him knowing. She knew that once she accomplished what she was here to do, she was going to really have to kiss up to him to make up for all the distress and worry he had gone through. She also knew that she was going to get one heck of a scolding from her children about how recklessly she had behaved and remind her of the many times she had scolded them for the same thing.
However, she knew that she had to do something. She couldn't let it happen the way it did and she had come to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, she was supposed to do this. As she pondered these things, she found herself hiding in the leafy branches of the Goshinboku on the ground of the shrine she had grown up in. She had cried tears of joy and pain when she had first laid eyes on it again after so many centuries.
So, from her hiding spot, she watched with those predatory eyes she had gotten accustomed to hiding since the time she and her mate had left the great domes of demonic and purity fed shields that hid the youkai race from humanity. Black hair was bound in a loose braid behind her to keep it from fluttering in the wind and giving away her location to unwanted individuals.
She was waiting, waiting for the signs of the fire that had taken her family and her life in the future from her, not that she was actually complaining considering all that she had now. Silver blue eyes looked up at the fading light of the sun as it descended beyond the horizon. She was admiring the sight of the sunset before her when she caught the sound of four voices she would never in her life forget.
She turned her eyes and nearly sighed at the sight of her high school friends as they made their way up the seemingly unending stairs that lead to the shrine and the Higurashi residence. "Are you sure about this Yuka? She may be too tired to speak with us." Eri asked from her place beside Hojo. Yuka shrugged her shoulders. "We just want to check on her and see if she's alright Eri. There can't possibly be anything wrong with that."
"If she is tired Mrs. Higurashi will let us know if she's not feeling well or not.." Eri nodded her head in agreement of Ayumi's statement. Kagome smiled as she watched them with sad eyes even the sight of Hojo couldn't dampen her melancholy of seeing them again after such a long time.
She watched them as they knocked on her mother's door paid no mind to their conversation. She smiled as her mother's calming voice floated on the wind to her ears. "I'm sorry; she's not feeling well enough to see any one." She told her friends whose shoulder slumped in defeat.
Hojo stepped forward to give her the basket of health care stuff that he always carried around when he came to visit Kagome. The inu woman in the tree could help the scowl of distaste at the care package he presented to her mother. She watched as her mother's aged hands took the package and as they teen were about to turn to leave, a loud explosion could be heard from inside the house.
They turned to watch as the kitchen area was engulfed in flames and Mrs. Higurashi desperately ran back into the house to get Souta and her father-in-law. Hojo and the girls ran in after her wanting to help her get the rest of the family out. Kagome watched in horror as the wind picked up speed and with it, quickly spread the hungry flames of the fire that burned everything within its reach.
She waited for a few moments and when no one came out she rushed into the house. Many of them were around Hojo, who was pinned under a fallen beam. "Move!" She growled. Souta and Mrs. Higurashi stared for a moment before quickly moving, pushing the stunned Ayumi and Yuka out of the way. Kagome stepped forward and with a quick lift and a fast toss she had liberated the young male. She reached a hand down to him, which he hesitantly took.
Silver blue eyes looked around her. She spotted her jii-chan and Eri just a few steps behind Souta and her mother. Thinking quickly, she gathered them all together and formed her orb around them. With a push of her youkai, she levitated them from the ground a few inches. "Hold on." She said to them in quick warning before she punched through the flaming roof and flying across the sky towards her home.
SKSKSKSKSK
It seemed like mere minutes had passed before she landed down in the courtyard of her home. She flared her aura once seconds before setting down. Once they were all touching the lush grass, she pulled her youkai back into her body. Within seconds her sons Daichi, Mamoru, and Yoshinori stepped out. "Mother? What's going on?" Called Mamoru. "Mamoru, Daichi, help me get them all inside. Yoshi, I need you to get Michiko and Akari. Meet me in the living room and hurry."
The younger man nodded before running off into the house. "Who are you?" Asked Hana, Kagome's mother. Kagome smiled down at her. "I'll explain everything in a few minutes. Let me care for all of you first okay?" Hana nodded as she allowed her to pull her up. Daichi had gone over to help her grandfather and Mamoru had Hojo. Eiji had arrived some time earlier and was helping Souta into the house.
Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka followed in a slower pace, coughing. Kagome's eyes narrowed slightly. 'I have to look into that.' Once they were all inside, she could see her daughters looking over injuries and healing what needed to be healed with their reiki. Her sons and some of their children stood at the door, all of them in their demonic forms since they were at home. She looked over at a pair of emerald green eyes that looked at her expectantly. "Please text your father and tell him to come home. Explain what's going on."
Shippo nodded and walked away, his nine tails uncurling from his mate. As he walked away, she could smell the confusion and fear that course through the bodies of her friends. Rin walked over to her. "Mama Kagome, who are they?" Kagome sighed as she heard the gasps behind her. "Kagome?" Each one said in a different volume of noise as they looked her over.
Kagome nodded, her waterfall of hair shifting behind her as she knelt on the floor before her mother. "Yes mama. It's me. It's been so long since I last saw you. I'm so happy that you are safe." She told her mother, tears running down her beautiful eyes as she gathered her mother close. Kagome's mother wrapped her arms around her. "Kagome dear, you just saw us last month." Hana expressed with a confused tone. Her worry growing when her daughter began to sob earnestly into her shirt.
Kagome shook her head. She pulled away slightly as she felt the hands of many of her children on her. She looked into their eyes, each one expressing great concern as they had never seen their mother cry before. She allowed them to pull her into them and wrap their tails around them; her hand, however, remained tightly wrapped around her mother. "Mother," Shippo said as he walked back into the room. "He should be here soon." She nodded in understanding. "Thank you Shippo."
He stepped forward and the others moved away but for Daichi who held her to him. "Why didn't you tell us mother? You know that we would have helped you if you had just asked." Kagome nodded. "I know Shippo. This was just something that I had to do. I never knew if they did. The house was burned to the ground when I came back. They were gone. All of them gone. Souta, mama, jii-chan, everything that kept me here was suddenly extinguished."
He knelt as Daichi moved away to give him room. "I understand. You do know that he won't be pleased?" Kagome nodded. "Yes I know." She said but she looked at the confused eyes of her family and friends and smiled. "But it was worth it." Souta looked at her and then Shippo. "Who's going to be upset Kagome?" Then, just as she was about to respond, a whirlwind of youkai shoved the doors open and standing in the doorway were Sesshomaru and Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru paid no mind to the outsiders in his home, pink rimmed the whites of his eyes and he zeroed in on his mate. Without hesitation, he walked over to her, his long silver mane swaying behind him. Shippo quickly backed away and the others knelt in were they stood. "Mate," Sesshomaru growled. "What possessed you?" He said as he grabbed a hold of her and pulled her to him. Hard, golden eyes passed over her form to look at any injuries that she may have received.
His inspection stopped at her hands, burned slightly from lifting the beam from Hojo. He growled and grabbed her hand. "You were careless." He hissed as he licked the angry red flesh. Kagome hissed as the small amount of poison ate away at the ruined skin and the healing abilities of his saliva closed the wound.
"Forgive me mate. I had too. They are my family." She whimpered to him, her neck exposed to him in submission. Sesshomaru pressed his nose to the skin of her throat, taking in her intoxicating scent mixed with that of smoke. "I understand that, but what of them?" He asked as he motioned his head at her staring friends. "I wasn't expecting them. They went in to help mama with Souta and Jii-chan. Hojo got pinned under a beam that I pulled off of him." Their delicate hearing caught the sound of Inuyasha's snort. Every set of demon eyes turned to look at him.
Inuyasha blushed and scratched the back of his head as the humans watched on in confusion. Meihui, who had arrived along with the rest of her family, shook her head at her mate. Kagome lifted a brow then continued, "I couldn't leave them there so I brought them here. I hope that you are not upset." Sesshomaru tangled in hands in her hair and kissed her lips. "Never mate. That, however, doesn't mean that you are allowed to put yourself at risk again. Next time you feel like doing something reckless let me know."
Kagome rubbed her cheek against his. "I will." The two separated slightly, but Kagome remained wrapped her mate's tail, she knew that she wasn't out of the woods with him yet. She looked at her family and her friends. "Excuse me," Yuka began. Everyone turned to look at her and she swallowed nervously at the number of predatory eyes staring at her. "How can you possibly be Kagome? Kagome was supposed to be sick and in bed. She wasn't in her room or anywhere in the house when the fire started. I would know. I checked! Not to mention, you look weird."
"Yuka!" Cried Eri and Ayumi, startles by her audacity. Yuka looked at them. "You know it's true. Look at them. None of them, but that girl in the back, appears human. I think we need to hear an explanation and now. We deserve that much." Several growls sounded through the air and the young human teen felt the suffocating oppression of youkai press into her. She felt a chill down her spine at the maliciousness of the feeling.
"I suggest that you learn some respect within these next few seconds if you value that tongue of yours. I will not allow an outsider to disrespect our mother and pack alpha." Growled Mamoru. "Mamoru calm yourself." Daichi said as he placed a calming hand on his brother's shoulder. Mamoru stilled at his brother's touch and drew in his power as the others who had released it did so as well. Kagome nodded in thanks to her eldest pup. She gave Yuka a cold look. "I have a few introductions to make and then I'll get on to explaining. My pack comes before all else."
She gave the four friends a cold shoulder and she pulled her mother, Souta, and Jii-chan up from their spots. "Mama, Souta, Jii-chan, I would like you to meet my mate, Taisho Sesshomaru. He's CEO of Taisho Corp and the Inu Daiyoukai of the West." Sesshomaru moved away from his mate, still keeping his tail around her and bowed to her family. "It's a pleasure to meet you all at last. She has spoken of you a great deal throughout the centuries."
Hana, startled, bowed in return; Souta and Jii-chan doing the same after they stopped staring. "The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for taking care of my Kagome for me." The inu gave her a slight smile that made her breath hitch in her throat, stunned by his beauty. He moved aside and gestured to Shippo and Rin. Smiling at her adopted children, she turned to her mother. "This tall and handsome red head is my adopted son, Shippo and my adopted daughter Rin. You remember them?" Hana smiled at them.
"The little kitsune that traveled with you and Inuyasha and I believe you said Rin was Sesshomaru's ward." Kagome laughed softly. "Yes mama. Shippo mated Rin a few years after Sesshomaru and I were mated. Shippo is a famous artist known around the world and time periods under different names of course. I'm pretty sure that you've heard of the Mona Lisa?" Souta's mouth dropped. Shippo laughed. "One among many others." Souta smiled. Kagome Continued. "Rin is a very well-known doctor that works at the Odaiba Hospital." Rin smiled sweetly and bowed. "It's an honor Higurashi-baa-san."
Hana smiled and pulled the two of them into a hug. "The name is Hana dear and welcome to the family." They released her and to sit on the couch beside Sesshomaru and Kagome. Kagome motioned to her first three children who walked over obediently. They bowed before their parents and then to their grandmother, uncle, and great grandfather. Daichi was the first to speak. "I am Daichi, first born son of mother and father and heir to the throne of the West. These two are the first set of twins' mother and father had, Eiji and Aimi."
Eiji stepped forward and enveloped his grandmother in a hug. Silver blue and golden eyes danced with joy. He released her and then went on to give his uncle and great grandfather hugs as well. "Welcome to the family." Aimi gave them a wide smile. "Come now Eiji. Don't hog them. Daichi and I want a turn." Eiji gave a light chuckle as he went to sit beside Rin. Aimi pulled her silver hair away before she hugged and kissed each new addition of the family; golden, silver blue eyes swimming with joy as she joined her twin. Daichi hugged did the same as his brother, hugging them each.
He sat down in the floor between his standing father and the seated Shippo. Michiko and Mamoru followed next. Introducing themselves and giving their new pack mates a warm welcome; they both kissed their obaa-chan on the forehead with Michiko kissing the other two on the cheek. Mizuki and Tsukiko gave them all shy smiles that were entirely their brother, Dai's. "Are you two twins by any chance?" Asked Souta. They smiled at the same time. "Yes uncle Souta. We are the second set of twins mama had." Mizuki responded as she and Tsukiko moved away to give room to the triplets.
There were multiple gasps from not only the family, but also Kagome's classmates. The rest of Sesshomaru's pack knew why. Both sets of the triplets stepped forward. The females sat on the floor as their brothers stood and introduced themselves. "Hello. My name is Masaru. This is Kenshin and that's Yoshinori. We are the first of the triplets. Welcome." They each bowed and then took turns hugging. "How do we tell you apart?" Asked grandpa Higurashi as he tried to set them all apart.
The young males laughed. "It's by their hair grandpa. " Called Michiko. "They wear their hair down at night, but during the day they each have different hairstyles." Tsukiko hummed in agreement. "Masaru likes to wear his hair in a braid when he's in youkai form at home." Mizuki nodded. "Yup, and Kenshin wears it in a high ponytail." Dai spoke next from his spot. "Yoshinori wears his hair loose." Eiji laughed at the triplets' looks of exasperation.
He looked at his great grandfather. "As inu youkai we don't have to concern ourselves with their appearances because they each have a slightly different scent. Seeing as you don't have that advantage, you'll have to go by what they look like during the day. As you get to know them personally, you'll be able to pick up the difference in their personalities and know which one is which regardless of how they look."
The triplets nodded. "We could have spoken for ourselves." Masaru said in a neutral voice. "It's not going to hurt when we do it every once in a while." Aimi stated from her seat beside Eiji. The triplets moved away to leave the floor open to the girls. They each stood up from their positions with a fluid grace that Kagome's female friends envied. Each turned to their mother's family, bowed, straightened.
"My name is Akari and these are my sisters, Kazumi and Rumi." The girls bowed as their names were called. "We are the second and final set of triplets mama gave birth to. Like Eiji said you'll be able to tell us apart once you get to know us, but for the time being you can you use our colors to set us apart. We each wear accessories in a specific color." She reached down to pull the white fan from her obi. She unfurled it with practiced ease. "I will always carry something white. Kazumi's color is crimson red and Rumi's fan is made from lapis lazuli." Rumi lifted her fan to show them the beautiful blue framed fan.
Each girl hugged and kissed their family and then went to sit beside their triplet brothers on a couch opposite where Shippo and the others were. By this point Hana was stunned to tears, she looked around at them all. "You are all so stunning gorgeous. I'm so happy to meet you all. I can't begin to…" she stopped when her eyes landed on two at the back. One she didn't know, but the other she did. "Inuyasha?" She asked, unable to recognize the man that stood there.
Inuyasha blushed and moved forward, taking Meihui with him. "Mother Higurashi." He said to the poor woman, stunning her with how he regarded her before she smiled in joy. She wrapped her arms around him. "It's so good to see you again my boy. Who might you be?" She asked Meihui who stood beside them silently. Inuyasha brought her closer. "This is my mate Meihui. Meihui, this is Kagome's mother. She's the second person after Kagome to accept me as I was and cared for me as a mother would."
Meihui smiled. "Thank you for caring for him." Hana shook her head. "Not at all, he watched over Kagome while she was gone. It's the least I could do." Inuyasha then introduced her to Souta, who hugged him fiercely, and finally grandpa Higurashi. Once the introductions were done, they moved to the dining room where a late dinner hand been made for them. Kagome's family and friends stared in awe of the place she lived in and of her family. They all ate happily. The children sharing stories of what had gone on in their lives with all of them and when they were all done, Kagome began her story.
She started it from the very beginning for the benefit of her friends, her mate and her children who never knew any of it. She told them of how she fell into the well, how she released Inuyasha, nearly died at the hands of Sesshomaru, and how she had met all her friends. She went on about Kikyo's resurrection and the half of her soul that was ripped out of her body. She told them of Naraku and of the crimes he committed to anyone and everyone. She told him about his incarnations, about Kanna and Kagura who were still living.
She told them of the months before the final battle, and then the battle itself. Then for the first time in centuries she spoke of her conversation with Midoriko and her transformation. Then she went on about how when she came home, she believed them to be dead. She began the story of what had happened after Inuyasha had kicked her out and she had closed the well. Then of the things she had done throughout the years before settling at the Village of Edo and adopting Shippo.
She spoke of the time when Sesshomaru marked her as his intended and of the years that followed. Inuyasha at this time was given the stage and he spoke of his time in the Continent with Kikyo and then everything after his return, from his position as Commander to the war with the North. Then with inputs from everyone, they went on about how they had lived through history and survived thanks to Kagome's and Sesshomaru's efforts.
By the time they were done, it was well past 10:30 in the evening. Her mother was in tears as Souta and her grandfather gave her looks of distress. Her friends had looks of disbelief and shock. "You should call your parents. Tell them that you are staying over at a friend's house. Thankfully tomorrow is Saturday so it shouldn't be too much of an issue." Kagome mentioned to the silent high school teens. They didn't say anything at her at first. Kagome moved her head to the side. "What's wrong?"
"Why didn't you tell us anything? All this time you lied to us, to everyone. Did our friendship mean nothing to you?" Asked a hurt and furious Yuka. Eri looked at Kagome as well, her eyes shining with unshed tears of hurt. "I agree Kagome. Why didn't you tell us? You didn't tell even us the truth about that cheating ex-boyfriend of yours." She huffed as she pointed at Inuyasha, who sat with his arms crossed over his chest. He raised an eyebrow at her in the fashion of his brother.
Ayumi shook her head at her friends, when she looked at Kagome she gave her a sad smile. "I understand Kagome." She spoke softly. "I won't say that I'm not hurt or upset, but I do understand."Yuka glared at Ayumi. "How can you understand Ayumi? She lied! All those years that we worried sick for her and Hojo kept trying to make her feel better was nothing more than a pack of lies!" She hissed. Michiko gave Yuka a cold glare. "Put yourself in her shoes than." Yuka's anger died slightly under the woman's frosty gaze. "What?"
"Would you have told your friends that when you were fifteen you got dragged through an old well on your shrine by a centipede demon? Only to find that you've been sent five hundred years into the past and on a daily basis struggle to stay alive fighting demons, evil hanyou, power hungry humans, insane witches and dark mikos for shards of a legendary jewel. Then as the cherry on top to say that said jewel was ripped out of your body because you were born with it and that you're the reincarnation of its pervious protector. How do you think they would take that?"
Yuka said nothing as her shoulders slumped in defeat. "They wouldn't believe me. They think I was nuts and needed to be locked up in a psych ward." Masaru lifted a brow then. "If that's the case why should my mother be an exception to the rule? Why should she have put herself in such a compromising position to make people believe something they think to be only myth and legend? Simply because it's you and because you doing like being lied to? Big deal, no one does."
"Okay I get that, but what about Hojo. You've been leading him on for years. "Said Eri. Kagome sighed. "For heaven's sake, I did no such thing. You pushed him on me and he couldn't take the hint. There was a reason I said no to all those times you asked me for a date Hojo. I'm sorry that it came to this, but you all should have guessed at it long ago. Besides it's a good thing I didn't Eri. It would have put a very large strain on our friendship if I caught you two one day. As it is I can smell your scents all over each other and I mean in a way that indicates sexual activity."
Eri blushed and Hojo turned red. "As for Inuyasha, I never said that he was my boyfriend. You three simply assumed that he was. Yes, he was my first love and yes there was a love triangle between me, him, and Kikyo but it never became more than that because of that very reason. Next time you want to accuse someone of being untruthful be sure you have nothing to hide yourself." Her steel gaze softened.
"I'm not upset at all. I'm happy for you two. I knew about your love for him Eri so it surprised me when you went along with this nonsense. Now you two have a change at being happy together. Don't let this ruin it for you. We all managed to find happiness with someone after so much suffering. While you may not have experienced in your young lives as much as any of us have, I think that you can find happiness too. Now give your families a call and you'll be shown to your rooms by the Yuki."
They all got up and said their good nights before heading to their rooms. Kagome lingered behind. She kissed her mother's cheek and that of her brother and grandfather. "Get some rest. You'll need it. You'll meet the rest of the family once they are up. Good night." She said to them as a maid told the group to follow her. She watched them until they were gone and smiled up at her mate as he wrapped his tail around her and she around him. "Come mate." Kagome nodded and with that they went in the direction to their room.
SKSKSKSKSK
Morning came too early for the tired group of humans that woke from the sudden sound of a mini stampede and a loud roar of laughter; they each found clothes on a table next to their beds and proceeded to get ready. Ayumi, Yuka, Eri, and Hojo stepped out of their rooms and stood together in a bunch as they waited for the approaching Higurashi's.
They smiled at each other before saying a soft good morning. "Kagome-baa-chan! They finally woke up." Cried a little girl with black hair streaked with copper red. She had gorgeous blue green eyes, pointed ears, fluffy tail and was dressed in an orange fighting kimono. Kagome stepped out from a doorway looking regal in a metallic black and sapphire colored fighting kimono with the crest of the West embroidered in silver blue stitching. Her floor length hair was left loose to fall behind her in waves and her tail was wrapped around her silver blue obi waist and over her shoulder in the fashion of her mate.
Kagome's family and friends could only stare in awe of her beauty as last night had been too much of a shock for them to really consider the differences. Yuka and Eri were green with envy while Ayumi was simply astounded. Hojo was having a very male reaction in approval of her new appearance that Kagome fought not to scrunch her nose in offense of his scent.
"Natsumi koi what are you doing inside. You know you're supposed to be outside." She said as she walked over to the seven year old child with fluid grace. Natsumi looked up at her and nodded before flashing her beloved grandmother a cute grin. "Papa said to come get you. jii-chan is waiting for you." Kagome smiled down at her and nodded. "Let jii-chan know that I'll be out soon. I'm just getting everything ready for them to eat." Natsumi smiled and ran out of the house.
Kagome looked at them all with silver blue eyes so beautiful and unnatural that her friends shuddered in nervous admiration. Kagome smiled, a fang peaking through. "I know. It took a while for me to get use to seeing myself like this. It took longer still to learn how to control my beast and learn how to use my powers, but in the long run, it was worth it. Good morning by the way." She said as she hugged her family, rubbing her cheek against theirs and purring in delight.
Hana laughed. "What is a beast dear?" She asked as Souta ran his hand through the fur of her tail. "Wow! This is so soft. What is it?" Kagome laughed as she allowed it to uncoil itself from her shoulder and waist. "It's my tail Souta." His eyes nearly fell out of his head. "A tail? I saw all of you with it last night but I thought that it was like a fashion trend you guys had going on that you could control."
Kagome laughed. "No, it's not a fashion trend. These are our tails. In our humanoid forms, we use them as a storage for the any extra power that our smaller bodies can't completely hold. In our true forms, they are just our tails. Turning back to her mother, she explained, "I'll tell you all about that later if you don't mind mama." Her mother nodded in understanding.
She glanced over at Yuki, who stood beside her. "Lady Kagome, everything has been moved outside as you ordered." Kagome smiled. "Thank you Yuki. You may all take a break." Yuki bowed. "Thank you my lady." With that she bowed once to her lady and another to her lady's visitors before she disappeared back into the doorway that Kagome had come out of some time before.
"My Lady?" Hojo asked. Kagome was slightly startled at hearing his voice. After all, he hadn't said a word last night. She nodded as she moved forward, the others following behind her instinctively. "Yes. I said last night that my mate Sesshomaru is the Inu Daiyoukai of the West. Since he is lord, I am his lady. A few centuries ago, he was the most powerful of the taiyoukai, but as his power grew in his age so did his rank. Of the four ruling clans, our clan is not only most powerful but it's also the largest." She stated as she lead them outside.
They all released a gasp at the number of youkai in the yard. Over thirty at the very least. Kagome laughed. "Come this way. Breakfast has been made and served for you." She led them to a low table under a gorgeous willow. They all took their seats. "You're not going to eat Kagome." Asked Ayumi who worried for her friend's health despite the fact that she looked far healthier than most people she knew. Kagome gave her a kind smile. "No thank you. As youkai, we are not required to eat as often as humans do. Last's night's meal will last us a few weeks, but we still eat just out of the necessity to blend in with humanity in this era."
She looked over her shoulder, feeling as if someone was staring at her and met the heated gaze her mate sent her and the predatory grin. She felt a shudder of pleasure run down her spine. She returned his grin with one of her own; their demonic ears caught the groan Inuyasha released. "Please you two. No more." Sesshomaru looked at his brother. "Hn. Are you then the only one allowed to admire his mate?" He asked him in his smooth baritone that made Kagome's friends melt into butter. Kagome glanced back and suppressed a chuckle as they stared at her mate dreamily.
Inuyasha huffed as everyone laughed at him. "As a matter of fact, Uncle Inuyasha had no problem admiring his mate as she mopped the floor with him this morning. That's probably why you lost. Hmmm, mind in the gutter much?" Called the dark haired Takumi, Shippo's first son. Inuyasha blushed as his mate gave him a side long glance. "I must agree with you Takumi." Meihui said as she purred in a way that she knew would get her mate hot and bothered.
Inuyasha's face flushed bright red. He turned away and disappeared into the house as the younger of the pups looked on in confusion and the older ones leaned against one another in their laughing fits. Kagome shook her head. "He just had to give Takumi that opening." She looked at her friends as they stared at them all in wonder. "This is nothing new. Inuyasha always gets teased by the pups. He is their favorite uncle."
She glanced at Souta. "You better pray they don't take to you the way they did him. A little less than half of them are kitsune hanyou or three quarter kitsune youkai. They know how to cause trouble. You should have Inuyasha tell you of all the pranks they played on him when he first returned from the Continent." She told him with a grin. She turned on her heal and lifted a clawed hand in greeting. "Now, if you'll excuse me, we have to finish up today's training. Afterwards, the pups will introduce their mates and young ones to you.
SKSKSKSKSK
It was two hours later that the Western Inu clan had finished their training and were now sitting and resting. Everyone, from youngest to oldest, attempted to catch their breath and calm their racing hearts as their sensei's, also known as, Kagome, Sesshomaru, Daichi, Shippo, and Inuyasha had quite literal drilled them to the ground. The pups bit back whimpers as sore muscles cramped. They immediately silenced themselves and attempted to pull on "the family mask" as they had dubbed it and allowed the cool breeze to dry their damp flesh.
The Higurashi family, along with the high school teens, watched in amazement as each instructor taught a different group in a different weapon or fighting style before running drills and finally pairing random individuals for duals. Kagome could be seen in the arms of her mate smiling with pride along with her two sons and brother-in-law. Sesshomaru was his customary self, expressionless but for a small upturn of his lips.
Once the humans were finished eating, the youkai staff picked up the dirty dishes and walked away, bowing to their lord and lady before going on their way. Kagome sat beside her mother and Sesshomaru took his place beside her, silent but offering a greeting to his mate's family. "Kagome dear, is it okay for the young children to be learning to fight at this age?" Hana asked in concern for the many small pups she could see sprawled out on the grass next to each other.
Kagome nodded. "Yes mama. Demon children are far different from human children. Their bodies can withstand greater stress than humans can. Not to mention that in this day and age, it's a hundred times more important for them to learn how to control their beasts, which is our animal self, as well as their powers. Left unchecked their beast can take control over them and wreak havoc or they can hurt themselves of those around them with their powers." She said.
Sesshomaru bowed his head once in agreement then added. "That is especially true of our pups. I inherited my poison from my mother's side of the family only mine is far more potent then hers. My pups were also born with this ability. A drop of our poison will kill a human in second, a youkai in an hour or so depending on how strong they are. In large quantities, it'll melt through anything like acid." Kagome cocked her head to the side.
"There is also the fact that they were born with my priestess abilities. So they have to learn how to control two abilities that were originally made to destroy one another. They have to learn how to heal, seal, and destroy with youkai and do the same with reiki. It's trickier still, when they have to charge both differing powers into whatever weapon they are using and since we are living outside of the barriers, they cannot go wild. So we do this for ourselves and the pups. It serves the purpose of exhausting us, strengthening us, and keeping all our senses sharp."
Sesshomaru caught the gaze of Shippo and made a small gesture that only their clan understood. Shippo looked over to his twin daughter's Natsumi and Natsuko. Both woman nodded and gathered their brood and walked the small distance. Kagome smiled. "Everyone, I would like you to meet Shippo and Rin's first children; the twins Natsumi and Natsuko."
Both red heads bowed politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." Stated Natsumi. "Otou told us about you." Continued Natsuko. "May we present our families to you?" Hana nodded eagerly. "Yes please." Natsumi went first. She introduced her mate Hiro, an earth fox youkai with dark brown hair, leaf green eyes, and a single green stripe on his tanned cheeks. He was tall and polite, kind and calm. Next were her two pups, Hatsuharu and Sakura. Hatsuharu was a boy of apparently nine years of age with reddish brown hair and tail, green striped cheeks, and green eyes. Sakura was a six year old with red hair, red tail, no markings, and green eyes.
Natsuko introduced her mate Yuki, an artic fox with silver hair, white eyes, and a shimmery pale white snowflake on his forehead. Their eldest seven year old daughter, Fuyo, was her father in likeness while their five year old, Daisuke, was his mother. After they were done, they bowed and left. Next in line was Takumi. He gave them a wide smile and warm greet before introducing his mate, Sayuri, a crimson red haired fox demon with bright blue eyes.
He introduced his sons, Hiro and Katsuo. Hiro was his eldest eleven year old son who had the likeness of his mother, with his father's outgoing personality. Katsuo was a shy boy of nine who had black hair and blue eyes. Then came little Natsumi who gave them her signature smile and bowed low with the rest of her family to make way for her uncles, Yoshihiro and Yoshio.
Yoshihiro, the spitting image of his father gave them a charming grin, red hair falling over his shoulder in thick waves. His green eyes danced with merriment as he introduced his mate, Ayame. Ayame was a black fox youkai with brown eyes. Yoshio introduced himself as Yoshihiro's opposing twin. He then followed by introducing a young woman who looked exactly like Ayame. Yoshio laughed at their expressions as he explained that his mate, Mayu, was Ayame's twin. Both sisters were swollen with child. Ayame a month or two further along than Mayu.
Finally, Kohaku stepped forward. A gorgeous man with black streaked red hair and green eyes. He smiled at them all and presented his intended, Saki, a silver fox. She was a beauty with silver strands of hair that ended at a black tip. Her tail was black with six inches of pristine white at the end. She had eyes the color of sun that surrounded a cat's narrow pupil.
Daichi came up next with his black inu youkai mate, Yuzuki, and their three pups. Seventeen year old, Hisoka, with his mother's black hair and his father's golden eyes and markings. Twelve year old, Natsuko, with her father's crest and silver hair and her mother's silver eyes. Last but not least, was seven year old, Keiji, who had inherited his mother's looks, black hair and silver eyes, along with the crest of his grand sire.
Eiji and Aimi introduced their mates. A blood red inu female with the power over the fire element named Rina and a dark brown inu with the power of earth named Gaia. With them were two pups, a thirteen year old girl named Kaoru and a two year old name Shigure. Michiko stepped forth with a golden inu Riku and an infant pup named Satori. The mated couple handed their swaddled bundle to Hana who cooed over the little black and gold pup.
Retrieving their sleeping infant, they made way for Mamoru with his grey inu from England named Daine and a nine year old pup named Kai. Up next were the twins, Mizuki and Tsukiko. Mizuki introduced her silver blue wind inu mate named Kaze and a three year old daughter named Sakura. Tsukiko presented her six year old son Akira and her shadow controlling inu mate, Lee.
The triplets, Masaru, Kenshin, and Yoshinori stepped forward with three exquisite dragon females. An amethyst eyed and smoky black haired fire user with the name Avatre bowed as Masaru introduced her. Nightshade, a black haired and silver eyed female from the Americas was warmly as Kenshin gave them her name. Then Yoshinori tugged forward, his lovely lunar dragon mate named Tempest Moon. None had pups.
Finally, there were Akari, Kazumi, and Rumi. Unlike the others who were youkai in one form or another, these males with powerful warrior and magic wielding elves. The first who stood close to Akari was a tanned skinned male with dark chocolate colored hair and steel grey eyes that went by the name of Lëo. Kazumi's mate was a white haired male with sky blue eyes who presented himself by the name of Órion and Rumi's mate was a platinum blond haired, emerald eyed male named Thurin.
Once done, many of the children broke away from their parents to investigate their new pack members. Throughout the entire exchange Kagome watched her friends and restrained a laugh as their jaws dropped lower and lower with the presentation of each of her beautiful children and grandchildren and of course gorgeous mates.
Sesshomaru, while finding their expressions amusing, didn't particularly like how Hojo kept glancing at his mate when she wasn't looking. At one point, the boy had looked in his direction, not expecting to meet his cold eyes. The boy gulped and turned away, keeping his eyes off his mate. Satisfied, Sesshomaru and Kagome moved away from the others as they allowed their children and grandchildren to surround the table and talk to their family and Kagome's friends.
As the couple sat at the base of a cherry blossom tree no longer in bloom, they wrapped themselves around each other; watching as they all laughed and played together. Many of the pups pulled Souta along with Inuyasha following to make sure that they didn't traumatize the poor kid with their pranks. The woman and men surrounded Kagome's mother and grandfather. Sharing tales and asking question, her daughter's doting on her grandfather as the older man blushed.
The pups that were in their teens sat beside Kagome's friends and shared answered whatever questions Ayumi, Yuka, Eri, and Hojo would ask regardless of what it was that they were asking about. The humans all watched them, listening with rapt attention to everything coming out of their mouths.
Streams of conversation floated on the wind to the silent couple. Sesshomaru nuzzled his nose against his mate's throat. "Is this what you have been waiting for mate?" He asked as the scent of complete bliss strengthened her natural scent. He growled appreciatively, kissing the column of her neck.
Kagome sighed happily and closed her eyes, dipping her head to one side to give him all the access he wanted. She reached a clawed hand back and tangled her fingers in his sleek hair. "Yes. I have been dreaming of this day for centuries my love and now, our pups can have the best of both worlds just like I did."
He separated himself from her lovely neck and Kagome whined her displeasure. He hooked a clawed finger under her chin and turned her face to his. Raising a brow he asked, "You call that hormone driven boy and those annoying girls the best of this world?" Kagome laughed at the sarcasm dripping from his words.
She shook her head. She rubbed her cheek against his. "Hojo could never get the picture. Yuka is a bit of a hot head and Eri was always in love with Hojo. Ayumi is the more understanding of them all not to mention the romantic. That, however, is no what I meant." Placing bother hands on his cheeks, she gently turned his head back to the happy scene in front of them.
"My pack is now complete. My mama, my brother, and my jii-chan are here to see and experience what you and our pack have given me. Our pack can now have what my mama, my brother, and my jii-chan gave me freely and without condition. For the first time I can say that both halves of my heart and life are whole. I am now truly complete."
Sesshomaru turned back to his mate. His tail wrapped around her as his hand slipped into her silky hair. He pulled her into his, his body molding itself against hers and kissed her with all the passion and fire he had in him. Kagome felt her heart swell and her brain turn to mush as she melted into his intoxicating touch, falling into the molten heat that was their love.
She paid no mind to the pressure of the ground against her back. Only his scorching caress and fiery kisses registered in her mind, sang to her heart, ignited her soul. The curtain of his silver hair hid them from the view of the world outside and in that moment only they existed. Sesshomaru pulled away and stared at the glorious image his mate made as her chest rose and fell with greedy intakes of breath.
His passion filled golden eyes burned into his mate's glazed silver blue. "I am glad and I will fight for the rest of my life until my last breath to keep it so. I love you mate and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you." Kagome gave him a heart stopping smile. "Thank you mate. I love you."
"Hey you two, get a room!" Cried Inuyasha, effectively shattering the moment. They turned to look at him then back at one another. The beginnings of laughter bubbled deep within their chests and forced themselves out their mouth. Kagome laughed in her joy of finally having her happily ever after and Sesshomaru's gorgeous laughter joined hers as the bliss of his mate resonated through his soul. Gold met watery blue and together thought. "Together at last; always and forever."
A/N: I did it! I can't believe I did it! My first story completed. I hope that you all enjoyed this extra-long chapter and "Truly Complete" as whole. Please let me know what you think.
P.S. Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. Also, thanking all those who followed me or my story. Thanking Sugar0o. I've read quite a bit of your stories. You're one of my favorite writers and I'm so happy that my story was able to capture your attention. Once again, thank you all.