A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! This story has the most reviews I've ever had! It's outdone my hit, Dark Tide: Shadow Saiyan! Now at the end of this chapter and on, things are going to be a bit broader in the timeline. Well, that's all I have to say for now, so here it is, the twelfth chapter!
Chapter Twelve: Love, Faith, and the Wedding II
One Week Later (A/N: That's one week after the end of chapter eleven.)
Yusuke and Kagome stepped off the plane after five hours of flight, an extra hour because of the weather. They were tired, worried about their friends and family, but most of all cold. Purchasing some over priced winter clothing they left the airport, got a taxi, and made their way towards the Higuraishi Shrine. When they finally arrived, they were greeted by a sign that said the cable cart was out of order. This forced them to walk up the stairs very carefully as not to slip and fall. It also caused them to become irritated with how many steps a shrine should have just to get to the house. Finally they arrived at the top of the stairs and into the shrine courtyard. Making their way through the snow to the front door they entered, shed their outer winter clothing, and walked up to their room to sleep off the jetlag.
-
The first thing that Kurama noted when he came in from outside was the extra articles of winter clothing at the door. He knew this meant that Kagome and Yusuke had returned and that they would most likely be sleeping off their jetlag, from a long flight. Chuckling to himself he made his way into the kitchen and started to make some hot chocolate and some nice hot soup.
After an hour of cooking, he heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. Yusuke and Kagome were up, but still suffering from jetlag, at least a little bit. Chuckling to himself he kept cooking and added a few more spices to the soup to give it the right flavor. After he heard them sit down at the table, he knew they would drink their hot chocolate before anything else, just to get warmed up.
"Good afternoon Kagome, Yusuke, sleep well?" teased Kurama.
"Shut it fox boy, remind me not to take a flight to Hawaii or anywhere else again, unless absolutely necessary," said Yusuke as he rubbed the sleep out from his eyes.
"Agreed, shut up. Just wait for your honeymoon! You'll probably have to go to Siberia or the Artic Circle!" snapped Kagome.
"Maybe, but not likely, Yukina and I have decided to spend our honeymoon here in Japan. We may just tour some of the old shrines around the country, but that won't involve any flying," said Kurama as Kagome shot him a dirty look.
"Just shut up, would you Kurama?" said Kagome as Kurama chuckled and set two bowls of soup down on the table. "Thanks."
"Your welcome, so exactly how was your honeymoon?" asked Kurama as Yusuke tossed him a key.
"Third trunk to the left of the door with the blue circle on it," mumbled Yusuke as he went back to eating his soup.
Kurama nodded and went up to Yusuke and Kagome's room where he found the trunk Yusuke had mentioned earlier. Opening it, he found a smaller trunk to the left with his name on the front of the case. Curiously he opened it to find quite an extensive collection of books, CD's, DVD's, VHS Tapes, and even a few scrolls, all about the female Ice Koorime's. Opening a book, he quickly shut it, with his face bright red and Yoko laughing his head off and teasing Kurama, to his dismay.
(A/N: 'blah' – Yoko and Kurama a.k.a. Suichi speaking with one another.)
'What's a matter Suichi? Embarrassed over a book that tells of the female Ice Koorime mating habits with men?' teased Yoko.
'Shut up Yoko! Don't forget we're married and mated to a female Ice Koorime! Would you really want to hurt her by trying anything she wouldn't like!' snapped Kurama angrily at Yoko.
'Hmm, I suppose you have a point, we are married and mated to her. I wouldn't want to hurt such a treasure as her. She is quite rare, a female Ice Koorime willing to defy her own kind and be with a male. No, we should show these to Yukina, see what she thinks,' said Yoko wisely.
'Agreed, but first we kill Yusuke and Kagome, not literally, but enough to make them think twice about trying to embarrass us!' said Kurama sternly.
'Agreed,' replied Yoko.
"Hey Kurama, I see you found that book. When I purchased it, I didn't know that was what it was. I thought it was just something on female Ice Koorime culture. But you might want to check the other books and scrolls too, along with the CD's, DVD's and VHS Tapes," said Yusuke. "By the way, Kagome wants to talk to you downstairs about something, she wouldn't tell me what, so don't ask me."
"Thank you for telling me Yusuke," said Kurama as he put the book back into the suitcase and went downstairs.
-
Hiei was sharpening his katana when he picked up on a conversation between Yoko and Kurama a.k.a. Suichi. Smirking he continued sharpening his katana, when he was suddenly on the floor. Quickly getting up he looked around he saw Shippo and Kohaku laughing at the stairs. Moving quickly, he grabbed them by the collars of their shirts and growled at them angrily.
"Don't push me again or pull any pranks on me!" snapped Hiei angrily.
"Yes sir," replied Kohaku and Shippo simultaneously.
Hiei let them run off as he went back to sharpening his katana and waiting for Sango to get back from her shopping with Mizu. He had learned through observing women that it was a bad idea to go shopping with them if there was more than one and even then it could be still be bad idea. That was why he decided to stay home and "watch" Shippo and Kohaku. He knew where they were at all times true, but he didn't bother to watch what they were doing.
-
"Hiei!" called Sango as she came through the door.
She had been out shopping with Mizu, which had turned out to be a bad idea, especially since they had to carry all the bags up the shrine's multitude of steps. She was really looking forward to some time alone with Hiei, but the moment she had stepped through the door, she noticed some winter clothing she didn't even recognize. She knew right away that Kagome and Yusuke were back from their honeymoon. Turning her attention to the stairs she Hiei walking down the stairs slowly looking every which way as if waiting for something or somebody to attack. She knew that Kohaku and Shippo must have been played some pranks on him and Hiei was suspicious of them for not trying anything again, which made Sango suspicious when she didn't hear Hiei threatening them bodily harm if they didn't stop.
"Where are they?" demanded Hiei as he looked around. "Where are those two hiding!"
"They probably decided to go back to their room and plan their next attack," said Sango as Hiei nodded to her. "How long as Kagome and Yusuke been back?"
"A few hours, they dumped their clothing there and went straight to bed for a couple of hours. Then they went downstairs and ate what the fox fixed them and the detective caused the fox to get into an argument with himself," said Hiei as Sango followed him into the kitchen, where they sat down and began eating the soup Kurama had just set on the table. "What's wrong with you fox?"
"Nothing, except Yusuke and Kagome are a bit agitated with all the noise. They're still suffering from jetlag and are extremely hostile towards those who are keeping them from their sleep," said Kurama softly as he sat down and started eating the soup as well.
"Where is Yukina?" asked Hiei.
"With Kouga and Ayame looking for a cave or a place to make a den in the forest. I think they miss their old homes," said Kurama as he finished eating, took care of his dishes, and went to take a short nap.
"So Hiei, what did you mean by Kurama was arguing with himself?" asked Sango curiously. "Was he just talking to himself and scolding himself or what?"
"Yes and no. Kurama a.k.a. Suichi was arguing with Yoko about a book that Yusuke and Kagome got him about female Ice Koorime's. It was a bit of a provocative book about female Ice Koorime's. Yoko and Suichi share the same body, they are two separate beings, yet they are one being, in one body, that holds knowledge of all forms, attacks, and everything else that Yoko knew and everything that he has learned. Yoko can be a bit perverted at times, much worse than the monk can ever hope to be," said Hiei as Sango nodded nervously. "Luckily they agree that Yukina is the only one for them, the only one they will be with, since they are both married human and Youkai style and mated with her."
"Oh," replied Sango, not really understanding, but willing to let it go so she doesn't become more confused than she already was.
Things quieted down a bit since Yusuke and Kagome returned, it was decided that redoing the wedding between Kurama and Yukina was a bad idea. Especially since everyone nearly froze at the wedding, with the exception of a few. So they all decided to just go on with their lives as normal, if having Youkai living with you is considered normal anyway.
Two Months Later
While everyone else at home was fixing the up during the break in the weather, Shippo and Kohaku were sent to school. Shippo was in the third grade at Sunset Elementary School, he had to use his Kitsune Magic to make him appear normal. He was very mature for his age, but he still liked to act his age, especially when it came to playing pranks on people. He had planned to play a prank a girl in his class, but when he saw her out of her snow clothing, he couldn't bring himself to do it. When recess came he found her all alone at the swings. Feeling sorry and knowing how it felt he went over to her.
"Hi," said Shippo.
"Oh, hi," replied the girl. "Go ahead and make fun of me, pull any prank you want to on me, I don't care. Just get it over with, so you can go brag to your friends."
"Why would I do that? I don't have any friends at this school. They all think I'm weird and might get them sick, because I live at the Higuraishi Shrine. Besides you're too pretty to pull a prank on," said Shippo blushing madly.
"Thanks," said the girl. "I'm Karen Etai, what's your name?"
"Oh! Um… my name is… um… Shippo Urameshi," stammered Shippo embarrassingly. "You have a nice name Karen and it suits you perfectly."
Karen just stared at Shippo before bursting out giggling at the expression of embarrassment on his face. She thought he looked cute like that and started blushing as well in embarrassment from her own thoughts betraying her.
"Thanks, but you wouldn't happen to be related to Yusuke Urameshi would you?" asked Karen curiously.
"He's my father, well adopted father anyway, but he's just as good as a biological father," said Shippo proudly.
"Wow! That must be really cool, yet kind of sad, in a way," said Karen.
"Yeah, it gets kind of sad when I think of my biological father before he died. But I'm happy," said Shippo grinning broadly.
Karen just smiled at him as the bell signaling that recess was over sounded, signaling that it was time for them to come inside. Before they reached the door Karen hugged Shippo passionately and gave him a kiss on the cheek before running inside, leaving Shippo just standing there in shock. His first kiss and from a girl he had just met and befriended.
-
Elsewhere Kohaku was struggling to fit in as he was the target of many bullies that thought he would be an easy pushover. He just ignored them and went on about his classes, struggling a little with his studies, but otherwise he was doing exceptionally well. He hadn't made any friends, but he didn't really care, he was from another time after all. While he was finishing his report on the Feudal Era for his history class he hadn't noticed that somebody had sat down next to him. When he finished the report he was surprised to see a girl sitting next to him struggling with the same report he had.
"Oh, hi, sorry I sat down without asking first, but I'm not exactly Miss Popular around here. Every other table was full, I hope you don't mind," said the girl.
"I don't mind, I'm Kohaku by the way," said Kohaku politely.
"I'm Rui Enzeru, it's nice to meet you Kohaku," said Rui. "If you don't mind my asking, what is your surname?"
"I don't mind, my surname is Taiyou," replied Kohaku.
"Kohaku Taiyou, hmm… it has a nice ring to it," said Rui.
"So does your name, especially its meaning," said Kohaku.
"Really, what does it mean? Nobody ever tells me, except when they say it means, 'Ugly Bitch'," said Rui sadly.
"Then they mean themselves, it doesn't mean that at all, in fact it'd be nearly the opposite. Your name means, Kind Angel, perfect for someone as pretty as you," said Kohaku who mentally scolded himself for saying that aloud.
"Really! Oh thank you Kohaku!" said Rui as she kissed him on the lips without thinking, surprising Kohaku greatly, who returned it.
After they broke the kiss they looked at each other sheepishly, exchanged addresses, phone numbers, and then went on their way to their classes. Kohaku himself knew he liked her a lot and wanted to see her again outside of school. He had to keep it from his sister for a little bit, otherwise she would tease him a lot. After school was let out he found Rui waiting for him by the flag pole, but he also saw his sister talking with her.
"Hey Sango, what are you doing here?" asked Kohaku curiously.
"I just came to get you from school so we could spend some brother and sister time together," said Sango. "I've also been talking with your friend here, while I waited for you. It's quite interesting that when I mention your name she starts blushing. And that you're blushing right now too. Don't worry, I give my blessings for you two to have a relationship and I'm sure Hiei won't mind having 'the talk' with you later Kohaku."
"Sango!" exclaimed Kohaku blushing madly as Rui just giggled and kissed him on the cheek before running off. "Please don't tell the others about this Sango, please don't!"
"Okay, I won't but you're going to have to tell them sooner or later," said Sango as Kohaku thanked her again and again.
-
When school was let out for Shippo he and his new friend Karen were walking out the front doors. Yes it was still winter, but with the break in the weather it was more tolerable, so less heavy articles of clothing could be worn. As they walked out the door Shippo saw Yusuke and Kagome waiting for him, waiting to pick him up and take him home. Karen saw her parents waiting for her as well, also waiting to pick her up and take her home.
"Shippo, I want you to meet my parents!" said Karen eagerly.
"Okay, but I want you to meet my parents too!" said Shippo just as eagerly.
The two looked like they were about to start arguing over whose parents would be met first, so Kagome, Yusuke, and Karen's parents saved them the trouble and introduced themselves to each other.
"Hello, I'm Kagome Urameshi, Shippo's mother," said Kagome. "This is my husband Yusuke Urameshi, Shippo's father, obviously."
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Urameshi, you too, Mr. Urameshi. My name is Konjou Etai. This is my wife, Seirei Etai. It would seem our children have become friends. Perhaps we can get together sometime to arrange some time for them to play together," said Mr. Etai as Shippo and Karen looked at them hopefully.
"That'd be fine, but at the moment we're making renovations to our home, so we won't have much time to arrange anything with you," said Kagome.
"I see, the winter storms do some damage?" asked Mrs. Etai.
"Yeah, plus we have my older brother and his family living with us, along with my mother and little brother, my cousin, his wife, and his mother, and my best friends whoa re like a brother and sister to me. We're just trying to expand the house a bit to fit them in, so they can have a place to stay while they work up the money to but a place of their own for their families. You know how much houses can be these days," said Kagome as Mr. and Mrs. Etai nodded in understanding.
"Perhaps we can come over to your home today and meet some of your family and friends. Where exactly is that you live?" said Mr. Etai.
"The Higuraishi Shrine," replied Kagome.
"Oh! So you're the ones that have been making all the noise with the construction. Well we're your new neighbors," said Mr. Etai embarrassed that he had just blurted out that they were making a lot of noise with their construction.
"Yeah, well we try to keep it quite, sorry if it's disturbed you any," said Yusuke trying to stay on Kagome's good side.
"Oh it's perfectly okay. We're planning on making some additions to our own home eventually, so don't worry," said Mr. Etai nervously as Yusuke eyed him curiously.
"Hmm, why don't you come over later today, just let us get everything straightened out first," said Yusuke as they all agreed and went their separate ways.
"So Yusuke what did you think about them?" asked Kagome curiously.
"Nice people, even though they flinched at my name being mentioned. I'm an urban legend to the humans these days. Only Youkai flinch or cringe at my name, either that or I went to school with them and they heard all the rumors about me," said Yusuke as Kagome just looked at him like he was joking. "What? I'm serious there were all kinds of rumors about me. Some mentioned that I could call hundreds of bikers and gangsters by just whistling and I couldn't whistle!"
"So what do you think they're hiding?" asked Kagome.
"That they're Youkai, I don't know what kind, but they're probably afraid that I will turn them into the Reikai. I won't, they don't own me, even though they'd like too. I'm not going to turn them in, but I will find out if they're a danger to us and Shippo most of all," said Yusuke as Kagome kissed his cheek softly.
"You're a good father and husband Yusuke," said Kagome as they arrived at the shrine and climbed the forsaken steps.
A Few Hours Later
When the Etai's arrived at the Higuraishi Shrine they were surprised to see a male Fire and Ice Koorime melting the snow and ice away from the house. They were even more surprised when a Silver Kitsune answered the door, though he looked more human than Kitsune. They entered into the house and saw Yusuke sitting on the couch going over an article in front of him that read, Reikai News. On the front page in big bold letters was written: Yusuke Urameshi, Retired Reikai Tantei!
"You're a retired Reikai Tantei!" asked Mr. Etai fearfully.
"According to the New Reikai Government, according to the Old One, I'm a traitor. I'm not going to turn you in to them. I just receive this paper so I can know what's going on in the Reikai. My way of making sure they don't try anything on me ever again. So I'm curious what type of Youkai are you anyway?" asked Yusuke.
"We're Black Silver Kistunes," said Mrs. Etai as she nudged her husband in the ribs. "We don't want any trouble. We left the Makai because we were tired of all the politics and the constant raids by the Reikai."
"I see, well I'll tell you now, I'm a Toushin hanyou, Kagome is human, and Shippo is a Red Onyx Kitsune. We have an Inu hanyou here as well, along with a female Ice Koorime, a Silver Kitsune, two Wolves, two Taijiya, two Miko's, a monk, and a Reikan who was a Spirit Guide," said Yusuke as he smiled at them politely and sincerely.
"Then let this be the start of a beautiful friendship between our families, extended, blood, and in-laws," said Mr. Etai as he gripped Yusuke's hand tightly.
"Okay Shippo, you can let your illusion slide," said Yusuke as Shippo let it slide as he came out of hiding.
"Wow Shippo your cute!" said Karen, causing Shippo to blush and grin.
"Thanks, but not as much as you are," replied Shippo blushing even more as Karen started blushing as well.
After that exchange of words the two little Kitsune's ran upstairs to play. Leaving the adults to just smile and continue to talk about their lives.
-
Sango and Kohaku were having the time of their lives at the arcade. They were spending some quality brother and sister time together. Something they hadn't had much time for in the past few years. They talked about everything, even their time in the Feudal Era while hunting and being controlled by Naraku, something that was very hard for the both of them to speak about.
"Let's just be grateful that he's gone for good and won't ever bother us again," said Kohaku with a smile as Sango smiled as well and nodded in agreement too. "Now why don't we go see if we can find something that will make Hiei's head turn tonight?"
"Okay, but I have final say so on whatever I get to tease Hiei with," said Sango.
"That's fine with me, now what does Hiei like to see you in the most?" asked Kohaku.
"Nothing, he likes to see me the most wearing nothing at all," said Sango blushing in embarrassment as Kohaku's eyes widened in understanding.
"I see, well what about second?" asked Kohaku.
"Um… my undergarments," said Sango. "I usually just wear undergarments that don't show anything off."
"Then you'll have to get something that will show something off to him. I think I heard Inuyasha talking to Kikyo about something called lingerie, the type that barely covers the lower area and the part that is about a size too small and shows off her cleavage quite a bit. Maybe you should get something like that, something to wear for him," said Kohaku as Sango was crimson red by now as she pictured herself wearing something like Kohaku had just described to her.
"Okay, but we should let a professional help me out," said Sango as Kohaku nodded having a slight blush upon his face and his own thoughts which betrayed him as Sango giggled nervously.
When the arrived at the lingerie store Sango was immediately shooed out of the store as she saw a picture of herself in the window. Under her picture it said she was a known shoplifter and has assaulted many store employees. Angry at the picture she stormed off to another store and was again shooed out until they came to the last store, it just happened to be Tina the Ice Kitsune's store where Sango's picture was as well. But Sango was angry and barged into the store with Kohaku right behind her.
"I'm sorry you are not allowed in here," said Tina.
"You had better allow me or my mate will have fun slicing and dicing you! We are friends of Yoko Kurama, Lord of the Southern Lands!" snapped Sango angrily.
"I see. Then shop away, but so you know a brunette, angry with a dark haired woman mated to a dark haired man with hair that sticks straight up like fire, put that in my window. Her mate threatened to harm me if I take it down and he could very well harm me," said Tina nervously.
"The big oaf mated to the angry brunette won't do anything to you. Remember you are under the protection of the Lord of the Southern Lands. I'll make sure Yoko Kurama puts you under his protection or else he will be in much trouble with his cousin. Now I need something that will make me seem very appealing to my mate without be nude," said Sango embarrassingly as she went on to explain what she wanted.
"Hmm, what type of Youkai is your mate?" asked Tina curiously.
"He's a male Ice and Fire Koorime," replied Sango.
"Hmm, tricky, tell me has he been prone to attack anybody who insults you or glare at anyone who even takes quick peaks at your butt?" asked Tina curiously.
"All the time, I've had to hold onto his arm very tightly just so he wouldn't dissect them," said Sango.
"Then I have just what you want, it's about two sizes two small and with your body frame and structure, you're going to need a large size extremely sexy lingerie bra one size too small. You're going to need an extremely sexy thin string lingerie thong, also one size too small and then you're going to have to need to shave. I can help you with all of this if you like, except the more private areas. Now young man I need you to man the register while I tend to your sister. The instructions are next to it if you have any difficultly," said Tina as she led Sango into the back and extremely private area of her store, where she showed Sango different outfits that would catch the attention of Fire and Ice Koorime's alike.
Three Hours Later
Sango and Kohaku returned to the Higuraishi Shrine, very nervous around each other. Especially Kohaku as he couldn't stop thinking about Rui in the outfits he had seen Sango carrying out of the back and purchase. He was very interested in her as much more than friends or girlfriend and boyfriend, he wasn't sure, but he thought he was in love with Rui already.
That night at dinner everyone saw that they had a guest over who was a Kitsune. She was introduced to everyone as Shippo's girlfriend, causing him and Karen to both choke on their drinks and start blushing madly.
"So Kohaku have you found someone your really interested in?" asked Yusuke teasingly.
"Um… uh… that is…" stammered Kohaku nervously while blushing.
"I see, what's her name Kohaku?" asked Kagome slyly, causing him to blush even more.
"Rui Enzeru," replied Kohaku blushing even more at the images that just popped into his mind, causing Hiei to smirk at whisper something to Kurama, who just grinned slyly at Kohaku, causing him to blush even more cursing his thoughts.
"Do you want her more than a friend? More than a girlfriend perhaps?" asked Kurama, causing Kohaku to shrink in his seat in embarrassment.
"That's none of your business Kurama!" replied Kohaku angrily and nervously at the same time.
"I apologize, you're right it is none of my business, but it is your sisters business and Hiei's business," said Kurama as Kohaku nearly choked on his drink at the thought that it was Hiei's business as well. "I recommend you ask her out and start courting her."
"Um… thanks I guess," said Kohaku as they ate dinner in silence, until Sango remembered her hard time at the mall.
"Kurama, you need to put Tina under your protection! The big oaf and his wife are going around and putting up posters, saying I'm a known thief! You are the known thief, you're a legend!" said Sango as her anger got the better of her. "I apologize, Kurama. It's just that they are doing their best to drive me out of this city!"
"I have already put her under my protection at Yukina's request," said Kurama. "But I take it that she told you the consequences if she tried to do anything against them?"
"Yeah, she might be hurt!" snapped Sango as she excused herself from the table and went to take a nice relaxing bath and to cool down.
"Hiei, I believe that she may be right, you must move to another city some time. It may help her relax a bit, which could help her be a better mother," said Kurama softly. "Which reminds me, how are the two soon to be mothers doing?"
"I'm doing okay Kurama, but I've had these weird cravings. I've wanted ice cream and medium rare steak together," said Kagome. "Plus he or she has been kicking a lot more lately, is this good?"
"Hmm, your cravings are from the Toushin part of your unborn child and this is good, it means that your unborn child is very healthy. Plus the kicking is also very good, it means that your nearing your time to give birth," said Kurama carefully. "But don't take my word for it. Take the word of one who has given birth to five children with Youkai blood in them."
"He's right Kagome. You get very weird cravings when carrying a child with Youkai blood that isn't diluted very much or dormant. I myself get the same cravings and have felt him or her kicking very much lately," said Kikyo.
"Hmm… I would hazard a guess that your children's births are drawing very near. Within the next week to three months I would say at the latest," said Kurama softly, yet very seriously.
-
Later that night after Sango had enjoyed her long and relaxing bath, she dressed herself in the undergarments she had purchased that day to try and get Hiei to notice her a bit more. He had been more to himself trying to figure out why Shippo and Kohaku weren't trying to get him to fall off his usual seating area on the window seal again. When she entered their room she noticed he was not there waiting for her like he usually was. So she set about to making sure no electricity was accessible to their room and lit some candles placed in various areas instead, hoping to produce the atmosphere that would help send Hiei the right message.
When Hiei entered into the room he and Sango shared he immediately noticed that there were candles lit about the room, giving it a glow that revealed the shadows partially, yet kept them hidden enough as not to reveal their secrets. Turning his eyes towards their bed he immediately noticed Sango's figure covered by a short and silk robe, revealing her legs to him suggestively. Moving slowly, like a predator stalking its prey, he found Sango waiting for him and with an animalistic urge in her eyes, which surprised him. Grinning to himself in his mind he slowly removed the robe and was going to remove the undergarments as well, but something in the back of his mind told him to wait. Looking her over, he immediately knew that she had done this just for him and only him.
"You didn't need to do this for me Sango," murmured Hiei softly looking her over taking in every detail of her body in the lingerie.
"I know, but I wanted to. Letting you see me in this lingerie in this atmosphere and room makes it all the more exciting, romantic, and possibly, later on more pleasurable," whispered Sango back to Hiei huskily as he kissed her fiercely.
Their pass time for the night did not go unnoticed by the rest of the house hold, as they were keeping them up with the sounds of their fun and enjoyment. Kagome, Kikyo, Yukina, Botan, and Ayame were all amazed at how long the noises lasted and how short the intervals were between the noises. It went on like this all night and to say the least, their mates were all very happy that night.
One Week Later
Kohaku and Shippo's time in school was now enjoyed a lot more. Shippo and Karen were best friends and practically inseperable. Shippo would protect her from bullies, while she would protect him from all the other girls trying to kiss him or spread gossip about him and his family. (Amazing how young they start isn't it?)
Meanwhile Kohaku and Rui were officially a couple and also nearly inseperable. They gave each other plenty of space and didn't really listen to the rumors that were flying through the school about them, because they were content with each other.
That day after they had gotten out of school they came home to find the shrine decorated again, like it had been when the two weddings had taken place. When they entered into the house they were immediately taken upstairs and told to change into their dress clothing, which they did the moment the doors had shut. After they finished changing they made their way downstairs, where they were given their instructions.
Kohaku was to carry a very special item as he waited with Hiei, Yusuke, and Kurama, while Shippo was to make sure that only those invited to this special event were allowed onto the shrine property, at least pas the top of the stairs. With their instructions given to them they went to the areas they were told to wait at, until the others came and got them to fulfill their assignments.
-
Sango was busy getting dressed in her very special kimono. It was the kimono that had belonged to her mother, before she had died. Her mother had sadly died giving birth to Kohaku a bit prematurely after she had been attacked and wounded by a Spider Youkai. With her last breaths she had given her last gift to Sango, her kimono, the one that was special to her. Sango at the time didn't know what was so special about it and for a time had hated Kohaku for taking away her mother. That was the way she thought of it at the time, but as time went on she saw a lot of their mother in Kohaku, but also their father.
'I wish you could be here today mother. What would you and father say to me marrying a Youkai?' thought Sango.
We would be proud of you Sango, you have found someone that loves you dearly and that you love dearly. Both of you would give your lives for the other.
Sango didn't know whether or not she actually heard her mother or if it was just her imagination, but never the less it seemed that a great burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She now had more than enough strength and courage to carry through with the ceremony. Finishing dressing, she knocked on the door for Kagome's opinion, but she was a bit disappointed when Mizu came in and not Kagome.
'Where is Kagome at!' thought Sango irritably.
"Morning sickness," replied Mizu as if reading her mind.
"Oh, well what do you think? How do I look?" asked Sango.
"Beautiful, your mother would be proud Sango, I know I am. You're like a second daughter to me Sango. I'd be honored if you would consider me your second mother. I know I won't ever be able to take the place of your real mother, and I would never want to, but it just seems right somehow to give you this offer," said Mizu softly.
"I'd be the one that is honored. I've considered you my second mother even before I met you. From the way Kagome describes you, your just like my mother was and much more," said Sango smiling. "Now let's not keep the guests waiting!"
"Yes, your right and thank you Sango," said Mizu with a smile.
-
In the Ceremony Hall everyone was gathered and awaiting the bride's entrance. Almost instantly as everyone wondered what was taking so long the flower girls came through and then the music started with the bride coming down the aisle being escorted by Inuyasha who gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek at the end of the aisle as he handed her off to Hiei.
"Take good care of her or I'll personally rip your innards out!" warned Inuyasha like an overprotective brother.
Hiei merely nodded and smirked at Inuyasha as he took Sango's arm in his own, approaching the front of the altar.
"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of these two people. Marriage is a sacred union, which should never be taken lightly, between two people who love each other deeply. It has been requested that I skip the normal routine and use an older version instead, so here goes my best," said Miroku causing Genkai to whack him upside the head telling him to get on with the ceremony.
(I can't think of what to put so I'll just skip ahead a little to the vows.)
"They have chosen not to give any vows, as they have said that there is no need. They have also said that their vows have already been given to one another in their hearts and souls," said Miroku. "Sango Taiyou, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to hold and to cherish, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, so long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?"
"I do," replied Sango softly.
"Hiei Koorime-Jaganshi, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to hold and to cherish, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, so long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" asked Miroku sternly.
"I do… baka," replied Hiei causing Sango to smile and giggle at his last statement to Miroku, who was glaring at Hiei angrily.
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you both husband and wife," said Miroku slipping a "I'm a baka" sign on Hiei's back, which instantly caught fire and burned to ashes.
"Nice try Miroku, but you'll have to do better than that to get my mate!" said Sango proudly as she whacked Miroku upside his head, which also happened to be the same side that Genkai had whacked him.
Once out the makeshift door Sango tossed her bouquet backwards over head, causing all the girls, except Yukina and Kagome to rush towards it. When the small crowd of people had separated, they revealed the person who had caught the bouquet. It happened to be Botan and Kikyo who had caught seemingly at the same time.
"Who caught it first?" asked Sango curiously.
"We both caught it at the same time," replied Kikyo with Botan seconding it.
"Then your both the next ones to get married!" said Kagome enthusiastically.
"Weren't you sad just a moment ago?" asked Kouga curiously.
"Mood swings," whispered Mizu to Kouga who was the recipient of an angry glare from Kagome, Sango, Ayame, Botan, Yukina, and Kikyo.
"My apologies," said Kouga putting his hands in front of him like he was surrendering.
"I can't believe you just surrendered!" laughed Inuyasha.
"Yeah, well I don't want to get creamed either! Would you fight six angry women at once? Two who are pregnant with Youkai children?" snapped Kouga as Inuyasha turned to look at the girls and paled instantly as their angry glares were now on him.
"Inuyasha!" said Kagome as Inuyasha paled even more. "SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!"
Inuyasha was so far into the ground it had everyone moving nervously away from Kagome, except Yusuke and Hiei who stood their ground, trying not to burst out laughing at Inuyasha's predicament.
"Why don't we all go inside now?" suggested Mizu as Shiori came onto the Shrine grounds with a very depressed look upon her face, and her eyes were reddened like she had been crying a lot.
"Shiori?" asked Mizu worriedly.
"It's my husband, he was angry that I moved in with you and not him. He divorced me over it after I started telling him about your troubles. You're my sister and I couldn't just leave you like that," said Shiori as she burst out crying again.
"Mother?" asked Kurama carefully. "Don't worry about it mother, if he would do this to you over something as trivial as helping Aunt Mizu out, then he was not the right man for you. I'm sure that father would be proud of you right now."
"You're right Suichi. He was always suggesting that we move in with Mizu, since her husband died. He would want us all to be a happy family," said Shiori sniffling as she wiped away her tears. "So how is my son doing now that he is all grown up and married and been without his mother for a few months?"
"Very well mother, though we missed you quite a bit," said Kurama. "Quite a bit has happened since you left for your visit. Hiei and Sango have just married and Kohaku and Shippo both have girlfriends."
"She's not my girlfriend! I'm not even old enough to have a girlfriend!" yelled Shippo.
"Technically you are over five hundred years old Shippo, but with the body of a nine year old," said Kurama as Shippo glared at him.
"I see Kohaku didn't deny that he has a girlfriend," said Shiori.
"Because I do and I love her very much," said Kohaku proudly as Sango patted him on the head gently.
"Why don't we all go inside and you can tell me what has happened since I left," said Shiori as they all went inside to get her up to date on everything.
-
"Soon, very soon, you will know true suffering," said a mysterious figure overlooking the Higuraishi Shrine. "But not yet, no, now is not the time nor the place, we will meet again Kumori Wraiths."
-
A/N: Well that's it for chapter twelve. Sorry it's taken so long, but I've had a bit of a hectic schedule and have had little time to actually sit down and finish this properly. I can't really think of anything else to say, so here's the poll.
What did you think of this chapter?
What should happen next?
Do you think I'm loosing my touch with this story?
Who do you think the mysterious figure is?
What race is he/she?
Well that's it for the poll. Hope you like this chapter, until next time.
-Shadow Kage
