Chapter 25

Kagome walked a worn dirt path alongside her mate, the warm autumn days were quickly cooling, with the smell of winter in the air. The mated pair were on their way to the slayer village. It took Kagome the full week to prepare for her wedding and have her dress made that she wanted to wear for her big day. It would take them almost another week to arrive at the village on foot but it didn't bother the miko. As she walked hand in hand with Sesshomaru, Rin ran circles around the entire group while chasing Ashi. Behind Kagome was Ami and Kagura. Kagome was happy her two friends came along and would be sharing this day with her. Behind the two demoness' was Ah Un, he held all the things they brought along with them. Except for Kagome's dress, she held it in her pouch, she only trusted herself to carry it.

The blue sky was dotted with white fluffy clouds, yellow red and orange leaves flew every which way. The fall air lifted Kagome's hair, brushing it along Sesshomaru's shoulder. The demon lord quickly reached up and snatched the loosened hairs and tucked them back behind her ear. He let his hand linger and brush softly along her jaw. Kagome nuzzled his hand and sent all the love and affection she currently felt through their bond.

"This one has been meaning to discuss with you on the matters of blocking your mind." Sesshomaru spoke. "Did I do something wrong?" Kagome asked. "On the contrary, this one is fond of feeling your happiness. I only meant to teach you so that you had assurance when needed." The dai explained, once again taking Kagome's hand. "Okay." The young woman said with a smile.

The two spent the next hour or so practicing what Sesshomaru taught her when the demon Lord's head suddenly snapped up and he stopped in his tracks. Kagome felt an evil presence quickly heading towards them. It felt like at least six demons, she couldn't tell what kinds. As Sesshomaru drew his sword, Kagome instructed Ami. "Quickly get on Ashi and take Rin away, go into the sky where it is safe, and don't come back until I call, hurry." Ami did as she was asked and the two were out of sight. "Ah Un go with them." Sesshomaru commanded as he waited for the demons to show themselves. Kagome watched as Kagura took out her fan and got into a battle ready stance.

Kagome also took out her sai gifted to her by her mate, charged them with her reiki and went to stand by his side. She was ready. She wouldn't hold back anymore. She had realized she was doing so because of the ridiculing voices in her head of her past tormentors. She knew she was strong and she would prove to herself now.

Six dragons without wings crashed through the trees into the now battle arena. They wasted no time attacking the small group. The three of them attacked ruthlessly. Kagome went after the two demons that came at her with vigor. She slashed at the dragons with her reiki infused blades. She took notice in the back of her mind that the demon's eyes were glazed over and manic. She would share this with her mate later. Her prey fell at her feet quickly as she turned to help Kagura with the dragon she fought. It was very large but very quick. The two girls rapidly took out the dragon and turned to see Sesshomaru finishing off the last of the three he took on.

"Well that was refreshing." Kagura said as she stretched and put her fan away. Kagome whistled for Ashi and watched for the neko in the distance. "Sesshomaru? Did you notice their wings were severed?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru "Hn'd" and went to the bodies to further inspect them. "This one noticed their eyes were translucent and they acted in a crazed manner." Her mate commented as Kagome walked to her daughter who landed away from the carnage. "Momma?" Rin asked as the little girl attached herself to Kagome's leg. She picked up her child and reassured her that everyone and everything was fine then set her up with a few toys to play with next to Ah Un then went back to her mate. "What do you suppose this was all about?" Kagome asked, gesturing to the dead bodies. "This one does not know." Sesshomaru said, then walked over to Ah Un to check on his daughter.

Kagome walked to each demon and purified their remains. When she was done she said a prayer for each then went to her mate who was waiting nearby. The group continued to walk but stopped shortly after to make camp for their afternoon meal. Kagome gave everyone some dried meat, rice balls and fruit. "Mama?" Rin asked. "Yes my love?" Kagome replied while she wiped away a few pieces of rice from her daughter's face. "Can Rin have another rice ball? Rin is still hungry!" The child said with gusto. "My growing girl. Of course, here you are." The mother said with a smile.

It wasn't long before they were off again. When the sun began to crest the trees a cool breeze blew through the group. Kagome got a cloak out for her daughter and wrapped it around the small child, then gestured her off to play again as she followed the adults. As another breeze swam through everyone, Kagome shivered, causing small goose bumps to form on her arms. The young woman jumped with surprise when something furry snaked its way around her hand and up her shoulder until it wrapped its way around her, stealing away any cold from her body. "Thank you fluffy." Kagome said as she casually pet the soft boa wrapped around her. "It is not a 'fluffy'." Sesshomaru growled playfully.

The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground signaling to the Lord the day's end for traveling. A few moments later, found him stopping. "We stop here. There is a hot spring in that direction not far. I will go hunt." He spoke boredly then disappeared into the forest. Sesshomaru returned not long after his leave with a large buck skinned and gutted. "Thank you my Lord." His mate said happily as she took the animal from him and began cutting it. She was sure to set aside the best pieces and place them on a large plate. After she placed some meat on the fire that sat ablaze and some on a large rock to dry his mate approached him. "Which would you like tonight, love?" Kagome asked as she presented him with her tea box. Sesshomaru picked the passion tea he favored and handed it to his mate. Kagome took it and placed it into a cup she had already poured hot water into. When she handed him his tea she let her fingers linger along his and gazed into his eyes with a look of lust. "Vixen." Sesshomaru growled when she giggled and pulled away before he could do anything.

His mate had just finished putting his pup to bed. The child was being stubborn and asking for cups of water. Sesshomaru had already removed his armor and settled down for the night on the furs Kagome laid out prior. Kagura was asleep on the other side of the fire with Ami next to her. The two mates were the last ones up.

Kagome kicked off her shoes and crawled up next to her mate and snuggled into his side. The miko felt the moko moko she still wore pull out from under her and cover the couple. Kagome pushed her face into Sesshomaru's neck, taking in his scent. "Mmm, I can't seem to get enough of you mate." Kagome said as she burrowed further. Sesshomaru chuckled as he pulled his mate half atop him. "I feel the same. Rest. We have a long journey ahead of us." The mated lord said lovingly while he rubbed small circles into Kagome's back. It was her favorite and she drifted into the world of dreams instantly.

Kagome was frustrated and stressed. It had been five days since the group left the western shiro. They have been attacked seven times by these crazed, wingless dragons. Everyone was on edge and tired. Two of the attacks were in the middle of the night and Kagome felt that she couldn't sleep in fear of her daughter's safety. It was now the middle of the fifth night and everyone was awake except Rin. Kagome held her daughter in between herself and her mate, ready to tell Ami to take her to safety. Each attack had more dragons than the last and Kagome was fed up.

"This is ridiculous, Sessho." Kagome said in a whisper, exhaustedly. "Hn." Sesshomaru growled lightly as his eyes scanned their surroundings. They had been unsuccessful in questioning any dragons in the reasoning of the attacks. Each time they tried the dragon's would look at them as though they saw nothing, never responding and only continuing to attack.

"Rest mate. This one will keep watch." Sesshomaru said, taking note of her tired eyes. "Okay, but wake me at the first sign of trouble." Kagome said as she laid down and fell asleep almost immediately. Sesshomaru was livid. He wanted answers. He wanted to know the meaning of the attacks. They were affecting his mate and pack and he would not stand for it. His mate and he were to be married in a few days and he wanted to stop the constant assaults. A few hours later, just before sunrise, Sesshomaru felt it again. This time there were almost twenty of them. Sesshomaru growled loudly, waking his mate.

Kagome woke with a start immediately feeling what the commotion was. "Ami take Rin." Kagome commanded as she handed her half asleep daughter to her friend. When Ashi and Ah Un flew off, Kagome went to stand next to her mate and Kagura. "This is getting old." Kagome said angrily. Sesshomaru said nothing in reply as he charged the dragon's that just appeared from the dark trees.

Sesshomaru sliced through dragon after dragon with his Futari no Ken. It was when he killed the tenth demon that his sword pulsed and he heard a voice in his head. Look to the dragon's forehead. Destroy the ruby. Break the curse, then you may have your answers." The sword spoke eerily. Sesshomaru attacked with renewed intent. Each swipe of his sword was aimed at the dragon's forehead at the ruby that was now visible to him. The dragon demon stopped his attacks and dodged as if he knew what the Lord intended to do.

Kagome watched as Sesshomaru fought against the last dragon. He wasn't going for any kill shots but seemed to be aiming for the dragon's forehead. "What is he doing?" Kagura asked, confused. "I'm not sure." Kagome replied as she watched her mate. The demon lord connected his blade with what seemed like air near the dragon's head but a ruby materialized from nowhere. When the jewel hit the ground the dragon fell to the dirt as well. Both women ran to the Inu Lord as they watched him pierce the dragon's chest with a poison covered sword, paralyzing, and preventing the demon from moving.

"Tell this one who you are." Sesshomaru demanded. "I do not take orders from..from you." The badly injured dragon gasped. Sesshomaru drove the sword into the dragon's chest deeper allowing more poison to drip into the wound. "Ahh, okay I am Asuka." The dragon yelled in pain. "Who sent you?" Sesshomaru asked sternly. "I am not allowed"- the dragon was cut off by more screaming as he was doused with more poison. "Okay, okay, my Lord sent us. He is called."- The dragon screamed a roar of pain so loud it hurt Kagome's ear as she witnessed a bright light around the dragon's neck flash and sever the demon's head. Kagome turned her face into her mate's chest not wanting to see anymore off the grotesque scene. Sesshomaru sheathed his sword angrily while he held his mate. He was so close to his answers but it would seem the dragon was being watched.

"Sess? What happened?" Kagome asked in shock over the dragon's horrific death. Sesshomaru guided his mate away and said. "This one does not know for sure." Kagome allowed herself to be steered away then called for Ashi to bring back Ami and her daughter. "Momma!" Rin yelled and jumped into her arms. "It's okay sweetheart it's over." Kagome hushed.

The group decided to start walking for the day because the sun had already begun its journey into the sky. "We will arrive at the slayer village soon." Sesshomaru spoke as the morning carried into evening. "I'm so excited to see my friends. I hope these attacks stop now. I don't want to put the others at risk." Kagome said with mixed emotions. "This one ensures the safety of our pack and your friends, fear not." Her mate consoled her. "Rin are you excited to see Shippo?" Kagome asked her daughter as she looked down at the girl who held her hand. "Oh yes, Rin cannot wait to play with Shippo and Ashi!" The little girl voiced with excitement.

Kagome hummed a tune as they all walked. She watched Rin run around the group collecting each flower she deemed acceptable. "Kagome?" Kagura asked. "Yes?" Kagome answered, as she slowed to walk next to the demoness and Ami. "Do you think I will be allowed into the village?" Kagura asked, while pulling at her sleeve. "Of course Kagura, we will explain to them, they will see you have changed." Kagome reassured her friend. "I may not have known you before you changed Kagura but I can feel only kindness in your aura." Ami added to her friend. "Thank you both, I hope they can forgive me as you all have." Kagura said with worry still clear in her eyes. She hated Naraku everyday for the things he made her do, she would blame none of them for not forgiving her.

It was almost midday when Kagome's group crested a hill and looked down it to see the slayer village. "We're here!" Kagome yelled. Taking off at a run with Rin hot on her heels. Two large gate doors opened slowly to reveal her old friends. "Sango, Miroku, Shippo!" Kagome yelled, finally reaching them and throwing herself into Sango arms first. "Kagome we missed you so much!" The taija said happily. "Lady Kagome, it has been too long." Miroku said then bowed to her. He would have hugged her if not for her mates growl. "Kagome!" Shouted a little voice as she was hit with an orange fur ball. "Shippo I've missed you." Kagome said, hugging the fox child.

Greetings were exchanged but suddenly halted when Kagura came out from behind Ah Un. "Kagome watch out! Kagura is behind you." Sango yelled while grabbing a weapon near the gate at the same time Miroku took out sutras. "Wait!" Kagome yelled, placing herself between her old friends and her new one. "Kagura has changed! She came to us after we set her free. She has her heart back and has her own will. She apologized to us for her past crimes and wishes to do the same for you." Kagome explained. Kagura stepped out from behind the miko and bowed at the monk and slayer's feet. "Please forgive me for all that I have done to you and your family. Though it is no excuse, it was not my choice to attack any of you. I am freed of Naraku's curse and wish to live a peaceful life. I mean none of you harm and will leave if it is your choosing." Kagura said with her head bowed. The shocked couple looked at Kagome in question. "It's true, she has been with us for over two weeks now. She only wishes for friendship." Kagome said with a smile.

Miroku stepped up to Kagura after sharing a silent conversation with his wife. "I understand what it feels like to be cursed by Naraku. We will give you a second chance." The houshi said kindly. Kagura stood and said, "thank you, I am most grateful for your kindness." Sango walked to stand next to her husband. "Kagura? Do...do you know what happened to Kohaku?" Sango had always thought of her brother and felt sadness at never knowing what truly became of his body. Kagura looked down in sadness. "After Naraku took his shard he died." Kagura said sadly. The wind demoness took a small bottle from her robes. "I gathered this after the evil spider burned his remains. Please take it. I am sorry I could not save him. I tried many times." Kagura said with a tear streaming down her cheek. She always pitied the boy she thought of as a brother. Sango stepped forward and took the bottle, hugging it to her chest. "My thanks Kagura." Miroku said bowing low while his wife gathered herself. After a few moments Sango spoke up. "Thank you Kagura. Now we can put his remains with my family and he can be at peace." Sango hugged the wind demoness who looked shocked at first but then returned the embrace. Kagome wiped the tears from her eyes while she watched on. "Well, please come in, everyone. We will show you to your rooms so you can freshen up." Miroku said after the two women released each other.

Later that evening found Kagome and Sango's groups just finishing their evening meal. The children and neko played in the corner of the room while the adults drank tea and talked. Kagome had just finished catching them up on their lives including the most recent dragon attacks. "How strange." Miroku said, setting down his tea. "Father once told me of dragon leaders that would sever the wings of dragon soldiers who did not complete their missions." Sango told the room. "Maybe these dragons were sent after you knowing they would perish." The taija finished. "But why send them at all?" Kagome asked, confused. "There could be a number of reasons. To intimidate. To tire out. To toy with you." Sango listed off. Kagome looked to her mate who sat quietly though she could feel through their bond how angry he was. "We have not encountered any more of them since early this morning so hopefully they have stopped." Kagome said positively.

Later that night Kagome sat in Sango's room with Ami and Kagura. The girls gossiped about this and that, how the village was doing well and about the wedding that would happen tomorrow. "So Keade will be here tomorrow?" Kagome asked while she unpacked a few things for their stay. "Yes Kirara is going to retrieve her early tomorrow morning." Sango explained. The elderly woman could not be away from her village for long because there was a young mother going through a difficult pregnancy. "Oh Kagome, you haven't shown me your dress! Could we see it?" Sango begged her sister. "Of course! I can't wait until you see!" Kagome said with excitement as she dug into her pouch and summoned her dress. Carefully she pulled out and laid her wedding gown on the table for everyone to see. She chose a traditional Ao Dai Vietnamese dress. It was a deep red with a beautiful golden peacock atop of clouds stitched on the front. Golden leaves danced around the end of the sleeves and the train. She chose a peacock because they were guardians in her religion and her mother had one on her wedding dress. All of the girls gasped when they saw Kagome's dress and Kagome just smiled. She loved her dress and couldn't wait to wear it. "Oh Kagome, it's beautiful." Sango gushed. "It really is Kagome." Ami said next. Kagura just stared and nodded in agreement. "Did you really design this?" Sango asked as she caressed the peacock. When Kagome nodded Sango said, "Kagome you would be a wonderful dressmaker." Kagome laughed and folded the dress back up carefully and put it away until tomorrow.

Saying goodnight to her friends, Kagome went in search of her mate. She found him outside the village leaning against a large tree. When Sesshomaru spotted her he beckoned for her to sit in his lap. When she did they both looked to the sky and star gazed. "Are you ready to be my husband Sessho?" Kagome asked lovingly. "Hn, though I am happy to become your husband, this one is most grateful to be your mate." Sesshomaru replied, nuzzling into her neck then lightly biting her mating mark. "Shall we go on our nightly walk?" her mate asked. "Mhmm." Kagome replied, shaking the lusty thoughts from her mind.

When morning rose, putting the night to bed, Kagome was already up and meditating. She needed to clear her mind, for it was so jumbled with everything that needed to be done today. When she finished she got up and went to wake Rin for breakfast. While everyone sat at the long, low table eating, Kagome sat and caught Kaede, who had just arrived, up on all the recent events. "My dear it would seem ye have been busy." The old miko said. "Yes it has been very hectic to say the least." Kagome sighed. Kagome went to the hot springs after breakfast for a long soak while Sango and some other villagers decorated the large tree in the center of the village where Kagome would get married. Ami and Kagura helped some others cook for the festivities after the ceremony. Rin and Shippo were out with the fire cats picking lots of flowers. Kagome had a pretty white kimono with flower patterns made for her daughter and had explained to her what a flower girl was and that Rin was to be hers.

Kagome sat soaking in the steamy water of the hot spring that Sango added dozens of flower petals to. She felt so special, like a real bride. She wished her mother could be here but she refused to be sad, her mother would want her to be happy. Hearing the leaves crunch under foot Kagome turned to see her mate standing at the water's edge. "Are you well?" Sesshomaru asked. "I'm fine, just a little sad momma couldn't be here. She would tell me to enjoy my day and not worry about something I can't change. So I'm okay." Kagome said with a small smile. "Hn, you will see her again. I will take extra hold of your heart in her stead." Her mate assured her. Kagome looked at her mate and thought she couldn't love him more but she always seemed to. "Thank you Ses, I love you so much." Kagome said as she got out of the spring and hugged her soon to be husband. Sesshomaru held her to him firmly and buried his nose in her hair. "And I you." Kagome smiled then shivered as a cool wind assaulted her wet naked body. "Dress." Sesshomaru commanded. "I will not have you get sick." Kagome quickly dried and dressed in a simple yukata.

"There you look beautiful Kagome." Ami said as she finished placing Kagome's golden hair pins gifted to her by the sun goddess. Kagome wore a half up half down hairstyle with some braided pieces here and there. Her face had little makeup she brought from home and she had her dress on. She was ready to marry her mate. "Mama is the prettiest lady ever." Rin said as she hugged her mother. "You look amazing, Kagome." Sango said as a tear slipped down her cheek. "Sesshomaru is a lucky man, you look wonderful." Kagura complimented, with a smile. "Thank you everyone. I'm so nervous, this is silly we are already mated." Kagome said as she wrung her hands together. "Don't worry Kagome I was the same way when Miroku and I married and it wasn't even a big ceremony like this." Sango told her friend. "It's just nerves." Ami comforted. "You're a strong woman Kagome, you can handle this." Kagura added. Keade came into the room and looked at Kagome. "Child ye are beautiful." The grandmotherly woman said with her old smile stretched wide on her face. "Thank you Keade." Kagome said as she hugged the old woman. "Are ye ready? Everyone else is outside waiting." The older miko said. "I am." Kagome nodded.

Kagome followed the women out of Sango's hut and to the large tree in the center of the village. She held in her hands the large bouquet Rin picked for her. She gestured to her daughter to walk before her and throw her petals when they got to the aisle. When Kagome rounded the hut separating her from her mate and everyone else she saw him standing at the tree's base with Miroku waiting for her. She had asked Miroku in the letter she sent to them if he would marry her mate and her. As Kagome walked down the aisle which was just a small lane between where the others stood waiting, she couldn't take her eyes away from her mate.

"Eh hem, shall we begin?" Miroku cleared his throat and asked when Kagome arrived at the front and took Sesshomaru's hand. They only looked at each other and momentarily we're lost in each other's eyes. Kagome looked at her friend and nodded yes. "I have been given the great pleasure to officiate for my dearest friend and her mate in a human ceremony. Their love is so great that they wished to be joined as demons and humans do. I have never seen our dear Kagome so happy, and I hope their happiness carries on for many lives to come." Miroku spoke. "Would you two like to say your vows?

"I'll go first." Kagome said as she looked into the eyes of her love. "Sesshomaru, My Lord, My mate, my best friend. You have saved me so many times. From demons, monsters, enemies and even friends. More importantly you have saved me from myself. I thought I would die alone, never marrying because of my complicated life. I thought I was doomed to a life of loneliness. But you were always there when I needed you. From the beginning you were there, even if we didn't see eye to eye. You have never hurt me, you've always protected me. I give you my heart. My soul. And my love. I know you will take care of me and I will always take care of you, love you and cherish you. Until my last breath and forever after. I love you Sesshomaru, more than any words will ever explain." Kagome finished as tears streamed down her face.

"Kagome, my mate." Sesshomaru began as he reached up and caught a tear with his clawed finger. "When I look at you I see the rest of my life in your eyes. Fate had you and I meet from other worlds away. I pledge to honor you, care for you, and provide for you. You have my heart for all of eternity and I yours. You are mine and I am yours. You are the light to my moon." Sesshomaru ended his vow with a caress to his mate's cheek, swiping away more tears.

"Right." Miroku said with a catch in his throat. "Eh hem, Then by the power, grace and witness of Buddha, I now pronounce you man and wife." The newly married couple embraced in a kiss as everyone clapped, cheered and threw flower petals. Sesshomaru pulled away from Kagome and turned her toward her family. Her smile was large trying to contain her happiness. Everyone cheered and clapped while Sesshomaru led Kagome back down the aisle and to the large fire while everyone followed and bustled around to start the festivities.

Later that night Sango led the newly married couple to a large hut in the back of the village. At their arrival Sango explained. "This was my parents' hut. We save it for important guests and I hope you two will be comfortable here tonight. Don't worry about Rin, I will take care of her." Kagome hugged her friend. "Thank you Sango, today has been the most wonderful day of my life. I can't thank you enough sister." The two women hugged and shared a few tears of happiness.

"Goodnight Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru." Sango yelled as she walked away and waved. "Come mate. The day has been long and I wish to ravish the body of my wife." Sesshomaru said huskily as she picked Kagome up and carried her inside the hut.

Later that night, while the entire village slept.

*In a dream*

Kagome…

Hmm?

Kagome! Wake up. They are coming.

Whose coming?

The dragon's, there are hundreds, they will arrive in an hour, hurry. Wake up!

~End Chapter 25~

Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuh!

I mean, awwww. I just can't with these two!

Asuka- Meaning to fly, (Ah-Sue-Ka), Dragon demon

Ao Dai - Vietnamese dress, meaning long formal dress or (tunic) sometimes with pants underneath.

Ja ne, Peach