Disclaimer: I do not own any of the copyrighted/licensed/trademarked materials mentioned in this fanfiction (from InuYasha to my references to Nine Inch Nails or Harry Potter). They are the properties of their respective copyright holders and I in no way am insinuating that I own them. (Consider it free advertising.) I only own the storyline and any new characters that may crop up.


Chapter Twenty-Four: The End is Only the Beginning

The celebration that followed the destruction of Naraku and the Jewel of Four Souls was indeed grand. In the years to come it became a thing of legend. There were bonfires, dancing, and music. Yamashita and the girls prepared enough food and drink for an army (and none went to waste). Megami and Shippo frolicked and danced carelessly around the bonfires while Sesshomaru and Senkotsuke poured each other glass after glass of their best sake. The celebration lasted for five days; one for every century that Naraku had tainted this world. In the years to come demons the world over would gather with their kindred and hold a five day festival. It became known as the "Jiyū Saijitsu": The Freedom Festival.

The months wore on and the seasons changed. Kagome's belly grew larger as her son thrived within her womb. Being unable to travel in her delicate condition, in early November Jinkaru sent for Kagome's family. Tensuke personally returned to Tokyo with the family jet and escorted the Higurashi family to Oregon. Megami and Kagome helped Sota with his studies. The young man complained many times. "Sis, you missed tons of school and still graduated! Why are you giving me such a hard time?"

Kagome calmly replied, "You don't need to repeat my actions, Sota. I had to work twice as hard to catch up. Now suck it up and do your algebra."

Megami's family introduced the Higurashi clan to the American Thanksgiving holiday. Many thankful prayers were spoken around the table on that day. Shortly after Thanksgiving, Megami and her family began to gear up for Christmas.

While Sesshomaru and Megami put up the Christmas tree they began discussing the holiday. Sesshomaru was completely perplexed by his mate's reasoning. "You mean to tell me that even though you do not practice their faith you honor their holiday?"

Megami laughed as her mate lifted her to place the topper on the apex of the gargantuan, twelve foot tall Christmas tree. She secured the large angel bearing a star and, with a final nudge, made sure it was centered. Sesshomaru lowered her and she answered him, "For one my dear, most customs of this holiday were adapted from an even older religion. But most important of all, I believe in the spirit of this holiday. Christmas is about giving, sharing, loving and being with those you love. How could anyone deny that?" Megami turned from him and knelt down on the floor to plug in the Christmas lights. She secured the plug in the electrical socket and the tree lit up like a beacon. Megami stood back and smiled at her handiwork. She turned to see Sesshomaru's face. He was utterly awestruck at the sight of the tree. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked softly.

"Yes," he whispered, "I see what you mean now."

Over the next few weeks there were many shopping trips to Pendleton or even Portland. Many gifts were purchased; including things for Kagome's son, who was due any time now. Yamashita giggled many times about the child's comfortable accommodations. "No wonder he hasn't come yet, my child. You feed him so well he doesn't want to leave!"

It was soon the night before Christmas and everyone sat in the living room watching A Christmas Story while in the corner the tree twinkled happily. Megami and Sesshomaru cuddled closely on some cushions upon the floor wrapped in a warm blanket. Chiaki smiled warmly at the sight of Sesshomaru holding Megami. He has finally overcome his sorrow and misconceptions of emotion. I am filled with joy to see him love someone so completely.

Sesshomaru looked to Chiaki and saw her smiling at him. He returned the smile. "I'll bet you never thought you'd live to see this, Mother?" he said to her kindly.

"No, son," she spoke softly, "But I am happy to see it."

Sesshomaru motioned to the empty seat on the couch beside Jinkaru behind them, "Please come sit beside us, Mother."

Chiaki nodded and rose from her seat. She came to sit on the couch and Jinkaru smiled at her. "How has your stay been, Lady Higurashi?"

Chiaki blushed, "Please, Jinkaru. You allow me to address you by your first name. Call me Chiaki."

"Certainly, Chiaki. Have you been comfortable here?"

"We have been quite comfortable. Thank you. Your hospitality knows no bounds."

Jinkaru inclined his head to her, "You are more than welcome. But I hope you realize that your daughter has become as dear as family to us. We regard her family as ours."

"Thank you," she said, "She has had such a hard time since InuYasha's passing. Megami has seen her through so much."

"They have both grown so much this year," Jinkaru sighed. "My daughter used to have to move every six months to a year. She never dared make a friend; the same with my boys. After so long we can be calm and stay in one place. I'm glad that they are not alone. It would have been a horrible reward to end this and have no one to share it with."

The two gazed about the room. Senkotsuke and Sango were snuggled together on the love seat under a blanket. Sesshomaru and Megami were nuzzled under a down comforter. Kagome and Shippo were lounged in a La-Z-Boy and the swell of her pregnant belly rose like a mountain. Yamashita, Tensuke, Sota, and Grandpa Higurashi sat near the tree cutting wrapping paper and concealing presents from wandering eyes. Chiaki smiled at Jinkaru, "It is nice having everyone together on the holidays." He patted her hand and they continued to watch the movie.

The movie ended and Megami was searching through other DVD's as she and Senkotsuke bickered about which one to watch next. They were hissing at each other when Kagome suddenly gave a gasp. All heads turned to the young woman as she sat up in the recliner. Kagome looked around with a panicked expression as she whined, "My water just broke!"

With the exuberance of a youthful demoness, Yamashita sprang up and helped Kagome to her feet. "Come, my dear. Let's walk around. Yes, walking helps."

"But the chair …" Kagome whimpered with shame.

"Oh, sweetheart, don't worry about the chair. We can always shampoo it," Yamashita said gently as she led Kagome out of the room. Sango and Megami stood and followed.

Chiaki looked at those who remained, "Shouldn't we take her to a hospital at least?"

Jinkaru once again patted her hand, "Alas, no. You know as well as I do that this child is one quarter demon. We cannot chance it. She will have to go through natural childbirth." Chiaki sighed with worry and Jinkaru chanced holding her hand. "Your daughter is very strong. My mother is highly experienced. Kagome will come through this with no difficulty."

"I can't help but worry," Chiaki groaned.

Jinkaru got to his feet and pulled Chiaki with him. "Then by all means, my lady, I will take you to be with your daughter."


They had thought that Kagome would be in labor most of the night as it usually goes with a first birth, however by two in the morning Kagome had fully dilated and was ready to deliver. Yamashita had left the room for another tub of water and more towels. Megami was coaching Kagome to breathe and push as Chiaki and Sango wiped away beads of sweat and held her hands. Megami kept encouraging the tired priestess. "Come on, Kagome. You're doing great. Just one more big push should do it. He's almost here." Kagome screamed as she bore down and pushed. Megami gave a joyous gasp as she held the newborn pup and the air was rent with the cries of a new life. "Ohhhhh, come to Auntie Megami! Kagome, he's so beautiful!" Kagome looked and saw Megami holding up her son. Yamashita came in bearing the water and towels. She knelt next to her granddaughter with the needed supplies.

"My baby boy …" she said breathlessly looking upon her babe. The boy had a great tuft of white hair and adorable little dog ears. "He looks just like his father."

Megami cut the cord and took a warm, wet towel from her grandmother to clean the infant. "Oh my, you're so tiny and cute. I should just put you in my stocking, shouldn't I?" She finished cleaning the baby and wrapped him in a blanket. With a brilliant smile, she held the child out for his mother to take.

Kagome tenderly took her son into her arms and tears of joy leaked from her eyes. "My beautiful boy. Oh I have waited so long for you."

Chiaki wept as she looked upon her grandson, and Sango leaned on her best friend. Megami and Yamashita beamed at the sight of the new babe. Megami cleared her throat and asked, "Have you thought of a name for him yet?"

Kagome smiled as she caressed her son's face. "Yes, Megami, I have," Kagome whispered. Her voice grew stronger as she continued, "I thought of it the night we defeated Naraku and I almost lost this beautiful baby. His name is Toushi." (Toushi: fighting spirit)

Yamashita nodded, "A noble name. It's perfect."

Megami reached over and tickled the baby's chin. She smiled and said, "Welcome to the world, little Toushi."


Megami and Sesshomaru walked across the courtyard of the Higurashi Shrine on a bright March day. They walked without hiding their markings and both wore traditional garments. Megami wore a kimono of pale blue with multicolored swimming koi embroidered upon the silky brocade. It was accented with a lavender border and matching obi with a silver cord. Her hair was also arranged in a traditional fashion. Sesshomaru wore a haori and hakama made from the black and silver brocade that Chiaki had bought for him almost a year ago. Around his waist was tied a silver sash with black crescents emblazoned upon it. Their footsteps resounded through the courtyard with an echoing "clack, clack, clack" as their wooden zori sandals tramped down the path.

Megami leaned towards Sesshomaru and whispered, "I can't believe we agreed to this. I feel silly."

He leaned back and responded, "Shush. Your brother would have never forgiven you."

Megami shook her head slightly as they entered the shrine. Grandpa Higurashi stood to the right of the altar wearing his traditional priestly garbs and Chiaki stood to the left of the altar acting as a shrine maiden. Senkotsuke and Sango knelt before the altar and in front of them sat three sake glasses. Senkotsuke wore black hakama and a black haori with his family crest upon it. Sango was dressed in a white shiro-maku wedding kimono with her hair styled with combs and ornaments. Sesshomaru and Megami knelt behind the couple solemnly. It wasn't long before Kagome walked in carrying a sleeping Toushi and was trailed by Shippo, Sota, and the rest of Megami's family. Everyone was decked out in their finest traditional wear. They all took their places kneeling in the shrine and soon Moriko and his sons arrived. Once everyone had been seated Megami heard her godfather mutter to his eldest son, "Who ever heard of having two Nakodo at a wedding?" (Nakodo: Go-between, those who usually arranged marriages in Japan. Sometimes the couple chooses someone who is married and is close to the family to be the go-between purely for ceremonial purposes.) Yukiko quickly elbowed his father in the ribs to silence him.

Grandpa Higurashi picked up his gohei (a staff adorned with the shime paper streamers) and began the purification rite. He began with the altar and then turned to purify Sango and Senkotsuke. Once the bride and groom were cleansed Grandpa purified all who were present. Grandpa set his staff back in its place and began a small speech about commitment, love, and marriage. "My children, you kneel here today before your families and Kami in the name of love, fidelity, and marriage …" Grandpa kept the oration brief and appropriate. "And so, as Sango's guardians, Chiaki and I grant our blessing to Senkotsuke to take her hand in marriage," Grandpa finished emotionally, almost having to stop and wipe away a tear.

Senkotsuke reached into his haori and pulled out a slender gold ring. He gently took Sango's left hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It was a simple band, adorned with a single diamond chip embedded within the precious metal. He then held her hand gently and recited his vows to her. "Sango, this ring is a symbol of my dedication to you. It is a simple ring, for nothing could outshine your beauty. I will always protect you. I will make sure that you want for nothing. I will always be faithful to you, and I will love you for all eternity. I want us to trust one another, to depend on one another, and to hold no secrets from the other. All this I promise you as your husband. Will you accept and be my wife?"

Sango could not help but begin to cry. Megami tapped Sango's shoulder inconspicuously. Sango held her hand up slyly to take Senkotsuke's ring from Megami's hand. Sango reached over coyly and took Senkotsuke's left hand. She gently slipped the ring on his finger and said in a barely audible tone, "I accept you as my husband. I will love and honor you until the end of my days."

It was now time for Megami and Sesshomaru to fulfill their purely ceremonial duties as the two go-betweens. They spoke in unison, "May you both find the joy and bliss that we have found in each other."

Chiaki now came forward and filled the three glasses with sake. Senkotsuke lifted the first glass to his lips. He took three sips from the glass, leaving some for Sango. He passed the glass to his bride and she took it into her hands gently. Sango drank from the cup three times as well, and then returned the cup to its place. Senkotsuke took the next sake glass into this hand and repeated his actions; sipping three times. Sango did the same and set the cup down. They each drank three times from the final glass and completed the san-san-kudo ("three-three-nine-times" the final act of commitment in a Shinto wedding ceremony). Senkotsuke and Sango then turned to each other and kissed softly.

The newlyweds arose and exited the shrine. Everyone followed them to the courtyard where a number of tables were set up for the reception. A few waiters from Moriko's restaurant stood near the tables to serve the wedding guests. Sango looked to them nervously until she saw their fluffy fox tails. Senkotsuke leaned to his new wife and whispered, "Uncle Moriko insisted on his restaurant providing all the catering." The couple then took their place standing beside their table and received their congratulations from each family member in turn.

Those present seated themselves and were served a light meal. It was quiet for they all observed the pleasantries of polite conversation. Jinkaru signaled the end of the meal when he arose to propose a toast to the newlyweds. "May I have your attention, please," he announced. Everyone turned to face him as he held his sake glass aloft. Jinkaru smiled at his son and new daughter-in-law. "I must admit that I found it quite bizarre that my son fell in love with a demon slayer," he and the others chuckled, "But having spent some time with her, I see that she is a strong, vibrant, loving woman, and I am proud to say that she is now my daughter. I wish them joy, happiness, good fortune, and many healthy children." He raised his glass again with a nod and everyone joined as he drank.

Chiaki now stood to make her toast. "As you all know, Sango was orphaned when she came to us. We sheltered her and loved her without hesitation. She is by all rights our daughter. And when I saw how she and Senkotsuke looked at each other, I knew that I would soon have a son-in-law. Welcome to the family, Senkotsuke, and may you and Sango have many years of bliss, prosperity, and strong children." She sipped her sake along with the others and reclaimed her seat. Moriko could no longer contain himself and wiped at his eyes with a handkerchief. After the parents' toasts one of the waiters turned on a portable PA system and music filled the courtyard.

Senkotsuke took Sango's hand and led her onto the improvised dance floor. The guests sat back and watched the young couple waltz across the courtyard. They looked into each other's eyes and it was like no one else existed in the world at that moment. Senkotsuke began to whisper in Sango's ear, causing her to blush and giggle furiously. Megami nudged Sesshomaru and pointed to them.

"I know, dearest," he answered quietly.

"What do you know? I was just trying to get you to look at them," Megami pouted.

"No, you misunderstand me. I can hear him. This won't be a long reception."

Megami's face was somewhere between embarrassment and nausea. "Ew. That's my brother."

"Now, now, Megami," Sesshomaru mildly chastised her, "It's nothing that I haven't told you."

Megami blushed and gave him a smoldering look. "Later, my lord."

The song slowed to a stop and the couple bowed to each other. Sango excused herself to change into a different kimono. The music played on and others entered the dance floor. Kagome's jaw dropped as she saw Jinkaru approach her mother. Chiaki blushed like a coy school girl as she accepted his offer. Her gaze fell across the crowd and saw Sesshomaru whispering in Megami's ear before they slowly walked onto the dance floor. Kagome looked down at her still sleeping son and smoothed his hair back. A shadow came over her and she looked up to see Tensuke.

Tensuke smiled at Kagome and the babe, and then held his hand out to her, "May I have this dance?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I couldn't. There's no one to watch Toushi." Kagome looked him in the eye, "I'm really sorry, Tensuke. Perhaps later."

Yamashita came up beside Kagome. "Give him here, Kagome. I'll hold him while you dance."

"Are you sure?" Kagome asked.

"Positive. It's a wedding," Yamashita said as she took the sleeping child gently, "Go have fun."

Kagome watched apprehensively as the elderly demoness walked to her seat bearing her son. Tensuke softly said, "He'll be all right. A dance only lasts a few minutes."

"I know," she sighed as she allowed Tensuke to lead her to the dance floor.

Tensuke led Kagome in a slow dance. He made sure not to hold her too close or to seem ungentlemanly. Kagome looked around them to see Senkotsuke take Sango in his arms as she returned in a coral pink kimono. Her eyes next fell onto Sesshomaru and Megami dancing slowly as Megami rested her head on her mate's chest. And finally she spied her mother and Jinkaru slowly dancing and talking.

"I know you miss him," Tensuke said suddenly.

"Hmm?" Kagome asked.

"InuYasha. I know you miss him. We always miss the ones we love."

"Oh," she said, "Yes, I do miss him, but having Toushi helps."

"How have you been handling motherhood?"

Kagome chuckled softly, "It has its ups and downs. I love my son. I love playing with him and reading to him and teaching him new things, but the lack of sleep does take its toll."

"Ah, he'll sleep through the night soon enough. But if you need help in the mean time, you know we're only a phone call away."

"I know, but with the wedding coming up I didn't want to be a burden."

"Kagome, you are family to us. You could never be a burden," Tensuke smiled at her. "In fact, once I've returned from flying Senkotsuke and Sango to London, I could come back here and help you with Toushi."

Kagome glanced about, feeling a little nervous. "Tensuke, I appreciate it, but …"

Tensuke sighed, "Kagome, I'm not trying to intrude upon you, and bluntly, I'm not trying to court you. I understand that you could never love another." His face darkened and he said, "I completely understand."

"Tensuke?" Kagome eyed him curiously.

His voice lowered, "I have never told anyone else this before, but then again I have never met someone in a remotely similar situation who I could confide in. Many years ago I fell in love with a young woman. We were about your age. Things happened, and she became pregnant. Her father was furious, especially when he found me. She was sent to a convent, and I was never allowed to see my child. I don't even know if I have a son or a daughter, or even if the child is alive today." Tensuke looked around cautiously, "I never knew my child, and this child will unfortunately never know his father. I do not want to take InuYasha's place, but if you need help I am here for you."

Kagome looked upon Tensuke with sympathy. She managed to get on her tiptoes and gave Tensuke a kiss on the cheek. "I will think it over, Tensuke. I am sorry for your loss."

"Thank you. I knew you'd understand. I could never love anyone but her, just as no one could compare to InuYasha in your eyes."

Kagome and Tensuke smiled at each other gently as the song ended. They stared at each other while another song started. It was upbeat and rapturous. Tensuke smirked, much like his sister, and said, "One more time?"

Kagome looked back to Yamashita, and the old demoness simply waived her off. Kagome took Tensuke's hands and they began to romp about, joining in the rambunctious dancing.