They returned a week later from California perfectly happy and ready to lend a hand in whatever was needed for Emmett and Kagome's wedding. As it turns out Rosalie had everything in order, she had Bella's bride's maid gown ready along with her's and Alice's. The venue for the reception had been booked for weeks, it was going to be held at The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa. It was going to be perfect, The venue for the reception was nice and open with an ocean view and the stunning view of the Olympic mountains. Kagome, her family, and friends were going to be staying at the hotel so that way they could get some spa treatment before the big day. The Japanese garden was in full bloom so it was going to make a beautiful backdrop for the wedding.
A week before the wedding, Kagome's guests started to arrive. Jasper and Alice were put in charge of picking up the guests and taking them to the hotel. The first people to arrive were Kagome's mother, brother, and grandpa. Jasper and Alice waited patiently for Akiko and her family to get past customs. Alice, immediately recognized Akiko when she saw her, she smiled and waved at the family.
"Mrs. Higurashi, hi, I'm Alice Cullen."
Akiko, smiles at Alice, while Souta mouth falls open and he gawks at Alice.
"Hello there, Alice, I would have recognized you anywhere. You're exactly how Kagome described you, dear, my you're a pretty little thing."
All Souta could do was nod his head in agreement, Alice laughed and approached Souta. She smiles at him and extends her hand.
"You must be Souta?
"Y-yes," Souta stuttered then blushed.
Alice thinks that's the cutest thing she had ever seen, she giggles and shakes Souta's hand. Jasper smiles and introduces himself to Akiko and Souta, then they both turn to Kagome's grandpa who has been eyeing them critically.
"Hmm, you two are like Kagome's fiancé. And just like him, I sense no evil in you."
Alice and Jasper look at each other, Kagome had warned them about how her grandfather was, but that he was harmless. She told everyone just to go along with him.
"Yes, sir, you 100% right about us, we're not evil," Jasper tells Kagome's grandpa.
"As I suspected, that being the case it is nice to meet you two, Alice and Jasper, right?"
Alice smiled, "That's right sir, why don't we pick up your luggage and then we'll take you to the hotel where you'll be staying."
They all agreed and went off to the luggage carousel.
That's how it went the entire week, Alice and Jasper picking up Kagome's friends from the airport and taking them to the hotel so they could settle in. It was now three days until the wedding and they were adding the finishing touches where they needed to be added when suddenly a black Jaguar with tinted windows pulls up to the Cullen house. Kostas goes to the window and looks out.
"Is anyone expecting company?" He asks.
"No."
"Hmm, I wonder if it's just someone who's lost?" Carlisle asks.
They all get up and stare out the window at the black car, then suddenly Kagome gasps. Emmett is immediately at her side.
"Babe, what's wrong?"
"It's Sesshomaru in that car, he must be here to talk to us," Kagome says as she looks up at Emmett.
Carlisle nods, "We'll give you some privacy."
Once everyone has cleared the house, Sesshomaru suddenly appears in front of Emmett and Kagome in his full youkai form. His long silver hair flowing, clawed hands at his side, amber eyes surveying his surroundings. The mark of the crescent moon on his forehead and his markings on his cheeks. If Emmett was intimidated by Sesshomaru before he was even more so now.
He stared at them for a moment before he spoke, "Miko."
Kagome bows, "Lord Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru looks Emmett up and down, "Cullen." It was better than him calling Emmett vermin.
Emmett followed Kagome's example and bowed, "Lord Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru gives a slight nod towards them both, he motions towards,
"Sit," He orders.
The couple does as they are told and sit, they don't say a word only hold hands and wait for Sesshomaru to speak. He stood for a moment longer, staring at them then sat down. Kagome couldn't take the silence anymore and had to say something.
"You're looking well, Sesshomaru, I'm glad you could make it and will be officiating the wedding."
"Hn, This Sesshomaru has witnessed the marriage of every member of his pack for the past 500 years, you will not be the exception."
The silence continued, it was in deep thought and was contemplating his next move. He would look from Kagome to Emmett then back again, but he would always look at Emmett longer as if measuring his worth. He finally spoke and his words were not promising.
"I do not like vampires. You are lowly creatures, parasites that can not survive without the blood of others. Yet, you believe yourselves above those around you. How wrong you are, In Youkai society, you are the lowest form of vermin."
"This Sesshomaru finds it unacceptable that you wish to marry the Miko, you are unworthy of a priestess of her caliber, even if she is human, and I should kill you now before you defile her. Get up"
Kagome gasped and Emmett stiffened, he did as he was commanded and stood up. Kagome protested and grabbed his hand, but Emmett knew there was no point in resisting, Sesshomaru would destroy him with little effort. Emmett pried his hand out of Kagome's and took a few steps away from Kagome.
Kagome stood up as well, her eyes were beginning to fill with tears, "Sesshomaru, please, don't."
"Silence."
Sesshomaru is already on his feet, he walks over towards Emmett, towering over him, he looks down at him.
"You face your death with honor, a rare trait in your kind. Most are sniveling and are begging for mercy, that I do not have."
Sesshomaru looks at Kagome who has tears running down her face, then looks back at Emmett.
"However, your destruction would cause the Miko a grief she would never recover from. And that would go against the oath I made my idiot brother, so I shall remedy this another way."
Sesshomaru pinched his finger with his claw, drawing blood, "Open your mouth, vermin."
Emmett opens his mouth and Sesshomaru lets a single drop of blood drop into his mouth. Emmett swallows the blood, and his eyes glow red for an instant. Kagome stands up and hugs Emmett.
"What did you do," She asks Sesshomaru.
"I have made him a member of my pack, and with that, I have changed his very being."
What do you mean?"
Suddenly, Emmett gasps and clutches at his heart. He doubles as he feels a sensation in him that he has not felt in almost a century… His heartbeat. Slowly his dead heart begins to beat, One beat, then after a long while another beat. Ever so slowly his heart starts to pick up speed. Emmett takes a deep breath, his eyes widen as he begins to realize that he needs to breathe again.
Kagome is still holding on to Emmett, looking at him confused, "Emmett, what's going on, are you alright?"
Emmett grabs Kagome's hand and places it on his chest over his heart. She stares at him then her eyes widen as she feels the distinct thumping of a heart. She looks closer at Emmett, color is starting to return to his face. He's still pale just not as much. She reaches up to touch his face and smiles.
"You're warmer," Kagome turns to Sesshomaru, "What exactly did you do to him?"
"I removed what offended me. With a drop of my blood, he is no longer a vampire."
"You mean I'm human again."
"Not quite, you are neither human nor vampire. You have some of the traits of both but none of their weaknesses, including the need for blood. Eventually, you will develop some Youkai traits, but that will be over time."
"Why did you use your blood, instead of using tensaiga? Kagome asked.
"Because, Miko, Tensaiga is a divine blade and would have brought him back to life. A human life, eventually he would have grown old and died. This way I did not deprive you of your eternal mate."
Kagome suddenly lunges at Sesshomaru and wraps her arms around him, "Thank you, Sesshomaru, you have no idea what this means to us."
Sesshomaru hugs Kagome back then he looks at Emmett, "Do not disappoint me…Emmett. I do not allow people into my pack easily, I expect you to prove your worth."
"I will do everything possible to always be worthy," Emmett said.
"Good, start by taking care of the Miko."
"I will, Lord Sesshomaru," Emmett said with a bow.
"Then I shall see you in three days."
With that, Sesshomaru disappeared. After he left the happy couple hugged and kissed. Kagome placed her head against Emmett's chest so she could hear his slow beating heart. Suddenly his stomach growled, causing Kagome to laugh.
"Sounds like someone's hungry."
"Yeah, weird, right?
Kagome laughed, "What would my big strong man want to eat, I'll make you anything you want."
"You know that Oden looks good, would you make me some of that?"
Kagome kisses Emmett, "Coming right up."
Kagome prepares the Oden, once it's ready, she serves Emmett and herself. He sat the kitchen table to have his first meal in 71 years. Taking a tentative sniff of the Oden, Emmett expected it to smell unappealing, but it smelled wonderful, his mouth watered. Taking the spoon, he dipped it into the Oden and spooned it into his mouth. He hummed as the flavors hit his tongue, Emmett closed his eyes to relish the taste.
"This is the best thing I have ever eaten."
"It's the first thing you've eaten in 71 years," Kagome points out.
"True, but it's still incredible. Emmett shoveled down the rest and asked for more, Kagome gave him one more bowl of Oden then cut him off.
Emmett whined, "But, Kagome, I'm still hungry!"
"I know you are but you have to pace yourself. I don't want you to get sick."
"I can't get sick, Sesshomaru said I have no weaknesses."
"Let's not take any chances."
"Please, Kagome, one more."
"Oh, alright."
"Yes!"
And that's how the family found them, sitting at the table eating a pot of Oden.
"Emmett, how are you eating that," Edward asked.
"I put it in my mouth and chew," Emmett said between mouthfuls.
Edward rolled his eyes, "I know how you eat, but how are YOU eating?"
Emmett smirked, what, can't you read my mind and find out?"
It was at that moment that Edward realized that he, in fact, could not read Emmett's thoughts anymore.
"I can't read them anymore, what happened when we left?
"It's a long story."
Emmett and Kagome began to explain everything that happened with Sesshomaru, the story left everyone speechless. Carlisle was fascinated that so much change could happen to Emmett from a single drop of blood.
"Emmett, if it's alright with you, I'd like to run some test to determine what else has changed."
"That's fine, Carlisle, but can we do it after I eat ice cream."
Carlisle chuckled, "Why don't you bring your ice cream into my office and we'll get started."
Once in Carlisle's office, Carlisle had Emmett sit on his exam table. Once Emmett finished his ice cream, Carlisle performed a standard physical. He took Emmett's vital signs, he took his blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Once he finished that he moved on to a heart exam, lung exam, head, and neck exam. He had Emmett lie down and did an abdominal exam. Sitting back up Carlisle performed a neurological exam, dermatological exam, and an extremities exam.
Once he finished that he went to his computer and opened a file on Emmett, he typed in all the information then turned to Emmett and Kagome.
"So, Carlisle, what do you find?"
"I think it's amazing. Your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are still low, but that could be because they are just now starting up after 77 years. Your heart rate is 26 beats per minute, but that could still beat considers healthy for someone of your physical fitness. Lungs sound a little raspy but that's more likely they are now actually filling with air for the first time.
"Abdominal exam was normal, liver size is normal, your bowels are beginning to make sounds. I didn't expect you to have any tenderness. Your skin is still hard but not nearly as hard as ours. You have a pink tint to your cheeks now, though still a little pale. That might go away with time. Your nerves, reflexes, and balance are incredible. Better than a vampire's. Your muscle strength, is still better than a vampire's, though I'd like to run more tests on that. You, of course, have no abnormalities in your extremities. Fingernails are pink indicating good blood flow, if it's possible, I'd like to do a blood and urine test."
"Sure, I should be able to go pee in a little while.
"I did notice that your eye color is changing, could they be turning blue again?" Carlisle asked.
"We don't know, Sesshomaru said that more changes would happen over time."
"That would be awesome if they did," Emmett said with a smile.
Carlisle smiled at his son, "Yes, it would. Now let me see if the needle will pierce your skin."
Carlisle tried a standard gauge needle but it wouldn't go through, so he decided to try a bigger gauge. He used a 17 gauge needle, one used for blood donation, it pierced the skin fairly easily. Once the needle was in, Carlisle collected four small vials of blood. When he removed the needle, he was astonished to see that it healed over instantly. Wanting to test the theory, Carlisle picked up a scalpel and made a small incision on Emmett's arm. Once again it healed as soon as Carlisle pulled the knife away.
"That's amazing, I think I have everything I need for now. I'll run some test including DNA and get back to you. In the meantime let's test your speed and strength against Edward and Kostas."
Emmett grinned, "This should be fun."
Outside, Carlisle had Emmett and Edward race each other to determine Emmett's speed, he chose Edward because Edward was the fastest. It was no contest, Emmett moved so fast it looked like he simply teleported from one end to the other. After that Carlisle had Emmett see if he could lift the same amount he could before.
Emmett barely pushed against the tree and knocked it down. He picked it up and snapped the tree like a twig. He lifted several other things and it was easier than before. After that demonstration of strength, Carlisle had Kostas wrestle with Emmett.
Kostas had always been a close second to Emmett when it came to strength, but when they wrestled, Kostas would always beat Emmett. Because not only was Kostas strong, he was more agile and lighter on his feet than Emmett. Not anymore. Thanks to Sesshomaru's blood, Emmett now had all the strength and agility of a full Youkai. He was able to pin Kostas easily.
Kostas jumped up, "I want a rematch,"
"Maybe later," Emmett tells his brother, "So Carlisle what do you think?"
"I'll know more when I run your blood, but I must say that I can't believe one drop of Youkai blood did all these changes and all for the better."
"It's not just any youkai blood, Carlisle, remember Sesshomaru is a Daiyoukai, the most powerful of all Youkais."
Carlisle nodded, "So, of course, his blood would be far more superior to any other youkai."
"Exactly," Kagome said smiling.
Carlisle returned her smile, "Well, I have everything I need, thank you, Emmett, you're free to go wrestle Kostas now."
"Hey Carlisle, now that this has happened to me do you think I can sleep?"
"I wouldn't see why not, your body is going to need rest, it's only logical that you can sleep now."
"Great, come on, Kagome, let's try to take a nap."
"What about our match?"
"Later, I'd rather take a nap with my finacée."
Emmett picks up Kagome and carries her up to his room, he lays her down and gets into bed with her. Spooning in bed with her, Emmett closes his eyes and before he knew it he was asleep.
Emmett woke up an hour later, Emmett felt better than he had in years. He lies there for a while then suddenly he feels pressure in his lower abdomen. He suddenly realizes that he has to pee, Emmett gets up and goes to Carlisle's office for a container so he can give him a sample. Going back to the bathroom he does his business and gives Carlisle the sample.
Once Kagome woke up, the couple head up to Seattle where Emmett would drop off Kagome at the hotel with her family, and he would not see her again until the day of the wedding. While they were driving up there they stopped to get Emmett something to eat. Kagome declined as she was going to have dinner with her family and friends. Emmett takes Kagome to the hotel and walks her to Akiko's room.
"I'm going to miss you, Babe."
"I'm going to miss you too, Emmett, but we'll see each other in two days, then we'll be married." She tells him in an excited tone.
"I can't wait."
"Neither can I."
Emmett then leans down and kisses Kagome goodnight.
"I love you, Kagome."
"I love you too, Emmett."
With that last kiss, Emmett let go of Kagome and let her go into her mother's suite.
The next two days were a flurry of last-minute preparations. Rosalie checked and rechecked everything until finally, the big day was upon them. Rosalie, Alice, and Bella showed up bright and early at Kagome's suite to get her ready for the wedding, though Bella wasn't much help she was still mostly still asleep.
Kagome, the day before, had enjoyed all of the spa treatments along with her mother. Many of her friends had already done spa treatment when they arrived. So on the day of her wedding, Kagome was nice and relaxed with a fresh manicure and pedicure, and complete body scrub, so her skin gave off a beautiful ethereal glow. She sat in the chair while Rosalie applied her makeup and Alice did her hair. Akiko was in Grandpa and Souta's suite making sure they were getting ready. Once Akiko got back she got ready and waited for the others.
It took several hours for everyone to get ready, but once they were ready, they all headed out to the Japanese Garden. Once they arrived, they were all ushered into a tent for any last minute touch-ups and to change into their gowns. Kagome had chosen red bridesmaids dresses for Bella, Rosalie, and Alice. Once the girls had changed they helped Kagome get dressed in her white and red kimono.
Meanwhile, the guest was arriving. The Denali clan were a little nervous to be out in broad daylight but they had tested Kagome's sutras before they came and they worked. More people began to arrive and were standing around talking getting to know each other, Kouga and his pack showed up and were standing with Jinenji and Shiori. Sam, Emily, Paul, and Seth arrived along with Billy, and Old Quil. Sue had arrived earlier with Charlie as his date.
Once all the guest arrived it was announced that it was time to take their seats. As they took their seat, each guest was handed a handed a leaflet with the English translation of the wedding vows printed on them. Now that everyone was seated Emmett came down the aisle up to the front, he was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and tie. As Emmett waited, he noticed that his hands were beginning to sweat just a little and that he had butterflies in his stomach. He took a deep breath to try to settle his nerves.
A hand suddenly touched his shoulder, "Calm yourself, boy, there is no need to be nervous."
He turned around and there was standing Lord Sesshomaru, but he was back in his glamour. He once again had short dark brown hair and had brown eyes. He was wearing a tailored black suit.
"Nothing will go wrong, I will not allow it." Sesshomaru tells him.
"Thank you," Emmett tells him.
"Hn," Is all Sesshomaru says.
At that point Carlisle realizes that the man talking to his son must be Sesshomaru, he walks up to Sesshomaru and Emmett, he bows in front of Sesshomaru and introduces himself.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I'm Carlisle Cullen, head of this family it is an honor to meet you, My Lord."
Sesshomaru slightly inclines his head, "This Sesshomaru knows who you are, the only vampire in your vermin's history able to deny your own thirst so thoroughly you were able to become a doctor and treat humans."
"That would be correct," Carlisle said taking no note that Sesshomaru had just called is kind vermin.
"Your actions are commendable, Doctor, you should be proud of what you have accomplished."
"Thank you, I wanted to thank you for helping my son, and accepting him as a member of your pack."
"It was done for the sake of the Miko, she needed her mate to be worthy of her. I only gave him the means to become so."
"And it was very much appreciated."
Sesshomaru simply nods.
Just then, Souta comes up to Sesshomaru to tell him that Kagome is ready. Sesshomaru nods and has Carlisle announce for everyone to take their places. It is undignified for Sesshomaru to raise his voice to address a crowd.
When everyone was seated the processional music started and Alice and Jasper were the first to come down the aisle, then came Rosalie and Edward. Finally the best man and maid of honor, Kostas and Bella. Kostas smiles at Emmett and goes to stand next to him, while Bella stands with Alice and Rosalie. There's a long pause until finally Butterfly Waltz by Brian Crain begins to play.
Everyone stands up, Emmett takes a deep breath and turns around to watch his bride. His breath catches in his throat as he watches the woman he loves more than anything on this earth make her way towards him on Charlie's arm. His eyes suddenly begin to blur, and for the first time in Emmett can't remember how many years, he cries. As Kagome reaches him, she gasps, through Emmett's tears, she notices that his eyes are blue. She reaches up and wipes away his tears, he smiles at her and takes her hand. They turn to face Sesshomaru, once he makes eye contact with them, Sesshomaru begins.
"We are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Kagome Higurashi and Emmett McCarty-Cullen in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate, these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace. Who gives this woman away?"
Charlies steps forward," In place of Kagome's father, I do."
Love participates of the soul itself. It is of the same nature. Like it, it is the divine spark; like it, it is incorruptible, indivisible, imperishable. It is a point of fire that exists within us, which is immortal and infinite, which nothing can confine, and which nothing can extinguish. We feel it burning even to the very marrow of our bones, and we see it beaming in the very depths of heaven...
What a grand thing it is to be loved! What a far grander thing it is to love! The heart becomes heroic, by dint of passion. It is no longer composed of anything but what is pure; it no longer rests on anything that is not elevated and great. An unworthy thought can no more germinate in it, than a nettle on a glacier. The serene and lofty soul, inaccessible to vulgar passions and emotions, dominating the clouds and the shades of this world, its follies, its lies, its hatreds, its vanities, its miseries, inhabits the blue of heaven, and no longer feels anything but profound and subterranean shocks of destiny, as the crests of mountains feel the shocks of earthquake.
If there did not exist some one who loved, the sun would become extinct."
"Kagome and Emmett today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom have gathered here to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great; and now falls upon your shoulders, the task of choosing your values and making real your dreams. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people. A love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life."
"Humans," Sesshomaru smirks, "have never understood the power of Love, for if they had they would surely have built noble temples and altars and offered solemn sacrifices; but this is not done, and most certainly ought to be done, since Love is our best friend, our helper, and the healer of the ills which prevent us from being happy. . . . So ancient is the desire of one another which is implanted in us, reuniting our original nature, making one of two, and healing the state of humankind. And when one of us meets our other half, we are lost in an amazement of love and friendship and intimacy."
Emmett, you will repeat after This Sesshomaru:
Watakushi wa kono josei to kekkonshi Fufu to narou to shite imasu Watakushi wa kenkouna tokimo Soudenai tokimo Kono hito o aishi Kono hito o uyamai Kono hito o nagusame Kono hito o tasuke Watakushi no inochi no kagiri Kataku sessou o mamoru koto o Chikai masu.
As Emmett recite his vows the audience reads the translation:
This woman, I marry No matter what the health situation is I will love this person Respect this person Console this person Help this person Until death Protecting fidelity I swear
Emmett Emmett turns to Kagome and smiles, he repeats the vows while looking at Kagome. Kagome begins to tear up, she had no idea that Emmett was going to recite their wedding vows in her native language. It meant so much to her.
Kagome, repeat after This Sesshomaru:
Watakushi wa kono dansei to kekkonshi Fufu to narou to shite imasu Watakushi wa kenkouna tokimo Soudenai tokimo Kono hito o aishi Kono hito o uyamai Kono hito o nagusame Kono hito o tasuke Watakushi no inochi no kagiri Kataku sessou o mamoru koto o Chikai masu.
This man, I marry No matter what the health situation is I will love this person Respect this person Console this person Help this person Until death Protecting fidelity I swear.
Kagome repeats the vows while looking at Emmett. Sesshomaru smiles at Kagome then nodded. "The couple will now exchange rings."
Kostas gives Emmett the ring and Emmett takes Kagome's hand. He takes a deep breath and smiles.
"With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours. It is a symbol of my eternal love, My everlasting friendship, And the promise of all my tomorrows."
Kagome eyes once again begin to tear up, she looks at Bella who hands her Emmett's ring.
"With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours. It is a symbol of my eternal love, My everlasting friendship, And the promise of all my tomorrows."
"As the rings have now been exchanged, This Sesshomaru will now offer a blessing."
Bless them as unmoving and eternal May their lives flourish like luxuriant trees.
May they, bride and groom, together with heaven and earth, with the sun and the moon, continue to give out light and radiance.
Thus we do reverently pray
Once Sesshomaru had finished the blessing, he looks at the couple, "Now, by the power vested in me by the State of Washington, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Emmett, you have This Sesshomaru's permission to kiss your bride."
Emmett and Kagome kiss and the audience erupts in applause, the couple turns around and look out at their family and friends.
"Ladies and Gentlemen This Sesshomaru presents to you Kagome and Emmett McCarty-Cullen."