For all you Sesshy fans out there, I hope you enjoy this chapter, featuring our favorite demon lord. I had to put in this chapter, after all Sesshomaru was hardly mentioned at all in this story, it would have been a shame to leave him out. Oh- and just a little side note, I know Rin originally lives in the village. But this is my story and in this fic, Sesshomaru decided against the village. I tried my best to keep him in character, so do enjoy!
Chapter 35-The Taiyoukai's Gift
Sesshomaru stared impassively at the formal looking scroll sitting conspicuously on his desk. He took the delicate parchment in his hands once more, his tawny eyes scanning over the elegant script.
He resisted the urge to shred it, and instead opted for burying it deep beneath a pile of forgotten scrolls.
He would not go. Someone of his caliber, ranking at the utmost elite status in power and domination would not be seen making an utter fool of himself. He Sesshomaru, taiyoukai of the west would not go to a wedding, least of all his younger brothers.
Turning on the spot, his silver tendrils swishing in his wake, Sesshomaru walked silently out of his study.
Swishing through the regal halls of his castle, he recalled why he had returned to his estate. It was because of Naraku's defeat. He saw no other reason to travel the countryside anymore. So he had toted Jaken and Rin along after him back to his place of birthright.
"Pardon my intrusion my lord."
Sesshomaru turned to see Jaken bowing lowly to his feet.
"What is it?"
"Forgive me my lord, but there is a problem." Jaken trembled under the taiyoukai's emotionless gaze.
"It's Rin sire. She refuses to come out of the garden."
Jaken had nearly lost control of his bladder by now. He ventured a look at his lord.
Sesshomaru's face was an impassive mask. But Jaken knew better than to be fooled by his gaze. Staring into the amber orbs of his master, the toad found the emotions hidden behind the walls of iridescent brilliant gold.
Without a word, Sesshomaru started off down the corridor, leaving Jaken to scramble after him.
Thrusting open the doors, the demon lord was greeted with a flood of golden sunshine. A wave of floral scent permeated the area as Sesshomaru observed his flourishing garden. His eyes danced over the lush landscape, scrutinizing every exotic flower and shrub until he found what he was looking for.
Perched up in one of the tallest Sakura trees, amongst the floating cherry blossoms sat his ward.
At twelve years old, Rin was all arms and legs. Not still a child, yet she had not fully bloomed into womanhood. Her pitch black hair hung down to her back, and tangled in it was an intricate crown of flowers. Sesshomaru noted that although she had grown over the years, she still had not given up her love of flowers.
"Rin, what is the meaning of this?" He stared up at her, irked at being interrupted from his duties.
"I want to give Inuyasha and Kagome-sama a gift at their wedding too." The girl declared, whilst twirling a dark strand around her delicate finger. Leaves and other foliage clung to the tangled nest that was her hair. He would have to order her to bathe later.
Sesshomaru fought the urge to growl in annoyance. It was obvious that his ward had discovered the scroll before he had thought to hide it. What was worse was that she had also seemed to uncover his secret, which he had hoped to keep hidden until the time came to reveal it.
"Enough of this foolishness, I will not be attending, and therefore neither shall you. Now if you would cease this childish behavior and come down from there, we will have lunch."
Sesshomaru thought he was being quite reasonable, all things considered. Rin had always been an obedient child. On the other hand she has also been very stubborn and willful. That fact was proved to him when she clung to the branches of the tree ever tighter, wrapping her gangly frame around its sturdy limbs.
The taiyoukai's eyes narrowed. His wall of patience was beginning to crack. Deciding that the only way to solve the problem at hand was with a direct approach, he crouched low and pounced.
Rin gasped. She was startled at seeing her lord among the branches with her, when he had been on the ground only seconds before. The Sakura blossoms shimmered and swayed, floating gently in the wind, only to settle in Sesshomaru's hair. The petals resembled pink snowflakes, entangled in a waterfall of silver.
A small shake of the head, and the petals were carried away from their silver nest by the whispering wind. Rin was awestruck at her honorable lord's beauty and sat grinning at him, a sparkle in her eyes.
"What are you smiling at girl? You know this Sesshomaru does not like being disobeyed."
He watched the smile droop and the sparkle vanish. He waited, sure that some absurd explanation would come spilling out of her little mouth. She was one to talk, always babbling and chattering away at him about one trivial thing or another. This would be no different. He would simply wait to her explanation before quickly and efficiently shutting it down. And that would be that.
"Forgive Rin Lord Sesshomaru-sama, but Rin has a very important reason as to why Rin should attend Inuyasha-sama and Kagome-sama's ceremony." The girl fidgeted in her nest of branches. Her hands played idly with the hem of her bright kimono.
Sesshomaru noted that she had spoken in first person, and that it had only resurfaced in an act of great desperation coupled with nervousness.
"It's just… Rin knows about the important parcel you have, and it would be a shame not to go if only to bestow it….
A clawed hand was held up, and the young girl fell silent.
"Enough."
He waited until she had composed herself before continuing. "I will not have you poking your nose about where it does not belong, that is another's business and not for a child such as you to concern yourself with. This is a personal matter that I and I alone must deal with."
Rin nodded. She knew her lord was very important. He was the taiyoukai of the west, great and powerful, no demon could match his status.
Sesshomaru waited, knowing there was more. He searched her restless face, confident that she would not succumb so willingly in compliance.
Rin's chocolate colored orbs looked up, scanning his face for the briefest of seconds. Noticing him staring, she bit her lip fretfully.
"Was there something else?"
Her head bobbed in the tiniest of nods, ebony hair swaying softly in the wind. Rin continued to stare into her lap, uncertainty clouding her young features.
She felt claws grip her chin and gently tip it up. His gaze trapped her and she felt herself drowning in a pool of amber.
"You know better than that." He chastised softly. "Didn't I say to always look at me when speaking?"
His only response was another nod.
Rin bit her lip worriedly. How was she to explain this to her lord? She was only twelve, a mere child in his eyes. Who would reason with a child? Lord Sesshomaru would undoubtedly see her as foolish if she were to explain her reason for attending.
Clutching her kimono in erratic bunches, Rin felt the all too familiar hitch in her throat. She bit back a sob, not wanting her lord to see her cry. She knew he saw tears as a weakness. And Rin strived to be anything but weak in his eyes.
Just as her sob was climbing her throat, ready to burst from her lips like an angry betrayal, Rin felt movement on her branch.
In an instant she found herself pressed firmly against a silk laden chest. Eyes wide as saucers, Rin could only remember to breathe, as clawed hands settled her into a broad lap.
Rin lay against her lord, listening to the deep rumble of his heart. She allowed her restless sob to settle, the constant drumming of his strong heartbeat lulling her into serenity.
"Have you efficiently calmed yourself?" Sesshomaru inquired after several quite moments.
"Yes." She breathed against his chest.
Sesshomaru nodded, looking briefly at the girl cuddled in his lap. His eyes rested on her downy head before returning to stare at the horizon. How is it that he, Lord of the West, feared demon by all, brutal conqueror, could be swayed by a mere child?
Looking back, he let the years trickle sweeping through the memories until he found what he was searching for. That fateful day flashed before his eyes. A thin, dirty little girl had wandered upon him in the midst of recovery. He had lashed out, intending to scare her, or better yet kill her. It would have saved him a lot of trouble.
But she was persistent. She returned with water, and later food. He had shunned her, scorning her meager offering. She had left after that. And Sesshomaru was left to ponder the strange little human, and why she had cared for him, when he had absolutely no qualms about dispatching her.
He had recovered soon after that, and had left the forest, intent on finding Jaken and returning to their patrol. The smell of blood hindered his departure. He had known before he had discovered her body that it was the same girl.
Eyes glassy and frozen in a look of horror, she lay in a crimson puddle. Sesshomaru was not sure what came over him then. To this day he still called it a test. Drawing tensaiga, he had slashed the sword in a graceful arc, effectively ridding the hellish demons that were feasting on her body.
She drew a breath then, and he watched in barley contained astonishment as her body flushed pink, life had returned to her by his hand.
Sesshomaru had not known it then, but at that moment when he resurrected Rin something inside had changed.
He was brought back to the present when small arms squeezed his middle. He looked down to see Rin burying herself into his kimono.
Sighing he placed a hand delicately on her head, smoothing her hair. "Oh child, what have you done to make this Sesshomaru act so blatantly different?"
Dropping his hand from her head, he rested it on the smooth bark of the tree. It was a rhetorical question, he knew. He was not sure why he asked her, he already knew the answer.
Like it or not, Sesshomaru's demeanor had changed in large part thanks to a small orphaned girl. He still asked himself why he allowed her to follow him that day. Or why he continued to provide food, clothing, and shelter for her.
Not a day went by that he did not continually question himself as to why he had not killed her. The task would have been effortless.
And yet, he hadn't. Over time his brittle exterior had relented, until he came to realize he had a soft spot for the girl.
Rin and her big, soft brown eyes, and innocent smile, it was all so surreal. Her melodious laughter was something to preserve. He recalled her endless curiosity and constant questions with a smirk.
Sesshomaru felt his ward stir from her place nestled in his lap.
"Rin." His deep voice roused her from the pleasant cloud her mind had been dozing in.
She looked at him, her eyes bright and full of wonder and adoration.
"Why is this visit so important to you?" There. He'd asked the question he knew had been weighing on her mind ever since she discovered Inuyasha and his female wench were to be wed.
Rin's eyes found her lap once more. She knew her lord would only tolerate avoidance for so long.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, she prepared herself. "Mama and papa had a wedding once." She whispered.
"I barely remember I was just a small child then." Her eyes looked off, to somewhere he could not see.
"I remember white, and silk." The girl had a small smile on her face, and it didn't take long for Sesshomaru to understand.
Rin's mother was unwed when she gave birth. Her parents had married out of sheer honor and convenience. To not marry would bring shame upon their families, and an unwed mother was the ultimate dishonor.
The girl's parents did not want to suffer the harsh reprimands society would hurl at them. It was understandable. Most demons married for sheer convenience, as well as to carry on powerful blood lines. It was only humans who usually married for such a simplistic and ineffectual thing like love. Apparently Rin's parents had been one of the few that defied the stereotype.
All was quiet, and Sesshomaru realized the girl had stopped talking. Glancing down, he noticed her delicate hand intertwined in a lock of his silver mane.
"Must you consent to tangle your hands in my hair? You have created a very unfortunate knot." He took her small hand in his own, and brought it to sit obediently in her lap once more.
"Gomen." She mumbled, her cheeks a dusty pink. Suddenly she brightened.
"I can fix it my lord!" She reached into the folds of her kimono, and pulled out a ratty looking comb. Perhaps at one time it had been a bright and gleaming hair piece, but over the years it had lost its sheen and several teeth. Now it resembled a much abused piece of wood. The black paint that had once been flawless was now chipped. If there had been some time of jewel it was now gone, and the comb left barren.
Smiling in triumph she reached over and to his great surprise and amusement he began to work out the knot. Her tongue poked through her lips, as she scrunched her face in deep concentration.
Sesshomaru would have killed anyone else in this position. But this was Rin. He could have chosen to evade her grisly comb and be at the mercy of her pout. There really didn't seem to be a point to the juncture though, so he sat and suffered her tuneless humming as she gently brushed his locks. Sometimes you had to pick your battles. Looking at the girl combing his hair, Sesshomaru decided he had chosen correct.
"We shall not be staying long, just so you are aware." He told her. He really had no idea why he was doing this. Damn the girl.
"What?" Rin had been caught off guard, as she pulled the comb through his sleek hair, the knot having vanished long ago. Yet she still brushed.
"An hour at the very most. And I am to hear no whining when we depart. Am I clear?" He looked at expectantly.
It was then that Rin caught on. Her eyes light up, caught in the brilliant glow of the midday sun, golden flecks caught in the chocolate rings. She threw her arms around his neck, and would have knocked them from the tree; had not Sesshomaru not steadied them.
"Thank you!" She cried joyfully.
"Yes, well just remember, I expect you to conduct yourself in a professional manner as a young woman would. You are after all, a representative of myself, and I'll not have you running amuck."
Rin nodded so vigorously, Sesshomaru thought her head might fall off. Why did she have to thank him? And act so happy? He tensed as her arms squeezed him. What was it with humans and touching?
His ward leaned back too quickly wobbling unsteadily for a second, her body swaying in the wind. Her eyes widened as gravity turned on her, and she began to fall backwards out of the tree.
Before she could fall to a painful crash on the unmerciful ground, an arm caught her wrist. Rin was left to dangle in the air, suspended by her lord's hold.
"You really should be more careful." His eyes bore into hers as she could only stare up from her swinging position.
He pulled her up effortlessly. "Now, I believe we have wasted enough time dawdling. Lunch has grown cold by now."
Rin felt herself pulled tightly to his side as he launched them off the branch with a graceful ease she could never conduct.
Instead of free falling to the ground, they floated lazily towards the earth below them. Touching down on the grass, Sesshomaru let go of Rin's waist.
Walking toward the looming estate before them, the demon lord pondered why he had changed his mind. It certainly was not because of Rin, nor her pathetic sob story of her unwed parents. No, he had a task to accomplish. Her attendance was just so he was not forced to bring Jaken along.
"We leave tomorrow. You had best be prepared for our departure by then." He informed her, though he doubted she heard him. She was too busy twirling and giggling with glee.
He was Sesshomaru. He didn't need to reassure a child. His word was law. And yet, as he stared after the twirling figure of the once mute girl, he could not help but notice. She had changed. She had grown from a scrawny, weak human who spoke not a word, to a bubbling, intelligent young girl with quick wit and pure nerve.
He may have been Sesshomaru, great and powerful, whose equal was none, but he was still left staring. And wondering why he was so curious over something that used to be so indifferent. Better yet was why the hell he bothered to care in the first place. ____________________________________________________________________
Hours later, the countryside was doused in a pale moonlight, as night had befallen the land. Rin scurried through the castle, her bare feet creaking on the smooth polished wooden floor. She had to hurry and ready her belongings. An endless smile tugged at her lips. She could not believe lord Sesshomrau had actually agreed to let her go! It was simply unreal.
They left at dawn tomorrow, and Rin had to be sure of her selection of clothing. Slipping through a sliding door she arrived in her modest room. A generous sized futon lay in the middle of the room. To the left was her wardrobe. Walking over to the tall wooden dresser, her hands tugged at the knobs. Rin stepped back to take inventory of what was inside.
Her kimonos' greeted her, but nothing too extraordinary popped caught her eye. She fingered the delicate silk of one colored in a deep cerulean with a simple pattern on it. Or should she go with the pale yellow with red petals and play the shy maiden? Black was always nice, very elegant. Of course she didn't want to seem like she was making a big statement or anything. After all this was Inuyasha and Kagome-sama's wedding. Why would she need to overcompensate? It wasn't as if this was a special day for her or anything.
"Ooooh! This is hopeless!" Rin groaned in exasperation, before sitting on her futon with a huff.
"And what may I ask is so hopeless that you appear to be acting as though the world has ended?"
Rin jumped out of her skin at the sudden smooth tempo of her lord's voice. She looked up to see him standing in the doorway, a perplexed expression on his face.
"I cannot decide what to wear." Rin's glum reply resonated in Sesshomaru's keen ears.
"You have several choices on your attire. Why not just choose one of those?"
"You're right." Rin relented, before diving back into her wardrobe with renewed hope.
Bustling over to the mirror, she held three kimonos up at once, feverishly pinning them to her small frame. Her eyes scrutinized each one, searching for a flaw.
Sesshomaru watched her for a moment as she experimented with her hair, holding the obsidian waves in a mimic of an elaborate style. Releasing her hold, the waves cascaded down her shoulders. Rin's face wrinkled in frustration as she tried her best to tame her wild locks.
"I like the blue one."
She turned around to thank him, but as usual he had vanished without a sound. Rin decided that Lord Sesshomaru was very much like the wind. He came and went, as silent and suddenly like a soft breeze in the midst of spring.
Folding the kimono carefully, Rin placed it in a neat square upon the table. Sitting on her futon once more with a content sigh, she pondered tomorrows anticipated event. She patted her still damp hair, running her fingers through it. Giggling at the thought of lord Sesshomarou promptly ordering her to the bath house the minute they had returned from the garden.
Rin's smile widened as she recalled his exact words. "I'll not have an unwashed wench walk the halls of my estate." His voice rumbled in her ears, before he had pointed without another word towards the steaming bathhouse. To anyone else, this would have seemed like a stern reprimand. But she knew better.
Eyes feeling especially heavy, Rin decided a good night sleep was in order. She snuggled under the blankets, intent on being well rested for tomorrow. After all it was not every day that one attended the wedding of a half demon and a human. Closing her eyes, Rin let the hypnotic wave of sleep wash over her, sending her into a drowsy cloud of blissful darkness.
The day dawned bright and cherry, sending its golden rays upon the awakening earth. The brilliant pinks and oranges that streaked the horizon of a new day gave way to a brilliant gold as the sun announced its presence to the world. It was the perfect day for a wedding.
One bride in particular was not agreeing at the moment.
"This is completely unnecessary!" A shrill voice, laced with agitation pierced the morning air.
"I don't care."
"I'm a grown woman; I am perfectly able to do this myself."
"Like that'll fly. You just got released, there is no way in hell I'm letting you climb down the well and then climb out again in your condition. End of discussion." Inuyasha growled irritably at the woman in his arms.
Kagome crossed her arms in a huff. She was currently bundled in a thick blanket to shield her from the chilly morning air. She was being held hostage by her mate and soon to be husband, who absolutely refused to let her go down the well by herself. He had insisted on carrying her.
The two stood by the well house, waiting for Miya who had continually run back to the house for last minute things. There were currently several bulging boxes sitting next to them which held all of the things deemed necessary to prepare Kagome for the wedding and apparently several other items that would be for their house once it was finished.
Inuyasha scoffed. What was wrong with what she was wearing? There was no need to make this complicated. He had made the mistake of mentioning this to Kagome and received a steely glare in return. Inuyasha wisely decided that he would out keep out of the whole matter. This was something women fretted over.
"All right, here's the camera." Miya had returned with the device and promptly handed it to her daughter. "Remember to take lots of pictures!" She was already dabbing at her misty eyes with a handkerchief.
"Oh mama!" Kagome reached out and hugged her mother, sniffing back her own tears. "I wish you could be there!" She hiccupped.
"Now don't fret. This way I will have lots of pictures to look forward to." Miya patted her daughter on the shoulder.
"You know, a mother's happiest day is the one where she can see her daughter be happy with the man she loves and move on and start her own life. I am proud to watch my daughter start a life with such a man I know who will care for her and love her for all the rest of her days."
Miya turned to Inuyasha, her eyes flooding with tears. "I am also very proud to call you my son."
"Thank you for giving me your daughter." Inuyasha croaked feebly.
He set Kagome down so she could say her goodbyes to the rest of the family.
"I'll miss you grandpa." Kagome embraced the old man.
"Take of yourself." Grandpa rubbed her back affectionately.
"I always knew you were destined for something beyond this world, little did I know that it was beyond this time!" He chuckled softly whilst taking her face and planting a kiss on her brow.
Kagome turned to Souta last. The young boy hugged his sister fiercely. "If you had to marry someone, I am glad it's Inuyasha." He mumbled against his sister's shoulder.
The miko laughed half heartedly. "You're all acting like I'm going away forever. I will be back to visit, I promise."
"We know dear. It's not every day your daughter marries a half demon and starts her new life five hundred years in the past." Miya gave her daughter a warm smile that only a mother could give.
Giving them one last sweeping look, Kagome allowed her mate to pick her up. "Well so long everyone, I will see you soon."
Without another glance, Inuyasha walked into the well house. Standing over the lip of the ancient well, he chanced a look at the woman in his arms.
Kagome had her head buried in his shoulder, her silent tears soaking her shirt. Inuyasha dropped off the edge and into the iridescent swirl of magic that awaited them.
Launching them out of the well and into the sunlight meadow, he set his cargo down gently.
With the promise of returning Inuyasha went back to fetch the boxes. Upon his return he found the meadow was absent of his mate. Looking around, he spotted a figure huddled under the sacred tree.
" Are you all right?" He asked softly.
Cupping her snowy cheek softly, he tipped it up to see her wet eyes. Pulling her too him, he stroked her head softly, letting her know in his silent way that he was there for her.
"It won't be forever. We can visit." He reassured the fretful woman in his arms.
"I-know. It's just I….wish they could be here. Once the jewel is wished upon, I don't think the well will stay open and then..." She broke off in a fresh torrent of tears.
Inuyasha brought her face close, brushing his lips against her velvety ones. "Don't think about that now. It's a special day for you; you're supposed to be happy."
A scratchy laugh broke Kagome's flood of tears. "Happy? Of course I am. I'm marrying you after all, how much better can it get?" She smiled at him.
"Just wait." He whispered. "It gets better."
"Can't wait." She whispered.
Insisting she could walk to the village, Inuyasha grudgingly allowed her the luxury. After all, she had pointed out it would be a tough journey carrying all the boxes and her. The half demon huffed and was about to explain that it was no problem whatsoever but his grumbling fell on deaf ears, seeing as Kagome had already started the worn path to the village.
Their arrival was met with a flurry of smiling faces.
"Kagome!" Sango cried, embracing her best friend with a warm smile. "I'm so glad you have recovered!" She beamed at the younger woman.
"So am I Sango. That hospital stay is one I would like to forget!" She replied with a grimace, and noticed her mate instantly stiffen beside her.
A soft hand on his shoulder had Inuyasha taking a deep, steadying breath. He had waited years for this day, every obstacle they had overcome, every villain that had stood in their way of happiness and a normal life, it was all behind them. Today was the first day of the rest of his life, their life.
He gave his mate a tiny smile, reassuring her. Kagome's own lips twitched, glad that her mate had dropped his stiff posture and had attempted to relax.
"Kagome." Miroku's kind voice reached them next as he entered the hut they occupied. He embraced his friend warmly. "I too am glad to see you well again; Sango would have been simply devastated if you weren't here to share this day with her." He said this last part in a sly whisper, oblivious to the mock glare the woman behind him was giving.
"Where is Shippo?" Kagome looked around, noticing he was the only one absent. She did not have to look beside her to notice her mate's amber orbs scanning the hut, his nose on high alert for their adopted son.
"He is outside. Kaede answered her question as she appeared through the doorway, which is where you men will be going." She directed her eyes towards Inuyasha and Miroku.
"What!? Forget it old woman!" Inuyasha instantly flared up, irked at having been told he was leaving without any asking on his part.
"You're going." Miroku was already tugging him out the door. "You need a proper bath. We can't have you looking like a peasant on your wedding day."
"Hey!" The half demon growled.
His growl was cut short by the giggling woman whose smile made him weak.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" He quipped at the miko with a snarky smirk.
"Every minute."
"Just wait, I'm going to get you for this!" He threatened. The rest of his sentence was lost as he was dragged out the door by Miroku.
Laughter floated after him, and the three women were left alone in the hut.
"Now." Kaede turned to Kagome and Sango. "It is time to prepare you ladies for your wedding day." The elder miko had a sparkling twinkle in her ageing eyes.
"Great!" Kagome trilled. Grabbing a bag she dumped its contents onto the huts floor.
Out came an array of cosmetics. Several different shades of eye shadows, lipsticks, rouge, and several other items were displayed on the floor.
"Kagome what is this?" Sango held up an eye lash curler, twirling it in her hand curiously.
The miko was grinning widely. "That, Sango is how we are going to get those men out there to stop in their tracks."
"All right, let's get beautiful!" Kagome yelled, pumping her fist. Sango giggled, nodding along with her friend.
Kaede was eyeing the battery operated curling iron with immense interest. Wait until those boys got an eyeful of their brides!
"I still don't understand the point of this!" Inuyasha harrumphed as he was pushed further down the path by a determined Miroku. Shippo trailed behind them, a permanent smile plastered on his face.
"The point is we don't want Kagome to see you all mangy like you hadn't bathed in three days. Speaking of which, how long has it been my friend?" Miroku was standing a few feet away, fanning his nose.
"I resent that! Kagome fell for the natural me." Inuyasha snarled, eyes blazing at the monk.
"That's natural all right." Miroku muttered, pushing the irritated half demon further down the path with his staff. Shippo suppressed a giggle.
"Oil! Pup! Get over here!" Inuyasha barked to the young fox.
The kit flitted to his side and was promptly given a good hair ruffle. "You think that's funny do you?"
Shippo giggled. "A little." He admitted with a sly smile. But his gleeful look faded when he saw his toucan's face.
Inuyasha expression was dead serious. "Well I'm glad I amuse you." His ominous voice stopped Shippo in his tracks.
"I'm sorry." Shippo demurred.
"Not as sorry as you're going to be." Inuyasha swooped down on him and plucked him from the ground. Carrying the squirming fox to the edge of the bushes he peeked through. The hot springs lay before them, steamy and luxurious.
"Oh no. No, no, no! Otou!" Shippo was already protesting as his father carried him to the edge.
His protests were drowned out as Inuyasha promptly tossed him into the steamy springs, clothes and all.
Several seconds later a sopping wet Shippo emerged from the spring, wiping his wet hair from his dripping face to see Inuyasha and Miroku roaring with laughter.
"Two can play at that game." He challenged.
Seconds later, Inuyasha and Miroku were facing a wall of water as Shippo manipulated it with his progressing fox magic.
"You think we would have seen this coming." Miroku said while staring at the rippling wall of water as it prepared to crash on them.
"That little trickster." Inuyasha was grinning before they were both drenched in a warm wave.
"Shall we commence to our bath my friend?" Miroku asked, while squeezing out his indigo robes.
"Bring it on." A fanged smirk twitched on the have demons face as he stared down the fox who now sat in the spring.
Disrobing along with the monk, the two men joined Shippo for a well overdue soak.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Miroku waded over to the edge of the spring, and ruffling among his wet clothing produced a small draw string bag. The monk opened the bag, sending Inuyasha's nose into a sniffing furry.
"What is that?" He nodded toward the bag, which Miroku seemed to be trying to conceal.
"Well… He turned toward the other two, and Inuyasha spotted what was in his arms.
"There is no way she expects me to bath with that… that stuff." He sniffed indigently
"I'm afraid so." Miroku popped open the bottle of shampoo and gave it an experimental sniff.
"It sure smells nice." He commented.
"Yea, if you like that flowery, sugary smell." Inuyasha sat against the bank, sliding lower under the simmering water.
A few minutes later he felt a cool goop dribble into his hair. "Gah! What are you doing monk?" Flailing his arms uselessly in the water, he tried to shake off the man who seemed to be intent on scrubbing his scalp raw with the goopy, messy stuff Kagome called shampoo.
"Hey Shippo, come over and give me a hand." Miroku called to the fox demon.
"Don't you dare!" Inuyasha threatened. The soap was already running into his eyes. And it stung.
But Shippo was already there, rubbing his hair as vigorously as Miroku was. "Hey it foams up!" He said with a wily grin, oblivious to his father's glare.
"Well enjoy this, because you're next!" Inuyasha said his own devilish smirk form as he watched Shippo's face turn pale.
"The girls insisted we come back looking clean and presentable and I for one am not going to bed a woman when coated in grime and smelling of stale sweat. I'm sure you would agree Inuyasha."
Miroku looked down into the flaming face of his friend and suppressed a chuckle. That ought to shut him up. And indeed it did. For the next twenty minutes all that came out of the half demons mouth was half hearted grumbles.
"Really Inuyasha, do you ever clean your hair?" Miroku was trying to run a fine tooth comb through the silvery locks, only to have it snag on a bur or become entangled in the rat's nest that seemed to have taken a permanent residence.
"Yes!" He huffed, clearly offended.
"Huh, I'll believe that when I see it."
"All right, that should do it!" Miroku sat back, a triumphant smile on his face.
It had taken twice the amount of shampoo and nearly an hour of detangling, but he had done it.
Inuyasha looked positively radiant. His skin glowed naturally, offsetting the suns brilliant rays. And his hair! Miroku had never seen it look so soft and clean. It was like silver spun silk, blowing delicately in the wind.
"Well, know that your finally clean I guess we can get on with our bath." Miroku let out a relieved sigh.
A tremendous splash had him dripping and sputtering, as he tried to wipe his banks from his eyes.
He peeked through the dark strands to see a smirking half demon, his golden eyes glimmering mischievously. Really, you'd think by now he would learn that there was a time and a place for such actions.
In the middle of a hot spring with an easily irked half demon was not one of them. Miroku sighed once more and picked up the bottle labeled body wash.
He starred at curiously. It had a picture of a woman dripping wet, who was-Miroku gulped, very enthusiastically washing herself. Her chestnut hair clung to her wet shoulders, and her ruby red lips parted just so. Her eyes were closed and she had her arms wrapped around her chest, covering her well developed assets.
"Just one dose and they'll come running." Miroku read the descriptive logo, his mouth twitching.
"Miroku what are you doing?" Shippo floated up curiously beside the monk.
"Ah, nothing Shippo, just reassuring my night is as pleasant as possible." Miroku barley glanced at the kit, as he began to feverishly dump globs of the sweet smelling mixture onto his entire body, taking careful measure to rub some into his hair, on his chest, and other areas that would need it.
"Inuyasha care for a drop of the good stuff my friend?" Miroku shook the bottle under the hanyou's nose, waggling his eyebrows.
"Get that crap away from me!"
"More for me then." Miroku shrugged, whilst dumping nearly the entire contents of the body wash over his head.
"The sweet smell of pleasure." The monk sighed, his eyes closed, basking in a world unseen by Shippo or Inuyasha.
"He's probably imagining Sango." Inuyasha snickered to the kit, both of them smirked gleefully.
"Don't pretend you're not thinking about Kagome." Miroku's voice floated over the spring, sending Inuyasha into a sputtering furry.
"Gee, I can't imagine why you two are so anxious." Shippo pondered, a cheeky grin playing at his lips.
"Could it be, that you've waited all these years to wed such beautiful, smart, courageous woman, but where always too hesitant to do anything?" The kit floated along, chuckling softly to himself at his witty humor. He was getting really good at this bantering thing.
If Shippo hadn't been so caught up in having a laugh, he would have noticed how silent the spring had gotten. And if he had been listening he would have heard his predators creep up behind him. But Shippo wasn't paying attention.
"There was that lord, Sango almost married, and then Koga was always after Mama, so there was always the slight possibility that-Ach!" Shippo's sentence was drowned out as he was dunked mercilessly into the spring.
He emerged to see Inuyasha and Miroku, both wearing satisfied smirks.
Shippo sent another wave towards them with a playful giggle. And thus began the all out water fight, each man trying to douse the other into submission.
Shippo eventually found himself on the receiving end of a great chase, as he waded as fast as he could around the spring to evade his captors.
A good half hour later, and the three were lying on the banks of the spring, their energy spent. As the sun rose to mid morning, the golden rays dried their skin as well as the clothes that lay on the rocks before them.
"Looks like the clothes are dry enough to wear again." Miroku noted, whilst patting his still slightly damp robes.
"We'd best get going then." Inuyasha pulled on his clothes, noting the much brighter shade of red they had become.
"Today, we become men, tied to the bonds we make with our woman. Today we wed!" Miroku announced.
"Joy." Inuyasha mumbled.
"Oh cheer up. You've matured a lot over the years, at least enough to make a half way decent husband for Kagome." Miroku clapped him on the back.
"You think?" Inuyasha replied, the remnants of uncertainty creeping in.
"Heck, you could even pull of the family man act, I'd wager." Miroku said with a reassuring smile.
"Thanks monk, you know now is the time when you can put to good use the words 'bear my child'."
Miroku nodded sagely. Honestly, the anticipation of having children excited him. His father had died when he was a boy due to the curse, and his mother in childbirth. He only had Mushin for a father figure, as stimulating as the old drunk was; he still wasn't what Miroku would call the ideal father. The prospect of being there for his own children gave him a renewed sense of hope and pride.
"What are you two going on about?" Shippo piped up.
"Nothing, I'll tell you when you're older." Inuyasha ruffled the kits head.
"I am older." Shippo pointed out.
"Old enough to mate." Inuyasha clarified.
Pink bloomed on Shippo's cheeks, silencing him effectively. Inuyasha chuckled. The kid was young, but he wasn't completely oblivious.
The three continued their animated chat, down the path to the village.
"Are we all ready then?" Kaede stopped them at the entrance to her hut.
The two men nodded, both seemingly transfixed on the doorway.
"Very well." Kaede stepped aside, and with a great flourish, drew away the flap.
Sango emerged first.
Miroku's violet orbs widened at the sight of his fiancée. The demon slayer was dressed in a traditional style wedding kimono. Pristinely white, it shimmered in the sunlight. A chrysanthemum billowed around her. Her face was done up very carefully. Delicate pink rouge painted her cheeks, and her lips were a vibrant shade of red. Her hair, Miroku had never seen it look so elaborate. Gone was her practical ribbon which held back her dark tresses. Instead her hair was pinned up in a dark pile atop her head. Delicate slippers replaced her sturdy sandals. She was a whole different woman. And Miroku couldn't stop gazing at her.
A beautiful glittering comb lay in Sango's hair, holding it in place. The demon slayer was blushing madly. Her eyes flicked to Miroku.
"Kagome helped me with the hair." She mumbled, motioning to the headdress, still very flustered with having him look at her like that. "The villager's managed to purchase this." She waved a hand at her kimono, clearly uncomfortable at having been provided such a beautiful garment.
He would have to find a way to repay the villagers for such kindness. Miroku withdrew the ring he had bought for Sango. Although they did not practice such customs like Christianity as Kagome had explained to them that it would not develop for several years. But still, he wanted to show his love for the one woman who had captured his heart. He knew others would question the ring, not knowing its meaning. But that was fine with Miroku. He may be a man that practiced the worship of Buddha, but it this case, the ring held a significant importance to Sango. That was good enough for him.
Kagome had carefully explained to him the meaning of a wedding ring, and the bond that it held between a man and wife. Though they were to have a traditional wedding, Miroku did not mind adding some modern flare from the miko's time. He had purchased a modest gold ring for himself, so as to complete the unity of marriage. He still did not fully understand the meaning of Christianity, but it didn't matter. He caught Sango's radiant smile. That was what mattered. He would go beyond the tight reins of tradition if it meant spending the rest of his life with her.
Reaching out, he grasped her hand softly. Pulling her to him, his hand hovered over her delicate cheek, yearning to touch the soft snowy skin. Instead he opted to squeeze her hand.
"Beautiful." He breathed.
They turned to see Kagome appear.
If Miroku had ever seen Inuyasha speechless, it was now. He stood gazing at the woman from the future, a faint glimmer in his amber eyes.
Kagome had donned her mother's wedding kimono. It too was white, with tiny, delicate patterns intricately embroidered into the flawless silk. Her midnight locks were pinned carefully atop her head, held in place by a shimmering headdress. A bright crimson hair comb stood out among the sea of white. Inuyasha noted that it matched his kimono exactly. Her cheeks pinked at his prolonged silence. She stared at him from under thick full lashes, suddenly shy. Reaching out her hand, she waited.
Inuyasha's breath caught in his throat. Her chocolate eyes stared back. They were brimming with love and compassion that he had to swallow his astonishment to take her hand.
"Shall we go?" She asked through ruby lips.
He could only nod.
Kaede led the two couples through the village and up to the altar shrine where the ceremony would be performed. The elder miko had previously gone to the altar and said a prayer, asking the residing gods to bless the marriage of the couples. She was pleased to know that the gods had seemed pleased at the prospect, having accepted the rings as part of the bond.
Leading them into the shrine, Kaede had them all kneel before beginning the prayer to start the ceremony. Waiting for some sort of sign from the gods, the elder woman was rewarded with a soft wind that whistled throughout the shrine, rustling clothes and brushing her cheek softly. Deciding, that was sign enough, she continued on.
Next began the ceremony of cups. She took the two stacks of three cups each; taking the first one from each stack she poured a small amount of sake into it. Handing a cup to Inuyasha and Miroku, the two men drank three sips each. Kaede refilled the cups and handed the each to the perspective brides. Sango and Kagome each took three sips from their cups. Taking the cups, Kaede proceeded with the second cup, and handed them to Kagome and Sango who drank again before handing them to the men. Miroku and Inuyasha drank three sips once more, before Kaede started the process over with the third cup.
"It is now time for the rings." Kaede motioned Inuyasha to start first.
He turned, suddenly more nervous than ever before. Hoping to remember the words Kagome had taught him, he took the sparkling ring and slipped it onto her delicate finger.
"I Inuyasha take you Kagome to be my wedded wife, I receive you from this day forward, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in times of joy and strife, and I shall love and cherish you for all the days of my life."
He watched a tear glisten in Kagome's eye, before trailing down her rosy cheek.
Kagome turned to him, holding her father's ring, bestowed upon by her insistent mother. Her heart beat fast in her chest. The blood ran hot and thick in her veins as she stared at the man she was about to be bound to for life. Taking a steadying breath, she put the ring onto his clawed finger.
"I Kagome take you Inuyasha to be my wedded husband, I receive you from this day forward, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in times of joy and strife, and I shall love you—here she choked up, having to take a few seconds to calm herself. "All the days of my life." She said with a small gasp.
Kaede placed their hands together, and put her own hand over their adjoined ones. "As the gods bless it, so it shall not be undone." She announced. The wind stirred once more, the gods having approved.
It was now Miroku and Sango's turn. Miroku turned to the demon slayer whom he had fought beside for years, having come to know her as a faithful comrade and now looking at her as his wife and life partner. He didn't know much about the wedding vows that were displayed in the future, but he had decided on displaying his feelings for Sango the best way he could.
"Sango, I take you here and now as my wife, forsaking all others to share my life with you forevermore. I will care for you, comfort you, and love you as long as I shall live and more. Let this humble monk find his happiness with you, for evermore." He slipped the ring on her dried and calloused working hands.
Sango had to compose herself before continuing. She held the glittering gold ring in her trembling before slipping it on Miroku's finger, with hushed breath she began her proclamation, stumbling at first, but growing stronger with each passing word.
"Miroku, I take you as my husband, in good times and troubled times, in whatever we face; I know you will always have my back, just as I have yours. I will give you all my love for as long as I live."
She glanced at him, a smile on her lips. Miroku's violate eyes glowed with happiness at her statement.
Kaede repeated the statement, and once again the soft wind rustled through the shrine.
Each couple stood and bowed to the altar, honoring the gods, and the ceremony was brought to a close.
Returning to the village, a reception was planned out in the main square. Many came up and congratulated the two couples, wishing them many long years of happiness.
Inuyasha was surprised when Koga approached them, much to the abashment of the villagers and congratulated them. Ayame was at his side, glowing contently, rubbing her swollen belly tenderly.
Mushin was already tottering toward a group of young village maidens, his sake cup sloshing precariously.
Kohaku approached his sister, a happy glimmer in his eyes. Taking his hand softly, congratulated Sango on her marriage and wished them a happy life. The demon slayer's blissful smile was a dead giveaway to her happiness that had flourished since her brother's arrival.
Akitoki Hojo approached them next, his own wife trailing after him. He presented each couple with an overflowing basket full of elaborate gifts, much to the girl's humble dismay. Miroku gladly took his basket, and set it aside for later.
"Inuyasha." Kagome nudged her husband. "Look." She pointed off into the green hills in the distant.
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes as he spotted the silver dot, wavering in the grassy hills.
"We should go see what he wants." Kagome prodded him.
"Why? He's probably come to antagonize me upon marrying a lowly human." Inuyasha snorted, crossing his arms.
"Well, then why is Rin with him?" Kagome pointed out.
Inuyasha whipped his head around. Sure enough, he could spot the young girl, trailing after the demon lord. She was clad in a brilliant blue kimono.
"Excuse us." Kagome dismissed them from their guests, before starting down the path that lead to the taiyoukai.
"Sesshomaru." Kagome bowed politely to the demon lord, who regarded her with a placid gaze.
"Miko. I see my brother has finally roped you into that imprudent ritual you humans call marriage."
"No roping involved. I went willingly."
Sesshomaru's molted eyes swept over her appearance with a critical gaze. "I see. Well I have merely come to---
"I know why you came, sneaky bastard!" Inuyasha jumped in, putting himself in between Kagome and his brother.
Sesshomaru turned to Rin, who was still glued to his side. "You may go and amuse yourself for an hour." He told her.
The young girl grinned fiercely, before giving her lord a fleeting hug, bowing to Inuyasha and Kagome before dashing off to the celebration. The sun glinted off the brilliant new comb nestled in her hair.
"You thought you'd catch me off guard, on my wedding day. Well tough luck, I suspected your arrival and am well prepared for it." Inuyasha flexed his claws. Oh what he wouldn't give for tetsaiga right now, the brilliant fang glistening in the sun with all its power and glory. That would cut Sesshomaru down to size!
"I see. Well you are mistaken as usual little brother. I have come only to present this."
The demon lord withdrew a wrapped package from the inner folds of his kimono. He drew aside the shawl to reveal a long, fairly wide sword within its sheath.
"Come to flaunt another one of your grand weapons have you? Well save it! I'm not in the mood to deal with your arrogant ass right now!"
"If your simplistic brain would take the time to wrap around the fact that I already possess several quality swords, then you would grasp the concept that I need no other weapon. Your naïve nature refuses to die, and so you assume that this is my blade. This is where you are wrong. This sword is for you, dear brother."
The silence was deafening. "You have got to be joking." Inuyasha had a look of disbelieve etched on his face, as though he expected Sesshomaru to snatch back the sword and then laugh in his face.
"I do not jest."
"Why would you of all people, give me a sword?"
"I would think the solution is obvious. Or perhaps you have forgotten already. You previous blade has been permanently disposed of due to some foolish thinking on your part."
"I gave it up for Kagome." Inuyasha replied hotly.
"Like I have said, it was foolish thinking." Sesshomaru continued on, ignoring the venomous look in his younger brother's eyes.
"Regardless of that fact, I come bearing this blade, and against my better judgment, present it to you."
"There is no way I am accepting anything from you." Inuyasha's jaw was rigid, as he withstood his ground.
"If you wish for your soul to be eternally damned then so be it. It matters not to me. This sword protects your soul. It prevents you from making foolish mistakes and endangering your own life as well as the others that so deeply care for you. Seeing as I am sure you wish not to leave your new bride unprotected I suggest you take it."
"I'll find my own sword. I don't need your sympathy."
"I assure you, this is not sympathy. Totosai was your only option for another blade, and after I told him not to forge you a new sword—
"You did what?!"
A flicker of annoyance flashed in Sesshomru's eyes. "Are you incapable of listening or are you just so idiotic that you only hear what you wish to hear? As it is Totosai is no longer living, and thus your plan to have a new sword forged is now terminated regardless."
"I know that!" Inuyasha gritted his teeth, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't help but be aggravated; his brother was being an egotistical bastard.
"Thus, Totosai has charged me with the completion of your weapon."
"Excuse me!? You mean to tell me that Totosai asked you to make me a sword?! And you actually complied?!"
"Why don't we calm down and talk rationally hm?" Kagome cut in, stepping between the two brothers.
She shot a pleading glance at Inuyasha. Her eyes raked over his face, giving him the 'Cant you at least try and be civil?' look.
Damn. Inuyasha suppressed a frustrated snarl. How was he supposed to act civil when he and Sesshomaru's past hadn't been exactly clean? Hell, the bastard had tried to massacre him on several occasions, not to mention steal the tetsaiga.
Damn it! Curse his underlying, weak nature that allowed him to crumble before his new bride. Sesshomaru had provided some help during their brawl with Naraku. But that was beside the point!
This was Sesshomaru they were talking about. Here was a demon as cunning, ruthless, and detached as they come. He slaughtered any that stood in his way, not caring whose life he ruined in the process of total domination.
Inuyasha sighed. He didn't know why he was doing this. Maybe his hard exterior, tough guy act really was crumbling to dust. Whatever it was, he took an eternal breath, and stepped gingerly towards his brother.
"All right I'll give, what's this sword all about?" He asked gruffly.
Inuyasha could have sworn he saw a miniscule smirk appear on Sesshomaru's face. He blinked, and the mask had returned.
"Shall we take a walk?" Sesshomaru's eyes flicked toward the tree line.
Inuyasha knew this wasn't really a question. This was not open for discussion.
"Meet me back in the square?" He asked Kagome.
She nodded, her lips pressed. "Be careful."
He caught her arm as she pulled away. Golden eyes penetrated chocolate ones. They shared a silent moment, discarding everything else. Sound fell away, their world cloaked in a heavy silence. It was just them.
"I'll be back soon." He promised.
Kagome nodded, before lifting her kimono and starting back toward the village.
Once she was back in the village square, he turned to Sesshomaru.
"All right, you have my attention."
"We must go where we will not be overheard."
"Forget it! This spot is perfectly fine! You're lucky I even agreed to this at all! If it wasn't for Kagome I'd---
His words where cut short, as he suddenly found his windpipe severely restricted. Sesshomau's hand was closed around it in a vice like grip.
"Listen and listen well you belligerent whelp, I do not, nor will I ever take orders from one such as you. Now. If you would keep that running mouth of yours shut, we can get on with this arrangement."
Inuyasha managed to nod through his gasping and sputtering. Sesshomaru let him go. With a strangled yelp Inuyasha fell to the ground, his face slowly regaining its natural color.
A flash of silver caught Inuyasha's eye as his vision slowly came back into focus. The tip of a blade greeted him as he stood up.
Inuyasha stared at the sword grasped in Sesshomaru's hand. Whoa. Energy shrouded it in a swirling, golden vortex of colossal energy. He could see the energy sparking from the blade. It emitted a welcoming wave of heat, as if beckoning him to take hold of it.
Something inside Inuyasha stirred. His inner youkai reared its head from its heavy slumber. A deep yearning welled up inside Inuyasha. He hadn't felt this type of calling since he had first discovered tetsaiga. A trail of fire ignited in his belly, his inner youkai howling in eager protest. He could feel his control slip by a fraction of an inch. He quickly snapped his restraints back in place, as his forehead started to bead with sweat. That was close.
"I see this sword has captured your interest."
"It's admirable." Inuyasha's voice strained.
"It is far more than that little brother. This sword was designed specifically with you in mind. It has the demonic energy to harness your inner youkai and control it."
Inuyasha gasped. That was new.
"Not only does this blade protect you from enemies alone, like the tetsaiga did, it can protect you from your demon blood gaining the upper hand. Its energy comes from the countless lives that were lost in battle due to sacrifice. In other words, it has the energy of thousands of humans who have given up their lives to protect the ones they hold dear."
Inuyasha gulped. He had known sacrifice, so had mother. Come to think of it, his father did too. It was his life he gave up in order for his mother and himself to be able to live. Human. His mother was human, his father a demon. Two worlds clashed, leaving emotional turmoil amongst their social classes.
Inuyasha raised a clawed hand to stare at the band that glittered on his finger. He was a demon. He had wed a human woman. He had followed in his father's footsteps, forsaking what all others deemed as a worthless proposition. He was half human, his blood tainted with that of a demons. And yet, he had found hope when all else seemed lost, when he had been doomed to live a meaningless exist for centuries to come.
Kagome had given him hope. She had provided him with the strength and resilience to continue on. She helped him realize that his demon nature was not a burden, but a gift. His demon blood gave him power to defend himself and those he cherished.
"I know what you think Inuyasha. This sword is filled with the energy of human sacrifice, so therefore it can only be wielded by a human. This is untrue. Although this blade is filled with the life energy of humans, it also posses strength from demons as well."
Inuyasha pondered this. Tetsaiga had been a sword used to protect humans. It only transformed when there was a great need. This blade on the other hand, was a different story. It held the energy of humans and demons that had been slain in the heat of battle, protecting the ones they loved. He could see how the blades were similar.
"Shall we have a demonstration?" Sesshomaru's voice tore Inuyasha away from his brooding thoughts.
"Take hold of it." Inuyasha found himself staring at the hilt of the blade.
Pleasant warmth spread throughout him as he clutched the sword in his hand. All thoughts of sorrow and doubt were washed away, leaving him with a sense of right.
Inuyasha sucked in a breath, transfixed at the blade before him. Never in his wildest imagination had he thought of something like this. It was like this sword was a part of him, almost like an extension of his body. He could feel his youkai energy flow into the blade, and the knot in his stomach loosened. He had control now. He could harness his own power and channel it into the blade.
"Try focusing your youkai more intensely and watch what happens."
Inuyasha closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth that radiated in his hands. He felt the change immediately. It was as if someone had turned on a switch. He could feel it, as the energy sparked and crackled wildly, full of life.
"Open your eyes."
Amber eyes opened to an astonishing sight. The blade was now a brilliant iridescent color, glimmering with light. The rift of energy had been sucked into the blade, turning it this shimmering color.
"It has the ability to absorb your energy and correspond based on what you are feeling. It turned this color based on your emotions. I can only assume what this iridescent white represents for you. My best guess is a feeling of calm, serenity, of peace, and willing to protect that peace."
Inuyasha could only stare at the sword, as its energy writhed and flailed around the blade. Amazing. He noted the similarities between tetsaiga and this new blade and the thought warmed his heart.
"Test it."
The half demon gave the blade a tentative stroke. The energy rumbled beneath his clutched fingers, as the blade seemed to come alive.
Sporadic energy spiked from the blade, singing the grove of trees around them. Wow.
"That was just a small dose of the blade's power. It will progress further as you come to terms and develop your own strength."
Inuyasha was speechless.
"Think of it as an incontrovertible truce."
"You're offering me a truce?"
Inuyasha gawked at his brother. Was that even possible? He and Sesshomaru had been fighting for years. He had always been looked down upon as the dirty half breed. Sesshomaru had wanted absolutely nothing to do with him, except if it involved killing him.
What had changed?
Staring down at the cheerful young girl in the village, Inuyasha had a pretty good idea what. It was the exact same thing he himself had experienced. Humans. They had this way about them of squeezing their into your heart when you least expected it, and then rearranging all your emotions so you didn't know what you felt anymore.
Damn. And he had just married one. Deciding he should have foreseen this coming, Inuyasha looked back at Sesshomaru, a wily smirk on his face.
"All right. We have deal."
The demon lord nodded.
"Inuyasha, there will of course be some conditions."
"I figured as much. What are they?"
"Through our agreement, I would expect certain…. Accommodations." For the first time in his life, Inuyasha saw his brother falter.
He couldn't help but hold this one over him. "So you're saying you want Rin to be taken care of. A sort of second layer of protection if you will. You protect my pack, I protect yours."
"I'm glad we have come to an understanding."
Inuyasha chuckled. "Sure, sure. I'd never thought I'd see the day when I'd agree with you. It's kind of ironic."
"Indeed."
"Well, I'd better get back to my wedding, care to join?" Inuyasha threw it out there, not expecting Sesshomaru to consent.
"I will come to collect Rin."
Well. That was something that didn't occur every day, Sesshomaru entering a human village.
"Inuyasha."
"Hm?"
"You're sheath." Sesshomaru held out a jet black scabbard that would house his new sword. It gleamed in the sun, clearly made of some powerful material.
"It's infused with dragon hide. So as to help protect the sword, and yourself. It also keeps the swords power in check when it is inside."
Inuyasha stared. This would definitely take some getting used to.
He slid the sword into its sheath, and attached it to his hip. It felt right, having a weapon at his side again.
"Kouken."
"What's that mean?"
"It's the swords name. It means guardian."
"You don't say?" Inuyasha smirked. "You know, we could use one of those around here."
The two brother's set off towards the village, two silver twins shimmering in the sunlight.
What do you think? They are finally married!! I tried to make the ceremony as traditional as I could, I looked up traditional Japanese weddings. The ring thing was something I added to give my only little spark to the story.
I will have more progressing on the wedding day in the next chapter. What of Sesshomaru and the new sword? I tried to make it different then Inuyasha's original tetsaiga, although there are some similarities, it has to protect him and all. Lend me your thoughts, feelings, ideas! Read and review please!