Almost an hour later, since they'd gone so far into the Northern Lands, Kagome and her escorts returned to the Aoiro Estate, waiting outside the gates were not only Ni and Deru, but Bankotsu, Noko, Tochaku, Jakotsu and Zengo, since the kitchens were being cleaned.
"Lady Kagome" Bankotsu jumped up face set into a concerned expression, "Is it true that everyone in the estate is under suspicion" he leaped to her side and she quickly raised a barrier, Bankotsu paid this no mind, "What's going on around here" he asked wanting to know.
Kagome sighed "I wouldn't say everyone, I know I can trust more than half of the people or youkai in the estate, but I can't take the chance that a spy from Akuto hasn't already infiltrated the walls of the estate" she rubbed her temples feeling a headache coming on, she wanted to relax before the wedding.
Bankotsu immediately relaxed at that "So, we here" he gestured at the group gathered in front of the gates "Aren't under suspicion" he asked and Kagome shook her head "Oops, when I heard I was more than a little concerned" Bankotsu chuckled rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"On a brighter note" Kagome grinned making the barrier smaller so that it was just around herself and Bankotsu "I have a task for you, and Kegawa has gladly offered to take you" she lowered her voice and glanced surreptitiously over her shoulder at Hiten.
More than a little interested, Bankotsu held his breath "See, I don't like the fact that Hiten is unhappy here and I know for certain that if you went here and gathered Soten and bring her back, he will be happy" Kagome whispered with a secretive smile.
"Oh and what do I tell this Soten to get her to come back with me without little fuss" Bankotsu grinned, Hiten wouldn't know what hit him, everyone had noticed how angry the youkai was and couldn't stand being ordered around by Kagome.
Feeling a little guilty "Tell her that Shippou sent you and that he wanted to see her, she doesn't need to know anymore than that, if you still can't get her to agree, then I'll go myself next time" Kagome smiled it was the only way to get the little thunder demon to come to the Eastern Land.
Glad for the distraction Bankotsu nodded "I'll go prepare then, and don't worry I'll keep it a secret" he stepped out of the barrier took Noko's hand in his and led them back to the estate disappearing through the doors as the guards stationed there opened them up, Tochaku following them at a distance.
"You two are dismissed" Kagome turned to Ishi and Hiten and they moved off, Eri took the hint and took off towards the doors probably wanting to talk to Yuka, Ayumi and Hojo about everything that had happened that morning.
This left Jakotsu and Zengo "So we want to do the wedding tomorrow is that alright" the two approached and Kagome sighed in relief, she'd just been about to suggest that herself, the gates were once again opened and they were let through.
"Absolutely in fact that had been the plan right from the start" Kagome grinned, they still had no idea how their ceremony was going to go down, and it would be a riot right from the start, she could only hope the two would appreciate all the thought she'd put into the idea.
Zengo smiled "Ooh I can't wait" he clapped his hands together and skipped a few steps in excitement causing Jakotsu to shake his head a smile of amusement on his lips, while Kagome tried unsuccessfully to hide her giggles behind her hand.
Once inside the doors, the three parted ways and Kagome headed to her rooms and to her personal gardens, to relax, since everything had been dealt with in a roundabout way so far there was nothing pressing to do except for wait, that was perhaps the hardest part of all.
Masshiro joined her as she stepped out the doors that led to her gardens *Mistress how did trade go with Lord Yaro* he questioned through their mental link as he settled himself in her lap purring quite loudly, it stung that Kegawa was off on another task, but that was the life of a companion.
'It went quite well I do believe and on the morrow I hope to implement the idea I got to the Eastern Region and the Lords of the Ningen Villages, especially here in the Estate as well' Kagome stroked her hand through his stark white fur staring out over the garden.
She was happy she was able to relax like this and not be completely overwhelmed *That's good, what kind of idea did you get from the Lord of the North* Masshiro asked over the link, it had only taken a few days before he'd found out that Kagome was perhaps the kindest mistress he'd ever had.
Her lips curved upwards into a smile 'The East doesn't have honey makers, and that is perhaps the best idea I've ever heard to bring income to the Eastern Region' Kagome murmured through the link tilting her head back as the sun shined down brightly.
The shuffling of feet behind her interrupted her chat with the white nekomata "Shippou-kun what's wrong" Kagome could immediately tell who it was, and that something was up with her little kit as he wore an expression that told her something had happened.
His cheeks turned red and she briefly wondered if he had a fever "I caught Higashigawa-san and Grandmother Satomi, ki...kissing" Shippou whispered the word as if he feared that the woman herself would catch him tattling on her.
Kagome blinked before her jaw dropped "Oh, oh, OH" her brain finally caught on and then it all made sense, the reason for her mothers question from a few days ago, and why she'd seemed so paranoid as if someone would catch her in the act of asking such a question.
"Yeah, promise you won't tell, I didn't mean to eavesdrop or stare, but they were right there" he scuffed his shoe on the wooden deck hands behind his back, Kagome smiled and pulled Shippou into her lap Masshiro leaping to her shoulder and setting a soothing purr.
"I wouldn't worry about it to much my little Shippou-kun, this Kagome is certain that grandma Satomi won't be to angry that you caught her k.i.s.s.i.n.g with Higashigawa-san, though it is grounds for some serious teasing later" she giggled tickling the little kitsune on the side making him laugh as well.
Shippou leaned his head back to stare into her chocolate brown eyes, "Kaa-chan will you let down you're hair" he asked and Kagome smiled reaching up to undo the bun that sat atop her head and then the long braid until her hair was unbound.
"It's really gotten long huh Shippou-kun" she ran her hand through the silky blue/black locks, it had to pool all of nine inches on the ground by now and perhaps it was time to get a hair cut "What do you think Shippou, should I cut it" Kagome asked wondering how the little boy would react.
He quickly shook his head "Nu uh Kaa-chan, don't cut it, please" Shippou reached out and ran his clawed hand through her hair mimicking her actions from a few minutes before, it was one of the things he loved most about his mother, her long beautiful hair.
She laughed a sweet tune "Okay, okay I won't cut it, but maybe a trim so it doesn't drag the ground" Kagome suggested pointing at her calves indicating that's where she wanted to have it cut to, Shippou eyed the amount that would be cut before nodding though it was with a great amount of reluctance.
"Okay that's alright" he shrugged and Kagome crushed her little kit to her chest, he was so adorable sometimes that she found it difficult not to seek him out during the day and permanently glue him to her hip, it was weird but that was her mothering instincts coming out to the fullest.
"Don't fret Shippou-kun, it will grow back eventually" she tweaked his nose causing him to sneeze before staring out over the garden again, the two of them lapsed into silence, then the peace was broken as someone pressed against her barrier that she'd set up over her door.
Shippou looked just as put out that their time together was interrupted as she set him on his feet and stood heading back into her room and sliding the shoji door open to see who had come to bother them, thankfully it was just his Great Grandfather and Kaede coming to visit.
Kagome led the two elders through her room to her gardens "Gracious child do you have a garden everywhere" Toya couldn't help but exclaim and roll his eyes in exasperation, it seemed like every corner he turned there was another garden just itching to be explored.
She laughed sheepishly "I'm just a big fan of gardens, so what did ya need gramps, Lady Kaede" Kagome turned serious at the drop of a hat, she hoped that their visit wasn't to serious, otherwise she was going to go crazy on whoever it was that was stupid enough to bug them, which led to bugging her.
"Satomi told me about her plans and the claiming ritual" Toya started, if the fates deemed it necessary to turn him into a youkai like his daughter he would gladly accept it, but he didn't want to leave Kaede behind to old age, it would just break his heart now that he'd found someone after all these years.
Grateful that it wasn't terribly serious "Yes that's right, with the claiming ritual that I've come up with, you, mom, and Souta will be claimed as family and possibly turned into youkai" Kagome smiled nervously, somehow knowing that her grandfather was about to say something big.
He and Kaede shared a look "How long did you say it would take to train those young apprentices of yours again" Toya questioned wanting to get all the facts before he or Kaede made any life changing decisions, because it would affect the both of them.
That was an easy answer "Six months but they won't be ready to go out into the field until they are at least eighteen" Kagome reeled off, her grandfather and Kaede glanced at each other again before they nodded together.
"If the fates deem it necessary to turn me into a youkai, would you include Kaede into this claiming ritual and have the same done to her, we'll get married a week after, but don't worry about officiating the marriage, it will be a private one between ourselves" Toya announced.
It was a shocker that was sure "Okay, so two days from now is when we'll do the family claiming ritual" she nodded already working to include Kaede, she wondered how the people of the village would take it that their Lady Kaede would no longer be a ningen.
"Are you sure this is what the both of you want" Kagome asked looking into their eyes, just to make sure, if they later regretted their decision, then there would be nothing she could do and she didn't want to take that chance and lose two precious people.
Kaede took the initiative this time "Ay child this is what we want, at least this way it would give me a few more years to spend my time however I want to" she added with a smile, Kagome turned bright red and Shippou just blinked in confusion.
"Boy, our family sure is expanding huh Kaa-chan" he stood on his feet and clambered into her arms when she held them open for him, Kagome flashed him a quick smile and nodded "That's good at least, I'll have lots of aunts and uncles on the way soon" Shippou grinned.
None of them had any doubt that not only would Kaede and Toya be wed, but Satomi would probably be announcing her own mating with Higashigawa soon and that there would possibly be lots of little kits running around if the fates turned her family into kitsune youkai.
"And maybe some brothers or sisters to" Shippou threw out there with an innocent smile and Kagome gave a start in surprise, before her skin turned a lovely shade of red in embarrassment, and she looked everywhere but at the two laughing elders.
"Hehehe, let's not get ahead of ourselves Shippou-kun, I'd first have to find someone who could even put up with me and my various mood swings" she rubbed the back of her head sheepishly and Shippou immediately started pouting.
Kaede smiled in amusement, things were sure going to get lively soon and she found herself growing excited for it, "Well we shan't bother you any longer child" she grasped Toya's hand in her own and drug him through the room they'd walked through and out the door leaving Kagome and Shippou alone.
Kagome turned to her mischievous kit and leveled him with an exasperated smile "Alright you, run along and play or practice for a bit, this Kagome has to prepare tomorrow" she shooed him off and Shippou disappeared with a giggle.
Shaking her head, and a small smile on her lips, Kagome headed to the only hedge maze labyrinth in the entire Aoiro estate and started finishing things up for Zengo's and Jakotsu's wedding, everything had to go just right or she would go insane.
By the time she was done, it was dinner time and Kagome exited the maze hair ruffled from constantly tugging on it as she tried to figure out how to work her plan into the wedding, of course, she had it tied as high as it could go, with only an inch dragging the ground, she really needed to get it trimmed.
'Perhaps after dinner' she thought tiredly, though she was satisfied with how everything had come together, she was ready for bed though, she only hoped that Akuto was found and dealt with before something terrible happened.
"Wow Kagome you look like crap" Yuka appeared at her side suddenly and the kitsune nearly jumped a foot in the air, she'd let her guard down for just a moment and someone had snuck up on her granted it wasn't an enemy still it was never good to completely relax as she'd been doing a moment ago.
Kagome blinked her eyes rapidly "Thanks" she quipped dryly "How are you and everyone else settling in at the estate, if you need I can have a few buildings built for you four outside the estate so you have the option" she babbled before slapping a hand over her mouth.
Yuka slapped her hand to her forehead "We are quite happy in the estate, though I've been elected the spokesperson to tell you that we've decided on what we want for our crests" she explained and the kitsune at her side perked up excitement clear in her chocolate brown eyes.
"Really, though I must warn you it will be painful, the process is much like a tattoo, but instead of a needle, the crests are burned into you're skin and dye is used as well" Kagome stated, she hoped that her four friends understood what they were getting into by asking to get crests.
She nodded "We understand that, and that's why we've decided to just get a purple/blue band with a dark blue infinity sign around our wrist for our crests" Yuka traced the spot as she told the kitsune/miko what they wanted done.
"Right then, two weeks from now is when you'll get them" Kagome suggested and Yuka accepted the time frame, it would give the four of them that long to prepare themselves for excruciating pain as their flesh was literally burned away.
They finally entered the dining hall and right away Kagome could tell something was wrong "Where is everyone" she asked looking around in case someone was trying for a sneak attack, that's how she felt anyway and it made her even more paranoid than before.
"Don't you know the Estates been in a flurry since you returned from you're meeting with Lord Yaro, he sent a message with his official messenger an hour ago while you were still busy, he's claimed himself as an Ally of the East" Shuri who was walking by explained.
This being the first she'd heard of it, Kagome let a small smile grace her lips 'And I know Sesshomaru is on my side, so that means three of the four regions of feudal japan are working together, I'm making history here' she laughed inwardly.
She sat down at the table and that's when people started flowing in through the dining hall doors, when her mother was seated next to her "Mama" Kagome murmured softly over the chatter that filled the room, Satomi looked at her and quirked her brow.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind trimming my hair a bit, we can do it in my personal bathroom" she inquired keeping her eye on the door, if Zengo came in before she was finished then she would be stuck with longer than life hair for a while longer.
Satomi frowned "Why Kagome dear, it's so beautiful, when I was a young girl of eighteen I'd always dreamed of having my hair long like that" she reached out and ran her hand through the silky blue/black locks, they had a slight curl to them as well and it was gorgeous.
Knowing that she had to put more effort into this "It's not like I'm asking to cut it all the way off, just a trim so it's not dragging the ground and I'm not tripping over it all the time" she explained a bit more so that it would convince her mother to trim it a bit.
"How much were you wanting taking off" Satomi asked and Kagome immediately gestured to her calf "Oh well sixteen inches isn't all that bad" she nodded, she was just happy that her daughter wasn't trying to convince her to cut it all off.
Glad that she'd at least gotten her way somewhat, Kagome settled back in her chair at the head of the table as Zengo made his way over to her and placed her food down "Hope you enjoy the evening meal Lady Kagome" he bowed telling her what he'd made and what was for dessert.
She flashed the bird youkai a smile, this was his last night as an unmarried man "I will" Kagome murmured before digging into the food, it was delicious as always, before Zengo could head off "Take the rest of the night off" she called.
He turned shocked "Really, let the other cooks handle bringing out the dessert tonight" she waved her hand, she could tell he really wanted to argue, which was cute, but in the end, Zengo nodded flashed her a fond smile and exited through the dining hall doors, to hopefully do as she'd suggested.
Her mother was laughing "You have some dedicated servants here in the estate, it's like any time you mention the word break, they immediately get offended, it proves how good you are at you're job" Satomi smiled cutting into the steak and chewing quietly as manners dictated.
Kagome's skin flushed generating a round of laughter at her expense "I honestly don't know what you're talking about, sometimes I feel like I'm not very good at this and then sometimes I get so confused and it takes talking to people to understand what to do next" she poked at her steak.
"There is nothing wrong with seeking the council of others, that means you value their opinion and trust them to steer you in the right direction, and Kagome stop playing with you're food" Satomi scolded lightly and another round of laughter filled the dining hall.
Sinking low in her seat someone as her skin turned red in complete and utter embarrassment, Kagome cleared her throat "Yes Mama" she smiled sheepishly before straightening up, then her eyes twinkled with mischievous intent.
"Mother and Higashigawa-san sitting in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g" she sang softly looking to the right as her mother took her turn to turn beet red as she realized that her relationship with the head of the guard had been outed, she wasn't the only one red, Higashigawa was as well.
More laughter and Kagome happily finished off the rest of her meal, so she'd channeled a bit of her kitsune side sue her, it was fun messing with people and youkai alike, especially when they didn't know it was her doing the pranking.
Satomi was no doubt wondering how she'd found out, but she wasn't going to rat out her little Shippou, who looked awfully guilty, but his grandmother wasn't paying him any attention, then it happened, Bankotsu burst through the dining hall doors.
In his arms was a passed out "SOTEN" Hiten jumped to his feet and was in front of the ex mercenary without skipping a beat, "Is she okay, what happened" he was frantic checking his baby sister over worry clear in his red eyes.
Not having expected such commotion, Bankotsu stood there dumbfounded for a moment "Someone attacked us along the way" he finally found his voice "But thankfully we were pretty much within the barrier by that point but she got hit by the tail end of their attack, poison something" he explained.
Kagome was next to them a moment later purifying the poison from the cut on Soten's cheek and healing her just as quickly "Hiten" she asked and the thunder demon faced her, the most emotion she'd ever seen on the youkai all at once.
"You brought her to me, why, I thought you hated me" Hiten glared after two weeks of silence and going through the day while feeling dead inside, he wanted nothing more than to take Soten into his arms and flee the Eastern Region.
The kitsune heaved a sigh "I never claimed to hate you, it was the other way around remember, and I figured she might be able to break you out of that emotionless state you've been in since the first time I gave you an alpha command" Kagome quipped dryly.
Stunned speechless as his world was quite literally ripped out from beneath his feet, Hiten sank to the floor on his knee's, he'd been such a fool, all the girl had done was give him a new home, a new life and he'd done everything he could to make her feel his hate.
Her plan had worked "Lady Kagome" Hiten lifted his head to meet her chocolate brown gaze, it was one full of understanding "I thank you profusely for bringing my sister to me, and I'm forever in you're debt for sparing my life and hers in this moment" he bowed his head.
Kagome relaxed "Stop bowing like that and get up on you're feet" she giggled and Hiten rose to his full height, he still towered over her, "Now that you've calmed down" Kagome stated glancing around knowing everyone was listening.
"I do believe it's time you moved out of the medical wing, I had you're rooms prepared earlier today in advance" she grinned impishly, her hunch hadn't been wrong, bringing Soten here is exactly what Hiten had needed to break him out of his emotionless state.
Everyone shook their head, of course Kagome had prepared in advance, she always knew when something was going to go her way "And of course there is an extra room attached to yours for Soten, Kimasu will show you after dessert" Kagome clapped her hands.
"What about Soten, will she be alright" Hiten gazed at his little sister trepidation in his red eyes, he didn't want to leave her alone, Shippou chose that moment to insert himself into the conversation as he attached himself to Kagome's leg.
"I'll stay with her" Shippou exclaimed, "At least that way if she wakes up before you arrive, she'd have a familiar face and be able to relax some" he shrugged when the youkai that he'd once been terrified off looked at him a grateful look in his eyes.
She was so proud of her little kit, acting all grownup "Okay Shippou-kun, Kimasu will show you the way to Hiten's and Soten's rooms" Kagome set him off with a wide smile, she'd bring him a sweet later for being such a big boy.
He was severely confused "He's changed, before I never thought he'd even talk to me" Hiten stated getting nervous as he realized that every eye in the room was on him or Kagome, the kitsune giggled distracting him and Hiten frowned, the same could be said for the girl as well.
"Well my Shippou-kun has done a lot of growing up lately, besides if there's anything I taught it's that no matter how much of a jerk someone was before, they still deserve a second chance to change their ways" Kagome patted the thunder demon on the shoulder and skipped back to her seat.
Hiten sat down as well and a piece of dessert was place down in front of him, perhaps being here wasn't to bad, at least he had freedom to move around and it wasn't like Kagome kept him cooped up in the estate, with that his decision was made, but he'd ask her tomorrow.
Maids came and took away the dishes and silverware and Kagome stood from her chair "This Kagome bids everyone goodnight" she nodded staring around before turning on her heel and exiting through the dining hall doors with Satomi a few feet behind her.
Soon they were in Kagome's private bathroom and Satomi was brushing through her daughters long blue/black hair pulling it into a topknot so that she'd be able to trim the right amount of hair off, and after fifteen minutes there was sixteen inches of hair pooled on the ground.
Kagome stood and spun a little "Thanks Mama" she wrapped her mother in a bone crushing hug, being careful not to exert to much force and hoping that the fates turned her family into kitsune like her, that way she wouldn't feel so alone.
"It was no problem Kagome dear, sweet dreams" she returned her daughters hug, she couldn't wait to be a true part of her eldest daughters world, learning everything she did and understanding the strange abilities her daughter had, it was almost magical.
"Yes goodnight" Kagome let her mother out and then she crawled into her bed slipping beneath the covers, immediately her two nekomata curled into her arms both purring loudly and that lulled her straight to sleep.
The next morning as she left her rooms for the day, Kagome was immediately approached by Hiten and what made it so strange was that Soten was attached to her big brothers leg, it made for one adorable sight, "Lady Kagome" Hiten started placing his hand down on his sister's head.
"I gave what you said some thought and I was wondering if you needed another youkai in you're guard" he finished lamely, there was no other way to ask for what he wanted and there was no way to know if Kagome would even want him as part of the guard.
Kagome blinked before a smile pulled her lips upwards "We are always accepting, though and despite you're experience in a fight, you will have to train like the rest of the new members" she warned and Hiten nodded, she looked down however when a hand tugged on her kimono.
"Shippou-kun told me that you're his mother and that it was you're idea to come here, thank you very much Lady Kagome" Soten did her best to bow/curtsy, it was really cute and Kagome couldn't help but lift the little female thunder demon into her arms and squeal softly.
"No worries Soten, besides young lady's shouldn't live by themselves after all" she poked the little girl gently on the nose before placing Soten back on her feet, "Now let's go eat breakfast" Kagome announced leading the way to the dining hall.
After breakfast, Kagome was a flurry of activity as she literally dragged Zengo out of the kitchen and to his room "Here I bought this from the place I'm from and thought you'd appreciate it" she tossed some fancy robes at him and shoved him in his bathroom, gently though.
Zengo blinked his red eyes, but shut the door anyway, he knew there was no use arguing with the kitsune female and really he was happy she considered him important enough to buy something for him, then he wondered if Jakotsu got the same.
"Lady Kagome, will Jakotsu be wearing the same clothing" he called through the door as he changed into the robes that had been thrust on him, they were quite beautiful and he would be sure to keep them safe and sound after the wedding.
Kagome grinned "Of course, though in different colors, along with Bankotsu, while Tochaku and Noko are wearing fancy kimono" she stated in a matter of fact tone, there was only three hours left before the start of Jakotsu's and Zengo's wedding and she couldn't wait, it was bound to be exciting.
"I truly am grateful that you consider us that important" he couldn't help but get a little emotional, ever since Kagome had come around, life in the estate had gotten more bearable and everyone was happy and expressing themselves in new ways by pairing up with others.
"That's what friends are for" her voice floated softly through the door bringing a smile to his lips, "Besides if I'm able to make life here pleasant for everyone that's what I'll do" Kagome clapped her hands together for effect and Zengo finally exited the bathroom.
He was dressed in robes that depicted the colors of a sunset "I knew they'd look good on you" Kagome looked the bird youkai up and down with a teasing smile, Zengo flushed and laughed sheepishly as he sat down in a chair allowing the kitsune to mess with his fiery red hair.
"Lady Kagome what kind of idea did you think up for the wedding" Zengo couldn't help but ask and see if he couldn't get some detail out of the sneaky fox, Kagome shook her head, she had already been asked multiple times, even by Bankotsu, but she hadn't budged on it yet.
"Not telling" she grinned when the bird youkai started pouting "Besides that's what will make it all the more exciting, the not knowing part, if it makes you feel better I haven't told Bankotsu, Noko, or Tochaku either, and Ja hasn't even asked" Kagome ran a brush through the red locks.
He was tempted to nod but instead Zengo responded verbally "Well that does make me feel better knowing that the others have been left out of the loop as well, do you think Jakotsu will still be there" he asked nervously as a case of wedding day jitters finally got to the bird youkai.
Kagome smiled warmly at Zengo, he was the first one to accept her fully as the Lady of the Estate and Eastern Lands, "I'm sure of it, when Ja puts his mind to it, no one would keep you away from him" she tied the shoulder length red hair off in a low ponytail.
"You trimmed you're hair" he turned in his seat finally and lifted the now calf length blue/black hair, Kagome nodded and ran a hand through her super long hair, "You've done so much for everyone, I'm glad you challenged that idiot Yaramaru" Zengo murmured.
She laughed sheepishly "If it hadn't been for the fates, I never would have done that, or be here now, but I'm glad, it makes me happy to know that an entire region depends on me and that they trust me to protect them and make sure they are able to survive" Kagome giggled softly.
"Well I'm glad they decided to steer you in our direction" Zengo chuckled before glancing out the window "And it looks like it's time" he swallowed thickly a moment later, this was quite possibly the most nerve wracking thing he'd ever done.
Zengo was right, since they'd been in his room, time had passed by quickly "Right then shall we go" Kagome grinned, she'd been setting this up for a week and she really couldn't wait to see Jakotsu's and Zengo's reaction to the ceremony she'd set up.
With that together Kagome and Zengo left his room, and walked down the halls to the main hall, then out the doors to the only garden that had a hedge maze labyrinth "So what exactly am I meant to be doing" the bird youkai questioned.
Ultra quiet snickers escaped from the kitsune female "Well Zengo-san, you get to stand right here at this entrance of the maze, and on my signal, you and Ja, will make you're way through the labyrinth, to the center where you'll perform you're ceremony together" she explained.
Amazed at the amount of thought Kagome had put into this whole affair, Zengo quickly pulled the kitsune into a hug "I can't thank you enough Lady Kagome" he gave her a fond smile before taking his place as she formed a foxfire cloud and disappeared over the hedges.
At the other end of the maze was Jakotsu and Bankotsu, the younger of the two was giving his best friend the pep talk of the century "Now Ja this moment is extremely important for you, and when you see Zengo in the middle of this, you'll truly understand that you were meant to be" he spoke.
"I've never seen you so serious about someone before, Inutrasha doesn't count, but Zengo's a good guy and I don't think I'd ever trust you with anyone but him" Bankotsu clapped Jakotsu on the shoulder and then disappeared into the maze.
Then because Kagome was using her fox magic to the fullest, an illusion of her appeared before Jakotsu and Zengo at the same time "Alright you two, this is you're big moment, you have three hours to make you're way through this maze" she stated.
"While working you're way through the various illusions I've set up for the each of you, these will simulate results such as the amount of trust you have in each other, the ability to rely on each other and of course the final test the ability to communicate in tough situations" Kagome explained.
"Get ready, Start" she called and the illusions faded into the maze, to lead the two men on a merry chase through the maze and hopefully to the center of the entire labyrinth so they'd be able to get married properly.
Zengo and Jakotsu gave a jerk in surprise before they each entered their respective ends of the maze, and disappeared into an illusion that Kagome had set up with her fox magic, before their eyes, their partner appeared and the tests were on.
"Do you think they'll be able to overcome each of you're little tests" Bankotsu asked, he'd only been apprised of what she'd planned a few minutes before hand, and he was seriously worried, Jakotsu was a very jealous person, and the first illusion test would try his patience on the matter.
Her answer was to give him an exasperated look "I have complete faith in them" Kagome crossed her arms a smile on her lips and excitement in her chocolate brown eyes, she was sure of her decision to give them these tests, in the end it would make their bond even stronger to withstand the effects of time.
He was angry, and though he realized it was a test, he just didn't understand, what was the point of this all to get him so pissed that he didn't want to marry Zengo anymore, because if he ever caught the fiery red haired bird youkai flirting with another man that wasn't him, then all bets were off.
Then Jakotsu really thought about, not once in all the time he'd been with the bird youkai had Zengo so much as even looked in another males direction, it told him a lot and that yes he could trust his partner to not leave him for another.
With his decision in mind, Jakotsu found himself back in the maze before another illusion Kagome that she'd made with her fox magic, on the other side of the labyrinth Zengo was struggling through his own decision as he was subjected to various images of Jakotsu betraying him in the worst way.
He knew without a doubt that Jakotsu would never do that, but the doubt had been planted, 'Think Zengo, can you really see yourself staying with Ja for the rest of you're life' Zengo thought trying to come up with the solution to this test.
'Yes, yes I can, because Jakotsu is my everything' he finished after thinking it through, Zengo breathed a sigh of relief as the illusion faded and he like his partner was faced with another Kagome illusion that the kitsune had created.
"Congratulations Ja, Zengo, you two have the ability to trust in each other, it will only get stronger over time as you spend you're lives together as a married couple" the illusions spoke in unison "The next test is you're dedication to each other" they pointed in opposite directions and the two men were off.
In the center of the maze, Kagome tossed Bankotsu a smug smile and childishly stuck her tongue out to Noko's and Tochaku's amusement, they were happy that their Lady was spirited and that she was happy to be there in the Estate leading them like a true leader should.
Bankotsu's response was to roll his cobalt blue eyes and huff not even giving Kagome a verbal response, so what she knew Zengo and Jakotsu better than he'd thought, and he definitely wasn't pouting because of it.
Meanwhile Jakotsu had found himself stuck in a loop watching Zengo fight off a pack of rabid wolves, that looked eerily like Kouga, he had no beef with the wolf now, but their past encounters weren't pretty and perhaps he had a bit of resentment left over from that time.
He shook his head, he had bigger things to worry about such as how to complete this test, Kagome had said dedication but what did it mean, was he supposed to jump in and help Zengo, or completely throw himself in harms way.
The answer was right before him, did he love Zengo that much that he'd disregard his own life for the bird youkai, it was a tough call to make and he closed his brown eyes to think his decision through some more before coming up with the his answer.
Yes he did love that bird youkai so much that he'd throw his life away for Zengo, and even though he knew it was a simulation his feet took him forward and just as the illusion wolves went to take out his partner, he stood in their way.
The last thing he saw before the magic of the illusion deposited himself in the maze again, was those red eyes of the illusion Zengo filling with tears for him, it was nice to know even if it was a fake, that even in the illusion the bird youkai loved him enough to cry over him if he were to die.
On the other side of the maze, the illusion in which Zengo had found himself was more horrifying than anything he'd ever seen, his Jakotsu had just made the ultimate sacrifice, he'd thrown himself in harms way to protect him.
"Jakotsu" he kneeled down next to the illusion, he knew it wasn't real but if this ever happened in real life he wouldn't know how to handle the loss, Zengo took a deep shaky breath, how was he supposed to figure out what he was supposed to do.
The ex-mercenary was already lost and there was no hope of reviving him so what would count as dedication, he closed his eyes to think, wasn't there something he could do that would get him out of this awful illusion.
Zengo felt his eyes widening in realization, Kagome was perhaps craftier than anyone gave her credit for, she knew how both he and Jakotsu would react to certain situations "My dedication to Jakotsu is that if he were to ever die" Zengo started speaking softly.
"Is that I would follow him into death so that we wouldn't be parted for to long and we'd still have each other" he finished, the illusion faded and once again he was faced with an illusion Kagome, where as Jakotsu got an illusion Bankotsu.
It made them both realize that there was only one illusion left, the ability to communicate with each other, the most important aspect of a relationship, if they could make it through this final test, then there would be nothing that would stop them from being wed that day.
Jakotsu and Zengo started forward both on opposite ends of the maze but getting closer to the center, for five minutes they wound their way through the labyrinth until finally they made it to where they were supposed to meet.
The minute the two caught sight of each other they started running, and as they passed beneath the hedge archway, Jakotsu and Zengo vanished from sight being sucked into the last illusion she'd set up, it was more difficult than the other two and this time she wasn't sure if they would pass.
Bankotsu jerked in surprise "Was that you" he asked and Kagome nodded "Scared the hell right me, girl you've got issues" he sniggered and Noko slapped the back of his head with a little glare "Sorry babe" he chuckled sheepishly.
"Hmmph" Noko crossed her arms and rolled her orange eyes and swished her dark blue tail, she was highly displeased with her husband at the moment and she wanted him to know it, Bankotsu hunched his shoulders and let out a sigh.
Kagome pressed her lips together and turned her head away to hide her smile, she was glad she'd gotten to know both Bankotsu and Jakotsu, they were normal people, just insanely strong, at least she didn't have to fight against them anymore.
In the illusion, Jakotsu came to a screeching halt, how could he have forgotten, perhaps Kagome had set it up like that so they would be thrust into the illusion unprepared, it certainly was something the kitsune would plan so they had no idea what to expect.
'Okay so what did she say were the three tests, there was trust, dedication and...communication' he thought, and as if he'd said the word out loud an illusion Zengo appeared before him, 'Wait a second' Jakotsu got a closer look, that was no illusion, it was the real Zengo standing before him.
A couple minutes before, Zengo blinked his red eyes in confusion, what the heck had just happened, one minute he had been running full speed towards his lover, and then the next everything had gone dark, he tilted his head to the side.
Then it hit him 'Of course the final test' Zengo thought, but it was just empty space, how was he supposed to go through this test if there was no illusion, he turned around, suddenly afraid that something would jump out at him and because of that he missed Jakotsu appearing.
Until the man shouted his name "Zengo" Jakotsu called rushing towards the bird youkai and wrapping his arms tightly around his lover, "Oh Kami, I thought, I mean, I love you Zengo" he held tight and their lips smashed together none to gently.
Zengo's mind reeled as he felt the passion his lover held for him in the kiss before they separated "I love you to Ja, but we still have this test to get through" he reminded keeping his fingers wrapped around Jakotsu's, they wouldn't be parted no matter what.
Jakotsu nodded "Exactly, communication whatever that's supposed to mean" he huffed, he was a little confused on what they were supposed to do, hopefully Zengo would know, the bird had always been smarter than the average youkai.
Thankfully he knew exactly what they needed to do "Say Ja, if something happened, like another person kissed you and you didn't want it, would you tell me" Zengo asked gently, hoping that the question would give Jakotsu the nudge he needed.
The ex mercenary creased his forehead, would he, it was a difficult question "Sure, but would you believe me, that's the next question, or would you do the same if the same happened to you" Jakotsu questioned, he hoped the bird youkai would do the same if they were together.
"I will always believe you Ja, and yes I would tell you, it's not very healthy to keep secrets like that from each other" Zengo pointed out with a smile, he closed his eyes for a split second and then Jakotsu was just gone, he almost started panicking.
And then he found himself standing beneath the hedge archway, across from him was Jakotsu, Kagome was staring between the two of them a proud smile on her lips and Bankotsu was clapping, they had done it, passed all three tests together.
Kagome stepped forward "Well done, Ja, Zengo" she patted both males on the shoulder before handing them a cup of sake, it was time for the ceremony, it was different than any other ceremony and she hoped they'd appreciate it.
She raised her own cup "For everlasting bonds, may you both never be parted even in death" she recited, and knocked her cup back, the sake burned it's way down her throat before Kagome looked at Bankotsu who went next.
"For the ability to trust in each other, never faltering in you're paths, good fortune, and friendship" Bankotsu grinned before tossing his cup of sake down his throat, then he wiped his mouth and looked at Noko, who lifted her glass.
"For family, love, and happiness, may you always stay true to each other" she said with a little giggle and tipped her cup and gulped the sake down, then it was Tochaku's turn, they'd practiced so much over the last few weeks that it was impossibly to fail.
Tochaku smiled at the two males, it was bizarre, but they worked "And may you're ability to talk to each other about difficult things always remain strong, that is most important of all" she murmured softly drinking her cup of sake.
Jakotsu looked at his own cup "Forever and Always" he smiled knocking back his cup, it was strong, and he knew immediately that this was Zengo's special sake, the bird youkai was exceptionally good at making sake after all.
"Forever and Always" Zengo repeated doing the same as Jakotsu had and drinking his cup of sake, and before his eyes, he could see their aura twining together binding them in marriage, Kagome had added her own youkai to the sake, to make sure they stayed together no matter what.
The kitsune stepped forward "Ja, Zengo, you're married now, you may kiss" Kagome laughed, the two didn't hesitate and leaped at each other, she nodded her head at the hedge archway and together she, Bankotsu, Tochaku and Noko left, it was better to leave the newlyweds alone for awhile.
As they walked Bankotsu spoke up "You know if I'd known how good you were at coming up with awesome wedding ceremonies, I would have asked you to help me and Noko get married" he joked and Kagome giggled disappearing through the doors.
The rest of the day passed by peacefully and before she knew it, she was crawling beneath her covers, tomorrow would be the family claiming ritual, and then a week later, her grandfather and Kaede would get married and then one week after that, she'd take her friends to get their crests.