After the Mask (Secret of the cursed mask game sequel)

Part 26

Snow crunches beneath our feet as about a foot fell while we traveled. Our hands are clasped together, not willing to let go for a moment. From time to time our lips meet in a passionate kiss.

I can't describe how happy I am to be reunited with him again. I explained all that happened while I was on the heavenly planes as soon as I woke from my comfortable nap in Sesshomaru's arms. The story seemed to intrigue him. "I always knew there was more to you than meets the eye." he said. What seemed to surprise him the most is how little the events affected my personality.

In the distance, I can see the borders of the tiny village, making me feel exited to see everyone again. Sesshomaru stops me just outside, looking down at me knowingly. I look back up at him curiously. "Don't be too shocked." he tells me. "Why would I be shocked?" I ask. "There's a surprise waiting for you inside." he explains.

I cock my head at him, growing even more curious. "What is it? Is it something good?" I blurt out making him chuckle. "It won't be much of a surprise if I tell you, will it? You'll just have to see for yourself." he tells me, making me groan impatiently.

"Kaname!" several voices yell, followed by a rush of footsteps. Before I can react, I'm tackled to the ground by Kagome, Rin and Shippo. I laugh at their happy faces. "Nice to see you as well." Getting back up from the ground I nod towards the others.

"I take it that everything went well?" Miroku asks. "Yes it did." I reply grinning. I then feel a tug on my hair. "Inuyasha. What are you doing?" I ask as he sniffs me.

"You smell different. Hey!" he says backing off as Sesshomaru takes a swat at him defensively. "Chill out man! I'm not taking her from you." Inuyasha says in his defense making Sesshomaru cross his arms, ignoring him.

I shake my head at them, a light blush on my cheeks. I glance towards Kaede's hut, only to gasp at what or rather who I see standing there next to Kaede. "Mom?" She smiles happily, making me do so as well. "Mom!" I shout rushing into her welcoming arms.

"Oh honey, I'm so glad to see you're safe and sound." she says, giving me a bone crushing hug. "What are you doing here?" I ask in wonder. "Sesshomaru brought me." she says making me blink. He did?

"Sweetie, don't hog her all to yourself. She's my daughter too you know."

I almost get a heart attack at the sound of that voice. Looking behind my mother I see my father, alive and well. Immediately, tears spring to my eyes. "Dad?" I gasp. He smiles softly. "I'm so proud of you." he says.

Stepping forward, he pulls me into a tight hug as well. I quickly do the same, hardly believing that this is real, but it must be. I'm touching him and he doesn't disappear. What Sesshomaru said makes sense now. Wait. This was Sesshomaru's surprise? Then that means... He did that for me? I turn my head to look at him, seeing him looking back from a distance.

Father lets go off me, noticing what I'm looking at. "It seems that man might be a good son in law after all. He sure knows how to make you happy." I whip my head at him wide eyed. "Wha? Dad!" I say embarrassed, my head turning as red as a tomato.

"What are you looking at me for? He was the one to ask for your hand. Well, not really ask, more like demanded." dad tells me as he recalls the event. My jaw hit the ground, not knowing what I'm hearing. Did he just really say that? I can hear some giggles in the background. The girls are obviously enjoying this.

As I look back at Sesshomaru, I'm shocked to see him standing next to me. I look up at him, so many emotions going through me. "Really?" I ask quietly. My shock grows when he nods. "If you want to that is."

Fresh tears come to my eyes. "Isn't it obvious?" I choke, throwing my arms around him, burying my head in his chest. As he wraps his arms around me, I couldn't feel happier. Everything is perfect.

.............

It's been about fifty years since that moment and still everything is just how I like it. I had to let go of my parents a few years ago as they passed away though. But they lived a happy life. They stayed in the Feudal era as all they had was here as well. And that only became more as time passed...

"Mom! Uncle Inuyasha won't let me win!" the young boy in front of me wines. "Of course not Kazuo. He's not supposed to. If you want to win, you have to work hard for it." I tell him.

He pouts. "Fine. One day, I'll be just a strong as you and dad." he says determinately. I nod at him smiling. "I don't doubt you for a second." I say, pecking him on the cheek which he quickly wipes off, gagging.

"Oh, don't overreact. A real man can take on everything. Even a kiss from his mom." I say. "I'm going to give it another shot. Root for me mom." he says before rushing back to his uncle. I smile after him.

"He has his determination from you." says a voice behind me. I smile, looking to see Sesshomaru stepping outside of our home. He takes his seat next to me before making me lean against him which I gladly accept.

He places a hand on my slightly bulging belly, letting out a content sigh. Yes, the second one is on its way. You wouldn't think it possible considering my age, but since Amaterasu turned me into a deity, my body stopped aging as quickly. I hardly look a year older than I was. It is nice though, it means that I can enjoy my family for a very long time to come.

I burst out laughing as Kazuo trips his uncle, making him do a face plant. Inuyasha gets up scolding. "What are you laughing at?! Want a fight?" he dares Sesshomaru who only scoffs. "I can't be bothered." is all he says making his younger brother shake his fist at him. Yeah, these things still happened, although they got along slightly better.

"Inuyasha. You should keep your attention to the actual fight." I advise him as I see my son getting ready to pounce. He doesn't like to be ignored. "Huh? Ah! Get off my back kid!" Inuyasha shouts running in circles as Kazuo clings onto him laughing his head off.

I shake my head at the sight. "He has that from you." I tell Sesshomaru, referring to pestering Inuyasha. "Heh. Makes me proud.",] he smirks making me slap his arm playfully. He only chuckles at this, kissing the top of my head. I adjust myself in his arms, wrapping my own around him. "I love you Sesshomaru." I whisper contently. "I love you too Kaname." he replies running his claws through my hair.