The sun shone brightly as the town gathered together. The scent of flowers blooming all around brought the welcome sounds of laughter and happiness, and as ancient instruments played cheerful tunes, and the world seemed to be in utter ecstasy.

Kagome fussed at the top of her kimono, worry spread across her face.

"Oh child, quit ye' worrying," Kaede spoke gently, resting a soft hand against Kagome's own, "Ye' look as pleasant as a summer blossom, ye' do." Her kind, wrinkled face turned up in an encouraging smile, making Kagome involuntarily mirror her. Something about Kaede always seemed to put her worries at ease.

"I'm just nervous... Who would have thought, Kagome Higurashi getting married?" She grinned at the old woman restlessly. A quick thought of her mother, grandfather and brother crossed her mind, and a pang of sadness twisted across her face. They weren't even going to get to see the ceremony, since they couldn't pass through the well to the ancient Japan she had made her home.

"Kagome, ye' be a lovely girl. Ye' had to expect that ye' would be wed one day."

"I suppose." Kagome spoke lamely, adding silently, 'I just didn't expect it to be to a demon.'

"Aye, Kagome," Kaede began slowly, "Inuyasha has requested the removal of his beads of subjugation, just for ye' special day."

Kagome's brown eyes were warm as she grinned at the old woman. "Are we sure we can trust him not to destroy the place without them?" Her slender fingers fussed with the ties on her kimono as she spoke.

Kaede chuckled with amusement. "Ye', Kagome, this man shall be ye' husband, ye' know."

Her heart thudded nervously against her chest. The thought of Inuyasha, THE Inuyasha, being married to anyone was almost laughable.

"I know, but I love him." The words finally fell from her lips easily, peacefully; and it felt great. For so long she had kept her feelings for the half demon secret... Or as
secret as she could, anyway.

Kaede smiled, opening her mouth to reply when she was loudly interrupted. "KAGOME!"

The bride to be jumped, turning abruptly toward the door. Sango poked her head past the curtain, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement. Kilala trotted in at her
heels, her multiple tails dancing in the wind.

"Hey, Sango!" Kagome grinned, bending down to pat Kilala on the head, "And of course a lovely welcome to you too."

Kaede bowed formally, nodding at Kagome before dipping out of the hut. "I shall leave ye' to it."

After exchanging a polite good bye with the old woman, Kagome wrapped her arms around Sango happily. "You have no clue just how glad I am to see you."

Sango smiled, grabbing her friend's hands in her own. "Oh, I'm sure I have an idea. Truthfully, I just wanted to get away from the boys for a little bit." She shook
her head, rolling her eyes. "Your husband to be looks more scared than you do."

Kagome cringed noticeably; Was he having second thoughts? He never was the suit-and-tie type... Or whatever they'd call it out here.

Sango always noticed when Kagome was freaking out, and her expressive eyes danced as she grinned teasingly.

"Kagome, relax. Everything is fine. He's just excited. He's never been more excited in his life. Can't say I blame him."

Sango's reassuring words lifted the weight from Kagome's shoulders; just like they always did. She found herself talking to her best friend a lot more than ever before,
and she wouldn't want it any other way at this point. These people were her family.

"Anyways," Sango continued, "It seems as though you're going to be late for your own wedding if you don't hurry up."

"OH GOD I'M NOT SERIOUSLY LATE AM I?" Kagome took off running, skidding around a corner and into a different room. Sango grinned while Kagome panicked, and from the far end of the house Sango could hear, "WHERE ARE MY DAMN SHOES?"

"They're right here!" She shouted back, picking the small pair of embroidered slippers off of the wooden floor. They had been tucked off into the corner, and in Kagome's haste she must have missed them. Kagome trudged around the corner sullenly. "Well, that's embarrassing." She muttered, swiping the slippers from Sango's extended hand.

Sango chuckled quietly, immediately stopping as she took notice of Kagome's flustered stare. "Ahem... Sorry."

Kagome promptly slipped her shoes on, straightening out the odd loose strand of hair before turning back to her best friend. "What do you think?"

Sango took in Kagome's clothes admirably. Her dark hair was spun up in a beautiful updo style; something that you would find in magazines in future Japan; her black mane was also highlighted with silver beads threaded throughout. Her kimono was red and white, with splashes of silver embroidery decaling the expensive cloth. Her make up was precise and flawless, and her newly acquired shoes completed the outfit with style.

"You look fantastic, Kagome. Like a princess." Sango nodded, glancing down at her furry friend. "Kilala, are you ready? Just like we practiced."

Kilala mewled, her tails wagging excitedly as flames burst from beneath her paws and enveloped her. The flames grew larger, and quickly dissipated to reveal Kilala's large form. The saber-toothed cat growled affectionately, rubbing against Kagome's leg.

Kagome smiled. "Never thought I'd get to say I rode a demon to my wedding to another demon."

Sango laughed. "You didn't think you'd get married in the past either."

Kagome climbed over Kilala's shoulder, draping her legs over the large cat riding style. "I suppose you're right..." She paused, brushing her fingers over Kilala's ear. "Ready?" The cat let out a loud growl, her tails wiggling enthusiastically.

"Then we're off!" Sango announced, giving Kilala's behind a good swat. The big cat took off, running through the doorway and leaving Kagome to grapple for dear life while Sango chortled behind her.