Wow, this chapter is longer than the first. Four thousand, six hundred and forty-one words, not including these two sentences.

Enjoy!


Her Decision: Everyone's Future -
Pregnant Women & Everyone's Side

"Give me a break, already," she practically growled to herself. She was waiting for some boat to arrive. They told her that the boat would come at high noon. If she couldn't get back across the sea soon, then she was going to miss Sango's first-born. The later it took for her to reach Japan, the later she would be, and the more dangerously close she would get for Sango's labor.

True, she was coming about three weeks earlier than what she initially planned. True, she had planned to get there earlier anyway. Even truer still, she may be late no matter the time. She didn't have time on her side today, no matter what the cost. Nothing seemed to be fairing right for her today. And it all started with her period - damn she hated those. What sucked about these times was that there were no pads. No pads means revert to toilet paper. Guess what? Neither were invented yet. What's next? Ah yes, the good old fashioned way - using cloths. What made it worse was that you had to constantly clean the cloths. She didn't quite feel like carrying a pack of rags everywhere she went and replace it. So, she opted for washing it. It was thoroughly disgusting, but hey, a girl had to get by somehow.

Then there was that annoying man who was down the road as she passed. The idiot didn't know how to take no for an answer. He kept trying to sell her some cheap-ass junk. She didn't have a use for anything he sold. She witnessed a guy who bought a bow and a few arrows from him - the bow string snapped in half on the first arrow and the arrow crumbled when it hit the ground. She had no interest in things that were going to break in just the slightest of pressure.

AND THEN there was the boat-waiting thing. She had asked yesterday when the boat would arrive. They told her it would be there today at high noon. Well, she was there, and there wasn't a boat in sight. Getting irritated, she flat-out asked to a stranger, "Excuse me, but do you know when the next boat arrives?"

"Boat?" The young lady asked with a laugh. "Oh, no lady, there are no boats that come this way. They pass by, but they never dock. That is where ye want to go." She pointed to a stretch of land and Kagome nearly fell over dead.

"Are you serious?" Kagome said.

"As serious as the tide that comes, lady," she said with a nod.

"That's going to take me days to get there!" She exclaimed to herself.

"If ye wish," she said, "my husband will be traveling out that way. He will only get ye half way there, but even so, half way is better than ye feet blisterin' by the time ye get there."

"Oh, please, that will be most helpful!" Kagome said in gratitude just as a man pulled up on a horse with a wheel cart attached to its' sides.

"This be George," the woman said, "me husband. George, the lady wants to go to the port boughs, can ye get 'er there, dear?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said with a tip of his hat. "Just hop on. I can get yah half way, but after that, yer on yer own."

Kagome smiled and nodded before jumping onto the back of the cart. She noticed that it was packed with hay and a variety of fruits and vegetables. "Thank you both so much," she said. Soon enough, the hustle and bustle of the town she was in faded in the distance and all she could hear was the old man's whistling and the trotting of the horse's hoofs.

"So where yah off to, hun?" He asked casually.

"My best friend is pregnant," Kagome replied as she got more comfortable on the cart. "She'll be do soon and I need to get across the sea to see her. I promised I'd be there before she gives birth."

"Where she at?" He asked.

"In Nihon," she said, nearly saying Japan.

"Mighty long ways for a youngin' like yerself," he said.

That accent was really driving her crazy. In all the time she had been traveling, she had never been more willing to leave a place than now. "Yeah, well," Kagome said, "I guess I'm use to traveling."

"Really, now?" He said. "Ye travel?"

"Hai," she said with a nod of her head. "I mean, yes, I travel a lot. I've been all over the place so far and -"

"Why have ye not thought of gettin' a horse?" He asked. "Sorry, for interruptin'."

"No, it's okay," she said, "I guess I never thought about it because I'm so used to walking. I used to travel with a group, now I'm just a loner." She scratched the top of her head briefly - she would need another bath soon.

"Hm," he said. "Sounds like ye have a story ta' tell."

"Oh, it's a long one," Kagome said with a sigh. "You sure you're up to it?"

"We have a couple of hours befer' we get ta' the edge of the road where we part," he said, "might as well fill in tha' gap." Kagome mentally groaned at that. "What's yer' name anyway, youngin'?"

"Kagome," she replied with a smile.

"Well, Kah-go-may," he said, "care to share yer' story? Haven't heard a good one in a while."

Kagome smiled and told of her adventures with her friends. She told about the things they did and what they were like. She shared how all of them used to travel and their big battle with a monstrous beast. She told him everything up until this point.

"Now, I'm in a rush to get back to Sango," she said. "I have to get to the port by tomorrow. If I don't then that could really set me off track. If I don't make it by high noon tomorrow, then I'll have to wait another day and I can't have that. I've only got a few weeks left before next season - that's when the baby's due. And after I cross the water, I have about two weeks of travel if I hurry."

"All in all," he said, "you ain't got much time."

"Hai," Kagome said.

"Ye spoke that word once before," he said, "what's it mean? This, 'hi'."

Kagome giggled a bit, "It means 'yes' in Japanese."

"I assume that is yer origin," he said. She could tell he had never heard of Japanese before. He didn't even know what a Japanese was.

"Hai," she said again, and he chuckled. Maybe this guy wasn't so bad after all.


There were those days where he could actually enjoy himself and relax. Then there were those days where it was just too hard to continue on. Then there were those blah days where there was nothing to do - period. Today, however, was one of those days where there really wasn't anything to do. He was looking forward to going to go visit Sango and Miroku soon, but until then...he had nothing to occupy himself with.

These days, he hardly sees Shippou. He's usually so caught up in training with Sesshomaru that it's just too hard to keep up with the kit. Sesshomaru had decided to train Inuyasha himself instead of pick a teacher for him. He didn't elaborate, but Inuyasha figured it was just because Sesshomaru knew him more than anyone else. He supposed it was also because he was a hanyou. Anyone who would decide to train him would go either too easy on him, or just bad-mouth him, and knowing Inuyasha, he wouldn't stand for such a teacher.

He received word from Shippou that he was, as fate would have it, being trained by Sesshomaru himself as well. That's when Inuyasha had to wonder just what Sesshomaru had in mind. Shippou also mentioned that he had several other teachers, too. Shippou was learning the land and getting to know war tactics as well as kitsune tricks. Inuyasha was learning the land and war tactics as well, but Shippou seemed to handle that kind of thing much more easier than him. Lot's of times, things didn't stick to his brain and he was often times repeating himself in order to get it right. Of course, no one faulted him for it - except his teacher.

A lot of those days he would go to his bedroom in exhaustion. Shippou was placed in the bedroom connected to his and the times that he does see Shippou are the times where he is either eating or bathing. Shippou seemed to always be busy with one thing or another. As for Inuyasha? Yeah, Sesshomaru kept him busy as well. He hardly had time to eat or bathe, or even sleep. Not that he needed much sleep anyway, he was used to stay up late hours. However, the fact that Sesshomaru kept him up training and learning really wore on him and by the time he reached his bed, he was just too exhausted to do anything else but sleep. Then, a few hours later, he would be woken up and the routine started all over again.

Of course, now, he was getting used it. It wasn't easy at first. He was always grumpy and jumpy, but after a while, it started to tone down to where he picked up on the everyday lifestyle in Sesshomaru's palace. It was interesting to say the least. Ever since he could remember he had always been trying to survive and attempting to best his brother at everything, but only now was when he was finally beginning to understand and tolerate him, especially for long periods of time. The mere fact that they were getting along still came out in astonishment in his head.

Today - he sighed - today was just too boring. Finally being given a break after a month straight of nothing but work, he was able to take a break. Unfortunately, his body had other plans because it seemed too tense and uptight to relax. He wondered if that was how Sesshomaru was every day all day. Then again, Sesshomaru could handle anything, or so he was told. One time, he walked into Sesshomaru's study and he had books piled everywhere in there. Scrolls were sat in huge piles around his desk, books were stacked as neatly as possible. The rug that was on the floor could barely be seen from the mountain of books that were in there. Then there was that desk. It had tons of stacks of paper that were all over the place. Some of them had even strewn themselves across the floor and were never bothered to pick back up. It was as if no maid had ever ventured there to clean. That's when he was told that no one ever went into Sesshomaru's study for fear of his wrath. Of course, being who he was, he just walked in and didn't even bother knocking.

Let's just say the end was never so wanted at that moment. He frowned and decided to get up from his bed and go for a walk. Inuyasha still wore his haori and hakama like he did every day. Sesshomaru had made him wear boots, but it was terrible - he just couldn't get used to it. He told him that if he wanted to be ranked as the leader of all the soldiers, than he would have to look the part. So, seeing the challenge in Sesshomaru's eyes, he took the boots and did his best every day to wear them. It wasn't easy, that was for sure, but he managed. He kept his Tetsusaiga on him all the time, too. Currently, Sesshomaru is getting armor made for him. He said it would be close to his style. His fire rate hoari had been stolen from him and altered - it now had a sakura blossom on the shoulder and sleeves, just like Sesshomaru's, to indicate that he was an heir to the west. Apparently it was their father's insignia before he passed on as well. Though, he didn't particularly like the fact that he had to wear something girly, he wasn't about to object to his brother's wishes. He had come to learn that what Sesshomaru says, goes, though, he was still a trouble maker.

Shippou told him the same thing Inuyasha had already gone through. It was nice to know that he beat Shippou in something. He was at least first to take up the deal and everything. Though, instead of Sakura blossoms, Shippou's insignia was the moon and the fox, with the fox standing in front of the moon. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he walked on to the gardens. Several youkai had been brought in for refuge at the palace because of Naraku's destruction. He supposed it was the same everywhere. Even Shiori, the little bat girl he had met forever ago, was there. And every once in a while, she'd "hang out" with him just to pass the time. It was almost weird.

Shaking his head again to clear his thoughts, he came to a stop at his favorite tree - the weeping willow. There, he could always hide and stay comfortable in its thick branches near the top. The willow was huge, it had a thick trunk and reached nearly as tall as the palace. He had to wonder just how old the tree really was. Sighing in contentment, he made himself comfortable on one of it's thick branches and crossed his arms and legs.

He wondered what Kagome and the rest were doing. Knowing Kagome, she would be making plans on getting back soon. Sango and Miroku were probably busy at the slayers' village. Sango was probably as big as a buffalo. He grinned to himself at that thought and nearly laughed had it not been for the fact that if someone saw him, they'd think he were insane. Sighing and closing his eyes, he imagined he were back in the past.

When they had first defeated Naraku, he wanted the feeling to never end. He wanted all of them to continue to travel together. That changed when Miroku and Sango decided to settle down at the slayers' village. That's when he thought, "okay, just me, Kagome, and the runt." Unfortunately, things didn't turn out the way. True, he did talk to Sesshomaru and Miroku about Sesshomaru's offer as head general. He wasn't going to accept it, but he told them he'd think it over. He heard of the possibilities, her the guarantees, and heard the pros and cons. Then he had to go and hear Sango say that Kagome was leaving. That, of course, changed everything. He knew that she would come with him no matter where he went - it was like second nature. It was a shock when she said he was leaving his side, even though she didn't say it like that. He knew that she wanted her freedom, though.

So, that was it. In the spur of the moment, he took Sesshomaru's offer and in that morning he took off with Shippou towards Sesshomaru's palace. He didn't even look back. He did say goodbye to Kaede and everyone though, he wasn't going to forget them, but he wasn't going to just get stuck there either. He had more interesting things to get to.

Like his life.

He had stopped by Kouga's and Ayame's den, per Kagome's request and did as she told him. In the end, Kouga and Ayame hadn't much to say. Ayame was currently pregnant and would be having her pups soon, just as Sango would. It wouldn't be long before both of them gave birth and were on their way to parenthood. He and Shippou stayed the day with them before they continued on their way the following morning toward Sesshomaru's place. They hadn't been looking forward to it, but when they arrived, they were welcomed with open arms. It was almost as if no one was prejudiced - then he discovered the truth. Everyone was hiding it because they were too afraid to face Sesshomaru. He was thankful for it, but it didn't mean he liked being lied to. He didn't want someone to be nice to them because they were being forced, he wanted someone to be nice to him because they chose to. He met a very select few that were.

A couple of days after that, both him and Shippou were separated day in and day out with training. They hadn't been in contact until recently. Inuyasha also discovered that Shippou learned to hunt. Both him and Shippou were taken with Sesshomaru to scout the lands one day and Shippou managed to catch a bunch of rabbits for them to chow down on. Inuyasha had tried to teach the kit a thing or two about hunting, but it hadn't been easy and he didn't have a whole lot of patience to deal with the little guy. So, Sesshomaru taught him. Better Sesshomaru than himself, he would just screw it up - as usual.

Finally allowing his mind to just block everything out, including his own thoughts, he managed to fall asleep into a light doze. He was too tired to do anything and much too exhausted to sleep in a proper bed apparently.


"Ugh," Sango said, pushing away the soup she was given. "Miroku, I'm tired of that! I want some watermelon and some pickles."

Miroku sighed. "You just sent me down to the market to get the meat for the stew. Now you don't want the stew. You want...watermelon and pickles." He said with a blank stare. That once happy face was now null. He had dark circles under his eyes and his lips seemed to be permanently stuck in a frown these days.

Sango got him up nearly every hour of the night, begging for him to go get him some sort of weird food like octopus and fried chicken. Then, she'd need help up to go to the bathroom. Then she'd need help rolling over. Then she'd need a back massage. Then her legs would get cramped up. Then she would have a head ache and bother him with it.

"Hai," Sango said, "I need some watermelon and pickles, please?" And that was the kicker. When she asked with those big puppy-dog eyes of hers, he would go and do it for her. He was like her personal slave for the past month and a half. Those cravings only got worse and the complaining and whining seemed to be increased tenfold. He wondered if all pregnancies were like this because if they were, than damn it, this was the only baby he was ever going conceive.

With a sigh, he picked the bowl up off the table and set it aside. "Alright, my love, I'll be back." He said and walked out the door to, once again, go back to the market.

Sango didn't see things the way he did, though. She was perfectly capable of handling herself, it was just...the damned elephant that she was currently holding in her stomach was too big for her to maneuver herself through the crowd of people in the market. She wasn't lazy or tired, she was just having problems. Things like this take time.

She didn't see what Miroku's problem was, though. He seemed to be like this all the time now. He always seemed too tired to do anything and too moody to be compliant with her wishes. This was why she wanted Kagome there. So she would have someone to talk to and a shoulder to cry on. Without her sister there with her, she was lonely and afraid. She was much too scared to do it without another female around. She had never had children, so it was natural for her to feel scared...right?

Tears beginning to leak from her eyes, she began to cry. She couldn't stop herself and by the time Miroku got back, she was throwing her water works on him. "I'm so sorry, Miroku!" She wailed. Miroku simply set down his armful of groceries before taking her in his arms.

"Sango, my love, what's wrong?" He asked. "If this is about sending me to the market, I'm okay with it. It doesn't bother me, don't cry."

"It's," she sniffled, "not that. I miss Kagome! I want her here by my side! I haven't seen her in forever! She said she would be here before the birth, but what if she doesn't make it? She has to make it! Kagome can't just abandon me! I need her with me!"

Miroku sighed. This subject again. He had just gone over this particular subject just last night. She was always in hysterics about Kagome not making it in time for the baby. She wanted so badly for her to be there for her. She knew there was still a possibility that Kagome wouldn't make it. There was even the possibility that she was...that she couldn't...that some demon...

Worry began to etch into her features. "Miroku!" She cried desperately. "What if she get's mauled by a bear?"

"Now Sango," Miroku said, attempting to calm her down.

"Or get's eaten by a boar youkai?"

"Sango, my love..."

"Or worse!" Sango said. "What if she dies and no one is around to save her!"

"Sango!" Miroku said, catching her attention. She sniffled and whimpered, clinging to his clothes. "Kagome will make it. Even if it kills her. You know she is stronger than that - she's always kept her promises. There is no way she will not be here for our first-born."

Sango could nod her head and bury her nose until into Miroku's chest. "Okay," she said in a low murmur. She sighed as she wrapped her arms around her husband's waist.

"Now," Miroku said, "about those pickles and that watermelon."

Sango suddenly scrunched her face up in disgust. Miroku sighed in defeat and threw his back, closing his eyes. This nightmare shall never end...he thought as he attempted to control his exasperation.


Ayame groaned once more. "Kouga," she said, rubbing her tummy. "The pups won't stop kicking."

"They're gonna' be just like me!" He grinned, rubbing her stomach with her.

"Yes," Ayame said with a glare, "but that also means that they're destroying my stomach!" She patted her belly affectionately in attempt to get the soreness to go away. "Is the hunt back yet?"

"They should be arriving any moment, Love," he said, kissing her forehead as she rested on her cot. She was the head female of the clan, and as such, she was allowed to be spoiled to the point of laziness if she so chose. His woman wouldn't go without anything, he'd make sure of it, even if it he had to journey to the other side of the world, he'd make sure she was satisfied.

Ayame groaned again - you could literally see them kicking the stomach. Kouga could feel their paws, hands, and feet pushing against the soft tender skin of his palms. "How many do you think we'll be having?"

"Quadruplets, hopefully," Kouga said.

"With as big as I am," Ayame said, "I wouldn't be surprised if I did have that many."

Kouga chuckled and kissed her head again. He admits it - when he first thought about having Ayame as a mate, he wasn't so sure he'd be very happy and satisfied with her. However, now as she is producing his pups for him, he couldn't help but think about the fact that everything has just been so...interesting since she joined the clan. Everything seemed happier and more chipper, almost like no one had a care in the world anymore. She was the first female in decades to actually become a part of the clan, through sex, he should add. Kagome was first and part of the clan because he had claimed her, but just because he claimed her, didn't mean she was officially a part of the clan. Theoretically, she was family, so he had no qualms with any of it.

Ayame, however, seemed to always have it out for the girl. She never did like Kagome and her well-being. Her very essence in her opinion was just so damn annoying. Kagome shouldn't have ever been there to begin with. She had stolen her mate's heart and she had to win it back and it took forever for her to get it. Now, every time Kouga mentions the wench, she get's cold and unloving. She really hates that woman. The fact that the other members of the tribe call her sister and tend to her every need when she was near didn't help the situation at all. When Ayame found out, she made a point that she was the one who was to be catered to, not her. The wolves of the den slowly realized this, so no one brought Kagome up in a subject anymore unless they were out of ear shot of their princess.

Ayame sighed as she relaxed. "When do you think they'll get here?" Ayame asked as her mate ran his hands through deep red hair.

"The pups? In a few weeks if we're lucky," he said, nuzzling her neck.

"Not the pups," Ayame said, annoyed, "the hunt."

"Hm," Kouga said, "soon."

No sooner had he said that when a commotion was heard near the entrance of the den. That, of course, meant lunch time.


Phew! That was a LONG chapter! I've been trying to stay as calm and neutral as I can with this story! I'm trying to take my time and go with the flow, so it's a little choppy when I get to Kouga and Ayame as Sango and Miroku's sides of the story. Lol!

Let me know what you think! Review please!