Much had changed in the months since Kagome had returned to him, thought Inuyasha as he watched his lovely wife sleep while the moonlight filtered into their home. He still couldn't believe that every night, unless he was out exterminating demons with Miroku far enough away that they couldn't get back to the village for the night, Kagome was sleeping next to him. Unlike when they had been hunting the shards of the Shikon jewel and Inuyasha would watch over her, and often envy Shippo who usually snuggled up to her, now she slept in his arms. Most mornings, when the sunlight woke them, Kagome greeted Inuyasha with a smile and a sweet kiss, and there had been many mornings that the sweet kiss had led to much more. He smirked as he thought about more than one morning where he had been late meeting Miroku, and how the monk had laughed and given him a knowing smile, and asked him what had taken him so long, perhaps a certain lovely woman? At first, Inuyasha used to tell Miroku to mind his own business, but the monk finally told him that he only teased because he was happy that Inuyasha and Kagome were happy, and finally able to be together in peace.
Thinking back to when Kagome had first come back to him, Miroku had surprised Inuyasha in more ways than one. Miroku had realized that they would need a home of their own, as had Inuyasha, and without ever saying a word, the day after Kagome had come back through the Bone Eater's Well, Miroku had organized the village men, and shown up with a group to start building. He and Inuyasha had chosen a place that was a short walk to Kaede's, with room for a garden for Kagome's herbs that was close enough to the old sacred tree to please Inuyasha. Miroku had known that Inuyasha would not marry Kagome until he had a home for them because he felt it would be dishonorable to live off the generosity of their friends, and Miroku had not wanted to see them denied marriage longer than necessary. Not only that, but he had pulled Inuyasha aside and handed him a small bag. Inside was the money that Miroku had saved for Inuyasha, what had been his half of the money that Miroku had made exorcising demons in other villages with Inuyasha's help. When a very stunned Inuyasha had asked Miroku why, the monk had merely said, "I prayed every day that Kagome would be able to return to you. Call this a representation of faith that my prayers would be answered." Inuyasha had been deeply touched that the monk had never given up hope.
Within weeks, Inuyasha and Kagome had a small, well-built home, designed for a young couple who might eventually expand their family. Shortly after completion of the house, Sango and the village women took over planning the wedding feast and finding a kimono suitable for Kagome to wear. To Inuyasha, it had seemed like no time at all passed between spending his days building their home, putting in time, sweat, and various curses, and his nights dragging Kagome away from Kaede, Rin, and Shippo or Sango, Miroku, and their children so they could share a passionate interlude. He'd had to restrain his urge to box Shippo's ears once or twice when Shippo had vociferously objected to being torn away from his adoptive mother just so Inuyasha could have her to himself, but that was easier when Kagome had gently explained to Shippo that they would be better to him if they had time to be alone. He couldn't blame the kit; Inuyasha didn't want to be far away from Kagome, either. Inuyasha still wasn't sure how he'd been drafted into being the acting father for Shippo, but on the whole, he liked the little kitsune, and he thought Kagome was the best person who could have come along and mothered him possible.
It had also surprised him that Kagome had come to a truce with his half-brother. Inuyasha had always thought Sesshomaru hated humans, and didn't want to be near them, and Rin had been an odd aberration to that pattern. It had shocked him that Kagome had never been afraid of Sesshomaru, even when Sesshomaru had attacked her, but it hadn't shocked him nearly as much as it had his brother, Inuyasha mused. Until Kagome and Rin, Sesshomaru had never seen anything but fearful respect in the eyes of humans he met. However, Kagome was one of the few humans who had ever been willing to stand up to Sesshomaru, and Rin had trusted him completely, without reserve. When Sesshomaru had come for a visit with Rin shortly after Kagome had returned, and was staying with Kaede and Rin, Kagome had told him she wished to speak to him privately. Sesshomaru had raised a single eyebrow in response, but had humored her request.
Kagome had just spelled it out for him. "Sesshomaru, I know you don't particularly like me. You've tried to kill me and Inuyasha before. But I've seen you extend mercy to your brother, and to me and our friends. I wanted to tell you that I promise to look after Rin as if she were my sister. I will keep her safe. But I want you to please try to remember that you and Inuyasha are brothers. I had to leave my brother behind, and I miss him…please don't push Inuyasha away."
Sesshomaru had been taken aback. This young woman had dared to give him advice on how to deal with his half- brother? Still, he was astonished enough that he had simply said, "And how precisely do you expect this to be accomplished? We do not tolerate one another's company well."
To his amazement, and that of his brother who had been watching from a nearby rooftop, Kagome got that look in her eye that in Inuyasha's experience usually led to a snarled "SIT, BOY!" and Inuyasha getting a good look at the ground. Without any hesitation on her part, Kagome snapped, "Sesshomaru, grow up! I can't believe that you don't care anything about your brother. The two of you are the only link you have to your father! I would love to know I could see my brother and you two, you just take it for granted!" She was so angry that she was almost vibrating, but with a tinge of pain in her voice, and Sesshomaru was torn between anger at her words and astonishment that not only was she willing to stand up to him, but to do so with such fury.
With that, Inuyasha immediately jumped off the rooftop, and stood next to Kagome. He was terrified that his older half-brother would turn his poison claws on her for such a display of temper.
Sesshomaru's response had not been in the direction Inuyasha had expected. Instead of extending his claws, Sesshomaru had coolly uttered, "Woman, I have nearly five hundred years of existence on you. And I have killed demons for lesser insults. Your bravery, though….I would like Rin to continue to be brave like you. Although possibly less foolhardy."
Kagome registered surprise, but she still had some anger. "My name is Kagome. Ka-go-me. Not 'Woman', not 'You', but Kagome."
Inuyasha already had his hand on Tetsusaiga. With her crack about her name, he was ready to unsheathe his sword, because he was sure that Sesshomaru would come after her for that.
With the barest hint of amusement in his voice, Sesshomaru had replied, "Very well, Kagome. I will honor your request. The rest is up to you, little brother."
When Sesshomaru had walked away, Inuyasha had been filled with a desire to shake Kagome until her teeth rattled. "What the hell is wrong with you? What were you thinking to take on Sesshomaru like that? You know what he's capable of, he's tried to kill you before, and he really has killed other yokai for lesser insults…I've seen it!" His words tumbled forth on a slight note of terror.
Kagome glared right back at Inuyasha. "I know what he's capable of; I've seen him with Rin. No matter what he says, he saved Sango, Miroku and me from Mukotsu. You and Sesshomaru are brothers, Inuyasha. There are similarities between the two of you that neither of you see. You're both protective of those you care about. And you are both single-minded about that protection. Both of you need to grow up and act like brothers, and stop being at each others' throats every time you're in the same village together, let alone the same room!"
In that instant, Inuyasha saw what Sesshomaru had seen. He saw Kagome, willing to stand up to the Inu Daiyokai, no matter the cost, because she could see what was underneath Sesshomaru's cold exterior, and she knew that Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were devoted to those they cared about. He also saw Kagome's heartache over missing her family, and he knew that Sesshomaru had seen the same. With a brief moment of insight, he knew that Sesshomaru had been deeply touched by Kagome's willingness to swear to protect Rin, as well as by her sadness over her own family. Not that Sesshomaru would ever admit it, but Inuyasha knew because it was the same thing that touched him.
Wrapping his arms around Kagome because he knew that she was hurting, even though she would never admit it, Inuyasha softly said, "Okay, Kagome. I'll try. I know that you miss Sota, and your mother, and your grandpa. Are you having second thoughts about staying here with me, and not seeing them again?" He had held his breath waiting for her response.
All Kagome could do was lean into him. "Oh, Inuyasha, I'm not having second thoughts. I made my choice, and it was the one I wanted to make. I want to be here with you. I can't help missing Mom, and Gramps, and Sota, though. I just don't want you and Sesshomaru to take that for granted." She valiantly struggled to hold back the tears that she had over the wouldn't-it-be-nice thoughts she'd been having about having her family at their wedding.
Nearly becoming undone over her concern not just for her family, but his as well, Inuyasha stroked her hair. "Kagome, I'm sorry. I wish they could be here, too." His heart broke for her, and while he hated to see her shed tears over any kind of pain, he knew that it was his job to just hold her and let her cry this time. As the dam broke, Inuyasha simply cradled her next to his heart and told her he loved her, and loved her strong sense of family, that it made him think it was natural to want to have a family with her.
From his vantage point a short distance away, Sesshomaru had watched the couple, and had picked up their conversation with his own sensitive hearing. He had been astonished at how perceptive she was, and how valiantly she would fight with even him, the Inu Daiyokai. And he had new respect for her bravery, her protective nature, and her kind heart. Sesshomaru had realized that Inuyasha had proven himself in battle, and had a grudging respect for that, as well as his half-demon half-brother's willingness to risk his life for those he had sworn to protect. As well, Sesshomaru had enough sense to know that Kagome was not someone to push to anger lightly, not if she was willing to stand up to him and give him a piece of her mind. In that moment, Sesshomaru realized that he had a small bit of the same kind of affection for his half-brother's bride-to-be as he had for Rin. And he had to admit, he really had saved Kagome and the rest from that irritating poison-maker Mukotsu, and not just because the cretin had refused to give him information. It would be interesting, he thought, to have this woman as his sister-in-law. And he would be sure to encourage Rin to tell him when the wedding would be, albeit with subtlety.
Inuyasha remembered that it seemed to be no time at all until their home had been completed, and the day arrived that he and Kagome were married. Miroku and Kaede had performed the ceremony together, after spending several rounds arguing over who would get the honor of doing so, because both had wanted to shower the couple with blessings for a long and happy life together. However, they quickly resolved the argument by agreeing that Inuyasha and Kagome would receive more blessings if they both officiated. Inuyasha remembered seeing her in a kimono of delicate pink, with Rin's favorite flowers placed lovingly in her hair. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he had exchanged vows of love, honor, and forever with her. She had given him a look of overflowing love when she had said "forever", with sweet tears unshed in her eyes. Inuyasha knew that he wasn't worthy of her, but she seemed to believe he was. He had been overwhelmed with gratitude that she believed in him.
Inuyasha also remembered that Sesshomaru had insisted on speaking to both of them after the ceremony. His older brother had simply said to them, "Little sister, you are a lovely bride. Endeavor to deserve her, little brother." Kagome had extended a hand, and with a gentle smile, touched Sesshomaru's arm lightly. "Thank you, Sesshomaru," she had said, resisting the urge to call him "big brother". In fact, Inuyasha couldn't remember other than the one time when both brothers had glared at her when she had addressed Sesshomaru as "big brother" that she had done so. Once had been enough as far as he and Sesshomaru were concerned.
From that day forward, Inuyasha had spent his days protecting the village from bandits and the odd stray demon, or out helping Miroku with exorcisms and exterminations of demons, and his nights with Kagome. He relished the time that he would come home to her, and she would prepare their dinner and talk to him about her day, and ask about his. Some nights, they joined Miroku, Sango and the children, and Sayuri and little Kagome as she was now known would giggle with delight at having their Inuyasha-oji and Kagome-oba to play with them, while baby Akira would laugh when Kagome would talk to him and play peek-a-boo, delighting the baby boy to no end. When Shippo was in the village, he would stay at their house, regaling Kagome with tales of his studies with the other fox demon children, and practicing his fox magic with Inuyasha at Kagome's insistence. Inuyasha complained about having to do what Kagome had always called "homework" with the little kitsune, but secretly, he didn't mind at all, and Kagome let his complaints go in one ear and out the other. When Shippo had gone to sleep, or when they were alone after their day had finished, Inuyasha would reach for her, and take her into his arms. It was rare that they were too tired to lose themselves in each other, and engage in the timeless dance of lovemaking. Sometimes, they would slip out and race to the goshinboku, and assuage their desire for each other under its branches, under the stars. Often, Kagome would fall asleep first to Inuyasha running his fingers through her hair and cradling her against him, after she told him how much she loved him. Oh, how he loved to hear that! It never ceased to humble Inuyasha that this woman, his Kagome, loved him so completely. He would often tell her that he loved her more than he could express, whispering this in her ear. He could usually feel her smile against his chest, just above his heart, as she drifted off to sleep.
On this night, as he watched her sleep and listened to her deep, even breathing, he realized that something about her was different. He couldn't quite tell what, but he knew it was there. He wondered what could possibly be different, since this night had been like many others, where they had shared fervent desire for each other, and let their passion for one another take them to new heights. On this night, as Kagome had cried out his name and Inuyasha had met her ecstasy with his own, something different had passed between them. Tonight, while he watched her sleeping peacefully, there was something that made her even more beautiful to him, and Inuyasha had no idea what that was, just that it was there. Placing a soft kiss on her lips, and seeing her briefly smile in response, he wrapped his arms around her and went back to sleep.
Over the next several weeks, Kagome seemed to take on a new aura. Something about it was driving Inuyasha to be more protective than usual, including going so far as to refuse to take her up into the old sacred tree. What the hell was wrong with him, he thought, there wasn't any reason not to take her up into the tree to his favorite branch! Something in the back of his mind kept telling Inuyasha that he needed to be careful of her.
Kagome had been perplexed by her hanyo's insistence on being even more protective than usual. "Inuyasha, what has gotten into you? I'm fine, why are you insisting that I can't go up into the goshinboku with you?"
Inuyasha couldn't put it in words. "Nothing got into me! I just don't want you to get hurt."
Kagome was not to be put off by this. "Inuyasha, we used to go up in that tree all the time. And we used to fight battles together, protecting each other! What is going on?"
He simply growled out, "I don't know! I just know that I have to protect you!" And with that, he stalked off to go fishing for their dinner.
Kagome had been bewildered. She decided to go visit Sango, and hopefully have some time to talk to her best friend without the children interrupting. When they had got the children down for a nap, after the promise of games when the girls woke up, Sango and Kagome had the time to have a talk.
"I don't get it, Sango, what on earth has gotten into him? Inuyasha's acting like I'm made out of glass! He never used to do that before and now he wouldn't even take me up into the sacred tree!" Kagome was completely perplexed.
Sango immediately had her suspicions. She could sense there was something different about her sister of the heart. "Kagome, when was your last cycle?" Sango asked innocently.
Kagome just stared at Sango, confused. "What?"
Sango was insistent. "How long has it been since your last cycle?"
Kagome started counting backwards in her mind "Let's see, let me think…" Growing awareness dawned on her, "uh, there was, well, oh, wait, you don't think…"She was beginning to lose the ability to form a coherent sentence.
Sango started to laugh. "Kagome, I think you're with child, and I think Inuyasha picked up on it first. Have you been feeling sick lately?"
Kagome felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. "Yes, the last few weeks I've felt like something hasn't set well with me. This morning, before Inuyasha woke up, I had to race out of the house before I got sick all over him. I've been doing that a lot lately."
Sango just smiled at her best friend, her sister. "Kagome, when the children wake up, we're going to leave them with Miroku and go talk to Kaede. I'm pretty sure you're having a baby."
At that moment, Miroku walked in as if on cue. "Who's having a baby? Sango, are we having another child?" The thought made him visibly brighten – he adored their children, and he loved making them with Sango.
Sango gave him a look of annoyance, while Kagome looked flustered. "Monk, if we were having another child, I'd have already told you. This is a matter between women, and that's where it needs to stay."
Miroku took in the look exchanged between Sango and Kagome, and knew instantly who was with child. "Well! Kagome, you are having a baby! Have you told Inuyasha yet? Our Akira will have a little playmate, how wonderful!" Never being one to hide his true feelings, Miroku just beamed.
When Kagome blushed to the roots of her hair, Sango immediately jumped to defense of her friend. "Of course she hasn't told Inuyasha yet, and you wouldn't know either, if you hadn't been eavesdropping. You stay here with the children, we're going to see Kaede and find out for sure if Kagome is with child. And you don't breathe a word of that to Inuyasha, or I'll use Hiraikotsu on you, Miroku. It's Kagome's place to tell him!"
Miroku laughed, and kissed his wife. "Sango, dear, I won't say a word. I was merely teasing. Although, I'm pretty sure Inuyasha can tell something is different, I'm sensing a different aura from you myself, Kagome. If I can tell you are different, he can definitely tell. Go confirm your suspicions with Kaede. The children will be fine with me."
The two women set out for Kaede's home, and Kagome was uncharacteristically quiet. Halfway through their walk, Sango stopped her. "Kagome, I remember when Kaede told me I was expecting Sayuri and little Kagome. I was so scared, even though both Miroku and I wanted children; I had no idea what was going to happen. Miroku was just overjoyed that we were starting our family."
Kagome gave her friend a nervous smile. "I know that everything will be fine. I'm just not sure what Inuyasha will say, and I'm almost afraid to tell him if we are expecting a child. I mean, he lost his mother when he was so young, and her death made him overprotective in the first place. I know that he wants children with me, but-"she stopped, not sure how to continue.
Sango put her arm around Kagome's shoulders. "Sister, I promise you it will be all right. Inuyasha will be fine, and so will you."
Sure enough, Kaede confirmed what Sango had suspected, that Kagome was expecting her first child. Both the old miko and the young mother of three assured her that they would let nothing happen to her, and that the child would be perfectly fine. Rin, who had been present for the news, threw her arms around Kagome's waist and started peppering her with excited questions. What would they name the baby? Did Kagome think it was a boy or a girl? Would the baby look like Kagome or Inuyasha? When Sango and Kagome had left her home, Kaede indulged in a quiet laugh. To be sure, Kagome would be a good mother, and Inuyasha would be a good father, provided he didn't manage to drive Kagome to use the enchanted beads so much she nearly killed him with his overprotective worry. Kaede knew the next months would bring some interesting changes.
As Sango and Kagome walked back towards Sango's home, they came upon Inuyasha, with a string of fish. "Kagome! What are you doing out wandering around in the cold? I know you weren't feeling well this morning, are you trying to catch a cold?" He was annoyed that she wasn't taking better care of herself – didn't she know that she needed rest if she wasn't feeling all right?
Kagome surprised Inuyasha by not immediately jumping all over him and yelling at him to sit. At that point, Inuyasha knew that something was not right, and was beginning to get to the point of terrified that something was actually very, very wrong. She had come from the direction of Kaede's, what in the hell was going on?
"Inuyasha, I-"
"Kagome, what's wrong? Please, please… just tell me what's wrong!" His heart was in his throat, anticipating the worst kind of news.
At that, Kagome knew that she would have to reassure him that all was well, just different.
"Inuyasha, nothing's wrong. I'm fine. I promise. Inuyasha…we're going to have a baby." She fought the urge to hold her breath waiting for Inuyasha's response.
His response was impressive. He dropped the fish, and put his arms around Kagome, relieved and instantly filled with a new and different kind of terror. "We're having a baby?" His voice was filled with a mix of awe and fear.
Kagome could see that she would have to offer reassurance. Especially since Sango had taken that opportunity to take her leave and let the two of them talk. Gently, she reached up and stroked Inuyasha's face. She smiled at him, stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. "Yes, Inuyasha, we're having a baby."
Inuyasha couldn't think straight. "But, how, when, how did we – "
Kagome let a little giggle of relief escape her. "The usual way people end up with babies, Inuyasha. We indulged at the right time, and conceived this baby."
Inuyasha let out a sigh of relief. "So, when will the baby come?" They were having a baby! He couldn't believe it. His Kagome, his beautiful wife, was carrying his child.
Kagome was beginning to be cautiously happy. "We have about six more months. And Sango already said that she would be passing on baby things, since by the time ours arrives, her baby will be too big to wear them."
Inuyasha mentally counted from that moment. "It's winter now, so the baby will be born in the summertime?" No wonder she had seemed different, he realized, her aura was glowing with a new light, and her scent had changed.
"Yes, the baby will be born in summer. Just after our first anniversary, give or take a couple of weeks." She could pick up on the uncertainty in his voice, and waited to see what was wrong.
Inuyasha realized he hadn't said what he was thinking, and Kagome was assuming the worst. Pulling her closer, he looked into her eyes and said, "Kagome, you're carrying our child…and you're happy about it. The thought of having a child with a half-demon doesn't scare you at all, does it?" He could remember, bitterly, what it was like not to be accepted by humans or demons, and the cost of making a place for himself in the world. But Kagome had accepted and loved him for who he was, why would he think she would not accept and love his child?
Kagome leaned into his embrace, and breathed a sigh of relief. "No, it doesn't. This is our baby. Our child - we made this together with love. We are creating a family, Inuyasha. We are creating a place for our children, where they will be loved and welcomed, and cared for."
They might have stood that way for quite some time had Miroku and Shippo not come upon them. Miroku had heard from Sango that Kaede had confirmed what she had suspected was going on with Kagome, and he felt the need to pay Inuyasha a visit and assure him that all would be well. Shippo had found Miroku while he had been looking for Kagome, having not found her at home when he had returned from taking more fox demon exams. Miroku assured Shippo, who had been worried, that everything was fine, and together they would find Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Inuyasha! Kagome! Sango told me, this is wonderful news!" Miroku was effusive in his happiness for his friends.
"What wonderful news? Kagome, why do you smell different? What's going on around here?" The little kitsune was curious as to why everyone else seemed to know something he didn't.
Kagome held out her arms, and Shippo jumped into them. She held him close, gave him a kiss on the cheek over his protests, and said, "Shippo, you're going to be a big brother." Shippo looked at Kagome, and then at Inuyasha, who had protested Shippo's leap, and knew that all really was well. "I am? You mean you're having a baby? When?"
Between Kagome and Inuyasha, they explained to the little kitsune that the baby was due in the summer, and that yes, all would be fine, that they still considered Shippo their son, and expected him to take the responsibility of a younger sibling very seriously. Shippo promised that he would protect his baby brother or sister with all his might.
Miroku took Inuyasha aside, allowing Kagome and Shippo to talk about the coming baby with great excitement. "Inuyasha, I know you are feeling some apprehension. I know you remember what it was like when my girls were born. Kagome will be well, Kaede, Sango, and Rin will see to that. You must allow the women to care for Kagome. They will want to give her special care, because they treasure her as you and I do. Let them do this for her."
Out of earshot of Kagome and Shippo, Inuyasha gave voice to his fears. "I know women die in childbirth. I don't want that to happen to Kagome. I can't lose her again! I lost her for three years, and I thought she was never coming back. What if something happens and I can't protect her? Miroku, how can I just have faith that everything will be fine?" The expression on his face was one of pure terror.
Miroku recognized that look very well. He knew that he had worn it in private after Sango had told him she was expecting the girls. He knew very, very well what could happen to a woman in childbirth – he'd seen it in poorer villages that had no healing miko or doctor to care for them. Miroku smiled at the hanyo he had befriended, and simply said, "My friend, faith is my job. I have faith that things will be well. I do not think you will lose Kagome to childbirth, or the fever that sometimes comes after childbirth. She is strong and healthy from the medicines in the era of her birth, and the nourishment that she gets here from Kaede's herbs and vegetables and the hunting you do. She will undoubtedly terrify you here and there over the next months, but all will be well. I have faith." He laughed and clapped Inuyasha on the back. "I must say, it certainly didn't take you long! Perhaps you will outdo Sango and me, if you have got Kagome with child this soon."
Even Inuyasha had to smile at that one. Typical Miroku, he thought. But it was true, he knew that Miroku had faith, and he knew that Kaede, Sango, and even Rin would take care of Kagome in ways he couldn't. He looked over to where Kagome was standing with Shippo, and felt awe and love wash over him. She had not only come back to him, but she was sharing a life with him, and now she was carrying his child…how could he have ever been so fortunate? Never before had he thought that he would have this kind of life. That this woman, his Kagome, loved him unreservedly, and undeservedly, he thought, never ceased to amaze him.
Miroku told Inuyasha to bring the fish he had caught, Sango had sent him to find him and Kagome and tell the two of them to come to their home. Inuyasha gathered up the fish he had gone out to find for their dinner, and the thought hit him that soon, it wouldn't just be the two of them. He stood still for a moment, wondering if their child would look like Kagome or himself, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this one was a girl. He was almost positive that he could see an extra feminine aura with Kagome's, and smell another delicate female scent. Miroku caught Inuyasha staring off into the distance, and smiled to himself. He remembered having that same thoughtful look across his face when Sango had been carrying the twins, and again when she had been carrying Akira. "Welcome to fatherhood, my friend," Miroku thought to himself, grinning broadly.
The five friends spent the evening celebrating the new life that would be joining Inuyasha and Kagome's family in the summer. Both Miroku and Sango had to hold back their knowing remarks, watching Inuyasha go to great lengths to be even more protective of Kagome than usual. They had both been amused when Kagome had stilled Inuyasha's protests that the girls were being too rough with her, telling him that she and the baby would be fine, women had been having babies since time began, the girls weren't doing anything that would hurt the baby. Shippo had gotten his feelings hurt when Inuyasha snapped at him to quit jumping into Kagome's arms for now, and Kagome had held the little kit close and reminded Inuyasha once again that Sango had often had two children in her arms while she was expecting Akira. Inuyasha had reached over and ruffled Shippo's hair, and Shippo had understood that Inuyasha was simply trying to protect Kagome and the baby. They could all see that everyone was in for a long time of it while they waited for the time to come for the new baby to arrive, if this was going to be how Inuyasha was with Kagome until then.
As they made their way home, Inuyasha insisted on carrying Kagome. He wouldn't let her ride on his back, he was too afraid he would drop her. He was determined that nothing would happen to Kagome and their child, and if that meant that he carried her everywhere until the baby was born, then that's the way it would be.
Kagome had other ideas. "Inuyasha, I'm perfectly capable of walking with you," she gently chided.
This just caused Inuyasha to dig in his heels. "No way, it's my job to protect you two, and that's what I'm doing." He gave her a smug look, and continued, "Besides, you can't tell me to sit when I'm carrying you like this."
That did it for Kagome. She kept quiet until they got home, and got inside, and she had shed her shoes, and begun getting ready for bed. But, she was getting angry, and she wasn't entirely sure why, but she knew it was Inuyasha's fault.
The growing quiet hadn't gone amiss with Inuyasha. He knew that Kagome was unhappy about something, but he wasn't sure what. "Kagome, what's wrong with you?"
Kagome whipped around, fury blazing in her eyes. "Inuyasha, is it going to be like this until summer?" Her voice was calm, but Inuyasha knew that something was angering her, and most likely it was him. Still, he wasn't going to give up that easily.
"Is it gonna be like what? Me protecting you while you carry my child? Yeah, so get used to it. I swore to protect you, Kagome, and I meant it!" On the defensive, Inuyasha snapped out his response more heatedly than he meant to, and immediately wished he could take it all back watching the look that came across her face.
"I'm not that fragile! Women have been having babies since time began, how do you think that humans and demons and half-demons have survived this long? I'm fine, Inuyasha, and I don't need you to be so overprotective!" Kagome's temper was blazing now, and her initial joy over discovering that they were having a child together had given way to irritation that she would be spending the next six months with an overbearing husband who wouldn't let her have some breathing room.
Inuyasha felt like she had slapped him. "You don't need me to be so overprotective? What? Kagome, do you not realize that women die in childbirth in this era? What the hell is wrong with you and what was that supposed to mean?" He'd started yelling by this point, fear and anger having taken hold and gained a voice.
If he had thought her temper was alight before, this sent her over the edge. "I can't take this! I know women die in childbirth here, I'm not stupid! Don't you think that concerns me at all? Inuyasha, I don't want something to happen, I don't want to leave you alone again! But you can't watch me every second of the day – I'm still going to have to do laundry, and cook meals, and live life while we wait for this baby to arrive. "Kagome knew Inuyasha was worried, she was worried, too. But wasn't this the time for them to be eagerly awaiting the arrival of their child, and not snarling at each other?
Just as Inuyasha was getting ready to start yelling at her again, he was stopped cold as she simply burst into tears. "Kagome, please don't cry, I'm sorry, I just-"Feeling helpless, he crossed the room to attempt to comfort her.
Kagome clutched her husband's hitoe and sobbed. "I'm so sorry," she choked out, "I know you worry, I'm just, it's just-"she could no longer make sense with her words. She tried to stop weeping long enough to gather her thoughts, and the thought of being lost to Inuyasha again would hit her, and the gut-wrenching sobs would start all over again.
A very confused Inuyasha sat her down and pulled her into his lap. He had no idea why she had gone from fury to weeping in a split second, but he knew that whatever it was, it came out of her concern for him, since he'd only seen her shed tears like that when she was terrified that she would lose him. He began to hum the lullaby his mother had sung to him when he was small, and stroke Kagome's hair.
After a few minutes, her sobs slowed down, and he could feel her body relax into his. "Inuyasha, is that the lullaby your mother sang to you when you were a baby?" she asked, knowing that mention of his mother usually turned him inward, but for some reason, she sensed that he would be willing to talk about her a little bit tonight.
Inuyasha closed his eyes, remembering nights as a child when his mother had cradled him in her arms, and sung the lullaby to him, stroking his hair and tucking him in with a kiss. She had loved him, even though he was the cause of her status as an outcast among humans. She had told him once before that he reminded her of the best of his father. "Yes. My mother sang that song to me when she was trying to get me to sleep, or when I was sick."
Kagome shifted slightly, and looked up at Inuyasha. Oh, it hurt her to see that wistful look on his face. He hadn't had enough time with his mother. She had died when he was so young, and Kagome knew that Inuyasha's former insistence that he didn't need anyone had come from that. Kagome remembered how Inuyasha had always seemed so surprised that her mother was so kind and generous to him, and treated him like a treasured member of her family, and how much he had appreciated it, and how he had grown to care for her mother.
"Will you teach it to me? I'd like to be able to sing it to our children, and it appears I need to get into practice." New tears started, as Kagome realized that neither of their mothers would ever see their child. Other than Kaede, their children would have no grandparents…and suddenly, Kagome missed her mother dreadfully.
Inuyasha had realized the same thing. He was fighting back tears of his own. He'd never really gotten over missing his mother, and he knew how close Kagome had been with her mother…and now neither mother would meet the grandchildren they would have treasured. He knew that if the thought was almost too much to bear for him, that Kagome was truly overcome. She always felt the pain of others, he thought, especially his. He leaned forward and kissed her gently, and whispered, "Of course I will. The thought of you singing the same lullaby to our child – oh, Kagome," He had to bury his face in her hair. Together, they shed tears for their mothers, and for their child, who would not know either loving grandmother. They reached for each other, to give comfort in the most intimate of ways. Gently, tenderly, they shared love for each other, and held each other close.
After Kagome had fallen asleep, Inuyasha had slipped out to go sit in the old sacred tree, just to have time to himself to collect the thoughts that had been flying through his mind since Kagome had told him that she was carrying his child. He knew that she would be a loving mother, she already was a loving mother to Shippo, and had been nearly since they had met the orphaned kitsune. However, he was unsure of his ability to be a good father. Hell, he'd never known his old man; the great dog demon had died the day Inuyasha was born. He'd only seen his spirit once, and as much as he'd insisted that he had nothing more to say, he felt torn by grief for a father he'd never known, and anger that his father had not managed to stay alive long enough to raise Inuyasha as he had Sesshomaru. He knew that the anger was irrational, but it was still there. How could he be a good father, when he'd never had one in the first place? The thought that he would be responsible for raising a child scared him far more than any adversary he'd battled. Inuyasha fervently hoped that he'd be able to learn quickly, and decided it was time to make his way back home before Kagome awoke and wondered what had happened to him.
The days passed, and life was ever changing for Inuyasha and Kagome. Soon, the constant nausea began to pass, and Kagome began to feel better than she had before. Her belly became slightly rounded as the baby grew within her, and Inuyasha saw the glow she had about her long before anyone else did. Well, almost anyone else.
Not long after the news had begun to make its way around the village, Sesshomaru arrived for a visit with Rin. On that particular day, Kagome was at Kaede's as well, having come to ensure that all was well with her and her unborn child. She and Rin had been chatting, enjoying one another's company, when Sesshomaru's shadow fell over them. Before Rin or Kagome could utter a single word, Sesshomaru had riveted Kagome with an intent gaze.
"Little sister, there is something different about you. Your scent has changed. Your aura has changed as well." His cool tone betrayed nothing, but Kagome could read the questioning look in his eyes.
Kagome's eyes widened in surprise; she hadn't realized Sesshomaru had ever noticed her scent, but then, he and Inuyasha were brothers, so why would she think he hadn't? Just as she was trying to come up with a response, Inuyasha had arrived to walk home with her after taking the opportunity to patrol the village for threats. Great, she thought, now there's going to be a fight, because Inuyasha won't be able to resist snarling a threat once Sesshomaru hears about the baby, and who knows how Sesshomaru's going to react, after all, he's hated Inuyasha for being a half-demon his whole life, he's not going to be happy about this child.
In that split second, Kagome decided she didn't really care what Sesshomaru thought, this was her child, and she wasn't going to let him start intimidating her now. "I suppose I do smell different these days. We're expecting a baby, Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru studied her for a moment, and Kagome held her breath, waiting for either him or Inuyasha to start saying something. Rin, not concerned with the ongoing feud between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, and overjoyed that there would be another baby among her sisters, had piped up, "Isn't it wonderful, Lord Sesshomaru? I can't wait to meet the baby, and see if it's a boy or a girl, and if it looks like Inuyasha or Kagome!"
Immediately, Inuyasha growled out a threat. "Sesshomaru, if I hear one word out of you about my kids being half-breeds, I'll tear your left arm off again and beat you to death with it!" He had one hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga, and was attempting to shove Kagome behind him with the other, and was giving Sesshomaru a wrathful glare, while Kagome was fighting the urge to yell at him to sit, gritting her teeth the whole time.
Sesshomaru gave what could only be called the barest upturn of his mouth. In his usual imperial tone, he said, "Little brother, I would expect nothing less from a man defending his children. No need to come after me, I have no insult to give." He crossed the small room to where Kagome stood after Inuyasha had moved to put himself in between Sesshomaru and Kagome, and stood before her. Lightly putting a hand on her shoulder, as Inuyasha growled, Sesshomaru made Kagome a promise.
"Little sister, your children will be under my protection as well. It will be interesting to meet your daughter. Let us all hope for her sake that she has your spirit, and little of her father's stubborn nature."
Kagome stared at Sesshomaru in utter shock. The surprise of his words, and the warmth of Kaede's home started to overwhelm her, and she felt her legs start to give out from under her, and everyone suddenly seemed very far away as she started to drop to the floor in a faint.
When she revived, she was surprised to find that both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were doing what could only be called hovering. Sesshomaru, hovering? What was he doing? "Kagome! Are you all right? I told you that you've been overdoing it lately!" Inuyasha pulled her into a sitting position, and pulled her close, and felt his heart start to beat again.
She took Inuyasha's hand in her own, and patted it reassuringly. "It's okay, Inuyasha, Kaede told me that this might happen once in a while, it's one of those things that come with carrying a child." Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru questioningly. "Sesshomaru, what's going on?"
Sesshomaru regarded her coolly, privately glad that apparently all was well, and feeling a little foolish for the apparent overreaction on his part when he had moved faster than the humans could blink to catch her. "You fainted. I caught you before you hit the floor. It seems that you are well after your apparent misadventure, little sister. Little brother, take care of her." With that, Sesshomaru told Rin to come for a walk, and left.
"What? Sesshomaru caught me? What on earth happened, Inuyasha?" Kagome wasn't quite sure what had just happened, and wanted some answers. Especially since Sesshomaru had done something so unusual! Even more oddly, she realized that she wasn't surprised that Sesshomaru wasn't being insulting. She wasn't even surprised that Sesshomaru had declared that her children would be under his protection. And what did he mean, daughter? How on earth could Sesshomaru know if the baby was a boy or a girl? Her head was spinning, wondering what was going on.
Inuyasha was scowling. Damn it, he should have caught Kagome, but Sesshomaru, moved so much faster than he did! Damn him! "Yeah, Sesshomaru caught you. I don't know what the hell got into him, he didn't make any insults about how our kids would be half-breeds or anything…you didn't hit him with an arrow, did you?" He still couldn't believe what he'd seen. Sesshomaru, show concern for a human, how was that possible?
Kagome began struggling to get to her feet. Immediately, Inuyasha started to protest. "Kagome! Stop trying to get up just yet! Will you stop being so stubborn and just rest for a few minutes, and then I'm taking you home!"
Kagome was really beginning to get annoyed. "Inuyasha let me up! I need to stand up, and I can walk just fine!" She was getting ready to tell him to sit if he didn't let her get up.
Kaede was stifling laughter. She had been surprised at Sesshomaru's reaction, to be sure, but it seemed to her that Rin's affection for Kagome, and her excitement over the child Kagome was carrying was infectious, even to the Inu Daiyokai. It would be interesting, she thought, to watch how things continued to play out between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, now that Kagome was involved. And how typical of Inuyasha, to be overly protective of Kagome! Kaede just hoped that Kagome would wait until they were outside her home to give the command for Inuyasha to sit. Intervening, she told him, "Inuyasha, Kagome will be fine. Let her stand up; give her some room to breathe. The walk home will be good for her and the child."
They took their leave of Kaede, and began the short walk home. The days were gradually getting longer, but even this early, it was getting dark. Inuyasha was lost in thought, worrying about Kagome, not really believing Kaede that the walk in the fresh air would do her good, but he knew better than to argue with Kaede and Kagome at the same time. One would simply give him that impassive stare she used to intimidate the children of the village when they got out of hand, and the other would yell at him to sit. He was startled out of his reverie when Kagome grabbed his hand, and started to lead him to the old sacred tree. "Inuyasha, come with me, I want to walk to the goshinboku."
He allowed himself to be pulled along, willing to humor her as long as she didn't faint again. If she did that he was going to drag her home, no matter how many times she yelled at him to sit.
They reached the old tree, where they had first met. Kagome had awakened him from the spell that Kikiyo had placed on him fifty years prior, and removed the arrow that had sealed him to that tree. He winced a little bit, remembering that he had come after her with claws to try to get the Shikon jewel that had been embedded in Kagome's body when she had come through the well the first time. Still, even after all that, and all the hurt he had put her through with Kikiyo, Kagome had loved him. And it hadn't taken him long to swear to protect her, and to love her deeply. It was still hard to believe that this life he had now, this life with Kagome, was real. Not only was she here with him, she was spending her life with him, and was going to bear his child…sometimes it seemed like a dream, and he was terrified that he would wake up and she would be gone.
Kagome looked up at the tree, her turn to be lost in thought. She remembered well how she had come out of the well, and seen Inuyasha pinned to the tree, looking as though he were asleep. She remembered gently touching his soft ears, and thinking that he was so handsome. She smiled, and placed a hand on her belly, where their child lay inside her. Who could have known that the sleeping half-demon and the girl from the future would end up married, and having a child? Sometimes, she could hardly believe this was real and that Inuyasha was hers now…sometimes, she would wake up at night, and reach out and touch his hair to assure herself that this was real, and not just a dream.
"Hey, it seems like you've grown in the last few days," said Inuyasha, coming up from behind to wrap his arms around Kagome and place his hand over hers where it rested. He was fascinated by the changes that were going on with Kagome as their child grew within her.
Kagome smiled and leaned back against Inuyasha. "I know. I had to loosen the obi on my miko's robes. Before long, I'll have to wear kimono, because I won't have enough obi left to tie."
"Not like I mind. You're beautiful whether you're wearing miko's robes, or kimono, or even those damn skimpy skirts you used to wear." Inuyasha leaned in to bury his face in her hair and breathe in her scent. He had to admit that Sesshomaru was right; she was definitely carrying a girl. He could smell the other feminine scent mixed with Kagome's, and her aura had been joined by another that was definitely female. He smiled, thinking that he would be surrounded by beautiful women if this baby looked like Kagome.
Kagome turned to face Inuyasha, putting her hand over his to keep it over their child. "What did Sesshomaru mean when he said 'your daughter'? How on earth could he tell this baby is a girl? We won't know until he or she is born."
Inuyasha, surprisingly, didn't immediately start growling at the mention of his half-brother's name. In fact, he started to laugh. "Kagome, we can smell her. There's another feminine scent and aura with yours. This baby is a girl, I'm telling you."
"So, we need to find a girl's name for our baby?" Kagome smiled, relieved that she was finally getting some answers, and that Inuyasha wasn't snarling. And to be honest, she had been thinking the baby was a girl as well. There was something she could feel about this baby that made her sure that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were right.
"Looks like it. Unless you want to give her a boy's name for some odd reason, but I think she'd be better off with a girl's name," he joked.
"Inuyasha….I, well, I was thinking…" Kagome had a thought as to what she wanted to name the baby, but she knew she had to approach the subject gently.
Inuyasha watched Kagome's emotions race across her face, as they always did. What was she thinking? He knew it had to do with the baby. Their daughter, he reminded himself. "Yeah? If you keep thinking that hard, you're gonna give yourself a headache," his half-smile taking any sting out of his words.
"Well, since we're having a girl, would you maybe want to name her after your mother?" Kagome kept her hand firmly over his, not wanting to let go, hoping that her touch would convey that she wished to honor his mother's memory, and recognize his love for her.
Inuyasha went still. He was trying to wrap his mind around Kagome wanting to honor his mother that way, and he had a momentary pang of grief for her. He was moved by Kagome's love for him, knowing that she had suggested from her heart.
"You want to name our daughter after my mother? What about your mother, Kagome? Don't you want to honor your mother? I know you love her, and you miss her." He still wasn't sure what to think.
Kagome put her arms around Inuyasha, and laid her head on his chest. "Inuyasha, my mother is alive. She's living her life in the other world, and she still has my brother. If it's okay with you, I want to honor your mother. She loved you very much, and you loved her, too. During the new moon, when you're in human form, I can see what she must have looked like. Myoga said she was a beauty beyond compare, and that her gentle nature is what drew your father to her. I could only hope that our daughter is half as beautiful, and has a kind, loving nature. I would like to honor your mother and name our daughter Izayoi."
At that, Inuyasha moved his hand away from their child, and wrapped both arms around Kagome. He rested his cheek on top of her head, breathing in the scent of her and their child. "Our Izayoi, huh? If she looks like you, and has your nature, it'll fit her."
Under the tree where they had first met, the hanyo and the miko from the future held each other close. They gave each other support through their loving embrace, remembering the past, and feeling the gentle swell of the future between them. Izayoi, thought Inuyasha. Just like Mother. Kagome will be a kind and loving mother, too. I just hope I can be a good father to our Izayoi. Izayoi, I will always protect you. And I will always love you. He tilted Kagome's head up for a soft kiss. "Come on, let's go home."
It wasn't long after their decision to name the baby Izayoi that Kagome could feel soft flutters deep in her womb one afternoon. She smiled to herself, realizing that their daughter was making her presence known. "Hi, sweet baby…can you hear me already? I can't wait to meet you face to face." She felt movement in response, and kept talking. "I see you can hear me! Does this mean that you can hear Daddy as well? We may have to test that when he comes home today. Did you know that he loves you so much, and he hasn't even met you yet? We're going to name you after his mother. She was loving, and gentle, and so beautiful, and Daddy misses her so much…" She trailed off, not sure what to say. Just then, Inuyasha came home. He kissed Kagome, and asked her, "Who were you talking to just now?"
"You promise you won't laugh?" Kagome suddenly felt a little shy, thinking that Inuyasha might think she was being silly.
"Uh, no? Who were you talking to?" Now he was curious, and hoping that they hadn't had a surprise visit from someone that she just wasn't telling him about.
"I was talking to the baby. I can feel her moving around now, and it seemed natural to talk to her." She felt the baby flutter inside her again, and laid a hand over her child.
Inuyasha put a hand next to Kagome's. "You can feel her moving around in there?" Not feeling anything, he looked perplexed.
Kagome smiled, and gave a little laugh. "You can't feel her yet, Inuyasha; she's not quite big enough for you to feel her. But yes, I can feel her moving around in there."
"Why would you think I'd laugh at you for talking to her? You can feel her, you're her mother. You want her to know your voice, and you're letting her know that you can feel her. "Inuyasha felt a little pang of envy that as their child's mother, Kagome could already feel her presence.
"You know, you may not be able to feel her moving, but you can still talk to her. She's your baby, too, Inuyasha. Talk to her, and let her know that her father is here."
Inuyasha looked slightly confused. "You mean, just talk to her like you were doing? You think she can hear me?"
Kagome smiled, and gave him a sweet kiss. "Yes, I do. I'm sure she can hear you."
Inuyasha got down on his knees in front of her, and placed his hands on either side of her gently rounded belly. "Hey you….I'm your father. I don't know if you can hear me or not, but your mother assures me you can." Feeling a little silly, he looked up at Kagome. She stroked his hair, and gave him encouragement to keep talking.
"So, you know, we're gonna name you after my mother. Your mother is a lot like my mother was; she's gentle and sweet, and beautiful. She already loves you more than anything. She can't wait to meet you when you arrive. And you know, neither can I. I don't know what kind of father I'll be for you, but I'll do my best to be the kind of father you need and deserve." After placing a gentle kiss on Kagome's belly through her clothes, he stood up.
Kagome's eyes were full of tears. "What? Why are you crying? I didn't do something wrong, did I? Is the baby okay?" Inuyasha immediately switched from feeling a little silly to full on panic.
Kagome gave him a look of pure love. "The baby is fine, and no, you didn't do anything wrong. Oh, Inuyasha, you'll be a great father….and the baby was moving the whole time you talked to her." She wiped away her tears of happiness and treasured the look of amazement that was on Inuyasha's face at hearing that his daughter had responded to his voice.
"She- she was?" Pride and surprise that their daughter had been responding to him made his voice falter a little bit.
"She was. She knows you already." Her simple reply left Inuyasha feeling a little weak-kneed. His child knew him already, and Kagome had faith that he would be a good father to this and any other children they would have.
As it is wont to do, time moved faster than either Inuyasha or Kagome could have imagined it would. Soon, it became obvious that Kagome was with child. She had to put away her miko's robes and wear kimono to accommodate her expanding waistline. Not much longer after that, one night when they were drifting off to sleep, Kagome realized that she could feel the baby from the outside now.
"Inuyasha!" She insistently urged him awake.
Instantly, he was no longer drifting off to sleep, enjoying the afterglow of the lovemaking they had indulged in that night. "What is it, Kagome? Is it the baby?" He was fighting panic, hoping that nothing was wrong.
She grabbed his hand and placed it on her belly. Just as he was about to protest, he could feel it…that little movement, right there where she had put his hand, where their baby lay within her. He just stared at her belly, where his hand was. "Is-"he swallowed, throat suddenly dry, "is that the baby?"
Kagome just beamed. "Yes! Can you feel her moving around?"
They lay together, able to feel the stirrings of the coming life within her. "I can feel her. She's strong, isn't she?" Pride began to spread across Inuyasha's face.
"She is, just like her father." Kagome laid her hand on his cheek, "She's restless like you are."
Inuyasha laughed. "You're gonna have a hard time keeping up with her, then. You're definitely gonna need my help with that. And I'm not the only strong one here; you've proven yourself time and time again."
Kagome blushed, "Inuyasha, I did what had to be done. I wanted to protect you, and Sango, Miroku, and Shippo when we were all in battle together. You came looking for me to save me more than once."
Inuyasha pushed himself up on one elbow. Taking her into his arms he kissed her, and then told her, "You saved me, Kagome. You saved me from giving into the demon more than once. You saved me from Sounga. You saved me in countless battles, and then you gave me your heart, and your life, and saved me from a life without you. What would I do without you, Kagome?"
"Oh, Inuyasha…."Kagome was overcome with his heartfelt words. In the darkness, they lay together, drifting off to sleep, each with a protective hand over their child.
Soon, the days grew longer and longer, and began to get warmer. Much of the time when Shippo or Rin were around, Kagome found herself with hands on her belly, and childishly sweet conversation directed at the baby. Shippo told Kagome that he, too, could sense that she was carrying his little sister, and that he would make sure that he did his job as her big brother very well. Rin chattered away, excited that Sesshomaru had told her that this baby was definitely a girl. She enjoyed playing games with Sango's twin girls, who adored Rin as much as she did them, and she was looking forward to meeting Kagome's baby. Sango and Miroku's twins giggled that their Kagome-oba was moving a little slower these days and couldn't keep up with them as much as their Inuyasha-oji, but they were not happy when she couldn't pick them up any longer or there was no more room in her lap for them. Poor little Akira wasn't happy that there was no room in Kagome's lap for him anymore, either.
Miroku and Sango were both happy that their friends were excited over their coming baby. When Kagome had told them what Sesshomaru and Inuyasha had both said about the baby being a girl, Miroku had cracked to Inuyasha that a man was blessed with daughters when he had lecherous thoughts about their mother. Inuyasha snorted in disbelief, and replied, "Is that why you have two girls, then? I remember Sango always beating the daylights out of you for stroking her butt, pervert. You'll end up with only one boy, what with your activities before you married Sango." Both Sango and Kagome had ended up in tears from laughing at that exchange. As for Sango, she was amazed at just how protective Inuyasha was of Kagome and the baby. More than once, she'd had to remind him that she was a mother herself, and she knew Kagome's limits even if Kagome didn't, and that she would make sure Kagome didn't overdo it when they did their laundry together or went out gathering herbs. For his own peace of mind, Miroku also assured Inuyasha that the closer it came time for the baby to arrive, the closer they would stay to the village until after the baby had come.
One summer night, Inuyasha and Kagome had drifted off to sleep, and Kagome was dreaming about a stream. She was in a boat, and she could see the falls quickly approaching, and she knew Inuyasha couldn't save her. But, she saw a baby wrapped in a blanket, and instinctively knew that she had to save the baby, it was her baby. She jumped out of the boat, and was frantically trying to push the boat to shore, fighting the current and some sea demon that wrapped itself around her and kept squeezing tightly, when she woke up with a start. When the next pain hit, she knew why she had woken up. Kagome stood up, secure in the knowledge that first babies take a long time to arrive, and went outside to walk around the house, trying not to disturb Inuyasha. She knew when she told him she was in labor that he would immediately be awake and antsy until the baby arrived. She felt pulled to walk to the old sacred tree where she and Inuyasha had met, and was about halfway there when another pain hit her, much more intense than the first. What was this? It was less than a five minute walk, even at her slow pace these days, to get to the tree! How long had she been in labor while she was sleeping, she wondered. She gave the old tree a pat, and said, "When this one arrives, we will bring her to meet you. We'll be back with her soon, at the rate things are going," and turned to walk back home.
When she got inside, another pain hit. This one was bad enough that she gave an involuntary groan. That woke Inuyasha up instantly. "Kagome, what's wrong? And where have you been? What are you doing going out walking this close to the baby coming?" He jumped up, ready for anything, and put an arm around her waist.
Kagome let him help lower her to their sleeping mats. "Inuyasha, you need to go get Sango and Kaede and Rin. The baby's coming tonight." She began to pant as another pain hit her. "And I think she's coming soon, you don't have much time to waste."
Inuyasha was immediately panicking. "Now? Tonight? I'll be right back with Kaede and the others. Don't you move until I get back, do you hear me?" He quickly tied his obi, having thrown on his clothes as fast as possible.
As another pain came over her, Kagome was in no mood for Inuyasha to order her around. "You just hurry up and get them before you have to deliver the baby yourself, Inuyasha!"
He went to Miroku and Sango's first, because he knew Sango could move faster than the old miko. Sure enough, Sango had immediately thrown on her kimono and tied her obi, and told Miroku that he should get the children together and meet her over at Kagome's, so someone could keep Inuyasha out of the way. As she tied her obi, she asked Inuyasha, "She's already having pains that close together? You better go get Kaede now, Kagome's going to be ready to deliver the baby really soon, Inuyasha." Without another word, Inuyasha took off running for Kaede's home.
"Kaede! KAEDE! Kagome's in labor and Sango says that we better hurry with as close together as her pains are," Inuyasha bellowed as soon as he hit the door of Kaede's home. Both Kaede and Rin were instantly awake. Kaede had known that Kagome would be ready to give birth to her child very soon, but she had no idea that Kagome's labor would go so fast. First time mothers rarely progressed so quickly in her experience.
When Inuyasha arrived back at their home with Kaede and Rin, the women immediately closed in around Kagome and shooed him out of the house over his vehement protests. Damn it, his place was with Kagome, protecting her! Kaede and Sango had pointed out that there was nothing he could do for her at this point, and it was time to let the women handle what was going on. Miroku restrained him, and told him that the women could handle the birthing, and he needed someone to help him with his own children while Kagome brought theirs into the world. Inuyasha growled and paced, able to hear everything that was going on in their house with his sensitive hearing. Every time he heard Kagome groan in pain, he panicked a little more. Miroku tried to reassure him that all would be well. "Remember when Sango was giving birth to the twins? You had to stop me from barging in more than once, Inuyasha. All was well then, despite the awful cries we heard from Sango. I know that you would rather feel the pain for her, but it's a natural part of having children, and Kagome must simply bear through it. She will be fine." That did nothing to soothe Inuyasha's frayed nerves. He fidgeted continually, knowing that this wasn't a battle that he could win with Tetsusaiga, although he longed to take it on for Kagome.
The night wore on, and dawn was beginning to break. As the first rays of sun came up, they heard a heart-rending cry from the small home.
"INUYASHA!"
That was it. He could stand it no longer. "No, Inuyasha, wait!" Miroku put a hand on Inuyasha's arm, intending to restrain him, knowing that Kaede and Sango would not appreciate the intrusion into what women considered a private event. Inuyasha threw off Miroku's hand, and snarled, "Don't try to stop me, monk! I can't leave her like that!"
He burst into the house, Kaede, Sango and Rin gasping in shock, and saw no one but Kagome. She was covered in a layer of sweat, and her eyes were closed against the pain, and she was so pale. He was terrified that she was dying. Just then, Kagome opened her eyes, and saw him.
"Inuyasha! Ye aren't supposed to be in here," Kaede began, but stopped when she saw the look in his eyes.
He dropped to his knees beside Kagome. "Kagome, what's wrong? Are you all right? Tell me what's wrong!"
Incredibly, she gave him a tired smile. "Inuyasha, the baby is almost here-"just then, another pain gripped her body, and she lunged forward, bearing down instinctively. Inuyasha put his arms around her to support her, and she gripped his hands with hers. Where was her strength coming from, he wondered, how did she have that much left in her, when he knew she had been fighting to give birth all night? She leaned back against him for a moment, panting with exertion.
"Come on, Kagome, ye can do it! One more push, I can see the baby's head now," Kaede offered encouragingly.
"Come on Kagome! You can do it! Find your strength and push!" Sango cheered.
"Kagome, come on! I know you can do this, you're stronger than I am, you can do this!" Inuyasha just wanted it to be all over with; he couldn't stand to see her in pain.
Summoning up her strength, Kagome bore down once more. She knew she could do this, it was almost over. Gripping Inuyasha's hands as if he could give her some of his strength through his touch, she clenched her teeth and focused solely on delivering her baby.
She fell back against Inuyasha, panting again. Just then, they heard their child's first cry.
"It's a girl, Kagome! A beautiful girl, just like Lord Sesshomaru said!" Rin was overjoyed.
"Indeed, ye have a fine, healthy girl! And my, she has powerful lungs," Kaede chuckled as the baby made her displeasure at being forced into the world known.
"Kagome, she's beautiful! Just beautiful!" Sango dashed away happy tears, watching her sister's child draw her first breaths.
Kaede cut the cord that had connected the baby to her mother, wrapped her in a towel, and handed her to Kagome. Tears flowed unchecked down Kagome's face as she laid eyes on her daughter for the first time. "I've been waiting for you. I think I've been waiting for you my whole life, sweet baby."
Inuyasha could only gaze at his wife and daughter. He was overcome with love, and for someone he had only just met. Kagome had fought harder than in any battle, just to bring their child into the world, and her effort was rewarded by having their baby in her arms. Not caring that there were others present, he kissed her, his tears of joy mingling with hers. "Kagome, she's perfect. She looks like you. She's our Izayoi. You were right all along about what to name her."
Sango and Rin quietly left, in order to give the new family a few minutes of privacy. Kaede finished putting Kagome to rights, with the admonition to Inuyasha to come and get her if she was needed, and then she left as well. Inuyasha and Kagome didn't notice – they only had eyes for their child. They couldn't believe that this perfect little person was finally here.
Izayoi began to calm down, feeling her mother's arms around her, and hearing her heartbeat once again. Kagome and Inuyasha watched in wonder as she waved a small fist, and turned her head slightly when her father gently stroked her head. She was beautiful, with a full head of black hair, and Kagome's delicate features. Just when they were drinking in the sight of their daughter, she opened her eyes. Kagome gasped, "Inuyasha! Look! She has your eyes!" With stunning amber eyes, Izayoi regarded her mother, and then her father. She stirred, starting to fuss, leaving Inuyasha bewildered as to what she wanted, but Kagome seemed to instinctually know. Kagome put the baby to her breast, wincing a little as the hungry newborn latched on ferociously. She continued to lean against Inuyasha, grateful for his support, and happy that even though men were generally not allowed to be present for the births of their children in this time, Inuyasha had made his own rules and been there anyway.
While the baby nursed, Kagome began to hum the lullaby that Inuyasha had taught her. He could only hold her a little more tightly, overcome by the thought that his mother would have treasured her granddaughter, and would certainly have loved her unusual daughter-in-law. "It sounds natural, to hear you sing that to our Izayoi," he murmured, not trusting his voice not to break.
Kagome looked down at her contented child. "It feels natural to sing it to her, just as it feels natural to call her Izayoi. She's perfect, Inuyasha."
They didn't have much privacy for very long. Miroku and Sango came back to check on the new family, and to greet the new arrival. Miroku was privately amused at how much Inuyasha hovered over Kagome and Izayoi, and happy indeed that both mother and child were doing well after the arduous effort of childbirth. Sango held the new baby for a brief moment, before Inuyasha took her back rather possessively, causing Sango to bite back a smile. She had known Kagome would be a good mother, she'd seen Kagome mothering Shippo for quite some time. She was just glad that Inuyasha would be a good father, determined to learn from the example of others. Sayuri and little Kagome were enchanted by baby Izayoi, even if they weren't allowed to get too close by Inuyasha-oji.
Barely a week later, Kagome was up and around, determined to be able to get around as she had before. Inuyasha made a fuss, telling her that she wasn't ready to get up and do anything just yet, but Kagome told him she needed to stretch her legs and be in the fresh air. Over his protests, she dressed in a kimono, and wrapped up the baby in a light blanket. Just as she was getting ready to step outside, Izayoi in her arms, a shadow crossed their floor. It was Rin, and she had Sesshomaru in tow.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome was shocked to see her brother-in-law in her home. "When did you get here?"
"I arrived in the village this morning. I came to see Rin, and she told me that your child had arrived several days ago." His cool tone gave away nothing, while his eyes took in the sight of mother and child.
"What made you deign to come here? I didn't think you'd care all that much," Inuyasha said with a slight snarl. He was not happy that his half-brother was in their home, and he was really not happy that Kagome didn't seem to mind. What the hell was Rin thinking, bringing him here?
With a mother's proud smile, Kagome simply placed her baby in Sesshomaru's arms. She didn't say a word, didn't ask his permission, just handed him the baby, making sure that Sesshomaru supported little Izayoi's head properly. She ignored the protests Inuyasha was making very vehemently, knowing that Sesshomaru had sworn to protect her children and that he wouldn't go back on his word. Just like his half-brother, Sesshomaru was honorable, and he had meant it when he had made his vow.
Overcome with amazement that she had dared to simply hand over her infant, Sesshomaru made no move to refuse to take the baby, or to give her back to her mother immediately. He'd never been this close to such a small child before, and he studied her intently. Even he had to admit she was a lovely child, with her mother's black hair and delicate facial features. Rin chattered away about how beautiful Izayoi was, not thinking that Sesshomaru knew instantly when Rin had told him the baby's name exactly who she was named after. So, little sister, you named your child after Inuyasha's mother. You truly have a kind heart and a generous spirit; you know how much he loved her, he mused to himself. Just then, as he was preparing to hand the infant back to her mother, Izayoi opened her eyes. Sesshomaru's eyes widened in surprise as the baby focused her amber eyes on him. At that moment, both Kagome and Rin noticed the fleeting glance of astonishment mingled with pride as he took in the sight of his lovely new niece. Both exchanged a shocked look with each other, and then quickly rearranged their expressions so as to not allow Sesshomaru to know they had caught his. Sesshomaru looked into the baby's eyes for a moment, seeing the best of his half-brother and his sister-in-law reflected back at him.
Sesshomaru carefully gave the baby back to her mother. "Little sister, your daughter has your beauty." As Kagome was left in shock over that statement, Sesshomaru turned to Inuyasha, who was by now just as stunned as his wife, and simply said, imperiously as always, "Little brother, strive to be worthy of them." With that, he told Rin that he would wait for her to finish her visit under the old sacred tree, and quietly walked away.
Kagome, Inuyasha, and Rin just looked at one another, agog with pure bewilderment. Finally, Inuyasha broke the silence. "I'm not seeing things, am I? Did that just really happen?"
Kagome was oddly bereft of words. "I, well, I think so, did Sesshomaru really just compliment Izayoi?"
Only Rin recovered her powers of speech to form a complete sentence. Feeling slightly defensive, she said, "Of course Lord Sesshomaru complimented Izayoi! Why wouldn't he, she's such a beautiful baby!"
Inuyasha felt a little defensive himself. "Yeah, well, he sure delivered a slap to me, telling me to strive to be worthy of them, is he serious? He's got some nerve!"
Kagome frowned with an expression on her face that Inuyasha knew usually preceded the command to sit. "Hey, he knows you're worthy! He was just saying it to push your buttons, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha snorted. "No, he wasn't. There was a definite unspoken threat in there, like he'd come after me if I did something to hurt the two of you."
Kagome gave an annoyed sigh. "Izayoi and I are going for a short walk. Are you coming, or are you going to rant about your brother expecting you to protect us all day?"
"What the hell are you taking his side for? He doesn't think I'm worthy of you!" Inuyasha had no intention of letting them out of his sight, but he was going to get the last word in.
Kagome and Rin just looked at each other, trying not to laugh outright. "Come on, Inuyasha. I need some fresh air! I'm not taking anyone's side, and you know you're worthy of us. Let's go, Rin, I'll walk you to the sacred tree." Kagome snuggled Izayoi closer to her, and she and Rin began to set out.
Inuyasha waited until they were just outside, let out an annoyed "hmph", and caught up to them. He stopped Kagome, and insisted she let him carry the baby so he could hold little Izayoi close to him. He didn't see the contented smile cross Kagome's face as he began to talk to his daughter, telling her that they were going to see the old sacred tree where he and Kagome had first met.
Rin skipped ahead, and reached Sesshomaru, and led him away from the old tree to go take a walk in the forest named for Inuyasha. She knew that Kagome had wanted to bring her baby to the goshinboku and introduce them properly, and she knew that she and Sesshomaru should not be present, that this should be a private moment among the new family.
As they reached the old sacred tree, both Kagome and Inuyasha looked up at the place where he had been pinned by that arrow so long ago, and where Kagome had released him from the spell that had bound him in sleep for fifty years. Focusing on his daughter, Inuyasha softly said, "Izayoi, this is where your mother saved me. She released me from the spell that held me here, so I could learn the lessons only she could teach me. Your mother taught me how to smile, and how to trust people, and true strength and kindness. Without her saving me, you wouldn't be here."
Kagome's hand went to her heart. "Oh, Inuyasha…"
As he cradled his daughter close to his heart, he smiled. "It's true, Kagome. It's all true. Without you, I would have been lost for eternity. Because of you, I was found. Because of you and Izayoi, I am home." Using one hand, he pulled Kagome into an embrace, and the three of them stood under the ancient sacred tree, Inuyasha and Kagome holding on to each other and their daughter.
Kagome, thank you for saving me. I never imagined that I would have this kind of life, let alone with you.
Oh, Inuyasha….thank you for giving me this life. I can't imagine anything better than spending my life by your side.