Disclaimer: I own nothing of Inuyasha.

Kagome could barely process the words spoken by her mother before Inuyasha jumped into the room from the window, her grandfather on his back, both males were panting and frantically looking around the room. Pain rushed through her once again and Kagome threw back her head, a pained groan escaping her lips.

She barely registered her mother instructing Inuyasha to leave the room and for her grandfather to grab multiple supplies. She was trying to fight through the pain, and also wrap her mind around what her mother had told her only seconds ago. If her mother was serious and she was going to be delivering a baby that did give her some relief-she wasn't dying. Yet it filled her with so much fear that she was probably more scared now then she had been before.

Questions were whirling around her mind so quickly it almost made her physically ill. If she was pregnant, how far along was she? Would the baby be safe-was it healthy? Why hadn't she known she was pregnant-if she had she could have gotten prenatal care. She could have assured that the baby would live, that it would be healthy.

She just didn't understand how she could be pregnant, she only had sex once and that was ten months ago. She had her period every month since then, plus her stomach wasn't bulging as a pregnant woman's did, it was still flat and toned. "I-I can't be having a baby" she whispered, her voice shaky.

Though her words had been whispered, it was obvious that her mother had heard her when the elder female answered "It's true Kagome. You're going to have a baby-it is already crowning. You will need to focus and listen to what I tell you" Her mother's voice was soft yet stern. Kagome knew that she had to listen to her mother and that she would be in safe hands in this unexpected and frightening event.

Before she or her brother had been born her mother had been a midwife and had delivered many children in the safety of their homes. While that calmed her nerves in some aspects her heart continued to beat rapidly against her chest as her thoughts whirled-it was hard to focus on everything that was going on around her.

Feeling something touch her leg Kagome glanced over and noticed that her mother's hand rested on her leg. Her mother had a soft expression, a small smile coming to her lips "It's going to be okay Kagome, you will get through this and the baby will be fine. It will be fine". Kagome didn't know if her mother was trying to reassure her or herself that the baby would be fine so she nodded hoping that everything would be okay.

The tension and pain came forward once again and Kagome clenched her jaw and looked at her mother for some form of reassurance. Her mother smiled weakly "I know it's hard honey but just hang in there. This baby will be here soon" she stated, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

Kagome barely registered the door to her room re-open and her grandfather return to the room with multiple supplies in his hold. Her mother glanced towards the elder man "Are you ready?" she questioned. The elder male's expression became serious and he nodded and approached the two females. Kagome grunted and looked at her mother anxiously, the elder female offered another smile and inhaled deeply. "Let's get started"

Kagome felt as though she was dreaming, everything happened so quickly, and it was all too much for her. The pain, the anxiety, the concern. These emotions were so strong and so overwhelming she thought she would go crazy from it. It all came crashing down, and reality took hold, when her mother placed her baby on her stomach.

Her arms instinctively cuddled the baby, holding it close to her body. Her mother encouraged this, saying it would help in the process of the placenta and membranes to pass through her body. Looking down at the small being in her hold, it felt surreal to her. That she had been carrying this small being without even knowing it.

The baby was tiny, it was to be expected but did cause some worry to come forward. It's skin was wrinkled-making her think that the baby looked more like her grandfather then it did a newborn baby. Even though it was lightly covered in blood she couldn't help but think of how adorable it was. Kagome was pulled from her observations as her mother told her the placenta had been delivered. Her mother then clamped the umbilical cord and cut it.

Once that was done her mother turned towards her and gently urged her to hand her child over, that she needed to clean and examine the newborn. Kagome reluctantly handed over her child, already missing it's feel after handing it over.

Her mother explained everything as she did it, the baby was placed on a soft blanket where Kagome could get a clear view of everything that was going on. Her mother first began to clean the baby, she seemed to be vigorously rubbing the baby, saying it was important to keep it warm since newborn babies do not have good temperature control.

She then went on to examine the baby, explaining all of the things she was looking at while examining. She said it was the apgar score-making sure the newborn was functioning normally and was healthy. After moments of anticipation and her mother going through various things the baby was finally diapered-with a temporary cloth diaper- and swaddled and then handed back towards Kagome. "Congratulations dear, you have a healthy baby girl" Mrs. Higurashi stated as she placed the small bundle in her daughter's hold.

Mrs. Higurashi smiled softly and shook her head. The baby was healthy, which was good, because it would not be able to be taken into the hospital with it's less then human appendages. Sighing she looked towards her father "Could you go to the store and get some supplies?" she questioned, seeing the male nod a small smile came to her lips. "Great I will write a list, please go wait downstairs while I make a list here"

Glancing towards her daughter, Mrs. Higurashi shook her head, she felt completely drained-both physically and emotionally. So many things could have gone wrong, she was glad they hadn't but it still took it's toll. She did have some questions for her daughter, but those questions could wait. "Kagome dear, I will leave you two to bond while I clean up and write a list for your grandfather" she stated softly. Seeing her daughter's nod she shook her head and went to work.

Kagome's attention was solely on the small bundle in her hold. While cleaner, the wrinkles in her daughter's skin still remained. However, Kagome noticed many other things on the small being that she had not noticed before. Her hair was thick and a dark silver, almost gray, in color. She was not as shocked as she should have been when she noticed the small and slightly folded canine ears that rested on top of her daughter's head. It didn't surprise her, as she had no doubt who the child's father was. Gently running her finger over the small appendages, she smiled softly as they twitched under her touch.

The child, though as painful as it was to notice, had so many features from her father. It was a strong reminder of what had happened those ten months ago, more so then her nightmares ever where. She felt a sense of loss fill her. What would she do now? Could she return to the feudal era with the child in her hold? Would it be safe for either? Today alone proved that no matter how much she wished it not to be-she could and most likely would run into Sesshoumaru while in that time period.

What would happen if she did bring the child back with her and ran into Sesshoumaru? Would he attempt to kill the bundle she now held. Her stomach lurched at the thought. It was possible. Everyone knew of Sesshoumaru's dislike of hanyou's-his hate for his own kin was obvious to anyone. She felt tears prick at her eyes, would the child she held be hated? Hated by her own father for just being born?

Kagome shook her head. No, She wouldn't allow it. Such an innocent being didn't deserve to be hated, not by her and not by anyone else. She would make sure that was never the case. Kagome stiffened as she heard a knock come to the door, remembering that Sesshoumaru was not here and that her daughter was in no harm, she relaxed slightly.

"Come in" she stated softly, while looking forward-curious to see who was at the door. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise as Inuyasha slowly and quietly entered into the room. She had completely forgotten that Inuyasha had been in her home, she remembered her bringing him back but thought that he would have returned to the past by now. What surprised her more than his presence however-was his quiet and subdued behavior.

Her hanyou companion closed the door after entering and slowly approached her, his cautious gaze rested solely on the small bundle in her hold. "So it's true, you really popped a pup out?"

Kagome mentally rolled her eyes at her companions rough way of talking. Following his gaze down to her daughter she nodded slowly. "Nn" she replied softly "It's still surprising, having a child was not on my 'to do' list today." she stated looking away from her child and back towards her companion.

Inuyasha nodded and slowly moved closer to her until he was finally at her side. It was amusing and some what strange to see the usually brash hanyou being so cautious and displaying such bizarre behavior. Though she supposed it was to expected. Watching as the hanyou studied the newborn, Kagome chuckled softly. "Would you like to hold her?" she questioned.

Inuyasha jumped at her question, his posture stiffened and he glanced down at the newborn once more. He fidgeted slightly in place for a few moments before finally responding "I-I guess" he replied hesitantly.

Kagome smiled and motioned towards the other side of her room with her head. "Go and get that chair, move it over here" She instructed. Watching as Inuyasha nodded and brought the chair where she had instructed him too. Once he was seated in the chair he looked at her cautiously. "Now what?" he questioned.

A small smirk came to her lips and Kagome gently handed her daughter over to her friend-instructing him on how to properly hold the newborn. She couldn't help but see his actions amusing, he was so stiff and awkward. Treating the small bundle like glass, as amusing as it was, Kagome couldn't help but feel glad that the hanyou wasn't being his usual rough self. Though it was taking some time to get use to.

Settling back into her bed Kagome watched the interaction between her companion and daughter carefully, exhaling deeply she felt the exhaustion of the days events begin to take their hold. There were still a lot of worries lurking at the edge of her mind but she tried to fight them back, she knew today was only the beginning but that the best thing to do would be to take things one at a time.

"Kagome"

Blinking, Kagome pushed back her thoughts and looked towards Inuyasha. "Yes?" she questioned.

Inuyasha met her gaze and then looked down towards the infant in his hold and then back towards her. His brow furrowed he asked the one question she had hoped he wouldn't ask. "Who's pup is this?"

Kagome instantly turned her gaze downward, towards her fingers that tightly clutched the blanket that covered her. Her throat felt dry and she swallowed, feeling a lump develop in her throat. She knew Inuyasha and others would eventually ask this question-it was obvious that the child was not human, that the father of the child was a demon. Her chest felt painful and her eyes stung with what she knew was tears waiting to shed. She had to tell Inuyasha, she knew, but she didn't want him to feel betrayed and she didn't want him to hate the small being he held.

Feeling the hanyous intense gaze upon her person, Kagome inhaled deeply and answered the question with a shaky voice "S-Sesshoumaru" she whispered softly.

"Here"

Her eyes widened in surprise as she Inuyasha held her daughter to her, urging her to take the infant. Taking the infant from her friend, she watched him carefully-waiting to see what his next move would be. Inuyasha quickly turned away from her, his back towards her, and made his way to the door "I'll be back" he stated quietly before quickly leaving the room.

Kagome blinked in surprise. That was not what she had expected, she had expected him to cuss, to yell, to get mad-show his anger he hardly bothered to contain. She wouldn't have blamed him if he had, but for some reason his reaction to her confession felt like a knife had been stabbed through her heart. It worried her-did he hate her now? More importantly, would he hold a grudge against the infant she held?

Kagome stiffened in surprise as the door to her room opened this time to reveal her mother. Closing the door behind her Mrs. Higurashi entered the room and sat where Inuyasha had previously been sitting. "How are you feeling?" The elder female questioned, as she observed her daughter carefully.

Kagome smiled softly "Okay, I guess. Just a little tired and overwhelmed-it's all still so shocking" she replied as she glanced down at her daughter.

The elder female laughed softly, a small smile on her lips as she replied. "I bet-it would be shocking to anyone. Thankfully you got off lucky." she stated, shaking her head softly. "What was wrong with Inuyasha? He seemed upset as he left"

Kagome frowned at her mother's question. So he was upset, it was to be expected, but his departure made her worry. Glancing down at her daughter, a small bitter smile came to her lips. "I told him who her father was" she answered softly.

Her mother nodded in understanding. "Ah, that is something I would like to know too" She stated, shaking her head a small smile came to the elder females lips. "Before that-Have you thought of a name for her yet?" she questioned.

Kagome frowned and glanced down at her daughter, she had never thought of baby names before-her mind had been focused on completing her quest in the feudal era that she had no time or mind to think of baby names or even having a baby for that matter. Her eyes widened as a name came to mind "Kaiya" she whispered.

"It's a beautiful name" her mother stated. Kagome heard the chair move and knew that her mother had rose from the chair. "I'll leave you two to bond again, I believe I still have some of your and your brother's baby supplies. I will go look for those now, while your grandfather get's the other supplies needed. Call for me if you need anything" she stated, kissing her daughter on the forehead the elder female left the room.

Once the door shut, Kagome snuggled her daughter closer to her. She smiled as the infant began to make soft cooing noises. I wonder what will come next She thought as she closely observed her daughter.

A/N: Yeah, I have decided to change "Ciel" to "Kaiya". Kaiya means forgiveness, which I think plays well into this story. That and when I was writing this story the first time around I kept thinking that Ciel, although I loved the name, felt out of place in the story or amongst the characters. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, thank you to those who reviewed! Reviews are greatly appreciated :)