(A/N: Sorry it took longer and I wasn't able to hold true to my promise of two chapters. I got sick but I'll try harder to update sooner. Thanks for the support...)
CHAPTER 13: Calm Before the Storm
Three months have passed by pleasantly after the incident with Kikyou. To everyone's relief, especially Sesshoumaru and Kagome, the months passed by without any threats. The change in Kagome was obvious. Her pains were very infrequent and she no longer tire easily. The healthy glow of her skin and her happy disposition lifted evrybody's spirits. Kaede visits at least once a week. The old miko was happy with the pregnancy.
Kouga came to visit Kagome at least once a month. Although he and InuYasha always bickered, Kagome knew they got along well. Sesshoumaru was irritated with the wolf's presence since the ookami often joke around Kagome going away with him. However, the demon lord tolerated him because he knew that Kagome needed all her friends especially since she couldn't visit with her family in her condition. He was just relieved that Kagome is now back to her old self and is no longer experiencing intense pain.
For the first few days after Kagome and Kikyou's face-off, InuYasha remained withdrawn from everyone except Kagome. He was sad that Kikyou was gone but knew that Kagome needed her soul back. He also understood that the undead Kikyou was no longer the Kikyou he had love. Despite this, he knew Kagome needed his support in her pregnancy and did his best to be there for her. After a few days of solitude, he had come to accept the fact that he and Kikyou were not meant to each other. InuYasha had thanked Kagome for freeing Kikyou of her hatred.
It also became obvious that Sesshoumaru is spending most of his time with Kagome. He would sit with her and walk with her regularly. And it was evident that it made Kagome happy. Her smile was always brilliant and her cheeks glowed a healthy pink. Her eyes twinkled everytime. Despite her bulging stomach, she remained beautiful and carefree.
It was on one of the rare occassions when Sesshoumaru allowed his advisers to coerce him to attend to the visiting lord of the south, his closest ally, when their peaceful reprieve was broken. It was a beautiful clear day and Sesshoumaru walked to his library to greet Lord Shitare, the ruling taiyoukai of the south. He is a regal white tiger youkai with an easy smile and shrewd eyes.
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" the tiger boomed good-naturedly as the inu youkai strode into the room. "So good of you to take time to see me."
Despite his annoyance at being away from his mate at a time when the ookami youkai was visiting, he was also glad that his ally had come. He knew why he came and it was furtunate that the taiyoukai that was sent was his closest ally.
"Lord Shitare," Sesshoumaru acknowledged with a nod and a motion for them to sit.
The tiger youkai grinned. "We have heard of your mating and that you are expecting a pup," the tiger said.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. "Lord Kigami," he said referring to the ruling taiyoukai of the north. He then relaxed and looked intently to the lord opposite him. "Why did you wait so long?" he asked indifferently but was also curious as to why the three lords have waited long before confronting him.
"We wouldn't want to interrupt your honeymoon as Lord Kigami put it," the tiger answered with amusement. "How odd that you would mate a human and a miko at that. We would like to meet her."
The inu youkai shrugged. "Soon," he said noncommitally.
In response, Lord Shitare narrowed his eyes and growled lowly. "Do not be stubborn, Sesshoumaru," he reprimanded. "It will not do you good if you anger Lord Onoshi. If it weren't for Lord Kigami and I he would have demanded sooner."
Lord Sesshoumaru looked coldly at the other youkai. "My mate's pregnancy is delicate," he said coldly. "I do not want anything to happen to her or our pup."
"Delicate?" the tiger inquired with a raised eyebrow.
Sesshoumaru sighed mentally. He was not used to explaining his actions to anyone but for the sake of his mate and his pup, he will. "Lady Kagome is pregnant with a full demon pup. The pup reacts to her feelings and harms her body when she is upset."
The tiger youkai was stunned. "A full demon pup?" he asked incredulously. "That can not be. It should be a hanyou!"
The inu youkai was disturbed. Should he trust the tiger with Kagome's real identity? He looked deeply into his ally's eyes. They had grown up together and fought together. They were bonded by more than an alliance. They were almost brothers. "I do not want Kagome's secret to be revealed," he said intensely.
Lord Shitare knew what Sesshoumaru was asking. He nodded and cut his palm as Sesshoumaru did the same with his. They shook their bloodied palms and their joined hands glowed. When they unclasped their hands, the cuts were healed. They had made a pact with blood. "I will not divulge your secret to anyone. This I swear in my family's honor," he said solemnly.
Sesshoumaru was opened his mouth to tell Lord Shitare of Kagome's nature when a piercing scream interrupted him. Both lords were instantly on their feet and running towards the garden at full speed when they encountered Kouga carrying Kagome bridal style in the hall way. Kagome was in pain and Kouga was pale with worry.
"S-Sesshoumaru," Kagome whimpered. "Th-The pup is coming."
The expectant father was beside his mate in an instant. He took her from Kouga and ran to their chambers. Lord Shitare and Kouga followed them.
"InuYasha went to find Kaede," Kouga said, his worry over Kagome clearlt etched on his face.
Just over a week ago, InuYasha had brought Kaede to the castle. She had stayed there in order to await the coming pup.
Sesshoumaru nodded and tried to soothe Kagome. Her hair color changed again to blue and her pink aura flared. It was laced with the pup's blue aura. Kagome was screaming in agony. Kouga and Shitare both covered their ears. Although his ears were ringing, Sesshouaru ignored this and wrapped his arms around his mate. He soothed her with silent growls and whispered comforting words to her ear as he made soothing motions with his hand on her back.
InuYasha and Kaede burst inside the room. "Get many towels and hot water," Kaede ordered and the servants who were at the doorway scampered away to obey the old miko.
"M-My water broke," Kagome said to Kaede.
"Do not worry, child," Kaede said.
"Out," Sesshoumaru ordered everyone except Kaede and Sango. The door was closed when everyone left. But the western lord could still feel everyone standing in the hall way.
Kagome's labor was long and very difficult. Sesshoumaru became agitated at his mate's pain but knew he could do nothing. With one final piercing scream, cries of an infant was heard. Kagome slumped exhausted against Sesshoumaru. She smiled tiredly at him and whispered, "I did it."
The demon lord looked at the mother of his heir. Despite her exhaustion and the pain she suffered, her smile was bright and happy. He brushed away her hair that was already returning to its normal dark locks and kissed her forehead. "Yes, you did," he whispered. HIs eyes were full of warmth for the woman who had melted his hardened heart. Yes, he finally understood what he is feeling. He loves her. WIth all his heart and mind.
Sango approached the new parents. She had cleaned the pup and wrapped him in a baby blue towel. "Congratulations," she said. There were tears of joy in her eyes. "You have a healthy pup."
It was Sesshoumaru who took the pup carefully in his arms. He laid their pup beside Kagome whose eyes were misted with happiness and love. "Our pup," she whispered lovingly.
The pup had amber eyes flecked with blue and silver hair with two distinct blue highlights. He had stripes similar to Sesshoumaru's but was blue in color. The crescent moon on his forehead was silver outlined with blue. He looked so much like Sesshoumaru. "My beautiful pup," she whispered as she gaze at the now sleeping child.
"You have to name him," Sesshoumaru said.
"Mikihiko," she said smiling. It meant moon prince literally. "After all, it is only fitting for the heir of the Palace of the Moon."
The demon lord nodded and kissed the pup's forehead,. "Welcome, Mikihiko," he whispered softly. He glanced at Kagome who smiled sweetly at him before her exhaustion caught up to her. She fell asleep with a smile on her beautiful face.
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Many expectant faces looked up at Sesshoumaru when he came out of their chambers. Lord Shitare is looking up at him questioningly. Their apprehension is understandable since there was a heavy smell of Kagome's blood in the air. "Lady Kagome and the heir to the western lands are resting," Sesshoumaru said. He was almost amused at the collective sighs of relief everyone released.
"We have a baby brother!" Rin cheered. She did a little victory dance.
Soon, Shippo joined in the vistory dance. The two children sang "We have a baby brother" over and over as they danced around Sesshoumaru.
Lord Shitare was grinning at his long time friend. "Congratulations, Sesshoumaru," he said as he clasped his hand. "For having a beautiful mate and an heir."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "Stay for dinner, Shitare," he invited the youkai. "You will meet both my mate and my heir formally later when she regained her strength."
"Can we see the pup?" Shippo asked eagerly.
Sesshoumaru was about to say no when he saw the hopeful expressions on both Rin and Shippo. "You may," he answered. "But you must not make any noise."
"Yay!" Rin exclaimed but quickly clasped her hands on her mouth. "Gomen," she said sheepishly.
They were ushered inside the chambers. Sesshoumaru remained outside the door with InuYasha, Kouga, Miroku and Shitare.
InuYasha looked impatient. "Well? What is the name of the pup?" he asked.
"Mikihiko," he answered. "Kagome named him."
Kouga approached the lord of the west. "Congratulations, Lord Sesshoumaru," he said. The western lord acknowledge it with a curt nod.
"If you will all excuse me, I will go back to my mate," Sesshoumaru said and went back inside the chambers.
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Kagome woke up to the cry of an infant. She opened her eyes to see Sesshoumaru holding Mikihiko while whimpering lowly at him. He looked up to her when the pup didn't stop crying. She smiled at the sight of her mate and their pup.
"He's hungry," Kagome said smiling at her mate. She slid one shoulder of her sleeping kimono off to expose one of her breasts. When Sesshoumaru handed her Mikihiko, she fed him.
Sesshoumaru was watching them intently. Then he stood up almost reluctantly. "It is almost dinner," he said. "I want you to meet Lord Shitare, the ruling taiyoukai of the south and my closest ally. I will introduce you to him."
The new mother smiled at him. "All right," she said. "Mikihiko looks so much like you."
"But he has your brilliant smile," he said.
Kagome blushed at the compliment. She looked at Mikihiko who was already full. He was smiling at them, his eyes were shining as he made baby sounds. His fist caught a bunch of Sesshoumaru's silver hair and tugged. He then proceeded to chew on the hair much to Kagome's amusement.
"Aw, he likes his daddy's hair," she said teasingly to Sesshoumaru who couldn't help but smile fondly at the young prince. Kagome was filled with warmth she saw that smile on Sesshoumaru's lips.
The baby gurgled and cooed while playing with the hair. Kagome rubbed Mikihiko's belly and was rewarded with a tiny burp that amused the taiyoukai. When the pup yawned sleepily, Sesshoumaru held him and began to whimper. Soon, the pup was asleep in his father's arms.
He turned to Kagome and his eyes was filled with warmth. "Can you dress?" he asked with concern. "Or shall I send a servant to help you?"
"No need," Kagome said reassuringly. "I am strong enough. After I have my complete soul, I heal quicker." She stood up and slightly wobbled.
Sesshoumaru was immediately by her side, his one arm wrapped around her tiny waist. "Are you sure?" he asked with worry.
"I'm sure," Kagome said and stood up straighter. When she was sure she was balanced, she stepped away from Sesshoumaru and smiled. "I'm going for a bath. If you need me, I'll just be at the hot spring."
He nodded and watched Kagome gather her things and leave the chambers. When she had left, he looked at his son who was sleeping peacefully in his arms. Mikihiko still held a fistfull of Sesshoumaru's hair. He kissed the pup's forehead, right at the crescent moon that identified him as the heir to the western lands.
The door to the chambers opened and Rin entered with Shippo.
"Mikihiko looks like Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin said happily as she gazed at the newborn pup.
"Yeah, he even have the gold eyes," Shippo said nodding. He sniffed and smiled. "He smells like vanilla and chocolate!"
"What is chocolate?" Rin voiced the question that was also turning in Sesshoumaru's head.
Shippo scrunched his nose in thought. "It is a kind of sweet delicious food that Kagome brings me from her time," he said finally. "It is so delicious!"
"I want some!" Rin exclaimed. She clamped her hands on her mouth when Mikihiko whimpered for a moment. "Gomen," she said gultily after the pup has settled back to sleep.
It was then that Kagome came back from her bath. Rin bounded up to her and looked at her pleadingly. "What is it, Rin?" Kagome asked as she ruffled Rin's hair fondly.
Rin glanced at Shippo and Mikihiko before she tugged at Kagome's hand until her ear was at the girl's level. "Shippo says Mikihiko smells like vanilla and chocolate," she said in a whisper. "Rin wants some chocolate. Shippo says chocolate is delicious."
Kagome smiled at the girl and whispered back, "I'll bring some when I get home."
The girl jumped and mouthed a "thank you" before doing a silent victory dance to the amusement of both Kagome and Sesshoumaru.
"Well, we should go to the dining room," Kagome said.
Sesshoumaru nodded and handed Kagome their pup. He placed one hand on her small back to guide her to the dining room. Before walking to the hall way, he glanced back to see Rin and Shippo skipping happily after them.
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The new family was oddly composed of three male youkai, a celestial maiden and a human girl. They all entered the dining room where their guests sat awaiting their arrival. Jaken hovered about them with tears in his eyes as he looked at the bundle in Kagome's arms. "At last! The Western lands finally have an heir," he said happily.
Kagome smiled at the toad. "You could hold him while we eat," she said kindly.
"Oh, my lady," the toad said happily. "It will be a great honor to trust me with such a precious bundle."
She handed Mikihiko and smiled at the reverence the toad was showing the pup. "Take care of our pup," Kagome said softly.
"He looks so much like Lord Sesshoumaru," Jaken said as he gazed at the sleeping pup. He followed Kagome and seated himself comfortably behind Kagome.
"Are you sure you should be walking now?" Miroku asked skeptically. "You just gave birth to a youkai."
"I'm okay," Kagome said cheerfully. "I've never felt better." She smiled her brightest smile.
"She is fine," Kaede said firmly. "Her healing abilities became faster when her soul was completed. And I am sure everyone of you already knows her nature."
InuYasha jumped to his feet. "I want to see my nephew," he blurted out with a blush on his cheeks.
"Hey, I also want to see the pup," Kouga said, also jumping to his feet.
"So do I," Miroku said standing up gracefully.
Kagome giggled and smiled at them. "Oh, all right," she said and motioned for them to approach silently.
"He sure took after our side of the family," InuYasha said proudly.
"He looks like Sesshoumaru," Kouga smirked.
Miroku nodded solemnly. "He is one stong demon," he said as he felt the pup's aura.
Kouga took a sniff. "And he smells different," he said.
InuYasha also took a niff and grind. "Smells like chocolate," he said with a smirk.
"Choco-what?" Kouga asked, confused.
"It's a food from Lady Kagome's village," Miroku explained.
"I think you all need to get nack to your proper places," Kagome said when she heard someone clear his throat. She saw a white tiger youkai and knew instantly that this is Lord Shitare of the Southern Lands.
Sesshoumaru stood up when everybody went back to their places. "Welcome to the Western Lands, Lord Shitare," he said as he looked at the said lord. "I would like to formally introduce you to my mate, Lady Kagome and to my heir, Prince Mikihiko."
"Well, I am so glad to finally meet the lady that had captured the most eligible demon," he said good-naturedly. "And I must say that I am no longer surprise that Lord Sesshoumaru had taken you as a mate, Lady Kagome."
"Welcome to our lands, Lord Shitare," she said and bowed politely. Kagome smiled at the youkai.
"And I am honored to have been present when the heir to the western lands had arrived," he said solemnly. "Although, your screams would have probably damaged my ear permanently," he said teasingly which made Kagome blush.
Kagome smiled shyly. "My apologies, Lord Shitare," she said.
The white tiger youkai waved his hand in dismissal. "There is no need to apologize," he said. "It was understandable."
The lady of the western lands smiled. "I hope you enjoy your stay in our lands," she said graciously.
Sesshoumaru waved his hand and servants came in to serve everyone their dinner.
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Dinner was a pleasant affair for everyone. It seems that the arrival of the pup had dispersed the constant tension that always accompanied them. Even Sesshoumaru relaxed a little. Little Mikihiko woke up in the middle of dinner. He had cooed and gurgled much to the delight of his audience. The little prince had taken an instant fondness to InuYasha's dog ears. Although InuYasha huffed in annoyance when Mikihiko tried to reach his ears, he had bent his head low with a softness in his eyes.
The "Mikihiko Fan's Club" disbanded when Sesshoumaru had motioned Kagome and the pup to his library. He nodded to Lord Shitare before exiting.
"A celestial maiden?" Lord Shitare said in awe after Sesshoumaru told him about Kagome. "So that is why you seem very different than other humans."
"I am trusting you with my family's secret," Sesshoumaru said seriously.
"You have my word," Shitare said solemnly.
Kagome smiled her brilliant smile at the lord who have turned to her. He was looking curiously at her and her son. "I am sure you have many questions for me but unfortunately I would not be able to answer any of them," she said with a smile. "I have just found out about it myself a few months ago."
"It is just that I have never seen a celestial maiden before," Lord Shitare said smiling. "And I have lived very long."
"I understand, Lord Shitare," Kagome said with a smile. Her beautiful face was glowing with happiness. "My reaction was the same when I met my very first youkai."
The Lord's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But there was always been youkai," he said.
Kagome smiled a mysterious smile. "I have other secrets of my own, m'lord," she said coyly. "But that would be for another time."
"It is getting late and my mate needs more rest to fully regain her strength," Sesshoumaru said and nodded to Lord Shitare who nodded back in understanding. "We will see you at breakfast tomorrow."
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Sesshoumaru led Kagome to their chambers. Before they got there, he was already supporting her and she was already nodding off.
"Sleep," he said and tucked his mate and his son before making himself comfortable. He positioned himself beside Kagome and let her head rest on his chest.
"I love you, Sesshoumaru," Kagome whispered, half-asleep already.
The demon lord looked at his little family and fear gripped at his heart. For some reason, he could not shake the feeling of foreboding. He unconsciously tightened his grip on Kagome's shoulder. He knew that this momentary reprieve this past few months was only that... a momentary reprieve from Naraku. He knew the hanyou is just around, waiting for the right moment to pounce. But the question is... When will that be?
-end chapter-