Chapter 24:

TITLE: Cursed Twins

AUTHOR: InuYoukaiAki

DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and Co.

Author's Note: And finally, here's chapter 24. I hope you like this to and I'm looking forward to your reviews! I'm glad so many are reading my story and I'm happy that you like it.

Chapter 24: Obsession

The silence of the night was disturbed by a loud scream from the chambers western-most chambers of the Palace of the Moon. In an instant, the palace was alive with activity as servants woke up the instant they heard their mistress's tortured scream. The other occupants had jumped up and went running in their nightclothes to the direction of the sound.

Inuyasha barged inside the chambers without any thought for the couple's privacy. He was met by a sight that squeezed at his heart. Sesshoumaru was cradling Kagome in his arms who was crying and moaning pitifully. Blood dripped from the side of her mouth as she clutched at her swollen stomach. He knew she was under so much pain because of the pregnancy, but this was the first time she had woken them up because of it. By the looks of it, Kagome was approaching the last stage of the pregnancy. Soon, the heir to the western lands will be born. It often scared him to think of that time. It was clear that Kagome might die. Despite the existence of the Tenseiga, he was still uncomfortable with the thought of Kagome actually dying.

His thoughts were cut off as the other concerned members barged in and pushed him from the door. Kikyou and Kaede were already beside Kagome and Sesshoumaru in a second.

Inuyasha watched as the two women attended to a writhing Kagome. They had told Sesshoumaru to lay Kagome back down. The demon lord did as was asked but kept holding his mate's hand. A soft bluish glow began to surround Kagome who began to thrash around wildly in pain.

Inuyasha glanced at Sango who was now clutching Miroku's robes, trying hard not to cry for her friend. Kimiko watched with worried eyes, her hand clutching her robes tight. The twins looked ready to jump at any command any moment while InuTaisho looked on with a frown.

His eyes went back to his brother. It was rare to see his half-brother like this. Heck! He had never seen him like this. Despite his pristine appearance, Sesshoumaru's eyes revealed what he was really feeling. There was desperation in them as he held Kagome's hand. And Inuyasha could distinctly feel the anxiety his brother was feeling. He envied him but at the same time felt sorry for him. He knew what he was going through right now because he himself did not know what he would do if something happened to Kagome.

"Is Kagome-neechan all right?" a timid voice asked from the doorway. It was Rin who had also woken up to the scream. Beside her was Shippou who was also looking worriedly at her adoptive mother.

Kikyou looked at the two children and nodded. "She will be fine," she said with determination.

"The pup developed sooner than expected," Kaede suddenly said. "We must get ready. Prepare the hot water and as many towels as you can. Kimiko and Sango, gather the herbs I had told you about."

All occupants of the room nodded. Everyone went on their way except Kikyou, Kaede, Sesshoumaru and InuTaisho. They observed Kagome worriedly as another piercing scream escaped her.

Inuyasha turned his back on the group and decided to busy himself with the chores Kaede had told him to do. He could not stand seeing Kagome in such pain.

-+-+-

Sesshoumaru had been woken up by Kagome's scream. He had panicked when blood dripped from her mouth. By now, he was close to losing his composure as he watched Kagome helplessly. She was in pain and he could not do anything to help her. When Kaede said that the pup was coming, he was both relieved and scared. Fear that he had never felt before came with such intensity that it almost choked him. He felt fear that he would lose the precious female he had grown to love. Yes, he loves her, and he could not bear to think of his life without her.

By now, his ears were already ringing with the number of screams it had endured from his mate. He did not care. He would not leave her side.

"Can't we help her lessen the pain?" InuTaisho asked. He winced as Kagome gave off another scream.

Kaede shook her head. "I'm afraid there is no way to make this easier for her," she said sadly.

Soon the others were back with everything Kaede had asked. Kikyou ushered them out but Sesshoumaru would not budge. He wanted to be with Kagome, to make sure that she would be all right.

"Ses…shoumaru…" Kagome's weak call caught his attention. She was smiling at him with difficulty. Her grip on his hand tightened as another wave of pain wracked her fragile body.

"Very well, Lord Sesshoumaru," Kikyou said tenderly. "You may stay."

-+-+-

Akitori hid in the shadows. He had been observing the Palace of the Moon ever since the day they had visited Kagome with the other lords. It had been barely two weeks after that visit when he noticed the increasing frequency of Kagome's bouts of pain.

He was never far away from the Palace. His inert ability to hide in the shadows together with his scent and aura allowed him to observe the Palace without anyone noticing. Akitori was at the edge of the forest clearing nearest the palace when he heard the anguished scream. When he saw the palace alive with activity in the middle of the night, he was sure that it was time for Kagome to give birth to the pup. Her screams attested to the fact that she was in much pain.

The labor had begun in the middle of the night and it was now almost dawn. He could tell that Kagome was already weakening, as the aura of the pup grew stronger. Finally, just as the dawn was breaking from the horizon, the screaming stopped together with the disappearance of Kagome's aura.

-+-+-

"She is weakening," Kaede said worriedly to Sesshoumaru and Kikyou.

Sesshoumaru gripped Kagome's hand tighter as he felt her death grip on him lessening. He could also feel her weakening. He was worried, having mixed feelings with the birthing. He wanted to see his child badly but yet he also feared the outcome.

"Kagome, hold on," Kikyou pleaded with her twin. "Your pups need you."

"Pups?" Kagome asked weakly.

Kikyou nodded. "Yes, pups," she said with tears in her eyes. "They are twins. Now that the time is nearing, I could sense two different auras. You have to live for your family. They need you." She looked at Sesshoumaru and saw the play of emotions in the demon lord's eyes. Kikyou knew that Sesshoumaru would be very much affected if Kagome did not make it.

Sesshoumaru was stunned with the revelation. They will have twins. In his turmoil, he was not able to sense two additional auras. Now that Kikyou mentioned it, he could feel it. There are two pups.

Soon, Kagome felt the contractions getting stronger. Sesshoumaru could feel her pain. As the first pup came out, he could also feel her weakening life force. He could smell death looming inside the room. Yet Kagome pushed harder. It took her a long time but finally, the second pup was born.

The new father looked at his twin pups. They looked as different as the night and day. His heart skipped a beat as Kagome's hand became limp. Sesshoumaru felt her waning aura.

"Kagome!" he called, no longer able to hold in his desperation.

Kagome's eyes flickered open and a tired smile tugged at her lips. "I love you, Sesshoumaru," she whispered before closing her eyes completely.

Sesshoumaru's anguished howl reverberated throughout the palace. The twins, sensing that there was something wrong began crying with all their might. The young demon lord felt for his sword. He waited for Tenseiga's pulse but it did not come. Just when he had found someone he would want to protect, the sword would not work.

-+-+-

Kagome felt her life draining away. As much as she wanted to be with Sesshoumaru and her pups, she knew this was the end. She could feel the Shikon no Tama's presence blocking Tenseiga's attempt to revive her.

Maybe this was the end. It was sad to think of it that way but she would not regret anything. Sesshoumaru was the best thing that ever happened to her. He had made her feel special. Although he had never told her that he loved her, it was enough that she knew he respected and cared for her. More importantly, she knew that he believed in her. She felt the light of the other world enveloping her. She had accepted her fate. It was enough that she had the opportunity to meet Sesshoumaru and to bear him his heirs.

A howl pierced her peaceful thoughts. Her heart went out to her mate as she heard the anguish in that one long howl.

Sesshoumaru… Her mind called out to him. She was torn between going into the light and yet wanting to come back to Sesshoumaru.

She had finally made up her mind and was about turn back to the path she was taking earlier when the pendant he gave her glowed red. She clutched at the pendant and felt the sorrow and grief from her mate. Please, let me go back… He needs me… They need me… she pleaded.

The light from the pendant glowed and shot to the opposite direction, away from the warm light of the next life. Kagome smiled and followed the path of the light, the path back to her mate, back to her new family. I'm coming Sesshoumaru… she said with a smile.

-+-+-

The others went in when they heard Sesshoumaru's howl. They saw the torment on Sesshoumaru's face as he held his mate with the still silent Tenseiga. By now, the women were already crying for their lost friend and for the twins who would no longer have the chance to meet their mother…and for the mate who would never be whole again now that the other part that completes him was wrenched away from him.

His grip on the sword tightened, willing it to pulse. His claws dug at his palms and blood began to drip on the sword's blade. Just then, the ring that Kagome gave him began to glow red. Everybody gasped as they saw Kagome's mating pendant glowing the same red as the ring. Not long after, Tenseiga began pulsing. Without another thought, Sesshoumaru used his sword on his mate.

Everybody watched with baited breath as Kagome took a deep shuddering breath. She opened her clear blue eyes.

"Hi," she said weakly with a smile. "I'm back."

"Stupid wench!" Inuyasha spat as the moisture in his eyes disappeared. "Did you know how much trouble you caused?"

Kagome smiled weakly and looked up at her mate. She caressed his face. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I thought it was the end, but your soul called out to me. It brought me back."

"The merging of ki," InuTaisho said with awe. "It allowed Sesshoumaru to call her back even when Tenseiga refused to revive her."

"Why didn't Tenseiga want to revive Kagome?" Yoji asked.

"Because it was barred by the power of the Shikon no Tama that resides in Kagome's body," he explained. "The power of the jewel is far stronger than the sword."

"But the jewel is no longer in her body," Kenji said in confusion.

Kikyou stood up and looked at them. "That is true," she said seriously. "But the essence of the jewel remains inside her. It is what allows her to feel the jewel. The jewel chose her to protect it and its power would remain inside her. That is why she is the only one who could use it. No one else but her would be able to make a wish on the Shikon no Tama."

"Enough of that for now," Kimiko said reproachfully. "Kagome needs her rest. She had been through a lot. We'll all talk tomorrow."

"Thank you," Kagome smiled gratefully at Kimiko. "I'll see you all tomorrow."

Kaede and Kikyou remained behind to tend to Kagome and the twins. Sesshoumaru had allowed the two priestesses to clean up Kagome while he looked at his pups. The female looked exactly like him while the male looked more like Kagome. They were both full youkai and by the strength of their aura, they would be two of the strongest taiyoukai that would ever live. They bore the mark of the crescent moon on their forehead, proof of their heritage.

He almost smiled when the twins yawned simultaneously and began sucking their thumbs. "Sleep well, my pups," he said before turning to see Kikyou tucking Kagome gently into the futon.

"I am glad that everything went well," Kikyou said smiling. "Kaede and I will be back later to check on her. Congratulations, Lord Sesshoumaru." With a last smile, Kikyou went out the door.

-+-+-

"They are so cute," Sango cooed as she held the little pup in her arms.

"They are!" Kimiko gushed as she held the other. "No wonder it was very painful for you. You were carrying twins!"

Kagome smiled at them from the mirror. Hitomi was brushing her hair. It had only been a day since the birthing and she had slept the time away. She was still weak but at least she could now walk with help. Even her body's ability to heal fast was not working fast enough.

"Is it any wonder that she was carrying twins when both sides had twins running in their blood?" Hitomi asked as she finished braiding Kagome's hair. She was still worried about her mistress since she was still so weak and easily fatigued.

The door opened to reveal Sesshoumaru. All three girls bowed in respect before walking towards the door to leave the mates alone. They knew that Sesshoumaru had been worried about Kagome. She had not woken up until now and they knew the demon lord had been restlessly waiting for his mate to wake up.

"We'll just borrow Touya and Mariko," Kimiko said as she slid the door close.

Kagome smiled radiantly at Sesshoumaru. "Ohayou," she greeted her mate from the mirror. She watched his approach and saw him stop a few paces behind her. He was back to his old self and she was glad. Her heart broke when she saw the desperation in his eyes during the birthing. But it made her heart melt that he can no longer hide the concern in his eyes.

"Are you well?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"I'm fine," she assured him. "Just tired, but I'm feeling a lot better already. Maybe a little fresh air would help."

He nodded. "Then I will walk with you," he said and began to help her up.

"Oh no," Kagome blurted out. "I can always ask Kikyou to walk with me. I know you're busy and I had been such a bother during the pregnancy. I don't want to be in your way."

"No, I will walk with my mate," he said firmly. "And you were not a bother. My father could take care of the lands for a little while longer."

Kagome smiled. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru," she said and allowed him to escort her.

-+-+-

InuTaisho gazed at his twin grandchildren. "Such beautiful little pups," he said happily as they walked in the gardens with Sesshoumaru and Kagome. Sango and Kikyou were holding the twins who kept cooing at everything. "I am glad that everything is all right."

Kagome smiled weakly. "I have my mate to thank for my life," she said as she gripped Sesshoumaru's arm for support.

Sesshoumaru did not answer but patted Kagome's hand. This did not escape the older demon's eyes, especially the softening of Sesshoumaru's features. "Oh, there is nothing to thank him for," InuTaisho said cheerfully. "In my opinion, we should be thanking you for turning his world completely upside-down."

"Yeah, Kagome," Kenji said good-naturedly. "If it weren't for you, Sesshoumaru would still be walking around like someone with a stick stuck up his ass."

Kagome felt Sesshoumaru tense. She immediately rubbed his arm to pacify him and was glad when she felt him relax. "Come on guys," she admonished the others. "Stop picking on my mate. He had a hard time during my pregnancy."

"You could say that again," Yoji agreed. "He never showed up in any of the meetings and gatherings. He even made us attend those boring meetings instead of him."

"So I have all of you to thank that he was always beside me," she said happily as she gazed up lovingly at Sesshoumaru.

"Keh!" Inuyasha snorted. "You got that right. He even trusted me enough to patrol his lands."

Kagome was surprised with that little revelation and looked up at Sesshoumaru who kept his gaze trained away from any of them. She smiled at his attitude. It was nice to know that he and Inuyasha had already begun to get along a little better. She rested her head on his arm. When Sesshoumaru looked at her, she smiled at him. Yes, she would endure it all again if she was to live her life over again.

"Well, Inuyasha," Kagome said playfully. "At least Sesshoumaru found something useful for you to do." She laughed as Inuyasha glared at her. She stuck her tongue out at him playfully. Despite the glare he directed at her, Kagome saw the softening of his features and the smile he was trying hard to hide.

"Enough walk for today," Sesshoumaru finally spoke. He noticed that Kagome had become pale and that her grip on his was getting limp. "You need your rest."

"All right, Sesshoumaru," Kagome relented.

"Well, you really must get your rest," Kimiko said with a smile. "In a week's time you would need to present your pups into the taiyoukai court."

InuTaisho nodded. "Go ahead, Sesshoumaru," he urged his son. "We could take care of your business for a while longer. Your mate needs you right now."

"Very well, Father," Sesshoumaru said as he led Kagome back to their chambers.

-+-+-

From the shadows of the trees, a lone figure watched with envy as the happy family went along with their activities. His eyes strayed to the Lord and Lady of the Western Lands. "Kagome will be mine," Akitori whispered before disappearing back into the forest.

End chapter