Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do Kera, all OC's, the plot, and story line. There. I said it. (sighs)

Chapter 37:

Outside the cave:

Inuyasha yelled, "Kagome!" searching for his mate as a feeling of urgency to reassure himself she was okay washed over him.

Inside the cave:

Kagome thought happily, "Inuyasha, which means they are here now and we are safe." and fought the urge to run to her mate.

Kera had another contraction and sat up pushing again and groaned as the first baby finally slid free.

She fell back panting and thought tiredly, "Almost done, just one more to go." She was so tired and focused on her children, that she forgot to maintain the barrier in her mind and the link automatically formed to where her husband overheard her thought.

Bankotsu's spine stiffened and he bellowed worriedly, "Kera," and ran toward the cave calling back over his shoulder, "They are over here!"

Running up to the cave he yelled, "Kera," and shoved through the barrier to see his son in the hands of his aunt, who was busy cleaning him up.

Kagome had just finished cleaning the baby and wrapped him in a small receiving blanket when she heard him. Turning to the father she said, "Here take your son."

Bankotsu blinked and asked, "Kera?" placing Banryu against the wall of the cave and moving to take his offered son, while Kagome got into position to catch the other baby.

Kera panted, "Ban," smiling at her husband, before feeling another contraction and she sat up pushing. When the contraction ended she fell back panting and tried to catch her breath preparing for the next one.

Bankotsu stared from his laboring wife to his tiny son in shock and awe blinking a few times. Kera felt another contraction and hissed moving back up to push.

Devon's calm voice spoke, "You're doing great darlin, just a little longer and it'll be done."

Kera panted, "Like to see… uh… how well… uh… you would do… in my place," earning an amused chuckle from her best friend, before bearing down and pushing hard.

After what seemed like forever Kagome said excitedly, "I can see the head." eager to catch her second niece or nephew.

The contraction ended and Kera fell back panting again huffing testily, "Get this child out of me now," panting harshly as she readied herself for the next contraction.

Bankotsu snapped out of his shock and urged softly, "Come on baby, you can do it," smiling at his wife while holding their son.

Kera grunted as another contraction hit and said, "Easier said…. than done Ban," before bearing down and pushing again. "Kami this one is big," she growled out and fell on her back panting.

Devon encouraged calmly, "Just a few more pushes darlin," as he smiled affectionately at the woman who would always hold his heart.

Kera groaned and said, "Just get it over with already," as she moved up and bore down again pushing as long as she could, grunting as she pushed. When the contraction ended she fell back huffing heavily and waited for the next one.

When it finally hit she pushed herself up and pushed for all she was worth, groaning as the baby finally slipped free. She fell back panting, "Finally," as she heard the baby wail. Sweat was beaded all over her bow and her face was flushed from the exertion she'd been putting forth to birth her children.

Bankotsu cooed to his son trying to quiet him, while Kagome quickly cleaned off her niece and wrapped her in the other receiving blanket and placing her on her mother's belly.

Sango ran up asking, "Is everything okay?"

Relieved to hear her best friend's voice Kagome yelled, "Get in here and help me Sango, everyone else stay out!"

Sango dropped her weapon and ducked into the cave asking, "What's all the-" stopping as she took in the sight before her, and quickly assessed the situation.

"I see," she said and quickly set to work delivering the placentas and cutting the umbilical cords; before cleaning Kera up.

Kera asked, "Are they okay?" concerned for her babies who had been born two weeks ahead of schedule.

Devon smiled answering, "Your children are just fine darlin'." reassuring his beloved that her babies were good and healthy.

Kera smiled and said tiredly, "Thank goodness." Focusing on regaining her breathing, she felt a cool cloth wipe the sweat from her forehead and closed her eyes.

Devon said proudly, "You did real good darlin, real good." before turning to her twin and adding, "So did you Kagome," sending her one of his rare grins.

Kagome blushed at the compliment and said, "Thanks to you I did." knowing that if he hadn't been there, she'd have never known what to do. Devon chuckled.

Bankotsu leaned down to his wife showing her their son and said proudly, "Look Kera, our son is strong and healthy." Adding, "He's adorable- just like his mama."

Kera smiled and said tiredly, "I love you Ban," staring into his sapphire eyes, as her fingers traced her son's forehead.

Bankotsu grinned replying, "I love you too Kera, and I'm so proud that you bore me two very beautiful and healthy children." as he kissed her forehead, before placing the wailing infant at her aching breast.

Sango stood up and said, "You did great Kagome. Why don't we go outside and let everyone know that they are all okay?"

Kagome smiled, and said, "Sure." Glad to be done with the birthing.

Sango led her out of the cave and over to the others who were anxiously awaiting word. Kagome walking over to the group announced happily, "Kera had the babies and all three are healthy and safe."

Jakotsu squealed and asked, "Oh, oh, what did they have?" bouncing with excitement knowing that he would soon get to hold the babies.

Kagome answered happily, "One of each," as she leaned into her mate's arms asking, "Is it finally over Inuyasha?"

He held up the jewel fragment answering, "Yes Kagome, it's over," and handed her the jewel.

Staring deep into her beloved mate's eyes, she accepted the jewel and asked, "What about-"

He answered softly, "Kikyo took Naraku to hell with her." golden eyes filled with sadness. Kissing her lips he assured, "We will never have to worry about Naraku ever again."

Kagome's tears fell as she whispered, "Poor Kikyo," and silently said, "Thank you Kikyo," as she nestled into her mate's warm embrace.

Miroku said, "Thank goodness lady Kera and the children are alright." Walking over to Sango, he assured, "Kohaku will wake soon."

Sango stared into her fiancée's eyes and said, "Thank you Miroku," and knelt beside her resting brother.

Jakotsu asked, "When can I see them?" anxious to see his niece and nephew for himself.

Sango replied, "In the morning. For tonight we should let them be. Kera will need her rest and the babies will need to feed. Bankotsu is with his family now."

Smiling at her friends, she knelt beside her brother and took over caring for him, trying not to think about what would happen when the jewel was taken care of.

Miroku sat besides her wanting to be there in case she needed to lean on him, and watched silently as she cared for her sleeping brother.

Jakotsu sighed and nodded a little disappointed about not holding them right away. He sniffed his clothes and about gagged, then decided to take a bath since he was covered in ooze and demon flesh. He walked off to find a nice spring to bathe in, wanting to be nice and fresh when he finally got to hold his niece and nephew.

Inside the cave:

Kera finished nursing her son and handed him to his proud father for burping. She asked curiously, "What should we name him Ban?"

Bankotsu lifted the little one onto his shoulder and thought it over giving it a lot of consideration while he burped him. Bankotsu smiled and proclaimed proudly, "Taro will be his name."

Kera smiled and nodded agreeing, "Firstborn male, I like it." As she fed their daughter she asked, "What about for her?"

Bankotsu smiled at his daughter and thought a long while before finding a befitting name and answering, "Sachiko," as he lovingly placed a finger to trace her cheek, earning a smile from his feeding daughter.

Kera smiled. "Happiness child," grinning at her children she approved, "I love their names. You've chosen well Bankotsu." Bankotsu grinned at his wife's compliment and placed his son next to her, before carefully taking his daughter to burp her.

Kera cuddled her son and said, "Welcome to the world, my beautiful Taro," and placed a kiss on his forehead lovingly.

Bankotsu smiled at his cooing daughter who looked up at him with the same sapphire eyes that he had and said, "Welcome to the family, my beautiful little Sachiko," and held his daughter.

Kera looked from the ghost of her best friend to her husband and said, "I'm so tired."

Devon smiled and said, "Then sleep you silly woman. You're in good hands and nothing will go wrong." staring at his hard headed friend.

Staring at her husband she smiled. Bankotsu seconded, "Sleep love, I'll watch the kids a while," as he gently brushed his lips over her soft cheek.

Kera smiled sighing blissfully and allowed her tired body to rest. Bankotsu smiled down at her and held his children, alternating between them; as the other lay nestled next to its mama.

Bankotsu stayed up to watch over his family afraid to be away from them for even a second.

Kagome and her mate Inuyasha had slipped off for some time alone, and Sango and Miroku had taken to simply watching over Kohaku who was sleeping peacefully. Jakotsu was off bathing in the hot springs.

Knowing that this would probably be the only chance he'd have to speak to the ghost privately, Bankotsu stared and Devon asking seriously, "Why did you help me get Kera back?"

Having expected this Devon replied honestly, "Because even though we don't like each other, we both love her… and she loves you."

Bankotsu blinked asking, "Aren't you upset about that?" thinking, "I know I would have been."

Devon sighed answering seriously, "At first I hated you. But then I saw how much you care for her and I realized that you love her too… I just want Kera to be happy, even if it means being with you."

Bankotsu frowned staring at him clearly perplexed. Devon admitted, "I knew back when I first showed up with my brothers and saw the look in her eyes that I had already lost her forever. That's part of what fueled my anger when I battled her."

Seeing the mercenary's confusion deepen he said bluntly. "I fucked up man! I believed my stupid brother over her. Sadly I hurt and lost her in the process." allowing his sadness and regret to show clearly in his eyes. "When I realized that she had been telling me the truth, I went irate on my brother and kicked his ass big time. I would have hospitalized Toru, had I not needed his and Komo's help to track her down."

Blinking Bankotsu asked, "Then why did you-" staring at him utterly puzzled.

Devon cut in asking, "Fight her?" Bankotsu nodded. He sighed and answered, "Because I knew that if she didn't kill me, that her father would." Adding, "I decided long before even coming here that I'd rather die by her hands instead of his."

Seeing the question in Bankotsu's eyes he clarified, "I knew from the beginning that I was forcing her hand. I was well aware that if I did, she would most likely end up killing me."Smirking he added proudly, "Kera has always been top of the class in every aspect of our job. She was trained very young by the best and became one of the best."

Smiling he said happily, "She made it quick and fairly painless compared to what her daddy would have done." ending with a shiver of fear at the things her father would have done.

Bankotsu nodded adding dead serious, "I've seen dad mad, and personally I hope to never get on his bad side."

Devon added with a chuckle, "I don't blame you." He sighed admitting sadly, "What I hadn't been counting on was you being in the picture- let alone getting my brothers killed. Dad is still reading me the riot act over that one." Before turning serious and finishing, "I am just grateful that in the end Kera and I were at least able to regain our friendship- especially given everything that has happened."

Bankotsu nodded admitting grudgingly, "I know how important you are to her." as he stared at his sleeping wife with love in his eyes.

Devon smiled replying, "Yeah. But I also know that she would have never been truly happy with me." He said sheepishly, "She's forgiven me, but she would have never forgotten how bad I screwed up and neither would I."

Bankotsu nodded. Devon informed him seriously, "I'm happy that she found you and I'm grateful that you make her truly happy." Voice full of love and admiration he said honestly, "Kera is an incredible woman and deserves the best. Thank you for giving her what I never could- true happiness."

Bankotsu looked down at his beloved wife who was sleeping with their children snuggling up next to her and smiled saying, "You're right she is an amazing woman." Adding, "No one else could ever have gone through all of what she has and still remained so forgiving, kind, and generous."

Staring his wife's ex boyfriend in the eyes he admitted, "I'd be lost without her." After a moment of companionable silence Bankotsu said, "Thank you for protecting my wife and children until we could get to them, and for leading me to them so that I could make it in time to save them."

Devon's translucent face spread into a smile and he said, "You're welcome." Before his eyes fell to the woman they both loved with their whole hearts and the adorable children next to her. He smiled saying, "She always talked about wanting a family of her own more than anything else in the world. I'm glad that thanks to you, she has finally gotten the chance to live her dream."

His heart ached at how beautiful she looked despite that fact that she had only given birth mere hours ago. Bankotsu ran the back of his fingers down her soft cheek in a tender caress and whispered, "My family is my reason for living. I want to give my children what was torn from me so long ago. Before I met Kera I never knew what loving someone really meant. Now that I do, I will ensure that she and our kids know exactly how special and treasured they really are."

Bending down he brushed his lips across her forehead before staring at Devon for a long silent moment. The two former warriors exchanged a look of understanding and finally fully accepted one another's presence in Kera's heart and life. There was no longer any jealousy between them.

Bankotsu tenderly brushed his son's soft full head of hair and kissed his head before doing the same with his daughter. Taking a deep breath he turned the ghost who helped bring his treasured offspring into the world and said completely heartfelt, "Thank you, for helping Kagome and Kera bring my children into the world safely- I am in your debt."

Devon waved it off saying, "Not at all. I'm just glad that I made it here in time," as they both stared at the sleeping family.

Jakotsu came up to the cave entrance asking, "Big brother what are we going to do now that-" stopping as he noticed the ghost.

Grinning he waved as he said flirtily, "Hey handsome," shocking the ghost and amusing his friend.

Devon blinked and said nervously, "Uh hi." Bankotsu chuckled. Devon turned to him and said seriously, "Take care of them and tell Kera that I'll always be around if she needs me."

Bankotsu nodded assuring, "I will," And said seriously, "Just make sure that you stop by from time to time, I know it would make her happy."

Devon smiled and nodded, before casting a longing look at Kera and the kids. After a minute he heaved a heavy sigh tracing Kera's cheek in a loving caress and nodding to her husband took his leave vanishing into thin air.

Bankotsu asked, "What were you going to say Ja?" staring at his best friend.

Jakotsu cooed, "Aw they are simply adorable big brother," as he slowly moved toward the slumbering family.

Bankotsu smirked proclaiming smugly, "Of course they are adorable Ja; they are mine and Kera's kids." Adding cockily, "What did you expect seeing how Kera is simply gorgeous and well… we both know how handsome I am," ending with a proud smirk.

Jakotsu giggled and said, "True enough, but Bankotsu they are so tiny and precious." as his awed grey eyes landed on his slumbering niece and nephew.

Bankotsu smirked saying, "Yeah they sure are," every bit the proud father. Turning back to the question at hand he asked, "Well?" a cocked a brow at his friend.

Jakotsu shook himself from his revere and said, "Oh yeah, I was going to ask what we will do now? Since Naraku and the traitor are gone and all."

Bankotsu frowned answering, "I'm going to let Kera rest up and regain her strength while I take care of the babies, and then Kera and I will take them home to meet their grandparents."

Jakotsu asked curiously, "What about me big brother?" unsure what he would do if Bankotsu left to raise his family in the other time.

Bankotsu smirked and walked over asking, "How would you like to watch over the sight of our future home?"

Jakotsu blinked asking, "Wait what do you mean?" staring at him confused.

Bankotsu grinned and said, "Walk with me Ja and I will explain."

Jakotsu nodded and they walked to stand just outside the cave while Bankotsu explained his plan.

Jakotsu grinned and said happily, "Oh yes big brother that's perfect." as his eyes shone with excitement.

Bankotsu smirked asking, "So, are you willing to do it then?" already knowing the answer.

Jakotsu clapped happily and said, "Yes, yes I'll do it!" and began thinking about the things he would need in order to complete his task.

Bankotsu reminded, "Be sure to space them out nice and even for me, alright?"

Jakotsu beamed and asked, "Apples, oranges, and what else?"

Bankotsu added amused, "Pomegranates, and make sure to plant some strawberry vines near the river, but away from the roses. And make sure you always stay off the spot I will show you on the left side, okay?"

Jakotsu said happily, "You bet," and began making plans in his head.

Knowing that he couldn't have picked a better person for the job Bankotsu smiled and thought happily, "Soon father, our lands will bloom and be restored to their former beauty."

Cutting his palm with his dagger he held out his hand to Jakotsu, who did the same. Grinning they slapped their palms together and allowed the blood to mingle briefly before Bankotsu announced, "Blood brothers for life Ja."

Jakotsu agreed happily, "Blood brothers for life Bankotsu," eyes shining with happiness. Bankotsu assured, "I'll make sure everything is set in motion before I take Kera and the babies to her time."

Jakotsu grinned saying happily, "Thanks so much for bestowing such an honor on me big brother."

Bankotsu corrected, "No, thank you Jakotsu for being willing to do this for me." and hugged the man before walking back inside the cave and resuming his watch over his family.

Noticing Jakotsu standing at the mouth of the cave he chuckled and waved him over. Jakotsu grinned sitting down. Bankotsu instructed him how to position his arms, and placed his slumbering daughter in his stunned best friend's arms.

Jakotsu stared at the baby in awe and beamed at his best friend and leader proudly holding the baby. Bankotsu grinned at his friend's excitement as he held the slumbering infant.

Two weeks later:

Kera was walking happily beside her husband, with one of the babies in the sling in front of her, and the other in the sling in front of her twin, who was walking beside her.

Kagome's mate was beside her, and Bankotsu's was beside Kera, with Jakotsu on his other side. Sango and Miroku had taken Kohaku home to work on rebuilding their village.

Kagome had the almost completed jewel around her neck and sighed thinking, "I'd hate to have to take those last two shards. I will wait a while yet."

Bankotsu stooped and announced, "Make camp, Jakotsu come with me."

Jakotsu nodded and happily followed his best friend. Bankotsu carefully led him over to the graves and knelt beside the rocks saying, "I'm home father." as he gently placed Banryu against the dirt and said, "My task is completed and I have come to reclaim what is ours."

Turning to Jakotsu who had his head bowed respectively he introduced, "This is Jakotsu- he is my brother and has been since we first met. I've made him my blood brother and I ask that you and the others allow him to re-cultivate our lands so that they may be restored to their former glory, and that you protect him."

The middle stone glowed brightly and illuminated both men who kept their eyes closed. Banryu as well glowed a blinding white and engulfed them. They were raised into the air a few feet and the light shone brighter. When the light finished they were gently set on the ground and a ghost appeared before them.

The specter bore a very strong resemblance to Bankotsu, but his hair flew freely without the braid, his face was a lot older like that of a man in his early forties, and his eyes were a mix of blue and green like the oceans as he stared at the men.

"Hello son," he greeted, placing a translucent hand on his son's shoulder. Bankotsu grinned replying, "Hello father."

Turning to the feminine man the ghost asked, "So you are the one my son has chose to restore these lands to their former glory and to protect these lands?"

Jakotsu bowed answering, "Hai," honored to meet his best friend's father's spirit.

Bankotsu stared at his father assuring, "In a future time where my wife comes from, and where we plan to raise our children, I will again abide on these lands. However It will be Jakotsu who plants the seeds to begin the growth of our lands." respectfully bowing to his father.

Jakotsu also bowed respectfully. The ghost said, "Rise you two." Staring at his son he said, "I have been keeping an eye on you for a long time now my boy, and I am proud to be your father. You have restored our clan's honor and become a fine warrior."

Bankotsu beamed at his revered father's praise and said, "Thank you father. I'm glad I was able to make you proud and restore our people's honor."

Turning to Jakotsu he added, "Jakotsu is as fine a warrior as I am and he is the only person I would entrust our family's land too for safe keeping. He has stood beside me many times in battle."

The ghost said, "I know, I have watched you both for a long time now." Smiling at his son with pride in his eyes he said, "You have made a fine choice son."

Stepping over to Jakotsu he touched his neck and it glowed briefly before the shard fell to the ground. Ryuu said, "You will no longer require that shards, as you are now being appointed official guardian of these lands." Before thumping Jakotsu's forehead and saying, "Bear the sign of our clan so that you may be able to tap into our people's hidden strength in times of need to protect what is now placed under your care."

Jakotsu forehead glowed brightly a minute before a four pointed star made itself visible. Jakotsu gasped, as he felt power surge through his body. Ryuu smiled and said, "Our people will protect you as you are to protect these lands. Go fourth young guardian and complete your task."

Turning back to his son he smiled and said, "Take me now to meet my daughter in law and grandkids," giving his son a very famous smirk.

Bankotsu nodded and grabbed Banryu leading his father to where Kera sat waiting with the kids beside the river.

Ryuu said, "She is beautiful my son," as they walked up startling Kera.

Kera's eyes widened and she quickly said, "Hello," bowing to the ghost.

He laughed and announced, "You need not bow to me daughter."

She stood up and asked, "You are-"

He answered, "I am Bankotsu's father and head guardian of our clan's land. Please to meet you child, I am Ryuujin."

Kera gasped and answered in kind, "I'm Kera," and moved to pick up her children who had wakened.

Ryuu smiled and said, "You have the aura of a priestess about you." As he stared intently at her.

Kera replied, "My family has a history of priests and priestesses, though I am not really a priestess."

He declared happily, "You have a lovely family son. Protect them and teach them of their heritage."

Bankotsu assured, "I will father." With that Ryuujin placed a kiss on his daughter in law's forehead, and a brief kiss on the tops of his grand kids and took his leave.

A/N Okay there's chapter thirty seven everyone, sadly this story will soon come to a close.