I wasn't planning on writing a sequel to promises, but despite my dislike of the Yashahime anime, I became curious of what InuYasha and Kikyo would be like as parents with their own daughter. I remember the swords of an honourable ruler film back from my teens and remember InuYasha was born during winter, early spring. So I decided their daughter Miyuki would be born during a snowstorm thus her name. I thought about giving her brown eyes, but having golden/brownish eyes resembling both her parents sounded prettier. She's going to have a combination of both her parents powers, but being mostly human they will be spiritual and some demonic. I'm also going to create a weapon for her forged by both her parents, kind of like how Touga did for InuYasha.

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Kikyo bit her lip, pain wracking through her body as she breathed heavily, tears streaming down her cheeks, screams, groans and whines of pain escaping her lips as she focused her breathing. She felt as though she was being split in half, something being ripped out of her painfully, the pressure of her womb forcing the baby out. She had never felt a pain like this before, it felt inhuman, cruel and yet it was as natural as breathing. She had witnessed childbirth before, she had helped deliver many children in the village before, tending to the newborns and mothers. She had brought many lives into the village, she had watched over many families and she had become close to most of them. Giving them medicine to ease the pain, making sure the mother and child were healthy. They had a village midwife but Kikyo always helped. She never thought someday she would become a mother, she never thought someday she would be forced to endure this same pain, this same experience, this same gift. Her nails buried into the sheets of her futon, ripping them apart, seeking some form of comfort and stability to act as a distraction. Trying to think of how much her life had changed for the better and the woman she was before this. All she had to be grateful for, that she would be starting a family with the man she loved. For 9 months she had carried their baby within her, nurturing a life within her body, now that life was ready to face the world. Talking to her child, telling them stories, people around the village greeting her and praising her on her pregnancy. She had struggled with all the changes, the morning sickness, some weight gain, her body changing to support her baby. Now for all her struggles she would finally have a new path, raising her baby into a human being.

Kaede despite her panic had been helpful, trying to keep up, listen and not make mistakes despite the anxiety in her eyes. Desperate to ask Kikyo if she was ok, wanting to be supportive and yet knowing she couldn't make problems at a time like this. Bringing hot water to wash the baby, clean towels and even bringing kimonos and old rags. Making sure Kikyo was comfortable and had everything they needed. The midwife thanking Kaede for her help and reassuring her that everything was going smoothly, Kikyo just needed as little stress as possible to make things easier for her. InuYasha sat behind her the whole time, supporting her body against his own, her tears stinging down her cheeks. Her body raged with an intense heat, her long black hair stuck to her neck and back as sweat poured down her body, her fringe sticking to her forehead. Pain shot through her in waves, causing screams to erupt from her lips, her lower body ached and screamed in pain. Her water had broke and soaked her bed, the baby was coming.

"The baby is crowning milady, they are on their way, you are doing so well. Remember to breathe" The midwife stated kindly, she was breathing well, coping well, she understood her pain and the medicine she had taken earlier would alleviate some of it. But childbirth was never an easy process, pain was, unfortunately, part of the experience.

"You can do it Onee-san, just keep breathing" Kaede encouraged, Kikyo was the strongest person she knew, she could handle this no problem. The midwife said everything was going smoothly so they had no reason to worry did they? Her sister would make it through this and they could live together as a family, they could make new memories together. Though she knew the midwife would know if something was going wrong, part of her couldn't help but feel worry for her sister.

Kikyo squeezed InuYasha's hand, arching her back in pain as fresh tears spilt down her cheeks, her body didn't feel her own, this strange feeling that was unlike anything she had felt before. Wondering if this was real, if it was all truly happening or a delusion formed of her own mind. Resting her head on his chest as she breathed heavily, trying to focus. She was here, she was alive and she was going to be a mother, she wanted to see her baby so badly, she wanted them to be healthy, but all she could think of was the pain. She felt as though she was being ripped apart, there was a strange pressure inside of her the more she pushed, wondering if this was what all mothers felt.

InuYasha kissed her head tenderly, his amber eyes filled with love and guilt, he'd known she would face this pain. His mother had upon giving birth to him, now Kikyo was facing the same thing. He knew this would be a struggle for her, he knew that Kikyo would suffer, but he felt so proud of her. He was so happy that their baby was arriving, that their baby was finally here, Kikyo was coping so well and she was so far healthy with the delivery. His demon senses had come in handy for preparing, he had sensed the minute her water broke, he could smell it, doing all he could to prepare for the birth. He didn't care how tightly she squeezed his hand, it was nothing to him, he could smell her salty tears and heard her cries of pain, but she was pushing through and she was beautiful. Trying to relax, trying to control her breathing and trying to do her best, no child came without blood, sweat or tears. He wished he could take away her pain, he wished he could alleviate it somehow, but he knew his presence would help "You're doing so well Kikyo, you're coping brilliantly, I know this hurts but I know you're strong enough" he praised.

Kikyo hiccuped a sob, averting her brown eyes to gaze into his own with a pained yet grateful expression "Inu… InuYasha, it hurts… god it hurts…." she wept. She didn't know how much longer she could cope, pushing with all her might to get the baby out of her. Trying to do what needed to be done, praying she would get through this. If InuYasha weren't here beside her, she didn't know how she would have coped. She had always been admired for her strength and resolve among the village, only InuYasha knew of her loneliness. Now she could feel her courage wavering, fear and anxiety washing through her, a conflict of hope and paranoia.

InuYasha nuzzled into her hair, the scent of his mate filling his nose, he wanted her to feel safe and loved. "I know sweetheart, I promise it will be over soon, they want to meet us, our baby wants to see us. They're nearly here…" he soothed. Their baby was coming, the baby was ready to face the world and meet their parents, they were right here waiting for them. Kikyo nodded, InuYasha made her feel safe he always had, she trusted him with her soul, her heart, her very being. Their baby, the life they had created together, their future child was arriving, their special one. She gripped his hand harder, swallowing her tears, mustering her strength, digging her nails into his skin, gritting her teeth and biting into her lip so hard she drew blood. Mustering an agonizing scream as she focused all of her energy into pushing, arching her back as she clenched her toes, focusing on the baby. InuYasha was here with her, he was right by her side as he always had been, following her like her shadow. Making sure she was never alone, that she always felt safe. He was holding her hand, supporting her from behind. Whispering words of comfort in her ear.

Suddenly, the cabin was filled with the distant sounds of wails, screaming and crying, the voice of an infant filling the room, knowing it was over. Kikyo sighed a breath of relief, collapsing against her husband. The midwife took the baby in her arms, wrapping the infant in an old robe to wipe it off, walking over to priestesses sister to wash off the baby. "Congratulations Milday Kikyo, Lord InuYasha, it's a healthy baby girl and she is as lovely as her mother" the midwife praised.

InuYasha smiled warmly, tears of joy spiking his eyes as the scent of his daughter filled the room. Gazing at his newborn daughter fondly, she was still very pink, but she was beautiful. They had all been waiting for her to arrive, they had all known she was coming, but now she was actually here it didn't feel real. This precious being they had created together. He smothered kisses to Kikyo's head, tears spilling down his cheeks, his amber eyes shining with love and happiness. "It's a girl Kikyo, she's finally here" he praised tearfully, he was finally a father, was this how his father had felt when his mother became pregnant? This same excitement to meet him? Kikyo gazed at her baby weakly, laughing under her breath in relief, her daughter had arrived safely, she was healthy. Tears of joy spilling down her cheeks as she sighed heavily. She couldn't believe she had been blessed with a daughter, her new family.

"She's beautiful Onee-chan, she looks just like you" Kaede praised. She was so small and yet she seemed so strong, she could sense she would grow up to achieve amazing things just like Kikyo. She knew Kikyo had been scared at the premise of becoming a mother, if she would be good enough, but she already showed innate instincts and was taking to it well. During her pregnancy, she had been afraid of her baby resenting her, of if she would be able to control her powers, thinking constantly of her child's happiness and their life ahead of them. She had always been born to be a mother.

Kikyo smiled warmly, her head resting against the futon pillow as she gazed at her baby adoringly. Wondering if her mother in law Lady Izayoi had been watching over her during her labour. Keeping her and the baby safe, making sure they had it through. There were so many questions she wished she could have asked her, if they had ever been blessed with the fate of meeting each other. Her complexion was still pink being a newborn baby, but she wondered if her complexion would be slightly tanned like her father or pale like herself as she grew older. The tufts of black hair she inherited from both of her parents lightly sprouted from her head. Her eyes had been the most beautiful mixture of both of them, a deep brownish-gold, having black irises mixed with sparks of amber and brown in her eyes. Resembling them both. Would she have claws and fangs like her father too? "She has our eyes" InuYasha smiled, reminding him of honey or autumn sunshine, or even a maple leaf. The demonic hue of his amber eyes mixed with his and Kikyo's human blood of brown eyes.

Kikyo hummed, slowly rolling across to lay on her side though her body was still fragile from the birth, pain aching through her but she breathed slowly testing her limits. She needed rest, she needed sleep, but she wanted to look at her daughter. She wanted to admire the precious life she had created. Reaching across her hand gently to stroke her daughter's cheek, fresh tears formed in her eyes as a feeling of unending affection for her baby formed within her. This was the first time they were meeting, yet she never thought she could love something more. Her daughter would rely on her for guidance and protection as she traveled through this world, aware of her differences. She would always be loved by her parents and yet face adversity just like her father. She would need to teach their daughter of her demonic and spiritual heritage as she grew older. "I wonder, will she have fangs and claws like you someday?" Kikyo hummed

InuYasha chuckled, she was too young to show any demonic traits yet, but he could still sense the weaker demonic power within her. But he didn't doubt she would inherit her mothers formidable spiritual essence. "Who knows?" he hummed. They couldn't tell what kind of person their daughter would grow up to be, but they would be by her side the whole way, helping to shape her into a human being. Their baby was indeed special and they couldn't have loved her more.

Kikyo sat up comfortably, newly wrapped in a fresh robe and kimono to keep herself warm, the baby held gently in her arms as she breastfed her daughter. She had regained some of her strength and wanted to take advantage of that before she became too weak again. Gazing fondly at her child as they were nursed, stroking her head tenderly. She had learned her daughter indeed had fangs though tiny and more like pinheads, though they didn't hurt now, they would grow bigger as she got older. She would need to bathe eventually, cleansing herself after birthing her daughter, but it could wait. She wanted her daughter to be as comfortable as possible, unable to tear herself away from her baby. She felt so happy, being able to hold her in her arms. Her hair had since been tied back into a topknot bun with some ribbon and pins by Kaede, keeping it from her face. InuYasha laid on his side watching his mate fondly, she had already taken to motherhood and was doting on their daughter. He'd always known she would be a good mother, the way she doted over the village children. How she would always play with them, allow them to follow her around when she was foraging for medicine. Despite her doubts, her kindness made her a good mother. His gaze never once leaving hers as she fed their daughter. "She's taking to my milk well, I can only assume that means she's healthy" Kikyo soothed, she was a hungry child and she needed her energy.

InuYasha smiled, demons tended to have a different stamina and need for energy than humans. He just hoped Kikyo would be able to produce enough milk to satisfy their baby "If she's anything like me, she'll have a large appetite" he chuckled. She was but a few hours old and yet he already adored his daughter, she would look to them both for guidance, born of their love for one another. He'd never thought anyone could need him, love him or ever want him around, but he knew his daughter would do just that. She would need him for the rest of her life, she always would. He would be her hero, her protector and mentor until the day came that shew as strong enough to stand on her own. She was his life now, he would protect her and his mate with everything he had.

"She's so perfect InuYasha, so small and yet so strong" Kikyo hiccuped, how could she ever think that she would never be a good mother? She merely gazed upon her daughters face and knew she would give anything and everything for her sake. She would fight hell and back to ensure no harm came to her. All of her doubts, questions and hesitations felt foolish and stupid, all of her worries seemed pointless compared to this joy. Wondering which one of them she would grow up most to resemble, which one of them she would behave more like.

"Just like her mother" InuYasha chuckled, she already had Kikyo's complexion, pale like moonlight and so beautiful. Her mothers feline eyes, showing her demonic traits and yet her mothers sharp eyes. Their little Miyuki was more like her mother already without her ever knowing.

Kikyo blushed, but she smiled appreciatively at her husband, his words touching her heart. Fate had brought herself and InuYasha together, their lonely souls drawn to one another. Now their love had created a child, she couldn't be happier with her story unfolding. "She'll need a name, one that she will carry with her through her life" she reflected. Her brain was still so fuzzy from giving birth and the stress of it all, her exhaustion getting the better of her. She couldn't think of a name right now, she couldn't think of what would suit her. Her baby deserved a name that would reflect who she was, reflect her identity, the person she would become.

InuYasha hummed, he'd been named dog demon by his father, a strong and powerful name that nobody forgot. Though it may have been used in mockery, people bullying him his whole life for being a half breed, he proved he was strong. That he was indeed part demon, even if he was only a half breed. Kikyo meant bellflower like the ones she left to decorate the temple, the beautiful blue flowers that danced in the breeze. Kikyo had even decorated them outside the temple occasionally as her namesake. Symbolizing, affection, constancy, everlasting love, humility and delicacy. Kikyo's affection for him unwavering and true, being a constant comfort to one another, their trust and love. While representing Kikyo's humbleness of her identity and respect as a priestess, remaining pure and kind despite the hardships she had faced in her life. Kaede was named after maple leaves in the autumn, she was bright and colourful, full of life and mischievous.

Suddenly, Kaede appeared in the doorway having gotten rid of the water used to clean her niece. Her brown eyes wide with excitement "Kikyo Onee-chan, InuYasha Onii-chan, it's snowing" she squealed excitedly. During her sister's labour, it had begun to snow, though heavy it was tolerable and though cold the village would manage. But as it continued, her niece's birth coming underway, in the hours since the snow had become heavier. Thick fat flakes falling from the sky and blanketing the village along with it. It was so beautiful she had become distracted on the way back.

Inuyasha sniffed the air, slowly getting to his feet to gaze out of the door, he had sensed the temperature change during Kikyo's labour but ignored it due to concentrating on supporting her. Basking in the moment of fatherhood and appreciating the gift he had been blessed with. Pushing the bamboo curtain to the side to acknowledge the weather. Indeed, the ground had been blanketed with a thick layer of snow, covering the village, it had been snowing the day he was born too, though it was early spring the snow still fell. His mother would regail the day of his birth to him as he grew up, how scared she had been, how alone she had felt, yet knowing her husband watched over her. How fortuitous that his daughter should be born on the same kind of day, delicate, beautiful and yet dangerous. Her name had been chosen, it was reflected all around them and it felt natural "Miyuki" InuYasha responded abruptly.

Kaede gazed at InuYasha in confusion "Huh?"

InuYasha smiled fondly, watching the snowfall around their cottage, this would be her name, this would be her legacy. "Miyuki, her name will be Miyuki. It means beautiful snow. She was born during a snowstorm and she is indeed a beautiful child" he smiled warmly. Their child had been brought into the world during a bitter snowstorm, she was small, she was unpredictable and yet she already forged their love and devotion to her. Her beauty as vibrant as the winter snow and thus would be her namesake. Kaede's expression of confusion changed to a cheerful smile, averting her gaze to admire the snow and reflect on her niece's name. InuYasha had chosen well and she couldn't think of anything better. She was only 7 now, but she had to be a big girl now, she couldn't be childish anymore, she was to take over as priestess someday just like her sister. Long gone would her carefree days of being selfish, foolish and immature, she needed to think of how her actions would reflect on her niece. Miyuki would someday protect this village too, she would rely on not only her big sister for guidance but her too, Miyuki would need her help. She had to be someone she could rely on.

Kikyo hummed, stroking her daughters head and placing a gentle kiss atop her head as she continued to nurse her baby "Miyuki, such a beautiful name, our winter child" she cooed. She hoped that like the snow her daughter would be formidable and unpredictable, and yet compassionate. Learning from their guidance and becoming someone who would earn the respect of others. A pure heart, a good heart and a loyal soul. With her brownish golden eyes, born in the middle of a storm strong and healthy. Her daughter would achieve greatness.

"Did you hear? Lady Kikyo gave birth?"

"A healthy baby girl no doubt"

"Will she resemble her father or lady Kikyo?"

"Her demon blood be too weak to resemble a demon"

"Lord InuYasha is a mere half breed, however"

She knew nobody could prevent ignorance, it was an ingrained human flaw that seemed to follow them through life. Something new, something strange and something unexplained would always garner this sort of attention from others. But she had hoped to shield her daughter from this as long as possible, yet she was only a day old and already the village was turning against her. Kikyo sighed, she had thought the residents of her home would be better than this but she was mistaken, gossip had spread around the village of her daughter. Had Izayoi faced this same hardship when she fell for InuYasha's father? Upon raising her son alone she had listened to the same kind of rumours? She could only ignore it, keep her head held high and simply be the best mother she could be. She had made her choice and nobody could deter her from this path. Miyuki so far resembled herself, her eyes taking a feline like appearance, but that would change as she developed. However, being a baby she had yet to develop any of Kikyo's spiritual power or some of InuYasha's demon blood. Her baby was innocent and new, she knew nothing of her potential powers nor what her life would be like.

Kikyo felt a fear forming inside of her, the fear all young mothers felt when responsibility was thrust upon their shoulders. Trying to make sense of it all, trying to understand themselves differently. Working through the changes that life had bestowed upon them, testing their resolve. Here she was at eighteen and a new mother, she and Kaede had lost their parents at a young age, Kaede being a mere infant and Kikyo being ten years old. Having raised Kaede herself while the villagers had come to their aid with food, clothes and shelter. Kikyo training to become a priestess and develop her powers while using what little money she could make to buy food and clothes. She knew InuYasha had been orphaned after the death of his mother and known many hardships. She and InuYasha had both faced difficult lives, they had forged through pain and loneliness, becoming someone they were proud of. She didn't want that for her daughter, she would be trained as a priestess as soon as her powers began to blossom, as happened with Kaede when she came of age. But she wanted her daughter to have some carefree years as a child before she developed responsibilities. She wanted her daughter to be able to play, pick flowers, get into mischief and enjoy her adolescence, something she never knew.

But she needed to pass on her wisdom to her daughter, to speak truth to her so she would grow up to be an honourable person. "Miyuki, listen to me well, your papa and I, we adore you. I apologize if I make mistakes or I stumble sometimes, but this is new to me and mama gets scared too. But never forget how much Inuyasha and I love you" she soothed. She didn't know if she would be the perfect mother, she didn't know if she would always make the best decisions. She couldn't lie to her daughter and promise her that life would never be difficult. That she would never cry and sometimes hard choices would be thrust upon her shoulders, causing conflict in her life. But she would always be loved, InuYasha and herself protecting Miyuki until their dying breath.

InuYasha carried a sack of rice over his shoulder, some fish and a dead pheasant, the spoils of his hunting and trading with merchants. Now that there was more than two people around they needed a lot of food. Kaede carried some vegetables and logs for the fire, he'd been hunting while Kaede helped him forage but remained out of harm's way. Though he knew she was capable, Kaede was his responsibility and he wanted her out of harms way in case any danger may arise. Kikyo was back at the hut resting with Miyuki, having slept for a few hours to regain her strength, after she woke the midwife was left in charge of keeping an eye on her while they went foraging. He needed to provide for his family now more than ever.

"That's him, that be the father"

"He's the half breed what impregnated Lady Kikyo"

"She be bearing his demon spawn?"

"How could the child of a demon become a priestess?"

InuYasha growled lowly but he focused his anger elsewhere, trying to not let his blood boil and become baited by their words of mockery. Yesterday was the happiest moment of his life, becoming a father, a parent, and yet the world couldn't even let him have that. He was used to the mutters of humans, though many in the village had come to accept him, some still hated him or were wary around him. Many harbouring hatred towards him and now his newborn daughter, the same ignorance he faced as a child. Kikyo was the first person to accept him, to gain his trust and for him to experience love, something he'd never felt before. Now he had a life with her and yet he could never truly know peace.

Kaede gripped the logs tightly, anger and confusion filling her, InuYasha had earned his place in the village and proven he was a good person. InuYasha was a half-demon but he wasn't a bad person, he saved her from mistress centipede as a child instead of letting her be used as bait. He protected the village and he protected Kikyo, he'd proven his loyalty and earned their trust. He mated with Kikyo and married her, now they had Miyuki together, but still, people showed him cruelty. She couldn't understand how people could be so cruel, so stupid and so petty "InuYasha Onee-chan, how come people hate Miyuki? She's just a baby, she hasn't done anything wrong" Kaede questioned bitterly. InuYasha averted his gaze to peer at Kaede, he recalled saving her when they first met from mistress centipede, hoping to use her as a bargaining chip against Kikyo to trade in the Shikon Jewel. She was naïve back then and somewhat ignorant of demons, she knew only to fight them being a trainee priestess. Though her powers were weaker than her sisters, she was still strong in her own right. She'd shown great acceptance of him and his relationship with Kikyo, she had come to love him as a big brother and now his daughter too. Proof that hatred of demons and half breeds was taught.

InuYasha sighed "When I was a pup, my mum died and I never met my dad. Growing up I became aware of how different I was, I could never be accepted by demons nor by humans. So I had to make my own place. Miyuki has a quarter demon blood in her but she's mostly human. But because of her demon blood, because she's a hybrid, cos she can't fit into either world. People don't like that, people think she's a monster, so they hate her" he explained. So long as demons fell for humans, so long as two worlds that were entirely different kept building bridges and forming bonds. So long as there were demons that proved they weren't monsters and capable of empathy and kindness. They would always be hated and seen as abnormal, beyond what was seen as the status quo. His half brother hated him because their father fell in love with his mother and their father died saving her life, thus he blamed Izayoi for making his father weak and leading to his death. He also blamed InuYasha, born of their love for leading their father astray and tainting his demon blood. He would show that same hatred for Miyuki, being born mostly human with the weakest demon heritage of all.

Kaede's expression warped into one of anger and sadness "You mean, they hate her because she's got demon blood, like you?" she questioned. That didn't make any sense, it seemed like an utterly pointless reason to harbour such resentment towards someone. InuYasha nodded "But that's not fair, you're not a bad demon! You were just lonely, Miyuki ain't bad either" Kaede snapped. How could people judge someone so unfairly without getting to know them?

Inuyasha smiled, he knew that Kaede would be a protective auntie to Miyuki as they got older, as well as a co-teacher to her training as a priestess someday. She was able to see beyond the hatred and ignorance that people saw against hybrids and inter-species relationships. She already loved her. Maybe someday she would meet a demon, another half breed and more, further educating herself on the complicated world around her. "You know that, I know that and Kikyo knows that. But some people, people have always been scared of what they don't understand. Like me and now Miyuki too" he explained. Kaede knew that not all demons were bad, half demons weren't bad and nor was Miyuki. You couldn't fix ignorance, you just had to do well by example and hope your guidance would change people for the better.

Kaede pouted, understanding his words but he wasn't happy "People are stupid" she huffed. InuYasha chuckled in amusement, he couldn't argue with that statement.

InuYasha sat by the stove as he stirred the pheasant stew, it wasn't too rich and Kikyo may be able to stomach it, she needed her strength after childbirth. He knew her sense of taste and what she could stomach would be difficult, her body had been through severe changes and trying new things and being able to enjoy what she used to would be hard. But he had noticed she was glowing, her pheromones had changed, though she was beautiful before, she was even more radiant now. There was also grilled fish for himself and Kaede if they wanted some, the rice had been put into storage along with the remaining vegetables. The scent of the stew filled the room making their stomachs rumble. Eager to enjoy a hearty meal after physical labour being endured all day. Kikyo rested in bed cradling Miyuki who had since fallen asleep since her feeding, a fond smile on her lips. Singing a soft lullaby under her breath as she watched her daughter sleep. "She finally settled?" InuYasha questioned, he'd been worried if Kikyo would get any rest or if their daughter would tire herself out. So far Kikyo hadn't complained if she cried, in fact she was a very peaceful baby. She hardly cried and she hardly fussed, meaning she was picking up on whatever anxieties Kikyo was feeling.

"She's a docile soul, she harbours no rage within her, she sleeps easy and causes me no trouble" she hummed, she was a deep sleeper and yet so full of character. All babies were different, changing as they grew, all mothers had different stories of motherhood, what it was like raising their children. Though it was selfish, she was relieved to know her strains had been lessened due to her daughters gentle soul and mild behaviour.

InuYasha approached his mate, nuzzling her affectionately before gazing at his daughter, he wished for nothing more than to lay by Kikyo's side as the world passed by as they doted on their child. Even if it was for the briefest periods, he hated being away from them both, having to stray from home. Leaving his wife and child unprotected when he feared harm may befall them. Would she have his strong heart? Their compassion? Would she be brave? Would she have his temper? He couldn't wait to see the person she would become, so many questions of who his daughter would become. "Can you eat?" he asked Kikyo, she may not have her appetite back yet, but she needed to eat. He wouldn't force her, nor would he become upset if she couldn't muster the strength. He would merely find a meal capable of satisfying his mates cravings.

Kikyo smiled, her body was still recovering and she couldn't stomach much as of yet. So far medicinal teas from the midwife had helped her. She could ingest fluids but she was still having issue with heavy solid foods. "I need my strength for Miyuki, but I don't know how much I will cope with" she apologized. She appreciated that InuYasha had been hunting, foraging and even taking up some slaying jobs in her place to earn money. He'd been providing for them and she felt guilty at her weakness.

InuYasha kissed her gently "As long as you eat, that's what matters" he soothed, her body knew what she needed, being honest. She had given birth but a day ago, she needed to let herself recover and give her body time. She was a mother now, she needed to think of herself and the baby.

Kaede cuddled up under a kimono and futon, her head rested under her cheek protectively, soft snores escaping her lips. Worn out from the stresses of aiding in her sisters delivery, having helped InuYasha forage and using up her day's energy. Kikyo remained curled up under a kimono, her dark hair flowing across the robes as she kept her baby close to her breast, her arm wrapped protectively around her daughter, holding her close. Miyuki sleeping peacefully against her mother's body, her scent keeping her calm. Her dark lashes tickling against her cheeks, soft snores of exhaustion escaping her lips. Sleeping peacefully of dreams he couldn't comprehend.

InuYasha sat by the fire in quiet contemplation, he hadn't been able to rest due to his mind becoming too conflicted with various thoughts. He was still in awe of the reality that had now become his life, watching his family. Kaede had stepped up to the plate, despite her fear and anxiety, she had shown strength and resilience in a strange new life experience. Helping bring hot water, towels and aiding the midwife during delivery. Despite her fear she had reassured her sister and done all she could to be helpful, she helped make food, hunt and make sure Kikyo was able to rest. Already accepting her role as a family to Miyuki and a mentor. Kaede had learned well from her sister and despite her fears of never being able to match up to her sisters legacy, InuYasha could see all she was capable of. Instead of comparing herself to her sister, she needed to embrace her own skills.

But word traveled fast and many ears would be listening, he would be expecting an unwanted visitor in the near future no doubt. He'd hoped to avoid this and maybe he would stay away, due to his hatred of him. But he knew better, he knew his half brother lived to mock him, confronting him only when it benefited him. While continuing to act as if InuYasha never existed. He didn't doubt Sesshoumaru would have heard all about this by now, InuYasha adapting to life among humans where he belonged, falling for a human woman much as their father had. Giving birth to a hybrid daughter with a priestess, all of the things seen as shameful by demons. Sesshoumaru would relentlessly mock him for his choices, for becoming weaker, instead of accepting his demon blood and marrying a demon. He'd chosen to follow their father for happiness, now he'd not only harass him but most likely his daughter would become a target. Her uncle would bully her, the same way he had bullied InuYasha for most of his life.

He wouldn't let that happen, he knew how miserable it felt for the world to hate you for simply being yourself. How differences made you a target for others to inflict their cruelty onto. He would protect his family, he'd earned his place here, he was deserving of it. He'd protect Kikyo, he would never let anyone lay a hand on her, he'd protect Kaede, he'd make sure she was never used as bait. He'd protect Miyuki, he'd make sure his daughter never suffered the way he had. He growled bitterly at the memories of his brother.

"Pathetic half breed"

"I won't let them hurt you, any of you" he muttered