Legend in the Making

Chapter 28:

Calm Before the Storm

"No." She stated as, once again, Sango urged her to attempt a relationship with the Mazaku.

"Really, you two have so much chemistry it's maddening." Sango sighed. "You show no outward sign of liking anyone, Kagome-sama. Just because you are a miko and a lord does not mean you shouldn't enjoy yourself a little."

"She's right, Kagome. You're twenty two. It's your birthday and we're celebrating. Have. Fun." Ayame agreed, accentuating the last two words as she leaned back in her chair. "If for no one else, then for us. We're pregnant. We can't drink and watching my mate get drunk pisses me off."

"One of us ladies needs to have fun and not be in pain from holding a watermelon in our belly." Sango agreed. "The smell of anything sweet still makes me sick."

"Tell me about it. One of the children brought in a dead squirrel and I gagged." Ayame sighed, annoyed.

"And if I don't wish to celebrate my birthday?"

"You shouldn't have made the celebration of birth a known event." Sango deadpanned. "Everyone else celebrates another year of life. Now it's your turn."

"The moment I celebrate, the war will break loose. I'm telling you. No." Kagome shook her head. "We've had two years of peace. I'm hoping to extend it at least another year. So no to Raizen and no to the party."

"Kyoko-san! What are you doing?" Ayame called out, seeing the weapons expert walk by.

The kitsune peered into the room, bowing before responding. "I am preparing for Kagome-sama's party."

Ayame grinned. " you, Kyoko-san."

She bowed once more before walking off, much to Kagome's chagrin.

"So it's just Raizen." Sango stated, an amused grin on her face as she rubbed her overly large stomach.

"No."

"Are you wearing black and blue or white and gold tonight?" She questioned instead, taking a sip of her water.

"It's still cool out. We'll be wearing white and gold until the snow is officially gone for, at minimum, seven days." She responded evenly, signing the last document and setting it in the pile to go. "Let's move closer to the fire. I'm sure you're getting chilly sitting by the door."

"Are you kidding me? I'm overheating already." Ayame sighed. "I swear, this is a boy. And he's got his father's crazy body temperature." She huffed. "My daughter was nothing like this."

"At least it's not twins." Sango muttered, "Though I can't say I envy you. I am very nervous about the birthing, though."

"Can't say I envy you." Ayame agreed, eying the woman. "Has your stomach dropped?"

Sango's brows furrowed. "No. Not that I'm aware."

Kagome's gaze turned to the woman, hyper fixated on her. "We'll keep an eye on it. You are close to giving birth."

"That's not even funny. As much as I want to meet them, I wish it would just happen…We can skip the actual birthing process." She huffed. "I want them out, but I also do not want to go into labor. Please help me make sense of this."

"Not possible." Ayame stated. "Trust me, you'll be thrilled when you meet them. The pain is well worth it."

"What are the boys doing, anyway? Shippo's at the Kitsune school for the week. But where did Miroku-sama disappear to? And Kouga?"

"Kouga's catching some game for tonight." Ayame stated, "Ginta has Kaia."

"Miroku went to greet Kuronue-san a while ago. I assume they're causing mischief somewhere around here…or going over the mischief they've caused since they last spoke. I swear, those two are closer than brothers some days." Sango huffed, a smile on her face. "Sometimes I feel like I should be jealous."

The women laughed, enjoying each other's company as they discussed the events that had passed and what they'd be doing later that night…and what they thought Kagome should be doing as well. Overall, they were having fun teasing the poor ruler, much to her chagrin.

So when the night came, they were surprised as they stood up with the help of the staff and were escorted to their rooms to change and get ready for the festivities.

"Kagome-sama, perhaps a few more layers would be best this time." Hina stated, pulling out a tri layered kimono. "I know how much you detest wearing so many layers, but this will not only keep you warm, it is easy to move in and lighter than the other kimono."

Kagome glowered at the set before acquiescing. "You got this for me specifically for today, didn't you?"

"Yes, Milord. We all pitched in to have this made for you." Hina nodded.

"Exactly how am I supposed to say no to that?" Huffing with a small smile, she began putting the layers on. The first was a simple white, spider silk fabric that had a slight shine. Putting the second layer on, she took in the solid gold color. It too shone like the first. Just a slight gleam in the light that would catch your eye. The final layer was a mostly white kimono with gold vines climbing from the hems to the center in loops and swirls. The obi was mostly gold, with a similar design in white throughout. Black boots once more adorned her feet as her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, strands framing her face.

"You look stunning, Milord." Rinko beamed, watching her excitedly.

"Thank you." Kagome nodded, a light blush on her features as she took in the design once more. "It is really beautiful…"

"Hai, it is." Hina agreed.

"Oh, that's right." Kagome paused, turning to look at Rinko. "Keep an eye on Sango-chan tonight. Ayame mentioned her stomach might be dropping, so the babies are likely getting ready to be born."

"Hai!" Rinko squealed. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were born on your birthday?"

Kagome laughed. "Then we could focus on them instead of me."

"Nonsense. Where's the fun in that, Milord." Tohru smiled from the doorway.

"Tohru-Taicho! How was your patrol?"

"Very well, Milord. No news yet, but I've positioned people around the barrier just to be safe."

"Wonderful to hear. And the third set of rioters?" Kagome inquired.

"Ryu has them in interrogation in the western mountain…I dare say he's enjoying himself."

"I don't doubt it. He's been antsy all week." Kagome nodded.

Kora stepped up beside Tohru. "Happy birthday, Milord."
"Thank you, Kora-Taicho. How was your venture?"

"Eventful. The children are doing well and will be joining us this evening for the celebration. Youko sends his regards. He has chosen to stay and plan his next heist."

Kagome giggled, "I can't fault him for that. He's provided a decent bit of information lately. As curious as I am, I know it must be difficult to stay out of Enma's path while still completing your goal."

"Aa. Shall I send him with more supplies?"

"No, he has plenty on his own." She stated, turning to Hina, "Who else is here?"

"Raizen, of course. Inuyasha and Shiori have come to visit. Asagi, Moegi, Shion, Dai, Roku, Ai and -"

"Konnichiwa, Kaa-chan!" Shippo appeared, a bouquet of assorted flowers held out to her.

She beamed at him, "Shippo! They're beautiful, thank you." Hugging the kit and giving him a kiss on the forehead, Hina maneuvered around Kagome and took the flowers, bringing them further into the room and placing them in a vase.

"Shippo-sama, please escort Milord to the main hall for dinner."

"Hai!" He saluted, taking her hand and walking her out of the room and down the hall.

"Yo, Hina. I've got the sake and other…strange bits of alcohol. It's in the kitchen." Kyoko called into the room, "Mitarai is watching over it."

"Thank you, Kyoko. I'll head to the kitchen to sort things out. Please be sure our guests are aware of the time."

"Hai."
"We'll have dinner prepared for ourselves while they eat."

"Sounds like a plan, sunshine. Let's get moving, ladies." Kyoko grinned, leading the pack out of the room and splitting up at the crossroads.

Kagome laughed at yet another joke Miroku threw out to the group, reveling in the attention he was receiving. Accepting yet another glass of sake, she continued to visit with her friends and allies.

Kyoko found herself highly amused as she replaced Kagome's glass for the fifteenth time - or more like, Kagome was on her fifteenth bottle of sake and hadn't noticed in the least. Not to mention, Raizen was in the same boat, having downed his sixth bottle of ogre killer. Gazing outside, the weapons expert chuckled before moving back to the kitchen. "Milord can have nothing but water from now on. She's going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow already."

"That would be wise." Hina agreed, entering the room. "The same can be said for her guests. There is still plenty for tomorrow should they request it."

Mitarai chose that moment to walk in the door and stare behind her. "Ok, Kagome-sama is getting frisky. Perhaps we should call it a night."

"Did she hit on you?" Heero questioned, rushing up to the door to stare out. He chuckled, "Nevermind, she's flirting with Sho. The poor guy looks like he's completely lost."

"Yes, but Raizen is beelining for her, so this should get interesting really fast." Mitarai pointed out, motioning toward the toushin. The rest of the staff moved toward the doorway to watch, amused as Sho booked it out of there the moment Raizen caught her attention. In a matter of seconds, the two were leaving the room as the staff watched until they were out of sight.

"...The family wing is off limits tonight. Understood?" Hina stated, gazing around the crowd.

"Hai." They agreed before slowly moving into the room to end the party.

Rinko took note of how exhausted Sango was, moving forward to assist her back to her room as her husband trailed behind, laughing with Kuronue. Bidding them a good night, she headed to the unused room to the right of Sango and Miroku's and prepared for bed - her outer kimono within reach with her birthing supplies near the door.

Leaving the door partially open, she rolled out a mat and went into a light sleep. It wasn't but three hours later that Miroku came rushing into the room in a panic.

"Rinko-san!" He shouted, slurring slightly. "Sango - She's -!"

Sitting up, Rinko quickly dressed and grabbed her supplies. "Sit, Miroku-sama. Breathe. I will take care of Sango-sama." Leaving the male sliding down the wall in a panic, she entered the bedroom with her supplies. "Sango-sama, how are you?"

"I'm - ugh!" Panting, she turned her gaze to the woman, "These kids are trying to kill me~!"

"How long have you been feeling like this?" She questioned, moving to sit in front of Sango, using the water in a nearby pitcher to fill her bucket and get a wash cloth wet before resting it on Sango's forehead.

"It - It started during dinner."

Rinko froze momentarily as more staff entered the room. "Ok, I'm going to take a look, alright? Let's see how far along you are." Moving Sango's legs and opening up her kimono, she blinked at the woman. "Well, the good news is, you might actually have a fairly quick birthing."

"What?!"

"The bad news, these kids want out now. Kairi, please instruct Sango-sama on her breathing and have her push."

"Hai."

Screams ripped through the halls as Miroku went pale. Kuronue was right beside him quickly, along with the other guests before Ayame wobbled up.

"I knew it." She grinned. "I can't wait to see them!"

Another scream and Kouga gave the male a pitying look. "It will get better."

"I sure hope so…" Miroku took a deep breath, trying to even his own breathing before he passed out.

At the third scream he was out cold.

"Well, he lasted longer than you." Ayame stated, watching as Kuronue caught the unconscious monk.

"...I can't even complain." Kouga grunted, wincing as Sango growled. Whether she knew it or not, her canine youkai language was spot on with the situation.

Kagome awoke with a start at the first scream, instantly sober. That's when her situation hit her. Not only was she naked, but the damned toushin was beside her, equally awake and confused. Then the second scream ripped through and both were up and clothed in seconds, rushing to the location.

"Is Sango-chan giving birth?" She questioned as she approached, earning a smirk from Ayame before spotting Miroku.

"Yes." Ayame stated, "You might want to get in there to assist, Milord. Sango's going to need you."

Quickly entering the room, she appeared at Sango's side, knowing enough not to take the woman's hand lest she never want to use hers again. "Hey Sango-chan! You're doing great! Just breathe," Imitating the breathing techniques her mother taught her prior to her permanent move to the feudal era, she watched as Sango copied her before putting in a push and letting loose a grunt and groan as the first child finally came through.

"That's only one?!" Sango exclaimed before a frustrated scream tore through the palace.

Inuyasha's ears pinned themselves to his head. "Well…at least she's still healthy."

"I pity the monk." Kuronue stated, wide eyed at the door. "His mate is far stronger than him."

A baby's cries ripped through the room before a second set of cries followed only minutes apart. Miroku, by this time, was awake once more, just before he was invited into the room. He entered hesitantly, spotting his wife, being propped up by Kagome and holding two bundles in two fluffy pink blankets.

"Congratulations, Miroku-sama."

"Two girls." Sango finished for Kagome, happy smile on her face as she turned her gaze back down to the girls. "Do you want to hold one?"

"...I won't hurt her?"

"Of course not." Rinko stated, instructing her staff to take the soiled rags and equipment out of the room. "Sit. I will assist with the transfer." Taking one of the girls, she gently placed her into her father's arms. "This one was born first."

"Gyokuto…and…Kin'u." He whispered, awed.

Sango nodded. "Beautiful names. I like them, don't you, Kin'u?" She cooed, earning a yawn from the babe.

Rinko stood. "I'll find you both a new futon to use. Sango-sama will be on bedrest for the next few days, so your food and anything you need will be brought to you. Asu is assigned to you from the medical ward. She will care for yours and the baby's health while you're here. When you go home, though I know it's not far, if you need anything, please call for Asu or myself. We will aid you immediately."

"Thank you, Rinko-san." Kagome nodded, watching her exit. The other guests entered to congratulate the new family until the new futon was brought in and Inuyasha assisted in moving Sango to the new one. The moment that was done, the soiled futon was taken and the family was left in peace to rest.

"So…let's talk about you." Ayame grinned coyly.

Kagome's face paled considerably as she was instantly reminded of the events prior to Sango's screams. "Shit."

Laughter rang through the halls.

To Be Continued…

Whew! This one was fun lol. Thanks everyone! Please review!

Full Moon Howl