Act Seventeen

Kagome groaned loudly as she rolled over on the futon. Growling, Inuyasha nudged her with his foot, telling her that she was being too noisy. This only made Kagome groan louder, causing Inuyasha to growl louder as well.

"What's the matter with you?" Inuyasha mumbled irritated as he sat up.

Kagome sighed before rolling over again to face her mate. "My back is really bothering me today. And I have a really awful headache."

Sighing, Inuyasha scooted out of the covers before making his way to the woodpile. He threw a couple of logs on the fire before dashing back to bed, his feet scurrying over the cold wood of the floor.

"Do you have any idea why?"

Kagome shrugged from under the warm blanket. "Maybe I'm getting ready to go into labor."

Inuyasha turned a ghostly ashen, his eyes widening in alarm. Kagome couldn't help but laugh at his expression.

At just over nine months, Kagome was ready to explode at any time. Her belly had almost doubled in size from three months ago, and the weight in front of her was beginning to take its toll on her poor back. Just the same, if there was any pleasure she could get out of this horrible experience, it was taunting Inuyasha.

The poor hanyou had just about worried himself sick fretting over her from the moment she surpassed the nine month marker. Looking at him now, the firelight of the early morning gleaming off his silver hair and redefinition every chiseled muscle of his chest, Kagome couldn't believe that that horrified face belonged to such a strong body. Realizing this made her laugh harder.

Inuyasha waved his hands in front of himself as he changed the expression on his face, one of annoyment. "Kagome, stop laughing. The pup may pop out of you laugh any harder."

That did it. Kagome was now in tears. Clutching her over-ripe belly, she rolled on her back, screaming in laughter.

Her amusement bounced off the walls and straight into Inuyasha's ears. Pinning them to his head, he rumbled in his throat as he thought of a way to get her to stop laughing. An idea filtered through his brain.

In one swift movement, He grabbed his mate by the arms and pinned her down. He silenced her by crushing his lips against hers, flicking his tongue in and out of her open mouth, tasting her, sharing her pleasure, loving her.

Kagome gasped into his mouth as she melted under his touch. She allowed him to be dominating over her as she submitted to his loving caress. She knew that when he felt he was dictator and in control of the situation, he seemed more willing to listen to her body's desire.

Relaxing, Kagome tried to release her arms from his stern hold, but the hanyou gave a halting growl, never once bobbling. Slowly he moved from her mouth to her jaw, leaving a trail of kisses down to her collarbone. Moaning passionately, she arched her head back, giving him further access to her neck. But he had moved back to her mouth, still as savage as ever, burning with an untamed flame that controlled his every movement.

Finally allowing Kagome's hands their freedom, she roamed his back, feeling every defined muscle. She never could get a grasp on how muscular the hanyou was, even though she knew it took a lot of strength to fight off demons.

She felt him position himself differently, moving to the side slightly to avoid her huge stomach, his hands supporting his bulk above her.

He could smell as her scent spiked, her desire grew. Slowly her hands made their way further down his body, stopping at his hakama. He felt her fingers as they tugged at the tie to his pants, but that, sadly, was where Inuyasha drew the line. Breaking the kiss, he gazed at her with unbridled emotion. But shaking his head, he started to sit up.

"Not today. You have to whelp that pup before we can." He said quietly.

Kagome understood. Twisting her body, she lay so that her head rested in his lap. She felt as his clawed finger traced around her jaw, traveling down her jugular before back up to stroke her hair.

Kagome sighed, in pure bliss. Even if they weren't making love, she was content to sit here, feeling Inuyasha's touch.

But, of course, nature always has other thoughts.

Sitting up abruptly and narrowly missing butt heading Inuyasha's chin, she stood and threw on a kimono before looking in earnest at Inuyasha.

He didn't need any further information, he knew the look well. Shrugging on his undershirt, he followed Kagome outside to the outhouse, walking the path he had followed several times last night.

Growling, he hated accompanying his mate to the bathroom, like she was an unbroken pup. But he knew that her shrinking bladder couldn't hold it forever, and Kagome didn't like going outside alone, knowing Shitsuren had promised to come for her when time came to whelp the pup.

So, here he sat, tapping his foot impatiently as several villagers giggled at Inuyasha's Monday morning appearance. He ignored them as Kagome came back out, obviously relieved.

Stretching her arms, she glanced at the overcast sky and the ominous clouds that hung in the distance. Coming closer to Inuyasha's side, they both peered at the black haze that hung on the horizon.

"Looks like its gonna storm," Kagome concluded as she moved away. Inuyasha agreed mentally as he fell in step with his mate.

"Oh, Kagome!"

The miko turned to gaze upon the face of old Kaede. She nodded in response as the priestess made her way towards them.

"How are ye faring, child?" She asked, obviously concerned. Kagome waved it off, smiling brightly.

"Never better!"

Kaede frowned. "Something about your aura strikes me as strange. Might ye accompany me to my home?" She turned and led the way before stopping to look back at the couple. "I believe your time is nearer than you expect."

Kagome felt odd as she lay upon Kaede's futon, her round stomach bare as her kimono fell just before her breasts. A light blanket covered her lower body as Kaede gently felt her stomach, just as she had nine months ago before declaring Kagome pregnant.

"The child has moved down considerably from your last visit," Kaede concluded as she pulled Kagome's kimono down. "Have ye been feeling anything out of the ordinary?"

Kagome shrugged. "Well, it kicks more than usual, and I had a headache and backache this morning…" She frowned in thought. "Oh yea! I started lactating three days ago."

Inuyasha fell over. Righting himself again, he glared over at his mate before advancing on her. "What?! And you didn't even tell me this? WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO INFORM ME?"

Kagome mustered a weak smile as she waved her hands defensively in front of herself. "Calm down, Inuyasha. I was planning on telling you, but I just couldn't find the right moment."

The hanyou looked as if he didn't believe her, but Kaede quickly extinguished all thoughts as she made an announcement.

"Kagome should go into labor anywhere from a day to three days from now."

"What?" The two cried in unison. Kaede nodded as she looked from face to face.

Kagome sighed as she sat up onto her elbows. "I thought I had at least two weeks." She looked up and frowned at the look Inuyasha was giving her.

"You thought you had two weeks?" He said doubtfully.

Kagome wrinkled up her nose. "Did I hear an echo?"

Kaede chuckled happily at the two's squabbling. "Now, now. I shall give you some medicinal herbs for the labor pains, then I want Inuyasha to fetch me as soon as ye start feeling any discomfort, understood?" The old miko handed her a small bowl filled with various leaves. Kagome nodded in agreement as she took the bowl and stood with Inuyasha's assistance.

His smile widened, his white canin teeth gleaming like new daggers. Shifting his gaze from the glass-like water, the turned to face his daughter.

Leaning against the side of the cave and wrapped in an aura of despair sat Kibami. Although her body had healed from the injuries inflicted from her father, her pride was still badly wounded.

Feeling her father's eyes upon her, she looked up at him, her eyes still holding that dominate glitter.

"Kibami, make the preparations for the bitch."

His daughter met his gaze before dropping lower, submitting to him. "Is she near?"

"In about three hours. We'll give her another hour before we make our move."

He rotated again to glance at the two male pups who laid beside their sister.

"You boys know what to do. So make your way east, but move at a leisurely pace. I want to wait until she begins to feel the first discomfort. Then I will come to assist you.

Immediately Tsukami and Tobokami stood, shaking out their coats and stretching their legs. "Is there anything else we can do, Father?"

The sire shook his head and waved them off, watching as they moved towards the cave entrance.

Kibami watched her brothers go before standing. Moving towards the corner, she took the old, unused futon between her teeth and dragged it outside, along with several blankets. Letting them air out, she gathered the herbs she needed and filled the small tub with water. Finally, she dragged the futon back in and replaced the blanket.

Looking over at her father, she walked towards him, her tail between her legs and her jade eyes watching the floor.

"Where are my siblings?" She asked carefully.

Shitsuren glanced over his shoulder at Kibami. "'tis none of your concern." He growled. Taking a paw, he swiped at the sacred water, clearing the image. Turning, he padded out of the cave before launching himself into the forest.

Kibami watched him go, hatred filling her heart.

'I wont let history repeat itself again…'

Kagome choked on the water she had been sipping as Inuyasha burned himself on the large pot that sat on the fire. Laughing as he danced around, holding his hand and yelping in pain, she nearly toppled over backwards, but quickly caught herself.

"Oh, poor baby. Come here." Taking Inuyasha's hand, she kissed it gently before rubbing it against her cheek. "Better?"

Inuyasha nodded, his face set in a pout. "It was hotter than I thought." He commented.

Kagome sighed as she stood up, holding her aching back and touching her overlarge stomach.

"What's wrong?"

Kagome shook her head. "Nothing. I'm just really uncomfortable. And the baby keeps kicking." She moved towards the pot. "Anyways, I shouldn't be letting a man do a woman's job." She grabbed the ladle that was harmlessly resting against the lip of the pot.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He growled. Kagome shrugged.

"That your useless as a housewife." She giggled slightly. Sighing, she felt Inuyasha's strong arms wrap around her waist as he buried his nose in the crook of her neck, swaying back and forth gently. Still, despite his show of affection, Kagome continued to pour soup into her bowl.

"Don't you feel like cuddling?" He mumbled in a husky voice. Kagome leaned her head against his.

"Yea, I feel real cuddly when I'm as big as a circus tent."

"A what?"

She shook her head. "Never mind."

"So, do you feel cuddly?"

Kagome went to reply when suddenly, a pain shot through her stomach. Dropping the bowl of hot soup, she lurched forward, grabbing at the fabric of her kimono. Instinctively Inuyasha's arms tightened to hold her, helping her stay upright.

"Kagome, what's the matter? What's happening?" His face was an ashen color as she turned to look at him with reassuring eyes.

"Oh, nothing. My stomach just started hurting. It must've been a cramp. That's all." Slowly lowering herself to the floor, she began to place pieces of the broken ceramic bowl in her hand. Inuyasha helped her by taking a damp cloth and wiping up the still-steaming liquid that covered the wood floor.

Turning away, the miko quickly discarded of the broken bowl, being careful not to cut herself. Inuyasha rinsed out the cloth before setting it inside the wash bin.

A scream from a nearby hut caught both the hanyou and miko's attention.

"What was that?" Kagome queried. Stepping over to the door flap, she gently lifted it aside. A gasp escaped her lips as her eyes laid upon the burning wreckage of a flaming hut. "Inuyasha!" A moment later, her mate stood beside her. She could hear his growl as he stepped back inside.

Grabbing Tetsusaiga, who laid idle against the far wall, He shoved the sheathed sword into his obi before darting outside.

"Inuyasha, wait!" Grabbing a quiver and bow, Kagome followed him back outside, trying to catch up.

As the two approached the burning hut, Inuyasha sniffed the air.

Youkai.

Turning to his pregnant mate, he began to push her back. "Get back home, there's youkai here!"

Kagome frowned and began to protest but Inuyasha silenced her with a chaste kiss. Looking up, his eyes shimmered with undying emotion.

"Please." He murmured softly. Kagome couldn't help. She nodded. Turning back, she walked away from the sight as she heard Inuyasha draw Tetsusaiga. Following the way back, she approached the hut.

Reassured that she was on her way back, Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga. Immediately transformed into the fang, He leapt onto the nearest rooftop, surveying the scene. Just to the eastern outskirt, he could clearly see two youkai, running along, killing chickens, harassing the barns of horses, scaring the humans. Growling, Inuyasha jumped from the hut and traveled along, skirting to the west part of the village, he would stay downwind of them. Finally, he cut along the front of the village before heading off the duo.

Landing in front of the two, he brandished Tetsusaiga as the wolf-youkai skidded to a stop. Their tongues lolled out to the side, their eyes sparkling with mischief and trouble. Inuyasha frowned. They were just pups.

"What are a couple of fleabags doing here in my village?" He snarled.

The wolf-youkai widened their grins. Inuyasha watched as they transformed into a human-like state, similar to Kouga.

"I don't believe any human would let a filthy hanyou like you run a village." Sneered the elder youkai. He chuckled as his brother gave a short laugh. Inuyasha growled, baring his teeth.

The two pups responded by flashing their own teeth, their growls just as vicious.

Inuyasha was poised and ready to attack. "Who are you?"

"We are the brothers of the Okami. Tsukami and Tobokami! We are here for your flesh, Inuyasha!" They snarled in chorus.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. He had never met these two, let alone wronged them. So why were they here?

However the hanyou's questions were left unanswered as Tsukami launched himself forward towards Inuyasha, snarling.

"Uh!" Lifting Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha thwarted the pup's challenge as he bounced off Tetsusaiga's blade and flipped over Inuyasha's head. Preoccupied with Tsukami, Tobokami sprang forward and latched onto Inuyasha's left arm.

Yelling out, he pushed away at the pup who willingly released his bite. Now, Inuyasha was in a predicament. He watched as the two okami circled him, once again in their true forms. Both growled as they lowered their heads, tails held high and teeth exposed. Inuyasha couldn't help feeling a little panic welling inside him, as he finally understood what a cornered deer felt like. He couldn't launch an attack on either pup, less he want the other to attack from behind.

'But I really don't have a choice right now, do I?'

Gritting his teeth, he raised Tetsusaiga before striking the ground. "KAZE NO KIZU!" He bellowed. Immediately he glanced to the side, seeing Tobokami flying towards him. His mind raced as he reasoned. Tetsusaiga was too heavy to block with so suddenly, but this pup was aiming for his throat. So he did the next best thing; he raised his arm.

He felt as the pup's teeth embedded into the soft flesh of his bicep. The power of the attack and the angle at which he had been hit were too much, and Tobokami took the hanyou down.

Now at a disadvantage, Inuyasha struggled to upright himself. But Tobokami had a firm grip. Like a dog shaking a rope, he shook his head back and forth, his teeth tearing and sinking deeper into Inuyasha's arm.

"GYAHHHHH!!" Lifting Tetsusaiga, he brought it down on the pup's left leg. Tobokami jumped away, but bit at Inuyasha's hand instead. The sudden feeling of teeth was too much, and the hanyou dropped the famed sword.

Now backing away, he watched as the wolf before him transformed into a human. Breathing heavily, he carefully placed his claws into the bleeding wound on his arms.

"Blades of blood!" He cried, watching as the red cleavers headed straight towards Tobokami. Alarmed at the sudden attack, he darted away to safety.

Satisfied, Inuyasha started to stand when a firm pair of hands grabbed him by the throat. Rolling his eyes, he caught the bloodied face of Tsukami.

"Now, filthy half-breed, leave this world!" His grip tightened as Inuyasha reached up, digging his claws into the wrists of the pup. But if it pained him, there was no sign. His grip merely tightened.

"Hiraikotsu!"

Leaping away to the right, Tsukami narrowly avoided the giant boomerang that flew from Sango's hand.

"Inuyasha!" The hanyou looked up to see Sango and Miroku hovering in the air aboard Kirara. Seconds later, Hiraikotsu flew back to Sango's hand, the giant fire cat youkai moving just slightly as the force of the catch caused Sango to lean back.

"Don't move!"

All three eyes looked over as Tsukami darted back over to the hanyou, much faster in his true form. Taking his teeth, he gently bit down onto Inuyasha's neck, his canines sunk in just far enough to allow a small stream of blood to flow.

"Don't move or I'll crush his windpipe!" He snarled.

Sango hesitated. Looking back at Miroku, the monk nodded. Kirara landed and the two slid off her back, Sango laying down her Hiraikotsu and katana.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes as to get a better look at his two friends. From their right, he saw Tobokami emerge, heavily favoring his right leg and blood matting his chestnut coat.

From the northern edge of the village, Inuyasha heard the distinct howl of a wolf. It was long and drawn out, summoning others. His heart began to race. From his hut. From where Kagome was at rest. He noticed Tobokami's ears prick, his body stiffen. Even Tsukami remained motionless. When the call slowly tapered off, Tobokami turned to his brother.

"Don't follow us. If you do, we will kill her and the unborn pup. To lose one is not a concern for us, to let you know." He turned his magenta gaze to Sango and Miroku. "Same rules apply to you. Don't follow. Or we shall have the bitch killed."

He turned to look at Tsukami and nodded his head. Hesitantly he lifted his jaws from Inuyasha's throat before darting away, his gimp brother following. As they disappeared into the woods, Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku heard the two harmonizing calls of the pups.

A/N: Yay! I got this chappie done on Friday after school, and, of course, FF(dot)net is down! UH! Anyways, I gotta dog show this weekend (Yay!) In Puyallup, Washington. Giddy up, y'all! And next weekend, I get to go to Portland, Oregon for a show. If you have Animal Planet, its one of those Eukanuba Tournament of Champions shows. They actually air those shows like, six months after their done and over with. Last year, I went to Portland and stayed and watched Best In Show and everything and the camera zoomed in on my friends and me. And my puppy's daddy (Pilot) Is in Florida right now, showing at one of the Eukanuba shows for Animal Planet. Uh! Enough talk, more writing, LMFOA.