Happy Anniversary my dear faithful reviewers! It has now been a full year since I started my wonderful fic. There will be this chapter, then one more, followed by an Epilogue to end it all off. After that, I will either start the sequel, or a few of my little lemon one shots.
It is really starting to snow here, and the weather is getting rather cold, so I am glad to be inside with a cup of hot chocolate and writing my stories.
Last Time:
Kaede wasn't sure how many hours of sleep she had gotten, but while she had been sleeping peacefully, the sound of a door suddenly being slammed open, the pounding of feet on the wooden floor, and then her room door being slammed open caused her to wake up. Inu-Yasha was suddenly knelt beside her, his eyes wide and his breath coming out in small pants.
"Inu-Yasha what is it?" asked Kaede.
"It's time . . ."
"What?"
"Kagome . . . that baby . . . it's time . .. "
Kaede's eyes widened as she scrambled out of bed and followed Inu-Yasha out of the room and towards the master bedroom where she could barely hear Kagome's small whimpers.
Winter Wonderland
Chapter Fifty-Nine
As the two entered the room Inu-Yasha was by Kagome's side in a heart beat, grasping her hand in his, "It's okay Kagome . . .I've gotten Kaede . . . everything's going to be okay,"
Kagome nodded softly, her breathing coming in small pants.
"How far apart are the contractions?" asked Kaede.
"Twenty minutes . . . I think," whispered Kagome, grasping Inu-Yasha's hand tighter.
"Inu-Yasha we need to move her somewhere with more room," said Kaede.
The half demon nodded before carefully taking Kagome into his arms and carrying her into the sitting room. Kaede grabbed a few blankets and laid them on the floor so Kagome would be more comfortable. Inu-Yasha still had one hand clasped with his mates, and his arm around her shoulders.
"What . . . what's going on so early in the morning?" yawned Shippo, coming down the stairs with Kirara right behind him.
"Kirara! Go get Sango and Miroku!" cried Inu-Yasha to the fire cat.
Kirara was out the door in an instant, transforming and flying towards the monk's house. Shippo scurried across the floor and landed on Inu-Yasha's shoulder, staring down at Kagome.
"Is Kagome going to be okay?" whispered Shippo.
Inu-Yasha didn't answer since his full attention was on his mate, his eyes filled with worry and concern.
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Sango and Miroku were still in a daze as they rode towards Inu-Yasha and Kagome's place on Kirara's back. They had been in the middle of an 'exciting' evening when Kohaku had come charging into the room. After sheets went flying everywhere and the yelling stop, Kohaku managed to tell them that Kirara was here, which meant only one thing to them. Kagome had gone into labor. Telling Kohaku to watch the twins, they headed off immediately.
As the house came into view Sango leaned down to whisper into the fire cat's ear, "Kirara, after you set us down, head back to the house to make sure Kohaku is okay with the twins. If something goes wrong, bring them to us,"
Kirara nodded in understanding as she landed on the snowy ground. Shippo was waiting outside for them. The weather had taken a turn for the worst since the little fox was having a hard time to not be blown away into the strong wind. When Sango and Miroku had jumped off, Kirara took off back towards the house.
"Shippo! What's going on?" called Sango over the wind.
Miroku scooped up the small fox before Shippo spoke, "Kagome has gone into labor!"
The three of them went into the house to see Kagome laying in the sitting room with Inu-Yasha and Kaede at her side. As Sango entered into the sitting room, Miroku shut the shoji door, which left him and Shippo on the other side in the kitchen. Now the others had some privacy, and nothing inappropriate would be shown to Shippo, but they could still hear what was going on.
"Kagome! How's she doing?" asked Sango, taking a seat beside Inu-Yasha.
"Okay I guess," whispered Inu-Yasha, his hand still clutched in Kagome's grasp, and the other around her shoulder.
Kagome gave a small cry and shudder as another contraction shocked through her body, "Inu . . . Yasha . . ." she whimpered softly.
"I'm here Kagome . . . I'm not going anyway, I'll be right here beside you,"
Kagome gave a small nod, her eyes never leaving his face as she clung to him, her nails digging into his arm and shoulder, but Inu-Yasha didn't feel the pain at all.
Kaede took a look under Kagome's cotton nightgown to see how she was progressing, "Your water hasn't broken yet Kagome,"
"Is that good or bad?" asked Inu-Yasha.
Kaede smiled softly, "It just means the baby isn't coming right away,"
Inu-Yasha gave a nod before returning his attention back on his mate, thinking of what he could do to help her. It was just then that the promise he had made to Mrs. Higurashi came through his mind. 'I promised to bring her here when Kagome went into labor,' thought the half demon. Looking into Kagome's eyes, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Kagome . . . Kagome I need you to listen to me . . ."
Kagome gave a nod that she was listening before he continued.
"I have to go for a moment,"
She shook her head, fear starting to appear in her eyes, "I . . . I don't care . . . if the men in this era can't be . . . present at the birth of their child . . . I need . . . I need you here Inu-Yasha," whimpered Kagome, clinging to him tighter.
Inu-Yasha kissed her temple, "I know . . . I just have to go get your mother . . . she wanted to be here . . .I need to go get her . . . I won't be long I promise . . . okay?"
Understanding that he wasn't leaving her for long, Kagome slowly release him and Sango moved in to take his place.
"Don't take too long Inu-Yasha," whispered Sango as the half demon.
"I'll move like the wind," promised Inu-Yasha. Glancing back at Kagome one last time, Inu-Yasha opened and shut the shoji doors to come face to face with Miroku and Shippo.
"Your going to get Kagome's mother?" asked Miroku.
"Yeah, she wanted to be here," said Inu-Yasha.
"I will protect the others then while your gone," said Miroku.
Inu-Yasha nodded before heading out the door into the raging storm, slamming the door behind him. The wind was harsh, and the snow stung at his face, but that didn't slow this half demon down as he ran through his forest, heading towards the well. As he started to get closer and closer, Inu-Yasha was just passing the God Tree when something out of nowhere slammed into him. Smashing into a tree, which shook so much that all the snow, fell off the limbs and branches. Realizing he had been attacked Inu-Yasha grabbed his sword and jumped to his feet to meet his opponent, but found no one there. The half demon gave a sniff in the air and cursed loudly, since the wind and snow blocked his sense of smell and hearing.
"What's the hurry half breed?" snarled a voice coming from above.
Before Inu-Yasha could move he was struck again, and slammed into another tree, the snow falling form it as well. Gripping Tetsusaiga in his hand tighter, Inu-Yasha finally got a good look at his unexpected opponent, a white gorilla demon that blended in perfectly in with the snow. It was almost like the one they had fought when Kirara had mysteriously disappeared. The only strength this demon had was in it's speed when leaping from tree to tree, and was almost so fast that his eyes couldn't keep up, and that was saying something.
"Damn it! I don't have time to fuck around with you!" growled Inu-Yasha, getting to his feet again. The demon gave a growled laugh before leaping into the tree's circling round and round the half demon.
"Think you're so cocky with that big sword of yours huh?" growled the gorilla.
"Keh! Your only power is your speed, and I can defeat you with in a heart beat," snarled Inu-Yasha. He was very thankful that he had Tetsusaiga in his hands, because if he didn't, he would be in full demon mode right now. Kagome was in labor and he needed to get her mother now!
Before Inu-Yasha could listen where the demon was, a sharp pain rang through his shoulder as claws dug into his skin. Cursing under his breath for being careless, Inu-Yasha inspected the wound briefly, and mentally considered it as just a scratch.
"Oh ho! How does that pain fell worthless half-breed? Well you better get used to it because I'm going to kill you right here and now!"
Inu-Yasha growled loudly, his ears listening to ever sound around him, "I don't know why you chose today to attack me, but you couldn't have picked a worse time to pick a fight with me! Now get the fuck out of my way!" The small creak of a branch from his left gave the exact location of the demon, his eyes flashing open, and a cocky grin on his face, "Take this! Kaze No Kizu!" screamed Inu-Yasha.
The trees came crashing down, giving the gorilla no more branches to leap from, and the attack lightly cut his leg, slowing him down slightly. Before the gorilla realized what was going on, Inu-Yasha came out of nowhere slicing the demon in two.
"How . . . how could a half breed defeat . ."
The demon was cut off as Inu-Yasha cut off it's head, "I don't have time to answer your stupid questions," hissed Inu-Yasha, putting his sword back in it's sheath. His clothes were covered in blood that was his own and the gorillas, but now was not the time to worry about shit like that, he needed to get Mrs. Higurashi now! Running through the trees again, he finally spotted the well and with one leap from quite a distance away, landed into the old time portal.
Even though Inu-Yasha thought the danger was over, he was dead wrong. With the weather being so bad, Inu-Yasha didn't even pick up on the scent of the three other demons hiding in the trees.
"Did you see how he killed our older brother just like that?" asked the first one.
"Our brother was just careless, but we will revenge his death. Two of us will head over to that house and slaughter the others, and one of us shall stay here to finish him off when he returns," said the second.
Nodding in agreement, two took off towards the house while the other stayed in the trees, waiting for the half-breed to return.
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Kagome gave another whimpered cry as the contractions started to get closer and closer together. Still, her water hadn't broke yet, and she seemed to be doing okay, but without Inu-Yasha there Kagome wasn't doing as well as she should have been. Sango was now grasping her friend's hand, and trying to encourage her to stay calm, telling her everything would be okay.
"When is . . .Inu-Yasha coming back?" whispered Kagome.
Kaede placed a damp rag over her forehead, "He will be back soon, I'm sure of it,"
Sango nodded in agreement, "He should be on his way back right now with your mom Kagome, he'll be here any minute,"
Kagome gave a small smile before closing her eyes and trying to breathe steady.
Miroku and Shippo were in the kitchen preparing some hot water, which they had been told to do by Kaede.
"I sure hope Inu-Yasha gets back soon, it sounds like Kagome isn't doing so well," whispered Shippo, watching as the water started to boil.
"Knowing Inu-Yasha he is probably coming towards the house right . . ."
Suddenly the door flew open. Shippo and Miroku looked to see if it was Inu-Yasha, but were disappointed and confused to see Kohaku holding the twins and Kirara on his shoulder.
"Kohaku! What are you doing here?" asked Miroku, noticing that both the twins were sleeping and fine.
"Demons! There were four of them! Gorilla demons! I saw them coming towards the village, but Inu-Yasha got one of them on his way to the well," gasped Kohaku, handing the twins to Miroku so he could catch his breath.
"So three of them are heading towards here?" questioned the monk.
"I think so . . . I'm not sure . . ."
Miroku cursed softly under his breath and stormed into the bedroom Inu-Yasha had made for their child and set the sleeping twins into the crib, "Shippo!" hissed the monk.
The little foxed hopped up onto his shoulder, "Yes?"
"I need you to look after the twins while we take care of the demons,"
Shippo nodded that he understood and Miroku returned to the kitchen where Kohaku and Kirara were waiting for him. The water was now boiling and Miroku moved it off the fire and wrote a small note for Sango to read. If he were just to shout that a demon was going to attack them Kagome would panic and think that Inu-Yasha was hurt and that she and her unborn child would be in danger too.
"Kirara, take this to Sango and make sure Kagome doesn't see it," hissed Miroku.
The fire cat nodded before transforming and carrying the bucket into the living room, surprising everyone else.
"Kirara? What are you doing here?" questioned Sango.
Kirara gave the bucket to Kaede and slipped the note to Sango, which she read quickly and tried to stay calm.
"Kagome . . . Miroku needs my help with the twins . . . would it be all right if I left for a moment?" asked the demon exterminator.
Kagome gave a small nod; Sango left her side and went into the kitchen.
"What the hell is going on?" hissed Sango, pointing at the small note.
"Kohaku spotted four gorilla demons coming towards the village. Inu-Yasha got rid of one of them, but I'm guessing with the weather, he didn't catch scent of the other three, and they are coming here,"
Sango growled softly, and grabbed Hiraikotsu, "Well let's get rid of them before they cause any trouble,"
Miroku nodded in agreement and grabbed his staff as the two headed towards the door.
"You feel that?" asked Sango before she opened the door.
"Yes I can feel their demonic aura . . .which means they are here,"
"Let's take care of them," smirked Sango.
Miroku returned the smirk as the two of them walked out into the frozen night. Kohaku made sure the door was shut and made sure his own weapon was ready just in case they needed help, but right now his duty was to protect the others.
Even though Miroku and Sango had kept their voices low, Kagome had heard what they had said, and tried her best to stay calm. 'Everything's going to be okay!' she mentally told herself, 'Inu-Yasha is going to come here and bring my other, and then get rid of those demons . . .'
Sango and Miroku walked across the snowy grounds and faced the trees, not seeing anything at the moment, but could still feel the demonic aura.
"We know you're here you filthy demons! Come out and face us!" called Miroku, wanting to get this fight finished as soon as possible.
The demonic aura started to get stronger and they could tell that the demons were getting closer.
"Oh what is this? A pair of puny humans thinking they can stop us?" asked one of the gorillas's as they came out of the trees.
"Hmm, hardly worth our time if you ask me dear brother," said the other.
"Why don't you try us? You sure picked one hell of a night to pick a fight with us, and your going to regret it!" hissed Sango, her hand getting ready to throw Hiraikotsu.
"Well we are always willing to fight anyone who is in our way, whether they are worth our time or not," snarled the first, leaping at Miroku with it's claws exposed.
Miroku easily dodged the attack and tried to do his own attack with is staff, but was no use and didn't even cut the demon.
Sango kept her eye on the other demon, but it was still standing in its original spot. Miroku returned to her side as the first demon landed back in its original spot.
"Surprised monk? My winter fur is tougher than anything you've dealt with!" growled the demon, preparing for another attack.
"Sango . . . do you think Hiraikotsu can cut through their fur?" hissed Miroku.
"Maybe . . . we can give it a try," whispered Sango.
The second gorilla attacked this time and Miroku managed to distract it while Sango through her boomerang, "Take this you filth! Hiraikotsu!"
Her weapon collided with the demons shoulder, but just knocked the demon back, the boomerang not even leaving a scratch.
"Damn it!" cursed Miroku, returning to Sango's side.
The two gorillas's laughed before stalking towards them again, "Do you understand now? You can't hurt us with your puny weapons,"
"I hate to admit it . . . but they are right . . .they only thing we can do is distract them until Inu-Yasha gets back," hissed Miroku.
"Sounds good . . . but wait!"
"What?"
"Didn't Kohaku say there were three demons? Where is the third?"
Before Miroku could answer the gorilla's attacked and they prepared for their defense, but a loud painful howl cut through the wind along with a woman's scream, causing Miroku and Sango to freeze. That howl had been clearly been Inu-Yasha's, but if there had been any words they had been lost in the wind and the scream had been Kagome's mother. Being distracted they had not prepared for they counter and narrowly dodged the gorilla's attacks, and instead went flying into the snow, skidding to a stop near the house. It was clear now what the hell was going on. The third demon had been waiting for Inu-Yasha to return to finish him off.
Miroku and Sango stood, holding their weapons tightly as they prepared to battle the demons, and hope that Inu-Yasha was all right and would return soon. Giving a small battle cry Miroku and Sango attacked, the snow howling louder and the blizzard continuing the rage on through the night.
Kagome's eyes snapped open as she heard an unmistakable howl in the wind and a woman's scream. Inu-Yasha was hurt and most likely her mother too . . . fear and panic starting to fill her emotions.
"Inu-Yasha . . .Inu-Yasha . . . Inu-Yasha . . " whispered Kagome, trying to sit up, but was brought back down as another contractions shook her body.
"Kagome you need to calm down . . . Inu-Yasha will be here soon," soothed Kaede, placing another damp cloth on her head.
Kagome shook her head, still calling out her mate's name, "Inu-Yasha Inu-Yasha Inu-Yasha Inu-Yasha," repeated Kagome.
Kaede kept trying to calm Kagome down, but she kept trying to get up, her hands reaching up as if trying to grasp Inu-Yasha from thin air.
"Inu-Yasha Inu-Yasha Inu-Yasha Inu-Yasha . . . INU-YASHA!" screamed out Kagome.
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(Ten minutes before)
Inu-Yasha landed on the other side of the well and leaped out, rushing out of the small shrine and heading towards the house. Not bothering to go through the front door, Inu-Yasha leaped into the air and landed on the roof, entering through Kagome's bedroom window. Dashing across her room and down the hall, Inu-Yasha slammed his fist against Mrs. Higurashi's bedroom door.
"Mrs. Higurashi! Mrs. Higurashi wake up!" called Inu-Yasha, knowing that the whole house could most likely hear him.
Soon he came face to face with Mrs. Higurashi who was wearing her rob and rubbing her eyes.
"Inu-Yasha . . . what on earth is going on? And why are you covered in blood?" yawned Kagome's mother.
"I'll explain that later, but the important issue right now is Kagome has gone into labor!"
Mrs. Higurashi gasped, "I'll be ready in a minute, please wait for me,"
Inu-Yasha nodded as Mrs. Higurashi shut the door to get changed. Suddenly Souta and Grandpa were in the hallway wearing their nightclothes.
"What in good gracious is going on here?" asked Grandpa.
"Kagome's gone into labor and I need to bring Mrs. Higurashi,"
Both of them gasped before Souta chimed in, "Can I come?"
Before Inu-Yasha could say anything, Mrs. Higurashi answered the question with the same answer he had, "No Souta, you will wait here for me to come back. I'm ready Inu-Yasha," announced Mrs. Higurashi wearing a simple sweatshirt and pants. She also had a small bag, and he could only guess that it was stuff for Kagome.
Inu-Yasha got down on one knee so she could climb on his back, "Hold on tight and don't let go, I'll be running as fast as I can,"
Mrs. Higurashi nodded and wrapped her arms tightly around Inu-Yasha's neck. The half demon used the same way he had gotten in to exit and leaped back into the night air. There was no blizzard in this time, but it was snowing lightly. Dashing across the shrine grounds Inu-Yasha rushed into the well shrine and leaped into the well, feeling the time slip around him and was glad that it had allowed Mrs. Higurashi to come along with him. They landed safely on the other side before Inu-Yasha leaped out of the well and headed into the trees towards his house. In the distance he could barely hear the battle cries of Sango and Miroku in the distance and cursed under his breath. It was obvious that there was still a demon left and had gone after the others at his house. Growling softly under his breath Inu-Yasha started to run faster towards him home. It was one thing for Kagome to be in labor and was waiting for him, but matters had gotten much worse with two demons involved.
"Hang on tight Mrs. Higurashi! Things are about to get a little rough,"
Mrs. Higurashi didn't even ask what was going on, and didn't even want to know what was happening. The snow and wind made her shiver as her body became cold, and kept her eyes clothes. Even though this was her first time in the feudal era, she couldn't see much because of the blizzard, and all she could see was trees and snow. She could feel Inu-Yasha moving as fast as he could trough the trees, dodging them and leaping over the fallen logs.
Inu-Yasha could now sense the demon aura ahead of him of two demons and cursed, not caring if Mrs. Higurashi heard him or not. He had a feeling that Sango and Miroku had their hands full and were keeping the demons as far away from the house until he got there. His mind was brought back to reality as another demon aura hit his senses and was coming from behind. Before he could react, realization hit him that Mrs. Higurashi was still on his back. Instead of blocking the demons attack from behind him, he turned in mid air so he would take the full blow. Inu-Yasha howled in pain as the demons claws cut across his chest and stomach, and Mrs. Higurashi screamed out from seeing the gorilla demon and Inu-Yasha's blood. Before hitting the ground Inu-Yasha brought Kagome's mother around to his front, clutching her to him as he slammed into the trunk of the tree. Mrs. Higurashi started to cry softly as she lifted her head up and gasped. Inu-Yasha had just been slammed into a tree, and now blood was freely running from his wounds on his chest and stomach. Inu-Yasha's eyes flashed open as he suddenly grabbed her and leaped into the air and narrowly missed the gorilla's attack again.
"Inu . . .Inu-Yasha . . . you're . . . hurt," whimpered Mrs. Higurashi.
"I'm fine . . . these are just scratches," grunted Inu-Yasha leaping from tree to tree. Finally landing on one of the branches of the god tree, he set Mrs. Higurashi down and placed his fire rat top over her.
"Here, use this to keep warm and it will protect you. Stay here while I deal with the demon," hissed Inu-Yasha.
Mrs. Higurashi nodded as silent tears still ran down her face. Leaping down to the ground he grabbed onto his sword, his eyes darting back and forth, trying to find the damn gorilla demon. In the distance, he heard a sound that should have been lost in the wind, but some how his sensitive ears heard as Kagome screamed out his name from the house. Before Inu-Yasha could move the gorilla attacked him again, slamming him into the god tree and stuck it's hand through Inu-Yasha's stomach. He could hear Mrs. Higurashi scream from the top of the tree. Inu-Yasha could feel his body shake with pain and a small whimper left his lip from having the wind knocked out of him and another arm through his gut.
"This is what you deserve half breed! To be killed and not to mention the dirty wench of yours is going to be killed too! My brothers have already broken down the house, and killed your stupid friends and dirty wench, and you worthless unborn pup!"
Inu-Yasha growled out loudly and grabbed the gorilla's arm, and pulled the arm out of his gut.
"Get the fuck away from me!" snarled Inu-Yasha.
The gorilla leaped away from the half demon and into the trees. Finally having enough, Inu-Yasha let out a loud snarl as he heard the gorilla demon circling around him like the first one had.
"I have had enough of this! Your kind has really fucking pissed me off today!" cried out Inu-Yasha, "So take this! Kaze No Kizu!"
The trees fell once again and the gorilla started to leap towards him, but half way through the attack he realized that the target wasn't him, but Mrs. Higurashi. Kagome's mother screamed again in terror as the demon came flying towards her. Just as the claws reached out to slice her, blood spattered onto her face and a snarling Inu-Yasha narrowly saved her life with his sword. Her body was trembling with shock as the pieces of the gorilla fell to a bloody pile at the base of the god tree.
"Mrs. Higurashi . . . are you okay?" panted Inu-Yasha.
"Yes . . .but you . . ."
"Trust me I'm fine . . . I've been through a lot worse than this. Let's get to Miroku and Sango before something bad happens to them," said Inu-Yasha getting down on his knees for her to climb on his back again. Trying to ignore the blood that was flowing from his wounds, she climbed onto his back.
"Okay, I'm ready,"
Inu-Yasha stood and started to head back to his house, hoping he could get there in time.
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"SANGO!" cried Miroku running towards his wife who had been thrown and skidding to a stop on the snowy ground, her body still.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! How long do you think you two can fight us? You won't defeat us so why don't you just give up? And as a favor for not causing us any more trouble we'll kill you fast so you won't feel any pain," laughed the gorilla's.
"Sango! Sango please say something," hissed Miroku. His hands were cold, numb, and bloody from fighting and so were Sango's.
The exterminator whimpered softly before opening her eyes and looking up at her husband, "I'm . . . I'm okay . . . just got the wind knocked out of me,"
Miroku smiled because she was okay, but now had to worry about protecting her and him self. And with two who were not even injured from their attacks seemed more than he could handle. Both of them were worn out and tired, and there was still no sign of Inu-Yasha. 'What is taking him so long? Don't tell me that . . . no that isn't even possible! Inu-Yasha is much stronger than that, I'm sure he'll be here soon,' thought the monk.
In the middle of his thinking he suddenly realized that the two demons were attacking them once again. Taking Sango into his arms, Miroku started to dodge the attacks and had to take the defensive side. However, due to the snow he wasn't able to run as fast as he would like to, and tripped over a hidden rock in the snow, crashing to the ground with Sango still in his arms.
"This is it! Farewell puny humans!" cried the gorilla's, charging in for the final attack.
Miroku closed his eyes and wrapped his arms tightly around Sango trying to protect her as best as he could, and prepared for the pain of the gorilla's claws. 'This is it . . .'
"You fucking bastards! Kaze No Kizu!" screamed a voice.
Hearing the familiar voice brought all the hope Miroku had lost back into his mind. He turned just into to see Inu-Yasha's attack take out the two remaining demons and nothing was left of them except a small bloody pile.
"Inu-Yasha!" called Miroku, relief filling his voice. He could see that Inu-Yasha was a bloody mess and Mrs. Higurashi on his back.
"You two okay?" asked the half demon, panting slightly.
"Were fine, just a few scratches," informed Miroku, helping Sango to her feet.
"Well let's stop talking and get back in the fucking house! Kagome is probably worried sick about us!"
Nodding in agreement, they all started to run towards the house.
"Inu-Yasha, I know that you're worried about Kagome, but I think it would be best for you and her if you were to change your clothes first and wash up. The sight of your blood might make her worry and panic. Kohaku can inform her that you're here while your getting cleaned up,"
Inu-Yasha hated the idea of not seeing Kagome right away, but nodded since he didn't want her to panic and hurt herself, and not to mention their unborn child, "Alright . . . you have a point monk, but make sure Kohaku does tell her I'm here,"
As they came through the front door, Inu-Yasha could hear Kagome's whimpering and crying out his name from the sitting room. Kohaku went to tell Kagome Inu-Yasha was here as soon as they walked through the door. Sango started to treat Inu-Yasha's wounds while Miroku showed Mrs. Higurashi a place to change out of her bloody clothes and to get Inu-Yasha some new clothes. In a few seconds Mrs. Higurashi was changed and headed into the living room where she could hear her daughter's cries coming from.
"Kagome!" cried Mrs. Higurashi as she saw her daughter on her back.
"Ma . . . mama," whimpered Kagome.
Mrs. Higurashi knelt down beside her, taking Kagome's hand in hers, "I'm right here Kagome . . .everything's going to be okay,"
"Inu-Yasha . . . where is Inu-Yasha?" whimpered Kagome.
"Kagome . . . listen to me . . . Inu-Yasha is just fine. He needed to change since his clothes were soaking from the snow,"
Kagome had a feeling that she wasn't telling the truth, but if Inu-Yasha was okay and breathing than she would ask questions later.
"KAGOME!" cried Inu-Yasha, bursting through the shoji door with Sango at his heels. The half demon was by her side in a heartbeat, taking over Mrs. Higurashi's spot and grasping his mate's hand in his clawed one, "I'm here Kagome! Everything is going to be okay,"
Kagome sighed, nodding softly before crying out again as another contraction wracked her body. Kagome clutched to Inu-Yasha, glad that he was by her side, and knew that she would be just fine with him holding her in his arms. The small splashing of water caused everyone to freeze and the realization that Kagome's water had broken finally came to everyone's mind. Sango rushed out of the room to get some towels and Mrs. Higurashi went to get some hot water from the kitchen. The exterminator returned soon and cleaned up the small mess quickly so Kaede wouldn't be working her way around the mess. While Inu-Yasha was trying to encourage Kagome to stay calm and Mrs. Higurashi was helping Kagome with small breathing exercises.
Kaede looked under Kagome's nightgown again, "Your doing really great Kagome, but don't try pushing yet, you're not ready yet to give birth, but it will be soon,"
Kagome gave a nod of understanding, and held onto Inu-Yasha tighter.
"You hear that Kagome? Our daughters coming soon," whispered Inu-Yasha kissing Kagome's forehead, and resting his forehead against hers. He could feel Kagome shaking in pain as sweat poured down her face, "Your doing really great Kagome . . . just hang on a little longer . . . I know you want this little one to come out already . . .but you have to hang on okay?"
Kagome smiled softly, "O . . .Okay . . ."
Inu-Yasha smiled softly, and watched as Kaede took the hot water from Sango, "Thank you my dear would you mind getting some clean towels and blankets? The little one is going to be coming soon,"
Sango gave a small nod before disappearing out of the room again.
Kagome buried her face into Inu-Yasha shoulder as the pain she was feeling was starting to increase.
An hour passed and then two as Kagome continued to clutch to Inu-Yasha and try to deal with the pain she was feeling. Inu-Yasha seemed almost a nervous wreck, however Mrs. Higurashi and Kaede were rather calm.
"What's going on? Shouldn't the baby have come by now?" asked Inu-Yasha, panic clearly in his voice.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled softly as she leaned to whisper into Inu-Yasha's ear, "It's okay . . . it usually takes this long, or longer. When I had Kagome it only lasted six hours, but with Souta it was almost seventeen hours,"
Inu-Yasha's eyes widened, "What?"
"Don't worry so much . . . as long as Kagome is okay, it will take as long as it has to Inu-Yasha,"
The half demon gave small nod and continued to comfort his mate. Kaede took another look under Kagome's night gown and smiled softly, "Alright Kagome your almost there, just hang on a little more okay?"
Kagome gave a nod and another whimper. Mrs. Higurashi took one look at her daughter and knew what was coming. If Kagome thought she was in pain right now, she was wrong. Deciding to warn Inu-Yasha, she gave him a heads up on what was coming, "Inu-Yasha . . ."
"Yeah what?" Inu-Yasha hissed back.
"I'm just going to warn, when the baby starts to come . . .Kagome is . . . most likely going to say things . . ."
"Say what kind of things?"
"Um well . . . I'm not really sure . . . but she will be in a lot of pain,"
Inu-Yasha was about to answer, but was interrupted by Kaede.
"Okay Kagome it's almost time to push, are you ready?"
Looking up at Inu-Yasha for support, she gave a nod and tried to prepare herself for the pain. Mrs. Higurashi backed off a little and started to prepare for the worst, and joined Kaede so she could help the elder woman with the baby. Sango prepared the blankets and water to clean the baby.
"Kagome . . . it's time to push,"
Kagome nodded and gripped Inu-Yasha's hand like a life line, "I'm . . . I'm ready,"
Kaede gave a small nod, "Alright . . . push,"
Kagome squinted her eyes shut and started to push, gasping for breath, whimpering softly.
"That's a good girl Kagome, you're doing great," encouraged Kaede.
Kagome stopped pushing and started rasping for breath, sweat pouring down her face.
"Okay Kagome, time to push again,"
Closing her eyes again Kagome started to push with all her might and cried out at a sudden burst of pain.
"That's it Kagome, I can see the head, just a couple of more pushes," said Mrs. Higurashi.
Kagome's eyes flashed open and she glared up at Inu-Yasha, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" screamed Kagome, giving another push.
"Wha . . . what?" stammered the confused half demon.
Mrs. Higurashi tried to stifle her laughter and Kaede just looked shocked, "Um . . . keep pushing Kagome your doing . . ."
"IF YOU HADN'T BEEN RUTTING ON ME LIKE A MINDLESS ANIMAL THIS WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED!"
Inu-Yasha was absolutely speechless as Kagome continued to scream at him. Sango had her mouth wide open and almost dropped the warm water and blankets she was holding. There was laughter on the other side of the shoji doors, which were clearly coming from Miroku and maybe Kohaku.
"All right Kagome the baby is almost out, just two more pushes should do it," said Mrs. Higurashi.
Inu-Yasha's ears were so drooped back so far that it blended in with his hair and his face complete shock as Kagome kept screaming at him, "IF YOU THINK I'M GOING TO POP OUT ANY MORE PUPS FOR YOU, YOU HAVE ANOTHER THING COMING BUSTER!"
"Just one more push Kagome," said Kaede.
"I HATE YOU! I AM NEVER GETTING INTO BED WITH YOU AGAIN YOU PERVERTED DOG!"
There was a small cry from the baby, and Kagome fell back exhausted, breathing hard. Inu-Yasha's hand was almost blue from Kagome clutching it so hard, and wondering why she had screamed all those things at him.
"Inu-Yasha?"
The half demon snapped out of his own little world and turned his head to face Mrs. Higurashi's, "Ye . . . yeah?"
She smiled softly at him, "I want you to meet your daughter," she said softly, handing him a bundle of white blankets.
Lightly laying Kagome on the ground he reached out and cradled the bundle of blankets in his arms, staring down at his newborn daughter. Inu-Yasha smiled softly and slightly distanced himself from Kagome as Kaede cleaned her up. Mrs. Higurashi watched with a smile as Inu-Yasha took his first look at his daughter.
"Hi . . ." whispered Inu-Yasha softly, and smiled as the small silver ears twitched on top of the little pups head and also had a patch of silver hair. He stared down into her gray eyes, which she had gotten from her mother. Gently reaching for the pup's hand, he could see the small little points on her small fingers, "She's beautiful,"
Mrs. Higurashi smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "Congratulations . . . I'm sure you be blessed with many pups later,"
Inu-Yasha started to turn white, "But . . . but Kagome said . . ."
Mrs. Higurashi giggled, and the half demon started to wonder what was so funny, "She didn't mean any of it Inu-Yasha. She was in a lot of pain and I'm sure she said a lot of things that she didn't mean. I know when I was giving birth, I did a lot of screaming at my husband,"
Inu-Yasha smiled softly and looked down at his little pup again. Leaning his head down, burying his nose into the blankets, Inu-Yasha inhaled deeply, memorizing the scent of his newborn pup into his mind. The pup gave a small burble and a hiccup, which made Inu-Yasha chuckle softly, "So pup . . . you want to see your mother?"
A burble was his answer as he crawled back over to Kagome who was finally cleaned up.
"Kagome?" asked Inu-Yasha softly.
Kagome's eyes opened slowly, and he could tell that she was exhausted, "Inu . . . Yasha . . ."
"Would you like to see our daughter?"
Kagome gave a small nod and he helped her sit up slightly before gently placing the pup in her arms. At the sight of the pup, silent tears rolled down Kagome's cheeks, and she leaned her head on Inu-Yasha's shoulder, "She's so beautiful,"
Inu-Yasha smiled, but was preparing if Kagome decided to do some more screaming, "Um . . .Kagome?"
"Yeah?" she asked softly.
"About . . .about what you said earlier . . ."
Kagome gave a weak smile, "I don't remember much of what I was saying . . . but I didn't mean any of it,"
Inu-Yasha smiled with relief and wrapped his arms protectively around his mate and newborn pup. After a few tips from Mrs. Higurashi and Kaede, Kagome was soon feeding the pup from her breast, and didn't mind at all that Inu-Yasha was watching her.
As soon as the pup was fed, Miroku, Shippo, Kohaku, Kirara, and the twins were allowed in the sitting room to get a good look at the newborn pup.
When everything was cleaned up and done with Kagome was carried to the bedroom holding the newborn pup and settled down. Sango, Miroku, the twins, Kirara, and Kohaku had gone home for the evening, leaving the others at the house.
"Well that was quite an interesting early morning," commented Kaede.
Mrs. Higurashi nodded with agreement, "It certainly was,"
Inu-Yasha entered to kitchen and gave a long sigh, "I think my ears are still ringing from when Kagome was screaming at me,"
Mrs. Higurashi giggled, "So will I be staying in the guest bedroom with Kaede?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah I'll grab an extra futon form upstairs for you,"
"Oh and one more thing Inu-Yasha, I might want to warn you about something,"
"Is she going to yell at me again?'
"Oh no no no! I just thought that I'd let you know, after women give birth, they tend to bleed heavily,"
"Yeah, I though I smelled a lot of blood on her, but it was woman's blood, so I wasn't too worried,"
Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "Well, shall we get ready for bed?"
Once everyone was settled down for the night Inu-Yasha returned to his room where Kagome was sitting up in bed, rocking the pup softly in her arms. Smiling softly he shut the door and headed towards the bed.
"How are you feeling?" asked Inu-Yasha.
"Tired and exhausted," whispered Kagome, running her fingers over the pup's silver hair, "She looks just like you,"
"Not really, she's got your eyes and nose,"
"Well she's got your hair, ears and chin," added in Kagome.
"Yeah,"
Kagome shifted slightly on the bed to make from for her half demon, "Why don't you come to bed my half demon?"
Inu-Yasha gave a smirk as an evil comment conjured up in his mind. He stalked towards the bed, "Oh Kagome . . . I thought you would be exhausted and tired . . . but if you really want to . . . I'm still full of energy,"
Kagome glared at him with an evil stare which clearly meant 'you are five seconds away from eating the floor.
Inu-Yasha chuckled, held up his hands in surrender, meaning that he was clearly joking. Inu-Yasha sat down beside Kagome on the bed, and watched as the pup whimpered softly; looking up at its mother.
"I think she's hungry," whispered Inu-Yasha, wrapping an arm around Kagome.
"I think you're right," said Kagome. She was no longer wearing her long maternity nightgown and was wearing sweat pants and a white button up shirt. Using one hand to unbutton her shirt, she held the pup in the other. Inu-Yasha kissed her temple as she brought the pup to her breast, and the little one began to feed.
"I . . . I'm glad that she's a half demon," whispered Inu-Yasha softly.
Kagome looked up at her mate, "Hmm, it does have an advantage with her being a half demon . . . but would it really of mattered?"
"No of course not . . . but now at least . . ."
"I know . . . we won't out live her . . . she will live a long healthy life for centuries,"
Smiling Inu-Yasha kissed her forehead this time.
"Inu-Yasha?"
"Hmm?"
"When do you think her human night will be? Since she is a half demon she will have a night where she looses her powers,"
Inu-Yasha nodded, "Well let's just hope that it isn't the same as mine, and when that night comes, I think were going to need . . . um . . . ear plugs!"
"Ear plugs? Why?" asked Kagome.
"For half demon pups, smell is very important to them. That way they can smell their parents and know that they are near by. It's kind of almost being blind I would have to say. Anyway, my mother said that my first human night I wouldn't stop crying, and it got worse if she left me for even a moment,"
"Oh . . . I see," whispered Kagome, switching the pup to her other breast as she leaned against her mate.
When the pup was finished Inu-Yasha took the pup from Kagome as she buttoned her shirt back off. Kagome started to lye down, but stopped to watch Inu-Yasha. Her big strong, tough, arrogant, jealous, mighty half demon had just melted into Jell-O before her eyes. Inu-Yasha handed the pup to Kagome and settled down himself, lying beside her.
Kagome gave a small yawn and the pup copied her with a small burble as well. Smiling softly Inu-Yasha moved closer to Kagome and offered his shoulder as a pillow. Kagome smiled back and took what he offered to her. The pup rested on her chest and Inu-Yasha curled his free arm around the pup, cradling her gently.
"What are we going to call her?" asked Kagome, "Have you thought of a name yet?"
Inu-Yasha thought for a moment, "I was thinking about that . . . and Kagome . . . I was wondering if we could name her after my mother,"
"Natasha?"
The half demon nodded.
Kagome smiled softly, "I like it . . . it's a beautiful name and it fits her so well. What do you think my little one? You like Natasha?"
The pup gave a small smile along with another burble and a hiccup.
"I think she likes it,"
Inu-Yasha yawned softly and snuggled closer to his mate with the pup on Kagome's chest. The half demon knew that human children weren't supposed to sleep with their parents since they could roll on them. But it was necessary since this way the pup would know their smell and hear beats.
"Souta is going to be thrilled to see his niece," whispered Kagome.
"Once she's a week or two old we can bring her through the well," offered Inu-Yasha.
"Do you think Sesshoumaru and Rin will come to visit to see her,"
"Maybe, or he might be a bastard and make us come see him,"
"Inu-Yasha!"
"What?"
"No cursing in front of the baby,"
"What? Why?"
"Because if you keep saying bad words, she'll think it's okay. Do you want her to be rude like you?"
"Like me!? What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
"Don't make me say the word!"
"Alright alright! I won't curse in front of our daughter,"
Kagome smiled, "Thank you . . . besides I don't mind it when your rude and arrogant . . . but I don't want our daughter to be like that,"
Inu-Yasha sighed softly, "You're right . . ."
"Hmm?"
"I know I'm rude and arrogant . . . I'll probably make a horrible father,"
Kagome frowned slightly and kissed her mate on the chin, "You'll make a wonderful father Inu-Yasha, I have a feeling you won't act that way around her,"
Inu-Yasha smiled softly and kissed her temple. They fell into silence, being content with the feeling of each other's presence and the pup sleeping softly on top of them.
"Inu-Yasha?" asked Kagome, breaking the silence.
"Yeah?"
"What happened with those demons?"
Inu-Yasha sighed softly, "It wasn't that big of deal Kagome, but if you really want to know. We had to deal with four gorilla demons,"
"Did you get hurt?"
"Nah, just a few scratches,"
"Inu-Yasha, to you scratches are wounds that could kill a human,"
"Alright, alright! Just a few scratches on my chest, stomach, and shoulders,"
"And?"
"And a hand through my stomach,"
"What!?" hissed Kagome.
"It's fine! Sango took care of my wounds," said Inu-Yasha, lifting up his shirt to show the bandages.
Kagome nodded and snuggled closer on Inu-Yasha's shoulder with Natasha sleeping soundly on her chest, "As long as your okay,"
Inu-Yasha sighed softly and stared down at his mate and pup, smiling down at the wonderful sight beside him.
"I think we should get some sleep, I have a feeling your mother will want to spend as much time as she can with her grand-daughter," informed Inu-Yasha.
"Hmm, I think your right,"
"When do you think I should bring your mother back to your era?"
"Soon I would have to say,"
"Well she could be a useful baby-sitter when we want to have the bed to ourselves . . ."
"Inu-Yasha!" warned Kagome.
"Okay okay no sexual jokes for today . . . I'll just have to move the crib in here when we want to have fun,"
Kagome sighed and just closed her eyes, "You pervert,"
"I am what you made me," hissed Inu-Yasha teasingly.
"I know, it's all my fault," Kagome teased back.
"I think it's time to get some sleep, we've both had a rough day today.
Kagome nodded and snuggled closer to her mate, feeling sleep already over come her, and soon she was fast asleep,"
TBC . . .
'Runs into the bathroom to cool down my burning hands from typing this chapter' Well did you like the Anniversary chapter? It took me a while but it is finally done. I will soon be working on the last chapter and then the Epilogue. Well after two days of writing this, and watching countless episodes of Fruits Basket I finally completed my very long chapter. I actually went carefully over this chapter and did the editing myself, so hopefully there isn't too many mistakes in this one. I've decided to find an editor later, and use them for my sequel to come. Well I need to get some sleep, later for now!
Lynns