I decided to add one more chapter after this. Though, the next chapter is more like an epilogue.

The Beginning of an Era

Kagome watched as Sesshoumaru walked over to Rin and Jaken. They had been quiet the entire fight, and she had even forgotten that they were there. In the typical Sesshoumaru way, he acted as if nothing had happened.

"Let's go inside," he said putting a hand on Rin's shoulder. It was the closest he would ever get to an apology.

Rin stood still for a moment and then burst into to tears. "O Lord Sesshoumaru! I have missed you so much." She cried hugging his legs.

"Rin…" He looked down at the girl and then picked her up like she was eight again.

"Jaken, let's go." He gestured towards the house.

"Yes of course, Lord Sesshoumaru." The imp acted as if nothing had happened.

"Inuyasha, you can find your own way out." Sesshoumaru added as an after thought.

Once Sesshoumaru disappeared into the house Kagome's friends came running over to her. "I'm so glad you're safe!" Sango cried happily.

Miroku expressed the same sentiment and then noticed Kagome huge belly. "Kagome, they didn't…?" He trailed off.

"No, they didn't Miroku." She replied.

"In that case then, what were you and Inuyasha up to before you were kidnapped?" Miroku asked slyly.

Kagome turned bright red. She tried to think of a reply, but she couldn't.

"Feh, Monk that's none of your business!" Inuyasha snapped.

"Do you know when it will come?" Sango asked in a nicer voice.

Kagome thought about it for awhile, "I'm not sure. The best I could tell you is soon."

Realization finally dawned on Shippo and he cried, "Kagome's pregnant! Kagome's pregnant! Can I touch your stomach?"

"No you can't, so just go away." Inuyasha barked; he was still in a bad mood from Miroku's comment.

Kagome only laughed, "Yes Shippo, you can."

The kitsune came over and placed his small hands flat against Kagome's stomach. After a minuet Shippo jumped. "I felt it kick!"

I did too, for the first time. For so long I ignored this baby, but I won't any more. I can't wait until I'm a mother. Kagome thought gleefully.

"I think we should go now," Inuyasha commented.

"Sango, will Kirara carry al of us? Inuyasha can't carry me any more." Kagome asked, realizing for the first time that things were changed.

Sango turned to her fire neko. "Can you do it Kirara?"

Kirara responded by becoming bigger. "I guess that's a yes." Sango replied.

Together they all hope on her back. Sango and Miroku were in front. Shippo sat on their shoulders. Kagome and Inuyasha were in behind their companions. As they rose, the air got colder.

"Here Kagome. You should keep warm." Inuyasha handed her his red haori and then wrapped his arms around Kagome.

"Thank you Inuyasha. I'm so glad you're here. I haven't seen you for nine months, and it's been horrible."

"I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. That Wraith's damned youkai kept interfering."

"I'm just glad you're alive and you came." Kagome replied tenderly.

"I am sorry that you thought I was dead. The Wraith's plan didn't go quite smoothly. As to me coming for you, I promised I would always protect you Kagome. I will never break that promise."

"I know Inuyasha, I know." Kagome whispered sleepily.

When Kagome woke up there was a sharp, shooting pain in her stomach. She recognized that she was in labor immediately. "Sango, are we near Kaede's village yet?" She managed to yell before, writhing in pain.

Inuyasha who was holding her loosely tightened his grasp. "Kagome what's happening?" He asked. He knew the answer to his question, but he was panicking.

"She's in labor Inuyasha." Miroku told him.

Then Sango replied to Kagome, "We're landing right now. Let's get you into Kaede's house!"

As soon as they touched down Inuyasha lifted Kagome up and took her to Kaede's hut (he was still strong enough to do this). Upon seeing Kagome, Kaede shooed Inuyasha out of the hut.

Outside, Inuyasha paced frantically back and forth. What if she's not alright? What if the baby's not alright? They're taking so long! A million thoughts ran through his head.

Eventually, Miroku got tired of seeing Inuyasha pace. "Sit down Inuyasha. Kagome will be fine. Kaede and Sango will take care of her."

Right then a load moan came from the hut and Inuyasha jumped. "What was that?"

"Calm down, Kagome's fine. I hear that it's quite normal for women to make noises while in labor." Miroku tried to soother him, but Inuyasha was too on edge.

"Why don't you take a walk Inuyasha?" Shippo asked.

"I'm not leaving Kagome." HE snapped.

"But you're not even in the hut…" Shippo began, but Miroku hushed him.

"Let Inuyasha be. Nothing we do or say can help him right now." Miroku whispered to Shippo.

The two of them walked slowly away and sat against a nearby tree. Inuyasha didn't even notice they had left. He was consumed by the thoughts of Kagome. He was just like nay other dad, waiting to hear news. Completely anxiety ridden, Inuyasha ran his hands through his black hair.

Finally, Kaede emerged from the hut. "Ye may come in now Inuyasha."

Oh, one more chapter to go. I'm so sad, but I hope you've enjoyed the story.