Chapter 26

Three months later, Rin gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Kaede, Sango and Kagome assisted in the birth. As Kohaku and Rin celebrated their new arrival, the three women left them alone to bond. As soon as they arrived back at Kaede's hut, Kagome said,

"I didn't want to take away from Kohaku and Rin's celebration, but, I have to tell you. I'm so excited. I'm pregnant!", Kagome gushed like a schoolgirl.

"Oh Kagome, that's wonderful!", Sango congratulated her.

"Child, I am so happy for ye and Inuyasha. Do you have any idea how far along you are?"

"Hmph! That's the easy part! I knew when I would get pregnant. Remember, Inuyasha can smell my fertile periods. I'm 2 months pregnant."

"Wonderful! It will be a spring birth. Good time of the year!", Kaede said.

"So's autumn!", Sango commented, pointing to her very pregnant body and imminent delivery.

"Has labor started yet?", asked Kagome.

"No, but after 4, I can tell by the way I'm carrying, it'll be any day now. And, boy, I can't wait! This one is kicking me like crazy!"

"I bet it's a boy.", Kagome said, happily.

"I hope so. After 4 girls, I'm ready for a change."

This started the women giggling and talking about raising children. Even though Kaede had no children, she helped with the village children often enough to know about differences between boys and girls.

Two days later, Sango gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Miroku was elated to finally have a son. Kohaku and Rin named their son, Uyeda and Miroku and Sango named their son, Fujita. Kagome was thrilled for both couples and couldn't stop talking about the newborns to Inuyasha. Inuyasha feigned interest, but he couldn't understand Kagome's constant excitement over two babies that weren't hers. He figured he would never fully understand women.

A few months later, Kagome, Yasha and Inuyasha were lazing the cold winter day away in front of a crackling fire. Suddenly, Inuyasha stood up quickly, sniffing the air, with his hand on Tessaiga's hilt.

"What's the matter, Inuyasha?", Kagome asked, concerned.

"I don't know. I don't like this scent I'm picking up."

Kagome sat still, appraising the air around her.

"I feel a demonic aura.", she said quietly.

Inuyasha was drawn to the front door. Opening it slowly, a SWOOSH! of air came whirling through. Inuyasha turned around ready to strike as Kagome screamed. As Inuyasha slashed at the air, Kagome fell over, seemingly lifeless.

"Kagome!", Inuyasha yelled, as Yasha screamed out, "MAMA!"

In that instant, Inuyasha recognized what he had slashed at.

"This is shikigami,", he mused, "just like from Tsubaki." Leaning over Kagome, he could tell she was still breathing but something was seriously wrong. Trying to stay calm, ha picked up Kagome in his arms and instructed Yasha to climb on his back. Quickly, he headed back to Kaede's village.

Rushing into the miko's hut, he laid Kagome on the floor as Kaede asked,

"Inuyasha! What has happened?"

Inuyasha quickly explained what happened as Kaede looked over Kagome. Taking the shikigami from Inuyasha, she said,

"I have not see this type of shikigami before. I do not know who is responsible for this.", she said, worriedly.

Inuyasha understood immediately. If Kaede had no idea who might be responsible for the shikigami, then he did not know who to defeat to break whatever curse was placed on Kagome. He decided to consult someone else.

"Miroku!", Inuyasha called as he banged on the monk's house.

"Inuyasha. I'm surprised to see you ..."

"No time for small talk. I need you over at Kaede's hut now."

As the men headed towards the hut, Inuyasha explained everything to Miroku. Heading into the hut, Miroku asked Kaede if he could see the shikigami.

"This is definitely not from around here. The demonic aura emanating from this shikigami is not one I'm familiar with."

"Then can anyone answer me what the hell we are supposed to do about taking care of Kagome?", Inuyasha demanded.

"I can tell you about that shikigami, young man.", a voice said from the shadows.