In the last chapter:
Well the truth comes out about Kagura and the reason, the real reason Cracko feels terrible about the rape of Kanna. Sango and Miroku take Kagura in to their little discussion group not knowing yet of what the truth was. Kagome and Sesshomaru find out that there is more than one pup in her large expanding belly. But the deception in the Tashido house is starting to unravel. Can forgiveness of the holiday season help Kagura and Cracko? Sesshomaru's nerves of having pups is starting to show as Sango, Kanna and Kagome get larger. Is he going to be able to keep his cool? Cracko was given his first test of forgiveness. Did Kagome do something wrong or is she making the right decision. The Christmas Eve celebrations go on and the presents are put under the tree after everyone goes to bed. Little do we know that the truth is let out and Cracko finds comfort in another's arms.
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha but I do have my words! Muhahahaha!
Kagome dreamed of how things were going to be in the future. She could see Sesshomaru sitting on the veranda of their bedchambers with their daughter in his arms. The sun shining down on them and he had nothing but a smile on his face. And she was in the bed feeding their little boy. The one that would assist Rin later on after they expire from old age. But in the corner of the room sat a shadow that was there. It would not move and it was menacing in the depth of how dark it was. She didn't know what it meant but she didn't trust it. She knew that there was a dark secret being held within these walls and she was scared. She knew that Sesshomaru would always be there for her but she also knew that she could kill him if she ever lost control.
In the corner, the shadow grew bigger as the day moved on. It was not until Kanna and Kohaku came with their little pup that was now born in her arms. The shadow came and dropped over them and they seemed to cower at the feel of it. It was then that Kagome woke up in the middle of the night screaming. Sesshomaru sat up and tried to comfort her.
"Sesshomaru, Kanna and Kohaku. There is something wrong. There is a secret that is held behind their backs about their child. I have to save them! Kagura and Cracko are going to hurt them!" Kagome said in between sobs. Her whole body was shaking with fear because she didn't want harm to come to her family.
"Kagome are you sure of this?" Sesshomaru asked her. She looked up at his eyes.
"I have never been more sure of this. I have the feeling that Kagura and Cracko are really the ones behind her rape and the reason she is with someone else's child."
"Kagome you know that since we have signed the agreement on Cracko that he would have to be put to death and we would have to put Kagura on trial."
"I know and I don't want that Sesshomaru! I really feel that they are behind it but that they are going to ask for forgiveness. I know that Cracko feels bad for what he did. I think that is the reason the vision was shown to me. I think that he was the one that showed me that it was he and she that was behind it all. He was asking for my forgiveness with his feelings!" Kagome said scared at what she just said and then scared because she had never felt this before.
Sesshomaru looked down at the bedsheets and thought about it. "That would mean Kagome that when I was courting her earlier that she has actually been dealing with Cracko at the same time as trying to get my feelings. That means that Cracko has been conspiring against me and my family for almost three years!"
"Sesshomaru, I have the feeling that there is more to it than just that. I don't think that he did it to be mean to you. I have the feeling that it was Kagura that trusted him with her feelings and his love for her got in the way. That he went through with it because he loved her."
"Yes but don't you think that I would have noticed if another demon would have feelings for the one that I am courting!"
"At that time I would have to say no. Because I know that you treated her much differently than you treated me during our courting. With me you were tender and careful. Trying to seek out my approval and my love and respect. Where with her she held those things for you but you did not for her. You already had another on your mind and yet you did not realize it until much later after she left your palace."
"Yes you are right. I did treat her much differently than I treated you. I was cold to her because she was cold to me. She did try things to melt this heart and let me take her in but they did not work because they were magic. They were not her true feelings. And that was one thing that troubled me. That she was willing to put enchantments on me to get me to love her instead of seeing her for her true self. But she did not know what she really was until she met you here and saw that you were forgiving her for the past without a second thought. That you were accepting her as part of the family even though she tried to kill you many times over long ago."
"Yes I had noticed that when she got here, she was tired, pale and underfed. And after just one day here, she was relaxed and started to get the pink back into her face and she was eating. I don't think that I was the only one who did that though. I noticed that she was getting along well with Fitzu and maybe he was the one who opened his heart to her as well and accepted her as she was and not for what she could become."
Kagome started to relax the more she thought about it. Sesshomaru could feel her fatigue start in one her again and he moved to let her lie down. She did but she moved closer to him as best as her stomach would let her. He cuddled into her and kissed their insignia on her forehead.
"We will speak to them before things start in the morning. For now, we need our rest and our pups do as well." Sesshomaru told her and all she did was grunt in return. He smiled and let his body relax more and felt her comfort waves that she was sending him in her touch.
Kagura woke up in sweat. She had seen the same dream as Kagome had and knew at once that they had been exposed. She went into the bathroom and splashed her face with some water. She didn't know what she was going to do about it but then finally a smile reached her face. Forgiveness. She decided that she was going to beg for forgiveness for what she has done and how she has felt and hope to Kami that everyone still accepts her. That Fitzu accepts her still and can forgive her for her actions towards his employer. She went back to bed and laid down and got to sleep again in no time. She knew that things were going to be fun in the morning but first she had to get through her trial that she was being sent to.
Cracko woke up and shook his head. He was dizzy and slightly disoriented from the herbs that were in his tea. He knows what he did was the right thing because he did want forgiveness and was only hoping that they would not put him to death. That he only did it because he loved Kagura. He loved Kagura. That kept going through his mind and he thought that he really did love her at some point in his life. But knew that now that he knew Sayla's feelings towards him, that he saw her in a new light. He smiled as he fell back asleep waiting for the dawn to start shining through the window. He knew that it was going to be a good and new day of forgiveness for the palace. There were no longer going to be any more shadows of secret in this palace.
The spirits in the great hall were worried. They had all felt the presence of evil flare up and then the calming of love come and wrap the palace once again. They were almost done with what they were doing and wanted to make sure that no one was awake yet. One of the spirits that was made of dark blue light went over the palace one more time with an enchantment to keep everyone sleeping for a while. The red spirit made sure that he remembered to remove the enchantment once they were done. He just laughed at her. The green spirit floated over to the tree and was happy to see all the small decorations over it. The lights were starting to fail since the batteries were getting low. He went over to where they were housed and waved his hand over them. They glowed even brighter upon the tree and he smiled. He wanted to make sure that the whole great hall was basking in the tree lights. The light pink spirit came over and told him that he did well and that it was nice that he did that for them. She then went over to the flowers that were in the vases and brought them back to life. Wanting to make sure that their fragrance was sweet and fresh as if they were just cut and brought in. The violet spirit went to the window and peered out in to the snow. The snow was not falling anymore tonight and wouldn't start again for a few days. She smiled and went outside into the cold. She went to a sakura tree and thawed it out and made the tree bloom. The blossoms coming out fresh and bright in many different colors. Certainly not the colors that were in the tree originally but now it was going to bloom in various colors.
The sun was starting to make its appearance in the east and they all knew that it was time to go. The dark blue spirit went over the palace and dispelled the enchantment so everyone would wake when they were ready. All the spirits then linked hands and seemed to walk back out to the gardens where they disappeared. As the sun rose in the sky, cascades of bright colors passed into the palace through the windows. Displaying the reds, oranges, pinks, greens, blues, purples, and whites everywhere. A new day has arrived with much promise of the forgiveness that Kagome talked about. There was still a hint of magic in the air in the great hall and there was no way that any of it was going to go away for a time.
Sayla woke up amazed at what the morning looked like. The sun was shining on the snow and there was not a cloud in the sky. Which was odd for the wintertime around Japan. She went closer to her window and she gasped. She immediately ran to Sesshomaru and Kagome's bedchambers and knocked on the door.
"Come in Sayla." Kagome said softly.
"I am sorry for waking you but you must look out your veranda to the gardens." Sayla said urgently.
Sesshomaru and Kagome looked at each other and then went out on their veranda. Both of them stopped in their tracks after opening the doors.
"Sayla, wake the palace. Make sure that everyone gathers into the gardens. Everyone must witness this." Sesshomaru said.
"As you wish Sesshomaru." Sayla said as she quickly left. There soon after there were bells sounding throughout the palace. Everyone knew what that meant. Jaken was running around to let everyone know to go out to the gardens. Sesshomaru and Kagome quickly dressed in what they were going to wear and went out into the gardens to wait for everyone.
By the time that the last person was there, Sesshomaru coughed loudly to get their attention.
"The reason why we are here this morning is because it was brought to my attention that something happened. If you look around the gardens you have noticed that they are thawed and the flowers are blooming. We are in the middle of the winter and the gardens are alive. This is known to many as Rin's personal garden where there are secrets hidden in the leaves. If you look to the right next to the pile of snow, there is the sakura tree that my mother planted the day after I was born. The blossoms are all pink and white. In all of Tashido history, that has never happened. If you see these things please make note that there is magic in the air and with all that is happening, there is also forgiveness for all of your sins. There are no more secrets within these walls or these grounds any more. Now lets go into the great hall and see what awaits us there." Sesshomaru said as he led Kagome back into the palace.
Kagome had a red kimono on with the sakura flowers on her lapel in green for the Christmas Holiday. She had on her wedding cloak that was now lined with fur on the inside and the edges. Sesshomaru had on a silver kimono with the sakura flowers on his lapel in green to match Kagome's. His cloak that he was wearing was dark blue with white fur that lined his cloak. Everyone followed them back into the palace and into the great hall. When they got there, they gasped at what they had seen.
The great hall has been known to hold at least 13,000 people in it. Three full demons in their animal forms could lounge around the great hall with comfort and room to spare. The great hall was now lined with tables throughout half of the room. All the tables were covered in silver silk with tiny, fine crystals on them to look like snow on the tables. At the ends and the middle of the tables were white pillars of wax that had green and red ivies flowing around the candle starting from the bottom to the top. The chairs that were lined against the sides of the tables were covered with a silver wire with small crystals trapped in places wound around the tops of the chairs. All the tables and the chairs were facing one large table that was decorated the same but at the same time there were blue crystals all over the table with the white and silver ones. There were also two new chairs that were at the large table. They were carved in white wood and they had sakura blossoms and the fire and half moon insignias carved in the wood at places. There were large white cushions placed at the seat of each of the new chairs. They also noticed that in front of each of the chairs at the large table, there were goblets made of fine crystal engraved with each of their owner's names on them. The chairs also were decorated in that family's colors and insignia's were engraved in those chairs.
Then as they walked in further they saw the tree that they decorated just a while ago. Kagome almost started crying because the lights on the tree were brighter than they were before, there was snow on the branches but the snow was not melting and getting the presents wet. There were small angel figures on the tree in various places and the angel that was on the top of the tree was now the fire/half moon insignia shining brightly. The gifts were still there but Kagome noticed that there was more than what they had originally put out the night before under the tree. Sayla opened the drapes that were behind the great tree and the sun flowed into the great hall. Which made the tree sparkle and seem to come to life when the sun hit it. Many shades of reds, oranges, greens, blues, purples, blacks, grays, yellows, and silver shining everywhere.
While everyone started going to their seats they noticed at the large table that each seat had a small gift in a white box. The notes on the boxes were told that they could not open them until all the secrets were dispersed within the palace. Sesshomaru and Kagome knew what this meant and requested that Kagura and Cracko come and speak with them at the tree.
"I know what you have done and I want to know the reason for you doing it." Kagome said to Kagura.
Kagura looked at Cracko and sighed. "I had grown jealous of the love that Kanna and Kohaku shared and since I knew that I could not find that kind of love with Sesshomaru, I wanted to hurt them."
"So she came to me since she also knew that I was jealous of you and Lady Kagome's love. So I helped her put everything together and was present to make sure that things were done correctly." Cracko said bowing his head on his chest.
"I know that what we did was wrong. I didn't think that a child would become the result of this whole thing. I do regret everything that I have done because I know now that I can find that kind of love that they share. I also know that people do like the way that I am now and not for what I have done in the past and they have forgiven me. And here I am asking for it again." Kagura said.
"You have gone against your sentence Cracko. One day is all it took for you to go against it." Sesshomaru pointed out.
"I know and I understand if you would like to end my life." Cracko said.
"There is a time for forgiveness and this just shows it this morning. The gifts that we have been given by the ones that truly love us in the afterlife must have done all of this for us. There are people who truly love you in the afterlife. And they forgive you for your sins because we have. There is not going to be any death here but you are going to have to prove to the both of us that you deserve this chance." Kagome said.
"And I am thankful that you had the chance to come clean before things got bad. I do not like secrets in my palace and I do not like ill treatments towards the ones that I care about. But if either of you hurt someone else because you want to, no matter the reason, you will die." Sesshomaru said.
"Now come and eat before opening gifts." Kagome said smiling.
Kagura and Cracko looked at each other and smiled. Forgiveness is one thing that is the greatest gift of all right now. When Kagome and Sesshomaru took their place at the large table in front of everyone was when the small boxes lifted into the air. As each one opened, music filled the air, then a shining light and then nothing at all. And what were left on the table in front of them were bracelets. Each one had all of the royal family's colors on them. Showing the alliance between all of the families at the large table. Kagome and Sesshomaru's came with a note. Which Kagome read aloud.
Dear Royal Families of Japan,
We have decorated your grounds, tree and great hall for one reason. It has been exactly 1200 years since the last time that all the royal families of Japan got together for a happy occasion and got along at the same time. Now that you are all here for the Christmas Holiday as Lady Kagome calls it, we are giving you these bracelets showing the alliance between all of the royal clans. We are proud of each and every one of you for what you have done so far in your lives. You have experienced war, love, loss, friendship, greed, lust, revenge and finally acceptance. These are the things that make Lords and Ladies of the Royal clans powerful. But note if any of you take off the bracelet for any reason, the alliance is over and your color will disappear from all of the bracelets. We hope that you like what we have done for you and what we will continue to do for you. Protection comes to you from the Gods of the Afterlife. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love Forever,
The Five Spirits of the Royal Clans.
Kagome looked up and down the large table and noticed that there were five royal clans here at the table. She then understood who were the ones that decorated and did all the wonderful things for them. She smiled to herself and then looked over at Sesshomaru. He stood up and hugged her.
"Well now we know who to give thanks for all that is presented to us here in the great hall and the Western lands. I would like all of you to personally give thanks to them and enjoy your breakfast!" Sesshomaru said as he raised his goblet that was filled with orange juice. Everyone followed and held up their goblets in the air and cheered and then drank. For the next hour or so they all sat and talked and ate in the beautifully decorated great hall. Things were going great and there was love, happiness and magic all around.
Kagome was so pleased that everyone loved what she called Christmas and they told her as they walked past her. She then got up with the rest of the ladies at the large table and went to the tree and started to pass out gifts to everyone. She told them to open their gifts when they receive them and that they were from the Royal Clans at the table. There were ooo's and ahhh's as each gift was opened.
After everyone had their gifts, they were told to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and enjoy what was given to them.
Then Kagome, Sesshomaru, InuYasha, Kikyou, Sango, Miroku, Sheila, Akoro, Kouga, Aiayme, Filare, Kanna, Kohaku, Sota, Rin, and Koarau went to the tree and stood by their personal gifts that were left to them by the spirits.
Kagome and Sesshomaru were given two beautifully carved cribs with blankets and outfits. InuYasha and Kikyou were given the finest silk. Sango and Miroku were given a crib as well with blankets of their colors, a new collar for Kirara and new kimonos. Kouga, Aiayme, and Filare were given toys for Filare, new kimonos and new cloaks. Kanna and Kohaku were given a crib of their colors, outfits and toys for their unborn child, and a blanket made of the finest silk. Sheila and Akoro were given new kimonos and a new bed with blankets. Sota and Rin were given things that were different. Sota received a new bow and arrow set that was dark blue in color with silver running around them, a breastplate with the fire insignia in the center, a new sword and sheath, and finally a wedding kimono. Rin received a basket full of the finest healing herbs, a sword and sheath, a new bed with blankets, and a wedding kimono. Koarau was the last one to open his gift and he was nervous. Everyone else got such wonderful gifts and here he was. He opened his gift and almost cried. He was given new armor complete with breastplate, leg guards, sword and sheath, and arm guards. He then found a new kimono inside that had Kouga and Aiayme's colors with his personal insignia in the middle of it.
Kagome then noticed small books under the tree. She took one and found that it had Aiayme and Kouga's name on it. She handed it to them. Then she decided that she would hand everyone theirs.
She went to Sesshomaru and they looked at their own; inside on the back of the cover was a note.
Lady Kagome and Lord Sesshomaru,
In this book you are to write the memories and times that you share with your family until the end of your life. When you expire, the book will disappear and a new one will be presented to the next one in line that does not have one. They will be kept hidden until the time is right for your descendants to read of their family's history. Please write the truth and make them as complete as you can.
Love Forever,
The Blue Spirit
Kagome smiled as she looked at Sesshomaru. "I wonder if there are enough pages in this thing for the both of us! I hope that it expands on its own." She said laughing.
"Yes there is a lot to write down." Sesshomaru agreed.
Sota and Rin went over to Kagome and Sesshomaru. "How do the spirits know that we are definitely going to get through the trials in the summer and be together?" Sota asked.
"The spirits know. They are like the fates. They know what is going to happen and they are going to make sure that true love conquers." Kagome said.
Time went on for the group after that day. They all wrote in their books and moved their gifts to where they needed to go. After the coming of the year of the dragon, they all started to disperse to their own homes.
Aiayme, Kouga, Koarau and Filare went back to their home in the Northern Lands for now until their home could be finished in Sesshomaru's land. Kanna and Kohaku stayed in the same house in the slayer village that they had for now, as well as Sango and Miroku. Kagura went with them and Fitzu told her that he would visit as often as possible. InuYasha and Kikyou went back to their home in the Southern edge of Sesshomaru's land. Sota and Rin continued their training and their lessons at the palace. Sheila and Akoro got closer as time went on. And Kagome and Sesshomaru were just waiting patiently for their pups to be born.
Sheila and Akoro noticed that soon they were going to have no time to themselves since all her children with the exception of Kikyou were going to give birth soon. But even with the stuff that they were doing, they were busy getting things ready for the house and decorating. Sota and Sesshomaru were constantly training for the challenge and Rin noticed that Shippo was not around that much anymore. Which kind of made her sad because she could remember when they were smaller, that he promised her that they would always be friends. Kagome noticed that the times were changing again here in the warring era because the sun was staying out longer, the snow was melting and the air was getting warmer. Which made Ah Un more anxious to get out of the stables. Kagome decided that it was time that Sango, Miroku, Kirara, Kanna, Kagura and Kohaku come back to the palace so their pups could be born and their houses planned out.
She was in the study writing some things down in her book when Sesshomaru came in.
"What is going on honey?" Kagome asked not looking up from the parchment.
"I was wondering if you were feeling ok. I got a little worried and it has been some time since you left the study." Sesshomaru said.
She turned to look at him on her pillow. "Sesshomaru I am fine. I have about two or three months left of this large body and then we will have our pups in our arms. What more could you want?"
He went over to her and sat down. "I would like to have them now. But I know that they would not survive. But I am so anxious to give Shaka a brother and sister."
"And how do you know that they are one of each?"
"I just have this feeling. I know that you want one of each. That you cannot hide from me. So what are you writing about in our book?"
"Just about what I have been feeling lately with the pregnancy and the way the atmosphere here is."
"Kagome, do you think that I have been a good husband to you?"
"Of course Sesshomaru. I am so happy here with you spending each day with you. Why are you asking me this?"
"I just worry about it sometimes. I know that times are not that exciting here right now and soon we are to have the trials for Sota."
"We will deal with those things when they come to pass. We are not going to dwell on them."
"Now you sound like Sota when you say that."
"Well it's the truth. Are the carriages ready to go and get the others at the village?"
"Yes they are on their way there actually. I have Arigota, Akoro, and Sota going to get them. Rin had a lesson to get to otherwise she would have gone with."
"Alright that is good. I am glad that you have started to accept Sota here and that he is excelling in what you are teaching him."
"Kagome, he still has issues controlling his demon side."
"I know but I only see that he is having issues since he is still young. Remember when InuYasha was the same way and when he had the Tetsusaiga he was fine. I think that when you have him away from his bow he has issues. But when he is doing his archery, he is fine and controlled."
"So you think that the bow and arrow are his main weapons?"
"That and his normal miko powers. Remember, for a male to have miko powers of purification are rare. For some reason he was given that gift and I want him to use them well. Because later when he does mix blood with Rin, her powers are going to excel over his since she is a woman."
"I didn't think of it that way. I think that I will have to talk to Solari about that."
"Yes, we don't need her to purify something that she didn't mean to."
"Alright then it is settled. Now it is time that you have something to eat and drink and get those legs up. Your mother would yell at you."
"Yes I know. I will be in the great hall soon. I just want to finish this." Kagome said pointing to the parchment in front of her. He nodded his head and then kissed her softly before leaving the study.
She made sure that she was alone and she started writing again. She was writing her living will and she didn't want Sesshomaru to know about it. She didn't know if she was going to make it during birth since it is more than one pup in her. And she wanted to make sure that things were done right when she was gone. So she wrote this down and she was going to have Jaken deliver it to Edo for the counsel's signatures and then sent back home with Miroku after all was said and done. She knew that she shouldn't have gone behind his back on this but she had no choice. And since Jaken had no idea what it was, there was no chance that he was going to let him know. The only one who knew was Miroku and that was because he was the only one she knew that would not go against her wishes. When she was done, she wrapped it in many pieces of parchment, using the wax and seal after each piece. She then put it in her missive bag for Jaken.
"Jaken, I need you to deliver this right away to Edo and bring it back to me." Kagome said as she looked down at him.
"Ok Kagome. I will be back soon."
"Jaken, you are going to have to take one of the horses since Ah Un is gone."
"Alright. I hate those things but alright." He said as he took her bag and left.
Kagome then got up and stretched. She looked around the room and smiled. She liked how she decorated the study, still keeping it masculine but adding a woman's touch to it. She walked out to the great hall and greeted everyone. Sayla brought her some food and some milk to drink.
"I see that you are doing well today Sayla."
"Yes I am doing fine. I hope that you like the food. Please let me know if there is anything else that you would like Kagome." Sayla said smiling.
Kagome nodded her head because her mouth was already full of food. It was about the time that she was done with her first plate of food when the gang came in. Kanna and Sango waddled towards her since she couldn't get up.
"Kagome how are you feeling?" Sango asked.
"I am doing pretty good. How are things in the village?"
"They are getting along. Sesshomaru was right, along the sides of the village his flags are out there marking the land." Kanna said.
"That is cool. You guys hungry?"
"OH yeah!" Both of the said eagerly. Sayla knew that they were there already and she was coming out with two more trays full of food. She looked at Kagome and went back and got her another tray.
The women talked and talked while the boys stayed in the corner of the room talking.
"So, when are you thinking of going and getting Kirgoua?" Kohaku asked.
"I don't know when Kagome will feel up to it. She is getting rather large. I have found that some nights, I am pushed out of bed by my own wife!" Sesshomaru said.
"Yeah well I am sorry about that." Kohaku said snickering to himself.
"Yeah well at least I can feel them now when they are moving around inside her. It is really odd when she is laying on her back and she shows me her stomach, because you can see the different parts as they turn over."
"Oh now that is something that I did not want to hear!" Sota said.
"So Sota tell me, how is the training going?" Miroku asked as he put his feet up.
"They are going good. Kayer said that my archery is going to surpass his like Kagome's did soon. He thinks that my archery is the one thing that is going to be hard to defeat in the trials." Sota said proudly.
"And you know that there is no way that he is going to lose." Rin said as she winked at Sota as she passed by them.
Miroku laughed while Kohaku smiled at her. "She really is starting to blossom Sesshomaru. I think that you have done well raising her into a beautiful young woman." Miroku said.
"I think so too. She also has been taking some lessons on how to present herself to the counsel and to the other women of court. Kagome has been as well but they are not going so well since she is getting rather blunt when she talks." Sesshomaru pointed out.
"You mean that she is yelling more at them and swearing up a storm." Sota said.
"Yes, sadly that is what I mean. How can some women go through all that? Do they stay this way after they have given birth?"
"No. It is just that their hormones are out of whack right now and once they give birth, the hormones will go back where they should. But watch out because some women get very depressed Sesshomaru. I don't know if Kagome is going to be one that will get depressed afterwards but I have heard of it." Sota said.
"Well that is not good. I think that we will have to watch out for that since all of you are here until the construction starts. Hey, how did you guys like your new carriages that I had made for you?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I liked the one that you made for us. The compartment with the food and drink in it was nice. Sango was eating on her way here because she said that she was hungry. It was a nice touch." Miroku said as food was set down in front of him.
"Yeah and I liked ours. They were really comfortable because the cushions were really soft and thick. I am glad that you were able to find the right paint to make sure we know which one is ours." Kohaku pointed out.
"Well, Kagome went and got the paint for us in her time. She wanted to make sure that they were just the right color."
"Well I do have to say that they are nice looking."
"What is nice is that you can either hook them up to Ah Un or a horse. They are what Kagome says universal." Sesshomaru said.
"Yes I have to admit that the construction on them were nice." Sota said.
"When is Kouga coming with Aiayme and Filare?" Miroku asked.
"He is coming soon. He said that Filare is giving him some trouble now that he is able to run in his animal form. I guess that Kouga spends a lot of his time trying to find the kit." Sesshomaru said laughing.
"That is not funny Sesshomaru. You are going to have the same issues as he since you guys are both of animal heritage." Sota pointed out.
"Oh I guess that you are right. Damn I was hoping that you wouldn't have reminded me of that. I think that I am going to have to promote some guards for the pups." Sesshomaru said.
"Is he going to be showing Kirgoua some things while he is here before the trial?" Kohaku asked.
"Well he said that he was going to try to talk him out of the trial. Kouga and I have sparred some times and he finds it difficult to beat me. But he said that it was old age coming on and I told him that he was full of shit." Sota said.
"Hmmm. I wonder if his relative is going to take him seriously then." Miroku said.
"ARGHHHHHH! KOHAKU!" Kanna screamed at the top of her lungs. Kagome looked at her and her eyes got wide.
"SAYLA GET MOTHER AND MEET ME IN KANNA'S ROOM! NOW!" Kagome said as she got up and went to Kanna. She was able to get Kanna up and walking with Sango's help. Kirara was behind them in her demon form incase it got too bad.
Sesshomaru and Sota ran over to the door and opened them for the small party. Kanna was getting hit with another contraction and she almost fell down. But then blushed deep red because her water broke all over the floor. Sesshomaru then took Kanna in his arms and rushed her to her room and laid her down on the bed.
Kohaku was at once at her side and she was screaming with pain. Kagome came up to him and told him to leave and he did. Her eyes were bright pink and she was not going to be dealt with in an ill way unless someone wanted to get killed. Sango came and brought some water in a large bowl with lots of towels. She had prepared the small bath for the baby and got a blanket to wrap it in when she was done cleaning it. Sheila came in and ushered the rest of the men out of the way and Sayla told them to leave that they were not allowed in the birthing room. They ended up in Sesshomaru's study once again trying to walk a hole in his floor.
There was another scream in the air and it was a different voice.
Miroku stood up; worry was on his face like a thick mask. "Sango." He said as he tried to get to the door but Sesshomaru was in his way.
"Remember, we are not allowed in there." Sesshomaru said.
Miroku then followed Kohaku as they paced in his study.
In the bedchambers, Sango was told to lie down on the futon and to relax. Sayla got Lavonia to assist in what was going on with both women. Both at the same time Kanna and Sango were told to push but it was Kanna that gave birth first. Sango was having more of a tough time. Kagome was very worried for her sister and she went over there while Sayla went and cleaned up the baby. Sango's face was rather pale and Kagome could barely make out a heartbeat.
Kagome transformed and her nails grew longer and her face and body stayed the same. But her fangs came out more pronounced than they needed to.
Kagome looked at Lavonia with a serious look on her face.
"When I tell you, take the baby from me." She said and Lavonia shook her head. Sheila just watched as her daughter took her pointer finger and stabbed Sango's belly. She then continued to cut her flesh till there was a gaping wound. She then saw her dig inside and take the baby out and suck out the mucus from her mouth and nose. The baby started crying after that was done, Kagome took the cord and bit down hard on it and Lavonia instantly took the baby from her. Kagome then went back inside Sango's stomach and withdrew the rest of the birth that was inside of her. She looked around and saw that there was no bleeding and she took the wound and called forth her poison.
"Kagome don't! You will kill her!" Sheila said and Kagome shook her head.
Kagome took her pointer finger again and let the poison seep from her nail onto Sango's flesh. She smelt the flesh starting to burn away so she took both sides of the wound that she made that was now covered in her poison and started licking the poison off. Making sure at the same time that the two sides of flesh were together. After she was done with that she transformed back to her humanoid form and put a bandage on her wound. She could hear Sango's heartbeat get back to normal and her breathing was nice and even. Lavonia was just starting to wrap up her baby in a blanket when Sango woke up.
"Kagome. Is the baby ok?" She asked weakly.
"She is fine Sango. I had to cut you open to get her out but she is fine and healthy." Kagome said smiling.
"Good. I want to call her Oni."
"That is a good name Sango. A very good name." Sheila said.
Sango smiled at her and then passed out again. Lavonia went to her and checked her over.
"Kagome she has a fever."
"She will because it is her body that is getting used to my poison in her. She is now my blood sister." Kagome said. "It was the only way to save her."
Kagome then turned around and looked at Kanna and her baby. She was cuddling her to her breast as the baby ate.
"How are you feeling Kanna?" Kagome asked.
"I am doing better. Thank you so much for being here and helping you guys. I don't know what I would have done. And I am so sorry for the mess in the great hall."
"Don't worry about it. I am sure that everyone now knows that you have given birth Kanna as well as Sango. So do you think that we should let the boys know that they are proud fathers?"
"I will go and get them Kagome." Sayla said as she went out the door. It was not long that Kohaku and Miroku busted through the door. Miroku got a worried look on his face when he saw Sango.
"What is wrong with her?" Miroku asked.
"I had to cut her open to release Oni from her womb. I had to blend my blood with her and then use my poison to heal her wound that I created. She is reacting to the change in her blood now. Miroku, she is my blood sister now." Kagome said.
"Oni? Who is Oni?"
"Miroku that is your daughter." Lavonia said as she walked up to him and presented him with a small bundle of joy. He took her and looked down at her. Her black hair was soft and her eyes were violet with redness to her lips. She was so small and yet she was surviving just fine.
"She is so beautiful." Miroku said surprised.
"Kanna, how are you feeling?" Kohaku asked.
"I am doing fine. I would like for you to meet your daughter." Kanna said as she took the baby away from her breast.
The baby looked at him and smiled and he just started crying. "She is so cute and little. Oh Kanna!" Kohaku said as he took both of them in his arms.
"What are you going to call her?" Kagome asked as she started to sit down on the futon next to Sango.
"I think I would like to name her Shellene." Kanna said.
"That is a good name Kanna." Kohaku said.
InuYasha and Kikyou busted in the room just then. He looked around and saw that it was Sango and Kanna that gave birth, he sighed and then relaxed. Kikyou passed by him and smiled.
"Kikyou, you scent has changed." Sheila said.
"Yes, it did this morning. I am finally pregnant!" Kikyou said. "So who are these little ones?"
"This is Oni and that is Shellene." Miroku said as he pointed to his daughter and then to Kanna's.
"What is wrong with Sango?" InuYasha asked. "Her scent is changing."
"Kagome had to blood bond with her to save her. The baby was not coming and she had to cut her open and seal it shut with her poison." Sheila said.
"Is she going to be ok?" InuYasha asked.
"She will be fine." Kanna said. "She is strong and she will survive just fine."
"You guys don't have to talk about me like I am dead you know." Sango said as she started to get up. Miroku looked at her and went to her side.
"This is our daughter Sango! You gave me a girl!" Miroku said with pure excitement on his face.
"I know my love. I was awake for that part of it." Sango said as she took Oni from Miroku.
"Kagome, thank you for saving my life for her. I know that it was the only way for you to do that since you are not in your time with me." Sango said.
"You don't have to thank me. You are my sister and I would do anything for you. You know that."
"Kagome, you are now part fire cat you know that right?"
"No, I just gave you some of me. I did not take in return. You are now part of me sister." Kagome said.
"Kagome is there one thing that you won't do for someone else?" Sango asked.
"Nothing. I will do anything as long as there is breath in me. Now you better feed Oni before she lets you hear her screaming." Kagome pointed out.
"Miroku your room is now ready so if you like to bring Sango, Kirara and Oni there you may. Akoro is here to help her walk if she needs it." Sesshomaru said.
"Thank you Sesshomaru. You are being very kind to us you know." Miroku said as he helped Sango get up. Kirara went up behind her and balanced her.
"I think that I need help." Sango asked softly. "Damn I hate admitting that." She added under her breath.
Kagome laughed. "You should take it while you can because later, you won't be able to!"
Akoro went to her right side and Miroku took her left side. Lavonia took Oni and they all walked slowly to the room that was prepared for them. Rin came in with Sota and looked at Kagome.
"Kagome are you ok? You are so pale." Rin asked.
"I am tired. That is all. I will be fine once I rest some." Kagome said.
"You should go and lie down for a while Kagome. I will make sure that dinner is brought to you and maybe Lavonia should check on you to make sure that things are ok with the pups." Sesshomaru said.
"Yes, I guess that you are right. I don't want to take any chances with these little ones." Kagome said as she patted her stomach. One of the pups seemed to reach out for her when she touched her stomach and Kagome smiled.
"The bond has grown strong with that one Kagome. That is the one that is going to follow you." Sheila said as she went to her daughter.
"Mother, I love you. And I have everything in this world to thank you for." Kagome said.
"There is nothing you have to thank me for. Just go and get some rest." Sheila said as she hugged her daughter. Sesshomaru went up to them and took Kagome's hand and brought her to their bedchambers for her to lie down.
"Sesshomaru don't leave me. I don't want to be alone." Kagome said, as he was about to leave. He turned around and looked at her and then got in beside her.
"You feel that there is something bad that is going to happen don't you?" Sesshomaru asked as she cuddled up to him.
"Yes I do and I hate it. I don't want to feel this way but I have the feeling that I am not going to survive birthing your pups."
"I will make sure that you live again. Just like the first time with Shaka. You are not going to be taken away from me." He said with sheer determination in his voice.
Kagome slept soundly next to him and he slept with her for a while. He then got up and made sure that their dinner was sent to the bedchambers. He did not want to move away from her now that she told him this. He woke her up long enough to eat and drink something and then she fell back asleep. After returning the trays to the hallway he went and sat down on the veranda as the night was just starting to show in the sky.
I don't want her to leave me again. It was almost unbearable the first time that she took her own life just to make sure that our daughter's soul was safely brought to the right place. How can she know that she is not going to survive? How can I stop it from happening in the first place? Sesshomaru thought to himself as he looked out at the grounds.
"Sesshomaru she will survive. She is just scared."
Sesshomaru turned and saw Sota standing there.
"How do you know this?"
"She is my sister, I can feel what she feels sometimes. And I know that she is deathly afraid of dying in the middle of giving birth to your pups. She loves you so much that she is willing to do anything to make sure that you are happy."
"Sota, you are a wise man. You hold such great qualities of a lord of this time that it makes me wonder if you are from the future."
"I often wonder that same thing. I feel so at peace here in your time that I have almost forgotten what it was like in my own time. And there are other times when I wonder if I was here really in my past life because of the comfort."
"You might be existing in two bodies at this time in one place. You cannot tell that but I do know that things here are the way that they are. You are making a mark on the future you right now as we speak. Your personality and your strengths are changing. Just like the future Kagome and Sheila."
"I just hope that we haven't made things so bad now that we are here and staying here."
"I do not think so. For now we are going to have to make sure that Kagome is felt safe and secure in what she is doing in her pregnancy. I can't have her go into the birthing process thinking that she is going to die."
"Yes I have to agree with you on that. Well I am off. I have to meet Rin in the gardens. She has some flowers that she wants to show me."
"Sota, take care of her. She is like one of those flowers in the garden. Fragile and soft and at the same time she is very deadly and sweet."
"Sesshomaru, there is nothing in this world that I wouldn't do without her. There is also nothing that I wouldn't do in this world to keep her happy. I will come by in the morning to check on Kagome."
"Alright. I will see you then." Sesshomaru said as Sota left the veranda and disappeared in the night.
Sesshomaru went back inside and cuddled next to Kagome and fell asleep again.