Note: I'm back! Been a long time hasn't it. Well I finally got a writting tool so now I can write again and just so ya know, I'm already starting to write the next chapter and will put it up soon, but I'm gonna be slowed down because I got a job now. I put no responses to reviews this time because there was too many, but I want you to know I read every single one of your reviews.So enjoy this chapter and I'll have the next one out...hopefully really soon.

Chapter thirty- Finding out

Rin quietly got into her night gown, thought she was not really paying attention to what was she was doing. Her mind continued to go back to Kagome who had been sick every morning for the past 2 and half months. She frowned and hoped that Kagome was going to be alright as Sango said she would, but the longer the sickness continued the more worried she became. Growing increasingly frustrated Rin walked over to the other side of the room where the kitsune was "Shippo?"

The fox child looked at her and noticed her worried expression "yes, Rin? Is something wrong?"

"Do you think Kagome is going to be okay?" she asked

Shippo shrugged "if Sango said she's going to be fine then I believe her. Sango wouldn't lie about anything unless to protect us"

Rin's frown grew deeper "then what if she's hiding how sick Kagome really is so we won't worry so much?"

Shippo paused at this, thinking for a moment "no, I'd be able to tell if Kagome was deadly ill, but her scent remains the same except for one part"

This drew in the little girl's curiosity "what do you mean?"

"Her stomach smells a lot like Sesshoumaru" he answered "it use to be her scent and his mixed together, but now it's starting to smell more and more like Sesshoumaru"

"Why?"

"I don't know" he answered honestly "but its obvious Sango knows and I think Ecaro might know too"

Rin gave a nod "let's go ask them"

Shippo nodded "okay, but we have to hurry and be back here in time before Kagome comes to read us our story"

Rin nodded and the two set out in search of the dog youkai and of the youkai exterminator. They had first tried Sango's room only to find it empty and then chose to go to the study, narrowly missing being caught by Kagome as she turned and walked down a different hallway with a bun in her hand before they reached their destination. Timidly, Shippo knocked on the door before opening it and walking in where Ecaro was busy reading a book.

The older demon looked up at the two, surprised to see them both still up "Rin, Shippo, what brings you here? I thought you'd both be in bed"

Rin nodded "yes, but we have a question that's really bothering us"

Ecaro gave a nod and put down the book he was reading "okay, what is it?"

Shippo nervous stepped forward "we're wondering about Kagome, I know you and Sango had both said she's going to be fine, but why is she still sick every morning and not only that, but when I smell her, her stomach is starting to smell more like Sesshoumaru as the weeks go on"

Ecaro frowned. He was not ready to answer these types of questions nor was he expecting them so soon. After all Kagome was only 3 months pregnant now. He quickly turned to the toad servant who was just sitting there "Jaken, go find Sango and make sure Kagome isn't around when you do"

Jaken quickly jumped up and with a "hai, Ecaro-sama" he ran out of the room.

Ecaro then looked back at the children "take a seat, I'll have Sango tell you what's going on, but you must promise not to tell Kagome"

"Is she going to die?" asked Rin, suddenly worried.

He smiled "no, far from it, but we can't let her know about it, think of it like a secret. Kagome can't know until we can't hide it from her any longer, okay? Promise you won't tell her yet?"

Shippo frowned "it's nothing bad, is it?"

"No, in fact once you hear it I'm sure you both are going to be happy" he replied "so is it a promise that you won't tell her?"

Both looked at each other for a moment before nodding "hai". It was only a couple minutes longer before Sango entered the room and noticed them. She immediately looked at Ecaro for an explanation.

"I'm afraid we have to let them in on the secret" he explained "just so they know that nothing is wrong with Kagome"

Sango smiled and nodded in understanding before turning to the two who were sitting on a chair together "alright, Kagome is going to be having a baby"

Both gasped and Rin quickly jumped from the seat and ran to Sango "really?" at her nod, Rin frowned "why doesn't Kagome know? And why can't we tell her?"

Sango picked the girl up "well sometimes it takes awhile for someone to know when their pregnant. Don't worry, she'll figure it out soon, but until then we can't tell her"

Shippo was confused with all the secrecy. If it was such happy news then why weren't they allowed telling the one person who needed to know "why can't we?"

Sango was silent for a moment while she thought of how to phrase her answer "well, when a female is pregnant she's a little more emotional. Sometimes the simplest thing can make her happy and then all of a sudden sad. But sometimes when one becomes too sad she may not eat or sleep and that will make her sick and if she's pregnant then she might hurt the baby"

"But how would that affect Kagome?" asked Rin

Ecaro chose then to answer "because Rin, this is her first time having a baby and with Sesshoumaru gone to fight she might get scared that something will happen and she'll be left to raise the child alone"

Shippo frowned "but we're right here to help her, she would know that"

"That's where it can get difficult" he answered

"Remember what I said" Sango spoke "a pregnant female is a little more emotional and even the simplest thing can make her happy and then all of a sudden sad. Kagome knows we're here, but she might still be frightened that Sesshoumaru is not around to help her, so that's why we have to help that baby get as big as it can before she finds out and starts to worry"

Ecaro nodded "and when she does find out we're going to have to do are best to make sure she continues to take care of herself because normally whatever happens to the mother will most likely affect the baby, okay?"

Both Rin and Shippo nodded. They would help that baby grow and get strong before Kagome found out and then they would make sure she kept herself healthy too. They smiled at the thought of being helpful.

Sango smiled at them before standing up and placing Rin on the floor "okay, now you better get to your room before Kagome comes looking and your gone"

They nodded and began to leave, but Rin paused at the door before looking back at Ecaro "has Sesshoumaru-sama sent anything?"

Ecaro shook his head "I've been sending my reports and from what the messenger explained to me the western lord if perfectly fine and so the others, but they still have not found Naraku yet"

Rin frowned and walked out with Shippo back to their room. The kitsune looked at her "don't worry Rin; it can't be that much longer until Naraku is found. I over heard Ecaro a few days ago was speaking with the messenger. He said that they seemed to be getting closer to Naraku because Inuyasha was complaining about smelling him"

Rin looked at him with a hopeful face "really?"

Shippo gave a nod "I'm pretty positive it was Inuyasha because the messenger said it was a hanyou who was arguing with a wolf about starting to smell Naraku around and wanted to go find him"

"Then that means Sesshoumaru-sama might be coming home soon?"

"I bet, then everything will be fine" he replied as they entered their room where they froze at the sight of Kagome with her arms folded and sitting on their bed with a stern look.

"And just where have you two been?" she asked.

Both shared nervous glances to each other before Shippo came up with an excuse "w-we were just curious about how Sesshoumaru was doing so we went and asked Ecaro"

Kagome's face softened. She too was wondering how everyone was faring and often felt the desire to sneak out to go see for herself, but the thought that she'd be leaving the kids behind to worry about her stopped her from performing such plans "so, what did he say?"

Rin grinned "they're fine, but haven't found Naraku yet"

Shippo smiled and sat down next to Kagome "I also over heard the messenger talking to Ecaro about over hearing a conversation at the battleground about smelling Naraku. I'm sure it was Inuyasha because the messenger said it was a hanyou arguing with a wolf demon"

Kagome chuckled "yea, that would be Inuyasha" it made her feel better to know that they were still alive and well and that they seemed to be getting closer to Naraku. She could only hope that it wouldn't be too much longer until they returned home. She looked at them "okay, so what story do you want me to read?"

Rin jumped up and grabbed a book from a self in the corner of the room and brought it back to them to sit next to them on the bed "this one"

Kagome looked at the cover. It was one from her time "alright, this one is my favorite 'The Man Who Could Not Read'…"

Sango and Ecaro listened on the other side of the wall as Kagome continued to read the story. Both looked at each other and smiled. They agreed on the same thought. Kagome was going to be a great mother.

Ecaro then heard the story end and looked at the exterminator "I got to go back to work"

She nodded and soon after he left the door to the children's room opened up. Kagome looked at Sango with a worried expression. Sango frowned "is something wrong Kagome?"

Kagome looked back at the room before grabbing her friend's hand and led her back to her and Sesshoumaru's room before releasing her grip "something's wrong with me"

"What do you mean?" asked Sango, though she perfectly knew what was wrong. Already it could be seen, her being 4 months pregnant and was slowly starting to show. It looked like she might have to inform her sooner than she would have liked.

Kagome frowned "I'm gaining weight! And not only that, but I've been sick every morning and I've been really hungry lately" she sat down on the bed

"What have you been hungry for?" asked Sango as she joined her.

"I've been craving stuff in the middle of the night and not just a simple light snack, but I'd be craving stuff like streak or pork" she put a hand on her forehead, trying to hold back her tears "not only that, but I've also been more emotional lately" she looked up at her friend "Sango I don't understand what's wrong with me"

"Kagome"

Kagome made no indication she heard her friend as she continued "also you know those things I wear to cover my breasts, they don't fit me, which is really weird because my breasts have stopped growing since I was 15, but they're growing" she sniffed "not only that but I haven't gotten my period for a really long time now"

"Kagome, I know why" Sango spoke a little louder. Kagome turned with a confused stare and she continued "you're pregnant"

Silence was met for what seemed like forever until Kagome jumped up from her bed and screamed "NANI!"

"I said you're pregnant" she repeated.

Kagome sat back down stunned "and I didn't even know, I should've known after all the signs were there, didn't get my period, breasts growing, the list goes on"

Sango grew concerned "Kagome, are you going to be okay with this? I know Sesshoumaru isn't here, but Ecaro sent Jaken a long time ago to tell him"

She blinked "so….that means…he knows?"

"Yes" was the answer just as the door suddenly flung open to reveal a worried Ecaro making the two previous occupants of the room jump in surprise.

"I heard a scream" was all he said and that explained enough

Sango looked at him "sorry if we made you think something was wrong, but I finally had to tell her"

Ecaro then relaxed and smiled "I understand now" he looked at Kagome "well then I can now give you the note Sesshoumaru sent back with the messenger"

At the word 'note' her spirits lifted "what note?"

He chuckled "well in my report to him he had wanted me to also speak of how well you were doing and when I wrote a few reports ago that you were most likely going to be finding out soon he wrote a small note for you to be given to you when you learned about being with child" he quickly pulled out a small scroll from his obi and handed it to her "come on Sango, I think we should allow her time to read it alone"

Kagome watched as the both left before opening the scroll with his writing on it.

"Dear Kagome,

It was brought to my attentions that my cousin has yet to tell you for he fears that you will worry yourself and cause great stress for you and, if you're reading this now then you know, our child. I admit I was surprised to learn you were with child, but I say this now for you not to worry and that I am honored you are having my child. We are getting closer to Naraku every day and soon the final battle, which that coward was to afraid to show at the original meeting, once he is destroyed I shall return. Do not worry for all shall be well.

Forever yours,

Sesshoumaru"

Kagome let a few tears escape her as she continuously read the line that said he was honored she was having his child and also that she shouldn't worry. Soon he would be home and she would feel even better. She knew he'd live, maybe with a few wounds, but he would destroy Naraku and return, but she just hoped it wouldn't take much longer and he'd miss seeing his child born. She shook her head 'enough Kagome, you can't worry too much because it's not good for the baby' she reasoned. She rubbed her stomach 'I'm going to have a baby' she thought with a smile.

…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-

"Hey, mutt face, behind you" called Koga

Inuyasha turned around just in time to block an attack from some ugly blue demon. He quickly pushed the demon off balance before using his sword to slice it. He looked around to see everyone who was still alive killing the last of the youkai that had ambushed them while they had been following Naraku's scent. They knew they were getting close because during one of the many battles on their way Miroku was using his air void some of Naraku's poison bees came out and were almost sucked into the void. Luckily the monk closed it before they could.

Koga walked up to the hanyou "well done mutt"

He growled "watch it wolf breath or you might be joining it"

"Learn to take a compliment when given" the wolf demon replied "cause I seldom give one"

"Who wants your compliments" Inuyasha argued "you can keep them to yourself!"

"Would you two stop arguing for once!" a voice came and both turned to see Sesshoumaru walking up, looking very annoyed "that is all I've been hearing since we've joined forces"

Miroku walked behind the taiyoukai "I must agree, you two should learn to put aside your differences after all the main reason you guys fought is no longer an issue now that Sesshoumaru has claimed Kagome"

Inuyasha growled. He maybe tolerating it, but that didn't mean he had to like the idea that the girl he had loved was now with his brother. Even if it was his fault she was there to begin with "you should learn to shut up Miroku"

Koga nodded in agreement. He still wasn't happy about the whole thing, but as long as she was well protected, he would learn to accept it. He then looked at the hanyou. It was true that the whole reason they started fighting for first was because the hanyou attacked his pack, but that's only because they had been attacking people. The main reason their fighting continued was because he got the eyes for Kagome and let the world know it while the mutt stayed quiet. In the end being vocal about it got him no where.

"Now, now, Inuyasha" started Miroku as he walked up to them "I know you still have feelings for Kagome, but you must get over it and you two must learn to get along with each other or else" he then hit the two over the head with his staff "you'll only end up hurting yourselves for no reason"

Sesshoumaru smirked. It was highly amusing to watch his brother eat dirt so easily by a human monk "well said monk"

"Arigato, Sesshoumaru-sama" Miroku said as he walked over. Though the two never spoke to each other except for at times like these or in battle, they did spend time near each other. Mostly in silence, but the monk or the taiyoukai didn't mind. Neither said a word and they were fine with that, it was like a mutual friendship.

Sesshoumaru glanced back at the two "so, do I hear a truce?"

Both grumbled and ended up shaking hands. Miroku grinned and put his arms around the two "see, now it's just going to be that much more peaceful for the rest of us when we don't hear you fighting"

Koga and Inuyasha shot him a glare that promised death once Naraku was defeated, they would have killed him on the spot, but unfortunately he was still needed to help in the defeat of the evil half demon.

Miroku just pretended like he never saw them and walked back to the taiyoukai "I believe everyone should be rested now, perhaps we should be on our way?"

Sesshoumaru gave a nod "very well, let's go"

After everyone was gathered up, they headed out. Since everyone was youkai, except Miroku, they followed their nose to where Naraku's scent was the strongest. It was a couple hours of just plain walking, normally having to walk around a human village so they wouldn't panic and try to attack them. They really didn't need that right now. But it wasn't until nightfall and they had set up camp that trouble came looking for them.

Most of the allies jumped up prepared to attack while Sesshoumaru gave a small growl "Kagura"

As if on cue, the wind sorceress appeared in front of them "yo"

Inuyasha growled "what brings you here Kagura?"

"I have orders from Naraku to kill you and so I must obey" she looked behind her "Kanna!"

All watched as the girl emerged from the bushes holding her mirror with a blank expression on her face. Some stared mystified for they had never seen her before while others knew better and started to back up. Slowly Kanna held up her mirror and it began to glow, calling out the souls of all around.

Miroku glanced at Inuyasha "she's the first that's got to go; some one has to try and get her from behind"

Inuyasha glanced at a few trying to do what Miroku had suggested, but Kagura continuously used her fan to blow them away or to kill them "it won't work unless someone distracts Kagura"

Koga quickly ran up "I'll do that, I've wanted to get a piece of her since she wiped out half my pack"

Miroku gave a nod before looking over to the fire cat "Kirara help him out in making sure Kagura doesn't turn to see Kanna" he looked back to see the majority of youkai that had assisted them, dead, and more dropping every second "we have to hurry!"

Koga and Kirara charged at the sorceress who didn't see them coming until the last minute. With one head butt the fire cat knocked the wind youkai against a tree. Koga smirked "come on Kagura, surely you're not going to be defeated that easily"

Kagura glared "of that you are correct, I will gain my freedom" and with that the battle between the two was begun.

Sesshoumaru sat back and watched from a distance. He wanted to see how well they could work with out him jumping in; so far they were doing a pretty good job except they did one stupid move. As much of a problem Kanna was, it was really only her mirror that was the threat. The girl showed no emotion and did not get angry therefore she'd be easy to kill once the mirror was gone. It was really Kagura that was the danger. Once her sister was dead she would grow angry and use that anger as a strength thus making her harder to defeat, but if they took out the sorceress first then all would be easy. He could see how much the wind youkai cared for the soulless one, but the other one seemed to be unresponsive to it and did not return it.

Inuyasha and Miroku made their way up to the demon with out Kagura's notice. The monk glanced at the hanyou "Inuyasha, where is Sesshoumaru during this?"

Inuyasha glanced back "sitting this one out to see if we can handle ourselves" he saw the surprised look on the monk's face "don't ask, he just feels like being a jerk right now"

They then went into silence as Inuyasha quietly pulled out his sword and lifted it up "Kazu no Kizu!" he yelled at the last moment he launched his attack.

Kagura heard the yell and quickly used her fan to blow the wolf and cat a fare distance away before turning and using her fan to knock back their attack "nice try, Inuyasha, but you will not succeed" she prepared to use a killing attack against the hanyou "I don't need you to gain my freedom from Naraku; I can do it on my own. And I'll be coming after you once I am free"

"Then be free in hell" said a deep, emotionless voice.

Kagura started to turn her head around when she suddenly felt a sharp pain shoot through her back straight across to her chest. She looked down at the sword now stuck in her and coughed up some blood before turning her head around to see the taiyoukai of the western lands "n-no this c-can't happen to m-m-me" she watched as Inuyasha again used his kazu no kizu attack and destroy her sister and she let a few tears fall. So this was her fate, to die. At least she wouldn't be alone. She stared at the taiyoukai 'and just perhaps I can get someone else to join me and Kanna as well' she thought, reaching a decision.

He smirked "it will and it has, tell us where Naraku is before you die"

She gave a sincere smile "I-I guess I c-c-could i-if it means Naraku g-goes to" she coughed up some more blood "hell t-t-to. H-he's up in the m-m-mountains, abou-about a w-weeks walk from here"

Miroku walked up to her "thank you Kagura, I hope you find your freedom"

Sesshoumaru released her from his sword and she fell to the ground, dead. He then looked at the others, everyone who had their soul taken was given it back "we shall cover as much ground as we can"

Everyone nodded and rushed to gather their things. While that was being done Inuyasha walked up to his brother with a scowl on his face "why did you do that?"

Sesshoumaru looked at him "we got the information we wanted, did we not?"

"I don't mean about that" he answered angrily "I mean about killing Kagura before she could attack me. You knew as well as I that attack she was preparing could have killed me and then I would be out of your life forever, so why did you do it?"

"We have not killed Naraku yet, hanyou, and we will need tetsusaiga" the taiyoukai replied "also Kagome would not be happy if she were to learn I sat back and watched you be killed and leave our child with out an uncle"

Inuyasha's face turned from anger to shock "nani?" it was hard to imagine that the lord of the western land, his brother, had saved his life because Kagome would have been upset about, but there was a meaning behind that when his brother mentioned his child being with out an uncle. That was Sesshoumaru speaking those words, not Kagome.

Sesshoumaru just stared at him before walking off to lead the group of allies while Inuyasha continued to stand there for a minute a little confused. Did that mean his brother now accepted him as family or was just willing to tolerate him now?

"Inuyasha" came the monk's voice from Kirara's back "I believe you are being left behind" he watched as the hanyou looked up at him before hoping on to Kirara's back and they headed off.

…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-

Kagome yawned at the dining table after eating a bowl of soup as a midnight snack. Now that she knew what was going on with her, she didn't feel so bad about the snacks and the weird cravings any more. She heard the door open and turned to see Ecaro making his way towards her.

"Isn't it a bit late Kagome?" he asked

She gave a shy smile and a shrug "got hungry"

He let out a chuckle "perfectly understandable, you are eating for two now"

Kagome gave a small nod "yea I know," her voice distant

Ecaro took a seat beside her and looked at her "you don't seem happy about it"

Her eyes went wide with shock "no! I am happy, it's just…" she moved her food around with her fork "I'm scared, I've never had a baby before"

"All first time mothers are a little afraid about the idea of having a baby" he took his hand and placed it over hers "don't worry, you'll be fine"

"Thanks Ecaro" she said as she stood up and began to walk away

"There's something else, isn't there Kagome?"

She turned and looked back at him with a sad smile "it's nothing to worry about because nothing can be done about it until Sesshoumaru is home safely" and with those words spoken; she left.