Fellow readers, I present another chapter! I've so many ideas for this story so bear with me! And don't worry, my other new story, Heat x Three will be updated soon.

And a shoutout to all the people who've reviewed, followed, and/or favorited this story so far! I very much appreciate every single one!

Enjoy!


Chapter 5

This couldn't have turned out perfectly if he had planned it!

InuYasha noticed his daughter had been a little melancholy all morning, and when she finally came up to him, he knew she needed to talk to him. If he knew her as well as he thought he did, Moroha would have something heavy weighing on her mind. But like him, she wouldn't talk until she was ready to, so he suggested they take the day and train in the clearing by the well. The perfect outlet they both needed.

Not only was Kaede stopping by their hut to not only peruse Kagome's gardens and to discuss new herbal remedies for the pregnancy, but Sango was also, bringing with her some fine new cloth for the expectant mother to help sew new outfits. And much to the couple's surprise, shortly after breakfast, his brother and young wife dropped in. Dismounting Ah-Un, the 18-year-old Rin was back to her usual bubbly self, recovered from her years long ordeal, enjoying life once again with her husband and twin daughters. The young woman wanted to visit with Kagome and see how she was fairing in her second pregnancy.

"The more the merrier!" Kagome declared while hugging her sister-in-law. After greeting Sesshomaru-and receiving the usual silence as reply, the two mothers walked into the hut where Kagome would start making some tea.

After exchanging some words, and making sure the area was safe and secured, Sesshomaru nodded to his brother and niece, and flew off; the dragon steed right behind him. According to Rin, her husband was taking Towa and Sestuna somewhere to train, to better control their demons. He called it training, Rin called it "bonding" with a giggle. It wasn't long before Kaede and Sango arrived, exchanging pleasantries with father and daughter before walking in to join the others.

Pleased that his wife was surrounded by friends & family and well protected, InuYasha gave a nod to Moroha and both took off at demon speed.

His thoughts turned to his wife as he ran. Kagome was now two months along, still able bodied. Her miko garb did well to hide the growing swell of her abdomen but it wouldn't be for long. Last night, after making intense love in the nearby hot spring, he brought up his observations to her. She was growing much faster than when she was carrying Moroha at this point. And he thought he detected a second heartbeat but wasn't quite sure. Kagome confirmed that she too had her suspicions. The thought that she might be carrying twins this time around… that brought a contented smile to her face. If they were to have two pups-she recently started calling her children pups-including Moroha, then it would be double the blessing after being denied having more offspring since being trapped in the Black Pearl.

And looking at Moroha- who was easily keeping up with him, he noticed with pride, being the eldest and caring for not one, but possibly two siblings would bring her more joy, he was certain.

But first, as a father, he had to find out what was going on in her head. And sparing seemed a good place to start.


Battle cries, bursts of speed, and many thuds from kicks and punches echoed throughout the clearing.

After making sure no one and/or nothing was in the area that would interrupt, the hanyou father began to teach and train his offspring. While she brought her bow and arrow-like her mother always did, she set it safely aside by the well, not needing it to train with her father. This session was for her inu youkai.

While this was not the first sparing session he's had with Moroha, he always enjoyed them since this was not only their bonding time, but it was also to observe and take notice of her skills. Her senses were still much better than a human's but not up to par as his own. If he could help her hone and build up those abilities, there was no telling what'd she be capable of.

The late summer breeze rustled the large expanse of green that separated him and his daughter. The sun faded in and out as the clouds passed over them. The clean, woodsy scents of the forest that bore his name. The chirps of the forest birds and the munching of rabbits and scattering of squirrels along the tree limbs.

Yes, today was a fine day.

Piercing amber eyes met the determined brown oaks of his pup. She was trembling a bit from the last round of sparing. While the warrior in him wanted to push her, the father in him knew she would tire before too long. The kicks and punches she threw at him while dodging his own replayed in his head, and after a while he nodded.

"You're getting much better, pup. Your reflexes have much improved, as well as your blocking techiniques." Then he narrowed his eyes, "However, I can sense you're distracted and not in the moment as you should be. You know as well as I that you can't afford to lose focus during a fight! That's as good as rushing to your death!"

'Damn it, he's right.' Moroha clenched her fists, barely feeling her sharp claws digging into her palms. Her fears were slowly creeping in as their sessions continued. She was losing focus and it pissed her off!

He heard the low growling. She was close. "Now let's try again." He braced himself.

With a huff she burst into action, zigzagging left to right. When she was inches away, she raised her fist for a punch, only to hit nothing. She then sensed her father behind her mere seconds before she was enveloped in fire rat. 'Damn it, not again!' Her dad's hold was nearly impossible to break.

InuYasha easily dodged his daughter's attack and within seconds captured her. While not at full strength, his hold was meant to quickly render her helpless. Just like a human opponent would do.

"An enemy gets you in this position, unless you figure out a way to break loose, they could easily slit your throat..." He demonstrated with his hand, a slicing motion across her throat. "…In mere seconds."

Moroha's arms were trapped. She wiggled all she could, but it was no use. Her dad was right. Thinking fast, she sunk her claws into the nearest target: her father's leg. She felt guilty about hurting her dad, but he did instruct her if she were able to land a blow, he'd heal up in no time so don't be afraid to use a little force.

The instant she felt his grip loosening, she shoved her elbow back into his gut, and with a grunt and sudden release, she leapt and flipped to a safe distance a few feet away. She was panting a bit, exhaustion catching up with her.

"Excellent work, pup. Despite being caught, you used what you had at your disposal and made a quick getaway. That's what you need to do such a thing happen- and pray to Kami it doesn't. "InuYasha nodded. "Still, you need more focus. Maybe you should try meditation, ask your mom when we get back." He saw her nod. And he also picked up the smell of sweat. She was tired. "You need a rest, Moroha?"

"Can't hide anything from you, Dad." She chuckled. Then the reason for her loss of focus came front and center. She sighed and looked up. "Dad, can I talk to you about something. It's…. been bothering me for a while."

With a nod towards the forest and the nearby river, they made their way- Moroha quickly grabbing her bow and quiver, and soon found themselves relaxing by the bank and refreshing themselves after a tedious workout. It's been several hours, judging by the position of the sun, the hanyou guessed. They skipped lunch entirely so both inus were starving.

After rehydrating, the pair found their way to The Sacred Tree. With a few leaps they settled on a sturdy limb not far up, their common spot after a training session.

Then after a while, InuYasha would regale her with a story of his and Kagome's adventures. Moroha sat in silence and listened, eager to learn even more about her parents. It also put her at ease about her own problems. Today he was recalling the battle of a demon named Hoshiyomi and the Naginata of KenKon; how he kidnapped her mother, the human Akitoki Hojo- she giggled at how he growled out that name, and the declaration of love at the most inappropriate time. How his Testsusaiga-after being drained of its power from the first battle with Hoshiyomi, transformed when the demon tried to attack Kagome and blocked the attack. And then when he used the Backlash Wave and Kagome her Sacred Arrow, both combining to take down the enemy. Perfect sync, Shippo had said. And they were.

She could hear the pride and adoration he had for her mother. Even as just teenagers at the time- only slightly older than she, her parents were already deeply in love with each other. Moroha considered herself lucky to have such loving parents, despite their beginning and hardships.

After the tale, both sat in silence.

"What's on your mind, Moroha?" A dog ear flicked in her direction.

Her dad only said her name when he was serious. And without further encouragement, the teen let out a big sigh and began spilling her fears.

InuYasha listened and listened intently as Moroha expressed her fears of not being…enough. After the confrontation many days ago, horrid thoughts had plagued her and wouldn't go away. She was terrified that as a quarter demon, her abilities wouldn't be good enough to protect anyone, let alone her mother and unborn sibling. Not being fast, agile, strong, or good enough in general! She didn't want to be weak! His own thoughts of self-worth before Kagome ran along similar lines. He didn't want to be seen as worthless and weak, yet the world had labeled him as such when he was born. He couldn't escape it. It wasn't until he started adventuring with Kagome and making friends along the way he was able to view himself differently. His dream of becoming a full demon, to be stronger and protect what was his… turned out to be his ultimate nightmare and it was something he didn't want anymore.

And he told her as such. "Being alone and fending for yourself was something we never, ever envisioned for you, pup. And it pains me that you had to grow up without us. Surviving on your own is no easy feat; especially for demons like us that aren't considered "pure" or "full". You've had to depend on your abilities and strength. But viewing yourself as weak… you're anything but."

"But what happens if I can't fight well enough next time?! What if I screw up and something happens that could've been prevented?!" She was on the verge of tears.

Gathering her up in his arms, InuYasha said, "Listen, pup. Take it from someone who thought he wasn't good enough for years. We all have fears and it's something we live with. But if you don't let it control you, you come out stronger. As long as you have the strength and support, you can overcome it." He chuckled. "I didn't know it, but that strength and support came from your mom. Besides your grandmother, she was the first to not only see both human and youkai, but she didn't leave my side. It was the purity and goodness of her heart that made something in me want to protect her and cherish that. You remember the story of when your mother and I were stuck in the Meido for three days? Before we were separated?"

Moroha did. "That you were born for each other. And that she taught you how to smile and believe in other people. That she was your reason to keep living."

"That's right. She motivated me to keep fighting."

The quarter youkai rested her head against his shoulder. "I have you and mom back. I'm about to become a big sister and I never thought in a million years I'd have these. A year ago, I will still on my own, thinking you were both dead. But now…" She sat up and met her father's eyes. "I have that. I have something to protect. Family. I want to protect this family and my fear being having less demon blood than you or Uncle Sesshomaru… that's what scares the hell out of me."

His little girl astounded him. Couldn't she see how strong she already was? "You're stronger than you realize. And don't worry too much, pup. You doing your best to defend your mother was all that I could ask for. And when it comes to fighting, all anyone can ask of you is to do your best. And believe me, a quarter demon that can shoot sacred arrows one minute and slash a demon to bits with her claws the next is damn good." Ruffling her hair which earned him a small glare, he continued, "Everyone loves you for you. How much youkai or human you have in ya is nothing compared to the size or strength of the heart. It's what's inside, not out."

"That sounds like something mom would say."

"And she has, several times. It took me years to fully understand that. She's a wise woman, you mother. Don't know where'd I be without her."

The pair once again looked out into the forest. The air was becoming slightly cool, and the blueness of the afternoon sky was starting to darken as the sun started to sink in the west.

And for the first time in many days, Moroha felt her fears ease away. They still lingered, but now with her dad's encouraging words, she looked forward with new determination.

"It's getting late. We should head home so your mom doesn't worry." They both stood up and leaped down. "I can sense Sesshomaru nearby, must be here for Rin. Which means everyone else should be preparing to leave."

She too felt her uncle in the area. No one could mistake that powerful aura. Stretching her arms she asked, "Should we hunt something for dinner?"

"Nah, your mother said she'd grill some fish tonight."

A growling stomach soon followed. They both laughed. "Come on, Moroha. Let's go home. "

Home. She loved that word.

When they exited the tree line and home was well within sight, Moroha stopped. "Hey Dad?"

"Yeah?"

She grinned and gave him a giant hug. "Thanks."

He hugged back; glad he was able to ease his daughter's troubled mind.


So, hints are being dropped about Kagome's pregnancy... will she have one or two pups? Well, if you haven't already, go ahead to my current POLL and vote for your favorite(s) before it closes in the next few chapters. As always, it'd be much appreciated!

As always, I'd love to know what you think, just don't be mean about it.

Until next time...

Ja Ne!