A/n

This will be the second to last chapter that I have added that wasn't in this story originally. That's all I'll say for this one, so enjoy!

Chapter 3: Life Events

-Miya's pov-

The months that made up the engagement that Ashe and I had were like a dream to me with how happy I felt. I had never thought I could feel the joy I did when I was with Ashe, the things that I had been told about Ashikabis now made complete sense to me. For Sekirei, before MBI found them and began changing them, there was so much more to Ashikabi than just one that could empower a Sekirei.

Much like what the subject of marriage was defined to me by Takehito, it was a commitment and really a bond between two individuals. However, there was more to it than that for the commitment was one for life, so wasn't one to take lightly. And Ashikabi and Sekirei were to move forward together supporting each other in everything. That was why it could take time to find an Ashikabi since it was such a serious life-altering choice. The natural defense that Sekirei have makes sure that the choice of an Ashikabi was not made foolish or hastily and bring a lifetime of regret.

The idea of ashikabi abusing their Sekirei was unthinkable but that's what Minaka was making with the changes he was making to Sekirei. The man was altering the natural defense we Sekirei have to prevent being abused and having to live with a mistake for the rest of our lives. I fear that given enough time Minaka may remove the defense altogether and setup Sekirei to experience hardship and misery for their whole lives. Yet the relationship with Ashe I have is what the bond between Sekirei and Ashikabi was supposed to be. And it gave me hope for the future for not just myself but other Sekirei as well and that was a comforting feeling.

Then came the week that the wedding of Ashe and me in the Spring and it was held in a place that Ashe and Takehito called Kyoto. The city itself was amazing to see, it was so different than any other place I'd seen in this world. The sights took my mind off of the thought of what MBI was doing to the other Sekirei which had been plaguing me. And here in this city, the variety of inhabitance varied more than they did in Tokyo. Plus, more humans here seemed aware of and be able to see the non-humans than there were around Tokyo as well.

Ashe, Takehito and I traveled to the main shrine in Kyoto which had a somewhat similar layout as the northern shrine in Tokyo but appeared to be larger. When we entered the shrine itself, we were greeted warmly and the manner made me think that Ashe comes here from time to time. Although there was one that greeted Ashe differently, "Gramps! Gramps," called a child's voice.

Looking in the direction that the voice had come from and I saw a child that had golden blonde hair that was tied in a ponytail and had matching colored eyes. She also had three golden fox tails and matching ears on her head as Ashe does at times. The girl looked to be five or six in age and was wearing a Miko outfit that fit her size. The sleeves of her haori had a giant red star-shaped pentagram, surrounded by five smaller pentagrams in between the points.

The girl raced up to Ashe and leaped at him hugging him when she reached him with her tails wagging behind her. Ashe embraced her back, "It's good to see you as well Kunou, you look as cute as ever," he greeted.

Kunou giggled as she hugged Ashe while I was left to wonder how Ashe knew the little girl. "I see that you found your grandfather already my Kunou," said another voice.

I saw a woman approaching us, and she appeared young with a full and voluptuous figure with very long blonde hair and matching colored eyes. She looked to have delicate facial features with her eyebrows are cut very short and round, which is supposedly a symbol of nobility. Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail and reached all the way down to her legs that ended in a spiral, with taut bandages to keep it in place. The woman was in the attire that shrine maidens wear normally, and over that she wore a white coat held closed by a red ribbon and also had a golden crown on her head. The woman came up to Ashe, "It is always good to have you visit Ashe," she greeted with a bow.

Ashe chuckled, "It's nice to come around Kyoto though this visit is for a special reason as I already said," he replied.

The woman smiled, "Indeed and what a wonderful reason it is for you Ashe," she returned.

Ashe motioned me to come to be next to him and I did as he motioned for me to do, "This is Miya Yasaka, my soon to be wife," Ashe stated.

The woman Yasaka as Ashe referred to her as turned her attention to me, "So she is the one that managed to melt the ice around your heart that so few get past," she questioned.

Ashe was nodding when the girl in his arms leaned over and grabbed some of my hair and to apparently get a closer look at my hair. She wasn't tugging or anything, I just haven't had another so close other than Ashe and Takehito really. The girl, I believe her name was Kunou, hummed as she held the collection of my hair, "So pretty," she uttered before she looked at my face and gave a happy smile, "Your hair is so pretty," she declared.

I couldn't help the smile that came to my face at this child saying my hair was pretty for even if it was a simple compliment, it was one of the few I've received from others outside Ashe and Takehito. "Why thank you little one," I replied patting her on the head.

I heard the sound of Ashe's laughter, "I couldn't agree more with you Kunou, Miya's hair is pretty, beautiful even," he remarked.

The next few days passed by quickly and the date of the wedding of Ashe and I approached. During those days the preparations for the event became visible to me from the shrine being cleaned and decorated to having to have fittings of what I would wear to the wedding. The kimono outfit was all white and I admit quite beautiful and came with a headpiece that had only my face visible. I was told traditional wedding attire for a bride to wear though what I was told as to how the tradition started didn't make a lot of sense to me.

I didn't get a lot of time to spend with Ashe in the days that led up to our wedding, due to the preparations being done. Yet that made the time we did get even more enjoyable short as it was for us some times. I also learned a bit more about how Yasaka and Kunou actually knew Ashe during the time leading up to the wedding. Yasaka was one of those that crossed paths with Ashe when she was a child and Ashe had taken her in and raised her. Ashe had mentioned that he has done that for a number of children over the time he has lived and keeps in contact with those that are still around. And so, as Yasaka was like a daughter to Ashe, and Kunou was Yasaka's daughter, she saw Ashe as her grandpa.

On the evening before the wedding, Ashe and I did get to spend time together which was nice even if we would be spending our lives together from tomorrow onward. We had taken a stroll and had ended out in a park area that was not a part of the festival that would start tomorrow evening. "Tomorrow cannot come soon enough if you ask me," Ashe commented.

I smiled, "I couldn't agree with you more Ashe though our bond already exists between us, the closer we are the better," I replied.

Ashe's tails wrapped around my back and pull us together, "I only wish our paths had crossed sooner Miya, but I am grateful that we met and found one another," he said.

He wasn't the only one that was happy that we met, meeting Ashe had literally changed everything for me and for the better in ways I didn't think possible. I hugged Ashe's arm, "I don't think I could say it better than you have Ashe," I returned.

-Ashe's pov-

The dawn came and I was awake instantly more than I tend to be on any normal given day that comes to mind. It was the day that Miya and I would be married and start our life together going forward towards the future. My excitement was at a level it hadn't reached for a very long while from my perspective and that is different from what others view as a long time. That said, I was unable to hide my fox features though I didn't try all that hard I admit. My tails weren't exactly wagging up a storm yet, but they were still either.

I don't think I've put on an outfit quicker than I did today with what I would be wearing to the wedding itself. It was made up of the white shirt, black haroi over the jacket which was also black topped off with the white bobble that is traditional for a wedding. The hakama had vertical stripes that were white and black switching between the colors. My hair was combed a bit better than I normally have it on a regular day, but this day is a special occasion. When I was ready, I headed for the shrine to begin one of the best days of my life.

I was greeted by Kunou who was in her full mini priestess outfit that had been made for her last year. She reminded me so much of her mother when she was a child though thankfully, Kunou wasn't as active as her mother had been that I'd seen. I picked up Kunou who giggled and squealed excitedly, "You look official in that outfit Kunou," I said to her, "I'm more wondering how much longer I'm going to get to have fun with you before you become an adult."

Kunou squealed again, "You can always play with me gramps," she answered.

After greeting my 'granddaughter', I carried Kunou inside the shrine as she squealed happily with what I was doing. The shrine interior was decked out for the wedding ceremony and I had to say that those that had been doing the decorating had put a great deal of effort into it. It was one of the more beautiful instants that I have seen it looking, quite impressive indeed.

When I reached the altar and put down Kunou, Yasaka came up and embraced me, "I am so happy for you father," she said.

I returned the gesture, "Thank you Yasaka, I had begun to think I may never see a day like this for myself, but here I am," I replied.

"You of all individuals deserve to have happiness papa, especially with how you do good unto others," she added. "I imagine you have the rings you intend to use?"

I brought out a small box and opened it to reveal two intricate gold rings inside, to which Yasaka gasped and Kunou when she saw them ooed and awed. Both rings still were the normal band shape overall, but the design was made to look like a branch of a cherry blossom tree wrapped around the finger. The blossom petals were each little gemstones, one ring had pink spinel gems while the other ring had were blue sapphires. Both rings did have enchantments on them, I had seen to that personally as I didn't want to lose Miya anytime in the near future. "They're so pretty gramps," Kunou uttered with awe.

A smile formed on my face, "Yes they are Kunou, these rings are special."

Over the next hour, the shrine hall began filling up for the ceremony. I knew more than half of those attending and also knew that some had traveled quite some distances to attend. There were others that either worked for me or were loyal helpers of mine like Anya among them. Some of those that were attending would shock some as much as they actually exist as who they were. As a few examples, the angel seraph Michael was here as was the devil by the name of Ajuka Beelzebub, both of which I've met and had a bit of interaction with. Although I normally tend to stay out of other factions and groups business if I can help it, politics is not a subject I'm fond of at all.

I was going around greeting guests when I bumped into another and when I got my bearings I found myself looking at a woman I knew. She was a brown-skinned beauty with an athletic look and red hair tied in two long braids. She would usually wear a maid-type uniform with short sleeves and long black gloves with a skirt that has a long slit on its left side which reveals her thigh-high white stockings. However, today, she was in a long formal green dress though it had close to what is referred to as spaghetti-straps over the shoulders. The woman's name is Regina and like Anya, she was one of my helping hands and had been one of the children I had raised. She did stuff for me outside of Tokyo most of the time so I tended to see her only every once and a while.

When our eyes met, she gained a smile, "Papi," she cried and glommed herself to me, "Oh it is so wonderful that you finally found someone to be happy with I'm so super happy for you," she said really fast as she embraced me or rather squeezed me with quite a bit of strength.

Regina was usually easy-going yet easily excitable, the issue that would come up with most is the raw strength she has to work with for it can be monstrous. With me, I can handle her expressions of affections as I like to call them for they had become common during the time I had raised her. "It is good to see you made it Regina, I hope you have been doing well while on your journeyings," I said.

"Oh I sure have, I've been keeping busy, but I can make the time something like this," Regina rambled at the same speed as she had been speaking before, "After all, I wouldn't miss such a big day for the one who changed my life for the better!"

"I see the stray wolf was let inside already," remarked a lower pitched feminine voice which was slightly muffled.

We looked over to its source and close by was a woman that was of average height and though the figure was clearly feminine, the definition wasn't easy to see. The woman was in a white full-length long-sleeved dress with a hood which was over her head only leaving her face visible. There was an orchid-colored sash around her middle which was one of the few contrasts from her outfit as she had white gloves and boots. Her chestnut-colored eyes were the other feature that she had which stood out from the rest of her appearance. Other than the mask she had on her face which had an aqua-green jewel set on the forehead. The woman's name was Dama Blanca or simply Dama and she was a Byakko or tiger youkai or specifically a white tiger variety.

"Hey," growled Regina, "I am not a stray kitty-kat, and I'll rip you a new one if that's what it takes to get that fact to sink into your skull!"

Dama bowed slightly, "Do forgive me, what I should have said was a yappy mutt that still acts like a pup. Is that your preference wolf," posed Dama.

I cleared my throat to bring attention to me, "Should you two need to fight, then take it outside so that the work of those who decorated the shrine doesn't go to waste," I stated.

As if to add to the statement another spoke up, "Lord Hitoyoshi, if these two are disrupting things, then just say so and I will personally toss them out," Anya said, her eyes changing over to slits.

I glanced over at Anya who was wearing a fine kimono with an orange-red floral pattern, "That will depend Anya," my gaze flicked back to the two women, "Will she need to toss you both out until the ceremony is over?"

Both Dama and Regina shook their heads, "No," they both said.

That settled, I moved on to greeting others that were here for the ceremony while waiting for the ceremony itself to get underway. Once everyone was settled down and seated, I went to the front of the hall and took my position as the groom in this. Then the announcement of the bride entering came and all looked to the doors at the back of the hall as they opened. To say I was taken by surprise would be an understatement, I thought my heart had stopped for a moment. Miya looked absolutely stunning in the traditional bridal outfit, more than I had imagined she would.

Takehito was next to Miya acting as her escort for the ceremony as she started forward, focused on me. Much of the world around seemed to fade out and I realized that I was actually about to get married to an amazing woman. I've never been one to put much into or on luck, but I'm questioning how I could be so lucky to be marrying Miya. She soon reached her spot across from me and as our eyes met, smiles simply appeared on both of our faces. Takehito took place a short distance from me to act as one of the witnesses of this event.

Now I had been to enough weddings of other individuals I had encountered, I have also officiated over a couple of weddings, so I knew the vows for a wedding ceremony. The ceremony itself seemed to fly by from my perspective, or maybe it was lost in thoughts about what was ahead for Miya and me. At the point came for the rings to be exchanged, I gave Miya the pink-jeweled one while I retained the sapphire bearing ring. Then when we kissed Miya's lavender wings appeared again to me they were even more beautiful than the first time. There was a few gasps, but as most of the audience are non-human or even some deities, the odd is normal.

The reception that followed the wedding was quite a party that went throughout the daylight hours. And with the wedding happening in the morning, that was pretty much meant the reception lasted the whole day. Nevertheless, Miya and I did have a vast number of well-wishers, or rather I did as many of the guests came to watch me get married and it was nice of them to wish me well. As for Takehito, he had gone into his 'observation mode' with all the different kinds of beings which I kind of expected from my human friend.

When night fell, the reception 'party' was still going, and with the help of Yasaka, Miya and I managed to sneak out from the shrine and away from the partiers. I did wonder a bit when Miya and I were guided to a house that was secluded and would provide privacy. Yasaka simply smiled and headed back towards the party leaving Miya and me alone together. With the opportunity being given, I didn't see a reason to say no to time with just Miya and me without interruption. To those that may ask and/or insist, what happened between Miya and me during the time we were alone on our wedding night, I would reply mine your own business. We took the time to enjoy one another's company and I'll leave it at that for any who should ask.

-Miya's pov-

I opened my eyes slowly as daylight filtered in from the window in the house Ashe and I had gone to after slipping away from our wedding reception. The light coming into the room said it was morning though I felt tired still, then, Ashe and I had not gotten to sleep until late last night. I'm certainly not saying that I didn't enjoy the activities that Ashe and I did together. What we did was amazing and beyond that, I couldn't be happier than to be with Ashe like I am. I felt safe from everything while I was in Ashe's embrace, which had his arms loosely around my back along with his silver bushy tails curled around me. Both of us had no clothes, we had shed them last night and hadn't seen a need to put them back on.

I turned my head look at Ashe's face and a smile came to me as I gaze at my Ashikabi and husband. It had been a real surprise to find out that the man that I had come to love could look different than he normally did. What he called his 'natural appearance' was beyond handsome and had features that were clearly not possessed by a human or most non-humans. And now this charming fox will be with me going forward from now and I would not want it any other way. If only all Sekirei could have this kind of relationship with an Ashikabi, then my race would not have had to leave the world that was our home.

Snuggling closer to Ashe, I also moved up to hold his face before pressing my lips to my husband's. I felt Ashe tighten his hold on me and deepen the kiss I started before we were forced to part for the need of air. And even when we parted, we didn't let the other separate much at all, staying in the close embrace. Ashe hummed, "Good morning Miya," he greeted, "sleep well?"

I used one hand to scratch one of Ashe's fox ears, "Probably the best night sleep I have gotten," I returned.

It was clear that Ashe nor I were in any hurry to get out of the futon or separate, at least I wasn't in a rush to leave my husband. "I look forward to the days ahead of us, to the experiences we will go through together," Ashe remarked.

He was certainly not the only one that is looking forward to the future, I hugged myself to Ashe a little more. "I feel the same Ashe," I replied.

Ashe chuckled for a moment, "As you are my wife, you should know that the name Ashe Hitoyoshi was a name that I came up with quite some time ago, it is not the name I was given originally," He said.

I focused on Ashe with the fact he had just stated for it said that there was an amount that few knew about him. I could imagine that being true, but the question of what it was that Ashe wasn't telling went through my mind. "Oh, what was your original name then," I asked curiously.

Ashe drew me closer to him, "It was Inari Ōkami while I had divinity," he whispered in my ear.

I pulled back a bit and stared at Ashe as he had just implied that he had been a deity at some point in the past. "Ashe," I began, "Are you telling me that you were once what others would refer to as a god?"

He shrugged and then nodded, "Yes, though it has been quite some time since that was the case. And I do admit, the stories that others have come up for me are not necessarily true, but can be amusing."

Ashe was treating this subject so nonchalantly when it shouldn't be and I didn't understand why he would. "Ashe, how can you be so flippant about this," I demanded.

My husband put a finger to my lips, "Because it is in the past Miya, it does not matter as much to me as most say it should." Ashe paused for a moment appearing to be thinking, "Do you truly believe that those that can be seen as possessing divinity are so different than those who don't?" I blinked considering the question before Ashe continued, "I can assure you, there isn't anywhere near as much difference as many think there is. I would say it is more like humans and non-humans," he said.

That still left a question in my mind that I couldn't figure out the answer for, "But then why would you give divinity up Ashe," I questioned.

Ashe sighed, "Honestly, I wanted change," he replied.

His answer didn't make sense to me, "What do you mean," I inquired.

"Surprising as it might be for others to imagine," Ashe began, "for those that would be seen as gods and deities, change is extremely rare. It can be compared to going through the same day over and over again since it can feel that way rather easily." Ashe paused, "I gave up 'divinity' in favor of a life where events and things do change frequently and I have not regretted my choice even during hard times for it keeps me aware that I'm alive." Ashe then kissed my forehead, "And if I had not, I would have never met you Miya and would be missing out on many things that I don't want to miss."

The last sentence summed up things and silenced any questions I had in this subject with Ashe. Being with him was enough for me, for him to be my Ashikabi changed my life for the better and I wouldn't want that taken away. Then Ashe spoke up again, "Plus, as far as I know, our day is free of anything that is pressing." Ashe shifted our positions to have me be on top of him, "And I must say that the idea of getting to intimately know my wife sounds like a very enjoyable activity."

I couldn't stop the giggle that came out of me, "Well, with all day to work with according to you, I do not see a reason to say no to that," I returned before I grabbed his cheeks and pulled him down for a kiss.

-Ashe's pov-

No one had really gotten to see Miya or me for the first day that we were married as we kept ourselves busy. I had told Miya more about myself than I'd told anyone, even Itsumi and I had told her a great deal. Miya had listened and believed me and what I had told her which not all would. The interesting thing I had observed was that Miya had gained a marking just below her collar bone which was one Takehito had shown me which was supposed to be on 'winged Sekirei'. Honestly, I was the happiest I've been that I can recall clearly in my time of existence and that is saying a lot.

Within a few days, Takehito, Miya and I returned to Tokyo and to Izumo Inn where life returned to a bit of a routine. Close to two months flew by with little of note happening, Takehito would do the regular test on Miya to check her health and such. He was also observing the interactions between Miya and me, being the scientist that he is. I did let him compare with what information I was beginning to get from those that were now feeding me info from within MBI. Takehito did appreciate that as he wasn't that interested to contact those he used to work with lately.

Yet, there came a day that Takehito was doing his regular tests that things change in a way I did not foresee. Takehito was looking over the results of his test while I was by Miya as I usually was during the test. It was Takehito's hum that indicated there was something he wasn't expecting that drew my attention, "What is this?"

I looked over at Takehito, "What are you talking about my friend," I asked, "Did something come up from your tests?"

Takehito didn't answer immediately which unnerved me a bit, but I waited for his answer as he rifled through pages. Once he was done looking at whatever he was, he spoke again, "I'm not seeing things then," he muttered.

I cleared my throat, "What are you seeing Takehito, is there a problem," I questioned.

Takehito glanced over at Miya and me, "Well Ashe, I wouldn't say what I'm seeing as a problem, especially for you. If anything, then I would say more that congratulations are in order," he stated.

I blinked in confusion, "Congratulations? What are you referring to Takehito," I questioned not following what my friend meant.

Miya was nodding slowly, "Yes, what are you talking about Takehito," she added.

"From the tests I did today," Takehito started a smile forming on his face, "It would seem that Miya is pregnant. So, congratulations to both of you on becoming expectant parents."

Takehito's announcement came real close to having me drop to the floor as it sunk into my mind. If what he said was true about Miya being pregnant, then we would be having a child in the near future. I had always wanted a child of my own for as far back as I could remember and yet, it had never happened. Immortals don't have the best chances of having offspring, there are some minor exceptions but not as many as legends would suggest. I'd personally tried several times to have a child of my own, both with trying to have another conceive and me trying to conceive with no success.

So at being told that I was now an expectant parent gave me a feeling of shock which was slowly changing into happiness and gratitude. After so long, I would, at last, have a child of my own and that was an experience I'd never been able to have. I have been jealous of others being able to have children and I not have the same opportunity. But with Miya, one of the life-events I had wanted was going to occur.

I glanced over at Miya to see her face had fallen a bit, and I had begun to faintly feel fear and uncertainty from her. It had been something that had been developing between us through our bond, the ability to feel to an extent what the other was. However, a soft smile had come to my face and I couldn't stop myself in embracing Miya, "Thank you," I whispered. My voice became uneven and broken a bit as joy coursed through me, "Thank you Miya, thank you thank you."

Miya was confused by what I was doing, but most wouldn't understand what this idea has been like for me. The children I have taken in and raised over the time I have lived among humans and non-humans are precious, and I love them as if they were my own. Nonetheless, it wasn't the same as having your own child and that was a fact I have had to learn the hard way. I was sure when our child is born, Miya will see as the joy that children really can be.

The announcement from Takehito changed the day from a normal day to an amazing day in my view. I was so happy about the prospect, that whenever I would see Miya I would hug her and voice my gratitude to her. Plus, my fox features were out the whole day, and there was nothing I could do to have them be hidden. They were showing visibly what I was feeling, and I couldn't remember the last time my tails had wagged like there were.

-Miya's pov-

The moment Takehito had said I was pregnant, several thoughts entered and swirled around my head. A child between Ashe and me? I had never seriously thought about the idea though I knew it could possibly happen, I didn't think it would and not this quickly. I mean, those I was to watch over already were in horrible standing, so how could I do much better for a child? And the more I thought about it, the more of a worrisome idea having a child became. My worry and uncertainty likely showed on my face and I don't want Ashe to worry about me.

I was brought out of my thoughts when Ashe embraced me, and when I looked at him, I saw that he had a soft smile on his face. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice becoming uneven and breaking, "Thank you Miya, thank you thank you."

His response didn't make much sense to me other than him being happy about what Takehito told us. I also felt the impression that Ashe was feeling joy, which feeling Ashe's emotions had been taking some adjusting to. Foxtails had appeared behind my husband and were wagging vigorously now which were a reflection of Ashe's feelings.

It took a bit of time, but once I was out of Ashe's hold and it was just Takehito and me, I turned to him in hopes of understanding what Ashe had acted as he had. "Takehito, do you know why Ashe reacted the way he did," I questioned.

Takehito grinned a bit, "It is a bit of a story as to why Miya," he said then paused. "You understand that Ashe is much older than he appears, right?"

I nodded, "Ashe said that he is immortal, so he doesn't age as I think he put it," I replied.

"Yes, he would be considered so though it isn't what humans would define immortality as," Takehito returned. He was quiet for a moment before he continued, "Ashe has mentioned to me and I would imagine to others as well, that he wishes that he could have a child of his own. It is one of the few experiences that he hasn't had that others do. He has taken in and raised children that he comes across, but to him, that isn't the same. I wouldn't doubt he has tried different ways to have a child, perhaps to fight the loneliness he feels from time to time out living all around him. Like humans and even non-humans, Ashe wants company to share experiences with, he is no different in that even if it can seem that way. So, for the prospect of a child to come from the two of you is the granting of the long-standing wish Ashe has had for a child."

Ashe had talked about having raised children off and on over the years with me and he had said that had kept him going through some of the hard times. But, I hadn't gotten the impression that Ashe had wanted a child of his own so much until now. I was still extremely concerned about what this child may have to bear and endure. However, if the child could bring my husband joy, I can try to give this a chance and see what happens. The rest of the day, whenever Ashe popped up, he would hug and thank me which I liked, but it also served as a reminder to the potential issue the child could bring.

The following months that went by were strenuous ones for me for a couple of reasons. The first which Takehito and Ashe explained to me, the 'period of pregnancy' was rough for most and lasted around nine months on average. I had become aware of the child growing within weeks after Takehito told Ashe and me about it. At first, the changes were not unmanageable, yet as time went on, things took turns and swings that I had little say or choice in. The stress I could handle and Ashe, bless his heart would help me through things. The changes in mood at random or Ashe called the idea 'mood swings' was annoying and unpleasant. The slow expansion of my middle was something I could ignore at first, but soon that became much harder.

-Ashe's pov-

It was a few days before what Takehito estimated Miya was 'due', things took a turn for her. I could see the signs as clear as day, she was going into labor and our child was soon to be born. I summoned for Leia and she was quick to arrive at the house with a few others as I got Miya in a more comfortable position on our futon.

The following hours were long and torturous to me with only Takehito for company while I paced the length of the living room. Each sound I heard from the bedroom had me working to hold myself in check from rushing into the room. I knew it wouldn't help for me to be in the room, and I shouldn't stress like I was, but I couldn't help it. I love Miya with all of my heart and so, I don't want her to go through painful experiences, yet I know there are some that are unavoidable. However, that doesn't mean that I like it any better to hear the woman that changed my life in pain.

Takehito was trying to help me stay calm and collected, and it is nice of him to do so for me, it is one of the reasons he is my friend. It was odd for me, for I've always been the comfort giver in this setting rather than the receiver, so this was new for me. "Ashe, this is probably the most stressed I've ever seen you," Takehito said. "Take deep breaths and calm down, those you called for will make sure things go well I wouldn't doubt."

I gazed at Takehito and would have replied but stopped myself as I know it wouldn't help or defense, so I said nothing. Hours went by with only muffled sounds of work being done and it was taking increasing effort to keep myself in check and not rush into the room. Shortly after the sun set and darkness fell, Leia did enter the living room, "Things have gone well, there were no complications," she said. "Lady Miya is tired, but that is to be expected after giving birth," Leia faced me and bowed, "Your son is being cleaned up, but other than that he is doing well."

That was all I needed to hear for me to make my way to the master bedroom and enter. Miya was laying on the bed breath somewhat heavily which had me by her side in the next moment, taking one of her hands into mine. "How are you feeling my dear," I asked.

Miya gave me a faint smile, "Exhausted, but other than that fine," she replied.

The sound of a baby's crying came to our ears and quickly drew closer before and door to the room slid open. One of the women that had come with Leia had a wrapped bundle in her arms which the crying was coming from. I rose up and walked over to the woman who handed me the bundle, "Congratulations Lord Hitoyoshi," she said.

I looked down and found myself looking at a baby that was making their voice heard. They had wisps of white hair on their head and from what I felt, there was the base of a tail as well. I could only stare at the child in awe knowing that they came from Miya and myself. Holding and seeing this child was a personal miracle to me and one I had wanted for a long time.

-Miya's pov-

I could not recall a time that I have been more tired than I am now. A full day's hard work, yet I have not seen the results of that effort as the child had been taken to be cleaned up. It was as I was resting that I felt my right hand being held by a pair I knew well which brought a smile to my face. "How are you feeling my dear," Ashe questioned.

"Exhausted, but other than that fine," I replied.

The sound of a baby's crying came to our ears and quickly drew closer before and door to the room slid open. When I glanced over I saw one of the women that had been helping had returned with a wrapped bundle in her arms which the crying was coming from. Ashe rose up and walked over to the woman who handed him the bundle, "Congratulations Lord Hitoyoshi," she said.

I watched as Ashe took the bundle of blankets and simply stare at it. The emotions that were registering faintly to me from him were of awe which I'd only felt once from him. He shortly came back over to the futon and offered the bundle of blankets which soft crying was still coming from. After taking the bundle and bringing it closer so that I could see the results of the efforts made today. When I looked down, I could only stare at the small child in the blankets.

The feelings that filled me as I gazed at the child I had brought into the world were new to me. A warmth spread through me, the warmth was made of the love and care I felt towards this small child I was holding. The love was different than what I felt with Ashe, but it was still very powerful and seemed to have no end. As the baby boy whimpered, I brought him close which quieted him.

Simply holding my son, so many things began making sense to me that hadn't before now. The position and responsibilities of a mother had before now made little to no logical sense to me, so much work for so little visible reward. But now, the emotional parts of this filled in what I had not seen or understood about children. Knowing that this boy was created by Ashe and me gave so much more meaning than I had thought it would. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face as I held my son, the feeling of joy and happiness overwhelming me.

Ashe sat down next to me, "We still have to give him a name Miya," he remarked.

I giggle for a moment, "Yes, I suppose we do need to name this precious boy don't we," I mused.

"I was thinking Kai, what about you," Ashe inquired, "Any names come to mind?"

I was still engrossed taking in the sight of my son that little else was filling my mind, even when he had fallen to sleep. "Kai is a good name," I replied. "Honestly, I'm more in awe right now at seeing him, so many things that I didn't understand before now make sense to me."

Ashe hummed in response, "I know what you mean and I couldn't agree more," he returned.

And so our son was given the name Kai Hitoyoshi and the first few months of his birth flew by and they were challenging in different ways. Taking care of a child was completely different than being in the position of leadership, there was no delegation. It was Ashe and me trying to take care of a baby boy and said boy was quite demanding in his care. And things didn't really improve as time moved forward, Kai wasn't bad or anything, just curious about things. When he became able to crawl and mobile, the task of watching him was harder as to leave him unsupervised was not wise. That is not to say that raising Kai was all work and no reward at all for the efforts expended, to see him learn and grow was wonderful.

The other thing that started shortly after Kai had been born was Takehito had begun observing him. He had expressed interest in Kai as he was part of the supernatural because of his father and an alien with me as his mother. Although, it became clear that Takehito's interest went beyond that quickly and it was more like he became an uncle for Kai. Honestly, I couldn't be happier than I was being a family around Izumo Inn and I wished it never to end.

A/n

So, that's where I'll leave off for this chapter. Now some of you might have noticed that I've added some characters, including some from High School Dxd. It has been fun to add, and some will pop in and out of the story going forward. As for Ashe's and Miya's wedding and what followed, hoped you liked it, that was fun to write. I also wanted to give details of how both their views changed when Kai was born. Anyway, enough of my musing, please some of you write reviews for this and give me your opinion