Disclaimer: I do not own 'Inuyasha' or any of its characters.
Chapter Thirty-Six: Worries
Mother and son reached the clearing that housed Sango and Miroku's hut, Muteki running ahead of her, Kagome following him more slowly. As soon as they were spotted by the family who was still enjoying the morning sun, Hisui came running towards them, waving enthusiastically. The baby hugged Muteki first then Kagome by her legs and took her hand, pulling both towards his family.
"Good morning, Kagome-chan, Muteki-kun," Sango greeted them. She was currently feeding their second son, whose name was Hiroshi, that was barely two months old, had a little tuft of light brown hair like her mother and chubby red cheeks. Kagome had been the one to help her giving birth while Kaede and Rin assisted. Since she had taken the role of head-miko three years ago she was also in charge of births; the old priestess had said that thanks to her future knowledge, Kagome was fitter to help the women and avoid problems or deaths. Sango had been her first patient, even before that when their first son had come into the world. Their fourth child, a girl, was named Mariko and was exuberant and always full of joy. She was currently creating flowers crowns with her older sisters Emi and Kimiko, while his father prepared the morning lesson.
"Ah, Kagome, Muteki, Good Morning. Ready for today?" Miroku welcomed them as soon as he saw them. "Where is our little rascal?" he asked when he noticed Toga's absence.
"Toga went with papa. They're doing patrol duty," Muteki explained, taking a mat from him and helping him organize the place where they were going to train.
Sango raised her brow at that, knowing very well how Kagome felt about her sons learning too soon certain things. "You let him bring Toga?" she asked sceptically while Hiroshi changed breast.
"They both used the pout and puppy eyes' technique," Muteki informed them again nonchalantly.
Everyone laughed at that and Kagome huffed. "Really, Muteki! Let your mother speak for once!"
Miroku, who was now wiping his eyes, managed to say, "Oh, come on, Kagome. We all know you can't resist that face. You should consider having a little girl so that at least you can balance the equation. You're still surrounded by men; Shippo also lives with you when he is not at the fox-inn."
"You should practice a straight face, Kagome-chan. I mean, I know you are well capable of giving the death glare, but there are other situations when you have to defend yourself from flattering males," Sango giggled, adjusting her son's grip and caressing his little head.
"I think you two have enough children for us too," Kagome replied, ignoring their jibes and crossing her arms defiantly. She was aware of what Inuyasha and their sons could do with their pouting faces; the way they look at her so loving and tenderly was able to melt her from the inside. If she had once thought that was impossible to resist such a look from Inuyasha, she had never imagined how dangerous a baby Inu-youkai could be. That, however, didn't mean she agreed to everything they asked her and neither they used that technique to be sneaky. Or, at least, the half-demon had learnt what were the consequences if he did so. "For now we are happy with our two sons. They are already a handful, I don't know how you manage to control five children close in age." Inuyasha had even helped Miroku add another room before Hiroshi was born because the hut was starting to be overcrowded.
She loved both of her sons fiercely, but, as much as she loved to see Inuyasha as a loving father, even if they had both come unplanned, they kept both her and their father very occupied. Along with the village duties, she couldn't fathom having another one.
"We are gonna have another little brother or sister too, Aunt Kagome!" Hisui suddenly piped up, still clutching her hand.
Kagome gaped aghast at the baby then at her friends, not really believing at her ears; Sango had given birth two months ago! "Are you for real? You just had Hiroshi!"
Sango looked at her sheepishly as Miroku was grinning widely, without doubts pleased about himself and his virility; sometimes the men in this era made her want to pluck out her hair. "It's not like I have a husband who can smell my cycle like yours," Sango murmured, cheeks tinted with red. It was obvious that from the heated glare she sent her son and the way she was avoiding Kagome's eyes, that she had wanted to preserve the news for a little longer. Women were also more reserved when it came to sex, she knew about it and saw the difference when she spoke with other wives. After all these years, she still hadn't get Sango to open herself more. On the contrary, Miroku was too much open and that led to plenty of thumps on Inuyasha's part when the monk made inappropriate comments about their sex life.
"You're happy with that, Sango?" Apparently, Miroku wanted to keep the promise he made when Naraku was still alive and asked Sango to bear him at least ten children. But six children so close... she saw how tired Sango was most days and Miroku still was a little lazy and tended to avoid his chores if he could. Fortunately, Sango could keep him in place but still.
Her friend shrugged half-heartedly; it wasn't uncommon for women to bear plenty of children for their husbands. They also weren't so familiar with the process behind the conception and didn't know how to avoid pregnancies. But that wasn't Sango's case because Kagome had made sure to explain everything, even if her friend had been embarrassed about it. She thought it was her right as a friend to explain to her the basics.
"We wanted a big family, after all. And the girls are now big enough to help us. I don't have so much time left and we better make the best of this," the slayer explained.
Kagome nodded, knowing when to drop a topic and congratulated them. "I'll check you after this lesson, then. I'm still your physician, after all," she said, hoping she would tell her more when they were alone.
"Alright," Miroku interrupted. "Emi, Muteki! Are you ready?" he called the two. The children hastily reached their positions and followed his instructions.
Kagome observed them from behind since Miroku was usually the one to lead the lesson. After all, he had been the one to teach her along with Kaede and had always been the one more practised with mediation, barriers, finding her Chi and so on. She would have started taking the lead as soon they needed to start channelling their powers and learn how to use them to fight an enemy.
As soon as the three reached their trance and she made sure none of the children was distracted, she helped Kimiko washing and dressing Mariko and Hisui while Sango tended to Hiroshi who was falling asleep after being nursed.
"Very well, children. Now let's try to create a barrier," Miroku told Emi and Muteki when they finished meditating. "You already learnt how to focus all of your energy on a specific point inside of you and you mastered that skill even with outside interferences. That's the first step to succeed in creating the perfect barrier; it has to be impenetrable, so your focus must be the same. Without that, you cannot hope to defend yourself or who stands next to you. Most of the time, focusing on your goal helps maintain your control; even focusing on the person you want to protect may help," he explained. The children nodded and he continued, "The next step today will be trying to expand your energy, your spiritual power, step by step and try to surround yourself with it; it has to encase you. Remember, do not let the energy guide you, you must be in command," the monk instructed them.
"What after that, dad?" Emi asked him.
"That's your only goal today. You have to try and create a barrier that can last as much as you can. Move your focus to that feeling, the energy is surrounding you and shielding you, you're not keeping it in one place anymore," he repeated. "Only when I'll be sure you both accomplished it, we'll start probing the strength of your barrier and his durability."
"Yes!" they both exclaimed just before closing their eyes and focusing on their energy expanding outside themselves and on the image of a shield made of that energy encasing them.
"Sesshomaru," Inuyasha greeted his brother, "what do you want to talk about? Do we need to come back to my house?" he asked even if he knew very well the purpose of this visit. Sesshomaru inclined his head as Inuyasha collected the fishes and put Toga on his shoulders. The pup pouted because his fun had been interrupted but he usually found his uncle's visits exciting so he thought it wasn't so bad after all.
When they reached the little mansion on the edge of the forest, Inuyasha put the fish near the firepit and told Toga to practise his Kanji while he discussed with Sesshomaru; he could spend some time with them once they finished their business.
Now, of the two sons, Toga was quicker to say 'no' and pout but both of them recognized serious instructions and the tone that matched them. That's why, when his father told him so, he complied without complaining and leaving him with his uncle in the main room.
"Well then... tell me, brother," Inuyasha encouraged once they were settled and he started the fire.
"Where are your mate and your first son?" he inquired first sniffing the air.
"They are at Miroku's. Today they are gonna try to make a defensive barrier for the first time; Toga came with me just because he felt left out since he still can't start that part of the training. From what they told me he still has some difficulties focusing for a longer period," he shrugged. He knew that part was important, Miroku and Kagome had told him so, but he also understood that since he was still a pup, Toga's hyperactivity could get in the way.
He was now boiling some water in a kettle, waiting for Sesshomaru to approach the argument. He was also preparing some snacks because he knew Toga was going to ask for something to eat soon. Both of his sons had inherited his appetite and that meant that Inuyasha had learnt soon to cook something other than meat and fish on the fire.
"You make a fine housewife, little brother," Sesshomaru commented amusedly while observing Inuyasha careful shaping some rice balls and then wrapping them in nori. He made five of them before acknowledging his brother's teasing remark.
"Ah-Ah. You're funny, Sesshomaru. Who would have thought you were able to crack a joke," Inuyasha shot back. "Let's see who will be the one to laugh when you'll have your own pups demanding food every other hour. Scratch that, let's wait to see how you'll handle a pup in general."
Sesshomaru smirked and calmly dismissed the matter. "Simple. I have a kitchen staff and maids for this kind of purpose."
Inuyasha glared at him; he was his usual conceited self even when he came to ask for help. Some things didn't change. He snorted again, then added, "Oh, I forgot you like to be pampered more than a five-year-old. My sons can do more than you for sure."
Sesshomaru chose not to answer back before he riled his brother up more and waste his chance to speak honestly with him. The water had almost come to a boiling point when he finally decides to talk, "I decided to ask Rin to be my mate."
"Oh?"
"I know you are aware of what I was doing, Inuyasha, do not feign innocence. I do not want to waste time. I came to ask your opinion about a specific matter."
"You came to know if I think it's better to mate Rin before or after you speak with the elders," Inuyasha continued for him while filling two cups of tea and placing some rice balls next to the littler of the two. He called his son and waited for him to come drinking his tea before it got cold.
Sesshomaru nodded and then proceeded to explain, "I am more inclined to let the elders know after I mate her, but I would like to know your opinion."
"You already know it, Sesshomaru. But I also know that you and I are completely different. Nonetheless, I worry about your situation. I say go for it, do not let the old geezers come in the way because it's what it'll happen if you ask for their permission..." Inuyasha said truthfully.
"I never had any intention of asking for permission," Sesshomaru interrupted him cooly.
Inuyasha waved him off and kept saying, "Call it what you what, Sessho. If you inform them you want to mate a human be sure they're gonna use every means they have to stop you. And I don't speak only of Goro. Even if the others acknowledge my skills, not every elder wants a half-demon as the heir forever. But if you mate a human, even your legitimate heir will be one." Toga had reached them by now. He careful settled his books on the table along with the cup of tea and riceballs and kept doing his exercises ignoring his father and uncle; he already knew he shouldn't interrupt them. Inuyasha ruffled his hair and watched him with soft eyes Sesshomaru had only seen when it came to the miko or their pups.
A couple of seconds later he turned to Sesshomaru and looked at him straight in the eyes, "Are you afraid they are gonna say you're just like father?"
"I do not know the meaning of the word fear," Sesshomaru answered through gritted teeth. His gaze followed the pup and for a moment he lost himself in thought, seeing the ghost of another Toga in his place. He spoke while he was still observing the little one, "I know I had different opinions back then and I also know I cannot ask everyone to change their minds. I do not fear the opposition, there will always be. However..." he trailed off.
"You worry about Rin living at the palace," Inuyasha finished for him, Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly.
"Ah, Sesshomaru. You have always been good to hide your emotions and what you think in general. Your face is a mask, but I can affirm that after seven years of observing you I finally can interpret it - at least part of it," Inuyasha stated calmly while sipping his tea. "You're speaking with me right now... I didn't even want to be your heir at first because of that specific reason and I still get antsy sometimes when all of us are required to come to West. Some of them tried to kill my sons the first time they were introduced at court," he reminded him, pointing at Toga, his finger slightly trembling but lowering his voice so that the pup on the other side of the room couldn't hear him. "Did I let that stop me? Kagome was so scared after those episodes you know; the first times we came back she didn't close an eye and never let Toga nor Muteki out of her sight for one second. But not once she asked me to stay here when I needed to come to the castle and if you recall, she was the one who convinced me to continue being your heir. I wouldn't have blamed her if, after the second time something like that happened, she changed her mind, no one wouldn't have. But she came with me, she showed the other demons she wasn't intimidated by them, that she was well capable of caring for our children. We need to do this every time because even if they know who I am and how strong I am, or that Kagome could turn them to ashes without so many efforts, we will always be mixed breeds and haters never cease to exist."
He turned to his son again and smiled at the sight. He had a firm grip on his pen and was so focused on something he was writing, his tongue slightly stuck out. When he finished he observed his work and smiled cheerfully before dipping the pen on the ink and starting a new kanji.
Inuyasha turned to his brother again and finished his discourse, "My point is, you love Rin, act upon it. People are gonna throw shit at you anyway. You can't change that. You're the Inu-no-Taisho, you cannot have everyone's favour anyway. You are more capable to provide for her and defend her; you did in the past, you'll do it now," he looked at him sternly. "I know you won't ask me formally, but yes, I'll be there with you when you'll decide you want to give the good news to the geezers," he crossed his arms behind his head and loosened up. "You'll owe me for that," he winked.
"You mean I will owe your pups at the end," Sesshomaru translated, almost sighing. Inuyasha waved him off and he added, "They are going to sequestrate Ah-Un again, aren't they?"
Toga ears perked up at that and hastily reached his uncle and asked him, "You're gonna bring us Ah-Un again, Oji-sama?" eyes gleaming and hopeful. Inuyasha laughed up in his sleeve and commented, "You did everything yourself."
"Hn," was Sesshomaru's response to Inuyasha. He took the pup in his lap and added, "You will come to the palace soon and I will make sure Ah-Un will be picking you up here in the village." Toga raised his little fist and cheered enthusiastically, then hugged his uncle who was still too stiff with public displays of affection but let him anyway.
Indeed, the only ones who could do that were his nephews. Inuyasha surely had his fun every time. "Do you think she will feel alone when I will not be with her?" Sesshomaru asked his brother again. At the beginning of their relationship, the dog demon had had some difficulties relying completely upon his little brother, but now he hadn't problems anymore asking for his advice. Just like he had said the first time, if they want to work together they needed to trust each other and they did now, that included trusting the other's opinion. Sesshomaru still acted with superiority and had some reservations, but he trusted him, anyway.
"She won't be surrounded by humans anymore, that's right, but it's Rin we are talking about. Do you remember when you first left her here as a child? She didn't want to be among humans. She won't fear living with demons and by now we already know who we can trust in your court. Kagome will help her at the beginning, getting acquainted and whatever. And you'll have to let her come here sometimes; she will likely want to come to visit Sango, the kids and Kaede after all," Inuyasha answered truthfully. It would take a long way for sure.
"Hn."
"Maybe it could be a good idea to inform Hayato, though," Inuyasha thought out loud after some minutes of silence. Sesshomaru raised his brow to let him know he had his attention and he could continue. "The worst that could happen is that he will laugh in your face. I expect nothing less from him," he chuckled, "but since he has always been of unquestionable help to us, it could be good for you to inform at least one of them, one you're sure won't go against you."
"I will ponder the issue," the dai-youkai replied.
"Did you tell your mother?" Inuyasha inquired, curious about the dog demoness' reaction. From Sesshomaru's frown, he imagined he still hadn't do it and was pondering this other issue too.
"I still have to." He offered nothing more and Inuyasha cracked up again. Who would have thought that Sesshomaru could be the source of such amusement?
When he got tired of being laughed at by his brother he finally stood up and handed him the pup he had been holding so far. "I will keep you updated about this matter, little brother. I will send Jaken as soon as you are requested to come to West," he proclaimed just before heading towards the exit, intended to leave for today.
"Treat her as she deserves," Inuyasha told him from behind. He knew that this time, when Sesshomaru left the village, Rin would be with him and when she came back, she would do it as bonded to Sesshomaru.
Toga securely in his father embrace waved goodbye to his uncle enthusiastically; his cries of joy followed Sesshomaru even when he was out of their sight.
Miroku and Kagome gazed intently at the children who were now covered in two different coloured layers. They knew the barrier was still very weak, but the purpose of this exercise was to train them to expand and create. With time, hopefully, not much, they would create a better and stronger one.
Emi's barrier was of a light purple, almost lilac, and in her aura, Kagome's recognized easily her father's. She was truly meant to be Miroku's heir, even if one of her other sisters or brothers showed any sign of spiritual power with time. Her barrier trembled at first, but then she focused a little more and was able to steady it; the sweat droplets that were falling down her temple were the only sign she was spending more energy than what was required. On the outside, she appeared composed and calm. The focus was not the problem here, she would have to learn to infuse more power into her barrier because, at that moment, Kagome could see that the reason why she was tiring herself out was the attempt to stretch the defensive walls too much. She hadn't put enough power in her barrier and for this reason, Emi had to stretch the barrier in order to be big enough to contain her and consequently it was also too thin. It wouldn't last long either.
"She will have to learn how much power infuse in her barrier according to the situation," Kagome told Miroku.
"You see it too? Mmm," was Miroku's reply. "Yes, she has miscalculated. But for a first try, I am satisfied enough. This first time we want to observe them realize their mistakes, after all."
In the meantime, Muteki was having another kind of problem. The barrier was big enough and they could see he had no problem measuring out the right amount of spiritual power to use, it was also thicker than Emi's. He was currently wrapped in a brilliant golden shield, but every other two or three minutes they could see it tremble, meaning his control was probably slipping. It didn't matter how thick it was, one could easily sneak up on his defence waiting for the barrier to waver and then strike.
"His control is not steady, meaning his barrier isn't either. My guess is that he's focusing too much on the act of expanding and that is good when you have to create the barrier. But then he hasn't shifted the focus to the act of maintaining the barrier erect and steady. Am I right?" Kagome asked Miroku again.
"You hit the nail on the head, Kagome," Miroku nodded, "I think we accomplished enough for today." He turned to the children and asked them to put down their barriers. "Well done, kids. You managed to create a barrier your first time, and Kagome and I were able to see what we have to correct. Emi, yours is steady, but not big enough; you didn't use enough power to assure the correct size and that's why you tired yourself out. You will have to exercise more on reading the situation and measuring out your powers," he told his daughter. "Muteki, yours was big enough, but not so steady. Once you have expanded your powers, you have to make sure that your focus shifts again; you have to concentrate on the feeling of the walls that surround you, they have to be steady and never waver. You have to feel sure and protected. The enemy must not find a weak point in your defence. Is that clear?"
"Yes!" both Emi and Muteki answered.
"Good, good. For today our lesson is finished. I'm proud of both of you, you accomplished a barrier on your first try," Miroku praised them. The children rejoiced and began removing the mats and bringing them inside when Miroku stopped Muteki.
"Emi, go help your mother and sister with lunch. Kagome and I must talk with Muteki now," he told his daughter while he put a hand on the boy's shoulder to stop him. Kagome raised her brow and looked at the monk quizzically because he hadn't mentioned anything to her.
"Is something else wrong, Uncle Miroku?" the kid asked worriedly.
"Not at all, Muteki-kun. I simply want to discuss something with you and your mother," he explained sitting down and crossing his legs, inviting Kagome and Muteki to do the same. "When we started our training we focused on both of your energies, remember? We are doing the same with your brother because you must be able to separate your demonic side from your spiritual one, right?"
Muteki nodded, "Yes, you told us that is important because when in battle or against an opponent we must always be aware of what power we are currently using so that we are not taking risks or accidentally unleash our spiritual powers on a demon ally."
"Correct. Now, you're quite special, Muteki-kun, aren't you?" the boy's cheeks turned an interesting shade of red. "People have always thought demon powers and holy powers are incompatible, for centuries and centuries, and this is still the main idea. However, when your mother and I were travelling and fighting along with your father, we discovered that under specific circumstances holy power can combine with demon power. That means that when your father used one of his attacks, your mother was more than able to increase its strength with one of her spiritual arrows," he continued. "I can make sure my barrier protects both your father and Shippo if it's what we need and my power won't affect them. But at the same time, if your mother asked your father to directly blend their powers, that wouldn't be possible. Even if they are bonded and their powers recognize each other, they are still two different sources coming from two different people. You are following me?"
"Yeah, it's one of the things you and mom explained to me. You said that while mom and dad's power can help each other; they can't be one completely. The only exception is represented by their children. In this case, their powers coexist without problems. Since there has never been a demon who mated with a priestess, you didn't know how it will work, but since we are only a quarter demon, the amount of demon blood is not enough to fight with our spiritual one," Muteki repeated, remembering what everyone had always told both him and Toga.
"Very well, you really are the perfect student," Miroku nodded ruffling his hair. Both Inuyasha's children decided to keep their hair long like their father, but while Toga emulated his father in every way, meaning he kept his hair loose, Muteki usually wore it in a high ponytail. "That brings us to my theory."
"What are you thinking, Miroku?" Kagome interjected, now extremely curious.
"Well, I had an idea while I was observing Muteki creating his barrier and I'd like to see if we can work on it. If you were to create a barrier and Inuyasha wanted to infuse his power to strengthen its effectivity, he couldn't, am I right?"
Kagome agreed. They had tried once, they were bonded and her powers recognized Inuyasha's, she couldn't really hurt him but at the same time, they always stayed separate. No matter the efforts, just as Miroku had explained. Then she caught up with what the monk was thinking and her eyes lightened up. Miroku nodded at her, seeing that flash of recognition. "You're thinking that since spiritual and demonic is combined in Muteki, he could use the demonic power to strengthen his defence!"
"Exactly. We always tried to separate them because the kids must know the difference between the two... and I'm sure that once they discover their demonic base attacks, they will make good use of this kind of training. The difference between the two sides of him will be even clearer to him. But at the same time..." he trailed off.
"That doesn't mean they can't combine their powers in a defensive stance!" Kagome exclaimed. "That could be great. Demons do not have the power to create defensive barriers within them; they usually have to use extern means. However, Muteki and Toga could because they are also provided with spiritual powers and who says they cannot slightly tap on their demon side to make their barrier stronger?"
"There is no danger of them coming in conflict because they are both parts of you, Muteki," Miroku explained, "that's why next time I want you to try and use both of your powers to create your barrier. Your demonic side should only help though; we don't want a demonic-based barrier that could be shattered but other holy men."
"Won't it cause him problems with the rest of the exercise? He also needs to exercise his control and focus," Kagome inquired, thinking about what they have seen today.
"I think he must learn to create a barrier with both his powers first, then we'll focus more on control," Miroku replied. "He created one today, but contrary to Emi who only has spiritual powers, he needs to use them both," he explained. "Once he had mastered this feature, I am sure he won't have problems with his focus anymore."
"Are you sure you can't stay for lunch, Auntie?" Kimiko asked Kagome when everyone had entered their hut.
"I'm sorry, Kimiko, but Inuyasha and Toga are surely already waiting for us at home and when we are late, Inuyasha usually prepares lunch. Maybe next time," she explained. She turned to Sango and asked her, "Do you want me to have a look at you now, Sango? We have time while the twins are cooking." Sango nodded and led her to another room where they could have some privacy. She fixed a futon for a late examination and settled down waiting for Kagome to start talking; she had seen the look she had sent her earlier and knew they haven't finished discussing.
"So... when did you and Miroku start having intercourses again? You know you have to wait some weeks after giving birth and since it only had been two months and you already presume you are pregnant..." she trailed off.
Sango kept wriggling her hands in her lap and kept her gaze down, knowing full well how strict Kagome was as a healer. Not that she was really scared of her; if anything, Sango was the scarier between the two, but she feared her judgment. She knew Kagome was sterner and didn't hold out when it came to her friend; she was also terribly sincere. Especially because she had been told everything Kagome had learnt in her future and was aware of how her friend was particularly tense on this subject. Sango knew that no matter how prepared Kagome was and how confident she always seemed, deep down she feared every pregnancy in their time because she knew everything that could be wrong without advanced instruments. Having being born in a time where pregnancies were a lot easier and then became a midwife five centuries before hadn't been a very easy shift for Kagome.
Besides, she had warned Sango last time, telling her that maybe she should take a break for time being. Instead, she had got pregnant after less than two months and they didn't even wait the customary six weeks to have sex again.
"Sango?" Kagome asked again, seeing how she wasn't inclined to answer and how nervous she was. She came closer and put an arm around her shoulder pulling her in a tight embrace. "I know it seems I am angry with you right now, but I am not. I'm just worried about you. You're more than my best friend, you are like a sister to me; you know that."
"I know, I know you told me to be careful... But you know how Miroku is... And we..."
"Dammit! I knew I had to threaten his manhood to make him control his stupid urges!" Kagome exclaimed suddenly enraged. "He knew too well how I think about sex after giving birth."
"Well... You said four to six weeks" Sango said sheepishly.
"I always say better six than four," she corrected. "Ok, I have my answer. So you could be one month." Sango nodded and Kagome scrubbed a hand over her face. "Damn, Sango. Why couldn't you be more careful?"
It was the second time she cursed in less than a minute and that was a statement of how much she was angry about the situation.
"I thought that since I'm already twenty-five and Miroku always wanted many children..."
"So you also thought it was ok to get pregnant after giving birth to your fifth child? Not even waiting for a year? You're not old, Sango! You're not like the other women in this village; you're not ignorant about these things. I told you everything I knew from my time and I am trying to erase these false beliefs, but how can I do it if not even my best friend believes me when I say that she can have children even five years from now! You have all the time you wish but right now your body needs to rest; it's not a machine constructed to pop out baby after baby." She took Sango's hands in hers and looked at her straight in the eyes. "I want you to promise me something, Sango-chan," she told her sternly.
Sango nodded contritely and Kagome continued, "We'll make sure this pregnancy will go smooth like the others but after this baby I want you to stop..."
"But..." Sango tried to say.
"But what Sango? I saw you every day, I saw how you are always tired and can't keep up with four children and a newborn. Do you think it will be easy to go through a pregnancy and taking care of Hiroshi at the same time? The twins may be older now, but they still need you; they are still babies themselves. You might not have demon children that never tire out like mine, but you're more tired than me at the end of the day. I have to care for the whole village other than my family and still, it seems I got the better deal between the two of us. Please, listen to me. Six children are enough and if you don't heed me, Kami help me, I'll make sure Miroku becomes sterile and I assure you it won't be painless."
"How can I do that, Kagome? I cannot predict when my body is ready; no one can smell it for me," Sango retorted.
"This era may not have the same ways you can find where I came from, but there are already others to prevent pregnancies. We already talked about it. Track down your cycle, avoid certain days, make him pull out always. I know you can never be sure completely, I'm not either... but worst case I can always give you a concoction of herbs that can help your body avoid releasing an egg but promise me." She tightened her grip on Sango's hands. "I'll make sure Inuyasha talks to Miroku too. And let him help you more, for Kami's sake!"
Sango nodded again and Kagome pulled her in another embrace. "I love you, you know? You're my family, Sango. I don't want you to think I am too strict or imposing on your married life. I can't tell the other wives of this village that it's better for their health if they don't have ten children, but with you... I'll make everything to make sure we have as much time as we can together." Few tears escaped her.
"Oh, Kagome. You're right, I know. I was so angry with Miroku when I discovered I was pregnant again so soon, but then I thought that even if we are always busy we are happy with a house full of children and if I needed to suffer a little more to have that, it would have been ok."
"Your house is already full of children, Sango. They won't go away so soon, don't worry," Kagome soothed her. "But it's not ok to nurse a baby and at the same time deal with another pregnancy. It's not ok to suffer like that."
Sango laughed merrily, the air in the room grew lighter. "Thank God! I'm still too young to worry for suitors or grandchildren," she exclaimed. Kagome followed her and cover her mouth with a hand to muffle her laughter. They spent some minutes like this, embracing each other and laughing their heads off.
"Ok then," Kagome announced, smoothing the wrinkles on her hakama, "I think it's time to start this visit. By now Inuyasha will be wondering in what hell-hole Muteki and I fell since we aren't home yet." She winked and made a sign to Sango to lay on the futon.
Just as predicted, as soon as Kagome and Muteki turned the corner and Inuyasha spotted them, he hastily reached them with Toga asleep in his arms.
"Where the hell have you been? We cooked the fish a lifetime ago. I almost came to Miroku and Sango's but Toga fell asleep before. He hasn't even eaten because he insisted we waited for you both. Stubborn pup," he hissed, worry filling his eyes. They headed towards the house together. Kagome brought Toga to his room before coming back to the main one and answering Inuyasha who had now fixed the table with the help of Muteki. She reached him and put a hand on his arm.
"I'm sorry, Koibito. Miroku wanted to talk with us about Muteki's training and then I had to talk with Sango about something. I'll explain later," she said gazing at Muteki making Inuyasha understand that they would speak about it when they were alone. Inuyasha nodded and dropped his face to kiss her tenderly, warmth spreading throughout their bodies at the light contact.
"S'okay," he replied. "Next time just avoid being so late. You know I worry about you." She smiled and nodded, knowing too well how Inuyasha was when they were out of his sight. His overprotective manners reached high peaks.
"Well then, it seems we are eating fish today!" she clapped her hands. "Let me put some aside for Toga when he wakes up; I know too well you could eat everything, especially Muteki after intense training," she giggled. "You caught a lot," she observed.
"Actually... Toga wanted to be the one to tell you, but he caught half of it," Inuyasha admitted bringing the pot of rice to the table.
"Really? Oh, my baby is so strong already," she commented, eyes gleaming with pride.
"I can fish more than these, mom!" Muteki piped up, already filling his bowl. "Dad taught me how some time ago, remember?"
"Oh hush now, Muteki. I know too well, but this is the first time Toga caught something; you should be proud too," his mother promptly replied, sitting down and starting to eat with them.
The rest of the lunch went smoothly, Muteki telling Inuyasha everything he accomplished and what Miroku had suggested. He wanted to show his father the barrier he could make, but Kagome stopped him because he had already spent a lot of energy his first time; he didn't need to tire himself out more. When they finished Kagome tried to send Muteki to bed but Toga woke up shortly after and he excitedly babbled about the fun he had with his daddy flying through the forest and catching fish. He mentioned Oji-sama promising to bring Ah-Un to the village and Kagome raised her brow at her mate. He mouthed later and when Toga had finished eating too she told her sons they could do everything they wanted as long as they remained in sight.
When the couple was finally alone, Inuyasha settled next to the fire pit and brought Kagome in his lap, her head on his shoulder and his claws stroking her hair soothingly.
"So, Sesshomaru, uh-uh?" Kagome asked, looking up at him and putting a hand on his chest.
"He came to ask me about Rin, but tell me about Sango first," Inuyasha told her. "Why did you seem so worried earlier?"
"You won't believe it... but Sango is pregnant again, more or less three or four weeks along," she replied sighing, her tone still worried.
Inuyasha stiffened and looked at her agape, "What? You serious?" She nodded. "What are their intentions? Do they want to rebuild the entire slayers' village by themselves?"
"You're gonna talk with Miroku, koi," Kagome continued. "I made Sango promise me that this will be their last. I can't believe they have been so irresponsible."
"You shouldn't meddle with their life, 'Gome. I got it... you're worried about her, I am too, but what can you do? Send me to tell Miroku he can't have sex with his wife anymore?"
"What? I should let him use her as an incubator until her body wilt or she dies during the umpteenth's labour?"
"Incu-what? Never mind! I didn't mean that, I'm just saying that the only way to assure they won't have children anymore is for them to stop having sex and that won't happen. And I'll be a hypocrite to ask Miroku that when the whole village knows we are at it like rabbits."
"Inuyasha!" she exclaimed outraged.
"What? It's not like I'm telling you something new. You're not always so quiet, even when you try." He shrugged and enjoyed her turning red. "Anyway, I could tell him to be more careful, but that's it. I can be very persuasive and menacing but what else?"
"I wasn't implying they should stop," she started still embarrassed at the thought that all these years some of their neighbours were able to listen to them and Inuyasha never told her. "I remembered Sango that are ways to avoid pregnancies, but Miroku seems intent on having ten children or more, but it's not him who has to go through the body's changes and the pain!" Kagome told him sternly. "Besides, why didn't you tell me villagers talk about us, Inuyasha! I won't able to show my face again," she cried.
"Relax, koi; of course, they do not. I would have already thumped them plenty of times if that was the case. I was just saying that Miroku knows well we are no different..." he said nibbling slowly her lobe and then leaving feathery kisses on her neck, eliciting a moan. He caressed her and pushed her on her back to make her feel his half-hard length, keeping her firmly in position until she started giving off an intoxicating smell. With his knee he opened wider her legs as with his lips he trailed down, uncovering more skin and leaving red marks which she seemed to appreciate.
He enjoyed her mewls and smell for a couple of minutes before he brought her back on his lap; he adjusted himself and found kami-knows-how some control. When he was sure he had her attention again he resumed his speech. "You see?" he said releasing her and looking at her misty eyes. "I could have had my way with you right here and now and you would have complied gladly because you're just as insatiable!" Kagome slapped him in the chest and murmured a "Jerk!". "Don't worry, I'll finish what I started later when there are not inquisitive pups around," he said catching her lips in another intense kiss. "I proved my point, anyway," he winked.
She huffed and crossed her arms, perfectly emulating him. "Can't we go back to the topic at hand?" Kagome asked deadpanned, trying to hide her embarrassment and mostly her need for him; he laughed and then nodded. "Just make him understand that six children are enough and that he is risking Sango's health. You'll see he will change his idea about having twenty children," Kagome concluded. "What about Sesshomaru, now?"
"Nothing more than what we discussed yesterday night," Inuyasha told her, getting back at stroking her hair but leaving some kisses too. "I told him that it was better if he didn't wait for them and mate with Rin before informing the elders. He is worried about her, about what kind of life will have at the palace if someone tried to strike at her."
"Understandable. But he is more than able to protect her," Kagome reasoned, tilting her head to give him more access. "He had always done it and, anyway, demons in the West will always have something to complain about. But since they will bond, they won't be able to oppose the union. Besides, we'll be there at the beginning; I'll help Rin getting used to living there and we already know what demonesses we can trust and who not."
"Exactly what I told him. I also suggested he should speak with Hayato. We can trust him for sure and he will back him up better if he is already informed," Inuyasha added while he brought his lips back to hers.
"You did good, koi," Kagome praised him, after another couple of kisses, and smiling. "They are going to mate soon, then?"
"I assume he is already doing it somehow or by tomorrow anyway," he shrugged.
Kagome made a sour face, her whole arousal disappearing in a nanosecond. "Ew! I didn't mean like that; I don't want to imagine your brother doing it with little Rin!" He cracked up and crashed his lips on hers again, even if she was trying to escape from him now.
"You're funny, 'Gome," he said just before he sensed someone coming towards their home. He sighed because their time together had just been cut short. "Now, you had enough time to slack off... a villager is coming this way seeking your help, miko-sama. The boys and I will go training a little more while you work; I think they played enough."
A/N: Hiroshi: Generous, prosperous
Mariko: Genuine child
I hope that the part regarding barrier training was clear enough. Things are going to get complicated and interesting again in the West so we may also have a bunch of chapters settled between there and the village. Until next time!