Chapter 3

Meanwhile, the women were getting tired waiting for the baby to arrive. It had been about 6 hours. Anzu was completely exhausted. Kagome stayed with her encouraging her to keep going. The sun had begun to set when the contractions were getting closer and closer. "Ok let's do this Anzu! The baby is going to be here soon." Kagome spoke with a burst of energy. "It looks like you're ready to push. Sango, Miya get ready. Anzu you are gonna push when you feel the next contraction, alright."

Anzu nodded, then felt a wave of pain causing her out to scream. She kept going for about 30 minutes but the baby just wouldn't come out. Rei rushed over hearing his wife screams and was outside the door

"Anzu are you ok? What's going on?" he was worried.

Kagome had to think quickly to save mother and baby. "Miya please let Rei-sama in. I need to talk to him."

Rei rushed in and went straight to Anzu. "My love what's wrong?" taking her hand.

"Our baby can't come out. I am too tired to keep going." Anzu cried.

"I can get the baby out but I need to tell you both what I am going to do first. This will be the first time I will do this." Kagome spoke up.

"What is it? Please tell us. I can't lose my wife and baby." Rei holding back tears.

"I will need to make a cut down there so the baby can come out and will place stitches when we are done. Anzu you will have to lie very still when I cut you so as not to hurt the baby or you. I want to make sure you understand that this is a risk." holding her breath.

"Do it. Anything to save my baby." Anzu spoke up with determination.

Rei looked at his wife with a tear slipping from his eye.

"All will be well my darling. Have faith." Anzu assured her husband.

Letting out her breath, she began to give orders and everyone moved quickly. Rei was determined to stay with his wife.

Sesshomaru was outside listening to the conversation along with Taro. "It seems that the miko is determined to save Anzu and her baby. Let us go have a drink while we wait." as Taro walked away. Sesshomaru gave a smirk and followed him.

'This miko never ceases to amaze me.'

About 20 minutes passed and the sound of a crying baby had everyone celebrating. "It's a girl!" Kagome exclaimed as she cleaned up the baby and handed her to Anzu.

"She's beautiful!" Rei kissed his wife.

"Yes she is!" Anzu cried tears of joy.

"Anzu let's finish up so we can get you cleaned up and can rest." as she gathered the supplies to finish up. Anzu handed Rei their daughter. He took her out to meet her big brother while they finished up.

Rei went into the sitting room where his guests were at and his son was nearby reading with his nanny. "I have a daughter!" Rei announced. "Come my son. Meet your sister." as he crouched down for Nobu to see her.

Nobu looked at his baby sister with awe. He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Nozomi. Her name is Nozomi." Nobu told his father with a smile.

"I like that name. Let's ask your mama if she likes it too when she's finished. Ok" gently hugging his son.

Sesshomaru watched the father and his pups thinking it would be nice to have his own family one day.

"Congratulations on the birth of your daughter" as Miroku, Taro and Sesshomaru raised their cups.

"Thank you everyone. We will be having a feast shortly. Come Nobu let's go see mama." as he left with son and newborn daughter.

Kagome went out in the garden for some fresh air while Sango went to look for Miroku. Taking a seat in the grass, Kagome lay back and stretched. Inuyasha saw her come out and jumped down from the tree.

"I heard what you did to save mother and baby. I'm proud of ya." taking a seat next to her.

Sitting up "I was worried and prayed for the kami to help me. I am glad everything worked out." They sat in silence enjoying the summer breeze.

"Uh Kagome, I wanted to….."

"Hey Kagome! Let's go take a bath and get ready for the feast" Sango called out.

"Ok I'm coming" getting up. "I'm sorry what were you gonna say Inuyasha.

"Ah nothing. Go on before Sango comes back. I'll see you in a while." Kagome nodded, smiled and left. "What's wrong with me! Why couldn't I tell her?." looking up at the sky.

Kagome and Sango took a bath and were getting ready for the feast. They were both tired but wanted to celebrate the arrival of baby Nozomi. Miya brought in kimonos for the girls to wear so their yukatas could be laundered.

"Oh wow these are gorgeous! I don't think I can wear this! I"m afraid I might be clumsy and mess it up." Kagome was in awe.

"These are gorgeous! Yeah you're right. Miya do you have something more simpler we can borrow?' Sango asked.

"Oh no,no,no! I'm dressing both of you up tonight. My lady ordered it and chose these kimonos for you to wear. My lord and my lady are grateful for delivering their baby girl." Miya scolded.

Kagome and Sango giggled and got ready without protest. "My goodness! Look at both of you!

Beautiful! Let's go see my lady before we go to the banquet hall. She wants to see you and speak with you." Kagome and Sango smiled at each and followed Miya to the lady's bed chambers.

"My Lady, I have brought them." sliding open the shojo screen door.

"Come in. Let me see you both!" Anzu called out. Kagome and Sango stepped in. Anzu and Rei were in awe looking at the sight before them. "I picked the right kimonos for you girls! Come closer." exclaimed Anzu.

Kagome had on an ombre pink colored kimono that was light from the top and blended into dark towards the bottom. It had white cherry blossoms and petals embroidered. She wore a gold obi.

Sango wore a similar ombre blue colored kimono that was light at the top and blended into a dark color towards the bottom with white hydrangea flowers embroidered. She wore a silver obi.

"My husband and I would like to thank you for helping deliver our baby. I panicked when I felt her coming early and prayed for a miracle for safe delivery. The kami gave us both of you." Anzu with tears.

"You and your companions are welcome to stay as long as you like. Our home is your home. As a small token, I would like to give you both this." Rei handed a box to each girl.

"There is no need for gifts. We are happy to help out. It's greatly appreciated but we are more than content with having a place to bath and sleep." Kagome spoke.

"I agree. It's just our nature to help. We don't expect any payment or gifts. We are happy to be included in your celebration." Sango chimed in.

"Nonsense please take it." as Anzu encouraged. The girls looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They bowed and graciously accepted the gift. When they opened the box, their eyes dazzled with the beauty in front of them.

"This is beautiful! I love it! Thank you very much!" Kagome had tears in her eyes.

"Such a beautiful creation! Thank you!" Sango had tears in her eyes too.

"Come girls, let me help you put it on" Miya gestured to them to sit. Kagome and Sango each received a hair stick. It was made of gold and had tear drop pearls hanging with matching flowers to their kimono.

"Gasp! You both look lovely."

Oh yes they do!" Rei agreed with his wife. Both girls were in awe looking at their reflections. "Girls, I have one more present and don't say no. The kimonos that you have on along with the matching geta and fan are my gifts to you. Every girl should have a complete kimono set." Anzu smiled.

Kagome and Sango looked at each other and ran over to hug Anzu.

"Ok girls let's join in on the festivities since you're ready. I'm sure Lord Taro and Lord Sesshomaru would be eager for some company." Rei went to the door. Both girls' mouths just hung open in shock hearing Sesshomaru was there. Miya came over, tapped both girls, snapping them back to reality. They both left and promised to come and check on Anzu later.

"My lady, those girls are indeed a blessing. I am so happy they were able to help you." Miya took Nozomi to place her in the bassinet.

"I too feel the same way. Maybe one of them may catch the eye of our most eligible bachelor Lord Sesshomaru tonight." as Anzu drifted off to sleep.

When the girls walked into the hall, everyone stopped what they were doing to stare in awe at the two beautiful girls in front of them. They were guided to their seats. Kagome sat next to Sesshomaru. While across from them, Sango was led to sit in between Lord Taro and Miroku. Inuyasha was nowhere in sight. Both lords and the monk were awestruck seeing the girls.

Rei came in and took a seat at the head with his son on his left. "Everyone thank you for being here tonight to celebrate the arrival of our daughter Nozomi and these 2 amazing girls who helped my wife. Without them I don't know what would have happened. The kami answered our prayers and here they are. Let's eat and drink to our heart content! Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Taro, thank you for staying to celebrate with us. I am honored that your presence is here for this celebration. Lady Kagome and Lady Sango thank you!" Lifting their glasses to cheer.

"Hey how come we didn't get any wine!" Sango asked Miroku.

"Oh no. Neither of you ladies are getting anymore alcohol. Not after last night." as he chuckled.

Both girls' faces grew red in embarrassment.

"I'd sure like to know what happened last night. By the look of their faces it must be quite interesting." from an amused Lord Taro.

"Oh it wasn't anything really. Sango and I thought it was juice and drank a little too much." Kagome hoping the topic will change. "Miroku where is Inuyasha?"

"Good question. Must be still outside. You know how he is with people around him."

Sesshomaru sat silently drinking wine when his beast interrupted.

'My, my. What a beauty this little miko is.'

'Yes she is. Smells good too.'

'This look suits her better than that odd short thing she normally wears.'

'Hmmm.'

"Lord Sesshomaru may I refill your wine" Kagome with the wine bottle in hand. He gave a nod and she poured. Not sure if she should make conversation or not "how is Rin? I haven't seen her in sometime" sipping on tea. "Rin is well. She is at the palace with Lady Mizuki since this one had matters to attend to."

' What is wrong with her? Why does she look disappointed?'

'I do not know. She always asks for Rin and is happy to hear about her.'

"Oh... that is nice. I hope she is getting accustomed to living there." looking down at her cup.

"Why do you look sad?" Arching his eyebrow.

"No reason at all. I didn't realize you had a wife."

Sesshomaru let out a chuckle.

Kagome watched him in confusion. "Miko, Lady Mizuki is this one mother. Not my mate. I am not mated."

Kagome felt her face heat up. "My apologies! I should have asked instead of assumed!"

Sesshomaru took his perfectly manicured clawed finger and raised her face to his. "It is not nice to assume. Next time you should ask this one."

Looking at his golden eyes lost in the moment "I am sorry. I will do that." as he let go of her face.

Kagome thought to herself that those golden eyes looked familiar. She just couldn't place where.

"Hey Kagome why do you look lost" as she snapped out of thought and saw Inuyasha sitting next to her.

"Hey where were you? I was worried that you wouldn't join us." as she poured some wine for him.

"I was outside looking at the stars. Maybe when we're done we can go take a look." drinking nonchalantly.

"That would be amazing!" she squealed in delight.

Sesshomaru's beast interrupted...again.

'Well it looks like we need to get her attention.'

'Seems that way but I don't want to scare her off.'

'What was that all about just now? Her scent changed?'

'She thought I had a mate. Does she have an interest in me?'

'That would make things easier for us if she is.'

'Not this again. I'm ignoring you.'

'I'm in charge of us, not you and will do as I say!'

Sesshomaru tuned out his beast so that he could pay attention to the miko next to him. He felt jealousy radiating off his brother that she was sharing her attention with him. He inwardly smirked at his brother.

The rest of evening was filled with music, food and laughter. They all conversed with little to none from the Inu brothers. Kagome tried to engage both brothers but was ignored. Even Nobu took a liking to Kagome and sat on her lap as she chatted with him until he fell asleep. Sesshomaru knew the miko had strong motherly instincts as he had seen and felt it with Rin and the fox kit. His mind wandered off thinking how she would look with his pup in her lap like that.

Meanwhile Inuyasha was getting upset that Kagome was paying attention to his brother while he was next to her. 'She tried to get us to have conversations but not in this lifetime. Even that Lord Taro was getting her attention. Must be because she's all dressed up. I didn't even recognize her. She looks like royalty. Mesmerizing. Breathe taking. More than earlier today. I gotta tell her when we are alone tonight.' as Inuyasha kept drinking wine to avoid talking. He just wanted this feast to end so he could have Kagome's full attention.

Miroku felt an arrow hit his heart at the sight of Sango. She looked heavenly in his eyes and smelled delicious as her vanilla scent swirled to his nose. She blushed the moment she caught him looking at her. "My dear Sango you look lovely this evening." Miroku lustfully watched her.

"I'm not sure if it's a compliment or a pass." Sango answered.

"You do look lovely tonight. That kimono suits you." Lord Taro complimented. Sango blushed.

"Thank you Lord Taro. Anzu-sama gifted this gorgeous kimono to us. Would you like more wine?" Picking up the bottle.

"Yes thank you. I heard from the monk that your group is looking for the jewel shards and hunting that hanyou spider." taking a drink.

"Well, we each have our own reasons that brought us together. My neko and the fox kit are back at the village but they are usually with us."

"Demons are traveling with you. I'd like to hear more about your group." Looking at Sango.

Sango felt her face flushed with the direct look the lord gave her.

Miroku felt jealous that her attention was drawn to someone else. He was determined to not be ignored and joined the conversation.

Lord Taro was amused at the two seated next to him. He smelled the monk scent changed to jealousy and the woman scent changed to embarrassment. He has no interest in these females as his mate has his heart completely. He just was entertained by this group and how the western lord seemed to be captivated by the miko next to him and ignoring his brother's jealousy. "I'm sure my mate would love to hear about them and have them visit. I will extend an invite to my palace whenever they are in my lands." Lord Taro thought to himself.

"If you are ever in the southern lands, you all are more than welcome to stay at my palace. My mate will be happy for the company especially with these lovely ladies." said Lord Taro.

"That would be nice!" Kagome exclaimed.

"I agree. We would love to meet your mate, Lord Taro." Sango chimed in. "What is her name, Lord Taro."

Giving a small smile "her name is Nanami. We've been mates for 3 years now. She is a hime from a village in my lands and have the most beautiful garden that she tends to. Whenever I travel, I bring her a new addition for it."

"I would love to meet her!" Kagome gushed at his soft expression talking about his wife.

"Nanami didn't like me at first but after courting, we began to fall in love." The girls gushed at the lord talking lovingly about his wife. It was rare for a demon lord to show such feelings.

Miya came in to take Nobu from Kagome to put him to bed but she insisted that she take him and help tuck him in. Seeing Kagome trying to get up with the sleeping boy, Sesshomaru gently picked Kagome to her feet. Her face turned red at the sudden touch from him. She gave a bow in thanks but remained speechless. Seeing her friend's expression, Sango went with her so they could check on Anzu and Nozomi.

The males were left behind in the hall. Inuyasha was drunk and angry that Sesshomaru touch Kagome.

"Hey ice prince who told you to touch Kagome?" yelling at him.

Sesshomaru just ignored him and continued drinking.

"I'm talking to you!" trying to stand but wobbly.

"You are drunk. This one suggest you sleep it off." Sesshomaru told him.

"I don't care what you suggest! You touched Kagome without her permission!" standing over him.

'Put this boy in his place. He can't speak to us like this.'

'He is drunk and jealous. Ignore him.'

'He's behaving like alpha. You are alpha. Discipline him.'

"I want an answer now!" as Inuyasha's eyes were tinted red.

Seeing this change, Miroku got up and intervened by placing himself in between to diffuse the situation. Inuyasha pushed Miroku out of the way and was about to attack Sesshomaru. Not even in a blink of an eye, Taro was behind Inuyasha and knocked him out in one pressure touch.

"You're little brother is quite jealous of you." teased Taro.

"He is annoying and drunk. Not worth my time." Sesshomaru unmoved.

Miroku got up and bowed "thank you for helping Lord Taro. My apologies for Inuyasha behavior Lord Sesshomaru."

"It alright. No thanks needed. Just get him to bed. He will have a major hangover after drinking 5 bottles of wine." sitting next to Sesshomaru. Two servants picked up Inuyasha and Miroku followed them to make sure he's put to bed.

"What's the deal with you? I never saw you help any female like that? Not even the most gorgeous demoness who throw themselves at you." pouring wine.

"There were no servants around and Inuyasha was too drunk, so this one helped her with the pup." drinking the wine.

"I don't believe you. I've known you for centuries. You never change your plans and you don't participate in feasts unless necessary. Why did you change your mind once this miko and her companions arrived?" arching a brow waiting for a response.

"Drop it. You're annoying."

Lord Taro laughed. "You like her and your brother knows that!"

Miroku returned and apologized once more. Lord Taro motioned for him to sit with them and poured a cup for him. Taro and Miroku continued in conversation for about the next 10 minutes when the girls returned.

"Where's Inuyasha?" Kagome noticed him missing.

"He had too much wine and went to bed. I guess it was his turn tonight to drink too much." Miroku joked trying not to let the girls know what actually happened.

"Oh ok. I wanted to go look at the stars with him." sounding disappointed. "I guess I'll turn in for the night."

Lord Taro was going to offer to escort her outside when Sesshomaru stood up. "Come Miko. It is not safe to be outdoors alone at night. This one will accompany you."

Kagome was taken back by the offer "oh it's ok. You don't need to do that."

Sesshomaru didn't respond and continued his way outside. Kagome excused herself and followed.

Sango was dumbfounded "what did I miss?"

Lord Taro chuckled as stood up "oh nothing. He must have too much wine himself and needed air. I am off to my chambers. I leave tomorrow to return to my lovely mate. My offer still stands and I do hope your group will visit. Good night."

Miroku and Sango were left alone. "I want to know what happened! There's more to this!" as Sango scooted closer to Miroku. "Tell me!"

Miroku gave in with Sango sitting very close to him and told her what took place.

"Inuyasha was drunk and wanted to fight...his brother! All because he helped Kagome up while holding Nobu. I didn't realize he drank 5 bottles by himself! Wait! Come to think of it, Sesshomaru was captivated by Kagome when he saw her this evening. Inuyasha must have noticed and got jealous. That's why he drank so much! He tried to behave for Kagome!" Sango spoke to herself.

"Come to think of it, Inuyasha has been behaving and keeping his anger under control with Kagome lately. They don't argue as much either and she haven't been making him sit. Has our little Inuyasha been maturing?"Miroku added.

" I don't know what's going on between them but since that last time Kagome saw Inuyasha and Kikyo together, she came back crying and went back home for a month. He followed her but she refused to talk to him. When she did return, she's been different with Inuyasha keeping distant. I asked her what happened but never told me so I left it alone. Her heart must have been shattered and needed time to move on."

Putting his arm around her "we will find out what happens in time. Our little Kagome isn't as weak as she used to be. That's why humans and demons are captivated by her including Sesshomaru." he moved closer to her neck taking in her smell.

Getting flustered "monk, what are you doing so close to me?"

Miroku kiss Sango cheek and whispered "my dear Sango you are quite beautiful tonight. I couldn't take my eyes off of you. I am proud of you today for helping Anzu and her baby." pulling back and watching her turn red.

Sango was speechless. She secretly wished he could kiss her again like last night. Changing the subject "Before I forget Kagome and I will stay another day or two to make sure Anzu is healing properly. It was Kagome's first time doing that procedure. Apparently it is something that is done in her time. And from the look of things, Inuyasha will need to get over his hangover."

"That's a good idea. Tell me more about what happened." Miroku lay his head in Sango's lap. He was feeling tipsy from the wine but wanted to stay a while longer with Sango. They talked while Sango passed her fingers thru his hair. Miroku fell asleep and Sango stole a kiss from his lips before waking him to retire for the night.