I do not own Inuyasha. Please read and review.
After all the worrying that she'd done in the past, Kagome finally decided to put them at rest and concentrate solely on the quest to save both species. Because if lady Harumi and followers got their way, not only demon kind would be in need saving, but her own as well.
All the same, as Sesshomaru stood there regarding her with hooded eyes, Kagome was unwillingly reminded of the concerns she'd had about him earlier. There was something different about him today. She didn't know what it was, but it troubled her. Regardless, she had to confront him sooner than later, because in a short time they would leave the security of their home venturing out into untried waters.
She was quite aware of the spectacle that they would make. She being a human and in those terms married to a demon that had such a commanding presence, and was even more spectacular to look upon. And last but surely not least all the children looked like him, even Yuki in her hanyou stage, because although she looked human enough, she had his fair skin and eyes, and anyone could tell that he was her father in an instant. Throw Shippo in the mix with his forest green eyes and red hair and their party would surely stick out like a sore thumb.
She sighed and went over to the caravan to assist the children with the last of the packing.
"I am sorry Taizo," she said and smiled sadly, kissed him on the cheek and absentmindedly straightened her straw hat.
Ever since he was told that they would have to leave this place and be around others, he had reverted to his shy and withdrawn state.
Kagome did her best to reassure him that all would be well, and that he would never be separated from them ever again. The reassurance didn't seem to be working very well, because the child scowled and followed her closely every where she went. It was times like these that he resembled Inuyasha so much, not only in looks alone but demeanor.
She turned worried deep blue eyes to Sesshomaru that seemed lighter in the sunlight. He leveled his gaze at her and saw the predicament. Taizo would not let go of her hand, and she needed to finish packing so that they could go.
Her jaw was stiff as she nods, telling him in no uncertain terms to reach out to the child. He acquiesced with a tilt of his head.
"Taizo," the boy's name coming from his father's lips startled him and he looked up at him. "Take a walk with me," he continued and stretched out his hand for the child to take.
"Yes father," the child answered softly, and letting go of Kagome's hand as he took the first steps to him.
Four straight-edged swords lie on the ground unsheathed. They were short, each blade perhaps two feet in length, they were weapons for cutting and thrusting and belonged to Sesshomaru's four older sons. Kagome turned her eyes to Akiyoshi who was busy saddling Ah-Un; he wanted to ride the dragon alone when they left.
She smiled knowing how much he wanted such independence. Hopefully his father would agree in spite of the fuss it would cause by the girls.
"Akiyoshi," she called and gaining his attention. "Please assist me with putting these away," she said and pointed to the ground where the weapons lay.
"Yes mother," he replied shortly and came over and did what was requested of him.
Taking the swords up carefully one at a time by the hilt, he encased them into sheathes and placed them into four slots in a narrow wooden box. And as Kagome watched him performing the menial task so meticulously she saw his father in him.
Even at this age she could see the strong angle of his jaw, the set of his determined mouth as he concentrated on his task. It was amazing really; the boy took none of the unsavory qualities his mother possessed. That in part was by Sesshomaru's influence on him, and the other part was that the child greatly adored his father and emulated him right down to his smirk.
When he was finished and readying himself to walk away, Kagome held onto his slim fingers stopping him. He was a bit surprised by the action, not that she wasn't nice to him before, but the situation with his mother, father and her had made her a little hesitant with her affections towards him.
Maybe she thought that he blamed her somehow for the breakdown between his parents. But his father had explained everything to him and he knew that she wasn't to be blamed for any of it. Smiling at the child she said.
"I think you will get your wish and ride Ah-Un today by yourself."
The boy's eyes lit up with joy by those simple words. "Thank you mother," he said happily and walked away.
When all the packing was done and all that they would need was safely put away into the caravans, Kagome stood between both horses tethered to the wagon stroking their faces, while waiting on Sesshomaru and Taizo.
It was mid morning and Shippo had already left to meet up with Jaken, who had stayed in the west lands as a spy minding his master's affairs. At a later time the family would meet up with them at the rendezvous point, and from there on out there will be no looking back come what may.
"Mother when do we leave for our adventure?"
The voice of the twins repeated in unison taking her away from her musings. For a moment she did not say anything as the expectant faces of the girls stared her down. Adventure, she repeated the word in her thoughts and could fathom as to why a child would see it as thus. Their minds and hearts were still innocent, thanks to their father who had tried his best to shield them from the corruptions of the world.
Breathing deliberately against the sadness that flooded her being, because how could she tell them that their adventure would be filled with despair, cruelty and most likely death? She just did not have the heart to crush their enthusiasm, stealing their joy and wounding their spirit, and so instead she replied.
"We will leave as soon as your father returns."
The innocent and pretty smiles that were given because of her answer warmed her heart pushing away the cold chill that seemed to freeze it earlier. And now she was able to smile back at them warmly, just as Yuki came into view, dragging the stuffed panda behind her which was almost twice her size. The image it made was a comical one and it had all of them laughing. The child looked up perplexed by the harmonious laughter and said.
"Panda comes with me."
"I am ready," the voice came from the back, from Taizo.
He looked calmer and less anxious as Kagome gazed upon him. She was very pleased by this and wondered what Sesshomaru did or had said to the boy to lift his mood, nevertheless, it was time to go.
She would ask him about it later amongst other things. Kagome glanced in the direction of the nurse who was making a cacophony of noise as she dragged a large leather case from the house. It was her belongings no less, however, her actions seemed a bit strange because she was a demon and possessed great strength, shouldn't she just lift the case instead, Kagome pondered in idle curiosity?
The children opted to walk instead of riding into the wagon. Akiyoshi got his wish to ride Ah-Un alone despite the ruckus that the girls made, and he couldn't be more pleased. With his back straight he sat atop the gentle beast with a proud expression upon his face, as he grinned from ear to ear.
Sesshomaru lifted Yuki and placed her in the wagon to sit with the nurse; she was still only a toddler and would slow their progress if he allowed her to continue walking.
The journey pleasant although done in comparative silence was refreshing, because now it was the middle of spring. The ground littered with puddles from the melting snow was slick and muddy, with the air crisp by renewal the children sniffed its clean and mildly fragranced scent caused by flowers bursting with life.
The birds chirped merrily that flew overhead as they gathered more twigs and food for their nests and little ones. The atmosphere peaceful felt as though it could lull her to sleep at any moment. But the stern look upon her mate's face as their eyes met, sent that dreamy thought to the back of her mind.
Under half lowered lashes she watched as Sesshomaru lifted the flap of the wagon and spoke to the nurse, she couldn't hear what they were saying even though she strained her ear trying to listen. Sesshomaru had an air of mystery about him and might she add a worrisome expression in his eyes.
She studied and dissected the situation but could not fathom what could be so troublesome to him that it would be reflected in his eyes no less.
The nurse exited the wagon just as they came to an area surrounded by closely grown trees and a body of water. The vicinity was as large as a football field and secluded. She knew without asking that they would camp here for the night, for it had grown darker and the sun was disappearing behind the horizon.
The nurse was very capable, and with the children so eager to help, putting up the tent and preparing any meal would be a cinch. Sesshomaru had more words with the female before turning his attentions on Kagome.
"We need to talk," he said quietly as he approached her.
The air around her stilled as there was graveness to his tone although he'd spoken softly, her heart rate picked up knowing from habit and by Sesshomaru's expressions something was troubling. He leaned forward, kissed her lightly on the forehead, and whispered in her ear.
"We fly."
Holding her closely around the waist before she could object his youki increased lifting them off the ground. At the moment she was relaxed and he hoped that she would remain so, because he knew that Kagome was squeamish when it came to flying.
Smiling in spite of her nerves, Kagome closed her eyes a moment so that the sun glowed red under her lids, catching the last of its rays. She could feel and taste the cool, thin wind that took them through the clouds as they rose higher and flew faster.
Her hair was free, flying behind her with Sesshomaru so close that she could feel and hear every breath that he took, while snuggling closer to his toned body. They rode the evening sky through snatches of light and dark.
"Look," he said like a smooth caress, and she glanced down. Higher still higher they rose until the earth was only mist beneath them.
Overhead a hawk squeaked, out for his first flight at night. Sesshomaru made the descent slowly, and when their feet touched the ground Kagome was a little sad to see it over, she didn't think that she would've enjoyed the flight as much as she did when they'd started. She waited but he said nothing for some time, making her feel uneasy.
Impatience had her grabbing his hands and squeezing. "Tell me; just say it please, whatever it is, not knowing is driving me crazy?" Kagome pleaded.
He didn't feel like letting her hand go so he pulled her closer and settled his face alongside her head.
"You are pregnant Kagome," he said so softly that she had almost missed it.
Sesshomaru swiftly removed Kagome from his embrace searching her face and eyes after she'd stiffened in his hold. There wasn't any sadness or rejection reflected in her expression, only shock.
"How, when?" she finally asked.
The woman always surprised him with her innocence and kindness. The heaviness that had occupied his heart when her scent had shifted over two weeks ago evaporated like the mist, leaving behind only a sensation of relief.
"It happened at the beginning of spring," he answered. "And as to how it happened, I am sure you are quite familiar with the deed."
Kagome smiled at that and said. "That's not what I meant…I haven't regained my regular monthly cycles since our daughter was born, and this occurrence is quite odd."
Sesshomaru thought about what his mate had said and the only explanation he could come up with he voiced them.
"Kagome I am not sure but I think my blood and youki inside your body has started to change you a little."
She shrugged carelessly, but her body had begun to tense and he noticed.
"Do not worry, my power will never harm you," he assured her and she nodded lightly.
"Let us go, I am happy about the baby so don't fret."
He held onto her hand which doubled into a fist and kissed it.
"I am not fretful," he said then and she could hear the laughter lacing his tone.
They left the lazy insect, and nocturnal humming of the swampy area that they had landed in behind, happy about the new life that they'd created, and returned to their family with the good news. Tomorrow they would meet up with Shippo and Jaken, and by the week was out they would start their noble pilgrimage with another child on the way.