TITLE: Cursed Twins
AUTHOR: InuYoukaiAki
DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and Co.
Chapter 23: Unexpected Alliance
"So, the Western Lord had mated the little human miko," Naraku sneered as he watched the proceedings of the mating ceremony from Kanna's mirror. "I wonder what brought this about. I was given the distinct impression that the miko was interested in the hanyou."
Kagura hid her smirk behind her fan. She was witness to Kagome's fading feelings towards the hanyou. Whenever Naraku was not breathing down her neck, she was observing the group from a distance. She had noticed how the miko's looks had changed. She had matured and with her maturity, her feelings for her hanyou companion had changed.
"Surely, after years of pining for someone who was clearly not interested in her, the miko would set her sights on someone else," Kagura commented dryly. Naraku might be strong but he was quite stupid when it comes to feelings. His obsession with Kikyou had clouded all other feelings.
"But to mate Sesshoumaru?" Naraku speculated. "Isn't that a bit odd? Knowing how different the two brothers are, and how much they hated each other, what would make her do it?"
"The prophecy," a foreign voice said from the edge of the clearing.
Naraku's head swiveled to the direction of the voice. His eyes narrowed as he saw a young male demon leaning casually against a tree. By the feel of his aura, it was evident that he was a taiyoukai. He had long midnight blue hair tied back in neat high ponytail. His eyes were as dark as his hair and he wore an evil smirk.
"Who are you?" Naraku asked cautiously. If this youkai was able to sneak up on him, then it was better to be careful.
"Akitori, son of Lord Kigami," he said casually as he stood up. "I was on my way back to our lands when I heard your conversation. It had interested me and so I decided to join you."
Naraku's eyes narrowed. "You were present at the mating ceremony of the Lord and Lady of Western Lands," he stated.
"You could say that," Akitori said as he looked around the clearing. "I understand that you know a lot about the new Lady of the Western Lands. Tell me more about her."
"You seem very interested in her," Kagura said. "What is the nature of your interest in the young miko?"
Akitori grinned boyishly, displaying his fangs and punctuating his deadly beauty. "I want her for myself," he stated bluntly.
"Ah!" Kagura exclaimed in amusement. "Sometimes I envy the little miko. Tell me, what is it about her that seems to draw every eligible male's attention?"
"Aside from the innocent beauty that she possesses, her natural grace and alluring nature," Akitori began with lust evident in his eyes. "She also has this dormant power inside of her that I have never encountered in a taiyoukai, much less to human. She would make a very worthy mate."
"But she is already mated to Sesshoumaru," Naraku said. "You were present in the ceremony as well."
The young demon nodded his head. "True," he said. "But then she would be free if Sesshoumaru is dead."
Kagura scoffed. "Such an impossible eventuality," she said. "Sesshoumaru is considered the most powerful of taiyoukai. Most say that he had even surpassed his father's power."
"Maybe," Akitori said nonchalantly. "But even the strongest taiyoukai could be conquered. What do you say?"
"You are suggesting an alliance?" Naraku asked suspiciously.
"If you want it," Akitori shrugged.
Naraku thought for a while. This young demon could help him. "Why don't you and I chat some more?" he said, mirroring the evil smirk on the taiyoukai. "Tell me more about this prophecy and I'll tell you about Kagome."
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The sound of two connecting swords echoed from inside the dojo. It was a morning ritual that Sesshoumaru and Kagome had agreed upon. Sesshoumaru trained Kagome in handling the sword. The effects of the merging of ki had been manifesting in their morning practices.
On their first morning, they had been both surprised that Kagome was able to mirror his moves. The mating mark connected them but it was odd how perfectly she could mirror every move he made. She had mysteriously acquired the skills he had perfected over the centuries. It also surprised them both that she was able to mask her expression well during practices. Both of them knew that she was a very transparent individual, but every time she was practicing, all expression was gone from her face.
When they had consulted this with InuTaisho, he had explained that this is one of the possible effects of the merging of ki. They were able to acquire each other's skills. And so he had asked Kagome to try and form his poison whips. It had taken her a few moments but she was able to form whips from her fingers but not his poison whips. Instead, the whips were made of her purifying energy.
She had jumped up excitedly and practiced the whips for days. On the second week of their training, Kagome had asked him if he could try something for her. She had then proceeded to make bow and arrows from her miko powers. It was not difficult for him when she explained how she had done it. He had successfully mirrored the ability except that instead of the pink aura, his was blue.
So they had practiced both their abilities. He was glad that Kagome's endurance and speed had also been improving. She had even been able to knock him down once or twice.
Sesshoumaru admitted to himself how much he enjoyed their sparring sessions. She was unpredictable and challenging. Kagome had proven to be an apt pupil; eager to learn anything he would teach her.
But lately, he was beginning to worry. She had been starting to tire more easily now. Since a week ago, she had been able to keep up with him without any problems. But now, her moves were starting become slower and she often asked for breaks to catch her breath.
"I think I've had enough for today," Kagome complained. She was pale and trying to catch her breath as she held her stomach. "I think I'm going to be sick." After the statement, she ran out. From his stunned position, he could hear her retching outside. Some servants had now surrounded her and began fussing over their lady.
Sesshoumaru went outside to see Kagome heaving dryly against a bush, surrounded by fussing servants headed by Hitomi who was very worried for her lady.
"What ails you?" he asked Kagome as he moved to her side. There were beads of perspiration on her forehead and tears in her eyes from the exertion. She looked pale and tired that he could not help but worry about her.
Kagome shook her head mutely and leaned her forehead against his chest. "I'm not sure," she whispered.
Sesshoumaru immediately carried her. "Get Kikyou and Kaede," he told Hitomi and went up to their chambers. Kaede visited them once a week to be with her sisters. It was lucky that today was one of Kaede's visiting days.
"You can put me down now," Kagome whispered when they were nearly at their chambers. "I think the nausea has passed."
He ignored her and continued to walk towards their chambers. Sesshoumaru was too worried and having her in his arms calmed him a little. When they got to the chambers, he had gently placed her on the futon. Not long after, Kikyou, Kaede, Sango and Hitomi entered the chambers. They wore identical worried expressions.
News that the lady was ill had spread around the castle like wildfire and so had reached Miroku, Inuyasha, InuTaisho and the twins. They had not wasted any time and had barged in the room while Kikyou and Kaede examined Kagome.
Everybody waited with baited breath. After a few moments, Kaede and Kikyou exchanged surprise looks. Both nodded in understanding as Kaede stood up to face the others while Kikyou remained seated, holding Kagome's hand.
Kaede cleared her throat. "Kagome is expecting," she said clearly.
Everybody wore looks of confusion except InuTaisho, Kagome, Kikyou, Miroku and Sango. Kagome broke into a wide smile as her eyes twinkled happily. InuTaisho beamed at the news.
Sango gasped in surprise as her hand flew to her mouth. She went over to Kagome and hugged her friend. "I'm so happy for you, Kagome," she said.
"Expecting what?" Inuyasha asked impatiently.
"Kagome is pregnant," InuTaisho said bluntly.
Sesshoumaru was stunned. Kagome is carrying their pup. He looked at Kagome's glowing face and his eyes softened. She is really beautiful. It made him proud to know that the thought of her being pregnant with his pup was making her happy. His brows furrowed. But she is a human and hanyou pregnancies are very difficult. She might have a hard time.
"Will she be all right?" he asked Kaede.
Kikyou stood up. "There are complications," she said tentatively. "Seeing as she is human, it would be very difficult for her to carry a youkai."
"You said youkai," Sesshoumaru said in a deadpan voice.
Kaede nodded. "Yes, youkai," she said. "Not hanyou." She looked at Kagome with concern in her eyes.
The new lady of the western lands gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me," she said happily as she caressed her still flat stomach. "I can do this. I've been through a lot."
"But from what I heard, hanyou pregnancy is already difficult for a human," Kenji said, not hiding the worry in his voice.
"That is true," Kaede said. "I have assisted a number of these kinds of pregnancies. Most human female do not make it past the first month. That is why there are very few hanyou."
Yoji looked thoughtful. "You mean the odds of the mother and child surviving is very low," he said. He turned to InuTaisho. "Does Lady Izayoi have anything special in her that she and Inuyasha were able to survive?"
"She is a strong human," InuTaisho said. "It was very difficult for her but her love for Inuyasha kept her strong. She was bed-ridden the whole time but she was able to make it through. It is no secret that she died. And I had brought her back to life."
Everybody was quiet as they digested this information. Kagome who had felt their worry stood up gently. "Listen," she said with authority. "I know you are all worried about me, and I can't blame you. I am also scared, knowing that I could die. But then, I think of the life growing inside me, Sesshoumaru's pup. If I were going to die, I would die happily knowing that I had at least given him an heir. I would never regret anything I have done. Even knowing that this would happen, I would have still mated Sesshoumaru. And I am making you this promise; I would not die without a fight. Have I not fought for my life a few times now? With all of you by my side, I know I can do this."
Miroku smiled at the bravery Kagome was showing. She had come a long way from the innocent child he had met a few years back. "As rare as the condition may be," he started. "We must also consider that Lord Sesshoumaru's and Lady Kagome's connection is also quite different. I believe Lady Kagome has a very good chance of surviving. Let us also add the fact that she is not an ordinary human."
"Miroku has a point," InuTaisho agreed.
Kagome smiled and approached Sesshoumaru. "I will make it through," she whispered as she saw the worry in his eyes.
Sesshoumaru nodded, mesmerized by her dazzling smile and shining eyes. "We will make it through."
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News of Kagome's pregnancy spread throughout the land. The other three lords had immediately paid them a visit. Kagome had already passed the first month. It was difficult to say the least. She often had bouts of nausea and often complained of abdominal pain. She never went out of their chambers alone. When in the chambers, Hitomi, Kikyou and Sango were always with her if Sesshoumaru was attending some official business.
She was currently in the library when Hitomi announced that the lords were there to pay their respects.
"Forgive my rudeness, but I am not allowed to stand too much," Kagome said with a smile as the three lords approached with another male that looked familiar.
"No need for those formalities, Lady Kagome," Lord Shitare said good-naturedly. "We have heard of the good news and had come to pay our respect."
Lord Onoshi smiled. "Actually, we are here to confirm the rumors that the pup is a youkai, not a hanyou," he said curiously.
Kagome smiled in understanding. "It was odd," she began. "But it is also true. I am carrying a youkai pup. That is also the reason for my fragile condition. The pregnancy is too delicate for my human body." She winced as she felt the pain in her abdomen and lower back.
"My lady, are you all right?" the other male was immediately beside her, worried as she clutched at her kimono.
She smiled at the stranger reassuringly as the wave of pain passed. "I am fine," she said a little hoarsely. "It is quite normal for me to feel this pain. Although I am not entirely used to it, I can cope with it better. And who might you be?"
Lord Kigami smiled. "Let me introduce to you Akitori, my heir," he said. "Akitori had been in the ceremony."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Akitori," she said, warmed by the worry she saw in his dark eyes.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Kagome," he said as he kissed the back of her hand.
"Get your hands off my mate."
Kagome smiled apologetically to Akitori who had retreated with a shrug. She beamed at her mate. "No need for that tone," she said playfully. "He was just worried because I had those episodes of pain again."
Sesshoumaru walked towards her. "Are you all right?" he asked, a hint of worry in his tone that only Kagome was able to distinguish.
Her face softened. "It's not as bad as before," she said, attempting to calm him. "At least I am no longer fainting from the pain."
He nodded and turned to the other lords. "You give us great honor for coming here," he said formally. "I assume you are here to confirm the rumors."
"Quite right, Sesshoumaru," Shitare said. "And your kind lady here had confirmed everything. We congratulate you."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "You should all stay for luncheon," he said as he unconsciously held Kagome's hand.
"That is very generous of you," Kigami said, beaming. "We accept your invitation. Besides, it had been a pleasure to be in the presence of your beautiful mate."
Kagome merely smiled at the compliment. She actually felt awful ever since the pregnancy manifested. But Hitomi and Kimiko had always worked so hard to still make her look beautiful. When news of her pregnancy reached Kimiko, the female demon had immediately went to the western lands and announced to everyone that she was staying with Kagome until she had given birth. Inuyasha and the twins had protested but Sesshoumaru had given his consent once Kagome had asked him to let Kimiko stay with them.
Kikyou had explained to her that she would probably give birth earlier than humans. It only takes three months for a youkai to be fully developed. It was also the same reason why her stomach seemed to have grown a lot already.
Another bout of pain assaulted her and she clutched at Sesshoumaru's hand, unconsciously. The pain had been getting a lot more frequent now, although it was not as bad as the first month; it was now becoming more persistent. She was panting heavily by the time the wave of pain had gone. She had not noticed it but she was already doubled over in pain and Sesshoumaru was already crouched in front of her, calling her name.
"I'm all right," she said, panting out the words.
"We understand that this might be difficult for you," Lord Kigami said, his concern evident.
"Yes," Kagome said with a smile. "But I will be fine."
Lord Onoshi nodded. "If there is anything we can do, just tell us," he told Sesshoumaru who nodded.
Akitori had remained quiet but his face also showed his concern for the Lady of the Western Lands.
Kagome stood up slowly with the help of Sesshoumaru. She walked with difficulty as Sesshoumaru assisted her by wrapping his arm around her waist.
"If you would excuse me, I'll just rest for a while and meet you later at luncheon," Kagome said politely and allowed Sesshoumaru to escort her back to their chambers.
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"So, the Lady of the Western Lands is pregnant," Naraku mused. Akitori went to find him after he had went with his father to the Western Lands.
"Yes," Akitori spat. "And the pup is endangering Kagome's life."
Naraku laughed. "So, you really care for the young miko," he said. "Tell me, boy, what do you want to do?"
"I want Kagome," Akitori said. "It is not fair that Sesshoumaru has everything."
"It is not as easy as that, Akitori," Naraku said. "Getting to the miko is already difficult as it is. Not to mention that it is not only Sesshoumaru we would be dealing with. Remember the other members of the House of the Moon. The mighty inuyoukai clan is a force to reckon with."
The young demon's eyes narrowed. "I know that," he said angrily. "But I'll get Kagome one way or another."
Naraku laughed evilly at the demon's bold declaration.
End chapter