Kagome struggled through the final months of her pregnancy. She was beginning to fall ill and could no longer work at the pub due to maternity leave. Most of the time, she was alone, but when she wasn't, she was with Sango, who felt bad for her friend. She was afraid that Kagome would not be able to survive through labor with the way that things were going.

One day, Kagome decided that she was going to go for a walk through the forest. She knew that it was dangerous, but for some reason, she felt as though she didn't need to worry about being in danger. She felt safe until she began to feel the pain.

It didn't take her long to realize that she was in labor. She was alone, in a forest, in labor with no help. Even if she were at home, she would not have any help because both Kaede and Sango were working at the pub for the day. She began to cry as she immediately felt scared for not only her safety, but the child's as well.

"Sesshomaru, where are you going?" Inuyasha asked.

"I'm going out for a bit. Look after Rin while I'm gone. I should be back late tonight."

"Alright. At least this will give me a reason not to spend time with Kikyo…"

Sesshomaru nodded as he left and headed towards the forest. He wasn't walking for very long when he first smelled the tears and the scent of blood. He followed the scent, wondering why it smelled so familiar. It was when he saw her against a tree, sweaty, bloody and in tears that he realized who it was. He ran to her side and knelt down, ripping a piece of cloth from his clothing and began wiping her forehead.

Kagome opened her eyes when she felt someone wiping her forehead. Her eyes met with a pair of golden ones, but they were not Inuyasha's.

"Sesshomaru?"

"You must be Kagome." Sesshomaru responded.

Kagome nodded and winced as she felt another contraction. Sesshomaru took note of this and began asking her questions.

"How long have you been in labor?"

"About… about an hour…"

"Ok. I don't really know much about child labor but I will do whatever I can to help you."

"Why?"

"Because I know that Inuyasha would want me to… Is the child his?"

Kagome did not want to answer. She knew that it would mean certain death if anyone knew that she was bearing Inuyasha's child.

Sesshomaru noticed Kagome's silence. "Why didn't you tell him…"

"I… I did not… want to burden… him… I know… that he is… married…" Kagome said between contractions. "I know that he… and I… could never be… I would… be killed… if anyone knew…"

Sesshomaru knew that Kagome was right. His father would most definitely kill Kagome and the child if he knew. He would not have a commoner's child take his throne.

Kagome continued answering Sesshomaru's questions until it became too hard for her to answer.

"Concentrate on pushing Kagome…"

Kagome felt very weak as Sesshomaru continued to instruct her. She knew that she was losing time to give birth as she felt herself losing consciousness.

"Do not give up." Sesshomaru said coldly. "You cannot give up."

"I… I don't… plan to…" Kagome said as she pushed again with all her might.

"That's it. One more time Kagome. You're almost there."

With one final push, Kagome heard a loud cry. She opened her eyes to see Sesshomaru cleaning off a young baby.

Sesshomaru handed the child to its mother. "You did great Kagome. A beautiful, healthy baby girl."

Kagome took the girl into her arms and smiled. "She looks… just like her father…" and she was right. Everything about her looked just like Inuyasha. The ears, the eyes, the fangs and claws as well.

Sesshomaru looked at Kagome and the newborn. 'Inuyasha is missing so much…' he thought. 'Damn Father for keeping Inuyasha away from this.'

"Thank you Sesshomaru…"

Sesshomaru looked at Kagome and smiled. "It's what you do for family."

Kagome was shocked by what Sesshomaru had said, but she was glad to hear it.

Once she felt strong enough to stand, Kagome got up and leaned against the tree.

"I should probably be getting home…"

"Indeed. It is not safe for you or the child out here." Sesshomaru said as he wrapped a familiar cloth around Kagome.

"Inuyasha's robe…"

"Yea. I had originally come out here to head to the village and give this to you. Since he married Kikyo… he hasn't been allowed to wear it… I figured that he would want you to have it."

"Thank you." Kagome said as she wrapped it tighter to her body.

"I will walk you home."

"But you will easily be recognized. I think that it would be best if I just head there on my own."

"No. I am going to walk you home. I will make sure you get there safely."

"Thank you…"