They arrived early morning to the forest of Kio. Her people were happy people and embraced her with great warmth and Kagome was happy to be around at least some half humans. Kio gave her a tour of their lands, shops, and her family while oddly the rest of their group stayed away.

Kio and Kagome bathed together, and luckily Kio had sisters, not brothers.

All slept soundly with no drama, fights, weird dances, or anything. The next day Kagome helped Kio and the other women with choirs while gathering stuff for the next few stops. During this time Kagome caught glimpses of Kio smiling, being free, being happy.

She also caught the fact that another was looking. Another male had his eyes on Kio but wisely kept his distance and kept moving. Watching closer Kagome could see Kio making jester with her hair, hands, and lips.

Her mouth parted as she figured it out.

Kio was in love. Kagome snuck up on her friend "Careful, I see,"

"See?"

"You love someone,"

"Shhh,"

"Kio, why don't you just tell Sesshomaru?!"

"My family needs this alliance,"

Kids ran across the field,

"Lady Kagome Lady Kagome," Kids of six or seven came calling,

"Hia?"

"A birth, they want you to perform a birth!"

"Oh it is a great honor, will you?" Kio asked,,

"I um, sure."

She had been trained in this.

They quickly found Sesshomaru, "Do you mind?"

"Do you wish to?"

"I don't mind,"

"Perhaps it would be good practice for her My Lord," The dragon demoness spoke standing next to Sesshomaru,

He paid her no mind,

"Very well," He walked with them but did not enter the hut until hours later when the woman gave birth.

Kagome wrapped the baby up to keep it warm and was going to hand the baby off, but the mother fell fast asleep.

"I'll take the first watch," Kagome told Kio,

Kagome took the baby out and let everyone see. She smiled as they cooed over the newborn. She looked at the tiny girl's small hand. She was so tiny and so perfect. She held the baby close and rocked it. Crowds moved and Kagome looked up, her eyes met his as he watched her closely.

Slowly her eyes drifted back to the baby and her heart began to hurt.

She would never get this, would never feel this. This incredible bond, this power called life. She would never hold a baby of her own. Her lips parted as hurtful breath left her body.

"Kagome you ok?" Kio asked,

"I'm fine, I just got a little dizzy is all,"

"You tried, here I'll take her,"

Kagome slowly handed the baby over and then looked at her hands. Just like that, gone, stolen. She walked away never looking for his eyes again.

"It would be cruel to make her do that," Kagura spoke from behind Sesshomaru,"

"She is a Miko,"

Kagura didn't want to be a mother, but she understood a woman's need.

"Do as you wish,"

"Since we do I, not Kagura,"

"Tish tish, moody," With a flick she was gone.

That night Kagome had dreams, but it wasn't the one she had been having. It was babies, crying, darkness, blood.

She woke with a fight and her power hummed and spread. She jumped up and ran. "Sesshomaru!"

He came to her. "Why are you yelling,"

She wore only her sleeping gown, her hair down and slightly messy. "Mals with child!"

"You are sure of this?"

"Yes!"

Sesshomaru walked toward the den of sleeping wives and looked over the woman. She was indeed though very faint.

"Your father will be pleased,"

Sesshomaru's gold eyes glared at her "You think it is mine?"

"Please Sesshomaru,"

He backed them away. "Foolish Miko, it is not my child," He backed her up against a tree. "And even if it was I would let you go,"

"Why,"

"You had plenty of time to prevent this Miko, this is your punishment,"

"Then I will take over my duty!"

"Lies, you want children,"

"I won't birth her baby!"

"It is not mine!" He yelled at her,

She started to cry "I want children of my own,"

"Are you asking,"

Tears fell, "You are cruel,"

"What is going on," Mal walked up,

Sesshomaru looked up, and Kagome got away.

"Leave and return to your family, my West will deal with you soon enough,"

"I beg your pardon?"

"You are with child,"

Mal bowed deeply knowing he could kill her for less. She didn't wait for the sun, she fled. Hell, he could take out her whole tribe later if he wanted.

But at least he was now rid of two wives. And so there were four.