Kagome woke with a start as the morning light streamed in. She realized that she hadn't heard the baby wake up, and then it dawned on her that she wasn't hearing Inuyasha, either. She sat up, trying to sort her slightly sleep-deprived thoughts, and realized she was alone in their home, and that she was feeling a little nauseous. She began to get worried, and was definitely uncomfortable, since Izayoi hadn't had her morning nursing session yet. Just as she was getting dressed and starting to panic, she heard Inuyasha's voice outside.

"I think it was nice of you to greet your father with those sweet little giggles of yours this morning. I don't usually get to talk to you like this, do I? No, usually you wake Mama up first, greedy for your breakfast. Won't hurt to let Mama sleep a little bit longer, though, will it?"

He's talking to Izayoi!

Forgetting her discomfort and her nausea, she stood quietly, and listened to father and daughter have a sweet conversation. Granted, Izayoi's part was mostly giggling and cooing at Inuyasha, but Kagome smiled, listening to Inuyasha talk to their eight month old baby girl. Not that he didn't do a lot of that anyway, he'd been wrapped around Izayoi's tiny fingers from the moment she was born, but this was the first time he'd been able to wake up with the baby before Kagome, and slip outside with her to talk.

"Oh, you think that's funny, do you?" Inuyasha's voice contained laughter of his own as Izayoi let loose with a silvery little laugh. Kagome was happy to hear this. It was so good to be able to hear him laugh at all; things hadn't always been that way for him. It seemed he was determined that Izayoi would have a childhood filled with the things that had been lacking in his own, especially having a father.

"You have your mother's laugh, did you know that? I love to hear you and Mama laugh. You two must have some interesting conversations, just going by how much you giggle about them." He was so proud of his sweet baby girl, and he loved to come home and see mother and child enjoying each other, waiting for his return.

"Uh oh, what's this? Are you getting hungry?" The baby started to fuss a little bit, letting her father know that while she enjoyed the conversation, she needed to fill her belly with her mother's milk. "Okay, I'll take you to Mama. Besides, she's been standing close to the door, listening to our conversation, I'd bet. Somehow, I don't think we let her sleep for very long," said Inuyasha, having heard Kagome stifle a giggle over his interest in her and Izayoi's conversations.

Before little Izayoi's protests could gain much momentum, Inuyasha had the baby inside their home. Kagome was happy to see that Inuyasha had wrapped the baby in a warm blanket to take her outside. It was still quite cold in the mornings, even if it was the midst of spring.

"Hey. I knew you were listening, Kagome," laughed Inuyasha when he walked in to find her next to the door, and handed the baby to her mother, watching as Kagome gave Izayoi a kiss and got her settled to nurse. He watched as Kagome held Izayoi close, and the baby's eyes never left her mother's face as Kagome spoke to him. Even though Kagome was talking to Inuyasha, her eyes never left Izayoi's. He loved to watch them together, and see that unbreakable bond they shared, and know that Izayoi grew, and was strong and healthy, because of Kagome. It never ceased to amaze him that the milk she made was exactly the right kind of nourishment Izayoi needed. And the sight of Kagome's breast bared, even if it was to nurse their child, still filled him with a primal desire for her.

"Of course I was - I woke up and there was no Izayoi, and no Inuyasha, and I was beginning to get worried when I heard your voice. I didn't know that you had woken up with her first. Once I heard your voice as you talked to her, I knew she was fine, though." Kagome's voice was tinged with relief.

Mother's instincts are pretty amazing. Even when she's asleep, Kagome knows when something isn't quite right. And she's so protective of Izayoi…

While Inuyasha had known Kagome would be a good mother, he was still surprised by the intensity of her need to protect both Izayoi and himself. She would go up against anyone or anything to protect her child, and he'd seen her put herself at risk to protect him more than once. Often, he watched mother and daughter while they slept, and it never failed that Kagome would always have a sheltering arm over Izayoi, and if the baby so much as twitched, Kagome knew it.

However, having Izayoi had not dampened their enthusiasm for one another. They had simply found ways to be lovers that balanced with their deep need to be ever-present for their child. Inuyasha remembered that afternoon a bit back that they had gotten the baby settled for a nap, and Kagome had given him a look of pure lust…and they found out that Izayoi could sleep through quite a lot, actually. He'd been pretty possessive, pinning her to their sleeping mats, and had left his mark on her shoulder with his fangs. She had responded by digging her fingernails into his back when she had got her hands loose, spurring him on, and when they had forgotten their surroundings and cried out in shared ecstasy, they had been relieved when the baby hadn't even stirred. Just the thought of those stolen moments with her made him want to take her in his arms, and growl in her ear, "You're mine, Kagome. Mine."

No sooner had that thought crossed Inuyasha's mind after he relived his memories than Kagome sat back with a sigh, holding a content Izayoi, sated with her mother's milk. "Your daughter has a very healthy appetite. I think she's getting bigger by the day." She closed her eyes for a brief moment, resting her cheek on the top of the baby's head, breathing in the sweet smell of Izayoi. Kagome knew it wasn't the same scent Inuyasha loved to breathe in, but she smelled the lovely scent of clean baby, and the sweetness of her milk on Izayoi's breath.

Inuyasha came to sit with them, breathing in the combined delicate feminine fragrances. Their scents always filled him with love for them. He had never, not in his wildest dreams, imagined that he would have this life. He hadn't had his mother nearly long enough, and Sesshomaru had been a distant, grudging guardian, only taking on the task because their father swore him to it before the Inu no Taisho had died. Sesshomaru had held their father's death against Inuyasha for over two hundred years, making it clear that as far as he was concerned, Inuyasha was merely a half-breed, and worth only Sesshomaru's ire, if that much. Life had been fraught with conflict with his older half-brother, and fending for himself. He had survived, only to bitterly realize that he had no place in the world, leaving him alone. Humans didn't want him because he was a half-demon, demons didn't want him because he was half-human, and he'd had battles with both. Kagome had been the first person to accept him as he was. She didn't care that he wasn't fully demon or human, and she didn't want to change him from one to the other. And now, they had Izayoi, who always seemed to look at him with adoration in her eyes. Inuyasha had never imagined that he would ever trust anyone, let alone love deeply and be loved as deeply in return, and yet Kagome and Izayoi did exactly that. They were his world, and he was theirs. He had a family, and that still filled him with awe.

Lost in his thoughts, Inuyasha took in the sight of mother and daughter, who made a portrait in peace. Izayoi's head was against her mother's breast, and one tiny hand lay just over Kagome's heart. Kagome was holding her hand over her daughter's, and was utterly enchanted by her sweet baby. Izayoi's amber eyes only saw her mother, just as Kagome's rich brown eyes only saw her child. Just then, sensing him watching them, Izayoi turned her head to gaze at her father. Inuyasha felt his breath catch as his daughter's eyes, the same color as his own, took him in. Suddenly, she chortled in glee and reached for him. Inuyasha took the baby out of Kagome's arms, and settled her on his lap, so she could see both of her parents, and Kagome could put her kimono back together.

"You're right, she is getting bigger. That's because you're a hungry baby, and you love your mother's milk, isn't that right, Izayoi?" As always, when he talked to her, Izayoi laughed and began to respond in the language of infants. Inuyasha didn't understand what she was saying, but he still carried on a conversation with his daughter, who watched him intently with amber eyes just like his, alight with love of him that was just like Kagome's.

It still amazes me that Kagome insisted that she be named after my mother. Our Izayoi is so like her mother…the same inherent sweetness. And she looks at me with overflowing love just like Kagome does. How did I deserve this?

Kagome leaned over and gave Inuyasha a sweet kiss, and set about making breakfast. She seemed to always be hungry, now that she was nursing Izayoi. She'd realized that any weight she had gained while expecting Izayoi had left her quickly, in between nursing and continual movement to gather herbs, tend her garden, and go around the village with Kaede attending to those who were sick or injured, but she was still always hungry, and found herself snacking continually. Kaede and Sango had assured her that this was normal, because she was either nursing or building her milk for Izayoi's next meal. It had surprised her that her body had returned to mostly normal so soon, especially considering she seemed to always want to eat, but Sango pointed out that when one is busy nourishing another human being with one's own body, one burns energy fast. "Wait till she starts walking, and you spend every waking moment dragging her out of something she shouldn't be getting into, Kagome…you want to talk about burning energy, with these three I feel like I go nonstop all day long, and it's more exhausting than fighting demons ever was! Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything."Sango had smiled at that, and Kagome had an instant vision of another baby girl coming for her and Miroku. When she had told Sango that yesterday, she had caught Sango looking pensive for a moment, and then changing the subject. Kagome wondered if she'd be asking Sango the same innocently phrased question that Sango had asked her just over a year ago…."When was your last cycle?"

Just then, Shippo came bouncing in the house, excited that he had gotten promoted another level after taking a difficult round of fox demon exams. "Kagome! Inuyasha! I got promoted again! The master said that I had one of the highest scores he's seen on this exam!"

"That's great, Shippo!" Kagome beamed with pride over his accomplishments, just as she did when Izayoi reached a new milestone in her growth. She really did consider Shippo her child, and it showed in her actions. She had mothered the orphaned kitsune almost from the moment they had met up with him, and Shippo had clung to Kagome tightly throughout their travels and battles. As a result, Shippo knew that when he had come bouncing in and she wasn't holding Izayoi, that he could take a leap in faith, knowing her arms would be instantly open to receive him, and she'd give him a hug and a kiss. Shippo treasured those moments, even if he pretended that he hated being kissed. Both he and Kagome knew that he was pretending, and Shippo usually caught Kagome's amusement when she kissed him over his protests.

Inuyasha stood up, with Izayoi declaring her great delight in seeing her big brother, and ruffled Shippo's hair. "Good for you, Shippo! Keep it up, and you'll be a full-fledged fox demon before you and Izayoi have another brother or sister!" Izayoi let Shippo know that she was proud of him by laughing and cooing at him. Shippo reached over and gave her a kiss on the top of her head, and began regaling the baby with tales of his fellow kitsune classmates. "You should have seen him, little sister! He tried to do a Weeping Mushroom attack, and the next thing we knew, we were all about buried in them!" Izayoi chose to shriek her glee, causing her father and Shippo to wince slightly as the sound hurt their sensitive ears.

"Well, Shippo, you've arrived just in time for breakfast, I think your sensitive nose was working overtime this morning," laughed Kagome, as she gave him a bowl of rice porridge. Shippo beamed– he loved Kagome's rice porridge. But truthfully, Kagome could be the worst cook that ever lived, and Shippo would be happy to eat her cooking. He just enjoyed having a mother again, and was so happy that Kagome was kind-hearted, and truly loved him and accepted him. Even Inuyasha was proud of him, and encouraged Kagome's mothering of Shippo. Inuyasha had gone so far as to sit Shippo down after Izayoi had arrived, and told him that now that Shippo had a baby sister, Inuyasha was relying on him to protect her if Inuyasha couldn't be at home with Izayoi and Kagome. Shippo had solemnly sworn to protect the baby, and had been filled with pride that Inuyasha not only trusted him to protect her, but that he had referred to Izayoi as his baby sister. It didn't hurt that Izayoi looked so much like Kagome that she had captured Shippo's heart when he first laid eyes on her. Once again, he had a family, and Shippo cherished them.

The family of four enjoyed their breakfast, and talked about their plans for the day. Shippo said that he was in the village for a few days, and then he was going back to his classes, but he had wanted to see his baby sister, and make sure that Inuyasha was taking good care of her and Kagome. Inuyasha growled at that slightly, but only slightly because he was still proud of Shippo for being willing to stand up to even him to protect Izayoi and Kagome. Kagome's eyes gave away her amusement watching Shippo and Inuyasha together. She was glad that Inuyasha had mostly given up clouting Shippo over the head when the little kitsune made remarks like that one about making sure Inuyasha was taking good care of her and Izayoi, and that Inuyasha had embraced, mostly, the role of father to Shippo. He still gave Shippo a hard time every now and then, but Sango had assured her that this was the way of fathers and sons, that her father had given Kohaku a hard time of it when he was training her brother, and she was pretty sure that Miroku would be giving Akira grief from time to time the older their son got.

Inuyasha told them that he had a busy day ahead of him, that he was to meet Miroku and go help exorcise a demon from a village just across the hills. With his usual arrogance, Inuyasha said that the walk to get there and back in one day would be more time-consuming than the demon itself. "But, I'm making sure we come home tonight. I don't want to be away from you and Izayoi overnight just yet," he said, as he held his daughter so Kagome could eat without juggling the baby, who liked to reach for her mother's spoon these days. To keep her busy, Inuyasha took over feeding Izayoi her own rice porridge.

Kagome just smiled, watching as Inuyasha's eyes never left Izayoi. "It's okay if you're not able to get back tonight. Izayoi, Shippo and I will just go to Sango's and wait for you and Miroku there, if that's the case. We'll be fine, and Sayuri, little Kagome, and Akira will be glad to see their cousins." Plus, if Inuyasha and Miroku didn't get back until the following morning, she could pin Sango down once the children and Shippo fell asleep, and find out if what she suspected of Sango was true. She told both Inuyasha and Shippo that she was going to be spending the day with Kaede, learning how to make more medicine, and reminded Shippo that Rin had been asking about him. When Kagome mentioned this, Shippo brightened and said that he would be happy to come to Kaede's with her and spend his day with Rin, and that they might go entertain Miroku and Sango's children. Kagome was happy that after all the strife both Shippo and Rin had seen that they still had the opportunity now to be normal children now that the battles were over. And it made her even happier that Rin and Shippo had formed a close friendship.

They finished their breakfast, and swiftly cleaned off Izayoi's little face, hands and hair where she had managed to get more breakfast on herself than in her mouth, not wanting to keep Miroku or Kaede waiting, and Inuyasha took his wife and daughter into his arms and kissed them both. Kagome leaned into him, and he held her and Izayoi closer, breathing in the mix of sweet feminine scents, not wanting to leave them, but happy in the knowledge that when he returned, they would be waiting for him and glad to see him again. They included Shippo, who gladly leapt into Kagome's open arm that wasn't occupied by the baby, and Inuyasha ruffled his hair, and told him to look after the girls and keep them safe. Shippo gave him a serious look, and promised that Kagome and Izayoi would be safe in his care.

After leaving, Inuyasha caught up to Miroku fairly quickly. "Inuyasha, what took you so long this morning? Indulging in some morning love with a certain beautiful woman?" he asked, a sly little smile on his face, and memories of the lovemaking he and Sango had taken pleasure in that morning before their children had a chance to wake up crossing his mind. Miroku was pretty sure that the changes in Sango lately meant there was another baby on the way. Not that he minded, he enjoyed their children, and he very much enjoyed making them with her.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Why does it always have to be about that with you? You're still a pervert, even if you are a married man. And no, that's not why. I got to wake up with Izayoi before Kagome did."

Miroku studied Inuyasha carefully, seeing the pride cross his face at the mention of his daughter's name. Grinning broadly, he said, "Isn't it nice to be able to talk to them? Even if you can't understand what they are saying, children are a joy, aren't they?"

Inuyasha smiled, remembering the time he'd had before Kagome woke up this morning. "I didn't know it would be like that. She's just…she's such a miracle, Miroku. How did I deserve this? When I think of how unkind I was to Kagome at first, and how much she loves me, and now Izayoi? Even now, I wonder if this is a dream."

Miroku gave Inuyasha a serene smile, and some words of wisdom. "Inuyasha, we never deserve the blessings we're given. Kagome loved you long before you were worthy of it, my friend. And to be fair, you loved her long before you would ever admit it to anyone, even yourself. Kagome was meant to be with you and you with her, well before either of you were born. It's not a dream. You've simply found a piece of heaven on earth. I'm just glad you treasure it. And now, we should be on our way if we wish to see our lovely wives before tomorrow morning."

Inuyasha collected his thoughts. He was still surprised by Miroku's hidden depths at times, even though he knew that the monk wasn't the same lecherous pervert that he'd met at first. Even then, the little speech that Miroku had given him, well, he hadn't been ready for that. But, he believed every word. He knew that he and Kagome were born for each other, and not just because of some stupid reincarnation theory. No, he'd been waiting for Kagome his whole life. He'd been waiting to have this life with her.

"You're right. Let's get going, I don't want to spend a night away from Izayoi and Kagome just yet."

Continuing along the path out of the village, they hadn't gotten much farther than an hour away when they came across Sesshomaru and A-Un. Both traveling parties were a bit startled, not having the expectation or intention to run into each other. After a moment, Sesshomaru spoke first.

"Little brother. Why have you left Kagome and Izayoi alone?" Sesshomaru's tone was cool as usual, but with a definite edge.

Inuyasha's back was immediately up. "We're off to make a living so they're taken care of. And they're not alone; they're with Sango and Kaede in the village."

Sesshomaru didn't even bother to disguise the disdain. "You are fortunate that the village is my destination. I will see to it that your wife and child are protected, since you will not be available to do so."

"I didn't ask for your protection for them! What the hell is your problem? If you didn't think Rin was safe in the village with Kaede, why'd you leave her there? I don't need you in my face every time I turn around, telling me how to take care of my family!" Inuyasha's words came in a heated snarl, and he had one hand on Tetsusaiga's hilt, ready to battle Sesshomaru yet again.

"Inuyasha. You are going to slay the demon that is terrorizing the village west of here, are you not? You will not be back until tomorrow, and should you lead this demon back to the village and put Rin, Izayoi, and Kagome in danger, I will make you pay. Be sure you destroy it." Sesshomaru deliberately extended his poisonous claws, making it clear that this was no idle threat.

Miroku decided it was time to put an end to the sibling feud that would quickly escalate should Sesshomaru and Inuyasha continue to insult one another. "Inuyasha, Sesshomaru is right that we should be on our way if we wish to return quickly." As Inuyasha growled, Miroku shot him a warning look. "Sesshomaru, your concern is appreciated. We will return as quickly as possible, and ensure that the demon is destroyed, and does not follow us back to the village."

With that, Sesshomaru shot Inuyasha a cool glare. "I meant what I said, little brother." Having gotten the last word, Sesshomaru turned on his heel, and walked on towards the village.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Miroku? Why are you on his side all of a sudden?" Inuyasha was livid that Sesshomaru had implied that he was putting Kagome and Izayoi in danger, and not any happier that Miroku had taken Sesshomaru's side.

Miroku sighed heavily, as he always did when Inuyasha and Sesshomaru exchanged words like this. "Inuyasha, I was not on his side. Sesshomaru spoke the truth – unless we get moving, we will not reach our destination and destroy this demon. And we cannot risk bringing it back to the village with us. This demon is particularly dangerous, and I don't want it near our children. It's another of those spider demons that takes over the bodies of others. You've spoken of battling one before, and you said it was a difficult adversary."

Inuyasha stared at Miroku, trying to remember what demon he was babbling about. "Oh, you mean that damn spider-head demon? That was on the night of the new moon, when I was in human form, back when I first met Kagome, and couldn't heal from its venom fast enough. I still beat it, though."

Miroku felt his patience slipping. He gave Inuyasha a whack with his staff, and snapped, "Inuyasha, have you forgotten that this is the night of the new moon? We may not be able to get back until tomorrow, once night falls you won't have your demon powers to rely on."

Inuyasha rubbed his head where Miroku had connected, and realized he had forgotten. "Damn! How did I forget that? No wonder I didn't smell Sesshomaru before we found him. And I left Kagome and Izayoi alone in the village! Miroku, what the hell were you thinking?" Panic began to set in.

"Inuyasha, Kagome and Izayoi are not alone. The sooner we get to the other village, the sooner we can return. Let's go." Miroku's patience had seemed to magically return after dealing a blow to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha finally agreed to get moving. He put his nervous energy to good use, making sure that he and Miroku made good time to get to the village well before nightfall in order to destroy that wretched spider-head, and not have to deal with it in his human form. When this was over, he was going to pound Miroku and send him back to Sango with a nice set of bruises over this.

In the village, Sango and Kagome were spending their morning with Kaede, since Shippo and Rin had come to play with Sango's girls, and left them with the babies. Kaede enjoyed their company as Kagome and Sango regaled her with tales of their children's antics. She had a soft spot in her heart for these children - not only had she helped to bring them all into the world as she had with all the village children, but Sango and Kagome had both insisted that she was Kaede-sobo, or their beloved grandmother. Together, the young women who had lost their mothers, either to death or to time, and Kaede had built a loving relationship with one another. When Kagome or Sango, or both of them, were around her with their children, Kaede seemed to always find herself with either a child on her lap, or in her arms, and the twins usually regaled her with animated tales of games with their father, or how their Inuyasha-oji had taken them on a walk through Oji-san's Forest, as they called it. Kaede was glad that Miroku and Inuyasha had turned out to be loving, protective fathers who took great interest in each others' children as well as their own.

"Sango, have ye perhaps another reason to be here today? Ye don't usually volunteer to help with medicine making," asked Kaede, noticing that Sango had seemed a bit on the broody side lately, and thinking that she knew the answer as to why that was.

Sango grew embarrassed. "Well, it's not like I wouldn't help, I'm usually busy with the children. Akira keeps up with his sisters quite well these days."

Kagome's eyes suddenly had a mischievous glint to them. "So, Sango, when was your last cycle?" Her innocent tone of voice did nothing to disguise her curiosity, or her delight in putting Sango on the spot.

Sango sighed, knowing that both Kaede and Kagome knew what was going on. "Well, I'm pretty sure that we have another baby coming in about seven more months. I just didn't want to say anything until my suspicions were confirmed." Sango knew that things could and did go wrong in the early months of childbearing, and hadn't wanted to get too excited too soon. She still remembered the pain of losing a child early, having lost one between Sayuri and little Kagome and Akira.

Kaede examined Sango carefully, remembering well the child between the girls and Akira. "Sango, ye are right. Ye are with child again. However, ye seem to be quite healthy. Have ye had any unusual pains?"

Kagome knew instantly what had troubled Sango when she had mentioned her vision. How could she have forgotten, when Sango had broken down and told her why she had watched Kagome like a hawk until she had gotten past the nausea when she was expecting Izayoi? She felt Sango's grief, and some guilt for poking at her sister with such a painful topic.

Sango felt relief permeate her entire being. "No, there haven't been unusual pains this time around. Everything seems to be like it was with the girls and Akira, not like it was, well…the other time."

"Sango, I do believe that ye and this child will be fine, and make it to term. It is only natural for ye to be concerned. But, ye have been feeling the usual sickness, and no pains. I am confident that ye will bear this child." Kaede offered Sango hope and comfort with her wise words.

Kagome put her arms around Sango, and hugged her close. "Sango, I'm positive that everything will be fine. And I'm just as positive that you're having another beautiful little girl." Sango let her sister comfort her, and began to feel better about this coming baby. If Kaede and Kagome could be confident that this one would make it to term, then Sango would simply borrow their confidence for a little while.

Sango looked at her friend with great affection, and a little mischief of her own. "And how about you, Kagome? I know that you and Inuyasha haven't given up intimacy just because you have a baby; I've seen the two of you when you think nobody's looking. And you were turning green when we were mixing medicine today; I've not seen you do that since you were expecting Izayoi."

It was Kagome's turn to look flustered. "Well, I know that I haven't exactly been regular since I've been nursing Izayoi. I thought that came right back? Surely we're not expecting another baby this close to the first!"

Kaede simply chuckled. "Kagome, sometimes it takes time for your body to regulate itself again once ye have birthed a child. And if ye and Inuyasha have been doing the things that lead to children, ye are taking the chance that ye might have another one close to the first."

Kagome blushed as she remembered the afternoon just over three months ago that she and Inuyasha had given in to their desire for one another while Izayoi slept soundly. Both still swore the other one had instigated that, with Inuyasha claiming she had shot him a look of pure desire, and Kagome swearing that Inuyasha had simply pinned her to the sleeping mats and growled out that single word guaranteed to get her heart racing…"Mine." It had ended with the two of them realizing they had made quite a bit of noise, but that the baby had slept through it all. Truthfully, they were both right, but it was more fun to claim that each couldn't keep their hands to themselves. Between now and then, it was true, they had stolen moments of intimacy, but none had left their mark on her memory quite like that one. And she had been sick in the mornings here and there in the time since that afternoon, but she had brushed it off.

Kaede insisted on looking Kagome over as well. When she was done, she began to laugh.

"What's so funny, Kaede?" asked Sango and Kagome at the same time. Sango had an idea and thought it was funny, but Kagome was beginning to get annoyed.

"Kagome, ye are also with child again. My, ye two are trying to catch up to Miroku and Sango in a hurry! And by the looks of things, this child will arrive just before Sango's new child." Kaede could not contain her amusement at the look of consternation crossing Kagome's face. She knew that Kagome was happy that she was having another child, but still in shock that it would be so soon.

Sango was doubled over, laughing so hard that she was crying. "I can't believe it, Kagome, you two work quickly! When on earth did you find the time to conceive another child so fast?"

Kagome just sat back with a thump. "But, how, I mean, I thought…another child?"

When they looked at Kagome and watched shock and joy cross her face together, Kaede and Sango just laughed harder. "Sister, what did Kaede say? When you do things that can lead to children, you take the chance of having another close to the first!"

As the mirth died down, Sango and Kaede began to reassure Kagome that just like the last time, they would ensure that she and her child would be just fine. "I do want to be there when you tell Inuyasha that you're having another baby, Kagome, I want to see the look on his face when he figures out that you'll have two really soon!" Sango had a slightly wicked smile on her face at the thought of Inuyasha being taken aback by this news.

"Well, Inuyasha did say that he and Miroku would be back tonight…I suppose we can share the news with both of them at the same time," said Kagome. She was still in shock that she was carrying another child, and so soon after having the first.

Sango just looked at Kagome in confusion. "But, Miroku said that this was the night of the new moon, and that they likely wouldn't be back until tomorrow morning."

Kagome's face changed to horror and disappointment at the same time. "Wait, what? How could I have forgotten that this was the night of the new moon? Oh no, and they're going to go fight a demon? What were they thinking?" Kagome began to panic at the thought that Inuyasha and Miroku would be facing a powerful demon without the protection of Inuyasha's demon powers. She knew that they would be able to face anything, even with Inuyasha in human form, but she also knew just how dangerous it was.

"I'm not surprised you both forgot that this was the night of the new moon, because I'm pretty sure that if Inuyasha had remembered, he'd have insisted on going the day before or the day after. But, they'll be fine, Kagome. Miroku will make sure they are both fine." Sango was concerned as well, but she wasn't about to let Kagome figure out the full extent of her worry.

Kaede realized that she was going to have to exert some calming influence on both younger women. "Kagome, Sango, both Inuyasha and Miroku will be well. They are wise enough to have set out in the morning, to give themselves plenty of time to arrive and defeat this demon before nightfall. Ye both need to be calm for the sake of your unborn children."

Kagome and Sango exchanged an uneasy look. They knew that they had to contain their worry for the sake not only of the babies they carried, but for the children they already had. Sango wasn't about to tell Kagome what Miroku had told her about the kind of demon they were going off to fight, because Miroku had told her what Inuyasha had said happened the last time Inuyasha had faced such a demon, and that Kagome had been there, terrified out of her mind, caring for him while he recovered in human form. Sango knew that even in human form, Inuyasha was strong, but she had a sense of foreboding about this particular fight that she wasn't going to share with Kagome. For her part, Kagome was just plain worried. She knew what Inuyasha was capable of even in human form, but she also knew that he could just as easily be killed by being headstrong and impulsive and doing something that left him even more vulnerable.

Rising to her feet, Sango decided it was time that they left Kaede's and went for a walk instead, since the day had warmed, and the sun was shining. "Come on, Kagome. Let's go for a walk, and clear our heads and talk of other things." Kagome agreed, and they set off to walk through the village.

Kagome and Sango had gotten no further than perhaps fifteen feet from Kaede's home when they ran right into Sesshomaru. On Kagome's part, this was literal – she had been talking so hard she hadn't noticed his shadow and simply went face first into his armor as he had been looking elsewhere and not noticed her coming until it was too late for him to step out of her path. Between the sore nose and the surprise of feeling large hands suddenly grasping her arms to steady her, she nearly fell backwards from the surprise.

"Sesshomaru! When did you get here?" Kagome managed to squeak out. What on earth was he doing just strolling through the village? Usually he simply landed just outside of Kaede's home, imperiously beckoned to Rin, and the two of them came to visit Inuyasha, Kagome, and Izayoi at Kagome's home. Granted, this turn of events was not to Inuyasha's liking, but he was getting used to it.

Ignoring her surprise and her question, Sesshomaru got to his point. "Little sister, I need to speak with you in private. You too, demon slayer," he said in his usual authoritative tone, directing it at Sango.

Too surprised to comment, both young women followed Sesshomaru to a spot just outside the village where no one would overhear them without going to great effort. When they reached their destination, he turned to look at both women, and then he raised one eyebrow.

"Both of you are expecting children? And your husbands chose this time to leave you to go fight a spider demon?"

Sango felt her stomach drop. "Wait, how did you know we were both expecting babies?" She was hoping to get Kagome's attention away from the last part of Sesshomaru's query. Sango knew just how angry Kagome would be over Sesshomaru's statement.

Kagome gave Sesshomaru a look that made him begin to think that he might experience her temper again. "What do you mean spider demon? Sango, what didn't you tell me?" Sesshomaru was annoyingly relieved when Kagome turned that fiery look in her eye on Sango instead.

Sango was not happy to have Kagome's temper turned on her. "Hey, don't look at me like that, Miroku said-"

Sesshomaru gave them both a cool, disdainful expression. "Stop your bickering. Both Inuyasha and the monk are tracking a spider demon similar to the kind that Inuyasha battled before on the night of the new moon. At least this one doesn't have any jewel shards to make things more difficult this time. I need to know if you have an antidote, Kagome."

Kagome's heart stopped. "But-" She remembered quite well the night of the spider-head, as the girl in the mountain village had called it. Inuyasha had not told her and Shippo prior to their stopping that he transformed on the night of the new moon and became human, losing all his demon powers until the morning. He'd been bitten by that demon, and had nearly died. Just remembering that much filled her with fear that Inuyasha would not come back to her and Izayoi this time, and that fear caused her legs to give out, and the next thing she knew, she'd landed on her bottom with a hard thump. She woke Izayoi, who was strapped to her back and had drifted off to sleep while her mother and Sango-oba were talking away, and the baby began to wail her protest. Sesshomaru took the child from Kagome's back, unwilling to see her get hurt should her mother lose her balance again, but unsure of what to do with a crying child. He didn't have to worry - when Izayoi caught sight of Sesshomaru, she calmed down and simply stared at him with those amber eyes that mirrored Inuyasha's.

Sesshomaru pulled her to her feet. "Little sister, this is not the time to give into your fears. You must have an antidote." He was unsure how to get Kagome to think rationally, and it was annoying him.

"I do have an antidote, well, I have antidote at Kaede's. We made antidote this morning, actually. I just didn't know I'd need it so soon. What was he thinking to go after a demon like that at this time?" Just as she managed to make a sensible statement, her fear came rushing back.

Sesshomaru realized that getting angry with Kagome over her useless and irrational fear would solve nothing, and would instead provoke her fury, which he did not want to deal with at all. "Little sister, let us go collect antidote, and I will see to it that it will get to Inuyasha if it is needed. You must remain calm for the sake of your children, especially the son you are carrying. Let's go. Now." With the command given, he turned and walked away, with Izayoi still in his arms.

Sango had been completely taken aback by Sesshomaru's commanding presence that barely masked his concern for not only Kagome and her children, but Inuyasha as well. She realized he must have timed this visit knowing that it was the night of the new moon, and that Inuyasha would not be as powerful, so Sesshomaru had made sure that he would be available to protect Kagome and her children. Kagome had told her that Sesshomaru had sworn to protect her children, but Sango didn't realize that he'd taken it quite so seriously. However, Sango wasn't sure why she was so surprised, she knew that he cared for Rin, and was quick to action should she be in danger, and she'd seen him protect Inuyasha, and Kagome, though he wouldn't admit it. But she'd never seen him just pluck the baby away from Kagome, and then turn on his heel and walk away with Izayoi - that was new. And what did he mean, the son Kagome was carrying?

Kagome only had one thought on her mind. She needed to give the antidote to Sesshomaru. That corner of her mind that would have been bowled over that Sesshomaru had simply taken the baby off her back at any other time was overwhelmed by her fear. Oh, why could she not go be with Inuyasha now, and protect him? She knew that already having one child, and carrying another, she could not offer much help, and that Inuyasha would simply shove her out of the way to battle on his own, all the while yelling at her that she wasn't supposed to put herself and their children in harm's way. She also knew that Miroku would protect Inuyasha as much as he possibly could, but even then, if this spider demon was half as powerful as the last one, this was going to be an ugly fight. She made up her mind then and there as to what her actions would be.

Sango was as irritated as Kagome, but with Miroku and Inuyasha both. She knew that had Miroku not insisted there was money to be made, and that Inuyasha's help was necessary, that Inuyasha would have stayed home with Kagome and Izayoi. She also knew that Miroku would have been home with her and their children had he not found the call of money to provide for their children and Inuyasha and Kagome's child to be somewhat irresistible. Damn that monk, she thought, he's put them both in danger, and for what? When he came back, she was going to beat some sense into him with her Hiraikotsu. That was all there was to it. And she could be persuaded to leave her children in the village with Kaede and go fight next to Miroku. She could still fit in her armor and body suit quite well, carrying a child or not, and that's just what she was going to do. Should either Miroku or Inuyasha complain, she and Kagome would turn their combined fury on both their men.

Sesshomaru had no idea what internal storms were brewing in both women, but he could sense that they were both extraordinarily angry, and he knew, from the quiet, that they were plotting. Damn those two fools, going after that spider. They will be getting a taste of my wrath for this foolish scheme, he thought to himself, and gritted his teeth to stifle the growl rising in his throat.

The odd trio arrived at Kaede's, surprising her, Rin, and Shippo. "My lord! When did you arrive?" exclaimed Rin, with Akira in her arms, surprised to see Sesshomaru carrying Izayoi. Sesshomaru spared little in the way of niceties. "Rin, we do not have time right now. We will visit when I return. Where is the antidote you made this morning, miko?"

Something in Sesshomaru's face stopped Kaede from merely fixing him with an impassive stare until his manners improved. "It's right here," she said, handing it to him. "But what need have ye of the antidote, Sesshomaru?" Why on earth was he holding Izayoi, she wondered.

"There's no time to waste. I'm leaving. I will return with both Inuyasha and Miroku."

When he tried to hand Izayoi to her mother, he was met with resistance. "Oh no you don't, Sesshomaru! I'm coming with you. Inuyasha needs my protection!" Much to his surprise, Sango had also handed her youngest child to Kaede, and told the old miko that they would be back in the morning for the children.

"Don't be foolish, little sister. You are with child, and you have a young infant. You cannot come along and fight. I will see to it that Inuyasha and Miroku are returned to you safely. You cannot come along either, Sango." Sesshomaru was quickly losing his patience with the two women. Their emotions were getting in the way of them seeing sense, and he was tiring of this.

Sango glared at Sesshomaru. "Oh yes I can, and oh yes I am. You're just going to have to deal with it, Sesshomaru. Those two idiots put themselves in great danger, and now it's up to us to save them from their own stupidity. You're not leaving me and Kagome behind."

Faced with two very angry expectant mothers who were also terrified that the fathers of their children might not return to them, Sesshomaru tried to make them see sense once again. "What exactly will you do, put yourselves and Izayoi in harm's way, just to go after a pair of idiots who are trying to get themselves killed?"

He realized immediately the error of his choice of words when both women simply glared at him some more. "Sango, you go get your armor on, and grab Hiraikotsu. I've got my bow and arrows at home. Meet us there." Kagome simply ignored Sesshomaru's remarks and his attempts to hand her baby back to her, forcing him to follow her, since he did not want to be left with an infant to care for on his own.

Sesshomaru was really beginning to get annoyed. What on earth was she thinking, not taking back her own child, and then giving orders to him and to Sango? Either she was that foolhardy, or her drive to protect her husband was that great. Truthfully, he had to admit to himself that he knew well that it was her protective drive that was moving her, but it didn't lessen his annoyance with her. As far as Sesshomaru was concerned, Kagome needed to stop this and let him handle things. However, he could see that was not going to happen. And he was a bit unsettled that his niece simply acted as though his striding through the village with her in his arms was an everyday occurrence. He was startled to realize that she wasn't registering her protest at this turn of events. He was even more startled when he glanced at the child to realize she had fallen asleep, with her tiny fingers firmly grasping his pelt.

When they reached Kagome and Inuyasha's home, Sesshomaru made a last-ditch attempt to persuade her that this was not the best course of action. "Before we begin, I am going to tell you again that this is an unwise decision, little sister. You should remain home, caring for your child, and caring for yourself and your unborn son. Inuyasha was a fool to run straight towards disaster, and there is no need for you to place yourself and your children in danger to attempt to save him." Sesshomaru had no hope whatsoever that his words would sink in, but he felt that the futile effort was necessary.

Kagome whipped around and fixed him with a look so filled with fury that the hair on the back of Sesshomaru's neck stood up. "Let me tell you a few things, Sesshomaru. Inuyasha should not have set out for this today. He should have gone out looking for this demon yesterday, or waited until tomorrow. Miroku should have known better himself. Now, you come along and calmly tell me that you need an antidote for a demon that nearly killed Inuyasha when he was in human form once before, knowing that he's going to be in vulnerable human form as soon as the sun sets tonight, and you expect me and Sango to just sit at home and let you take care of this? Not on your life!" The angrier she got, the closer she had come to him, and the more her voice increased in volume… and he realized that Kagome had backed him into a corner and was poking her finger directly in his breastplate, despite the fact that her daughter was sleeping nestled against him. Inuyasha was right – she really was awe-inspiring, and terrifying, when she was angry.

Reaching out with his free arm, he grabbed her wrist before she could blink, or accidentally hurt her child. "Little sister, control yourself. If you are to accompany me, you must take care of your own child. I will need both my hands free to battle."

When the haze of anger cleared from Kagome's vision, she realized that Sesshomaru had still been holding Izayoi the entire time. She dropped her hand, and looked up with a little bit of fear in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Sesshomaru! How did I not realize you still had Izayoi? Can you please help me strap her to my back again, so I can collect my things and we can leave? I'm sorry I was so angry with you. I'm just so worried!"

As Sesshomaru stood behind Kagome, gently placing the sleeping baby in the right spot, and tightening the straps that held her to her mother, he allowed himself a small smile of pride, where Kagome couldn't see it. He had to admit, she was the only human woman he could think of that was worthy of the title of sister-in-law to the Inu Daiyokai. She may have been a miko, but to Sesshomaru, she was truly a warrior born, fighting for those she cared for with intensity rarely seen, even on the battlefield among samurai. He knew she hated to have to fight, but she was capable of protecting those she cared for with great strength that came from her kind heart – and that if he were in danger, Kagome would risk her life to save his. Sesshomaru was not about to allow that to happen.

"Forget it. You and Sango will have to ride A-Un. I will call him when we are outside the village. If you do not, you cannot keep up at my pace, and we will not reach the other village until after nightfall." Sesshomaru was filled with unsettling relief that Kagome was no longer turning her fury on him. How did this human woman manage to instill that much fear in him? He was the Inu Daiyokai, he should not be afraid of a human, no matter who she was to him. However, even he had to admit, when she lost control of her temper, Kagome was rather terrifying. Even to a demon such as him.

Sango arrived, having hastily put on her armor, and collected Hiraikotsu. "Sesshomaru, I don't care that I'm expecting again, I'm still going to fight, and that's final," she declared as she walked through the door.

"Very well. You and your daughter and Kagome and her son, as well as Izayoi, will be under my protection. However, you must be able to fight on your own, and not depend on me should the spider demon come after Inuyasha or Miroku." Sesshomaru knew when to back down from a losing fight.

When they reached the outskirts of the village, Sesshomaru called A-Un. As they waited for the two-headed dragon to appear, both women exchanged what to Sesshomaru was an unreadable look, and then they asked the question that was on their minds. Or rather, Kagome was elected to speak.

"What do you mean, Sango's daughter and my son?"

Sesshomaru gave Kagome a slightly withering look that had no effect on her as the two women climbed atop the dragon that had appeared as Kagome had asked their question. "Sango is carrying a girl. You are carrying a boy. Your scents have changed, and your auras are different, or do you not remember this from when you were carrying Izayoi? I'm quite sure I told you the same thing. And it appears that you, Kagome, will bring your child into the world first. Are you and Inuyasha attempting to repopulate the village alongside Sango and Miroku, given that you are expecting your second child so close to the first?"

That sealed the deal concerning Kagome's temper. "Excuse me?" Her voice was calm, and didn't give any hint to the rage simmering beneath it. However, even A-Un was shivering, picking up on her anger.

Upon seeing the look in Kagome's eyes, Sesshomaru realized he'd stepped where he really did not wish to tread. There were some things he did not wish to know at all. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, he coldly said, "I am simply surprised that you are expecting another child so close to the first."

Kagome gave Sesshomaru a look that could only be described as lethal. "And you asked that question for what purpose? Do you really want to make our intimate life your business, Sesshomaru?" She bit off every single word, extraordinarily angry that Sesshomaru was doing what seemed to be poking his nose where it didn't belong. However if it made him back off, she'd be as direct as possible, and there would be no further questions.

Sesshomaru was trying to choose his words carefully, not wishing to know any details concerning their intimate life. At all. Ever. "No. I do not wish to make your intimate life with Inuyasha my business. I have quite enough details given your condition. I need no further knowledge." He gave Kagome an equally lethal look, spacing out his words carefully to give them extra weight.

Sango was trying to keep from laughing outright. She'd never seen Sesshomaru put himself in such a bind before, and it was quite funny to her to see Kagome get the better of him. Sango stifled her laughter, because she knew that if she got started, she might not be able to hang on to A-Un.

Kagome ignored Sesshomaru's pointed glare. "If you don't want to make it your business, then stop asking questions like that. It's none of your business, mind your own." Her tone was just as lethal as her own glare.

Sesshomaru had the sudden urge to pull her off A-Un and shake her until her teeth rattled. Keeping his grip on his temper, he icily pointed out to her, "I swore to you that your children would be under my protection. Your children are my business, as are you. Are you quite finished? We have to catch up to Inuyasha and Miroku, and this conversation is not helping with that cause."

Before Kagome could open her mouth with a snapped retort, Sango intervened. "Kagome, Sesshomaru is right, we need to shut up and get moving. Save your anger for Inuyasha and Miroku, they've earned it. I know that Sesshomaru should have chosen his words more carefully, but let it go. We have other things to do."

Both Kagome and Sesshomaru knew Sango was right, and lapsed into an uneasy silence. Kagome began to brood over the situation that Inuyasha and Miroku had placed themselves in, and just hoped they'd reach them in time to keep them from doing something incredibly stupid. Just then, Izayoi woke up hungry, and needing a fresh diaper, voicing her displeasure at a volume loud enough to make both sets of A-Un's ears lay back.

The demands of motherhood never do end, even if I am trying to save your father from himself, do they, Izayoi?

"Sesshomaru, we need to stop for a moment, at least to allow me to change Izayoi. I can nurse and travel, but I can't change a diaper on the back of a dragon in mid-air."

Damn it all, this is why I insisted that you needed to stay behind. Your headstrong need to protect Inuyasha is going to give me nothing but problems.

Sesshomaru fervently hoped that Kagome would be able to tend to the baby without him having to see things he did not wish to see. He gave the command for A-Un to set down, and then proceeded to walk away to allow Kagome time to get the baby settled. He wished to be anywhere but near her while she was nursing Izayoi; there were some things that needed to remain private.

Kagome decided that for now, it would be better to have Izayoi strapped to her front. It would make it easier to nurse her privately, and spare herself and Sesshomaru from further embarrassment. She really, really did not want to have to deal with Sesshomaru getting more annoyed than he already was with her, and she was pretty sure Sesshomaru didn't want to get an eyeful while she took care of her child. Not to mention, she really didn't want Sesshomaru to get an eyeful, either. There were some things she was not willing to share with her brother-in-law. At all. Ever.

Kagome sent Sango to find Sesshomaru and tell him that it was time to get going once again. Sango was relieved to find that Sesshomaru hadn't gone far, and was still amused that he was so obviously uncomfortable, and so very much trying to conceal that, because Kagome was feeding Izayoi.

"You can come back now, you can't see anything anyway. Kagome is making sure that her privacy and your dignity remain intact," Sango said, with poorly concealed laughter in her voice.

Sesshomaru's tone dropped the air temperature several degrees. "Thank you for your concern, demon slayer. We will return to our journey. Hopefully, there will be no further incident." The impassive expression on his face did little to hide his annoyance, and nothing to still Sango's amusement. He followed Sango back to where Kagome and Izayoi were waiting with A-Un. The women climbed back onto the two-headed dragon, and the party set off to complete their travels.

Completely unaware that both Sango and Kagome were on the trail to intercept them, along with Sesshomaru, Inuyasha and Miroku reached the village plagued by the spider demon by late afternoon. Inuyasha was fighting the urge to grab the first villager he saw by the front of the kimono and ask where the hell the demon was, so he could kill it and they could leave. He remembered a little too well what had happened the night that he'd gone up against that damn spider shortly after meeting Kagome, and how he'd been bitten and come closer to death than he'd ever wanted. He had realized, as she had tended to him that long night that Kagome cared for him…and he'd also realized that he cared for her as well. He'd lain in her lap, with her gently stroking his hair and wiping his brow as he fought the venom in human form, and realized that she'd shed tears for him because she loved him, and was afraid she would lose him. He'd also let her sweet, delicate scent comfort him that night. Regardless of the knowledge that that night had been when he'd been in awe of just how much Kagome cared for him, he still had no desire to face another one of those damn demons.

Miroku knew that Inuyasha was on edge, and was beginning to regret agreeing to this exorcism. Until Inuyasha had told him the full extent of what had occurred during his last battle with a demon of this kind, Miroku had assumed that Inuyasha despised spider demons for much the same reasons that he despised moth demons – he'd had one too many run-ins with them for his taste. Knowing that Inuyasha had nearly died during his last encounter with this particular kind of spider demon made Miroku edgy as well, and ready to battle and go home. However, he knew that they would have to find shelter for the night, because Inuyasha would not want to risk being out in the open in human form, and Miroku sighed, realizing that he was in for a long night of Inuyasha pacing and fidgeting, and castigating him for dragging them into this mess. And he had to admit, it was his own fault that they were here at this time. Miroku had allowed his desire to ensure that his and Inuyasha's children were supported well, and his sly enjoyment of his various cons, to take over his good sense.

I can only hope that my desire that we should both make a decent living to support our children hasn't gotten us into serious trouble today. Hopefully, the gods will be with us in this endeavor.

"Miroku, you'd better be able to find this damn demon so we can get out of here. I can't believe you didn't tell me what it was, and that I just blindly followed along. How did I miss that this was the new moon? I should have known that!" Inuyasha was doing the verbal equivalent of fidgeting – giving Miroku the third degree over this seemingly foolish errand that the monk had signed them up for.

"You're right. I should have told you what sort of demon this was. However, I forgot that this was the new moon as well. I realized it today when Sango pointed it out to me. I'm sorry for putting us into this mess, Inuyasha." Miroku was truly apologetic over his actions that had put them in this situation.

"Wait, what's that?" Inuyasha stared intently past the clearing, having heard something moving in the trees. "Spider webs! We must be close." That was a relief, to know that the spider demon was close and they could take it out and go home.

Just then, Sesshomaru came into sight. I thought this day couldn't possibly get any worse. Now Sesshomaru's shown up? I thought he was going to protect Rin, Kagome, and Izayoi, thought Inuyasha. Just then, as A-Un came into view, Inuyasha's heart dropped.

"Kagome, what the hell are you doing here? You and Izayoi shouldn't be here, are you trying to get the two of you killed? Sesshomaru, did you bring them here to prove a point or something?" His angry tone belied his fear. What in the hell was she thinking? He knew damn good and well that her appearance was her idea, but he couldn't believe Sesshomaru had allowed her and Sango to come along, and to bring Izayoi. Once this demon was dead, he was going to kill Sesshomaru.

A-Un landed, and without waiting for anyone's help, Kagome climbed off the dragon, and made her way to Inuyasha. He was coming towards her fast, and as he approached, he could see the fury in her eyes. Oh, that explains how she got Sesshomaru to let her come along. He's right to be afraid of her when she gets that angry. Gods, what is she going to do to me?

"You know what? I wouldn't have to be here if it wasn't the night of the new moon! How could you forget what it was? How could I forget? You need me here, Inuyasha, and I'm not letting you out of my sight!" The fury was pouring off her in waves, along with her fear. Inuyasha knew that he was going to have to apologize to her, but first, he was going to point her in Miroku's direction, since this had been his idea in the first place.

"Hey, you want to be mad at someone, you go talk to Miroku. This was his idea in the first place, and I'm here to make sure he doesn't get himself killed!" Inuyasha shamelessly aimed Kagome's fury at his friend. No way was he going to take this on alone.

"Oh, don't think I'm not going to give Miroku a piece of my mind as well. You and I have a lot to talk about once this battle is over. So, you're going to deal with my help, because I'm not going to let you get yourself killed because you had a moment of stupidity!" Kagome knew exactly what Inuyasha had been doing, and wasn't letting him off the hook that easily.

"Sango, what are you doing here? You should be at home with the children, especially given your condition!" Miroku was beside himself. What were the women doing here, and with Sango expecting another child?

Sango just looked at her husband, dumbfounded. "How did you know? And stop changing the subject!"

Miroku gave her a raised eyebrow. "Sango, my dear, this is not our first time expecting a child together." He was trying to get her to drop her anger towards him, he knew she could still wield Hiraikotsu with great skill, and wouldn't hesitate to use it on him. Not to mention, he was trying to cover his terror with false serenity.

"Wait, what? Sango, another baby already? And you're here? What the hell were you thinking?! I thought you had more sense!" Inuyasha was concerned not just for his wife and daughter, but for Sango as well. What on earth were those two thinking?

Sesshomaru was tiring of the bickering between the two couples rather quickly. "All of you need to stop this. We have a demon to kill, and it's close. Kagome, you and Sango will stay out of the way. In your present state, you are not going to put yourself further into harm's way. That is final."

The significance of Sesshomaru's statement hit Inuyasha full force. "Kagome, what are you not telling me?" He realized suddenly that she didn't have to tell him, it was in her scent. How had he missed the change in her scent? She'd come to protect him, even while caring for their daughter and expecting….their son? That was definitely a masculine aura with Kagome's feminine. When this was over, he was either going to shake her or kiss her, he wasn't sure which. "Never mind, I figured it out, we're definitely going to be having words when this is over, Kagome. How could you put yourself and our children at risk?"

Just then, they all heard the spray of spider web coming from the demon that had come looking for them all, hearing the commotion. "I see the village has found a ragtag pack of fools to attempt to slay me. Do you really think that's going to work? I'll dissolve your innards with my venom!" The hideous demon headed straight for Inuyasha, fangs bared.

"Heh. I've battled worse than you, and I'll crush you like the disgusting bug you are!" Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga, waiting for the chance to kill this demon and relieve his frustration with Kagome, Miroku, Sango, and Sesshomaru.

"You won't get the chance, half-demon! I'll tie you to my web with that silver hair of yours!" The spider was gaining speed, and single-mindedly pursued Inuyasha, who was ready to face it head on.

Miroku calmly reached into his robes and pulled out sutras, ready to put an end to this demon. "I've got him, Inuyasha! He won't be able to withstand these!" One hand held his staff, and the other was ready to throw sutras, and he had attempted to strategically place himself in between the demon and Sango.

The demon was moving fast, and without realizing it, they had all reverted back to their usual battle stances. Still, it came straight towards Inuyasha, as if drawn by some unseen force. Sensing the tension in the air, and her mother's fear, Izayoi began to scream. Suddenly, the demon shrieked as well, and changed course, going after Kagome and Izayoi. "I will silence that horrible noise and devour that child!"

Just then, the men heard the sound of Hiraikotsu whipping through the air…and the snap of Kagome's bowstring. The two young mothers reacted to the threat towards Izayoi instantly and with accuracy. The sacred arrow and Hiraikotsu reached the demon at the same time, slowing it down. The horror they felt that this demon was so strong was reflected in everyone's face except Sesshomaru's. Just before the demon could reach Inuyasha, or Kagome and the baby, and inject venom into them, they heard a command they had not heard in quite some time.

"Dragon Strike!" Sesshomaru's voice echoed through the clearing as Tenseiga pulsed, and the attack gained momentum before it hit the spider demon. Miroku pulled Sango away with surprising speed, knocking her off her feet and covering her with his body. Inuyasha scooped up Kagome and nearly slammed her into the closest tree, covering her and Izayoi with his body just in time to hear an unearthly scream as the spider demon simply disintegrated. Kagome and Inuyasha both nearly fell over with relief as they tried to shush the baby, who was beginning to calm down now that she had both parents with her. Miroku pulled Sango to her feet, and they made their way to Inuyasha and Kagome.

Sesshomaru sheathed Tenseiga, and made his way towards the two couples. "Monk, listen well. The next time that the siren song of money calls to you and you consider abandoning what little sense you have, understand that should you engage in such a foolish endeavor, I will not save you from yourself again. And you, Inuyasha – you know well what can happen on the night of the new moon. I do not wish to explain to your children why their father is not coming home to them should you do something as stupid." If words and looks could kill, his would have slaughtered them in seconds.

He then turned his attention to the two women, putting his face less than six inches from Kagome's. "Little sister, you are sometimes far more brave than you are intelligent. Do not do this again. Swearing protection for your children should not mean that I have to protect them from your foolishness." Having made his point with Kagome, he turned his attention to Sango. "As for you, demon slayer, should there be a next time I will leave you behind." He made sure that he locked eyes with her as well, so he could fully express the gravity of his words.

Out of the other four, only Kagome had the good grace to look slightly contrite. Sango was too busy plotting to beat some sense into Miroku, as well as interrogate him as to just how he knew that she was expecting another child before she told him. Miroku was too busy being relieved that the demon was dead and gone, and that this foolish scheme would still net them a profit, and fighting the urge to give Sango a piece of his mind for putting herself and their unborn child at risk just to come rescue him. Inuyasha was trying to figure out if he was going to yell at Kagome first, or take on Sesshomaru, since he was ready to do both.

Something about the events of the day, including the news that she was expecting her second child, circumvented the part of Kagome's mind that would never normally act on any affection she had for her brother-in-law. She put her arms around his waist and gave him a small hug, making sure not to hurt Izayoi, and bit back a smile as she felt him stiffen from the shock of her display of affection.

"What are you doing, little sister?" Sesshomaru found he was barely able to get the words out, so surprised was he by Kagome's impulsive act.

She pulled away, and let the smile she had been hiding shine at him. "It's called a hug, Sesshomaru. I'm trying to apologize to you. I'm really sorry that I was so angry with you, and made you drag me and Sango along." She realized that everyone was staring at her, completely stunned that she had dared to hug Sesshomaru, and that he hadn't pushed her away, or made some cutting remark. Truth be told, she was pretty surprised as well, but she had enough of a contrary streak in her to enjoy his shocked reaction.

Inuyasha had had enough by this point, having been getting angrier by the second between Kagome showing up to fight and putting herself and their children at risk, and then her impulsive gesture sent him over the edge. He threw an unexpected punch at Sesshomaru, hitting him square on the jaw, knowing that if Sesshomaru had been expecting it, he would have dodged faster than Inuyasha could blink. Sesshomaru shoved his brother, having enough control over his anger to know full well that extending his claws and putting them through Inuyasha's chest would only serve to enrage Kagome again, and she would likely hit him with a sacred arrow. However, the brothers unsheathed their respective swords, Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga, and squared off, ready to battle it out yet again.

"Inuyasha, what on earth is wrong with you? Sesshomaru, stop it!" Kagome was horrified by the two of them fighting each other after all this. She was ready to use the command to sit on Inuyasha, and fire an arrow at Sesshomaru.

"You stay out of this! I'll deal with you after I'm done with Sesshomaru," Inuyasha snarled.

Kagome was furious. "SIT, BOY!" Instantly, Inuyasha was tasting dirt, thanks to the Beads of Subjugation. When he could pull his head up, he yelled at her, "What the hell are you doing?" She responded by yelling at him to sit several more times. Inuyasha pulled himself up from the small crater made by the repeated commands his wife gave, and was ready to give her a piece of his mind. The look in her eye stopped him short – he knew that if he started arguing with her again, she was going to make him sit some more, and possibly give him a blistering lecture, at full volume, that he didn't want to hear. Plus, she'd gone beyond mad enough to make him sit into angry enough to have a hand on her bow.

"Kagome…" Sesshomaru just stopped. He had been ready to give her a scathing retort when she had interfered in his and Inuyasha's fight. However, he caught the look in Kagome's eye as well, and felt a frisson of true fear, knowing that she was primed to explode. He was extraordinarily tired of provoking Kagome's fury today, and realized that given that she was expecting another child, and remembering how she'd been while she was expecting Izayoi, and knowing full well that she was already angry with Inuyasha and would have no issue with turning her anger on anyone who said one wrong word, well, sometimes discretion was the better part of valor. Not to mention, he was touched by her gesture, not that he would ever admit to that, and that it had served to annoy his brother intensely enough to make him throw a punch just gave him a sense of self-satisfaction. Sesshomaru simply extended his hand, and patted her shoulder, looking smug. "We will just appreciate that things have turned out well today."

Inuyasha took Kagome's hand and pulled her away from Sesshomaru, giving his brother a heated glare. "Yeah. We will. And as for you, Kagome, you and I are going to talk right now. I don't want to hear interference from any of you. Especially not you, Sesshomaru." He could see the sun was getting ready to set soon, and he wanted to be able to talk to her, and then leave for their village. He also wanted to reassure himself that their daughter was none the worse for the wear after the adventure that her mother had seen fit to drag her along for. Kagome's initial protests died down when she saw the need for reassurance in Inuyasha's eyes. She knew at that point that what he needed was to assure himself that she and Izayoi, and their unborn child, were fine after what had just happened. She was still simmering with anger over Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's fight, however.

"Inuyasha, Kagome, take your time. I am taking my lovely wife back into the village and extracting payment for our services, and will find us all lodging for the night. You are welcome to join us Sesshomaru, we owe you a debt we can never repay." Miroku wanted to talk to Sango alone as well. He wanted to reassure her that he truly believed all would be well with this child, provided she didn't decide to do something so foolhardy again. He also remembered their loss between Sayuri and little Kagome and Akira, and what it had done to Sango.

Sesshomaru had no desire to be in the company of married couples reuniting. Nor did he wish to get into a heated discussion with his half-brother over why he had allowed Sango and Kagome not only to come with him, but to bring Izayoi as well…or another physical confrontation. In a tone meant to convey icy contempt, he informed them, "I am returning to the village tonight. I was on my way to visit Rin before I encountered the two of you. I have no desire to prolong this experience. Monk, little brother, try to keep these women out of trouble. I will not always be available to do this for you." Looking at Sango, he simply said, "Demon slayer, try to remind yourself that battling demons is not a good idea when you are with child." He turned to Kagome, still feeling the effect of her spontaneous embrace. She had unstrapped the baby from herself and had chosen to hold her so she faced outward, able to look at everyone around her, and Izayoi was looking at him with those amber eyes that were just like her father's. Sesshomaru reached over and gently cupped the baby's delicate face in his hand, and watched as she gave him one of her sweet smiles. "Izayoi, I believe your mother has met her match in you, and I'm quite sure your brother will rival your father in ways to drive her mad. Don't let him overpower you." Then he simply turned on his heel, with his usual grace, and left them.

When Sango and Miroku had set off, after Miroku kissed his wife and indulged in some gratuitous groping of her backside, earning himself a smack across the face, Inuyasha was finally left alone with Kagome. He took her into his arms, ignoring her protests, and snuggling Izayoi between them, and realized the sun was already setting. He knew they would have to stay in this village for the night, the transformation was already beginning. He held them close, feeling his claws retract and disappear for the night, and his ears transform into human ears.

Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, by now in his fully human form, and smiled. "Whether you're half-demon, or fully human, or fully demon, I love you, Inuyasha." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.

Inuyasha gave her a slightly cocky grin, infused with relief and irritation. "Flattery won't keep this conversation from happening, Kagome. Especially after you decided you were going to hug Sesshomaru. Not that I don't appreciate it, but we are going to have the discussion about how you are not supposed to risk your life for me while we have young children-" He stopped short, staring at Izayoi.

"Inuyasha? What is it?" Kagome was worried – Inuyasha looked slightly fearful and confused.

"Kagome, look at Izayoi!" For the first time since she had arrived, baby Izayoi was different on the night of the new moon. Not much had changed, except that her eyes had gone from amber like her father's, to a deep brown just like Kagome's. He wondered briefly why she had not done so since her birth, but then he remembered his mother telling him that until he was about eight months old, he had not changed, either.

"She's changed, and at the same time you do! Does that mean that she's got more half-demon than we thought?" Kagome was startled by the change in her child, and wondered what else Izayoi had inherited from Inuyasha.

"I think so. So, this one changes on the night of the new moon now. I hope her life isn't like mine was." Inuyasha shoved his hands in his sleeves, and turned away from his wife and daughter, unsure what to think, and reverting back to turning inwards when he was thinking about something that brought back painful memories.

Kagome moved closer to him, nudged him, and put Izayoi in her father's arms. He stared at his daughter, for once not seeing his own eyes in a face much like Kagome's. Izayoi, how can I assure you that you will be accepted for who you are? Just because your mother and I love you, that doesn't mean others won't make you an outcast because you're different. I know that too well.

"Inuyasha, things are different now for all of us. Haven't you noticed that the villagers treat you with respect? They know that you protect them from bandits and demons. The other women in the village adore Izayoi, and several have asked me if I think our next child will look more like you than she does, and have said that a child with your looks would be quite striking, just as Izayoi is with your beautiful half-demon eyes." Kagome leaned against his shoulder, watching Izayoi not even bat an eyelash at Inuyasha's human form. The baby was content to babble away and laugh while her father held her tightly.

"I remember what it was like for me, Kagome. Until you, well, I didn't know what it was like to be accepted for who I was. I don't want our children to know that life. My life with you and Izayoi is a blessing I never thought I'd have, because no one wanted me around." He didn't want Izayoi to shed tears because she wasn't accepted; the thought of his daughter weeping because someone was cruel to her over her heritage was painful.

"Remember what I told you when we were waiting for her to arrive? That she was our child, and we made her with love, and we were creating a place where she would be loved and accepted? That hasn't changed. Our son will have the same life. We made him with love, too. He is our child. And we have been creating a place where he will be loved and accepted just like his sister." She knew what life had been like for Inuyasha, not that he talked about it much, but what he had said had broken her heart for him. How could anyone be so cruel to a child? Kagome loved her child with all her heart, and adored the children of the village, especially Sango and Miroku's. She felt familiar tears in her eyes, thinking about Inuyasha's life before her.

Inuyasha could feel her trying not to cry, leaning against him. "Hey, don't cry. That was a long time ago. Those days are over. You're right; it's not the same at all anymore." He shifted Izayoi to one arm, and put the other one around Kagome and pulled her close to him.

"So, you're going to have a brother, Izayoi. You won't have Mama to yourself anymore, you'll have to share. But, that just means that I'll have to spend more time with you, I wouldn't want you to feel left out." Inuyasha grinned as his daughter laughed in response, and understood when she suddenly stopped, and began to cry. He knew that she was overwhelmed and wanted her mother.

Kagome took the baby from him, and began to nurse her. Inuyasha watched as she soothed her child, and as Izayoi relaxed into her mother. It never ceased to fill him with awe that just by holding their daughter close to her, Kagome managed to make all right in Izayoi's world.

Izayoi fell asleep, comforted with her mother's milk and a dry diaper. Inuyasha gently took the sleeping infant from her mother, and wrapped her in the blanket Kagome had brought with them. He laid her down next to them, and then he took Kagome's hands in his own. He wanted to make sure she couldn't pull away from him – he was going to have it out with her, and then he was going to hold her close to ensure that she was still in one piece.

"Okay, now we're going to talk. What in the hell were you thinking, turning your temper on Sesshomaru to get him to let you come here? You put Izayoi in danger, you put yourself in danger, and damn it, Kagome, you put our son in danger! What would have happened if that demon was more powerful, or if it got in a lucky shot? If you or our children were hurt because of me, I would never forgive myself!" His words came tumbling out in a heated rush, flying on residual fear.

To his astonishment, Kagome began to cry in earnest. She choked out, "Oh, Inuyasha, I'm so sorry, I was so afraid, I couldn't-" He just pulled her into his arms and let her cry, knowing that the events of the day and the child she was carrying had combined to overwhelm her completely.

Inuyasha began stroking her hair to comfort her. Gradually, her sobs slowed, and he put a hand under her chin and tilted her face up. He brushed the tears from her face, and kissed her gently. Kagome responded tentatively at first, and then with fervor. He could feel his need for her growing in response to her kiss, and her touch as she let her hands wander. Inuyasha made sure the baby was sleeping soundly, and then pulled Kagome to the nearest tree. Once he had her braced against the trunk, he kissed her again, this time more intently.

When Inuyasha pulled the neckline of her kimono apart and lowered his head to her breast, she gasped. He responded by gently nipping her with his teeth, and untying her obi, pulling her kimono apart but not undressing her fully. They touched each other hungrily, having both been scared that they might not see each other again. Kagome had evened the score by untying Inuyasha's hitoe and the obi of his hakama, and was enjoying his sharp intake of breath and ragged moan of pleasure she had gotten when she wrapped her hand around his manhood and began to stroke him.

With one swift movement, Inuyasha had grabbed her thighs and pulled her legs up, and driven himself fully into her. She was so slick and ready for him already, it took every ounce of self-control he had to slow down and let her match his eagerness. It didn't take her long to do so; Kagome wrapped her legs around his waist and dug her fingernails into his back. She pulled him into her further, spurring him on by digging in her heels. They let their need for each other drive them, forgetting everything but each other. He felt her tighten around him as she pulled him into her even more, and cried out his name. He responded with a cry of his own, as he let his release overtake him.

They slowly came back to themselves, holding each other closely, slowing their ragged breathing. He leaned his head to hers, and whispered his love for her. She responded by kissing him sweetly, and whispering her love for him.

When he set her down and made sure that her legs were steady underneath her, he let her put herself together and he redressed, watching her lovely face glow with the aftermath of pleasure. He smiled, and pulled her back into his arms. He kissed her again, and when the kiss was ended, he grinned at her, quite satisfied with himself.

"This is how we ended up expecting the second, you know. I can't keep my hands off you, and you just urge me on. But, you said it, Kagome. We made these children with love. We treasure Izayoi, and our son will be cherished as well. I never dreamed before that I would have this life. This is better than anything I could have dreamed." He held her close, feeling her arms wrap around him and her head rest on his chest. His eyes closed as he breathed in her gentle scent that enveloped him in love.

"Oh, Inuyasha… dreaming of a life with you made it so I could come back to you. Life without you was unbearable." Kagome clung tightly to him, remembering how desolate she felt when they had been separated for three years, and assuring herself that they were still together.

Kagome finally let go of Inuyasha so she could pick up her baby, and hold her close. Inuyasha put his arm around Kagome's waist on their walk into the village to find Miroku and Sango, not wanting to be separated from his wife and daughter, not after the day's events.

Miroku and Sango had hardly spoken on the walk to the village. Sango was stunned that Miroku had known she was expecting another child before she had told him. Miroku had anger simmering underneath the surface of his placid monk's exterior. How could she put herself and their unborn child at risk, just to come after him? He knew what losing the child between the twins and Akira had done to her. His heart had ached for her as he watched her trying to simply put one foot in front of the other to care for the girls, while she had been deeply grieving for the child they had lost. He hadn't known how to help her, and he had been grateful for Kaede being able to give Sango hope for the future, and still allowing Sango to grieve for what she had lost. How could she possibly put herself in harm's way, and risk something like that happening again?

When they reached the small house that he had secured for lodging for themselves and Inuyasha and Kagome, they simply stared at each other for a long moment, neither knowing quite where to begin. Finally, Miroku spoke first.

"Sango, what were you thinking? How could you do this? Do you have any idea how terrifying it was to see you step off of A-Un, with Sesshomaru no less, knowing that you are carrying another child? How would you have me explain to our children why their mother didn't come home?" Miroku was expressing uncharacteristic ire – usually he was even-tempered, unless he was trying to talk to Inuyasha.

Sango gave him her most deadly glare. "Monk, if you had been honest with Inuyasha or Kagome, we wouldn't be here in the first place. You didn't tell Inuyasha what kind of demon this was. And you didn't remind Kagome that this was the night of the new moon. Someone had to save you from yourselves, and neither Kagome nor I was going to let Sesshomaru just take off without as much as a by-your-leave. You know that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru would have fought, because they can't be in the same village without having some sort of confrontation, and that would have placed you all in greater danger. What were you thinking? There are better ways to earn a living that don't involve putting everyone at risk!" She had worked herself up into a pure fury this time, and still had Hiraikotsu on her back, ready to use it on Miroku.

"Sango, I remember how it was between the girls and Akira. It nearly tore you apart. You could barely care for the girls, you didn't want to take the chance of having another child, and you didn't want anyone to care for you. I don't want to lose you like that again. Sango…you are my heart. The girls and Akira are my pride and joy, but you are my heart. I don't wish to lose you to something like this, something that was my fault in the first place." Ignoring the instinct borne of many incidents where she had come after him for daring to touch her when she was angry, Miroku took his wife into his arms and held her tightly. He held his breath until he could feel her lean into him.

"We've come too close to losing each other already. There was something about this battle, Miroku…I was afraid you wouldn't come home to me this time. How can I raise our children alone, expecting another one, because you did something so foolish? How would you have me explain it to them? I had to come. I had to see for myself that you would be fine." Sango was trying to hold back her tears, and beginning to lose the fight.

"Sango…I will always come back to you. How could you doubt that? You were willing to die with me when the wind tunnel was threatening to suck me into the void, because you didn't want me to die alone. I don't want to leave you alone. I will always do everything I can to ensure that I return to you. You are right. I was foolish, and I dragged us all into this. I'm sorry." He brushed her hair away from her face, and kissed her, relief that all was well and his deep love for her lending itself to his touch.

Sango responded to Miroku with fervor borne from her deep love for him. Not knowing or caring where the others were or if they would be found, they simply gave in to their desperate need to assure themselves that they would never let go. They came together, wanting nothing more than to give love and reassurance, holding tightly to one another. Miroku pulled at her armor and body suit, needing to touch her and let her know that he needed her like he needed the air he breathed. Sango tugged at Miroku's robes, needing to have the feel of his flesh under her hands to assure herself that this day hadn't ended in tragedy, and to cling to him like a vine to a tree.

Miroku gently lowered Sango to the sleeping mats, taking in the sight of her. She was exceptionally beautiful regardless, but he loved to see her when she was with child. She glowed from within, her fair skin radiant and her rich brown eyes alight with love for him and their children. He lowered his head to her breast, and gently kissed her, knowing that while she was carrying his child, she would not be able to withstand anything but the lightest touch. He loved to see her respond to his lovemaking, to gasp in shock as the pleasure radiated through her, and to feel her body respond to him. Miroku let his hands wander freely, as though he were mapping her body with touch. He knew that when he began to stroke her delicate female flesh, she would respond with heat, and wetness, and increased desire for him. He also knew that when he teased and played, she would reply in kind by grasping his manhood firmly, and teasing him by gently stroking the tip of him with her thumb and forefinger, nearly driving him mad.

Just when Sango thought Miroku's touch would send her over the edge, he removed her hands and drove himself into her, making her cry out as he filled her completely. She wrapped herself around him, coaxing him on, giving and taking pleasure in their dance of love. They urged each other on, letting their passion take over. When they thought they could take no more, Miroku felt Sango tighten around him, and felt the rush of her climax as she cried his name, and wrapped herself around him more firmly. He let go of his control, with a hoarse cry of his own, and allowed himself to find release in her body.

Miroku held Sango tightly as they lay together, enjoying the afterglow. Murmuring into her ear, he simply said, "Sango, you are the only woman for me. I love you."

Sango clung to Miroku, curling into his body as they lay side by side afterwards. "Miroku, I love you, too. I need you with me." She smiled, realizing that Inuyasha and Kagome had not come in yet, and knowing that they had likely shared a moment of needed intimacy as she and Miroku had. "We should, however, make sure we are dressed. Unless you want Inuyasha and Kagome to find us like this…"

Miroku gave her one of his lecherous grins. "It's not like they don't know what happens. They already have a child," he teased, with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Sango rolled her eyes. "Yes, pervert, they do. They're going to have another one in about six more months, too. That doesn't mean that I want Inuyasha to see me naked. I have standards, monk, especially concerning privacy!"

Miroku merely laughed, and handed Sango her kimono that he knew she had packed away in her small traveling bag, and began to reassemble his own clothing. Sango quickly put her kimono on and tied her obi while Miroku donned his monk's robes. Miroku started a small fire, and they waited for their friends to arrive. It didn't take long for Inuyasha and Kagome to make their way to the little traveler's house after that, and together, they passed the night restfully.

Life returned to normal after they returned to their own village. Time passed by, as it always does, and Kagome and Sango enjoyed having the experience of expecting children together. When they were together, Inuyasha and Miroku just watched their women, in awe of the maternal love that just seemed to flow from them. Neither man would have wanted to miss the sight of their wives talking away, always with at least one child in their arms or their laps; every now and then one would smile and place a hand on her belly to feel the unborn child growing within her. To see them so happy filled both Miroku and Inuyasha with deep joy of their own.

One night, with just about a month before her baby was due to arrive; as the new day was beginning to break, Kagome awoke with a start from a nightmare of being trapped in the darkness with the Shikon jewel again, with demons tearing and clawing at her from the inside, realizing that she was in the midst of hard labor. She had been having pains off and on all during the prior day, but had brushed them off as false labor. She realized now that she had been very, very wrong, and it had been the real deal. She struggled to sit up, and Inuyasha was instantly awake next to her. "What is it, Kagome? Is it the baby?"

Kagome struggled to her feet, feeling the need to walk to ease her pain. She had gone no more than three feet from their sleeping mats when her water broke. Inuyasha could smell the fluid, and was beginning to panic. "Kagome! Do I need to go get Kaede?"

As another deep pain hit her, Kagome managed to gasp out, "There's no time. You'll have to deliver him." Inuyasha responded by pulling her back to the sleeping mats, supporting her carefully.

"Are you sure he's coming that fast? The last time took all night." Inuyasha was terrified at the thought of having to deliver their son himself, remembering only Kagome's sweet face awash with pain when Izayoi was born. Her response was a hissed breath between gritted teeth, and to grip his hand tightly. "I'm sure. I must have been in labor all day yesterday. There's no time. Get her after."

Just then, another pain hit her, and the urge for her to bear down was too great. How is this happening so fast, and so soon? The last time was nothing like this! Through her pain, Kagome gasped out directions to Inuyasha. She knew that she would have to stay calm in order to talk him through helping her bring their son into the world, in spite of her pain and fear.

She managed to tell him what needed to be done, and with shaking hands, as she bore down with fierce determination, he caught the baby as her body worked to bring him into the world. Inuyasha gave their screaming son to his mother, and tore off strips of his kosode to tie off the cord that had connected him to Kagome. He just watched as she stared at the baby, falling in love with her son as she had with her daughter.

With tears of joy in her eyes, she gave her son a smile of pure maternal love. "Hey, sweet boy, I didn't know you were so eager to meet us." She cradled him close to her heart, and he began to calm down, able to hear his mother's heartbeat once more.

Inuyasha realized with a start that the boy had his ears, and silver hair. "Kagome…he looks like me!" Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, and beamed with joy. "He's beautiful, Inuyasha. Just like you." Inuyasha was overcome by her sweet words, and he put his arms around her and let her lean back against him to rest a bit before he went to get Kaede to make sure that mother and son were well. He breathed in the scent of his Kagome, and the new scent of their son. "Kichiro, Kagome. He's Kichiro." Just then, Izayoi stirred, having slept through the arrival of her brother. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, trying to figure out what was going on. "Mama?"

"Mama's here, sweet girl." In the midst of everything, Kagome reached out an arm for her eldest child, to pull her close. "Look who came to join us, your brother is here. His name is Kichiro."

Inuyasha watched as Kagome and Izayoi took in the sight of Kichiro, and smiled when Izayoi said, "Ohh, Mama…Daddy's ears!" Kagome kissed the top of her daughter's head, smiling into her hair. "Yes baby, Kichiro has Daddy's ears, and the same hair."

Izayoi studied her brother carefully. "My like him."

Inuyasha stood up and held out his arms to Izayoi. She reached for him, and he picked her up, cradling her close. "Come on, baby girl; let's go get Kaede so she can make sure Mama and Kichiro are okay."

Izayoi's little face lit up. "Kaede-sobo?"

Inuyasha grinned. "Yes baby, we're going to get Kaede-sobo." He looked at Kagome, who had placed Kichiro at her breast to nurse him for the first time, "Will you be okay while I go get her?"

She looked up at him, her lovely face awash with love for him and their children, and exhaustion from bringing their son into the world. "We'll be fine. Go get Kaede to ease your mind, but we'll be fine. You delivered him like you did this every day!"

Inuyasha got a horrified look on his face. "Kagome, I never want to do that again! I have never been so terrified in my life, and he came so fast! It wasn't like Izayoi at all! If we do this again, you have to give me more warning than that, so Kaede can deliver the baby."

Kagome laughed, surprising Inuyasha. "If there's a next time, we know that it would be a good idea to go get Kaede fairly quickly."

Inuyasha pulled his daughter a little closer, and she snuggled into his shoulder. "We're going to go get Kaede." He strode out of their home as quickly as possible, so he didn't have to leave Kagome and Kichiro alone for long.

As he reached Kaede's home, Rin and Kaede were just waking up as the sun rose. They were surprised to see Inuyasha and Izayoi, but no Kagome. Just as Kaede was about to ask where on earth Kagome was, Inuyasha told her that she needed to get to their home quickly, because he had delivered their son himself, and she needed to make sure that Kagome and Kichiro were well. Without waiting for an answer, and over Izayoi's protests that she wanted to stay with Kaede-sobo, Inuyasha left as quickly as he had arrived.

Kaede and Rin made their way to Inuyasha and Kagome's home with haste, and were surprised to see that all that was left for them to do was clean the baby up, help Kagome put herself to rights, and admire the new arrival. "Well, Inuyasha, Kichiro is very obviously your son! He is a lovely baby, and quite healthy. Ye did well delivering him." Kaede was quite proud of Inuyasha, knowing that he had been terrified delivering the baby, and yet, he put his fear aside for Kagome's sake.

Rin was enthralled, and she and Izayoi sat next to Kagome, admiring Kichiro. "Kagome, I love his little ears! They're just like Inuyasha's, just like his silver hair!" Just then, Kichiro opened his eyes wide, to take in his surroundings. He could hear his mother's voice and her heartbeat, which calmed him. Everyone looked at him intently, and Inuyasha broke into a grin of pride. "Well, Kagome, he's not all me, he's got your eyes." He reached for the baby, to finally get to hold his son closely and get a good look at him. "Hey Kichiro, I'm your father." The baby boy regarded his father with interest, recognizing his voice. He waved one small fist in the air with a growl, causing Inuyasha to chuckle lightly. "Looks like you're a fighter already. You're going to drive Mama and your sister crazy aren't you? Not that it matters, Mama will love you regardless. Hey, she still loves me, and I've been driving her crazy for a few years now." Inuyasha watched as his son pulled his fists in, snuggled up to him, and closed his eyes, satiated with his mother's milk, and tired from the ordeal of being born.

"Up, Daddy, me too!" Izayoi wasn't happy that the newcomer was taking her father's attention as well as her mother's. Inuyasha shifted the baby boy, reached over, and picked up his daughter, and held her closely in his lap with her brother. "Daddy didn't forget you; I'm just getting acquainted with your brother. You're still my sweet baby girl, what would I do without you?" He kissed the top of her head, and watched her stare at Kichiro, taking in the sight of her father's ears and hair on the newcomer. She looked up at Inuyasha, and reaching a small hand towards her brother, said one word that made him do a double-take.

"Mine!"

Kagome stared at Inuyasha and their children for a moment, and then laughed. "Looks like Izayoi is a little more like you than you thought! Yes, baby, that's your brother. You have to look out for him, that's your job as his big sister."

Inuyasha was speechless. He hadn't realized that Izayoi was like him at all. But there she was, his little girl, declaring that the new member of their family was hers, and daring anyone to contradict her. He hoped that she would be as protective of her brother as Kagome was of all of them, and had been of Sota, her own brother. When he regained his voice, he gave Kichiro back to Kagome, and settled Izayoi on his lap facing him, so he could talk to her seriously. "Mama's right. Kichiro is your brother. It's your job as the big sister to protect him, like Mama and I protect you. I'm counting on you, Izayoi."

Izayoi looked at her father gravely, and then nodded her head. Fiercely, she said, "My Kichiro. My protect him." She reached up, standing in Inuyasha's lap, and patted his face, and said with the same ferocity, "My Daddy. My protect you."

Kaede, Rin, and Kagome all were stunned into silence. Finally, Kagome spoke. "Did she just say what I thought she did? Inuyasha, did she just say she'd protect you, too?"

Inuyasha merely held his daughter close to him, not trusting himself to speak. He whispered in Izayoi's ear, "I know you will, just as I will always protect you." He looked up at his wife, and said quietly, "She did. She's a strong one, just like you." Kaede and Rin chose that moment to take their leave quietly, knowing that all was well, and wanting to allow the family privacy to get acquainted with its newest member.

Within a few hours, having heard the news from Rin, Miroku, Sango, and their children made their way to greet the new arrival, and congratulate Inuyasha and Kagome. Sango sat next to Kagome, with a little help from Miroku since she was about two months away from delivering their child, and cuddled Kichiro for a few minutes. "Inuyasha really delivered him all by himself? Are you all right, Inuyasha? That must have been quite scary for you!"

Inuyasha snorted. "Yeah, it was. I didn't think he'd come that fast! It took all night for Izayoi to get here; I thought we'd have a little more warning!"

Kagome blushed, and admitted, "Well, I had warning, I just didn't think that's what it was, since it was a month early, and with Izayoi I had a couple of rounds of false labor, and I'd had false labor with Kichiro, too. I guess he was just meant to be here early. Let's hope you don't have to do that, too Sango, didn't all yours come right on time?"

Sango nodded. "Yes, the twins and Akira were born right on schedule almost. Although, Akira was a fast labor, but then, there was just one of him, as opposed to little Kagome and Sayuri. I'm pretty sure that this one will come fairly quickly, too, and that there's only one of him or her."

Miroku just grinned as he looked at Kichiro. "Well, Inuyasha, not only do you have a son, he is nearly your mirror image! I have a feeling he will be a smaller version of you in attitude as well, and Kagome will be at her wits' end by the time he is the same age as his sister is now." Inuyasha laughed, a cocky grin on his face in answer, and Kagome just rolled her eyes, and said, "I hope he doesn't try to drive me nuts like Inuyasha does, but I think you're probably right, Miroku."

The twins came closer to their mother and their Kagome-oba in order to meet the baby. As they got within touching distance, Izayoi voiced her opinion. "No! MY Kichiro! My protect him!" She gave little Kagome and Sayuri a disapproving frown, much to the delight of her mother and her Sango-oba. The four year old girls were taken aback that their sweet little cousin was not going to allow them to get close enough to meet her brother. "Izayoi, we won't hurt him, we promise! We just want to look!"

Kagome smoothed her daughter's hair, and gently told her, "It's okay, Izayoi, they can look, and gently touch. They won't hurt your baby brother, I promise."

Izayoi was still deeply suspicious; having been told by both Mama and Daddy that she was to protect Kichiro. She looked at her father for confirmation of her mother's words. Inuyasha smiled at his little girl, who was following in her parents' footsteps with her protective nature. "Mama said it was okay, baby, you can let them look and gently touch." He stressed the gently, and made sure he gave the twins a warning look.

The girls came closer, and gently stroked the baby's hair, and oohed and aahed over his little ears. "Inuyasha-oji, he has ears like yours! They're so cute!"

Inuyasha ruffled the twins' hair. "I didn't think it would take you long to notice that, you used to like to tug on my ears when you were about Izayoi's size." The girls giggled with glee. "Your ears are so cute, Oji-san! Does he have amber eyes like yours?"

"No, he has brown eyes like Oba-san does, not amber eyes like me or Izayoi."

Two year old Akira was totally unimpressed. "My not like him. He's a baby. He's too little to play with me!" At his pronouncement, all the adults burst into laughter, startling Kichiro into waking up and crying. Akira just heaved a disgusted sigh. "See? He cries! My not cry all the time." This just caused more mirth among the four parents.

Izayoi was insulted. "No, Akira, my brother! You be nice!"

Miroku and Sango decided that before Izayoi decided to prove her point to Akira with a toddler shoving match, that it was time to take their growing brood home. "Come on girls, it's time we headed home," Miroku said, helping Sango to her feet. They held out their hands for their children to grab on to. "Kagome, I'll be by tomorrow to check on you," said Sango, with a hand on her expanding belly where her unborn child had decided to wake up within her and stretch. "I'll be happy when this one stops putting his or her feet in my ribs, I'd like to breathe again soon."

Inuyasha laughed, and said, "Well, if you and Miroku didn't insist on having so many, you might get to breathe more often."

Miroku clapped his friend on the back, and said, "My friend, you are rapidly catching up to us, especially if you insist on having children so close together." His grin was sly, and he enjoyed watching both Inuyasha and Kagome get embarrassed. He chose to take his wife and children home, with an admonition to Sango that she needed to rest when they arrived at their house.

Three weeks passed by, and Sesshomaru made his way to the village for a visit with Rin. She greeted him with her usual enthusiasm, and could talk of nothing but baby Kichiro. "Lord Sesshomaru, he has the most adorable little ears, just like Inuyasha's! May we go see them?" She put her hand in his, and he allowed her to lead him through the village to his brother's home. On the short walk, she told him that Inuyasha had delivered the baby, causing Sesshomaru's eyebrow to take flight in surprise. "Inuyasha delivered the child? I did not think that was the customary way of doing things, Rin."

"Well, of course not! But Kichiro arrived so fast that Inuyasha didn't have time to come get me and Kaede, so he had to deliver the baby. But everything was fine, Kagome did really well!" She let go of Sesshomaru and began to skip ahead, laughing and singing as she loved to do when he was around.

They reached Inuyasha and Kagome's home, and came upon Inuyasha gathering firewood outside. Rin greeted him with a hug, and a huge grin. "Inuyasha! How are Izayoi and Kichiro? I brought Lord Sesshomaru to meet Kichiro!" Inuyasha gave her a half-smile and a hug in return, and told her to go on into the house, Kagome and the children were inside. She skipped off, eager to play with Izayoi and admire Kichiro, and chatter away with Kagome.

Sesshomaru regarded Inuyasha regally. "Little brother, I heard you had quite the adventure. I thought the child wasn't supposed to arrive until now."

Inuyasha eyed Sesshomaru suspiciously, but realized that there was nothing more than concern, and even a bit of interest. "Yeah, I had to help Kagome deliver him. Kichiro came early by nearly a month, but he and Kagome are both doing well."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Good. Does he resemble you or Kagome?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Knowing Rin, she's already told you that he looks like me, but he's got Kagome's eyes. I meant what I said about what would happen if you called my kids half-breeds, I will tear off your left arm again. These are my children, and if you can't accept them for who they are, then feel free to stay the hell away from them."

Sesshomaru gave his half-brother a cool glare. "I also meant what I said, little brother. I have no insult to give, and I would expect nothing less from a man when it comes to defending his children. They are under my protection. I am quite sure they are worthy of being called the niece and nephew of Sesshomaru, the Inu Daiyokai."

"Well I'm ever so glad you approve, Sesshomaru." Inuyasha couldn't resist throwing in a sarcastic rejoinder. "You know what, forget it. You might as well come in and see Kagome and the kids. I know Izayoi will be delighted to see you." With that, he turned around, waiting for Sesshomaru to follow him into the house.

When Sesshomaru and Inuyasha entered, Rin had Izayoi in her lap, playing with her hair, and was chattering to Kagome about the news of the village. Kagome had Kichiro in her arms and was nursing him, making sure for her own modesty and Rin's to be covered. When she caught sight of her other visitor, she was very glad that she had covered herself. She gave Sesshomaru a slightly embarrassed smile, and said, "I'm afraid you'll have to wait to meet your nephew, he woke up hungry."

Izayoi looked up, and shrieked with glee at the sight of Sesshomaru. "Oji-sama! My has a brother!" She reached for him, and he obliged her, picking her up so she could talk to him face to face.

Sesshomaru gave the little girl the barest upturn of his mouth. "So I hear, Izayoi. How do you like having a brother?"

She twined her fingers in his pelt. "My like him. My protect him."

He gave her a solemn look, inwardly proud, but also inwardly amused, that she declared that she would protect her brother. "I would expect nothing less from you, Izayoi. You are protective like your mother, and you are my niece. You come from a long line of warrior Inu yokai."

Izayoi regarded Sesshomaru with a serious look of her own. "Like Daddy and Oji-sama?" Sesshomaru realized he should have known this question was coming someday, but he never expected her to be quite so perceptive at such a young age. He realized that he would have to swallow his pride, and admit to the small girl something that he didn't readily admit to himself. "Yes. Like your father and Oji-sama. We are the sons of the great Inu no Taisho, and we protect you, and your mother, and your brother." He set the small girl down since she was beginning to get fidgety, and let her go back to her mother.

Inuyasha was dumbfounded. That was the closest he'd ever heard Sesshomaru get to admitting that they were brothers to anyone. Mostly, when Sesshomaru addressed him as "little brother", it was to preface an insult. Sesshomaru actually admitting that they were both the sons of the Inu no Taisho, without throwing in a gratuitous barb of "half-breed," was not something Inuyasha ever thought he'd hear.

Kagome was not as surprised as Inuyasha. She knew that Sesshomaru had some respect for Inuyasha, and she remembered him protecting her during the last battle with Naraku. The only thing she hadn't expected was how close Sesshomaru had come to admitting that he and Inuyasha were brothers, given that Sesshomaru had never been willing to do so before.

Just then, she realized that Kichiro was done nursing, and had turned his head when he had heard Sesshomaru's voice as he spoke to Izayoi. She put her kimono back together, removed the light blanket she was using as a cover, and told Sesshomaru, "I'm all covered again. Come meet your nephew." Sesshomaru approached, and assisted Kagome in getting to her feet. He was slightly taken aback to realize that her eyes were taking him in from Inuyasha's face. Once again, he had to admit, they had produced an attractive child, much like his sister.

Just as she had with Izayoi, Kagome merely handed Sesshomaru her son, beaming with maternal pride, and he made no move to either refuse to take him, or immediately give him back to his mother. Uncle and nephew watched each other, briefly communing in silence.

"Kichiro, I have no doubt that you will be spending your time trying to annoy your mother, much as your father does. Be wary of her temper, and do not provoke her needlessly like your father." The baby gave Sesshomaru a small growl, waving his small fists around. Sesshomaru nearly laughed aloud – of course this child would have defiance down to an art form, even now. He was Inuyasha's son, after all. No, Kichiro would not have his mother's innate gentle, sweet nature. He would be another Inu warrior.

"Well, little brother, it appears that you have someone to rival your stubbornness. Try to keep him from annoying Kagome needlessly." There was just the barest hint of amusement in Sesshomaru's voice, but Inuyasha, Kagome and Rin could all hear it. All three looked at Sesshomaru with shock written on their faces. Sesshomaru merely ignored their surprise, and handed the baby back to his mother. Izayoi demanded that he pick her up again, and he obliged her.

"Oji-sama like my brother?" Izayoi gave him a look that said that if he didn't, he would answer to her.

"Yes, Izayoi, Oji-sama likes your brother. He has the potential to be a skilled warrior." Even this young, she would not hesitate to be angry with me had I said otherwise. It will be fascinating to see these children grow up.

"My a warrior?" Izayoi waited for her uncle's response, giving him a look that gave away very little, other than she was expecting a response.

"Izayoi, you are a warrior like your mother." Where were these questions coming from, Sesshomaru wondered.

"Mama a miko." Izayoi was very definite on that one, having seen her mother in miko's robes from the time she was very small until she could no longer fit into them again when she was expecting Kichiro. She had never seen her mother battle anyone, how could she be a warrior like Izayoi's father and Oji-sama? The disbelief was obvious on her small, delicate face.

"No, niece, your mother is a warrior as well. I have seen her in battle. She is fiercely protective of those she cares for, and she will fight to the death to keep them safe. Your mother is a warrior. You are very much like her." Sesshomaru was just as definite as his niece. He'd seen Kagome in action, and had respect for her willingness to fight and sacrifice for others.

"Mama a warrior, too?" Izayoi was amazed that her mother was being described the same way her father usually was.

Inuyasha spoke up. "Yes, baby, Mama is a warrior, too. She hates to fight, but she'll do it anyway, because she loves us, and Miroku-oji, and Sango-oba, and Shippo, and Rin, and she even cares a little for Sesshomaru-oji. She would do anything to protect you, and anyone else she cares about." Sesshomaru merely ignored Inuyasha's gratuitous barb.

Kagome just stood there, astonished at what was being said about her. She had no idea that Sesshomaru considered her a warrior. For the longest time, she had been beneath his notice unless he wanted to use her to enrage Inuyasha into fighting. Sesshomaru noticed her staring at him in utter shock, and simply stated, "Little sister, I speak only the truth." He decided that he'd had enough of human sentimentality, gave his niece back to her father, and bid the family farewell, telling Rin that he would wait for her outside the village near the Bone Eater's Well to join him when she was done with her visit.

After Sesshomaru left, Inuyasha turned to his wife, who was still stunned. "You know he's right."

"Wait, what?" Kagome just stared at him. "What do you mean, he's right?"

Inuyasha gave her a smug grin, happy to have the upper hand for once when in a discussion with her. "Kagome, you're a warrior born. Just because you don't like to fight doesn't mean that you won't if the need arises. You've fought for all of us before, even when you were bringing our children into the world, you used your strength in ways I never could. So Sesshomaru is right. You are a warrior. And so are our children." He and Izayoi came over to Kagome and Kichiro, and he put his free arm around her, grateful for this woman who had completely changed his life, and had fought to do so.