Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Unexpected Circumstance	By : Neptunesdemon Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 13382 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all its characters are not owned by me. I do not make any profit of of this, it is purely for entertainment.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Title: Unexpected Circumstance
Author: C-Chan2 aka Neptunesdemon
Archive: M-preg mailing list
Category: Mpreg, romance, drama
Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru
Rating: R for some cussing and stuff
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, incest, non-con
Author's Note: I warn you now of OOCness on Sesshy-kun's part. I found it hard to do him stoic during these certain events. I hope you can forgive me. *bows* Please enjoy.
xoxoxoxox
Inuyasha was growing impatient. He had been sitting with Miroku for at least the better part of an hour, sitting and staring at the monk who was positioned in front of him. The houshi was chanting under his breath and poised in some Buddhist form, trying to place the sutra onto the hanyou. The first time it had worked and so had the second, but each time Inuyasha had gone close enough to Sesshomaru, his youki proved it was strong enough to break it. So, it was back to the drawing board and after a week of contemplation for Miroku, and exile for Inuyasha, the monk announced he had figured it out.
Now they sat a few yards away from the edge of the village, on the opposite end from which Sesshomaru's newly erected hut was located. The demon lord had refused it at first, being that it was too lowly of a shelter to house him, but he had been convinced. All they needed to do was remind him of his privacy and the fact that he would need not share residence with any humans. Of course, they had to convince him all over again after he learned that he would be shacked up with Minako, but the fox kit and Rin were able to convince him with puppy-dog eyes and incessant pleas.
Inuyasha sighed loudly for what had to be the hundredth time. What was taking the monk so long? All he had to do was weave the spell into the beads with Kagome's. He'd come to the conclusion that perhaps his sutra needed a magical base to latch on to and if he could manage that, then with the power of a priestess being its stability, Inuyasha's youki wouldn't be able to break it as easily.
He could feel his youki's anger at that and was quite satisfied. Maybe now he'd get some peace and quiet with the annoying thing in control.
You will lose mate without me.
'Well he ain't my mate, so I won't be losing anything, except maybe this constant headache I've had since you've woken up.'
He felt it huff and curl into itself, almost as it were pouting and he stopped himself from grinning in satisfaction. Let it brood all it wanted, once the monk got this damn sutra down, he was going to enjoy the freedom.
"Are you ready, Inuyasha?"
The hanyou blinked as Miroku finally spoke, not having noticed when the monk had stopped chanting. Inuyasha nodded, his face set in a frown of concentration, since he would have to restrain his youki, who always fought against it. If he was lucky, the damn thing would be too busy pouting to try and resist.
"Okay, then." Miroku began, reaching a hand out to Inuyasha. His fingers gently rested atop the beads, his other forming another of those Buddhist palm thingies that Inuyasha never tried to figure out. "Now I need you to concentrate. My spell is as weak as before until it actually binds to Kagome's."
"Yeah, yeah, just do your thing and I'll keep my youki in check."
With only a sigh, Miroku was chanting once again. This time the air about them seemed to be charging up, and Inuyasha's ears twitched as he could sense the energies crackling about them. His youki seemed alert at that, and Inuyasha tensed himself for the struggle he knew that was bound to happen.
Miroku's form never broke, even when Inuyasha began growling, a clawed hand gabbing him by the wrist tightly. He didn't have to open his eyes to know that the inu-hanyou was transforming, his youki taking over his body. It was expected, but the monk would not be swayed, even if he was hoping that he would keep his arm and maybe even his life.
A howl of dismay had him wanting to open his eyes, but he rather he didn't. He had to stay focused on this or it would be right back to the beginning.
"Damn it, Miroku! Aren't you done yet!" At least Inuyasha was winning the battle. "This bastard's fighting harder than before! Just bind him already!"
He ignored the hanyou's impatient commands and continued forward, letting the sutra take its time in melding with the binding spell of the beads. If he rushed this there was a chance that it went wrong and then he was sure Inuyasha's youki wouldn't give them another chance. Besides, he was almost done, it would only be a few more moments.
The tension seemed to grow, Inuyasha's eyes going back and forth from yellow to red and back again, while his grip tightened and went lax on Miroku's wrist. At the last instant, everything seemed to snap, and Inuyasha cried out as he and Miroku went flying in opposite directions, pushed by the force of the spell coming to an end.
Miroku grunted as he landed sprawled on his back, his head spinning and mind fuzzy. Inuyasha was a few yards away, having crashed into a tree hard enough to splinter the bark. He cursed under his breath as he tried to shake his head clear of the fuzzy feeling. That only made it worse and the need to vomit snuck up on him. He managed to avoid doing such and slowly began peeling himself away from the tree.
He stood on shaky legs, having to lean on the tree so as not to fall, as the world slowly stopped spinning.
"What the hell happened?" He asked out loud, amber eyes looking for Miroku.
He found the monk sprawled out on his back, not exactly sure if the monk was conscious or not, or even dead for that matter. Who knew what the monk had gone through if he was feeling like shit.
"Hey, Miroku! Don't fucking die on me!"
"I'm not dead, Inuyasha." Came the monk's voice in reassurance. "I'm just in no rush to stand. The sky hasn't stopped spinning yet, and I fear what the ground is like"
The hanyou snorted, and pushed off, wobbling his way over to where his friend had landed. The last few inches he let himself drop, ending up face first in the dirt next to Miroku, who grunted as one of Inuyasha's arms smack-landed on his stomach.
"Is this really how you repay me?" The houshi questioned, too weak to push the arm off. "Violence is never the answer, Inuyasha."
"Oh shut up, you perverted idiot." The hanyou grumbled, finding it hard to stay awake. "I was coming to help you."
"Well, I guess it's the thought that counts." Miroku was fighting off his need to pass out. "Did it work?"
Inuyasha only grunted, not too eager to figure that out at this precise moment.
"Ask me when I'm not half-dazed and awake in a couple of hours."
Miroku chuckled, wondering if it was actually safe to fall asleep out here, leaving themselves vulnerable to whatever lurked by. Inuyasha's slight snoring was his answer that it didn't matter and he welcomed the darkness that took him.
xoxoxoxox
Minako ignored the glare that the Lord of the West was sending her as she stood above his sleeping roll, patiently waiting for him to give in. It was time he had another exam and the proud bastard was being difficult. He had refused to let her do her work, and the two had been looking back at each other for who knew how long.
The children had been sent off for the youkai's privacy, Kaede having come an ushered them off herself in the disguise that she needed their help herb-gathering, and Minako had been left behind to tend to her temporary lord. A brat was what he was and she wished she had been there to play nursemaid to the spoiled demon when he was growing up. She would have fixed him in his proper place had she the chance, but it was too late now, with the young demon set in his ways. The previous Inu no Taisho had most likely let the child be in his mother's presence too long.
She sighed, her shoulders slumping as her feet began to hurt. She was growing impatient and it was getting later. She and Kaede had been sharing tea at noon since she'd been here and it was closing in on them. She would not let this childish inu deter her from her course.
"My lord, you will let me exam you."
"I refuse to let you come anywhere near me. I've had enough of your poking and prodding, old woman!"
What happened next shocked Sesshomaru that he couldn't help the wide-eyed expression that took his face, his mouth nearly hanging open as his lone hand grabbed the top of his now throbbing skull. She had hit him. The monkey had actually hit him.
Minako contained her laughter at the young lord's reaction to her whack with her walking stick, holding a serious face as she glowered down at him. She was sure that it had been a long while since he had been reprimanded and it was about high time he finally was.
"How dare you, you bi-" His growled words were cut short as the walking stick was raised threateningly, teeth clicking closed as he clenched his jaw in anger. When he regained his true strength, the old bitch would get what's coming to her.
"Now, unless you'd like a new lump to match the first, I suggest you let me do my job."
With a glare that could cut glass, Sesshomaru reluctantly shifted, removing his hakama as best as he could. It was getting harder to move around with his strength redirected to the baby and his stomach hindering most of his movements. He managed and then turned his head away so that he didn't have to stare as Minako knelt between his now parted legs, washing her hands in a nearby basin.
He truly abhorred this part, and he grit his teeth as he felt the old woman breach his birth canal. Luckily enough, it didn't last long, and he let out a silent sigh of relief.
"I'm surprised you haven't burst as of yet." The old saru said, cleaning her hands in the basin of water beside them. "I had suspected you'd have gone into labor last week. You must be determined to put it off as long as possible."
Sesshomaru said nothing, and easily covered himself with the blankets, wanting her to leave. The more time he spent with her was the more he realized that he hated the blasted monkey-demon.
"Let me see your chest."
This was a new request, and he would have downright refused, if he hadn't realized her hand resting on her walking stick that laid neatly beside her. With a haughty scoff, he turned his head so as not to look at her as he untied his kimono. When it was open to reveal his chest, he felt almost a bit shameful. His muscles had lost their tone, and he no longer had the body he had once been proud of.
He flinched as the old woman's hand pressed against his right breast, and jumped when she squeezed it near the base of his nipple.
"What are you doing!" He demanded, slapping her hand away without a second thought.
"Good, you're coming along nicely."
The wet feeling against his chest had him glancing down and he froze in horror at the sight that he was leaking. This was impossible! He couldn't produce milk, only females did that, and he was no female.
He drew his kimono closed as fast as he could, suddenly wanting to hide himself away from every set of eyes that could see him. At the moment it was only Minako, but the others would see him later on. How could they stand the sight of him? He fought the feelings he'd never had before, forcing himself to sit up straight and proud, as he had begun to shrink away to hide beneath the covers.
He had no need to feel anything at all. He was the same stoic and uncaring Daiyoukai that he had been eight weeks ago. His pregnancy changed nothing. Even if he was no where as physically perfect as he had been. He stopped that thought before it could go any further, refusing to be as emotional as a female. He was the Sesshomaru, Lord of the West and the most powerful demon of this time. He would not be overcome by fluctuating hormones caused by an unwanted pregnancy.
You do not want the pup?
'Be quiet.' He told his youki with a mental sigh. 'You know exactly what I mean.'
"No need to feel ashamed, young lad." Minako was speaking to draw his attention. "How else would you have fed the child? Even male youkai produce their own milk when pregnant. You'll be able to gain your body of old when the child has been weaned off of your milk and you are able to train again."
"I feel no shame."
"Of course you do child" She told him in a gentle voice. "It's natural, especially for a demon of your caliber. You've been proud your entire life and now this has come and hindered said pride. It can't be helped, but you'll live through it."
He said nothing to her, but watched as she slowly stood, making her way to the pre-made medicine on a shelf. He shuddered at the thought of having to drink it. He was no longer required to drink the healing medicine, but now he needed this to help regain his strength that he was losing to the pup. It tasted just as bad, if not worse, than the last.
"I'd like you to stay relaxed and calm." The mid-wife ordered, heading back to him with the medicine in hand. "You are limited in just how much exercise you can get. If you go wandering around the village, you walk no more than twenty minutes and you had damn well rest often. And you must eat."
She handed him the small bowl, which he took much more gently than usual, and even drank without her insistence. She smiled in satisfaction as the bowl was thrust back into her hand, proud to see that a good rap to his skull was all the Daiyoukai had needed.
"Now, I'm sure you must have some questions for me."
She waited patiently, but the youkai said nothing to her. He merely kept his eyes focused on the wall across from him, refusing to meet her gaze or engage in conversation. So, he was still stubborn after all.
"None at all?"
More silence, which she waited out as long as her patience allowed her to.
"Very well, then I shall leave you to yourself." She said heading towards the door of the hut. "If you should need me, I will be with the Lady Kaede. We'll send the children back to you."
She had slid open the door, when her ears caught the soft question, and she turned back to face the silver-haired inukai.
"Will it stay?" Had been the question.
"Will what stay?"
The glare thrown her way, and the uncomfortable look in his eyes as he did so answered her own question, and she chuckled. He wasn't the only male to have asked her this.
"It will heal a few days after the birth." She said in reference to the birth canal, watching the relief wash over the demon lord. "Though that only means it will re-open every time you are impregnated. You should hope to find a mate that has no desire for children if you never wish to go through this again."
"Or I can just as easily not take a mate at all." The inu snapped, the saru sighing at the words.
"Yet, I know your youki has already convinced you." She softly told him, her hands resting atop her walking stick. "If Inuyasha did come to you of his own free will, you would have him take you, would you not?"
"Give myself to a hanyou? You must be growing mad as well as old, saru."
"And you must think me stupid." Minako said, not even bothering to raise her voice. "You may not like it, but you now realize that the title of Daiyoukai can never truly be yours after this and the only way you can hold it is through your mate. You're too proud and would never take a mate that isn't inu-youkai, and so what choice do you have but to take your half-brother. Hanyou he may be, but at least he is still inukai. Or am I mistaken?"
Once again, silence took the room, but Minako was sure it was because the Daiyoukai had nothing to say rather than refused to say anything at all. With a bow of her head, she was leaving again, knowing the dog-demon would want to be alone after having been found out.
"You well tell no one of this, saru." He threatened her.
"Your secret is my own, my lord, I can promise you that."
"You may go."
She let the young lord hold on to the illusion that he had bid her to go away, even though she had been leaving on her own to begin with. It was the least she could do, after exposing him. Well, at least one of them had finally given in, now all she had to do was convince Inuyasha. Now there was a headache she would rather not give herself, but it had to be done. The future of the Western Lands depended on it.
xoxoxoxox
Sango stood waiting at the edge of the village, looking out into the trees that Inuyasha and Miroku had hid themselves in. They had been gone since early morning and she was beginning to worry. Kaede had already served lunch and Minako had even finished checking on Sesshomaru. Hell, the two old women had even had their tea and was now wandering the village.
Just what were those two up to?
She heard Kirara mew, and she looked down to the fire neko, that blinked up at her. She was probably feeling her agitation, and she crouched to stroke the neko hoping to soothe her.
"I'm just worried is all. Do you think we should go looking for them?"
She took Kirara's responding mewl as an affirmative, and took the neko into her arms before treading out into the area her two companions had disappeared to. She walked quite a good distance before her worry grew worse. She had yet to see sight of them and she had no idea what could have happened. What if something had happened to them?
"No, Inuyasha would have already been alerted, unless of course whatever came into his forest he wasn't able to handle on his own." Trying to reassure herself obviously wasn't working.
She kept moving forward and finally came to a halt at the sight in front of her. A few yards a way, two bodies were spread out on the forest floor, and the taijiya instantly recognized them.
"Miroku! Inuyasha!"
She rushed over, Kirara having jumped out of her arms to run ahead, and knelt beside them. She struggled to push Inuyasha onto his back, glad to realize he was alive as the hanyou made a sound of protest in what had to be his sleep.
But the houshi. . .
"Miroku?" She called quietly, her hands gently shaking the dark-haired man. "Miroku."
Without a thought she was pressing her head to his chest, trying to hear for his heartbeat and missing the sly smile that took the monk's lips. The air she breathed out in a sigh of relief was drawn back in as a gasp as a hand pressed firmly against her butt and squeezed.
"You perverted idiot!" She screamed out, her hand ripping across his cheek as she pulled away from him.
If Miroku had actually been out before, he was now wide awake and cradling his smarting cheek. This one had actually hurt, a lot more than the rest. That meant that Sango had to be quite angry.
"The next time I'll assume you're dead!"
At Sango's screaming, Inuyasha slowly blinked his eyes open, squinting as he realized the sun was quite high. Just how long had he been out? Hell, who cared? That was the last thing that he was concerned about.
Sitting up, he was glad to find that his head was clear, save the ringing in his ears from Sango's on-going rant. Miroku was sitting up as well, a rather dark hand-print on his cheek as the monk tried his best to win Sango's favor. It was the same scene that he was getting tired of looking at, so he decided to distract them.
"Did it work?" He was curious after all.
It worked, and Miroku looked to him with Sango, who was cut short.
"Well, Inuyasha, I believe there is only one way to make sure."
Inuyasha sighed as he stood from the ground, stretching out his muscles and working the kinks out of his joints.
"All right, let's go pay his highness a visit."
Kirara mewed and was off to lead the way, the hanyou slowly following after her.
"You guys can stay and keep flirting all you want."
The two looked to each other in confusion, before Sango was storming off in a huff. She was not flirting. Who in their right mind would flirt with a lecherous, sad excuse of a monk? Miroku sighed himself as he followed after her, hand still rubbing his cheek. He hoped that Sango had a less violent way of flirting, if that was flirting at all. He didn't know how long his cheeks were able to stand it.
xoxoxoxox
Kagome proudly looked over her recently packed backpack, filled to the point that it was barely closed. She had finally gotten the courage to go back to the past, having been gone for such a long time, and she realized that she couldn't head back empty handed.
With no major tests in the recent future, she figured it was alright to slip away and her grandfather had already called the school. She cringed at the thought of just what excuse he had made up to give them, but she knew she'd have no choice but to deal with that when she returned.
Lifting up the heavy backpack, she placed it on her back before heading out of her room, slowly taking the stairs since her balance was thrown off some.
"Goodbye, I'm going back now!" She announced loud enough for the rest of the household to hear.
"Okay dear!" Her mother's voice called back from the kitchen.
"Tell Inuyasha that I said hello!" Came Sota's from upstairs.
She didn't have to hear it to know that her grandfather was grumbling under his breath. Placing on her shoes she headed out, breathing in the air with a deep breath before heading off to the well. She was actually quiet excited to see little Shippo and felt horrible for leaving him behind for so long. She had a ton of candy for him as an apology. Not to mention ramen for Inuyasha.
It was still hard to come to terms with what had happened, but she figured that it was time to grow up and let bygones be bygones. She had even planned on getting on Lord Sesshomaru's good side. She wasn't sure if he had a good side, but she would arrive bearing gifts for him as well.
She was sure that he could use the bottles and baby clothes that she was bringing along. It was a mixture of her and Sota's old things that her mom had saved, as she wasn't sure if the baby would be a boy or a girl.
As she came up to the well, she hesitated for a moment, a bit unsure if she was doing the right thing. When she had left, she had seen Inuyasha kiss his own brother, and she didn't want to know how things had turned out. What if the two had become mates?
"Well, I'll just have to be happy for the both of them!" She told herself, eager to get rid of these feelings. "Besides, Inuyasha and I were never meant to be more than friends. I have to accept it."
With a nod she was off, jumping over the side of the well and letting the magic transport her to a time she had come to think of as her second home. When she arrived she glanced up, glad to find that she arrived during the day. She wondered for a moment if Inuyasha would be waiting for her at the top, but figured he was probably busy looking after Sesshomaru and doubted he'd even be in the village.
She popped out of the well to be greeted by the crisp spring day, smiling as she took in her surroundings. She really had missed it while she was gone. Her bike luckily enough was still left behind, as she hadn't brought it back with her when she left, having been in too much of a hurry to escape the truth.
She easily climbed atop it before riding off the short distance to the village and eventually Kaede's hut. As she rode through the village, she was greeted in kind by the people there who were now used to her and it wasn't long before she came across Kaede's hut, where the old priestess was seated on her porch. She was in company with an old woman Kagome had never seen before and as the girl from the future approached them, she had the feeling that she was being calculated by the newcomer.
Her bike came smoothly to a stop, and Kagome climbed off of it and offered the two older women a bow.
"Kagome, I see ye have finally returned." Kaede greeted with a warm smile. "I assume your journey was safe."
"Yes, I'm sorry I left in such a hurry." She apologized, trying her best not to look at the other old woman, even though she knew very well that brown eyes were centered on her. "I had some things to take care of back at school."
"So you are the priestess?" The old stranger finally said, Kagome turning to face her. "The young fox babbles on about you. You carry the Lady Kikyo within you?"
"Nay, she is the Lady Kikyo reborn." Kaede corrected her, and the saru only snorted.
"Yes, all the same to me really. Though you'd never know it. From the stories you told me of your sister, I would think her new vessel would have a bit more finesse. Good heavens child, just what are you wearing?"
Kagome resisted the urge to glare, but couldn't help but feel a bit insulted. Just what was wrong with her clothes?
"That be the clothes from her time." Kaede explained before Kagome could. "It is as common there as the kimono we wear in this time."
Minako rolled her eyes.
"Ah, yes, she's from the future you tell me. If this is what's in store for this land centuries from now, I am surely glad that I'll have gone to rest by then."
"And who may I ask are you?" Kagome demanded, hands planted on her hips.
"Me?" The old woman asked, one weathered finger pointing at herself. "I'm the mid-wife to Lord Sesshomaru. You may call me Minako."
Mid-wife? Sesshomaru had a mid-wife? And if he did why was she here in the village?
"Sesshomaru is here?"
Kaede nodded in answer to her question, while this Minako person merely scoffed.
"And just where else would he be with him ready to give birth any day now?"
She couldn't help her eyes from widening at the words. How was that possible? She hadn't been gone that long. He could only be about three months or so. Unless it was different for demons.
"Aye, Kagome, the pup is expected soon. And ye have come back none too soon." Kaede added to Minako's words and hoping to soothe the miko's shock. "We fear that Naraku will come for the child, and we would be glad to have your aid if the need arrives."
"Naraku?" Now she was even more confused. "What does he have to do with anything?"
The other old woman stood, a hand scratching her head as she gave a weary sigh.
"It seems you must be brought up to speed with what you've missed, priestess." Minako said, Kaede standing to join her. "Perhaps it's best you receive this news in your friends' company."
Kagome nodded, before she was carting her bike alongside her as she started walking after the two women leading the way. She watched Minako glance back at her, giving a shake of her head almost as if she was a lost cause.
"Hopefully we can get you some decent clothing before you're mistaken for a prostitute."
Kagome bristled and had the urge to fling a rock if one was close enough.
"I am not a prostitute and there is nothing wrong with my clothes!"
"Rudeness must run rampant in the future." The old demon said to Kaede, who was enjoying this more than she should. "Let us count ourselves lucky that we need only watch it from heaven than actually be there ourselves."
Kagome huffed as she trailed behind them, not knowing where this old mid-wife had come from, but hoping that she wouldn't be staying long.
xoxoxoxox
Sesshomaru watched warily as Rin ran off to find more flowers, having braided the last of them into her own hair. The demon lord had long ran out of hair for her to tangle with flowers, and Shippo had scurried off up a tree to escape her when she went after him. Since Jaken had no hair at all, she was left with her own, and she had used up all the flowers she had. So, she had gone off in search for more.
The demon lord was tense as he watched her, not that she was too far off, but he rather she be much closer. He had been on edge as of late, with his due date nearing and this entire scenario with Inuyasha being banned from even looking in his direction (though it wasn't as if he cared). He couldn't help but be uneasy.
Not to mention he was feeling uncomfortable as well, though he'd never word it out loud. The pup kept moving, almost as if it were restless, which in turn made him restless. And that meant always trying to get comfortable. He loathed to let even a smidgen of his canine roots possess him, but he had been finding himself nesting as of late, and no matter how he tried it would seem he was never satisfied. That and the urge to go to the bathroom every half hour or so was driving him to a point he had never touched before. It felt as if he was going mad, and the Daiyoukai of the inu clan did not go mad.
"Chichiue! I found some pretty ones!" Rin's happy voice came floating in to his thoughts, and he looked up to find her jumping up and down in celebration of her find.
He merely nodded at her, before turning to Jaken, who sat frowning beside him. The kappa had long stopped bursting into tears every time he looked in his lord's direction, though he did give a small sniffle when he thought Sesshomaru wasn't listening, and had vowed to help protect his lord from anything that should confront them. His loyalty was something the Daiyoukai was pleased to have, and he was sure that the small toad would stay true to his word.
"Jaken, go and help her." He told him, rather having someone by Rin's side with her so far away.
She was halfway across the glade that he had been given permission to walk to on his own. Of course, he had been ordered to rest once he got there and to wait for Minako or even Kaede to come and receive him. All the same, he was glad to have a moment's rest without the old monkey on his back at all times.
"But, my lord!" The kappa began to protest, but one look from Sesshomaru had him scrambling up and shooting off to where Rin was now crouching to pick the flowers.
Satisfied that Rin was no longer alone, he then focused on Shippo, who was still hovering in the tree that he was seated against.
"Kit." He called, beginning to pick the flowers out of his hair.
He heard the leaves ruffle as Shippo shifted to most likely look down at him.
"Come down."
"But I don't want flowers in my hair!"
"Now."
With a whine the small fox was doing as told and Sesshomaru watched as he came to stand in front of him, his tail limp behind him. The closest stick he could find was taken in his hand, and then Sesshomaru was handing it to him, before sitting back and merely waiting.
The kitsune looked to the stick, then Sesshomaru and then back again, not entirely sure just what he was supposed to do with it.
"Practice your forms."
"But why can't I play like Rin is?" He whined, looking to where Rin was now chasing Jaken and pelting him with flowers.
"No. You will train." Came Sesshomaru's stern answer.
"But, it's not fair!" The fox continued, his eyes watering up at Sesshomaru.
It struck a chord that Sesshomaru seemed to have gain during these past few months, but he easily ignored it, knowing it was the boy trying to get out of training. This could not be allowed, he would grow into a fine demon to make his family proud, the old and the new. That would not happen if he shirked when it came to training.
"First form."
Knowing he wasn't going to get his way, Shippo merely slumped his shoulders and gave a whine, before getting into the form.
"Slouching deserves no sweets after supper."
That had the kit straightening up, and then Sesshomaru was satisfied to watch the kit go through the simple katas he had taught the boy. He knew that Inuyasha was teaching him as well, but he found it an advantage for the fox to have two teachers. Rin he would raise as a proper lady, though she was a fast learner and easily caught on to whatever she saw Shippo being taught. At least they would grow into a fine demon and woman.
And our pup?
Sesshomaru rested his hand atop his stomach, realizing that the baby was actually still, more than it had been in recent days. He would have been worried if it wasn't for the constant heartbeat and small aura he could always feel.
'Our pup will be a demon fit to be Daiyoukai. I will make sure of that.'
The answer satisfied his youki, who went quiet again, and Sesshomaru watched as Shippo did his katas, "sword" in hand.
It wasn't long before he was tensing, sensing an aura he hadn't sensed in quiet a while. Then it was the unmistakable smell that invaded his senses, but he refused to turn to look at the newcomer.
"There you are. I've been looking for you."
Inuyasha looked down at Sesshomaru, having landed in the tree that his brother was sitting under. He had gone to the hut, but found it empty, and then followed his nose instead of finding either of the two old ladies to point him in the right direction.
He wasn't too happy to find that Sesshomaru was out near the fields by himself, even if it wasn't too far from the village. Didn't he know that he was ready to pop anytime now? And what if Naraku had shown up, then what would he have done?
"Inuyasha."
He took that as acknowledgment and a greeting, and the hanyou jumped down to land beside the Lord of the West. He hesitated a bit, not sure if Miroku's hard work had paid off, and waiting for the unmistakable "snap" of the bind breaking.
Nothing happened, and he could barely feel his youki at all. He even tried to provoke it, but it was quiet. He could tell it was very unhappy, but that was confirmation that the monk had done his work well. It was a relief.
"So, I've been thinking." Inuyasha began, his eyes watching as Shippo trained. He knew the nosy little bastard was listening in. "We need to have a talk."
Sesshomaru didn't react, or even look at him, but the Daiyoukai did nod in agreement. Good, this made things easier.
"Hey, Shippo, get lost!"
The kit stumbled in his form, before he was glaring at the inu-hanyou for interrupting him. Besides, he wanted to hear what they were going to talk about.
"Jaken!"
The green kappa was rushing over at his lord's beckoning, eagerly awaiting the next order.
"Take Rin and Shippo back. I wish to have a word with Inuyasha alone."
Jaken went to protest, but before he could Inuyasha's fist came crashing down on top of his head.
"Scram, ugly! And take the runts with you!"
Scowling, and wanting to protest, the kappa did as told. After gathering Rin from further out in the field, he led the two children away, but not before sticking his tongue out childishly for Inuyasha.
The hanyou only snorted, watching as Jaken and the children rushed off. He had left Miroku and Sango behind, so he was now alone with his brother. They had been trying to avoid it before his youki started going berserk, and now with it settled, he wasn't so sure if it was still the right thing to do.
He'd have to grit his teeth and bear it, they had to settle things once and for all.
"Sesshomaru, I've been thinking." He began, stopping as he heard the older youkai give a snort.
"A pastime you have never indulged in before, I'm sure."
"Hey, I'm trying to make peace you stuck up bastard, don't make me change my mind!"
Sesshomaru remained silent, and Inuyasha huffed, hoping that it would last long enough so that he could get his point across. He had been doing some thinking, contrary to popular belief, and he was beginning to realize that maybe he should change his way of thinking.
His youki wouldn't be bound forever, and he didn't have any intentions of hurting the innocent pup or even Sesshomaru for that matter. That was a scary thought to come face to face to, when most of his life he'd remembered endlessly defending himself against the demon who had tried to kill him.
Amber eyes looked down at Sesshomaru, and he realized that he was just reluctant to accept change. He had always known that Sesshomaru had no love for him, and he shared the same feelings when it came to his older brother. It had been that way as long as he could remember, and he had figured it would be that way all throughout his life. He had gotten used to it.
And now, well with this pregnancy basically changing things, he wasn't too sure he wanted to stray from the way things were. He wasn't too big on change. However, he realized that for this to even work, he'd have to accept said change.
He'd thought on what Myoga had said, and though he didn't like it, the flea was right. Sesshomaru's title no longer belonged to him, and would only be the pup's when it came of age. Until then, the inu clan was threatened, as it was free game to anyone who had their sights set on the West.
Sesshomaru's youki was bound to give in sometime, and then whoever had been so lucky to cause it to do such would be the lucky ruler of the Western Lands. Familial responsibility had never concerned him before, but lately he'd been pondering just what would happen to his family line and legacy if he let some random demon mate with his older brother.
His stomach curled with the idea. He didn't know his father personally, but he had no desire to have what was rightfully his be snatched out of his sons' hands. It was his duty to protect his family line, and he was beginning to realize that the only way to do that was to give in to every one's demands.
"Did you wish us privacy so that we can sit in silence, Inuyasha? Or do you have something you wish to discuss with me?"
He was pulled out of his thoughts by Sesshomaru's questioning, and he looked down to where the older youkai was beginning to stand. Without a thought, he was moving to help him, catching Sesshomaru by his arm, another hand gently resting on his waist.
The youkai tensed having Inuyasha so close, but didn't refuse the help, letting Inuyasha do most of the lifting as he stood from the ground. When they were finally upright, he was a bit confused to feel that Inuyasha had yet to let him go.
He jumped as a hand snaked around from his waist to land on his stomach, and his lone hand reached down to rest it atop Inuyasha's, ready to move it if the need should arrive.
"It's okay." Inuyasha's voice was soothing and sensual, which made Sesshomaru shudder and unintentionally lean back into the hard body pressed up against him. "Miroku's spell worked. I won't hurt the baby. I just wanted to make sure everything was alright."
Sesshomaru gathered his senses and easily lifted Inuyasha's hand away from his abdomen. He couldn't let himself fall victim to this welcoming situation. He may have resigned to his fate, but he would make damn sure that he did it on his terms and at his pace.
Your pace is too slow. I can show you how it's done.
'Be quiet.' He snapped, pulling away from Inuyasha. 'My pace is good enough.'
He turned to face his younger brother, wanting to keep an eye on the hanyou, since he wasn't trusting himself at the moment. He wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, because now he was staring directly into eyes not too unlike his own. But these eyes were brimming with emotions; want, confusion, desire, and even uncertainty. He could even detect a touch a fear. What could Inuyasha have to be scared about?
"Sesshomaru, I've come to realize that everyone's right. Jiji, Miroku and Sango, even that damn Minako make pretty good points." Inuyasha began, not wanting to lose his courage and back out from finally having this discussion. "Let's face it, you need a mate. It's not fair what happened to you, and you deserve better, even if you can be a bastard at times."
Sesshomaru only sighed, letting Inuyasha get away with the jab, knowing an argument will get them no where soon.
"And what are you suggesting, Inuyasha?" He asked so as to push the conversation along.
"I'm suggesting that you find someone worthy enough to be your mate, and it has to be someone I approve of."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at that. There was a moment he thought Inuyasha would offer to mate him, not that he was hoping that would happen, but instead he decided to play the part Sesshomaru's father would have done.
"I do not need the approval of a half-breed." He hissed, suddenly angry. "This Sesshomaru is capable of choosing his own mate worthy of taking my title of lord."
Inuyasha scoffed, tucking his arms away and merely looking at the full-blooded youkai who now turned away from him.
"No way. You want a mate, he goes through me first." Inuyasha insisted, watching his half-brother tense. "I'll decide who gets to own your ass next."
He was expecting the whip and easily side-stepped it, sending a smirk in Sesshomaru's direction. It felt good to tease him and get this reaction, it had been a while since they've been like this. It was comforting in an odd way.
Sesshomaru on the other hand was contemplating if he should let the wretched creature live or if he should rip Inuyasha's head from his shoulders. He was aware of the dull pain in his stomach, and ignored it, thinking it as nothing more than a cramp brought on by the stress of dealing with this idiot he had as a sibling.
"This Sesshomaru is far capable of judging a choice of mate."
"Because Kouga was a fine catch now wasn't he?"
Once again he was dodging, chuckling under his breath as he watched the pregnant youkai try not to let his emotions slip onto his face.
"At least he is a full-blooded youkai, someone I could stand to call my mate, rather than some damned hanyou."
The dull cramp didn't seem as dull any more, and he figured he should quit while he was ahead. There was no reason to put up with further aggravation. Besides, Minako had said rest was what he needed. Not that he was following her orders, he merely agreed with her point.
Do you like lying to yourself?
'What part of be quiet did you not understand?'
Fine. His youki gave in with a huff. I will be quiet.
Satisfied, he turned his attention back to Inuyasha, a slight frown taking his face as the cramp had yet to pass. He pondered questioning his youki for a moment, but he was sure that it would warn him if he was to go into labor. As it hadn't said anything yet, he was sure that he was fine and it would pass soon enough.
"Hey, let's get serious, alright?" Inuyasha suggested, his teasing smirk replaced with a serious face, amber eyes locking with Sesshomaru's. "I've been thinking about what everyone said, you know? And, I've been thinking about everything that's happened."
Sesshomaru's hand gently clutched at his stomach, a sharp pain stabbing at the underside of his swollen stomach. That wasn't an ordinary cramp. It couldn't be. He watched Inuyasha pause, hesitant to go on, probably still unsure about coming to terms with the unavoidable decision he had finally made.
As another sharp pain caused him to grab his stomach a bit harder, Sesshomaru actually allowed himself to feel scared, which he had rarely felt that emotion in his lifetime.
"Look, I don't want to do this if you don't agree." Inuyasha blurted out, distracting him for just a moment. "If you really don't want to, then I won't and you can go on your own when this is done."
He had to ignore Inuyasha again, gritting his teeth as the first feeling of pain waned and then returned two times worse. He didn't want to believe it, and he wouldn't until his youki confirmed it.
I can not stay quiet. The pup is ready.
"Well?" Inuyasha prompted, not wanting to ask directly. Secretly, he feared both answers, though which one he would rather hear he was still uncertain.
"No."
xoxoxoxox
Minako looked up at the sky, her nose twitching as she smelled the air. She didn't like it. Something was wrong.
Her brown eyes looked back to the small group gathered in Kaede's hut, the future miko listening to the tale that Miroku provided her of the past few weeks of her absence. She was aware that the girl took some struggle to hear it, having gotten signs from Kaede that the young, resurrected priestess and Inuyasha were close.
Inuyasha was the only one not here, having separated from the monk and taijiya to go scout out Sesshomaru. Minako had been wary, but the monk had assured her the sutra had worked. And she gave him the benefit of the doubt.
As Kagome decided to change the subject, now distributing items from her time, Minako was aware of the change in the air.
"Shippo, dear." She called the young fox, who had been thanking Kagome for the gifts. "Bring me my cane."
With a nod the fox scurried to where it rested in a corner, before bringing it back to her. Everyone watched as she stood up without another word. Kaede was glancing up at her, busy tending to the tea she had been making for the group of friends, and the saru nodded.
Kaede's face seemed to set in a frown then, but she didn't deter from making tea, not wanting to call any attention to herself.
The three friends continued to chatter, that is until Minako's cane tapped on the floor to draw their attention, the mid-wife facing the open doorway.
"Taijiya, miko, I think it best you scout the area around the village." She told them, after they had fallen quiet. "Houshi, I'd like you to come with me."
"What's going on?" Kagome questioned, now alert by the monkey's words.
"Just do as I say." Was all Minako said, before heading out the door. "The children will stay put, and Kaede I trust you'll come to me in due time when you've found somewhere for them to stay."
"Aye, Minako-san, I shall try to reach ye in due time."
The monkey nodded, satisfied with the answer, and began to walk out.
"Hoshi-san, if you'll follow me."
Miroku looked to both Sango and Kagome, who merely shrugged, before he was doing as told. Staff in hand, he walked to catch up to the limping monkey, her legs obviously stiff after sitting still for so long. He would have offered her his help, but he knew she would refuse it.
"Might I ask what the urgency is?" He politely questioned her.
"Hmm. I fear that our lord has come to term."
"You mean-"
"Yes, now hurry, we must be quick."
With a nod, he walked beside her in the direction of the fields. He heard Kirara yowling as she took off, and looked behind him to see her in the sky, Sango and Kagome heading off in the opposite direction. There was only one reason why Minako would ask them to patrol the area, and he loathed to think that he would make an appearance.
"You're too slow, houshi!" Minako called back, somehow haven gotten ahead of him. "Do try and keep up."
With a sigh, he did as she bid, desperate himself to get Sesshomaru back in time.
xoxoxoxox
"No."
Inuyasha's ears twitched at the word as it was repeated, turning back to look at Sesshomaru, whose face held a frown. Something was wrong.
"Sesshomaru."
The inu gasped, his hand clutching at his stomach as he suddenly took to leaning against a near by tree. Inuyasha rushed forward, ready to hold him up but Sesshomaru merely shook him off.
"Damn it, Sesshomaru what is it!"
"Don't touch me!" The demon snapped through clenched teeth. "Just go get help!"
Inuyasha was about to object, but a long, high-pitched whine escaped his brother's lips, the Daiyoukai doubling over, and as he studied him the hanyou realized what was happening.
"Oh shit. You're going into labor."
"Inuyasha, go get me the old woman!" The youkai suddenly bellowed, red eyes glaring up at the hanyou. "Now, get her now!"
His brother's sudden loss of his usual cool appearance meant that this was serious. There was no way he was going to leave Sesshomaru here by himself, besides he was sure the inu-lord would rather prefer to give birth on a bedroll rather than the forest floor. So, ignoring the earlier command to not touch him, Inuyasha stepped forward ready to grab him, but he was stopped as the shock of pain hit his chest.
He looked down and could only stare in disbelief at the now bleeding wound that had been inflicted on him. He lifted his head to stare back at Sesshomaru, who was red-eyed, panting and baring his claws in promise that he would use them again if he came closer.
"Get away from me, hanyou!" The older demon growled out, his body now trembling. "Do as I say and get the old woman! Get her now!"
The shuffling of the bushes surrounding them caused them both to look in time to see that Minako was trudging through them. Her eyes held a frown and she was not alone. Miroku silently followed behind her, his eyes widening as Lord Sesshomaru held back a yowl of pain, canine whimpers following as he leaned against a tree.
He looked to Inuyasha, who he saw was merely staring dumfounded at his brother, and was glad to see that his spell was working and would hold. He had no idea how things would be at this moment if it hadn't.
"I knew I felt it." Minako said as she came forward, gently maneuvering Inuyasha out of the way. "Young monk, you'll carry him back."
Miroku only blinked, not sure how he would manage that. Sesshomaru was bigger than him, taller and not to mention now much rounder. He kept his mouth shut though and merely nodded, easing his way around Inuyasha and heading for the panting Daiyoukai. Minako took his staff for him as he passed her.
Inuyasha wanted to stop him, but Minako merely sent him a look that said he should keep still, and he obeyed. His youki was a feeling of red, hot anger and he was glad that the sutra was keeping it in.
"Inuyasha, guard the village." Minako ordered, turning away from the hanyou to focus on the Western Lord. She was actually surprised to find Sesshomaru allowing Miroku to pick him up, though she didn't show it on her face. "I don't doubt that he'll show himself soon. I'll take care of your brother, you look out for that despicable bastard."
Inuyasha was distracted by her words and it dawned on him that she was right. With a nod, he was leaping up onto a tree branch, glaring down at the houshi in a threatening way.
"Don't drop him, monk." He warned, before he was gone.
Miroku only sighed before he let out a yelp of pain as a clawed hand tore a deep wound in the shoulder it clasped onto, Sesshomaru cursing the half-demon who put him in this state to hell an back.
"Time to go, monk." Minako said, beginning to lead the way. "The brat is impatient. His contractions are getting closer which means he'll be ready soon."
Miroku, trying to ignore his now bleeding shoulder, waited until Sesshomaru had settled and loosened his grip, now merely breathing heavily. Then he was following after the saru, glad that Sesshomaru's convenient living space wasn't too far off. His shoulder couldn't afford any more damage to it.
"Go faster, human!" Sesshomaru suddenly demanded past pants. He was squeezing Miroku's shoulder again, thankfully minding his claws as another contraction hit him, but it was still painful for the monk. "Please, go faster!"
He nearly dropped the Daiyoukai, shocked that the demon had actually used the word please. He was known to never beg a human to do anything, and it was motivation enough to have Miroku hurrying his steps. They weren't too far away now.
"We're almost there, Sesshomaru-sama." He said hoping to soothe him, gritting his teeth as the demon lord had yet to release his wounded shoulder.
A few more yards saw him climbing the few steps and entering the small hut that had been granted to Sesshomaru. His burden was rested onto the bedroll which Minako had quickly set up, and then the monkey was roughly shoving him out the door.
"Go on, get out of here!" She snapped, Miroku taken aback by the sudden rudeness. "You're in the way and your friends will need you! Now go!"
She shoved his staff into his hands before spinning on her heels and returning inside, slamming the paper door shut just as Sesshomaru let out a howl of discomfort. Miroku was still in some disbelief that the Lord of the West was actually showing he was in pain and was acting, well, human was the right word. He then let a small smile take his face, as he was happy to see that, and figured Minako's sudden rudeness was so as to give the demon lord his privacy. He had let himself be seen vulnerable long enough.
With a sigh, Miroku was off, hoping to see Kaede about his shoulder before heading after the rest.
Back in the hut, Minako walked back and forth, gathering everything she would need, trying her best to ignore the youkai on the floor.
"Old woman, there's no time to delay!" All sense of calm control and attempts to collect his usual visage had been thrown aside. "I won't stand it any longer! Get it out now!"
"Don't rush me more than I'm already rushing!" She scolded, bending to light a fire under a pot of water. "Just breathe!"
"Breathing won't get this wretched creature out of me!" Sesshomaru was yelling before it merged into a howl of pain.
Minako ignored him a while longer, getting herself prepared to play her part. Resting a small basket lined in cloth beside her and a pile of rags as well, she knelt in front of the writhing inu-lord, reaching out to quickly pull off his soaked hakama. At least his water broke, and she wouldn't have to do that for him. She had noticed that it had not broken when she reached him in the forest, it was a relief to see that it had.
"Let me see." She demanded, gently guiding his legs to open, propping his feet flat so that they were bended at the knees.
"Now, take it now!"
"What do you want me to do, pull it out?" She grumbled, glaring up at the young Daiyoukai. "You'll have to push."
Which Sesshomaru started to do, but she slapped his inner thigh, shocking him so that he stopped.
"Not yet! You're no where near ready."
"Make me ready then!" The lord was getting desperate.
"That's up to your body. Have patience, you'll be pushing soon enough."
She stood as he gave out a cry of impatience and pain, returning to the now steaming water and lugging it back to where he was. She then returned to the small reserve of water they kept in the hut, washing her hands and drying them on a near by towel. She slung it over her shoulder as she returned to her charge, who was now panting harder and sweating through his robes. First births were never easy, especially for male youkai, the poor lad must be going through so much.
A gentle rapping came at the door, and Minako invited them in without even looking up. Sesshomaru looked, and he saw the old miko rush inside, closing the door behind her. She carried a vial of medicine in one hand, and a basket in the other, but the inu could care less what she brought with her. He wanted to know why she was here.
"I don't want the miko here. Tell her to get out!" He demand, propping himself up on his lone arm. He wished he had his other one, so that he could tear at the irritating garments now clinging to his skin.
He didn't want the miko to see him this way, it was bad enough that the saru knew, but to have someone else see was unbearable.
"Hush, child, she stays!" Minako answered him, waving Kaede closer. "It's nothing she hasn't already seen herself. Someone had to examine you when Inuyasha brought you here. She'll tell not a soul."
She figured that the young lord had stopped listening and caring as he hissed in pain, jaws clenched shut to trap a scream. He was trying to push again, and she slapped him again to distract him.
"You push now and you can harm the pup!" She warned him, her voice angry. "Stop being stupid and wait!"
"I can't wait!" The Daiyoukai bellowed, his body trembling as he strained to keep himself upright. "I won't wait!"
Minako fought off her headache and turned to Kaede excepting the vial the priestess held out for her.
"If you'll be so kind as to be his support."
"Aye, that I can do."
She knelt beside the Daiyoukai, who was too busy trying to withstand his most recent contraction, and gently rested a hand on his arm. He jumped, snapping his head in her direction, red eyes looking at her with a sort of pleading look.
Kaede only smiled at him, reaching a hand out to pet his head, before slipping behind him and motioning him to lean against her. He was stiff at first, but soon gave in, leaning back as another contraction hit him, his head thrown back against her shoulder as he couldn't help the howl that left his lips.
"Let me be ready!" He begged through clenched teeth, chest heaving. "It's too hot! Please let me be ready!"
He felt gentle fingers opening his kimono, Kaede's other hand accepting a damp cloth from Minako. She dabbed at his forehead, the Daiyoukai grateful for the cool contrast against his skin, and the cool air that hit his chest as his kimono was opened.
"Gently now." The priestess coaxed him, helping him shift so that his robes were removed.
He didn't even care that he was naked for the moment, exposed in front of the two old women, far too focused on the contractions that seemed to keep getting more frequent.
As another hit him, he restrained from crying out, his mind cursing Naraku three times over.
"I'll kill him!" He was panting out, Minako throwing a sheet over most of his stomach to his bent knees. "That despicable son of a bitch will rue the day he took advantage of me! I'll kill him! I vow it!"
The two old ladies shared a look, Minako chuckling at the same thing she'd heard all her years. It was tragic that the demon lord had indeed been taking advantage of against his will, but it was a relief to find that he was strong enough to go on through it. Though he was most likely unaware that he wont be able to kill Naraku until his strength was restored. He was going to be quite weak for some time after this.
"Damn waiting for the gods sake!" Sesshomaru was yelling, body tensing as a strong contraction hit him. "When the hell will I be ready!"
Minako easily examined him, steadily cleaning away any amount of fluid that left the Daiyoukai's body, and examined him quickly with her free hand. She sighed in relief to find that he was fully dilated, and she knew he'd be just as relieved.
"Do you see what happens when you're patient?" She told him, getting ready to guide him. "You're ready, but don't push yet."
Sesshomaru growled in frustration, sweat running down the sides of his face, which Kaede continued to dab at with the damp cloth. She had been given a basin of water that she could dip it into, and she did that periodically, gently murmuring soothing and encouraging words to the youkai. She wasn't sure if he was listening or just ignoring her, but she did it anyway.
"When I tell you, then you can push."
"Tell me now!"
"I'll tell you when soon enough, brat!"
She looked to Kaede, her eyes asking the old human if she was ready, and the priestess answered with a nod.
"Are you ready, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Damn it, yes!" He snapped, glaring at the mid-wife.
"Well good then. On your next contraction, I want you push, and you must stop when I tell you to."
The Daiyoukai eagerly nodded, just ready to get this demon out of him. He couldn't take much more of this. He would rather leave this to females. Why the hell did his youki feel the need to save his clan? At this point he would have easily welcomed its demise had he the chance to do things over.
He had long stopped trying to save face and not scream, a yowl tearing from his throat as a contraction hit him.
"Push, lad, push!" Minako was urging him.
He did as was told, hoping he could get the pup out in just one go, but even he knew that wouldn't happen. It was nice to think about though.
"Stop now." Minako ordered.
"No!"
"I said stop!"
He reluctantly did as told, slumping against Kaede, who he could hear was trying to soothe him. It wasn't doing much, but he was somewhat grateful for her effort.
"Breathe, child, just breathe. I know I taught you how."
As ridiculous as it was to do, Sesshomaru did as told, waiting for the next contraction to hit. It came soon enough, and this time Kaede offered her hand which he took easily. He tried not to squeeze too hard, knowing that he could easily crush her hand in his and not wanting to harm the old woman trying to help him cope.
"Push!" Came Minako's order and he followed it.
The pressure he was feeling was immense and he wanted to just rip the child out of his womb, anything to get it out faster.
"Breathe!"
He relaxed again, breathing deeply and in the rhythm Minako had tutored him on. He had doubted that it would be useful when she had shown him how, but it was actually helping somewhat.
He whimpered as the next contraction hit, Minako telling him to push once again, and Kaede encouraging him gently. He suddenly wanted Inuyasha there, even though he was still wary of having his brother close by, working sutra or not. But he was beginning to feel far more vulnerable and he had a feeling his brother's presence would have eased that.
"That's a good lad." He heard Minako say, the old monkey smiling up at him. "You're crowning."
"What?" He asked between breaths, having no idea what she meant.
"She sees the head." Kaede provided, dabbing gently at his face and neck. "Ye are doing a fine job, just a bit longer, Sesshomaru-sama."
He wanted to know suddenly what color his pup's hair was, if it even had hair to begin with, suddenly scared to think it would resemble its sire.
Our pup will be beautiful no matter what! His youkai was scolding.
He couldn't respond as another contraction hit, and he began pushing without Minako insisting it. He went to stop when the contraction had passed, but Minako urged him to keep going.
"Push, my lord, don't stop."
He was growing tired, but he did as told, chin resting against his chest as he pushed. There was a great amount of pressure before it passed, and he heard Minako give a small laugh.
"A true inu indeed." She said looking up at him. "You're almost through. Just a bit longer. Now push on the next one."
It was as if she cued it, and Sesshomaru actually let out a sob as it hit him, pushing with all his might. He didn't have time to breath as another one hit right on top of the last, and he voiced his agony unashamedly as he pushed, wanting the torture to end.
"That's it, keep going, child. You're almost there. Just a bit more." Minako guided him, gently pulling as the demon lord pushed. "Just one more."
Sesshomaru had to stop to catch his breath, aware that his face was no longer wet with only sweat. He wouldn't admit out loud that he was now crying, but he was relieved the end was near. He couldn't take this for much longer. Why the hell didn't the monkey just pull it the rest of the way out?
Just push! His youki urged.
The next contraction had to be the worst he'd suffered, and he openly screamed and sobbed, letting go of Kaede's hand to prop himself up again, leaning forward a bit as he pushed, determined to let this actually be the last one.
He was aware when the feeling of pressure in his lower area passed, feeling when his pup finally came free and his breath stopped as he listened. It was torturous as he did so, eyes still clenched shut as he was afraid to open them, not sure what he would find waiting for him.
The overwhelming rush of emotions that took him was hard to describe as finally a shrieking cry tore through the silence that had settled, and Sesshomaru allowed himself for this one moment to openly cry, slumping back against the priestess who easily let him.
Slowly his tear drenched eyes opened, and he watched the blurry image of Minako tending to the wailing pup, a smile fitted on the old saru's face. He wanted to sit up as she lifted the now wrapped bundle, but he barely had the strength to even keep his eyes open.
"Ye did well, lad." Kaede commended him, gently stroking his now disheveled and sweat-dampened hair. "Ye did very well."
His heart hammered in his chest as Minako came closer, looking down at the crying infant that Sesshomaru had yet to catch a glimpse off. Now by his side, Minako turned her smile to him, Sesshomaru actually welcoming it from her usual frown.
"Lord Sesshomaru." She called for his attention, gently rocking the baby. "It gives me great honor to present to you your son, the next heir to the Western Lands."
Sesshomaru tried to sit up, but Kaede coaxed him to stay, so he opted for reaching instead. Minako carefully handed the still crying bundle to him, helping the Western Lord to hold it in his lone arm.
The first thing Sesshomaru noticed was that his pup did indeed have hair, and the black strands were a sharp contrast to the white blanket it was wrapped in. He could care less, as he pressed his nose into the downy locks, taking in for the first time the scent of his newborn pup.
The old women watched him with contented smiles, Kaede congratulating him on his beautiful child and Minako returning to the front of him. He vaguely remembered she had told him about after birth, but he could care less at the moment.
His entire world had narrowed down to the shrieking bundle in his grasp, eager to take in as much of it as it could. He recognized the crescent moon, proud to see it marked his child's forehead, a deep magenta. There were no marks on his cheeks, but Sesshomaru didn't care. He took to gently licking at the pup's face, instinct telling him it was the next thing to do, even though Minako had wiped the pup down. She had even tied off the umbilical cord, though she had yet to cut it.
When he was satisfied that he had bathed the pup well, his next instinct was to feed it, and though it was difficult he managed. He couldn't help but stare in wonder as the small mouth attached to his breast, still not happy that he had to do his own feeding, but unable to hide the smile as he watched his son feed.
"Kazue." He suddenly said, as if either of the two women had asked. "That shall be his name. Kazue."
"A fitting name." Kaede said, gently easing out from behind the demon lord, and propping him up against blankets and pillows that Minako handed to her.
"May Kazue grow into a demon to make you and your ancestors proud." Minako said in blessing, glad to see that the child was born safely. She finally cut the umbilical cord as well, watching Sesshomaru begin nuzzling the pup once again.
She just wasn't sure how long that safety would last.
As she and Kaede began to clean up, Sesshomaru distracted by his newborn son, she made sure to question the priestess. She had asked her to place a barrier around the hut before she had come in, something to keep Naraku at bay should he appear during the birth.
"I have done as ye have asked." She assured the saru. "Hopefully we will not need to depend on it soon."
Minako looked up to Sesshomaru, who seemed about ready to drop with exhaustion, and she stood to head over to him.
"Good." Was all she said, guiding the surprisingly compliant youkai to lay back, after taking the now sleeping child from his arm.
As Sesshomaru fell asleep himself, Minako placed the child in the basket she had prepared, making sure it was warm enough before resting the basket closer to the child's birthing father.
"I can assure you, he won't disappoint us and he'll show his face soon."
"Aye, he'll crawl out of the shadows soon enough." Kaede agreed.
xoxoxoxox
Naraku smiled, red eyes watching in the distance at the small hut that housed his newly born child. If his ears had heard right over the distance, he had a son.
"Kazue." He spoke aloud, his voice dripping with malicious intent. "I believe it's time I took what was right fully mine."
With his aura masked, he began his decent from the hillside he had perched himself atop, his destination in plain sight.
T.B.C.
- 12
- 13
- 14
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Unexpected Circumstance