Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all of it's characters are property of the brilliant Takahashi-sama and I claim no ownership of them. Only the story belongs to me.
Pairings: Inuyasha/OC, Sango/Miroku, Sesshoumaru/Kagome.
Follows: The Anime and movies.
"spoken" 'thought'
AN: Heads up warning guys this story is coming to a close. Including the epilogue there are only three more chapters. Before anyone asks, there will be no sequel, everything will be answered in the epilogue if it hasn't already been.
Special thanks to my betas PockyThief, Kiyota and Ethereal Siren.
Chapter 17: Whispered on the wind
I had left the priestess's hut mere hours ago and already I was missing the presence of Tomoko. And what was more, I seemed to be missing the priestess as well. Perhaps it was simply because she was carrying my daughter, but the logical side of me doubted that. No not doubted, I know this to not be the truth.
Some how in the course of our interactions, she had begun to grow on me. What it was about her, I couldn't quite figure out, but I found myself not caring. It is strange, you would think that I, Sesshoumaru, would be more against any developing feelings for a mere human, but it simply doesn't bother me.
Perhaps my cousin had been right about one thing. Maybe it is like father like son. I suppose that could be the reason I don't seem to care. Any comparison to my father, I've always seen it as a complement. Is that what my mind is doing now? Disallowing it to be seen as a disgrace since it gives me another thing in common with the great InuTashio?
Perhaps I have too long believed who and what he was as great and powerful to see this as wrong. Even to me it doesn't make sense. I was always adamant about him taking a human was below him and a disgrace. Though if nothing else, I do at least understand my sire more now. But this matters not for now. I will deal with it when the time comes.
For now I have more important things to do. Already I have killed the guard that helped my cousin and made sure the court was out of the castle. Currently I make my way toward Rin's room. As I reached it, I push the shoji door aside and step through the threshold. Inside I can still catch her scent slightly. It will not be long before it has disappeared completely.
For now it is the only place that brings me comfort. As if some how her presence is still here. No doubt that will leave when her scent does as well. Had Tomoko not been on the way, her scent leaving may have very well have broken me. I am unsure what I would have done had the priestess not agreed with the deal.
She knows not the hold her decision had over me. I am sure even I do not know the full extent of it. And I am thankful that neither of us ever had to find out. But I will not dwell on what has not come to pass. Stepping into the room, I glance around at all of Rin's belongings. I know now that I will not pass them on to Tomoko.
No they will be packed away, kept safe like the memories of her in my mind. Tomoko will receive all new things, just as Rin did. Taking a deep breath, I allow Rin's scent to wash over my body and that feeling of peace returns to my chest. She was the first since my mother to cause it, the priestess the latest.
“Rin.” I whispered to the quiet room around me as I sigh. “Not since I was a pup being scolded by my parents have I said these words. I'm sorry Rin. I failed, Rin. I failed to protect you, I failed you. Justice has been served upon those responsible, but it doesn't change things. It doesn't bring you back to me.
“I hope you can forgive me for keeping your soul, but I just couldn't Rin, I couldn't give you up. I'm selfish, I always have been, but never before has it bothered me. But as strong as I am, I wasn't strong enough to let you go. Not when you were the one thing that made my life more than just a battlefield. When you gave me more purpose than winning the next challenge.
“I had always thought my life was complete, that it was perfect as it was. I defeated any who stood against me, protected the lands left to me by my sire, did him proud. Even found time for sibling rivalry with my half-brother. Another thing I never say, but I was wrong. You made my life complete Rin. You perfected it.
“I hope you don't think I am trying to replace you Rin, I know that is something that even I can not do. But I need your spirit by my side. Being in your presence comforts me, makes me feel safe, it makes me feel Rin. Something I had thought I had long forgotten how to do. You're home to me Rin. I hope you can forgive me. And I swear, I will not fail you this time Rin.”
Glancing around the room once more, I force my eyes to stop watering and turn back toward the doorway. As I about to cross the threshold, I hear a soft sound that stops me in my tracks. Turning back toward the room, I hear it again, as if carried by the wind. A child's giggle. Rin's laugh, her beautiful, beautiful laugh.
“Can I come out now?” I questioned through the door for perhaps the third time since the others had come over this morning and stuck me in here. Hearing another shout of 'no' back, I roll my eyes and walk back to my futon. Well more like waddle. Five months along and I can't see my feet and I walk more like a penguin than a human.
What the others are doing out there, I'm not sure, but I could probably guess. Instead I merely lower myself into a sitting position and hope whatever they are doing is done soon. Being stuck in this room by myself really sucks. The least they could have done was put Shippo in here with me. But nope, he's out there doing whatever it is they are doing.
“Okay it's time.” Sango greeted with a cheerful smile as she opened the door and noticed I was sitting down. “Dang it. Miroku, Inuyasha get in here. Need you to get her up.” she informed the others, already having to deal with this problem for the last two weeks. As she stepped out of the way, the guys walked in shaking their heads.
“Couldn't wait one more minute before sitting down?” Inuyasha inquired with a mock glare as he moved to stand behind me. I merely stuck my tongue out at him, deciding to give them no help what so ever in getting me back to my feet. If they wanted to be a pain in the butt, than so could I. So I just sat there glaring at Miroku.
Shaking his head at me, Miroku reached out for my hands, placing both in his one, as Inuyasha's hands went under my arms. “On three. One, two, three.” Inuyasha counted and he began to lift at the same time Miroku pulled my arms toward him. In moments I was back on my feet and making my way toward the door.
“Wait Kagome-chan, you got to close your eyes.” Sango insisted and I shot her a look clearly stating 'you must be kidding' before sighing and doing as she asked. A moment later I felt Inuyasha's hand touch the small of my back and he began leading me out of the room, with Sango some where in front of me and Miroku trailing after.
Once in the front room, he lead me over to where I am sure the table is, and helped me to sit back down. Taking his hand off of my back, I felt him sit down next to me. Off to the side I can hear what sounds like Shippo jumping up and down. “Alright Kagome-chan, open your eyes.” I heard Sango some where to my right.
Doing as she said, I opened them and glanced around to take in the room. “Surprise!” everyone yelled causing me to jump slightly. Mock scowling at them, I go back to looking over what they had done. It was a baby shower. Light pink paper lanterns were strung along the walls, wrapped presents littered the table, food was spread out on another small table.
They even had what looked like purple and pink confetti scattered on the floor. “It's beautiful you guys.” I told them with a smile even as my eyes began to water. That was definitely one thing about this pregnancy I did not like, the over use of the water works. Wiping my eyes with the back of my sleeve, I can feel Sango come up behind me, embracing me.
Before anyone can say anything else, the front door opens to reveal Sesshoumaru standing there. “You're late.” Inuyasha complained as he glanced over at his half-brother before turning his attention back to me. Sesshoumaru apparently decided to ignore him and instead closed the door before walking toward me.
Lowering to take a seat on the other side of me from Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru held out a wrapped package to me. “Guess it's present time.” I commented with a laugh as I took it from him and placed it on top of my stomach, since my lap was no long accessible. Pealing back the silk wrapping, I find two more maternity kimonos.
“Thank you.” I told him, glancing up at him with a smile. He nodded in response and handed me another wrapped gift. Raising my eyebrow at him, I take the second one and begin to open it. Inside I find a small, wooden rattle with the kanji for Sesshoumaru engraved on it, a smooth, wood dough nut-like object and a black, silk blanket with pink cherry blossoms and Tomoko's name on it.
Holding up the rattle, I turn back toward him in question. “It was my first.” he explained as he nodded toward it. Giving him a slight nod of my own, I hold the odd dough nut thing up next. “It is for teething.” he answered and I wanted to slap myself. A teething ring of course, what was I expecting? For it to be made out of rubber or plastic?
“Thank you Sesshoumaru. They're very lovely.” I told him with a smile a moment before Shippo began shoving a gift into my hands chanting 'mine next'. Giving him a smile, I placed a light kiss on his forehead before beginning to unwrap his gift. Inside was a mobile. Looking it over, I couldn't help but smile and show it to Sesshoumaru.
“I messed it up. Even with Inuyasha's help.” Shippo explained to me as his head drooped ever so slightly. A tell tale sign that he thought I wouldn't like it. I doubt that would even be possible. Besides the fact that he made it, it was absolutely beautiful. The base was made out of an untreated, light wood and the pieces that hung down were just perfect.
Half were of little, white dogs and the other were bows and arrows. Both carved out of the same wood by the looks of it. “Shippo it is absolutely perfect. I love it. Thank you so much sweetie.” I whispered as the water works started in again and I set the mobile down so I could pull him into my arms. He glanced up at me and whispered a weak 'really?' to which I nodded my head.
“Well I guess his present will make more sense if I give you mine.” Inuyasha told me as he stood and went some where behind me. Before I had the chance to say anything, Shippo had reached up and covered my eyes with his hands. “Okay Shippo.” I heard Inuyasha say a few moments later and he removed his hands so I could once again see.
Placed on the other side of the table, in front of Inuyasha, was a bassinet. Carved from the same wood as Shippo's mobile. The inside was padded and covered in a small blanket depicting a stream and field of wild flowers. “Oh Kami.” I managed to breath as I glanced up at Inuyasha with a watery smile. He replied with his normal smirk. “Thank you Inuyasha.”
A very expected 'keh' was heard and rolling her eyes, Sango handed me her gift. Unwrapping it, I found it to be four sets of infant clothing. One was white with red cherry blossoms, the second was the same but the colors were reversed. The third depicted tiny, white dogs on a pink background and the forth had pink crescent moons on a white background.
“They're adorable, Sango-chan.” I told her with a smile as I glanced over at her before reaching out to embrace her. She returned it, careful not to squish Shippo who was still sitting on my stomach, before giving me a smile and returning to her seat. Shippo reached up to give me a quick hug as well before vacating his spot to sit in Sango's lap.
“I believe mine is next.” Madoka stated as she too disappeared behind me only to come back a moment later with a rather large, wrapped present. Setting it on a clear spot on the table in front of me, she shot me a smile before sitting back down in her spot. Digging into the wrapping, I quickly discovered it to be a wooden, baby basket.
The kind that straps to your back as I had seen many women wearing, in my travels, while they worked in the fields. “Thank you Madoka. This will really come in handy.” I assured her as I glanced up at her with a smile. She returned the gesture and turned to look at Kaede who was lifting a small, wrapped gift off of the table.
Handing it to me with a quick nod of her head, she said nothing as I began to open it, revealing to charms. “Safe labor and a healthy baby.” I read out loud in case any of the others were wondering as well. “Thank you Lady Kaede.” I said with a polite bow as the second to last gift was placed in front of me by Miroku.
“Please don't let it be anything perverted.” I prayed out loud causing the others to start laughing and Sango to glare over at him. Apparently she either didn't know what it was, or wasn't sure if it counted as perverted. Otherwise she would have sent me a reassuring smile rather than glare at her husband. 'Kami I hope it's not perverted.'
“I assure you Lady Kagome, it is completely innocent. These gifts are more for the child, than the mother.” he replied with his most perverted smile. 'Great, he's not even trying to act innocent any more. I'm not sure which is worse.' Thankfully Sango-chan slapped him before he could say anything else.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly began unwrapping the gift. Whatever I was expecting, it wasn't this. It was a carved, wooden picture frame. But that wasn't the strange part, there was no picture. Not even a blank canvas. Holding it up in front of me, I had to fight the urge to say 'I was framed' since they probably wouldn't understand it anyways.
“After your daughter is born, I will do a painting of the two of you.” Miroku explained nodding toward the frame with a smile. I returned the gesture wondering briefly if he even knew how to paint before saying 'thank you' and deciding not to question whether he could or not. I would find out sooner or later, and better not to know rather than dreading it.
“I believe I am last.” Jaken commented as he rose, like Inuyasha and Madoka, heading behind me. A moment later he was back in front of me, holding the most adorable thing I had ever seen in my life. “Thankfully Lord Sesshoumaru was able to find it for me since I knew not the first place to begin looking.”
“Kawaii!” I practically screeched wishing I was able to jump to my feet at that moment. Holding my arms out, I waited until Jaken had handed me his gift before bringing it closer for a more detail inspection. It was a baby two-headed dragon. About the size of Kirara in her small form, covered in green scales and had bright yellow eyes. “Thank you Jaken.”
“I thought perhaps you and Lord Sesshoumaru could each name one, Lady Kagome.” he continued with a smile, apparently liking my reaction to his gift, while the other demons seemed to be dealing with ringing ears. 'Each name one?' I wondered mentally as I glanced around thinking I might have missed a second one. “Though they are the same beast, each head has a different mind.
“That is why the other was called Ah-Un, shortened for Ah and Un. I meant you could each name half of the dragon.” he explained and I nodded my head in understanding. What I would name my half, I hadn't the foggiest idea. Perhaps I could talk to Sesshoumaru later and we could work on a name together.
“I think it's time for food.” Inuyasha pipped up out of no where, startling the rest of us. Without waiting for a response, he stood and made his way over toward the table covered in food. He began bringing it over to the other table as Miroku and Jaken began clearing the gifts and wrapping off of it. Madoka headed over to a nearby cabinet and grabbed plates and chop sticks.
“Have you any idea what to name the dragon?” I questioned that night as Sesshoumaru and I were laying down on the futon, Shippo and the dragon between us and both already asleep. Sesshoumaru blew out the candle, that was there to help me see, before rolling over onto his side and glancing over at me.
“I was thinking Kou and Ken. I believe Kouken (guardian) would be the perfect name for them.” Sesshoumaru told me and I couldn't help but agree completely. Giving him a bright smile, I turned back onto my back and began to relax. I could feel Sesshoumaru place his hand on my stomach a moment later.
Everything was quiet for a moment before Tomoko decided to kick, causing her father to jump slightly. Glancing over at him with a smile, I see the most breathtaking of sights. Sesshoumaru was smiling and not a 'you're about to die' smile, but a genuine smile. “That looks good on you, you should smile more often Sesshoumaru.”
“My smiles are reserved for special people.” he told me without the slightest hint of rudeness. I briefly wondered if Rin had been one of those people. Giving him another smile, I leaned back and closed my eyes as his hand began making slow, circles across my stomach. Whether it was his intentions or not, his actions were quickly lulling me into sleep.
Please R&R, good and bad reviews are welcome, however, I will ignore flames.