InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ If You Only Knew ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 21 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Yay! The last chapter of If You Only Knew! I know I laxed on the last few chapters, and I apologize. There really isn't any more I can add to this story, and I have three more to write. I hope you all enjoyed it and if you would like, please read my other stories. Now for the epilogue!

If You Only Knew: Epilogue

Kay worried her lip, rearranging the clean cloth at the end of the futon for the fourth time. Kaede sat behind her, rechecking the temperature of the water and making sure there were plenty of rags. Scattered within a two foot radius were several bowls of medicines for security against any complications the child may have. Gods willing, everything would go smoothly.

Sango wiped Kagome's forehead, a hand resting on her own abdomen. In six months time, she'd be going through the same thing, and it made the anxiety all that much worse. Leave it to Miroku to only take two months to impregnate her. Not that she was really complaining, because the thought of being a mother was invigorating. Kagome gasped with another contraction, squeezing Sango's hand in a crushing grip. When it started to subside a minute later, the miko turned to her with exhausted eyes.

Panting, she whined, "Where is Inuyasha?"

The exterminator sighed, dipping the cloth in the cool water and reapplying it to her friend's head. "He'll be here, Kagome. Kirara will get Shippou and Miroku there as quickly as she can."

Kagome frowned, "Why couldn't Sesshoumaru have taken care of the youkai by himself? He knew the baby was due to come any day!"

Sango felt sorry for her and was trying to push her annoyance for Inuyasha down. Sesshoumaru was persistant and left no room for argument when he enlisted his brother's help for exterminating a troublesome band of youkai while he went away on other business. The brothers had formed a truce, and from that, Inuyasha was entitled to duties pertaining to the Western Lands. Not only had they found that Kagome's theory on Tetsusaiga was true, that the sword still acknowledged him as its wielder, but that the sword's power had increased. Toutousai had revealed that Inuyasha's mother will always live on in his heart and would always be a part of his soul. Not only that, but Tetsusaiga's duty to protect Inuyasha's family would never cease, so therefore, the sword would always be bound to him. As for its power, the easiest way to describe it would be that his fang grows with him. If Inuyasha continues to better himself, so will his sword. "He'll be here." 'Hurry Kirara.'

x0x

Inuyasha sheathed his sword, taking a moment to survey the area around him. "Feh, troublesome youkai my ass." They were nothing more than a large pack of bear youkai, who had decided to nest a little over a mile from his brother's castle. It was the playful cubs that caused a ruckus for Sesshoumaru, but he'd be damned if he was going to exterminate them for that. 'Bastard really needs to get a life.'

"Oi!" He addressed what he deemed to be the head male. "This is the land of Lord Sesshoumaru," calling his brother by such made him want to gag, "He demands that you remove yourselves promptly. I don't want to threaten you, but if I have to..." His gaze drifted to the three cubs wrestling nearby. He hoped they co-operated, because he'd hate to have to give those cubs a bad memory to live on by.

"And who are you to order us to leave?" The pack leader rose on his hind legs, to reach Inuyasha's level.

"I am his brother, Lord Inuyasha, but it's really none of your damn business. The only thing you need to worry about is that my brother sent me out here to distroy you, but I have a little more heart. So unless you want me to revert to his orders, I suggest you not give me shit about it and just move on your way.

"His brother?" The youkai narrowed his eyes, "His brother is a hanyou."

Inuyasha couldn't help the toothy grin, "Shit changes, but again, that is none of your concern." Getting frustrated with the hesitation to obey, he pulled his fang and smirked as it transformed. The look on the bear's face was priceless, as any youkai could feel the energy pour fourth from the Tetsusaiga.

"Come children," the youkai announced to the cubs, "We are leaving!" The rest of the pack stopped what they were doing and sent questioning glares to the inuyoukai. "We have trespassed on noble land, and we must be on our way."

Inuyasha, once again, placed his sword at his side. Turning away from the pack, he leapt off towards home, bickering under his breath at the idiocy of Sesshoumaru. A few hours later, he cursed as the sun was beginning to set. He only had a two hour journey left, but he'd arrive after dark. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to hold his mate and her swollen belly. In mid stride from one tree to the next, he heard a roar in the distance that sounded peculiarly like the firecat. His stomach instantly twisted as he increased his speed forward. Dropping to the ground, he met a the straight faced Miroku, and overly excited kitsune.

"Inuyasha!" Shippou ran over, jumping on his shoulder and pulling on his ear, "Kagome's having the baby, you numbskull! What the hell took you so long?"

Now his gut was in knots, "Shit, the baby's coming?" He threw Shippou away from him, subconsciously rubbing the ear he'd pulled on, then yelled in.

Miroku sat upon Kirara still, "Yes, and we must hurry. She's been in labor for three hours already, and she's not exactly happy that you left."

He growled for Shippou to ride on Kirara and took off. 'Shit, shit, shit, shit.' He knew he was in for it when he returned, even though he didn't have much choice to leave. That wasn't what was really bothering him, because it wasn't as if he'd dealt with the fiery miko before. Inuyasha really wanted to be there when his first pup was born, and he'd be damned if he missed it.

x0x

Kay held one of Kagome's legs back, trying to coach her daughter through the labor. "Kagome, you have to push with the next contraction."

"Mama, I can't! I don't want to do this without Inuaysha," the poor girl was sobbing.

Sango was sweeping her long hair from her face, keeping it from her eyes, "You're strong enough to do this without him, and you can't stop the baby from coming."

"I know I'm strong enough, but that doesn't change that I want him here. This is his child-" She cut herself off with a moan as the next contraction built.

"Ye must push child, push!" Kaede's hands were skillfully prepping her body for the actual delivery as she urged the young woman.

Despite what she wanted, her body refused to wait, and she had no choice put to comply. Kagome pushed with all her might, her groan turning quickly into a yelp as she felt like her insides were tearing. "I can see its head in the birthcanal, child. Just a few more pushes, and we will bring it into this world." Panting, she didn't respond to Kaede right away. Her head was swimming from the exertion of her energy, and she was in constant anxiety due to her mate's absence. Laying her head back, she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to calm herself. 'He's going to miss this, all because of his baka brother. I'm so sorry, Inuyasha.'

Kay patted her thigh in what she hoped was a comforting manner. Right now, her respect and admiration for her daughter was immense, as she had accepted the use of pain-relieving drugs to aid her in her labor with both children. Not only was she doing this naturally, but she was also going to raise this child outside of everything she knew. Where her little girl got her strength and passion from, she could only imagine. When Kagome's eyes screwed shut tighter, she asked, "Another contraction?" The miko nodded vigorously, bearing down almost immediately.

Sango couldn't help but look to see if she, too, could see the head of the baby. What she saw both amazed her and scared her. 'Kami, can I really do this as well?' The head was nearly out, and she could see both dark and light hair.

"Come now, Kagome, push a little harder! The head is almost there!" You could hear the excitement in the old miko's tone.

"Ah, it burns!" She hissed, trying her best to push against the pain, but she had to stop as the contraction ceased.

"No, no, you have to keep pushing! It's almost there, dear!" Kay attempted to encourage her further.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha burst through the door, running straight to her. He knealed down by her head, opposite the side of Sango.

The taijia shook her head, "You're about six hours late." Inuyasha chose to ignore her and take Kagome's hand.

"Kagome, push! Now!" Kaede demanded. With a soul-ripping scream, she complied and the baby's head was released. "Stop for just a moment, child." Kaede began to clear fluids from the child's mouth, nose, and eyes with a clean rag.

Inuyasha bent down and kissed her temple, "I'm so sorry!"

Kagome shook her head, not wanting to get into it now. Her eyes closed again as Kaede ordered another push. Suddenly, she felt quite a bit of tension from the body relieve as she gave birth to her baby. She instantly tried to sit up to see what she'd brought into this world, but was gently manuevered back down.

After using a knife to cut the cord, the old miko handed the child off. "Your mother is cleaning the baby, but we have to get the placenta out. I need you to push one more time, child," Kaede pressed her hand into her lower stomach.

She grabbed Inuyasha's arm as the pain returned, and gave one last push, delivering the after birth. Laying back, she caught her breath, occasionally sneaking glances to the corner, where her mother had her child. Looking up at him, she asked fearfully, "Why isn't the baby crying?"

Inuyasha took the offered rag from Sango, as the exterminator stood, and used it to wipe away the traces of sweat and tears from her face, "Shh, the baby is okay. Maybe he doesn't want to cry." Inuyasha could distinctly hear the life sounds the little one produced, as he'd searched for them instantly. Once he knew it was okay, his attention could be directed towards the new mother.

"He?"

Her mate smiled, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, "Hai, a little boy."

"Boy..." Kagome smiled back, "I want to see him." She craned her neck to try and see her baby.

"You will, but we have to get you cleaned up," Kaede answered for him as she set to work. Kagome winced when she pressed on her stomach, but the woman explained she had to get everything out. After a thorough examination, the old miko smiled, "Good for you, Kagome. There's no need for sutures."

"I guess that's a relief," she sighed. Her mother made her way over with a wrapped, whimpering bundle.

"He's hungry, sweetie. Do you want to try and feed him?" Kay handed him to Kagome, a gentle smile on her face.

Kagome nodded as Inuyasha helped her sit up, taking her son in her arms for the first time. Pulling the blanket down from his head, she smoothed his short hair with one hand, bringing her finger down to trace his little face. "He's beautiful." She glanced up to see Inuyasha staring at the boy with a look of awe upon his face.

Inuyasha reached out a clawed hand, almost scared to touch the wonder nestled in his love's arm. The baby started to cry before he could even feel the silky texture of its skin, and he pulled his hand back reluctantly. Kagome quickly comforted the baby by settling him on her breast, then she offered him a sweet smile.

"He's only hungry, Inuyasha. Go ahead, touch him." She grasped his hand in her own and brought it to the boy's head. "What do you feel?"

Inuyasha could distinctly feel tiny ears under the downy tresses. His lips turned in an amused grin, "He's got ears."

"He's a hanyou, just like you were." Kagome leaned over a bit to nuzzle his cheek, before laying a kiss upon his quirked lips. "And he will know no end to our love."

Inuyasha noticed that everyone had left the three of them alone, and so he shifted to pull Kagome against his chest. This way he could look down upon the nursing pup. "What do you want to name him?"

"I like Kanaye Haru, what do you think?"

"Zealous one, born in the spring? Sounds alright to me."

Kagome smiled, looking down at her child, "Our little Kanaye." She ran her hand through his hair, "It's amazing, to see black hair with silver highlights."

"He got a little of both of us."

"His ears are black, too. How kawaii."

"Wonder how he managed to get violet eyes," Inuyash pondered.

"He got your human trait, and I think they're beautiful." She kissed him again, and he held her a little closer. The kiss lingered for a moment before he laid them all down to rest. The baby fell asleep cuddled against her bosom, between the two of them.

Locking gazes with Kagome, he kissed her forehead, "I'm sorry I was late."

"I'm just glad you got there in time to see Kanaye come into the world. It's an experience you'll never forget."

"You're right about that."

Kagome yawned and shut her eyes, feeling the pull of sleep on her body. Two years ago, she never would have imaged herself married/mated and with a child. Then again, two years ago, her life didn't have the meaning it did now. To the gods, she felt thankful for her family's existance in the Feudal Era. However, to Fate, she owed an entire lifetime of gratitude for her chance to love Inuyasha. At times, it was still beyond her how she'd managed to settle herself so deeply in his heart. But now, looking down at the slumbering child in her arms, their love wasn't a mystery. Destiny called the two souls together, and from there, they would take it to the end of time.

--

Inuyasha wrapped his arms around his family, amazement stir coursing through him. Even now, he never thought he'd gain the treasures in his embrace. His fight to survive the life handed to him was all worth it as their scents mingled upon his senses and love surged through his being. His mate's heartbeat thrummed in his ears, mixed with the patter of his pup's. Right then the world felt synchronized. A tear rolled gently down his face, landing on the soft cheek of the little boy. Kanaye's face contorted for a second, before he turned his head and rubbed against the fabric of Inuyasha's inner shirt. 'My son.' He swore that his child would not feel the pain as he had. While he knew the world they lived in was particularly unyielding to hanyous, he would shield him from as much hurt as possible. After his own mother died, no one had been there to tell him that he wasn't unworthy of the air he breathed. No one had taught him how to better himself, beyond what everyone else expected. Being a hanyou didn't make you weak, as he'd proven over and again throughout his life. Kanaye would be as strong of heart as he would be of body and will. Having Kagome as a mother increased his conviction, and he knew that the future held all that was to be desired. His wonderful Kagome and their beauiful son.

--

Miroku and Sango lay together that night, the anticipation of their own child increased due to their friends' birth. Both dreamed of what they had, but neither could conceive its happening. As strong as they both may have been, they hadn't believed they would see the end of Naraku in their lifetime. Thanks to the pigheaded, arrogant hanyou and sweet, strong-willed miko, they could lay as they were now without a second of hesitation, without fear of losing it.

--

Kaede bid goodnight to Kagome's family, heading back to her own hut. Her dwelling seemed lonely without the company of Inuyasha and his pack. With a content sigh, she sat near the low fire. The young miko's appearance here, in their time, was truely a miracle. Not only had she tamed the restless spirit of Inuyasha, but she also brought light to the lives of the entire village. Not to mention, the child would succeed her in the duty of village priestess. Until she'd come along, Kaede had been unsure of who would take care of the people when she passed. Now she was sure, when the time came, that she would rest in peace.

x0x

Evil bares many faces and can seem overwhelming, but true power cannot only be driven by greed and hate. It takes one who will strive to succeed, no matter the circumstances, and take their losses as learning experiences. By learning to set aside his pride and take others above himself, above his wants, Inuyasha achieved greatness. He proved to even his brother, Sesshoumaru, that even hanyous are to be respected. By opening his mind and heart to the miko from the future, he gained even more. Kagome, her love, trust and faith, were his strength. Miroku and Sango taught him friendship and loyalty, that it is okay to rely on others to fight beside you in battle. Shippou and Inuyasha may have acted like squabbling children, but the hanyou loved the runt. The kit's life was just as important to him as his own pup's. Kaede instilled into him respect for those older and wiser, while teaching him that humans can be hospitable. And lastly, Kikyou, the departed soul who first taught him companionship. She opened the door to the possibilities that led him to the future before him now. Every experience, and the people you meet along the way, shape who you are.

x0x

a/n It's not a huge ending, but I think it about wraps it up. This is the end of If You Only Knew, which was a long time coming. I have other stories, so check them out if you haven't already! Thank you to everyone who stuck through this fanfiction, and thank you to all my reviewers!