InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Hopes ❯ Chapter 29

Author notes: Okay here's another chapter but this chapter is Unbeta'd as my beta has gone for a holiday and hasn't reported back yet so all mistakes here are mine. Therefore if you find some mistakes or have suggestion do not hesitate to let me know okay?

 

Reviewer Thanks:sesshys numba1 gurl, acr, TRESS, Crayon Tyrant  

 

Now onto the chapter….

 

 

Chapter 29

 

Wind carried away the days in its fleetly wings, the scent of early snow lingering in its wake. It was season of celebrations for the wolf clan as castle walls rang with the cries of newborns. Hearty congratulations were exchanged and wolves and demon alike rejoiced welcoming the new members of the clan with much enthusiasm. However it was the one birth that the tribe waited with their baited breaths, The birth of their new heir, their future.

 

The hanyou currently over two and half months pregnant and heavy with child had yet to give birth and was the source of anxious anticipation for the whole tribe. From the young one to the old everyone followed the inu with their waiting eyes as he waddled through the corridor often in foul mood, pregnancy taking it's toll on him, the older folks murmuring prayers for a safe birth and good health to their prince's mate, the ladies coddling and advising him on his heath and childcare (no matter how much he yelled at them), the younger asking him if they could be of help (oh how Inuyasha wanted to thump their heads sometimes!) while the children simply looked up to him with awe (grrr!).

 

The last two months had entailed quite a series of events as Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha, being the stubborn dog that he was had adamantly refused to relinquish his duties as a mentor or an active member of the council although the latter was more reluctantly done. Of course this had bought on a bout of arguing marked by incessant howling between him and Kouga, who only wanted the best for mate and hence tried to order his submissive into resting. But Kouga had forgotten one detail. Inuyasha may like to give up control in bed but he was no weakling and stubborn to the bone. Thus followed series of heated “discussions” between the two demons and followed by an array of objects flying through the room (courtesy of Inuyasha of course!) each of which made it perfectly to their target (Inuyasha had excellent aim!) that left even the sturdy walls of the castle trembling with its after-effect.

 

At last the family had to come to the rescue lest the inu overexert himself. Kouga was severely admonished for his foolish tactics and sent to the healing chamber licking his wounds and then very cunningly, (as Inuyasha latter declared) with proper emotional blackmail tactically applied, Keiko had coaxed him to loosen his responsibilities as bit. Thus Regular check-ups found a part into his daily routine and Inuyasha had to take it easy while severe restrictions were placed on him to change his limited dietary habits and sleeping habits.

 

Inuyasha as usual had grumbled and whined and even snapped but with Keiko he had very options and thus had finally admitted defeat. As time passed on Inuyasha, who found himself suffering form the initial symptoms of dizziness and exhaustion was asked to not to take on physical stress and therefore could no longer participate in teaching his pupils the warfare technique and had to take up an assistant while he simply supervised it. He however was suggested a couple of light exercises which surprisingly was taught by an eager Hotaru. He was also excused from the morning meetings of the council simply because no one wanted to handle a grumpy and sleepy Inuyasha especially when he had no qualms about ripping them to shreds for any comment he deemed “insulting”. The hanyou although having accepted the rather elaborate apology from the council he still didn't forget that they had tried to sent his mate away from him, and thus was quite happy to stay away from them as long as he could manage, for their safety of course.

 

Keiko had taken up Inuyasha's prenatal care in her capable hands along with Kaiya and constantly badgered the two on health and caring tips. The demoness was somewhat thankful when the hanyou didn't show any symptoms of nausea and devoted herself to cooking delicious meals suited to the inu's palate in order to fatten him up a bit. `The boy was too thin to begin with!' was her very adamant opinion. However it seemed poor Kaiya hadn't quite escaped it and while Inuyasha ravenously attacked his food she was left with only dry crackers and a few dishes which she could hardly keep in her stomach.

 

Flashback

 

“Ugh Inuyasha how can you eat like that” Kaiya grimaced holding onto her queasy stomach as she took a sip of the herbal tea.

 

“Why it's tasty” Inuyasha replied looking up from his sixth bowl of rice “and I am hungry.”

 

“Yeah, yeah you're always hungry” Kaiya snapped. The demoness was feeling irritable this morning for some reason and Katashi somehow sensing it had fled with tail between his legs. The wolf general could face an army of angry scorpion demons single-handedly but it seemed lack the courage to face his mate's severe moods swings.

 

“It is good for him Kaiya and he needs it. Now drink you tea dear.” Keiko said as she offered a refill for the hanyou with he happily began to devour.

 

“Yeah, and I like mother's cooking.” Inuyasha announced. Then suddenly his brows furrowed. “But how come you're not eating, Onee-san? Aren't you hungry? Do you really want some?” he offered.

 

Kaiya immediately jerked away, the smell of meat bringing back the nausea full force. “No! Get this away from me Inuyasha. It makes me want to hurl. Get this away now!”

 

“Why?” Inuyasha asked again “it really good you know and I haven't seen you eat much. Mother doesn't she need to eat like me?”

 

“Inuyasha, child…” Keiko began fearing the worst.

 

“No you stupid inu, get away from me” Kaiya yelled as she cringed away from the foul smelling food. ”Mother make him go away”

 

Inuyasha visibly pouted lower lips quivering slightly and Keiko sighed inwardly, murmuring “oh dear not again…”

 

The hanyou became quiet suddenly laying down his chopsticks and stood, “I am finished” he muttered eyes hidden behind the silvery locks. He suddenly had a great urged to cry, nobody loved him, even that bloody Kouga had fought with him this morning and left in a huff and now even Kaiya wanted him to go away.

 

“Inuyasha” Keiko tried to call upon to soothe the distressed hanyou but as usual he turned and left the room even before she could reach him. Keiko heaved a great sigh, she had caught the scent of tears, Inuyasha was upset again.

 

Meanwhile Kaiya who had been scowling the entire time suddenly had acquired a horrified expression. “Mother I made Inuyasha cry!” with that she burst forth throwing herself on the floor sobbing.

 

Keiko sighed again. This was going to be a long day….

 

End flashback

 

Keiko had managed that day to somehow pacify her daughter but found that her son-in-law was a totally different feat for the hanyou had managed to vanish from the castle. Chaos arose when Kouga came know of it and Keiko was suddenly left with a cursing Hotaru, a guilt ridden Kouga (who had found his redemption in knocking his on the walls) and a frantic Katashi who after being severely chided by his mother for fleeing his responsibilities had joined them to help find Inuyasha. Thankfully Mashiro had left to deal to wars at the moment or Keiko didn't know what would have happened. Asking them to keep the hanyou's disappearance to themselves at the moment they set forth in a discreet search to find him. Kaiya of course was kept uninformed while search carried on for the day. Finally it was during the early dusk that a smug Hotaru suddenly discovered Inuyasha's hidden location. A nearby sturdy tree well hidden among other trees, within their castle's back courtyard, where a sniffling Inuyasha was found grumping to himself on the topmost branch. It took them almost an hour of coaxing, pleading and grovelling from Kouga before the tired hanyou allowed himself to be carried down by his mate.

 

Next morning a very red faced Inuyasha shyly apologised for worrying but Hotaru had waved off with the notion that it was a good training situation for the lazy idiot and kept at their feet all the time.

 

The days moved on and then suddenly one day Keiko made another discovery something she promised to guard with her life.

 

Flashback

 

Keiko paced within the healing chamber, glaring at the females who giggled at her agitation.

 

“Keiko-sama you should remain calm” an chocolate haired female named Anzu said as her wriggled to make herself more comfortable over the thick pillows along with the other members of the council while rubbing her protruding belly. One and the half-month pregnant, she was practically blooming.

 

“Hai Keiko settled down. He will be here soon” Nayoko an elder member of council advised.

 

“But it's already an hour since Kouga had left to bring him…” Keiko mused worriedly.

 

“Maybe they found something to get busy,” another young females Ruri piped in, which caused the others to snicker with her and the elders to glare at them.

 

“Hai… you know Keiko-sama… hormones” Anzu quipped again brining forth another round of giggles.

 

Keiko glared at them. “Oh hush you shameless girls. I must go and see for myself and stop giggling like children.” She reprimanded before turning to leave the room.

 

“Keiko-sama… be careful” one of them called behind her back. “Don't forget to knock first.” Laughter echoed through the room as she left it.

 

“Stupid girls” Keiko huffed hurrying towards her sons' chamber. Something was not right. She knew it, Inuyasha that been acting strangely since the last to days. More docile and withdrawn. It didn't sit well with her and that fact that even Kouga remained tight lipped abut it and absolutely refused to talk about it only added to her worries. Now the hanyou was missing since the morning. He hadn't shown up for lunch nor his evening check up. Stopping at the Kouga's door she knocked softly and started when the door flew open to reveal a very growly Hotaru. Before she could question her she was pulled into the room and the doors shut tightly again.

 

“Wait here!” Hotaru snapped and Keiko nodded silently a little baffled as she watched the demigoddess hurry to their son's inner chambers. She jumped when a crash was heard followed by flurry of curses from Hotaru and a growl from Kouga.

 

“Inuyasha calm down!” came Kouga voice.

 

“No! Go away! Leave me alone!” came a desperate squeak.

 

“Ya-chan, shush. It's okay…” Hotaru cried in exasperation.

 

“No! It's not okay! I want you two to LEAVE ME ALONE!”

 

Keiko frowned. The voice though seemed familiar lacked the usual gruffness with which Inuyasha spoke; it seems so soft and less threatening. Moreover a distinct scent was tickling her nose, something different. Another crash followed by an anguished cry and she could wait no longer. Hurrying towards their bedchamber however she stopped short.

 

Kouga and Hotaru on stalking a what seemed her son-in-law currently draped in a bed linen from head toes and standing at the head of bed.

 

“Stop being a baby about it!” Hotaru snapped. “You know it's important”

 

“No! I don't wanna, leave me alone. Please!” Inuyasha pleaded ready to bolt if they made a move. However it seemed his reaction timings were a bit off as Kouga jumped suddenly capturing the bundle in his arms. “Let Me Go!” The bundle fought more violently and Keiko saw a leg land sharp kick on Kouga's thigh.

 

“Inuyasha! God Dammnit!” Kouga roared as he finally managed to get a firm hold on the struggling body before they landed on the bed. “Stopping acting like a idiot, you'll hurt yourself. Inuyasha…”

 

“Inuyasha?!” Keiko stood there stunned her jaws dropping a little as the struggling between the demons had managed to dislodged the linen covers on her son-in-law's body revealing a completely different Inuyasha. Hair as black as midnight, puppy ears replaced by human ones, her son-in-law looked no longer a inu hanyou but a human male.

 

Her voice startled caused the occupants of the room to freeze. “What in the world?” she exclaimed frowning at the two terrified brown eyes. As distress whine left the boy's throat as he began to tremble a bit.

 

“Inuyasha?” she softly whispered as the scent told her that though human this was son-in-law all right but… “what the hell happened here?” she demanded.

 

“Mother…” Kouga began. “Mother how did you...”

 

“Never mind Kouga. Mother what in the world is going on here?” Keiko turned to Hotaru. “What are you doing?”

 

Hotaru huffed. “Meet your idiot and now human son-in-law”

 

“But…” Keiko was confused.

 

“It's one those times Keiko” Hotaru explained.

 

Keiko frowned before she eyes widened. “oh, oh… you mean. Oh dear”

 

Inuyasha whimpered again trying to wriggle out Kouga hold but a growl from his mate and fangs on his mating mark stilled him.

 

“The idiot has been hiding here since the morning without food, medicine or rest.” Hotaru snapped. “we have been trying to get him to eat but does he care? No! He was hiding in the closet! Do you believe it, under all those blankets! Then Mr. Smarty Pants decided to play “catch me if you can” when we forced him to come out. Baka!”

 

Inuyasha growled and Keiko couldn't help but smirk. Yep! That was her son-in-law all right.

 

Inuyasha suddenly seized his struggling and unwantedly collapsing against Kouga. The chase and fight with the two demons had left him a little out of breath and dizzy. Keiko noticing it moved swiftly towards him and began her examination not showing any sign that she had noticed the way the human stiffened in Kouga arms or slight tremors along with scared whimpers that emanated from his body.

 

“Mother is he all right?” Kouga inquired worriedly. Inuyasha was beginning to scare him now, a mated hanyou may be able to handle a pregnancy but he didn't know if a human could, even if it is for a night.”

 

“Don't worry dear he is just exhausted and in need of nutrition.” Keiko replied. “Kouga, go to the kitchens and get him some food. Ask Fuuko to help you.” Kouga nodded and tried to settle the hanyou on the bed but the boy whimpered again holding onto his neck for his dear life and hiding his face in his chest.

 

“Inuyasha dear. It's all right dear” Keiko soothed.

 

“Yeah stop acting like a wimp!” Hotaru scolded as she plonked down on the edge of their bed and Keiko glared at her before turning her son-in-law.

 

“No need fear dear. Kouga will be right back and you can trust your secret to be safe with me”

 

Timid eyes looked into hers with uncertainty and Keiko smiled warmly reaching out to squeeze the boy's hand reassuring. Finally Inuyasha released his mate who dashed towards the kitchens and then promptly burst into tears, the whole day's ordeal boring down on him. Keiko pulled the boy in her arms, sighing in relief as he clung to her and soothed him running her hands up and down his trembling back. “there, there Inuyasha. it's okay Inuyasha.”

 

“yeah ya-chan. You can trust her, your mother-in-law is a healer and hence knows many secrets and know how to keep them to herself.” Hotaru said looking a bit uneasy herself. She never could handle crying very well, that was Keiko's job and a hormonal doggy was far worse than anything she had ever handled.

 

“I am sorry” Inuyasha sniffed rubbing his reddened nose a bit as his sobs finally abated.

 

Keiko smiled at the soft voice. “don't be dear. It's nothing to be sorry about but I am a bit displeased that you. You are pregnant now Inuyasha, you should think of you child as well, not eating and not resting is definitely not good for you. I understand that you want to keep your condition a secret but as your healer it is important for me to keep track of such things and as I've said before, your secret will completely safe with. And you have nothing to fear from me, I do not care what form you take. You still my dear little son-in-law.” Soulful chocolate eyes looked up at her eyes and she smiled, brining out a small cloth to wipe the tears off his face. “Moreover you looked nothing less beautiful in this form and you do in the other.”

 

Reddish hue coloured Inuyasha's cheek and Hotaru laughed.

 

“Yeah, kinda cute isn't he?” Hotaru said ruffling his hair a bit. “Makes you wanna cuddle him”

 

“I am not quite cute!” Inuyasha growled and Keiko smiled.

 

“Now that's the Inuyasha I know.”

 

End flashback

 

After that incident Keiko had discovered that the bond between Inuyasha and her had grown stronger. The hanyou seemed more relaxed around her and she was happy to earned his trust.

 

The inu hanyou for his part found himself evolving with the endless experiences pertaining to his pregnancy. Inuyasha, ever the distrustful demon was learning to trust others and that he no longer had to carry weight of the world on his lone shoulders. The gestures from his family and mate and his clan no matter how small had made his realise that he was capable of being loved and adored and himself had to give love in return. In mere words he belonged…

 

In Keiko he discovered the love of a mother he had long lost and though Mashiro's exuberant attitude bothered him a bit sometimes, he didn't mind having him as a father figure. Katashi (the wolf got on his nerves sometimes!) was like an elder brother he never had. He couldn't even imagine Sesshoumaru's acting that way! And mi-chan, well he was secretly beginning to adore the girl and Kaiya even through her rough mood swings always warmed his heart.

 

It was only these people but almost the whole clan that Inuyasha had come to recognise as his family. True there a few who like Teijo had primitive understanding and shunned him but most of them had accepted him of their own, especially the women, old and young, who had grown to respect and love him. Inuyasha thus often found his recipient of their blessings, affection or even tips on his pregnancy and child care which the left him red faced and flustered much to the amusement of the others.

 

 

Then there was Kouga, the one and only, ever obsessive mate of his. After the few initial incidents the wolf decided to make himself a permanent fixture to Inuyasha's side. The wolf had forsaken almost all his duties as a prince to be with his make. Mashiro had complained about it but Kouga was not be swayed. He took his job seriously making sure the Inuyasha was comfortable at all time. Sure it irked the inu sometimes for his mate's possessive nature left him flustered at times (especially when Kouga insisted on staying with him during one of his classes and when denied decided to wait outside the door much to the amusement of others or when Inuyasha had felt his pup kicking for the first time and held on to stomach in surprise and Kouga thinking his mate had gone into premature labour a huge tantrum and the list went on…) but Inuyasha could not deny the sense of security the wolf's presence gave him. Their bond was growing stronger and Inuyasha was happy his child would not be pariah like him. Moreover he was beginning to like being pampered by his hyper mate and was not going to complain about it.

 

“Inuyasha…Inuyasha wake up…” the hanyou blinked sleepily and groaned as he tried to hoist himself into a sitting position. This last days of his pregnancy was really hard on him, his balance was off and his feet were swollen though Keiko's remedies were providing some relief it did nothing to help with the bladder problem that he had to take care off… and now. Groaning a he struggled to sit however before he could move any further he suddenly found himself hoisted against a strong chest and sighed in relief as he was carried across the room.

 

“Kouga…” he gently protested.

 

“Ssh. It's okay” Kouga soothed.

 

******************

 

A few moment later a huffing Inuyasha stood in front of the mirror, with a scowl on his face, as he struggled with to fasten his obi on a very feminine looking kimono. With the gradual increase in his girth he had to sacrifice his favourite clothes for the comfortable yet very feminine kimonos offered to him.

 

“You look fine Inuyasha” the amused voice of mate came from the doorway. Inuyasha glared his scowl deepening before he turned back towards the mirror and growled at it. “and it's not the mirror's fault you know”.

 

“Keh! Fine my ass. Look at me, I look like a blow fish” he said pinching his cheeks to emphasise his point. “And this” he pointed at change his body features had gone through; the one Keiko said would remain permanent. “I look like a fucking female!” he wailed eyeing his slightly swelled hips in disdain.

 

Kouga chuckled as he crossed the distance between himself and his mate encircling him arms around Inuyasha's bulge feeling the light fluttering under his fingers. Nuzzling his mate he felt his inu sigh and sag against him. “You're always beautiful to me, love. Especially now when you are carrying our child and you know the changes were essential, mother explained it.”

 

“Yeah right,” The hanyou snorted “and is it mother or Katashi-san who taught you all these words, hmm?”

 

The wolf prince growled in retaliation burying his nose in his mate's neck, taking in his wonderful scent as his hands worked on the half tied obi to pull it open.

 

Inuyasha giggled, shuddering a bit as he felt the light puffs of breaths titillating his neck. “Stop it Kouga, it tickles!”

 

However it only encouraged the wolf more as pulled his mate closer to body, feasting on the pale throat, his hands working deftly to free his mate from the folds of his kimono.

 

“Kouga…” Inuyasha moaned unable to control the surge of arousal the shot through his body. He had heard the most female lost their libidos during the late pregnancy yet in his case the symptoms seemed to have reversed. The ever-horny hanyou had difficulties keeping his libido in check these days and though Keiko had strictly advised against penetration (much to his embarrassment and dismay) there were always other means, which Kouga was glad to comply.

 

Carefully Kouga lifted his pregnant mate in arms placing a soft kiss on his temple as he carried him off to the warms furs laying in front the blazing fireplace. Snow had been early this season as usual and he wanted his mate warm and comfortable as they made love. Capturing the luscious lips in a heated kiss Kouga settled beside his mate, the world lost in a haze of lust as Inuyasha pulled his mate closer both loosing themselves to the touches of one another.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Fire danced on the surface of the golden skin; making the two being who sated in each other's arms, glow with an ethereal light. Carding his fingers through the soft ivory manes Kouga gently smiled at his nearly dozing mate.

 

“Mmm” Inuyasha sighed in contentment as he snuggled just bit more closely to his mate and then yawned.

 

“tired?” Kouga asked caressing the furry triangles watching them twitch under his touches.

 

“Yeah a little” Inuyasha replied as he settled comfortably against his mate, basking in his attention. “and how was your meeting today, you didn't looked very happy…”

 

“to hell with those idiots” Kouga growled and Inuyasha grinned.

 

“What's been wrong this time?”

 

“Why as usual my bastard uncle decided to point my inaptitude, the injustice I doing to my position by throwing away life for a half-breed.” Inuyasha growled at that but settled as hands began to rub his back soothingly and let Kouga continue, “He even suggested steps to be taken to `remedy' such actions”.

 

“and…” Inuyasha prompted knowing very well what might have happened. He himself was displeased with the council to invite Teijo back in.

 

“and what? I nearly tore him limb for limb today. With father gone he thinks he is the boss around here. If only Chikato-san hadn't stepped in, the world would one bastard less.” Inuyasha chuckled. “but enough of that how is Kouga jr. today?”

 

“Kouga! You will not our pup Kouga's jr.” Inuyasha huffed.

 

Kouga gave non-commited hmm. “So how is our pup doing?”

 

“good” Inuyasha winced “and kicking”

 

Placing his hands on the Inuyasha belly Kouga grinned as he felt the sharp kicks against it. “Hmm… it's going to be a strong one, aren't you puppy?”

 

Inuyasha smiled watching Kouga talk to his tummy, a habit which the wolf seemed to have developed recently. However their moment was cut short as a knock at door. “Who is it now?” Inuyasha growled and Kouga smirked. `Inuyasha and his mood swings'.

 

“Kouga can I talk you for a moment” came a voice from the outside which they recognised as Katashi's. Inuyasha growled lowly in his throat again, his time with his mate being interrupted however Kouga calmed him with a kiss before he pulled himself out of the warm covers and snatched a robe to step outside.

 

“I'll be back soon, love”

 

Inuyasha frowned as he managed to hoist himself up with some difficulties; his puppy ears swivelling at the heated conversation followed an angered roar from his mate that echoed through the corridor. Something has caused his mate to be highly agitated. Pulling a yukata around him he was about to go to them when the door burst open revealing an angry Kouga and an equally agitated Katashi.

 

“What's wrong?” Inuyasha asked worry marring his face.

 

“Nothing!” Kouga snapped making the hanyou flinch. The wolf prince took a few breaths to calm himself. Katashi himself looked no better than Kouga. “I am sorry Inuyasha. It just… something came up. Just stay here and rest, okay? I'll have to go but I'll send Mother or Obaasama soon.”

 

“But Kouga what…” Inuyasha began but the wolf was already out of his room and with a serious nod Katashi followed closing the door behind him.

 

Inuyasha stood there silently for a few moments, stunned and wondering just what has caused such and uproar before he cursed, his temper rising. “By hell I'm going to stay here! What does he think of himself?” Inuyasha grumbled to himself as he slowly waddled out of the room before any of the females could him.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

“Stupid fucking wolf princes and his stupid fucking general. What do the idiots think I am? Running off like that and ordering me off like a commoner.” Inuyasha cursed under his breath as he waddled through the corridors following the scent of his mate. Strangely enough his senses were not affected due to his pregnancy and he was thankful for that.

 

A few demons tried to inquire him of his destination but the death glares and low growls promising instant dead to those who stood on his path, made them jump out of his way. “I am not some fucking slave. Does he think….” However he didn't get to finish the sentence as he threw the door to the council room open and stepped in. His eyes grew wide, the words dieing abruptly in his throat and his hands flying to his swollen abdomen as he stopped short his gaze falling upon the three humans, one firecat and a kitsune kit.

 

“Inuyasha!” Sango was the first one to notice the presence of the hanyou and would have ran to him if not they were being kept on sword ends and group of angry wolves and demons, growling lowly in warning.

 

Silence fell across the room as the occupants turn to the stunned hanyou who unconsciously took a step back, ears flattening on his head.

 

“Inuyasha!” Kouga's stern angry voice echoed through the room. “Haven't I told to stay in our chambers? Go inside, NOW!” he commanded yet then the stunned hanyou stood rooted in his place his eyes moving slowly from the taijiya to the monk holding the kitsune child and then settling on those of the sneering miko.

 

“Ka-Kagome?!” he whimpered, a tremor running through his body.

 

Kagome's eyes widened some and then narrowed as hatred burned in them and before the wolves, Inuyasha or the human could react she uttered the vile words that shattered the hanyou's world.

 

“SIT BOY!”

 

“INUYASHA!” Kouga dried out in desperation and horror as he dashed towards his mate.

 

History began to repeat itself and the hanyou and his unborn child fell prey to the horrid miko's blind wrath and misused power….

 

TBC……

 

A/N: Cliffy, cliffy…. I am so so so so evil. Muahahahahahahahaha. Yeah I know you probably wanna kill me now but what can I do my evil side is really acting up. Anyway, You people want to know what happens next? Then review my darlings…