InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Life ❯ Chapter 47 ( Chapter 47 )

November
1536

Sango grunted as she moved around. Looking up, she eyed the skies warily. A storm was brewing. Everyone was saying it. Resting a hand on her belly, she gave a small sigh. It would be soon. The only ones left in the village was her, the children and Kagome. Arie was of course there as well. Inuyasha and Kikyo, whom had finally mated, had taken off to the Central Lands to take over there. Sesshomaru had returned to the West, leaving Rin at her pleading to remain with Kagome. Ayame had to return to the East to take care of matters there. Zia and Hiroki had journeyed back North to take care of matters. Kagome would be joining one of them in the spring.

She herself had decided to rebuild the slayer village in the old location of Kaede's village. Surprisingly, there were many that agreed. She hadn't lacked for help. Kohaku had taken an initiative and had been on a mission the whole time trying to get it built before the first snow. They were now cutting it close and all that was truly needed was a short section of the wall.

“Sango!”

Turning, Sango caught sight of a familiar figure skipping toward her. Kagome was still the same as she once was, and she was happy for that. Trailing after her was her now familiar entourage. Rin and Shippo were talking animatedly about something. Next to them were the twins Izayoi and Kimi. The two Inu Pups were forever revealing a wisdom that far surpassed their years. Damien and Ayano, two very determined foreigners. Lastly was the girl Aoifi. Ever since Kagome had woken the girl's brother, she had almost become inseparable. The only time she was away was when she was with her brother. It reminded her of herself in some ways when it came to Kohaku.

“Kagome! What's going on?”

Kagome grinned as she came to a stop. “I came to check on you. It's just about time you know. You should be inside resting.”

Sango shook her head, exasperated. “I'm fine. Besides you yourself said it was good that I moved around and exercised in these last stages.”

Kagome shrugged before glancing over at the wall. “So, it's almost done. I'm glad. That storm is going to be a big one. We can't afford to worry about the soldiers coming in here.”

They had been attacked numerous times leading up to the present from soldiers claiming that youkai and human interaction was an abomination. Thankfully with the traps in place, everyone usually managed to get away.

“Yes. How is Kaede doing by the way?”

Kagome shook her head sadly. “I'm afraid she won't last the winter. It's too dangerous to send someone for Kikyo as well. Just as well, Kaede doesn't want to uproot Kikyo from her new life.” Kagome's voice was filled with pain at the thought.

Kaede hadn't been feeling well and now with cold weather setting in, her age was finally starting to show. She'd contracted a dangerous flu that wasn't releasing Kaede from its grip. Everyone was saddened by it but Kaede had ordered them to continue.

A sudden surge from Sango's stomach had her hissing in surprise. Kagome instantly moved next to her. “What is it? Is it the baby?”

Sango closed her eyes and felt the wetness running down her leg. “I think so.”

In a heartbeat, Kagome was yelling orders. A couple of Hanyou's nearby came over and gently lifted Sango, carrying her swiftly to the shrine. Kagome trailed behind them, still calling out orders. The children dispersed immediately, knowing their presence wasn't needed now.

At the shrine, Kagome made sure Sango was comfortable. She could feel the thrum of the storm echoing in the air. The first snow of the winter would bring this child into the world. A soft cry from Sango had Kagome pause to count. She didn't know much but she knew enough from her days in Sex Ed about this kind of stuff.

Relaxing somewhat after her counting, Kagome prepared the bedroom for the birth. Not soon after, a few of the midwives they had entered. Each were very different and yet they worked together like they had done so for years. There was a human, a Lioness Hanyou and a hawk youkai. The three nodded in gratitude to Kagome before beginning their work on Sango.

Shippo and Rin moved quietly near the Goshinboku, settling under its branches. Their topic of conversation happened to be over the best way to handle their current situation. Rin was interested in Damien and Shippo was not happy about it. “I'm not a kid Shippo. I'm old enough to get married if I wanted to.”

Shippo rolled his eyes. “Yeah and what would your papa say in this. Let alone Mama would throw a fit. You're 14 years old Rin!”

Rin snorted, tilting her chin a little in stubbornness. “I don't care Shippo.”

At that moment, something barreled into Rin, knocking her to the ground. It had been Izayoi. “No fighting Rin!” The demanding toddler didn't have that much of a commanding presence, causing the two elders to break down in laughter.

“Aunt Iza! We aren't fighting.”

“You fighting. Iza and I heard.”

Turning, they saw Kimiko move regally next to them, giving them a censuring eye. It was strange having Aunts that were younger than you but also fun at the same time.

A snort caused them all to look up to see Ayano there as well. Both Rin and Shippo grinned. It was Shippo that spoke up. “I thought for sure you would have headed off to the wall to check up on it.” The two had both seen the way Ayano had stared longingly after Kohaku. The girl was infatuated.

Ayano turned a bright pink. “And miss watching you stumble all over yourself Lady Rin? I find that you provide all the entertainment I need.”

Rin immediately began to blush a bright pink. “Hey Rin, are you okay?” The moment that Damien spoke, Rin's blush became brighter and she instantly looked down. Shippo merely rolled his eyes before moving slightly in front of Rin.

“Hey Damien. I thought you were going to check out the wall?”

Damien shrugged. “That storm is coming in quick and I don't want to get lost. Might as well stay close to where my house is.”

Shippo grumbled under his breath. He really didn't like it when Damien hovered around Rin.

It was instantaneous. As Sango gave a scream as her labor really started, the storm broke with a wild fury. The kids instantly ducked down against the onslaught. Shippo grabbed hold of Rin and Izayoi while Rin grabbed Kimiko's hand. Leading them, Shippo got them inside the shrine. Right nearby them, Ayano and Damien appeared. They paused only momentarily inside wishing them luck before darting back out into the storm for their own hut.

Within seconds, Amunet appeared before them cradling the other set of twins. These ones grew more like humans than youkai. “Come along children. Let's get you warmed up and something hot to eat.” All four eagerly followed the youkai inside to one of the spare rooms.

Most of the council members wound up living in the shrine. Juna, Damien and Ayano were the only ones that lived in huts outside within the shrine property. Amunet and Amun lived with the twins inside the shrine with the other children. Sango and Kaede were the only other ones besides Kagome that lived there as well.

The storm raged on through the night. For a brief hour though, the storm completely stopped. This was followed by a single cry announcing to the world that Sango's baby had arrived. After the hour of silence, the storm began again at a slower pace, coating the village and their world with a blanket of white.

Sango gave the baby boy a small smile. He was beautiful and he looked exactly like Miroku. “Mamoru Higaurashi. That is okay, isn't it, Kagome? If I take your last name? I never had one and neither did Miroku.”

Kagome gave Sango a weary but loving smile. “Of course, that is okay. You're my sister. It's only fair that we have the same last name. Mamoru is a strong name.”

“It's what Miroku wanted and I know he would consider it an honor to carry your last name.”

The two females shared pained smiles before Kagome quietly left the room. Leaning back against the wall, she gave a heavy sigh. “Oh Miroku, I'm so sorry…” Silent tears fell down Kagome's cheeks as she moved away from the birthing room to her own room.