InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Birth and Death ( Chapter 35 )

A/N This chapter contains an obstetrical emergency. Hope it doesn't squick.

 

Jaken slunk into the dimly lit room and added fuel to the brazier, trying to make enough noise to rouse the large lump in his master's bed into wakefulness. He had a message to deliver and hoped the Ningen woman was not a heavy sleeper.

 

His illustrious Lord had given him strict instructions before leaving the previous morning. He was to anticipate Lady Kagome's every desire, be at her continuous beck and call, and under no circumstances disturb her in any way. Jaken prided himself on his service to the Inutaisho family and was adept at constant availability while remaining unobtrusive, but the Ningen was different. She was unpredictable, sometimes tripping over herself to do the most menial tasks in his place, sometimes wishing to chat with him, always making his job difficult. Actually her mere presence at the manor, in Jaken's eyes, was a source of consternation. She was by her very nature, that of a Ningen woman, inferior, but she was his lord's mate—a notion to which Jaken still had trouble adjusting his mind.

 

When Lord Sesshoumaru usually left on military service, his duties were clear and simple: keep the Western heir's quarters clean, tidy, and ready for his return at any moment. Now, instead of a brief holiday, he was to wait hand and foot on the Ningen. He normally would be resentful, but his esteemed Lord seemed satisfied with the wench, and he, Jaken, was secretly beginning to like her. At first her friendly attempts at conversation resulted in suspicion; he was certain she was mocking him. Later he understood that Lady Kagome was honestly curious about him, and he doubted she was even capable of duplicity, so transparent were her emotions.

 

Messy dark hair appeared from the blankets, followed by blue eyes slowly blinking into focus. “Good morning, Jaken,” Kagome said hoarsely.

 

“Lady Kagome, forgive the intrusion,” he said, bowing low. “In my devoted interest in faithfully following my great Lord Sesshoumaru's specific orders to see to your comfort, I would never have permitted myself to interrupt your sleep. However this morning the maid Hannya brought a message from Lady Seiobo. Of course only a message from one so worthy, so venerable as the beautiful Lady of the West would justify—”

 

“Jaken,” Kagome broke in, giggling. The small, green Youkai could be tiringly verbose at times. “Thank you for waking me. I've slept plenty. What is the message?”

 

Jaken suffered his usual ambivalence when around his Lord's mate. He appreciated that she didn't want him to grovel, but was slightly perturbed at an opportunity to demonstrate his superior skill as a retainer, albeit a loquacious one, denied. “Lady Seiobo would like you to break fast with her in half an hour.”

 

“That sounds lovely. Thank you for telling me.” She reached for the sleeping robe lying on the floor. “And Jaken, you really don't need to hang in attendance like you did yesterday. Please don't take that as an insult,” she said quickly, noting his crestfallen face. “You are a valuable employee. I am simply used to taking care of my own needs.”

 

“Bu…bu…but Lord Sesshoumaru—” he croaked.

 

“I'll tell my mate you were exceptionally diligent.”

 

“As you wish, my Lady.” Jaken was uncertain if he should feel grateful or offended.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome entered the elegant dining room and saw Seiobo waiting patiently. She had an ethereal beauty that made her look ageless, and Kagome found herself wondering, not for the first time, her mate's mother's age. The table was spread with simple bowls of rice and miso soup and plates of grilled fish and sour plums. Kagome bowed and thanked her hostess for the invitation.

 

“Darling, I am honored to have your company,” Seiobo responded warmly, indicating for Kagome to sit. “Hannya couldn't find Gina this morning, and Azami politely declined my invitation…I worry about that poor child.” They passed dishes to each other and began to eat.

 

“I spent some time with Gina yesterday helping in the infirmary. She told me she had to tend to the wintering of her medicinal herb garden this morning. I'm worried about Azami as well; she seemed very upset the other day.” Kagome felt guilty that she had been so caught up with saying goodbye to Sesshoumaru and had given so little thought beyond her initial concern about Azami.

 

“Her father really is a monster to her, but I can't forbid them from being in contact. He is a Taiyoukai after all and has every right to communicate with his daughter. We don't want to take on an appearance that we are holding her hostage. It is a fine line we walk, and I fear Okuri is as adept as he has ever been at influencing events.”

 

“Is it true that you were promised to him at one time?” Kagome recalled Azami once mentioned that.

 

Seiobo was not surprised that Kagome had learned more of Taiyoukai history. “From birth, I was promised to Hisashi's heir, and for years that was Okuri. In preparation of becoming the Lady of the West, I was tutored in diplomacy and etiquette as well as the usual training Youkai ladies receive in the arts. I had met Okuri only a few times because he primarily lived in exile with his mother's family. I thought him handsome and intelligent, but he frightened me. He had a terrible temper, abused the servants, and acted generally with a cold, calculating ruthlessness. Of course I was overjoyed when Hisashi changed his mind before he died. Isamu and I had only met once in passing before we were mated, and I was very young, but he was wonderful from the beginning. Now enough about me,” Seiobo concluded, reaching for Kagome's hand. “I want to hear how you are. I know about the difficulties separation from one's mate can bring.”

 

“Oh…” Kagome sighed, blinking back tears that had been floating on the surface since Sesshoumaru had kissed her goodbye. “I just feel…wrong. There's a constant dull, hollow ache, like something is missing. I've stayed busy to distract myself from this sensation, but last night our bed seemed so big and empty.”

 

Seiobo nodded. “The physical bond between a mated pair is powerful. When there is an emotional attachment it is even stronger. It gets better, or at least easier,” she reassured gently. “When Isamu left me for the first time to go to War, I wanted to die and cried myself to sleep for a week. Now…well I can't say I enjoy his absences, but they aren't nearly as painful.”

 

“I'm simply grateful he won't be gone for longer than a few more days. I'm afraid Gina will become sick of my efforts at cleaning and organizing and ban me from the infirmary. I was thinking of going down to the archery field this afternoon for drills.”

 

“Oh darling, before I forget,” Seiobo said with excitement. “I was told this morning that a letter arrived for you late last night. It should still be in the aviary.”

 

“I bet it's from the Sisterhood!” Kagome squealed. “Thank you Lady Seiobo for the message,” she sobered, suddenly self-conscious. “I'll go get it as soon as we finish.”

 

Seiobo laughed at Kagome's child-like reaction, marveling at how unlike her son she was, yet they obviously pleased each other.

 

Their meal proceeded in friendly conversation, comprised mainly of Kagome asking hesitant questions about Sesshoumaru's sister, which Seiobo answered happily. As they bid farewell a rather frantic-looking servant interrupted them.

 

“Pardon me Lady Seiobo,” she bowed quickly. “Lord Inoue sent me. Lady Masako's time is here, but I can't find Lady Gina anywhere. Lady Kagome, she asked for me to tell you too. Jaken directed me here.”

 

“Hisako, thank you. Take Lady Kagome back to the Inoue residence directly. I'll track down Gina.”

 

Kagome hurried with the nervous, but visibly relieved, servant to a large, well-kept house near the manor. The familiar anticipation that preceded a birth tickled at her. It had been several months since she had assisted at one, but midwifery had always been her favorite branch of the healing arts and she was looking forward to viewing the process from the both perspective of an attendant and as the mate of a Youkai. Upon entering she saw Lady Inoue dressed in a sleeping robe and sitting comfortably in a nest of cushions with a young Youkai female curled up next to her and her distressed mate pacing nearby.

 

“Lady Kagome, I thank you for coming. Masako wanted to wait, but I thought it prudent to find you and Lady Gina,” Lord Inoue said, his agitation somewhat assuaged by the presence of another female.

 

“Males never listen,” Masako scoffed. “I am sorry Kagome. My first labor lasted two days; I wasn't planning to impose on your time until the birth was imminent.”

 

“No imposition at all,” Kagome said, kneeing next to Masako. “Every birth is different. Perhaps this one will be shorter than expected. When did the cramping start?”

 

“An hour before the sun rose. I just want him out.”

 

“I've heard similar sentiments more times than I can count.” Many women had sworn to Kagome the last month of pregnancy was actually three months long, or so it seemed. “You think it's a baby boy then? Errr…I mean male pup.”

 

“Oh we never really know until the end.” A labor pain stopped her, and Kagome closely watched the contraction's effects. Half a minute later Masako sighed deeply and continued. “This pregnancy has been so different from my first one. I can't help but think it's a male. So that's what I've been calling it, but I'd be perfectly happy with another daughter. Kagome, I don't think you've met my little one. This is Kiku. Sweetling, this is Lady Kagome.” Kiku grinned and then hid her face in her mother's chest.

 

“Hello Kiku,” Kagome said kindly. “How old are you?”

 

She peeked at Kagome shyly and held up all the fingers on one hand. Kagome smiled back indulgently. The child couldn't possibly have been more than two.

 

“How have the pains been so far? The one you had a minute ago didn't seem to bother you too much.” Kagome helped Masako recline and laid sure hands on the huge, round belly to check the position of the pup inside. She had never felt a fetus quite so big, but wasn't certain what was normal for Youkai and didn't want to say anything discouraging. “The good news is the head is pretty far down and seems tucked into the chest.”

 

“And the bad news?”

 

“No bad news,” Kagome said firmly. “How would you like to get up and walk around a little?”

 

“Ugh...just a minute.” Kagome helped Masako roll on her side and waited for the contraction to subside, all the while paying close attention to the duration of the pain and how Masako reacted. It was short and her face barely showed any tension. Things were just getting started.

 

XXXXX

 

“Sorry it took me so long!” Gina declared, breezing into the room. “Apparently I've been so busy today I've been difficult to find.” She surveyed the scene. Lady Inoue was walking slowly around the room, arm-in-arm with her mate, who had a pained expression on his face. Kagome, keeping a watchful eye on the couple, was playing dolls with Kiku. “How are things here?”

 

Kagome affectionately patted the little head as she rose and went to Gina. “Progressing steadily. Since I've started her walking three hours ago, the pains have taken on a regular pattern, and she's having to do a little work now to get through them.” Kagome lowered her voice. “Masako is doing well. Lord Inoue…I'm not so sure.”

 

Gina laughed quietly. “It's that protective instinct. Inuyoukai males and birth don't mix very well; they can't stomach the inability to stop their mates' pain. Rather pathetic if you ask me…the female is the one going through it all.” She crossed the room. “How are you dear? Come sit down. I want to listen to the pup's heartbeat during a labor pain.” Lady Inoue nodded and sat back in a chair as Gina felt for the curve of the pup's back and pressed an ear hard against that spot. She felt the muscles tighten and closed her eyes to concentrate, while Lady Inoue breathed deeply, trying to stay relaxed. “The pup sounds good—nice, strong heartbeat,” Gina pronounced. Lord Inoue helped his mate to stand and continued walking with her.

 

“Can you really hear the heart?” Kagome asked, amazed. “There is no way I'd be able to hear anything without the instrument midwives use. And even then it's very faint.”

 

“I suspect my Inu hearing is a great deal more sensitive than yours,” Gina said. “Kagome…how do Ningen midwives manage birth? Would you feel comfortable if I were to leave for a bit?”

 

“I'd be fine. Mostly we just sit on our hands until we are needed.”

 

“Good. I need to blunt my claws and gather a few supplies—towels, string for tying the cord, a knife, a few different tinctures—and I haven't eaten yet today. I'll be back before too long.”

 

When Gina, followed by a servant laden with towels and blankets, returned an hour later, Lord Inoue and Kiku were gone, and Masako, sweaty and moaning, was in the middle of a contraction. Kagome rubbed her lower back and whispered simple encouragements. Gina joined them where they sat and waited for it to stop. “How do you feel Masako?”

 

“Tired…already so tired,” she panted. “I don't know if I can make it if this one is like Kiku.”

 

Gina looked at Kagome. “Her first was half a day of back labor. Little Kiku stubbornly refused all my efforts to get her positioned the right way.”

 

Kagome winced, having seen many times the slow, frustrated agony caused by back labor. “I don't know how it usually is for Youkai, but it seems to me things are proceeding well. The power and duration is increasing, they are coming closer together, and she is holding up fine.”

 

Masako smiled weakly. “I don't feel fine.”

 

Kagome enfolded the Youkai in her arms, surreptitiously checking for fever. “Masako, don't be afraid. This isn't your first birth. Each one is unique. This pup is continuing to descend, and he is facing the right direction. I'd be surprised if you weren't finished by dinner time.” She met Gina's gaze and didn't waver. Kagome knew labor and birth were impossible to fully predict, but she had seen enough babies born to recognize this was flowing rapidly. And she knew that laboring women needed constant positive reassurance.

 

Another contraction hit, and Kagome went back to massaging, while Gina checked the pup's heartbeat. She kept listening as the muscles relaxed and the heart rate returned to normal speed. Lady Inoue and Kagome sighed as it passed.

 

“Masako you're doing great, and the pup is strong. He is tolerating the labor well. I know it hurts, but the pain is doing its job.”

 

“Oh…shut up, Gina,” Masako said, causing the other two to laugh.

 

“Still has her sense of humor,” Gina noted merrily.

 

XXXXX

 

Two hours later the contractions were continuous, barely a break in between, and the joking was nonexistent.

 

“Aaaggghhhh! Gods make it stop!” Lady Inoue's water bag had broken a few minutes before, resulting in a sudden intensification.

 

“Masako, breathe. Breathe for me,” Kagome demanded gently, capturing her attention. “You're doing wonderfully, beautifully.” When the pain stopped, Kagome wiped sweat and prodded her to drink some water. “Relax now…it's over.”

 

Masako shook uncontrollably. “Cold…I'm cold.”

 

Gina handed a blanket to Kagome, who in turn put it around the shivering female. “Masako, you're going through the worst right now. It'll be soon over.”

 

She thus far had witnessed no great differences between Youkai and Ningen birthing practices and felt more and more that she was on familiar ground. Her curiosity at seeing something unknown was replaced with confidence. Confidence in giving comfort; confidence in the connection between the one bringing in new life and her supporters. She had felt that bond which each birth she attended. Even as an apprentice, unskilled and flailing, impotent against the forces of nature, she appreciated that she was part of something so much larger, more important than just those in the room; despite the War, despite famine and illness, they continued the unending cycle of life. She forgot about the threats to the peace treaty, about her absent mate, about her own future. Her only thoughts now were on her position as assistant—her role as one to provide succor, a comforting word, a hand to hold.

 

Another contraction swept over Lady Inoue. She closed her eyes and took deep, long breaths, moaning as she exhaled, while Gina and Kagome watched and listened, taking cues, offering encouragement. “Gods! I need to push!” she yelled, panic edging her voice.

 

It was the sign they were waiting for. “Well let's get into the bedroom then,” Gina declared. They helped Masako rise, leaving wet and bloody towels and blankets for the servants to clean up.

 

After two hours Masako almost cried with delight when Gina announced she could see the head. When her first was born, labor had been long and excruciating, but the delivery itself was fast and she had felt little pain, comparatively. This pup was large and taking much more time and effort to push out, and, though the contractions had become less painful, allowing her to rest, she was still very tired. Half-sitting, half-squatting on the edge of her bed, Gina was on the floor in front of her, Kagome seated behind, supporting her weight, whispering calmly.

 

She felt the urge to bear down again and squeezed Kagome's hand.

 

“Push if you feel you need to, but don't strain, keep breathing. Keep breathing…keep breathing,” Kagome chanted.

 

“That's it!” Gina proclaimed. “Great pushing, just like that.” The powerful contraction eased off, and Masako leaned back against Kagome, grateful for the respite. “It won't be much longer Masako. You're almost done.” Gina poured some pure sesame oil into her hand and using her thumbs, massaged the lower part of the birth opening to gently stretch the tissues in preparation for the passage of the head.

 

Masako squeezed Kagome's hand again, silently communicating, and Kagome helped her slouch forward.

 

“Good, now go slowly…the head is starting to crown. Don't push.”

 

“Aaaghhh! I forgot how much it stings!” Masako laughed and cried at the same time.

 

“Gentle now…good gods this pup is huge,” Gina blurted out. “Okay the head is out. Just relax. Don't push.”

 

Kagome looked down and saw Gina wiping fluid from the pup's nose and mouth. It had a thick thatch of black hair and was indeed the largest newborn head she'd ever seen. Gina felt to make sure the cord wasn't wrapped around the pup's neck and waited for the next contraction. Kagome watched as the head turned and the bottom shoulder was born, and then Gina's expression changed.

 

“Dammit…tight shoulders. Masako don't push.” Gina and Kagome stared at each other gravely. Few things brought terror to midwives like stuck shoulders. “Masako,” Gina said with forced calm. “I need you to lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your legs high.”

 

Kagome moved around and helped Masako lie down and raise her legs, as Gina got up, keeping a hand supporting the pup's head. Gina waited as the next contraction came. “Shit. Stuck.” She let out a shaky breath. “Masako, I'm going to put some pressure above your pubic bone. It won't feel good, but I've got to try to get this shoulder unstuck. Just relax and whatever you do don't push.” Gina pressed her fist in and down, trying to move the shoulder, while Kagome kept her hands on the head, flexing with the gentlest pressure. “Now bear down hard,” Gina ordered. They had no success.

 

“Do you want me to try to deliver the bottom arm?” Kagome asked tentatively.

 

Gina nodded. “I am not getting any progress like this. He's really in there.” Gina looked at Masako with fake cheer. “Darling you need to stop growing such large children,” she said playfully to distract her as Kagome carefully slid skillful fingers in, feeling along the pup's back.

 

“I can't even hook an armpit,” Kagome said with frustration, slipping her other hand down the pup's chest to try to manipulate the arm into place. Then she saw the face turning blue. Deftly searching along the stuck shoulder she felt the cord. “Gina he needs to come out,” Kagome stated forcefully. “The cord is pinched in between the shoulder and the pubic bone.”

 

Gina looked sick. “Masako, I hate to do this, but I need to break his collar bone.”

 

“Wait! Gina!” Kagome shook her head. “Don't you do hands and knees next?”

 

“What?” Gina asked, relieved Kagome knew another option to an action that risked permanent nerve damage.

 

“Masako,” Kagome said quickly, “I need you to get on your hands and knees.”

 

Gina looked confused, but helped the other Youkai into the position while Kagome kept a hold of the head. As soon as she was up and kneeling, the pup slid out, limp and slick, into Kagome's waiting hands. She heaved a sigh to see that the cord was pulsing again. “Come on, come on,” Kagome urged, rubbing the little body and blowing into the face. The pup began to pink up and grimace and was soon bawling displeasure to all the world.

 

Masako smiled through her tears, seeing her new son turn red as he screamed at Kagome. “That's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.”

 

XXXXX

 

“So tell me more about that hands and knees maneuver,” Gina said. Lord Inoue and Kiku were home, the yet-unnamed pup was nursing well, Lady Inoue's bleeding had slowed to a trickle, and she and Kagome had been relaxing in the warmth of the baths for an hour. The water slowly dissolved away the heart-pounding stress of the difficult birth, and the cynical Youkai was left feeling uncharacteristically spent and emotional. “I've never seen anything work so well on sticky shoulders.”

 

“The birth outlet is widest in this position. It is particularly effective if a shoulder is hung up on the tailbone. Many times if a Ningen midwife suspects a big baby she'll put the mother in that position automatically.” Kagome was glad to be able to help, but now that the birth was over and her distraction was gone. She began to experience the tortuous anxiety and anguish of missing her mate and felt even worse than before.

 

“Well, I'm grateful you were there. And now I have a new trick in my repertoire.” Gina smiled wickedly. “Really I don't know why we dogs haven't used it before now. It only makes sense, especially considering how it is second nature for Inu to fuck that way.” Gina noticed Kagome's downcast eyes and quivering lower lip. “Darling, I'm so sorry. That was incredibly insensitive of me.”

 

Kagome smiled sadly. “It's alright. Lady Seiobo said the pain would lessen, but...” She shook her head harshly.

 

Gina moved closer in and brushed damp, black hair from where it lay against Kagome's smooth, pale brow. “He'll be back.” She softly kissed her forehead, her closed eyes, her cheek. “I'd be jealous of him if I thought for a second he didn't appreciate you.” Gina's sparkling laughter danced and echoed off the low ceiling as she moved back. “No, I think even my incredibly dense cousin has finally recognized you two are perfect together.”

 

Kagome's laugh joined Gina's. “Thanks for snapping me out of my self-pity. Next time feel free to slap me.”

 

“Don't be silly. We should get out before we shrivel up.”

 

As they dressed Kagome still felt the ache and pull, but her mood had lightened. Gina said she would check on Masako before bed, and Kagome agreed to look in on her in the morning.

 

“You really are amazing, Kagome. And not just because of your miko powers and your midwifery skills.” Gina embraced her warmly. “I hope you know…I love you like a sister.”

 

Kagome returned the hug. “I do, and me too.” Then she remembered the Sisterhood. “Oh gods! Gina, I have a letter waiting for me at the aviary. I completely forgot about it!”

 

“Nothing captures the attention like a complicated delivery,” Gina said. “Enjoy your letter. I'll see you tomorrow.”

 

Kagome rushed to the aviary and retrieved her letter. Unable to delay reading, she stood in the bright moonlight outside the building.

 

Dear, dear Kagome, How I cried when I read your letter; I miss you so. Though part of me still wishes you wrote to tell me you have been released from your marriage and are returning to the Sisterhood, I was overjoyed to hear you are happy. Please write again and share with me more details of your new life. I need names and descriptions so I can pull you out of the abyss of my imagination. I need to know you are treated well and not in danger. You may now have concluded that Youkai and Ningen are similar and are no longer enemies, but I have no experience to make the same conclusion. Please, Kagome, convince me; I worry.

 

The Sisterhood…your sudden absence was felt sharply. We wanted to stay positive and excited about the peace treaty, but I'd be lying to say the entire dormitory, the entire Sisterhood didn't mourn for you. The younger miko were especially affected, because you've always provided such gentle, patient guidance. Though she tried to hide it, because she wanted you to succeed her one day, Lady Kaede I think was hit harder than anyone. Except me, of course. But we survive, as always. Life here at the Sisterhood Shrine has not changed too much with the end of War. We still train and study. We still receive service orders. We still live to protect Ningen society. Lady Kaede has shifted the focus of that protection, placing less emphasis on the explicit killing of Youkai, and concentrating instead on fighting bandits and outlaws. You asked specifically about Leiko. I've never liked the bitch, but now I hate her. The vile things she said about you after you left were reason enough on their own, her recent behavior though…her insubordination has been disciplined, but she and her friends stir up trouble constantly. Leiko has spoken against the peace treaty and threatened to use her powers to indiscriminately kill Youkai, so Lady Kaede feels she's is best kept within the confines of the Sisterhood Shrine and won't expel her. As to the rest of Ningen society, I have heard from family and miko on the outside and they all say that life is already getting better. Fighting has stopped, and Youkai are helping rebuild settlements and are sending food. Kagome, our war-torn land was craving peace like a starving man craves sustenance. This may truly be the beginning of something new.

 

I suspect you may soon be flooded with many letters; all your friends are eager to communicate with you, so I'll allow them to update you on their lives. I, ever faithful in my selfish need for your attention, wanted mine to be the first letter you received. Awaiting your response impatiently, your friend, Taka

 

Kagome smiled wistfully as she rolled the scroll back up. It was late and the events of the day left her tired. She walked toward the manor, hoping she would sleep better than the previous night, when she was startled by General Inutaisho and Commander Endo hurrying in her direction.

 

“Kagome, I heard Masako Inoue was delivered a few hours ago so you've probably not heard yet,” General Inutaisho said, stopping briefly. “We received a message a short while ago from Lady Nekoko. Lord Fukuguchi, the Ningen who controls the mines, is dead. No word yet on the cause, but the one thing that has kept me sane lately is the fact that Kurono and Akagawa don't have access to the materials they need. Now that is no longer a certainty. There will be a meeting with the advisers in the morning; I'd like you there in Sesshoumaru's stead.”

 

They continued to the aviary, leaving Kagome stripped of her hopeful tranquility and burdened by a sinking dread and the return of the aching loneliness. “Sesshoumaru,” she whispered. “Come home.”