InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Voices at Midnight ❯ Watashi no Kokoro... ( Chapter 16 )

~*Voices at Midnight*~

Meamiko

You wanna see a disclaimer? Go to the first chapter and leave me the hell alone!

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Last Chapter: "Shippou you never had to ask! You'll always be my pup." Shippou opened his mouth to say something, but Kagome's arms tightened around him painfully.

"Itai…Kagome?" Before he could say more, she cried out in pain, slumped forward, dropping him from her arms, and crumbled to the floor.

~*~

Chapter Sixteen: Watashi no Kokoro…

He adored her. He unconditionally, undeniably adored her. It was strange that this once cold hearted youkai, hater of all things human fell for the one thing he swore he'd never even show a hint of kindness toward. When had things changed? When had he gone from lusting for the petite miko to actually loving her? It was mind boggling to say the least. He didn't even bother to comprehend the change. All that mattered now was that, for the first time in his life, he was happy and most of all, that she was happy.

But now the questions arose. Kagome was from a different time, was she meant to go back? Her task here was done, perhaps…she was meant to go back to her time with the Shikon no Tama. But if she were meant to return…wouldn't the jewel have taken her back the minute it was absorbed into her body?

Sesshoumaru leaned back into his chair as an obviously unhappy frown graced his face. It was unnerving to say the least. All the questions and uncertainties this miko, his mate, gave him. For the first time in his life he felt the cold fingers of fear pressing against his skin. Would she leave him? He closed his eyes and shook his head. It was ridiculous that this great youkai lord was reduced to such…uncertainty.

Without warning his stomach suddenly lurched and his heart felt heavy with dread. Chaotic footsteps sounded through the hall signaling that something was amiss. The door to his study was slid open to reveal a rather disheveled Soramiru looking wildly around the room, her eyes finally settling on him she gave a small bow.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, it's Kagome-sama! Something's wrong." With that she bounded away with Sesshoumaru hot on her heels.

~*~

Kagome gave Shippou a small, weak smile. "I'm sorry Shippou. I didn't mean to hurt you." Shippou fidgeted with the blanket on the bed next to Kagome. She shifted slightly, trying to get more comfortable which caused pain to shoot through her abdomen.

Miroku grasped her hand softly, giving it a slight squeeze. "Kagome-sama, try to reserve your energy." Miroku frowned as she nodded weakly only to wince in pain again. Miroku had never been so terrified when Sango found him.

The moment Sango crashed into him on her way to find him panic took over his entire body making him feel he was in a full-body binding spell. When the flustered woman's terrified eyes met his he immediately started running toward Kagome's room, not knowing exactly how he knew it would be her who was in trouble.

Once he was at her side he'd decided that he wasn't leaving and stealing a glance at Sango he figured that she'd decided the same. A heartbeat later Sora burst into the room only to be nearly shoved out of the way by Sesshoumaru. The next person to be actually pushed out of the way was the monk himself. He wanted to fight him to stay by her side but that was Sesshoumaru's rightful place. Instead he moved next to Sango and Sora.

"Where is the old miko? The sister of Inuyasha's wench. Bring her to me now." Sora immediately bolted from the room in a rush of fiery red hair and slightly extended white wings. Within moments Sora came in carrying Kaede who looked concerned if not a little perturbed. If the atmosphere hadn't been so serious one might have laughed at the scene.

Kaede moved toward the bed, glancing toward Sesshoumaru who glared back. "You were with her when I left. Where did you go?" He asked shortly.

"I went to get Inuyasha to tell him about Kagome. I sent him to my hut to get some supplies." She pushed past him obviously unhappy about being questioned. She laid a hand on the bulge of Kagome's stomach then crinkled her old face in concentration. "She needs to be moved to the birthing chamber. When Inuyasha returns have him meet us there."

Kagome's eyes widened as she reached out for the old woman. "Birthing chamber? Why?" She asked worriedly.

"I'd say, Kagome, that it's about time for you to bring two new beings into the world."

Kagome's voice rose a few notches. "Now? Already?" She asked, semi-panicked. Kaede didn't answer as she turned to Sango.

"Would you send your brother for a mid-miko?" Sango nodded then jogged out of the room. Kaede motioned for Sesshoumaru who immediately picked Kagome up and followed Sora to the birthing chamber. Kagome twisted slightly in Sesshoumaru's arms to get a view of Kaede.

"But Kaede, it's too early. Humans carry babies for nine months." She said, her voice on the edge of hysteria.

"That would be the case if you were a 'normal' human and carrying 'normal' children. You, Kagome are a miko and your mate a youkai. Your children's growth is accelerating and they're coming whether you're ready or not." Kagome fought the urge to panic and say she wasn't ready and concentrated on breathing. Breath…just breathe…

~*~

Kohaku came to a frantic stop in the middle of the forest outside Sesshoumaru's shiro. Leaning over and resting his hands on his knees for support, he tried to catch his breath, glancing around every now and then for any signs of life. He must have taken a wrong turn, as the village was nowhere to be found. He heaved a great sigh. 'What am I going to do now? He thought wistfully.

"Oi, what are you doing?" His head shot up, searching wildly for the owner of the feminine voice. A few feet away from him stood a woman in traditional miko garb turned slightly to the right as if ready to fight, her long black hair flowing in the wind.

"I need a mid-miko. Neechan sent me for a mid-miko. Are you one?" He asked hysterically. The older woman regarded him for a moment then smiled.

"No but I can call one." With a flick of her wrist a small light appeared, swirled around crazily then choose a direction and sped off. Kohaku stared up at her in wonder when the light was out of sight.

"Sugoi! What was that?" He asked excitedly.

"A message." Was her cryptic reply. Kohaku opened his mouth ask another question but stopped when another woman slowly entered the clearing.

~*~

"Kagome you need to relax." Miroku whispered urgently as he watched in horror as Kagome writhed from the pain. He tried to calm her with his voice, occasional touches, anything but nothing worked. Almost blinded by his own panic he almost missed the small smile she gave him. "What is it?"

"I think I know a spell to show Sesshoumaru how much pain I'm in." She paused to wince then went back to grinning. "The thought of using it on him was slightly amusing." Miroku stared at her for a moment then smiled and shook his head.

"It'd be more amusing if you'd use it on Inuyasha." He replied. Kagome coughed out a rough laugh only to flinch from the pain it induced.

Kagome glanced over at the door, hoping Kohaku had found a mid-miko and was on his way back. When he finally came, moments later, she didn't expect who he brought back.

"Midoriko-sama!" Sora's startled voice rang out. The miko took Sora's hand and walked over to the bed to Kagome. Behind her Kikyou waited at the door looking, for once, apprehensive.

"Kagome," Midoriko started. "I was sent to make sure your children were born safely. I have no doubt that they will be."

Kagome nodded and Midoriko set to work shouting orders and calling for Kikyou to assume her spot.

Sesshoumaru stood and motioned to the mikos. "Which one of you is the mid-miko?" He asked. Kikyou nodded to him then went back to working on Kagome.

Miroku stood and backed away, joining the group of non-helpers. "I'm guessing all non-essential personnel should vacate the premises." He said half jokingly as they filed out of the room, casting sideways glances at Kagome and the "essential personnel" as they left.

~*~

TBC…

Ok I'd say one more chapter left. It might be a longer one as I will be pretty much wrapping things up. I'm sooooo sorry it took so long for this one I had no idea how long it had been! GOMEN!! Ok I'm outie. Ja ne!

Meamiko

P.S. Mid-mikos like mid-wife…just a miko instead O.o;