InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Worthy ❯ Prologue ( Prologue )

AN: I know I said this wouldn't be up in a month but I got really, really board today. It's amazing how much you can get done when you got the whole day with nothing to do. Especially when you give up on math homework because you can't understand a single thing about it. I hate math (starts a fire and burns her math book on page at a time. Burn baby burn). I honestly think the world would be a much better place without math. I know that a lot of people thought that this was going to be about Inuyasha's pups and I was tempted to do one eventually but I have no story for it. Maybe later.

Sesshoumaru stood in front of his office window staring at nothing. On his desk an old, unwrapped, wrinkled scroll fluttered slightly in the breeze, threatening to take flight. It had dust on it and the ink was faded from the sun but he was still able to tell Kagome's elegant handwriting. He had received that letter almost nine months ago and though he had written his word of congratulations, he couldn't help but feel a little upset when he first got it.

Inuyasha, his little brother, was going to be a father. Normally, Sesshoumaru would have felt nothing but happiness but the thought of the pup brought him some concerns. He, Sesshoumaru was unmated and therefore had no heir. That would make Inuyasha's first born the heir until Sesshoumaru produced one.

What if he didn't? What if died a bachelor and the pup inherited his land? Would the pup with more human blood than youkai be strong enough to rule? Sesshoumaru doubted it. Still Sesshoumaru needed to speak to Inuyasha about this but had put it off in the hope of finding a mate before the pup was born. Sesshoumaru had searched all four lands and had studied every potential female. None of them were worthy and he was even disgusted by most of them. They wouldn't strengthen his bloodline but weaken it. Even the weaker bloodline of Inuyasha would be stronger than the offspring most of those females would produce. Surprisingly, all those females had been of noble blood. They were spoiled, snobbish women that had never seen a day of battle in their life. Two of those lands were in luck to have sons to take care of it but the south was doomed to die since the lord's mate had produced nothing but females.

The only females Sesshoumaru actually bothered to look twice at were wild. These females had seen battle almost every day of their lives. Most of them weren't trusting and run or had attacked Sesshoumaru upon first glance. They had been surprised to find themselves subdued and alive when they lost the fight or failed in escaping him and only then did they speak with him. All of them were poorly mannered but they treated him as they would any other respected youkai and didn't flaunt over him like the nobles had done. Sesshoumaru had respected them and even became friends with one of them who happened to live in his land. There was a chance that their blood might weaken his but the possibilities were slim do to their feisty nature but none of them would strengthen it and even if one did, he felt nothing but respect for them and knew that a partnership would be doomed from the beginning. None of them would be tamed and it would be a constant battle for dominance.

Sesshoumaru mentally sighed and leaned against the window frame. The pup was due in a little less than a month. He needed to speak with Inuyasha and explain the situation and what was expected of the pup if Sesshoumaru failed to produce an heir.

The door of the study slowly slid open and Jaken and Rin entered the room.

"Milord," Jaken spoke, "the intruders are making their way deeper into the forest and seemed to be heading north."

Sesshoumaru focused his eyes on the single stream of smoke that rose not too far in the distance. It had first appeared a few weeks ago but farther southwest. Sesshoumaru had investigated it when he first caught sight of it and had been surprised to find a clan of strange youkai that he had never seen before. They looked like humans. The only difference was their dainty claws and fangs but most of them had strange color hair. Never had Sesshoumaru had seen yellow colored hair or hair so close to the color of fire. He hadn't been close enough to fully see them but their hair stood out against in the forest.

Sesshoumaru hadn't been concerned once he saw them. If they had meant to overthrow him they wouldn't have brought pregnant females or tiny children with them. Sesshoumaru had suspected that they were only passing through and the steady movement of the smoke had strengthened his suspicion but he had Jaken keep a close eye on them just in case.

"They have been heading north since they arrived, Jaken." Sesshoumaru told him. "Have they been causing any trouble?"

"They kill several deer every day but given the size of the clan, it's not a large amount and they eat every scrap and use every bone." Jaken answered.

Rin made her way past Jaken to stand next to Sesshoumaru and look at the smoke. She too had been watching it since it first arrived but she was more curious than anything. Jaken had told her about them and she wanted to see them and find out where they came from.

Sesshoumaru spared a glance down at Rin. She had grown much taller since he first saw her and her body began to change rapidly in the past year. She was becoming a woman. Already her body was taking on the shape. Sesshoumaru didn't know whether to be proud or scared.

He had done his best to raise her but knew nothing about raising females and other than Jaken; he refused to let the servants take care of her. He didn't trust them. All of them were lower class youkai that thought very little of humans. When he had first brought her here, Sesshoumaru had not let Rin out of his sight except when he had to and even then Jaken had taken over without orders. Sesshoumaru had warned the servants and had overheard Jaken threatening them but he knew that if Rin were alone, they wouldn't hesitate to hurt her, whether it is physical or mental.

But still, Sesshoumaru wondered if the lack of female leadership had negative affects on Rin. She was still the sweet, little girl who had followed his every step and she was well mannered but lately, she had started to rebel. She argued with him on a regular bases and would often disappear for hours until Sesshoumaru grew concerned and followed her trail, which always seemed to start another argument. Sesshoumaru didn't know what to do about it and he hoped that it was only because Rin was stressed about her changes and was taking it out on him.

"Do you still think they're just passing through?" Rin asked.

Sesshoumaru nodded even though Rin wouldn't see it since she was staring at the smoke with childlike curiosity.

"Yes," he answered before turning from the window to pick of the parchment. "Continue to watch them, Jaken." He ordered and Jaken mumbled a reply of acceptance and left the room. Rin stayed were she was.

Sesshoumaru looked back at her. She was wearing her katana, he noticed. She only wore that when she was outside for her own protection. Sesshoumaru didn't like the thought of her out on her own when strange youkai were about and had told her several times in the past few days but still she continued to disobey. Sesshoumaru was tempted to say something about it now but he didn't want an argument and kept his mouth shut.

He looked down at the scroll and focused on the word "expecting." He needed to leave today.

"Rin, would you like to visit Kagome and Inuyasha?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Rin looked up at him and smiled at him for the first time all day.

"I would love to," She answered and walked over to pick up the scroll knowing Sesshoumaru wouldn't object since she had read it already. "Do you think they had the baby yet?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head.

"It's too soon."

"I would like to see it after it's born."

Sesshoumaru smiled and nodded.

"So would I. Go change into something warmer."

"But it's hot."

"The nights are still cold and will won't be there until morning. Now go change."

Anger flashed in Rin's eyes and Sesshoumaru wondered what he had done to make her angry but she held her tongue and stiffly walked out of the room to do as she was told. Sesshoumaru sighed and shook his head. He thought raising an energetic child had been difficult. A hotheaded teen was proving to be much worse.

Sango knew she shouldn't be frustrated with the hanyou. She was after all a taijiya and knew about youkai behavior but after hours of begging outside Inuyasha's bedroom door, her patience was running thin. That morning Shippo had woken them all up, telling them that Kagome had woken them with her cry of pain and Inuyasha had locked him out. Sango had rushed off to her friends' home while Miroku had gathered their daughter and ran to get Kaede.

Sango had been worried then and was still worried. Kagome was several weeks early and her pregnancy hadn't gone as well as they had hoped. She had gone into labor a few months ago and fortunately it had stopped but Kagome was often tired and sick. Sango feared that either she or the baby wouldn't survive.

When Sango had arrived, she had practically thrown open the door and was nearly attacked by a nearly transformed Inuyasha. Kagome was resting on the futon and was begging Inuyasha to return to her but Inuyasha had remained in front of her, glaring and growling at Sango.

Youkai instincts. Sango had hoped that with his sword and his human blood that she wouldn't have to worry about them when Kagome went into labor but unfortunately, she had been wrong. Inuyasha was an inu youkai and they were very protective of their mates, especially during times of labor. They only let blood relatives take care of their mates and Sango wasn't blood and though Inuyasha in his youkai driven mind would recognize her as a pack member he wouldn't allow her near.

Kaede had tried to get in but not even she could get through to Inuyasha especially since Kagome whimpered in pain at that time. All of them were forced to wait in the front room and could listen as Kagome occasionally let out a cry once in a while.

Sango bit her lip. It had been so long. Her labor hadn't been this long. She was already nursing by this time but going by the space in between Kagome's cries, she still had a while to go.

~

Inuyasha was scared. Really scared. Night had fallen and still Kagome wasn't progressing as quickly as he thought she should. Kagome didn't complain though but held onto him when the pain was unbearable and leaned against him when it wasn't.

He was doing his best to keep her comfortable. He had changed her into a thinner plain yukata after her first one became drenched in sweat, this one was now to, and he kept her cool with a damp cloth. She only hit him once and that had been more of a weak slap on his hand when she wanted him not to touch her. She curled against him a moment later.

Her water broke and the gown and futon were drenched in amniotic fluid and blood and the contractions were coming more frequent but not as fast as Sango's when she had delivered her daughter. He could tell that Kagome was weakening and begged her to hold on as he prayed that she would live through this.

Her pregnancy had not been easy and Inuyasha didn't think they would have anymore after this one. He didn't want to risk her life again. She had gone into labor a few months ago. That had scared them both and even then he hadn't let anyone see her. He was thankful that it had stopped but even now she was still early. Kagome had told him before that newborns could survive when they were this early but the risks were greater. Inuyasha didn't like that and not only was his pup's life in danger but his mates as well.

The midnight hour past and Kagome screamed. It was time. Finally time. Inuyasha knelt between her legs. He could see it. He could see the head and the white hair that was so much like his. Inuyasha begged her to push even in her weakened state but he didn't have to. Kagome was already pushing and the head came out. Inuyasha bit his lip when he saw his pup's red squinted face and the floppy ears but he didn't pay much attention to detail as he begged Kagome to continue pushing.

She was weak and it took more coaxing but she did it and the shoulders came out and soon, the rest of it. It was a boy. A tiny little boy. And he wasn't crying.

"Kagome," Inuyasha cried frantically, "what do I do?"

Kagome was staring up at the ceiling since she couldn't see much over the rise of her swollen breast and still swollen stomach. She wanted to sit up so she could see but was too weak to even move.

"Hold him upside down," she ordered, "and spank him."

Inuyasha didn't hesitate and breathed in relief when the pup started crying. It was weak but was growing louder as Inuyasha wrapped him in a blanket and placed him on Kagome's stomach.

Kagome was weak but she found the strength to hold her son. She even managed to undo part of the blanket so she could see what he was and smiled when she saw it was in fact a boy. Some part of her had known that the pup would be a boy and she had been right.

Kagome held the pup tenderly as she played with his little hand and eventually his ears. He looked so much like Inuyasha. His hair was silver white thought there was some black strands and his ears were also white but his right one had a black spot at the tip. He had Inuyasha's nose and mouth and if it wasn't for the slight difference in the hair and ears, he could have been Inuyasha's double.

Kagome was too focus on her son that she didn't notice Inuyasha delivering the afterbirth or what he did with it. But she did notice he smelt of blood when he kissed her forehead. She didn't ask but was thankful he didn't kiss her mouth.

Inuyasha was crying but he didn't care. His son was born and both he and Kagome had survived. Inuyasha didn't know how scared he had been until relief washed over him and he pulled them into his arms as he rocked them back and forth. Kagome had made a sound of protest but she was slowly falling asleep as Inuyasha held her.

"Kaori is beautiful," Kagome said, using the name they had decided on months ago. "Isn't he?"

Inuyasha smiled and stroked his son's right ear, right over the black spot.

"Yes, he is." He kissed her forehead. "Thank you."

Kagome made a sound of contentment and didn't object when Inuyasha took Kaori and held him in the crock of his elbow as she fell asleep. Inuyasha didn't move until later when he gently laid her down so he could clean Kaori then her or when he removed to soiled blanket. Nor did she even wake when Kaori began to cry. Inuyasha ended up having to position her on her side so the pup could nurse with him keeping watchful eye on both of them. Inuyasha didn't try to wake her and didn't think he would succeed if he did. Both the pregnancy and labor had been too difficult on her and she would need plenty of time to recover. That was fine since he was looking out for both of them.

A few minutes later, Sango was at the door, begging to be let in.

"Go away," Inuyasha growled.

"Please Inuyasha," Sango begged. "Let Kaede examine her and the baby."

"They're fine."

In his arms, Kaori made a baby like grunt before turning his head into Inuyasha's skin. Inuyasha slacked his muscles slightly so the pup could breathe.

"At least let us take care of the afterbirth."

"I already did."

Sango couldn't stop the look of disgust if she tried. It was common knowledge that female youkai ate the afterbirth to keep it from luring predators and to regain the nutrients their bodies lost but so badly needed after the birth. But since Kagome was not able and nor would she even think about ingesting it, Inuyasha had done it for her. His instincts wouldn't allow him to do otherwise. Still, the thought of it turned Sango's stomach.

"Then let me get the blankets out of there or do you want to sleep with the scent of it heavy in the air?"

Inuyasha growled but yelled fine as loud as he dared without waking Kagome or the pup.

Sango slowly opened the door, almost expecting to be attacked but she saw Inuyasha in the far darkened corner of the room with Kagome and the baby in his arms. Sango was tempted to try and see the baby but she didn't dare since it would probably get her killed. She couldn't even see the baby as wrapped up as it was. She couldn't even see a hand.

Inuyasha continued to growl at her but he didn't move as he watched her enter the room, carrying a pitcher of water that she set next to the empty one. He growled louder when he saw her looking at the bundle in his arms and tightened his grip. Sango narrowed her eyes at him but gathered the laundry and headed outside. She wouldn't be able to clean them until the morning but at least they would be more comfortable without the smell.

Out in the front room, the others were waiting anxiously.

"What is it?" Shippo asked.

"Not a clue," Sango answered as she went outside so she could let the soiled fabrics soak for a few hours in the cool waters of the nearby lake.

Sesshoumaru and Rin arrived in the late morning and they were surprised to see Sango, Miroku, as well as Kaede there as well but there was no sign of Inuyasha or Kagome.

All of them stopped what they were doing when they saw him float down from the sky and land a few yards away from them. Sango was hanging up laundry, Sesshoumaru noticed and his eyes narrowed when he caught the faint traces of blood. Something had happened.

Rin, though tired from her travel, ran up to Sango and hugged her.

"Rin? How long had it been? You've grown so much." Sango smiled as she embraced the smaller girl.

"Almost two years," Rin answered.

"Two years?" Sango pushed Rin at arms length so she could get a good look at her. "How old are you?" She asked.

"Thirteen."

Sango's eyes widened and she hugged Rin again as she met Sesshoumaru's eyes. Sesshoumaru narrowed his in answer to the humor he saw there. Apparently she knew the trouble he was going through or thought he was going to be having.

"My Rin, you have grown," Miroku said as he approached for his own hug. "Might I ask that you-"

"Don't even think about it, hoshi," Sango interrupted but she was smiling as she glared at him.

Sesshoumaru slowly approached.

"Where is Inuyasha?" he asked.

"Well hello to you too," Sango narrowed her eyes but pointed to the house. "He's in his room but good luck getting him to come out and even more luck getting in."

Sesshoumaru looked to the sheets.

"What happened?"

"Kagome gave birth last night," Miroku answered.

Rin squealed and almost ran to the house but Sesshoumaru grabbed her arm.

"You can't see it yet."

Rin narrowed her eyes.

"Why not?"

"Because Inuyasha will kill you if you try."

Rin's eyes widened and she looked to Sango for answers. Sesshoumaru started heading to the hut as Sango explained.

"It's youkai instincts. He won't let anyone near." Sango looked over her shoulder at Sesshoumaru. "And what makes you think you can get in."

"I'm blood."

"Didn't stop you two from trying to kill each other before," Sango sneered.

Sesshoumaru paused and glared at the woman but didn't say anything as he entered the house.

"Do you have to be so crabby?" Miroku asked.

"I only got three hours of sleep last night," Sango answered. "Would you rather I take it out on you?"

"I'll go see if Kameko's awake yet," Miroku said and quickly followed Sesshoumaru into the house.

Kaede was sitting at the hearth, drinking some tea to help chase away the chill that still hung in the air despite it being late spring. She was tired and her old body demanded she rest some more but she chose to stay awake in case Inuyasha decided to let her in. Next to her Kameko was sleeping with Shippo curled next to her. He wasn't asleep but was watching her like he often did when they visited. Shippo was much bigger now. Coming up to Kaede's knee instead of just passing her calf. He was about eight and he was finally growing more rapidly.

Kaede looked up when Sesshoumaru entered but she was too tired to be surprise or even talk to him. Instead she pointed in the direction of the bedroom and watched him head down the hall. She wondered why he was here but Miroku drew her attention and she watched him gently wake his almost two-year-old daughter.

Sesshoumaru wasn't surprised to see Inuyasha in the doorway when he approached the bedroom though he could read his brother's agitation in his approach.

"What do you want?" Inuyasha asked.

"I need to speak with you."

"What about?"

Sesshoumaru looked over Inuyasha's shoulder and into the bedroom. He could see them but Sesshoumaru could smell Kagome and the new scent that could only be the pup as well as faint traces of the birth.

"Are they alright?"

Inuyasha's expression softened and he looked over his shoulder at his sleeping family.

"Yes. They're both fine."

"The pup's early."

Inuyasha cringed.

"I know," Inuyasha stepped away from the door and disappeared inside the room.

Sesshoumaru hesitated but slowly entered, prepared to defend himself in case his brother attacked. He didn't but instead was kneeling next to his mate as he gently lifted the pup from her side.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome mumbled when she sensed the disturbance.

"Shh, I'm here."

Kagome smiled and went back to sleep.

Inuyasha stood and motioned Sesshoumaru over. Sesshoumaru approached and watched as Inuyasha moved the blanket to Sesshoumaru could see.

Pride filled Sesshoumaru's heart when he saw his nephew. He was probably the tiniest pup he had ever seen and his tiny hands were curled into fist as he slept in Inuyasha's arms. His hair was like both of theirs only with some black and he had their ears. Sesshoumaru slowly reached out a hand and touched the black spot on the right ear. Inuyasha tensed but didn't pull the pup away. The youkai blood was strong in the pup and his appearance proved it but the pup was so small and weak from being born so early.

"What did you name him?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Kaori," Inuyasha answered and he traced his son's cheek with the tip of his finger. Then he did something Sesshoumaru didn't expect. He placed him in his arms.

"You're his uncle," he explained and he sat by his mate's side.

Sesshoumaru stared at Inuyasha in shock before looking down at the pup in his arms. If the pup looked tiny he felt even smaller and so very fragile. Kaori yawned and worked his mouth before falling still again. Sesshoumaru eyes grew brighter and he walked over to the cabinet so he could lean against it.

"What do you need to speak to me about?" Inuyasha asked.

"About your son."

Inuyasha looked up at Sesshoumaru and narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"What about my son?"

"He's the heir to my lands."

"What?"

"Until I mate and produce an heir, Kaori is the heir to the western lands."

Inuyasha growled in disproval and took his mates hand in his.

"I don't like that," Inuyasha stated. "If he's the heir, every youkai will try and kill him, especially since he's mostly human."

Sesshoumaru nodded.

"I know but it can't be helped."

"Yes it can. Go fuck someone and have a pup of your own."

Sesshoumaru growled low in his throat.

"I have yet to find a female worthy enough to be my mate."

Inuyasha snorted.

"No, you're just to picky."

In his arms, Kaori began to fuss and Sesshoumaru walked over to Kagome and placed him next to her. In reaction, Kagome pulled her hand away from Inuyasha and placed it on her son. Sesshoumaru smiled and soothed back Kagome's hair. He hated to admit it but he had grown affectionate of his sister-in-law over the past few years and was almost as protective of her as Inuyasha's was. Kaori continued to fuss and Sesshoumaru took that as his sign to leave.

"I'll try to find a mate but until then, you're son is the heir," Sesshoumaru explained as he headed to the door. "Rin and I will stay for a few days to ensure that your family remains safe and Rin would like to see the pup."

Inuyasha bit his lip and looked down at his fussing son and his waking mate.

"Try tomorrow. I might be under control by then."

Sesshoumaru nodded his agreement and left so Kagome could feed in privacy.

AN: I have no idea when the next chapter will be coming up but I'll try to get it up as soon as I can.

Next Chapter: Who are the strange youkai and what do they want?