Sesshomaru scrubbed his hand down his face and nodded. "This changes things. You must come west now. I had hoped to give you time, another month to soften the worst of your mating instincts but with this… you need to come now. She will get to big to travel if we wait much longer." He shook his head and smirked up at his brother. "You know… she may sit you for this."

"Feh. Ain't like I planned it this way." The pride grew as his smirk spread until his fangs flashed with his excitement, his teeth the only part of him that was still white. The worry was there that she may not be quite as happy with this turn of events as he was but she had said she wanted a big family and he hoped she would be as pleased as he was.

"Still, I will let you explain this to your mate when she wakes." The smile spread before he could stop it and he punched his brother lightly in the nose. "Only you little brother could be mated less than a month and turn around and gift your mate with triplets." Kagome was going to sit him, he was almost positive of it. Just out of habit for finding out she was carrying a litter if for no other reason and while he had no desire to deliver such news, he most assuredly wanted to be present when it was announced.

InuYasha wuffled and nudged his brother hard with his nose making him stumble backwards. He was happier than he could have imagined with this news and turning his head to look down on the face of his sleeping mate he watched her smile gently as her hand came up to rest on the curve of her belly. "Guess that explains a few things." He growled softly as Sesshomaru returned to stand on his foreleg near Kagome.

"Hn. It does answer the question of why she has gotten to this size so quickly and why her energy drains faster than it should. Plus the morning sickness." The sound that came from his brother was so close to his normal question of 'huh' that it made him chuckle. "You need some lessons brother in all things inu-youkai." He really was going to have to consider these things once he returned home. It would not do to leave his brother ignorant in these matters. "Multiple births often cause the females of our race to have morning sickness. I would assume as she has not smelt of sickness in the past few days that you have discovered the answer to that yes?" The look of smug pleasure that crossed his brother's face was conformation enough. "Excellent. She may or may not have need of you in that way throughout the length of her pregnancy." They all progressed different and it would be up to his Imouto to discover what she needed when she needed it.

He was only half listening to Sesshomaru, enough that the information was sinking in but with the other part of him, he moved through Kagome enjoying the soft dream she was having. Once his brother finished speaking he dropped deeper to assess the swirling radiance of her reiki. The brightness was there as usual but this time as he watched the colors swirl around her center there were three bright white lights, each surrounded in a twisted blend of reiki and youki, creating a perfect bubble of protection for his pups. It was then that he realized the pulse that had been stirring her aura was simply her body's way of encouraging the pup's hearts to begin beating as the little lights rested in the same place the starburst had fired from. The lights shifted, moved towards his presence, as if they were aware of him already and he pulled back slowly. Three souls grew within his mate and he desperately wanted to wake her and share his excitement. His life on so many levels just kept getting better!

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"Kagome…" The whisper of a voice brushed through her mind encouraging her to wake up. Choosing to ignore it she turned back into the warmth of her bed and the soft fuzzy pillow under her head. "Kagome…" Grumbling as the voice got louder, she sank her fingers into the blankets and tried unsuccessfully to pull them over her head. "Ouch! Wench don't tug that's attached." She frowned a little in confusion. Since when did it hurt to pull up her blankets? "Kagome… it's just about dawn saiai, you need to wake up." Yawning she stretched and shifted a little before scrunching up into a ball. "Five more minutes mom." A deep laugh rumbled from below her and made her frown again in confusion. "I ain't your mom mate and know you've given Lord Fluffy something new to laugh at me for." Blinking her eyes open Kagome found herself looking up into the dark face of InuYasha and smiled at him as she woke fully. "Good morning otto." Glancing down she smirked at her grinning onii-san. "Lord Fluffy."

"Imouto. You seem to have slept well." Leaping up on InuYasha's foreleg he held out his hands to assist her out of the thick fur of his brother's mokomoko. "But explain to me what an ice cream is and who is Buyo?"

"What? But how…?" Startled by his question she placed her hands into his and slid down to stand beside him. Her knees wobbled as she landed, her legs still asleep apparently, and Sesshomaru's hands shifted to her elbows to help keep her steady.

"It appears, little bird, that even when you sleep you continue to sing." He teased her with a smile. She had been mumbling about ice cream and for Buyo to stop trying to steal it. Stepping off InuYasha's leg once she was steady, he lifted her down to the ground and led her back towards the fire he had rebuilt. The hound had been sent to retrieve a rabbit and had returned with two, both roasting and creating an enticing scent.

Her stomach growled once she smelt the rabbits and Kagome lifted her hand to rub over the mound of her belly. "Someone's hungry this morning." The extreme excitement rocked her forwards when it blew through the bond from InuYasha. Turning to look at him in wonder, she watched in rapture as he stood to his full height, arching his back before stretching out his forelegs, splaying out his toes, and giving a jaw cracking yawn. "Why are you so excited?" His tail wagged, inu grin spreading to show his fangs, and a fire of incredible joy danced in his eyes. She glanced at Sesshomaru in confusion when he took two steps to the side away from her and frowned at the scent of excitement and the look of anticipation from him. "What's going on InuYasha?" Reaching for him, she felt him push her gently away. "Wait… just… wait." He rumbled softly, his eyes having shifted to the eastern horizon and Kagome looked over her shoulder to see the light growing before turning back to watch her mate. Her instincts were rising and listening carefully she began to walk back towards him.

Sesshomaru almost reached to take her arm when the golden eyes shifted his way and she smiled. This was something she needed to do and he gave a shallow nod of his head in understanding. Content to witness the completion of InuYasha's first moonless night since the soul bond formed he was proud of his brother for waiting to explain to his mate after he had returned to himself. It would have been easier to explain as he was, less painful if she forgot herself and sat him, but this way was better, honorable, as it should be for their bloodline. It was well done of him.

Approaching InuYasha, Kagome smiled up at him so far above her and lifted a hand as his head lowered towards her. "Come her my koi." His nose connected with her palm as the first ray of sunlight filtered through the trees and struck his coat. The bell she'd heard the night before rang once more but she was better prepared, breathing through the initial sound, staying relaxed, and let the youki flow from her fingers back into him. The change started from where her hand rested as his power returned, the white bleeding back, streaming up and over his face as his eyes closed, covering his ears so the inner lining returned to pink. His marks appeared under his closed eyes, streaking back in a bright blaze of purple against the white, the youki leaching all the black from his fur, turning it into the pristine white and silver she knew. It blew back in a fast moving wave as the rays of the early morning sun caressed him, following the retreating black, chasing away the color like it did the shadows from the night before.

The youki drained from her, leaving her feeling slightly hollowed out in comparison, and she pressed the palm of her other hand against him to stay upright. Back to the white Inu she loved, his eyes opened to reveal the red just as the remainder of his lost powers returned. A hearty whump was heard and a rush of air raced by her with its renewal and Kagome sagged at her knees, beginning to slide down the furry nose. She was caught by two strong arms clad in red and black silk before she ever made it to the ground.

"Kagome!" InuYasha held her tight to him as he sank to his knees with her across his lap. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck and she pressed her face to his throat. Lifting his hand, he held her head to him and closed his eyes, sighing in relief and happiness at being able to hold her again. It had only been one night and she had been there the whole time… but it had felt like eternity. "I missed you my mate. I missed holding you in my arms."

"And I you InuYasha!" With her nose tucked under his jaw, Kagome breathed deep of his feral alpha scent, that wild forest aroma that could soothe or excite depending on the situation and she stroked her tongue over the steady beat of the pulse she could feel there. The pleased growl and tightening of his arms, along with the soft wash of desire, showed just how much he enjoyed it. Her hand clenched in his hair to hold him close and she drew her fangs lightly over his skin allowing her own pleased purr to flow back to him.

InuYasha lifted his chin and pulled slowly away from her heated caress to look down into dark glittering alpha eyes. "Gorgeous." He whispered, lifting his hand from her hip to thread his fingers through the white locks at her temples. Sitting in the full light of the risen sun he rubbed the strands between his thumb and forefinger. "Looks like they stay saiai." Smiling down at her as she giggled and wiggled in excitement InuYasha lowered his head and kissed her grinning lips. His tongue sought entrance to her mouth and mated sensually with hers when she opened until a soft sound broke his focus.

Lifting his head, he smiled at her, a look so full of love and hope and joy that Kagome cupped his cheek and stared up into his golden eyes in wonder. The feelings were so intense that she gasped and tightened the fist still clutching his hair. "What? What has you feeling like this?"

Rising to his feet, he set her gently on hers and placed both his hands on her growing belly. "Listen koi. What do you hear?" The grin nearly split his face it was so wide.

Her brow furrowed as she looked from him to his hands and back before the realization dawned and her hands shot to cover his. "Really?" Hope laced her voice as she dropped her gaze back to their joined hands and focused. The thrumming beat had her squealing in joy and she launched herself at InuYasha, squeezing him so tight he grunted and tugged at her elbows. "Can't… breathe…" She loosened her hold and laughed before giving him a smacking kiss.

Watching the exchanged he was only slightly disappointed that she had not sat his brother and Sesshomaru moved to stand beside them followed by her hound. "So little bird, you are excited by this news than, yes?"

"How could I not be!?" Spinning from InuYasha she launched herself at Sesshomaru who caught her out of reflex with a surprised grunt. "Uh… Kagome…" She hugged her onii-san's neck tight before letting go just as quickly to lean back and grin a radiant smile up at him. "I'm so excited!" Her hands dropped down to cover her belly. "Hey… Kagome…"

Tilting his head while she giggled Sesshomaru was honestly surprised that she had taken the news so well. Most females would have reacted at least slightly surprised and he frowned a small tug of his mouth. "So… you are pleased to be having so many pups this first time?" It was then that he caught the negative shaking of InuYasha's head. His brother smacked a hand against his own face and it became horrifyingly apparent that InuYasha had not told her that part as of yet. Turning his eyes slowly back to Kagome he was greeted with absolute stillness from her as she stared down at her midsection. "Imouto?" He asked quietly, concerned with her lack of movement when she had been so animated moments before.

"What… what did you… say?" Kagome slowly shifted her eyes to Sesshomaru's face. "Pups? As in more than one?" Shock was setting in with the idea that she could be carrying multiples. "How many?" Turning a little farther she faced InuYasha. "How many?"

"Kagome…" He wasn't getting anything from her but the shock and he closed the distance between them in a rush. "Take a breath koibito. Just breathe. We wanted a big family and this way we just get to build it faster." Her hands rose and she clenched fistfuls of his kimono.

"How Many!?" She snarled in annoyance as he evaded the question, forgetting in her surprise that she could just look and see for herself.

Cupping her cheeks, he leaned his forehead against hers and with a soft kiss he whispered, "Three."

"Triplets?" Her head spun with the news as her grip on him tightened. "I'm carrying three of your pups?" She was stuck somewhere between elation and terror. Elation because she did want a large family with him, many pups to raise and love and cherish every minute with. But three at once? How was she supposed to raise three in the first try when she was so new to this herself?

"Together. Always together. You are not alone in this Kagome." His hands left her face to touch lightly against his pups again. "Look… look at them watashi no saiai, look at the beautiful souls you carry right here."

Closing her eyes Kagome dropped down into herself and stared in open wonder at the light of the three pure little souls that grew within her, waiting to come into the world, and she fell head over heels into love with her unborn pups. The small river of reiki that had been a steady flow from her heart became a torrent in that moment, the power a reflection of the love only a mother could feel for her offspring. "Oh… InuYasha!" The tears washed down her cheeks as her joy became endless and she laughed with her incredible happiness.

The shift in her power stunned him as she grew in strength with that simple act of finding a mother's love. She had been happy, ecstatic really, to be carrying his pup but to be able to see their little lights for the first time had opened her heart. Where before she had felt love for the single unknown pup, now she was in love with all of them, their pure little souls reaching out to her as if they knew her already. "My kami Kagome… you might as well have sat me for I could be no less stunned. Amazing… you are so… so amazing." Her golden eyes glowed up at him through the film of tears as her instincts shifted and cried out with joy, a howling, roaring symphony of sound. His demon stirred with his own instincts and as the marks bled onto his face he lifted his own voice to the sun in a howl of pure celebration.

Laughing she wiped the tears from her face against the fire rat sleeve and looked to her onii-san. His heart was open, the longing apparent, and she stepped from InuYasha's embrace to cup his cheeks. "Don't… don't despair. She is coming and will be with you before you know it."

"Little bird…" He wanted to ask but he had promised he would not. Instead, he lifted his hands to encircle her wrists and closed his eyes. She would hurt for him, he already knew, and he did not want that.

"You cannot hide Sesshomaru. Not from me." His eyes snapped open and she smiled softly. "I wait for that day just as you do. For now, share in our joy. You are going to be an oji three times over." With her golden eyes holding his and her dragon whispering quiet encouragement Kagome lifted her left hand to press two fingers lightly against the blue crescent moon that graced his forehead while her right descended to rest against his heart. "Kagome… what?" She shushed him gently when InuYasha's confusion rose to rattle her concentration. "Something new my koi, something to lessen the longing and the pain." Light bloomed gradually into existence around her hands, the soft rose of their aura, and guided by her instincts she gentled his longing and softened the despair that came with waiting by sharing her joy with his heart. InuYasha's hand settled on the back of her neck against her skin and fed her a slow stream of youki. This shouldn't take much out of her but she was thankful for his assistance all the same.

The rush of happiness, of joy, took him by surprise as warmth grew were her fingers rested. He knew she was up to something but caught as he was by that golden gaze he was unable to look away until she finished with him. It only took seconds before she blinked and broke the spell her eyes had held over his. Pulling her hands away from him gently, as he still held her by the wrists, Sesshomaru slowly shook his head and smirked a small twitch of his mouth. "Imouto… one of these days I am going to protest being the one you experiment on. You have grown stronger."

She laughed and twisted her arms out of his hold before reaching up to brush the bangs back from his eyes. "Well I can't experiment on InuYasha so you're it Lord Fluffy." She looked up and back at her mate were he stood behind her shoulder with his hand still resting on the back of her neck.

He smirked down at her and shook his head. "What did yah do this time wench?" Her hunger was beginning to scrape at him and lifting her hand he guided her towards the rabbits that were almost overcooked and seated her on a log. Kemuri joined her with a wagging tale and happy dog grin, setting his head in her lap to see if she would scratch his ears while surreptitiously snuffling at the pups growing in her belly.

As Sesshomaru came to sit adjacent to her, he ran his hand over her hair until he could catch the white strands and give them a playful tug. "You shared your joy did you not Imouto?"

"Hey! Those are attached you know!" She giggled and nodded as she pulled her hair from his grasp. "And it's true I can't use the powers on InuYasha. For the most part he doesn't need them as we constantly share… everything." Emotions, power, all of it loped between them in a never ending circle. It was only their thoughts that required a little extra effort and even than one them was often touching the other. It was a soul deep need to have that bond constantly renewed between them and she looked at him with a sweet smile gracing her lips.

Pulling apart one of the rabbits, InuYasha handed her a plate piled high with the pieces and smirked a little half smile of his own back. Sesshomaru had retrieved a couple of plates as well as some water from the house shortly before dawn so that Kagome could eat when she woke. He appreciated it and catching his brother's eyes he nodded his thanks and raised a brow to see if he would be eating.

"My thanks but I shall hunt on my way home today." It would expedite things for him as he would not need to eat for a while afterwards. "You have still not explained ice cream and Buyo, Kagome."

She was trying not to burn her fingers and bobbled the plate in surprise when the attention returned to her, enough to lose a few pieces of rabbit to her hound. Kagome shrugged with the loss as InuYasha snickered, she would have fed them to him anyways. "Buyo was… is… will be… ugh timelines." She slashed her hand through the air in annoyance. "Anyways, Buyo was the cat that I had in the other time and ice cream is a frozen dessert made from cow's milk, sugar, and eggs. It is very sweet, so tasty, and Buyo loved to eat it whenever he could." And now she had a craving for ice cream. Sighing, she glanced at InuYasha with hope filled eyes.

"Can't help with that one either koi, sorry." He smirked and went to join her, shifting her to sit on the ground as he sat on the log behind her and began to stroke his claws through her hair, dragging them lightly over her scalp. He was finding if the odd cravings showed up it was best to try and distract her and this was one thing that worked well.

Chuckling as he was fairly certain what that meant, if the look she had sent his little brother was any indication, he watched them for another few moments. "You will come west brother. I will expect you four days prior to the next full moon." Rising to his feet he took a step to kneel down at Kagome's side. "I would give you more time Imouto if I could but this," His hand hovered over her burgeoning midsection, "Changes things. Already you are growing faster than normal, understandable with this latest development, but soon it will be unhealthy for you to travel so far." Looking to InuYasha he continued, "Do you know the valley where our home is brother?"

"Keh, but it's been decades since I've been that far west." He was finding the white lengths to be quite distracting and stopped touching them long enough to focus on Sesshomaru.

"You will have to come through the high mountain pass near the Tengu's peak. Follow it to ridge that overlooks the valley were the village and castle reside and wait for me. Once the moon rises I will come for you, I will not send another, not even Jaken." Holding InuYasha's gaze he saw his eyes harden in understanding. Should another arrive before him they were not to be trusted no matter who they were. "Four nights prior to the full moon brother. Do not be late."

"Why at night? Why don't we just arrive at your home like normal guests?" It seemed strange but she would do what he wanted. That didn't mean she wouldn't ask questions though.

Touching his fingers to her cheek, Sesshomaru smiled at her innocence. "Imouto, I want you safe within the walls of my home before anyone is aware you have arrived." Though safe was a relative term until he could find some answers. "Your presence at the gate would leave you too exposed and I wish to keep my court unaware of how strong you both are until you are presented. By arriving with me at night I can see you situated comfortably before chaos reigns down." The wicked youkai grin flashed across his features and was quickly gone as he rose to go. "InuYasha, gomen ne for spoiling your surprise regarding your pups. Though I honestly did believe you would sit him Kagome if only for that fact that you now carry a litter." He chuckled as her eyes fired with what he could tell was a thought she had not yet had.

"Thanks yah bastard for putting that thought in her head!" InuYasha snarled at his brother and rolled his eyes. It was as if Sesshomaru wanted to see him eat dirt.

"Hn. You are welcome little brother." He rumbled a soft laugh. "I will see you in ten days. When will you start the journey and what path will you take?" Just in case they did not show up on time he wanted a direction to search should it be necessary.

"Look for us towards Jinenji's." Kagome's excitement coursed through him and made him chuckle. "I said we'd go and it's in the right direction. We'll spend some time with him before moving on. Probably leave in the next few days after we tie up our loose ends." He needed to see to Rin and Sango wanted to see Kagome today.

"There is an inn at the base of the mountain pass that caters to both youkai and human. I will leave word that you will be stopping. It is… unwise to try the pass in the dark." Kagome's condition would slow them down and take them most of a day to make it through. "It would be best to start it in the morning." Holding InuYasha's gaze he saw the understanding behind his meaning and nodded. Something flashed behind his brother's eyes and he frowned a small downward turn of his mouth but did not push for an answer. It would come if and when InuYasha wished to speak of it.

"Long as we ain't going to have a problem at this inn it's a smart plan. That pass ain't easy the best of times so having most of a day to get through is a good idea." He could see the merit behind it and agreed readily. The idea of having a comfortable place to rest before the hardest part of the journey appealed to Kagome as well. She was worrying at her lip and he slipped quickly against her to see what had her concerned. Finding it, he kissed the top of her head and smirked against her hair. "I'm going to leave word with Miroku for him to send Shippo on to us once he gets back." Her happiness and pleasure stroked him softly with the words and he knew it was the right thing to do.

"As you wish." He was the youngest member of InuYasha's pack beside the monk and taijiya's children and had been quite proficient in helping once before. The kitsune could be useful and in his way was rather entertaining. Holding his hands down for her, he helped Kagome to her feet. "Thank you for what you did today Imouto. Little brother is correct. You are rather amazing." Smiling at her he leaned down with only a slight hesitation and pressed his cheek to hers. "Be well Kagome." He spoke softly against her ear.

"Onii-san, I meant what I said. She is coming. Be patient." She said softly against his pointed ear and threw her arms around his neck to hold him tight. Her eyes flashed gold before receding and she shuddered. "Be safe Sesshomaru. Watch your back until your brother is there to watch it for you."

Pulling away he frowned at her. "Kagome…what did you see?"

Shaking her head, she had no answers for him. "Bits and pieces. Only bits and pieces." Flashes of things to come but no faces, nothing to point in a certain direction. Her hands shifted to sit on his breastplate as she ran the images through again.

InuYasha watched the quickly moving scenes and snarled softly. Something was definitely off but it was as she said, only bits and pieces. "Be cautious brother. Something… something is coming. Whether it's good or bad…" He shook his head. "I can't tell yet."

"Hn. As you say than, I shall be cautious in my search." He tugged the lock of white hair at Kagome's temple one last time and made her giggle. "It suits you Imouto." Drawing a knuckle over her cheek he knew that he would miss her these next few days. "For such a small female you hold a very large place little bird." Her eyes widened with surprised pleasure and made him chuckle. "InuYasha." Holding out his hand he grasped InuYasha's wrist firmly. "Protect and defend brother, nothing else matters."

"Always." Wrapping his unoccupied hand around Kagome he wasn't insulted by the reminder. The news that she was carrying three pups was enough to put them both on edge to see her safe and the fact that they were descending into an unknown situation was causing their demons to rise to the razors edge of control. Even Kemuri was much more alert than before. "We will see you in ten days Sesshomaru." His daiyoukai brother nodded as they released each other and together, he and Kagome watched the cold mask of the Lord of the West slide over his face.

"Imouto… one last thing." She looked at him questioningly and he felt the mask crack as the grin tugged at his lips. "Do not snicker at this Sesshomaru in public." He pressed his fingers against her cheek as she held back the laughter but the light of it danced in her eyes. "Yes, just like that."

"As you wish… Lord Sesshomaru." She snorted trying to hold in her amusement and smiled radiantly up at him. "Last time, I promise!" His look said he was unsure whether or not to believe her and she placed her palm against his hand as her smile faded into seriousness. "I said I will follow your lead onii-san and I will. I will not laugh… in public… when you assume your role. It is one you are very good at." He needed the authority that came with his cold façade and she would never jeopardize his position in front of other people. "Just… be my brother in private. Otherwise I will miss him."

"Always Imouto." Pulling his hand out from under hers he nodded to InuYasha. "Little brother." Turning, he left them calling out, "Do not concern yourself with bringing proper attire. It shall be seen to." and exited the clearing with his slow gliding walk, disappearing into the forest to the west as the sun rose behind him, the twitching tail of his mokomoko the only thing to betray the disinclination he felt for leaving.

They stood together under the warming rays of light, watching the woods until Sesshomaru's aura faded from their touch and Kagome turned in InuYasha's embrace to wrap her fingers in his forelocks. "Well InuYasha… this morning has been rather eventful."

Lifting a hand, he sifted his fingers through her bangs and into the silky white tresses he still wasn't used to. "It has at that koi. Looks like life is just going to be eventful from now on." With three pups this first time they were going to be busy! "Well, were do we start?" They had things that needed seeing to before they could leave but he wasn't sure where she wanted to begin.

"I think we should start… right here." Pulling gently on his hair she brought his mouth down to hers for a heated kiss, letting her love well between them.

InuYasha sat slowly, bringing her down to sit astride his thighs, as he perched on the log he'd recently vacated and rumbled a sound letting Kemuri know he was free to do his own thing. His ear twitched, following the hound's progress as he woofed softly in smug understanding and disappeared into the trees.

Breaking away from Kagome's soft lips he drifted his in a light brush along her jaw, licking a little as he went, working his way to her pulse point under her ear. "Missed this." He purred quietly for her as he drew his claws up the back of the fire rat robe causing her to shiver and moan in delight. "You smell so go all the time and having you sleep in my ruff and not being able to touch you… sucked." Smirking against her throat he let his amusement flow and rumbled across her senses in a tickling rush.

"I know. I could feel it." His need had been there, a small shadow in his mind, while she had been awake. A warm wet tongue swept over her pulse and made her core clench in anticipation. Her hands stroked down his forelock to dive between the layers of clothing and press against his hot skin as fangs gently touched her, gliding downwards to the mark on her throat. "Inu… yasha…" She moaned out his name and felt the tug as the tie on the fire rat came free. Her under kosode was next and while his mouth drove her to distraction, his hands freed hers from his kimono so he could push hers completely off her shoulders and down her arms.

Once she was bare to the waist, InuYasha caught both her wrists and bending her elbows held her hands behind her back. The position thrust her breasts sharply upwards and bypassing her mark, as she whimpered in disappointment, he lapped at first one rapidly beading nipple and then the other. Her breasts where beautiful and he could never seem to get enough of them as he tugged and teased her with his lips and fangs. The scent of hot cinnamon flooded his nose and he drew it up the valley between her soft mounds, inhaling deeply and drugging himself with the fragrance. "If I could spend the day right here, breathe this scent with every breath, I would be one happy hanyou." He nipped her lightly, sucking on the delicate skin of her cleavage and had the heat of her desire stroke down his spine to center in his rapidly swelling cock. The little gasps and mewling sounds of delight made him growl excitedly against her flesh and shift to suckle on a hard peak.

Her breasts were so sensitive, the nipples shooting whips of pleasure to her center with every pull of his mouth that she cried out a soft scream of ecstasy and let her head fall back, baring the entirety of her throat to her mate. He let out a snarl that made her core clench again as his fangs closed around the side, clamping down in his excitement and increasing her own. "InuYasha! I want… I need… my mate!" She called hard for him, a heavy seductive invitation that wouldn't be denied. Almost instantly she found herself on her back in the soft grass with a startlingly naked half demon above her. "How did you…?" Kagome's brow furrowed in confusion for she'd never seen him move so fast.

"Sometimes it's good to be a demon." He purred in a heated voice as his hands swept the length of her. Speed was an asset when one wanted to be naked quickly. Smirking at her with his molten gold eyes heavy lidded with his desire, InuYasha caught the waist of her hakama and slowly drew them down her hips and off her legs. Her belly had grown in this short two weeks to that of a woman almost four months along and laying at her side, he caressed the mound that held his pups and rumbled with his happiness.

The heat from his hand felt nice but it wasn't what she was needing at the moment and turning into him Kagome licked a long line up his throat, begging for him to finish what he started, and wrapping her hand firmly around his shaft pulsed a stream of reiki through her fingers. He hissed in pleasure at the sensation and seeing the split tail laying where he'd left it, she flipped it up over them with her foot. The mokomoko immediately wrapped a tail around both of them and she shook and moaned as the last of what he'd felt with her reiki returned to skate through her own body. "Oh… kami!" She was so incredibly close to coming with just that one act that she gasped as her body arched upwards.

The growl started low in his chest and escalated quickly into a snarl as his control snapped and he rolled her to face away from him before dragging her firmly back into his chest. Thrusting a hand between her thighs he drew her leg up until it caught on his elbow and drove his throbbing cock into her weeping sheath. She screamed out in pleasure and sank her nails into the ground to hold her positon as he plunged frantically through her clenching walls. Sensation overwhelmed him as her pleasure became his and his hers, until they spiraled into nothing but carnal sensation, moans and cries of passion. Feeling her squeezing him, trying to milk his seed from his body InuYasha savoured the merge as his demon rose, listening to the pleased cry of his mate as his erection swelled to stretched her tighter and he sank the elongated fangs into her mark on a screaming howl of excitement when she fragmented into pieces with her release. Pulsing his hips into hers as her walls clenched and pulled at him, he released her mark, swept his tongue over it and bit down again, holding her tight to his chest when she convulsed on a high pitched scream that pinned his ears back.

Still he wasn't finished and pulling away he sat and shifted her to straddle his lap, forcing his fur to loosen and rewrap around their hips, before pulling her back down on his ridged cock in one smooth impalement that had them both groaning. Lifting her legs to wrap his waist as her arms encircled his neck, InuYasha nuzzled against her offered throat, and sliding his hands to cup her buttocks began to lift her over his lap in a fast rhythm. Sweat was pouring off his skin, stinging his eyes as his bangs stuck to his forehead but he didn't care. All he wanted was to hear his mate scream as she came, over and over around him, feel her release bathing his cock until he was soaked in her fluids, and take her to heights that they had never reached before.

Locked in an orgasm induced circuit of pleasure Kagome screamed his name as she clamped down on him again and closed her fingers in his hair. His mokomoko was stroking her spine and youki had slowly began to pour from InuYasha into her. Fangs were streaking over her chest, nipping and licking at her, making her see stars with the pleasure he was creating until she was sure she'd die from it. The heated length of steel plunging into her was taking her up again and in her desire she yanked on his hair baring his throat to her eyes.

Seeing the look of hunger cross her face he lifted his chin higher. "Do it." Her passion glazed, glittering alpha eyes met his and he dropped her hips down over him in three rapid pumps making her gasp and causing her fangs to glint. "Fucking do it Kagome!" He wanted those fangs of hers in his throat and as she blended with him and caught his meaning he watched her lips peel back. With a snarl they snapped down on him, right into his mark, and his orgasm ripped from him in a blaze of white hot fire. His hands clenched on her hips, holding her tight to him as pulse after pulse of his seed emptied from him in a rush that he thought might never end. Finally, spent, he pressed one hand into the grass behind him and gasped into Kagome's shoulder continuing to hold tight to her hip with his opposite hand.

Her fangs where still embedded in his mark and he shivered as she sucked his orgasm rich blood firmly into her mouth making him instantly harden inside her clenching core. "Kagome!" Before he could move, she lifted her mouth and with the wicked intention humming down the bond, she swept her tongue across his mark and snapped her fangs into it a second time. Roaring in surprise his body jerked up hard before slamming back into the earth and ripping another blazing release from him in jet after jet of hot liquid. Kagome moaned around his mark as she shuddered through her own intense release thanks to the merge from his mokomoko.

Collapsing backwards and praying that at some point he would remember how to breathe, InuYasha gasped in large gulps of air and forced his split tail to stop when his body continued to pulse in rhythm to the quaking of her aftershocks. "Are you trying to kill me wench?" He grumbled but couldn't keep the smirk from his face or his intense satisfaction from drifting to her.

Smiling as she shifted to lay against him, finding it slightly uncomfortable to lay on top of him now, Kagome stroked her fingers over his slowing heart. "Considering you do that to me all the time…" She tilted her face to look up into his eyes and gave him a cheeky grin. "Just returning the favor koibito!" Sitting up she looked at her handsome mate, happy to have him back the way she loved best, and reaching up drew her nail along the edge of his ear. "I think we should go have a bath at the hot spring and plan our trip. There's a lot to do before we leave." His pleasure as she caressed his ear shimmered through her gently and made her smile soften.

"Sounds good. I'll grab some towels." But first, he sat up and slipped his fingers through her hair drawing her in for a soft kiss. "I love you Kagome. You have given me everything I've ever wanted." Resting his forehead on hers they drifted on each-others contentment secure in their bond and the feelings they knew would never fade only grow deeper with time.

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After their bath they made their rounds, informing a surprised Kaede that they needed to leave and were unsure how long they would be gone. She had been rather startled by Kagome's appearance but had taken it in stride as she had the majority of the changes occurring. The old miko had taken one hard look at Kagome before the smile had grown and her good eye had watered with happy tears. "Ye are blessed three times over I see Kagome child. Ye shall have a loud but joyful home I am sure." Kaede had hugged her apprentice before dropping her hands to the pups and sinking in to see the pure little lights clearer. They were all healthy as were there mother and she grinned again at seeing the love that flowed from Kagome's heart for her offspring already. "Ye always were a loving child. It is no wonder ye are what ye are becoming." Cupping her hands to Kagome's cheeks, she wiped the tears from them and gave the young couple a hearty blessing before sending them on their way. Teaching her young apprentice was going to be challenging once she had delivered but they had time yet.

InuYasha had detoured to explain to Tsuneo that they needed to leave for a while but that Miroku and Sango could look after things here while they were gone. The headman had nodded, assuring them that the village would most likely still be standing when they returned and had chuckled at his own joke. InuYasha had shaken his head and snickered quietly replying that the village was more likely to be damaged with him in it then away from it and had invited him to have Ryoji take what he needed of the trees he had downed behind the house while they were gone.

Their last stop had been Sango and Miroku's where they were greeted with squeals of excitement at seeing the white locks had stayed for Kagome. Sango had pulled her quickly into the house to get all the details of the rest of the night while InuYasha had gone to join Miroku under the same tree they had sat under not so very long ago and watch Kagome's hound play with and tease Aya and Mika. "Well … did you have a nice walk last night?" The smirk spread and he snickered when the monk flushed.

"Damn it! Thought we'd gotten far enough away." Glancing towards the house he turned his eyes to the hanyou and glared. "Don't you dare say anything to Sango! She'll be so mortified she'll never let me do that again." A shout of such extreme joy came from his house that he was half way to his feet to see what it was about when InuYasha grabbed his arm.

"Sit down Miroku. Kagome just delivered some good news." He smiled as he listened to the women laugh and weep happy tears.

"Oh? And what might that be InuYasha?" Sitting back beside the hanyou he looked at him questioningly.

Smile splitting his face InuYasha shrugged. "The pup's heartbeats started last night."

Miroku pounded his fist against InuYasha's shoulder above the spiked pauldron. "InuYasha! Congratulations my… wait did you say beats as in more than one? Is she carrying twins?"

"Triplets!" He laughed at the stunned look on Miroku's face.

"Good sweet Buddha! What are you trying to prove? Did she sit your ass?" Shaking his head, Miroku chuckled when he snarled.

"Why does everyone assume she's gonna sit me for this? Between you and my brother you'd think you wanted to see me eat dirt!" Frowning, he crossed his arms and had his vambraces scrape together making him wince at the grating noise.

"Well that is one way to catch up to Sango and I." Laughing, Miroku squeezed his friends shoulder. "This is excellent news, truly!"

"Keh, it is but it's stepped things up for us. We leave in two days to start west. You gonna be alright looking after everything here while I'm gone?" He glanced at the monk and saw him frown.

"Of course!" It wasn't as if he and his wife were inept at taking care of things. The village was in perfectly good hands.

"Oi, don't get your robes in a twist I'm just checking." InuYasha waved a hand at Miroku in dismissal. "Look after Rin for me will yah? And Kagome's going to see if she'll water the garden for us so can you go with her for that?" He didn't want to pull Miroku away from his own duties but there wasn't anyone else he trusted enough to look out for the girl.

Studying his friend Miroku nodded slowly seeing the underlying trust behind the words. "It is done. If we need you we will send word." Though it might not do much good with how far they were going.

"I kind of have an idea about that if you're willing to give it a try. Don't know if it will work but…" He was willing to give it a shot if the monk was.

"And what is that InuYasha?" Miroku asked intrigued.

"I seem to make a connection to those I dream walk with. If you want to give it a try I think if you really needed to reach me you probably could. It was something that came up with Yuzuki." He had felt the urge to tell the pup to reach for him if she needed him and he was beginning to believe there was a reason.

"You wish to take a stroll through my head InuYasha?" Miroku gave him a sly smirk and nudged the half demon with his elbow.

He gave the monk a shove. "Feh! Don't put it like that you lecher!"

"Ha ha ha! Alright, tonight than." Glancing at him a little nervously Miroku asked, "So… do you just show up or…"

"Nah. You're close enough I'll do it the easy way and make the connection physically. There's too many things can go wrong in the dreamscape to take the chance." At least while Kagome was pregnant. "And we'll have to do tomorrow night, I got something to do tonight."

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They had wrapped up their loose ends quick enough. Rin had been more than happy to come and stay the night and he could tell she had enjoyed the focused attention as she was their only guest. She and Kagome had played in the bath again, this time without the sadness of a confused and distraught Rin, but when it came time for bed the child had grown reluctant. It took some persuading and a couple of Kagome's stories to finally get the girl to drift off. They had sat a steady vigil, Kagome refusing to let him wait on his own, but she lost the battle with sleep herself long before Rin had begun to dream mostly due to InuYasha's quiet purring.

He was just tucking Kagome into bed, her hound curled and watchful at her feet, when the scent of fear and tears hit his nose. Running for Rin he landed silently on his knees beside her and quickly pressed his fingers to her forehead, dropping down into her dream without effort. The scene was a horror of blood, fear, and screams as the wolf pack decimated the village. Rin was running from two as fast as she could towards the woods and looking down he realised somehow he had become his brother in her head. This could work and as he straightened he assumed his brother's mannerisms easily, having observed him for years, and stepped into Rin's line of sight.

The resignation crossed her face and tugged a frown onto his mouth until he began to pick up her thoughts. She knew she was dreaming, had been going through this at least once per night for a while now, and had resigned herself to the fact that even though she continued to run to her lord he would not save her. The idea stuttered InuYasha's heart and he became his brother for Rin in that moment. Striding rapidly forwards he snarled a cold, deadly sound of rage. "You would dare to touch that which is this Sesshomaru's?" And lashed out past her with the poison whip, killing the wolves and saving the child just in time. She was staring at him with such a look of shocked amazement that he couldn't stop the twitch of his mouth when the smirk wanted out. Holding out his now empty hand InuYasha beckoned to her. "Come Rin. We shall find Jaken and A-Un." The smile she graced him with was radiant and he returned it without thinking before leading her away from the carnage and into the forest.

Walking for a few minutes in silence he glanced down at her and saw her gazing at him thoughtfully. "What is it Rin?"

"Lord Sesshomaru?" She stopped and tugged on his fingers to get him to do the same.

Coming to a halt InuYasha tilted his head like he'd seen Sesshomaru do and raised a brow. "Yes?" Her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Are you really Rin's Lord? You feel kind of… almost like… InuYasha." Rin squinted up at him and wondered at the shimmer that surrounded her lord.

Apparently he was not as good at imitation as he had thought but he would not reveal himself and instead waved his hand, creating Jaken and A-Un for her in a clearing just ahead. "Hn. That is ridiculous. This Sesshomaru is not his brother." Pointing into the woods he looked down at her. "Go." The confusion cleared and he could see her mind settle as she followed his directions. She had never been one to question Sesshomaru, simply follow without a second thought. The fact that she said she could feel the difference was curious and something he'd ask Kagome about later.

Rin smiled and giggled as she danced away but InuYasha caught the soft thought as she did. "He did not call this Rin Kosen." The smirk spread as he watched her interact with the Kappa and the dragon for a moment. His brother had a pet name for Rin, the idea made him want to laugh but he had to admit that it fit her. Stepping away from Rin's view and out of the dream version of his brother the two of them looked each other over. "Make this dream good for her. You asked me to fix it so make sure you don't fuck it up." The brow of his dream brother's face rose but as this was InuYasha's realm Sesshomaru simply nodded and walked gracefully away. Pulling back, InuYasha watched Rin sleep and smiled when she giggled.

The next morning, Rin had agreed to come up and look after Kagome's garden but InuYasha had made her promise not to come alone. His brother would skin him if he knew he was asking Rin to wander up into the woods by herself and he told her that Miroku was willing to come with her. The girl had grudgingly agreed, huffing a little that she was old enough to take care of herself, and he had slowly shaken his head. What had happened to the agreeable little thing that always followed his brother's orders? Kagome had only covered her mouth to suppress her laughter and left the room. She returned quick enough and handed Rin a small wrapped package. "I keep forgetting to ask when your birthday is Rin so I am just going to give this to you now and we shall say it is either an early or late gift."

Rin's eyes were big and round with surprise as she took the package and slowly unwrapped it. Her birthday was still a few months away, before the autumn leaves fell. "OH! Kagome-oba they are the hair combs Rin admired at the market day village. Thank you!" Lifting and twisting the lock of hair at her temple she sank the comb in to hold it back. Glancing shyly up at him Rin smiled. "InuYasha-oji? Are they pretty on Rin?" He cocked his head when he looked at he and the hint of a remembered dream brushed through her mind and made her wonder.

"They are very pretty Rin. Just like you." He tapped her on the nose and made it wrinkle as she giggle. "Stay in the village while we are gone Rin. Sesshomaru would be very unhappy if something were to happen to you while we are all away."

"She will InuYasha-oji! Rin has already promised the same to her Lord." Grinning happily she hugged Kagome and then InuYasha before skipping out the door to show off her new present.

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Later that afternoon as InuYasha was making a swift circuit of the village, checking his territory a final time before leaving, he came across Miroku. Initially he thought the monk was meditating as he sat in the traditional lotus position but as he approached, aura dampened, the slow steady breathing betrayed the fact that he had dozed off. Smirking as he crouched beside his friend, InuYasha wondered just how many times the monk did this in a week. Often he would find Miroku under a tree in the shade during the heat of the day but this was the first time he had managed to lessen his power so completely that the monk failed to notice him.

Cocking his head, InuYasha wondered just how far he could take this as the monk had always been relatively hard to sneak up on and lifting a hand lightly pressed his fingers against Miroku's forehead. If he could do this now it would save him the trip tonight. When he didn't jump or wake at the contact InuYasha hesitated momentarily before letting his eyes drift closed unsure of what he would find in the lecher's head.

He didn't expect to find manicured gardens, reflecting pools, and elegant bridges like something out of a lord's compound. Ears twitching, he caught the sound of music and quiet laughter from the other side of a little bridge and moved cautiously towards it. Tall hedges blocked him from seeing and being seen until he reached a break in the foliage. What he found in the center of the round garden had him rolling his eyes. "Honestly, does your wife know this is what you dream about?" Here he found the lecher.

Startled, Miroku sat bolt upright, dislodging the scantily clad Sango that was sat on his lap and spilling her onto the ground. "InuYasha!"

Looking around at the rest of the women InuYasha sighed. "Well I guess I should be thankful that yah only dream about Sango, otherwise I'd have to tell her about this." Gesturing widely he encompassed the multiple Sango's all dressed, or as dressed as this qualified, in swimsuits like Kagome used to wear. Three played instruments, two more fanned the monk, and the one he'd dumped from his lap had been feeding him fruit. "There's something seriously wrong with you." Waving his hand InuYasha made the Sango's disappear.

"Now InuYasha that was just cruel." Standing from the little bench Miroku dusted off his robes.

Crossing his arms InuYasha sneered and shook his head. "I ain't the one with multiples of my own woman. What the hell monk?"

Miroku shrugged and smiled a lascivious grin. "Unlike you my friend I cannot control what I dream. You have caught me at my nap then?"

"Keh. How often do you 'meditate' yourself into a nap?" Wicked grin spreading InuYasha walked towards his hentai friend.

"Not as often as that smile implies. Well InuYasha, now what?" The hanyou was here in his head but what happened next… he had no idea.

InuYasha studied the monk thoughtfully and remembering a conversation they'd had once a long time ago snapped his fingers. "Welcome to the future Miroku." Laughing, InuYasha closed the monks gapping mouth and lead him through what he remembered of Kagome's time.

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Two days after the moonless night they were up with the dawn once again to begin the long journey west. Sesshomaru and the twins had made it in only the one night but that had been in their true-forms and at a hard pace. He refused to do that to Kagome, deciding instead to split up the trip. They'd make the trip to Jinenji's today, stay with or near the horse-hanyou for a few days and then make the second part of the journey to the base of the mountain pass before starting the third leg in the morning. Even than it was pushing it to get there on time but if it came down to being late he would run the rest of the way with her.

The hardest part would be the high mountain pass where the snow would still be on the peaks. He had only made the journey once, wanting to see what was so special about the western lands, and had made it to the ridge Sesshomaru spoke of. The view of the valley had been exquisite, had pulled at him in a way no other place had until he had found the forest beside their village and he had run from the land of his father. It would have been detrimental to his health for him to have stayed for either his brother would have killed him or another would have.

They'd spent the previous day after Rin had left packing what was needed, once again filling the yellow back pack. He still had her sleeping bag and she was grateful for the small comfort that such an item could afford them should they need it. She packed very little, a few extra clothes, towels and other small needs, keeping the pack light for InuYasha's piece of mind. He was already fussing about her carrying it and she was doing her best to hold her temper.

Now, standing at the crest of the road that led out of the village Kagome turned back to look at her home and sighed. She was dressed in her hakama and fire rat, her gauntlet in the sleeve, the large pack on her shoulders along with her bow and quiver, and she scratched Kemuri's cheek when the hound nuzzled her fingers in concern.

"Kagome?" InuYasha stroked his fingers down her sleeve before slipping his arm around her waist. "Something wrong?" Her hair was in the tight long braid down her back, the white lengths blending in stripes through the tail in a way he found very attractive and he held it lightly in his palm.

She gazed out at the little village as the first rays of light rose to wake the people. From this vantage she could see all the houses, the fields, and Miroku's shrine. The only home she couldn't see was theirs but she knew where it was and stared in that direction. "It's kind of exciting to be going again, travelling through the land like we used to but… I will miss home." Turning away from the view she looked up at InuYasha and tangled her fingers in his forelocks. He looked particularly handsome today in his royal attire, all his gleaming armor and mokomoko down his spine but the thing that made her smile the brightest was the tail of hair that hung down his back. His bright white and silver hair was tied up finally and the blind spot in the split tail had vanished.

Her pleasure at seeing his hair up in the style of his father made him smirk down at her and rumble a happy sound. Lightly he touched his claws to her cheek. "So will I but it is home and we can always come back." Dropping his head, InuYasha pressed his lips to hers, kissed her long and deep before breaking away to breathe. "Our life is here, our pack is here and even though we will have duties and obligations in the west this village in this valley will always be where we come back to."

Smiling up at him Kagome rose on her toes and pecked a quick kiss to his cheek. "You always know the right thing to say." Sliding her fingers down his forelocks she asked, "Are you sure Shippo will be able to make it to us?"

Her concern washed through him and he nodded. "He knows where to go and I left that map with Miroku if he needs it. He'll be fine saiai."

"He's still little… I just… what if he gets in trouble?" Her big chocolate eyes stared up into his golden and were full of worry.

Stroking her cheek with his thumb InuYasha hushed his worried mate. "He's a youkai Kagome and more than capable of taking care of himself. I marked the places that he can stop, like Jinenji's, to seek shelter and food if he needs it. They're the same places we are going to stop and I will clear the way for him, let them know he's coming. If the kit hasn't showed up in a couple of days after we get to Sesshomaru's I will go look for him." If he was close it would be easy enough to find the little fox. Kagome breathed a relieved sigh and her worry calmed, it didn't dissipate fully but it was manageable and he dropped his hand from her face to cradle his pups, rubbing gently over the growing mound. "Are you ready?" She pressed her hand down over his holding it still and nodded. "Then let's get this journey started." Taking her hand he linked their fingers. "We go west wench." Smirking at his mate they looked together towards the village a final time, Kemuri pressing against her thigh, before turning together and walking away from the rising sun with the smoky hound following at their heels.

A/N: And this my dear readers is where The Return ends. Now, now nobody panic! A new story will be coming your way very soon. I want to thank everyone for their kind and meaningful reviews and look forward to continuing to please you with my next work. From here we go west, changing the location, and the characters and beginning a new tale. Watch for The Accession to be starting the end of February beginning of March. I promise if I have it ready sooner I will start it early!