Chapter Sixteen – The End
Finally a carefree day to wake up to. It's been four months since Naraku's death and everything is peaceful and tranquil. Inuyasha and Miroku were given the liberty to live in the palace due to the help of defeating Naraku but obviously they were not to near the girls. Well Inuyasha could see Kagome but he had to ask Sesshoumaru's permission first and he would have to be around someone like Daichi or Inutaisho when he did so. But neither were aloud to near Sango; Bankotsu had forbid it and almost killed Miroku for holding Chiyo once.
It was mid afternoon and Kagome was in a newly made nursery, her bump was massive now. Her estimated time of birth was late so she was expecting any day now. Though she was really excited she was also dreading it, the pain she endured was excruciating. If she didn't love children so much she'd never have a kid again.
Today would be a day that she'd have to herself, Sesshoumaru had taken Maru out for a hunting trip along with Inutaisho and Daichi. Bankotsu had taken Chiyo out for a walk whilst the rest of his companions spared in the dojo. Yukiko and Sango were gardening in the new garden set up just for the children to play in, the one they previously played in was ruined due to the children wrecking all the flower bushes. Miroku had returned to check in on Kaede so Inuyasha was left to just wander down the halls
Kagome was currently dusting down her unborn child's crib when a shooting pain hit her abdomen "Not now" She grasped her stomach as she screamed out in pain, she felt her waters burst as she fell to her knees "Sesshoumaru..."
"Kagome!?" Inuyasha had heard Kagome's distressed scream during his wander down the halls. He ran straight into the nursery breaking every rule that he was given, he was now at Kagome's side with his hands on her shoulders "Kagome what's wrong?"
"I'm...I'm...in labour...AHHHH" Kagome screamed "I need...Sesshoumaru"
"He's not here. I'll carry you to your chambers" He then gathered Kagome into his arms and ran down the West wing (where he was forbidden from) and into her chambers. He laid Kagome upon the bed just as Jaken scurried in
"Inuyasha what are you doing here? In the Prince's chambers? And touching his Princess?"
"Just stay with her a moment, she's in labour" Inuyasha then shot out of the room and ran straight to the gardens. Yukiko and Sango came into view as his pace picked up. He was almost there, just a few more sprints and he'd be there. Just as he was about to enter two palace guards came out of nowhere and blocked his way "I need to get through"
"I'm sorry Master Inuyasha but you're forbidden from nearing Lady Sango"
"But it's urgent" He looked past the guards and shouted to the girls "YUKIKO SANGO" The two women looked up startled, Yukiko looked curiously to him as Sango cowered behind her "Quick Kagome's giving birth"
"What?!" Forgetting her own problems Sango ran straight past Inuyasha and to her sister's aid
"Inuyasha go retrieve Sesshoumaru, I can sense his aura he's just on the outskirts of the forest" Yukiko ordered "Send him straight to his chambers"
"I've got ya" Inuyasha then ran straight from the palace and followed the scent of his half brother...
Sesshoumaru, Inutaisho and Daichi hid behind some trees as they watched Maru stalk a small rabbit. He was on all fours as she crawled through the tall grass "Honestly father I believe my strategy was much simpler than yours" Sesshoumaru sighed
"Sesshoumaru you wanted him to slice the rabbit with his whip. He's too young to do that and all the blood and guys would make him wheezy" Inutaisho rolled his eyes
"It would be easier though, you're making him crawl on all fours like a mutt"
"Well he is a dog Sesshoumaru" Daichi mused. Maru stalked a little closer when he accidentally stood on a stick, panicking he tried to pounce on the rabbit before it could run away. The rabbit hopped just before Maru hit the ground, it then hopped as far as it could to get away from him. The young Prince growled and thumped the floor causing Inutaisho to laugh
"Better luck next time pup"
"I almost had it" Maru huffed as he crossed his legs and folded his arms
"You just need practice that's all" Sesshoumaru mused as he lifted him into his arms
"Your father didn't catch his prey the first time" Inutaisho smiled "In fact he completely missed and went head first straight into a pile of mud"
"I remember that day" Daichi laughed "He walked through the door covered from head to toe in mud with a massive scowl on his face, he looked so adorable" Sesshoumaru bit back the urge to roll his eyes when he heard his name being called
"Sesshoumaru...Sesshoumaru..." They all turned to find Inuyasha nearing them
"Doggy ears" Maru beamed "What are you doing here?"
"Sesshoumaru..." Inuyasha tried to catch his breath "Kag...Kagome she's...she's in labour"
"What!" Sesshoumaru tightened his grip on his pup and took to the sky without another word
"Impatient pup" Inutaisho sighed as he pulled Inuyasha onto his youkai cloud "Let's follow him before he does something reckless"
"I agree" Daichi then followed on behind...
Kagome took in deep breaths as she panted hard "Is he back...yet?" Sango wiped Kagome's brow with a damp flannel as she shook her head
"Not yet sis"
"I'm not gonna...give birth...without him..." Kagome breathed as she glanced at Sango through half lidded eyes "He's the reason...why I...don't give...up"
"I know Kagome just a little longer"
"Inuyasha won't fail" Yukiko reassured. She then checked Kagome "Kagome you'll have to push soon you're fully dilated"
"I can't...I need..."
"Kagome?" Sesshoumaru ran through the door almost knocking it off its hinges, he was at her side immediately as he brushed her bangs from her eyes
"What took ya?" The miko panted "You're...gonna get it...now" She then grasped his hand tightly
"Ready Kagome?" Yukiko asked as Sango took her placed beside her. Kagome gave a short nod as her grip tightened on her mate "Push!" Kagome let out a pained scream as she began to squeeze the life out of Sesshoumaru's hand "And again"
"AHHHH" Kagome pushed once again as she gasped and panted for air
"I can already see the head" Sango shouted "Just a few more pushes sis" Kagome nodded and screamed out another push
"Right Kagome I need you to give me one more push" Yukiko said as she concentrated on the job at hand
"I...I can't..." She shook her head, she looked up at Sesshoumaru and sighed "I'm...I'm sorry love"
"Don't talk foolish" Sesshoumaru smiled as he nuzzled her cheek "Just one more Kagome, give Maru a sibling, someone to play with"
"Okay...here it goes...AHHHHHHH" Kagome sucked in all the energy she could gather and let it out in one big push
"That a girl" Yukiko called as she caught the new born bundle into her arms "I'm gonna give your child a quick health check and identify the sex" Sango and Yukiko then lay the crying pup on the desk and checked it over. Once they were finished Sango had the pleasure of lifting it into her arms whilst Yukiko went to inform the rest of the family
"Congratulations" She smiled "You've got a baby girl" She then walked over to them "Who's going to hold her first?"
"Sesshoumaru will" Kagome smiled as said youkai kissed her forehead. Sango handed the small bundle to Sesshoumaru and gave a small bow
"She's an image of you mate" Sesshoumaru smiled softly as he kissed his daughter. He then handed Maru to Kagome and stood "I'll go get Maru"
"I'll come with you" Sango said "Get some rest Kags" She then gave her friend a quick hug and followed Sesshoumaru out the door "She's gorgeous Sesshoumaru" Sango smiled as linked his arm playfully "But my daughter's still cuter"
"I beg to differ Sango" Sesshoumaru smirked as he pulled from her grip and friendly wrapped his arm around her shoulder "I'm sure my daughter will be far more beautiful"
"Are you looking for a fight? I'll give ya one"
"I don't think Bankotsu would appreciate me killing his wife"
"Who said that you'd be able to do me harm?"
"You're human I'm youkai, it's not hard to work out who would win"
"I was raised to kill your kind, I think I can handle you"
"Hn" When they arrived at the sitting room they found everyone grinning uncontrollably "I assume mother told you"
"Well done my son" Inutaisho smiled as he walked over to his son "A healthy daughter, our new Princess of Japan"
"She is a beauty" Sesshoumaru then lifted Maru from Daichi's lap "I'll return shortly" He then turned with his pup and headed for his chambers where his mate and daughter resided "What do you think of having a baby sister Maru? Are you happy or disappointed?"
"I don't know" Maru shrugged "I can't play fight with a girl"
"I'm sure she can" Sesshoumaru chuckled "Just not yet"
"Does this change everything between us now? Will you be playing with her now instead of me?"
"Of course not pup" Sesshoumaru kissed his son's forehead "Nothing is going to get between us Maru, I may have to see to your sister more but that is only because you are more capable of looking after yourself" They then entered Sesshoumaru's chambers to find Kagome cradling the new Princess close
"She has your eyes Sesshoumaru" Kagome smiled as she looked up at them "Hello Maru, do you want to see your sister?" Maru nodded as Sesshoumaru set him down on the bed. The young Prince looked down at his sister in amazement
"She sure is pretty" He grinned "Just like mommy"
"Aren't you sweet" Kagome ruffled her son's hair and pulled him closer
"Have you named her Kagome?"
"Well I have a name in mind...Jade"
"I like it" Maru beamed "Hello Jade" The bundle in Kagome's arms gave an excited giggle "I think she likes it"
"It's frustrating how beautiful she is" Sesshoumaru sighed as he took his daughter into his arms
"What do you mean love?" Kagome asked as she pulled Maru into her lap
"I'm going to have to kill every male that sets eyes on her"
"I'll help" Maru laughed
"Boys" The miko mused "Call me lazy but I need to sleep, will you take the pups off my hands for an hour Sessh?"
"Of course" Sesshoumaru managed to cradle Jade in his one arm as he lifted Maru with the other. He then left his chambers and carried his pups downstairs and back to the sitting room. Upon entering Sesshoumaru sat down with Maru in between Inutaisho and Inuyasha "Kagome has just named her Jade"
"Beautiful" Inutaisho smiled as he gazed at his granddaughter "She's going to be chased constantly by males"
"Oh don't worry granddad. Daddy and I or going to kill everyone that looks at her"
"Heh your old man rubs off on ya too much" Inuyasha mused as he pinched Maru's nose "Sesshoumaru I'm sure Kagome told you that I was the one that carried her to your room earlier" Inuyasha's ears then drooped as he looked up at his brother "I'm sorry but I couldn't think of anything else to do"
"She didn't tell me Inuyasha but I appreciate you telling me. I thank you for seeing to my mate in my absence, you may have saved her life today"
"Well done doggy ears" Maru laughed
"Thanks brat" Inuyasha then moved his gaze to his niece "C-can I hold her...?" Sesshoumaru hesitated for a moment but handed Jade to his brother. Inuyasha held her with so much care, afraid that she might break in his arms "She's stunning alright"
"Don't get any ideas pup" Inutaisho laughed...
Epilogue - 14 years later
Kagome and her children were currently on their way back home, they had just visited Mrs Higurashi as it was Jade's birthday "I had so much fun" Jade smiled as she twirled around
"Sis give the twirling a rest, you're gonna make me sick" Maru sighed. Indeed the pups had grown into mature teenagers...well sort of. Maru was now 19 years old and the crowned Prince of Japan. At his current age he looked identical to Sesshoumaru, if he was a little taller they could have passed as twins, though Maru wore a completely different wardrobe and acted more like Kagome. The Prince found he had grown more close to his mother than his father but that was most probably due to the fact that he hardly saw Sesshoumaru as he was always busy. He was the new King of Japan after all. Maru also seemed to hang around his great uncle Rai more than Kagome liked. Rai flirted with everyone which rubbed off on Maru but at least the boy was confident...right? He could be very immature on times and could tease his sister into her grave but he made up for it with his devilish good looks. He had his serious moments though, all the joking stopped if a male made an advance on his little sister or a youkai challenged him.
"I can do whatever I want Maru, don't order me around" Jade poked her tongue out and ran on ahead. The Princess was quite a sight to behold. She had long black hair that reached the small of her back, snow pale skin, crimson red lips and amber eyes. She had the perfect physique that every male drooled over which could be a bother when it came to her safety. Sure she trained a lot but not as much as her brother, their father believed that Jade should concentrate on her studies more than combat. She was brought up with manners and the teachings of a lady it was just a shame she didn't use them much (unless at formal occasions). The young Princess didn't like the idea of being an obedient little girl that had to be given permission to speak, she didn't believe in that at all. She acts just like the way Kagome used to. Jade was a daddy's girl, she always went to see him even when she was forbidden to but she loved him to bits. She respected him and honoured his wishes...sometimes, if he ordered her to do something she was against she would voice her objection. Sure she got in trouble for it but deep down Sesshoumaru was proud of the way she would stand up for herself. Her was usually pursued by both humans and youkai who wanted to lay with her but they didn't last long against her big protective brother.
They were just leaving Inuyasha's forest when a youkai jumped out and looked over Jade with lust filled eyes "Woman you shall be mine"
"Shove it, I'd never go with someone so demanding" Jade huffed
"Show respect to a superior and kneel before me, you should be grateful that I am taking you as mine"
"I'll be grateful when you're gone"
"Learn your place wench" The youkai raised his claws "Your place in life is to please a male now come here and pleasure me, I'm sure you have done it many times"
"That's it!" Maru flexed his claws and stepped forward
"King Sesshoumaru? No wait you're..." The youkai began to quiver under Maru's narrowed gaze "Many apologies your highness, I did not know this woman was your lady"
"Idiot" Maru growled "She is my sister, Princess Jade of Japan" He then sliced the youkai's throat and continued on without another word
"Feel the wrath of the big brother" Kagome mused as she and Jade followed Maru...
They soon came across a small human village. Kagome proposed that they travel through it so that they could browse for any kimono stores "Mom this village doesn't look that wealthy" Maru whispered as they entered said village
"Oh well" Kagome shrugged "Going through is faster that walking around anyway" Jade was dawdling behind her mother and brother as she looked around the village to find children playing happily together, lovers of all ages enjoying life and men working in the fields. It looked so serene and peaceful, it was obvious that this village hadn't seem war in a while. The young Princess then found herself on her butt on the floor
"I'm so sorry milady" A young man around her age with purple hair pulled her to her feet and bowed lowly "I wasn't looking where I was going and..." He then looked into her eyes and found himself lost
"The faults mine, I'm..." Jade's eyes also met his as she too lost herself
"I...I'm Trunks..." He blushed as he shook her hand "I'm the headman's son"
"Princess Jade" She smiled "Nice to meet you trunks" Without releasing each other's hands they found themselves falling into a deep conversation, forgetting everything around them. Kagome watched her daughter and smiled warmly
"Awe" She then heard Maru's growl and she grabbed his arm to pull him back "Oh no you don't pup, it's her birthday she can have what she wants"
"Fine but who's gonna tell dad" Maru grinned evilly...
Sorry I couldn't resist lol. I brought Trunks in near to the end as a request from MOONLIGHT SHADOW HUNTRESS
Well there's the last chapter guys :'( lol
I hope you've enjoyed reading this as I have writing it, I'd like to thank everyone for reading this right up until the end and for all the helpful advice and reviews
Thanks again
Inuyashasesshy4eva