As Death Gives Life

Chapter 34 – The Day Kagome Gave Birth


**Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!

He could feel the pup moving against his palms. It was a strange and magical feeling, and made him anxious to finally meet the little one. Its power pulsed through the barrier of Kagome’s stomach and he examined it, trying to determine what the sex would be. It was no use. The power was power, but not necessarily male or female. Just abnormally strong.

Kagome shifted, pressing her back closer to his bare chest. Her body heat seared against his torso and Sesshomaru reached up to wipe the cool cloth over her sweat-laden brow. She was being very brave, and trying so hard not to show her true pain, but he could smell distress radiating from her in waves.

There was not much that could be done at this stage, except try to make her comfortable as she awaited the next labor pain to overtake her. He wished that he could remove this torment from his little mate, but alas, there simply was no way to do that. He reached down once more and rubbed his clawed hand over the large swell of her bare belly. She moaned softly and began to wiggle about. He could feel the muscles in her abdomen growing tight once more so he offered his support as the next contraction wracked her small frame.

She insisted that there was no need to have the midwife stay with her until she was closer to the baby’s emergence. He was, however, unsure that her decision was the best one. Kagome also insisted that he remain by her side, which was completely unorthodox and caused quite a stir within the household. She explained that it was completely accepted in her time; far in the future. She was adamant that most all mates stayed with the mother to aid in keeping her calm, and to be present at the birthing of their child. He found this strange, and thought to protest, but Kagome could be quite demanding at times. Instead he held his tongue and decided that if he could slice an enemy into a thousand bloody pieces, then it should be rather simple to view the birth of his newborn pup.

Kagome panted heavily through tightly clenched teeth, and he was helpless to take away this attack on her body. It was a feeling that he most certainly did not care for. Watching her suffer, and being helpless to assist, was driving him mad.

Momentarily the pain subsided leaving Kagome exhausted and gasping for breath. He could hear the shuffle of familiar feet outside the screen door, and knew that her friends were worried for her as well. A constant low growl was coming from Inuyasha, as he paced the floor relentlessly. He wanted to go and tell him to cease his ridiculous behavior, but Kagome grabbed his hand in a desperate plea as he shifted to move from beneath her.

Sesshomaru pulled her tight against him and stroked her long raven hair. It was sweat drenched, and stringy, clinging to his alabaster flesh. His hakama were soaked where she lay against his thighs, but he paid it no mind. He only wished that her agony would soon be over for her.

The pregnancy had gone very smoothly, except for her odd food cravings. It was strange that once she resigned herself to eating the raw meat, Kagome began craving other things. One evening, he found himself doing something that he, Taiyoukai of the West, never thought that he would ever do. Which was becoming a rather frequent occurrence. He found it odd and somewhat disturbing, that Kagome’s presence in his life had served to alter his reserve on several different issues

That particular evening, he was awakened by his bundle of miko warmth to discover that she could not sleep. She was in dire need of pickled radishes. Unfortunately there were none at the castle, and radishes were not in season. After explaining this as slowly as possible, she still refused to accept no for an answer. Thus he was forced to slip on his clothing and transport to the village of Edo. Kagome insisted that the old miko there would have the radishes that she wanted, and needed, so badly.

It was most humiliating to encounter his baka half-brother there, while he sought out the old wench, Kaede. Inuyasha derived much amusement from the fact that he, Lord Sesshomaru, had been forced from his bed in the middle of the night to search out pickled radishes.

The hanyou’s laughter was quickly put to a halt when he met the end of his poison claw.

“Sesshomaru?” Kagome moaned, as yet another contraction began to build.

“Yes, koishii?” He replied in question.

“I... I think that... OH!!!! I think that you should call the midwife!” Kagome ground out, as her breath was driven from her lungs under the full force of the pain. She began a series of rhythmic short breaths and panting sounds. Sesshomaru waited until the latest had passed, before he slide from beneath her, carefully lying her back against the soft cushions. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, before stepping to the door.

Sesshomaru slid the door open, expecting to be forced into shoving Inuyasha aside. Strangely he only found the Lady Chika, Rin, the fox kit, Kat, the very pregnant slayer and her spouse, the monk, sitting in the hallway. The houshi was busy offering up prayer for the safety and good health of his mate and pup.

Before he could utter a word, Rin spoke up, “Inuyasha went to fetch the midwife, Sesshomaru-sama. Is Kagome-chan going to be alright?”

She sounded anxious and worried, much like himself, but these others present would never see that weakness in him. He made an extra effort to give the appearance of aloof unconcern, but he feared that Rin could see right through his facade. “Do not fear, Rin. Kagome will be fine. Her body is strong and sound. It is merely pain that will pass.”

“MERELY PAIN?!!! Are you serious?! You have no fucking idea!!!!” Kagome screamed rather viciously from behind him. Sesshomaru winced and glanced over his shoulder before turning back to those waiting in the wide hallway. Each of them held a look of disbelief, except for the monk, who simply appeared to be amused. He would have to remember to repay him when the slayer gave birth.

Sesshomaru growled at the stunned crowd before returning to the birthing chambers. Lady Chika stopped him, and asked if she might come in to help. “I have birthed three, Sesshomaru-sama, and Kagome is like a daughter to me. I wish to offer her my assistance.”

Kagome yelled out, “Come in!!! Just shut that damn door!” Her breath was once more coming in bursts of sharp shallow pants. Sesshomaru allowed Chika to enter, before sliding the door closed behind them. He walked to Kagome’s side and sat down next to her agonized form. “Perhaps this is the reason that the males of our time remain outside of the birthing chamber? One such as I, can only accept so much disrespect, my mate.”

Kagome peeked up at him through one eye as the pain clamped down in its magnitude. When she finally felt it subsiding she clipped a reply. “If I can lay here dying, you can put up with my mouth.”

Chika moved to place the cool cloth upon Kagome’s brow and tried to dispel the rising tempers. “It is a hard time, when the body is wracked with birthing pains. You must remember, Kagome that the pain will not last forever. It will pass. Just keep thinking that, and it will help your desperation.”

Kagome grunted and rolled to her back. She was being pretty mean. Sesshomaru was not the one who did this to her, and she shouldn’t take it out on him. “Gomen nasai, my love. Please forgive my behavior. I am not feeling like myself tonight.”

Sesshomaru raised a delicate brow in slight amusement. “Of this, I am aware, mate. You are forgiven.”

Kagome wanted to cry, but it wouldn’t do any good. Nothing would, except getting this kid out of her stomach. Damn, nobody told her it would hurt this much! Her stomach muscles would clamp down so hard until she thought she would lose consciousness, and it felt as if someone were taking pieces of her spine out and shoving them back in. Her mouth was dry, but she was only allowed to sip water, and she had the worst headache imaginable. Boy, what she wouldn’t do for a Tylenol. ‘Please Kami, make it happen soon!’

The shoji door opened to reveal the arrival of the midwife, and Inuyasha looked in over the woman’s shoulder anxiously. Sesshomaru attempted to ignore him. The whelp acted as if this were his own offspring, the way he paced and fidgeted about.

The old healer, an inuyoukai employed by his family for centuries, entered the room with a scowl. She was still none to happy about the Lady sending her out, or about the girl forcing the young Lord to remain by her side. Such things were unheard of, making her wonder at the miko’s sanity. Her Lord, obviously very smitten by his Lady, actually agreed to the abnormal request, which made her wonder at his sanity as well.

She moved to the end of the bed and pulled the girls legs apart. She ignored the throaty growl from the taiyoukai, as it sounded more lustful than angry. She pushed a finger inside the birthing channel, feeling for the opening to the womb. The girl began wiggling about and she had to issue an order to remain still. Another finger, and then another, before she pulled out. “You’re almost there, my Lady. I can feel the pup’s hair now. I would give you another hour and you will have yourself a new addition to the Western house.”

Kagome released a sigh of relief when the old demoness pulled her roughly probing fingers from her body. ‘One more hour. I can do that. Only one more hour.’ Kagome cried out, as the next pain ripped through her body.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, looking to the old woman. “What have you done to cause this increased pain?”

“My Lord, ‘Twas not me. The Lady grows close to her time. The pain will only become harder to bear.”

He sighed, feeling even worse than before. It was hard to believe that this could get worse than it already was. Kagome was looking at him now with sheer terror in her eyes. He ignored the badgering old female, urging him to leave, and climbed back beneath his mate, pulling her flush to his chest. He enveloped her waist with his long arms, and again traced light, soothing circles over her tight stomach.

Kagome drifted off for just a moment, as Sesshomaru began to thrum that soothing sound from his chest. His large deadly claws traced carefully, and softly, over her hard belly. Just as her eyes closed, another pain began to clamp down on her. They were getting worse and worse, and she didn’t know if she could take much more.

Suddenly the air in the room shifted in power. Something shimmered next to the bedding, and a form began to glimmer into solidity.

Sesshomaru’s soothing vibrations quickly changed to a deep ferocious growl. Kagome could barely understand what was happening through the blinding pain. She blinked up, through clenched eyelids and grinding teeth, to find the one responsible for this whole thing standing by her side.

Sesshomaru became aware of Kagome’s sudden struggle to lash out at the bastard who dared enter his home un-announced. He easily held her back, as her arm swung forth with a tightly clenched fist. The punch missed the InuGod by a mile, but her voice hit the mark dead on.

“You sorry excuse for a GOD! Look what you have done to me, you bastard!” Kagome screamed at him. When yet another hard contraction hit, Kagome continued through clenched teeth. “I HATE YOU!!!”

The hurt from her words was plain in his blue eyes, and Sesshomaru smirked at the arrogant God. Sesshomaru did not care for Kagome speaking in a harsh manner to himself, but if she wished to bring this lofty InuGod down a notch or two, then he would not move to stop it.

Anubis cringed at the harsh, angry words. Kagome. His Kagome, just screamed that she hated him. It was torment to his golden heart. He was speechless, and stunned. One glance to the taiyoukai and he found the demon glaring at him with a pleased smirk. Anubis stepped back, away from the miko. This was not what he expected at all.

Kagome was panting and crying out in pain. Something that he had never witnessed from the birth of a god. Their births were painless and quick, but it was obvious that this was not the case here. He grew concerned. Why was this so hard on her body? It should not be as such.

Kagome ignored the arrival of Anubis, as the ripping pain tore through her body. She tried to pant and count, like her mother had done at the birth of Souta, but it hurt too bad, and soon all she could do was lie there crying out in agony.

Chika and the old demoness, Matsuyo, watched the newcomer with suspicious eyes across the birthing center. Chika had to admit, that he was quite possibly the most handsome being that she had ever laid her eyes upon. His hair, so long and dark, shining with the light of the candles, which cast a soft glow over his chiseled face. His energies were swirling in the room, but she could tell that he kept a tight reign on the full extent of his power.

He still held the look of concern, even though Kagome had tried to attack him. Perfection? Pretty darn close. When he made to step up again, Chika stepped around the table. Sesshomaru began snarling and Inuyasha snatched the shoji door open in rage. “What the FUCK are YOU doing here?!”

Anubis sighed. This was supposed to be a happy occasion, but the demons seemed intent on ruining it for him. He turned to glare at Inuyasha, before replying, “Would you like to take a nap, hanyou?”

Inuyasha growled, instinctively taking a step back. He knew from firsthand experience, the force of this guys’ power. He could put him out with a thought, and kill him with the wave of a hand. It really, really, pissed him off.

Anubis stepped closer to Kagome, waiting to catch her eye. The snarling from the demon holding her was driving him to eliminate the source. He pushed the urge away, however, as killing Sesshomaru would only serve to drive Kagome farther from him.

He suspected now, that he might be able to help ease her suffering. Kagome looked up to him with pain drenched eyes, before they swiftly changed to silver as she growled a warning. He raised a brow in wonder at this new reaction.

Chika gasped, as did the midwife by her side. They had neither one ever seen Kagome transform in such a way. Her eyes were like molten silver swirling with traces of blue and her fingers grew longer with sharp lethal claws. Her fangs shot out over her lip and Chika wondered if there was going to be a battle in the birthing room.

Inuyasha was just as livid as Sesshomaru. This dog dared to come into their territories and cause Kagome such pain that she is forced to transform even in her state! He stepped forward, not caring that the bastard could kill him easily.

Anubis stilled immediately. ‘Holy father Ra’, she was the most stunning creature that he had ever set eyes upon. Her beauty took his breath away, making him long to be the one holding her instead of that pathetic inuyoukai.

Sesshomaru’s golden eyes began to swim with crimson. How dare this filth come into his home, cause his mate distress, and then ogle her openly?! He would not stand for it!

Anubis knew right then that things were getting out of hand. The taiyoukai was ready to attack and Kagome was in a terrible state giving birth to their pup. He stopped his approach, and decided to verbalize his thoughts. “There may be something that this Anubis can do to ease her pain.”

All eyes regarded him suspiciously, but a tiny flicker of hope flashed in their minds. If only he could, then maybe Kagome would be alright. Sesshomaru was hesitant to accept the aid of this hound, but at the moment felt he had no choice. The pains were growing severe for his mate, and he feared that her newfound immortality may be put to the test. With narrowed eyed, flashing back to gold, he said, “Proceed.” Inuyasha protested, but he quickly told him to stand down. Amazingly he listened.

Kagome screamed, as another mind jarring pain consumed her. She felt her powers flare and clash with those of her mate, sitting at her back. Through the pain, she hoped that she did not harm him, but couldn’t manage to ask at the moment. All she could do was wait until it passed.

Anubis approached her swiftly now, more concerned than ever for her well-being. He stood by her side and placed a hand over her huge stomach. He smiled, as his pup moved about beneath his palm. His pup. The life that he created. Separate from Death and able to grow and live on the surface world. It was awe inspiring indeed.

His touch was all it took. The severe pain was gone instantly and replaced by a feeling of pressure deep inside. Kagome panted and accepted the reprieve with the utmost gratitude, muttering her thanks before drifting off from shear exhaustion.

Begrudgingly, Sesshomaru nodded his head in appreciation for the magical touch of the InuGod. Whatever it was that he done worked immediately, as he could feel the pain leave his mate before Anubis even removed his hand. Kagome was resting peacefully now, regaining some amount of her strength before the final stages of labor came.

The midwife moved to check Kagome again, all the while herding Inuyasha out of the room with a scowl. She looked over to Anubis with a curious glance. It was rumored that the child in the Lady’s belly was not the spawn of Lord Sesshomaru, but no one really knew the truth of that, as they were all too afraid to ask. It would appear that the rumors were true, from what she had seen here today.

The being standing before her was inu, of that she could tell, but he was not a demon. Her mind raced over the possibilities. He was very beautiful, and carried himself with arrogant regality. Most definitely a lord or ruler of some sort. From his attire it was safe to say that he was of the same foreign lands as the odd group of humans camped outside of the castle walls. Egyptians, some say.

He also reeked of power, even more so than her great and powerful Lord, InuTaisho, Sesshomaru’s own father. Matsuyo took a quick look at the birthing progression, making sure everything was still moving along well, before glancing at the dark prince before her. It was very obvious that he was not well liked by her lord OR his wayward hanyou brother. That in itself was something to wonder at. The two had never seen eye to eye on anything in the past.

Even the pregnant miko screamed of her hatred for the one they called Anubis. Had he raped her? The mystery seemed to run deep. She glanced over to Lady Chika. The hen was a fountain of information and she would be willing to bet that Chika knew the truth behind it all. She would most certainly ask her when this was all over.

Kagome groaned and woke up. She looked around with groggy, tired eyes. At her back was the warmth of her mate and standing in the far corner of the room was the body of her ex-lover. Lady Chika was busy setting out pans of water and clean cloths, while the healer busied herself with the sterilization of the blade used to cut the cord.

“I feel... pressure. Strong pressure,” Kagome mumbled.

Sesshomaru glared at Anubis, willing him to step outside the door. It was one thing for he, himself, to be present at this birth, but another for the InuGod to hover about, looking upon his mate in her vulnerable state. He growled, baring his fangs to the other male. “It is unseemly for you to be present while my mate gives birth.”

Anubis flashed his own fangs in defiance. He would not let the inuyoukai run him out. He refused to miss the moment that his child drew in its first breath. “Relax, youkai. This Anubis has seen it all before.”

Sesshomaru snarled as his eyes flashed red. The insolence of this beast was beyond measure! “Take heed InuGod, you will keep your distance until such time as our child is born.”

Anubis sent an icy glare at the bold taiyoukai. Our child. The implication was all to true, and it burned his soul to know that the inuyoukai had tainted the blood of his demi-godchild. Anubis growled, a sound that rattled the walls, and turned from the bastard before he did something that he may come to regret.

Matsuyo looked at the two in both fear and awe. The anger between them literally crackled in the air. The miko between them seemed oblivious, but her own power sizzled just as brightly. Sesshomaru-sama had referred to Anubis as an InuGod. A God. The child that she was about to deliver was the spawn of a God. It would prove to be the most memorable accomplishment of her entire life. It made her nervous and excited. Should she fail to perform her duties to their satisfaction it would most certainly result in her death. Her hands began to shake.

Sesshomaru sensed the new tension in his servant and said, “Mind yourself old woman. The life of our pup is at stake. No harm will come to you by our claws.” He sensed her relaxing a bit, and sighed in relief. It would be unfortunate for the midwife to make a careless mistake due to her unease with the presence of himself and Anubis.

Kagome was panting hard and pressing against him forcefully. She seemed to grow very uncomfortable and then Matsuyo barked to Chika that it was time. Chika made ready to receive the child with the warm water and cloths, while the old woman urged Kagome to push. Sesshomaru held her tightly, nuzzling her neck and whispering encouragement’s in her ear.

Anubis stood in the dark corner observing the entire process. It all seemed to be playing out well, except for that damn taiyoukai. He watched with dark jealousy raging in his heart, but held his tongue as it was no longer his place to intercede. As much as he hated to admit it, the inuyoukai was a most honorable and caring mate to Kagome. She drew upon his strength in more ways than one, and it appeared that felt deeply for one another.

With a heavy sigh, he turned away. The sight was just too intimate, too painful for his heart. Where once he crossed through the planes of existence, blissfully ignorant of such painful emotions, now the cursed pain they caused was all too real.

Anubis consciously relaxed his clenching hands, feeling the trickles of golden blood dripping down his palm. He took a deep breath and recalled the wisdom of Thoth on that day many months ago. She can never live in his world and he can never live in hers. This was the way it had to be. She is happy, and that is what matters most.

Kagome screamed as she felt herself stretch to new proportions. The baby was coming!

A tiny wail announced the arrival of new life into the world. All present in the room looked upon the child with awe. A true miracle. A living gift from the Gods.

Anubis stepped up to the screaming little bundle. “A female,” he said breathlessly. “A beautiful little female.”

Kagome looked up with weary eyes and smiled. A girl. She had secretly hoped that it would be a little girl. Chika soon deposited her daughter in her arms and Kagome began to cry. The feelings, the emotions that came from this moment were unexplainable. The love that she suddenly felt for this tiny little baby was enough to shake her very soul.

Sesshomaru looked over her shoulder as Kagome held the infant. He was pleased to see the resemblance to himself in her mass of white wavy hair. She calmed in her mothers arms and began to look around at her new world. Her eyes were the clearest blue, reflecting those of her father, Anubis. She had tiny pointed ears, like theirs as well, which twitched about, listening to the unfamiliar sounds. Her smooth skin was pale and she had one small red line that curved down one side of her face, from her forehead to the center of her cheek. This he found rather unusual, as neither he nor Anubis had such a mark.

Kagome traced the thin crimson line that resembled a bright serpent. The baby looked at her like she actually knew that she was her mother. So tiny. So dependent on her for everything. It was an overwhelming moment.

Anubis stepped forward and reached out. “May this Anubis hold his daughter?”

Kagome looked up and found that Anubis held a look of utter joy on his face. It was like nothing in the world mattered anymore except this little child. Kagome nodded, and he carefully took the babe into his arms.

Anubis could not begin to describe how he felt. Where before, he questioned what love truly felt like, he now had no question at all. Love, true love, could only feel like this. In his arms he held a piece of himself. A strong child that would grow to immense power, demanding the respect of all whom crosses her path. A child that would love him unconditionally, and a bond that would last for all eternity.

“Kebechet,” Anubis said proudly.

“Huh?” Kagome asked.

“Her name. It shall be Kebechet,” Anubis replied, never taking his blue eyes from those of his daughter.

Kagome raised a brow, and questioned. “What does it mean?”

Anubis looked up to Kagome, who still sat in front of Sesshomaru. He could sense her wounds healing as they spoke. “Kebechet means cooling water, since she is the Goddess of freshness and purification. Such purity is gained in our funeral rites through the purest water.”

Kagome’s jaw opened as she took that in. It was beautiful. Her daughter, the Goddess of freshness and purification. It was perfect. She smiled and said, “Yes. Kebechet. Kebechet Mikibou. Mikibou means beautiful hope. She is, after all, a child of Egypt as well as Japan, and her name should reflect that.”

Anubis smiled and accepted this second name. Kagome returned the smile and for the first time in a long while Anubis began to feel like everything would work out for the greater good.

Sesshomaru grunted, before giving his own approval. “And she shall take the name of my house, Toji, meaning to exercise sovereign power. In all, it is a strong name that our daughter will carry.”

Kagome leaned back and rested her head against the chest of her mate. “Kebechet Mikibou Toji. Yes, a strong beautiful name.”

Matsuyo stepped up to the InuGod, and asked to hold the child, for it was time to complete the ceremony and get mother, as well as child, cleaned up. Then the little one would need to be fed. Lord Anubis looked down on her, hesitant to release his daughter, but finally held her out to the old demoness. Matsuyo took the child, and placed her in the eager arms of Lady Chika. She then turned to the males. “I do believe that your presence is no longer required, honorable Lords. There is much to be done.”

Sesshomaru gently pulled himself from beneath Kagome, gifting her with a tender kiss upon the forehead before walking over to his new daughter. He placed one large finger in her tiny hand and the pup grasped onto it with strong little claws. He sniffed her, and one eyebrow rose in curiosity. She did not... smell... like an inu.


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A/N: Well, there you go! The baby is born and it is a girl. Sorry for those who were hoping for a boy. I chose a girl because the ancient mythology of Egypt states that Anubis has a daughter, the Goddess Kebechet. Goddess of freshness and purification. Isn’t it an interesting coincidence that the miko Kagome is also a representation of purity? It just fell into place. So if you would like to see one of the sites that I used for this information, you may visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebechet

Hope you enjoyed the birth of Kebechet Mikibou Toji! Next update we will join our friends as the new infant demi-goddess is formally introduced to everyone.