As Death Gives Life

Chapter 35 – Loving Arms

A/N: Hello everyone! First I wish to apologize, because it has been a couple of weeks since I updated. I have no excuse, except the flow just wouldn’t come to me. Curse the writer’s block!

Next, I want to take a minute and thank all of you who have reviewed. I feel like a jerk for not emailing each of you to thank you personally, but I hope you can forgive me. I do read each of your reviews and I laugh with you when you joke. I smile with you as you make me feel like a greater person than I really am, and I am sad like you when I think that this story is coming to an end. It is, and no matter how much I will miss it, there are only about five chapters left. I’m thrilled that so many of you love this story and I hope that I continue to live up to your expectations.

Now... on with the story.

~~~***~~~

“My beautiful little angel,” Anubis whispered as he held the baby close. She was so small and so alive. Every time he looked at her he was more fascinated than the last.

Lady Chika watched the InuGod with the child and wondered what he was thinking. It was obvious how taken he was with the pup, but his time here was short and she couldn’t help thinking that he was going to find it very hard to leave her behind. She sighed heavily. These situations were simply unheard of. There was no precedence. Shaking her head sadly she cleared her throat before saying, “Lord Anubis, I have come to inform you that Kagome is now fully recovered and would like an audience with you.”

Both Kagome and Sesshomaru looked up as Anubis entered the room. Lady Chika nodded to them both before sliding the door closed behind Anubis. Sesshomaru stood up and walked to Anubis, motioning for the InuGod to hand over his pup. Anubis narrowed his eyes, but inclined. He admitted, if only to himself, that he felt much jealousy toward this demon Lord.

Jealousy.

A foreign emotion that was fast becoming common for him. How had he allowed himself to become ensnared in such a demeaning situation? Him... Lord Anubis... Egyptian God.... is jealous over a mere demon. He sighed heavily and looked to Kagome.

Even in her current state she was the most beautiful creature that he had ever set eyes upon. Her weakened appearance made her look that much more fragile, awakening his protective side. He sniffed lightly, scenting that her body had almost completely healed itself from the act of childbirth.

She was smiling at him.

Anubis wasn’t sure what she was thinking or feeling inside that mysterious, and thoroughly luscious, body of hers. During her pain she screamed her hatred, but now she graces him with a shy smile. It was unsettling to say the least.

“Anubis, Kagome called, I know that you are going to be leaving soon, and I wanted to talk to you about Kebechet. Sesshomaru and I have discussed your... involvement with our daughter. Because she belongs to all of us...” Kagome looked to Sesshomaru who returned the look with a stoic facade, “...we would like you to know that you are welcome to participate in her life as often as your position allows.”

Anubis was shocked, but hid it well. He had expected to be dismissed from their lives forever after this night forcing him to press the issue, but instead Kagome offers him access to his daughter as often as he wished? It was most unexpected. He looked from the lovely woman’s face to the face of the taiyoukai. Here he was met with an icy glare and a seemingly reluctant nod.

Anubis acknowledged the gesture and accepted their hospitality. “Your acceptance of this Anubis in the life of our daughter is most appreciated. Before her birth I planned to observe her from afar, but now that I have held her in my arms I fear that I could never simply stand aside and watch her mature without my presence.”

Sesshomaru nodded again, curtly. He didn’t really care for this arrangement, and would like nothing more than the bastard to be gone forever. He looked down to the tiny babe in his arms. She was sleeping peacefully, completely unconcerned that her future was being determined at this very moment. The continued presence of Anubis would change things for her. It would also change things for Kagome and himself.

“Anubis, this Sesshomaru will tolerate your presence within his realm under the strict rule that your visits are with Kebechet only. You will stay away from Kagome, unless it is that I am present. I must also insist that you never remove the pup from this palace, unless it is arranged and agreed upon by Kagome and myself. Is this agreeable to you?”

Anubis considered the words spoken by the arrogant demon lord. Did the fool not understand that this was all simply a nice formality? Did he not know that nothing in this realm or the next could stop his power should he unleash it? If he wished to see his child at any time, no one could stop him. If he wished to take her away, no one could ever stop him.

If he wished to have Kagome, Sesshomaru would most certainly die trying to stop him.

But he had no intention of doing any of these things. Thus, for formalities sake, he inclined his head in agreement. He would accept the terms set forth by the taiyoukai.

Kagome sighed in relief. She had hoped that this would go smoothly, but dealing with an arrogant demon lord and an even more arrogant Egyptian God, could be pretty tricky and uncertain. She had spent quite some time today convincing Sesshomaru to agree to letting Anubis participate in Kebechet’s life. He wasn’t too keen on the idea, but finally caved in to her pleas.

She just couldn’t imagine Kebechet growing up oblivious to her father. Even if his presence was sporadic, it would be a comfort to her, knowing that Anubis cared.

Anubis stepped up to Kagome and bowed slightly. “It is this Anubis’ wish to express his eternal gratitude to the Lady Kagome for giving him the gift of his daughter. Without you, Kagome, I would never have known the most glorious moment of my long life.” He turned and glanced to the pup in Sesshomaru’s arms. “She is a strong pup. I feel pride in my heart when I look upon her tiny face.”

Sesshomaru looked from the InuGod to the child. Now seemed to be as good a time as any to ask the question that was plaguing his mind. “Tell this Sesshomaru the reason that our daughter does not smell of inu heritage.”

Kagome gasped lightly, having not the senses of her mate, she was unaware of the... difference. Anubis shrugged carelessly before replying. “Truly demon, it matters not. The child is ours, and she is strong and beautiful. It is more than enough.”

“True, she is those things, but she has an almost undefined scent. I wish to know why she does not carry the scent of her fathers, or that of her mother.” Sesshomaru sternly persisted. He would not let this lie.

Anubis stepped up to the demon and stared down at his pretty little angel. “She is a goddess. Her life was sparked from my loins and Kagome’s womb. Your own blood has mingled in her veins as well, but it means naught to her form. She is a True goddess. An Earth bound child of tremendous power. Her body is formed by our father Amen Ra. He, who is above all, chooses the vessel of his children. She will not smell of inu, nor will she smell of human. She is unique.”

Sesshomaru absorbed this information, finding it hard to accept that this ‘father Amen Ra’ had a personal hand in the development of his pup. It would, however, explain her scent. It was... mysterious. While not at all unpleasant, it was drifting and pure. Almost nonexistent. He looked up to the blue eyed god. “What then, is her true form?”

Anubis sighed. The demons curiosity rivaled that of a cats. “Who knows? Not I. It will be revealed when the time is right.” Dismissing this line of questioning, he turned once more to Kagome. “Kagome, I must return now to my duties at the Hall of Two Truths. Please accept my gratitude. I shall return as time allows.”

Kagome smiled and watched him shimmer from their sight. His power swept behind him, to be plucked from this world and into the next.

“He is a fool and a disgrace to the Gods of old,” Sesshomaru growled.

Kagome looked to him in surprise. “Why do you say that?”

“He presumes to tell this Sesshomaru that he can not determine the true form of our daughter? Baka. Any God, be they of any power, should be able to do such.”

Kagome sighed. She wondered how many years would go by before those two could get along. Would they ever get along? As much as she hated to admit it, it is completely possible that the two arrogant men my never find peace with one another.

She took her pup from Sesshomaru and he settled down beside her. He reached out and ran a clawed finger gently over the red line over her eye. “She is a lovely child, Kagome. This Sesshomaru is proud to call you his mate.”

Kagome smiled at him. “I love you, Sesshomaru.”

~~~***~~~

“Damn it Kat, it itches!” Inuyasha grumbled as he pulled at his shirt collar.

Kat giggled and stepped up to her mate. She slowly ran her fingers down his smooth cheeks and watched the calming effects of her aura soothe his anxiety.

Inuyasha released a breath of air in a deep relaxing sigh, but as the air left his lungs, the blood pooled in his loins. “Damn it woman! Now look what you’ve done!” He growled when his anger was met with another feminine giggle from his beautiful mate.

“I am sorry Inuyasha, my love. I just wanted to ease your anxious mood,” Kat replied before kissing him softly on the lips. He quickly encircled her waist and buried his face into her neck, inhaling deeply of her scent. Kat knew where this was going and as much as she would like to participate, they simply did not have the time. Reluctantly she slipped from his grasp and jumped back. “Woa there big boy. We don’t have time for this. We are expected down in the ballroom any minute!”

Inuyasha growled and slashed at the air in a fury. “Damn it Kat, I hate this shit! Why in the hell do I have to be there? We’ve already seen the baby, so what in the hell does it matter if we are at this stupid presentation?”

Kat sighed. She knew that Inuyasha was feeling really uncomfortable in this situation. He had basically been banished by his brother until Kagome was placed in Sesshomaru’s care, now he was being pushed back into royal society without much preparation. Unfortunately, Inuyasha was a little on the wild side, and didn’t even want to try and fit in.

It was time to use her secret weapon. It always worked.

Kat smiled seductively up to her powerful hanyou lover. “Inuyasha. If you do this tonight, I promise that I will do anything that you want me to, once we retire to our rooms for the evening.”

A dark brow arched in interest. ‘Hmm...’ This could be fun. “Anything?” He asked, just to make sure.

Kat’s smile grew and she nodded with a flutter of long dark blue lashes. “Yes lover, anything.”

Inuyasha stood tall with a large smile on his handsome face. He was going to really enjoy this. “It’s a deal. And just remember, that you said anything.”

~~~***~~~

Kagome was as nervous as she could ever remember being in her entire life. Today Kebechet was to be announced into youkai society. Sesshomaru had sent out invitations to all lords and ladies, as well as any other high ranking official that he and Jaken could think of.

Her friends would be there, simply because she insisted. Sesshomaru was even making Inuyasha attend in full costume. The hanyou pitched a fit about it, but finally gave in; however, Kagome wouldn’t believe it until she saw him in the ballroom with her own two eyes.

She glanced nervously to Sesshomaru, who was surveying the growing crowd from his elevated seat next to hers. Kebechet was beginning to wiggle, growing restless beside her, so Kagome turned and picked her baby up. She smiled warmly at her little angel and let the baby grasp a hold of her finger. She was so beautiful and sweet. Her fat little cheeks just begged to be kissed.

It had been three weeks since her birth. The pain of it still lingered strong in her mind, but it was all worth it when she looked down into the face of her little girl. Sesshomaru had proven to be very attentive and supportive during this time. It never ceased to amaze her how loving he could be to her, Rin, and the baby, when he treated the rest of the world like a heartless ice king.

Kagome’s attention was pulled from the baby as Jaken announced the next group of attendants. “Her ladyship, Countess Natsuki Saito of the western island of Gunkanjima.”

“Konnichiwa, Sesshomaru-sama,” Natsuki greeted the stunningly handsome demon lord. She turned to his ‘lady’ and smirked with disdain. She reeked of human, and it was thoroughly disgusting. Admittedly she was pretty, for a mortal, but she was no great beauty. Not like Sesshomaru deserved. Not like she, herself, was. “Ah... so this is the chosen of Lord Sesshomaru? Hm...” Natsuki turned to Sesshomaru with a wink. “... I assume she has some hidden... talents that are invisible to the eye, for simply by looking, I find nothing extraordinary about this... mortal.”

Kagome glared as the hair on her neck began to spike. The demoness before her was scathing in her remarks. She looked at her as if she were common filth from the sewer. She obviously thought herself above her in every way. It was painfully obvious by her perfect body, barely hidden in the slinky long gown she wore, that she was much prettier than her. Her long silver hair flowed loosely down her back, and she had beautiful markings on her face. She was otherworldly in her perfection. It was very intimidating, but Kagome was not one to back down to a smart mouthed witch like this. She was just about to insult her thoroughly, when Sesshomaru took the opportunity from her.

Sesshomaru growled lightly in disgust, “Kagome is no mere mortal, Natsuki, and you would do well to remember that. As for hidden... talents, that is none of your concern, unless of course, you are asking for advice.”

Natsuki went rigid, and sent them a heated glare. It was rather obvious that there was more to the human than meets the eye, especially if she could produce a child that radiated power even at such a young age. This little tid-bit of information did not mean squat to her, however. A demon of Sesshomaru’s status should never have accepted such a union. It was a disgrace. Natsuki rolled her emerald eyes, ‘harrumphed’ and then strode away.

Kagome turned to Sesshomaru with a questioning look. Sesshomaru gave her a look of frustration, but chose to save further comment until a later time.

One by one, and couple by couple, the guests filed by. Most were gracious and polite, gifting the Western couple with an offering for their new pup. Kagome smiled and thanked them all; trying to ignore the select few whom sneered and turned up their nose to her. She couldn’t expect them to all like her. As her mom always told her, you can make some of the people happy some of the time, but you can never make all of the people happy all of the time.

After the procession of guests passed by, her nanny, Takane, took Kebechet to the nursery. Sesshomaru stood and offered a clawed hand to his lady, and Kagome graciously accepted. She stood and joined him in browsing the crowd.

Inuyasha spotted Kagome through the mass of stuck up snobs. She was walking beside his bastard of a brother, and looking very, very pretty. He smiled when she caught sight of him. Her big blue eyes lit up with happiness. Her blue gown sparkled in the light and set off her eyes, making her look like a real princess. He could hardly believe that this was his Kagome.

He grabbed Kat’s arm and pulled her along. Kat laughed and slapped his arm playfully. “What in the world is the hurry, Inuyasha?” Before he could answer she turned and saw Kagome smiling happily at them. Kat returned the warm gesture and took a moment to admire her friend. She looked stunning in that blue gown. Sesshomaru, looked very regal as well, in his finery. He wore robes much like his normal attire, except the crimson decor was blue to compliment Kagome’s gown.

Kagome spotted Inuyasha and laughed as he grabbed Kat and pulled her along beside him Kat looked beautiful in her traditional pink silken kimono. It was magnificently designed with red, navy and white embroidery. Inuyasha wore a kimono and hakama, traditional for his status, that was navy and white, with intricate designs. It matched perfectly with Kat’s kimono and even set off her long powder blue hair, which was partially pulled up into an elaborate bun and fixed with pearl pins.

“Konnichiwa Inuyasha! Konnichiwa Kat! I am so happy that you came,” Kagome greeted excitedly.

“Yeah, well, not that I wanted to. This damn suit is killing me,” Inuyasha grumbled as he tugged at his collar once again. Kat popped him on the arm and sent him a warning glare. Kagome only laughed, ignoring her disgruntled hanyou friend.

Sesshomaru nodded to his brother and Kat, but stood silently by as his mate spoke with her friends. He surveyed the area, listening to the whispered voices, trying to separate those who were simply gossiping happily from those who were gossiping wickedly. He was none to surprised to find that Natsuki was engaged in a heated discussion with several other females, concerning the obvious mistake that he presumably made by choosing Kagome as his mate. He growled softly at this blatant disrespect to his household, but decided not to press the issue. The bitch was simply one of many jealous females, who had hoped to sink her greedy and manipulative claws into his wealth and power.

His attention returned to his mate who was now joined by the monk and very pregnant taijiya, as well as the fox kit. He nodded politely to the trio and glanced back to Kagome. She was so beautiful this evening. Her body had returned to its previous toned form, just as if she had never been pregnant at all. It was rather amazing really, the inner changes that offered her strength and advanced healing properties.

He let his vision glide over the slender column of her neck and down to the full swell of her bosom. He grunted, as his golden eyes lingered on the swollen mounds. Breastfeeding certainly had its advantages. His mouth watered just thinking about suckling her stiff tawny nipples.

Inuyasha was watching his brother and found it pretty damn funny when he spotted the stiff asshole leering at Kagome’s breasts. When Sesshomaru grunted, just loud enough for his keen hearing to pick up on, he couldn’t resist commenting. “So, brother, how’s the view from over there? Looks like you’re enjoying the show.”

His idiot brother rudely interrupted his pleasant musings and Sesshomaru swiftly averted his eyes from Kagome to the imbecile. “Indeed,” he replied with a warning glare, daring Inuyasha to utter another word. He then looked back down to Kagome and said, “If you will excuse me, I am going to speak to Lord Buhito. I believe I spotted him harassing a group of young ladies.”

Kagome giggled and nodded. She watched him walk away and almost as quickly they were joined by Lady Chika and a lizard demoness, who were both tickled at the chance to share some local gossip. Inuyasha and Miroku decided that it was time to check out the buffet, and grabbed Shippo as they headed in that direction.

Kagome enjoyed chatting with her friends for awhile, until they were joined by Natsuki and three of her companions. The demoness leered at her openly before turning a disapproving eye on Sango. “I see that the new lady of the manor has an affinity to humans. A plague to the world. They breed like flies” The demoness turned to her equally haughty friends. “Such a shame that the inu clan carries such a malady of the blood. The attraction to these ningen pets is simply unbecoming of their proud race.” The others exuberantly agreed.

Tempers flared, as Sango and Kagome glared at the youkai females. Kagome had had enough from this particular snobby witch. “Take care not to insult my friends youkai. I assume you think that you would be better suited to Sesshomaru, than myself?”

Natsuki laughed out. The sound rang through the crowded room like a sweet melody. A delightful mask, hiding a bitter, spiteful female beneath. “What a silly question, lady Kagome. Of course. Any demoness would be better than a plain mortal onna such as yourself.” She looked to her friends, before pointing to the boar demoness. “Why, even homely old Taemi would have been better suited to meet the needs of a stud like Sesshomaru. And you take care, girl, for I will speak of ningen scum as I see fit.”

Sango felt it first, and stepped back. Kat joined her with worried eyes. Kagome’s temper just flared to exponential amounts, and with it her inner power became ignited.

Natsuki gasped as the blue eyes of the human female began to swim with silver threads. Kagome’s aura flared, almost knocking the breath from her. The tall, slender demoness, stepped back, then turned briefly to her friends who were now several paces behind her. Those fools would be of no assistance. She mentally prepared herself to accept the battle that was sure to come.

All eyes in the room turned to Kagome, who was a magnificent sight to behold. Her flaring aura ignited a blue flame around her body that blended well with her shimmering blue gown and long raven hair dancing about her small frame. Sesshomaru immediately excused himself from the scruffy old general, and Lord Buhito quickly joined him as they made their way to the upset female. Across the room, Inuyasha left Miroku and Shippo in his dust as he hurried to Kagome’s side.

Kat and Lady Chika looked at one another and grinned. Chika leaned in and whispered, “I’ll bet these stuffed shirts will think twice before they mouth off to Kagome again.” Kat giggled and replied, “I do believe that you may be right Lady Chika, however, I would hate for Kagome to feel badly after her party for disintegrating a guest. I believe it’s time that I intervene.”

Natsuki growled and flicked her wrist, extending her long deadly claws. If it was a fight this bitch wanted then it was a fight she would get. She was focused on her opponent, and did not notice the approach of Kat, who simply stepped up beside her, placed her hand on her shoulder, and whispered. “It is unbecoming of a lady, to openly show the bitch beneath.” Kat released her aura and Natsuki smiled broadly, went limp, and fell to a heap to floor below. Kat stepped back, and put her dainty hand over her mouth. “Oops, I may have overdone it.”

As soon as Natsuki hit the floor, Kagome took control of her temper and quelled the burning fire that begged for redemption. She shook her head and with wide eyes, turned to Sesshomaru, who now stood by her side. “I... oh my. I didn’t mean to...”

Sesshomaru looked down to the pile of silk covered demoness on the floor and then back up to his mate, “No harm done, my Kagome.” Inuyasha trotted up and landed next to Kat. He looked down to the heap on the floor and burst into a round of jovial laughter for all to hear. He said in a hearty voice, “Guess she didn’t know what she was getting into messing with our women! She got off lucky!” Sesshomaru looked at his outspoken half brother and said, “Hn. It appears as such.” He turned to Kagome and kissed her lightly on the forehead before standing erect once more. He then said clearly enough that all those present could hear. “As Natsuki now knows, looks can be deceiving. My mate is no mere mortal.”

Just as quickly as it began, it was ended, and Jaken scurried up directing two servants to hoist the lady Natsuki up and carry her out of the room.

Rin and Jiyuu ran up to Kagome. Rin breathlessly inquired of what had occurred. “Kagome-sama! What happened? Are you alright?”

“Hai, Rin-chan. Don’t fret over me. I’m just fine, thanks to Kat.” Kagome said with a reassuring smile.

Kat shook her head and laughed. “Not that Kagome could not have handled it on her own. I simply thought to avoid a catastrophe inside the castle.” Kagome shuddered and said, “For which I am so thankful! I don’t know what came over me. She just made me so angry.”

Sesshomaru sighed deeply, deciding that it may be prudent to begin lessons in control with Kagome. Her power had a tendency to spike at the most inopportune moments. He thought that he might call in a yogi master to guide his mate in reaching an inner balance.

He then eyed Rin, who was standing rather close to his lieutenant general Jiyuu. More and more he has noticed these two in the company of one another. There was obviously some sort of attraction blossoming between them. This thought made him rather uneasy.

Jiyuu looked away from Kat and caught Sesshomaru-sama staring directly at him with narrowed eyes. It sent a shiver over his body. It was pretty obvious that his lord was beginning to put two and two together. Perhaps it was time that he spoke of his intentions? Jiyuu sighed. He seriously doubted that his Lord would accept him easily into his fold, but he would not back down. He loved Rin, and he would do anything to be with her.

Rin glanced from Kagome to Jiyuu, who held a strange look on his face. She almost grabbed his hand to reassure him that all was well, but caught herself just in time. It wouldn’t do for Sesshomaru-sama to see that!

Jaken suddenly burst into the group shouting, “My Lord! My Lord! He’s here! He’s here and he’s demanding to enter!”

Sesshomaru looked down in question, but before he was able to utter a word he felt it. The formidable power spike in the air. He looked from Jaken to Kagome, then he noticed that the crowd had become rather quiet, as if they too felt the presence of insurmountable energy. He growled in frustration, but nodded to Jaken. “Show him in.”

In a matter of minutes, Jaken announced the newest guests. “Announcing the revered Egyptian God Anubis; his Head Priest, Abasi Mohamad, and the priest Darwishi!” All eyes in the room turned, and an audible gasp resounded, as the many guests took in the sight of the newest arrival.

Anubis strode into the room, tall and confident with a smirk on his handsome face and a twinkle in his blue eyes. He immediately spotted Sesshomaru and Kagome, and wasted no time approaching the mother of his child. He stepped up and grasped her hand, bringing it to his lips for a genteel kiss, which earned him a growl from the demon lord at her side. He stood back up and grinned at Sesshomaru. “Dear Sesshomaru. You wounded this Anubis by not extending an invitation to your wonderful celebration. In my daughter’s honor, no less.”

Kagome cleared her throat, and was about to apologize, but Sesshomaru beat her to the punch.

“Had this Sesshomaru wanted your presence, he would have extended an invitation.”

Anubis reared back and laughed out. The hearty sound echoed throughout the hushed room. “Such honesty is refreshing, my friend, but completely unnecessary.” He laughed again, and was soon joined by the uneasy crowd.

Abasi stepped up and greeted the lord and lady of the manner. He then motioned behind him and six servants pulling something heavy could be seen. Kagome gasped in amazement at the huge statue. She walked over and ran her hand over it. It was solid gold, four feet long and two feet high to the tip of the ears. A statue of Anubis in his dog form, lying down. It was magnificent.

Anubis grinned as he watched Kagome’s expression. It was obvious that she was taken by it. “A gift for my little princess.”

Sesshomaru fought the urge to roll his eyes. Who but an arrogant god, would gift an infant with a gold statue of himself? It was most unorthodox.

Kagome was blown away. “Arigato, Anubis. It is beautiful. I’m sure that, in time, Kebechet will grow to love it very much.” Sesshomaru added his own stoic, “Hn.” Inuyasha stepped up and looked over to his brother with a mischievous smirk. “So where you gonna put this? The master bedchamber?” Sesshomaru shot him a death glare, to which Inuyasha only grinned larger. Sesshomaru then turned to Kagome. “I do believe that this would be the perfect addition to Kebechet’s nursery. Do you not agree, mate?”

Kagome sensed that now was not the time to argue the placement of this statue. It wasn’t something that belonged in the nursery, but she knew Sesshomaru would rather die than have it displayed openly in his home. That is when an idea formed in her mind. “Sesshomaru, wouldn’t it be nice to erect a real temple to Anubis? One where Kebechet can go, and feel closer to Anubis.”

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow to his little mate. This was something that he would consider, but not now. Now was not the time for such a discussion. “Perhaps. We shall discuss it at a more appropriate time.”

Anubis greeted the hanyou, albeit begrudgingly, as well as his mate. He was delighted to find the monk, Miroku there as well. The two of them spent a few moment in conversation, mostly concerning the female attendants, many of whom blatantly made their presence known to him. It was rather sickening, the extent the youkai females would go through to gain his attention. Anubis gifted them each with a charming smile, before deciding that it was time to take his leave. He wished to visit with his daughter, before returning to the Underwood.

Kagome, Sango and Kat excused themselves to accompany Anubis to the nursery. Just down the hall they could hear the wails of a very unhappy little pup. Kagome picked up the pace and soon the four of them entered the room. Anubis stepped up the crying baby and picked her up. Immediately she hushed, calming peacefully in her fathers’ arms.

The women all watched in wonder as the InuGod gently soothed the tiny pup. In seconds she was cooing happily in his arms. He looked up and nodded to Kagome, who smiled warmly at the scene before stepping out of the room and leaving him to his privacy.

It was an odd situation that she, Sesshomaru, and Anubis found themselves in, but they were all adjusting pretty well. One thing was certain, Kebechet would always be surrounded by loving arms.