Shikon House Chapter 33

All was still as Kagome swung back and forth on the swing in Sesshomaru's garden. She was still in the kimono Sesshomaru had chosen for her, but had pulled her hair down from the intricate bun atop her head to let it billow and dry at her back. She had removed her shoes, and was simply trying to calm herself.

Sesshomaru was off talking to his mother. Koemi was off playing with Rin and Shippo, offering to take them for awhile so Kagome could have a few minutes alone.

Kagome honestly felt as if she needed it. Her head was spinning with everything that was going on, and even though everyone was telling her she was being so strong and handling this all so well, she really wasn't. Even now, silent tears rolled down her porcelain face.

She was going to be a mother, a genuine mother. Kagome honestly never expected to ever become a mother to any other child besides Shippo. She didn't think she had it in her. She was going to be married on Saturday, in this very garden, another fact she never thought would be part of her life. She never saw herself married, and here she was, days away from binding herself to a man for the rest of their existence.

She was overwhelmed, frightened, and a little angry.

Kagome hated the people that took her family from her, because they would never meet her children.

As she rocked in the swing, Kagome felt a shift in the air around her, and a breeze blew at her loose hair.

In the back of her mind, Kagome recognized that as a Spirit coming into her personal spiritual space. She had learned that there were Spirits that were strong enough to exist in the in-between plane, and a few at the Shrine had helped her hone her skills. There was a Spirit near by, one that was strong and at peace.

"Oh, Sweetheart, why are you crying?" an angelic voice chimed at Kagome's right, and she was too distracted to pick up any similarities.

I'm just overwhelmed, and angry," Kagome whimpered, her voice, even to her own ears, sounding pathetic.

"That doesn't sound like you," The voice cooed, and Kagome felt a warm breeze soothe her face again.

Kagome felt herself shiver as she sniffled. "I don't feel like me . . . I feel so . . ."

"Lost?" The voice supplied, and Kagome's head shot up.

She couldn't be here, Kagome knew she couldn't. There was no way she could be here, talking to her.

Kagome continued to look ahead, even as new tears filled her icy blue eyes. "Mama . . .?"

"Of course, Sweetheart. Do you honestly think I would be so willing to leave you?" Reena hummed, and Kagome felt herself choke on the fresh saline running up her throat, out her eyes, and down her cheeks.

"Oh, my Kagome . . ." Reena's angelic voice whispered through Kagome, and she felt herself shiver again.

Kagome clenched her eyes shut and fought to find her voice.

"Relax, Kagome, you do not have to speak to me, but I would very much appreciate you listening for just a moment," Reena cooed softly, and Kagome found her head nodding before she even thought to do so.

"You are the strongest woman I have even seen," She started, and Kagome choked on a sob as it came rushing out.

"When your father left us, I was a mess. I rarely got out of bed, grandpa is the only reason you and Souta were fed on a regular basis, and I hated everything, even you and Souta, for a year. Not you. No, you found courage and strength to keep going, even when all the world would have let you shut down. I am so unbelievably proud of you, Kagome."
Kagome was openly sobbing now, but managed to stay quiet as possible, and let her mother continue.

"I know the idea of marriage is frightening, but you will be a wonderful wife, and a glorious mother. I can already see you, cuddling your children close, giving them all the love and attention you give everyone." Reena soothed, her voice a whispering bell on the breeze that seemed to be circling Kagome.

For a few minutes, both were silent. The only sound to be heard was the rustling of the breeze in the flowers and leaves of the trees, and the occasional sniffle.

Kagome had heard all of this before, from several people she loved more than life. It was different, however, hearing it from her mother. Hearing the words from the lips, even spiritual lips, of the woman she had always looked up to and adored most, made Kagome actually start to believe them.

"Mama . . . I miss you . . ." Kagome finally whispered. Her tears were starting to dry up, but she was still sniffling and an occasional hiccup escaped.

"I understand, my dear. We always miss those we can't have at our side anymore. Don't worry, you'll see me again." Reena soothed, and Kagome felt a pressure on her temple. She immediately shut her eyes, and cherished the contact.

She refused to look at her mother. Because if she saw her mother, she wouldn't be able to do what she was about to do.

"I will always be with you, my Kagome." Reena's breathy voice echoed through her daughter, and Kagome let small, silent tears fall.

"I know, Mama, I know." Kagome whispered back, and the warm breeze blew in her face, before the air around her once again was calm and quiet.

Kagome felt like crying more, but at the same time, a small weight lifted from her chest, and as she took a deep breath, she had no more tears left in her. She was positive she would cry again, but tonight, she wouldn't.

"Kagome Mama! You out here?" Shippo called into the dim garden, and Kagome wiped her face dry as she stood.

"I'm here, Shippo." Kagome supplied, and as she approached his voice, she saw him, Rin, and Koime standing at the back entrance of the west house.

Rin was bouncing as she stood. "Come on Kagome Mama! We wanna take a bath!"

Kagome giggled. "I'll sit with the two of you, but I've already had a bath."

Shippo jumped into Kagome's arms as soon as she drew closer. "Yay!"

Kagome giggled and nuzzled is cheek. "Silly Kitsune."

"Kagome Mama, why are you crying? Are you hurt?" Shippo asked, finally able to see her tear streaked face.

"I'm alright, Shippo, sometimes adults just need to cry," Kagome reassured, and she and the children went inside.

Koemi sighed as she looked out across the garden. "I thought you said it would be too difficult on her if you talked to her?"

Reena's cool laugh filled Koemi. "You promised no difficulties. I wouldn't have asked you to come to her, if I knew your intentions were to throw her into a relationship."

Koemi sighed. "You sound just like Midoriko."

"Well then permit me to say something Midoriko would not, though I am sure she would do as I am about to say. Protect my daughter, or I shall make your existence worse then the deepest circle of hell." Reena's cool tone vibrated through Koemi, and a moment later a warm breeze blew past her, and far off into the night.

"As you wish, my dear little human." Koemi chuckled, knowing full well that mother would do just that.


~


Rin and Shippo splashed and giggled at each other in the large pool in the bath room.

Kagome had her dress rolled up, and was sitting with her feet in the warm water, letting it, and the sound of their laughter soothe her soul.

"Oh, Shippo, tell Kagome Mama what we were talking about!" Rin laughed out loudly, and Shippo's eyes grew wide as he remembered.

"You all aren't going to leave me out of this discussion, are you?" Sesshomaru chuckled as he walked into the bathing room.

"Oh course not Sessho-Papa." Rin giggled, and Kagome couldn't help but smile at the new, inventive nick name.

Sesshomaru nodded happily, and situated himself beside Kagome, though he turned his legs away from the pool of water. "Well then, please continue. I apologize for the interruption."

Shippo grinned, puffing out his chest proudly, Sesshomaru's guidance having a wonderful affect on the boy.  "Rin and I decided what you should name the babies!"

"Oh, really now?" Kagome smiled, even as Sesshomaru scowled. Kagome turned lightly to him and smoothed the wrinkles in his face. She starred into his warm, golden eyes, and knew, somehow, she would be alright. He leaned forward and kissed Kagome's temple, the opposite one her mother had kissed, and another weight was lifted from her chest. Kagome smiled up at him a moment before she placed her lips to his.

"Eww!" Rin and Shippo cried together, and Kagome rolled her eyes. She pulled away from Sesshomaru, and leaned close enough to the water to splash them.
"Tell me the names you two picked!" Kagome laughed.

Once more, Shippo straightened and even managed a throat clearing. "We think their names should be Tsuki and Taiyo!"

Kagome looked suspiciously at the little demon. "Two boys names? And why Tsuki and Taiyo?"

Rin pipped up then. "Koemi said Tsuki can be a girl, or boys name! And because she says twins are normally as different as day and night! So, we picked Tsuki and Taiyo!"

Kagome looked down at her belly. Two beautiful little babies were growing inside of her. Two babies, two different lives to help nurture and form. She placed a slim hand on her tummy a moment before looking over to Sesshomaru.

"What do you think?" She smiled, though from the look in his eyes she already knew.

Sesshomaru looked between Rin and Shippo, and before the two could explode from anticipation, his grinned warmly."I think those are perfect names for the babies."

Kagome chuckled. "I could not agree more."

"You guys aren't gonna kiss again, are you?" Shippo teased, and Kagome laughed as Sesshomaru splashed water at him.

He and the children started a large water fight, affectively soaking himself and Kagome, but no one in the bath room seemed to mind.

They were content in knowing they had each other, and many years of love and fun ahead.