Chapter 4

The demon lord, miko and pup arrived just before sunset. They were greeted by Rin and Kaede. Both females were surprised at the sight before them, looking as the lord arrived with his arm protectively wrapped around the miko waist and she held the pup on her hip. They looked like a little family!

"Welcome back my lord and Kagome! Who's this little one?" as Rin came over and hugged the demon and miko.

"This is Mikazuki. He will be living with me here in the village." as she gently put him down but he hid behind Kagome.

"He's adorable!" Rin squealed.

"Rin. Do not do that. He is still very young and has sensitive ears." The demon scolded.

"Oh...I'm sorry" she whispered.

"It's ok Rin. We will have to get used to this little one and his needs. Right now, he doesn't talk but he's very alert." Kagome patting his head.

"It seems ye become a mother overnight, Kagome. Are ye sure can handle it?" Kaede questioned.

"I know I can, besides with Sesshomaru's guidance in the areas I lack, he will be a great help. Right my lord." she smiled.

"Hnn...come Rin, we have something's to discuss." Turning away his slightly red face.

"Hai! Coming! Oh I'm so sorry Zuki! When I'm done, I'll come find you ok?" Rin runs off.

"I'm going to see Sango and then get my little pup cleaned up. I'll come back in the morning, Kaede." as they waved goodbye.

'Child, ye don't realize the things the demon lord is doing for you. His actions and emotions say a lot.' as Kaede watched the demon lord and miko go off separately with their respective adopted child.

Kagome took her adopted son to the nearby hot springs. She got some clothing from Sango for him. Sitting in the warm water, Kagome soaped up the little pup and shampooed his hair. He giggled at the soap bubbles. When he was finished, she sat him down on the edge so she could finish up. When they finished and dressed, they walked back to her hut under the stars.

Arriving at her hut, she had an unexpected guest waiting for her.

"Sesshomaru, I thought you were with Rin?" opening the door for him to enter the hut.

"This one is finished. How is the pup?" watching him nibble on some berries.

"So far he's adjusting. It seems he likes taking a bath. Right?"

He happily smiled and nodded yes.

"At least this pup won't stink since he would be bathing everyday like his overly clean mother." he smirked.

"Hey! I love bathing!" she chuckled then handed him a tea cup.

"Alright little guy. Time for bed." Kagome rolled open a futon for him and covered him up with a soft fur blanket. She sat next to him and patted his back while humming until he fell fast asleep.

Taking a seat across from the demon lord with a cup of tea, Kagome smiled.

Noticing her smile "what is making you smile?" he asked curiously.

"I never thought I'd become a mother. Since I found out Inuyasha died when I returned, I made the decision not to marry so I knew I would not bear any children. Now, here I am with a child but a hanyou like Inuyasha. Maybe Mikuzuki is the child I was always supposed to have even under these sad circumstances." as she wiped away a lone tear.

"Miko, you can still marry and have more pups if your heart so desires it." watching her intently with the flames glowing on her soft skin.

"I can assure you no one would want me. I am from a different time and many males fear me because of my abilities, education and powers."

"You haven't met the right one yet who can be your equal or even make you stronger." watching her reaction.

Kagome was lost in thought after hearing the demon lord speak of possible hope.

They remained silent for some time before Kagome spoke again "are you going back to your palace tonight?"

"Yes, do you need something from this one?"

"Oh no...at least not now. Whenever you return, can we talk about Mikuzuki and help guide me with the proper way to raise him?" biting her bottom lip in nervousness.

"Hnnn. In two weeks, I'd be returning. Rin will be coming back to the palace."

"Why? Doesn't she like being here?" sadness starting to come off her scent.

"She will be having her coming of age ceremony. There are several suitors seeking her hand as well. She spent enough time in the village."

"What! Does she want to do this? I mean she is still a child." Kagome challenged.

"Rin will be 13. In this era, she would be considered a woman and of marriageable age. This one does not know how it is done in your time." as he remained unmoved by her outburst.

"The legal age to marry is 18 and considered to be an adult from my time. Can you at least reconsider and let her be a child before forcing her to grow up quickly. Besides, she loves being here. Talk to her instead of commanding her to understand her feelings. That should help you understand how to approach human feelings." looking with sadness but hope in her eyes.

"This one will consider it but her coming of age ceremony will take place as planned." getting up to leave.

"Thank you for considering it. I see Rin like my own daughter and I want her to be happy." walking towards him. "I look forward to seeing you again." smiling up at the demon lord.

Sesshomaru felt warm inside his body. He nodded and took off without further saying anything else.

'This miko is causing me to feel things I've never felt before. I don't understand it.'