Chapter 5

The next two weeks flew by quickly. Kagome has grown close to her adopted son, Mikuzuki. He still hasn't spoken but he stays close with Kagome at all times. He has even started following Rin around as well. Everyone in the village has gotten accustomed to the little boy who has brightened up the miko's life.

"Rin, do you have everything you need?" helping her pack.

"I think so. I am so nervous! I have never been good around large crowds. What if I mess up and embarrass my lord! He would be angry with me!" tears rolling down her face.

Hugging Rin "You will be fine. Just take it one step at a time. I am sure you will be told what to do. Just be open and honest to him when he talks to you. I am sure he wants to understand your feelings. Ok?"

"I would feel much better if you were with me, Kagome...and you too Zuki!"

"I don't think I would be welcomed there if I could come with you. Besides, I have my son to care for." as he climbed up on her lap.

"If Rin wants you there, this one will allow it." as Sesshomaru enters the hut unannounced. "No one will defy or question this one."

Dumbfounded by his announcement, "Well...I don't have anything appropriate to wear."

"Are you making excuses to this one?" walking over to her.

"No, I'm not. I'm just stating the obvious. I am a simple village woman with no need for such extravagance." looking back at him.

Sesshomaru watched her with his stoic face. "Be ready in one hour." as he walked out of the hut.

Kagome's mouth dropped open while Rin grabbed Zuki's little hand and jumped around "You're coming on a trip with us to the palace! You're gonna love it there." As the little pup giggled and jumped in delight.

One hour later, Kagome and her pup were ready to go with Rin and Sesshomaru. Ah-Un was waiting for them under the tree. The pup clinged on to his mama getting scared of the dragon.

"Look Zuki. They are nice dragons and my friends." Rin patted both heads. "Do you wanna pet them?"

Shaking his head no, he hid his face in Kagome's chest.

Sesshomaru couldn't help but notice Kagome's chest with her full breasts as the pup buried his face. He saw her soft creamy skin exposed as he turned around feeling his arousal building up.

Kagome wore a simple yellow kimono with a green and white obi. Underneath she had on her demon slayer outfit and boots. Her hair was pulled back into a single braid. She had her bow and quiver on her back and sword on her hip. While her pup had on a simple blue kimono and sandals. He held on to a stuffed teddy bear Kagome made for him.

After some time travelling, it was getting dark by the time they settled by a river to make camp. Rin looked after Zuki as they picked flowers and made crowns. Sesshomaru took off leaving them and Kagome went to fish. By the time the sun set, dinner was ready and they ate. Zuki fell fast asleep from his tiring day.

"Kagome, why don't you relax a bit. I can watch Zuki since he's asleep. I'm sure you're tired carrying him all day. Maybe tomorrow he can ride on Ah-Un since he put flower crowns on them." as Rin giggled.

"I'll do that. I can use a bath! Thank you Rin. I won't be too far." Making her way to the nearby river.

After Kagome took her bath, she stood looking up at the stars thinking to herself just how did she allow the demon lord to decide she was coming and she did!

'My mind gets so muddled up when he's so close to me! Looking into his eyes, I just felt it was pleading for me to come not only for Rin but for him too. Maybe it might be a good thing so I can observe the inuyokai for my son's development and growth. I should get some sleep. I'm sure my son might not want to get to Ah-Un just yet. If he did, then maybe we can fly and cut down the travel time.'

"Why are you here by yourself?" Sesshomaru walked towards where she stood.

"I took a bath. Rin is watching my son sleep. I needed it after carrying him all day. My shoulders hurt." Stretching her arms above her head.

Sesshomaru walked over and placed his hands on her shoulder and whispered "don't move."

Kagome felt a combination of hot and cold run thru out her body from his lips being so close to her ear.

Sesshomaru kneaded her shoulders and she began to relax.

"Oh my god! I don't know when last I had a massage! Next time I should get some oils.."as she spoke out loud without thinking. Trying to break away "ummm I…"

"Relax yourself. I'm sure the oils would just glide on smoothly all over your body after a nice hot bath." As he chuckled. "The pup wore you out. You are coddling him too much."

Feeling the heat in her face start to clear "I don't think I am. He's just a toddler and needs me to care for him….but if you think I am what should I do?"

"He needs an alpha to follow. Once an inuyokai is born, the father or alpha is an essential part of its life at least for the first 50 years. He provides the discipline and structure while the mother nurture development and growth."

"Are you saying I should let you be his alpha? I mean he's not your responsibility. I took him as my own. Maybe if you teach me, I can fulfill everything for him so I don't inconvenience you."

"Miko, you asked this one for help with the pup and I'm offering the help. This pup has potential to become a strong leader. This one senses it. Will you trust me?" Turning her to face him.

"I do trust you it's just I don't want my son to get mixed up emotionally since you will be alpha but not his father. He's part human so those feelings will be there. I'm worried about that. I don't want to become a burden to you…how about if we try this out and if I am not comfortable with how it's going, will you let me take over completely with your guidance?" Looking up at him.

"Agreed but this one can guarantee you that will not happen. Go back to the camp. You need sleep. This one will be there shortly."

Walking away but looks over her shoulder "thank you my lord' as she smiled and her happy scent filled his nose.

After breakfast, they got ready to start off. Zuki was still scared of Ah-Un and didn't want to walk. Kagome sighed "son, how about you walk a bit and when you're tired I can put you on Ah-Un with Rin? He won't hurt you." the pup clinged on tightly to her leg unmoved.

"Pup come here" as Sesshomaru stood in front of them. Zuki watched in awe at the regal alpha in front of him. "Come here." Holding out his hand. Zuki looked between his mama and the lord but finally gave in and went to him. Kagome and Rin looked at each other in shock. "The pup will remain with me. Let us go." as he picked him and started walking away with the pup in his arms.

Sesshomaru stayed in front with Zuki while the others followed. They stopped for lunch when Zuki started to doze off. The demon lord laid his mokomoko by the shaded tree and placed the pup on it to sleep. He gently brushed his bangs away from his eyes.

"I will hunt. Stay here." as he disappeared in a flash.

Rin made a fire while Kagome fetched some water. By the time they settled down, the lord returned with a small boar and some pheasants.

"That's a lot of food! We will never be able to leave after eating all this." Kagome eyes widened.

"Prepare the pheasants for you and Rin. When the pup awakes, this one will show him to eat it." Taking a seat under the same tree and pulling the pup into his lap.

Once again the females looked at each in amusement.

"Sesshomaru, I've never seen you given up your mokomoko so easily until now. I am curious to know why?" Kagome looked at the sight in amusement in front of her.

"My scent is on it. It will provide comfort and help him to recognize this one as his alpha." brushing away the pups hair from his sleeping face.

Kagome watched affectionately at the contact between them.

About an hour later, the pup awoke and looked up at the demon lord, his alpha. Just then his stomach let out a rumble. Kagome was going to speak but Sesshomaru gave her a look to not say anything.

"Pup are you hungry?"

Nodding his head yes.

"This one caught a boar. You are a growing pup and need nourishment. This is for you. You will eat all of it. Let this one show you." Then his attention went to the females. "Leave us for a while but do not go far."

Without a word, the females decided they would look for some berries nearby and give them space.

"Kagome what's going on? I've never seen my lord behave like this not even with me when I was younger."

"He's being alpha to Zuki and aiding in his structuring and development as an Inu demon. He sees great potential and strong leadership in him. I don't want to deny that. Besides I need help...if Inuyasha was here, I'm sure he'd be doing the same thing not only with Zuki but with our own babies…"as tears began to fall.

"I didn't mean to make you cry! Don't cry!" Rin hugging Kagome.

"No you didn't it was just some memories of when he and I talked about having our own children. I'm fine really." Wiping away her tears. "Let's go back. I don't want to worry them."

They arrived back at the campsite and waited until they were acknowledged to come back.

The females' eyes grew wide open at the sight before them. Both inuyokai had blood stains on their fingertips and mouth. They couldn't help but giggle. The boar was left with just skin and bones. Zuki looked up and smiled with pride beaming off of him.

"Rin take him to clean up. We are leaving soon."

After they disappeared from sight, Kagome took out her handkerchief and gently wiped the demon lord's face and smiled. "I'm guessing whatever you did was successful?"

Pulling away feeling his face heat up from her touch "for the most part yes. His instinct kicked in but it will take time. He will remain with this one for the remainder of our journey. Night time he will be with you for grooming and sleeping." Getting up and walking towards the stream.

They continued their journey but this time Zuki was walking next to Sesshomaru and Ah-Un was closer to him. The pups eyes and ears were focused on his surroundings just like his alpha

"He's adjusting well. Don't you think so?" Rin whispered

"It looks that way." Kagome felt proud.

That evening when they set up camp for the night after eating, Kagome took Rin and Zuki to bathe in the nearby stream. The pup loved to get all soaped up and dive into the water to rinse off. The best part was Kagome washing his hair. Rin loved it when Kagome washes her hair as well. Sesshomaru was nearby when hearing the splashing and laughter when his beast decided to have a conversation:

'She's a good mother to those pups."

'Yes she is. I am amazed she actually listened to me and did not argue as she normally does.'

'The miko is learning her place and being submissive of herself to you.'

'She is.'

'The pup is taking to you easily. He smells strong willed.'

'Yes that is why he will be groomed under the western lands. She will not refuse it as she came seeking my aid.'

'I hope you know what you are doing. One wrong move and she will disappear with the pup.'

'She will not. I'll make sure of it.'

Sensing their arrival he came back to full attention. He laid out his mokomoko for the pup to go sleep with Rin and the miko.

"Miko this one shall return shortly. Rin and the pup needs rest. Wrap them up with you." as he walked towards the stream.

Kagome smiled and tucked them all in together and fell asleep.

Feeling the lord's presence Kagome opened her eyes and he was next to them.

"You're supposed to be asleep. Is something wrong?"

Kagome was in awe as the demon lord was shirtless and his wet hair slicked back. He smelled of the sweet spring water indicating he had a bath.

"No nothing is wrong...Thank you for everything. I appreciate your help. I know I can never repay you for all that you are doing but please let me know if I can do anything for you, big or small." looking away with red cheeks.

"Smelling her aroused scent, he smirked inwardly "this one has no requests...as yet."

"It doesn't have to be now. No rush. Ok? Well then good night" snuggling close to the pups.

Sesshomaru looked over at the sight next to him.

'Family. Mate. Mines.'