Disclaimer: Ready? One....two...three! Inuyasha Isn't mine!! *there, I said it*


" " =dialogue
* * =thoughts or actions
*********** = P.O.V. change or setting and scene change
-------------- = Chapter change
~~~~~~~~ = mood change

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CHAPTER 20
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The boy named Shippou now laid in Kagome's bed, her at his side watching him sleep. He was slowly awakening and Kagome watched as his eyes fluttered open and looked at his surroundings. He turned to look at Kagome, "Where am I?"

"Your in my room, at the palace."

Shippou's eyes widened, "Your a princess!"

"Yup, my name is Kagome."

"Wow!"

Kagome smiled. but it turned into a frown and she started to shift nervously.

"What's wrong?", asked the boy.

"There is something very important I want to ask you Shippou."

"Okay, What is it?"

"I'm really sorry about the loss of your parents," Shippou frowned when she mentioned this, "but I was wondereing......could I adopt you?"

Shippou's eyes once again widened when she asked this question. Kagome continued, "I know it may be hard for you, but I really want to help you out. I promise to try and be everything a mother is, though I've never been one before. I promise to make you happy. So, are you interested?"

A huge grin spread across Shippou's face and he jumped up from under the covers. He lunged at Kagome and caught her in a huge hug, saying, "Of course I am Kagome. I would love to be adopted!!"

Kagome cried tears of joy and hugged Shippou back with all her might.

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Over the next few days, Shippou became accustomed to his surroundings. He knew the entire palace grounds like the back of his hand and had befriended everyone. Even Inuyasha......kind of.......

"Come back here squirt!" yelled Inuyasha as he chased him across the front yard, "I'll teach you to put paint in ,y hair while I'm sleeping!"

"KAGOME!!!!"

He had also learned how to save his hide by running to Kagome for protection. Kagome caught the kid in her arms as Inuyasha came charging at her. He skidded to a halt before her and became nervous under her glare.

"Inuyasha! You should know better than to pick on poor Shippou!"

"But he put blue paint in my hair while I was sleeping," whined Inuyasha, "It took me an hour to scrub it out."

"I don't care, you know better than to chase after defenseless children."

Inuyasha glared at Shippou as he snuggled closer to Kagome's soft body. Usually Shippou would have complained about being considered a "child", but if it would save him from Inuyasha, he was willing to let it slide. He just loved getting Inuyasha all jealous when he snuggled close to Kagome's chest, he practically grew as red as a tomato in rage. Inuyasha was about to blow his top, so he turned on his heel and stomped away. When he was gone Shippou let out a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for saving me Kagome."

"Anytime Shippou, but you know, you really shouldn't provoke him like that. I fear for a time when he gets you alone."

"Then I'll just never leave your side."

"That's fine by me." Kagome said softly as she hugged him and set him back on the ground. then they walked hand in hand back up to the palace for lunch.

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After lunch the three, (Inuyasha Kagome and Shippou) made their way down to Inuyasha and Kagome's' "spot. They lounged in the grass before havoc broke loose when shippou threw a stick at Inuyasha's head. Shippou immediately ran for Kagome but kagome just crossed her arms and shook her head at him.

"I warned you not to provoke him Shippou, It's time to learn why I said that."

Inuyasha grinned evilly at Shippou and then they both took af at a dead run. After a few strides though, Inuyasha came to a complete stop and rushed back to Kagome. Grabbing her by the shoulders he gave her a lip crushing kiss and then pulled back to say, "Thanks for letting me get him this time, Kag", before setting off to chase Shippou once again.

kagome had wanted to melt onto the grass after that kiss. It had been so long since they had kissed each other, neither wanted to when Shippou was around....which was always. But before she could sink to her knees, Kagome heard a soft sound. *damn my good sense of hearing.* She walked towards the bushes where she had heard the sound and she heard it again. *Is it another kid?* she wondered. She parted the bushes not to find a child, but a small cat looking creature mewing up at her. She couldn't help but let out an 'Awwww' as she reached her arms out to pick it up. She snapped them back however when the creature transformed into a much larger and more viscous looking version, fire dancing around it's feet.

Kagome laughed nervously as she backed away, "heh heh, nice kitty....." she said as she tried to calm it down. That was when Sango walked into the clearing, "Kagome, I saw Inuyasha and Shippou run by and I just wanted to check on--Whoa!"

The creature fixed it's gaze on Sango and began to inch it's way towards her. Sango ended up backing herself into a tree and Kagome watched in terror as the creature walked up to sniff her. After a few moments the creature shrunk once again and meowed up at Sango. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief, "Sango, I think it likes you."

Sango bent down and began to stroke it's head. She giggled, "Hmmm....I guess it does."

"You should keep it."

"Yeah, I think I will, I need someone to keep me company. Hmm......what should I call you?"

" Fluffy?"

"No way, to feminine. I want something beautiful yet strong."

"Kila?"

"No, how about. Kilala. Adding a 'la'? "

"Oh! That's perfect Sango"

Sango smiled and continued to pet her new found friend.

"Ummm.....Sango, about the "company thing" I'm sorry I haven't been visiting much lately. I've been busy keeping Inuyasha from killing Shippou."

"Shippou.....oh yeah. Your new son."

"Yeah...he's great. I do have on question though, Sango."

"What's that?" Sango asked

"You know how you promised me you would tell me about why you don't have a boyfriend? Is now a good time?"

Sango frowned slightly, but looked thoughtfully at Kagome.

"Yes, I suppose. Better now than later, I might not have the guts to talk about it. So they sat own in the grass and Sango told her story....

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