Sorry for the short, kinda boring chapter...It's a "bridge" chapter. Anyway, I'm desperately trying to get this story finished right now...I have a few chapters left to post. Thanks for the reviews everyone. I'm apologizing ahead of time if there is a day or two wait for the last couple of chapters. I'm not feeling real well at the moment and staring at the computer screen is killing my head. So I can't promise I will have them done right away. I will get them up as soon as possible though! :)

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Chapter Thirty

Sesshoumaru's Request

InuYasha came back and immediately smelled his brother. He looked around but everyone was gone. He quickly glanced inside the hut and found Sesshoumaru lying on the futon, holding Kagome tightly to him. She was in asleep but Sesshoumaru was awake and appeared to be deep in thought. InuYasha turned and left them. The sight of Kagome with his brother still pained him. But after seeing her so hurt earlier that morning, he was grateful that Sesshoumaru was there with her.

That evening InuYasha told Kagome what her mother had said. Sesshoumaru was there and became angry when he found out what had happened between her and her mother, but said nothing. Later that night Kagome asked Sesshoumaru if he would be able to sense if the child was his. He looked at her for a moment and then hugged her.

"Kagome, I already know that the child is mine. But as far as me being able to use my senses to tell if I am the child's natural father, then no. Your powers are far too strong. You're natural instincts to protect our child have already put up a strong protective energy." She looked up at him and then sighed. Hearing him refer to it as "their child" rather than "her child" made her feel better.

Kagome stayed in the feudal era that night but returned home the next day to speak with her mother. Mrs. Higurashi apologized to Kagome and told her she would support her any way she could. She also noticed the changes in Kagome, but assumed they were due to her pregnancy. She became a little frightened when Kagome sat down and told her everything that had happened and explained that she now held the powers of both demon and sorceress.

The weeks began to move by quickly. Kagome began reading books about pregnancy and asked her mother questions when she had them. She knew she couldn't go to a doctor from her time because no matter who the father was, the child would hold demon blood. Not to mention that Kagome herself would likely arouse suspicion.

After her third month she began seeing Lady Mura. She was an old midwife from the village. She was a friend to Kaede and did her best to help Kagome understand the changes she was going through. Kagome spent much time with Sesshoumaru at his castle, which is where she would come to live once the child was born.

Her motherly instincts began to overwhelm her. She soon found herself becoming very loving and protective towards Rin. Shippou often came with her because she still considered him to be her cub and she treated him the same way she treated Rin.

One evening when Kagome was about five months pregnant, Sesshoumaru came to her with a request. She was again staying at the castle with him and Rin. Kagome was sitting in the study looking over more books and articles that she had brought with her. She had quickly begun to show, and it was now obvious to anyone that saw her that she was pregnant.

Kagome spent less and less time at home and when she did go home it was usually at night when she wouldn't need to worry about her friends or tourists seeing her. It struck her as funny, that now she had an honest medical reason to not be in school, yet her grandfather could tell no one. She knew that if anyone found out about her condition it would only bring shame to her family.

Sesshoumaru quietly entered the study and waited until she finished reading to speak to her. "Kagome, I would like to meet your family. It isn't proper that they not know me. Surely they worry about you while you are here." She stared up at him for a moment. "But how will you pass through the well?"

He contemplated her for a moment. "InuYasha passes through the well, does he not?" He asked. She nodded her head. "Does he require a shard of the Shikon Jewel to pass to your era?" She looked at him for a moment and then shook her head.

"Though I'm not sure, I believe it may have been his connection with the shinju that has allowed him to pass through the well, just as the jewel fragments allow you to pass." She thought about his words and nodded slightly. "I suppose it's possible. When do you want to try it?"

"As soon as possible. It is my responsibility to speak with your family and make sure they know that I intend to care for you and our child." Kagome nodded slightly and felt tears come to her eyes. She found herself becoming overly emotional and every time he acknowledged the child as his it brought about her tears. He sat beside her and pulled her to him.

"Perhaps tomorrow we can take Rin to stay at the village with your friends and go to the well to see if my theory is correct?" He asked softly. She nodded and snuggled into him.

The next morning they left for the village. Kagome made a quick stop at Lady Mura's hut and allowed the woman to give her a quick exam. Sango said she would be happy to keep Rin with her. Kagome and Sango watched as Rin and Kohaku began talking. Kohaku looked to Rin shyly and blushed when he saw his sister and Kagome watching them. Both Kagome and Sango did there best to subdue their giggles at the adorable sight.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru waited until nightfall before heading to the well. Kagome had asked him to leave his armor and swords behind and he stored them in Kaede's hut. Once at the well Sesshoumaru helped Kagome down. She waited on the other side for a moment and about climbed back in when she saw the well bring Sesshoumaru through. She was honestly surprised but smiled down at him. She led him to her home and noted that all of the lights were out. She watched him as he looked around at everything in wonder. Clearly taking in the new sights, sounds and smells.