Chapter 9

The next two days were filled with preparations for the coming of age ceremony. Sesshomaru kept Mikazuki with him most of the day when he was training to have the pup start learning to defend himself. Zuki learned quickly. Kagome and Rin were too busy with Jaken and his strict preparations.

On top of everything else, there was much gossip involving Sesshomaru and Kagome with the hanyou pup. Many assumptions were made and nastily glares especially at the miko. Most of them thought she bewitched him. Others called her a harlot.

Kagome got frustrated and overwhelmed with the gossip and Jaken yelling, that she snuck off with Rin to the edge of the gardens. They sat in the wildflower fields gazing at the cloud filled sky when they felt a presence coming their way.

"Awww man! It's Haruka. Can't I get a break from him?" Rin whines.

"Shhh. I'm gonna put up an invisible barrier so he can't find us. Keep still." As Kagome focused a barrier around them.

Standing in front of them looking around "I know I saw Lady Rin and Lady Kagome come this way. Lord Sesshomaru will be furious if I lose them! Let me check by the stables." as Haruka walked towards the stables.

Both females giggled as Kagome let down her barrier.

"What's so funny?" As the stoic demon lord stood behind them with the little pup next to him.

"It's nothing! We wanted a break and came here." Rin giggled.

The little pup looked up at the lord looking for permission to go to his mama and Rin. Giving a nod of approval, he took off running and landed in her arms.

"Let's go look at those butterflies over there Zuki!" Rin took the little pup hand and moved a little away from the watchful parental figures giving them some space.

Sesshomaru sat next to Kagome looking at the pups picking flowers.

"Did you speak to Rin as yet?" Kagome asked.

"Not yet. This one has been busy." Picking a lone wildflower and placing it in Kagome's hair.

"H-h-how about now since you're free?" her face turned red and she was getting on her feet.

Gently pulling her back "It can wait. Stay here."

"Ummm ok." Realizing he's still holding her hand "how's Mikazuki been doing with the training?"

"The pup is a natural fighter. He's improved each time even Haruka is impressed and wants to start teaching him to wield the sword."

"What did you say?"

"This one would discuss it with you. He can start but know he will need to stay here if you allow him to pursue it. It will require years of training."

"I live in Edo. I can't leave him behind...alone. He's my son."

"You can stay here with him. This one will provide for both of you." Gripping her hand a little tighter.

"What about my miko duties? I can't abandon it." Feeling sadness. "I will do whatever is best for my son even if it means moving here but I do not want you responsible for us. I mean what if you decide to marry. How will that look?"

"This one is the lord of the west. There is no worries for you especially if I take a mate or do anything else. I've given my word to you and the pup is under my care. No one will dare oppose me."

"But the gossip of you bringing a human miko and hanyou pup with you have gotten around and it looks bad…"

Placing a finger on her lips "do not worry about gossip. We know the truth. If it is making you uncomfortable this will take care of it."

Removing his hand from her lips into her other hand "can I think about it before making a decision? In the meantime, speak with Rin. I'll take Zuki in for a nap." Slowly releasing his hands.

'Do not let her leave. She belongs here.'