Chapter 12

The next day was busy with the final preparations for Rin's coming of age ceremony. Kagome and Jaken oversaw the final details while Sesshomaru greeted his arriving guests. Mikazuki was with Rin as she got ready.

Just as the sun was about to set, Sesshomaru arrived with a golden box in his MJ hand to Kagome's bed chamber to retrieve her and Mikazuki to begin the ceremony. When she opened the door, her eyes looked over the handsome man that stood before her. He wore his traditional white silk hakama and kimono with his swords on his waist. His mokomoko stood out prestine white and fluffy over his shoulder. He had on a haori with his royal crest and cherry blossoms on the one shoulder and his thick silver hair was slick and shiny. His crescent moon and stipes stood out magnificently. His scent of fresh spring water tickled her nose.

Kagome felt her entire body go hot from the desire that ran thru her. Snapping back to reality, Mikazuki ran up to Sesshomaru and bowed waiting to be acknowledged. Sesshomaru gave a small smile at how graceful the pup has become and signaled him to rise. He then took his spot on his lord's left side as looked at his mama with a smile.

Looking at her son, he wore a white silk hanfu with red embroidery and the royal crest with cherry blossoms on the shoulder. His hair was slick back into a neat ponytail. The pup smelled just like his alpha. It must be because he has been imprinting his scent on him but Kagome didn't mind. She loved it.

The pair before looked like a royal father and son both with sparkling smiles.

"Miko are you ready?"

Snapping to herself. "Yes I am. Let's go."

"Wait. You are missing something."

"Really? I think I have everything." as she went back to the mirror to take one more look.

Sesshomaru walked behind her and presented the golden box. "what's this?"

Opening the box, there was a set of heirloom jewelry but it was no ordinary set. It belonged to the former lady of the west, Sesshomaru mother.

It was a combination of white diamonds and pearls necklace, earrings and bracelets.

"This one would be honored if you wore this tonight. You are representing Rin as her mother." As he gave Mikazuki to hold the box as he placed the jewels on her.

"I can't wear this! It's expensive and….Just for tonight. Thank you." as she smiled.

Sesshomaru looked over Kagome as she dressed in a silk red and white kimono with embroidered golden flowers and matching obi. She wore a white fur stole similar to mokomoko over her shoulder and her hair was styled extravagantly with red roses and a few loose curls around her face. The diamonds and pearls made her shine especially as she smiled with her red painted lips.

"You are gorgeous Kagome" as he took her hand and kissed it. "Let us go."

Kagome's face blushed and her pup covered his eyes.

The trio made their way to get Rin and start the ceremony.

All eyes were on Sesshomaru, Kagome, Rin and Mikazuki. They looked like the royal family of the west. Everyone bowed at their arrival and was closely watching every detail.

The ceremony went as planned without mistakes. Rin glowed with her matured look and mannerisms in her red multi-colored yellow, orange and white furisode kimono with white pearl jewelry and small white flowers intertwined in her hair with soft pink painted lips and cheeks.

When the announcement was made that Rin was officially adopted as daughter to lord of the west, an eruption of cheers was heard thru out the palace. The servants and soldiers couldn't help themselves as they waited for the day for it to become official as Rin is loved by them all.

As the festivities went on, Kagome stepped out on the balcony for some fresh air since she drank a little too much wine. Looking up at the stars, she felt a presence approach her. A hand slid around her waist and she felt lips brushed her ear.

"I don't know how you lied and tricked your way into the demon lord bed, Kumi. You even pushed my son on him." as he aggressively kissed her neck.

Kagome struggled to get away but he held her tighter. "Who are you! Release me this instant!" as her reiki started to flare and burnt his hand.

Feeling the burn "you bitch! Where did you learn to do that!" Tsuki hissed.

"You are disgusting! How dare you talk to me and touch me like that!" Kagome's body was shaking in disgust.

Finally realizing that the woman in front of him is not his Kumi, he dropped on his knees.

Kagome stood frozen finally registering his words "it was you! You killed all those innocent people! How could you do that! And abandon your own son! Why? Why would you do that!" As tears began falling.

Sesshomaru noticed the change in Kagome's scent and she was nowhere to be seen. Rin had Mikazuki with her as she chatted with Anuz. The demon lord followed the miko scent to the balcony.

He came upon her crying form as she stood over a man on his knees. The angry demon lord walked up and placed his booted foot on the back of Tsuki. He screamed out in pain "I didn't do it! It wasn't me!"

Kagome took hold of Sesshomaru's arm "let him speak."

Releasing his foot "stand up and speak." With a low, fierce growl.

Tsuki stood up and looked at Kagome who stood beside Sesshomaru holding his arm but was still shaking. He smiled holding his burnt hand "you look just like my Kumi. She was the one I loved but one day she disappeared from my village. I searched for many years until I found her at that red light district. She was beautiful as I remembered her with my son. I did not know she was pregnant with my pup when she left. I begged her to come back with me but she refused. I continued going to that village trying to bring her back but she continued to refuse me. I found out there was a human man living in that village who took a fond interest in her as her reason for not leaving. I confronted him and we broke out into a fight. Many of those villagers attacked me and a fire broke out. I held back the angry mob so that Kumi and Mikazuki could escape. When I didn't see them, I thought they did escape and I eventually got away. I went back after my wounds healed to find them but I came back to an empty village and many graves. I tried to find Kumi but came up empty handed. I thought if she didn't escape, she might have died and was buried, so I gave up. Yesterday when I laid my eyes upon you and my son, I felt betrayed and hurt. That is why I had this one chance to approach you when you were alone." Wiping away his tears "I am sorry for approaching you like that."

Looking at the broken man "does your mate know about Kumi and Mikazuki?"

"No she doesn't. I was forced to marry her when my father found out I was searching for Kumi. He was against our relationship. I believe he had something to do with making leave. He has since passed so I will never know. My son doesn't even know who I am." as he held his burnt hand. "He has her beautiful eyes."

Kagome looked sadly at Sesshomaru "will you take Mikazuki away with you?" as her hand gripped tighter on the demon lord.

"I cannot take him away from you. You are his mother and he doesn't even know me. I cannot bear to make him go thru another heartbreak. Please give him the love he deserves." Looking at the demon lord and miko. "I know you may never accept my apologies please punish me as you see fit my lord. I had no right to approach the miko as I did."

"Tonight is my daughter's coming of age ceremony. A night of celebration. I will deal with your punishment in the morning. In the meantime, go to the healer to cure your wound. You do not wish for your mate to find out about this incident." as Sesshomaru walked away with Kagome still holding on to him.