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There will be time skips in the next three chapters.
Shippo noticed many things in the time that he used to assess his new surroundings. Kagome was happy and looked healthier than the time he'd last seen her, and Sesshomaru's children were very comfortable in her presence.
The voices of the children with their many questions astounded him; his only conclusion would be that they were fully informed by Kagome of his creativity and magical abilities.
"Oh mother!" Was the only response that he could muster feeling overwhelmed. The entire situation caught him unawares. Giving Kagome a sardonic grin, nervous hands deposited a sleeping Yuki back into her arms.
Sesshomaru in due time walked away from his family giving them the time in which to socialize, something he wasn't too particular about, and besides he had some thinking to do. The few remaining allies that he had left kept their promises to aid him and had planted spies in his former household and lands.
The strategy was a tactical one so as to keep him abreast of new developments. He wasn't perturbed by the latest news of Siera's mating to the ryu, in fact it made some questions he had about them even clearer.
The need for a bath had him stripping down and stepping into the onsen. The warm waters engulfed his mind and body, the feel of total relaxation drowned out the weary feelings. He sighed softly in contentment he closed his eyes, the last thought he had before he dozed off was that he needed to inform his mate of the new occurrence and what it meant.
The children enjoyed the fox youkai's entertaining display of his art, after he was coerced into performing by his mother. Kagome was surprised by the use of the endearment of mother by Shippo earlier, he had never called her that before.
She smiled when he called her mother again trying to get her attention, because she was temporarily distracted by the baby who became awake and was hungry. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Back when he was still a kit she'd secretly hoped that he would call her mom, but she had never insisted that he should do so; she did not want to impose on his memories of his own mother.
Her guess would be that the children's constant use of the word had something to do with his compliance, or maybe he was just a little jealous and wanted to show that he too was just as important as they were. Nevertheless, whatever the reasons behind the sudden change was, it did not matter, the occurrence was pleasing and long overdue.
The children's giggles made her laugh softly while she breastfed Yuki and tried to watch Shippo's routine. She had seen it before, but he'd made many changes to it as he'd grown in stature and power, the result, mind-boggling and a treat to watch. He made the magicians from her time look like they were not even trying.
Soon enough the display was over but the children wanted more; and that was understandable because they were cut off from civil society and their friends. They had only each other for company without the added benefit of neighbors. Shippo complied doing a few more tricks, but even then they still craved more.
He looked at his mother helplessly, asking her silently for intervention. "Alright children it is time for your lessons, the tutor awaits," Kagome said evenly, Shippo sighed quietly while the children stood up from the grass and left quickly.
"Thank you," he respoded to show his gratitude. He wanted an escape not because he hadn't enjojed pleasing the children. He and Kagome needed to talk, they had a lot of catching up to do.
Their talk was insightful after the children left, as each recounted stories while they were apart. Shippo expressed how relieved he was now that they were reunited, he even commented on how beautiful the baby was and at her mostly human features except for her eyes and aura. The baby's appearance was a mystery, but they both felt that with time that obscurity would be known. Kagome led Shippo around by the nose as she showed him the house and its surroundings.
When all was quiet, and the moon the only source of light Kagome remembered her mate. She sighed and closed her eyes, got up from bed and went in search of him. How could she forget about him for so long? The answer to that was simple really; she was pre-occupied with Shippo's return and the children.
Sesshomaru awoke just as Kagome came to kneel by the water and touched his cheek softly. "My love are you well?" She asked in a whisper, and he replied.
"Yes" and stood up.
He was magnificently indecent as his wet and naked body glistened in the moonlight. Kagome looked away as his penis leveled with her face as she had not gotten up. Sesshomaru smiled at Kagome's still virginal, she still felt uneasy at his nakedness. That did not matter now, he was fully aware that she needed time to heal from the birthing before they could partake of the flesh. With that in mind he wrapped himself into a towel and they both proceeded to their rooms.
Later that night they talked about the happenings in the western domain and their future. And one thing was decided; they would live on in peace until their children had matured before they exact revenge. As children they were vulnerable and could be used as leverage in a war against them, that fact was painfully demonstrated by lady Harumi. There was strength in numbers, and by the time the pups reached adulthood, it would be the ideal time.
For now they would bide their time, and as Kagome suggested, with the help of Shippo they would travel around Japan commencing in two years, putting on magic shows and demonstrating to the human and demon population that a union such as theirs could thrive.
They would strive to improve inter-species relationships focusing on the children. Their original plans had not changed; they would endeavor to carry out the mandate with the help of the kamis. It was a huge task but one that they were fully focused in carrying out.
They had information, power and magic on their side. They would use the resources that they had to repair what was broken, and surely in time others would join their cause making the journey a little lighter. Sesshomaru pulled his mate close as she nodded off to sleep.
He would try things her way, peacefully, but he would be on guard. He would never allow his mother or others to hurt him and his family again, and in due time she would pay for her crimes with the spilling of her blood.