Chapter 12-Oh the Possibilities

InuYasha ran as far and as fast as his legs would take him.

I killed Kagome. I killed Kagome. I killed Kagome.

It was all he could think about. When his legs finally gave out on him he was deep in a woods but had no idea where he was. He laid down on his back and stared at the sky.

How did I turn full demon? Why did I have to attack when I was facing Kagome and Kikyo? Kikyo. She had something to do with this. She had to. Why would she betray me though? Unless Kagome and the others were right all those times… No. Kikyo would never betray me. I need to go and find her. But… Kagome… Is dead… Damn. Now I need to find another breeding bitch.

Having come to that conclusion he got up as soon as his body would allow and sniffed around for a scent. Finding none he started to backtrack, hoping to find Kikyo on the way.

~At Sesshomaru's Palace~

Kagome was just getting ready for the day when there was a knock on her door. After saying 'open' she was a little surprised to see Sesshomaru there.

"Sesshomaru-san, is everything ok?" She asked turning to him from her vanity where she was brushing her hair.

"I just wanted to see how you were feeling. Not only are you still recovering from your injuries but you were also told quite a bit of shocking information yesterday." He said while sitting close to the divider for the room.

Kagome went back to brushing her hair while thinking before turning around fully to answer.

"Yes, while most was shocking, some is not now that I think about the memories of my father. They make some have more sense actually." She said softly.

Sesshomaru tilted his head a little to show his confusion so she could answer the unspoken question if she wished.

Kagome giggled, unable to help herself, "Like that, we both did that a lot to show our confusion. Now that I know we are InuYoukai it makes sense you know?"

Sesshomaru nodded s Kagome turned back to the vanity to pull her hair into a high ponytail. She turned back around and stood, though a little wobbly, to show off the kimono she was now wearing. She had found one similar to her miko outfit in the closet only the colors were different. Instead of the dark blue it was silver with red moon patterns on the sleeves and collar. The obi was black with silver stars scattered. She had also put on geta instead of her slayer boots.

Sesshomaru smiled at her before going and holding out his hand. "If you wish you can walk instead of be carried though I would suggest holding onto this Sesshomaru for support until you are not so wobbly."

Kagome blushed before taking his hand, which then tucked her hand into the curve of his arm. They went to the dining hall to have breakfast with his court and plan the next move. With InuYasha not having the Tessaiga, which lay at Kagome's hip, Kikyo injured and probably more pissed off than she had been, and Naraku still at large. They needed to decide where to go, and he needed to know when she would come of age so they could plan her trainings and coming out announcement when she turned back to a demoness.

~Somewhere far away~

In a shiro in the north Naraku paced furiously. Kanna had shown him the battle between InuYasha, Kikyo and the Tachi that resided at Sesshomaru's palace. She had also shown him when Sesshomaru and Kagome passed through the well and back, her being carried the whole time.

How dare he lay a hand on what is mine. This shall not go unpunished. He WILL pay! The miko is MINE!

~With Sesshomaru's Dining Room~

After breakfast was eaten the ladies were dismissed to do as they wished. Sango and Kagome stayed to plan out the next moves as they were important players in this.

"If the north hadn't fallen we would not be having this issue." A lizard youkai stated angrily.

A few other demons nodded in agreement. Sango and Miroku looked at Kagome.

"Rin, Shippou. Take Jaken and go visit Ah-Uhn then play in the garden until I or one of our tachi come to get you." Kagome said to the two children who had just finished eating the last of their fruit.

The two nodded and were about to get up before Sango spoke to the neko in her lap, "Kirara, go with them. If Ah-Uhn wants to watch with you let him out or make the gami."

The neko nodded before stepping back and turning into her larger self in a burst of flame. Rin and Shippo hopped on her back when she laid down. Kirara stood to her full height and made her way out the door, casting for the scent of the gami youkai.

Several of the lords left turned to glare at the lizard who spoke out. Sesshomaru's voice was heard over all the tsking noises being made.

"Next time you wish to start talking of political matters. Wait until the children are not in the room." His icy glare made the lizard shrink back in his seat with a mumbled "Yes m'lord."

Kagome let her anger go, Sesshomaru was able to reprimand the other nobility far better than she was.

~After the passing of time~

Later in the afternoon Kagome was walking holding on to Sango much the same way she had Sesshomaru in the morning. Miroku was on her left in case she needed the extra support. They made their way out of the palace and to the garden within the innermost walls. Cade was sitting on a bench not far from the children but stood when he saw Kagome, letting Sango direct Kagome to the seat so she could rest.

"The children have been well. As soon as I saw Kirara and Ah-Uhn with them I stayed to watch over the children just in case." Cade told the humans of the tachi.

Miroku and Sango nodded, pleased with the General's actions. They knew it would take a lot of stress off of Kagome's mind.

"Thank you Cade-san. I know that Kirara and Ah-Uhn probably pissed Jaken off to the point where he abandoned them. It makes me feel better knowing that someone in the castle who is not in our tachi is watching over them as well." Kagome told him before turning her eyes to the children who stopped their game of tag with the two beast youkai to wave.

Waving back the adults all sat near Kagome, but not on the bench so she was above them, almost in a dominant leader sort of way had they been in a throne room.

"So what did you find out Kags?" Sango asked, looking at her sister.

Kagome sighed before looking at her and shrugging. "In less than a week I will be turning into a youkai."

Sango and Miroku glanced at one another before Miroku asked the question they were worried about, "And what of your miko abilities?"

"As far as my mother can tell, they will disappear. The only reason I had them as a human is so I could protect the Shikon-no-Tama while not a demoness." Kagome said looking back to he kids.

Cade looked at the palace where he knew Sesshomaru would be appearing from in a few seconds. It was now a little more understandable as to why Sesshomaru had been protective over the tachi… If she is the Northern Lady… He let out a sigh, now I will never be able to court her for surely Sesshomaru will go after her himself.

"Cade, is there anything wrong?" Miroku asked the demon.

Shaking his head no he stood to bow to Sesshomaru who had just appeared at their side.

"Kagome-san, are you better enough to take a walk with me?" Sesshomaru asked.

Kagome nodded before getting up and walking to his side, "With help Sesshomaru-san, yes."

Doing what he had done earlier that day they walked off, her hand tucked into his arm.

Sango smiled before laughing.

"What's so funny?" Miroku asked her.

"She doesn't see it. Even after all this time watching InuYasha with Kikyo she doesn't see it." She said trying to stifle her giggles.

"See what?" Shippo asked coming up to the group.

Rin smiled and looked at her Lord and Lady. She knew. She was just glad that they would not be in pain anymore.

Maybe Rin should help Sesshomaru-sama court her. He doesn't know ningen like she doesn't know demons; she might like the human forms as well. The little girl thought to herself.

~Kagome and Sesshomaru~

"When do you come of age?" Sesshomaru asked as they were out of human hearing range.

"In 6 days." She said admiring the gardens as they walked.

"I found some books and scrolls that you can go over later if you wish. They talk about what you need to know as an InuYoukai. If you'd prefer, when I am in my study going over papers and such you can be in there as well so that I can answer any questions you may have." He told her apprehensively. He had wanted to spend more time with her so she can get more comfortable in his presence, but he wasn't sure of his welcome.

"I would like that thank you Sesshomaru-san. If you don't mind I have a question of my own." She looked at him as she said this.

"Ask away Kagome-san." He told her coming to a stop near his personal part of the gardens.

"Please don't take offense but why are you helping me? I know our fathers had talked of this long ago, but I still don't understand the role you play in all of this." She queried.

Sesshomaru sighed, he hadn't wanted to say things about his feelings just yet. "As you know I am an honorable demon. It was our sire's wishes that I protect you as you deemed fit. It was further necessary when my brother made you part of his pack. As the alpha female you needed protection. As the Shikon-no-Miko you need protection. As someone I have come to admire I give my life for the protection of yours if you'll let me."

Kagome froze in shock. It seemed too surreal to be true. The Ice Prince, Lord of the Western Lands, was pledging his life in protection of hers.

Wait… Admire? Kami, I must be dreaming if I heard that. She thought.

Kagome started to smile, then laugh lightly. Sesshomaru tilted his head in confusion.

"Gomen-ne Sesshomaru-san. It's just that I never thought I would live to hear the words of the Great Lord Sesshomaru pledging his life to a human, despite my complex make-up of demon." She said trying to stop giggling.

Nodding in understanding he flicked the necklace she still wore. "I'm guessing you didn't realize what this was for then. It is more than protection Kagome-san. It is the very pledge I just told you."

"Ah, I see. Well Sesshomaru-san, who am I to deny our sires? Who am I to deny such an offer of assistance? It would please me very much for you to continue protecting me, regardless of the reason. Although, I'd like to think that as friends you would protect me anyways." She said smiling at him.

Sesshomaru smirked before stating, "If that is your wish, for now, Kagome-san. Then friends we shall be. Should we retreat to my study or would you like to talk to your friends more before dinner?"

Kagome blushed, not missing the innuendo he slipped in, "If we can Sesshomaru-san. I'd like to walk around with you some more." She looked away as she said this so she missed Sesshomaru's smile.

They walked around the gardens, often stopping so he could explain a plant or tree that she had never seen. As the time dwindled down to dinner they made their way back to the others. Never once realizing the calm aura both possessed in the other's presence.

Miroku looked up from the game of tag he and Sango had gotten wrangled into. Sango, seeing his contented smile looked to see what he was looking at, and smiled herself at the pair. She was glad her sister was happy again.

Six days. In six days I can claim her as mine, until then she must learn so we can begin the courting before that. We must never let her fear that we only want her as a demoness. I care for her no matter the guise.