Leon: Why exactly are you writing this?

Yoruko: Because I like both of these series. It doesn't help that this crossover is sadly lacking.

Leon: Sometimes I think you're as nuts as D is.

Yoruko: *shrugs* Well, if I am… sanity is sometimes overrated anyway.

Leon: Damn. When it comes to things like that, nothing fazes either of you.

D: Well, I for see no reason to be bothered by what others think of me.

Yoruko: Exactly! If someone can't accept me for who I am quirks included, then who cares about them in even the slightest?

Leon: You two definitely have some weird ideas about things. Why do I even hang out with you?

Yoruko: Because even if you refuse to admit it even to yourself you find our different from average opinions and personalities refreshing?

D: *chuckling, because he's positive that she hit the nail on the head.*

Leon: *spluttering, can't tell if he's embarrassed, angry, or annoyed*

Disclaimer: No, I don't own Petshop of Horrors, Inuyasha, or anything else you recognize.

Chapter 2: Enter the Detective

It was business as usual in the shop. Things hadn't really changed too much, but as far as taking care of the animals went D's life had eased up drastically in the not quite two years that had passed since Kagome had started helping out at the shop. She had a way with children both human and nonhuman, knew how to deal with the grumpy, hostile, or both grumpy and hostile pets that even gave D himself some difficulties when they were grumpy, and unless she was upset or in a bad mood she had a calming aura that soothed the animals or even if necessary a customer. All in all, she was talented with such things and the perfect assistant. She was immensely with all of the creatures in the shop who were volatile or sensitive in some way. Kagome was also very useful and helpful with customers, as she was polite, could provide insight where he could only guess or simply knew nothing, and she did her best to help the customer or provide them with what they needed from the shop but only within reason, she knew the unsavory types to avoid selling anything to, and she neither was subservient when helping a customer nor let herself be pushed around. Her knowledge of herb and other plants was also a bonus. All in all, she was extraordinary, and he couldn't ask for a better addition to the pet shop.

Kagome was also very happy. She enjoyed working at the pet shop immensely, and D was a major life-savior in more than one way. However, right now she was slightly annoyed. Something about this customer just made her eye twitch. But she never lost that fake yet pleasant-seeming (to those who were oblivious or didn't know her) smile. Oh, she would have fun with this one. Instead, she just kept quiet and pretended to be mute, letting D do all of the talking. As she was wont to do when a potential customer was either especially unsavory, (D almost never served these, and if he did anyone who was at least acquainted with him knew that he was up to something.) she found them extremely annoying for some reason or other, or they simply rubbed her the wrong way. And something about this customer really rubbed Kagome the wrong way. On top of that, for reasons unknown to Kagome she found him very annoying relatively quickly.

They did this quite often. When Kagome was the one who greeted customers, which happened more often than one might think, she didn't talk at first, preparing for her little game. This was to test them. As she bowed in greeting then listened to what the potential customer said, she checked their auras and kept an eye on the person themselves, their facial expressions, body language, how they were acting. If they said something to her or something else she listened carefully to what they said, how they said it, and their tone of voice. It sounded quite lengthy, but really was quite quick. Really, it was amazing what she had learned during her time travels. If they passed her… test of sorts, then she excused herself, saying that she would go get D, but in the meantime feel free to look around the front of the store. If not, she didn't speak up, simply gestured that she couldn't talk and that she was going to get D, went to get him, and said to keep an eye on this customer.

They still played the game when D was there too, though. D was a remarkable judge of character in spite of things. However, Kagome, being or having been human herself, knew humans better, and had an unusual knack for reading auras and being able to tell if they were trustworthy, she could even tell if the person was dark or tainted but not bad, unsavory, or evil. Or dark, bad, or evil yet had a chance for redemption. D kept an eye on Kagome as he talked to or watched the customer, seeing how guarded she was and checking the look in her eyes. In this way, he could get a vague idea right away how the visit would go. All that remained was the customer's request or pick. If she didn't say anything before long, then that was his warning, so was if she talked but the guarded and untrusting look in her eyes stayed. She was very good at telling trustworthy from untrustworthy.

D wondered why she was silent now, though. He didn't think he thought much of this man either, though. Like Kagome, there was just something about that him that he wasn't sure about. So he didn't pay it any mind. After all, sometimes she had to do it when a customer or someone with a customer was a ruffian or a scoundrel that didn't seem to know how to keep their hormones in check in line. Not that she needed to. Any who messed with her was foolish. D treated him the same as any other customer, though. He got the customer the pet he thought he wanted, set up and had him sign a contract appropriate to the pet and the individual, (The case varied every single time, after all, depending on the pet, the customer, and the customer & pet's individual needs, after all. Though there were still some standard contracts for 'normal' pets.) never losing the mysterious, fake smile. It came very much in handy.

"Then please sign your name here." D said.

"Ah… my lifelong dream is now in my hands." the man said.

Something in Kagome bristled at the way he said that. She still kept silent, though. D also noticed something strange about it but ignored it. Soon enough he would be gone.

"If you do not follow the rules of the contract, the store will not be liable for anything that happens." D reminded the man.

D often did this; he would give some hint or warning to a customer with a pet that was either special or at least appeared to be a normal pet but had special needs that had to be met by whoever was caring for said pet. His grandfather had never approved. After all, why try to stop the inevitable? At least, D thought his reasoning was along those lines. D couldn't help himself, however, even though he could stop with no problem if he wanted or needed. D liked testing these customers who got a pet that was different from the normal, 'harmless' pets he had that one could find at any pet store. It was amusing seeing how they reacted to his words, if they understood them, and what they did or said either way.

"Yes, I understand." said the man,

D stated the rules again as the man made to leave, making sure that he found them perfectly clear. After all, this could be an especially volatile and temperamental creature under the right circumstances. He supposed that the man deserved fair warning no matter how strangely unsavory D found him. And if there was one thing D believed in, it was treating all customers equally. Not to mention he wanted the happiness and wellbeing of his pets a assured as they could be, even if the pet no longer resided in the shop. "1.) Do not let it see the light. 2.) Do not let it touch water. 3.) Do not feed it after midnight. Please take care of it in the future, and shower it with affection forever."

Kagome scowled when the man finally left. She still thought something was strange about that man. She let it go, though. After all, humans were very foolish, and their scant survival knowledge often led them to make bad decisions where caring for the pet shop's pets with very specific diet needs or their foolishness led them to make stupid decisions regarding feeding pets that were especially hostile or volatile when it came to their diet and appetite. The man would definitely get what was coming to him, at least. Unless she misread the feeling she got from him, which could happen.

"This will be amusing." Kagome said.

"That it will." D agreed. It was true- the man obviously hadn't truly understood that this wasn't an ordinary pet shop with an unusually large selection. Anyone who wrote Count D's Pet Shop off as just another pet shop only with an unusual location and manager was foolish. After all, anyone who knew of Count D and his pet shop knew that very little was normal about it. This was also Chinatown to boot. Chinatown was like a whole different world, and nothing about it was normal. It wasn't even truly what the country China was like. Not even the restaurants were really 'normal'. This Chinatown which was located in Los Angeles specifically too. You could find all sorts of rare things from all manners of time and places here.

"Kyu Kyu!" Q-chan flew towards D and Kagome.

"Oh! Is it already that late?" Kagome stated, looking at the clock. That man took slightly longer than usual.

"It is almost time to close shop." D noted, his smile now a bit more genuine.

"Kyu."

"Miss! Miss wait!" said a man's voice.

"You're so annoying! Go home first." a young lady's voice retorted.

'Not a spoiled brat.' Kagome almost pouted at the thought.

"Is this Count D's Pet Shop?" the girl asked when she came in. For it was what she was: She was not really a child anymore but she was not quite a woman yet either.

"Welcome." D was the only one who said it but they both bowed slightly. It was only polite for them, after all. And both Kagome and D held manners in high regards.

The girl stared at D. She was ogling, even. It was really quite rude, and if it weren't for D's amazing patience it would be grating on her nerves. Kagome rolled her eyes mentally. She hated catering to spoiled rich brats be they male or female. Their parents were worse though, so Kagome wouldn't complain. After all, some of said spoiled rich brats were halfway decent at least in comparison to their parents or given the right circumstances could even learn their lesson. Though the latter was rare.

"You're the… count?" the girl said.

Well, she didn't seem quite as bad as the rest even if she was spoiled. Kagome could play nice- for now. She would see how things go.

"No, actually." Kagome said.

"The count is my grandfather" D explained, "My grandfather is currently away on business, searching for new merchandise. I am only helping him keep shop."

That was one of the things she liked about D. He was perfectly honest about himself. It didn't happen as often as it should.

The girl wrote off D's comment, not caring. Well, there was a bonus- she wasn't a nosy spoiled brat. She then proceeded to rant about wanting a very rare bird, rarer and better than the parakeet of some girl named Janice or Janet. So she seemed to be so particular about her soon-to-be-pet if she got her way because she didn't like because she didn't like this Janet person's attitude and wanted to retaliate. A 'dose or their own medicine. Still obviously spoiled, but not a brat.

Then there was how she changed when the man, obviously a servant, butler, or chauffer claimed that her father would be angry.

That settled it. Something was slightly different about her maybe. She would definitely give this girl a chance if she could- she seemed like under the right circumstances she could end up being one of the ones who could actually learn their lesson. She gave D a look, silently saying 'it's worth a shot.' He understood, and acted accordingly. He was going to give her what she wanted anyway.

"I see. Something that is just right for you arrived a few days ago." D said.

'That one, huh?' Kagome stated. 'Yes, that one just might do the trick.'

"Which one? Which one?" the girl asked. She seemed like she may actually be excited.

"For a number of reason, we can't display it out here." Kagome said, "Please come back to the storeroom so you can see."

The girl did as asked, and D had the man wait when he tried to follow. It wouldn't do for him to interfere, after all. Things could go very wrong indeed if he involved himself. Kagome noticed that the girl was realizing how big the shop was, and was curious. She chuckled quietly. The girl had no idea. She got nervous, obviously realizing what could happen to her, but wrote it off when D asked her if something was wrong, instead commenting on the lack of animal smell. It wasn't rude, either. At least the girl was polite. She was reacting to the incense, too. Kagome wondered if the special- more like mystic- property would take effect.

"This is it." D said.

The girl could hear the sound of the wings, Kagome could tell. She even seemed to be able to tell or seemed to think that it was a large bird. Strange. Maybe… but Kagome would have to wait and see.

D explained why he wasn't turning on the light. "We may startle it if I suddenly turn on the light so…"

"Look!" Kagome said, bringing the girl's attention to why she was here, "That's it."

'Huh?' the girl thought.

She couldn't believe her eyes. That wasn't a bird. It looked like a person- a guy at that. But something seemed different…

"That… but isn't that a person…?"

"Come here." D called gently, beckoning the bird to him.

The bird did as requested, almost floating down to D. The girl couldn't believe her eyes. Kagome was liking her reaction, too. Just maybe she was more different from other rich kids than Kagome gave her credit for. Maybe even a bit more than the girl herself realized.

"This bird is from a small island in the south of the Pacific, this species is called 'strelizia'." D explained.

"Of course, you won't find it in any books; it's a very rare species and there are only a few that one can find." Kagome commented, "It isn't just beautiful, but it even has a stunning singing voice too."

This was Chinatown, after all. A place which was full of many mysteries. More than a few of which were at least partially unfathomable… for most humans anyway. It was a strange place even for some of its locals.

This was really too much. No human had wings, so she gave them a benefit of a doubt. It didn't matter too much, though. She would just see how things go. After all, something was drawing her to that bird. But more importantly, she said that it could sing.

"…Singing voice?" the girl asked, "Voice? What kind of a voice does it have?"

"What a shame. This is a nocturnal species, so it won't sing until night time. But I can guarantee that its voice is amazingly beautiful." D said.

He then proceeded to mention the king's banquets that involved these birds. Kagome steadfastly ignored it. She hated such cruelty, though she somewhat understood their thinking. Survival of the fittest was a law of the jungle even a number of humans respected or sometimes followed.

The girl decided that she wanted the bird, and wanted to know how much it was. D waved the inquiry off, stating that it would be left until afterwards and then they would discuss a price if she liked his song. She still didn't mind, and they worked out the details. Kagome was definitely joining them- she wanted to see how this went.

That night they brought the bird to the greenhouse on the girl's estate. Some time passed, and the bird still hadn't sung. The girl was getting impatient, as it was midnight and he still hadn't started to sing.

"Don't rush him!" Kagome admonished.

D brought out the incense. The girl noticed. "This is a very frail bird. He needs to adjust first."

The bird calmed slightly. His eyes met the girl's. Then, he started to sing. It was beautiful, breathtaking even. The girl was very touched, Kagome could tell. She was very pleased. It looked like the girl was different. The girl even took everything in stride, and it was revealed that her name was Angelique. They went through the standard routine with a contract with the specifications needed for the bird. Then Kagome and D went to leave.

"Wait! What about the money?" asked the girl.

'Strange. She reminded us. Not many would do that.' Kagome thought.

"Oh… yes." D said, "Then... 10 fruit tarts from Madame C's shop. The 15 inch ones."

Angelique was surprised. Kagome was not. The price, though, got Kagome rising an eyebrow. If he was requesting the ones she thought he was- the strawberry ones with green candies that revealed themselves to be chocolate to anyone who actually bothered to eat them- then D was charging slightly more than usual. Requesting not just a specific snack but even where it was to be from was rare for D. As long as it go him sweets or money to buy his own sweets he generally wasn't picky, nor did he care much. Well, maybe D simply saw or was foreseeing something that Kagome couldn't.

D continued, knowing that Angelique was listening. "The kind that is glazed red on top and has those green candies. Deliver it to the pet shop tomorrow. Goodbye."

Kagome reminded Angelique of the terms of the contract. It was part of her job, after all, to make sure that the customer understood the contract, provide them with anything they needed from the shop to care for their pet, and if necessary do what was needed to ensure that the contract would be followed. Though, the last part rarely happened. The pets could usually take care of themselves.

And this pet would require Kagome delivering the incense to Angelique for a while- either until the bird was not only used to its new home but Angelique no longer needed the incense for its magical property of activating her deeply dormant inner sight to an extent, or until for any reason Angelique no longer had the bird for a pet. Though, sometimes the pet loses the master. Kagome would enjoy this indeed. She wanted to keep an eye on Angelique, and see how things turned out. She had gotten somewhat bitter and pessimistic concerning humans, but Kagome could never sit back and watch someone suffer and lose happiness if she could help it and she felt that the person deserved to be happy. This girl needed and deserved to be happy, Kagome could already tell. So, Kagome was going to keep an eye on her so that she could step in if needed.

Though most of the time Angelique was the furthest thing from Kagome's mind, of course. She was curious, and that was it. The delivery was only every two weeks, anyway.

Today was one of those days, Kagome supposed. It was only the second delivery and Angelique had arrived during afternoon tea today to pick up the incense herself, and D had insisted that she joined him. Then she asked D about the bird's song. D told her that it was a love song, and explained how male animals often attempted to attract a mate. Kagome then had to explain how he'd never met any of his kind since he was raised by humans and therefore may think that he's human because Angelique was confused at the new due to the fact that she was human.

Angelique was deep in thought, and seemed a little sad. Kagome was sure that she didn't quite understand. It was silent for a moment, then the phone rang.

"Excuse me." D said, then picked up the phone, "Hello? Mr. Glenn? Oh… can you call back another day?"

The voice on the other end grew slightly in volume, and Kagome could vaguely hear it. It was the strange man who D sold a pet to right before Angelique arrived. Kagome ignored the phone call from there, disappointed that the man's grandson got caught in the crossfire but otherwise internally amused at the situation. She turned her attention back to Angelique.

"Don't worry about it… he'll be happy and you'll be fine as long as he's with you." she told Angelique.

Then D finished up the call and came over. Angelique asked about it, wondering if he would call the person back. D waved it off and changed the subject.

"What will you call him?" D asked.

"P-chan! Our family calls all our birds that." Angelique said cheerfully.

D anime-style was anime-style crying mentally at the news, Kagome could tell. She waved it off, though. It wasn't much of a name, especially for a bird as rare as the recently-dubbed P-chan.

It was month and a half later, and Kagome had delivered the incense to Angelique. Angelique practically forced her to stay for refreshments. As they enjoyed their snack, they talked. Then a servant informed Angelique that her father was home. Angelique immediately left to greet him, as the few times he'd been home since she got P-chan she hadn't seen him. Kagome followed. She was ready to leave now anyway, so she would satisfy her curiosity. She smiled at Angelique's reaction to the mention of P-chan, amused. It was so cute. She was glad the girl was so attached to P-chan. The amusement turned to anger when the father made it clear that that he expected her to be in a relationship with some guy she'd never met who just so happened to even be a fair bit older apparently just because it would 'be good for the company'.

'Psh. Yeah, right.'

She was happy that Angelique seemed to be starting to stand up for herself when…

"I will not tolerate your selfish ways."

Angelique ran away crying. Kagome turned to the servant who had followed her and told her that Kagome couldn't stay and bids her farewell. Before she left, she looked into the room.

"Sir… I should think you should be proud of her, not angry."

"What do you mean?" Angelique's father growled out.

"Because… you claim she's being selfish, but you're also being selfish, expecting her to ruin her life by throwing herself into a loveless relationship she wants no part of just to help your company. So… one would expect that you either should be proud of her like you, or should be ashamed of being a hypocrite. Good day, sir. I hope for both of your sakes that you make the right decision. I doubt anyone would want to lose their child." Kagome said, then she left.

As she left, she noticed that Angelique was crying in the garden… and that P-chan was approaching her. Kagome smiled. Kagome left a note: Remember, don't give up hope. Like for P-chan, love just may be closer than you think. She hoped it would help.

Two weeks later Angelique showed up while D was too busy to handle customers at the moment. Kagome talked to her… and found that Angelique wanted a mate to cure P-chan's loneliness. Kagome did her best to stop that thought in its tracks.

"He's not lonely… as long as you're there with him. As long as your there to hear his song, it's all right… because he sings it… for you." Kagome said, and began to escort Angelique to the door, "Give some more time. Don't be so hasty to make a decision like this."

Four days later, she called D and convinced him to find a female of the species to be P-chan's mate. Kagome knew from what she'd gathered of Angelique's personality in their few meetings that she'd be starting to wonder what exactly 'D' meant. Six days after the female was delivered and the contract signed, Q-chan returned by himself. Kagome knew what had happened. Angelique had left to go into the greenhouse early to leave food, and discovered P-chan's corpse. Because D's reluctance was for a very good reason: part of the reason the species was so rare was because to ensure the species' survival and to nourish their unborn young, the females eat their mates… even the head. But it was too early, so Angelique was in for a gory surprise. Humans were so foolish... so much for Kagome's optimism. The next day, a regular customer came wanting something besides an iguana or turtle... and ended up with another of Count D's special pets.

Nearly two and a half months passed. In a fancy and expensive apartment, the LAPD's homicide unit was investigating the death of a man. A man who turned out to be none other than Robin Hendrich, who was famous for his role as the alien prince in the movie Space Wars. However, there were no wounds and the apartment was intact, so at the moment the only guess was that the death was of natural cause. But a blonde male detective with longer-than-average hair held in a low pony-tail noticed something…

'Huh? A lizard?' he thought.

Indeed, it was a lizard: a white one. Just maybe this was a lead…

The next day, just as a little girl who had gotten a bird was leaving, a man was coming in. It wasn't unheard of for different customers' departures to be so close together. What was unusual was what D and Kagome heard.

"Oh! Sorry." said the girl.

The man's response was what surprised them. "…This is just an ordinary bird."

Kagome and D exchanged looks. This was unusual. Both had a feeling that something was different about this visit. They still acted normal, though.

"Welcome! What does the customer desire? We carry dogs, cats, birds, insects, and more.

Kagome was actually fazed, though, by what the man, who had longer-than-average blonde hair that was long enough so that it was in a low pony, said.

"I want to buy a lizard. A poisonous lizard with the ability to kill a person." the man said.

Kagome rose an eyebrow. That was a very unusual request. Was this a cop investigating the death of a more unfortunate customer? He must either have a brain or good instincts, or perhaps both, if he was here to ask questions.

D, though, wasn't necessarily amused, if the unnoticeable fainter fake smile that he reserved for customers was any indication. "….. Do not make such jokes. Our store does not sell such dangerous merchandise."

'Sell' being the keyword, of course… not that the man needed to know that. It was the man's turn to be un-amused, it seemed.

"Kid, it's no use talking to you. I'm Officer Orcot from the city police. Where's the shop owner?"

Kagome snickered quietly. This guy was around Kagome's age by the looks of it, maybe a couple of years older… and he was calling D, who at least appeared to be about their age, a kid. She had a feeling that this would be quite amusing…

"I am afraid that my grandfather is away on a trip. I take care of the shop now." D said.

'My, my…' Kagome thought.

Something was almost strange about how D was acting. Did he have a whole other act for law enforcement officials and politicians who actually got suspicious?

"Then were you the one who sold the lizard to Robin Hendrich?" Officer Orcot asked.

"Hendrich…?" Kagome said. 'Does he mean…'

"Oh…! I saw it on the news. What a pity. He was so young." D said.

'Yup. I'm positive that they're talking about that guy.

"Hendrich-san was a regular. One of our best customers even." Kagome stated, "He came her quite a bit."

"He even bought… twenty different types of lizards. Which one are you talking about?" D said.

The man showed them a photo… of a white lizard, which D and Kagome both found oh-so-familiar.

"This one!" Officer Orcot said, "This big white lizard that was found dead near the body."

"…Dead?" Kagome inquired, in a slightly soft voice. 'We knew that it was a bad idea.'

"Ah…Ah… How can this be? This is a rare and valuable species. There is only a small number left in this world." D lamented.

Kagome went to him and patted him on the shoulder. "There, there… there was no way we could have known." Kagome said quietly.

She kept an eye on Officer Orcot out of the corner of her eye. He seemed annoyed, maybe even miffed at the implication that he seemed to find the death of an animal more important than the death of a human.

"If you don't mind, we would like to compare its corpse to other creatures in this store." Officer Orcot requested.

"That's just fine." Kagome said, taking over to give D another moment to recollect himself.

"That white thing is being tested right now." Officer Orcot informed them, "If it's discovered to contain poison, we will not let your pet shop off the hook so easily."

D was indignant now. "…Hmph, what I sell is love and dreams. Poison? How preposterous."

Kagome giggled. Yes… that's exactly what they sold, in a sense... a person's desires. This was Chinatown, after all.

''Love' my ass… What a jerk.'

Kagome noticed that the officer had yet to actually process her presence. This really was amusing. Kagome knew something would be different about today. After all these years she had gathered a feel for these things… especially once her life went quiet after her adventures. Hm, D was about to mess with him. This was interesting. There weren't many that D found worth playing with… maybe it had something to do with how handsome the guy was?

"Oh yes!" D exclaimed, "I think that a bird would be good for you!"

"Bird? I'm nowhere near interested in that kind of thing!" Officer Orcot said.

"No, my meaning is for you to crush and eat its bones." D stated, elaborating on his little joke of sorts, "You get angry easily because of a lack of calcium."

'Well, that's one theory.' Kagome thought. Then she noticed that Officer Orcot's cheeks were slightly red. 'Ooh, I think D hit a nerve.'

In the end, as promised, they cooperated the best that they could. There wasn't much they could do, though. That had been the first of that species of lizard the shop had had since before Kagome had even met D. Of course, D and Kagome had known that it was useless.

A couple of days later, Detective Orcot, as he was later revealed to more accurately be, was back yet again… with a box. He just didn't know when to give up, apparently. As the analysis and its results was taking place, he had come to the place multiple times. It seemed that he had noticed a connection, from what Kagome and D could tell. By the way he was acting and talking, he must have realized just have many mysterious deaths that the police could do nothing about if it wasn't ruled an accident or a natural cause of death were of people who had made a purchase here at the pet shop. It wouldn't do him any good though… they had signed a contract, and it was always made clear to them, both vocally and in the contract that the pet shop could not be held responsible for anything.

"… No matter how many times you come, it is no use. There is nothing else I can tell you." D said. Detective Orcot's stubbornness seemed to be starting to grate on D's nerves.

"Ni Hao. - I returned Robin's body to the miss today." Leon said.

'Apparently someone made it clear that being forceful and blunt wasn't very likely to get him anywhere in Chinatown. And does he mean that lady that Hendrich-san divorced?'

"Sorry if this has caused you trouble, and thank you." Leon said.

'Well… he's definitely different and more polite than Inuyasha ever was. There goes that theory.' Kagome thought. Just then, she paid attention to the scent coming from the box Detective Orcot was holding. 'This scent… No way! He didn't!'

'Well… time to set the bait.' Detective Orcot thought, thinking of advice he gotten that D loves sweets. He held out the box. "This is for you."

D took hold of the box… caught a better whiff of the scent… then got ecstatic.

"Ah! This scent is Hotel de Marseilles champagne gateaux! Amazing! They only sell 30 pieces a day! You have to wait in line before they open shop in order to get this masterpiece!"

'Is that so?' Officer Orcot thought, a little freaked out at the sudden one eighty in attitude.

"Yes! I will tell you anything! You are a good person detective. 3 I can't get up early so I can't buy these."

'Geez… this guy…' Detective Orcot thought, freaked out quite thoroughly by how someone could react like that to a bunch of sweets.

Kagome giggled. This was oh so amusing. Detective Orcot must be either desperate or tenacious. They settled down for tea to get comfortable. Kagome had a feeling that they would need to be for what's coming. Then… D dropped the bomb, so to speak.

"I think that… Robin was killed by a spirit." D said.

"Spirit?"Detective Orcot raged,"No matter now mysterious a case is,if you say 'the criminal is a spirit' then the police is out of a job!"

'Not entirely…' Kagome noted to herself.

"See, your angry again…" D said, "No! I am saying that… it is Robin's spirit that killed him."

"Eh?" Detective Orcot was obviously confused.

D proceeded to explain the slump that Robin was in because of the role… Both of them even actually agreed, to Kagome's surprise, that Robin Hendrich simply had not had very much talent as an actor. In short, D explained how the spirit of the role of the alien prince had haunted Robin, trapping and consuming him.

He then went on to tell how two months ago had stopped by the shop, saying that he was looking to buy a different species since his wife had left him, therefore unable to keep him from or forbid him to get more pets. His only reaction had seemed to be that he was happy that he could keep his pets anywhere he liked- even the living room or the bedroom. Thinking he knew the perfect pet, D led Robin to the room which held the shop's newest reptile: None other than a subspecies of basilisk… and an albino at that. She was extremely rare, and extremely valuable. Though, he mistook her for human at first. When he asked why she was blindfolded, D had explained, to summarize what he said, that she was like a real-life Medusa.

"Ridiculous_! I don't believe this at all." Officer Orcot said, obviously not believing D and as a result being angry again.

"…Robin also said this at the time." D noted.

"How can he mistake a lizard for a woman? Was he on drugs or something?" Detective Orcot asked.

"He's only telling you the truth. It's up to you whether or not you believe it." Kagome spoke up.

"So in the end… Robin bought that lizard." Detective Orcot stated.

"That's right… she felt a strong connection with him, too, and chose to go with him. Neither of us could have possibly done anything to stop her because she had chosen to leave." Kagome said.

D then showed Detective Orcot the contract. He made a point of showing him the rules, and made it perfectly clear that because of the contract the shop was not responsible for the consequences of breaking one of the rules of the contract stating very important aspects to the pet's care. They then speculated as to how maybe because he hadn't made the role rumor claimed he tried out for, he lost self confidence and part of what was grounding him to reality.

"So… because he felt he couldn't protect her and that he was useless… he obviously did what was forbidden: he looked into Medusa's deadly eyes." Kagome explained. (AN: For full details, see chapter two- named 'Despair' of Petshop of Horrors.)

"Nonsense! How could this happen? That's just like… suicide! And… all he did was look at her eyes and he died… How the hell can there be a lizard that can kill at a glance?"

"Whether you choose to believe this or not is up to you. The fact is… this store did not sell a dangerous, poisonous pet." D said.

After all, he was not about to start trying to force people to believe in things.

Detective Orcot freaked out for a moment over D having essentially talking his way out if it. Then… he realized something.

"Wait! Then… what about Medusa? Why did she die as well?" Orcot stated.

D looked sad. "Actually… I did not expect this to happen."

"I, however, am not surprised." said Kagome, "Think about it… She opens her eyes, and the first thing she sees is the corpse of the man that she loved. On top of that, he died because of her eyes. Naturally… she looked into her own eyes."

Of course, this meant that this was a double suicide. Though in the end, Robin got what he wanted: he was free… and he didn't die of old age, trapped in the cruel world of show business.

When Kagome and D ran into Detective Orcot at the funeral, a slight bonding of sorts that could very well be the starts of friendship started. Little did the three of them know, that the three befriending each other would change things drastically.

Owari

Next time on Count D's Petshop: A couple who had desperately needed parenting lessons get a nasty surprise when history repeats itself in a way after they buy a rabbit to console themselves over the death of their daughter. Leading, of course, to Leon getting closer to D and Kagome. Then, Kagome and Leon become friends as a girl who survived a tragedy heals with a bit of help from a loyal guard dog… and then proceeds to survive further betrayal thanks to said guard dog.

D: *chuckles lightly.* Yoruko-san, I think that you were a bit lazy towards the end.

Yoruko: well… I'll try to avoid that when it comes to my writing in the future. No guarantees, though. I'm lazy by nature.

D: That's all that can be asked of you.

Kagome: Besides, I thought that you did just fine. But I thought that you were going to change how the chapter Dream ended up?

Yoruko: I decided that it made more sense to stay true to the plot this time. By the way, you readers are lucking out, because the latter portion of the next chapter will have more 'off-screen' scenes in terms of the manga's storyline.