Chapter Two- Side Effects

The smell of the berries still filled her nose despite them being wrapped up. Her mouth watered at the thought of them and the memories of eating them. She shook her head slightly. Is it possible that humans aren't' supposed to eat them? Are they irresistible to humans, addictive to where they can't think of anything else?

"Kagome? You okay?"

Kagome blinked and looked at concerned green eyes. "I think so. For some reason, I can't stop thinking about those berries. Is it possibly a side effect that affects humans who eat them?"

"I don't think so. I couldn't stop thinking about them when I ate one for the first time. Dad said that it was normal for fox demons."

"Oh! So, it'll go away?"

"Yeah, it will and you get used to the taste and not think about them."

"Great. Is it normal to smell them even when wrapped up?"

Shippo frowned. "It is for demons, but not for humans. Perhaps, that could be a side effect: A sensitive nose."

Kagome smiled, slightly relieved. "Well, that's interesting. Maybe you or Inuyasha could teach me how to use it."

"I'd be happy to tech you."

Kagome ruffled his hair. "Thanks, Shippo."

The teenager focused on her riding, but Shippo thought back on their conversation. Kagome not being able to stop thinking about the berries and developing a sensitive nose concerned him. He had never heard of humans eating Foxes' Delight and he was worried that it could affect Kagome in some awful way. But if a sensitive nose is all that happens, that's not so bad.

Kagome focused on the road in front of her, driving the berries from her mind. However, that didn't keep her nose from taking in the different scents that wafted up to her. So many smells, some she was sure she had never smelled before and others she could smell but were now sharper. Some examples of the former were the smell of fox which she didn't take long to realize that it was Shippo; she also smelled Inuyasha who was a good distance from the group; and some flowers that were far from the path. It seems I've already figured out how to identify scents. That's…

Suddenly Kagome came to a stop at the same time Inuyasha did. Both of them plus Shippo sniffed the air. A demon! Kagome thought a second before Inuyasha drew his sword. Kagome hopped off the bike and grabbed her bow and arrows and her fellow humans prepared for battle.

"Kagome, do you sense a shard nearby?" Sango asked.

Kagome focused on her ability and then shook her head. "No. I think this approaching demon senses our shards."

"Well, he won't get them," Inuyasha said.

Trees snapped into pieces as the demon came into view. It was tall, but not terribly so, only eight to ten feet tall. It had the features of a dragon complete with wings and a tail. It laughed in an adult male voice before demanding, "Give me your jewel shards!" He lunged forward and the group leaped to avoid the charge.

"Not gonna happen!" Inuyasha snapped. The demon focused on him and flapped his wings, creating powerful gusts that prompted him to use Tetsusaiga as an anchor. He thrust the sword into the ground and held on tightly. The demon laughed at preventing Inuyasha from striking. He didn't see Kagome zip up behind him, faster than a human ever could. She fired an arrow that bounced off its hard body, but it was enough to grab his attention. He turned toward Kagome, not realizing she was a distraction to allow Sango to throw her weapon. It sliced a limb off and the demon roared in pain as both girls vacated the area as Inuyasha utilized the Wind Scar to vaporize the demon. "Feh. That was easy," the half-demon commented.

The group resumed their journey, but Kagome reflected on her part of the fight. She had moved into position faster than she ever had. Her speed had increased and she was certain it was the berries. I seem to be gaining the abilities of a demon. I'm not complaining, but it is odd. Has anyone else noticed?

Inuyasha quickly glanced back at Kagome who seemed lost in thought. He reflected on their quick battle and on Kagome's part. She had moved far faster than a mere human could. The speed was more like a demon and he wondered why that was. He had seen her eat a few of the Foxes' Delight berries but had been more interested in his own treat. Now he was beginning to wonder if they had a side effect on humans.

Is it giving her the abilities of a demon? More specifically, a fox demon as the berry is called Foxes' Delight. Well, foxes and dogs aren't too different. I could guide her in any abilities that come up.

Shippo too had noticed Kagome's faster speed and suspected that his friend was gaining enhanced senses and speed. Senses, plural, as he was sure that she wouldn't have just a sensitive nose. She was likely to have sensitive hearing and eyesight. Who knew a berry would affect her like this? How much of an effect will it have on her? Oh, I wish I hadn't suggested she try one. Something's happening and I don't know what the end result will be. He whimpered slightly.

Kagome tilted her head. She had heard a sound come from Shippo- barely. It sounded like a worried whimper. "Shippo?" she asked softly, knowing the kitsune would hear her. He shifted around and she saw his eyes swimming with unshed tears as he looked at her. "Shippo, what's wrong?"

"I'm worried about you. It's obvious the berries are affecting you. You're faster and have a sharper sense of smell. I'm sure you'll get sharper hearing and sight. It's my fault. I suggested you try one."

Shippo had spoken so softly that only Kagome heard him. She smiled gently at him. "Shippo, it's not your fault. I could have turned down your suggestion and chose not to try one. Whatever is happening is because I chose to try it. Really, improved senses is not a bad thing, especially if I have someone to teach me."

Shippo's tears dried up and his tail moved side to side slightly. "Yeah, it's not a bad thing and I did say I would teach you."

Kagome watched Shippo turn back around and felt like a deep connection had bee forged between them. She wasn't sure what if was, but it was likely something like a mother-son relationship.

Shippo is an orphan and even though I'm only a little older than him, I feel more like a mother to him than a sister. I can be an older sister as I do have a little brother at home who sometimes gets on my nerves the way Shippo and Inuyasha annoy each other. I rather like the idea of being Shippo's surrogate mom. I don't think he would mind.

Sango walked behind Kagome as did Miroku. The monk wasn't trying to stroke her butt for once; he seemed deep in thought and seemed to be regarding Kagome like she was. "What do you think, Miroku?" she asked. "About Kagome, I mean."

"Hard to say. I don't think a human's ever eaten Foxes' Delight. If someone has, they don't boast of it."

"I noticed that Kagome was fast during the fight. It was demon speed, I'm sure of it."

"That could be a side effect from the berry."

"Or an eventual change into a fox demon."

"Like Shippo or resembling an accrual fox?"

"Something in between, I think. A full fox form is the adult version. Kagome's a fifteen-year-old girl."

Miroku nodded. It made sense that it would be in between Shippo and an adult. But, that may not happen. Kagome may simply have the physical abilities of a demon and even then, it may only be temporary.