Chapter Three- Adopted

Kagome put a hand over her nose and mouth as she backed away. The incense Sango burned when smoking out a demon was unbearable to demons with sensitive noses and it turned out that even she couldn't bear it now. My sense of smell is as sharp as a demon's. Is it possible that I'll become a demon? Kagome swallowed hard. She hadn't really thought about that. Yes, she suspected of having the sharper sense and speed of one, but not actually becoming a demon. If I do, what kind would I be? Oh, wait. Since I ate Foxes' Delight, I likely could end up being a fox like Shippo. I wouldn't mind that. Kagome backed away further as she started to feel dizzy. She ended up next to Inuyasha and put a hand to her forehead.

"That stuff makin' you dizzy too?" Inuyasha asked.

Kagome nodded. "It smells real bad, too. Of course I never knew that before."

Inuyasha looked at her, shocked by her words. "You've got a sensitive nose, too? When'd that happen?"

"Not long after picking and eating the berries."

"Kagome, I'm concerned that eating them is going to have a permanent effect on you."

"I'm starting to consider that too. It's likely I might become a fox demon."

"Likely, but we'll just have to wait. It could just be the senses and abilities of a demon. Either way, I would be willing to guide you in using them."

"Oh, Inuyasha. I'm sorry but Shippo already offered to help."

"Shippo!? Why accept his help? I'm older and more qualified to help."

"If I do become a fox, I will need Shippo's help."

The pair lapsed into silence and Shippo stared at the ground, eyes unfocused. I didn't think of her becoming a fox demon. If that's what happens, then it's no wonder humans shouldn't eat them. Plus, Kagome has a point: If she does become a fox, she will need my help in teaching her fox magic. I imagine her training as a priestess will make it easier for her to learn.

Kagome shifted slightly as the group ate and talked in the room they were given as thanks for the demon extraction. Her eyes and ears had gotten sharper and there was a pain in her backside. That could be my tail, she thought. She winced a little as the muscles in legs hurt and her socks seemed to be getting smaller, her toes felt cramped. In addition, her ears and fingers itched.

Her socks seemed to push in on her toes further and she shed them which drew her friends' attention. "Kagome?" Sango asked.

"My toes felt cramped," she explained before wincing and rubbing the back of her claves. "My legs hurt too."

"Is that all?" she asked gently.

Kagome shook her head. "My backside hurts and my ears and fingers are itching."

Everyone came over to look her over. Sango gently kneaded the backside as she checked it. "Yes, there is definitely something here."

Miroku checked her hands, the backs resting in his palms while Inuyasha looked at her ears. "Your nails seem longer than they were earlier today."

"Her ears have points," Inuyasha reported, gently running a finger over one.

Shippo inspected her feet and gave a gasp of surprise. "Her feet are becoming paws like mine."

Kagome looked to see that Shippo was right. Her toes were shrinking and becoming fox paws that were the same color of her skin.

Kagome then gasped and a long black tail burst from her skirt. It wasn't short and fluffy but still silky and soft. The tip flipped back and forth as Kagome exhaled from the pain of it growing out. "Oh, man. That wasn't fun."

"Well, it's not over yet," Miroku said, Kagome's hands still cupped in his palms. He nodded at them. "Your nails are becoming claws."

Kagome gasped at the pointed nails that were growing and felt her tongue brush against longer incisors. Oh, I just got fangs. Her ears began to burn as well as itch and it felt like they were moving. She felt her lower legs bend into fox legs and then it was over.

She put a hand to her head to steady herself and her clawed fingers brushed something soft. She moved her hand further up to feel it and realized it was an ear. I've got fox ears.

"Kagome, you look amazing," Shippo said. He ran on his hands and paws over to the tail. He stroked it with his hands and then laid his head on it. "So soft," he sighed.

Kagome smiled in amusement at Shippo's actions. She had to admit, she rather liked her tail. She focused on moving the end of it and it responded, draping itself over the young fox who seemed to be drifting off to sleep. The others brought Kagome her pillow and sheet, not wanting to wake Shippo. Kagome laid down so that she could be closer to the little fox. She heard him murmur softly before saying in a whisper, "Kagome."

"Yes?" she responded in like.

"I could teach you fox magic."

"I'd like that. Shippo, would you like to have me as a kind of mom?"

"Really?"

"I am protective of you and as I'm a fox demon now…"

Shippo smiled, eyes still closed. "Yeah. I'd like to call you mom."

"Good." Kagome smothered a yawn as she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Shippo finally truly slipped off to sleep, smiling at having a new mom.

Inuyasha laid by the door, his eyes on the sleeping foxes. He had to admit that Kagome was a pretty fox; prettier than Kikyo. Kagome will also live longer since she's a demon now. Her body will heal quicker and won't requires souls to live. I could give myself to her, tell her how I feel. She'll be happy that I've made a choice.

Sango also focused on Kagome and Shippo. The girl had become a lovely fox and now it was clear what happens when humans eat Foxes' Delight: they turn into fox demons. Well, we can't reverse it as I haven't heard of a remedy for eating the berry. We will just have to make the best of it and Kagome will have to become comfortable being a fox and of her new powers. I wonder if she can still sense jewel shards.

Kagome opened her eyes and at first was confused about the black furry thing Shippo was lying on and then it came back: That was her tail for she was a fox now. She looked at her claws and then brought one to an ear. The novelty of the change was staring to wear off and mild panic began to set in. Oh, man. I'm a demon. There's no way I can go to school like this!

A yawn caught her attention and she looked to see Shippo awake and stretching. His eyes blinked open and he smiled at her. "Hi, mom," he said quietly and then tilted his head. Kagome had a look of panic and worry that he had associated with her worrying about what she called tests. He crawled over to her upper leg. "What's wrong?"

"Shippo, I can't go to school like this." She gestured at her body.

"Actually, you could. Remember, I sometimes change my form. I looked like you once."

"Try twice," Inuyasha countered. "Only the last time didn't work so well."

"How come?" As far as Kagome knew, Shippo's transform move was practically flawless.

"His tail was still visible."

"Oh. Shippo, could you teach me Transform?"

"I sure can and other tricks, too."

"Great." Kagome stood and swayed on her paws. Her heels had moved up so she was on the pads of her paws. I have so much to learn, but at least I can learn and master Transform. She slowly followed the fox kit outside to begin training, unaware that Inuyasha was watching her leave, his eyes admiring her while his mind raced with how to tell her how he felt.