Hey! Here's the latest installment of Winter's Hanyou!! I'm glad you all enjoyed it! But before we start, here are review responses!

Inugurl617: Thanks for your review! I tried to make it long, but I guess it was still short! I hope that this chapter is longer!

Ray12304: Hey! I'm glad to get your reviews again! Thank you for your reviews!

Mel: Thank you for your review! I can't wait to read your story and Happy early Birthday! Lol, I'm glad to know you saw the surprise later on. I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

Jurneyo: Thanks for your review! I'm sure that Kagome would go out with you…if she didn't have Inuyasha of course!

Adddam: Gracias for your review! I really liked the hotel description too, I wish I could stay in one of those in the future, but I don't think that'll happen. And with the favorite animal scene, I just read it, and I agree with you, Shizuki is human. And no you guys aren't too annoying for Rin…well I don't know, I didn't type up any details for that. Well, let's just say she had to just help okay? And I hope you got the email I sent you, I sent it right after I got your review. Thanks again!

Izayoi: Thank you for your review! I have to admit that I forgot the events that had happened in the middle of this drama, but I can't ever forget the ending! It kinds of satisfied me, kind of not…if that makes any sense. I hope you enjoy this update as well!

Shandra: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like the twists, if you really really like twists, then I really recommend you watching Korean dramas, they're really unexpected. And I'll try and update faster!

Sunrider22: Thanks for your reviews! Kikyo is acting pretty nice…well… you'll see. And no, Shizuki and Sess don't hate each other. I like it better when they're not fighting. Thanks again!

Onto the chapter!

Chapter 16

As Kagome drove home that evening, she remembered the car to the to-be hotel, how she had played the game with Shizuki. How could her hopes soar up like that? It was a fact that Inuyasha was dead and she could never possibly be with him again. But the presence of Shizuki somehow did something to her. It was almost like being near Inuyasha, if that made sense. Kagome sighed; she had concluded that she may never get over Inuyasha.

Just then, her cell phone rang. She looked at the caller ID to find that Sango was calling her. Pushing the answer button, she put her ear phone on so both hands were on the steering wheel.

"Hi Sango!" Kagome sang. After a long day of planning, she was glad to have a distraction.

"Hey yourself!"

"So what's up?"

"Listen, I want you to meet me at The Sakura in half an hour." Sango's voice was bursting with excitement.

"Why?" Kagome asked, curious.

"You'll see later, just come!"

"Alright, I'll be there." Kagome promised.

"Bye Kag!"

"Bye Sango."

Kagome quickly made a left turn, heading towards the restaurant.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kikyo was about to turn on the engine of her Mercedes when her cell phone rang. She quickly flipped it open when she saw that it was Shizuki.

"Hey sweetie." Kikyo answered sweetly.

"Hey Kikyo. I just wanted to tell you that our company is having a little party for the hotel. So I was wondering, want to come with me?"

Kikyo smirked, perfect. "Of course! I wouldn't be your girlfriend if I didn't!"

"Alright, look, I have to go, Sesshoumaru's calling me. Bye."

"Bye."

Kikyo flipped her cell phone closed.

"Wait a minute, if there's a party for the hotel, Kagome will definitely be attending…"

Her smirk grew wider as plans began forming in her head.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ayame slouched down on her couch as she watched the flames dance in the fireplace. She had seen Kouga today and was relieved that he acted "normal" around her, despite the confession the other day. Though, she had to admit that having the same job as the man she loved was very difficult, especially when he didn't return those emotions back. As thought began to drift into her head, her home phone rang. Sighing, she stood up and walked to answer it.

A few minutes later, the red head walked back to the couch that she had resided. It was Sango. She told Ayame that she had gotten a new job and she had invited Miroku and Kagome to celebrate and asked if she wanted to come. Ayame was glad to have Sango as a friend because Sango had noticed that Ayame wasn't really okay that day. That observation resulting in the invitation. But Ayame declined. She was tired and had to admit that she didn't want to see Kagome. Her stomach then lurched. She had just said that out loud, well in her thoughts anyway.

"What's happening to me? Kagome and I've been the best of friends since high school and suddenly love pushed that friendship out of the way?" Ayame shook her head, she couldn't let this happen. She couldn't hate Kagome if she wanted to, but as other people would say, love was blind.

Ayame then pushed back these emotions behind her as best she could. This kind of thinking would make her even more confused and more emotional. Sighing yet another sigh, she headed to the bathroom. Maybe a cold shower would help her clear her senses.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"A toast to Sango, may her new job be successful." A certain violet-eyed man said. The two other women at the table raised both their glasses, one wine and one water and cheered. The trio sipped their drinks and began happily chatting away.

Miroku chuckled, "Kagome you can't ever toast with water. Come on, just one sip of wine will do you good!"

Kagome shook her head stubbornly, "I will never touch that stuff, anything with alcohol isn't for me."

Sango helped her friend, "Don't force her Miroku, she very strong about her beliefs and everyone knows that Kagome never touches alcohol." Kagome nodded, thankful that her friend stood up for her. Miroku gave a smile that said "I give."

"At least I tried." He added in. Kagome looked around; no one else was coming by the looks of it. Sango noticed her scan.

"I called everyone but they were too busy or wouldn't answer, so it's just the three of us." Kagome nodded and continued happily chatting with her friends.

An hour and a half passed when finally the group decided to part. After all, all of them had work tomorrow.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sango arrived five minutes early before she was supposed to. She had made sure that she got a good night's sleep and was fully alert for her new job at Kikyo's Boutique. Sango looked around the opened store and noticed all the expensive designer clothes.

"Maybe I should have become a fashion designer." she mused.

"Hello Sango, I'm glad to have you here." Kikyo greeted with a small smile on her face. Sango flashed a smile and followed Kikyo to the back room as Kikyo gave her instructions.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sango opened the apartment door to find Kagome sitting on the sofa watching an anime that was on.

"Hey Sango, how was work?" Kagome asked, her chocolate eyes still trained on the screen. The part-time taijiya took off her coat and headed to the kitchen to fix herself a snack.

"It was fine. Kikyo is a great boss and the pay is amazing! Work has its perks when your boss is your friend." Sango sat down and ate her dinner hastily. She had realized that on her way home, she had an appointment that night to slay a demon that was disrupting an old warehouse.

"Sounds good." Kagome answered, as she watched a red-haired swordsman battle a man that looked a lot like a mummy.

Sango finished her food, leaving her bowl and chopsticks in the sink for Kagome to wash since it was her day. She walked into her room and put on the gear of a taijiya that her family wore. She placed her katana on her waist and secured the protective mask around her neck. The armor was close-fitting to her body, perfect for battle. Her hands slipped her cell phone in a hidden pocket, in case of emergencies. Sango then gathered her thick dark hair up into a ponytail and secured it with a tight ribbon.

"Bye Kagome, I have a job downtown, don't wait up for me."

"Kay, be careful. Call me if you need me, I haven't used my powers for a while." Sango said okay, before closing the door behind her and going to her car. The demon slayer opened the trunk to see if her boomerang was there. Normally, it wouldn't have fit, but Kagome had put an enchantment on it, so with a few words, it shrank and enlarged whenever needed.

With the last check, Sango headed out to do her job.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Just as Kagome's favorite show ended, the one with the red-haired swordsman, her cell phone rang. It was Shizuki.

"Hello?" Kagome answered cheerily. She was in a good mood, who could not after watching a cute red haired guy defend his girlfriend? Kagome was a sucker for romance.

"Hi Kagome, it's me Shizuki. Anyways, we were so busy at work today that I forgot to tell you that my company's going to hold a little party to celebrate the hotel stuff. So, it's my job to ask you to come."

"Alright, just tell me when and where." Kagome said.

With a few more details, Kagome hung up. A yawn suddenly rose and the miko decided that it was time for bed.

Kagome had only slept for a two hours when her phone suddenly rang. She jumped up; knowing that it could be Sango. The caller ID proved her theory, it was the taijiya.

"Hello?" Kagome hastily said.

"Kagome! You have to come quick, there's a demon that keeps regenerating and every time it regenerates, it gets stronger! We need your purifying powers."

"Alright." Kagome agreed while stifling a yawn, "I'll be there in a few minutes."

Kagome hung up the line and changed into her miko outfit. It wasn't exactly necessary, but then, it helped her concentrate better. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail so it wouldn't get in the way. Her bow and arrows were already in her car, so she grabbed her keys. But on a hunch, she grabbed the necklace that Shizuki had given her; maybe the power that was illuminating from the jewel would help. With that, she headed out the door to help exterminate a demon.

Kagome arrived at the scene, to see a very tall demon with what looked like slime or mud sliding down from the body of the demon. It was obvious that every time that it was hit, it would grow stronger and bigger with size. Kagome managed a laugh; looks like Sango gave it all she got.

"Kagome!" Sango's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Shoot an arrow and see what happens!" Kagome nodded and notched her bow. Aiming with her right eye and pointer finger, she aimed for the head of the glob demon. With that, she let the arrow fly, letting her powers into it turn the arrow pink with power. The arrow flew true and landed on the head. It seemed to by purifying it, but the power wasn't enough to purify the whole demon.

The head of the demon regenerated, dark black eyes looked at the archer. It seemed as if it were looking at the brightly glowing jewel. A globby hand then reached out to grab Kagome. Of course, Kagome knew what it wanted, and that was the jewel around her neck.

Notching another arrow, she fired, purifying the arm enough for her to get away. Then, it regenerated again. The power coming off this demon was incredible. The miko bit her lip in frustration. Her power alone wasn't going to defeat this demon, what was she going to do?

Just at the end of that thought, the pink jewel grew brighter. Kagome could practically feel the power coursing through her veins, inter joining with her blood.

Her fingers reached for another arrow and notched it on her bow. She took all the power that she was supplied with and transferred it within the arrow. Pulling it back, Kagome let the arrow fly. This time, it was like a meteor, flying across the sky, plunging deep within the demon. Just like her many purifying experiences, this one turned to dust and a gust of wind blew until the dust turned into nothing.

Sango walked over to her friend and supported her. Kagome was tired, after using up most of her energy. They both walked through a gathering, probing crowd to their cars and drove home, after Kagome convinced Sango that she could still drive.

The two best friends then entered their apartment and collapsed on their beds. It was only a few more hours until work started and they needed their rest.

However, Kagome hardly rested peacefully in the dark depths of sleep. A dream she had would change her life forever.

She was walking in a foggy environment, with tendrils of fog would swirl around her feet and head.

"Kagome." A soft gentle voice called. Kagome looked around, but saw no one.

"Wh-who's there?" The miko asked.

"I am called Midoriko. The jewel you wear around your neck is called the Shikon No Tama. I was its protector and now, you must protect it from the demons that desire it. Do not let it be corrupt or fall in the wrong hands, for that could lead to dire consequences. Protect it." The mysterious voice said. The last sentence echoed in her mind before Kagome's alarm clock turned on.

Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and looked around. Glancing down on her neck, she found the pink glowing jewel lying innocently on her chest.

"Was that dream for real?" she murmured. Taking one last look at it, she got up and dressed, getting ready for work.

In the next room, Sango was stirring because of her alarm clock also. She groggily pushed off her blanket and did her morning rituals.

The two met in the kitchen. Sango prepared breakfast while Kagome prepared the table. As they ate, they chattered. Kagome told Sango that there would be a party and she didn't have a dress for the occasion. She needed to find a way that didn't involve a lot of money. A $200 dollar dress wouldn't be worth it if she only wore it once.

Kagome's sense of fashion was not dressy. In fact, it was tomboyish and modest. The miko never did like to show a lot of skin when unnecessary. However, she did like shorts and skorts. Munching on their toast, the two thought quietly about the situation.

"I've got it! How about while I'm at work, I'll try and find you a dress and ask Kikyo if you could loan it!" Sango quipped up, happy with her idea. Kagome smiled and nodded, "That's a great idea! Thanks Sango! You're the best!" Sango simply smiled and placed her dish in the sink.

"Have fun washing the dishes Kag!" Sango lightly teased, while putting on her dress shoes that went along with her work suit. Kagome scowled at her while tidying the kitchen and then getting ready for work. Being self employed had advantages, going to work whenever she wanted was one of them.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kikyo stood in front of Shizuki while she modeled the dress. They both decided to come in before the boutique opened to look for a dress for the party.

"Hmmm, I don't like it. It's too showy." Shizuki said while examining the dress. It had a V-shaped neckline with little spaghetti straps. The blue shimmering fabric ended way too short in Shizuki's opinion. Kikyo pouted. She was so sure that this was the one.

Shizuki then directed his attention to the other racks of dresses. His violet eyes then saw the perfect one.

It was a tan color that looked like it ended near the knees. The straps were four inches and also had a V-neckline. It was not too showy or ugly; perfect in Shizuki's eyes. His pointer finger pointed towards the dress and said, "That one."

Kikyo directed her head. Her teeth bit her lips in disgust. That was one of the dresses she didn't like that she had designed. Truth be told, it was for old women. She turned around and smiled at Shizuki fakely,

"Why that one honey, when I can wear this one?" As she pointed to the ensemble that she was wearing.

Shizuki shook his head, "I like it when people look modest. Besides, it's not ugly and you'll look beautiful in it."

Kikyo finally relented.

"Fine."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

An hour later, Sango walked through the doors, getting ready for her job. She was clad in a black pencil skirt with a blue shirt covered with a black jacket. She looked around to find Kikyo to ask her a favor. The taijiya spotted her restocking the racks of clothes.

"Kikyo, can I ask you a favor?" The fashion designer didn't turn around as she murmured an "mmmhmm".

"Well, as you know, Kagome is working with your current boyfriend. And she needs a dress, so I was wondering if you could help her?"

Kikyo's eyes lit up excitedly as Sango asked that question. Smiling, she set the hangers down and faced Sango.

"Of course I'll help! I'll let you borrow one of my dresses and you can bring it home to Kagome. Just hold on a second. I have the perfect dress for Kagome. It's modest and perfect for her figure." Kikyo said as she headed for the store room.

A few minutes later, Sango saw her walking back with a very pretty dress.

"Thanks Kikyo, I know Kagome will love it!" Sango said as she inspected the dress. Kikyo nodded, "You can give it to her later, now it's time for work."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

That's about it!! I hope that it was long! And I know the fight scene wasn't exactly great, but it was my second time at it, so give me a break!

Hmmm, what do you think Kikyo's planning? Well, just to give you a hint, it's in the next chapter! Are Kikyo's intentions good? Find out in the next chapter!

Review please! I want to know what you think!

Animemistress419