Disclaimer: I do not own either Inuyasha nor Fruits Basket.

Key:

'Thinking'

"Talking"

Chapter Three: The Shop Encounter

Kagome awoke early Saturday morning to the loud shrill of the telephone on her bedside table. She contemplated chucking the damn thing across the room, but instead answered the ringing contraption.

That was the first mistake she made that day. Her mother's voice chirped in her ear for an hour, asking everything from how she liked the new school to if she had found any potential boyfriends. Kagome rolled her eyed and again contemplated destroying the phone.

"Are you even listening to me, Kagome?" her mother yelled into the phone.

"Why are you yelling? Yes, yes I am listening!" she yelled back. Great, now she was awake. She glanced at the clock and shrieked, "What! Mom, why are you calling me at seven in the morning on a Saturday? You, of all people, know I need my rest?

"Yes, I know, but I need you to run an errand for me in your town."

"I'm listening." she sat up.

"I need you to pick up a special dress I had made. I'd go and get it, but Souta isn't feeling well today."

She agree hesitantly and received the shop name and location. She'd go later so she could grab some lunch while she was out, but for now she needed some breakfast.

Kagome reflected on the past couple of days as she munched on a piece of toast. Things had been slow going concerning demons and she didn't know whether to sigh in relief or worry. Worry was more prominent since she knew Naraku was still out there, but the few days of peace had been nice. School had gone well, despite the rumors of why she had left her old school floating around. One went as far as saying she had helped to kill someone, which prompted Kagome to yell out in the middle of lunch when she first heard it. How absurd! She had a feeling that the trio of girls were trying to make her out to be a bad person. To think she had gone through all that trouble to save them. Next time she just might let the demon have his way with them.

A little before noon Kagome was showered and dressed in a soft, light-blue sun dress that reached her knees. She tied a light, white button down sweater around her waist and slung her purse over her shoulder. She was ready to head out to do some errands. There were a few things she needed for home anyways.

The weather was nice. A bright yellow sun accentuated the beautiful cloudless sky. A warm breeze rushed threw her hair sending the many strand cascading outwards. She tucked a few behind her ear and walked on.

She was walking in a content daze and slowed slightly when she passed a brunette girl who couldn't be much older than herself. She wore a light green dress and carried a little orange cat bag.

"Odd...she feels like the Sohma guys." Kagome murmured to herself before pressing on. She would ponder the thought once she had some lunch. Her tummy was getting restless.

She found a quiet little restaurant to have a small lunch at. The establishment was very clean and Kagome was served promptly, much to her delight. She ordered a chicken sandwich and some fries and no longer than ten minutes later she was served. She had a feeling she'd be coming back sometime soon.

After paying for her delicious meal, Kagome looked over the address given to her by her mother. It seemed she wasn't too far away from the shop's location. She'd be able to get her mother's dress and go home to relax for the night.

She turned the corner, nearly missing an older guy, who was quick to step out of her way. He grinned at her, a grin that reminded her of Miroku, and she smiled.

"Sorry about that." she spoke and he shook his head.

"Think nothing of it. I wasn't looking where I was going." he replied and went on his way. Kagome's brain screamed at her. He was similar too. That was two people who had given her that weird feeling. She watched this one walk away before turning and heading into the shop.

"Oh! Hello and welcome! How can I help you?" a cute girl with glasses wearing a maid's outfit greeted Kagome from behind th counter. Kagome forced a smile. Why the girl was wearing a maid's outfit she was unsure.

"I'm here to pick up a dress for my mother. The last name is Higurashi." Kagome answered.

"Oh yes! She called and said her daughter would be picking it up today! I'll go and get it now!"

Kagome watched the cheerful lady disappear into the backroom. Kagome sighed softly and leaned against the counter. The fact she had that feeling pass over her twice that day was starting to disturb her. She wanted to question Kyo about it, but he had said he couldn't talk about it. She'd figure some way to get him to talk. One way or another!

"No, no, no, Mine! I absolutely must! I insist!"

The door to the back room slammed open, jolting Kagome out of her pondering. She turned to face the woman and a man that was quickly approaching her. Kagome gave a nervous glance to the girl she could only assume was named Mine. The man ran his long fingers through the end of her hair. Kagome almost groaned. He felt just like the other two, not to mention his features seemed vaguely familiar.

"Uhh..." she tried to speak, but for some reason nothing would come out.

"The mother was lovely, but her daughter far out shines her! You, my dear, are gorgeous!" he flamboyantly boasted and Kagome blushed vividly.

"Yes, she is very beautiful, Ayame-san!" Mine joined in and Kagome glanced around for a chance to escape.

"Come, come! This way! Your mother said to have you try the dress on!"

"What? Why?" Kagome protested. Her mother hadn't told her that, "Why would I have to try on my mother's dress?"

"Because, silly!" Mine grabbed her arm, "Your mother had it made for you!"

"I'm going to kill her." Kagome mumbled to herself and let the two drag her off into the other room.

Mine led her off to the changing room while Ayame sauntered back to the front of the store to greet new customers.

"Your mother is very nice, Higurashi-san. She said she wanted to give you a gift since you had to move away." Mine removed the dress from the clothing bag and Kagome stared at it with wide eyes. The length was a little shorter than she was used to, but the deep, velvety red fabric reminded her so much of Inuyasha and she was sure her mother had it made to cheer her up. Kagome ran her fingers over the soft material, marveling in the intricacy of some of the stitches holding it together. Whomever had made it, had done a truly magnificent job.

"Who...who made this?" she asked and looked up at Mine.

"Ayame-san of course! Hurry up and slip it on! I'll wait outside the door. Call me if you need me."

Kagome slipped out of her simple sun dress and carefully put on the new red dress. She slid her arms up the sleeves that flared out slightly at the end and turned to the mirror. She was beyond shocked at the sight before her. She felt she actually looked pretty.

"Um..." Kagome stuck her head out, "Mine-san, could you...um...zip me up?"

"Of course!" she stepped in and gasped, "Oooh! Ayame-san absolutely has to see you in his creation! You are stunning! We can get his brother's opinion too!"

Mine zipped her up and checked her over. Kagome held in a startled gasp as one of the girl's hands ran down her side and over her hip before pulling back.

"Is everything okay?" Kagome looked over her shoulder at the girl.

"Not yet." Mine rummaged through her pockets and retrieved a long piece of red ribbon. She pulled Kagome's hair into a high ponytail and tied the ribbon on, "There! That's better! Come on!"

Mine grabbed her hand and pulled Kagome from the dressing room. Kagome followed after the girl as she was led into a different room. She could hear voices chatting somewhat loudly, as they entered. Ayame was quick to stand as he saw them.

"I can't believe it!" Ayame scooped Kagome's hand into hi and kissed it gently, "Of course I can believe it! My works of art never miss! You are...beautiful! Doesn't she look beautiful little brother?"

Kagome was thrust in front of Ayame and found herself coming face to face with a couple of her classmates as well as the girl she had seen on the street earlier that day.

"Um...hi." she blushed and managed a smile.

"Higurashi-san..." Yuki blushed a bit too.

"Oh! You already know each other! How wonderful! Tell her how great she looks in my creation! You too, lucky Kyo! Tohru-kun, you agree with me, don't you?"

Kagome bit her bottom lip, trying her very hardest from laughing out loud. This handsome, very expressive man was in fact Yuki's older brother. The visible comparison confirmed that, but the way they each presented themselves was quite different.

"Kagome-chan, you look beautiful." Tohru nodded and Ayame released her arms and joined Tohru's side.

"Thank you, Tohru-chan." Kagome bowed slightly. When she lifted her head, her eyes met with those beautiful maroon orbs. Kyo's eyes were slightly wide as he stared back at her, until the other girl latched onto his arm protectively and his attention was drawn to her.

"Higurashi-san, you do look very pretty." Yuki smiled politely and Kagome returned the gesture.

"Thank you, Yuki-san." she gave a slight nod to him, trying her best not to glare back at the girl giving her the evil eye. 'What the hell is that girl's problem? She's glaring at me like I've done something horribly wrong.'

"Are you happy with the dress, Higurashi-chan?" Mine asked with a broad smile.

"Yes, definitely. I'll have to call my mother when I get home and thank her for this surprise." Kagome bowed again, "Thank you very much, Ayame-san. You are truly gifted."

"Yes, I know!" Ayame proudly boasted and Yuki gave an annoyed sigh.

Kagome almost let out her own frustrated sigh when the jewel pulsed with an eager force. Without a word, she hurried to the changing room and gathered her things. The others in the room watched with confused eyes as she came back and bowed to them again.

"Thank you again! I'm afraid I have to leave! Good day!" she darted from the room and the shop with incredible speed. The demonic aura she felt was strong and she cursed at the timing.

They stared at the door for a few moments after Kagome fled. They looked at each other, none of them really too sure of why she left in a rush, but Kyo was sure he had an idea. He would follow, but Kagura had a fierce death grip on his arm.

"With legs as perfect as those she has to be an athlete!" Ayame grinned and nodded at Mine, "Of course, my creation made those legs even more perfect!"

"Dammit!" Kyo yelled and yanked his arm free of Kagura's grasp, knocking her over in the process. He ran from the room, bringing more odd looks from the group.

Kagome rounded the corner, barely colliding with a group of people, who yelled out at her as she passed. She paid them no mind as she let the jewel direct her. She had to get away from the busy streets of downtown and to a more secluded location.

He wasn't sure which direction she had taken. She had only left a few moments before him, he knew she couldn't have gotten too far ahead. He heard some shouting around the corner and followed. Sure enough, she was already down the end of the street, he could just see the red dress from where he stood. He heard Kagura yell from the shop's entry, but he ignored her and ran after Kagome.

'What the...he's following me!' Kagome glanced over her shoulder when she first saw the orange head of hair behind her. She was going to have to speed things up if she was going to lose him. So, as he neared, she dropped her belongings in his path and continued on. Kyo, however, barely managed to dodge the dropped items and in doing so, lost his balance and stumbled to the concrete below.

He growled angrily as he stood back up and dusted himself off. He gathered her items from the ground and decided he'd just have to wait for her back at her home. She'd have to return eventually.

Kagome entered the forest. It was the best place in the immediate area to confront a demon with a strong aura. Her energy flared, all she could do was wait. She clenched her fist in preparation.

It came upon her fast and from behind. Kagome dodged the claws that streaked towards her face and threw up a barrier as it swung again. It was obvious to her that she was dealing with a wolf demon by the attire it was wearing. Although many years had passed, wolf demons still preferred the furry loin clothes over modern clothing. This particular wolf growled at her, barring bloody fangs and alerting her that this one had probably killed a helpless human or demon in the area. His blood red eyed showed the aggressive rage of his more primal demon side and Kagome knew that no words would reach him. All he wanted was to kill her and she doubted he was even aware of the jewel in her possession.

His claws struck the barrier and he howled in pain as the tips of his fingers were burned by the purifying energy.

"Serves you right!" Kagome yelled out at the demon as it staggered backwards holding it's injured hand. 'That's it. Keep moving back.'

The demon growled ferociously and kept his red eyes fixed on Kagome. It lunged again at the barrier, pink sparks flew as he struck, but he still came up with the same result. He wasn't getting in.

He gave a rough sounding huff as he started to turn away from her. He sniffed the air, listened and in a blur he took off. Kagome cursed and gave chase. She couldn't let the demon out of her sight, but much like Koga had been, this wolf was fast.

They ended up on a secluded country-like road. They were fast approaching a house and Kagome could just see a guy up ahead. Her mind raced. She had to stop the wolf demon now. She curse at herself again and drew out some extra power from the Shikon no Tama to increase her own speed. She'd regret the decision later, but for now she had to do it.

As she got closer she spotted a second person standing near the other guy. Realization dawned on her that the blonde was Momiji and the man with him was in fact the one she had almost bumped into earlier.

The wolf demon stopped, his growling growing louder as he stalked the two males. Kagome launched herself over the demon and landed in between him and the newly startled humans.

"You didn't think you'd lose me that easily, did you?" she turned slightly to Momiji, "You two get inside now!"

"Kagome-chan..." Momiji hesitated, his eyes widening at the pink glow.

"I'll explain later! Go!" she yelled. She turned back as the two went inside and scowled at the demon, "No, you don't. You won't get past me. I can assure you of that."

"Move girl." he snarled at her. Kagome tilted her head to the side. It was faint, but there was something off with the wolf.

"What has made you go into this blood lust?" she asked softly, her eyes softening at the pained look gracing his features at her question, "Your kind stopped killing humans hundred of years ago."

"What would you know? Move or I'll take you as well!"

"I'm afraid, I can't let you pass." Kagome allowed her bow to form, "I'll purify you the moment you take a step forward."

"A priestess." he growled, taking a cautious step back and flinching slightly when Kagome lifted her bow.

"Why are you killing humans?"

The wolf demon never got to answer Kagome's question as sharp blades of wind sliced him in half and Kagome barely got her barrier up in time to protect herself from the blood splatter.

Kagome groaned and looked around. The culprit of the attack was nowhere in sight, but it gave Kagome enough knowledge to whom was behind it. She knelt next to the deceased wolf demon and placed her hand over his remains, sending out enough waves to purify them from existence.

No doubt Naraku was up to no good again, as Kagome had been expecting. She just didn't understand why this demon was different than the others. He had been so enraged he hadn't even noticed that she was a priestess until she called forth her bow.

She heard the door slide open and then closed again. She turned to face the two males staring at her.

"Kagome-chan, that other guy..." Momijii started, but Kagome interrupted him.

"He's gone, Momiji-kun. I'm sorry if he scared you." Kagome bowed slightly, "He won't bother you again. If he does, I promise I'll kick his ass."

She added the last part in hopes to deter them from asking too many questions about just how exactly he disappeared.

"You were glowing."

"I was?" she acted surprised when Momiji nodded his head, "Hmm...maybe the sunlight was giving off a weird reflection. Anyways, I hate to be rude and leave so quickly, but I think I dropped my purse when I was chasing that creep. I'll see you in school, Momiji-kun!"

She gave a quick wave and darted off. She had a bad feeling that she was going to be greeted at home by one very angry Kyo. She sighed softly as she ran. If he said anything, she'd just give him a piece of her mind.

She was pleasantly surprised to recognize the first main street she came across and knew that the house she was just at was likely the one Kyo, Yuki and Tohru lived at.

As she neared the steps to her own home the effects of using the jewel's power became known and Kagome felt ready to collapse. She leaned her head against the pillar at the bottom and took a deep breath. She needed to get to bed.

"Hey, are you alright?" Kyo's voice called down from the top of the steps. Kagome lifted her head to gaze up at him. Her vision blurred and she shook her head. Kyo took this as a sign that she wasn't okay and hurried down all of the steps to get to her, "What the hell did you do? You're so pale!"

"I'm fine really. I'm just tired." Kagome turned to the step before her and groaned, "Someday I'll live at a shrine with less steps."

"Why did you run away so quickly? Was it another demon?"

"Yes, and next time I take off like that it would be best that you didn't follow. I don't want to distance myself from you and the others, but I will to protect you." Kagome shook her head, "And if Momiji-kun asks, please don't tell him that I was chasing a demon. I tried to make it sound like I knew the guy."

"I don't understand."

"It's probably for the best that you don't. I can't have you knowing all of my secrets. Some secrets are best left unsaid. I'm sure you knew that though."

"You have a point." Kyo frowned. She had a very valid point.

"You should get going, Kyo-kun. I don't think that girl would like it much if she found you here. She didn't seem to like me much." Kagome smiled, "Have a good day, Kyo-kun."

"Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"I'll be fine." she managed a small smiled, "Honest, Kyo-kun. Go on home."

"Alright, Kagome-chan. Have a good day." he started off but turned back slightly, "Oh, um...you do look beautiful...um, in the dress I mean."

"Thank you, Kyo-kun." she smiled, more at the cute blush he was sporting than at what he had said.

He nodded again and started off for home. Kagome groaned silently and started up the steps. She hadn't lied. One day she was going to live at a shrine with less steps.