Chapter Three

The Gypsy

The group continued their journey for the shards and Naraku the next morning. As they walked down a dirt path Kagome started to feel the presence of a jewel shard.

"Hey guys, I sense a jewel shard nearby," Kagome stated.

"Where is it?" InuYasha questioned.

"Towards that village up ahead," Kagome directed.

"Let's go!" InuYasha exclaimed.

They all ran off into the direction of the small village. When they reached the village the sensation Kagome had was gone. The small village was very peaceful.

"I don't sense a demonic aura," Miroku stated.

"Me either," InuYasha added.

"I don't feel the jewel anymore. The sensation is completely gone," Kagome explained.

"Well, since we're here we should take a look around. Maybe we can find some food and supplies," Miroku suggested.

They walked further into the village and split up. Everyone in the village was going about their daily business. These villagers definitely were not in any danger. As Kagome explored an older woman approached Kagome.

"Young lady, something troubles you," the woman stated.

Kagome stopped walking, "No I'm okay, really."

"Nonsense, follow me young lady," the old woman demanded, "I have many special remedies, herbs and potions that might help you."

"Well I guess it couldn't hurt," Kagome answered.

"Excellent, I am the Gypsy Sakura. Please come with me to my hut. I'll read your palm, that will help me to give you the correct remedy," Sakura explained.

Kagome followed Sakura down a thin stone path. They headed down the path to a small hut. Sakura led Kagome inside and they sat down. The old woman took Kagome's hand.

"Ah, I see. You are in love, passionately in love. But this is a secret love. You desire someone who has strong feelings for another," Sakura explained.

Kagome sighed, "Wow, you're good."

The old woman stood up. What Kagome didn't know, Sakura was after her jewel shards. Sakura had placed a spell over the village which gave the illusion that there was a jewel shard near by. She did it to lure Kagome there. Sakura herself could sense the power of the jewel and set the trap for Kagome. Sakura walked across the room and picked up a round, golf ball sized, purple fruit. She brought the fruit over to Kagome.

"This is the Rui fruit. By eating this fruit the one you desire will fall passionately in love with you," Sakura explained.

Kagome was intrigued, "Really, this fruit can do all that?"

Sakura nodded, "Of course it can. All you have to do is eat it."

Sakura handed the fruit to Kagome. Kagome took it and examined it. She put it in her mouth and took a bite. My plan is working. Soon I will have the jewel shards in my possession, Sakura thought to herself.

Kagome swallowed the large bite she took from the Rui fruit. After a minute the room began spinning. Kagome fell over on her side. The Rui fruit rolled out of her hand.

"What's happening to me? Everything is spinning, I can't feel or move my body," Kagome whispered.

"HAHAHA! Foolish girl! The Rui fruit is the most toxic fruit in all of Japan. Now, I'll take those jewel shards," Sakura took the shards from Kagome's neck.

"No," Kagome gasped, but her voice was gone. The poison was spreading fast, Kagome fell into unconsciousness.

The gypsy took the shards with her and left out the back of the hut. She ran off out of the village. Kagome was alone and dying in the evil gypsy's hut.