Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the other original characters in this totally awesome Anime/Manga series. They are the property of Rumiko Takehashi. I wish I had her genius.

This story is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be used for profit in any way. It does however belong to me, even though most of the characters do not.

Summary: Okay, this Kilala under a curse idea is not original. Another wonderful story, I believe it is called "The Truth About Cats and Dogs," was the first (and so far only) time that I saw it, but I really liked it. Naturally, my spin on the whole idea is somewhat original, but I do want to give credit where it's due. This chapter shows you a little more of the original characters, and has actual dialogue. As I mentioned before, I will try to keep the characters as IC as possible, but please keep in mind that it is my interpretation of their characters, so if you don't agree, well write your own fic. No, seriously, I appreciate constructive criticism, so offer advice, if you feel it is necessary. Okay. Enough babble. Please enjoy.

Future Pairings: InuxKag, SanxMir, KogxAya, and there are others; you'll just have to wait and see. "Grin"

Chapter Two: An Invitation Extended

"Inuyasha, have you seen Kilala?"

"What?" Inuyasha returned from his night vigil, following the tempting smell of Kagome's ramen noodles, to meet the worried face of Sango, "Awww, she's probably just chasing mice in the woods somewhere. She'll be back. Hey, Kagome; that ramen mine?"

"Of course. I know how hungry you get after spending the night in a tree."

"Hey, someone needs to keep watch over you Humans."

"You're half-human too, Inuyasha. You need to sleep more."

"Yes, I agree with Kagome. If you would allow me, I would be glad to take a watch shift."

"No body's stopping you, Monk; you just fall asleep in the first five minutes."

"I am simply meditating; a long practiced Buddhist ritual."

"Yeah, and is snoring part of that ritual?"

"I'm hungry. When's my ramen going to be ready, Kagome?" The small kitsune piped in.

"Be patient, Shippo. You know when Inuyasha keeps watch all night, that he gets served first."

"But I'm a growing boy! How will I ever become a big strong warrior if I don't eat right?"

"You a warrior? That's a joke."

"Hey!"

"I suppose you're right about Kilala, Inuyasha." Sango wandered back towards the fire, though she did not look totally convinced. "It's just not like her not to be here when we wake up."

"Please do not worry, beautiful Sango. Kilala has always been quite capable of taking care of herself. Come and relax. I have made some tea."

"Oh, thank you, Miroku."

"My pleasure."

"Ahh! Hentai!" SLAP

"Hey! Stay away from my ramen, ya little twerp!"

"Ow! Kagomeeee!"

"Inuyasha! Si--" Kagome cut off her intended command. Inuyasha had sprung to his feet with a low growl, hand on Tetsusaiga's hilt. He had caught the presence of an enemy and he turned towards the woods, with a completely unconscious and graceful sweep of his head, which tossed his long, silver hair back towards his off-hand shoulder. Despite, the eminent danger, Kagome felt a silent and powerful thrill course through her young body. Did he have any idea how gorgeous he could be?

"Sesshomaru, you bastard! I know you're there! Come on out! What the Hell do you want?"

"You have improved, Little Brother. I did not have to enter your pitiful little camp before your Human-dulled senses were aware of me." The calm voice preceded the tall nobleman, as he stepped out of the woods and into the clearing that they had made camp in. His face was as expressionless as ever, but his one hand rested on the hilt of his sword and his posture was one of readiness, alert for the fight. Wait a minute! Was it just an illusion or was there an arm in his usual empty left sleeve?

"Hey, Bastard! Who did you steal an arm from this time? Another human? Or maybe it was a pig demon. It ain't gonna help ya get Tetsusaiga!"

Sesshomaru turned his golden glance to the strange left arm, almost as if noticing it for the first time. Gracefully he lifted the slenderly muscular limb and examined the fine, long-taloned hand. The sleeve of his haori, and it was the inner robe that he wore, fell away from the pale fore-arm revealing two slender purple slashes of color across the back of the hand. Inuyasha's eyes widened. "Wait a minute that's -- th--that's your... How the Hell did you..."

Sesshomaru turned back to his confused brother and a grim smile showed on the calm, handsome face. "You do well to remember, Little Brother, that I as a full-blooded Daiyoukai have a healing capacity that far outstrips your pathetic abilities. A missing arm may take longer, but it is never lost."

"Grrrrr! Don't get too overconfident yet, ya Jerk! I'll just chop it off again." He had already drawn Tetsusaiga and now he held it up, ready. "So come on, let's get on with it!"

Sesshomaru gave an exaggerated sigh. "As much as I would enjoy giving you another lesson in humiliation, Hanyo; my purpose in coming here was not to fight. I will be entertaining guests at my palace for the upcoming week and a half; one of those guests has requested your presence during that time. She is one all of you once knew as the Two-Tail kitten Kilala. It is up to you to accept her request."

"Kilala!" Sango gasped. Then her eyes narrowed and her fists clenched. "What have you done with her, Sesshomaru?"

He turned slowly towards her, almost as if it pained him to give her any notice at all. "I have done nothing, but my duty, Tajiya. The Lady Kirara /key-rahr-ah/ is a very important personage and I feel that she has lowered herself beyond all bounds to pledge herself to your lowly group. But the Neko No Yonshi were known for their instincts to greatness, so this Sesshomaru is willing to indulge her for now. Keep in mind that it would be an intolerable insult if you were to refuse her invitation." He reached his newly formed left hand into his robes, and more quickly than any of them could react, had tossed a fairly large pouch onto the ground near his temporarily stunned brother's feet. It landed with the audible clink of many coins, in the dust. "There is a wealthy village nearby, use these funds to commission some decent formal robes for the Kitsune kun and the Humans, particularly your foreign Miko. You, Little Brother will submit yourself to a full fitting when you return to the palace. You have four days. Do not be late." Then, before any of them could say another word, he had disappeared once again.

Okay, review time. I hope that there are at least some of you who are reading this, because I think you'll like it if you stick with it a little longer. Thanks for reading. DoS