Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, Kagome, or the rest of the gang. Nor, do I own Enigma. I do own Jasmine, Corwyn, and 'Ace' however and none shall be used by another without consent, Gomen-nasai!

Author's note: I am trying to find out how to translate certain words (or word combinations) in to Japanese. One example is 'Blood Thorn'. If you know of a site where I can do this, please let me know, arigato gozaimasu!

"Inuyasha-sama, those of the order know magic that has been lost to this world. You must understand this. The wise one was the one who put the barrier shield on the Tetsusaiga. The very same spell that has helped you and Lady Kagome many times."

Taking a deep breath, he sighs, "How am I suppose to protect Kagome against magic like that."

Bowing his head the flea replies, "I know not."

Getting to the hut he walks in.

"Kaede-baba, Miroku, how does one defend against magic?" He sits down against the wall, legs and arms crossed. "According to Myouga-jiji he says we will be up against it in some form."

"Maybe Tetsusaiga barrier would be of some help," replies Miroku.

Kaede sights, "If Kagome could control her Miko abilities, it would be of great help. Inuyasha, take her bow and arrows with ye. They may come in handy."

Nodding he gets up and grabs them, "I better get going then. Kagome will be getting out of school shortly."

Myouga jumps off of his shoulder, "Remember what I said Inuyasha-sama."

His only reply is a simple "Feh," and heads off towards the well.

After the school bell rings, Kagome and her friends head out their regular spot under the tree for lunch. After setting down Yura and the others look at Kagome, unable to keep quite any longer.

"Ok girl, spill it. Who is her, how did you meet him, and are you seeing him??"

Kagome giggles, "I already told you his name. I met him almost 2 years ago. If I told you how I met him you wouldn't believe me. And he is a very good friend who has defended me more then once."

Yura nodded, "would explain it."

Arumi gasped, "What do you mean, 'we wouldn't believe you'?"

Sighing the Miko replied, "What if I told you these past two years I haven't really been sick?"

This brought another gasp from both Eri and Arumi, although Yura just nodded.

"It is true, actually. You know I live at a shrine. Well I have actually been learning to become a Miko." Kagome thinks, 'eh, close enough. They don't have to know exactly where it is I am training.'

"A Miko?" "Really?" asked Arumi and Eri. Yura kept quite but listened intently.

"Hai, Inuyasha is from where I have been training at. There has been a disturbance at our shrine and he is sort of my bodyguard in a way. He has protected me since the start so it was only natural that he would want to do so here too."

Yura couldn't keep quite any longer, "What type of disturbance?"

Kagome shrugged, "we don't know yet. Haven't been able to confront the person who had been sending out a strange aura."

Arumi asked, "Aren't you afraid? If it was me, I would be worried."

Kagome smiled, "Actually I have gotten use to battles. The rest of our group isn't here though, so I am a little worried."

This once again gets Arumi and Eri blurting out, "Gotten use to battles?" and "The rest of your group?"

Yura looks at Kagome, "Ok, start from the top. What exactly is going on girl? I know it started almost two years ago."

Sighing again she looks at them and whispers, "If I tell you, you must promise NOT to tell anyone."

Yura replied, "We have been friends for how long? You know you can trust us." With the others nodding.

Kagome smiled and nodded, "Hai, I know." So she began, "It all started on my 15th birthday, and Souta looking for Buyo in the old well house at the shrine…" and with that she told them everything. Getting dragged thru the well, finding Inuyasha pinned to a tree and releasing him, the Shikon no Tama coming out of her (and showing them the scar), meeting Shippou, Miroku, Sango, Kirara, Myouga, Kaede, and there reasons for battling Naraku. She talked about the Lord of the Western Lands, Inuyasha's brother and his battling him for their father's sword, and of a prince wolf youkai who declared Kagome as 'his woman' and drives Inuyasha up the wall. She also told them about a undead Miko who had bound the hanyou to a tree when their bonds of trust where broken by the evil Naraku and of her goal now to bring Inuyasha to hell with her.

During it all the girls listened, if a bit wide-eyed, to Kagome and her travels.

"So now you know everything," the young Miko concluded.

"You kill youkai with your purifying arrows?" asked a shocked Yura.

Smirking Kagome nodded, "Yup." Scratching her head she asks, "Do you have a rubber band?"

Arumi pulls her hair band out and hands it to her, "This is the closest thing I have."

Kagome looks at it and says, "I going to try it. I don't know if it will work, but the principal is the same." She puts it between her thumb and forefinger while grabbing her straw. Focusing her power like she does with her arrow, but not as strong, she lets go. The straw with a small purple trail hits the tree, burning a hole around the straw the size of about a half-dollar. "Ok, so that worked. I didn't put much power into it for obvious reasons, but you get the idea."

Yura snaps her fingers, "So it was HIM!"

Everyone turns and looks at her, as she blushes a bit. "I mean the guy you where talking about. The selfish, arrogant, annoying, two-timing, yadda-yadda-yadda guy, you where talking about Inuyasha."

Now it was Kagome's turn to blush, "Hai, I was." Giggling she continues, "We are always fighting. He can be a BIG pain sometime, and that day we got into a big fight. He tries to act all tuff, but he can be a real sweetie at times. He just doesn't like to show it. Plus with everything going on with Kikyou coming back from beyond, it sort of took a toll."

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" asked Eri.

"I didn't know how." She sighed, "Heck, I don't even believe my life at times."

From behind the girls a male voice calls out, "Higurashi".

Groaning lightly Kagome gets up and turns around, "Eh, Hojo-kun."

Standing before her he hands her a gift. "Here it is some scented soap to help with your skin."

Kagome decides that enough is enough, handing the 'gift' back to him she says, "I am sorry, I can't accept this. I have to be honest, I see you as a friend but I am not interested in a boyfriend."

Hojo looks at her puzzled, "I don't understand."

Kagome sighs, "Hojo-kun, you are a nice boy, but I am just not interested in you that way. I am sorry."

Giving the girl one last look he turns and walks away thinking, 'I will find a way to get her back.'

Kagome sits down growling. "Geeze, it is about time."

"You really love him don't you?" Arumi asks.

"Who?"

"Inuyasha you goof," replies a giggling Eri.

Sighing she puts her head down, "Hai. Kami help me I do. I am the ultimate fool, loosing my heart to someone who has promised to go to hell with another." A single tear falls down her cheek. 'Such a fool'

Yuri watches and replies, "No, you are not. You can't help what your heart decides. Besides, have you told him?"

Kagome shakes her head, "No, and I will not either. I will not come between them. It isn't right."

Eri replies, "but she's dead."

Arumi nods and adds, "and he died by her hand!"

She stares at her friends with tears in her eyes, "Listen, you didn't see the sadness in his eyes when he sees her. You never heard the sorrow in his voice." Tears flowing down her cheek she continues, "No, I will not try to interfere with that. What they had was stolen from them by a very evil being. I will not, can not compete or even try."

Wiping away the tears, "I know he thinks of me as a friend, for he has told me things he hasn't told anyone else. I told him that no matter what I would stand by his side till the end, whatever end that may be, and that is enough."

Yura sighs as she looks at her friend, "So it will truly be a one-sided love?"

A smile that reaches to her eyes she nods, "Hai, and that is ok. As long as I have his friendship, it is enough."

Suddenly the bell rings and the girls grab their things and head back inside. Yura watches Kagome and thinks, 'girl you are so hopeless. I wonder…'

Inuyasha had changed his clothes and was sitting watching the news on the T.V. when Mrs. Higurashi came in.

"How about some lunch dear?"

Nodding yes he turns off the T.V. and follows her into the kitchen.

"Did they have any information?" she asks while she starts making lunch.

Telling her about most of what happened over there while she continues making lunch, "I don't know how to truly keep her safe against magic," he sighs.

Looking over at the boy, who had his ears drooped and looking a bit lost, she says, "You will just have to do your best like you always do. No one can ask for more then that."

The hanyou looks at her and nods while thinking, 'I can't let anything happen to her, not now.'

Deciding to lighten up his mood she asks, "So you're a prince then?" Handing him a soda and some food she sits down with her own meal.

"Feh, I guess so. I don't remember much about my dad. What I do know about him came from Myouga-jiji."

"You said he was a pack leader. Sounds sort of like you," she comments looking at him.

Scratching his head he replies, "Myouga-jiji said the same thing. He said that other youkai are already calling our group a 'pack'."

"What do the others think about it?"

Blushing he answers, "I don't know. I haven't said anything yet. He just brought it up today, and I was trying to make sure I got back in time to get Kagome from school."

Nodding she says, "Well, I think you should."

Dropping his ears a bit he replies, "Feh, you and Myouga-jiji think to much alike. Besides, humans think differently than youkai, and they might not like the idea."

Noticing his reluctance she thinks, 'he doesn't want them to reject him. He really is lonely.' Deciding to help him out she replies, "Not really, we just use different terms. Look at it this way, Kagome thinks of your group as a family, right?"

Tilting his head he thinks about it and nods.

"Instead of the word family inu youkai use the word 'pack'." She watches him blush slightly as he looks down quickly at his food. 'Ok, what was that about? It has to deal with the pack.' She asks, "Ok, so from what I know about inu in general there is a pack leader, which would be you I take it." He nods as she continues, "So where would Kagome fit in, in your pack?"

Gulping his blush comes back full force, "Eh, um, err, she ah, she is the lead female. Since she and I formed the pack."

'Ah, so that's what that blush is about,' she smiles. Having seen enough nature/wildlife shows she decides to tease him just a bit. "Are not the lead female and male, um, what's the word…"

Quietly with his head down and his ears dropped completely he answers, "Mates, hai."

'I wonder exactly what that means in inu youkai terms,' she wonders and decides to ask it in a round about manner 'I don't think he realizes her true feelings, and I think he doesn't want to deal with her rejection. Not that there would be.' "Ah, I see. Are being mates like being married then?"

Looking up with a puzzled look he asks, "What is being 'married'?"

"Well, humans, when they find a person they want to spend the rest of their lives with, get married. That way it tells others that they belong to someone else."

Nodding the hanyou replies, "Inu's mate for life. They mark each other on the base of the neck. You remember how I said youkai go by scent on many things. Well, not all youkai mate for life. The mark enforces the fact that they belong to a life-mate."

"I see. Humans do it with a wedding ring. So it is sort of the same principal."

Looking at him she asks, "Do youkai marry or mark humans often?"

Scratching his ear he replies, "No, most of the time it is unheard of. Youkai and humans don't get along for the most part, and hanyou's are usually hunted down and killed. Besides, humans don't live as long as youkai do."

Sitting back in her chair she asks, "How long do youkai live?"

Smirking slightly, "as long as they don't get killed, centuries."

She gasps, "Kami, that is a long time. What about hanyou's?"

Another puzzled look crosses his face as he replies, "To be honest, I don't know. Most are killed. Myouga-jiji said they might live as long as youkai, but none have ever died of old age that he knows of."

Stunned at this she asks, "My, well then how old are you?"

Sheepishly he replies, "well, if you don't count the time I was pinned to the tree, I am 18 almost 19."

'He is the almost same age as Kagome, but he has been through so much in such a short time.' Smiling she says, "My you have accomplished a lot for someone your age."

"Myouga-jiji said the same thing, actually."

Gathering up the dishes she asks, "So what are you going to do? Are you still going to go thru with your promise to Kikyou? What of your pack?"

Sighing his ears droop as he replies, "No, I came to the conclusion last night that Kikyou saw me as a means to an end." But his ears perk up slightly when he adds, "Besides the pack comes first."

Nodding she says, "Spoken like a true leader. So what made you realize this about Kikyou though if you don't mind me asking?"

Leaning back in his chair, "I was thinking about the friendship the pack has given me, and how they have acted towards me. Kikyou would never do such a thing. She always said to wait till I became human. The pack doesn't care that I am a hanyou though." Head dropped to the point where his eyes are hidden under his bangs he continues in a softer voice, "Kikyou would have never defended me to that village as Kagome did, either."

Smiling she watches him as he admits that last statement. "Inuyasha I am glad to see you thinking things thru. A pack leader should do so. But I am glad to see you find true friendship in the world. Your friends will stick by you no matter what. You all trust one another, know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and rely on one another. That makes not just for a strong friendship, but a strong pack too."

Thinking about what she just said he nods, "Hai, I guess you are right."

Looking sternly at him she adds, "So, are you going to let the others know soon correct?"

Glancing up at her she can see the slight panic in his eyes, "Feh, do they really need to know." His ears once again being to drop slightly, "They may not like it."

'He fears them rejecting this. For as much of a loner front he puts up, he fears loosing that which he has struggled to gain so far.' Her eyes softening towards him she can't help but feel for him, "Inuyasha, dear. You all have been a group for how long now? You do them a dishonor by assuming they would reject you or the idea of them being a pack. Humans feel the need to belong just as much as Inu Youkai do. We bond the same way. They have acted like a pack for how long now? Did you ever think that maybe your acceptance of them as your pack means just as much to them as it would to you?"

The shocked look on the hanyou's face told her he had in fact not thought about it that way. Deciding to press the issue a bit further she adds, "Have you told Kagome about your decision about Kikyou?"

Shacking his head, "No, I have not."

Smirking slightly she nods, "I think you should. I think there are more then a few things you two should talk about. The pack, Shippou and the mark, and of Kikyou." Sighing she adds, "You have to understand, she is human, and may not understand some things a youkai would know. If she did I believe she would have already 'marked' Shippou. She thinks of him as her adopted son, and has said as much already."

"Feh, I guess you are right."

"It is only fair, not only for her, but to Shippou as well. He may not understand why she hasn't done so already." Smiling she gives the hanyou a motherly look as she adds, "Also, I know you care deeply for Kagome. I just ask that if you two do become mates, that you allow us to have a wedding here too. That way other humans know she is taken." Winking at him while he blushes and drops his head to hid his face with his hair she continues, "Since human noses aren't as good as youkai, that is."

Shocked beyond speaking he thinks, 's-s-she is giving me permission to mate her daugher?!?' Shaking his head he replies in a quite voice with his head still lowered, "She is just a good friend. She wouldn't want to me mates with a lowly hanyou."

Rolling her eyes and groaning inwardly at disbelief she says, "Inuyasha, you can't really believe that can you? If you two would talk about things more I think you might realize exactly what she thinks of you. Yes I think you are long over due for a good heart to heart chat."

Looking at the clock on the wall she notices the time, "Come on, it is almost time for those two to get out of school. We can walk to the mall from there."

Nodding he gets up and goes to get ready to go get Kagome.

Kagome gathered up her books as her friends joined her.

Arumi smiles as she casually asks, "So what are you doing this afternoon?"

"Mama and I are taking the boys to the mall. We have to get some clothes for Inuyasha."

Giggling Eri tips her head to the side, "Sound like fun. Besides, he is just too cute. I know I wouldn't mind in the slightest."

Yura looked at Kagome and smiled, "Can we go with you? I know I don't have any plans for this afternoon, and besides we hardly get to see you anymore."

The other girls quickly nodded their agreement to this idea.

"Well, I think I will have to ask Inuyasha what he thinks, but I don't see why not. But PLEASE do not pester him too much. He doesn't like it and will let you know it too. He grew up alone, for the most part, so sometimes his language is a bit, um, shall we say harsh."

Yura smirked at this, "Heh, I think I might just like him. He tells you like it is and in no way sugar coats it. Yup, I think I am going to like him."

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Yeah, well the surest way to tick him off to no end is to touch his ears." Smirking inwardly, 'Well, not really but I am the only one who touches them! Eck! Did I just… Aw, heck, it is true.'

"Are they really like dog ears?" asks Eri.

Giggling Kagome answers, "Well he is a Inu Youkai, even if he is just half." Walking out of the room they head out, "Although his half-brother who is full youkai has pointed ears. Almost like an elf. It seems that full youkai have elf like ears if they have a human form."

Arumi gets a glazed look in her eye, "Do they look alike?"

Looking over at the girl she knows exactly what she is thinking about. Deciding to nip it in the bud she says, "Sort of. They both have hair that is almost similar in color, as well as their eyes, but shade of both are just slightly different. They are both very powerful but both with the lighter build then heavily muscular. But were Inuyasha will let you know with scowls and such exactly how he feels, Sesshomaru is very aristocratic and shows no emotion at all. He doesn't like humans at all, and because of this he doesn't like Inuyasha at all, to the point of trying to kill him. He has even tried to kill me a few times, but I think his 'attitude' towards humans may be changing slightly though. He has a small human girl who has been following him around that he also protects." Giggling as she remembers Rin she adds, "Although I think he would rather be killed 100 times over before admitting to the fact that he has any sort of feelings for the little girl."

Going outside they see Mrs. Higurashi, Inuyasha, and Souta waiting for Kagome. The girls wave to Kagome's mother as they hurry over to them. Kagome speaks up, "Would you mind if the girls join us today?" Whispering, knowing that Inuyasha would be able to hear her she adds, "I have told them everything. It was time they knew the full truth."

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "Well, I am glad Kagome explained everything to you. This way she has someone to talk to over here other then her family."

Kagome shyly over to Inuyasha, "Is it ok if they come with us? They don't get to see me much anymore."

Casting a quick glance over towards the 3 girls then back to Kagome who had a hopeful look in her eye he quickly answers, "Feh, whatever."

Smiling warmly at him she replies, "Thank you Inuyasha." Then turning to her friends, "Come on, we can grab an ice-cream cone too."

Walking down the sidewalk with the hanyou, Kagome talks with the girls. The girls asking different questions that they didn't get to ask during lunch.

Yura looks at Kagome and proceeds to ask about the other members of the group that Kagome mentioned earlier. "So what are the other members of your group like?"

Kagome giggles, "I will show you pictures of them later. Shippou-chan is a cute little kitsune who lost both his parents and we sort of adopted him. Sango-sama is like a sister to me. Her village was destroyed by an evil scheme of Naraku's. And Miroku is a houshi with a curse on his hand, also created by Naraku, which has been passed down through the generations and um…"

Inuyasha snorts, "Is a lecherous bouzu," crossing his arms and looking a bit peeved.

Smiling even more Kagome continues, "Well, it is true, but he likes Sango, and I know she likes him. But they won't admit it. Myouga-jichan, Inuyasha's retainer, is a coward and runs at the first sign of trouble. Kaede-sama is a very knowledgeable in healing and other Miko things."

Eri gasps and looks over at the hanyou who looks a bit peeved at the whole question and answer session. "You have a retainer?"

"Feh, if you would call him that." He scowls, "Like she said," pointing at Kagome, "He runs when there is danger. And in my life it is almost every day."

The girls still look puzzled at Inuyasha and Kagome explains further, "Inuyasha's father was a Taiyoukai who ruled the Kyushu area."

Arumi giggled as she asked him, "You're a prince?"

Getting totally annoyed with the conversation he just simple replies, "Feh."

Souta turns around at this, "Wow Inu-no-oniichan, I didn't know that!"

Trying to suppress her giggles Kagome she replies, "Because he doesn't care. It would put him in the same league as Sesshomaru and I know he wouldn't want that."

Scowling he snorts again, "Da- err, Darn right." Looking quickly over to Mrs. Higurashi who nods at him with a faint smile on her lips.

Kagome notices this and leans over to him when she notices Souta turn away. Whispering for his ears only she states, "I see mama asked you to watch your language around Souta."

Nodding he answers, "yeah, not like I could argue with her."

Smiling at him she can't help but tease, "Nope, many have tried. All have failed."

Looking quickly over at Kagome's mother he simply replies, "I can believe that."

Getting to the mall they all walk in. Inuyasha looks around taking in all sights, sounds, and activities. He is surprised at not only the size of the indoor marketplace but also the amount of everything, including the people. Not being able to look everywhere at once he stops walking and glances at some of the display windows. Kagome looks over and notices that he is no longer next to her. Looking back she sees him with a puzzled look on his face as he tries to take in a bit of everything. Smiling warmly at him she walks back, "you alright?"

Eyes wide with a slight bit of panic he looks down at her, "I haven't seen anything like this place. There is just so many different sights, and sounds."

Putting his hand in hers she replies, "Yes, but I am here with you, so you are not alone."

Curling his fingers around hers he nods and they head off towards the others who have walked into a department store.

Mrs. Higurashi, Kagome, Inuyasha, and Souta head to the men's section, as Kagome's friends head towards the girls section. After having Inuyasha try on a few things they pick out a few outfits for him. Once that was done they went and picked out some shoes. One pair of sneakers with Velcro (easier to handle then shoelaces for someone with claws as Mrs. Higurashi pointed out), and one pair of military style combat boots that he seemed to really like.

After the things where picked out Mrs. Higurashi told Kagome and Inuyasha to go find her friends and meet them at the front of the store while she picked up a few other things and paid for them. Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's arm and wandered over to find her friends.

Yura seeing the pair come over smiles and waves at them. Eri and Arumi looking over some dresses shake their head and look up smiling as well.

Kagome coming up to Yura and asks, "Did you find anything you like?"

Shaking her head she replies, "No, actually. How long are you guys staying in this time? Cause this Friday there is a party at a new club that we could hit for fun. The club is sixteen and up so it is perfect for us. We were trying to find some new outfits for it, but the trouble is the club is sort of a goth style theme."

Kagome looks over at the hanyou who seems a bit lost in the whole conversation. Giving him a smile she turns back to her friends, "Well, you remember how I told you about a certain problem at the shrine. I think we want to get that all figured out before we continue on our quest."

Arumi smiled and thought of something her sister told her earlier this week. "Oi, guys. Sis told me of a Hot Topic that just opened up in the mall. If anyone would have the perfect goth club gear, it would be them."

The girls quickly agreed and wandered to the front of the store. After meeting up with Kagome's mother and brother, Kagome comments, "The girls need to get some outfits for a club opening and are headed to Hot Topic."

Mrs. Higurashi smiles at her daughter and Inuyasha, "Sounds like fun, why don't you and Inuyasha think about going? I have to take Souta to pick up a few more items for him. We will meet you at the ice-cream café." Reaching into her handbag she pulls out a credit card and hands it to Kagome. "Here incase you find anything that either of you like."

Kagome looks down at it and notices it has her name on it then looks back up questioningly towards her mother, "Nani?"

Winking back at her daughter she says, "I'll explain later," and turns towards Souta and with a simple, "come one Souta," walks away to finish her shopping.

Kagome looks over at Inuyasha and grins where as Inuyasha looks down at the plastic card and wonders aloud, "What's that for?"

Eri giggles but replies, "It is called a credit card. Most people use them in replace of cash so they don't get attacked for caring cash around on them."

Inuyasha raises an eyebrow questioningly. He can't see how a small piece of plastic could be replaced for cash, but he figured he would just ask Kagome more about it later. So with a simple shrug of his shoulders he decides to focus more on the pressing issue brought up earlier, "Oi, what's this about a club?"

Yura answers as they head through the crowded mall, "A club is a place where people get together to have a good time. There is music, dancing, and just general fun stuff. They have an age limit to keep out kids of a certain age so that way older people can get together without the kids bothering them."

Arumi chirps in, "The club we are going to is just opening, and we need to get new outfits for it because it is a gothic themed club."

Scratching his head he looks down at Kagome to ask her, "What's 'got-hic'?"

Rubbing her chin she ponders a bit before answering. Finally sighing she replies, "It is a style of clothing and attitude, to put it simply, but when you get to the store you will understand it better."

Puzzled still he just shrugs his shoulders. Walking into the store though he begins to see the difference. Loud music, odd cloths, weird items, not to mention the way some of the people there are dressed makes the hanyou wonder about this 'got-hic' thing.

The girls wander off leaving Kagome and Inuyasha alone to check out the store. Kagome grabs Inuyasha's arm as she asks, "well, how about it. Want to check out the club, "with a big grin on her lips.

Raising an eyebrow he just replies simply with a "Feh."

Chuckling she says replies, "Well, anyways, let's see if there is anything here you might like."

Wandering around looking at the men's shirts, Kagome bumps into someone. Turning around quickly she says, "Ah, sorry about that. I wasn't looking where I was going."

There in front of her stands a girl, who looks to be about 18, with striking violet eyes that are shaped with what looks almost like eyeliner to resemble cat eyes. She is a head taller then Kagome with dark burgundy hair, with two black strips on either side of her face that has been braided, that fall half-way down her back. Wearing a deep purple long sleeve shirt and black leather mini-skirt with boots that go halfway up her calf leg.

"No big, it is crowded in here, so don't worry about it." The woman smiles and for an instant Kagome thought she saw fangs. "My name is Jasmine, by the way," and she sticks out her hand in an American style greetings.

Inuyasha suddenly scowls, 'it's the same scent as before.'

Kagome doesn't notice the hanyou's sudden scowl as she takes the girls hand. "My name is Kagome and this here is Inuyasha. We where looking for something for a club opening this Friday."

Nodding Jasmine smiles, "Ah, you mean 'The Basemen'? Yeah, I am going too. I miss the clubs back home, so I couldn't pass up going to this one."

"Where is that?" Kagome asks.

"America, I came to Japan to do some personal stuff. I like it here so far, but it is a big difference from America. Well I better be going. I hope to see you Friday." And with that she waves and walks away.

Growling now Kagome turns and looks at him. "What's wrong Inuyasha?"

Narrowing his eyes before he turns to look at the young Miko he answers, "It's her. That bitch scent is the one hanging around the shrine." He looks back to see if he can see where Jasmine has walked off to but she had seemed to disappear in the crowd.

Looking where she walked off too Kagome says, "Well it seems we should check out this club after all."

Nodding he looks down at her "Looks like you are right."

Going back to the clothes Kagome sighs, "Well, we can't go with anything I have or anything we picked out for you, so lets get you and me an outfit that will at least blend in."

Grabbing a shirt that Inuyasha notices had caught Kagome's eye earlier he decides to go with that one. It is black with a white dragon and long sleeves but the sleeves are cut up the side but tied together with black straps. "This one will be fine," he says.

"It will go good with the black jeans, combat boots, and leather coat." Kagome smiles, "But we need to get some accessories. Let's grab my cloths first."

Nodding he follows her as she starts looking. Kagome's friends are still picking things out. Coming across a sweade leather mini-shorts that she likes she grabs them. Looking around she finds a dark green shirt, with long sleeves, that wouldn't even think of covering her belly.

Arumi grins, "That shirt would be great if you have your belly button pierced."

Inuyasha cocks an eyebrow at the girl, "Nani?"

Full out laughing she replies, "Yura, show him."

Yura lifts up her shirt slightly and shows off a small gold loop attached to her belly button, as the hanyou blushes from this sudden showing.

Kagome on the other hand gasps and asks, "Yura, when did you do that?"

"Oh, about two months ago."

Kagome shakes her head, "Um, no thanks. I don't think I could do that."

Eri grins and replies, "Well how about a belly chain then instead?"

Kagome brightens, "Yes, that would be perfect!"

Inuyasha can't help but ask, "Why did you piece your belly button?"

Laughing the girl replies, "Cause I could. Besides it would drive my family nuts if they found out."

Shaking his head and not quite understanding the whole thing gets dragged off by Kagome in search of something called 'ac-ces-sor-ies'. Kagome looks around and comes across a small silver chain. "This will work great," smiling she thinks, 'I can get a silver dog charm to put on it to add a special touch.' Looking around she finds a belt with flat silver studs on it and grabs it to finish up Inuyasha's outfit. The other girls wander around a bit more to find stuff for them, and while they do so Kagome comes across a think leather collar with spikes. Trying hard not to laugh, of course she fails terribly at the sudden thought, 'A inu hanyou wearing a collar! Oh, Kami! He would never go for it, but damn that is funny!'

Seeing Kagome trying to hold back the laughter he asks, "Oi, wench. What is so damn funny?"

Shaking her head she replies, "Nothing really, I just thought of something funny."

Giving her a hard look, "nani?"

'Got to think of something quick,' she answers, "I was thinking about getting you a necklace but thought that you might not like it cause of the, um, last necklace you got."

Scowling he growls at her, "Fuck no, there is no fucking way you will put another damn spell on me."

Shaking her head she sighs, "Inuyasha, these have no spells on them. They are just for looks."

Seeing the scowl still on his face she doesn't press the issue. Looking around some more she comes across some body glitter in green and grabs it as an afterthought. Finding some leather gloves with the fingers removed she has him try them on to find a pair that fits. Finally they head off to pay for all their items. Her friends soon join them and they head off to get some ice cream. On their way they hear a male voice call out, "Higurashi."

Hearing Kagome groan softly Inuyasha watches the boy approach her. He doesn't know why but he senses the fact that Kagome isn't happy with whoever this human was.

"Hello Hojo-kun. What are you doing here?" she smiles as she inwardly tells him to go away.

He looks quickly at Inuyasha before turning back to her, "I am doing some shopping. I heard there was a new club opening up."

"The Basement? Yeah I head."

Taken back a bit the boy quickly recovers, "Are you going?"

"Hai, Inuyasha, the girls, and I are going. We just picked up a few things for it." She says while inching closer to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha notices this and wonders exactly what is going on. Deciding to help her get away from him he says, "Kagome, isn't your mother waiting for us?"

At this Hojo looks up at the boy with white hair again, 'he is calling her Kagome?' He frowns while asking, "You must be Inuyasha then? How do you know Higurashi? You seem very familiar with her?"

Scowling he answers, "Yes, I am. Not that it is any of your business. I have known her for some time now, and what is it to you what I call her?"

Hojo at this back peddles a bit, "I have a right to know. She is my girlfriend after all."

'Like hell,' Kagome scowls getting very angry at this moment.

Inuyasha, smelling her anger, growls as he steps in-between Hojo and Kagome.

Hearing him growl and knowing his temper Kagome quickly says, "Hojo-kun, I am sorry but as I told you before, I am not interested in you that way. It wouldn't work between us."

Hojo on the other hand doesn't seem to hear her. Instead he is looking at Inuyasha, 'is he growling?' Smirking slightly Hojo just turns and tosses over his shoulder as he walks away, "we will see." Not noticing a certain hanyou flexing his fingers and cracking his knuckles while he does so.

Putting a hand on Inuyasha's arm she says, "let him go Inuyasha. He isn't worth it."

"Feh," still scowling he crosses his arms and looks at the young Miko, "Oi, what's a girl-friend anyways?"

Kagome blushes as red as a tomato, as her friends laugh at his question, trying not to get any redder she replies, "When someone is together with someone else, trying to find out if they are a good match to become married, or mated as I think Kouga put it, they are boyfriend and girlfriend." Looking at the girls she continues as Inuyasha watches her, "About two years ago it seems somehow I ended up going out on a date with him. The first one was a total disaster because I was so worried about you that I basically ran out in the middle of it. It was after that time you shoved me down the well and stole the shards. The other date was not any better."

Arumi can't help but add, "I am kind of surprised he didn't just give up after awhile."

Laughing Yura puts in her observation; "he doesn't strike me as being smart enough to figure it out."

Groaning Kagome grabs his arm and says, "Enough about it. Lets get some ice cream!"

As they head off to meet up with Kagome's mother Inuyasha thinks, 'I don't know about this dating, but I don't like it. I have a feeling this Hobo person will be trouble.' Glancing at Kagome he can't help but smile, 'she was thinking about me while she was with him on this 'date' and she told him she wasn't interested in him either? Yeah, there is no way I am going to let him take her away from me.'

~ TBC ~