Chapter Seven
the tale of two worlds

Kagome calmly sipped her cup of tea as she sat in the well-made hut. Inuyasha closely watched her drink the hot tea in such a familiar, yet new way. It wasn't until today that he realized how much he had missed her.

"Well, remember that one time we made love, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked calmly, looking up at him. His mind immediately went back to that day, when he finally showed Kagome how he really felt.

"How could I forget something like that?" he said stiffly. Kagome smirked quietly, which made Inuyasha's heart leap with inner joy.

"Well it was that night that you got me pregnant with our daughter Akima. I'm not sure where she has gone, but something tells me that she is somewhere in the Feudal Era. Is that true, have you seen her?"

"Yes, I have. She was here yesterday…..but….." Inuyasha's voice dropped as the memory of his kidnapped daughter rose to mind. The thought of what Akima could have become by now was nerve-wracking.

"What happened to my daughter?" Kagome said tensely.

"Hello there," came Sango's cheerful voice at precisely the wrong moment. She went over to Kagome and gave her a big welcoming kiss on the cheek and a sisterly hug crushing her ribcage almost.

"It's so good to see you again, Kagome. I've missed you so…" she said through happy tears.

"I've missed you too Sango. But me and Inuyasha have business that needs to be discussed…..can you give us a few minutes of privacy?"

Sango didn't need to be asked twice. She saw the icy seriousness in her old friend's eyes and voice and slowly released her. She gave Inuyasha a warning look and then left the hut outside. Kagome turned back to Inuyasha.

"Now answer the question Inuyasha: what happened to Akima Higurashi?" Kagome repeated.

"She got real upset after she found out I was her father. Later that night, some witch came and kidnapped her. I haven't seen her since."

"Are you trying to tell me that my daughter is somewhere in these lands, by herself? Do you realize how dangerous this place is, even to a thirteen-year-old half-demon? Or is your head too filled with pride to even notice this fact?"

"Look you! Akima is my daughter too, dammit! Stop acting all high and mighty and get it together. Akima is in trouble, that's the most important thing. We need to stop whatever feud we have and think of a plan to stop that woman from hurting our daughter."

"Aren't we the preacher?"

"What happened to you, Kagome? Before you weren't so bitter and cold, but you've……you've changed over the years. A change I'm not sure I like."

"Inuyasha," Kagome said, her voice rising. "Do you have any idea the kind of pain you made me go through since that day? Whenever your name came up anywhere, I would just burst into tears and depression. You know why? Because I couldn't remember all the good things that happened between us. Just that day when you abandoned me without a second thought. I thought you said you loved me, Inuyasha. Was all that a lie too?"

She was sobbing now. The words that had ran through her mind all these years were finally coming out into the world. Inuyasha saw the pain he had caused this woman for so long…..too long. He quietly walked to her and brought her sobbing body to a passionate embrace. "I never….I never meant for you to be hurt like this Kagome. Believe me. I thought that…..after that night…….would you really want to stay with me? Even in these times where people fear me and think I am taboo to this world after all? Would you stay even if there are people that don't understand our love for each other? Would you be willing to give all that up just to be with me?"

Shockingly, Kagome looked up. Her face looked so beautiful….more than beautiful…..with the tears clinging to her eyes and her cheeks pink and rosy. She stood on her tiptoes and ever so softly, she kissed Inuyasha.

"But….why?"

Kagome chuckled softly. "Don't you get it yet? It doesn't matter what other people think…..all that matters is that we love each other. I am willing to give up everything just to be with you….I'd die for you if I had to. Don't you see……life without you is a life that isn't worth living."

In Kagome's speech, Inuyasha heard the words that rang true in his heart and soul. This incredibly loyal woman was willing to give up everything just to stay by his side. That my friends, is loyalty and love.

"Kagome…..I love you."

"I love you too, Inuyasha." And they kissed once again, a kiss of renewal and passion. Kagome felt Inuyasha's hands slide down to her waist and her arms wrapped around his neck. They stood timeless in the middle of the hut, until someone coughed quite loudly in the background.

"Ew! Mommy Daddy, those guys were kissing each other!" cried Ami. She fell into a fit of giggles as Sango and Miroku stood in the doorway with knowing looks on their faces.

"Calm down shrimp," said Kazuya gruffly, rolling his eyes at his sister. She continued to laugh happily as her other sister Misao came in, carrying Kensuke in her arms.

"So…..what now?" asked Inuyasha.

"I'm taking a chance as to saying you two kissed and made up?" Sango asked with a raised eyebrow. Kagome blushed softly and nodded.

"Well that all fine and dandy. But someone is here to talk to you guys personally. "

"Who is that?" Inuyasha asked curiously.

"Me." And to everyone's surprise, the lord of the western lands walked into the hut in all his grace and beauty.

"Long time since our last encounter, hmm little brother?" Sesshomaru asked, a faint smile playing on his serious face.

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"What have you done to me exactly?" Akima asked impatiently.

"You are in your full demon form, half-breed. It's a strict transformation that can bring any half-demon to his full power. It's just like your father, only your full form is much than his is."

It had been almost a whole week since Akima was kidnapped and brought to the Tamagatchi Clan. Kaguya hated to admit it, but the half-demon had tremendous potential. She was advancing at an alarming speed, and she was most masterful in close combat. Her claws were indeed her greatest asset, and her speed was getting faster and faster with each day that they trained together. It was only a matter of time until Akima was ready for the ultimate task.

"You are doing quite well, half-demon," Kaguya said stiffly. Akima smirked.

"As usual, you mean?"

Over their training sessions, Akima's claws grew sharp and deadly. She had gotten rid of those smelly human clothes and had adapted to wearing a kimono of fine periwinkle silk. It fit comfortably around her body and was very ideal for combat. She had also gotten more sarcastic and arrogant with each level that she breezed by.

"You ungrateful little…."

"That is quite enough Kaguya," came a powerful voice that the two knew all too well. Lord Tamagatchi came from the other room, looking as important and stotic as ever. Kaguya bowed low out of respect, but in her head she thought of nothing but favoritism and jealousy toward the girl she was forced to protect and mentor.

"You are doing very well Akima. Any clan would have a very good advantage if they had you," he said gaily. "You are almost done with all of the training and we can begin the real battle soon. Are you ready?"

"Yes, Master," Akima said immediately.

"Good girl. Keep up the good work."

Lord Tamagatchi left the room again, an evil smile forming on his face. "The plan is going perfectly," he said to no one in particular. "Soon that Inuyasha will meet his downfall in the hands of his own daughter."

To Be Continued………