Chapter Eight
the Tamagatchi clan plot

Sesshomaru. It was hard to believe a man of such power and grace stood there in the lonely hut. Inuyasha held Kagome in his arms, slightly tightening his grip on her arms. His older brother stood ageless as he was, the boa around his neck furrier than ever.

"Just who the hell are you?" Kazuya asked boldly. It was his sister Misao that hit him over the head, a skill learned from watching her mother and pervert of a father.

"I am the lord of the Western lands, Sesshomaru, child. Now…….I have come here to discuss certain matters with my," he sucked in a tight breath. "Younger brother."

"And what business would that be, Sesshomaru?"

"First of all, how are you doing miko?" It was the first time he had ever acknowledged Kagome as a person before. "Have any news that I should know about? Like the fact that you have appointed me an uncle?"

"How did you know?" Sango gasped, amazed. Sesshomaru sat down.

"Firstly, I must tell you of my doings since Naraku's death. I have become lord of the western lands that Father gave to me. Jaken and Rin run the fortress while I am away. Jaken is still the same as he ever was, but Rin…..she gave up her humanity with the help of an alchemist and became a dog demon. She is now my head commander if I am unable and my….mate."

The old companions were all thinking the same thing: finally!

"And so…..our days are normally quite boring and dull. But just recently, our new rivals came into our attention. It is a clan called the Tamagatchi, which are ruled by what is known as a chameleon demon. My knowing is that the demon murdered the head of the Tamagatchi clan and took his identity in turn. He has completely taken over the powerful clan and is plotting something very sinister indeed."

"Touching story…" Inuyasha snorted. "But what does your little history lesson have to do with the fact our daughter is missing?"

"Because ignorant brother, I heard that the Tamagatchi clan just recently accepted a young half-demon as the new member. She is about thirteen I think with black hair and hazel eyes and two white dog ears. It didn't take me long to put the obvious together."

"You mean you saw our daughter?" Kagome asked.

"Yes. But a few days ago, she had changed. Her hair was pure silver and cut short, and her half-human features were almost all gone. She was reverted to her demon heritage, with claws and a tattoo similar to mine on her forehead."

"Kids…I think you should go play outside," Sango said softly, shock overcoming her. Immediately she was attacked with protests.

"Akima's just as important to us!" Kazuya shouted.

"She needs us!" Misao shouted.

"Let us help Mama! We can help rescue her!" Ami pouted. Kensuke was shouting "Kima….Kima" over and over again. All that shouting overcame Miroku and he took charge.

"Children….this is not matters you should worry yourselves over. These people are doing something bad to Akima and if you were to meet them, I sincerely think that they will not hesitate to show restraint because you are children. They will kill you if they get the chance."

Ami, Kensuke, and Misao looked horror-stricken. Kazuya however looked up bravely from his siblings and looked the adults in the eye.

"In a few years, I too will be a man. And becoming a man also means showing responsibility for your actions and to others. I am willing to come and prove myself in battle. If you and Mama were gone, I'd have to become the man of the family."

"You are learning well, Kazuya. But though there is wisdom in your words, I cannot allow you to come into battle with us."

"But why Papa? I can handle myself good! I ran away for weeks at a time and I had to survive somehow. All kinds of people taught me how to defend myself, if the need arises. So please let me fight with you!"

"One day, there will be people counting on you kid," Inuyasha looked Kazuya in the eye. "And sometimes, being a man is taking care of those you love the most. That's why we need you here….watching your brother and sisters." "That's being weak! I want to be strong like you…..I want to fight!"

Shockingly, Inuyasha punched Kazuya in the stomach. He gasped and unconsciously fell to the hut floor. Inuyasha then carried his body to the bed and let him rest.

"Inuyasha….." Kagome whispered.

"Misao, watch your siblings until Kazuya awakes. I'm not sure how long we will be gone but if we do not return, Kazuya is the boss ok?" Miroku patted his eldest daughter's head. Misao nodded soundly.

"Yes, Papa."

Miroku and Sango hugged and kissed each of their children and nodded at Kagome, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru. The adults grabbed small necessary items and began to walk out of the village.

"Why are you helping us, Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked, gripping her bow in hand.

"Yeah, Sesshomaru. It does look pretty suspicious that you come out of the blue like this and give information about our daughter. What's the catch?" Inuyasha said gruffly.

"Simple. I assist you with rescuing your daughter and my neice, and you will help me eliminate the Tamagatchi clan. With them out of the way, the western lands will be most powerful once again."

"If those are the conditions, count us in then!" Inuyasha smirked. Sesshomaru nodded.

"I knew you couldn't resist a challenge….."

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As Akima slept slowly and peacefully in her room, a conversation was being held in the main room down the long and confusing corridor. It was of Lord Tamagatchi and Kaguya.

"Why do you keep Akima here, Master?" Kaguya complained. "She's nothing but a nuisance to me and the clan."

"Indeed she is stubborn and cocky and obnoxious, but she holds incredible power we would be foolish not to notice. She gives us a great advantage with her abilities. Akima is a born fighter. She yearns to kill something, and we cannot allow her abilities to go to waste."

"But……what about my needs? What if I feel that Akima is more bad than good? She is rebellious and obnoxious and if I have to put up with her disrespect one more day, I will….."

Kaguya was caught off guard when a hand coiled around her neck. She was gasping for air, and like a fish out of water. Lord Tamagatchi's dark eyes filled with pleasure of her suffering form.

"Know your place. Your parents were weak creatures, the only way they could ever live decent lives were to sell you off like they did. Remember that I know of your origins……and your weaknesses."

"Yes…..Master…." Kaguya said between pains. Lord Tamagatchi smirked triumphantly and threw Kaguya to the ground. She coughed loudly.

"Get out of my sight, you filthy Nightwalker!" Lord Tamagatchi cried. Kaguya obeyed and walked out of the room. At that moment, she realized her defeat.

There was no way she could win.