This man is kind, Akita thought. Too kind.

"I'll be honest, I never thought anyone would travel through the well after Kagome disappeared twenty two years ago," Sota began. He sat across from Akita; though there were strange fluffy things that could be used for sitting, Akita preferred the safety of the ground.

"I don't really understand it myself," she replied, cautiously sipping her tea.

This place was strange. The walls were painted; there were images on the walls hat were so perfect, the painter's wages must've cost a fortune. It seemed like the sun had been captured, and a portion was tied to the ceiling above their heads. Even the tea she held was different - sweeter, and less bitter, with a hint of fruit she didn't recognize. She tried to focus on it; there was a painting of a woman with an uncanny resemblance to Akita, and it made her feel uncomfortable.

"So," Hitomi said cheerfully, "How is Kagome doing these days?"

Though she had only just met them, Akita felt terrible when she saw the anticipation in their faces. She looked down, her hands folded around the cup in her lap. "My mother...Kagome, died fifteen years ago. While giving birth to me."

Hitomi gasped, and Sota's expression hardened. "I see," he said quietly. "And what of InuYasha?"

"Who?"

"InuYasha?" he repeated, confused. "He must be your father - you have the same yellow eyes and dog ears."

Instinctively, Akita's hands lifted to cover her ears. She had forgotten that her handkerchief was gone. "I...did not know that was his name."

Sota's eyes narrowed. "Do you have any family left in that world?"

"Well," Akita began, fidgeting, "I live with Master Kohaku and his relatives. They treat me like family."

"I'm glad to hear you're being cared for," Sota said with a sigh. He turned to Hitomi. "Dear, will you leave us alone for a moment?"

"Of course," Hitomi answered as she rose to her feet. But she gave Akita a troubled look before she left the room.

"Now then," Sota began, cutting through the awkward tension. "I know this might sound strange, since you barely know me. But we are still family, and I believe the well brought you here because you needed us."

Akita looked up, startled. "What?"

"Many years ago, your mother and father frequently used the well to travel back and forth between my time and yours. Kagome lost that ability when she no longer held the power of the Sacred Jewel." Sota leaned back and ran his hand through his hair. "The Jewel of Four Souls granted her wish to travel in the end, I think. Maybe...you wished to escape so badly that it brought you here?"

"It wasn't that," Akita said in a whisper.

Her body was trembling. "Are you okay?" Sota asked.

She nodded. "Are you really my...family?"

"Of course!" Sota exclaimed before realizing. "Didn't I tell you? I'm Kagome's younger brother. That would make me...your uncle? Wow, that's kinda weird...but I've come to expect that where big sister is involved!" He laughed to himself.

Akita barely heard him. She smiled, but the tears still threatened to spill from her eyes, so she gripped her hands together tightly.

It was all as he said. The well allowed her passage through time because she truly had wished with all her heart...just not in the way he thought.

I want to be angry, but still I wish that someday I will...

"Have a family again," Akita whispered.

"What was that?"

All at once, Akita pressed her forehead to the ground. "Please!" she cried. "I'm begging you...let me live in this time, here with my family!"