InuYasha Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ The Heirs Apparent ❯ The Barrier Between this World and the Next ( Chapter 7 )

 

 

Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I do not own the characters of Bleach, Tite Kubo does. No money is made on my part. All OCs are mine.

 

 

Mounting Problems

 

Ayana was standing at the airport and she was dressed to the hilt. Her black hair was pulled back, exposing her long neck and heart shaped face. She had sunglasses on and she waited on the private chartered jet to unload. A man of startling beauty stepped down the terminal and Ayana was impressed. Karu followed and he hugged her tightly when he came up to her.

 

“Little sister. How is Mizuki?” he asked.

 

“She removed herself to Soul Society Karu. The Bount was in the penthouse.” She muttered under her breath.

 

“What?” he snapped.

 

“Hai. The shinigami felt it prudent that she stay there till she regains her strength. I suggested she move to one of the other buildings and your things have been brought to the Penthouse in the Minato district.” Ayana stated.

 

“Is there a problem Miss Yamasaki?” Danning asked.

 

“No Mister Danning. We were discussing my sister.” She said tightly.

 

“I would love to see Miss Orlovich. Where is she now?” Trevor asked.

 

“She had surgery recently Mister Danning. She is in the country recouping but she will be available later in the week.

 

“Too bad! I was so looking forward to actually meeting her. Does she ever wear formal Japanese attire?” he inquired.

 

“There is very few occasions for such. This way please Mister Danning.” She said tightly.

 

Karu was not pleased and in fact was downright furious. His mate was not even on this plane and his home had been violated.

 

“Did the Bount confront her?” he asked suddenly.

 

“I do not think so Karu. She was found sprawled out on the foyer floor.” She said in funnel.

 

Karu was visibly upset and he growled softly.

 

“I want Bihua in Tokyo by the end of the night!” he snapped.

 

“As you wish. I can ask Hikari if she would be so kind as to bring me to Mizuki and see if she will at least meet with the American.” She said.

 

“Please.” He said sighing.

 

Ayana looked around and she produced a shoki cloud and stepped in. Danning watched with interest and waited for the fireworks to begin.

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Mizuki listened carefully and she nodded. Ayana went with their wraith sister and she stood up and went to Byakuya's closets. He had given her space for some of her own clothing. Pretty much all of Soul Society knew that they were a couple here. Byakuya had only mentioned marriage ten or so times. She kept putting him off and he grew rather angry when she did. She dressed slowly and she realized that Kariya had managed to inflict very serious damage to her. She was dressing in business attire when Byakuya came in. He immediately came over and helped her into her jacket. It plunged and was fitted. She wore nothing underneath and he stared at her.

 

“We are not married Byakuya.” She snapped.

 

“I have offered to remedy that!” he snapped in return.

 

“I know this individual and I have to be daring. Do you understand?” she asked.

 

He held the back of her neck and pulled her forward. Her lips were inches from his.

 

“Marry me. Marry me here in Soul Society.” He demanded.

 

“Byakuya! Not now okay? We have known each other barely six weeks.” Mizuki sighed.

 

“Enough time for you to be my lover and live as my spouse!” he snapped.

 

“I am mated to Karu!” she yelled.

 

“Who cannot step foot here. You and your siblings are different. We will discuss it later then.” He said in a cold tone.

 

She sighed and then reached for her trousers. She pulled them on and he again noticed her undergarments. He reached for a brush and quickly pulled her hair into an intricate knot at the nape of her neck. He put priceless combs into the knot to hold it into place.

 

“Byakuya! I cannot wear those! They belonged to Hisana.” She said horrified.

 

“They belong to my wife. They are passed down to the Kuchiki lady.” He said as he left the room.

 

She stared at the mirror and she looked very daring. The swell of her breasts could be seen underneath the chocolate colored jacket. She concentrated and she ported to the seaside resort that used to be the Kyoto palace. She put a smile on her face and she had a thin bamboo cane to help keep her steady. Karu was immediately by her side and he looked her over.

 

“Did that beast touch you?” he demanded.

 

“No. I managed to thwart him. Karu. Calm yourself. I am fine my heart. The only reason I was removed is because the shinigami do not want him trying to get my yoki. Mister Danning!” She called when she saw the American youkai enter the scene.

 

“About time I met you in the flesh Miss Orlovich and some flesh.” Trevor said perusing her body.

 

“You know that Karu is my husband.” She said immediately.

 

“I had heard that. Let us have a drink shall we.” He said but it came out as a command.

 

“Karu, your chichi is in Sendai and wants to see you. I shall be fine for an hour or two.” She said firmly.

 

“Hai. If he makes a pass at you then I will strangle the feline bastard.” He said in funnel.

 

She nodded and she moved slowly to sit down. Trevor sat across from her and he smiled widely.

 

“They did not exaggerate your looks. They said you had a killer body.” He said leering.

 

“We are here to discuss my buy out offer Mister Danning and nothing more.” She said coldly.

 

“Oh, I came to play Mizuki. May I call you Mizuki?” he asked arrogantly.

 

“You may call me Miss Orlovich.” She said narrowing her eyes.

 

“Well then. You have been at this for months and I have not folded yet. God what you must look like bent over a chair.” He said smirking.

 

“I find your words offensive sir. I am not entirely well at the moment but I will not be insulted in my family's home!” She snapped.

 

“After all our talks. You seem so much livelier on the phone. You must have been drunk a few times.” He said smirking.

 

Mizuki pulled herself up and began to walk away. Danning jumped up and followed her. He grabbed her and she hissed in anger. He pushed her up against a wall and her eyes bled red.

 

“I am a predator Mizuki. I am one of the strongest in the Americas and frankly it will be me buying out your interests. You are a cock tease you know.” He said in her ear.

 

“How pray tell did you get that idea from our conversations?” she demanded.

 

“Come my dear. Your outfit? You will have pink nipples I think.” He said opening the jacket wide.

 

She growled in fury and shoved at him. His fingers rolled one nipple and he smiled.

 

“Yes, they are pink. I will see you in the morning at the meeting. Please make sure to wear something more revealing. I can see why you made it to the top.” He said grinning like a fool.

 

She slapped him hard and ported away suddenly. She was fuming and knew him to be an ass but she would not tolerate him. She knew if her mother was still alive then she would tear the bastard limb from limb. She went to the Western Palace and went to the huge common room. As the times had changed, her jii-chan had changed with it. The palace had been retrofitted with electricity and plumbing. Her jii-chan still wore formal clothing most of the time and she walked into the room. He was reading a military history of Japan and she bowed low.

 

“May I have a moment my lord?” she asked.

 

“Hai.” He nodded.

 

“I need the Tensaiga.” She stated bluntly.

 

“Pardon?” he asked surprised.

 

“Byakuya is the shinigami that you met that day. He is very powerful but he said he needed the Tensaiga for something.” She said sitting by him.

 

“You call him by his given name?” her grandsire asked.

 

“Hai my lord. I am close to him and he was talking about the border between this world and the next.” She said meeting his eyes.

 

His chest constricted and his eyes were widened.

 

“Mizuki, he has not told you what he plans?” he asked bluntly.

 

“No. He has asked me to marry him in Soul Society.” She said confused.

 

“I shall retrieve it now. Come see if it will accept you.” He commanded.

 

She followed him to his chambers and he picked up the famed katana. He handed her the hilt and it did pulse in her hand. He seemed well pleased and handed her the sheath.

 

“Jii-chan? I do not understand.” She said amazed.

 

“Can you port us to this Soul Society?” he asked.

 

“Hai. It is easy.” She said softly.

 

He gave her his hand and she accepted it. She willed them into the Seireitei and they appeared. Her royal grandfather looked around as if he was bored. She motioned him to follow and she had a hand on Tensaiga. They made it to Sixth Division and she rapped hard on Byakuya's door.

 

“Enter.” He called.

 

“Kuchiki-sama? It is me.” She said as she entered.

 

Byakuya stood when Mizuki and Lord Sesshomaru entered the room. Byakuya never flinched and bowed at the waist to the renowned youkai lord. Sesshomaru looked him over with what appeared very little interest and Byakuya lifted a brow.

 

“You said you needed this and it accepts me.” She said softly.

 

“May I try?” he asked.

 

Mizuki looked at her jii-chan and he barely nodded. She handed the hilt to Byakuya and he was repulsed. The shinigami frowned and tried again. He jerked his hand back as it was burned.

 

“I do not understand.” He stated.

 

“My sire had a barrier placed upon Tensaiga and Tetsaiga. Only those that are destined to wield it do. Only those of the Western House will use this fang.” Sesshomaru stated coolly.

 

“I see. Fine then I shall tell you what I wish to do. I told you that you are somewhat of this world Mizuki. That makes me believe that so was your mother. She birthed a being who resides here in Soul Society and I believe that your mother resides within Soul Society albeit the area where I am not allowed to be.” He explained.

 

“Byakuya, what are you saying?” she asked sitting down shocked.

 

“I think in theory that there is a similar set up amongst the youkai souls. It would be smaller seeing the life span of a normal youkai is seemingly limitless. You stated that your mother had been reincarnated several times. I think we may be able to go in and retrieve her.” He said shrugging.

 

“Why would you do this?” Sesshomaru asked suddenly.

 

“Because I love Mizuki. I love her and I have asked she become my wife. I wish to prove my devotion.” He said very coolly.

 

It did not show but the inu lord was willing to open the gate himself. The guardians would bow to him in a heart beat. If he could find his daughter in the afterlife then he would go himself.

 

“I will accompany you shinigami.” He said flatly.

 

Byakuya came from around the desk and he went to his knee. Mizuki was reeling and she turned red.

 

“Marry me.” He said in a soft voice.

 

“Byakuya not now!” She hissed.

 

“When Mizuki? When shall I expect a real answer?” he asked in sudden anger.

 

“Why are you pushing me? Why in front of my jii-chan?” she demanded.

 

“I follow traditions and laws because it is right but it betrays my heart. I am tired of betraying my heart. No one has touched me as such since Hisana. No one will be able to.” He said in a cool voice.

 

“Byakuya not now!” she hissed and stood up.

 

She stormed out of the office and Byakuya held in his sigh. He stood and sat back down at his desk.

 

“You are a fool if you let her go.” He heard the inu say.

 

“Why not? She has made it clear that our relationship should remain sordid.” The Sixth Division Captain snapped.

 

“All of her daughters are like her to some extent. She is a lot like this Sesshomaru's beloved daughter.” The inu stated flatly.

 

Byakuya stared at the youkai lord and realized how much they shared in some personality traits.

 

“I went against traditions and mated Augusta. She is kiang shi and my kind were angry that I mated for love.” Sesshomaru stated and slipped out the door.

 

With that he stood and went after the onna he had fallen so hard for. He shunpod and knew her well enough to know she would have gone to his gardens. He entered his estate and went to the gardens and his breath caught. The plum blossoms were fully open and she was amongst them. He moved to her and lifted her face to his. He lowered his lips and pressed them against hers and demanded entrance. She let him in and it was passionate. He finally pulled back and sat beside her.

 

“I love you. Mizuki, I love you.” He said tracing her lips with his thumb.

 

“I cannot hurt Karu.” She said forcefully.

 

“Yet you will hurt me?” he asked.

 

“I have a son with Karu! He has been with me for centuries.” She exclaimed.

 

“As you wish Mizuki. I have told you that I do not have casual relationships.” He said standing.

 

“Why cannot it not stay as such Byakuya? Why can you not accept this as it is? Why do you need to hurt me?” she demanded.

 

He stiffened and turned to stare at her. She could tell she had gone too far. She looked away and she really did not want this over. She had fallen for him and when they were alone they talked. Even in the midst of making love he could pull information out of her.

 

“If you believe I hurt you then there is really no reason to continue causing issue for the other.” He said coldly.

 

“It is black and white with you Byakuya! There is no grey and you say you have to follow the rules? Well by taking me and loving me you break those rules.” She said calmly.

 

“I shall not explain anymore. It is obvious that you wish to keep us as a dirty thing and I will not have it!” he said forcefully.

 

She stood up and moved to leave and he grabbed her. He was warring with himself terribly and he picked her up and pressed her against a tree. One hand effortlessly undid her jacket and freed her breasts. His fingers lazily rolled and plucked one and her eyes fluttered shut. Her pink lips were parted slightly in her pleasure. He undid her trousers and slipped them off of her.

 

“Why do you only wear garters?” he asked huskily in her ear.

 

“Because I know you enjoy them.” She groaned softly.

 

“I am going to make love to you.” He said in a rich tone.

 

She ported them to his bed and he immediately finished disrobing himself. He left her garters and stockings on and she was right; he found them incredibly sexy. He pressed his toned body to hers and began kissing her madly. They were touching and kissing as the stroked the other. He was becoming lost in her sighs as he began tasting her center and licking her clit. He slid back up her body and he pressed pads of his fingertips to her jewel of nerves. He purposely flared his reiatsu through his hand and her body arched. Her eyes flew open and they were burning crimson. He was pulling on her yoki unknowingly and a massive surge coursed through her and she cried out softly as her body quivered.

 

“Mizuki?” he asked gently.

 

“Byakuya, please!” she moaned.

 

“Please what Mizuki? Tell me what you need.” He said in a deep voice.

 

“Please!” she groaned out.

 

“Tell me Mizuki. I am not a telepath.” He whispered.

 

“Kamis! Make us one. Please Byakuya.” She cried.

 

He arranged her and he slipped fingers through her wet curls, She was soaking and he knew her need was as real as his. He maneuvered himself into her depths and a soulful groan was ripped from him. She was breathless as her body arched and her hips met his. Different sensations were assaulting him and the pull on his natural power was causing unimaginable pleasure to brew within him. Sex with her was addicting but beautiful as well. She wet her lips with her tongue as she panted softly under the weight of their shared powers. This was not a quick encounter but an act of love. He felt the tell tale signs of her impending culmination. Her yoki flared more then it had in their previous encounters and he was blinded in the intensity. He recognized the strength of her soul and knew if she ever passed on that she would be in Soul Society. She forcefully pulled on his reiatsu and he choked loudly as their supernatural energies completely combined. Untainted and pure pleasure exploded between them and it was as if his totally in her and apart of her. His voice was distant to his own ears and she had lost consciousness. His body fell against hers and he tried to catch his breath. He shook her and she came awake instantly.

 

“What happened?” she groaned.

 

“I do not know. So different with you.” He mumbled as he gently pulled back.

 

She choked as her walls were extra sensitive. He slipped out of her and lay beside her. He laced their fingers together and tried to fall asleep.

 

“Is Renji here?” she asked gently.

 

“Hai. Your sister Yuzuna is here as well. I imagine your jii-chan will find her.” He said yawning.

 

“When do you wish to try and enter the next world?” she asked.

 

“You do realize that this is the next world. I was a ningen before I was reborn into Soul Society.” He stated.

 

“Do you remember?” she asked surprised.

 

“No. This is my life that I am concerned about. You do look quite entrancing with your lips flushed and silk clad thighs.” He sighed softly.

 

“What are you saying Byakuya?” she asked raising a brow.

 

He pulled her astride him and surged up into her. They would end up collapsing after making love several times. Byakuya Kuchiki was actually shirking his responsibilities at the moment in order to be with the onna who had his heart.

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Yuzuna was searching for the familiar aura that she knew as well as her own. She ran to her jii-chan as he emerged from a group of trees.

 

“Jii-chan!” she said coming to him and hugging him tightly.

 

Sesshomaru lifted a hand to her silver head and allowed himself to be squeezed tightly. He lifted her chin and kissed the crescent on her forehead and she smiled. His heart ached every time he saw his grandpup. She bore such a striking resemblance to his own beloved daughter.

 

“Who has caught your attention that you stay here.” He said in an amused tone.

 

“His name is Renji. He is amazing and a warrior.” She said poking his chest.

 

“Indeed? Well I shall have to meet this Renji to see if he is worthy of this Sesshomaru's heir.” He said lightly.

 

“Well this Sesshomaru needs to spar anyhow because this Yuzuna is rusty.” She teased.

 

He had an openly affectionate relationship with her that surprised all who knew him. She was such a free spirit and like Asuna but a lot like her own dead sire. He would watch her dance in circles in the common room of the palace listening to the racket they called music now. She pulled him along and he came to stand in front of a red haired shinigami with many tattoos.

 

“Yuzuna? This is…?” Renji asked.

 

“Hai. This is my jii-chan. All call him my lord this and my lord that but I call him g-paw.” She grinned.

 

Sesshomaru growled softly and she smirked. She yipped and his eyes widened slightly at his tart of a grand daughter. Renji went to his knee and he approved of the boy immediately.

 

“You may rise. You said you were rusty. Pull your fang.” He commanded Yuzuna.

 

She grinned and pulled Kumosaiga. He always wore Bakusaiga and he clashed fangs with her immediately. Renji stepped back and watched the two inu spar with magnificent technique. It was obvious how much the inu lord adored Yuzuna. His captain and Mizuki showed up and Mizuki grinned. She watched as her younger sister gave her jii-chan a run for his money. Byakuya had his hand entwined with hers and she gave him a soft look. Renji had never seen his captain actually happy. Sesshomaru managed to knock Yuzuna flat on her back and she began laughing.

 

“I will beat you someday jii-chan.” She said getting up.

 

“I do not see the pork flying as of yet grand daughter.” He said with the ghost of a smile.

 

They sheathed their fangs and bowed. Sesshomaru turned to Mizuki and Byakuya and he raised a brow to his eldest grand daughter.

 

“You would do well to accept his proposals.” He said without emotion.

 

“Jii-chan!” she exclaimed in annoyance.

 

“You are pregnant.” He said walking past them.

 

Mizuki's eyes widened and she looked over at Byakuya. She jerked away and his face held actual emotion. Her chest was tight and she ported away.

 

“What in Kamis name?” Yuzuna said in shock.

 

“Lieutenant! You are in charge.” He said leaving.

 

Renji and Yuzuna stared at the other in shock. Byakuya had to shunpod to catch up with the inu lord and Sesshomaru turned to the noble shinigami.

 

“How do you know?” he asked.

 

“It is well known Mizuki has been barren. It grieved Asuna terribly and my kumo grandpups told me they preformed a surgery.” He shrugged.

 

“You know almost everything.” Byakuya said in awe.

 

“My family is large but it is well connected shinigami. The right hand does know what the left is doing.” He stated.

 

“How do you know she is with child?” Byakuya asked astonished.

 

Sesshomaru tapped his nose lightly and the shinigami captain understood. She must have just conceived and she had left in a panic. He sighed and his eyes hardened.

 

“Now. We will leave now for the barrier.” He said softly.

 

“That would please this Sesshomaru.” He said flatly.

 

Byakuya bid the inu follow him and he was entering a campaign he could pay dearly for.

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They stood in a cave and what had appeared as two statues were bowed low before Sesshomaru. The inu still looked bored and they entered. He felt the guardian's eyes on him and he suppressed a shudder. These souls were powerful and a little beyond his understanding. They entered a rocky terrain and he saw bones of some forgotten beast flying through the air. The inu lord barely pointed to a massive set of bones.

 

“That is my chichi's tomb.” He said perusing the grave.

 

“We need to find the place of pure souls. This would be the outlying area. Was your daughter inu?” he asked.

 

“Hai. She had a true form.” Sesshomaru said distantly.

 

Byakuya's eyes followed the inu lord's and there was a tomb of finer bones but no less massive. Incredible emotion was reflected momentarily before it disappeared.

 

“Your daughter?” he asked.

 

“No. That is Lady Sorami; my chichi's twin.” He said walking on.

 

“You are disturbed.” He stated.

 

“I do not see her among the tombs.” He said in anger.

 

“What of her physical body?” Byakuya asked.

 

“In the West. I could not burn her.” He said with a clenched jaw.

 

“You were close?” he asked.

 

“She was my first born. She was mine.” He said without emotion.

 

“I go to my wife's shrine at least twice a week. I attend out of duty and love.” Byakuya stated in a toneless voice.

 

“Yet you care so much for Mizuki?” Sesshomaru demanded.

 

“I love her! I love her as I did my Hisana.” He said coldly.

 

“I see no issue but then Asuna blew the lid off of decorum. You would have to face my daughter shinigami and she was a force to be reckoned with.” He said stepping along.

 

Byakuya found the inu's nature familiar and almost comforting. They walked on and he watched the inu stiffen visibly. There in the distance was another tomb. It was easy to tell that this inu had been female as well. There was great power in the area and Sesshomaru moved forward as if in a trance. He went to bones and touched them lovingly. He breathed her name and Byakuya caught sight of shining eyes. He felt this too personal and he stepped away.

 

“This is Lady Asuna?” he asked without asking.

 

“Hai.” Sesshomaru uttered in immense pain.

 

Her body laid there lifeless and his throat ached. He stared at his baby and his beast was screaming. He realized that he was in fact whining in inu. There was no color and a grotesque wound in her head. Her silver hair was matted with blood and her eyes had been thankfully closed. He could not contain his emotions or beast and the great inu lord lowered his head and wailed.

 

He stared at the tomb and he turned away. After nearly a century it still haunted him. He felt a small fraction of her yoki and it was massive. His stomach suddenly clenched painfully and he moved with speed away from the amalgamation of bones. He began throwing up away from her tomb so as not to defile it. Byakuya said nothing and the devotion from the inu lord was staggering. He knew a kindred spirit and gave the inu space. The area was choking with raw power. He saw in the very great distance a shadowy figure and when he focused; it was gone. Sesshomaru looked up and he knew his sire had been there.

 

“Father.” He whispered.

 

Byakuya mover closer and Sesshomaru focused.

 

“That was my father.” He whispered.

 

“This is the youkai portion of Soul Society Lord Sesshomaru. They may be living a life as I do.” He said under his breath.

 

“She must be here! Kaito must have kept her here!” he growled.

 

“I here the Kami mentioned many times.” He said confused.

 

“Kaito is a form of youkai. I believe the Tomoshibi must be shinigami of the youkai world.” He said in sudden anger.

 

“It would seem so. Hikari?” he asked.

 

“She is one of two grandpups I barely know. She has appeared over the years but she is the daughter of Kaito and Asuna.” He said coldly.

 

“If Kaito is a type of shinigami and he fell in love with a youkai from the land of the living…” Byakuya stated.

 

“Then it would beg to reason he would perhaps claim her here where she would live on.” Sesshomaru growled.

 

“Why is that wrong Lord Sesshomaru?” Byakuya asked.

 

“Knowing him he engineered her death. One of her mates took his life when she died. He could not handle the pain of another separation. Asuna was pregnant with his pup when she was killed.” He snapped.

 

“Come Lord Sesshomaru let us venture further.” He stated.

 

The inu lord nodded and they traveled on. The yoki became more and more oppressive as they moved further away from the gate. The land seemed to become less rugged and more beautiful. Byakuya was more then used to the landscape but the inu seemed affected. Byakuya stopped and there was laughter heard. Sesshomaru whirled around and it surrounded him.

 

“Hi!” a young feminine voice said.

 

Byakuya saw a green eyed female and Sesshomaru nearly blanched. She had silver hair and blue markings on her sweet face.

 

“Hi!” she said again.

 

“Hana?” Sesshomaru said in disbelief.

 

“Do I know you?” she asked.

 

“You are Hana?” he asked nearing her.

 

“Hai! You have my moon!” she said jumping up and down.

 

“You do not know me?” Sesshomaru asked.

 

“Am I supposed to? Go to go! Bye now!” she said running away.

 

“My murdered grandpup. Be glad Mizuki is not here. She would have fallen apart.” He said haunted.

 

“Her younger sister?” he asked.

 

“Hai. Hana was the next born after Mizuki. Asuna had twins boys named Hiroto and Kazuo, then Mizuki, and then Hana.” He explained.

 

“Mizuki is now the eldest.” Byakuya stated.

 

“Hiroto was murdered the same day as Hana. Kazuo took his own life when he was in his twenties. Mizuki tried to stop him and things happened that she will not speak of. She regressed after that and left her mate and her young son.” Sesshomaru explained.

 

“She told me that she had left him. Does her son know her well?” he asked softly.

 

“He does but Naraku pretty well raised him. Mizuki was young when Hana, Hiroto, Nori, and Ken'ichi were killed. Nori was her first brother sired by Naraku.” He said in uncharacteristically long speech.

 

Byakuya was taking in the information and wondered what had happened between her elder brother and her. They continued walking and Sesshomaru was almost in an agitated state.

 

“Would Asuna know who she was?” he asked.

 

“She may.” Byakuya shrugged.

 

They encountered a city and Sesshomaru was clenching his teeth. He could feel many auras he knew. They saw a shadowy figure again in the distance and Sesshomaru turned to his sire.

“You do not belong here.” Touga said flatly.

 

“I go where I will.” The younger inu said.

 

“This is the land of the dead Sesshomaru. Tensaiga is not meant for you to interfere! You shinigami should know better!” the former Western Lord growled.

 

“You know me the father?” Sesshomaru asked.

 

“Hai, I know my son from my living life. You are here for her and she does not dwell here Sesshomaru. They will not allow her to come back this time.” He said flatly.

 

“Who? Who will not allow it?” he growled.

 

“Shinigami you know better!” Touga hissed.

 

“I know not the goings on of these realm inu. I know the rule of the Seireitei.” Byakuya stated.

 

“You are a ningen demi-kami and this is the land of the dead for youkai! It is all the same shinigami except for location.” Touga snapped.

 

“Then I have a right to dwell here as well. What rule states that I cannot be within Soul Society?” Byakuya demanded.

 

“You know we do not interact unless necessary!” Touga snapped.

 

“What is your place here father?” Sesshomaru demanded.

 

“I am equivalent to this shinigami.” He stated.

 

“Then you should know that the Bounts are in the land of the living and it does not matter to them whose soul they devour!” Byakuya stated in a cold voice.

 

“You were a lousy liar when you were in the land of the living and now you are worse at it father!” Sesshomaru growled.

 

“Sesshomaru! You are of the living world son! Go back from whence you come and never return here again! I did not bequeath you Tensaiga to abuse it!” he growled.

 

“Your family is in danger inu. Lady Asuna could be of use!” Byakuya stated.

 

“Mizuki should never have seen you fool. Her ties to this realm should have died with her Yosei. You pull her back in.” Touga growled.

 

“She will be my wife and I will not allow any to interfere.” Byakuya stated as his reiatsu flared.

 

“You really think that none would interfere?” they heard from further down the road.

 

Sesshomaru turned and saw the one voice that haunted his dreams. His jaw dropped when he saw his beloved daughter. Her silver hair blew around her and her gold-brown eyes held emotion. She wore traditional clothes and she looked quite stunning.

 

“Chichi.” She breathed.

 

“Asuna.” He said with a faltering voice.

 

“You do not belong here shinigami.” She said coldly to Byakuya.

 

“You are her mother?” he asked.

 

“I am she.” Asuna stated.

 

“You should not be here Asuna.” Touga stated.

 

“And you should brother?” she asked.

 

“Asuna!” Sesshomaru growled.

 

“Chichi go.” She said softly.

 

“How?” he snarled.

 

“I am not living chichi! This is my place now. Have you seen my body? There is nothing left.” She said in sadness.

 

“You earned a place amongst our revered dead.” He said in awe.

 

“My true form? Hai that was a surprise. Go please. This hurts too much to see you as such.” She said walking away.

 

“Asuna! Why?” he demanded.

 

“You were right and I was maneuvered here chichi. I was never supposed to leave in the first place. Kaito broke too many rules. He made it so that I was reborn.” She said meeting his eyes.

 

“You accept your death?” he cried.

 

“No. I do not accept it but I understand that there are those with power greater then my own.” She said softly.

 

“We miss you!” he said in anguish.

 

“I miss you all the time.” She said looking away.

 

“This shinigami appears in the land of the living all the time.” Sesshomaru stated.

 

“How is that Byakuya?” she asked staring at him.

 

“A gigai. Your kind does not venture into the real world?” he asked surprised.

 

“No need. These gigai function as normal bodies?” she asked.

 

“We cannot use our reiatsu in them no.” he stated.

 

“Why do you want me to return chichi? What is happening that needs one dead inu onna?” she asked.

 

“Your family needs you Asuna! You were their heart and soul. The girls have been shells of themselves. Saaya has actually been seen.” He stated.

 

“Saaya?” she asked suddenly affected.

 

“Hai. Saaya has come out to assist in this endeavor.” He said.

 

She looked at Touga and then at her sire. Her eyes were haunted and she sighed.

 

“I can make no promises. You shinigami will answer to Teruyoshi.” She said in a low voice.

 

“Who would that be?” Byakuya asked.

 

“Your Captain General Yamamoto.” She answered.

 

Byakuya just stared at her and she turned and walked away.

 

“Asuna!” her sire called.

 

“Chichi, I will see if it is possible. If this threat is as bad as you say then I need my real body and not some gigai.” She stated.

 

“How?” he asked.

 

“Kaito of course. He has his family he wished for.” She stated softly.

 

“You are his mate.” He said in understanding.

 

“This was the only way.” She shrugged.

 

“Did he steal you away?” he demanded.

 

“Kaito never wanted me here my lord. He only took advantage of me being here.” She said gently.

 

“Will he?” he demanded.

 

“Kaito almost always gives into my whims. He always has.” She said disappearing.

 

“Go now Sesshomaru! If she does return then you will have to save her!” Touga stated.

 

The inu lord nodded and grabbed Byakuya. He changed to his sphere of light and went back to the entrance of the barrier. The exited and both men were nervous as hell.

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She felt dread. She felt wretched all of a sudden and she could not place the feeling. Mizuki walked her penthouse and she could not put down the anguish. She ported to where her mother fell and looked around. The feeling was stronger and Ayana appeared as well.

 

“You feel it too.” Mizuki murmured.

 

“Hai but it is so strange.” She murmured.

 

Both onna scowled and shrugged. Ayana moved to Mizuki and felt her head.

 

“Danning has been demanding to see you. I told him you did not feel well.” Ayana stated.

 

Mizuki saw movement in the undergrowth. She lifted her nose and she screamed. She ran to the bushes and immediately ported out with the body.

 

“Nobu! Kamis Nobu!” she screamed.

 

Nobu, Shinobu, and Nanami ran into the exam room and their mouths dropped open. Nobu shut down his mind and picked her up.

 

“Nanami now!” he commanded.

 

“Get the OR ready now!” she yelled to Shinobu.

 

Mizuki watched as her younger siblings take her out. Ayana appeared and she was shaking badly.

 

“It cannot be!” She said in disbelief.

 

“It can be her. I know who did this.” She said softly.

 

She ported out and she was oblivious of the blood on her clothes. She went to the Kuchiki mansion and walked right in. It was evening and Byakuya would be either reading or bathing at this point. She went to his library and he was in an arm chair reading a very old book. She came to him immediately began kissing him. He dropped the book and reached up and held her as she poured her soul into the kiss. She began undressing herself and him as quickly as she could. She threw the bloodied garments from her and sat in his lap as she eased herself onto him. His face came alive as she gathered him to her. He was lost in the surprise of it and her slow erotic movements.

 

“Byakuya.” She moaned softly.

 

“Hai?” he managed to ask.

 

“Ask me again.” She said with her face and upper chest flushed.

 

“Will you marry me?” he asked breathlessly.

 

“Hai. I will also deliver your heir.” She groaned.

 

He was reeling and closed his eyes as they both moved in the sensual dance. He heard her crying out louder then he had heard before and her body triggered his own release. He buried his face into her chest as he shook in the powerful climax. He had taken a stern rebuking for his foray into the Forbidden Zone but the Captain General told him in private that he was most pleased. He also blessed any union between himself and Mizuki. He had quietly spoken that Byakuya had more principles and guts then he had when he had been younger. It appeared Yamamoto had carried a torch for the inu princess as well. His lips eagerly found hers as he kissed her absolutely silly. She finally pulled back a little and pressed one of his hands to her belly. His grey eyes held his feelings.

 

“You want our baby?” she asked softly.

 

“Hai. I want you.” He murmured.

 

“Can you get your gigai and come into my plane. She is in surgery right now.” She said tracing his lips with her fingers.

 

“Hai. I met her.” He responded.

 

“In the Zone?” she asked surprised.

 

“Hai and a little girl named Hana.” He said.

 

Her eyes clouded over and she sobbed softly.

 

“What happened between your elder brother and you?” he asked gently.

 

“He and I…shit! I was unable to stop him from killing himself. It does not matter. That was three hundred eighty years ago.” She said taking his haori and wrapping it around her body.

 

“I will arrange the ceremony if you wish.” He said softly.

 

“No, I would like a hand in my own wedding thank you.” She stated.

 

He smiled at the thought and he kissed her forehead. He stood and watched her. She was still full of demons but he had the time and the right to figure her out now. She ported away and he berated himself for mentioning such an obviously painful memory. He went about the necessary procedures to go into the living world. He sent word to Captain Hitsugaya and his lieutenant to also show up and bring their lovers. By the time he arrived in Tokyo; he imagined that Lady Asuna would be very much alive and awake.

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Nanami stared at the woman she had not seen in so long. She brushed the hair off of her head and kissed her cheek. She was in a forced coma but she was alive. A century before they did not have the surgical techniques to remove a bullet from the head as they did now. She had bled out and it missed her brain. Nanami was a serious young woman who resembled in features this onna. She word scrubs and her hair was under a cap. Her father came in and the look on his face was one of immense emotion. He lowered his head into her shoulder and actually sobbed. Even though their mother was loved by more than one male; they had all learned to be a huge family. Shinobu came in and stared down at his former warrior mother. All her children loved her. All of them had felt such an awful void in her death. Nanami shook her silver head and her black eyes met her sire's.

 

“It seems unreal. I have to go father. Papa Ishin and Papa Naraku said they were on their way.” She said as she left the room.

 

Nobu left his middle son to stay with her and he notice Nobuyuki come in. His face was emotional and Nobu nodded. He pulled his father into a hug. Mizuki walked into the hall and Ayana was with her. Iyo and Kenji were pacing as well as the Byakko twins. Zihao was sitting with his head in his hands as he watched his sisters pace. Yuzuna was waiting with their jii-chan and no one noticed the next to the youngest in a corner. Mizuki was on the phone with Jarek in Budapest and she was growling.

 

“I swear you had better put your father or Rina on the phone! Why should I have to tell you anything? Where are the twins? Fuck you too Jarek. I am part uppyr as well. No! No! Well then tell little miss high and mighty that she heard from Japan. No fuck you! Whatever!” Mizuki said snapping her cell phone shut.

 

“I guess Rina or the twins will not be here. Obasan do you think that maybe you can get them?” Mizuki asked Augusta.

 

“No. I will not leave whilst my own daughter is in that bed.” She said coldly.

 

“Judafre and Asher will have no way of knowing. They are out climbing the Mata horn right now.” She sighed.

 

“I will go.” Saaya said softly.

 

“We can send someone else Saaya.” Mizuki stated.

 

“No. It is okay. You all should be here and see her first.” Saaya said porting out.

 

Toushirou looked concerned and Byakuya was near the Tenth Division captain. He jerked his head and the three shinigami followed Captain Kuchiki out.

 

“I am thinking some privacy may be in order.” He stated calmly.

 

“Captain Kuchiki is it true? Are you and her going to be married?” Renji asked.

 

He just nodded and his lieutenant was shocked. They all were quiet amongst themselves when they saw two males enter that had ebony hair. Ishin and Naraku went in and stood by Nobu as the onna they had loved so much was living again.

 

“How did this happen? Who did this?” Naraku asked hoarsely.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru and the shinigami named Kuchiki did.” Nobu answered.

 

“Will she be okay?” Ishin whispered.

 

“Hai. She will be okay. There was no way to heal the wound a century ago but modern medicine is different. She will live but she will need physical therapy and time to recover.” Nobu explained.

 

“Let Lord Ice and Lady Augusta in.” Naraku said as he lifted her hand to his lips.

 

Her hand was warm and he closed his eyes and two tears slipped out. Ishin slipped out and he followed his kumo brother. Nobu waited for Sesshomaru and Augusta to slip in. The kumo healer left the Lord and Lady of the West to their eldest daughter.

 

Sesshomaru was simmering in emotion as Augusta openly wept. He held his eldest pup's hand and kissed her knuckles. He watched as her eyes fluttered open and she looked over at her sire and mother.

 

“Where am I?” she asked.

 

“At Nobu's hospital. Your baby operated on you.” Augusta said brushing her hair back.

 

“Chichi! Haha! I am so tired. You came for me. You came to the Netherworld.” She said with heavy eyes.

 

“Hai.” He said barely audible.

 

“Kaito broke the rules again.” She said closing her eyes.

 

The most feared and revered leader the Western inu had ever had sank to his knees by the bedside and wept openly for the second time in the span of a century. Augusta could not believe but she honestly knew good things and hard times were ahead. Augusta held Asuna's hand and that of her inu mate. They were given peace and solitude for a time with their eldest born pup.

 

 

 

A/n: This chapter is written for my “biggest fan”. Thanks for the support and enjoy. It only gets more dramatic from here.