InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ In the Aftermath ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. All original characters are mine. I make no money from this writing.



In the Aftermath



Katashi entered his chambers in a fury. He looked around and growled.

"Why in the heavens did I come to this accursed place? That heartless bitch." He snarled.

"Sheng!" he called in a temper.

His friend and advisor came in from the adjoining room and stared at his Lord in confusion.

"My Lord." He said bowing.

"Stop with all the formality Sheng! I am in need of sake and your advice my friend."

Sheng called for a servant and ordered sake. A young inu scurried out and came back a few minutes later with a tray of sake. It was placed on a low table and the servant left. Katashi sat next to the low table and grabbed one of the small cups and filled it with the fiery liquid and downed it.

"I rutted with her." He stated.

"You what?" Sheng asked in surprise.

"I went to her rooms to talk reason with her. She had just come back from bathing and her scent was intoxicating. I hate my damn instincts; I only meant to taste her. She is wild and passionate, so unlike her outward persona." He said sighing.

"She is not cold while rutting?" Sheng asked shocked.

"She was pure. She had never been touched by a male." He said

"Katashi, what if she is pupped? You marked her, right?" Sheng sighed.

Katashi poured himself another cup of the sake and downed it. He looked bitter and looked Sheng directly in the eye.

"She stopped me. I will be damned if I will not claim that bitch as mine. I will kill any other that would try and touch her." Katashi snarled.

"Are you still going to go through this ridiculous contest tomorrow?" he asked.

"I have no choice. I need allies to face the growing threat from the Chinese and those Mongol bastards. It still surprises me that youkai would ally themselves with ningen against us." Katashi stated.

"Katashi, what if she is pupped?" Sheng asked in concern

"Do you honestly think I will hurt her, pupped or not?" He growled.

"How are you going to avoid it? This is supposed to be a bloody brawl." he commented.

"I am going to lay down rules before hand. Her father may be a block of ice but I have heard he is honorable. HE is the ruling lord and not her. She will have no choice but to obey his will. Kami Sheng, my beast is screaming to be joined with her again to finish marking her." He said pouring and downing another cup of sake.

"Katashi my friend…you are treading dangerous ground." He said.

"I know it. I wish I had not caught her scent a week ago, it has been a plague ever since."

"They are not like us Katashi. We actually love our pups and mates. I wonder if this is why your father left."

"Sheng, I have no idea why. I know I never wanted to rule. I know that I hate the Chinese and I will protect my lands from them. I wish I knew exactly what went through the great Tekeshi's mind twenty centuries ago. Bah! I need sleep. Thank you for your ear my friend!" Katashi espoused.

"Whenever you need it my friend." Sheng said bowing.

Katashi left the room and found his futon. His mind was full of her scent and memories of her moans.

"Daughter, why were you sleeping in my study?" my father asked waking me.

I looked up at him standing over me and blinked. His eyebrow was raised and he waited for me to answer.

"I was angry and tore my shoji off its frame." I said.

"Daughter that was childish but you know that." He said.

He was interrupted by a knock on the screen. He looked up annoyed and sighed.

"Enter." He said in his usual baritone.

"Milord." Jaken said throwing himself prostrate on the floor.

"Jaken, this Sesshomaru does not have time for your sniveling." He said narrowing his eyes.

"The Lord of He Gang is requesting an audience now, milord!" Jaken squeaked.

"Show him in Jaken." Father commanded.

"Hai milord!" Jaken answered.

My father looked at me and scowled. I stood up to leave and he motioned for me to stay. I put on my emotionless face and stood still. I was still in my sleeping yukata and I was dreading the interview. I was glad that my Father was not paying much attention to me and I could explain why I was masking my aura. Katashi strode in casually and bowed to my father and stiffened when he saw me.

"I was hoping to have a private interview with you my Lord." Katashi said formally.

"Whatever you have to say to this Sesshomaru you can say in front of my heir." He replied in his ultimate bored tone.

"Hai, Lord Sesshomaru." He answered.

"Continue Lord Katashi…there is much this Sesshomaru must do before the challenge."

"I wish for rules to be in place my Lord. I have many responsibilities in He Gang that require my attention.

I truly have no wish to kill or be killed. Whoever wins has the right to name their prize." Katashi stated.

I narrowed my eyes at Katashi and he kept his eyes averted and on my father. My father was obviously weighing what he had to say and proceeded to seat himself at his desk.

"Agreed Lord Katashi. What is it that you want of this Sesshomaru if you win?" he demanded.

"Your support in my efforts against the Mongols and Chinese." He stated.

"What are your efforts against these groups?" Father asked his interest piqued.

"I rule the majority of Manchuria my Lord. The youkai in Mongolia and China are trying to over throw my legitimate authority. My clan is originally the rulers of the North and I will say that the youkai on the continent and I do not see eye to eye."

"The ookami rule the North, where does your clan fit into history?" Father asked; his curiosity piqued.

"My sire was Lord Tekeshi." Katashi stated simply.

My father's eyes widened slightly at the familiar name of the great inu ruler.

"Why did he leave Japan and what is your connection to the ookami?" Father asked flatly.

"My sire fell in love and his sister was mated to Princess Ayame's grandfather." Katashi answered.

"Interesting. Agreed Lord Katashi. What are your rules?" Father inquired.

"A battle of skill Lord Sesshomaru. I have seen your heir's skill with a katana. She has yet to see mine."

Katashi said smirking directly at me.

I stared right back into his eyes and had to keep my traitorous body under control.

"This Sesshomaru agrees." Father accepted.

"My Lord…" I started to say.

My father pinned me with his glacial stare and I nodded my understanding. I bowed at the waist and took my leave. I went in the direction of my chambers. I felt a powerful aura behind me and I whirled around to face him.

"We have a contest to prepare for Lord Katashi." I said bluntly.

"In this short time I have known you Lady Asuna; I have come to the conclusion that you are a frigid bitch.

You will not be denying my claim to you much longer." He stated venomously.

"You do not know me Lord Katashi. You may be talented with that tongue of yours, it does not give you license over me. I am my own Lord and no one save my Father will claim me." I said icily.

"If you carry my pup then I damn well will claim you." He sneered.

"I will not carry your pup…have no worries on that account." I snapped.

"What are you getting at?" He asked angrily.

"I am getting at nothing. There is nothing nor will there be. I suggest you ready yourself for a very demanding contest Lord Katashi." I answered stiffly.

I turned to leave and he grabbed my arm and made me face him.

"I swear to the Kamis that if you carry my pup and you harm it, I will skewer you alive." He threatened with his eyes blazing red.

"Protect yourself; there is nothing for you here." I said snapping my fangs at him.

He shoved me from himself and I glared at him. I turned in the opposite direction and walked away. I entered my chambers and stared at my futon. My cheeks burned with the memory of coupling with Katashi. Lust, it was all lust I told myself. I busied myself with dressing for my sword play with Katashi. I found a navy blue haori that was snug and fit my torso like a glove. I picked a navy pair of hakamas that were low on my hips. There were sakura trees emblazoned on the lower half. My stomach was bared and the swell of my breasts were visible. I would ordinarily wear this only in the dojo but I figured that Katashi wanted me and I would use it to my advantage. I tied an obi low on my hips and slipped my katana in it. I went barefoot so as to have more contact and traction with the ground. I left my chambers and made a mental note to have the shoji screen fixed.

There was a small field that the court used for contests and sport. I made my way there and looked up at the dais. My mother, father, and two brothers were sitting there. Some members of the court were assembled around the field and they looked ready for the sport to begin. I waited stoically for Katashi to appear. I did not have to wait long. He appeared in only red hakamas. He too was barefoot and he had his raven hair tied back. Memories flooded my brain of the previous night and me running my claws along his chest and abdominal muscles. Heat flooded my nether region and I had to reign in my arousal. I caught my father looking at me strangely and I kept my composure. I could scent Katashi's desire also but it was faint. His pale blue stripes went up his wrists and I knew they wrapped around his waist till they met at his groin. I wanted to groan but kept my mask in place. Damn him! I thought angrily. He was beautiful and chiseled and I wanted him desperately. I quashed my hentai thoughts and got in battle stance. I drew my katana. It was forged just for me. It was light and infused with a fang from my father. It was not like the Tensaiga or Tetsaiga but it was a hardy sword. The blade was thin and curved. The handle was wrapped in leather that was dyed blue. The hilt was solid steel that was intricately carved with dragons. The scabbard was made of the wood of the God Tree and inlaid with blue jade. Katashi drew his blade and I noticed that the blade was thicker than mine and it was straight. The hilt of the blade was heavy and inlaid with gold and onyx. The hilt was intricately carved with inugami of old. It looked impressive and I wondered if it was a magic blade. His rules stated that this would be a contest of pure skill with the katana. Katashi's advisor, Sheng stood near the dais. My father stood and nodded for us to begin.

I began by circling around Katashi and he stood watching me with hooded eyes. We stayed like that for several minutes. I stepped forward and brought my sword down at an angle. He blocked it with ease but it put him at a disadvantage. I twisted in a semi circle and jabbed him in the gut with my elbow. It threw him back for just a second but he parried and brought his weapon around in an arc. I had to extend my arms and angle my katana downward to block his blow. He brought the blade up and I back flipped to avoid it. I landed a few feet away. I brought my own blade up, held in both hands to block a down ward blow. I released the end of my fang and brought my hand up and met Katashi's chin squarely. He recovered quickly and swiped to my side. There was a stinging sensation and I looked quickly and saw that he had cut me. I growled at my carelessness and lunged forward and stabbed him in the shoulder. I pulled my fang out and stepped back to watch him. He looked at me and smirked. Anger welled up in me and I sheathed my weapon. I refused to be dominated by this foreign bastard. A powerful wind blew and my hair was whipping in it. My father stood and stared in disbelief as did my whole family. My markings became raised and jagged and my eyes changed from their amber-brown to blood red and blue irises. My face elongated and a muzzle was appearing. Within just a few moments as the dust settled my true form had been revealed.

I was lithe and slender compared to the great Lord Sesshomaru but I was a sight. I stood about fifteen feet tall with long flowing silver fur. The crescent moon adorned my forehead. My ears were long with wispy silver fur. I lowered my head and growled at Katashi. He stepped back and looked up at me in awe. I snapped my jaws at him intending to bite him and sever a limb. He jumped back and avoided my attack narrowly. I lunged at him and knocked him down and pinned him to the ground with my paw. My claws were digging into his torso. Katashi grunted but with sheer strength and nerve threw my paw off. His eyes had bled red but he was not changing. He stood and pressed one hand to my paw and I yelped in pain. His hand was glowing blue and he burned my flesh. I snapped at his arm and managed to bite him. I had caught him off guard and my Dakkasou ate into the wound through my saliva. He shouted in rage and brought his katana back and stabbed me in my belly. He shuddered when it seemed he realized what he did and he dropped his weapon. My father was there in an instant and stood between me and Katashi.

"Enough!" he called out.

He turned to me and glared at me for transforming but I growled loudly at him. He in turn grabbed my muzzle and pulled my head down to level a lethal glare at me. He snarled at me and I slowly transformed back into my humanoid form. My side was bleeding pretty badly and my right forearm was burnt. Katashi looked no better than I did but he had managed to stay within most of his self imposed rules.

"Lord Katashi, this Sesshomaru declares a draw. Neither of you abided by the stated parameters." He stated loudly.

"I abide by your judgment my Lord." Katashi said bowing.

I refused to acknowledge Katashi and my father grabbed my arm and led me off of the field, back to the dais.

"Augusta call for the healer. She has been injured by a Yakedo miasma." He commanded.

My mother left the dais in search of the palace healer. I continued to stare straight ahead and say nothing. I heard my father's voice but it was not registering. A minute later I collapsed.

"What have I done Sheng?" Katashi said bewildered.

"She transformed and tried to destroy you. What could you have done?" Sheng said with repressed anger.

"Kami, she was beautiful was she not?" he said with admiration.

"Hai, my Lord. She is a beautiful killing machine." Sheng said bitterly.

"I need to get this wound bandaged and we need to be on our way." Katashi ordered.

"Hai." His friend replied.

I awoke to find myself in my chambers with nothing but a thin silk yukata on. My abdomen was wrapped and so was my right arm. I had transformed and tried to kill him. I was angry at my lack of patience and my recklessness yet again. I had ignored my father and went so far as to defy him publicly. I supposed if I wished to avoid his wrath that I could blame it on the loss of blood. I had not wanted to truly kill him but to prove a point. I was curious if my father would aid him since Katashi had won. I wanted him desperately and wondered if it was my beast that was driving me. I got up from my futon and threw on a dressing gown and left my chambers. I was heading to the great hall. I felt my mother coming up to me quickly and I turned to meet her.

-Were you trying to get yourself killed? - She pathed.

-No Mother. I inflicted quite a bit of damage on him did I not?-I replied in her head.

"You defied your Father. He is seriously angry right now." She said.

"Tell him I was obviously not thinking clearly." I snapped.

She grabbed my arm and made me face her. She searched my eyes and stared me down.

"You have not been yourself seen you met this inu. You have been excessively reckless and defiant."

"What do you want from me Mother?" I asked angry.

"I want you to face the truth. You will end up destroying yourself avoiding it!" she admonished me.

"I do not have the luxury of wants and desires. I am female in a male's world Mother. It was not Osamu born with power…it was me!" I snapped.

"What do you think it was like for me Asuna? You think because I am obliging to Sesshomaru that I have somehow become less powerful?" she asked in disbelief.

"I know your history Mother and I am not you. I cannot share all of myself because the outside world will try and destroy me. I realize that I am the heir because I have the most power of all his pups but how often is it that a Lord just hands his empire to a female?" I yelled at her.

"Sesshomaru would not make you his heir without preparing the way for you." She said.

"Sure. Tell that to all the other youkai in the world. I cannot show weakness by allowing personal feelings to enter in." I said narrowing my eyes.

"Do you not see that by denying those feelings and repressing them that you are endangering yourself? You may already have done so." She said.

"I have neither the time nor inclination to continue arguing with you Mother." I said trying to walk away.

"You are foolish if you think you can continue on as you have. You are pregnant." She said angrily.

"How do you know?" I asked in surprise.

"Foolish girl. You are my pup remember? I have masked the scent for now to give you time but Sesshomaru will find out. You need to figure things out and quickly." She replied.

"I do not need him." I said with a growl.

"Do you honestly think he will leave his own blood? He is a lord Asuna. You carry his heir. I have seen the way he looks at you. He wants you despite good sense." She said frankly.

"Good sense? All he wanted was and is to copulate Mother. I knew the consequences of my actions, but I will be damned to the seven hells before I give him MY pup." I snarled.

"You are complicating things further Daughter."

"It is my problem Mother."

"You make it our entire problem ASUNA." She snapped.

"I will take care of it Mother." I said calming down.

"Although it is not spoken aloud often, you are loved Asuna. We all love you." She said quietly.

"I have no doubts of that Mother but I am considered grown."

"I understand that my dearest daughter but it is not weakness to open your heart, your father did. I will stand by his side till the end of times. This Katashi seems different than most inu males." She replied.

"All inu males wish to dominate and control. That is their instinct; it is very hard to go against instinct." I said.

"That is a true statement. Let us enjoy a meal." She said leading me toward the Great Hall.

I pondered my Mother's statements and cursed her power of precognition. I had not stopped myself from getting pupped. I was going to have to stand my ground or I would lose the pup based upon Inu tradition. I realized that there would be a great deal of power in this little one. There were not that many taiyouki running around and the idea that two inu of great power coming together, that would create an upset of the balance of power in the islands. My problems kept mounting and I was getting a massive headache. My father was seated at the head of the table on a silk cushion and he narrowed his eyes at me. I proceeded to lower myself and bow prostrate in the hopes that he would cool off.

"I ask for your forgiveness my Lord. I was injured and in a blood lust." I said with my eyes downcast.

"You are forgiven. Do not ever defy this Sesshomaru in front of others again!" he said coldly.

"Hai my Lord." I answered.

I rose up from my prone position and took my place at the table. My mother sat to his right and me to his left. My two brothers sat across from each other and exchanged glances. My father stopped eating and made sure he had all of our attention and spoke.

"This Sesshomaru has decided that the West will aid the Lord of He Gang."

"My Lord, how do you intend do aid him?" I asked.

"You will be heading a small army to Manchuria." He replied coolly.

My life kept getting more and more complicated and I wanted to scream in rage. I looked at my father and nodded. I would not get away with arguing with him after my stunt that morning. I picked up my chop sticks and stabbed a lentil and shoved it in my mouth. My mother looked at me but I refused to open myself up to pathing back and forth. My brothers felt the tension but wisely kept their mouths shut. Osamu tried to path to me also but I shut him out too. I rose after finishing my bowl of chazuke and bowed.

"When am I to leave?" I asked coldly.

"This day." My father answered.

"Hai as you wish my Lord." I answered.

I left the Great Hall and went in the direction of my chambers. I entered and called for my maid servant. She scampered in and bowed.

"Mayu, prepare a trunk for an extended travel." I commanded quietly.

"Yes milady. May I speak?" she asked.

"Yes Mayu."

"You were magnificent this morning." She said in awe.

"Thank you Mayu." I said smiling gently.

She left me to follow my command. I slipped out of my rooms and went to Katashi's quarters. I put my stoic face on and knocked on the screen.

"Come." I heard him call.

I slid the screen open and shut it quietly behind me. He looked at me with a blank expression on face and I stared at him.

"Lord Sesshomaru has decided that we will aid you in your mission. I will be heading an army that will follow you and conquer your enemies." I stated dispassionately.

"You? Sesshomaru is sending you?" he asked incredulously.

"I have proven myself in battle several times and the youkai of the West will follow me!" I snapped.

"I am trying to distance myself from you and your sire sends you with me?" he asked in frustration.

"This is the aid that he offers, take it or leave Lord Katashi." I said devoid of emotion.

"I will take it bitch. If there were any other way then I would take that course of action." He said angry.

"We leave this day then." I said.

"I will be sure to treat the Lady Asuna as she deserves." He said sarcastically.

"This has gone beyond honor or dishonor Lord Katashi. I will do as my Lord commands and no more." I said narrowing my eyes.

"What happened to you in your life that makes you so heartless? He asked in anger.

"Nothing that concerns you." I replied smoothly.

"When you were in my arms you came alive." He said with passion.

"It was lust Lord Katashi." I said quietly.

"Your beast is not screaming?" he asked surprised.

"Why should it." I asked raising a brow.

"Why am I wasting my time?" He muttered.

"I have no idea." I said.

"Contrary to your behavior; we inu are naturally affectionate creatures Lady Asuna."

"Hn." I said in a bored tone.

He moved behind me and moved my hair from my neck. I stood completely still and he lowered his lips to my neck and placed open mouth kisses along it. My eyes fluttered shut and a sigh escaped my mouth.

"You true form is exquisitely beautiful." He murmured against my skin.

I fought myself from responding and stood there. I could feel his power just below the surface of his skin and I could not contain the chill that went down my spine.

"Do not mark me." I commanded.

"No, I will not mark you until you beg me to." He whispered.

"I do not deny that I lust for you, but that is all." I mumbled.

I knew my scent was radiating copious amounts of desire and I felt my guard coming down. He ran his hands up my arms and I leaned my head back.

"Take me. "He whispered hoarsely.

"What?" I asked him not understanding.

"Let me show you."

I nodded and he came around and led me to his futon. He lay down and brought me with him. I stared at him in understanding, he was giving me control. I slipped off my dressing gown followed by my yukata. I reached over to Katashi's hakamas and undid the ties. He was holding still but I could see that his breathing was coming faster. I pulled his arousal out and looked at it with overwhelming need. I leaned down and took him into my mouth. He about came off the futon and hissed in pleasure. I swirled my tongue around the head and on the underside along the vein. He continued to hiss in pleasure but restrained himself. I took the rest of him into my mouth and started to suck. I was mindful of my fangs and bobbed my head up and down. I fondled his sack and his thrust against me. A strangled moan ripped from his chest as I increased my speed and pressure.

"No." he cried softly.

I understood that to stop and increased the suction and slowly pulled his member from my lips. I spied him from underneath my silver lashes and saw his heartbeat at his pulse point. On instinct, I lifted my head and pressed my body against his. I lowered my lips to his and he lifted his head to meet those lips. The kiss was violently passionate; his tongue invaded my mouth and battled with my own. While our lips were trying to conquer one another, I straddled him and slid his member inside of my scorching core.

"Kami." He growled.

I sucked in my breath and thrust my hips against his. He threw his head back and snarled in passion. I slid back and forth starting to build a momentum. The position was erotic and gave me a feeling of power. He placed his hands on my hips and made me thrust harder. I was close to coming to fulfillment and I could see that Katashi was close too. He sat up while I still straddled him. His eyes were crimson but I saw the battle he was raging against his beast. I reached between us and rubbed my clitoris. My eyes turned scarlet and he and I were staring at each other as I started to tighten and convulse around him. His hands gripped my hips harder and I moaned loudly. My fangs started to lengthen and my instinct took over. As I shook from my orgasm, I wrapped my lips around his pulse point and bit into it viciously. His powerful blood filled my senses and I almost passed out. He roared as he spilled inside of me. His mouth was at my pulse point but he did not bite down. I sat back a little and stared at the wound where I had marked him. I leaned down and licked it. Katashi and I both shook. My beast was still in control and I licked along his jaw. His eyes had returned to their green and mine stayed red.

"Asuna." He murmured.

I growled low in return but did not speak. I had lost all control and my beast was not going to be reigned in as it normally would, it was happy to be entangled with its mate and was not leaving.

"Asuna." He tried to call me forth but my beast whined.

I growled while I bared my neck, and he shook his head no at first but I thrust my hips against his and he groaned. The battle returned to his features as he tried to maintain control but I kept moving against him. I kept my neck bared to him. His eyes were bleeding red but he still maintained a shred of control. I took both hands and grasped his back and pierced his flesh with claws. He roared in pain and when he looked at me; his eyes were fully changed and his beast was in control. I kept thrusting against him and he matched them with his own. I bared my neck to him again and he snarled. He put his fangs to my pulse point and bit in. We both came at the same time and I collapsed against him.

"I need to sleep." I said in a whisper, barely audible.

My beast had decided on its mate and I could not undo what was done. Katashi's breathing had evened out and I heard a light snore. I too passed into a deep sleep, limbs completely entangled with my mate's.

I do not know how long we slept and I hoped that the servants had the good sense not to bother us. My beast had betrayed me and I was a mated inu bitch. I sighed and my mate stirred beneath me. I laid my head against his chest and listened to his heart beat. I decided to hold off telling him of the pup. I could mask the scent well enough for awhile. I needed to force myself to get up and finish preparing for my campaign to the continent. I disentangled my limbs from his and retrieved my yukata from the floor.

"Leaving?" he asked sleepily.

"There is much that needs to be done." I replied.

"Are you running away again?" he inquired.

"No Katashi. I am not running away. I tried to rein my beast in but it has chosen and forced my hand. You are my mate, not my master." I replied coldly.

"I have no wish to be your master onna. I would not know anyone who would put up you!" he sniped at me.

"There is an alliance between our lands and a war to prepare for; I suggest we gather arms and not worry on personal issues." I commented.

"Do as you well Asuna. I do not wish to spend centuries with someone who despises me." He said sighing.

"I intended to do my will." I said stepping away from the futon and the door.

"Can you open yourself at all except during mating?" Katashi called after me.

"When there is a reason to." Was my reply as I exited the chambers.

I was sitting at the table in my chambers that served as my desk. I had a map of the continent spread out and I was studying the area of He Gang. I felt my father's yoki and turned on my cushion and waited for him to enter. The Lord of the West entered my chambers and nodded at me. I bowed stiffly and waited for him to speak.

"You mated him." He stated.

"Hai. My beast chose him my Lord. I should have consulted you, I am truly sorry for that." I replied.

"We youkai can not always control our instincts and cannot always rein in our inner natures. You could have done worse." He said sitting.

"I do not know how to proceed in this area. Give me a battle, I will fight. Give me an enemy, I will slay him. Give me a mate?" I said shaking my head.

"You are not the typical inu bitch Daughter. The Kamis gave you the abilities to rule. Our society does not change because we the youkai do not change. When your mother birthed you, your yoki was present as a newborn pup. Your path was destined but it is fraught with many obstacles." He stated.

"I did not want a mate. I am not ready for this. I had no intention of mating a lord. The nobles will think this a political match." I stated annoyed.

"The nobles will do as this Sesshomaru wishes."

"I have been pupped." I said quietly.

"That usually happens when you mate." He said matter of factly.

"Do you love my mother?" I asked.

"Hai." He answered.

"I have no idea how I feel about Lord Katashi." I lamented.

"You will figure that out. You have centuries." He said.

He stood and the father-daughter moment was over. I stared ahead and put my chin in my clawed hand. I willed myself to stand and proceeded to dress in a plain white and red haori and white hakamas. I tied a red obi around my waist and slipped my katana in it. I slipped on a pair brown kid skin half boots, I then braided my hair. I went into the barracks to inspect the troops I would be taking with me. Hideaki, the General of the Army of the West stood by at my disposal.

"My Lady!" he exclaimed bowing.

"Hai Hideaki. Are the men ready to leave?" I asked.

"Yes my Lady. I must say there is an excitement amongst the ranks. We have not seen action in awhile." He said smiling.

"Ah yes, there is nothing like slaying an enemy." I said dispassionately.

"My Lady, may I be bold?" my general asked.

"Hai." I responded.

"Lord Katashi. Is he really the son of the Tekeshi?" he asked in awe.

"Yes general, he is." I answered.

"Amazing."

"Finish any last minute preparations. We leave in one hour." I commanded.

"Hai my Lady. It will be as you command." He replied while bowing.

I had looked into the latest intelligence on the foreign issue. The Chinese were ruled by a Ming emperor, their old nemesis the Mongols had actually made an alliance against the Manchurians. The curious thing was just how much land and power Katashi had. He was on the verge of an empire. He was as an informal of a lord as I had ever seen. The leader of the youkai that was opposing Katashi was named Bai Gu Jing. This youkai was known to eat the flesh of ningen. It was a surprise to me that the ningen emperor of China, Zhu Yijun would ally himself with such a creature. The intelligence was not completely clear and there were indicators that Jing was a shape shifter. That type of youkai was rare and it was not heard of in Japan since the evil hanyou Naraku. Katashi and I had much to discuss about the situation. I sighed and realized that I may not be able to hide the pup's existence for more than one moon cycle.

I met my general and father in the courtyard. There was a cart to carry supplies and various as sundries. I looked up and saw Katashi emerge from the eastern entrance to the palace. He was followed by Sheng and the other two inu. He was wearing a pein-fu...a long tunic to his knees and pants that came to his ankles. The tunic was a dark forest green with black bottoms. An obi was tied around his waist that was black with dragons woven into it. His hair he wore loose. His katana was secured in his obi and the overall effect was incredible. He had the air of rule but also of a warrior. I noticed two serving wenches that were casting appreciative glances at him and I started growling. Katashi and my father both looked at me strangely and I had an overwhelming urge to rip the bitches' throats out. I made my way over to my father and him. I glanced at the bitches with my eyes flashing red as a warning and they scurried away. When I looked again at my father and mate they were their normal color.

"I will send regular correspondence my Lord." I spoke to my father.

"Excellent." He replied.

I bowed to him and then motioned for the soldiers to head out from the Palace grounds. I looked at Katashi and raised an eyebrow.

"I have made arrangements to leave by ship in Niigata in three days time. While you were in the North did you garner any support for your cause?" I asked.

"Kouga and Ayame pledged some wolves. I just need to send word to have them meet us at the coast." He replied easily.

"I prefer you in a haori and hakamas." I stated flatly.

"Do you?" he asked in surprise.

"Keep your voice down. I am masking the mating scent. It would do no good to your enemies to find out you had a mate. It would also do no good if they found out who I was." I said without emotion.

"Always in control, is that it Asuna?" he asked me quietly.

I ignored his question and continued on with my diatribe.

"How is it that your Inu kin know so little of your vast territory? How can you traverse this land or any other and act like you do?" I asked.

"A personal question; I am in shock." He replied in sarcasm.

"I have better things to do with my time than waste it bantering with you Katashi. If you cannot answer my questions then I will move on and plan strategy."

"I am a private youkai. My lands were given to me by my father. He rivaled your grand sire in power but left to pursue my mother. She was the daughter of the then current Lord of He Gang. My parents mated and produced me. My grand sire was killed in battle ten centuries ago. My own great father was killed a little over two centuries by the very youkai that I am battling now."

"Jing." I said simply.

"Hai." He answered.

"I am getting a better understanding of your situation." I said.

"Are you." He stated putting a clawed hand on my shoulder.

"Do not touch me, I cannot think." I hissed.

He pulled his hand back and looked annoyed. I looked up at him and glared. He was much more open with his emotions than I was used to dealing with. When he was not angry, he was openly pleasant and that went against everything I knew.

"It is not wrong for me to want to touch you. It obvious you yearn for It." he murmured.

"For Kami sake Katashi." I hissed again.

"As you wish my Lady." He said stiffly.

My inner beast was displeased that I had turned away our mate but I was not going to be distracted from my mission.

"I do prefer you in a haori and hakamas." I stated again looking at him thoughtfully.

"I cannot follow you Asuna." He said mildly annoyed.

"They are easier to take off of you." I whispered.

I walked ahead of him to speak with Hideaki. I looked back over my shoulder and saw that Sheng had moved to speak with Katashi in my vacancy. I looked ahead and smirked.

"My Lord." Sheng said.

"Hai my friend." Katashi answered.

"The Lady Asuna seems friendlier?" he queried.

"I honestly have no clue Sheng. She warms up for a moment then turns glacial." He replied shaking his head.

"Are you sure she is not pupped?"

"I would have scented that already if she was." Katashi responded.

"Her mother is rumored to have the power of illusion and that she passed it on to her daughter." Sheng returned.

Katashi narrowed his eyes and looked at his friend and then shook his head.

"Why would she keep that a secret?"

"Because the mating was not completed." Sheng offered.

"Hai my friend about that. She marked me." He remarked.

"My Lord? She marked you?" he said in surprise.

"Hai. I also marked her." Katashi said sheepishly.

"Are you sure she is mentally stable?" Sheng offered.

Katashi barked with laughter and clapped his advisor on the back.

"I have had the same thoughts my friend." He said smiling.

I heard Katashi laugh and I turned my head and saw him smile. My heart skipped a beat at the sight and I forced my eyes forward. I inclined my head to Hideaki and spoke.

"You served my father while he hunted Naraku correct?"

"Hai my Lady."

"Naraku was a shape shifter, how powerful was he?" I asked arching a brow.

"Too powerful Lady Asuna. He tapped into the Shikon no Tama. It took your great Father and your uncle's tachi to destroy him." He replied.

"The youkai we are to face in Manchuria is a shape shifter. There is much uncertainty about his power and abilities. I will not lie; I believe we will have to garner much support to put an end to him." I stated.

"I can go ahead into Manchuria my Lady. I can gather intelligence on what we will face."

"You were having the same thoughts as I. Go on ahead; you can use your yoki to get there faster."

"Hai my Lady." He said bowing and then moved on ahead.

I was remembering my Chinese history. The ningen Ming dynasty started in 1368. They had started out powerful and very organized but at this point they were corrupt and falling apart. The century before the Mongols had controlled most of Asia and parts of Europe. They had even tried invading Japan but that had failed miserably. I knew that the Inu no Taisho had even helped repel them. I felt that Katashi was poised to take on a lot more power. I was curious if he truly appreciated the situation fully. I needed more information but every time I got within a few feet of Katashi; I had a difficult time concentrating on the issues at hand. The trip to Niigata was going to be long.

We were still a day away from the port of Niigata and I made every effort to stay with my soldiers and away from Katashi. My beast was screaming in me but I ignored it and continued to plan and pour over charts and maps. My father had taught me to never walk into a battle unprepared, Katashi was my only exception. He actually seemed to keep himself busy as well and only a small hand full of words was spoken. I practiced with my katana against one of my oldest friends; he was of a lesser noble family in the West. His name was Yuudai and he was superior with a blade, he was also inu. Yuudai had gray eyes and dark silver hair that he kept pulled back at the nape of his neck. He was taller than me and wore the colors of my father's house. We were circling each other with our katana raised; ready to strike.

"Come now my Lady, strike me down." He taunted.

"Yuudai you talk big." I replied lightly.

He brought down his blade down and I blocked. I spun around and nicked his side. He looked at me and smiled; he swiped downward and he threw my balance off. I grabbed the front of his haori and flipped him over my back. He jumped up easily and knocked my blade out of my hand. I held out my hand and moved my katana into it with my will.

"Not fair my Lady. We all do not have your power."

"All is fair in war my friend."

"And love." He said smirking.

I moved quickly and knocked him down and he grabbed onto me and pulled me with him. He released me and stared down at me.

"You are finished my Lady." He said amused.

"Hai. My father taught you well." I grinned.

I heard the snarling first and sat up quickly. Yuudai followed suit and stood behind me. Katashi stood there with his eyes crimson and snarling like he was rabid.

"Go back with the others Yuudai." I commanded.

"Hai my Lady." He said heading in the direction of the soldiers.

"Calm yourself this instant." I commanded of him.

"No!" he snapped at me angrily.

"Not here Katashi!" I cried.

"Not here then but we talk now!" he demanded.

He grabbed my arm and took me rather forcefully into the forest and away from our group.

"You will unhand me now; I allowed it because you are out of your head." I seethed.

"You belong to me." He snarled ferociously.

"What is it that you think Yuudai was doing Katashi?" I asked icily.

"It is not a stretch of the imagination Asuna."

"I have known him since I was a pup. He is one of my trusted men. Leave your petty jealousy somewhere else." I sniped.

"You have masked your mark and my scent. You are lying to me and everyone else. As far as any youkai is concerned you are unmated." He remarked in fury.

"I have explained my reason; use your head that the Kamis gave you. I will not remind you that you were chosen by my beast and not me." I said jerking my arm from him.

"You separate yourself from half of you. Your beast is you Asuna." He snapped.

"I am not going to be insulted by you or anyone, rein yourself in or I will do it for you." I threatened.

He grabbed my upper arms in anger and I jerked forcefully away from him.

"Do not even think to chastise me. You are a lord and I am a lady. I am your equal." I snarled.

"You cannot give anything to me can you? You smiled at that inu. I am your mate and you show another emotion. I will not do this anymore. Remove the mask on the mark and scent." He demanded.

"No." I said flatly refusing.

"I will make you." He threatened.

"How? It is not in your power." I laughed without mirth.

"I am going to find a way of absolving this joke. You will continue to lie to yourself and everyone else. I will not spend my centuries with a heartless bitch." He yelled.

"I had no intentions of spending centuries with anyone." I said furiously.

He raised his claw and struck me in the cheek. I was knocked backward. My eyes instantly bled red and I struck back. I clawed his chest and wounded him.

"Stay away from me." I sneered.

"Yes, I will stay away from you. I care not if you whore yourself to every male in your small army."

"Bastard." I snarled in rage.

I was so blinded by anger and hatred in that moment that I did the one thing I knew I should not have. I lifted the mask from myself and let him scent my condition. He whirled on me and pressed me against a large tree.

"This is as close as you will ever get to this pup." I remarked in hatred.

"You will not keep me from what is mine." He snarled in a low tone.

"I already have."

He backed away and looked stricken.

"I have never in my four hundred years met anyone as hateful as you." He said emotionless.

"I will not be controlled." I said spitting at his feet.

"No, you will not be loved." He said walking away from me.

I looked around in the darkness and a single tear rolled down my cheek. He thought of me as betraying him and I thought of him as if he was dominating me. I sat down and nestled myself in front of the tree. I set up a barrier so that I could be alone.
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