InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Siege of Tianjin ( Chapter 5 )

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

Disclaimer: I do not own the anime or manga Inuyasha. The characters of Inuyasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I make no money with the writing of this fan fiction and all OC's are mine.



The Siege of Tianjin



I stayed away from Sheng. Two inu males held me captive in a way; one had my heart and the other my soul. Sheng continued to get stronger and Katashi would spend time with him keeping him company. I spent time organizing supplies for the military campaign. I intended to leave in two days time and strike the Chinese a blow on their own soil. Jing would probably be around to wreak her malice. I was poring over maps of the region and Katashi came into our shared chambers.

"We will be ready as scheduled." I said feeling his aura.

"Hai." He said

"Will Sheng be well enough to travel?" I asked with an air of disinterest.

"Hai he will." He said.

"What bothers you Katashi?" I said turning to look up at him from my sitting position.

"You have been avoiding Sheng since three nights ago." He stated simply.

"He has not been well and I have been making preparations for a siege." I said flatly.

"You should not blame yourself for his injuries; he survived thanks to you." He said putting a hand on my shoulder.

I stared into his beautiful eyes and forced myself to shield heavily. I loved this inu and this time in his lands had changed me forever.

"I will stop blaming myself. I do know that he is a great warrior and we will need his strength." I said wrapping my arms around his neck.

He pressed his lips to mine and I sighed.

"As much as I would love to stay here and bury myself in your depths, I cannot." He sighed in frustration.

"I came here to help you stop these vermin and that is what I shall do. Being joined with you is just a bonus." I said looking up at him with a small smile.

He moaned and buried his nose into the crook of my neck and I sighed yet again. He reluctantly pulled away.

"I am leaving to go to Ansham. I would like you to meet me there with the rest of the army and Sheng in two days time." He stated.

"Hai. We will strike a blow and show the Han and the Mongol curs exactly who they are facing." I stated.

"I love you." He breathed into my ear.

I was instantly aroused and glared daggers at him for leaving me like this.

"And I you." I said kissing his jaw.

"Now I am leaving." He said pulling away from me.

I growled but let him go. I cocked my head to the side and watched him leave. I needed to face Sheng sooner or later and I decided now was as a good of time as any. I left the security of my chambers and went next door to Sheng's. I knocked and I heard a clear "come" and I entered. There by Sheng's bedside was Annchi. I nodded to her and noticed Sheng was asleep.

"He sleeps deep." Annchi answered the unasked question.

"I see. I will need to wake him soon and speak with him alone." I said softly.

"Hai my Lady." She said.

She looked at me with questions on her face and I sat and faced her.

"What is it you want to know?" I asked gently.

"How is it that you a warrior?" she asked with awe.

"I have been trained as such. I am a product of a taiyouki." I answered.

"I see. You give these lands an extra strength my Lady." She said standing.

"I thank you for the confidence." I said.

She bowed then slipped out of the room. I leaned forward from the chair I was sitting on and whispered in Sheng's ear.

"I need you awake for a few minutes."

He roused a little and I repeated my statement. His eyes fluttered open and he turned his head and looked at me. My chest constricted but I kept myself extra calm and my mental shields firmly in place. I lifted the coverlet a little and checked the wound in his lower belly. I lifted his chin and saw that the wound in his neck was healing beautifully. His crystal blue eyes were perusing me and I ignored him.

"Have I passed your inspection?" he asked hoarsely.

"Hai. Can you travel in two days time?" I asked him emotionlessly.

"I will be ready." He replied.

"Good then." I said flatly.

I stood and pulled away my hand. He grabbed it and I stiffened. He searched my eyes and I tried to stare coldly. He knew me now and he saw through my front. I jerked my hand away and backed away from his bed. My heart was pounding in my chest; nothing was said and I fled his room. I fled back into my chambers. I went to the desk and sank into the chair. I had no idea what fate was playing at by allowing me to be tied to him in such a way. I heard a knock on the door and I called out "come". Sheng came in clad only in a pair of silk ku.

"What do you want of me?" I asked softly.

"I do not know." He answered hoarsely.

"There is no point in compounding the problem. When and if it becomes necessary to join again in such a manner then we will." I stated.

"That is not what you want and we both know it." He replied.

"Again what do you want from me?" I asked breathing harder.

"I have never known such passion or release. I want you to allow me to strengthen this ability." He stated.

"So you can join like this with another?" I asked angry.

"Kami no, I want to feel you." He replied whispering dangerously.

"You can return to your chambers and forget that you ever knew me in such a familiar fashion. We have a unique ability but I will not use it in that way." I said pointing to the door.

He approached me like the predator he was and I stood up. I truly did not want this to get out of hand. He came up to me and touched a stripe on the side of my cheek. My chest was heaving and I felt him pressing my mind.

"No." I groaned.

"Please allow this. I need this." He breathed.

"Sheng." I whispered in protest.

"I want to feel you." He said breathing along me neck.

"No. I will not do this. We are going to lay siege to Tianjin." I said roughly.

He did not touch me again but I could tell he was warring with himself. It was strange to know everything but still be a stranger.

"Laying siege?" he asked; his curiosity piqued.

"Katashi has mobilized half the army and he is on his way to Ansham. I am hoping that by creating a diversion we will take them by surprise."

"It is a good plan but what about the youki?" he asked stepping back.

"You and I have the ability to erect powerful barriers. It will disguise our half at least from the youki scum." I ground out.

"Hai. It is a good plan but we will have to disperse our numbers as to not draw attention. Jing has been moving back and forth from China to Manchuria." He said almost wincing at her name.

"Hai. I think it would be better if we left on the morrow. Can you travel?" I asked calming my racing heart.

"Hai I can travel." He answered.

"General Yuudai has traveled with Katashi to Ansham. It will be you, me, and General Ichigawa." I said calmly.

"Hai. I will see you on the morrow." He said bowing and leaving.

I put my shaking hand on the mahogany desk and blew my breath out.

We had been attacked but that did not surprise us. The attacking troops were mostly ningen and easily dispatched but there had been a small contingent of youki. I was facing a bear that was large and burly. I had my katana out and I had struck its left shoulder. There was blood all around the ground. It made a grab for my waist and I went to one knee and shoved up into the beast's ribcage. It howled in rage and blood sprayed everywhere. I fell to the ground and rolled a few feet and jumped to my feet. I let my Dakkasou come to the tips of my claws and I shoved my hand into the bear's chest. There was a hissing and popping sound as his flesh was eaten away by my poison. I grabbed his heart and he dropped to the ground in a soundless scream. I removed my hand and whirled to face another youki. I let my mind touch Sheng's and was assured he was winning. My blade was knocked from my hand and I went into a roll. I jumped up and was stabbed in my right shoulder blade. I yelped in pain but brought my elbow up and smashed the badger in the nose. I located my katana and willed it to my outstretched hand. I swung around and cut the badger in half. His two halves fell to the ground in front of me.

I felt it before I saw it. My eyes widened and I looked down at my midsection. I had been impaled by what felt like glass; it looked like a glass spear. Fear and dread spread through me. I heard the laughing and her disgusting voice.

"I told you inu bitch that we would meet again." She said laughing like a child.

I mustered every ounce of strength I had and I moved forward and un-impaled myself. Blood was pouring from the wound. I coughed up the red, viscous liquid. I turned to face her and showed her my most disdainful face.

"Yes you did. I must confess I have been looking forward to seeing you again." I said with a cold smile.

My vision was swimming but I remained awake. Her arm was the glass like spear. I whirled in a quick circle with my yoki and brought down my blade. I severed her arm and she screamed an unholy scream. I let my poison grow and I threw it at her face. I pushed it faster with my telekinesis and she did not see it coming. I feel to my knees and smiled.

"You awful monster. I will destroy you." She screamed at me.

"Your flesh is being eaten away Bai Gu Jing. I win this round." I said leering at her.

She used her other arm and slashed my gaping wound with claws. I felt Sheng coming up behind me. He jumped over me and managed to strike her in the shoulder. I was slowly losing consciousness but she shrieked and retreated into her mist. I felt better knowing she could be struck down. She was not invincible. I had not realized that tears were pouring from my eyes. I had no strength for my shield and Sheng was trying to reach me. I put my clawed hands to my stomach and they were covered in blood.

"My pup." I whispered in agony.

I was still being my typical analytical self when I realized that I was going to bleed to death. I felt myself being lowered and Sheng calling my name.

"We won?" I asked in a tortured whisper.

"Hai. You must stay awake. Asuna stay with me." Sheng cried.

"It will be alright. You must contact the West. My father will help. You must stop them." I said with a weak smile.

"You will not die." He said forcefully.

"I wounded her. I hope more painfully than she did to you." I said coughing up more blood.

"Hai, it looked as though you did." He said quietly.

"I am tired. I am going to sleep." I said almost inaudibly.

Sheng looked up from Asuna's prone form. There was so much blood. He yelled to two nearby soldiers to help him with her body. They were not far from Fuxin. He might be able to reach it in time.

"Set up camp nearby. I am taking the Lady Asuna to the village." Sheng commanded.

"Hai sir!" they replied in unison.

He carried her in his arms bridal style and moved at an inhuman speed. He knew that there was a ningen miko with some power in the village. Fuxin was one of several villages where youki and ningen lived fairly peacefully. It took him fifteen minutes to reach the village from the battle site. She had long since passed out. He doubted that her pup had survived the grievous wound. He mourned for Katashi; he would be beyond incensed. Asuna had been wearing armor wrought from youki bone and leather. It was a tough sturdy armor and it had been pierced like paper. Blood streaked her silver hair making it pink in some areas. Her skin was quickly losing any color. Her markings from her house stood out starkly against the quickly whitening flesh. He made it to the village and located the miko's hut.

"Miko! It is I Sheng from Shenyang." He called.

A small ningen woman pushed aside the screen in the doorway and came out. Her eyes widened at the inu holding a female inu.

"Bring her in now. We do not have much time." She exclaimed.

Sheng obeyed and went into the hut and laid Asuna upon a plain pallet on the floor. The miko ripped the hakama and haori away from the wound. She indicated to a pile of clean white linens with her head and Sheng retrieved them. He handed them to her and the miko packed the wound to stop the bleeding. Sheng watched as the miko healed some of the lesser wounds with her hands, which glowed a soft pink.

"Sit with her while I make a salve and pain reliever." She commanded quietly.

"Hai." He said sitting next to her almost lifeless body.

The miko began mixing pungent herbs. It took almost an hour to finish. She had a small wooden cup filled with a similar brew that he had taken just days ago. In a small clay bowl she had a paste that smelled equally revolting.

"Lift her head." The small onna commanded.

Sheng gently lifted Asuna's head and opened her mouth. The miko poured the disgusting tea down her throat. She massaged her throat to make her swallow. She then took the blood soaked linens and put the healing salve into the wound, then repacked it with clean ones. Asuna had remained unconscious the whole time.

"Now we wait my lord." She said looking at Sheng.

"What of her pup." He asked grimly.

"I am sorry. There was too much trauma." The miko said sadly.

"She is Lord Katashi's mate." Sheng said sadly.

The miko put a hand to her mouth.

"My poor Lord." She cried.

Sheng crossed his legs and sat by her, refusing to move.

"Are you learned?" he asked the miko in a quiet voice.

"Hai." She responded.

"Lend me some so I may write the Lord a letter." He said.

Sheng busied himself with a quill and paper and wrote a short letter to Katashi. Sheng cringed when he imagined his adopted brother and best friend reading it.

"Could you take this to a runner and have it sent to Ansham." He asked politely.

"Hai my lord." The little onna said taking the letter and leaving the hut.

Sheng brushed a few stray strands off of her lovely face. He was in love with her. He could not help it. He would never overstep his bounds but he warred with himself over it.

"Let her live." He whispered.

They had injured Jing grievously and he hoped bad enough to warrant time to recover. His thoughts kept straying to Asuna and their joining. He had felt utter rapture when he had touched her soul. He had never known such complete pleasure in his life; he had come to know all the intimate details of her. He wanted to touch her but refrained. He bent his head down and pressed his lips to hers. He straightened back up and started the wait till she awoke, if she awoke.

Almost unendurable pain assaulted my senses. I tried to not to cry out but I did. I turned my head and saw Sheng sitting next to me. I moved my lips but no words were formed; I pathed to him instead. Even it was weak. I barely had any yoki and pain dulled my senses.

-Where are we?-

-You are awake! We are in a village called Fuxin. - He replied

-Tired. Must get the men to Tianjin Sheng. - I pathed very weakly.

-I must get you better as you did for Me.-was his reply.

I felt his yoki spread through me and I felt a little stronger. I gasped at the feeling again.

-The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. - I pathed.

-That is a crock Asuna. - He replied with a very soft thought.

I lifted a hand and he took it. I barely shook my head to him.

-You and Ichigawa need to meet up with Yuudai in Tianjin. - I thought to him.

"I will not leave you alone." He replied with his voice.

"Hai, you will." I said with as much conviction as I could.

I noticed a ningen onna at the fire in the center of the hut. I cried out in pain and waited for it to pass.

"I do not want to be awake right now." I pleaded.

The little onna came over to me and pressed a wooden cup to my lips as Sheng lifted my head so that I could drink. The scent and taste of the concoction was vile but I knew that it would cause me to sleep and I drank it greedily. If it was not considered such a weakness, I would have shed tears. I could not think too much of my pup. I was devastated more than I thought possible. Katashi would be enraged beyond belief. I had grown accustomed to the idea of being a mother. I completely let my shields down for Sheng; I needed his strength right now. I felt his yoki warming me and I slipped back into a coma like sleep.

Her face was slowly getting more color and Sheng waited on news from Katashi. He had sent word to Ichigawa to continue on to Tianjin. He had disobeyed Asuna but felt certain that Katashi would forgive him for staying with her. He had disliked her intensely the first time he saw her and could not believe how much that opinion had changed in the last several weeks. There had been a bloody battle between Katashi's half of the army and the Han Ming Chinese.

Her yoki had been ebbing and flowing with his yoki and he felt certain that she was borrowing his power to help build hers back up. She was still young for an inu, barely of age and yet she had experience beyond the palace fed bitches he was used to. He knew Katashi would be here soon to fetch them and he hoped she had gained enough strength. That had been in the ningen Miko's hut for several days and he still kept vigil. Many things were weighing upon his mind and heart and he knew that he needed to exorcise his feelings for this particular female. Now that he knew her truly all the others seemed to pale in comparison.

Katashi received the letter from Sheng. All that it said was that they were in Fuxin and that she was injured. Sheng had also informed him that Ichigawa had moved on to Tianjin and that when Katashi arrived he would join the general. Katashi had transformed into his true self and had taken off to Fuxin. He had ordered Yuudai to meet up with Ichigawa right outside of the city that they were to lay siege to.

Katashi entered the village back in his humanoid form and scented his mate and close friend in a hut. He came to the doorway and knocked on the frame. He pushed aside the reed mat that serviced as a door and entered. Asuna lay on a plain mat covered only in a light silk blanket with Sheng sitting near her. Her skin was sallow and she reeked of medicinal herbs. Katashi looked at Sheng in disbelief and he nodded his head for him to come outside. Sheng got up and followed the Lord.

"What happened?" he asked with barely contained fury.

"We were ambushed Katashi. I feel certain that we have a mole amongst the court. Jing was there. She is the one that did this to her." Sheng replied.

"The pup?" Katashi asked in a harsh whisper.

"No more my Lord. I am truly sorry. She nearly bled to death." He remarked quietly.

Katashi's hand actually started to shake with repressed fury. His eyes were completely red when he looked up at Sheng.

"What were her injuries?" he asked snarling.

"Jing impaled her my Lord. She had also torn open her belly." Sheng replied his own eyes reddening at the memory.

"She knew. That evil witch knew about our pup." He growled.

"Asuna took her down and injured her severely Katashi. You would have been in awe at her skill." He said eyes downcast.

"You did well to stay with her Sheng. Is she well enough to move?" he asked tightly.

"Not as yet Katashi. She woke up once and ordered me to Tianjin. I knew you would have had my head if I had left her."

"You are as wise as ever my brother. I should have stayed with her. I should have protected her." He said disgusted.

"You and I both know she would not have allowed it. She has been raised as a warrior just as you and I were. Her sense of honor forbade it." Sheng said.

"Her honor is not as important as her life. Kami, I love her and I would rather burn in hell than see her come to harm again. She can claw my heart out as far as I care. I will send her back to Japan if need be." He ground out.

"I can take her to the Winter Palace in He Gang." Sheng offered.

Katashi looked thoughtfully at his advisor and oldest friend and nodded in agreement.

"I am going to finish what was started and lay waste to Tianjin." Katashi snarled.

"Hai. I will be more than pleased when that takes place." Sheng agreed.

"When she is more recovered I will take her to He Gang and send you regular correspondence." He continued.

"I trust her life to you. If anything happens you are to take her back to the Western Lands." Katashi ordered.

"Hai my Lord." Sheng said bowing.

Katashi entered the hut and kneeled by the prone Asuna and pressed his lips to her crescent moon. He turned to the ningen miko and pressed a large amount of gold into her hand. He went back outside and snarled in complete rage. He looked at Sheng and nodded as he left. Sheng looked toward the north and his journey away from the war torn southern provinces of Manchu and He Gang.

I moaned as I came to. I looked around and caught an old scent of my mate. I looked up and saw Sheng. I noticed a plain cotton yukata had been put on me. He nodded to me and I blinked my gold-brown eyes. I tried to sit up and I felt bile rise in me. I laid back and closed my eyes.

-How long ago was Katashi here? - I asked Sheng

-Two days. - He answered.

-What are you trying to keep from me? - I asked.

"Nothing my Lady." He replied in voice.

"You lie." I whispered.

-You forget I know you too Sheng. - I whispered in his head.

-I know you know me. There is no point in getting put out about things right now.-he assured me.

"What have you and Katashi planned for me?" I asked bitterly.

"He wants you to convalescent at the Winter Palace." He said quietly.

"I need to be with my men." I said anger rising in me.

"You are weak still my Lady." He said calmly.

"It is now `my Lady'?" I asked with repressed fury.

-Asuna calm yourself! - He commanded in thought.

"I will not. When I can stand, I can wield my katana." I said growling low and dangerous.

"I will fight you to keep you safe." He warned me.

"You would lose." I seethed.

"My Lady, you dealt the enemy an almost fatal blow." He said proudly.

-It was not enough was it? - I cried in his mind.

-I am sorry for the loss of your pup. I tried to get you here in time.-he pathed.

"I will not lie around whilst someone else dies!" I thundered.

"You were injured far worse than I my Lady. We may be youki but we are not indestructible." He said with little emotion.

-What is wrong with you? - I cried in his head.

He looked at me thoughtfully and stared at me with a little pain bared in his eyes.

"I know I was injured severely. I was there remember? I was brought up to stand with my own and my own are on a field of battle without their commander!" I sniped.

"You do not understand do you?" he asked me with a little more emotion.

"Understand what?" I whispered.

"You have become more than just foreign aid. You have become this land's lady. You have become its soul!" he said emphatically.

-I love you. Katashi loves you. We would both die before we see you harmed again! - He thought to me with passion.

-There is no room for love. - I snarled in his mind.

"I have honor and this is not it!" I cried sitting up.

I fought off pain and nausea and stood with great effort. I stared at him and to my horror I felt tears prick my eyes.

"Miko-sama would you please give the Lady and I a moment of privacy?" Sheng asked the ningen onna.

"Hai my lord." She said bowing and leaving her hut.

-You want to substitute pain with fury. - He said as she left.

I put my hands to my temples and rubbed them.

"Get out of my head Sheng!" I snarled at him.

"I forced a bond between us; but do you truly wish to keep me shut out forever?" He asked searching my face.

"I wish for my katana and armor. I wish to be with my men in battle and I wish to have my honor." I raged.

"You are grieving the loss of your pup; I understand that but you are a female as well as a warrior. You have the right to feel its loss." He said compassionately.

"Do not pity me. I will not allow it!" I screamed at him.

"I would never pity you." He replied.

"Then do as I bid you." I roared.

"My Lady, I cannot." He said calmly.

I closed the space between us and I beat his chest with my fists. He wrapped his arms around me and I wept. He tucked my head underneath his chin. The movement had tired me out and I sagged in his arms. Sheng knew I did not want these feelings, he knew that is why I had cut myself off from them. Mates and pups took energy and emotion that I felt that I could ill afford. I had sunk so deep and I had to claw myself out. He picked me up bridal style and laid me back down on the mat. I turned my head and stared at him.

"When are you taking me to He Gang?" I whispered.

"I want to leave when you can travel. I cannot transport myself great distances like a taiyouki." He said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Hai. Let me sleep for awhile then you can take me to the Winter Palace." I said in a tortured whisper.

I closed my eyes and fell into oblivion.

My eyes fluttered open and the pain was not as severe. I pushed myself up into a sitting position and looked around the small hut. I stood carefully and walked forward. I knew if I had not been youki there would have been no way I would have survived the impalement. I went to the doorway and pushed aside the reed mat and stepped outside. Sheng was sitting beneath a tree with his eyes closed. His hair was loose and framed his chiseled face. I smiled to see him resting but I was curious as to how easy it would be to rouse him. I went by his side and gently shook his arm. He did not waken and I slipped into his mind.

-Wake up! - I commanded

"Damn it all I just got sleep!" he grumbled.

"You are worse than pup when you are tired." I chided him.

"Asuna, I realize you like to compare me to a young one but I assure I am anything but." He growled.

"I see. So now you call me by my name. You are moody." I said sitting next to him.

"I have not slept in over five days. I normally try to go no longer than three. You needed the honorific earlier." He said stretching.

"Well then we can leave for He Gang now." I said annoyed.

I looked at Sheng through hooded eyes. He had on a pein-fu of cream colored cotton and a dark brown obi and a pair of geta. I was not shielding at all and he turned and stared at me. There was heat in his eyes and his lips were set in a grim line. I felt what he was experiencing and I sucked in my breath. A surge of overwhelming lust went through me and I slammed up my barriers. I stood up slowly and realized that I would not be able to effectively wield a weapon for at least a few weeks. He did not speak and neither did I. There was nothing we could say; we felt it all. I went into the hut and waited for the miko to return from gathering herbs. She returned about a half hour later with a basket on her arm.

"I see you are awake my Lady." She said with a gentle smile.

"Miko-sama, I cannot express my gratitude enough for your care of me." I said.

"I would do anything to help my Lord Katashi." She said bowing.

"We will be taking our leave of you now." I said standing and bowing to her.

I took my leave of her and joined Sheng outside. We went north toward the palace.

Sheng had arranged for a palanquin. It was very elaborate and carried by four burly inu males. I looked at Sheng in annoyance.

"Kami this is insulting." I muttered.

"Why is this insulting? Do you have enough yoki to transport us?" He asked.

"No I do not. I have never traveled this way. It is decadent and lazy." I said incensed.

"You have the attitude of a noble yet you do not travel as one." He remarked amused.

"I have abilities of a taiyouki. Why would I need this extravagance?" I said in irritation.

"You have been injured severely and you worry about the mode of transport? I might injure you further if I changed and you are still too weak to walk that far." He pointed out.

I shot him a look as the litter was lowered. He stepped up on it and helped me up. I rolled my eyes as it was lifted and we surged forward. I stared at him and wanted to hide my shame.

"How long will this take?" I asked perturbed.

"Two days travel." He replied with mirth.

"This amuses you?" I said narrowing my eyes.

"Hai, it does." He smirked.

"You are used to this; you are also used to rutting with any female who would spread their legs for you. What else

Sheng? Did I get it right?" I snarled in a low tone.

His eyes flashed in anger and he narrowed them.

"What I do in my spare time is none of your concern my Lady." He hissed between clenched teeth.

"Oh. Well then tell me is Annchi expecting you to mate her? I mean you have enjoyed her have you not." I said in a haughty manner.

"This is not a topic I will discuss with you my Lady." He started snarling.

I was furious at his superior attitude about the litter and also a little jealous. I was angry at not being able to go back to Tianjin and I was taking it out on him.

"Did she scream your name as you took her?" I said goading him.

"Stop." He commanded the carriers.

They stopped and lowered the vehicle and he grabbed my hand and pulled me down the steps and into the forest. I was shielded so tight he could not have even pathed to me if he tried. He whirled on me and his eyes were red.

"Why in Kami's name are you taking your anger out on me?" he growled.

"I hate this situation. You were behaving as if I were beneath you because I abhor our mode of travel." I growled back.

"Why bring up my rutting partners; to make me lose my temper? It worked Asuna." He said taking a step toward me.

I did not back down and he got an inch away from my face. His eyes were blazing and I continued to stare at him with contempt.

"Go ahead and lose your temper." I dared him.

"You want to know if she screamed my name." he said dangerously.

"Hai. Did she moan like a whore?" I hissed.

He grabbed my shoulders and then released them. He turned his head and sighed.

"I am not doing this. I am not participating in your temper. I owe you no explanation of my rutting habits. I have been charged with taking you to He Gang and that is what I am going to do." He said staring at me with glacial blue eyes.

I did not waver in my glaring.

"You bound our spirits and you use the information that you know to amuse yourself. I will not have it." I snapped.

"I was wrong. I was enraptured and let it go too far. I wanted to posses you at that moment." He said.

"Well your amusement is over." I said walking back toward the palanquin.

He grabbed my arm and turned me around. One hand was on the small of my back and the other was holding my chin. His lips were inches from mine. I could feel his breath and I shuddered in his arms.

"I want to touch you everywhere. I want to taste you. I want to feel your skin against mine as I make you cry out in bliss but I cannot. The closet I will be able is when my thoughts touch yours." He said in a hoarse whisper.

"I want to push you against that tree and lift up your thigh. I want to sear you with my lips and lose myself in your wetness." He continued in the same tone.

"Enough Sheng." I whispered with a shaky voice.

"Do you understand now?" he said releasing me.

"Hai. We need to get to He Gang." I said straightening my back.

"Hai we do. Can we not argue the whole way there?" he asked.

"Hai." I replied.

We went back to the litter and continued on our way.

We made it to He Gang in less than two days. Sheng and I had kept our conversations light. We also kept our barriers in place and stayed away from pathing. My mind wandered back to what Sheng said in the forest and I burned on the inside. Things had not gone as planned at all in Manchuria.

When we arrived at the palace I was surprised. It was influenced by the Russian onion domes and traditional Manchu architecture. It was a brilliant blue and white on the outside. The roof was also done in gold as the summer palace was. I was ushered into the palace by the servants and installed in Katashi's chambers. The room was done in brilliant blues. The furniture had been stained black. There was also a large bed instead of futon. There were tapestries of ancient inu warriors adorning the walls. The servants fussed over me and I detested it. I made up my mind to spend as much time in the dojo as possible to rebuild my strength. I sent couriers to the front lines to find out what Katashi and the army were doing. Sheng was about the palace but I did not see him alone or for long. I was angry with him again for ignoring me and acting contemptuously. Katashi was a very light hearted individual whereas Sheng was petulant and moody at times. His memories of other females were driving me mad. I knew that I had too much down time and I was obsessing again.

I was wandering the palace on my third of medical exile. I found the library and intended to learn all I could on these areas nobles. Sheng was reclining on a chaise reading. His navy blue yukata was open and his chest was visible. He also had on a pair of ku the same color as the yukata. I wore a simple silk tunic that came to my knees. The sleeves were split at the shoulder to elbow so that my upper arms were bare. The edges of the tunic were edged in the red honey comb pattern of the House of the Moon and the rest of it was white. My hair was free and hung down my back. He looked up and nodded to me and I inclined my head to him. I could see that same heat that I saw back at the village. He sat up and put down the scroll he was reading. He stood up to leave.

"Now who is running away?" I asked raising a brow.

"I am keeping temptation at bay." He answered bluntly.

"I do not wish to be away from you like this." I said honestly.

"It cannot be helped." He said.

"Fine then. I think I saw a bitch down the hall. Why not go and keep yourself busy." I said angry.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him.

"Is this what you want me to do?" he asked thickly.

"I do not want you too far from me." I said.

"You will not let me in but you want me close to you. Who are you kidding Asuna?" he said letting go of me.

I put the back of my hand against his face and rubbed his cheek.

"Let down your barriers." I commanded quietly.

He tried to shake his head but I put my other hand to his other cheek. I let my yoki go and it flowed against his skin.

"Kami Asuna." He groaned.

I was unshielded and I pressed against his conscious mind. He closed his eyes and moaned. Our power was mingling and I felt Sheng as if he was in my own body. It was pure feeling and it was like the night in Shenyang. I withdrew and I was shaking in almost pure bliss. I could not imagine what it would be like if we actually physically joined. He put his hand behind my neck and pulled me to him once more and pressed his lips to my mine. It was savage and raw. He nipped at my lips and sucked my lower one. He ran his tongue along my fangs and I opened my lips to him and he plundered my mouth. He sucked my tongue and I groaned with hunger and raw need. My hands had reached inside he yukata and splayed them across his chest. The tips of my claws dug into his flesh a bit. He groaned at the small violence and tore away from my lips. I cried out at the loss of mouth.

"I must stop." He growled lightly.

"Please." I whispered against his juncture of neck and shoulder.

I lapped at his pulse point and ran my tongue up his neck.

"We cannot do this. Asuna pull your beast back." He said groaning.

"No, I cannot Sheng. Kami, I am burning." I whispered against his flesh.

"Reign in your beast onna." He breathed heavily.'

"You do not want us?" I asked nipping his ear lobe.

"More than I can say, you must pull in your primal self." He commanded gently.

I ran my tongue along his lower lip and took it into my own and suckled on it. I moved my lips down his neck to his collar bone. I was nipping his skin as I went. His breathing was becoming heavier and he grabbed my shoulders and tried to gently push me away. I knew my beast had taken control but I did not try and stop it. The burning was consuming me.

"Asuna clear your mind. We cannot do this." He said clenching his teeth and groaning.

I ran my hands across his chest and leaned my head down and took a flat nipple into my mouth. I pulled it with my teeth and nibbled on it. I could not understand how he kept his control. I pushed the yukata off his shoulders and I lifted my head and pressed my body against his. His blue eyes were bleeding red. I pulled up the hem of my tunic and reached my hand down to my center and coated a single claw with my own juices. I brought it to his mouth and traced his lips with it. He snarled viciously and took my finger into his mouth and licked it clean. He hands reached up and held the side of my head and crashed his lips against mine. I ran my claws up and down his bare back and I drew blood. Both of us were breathing heavily. Sheng ripped the front of my tunic open and bared my body. He pressed his fangs to my neck and dragged them along my flesh till my shoulder. He was almost snarling as he sucked and nipped a trail to my breasts; he brought his hands to them and cupped both globes. He used his thumb and flicked a nipple. He dropped his head and took the peak into his mouth and suckled it. My hands were shaking lightly and I brushed my thoughts and yoki against his and a guttural snarl was ripped from his chest. His hair brushed against my other nipple and I moaned. Warmth was spreading along my limbs and I was already close to completion.

"Sheng…Kami…" I cried out repeatedly.

He sat me down on the chaise and spread my legs open wide. He held onto my thighs and lowered his head and darted his tongue against my engorged clitoris; I growled my pleasure and he flicked his tongue against my clit over and over and I was shaking. He tasted my center and put his tongue inside and I cried out. He then took my clit and suckled it hard and I completely lost my mind. I shook my head side to side alternately growling and crying out. He slipped two fingers into my center and slowly removed them and quickly moved them in and out. He growled against me while he suckled me. I released more yoki and Sheng cried out against my center and I came undone. My muscles tightened around his fingers and my body shook violently from my release. He tasted my release then pressed his mouth against mine. I tasted myself on his tongue and lips. He pushed me back so that I was lying down and pressed his forehead against mine.

"Koi." He whispered.

"I need you now." I demanded quietly.

I untied his ku and shoved them past his hips roughly. I grasped his member firmly and stroked him back and forth. His forehead was still pressed against mine and he groaned as if he was in pain. I knew he was trying to retain control; I ran the pad of my thumb over the head of shaft and felt his own wetness. I brought my thumb to my lips and licked his essence off. He was shaking a little with strain. He thrust in my hand and I tightened my grip just a fraction and he bit back a snarl.

"Look at me." He demanded in a whisper.

My eyes were scarlet and I stared him in the eyes.

"Your beast is still not under control." He groaned as I pumped him faster.

"We need you." I begged him.

I pulled my leg up and hooked it over his shoulder. I knew he could scent my essence and his eyes bled back to red. He was fighting himself and I and I guided his staff to my center.

-Do this. Make us one…Please. - I pleaded within his mind.

He plunged into me and I cried out.

"No shielding." I managed.

He nodded his agreement, unable to speak. He rolled his hips forward and I gasped. He pulled all the way back then surged forward. I mewled in rapture. He took my hands into his and tightened his grip when he thrust and rolled his hips; I met each thrust with one of my own.

-Release your yoki. - I pleaded silently.

He released his again and I gasped loudly. My claws had dug into the back of Sheng's hands and I felt blood and arched my back. He gnashed his teeth and held back a guttural snarl. My skin was electrified and he and I were sharing everything in the coupling. I bared my neck on instinct and he pressed his mouth to my pulse point but kept himself from following the urge. He thrust harder and faster; pushing us closer to the edge. He pulled a hand free and reached down and very lightly stroked my swollen nub and I started to scream. He covered my mouth with his and my body spasmed and clenched his member. He continued to thrust till he went rigid and I felt him release his seed. He lifted his head and snarled as he released. I wrapped my legs around his waist to keep him seated within me. He collapsed against me; breathing raggedly.

"Kami forgive me." He whispered.

I arched under him as my body experienced aftershocks and his body jerked with mine. I could not speak and I felt lethargy overcome my limbs. I knew instinctively his limbs were leaden.

-Koi, I will need to leave your body at some point.-he thought sleepily.

-Not yet. - I whispered through our bond.

"I might have to transport us out of here." I said aloud.

"I could sleep for a week." He mumbled.

"You can do that." I said with a ghost of a smile.

"You did not shred my clothes; I will slip out and get you a yukata." He said.

"I have to release you first." I said coyly.

He groaned as I moved under him and I continued my torturous movements.

"You are going to make me work more?" he asked joking but then groaned.

"Hai. I will make you work for my favor." I said as bliss overcame me.

Sheng and I started our cycle of ignoring each other all over again. I could feel his overwhelming guilt but I refused to see it as anything but an intense rut that I got out of my system. I would have been lying if the thought of Sheng rutting with another bitch did not appall me. I could live with myself.

My injuries were almost completely healed and I had a large circular scar of pink. I began practicing in earnest in the dojo and found an unforeseen side effect of the coupling. I was able to realize my blade's full potential by channeling both Sheng's and my yoki. I had accidentally destroyed half of the dojo by releasing my pent up feelings and the fang responded by letting loose a fury of power. Sheng and some servants had come running in at the ruckus and I stood there completely pleased for my efforts.

I had spent two and half weeks at the Winter Palace and decided to return to Katashi and our combined armies. I had received word that the siege was going well and in our favor. There had not been a word from Bai Gu Jing but I knew she would resurface. I was dressing for battle when I felt Sheng's presence behind me in my chambers. I turned and leveled a stare.

"You are leaving then?" he asked in his petulant way.

"Hai. I have languished enough. I want to thank you for binding us. I can now unleash my fang's true power." I said coldly.

"I love Katashi as my brother and I gave in to my base desires." He said morosely.

"I love him too; but I was there and I will not act as if it was something to be ashamed. Like I said Sheng, I thank you. I now have the power to defeat my enemies." I said with as much disdain as I could.

"We are no longer able to shield from one another. That is part of the reason for my absence." He said in anger.

"I already know that. I also know how much you loathe the both of us right now. Take yourself recrimination and

shove it to the depths of hell." I growled at him.

"You feel what I am feeling yet you act as though this is nothing." He said anguished.

"You forget I am from Japan. Lords are allowed concubines and lovers. This is nothing to be ashamed. Of course I will refrain from being around you. I would not want to interfere in your self torture. I am for the battle front; are you coming with me or will you travel at your own pace?" I said emotionless.

He felt my anger and there was no point in relaying it in words.

"I will come with you." He said.

"Good then. I travel by my yoki cloud." I said.

He and I said nothing as I produced my yoki cloud and traveled to Tianjin and my revenge.

It took three days to reach Tianjin. Sheng vacillated between petulance and good humor. I had come to the conclusion that he had been spoiled as a pup. The more I learned of Tekeshi and his opulent court the more I knew why he left Japan. The former lord had been affectionate and over indulgent; he was not a typical youki lord. I wanted for nothing but I knew that I may end up ruling one day. I was regent in his absence and that meant that I had to be strong and infallible. I alternated between utter ecstasy and complete exasperation with Sheng. I had the luxury of separation of thoughts with Katashi and that was a relief.

I arrived with little fanfare and kept my aura masked. Sheng separated from me as we entered the army's camp; it was easier to deal with his constant spiritual presence when we were not too near each other. I felt the eyes of everyone and I nodded. I made my way to the commander's tent and slipped in. There stood Yuudai, Ichigawa, and Katashi conferring over strategy.

"I believe my presence is overdue." I said.

All three males looked up in surprise at my voice. My yoki had strengthened exponentially and the ability to mask my presence as well. Katashi's mouth almost dropped open in surprise.

"The palace in He Gang has done wonders for my health Lord Katashi. I am here to finish what I started." I said smirking.

"Leave us." Katashi commanded Yuudai and Ichigawa.

Yuudai and Ichigawa bowed and left the tent. He looked at me with his green eyes smoldering. He closed the distance between us and crashed his lips against mine. It was a desperate kiss born from separation and fear. I pulled away after a couple of minutes and smiled gently up at him.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I am well. I am more than well in fact."

"How so?" he lifted his brow.

"Sheng and I have been able to combine our mental abilities and surprising results have occurred." I said modifying the truth.

"How?" he asked curious.

"That night in Shenyang when he spoke to me through telepathy, some sort of bond was formed." I said carefully.

"Explain." He said getting anxious.

"Katashi, it is a mental bond. My mother is an Uppyr youki and I suspect Sheng has a blood relative that is one as well. They are well known in Russia; the point is that most of their power involves spiritual power. I have never tapped into it as my mother tried to teach me. It was by accident that Sheng and I both tapped into it. The point is both him and I have increased the abilities of our yoki." I stated to him.

He looked at me pondering what I said and nodded.

"What kind of increase in power?" he asked.

"I have released the power of my fang. Your dojo in He Gang did not fare well." I said raising a brow.

He actually broke into grin and looked me up and down.

"You are acquiring your taiyouki abilities." He said proudly.

"Hai. I fully intend to take advantage of it and destroy Jing once and for all." I said vehemently.

"I am glad you are here but I must confess I would prefer you safely away from battle." He stated in a serious tone.

"You cannot and will not ask that of me. I have given up too much to be here now!" I said implying much.

"Hai, that is the reason I do not want you here!" he said frustrated.

"The pup is gone. I cannot change that but I will make them pay for what they did. You also need to clean house at your Summer Palace. You were betrayed by someone at that court. That is the only way Jing would have known to strike me." I said in a dangerously low tone.

"I hate your matter of fact attitude. You state things when there are other factors in play." He said angry.

"What factors Katashi? It is fact that I was pupped, it is fact that you and I are mates, and it is fact we have strong feelings for each other. It is fact that I was struck to deal your lands a decisive blow. If you allow them to use what happened outside of Fuxin then that strategy worked. They are doing exactly what I said they would do before we left Japan. I will not be kept in the wings. I am warrior Katashi, not a consort. I am a leader and my place is to lead." I stated impassioned.

"Asuna, I do not wish to lose you." He said challenging me.

"You cannot protect me, do you not see that? If we are to have a future then we must change the present." I said stoically.

He looked at me hard. My attitude was going against his natural instincts, but I did not care. I knew that Jing could gather more arms and allies and strike us harder.

"You can be so cold." He said in complete frustration.

"I am being logical." I snapped.

"I am not going to win this argument I see." He replied.

"No you are not." I said simply.

"Fine. I will move on. We have them blockaded at the Hai He River and the Bohai Gulf. There have been skirmishes along the city walls. There is an immense barrier surrounding the city though." He sighed.

"Jing." I growled.

"Hai. I do not know of anymore youki that would have that much power." He stated.

"Why would she be in a city full of ningen?" I wondered aloud.

"Perfect cover for a shape shifter." He replied.

"Hai it is. I am going to send for my aunt. She is a powerful miko; she was the Shikon Maiden a century ago." I stated.

"How quickly could she be here?"

"Two weeks minimum. They are in Edo and it takes a full week to travel to get to the West at normal speeds. If Uncle Yasha were to come then he may cut it down a few days." I said thinking aloud.

"The infamous Inuyasha." Katashi stated intrigued.

"Hai. He would be useful also. The Tetsaiga is a powerful weapon." I stated.

I sat down at the desk and motioned for quill and paper. I quickly wrote out a letter to my aunt and uncle requesting their aid. I called for a runner and had the message sent. I prayed to the Kamis that my Dakkasou had injured Jing enough that we had time to get my relatives here. I did not want to murder innocent ningen in the process of stopping a great evil. He stood behind me and put a hand on my shoulder. I laid my cheek against it and sighed. I stiffened when I felt Sheng coming to the tent.

"Your advisor is here. I am going to visit my men and see to their morale. You and Sheng have much to discuss." I said standing.

"Stay." He said quietly.

"I will stay." I said.

Sheng came into the tent and bowed before Katashi.

"My friend." Katashi greeted him.

"Hai my Lord." Sheng said in greeting.

"You took good care of my mate." He said in good humor.

"She took care of herself Katashi. She is quite resilient." Sheng said emotionless.

"Hai she is. Did you commission the repair of the dojo?" Katashi asked with amusement.

"Hai. It will be repaired before your return. The power of your fang is very impressive my Lady." Sheng said.

I was growing more and more irritated with Sheng by the moment and wanted to box his ears for acting like donkey.

"Hai it is and I still want to thank you for that." I said arching my brow.

I felt Sheng's ire and I wanted to smile. He had been in his spoilt pup mode for awhile.

"Well it is no matter now. The fact that you are accessing your taiyouki abilities is fortunate." Katashi said.

I continued to look at Sheng for a moment then I turned my eyes to Katashi.

"Hai it is. I am going to hunt. I have not fed since we left He Gang." I said rising.

Katashi looked at me with a mixture of irritation and love. Sheng was feeling a tumult of emotion and I had to compose myself.

"Do you wish to be accompanied?" Katashi asked.

"No. I will not venture far. I do not want a repeat of Zhuanghe." I said firmly.

"Alright then. I will see you soon." Katashi said.

I nodded to him and left the tent. I went into the woods and transformed. I was hungry and had decided on a boar that I caught the scent of. I padded through the underbrush with little sound and great speed. I came upon the wild pig in a clearing of the forest. It was large with fairly long tusks, it had coarse brown fur. It was heavily muscled and dangerous. I narrowed my crimson eyes and crouched lower to the ground. I sprang forward and the beast took off. I loved it when they gave chase; it got my beast in a wonderful frenzy. The wild pig turned abruptly to try and stand its ground. My lip was curled and I was growling loudly. It made a threatening oink and charged me. I swiped the beast with my clawed paw and gouged its side. It shrieked in pain and I went for its throat. It tried to dodge me but I delivered the killing blow. I had wrapped my jaws around its throat and broke the boar's neck.

The siege continued while we waited for an answer in the form a letter or my aunt and uncle. The only thing about a siege is that it could last days or years. I truly had no wish to make it last that long; if necessary I would go in and find Bai Gu Jing myself and finish her off. The woods that surrounded the encampment had seen much damage from my fang and its power. Katashi seemed impressed and I was honored that he thought so.

In the sixth week of the siege I received my answer to the letter in the form of Kagome and Inuyasha. I felt their presence before I saw them. I took off in a run in their direction and met my Uncle.

"Oi wench!" he called to me.

"Uncle Yasha! I am honored that you and Aunt Kagome would aid me in this venture." I said bowing to him.

"Suna, stop that! I am not my stick in the ass brother!" he replied uncomfortable.

"Hello niece." My aunt called to me.

"Aunt Kagome." I said going to her and hugging her.

"Keh. So where's this big bad ass demon?" Inuyasha asked flexing his claws.

"Uncle Yasha, first I would like you to meet Lord Katashi and the generals." I said amused.

"Have you gotten less icy?" he asked cocking his head to the side.

His koinu ears were twitching and I turned my head to see Katashi and Sheng coming closer.

"Uncle Yasha that is Lord Katashi and his adopted brother and advisor Sheng." I said quietly.

"So?" he said in his typical fashion.

Kagome jabbed him in the ribs and he looked indignant.

"Don't make me say it." She threatened.

He cringed and his ears were pinned to his head. I felt Katashi and Sheng right behind me. I turned and bowed to him.

"Lord Katashi and Sheng, these are my Uncle Inuyasha and his mate my Aunt Kagome; the Shikon Miko." I said with a ghost of a smile.

Katashi bowed to my uncle and aunt and Sheng did the same. Sheng looked at me and I nodded. He felt my happiness at seeing my family. Kagome watched but said nothing.

"So are you an asshole like my brother?" my uncle asked.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome admonished him.

"I have met Lord Sesshomaru and I swear to the Kamis I am not one bit like him." Katashi roared with laughter.

Inuyasha crossed his arms and looked quite smug. I glared daggers at him and he just returned the stare.

"Alright then let's get down to business. Where is Yuudai and the other General?" Inuyasha asked.

"This way Lord Inuyasha." Katashi said.

"I ain't no lord." He muttered.

"Technically you are but what shall I refer to you as?" Katashi asked non-plussed.

"My name." he answered.

Katashi leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"I like him."

I nodded to my mate and he and Uncle Yasha went ahead. Sheng walked behind me and my aunt.

"What's going on? She asked intrigued.

"A lot has happened Aunt." I said.

"Care to explain?" she pressed me.

"Come this way Kagome. I have my own tent." I said motioning to the left.

Sheng looked at me with a brow raised and I growled low in my throat. He smirked then followed Katashi and Inuyasha. Kagome looked puzzled but followed me. I entered my tent and I sat upon a silk pillow. Kagome followed suit.

"That was the inu you were looking for wasn't he?" she asked.

"Hai. That he is. I mated him." I stated bluntly.

"Honey, I figured as much. You were acting like your uncle on that one." She remarked with a small grin.

"Hai, I was being reckless. My beast decided that I needed a mate and chose him. I followed suit. I went to Kouga's dens and we fought there. Kouga kicked me out and Katashi followed me back to the West. Well things went from there and now I am here." I said sighing.

"Sweetie he seems perfect for you." She said openly smiling.

"Hai he is. We fight all the time Aunt. Then there is Sheng." I said quietly.

"I got that impression." She said in whisper.

"What I tell you stays between us?" I asked staring at her.

"Hai! Inuyasha doesn't know everything. If he did Akemi would have never left the house." Kagome said in a conspiring tone.

I laughed at the idea of my uncle chasing after my cousin.

"You seem more at ease. You have always been so formal honey." She remarked.

"I suppose I am. Katashi has brought that out in me. I have a complicated relationship with Sheng though." I said in a tired tone.

"Go ahead. What you say to me is for my ears alone." She said taking my clawed hand.

"Oh Sheng already knows I am fixing to tell you." I said casually.

"How?" she asked astonished.

"The powers I inherited from my mother have manifested themselves." I said.

"Asuna how?" she asked confused.

"Sheng is a telepath also. We were bound somehow and I reinforced it physically." I said quietly.

"Uh ok. You are bound to those two inu and you did this why?" Kagome asked shocked.

"Following my instincts." I said sheepishly.

"Well those damn inu instincts. Well dear your mother is better able to help you understand than I. I do promise that I will keep my mouth shut." She said acceptingly.

"I have made a mess of my personal life I realize but the bond with Sheng has enabled me to release my fang's power." I said cautiously.

"That is a good thing then; but seriously honey listen to this lowly ningen miko. There is a reason for everything.

There was a reason I was brought back to the past and that was Inuyasha, the Shikon no Tama, and to defeat Naraku. Falling in love and having a family was the bonus. You bear the markings of a taiyouki and therefore more pressure has been brought to bear on you but at the end of the day you are still an onna. You are a great inu-youki no doubt but remember that you are female. That means you can do anything those men can but you do it with an onna's heart." She said.

I listened with great interest; my Aunt was a great onna and miko. She and my mother were great friends and therefore I knew that her advice was something my mother would say.

"Again Aunt Kagome you speak with great compassion and I would be a fool not to listen to you. I have never thought you were a lowly ningen, you are one of the greatest people I have ever met." I said gratefully.

"I love dear. Your father has raised you like himself and that makes it harder for the rest of the world to see you as we do." She said with a small smile.

"I know. Father has prepared me for ruling; don't you see?" I said rubbing my temples.

"Hai, I see that and he has done an admirable job of it. You are just barely grown; you can and will make mistakes." She said comforting me.

"I was pupped." I blurted out.

"What happened?" she asked concerned.

"I was attacked by the youki that I asked you here about. She is a shape shifter. She impaled me over six weeks ago." I said looking down.

"Asuna that was not your fault!" she cried.

"Yes it was. I have the training and knowledge that Katashi's enemies would come after those that he cared for. I told him such and yet I allowed myself to be pupped." I said quietly.

"You cannot blame yourself for what another did. Can you still have more pups?" she asked concerned.

"I had not thought on it. I mean I have healed; surely I can have more." I stated.

"I will have to ask your father's healer, he will know." She said reassuringly.

I closed my eyes for a moment and repressed the savage pain that stirred in my gut. I felt Sheng trying to sooth me and I was grateful.

"The youki has holed herself up in the ningen city of Tianjin. The barrier is powerful and I thought that between you and Uncle Yasha's Red Tetsaiga; we could break through. I do not want to murder innocent ningen. We are sending a message to the Ming and Mongols that He Gang will not be taken." I said changing the subject.

"Hai I am sure we can do it. When do you want us to attempt it?" she asked.

"On the morrow." I replied.

"Hai. Shall we join the men?" she said standing.

"Hai." I said joining her.

"You love them both?" she asked all of sudden.

"Hai." I said looking down.

"Honey it will work out." She said putting a hand on my shoulder.

"It is no more of a situation than my own parents." I said.

"Hai that is true. I cannot believe how much Augusta hated Sesshomaru when she first made his acquaintance." She said remembering.

"I know but Naraku was trying to use my mother's power against all of you." I said.

"Hai that he was. Now I know your mother and father love each other fiercely." She replied.

"Too much at times." I said rolling my eyes.

We made our way to the command tent and entered. Katashi was at the desk and showing Inuyasha the area and the strategy. I heard an occasional `Keh' and Katashi laughing. Sheng was standing near the desk and I nodded to him gratefully. He nodded back and I felt a calm come over me.

"Uncle Yasha did you stop at the Western Palace before you left Niigata?" I asked.

"Hai. Your father is concerned." He said leveling me a stare.

"I do not want him rushing here Uncle Yasha," I said in annoyance.

"Like I can control what Lord Icicle does." He said.

Katashi snorted at the name that Inuyasha used to refer to my father and I glared at him. He looked amused and I could tell that he and Inuyasha were going to be friends. I crossed my arms across my chest and glared at the men.

"You could try a little harder Uncle Yasha. He is your brother and my father." I said seriously.

"I will try as hard as he does, alright? I ain't gonna do nothing more." He said growling.

I rolled my eyes at the continued drama of the two Taisho brothers. My own siblings did not fight like this and honestly it was annoying coming from my own sire and uncle.

"Alright we have decided to hit them with all we got tonight after moonrise." Inuyasha said.

"So soon? I realize it is an element of surprise but do you think Jing even has any idea?" I asked.

"I think your poison probably injured her badly. Remember I have had a taste of the Dakkasou." Katashi said smirking.

"As I have had a taste of your blue fire my Lord." I said smirking back.

"Seriously what the hell is up with you two?" Inuyasha asked annoyed.

"Uncle, Lord Katashi and I are mated. I have been masking the scent." I said.

"Oi, your old man know?" he asked.

Katashi burst out laughing and I raised an eyebrow in a perfect imitation of him. Sheng actually broke into a smile and Kagome about buried her head in embarrassment.

"Hai." I said quietly.

Katashi looked at me at the unexpected information and he raised an eyebrow in question. I continued to look at my Uncle in irritation.

"So he knows huh. I am surprised he didn't gut you for touching his heir." Inuyasha said to Katashi.

"It would not have been wise on his part. Lord Sesshomaru does everything with strategy." Katashi said.

I was getting highly agitated with the conversation and Kagome see it and Sheng could feel it and tried to calm me.

"So you pupped her?" My Uncle asked.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome yelled.

Katashi actually looked sheepish at the turn in conversation and I started shaking in anger and something else I could not quite explain. I knew Sheng wanted to hold me and I wished the same but he refrained.

"Uncle Inuyasha, I know you mean well but I wish for a change in conversation and back to Jing." I said keeping my temper.

"What happened Asuna?" he asked me directly.

My uncle was hanyou but he was not stupid. He was asking for the information because he cared. I lifted my head and stared at him; my pain was bared in them and he shook his head.

"Suna. I am sorry." He said.

"So you know my shame. Can we not get back on topic?" I said.

"Hai." He said.

"I wish to be alone. I am going to find the spring. I will return shortly." I said before anyone could say anything.

"Inuyasha how could you!" Kagome yelled at her mate.

"Gome come on, I could tell she was hurting." He said.

"I would have told you, you dolt. You know she talks to me. Did you have to bring it up in front of them?" she said irate.

"Keh whatever wench. I could scent the sadness on her. She was masking everything else." He snapped.

"I hate to interrupt, would you two care to be alone?" Katashi asked.

"Naw this is normal. I am direct and my mate hates it." Inuyasha said shrugging his shoulders.

"Sheng could you follow Lady Asuna at a discreet distance and see no harm comes to her?" Katashi asked quietly.

"Hai." Sheng said leaving quickly.

Katashi looked at the Miko Kagome and Inuyasha and sat back and watched them. Asuna was like her uncle in temper and nothing else. He wanted to go to her but he knew now to let her calm down. He was still angered about the loss of his pup but he was taking the queues from his mate on how to react. He just realized that she was more upset about it then he originally thought. He knew Sheng would watch over as he needed to end this siege and go home, he hated war.

I was gouging trees in my anger and pain. I wanted revenge so bad I could scream. My uncle was observant at times and it was incredibly irritating. I clenched my hands into fists and gouged my palms with my claws. I knew Sheng was not far behind me and I stood still for him to catch up. He came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders.

-I am sorry. - He thought to me.

-I wish that losing my pup would not feel so. I cannot control the anger. - I sighed in my head.

"Time will heal that Asuna." He said quietly.

He pressed his lips to my neck and I sighed in contentment.

"We are going to have to find away to shield at least some." I pointed out.

"Hai, I agree. Your thoughts are distracting me as mine are to you." He replied.

"I know why you have been avoiding me but I do not completely understand your anger." I said.

"I am not completely sure myself Koi. I am angry at myself for touching you when I swore to myself I would not. I love you and I should not. I am angry at myself for forcing this situation. Take your pick." He sighed.

"I told you in He Gang that I do not feel regret. It has happened and we must deal with it. I cannot feel your regret and anger right now when we need to be concentrating on getting Jing." I said urgently.

"I understand Koi but I cannot help how I feel." He said brushing his lips against my neck.

"Then can you learn to rein them in? I can help you with that but you will have to meditate." I said shuddering from the physical contact.

"I will stop." He said backing away from me.

"I am not rejecting you." I said.

"I know that Asuna. We both know physical proximity will likely cause us to rut." He said seriously.

I sighed and knew he was right. I started back in the direction of the hot spring.

"Are you going to watch me bathe?" I asked.

"Maybe not directly but you know Katashi asked me to keep an eye on you." He said in an even tone.

"Hai as if I am a helpless little bitch." I said annoyed.

"No, because he loves you and are a highly desirable target." He remarked.

"Hai." I said.

"Keep your back to me for modesty's sake." I said trembling a little.

"I understand the need to keep up pretenses Koi." He said.

"Ah but I know you know that and I also know what we would like to do." I said lightly.

I slowly undid my haori and hakama and slipped into the hot water. I sighed with pleasure at the heat and for a moment my worries melted away.

"We are going to have to learn to shield or something." He muttered.

"Hai." I breathed.

I felt his own worry and lust but did not worry on it for the moment. I scrubbed my hair with the water and made sure I was clean. I pulled myself out of the spring and dressed in the same clothes. I had not brought drying linen, so the silk clung to me. I would change when I got back to camp. I put up a hand in warning to Sheng and he growled in annoyance. I shook my head no at what he was thinking and I started walking back to camp. He followed at a discreet distance and I went to my tent and changed.

Inuyasha, Kagome, Katashi, Sheng, and I were moving toward the barrier with stealth. We had Yuudai and Ichigawa leading a frontal assault on the main gates of the city. We heard the warriors attempting to break through the barrier and that was our go ahead to start our own spiritual assault on the shield. Inuyasha raised Tetsaiga and yelled, it glowed red and produced the Kaze no Kizu. Kagome released an arrow, and Katashi and I both released our own yoki through our fangs. The amount of yoki and spiritual energy was almost too much. The barrier seemed to strengthen then collapsed altogether. There was an explosion and we were all thrown back. I jumped to my feet and took off toward the city with all speed.

"Damn her!" I heard Katashi mutter.

Kagome and Sheng stayed behind and I could feel my mate's and Uncle's auras. They were right behind me. I was seeking out Jing's aura and I felt it weakly. She was in the center of the city but she was on the move. We had surmised correctly when we guessed that she was here. I stop and changed to my true form. There was the great wind and red pulse of energy that always accompanied my change. My uncle came to a dead stop as did Katashi. I looked down at them with my red eyes and I jerked my head north. Katashi nodded.

"Show off." Inuyasha muttered.

"Inuyasha come. She wants us to ride her back and keep our fangs available." Katashi said.

"You got all that from a look?" My uncle said sarcastically.

"Hai friend. I know your niece, my mate." He said.

I growled in annoyance and then both of them jumped to my back. I took off in a sprint and I heard Inuyasha yell. I barked and he looked at me.

"Don't talk to me like that young lady." He yelled down to me.

I curled my lip and growled fiercely.

"Down girl!" Inuyasha yelled.

I leaned my head back and snapped my jaws and leveled him a stare. We were almost to Jing and my Dakkasou was starting to come to the surface in my claws and saliva.

"Damn Katashi she means business." Inuyasha said.

"Hai. Jing is the one that killed the pup." Katashi said quietly.

"Damn. I am sorry." Inuyasha said.

I stopped and started growling so fiercely that my poisoned saliva was dripping from my mouth. Katashi and Inuyasha barely missed getting splashed with it.

"Watch it!" My uncle said up to me.

I looked down at him and snarled terribly. I wanted him to shut up and figured out why my father would get so annoyed with him. I stayed in my true form and tensed up. I felt Jing coming. I saw her mist and with my head and knocked Katashi and Inuyasha back. I surged forward and barely missed her. She reformed and I saw a terrible scar on her face and I smirked. Katashi stood up and helped Inuyasha up. Both males had their fangs drawn and Jing smirked.

"What a pretty little inu." She said as her transformed and slashed my forepaw.

I snapped my fangs at her and some poison was dripped on her. It burned and she screamed. I transformed and withdrew my own blade.

"You!" she screamed and came at me.

I managed to stab her left shoulder and Katashi tried to land a hit and she disappeared into her mist and reappeared behind Inuyasha. He whirled on her and barely missed an extension of her body. It looked like an elongated hand that was skeletal but tipped in lethal claws. Katashi brought down his fang and managed to cut off one of the "fingers".

She raged and she exploded and there was a stinging sensation on all of our skin. All three of us had small cuts and she reassembled. She grabbed me by my hair and brought a blade across my neck. It cut but not deeply. I took my fang with both of my hands around the hilt and shoved it backwards into her body. I channeled my yoki through it and she screamed and pulled away from me. She was panting and Katashi and Inuyasha came up behind me ready to strike again.

"Well then…little inu bitch, I am going to race you home. Whoever gets there first wins!" she said laughing in her little girl voice.

"What in the seven hells do you mean?" I said coming forward.

"Is mommy and daddy home? I shall send them the way of your baby." She said and her face became hideous; that of a dead thing.

My eyes widened and she disappeared into her mist. I heard her laughing and realized that we had to return to Japan and very quickly.

"The Western Lands are in danger." I said barely above a whisper.

"Hai. We have driven out of here but we must hurry." Katashi said.

"Oi, like we should have left already." Inuyasha piped up.

"Take me hands." I commanded the two males.

I transformed into my energy sphere and took Inuyasha and Katashi with me. I transported us back to the camp and to make preparations to head back across the Sea of Japan.
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