InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Homecoming ( Chapter 6 )

[ 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. No money is made on my part. All OCs are mine.



A/n: Dealing in family dynamics



Homecoming



There was much to do and not enough time. The urgency to get back to Japan was overwhelming. I wanted the army to come with us but I was preparing to leave without them. I intended to call upon the Ookami dens to assist the West. I had no doubt in my father's skill, I was just not going to under estimate an enemy's need for revenge. This thing with Jing had become personal, for both her and me. I was conferring with Ichigawa and getting across the Bo Hai Gulf.

"My Lady it is a straight shot from Tianjin to Lushun but the tide is not on our side at the moment. We have to wait till morning." He said.

"Not even under oar power?" I asked hurried.

"My Lady, we must wait till morning to move the troops. It is not possible to move this many men without the tide." He said firmly.

"Fine. I leave without the men. Have them ready to move with first tide. I want you in the West no later than four days." I commanded.

"That is an almost impossible task madam." He said exasperated.

My eyes bled red and Katashi walked in, I turned on Ichigawa and had my hand to his throat.

"You will not question my orders ever. I said four days and I mean four days or your life is forfeit." I snarled in a very Sesshomaru like way.

Sheng came into the tent followed hotly by my Uncle and Aunt. Katashi looked furious with me and Ichigawa looked frightened.

"You are dismissed General." I said as coldly as possible and my eyes had yet to return to their normal color.

Ichigawa scrambled away from me and out of the tent. I turned on Katashi and growled.

"Do not ever threaten my general again!" he thundered.

"Do not threaten me Katashi. He is just as much my general as he is yours." I snarled fiercely.

"What is wrong with you? You do not get what you want through fear and threats of death! Ichigawa served my father and I will be damned if you treat him in such a manner." He yelled at me.

"Fine you separate our ranks, you make the decision. I will make the decision for mine then. I will be leaving now. Do whatever the hell you like." I seethed through clenched teeth.

"Asuna, do not do this." He commanded trying to bar my path.

"Get the hell out of my way or I will hurt you." I spoke in a threatening voice.

Sheng was trying to calm me and I looked at him with my feral eyes and snapped my fangs at him. He was angry but controlling his temper. Katashi grabbed my shoulder and I reacted badly. I lifted my hand and put my claw through his upper chest. He looked at me in horror and stepped back from me. Kagome gasped and Inuyasha's eyes were wide. I tore at my mating mark with my claws and spit at Katashi's feet. His own eyes had gone red and I could feel the tension in the tent.

"Leave us." Katashi ordered.

Everyone fled and I arched my brow in contempt. My hand was dripping blood from the wound I had inflicted on him. He stared at me as though I had grown two heads.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"What I need to do. You will not stand in the way. If you cannot agree with me than do so privately; not in front of others." I snapped.

"You are being reckless again and will get yourself killed." He said in a calm voice.

"Is it your family that is in danger?" I asked arching a brow.

"You are my family." He replied.

"I am not if you defy me in this." I said dangerously.

"What do you mean?" he asked in a low tone.

"You know what I mean. I will not be controlled this time." I stated.

"You would tear apart our mating because I am trying to get you to see reason?" He asked in disbelief.

"Hai." I said.

"Go then." He snarled at me.

I walked past him and out of the tent. I had to get to Japan and I knew that something terrible was on the horizon. I didn't have the time to explain everything to Katashi and his sense of order. I was fixing to transform into my energy sphere when Sheng came up and whirled me around.

"What in Kamis name are you doing?" he demanded.

"I am protecting my family. What are you doing?" I said sarcastically.

"You will tear yourself from us?" He asked.

"I will see you in four days." I said narrowing my eyes.

"You will see me now. I am coming with you." He said in a determined voice.

"Sheng that will take too much yoki." I snapped.

"Not with both of ours. You seem to forget that detail." He stated.

"Go and tell Katashi quickly." I sighed in irritation.

Sheng went inside the tent and came out quickly. He nodded to me and I grabbed his arm and transformed us. Even in this form it would almost a full day to reach the West.

Katashi continued to stare at the wound in his shoulder. She had gone mad. He could not fathom why she had become so feral. She had threatened their mating then sent Sheng to inform him that he was going with her. Kagome came to the entrance of the tent and poked her head in.

"Lord Katashi, I can heal that wound." She offered.

"Hai, that would be acceptable." He nodded.

Kagome came in and put her hands over the wound and her hands glowed pink with her spiritual energy. Katashi looked at the ningen miko and sighed.

"I know she is acting strange but her father raised her to always think of the West first. It was ground into

Sesshomaru when he was young. Duty and honor before safety and thought." She informed him.

"She is powerful there is no doubt but she thinks she has to do it alone. The only reason she took my advisor is because he strengthens her power!" Katashi said in anger.

"Hai, I know my Lord. She has had a mantle placed on her that I do not know she really wants it. I also know she is terrified right now." Kagome said.

"Terrified of Jing? She has much power but I feel confident that we will prevail against her." He said confused.

"A pregnancy changes a female my Lord. She was with pup and then she was not. Her body and mind has been through much. There I think that is much better." Kagome said finishing.

Katashi looked at her with a knowing smile and nodded. Inuyasha peeked his head in and nodded to the inu-youkai lord.

"Your mate is one of the wisest onna I have ever met Inuyasha." He said to the hanyou.

"She can be." Inuyasha said looking at his mate.

"We must get to the West as soon as possible." Katashi said.

"Hai. Much as I hate to admit it, my asshole brother is gonna need the help." Inuyasha said.

I made it to the shores of Japan. We were in the West but I had to rest. I had never been across the sea before and it had drained me of my energy. I sat upon the sand and looked up.

-Hai you were rather cruel. - He popped into my head.

I looked at him annoyed and sighed.

-I suppose I was. I cannot stand the idea that he sees me as weak. I cannot stand it when YOU think that of me. - I thought back.

"I do not see or think you are weak. I have the need to protect the female I love. Kami, you would try the patience of a saint." He voiced in utter exasperation.

"Come my moody half." I said standing.

I started in the direction of the Palace. We were about two hours from it on foot. I did not know if Jing could travel as quickly as I had but I would find out.

"You can stop feeling the anger now Sheng. I made Katashi mad; he will get over it." I said.

"When we reach your father's palace we are seeking out someone to help us shield. I am sorry I forced this bond." He growled at me.

"You do not mean that." I said lightly.

"Hai I do at times." He grumbled.

"When we reach the palace I will see to that you have a bath and a comely serving wench will be at your beck and call." I said.

I let him grab me and he turned me to face him. His hand held my jaw and he had me look up and meet his light blue eyes. He ran a clawed digit along my lower lip and a shudder went down my spine.

"I want you to be at my beck and call." He replied in a husky tone.

"I would love to but there is much to be done. Make do with another for now." I replied in his tone.

"You are being disagreeable on purpose. You know I want no other." He said bringing his lips closer to mine.

"You may want me but there are things we can do to cool our ardor for now." I said seriously.

"I do not want any other and I do not wish to cool my ardor for you." His whispered against my lips.

I tried to keep myself neutral and not give into my desire and I had to tear myself away from him.

"We have not the time to rut Sheng. I need to be in my father's study as soon as I can." I said urgently.

"Hai. I am sorry. I knew you needed me to be here but it is so damn hard to be around you and not make myself one with you." He said with candor.

"You already know I feel the same Sheng but I swore to you I would spill Jing's guts for what she did to you and me both." I said impassioned.

"Hai then let us be on our way then. I will meditate in the mean time and you keep your thoughts on battle strategy that should keep us occupied." He commanded.

"Hai, you are my soul you know." I said.

"Asuna that does not help." He laughed a little.

"Alright I will quit speaking when you do." I said staring him down.

We entered a forest that bordered the Palace and grounds.

"I have enough strength to form my cloud. Come." I said.

"Hai. I must say your abilities amongst even taiyoukai are extraordinary. I have seen very few that can equal your clan's power." He said impressed.

"I inherited almost all of my father's abilities but of course he has perfected them. He is not named the `Killing Perfection' for nothing." I said in awe.

"You idolize him." Sheng observed.

"I suppose I do. He has always been in control. I admire that in him more than I can say." I said with pride.

"Those same things you admire are what set him apart from our clan my love. He is always in control and ours has always followed their hearts. Neither way is wrong I suppose but it causes conflict when the paths cross." He stated.

"I am reckless at times but I usually have a very good reason why I choose the paths I do. I may be young yet Sheng but I have seen my share of battles as you well know. I have had to earn every male's respect and for them to respect the power I was born with. I honestly think the Kamis were amusing themselves when they bestowed me and not Osamu." I replied.

"Osamu is your twin. I am surprised he has not been trained in the ways of a warrior." Sheng observed.

"My father tried. My brother has caused conflict on his choices of leisure as I am sure you have." I said with a smirk.

I looked down and saw the palace. I descended my cloud; we landed and my yoki cloud disappeared beneath my feet. There were a few courtiers in the inner grounds and they were shocked at my presence.

"Jaken!" I yelled for the imp.

I heard the kappa's squeak and heard his feet shuffling towards me.

-Allow the toad to take you to guest apartments near my quarters. I will be there shortly and fill you in. I will also speak with my mother about the bond; she will know what to do. - I pathed to him.

He nodded his understanding and I looked down at my father's most loyal retainer.

"This is Lord Sheng. He is Lord Katashi's advisor from He Gang. Place him in chambers near my own. Also where is my Lord?" I commanded then asked.

"He is still yonder in his quarter's milady." He squawked.

"I see. It is still early." I observed.

I had been so obsessed with getting back to Japan that I did not notice how early in the morning it was.

"Hai milady." Jaken answered.

"Alright, please do as you are bid and I will go to my father."

I watched Sheng go with the toad and I felt a calm wash over me. He was good at comforting me without stifling me. I went in the direction of my father and mother's private chambers. I knew my parents well enough and knew that they could sleep like the dead; over a century together had not cooled the passion they held for one another. I was surprised my mother had not had more pups, she was also a different breed of youkai and that had something to do with it. I made it to their shoji screen door and rapped on it sharply. I heard no sound and I knocked louder.

"This better be good!" I heard the snarl.

"It is I, Asuna father. I am sorry to disturb you my Lord. May I enter?" I called through the door.

"Hn." Came the angry reply.

I smirked and knew my parents had a long night together for him to be so grumpy. I entered and bowed.

"What is wrong that brings you here unannounced?" he asked.

"My Lord. The creature Bai Gu Jing has made moves to come here to the West." I answered.

I saw my father's eyes widen just a fraction and he raised a perfect silver brow. My mother roused and rolled over and watched me through her black lashes. She sat upright when she noticed my appearance. I knew she knew there was much wrong.

"Sesshomaru could you please hand me my dressing gown?" she asked my father.

He reached beside the futon and grabbed her gown and handed it to her. She pulled it on over her yukata and stood.

"Come let us give him a few minutes to be presentable." She said taking my arm and guiding me out of the door.

We exited my parents' quarters and she turned to me.

"Close your eyes and open yourself to me." She commanded of me.

I did as she bid and she dipped into my recent memories and thoughts. I saw her stiffen and I had to stifle a cry. She was seeing everything from the time I had left the palace till now. I felt shame at first and she soothed me. She lifted my chin and looked me in the eyes and into my soul.

"It is alright now Asuna. You are home. My poor baby girl." She whispered.

I saw my father had exited their quarters. He was in his typical white haori and hakama. He had on his armor and his swords at his hip. He had heard what my mother had said and looked at us in expectation of answers. I knew there was sheen of unshed tears in my eyes and I saw my father's face harden. I never cried and he could see the raw pain in my eyes.

"What happened?" he asked

"Sesshomaru I will answer your questions. Let her go and get cleaned up. She is exhausted and in need of rest." My mother answered for me.

He nodded and I took my leave of them. It was times like now that I was grateful that my mother and I shared this particular power.

"You will explain what is going on, Augusta." Sesshomaru demanded.

"She has been through much my heart. Hideaki is dead. He was slain at the creature's hand. She has faced the enemy several times but her second confrontation led to her pup's demise." Augusta answered.

Lord Sesshomaru winced when he heard the news. Hideaki had been a valuable officer and his daughter had suffered greatly.

"How badly was she injured?" He asked coldly.

"She almost died. You would have been well pleased at her prowess. She has released the power of the fang you gave her." Augusta said with her eyes closed.

He knew his mate was seeing their daughter's struggles through her mind's eye. His eyes held a little warmth in their citrine depths at the news of his heir unleashing the fang.

"Where is her mate?" he asked with little tone.

"She left him in China at Tianjin. They had a nasty altercation." The Uppyr replied.

"I will speak to the worthless cur when I see him." He snapped.

"Sesshomaru, that is between her and Lord Katashi." Augusta replied sternly.

"Do not think to admonish this Sesshomaru mate! The heir of the Western lands almost passed on into the Netherworld. As a fellow Lord he has a responsibility to her and to this Sesshomaru." He growled.

"Do not take your anger out on me Sesshomaru. I realize that you are angry but it does not help when you go into your arrogant mode." She snarled right back.

"He will be dealt with. There will be no more discussing the topic." He replied roughly.

She suffers already Sesshomaru. She does not need her sire killing her mate. You know your daughter and she does not follow good sense at times."

"Too much contact with Inuyasha no doubt." He snorted.

"Do not blame your brother for your daughter's hot head. She is more like you than you seem to realize. The point of her coming back here was to mobilize the West against the threat from the mainland. That creature is hell bent on destroying your daughter." Augusta stated firmly.

"Hn."

"Don't Hn me!" his mate fumed.

"I will speak with my daughter when she is refreshed." He said reverting to first person.

"Hai my love." His mate answered.

I sank gratefully into my family's private hot spring. Mayu had laid out soaps and herbs. There was also a fresh silk yukata and drying linen. I thanked the Kamis for my personal servant, she had been with me for a large portion of my life and I adored her. I took a cake of jasmine smelling soap and washed my hair and body. I looked at the light pink circular scar on my abdomen and cringed. I heard Mayu reenter the bathing room.

"Do you need me to finish washing your hair my Lady?" she asked timidly.

"Hai that would be wonderful Mayu." I said quietly.

She took the cake of soap and lathered up my long silver hair again. She worked the suds through my length and took a pitcher of warm water and rinsed it. She then took out a tortoise shell comb and started working the tangles out.

"I have missed you my friend." I said.

"You have been my Lady." She replied.

I had a gentle smile on my lips as she continued to comb out my mane.

"Your scar is terrible my Lady. Is that when you lost your pup?" she asked in an almost inaudible voice.

"Hai. How did you know?" I asked curiously.

"I know you my lady. I know your scent. Before you left for the mainland I could scent the change in you even though you were masking it." She replied.

"You are a wonder. Yes this scar is when I lost the pup." I said sadly.

"You will be a mother my Lady. I feel it in my bones. You will be a wonderful mother." She stated.

"One has to be with their mate for that to happen Mayu." I stated bitterly.

"He will come, I am certain. I saw how he worshiped you. There is also that gorgeous inu next door." She said with a devilish look.

"Mayu!" I stated astonished.

"I am sorry my Lady. I overstep my bounds."

"No continue. What makes you think anything about Sheng?" I asked in surprise.

"Because I see him look longingly toward your chamber and I can smell his desire for you." She said.

"I see. How obvious is it that he harbors feelings?" I asked.

"Not at all my Lady. I know because I know you. I held you in my arms when you were just a pup. I have taken care of you all your life. Only your own mother could see what I do." She said quietly.

I looked at her with affection and smiled.

"That one in there will give you a pup if you let him." She said conspiringly.

I laughed with mirth for the first time in awhile. She was a relief to be around because she reminded me of all the good and right things in my life.

"I shall not let him do that if I can help it." I said leveling a good natured stare.

"Of course my Lady." She said bowing.

"I thank you Mayu for everything."

"Hai my Lady. Shall I send for the Manchu Inu?" she asked

"You can send him to my chambers if you would please." I said standing and getting out of the spring.

She bowed and left. I dried myself off and slipped the silk yukata on. I wrapped a plain white obi around it and I left the spring and walked to my chambers. I slid open the shoji door and went inside. Sitting at my low table was Sheng. I smiled at him and I slipped closer to him.

"Are you comfortable?" I asked him.

"Hai. Too comfortable. Your father's palace is beautiful." He said hoarsely.

"My father has requested my presence in his study, so I have to get dressed and go there." I said almost stupidly.

"Asuna." He groaned as he stood and pressed his forehead to mine.

"Sheng, I promise soon…I will be with you. I have to see to this though." I voiced.

He lowered his mouth to mine and proceeded to ravish my lips. I greedily accepted his kiss and allowed him into my mouth. I groaned with need but pulled back to regain my senses.

"My father is not known for his patience." I whispered.

"I will help you dress." He said.

He motioned to my armoire and went to it. He opened it and pulled out a Kelly green kimono. It was embroidered with finches and other small birds that were sitting in Sakura trees. He pulled out a lighter green obi and brought them to me. I was used to being undressed in front of him and not the other way around. He undid the white obi at my waist and it slipped to the floor. He opened the white silk yukata and ran his hands down my shoulders and it too slipped to the floor by my feet. He made sure that his hands brushed the tips of my breasts and I inhaled sharply. He helped me on with the heavier green kimono and brought his hand to the apex of my thighs and dipped a single finger into my silver curls. I was breathing heavier and he lightly ran the tip of a claw over my tight bundle of nerves and my hips bucked against his hand. He quickly jerked his hand away and closed the kimono and tied the obi around my waist. His eyes were tinged pink and I could see him fighting the urge to touch me further. I leaned against him and wrapped my lips around an ear lobe and suckled it for a moment.

"You need to see your father." He whispered roughly.

"I know." I whispered back.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again. I reached up and undid his brown hair and fisted my hands in it. He was moaning against my mouth and I almost gave into the overwhelming desire. He released me and I had to take a step back. His blue eyes were shimmering with repressed emotion and I had to leave or I would end up in his arms on the futon. I turned away from him and left my chambers. I quashed the desire to be with him and knew I would be speaking with my mother very soon about a shield.

I went to my father's study and knocked at the screen door.

"Enter." He called.

My father sat at his desk with a map open with the main land and Japan drawn on it. He looked at me and I came to him and pointed at Zhuanghe.

"That is where Hideaki was killed. I had sent him ahead of the rest of the army to gather intelligence. Katashi's advisor was almost killed too. We recovered Sheng but Jing had delivered me Hideaki's head." I relayed the information.

"I see. Continue." He said.

"We made it Shenyang where Katashi has the Summer Palace. We planned the siege of Tianjin while there and we split up our armies. I was attacked outside of a village called Fuxin. Bai Gu Jing is a creature of the Netherworld. She has power that rivals the kind of Naraku." I said.

"You called for and Inuyasha and Kagome and they aided you against this creature's barrier at Tianjin." He finished.

Hai." I replied.

"I am absolving your mating with Lord Katashi." He stated firmly.

"My Lord he was not responsible for the tragedies. I will take full responsibility for my own actions. I under estimated the enemy." I said slowly.

"Your place is here. I made the mistake of letting you aid this cur. I will not let this continue." He said standing.

"Father I cannot allow you to dissolve my union. I love him as he does me." I said.

"I love you! I will not allow you to be put in such a situation again." He yelled.

"Will everyone stop controlling me and treating me like an errant pup?" I yelled back.

My father's eyes flashed red and I stood my ground. I was not willing to lose Katashi because my father had lost his temper.

"He will have to prove to me he is worthy of you. Until I am satisfied of that, he may not call you his mate." He stated with such fury that I stepped back.

"This Sesshomaru is Lord here and the heir will know her place." He snarled at me.

"I know my place my Lord. I am to be pushed around and told where I must go and what I should do. I am nothing but a bitch here for copulation and heirs!" I snarled back.

My chest was heaving and my mother ran into the study. My father looked down right frightening and I was horrified by his edict. My mother stood between myself and him and looked ready to strike us both down.

"You dare to speak to this Sesshomaru in such a manner?" he seethed.

"I dare speak when I have nothing else to lose. You will not take my heart away from me as I cannot live without it. I cannot breathe if my soul is gone as well. You would destroy me worse than my enemy, you my own sire." I said almost sobbing.

"Asuna, calm yourself." He demanded.

"NO!" I screamed.

"Augusta reason with your daughter." He commanded my mother.

My mother crossed her arms across her chest and leveled my father a nasty glare. Her eyes had a predatory look that she got when she felt the need to protect her pups.

"You will apologize to her and ask her forgiveness for your arrogance." My mother commanded him.

"No such thing will take place." He said narrowing his eyes.

"Then you sleep alone now and forever. You will not treat our daughter as a commodity, no matter if you are trying to protect her or not. You trained her to be YOUR heir not a chip at a bargaining table. You are Lord here, that is true but you can be Lord by yourself." She threatened.

My father's face went completely blank and he stared at his mate of a century. He slowly nodded and I stood behind my mother and her love and protection.

"I will not absolve the union but he will face me, is that understood?" he said in a very measured way.

"Hai my Lord." I said bowing.

"You doubt my intentions daughter. I have nothing but respect for you. I have never viewed you as just any bitch.

You are worthy of these lands, my anger comes from a father's love for his daughter." He stated stiffly.

"I understand my Lord but the threat from Jing still exists. I do not know if she is on our soil or not." I said quietly.

"She has taken much from this house daughter. Nothing less than her death will suffice." He stated disdainfully.

"Hai my Lord." I said

"Meet me in the dojo in an hour." He commanded.

"Hai my Lord." I said bowing.

I had the feeling he was going to put me through a rigorous session as punishment for my outburst and to test my new ability. I left the study and went to the gardens. I was breathing heavily and I wished for this damned threat to go away. It was because of Jing that my life was in such an upheaval. I did not see my father losing his temper about my mating coming. I knew it was because Katashi and I had allowed myself to be pupped that was the central issue. My father felt strongly that pregnant bitches were to be protected unto death. I knew he felt Katashi had fallen down on his job to protect his progeny and Lord Sesshomaru was nothing if not honorable. He would exact a terrible retribution from my mate. The pup had not only been apart of Katashi's pack but my father's as well. This one of those moments that I wished that I had never met the Manchu Inu. I straightened myself when I saw my mother approach.

"He will not speak to me for quite awhile." She said shrugging her shoulders.

"Sesshomaru is a great youkai but much to his own disdain he is not perfect." She continued.

"Mother I am sorry. You were right about everything." I said sadly.

"Asuna, I bear no ill will. I wish things had gone differently for you but they are what they are. Now you must learn to put back up the barriers you and your lover so gleefully tore down." She stated in a knowing voice.

"Yes, how do I go about that?" I asked sheepishly.

"You are in an incomplete mating. When he joined with you through the telepathy he initiated the process. Even though your father's heritage is dominant in you; you are still half Uppyr. Your lover also has Uppyr in him from somewhere. The bond that was started in Shenyang was still only partly completed in He Gang. You have not tasted his blood have you?"

"No, I have not. I was trying to avoid that complication." I said.

"Until you finish the process you will be unable to keep from each other's souls. I know it is my people's way of insuring the complete mating." She stated matter of factly.

"Damn this has just gotten even more complicated has it not?" I asked her.

"You would never let me fully train you my dear. I could not tell you if you would not listen." She said putting her hand on my shoulder.

"You are telling me that I am mated to two different males."

"Hai. That is what I am telling you. You can mask the second very easily. You can be discreet." She stated.

"I need to separate myself from both of them and become a hermit." I muttered.

"You stood up to your father about your heart and soul. You cannot and will not separate yourself from them. You will manage because you are a taiyoukai." She replied.

"Go to him now. I will postpone your little visit to the dojo." She said with a smile.

"I love you mother." I said suddenly.

"I know you do my dear daughter." She said heading in the direction of the dojo.

I went back to my chambers and laid down on my futon. I really needed to sleep but I lay awake and knew I would have to finish what was started in order to get some semblance of peace.

-Where are you? - I pathed to him.

-I am in the chambers next to yours. I shall be there in but a moment.-he thought back.

-Do not knock, just come in. - I said in his mind.

He was in my chambers and at the foot of my futon in just moments. He was wearing a black haori and a pair of ku. His hair was still loose from earlier and my eyes roamed brazenly over his body.

"I felt your anguish and fear. I am sorry for your argument with your sire." He stated.

"It will be better later. I found out how to put up the barriers we need." I said looking him deeply in the eyes.

"How? I did not sense that conversation." He said curiously.

"My mother must have been shielding." I said smiling.

"She knows her own power doesn't she?" he stated as he laid next to me.

"Hai. We will have to have each other's blood." I said.

"How exactly?" he asked.

"I think we can manage without actually marking each other." I said.

"Can your beast honestly do that?" he asked doubtfully.

"I managed to avoid it once before." I said cautiously.

"I have never marked a female but I have never felt such a strong desire as I do with you." He said candidly.

"We have to do this without marking Sheng. There is no other way." I said.

"So what we are saying is that you and I will be mated in every sense of the word." He replied.

"Hai." I answered.

"You will have two mates." He said in disbelief.

"I did not start this you did. I gave into my instincts at He Gang but I was truly going mad." I said irritated.

"I know Koi." He mumbled.

"Quit talking and go with it." I said.

Before he could say a word I sat up and captured his lips with my own. I was going to do the bloodletting now before our beasts took over and we faced a direr situation. I took a claw and sliced into my right wrist. He scented the blood and stared at it. His eyes tinged pink and he lowered his lips to the wound and tasted my life force. He let out a fierce growl and I thrilled at it. He ran his tongue along the wound and I trembled under his touch. I shut my eyes and knew my eyes were changing. Now I was not certain of my decision to do the bloodletting now. I felt his fangs graze my skin and I moaned. He pulled away from the wound and I saw the conflict on his face.

"Why do you fight this?" I asked in a hoarse whisper.

"I am trying to not compound my mistakes Koi." He whispered.

I realized he wanted this but could not separate his loyalties. I made up my mind and took the decision from him. I needed to be complete and the only way required me to mark him. My eyes had already bled red and fangs had lengthened. I moved with a speed born of desperation and I latched my fangs onto his pulse point and bit in viciously. He was stunned and sighed in pleasure. I drank of him for a moment and my beast took over. I lost my mind to the taste and I ripped open his haori and then his ku. He was coming alive under my onslaught and started disrobing me. I had the ku pushed past his hips and he pulled the obi off of me and pushed the kimono off my shoulders. I moved my stained lips to his mouth and a heated kiss ensued. I could not stop my hands from touching him everywhere, I pushed him back and I straddled his hips. I positioned him at my center and impaled myself. I cried out at the fullness and he growled slowly as I ground myself against him.

"Asuna." He cried out my name.

I wanted to be complete and I rode him wildly. He leaned forward and captured a nipple in his lips and tugged and rolled it between his teeth. I cried out and I thrust against him particularly hard. I could feel his need rising and knew he wanted to take me in the traditional inu way. I slowly clenched my muscles and pulled myself off of him. His snarl of pleasure told me all I needed to know.

"Kami." He grunted quietly.

I leaned down so I was on all fours and I could feel my body tightening in anticipation. He entered me swiftly and hard. I nearly sobbed my pleasure.

-Open to me. - He thought desperately.

I completely opened my mind and soul and I felt us join and a pleasurable wave of our yoki rolled off of us. He grabbed my hips as he thrust into me and I continued to cry out. He leaned over my back and latched onto the back of my shoulder-neck junction. I could feel his fangs graze me but he was not biting down. I clenched myself as tight as I could and I mingled our yoki again. He let out a tortured snarl and I egged him on in my movements and yoki. He bit into the pulse and I released so violently that I trembled terribly. I cried out loudly as my walls clamped down on him and I knew he was close. My walls clutched and milked his shaft and he thrust into me harder.

-I am close to my heat.-I thought to him in a haze.

"Hai." He bit out.

I felt him start to stiffen and he moved to pull out but I again spasmed around him and he spilled his seed in me. We both shook from the intensity of our orgasms. He collapsed against me and I could barely move and an intense happiness coursed through me. I was truly joined with him. He was mumbling and I turned my head.

"Hmm?" I asked him.

"Sorry. I tried to pull back." He said kissing my ear.

"It was my body. I cannot fault you." I replied sleepily.

"Can you shield against me now?" he asked.

I looked at him and realized I could feel him at will. He smiled wide and I captured his lips again.

"Are you going to go back to spoiled you mode now?" I asked seriously.

"I will attempt not to." He replied with a yawn.

I smiled gently and fell into a light sleep.

-Your father wants you in the dojo now and bring your fang. - My mother pathed to me.

I moaned and Sheng stirred against me. I slid away from him and put on a yukata and slipped down the hall to the spring and got a quick bath to scrub his scent off of me. I did not need my father slaying Sheng.

-Tell him I will be there in just a moment. - I pathed back.

-Hai.-was her parting thought.

I slipped back into my chambers and slipped on a cotton haori and hakama. I also slipped on a pair of geta and went to the dojo. I was braiding my hair as I entered the dojo. My father barely nodded to me and I inclined my head to him. My father and I both turned toward the door when we heard Jaken screeching `milord, milord".

Jaken threw open the shoji screen and prostrated himself on the floor.

"What is it Jaken?" my father asked coldly.

"Milord the Palace is under attack."

"Jaken get to the wall and coordinate with the general. This Sesshomaru will be there shortly." My father commanded.

"We will meet at the gate in five minutes." He ordered me.

"Hai my Lord." I said leaving the dojo and seeking my chamber.

I put on my spare set of armor since my other set had been rendered useless. I was strapping it in place when Sheng appeared at my open door.

"Will you fight for the West?" I asked him.

"Hai. I have my katana. I will need armor though." He said quickly.

"Go to the armory in the south wing. Tell them to fit you and quickly. I am meeting my father at the gates." I said.

"I will be there momentarily." He replied and left.

I Ieft my chambers and made my way quickly to the gates. My father looked at me and nodded. He handed me Tensaiga and I looked at him in shock. The fang of my grandsire pulsed in my hand. The sword of Heaven had accepted me to wield it. I nodded and Sheng brought up the rear.

"My Lord." Sheng bowed to my father.

"Hai." My father acknowledged.

Jaken came running to my father and started reporting of the enemy.

"Hordes of youkai milord." He reported.

Father nodded and moved to stairs that led to the top of the wall. I followed my father and noticed my younger brother Youshiro descending to meet us. He had a katana and armor on. I looked to my father in askance and he looked at his youngest son and narrowed his eyes.

"No." My father said.

"Father, I can help. I am ready." He said; his citrine eyes pleading.

"Go back inside Youshiro." I commanded him.

"Shut up Asuna! I can wield a katana as well as any." He said growling.

"Go back inside the palace, you are still a pup. Now!" I yelled at him.

"I will not be a coward like Osamu." He declared.

"You will obey your sister and your elders my son." My father said firmly.

I looked at Sheng and he nodded. He grabbed my younger brother firmly but not to hurt him and marched him back toward the entrance to the palace. My father nodded his approval and we looked on to the horde of youkai.

"This is not right. This is too easy." I commented.

"You are right. This is meant to be a diversion." Sesshomaru murmured.

He had drawn his own fang, the Bakusaiga. That weapon had been borne from my father's own power. Sheng was ascending the steps when my father released his tremendous yoki through his fang and destroyed the horde with a single strike. I was used to the sight but Sheng was beyond amazed. I looked to the remains of the lesser youkai and pondered where Jing was. She would be the only one with enough gumption to attack the Western Palace boldly.

"She is testing your strength." I commented looking up.

"Then the vermin must be disappointed in this Sesshomaru." He stated in a bored tone.

"She will rethink her strategy. I think that we should go after her." I said in a respectful tone.

"Hai, the hunt will begin after the Manchu Inu has shown himself to this Sesshomaru."

"Hai my Lord." I said bowing.

I made to give back the Tensaiga and he motioned for me to keep it. I slipped it into my obi and I followed my father back into the palace. Sheng hung back to give me privacy with the Lord of the West.

"How long will it take for the He Gang lord to land in Niigata." He asked stiffly.

"I am sure he would have left yesterday. He has his own yoki mode of travel but if he is traveling with the army he will stay with them." I commented.

"Is he traveling with his army?" he asked raising a brow.

"I do not know my Lord. When I left there had been a very nasty altercation between himself and I." I commented.

"Over?" he asked.

"I commanded his General to have the whole army on ships and in Niigata in four days." I said sighing.

"And he was angry for what reason?" He asked coldly.

"I threatened General Ichigawa." I said.

"Go on." He commanded.

"I have been having premonitions too. I knew that I needed to be here and I could not get him to see the urgency of the situation. His advisor came with me to look after me." I stated.

"He has much to answer for." He commented.

"Father please. He is a youkai of Japanese descent but he has not been raised as one. His clan is far different." I said pleadingly.

"The Inu no Taisho fought his father. They were originally both seeking to mate my mother. Lord Tekeshi was a fool and philanderer. He continued to follow a path of decadence and luxury." He said sneering.

"I am aware my Lord. Katashi is not as loose as his father. He is freer with his emotions but he is honorable." I said in defense of mate.

"We will see." He stated firmly.

"Hai my Lord." I said bowing and heading in the direction of my chambers. Sheng met me outside of them and I looked up into his worried eyes. He followed me in and I sat at the low table.

"My father is furious with Katashi. He feels that he has failed me as mate. He has threatened to dissolve the union." I said tired.

"How can he do that?" he asked in surprise.

"Did you not see the Bakusaiga?" I asked.

"That is his fang?" Sheng asked.

"Hai that is his fang that was created under his own yoki." I stated

Sheng sat down and his mouth dropped open.

"You father is not just a taiyoukai, he borders on a Kami." He said.

"He has surpassed my grandsire, the Inu no Taisho. Do you begin to truly understand the mantle I carry? There are times I am unsure if I can carry it at all." I stated.

"And your sire is angry with Katashi. Katashi has power Asuna, there is no doubt of it; but I think if faced with your sire he would be killed." Sheng replied with some angst.

"I cannot allow that to happen. Katashi has no heir for one and he is blameless." I said with fear.

"How will your sire deal with him you think?" he asked.

"I have no idea. Lord Sesshomaru speaks with purpose and rarely wastes any actions." I said.

"Katashi will fight him. I know my adopted brother well enough. He will fight and be decimated." Sheng said with worry.

"I think Katashi will be landing in Niigata soon. Will you intercept him for me?" I asked Sheng.

"Hai, I think I should." He said

"Take him to the North to Kouga and Ayame." I said thinking aloud.

"Hai." He responded.

"Be careful and keep yourself open to me please?" I asked in concern.

"Koi, I am not without my own power and I have yours to back me up remember?" he said pressing his lips to my forehead.

"I have to worry. Jing is here and she did spill your intestines." I pointed out to him.

"She took me by surprise and I am more aware now." He answered.

"All the same I want my twin brother to accompany you." I stated.

"If that will make you feel better." He said smoothly.

"Osamu has heightened mental abilities like me so he would be able to sense imminent threats." I said.

"Hai my love. You must also take care. I refuse to come back and find you pierced again." He said lightly.

"I love you Sheng." I whispered.

He pulled me to a standing position and I kissed him desperately.

"Come back to me soon." I said.

"Hai I will." He responded.

I had spoken with Osamu and he agreed to go with Sheng to Niigata. My twin had been eager to get to know one of my two mates. I could not hide it from my twin with whom I shared my mother's womb. My father took the opportunity to train with me in the dojo and he was brutal. He would bring me to my knees and strike blow after blow. I managed to keep my defenses up and block most attacks.

"You will meet me on the arena field. I have a wish to train you in the use of your Dakkasou." He commanded.

"Hai my Lord." I said breathing heavily.

My father left the dojo and my mother glided in. She was ethereal most times and I could not imagine her anything but. She smiled at me gently and put a hand to my cheek.

"He will get over his temper. In the mean time you will have excellent training." She said sweetly.

"I have sent Sheng and Osamu to intercept Katashi at Niigata. Father is still very angry at him for what I do not know." I said.

"Pack is instinct and Sesshomaru feels the loss of your pup as you do I am sure. He and I have also lost three ourselves." She confessed.

"I had no idea Mother." I said.

"It is done my darling. Lord Katashi is going to have to face your father sooner or later." She said wisely.

"Better to face him head on and not slink away." I said.

"Hai. I know my mate dear. Just inform Lord Katashi not to be as disrespectful as he was last time. Go spar with your father and I will intercept your men." She said sweetly.

"You do too much for me Mother." I said gratefully.

"I am just glad that you are embracing my half of yourself." She replied.

I nodded to her and she left. I went to the arena field and prepared myself to be beaten to a pulp.

Augusta reappeared in the city of Niigata and made her way to the docks. Katashi would have been an idiot if he had not followed after Asuna. A small smile played on her lips and she knew he was not an idiot. She observed a large contingent of soldiers and knew her instincts to be correct. Katashi was here. Her mind brushed Osamu and Sheng's mind and went in the direction they were. Several of the soldiers stopped and fell to their knee as the Lady of the West passed. She came up next to Osamu and Sheng and they jumped in surprise.

"They have arrived I see." She said gently.

"Mother I hate when you do that!" Osamu snapped.

"Son you were not paying close enough attention. I brushed you and Sheng's mind." She commented.

Sheng bowed to her and she motioned him to rise. Inuyasha came up along with Kagome and Katashi.

"Aunt Kags and Uncle Yasha!" Osamu exclaimed.

"Hello Inuyasha and Kagome." Augusta said happily.

"Hi Augusta! So good to see." Kagome said.

"Keh! Good to see ya. How's asshole?" Inuyasha said sarcastically.

"So loving Inuyasha. Your elder brother is putting your niece through hell." She declared.

Katashi growled low in his throat and Augusta turned her light brown orbs to him.

"Your problem has spilled to our soil Lord Katashi and my daughter suffers her father's wrath because of you. It would be wise to face my mate and get it over with. Asuna had originally sent her brother and yours to take you to Ayame and Kouga but I am here to bring you to the Western Palace." Augusta said softly.

"I want to see my mate." Katashi said stiffly.

"I will take you to her but you must be warned that Sesshomaru has threatened to dissolve the union." She said.

"He has no right!" Katashi snarled.

"He is the most powerful taiyoukai in all these lands that pretty much means he can do as he wants." Augusta stated.

"What in the Kamis sake have I done to warrant him tearing apart a sacred bond?" he said savagely.

"In his mind you are responsible for the pup's demise." She said quietly.

Katashi's eyes bled red and he snarled feral. Sheng put a hand on his arm and Katashi stared at him.

"Katashi, she defends you but you must do this thing." Sheng said.

"Take me to my mate Sheng." He said viciously.

"Hai my Lord." He said bowing to him.

-Keep your counsel about Asuna young one. - Augusta pathed to Sheng.

He looked at the Lady of the West and barely nodded.

"I am going on ahead. Have Yuudai and Ichigawa get the troops outside of the Western Palace as soon as possible." Katashi ordered.

"Hai my Lord." Sheng said.

"My Lady; I will see you at your palace shortly?" Katashi said evenly.

"That would be acceptable." She said agreeably.

Katashi actually used his yoki and vanished in a great roar of winds and power. Augusta just faded away and reappeared at the palace and behind her Katashi appeared. His eyes were still red and Augusta whirled on him and snapped.

"Calm yourself and make peace you fool."

"He deigns to keep me from my mate, what would you do?" he asked.

"I would listen to one that knows him better than any other." She said sharply.

Katashi's eyes slowly changed back to green and he stood with his hands clasped behind his back waiting. He did not wait long before Sesshomaru leisurely came before the He Gang lord. Sesshomaru narrowed his citrine eyes at the foreign lord and slowly pulled Tokijin from its sheath.

"Explain to this Sesshomaru why you should not be run through?" he said seething.

I had to rush to the main courtyard of the palace. I felt Katashi's yoki and I knew that my mate would be disagreeable. I made it when I saw my father pull Tokijin and I yelled.

"No!"

I put myself between the youkai blade and Katashi. I stared up at my father and I knew my eyes were pleading. Katashi pushed me aside and pulled his own fang. Things were happening fast. Mother and I felt the shift in yoki and the overwhelming black power. Jing appeared out of her mist so fast that I did not have time to react. She had grabbed my hair and pulled my head back. I tried to grab Tensaiga with my right arm and it felt so terribly cold. Pain spread down from my shoulder to my hand. My arm went limp by my side and she ripped at my throat with her claws. It had happened in a matter of a second.

"You see my pretty little inu bitch; the netherworld is so very, very cold. I am going to enjoy taking your life." She whispered in my ear.

"I am not dead yet whore!" I said pushing violently backwards.

My father was by my side in an instant and so was Katashi. Jing managed to separate herself from my person and my father grabbed Tensaiga and pulled it from its sheath and managed to bring it down and it came in contact with Jing's stomach. Katashi used his blue fire and burned her shoulder. She screamed an unholy scream and disappeared into her mist.

My father and mate turned to me and I saw the looks of horror grace their features. I looked down and saw my right arm shaking uncontrollably and turning a ghastly grey-blue. The pain was horrendous but I managed to stay upright.

"You see the danger?" I said to my father.

"Daughter." My father said with actual feeling.

"Asuna." Katashi said hoarsely.

I swayed on my feet and wondered what in the seven hells she had done to me. My mother had already fled to find the healer. Katashi caught me as I crumpled to the ground. My father's face was set in icy glare.

"Her life is mine." My sire said.

"Behind me Sesshomaru-sama." Katashi snarled in anger.

My arm continued to shake horribly and I was fighting the urge to pass out. My mind was screaming and I felt Sheng in a panic to get to my side. Katashi was holding onto me. The healer came rushing to my side and he looked nervous.

"My Lord Sesshomaru she has been infused with a killing miasma." The old inu said.

"How do we heal it?" My father said in a cold voice.

"I do not know if we can my Lord." The healer said shakily.

"Move her to her chambers." He ordered.

Katashi picked me up and carried me. He was followed by my parents and the healer.

"What is it entirely necessary to do your male posturing at that moment Sesshomaru?" my mother asked my father in a nasty tone.

"Not now mate." My father snarled.

"If she dies; I swear to the Kamis I will make you pay." Katashi said in a dangerous tone.

"Hn." Was my father's classic reply.

I wanted to scream the pain seemed to be spreading. Sheng had changed form and was close to the Western Palace and I cried out to him.

-Please hurry. Katashi and my father will kill each other. - I pleaded in thought.

We entered my chambers and I was laid on my futon. My arm was trembling every so often and the ashen color was spreading to my torso. My mother came to my side and brushed some hair off my face. I had deep gouges along my throat and tears started to slip out of the sides of my eyes.

"Kagome. She could heal her." Katashi offered to the healer.

"The poison first has to be drawn out Lord Katashi. It is not like Dakkasou; it is more like the poison of a snake." The old inu said.

Sheng came in while my treatment was being discussed and he came to my side. He was covered in a fine sheen of sweat and he put a hand to my cheek. My mother looked at me and came over to me.

"You trust me my dearest daughter?" she asked quietly.

"Hai." I said

"Bare your neck to me my child."

I turned my head and bared my neck. She leaned down and put her fangs to my jugular and bit me. I gasped in pain but I knew she was doing her best for me. I realized her approach was sound and I endured her drinking my blood.

Everyone was transfixed and the healer was nodding his head at her actions. I could sense my father's discomfort and knew he was blaming himself for my injury. My mother pulled back and her lips were stained with my blood.

"Her blood is tainted with the stink of miasma." She said.

She motioned for Sheng to do as she had done and Katashi looked furious.

"Calm yourself this instant. He is part uppyr you fool." She admonished him.

"My Lord, I only wish to help her." Sheng said to Katashi.

Katashi nodded grimly and I felt Sheng bite into my jugular also. My first mate turned his head and I had to suppress the moan that threatened to escape my mouth. Sheng drank my blood also and the trembling in my arm was less.

"No more please." I said weakly.

"Daughter we will need to repeat the process several more times." She said to me.

-You have given me an out Mother, you have made Sheng and I legitimate. - I thought to her weakly.

-Hai but we need to get you well.-she thought back.

The healer came forward and checked my breathing and my arm and looked up to all.

"The Lady Augusta has started to reverse the effects of the miasma." He declared.

My father nodded and Katashi looked grateful. My mother stood and went to the door.

"I assume Sesshomaru and Katashi need to speak." She said in a firm voice.

My father moved to the door and motioned for Katashi to follow. Sheng did not move and I looked at Katashi with pleading eyes.

"Please do not fight on my account. All this is my fault; Jing coming here and the pup being lost is my fault." I stated weakly.

"Koi, hush now. You must get well so we can go on the offensive." Katashi murmured.

I closed my eyes and fell into a fitful sleep.

Lord Katashi and Lord Sesshomaru glared at each other from across the desk. They stood in the Western Lord's study. Augusta had seated herself on a chaise and stared at the male inu and she wanted to laugh.

"Sesshomaru please offer your son-in-law some sake." Augusta suggested.

Sesshomaru glared at his mate and a `Hn' was heard. Augusta stood up and went to a sideboard and poured three shots of the fiery liquid. She handed one to Katashi, Sesshomaru, and kept one for herself.

"Now Lord Katashi my mate will not say but I will. He is miffed that his only daughter lost her pup. He is feeling helpless and wants to blame someone; so that would be you. Now Sesshomaru, Lord Katashi is feeling overwhelmed by Asuna's independence and all that has happened. He loves her desperately and has since he first laid eyes on her. Does all this sound about right?" she espoused.

Sesshomaru glared at his mate and downed his sake. Katashi stared openly at his mate's mother then downed his own. Augusta sipped hers slowly and looked at the two males with mirth.

"Since both of you are going to be stubborn, I will finish this. Asuna is her own youkai. She was raised not as a lady but as a Lord. She is feeling weak and vulnerable and that is not a comforting place she likes to be. She will return to a reckless and strong headed approach sooner rather than later. I suggest you two mend fences before she walks away from you both. This Jing creature is a bold and brazen bitch. I suggest we gather round the table and figure out how to stop her. She seems to have taken a personal vendetta against Asuna." Augusta said.

Katashi looked at the Western Lady and nodded. Sesshomaru stared at her with his eyes hooded. Augusta looked at him and shrugged.

"Your mate is a wise onna." Katashi murmured.

"She has her uses." Sesshomaru muttered.

"I love your daughter Sesshomaru-sama. I would rather harm myself than have her come to harm again." Katashi said.

"This Sesshomaru loves his daughter also." He said plainly.

"I am saying I can and will lay down my life for her. She will not allow me to. She runs around and takes action without thought to all the consequences." Katashi continued.

"She is much like the hanyou in that respect." Sesshomaru observed.

"Your brother is reckless but has much honor." Katashi said

"Hn."

"I wish to be with Asuna now." Katashi said rising.

"Hn." Sesshomaru responded.

Katashi shook his head and bowed. He nodded to Augusta and took his leave. Sesshomaru turned his head to his mate and growled low in his throat.

"You take liberties madam." He said coldly.

"I do what is necessary Sesshomaru. There is a great evil that has turned her ire against our pup and you wish to fight her mate. She is of age now my heart. Asuna has to make her decisions and you have to accept them." Augusta said.

"I know all this Augusta. I will therefore be leaving as soon as Yuudai and the rest of the soldiers arrive. I will make certain that the West is not impregnated again." He said flatly.

"Hai I think that would be wise." She said.

"Asuna's voice will be as my own." He commanded.

"She will want to go with Sesshomaru." She commented.

"Her arm will need time to heal. That wench from the Netherworld injured her fang wielding arm." He stated.

"Hai. She will go stir crazy." Augusta replied.

"Better here than on foreign soil." Sesshomaru stated standing.

"I had better go and remove more of the poisoned blood from Asuna."

"Hai" he responded.

Augusta went to her mate and looked up at him, she ran a hand through his silver hair and he looked down at her.

"I love you Sesshomaru."

"Hai and I you." He said.

"You are still remembering holding Asuna and Osamu when they were just birthed. Your eyes betrayed you. The love and possessiveness was bared for me to see. I have never seen such a beautiful sight as when you helped bring our little ones into life." She murmured.

"Hn." He responded.

Augusta got up on her toes and pressed her lips to her mate's. A growl was ripped from the Western Lord's throat and he kissed her back.

"Mmm I will never tire of your lips my heart." She said backing away.

"Augusta." He replied in a very low tone.

"I am yours later. Anywhere and anyhow my love." She stated lustfully.

"Go onna." He growled.

I awoke with Katashi at my side. I looked up at him and narrowed my eyes. I lifted my arm a bit and growled as pain assaulted my senses. I again turned my eyes to Katashi and growled again.

"What have I done now?" he asked tiredly.

"You are a fool to try and face my sire. He is almost twice your age and has power to spare." I seethed.

"You would have allowed him to separate us?" he asked incredulously.

"I would not have done so willingly but I would if it meant it would save your life." I said angrily.

"Now you underestimate me. I would not have lost, I may have been maimed but I would have stood my ground." He replied.

"We need to go after Jing and fast. I cannot believe she made it into the palace grounds." I stated trying to sit up.

"Asuna your arm is still weak." He stated.

"Help me up." I commanded.

"Asuna!" he growled.

"Katashi, I have no wish to bed ridden again. You forced me to rest at He Gang and I will not do it again." I stated.

He helped me stand and I did sway a bit. I gritted my teeth and stayed upright. He had my arm and held me firmly.

"Could you help me take off my haori and such and help me put on a dressing gown?" I asked quietly.

"Hai." He responded gently.

He sat me down on my futon and grabbed my dressing gown from the other side of my futon. He untied my haori and hakama. He slipped them both off and he briefly looked at the scars on my shoulder and neck. I could feel his apprehension and I placed a hand on his shoulder and he looked at me.

"They are helping me. Do not get jealous for any reason." I said.

"I resent not being the one to remove the miasma. She started out as my enemy and she has turned her hatred towards you." He stated.

"My mother is a blood drinker. Her body can handle the toxins better than an inu could." I said reassuring him.

"Sheng too?" he said bitterly.

"I told you before we left Manchuria that I suspected he was part Uppyr. My mother confirmed it and yes his body can handle the toxins as well." I said.

"Hai I am being jealous. Can you blame me?" he asked annoyed.

"Hai I can, you are being ridiculous." I said trying to put on my gown one handed.

"Damnit!" I growled.

"Let me assist you." He said pulling my bad arm through the sleeve and then the other. He tied it at my waist and stepped back.

"Where is Sheng?" he asked.

"The guest apartments a few doors down." I said in response.

"I had not realized you two had become such fast friends." He said slowly.

"Being inside someone's head will do that Katashi. Can we discuss how we are going to track Jing?" I said irritated.

"Hai it needs to be discussed but I want to know about your relationship with my advisor." He said thinly.

"I know everything about him Katashi. I have seen every memory and almost every thought. Is that what you want to know?" I snapped.

"Hai it is what I want to know." He growled.

"I can tell you that I have seen his memories of you and some random bitch. I have witnessed his own conquests, is this really what you wish to discuss? Shall I describe the last encounter before me? It seems you and your adopted brother was busy." I said sarcastically.

His face actually burned a bright red and I knew I had hit upon some shameful memories of his.

"I was young Asuna." He stated.

"Well I know you and Sheng had a grand time together bedding as many bitches as possible. I am done discussing these things. I know Sheng and in knowing him, I know you." I said firmly.

"I am sorry then. I did not fully understand." He said sheepishly.

"I know his scent is all over me. Remember he was helping me not hurting you."

"Hai." He said.

"I am able to access his yoki as well as mine when needed. I explained this in Tianjin but now do you fully understand?" I asked.

"I am beginning to. It is an odd situation." He stated uncomfortably.

"Hai it is. It was done entirely by accident but it is due to the Uppyr in our heritage. You can stop acting sheepishly.

You are almost four hundred; I did not expect you to be celibate." I said in continued irritation.

"I would never have wanted you to see it." He stated.

"Katashi, I may have been untouched before you but that does not mean I was inexperienced." I said glaring at him.

He looked at me and sighed. He turned his head and I grasped his chin and made him look at me.

"Why are we even discussing this? That is the past." I said.

"I do not know." He answered.

I leaned forward and kissed his mouth lightly. He closed his eyes and I kissed him again. He was not responding and I kissed his jaw.

"Asuna you are still injured." He said repressing his desire.

"Hai I am and you are being cross." I said brushing my lips against his neck.

"Damnit onna." He said savagely.

I decided to teach him a lesson and I ran my tongue along his neck till I reached his mating mark. I sucked on the mark that I had made on him and he still repressed his desire. I was getting annoyed and I bit into it and felt his growl reverberate through his chest.

"Asuna, Kamis please do not distract me right now." He demanded.

"You need to feel how I feel. Are you not the one who said that we inu are naturally affectionate creatures. Did you not say that I was insatiable?" I whispered in his ear.

He groaned as I gently licked along the shell of his ear.

"Asuna please." He tried to gently push me away.

I straddled his lap and I ran my good hand through his black hair.

"You can get back to other things shortly." I demanded.

"Asuna, I want this evil witch gone. I am tired of fighting and I want to be able to relax and enjoy my life with you."

He said through clenched teeth.

I had to give my mate credit, he had quite a bit of control over his body and I was losing control of mine. I loved and hated my reaction to these males.

"Watch then while I pleasure myself." I said narrowing my eyes.

I untied my gown and ran my good hand down stomach. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips and lightly kissed each finger. He was trying to placate me by giving in just a little. I ground my center into his and he growled in response. I was getting worked up and impatient.

"Asuna. You are in heat. I do not want to get you with pup just yet." He ground out.

"So while I am in heat, you would deny your mate?" I said almost in a purr.

"You are making this difficult. I am restraining myself almost beyond endure." He sighed heavily.

"You deny me?" I asked lustfully.

"For now I do." He said.

"Katashi!" I hissed.

"Koi, think rationally. I am doing what is best. You are injured and in heat." He stated breathing heavily.

I ground myself against him harder and he tried to dislodge me. I had gotten myself into a lust and I was determined to be satisfied.

"Make love to me." I demanded.

"Koi." he said.

"I need you and you tell me no. You have enough control to deny me what is mine but you mean to tell me that you could not prevent me from being pupped?" I asked him in disbelief.

"Kamis you are a passionate creature, but I cannot promise that." He said groaning.

I pressed my lips against his and he groaned beneath me. I darted my tongue and ran it along the seam of his lips. He opened his mouth to speak and I invaded it. I ran my tongue along his fangs then traced the roof of his mouth. He growled again and he pressed me back into the futon and ravaged my mouth back. I had wrapped my legs around his waist. I nipped and licked at him and his was gently opening my dressing gown further. He started to run kisses along my jaw and seemed to be mindful of my wound. He lowered his head and captured a nipple and suckled it. I cried out and arched my back. He tugged and nibbled on it and tweaked the other one.

"Kamis." I cried out.

He looked up into my eyes and watched my reactions. I groaned loudly and I heard him exhale his breath. His warm breath cooled my heated flesh and I moaned again.

"I will bring you to fulfillment Koi." He whispered against my breast.

My mind barely registered what he said and what he meant. I growled and looked at him. I reached between us and coated my left fingers with my wetness and brought it to his lips. I was counting on his inu instinct of scent. He darted his tongue out and licked my fingers and groaned.

"So sweet, Kami." he said suppressing a growl.

"Then why not taste more?" I whispered hoarsely.

His shut his eyes tightly for a second and he opened them and they were tinged pink. He softly growled and moved between my thighs and licked along my nether lips. I shook and he took my bundle of nerves and sucked very gently and my hips bucked. He darted his tongue rapidly against my nub and I gasped. I lifted my head to watch him and I sighed. My stomach started to tighten and I panted lightly. He looked up at me and caught my eyes. It was completely erotic and I could feel my body tighten more. He inserted two fingers and moved them back and forth while alternating sucking and flicking his tongue against my clitoris. I came undone and my muscles tightened and spasmed around his fingers. I cried out softly as I came. He brought his lips back to mine and bent to kiss me and I ravished his mouth. I knew that he had done what he intended and I was determined to finish.

"I need you." I begged.

"Asuna, not right now my love." He whispered against my lips.

With my left hand, I used my claws and sliced through his black silk ku. I grasped him firmly and watched his face as I began to stroke him. He was fighting his beast and I could see he was losing the battle quickly. I licked his chin and bared my neck to him. He pressed his lips to my mating mark and I mewled in pleasure. He bit in gently and I cried out again.

"Need you please?" I whispered

His eyes searched mine and they had bled red. He sighed and he slid into me. I gasped again feeling him inside of me. His eyes had bled red and I thrust against him gently. His arms were shaking with strain at not joining with me violently.

"Koi you have to help me, promise." He whispered fiercely.

"Help what?" I said in a haze.

"Not to lose complete control." He said straining.

I thrust against him shallowly and he groaned.

"Your blood still is tainted, you are weak. Help me." He whispered harshly.

"Stop talking unless it is to cry out my name." I growled.

I bucked my hips against his as gently as I could and he met my thrust with his own. His face was intense as he moved against me. His movements were agonizingly slow and I was gasping under him.

"Faster." I cried out.

"No!" He yelled out.

"Kamis, Katashi I am injured not dead." I growled to him.

"Suna." He moaned.

He continued to move against me slowly and I was building up to another release. I knew he intended to pull out before his own release and I was going to be damned if he did. I wrapped my legs around his tighter and we were grinding against each other so slowly that my nub was also being rubbed against. My muscles tensed up tightly and I was breathing quickly and crying out. He sped up just a little and my release was mind shattering. Katashi tried to pull out but I kept my legs wrapped tightly. My legs jerked as my whole body trembled.

"Asuna." He cried

My muscles had him gripped tightly and fluttered around his staff and I felt him stiffen and his claws gouged the bedding of my futon as he spilled into me.

"Just because I am in heat does not necessarily mean I will get pupped." I whispered to him.

"It is a good possibility." He snapped.

"Katashi I have not been with you since Shenyang, I needed to be you." I said irritated.

"Do you think I did not want to join with you? I am trying to prevent more problems. I need to get up." He said.

"Stay a little longer. I will behave myself." I said sweetly.

"Impossible." He said kissing each cheek.

"Do you wish to talk now?" I said flushed.

"While I am fully seated in you?" he asked surprised.

"Hai, why not?" I said.

"Kamis Asuna I cannot think clearly." He groaned.

"I am behaving." I said playfully.

"I swore before you would be the death of me." He said.

"I shall release you now. I want you to stay with me." I said in a tired voice.

"I had no plans of leaving yet my love." He replied.

"Katashi I want to be pupped. I want to bare you an heir." I said suddenly.

I know my confession took him by surprise and his emerald eyes widened a fraction. I had let slip a little feminine desire and it was not like me.

"Asuna, I want the same thing but I need to be rid of Jing. I do not understand her hatred of you but we both know she has an unnatural obsession with you."

"I know that now. I will take more precautions and protect myself more." I said as he slid from me. He groaned lightly as he did so.

"I am going to go with Lord Sesshomaru this evening to start hunting for Jing." He told me.

"I see." I said.

"Sheng will be here as well as your mother, Kagome, and Inuyasha." He said.

"So I am to be left behind." I said quietly.

"She is after you, it makes sense Asuna." He lay down next to me.

"I can wield my grandsire's fang, Tensaiga." I said.

"And that means?" he asked.

"It is the Fang of Heaven Katashi. It can strike down the pallbearers of the Netherworld and creatures of the Netherworld." I stated.

He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment and waited for me to say more.

"The Inu no Taisho wielded the Tensaiga, Tetsaiga, and Sounga. The fangs of Heaven, Earth, and Hell. He passed the Tensaiga on to my father and the Tetsaiga to my uncle. Sounga could not be wielded by either son and so it was sealed into Hell. My father wields two other fangs as well; Bakusaiga and Tokijin. Both are formidable weapons themselves but I can wield the Tensaiga and that I believe will aid in Jing's destruction." I said sitting up straight.

"I did not know all of the history of your family, very interesting indeed." He replied thoughtfully.

"Katashi, I will consent to a heavy guard but I insist that I aid in the hunt." I stated firmly.

He looked at my injured arm; it still was an ashy color and it shook slightly. I knew he was weighing what I had told him and I also knew he wanted to shut me away until the threat was over.

"I could not consent to you aiding us until your arm is completely healed." He said.

"I know that my love. I also know that between my mother, Sheng, and Kagome I could be well in a matter of days." I said flatly.

"If you are pupped you will have to have a very heavy guard indeed." He said.

"Hai I agree. Allow me my honor and the right to defeat my enemy." I said firmly.

"I cannot resist you. You know this and use it against me." He sighed.

"Hai I do." I answered bluntly.

"I will speak to your sire on the subject and get his opinion. I know you will go against my wishes anyway." He said standing.

"Your clothes are unserviceable. I can have some sent here that will do." I said changing the subject.

"That would be prudent. I imagine your father will want my head when he finds that I have once again lain with you." He said pragmatically.

"He shall not do a thing. I will not allow it. I have chosen my mate and he will honor it." I said vehemently.

"He was still most cross with me." He informed me.

"Help me up?" I asked.

He extended his arms and pulled me up while I held on with my good hand. I grabbed my dressing gown and slipped it on with difficulty. Katashi tied the silk obi for me and I went to the door.

"I will have some clothes sent to you shortly." I said.

"Hai." He responded.

I left my chambers and walked slowly towards Mayu's room. She was going to have much work to do. I shook my head at myself. I knocked on the shoji door and waited for her response. She slid the door open and looked at me in shock.

"My Lady! You should not be up, I would have come to you!"

"I was tired of lying around Mayu. Could you have some clothing sent to Lord Katashi in my chambers?" I asked.

"Hai my lady!" she said bowing.

"Mayu, how long before my scent will change if I have conceived?" I asked quietly.

"Two days at most my Lady. Shall I pay attention?" she asked

"Hai." I answered quickly.

"Shall I assist you somewhere my Lady?" she asked.

"Lord Sesshomaru's study if you would not mind." I said.

"Hai." She answered bowing again.

Mayu took my good arm and assisted me across the palace to my father's study. She knocked on the screen and my father called out enter and we did.

"Daughter you should still be abed." He said standing.

Mayu bowed then left to do as I bade her.

"I would like to look at some of the scrolls on the Netherworld my Lord." I said.

"Hai. I will find what you are seeking." He said turning to face the wall of ancient scrolls.

"How soon till Uncle Yasha is here?" I asked quietly.

"The hanyou will be here in less than two hours along with Yuudai and the army." He answered.

"I wish to go with you and Katashi." I stated.

I heard him growl and I looked down at the floor. I knew my father well and I knew he would not be pleased with my demands.

"You are acting as a glutton for punishment." He snapped.

"I am acting with honor. I can wield the Tensaiga." I answered.

"My honor demands that I rectify the wrongs that I committed by allowing you to chase after the wench in the first place. You were not ready; I did not know the extent of her power. I should have gone in your place." He said angered.

"Father, I have learned from the battles I have had with her. If for whatever reason I am to become master of the West then I must face her enemies." I said stoically.

"Your logic is sound but I still have reservations." He said staring me down.

"My mate has said the same thing but I can and will be more prepared." I said.

"You shall have him and me both at your side this time. There will be no argument on that topic." He said with finality.

"Hai I understand my Lord." I said bowing.

He handed me a scroll and I read the ancient Kanji. It told of the different creatures and Kamis of the Netherworld. I was preparing myself with all the information at my disposal. My lessons on the Netherworld were just beginning.

I was pupped; there was no doubt about it. I did not need Mayu to tell me my scent had changed. I started the violent retching the next evening and even water passing my lips caused me to be horribly ill. I was furious that I should get sick this time as well. Mayu had come to assist me in my bath and had seen me retching.

"My Lady there is a brew that can ease these symptoms." She said.

"This is worse than before and much sooner." I replied wiping my mouth with a cloth.

"That would suggest more than one pup my Lady." She said knowingly.

"What?" I asked in shock.

"Hai you are a twin and your Uncle Inuyasha produced twins as well. It only makes sense." She stated smiling gently.

"My father and mate are going to wring my neck." I said flustered.

"Mask the scent for now. I will bring you the brew so you can eat and I will get your mother." She said kindly.

"What would I do without you Mayu?" I said gratefully.

She bowed and left. I pondered the news and realized that I should have expected twins. I was a fool not to have anticipated it. I knew Katashi would be overjoyed but nervous as well. My mother came to the spring next and I looked up at her.

"I was horribly sick with you and Osamu as well. It should pass within a month or two." She said brushing my hair out of my face.

"How long is a normal gestation?" I asked perplexed.

"Typical inu pregnancies last seven to eight months and uppyr tends to last longer." She said matter of factly.

"So mine will be somewhere between the two?" I asked in a tired voice.

"Maybe not. Katashi is full inu so it may be the former rather than later." She replied.

I looked relieved when she said Katashi's name and knew I needed more care in my personal affairs.

"Hai these are his pups. When are you going to tell him and are you going to mask it longer?" she asked picking up a brush and running it through my hair.

"I have no idea. I convinced father and Katashi to let me assist them on the hunt for Jing. If they know I am pupped there will be no leaving the palace." I said.

"Is that a bad thing?" she asked me arching a brow.

"Mother you are not an inu bitch. You have never had to sit and listen to the plotting and conniving that goes on in this very court!" I stated in irritation.

"Oh yes I have. I detest it. I have banished several of those bitches from court. They would have liked nothing better than to see me dead and take my place." Augusta said amused.

"You never speak of your longevity mother, what is the life span of your kind?" I asked curious.

"It is harder to kill my kind. We can live as long as any youkai." She said as she started to elaborately braid my hair.

"You will help mask my scent for now?" I asked.

"Hai but you will need to figure how to tell Katashi. I can ease the blow from Sesshomaru." She said.

Mayu brought me the herbal brew and I took the cup and drank it slowly. It was sweet and it did ease the nausea. I thanked her and looked at my mother.

"What if I tell Katashi now and demand I still go. He said my guard would be heavy." I said.

"Personally I think the sooner you tell him the better." She replied.

I stood up and put on a cotton yukata.

"Do you know where he is?" I asked.

"In the dojo with Sheng." She replied gently.

I looked apprehensive about Sheng and my mother looked up and smiled gently.

"Asuna as I have stated before; you were raised as a lord would be. Lords have concubines occasionally." She said wisely.

"Hai but that is amongst other youkai." I stated.

"Set a precedent." She stated standing.

"Nothing ever really upsets you." I said amazed.

"Why should it? Things happen for a reason Asuna. I firmly believe in fate. I shall come and keep your other mate busy." She said quite cheerfully.

"Hai." I said heading in the direction of the dojo.

I got to the dojo and quietly slid open the screen and I saw Katashi and Sheng sparring. My mother looked over my shoulder and smirked. Both males were stripped down to their hakama and I sucked in my breath. Katashi's pale blue stripes were visible on his forearms and he had his black hair tied back. He was holding a wooden katana as was Sheng. I had to elbow my mother to keep her quiet. Sheng's hair was loose and his skin was glistening with perspiration and I felt my claws gouge my hands. My arm was slowly healing and my aunt had done a marvelous job of healing it to a point.

-They are magnificent.-she pathed to me.

-Hai they are.-I pathed back.

Katashi looked up and gave me his marvelous smile and I smiled back.

"Care to join us?" he asked.

"Hai. I need to build back up my arm." I said.

"Sheng I would like to train you some in your mental abilities." My mother piped in.

Sheng looked at me and I nodded to him to go.

"Looks as if I shall be getting another type of workout Katashi." Sheng said grinning.

"Take it easy on him my Lady. I have tired him already." Katashi said taunting his advisor.

"Oh I shall be gentle." My mother said winking at us.

I laughed and nodded to them as they left. I went to the wall and picked up a light katana with a dull point. Katashi eyed my choice and followed suit.

"You are going to try and best me I see." He said lightly.

"Hai. The last we dueled you won on a technicality." I said sweetly.

"I remember that you changed form and broke our stated rules." He said starting to circle.

"Hai I did. I had a desire for your flesh." I said wickedly.

"Oh I remember. You would have dismembered me if I gave you the chance." He said smirking.

I moved to strike and managed to push him back an inch or so. I pulled back quickly and fell into a battle stance.

"I was fighting myself. I did not want to admit I wanted all of you." I said honestly.

"I know. I also know I wanted to be mated to you the second I laid eyes on you in that hot spring." He said.

He struck a blow that I blocked. He was not going easy on me at all. He was very good with a sword but I knew he truly disdained violence.

"Why did you not just come out openly to me? Why did you hide yourself at first?" I asked curiously.

I managed to hit him in the side. He threw me back and I stepped forward and our katana clashed. Our faces were mere inches from each other.

"I was truly transfixed. I had never seen a female so comfortable with herself. You exuded your confidence." He stated bluntly.

He pushed back roughly and I whirled on him and the blades clashed again.

"Your form is excellent. I know you can be tougher. You are holding back." He observed.

"Quit talking and spar!" I snapped.

"I touched a nerve in you my love." He smirked.

I dodged several blows and landed two more and I pushed against his blade with my own. I used all my strength and pushed him back several inches. Nausea assaulted me again and my face turned white. I backed up and dropped my katana. I went to the side of the dojo and fell to my knees and proceeded to empty my stomach. Katashi had come over to me with a cool rag and pressed it to my head. I allowed him to scent my condition and he stiffened for a moment.

"Why would you spar with me when you are so newly pupped." He asked in a harsh voice.

"Because I can." I snapped.

"Asuna. You are sick." He said kneeling next to me.

"Katashi, you are stating the obvious." I said taking the rag from him.

"I knew you would conceive. I should not have rutted with you." He angrily said.

"Oh stop it. I knew what I was doing. You and everyone else seem to forget that I am grown. I want this. I want this for us." I said looking at him.

"Asuna there is time for us to have a family. There is still much danger." He said taking me into his arms.

"I am to have twins." I said quietly.

"You are giving me two hmm." He said calmer.

"Hai." I responded.

"You still want to come and hunt for Jing." He said.

"Hai I do." I said kissing his hand.

"I cannot dissuade you can I?" he asked in a whisper.

"No. I am quite determined." I answered bringing my lips closer to his.

"Koi I am going to end up taking you here." He said as kissed me.

"That would be new." I giggled.

"Hai but I would rather find your excellent servant Mayu and see if she can help you with this vomiting." He said standing and helping me up.

"I know that I will have to endure your over protection and I accept that." I said to him.

He let out a laugh and he pulled me out of the dojo towards my chambers.

"If that came from anyone else I would be offended but coming from you Koi, I accept your compliment." He said laughing again.

"I am so glad I could amuse you." I said annoyed.

"Asuna you are not exactly the typical inu bitch. I was in complete shock when you told me that you wanted to give me an heir." He said mildly.

"Well now I give you two." I said smiling a little.

He pulled me to him, I pressed against him and he lifted my chin.

"I honor you, you know that?" he asked.

"Hai." I said barely above a whisper.

"I am glad you know. Come let us make your stomach well so that you can nourish our little ones." He said gently.

"I can still spar with you." I said.

"Allow me some of my prejudices, indulge me on this topic and do not ask to fight unless absolutely necessary." He asked.

"I shall do as you ask in this. I will tell you I will not back down from a fight with Jing." I said strongly.

"You see your father and I will be there to cool your hot head." He said kissing my nose.

I growled lightly and we made it to my quarters. Mayu was there laying out a sleeping yukata and she handed me another cup with the herbal brew in it. I smiled at her anticipating my needs.

"You will need to drink this about every two hours at first my Lady. Your cousin Akemi is here from Edo. Shall I bring her to you?" she asked.

"Hai please do." I said.

She bowed and left. Katashi looked interested as I changed into my sleeping yukata.

"Akemi is Uncle Yasha's youngest. She is very beautiful and a quarter youkai. Uncle Yasha goes crazy when he thinks males are interested in her, she is supposed to be getting married soon. I imagine my uncle threatened to castrate him if he treated her wrong." I told him.

"Marriage? She is going to tie herself to a ningen?" he asked surprised.

"Hai. He is a samurai and quite nice really." I said.

"She still has youkai in her; I am surprised a ningen would marry her at all." He said shaking his head.

"Ever since the Shikon no Tama debacle the ningen in Edo treats my uncle quite well. In fact he protects them and they honor his family. Kagome is obviously a very powerful miko. Akemi shows spiritual power versus yoki." I continued.

"Your father does not mind all this?" he asked

"My father respects my uncle's choice of mate. Kagome has proven herself worthy of the House of the Moon. Uncle Yasha also does not tie himself to the West; therefore my father cannot say much." I answered.

There was a knock on the shoji and I called enter. Akemi slipped in and she gave me a beautiful smile. My cousin and I resembled each other enough that we would have been mistaken as sisters. Her eyes were blue like her mother's. She had a formal kimono and her hair was intricately twisted and on her feet were a pair of silk slippers.

"Did I miss the wedding?" I asked.

"No sweet cousin. I just figured if I was coming to the West than I should look the part." She answered winking at me.

She turned and stared at Katashi and smiled openly at him.

"So you are the rogue inu traversing the lands." She said mischievously.

"Hmm?" he asked staring at me.

"Akemi!" I warned.

"Oh my. Lord Katashi right? My sweet cousin the last time I saw her was on the hunt for a rogue inu." She said sweetly.

"Really?" he asked amused.

"Hai and she was most put out by this cur as she called him." She continued.

"Really, what else did your cousin say?" he asked crossing his arms and laughing lightly.

"Akemi!" I hissed.

"I could tell she wanted to be ravished by him. She was most put out but her eyes told a different story. When my fiancé said he knew of your whereabouts she was gone in an instant." She finished laughing.

My face was burning red and I mouthed to her I was going to kill her. She just beamed at me and seated herself upon my futon.

"I am Lord Katashi, I am the cur." He said laughing.

"You two mated I assume?" she asked raising a silver brow.

"Yes we did cousin. I am also with pup." I said annoyed.

"Asuna that is wonderful! Well Lord Katashi congrats on becoming a daddy!" Akemi said with mirth.

Katashi raised a brow and smiled widely at her informalness. He bowed to her and looked at Asuna.

"I shall give you two ladies time to visit." He said.

He came to me and put a hand to my stomach and kissed me lightly. He murmured `I love you' and took his leave.

"Kamis Asuna he is beautiful!" she cried when he left.

"Hai he is." I aid looking at the door.

"I assume you have seen your parents?" I asked.

"Hai of course. My dad would kill me." She laughed.

"You are so informal cousin." I stated.

"You know you love me for it." She laughed.

"Hai I do." I said seating myself on my futon next to her.

"Mother alludes to you and a complicated situation. She will not tell me so I decided to come and find out for myself." She said frankly.

"Much has happened cousin." I said sighing.

"Akemi, you can call me Akemi."

"Hai Akemi." I said tiredly.

"You just became pupped didn't you?" she asked.

"Hai."

"What is going on Asuna? Mother had said you were in Manchuria to aid this Lord Katashi." She asked me.

"You truly knew I wanted him back in Edo?" I asked changing the subject.

"Hai. You are never that intense unless you want something." She stated.

"I will explain all tomorrow. I am tired; I found out I am carrying twins." I said.

"I am happy for you." She stated with good humor.

I felt Sheng brush my consciousness and I smiled gently. He wanted to see me and I pathed for him to come.

"Katashi's advisor and adopted brother are coming to call. He has become a good friend. He wishes to meet you." I said to Akemi.

"How do you know?" she asked curiously.

"He pathed to me." I said neutrally.

"Another inu that has your abilities?" she asked.

"He has similar heritage as I do." I said standing.

Sheng came to the shoji and knocked.

"Hai!" I called out.

He slid the door open and came in and bowed to me and Akemi.

"My Lady! Katashi says you are ill." He asked concerned.

He barely noticed Akemi and searched my face. I knew he was seeking an answer and I sighed.

"Can this wait till later Sheng?" I asked quietly.

"No my Lady it cannot. Are you ill?" he asked in a temper.

"Do not start your selfish attitude with me Sheng. Not right now!" I snapped.

"Why can you not answer the question? Why are shielding right now?" he demanded.

"Akemi could you please give me and Sheng a moment? Perhaps visit with Osamu and Youshiro?" I almost begged.

"Hai Asuna. I will be back in a half hour?" she stated firmly, more for Sheng's benefit.

"Hai." I said absently.

Akemi left and he glared at me. I glared back and he closed the distance and put a hand to my stomach. I gasped and he looked down at me.

"You are pupped aren't you?" he asked me viciously.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked him in a fury.

"I know damn well that one is mine." He said.

"I cannot answer that as yet. I do not need to answer to you." I sniped.

"You were not going to tell me?" he demanded.

"Stop with the petulance it does not suit you." I sneered.

"Kamis Asuna! I am so furious with you right now I could skewer you." He said with fury.

"Sheng did you think I would have kept this long from you?" I asked surprised.

"I think you would have done what suited you most. You are very good at conniving." He said narrowing his eyes.

I was beyond furious and I slapped him.

"Get out!" I yelled.

"Tell me now!" he demanded.

"Yes damn it, yes!" I snarled.

"Why did you not say anything? I suppose now that Katashi is here what we are is nothing." He said pushing me against a wall.

"If you think that than get away from me and never speak to me again. I am not your personal whore. I am doing and have done what I can with a difficult situation." I snapped.

"It is hard not to think when you leave out pertinent information. All it took was a thought Koi." He said heatedly.

"I had to think, alright?" I admitted.

"Think about what? You excluded me, what am I to think?" he said forcing me to look at him.

"I cannot do this right now Sheng. You demand too much!" I said.

"I have to live with sharing you, I will not be excluded. I am not as easily manipulated Koi." He said dangerously.

"Get your hands off of me now. I am going to find a way to release you from this ridiculous situation." I seethed.

"I questioned your mother on that topic. You or I would have to die first and I promise you that I do not plan on dying anytime soon." He replied.

"So do you plan on my death then?" I asked pushing him away.

"You are being obtuse Asuna!" he said with fury.

"I am pregnant ok? I am having two. This is what you want to know?" I said tauntingly.

He pushed me back against the wall and his eyes had turned blood red.

"You go too far." He snapped.

"Get out." I whispered furiously.

"If another bitch ever kept what you have from me…" he started.

"And what would you have done? I am not just any bitch, now get out!" I growled terribly.

"You are doing what you do best. I will get out. I will get away from you!" he said hatefully.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Saving my sanity. I wish I had died in the forest that night, it would be a hell of a lot less painful than dealing with you." He said in a dead calm.

"Do not threaten me." I said.

"It is not a threat. I will be leaving for Shenyang tomorrow. If I am not near you then I will not feel so." He said as his eyes changed back to his blue. My mouth dropped open and I was speechless.

"You win Asuna. You realize that you tried to push Katashi away too at first. I said I am not as easily manipulated.

Loving you is too difficult and I will not receive scraps." He said backing away from me.

I was shaking with repressed emotion and I stared at him.

"How is this supposed to go? I do not know, what am I supposed to do?" I asked almost tearing up.

"Tell the truth to me at least. You can share whatever you like with me yet you do not. When I am convenient to you; that is when you throw me something." He said sadly.

"That is not true and you know it." I cried.

"How would I know? You do not speak and you shield from me." He accused me.

"Go then. I do not need your sniveling, self righteous crap." I yelled at him.

He walked away from me and opened the door and away from me. I held onto the wall for support and I started to sob. I could face an enemy and be torn to pieces and survive it. Sheng walking away from me tore my heart out and I fell apart.

I had actually cried myself to sleep like some ningen onna. I knew he was gone and I could not bring myself to get up. Katashi and my father were leaving and I sent them both a message that I was not going. I had written that I saw the wisdom in staying behind and I needed to protect myself. Katashi tried to see me and I refused. I knew he was confused but I could not bring myself to face him. My father came to my chambers and he would not be denied. He was standing before me and staring at me. I did not even bother to hide my pregnancy.

"Why are you ensconcing yourself in your chambers?" he asked.

"My Lord, there is wisdom in your objections. I will stay here and not put myself to further harm." I stated in a toneless voice.

"You are not well." He stated in disbelief of my words.

"I care not my Lord." I stated in my flat tone.

"I am sending your mother to you. You will not see your mate?" he inquired.

"No." I said flatly.

"Asuna look at me." He demanded of me.

I looked up at him hollowly and he growled low in his throat. He turned and left my chambers and I laid my head back down.

"Why will she not see me?" Katashi demanded.

"Pregnant bitches are not always rational.' Sesshomaru said.

"How did you manage with your mate?" Katashi asked the Western Lord.

"Sake." Sesshomaru said unemotionally.

"I see." Katashi smirked.

"This Sesshomaru valued his life." He said with a ghost of a smile.

There was a soft knock on my screen and I did not answer. My mother slid it open and she closed it behind her. She came and lay next to me.

"I cannot breathe." I whispered to her.

"He has cut himself off from you." She stated brushing my hair back.

"One of the pups is his, I can tell now." I said.

"He feels as though you betrayed him. He was broadcasting quite loudly; I believe he wanted me to feel it." She said quietly.

"I feel as though I have been ripped asunder. I wish for death not to feel this." I stated clutching my chest.

"He is mated to your soul my darling. You are to halves to one thing. Sheng has shut off your bond. I will tear him to pieces when I find him. He must be feeling the same but he is too angry to feel the void." She said.

"I will die I know it." I whispered.

"No you will not die but it feels as though." She said standing.

"Come we are going after your wayward soul mate." She said.

"I will not." I said in pain.

"You will waste away and I cannot let that happen." She said firmly.

"I cannot continue this. I need to be released. I have not the strength to handle his severe mood swings. I want my life back before I met them. If that means death maybe it is preferable." I said angry.

"You speak nonsense because of the pain of his separation. You have the strength because I will lend you mine. Look at the situation in another angle. Sesshomaru and Katashi can hunt Jing and we draw her out by leaving

Japan." She said lifting my chin.

I nodded and she pulled me up.

"Come you will say what I tell you my darling." She said as she pulled me toward the study.

I nodded mutely and lowered my head. I was drained but full of hate for Sheng for ripping us apart. My mother pulled me into the study. My father and Katashi looked up. Katashi sat down his cup and came to me. He wrapped his arms around me and I stiffened in his arms. He looked down at me in surprise and a worried look passed over his features.

"She is not faring well with the pregnancy. It seems that the strain of carrying twins is sapping her yoki. My father still lives in Russia. I believe he can help her." My mother said smoothly.

"Our healer cannot help her or Kagome?" my father asked.

"No mate. I did not see her doing her last pregnancy for very long, she carried a single. She was tired was she no?" my mother said to Katashi.

"Hai at times excessively so." He said.

"Quit talking about me as if I am not here!" I screamed.

"Shhhh my darling." Mother said grabbing me and wrapping her arms around me.

"Asuna and I will be going home to Mother Russia. Her emotions are swinging." She said sternly.

I tried to fight my Mother's embrace but she held on fast. Katashi stepped back in confusion.

"Jaken!" my mother called to the kappa.

"Hai milady!" he said running in.

"Take Lady Asuna to her chambers and make sure she is sedated." My mother ordered.

"Hai my Lady!" the toad answered.

I followed Jaken back to my chambers. Mayu gave me a sleeping draught and I took it.

"That is not her at all!" Katashi paced back and forth.

"Lord Katashi, she will get better I assure you. I lost three pups myself. I was horribly sick with Osamu and Asuna." Augusta admitted.

Lord Sesshomaru shifted in his seat at such private information. Katashi stared at Augusta and had to sit.

"Is my seed killing her?" he asked quietly.

"No. Not yet. It is very important that I get her to where she needs to be. Look on the bright side, it gets her away from Jing and you can draw the whore from hell out." She said brightly.

"It is a good plan." Sesshomaru said.

"What about the pups? Can she travel?" Katashi asked in a small voice.

"I will not let one thing happen to her. You and Sesshomaru have come to an understanding I see." She said cheerfully.

"You are a strange creature." Katashi muttered.

"Hai she is. She is a formidable youkai Katashi. She has amazing strength." Sesshomaru spoke evenly.

"Hai, do what is necessary. Sheng has left to the front in Manchuria. I regret his loss at the moment." Katashi stated.

"I will see about that also whilst I am on the continent." Augusta replied.

"I owe you much my Lady." He said bowing.

"Find the creature and destroy her." She said.

"Hai." He said bowing.

My mother woke me and I glared up at her. She held a cup filled with the brew to calm my stomach. I took it from her and laid my head back down.

"Get up and I will help you dress." She ordered.

"I do not wish to get up. I wish to be left alone!" I snarled.

"You will be traveling and you will get up." She ordered again.

"Why should I beg him to come back to me? I did nothing wrong. Are you sure there is no way to release me from this ridiculous bond?" I asked in anger.

"I would have told you my dear if I did and save you this pain. I told you to become blood mates because eventually you would have gone mad. My father may know of a way other than death." She said.

"Hai that is what we will do. He can burn in hell for all I care. He forced this on me in the beginning anyway. I will not let a mere nothing destroy me." I said sitting up.

"Darling, what of his pup?" she asked

"I care not. I can make it to where he smells of Katashi, Kagome told me so. He does not deserve to know my pups." I said harshly.

"Asuna I know he loves you." She said gently.

"He walked away, I know him not anymore. He is dead to me." I said turning my head.

"That is the pain talking. You will care later, if this gives you strength then so be it." She stated.

I walked to my armoire and pulled out a red haori and hakama and white obi. I dressed myself quickly and sat in front of my mother and she twisted and braided my hair into an elaborate design. She stuck decorative sticks in to hold it in place. I slipped my fang into my obi and left Tensaiga where it was.

"Father will need it more than I." I stated.

"Hai."

"I am saying goodbye to Katashi." I said leaving my chambers.

I went to the dojo and saw my mate as he sparred with my father. It was an impressive sight. I growled lightly to get their attention and Katashi looked up and smiled gently. I bowed to them both and waited for my mate to speak.

"Are you any better?" he asked searching my face.

"I am not wishing for death at this moment." I stated flatly.

"Talk to me?" he asked.

"I cannot explain. It feels as though I am going to die. I have a hole that I cannot fill. It is not you; I will get better and be myself." I said coldly.

He nodded trying to understand and took what little I said. He took my hand and placed a kiss on my palm. I looked up at him gratefully but left a moment later.

"She tries." Sesshomaru said behind Katashi.

"Hai I can see that but there is such blackness that I cannot take away." He replied sadly.

"Hn."

My mother transported us both to the mainland. I recognized Zhuanghe; I realized she had transported us from my memories. I looked around and shuddered at the memories. She laid a hand on my shoulder and I smiled.

"I can transport us to Russia now if you wish." She said gently.

"Hai I think that would be best. I have a wish to meet my grandsire." I said.

"He is rather ghastly at times. I have not been to Russia in over two centuries." She stated with a look on her face.

"Why?" I asked her.

"Well my dear, I decided to travel. I heard rumors of other youkai around the world and I wish to see them. Uppyr are

a secretive group and pass themselves off as mortals. It is odd to you I know. We are known as daemons in that part of the world." She explained.

"Where in Russia do you hale from?" I asked deeply intrigued.

"A city called Novgorod. Come hold my hand." She commented.

I did as she bade and moments later we were in a strange foreign land. The architecture was far different and involved more stone than in the Far East.

"My father is Stasio. He is a prince here. Russia has many prince and princesses. The ruler is called Czar. The czar now is Boris Godunov." She informed me quickly.

We were in an alley of a city and I saw horses going by. The place stunk of refuse and ningen bodily fluids. I wrinkled my nose and looked at my mother in complete horror. She was too elegant for such a filthy place. She was dressed in a kimono and her black hair done elaborately. I noticed all the other females in dresses and I was in my hakama and haori. I shrugged and figured if my grandsire could be of use then I would deal with the smell. She led me to an opulent house and she knocked on the door. I felt youkai behind the door and waited. The door opened and a very ordinary looking female uppyr answered.

"Hallo?" she asked.

"Hallo, I am relation to Prince Stasio. Could you please tell him Augusta is here?" she asked sweetly.

"Yah. You will wait here for my master." She said shuffling away.

`Disgusting." I said under my breath.

"Asuna, temperance my child." She said.

Shortly a large burly creature came in. He was deathly pale and had a goatee. He could only be described as meaty. My golden-brown eyes looked him up and down with disdain. He wore a heavy coat of fur and black trousers and boots. I could see a small similarity between him and my mother. Recognition could be seen in his beady black eyes.

"You return to this house, have you no shame?" he asked my mother in Russian.

My mother had seen to it that her pups spoke Russian, Japanese, and several dialects of Chinese. We were born speaking inu but that was by instinct.

"Da, I do return. My child needs your assistance and you can put aside your pettiness for a few hours." My mother said back.

"You have mixed yourself to another type of daemon!" he stated in a nasty tone.

"Come mother, I would rather face Jing then stand in this creature's stink for any longer!" I said growling.

"You mixed with a dog?" he asked in disbelief.

My mother looked non plussed but I was beyond furious. I moved directly in front of him in a matter of a second. I had wrapped my clawed hand around his throat and squeezed. She put a hand on my shoulder and I released him. He glared at me and made to hit me but mother stood between us.

"Stasio, My daughter has need of information is all. Can you act like a gentlemen or will you be yourself?" she asked with contempt.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I need to know if there is a way beyond death to break a soul match." She stated simply.

"I know of no such thing. Once the binding of blood and soul have occurred only death can break it." He replied.

"What if one mate seals off the other?" She asked.

"A horrible void." He answered.

I turned my eyes down and growled low. There was no way out of this thing with Sheng.

"Why is it you ask this thing?" he demanded.

"That is my business and I will not share it." I stated coldly.

"You are as much of a pest as your mother." He said nastily.

"Enough you two." My mother commanded.

"What if I may be able to help?" Stasio said.

"You said there was no way except death." I replied.

"You are not of pure Uppyr blood. There may be a way out." He said disdainfully.

"Stasio you speak in riddles, can she be freed or not?" my mother asked.

"Your brother may be of more use, he knows of these foreign daemons." He said stepping back.

I looked at my mother in surprise at the mention of a brother.

"Where is Viktor?" she asked quietly.

"He is upstairs. He knows to stay with his kind." Stasio remarked snidely.

"Then I will visit with my brother then be out of your house." Mother said agreeably.

"What country did you whore yourself to?" her father asked.

"I believe that shall remain my secret Stasio. I am happy and wish for no more contact than necessary." She said as she started to mount the steps.

I followed closely behind her and she laughed merrily in my head. I looked at her.

-I told you he was ghastly did I not? - She pathed to me.

-I truly had no idea. My humblest of apologies for asking you to come here.-I replied in thought.

"Ah well. It will remind me why I never return here and why you were raised as you were." She said lightly.

I felt a strong aura as she stopped in front of a solid wooden door. She knocked and we heard a loud Da?

"It is I, Augusta." She called out.

The door immediately opened and a tall creature that resembled my mother strongly looked at us.

"Augusta?" he asked in disbelief.

"Da it is, Viktor. Do you have a moment?" she asked.

"You have not returned to us in over two centuries, who is this?" he asked looking at me.

"This is my daughter, Asuna." She introduced me.

He looked me over and I inclined my head very little. He was obviously very curious but he was staying polite.

"How can I assist you?" he asked my mother.

"Stasio says you know about foreign daemons. Asuna is half Uppyr and half Inu youkai. She has been soul matched and seeks to break the bond."

"How would an inu youkai break a match?" he asked.

"Removing the mating mark. It is a match more of tradition than by spiritual energy." I answered.

"I am truly sorry but a soul mating cannot be undone, they say in death but that is not true. Souls that are bound in such a manner will spend eternity together." He said perplexed.

"Great just great!" I muttered.

"Her soul mate has cut himself off from her. She suffers and I am inclined to inflict the same kind of pain onto him." She said sickly sweet.

"How is it that she is soul mated to an inu youkai?" Viktor asked truly interested.

"He has Uppyr in him. He is a Manchurian Inu but we do not know his lineage." Mother replied.

"I see. So these two dog daemons have our kind in them and they mated." He said pondering.

"Da." She said.

"Death would free you in this lifetime but you would bind to him forever in the afterlife." He commented.

"So you are saying I will never be free?" I asked irritated.

"Da.' He answered apologetically.

"I thank you Viktor, I take my leave of you now." She said.

"Augusta will I ever see you again?" he asked sadly.

"Da at some point." She replied taking his hand.

She grabbed hold of mine and she transported us back to Manchuria. We were in Shenyang and I saw my mother yawn.

"Too much yoki?" I asked quietly?

"Hai. I will need rest and find a meal." She said.

"This is the palace of Shenyang. I have been meaning to find out who betrayed Katashi and me." I said firmly.

"I do not sense him here." She said closing her eyes.

"He cannot transport the way we can. He is a powerful youkai to be sure but he is not a taiyoukai." I said.

"I would not be so sure. He still young himself. It took combining your yoki to release your fang." She commented.

"Hai this is true." I said thoughtfully.

"Who do you think he really is?" she asked cocking her head looking at me.

"I would love to find out." I remarked.

"Well show me Katashi's lovely palace." She said in a happy tone.

"Hai, this way." I said motioning for her to follow me.

"Which palace is his favorite?" she asked me.

"The one in He Gang, it is known as the Winter Palace." I answered.

"Would he stay with the troops or would he retreat you think?" she asked as we entered the palace grounds.

"He would stay for a week or two then move on. All his memories are a jumble. It is hard to sort them out." I said.

"Well we shall make ourselves comfortable and flush out the traitor. Then when he shows himself, I will show him the amount of pain he has put you through." She said too cheerfully.

"I do not wish him harm. I do not know what I wish. I know the pain in my chest gets unbearable at times. Right now my hatred of him is fueling me." I said confused.

"I will lend you my yoki, I can do that. It will ease the burden. He is a fool to separate himself from you and his pup." She seethed.

"I told him to leave." I stated sadly.

"You told him to leave your room, nothing more. I like him Asuna, I really do. You are right when you say he is arrogant and self centered at times. That is why I question his lineage." She said.

"Mother he has a true inu form. I know he is mostly inu and we know he is uppyr too but why would he not know his own heritage?" I asked.

"We shall look into it. I suspect he was a love child or something of that nature. I think politics must have been involved." She observed.

"Hn." I responded.

We had made it to the gate of the palace. When they saw who I was they immediately threw open the gate. I was giving orders for rooms to be readied. My mother needed blood and I was tempted to just give her mine.

-I will find my own sustenance daughter. - She thought.

-Hai. - I returned.

I went to Sheng's rooms and entered. I looked around for any personal effects. I went to his wardrobe and opened it. I looked through his clothing and admired his style. It was simple and elegant and it suited him. I ran my fingers along the silks and cottons. In the back of the wardrobe I found a miniature of an onna who resembled him. She was obviously inu and beautiful. Her hair was the same color as his and her eyes were a darker blue. Her forehead had a small crest of a bolt of lightning. I stared at it and knew she had to be a taiyoukai. She looked like a hime but I could not place the crest. Why had Sheng not inherited her crest? I put the miniature in my hakama and shut the wardrobe. I looked around more and found nothing else. I had a feeling his rooms in He Gang would have more. I ran my fingers along his coverlet and sighed. I left his rooms and went to Katashi's rooms. I lie on the bed and put my hand to my chest. I hurt and I could not speak of it. I wanted to hate him for starting this mess but I could not. I wanted him close enough that I could feel his aura at least. Bastard, I thought. He had not given me time to explain about the pups but I suppose he was being jealous and had felt deprived of information. I allowed myself to weep and I blamed it on the pregnancy.
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