InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ The Last One Standing ( Chapter 14 )

A/n: I do not own Inuyasha, Rumikio Takahashi does.

 

To West: Thank you very much for the kind review. I have always wondered what went through Naraku's mind. I have wanted to show what a complex and fascinating character I think he is.

If anyone else is reading, let me know what you think!

 

The Last One Standing

 

“I really can hunt alone thank you Sesshomaru. I find it too personal.” Augusta said staring at the inu lord.

“Every inch of your body this Sesshomaru knows and hunting is too personal?” he asked incredulously.

“I do not need a chaperone. You and I have become friendly with benefits; it does not entitle you to command me.” She said flippantly.

“What? Explain your meaning.” He said narrowing his eyes.

“I bit you and we rut now and then. If I did not want to see Magatushi die a most painful death then I would have left a long time ago. It is circumstances that have drawn us together. The sex is not bad either.” She said with hands on her hips.

Sesshomaru promptly turned on his heel and walked away from the infuriating onna. He really hated arguing with her and felt as if he was talking to his brother. She followed him back to the camp where Kohaku and Rin slept. The kappa had learned to keep quiet as the new pack member was rather harpy like at times.

“You know you can drop the third person act too.” She whispered.

He stopped then turned and narrowed his eyes. He motioned for her to follow him and they left the camp again.

“You have become a member of this pack and I am its alpha. Your powers will be useful in the defeating of the dark hanyou and his ilk.” He said emphasizing the word I.

“Well Lord of all I see, Hunting and feeding are two things I do by myself. This little onna can protect herself now. You have trained me quite well with a blade.” She said sarcastically.

He growled at her disrespect and impertinence. She crosses her arms over her chest and stared him down.

“I have no wish to make you see reason, most of the time you are without it anyway.” He snorted.

“I see no reason to ruin a perfectly amiable alliance. I like and somewhat respect you and you tolerate me; it works well. My people see hunting of prey to be extremely intimate and really to only be done with off spring or partners. You are neither so therefore you will not be participating.” She said reasonably.

“Hn.” He replied.

“Oh there you go. Whatever. Go and pout like a petulant puppy because I affronted your damn alpha rights. I hate this damn country!” she snapped and walked away.

He watched her walk a distance and shook his head at his concern for her. He really should not care. She was a willing and available partner in rutting and a powerful ally. She was a beauty but she had opinions about everything! It was enough to drive a sane youki off a cliff. He found himself regretting her last words about hating the islands. He shrugged and sat underneath a tree and kept watch over the ningen children. He sighed and felt the need to find safer grounds for Rin and Kohaku. Rin popped up briefly and crawled over to the taiyouki and laid her head in his lap and fell back asleep. He looked down at her and his lips formed a frown.

Augusta watched the inu youki and sighed. She put a clawed hand to her belly and knew profound regret. She had slipped and became pregnant. She could mask the scent for awhile but she had no intentions of being tied to anyone or anything. Constant movement was the key to her freedom. She had become overly fond of the dog daemon and his group but refused to allow it any further. Love was messy and unpredictable. She would raise her child her way and the hell to everyone else.

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“Wake up!” he demanded.

She moaned in her sleep and gripped her stomach. He scented blood and looked down. Several scents assaulted his senses and he knelt down by the prone uppyr female. Anger crossed his features but he kept himself calm.

“Wake up.” He said gently shaking her.

Her eyes flew open and pain was echoed in her face. She felt the sticky wetness between her thighs and lifted her fingers up and saw they were coated in blood.

“Oh God no.” she said crying.

Sesshomaru watched at first with disdain then realized she had wanted this pup. He was beyond furious that she had not told him she had been pupped and hid it from him no less.

“Can you stand.” He asked gently.

“Leave me alone Sesshomaru.” She yelled angrily.

“You need to clean yourself. The scent of blood will bring vermin and lesser youki.” He said calmly.

“Go to hell you bastard. I do not care if lesser youki come. Take the human children and go!” she snarled at him.

“I will not leave you in this condition. It is dishonorable.” He said straightening his spine.

“I do not need your pity or your sense of honor. I said leave me alone.” She yelled.

“You wanted the pup.” He said emotionless.

“It was mine. It was the only thing that truly belonged to me. Yes I wanted it.” She screamed.

“It was mine too.” He said sitting next to her.

“No it was not. I was leaving…am leaving. You owe me nothing and I want nothing but Magatushi's head!” she said pulling away from him.

Sesshomaru had seen the occasional miscarriages amongst the bitches at court but none had shown this kind of emotion. It was gut wrenching to say the least.

“I am sorry.” He said quietly.

“Do not pity me.” She said gripping her abdomen again.

“Allow me to assist you.” He growled low in his throat.

“No. I mourn alone. I do not love you nor do I need you.” She said standing with great effort.

“Why not accept my help? You were carrying my pup which meant it was my heir. You kept pertinent information from me!” he snarled in anger.

“I accept my choices. I do not belong to you and therefore my offspring are my own!” she said staggering toward a nearby creek.

She held onto a tree and sobbed. He did not understand her profound grief but understood loss. He moved to her side and pulled her into his arm. She continued to sob and he moved to the creek and slowly undressed her. It was summer and the water was warm. He helped her step into the water and the water flowed past her. She sat on the bank and looked at the horizon.

“This was to be my choice and no other. I could have loved this child and not been so alone in this world.” She sobbed into her hands.

“You are not alone anymore.” He said quietly as he washed her skin.

“Let us be realistic? I have thought myself a pragmatist all these years. You are still on the hunt for Naraku and I am along for the ride so to speak to see Magatushi destroyed. Let us go our separate ways. You have been kind when I know that it pains you to do so.” She said stifling her tears.

Sesshomaru looked away at her words and actually felt discomfort at the idea of her leaving.

“I have no wish to see you gone.” He said flatly.

“I have no wish to stay.” She said hatefully.

“I will not stop you.” He said standing stiffly.

She said nothing as she hugged her body and he left. He heard her sobs and his own heart clenched painfully at the sound.

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“Father I cannot see what she sees.” I said frustrated.

“Her words are telling.” He replied.

“What is she seeing?” I asked perplexed.

“The loss of our first pup.” He sighed.

“I am going to rip the parts that make the kiang shi male and stuff them down his throat!” I growled.

“After I lay may claws on him.” My sire growled.

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Augusta sat upon a large boulder and watched as the birds flew by. Sesshomaru and the children had left three days earlier. She had finished the miscarriage a day earlier and had not moved. Her life was empty as it always was and she saw no end to it. She had run from her life as lesser royalty in Russia. She hated most of the Uppyr traditions and ways; they held little regard for human and other daemon life. All were fodder for them in their own minds and Augusta believed in fate and God. She had refused to mate another of her kind and had experienced similar torture at her own father's hands that she had experienced from Magatushi. She was a prize and not an individual. She had fallen in love with Sesshomaru and could not handle the rejection she was sure would follow. The Lord of the West was a catch for any inu bitch who would eventually lay their claws into him. Her chest hurt from unshed tears. She stood and decided to forget about the damn Japanese Islands and move on. She had even lost the will for revenge and prepared to face her eternity alone.

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Sesshomaru tried to shut out the prattle of Rin but the child insisted on singing. He was morose and his thoughts kept drifting to Augusta and he grew angry. He should have been allowed to help her through the loss of their pup. He grew agitated at the idea of her just leaving but pressed forward to find Naraku.

“Lord Sesshomaru-sama?” Rin pulled on his silk clad leg.

“What is it Rin?” he asked in his baritone.

“Who will do Rin's hair?” she asked.

He stared dumbly at the ningen child and looked over at Kohaku who shrugged his shoulders at the taiyouki.

“Jaken!” Sesshomaru called.

“Yes milord?” the Kappa asked falling on his face.

“Guard Rin and Kohaku with your life or it will be forfeit.” He said emotionlessly.

“Hai milord!” he screeched.

Sesshomaru took to the skies with his yoki cloud and narrowed his eyes. She was not going to run away from him. He backtracked to the camp where she had the miscarriage and picked up her scent. She was actually not far and he was able to catch up to her in a matter of hours. She was walking along and he masked his aura. She seemed to be wandering aimlessly and he grew angry at her carelessness. She was a sitting duck whilst not paying attention.

“You really should be more aware.” He said from behind her.

“Dosvedonya Lord Sesshomaru.” She said upon hearing his voice.

“I do not speak Russian fluently so speak Japanese.” He commanded.

She turned and looked at the arrogant dog daemon.

“I said goodbye.” She snapped.

“No matter. You will return to my side and defeat Magatushi.” He ordered.

“I have no wish to continue on with that.” She said tonelessly.

“You were willing to carry my pup.” He said changing the subject.

“What? What are going on about?” she asked confused.

“You care not about my affairs of state and therefore would not be a threat to my power.” He stated logically.

“You have totally lost me.” She said in a tired voice.

“You were willing to have my pup and you are agreeable most of the time.” He said staring down at her.

“What is it you want?” She asked in an angry tone.

“Why not continue our amiable alliance as you put it.” He said shrugging.

“Oh how you sweet talk a girl.” She snapped.

“I have need of an heir and I hate the bitches at court. I find you tolerable.” He said staring down at her.

She started laughing hysterically and looked up at the annoyed inu.

“You want me to provide you with an heir and become what exactly, your brood mare?” she asked smirking.

“You have made it clear you will not care for any male. I see it as advantageous to us both. I believe the words you used were that love was messy and complicated.” He stated her words almost verbatim.

“Oh how you woo Sesshomaru.” She said bitterly.

“You would have your freedom and access to your offspring and I would get an heir.” He said shrugging.

“And you find me tolerable.” She finished for him.

“Hai and you would no longer be alone.” He stated narrowing his eyes.

“You are an arrogant asshole but I am tired of running.” She said in a defeated voice.

He watched her and she sat down upon a small boulder.

“I suppose we continue on with our lustful ways.” She said laughing hollowly.

“We are compatible, why not?” he said shrugging again.

“You have no wish to mate a female of your own species? I know I would not be your mate but would that not raise legitimacy issues of an heir.” She asked.

“It is done all the time and if I say a pup belongs to me then it does.” He replied.

“I declare Sesshomaru I do not think I have heard you speak this much ever.” She said.

“I speak when there is reason to.” He said haughtily.

“I will return with you. I expect that you intend to honor your arrangement of allowing me my freedom. All of my freedom as I see fit.” She replied standing.

“What do you mean.” He asked with narrowed amber eyes.

“Uppyr are not by nature exclusive creatures. We will not be mated so therefore I come and go as I please and with whom I please.” She said shrugging.

“Unacceptable.” He retorted.

“That is part of my terms.” She said emotionlessly.

He growled and picked her up and slammed her against a conifer tree. He ravished her mouth with an intenseness that was unknown to him. He was not being gentle and bruised her lips with his own. He bit into her tongue and tasted her blood. She moaned loudly and responded in kind. He pulled away and started divesting himself of his armor and clothing.

“What are you doing?” she asked surprised.

“You are mine.” He growled.

“You just said…” she started to say but was silenced by his mouth again.

His hand went to her obi and undid it and opened her heavy silk kimono. He used a leg for leverage and cursed Inuyasha again for taking his arm. He slipped off the kimono and kosode and lowered his head and ravished her neck and jaw with fevered caresses.

“Sesshomaru, what are you doing?” she groaned.

“No one shall touch you but me.” He snarled fiercely.

She looked at his face and his eyes were completely red. Her legs were wrapped around his waist and he entered her swiftly. He growled and held onto her. Augusta felt the difference between this and their other encounters. She kept groaning as he nipped and kissed at her collar bone. He reached between them and massaged her nub. He kept up the assault of her senses and he had slowed the pace of his thrusting to that of slow and agonizing. When he pulled out some he would suck on her pulse point and receive mewls of mindless passion.

“You are killing me. Please, please Sesshomaru.” She cried.

He growled in response and continued his slower pace till both of them were trembling with tense limbs and overwhelming need.

“Why are you denying us?” she asked in a needy cry.

“Say the truth.” he snarled.

“What do you want?” she whined as she squirmed under him.

“Tell me the truth.” He said just as he started sucking her lower lip.

“No.” she cried out as he thrust shallowly.

“I need you. I want you.” He growled into her ear.

“I cannot.” She exclaimed arching her back.

He caught a nipple between his teeth and suckled her until she was panting and moaning. Her hands got tangled in his silver hair and she had lost all coherent thought. He let go of her nipple and ran his tongue up her breast bone till he reached her pulse point. She thrashed her head side to side.

“Tell me.” He growled against her pulse.

He continued massaging her nub slowly and with slight pressure.

“I love you. Sesshomaru please!” she begged.

His eyes were burning and his fangs had elongated and he sank them into her juncture. She screamed out and he quickened his pace. He increased the pressure on her nub and thrust harder. She cried out louder and screamed his name. Her sheath tightened and gripped him and he snarled as he spilled himself in her. She moved his hair off of his shoulder and sank her fangs into his pulse point and felt him tremble under her. He pulled her off the tree and sank to the forest floor and started claiming her mouth again. He tore himself away from her lips and pressed his forehead to hers.

“I love you.” He breathed.

“What have you done?” She asked in a whisper.

“You are mine as I am yours.” He responded as he nuzzled her neck.

“You marked me as your mate?” she asked in disbelief.

“Hai.” He said licking the wounds in her neck.

“You are insane.” She cried in bliss.

“Hai. I must be.” He retorted claiming her mouth again.

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Sesshomaru watched as Augusta's face would contort and smile. He knew she was reliving in her mind their first years. It had been a painful time for them both. She had helped him come to terms with the disappointment he had felt in his own father and he could at least try and be civilized with his half brother. He had come to love her quickly and completely. He ran his claws through her ebony hair and fury took hold of him.

“Tell the half breed to meet me in my study.” He told his daughter.

“Hai Father.”

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I retreated from my parents chambers and went in the direction of my uncle's guest quarters. My father's eyes were betraying him and he was going to get violent and quickly. I made it to the door and knocked loudly.

“Uncle my father would like to see you in his study.” I said through the door.

Inuyasha yanked the door open and stared at me.

“My mother needs your help; my father needs his brother.” I said quietly.

Inuyasha stared at me and the admission and nodded his agreement. He went past me and trotted to the study. I stood in the hall and I felt hands on my waist.

“You have restrained yourself quite well. How are you enjoying court life?” I asked my own hanyou.

“I prefer my solitude but it pleases me to see you awake.” He said and his voice sent shivers down my spine.

“My mother sacrificed herself for me. Father is beside himself.” I said with a sigh.

“I have a need to tear apart that creature myself. I shall be leaving you to your own devices soon.” He said pulling me to him.

“It is not safe!” I hissed.

He pulled me into an alcove and he transformed into his normal appearance. He lifted my chin and kissed my thoroughly. A hand drifted to my stomach and he kissed me harder. He pulled away and disappeared into his miasma. I marveled at his audacity and leaned against the wall and touched my lips.

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She lay upon the futon and sobbed harder than she could remember in awhile. Naraku and his entire ilk were dead. Sesshomaru's left arm had returned when he had generated his own fang; Bakusaiga. It had been amazing and wondrous at the same time. Kagome and Inuyasha had settled down and she was expecting twins. She genuinely liked the mortal priestess and because of the two females in their lives, the brothers were sort of talking. She had failed Sesshomaru again and could not bear the sadness. She had made it longer this time. She was certain she could deliver her beloved and the West an heir but her body failed her. She laughed at the irony of it all. One of the reasons for leaving Russia had been the idea of her body being used as a vessel for future slayers of innocent.

“I feel your presence, you may enter your own chambers.” She said in monotone.

“Augusta, we are both young yet. We have plenty of time.” He said as he sat next to her.

“You should take a concubine.” She said hollowly.

“I will not.” He snapped.

“I think it needs to be considered.” She said.

“You are the Lady of the West. I will not defile our union.” He said standing.

“You may need to defile our union for practical purposes Sesshomaru! You are the most powerful taiyouki in all of Japan and your mate cannot even provide you an heir!” she cried hysterically.

“Calm yourself onna.” He said firmly.

“Once is an accident but twice is a pattern. I have power oozing from my pores and I cannot carry your pup. The bitches are having a royal laugh at me you know.” She said bitterly.

“Stop!” he said shaking her gently.

“I want you to dissolve our union. I am useless to you.” She cried into his haori.

“You speak nonsense. You need to sleep and regain your strength.” He said laying her back.

“You have been a fool for mating me. Love is not always enough.” She said in a whisper.

Sesshomaru stood and left to find his healer. He came upon the ancient inu in the hall.

“Why is she loosing her mind?” he asked in a cold voice.

“My Lord! Pregnant females are not balanced as it is. Her body has yet to figure out that she no longer carries.” The healer answered.

“What sex did she carry?” Sesshomaru asked quietly.

“It was male my Lord. He was too small to survive outside of his mother's womb.” He said looking down.

“Does she know?” the Western Lord asked.

“I would never be that cruel to our gracious Lady.” He replied.

“Do you have any idea why this keeps happening?” he asked again.

“She just may be unable to carry at all my Lord.” He replied with a bow.

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“My Lord! My Lord!” his mate's servant screamed from down the hall.

Sesshomaru's gut twisted at the urgency of the call. He stood and the wench Mayu bowed before the Western Lord.

“My Lord your Lady needs you!” she said

“Explain your worry.” He demanded as he followed her from his study.

“The pup is coming my Lord.” She said quietly.

Sesshomaru's blood ran cold at the news; it was still too soon. She had been so happy as of late. She had been confined to their futon for the majority of her pregnancy and it seemed this time would be different. Anger overcame him at the unfairness of it all. He had finally found his soul mate and she was unable to give him what they both wanted the most; offspring of their own. He reached their shared chambers and the scent that assaulted his nose was blood, lots of it. He walked in and there was the healer trying to stop the blood and Augusta looked at Sesshomaru sadly.

“The pains began my Lord. She is labor but she is hemorrhaging.” The healer said urgently.

“No! Do whatever is necessary to save her!” Sesshomaru said in a cold voice.

“Does the pup still live?” Augusta cried.

“Hai my Lady but it will not survive for long.” The old inu said shaking his head.

“Get out! Mayu do as we discussed. Leave Sesshomaru.” Augusta ordered weakly.

“Excuse me? How dare you order me from my own chambers!” he replied indignantly.

“Shut up and leave.” His mate snarled.

He stared at her in utter disbelief and growled. Mayu looked between the Lord and Lady and Sesshomaru saw the glint of a blade.

“What are you planning to do?” he asked as dread overcame him.

“I said leave!” she snarled.

“No.” he replied.

“My Lord please.” Mayu said bowing.

“What are you going to do?” he asked Mayu.

“Save the pup.” She answered bluntly.

“Augusta?” he asked.

“The longer you stand here and argue, the less chance I have to save my babe.” She snarled again.

Sesshomaru looked at his mate hard then stood and left. There was so much blood and Mayu had a blade. He felt a barrier go up around the chamber and looked up and realized she intended to have the pup cut from her womb. He tried to pass through the barrier and could not. He had not even known she could produce one.

“Augusta!” he yelled.

 

“Mayu I cannot hold the barrier long. Do it now.” She ordered her servant.

“Hai my lady. This will hurt.” Mayu said as she ran the blade along a flame.

“I will not scream. You must save the pup. I do not matter.” She muttered.

Mayu took a deep breath and prayed to every Kami she knew that her training as a midwife would be enough. She had become attached to the current Lady of the West and wished for her happiness. She lowered the short sharp blade to the Augusta's left hip bone and proceeded to cut low on her belly. This type of delivery was normally done after a mother had already died. She watched as the skin was sliced open. She went through each layer as slowly as she dared and true to her word, Augusta never uttered a word. Mayu placed the blade down on a clean cloth and reached into the Lady's open womb and felt the pup. She pulled it out and was met almost immediately with a lusty cry of a silver haired girl.

“My Lady! You have a girl and the yoki is coming off of her in waves!” Mayu said excited.

“I cannot hold the barrier. Let me see her.” She demanded fiercely.

Mayu brought the pup wrapped in fur blanket to her mother. The female was a perfect miniature of Lord Sesshomaru but in female form. Augusta smiled down at her tiny pup and listened as she cried loudly.

“Her lungs are strong, she will live.” Augusta said relieved.

“My Lady there is another pup!” Mayu said urgently.

“Get it out Mayu!” she cried.

The barrier collapsed as Augusta got weaker. Sesshomaru came in immediately and in a near feral state. He looked down at his mate who was almost devoid of color but holding a squirming screaming miniature of himself.

“I have given you a daughter my Lord.” She said in a whisper.

Sesshomaru's hands actually shook when he picked up the tiny pup. She was small but perfect. She was crying loudly and he lowered his head and scented her and was assaulted with her tiny power. She exuded all kinds of yoki and he knew this tiny pup would someday rival his own power and she was female! Sesshomaru watched with hooded eyes as Mayu pulled from his mate's womb another tiny pup and his mouth almost dropped open. He screamed as loudly as his twin sister and Sesshomaru could not believe their good fortune. The pups were almost a full two months early but they were perfect.

“You have a son too my Lord.” Mayu said wrapping the male pup in a fur blanket.

Sesshomaru looked down at his offspring and possessiveness took a hold of him that he had never known. The female had all the markings of his house and the male had his hair but not the markings. Augusta reached up and pulled on the sleeve of his haori and his heart twisted. He went to his knees so that his beloved mate could see their pups. He laid the two next to each other and Augusta. The twins calmed instantly as they were next to each other.

“Their chichioya needs to name them.” She said smiling.

“Augusta!” he whispered.

“I need to know their names. I do not think even I can survive this kind of blood loss. Name them my love.” She urged him.

“Asuna and Osamu.” He said quietly.

“Perfect names for them. I think Asuna has inherited her chichi's power.” She said barely above a whisper.

“Can you save her?” Sesshomaru asked Mayu.

“I found the reason for the bleeding my Lord. I am trying to stop it.” Mayu said urgently.

Mayu worked furiously to sew up the incisions. She had pulled out one of the sponge like organs that nourished the pups. The other one had already separated and that was no good.

“It is ok Sesshomaru. I wanted this.” Augusta said as her eyes were fluttering.

“Fight to stay awake, I will feed you!” he said in an angry voice.

“Not hungry. I guess this is different. I am dying my love but it will be ok.” She whispered.

Sesshomaru's eyes hardened and remembered the Tensaiga he wore.

“I will revive you if necessary.” He said in her ear.

“My Lord.” Mayu hissed.

“Hai?” he said turning his head.

“I have staunched the bleeding. It is in the Kami's hands now.” She said wiping her brow.

“Will she make it?” he asked in a low voice.

“I believe so. She will fight to stay alive, she wanted these pups more than anything.” She said bowing.

“You are to be Asuna and Osamu's nurse.” He commanded.

“Hai my Lord!” she said bowing.

“Where did you gain the knowledge for this?” he asked with curiosity piqued.

“The Lady herself. She had texts sent from the lands West of China. They were in a strange language she called Latin.” Mayu said shrugging.

Sesshomaru looked down at his mate whose breathing was slow but regular.

“I shall bring the Lady Rin to meet her brother and sister. My Lord?” Mayu said timidly.

“Hai?” he asked.

“I think Lady Augusta could not safely birth anymore pups.” She replied quietly.

“This Sesshomaru understands.” He said looking down at the tiny inu onna.

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I watched as my mother breathed my name and that of my twin. Osamu sat on the other side of the futon. Our father had left with Inuyasha to hunt down the kiang shi. Naraku was after him too but for different reasons. I looked at my twin and he stared back.

“I want us to try and pull her out again but this time all three of her pups.” I said.

“You want Youshiro to see her like this?” Osamu asked in surprise.

“He is getting older Osamu. He is still young yet but he is emerging as a powerful telepath just as we are.” I said.

“Fine, I disagree but you are in charge.” He said shrugging.

I waited patiently for our younger brother to arrive and he did so promptly. My mother had passed on her powers but not her hair color. Youshiro also had silver hair that he kept long and citrine eyes of our father. He resented being the youngest as he trained hard in all things warrior. He had the misfortune of being Osamu and my younger brother. We were very over protective as we were of Rin, she was older than us but we were full blooded youki. Rin would laugh off our protective natures and Youshiro seemed to almost resent us at times.

“You summoned me?” he asked as he came in.

His brow furrowed at the sight of his beloved mother in such a state. He had been babied by her and was very close to both of our parents.

“Hai. We wish to attempt to enter Mother's mind and try and wake her. Individually we cannot do it but all three of us may be able to.” I said.

“Is that not dangerous to her and all of us as well?” he asked.

“She is pupped Youshiro and this malady is making her temperature rise.” I stated.

“When did that happen?” He asked in concern.

“She will be fine if we can wake her up.” I responded.

“Sister I feel this may endanger us all.” He said to me.

“Youshiro, I am asking that you assist us. I will not force it. I am very confident that we all can control the circumstances.” I said.

“When do you not command and ask sister?” he snapped.

I stood in a sudden fury and put my nose to his.

“You are not the heir to the West little brother, I am. Therefore when I speak you act.” I snarled in his face.

“Asuna!” Osamu said putting a hand of my shoulder.

“I am sorry that you resent me Youshiro. I had no control over the order of our births nor do I care about your jealousy. What I do care about is that OUR mother needs us.” I said in a temper.

“Hai!” Youshiro said angrily.

“Osamu can you retrieve Akemi? I would like for her to watch over the proceedings.” I asked my twin.

“I can do that.” He said as he left.

Youshiro glared at me and I crossed my arms over my chest. Youshiro had mother's shaped face and the markings of the House of the Moon. He was a gorgeous male and females would throw themselves at his feet soon.

“Why do you resent my authority?” I asked him quietly.

“Everything is easy for you. Everyone hands the Lady Asuna everything!” he snarled at me.

“Easy? You know nothing of my own household. How dare you think I have not earned my right of birth and my rank!” I seethed.

“It is not right that you take everything. You have the most power and nothing is left the rest of us! You are a female!” he said in a fury.

“You resent the fact that I do not kowtow to males and you resent that I inherited my yoki?” I asked in disbelief.

“No not exactly.” He pouted.

“Speak brother I would hear your opinion.” I demanded.

“I do not know what I think ok?” he retorted.

“As much as you resent it you are not an adult yet. This mantle I carry is a heavy one Youshiro.” I commented.

“I am sorry.” He murmured.

“Accepted.” I murmured back.

Akemi and Osamu came in and my twin looked at me to make sure I had not maimed my baby brother.

“Akemi can you use your spiritual powers and possibly help us heal our mother?” I asked.

“Hai.” She answered.

“She will not purify Mother?” Youshiro asked nervously.

“I can control the power very well Youshiro, I would not harm my beloved Aunt.” Akemi said looking at him.

“Youshiro, Osamu, and I are going to try and enter her mind.” I said.

“Who is the strongest telepath?” Akemi asked.

Osamu and Youshiro both pointed at me. I looked at them and rolled my eyes. I sat down and joined hands with my brothers. We closed our eyes and I drew on their abilities. I channeled their powers and pressed against the mania of my mother's soul. There was no response and I pressed harder. Akemi put her hands to my mother's temples and her hands glowed pink. I pressed harder and I brushed her mind momentarily.

-Did you feel it? - I asked my brothers in thought.

-Hai!-

-Hai.-

Yoki was pressing down and I continued to channel the abilities and I realized that Youshiro was going to be very powerful. We bombarded my mother and her conscious self seemed to flare.

-What are three doing? - She asked in shock.

-You have been in some kind of madness and unresponsive. You have been feverish too. - I pathed.

-Well get out and let me up! - She thought.

We all pulled out and we broke into smiles. Akemi looked exhausted and I had the feeling a large part of the reversal was due to my cousin's healing touch. My mother's eyes opened and she smiled up at us.

“Well hello my loves. Thank you all. Where is Sesshomaru?” she asked sitting up.

“He and Inuyasha have left to find the bastard that did this to you.” I remarked.

“Well a hunting we shall go.” She said sitting up.

“All of us?” I asked surprised.

“Hai. You three will learn how to kill an Uppyr. It is fun really.” She said smirking.

We all looked stunned and Akemi sat down.

“Akemi dear, you will need to speak with your friend about your issue.” She said brushing her knuckles along her niece's cheek.

I stared at Akemi and mouthed that we needed to talk.

“Mother should you be up and around.” Youshiro asked.

“My darling I feel marvelous. The four of us against that maniac and he will not stand a chance. This is a battle that only we can win. Akemi and Asuna can you see to some supplies?” she asked sweetly.

“Hai!” Akemi stood standing.

I grabbed Akemi's arm and steered her toward the study.

“What is wrong?” I asked.

“Daichi wants to officially mate me. I refuse to answer him.” She said perplexed.

“Your father will be furious.” I said sighing.

“Can you imagine him anything but?” she asked.

“Why does he press a mating?” I asked curiously.

“Because he says he loves me. I will not mate until I am sure that is his reason.” She said.

“His type of neko mate for life Akemi.” I replied.

“He is still young and I wish for us both to be sure that we should be along time together.” She sighed.

“I am pupped.” I whispered.

“What? By him?” she asked surprised.

“Hai.” I said shaking my head.

“What in the Kamis' name are you going to do?” she asked in shock.

“He about went on a murderous rage when I said I did not want it.” I uttered.

“Asuna a pup with him? Can you imagine the ramifications?” she said nervously.

“The fact that my sire and your sire hate him and he them. The fact they all think he is dead and I betrayed my family? There is also the thing where I am in love with him and him with me and my mother knows and says that this pup will be more powerful than I will know what to do with. I have not thought on it at all.” I said in severe sarcasm.

“I did not mean it like that. I just thought you had been careful is all.” She said smoothing my hair.

“I had been. Mother believes that when our power mixed during the actual act that it caused the pregnancy. I know not how that is possible but I had not been in a heat before then.” I whispered.

“Mother's books might hold the answer. We will have to look once this threat is alleviated.” She whispered back.

“Thank you cousin for your continued help and support.” I said.

“Right now everything is in an uproar and we need all the help we can give each other.” she replied.