InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Another Place ( Chapter 24 )

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

 

Another Place

 

I accepted the wooden cup from the witch and pressed it to my lips. I drank the liquid slowly and tasted the sweetness and the dizziness overwhelmed me. Tamiko laid me back and my eyes grew heavy and fluttered shut.

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“Little inu wake up! Come on Sorami!” I heard Airi call me.

I rolled over and rubbed my eyes. I looked up at her and she was dressed in armor and had a blade at her hip. I sat up and felt a tremendous lethargy but almost pleasurable exhaustion in my limbs.

“You are glowing. Give you a good rut and you wanna sleep all day. Come on. I have a present for you.” She said.

I moved and dragged myself from the futon. I had on the gown from the previous evening and put on a dressing gown. I followed Airi and she led me to the dojo.

“If anybody asks, we drank too much sake.” She laughed.

“Uh huh.” I responded.

She stopped before a bundle and unwrapped it. It was bone and leather armor with arm spikes. I smiled at her when I realized it was for me. She was determined to turn me into a warrior and I had no problem with the idea.

“You like it, I can tell.” She grinned.

I leaned down and fingered the armor and ideas of killing Mizuchi flitted through my mind. The door slid open and Hisashi entered. He looked at me and I at him. Warmth spread through me and he inclined his head. I nodded in return.

“I have need of your blade cousin.” He said.

“You have it as always.” She answered.

He motioned for her to follow and she did. She gave me a wicked grin and followed her cousin. They left the dojo and he looked at Airi.

“We move against the dragons now.” He said.

“About fucking time!” she said grinning.

“Your thirst for blood never ceases to amaze me.” He said warily.

“Well since you have had me taking care of the inu princess, hai I have a blood thirst.” She said.

“I wish no harm to come to her. Her brother could prove a useful ally.” He reasoned.

“Could it be that you actually like her?” she asked him.

He narrowed his obsidian eyes and put up a finger in warning.

“I cannot allow myself feelings for her. She is inu and will no doubt be given to another powerful inu in an alliance. She is beautiful and strong and is not Tsuchigumo.” He said without emotion.

“You lie to yourself as well as me. You have wanted her trained as a warrior for what? So she can return to some inu castle and they use her for a puppy mill?” she asked in annoyance.

“I am of the belief that onna should be taught the arts of war as well as dansei. Onnas should not have to be forced to have sex with brutes!” he said angrily.

“My point.” She said smugly.

“Just be ready to leave.” He said irritated.

He saw me in the doorway and knew I had heard with my superior inu hearing. He bowed and left. He had involved himself in my care and well being since the beginning. I ran down the hallway and touched his shoulder. He stopped and turned and there was a struggle on his face.

“If you go after Mizuchi I want to be there.” I said firmly.

“I cannot stop you. I will not hold back though.” He said.

“Is he here back on the islands? You know do you not?” I asked him.

“He is here. I need you to promise that you will never fear me.” He muttered.

“I have a beast the same as you; I would not fear what I understand.” I said touching his cheek.

“I have to go.” He said as he pulled away.

“You regret last night.” I stated.

“I regret that I will never feel you in that way again.” He answered honestly.

“I will not go back to the inu. I have no wish to be a puppy mill as Airi said.” I said.

“Sorami, we must be realistic. I have to prepare. If you come then we leave within the hour.” He said shaking his head.

I kissed him and his hands came up and held my face. Our lips moved against the other and he pulled back. He walked away and I stood there in my dressing gown in confusion.

“Silly girl. I told you not to fall in love.” Airi said behind me.

“I am not in love. I am realistic.” I said coldly.

“It saddens me you both are idiots.” She said as she led the way to her room.

We went to her room and she pulled out a short kimono and handed it to me. It was brown and plain. She had brought the armor with her and I shed the gown and put on the kimono with a plain obi. She fitted the armor in place and went to brushing out my impossibly long hair. She braided it and brought it up and pinned it around the crown of my head. I stared at her and she nodded her approval. She handed me the blade she had made and I slipped it in its sheath that hung from my obi. I slipped on a pair of geta sandals and we left.

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We were in the dragon's territory and I wanted to shiver. This group of taiyouki was fearsome and powerful. Inu rivaled them in power but the dragons were in greater number. Hisashi moved with stealth as did Airi and I. We were not here for a battle we were here for an assassination. My sense of smell was much more developed and I could scent the dragons close by. Hisashi was amazing with barriers and his hearing was far better. I found out he and Airi could see things on a spectrum that normal youki could not. I had kept all my abilities to myself but my poison was seeping to my claw tips. Hisashi scented it and turned to me.

“You produce a toxin?” he asked surprised.

“Hai.” I confirmed.

“Will it back.” He hissed.

I had to force myself to pull back my poison. I fingered the hilt of my blade and I could scent Mizuchi and I had to reign in my beast. Airi put a hand on my shoulder and I nodded. I could hear the dragons snorting in laughter and I blanched.

“Ryukotsusei, we will have found the silver inu soon and you can have his ruined lands.” Mizuchi said clapping his eldest son on the back.

“Excellent. What about the southern lands?” the dragon asked his father.

“Well we have to deal with the neko and tsuchigumo. The neko will be easy but the damn spiders will be a major obstacle.” Mizuchi said.

Hisashi's gripped the hilt of his weapon and his eyes narrowed. I was growling low and I could not have stopped if I tried. Hisashi motioned for me to stop and my eyes were red. Ryukotsusei looked up and stood.

-You have to control your beast! - Hisashi hissed in my mind.

-I want him dead! - I hissed back.

Airi decided to move and she appeared on the other side of the encampment.

“My. My. Dragons. Yum! If you are in your true forms how big are your cocks?” She said suggestively.

Hisashi rolled his eyes and I hid a smirk.

“Want to find out?” Ryukotsusei asked.

“As long as I could sink my fangs into it but judging by the size of things I would not get a good appetizer.” She said sweetly.

“You arrogant whore!” the young dragon said.

She jumped over his head and grabbed his mane of white hair and jerked his head back for a kiss. With her other hand she stabbed his gut with a small blade. The white dragon roared and threw her back and she jumped up into a tree. Mizuchi pulled a long katana out and Hisashi leisurely strolled out. Airi smirked and decided to keep Ryukotsusei busy.

“You want me big boy? Come on show me your taiyouki powers.” She taunted.

The young dragon came after the ookami tsuchigumo and intended to grab her but she back flipped and stood with hands on her hips.

Hisashi slowly moved closer to Mizuchi and his obsidian eyes were narrowed. He had no look on his handsome face.

“You should really come and speak with the Lord of a land before you try and evict them.” He said.

“Hai I suppose I should, you are the tsuchigumo lord.” Mizuchi said arrogantly.

“Hai. You left something near my lands months ago.” He said in a dangerous tone.

“Hmm I know I left several dead inu bitches and I killed the lord too. It was a very good day. Unfortunately the young inu Touga escaped.” He said gloating.

“Hai he did. You left more than that worm.” Hisashi said.

“You saw me take the inu bitch. She had been untouched and very tight.” He said smirking.

Rage filled me but I kept to Hisashi's plan and waited. Hisashi had his blade and it was surging with his yoki. He was going to let me have the killing blow I knew. Airi continued to taunt and draw Ryukotsusei away from his father. The dragons were arrogant in they thought they were superior. My lips twisted into a sneer and I waited.

I could see Airi making the young dragon more and angrier.

“Come on is that all you have? I thought dragons were scary, you are just to play with.” She said laughing.

“Whore!” he yelled.

“Not a nice thing to say little boy.” She said as she shot her silk at his mouth and nose.

She took her blade and shoved it into his gut far and watched as horror crossed his face.

“If I bite you your insides will turn to mush and I suck it all out. Yum.” She said wickedly.

Hisashi brought his weapon down quickly and moved on the dragon leader. Mizuchi blocked his moves but Hisashi had his claws extended and he threw his venom. It was dark and very much a miasma. It landed on Mizuchi and he grunted in pain. I knew that Hisashi's venom was potent and could eat away at anything. Mizuchi backed up and he stepped right into a giant web that the young Lord had made while bringing down his katana. He motioned with his claws for me to come forward. I came out and Mizuchi's eyes widened in shock.

“I am going to make your son watch as I kill you the way you made me see my mother fall.” I said slowly.

“You are a palace bitch, you are nothing.” He sneered.

Airi gleefully pulled Ryukotsusei who had been wrapped in her silk, along till she propped him against a tree. She had taken her silk off of his nose and he roared against his bindings. He was young still and inexperienced and stood no chance against Airi. His eyes bled red and he raged. Airi handed me her small blade and I sliced open Mizuchi's haori.

“Well I may be a palace bitch but I could let both of these fine tsuchigumo transform into their natural state and inject you with most insidious venom. I on the other hand want you to hurt.” I said and my eyes were red and feral.

The blade I held was bigger than a dagger but still a small sword. It actually glowed as my yoki flowed into it and I shoved it into the dragon's thigh close to his groin. He roared in pain and I smirked with malice. His upper leg was useless and the gore horrid.

“Was fucking me worth this?” I asked sweetly.

I felt Hisashi's eyes on me and I looked at him. He nodded at me and I looked back at Mizuchi.

“You can try and kill me inu whore but you know you loved it when I tore you open.” He said trying to make me angry.

I produced the energy whip and stepped back and slashed it across his body several times, I heard Ryukotsusei yelling and I lost my stomach.

“Will you finish him? He is pathetic and I really do not care anymore.” I said shrugging.

“How do you want me to finish him?” he asked me.

“Do your will.” I said walking away.

“Hey Sorami wait up!” Airi said leaving the dragon's son.

Hisashi stepped up to the dragon and lowered his lips to his ear.

“I am going to watch you as you piss yourself in fear. You will experience the same impudence that girl felt.” He said softly.

“Right.” Mizuchi laughed.

I felt the change in pressure and felt the winds roar. I went to see what Hisashi was going to do and Airi held fast to me.

“He would not want you watching this. He is going to inject enough venom into him so he will die slowly and terribly. He is in his true form.” She said softly.

“Why does he not want me to see his true form?” I asked.

“Because he frightens even himself.” She said.

She pulled me away and I felt a large group of inu and I groaned.

“They must have felt the powerful auras.” I said.

Hisashi was next to me in an instant and I shrieked as it startled me.

“Shhhh. There is a pack of inu coming this way.” He said as he erected a powerful barrier as we hid amongst the foliage. I felt Touga and I knew he felt me.

“My brother is coming this way. Come now!” I said.

“No stand firm Sorami.” Airi said.

I stood and Touga crashed through the trees. He saw me and he looked angry. He leered at Airi and she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Lord Touga!” Hisashi said.

“You are Hisashi, the Lord of the Tsuchigumo.” He said in his deep voice.

“Hai.”

“Ryukotsusei is done up in a web and his father is turning to mush. I suppose that was your handy work?” Touga asked.

“Hai. He made moves to encroach himself into my lands and I struck faster.” He said flatly.

“Does that involve my sister? She is royalty not a peasant bush onna!” he snarled.

“Onna in my species are warriors too Lord Touga. I ordered her training so that she could be prepared in case of attack. These are uncertain times do you not agree?” Hisashi said.

“Smooth tongue of an arachnid. Might I bother on your kindness a little longer and shelter my twin at your palace a little while longer? I intend to see you are compensated. She will also need a suitable wardrobe.” He said as he reached into his haori and pulled out gold.

“That is unnecessary Lord Touga. She is no problem and my cousin enjoys her affections.” Hisashi said unemotionally.

Airi snorted and Touga leveled a lethal glare.

Touga actually barked out a command and I recognized the name of Lord Tekeshi. I groaned in my mind and a black haired inu came up.

“Tekeshi this is my sister, Sorami.” Touga said smugly.

“My Lady.” The black haired inu bowed.

“Lord Tekeshi.” I said stiffly.

“Please see to it sister that you do not prance around as a whore anymore.” Touga said turning away.

“I do not know why you care. You are too busy not only rebuilding the West but amassing an empire. I swear if I did not know better, I would say you were a dragon!” I sneered.

Touga stopped and I had stung his alpha male pride. He turned back to me and smacked my cheek hard. I stumbled into Airi and Hisashi stood between my brother and me.

“Rest assured Lord Touga that your sister will be well cared for and your wishes carried out.” He said.

“Hai. The inu will be grateful and owe you a debt of honor.” Touga said.

“Very good.” Hisashi said.

Hisashi pulled me and Airi to him and we disappeared into a miasma.

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“Touga do you not think that was a little over the top?” Tekeshi said flabbergasted.

“She is changed. She is hard and cold.” Touga said shaking his head.

“She was raped!” Tekeshi said coldly.

“I cannot change that! She obviously got her revenge and her honor restored! I am trying to make the Western Lands safe once again. I have to think on all of it and not just one bitch!” he said angry.

“She is your sister!” he said.

“She of all people should understand; the needs of the many!” Touga said sighing.

“You want her to be a proper bitch but you wish her to understand the politics. You have to make a choice Touga. She looks quite happy amongst the Tsuchigumo.” Tekeshi said.

“The female spider made the insinuation that she and Sorami are lovers.” Touga shuddered.

“You have no idea what she suffered at the hands of Mizuchi.” Tekeshi reasoned.

“You remind me of how inept I was enough. I do not want to think of what that creature did to her. She is the fairest and sweetest thing that the Kamis ever made.” He said looking away.

“So you take out your own ineptness on your sister? Your twin no less!” Tekeshi said angered.

“Tekeshi, shut up!” Touga snarled.

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I was hurt beyond words but I felt a quiet fury from Hisashi. He was good at keeping his emotions tempered and even. Airi was furious also and would not stop talking. Hisashi and I let her speak her peace. I separated from both of them and went and found solace in the small garden towards the center of the palace. I was coming to hate my own brother and that did not sit well with me. I felt Hisashi come and sit by me.

“You did very well today.” He commented.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Your brother is a fool.” He said taking strands of my silver hair.

“Hai and he is Lord. He has always been ambitious.” I said shrugging.

“You should not be carried away with those ambitions.” He replied.

“You said last night that we needed to be realistic and I am. Everything has changed me and I have no wish to ever go back. I want freedom and I want love.” I said.

“I cannot stop you from doing anything nor would I wish to. You have earned the right to be happy.” He said standing and walking away.

I had no idea why but my chest hurt and I could not breathe evenly. I stood up and followed Hisashi. He had gone to his library and I was just a minute behind him. I came up to him and he turned and pulled me into a passionate embrace. Our mouths slid and melded against the other. His hands busied themselves undoing my obi and I undoing his haori. He threw my obi on the floor and undid his obi and opened the haori. I undid his raven hair and it fell about his shoulders. He moved his lips to my cheeks and kissed along till he reached an ear.

“I am weak.” He whispered hoarsely.

I trembled at his words as he slid open the kimono. My center was throbbing with an intense need and I needed Hisashi. He cleared his desk with a sweep of his arm and sat me on it. His lips went to my neck and he scraped his fangs along the tender flesh. One hand was on my lower back and the other was kneading and touching my breasts and stomach. His hand ran to my center and slowly parted my nether lips. He groaned when he felt my wetness.

“Sorami, you are dripping wet for me.” He murmured against my neck.

“Hai and I hurt for you.” I said in a whisper.

“We are going down a dangerous road.” He said looking at me.

“I care not! We are already on a dangerous road do you not see?” I said sucking his lower lip.

“Every second I touch you I am drowning.” He moaned as I touched him through his hakamas.

“Drown then because I have become alive.” I said in his ear.

He moved down my body and his lips grazed my center. I looked down and his tongue stroked against my center and I whimpered. He continued to taste me and he sucked my nub into his mouth; my body shook and I cried out. He stared into my eyes and they were burning red. There was something different in the air and it was heavy. I breathed deeply and he moved up my body again. His eyes burned into mine and he kissed my mouth again but it was possessive and primitive. His beast had merged with his conscious self and he was growling and I released his erection from his hakamas.

“Can you speak?” I asked softly.

He shook his head no and I moved to kiss his neck and a snarl escaped his throat. I dragged my fangs across his pulse point. I held his staff in my hands and ran the head along my wetness and a rumble escaped his chest.

“Now, we need you now!” he ground out.

I widened my legs further and he slid into me. A fine sheen of perspiration beaded on his brow and I lowered my lips to his ear and nipped it. He slammed into me and I lost my breath. His hands had moved to my backside to hold me in place and his thrusts were hard and shallow. I lay down and the angle was different and he was deeper in me. I cried out in a rush of stabbing pleasure. He had his hands on my hips and they were digging into me. I knew there was no malice behind it and it spurred my own inner nature. He pulled me up and held me to him and he moved us to silk pillows that littered the floor near the desk. He laid me down on my back and withdrew himself. He turned me on my side and his pressed his chest to my back and lifted a leg and moved his own legs between my lifted one and the one that was straight. I looked at him in curiosity and he slid into me. I cried out immediately and moaned. He was able to seat himself deeply and touched me everywhere and kissed my neck. He thrust into me and he hit a spot within me and I could not breathe evenly. I was gasping loudly as Hisashi also massaged my clit. I cried out his name and a couple of claws dug into my inner thigh and I was thrown into bliss and my beast came crashing into my mind and growled along with him. The heaviness in the air grew heavier; He thrust into me harder and I felt warmth spreading everywhere from my loins and Hisashi's breathing was harsh. I leaned my head back and he possessed my mouth and kissed me roughly and blood dripped from the corner of my mouth. I bit into his tongue and we consumed one another. I was approaching another orgasm when the warmth spread all over my body and I felt dizzy. It felt like a live current and I knew Hisashi felt it too. His fangs and claws as well as mine had lengthened and he bit into juncture forcefully but it threw me into rapture and I had to shut my eyes at the intensity and my whole body tightened and he made a guttural sound at my throat. I moved his hair and bit into his shoulder and he trembled against me in his rapture and I felt him stiffen and his seed was spent inside of me. We were shaking visibly from our own releases that I laid my head down and felt exhaustion.

“Kamis forgive me.” He rasped out.

“Forgive you for what?” I asked drowsy.

“I marked you.” He said in disbelief.

“I marked you also. I am tired.” I said snuggling closer to him.

“Sorami, I cannot take back what we did. We are bound.” He said into my ear.

“I felt it. I love you and I felt your love for me.” I said in awe.

“Sorami, I marked you and I could very well have gotten you pregnant. You do not understand a binding.” He said making me look at him.

“I felt it Hisashi. You bound not just our bodies but our souls. You love me and I you. We both know the dangers, sleep now.” I said laying my head down.

“I hurt you and I am sorry.” He whispered.

“No you heard my call when I needed you. You could never hurt me.” I whispered.

“What have I done?” he asked rhetorically.

“We are one. We are together as you know we should be.” I murmured.

“Our energies and yoki mixed Sorami, it will produce a babe.” He said perplexed.

“Pup, we call our offspring pups.” I said yawning

“Whatever you wish to call it, Sorami.” He said in irritation.

“Hisashi, do you love me?” I asked.

“Hai.” He breathed.

“Then shut up and sleep.” I said as I closed my eyes.

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Airi admonished me but she was happy for me and her cousin. I was pregnant and I was happy. Hisashi and I would lay in our futon and talk for hours. I had met my soul mate and the love of my life and he was not my species. I did not care; he knew me as no other would or could. I had never been this happy or free.

“You are staring at me again.” He said annoyed.

“I am admiring you. I am allowed to do that.” I said smiling.

“I never get anything done because I end up making love to you!” he said in a sour tone.

“You do not like making love to me?” I pouted.

“Sorami, that is a stupid question.” He said sitting back.

“You still do not like that I intrude on your self sequestering. I do not care if it is in your nature to be alone. I am inu and I like to touch and feel your skin on mine as you moan out my name.” I said smirking.

“Kamis onna. I had not realized that you would intrude on my work time!!” he said loudly.

“Always the lord.” I said smiling.

“You are a vixen and will kill me!” he said jokingly.

“I shall leave you to your morose musings. Feel your babe move.” I said standing and coming closer to him.

He put a hand to my belly and pressed his lips to my stomach. Our child stirred beneath his fingers and he looked at me and smiled. I kissed his hand and moved into the other room. Hisashi sat back and was terribly troubled. The inu lord was winning victories and Ryukotsusei was making trouble. He knew the dragon would come. It was only a matter of time. He wanted to move Sorami to safety but he knew she would not leave his side. How could he have doomed her? He loved her more than he felt he had a right. Things were going to get hairy and soon. He had to save her and their babe.

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The battle raged around them and Hisashi was in a near panic. The inus and the dragons were fighting an almost apocalyptic battle. The war raged in his own lands and he moved to evacuate his palace. Sorami moved with him and he lightly pushed her out an entrance. Ryukotsusei had assumed his father's mantle and the young reptile had proven to be quite a powerful enemy. Hisashi knew he and his mate were targets. Touga had never been seen and for that he had been grateful.

“Come on Sorami. You cannot save them all!” he said fiercely.

“Why are we running? Why do we not stand and fight?” I asked.

“Because I have not the military strength to fight your brother and the Dragon Clan at once. I need you to survive and birth our daughter.” He said with a smile.

“I will not leave you. I will not leave your lands!” I cried.

“I have never ordered anything from you but I demand this. You are truly my soul mate but I cannot fight and worry over you two at the same time.” He said touching my face.

“Alright. I will go.” I said moving away from him.

The sounds of battle could be heard very close by and I was led by other Tsuchigumo, loyal to Hisashi, away.

The whole scene reminded me of the day Mizuchi had murdered my mother and raped me. I was not as helpless then and my brow was set. The others and I moved away and I never felt the aura coming.

“Where is your spider bitch now inu whore?” Ryukotsusei said from behind me.

“Fighting against you disgusting reptiles.” I said.

I was surrounded by several different dragons and I knew we were outnumbered. I drew my katana anyways and the young dragon leader chuckled. The other tsuchigumo moved to protect me but Ryukotsusei held a surprise and threw a white ball of pure energy at my would be body guards. They fell and I was alone. My only regrets were that I would not birth my pup and I would not see Hisashi before my death. The dragon's face held what my fate held in store. He moved quickly and his own blade went straight through my abdomen, I accepted it with a grunt and stared down and blood poured down my front. He withdrew his blade and watched me silently fall to my knees.

“Do not die too quickly.” He said staring down at me with hatred.

“I will try and accommodate you. Tell me, why was it necessary for your father to rape me hmmm?” I asked in a surprisingly strong voice.

“He did things that I myself would never do but you gave him a most dishonorable death and I cannot forgive you that.” He said with disgust.

“I see but you are raping innocent lands.” I said in a weaker voice.

“It is the way of a warrior which I assure you, your brother has gotten quite good at himself.” He said stepping away.

“Go on and murder more innocents dragon. Someday the inu will deliver you to what you deserve.” I said closing my eyes.

I tried not to succumb to the pain and my life ebbing away. Hisashi would most likely come; our bond was that strong. The dragon had already left and I pulled myself to a standing position and walked toward the tree line. There were several powerful auras around and I knew Touga was on the field of battle. Hisashi was there too and I wanted to see him before I passed on to the Netherworld. I had not tried to hide my aura and I saw my mate from a distance. Blood stained the field and I stumbled at the edge. My head lolled to the side and I did not feel Hisashi approach me. My senses were dulled and when he touched my cold hand, I looked up and smiled at him. Tears glistened his black eyes and I weakly touched his face.

“I am sorry that I could not give you our pup.” I said quietly.

“Shhhh do not speak.” He said brushing hair from my forehead.

“I have been so happy by your side; I have been alive only with you.” I said touching his face.

“I cannot say goodbye.” He said in a tortured voice.

“Then do not!” a familiar voice said.

A blade went through Hisashi's heart and I screamed. We had been so absorbed that we had been vulnerable. Ryukotsusei stood over us and Hisashi's face contorted in rage. He reached over and grabbed the dragon's leg and pierced the tough skin and injected his miasma through his claws. The young dragon leader screamed in rage but my brother came on the scene. He was covered in blood and lifted his blade and Ryukotsusei actually stumbled back. Touga was not there to fight but to try and rescue us. The dragon went to strike and Hisashi produced a powerful barrier. I was almost gone and my brother stared down at me in horror.

“Sorami!” he tried to grab my cold hands.

“Touga. You are totally free to pursue your dreams. I am not your sister, so do not mourn me. I am not of your clan so never speak of me. Banish me in death as you did to me in life.” I said coldly.

I touched Hisashi's face and he too was bleeding to death. I intertwined my hand in his and laid my head in his lap. Hisashi placed a hand in my silver hair and my breathing slowed even more.

“I love you.” I whispered.

Hisashi watched as his beloved took her last breath. He stared up at the young inu lord and then looked away. He was done for and could not think of any reason to fight the cold.

“You mated her.” Touga said.

“Hai. We were happy before your war spilled into our lands. Heed her words inu; you lost her the day you left her in the forest. I gained my life. You would have denied us because I am not inu but someday pray that you never fall in love.” He said holding Sorami's body closer to him.

“There is nothing to say. You have dishonored her and your own house.” Touga said in a pained voice.

“Ah well you did that well enough on your own. My barrier is failing. Go fight your war.” Hisashi said coldly.

The Tsuchigumo lord's hand went limp and the barrier fell.

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I gasped loudly and sat up. I was drenched in sweat and Tamiko was there. My eyes were streaming tears. I looked at her and she smiled.

“Your grandsire honored her last words. He was tortured by his actions the rest of his life.” The witch said.

“It was the least he could.” I said bitterly.

“He died for love did he not?” she asked.

“He pit his sons against each other.” I said in anger.

“I do not believe that was his intentions my Lady.” She said sweetly.

“So you are saying that her death affected him.” I replied.

“Hai.” She said softly.

“What do I do with this information?” I said sadly.

“You remember her and yourself. You are her but yet you are not. You and he have been given a second chance. You birthed the pup that was meant to be born then.” She said.

“I will restore her in the family line.” I said standing.

“Share this story with the hanyou, he needs to understand.” She said also standing.

I nodded and slowly left the hut. I prayed that my uncle had made Ryukotsusei's death most painful. The difference between them and Naraku and I was that in this life we were more powerful. I straightened myself and knew I had to go to China. I was going to go to Panyu first then move onto Mongolia.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I was in Guangzhou. I had brought my sons and they played at my feet. I wrote to Katashi to see if he his father had anything written about my great aunt. I hoped he did because my grandsire had truly honored her wishes and nothing was known. I was melancholy and Jin stood in the door to his chambers.

“You have been morose and listless since you came back from your little pilgrimage.” He said.

“Family secrets have been revealed. Much like Sheng's existence being unknown to you. It has been a painful realization.” I said looking directly at him.

“You will not tell me?” he asked.

“I will tell you some.” I said leaning down and picking up Hiroto and bouncing him and he laughed hysterically.

Jin looked at me and he realized that I would honor my word to him. He was still terribly jealous but I was here in body and soul.

“Please speak.” He said softly.

“I have been reincarnated.” I said.

“How do you know?” he asked curiously.

“Jin, my mother took me to a white witch.” I said shrugging.

“What?” he asked in shock.

“Hai.” I answered.

“Who were you then?” he asked intrigued.

“I would rather tell you that when I can see her picture or such. It is a terrible secret that was covered up.” I said and looked up and smiled at him.

He came closer to me and kissed me and I responded to it with gusto. He pulled away and smiled down at me. I held Hiroto up to him and my son attacked him. Kazuo started whining to be picked up and I did.

“You have won the right to go and have the dinner prepared.” I said smirking.

“You are going to be traveling again are you not?” he asked.

“Hai.” I replied.

“Can you just not be content here?” he asked me.

“I made you a promise and I will honor it.” I said stiffly.

“I want your love Asuna.” He said coldly.

“You have it.” I said staring into his eyes boldly.

“I believe you.” He said leaning forward and kissing me again.

I responded in kind and held onto his head gently. Flashes of Hisashi hit me and I backed up. I touched my lips and shook my head.

“I saw something but it was too quick.” He said in surprise.

“Keep the boys for me for a few days?” I asked.

“Hai.” He sighed.

He pulled his head back down and kissed him thoroughly and slowly.

“Kamis onna I want you healed completely.” He muttered.

“Give me another week or so.” I said huskily.

“Go on your trip.” He said in a lust.

“Hai.” I said smiling a dazzling smile.

He growled and picked up Kazuo and left. I went to the mirror and wondered if I resembled Sorami at all; Naraku resembled Hisashi some.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I was in He Gang and sitting in Katashi's library. He had been surprised by my letter and even more surprised by my appearance.

“Think Katashi think. Did he ever mention an inu princess named Sorami?” I said in frustration.

“My father wrote a lot Asuna, you are talking about a thousand years ago. I do not keep my library as meticulous as your father.” He said.

“Portraits did he ever keep portraits? I know at one time he coveted my grand mere, Natsumi. Thank every Kami you can think of he did not mate that harpy!” I said severely.

Katashi laughed loudly and I looked down at him with amusement. I kept up a regular correspondence with him now that our relationship had moved into the realm of friendship.

“Come there is storage room that I have not been in since I was a pup. I will have my servant look for my father's papers from a millennium ago. He was still in Japan and Lord of the Northern most islands.” Katashi said.

“I thank you.” I said smiling at him.

“Why do you need this information?” he asked curious.

“Because your father stood up for someone that by her choice was banished from our own annals.” I said.

We entered a large dusty room and we went to the back. I noticed a painting of Sheng's mother and again thought she was beautiful. We moved and sorted and looked through many paintings.

“Your father knew many youki. Did he have everyone painted?” I asked.

“He enjoyed having likenesses around.” Katashi shrugged.

“I saw him Katashi. I saw him as if I was there.” I said.

“How?” he asked in utter surprise.

“Your father and the Inu no Taisho were friends at one time. They fought the Dragon Clan together but something tore them apart after or during the One Great War.” I said.

“How do you know this? He told me of it but how do you know?” he asked urgently.

“I was there so to speak. You look just like him.” I said.

“Asuna!” he said in a strange voice.

“I am sorry. I know you were close with him.” I replied.

Katashi turned and moved further back into the large room. There were several smaller paintings and toward the back I found what I wanted. There was one of Touga and Sorami together. I touched it gingerly and stared at the ancient female. Tears streamed down my face when I realized that I did indeed resemble her very strongly. My former mate and now friend came up behind me and stared at the portrait.

“That looks like you!” he stated in quiet surprise.

“That is Lady Sorami and her twin brother Lord Touga, the Inu no Taisho.” I said.

“That was you was it not?” he asked.

“Hai it was. She was killed by Ryukotsusei. She had been raped then later murdered by the former dragon lord.” I said shutting my eyes.

I had all my memories and Sorami's as well. Her life had been sad and empty; she had felt betrayed and unloved by the one male who should have. My twin would die a most heinous death for me.

“May I take this?” I asked.

“Hai.” He said gently.

“I need to see if a Tsuchigumo still lives. Her name was Lady Airi.” I said quickly.

“You know how elusive they are. Where would you start?” he said.

“Their ancestral home was in the south just below the Western border.” I stated.

“They have small nests all over Japan.” He said.

“I will find her if she lives.” I said.

“I need to lie down for just a moment.” I said.

“You know where to go.” He said smiling.

“Thank you!” I said and grabbed the small portrait.

I went into Sheng's old room and lay down on the bed. I closed my eyes and fell into a light sleep. I projected myself to my mother and I was corporeal. She was debating the Vlad issue; when I appeared, with my father. My father about jumped out of his skin and my mother looked amused.

“I am in China still. Could you come and bring me back to Japan?” I asked sweetly.

“What in Kamis names are you doing?” my sire asked in shock.

His face hardly ever betrayed emotion but the shock and surprise was evident. My mother started laughing merrily at my newfound ability.

“She has projected herself here Sesshomaru. She even is corporeal!” she said proudly.

“Well get her and come back.” my father said annoyed.

“I have something to show you when I come back.” I told my father.

“Hai.” He responded.

My mother faded out and appeared next to my body and I too faded out and woke up. I sat up grinning like a fool. She was proud and happy. She saw the portrait and sat down and studied.

“I cannot believe how much you favor her!” she exclaimed.

“She loved Hisashi with such fervor and passion.” I said.

“Come your father will want to this.” She said standing.

“Will he? Does he know what a bastard his sire was in his youth?” I asked.

“He knows. His has no illusions about Touga.” She said.

She took my arm and I stood up. I held onto the portrait and we faded then reappeared in the study. My mother took the portrait and laid it down before my father. His eyes widened in indescribable emotion. There was his chichi with a woman very obviously related and a strong resembalance of me.

“That was Lady Sorami; your father's twin sister.” I said softly.

“How did she die?” he asked.

“She was killed by Ryukotsusei.” I said.

“Hn.” He muttered.

“Father do you know where there may be nests of tsuchigumo?” I asked.

“There are larger ones to the north and some near Edo.” He answered.

“Why has she not been mentioned?” he asked looking at me.

“She was raped and your grand mere was murdered by the Water Dragon Lord, Mizuchi. She was left in the care of the then tsuchigumo lord named Hisashi. She was a great onna but left by your chichi in his quest to rebuild the West, he left his dreams in your lap.” I said bitterly.

“I see. We shall put the portrait up.” He said standing.

“I am confused as to what I think.” I said staring at him.

“My father was just as complex and had as many problems as we do daughter. He did a tremendous wrong to be sure, but he paid for his transgressions with his life.” My father said stoically.

“Hai my Lord.” I said bowing.

I left the study and my mother followed me. I opened my mind and she accessed everything. She lifted her face and I saw tears sliding down her cheeks.

“My poor baby girl. Finish this journey. I am here for you for anything.” She said holding my face.

“Thank you! Can you take me to Edo?” I asked.

“Hai!” she said and she took my arm.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I wandered around Edo and the surrounding forests. There were several levels of Tsuchigumo and the kind I was looking for were taiyouki if there were any left. The dragons had almost been exterminated as well as the arachnids. I downplayed my aura and searched. It took me several days to find a well hidden nest. The den had been covered in a well woven spider silk.

“You can come out. I mean you no harm.” I said softly.

“What if we mean you harm inu?” a male tsuchigumo said.

He had gray eyes and brown hair. He was youki but not a taiyouki. I looked at him thoughtfully.

“A millennium ago your species had your own land and you were ruled by a great funnel web known as Hisashi.” I said softly.

They stared at me in shock. Tsuchigumo were not known to be overly kind or friendly in this era as well. The young male circled me.

“How do you know our history?” he asked.

“I know it but I am searching for a great female, her name was Airi and she was an ookami tsuchigumo.” I said.

“The Lady Airi travels widely. I do not know if she is in Japan.” He said.

“She lives?” I asked excited.

“Hai. She is my grand mere.” He said with a hard look.

“What is your name?” I asked.

“I am Kenta.” He said bowing.

“I am Lady Asuna of the West.” I said as I bowed.

His face was mixed with hatred and something else.

“How long has it been since you have seen your grand mere?” I asked.

“Literally only a few days.” He answered.

“Do you know where she was headed?” I asked in excitement.

“We have nests to the North. She is the unofficial leader of us.” He said suspiciously.

“You have every right to feel threatened but not by me. I only wish information on the funnel web.” I said softly.

“Hisashi was a great leader. He foresaw our doom and set up these small havens for our kind.” Kenta said.

“What of his mate?” I asked.

“He had no mate.” Kenta laughed.

“I thank you Kenta. If you have need of me, I will defend your people with my life.” I said bowing.

“Why would you do that inu?” he said in anger.

“Your grand mere saved and cared for one of my own during the One Great War. She herself was and is a great taiyouki.” I said.

“She is not a taiyouki.” He said indignantly.

“You are wrong.” I said as I left the nest.

I transformed into my sphere and I traveled north. I wondered if I could draw Airi out. She knew of the whole Shikon no Tama and the tsuchigumo hanyou. I was going to use Naraku's northern castle to rest in. It took me over a day to reach the castle and I went in and fell to the futon. His castle was maintained at my behest and unknown to others. I called to Naraku from my very soul and I knew he would come. I went and stripped out of my armor and clothes and started pulling on a sleeping yukata. I felt his presence and I turned around. Everything in me screamed in joy. I moved closer to him and took my daughter from his arms. I held her to my chest and cried. She seemed to meld against me and I knew she recognized my aura. It was not to far off from her birth and I knew I would be able to reestablish feeding her.

“When she is sleeping I am going to take you.” He said coming up behind me.

I leaned my head back on his shoulder and hunger possessed us. His mouth latched onto mine and I let go.

“Kamis Naraku.” I cried out.

“Hai?” he asked as he continued kissing my lips softly.

“I have missed you.” I said quietly.

“As much as I am enjoying this endeavor you had as reason to call on me.” He said seriously.

“I want you to open to me completely. I need you to see what I know.” I said watching his crimson eyes.

“What do you want me to see?” he said tracing a stripe on my cheek.

“Let me get her to sleep and I will show you.” I said pulled away.

He watched me as I pulled my haori aside and put Mizuki to my breast. He came and sat by me and watched.

“You are beautiful.” He said to me.

“What you find me feeding our pup beautiful?” I asked curiously.

“Hai.” He replied.

I smiled at him and we sat in silence for awhile.

“Have you put up a barrier?” I asked.

“Of course.” He said at my question.

“Can you drop it?” I asked sweetly.

“Why would I do such an asinine thing?” he asked incredulously.

“I am trying to draw someone out and I want to be found. My family will no longer hunt you.” I said.

“You believe that?” he said in anger.

“I know it and you will know it too soon.” I said looking into his eyes.

“You are too trusting.” He said standing.

“Can you flare your aura?” I asked.

“What are you trying to draw out?” he asked.

“A female tsuchigumo.” I answered.

“You have lost your mind.” He said surprised.

I laid Mizuki down and she grunted in her sleep. I stood up and came closer to Naraku. I kissed him deeply and he groaned.

“Do not distract me!” he growled low.

“Take me as you said you would.” I said challenging him.

“I want answers. You are acting strangely.” He said narrowing.

“Do you remember what you said when you found me in Mount Hakurei-zan? You said you were going to take me and were not going to gentle.” I whispered as I took his earlobe into my mouth.

“Asuna!” he growled in irritation.

I ripped open his haori and kosode. I bit into his mating mark and he groaned against me. I busied my own hands and undid my obi and kimono. They slid to the floor and he growled again. He picked me up and my legs wrapped around his waist. He took me to the other end of the large room and pressed me against the wall.

“Too long.” He muttered against my throat.

“Hai.” I groaned.

I untied his hakamas and they slid down his legs. I was desperate for his touch and I ended gouging his shoulders.

“Impatient my little inu.” He smirked.

“Hai and I swear if you do not shut up, I will make you shut up.” I snarled quietly.

He pulled me down on his hard staff and I bit my own lips to silence myself. His shoulders were bleeding as he took me hard and fast at my request. I focused my mind which was difficult because I had wanted this for too long.

“Open to me completely.” I commanded.

“Now?” he asked in supreme irritation.

“Hai now. Kamis you feel so good.” I cried quietly.

He looked at me with an intensity born from separation and I waited for him to open to me. He sighed and I brushed his mind and he groaned.

“This will be difficult.” I said.

“Asuna. No talking!” he snapped.

I let Sorami's memories come and they were in a tumult. Naraku sucked in his breath and put his forehead against mine. He had stopped moving and I kept him sheathed deeply within me as he experienced through me.

“Stop it now!” he cried out.

“No you need to know!” I whispered.

Pain flitted across his features and he winced every so often. I held onto him and he grew agitated.

“Enough! I will not watch you die again!” he cried.

“Naraku finish it.” I said softly.

I felt him tremble beneath me and he looked up and I saw his eyes were moist.

“You were trying to jog his memories in me. I do not want them!” he said angry.

“I do not want to remember either but tell me the truth, what did you think when you first saw me in the past.” I asked in a pained voice.

“You seemed familiar but I just chalked it up to your markings.” He said trying to disengage from me.

“Do not leave me. I need to feel you.” I cried softly.

“You made me watch you die. I felt his or rather my pain.” He said furiously.

“I needed to know. We had such a connection and I needed to know.” I pleaded.

“You could not accept that we love each other. Kamis Asuna I have never felt such anguish.” He said looking away.

“I accepted that I loved you first remember? I would lay down everything for you. I loved you as Hisashi and I love you as Naraku. You have become everything to me in this life and my past. Our love has transcended a thousand summers. The Kamis owed us, they owed us a second chance and I gave you the daughter that was supposed to have been born that millennium ago.” I said getting emotional.

He moved within me again and I almost sobbed. This was going to end up being an intense and emotional thing. He sank to his knees and laid me down on my back. He continued to move within me as he kissed me deeply. I knew I was crying but I did not care. I could be the scary taiyouki later. His chest was pressed against mine and my hips arched against his.

“Too long Koi. Too damn long.” He said in a deeper voice.

“Hai.” I said mindless.

He laced his fingers in mine and thrust into me as deep as he could and I nearly swooned. He kept kissing my lips and face and I thought I had gone to Nirvana. I pulled my legs up along side his body and he grunted. Our powers flared and we both could feel it. It happened when there was an intense emotional coupling. Mine was strong as always and Naraku shut his eyes against the tremendous pressure. His was as powerful but smoother and I could feel it along my limbs and my hips arched again and he bit back a powerful moan.

“Asuna, you are doing it again.” He breathed roughly.

“Take it in.” I said gasping as quietly as I could.

“Kami onna it is so much.” He cried into my neck.

He never stopped moving but they became harder and longer. My breathing became erratic and I flared my yoki again. I wanted him to surrender to it.

“Take it into you.” I demanded softly.

“I will be unable to stop my completion.” He snapped.

“Give into me and join us totally. You know it has been too long.” I snapped.

The two individual yoki melded and I bit into my own arm my scream of intense joy and ecstasy. My body trembled violently around him and he cried out as his body went rigid and a sublime rush of power and completion took us both.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

We slept with Mizuki between us. I woke slowly and watched him sleep. His black brows framed his perfect and smooth face. Before he and I had become more than adversaries; he never slept heavily. Mizuki whimpered and started crying. I grabbed her gently and fed her. Naraku stirred but saw I had her and fell back asleep. I smiled down at my greedy little girl and I soothed her with rumbling from my chest. She took awhile to eat and finally went back to sleep. I laid her next to her chichi and stood up and went outside. I suddenly felt a very strong aura and I turned in time to block a katana with my fang. I stared into a very familiar pair of gray eyes. They were set an angry scowl.

“I heard you were looking for me inu bitch!” she snarled at me.

“It has been a very long time Airi.” I said.

She stepped back and looked at me in confusion. I noticed really that her gray eyes were very spider like. There were no discernable pupils.

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” she raised her blade again.

“I am Asuna, Airi. My grand sire was Touga.” I explained.

“You are kin to that dog!” she snarled.

“Airi…I remember Sorami and Hisashi.” I said and she dropped her blade.

“I have not heard those names uttered in a very long time indeed.” She said quietly.

“Please come into the castle.” I asked

“Hai. For a little while.” She said as she followed me.

“What have you done for the past millennium?” I asked her.

“You act as if you know me inu but you do not. Do not presume too much.” She snarled.

I felt Naraku awake and moving towards us.

-Back off my love. - I pathed to him.

-Asuna! - He growled in my head.

“So little inu you are a telepath.” She said whirling on me.

“Airi, I mean you no harm.” I said to the skittish tsuchigumo female.

“You are inu.” She accused.

“I am inu and I remember when you picked up an inu princess and made her unafraid after she was brutally raped!” I said.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“I am Asuna but I was Sorami.” I exclaimed.

“Oh my Kamis!” she said backing up.

“Hai Airi. I remember everything. I remember your training and I remember Hisashi.” I said.

“How? Past lives are rare for youki.” She said afraid.

“I am not sure but I seeked out a witch and she helped me to remember.” I said shrugging.

“You and Hisashi were murdered.” She said coming closer.

“Hai I know. I am Asuna. I am the daughter and heir to Lord Sesshomaru of the West.” I said bowing.

“I see it now. The resemblance is uncanny. Why would you seek to know about your past life?” She asked.

“Because I love the one person I should not.” I said.

“Who would that be?” she asked.

“You have heard of the dark hanyou.” I replied.

“This Naraku fellow. He has been dead a century. My people steered clear of that mess.” She said confused.

“My family was very much involved.” I said.

“Alright. There are rumors of his origins.” She said.

“He is a hanyou but more powerful than most full youki. He is mostly tsuchigumo and he is very much alive.” I said.

“Are you telling me what I think you are telling me?” she asked stunned.

“Hai.” I said bluntly.

“I must see him.” She said standing.

“Come. He is more disagreeable than Hisashi ever was.” I said.

I heard growling in my head and I had to laugh. We moved up the stairs and came into the bed chamber. Naraku was sitting close to Mizuki and he was ready to strike if need be.

“Hisashi?” Airi asked in shock.

“Naraku.” He sneered.

Airi moved closer and he stood; he was fairly tall and stood over her. Airi looked at him and she seemed overcome.

“I know you are not he exactly but you look a lot like him.” Airi said to my mate.

“I remember some. I have seen enough and I wish to leave that behind.” He said stiffly.

“Is it true you are tsuchigumo?” she asked.

“Hai.” He said.

Airi looked at Mizuki and her hands actually trembled. I could tell that the deaths had affected her badly. Airi and Sorami had been close.

“Koi, I see no reason why our past lives have anything to do with the present. You and I are who we are now. I am not some Tsuchigumo lord. You dearest are no longer the princess but the future ruler.” Naraku said impatiently.

“Our past has bound us in all lives. You and I will never be apart. Our destinies will always be entwined.” I said.

“Hisashi loved Sorami most passionately Naraku.” Airi said.

“I know it onna. I was able to relive watching her die in his arms. I felt every second as breath left his body. I felt his disappointment and horror when he thought it was his fault that she died. He never wanted to mate her because he felt his seed would kill her. Shall I go on?” he said in a very angry voice.

“You are bitter that your happiness was short lived and feel it may happen again.” Airi said wisely.

Naraku stared at her and his eyes were crimson.

“Do not ever presume to know my heart. You are a stranger to me.” He said backing up.

He picked up Mizuki and glared at me. He went to another part of the castle.

“He thinks I have to justify my feelings for him and it angers him.” I said quietly.

“His soul did not rest I see. Yours seems to have accepted the turn of events and he grew bitter and very angry.” Airi said.

“I do not understand everything but I know he and I are meant to be together. Hisashi and Sorami came together at the wrong time; they would have been hunted and killed regardless.” I said pragmatically.

“It does not hurt the soul any less to die in the manner you two did.” Airi said sadly.

“I have restored Sorami into our family annals. I would like to see something done for Hisashi. Other youki need to know how truly great he was. He was before his time.” I said.

“Nothing needs to be done. My people know. I wish Naraku would come and be apart of us.” She said back.

“He has a spider shaped scar on his back.” I said.

“He is tsuchigumo but he is also ningen and he is Hisashi.” She said shaking her head.

“His ningen half is rather a bully. I will tell you on that later. He will get over being angry with me.” I said happily.

“I will tell you that later too.” I said smiling.

“You are really her and this new and amazing inu onna. I am honored to know you.” She said.

“If you like come to the Western Palace and meet my family.” I said.

“The son of Touga.” She said shaking her head.

“My father is amazing. He made me his heir against everyone's advice. I was born with the most yoki even ahead of my twin.” I said.

“Fate so does love a good joke!” she said smiling.

“Hai she does. I have a need to be with Naraku now. I have to keep our union clandestine for now, but soon it will be out and I will not hide it.” I said sadly.

“That is why you had to see the past; so you could save your future.” She said.

“Can you come to the West in a day or so?” I asked.

“Hai. I will.” She said.

She left out of the castle and I saw Naraku standing on a balcony. I came and stood by him. He was still angry but I kissed his neck and wrapped my arms around his waist.

“I love you. I have always loved and I continue to love you.” I said softly.

“I never want to feel that kind of emotion again. I may carry his soul but I am me.” He said savagely.

“I carry her soul and she loved him as I do you. I am Asuna but that which is Sorami is in me. I needed that to see you and be with you.” I said nuzzling his neck.

“I cannot help but think our feelings are not our own.” He said looking at me.

“I do not go around jumping in front of the Tetsaiga's attack for just anyone.” I teased.

“I remember seeing you in my other castle and your beauty struck me. I did not want to be attracted to you. I wanted to hate you.” He murmured softly.

“When did you love me?” I asked.

“When I was been ripped apart by the Tetsaiga and Bakusaiga. It dawned on me that I would never see my little inu again. When we rutted that first time I was spell bound.” He shrugged.

“I was drawn to the stories about you I heard as a pup. We have a rendition of you at the final battle and I could never figure out why such a gorgeous creature was evil.” I said smirking.

“So you have been attracted to the bad people.” He said lustfully.

“Hai.” I said smiling.

“Well then I shall have to be very bad.” He said smirking back.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I stood at the old castle site and remembered all. I wished I could face my grand sire and rip him up to pieces. If I had enough courage I could face my grand mere and dig for information. I wondered if the Inu no Taisho ever loved her and figured that no male really could. She had passed on her crest to her son who in turn passed it on to me. I looked around and realized that there were so few silver inu left.

Naraku was staying at the castle in the north and I wanted to build a new one in a more secure location. He was being stubborn and I was being pushy; our relationship was good. I had extended Airi the invitation to the West and I figured I should let my father know. I turned and went in the direction of the palace. Osamu was going to want to know the rest of the story.

I walked into the palace compound and met up with my twin. He was looking sly and I knew something was up.

“You invited a Tsuchigumo here? Half the palace is in an uproar.” He said

“I did not invite Naraku! She is a leader of her people.” I said crossly.

“Well she is here and she is making father smile! That is what is getting everyone in an uproar; mother finds it hilarious.” Osamu said taking my arm.

“Come on!” I said dragging him along to the study.

We about burst in and my father looked up and nodded to me and my twin. Mother sat near my father and her laughter was melodious.

“Your guest has been here awhile daughter.” My father said staring at me.

“Airi you did not tell me you were arriving today.” I said as I elbowed my twin.

“I thought I should surprise you. Did you know that the mere mention of my kind frightens some in this very palace?” she said with a wicked smirk.

I felt my twin's lust rise and I elbowed him again. I turned and glared at him and he stuck his tongue out at me.

“Please excuse the rudeness of this Sesshomaru's offspring. They are strong telepaths like their mother.” He said staring at us again.

“I apologize for my twin; he can be rather obnoxious. If anyone has seen you in battle then they should be afraid. Now please come this way.” I said bowing to my parents.

My father mouthed the word later and I nodded my understanding. Osamu dogged my heels as he followed me and Airi out of the study. I turned and glared at him and he just grinned.

“Do you not have something better to do than annoy stuff out of me?” I said growling low in my throat.

Airi watched our exchanges and laughed. I could tell she found the Western family much different than her last encounter with it.

“Nope I have nothing to do.” Osamu said.

“Osamu, I really need to speak with the Lady Airi alone. Go find a wench and keep yourself busy!” I said in anger.

“I will later. How is Naraku by the way?” he asked obnoxiously.

“Osamu!” I yelled.

“Fine! Be a wet blanket! Lady Airi, I shall enjoy speaking with you!” Osamu said sauntering down the hall.

I was fuming and she put a hand on my shoulder and she was laughing and tears escaped her eyes.

“He is interesting. He knows he is beyond gorgeous.” She said with mirth.

“Hai he knows. He can get about any female in bed and they line up for him.” I said in disgust.

“Was he really trying to make moves on me?” she asked grinning.

“Hai I think so. You are highly attractive.” I said.

She laughed again and we walked down the hall. Akemi jumped out and grabbed me and I yelled. She grinned like a mad woman and stuck her hand out to Airi.

“Hi! I am Akemi; her cousin.” She said.

Airi took the proffered hand and shook it.

“I am Airi.” She said simply.

“Well Asuna you can spill your guts later?” she asked.

“Hai.” I said sighing.

“Oh and by the way Jin is stalking your chambers.” She said.

I stiffened and grabbed Airi and made her follow me. Akemi leaned back and smirked.

“Jin, who is Jin?” she asked.

“My mate.” I said.

“My you have changed.” She grinned.

“Do not mention anything! He is a powerful taiyouki.” I said.

“This should be educational.” She said.

A few minutes later we entered my chambers and Jin stood there and he was angry. I stared at him and he growled at me. Airi watched with interest.

“Pardon me I have no idea who you are but I am fixing to tear my mate's hide off!” Jin exclaimed.

“What exactly have I done wrong now? Did I not tell you my exact moves from one minute to the next?” I said sarcasticlly.

“Asuna, I would just like an idea of where you are in general. You have a talent for pissing off powerful youki. Vlad is still out there and rumors are he wants your head.” Jin said angrily.

“I know the uppyr filth wants my head, I killed my grand sire remember?” I exclaimed.

“I am Jin; Lord of Panyu.” He said bowing to Airi.

“I am Lady Airi.” She said as she returned the bow.

“So dear mate, am I allowed in your chambers or am I relegated to guest ones?” he asked in heavy sarcasm.

“Do not be obtuse and how dare you disrespect me in front of my guest!” I said growling.

Jin glared at me and left. I could feel his fury with me through the bond and I cut him off in anger.

“They try and dominate you and you put them down. Very interesting indeed. You most certainly are not helpless in this life.” She observed.

“No I am not. I will have hell to pay later. We typically argue very badly.” I said.

“Your father favors Natsumi more than Touga.” She observed.

“He does. You know of my grand mere?” I asked surprised.

“Hai let us say she and I did not see eye to eye.” She said grinning.

“You were attracted to Touga; did anything ever come of that?” I asked intrigued.

“No. After the wars I was too furious with the inu. He and I had a very unique rivalry. Your grand mere accused me of trying to take his affections.” She said shrugging.

“I think he only mated her for her lineage. They produced my father, who is very powerful. My father banished her from court before I was born.” I explained.

“Touga had a roving eye to be sure. Natsumi was a very jealous creature and the honey moon period wore off quickly. I hated Touga and I admired him. When he found the mortal wench I just disappeared.” She explained.

“So you saw my father from a distance?” I asked.

“Hai. I never met him personally but I saw him. Touga made pretty pups. Your uncle I saw in the forest that bears his name. He looks just like his sire.” She said shrugging.

“Hai he does. My father and uncle are at odds most of the time. I feel that the Taisho caused most of it.” I said.

“Hai he did. He tried to do better in his later years but he had his personality flaws. I do not think he ever got over losing you.” She said quietly.

“Sorami made the choice for love. She went against inu tradition; my sire himself went against inu tradition and mated for love. He expects us to do the same.” I said.

“Your sire certainly is a creature of power. I feel the bond between your mother and him. They are easy with each other.” She replied.

“Hai. They have epic arguments but they always end up back together.” I told her.

“Now this Panyu Lord, I have heard of the group of Chinese inu but never thought to see one.” She said.

“I was originally mated to Tekeshi's son Katashi. I met Jing's unknown brother through Katashi. Katashi had a pup from a previous encounter and the shape shifter that gave him that son went on a rampage against Katashi for him ignoring her son's claims to his lands. I became a target. I dissolved the union between us. The Panyu had selectively mated with uppyr to produce telepathic inu. Sheng was born in Manchuria but he was from Panyu. He and I had formed an intense spiritual bond and that is when I started appearing to him in the past. It is a very long story; Sheng was killed almost nine months ago and I ran into Jin in the southern part of China. There is no mistaking who Jin was, things happened from there.” I explained.

“He is a more traditional inu and you are as far from traditional as they come. Your spirit continues to move among those you knew in the past.” She said.

“How did I know Jin and Sheng?” I asked surprised.

“Oh I think you did that all by yourself in this life. The other one and Katashi…those you have a connection with before.” She said shrugging.

“I have formed bonds with Jin and Sheng.” I said shaking my head.

“Well your Sheng will most likely come back to you somehow. Jin, he is a major player. You are going to have a reckoning with him.” She said smiling.

“Between Jin and other things I feel as though I am going nuts!” I said laughing.

Mayu brought in the twins and they struggled out of her arms.

“Hahaoya!” they yelled together.

“Twin boys?” Airi asked surprised.

“Hai. Their chichi was Sheng. Jin is their otooji but fills in for Sheng's death.” I said as the boys climbed up on me.

Hiroto toddled over to Airi and thrust his arms up and demanded he be picked up. Mayu smirked and she left. Airi picked him up and he starting pulling her hair.

“Hiroto no!” I corrected him.

“Spider?” he asked.

“Hai little one, I am tsuchigumo.” Airi said looking into his citrine eyes.

“Big spider?” he asked again.

“Hai.” She answered.

“Ride on spider?” Hiroto asked again.

“Spider scary.” Airi laughed.

“Spider no scary!! Naku not scary.” Kazuo piped in.

My eyes widened when my son spoke Naraku's name. They remembered him well and Airi laughed with genuine mirth and looked down at Hiroto.

“This spider scary.” She said lifting his little chin.

“Spider not scary.” Hiroto said pouting.

“Well if haha says ok, maybe later.” She said diverting their attention.

Hiroto wiggled to get down and so did Kazuo. They were nodding at each other and it dawned on me that they were pathing. I dipped into their minds and it was typical toddler chatter. They squealed when they felt my mind brush theirs. The stumbled towards me and gave me their kisses then went in search of their toy swords.

“They are delightful. They too will give you issues.” She laughed.

“Hai. I am glad you came. I want to show you the portrait I found in Manchuria.” I said standing.

She joined me and we went into the Great Hall. My father had put the portrait on prominent display and there was Sorami and Touga. She touched the surface and smiled a very sad smile.

“Sorami had been so dear to me. She had strength after her ordeals and loved all who would be loved by her.” Airi said.

“She would be honored that you are here now.” I said.

“I know.” She said looking at me.

“I still feel such grief when I remember her feelings and memories. She loved Hisashi.” I said closing my eyes.

“Hai. It was evident to me that my cousin loved her early on. He tried so hard to overcome the ignorance of others.” She said sadly.

“Jin I feel your aura. You can quit skulking.” I said turning toward the door.

“I was not skulking. You cut me off again.” He said in a low tone.

“Hai I did. You are being an ass.” I said in irritation.

“I am sick of your high handedness Asuna.” He said furious.

“I shall be in your gardens Asuna.” Airi said bowing.

“This will not take long.” I said to her as she left.

After she left Jin grabbed me to him and I could tell that he had partaken of sake. I slapped him and he was even angrier.

“How much have you drank?” I said in an equal fury.

“Enough to dull the ache you cause when you callously cut off our bond.” He said growling.

“Do not think that you will control me. I have been honoring my word.” I snarled.

“You spend as little time with me as possible. You have found out that you have lived before and you do not share with me at all. Your friend shows up and you cut me off.” He said in a very nasty tone.

“Let go of me.” I said in a growl.

“You and he were together before in your other lives were you not?” he asked in a jealous tone.

“Hai! Do you wish me to deny it?” I asked.

“I have to compete with Sheng's memory but that of the hanyou and his past life. You bring me in and then push me away. I know you still see him. I do not have to scent it.” He said frigidly.

“You are being asinine. I am done with this conversation.” I said trying to pull away.

“I am holding you to your word.” He said.

“Really?” I remarked coldly.

He grabbed me and roughly pushed against the wall. I had a way of infuriating the Panyu inu in general and Jin was no exception. My eyes were cold and his blue eyes were just as frigid.

“I tried to talk you out of this ridiculous situation before it got too far. We are compatible but you wish for me to bow down before the glorious Lord Jin and I will not do it. You cannot change me when that is all you wish to do.” I snarled.

“You never fear when you should be afraid. You are still a pup in a grown onna's body.” He snarled right back.

“How much did you drink?” I asked in a fury.

“I told you, enough to dull the pain that you cause quite frequently.” He said.

His words were not slurring but youki could fool anyone. It took a lot of the vile drink to make a taiyouki insidiously inebriated. He was strong physically and I was fighting him to get away.

“How much have you drank?” I asked in slower tone.

“Two bottles.” He answered smugly.

“Katashi liked to drink too.” I said comparing him to the Manchu lord.

“How is it that Sheng could be devoted to you? You are hateful and cruel. You are a spoiled bitch who never had to be told no! I am not afraid of you either Asuna.” He said dangerously.

“Unhand me you drunken sod. I will not be spoken to in such a manner.” I snapped my fangs at him.

“Did you rut with him this time? Did he taste you and make you scream?” he asked irately.

“Shut up.” I snapped again.

“NO!” He yelled.

“If you do not be quiet then you will bring the whole of the palace into our problems.” I hissed.

“I will do as I wish.” He hissed back.

“Are you intending to rape me?” I asked archly.

“Cannot rape a whore!” he snarled.

“Lord Jin! Unhand her right now and go sleep off your stupidity!” Lord Sesshomaru said coldly.

Jin released me and bowed stiffly.

“Where shall I sleep? In my mate's chambers?” he asked in a very disrespectful tone.

“Hai.” I hissed.

Jin bowed again and left. I rubbed a sore wrist and my father came and stood next to me.

“He is in love with you to the point of obsession.” My father observed.

“He is an idiot.” I said crossly.

“Asuna, you are playing games with the wrong inu. I tell you this now he has never shown you his true power.” My father remarked.

“Jin is bound to be powerful; he has lived almost seven centuries. I on the other hand am tired of his jealousy and he can stew in private.” I said flippantly.

“He has a right to be jealous.” He said flatly.

“No, he knew what he was walking into. I will not give up who I am for him or anyone!” I said in a rage.

“You are being a fool.” He remarked and turned away.