InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Tears of the Many ( Chapter 51 )

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

 

Tears of the Many

 

I was in my study and I was feeling off. I could not shake the bad feelings and I finally decided to return to the West. I walked into the palace and things were somber. I went in search of my sire but I was grabbed by my twin. He smacked me so hard I saw stars. I looked at him as if he had lost his mind and he stared at me almost as if he hated me.

“You finally show your face!” he hissed.

“What? Osamu what is going on?” I asked.

“Mother tried to take her life Asuna! She cannot forgive father for giving Yoshiko to the Byakko. He absolved their mating and you act as if nothing is wrong!” he screamed at me.

“I would not have allowed Yoshiko to go through with it! Kamis where is Father?” I asked.

“Have no idea. He left late last night. You did not rid yourself of that thing in your womb did you?” he asked.

“Shut up! I have to find Father.” I said in a near panic.

“You went too far this time Asuna. You hurt your entire family for a fucking tiger!” Osamu hissed.

“Shut up Osamu! Things are done now it is time to fix it.” I said.

“You are an arrogant idiot. It is broken and you broke it. Try and salvage what cannot be sister! Just like Sheng.” He said hatefully.

Tears stung my eyes and I realized he truly believed what he said. I left Osamu and changed into my true form. My father would patrol when he was listless; I would give up being heir if it meant fixing the damage. I scented the ground and picked up my sire's scent. He had made it quite far and I found him many hours later sitting on a rock overlooking a valley. I went to him and grabbed his hand. He looked down at me and did not move.

“Father! I will give up my position as your heir. Please something.” I said to him.

“Do not be ridiculous. You should however speak with the council and calm their fears. I cannot clean up everything.” He said emotionlessly.

“My Lord, I did not intend for this to happen. You must go to my Mother. Please.” I begged.

“She has seemed off for awhile Asuna. I have no wish to make her miserable as I obviously was. She and I are more than capable of making our own decisions.” He said flatly.

“I will speak to the council now.” I said looking away.

“You are a leader Asuna. You make decisions that affect many but do not show weakness. I would suggest lying like hell to the nobles.” He said as he stood.

“How long do you intend to be gone?” I asked.

“I do not know. You are regent.” He said and left me sitting there.

I pulled myself together and ported back to the palace. I walked and found Jaken. I motioned for him to follow me and I sat at the desk in the study.

“Tell the noble council they are summoned. Tell them they will show themselves now.” I said.

“Hai milady.” Jaken said.

I waited and Yuudai showed himself. He was furious and I lifted my head.

“If you allow me to explain then I will.” I said.

“Go ahead.” He said.

I threw him a map and he laid it out. He looked up at me and I nodded.

“I will control damn near all of China within fifty years.” I said bluntly.

“Kamis what have you been doing?” he said in amazement.

“My destiny. Forgive me and follow me.” I said holding his face.

“It took mating the Byakko to do this?” he demanded.

“Hai. I like him and I do care for him but this is what I wish. I will come down upon the Ming so damn hard that what I rule will be most of China. I cannot do it by myself and I need you.” I stated as bluntly as I could.

“Who else knows what you are doing?” He asked.

“Ang Chi. He is the only one. I am preparing him aggressively for this Yuudai.” I said baring my deepest secret.

“When did you decide this?” he asked.

“When Vlad took me. I will not be weak ever again.” I admitted.

Yuudai stared at me and he nodded. He came to me and claimed my mouth aggressively. He was ambitious and I knew he would go for my plans. Several nobles entered the study and Yuudai and I broke apart. I rolled up the map and sat down. They stared at me coldly and I raised a brow.

“I shall begin. I have offered to abdicate my title but my father refuses so this is what is happening. I have cemented an alliance with the Byakko and several surrounding lands. This is my will and I will brook no arguments. Bigger glories and better things are afoot and I am at the head. Sink or swim it is your choice. General Yuudai has already agreed.” I said bluntly.

“What has gotten into your head?” Sir Mamoru stated.

“Supreme conquest. Taking up the mantle that my grandsire started and that has been carried on by my own sire. I will not be held by conventions and such. You either get on board or get the hell out of my way.” I said standing.

All the nobles had arrived and I spoke a language they understood. I was unemotional and dealt with the fallout as I would a battle. Mamoru, Yahun, and Yuuta all bowed immediately. The others grumbled and I heard `hai' from every mouth. I nodded and Yahun came forward. He was a gray inu and fiercely intelligent.

“You will need to give the Byakko an heir that has Western blood.” He said bluntly.

“I will think on the need later.” I answered.

“Yuudai you are intelligent enough to see what this onna is doing.” Yahun said candidly to my general.

“I do now. She has my full support.” He said as candidly.

“I shall never question you again Lady Asuna.” Yahun bowed.

Osamu came in and saw not only Yuudai calm and collected but one of my biggest critics giving me his support. I looked at Osamu and he raised his brow.

“I need to fix the damage to mother and father.” I said walking from the study.

“How do you plan to do that?” Osamu asked.

“Yuudai, I leave you in charge for now. I am going to retrieve my mother and see what can be done with the situation.” I said grabbing Osamu.

Yuudai nodded and bowed. I ported Osamu and me to Russia and we walked in the direction of Viktor's house.

“Why is Yuudai calm?” Osamu asked.

“Because he knows what I am about. I love Quon and I will not express the depth of my feelings to Yuudai but he is ambitious brother and so am I and so are the nobles of the West.” I said bluntly.

“You are about to jump off a precipice.” He said stunned.

“Hai. Mother and Father have had some issues I know about but this thing with Yoshiko drove Mother over the edge.” I said sadly.

“Have you planned everything out?” he asked surprised.

“No. Only the outcome but not the details. I have been taking it as it comes so to speak. You and I are not the same Osamu as I have learned to want quite a bit. I have the ability and damnit I have the drive.” I said.

“I am in awe. I truly had no idea. Does father know?” he asked.

“I am sure he suspects but I have not explained it all.” I said shrugging.

We arrived at the Orlovich house and I knocked on the door. The uppyr trash named Anya answered the door.

“I am here for my mother.” I said pushing past her.

“Damn dog daemon!” she spit at my feet.

I went up the stairs with Osamu by my side. I felt her aura and went in. Viktor looked up and he sighed.

“Is she well?” I asked.

“Da but she has shut down.” He answered.

I went to her and picked her up.

“Follow if you will but I am forcing a situation.” I said.

Viktor looked at Osamu and my twin shrugged. I ported with Osamu holding on. We made it back to the West and I went and laid my mother on her futon.

“Yoshiko will mate whom she chooses Mother! I promise this to you.” I whispered into her ear.

“There is more.” She said turning her head.

“I know Mother. I have known and you must understand our nature. You have told me this time and again. You tell me to accept myself then you need to do the same.” I said pulling her into a hug.

“Baby girl.” She cried into my shoulder.

“You need to fix this with father. Please he is not himself at all and I know you love him. He did what he thought he needed to do. I have and will continue to bring the nobles to heal.” I said very softly.

“I understand.” She said sitting up.

She went to her clothes and pulled out a kimono. She went behind a screen and changed. She pulled on the silk and tied it closed.

“I will find him.” She said then ported away.

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She was stalking him again as she had done so long ago. Augusta watched as Sesshomaru mercilessly killed ningen bandits who threatened his person. He was wandering to calm his soul as he had after the Taisho had been killed. She stepped out on the path and she made sure he heard her. She had masked her aura and scent and he was surprised when he saw her.

“You are well I see.” I stated in his famous bored tone.

“Hai. I had a moment of weakness as I did over a century ago. I am sorrier than I can say,” she said.

“What do you want Augusta?” he asked.

“I want you to forgive me for being stupid.” She said.

“Forgiven.” He said flippantly.

“Sesshomaru?” she asked him in a hurt voice.

“Augusta do as you wish. You always have. I forced us into a mating believing it what we both wanted. I will not force you into anything again.” He said tonelessly.

“I have wanted more for my own daughters than I had for me. I wanted them to have their own choices so they would not have to run away. I wanted them not to fear for their lives. I have never told you everything because it haunts me.” She said softly.

“Explain then.” He said staring at her.

“I would rather show you if you will let me.” She whispered.

“I would rather you say it.” He said narrowing his eyes.

“I knew Vlad. I do not think he even remembered me at the time. Mother allowed things and I had my throat cut open in the middle of orgies. They wanted to get a taste of my yoki. Viktor made himself appear weak and I wanted to live. I fought every chance I had and I paid every chance they had. I was promised to so many different males and females alike. You would be disgusted at what I have done.” She said in a wretched voice.

“Augusta…” he started to say.

“No. I want your love because you know who I am when you met me. Not who I was five centuries before. I started to loose my mind and live in it so I could survive. You have no idea what it is like to drain a mortal or youki till just before their heart stops. Sex became nothing to me and it was something else to feed off of. It seemed better than killing. I am a monster Sesshomaru; I will never stop being that thing no matter how hard I try. Between the two of us I have probably taken more lives and did it without conscience or remorse. You were one of the very few individuals that touched this monstrosity that is I. I saw you and wondered at your stoicism and your honor. I became pupped and I hoped beyond hope that you could love me. When I miscarried I realized how badly I wanted the chance to be different. I wanted more than I deserved. I had started to have that with Tsubasa but I cowered away. I bore him a son and felt that God would never allow me to be different; he was still born. This is the truth of me.” Augusta stated tears streaming down her face.

“Augusta, why have you always shut me out?” he demanded.

“Because of whom you are. I can see the disgust plain on your face my love. I know you so well and I have hurt you in the worst way. You who wanted your sire to acknowledge your feats and be proud of you as Sesshomaru and not the Killing Perfection. He went and got himself killed for a pup he did not even know and gave his life for him when he could not even say he loved you. I have held back so much for so long.” She said sobbing.

The Western Lord stared at her and did not move. She laughed off her tears and held back the sobbing. She laughed harder and turned and walked away. Augusta knew the knife to the heart had been a rather telling truth. She ported away and went to the one place she felt safe; to a place in the middle of nowhere in the forests outside of Moscow. She had hid out here many times and was never found. She had managed to destroy her relationship with Sesshomaru and the pain overwhelmed again. She had had a right to be angry with him but no right to try and end her life knowing it would hurt him worse than anything else she could have done. He had fought so hard to keep her alive through out the years when she had almost bled to death giving him his offspring. She did the only thing she knew how to do and ran. She leaned against a tree and cried like she had not done in so long. She had a sister in England that maybe would allow her to stay awhile. Her sister was a half demon and had been born to Danika right as she had fled Russia. She was abandoning her children but she would not hurt Sesshomaru anymore.

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Augusta sat in a country house in England but very near the Scottish border. Lark watched her elder sister and sighed heavily. She came here when she was alone and broken. Her sister was broken again.

“Augusta why will you not speak?” Lark Pemberton asked.

“There is nothing to say my sweet sister. I have been myself yet again. I will not trouble you too long. I am sure your husband does not wish another demon in the house.” She laughed.

“William will be fine. I have never lied to him of my origins.” She said leaning back.

“Well it is one thing to know but then to know. You know our Mother is dead.” Augusta stated.

“I had heard from Viktor. He says your daughter is the one that killed her.” She replied non chalantly.

“Yes.” She stated looking out the window.

“Augusta I can hear your tears. You are dying inside and I cannot help you if I do not know what is wrong.” Lark stated taking her hands.

“You should not worry about me. Look I need a place to gather my bearings. I have heard there is a whole new world that is being colonized.” She said softly.

“Yes. The Americas. Queen Elizabeth is very old and King James Stuart of Scotland is poised to take the throne. Where have you been these past hundred years?” she asked.

“Japan. Demons are out in the open there. I was mated to Sesshomaru. He is a dog demon and he rules vast amounts of land on Honshu. I bore him Asuna, Osamu, Youshiro, and Yoshiko. Two sons and two daughters.” She said sadly.

“What happened.” She prompted.

“Asuna is vastly powerful. She killed Vlad.” Augusta said softly.

“She killed the king? How?” Lark asked astonished.

“She just did, she mated a tiger demon in Hunan. In order to please the council of nobles and not start a civil war Sesshomaru promised my four year old to the youngest tiger prince. I also rutted with the Lord of Hunan as well.” She said bitterly.

“You left your little girl?” she asked shocked.

“Yes Lark. I have. Believe me when I say that it really is for the best. Sesshomaru is an excellent father and I have failed. I cannot talk on it anymore. I want to die, do you understand that I will find a way to die and end this where no one will find me.” Augusta said holding her chest.

“Augusta go lie down.” Lark said.

She nodded to her younger half sister and lay down on the bed. She passed out and Countess Pemberton watched her sister for a moment. She slipped out of the room and decided to go see these demons. Her husband appeared and she smiled at him.

“Shhh! My sister has found me again. She sleeps.” Lark said softly to her husband.

“Is she alright?” he asked.

“No. I am going to go my darling.” She said.

“How long?” he asked.

“Not long. Tell her I was summoned by Elizabeth to court,” she said kissing his lips.

“I will. Be careful.” William stated.

“I will my darling.” She said.

She used all her power and ported to her older brother Viktor. She looked around and was in a vastly differently land.

“Lark?” Viktor asked in Russian.

“Da big brother. Where are we?” she asked.

“Japan. I am searching for our sister.” He said in sadness.

“She is at my estate in England. She is alright for now. I must see this male she bound herself to.” She said firmly.

“He is in the Western Palace.” He said.

“Let us go then. Does he speak Russian?” she asked.

“Da.” He remarked.

Lark looked around at the beautiful land and marveled. She was wearing petticoats and a farthingale and knew she would need more comfortable clothes. Viktor ported them to the palace and Lark looked at all the demons. Her mouth dropped open. Viktor took her to a silver haired male and grabbed the young demon. He whirled around a saw a blonde brown eyed female uppyr.

“Uncle Viktor who is she?” Osamu asked.

“She is your Aunt Lark Pemberton.” Viktor introduced them.

Lark curtsied and Osamu was shocked. She looked like his mother but her coloring was all different.

“I am a Halfling Osamu. My father was mortal.” She said in Russian.

“Where is my mother?” he asked.

“She is at my estate in Northern England. She thinks I am at court. May I meet your father?” she asked softly.

“Sure. This way.” He said taking her into the palace and she followed closely.

“Tell me about yourself nephew.” She said.

“I can speak English as well.” He said.

“Thank God! My Russian is not good,” she laughed.

“My father speaks Russian quite well.” Osamu said.

Her nephew knocked on a sliding door and she heard a strange language. They entered and Osamu bowed before his sire. Sesshomaru looked up and saw a strange female that in face appeared like Augusta.

“Lord Sesshomaru?” she asked in Russian.

“Hn.” He muttered.

“I am Countess Lark Pemberton. I know you probably know nothing of me but I am Augusta's half sister. I worry for her and your daughter Yoshiko?” Lark asked.

Sesshomaru looked at her closely. He waited for her to continue.

“Augusta suffers as I have never seen her suffer. She tells me that she has born you four offspring.” She stated.

“Hai.” He answered.

“Lord Sesshomaru she will die. She will deprive your daughter of her mother.” Lark said bluntly.

“I have no control over what Augusta decides to do. She tried to end her life here as well. If she ends it then I am sorry to hear it.” He shrugged.

“You care so little?” she asked.

“Augusta does what Augusta does. My youngest daughter is well cared for. Thank you for your concern Countess Pemberton.” He said standing.

“You do not deserve her then.” She snapped.

“Why is that?” he asked coldly.

“You really know nothing about her? You do not know the battles she has faced? I mean real battles. She faced horrors getting myself and our other half siblings away from the succubus that birthed us.” Lark said.

“I know very little of Augusta's true past. She has not seen fit to share but thank you again for your concern.” He said tonelessly.

“I see. God in Heaven save her for you will not. I know of one who will.” She said leaving the study.

“Who?” he demanded.

“It really is none of your concern anymore. I am sorry I wasted precious time.” She said walking out.

Sesshomaru walked out of his study and watched the blonde uppyr speaking quite animated to her elder brother. He watched her mouth Hunan and he narrowed his eyes.

“What is in Hunan for Augusta?” he demanded.

“Nothing Lord Sesshomaru. She had mentioned your eldest daughter's recent ceremony. Live long.” She curtsied.

He watched Viktor Orlovich teleport his half sister away. He was being eaten away with jealousy when he should not even care. He went back to his study and sat down in anger. Osamu had not left and he looked at his son.

“What did they say?” he demanded.

“They were saying that Mother intends to die. They said maybe another will care.” Osamu shrugged.

“Where is your mother?” he demanded again.

“At Countess Pemberton's estate in England.” He said.

“It matters not.” He said scowling.

“Apparently not.” Osamu said sadly and left his presence.

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Lark looked around a very grand structure and grounds and Viktor came before Lord Chen of the Byakko. The tigers could scent the hanyou kiang shi and watched interested,

“Lord Chen Hu?” she curtsied.

“I am Lord Chen.” He replied.

“I am Countess Lark Pemberton; Prince Viktor and Princess Augusta are my older siblings my Lord. May we speak privately?” she asked.

“Yes.” He answered.

Chen had not spoken Russian in a very long time and he stared at the hanyou. She followed him to his den and he shut the door behind her. He sat and she nodded.

“Lord Chen; I am unsure of all the circumstances but my sister attempted to end her life. Her twin saved her and her union with the dog demon is over it seems. He cares not that Augusta plans on ending her life soon. It is harder to kill an older uppyr and she will probably try and burn. She is broken; more broken than I have ever seen. She has no will. Your name was mentioned of someone who cared whether she existed or not.” Lark said softly.

“What?” he asked stunned.

“Yes.” She confirmed.

“She is where?” he asked leaning forward.

“My estate in England. I have not seen her for a very long time Lord Chen but she is dear to me. The dog demon is too stubborn to admit he loves her or even acknowledge what I say. You may not even convince her but I was hoping you would try.” She stated.

Chen sat back completely stunned. Augusta had been full of life days ago and now this? Asuna had indicated her parents falling out and the inu heir was searching for her mother that very moment. Chen stood up and nodded.

“Your country daemons are not out.” He replied.

“I may be married to a mortal but I assure you we know of the demons in the British Isles. He will handle it fine.” She said softly.

“Take me.” He said flatly.

“Viktor has more strength.” She said with a curtsy.

Chen emerged from his den and found the uppyr male. Chen called Cheung over and whispered in his middle son's ear. He nodded to his sire and Chen nodded and Viktor ported all three to Northern England.

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Lark seated her brother on a low couch and Chen looked around the English manor. He followed her up stairs and was lead into a heavily paneled room. Augusta was asleep in the middle of a massive bed and he watched as her sister slipped from the room. He climbed onto the bed next to her and held her. Augusta awoke and rolled over. She smiled and Chen's heart broke.

“Well I see Lark has been busy. She has always been a meddlesome thing.” Augusta said joking.

“Is it true that you and Sesshomaru are no more?” he asked.

“Yes. Do not fret Chen. Lark probably over reacted. I knowingly hurt Sesshomaru. She should not involve you in my woes.” She said sitting up.

“How did you try to end your life?” he asked.

“Knife to the heart. I was trying to sever my aorta but it did not happen. You know if your pierce your heart just so then death is instant. My head can be severed as well but I did not see at how to do that. Bleeding out is not always guaranteed to work. An uppyr has been known to survive; so I can burn.” She said staring at the ceiling.

“Why?” he asked.

“Chen go home. You love Meifen and Lihua and they are lovely tigresses.” She said rolling to her side.

“I care.” He said flatly.

“We had lovely encounters that I told you I cherish. You are amazing but you do not need my kind of filth. Go home.” She said closing her eyes.

“Lord Sesshomaru really does not care?” he asked in disbelief.

“He does but his pride will prevent him from reacting. I am a blemish now. I am a failure that he cannot and will not deal with. It is what he does. I am vermin and vile. I accept this Chen. I know him very well and his honor will not allow him to come after me. It is better this way. I was ready to die a century ago and I am ready again. Truly there is no talking me down. Thank you for caring enough to come. I am ready truly I am. Asuna brought me back and had me try and talk to him but he could not stand the sight of me. The Taisho demanded excellence from his eldest son and neglected him because he looked like Natsumi. He learned to live up to his name and both his parents were too busy to raise him. He pretty well raised himself.” Augusta said.

“That is lame Augusta.” He snorted.

“It is not when you grow up during the One Great War. Look Chen; you have no idea as to everything and I will not spoil your image of me. I am tired. I know it is selfish but there it is. There is a physical pain that will not stop.” She replied.

“I do not know what to say.” He said.

“It means everything to me that you care.” She sighed.

“Come to Hunan.” He demanded.

“No because if I do then that will dishonor Sesshomaru even more. I am giving everyone involved a clean slate. Chen it is alright. Have Viktor take you back and forget you knew me. I am actually alright with this.” She said softly.

“Screw the dog.” He said hoarsely.

“No. I would never ask you to treat your mates as such.” She said closing her eyes.

“Augusta.” He said holding her tightly.

“Go on. Live well.” She said with her eyes shut tightly and tears slipped out.

Chen intended to get Asuna and stop this travesty. He slipped from the bed and out of the room. Augusta sobbed silently and sat up. She ported away again. She actually went to the one creature she hoped would help her. She was in Naraku's Northern Castle and the dark youki came from another room. She smiled wanly and his face held sympathy.

“Will you help me?” she asked.

“To do what exactly Augusta.” He replied.

“I need help in ending my suffering. You can control your miasma and I want to stop hurting. Finish what you started when you brought me to the islands. Allow me a modicum of honor and let me decide how it ends.” She said looking at him.

“Asuna would never forgive me.” He said.

“She need not know. Sesshomaru and I are done. I am about as high on his list as you.” She said sighing.

“Augusta you let that beast hurt you as such?” he demanded.

“Imagine yourself cut off again.” She replied.

“I cannot believe this.” He said softly.

“You brought me here! You trapped me with him!” she hissed.

Naraku closed his eyes and sighed. He grabbed her arm and released a huge amount of miasma.

“Bear me no more ill will and forgive me.” He said.

“Thank you.” She said smiling.

She moved slowly and the skin surrounding the claw marks was a dark purple. She ported away and found the stream that she had lost their first pup. There were several large trees and she settled down at the base of one. She watched as Naraku's toxin spread slowly up her arm. She was on the outskirts of Western Lands and it pleased her that she would end it here. She completely shut down her mind and just felt. The pain was horrid but it made it real. Her chest hurt and she realized how truly deadly Naraku could be. She closed her eyes and figured it would take a few days. She allowed sleep to take her.

Sesshomaru was out again in so many days. Fighting made the separation easier. Augusta had disappeared yet again he had found out. His pups were in turmoil but he would not go after her. He picked up the stench of a horridly potent shoki. He followed the stench and Augusta was sleeping peacefully beneath a tree and her arm was slowly turning a horrid purple color. Horror gripped as him he actually saw the extent of the shoki.

“Augusta!” he hissed shaking her.

She barely stirred and smiled at him. She lifted her good hand and touched his face. Pain flit across her features and dropped it.

“I am sorry to touch you; I was dreaming. I thought you would be gone by now. Hell I thought I would be gone by now.” She said deliriously.

“Why here?” he demanded.

“It seemed bittersweet. This is where we truly began I think. Go on Sesshomaru; I shall not mar your person any longer.” She said sitting up.

She managed to stand and walk away from him. The look on his face was terrible. She turned and willed Tokijin to her. Sesshomaru moved quickly but she was quicker. She shoved the blade through her and slowly pulled it out. She damned her heritage that made it harder for the older uppyr to die. He held her and his eyes were frigid. She had marred his honor.

“Kamis I just want to die. Let go of me.” She said rasping.

“You are a fool.” He hissed.

“Hai a fool. I was a fool to believe in you! Let me go. Allow us both some sort of fucking dignity will you? Have you resorted to calling me vermin yet?” she hissed back.

“Why are you torturing us?” he asked her.

“I am sorry. Leave me here and I will try and die in a less beautiful place. We made love here you know.” She said staring up at the sky.

“You shut me out Augusta. I beg no one for anything and I will not.” He said frigidly.

“I understand more than you know. I do not have enough strength left to port away so could you please just go. I understand Asuna so much more you realize. Our time was truly the best part of my miserable existence. I am sorry you could not understand.” She stated closing her eyes.

“Open your eyes.” He said shaking her.

“I understand I dishonored you; you do not need to see the light leave my eyes Sesshomaru.” She said breathing heavier.

“Why did you sister go to Hunan?” he demanded.

“To ask Quon where Asuna was.” She groaned.

“You lie! Why did she go?” he demanded again.

“Viktor knew I aided Lord Chen. He wanted someone to care since you do not. He did come and I sent him away.” She said deliriously.

Jealous rage tore through him and he shook her harder. She opened clouded eyes and again gave him a brilliant smile.

“You are so beautiful.” She whispered.

“Augusta why are you doing this?” he demanded in a pained voice.

“Because you are never wrong; you told me so. You made a unilateral decision about our sweet pup that you gave me despite the danger. You took away her choices and turned her into a whore just like I was. You did not ask me or her. I realized that I would never truly be anything more than something to grace your bed. These past one hundred eleven years had been a farce and I still was some male's whore. I did not matter so why should my death.” She said breathing harder.

He was speechless and seemed helpless to stop her demise. She chuckled and actually rolled out of his arms.

“You absolved our union my Love. I do not belong to you any longer. Will you send my body back to Russia and have me buried next to my other sister? Please allow me that one honor.” She said shuddering.

“No.” he said flatly.

“I see.” She said pulling herself up with great effort.

She staggered away from him and he watched. She sobbed totally broken and settled beneath the tree. Augusta's breathing was more labored and she watched him suffer with her.

“You are cruel to your enemies. I am sorry I was not what you needed. Should watching me pass my last breaths make it better for you?” she asked.

“Shut up!” he snarled.

He picked her up and transformed into his sphere. He could not think of where to take her. He settled down near some water falls and held her close to him.

“I love you. I have always loved you and you did not want me. Why should I open myself?” he demanded from her.

“I wanted your forgiveness but you would never ask for mine. Just lay me down and walk away.” She snapped.

Sesshomaru felt another presence and saw the witch known as Tamiko. She looked terribly angry and sat down next to them.

“You foolish onna! Have I taught you nothing Augusta?” Tamiko hissed.

“You never told me you were a Kami. Tell Sesshomaru who you are.” Augusta laughed softly.

“First you.” She hissed.

She pressed a potion to her lips and the Western Lord actually pried her mouth open. She grunted in anger as she was forced to drink a foul tasting potion. Augusta grew dizzy in Sesshomaru's arms.

“You are not done yet here Augusta. It is not your time. Both of you set aside your pride and your pasts. This is where your hearts truly lie. Pride will take all Lord Sesshomaru and your sire learned too late. Do not be so foolish.” She said then stood.

“Who are you?” Sesshomaru demanded.

“Foolish inu. I am a Tengu. I protect you and those of the House of the Moon.” She said moving away.

“She will live?” he asked.

“She will live but how she lives is up to you. She is restored completely.” Tamiko stated.

He watched the Tengu walk away and slowly disappear. He looked down at her and he was angry and relieved. He stared at the only female he had truly loved. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her softly. She stirred and looked as angry as he was. He pushed her jaw to the side and sank his fangs into her juncture, he was brutal and she grunted in pain. She cried out and struggled. He pulled back and their eyes were stormy.

“You intended to leave me.” He snarled.

“You intended to never get over your insufferable pride.” She hissed back.

He ripped open her kimono and she gasped. His eyes were burning and he ran his hands over her stomach and then her breasts. Her neck was torn open and he sucked on the abused flesh. She could not help it and a guttural moan escaped her lips. Regret, pain, and need overcame the normally stoic inu and he held her jaw and started kissing along it. He was gentle in his nips and she was already becoming a moaning mess. She nipped his lips several times and was aggressive in her attentions. His claws tangled in her hair and he was standing on his knees. He forced her to look up at him and thrust his tongue into her mouth and mated hers. She wanted to punish and dominant but he was dominating her for the moment. His mouth was demanding her and teasing her. He tried to put into his actions what he could not say. He pulled her down and laid her out on her ruined kimono. He pulled away from her mouth and cupped a breast and dragged a claw across the nipple and she hissed. He suckled the same nipple and she arched her chest to try and get him to take more.

“You are greedy.” He whispered against the soft flesh.

“Oh God drop the arrogance!” she cried.

“Now why would I do that?” he asked in a hazy lust filled voice.

She felt his hands spread her thighs. She watched him scent her center; a thought overcame her and she growled low in her throat to get his attention. He looked up at her and she shifted her position. Sesshomaru watched her and knew her ideas normally lead to very pleasurable endeavors. She was undoing the stays to his hakamas and suddenly her mouth was around him.

“Augusta!” he growled loudly.

She was doing incredible things with her tongue and lips and he lost focus. In all their years they had never mutually gratified each other at the same time. He shifted her leg and gave her center a long sensuous lick. She moaned and the vibrations caused him to nearly lose it. He flicked his tongue over her nub and sucked on it and he felt her body shake against his. He made a mental note to do this again as soon as possible. Her taste was heavenly and he continued to pleasure her. He inserted two fingers into her sheath and groaned. She stopped for a moment and again shook against him lightly. She wrapped her fingers around his sac and rolled his stones. He ripped his mouth away and growled fiercely.

“Now!” he hissed as she nearly took all of him.

His eyes rolled back and he could no longer fight his body's reactions and came suddenly. She groaned and held the back of his thighs as she swallowed his release. She released her hold on him and he was on her. He was growling and nearly snarling.

“Submit to me.” He asked in an animalistic sound.

“Huh?” she asked confused.

“Not because of duty! Because you want me.” He said in a strained voice.

Sudden understanding hit her and how her behavior had deeply hurt him. She had mocked him in a very primal way. She got up and presented herself in the traditional way. Augusta bared her neck as well and released a throaty moan when she felt his hands on her round backside. All of him was pleased at her sweet surrender and the view she offered him. He had no intentions of taking her like this but she pushed herself backwards.

“Please Sesshomaru. Please.” She cried to him.

“Augusta, I want to see your eyes.” He murmured softly.

His fingertips were ghosting over her skin and she shivered under his touch. He wanted to just touch her and he lightly kissed the back of her neck. His hair fell across her back and she cried out. His light touches were making her crazy with lust and desire. She loved him so much it hurt and ached. Augusta wondered if a perceptive creature could be bound in a spirit bond. Her claws gouged the soft earth and she heard the water rushing from Hannoki Falls. His fingertips were on the backs of her thighs and she lowered her head. He was going to do his will and fulfill his need to just feel. He was all inu and his basic need to touch was as basic as they got.

“Sesshomaru.” She nearly sobbed.

“Hai?” he asked softly.

“Please my love! I am so sorry for hurting you. Please, why do you deny us?” she said crying.

“You tried to take yourself away from me. You tried to destroy the one being I am one with. I need to see if you are real.” He murmured brushing his lips against her back.

Profound regret ripped through her very soul and she allowed herself to be weak in front of him. She pushed herself up to where she stood on her knees and her back was to him. He brought his hands to her flat belly and she leaned her head back on his shoulder. He met her lips again with his and he wanted their futon, he wanted her in their room where they had conceived their pups.

“Hai.” She whispered.

She ported them to their chambers and he busied himself with divesting himself of all his cloths. She watched him and he pushed her back and he was settled between her creamy thighs.

“Never harm what belongs to me again. Never take yourself from me again.” He growled.

“Hai!” she cried out as he pushed into her.

She arched her hips and met his slow, lazy strokes. Sesshomaru was going to make her sob and beg she realized. His thumb was already on her nub and massaging her gently. She was sucking in her breath trying to catch it and had to pant. He lowered his fangs to her neck and bit in; an orgasm ripped through her and she was crying out. He did not stop his slow possession of her body.

“I cannot take more, please.” She cried loudly.

“Hai Augusta you can.” He murmured softly.

She lifted her hips to feel him deeper and he shut his eyes. He fought to control his responses but withdrew suddenly and flipped her over. She was on her hands and knees and he reentered her. He pushed into as deep as he could and moaned loudly. Primal thoughts ripped through him and he began plunging into her with abandon. His mate cried her pleasure and words of love. His heart sped at her declarations that he craved like air. He reached under and grazed her nub again. He felt her pull on his mind that happened in intense moments like this. He had no idea what she was doing but he felt her suddenly.

“Augusta?” he rasped.

“Sesshomaru make us one. Please.” She cried hoarsely.

He thrusts lost focus and became harder and harder. She screamed wordlessly as he increased the pressure on her clit. He felt their combined releases overcome them both and he snarled as he became rigid. He felt her velvet walls grip and milk him of his seed. He had felt her release as if it was his own and it overwhelmed him. He pulled her down and spooned her body. He was tired but it felt right. He groaned as he realized he needed to let his offspring know that their mother was alright. She had fallen asleep and he slipped from their futon. He wrapped a yukata around his body and slipped out. He summoned Jaken and the little imp fell at his feet. He rolled his eyes and some things never changed. He had written a short letter and sent it to Osamu. He stood from his seat at his desk and went to the head house keeper.

“Return all of Lady Augusta's things to her proper chambers.” He said in his bored voice.

“Hai my Lord!” she said bowing.

He heard Osamu before he saw him. He turned and saw his eldest son. He raised a brow and the young inu was trying to hold in his relief and happiness.

“Father?” he asked.

“She is home where she belongs.” He said bluntly.

“Thank the Kamis!” Osamu cried.

“Pardon me son as I wish to be with her now. Find your sister; she is searching for her.” He stated.

“Hai.” He replied.

Osamu moved away and Sesshomaru caught sight of the Tengu. He moved over to her and bowed. Tamiko watched the Western Lord and smiled.

“Prepare yourself Lord Sesshomaru. She is ready to share her story. I have given back what was stolen from you both.” She said softly.

“Thank you for doing what I was too inept to do.” He admitted.

“Your sire never listened when he should. Touga thought he knew better. Forgive her and tell her you forgive her. I am here for you all.” She said bowing.

“What did you mean by restoring what was taken?” he asked in his baritone.

“You will see. The tsuchigumo will rear their heads again be prepared for that too.” She said disappearing.

He looked puzzled and went back to his mate. She was sprawled across their futon and he smirked. She was exhausted from their encounter and he lay beside her. She stirred a little and leaned back into his embrace. They still had issues to work out but she was here and in his bed. He could handle the rest.

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