InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Hadasan ( Chapter 59 )

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

I am exploring some rather intense themes in this chapter so if they bother you then please skip it. Thanks for reading. I am nearing my goal chapter wise. Thanks again for reading. Please R and R if you can!

 

Snow Leopards and Hadasan

 

We were in Chen's castle at Mandalgovi and it was bitter cold. My father in law was quite at home in fact. I was not bothered much by the cold either but my mother was. She seemed sluggish and wished to sleep quite a bit. I was concerned but she assured me this was normal for an uppyr and I was not sure that I believed it but I did not press her. Chen and I were deep in the forests surrounding Byakko castle and I could sense very elusive youki auras. Chen assured me that it was in fact the leopards.

“They seem rather shy or is it they are rather ferocious?” I asked him.

“The latter. When I was a cub I got lost in this very forest but I was found by a leopardess. She defended me and brought me back here. She was kind but I watched as she tore a male of her species apart. They do not pair off except to produce offspring and then the males are kept away from the cubs.” He explained.

“They sound like their wild counterparts.” I said astonished.

“They are and then they are not. They are highly intelligent but they just prefer solitude. I know a few around here only but they would know where the wraiths congregate.” He stated.

“Are you going to change form?” I asked.

“Yes actually that is a good idea. They will respond better to my native tongue better than Min.” he laughed.

I nodded and stepped back as he changed into the giant silver tiger. He was a sight and quite a handsome creature. He was powerfully built and muscled and seemed to have more bulk than Quon did. His face was free of any stripes and his eyes were piercing silver. I followed at a short distance as he was yowling. It was a strange sound to my ears but almost melodic. I was grabbed and a spear pressed to my throat. It was a female snow leopard and she was angry.

“Who are you?” she hissed in Manchu.

“Who are you?” I retorted.

I saw Chen come out of the woods and he changed form. She hissed in my ear and pressed the blade deeper. My claws started t glow with my Dakkasou and the Byakko Lord hissed no.

“Nayan! It is Chen Hu! Please she is Quon's mate.” He said putting up his hands.

“Why does she stink of dog?” she hissed.

“Because I am inu.” I said growling.

“You will be a dead dog.” She said almost slitting my throat.

I threw her over my shoulder and I pulled my fang. Chen came between us and I scented cubs. I sheathed the Kumosaiga and dropped to my knee. She was a mother protecting her young and I would submit this once.

“I am a mother as well.” I said with a bowed head.

I spied her looking at me and at Chen. Chen nodded and she lowered her weapon. She stepped back and watched me like a hawk with very feline eyes.

“I was hoping that maybe you could help me Nayan. I am searching for a group of wraiths somewhere in Mongolia.” Chen said softly.

“You mean the stinking Shouten?” she asked.

“Yes.” He answered.

“They are near Hadasan Chen Hu. You staying alive I see?” she asked rather flippantly.

“Yes I am staying alive. You have more cubs?” he asked in interest.

“Yes but you will no be seeing them. Leave now.” She commanded.

“Thank you for the information.” He bowed.

“You plan to kill these wraiths?” she asked.

“That is my plan yes.” He stated.

“I will join you. I meet you at your castle tomorrow.” She said bowing.

She disappeared into the forest and I stood. I felt my neck and it was bleeding. I growled in irritation as I followed Chen back to his castle.

“Her speech is rough and broken.” I stated.

“Yes it is. They normally speak their native tongue and see very few outsiders. She wondered why I allowed Quon to mate a dog.” He chuckled.

“Bitch!” I hissed.

“Calm down. They are more reclusive then most big felines and do not take kindly to outsiders. They are honorable my dear but rough.” He smiled.

“You are a flirt and could charm the pants off of any onna.” I teased.

“Well I did have my heyday.” He chuckled again.

“Seems we all have. Mother is not well.” I pointed out.

“I was becoming concerned. She is from Novgorod and should be able to handle cold a little better.” He replied thoughtfully.

“I am sure it will be fine.” I said not so sure.

I went to check on her and she was sleeping heavily. I felt her head and she was rather warm. Chen was in the doorway and I looked up at him.

“I am going to be blunt and ask did you release your shoki when you coupled with her.” I asked.

“Not that I am aware. Is she ill because of me?” he asked concerned.

“I am unsure. She is running a fever but her hands are cold.” I said brushing her hair off her face.

“I control my shoki in my humanoid form though.” He said sitting on the bed.

It dawned on me that Jing's shoki acted similar to the Byakko. I looked up at Chen and he had come to the same conclusion as I did.

“When did the bastard get to her?” he hissed.

“I do not know. Damnit! Chen I will be right back.” I said porting to Novgorod.

I went to the Orlovich House and knocked on the door. The beast Anya answered and scowled at me and I growled at her.

“Will you tell my Uncle Viktor that I am here?” I asked in a tight voice.

“Da dog!” she snapped.

I growled rather loudly at her and she hurried to another room. Moments later my uncle came out and he looked concerned.

“Mother I think has fallen victim to wraith shoki.” I said.

“Let us go then.” He said.

I grabbed his hand and ported us back to Chen's castle. My father in law sat by mother and looked concerned. Viktor walked straight up to her and pulled her up in a sitting position.

“Augusta wake up! It is Viktor.” He shook her.

“Da?” she moaned.

“Sister, I am going to drain you some and give you back my blood alright? Did a wraith get you?” he asked sharply.

“Da. Neyt. I do not know.” She said confused.

I watched as my uncle sank his fangs into her neck and she groaned. He was trying to make it pleasant and Chen actually looked jealous. I stared at him with narrowed eyes and he changed the look on his face. My mother was actually moaning rather loudly and Viktor pulled back. He licked the blood off of his lips and nodded to me.

“She has been tainted by a wraith. Damn beasts!” he growled.

He cut his own neck and pulled her to his jugular. I knew he was doing it to give her access to a bigger vein but Chen walked out in almost a fit of anger. I followed after him and hissed.

“What is wrong with you? That is her brother! Her twin no less!” I snapped at him.

“He does not need to enjoy it so much! What would your sire say?” Chen growled.

“My sire has been around her for well over a century and knows what happens. Kamis Chen she is not even yours!” I snapped again.

“I am sorry.” He said stomping away.

I realized this relationship went beyond what it should be. I sighed and went back to my mother. She was awake but very tired. She smiled at me and her brother.

“I think the beast got to me outside of Shanghai. I felt a presence and then terribly cold.” She said softly.

“Well Sister I believe I will be staying to see if I can help. Lark has gone back to England?” he asked.

“Da. Her husband is mortal after all.” She chuckled.

Viktor helped my mother up and she hugged her brother. I wondered if the wraith had fed off of her and my eyes flashed red.

“It probably did dear. It also was probably a spy. My shields are rather strong so have no fear.” She said in a tired voice.

“Please talk to Chen. He is being rather obtuse.” I said in irritation.

“Hai, I will go do that.” She bowed and walked after the Byakko Lord.

Viktor watched me and I stared right back. He looked amused and I was annoyed by that.

“She has common sense niece. Quit being so inu, you are half uppyr.” He chuckled as he walked past me.

“She is mated to an inu who will fly into a rage if he finds out that my father in law covets my mother!” I hissed.

“She has common sense. You should learn from her.” He pointed out.

I quit his presence in slight anger and knew he spoke the truth. I knew I was racing time before Ishin and Naraku decided to move against Jing. They had formed some form of deep bond it seemed and Nobu had given me a book of the history of the tsuchigumo kingdom. What had happened between the three of us was not uncommon in their past. I was rather shocked that they would share me so openly but it was there. I sighed again and the idea of Naraku fighting right now appalled me. I was restless and went outside and transformed. I knew to stay to the other side of the forest and away from the snow leopardess. I started scenting the frozen ground and narrowed my crimson eyes. I set off and went deeper in the forest. I started growling as I tried to find the source of the scent. I flared my nostrils and opened my mind. I had him and ran even deeper. Leaning beside a tree was possibly my greatest enemy or a potential ally. His long black hair was tied back and he perused my form. I walked straight up to him and began scenting him and he seemed amused. I butted him with my nose and began growling.

“Calm yourself.” He stated.

-Eyal?- I asked in his mind.

“From Babylon and Daica.” He stated smoothly.

I transformed and kept my hand on my fang. I circled him and continued to scent him.

“You have no reason to trust me I know. I can help you defeat these beasts.” He said softly.

“I want to believe you but how did you escape?” I demanded.

“That is for me to know. I will not have a potential enemy know a weakness.” He stated bluntly.

“They got to my mother.” I said.

“That is unfortunate. Is Augusta Elizaveta alright?” he asked.

“Hai. She is fine. Her brother Viktor gave her untainted blood.” I said still circling him.

“When you appeared to me before you gave me the name Yuina. You have had my blood and you can choose to see into my mind if you wish. I will not stop you.” He stated.

I closed my eyes and I did not have to prod his mind. I caught a glimpse of him sleeping. I realized the uppyr could go into a death like sleep and that is how he had escaped. He had let the creature take him over and Jarek knew. The little bastard had hid that information. I stepped back and looked him over. I could not stop myself from hating him but I knew it had not been truly him. He had to let himself do terrible things in order to preserve the timeline.

“I see. I will have to learn to trust you. Do you remember what that creature made your body do?” I asked.

“Yes. I am grieved for it but I can help you now.” He stated bluntly.

“Stay in the shadows for now. It will take me some time to not shudder when I see you.” I said turning.

“You really are my equal in uppyr abilities Lady Asuna. You are amazing.” He said calling after me.

“I wish I trusted you. I wish things did not happen as they did.” I said in a rather wretched tone.

He came up slowly behind me and turned me around. He lifted my chin and his gentle manner was unnerving.

“I beg your forgiveness. I would not hurt one of mine purposely. I would not hurt such an incredible woman on principle.” He stated very quietly.

“Would you hurt any other onna if she crossed you?” I demanded.

“I would protect my kind from any, you would do the same.” He stated flatly.

“You are right I would.” I said.

“You are my kind.” He stated.

“I am also inu.” I mumbled.

“You look like a dog daemon but you are more uppyr.” He commented.

“You can let me go Eyal.” I said firmly.

“Yes I apologize.” He said releasing me.

His memories of torturing me were tormenting him and I felt for him. I never thought that I would have pity for this creature. I kissed his cheek and he nodded. I grew bold and curious and pulled his lips to my own. I wanted to see if it was the same as it had been then. It was gentle and too erotic as his hands held the sides of my face. This was not the beast that had raped me and I pulled away quickly.

“Thank you for your help.” I said moving away.

He said nothing as I went back towards the castle. This uppyr was very different and more like my mother and that thought frightened me. I decided to put those thoughts from my mind as I would end up with a headache if I thought on it too much. I turned and he was still there.

“Did you at least try to fight it off?” I asked.

“Of course but did you not say I had to let it happen? Do you understand it went against who I am and who I have been?” he asked me.

“What wraith was it?” I asked.

“A Steppe Wraith. I am unsure of who it was as I really do not care. You destroyed it when you nearly killed me.” He said sighing.

“That thing nearly destroyed me. I would have gladly taken death instead of what it did. I may not like some ningen but I would not feed from them. That thing awakened things in me I wish I did not feel. I crave blood now and it takes everything to try and quash the damn blood lust. You say I am more uppyr and maybe you are right but it was what I was turned to.” I stated fiercely.

“I would have stopped it if I could. I cannot take back what he did. I told you I feed from mortals that are evil.” He stated.

“How do you decide?” I asked arching my brow.

“I can sense their very souls Lady Asuna much as you could if you dared. I understand you anger and hatred but you now know it was not me.” He said sensitively.

“What bothers you more, the fact that it raped me or that it was not you?” I asked impertinently.

“It bothers me that you were raped at all. The rape of your body was bad enough but the raping of your mind is the biggest sin.” He said delicately.

“Kamis I want to believe you.” I said in a rather tortured voice.

“You saw Jarek's mind, you know I tried to raise him right.” He stated point-blank.

“How did that happen that you managed to raise your son and become a monster?” I asked.

“I sent him away.” He said in sorrowful tone.

“I see. What of the whore Syna? The one who told you what you were?” I asked in an even voice.

“She was Jarek's mother.” He sighed.

“She mothered your son and what?” I demanded from him.

“She was killed by the Byzantine. I have told you that we uppyr do not normally get married and have families like your mother has. She is unusual and always has been.” He said perplexed.

“So you would never tie yourself to another?” I asked.

“Why would I? Why should you?” he demanded of me.

“It is what inu do. You seem to forget that I do have those instincts as well.” I snapped.

“Yet you do not stay monogamous at all.” He replied.

“No, I have not. There is a part of me that is ashamed of it and another that glories in it. You are full uppyr so you cannot understand. I am fortunate that my mates are of the mind set that I am not forced to account for all my actions that go against my inu side.” I stated matter of fact.

“Do you have a successful relationship with another dog daemon?” he asked in a knowing manner.

“No. Unfortunately inu are typically warriors and they have died in battle.” I said looking away.

“Yet now from what I understand you have not sought another.” He said softly.

“Shezmu is what I am. He is the only one that I am even remotely tied to.” I admitted.

“And he is part uppyr. Your actions are telling Lady Asuna. I have tarried too long. You have my sword.” He said bowing.

I was confused again and I bowed in return. I walked slowly back towards the castle and I was tormented by everything.

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We were near Hadasan and the snow leopardess Nayan was still rude and rather abrupt. It was obvious she did not like my mother and I suspected she was entranced by Chen. He seemed not to notice or care. My mother and Chen had a nasty fight and at the moment they were rather belligerent with one another. Chen and Nayan spoke in a different tongue that we did not understand and made my mother even angrier. I could not blame her but we moved silently. We were moving through heavily wooded hills and came upon a small palace. We watched carefully and Nayan spoke quickly to my father in law.

“Nayan said that is the home of some wraiths. Whether or not it is Lei Jing remains up to us.” He said smoothly.

“Is your friend such a snotty little whore that she cannot speak to us?” my mother snapped in Russian.

“You go overboard Lady Augusta. Nayan does not speak much outside of her native Mongolian. You are being a bitch and I do not mean an inu!” he hissed at her.

“Lord Chen please.” I said firmly.

“You want to fight Chen? Is that what you wish?” my mother growled.

“Yes let us bring the whole of the wraith population to us and out number us kiang shi!” he snarled.

“I said enough!” I hissed softly.

“Too loud!” Nayan stated in Manchu.

“I did not ask you!” Mother said stepping towards Nayan.

“Tell the blood sucker back off or her throat is split!” Nayan hissed to Chen.

“Mother please!” I said grabbing her.

“I am going to Shezmu-sama's group. To hell with fucking cats!” she snarled at Chen.

My mother ported away and I stared at Chen and he was angry. Nayan seemed to be pacing and I tried not to glare.

“Nayan, could you please give my daughter in law and me a moment?” Chen asked.

“Be quick tiger.” She said in broken Manchu.

He nodded and dragged me away from the snow leopardess.

“What in the Kamis name is going on with you and my mother?” I demanded.

“We had a fight. I did not like how her brother fed her.” He said in a pissy tone.

“He is her twin. There is nothing untoward in that.” I said arching my brow.

“Yes there is when I would have fed her.” He said stubbornly.

“Oh my Kamis you actually think that giving her your blood is your responsibility?” I asked in disbelief.

“I do not know! Something has happened to me since I have been with her. I feel her; hell I hear her in my head!” he snapped.

“Chen you are telepathic!” I said stunned.

“I was not before I met her.” He said in a fury.

“Hai you were. You never used it, you are jealous!” I stated.

“Maybe I am.” He growled.

“What have you all done? What have you two been doing?” I demanded.

“How am I supposed to know? She apparently awoke a latent ability.” He sneered.

“Did you bond with her?” I asked grabbing his shoulders.

“I do not know!” he yelled at me.

“Can you path to her over great distances?” I asked.

“Yes.” He mumbled.

“You idiot! No wonder Quon is perceptive because you are a telepath. You two are morons!” I snapped.

“Truly how was I supposed to know?” he demanded.

“You should not have been rutting with my mother!” I hissed.

“Well we both are responsible for that.” He growled.

“Hai you both are. You mated her in the uppyr fashion Chen. She is probably feeling jealousy as well.” I said shaking my head.

“We can just ignore it.” He stated rather stupidly.

“You have not ignored it thus far.” I retorted.

“We have wraiths to hunt. Enough of this.” He snapped at me.

“You need to apologize to my mother.” I demanded.

“I need to? What about her?” he demanded of me.

“You are trying to piss her off on purpose. You are trying to make her angry.” I pointed out.

“Keep your nose out!” he snarled.

“No you need to have more discretion and more sense. Meifen is due any day now and you are acting like a cub!” I stated in anger.

He seemed deflated at the mention of his chief mate. I released a sigh and moved away.

“I will apologize.” He murmured.

“Lord Chen, you have tapped into a very powerful type of yoki. You and my mother have formed a very intense bond. I would not go so far as to say soul mates but you two feel each other so keenly because of the ferocity of your feelings.” I explained.

“Why does she not explain this then? Why can she not tell me these things?” he demanded.

“Denial.” I stated bluntly.

“Your sire does not have this ability and I do. Oh Gods what the hell have I done?” he asked me softly.

“The same thing I have.” I shrugged.

“Cute Asuna.” He snapped walking with me.

“I suggest pathing to her and talk with her. You have only seen her temper once or twice. Most in the Western Palace run when she is having a fit. Things have a tendency to fly and break.” I chuckled.

“Great.” He muttered.

“Quit being jealous over her twin and quit flirting with the snow leopardess.” I suggested.

“I am not flirting!” he said affronted.

“Well then she wants you. The pheromones coming off of her are thick. Can you not scent it?” I asked.

“She smells normal to me.” He said stubbornly.

“So she is always turned on?” I asked pursing my lips.

“I guess so. Damn nu zi. Damn kiang shi!” he snapped as he walked past me.

I suppressed laughter and watched him walk right by Nayan and not say a word. She turned and narrowed her cat eyes at me. I was in no mood to deal with her and I followed after Chen.

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“I feel you around Augusta! Please talk with me.” Chen said in irritation.

“Why so you can accuse me of incest again?” she snapped at the Byakko lord.

“I would rather feed you if you need it. It bothers me to see you take blood from another youki.” He said looking away.

“He is my twin! He and I shared our mother's womb Chen! Kamis you are being ridiculous.” She growled.

“I love you. I love Meifen and Lihua but the intensity in which I love you is scaring me. I hear you and I feel you and it is not what I am used to.” He said fiercely.

“Kamis we have formed a sort of bond. Chen, I am sorry. I had no idea you were telepathic. Hell you have been deaf to my own yoki before we made love.” She murmured.

“I know but this is overwhelming me. Do you understand?” he asked her.

“I can only imagine what it must be like to be deaf and then suddenly hear. You have to accept that I will occasionally take blood from another. You have to accept that Sesshomaru is my lawful mate just as Meifen and Lihua are yours.” She said crossing her arms.

“I understand all that but my head is saying different things.” He said shaking it.

“We have to be calm and discreet.” Augusta said moving closer.

“Augusta stop.” He said gently.

“Stop what?” she smirked.

“The thoughts. The rather lewd thoughts you are having about me.” He sighed.

She moved forward and pulled him down to her lips. Their lips melded and began searing the other. He pulled away and breathed hard.

“This is what I mean. I get consumed with need for you and we need to work on the wraith situation.” He said.

“Chen you can learn to manage. It becomes second nature. I do not like the snow leopardess. She is conceited arrogant whore and if she lays one more hand on you in such a familiar manner then I shall rip her Kamis damn throat out.” Augusta said very sweetly walking away from him.

Chen stared after the uppyr princess and was dumbfounded. He followed her and they made it back to Nayan and Asuna. He grimaced when Augusta shared images of her draining the leopardess dry. He glared at her and they hedged closer to the wraith palace.

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Mother and I moved quietly and masked our presence till we could not be sensed. There were gibbons all over the place and I suppressed a growl. My mother had a short katana in her hand and it was odd to see. We moved in the shadows and behind pillars.

-Surely this is too fine a place for a bunch of monkeys! - She pathed to me.

-I agree. This has to be a dwelling for Lei Jing. - I growled in her head.

We continued to move further into the palace and walked straight into a female wraith. I grabbed her so quickly she had no chance to scream. She was young and her resemblance to Ang Chi sent me reeling.

“You better stay in this form or you will die, do you understand me?” I hissed softly.

“Yes.” She said frightened.

“Who are you?” I demanded.

“Meihui Jing.” She said in a scared voice.

“Who was Bai gu Jing to you?” I said narrowing my eyes.

“My mother.” She stated.

My mother stared at me and I nodded. I grabbed the girl and we ported away. This was Ang Chi's half sister and I intended to grill her. We appeared back at the Western Palace and I dragged her to the nursery and I walked in. Ang Chi jumped up in surprise and his mouth widened when he saw her.

“Meihui?” he asked in shock.

“Ang Chi?” she cried in astonishment.

“I am assuming you knew your sister.” I asked Ang Chi.

“Hai.” He nodded.

“Where is Lei Jing?” I demanded of her.

“I do not know.” She answered.

“Does he reside at that palace?” I asked.

“Every so often. He does not stay there much.” She mumbled.

“Where else does he go to?” I snapped.

“I really do not know. I am not one of his favorite relatives and I am not fond of him either.” She retorted.

I growled at her and Ang Chi seemed perplexed. I released her and she moved forward and hugged her brother tightly.

“You have been amongst these dogs all this time?” she asked him softly.

“Meihui, I am half dog as you say.” He snapped at her.

“Why did you not try and find me? Why did you leave me?” she demanded of him.

“She never brought me to your home! I was not good enough apparently.” He said in a hurt tone.

“Ang Chi! Enough for now. Sit both of you.” I commanded.

“Hai Mother.” He said sitting.

“He calls you mother? You are not his mother!” she hissed at me.

“I have been for the past several years. He is inu and now Lord of Manchuria. Watch your tone with me wraith.” I said with narrowed eyes.

“You stupid dog whore! You kill our mother and now you steal my brother?” she said starting at me.

I grabbed her hand and squeezed it rather tightly. She screamed in pain and Ang Chi came to my side and looked at me with pleading eyes.

“Mother! Please! Please do not hurt her.” He begged me.

I released her and my eyes were red. She was frightened and backed away from me. I turned my head and stared at Ang Chi.

“Your mother fucked the former Manchu lord and begot Ang Chi. I am assuming it was for power. She was no better a mother than a common rat! Ang Chi is my son and I dare a damn wraith to contest that. I shelter him and feed him. I am the one that loves him and restored his birth right!” I snarled at her.

“You murdered his mother!” she hissed at me.

“She attacked me slut! I defended myself when I killed her.” I said stepping closer.

“Ang Chi why do you stay here?” she asked him.

“Because they love me and have become my family. I want nothing to do with my past.” He said bluntly.

“Gods you are a coward!” she yelled at him.

I lost my temper and went over to her and slapped her so hard she hit the wall. Ang Chi grabbed my hand and again started pleading for the wraith female. I growled low in my throat and yipped at him in inu. He bowed his head and backed off.

“Do not speak unless spoken to. Your uncle covets what is mine and he will die by my hand. You have a choice; you submit now and get to know your brother better or you can die the same way your whore mother did!” I said stepping closer to her.

“I choose to live.” She mumbled.

“I am glad you are wise. Now you will tell me where else that beast likes to haunt.” I said in a calmer voice.

Ang Chi visibly relaxed and sat down. Hana peeked her head from another room. She ran to him and he picked her up and put her in his lap.

“Chi who that?” she asked softly.

“Later sissy.” He said as softly.

Meihui stared at Hana with contempt and hatred. Ang Chi looked up and noticed her fury. He sighed and shook his head sadly. Hana kissed her brother and hugged his neck. She crawled out of his lap and went over to Meihui.

“I am good girl and so you. You make Chi sad.” She said then walked away.

The wraith opened her eyes wide and was stunned. Hana had heard her thoughts as well as Ang Chi's.

“He moves back and forth from Beijing and Mongolia. There are rumors he has a mortal lover amongst the Ming court.” She said softly.

“Really?” I asked quite interested.

“Yes. I think he is a eunuch.” She said.

Ang Chi looked at me and me at him. I heard his thoughts; he thought the name of the Wanli Emperor's minister, Zhang Juzheng. I smirked and realized that I may be able to confront the bastard. I walked to the door and my mother came in.

“Could you see if Uncle Viktor would be willing to come here and baby-sit this creature?” I asked.

“Hai.” She said closing her eyes.

We waited a few minutes and Viktor appeared with Shezmu. I smirked and I blasted Shezmu with the details in his mind. He smiled back at me.

“Uncle Viktor can you baby-sit the wraith female? She is the niece of Lei Jing.” I said.

“Da. I would be happy to watch her.” He smiled.

“Good because I am paying the Forbidden City a little visit.” I said walking away from the group.

“Little one wait up!” Shezmu said catching up with me.

“Hai?” I asked him sweetly.

“Allow me to assist you.” He grinned.

“Hai that would be wonderful!” I said taking his hand and porting us to Beijing.

Shezmu wore a cream colored pein-fu and brown ku. His skin was still bronzed and he was still every inch a kami like specimen. He turned his brown eyes to me at my rather racy thoughts and smiled.

“You still take my breath away.” He murmured softly.

“Well you always have. Come.” I stated.

I grabbed his hand and ported us to the Forbidden City. I intended to find the nuttless wonder that was the Wanli Emperor's minister and kill him. That should enrage Jing into carelessness. I moved with stealth as did Shezmu. I listened in on the mortals thoughts and Juzheng was due back at the Forbidden City by the morning. I decided to hide myself for the moment and I ported up into the eaves of the building I was in followed by Shezmu. He seemed to enjoy himself and I smiled at him.

“I have missed you.” He replied in a whisper.

“I have missed your presence as well.” I replied.

“We have a little time to kill it seems.” He said moving closer.

“Why am I so weak when it comes to you?” I asked.

“I do not know. I become a simpleton. I was so mesmerized in Rome when I saw you that first time.” He answered as he gathered me into his arms.

“Your yoki actually frightened me. Is that how I feel? Disjointed and not fluid like a pure inu?” I asked him.

“Some. I can sense the uppyr in you as you did in me.” He traced my lower lip with his thumb.

“Why have you not taken a lover at least?” I asked him softly.

“Too busy and frankly I enjoy being with you too much.” He chuckled.

“Jining?” I asked him innocently.

“Asuna, my little one that was simply the most delicious moment of my life.” He murmured into my neck.

“I am so glad you enjoyed it so much.” I chuckled.

“Enjoyed? Yes very much so.” His voice was muffled as he scented my neck.

“Shezmu what are you doing?” I asked him hitching my breath.

“Killing a little time.” He murmured in a very deep voice.

“Oh Kamis. That feels incredible.” I groaned as he was using his telekinesis on me.

“Not as incredible as I should like.” He moaned into my neck.

I felt full and spread as he just held me there. I kept my moans soft but a slowly building burn in my loins erupted. I buried my own nose into his neck. I flexed my claws as I tried to avoid gouging him.

“Shezmu! I cannot take it! Please do something.” I growled into his ear.

“What would you have me do little one?” he asked softly.

“Evil and impertinent!” I hissed softly as tremors wracked my body.

“You are not content in this?” he asked sweetly.

“Shall I be blunt?” I demanded.

“Yes be blunt my dear one.” He said licking the shell of my ear.

“Shezmu!” I growled.

“Yes?” he asked too innocently.

I tried to press every inch of my body against his and I was itching to remove his clothing as well as my own but I refrained. He was going to give me just enough to make me want to devour him. I started to kiss him to silence my moans. The slow burning spread and I groaned into Shezmu's lips. He slowly slid down my body and undid my hakamas. I squeezed my eyes shut at the sensations. I was here to get the damn eunuch and my friend and sometimes lover was taking advantage of the lag in time. He had latched onto my center and was licking along my bundle. I tangled my fingers in his unbelievably soft hair and literally bit back my groans. I could scent his growing arousal and it was heady. I was quivering lightly as he was allowing me to tighten and become almost feverish.

-Shezmu! Please let me go! - I begged in his mind.

His eyes looked up and the sheer passion drove me over the invisible edge. I grabbed the beam over head to steady myself as the burning turned into pleasurable spasms. My inner cheek was bleeding as I had bitten it viciously to keep from calling out. Shezmu lazily lapped up my release and I closed my eyes. This had been a decadent way to pass time and he slowly stood up. His smirk was devilish and I wanted to pin him to futon and do all manner of wicked things. His eyes were threatening to change and he straightened himself. I pulled my hakamas up and tied the stays. He looked at me and me at him when we felt the ningen we had been waiting for. Timing could not have been better and I jumped down as well as Shezmu. Zhang Juzheng was stunned at our appearance.

“You are surprised to see me? You should not be considering you are allowing a wraith to use you.” I said grabbing him.

“Lei will not be pleased whore!” he said with narrowed eyes.

“Do you think your youki lover faithful to you? He has already touched one of my mates.” I said with an angry glare.

“Lei would never!” he seethed.

“Fool. Well I do not have the same taste for torture that he does but it should do if I have his ningen pet.” I smirked.

I ported away to Hong Kong and Shezmu was behind me. I threw Juzheng into chambers and I threw up a barrier around it.

“You know if I wanted to be really evil then I would allow Naraku and Ishin in this room.” I said leaning against the door.

“Who are they?” Juzheng asked frightened.

“Ishin is the tsuchigumo you saw in Beijing and Naraku is the one and same from the Shikon no Tama fame. Do you remember the stories of the dark hanyou that circulated around Japan and the continent?” I asked sweetly.

“I do not believe in fairy tales!” he hissed.

“Well Naraku is very much real and very powerful and also very pissed at Jing. In fact I think I shall let the brothers at you.” I said in a hateful stare.

“Whore!” he yelled.

“Well you should know that Lord Ishin is one of the most venomous types of kumo there are. Naraku is part kumo and his miasma is deadly.” I said with a nasty tone.

He looked scared and I liked the idea of letting Ishin and Naraku at this pitiful creature. I closed my eyes and opened myself to Ishin and Naraku. They were more than surprised at the connection and I asked them to come to Hong Kong. Naraku appeared first and his color was much improved. He looked at my “guest” and then at me. Ishin appeared behind Shezmu and glared at him. I put a finger up in warning and he hissed.

“I knew you two would be planning something so I have decided to let you in so to speak. That ningen is the lover of Lei Jing.” I said bluntly.

“Really?” Naraku stated looking him over.

“Very interesting inu. I apologize for being cross. Is that not one of the ningen from the group that tried to betray you in Beijing?” Ishin asked.

“Hai.” I answered simply.

“Well, well, well. This is indeed very interesting. You do realize ningen that you will most likely die correct?” Ishin asked darkly.

“No brother. No we wait and draw the wraith out.” Naraku said putting up a hand.

“Naraku!” Ishin growled.

“Ishin please! Listen to me. I was the one taken remember? Listen to me on this.” Naraku insisted.

“You are being too cautious.” He said in irritation.

“Why not listen to your brother spider and not be such a hot headed jerk!” Shezmu muttered.

“Why not come over and back up your words inu!” Ishin growled.

“Shezmu-sama is an ally and friend Ishin! Back down right now!” Naraku snapped.

“He may be a friend of yours. I do not like the way he looks at Asuna.” Ishin muttered.

“Ishin quit being a jerk!” I snapped at the tsuchigumo lord.

“Fine. What shall we do with the ningen?” Ishin asked.

“Dip into his mind and somehow draw Lei Jing out. Surely he would not let his pet suffer for too long or maybe he would not care.” I said looking at Juzheng.

The ningen was frightened terribly and I let him stew in it. I walked away from Ishin and Naraku but my mahogany eyed mate pulled my arm. I looked at him closely and he was again tormented from his memories. I pulled him into a hug and held him close.

“Ishin, I will be back. Shezmu-sama, thank you for your help.” I nodded to him.

Ishin looked concerned and I nodded a little. I ported away with Naraku and took us to Mount Hakurei-zan. He looked around and seemed comforted by the location. He was not sharing but he was near a melt down.

“My heart what is it?” I asked him softly.

“The idea of that thing around.” He snarled quietly.

“I understand not wanting to share. I did not have a choice in hiding my shame from you. You were forced to watch it. I cannot make you tell and I will not. If you would like to share then you know I am here.” I said holding his face.

“He appeared as Mizuki but as though injured. I panicked and did not even think twice. He grabbed me so fast I could not even react. His shoki stunned my yoki almost immediately. He is disgusting and depraved.” He said in a tortured voice.

“Are you stronger now?” I asked him.

“Hai. I feel almost myself but unsure of me at the moment. You know I am not afraid of anything and I hate sleep right now.” He muttered.

“What can I do?” I asked him softly.

“I do not know.” He said in a wretched tone.

I held him again and he pulled away just a little and held my face. He brushed his lips against mine in gentle caress and then lightly pecked my lips. He pecked them again then started nipping at them. I opened myself to him so he could take my strength if necessary. He eyes were haunted and I wondered again what the monster had done to him. He savagely attacked my mouth and I groaned against the assault. I sensed what he needed and undid my obi and untied my hakamas. He wanted to feel my skin against his. He pulled away from lips a moment and divested himself of his clothes. I intended to let him control everything and he pressed me back against the rock wall and pulled me down onto his length. He did not give me a chance to think and he slammed into me with his yoki and body. I gasped at the surge of power as Naraku moved urgently. He was murmuring my name and I surrendered my body totally to his needs. I let out a long moan as the physical and mental barrage was bringing me to senseless rapture. He seemed to absorb my pleasure and released his own moans. I shattered for him and he cried out as well. He buried his face into my shoulder and he actually released a broken sob. I was stunned to my very soul and horrid hatred began to simmer in me. I knew he would not speak of it and he did not need to. I also would never speak of his breaking down. Naraku was a strong individual and this had affected him badly. He pulled himself together rather quickly and looked up at me. He and I had been through too much together and this was bringing even closer I realized.

“I want you to come back to Sendai for a little while.” He stated.

“Hai.” I murmured.

“Thank you koi for your strength at this time.” He mumbled.

“I only give what you have given me.” I said softly.

He nodded and slowly withdrew from me. I watched him dress slowly and he sighed.

“I love you Asuna.” He stated.

“I love you too.” I replied.

“Do you truly understand what Ishin and I have done?” he asked turning.

“I think so. Does it matter?” I asked him.

“Hai it does to me. I will not do something that you cannot or do not want. That babe is as much mine as it is his. We are a family now.” He said coming closer.

“I do not understand what you are saying.” I stated.

“Asuna, it is as if we are one. This goes a step beyond the Panyu tradition. Tsuchigumo are different in that there is communal feeling instead of a pack mentality. Do you understand that?” he asked me.

“You are saying that at some point we all will share everything?” I asked a little stunned.

“Hai. That is what I am saying. I remember everything now from that life; Ishin forced this but I am okay with it because he is worthy of you. I wished I had never fought him or hated him. I wish I had not fought my true self for so damn long!” he said bitterly.

“My love stop admonishing yourself! How were we supposed to know we lived before? We focus now on the future.” I said in a firm voice.

“Hai.” He sighed.

I held him close and he ported us to Sendai. I watched him as he was deep in thought and I realized he was speaking to Ishin. Several moments later he appeared with a smirk on his face. I shook me head and he grinned.

“Come let us sit down and actually talk. Brother are you alright?” Ishin asked.

“Hai but would you mind if I slept instead? I am still weak.” He admitted.

“Go ahead.” Ishin stated.

Naraku bowed and winked at me. I smiled as he went in the opposite direction. Ishin grabbed me and dragged me along after him.

“Ishin where are we going?” I asked.

“To talk. We do not do that enough you know.” He said in a good mood.

“You are truly a kind soul.” I said in surprise.

“Do not let that out. I like being feared.” He chuckled.

I laughed and he led me to a garden. We sat down on a bench and he was truly happy.

“You realize we will share a bed.” He said bluntly.

“We share one on occasion now.” I said in confusion.

“No all of us.” He said amused.

“You mean to tell me that tsuchigumo will sleep in heaps like inu pups?” I asked.

“Hai. Why separate?” he asked sitting back.

“My head is starting to ache.” I said under my breath.

“Naraku needs to be surrounded by his family right now. I for one used to share his room when I was very young simply because I was safer with him around. My parents were not exactly known to be very responsible.” He said looking away.

“Your sire was pleasant to me.” I said confused.

“That was before my mother.” He answered.

“I do not mind sharing a bed; hell Yuudai, Naraku, and I have done that for practical purposes.” I said.

“Well then it will not be so strange to you.” He said pulling me into his arms.

“The idea that you two are not ready to kill each other is boggling my mind.” I admitted to him.

“Hai I know. I was wrong to have ever come after him. He and I agree that you inu are the right onna for this house. It seems odd and strange but it will be normal.” He said lifting my chin.

“You plan to rut in the same bed as he?” I asked him bluntly.

“He said you had some rather kinky ideas at times.” He winked at me.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I looked around the garden and it was a rather Zen affair. It was quite lovely and tranquil. I could imagine him spinning his webs and just sitting in this green place.

“You have come to know me quite well.” He said softly.

“I still feel conflicted between you two.” I said almost ashamed.

“I think your inu traditions silly. Our relationships are what we make of them. I would not shared Akane with anyone but this is different. Neither one of us wishes you out of our lives. I will not step back and neither will he. I have said this has happened before and it has in my species. We deal with it and move on. Our younglings shall be raised together and we are family.” He said standing up and wrapping his arms around me.

“I still find this odd.” I said shaking my head.

“Did you know that the tiger's sire is mated to sisters?” he asked me.

“His lesser concubines?” I asked.

“Hai but the fact is he has had to rut with them in the past to make them his concubines. What has happened is not strange amongst the different species. You are half inu so you find it odd. You shall see it will be fine.” He muttered into my ear.

“What a group we make. All of us are former enemies and now…” I said shrugging and giggling.

“We are a group but you realize that Mizuki, Nori, and Karu will all rule this kingdom. It is huge Asuna and Naraku deserves his birthright albeit a lifetime late.” He stated.

I nodded and he tipped my chin up and kissed me in his way that made me weak in the knees. He picked me up and brought me to his chambers and Naraku was on the futon asleep. I looked at him and he laid me down next to him. He nodded and went to leave but I pulled him down as well.

“We may as well nap.” I whispered very softly.

“Hai.” He stated in a rather deep voice.

Naraku stirred a little and seemed a little surprised at our presence. His eyes held a strange look and I turned and looked at Ishin.

“What is going on?” I asked softly.

“Nothing.” Ishin muttered.

I moved over to Naraku and Ishin lay down as well. The air was rather thick and sultry at the moment.

-What are you thinking? - I pathed to Naraku.

-I am thinking that I am hungry at the moment and this is making me rather heated. - He thought back.

-Huh? - I asked in his head.

He pushed himself up and stared down at me. His eyes were burning crimson and his fire seemed back and in full force.

“Naraku what is going on?” I asked concerned.

“Kamis this is making me rather wanton. Ishin explain.” He demanded.

“I can ask Nobu.” He stated also in a heated tone.

“I was joking back in the garden about rutting.” I said in a raspy whisper.

“Shush about rutting.” Ishin said in a lustful voice.

Naraku growled low in his throat and lowered his lips to within an inch of mine. He was holding himself back and I scented strong arousal from all of us.

“Go talk to Nobu Ishin.” I said tightly.

“Hai.” He said standing up.

My former hanyou was still holding himself up by his arms and his chest was bare as he was only clad in sleep hakamas. Powerful lust seemed to drug me and I attacked his neck. I was feverishly licking and nipping at the tendons in his throat and he was groaning.

“Kamis what the hell is going on?” he groaned out.

“Do not know. I do not care.” I groaned back.

“Asuna! Try and focus koi.” He said kissing my lips.

“You want Ishin here too.” I accused of him.

“Hai. I do.” He growled.

Naraku pushed himself to standing and left the room. I was burning with need for both of them and I could not think. I lay there and decided to go to the hot springs.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

“Nobu what the hell is going on?” Ishin asked his best friend.

“You three are bonding.” He shrugged.

“We all three feel it.” Ishin said

“I expect you would. We are a telepathic species Ishin, what did you expect?” Nobu chuckled.

“What rut in the same bed?” he asked stunned.

“I do not know. You all have shed each other's blood. I expect that is why you are feeling this plus close proximity.” Nobu again shrugged.

Naraku stood in the doorway and stared down his “baby” brother.

“We need to talk now.” He said firmly.

“Hai.” Ishin nodded.

Ishin followed Naraku and the dark youki paced.

“We are not technically related by blood but by our souls. What did Nobu say?” he asked.

“We are all feeling the blood bond.” He said bluntly.

“You wish to devour her as I do.” He stated in a husky voice.

“Hai.” Ishin replied.

“Should we just stay in different chambers? I mean we can all reside in the same palace.” Naraku shook his head.

“Why separate? Why should we both not sleep in the same futon with her? Kamis do not be a prude now.” Ishin said rolling his eyes.

“You bedded my mate.” Naraku pointed out.

“Hai I did. I fell in love with the persistent bitch. She would not let me kill you or vice versa.” He retorted.

“Fine. We do this and we will not fight over her. You will not refuse her tiger either,” Naraku demanded.

“Why not?” Ishin asked in anger.

“Because he predates you and if I can accept it then so can you.” Naraku stated steadfastly.

“Alright. I will learn to accept it.” He grumbled.

“You know she would never stop either one of us from taking a lover occasionally.” Naraku said flatly.

“Have you?” Ishin asked raising a brow.

“I have not needed to.” He shrugged.

“Would you?” Ishin asked again.

“If I wanted to then I suppose I would. The main thing is that she and the pups come first and the same for you. She has quite bluntly stated that I am first in her heart always.” Naraku stated.

“I see. She has stated the same to me about you as well.” Ishin nodded.

Naraku was satisfied and nodded to Ishin.

“Come brother. I still need rest and I wish to contemplate how to best the wraith.” He stated as he went back to his chambers and futon.

Naraku walked back into the sleeping room and Asuna was not there. She was in the hot springs he felt and he went in her direction. He had no idea what possessed him but he went.

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

“You still manage to make me quite needy for your body.” Naraku stated from the doorway.

“Are you still feeling amorous?” I asked him.

“Hai and it is worse now. Kamis Asuna you make me forget that beast and what he did.” He stated as he came closer.

“I want you to forget.” I answered.

“Come back to our bed.” He demanded softly.

“Hai.” I said standing.

I wrapped a yukata around me and followed him slowly. We came back to Ishin's chambers that had now become our chambers. Naraku came behind me and scented my neck. I knew what he was doing and it was starting to drive me crazy.

“What are planning my love?” I asked in a sultry voice.

“I do not know. I have a need to feel your skin and I have a need to bring Ishin into the fold.” He said against the flesh of my neck.

“Naraku.” I moaned.

“Imagine how tormented Jing will be if we both share your bed at the same time. Imagine how he would rage.” Naraku hissed.

“My love forget him.” I said softly.

“I will have my revenge.” He said against my skin.

“I know.” I kissed him ardently.

His lips scorched mine and I was becoming lost. I felt Ishin in the doorway and Naraku looked up.

“You saw my first encounter with her?” he asked in a whisper.

“Hai.” Ishin remarked.

“Did you share as well?” he murmured as he then sucked on his mating mark.

“Hai I did.” Ishin stated in a thick voice.

I tried to suppress a moan and he brushed his fingertips across my nipples through the cotton of my yukata.

-Use your uppyr yoki on him my heart. - Naraku thought to me.

I opened my eyes and caught Naraku's eyes. He truly wanted me to and I closed my eyes as I applied my telekinesis on Ishin. My tsuchigumo mate sucked in his breath softly as I applied tortures of pleasure on his body. Naraku watched Ishin closely as he opened my yukata. I released my breath in a rather ragged moan. He pulled the cotton off of my body and I shivered slightly.

“You want a taste of her skin Ishin?” Naraku asked in near growl.

“Hai.” he growled himself.

Naraku beckoned Ishin over and I could not believe this was happening. This was not how I was brought up but then I never followed traditions anyway. Ishin was breathing rather hard under my mental massage of his groin at the moment. I could feel my first mate's rather licentious feelings and I gasped when two of fingers entered my center. Ishin tipped my head back and kissed me deeply; his tongue stroked mine and my groans of ecstasy were muffled. I felt a nipple taken into my former hanyou's mouth. Ishin released my lips and I nearly screamed. They were going to work my body for now and make me succumb again and again. Ishin was mesmerized it seemed and ran his hands down my sides to my backside. Naraku released my peak and lowered his body so he could taste me. Ishin cupped my breasts and rolled both tips. He was breathing heavily into my ear as Naraku decided to suck my clit rather hard. Ishin again claimed my lips as Naraku moved his fingers in a thrusting motion. My body tightened and tensed suddenly and I cried out in a rapturous scream that was again muffled by Ishin's lips. I grew bold and rubbed Ishin through the silk of his hakamas and applied my yoki to Naraku who had been lazily licking me along my core. The sheer wickedness of the situation had me in a tailspin. Both of them moaned and I wanted them both to feel what they had done to me. My first mate was moaning softly and I surged my yoki through him and he gasped. I had pathed to Ishin to undo his bottoms and he did. I grasped his length and stroked him and he was growling softly into my ear. I was curious to see if Naraku could be brought to fulfillment through my yoki and I concentrated with difficulty. He slowly stood and he took my lips and I began sucking on his tongue. Ishin was moaning and I was so caught up in the scenario. I actually was able to direct my yoki to Ishin as well and his growling became an erotic moan. I bit into Naraku's tongue and spread the uppyr euphoria and he actually stiffened suddenly. He moaned into my mouth and finally ripped his lips from mine. I lifted Ishin's wrist and bit in; I could feel his primal nature close to the surface and Naraku actually stepped away from me for a moment and I slid down Ishin's body and took him into my mouth. He shut his eyes and I worked my tongue and mouth against his length and he finally moaned out loudly and released. I licked him clean slowly and slid back up his still silk clad body. I kissed him deeply as he tasted his own climax. Naraku had started ravishing my neck again and I had to moan my pleasure. I was spent as well as the two males. Naraku moved to the futon and nearly fell upon it in exhaustion and I followed suit. Ishin had slowly righted his clothes and he was flushed still. This was beyond anything any of us knew but I could not stop the euphoria I was feeling. Naraku had long since passed out and I stared up at Ishin. He was still aroused and very sleepy as well. He settled in next to us and his eyes were full of something.

“What are feeling? You are shielding.” I asked him in an exhausted whisper.

“I am thunderstruck is all. I had not even comprehended this.” He whispered back.

“Was it bad for you?” I asked in a concerned voice.

“No and in fact it was simply the most amazing thing I have experienced. You have somehow managed to bridge a gap. I never thought about anything like this before.” He stated in a sleepy voice.

“I love you both so much.” I said as softly.

“We are almost extensions of the other. Sleep my beautiful mate. This has been an incredible experience but I do admit I want to bury myself in your depths.” He yawned.

“Sounds enticing.” I yawned as well.

Ishin slipped into a deep sleep as well. I was nestled between two males I would have died for many times over. Naraku looked like an angel and Ishin like a god of the ancient Greek people. I finally succumbed to sleep as well.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I woke up and Naraku's arm was draped across my belly and he was still snoring. Ishin was up and gone already. I knew he was hunting and my mind brushed his. I was fully awake and Naraku started stirring as well. He was quite satisfied I could tell and he opened his eyes.

“Hello.” I murmured.

“Hello to you.” He replied.

“You look so beautiful sleeping.” I said brushing his bangs off of his forehead.

“I have not slept this well in quite awhile. Thank you but you are simply the most beautiful onna I have ever beheld. The whore could never hold a candle to you.” He replied.

I was stunned to my core and I was so relieved that the Kikoyo issue was resolved in his mind. I smiled up at him and he lowered his lips to my stomach. He began feverishly kissing it and I shut my eyes in profound amazement and happiness. He sat up and stretched and appeared calm for the moment. I had lived through my own nightmare and his would haunt him in private moments. I kissed his shoulder and he turned his gaze to me.

“I am glad you came between us. I am glad you defied me in this area. You have given me back my identity and complete sense of self. You truly have restored me fully.” He replied.

I smiled at him and he pulled me to him.

“I want to be there as well when you have this beautiful little onna.” He stated.

“I am sure it will be alright.” I said leaning my head against his chest.

Ishin walked in with a satisfied smile. He had fed and watched us both.

“Come you two. You have slept long enough. I for one and ready to hunt wraiths.” He stated in jovial tone.

I stood quite naked and went to Ishin's wardrobe and pulled on a yukata. I turned to both and gave them a licentious grin.

“I need to bring some of my clothes to the tsuchigumo palaces. I need to return to Mongolia though. Decide what you two wish to do with Juzheng and let me know.” I said.

“We shall do that soon.” Naraku replied.

I bowed to them both and ported away. I was reeling from the events and needed time to acclimate myself to the turn of events. I was in Shanghai and went to my chambers. I went to armoire and pulled out a long sleeved peach ensemble. It was heavier silk and more suited to the cold of Mongolia. I put on a cloak with a hood and slipped my fang into my obi. I pulled on long boots and I ported to Mandalgovi. I moved forward and found Chen in his den. My mother was there as well with Youshiro. I nodded to my younger brother and he smiled at me. He wanted to be here and that actually made me happy as well.

“I am sure Mother has told you that I have Bai Jing's daughter prisoner in the West as well as Zhang Juzheng.” I said lightly.

“Well this is coming together quite nicely.” Chen remarked.

“Lord Chen do you think that maybe you should go and check on Lady Meifen?” I asked.

“Hai should she not be close to birthing your cub?” my mother asked.

He looked thoughtful and nodded. Mother and he were being extremely formal around my younger brother and I almost sighed in relief. Thoughts of what had occurred the previous night flitted through my mind quickly and my mother's eyes widened when she looked at me. I bowed low to all and quit the den. I felt my mother behind me and I turned.

“Did I see what I thought I saw?” she whispered.

“What?” I asked surprised.

“I saw a brief thought.” She replied.

“Just a lewd fantasy I have been having. Sorry.” I mumbled.

“Wow.” She laughed.

I laughed as well and we saw Chen at the doorway of his den. He bowed to both of us and was very reserved at the moment.

“I think it safe for the moment for Quon and Zihao to come back to Hunan for now. I think Quon would like to be there when his sibling is born.” Chen stated.

“I think you right. I shall join the family soon as I have one more thing I should like to see to before a short break from Jing and his ilk.” I said bowing.

“See you in Hunan then daughter. Lady Augusta it has been an honor to see you again as well.” Chen bowed as Youshiro came to the door.

“Lady Meifen and I have become friends Lord Chen. I need to go home but may I come and see if I can assist your lady?” she asked him regally.

“I think she would like that.” Chen nodded.

“Well then Youshiro let us go home for now. I miss your father.” She muttered.

“He has been moping Mother.” Youshiro chuckled.

“Hai. I figured he would.” She laughed quietly.

“See you all in Hunan soon then.” I remarked.

Chen nodded and produced his shoki cloud and ported away. Youshiro laughed lightly at my mother's teasing and she ported them away. I was glad to see Youshiro acting better. I was going to find Jing and throw him into a rage. I ported to Hadasan and was in a forest near the palace. I sat and concentrated fully on the wraith and I felt a small pull. I stood and ported directly to him. He was in his humanoid form and it seemed he was recovering from the last fight with Ishin and me. I was not going to attack him but only make him very angry. His eyes widened in complete shock at my presence and I stared coldly at him.

“Do not fear at the moment wraith. I have honor and shall wait to face you but I thought you should know that I have Zhang Juzheng. A eunuch? Surely you dominate him as he is your bitch so to speak.” I said in a mocking tone.

“You horrid little whore!” he hissed.

“Hai I suppose I am. He is quite afraid I might add. Naraku keeps him company as does Ishin.” I smirked cruelly.

“You will give me my pet back slut when you give me your oh so lovely mates.” He sneered.

“Shall I tell you what it is like to have them at the same time?” I mocked him.

“Excuse me?” he asked in surprise.

“Hai but you are a depraved little fuck. You want them both do you not? They wish to pleasure me.” I again taunted him.

“You know inu you are not like most females.” He said darkly.

“Ishin likes to remind me that I have the appetites of most males and I enjoy sword play way too much. He is amazing you know when he makes me climax. My body grips him like a vise.” I said in a leering tone.

I was disgusted at my own words but they were having the desired effect on Jing. He would become too bold and reckless in the near future. Ishin and Naraku both had wanted me to taunt him as such. They were up to something but I intended to help them in any way. Jing was up and had me pinned against a column. He wore only a light dressing gown.

“You are trying to tempt me with your beautiful males whore and I must say it is so very tempting. I was not born yesterday as they say. You on the other hand are beginning to intrigue me beyond measure. I actually think I would make the exception and fuck your body.” He said in a rather demented tone.

“I unfortunately have the wrong equipment for your demented ass.” I hissed.

“I will admit you have a lovely backside and tasty blood. You wish to make this very, very personal inu then go right ahead. I suggest you release my pet and my niece. She is such a stupid girl.” He muttered.

“Release them? That would be rather sick of me do you not think?” I mocked him.

“You play very dangerous games whore. I am not well at the moment and I cannot fight you properly but shall I give you a taste of my yoki?” he purred.

“You know I am half uppyr.” I laughed.

“I heard rumors but now you confirm it. No wonder the uppyr king wanted you.” He chuckled.

“No that was a wraith.” I snapped.

“Really? I had not known that. Well that is interesting indeed. Go ahead and leave slut as there are soldiers on the way here.” He said in quite a sultry tone.

“I just thought I should tell you that I will kill you. I shall kill in battle in proper fashion so prepare yourself for death and pray to your gods for forgiveness.” I stated in a terrible tone.

I gasped as he snaked his hand past my silks. His eyes widened when his hand cupped a cheek of my rear.

“So firm inu. Your body is that of a warrior. So you will kill me on a battle field hmmm? Really? I should like my pet back. His mouth is amazing you know.” He said in a leering fashion.

I kept myself calm and the revulsion down but I was here to accomplish mental warfare. I felt a finger slip between my cheeks and I actually blushed deeply.

“So you are a virgin there.” He purred.

“Unhand me you filthy bastard.” I snorted in anger.

“Gods I am so hard right now. This is quite amazing you can do this to me inu slut. You do not allow your men to pleasure you in such a fashion it seems.” He said licking my ear.

I had tried to port and he was suppressing it. I grew alarmed suddenly and he chuckled quite freely. He slipped his finger into my untried opening and I gasped in a slight pain.

“Gods you are tight you little whore. You would moan loudly would you not? You like that I can suppress your uppyr ways? You did not know that at one time wraiths and uppyr were the same type of daemon. I can easily suppress your yoki now that I know what it is. So tight.” He muttered fiercely in my ear.

“Just remember that my body is that of an onna.” I snarled.

“Do you think you have played your games enough whore?” he cooed in my ear.

He slipped his finger but my backside and dragged it along my center. I heard his sharp intake of breath when he felt a slippery essence.

“That aroused you? You are so wet little slut and you want more. I think I should like to give it to you.” He growled.

“With what? Are you a nuttless wonder like your pet with the wonderful mouth?” I hissed.

“You are quite funny little whore. You wish to play games then?” he shoved me down.

I snarled at him and rolled. I allowed my poison to seep to my claw tips and I shoved them in deep into his chest. He grimaced and leered at me.

“Pain can bring such marvelous pleasure bitch.” He snapped.

I went wild and started slashing at him with my claws. I actually got his throat and he lunged forward. He injected some of his wraith shoki into my side and I shouted in pain. He was very obviously turned on and I grew sick to my stomach. My side was freezing and burning at the same time. He pushed me flat on my stomach and split my hanfu wide open. He spread my backside open and I shouted in rage. I felt his tongue and lips and suppressed a shudder. I screamed at the intrusion and I felt him again slip not just one but two fingers into me. I clawed the floor and it actually melted under my poison.

“Gods you are divine you snotty little whore!” he breathed roughly into my ear.

He was suppressing quite a bit of my uppyr yoki so I bucked forcefully against him. He chuckled at my actions and I allowed my beast free rein and I began growling and snarling fiercely. He released me and I turned on him. I pushed him flat on his back and my eyes were blazing red and my features had to be rough. I actually grabbed his length and squeezed till he yelped in pain.

“You are a dead man. So your balls do work.” I snarled softly.

“Oh yes they do.” He hissed.

“You really are a demented fuck.” I hissed back.

“He fought me off you know. He has amazing abilities that daemon does but his ass tastes as sweet as yours.” He snapped at me.

I slapped him so hard and he laughed at me. I grabbed his scrotum and he stiffened. He actually looked nervous and my side began hurting almost to the point of me crying out. I rolled his stones and watched his face contort in pleasure. I shoved my claws into his thigh and released some Dakkasou. He screamed and his hold on me disappeared. I pulled away from him and bombarded him with the memories of my killing Bai Jing.

“Bitch!” he screamed at me.

“Hai. I am a bitch.” I said gathering my silks to my body.

I ported quickly and ended up in the Western Palace. I walked to my balcony and began throwing up horribly. That beast had taken liberties and it appalled me that my body had responded. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and I heard Quon at my door. He entered and saw me end of vomiting again.

“Asuna? What is wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. I shall be well. You need to go home to Hunan as your mother nears the birth of your sibling.” I stated.

“I will when I see that you are well.” He said bluntly.

“I am fine. I faced Jing is all. My side is smarting though.” I said revealing my wound.

“Gods inu you are hurt!” he hissed.

“I will have Guang look at it. Let me change alright?” I asked him.

I slowly stripped and was disgusted with myself. I put on a kimono and stepped away from the hanfu. I shuddered and Quon took me in his arms. He held me tightly and I sighed into his embrace. He released me to go get our son. I waited a few minutes as he brought Zihao. My cub brushed my mind and he released his infamous purring.

“He does that to soothe.” I said in understanding.

“I have noticed.” He chuckled.

I held him close and kissed his head. He smiled at me and grabbed at my hair. Quon watched with a smile on his lips.

“Come let us go then.” I smiled.

Quon produced his shoki mist and we ended up in his chambers in Hunan. He plucked our son from my arms and I got the impression he was taking him to Lihua. I settled in on his bed and closed my eyes. I opened my mind to Ishin and Naraku and laid bare my soul to them both. I hid nothing and they both were simmering in a fury at me and worse at Jing.

-What were you thinking?-Ishin hissed in my mind.

-What you wanted. I am injured and I am in Hunan as Meifen is due to give birth. I will meet you two in Korea soon. - I thought.

-As you wish. Let us know you are okay. - Naraku pathed thoughtfully.

Ishin growled in my mind and then withdrew. Naraku it seemed was the worldlier of the two at times and knew when to let me do my thing. Guang came in and pulled open my kimono. He stared at the wound and I knew my mother would need to draw out the shoki. I laid back and he gave me a draught to relieve pain till my mother arrived. I nodded to him and he closed my kimono. I settled into sleep and waited for my mother.

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“She went against Jing?” Augusta asked Quon stunned.

“Hai she is in pain.” He nodded.

“Please tell your mother I am here and at her service.” Augusta said bowing.

“She knows and looks forward to seeing you.” He said with a smile.

She nodded and went to Asuna. Her daughter actually did not look well at all and she realized the shoki had been in her for awhile. She looked at the wound and nearly blanched. She grew a little frightened and pulled Asuna to her and ported her to Russia. Anya was in the sitting room doing a cross stitch. She looked up and scowled.

“I need you to get me the most powerful uppyr on our side you ugly heifer!” Augusta yelled.

“The most powerful da?” Anya sneered.

“That is what I said.” She growled.

Anya ported away and she looked down at her daughter. The wraith shoki was powerful and her whole side had turned a dusky blue. Viktor was still in the West and needed to stay there. She grew almost terrified when Anya returned with Jarek Tepest.

“You cannot be the most powerful uppyr there is!” she snapped.

“I know someone stronger but you have to keep your traitorous mouth shut!” he hissed at her.

“The only one stronger was Vlad and he is dead.” Augusta hissed.

Jarek picked up Asuna and looked at her in anger.

“I reside in Buda now. Come to the castle there.” He commanded.

Augusta nodded and ported to the ancient uppyr stronghold. She looked around and felt many powerful auras around. There was one that was faintly familiar and she refused to believe her senses.

“You should not doubt your instincts Augusta Elizaveta. They are correct.” Vlad said coming from behind her.

She whirled and threw him with her mind. He was moved back some but absorbed majority of her power. She looked furious and went to her daughter and pulled her fang.

“I have no idea how you survived but you will not have her!” she screamed.

“She is the one that saved me idiot. She killed the wraith that possessed me.” He stated.

“What? A wraith? Why would she save her rapist?” she raged.

“Because she knows the truth. I am grieved at what happened but she said it had to happen.” He said defensively.

“You have the power to draw out the wraith poison from her.” She said carefully.

“She fought a wraith by herself?” he demanded.

“Da.” Augusta growled.

“I told her she has my sword!” he snapped.

“Well I do not trust you nor should she.” Augusta stated in a near snarl.

“You are a good mother Elizaveta but I only wish her well.” He stated coming closer.

Augusta was torn but common sense prevailed and she allowed Vlad to open the kimono. He hissed when he saw the damage and Jarek did as well.

“She should be dead father.” Jarek stated softly.

“She is the strongest uppyr female in many generations.” Vlad stated flatly.

He went to knees and lowered his head and sank his fangs directly into the wound. Asuna moaned in her drugged sleep and Augusta wrung her hands. Jarek glared at his former betrothed and she hissed at him.

“Bitch.” He snapped.

“Prick.” She retorted.

Vlad growled low in his throat and Asuna squirmed as the dusky color faded quite a bit. He pulled back and he scowled at the taste of her blood.

“She needs another bleeding.” He remarked.

“Then I can do it.” Augusta said bluntly.

“I owe her my life and no you will not. You came to us for help and help we shall.” He said firmly.

“She is not yours Vlad! She is not full uppyr.” Augusta hissed.

“I know what she is Elizaveta and I know she is not mine per say. Stay or go, it is your choice.” He said staring at her.

“Your eyes are brown.” She said suddenly.

“Da and?” he said confused.

“They were black before.” She said.

“I told you I was possessed.” He stated frowning.

“Oh my God you are telling the truth.” Augusta said floored.

“Da I am telling the truth.” He sighed.

“I will stay.” She said firmly.

“Do you not have like a million brats now?” Jarek asked.

“Because you could not satisfy me Jarek please do not insult my mate.” She hissed at him.

“Enough you two. I am sorry you two were ever betrothed!” Vlad snapped.

“Cunt.” Jarek hissed.

“Limp cock.” Augusta retorted.

“I said enough!” Vlad yelled.

“Da father.” Jarek bowed.

Augusta followed Vlad as he picked up her daughter. He could feel her eyes boring into his back and he sighed. He looked down at the gorgeous woman in his arms and his eyes were softened.

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“What am I doing here?” I asked in a hoarse voice.

“The wraith poison got the better of you.” Vlad answered.

“Thank you Eyal.” I said closing my eyes.

“Your mother is not happy about the situation.” He said softly.

“She will adapt. It is what she does.” I muttered.

“Why did you go against this wraith yourself?” he asked.

“Ishin and Naraku want revenge.” I said in a tired voice.

“So you go and face down him yourself. You and he are probably evenly matched on most power Lady Asuna.” He replied.

“I am fine Eyal and call me Asuna. I think we have moved way beyond the honorifics. I have had your blood and you have had mine.” I mumbled.

“True.” He chuckled.

“Do you remember the actual rape?” I asked him softly.

“A little.” He said embarrassed.

“I truly have forgiven you, hell it was not even you sort of. I get very tired thinking of all the things that have happened.” I sighed.

“I shall regret it always.” He said looking away.

“Your eyes are brown!” I said stunned.

“You did not notice the last time we spoke?” he seemed amused.

“It was dark.” I said in retort.

“Well apparently whilst possessed I had black eyes.” He said.

“Like a wraith.” I said.

“Yes apparently so.” He replied in a long sigh.

“Do you truly wish to be called Eyal?” I asked him.

“I do not mind if you know the truth of who I am. I do not however want my whole past known as it was a different lifetime ago.” He said softly.

“You were and are quite stunning I admit. I am sorry that you had to live amongst mortals.” I said softly.

“We are different types of beings is all. I was angry for along time at being shut out but I came to understand that mortals fear daemons because of our longevity. They think us evil to comfort themselves in their short existence.” He said.

“Oh the ningen of Asia understand far too much about youki. I intend to end the Ming Dynasty.” I said crossing my arms.

“You are rather aggressive right now. Slow down and bide your time.” He cautioned.

“I thank for your advice and I shall be careful. I have been injured many times.” I stated closing my eyes.

“I need to drain more of the tainted blood.” He said close to my ear.

“Then what do you wait for?” I asked looking up.

He lowered the quilt and I opened my kimono. My side looked much better already but he lowered his fangs again to the wound. I could feel the wondrous pleasure course through me and it felt so different from what I remembered. I could not stop the moaning that passed my lips. Eyal brought his hand to my mouth to try and shush my noises and I sucked on his tapered appendages rather suddenly. He looked up as he drank my poisoned blood and he released my side and I looked at the nearly normal skin color and a set of fang marks. I continued to swirl my tongue around his clawed finger tips and his eyes were bleeding red.

“Stop! I want you so badly but I will not hurt you again.” He said closing his eyes.

“You want me or my power?” I asked releasing his fingers.

“I wish to feel your power and your body in a rather old dance Asuna. I think you may leave as you are rid of his toxin.” He stated turning away from me.

I nodded and sat on my knees on the bed. I pulled my former enemy forward and pressed my forehead to his.

“I am uppyr and I know this. I know I shall never be a normal inu and I refuse to keep trying. I am tired of fighting who and what I am. The wraith did awaken a profound thirst and lust in me that had not quite been that bad. You wish to feel me you say.” I stated.

“God you are tempting me beyond endure.” He cried softly.

“How is it supposed to be between two uppyr?” I asked him tracing his rather round ear.

“It is consuming. It is beyond detail.” He murmured.

“I have rutted with an uppyr before.” I said licking his lower lip.

“He apparently was either very young or not very powerful or perhaps you overwhelmed him.” He replied and licked my lower lip in return.

“He was young and I know not nearly as powerful as you.” I stated opening his linen shirt.

He turned his head and threw up his hand and the door slammed shut and locked. He turned his reddened gaze back to me as I slipped the silver kimono off my shoulders. His eyes gazed over my body and noticed my stripes that came around my curved hips and my upper thighs. He lifted an arm and saw my wrist. Eyal lifted his hands and held the sides of my face and gave me the gentlest and softest caress I had ever had.

“I do this and swear you will forgive me completely.” He muttered hoarsely.

“I already have.” I stated.

His hands gripped y hips in an almost painful grasp. I stared up into his eyes and his jaw was set.

“What did the wraith do to you?” he asked.

“Nothing that I did not provoke. I wanted him angry and ready to strike out. I have his pet captured and the ningen was ready to crap his ku.” I chuckled.

“This wraith likes males?” he asked.

“Hai he does and he likes my males.” I said bluntly.

“Well then we shall arm you a little better next time.” He muttered standing on his knees on the bed.

“So how is this supposed to be any different then a regular rut hmm?” I asked licking then pecking his lips.

“You are a succubus you know that?” he asked in a thick voice.

“Am I? I accept my nature.” I said then sucked on his lip then dragged the claws of my thumbs across his flat male nipples.

He hissed in pleasure and I lowered my mouth to where my claws had just been. I latched on and tongued the piece of turgid flesh. I tugged on it with my teeth and he cried out. I bit into his chest and his breathing seemed to stop. I would allow myself to drink his blood and I tasted his potent elixir. My eyes bled to red and the mere act became erotic in of itself. I pushed him back and continued to drink. This was so unlike me and I was not just tasting but completely drinking his life force. He was moaning under me and I could feel little jolts of pleasure stabbing my loins and aching began. I ripped open his breeches and climbed onto him and sank down. His head came up and Eyal released a guttural groan. I finally lifted my head and my lips were stained claret.

“God.” He muttered.

“Share with me how this is different.” I commanded.

He nodded and sat up gently pushed my jaw to the side. He sank his fangs into my throat and intense pleasure coursed through me. I was vaguely aware that I had begun rotating my hips and he was groaning against my throat. Spine-tingling feelings began in my stomach and spread throughout me and blinding beauty took hold of me. Such rapturous bliss coursed through my veins; I began murmuring in Japanese. I felt the physical act but it was as though the nerve endings were being dragged across themselves. One hand was on my shoulder and the other on the back of my neck as I moved against him, stimulating so many fires that I could not slow them. He released my throat and sought my mouth. I attacked him in return and bruised his lips in my response. He was muttering in his native tongue as well and my hands became entangled in his ebony hair. I hoped these chambers were fairly well sealed because he and I both were murmuring and crying out in the shared Nirvana. My hands ended up dragging across his back and drawing welts in skin. Blinding bliss dragged us under as I began experiencing the most acutely powerful climax of my life. I was drenched in perspiration and I seemed to loose control of my quaking limbs. I buried my fangs into his shoulder to silence the potent scream I released. He too lost all restraint and muffled his cry of culmination into the softness of my breasts. My silver tresses were sticking to my skin in some places and I collapsed against him. I prayed my mother had not heard and he lifted my chin.

“Jarek and her are too busy arguing to care at the moment.” He managed.

“I am so tired.” I whispered.

“Yes.” He murmured barely above a whisper.

“You need to stay away from me.” I said softly.

“What?” he asked confused.

“You make me forget that I am half inu. You bring out this nature and I would almost give it all up to just be uppyr.” I said bluntly.

“You do not need to forget your other half. You need to learn to meld the two and not separate yourself so much.” He muttered.

I refused to get up at the moment and I was absolutely thrown through every loop there was at how profound this had been. It had been beyond words and so far removed from the depravity of Walachia.

“You can let me up.” He murmured.

“No.” I murmured back.

“God you really feel so beyond perfect but I do have my limits.” He said in a shaking voice.

“Limits? How many times you can rut or how much physical sensation you can take before succumbing again?” I asked.

“The latter.” He nearly barked out.

“So if I squeeze your member with my walls?” I asked him innocently.

“I am laying you beneath me and I am going to loose myself completely alright?” he asked me.

“Quit asking.” I replied.

He pushed me back and never lost our connection. I could scent our mingled releases and it was alluring. I became caught up in the indescribable euphoria again and I could not contain my yoki. He grunted under the sheer physical manifestation of it that his fluid thrusts were frantic and hurried. I could feel his own yoki but his was smooth and easily taken in. He was gasping and he pulled me again into another peak of orgasmic bliss. He pulled out of me and fell onto his back.

“Your power is raw and still very much untrained.” He said with his eyes clenched shut.

“I have a good handle on most of my abilities now.” I commented drawing my legs up feeling a rather decadent and lazy heaviness overcome my limbs.

“You really do not. Your basic power yes but your potential? No not even close.” He said as his breathing slowed.

“There are no strings attached as they say?” I asked him.

“Of course not.” He chuckled.

“Good.” I replied.

“Sleep Asuna.” He remarked.

“He called me his little killer and little assassin.” I stated with my eyes closed.

“I am Eyal to you and not that fucking wraith. I am glad I could help you with the toxin.” He said rising.

“What were you saying in Hebrew?” I asked him.

“Deliver me.” He stated unashamed.

“Deliver you?” I asked surprised.

“Yes. I needed release badly.” He chuckled.

I smiled and he smiled at me.

“My Japanese is not that good, what did you say?” he asked.

“It was rather lewd.” I remarked turning red.

“Really? Do share.” He said sitting in a chair.

“What an incredible rut that was.” I said turning red.

“Ah well my head has begun to expand and when it implodes you can thank yourself.” He joked.

I started laughing and laid my head against the pillow.

“You look quite fetching at the moment. Laying there with your kimono in the crook of your elbows.” He said.

“I am too damn tired to care.” I muttered.

“Elizaveta is coming.” He smirked.

I jumped up and righted my clothes and I could not scent the evidence of our coupling. I looked at him and he smirked. He had the power of illusion and a greater masking ability then even I. I lay back down and pulled the quilt over my form. He silently unlocked the door and picked up a book and read. My mother burst in and looked at us both with narrowed eyes.

“Are you better?” she asked of me.

“Hai.” I mumbled.

“Good then we go. I do not like it here.” She hissed.

“Elizaveta you really need to forgive my son. You two are too much alike.” Eyal chuckled.

“He can take his fucking pride and shove it up your arrogant ass. I do not know you apparently. I knew a blood thirsty monster. I suggest you come out slowly old man.” She said coming to my side.

“Those who know about me will slowly spread my awakening. I understand your anger and your actions but you are one of us and we are your people.” He stated smoothly.

“Whatever.” She snapped and grabbed me.

I rolled my eyes and she ported us back to Hunan. I was in Quon's bed and I sat up.

“Did you rut with him?” she demanded.

“No.” I lied.

“Kamis Asuna you have the most satisfied grin on your face. Uppyr sex is addictive and consuming especially with one as strong as him.” She hissed.

“So then there are no worries. I am well and I managed to piss Jing off tremendously. That is my grin.” I said crossing my arms.

“Alright. Stay away from Vlad! You understand me? Even if he is not consumed by a wraith anymore he is still the strongest amongst my kind.” She said straightening.

“Our kind. I am half you Mother.” I said standing.

I went to my armoire and pulled out a blush colored hanfu. The inner portion was a darker wine color and I dragged the silk across my body. I was getting myself aroused and my mother watched me like a hawk. I finished dressing and I followed her from the chambers. Meifen was so close to birth but still had not gone into labor. She was eating a light lunch of melons and looked beautiful but miserable. My mother and I came in and bowed to her.

“Lady Augusta! Asuna my dear sweet girl! Thank you for being here!” she said warmly.

“I wished to see if I might serve you in a pain relief capacity when the time comes.” My mother said.

“That would be wonderful!” she chuckled.

“Can Guang make you go into labor perhaps?” I asked.

“How would he do that?” she asked.

Mother and I looked at each other and smiled.

“My aunt is a miko and can bring about labor if you wish.” I laughed.

“Really? How?” Meifen asked very interested.

“Breaking your bag of waters.” My mother replied.

“Can you get her?” Meifen asked softly.

“Hai I can.” I laughed lightly.

“Thank you! Gods I will be so glad to be done!” she whispered.

“I take it tigers are superstitious?” I asked.

“Yes very much so.” She shook her head.

“Be right back.” I smiled.

I ported to Edo and went up to my uncle's home. I knocked on the frame of the door and my aunt pushed aside the reed door.

“My mother in law needs your help. She is overdue with her cub.” I said smiling.

“Let me get my bag and tell Yasha where I will be. By the way where will I be?” she asked in an amused tone.

“Changsha, Hunan.” I replied.

“Okay.” She said running in and I heard yelling and a “Hell no.” and then the infamous…”Osuwari!”

I began laughing and my aunt came out and I took her hand. I ported us back and she bowed before Meifen.

“Hello sister.” Kagome teased Augusta.

“Hello to you sister. Is Inuyasha behaving?” she asked.

“About as well as he can, what about Sesshomaru?” Kagome giggled.

“I have my ways of sitting him as well.” My mother said.

I rolled my eyes and laughed. Kagome motioned for Meifen to follow her and the tigress got up. She looked graceful but I could sense her discomfort. I wondered if she carried another male cub as big as the infant obviously was. Meifen led Kagome to her private chambers and she lay down. Kagome used practiced and gentle hands and Meifen spread her thighs and Kagome examined her.

“Kamis Lady Meifen you are already halfway open.” Kagome muttered.

“I am?” she asked in shock.

“Hai. This will be uncomfortable for just a moment.” She said softly.

“I understand.” She sighed.

My aunt produced a metal hook that she carefully inserted into Meifen and used it to pierce the bag. I could scent the sweet smell of the water surrounding the cub. I smiled and took Meifen's hand.

“You give Chen a daughter.” I said in her ear.

“What? Really?” she cried in happiness.

“Hai. The labor pains will begin fairly soon. Shall I get your mate?” I asked.

“Yes please.” She smiled.

“Well I am going to wash up Augusta. You stay with Lady Meifen.” Kagome said.

“Hai.” She smiled down at the tigress.

“I shall be back Meifen.” I said bowing.

I left and went in search of Chen and Quon.

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“Are you alright?” Augusta asked softly.

“Yes for now. Thank you for being here. Chen loves you I know.” Meifen said softly.

“Shush.” Augusta said sweetly.

“No I know he does and I want him happy. I know Lihua and I make him so but you bring out something in him that is unique.” Meifen continued.

“Lady Meifen I told you before he is your mate and just a friend.” She said brushing silver hair off of the tigress's forehead.

“Please stop the pretenses Lady Augusta!” she snapped.

“What do you wish me to say? You are a lovely onna and loving mate. He loves you so very much.” Augusta said quietly.

“I know he does. I also know he would shit his ku if he found you and I in his bed.” She smirked.

“Are you suggesting that I join you?” Augusta asked.

“Yes. I may submit to Chen's dominance but it does not mean I do not have wants and desires of my own. I can accept his love for you if you will come into our bed occasionally. I want to share in his feelings for you.” She said bluntly.

Augusta's mouth dropped open and she slowly nodded. She suppressed her own excitement and remained calm. She took Meifen's hand and looked at the lovely tigress.

“Should you like to make him soil his ku as you put it?” Augusta whispered.

“Yes I should like that.” She smirked.

“He comes this way and I have asked Asuna to find Kagome. In a moment I am going to kiss you.” She said in amusement.

“This shall be entertaining.” Meifen giggled.

Chen neared his chief mate's chambers and walked in on Augusta as she had lowered her lips to Meifen's and began kissing the tigress slowly and passionately. Chen's eyes widened and he stood there speechless. Words could not express the scene and Meifen groaned softly as Augusta pulled her lips away. She lifted the Lady of Hunan's wrist and bit in gently so as to ease the coming contractions. Meifen gave Augusta a heated look and saw Chen.

“Asuna says I am to have a daughter.” Meifen said lightly.

“I…” Chen stated dumbly.

“I shall leave you two alone for a moment.” Augusta bowed.

“Thank you Augusta for relieving my pain.” Meifen said licking her lips.

Augusta bowed again and kept tightly shielded from Chen. She left the room and walked further down the hall and busted out laughing. Chen continued to stare at Meifen and her lovely features contorted just a little as a contraction began building.

“What just happened?” Chen said moving closer.

“You have not cared in the past if I have taken a nu zi as a lover.” Meifen said softly.

“No I have not cared at all but the Western Lady?” he asked stunned to his core.

“Why not?” Meifen asked sweetly.

“Meifen she is a fellow lady.” He remarked.

“I just asked her to kiss me to see if she was receptive.” She pouted.

“Gods nu zi you are in labor and you do that?” he asked in a passionate tone.

“I shall be discreet next time Chen.” She said licking her lips again.

He said nothing and began assaulting her lips. She moaned into his dominating kiss and began a strumming in her chest. Chen was rather overwhelmed in lust at the moment and he pulled back suddenly.

“Go to Lihua.” Meifen said in a sultry tone.

“No I need to stay here.” He said shaking his head.

“Go to her then.” Meifen said smirking.

“Meifen you are birthing my daughter right now. My baser needs can wait.” He growled softly.

“Fine then go get me some water.” She smiled.

“Alright. Let me get you some fresh.” He said standing.

Quon came in as well as Guang and the old healer came over and checked the lady. He looked up at Chen and nodded.

“She will birth soon my Lord.” He said smiling.

“Good. I shall be right back.” Chen bowed.

His mind was screaming for Augusta but she was not answering. He found her at the fountain with a pitcher and goblet of the cold water.

“She requested this I believe?” she said smiling.

“What was that back there?” he asked in a lustful tone.

“Nothing I promise.” She said sweetly.

“Answer me Augusta because my inner self is screaming to fuck you senseless.” He hissed softly.

“Your chief mate is giving birth and your inner nature can wait.” She laughed lightly.

She very suggestively rubbed his engorged member through his ku and he groaned. His eyes were bleeding pink and she knew he wanted a repeat of the scene. She liked his losing control and smirked sweetly at him. She left him there with the pitcher of water and walked back to Meifen. Augusta decided she liked the tigress very much indeed.

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

Quon and I sat with Meifen who was very softly moaning in pain. It was not severe and she could hold a small conversation. My mother sat close by on her left side and Chen on her right. Lihua was chattering away like nothing was going on at all. I saw my mother concentrating on easing the tigress and I knew some form of bond was forming between them. Quon was curious and Chen looked downright feral at the moment. My mother and Meifen stared at each other and a very small smirk passed the tigress's lips. Quon caught the look and jerked his head for me to go outside.

“Ba is tense as hell. Mother and your mother are doing something to make him ready to crawl out of his skin.” Quon said shaking his head.

“Like what?” I asked stupidly.

“I do not know. I just know Ba is ready to start drinking heavily or go tear a deer apart.” He laughed.

“Interesting.” I laughed.

“Yes.” He laughed.

He pulled me back in and he kissed his mother's head.

“You are doing so well Mother.” He said sitting.

“Lady Augusta is easing most of the pain.” She sighed very softly.

“Lord Chen should you like to join me in the Great Hall a moment?” I asked my father in law.

“Yes!!” he said jumping up.

Chen followed me and I directed a servant to bring wine.

“Quon says you look nervous.” I said sipping the cool liquid.

“Some. It is just easier than it was the last four times is all.” He said distracted.

“She scented healthy.” I said comforting him.

“That makes me quite happy.” He said.

He drained the goblet and I noticed Lord Aleksei coming closer. He smiled at me and he noticed Chen's agitation. Chen quit our presence and Aleksei looked amused.

“You have known him along time, what bothers him?” I asked.

“He is concerned about his cub and the poor creature is ready to find one of his concubines.” He chuckled.

“Really?” I asked chuckling.

“Da.” He laughed.

“My mother is assisting Lady Meifen at the moment.” I commented.

“Princess Augusta Orlovich is here now?” he asked almost excited.

“Hai. I assumed you had met her before.” I said surprised.

“No I have not. She knew my mother.” He said following after Chen.

I walked slowly and it was a rather strange day in Hunan.

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

Aleksei followed his rather horney friend at the moment and he knocked on Meifen's door. Quon answered and he bowed to him.

“Come in if you please Lord Aleksai.” Meifen stated.

“I wished to see you as you bring great joy to my oldest friend.” The Amur hanyou bowed.

Augusta looked up and perused his form with her light brown eyes. He was a handsome creature and he perused her as well. He had seen her portraits in Moscow and Vladimir. Her beauty was not exaggerated and he could not help but stare.

“Hello Lord Aleksei. I am Princess Augusta Elizaveta Irena Orlovich, Lady of the Western Lands of Honshu.” She said in Russian and bowing very low.

“Princess Augusta it is my honor to meet you.” He said bowing low as well,

Chen watched his friend as he knew Aleksei had a way with nu zi as well. Chao was the only one of the three tiger lords who was not overly amorous. Aleksei went to Meifen and kissed her hand. She chuckled and nodded her head.

“How are you feeling?” Augusta asked Meifen softly.

“Like I need to bear down.” She said softly.

“That is my signal to leave. Congratulations Chen and Meifen. Princess Augusta it has been a pleasure to meet you.” Aleksei bowed.

“It has been an honor here as well Lord Aleksei. I adored your mother. She was a particular friend.” She stated.

“She told us of the court at Moscow Princess. I was told of your loyalty and goodness. I was also told that Andrey was madly in love with you.” Aleksei said.

“Andrey was mortal and had no idea of what I truly was. Your mother was raised amongst daemons and uppyr alike. Andrey should have pursued her for she was lovelier than I.” Augusta said bowing her head.

“I would beg to differ Princess. The dog is a lucky beast.” He said bowing and leaving.

Chen was angry at his best friend and he left suddenly. He followed the Amur some distance and he growled at him.

“You openly flirt with her?” Chen demanded.

“Why is that a problem? You have not rutted her for awhile.” Aleksei said bluntly.

“Because I love her and you are my friend.” Chen said as bluntly.

“I see. Well let me know if she has any sisters.” Aleksei said flippantly.

“She does. She has a half sister who is a half demon as well. Her name is Lark.” Chen answered.

That piqued the Amur Lord's ears and he turned. Chen nodded and Aleksei raised a golden brow.

“She looks exactly like Augusta but has golden blonde hair and brown eyes like hers.” Chen stated.

“Interesting but she has a very Anglo-Saxon name.” Aleksei said.

“Augusta gave her to a mortal family to finish raising.” Chen said softly.

Aleksei looked more than intrigued and desired to meet the uppyr hanyou. Chen was satisfied that his friend would stop flirting with Augusta and he went back to Meifen. He walked in as Meifen was being held by Augusta and she was pushing. She was so calm and collected it stunned him. He came over and took Augusta's place. Meifen was purring and straining he could see but she was so happy it touched his heart. The miko was there and she guided the head of his cub out slowly. Meifen bore down some more and she pushed out a stunning cub with dark silver hair and delicate stripes all over her. Her tail unfurled and Chen bit back tears of joy. Ever since Yin had passed away the palace had been empty it seemed. Quon moved forward and stared at his newborn sister. She was a good sized cub and she was mewling already. Chen took her from Guang's arms and brought her to Meifen. His Lady started crying openly and held her closely.

“Chen I want to name her Yuming.” Meifen said through her joyful tears.

“Yuming it is my love. She is perfect.” He said lifting her up.

She opened her silver eyes and started crying loudly. Chen smiled and laid her into Quon's arms. I watched from the doorway as my Byakko prince was brought to tears by his baby sister. It seemed the loss of Yin was eased by the birth of Yuming. Meifen looked up at my mother and held her hands tightly.

“Thank you Augusta. That was the most serene birth and I thank you for it.” She replied with tears falling.

“Allow me to come see her occasionally.” Augusta smiled at the tiny tigress.

My mother stood and bowed low. She took Kagome's hand and ported away. I moved forward and saw my tiny sister in law and smiled at her. She looked a great deal like Quon already and he seemed entranced by her. Quon did not ever want me to have anymore of his offspring. We had fought terribly about it and our relationship had been strained some but Zihao always tried to calm us. I was overcome and bowed and left the room. This was an intensely private moment for the family and I ported away to the West. I sighed and sat in a low chair by the window in my room. I carried now and I pretty well knew that Zihao would be Quon and I's only cub. I was a little bitter by the idea but I knew he loved me and wished for me not to die having his progeny. Yasu still glared at me for not ridding myself of this pregnancy but I did not care. I was happy for Byakko royals and went to my futon to settle down. Jing would need just a little more time to heal and he would come after me. I fell asleep and dreamed of nothing.