InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Fracturing ( Chapter 66 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

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

Fracturing

We moved along and I could not sense a damn thing. I hated how powerful a kumo's psi yoki was. The bitch probably was masking Ishin's aura. I glared at Naraku and he too sighed. He changed back to his humanoid form and took my arm.

“Well at least we know she will not kill him. She wants to rut him.” I said in a snide tone.

“Hai it is such a relief to be turned into a sexual plaything.” Naraku said sarcastically.

“Sorry I am trying to be positive.” I said sighing louder.

“I know but I can feel the anger coming from you. You are a very possessive bitch.” He said frankly.

“Hai I know. I cannot help half of what I am. You and Ishin are mine.” I said stubbornly.

“Ishin will not take a lover. I know this about him.” Naraku said bluntly.

“You would?” I asked amused.

“You would not mind as long as it did not interfere with us.” He stated looking around.

“You are right of course.” I said rubbing his arm.

He looked at me softly and pulled me to him. He kissed me softly and pulled me into a hug.

“Come I cannot see her hurting him in a depraved manner but you never know.” He said tugging me along.

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Ishin woke up and he had been cleaned and dressed in a sort of dressing gown. He looked around and he was in the same room he was before. He sat up and he was a little stronger but still nowhere near better. He saw a female staring at him from across the room and he glared at her.

“Where is the slut that dares hold me here?” he growled in Russian.

“My sister is a grand duchess and not a slut. You however seem to fit the bill. It is true and you are a spider?” she asked in a lilting tone.

“Yes I am and a pretty damn big one at that!” he growled.

“Oooh so very scary. Males dominate in your kind? How very strange.” She laughed.

“I am Adelina. Teiran said you had a mouth. You really rule? How very odd indeed. Your females are weak?” she asked coming closer.

“No our females are not weak and they can rule as well but a female has not been born to rule in quite awhile. Why do you care?” he demanded.

“Another species of spider that has strong males. It is rather uncommon you know.” She said smirking.

“I really do not care. I will get out of here and make you pay for touching me!” he snarled.

“Are you monogamous as well?” she asked surprised.

“You obviously are as much a harlot as your sister. Get the hell out of my sight!” he growled.

“Teiran said I could have fun with you!” she said in a rather slinky voice.

“I am not your sister's stud to pass around. I have a beautiful mate that puts you to shame.” He said disdainfully.

“Oh you do have a mouth! You are something. No, Teiran will have to bring you to heel. You are a fine specimen though. She says you are rather well gifted.” She said smirking lewdly.

“Whore!” he yelled.

“Oh no sweet boy, it is you who are the whore. Welcome to Hesse.” She smiled.

She walked away swinging her hips. She was golden haired and hazel eyed like her sister. He growled and cursed his weakness. He knew several species of kumo where the females were dominant including the ookami tsuchigumo. His mother had been a faithless whore and driven his father mad. He snarled in fury at having betrayed Asuna,

Teiran was listening to mortal duke and was bored to tears. She saw her sister emerge and grinned at her.

“You may go Duke Alarik. You are boring me with you inane prattle.” She said dismissing.

“As you wish Grand Duchess.” He bowed and left in a huff.

She smirked as Adelina walked up. Her sister sat next to her and she waited for her to speak.

“He does have a wicked mouth. Is it true that his mate is in part nosferatu?” she asked her elder sister.

“Yes and it makes me think to visit our Romanian neighbors. Rumors have been flying that Vlad Dracul is still alive.” She purred.

“How intriguing.” Adelina said.

“Come sister let us find out about this strumpet that has sway over the delicious morsel in my bed.” She said.

Adelina laughed and she stood. Her sister produced her venomous cloud and ported them to Buda. They went to the mighty fortress held by their rival Jarek Tepest.

“Hello sweet boy. Could you tell your leader that Grand Duchess Teiran Huber is here?” she cooed.

“Nasty spider bitch!” the uppyr guard growled.

“Why do you have to be that way? Just tell Jarek I am here for a little fun.” She laughed.

The guard rolled his eyes and he notified another guard and he stayed stock still. The Prussian spider daemons were a force unto themselves. Adelina circled the male uppyr and blew in his ear.

“Back off bitch!” he growled.

The younger duchess laughed and stepped back with her sister. Where Teiran was fair she was dark. Her eyes were dark brown and her hair a lustrous brown. Jarek Tepest appeared quickly and stared at the spider women with disdain.

“What the hell do you want?” he snapped.

“I hear Daddy lives.” Teiran said with a smirk.

“Lies.” Jarek said in a growl.

“What do you know of a half dog half nosferatu daemon?” she asked licking her lips.

“Stop looking at me like that! I can and will drain you dry!” Jarek growled.

“Answer the question darling and I will be a good girl and leave.” She purred.

“I know of several half uppyr and half dog daemons. Be specific.” He snapped.

“A woman and I would say she is Japanese but she speaks Latin.” Teiran remarked.

“That would be Lady Asuna.” Jarek replied.

“So that is the strumpet's name.” Adelina snorted.

“What do you want with Lady Asuna? You should know she is the daughter of Augusta Orlovich.” He sneered.

“Augusta? Where is the nosferatu whore?” Teiran asked smiling widely.

“Leave spider queen.” Jarek snapped.

“Jarek?” a deep voice called.

“You are such a little liar Jarek; he is out here Vlad! Now be a good ruler and invite a neighboring ruler in.” Teiran laughed.

Vlad stepped out and groaned. The Grand Duchess of Hesse stood at his doorstep. He stared at her in dislike and crossed his arms.

“How is mainstreaming going sexy man.” Teiran asked with mirth.

“Fine till you showed up.” He retorted.

“I am hurt. What can you tell me about Lady Asuna?” she asked.

“Leave her alone Teiran. She is a noblewoman of another continent.” He said flatly.

“Do you know her well Vlad? She is a pretty thing and your penchant for your own relatives well.” She sneered.

Vlad stepped forward and snapped his fangs at the duchess.

“I hit a nerve. Well the rumor is that one of your old enemies actually had you possessed. Too bad the old Vlad was so much fun. Do you remember?” she asked him in a low voice.

“Leave Teiran now!” Vlad hissed.

“So you were possessed. Too bad because you are such an incredible fuck. Now if you have gone all moral. Stasio was a good time too. So you like this little relative of yours?” she asked in a taunting tone.

“Why are you here?” he demanded.

“I have a very pretty boy spider that says he is her mate. I assumed you would know. So good to see you or is it I am meeting you for the first time?” she asked.

“You are an evil bitch!” Vlad growled.

“If I was evil then I would eat all the mortals I rule. I do need some to tend my crops.” She laughed as she ported away in a venomous cloud.

“Father?” Jarek asked.

“I have to find Asuna.” He sighed.

“You would be exposing yourself!” Jarek yelled.

“You think Teiran Huber will keep her mouth shut?” Vlad snapped.

Jarek watched as his father ported away. Augusta and her children seemed to cause endless problems for his family. He sighed and ported to Japan. He had seen her thoughts. He was outside a lavish palace that marveled him. There were two dog daemons staring at him as if he was dead meat.

“I am here to see Princess Augusta.” He said bowing.

“What do you want blood sucker!” an inu growled.

“Your lady is a very distant relation. Please it involves your princess.” Jarek said vehemently.

“Lady Asuna?” the other asked.

“Yes!” Jarek snapped.

“This way.” The first one remarked.

Jarek followed the dog daemon and shuddered. He had never seen so many nature daemons in his life. He was led inside and brought to a lavish room that held a desk and his former fiancé sat at it.

“Jarek?” she asked stunned.

“You know him Lady Augusta?” the first inu asked.

“Hai. You may go and thank you.” She said nodding.

Jarek watched at the dogs left and Augusta bade him sit. She was wearing a black and gray Asian dress. He kept his shields tight at the sight of her. They had come to peace recently but he would always love her in his way. She looked at him and waited.

“I think Asuna is in trouble.” He said bluntly.

“What how?” she asked.

“Teiran Huber has gotten a hold of spider lord from here.” He said.

“Ishin? Teiran is still alive? Good God she is awful!” Augusta said in horror.

“Yeah well Teiran gets what Teiran wants. Apparently Prince Jonathan of Bavaria has been having issues with her.” He explained.

“I swear I escape to Asia to avoid European politics and I end up dealing with it anyway!” she snapped.

“I am sorry Augusta but I know you love your daughter. Teiran is a very powerful and very ambitious woman.” He shrugged.

“I never liked her. God damn what the hell was Ishin doing in Prussia?” she asked.

“Unsure. Of course the mortals do not know that several kingdoms are ruled by daemons. Jonathan came to power a century ago and is very gentle. Too gentle for a spider if you ask me. It seems he must have come to the most powerful spiders he could find and it would be this Ishin.” Jarek stated.

“Ishin and Naraku co-rule the Tsuchigumo. They are immensely powerful and they have become major players here in Japan. Korea, and Vietnam. Ishin is a drop dead gorgeous creature. Teiran probably wanted him as a toy.” Augusta stated disgusted.

“Well knowing your daughter she will rush head first and she has no idea of European kingdoms. She is an Asian ruler and has very little finesse.” He said frankly.

“You are right. Damnit!” she cussed.

“I thought you should know that father went after her. I think he is in love with her.” Jarek said.

“You keep your father away from my daughter Jarek! She has responsibilities and a large family mind you here in Asia. She does not need the King of the Uppyr pining for her.” She hissed.

“My father is a grown man and can do as he likes Augusta. The familial relation is far enough removed that it is not inappropriate.” Jarek stood.

“Jarek we really do not know your father do we? The wraith released him at times but how do we know that some of what that creature did was not really your father!” she snapped at him.

“Because he lost his memory so much Augusta. Do not remember him disappearing for years at a time. My father knew but tried to fight it. He has nightmares over what he did. He also hates himself for what happened to your daughter. He loves her I am certain!” he said flatly.

Augusta stared at him and shook her head. Sesshomaru poked his head in and she nodded to him.

“Who are you?” the inu lord asked.

“A distant relation my lord. I am from her sire's side. I am Jarek.” He bowed.

“Hn.” Sesshomaru uttered.

“Sesshomaru I am needed in Russia for a few days. There are some issues with the Orlovichs that need dealing with and apparently Viktor needs help.” She said smoothly.

“I understand.”

“I will check in my heart.” She said moving to kiss him softly.

Jarek kept his face neutral and had to admit the dog daemon was an enigmatic creature. He bowed again and Augusta took his hand. They ported to Buda and she released him.

“Do you remember our first time?” he asked suddenly.

“Da Jarek I do because it was the first time I had been made love to. It was not sex it was beautiful. Now we need to move on.” She said absently.

He sighed and wished to God she had trusted him. Even now she was cold with him. He wished he had been the one to kill Stasio.

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I felt Eyal and panic flooded me. Naraku looked at me curiously and I saw him on a hill. Naraku looked in the direction I was and his eyes took on a reddish hue.

“It is not him. This is an ally.” I said calmly.

“That is not the creature that raped you? It sure as hell looks like it to me! I saw you kill him!” He raged.

“You saw me kill the wraith that possessed him Naraku. It is a long story but that is not the creature that nearly destroyed me.” I said gently.

Eyal must have known something and I waited for him to appear. He moved with grace and I kept myself totally calm. He was a master of his own emotions and he bowed before us both. Naraku grabbed my arm in a painful grasp and I glared at him.

“I thought that you should know that the woman you seek is named Grand Duchess Teiran Huber. She rules Hesse in Prussia and is a very powerful woman.” He said softly.

“Thank you Vlad.” I said.

He visibly stiffened as I called him his current name and he looked at me. I was trying to maintain his privacy but he was suddenly put off.

“Why do you help us trash?” Naraku snarled.

“I owe your mate more apologies then I will ever be able to muster. I was not in control dark one but I remember what was done to you both and I am sorry.” He remarked stiffly.

“You should be dead!” Naraku hissed.

“I have missed half my life Lord Naraku and trust me when I say being subjected like I was; it was a living hell.” Eyal stated looking away.

Naraku stiffened and I knew he thought of Onigumo. He looked wretched all of sudden and jerked away from me.

“I am going to this Hesse to look for my brother. Speak with the uppyr my love.” He said and ported via his miasma.

“Naraku!” I called but I was too late.

“I am sorry it was imperative you knew. Teiran is a rather heartless bitch at times. Good day.” He said bowing.

“Eyal?” I asked suddenly.

“What happened to Vlad?” he asked raising a brow.

“I said that because it is your secret and not mine. I am trying to respect your wishes.” I said very softly.

“I understand.” He said in a tortured tone.

“What is this? Why are you feeling this?” I asked suddenly.

“No reason my dear. Find your spider.” He said jerking away from me.

“Please do not shut yourself off from me!” I cried.

“Please unhand me. I know Teiran and she will use your mate for her own gratification.” He said bluntly.

“You fucked her?” I asked horrified.

“I did as the wraith da.” He replied.

I grew sick to my stomach and he shook me.

“That was before you were born! Do not judge me. How is your tiger?” he asked darkly.

“Stay out of my head!” I growled.

“Then stay out of mine.” He growled back.

I concentrated and I brushed his mind furiously. I reared back and slapped him roughly.

“You bastard! You rutted another onna to prove something to yourself?” I asked in disbelief.

“I am no one's! I will do as I please and when. I care for you but beyond that.” He said in a nasty tone.

“You had to prove to yourself that what we shared was meaningless. Go right ahead Eyal. Go ahead and be Vlad Tepest!” I yelled.

“You should speak! You are just like me my dear. Go ahead and judge me then judge yourself.” He snapped back.

“I do not claim to be monogamous but I do not turn what you and I shared into a sordid memory. You begged me to forgive you for what? I would rather you had raped me again.” I said in a fury.

“Do not say that Asuna! I did not rape you; I did not do that. What you and I shared was phenomenal but I shall not be yoked to anyone or anything.” He said bluntly.

My lip trembled and I turned away from him.

“Thank you for the information. Thank you for your help in the past. I shall not call upon you again.” I said pursing my lips.

He said nothing and I felt like a fool.

“Goodbye Vlad.” I said stiffly.

I began to try and port and he actually held me. His yoki was astounding and he turned me. His eyes were red and he was angry.

“I do not want you calling me that!” he growled.

“Why not?” I asked in defiance.

He grabbed my jaw and he looked conflicted.

“I love you. You wish to hear that? I love you that it tears me up when I do not see you. I am thinking of you as much as I as I rip us up. You will thank me later. Go find your mate.” He commanded.

He released me and I turned on him. I sank my fangs into his neck and he groaned. He managed to moan out my name and we sank to our knees.

“Asuna!” he rasped.

I brutally forced my yoki through him and his breathing seemed to almost stop. I was flooding him with so much sensation that he grabbed me in a tight hold.

“Asuna ease up! Oh God!” he groaned out as I brought him to climax.

I lazily licked the wounds in his neck and he shuddered under me.

“You really think another onna can do that to you? I can pull you under because I know you! Go ahead and shut me out Eyal.” I snarled in his ear.

He fell us and jerked my hanfu up. I felt him undo his breeches and he filled me in one long, hard thrust. He clawed at the bodice of the hanfu and jerked it down to expose one breast. He thrust hard and I grunted as he continued to pummel me. This was animalistic and desperate. I had driven him over the edge and I began crying out as his own noises were primitive. I could not think as he brought us closer to completion.

“Too powerful.” He muttered.

“Who?” I demanded then moaned.

“You!” he snarled.

“You are so weak!” I said in a sarcastic tone.

He shut me up as he began kissing me and applying his kinetic yoki. I began thrashing under him and gasping. Our joining continued to be rough and almost brutal. I doubted if I would be able to walk straight after. He sank his fangs into my breast and I was overcome in explosive bliss. My legs wrapped around his hips tightly as he too came down. I felt him drinking my life force and I threw my head back as I released a small yell. He collapsed on me and released his fangs. He laid his head against my chest and mine was heaving.

“You were out of line.” He snapped in a tired voice.

“Shut up! You are an ass!” I retorted.

“You use my attraction for you to exact much my darling. You are just as bad as I.” He said in anger.

“Right. I am so terrible. I do not turn us into a dirty memory.” I hissed.

I squeezed my walls on him as tightly as I could. He moaned softly as I continued to tighten and loosen my walls.

“Stop! Asuna stop.” He moaned.

I was releasing waves of yoki through him and I was curious to see if I could throw him yet again into rapture.

“You want this as much as I. You want to feel one.” I moaned.

He ported us to Buda and he ground his hips against mine. I rose up slightly and groaned. He was pushed in as deep as he could and he was hitting my womb.

“Eyal! Kamis harder.” I cried out in a strangled whisper.

He ground harder and I was loosing my last shreds of control. I grabbed his arm and began nipping at his forearm. They were not deep but they drew blood. I was conscience of my beast and yet I was still in control.

“You cannot hurt us! Harder!” I cried.

He looked at me and he too surrendered to whatever gripped his mind as well. We were groaning and straining as we ended up climaxing together. I fell back in exhaustion as my orgasm ripped through me. He fell against me and I breathed with difficulty.

“I need to go.” I said in a harsh whisper.

“I know.” He answered.

“Why is my mother here?” I asked looking up.

“Port to my bathroom. Clean yourself up quickly.” He commanded.

I did as I was told and I turned on the faucets of his marble tub. I scrubbed my skin with a cloth and soap. Regret washed through me as I cleaned myself from an intense session.

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Augusta pounded on Vlad's door as she had felt Asuna's aura. She grew angry and pounded harder.

“I know she was there Vlad! Let me in!” she snarled.

He threw open the door and glared at Elizaveta in supreme irritation. She had her hands on her hips and gave him a hateful stare.

“She was here! I just felt her. You are cavorting with my daughter Vlad!” she said in anger.

“What I do is my business and no I was not having sex with your daughter!” he snapped.

“You lie!” she yelled.

“Elizaveta I am in no mood for your shrill voice at the moment. Go yell at your mate or Jarek for that matter.” He said in annoyance.

“She is not yours Vlad!” she nearly screamed.

“She is yours? She is your daughter and not some property. She is a friend and I am sorry I have ever hurt her. I gave her the information she needed to retrieve her spider mate.” He sighed.

“You care so much then your ass should be helping her!” she hissed.

“Elizaveta leave me alone! You get away with far more then I would normally put up with!” he snarled.

I appeared behind my mother and tapped her on the shoulder.

“Hello Mother.” I said softly.

“What the hell is going on? Why are you not looking for Ishin?” she demanded.

“I am fixing to be actually. Vlad was so kind as to show me maps and such of the spider whore's lair. Now are you done accusing us of fornicating?” I asked with a raised brow.

“Hai! Are you coming Vlad?” Augusta asked.

“No. I have business that needs attending. You are quite the powerful uppyr Elizaveta. If your powers do not work just start yelling at her!” he said then slammed his door.

I suppressed a smirk and stared at her. She growled at me and went in search of Jarek.

“Jarek!” she shrieked.

“Da Augusta? I think you were heard into next week.” He said coming up the grand stair case.

“Oh you and your father are hilarious! You are coming now!” she commanded him.

-Eyal? - I pathed to the uppyr ruler.

-Da? - He thought back.

-We need to talk when I retrieve Ishin. - I thought to him.

-There is nothing to say. Live your life and I will live mine. - He thought in return.

He withdrew from my mind and I grew angry. My mother stared at me and I knew she knew I was pathing. I sensed Naraku and I knew he and I were going to have a huge blow up. Naraku was masking his presence and I sensed many kumo.

“Ishin is in that castle. I have tried to reach him but I imagine he is being blocked.” He said in a neutral tone.

“Naraku I…” I started to say.

“Not right now! I will not argue with you when my brother needs us.” He said flatly.

I nodded and I decided that direct was best. I concentrated on Ishin and I barely felt him. I nodded to Naraku and he took my hand. I ported us and we appeared in a bedroom. Ishin was actually sleeping and I went to his side. He startled awake and looked relieved.

“We are going home.” I said softly.

“Oh do you really think I would allow you to waltz in and take my new toy?” the Prussian spider said.

“I do not think I am giving you a choice slut!” I growled.

She moved and I drew Kumosaiga. She had a thin blade and we began fighting.

“Get him and go!” I screamed at Naraku in Japanese.

He nodded and grabbed Ishin; they ported via Naraku's miasma but not before she moved. She shoved her thin blade through my chest and sliced my throat with a claw. I tried to catch my breath and I had underestimated her. I fell to my knees and she laughed. I looked up and saw they were gone and relief flooded me. I was bleeding out and I stared at her in hatred.

“I know how to kill your kind. You will not keep me from your pretty little spider boys.” She said spitting on me.

I could not speak and I felt my mother's aura. She appeared and mentally threw the kumo onna against a wall. She gathered me to her and ported us to Buda. I tried gasping for breath and I watched as my mother slit her wrist and let her blood flow into the wound in my throat.

“Vlad!” she screamed.

“Damnit Elizaveta! What?” he said coming down the stairs.

I watched his eyes widen in horror and he ran down the remaining steps.

“Tell Jarek to get the doctor now!” he yelled.

“Give her your blood!” my mother screamed.

-My dearest put yourself in the death sleep! I can revive you. - He pathed.

I blinked my eyes and I proceeded to go into a deep trance.

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Augusta looked at her daughter in horror. She watched her go limp in Vlad's arms and he had bit into his own wrist. He was draining himself into her chest wound and her throat.

“Is she?” she asked afraid.

“No she is in a death sleep. She was badly wounded but she will be revived within a day or two.” He said softly.

“I cannot hear you path to her, when did you bind yourself to her?” she asked.

“She bound us not me.” He admitted.

“How did she bind you?” she demanded.

“To strengthen her power Elizaveta and nothing more. I like your precious daughter very much but she is worse in her opinions then you!” he snapped.

“You better not take her power or I will kill you myself!” she growled.

“Why would I need her power when she cannot even tap it all? I have lived nineteen centuries longer then her!” he snapped again.

“Her mates are going to be going insane.” She remarked.

“Then go calm the young fools.” He said with narrowed eyes.

“Da. You cannot have her.” She snarled.

“God damn it all Elizaveta listen! I am not the wraith!” he said in a fury.

“Just checking.” She said scowling.

Augusta ported to Sendai; Ishin and Naraku were both standing there as if they had lost their limbs.

“She will be alright in a day or two.” She said.

“She put herself in another sleep?” Ishin asked.

“Hai.” She confirmed.

“I saw it happen. Where is she?” Naraku demanded.

“With those that can help her the most Naraku.” She said gently.

“How long has she known he is alive? How long have you known?” Naraku growled.

“What is going on?” Ishin demanded.

“Shall I tell him Augusta?” Naraku sneered.

“Vlad Tepest is quite alive.” Augusta admitted.

“Hai he is alive and he raped and tortured Asuna several years ago! I was made to watch through her mind as he did it. He says a wraith made him do it?” Naraku said simmering.

“That creature?” Ishin asked stunned.

“Hai that creature! Mizuki was still an infant when it happened. Care to explain Augusta?” the dark youki said in a terrible tone.

“Do not dare take that tone with me Naraku! You are one to talk! Hai a wraith did possess him and hai he feels horrid. Your mate knows more then she has told but damnit you should be dead as well!” she growled.

“I have paid my penance Augusta! I did not rape Asuna! He remembers it! He remembers torturing her! How is that what I have done?” Naraku snarled.

“Let me see you brought me to Japan and unleashed the youki from the Shikon and he raped and tortured me! You did not do it yourself but hey why would you when you had a minion?” She said sarcastically.

“I had no control over Magatushi and I never did. What he did was by his own decision. I knew who you were at that point. I would not have hurt had you cooperated.” He said glaring.

“As fun as memory lane seems to be can we focus on the whore who took me and will you bring us Asuna in a day or two?” Ishin said reasonably.

“I want her now! I want her brought here right now!” Naraku said in a hateful tone.

“I will if the uppyr doctor says it is alright. She is half uppyr Naraku!” Augusta growled.

“I know what she is. I want my mate home as soon as possible. If I have to sit in front of your own mate's face to have it done!” he threatened.

“Brother!” Ishin hissed.

“No! No Ishin! You did not have to see or hear her cries of pain! You did not have to see her broken afterwards for years!” Naraku said in a glacial tone.

“No Naraku I did not. We shall figure this out. I am normally the passionate one and you talk reason to me. Listen to me now.” Ishin said firmly.

Naraku growled and walked out of the room. Augusta sighed and Ishin had to sit down. He sighed heavily and his chest was hurting. Guilt wracked him as he watched his mate's mother pace.

“Naraku is being unreasonable Ishin.” She said softly.

“I know not Lady Augusta but I feel his turmoil and it is very deep. He loves your daughter with everything in his being. I feel the same and that is why we agreed to this ancient tradition. Neither of us were willing to give her up.” He explained.

“Vlad is not Vlad the wraith. I barely know him but he is in constant turmoil over his life.” She remarked.

“I will talk to Naraku. Please bring her home as soon as you can.” Ishin said softly.

Augusta nodded and ported away. He found Nobu and he fell upon his futon. His friend looked over the wound and hissed.

“This is going to scar. I will have to wait to remove it.” He said.

“Hai. She is a nasty brute Nobu. She reminds me of Airi and my mother.” He sighed heavily.

“That bad?” Nobu asked astonished.

“Hai. I want you to find out exactly what kind of kumo she is and I want you to help me adjust my yoki.” He said biting his lip.

“She rutted you.” Nobu said matter of factly.

“You know me too well my friend. I am disgusted with myself.” He said.

“Not your fault Ishin. The Kamis made males to react. It is how we are made.” He said sitting.

“I am not like other species Nobu. We are not like others. I know exactly why my sire killed my mother. She acted just like this whore does.” He said in disgust.

“You do not judge your own mate.” He said leveling him a stare.

“I do not ask and I do not pry anymore Nobu. I accept her as long as I do not have to think about it.” He said bluntly.

“Wise choice. Come clean yourself and I shall work on that wound.” Nobu said.

“I need to talk to Naraku.” He said sighing.

“Your brother will still be here Ishin.” He said.

“Hai.” He responded.

Nobu helped his friend up and he looked away. Nobu patted his shoulder and Ishin walked slowly. He first sought Naraku and found him staring down upon the valley below.

“Naraku?” Ishin asked.

“Hai Ishin?” he responded.

“Brother please talk to me.” He asked softly.

“Ishin I am sorry what happened. I should have been there. It disgusts me that the onna used you as such.” He replied.

“The uppyr Naraku. Tell me about it.” Ishin said in a quiet tone.

“Whatever it was broke her. He broke her and she has not been quite the same. She was a little different before. She has become harder and more detached. She has managed to maintain our relationship but it has been tried severely. That creature seemed to flip on her uppyr side and I quit getting angry or being jealous. She has always been a lustful creature but not like she is now.” He sighed.

“I am not understanding totally but then you have known her a long time.” He said leaning against a post.

“I had hopes for us back then. I would never have considered our arrangement that we share before. I am a terribly selfish creature. Before my memory was jogged, it was just the three of us in my mind. It was Asuna. Mizuki, and I. When I found out she carried Mizuki I was stunned to my core. I never dreamed that I would even want a babe. I hate whatever it was that turned her uppyr half into over drive.” He said in sadness.

“I never meant to fall in love with her.” Ishin stated.

“Better you then some fucking inu. I like the golden inu just fine but I would prefer if it was just us. We understand her better then anyone else could. Besides this suits me fine. After me memory came back totally this made the most sense to me. She would not let us kill each other.” Naraku had a ghost of a smile.

“I am thrilled now she interfered.” Ishin sighed.

“I do not resent you Ishin. I did at first before I remembered who I was. I am sorry I am more morose then usual. I want her home. I want her in our bed.” He said bluntly.

“Then let I shall retrieve her.” Ishin said bowing.

“You are ill. Go listen to Nobu. I can retrieve her.” Naraku chuckled.

“Your temper is wicked. You are liable to start killing things.” Ishin pointed out.

“You are right. You should go.” Naraku sighed.

“I picked up on her mother's thoughts. She was too busy ranting about you.” Ishin smirked.

“Augusta has always been rather loud.” He said shaking his head.

“Asuna is not?” Ishin laughed.

“Not as bad.” He agreed.

Ishin moved slowly and produced his shoki and went to the castle that he saw in Augusta's thoughts. Uppyr were everywhere and he moved slowly. He saw a very powerful uppyr with long black hair that was tied back. He wore black velvet breeches with boots and a flowing white linen shirt. Vlad turned when he saw an ebony haired spider daemon.

“You are Ishin.” He said.

“You are the Tepest?” Ishin asked.

“Da. She is going to be fine. I am assuming you wish to take her home?” Vlad asked.

“Hai.” Ishin nodded.

“Do not try and listen to my thoughts. Your mate's power is akin to mine and I am still more powerful then she. Take your love and go.” Vlad said stiffly.

Ishin was impressed with the uppyr's detecting his scanning him. He followed the ancient blood drinker and saw Asuna in her death like sleep. It spooked him seeing her as such.

“I can pull her out of it in two to three days time if you will allow me to come to her.” Vlad said stiffly.

“Hai. Do you know Japan?” Ishin asked.

“Da. You have a castle in a city known as Sendai.” He replied.

“How do you know?” he asked.

“I have had her blood in the past. It is easier for me to pluck information from her mind. Good day Lord Ishin.” He said formally and bowed.

Vlad left the room and Ishin watched carefully. Naraku would not leave her side he knew. She looked dead and he could barely hear her heart beat. He picked her up and pulled her into his shoki cloud. He appeared back in Sendai and laid her upon their futon. Naraku was in the shadows and he came forward. He laid down next to her and took her hand.

“I am angry at her.” He said softly.

“Why?” Ishin remarked.

“She kept his living a secret.” He replied.

“She knows you brother.” Ishin remarked.

“Go get cleaned up and get some rest Ishin. I will stay.” He commanded.

“Might I remind you that I am technically older then you?” Ishin said nonplussed.

“Might I remind you that I held you as an infant.” He stated.

“Touché brother.” Ishin chuckled.

Ishin slipped from the room and Naraku looked down at his mate. Anger and jealousy ripped his gut. He ran his fingers over her cheek and sighed.

“What are you hiding my little inu?” he asked softly.

She was as if in death and his heart wrenched. Anger consumed him and he wanted to strangle something. He waited for Ishin to return and he watched as his brother collapsed next to her on the other side and pass out. He slowly rose and ported via his miasma. He appeared in the castle that he picked from Ishin's brain. He found the uppyr ruler in a library reading a leather bound book. Vlad looked up and he sighed.

“May I help you?” Vlad asked.

“I would like to know why the love of my life and my past one saved your worthless ass!” he growled.

“How do you know she saved my worthless ass?” he asked.

“I know her! You somehow convinced her that you are not that depraved son of whore!” Naraku snarled.

“I have given you my apology. I cannot explain everything as I do not remember it all. I regret that she was hurt by that creature.” Vlad sighed.

“That creature was you!” Naraku said coming closer.

“That creature was not me! I would never have raped a woman!” he hissed in fury.

“You changed her! You turned her into a blood drinker!” Naraku said in anger.

“I have news for you shape shifter but she was born a blood drinker.” He snapped standing.

“Stay away from her! Leave her be from now on. She belongs to me.” He said circling the uppyr king.

“I want nothing from her except her happiness. I do not dispute she belongs to you and that spider.” Vlad said rubbing his temples.

“The kumo's name is Ishin and you better not dispute it. I have not stopped her from taking her lovers but I will find a way to kill you if you do touch her. Asuna did not deserve what you did.” Naraku said flexing his claws.

“You may leave. I have no wish to fight you.” Vlad said in an angry sigh.

“No one dismisses me uppyr. I am Naraku and you had better remember your betters.” He said in his infamous smirk.

“Who do you think you deal with? I am not Elizaveta and I will not tolerate you for much longer! Get out!” Vlad snarled.

“I shall be observing you uppyr. I have my ways and I swear you will die!” he said flatly.

“Guess what? I do not want her! She is yours and I have no designs on her. Go burn in hell on your accursed island!” Vlad said.

Naraku stared at him coldly and he disappeared. Vlad sat and he was more than morose. The bastard thought he could take him and it angered him. He had made the colossal mistake of falling in love with her and he felt his insides twisting again. He threw his book and picked up a decanter of wine and poured himself a glass. The glass broke in his hand and he realized how this whole damn thing was affecting him. He did not want to want her. He did not want to need her and he did. The damn shape shifter actually thought he could keep him from seeing her. He mused and decided to give it time. Syna was the only one who even came close to touching his heart. He had been saddened at her death but not devastated. Jarek had openly wept. He retrieved his book and tried to concentrate on it but found he could not. He stood and looked out over the city of Buda and saw Pest across the way.

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Naraku paced and watched his mate lay there in her damn death sleep. The wounds to her neck and throat had closed completely. It had been three days and she still had not woken. Ishin came up and handed him a letter.

“Will you please deal with Kenta? I cannot stand him.” Ishin said.

“Hai. I shall be back within the day.” Naraku said distracted.

“Thank you.” Ishin remarked.

Naraku disappeared and Augusta brought the uppyr ruler. Ishin kept a close eye on the blood drinker. He led them to his chambers and Ayana began mewling from her cradle. Augusta plucked her up and Ishin glared at her.

“May I please attend my own daughter?” Ishin asked.

“Oh hush! She is my grandpup. You get her all the time.” Augusta said shushing Ayana.

Vlad looked at Asuna's daughter and marveled at her beauty. Augusta walked her and she was hungry.

“Has she had a wet nurse?” Augusta asked.

“That is a stupid question Lady Augusta. I would not starve my infant daughter.” Ishin said rolling his eyes.

“Well I am going to feed her. Wake her up Vlad.” Augusta said.

“Elizaveta when did you ever think to order me around? Go feed your granddaughter and leave me to this.” He snapped.

Ishin looked annoyed but watched as the Western Lady took his daughter into another room.

“Your daughter is lovely.” Vlad said.

“She is.” He nodded.

“I have to give her blood.” He said bluntly.

“Then do it.” Ishin said crossing his arms.

Vlad sliced his wrist with a claw and pressed it to Asuna's mouth. He forcefully pulled on her power and engaged her hunger. Her eyes flew open but they were clouded over; she began drinking deeply and he suppressed the moan that wanted to escape. Ishin watched closely and his mate was actually growling. Vlad broke the connection and sat back. Asuna turned her clouded eyes to her mate and eyed him.

“She is still thirsty. Feed her.” Vlad said.

“what? No!” Ishin said in disgust.

“Fool.” Vlad muttered.

Ishin growled and he watched his mate continue to stare at him as though he was a rare meat. He sighed and moved forward. She licked his neck and he shuddered. She sank her fangs into his neck and he actually felt her drinking. She groaned and suddenly pulled back.

“Ishin?” I asked confused.

“Hai.” He said touching my face.

“Eyal?” I asked absently.

“It is I Vlad Lady Asuna.” He said formally.

“Sorry. I am awake. Where is Naraku?” I asked.

“In his castle.” Ishin said brushing hair off my face.

“Thank you Vlad for pulling me out.” I said inclining my head.

“Not a problem. Live well.” He said standing.

He ported out and I was still getting my bearings. Ishin kissed me softly and I kissed him back.

“Naraku is ready to fight.” He said kissing my forehead.

“Might as well get it over with.” I said looking down.

He nodded and I ported to Naraku's Northern Castle. I found him in the courtyard and speaking with several ookami tsuchigumo.

“Can we talk?” I asked from behind him.

“Start talking.” He said then turned.

“I discovered it was not him that raped me whilst you were recovering from Jing.” I said softly.

“I do not care if he was possessed. It was partially him that tortured you! You gleefully take him as an ally. Have you fucked him?” he asked in a low growl.

“No.” I said firmly.

“You want to.” He said as his mahogany eyes flashed crimson.

“No! You were my enemy if you remember right.” I pointed out.

“I was never YOUR enemy my darling koi. I was your iceberg sire's and your dumbass uncle's enemy. I will relive your screams in my mind and it always reminds me of how inept I was to save you. You are mine. If your damnable inu pride needs to hear that then so be it! You are mine and I allow your lovers only so much leeway. Never forget whose soul you are bound to for eternity!” he growled.

“As if I could forget.” I muttered.

“Do not start a fight my love. I am in a horrid mood and it might get ugly.” He said in a testy tone.

“I leave you to your duties then.” I said bowing.

“Asuna!” he snapped coming closer.

He pulled me into his arms and he wrapped his arms around me. There were ookami tsuchigumo all around and he stared into my eyes hard. He pressed two fingers to my lips and I kissed them lightly.

“I have loved you for most of my life my little inu and I spent nearly a thousand summers pining for you. I am quite sure that I am entitled to be protective and possessive of you.” He said touching my shoulder.

“I understand you words but you need to trust me. You have been and always will be first.” I said bluntly.

“My sweet you are incapable of only. I get that but I shall not tolerate the uppyr. He will die if he even thinks about you.” He said rather forcefully.

“Do not do that Naraku.” I snapped.

“Imagine if I took Jing as a lover.” He said with his lips set in a grim line.

“I am telling you it was not him! I understand your feelings but it was me that was raped and tortured!” I hissed.

“Hai! I know but I saw and felt it as if I were you! Why do you think I loose my mind about the subject?” he demanded.

“I believed in you when no one else would.” I said stubbornly.

“You want to make this like that then? I am not Onigumo anymore! You saw to that when you purged his soul from me!” he growled.

“He is not that creature that tortured me. I purged him of his demon the same as I did you.” I said raising a brow.

He grew violently angry and I actually stepped back. His eyes were blazing and he stepped forward.

“As you did me hmmm?” he said in a low snarl.

“Naraku back down! I did not mean it like that.” I said softly.

“You think me a fool? You think I cannot tell when another male wishes more from you then I will allow? The physical is one thing Asuna but the soul tie another. I allow Ishin because he is my brother and in the event of my demise you will be seen to as well as our pups. I allow Ishin, remember that!” he said in a threatening tone.

Anger tore through me and he grabbed me. His face was wrathful and he ported us inside his castle. He pushed me against a wall and I was actually a little nervous.

“You came to me Asuna. Your soul came to me in my castle in the past. You died in my arms upon your death as Sorami. You wish me to become violent?” he growled.

“It is not like that! Why are you turning this into something it is not?” I snapped.

“Because you are slipping away. You do not sense it? You are becoming less and less the inu princess and more of one of them!” he snarled.

“I am half uppyr Naraku! I am coming into my uppyr power slowly. What you sense is my growing half. I am not slipping away from you. I am growing in my yoki.” I said narrowing my eyes.

“I do not like the uppyr. I do not like what they do or how they act.” He said defiantly.

“You tell me this when I am in part one of those creatures!” I said dumbfounded.

“You are you! You are not one of them!” he yelled.

“I am one of them! I am more like them then you will ever know!” I yelled back.

“Why? Tell me why?” he said in a passionate tirade.

“I crave blood. I have been drinking blood when I hunt. I cannot stop it.” I said looking away.

“You have said nothing!” he said horrified.

“What should I say? By the way my heart I wish to sink my fangs into you and drink from you. It disgusts me and I cannot stop it!” I cried.

“You are not like that!” he said fiercely.

“I am Naraku and it only gets worse as I get older.” I said in a wretched tone.

“You are not like the wraiths or those Kamis damn uppyr! You are more than that!” he said fiercely.

“I am in part like that!” I stated.

“I will not hear this. You are not them. You are my mate.” He said making me look at him.

“You wish me different.” I stated flatly.

“No! I wish you as you but talk to me and maybe we can ease this thing for you!” he said.

“Ease the blood drinking? When you figure out how then let me know.” I said looking away from him.

“You have been seeking them out to learn?” he asked in disbelief.

“I feel normal there!” I said in a pleading tone.

“You do not feel normal amongst us?” he asked in an incredulous tone.

“No! I do not. I have hunger! You have no idea what it is like. I get consumed in it.” I said trying to get him to understand.

“Go to Sendai please. I need time to assimilate all this.” He said shaking his head.

“Excuse me? You are not a normal youki Naraku!” I said in a hurt tone.

“I am not dismissing our relationship Asuna! I need time to figure out how to help you!” he cried.

“Help me? Help me do what?” I asked in anger.

“You are not like that. You have said and say many times over you do not wish to be a blood drinker.” He said perplexed.

“I do not know what I want exactly.” I muttered.

“You want to survive off the blood of living creatures?” he asked.

“We youki live off of meat. What is the damn difference?” I growled.

“Do you hear yourself?” he demanded.

“Oh the great Naraku preaches to me? You would have me deny who I am to fit your terms of what I should be? I am part uppyr! I killed the kumo that attacked Ishin with my mind Naraku! I killed him by making blood vessels rupture in his head!” I said.

He shook me and I glared at him. He seemed to be seeing me differently and that hurt me tremendously. Tears threatened to fall and I looked away from him.

“Do I even know you anymore?” he asked suddenly.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“What has these episodes been doing to you?” he asked.

“What the death sleeps?” I asked him.

“Hai.” He mumbled.

“They restored me to life is what they have done.” I retorted.

He stepped back as if I were some kind of monster and I stared at him in disbelief. He forced himself to look away and it dawned on me that his hatred of the uppyr from my rape extended to the here and now. He assumed I was turning into one of the depraved lunatics that we had dispatched. He looked at me upon hearing my thoughts and he said nothing.

“Go to hell!” I said in a fury.

“Asuna stop!” he said as I looked at him.

“If you think I am that then go screw yourself Naraku! How dare you act as such when you came about the way you did! Arrogant prick!” I said clenching my jaw.

“What would you have me think? My experininces with the blood drinkers have been horrid! You think I want my beloved mate turning into that?” he asked me.

“Get out of my way!” I said eyes long since red.

“Stay! Talk to me.” He said forcefully.

I glared at him and I ported away. I appeared in Shanghai and sank into a low chair. I cut him off brutally and I would feel the pain later. I stared into nothingness and did not move.

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Naraku felt almost violently ill suddenly. She had totally cut him off and it was wretched. He shook his head to try and clear his thoughts. He ported back to Sendai and found Ishin busy with Karu and Mizuki. He looked upon the full blooded kumo and Ishin looked confused.

“Has she cut you off?” he asked.

“No why?” Ishin asked.

“We had a fight.” Naraku sighed.

“I see.” Ishin said crossing his arms.

Naraku saw the fang marks on his neck and he looked at Ishin.

“When she came to she was hungry.” He said shuddering a little.

“You fed her?” he asked.

“Hai. I saw no alternative!” he said defensively.

“She is having more and more uppyr come out in her. Good Kamis this is awful!” he hissed.

“Why?” Ishin asked.

“Ishin she is half inu as well. It is getting suppressed by the blood drinker. She is losing her balance within herself.” Naraku said throwing up his hands.

“Sounds like you have experience because of the ningen.” Ishin said raising a brow.

“Hai! Kamis she has been turning to that bastard because she needs it she thinks.” He mused.

“Naraku she is in fact part uppyr. You may not like that part but you do love her.” He said.

“I saw what those creatures were capable of.” He hissed.

“I know but to lose your head because she is growing in that side of her?” he asked.

“I am losing her.” He said in a whisper.

Ishin stared at his brother in disbelief. He had come upon a deep prejudice and pain in his shape shifting brother.

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I was sitting in the gardens at Shanghai and I grew curious. I opened myself fully to Eyal and he felt deep surprise. I let my yoki flow along my body and he had a sudden intake of breath. I let myself just feel my own power and I grew bold. I imagined that same power moving through him and I sensed his moans. I was intrigued beyond measure and I mentally imagined us engaged in the physical act of joining as well as taking each other in. His mind seemed to radiate and I could feel his growing need. I pushed more of my yoki and I suddenly felt overwhelmed and hot. Heat coursed through my belly and exploded through my limbs. I realized I was feeling his release of sorts. He withdrew from the link and was by my side in an instant.

“What did you do?” he rasped.

“I have no idea. I was just curious and went with it.” I said in a whisper.

“You have to leave it alone. You are making this harder.” He said almost in a trembling voice.

“He hates that I am turning.” I said out loud.

“Who?” he asked laying his hands on my shoulders.

“Naraku hates that my instincts have kicked in. He hates that I am in part uppyr.” I said picking a hand from my shoulder.

“He will get over it. It is new to him. Asuna!” he cried out softly.

I had taken a finger into my mouth and sucked on it. I sucked another one into my hot orifice and his grip on my shoulder grew harsher. I released his fingers and he sighed gently.

“I love taking in your blood. I love watching you as I take you in.” I said in a soft tone.

“This goes too far. We have to stop. You do not belong to me anymore then I belong to you.” He managed.

“How does it feel when you take me in Eyal? What does it bring to you?” I asked.

“Joy.” he stated in a whisper.

I lifted my claws to my own neck and dragged them heavily across my skin. Blood welled up and he groaned as he saw what I was doing. He lowered his lips to my neck and lapped at the wound. He growled and sank his fangs in. I shuddered and he held me tightly. Pure pleasure flowed from me and he drank deeply. I shut my eyes as I felt the utter bliss. I ported us to the one place that he would balk at but would heal us both. He jerked away from me suddenly and his eyes hardened.

“Why do you insist on being here?” he demanded.

“Because this was not you.” I said in a deep tone.

I undid the yukata I wore and it fell and I slipped it off. I moved to him with grace and I trapped him against the wall.

“Make love to me.” I demanded in a soft tone.

He leaned his head forward and began nipping my lips. I groaned loudly and he gripped my naked shoulders. I leaned into the kiss and consumed him. It became intense and our tongues became battered as our fangs gouged the other. He gathered me to him and held me tightly and we ended up on his old bed. We became one in every sense of the word and my memories of the wraith became shattered and replaced with magnificent ones.

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I was in the West and I had brought my pups home to visit with my family. I was sparring with my father of all things and enjoying it immensely. I was vigorous and I refused to see Naraku. I had not ended our mating; I just wished to pay him a lesson. I did not keep the pups from him I just refused to talk to him or acknowledge him at the moment. I had received a very disturbing letter from the Duchess Kumo as I came to call her and she was very politely telling me to watch my back. I burned the letter. I continued to spar my great father and he actually was working up a sweat.

“You are getting better and better Daughter!” he praised.

“I have had the best teach me my lord!” I smiled as Tokijin clashed with Kumosaiga.

We heard rustling at the door and Jaken fell in. I looked at the kappa and he was disorderly and sheepish.

“Milord?” he squeaked.

“Hn?” my father uttered in his most bored tone.

“There is a tiger here to see you my lord.” He said.

“Who?” he demanded.

“A Bengal my lord! His name is Lord Mingli.” Jaken said falling face first.

“I will be there now.” He said and brushed past me.
I sheathed my fang and came to my knee near Jaken and smirked.

“Good for you little man.” I smirked.

“Milady?” he asked frightened.

I laughed and followed after my sire. I was curious why Mingli would appear. I appeared in his study and saw the Bengal lord. My heart skipped several beats and my sire was pensive.

“Lady Asuna! How are you?” he asked.

“I am well. Lord Mingli this is my sire Lord Sesshomaru-sama.” I said formally.

“Lord Sesshomaru-sama!” he said bowing low and in perfect Japanese.

“Lord Mingli.” He said raising a brow.

“May I be blunt my lord?” Li asked.

“Hai.” My sire answered.

“I wish to formally form an alliance with the Western Lands. I am most grieved that my ba aided the Byakko in such a personal issue to you and your family.” He said in his beautiful voice.

“Why would you do that?” he asked intrigued.

“Frankly Chen is pissing me off to the point that I am on the verge of attacking him. I am hoping that your heir and grandson will remain here for a time as I would wish no harm to them. I am not my ba and I will not let such an arrogant creature step on the toes of Xizang. My ba was a good soul devoted to a big fool.” He stated.

My eyes were wide and he looked at me. Something big must have occurred and I dipped into his mind. He and Quon had actually come to blows in Siberia and Chen had dared threaten him. I kept mouthing no and my sire looked at me intrigued.

“I respect your position Lord Mingli. Please stay and be my guest. Lady Asuna will show you and any retainers you have to quarters.” He said smoothly.

“Thank you for your graciousness Lord Sesshomaru-sama. My Lady Asuna.” He said bowing.

My chest was heaving and he looked calm. My sire got up and motioned for the door.

“Asuna please stay a moment.” He said.

“Hai my lord.” I said keeping my voice neutral.

Li left the study and shut the door behind him. I turned to my father and he waited.

“Well?” he asked.

“Li blames Chen for Chao's death. He and Chen do not get along. It seems Aunt Lark has given birth to a tiger as well. Lord Aleksei had the two other clans in Siberia and Quon came at Li.” I said repeating what I had gleaned.

“Why would your husband go after Lord Mingli and why are you calling him a nickname?” he asked arching a perfect silver brow.

“Li has challenged my marriage to Quon according to tiger customs.” I whispered.

“Excuse me?” he asked.

“Li wants me torn from Quon. Li has become a very close companion.” I said biting my lip.

“Well.” He said sitting.

“I am sorry. I shall get this straightened out.” I said.

“No leave it be. I rather respect the Bengal.” He said intrigued beyond measure.

“My lord my bedroom activities should have no bearing on politics.” I said bluntly.

“Lord Mingli does not think so. I shall meet with him. Show him his rooms.” He said dismissing me.

I stumbled from the study and stared at Li in shock. He bowed and waited.

“Why? Why would you do what you did?” I asked.

“I did not start it beloved. Quon did and I will not take anymore Byakko insults. You know I love you but this goes beyond you.” He said.

“Li I am married to him! He fathered Zihao!” I said in disbelief.

“Yes he is married to you and I challenged him. I will fight him if necessary but I am more concerned about keeping you and young Zihao safe. I know you care for him but has he not betrayed you? I know he was with at least two tigresses whilst you two were apart. Chen insults me any chance he gets and I cannot have it princess. My standing among my kind is precarious enough.” He said in his usual honesty.

I leaned against a wall and I was floored. I could not fault Quon for his own behavior as he was a crown prince and tiger traditions allowed for as many concubines as he wished. I looked away and I was angry again at Chen.

“Quon has leave to bed as many onna as he wishes. I have and I have no say in the subject. Your honor is your own and I thank you for coming here and telling me of the dangers. Follow me please.” I said softly.

“Asuna! Wait.” He said pulling me into a hug.

I allowed it and I realized we stood in the middle of the hall. Enough tongues would wag and I pulled away.

“Not here! Anywhere but here.” I said in a whisper.

“I am not ashamed of how I feel. Why should you?” he asked in a lower tone.

“Because you are a tiger in the middle of the Western Palace cavorting with its heir! I am not the lord here, I am a crown princess.” I said bluntly.

“Xizang is bigger and has more resources then Hunan. We are an emerging power. Tell your inu nobles to choke on that! I have made my intentions clear.” He said backing away.

“What is that Li?” I asked.

“I have leave of my council to deliver you from your mating of Prince Quon Hu. You made quite an impression upon my uncles. Two were there when my ba fell. I was flatly told if you can bear a Byakko a cub then you should be able to bear a Bengal one.” He said smirking.

“You are seeking my hand?” I asked stunned.

“Yes. I am seeking your hand but I shall do it the right way and with your sire's leave. I shall face your council here if need be.” He said bowing.

I was shaking and fear gripped me.

“You cannot kill Quon. You cannot, he is Zihao's ba!” I said.

“All I need do is defeat him in an arena Asuna. If I have your permission then I shall press the issue.” He stated.

I realized I felt my sire's presence and I turned. Li bowed and my sire looked highly interested in the conversation.

“This Sesshomaru will call upon the council now.” He said bluntly.

“Father!” I said in shock.

“I have not heard you protest his plans once Asuna. You carry feelings for him as well. This evening you may meet with the inu nobles.” My sire said bluntly.

“Wait a minute! You two are talking of changing my life!” I said between the two.

“Quon did that the second he threw you out of Hunan princess.” Li said.

“Last time I checked I had a say.” I snapped.

“You do. I will do nothing without your consent. If you do not wish it then I will not. I could not promise that Quon would not die by my hand.” Li said honestly.

I backed up and felt like a caged animal. I stared between my sire and lover and I fled.

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I went to the only safe place I knew at the moment and I was in Eyal's library. He was reading and I was on the floor at his feet. My head was laid against his knees and his hand was running through my hair. I did not have to say anything and it was quiet. Jarek came into the study and he looked surprised.

“You grace us with your presence a lot here lately.” He said.

“Be quiet son.” Eyal said never looking up.

“Da father.” He said with mirth.

He looked down at me and he sensed my hunger yet again. He lifted my chin and searched my eyes.

“You have been ravenous.” He said softly.

“I know.” I sighed.

“Are you feeling okay?” he asked.

“Hai.” I said closing my eyes.

“Come. We shall hunt in the forests.” He said pulling me up.

“Hai.” I responded.

I was hungry and when I found my prey it was quite a bloody affair. I felt Eyal's eyes on me and I turned my muzzle towards him. I changed form and I backed away from him.

“You are not yourself. I have never seen you act as such.” He said softly.

“I am just ravenous is all Eyal.” I said squelching the hunger.

“How long have been this way?” he asked.

“A few days.” I said.

“I want my physician to check you out.” He said taking my hand.

We had not defined anything and we just were. I followed him back into the city and he brought me to his chambers. He turned and presented me with a red frock and I raised my brow.

“I am not a European.” I said smirking.

“Your mother is and you look stunning. Please?” he asked.

I took the dress from him and slipped out of my kimono. He helped me put the frock and it was made of heavy silk. It was a low cut affair but closer to my body. He smiled warmly and I rolled my eyes.

“You look amazing. I like your native dress but you have the body to carry off these fashions.” He mused.

“Thank you.” I said bowing.

“Here.” He said as he undid my hair.

It fell down my back and he stared at me. He pulled me to him and kissed me deeply. I responded and began growling as hunger tore through me again. He pulled away and stared down at me. He took my arm and I led me to the castle's physician. The healer was an older male uppyr who looked rather kind. He smiled at me and looked over at Eyal.

“Sire?” he asked.

“She is acting as if she is in a starved mode.” He said simply.

“Well missy lay on the table. Let me examine you.” He said.

“Thank you and your name?” I asked.

“Luca.” He said smiling.

“Quit flirting Luca.” Eyal said raising a brow.

“Yes majesty.” He said smirking at my lover.

He rolled his eyes and sat down and waited for me. Luca was thorough and checked me out.

“Majesty? Come here please.” The healer said.

“Da?” Eyal said coming closer.

“Young missy have you ever been like this before?” he asked.

“Not like this. I am craving blood whereas I normally eat meat.” I said confused.

“What? You did not say that.” Eyal remarked.

“What does it matter? I feel as though I am starving.” I said shrugging.

I watched the healer and my lover exchange glances and I groaned. I laid back and sighed.

“Take my womb when I have this babe.” I muttered.

“Not wanted?” Luca asked.

“Not expected. I do not have my mother's issues having offspring.” I said closing my eyes.

“Asuna we can talk in private.” He said gently.

Regret was washing through the uppyr ruler and I sighed.

“I can see where this is going. If you do not care then why should I?” I asked him hollowly.

“Luca could you excuse us?” Eyal asked the healer.

“Da sire.” He said bowing.

“This is not what you want.” Eyal said gently.

“You are right. Why should I want this? Thank you for kindness but I need to go.” I said tonelessly.

“Why are you pulling away from me?” he asked.

“Your feelings are clear on the issue. You do not want an `us' and you certainly do not want a babe.” I said as my chest was hurting.

“I am unprepared for the idea of having another child.” He said bluntly.

“I understand Eyal. You have your son and you are content with that. I surely do not want to make anything more askew then it already is. I need to face my issues at the moment. I shall keep myself away.” I said standing.

“Please do not act this way.” He said holding my face between his hands.

“I have tarried too long and cowered away. Move away.” I said cruelly.

“Asuna stop it!” he demanded.

I clenched my jaw and ported away. He had not expected it and I went to Shanghai. Emotion overcame me and I began sobbing as I slid down a wall. I allowed myself the weakness at the moment and I wiped my eyes. I would be damned if I rid myself of his babe. Thing was I did want his. I was quite determined that this would be my last pup and I dried my eyes. I was quite good at masking so that is what I would do. I stood up and ported to the West. I did not bother to change my clothes and I went to my sire's study. He was reading reports and I bowed.

“What are you wearing?” he asked surprised.

“A dress. I am not participating in your treaty with Li. If he faces Chen and Quon so be it but I will not abandon my mating and marriage because I like someone a lot. This is my life and I will live alone if need be.” I said bluntly.

“Daughter what is going on with you?” he demanded.

“I am changing. I am unsure of all of it but I am. I do not need mates in order to be happy. I have my pups and my heirs. I have all I need. Good day my lord.” I said bowing.

I left and went to my chambers. I was an emotional wreck at the moment but I kept myself calm. My mother came into my rooms and she was holding Masami. I nodded and she came in.

“Asuna what is going on?” she asked.

“I am tired.” I said rubbing my eyes.

“Sweetness I feel your hunger.” She said.

“Why did you not tell me it was this bad? Why did not you not say the hunger was awful?” I asked.

“Of what do you speak?” she asked concerned.

“Blood! Mother I need it!” I said closing my eyes.

“Baby what have you been doing?” she asked bluntly.

“Naraku despises my uppyr side. I only told him recently that I crave it badly.” I said staring at her.

“You and Vlad.” She said sighing.

“Hai.” I said closing my eyes.

“You carry his child. You are pregnant with an uppyr. God in heaven how did this happen? Why did you not heed my warnings?” she snapped.

“Because he is not the monster that everyone portrays him to be! He gets me completely!” I snarled.

“You will have an uppyr more powerful then you and he put together. You two are extremes amongst our kind. The hunger will only get worse.” She said sadly.

“He does not want this babe but I do. I love him deeply and I will raise my child myself.” I said my chest hurting.

“You must be at least two months along.” She said touching my face.

“I do not know. I am tired and I want peace. My soul mate cannot accept my uppyr side but prefers my inu self. Hilarious is it not?” I said laughing bitterly.

“Asuna you are changing because you are pregnant with a powerful uppyr. I cannot see Vlad dismissing his own child.” She said confused.

“He does not want me as a mate. He does not even want me on a regular basis. He is truly an isolationist Mother. He does not want to need or want anyone. He even loves me but fights the feelings.” I said standing and moving to my futon.

“What are you planning?” she asked.

“Nothing. I am planning nothing but have my babe and move on.” I said shrugging.

“Asuna, Naraku will go ballistic.” She said.

“I have not seen nor heard from Naraku in two weeks. I have cut him off.” I replied.

“How far have you gone as far as binding?” she asked.

“He hears my call from anywhere. I can affect him with my yoki thousands of miles away.” I answered.

“You are one. By the Kamis.” She said stunned.

“Oh well. It matters not.” I shrugged.

“What are you not telling me?” she asked.

“He is a good man. He is a very good man.” I said bluntly.

“Asuna honey he is ancient.” She said.

I laid down on my futon and quit talking.

“Baby girl you have cut yourself off from Vlad?” she asked.

“Hai. I have cut myself off from all. I want to be alone.” I said shutting my eyes tightly.

I felt my mother leave and I fell asleep.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Augusta was floored. She had never known Vlad to be careless even when the wraith had him. The feelings between he and Asuna had to be deep. She ported to Buda and found Jarek. She bowed and he did as well.

“Where is your father?” she asked.

“Tatra. He is more morose then normal. He has been rather despondent since your daughter left.” He said.

“I am going to see him.” She said porting out.

She appeared in Tatra and found the uppyr ruler in his library there deep in letters and he looked sad. He looked up and sighed.

“I told you to stay away from her.” Augusta fumed.

“Elizaveta leave me alone. I am quite grown as is your daughter.” He snapped.

“She will not rid herself you know. You will have a child you will not know?” she demanded.

“I cannot make her do anything. If she chooses to have the babe then that is entirely up to her. I do not wish to complicate her life but she is insisting on doing just that.” He sighed deeply.

“She is madly in love with you and consumed with you.” She said staring at him.

“You think she cares for me and it is one sided? I do love her far more then I should but I am quite realistic and this relationship is toxic for her. She will not see that.” He said with a hardened look.

“I really do not know you.” She said in shock.

“No you do not. She does.” He said sighing.

“When did you actually meet her Vlad?” Augusta asked sitting.

“She was somehow in the past in the times of Trajan.” He said.

“Dear God you have known of her for fifteen centuries?” She asked him.

“Da I met her fifteen centuries ago. She gave me the name Yuina.” He smirked.

“Asuna Yuina Zoya Orlovich.” She said smiling.

“Zoya hmmm? Lovely choice for her. God I love her.” He said bitterly.

“She is still very young.” Augusta said flatly.

“You do not think I do not know that? Elizaveta you have a knack for the annoying. What do you want?” he asked massaging his temples.

“What do you intend to do about your child?” she asked.

“Nothing. I intend to do nothing.” He said looking away.

“Bastard!” she snapped.

“She does not truly want it anyhow!” he said coldly.

“She let you think that so she can manage. I know my girl. There is some part of her that is tied to you. Her inu part is tied to the Western House and I wonder where you fit in.” she said bluntly.

“She wants me to think she does not want my babe? How asinine is that?” he asked.

“About as asinine as you denying the truth. You two are just alike.” She said standing.

“Elizaveta, I am trying to do the right thing. You and I both know that this cannot work between her and me. You keep telling me to stay away and I am. Please help her through the pregnancy.” He said grimacing.

“What do you intend to do?” she snapped.

“Sleep I think. Tell them I took her against her will. It would not be the first time.” He said as bitterness laced his words.

“You really have no intentions of knowing your babe?” she asked in disbelief.

“Do you not understand that this is its best chance of it not being ostricisized? Damnit Elizaveta she has become my everything and I cannot do right by her. I am trying to give her what I can.” He said hollowly.

“You are not who I thought you were. Where are you from?” she asked.

“Elizaveta that was nearly two thousand years ago. I have no wish to delve into my origins.” He sighed.

“She will not understand.” She replied.

“Maybe that is for the best. Maybe her not understanding will lead to her hating me again.” Vlad said in profound regret.

“I do not understand.” She said sadly.

“Da you do. Why do you cling so tightly to your dog daemon?” he asked.

“Because he is the mate of my heart.” She said softly.

“Despite the mate of your soul. You follow your heart. Good day Elizaveta. If the babe is a boy will you see to it that the name is Malachi? If it is a girl then Rina?” he almost pleaded.

“Hebrew?” she asked.

“Da. Promise me.” He said softly

“Da. What do they mean?” she asked.

“My angel and joy.” He said looking away.

He left the room and Augusta stared after. The creature she had known as a child was not the man that was. Tears pricked her eyes at his selflessness for her daughter's happiness. The sad part was there would not be any happiness.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I was amongst the Manchu Noble Council again and I wanted to scream. I was dying of thirst and they would not shut up. I narrowed my eyes at Sheng and he came to me.

“Shut them up or I will.” I hissed.

“Asuna what is your problem?” he asked.

“I am hungry and I need to eat.” I said bluntly.

“Have some food sent for.” He whispered.

“No!” I said standing.

The black inu were staring at me and I snapped my fangs. I left the room and stalked into the hall of the He Gang palace. Sheng followed after me and whirled me around. My eyes were red and he looked stunned.

“What is going on with you koi?” he demanded.

“Leave me alone Sheng.” I hissed.

I felt Naraku and I began growling. I turned and he looked stunned as well.

“What do you want?” I hissed at him.

“Asuna what is happening to you?” he asked softly.

“Leave me alone!” I yelled.

Sheng looked at Naraku and I left them. Naraku followed me and grabbed me and I began shrieking. I kicked at him and he held me tightly.

“You mother told me he got to you. What did he do? Asuna talk to me!” he demanded.

“He got to me?” I asked in a low growl.

“She said he took advantage of you. What did he do?” he asked harshly in my ear.

“You cannot handle my uppyr nature you said. You could not handle what I am. How did he take advantage did she say?” I raged.

“Do not be daft. He molested your person! What is happening to you?” he demanded in a fury.

“Release me.” I demanded.

I was shaking in fury and hunger. I was not handling the blood lusts well at all. I was denying it as much as possible. I turned on Naraku and bit into his neck. I was desperate and the thirst was driving me mad. He groaned as I drank from him. My mind cleared and I released his neck. I put my hand to my lips and I was shaking.

“I am so sorry! Oh Kamis!” I cried as I backed away from him.

He felt his neck and pulled back blood on his fingertips. He looked at me and he was shaken as well.

“What did he do to you?” He yelled.

“It was not Vlad. I do not know what is coming over me.” I said staring in horror.

He came to me and pulled me into his embrace. He held on tightly and was talking softly.

“I will help you if you let me. I will help you come back into yourself.” He murmured.

“I am acceptable again?” I asked archly.

“I did not mean how it came out. You have been odd as of late.” He said softly.

“I have been thirsting terribly. It has been hard to ignore and I have been distracted.” I said.

“Come back to Sendai or Korea. Let us see if we can suppress this.” He said fiercely.

“You taste divine you know. Your yoki is right there in your blood and it is amazing.” I purred.

He produced his miasma cloud and brought me straight to my mother. I looked at Naraku as prey and I circled him. My mother came in and dropped her jaw.

“Augusta what the hell is going on?” he asked.

“She is not feeding herself enough.” She replied.

“Come on Naraku am I dirty now?” I asked in a seductive tone.

“Asuna how can I help you?” he demanded.

“You can quit your self righteousness. You are an amalgamation of lesser youki.” I said in a cruel tone.

“Asuna!” my mother snapped.

“Come mother. You told him that I was molested?” I said in a blinding fury.

“Hai you were. You are losing your damn mind to the hunger. Feed!” She hissed coming closer.

She pulled me forward and I latched onto her jugular. I drank her life force and closed my eyes at the exquisiteness of it.

“Naraku she needs your understanding. Quit judging based upon old experiences. She is uppyr as much as me. I get this way when I deny myself my sustenance.” She said as I drank like the starved creature I was.

“Dear Kamis is she turning into a full uppyr?” he asked stunned.

“No. She is experiencing a surge in her yoki. You can help her by giving yourself to her.” She said getting weaker.

“She is gaining power?” he asked stunned.

“Hai! She killed a kumo with just a thought.” She said then I drew back.

“What?” he asked shocked.

I looked at my mate and moved to him like a feline and pressed my body to his and licked along his neck.

“You hate me.” I said in his ear.

“No. I could never hate you. I just want what is best.” He said breathless.

“Go to Sendai. I will come home.” I said rationally for the moment.

He nodded and ported out. I turned on my mother and hissed at her.

“How could you say that he molested me? How could you say what he and I have is dirty!” I snarled at her.

“He asked me to say it. He is gone Asuna.” She said softly.

Severe pain went through me and my face flooded with tears.

“Your babe is majority uppyr. You are trying to keep up with its needs and you have to or the hunger will consume you baby. It will pull you under till you kill an innocent. He wants you to be happy.” She said touching my cheek.

“Coward! He is a fucking coward!” I snarled.

“No he is selfless. He loves you.” She said gently.

“He abandoned me. He does not want me or our babe.” I said sobbing.

“What have you done my girl? You have become so deep in each other's minds that you are suffering. How did this happen?” she asked me.

“I do not know. I need to pull myself together. To hell with him.” I growled.

I dried my eyes and ported to Sendai.

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

Augusta sighed heavily. Somehow her child was acting so acutely like herself in her younger days it frightened her. She was worried about Chen and his damn mouth. She had learned that the proud Byakko lord was also an idiot of supreme proportions about half the time. He lived in the moment and thought of consequences later. Asuna was in no shape to deal with anymore tiger crap in her opinion. She searched out her mate and found him in his study. She walked right in and settled in his lap.

“Your lady is lonely and needs you attention.” She said in his ear.

A small smirk played upon his lips and he looked at her. Her hair was down and she wore a dressing gown of white. He scented her and she smelled of flowers at the moment. She leaned forward and nuzzled his neck in inu fashion. He growled lightly and she scented his neck in return.

“What is wrong with our eldest?” he moaned softly.

“Her psi yoki is growing again. She is craving blood now.” She sighed gently.

“What?” he asked suddenly quite serious.

“Hai Sesshomaru she is half me. Naraku was freaking.” She said laying her head against his shoulder.

“Augusta you are protecting your pup but lying to me.” He growled softly.

“I hate you at times.” She snapped.

“Why because I am getting better at discerning when you cover up for our daughter?” he asked.

“Sorry. She is pregnant as well. The uppyr that got her as such felt it was better if he disappeared. It is eating her alive.” She said softly.

“Who?” he demanded.

“Sesshomaru please. She is grown.” Augusta said.

“Augusta! Who would dare leave her in such a state?” he demanded.

“Vlad it is Vlad.” She said jumping off of his lap.

“The creature that raped and tortured her? He was dead!” he roared.

“No he was possessed by a wraith. A Steppe Wraith to be exact. Asuna figured it out and she ran into him some fifteen centuries before. I know the real Vlad not Sesshomaru. He is unlike I have ever seen. She knows things I am certain of it. She knows him as no other uppyr has in two thousand years.” Augusta espoused.

“When does she have time to do all this? Tamiko sent her back. Damnit all Augusta! How many know the truth of the situation? Our daughter went on a killing spree of uppyr a few years back.” He said sighing.

“There are still camps that are not really happy with her. She is Vlad's mate but not. I cannot explain it as their bond is deep. He wants his babe named either Malachi or Rina.” She said softly.

“What do they mean and what language is it?” he asked.

“It is Hebrew and Malachi means my angel; Rina means joy. I think he was born into the Hebrew Kingdom of Israel. That would explain his age.” She said.

“He wants his babe.” Sesshomaru murmured.

“Hai but he also wants Asuna not to have to bear the stigma of his name. When she was in Prussia she killed a kumo by boiling his blood.” She said sitting.

“You have done that.” He pointed out.

“Hai I had the control at three hundred summers. She has it now.” She pointed out.

“He has abandoned her?” The Western lord asked.

“Not to hurt her. He is hoping that his absence will make her life easier. He wanted me to say he hurt her again. He is guilt ridden.” She said looking down.

“I would never had imagined.” He murmured.

“I want to figure out who he was. Asuna will not share and she is grieving. I wonder if I can figure out where he sleeps.” She mused.

“And do what? Drag him back?” he asked.

“Hai. Why not? I was stupid.” She said raising a brow.

“Go ahead.” He nodded.

“You are not so unreasonable.” She said kissing his mouth.

“Quit covering up for her!” he replied kissing her back.

She decided her mate needed his own attention and she would seek answers in the morning.

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

Jarek grumbled as Augusta dragged him along. He had no idea where his father slept and he truly had no idea who his father was before he was Vlad Tepest. They were in Palestine looking around the city of Jerusalem. He hated being among so many mortals but assisted the brazen woman that was Augusta.

“You really think Father is from these lands?” he asked looking around.

“He wants the babe named a Hebrew name Jarek. To me that signifies something Asuna knows and shares with him.” She said looking around.

“She has called him Eyal I think.” He murmured.

“Well that is good information. I wonder what tribe he may have been from.” She said.

“Augusta that was so long ago.” He lamented.

“You really think that this place had no daemons Jarek? They will find us and we will hunt him down.” She said firmly.

“As you say.” He sighed.

He doubted his father would come here to sleep but then he knew nothing of his past. He honored his father in that he respected his need for silence. He could not understand how his father could fall for such a young woman. He and Augusta settled in for the rest of the day at an inn. She was right and the local daemons found them. They were drinking watered down wine when she looked up and nodded to a dark haired demon. The creature passed for mortal but came and sat down.

“Who are you?” he asked Augusta in Latin.

“I am an uppyr from Russia. I search for nothing but history. I was curious to know more about the exiled tribes of Israel.” She said sweetly.

“I am a jackal.” He said looking her over.

“My niece's mate is named Anupu.” She said raising a brow.

“Really? Well the rumors are true. Yes the tribes were lost in the year seven twenty two before the Common Era; the Assyrians are the one that crushed the Northern Kingdom. The Persians let the Hebrews return in five thirty seven. There was a huge population of Jewish descent in Babylon and there still is.” The jackal said.

“How populated is it still?” she asked.

“Quite. There are uppyr that come and go now and then from there.” He said staring at Jarek.

“Thank you very much.” She said inclining her head.

“Do not drink from the mortals here for they spook easily.” He cautioned.

“I do not drink humans but thank you for the warnings!” she said.

The jackal nodded and they stood.

“The time frame fits. Your father has a really good head for commerce and it would make sense he would be a merchant of some sort back then. Besides Babylon was the center of all things powerful at the time.” She reasoned.

“Father believes in the Eastern Orthodox lore.” He pointed out.

“Why would he not if he was raised amongst those of the Hebrew faith?” she asked.

“True. I cannot believe he would not have told me.” He said doubtful.

“If his past was uncomfortable I would not share, I did not in fact share everything with Sesshomaru until recently.” She said softly.

He nodded and they secluded themselves and then ported out. They arrived amongst a fairly modern Arab city amongst the ancient ruins. They felt many daemonic auras and they moved with grace.

“We would not feel his aura if he is asleep.” She said.

“No but where would Vlad Tepest go?” he asked smirking.

“Outskirts of the city but in a lavish dwelling. There cannot be too many of those left.” Augusta grinned.

They asked around and found two such dwellings on the edge of the city. Augusta marveled at Arab architecture and Jarek felt as though he were finding out who he truly was. They stood outside a two story sandstone colored home. They knocked on a massive door and a small beady eyed uppyr answered. The creature's eyes widened when he saw Jarek.

“Do you speak Latin or Greek?” Augusta asked in Greek.

“Yes. Who are you?” the little man asked.

“We are looking for his father.” Augusta said pointing at Jarek.

“I know not of what you speak.” The little male said stiffly.

“Have you heard of Vlad Dracul Tepest?” she demanded.

“I know the name. He is the supposed ruler of our kind.” He said.

“I am Princess Augusta Orlovich and this is Prince Jarek Tepest. You are?” she demanded.

“Alad. I know not of whom you speak.” He said stubbornly.

“Well Alad I know you do because you are nearly shaking. You are far older then you appear so I ask you again do you know where Vlad sleeps?” she demanded.

“There is no Vlad here.” He said stubbornly.

“What of a creature named Eyal?” Jarek asked softly.

Alad stiffened and then straightened.

“Leave! The master only comes here when he seeks refuge. This is no place for his European kin!” he hissed.

“Did you know my mother Syna?” Jarek asked.

“I knew her alright. She was worthless!” Alad sneered.

Jarek seemed stunned at the creature's statement and Augusta put her foot in the door.

“I am Elizaveta! Does your master speak of Zoya?” she demanded.

Alad looked shaken to his core and she knew he was here.

“How long have you known him?” she demanded.

“I have known him since the Exodus back to his people's homeland.” Alad answered.

“So he is of Hebrew descent.” She said nodding.

“If he wanted to speak of it then he would! He did not know our kind till he was a grown man. You may as well come in you are drawing attention.” Alad hissed.

Jarek and Augusta followed and he led them to a spacious living area. She sat herself down and Jarek did the same.

“Why do you bother him? He is forlorn and tired.” Alad snapped.

“Because Zoya is my daughter.” Augusta said.

“That woman tried to kill him.” He said in a growl.

“Your master was possessed by a wraith. That woman killed the creature that nearly destroyed him.” Augusta said crossing her arms.

“Why did you say my mother was worthless?” Jarek asked suddenly.

“Who do you think betrayed my master to the wraiths? She was angry at him for not marrying her. She was angry that he would not give her a title. He never believed the Creten bitch would turn on him but I knew. I told him and he ignored me.” Alad hissed.

Jarek looked horrified and sat back. Augusta felt for him and waited.

“I served my master's brother when he found him. He was a good sort. You look like him.” He said to Augusta.

“Interesting but who was your master?” she asked bluntly.

“He was Eyal of the tribe of Asher. He was a great man and was very rich. He had no idea what he was and he was alone. The others would only deal with him when it came to what he could do for them and his money of course. Only Nahum knew the truth and then that mortal filth betrayed him.” He said in disgust.

“What happened?” Jarek asked.

“He went to Jerusalem to see what his money had done for his people and they damn near killed him. They trapped him and starved him. You know how powerful he is and you know what it would take for him to be taken. Your whore mother finally showed up and helped save him but she laid waste to a small part of the city. He was horrified but they fled together. Your daughter has hurt him worse then Syna ever could!” Alad said in a nasty tone.

“What has our esteemed leader said?” Augusta said narrowing her eyes.

“Nothing. He does not speak.” He hissed.

“My daughter loves him violently and he left her. She carries his babe within her womb and she feels his death sleep. It is driving her to madness and she needs him. She is only half uppyr and the thirst is enough to make her go insane. She rivals him in his power and their power has been untied several times.” She said rather bluntly.

“He would never do that. He trusts no one enough to share that deep of a bond.” He said in a disbelieving tone.

“She knows everything! I mean everything about him. Now where is he?” Augusta demanded.

“Do not threaten me little one. I am far older then you.” He sneered.

Augusta stood up and the little uppyr fell to his knees. Jarek stared in amazement and she had a look that terrified him.

“You may be older but I am a hell of a lot more focused. I will not lose my daughter to madness as her sire would fall into a rage as well. Ever seen dog daemons? Pray you do not because he makes me look nice.” She growled.

She released him and he stood up holding his throat. He looked terrified and motioned for them to follow him. They were brought to a below ground level room and the air was rather cool. Upon a simple bed Vlad slept.

“Father!” Jarek said nearing him.

He looked dead and did not move. Augusta felt sorrow for him and sat down.

“Look he is going to be very angry and I take full responsibility for this.” She said.
”How are you going to wake him up?” Jarek asked.

“A jolt.” She smiled.

She leaned over and bit into his wrist and flooded him with her yoki. His eyes flew open and she made it hurt like hell. He yelled out and Alad tried to move to help him and Jarek helped held him. She released his wrist and jumped back.

“Elizaveta? How?” he asked confused.

“Wake up Vlad! She is going mad.” She snapped.

“Son?” he asked sitting up.

“Da Father.” Jarek said releasing the little uppyr.

“Master I tried to stop them.” Alad said in anger.

“This is my son Alad. I shall rise.” He said sitting up.

“What are you going to do about Asuna Vlad?” she demanded.

“What do you mean she is going mad?” he asked softly.

“Have you thought that a babe of the two most powerful uppyr might have side affects so to speak?” she snapped.

“I will go.” He said sighing.

Augusta nodded and smirked at Alad in her triumph. He sneered at her and Vlad gave him a glance.

“Elizaveta can you quit antagonizing others please?” He asked.

“Sure as soon as you quit running away.” She said sweetly.

“Well you gave such an excellent example my dear.” He retorted.

“Father I…” Jarek stated.

“I will talk with you son. I will explain some.” He sighed.

Augusta ported them to outside the Western Palace. She looked over at Vlad.

“I need to retrieve her. She has been tempered by her mates in Sendai but the hunger has been awful.” She said.

“I will remain.” He nodded.

Augusta ported and went to Sendai. Ishin met her as soon as she ported.

“She is losing her mind.” He said softly.

“I am here to help.” She said gently.

“She will not let Nobu near her. She turned on Naraku. I have stayed back because she begged to feed off of me!” he said.

“She needs to be amongst the uppyr for now Ishin. Her uppyr half has been tapped.” She said.

“Naraku thinks he is losing her.” Ishin said conflicted.

“I know not but if he continues to be a bigoted idiot then he will.” She said as she moved to her daughter.

The sight broke her heart and her daughter was starving herself. She was against a wall with her arms wrapped around her knees.

“Baby it is me. I can help you.” She said softly.

“Kill me.” I begged in Russian.

“No. Darling come with me.” My mother whispered.

“I want to die.” I growled.

“No. You will be alright. I have what you need.” She said.

She gathered me to her and ported us away. I felt him immediately and rage filled me. I stared at him and my eyes changed to crimson. I jerked away from my mother and stared at Eyal hatefully.

“What are you doing here?” I hissed.

“You need more then what you are doing.” He said softly.

“Fuck you! The wraith at least knew what it wanted. The wraith wanted me if only to kill me. You have to be alone so be alone.” I said in anger.

“Do not air my feelings so publicly!” he snapped.

“Your feelings? Let me say one thing about the great Vlad Tepest. Your father prefers solitude. He wants everyone to rely on him but he wants no needs; no one.” I said narrowing me eyes.

“Asuna!” he snapped.

“Go be alone. We do not need you!” I said indicating myself and my babe.

“You are starving yourself therefore you are hurting the babe.” He replied.

“You told her to tell others that you hurt me again? Your abandonment hurt me. We are nothing so go on about your business.” I said hatefully.

He pulled me to him and ported us away. I fought him but he turned me and pressed my mouth to his neck. I did not think and sank my fangs into his neck. I was growling as I began drinking his blood. I shut my eyes as I took in what my body needed for our unborn. He said nothing and I took in quite a bit. I released his neck after several minutes. He pulled me to his lips and began kissing me. He held me to him and I could not stop myself. My hands were in his hair and fisting handfuls of it. He released my lips and brushed his across my cheeks.

“Marry me.” He breathed.

“Hai.” I muttered.

I was in his arms and he held me tightly.

“I was trying to help by leaving. I thought being linked to me was hurting you.” He whispered in my ear.

“You acted as though you did not want us.” I cried.

“No! I thought you did not need this.” He stated gently.

“How did they find you?” I asked.

“Your mother has good instincts.” He murmured.

“You were in Babylon.” I stated rhetorically.

“Da. I am not comfortable with others knowing.” He said holding me.

“Jarek is your son.” I said gently.

“I know who he is. I also know that there I things I would never tell him.” He said sighing.

“That his mother betrayed you?” I asked.

“Da.” He said in a soft voice.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“We are in Tatra. I like it here.” He replied.

I held onto him and looked around. We were in a large sitting room and I turned in his arms. I leaned my head back and took his lips again. He kissed me very gently and his hands splayed across my belly.

“Is this hunger normal?” I asked.

“At first. I have not seen it this bad before but I was not really around Syna when she carried Jarek.” He said softly kneading my abdomen through my silks.

“Can you handle having me in your life?” I asked him.

“I need you.” He answered.

His words were profound for him. I could not fathom what was pulling us together and I did not want to fight it.

“Come.” He said in a barely audible voice.

He pulled me along and we ended up in a large airy room with a heated pool. He was gently pushing me backwards as he plucked the combs from my hair. He busied his hands with undoing my bronze colored hanfu. The silks fell to my feet and he began taking his boots off then his shirt and his breeches. He led me down the steps of the natural pool. Our bodies were pressed together instantly. I could not stop touching him or kissing him. He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his hips. We were joined and I could not breathe evenly. He moved slowly and every time he pulled back I leeched my yoki a little more. His own breathing was becoming uneven and perfect bliss was overcoming me. Words were not enough; it seemed even being this close was too far.

“Take in my blood.” He murmured against my overheated skin.

“Not hungry right now.” I said ghosting my lips over his neck.

“Please. I need you to.” He said in a breathy voice.

I nipped his neck then bit in again. He cried out as I licked the fang marks. He buried his face in my neck and clamped down and I was so close to shattering but he kept me from it. I cried in desperation and moved harder against him. I felt a slow fire that was spreading from everywhere in me. He felt it too and it was both of us causing this feeling. Instead of creating the sensations in each other our yoki had mixed. I gasped and was mindless. His own voice was raw from his own vocalizations. He held me tight as our combined release overcame us. We held on as if for dear life and I was shaking quite hard from the incredible blending of our bodies and minds.

“I love you.” He stated in a desperate tone.

“Hai.” I said laying my head against his shoulder.

I heard the movement of the water and I sighed into his wet flesh. I figured the best way to quash the hunger was to gorge on his powerful blood when I could. I bit into his neck again and he groaned.

I drank as much as I dared and I settled in his arms.

“I need you to keep yourself fed as often as you can manage. You may take from me as often as you need. I do not care if I am in a battle. Come take what you feel you can. You need to sustain your beast as well. You need to feed from the hunt as much as you can stand.” He said running his fingertips over my skin.

“This terrible hunger gets better?” I asked.

“Da. You cannot give into it. You have to fight the madness it induces. You can be dragged under if you let it. I can help you by leaving our connection fully available to you. I will feel what you feel and hear what you think.” He said as his fingertips moved over my breasts and my tips.

“You will be full of milk to feed our babe.” He whispered in my ear.

“I cannot breathe.” I rasped.

“It is alright. Your belly will be full as he or she grows. I do want to see you that way.” He said suddenly.

“You are pulling me under.” I cried out.

“Da. Feel it.” He said fiercely.

My claws gouged his skin and he held onto me.

“My seed grows in your belly.” He said almost mesmerized.

“Hai.” I moaned.

His breathing was even whereas mine was decidedly not. I was overwhelmed in it all and went back into bliss.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I was in Sendai and I was much calmer then I had been. I still stayed away from Nobu like he carried a terrible disease. Naraku was still feeling rather unsure of me but Eyal wanted me to maintain my relationship and I agreed. I was reading accounts of attacks on the borders of Zhejiang and kumo had been spotted. I had a pretty good idea who it was and I was furious. I heard Ishin and I turned around.

“I have been worried about you.” He said gently.

“I am getting better. This has happened before. Naraku is being paranoid.” I said in a sour tone.

“We love you.” He said raising a black brow.

“Hai and I love you two as well. Now your girlfriend has been attacking Zhejiang.” I teased.

“She is not anything to me!” he growled.

“I was joking. You are a handsome male and I imagine what you look like to another kumo. You have many impressive assets.” I said with a grin.

“Asuna I take what happened very offensively. I have no desire for another onna least of all one like her.” He said snapping.

“Ishin, take a look at yourself. You are a powerful tsuchigumo who happens to be modeled after a Greek god. You are an older taiyouki who rules. Let me think on this for a moment. If I were her I would try and take you too. Now I resent it and I resent her attacking me but I see why she does want you. I have made love to you and that alone is phenomenal. Now the kumo whore wants what belongs to me.” I said very serious.

“I did not mean for it to happen.” He said ashamed.

I walked straight up to him and rubbed his groin and he reacted.

“You are male. You are supposed to react. I am glad to know you do like females.” I said smirking.

“Asuna!” he said scandalized.
”Oh Ishin I am mated to you and your brother. How much more risqué can we get?” I asked quite amused.

“True but…” he said scowling.

“Shall I go make up with Naraku and make it all better?” I asked.

“Please?” he asked.

I sauntered off and I was swinging my hips. I was in saucy mood and I found Naraku writing. He had taken up the duties of a lord quite well. I slipped into his study and he looked up. He stared then went back to writing.

“What?” he asked in a sour tone.

“What? You ask me what?” I demanded.

“Hai I ask you what. You are bothering me.” He snapped.

I narrowed my eyes and he looked up again. I was certain my face had a nasty look. He snorted and went back to his writing. He was brooding and angry.

“Go to hell!” I said in a hiss.

“Why not join me.” He retorted.

“Look at me!” I snarled.

“You want to talk now? You have your mind I see.” He said in a very Naraku like tone.

“Ask your questions.” I seethed.

“Why? How about I save you any issue. Go on do whatever you want. You do anyway and besides you let that part of you consume you. I think you wish to be one of those creatures.” He said in heavy sarcasm.

“I am one of those creatures.” I said in a fierce whisper.

“Well you seem to want to be a whoring self consumed evil monster. Go ahead but keep me and my offspring out of it!” he said in a terrible snarl.

I gritted my teeth and he came over to me. Hatred was evident and he backhanded me so hard I fell to the floor. I looked at him and I was falling apart. He kneeled next to me and grabbed my jaw.

“I will not be humiliated and treated as something you tread upon. Ishin has said before that he can release a soul bond and I want away from you. I am tired of loving and caring for you when that beast pretty well destroyed the onna I love and you give your trust to him. I will not stand by and watch you self destruct anymore!! You will leave my daughter and sons here.” He said shoving me away.

I was stunned to my core and I slowly stood up.

“Fuck you Naraku.” I said in deep hatred at the moment.

“I suggest you leave.” He said in a terribly cold voice.

“You will not have my pups.” I said shaking.

“Like hell I will not! Those three are the only thing you did right. Fuck me? Fuck you! Get out!” he screamed.

Ishin heard the ruckus and Naraku came at me. He pulled my fang from my side and threw me.

“You will have nothing of me! The dragon did a good thing in killing you the first time. Get out!” he snarled.

“Have you lost your mind brother?” Ishin asked.

Naraku lost his head and stabbed me with my own fang. He avoided any major organs and I looked down at the blood. I stepped back and looked up at him.

“Keep the fang. Take one step near my children and I will kill you. Ken'ichi was Yuudai's son.” I said in a dead voice.

“He is my son!” he said threateningly.

Ishin grabbed and he looked horrified.

“She is not worth it brother. She has not ripped your heart out yet. I will not let you do it to him!” he snarled.

I blinked and then I bowed. I ported away and looked down at the blood staining my haori. It did not seem to register. The pups were at the Western Palace and I walked through the halls. I did not think I just reacted. I felt Naraku's aura and I ran. I came upon him and he had the twins and Mizuki looked confused. He sneered at me and pulled my daughter to him. I made no threatening moves because of their safety and he disappeared. I sank to the floor and sensed my parents.

“Asuna!” my sire stated.

“He is gone. He took the younger twins and Mizuki.” I said in disbelief.

“Naraku?” Augusta asked shocked.

“Hai. He took my fang as well. Eyal asked me to marry him.” I said in my dead tone.

“What?” my mom said stunned beyond words.

“I said hai. I see no reason not to anymore.” I stated dumbly.

“Daughter you need to see what you are saying.” My sire said helping me up.

“I ruined it. He is right of course but I am not Sorami anymore.” I said just talking.

“Baby things are happening too fast.” She said taking my arm.

“I do not belong here.” I said flatly.

“Excuse me?” My father asked.

“I cannot be your heir. I am abdicating my title. I will send for my things.” I said walking past them.

“What in the Kamis names are you doing?” my sire demanded.

“Youshiro has the strength. You should train him. I am not worthy of this house. I am going home.” I said walking on.

“You are home!” my sire yelled in a fury.

“Not anymore Buda is. I shall see you all soon.” I said bowing.