InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ In the Mirror ( Chapter 72 )

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

 

In the Mirror

 

“Anupu please I know what I am doing. You have no idea what this thing can do and my mother is the Shikon Miko.” Akemi said as she strapped her naginata to her back.

“I can help you all and you ask me to be a nursemaid?” he asked irritated.

“They are our sons and I would prefer if one of us were with them. I am the one with holy powers and you are a full youki. It makes more sense for me to go!” she snapped.

“Akemi!” he growled.

“Ryu never questioned if I needed him to stay with the boys!” she snapped again.

“Do not compare me to the dragon! I am inu and you my dear are part inu and you are my bitch!” he hissed.

“Oh please! Quit being alpha on me, I love you and I will see you soon.” She said giving him a quick kiss.

“Woman!” he yelled after her.

She ignored him as she moved through their Kyoto home. She had gotten her mother's letter and she knew she could help. She went south and to her dragon sons. They needed to know what was going on and she had not seen them in awhile. It would take her a few days and she really wished she could port like her cousin. She would briefly pass through neko territory but she knew which way to avoid the felines. She had not seen Daichi in years and still regretted how things had gone. She put it out of her mind and went on. She slept the first night in the forest that bordered the South and hunted her dinner of deer and had to purify a weasel youki. The second day she moved quicker and kept her senses sharp. She missed Nagasaki and she missed Ryu as she had come to call him. Her eyes closed a moment and she felt such terrible pain at his loss. She fingered the naginata that he had given her after she had birthed Ryyunosuke. That labor had been hard and long. She had broken her dragon lord's hand. He had refused to come near her for over a day in fear of her temper. She remembered shadowing him in his castle and scaring him out of his scales at times. She remembered the times of intense arguing and intense love making. He had been her every thing and she kept the bitterness in. She lifted her nose and she scented blood. She moved closer and masked her presence. She saw a tiger and neko hunting together. She recognized Daichi's brother Hiroshi. Anger flared in her at him.

“Arrogant fuck.” She hissed softly.

Hiroshi lifted his head and looked around. She pressed herself to the tree and she felt the yoki that accompanied transformations.

“I could have sworn Li I felt a kiang shi.” Hiroshi said.

“Well you have been known to be drunk on occasion my friend.” Mingli said laughing.

“Well you would not laugh if it had been your brother treated as such.” The neko said in irritation.

“Well my species is not monogamous. I would not expect it.” Li shrugged.

“You mean to tell me you would let the female you will mate have her own lovers?” Hiroshi asked surprised.

“Yes. Come let us try and find the geese we were tracking.” Li urged.

“I could have sworn I felt that little bitch!” Hiroshi said in anger.

Anger flared in Akemi and she stepped out. She pulled an arrow from her back and let it loose. It pulsed with spiritual energy and Hiroshi jumped nearly out of his spots. Li looked up and saw a female who looked an awful lot like the Western heir.

“You should talk you perverted piece of puss!” she yelled at Hiroshi.

“What the hell are you doing here you whore!” Hiroshi hissed.

“Unfortunately you border dragon lands. Now if you have no wish to become my next meal then I suggest you shut your unholy trap.” Akemi growled.

“And she becomes a dog even more!” Hiroshi said with an angry glare.

“Hello! I am Mingli. Please do not mind me; I believe you must be related to Asuna?” Li asked breaking the tension.

“She is my cousin.” Akemi said from afar.

“Well she is a very good friend of mine.” He said bowing.

“You are fostering Zihao!” she said in recognition.

“I have adopted him actually.” He smiled.

“Li!” Hiroshi growled.

“You may have issue with her Hiroshi but I do not. She is a relative of a beloved and dear friend.” Li said in a glorious voice.

“Fine then. Hateful whore!” Hiroshi said in disgust.

“You know I never liked you. You were a piece of crap then as you are now. It was so good to meet you Lord Mingli. My son Ryuu is the dragon lord if you would care to visit.” Akemi said glaring at Hiroshi.

“How old are you?” Li asked astonished.

“Nearly eight centuries.” She said thoughtfully.

“You are older then your cousin?” he asked surprised.

“It is a long story. Please come as you would be welcome. I am the Lady dowager of the Dragon Clan.” She said bowing.

Hiroshi snorted in anger and walked away and Mingli was thoroughly intrigued.

“You were mated to the famed Ryukotsusei?” he asked.

“Hai. Please I do not like to speak of him.” She said looking away.

“Did you break your mating with Daichi for an inu?” he asked curiously.

“I did. It was wrong but I followed my heart and if I could not give Daichi my all then I had no business being mated.” She said softly.

“I have an affinity for inu myself.” He said laughing.

“How close are you and Asuna?” she asked amused.

“Close enough.” He smiled.

“Well I must be off then.” She said walking on.

“I can port you there.” He offered.

“That would be great.” She smiled.

“I have seen maps so I hope I do not port us into the ocean.” He said chuckling.

“Eh do not worry I can purify whatever.” She laughed.

Li ported them and they were on the outskirts of Nagasaki. She motioned for him to follow and they walked into the city. Dragons and ningen alike fell to their knees as she passed.

“Ryukotsusei was loved here. They like me I guess.” She smirked at the Bengal.

A ningen grabbed her hand and kissed it and she took the onna's hand and patted it.

“My lady! Your draught saved my boy! Thank you!” she cried.

“Was no issue. I am glad he is well!” she said happily.

They moved on into they reached the outskirts and they entered the courtyard of the castle. Ryuu came down the steps and grabbed his mother and swung her around.

“Mother! I am so glad to see you!” the dragon said.

“I am glad to be home. Ryuu this is a friend of cousin Asuna. He adopted Zihao.” She explained.

“Hello tiger! Welcome to Nagasaki.” Ryuu said grinning.

“Hello Lord Ryuu.” Li said chuckling.

“Where is Ryuunosuke?” she asked as they walked into the castle.

“One of the villages. There has been some sickness amongst the ningen there. You know him, ever the monk.” Ryuu said.

“Your son is a monk?” Li asked astonished.

“My mother is a miko. I know we are a weird family.” She laughed.

“How is your mate mother?” Ryuu asked.

“As arrogant as ever but good otherwise.” She laughed.

“Well Lord tiger shall I have some wine or food sent for?” Ryuu asked.

“Both would be good.” He smiled.

“Cousin Asuna had her twins.” Ryuu told his mother.

“Hai I know. Your Obbasan wrote to me in Kyoto. Mizuki has been taken by the youki from the Shikon no Tama.” She said.

“What? I thought that thing was gone!” Ryuu said astonished.

“Asuna's daughter has been taken?” Li asked concerned.

“Hai. I came here to let my sons know and I am going to meet my parents in the West. They have begun hunting them down. Asuna is recovering from an attack by Magatushi.” She explained.

“I need to see her.” Li said.

“Well she is in Sendai that I know of.” Akemi shrugged.

“I shall return Lady Akemi. I just wish to know that she is well.” Li said bowing.

He straightened and ported out in a flourish of wind and yoki.

“What is that all about?” Ryuu asked.

“He uses words such as beloved and close; he is in love with her.” Akemi said.

“Well Cousin Asuna has her admirer.” Ryuu chuckled.

“Hai. Well my son I need to gather some things. Be on your guard.” She said.

“Mother! I am several centuries old.” He laughed.

“Hai well so was your father.” She said scowling.

“You still miss him.” Ryuu said seriously.

“More than you know. I do not know why I think on him so much now. You would think I would adjust.” She said sighing.

“Mother we all saw how you and he were together. Do you realize how much we all love and adore you? You loved our greatest leader with passion. That kind of love does not happen all the time.” He said softly.

“Ah well. I should not dwell. We had you two.” She said touching his cheek.

“Can you not ask your Tengu to send you back?” Ryuu asked.

“Why Ryuu? To see him again just to lose him again? No thank you.” She said clenching her jaw.

“Will you take me to Edo?” She asked.

“I thought you needed to go to the West?” he asked.

“I am going to nose around Naraku's old haunts near the village.” She said.

“Okay. You want me to entertain the tiger?” he asked.

“Hai. I saw Hiroshi in the Neko Kingdom and it will piss off the little prick.” She said smirking.

“You can be so evil.” He chuckled.

“Oh well.” She smiled.

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Akemi was moving around the old castle of Naraku. She could scent old blood and death in the air. She knelt down and found an old yoki puppet. She shook her head and moved on. She carefully scented the air and did not feel the presence and it shoved her forward. She fell to the ground and jumped up.

“Daichi?” she asked surprised.

“What were you doing in my homeland?” he asked angry.

“None of your fucking business!” she snapped.

“Oh none of my business? A good friend of my family's is in Nagasaki.” He said growling.

“Actually Sendai visiting with Asuna but whatever. I am busy Daichi and I have no wish to fight.” She said shaking her head.

“You were told to stay out of the Southern Kingdom.” He snarled.

“Well I shall.” She said bowing.

He growled in fury and she turned.

“You do not inquire after your daughter?” She asked.

“Why should I? That dog is raising her.” He sneered.

“Go away Daichi. I am sorry for ever meeting you.” She said walking on.

“Were you mated to the old dragon lord?” he demanded.

“Hai I was. I wronged you Daichi, you are better off without me.” She said sighing.

“You are damn right you wronged me. I saw Asuna a year and half ago at Mingli's coronation. I thought I had forgiven you.” He said bitterly.

“How was the kiss of my cousin?” she asked sweetly.

“Screw you!” he said in an intimidating tone.

“Hai screw me.” She said walking away.

“How is your dog?” he asked in a low growl.

“Fine.” She said in a clipped tone.

“Why was my acceptance of you not enough?” he asked coming closer.

“It was but I wanted to be apart of whom I am. I am part silver inu and I have always wanted to be accepted as that. Anupu is all inu and did not care of my mixed heritage.” She said looking down.

“I loved you!” he said in a snarl.

“I know. I loved you too but I was all wrong for you.” She said looking down.

“Right. Have you stayed true to the inu or did you find a kiang shi to accept you or perhaps a ningen?” he asked with his voice dripping in sarcasm.

“Goodbye Daichi.” She said backing away and walking on.

He grabbed her roughly and crashed her against the tree.

“Why can I not sense you?” she asked shocked.

“Because this little neko boy is growing up and coming into his full yoki.” He purred in her ear.

“Daichi just let it go okay?” she said softly.

“Did you love me?” he demanded.

“Hai.” She said closing her eyes.

“How many have you rutted Akemi?” he asked in a jealous tone.

“Only three.” She whispered.

He looked at her surprised and his eyes were drawn to her mouth. Her lips were full and so soft he remembered. She was tiny still and holding her up drove him mad.

“Daichi let me down.” She asked gently.

“No. no!” he snapped.

He held the sides of her face and began kissing her deeply. Akemi fought her own response but Daichi was determined. He released her lips and she shook lightly.

“I will not do this.” She whispered.

“What you can remain true to him but not to me?” he asked cruelly.

“That is not fair. We have been done for years.” She said quietly.

“Does he give you pleasure?” he asked with narrowed neko eyes.

“Daichi stop!” she snapped.

“Tell me and I will leave you alone.” He said in his deeply seductive voice.

“Hai he does.” She said blandly.

“How Akemi.” He whispered in her ear.

“Daichi please stop!” she cried.

He lifted his claws and ripped open the base of his throat. He heard her groan and he watched her squeeze her eyes shut.

“Daichi!” she hissed.

“Are you going to forgo a free meal?” he asked softly.

She leaned forward and she wrapped her arms around his head as she sank her fangs into his neck. She released a guttural moan and Daichi began groaning as well. She drank and let her uppyr yoki go. She lifted her head and gasped.

“Daichi.” She breathed out.

He licked along her throat and she was loosing her mind. Her former mate had become rather skillful in his rutting habits.

“Daichi oh Kamis please I cannot. Daichi no.” she moaned out.

“Akemi.” He growled deeply.

He slowly opened her kimono and continued to lick along her skin. Akemi closed her eyes and groaned heavily. He lapped at her nipples and she cried out. Daichi wrapped his lips around one and bit gently at first and then grew more aggressive. Akemi gasped out and then began crying out louder. He pulled her down and spread her thighs. He kissed her inner thighs and she moaned out. He let go his passion and nipped her skin and left angry red marks. His former mate began arching her back. His mind was lost to his own emotions and passion. He stripped his haori and let down his hakama. He pinned her lightly and slid into her. He groaned at feeling her after so long. He pulled back very slowly and watched as she released a small scream. He pushed into her hard and would pull back slowly. Akemi was on overload and she was begging him for more. He had changed in his rutting and he was not letting her complete.

“Daichi please.” She moaned soulfully.

“How do you feel?” he ground out as he fought back his need to plunder her tight body.

“Dying! Daichi you bastard!” she snarled.

He chuckled softly and thrust in harder and pulled back agonizingly slow. He plundered and punished her for his pain. She had gone hoarse from crying out and his need was overwhelming him. He lost his control and moved in Akemi quickly. He changed how he was thrusting and he was rubbing her nub as he moved. She was blinded in a thunderous release that wracked her body. She arched one last time as she lifted his arm and sank her fangs into it. She let loose her purity and he snarled out his own climax as he shuddered under the euphoria of her bite and the bliss of her spiritual powers flowing. He jerked till he was drained and fell against her body. He heard her begin to sob and regret flowed through him. He was not naive anymore and he sure as hell was not innocent. He had done a lot of things to drown his pain. He cursed that the Yama neko were exclusive creatures and he hated his instinctual nature.

“Still amazing.” He said slowly as he withdrew.

She lifted her head and felt horrid guilt wrack her. He had put her in the same position that Anupu had. She rolled and pushed herself up.

“Well you have become quite the seducer. Just like your brother now.” She whispered.

“Well you gave me such a wonderful example.” He retorted.

She stood up and closed her eyes. She was tied telepathically to Ryuu and she called for him. She had closed her kimono and had moved away from Daichi. The current dragon lord appeared and looked around.

“Mother?” he called.

“Over here Ryuu.” She said hoarsely.

Daichi saw from the distance a dragon and he hugged Akemi tightly. Hatred poured through his veins and he had dreams of facing the dragon and helping Inuyasha kill him.

“Take me home please son. Is Ryuunosuke back from the villages?” she asked softly.

“No but I can call him home. Mother what is wrong?” he asked.

“Just take me home baby.” She said hugging him.

Ryuu looked around and saw nothing and his mother was not sharing. He slipped his tongue out quickly and tasted the air. He frowned and he had tasted neko. Akemi sighed and cursed the dragon's senses. He ported them to Nagasaki and she ran from her son. He knew exactly where she was going and he felt for her. He had grown up with his parents' madly in love and their home was always a haven. His kind loved his mother dearly. His father never had to say he loved her; it was known. He decided to call upon his Uncle Ryuu. He ported to other side of his lands and found his uncle in his true form basking in the sun light.

“So sorry to bother your sun bathing Uncle but I need your wisdom.” He said up to the white dragon.

The elder Ryuu looked down and his mane was long and flowing. His pale eyes narrowed and he managed to right his long body and his was on his legs. He transformed into his humanoid form and hugged his nephew.

“So what brings you out this far?” Ryuu asked the younger.

“Mother is in turmoil and the Yama neko accosted her. I would not go so far as to say rape but you know how she is.” The dragon lord said.

“I wish Ryukotsusei were here. Your mother still mourns for him.” He sighed.

“Hai. I am going to talk to the Tengu.” Ryuu the younger said.

“What for?” his uncle asked.

“Not sure.” He said.

He walked away and ported as he walked and appeared in the north. He very rarely ventured anywhere and he searched for the fabled Tengu Tamiko.

“You were trying to find me young dragon?” Tamiko said from a tree.

“Hai. It is about my mother.” He said as she jumped down.

“What would you have me do?” she asked.

“I do not know. She loves him still. I know she loves the inu but she still visits his shrine very often.” He said.

“You are a good son. I will go to her.” She said walking and just disappearing.

He was amazed and sighed deeply. He wished she had peace and did not think she would find it.

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Akemi sat next to the stone box as she called that held her beloved's remains. Her head rested against it and she quelled that tears that fell. Anupu had found her here many a night and their relationship was fracturing. She willed herself to sleep and moved till she lay on the stone shrine. She curled up and listened to the surf in the distance.

“I thought you said you were helping your family.” Anupu said from across the shrine.

“I was. I wanted to come home.” She said in a tired voice.

“Home is in Kyoto.” He said softly.

“I lived here almost all my life. My eldest sons still reside here and hai this is my home too.” She said not even bothering to get up.

“He has been gone more than a century Akemi! I assume he would want you to be happy.” Anupu said through clenched teeth.

“I am happy my darling. I do not compare you to him but I do still mourn him.” She said lifting her head.

“This is tearing me up. You are spending more and more time away from us; me and OUR sons.” He said in a low tone.

“It comes up on his birthday Anupu. It also comes up on the anniversary of his death.” She said looking away.

“I have no room to speak because as pharaoh I had many wives but I never had this. I love you Akemi but you will destroy yourself with what ifs. I cannot help you in this as you will not let me. I wish I had known him for I will never get this much devotion from you.” Anupu said with little emotion.

“If you cannot handle it then I am sorry. I had a life before Pharaoh Anupu came to Honshu.” She said in a low voice.

“I am taking the pups with me to Jining for awhile. Deal with the specters and let me know when you can handle being my mate again.” He said bowing.

“Anupu this is not about you.” She said raising her voice.

“No it is about the third individual in our relationship.” He said without sarcasm.

“Go please.” She snapped.

“As you wish Lady Akemi.” He said bowing again.

She rolled over and splayed her hands across the kanji on the shrine. She felt guilt at her failed relationship with Daichi and her failing one with Anupu.

“You know you need to deal with this.” Tamiko said from across the shrine.

“Why is my Tengu here?” she asked.

“Because your son worries for you.” Tamiko replied.

“Well Ryuu knows how I get this time of year. I mean I was mated to him for a long time.” Akemi said narrowing her blue eyes.

“Come here my girl.” She said.

Akemi sighed and moved towards the family's Tengu. Tamiko hugged her and then turned her away. She shoved her forward and Akemi disappeared.

“Heal your heart my girl.” Tamiko said as she too disappeared.

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Akemi looked around and cussed every curse word she had heard her father say. She stalked forward and wondered where in the timeline that Tamiko had sent her. She was in the mountains where Ryu had been sealed away; she had come after her grand sire's death and freed him. They had set up an elaborate spell and it had worked. They had another two centuries together. She figured she could observe her mate from afar. She walked along an ancient path and went south. Akemi walked on and wished like hell she had inherited a porting ability. She hated depending on others. It took her a few days to reach the Dragon Kingdom. She knew where to hide and hide she did. She tried to figure out when this was and if it was one of the times she had gone home for a little while. Tamiko probably did it that way to avoid a paradox. She had a good view of the castle from the outcrop of rocks. It was the middle of the night and she slipped down to the coast. She sat on the rocks and watched sea gulls flying and various different beasts. She caught site of a water sprite and it waved at her. She waved back and she lay back on the rocks. She fell asleep and dreamed of these times. She woke up to a massive water dragon curled up around her and she sat up. It was not her sons or her mate.

“Excuse me? I was not in your way was I? Do you prefer to sun yourself here?” she asked.

She heard chuckling and dragons were one of the few youki that she knew that could speak in their true forms.

“Well it depends. You were sleeping so soundly as if you were here all the time. I normally hunt here.” She heard the male say.

His mane was flowing white and had faint blue scales. He had a thin line of hair that extended down his back and to his tail.

“I apologize then. I will be on my way.” She said bowing.

“Who are you little onna?” he asked.

“I am Akemi.” She said.

“I am Mizuchi.” He inclined his massive head.

Akemi kept her composure but she grew afraid. He looked at her and lowered his head to her level.

“Why are you afraid?” he asked snorting softly.

“You are a renowned warrior my lord.” She said.

“My enemies need only fear me. Are you my enemy little onna?” he asked amused.

“No my lord.” She said bowing.

“You taste strange.” He said cocking his reptilian head to the side.

“I am a hanyou my lord.” She said.

“What kind?” he asked.

“I am kiang shi and ningen.” She said with a bowed head.

“Never met a blood drinker before.” He said uncoiling.

“I am unique.” She said softly.

“You are not afraid of dragons?” he asked.

“No my lord.” She answered.

“Well that is intriguing. My sons are around here somewhere.” He commented.

“How old are they my lord?” she asked casually.

“Ryukotsusei is one hundred fifty three and Ryuu is one hundred forty.” He said blinking his crimson eyes.

“Well you must very proud to have two sons.” She said fighting down her quickening heart beat.

“Hai. Well very good to meet you little onna.” He chuckled.

She bowed low and she backed up slowly and then took off in a run. She knew where Ryukotsusei liked to hunt. She ran further up the shore and skidded to a stop. Her beloved was in his true form curled up and fast asleep. He was different in that he had a Noh mask on his forehead in his true form. He had said he had gotten the enchantment from his mother. She slowly descended the bank and made sure to be quiet. She walked up to him and her hand was shaking as she reached out and touched his side. He stirred a little but grunted and went back to sleep. She wanted to kiss him badly and she leaned forward and pressed her lips lightly to his scales. He lifted his head and moved it within a foot of her face.

“Hello.” She said softly.

“Are you insane?” he asked.

“Hai. I thought you quite pretty and kissing a dragon is supposed to bring good luck.” She said brightly.

“Silly myth.” He grumbled in his deep voice of his beast.

“I apologize my lord.” She said bowing.

“Who are you?” he asked standing and stretching his long, lithe body.

She fought down her desire and lust as she stared at him.

“I am Akemi Higurashi.” She said reaching out and running it along his side.

“You are youki?” he asked as a shiver went down his spine.

“Hai mostly.” She said breathing deeply.

“Onna are you alright?” he asked.

“Hai.” She said moving to him.

She reached up and pulled his snout down and kissed him. He blinked his crimson eyes and shook his head a little.

“Do I know you?” he asked lowering his head to eye level.

“No Lord Ryukotsusei but I know of you. You are beautiful to behold. I shall let you sleep.” She said backing up and bowing.

She walked away and he moved swiftly and moved in front of her. Her hormones were going wild and he lowered his head again.

“Are you sure I do not know you?” he asked confused.

“Hai my lord.” She said turning her head away.

Several tears slipped from her eyes and she wiped them away.

“Ryu.” She said barely above a whisper.

He transformed to his humanoid form and stood before her with only his hakama on. She looked at him and could not fight it and pulled his head down and kissed him. He grunted in surprise as she delved her tongue into his mouth. He lifted his hands to her face and she wrapped her arms around him as she poured her emotion into the embrace. He reacted by kissing her back and she finally pulled away.

“Does that bring more luck as well?” he asked teasingly.

“Hai the best. Good day Lord Ryukotsusei.” She said bowing.

She pulled away and vanished into the tree line. It was the strangest thing in the young dragon's life but it was strangely not unwelcome. He shook his head and transformed back into his true form. He proceeded to lay his head down and continue to sun himself.

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It became the norm that the strange little onna would show up whilst he slept and watch him. At first he was unnerved but then after a few days he started looking forward to it. She was quiet and he had a hard time sensing her approach. He had a particularly good hunt in the ocean and he was sleeping heavily when he felt her tiny hands on his body. He lifted his head and stared at her. She looked over her shoulder and grinned at him.

“You have taken down a large fish of some sort hmmm?” she asked smiling.

“Hai.” He said watching her.

“You really are the prettiest dragon.” She said admiring his supple form.

“I am being affected when you touch me as such.” He snorted softly.

“Like this?” she asked him mischievously.

“Hai.” He moaned softly.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his scaled flesh. The muscles moved under her ministrations and he laid his head down and grunted.

“Well I have bothered you enough.” She said backing away.

“Who are you?” he asked softly.

“No one. I just admire you greatly.” She said as softly.

“I do not understand.” He admitted.

“It really does not matter in the grand scheme of things. I just like to see you and be near you is all. I know it is strange but you bring my soul peace.” She said walking towards his head.

“You are not afraid of me at all and you touch me as if you know me.” He remarked.

“Why should I be afraid? Shall you devour me? You are not violent unless you have to be.” She retorted.

He transformed and slowly pushed her back against a flat rock. He could not get the kiss out of his mind and he had pinned her.

“You are such a mystery. You come everyday and I want to see you. You know where to touch me to make me mad with desire.” He stated tracing her lower lip with his thumb.

She darted her tongue out and took his thumb into her mouth. She sucked on it for a moment and released it. Her eyes met his pale hazel ones and he was entranced. She pulled him down by the back of the neck and took his lips with hers. She could not stop the emotion as he pressed his body against hers. Her hands were in his white hair and he marveled at how tiny she was. She ripped her lips from his and he was surprised to see her eyes bleeding to crimson.

“Let me have you.” She whispered roughly.

“What?” he asked shocked.

“Ryu please. Kamis please.” She said feverishly touching him.

He again only wore his hakama and she pulled on his stays. Rational thought left his brain as she slipped the silk down past his hips. She gripped his backside and then ran her hands up his back and his muscles jumped. She undid her kimono and slipped it off. His rational mind screamed at him that she was a virtual stranger but somehow he knew that to not be true. Somehow he felt he knew her and this was proper. He picked her up and she was breathing quickly. There was no more thought and he buried himself in her. She held onto him and Akemi clung.

“Ryu needed you so much.” She groaned.

“I do not understand.” He moaned as he moved with her.

“I love you so much; why did you leave me?” she murmured inaudibly.

“When did I leave you?” he murmured into her neck.

“Kamis Ryu please harder.” She said gasping.

He knew without a doubt that this entrancing onna knew him quite personally. She called him his nickname that only family called him. She tightened on him suddenly and his eyes widened when he felt amazing warmth consume him. It was blinding and he roared out as the most incredible release took him. She cleaved to him and he pressed his forehead to hers.

“Miko? You are a miko?” he asked shocked.

“No my mother is. I am kiang shi and ningen that has retained her holy powers.” She giggled.

“You are youki?” he asked dumbly.

“Do not think to hard on it. It is difficult to understand.” She laughed softly.

“You called me Ryu. You said I left you. Why would I leave you?” he asked slowly pulling himself from her center.

“Because you are the most honorable male I know. I am stupid and silly.” She said.

He turned her head to the side and saw his mark. He shook his head and stared down at his mate; he knew her not but she was his.

“I truly do not understand. How can this be?” he asked.

“You got drunk one night and we had passionate rutting. It was so fabulous that I stalked you here.” She teased.

He looked at her and actually cracked a smile. Her silver hair blew around her and her blue eyes held such passion in them.

“Okay I got drunk and we had this passionate rutting. I marked you and you stalked me here. Does this mean I can ravish you whenever I wish?” he teased back.

“Hai. Wherever and whenever. Now when you get cross, please remember that I love you deeply and I never mean it.” She said smirking.

“Where are you going?” he asked as she slipped away from him.

“To let yourself stay warm.” She stated dressing quickly.

“Wait!” he called as she ran up the shore.

She smiled to herself and she was playing a game of hide and seek with him. She always forced his playful side to the surface. He normally was such a stoic and serious individual that he needed respite when he had been at war. She never asked about his battles and he never told her. She tended his home and his people. She ruled in his absences and loved him with her whole being. She hid amongst the foliage and waited on him. She saw him enter the forest and he seemed to fight with himself as she knew his inner dialogue would be that this was insane; this was not normal but she that he sensed their union. He moved after her and saw him tasting the air to ascertain her whereabouts. She put thoughts of his sire out of her head as that particular dragon did frighten her. She smirked and took off her obi. She threw it at him and then took off. She could see him and he picked it up. She could see his eyes and they were simmering. Chemistry was not a good word for their relationship. They exploded at times and had the most incredible amalgamation. She hid behind a boulder and slipped off her kimono. She left it where it was and slipped further away. She saw him pick it up and put it over his shoulder. She slipped down to the beach and saw no dragons laid out. She slipped into the water and waited on him. He emerged and smirked at her. He laid her things down and his hakama quickly joined her silks. He dove in next to her and came up suddenly.

“You like to be hunted?” he asked softly in her ear.

“Only by you.” She murmured.

“You will not tell me how you are mine.” He muttered.

“No but I am yours. I am yours till the end of times. I have to fix things. You cannot leave me.” She said in a fierce whisper.

“How long are we together?” he asked.

He knew there were strange and amazing things in the world and he did not question that. This beautiful onna was his.

“Nearly eight centuries.” She said softly.

“So long?” he asked shocked.

“Hai and it was not nearly long enough.” She replied.

“Do we have younglings?” he asked.

“Hai we do. They are fine sons.” She said turning in his arms.

“I need not remember this.” He sighed into her ear.

“I know. You leave me. You lied to me and you left me.” She said suddenly sobbing.

“Why would I do that?” he asked her stunned.

“Because you wished to make me happy. You are the only thing that truly makes me happy and you sacrifice yourself for me.” She said pounding his chest.

“Akemi?” he asked confused.

“You asked me to stay and you asked me to have your son. I have given you everything and I cannot give it to anyone else.” She said shaking.

“I do not know what to say.” He said softly.

“I cannot loose you again. I will not loose you again!” she growled.

“If it is fated then it must be.” He said gently.

“NO!” she screamed.

“Let us share what we can now.” He said kneading her shoulders.

“Oh hai right there.” She groaned.

A plan was forming in her mind and she needed Tamiko. She leaned he head back and devoured his lips. She needed to feel him again and she touched him everywhere. He lifted her up and they joined desperately. All thoughts of everything left her mind.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

“Now Akemi I have given him the potion but you want me to send you back before his death?” Tamiko asked.

“Hai. Ryu will give up his title; I know him and he will accept this if I can get to him. I cannot live without him. I am ruining Anupu's life and I cannot love him the way he deserves.” She said sighing.

“So much like Inuyasha.” Tamiko said touching her face.

“How so?” she asked.

“Your sire only has eyes for your mother. The passion and the love; I will help you my baby girl.” Tamiko said gently.

“I mean Naraku was supposed to be dead and he is here and living. He and Asuna have two pups of theirs. I want my mate back.” She said softly.

“There is the portal.” She said.

“Love you Tamiko!” she said jumping up and going through.

She was in Nagasaki and she recognized this day. She growled and she had to go after her mate. She ran to Ryuu's room and shook him awake.

“Huh? What? Mother?” he asked rubbing his eyes.

“I need you now. I need you to take me to Mount Otofuke.” She said urgently.

“Mother is everything all right?” he asked.

“Ryuu ask later! Please take me.” She pleaded.

He sat up and grabbed a kosode. He put it on and held her hand and ported them to the volcanic mountain. She kissed his cheek and shooed him away. He frowned and did as she asked. She moved down the mountain quickly and daybreak was close. She saw him moving and she growled. She jumped from rock to rock and came up behind him. She grabbed him and he whirled on her. Shock was displayed on his face and he stared at her.

“No! Do you hear me? No!” she screamed.

“Akemi we have been over this. We do not have a choice!” he said sighing.

“I have the choice! I cannot live without you.” She cried.

“Akemi you have your life in the coming era. You and I have managed to have so many years together.” He said clenching his jaw.

“I have tried to live it and I cannot! I cry almost every night; I cannot make a go of my mating. He knows about you and I cannot give you up!” she said sobbing.

“The neko knows?” he asked shocked.

“Hai he does and hates me. He absolved our mating. I am falling to pieces Ryu. I need you, Asuna has Naraku! Why can I not have you?” she asked beating his chest.

“Akemi, I see no other way.” He said sighing.

“I do. Abdicate and let Ryuu rule; you have trained him well.” She said holding his face.

“Akemi do not make this any harder than it has to be!” he roared.

“I mate an inu and he finds me at your shrine a lot.” She said making him look at her.

“You are not being fair to the inu by hanging onto me.” He said through his clenched teeth.

“Do not dare preach to me! You asked me to stay! Now I ask you for this.” She said fiercely.

“My proud and beautiful mate. You have made me so unbelievably happy this past centuries but this is my time.” He said looking away.

“Then I will join you in death.” She said flatly.

“Akemi do not be asinine.” He said shaking her.

“I am not. I am wasting away and I am no good for Anupu.” She said bitterly.

“Is that the inu's name?” he asked lifting her chin.

“Hai. He is Egyptian and he is ancient. He is a very good male but he is not you.” She said looking into his eyes.

“He is inu and he loves you no doubt.” He said holding her face.

“Forgive me my love.” She said placing her hands on his chest and releasing a quick jolt of her spiritual powers.

He yelped and sagged suddenly. She sighed and managed to lift him carefully. She moved away from the mountain. The illusion would react to her father, Tamiko was seeing to it. She saw what she was waiting for and pulled him along. She was in her era and she cried out. They were actually near Edo and she could take him to her childhood home. She was getting exhausted but she slowly got him to the village and into her parents' home. She laid him out on the futon and wiped her brow. She heard some ruckus and she went to the common area.

“Jirou what in Kamis name are you doing here?” she said exasperated.

“We are keeping an eye on the village for father. What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Taking care of someone. Where are mother's supplies?” she asked.

“She has redecorated again. Let me see.” He said going to some cabinets.

Jirou began rummaging through the cupboards and she looked in on Ryukotsusei. She had shocked him pretty good but it only incapacitated him.

“Found her stash of medicinal herbs. Who you have in there?” he demanded.

“Stick your nose out and go patrol.” She snapped.

“Akemi! Do you have a youki in there?” he asked narrowing his eyes.

“May I remind you that I am youki now?” she said with hands on her hips.

“Who?” he said trying to look.

“Jirou Higurashi! I swear I will shock you!” she growled.

“Akemi has a lover.” He teased.

“Kamis in heaven you are an ass.” She said blocking his path.

She heard her mate rousing and she shoved her brother away. She produced a barrier to keep him out. She went to him and sat.

“Akemi, did you try to purify me?” he asked in anger.

“Nope. I shocked you to knock you out. The battle was fought and you lost my darling Ryu. You are dead.” She said smirking.

“What did you do?” he asked sitting up.

“What I should have done before. You are dead Ryu. You are free.” She said holding his face.

“Did you mess up the timeline?” he demanded.

“No. The timeline is fine. I do however need to help my parents defeat the youki from the Shikon no Tama.” She said softly.

“Akemi what of your mate?” he asked.

“You are my mate.” She said softly.

“What have you done?” he asked shaking her.

“Living.” She said undoing her kimono.

“Akemi this is not the time my love.” He said frowning.

She pushed him back and undid his hakama. She always had the worst timing and such a profound appetite for rutting. She barely touched him and he bit back a groan. She sank down on his member and he clamped his mouth shut. She let down her silver hair and ground against him. She knew he loved this position as he could watch her as they made love. After eight centuries he never tired of her and loved his fierce and tiny mate.

“So good my love.” She murmured.

“Akemi.” He groaned softly.

She leaned down and began nipping his neck. He could not keep back his moans anymore and she sank her fangs into his throat. She pushed her yoki upon him and bucked his hips against hers. They were dissolving in the shared euphoria and he thrust hard. She sat up and leaned back. He brought his thumb to her nub and rubbed it with some pressure. She started gasping as she continued to grind her hips into his. Akemi allowed herself to come undone and she released a large amount of purity. Her mate squeezed his eyes tightly shut and hollered out as he reached his pinnacle. He grabbed her hips to hold her as he released.

“Akemi where are we?” he asked with his eyes still closed.

“Edo.” She smirked.

“Please do not tell me this is your parents' futon.” He groaned.

“No. This is the spare room.” She giggled.

“You have a barrier up for what reason?” he sighed.

“My brother was being obnoxious.” She said slowly climbing off of him.

“Kamis onna you would rut anywhere!” he said rolling his pale eyes.

“With you hai. You are so damn beautiful.” She purred.

“Akemi you have managed to mess up your life my beloved.” He said holding her face.

“Ryu will you stop being the worry wart you are?” she said.

“How can I not? Now what is going on with this Shikon.” He said.

“You really isolated yourself.” She said lying next to him.

“Well I had no wish to mess up your future. Do you have pups by the inu?” he asked running his hand through her hair.

“Hai. Two sons and I have a daughter that was sired by Daichi but when we absolved he abandoned her.” She said running her claws along his abdomen. He suppressed his growing desire. She had the effect of making him wild and quite unlike his normal nature.

“I am sorry to hear about the neko. I need the water Akemi; I am starving.” He said running his hand up her thigh.

“Well you are the one that can port my love.” She said kissing his ear.

“Akemi.” He growled softly.

“Hai Ryu?” she said as her heart was beating wildly.

“What are you going to do with the inu.” He asked.

“I do not know how to handle it but I will. Ryu your birthday is coming up.” She whispered in his ear.

“You are the only creature I know that likes to celebrate a meaningless day.” He laughed.

“Well I praise your mother for bringing you forth. I can celebrate that.” She grinned.

“Silly onna.” He groaned as she kissed him.

“Silly dragon. Come my dearest you said you were hungry and I wish to see you in your true form.” She said kissing his taut belly.

“I love you.” He said suddenly.

“I love you too.” She said in return.

She had dressed and he took her hand after having righted his own clothing. They ported to Nagasaki and he stretched. His mind was going a mile a minute as to what he needed to do. His son was lord and he realized he was fine with that. Their home had been a very informal one and their sons very much loved. Ryuunosuke was like him in his serious nature and his oldest had his mother's feisty temperament. She always called him Ryu and his sons never called him lord. He transformed and suddenly dove into the water. The sea always cleared his head and he actually felt for the inu. He had no intentions of letting another have his beloved and she had gone against his wishes in going back. He caught a manta and dragged it back to the beach. He preferred the food of the sea versus land animals. He ate his piece and grew lazy. He stretched his long dragon body along the sand to catch the rays and warm him some. He was not cold blooded but it was instinct to lie out in the sun from bygone days.

“Ryu when you get done with your nap can you come to the castle?” she asked.

“Hai.” He mumbled sleepily.

“I wish I was a female dragon as I would wrap myself around you at this moment.” She said softly.

“If you were a female dragon I could never leave your side. All the males would be on you.” He said playfully.

“You could wrap yourself around me any time you wanted.” She purred.

“Akemi I need sleep!” he growled.

“Bitch and moan. My love I have missed you so much.” She said laying her head to his side.

“You give up everything for me again.” He said sighing.

“You are my Naraku.” She chuckled.

He snorted and he laid his head down. She sauntered back towards the castle and Ryuu was standing at the edge of the beach. She grinned at her son and he looked shocked and pleased at the same time.

“He just sleeps.” She whispered.

“You did go back.” He said.

“Hai and I should have stopped it before.” She said scowling.

“I have to see him.” Ryuu said walking hurriedly to his sire.

The younger dragon moved quickly and came to stand next to his sire.

“Chichi!” he said softly.

“Son.” He said opening one crimson eye.

“I am unable to speak father. We have all missed you so much.” He said

“I sense that Ryuu. I shall come now.” He said as he transformed.

Ryukotsusei took his son into his arms and hugged him tightly. Ryuu hugged him back fiercely and the elder dragon released his son and they walked back towards their castle.

“Have you mated yet?” Ryukotsusei asked.

“No. I refuse to settle for anything less than what you and mother share. Ryuunosuke has become a Buddhist monk.” Ryuu said smirking.

“I wondered how long it would take. He is attached to the religion.” Ryukotsusei replied.

“Well he is still much loved amongst our kind. The ningen love him as well. You know he does not eat meat?” Ryuu said shuddering.

“Well that is his way. Is this inu worthy of your mother?” he asked his son.

“They had a tumultuous start but there seemed genuine affection until the last year or so. She has been spending a lot of time here. I have seen them argue terribly and she has stayed by the shrine. He accuses her of infidelity with a ghost.” Ryuu sighed.

“Hmm.” He said considering.

Ryukotsusei had much to think about and much to find out.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Akemi was working in her gardens waiting on a letter to arrive from her mother. She pulled the weeds from her medicinal herbs when she stiffened. She had decided to have a terrible fight with Anupu and he would disavow her. She looked up and then down.

“What?” she asked in a surly tone.

“You are not coming back are you?” he asked stiffly.

“The thought crossed my mind.” She said softly as she weeded.

“I understand the dragon was great but he is dead! Why can you not let it go?” Anupu growled.

“Because I loved him! Because I was mated to him for eight centuries! My life seems worthless without him and I am tired of having this hole in my soul.” She said looking up.

“You will not have my sons. You will not have my daughter either. Wallow in your memories Akemi; I will fight you no longer.” He said bowing.

“I should like to visit with them. I would rather wallow in my memories then make you suffer because I am unfair to you. I did try and stop you though.” She said wiping sweat from her brow.

“What happened to your spirit? You were not like this when I first met you!” he said in anger.

“I have been contemplating suicide Anupu. It is not you and it is me but seppuku is acceptable; hell even in some Chinese royal houses the wives of the ruler was killed when they died. I should have died with him.” She said looking directly at him.

“How is this daemon any different from me? How come you cannot let yourself be happy?” he demanded.

“I was happy. I was happy for eight hundred years. I know not how or why but Ryu is my heart and he is my soul. I am dead as we speak.” She said starting to weed again.

Anupu looked as if he had been physically struck. He bowed again and stalked away. He saw a dragon that resembled her eldest son and he stared hard at him. The reptile raised a pale brow at him and Anupu came forward.

“She went back for you. By the Gods I would recognize your likeness. Well dragon congratulations from taking my pups' mother from them.” Anupu said bitterly.

“I did not make the decision but I am glad she did. I am sorry you are hurt in this but she has been and will continue to be part of my very person. There is no me without her.” Ryukotsusei stated.

“Well I have been bested. I recognize a defeat quite well.” Anupu stated with a bow.

“She never meant to hurt you. It was meant to be; her grandsire was my bitterest enemy and I fell in love with her the second I saw her, barefoot in the forest.” The dragon lord replied.

“There is nothing left for me here.” Anupu said growling.

“Please do not keep her pups from her.” The dragon said gently.

“Oh I will allow her to see them. I am not heartless like her.” He said growling and then porting away.

There was no right or wrong in the situation Ryukotsusei realized, it just was. All he knew is that he had been graced with a love that many only dreamed of and he would not let it go.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Mizuki was hiding from the evil beast. She had managed to injure him and he was rather put out with her at the moment. She smiled as she dripped a toxin that was quite unlike her chichi's miasma or her haha's Dakkasou. It was a melding of the two and she loved that it paralyzed and ate away at his flesh.

“Come here you little bitch! How in the world did Naraku have such a powerful brat?” he asked aloud.

“Dunno! Why not ask him yourself weirdo!” she snarled.

“Gotcha!” Magatushi said grabbing her.

“Creep! Jerk! Bastard!” she yelled at him.

“Where do you learn your horrid mouth little girl?” he asked hauling her behind him.

“I listen to son of whores like you!” she said thrashing in his hold.

“I said stop!” he yelled striking her cheek.

“My chichi is going to rip your arms from their sockets and shove them down your ugly throat!” she snapped.

“Shut up!” he screamed.

“Blah blah blah blah.” She started screaming in a mantra.

Magatushi threw her from him and she hit her head against a beam. She lifted her fingers to her hair and pulled back blood. She kept her tears in and lifted her hands and willed him to explode. She had done it several times and he had tried to contain her yoki. The only thing he could control was her porting and her transformations. It took him longer to pull himself back together and she ran. She sprinted so quickly she was dizzy. She ran as fast as her long legs could carry her. His yoki had to have been expended and she continued to run. She had no idea where she was and she looked around. It was dark and frightening in the forest. She concentrated on auras and felt many. She was terrified and tried to be brave. She was the daughter of the great warrior princess Asuna and the Dark One; Naraku. Tears pricked her eyes and she cried softly. She felt an aura and jumped up. There was a creature she had never seen before, the boy looked startled to be discovered and he backed away.

“Wait! Please help me.” Mizuki cried.

The creature turned and stared at her. He had light brown eyes and light brown hair. His ears were more pointed than a normal youki and he looked rather spry.

“Who are you?” he asked softly.

“I am Mizuki. There is a beast that is trying to kill me.” She said quickly.

“But you are just a child.” He said looking at her.

“He wants to get to my chichi. Please help me!” she cried.

“Follow me.” The boy said.

She followed him and he led her deeper into the forest. The came into a clearing and there was a village nestled in the trees.

“Kamis what are you?” Mizuki asked amazed.

“I am a Yosei. My name is Ayumu; my people will be mad that I brought a regular youki but you are a child.” He said looking her over.

“Excuse me? Regular youki? How old are you?” she demanded.

“I am twenty two. Hai you are a regular youki and I am not.” He said as he walked into the village.

“What are you then?” she asked following.

“We guard the forests and the trees. We do not go around killing and maiming.” He shrugged.

“I am a taiyouki thank you very much and you are a tree hugger?” she asked.

“I did not mean to make you mad. Come who is your chichi?” she asked.

“His name is Naraku and my haha is Lady Asuna of the West.” She said looking around.

“I know not the names.” He said looking back.

“Are you serious? My haha is famous! So is my chichi.” She said widening her eyes.

“I do not pay much attention to regular youki. I am surprised you even saw me.” He said staring at her.

“How so? I see you just fine.” She said surprised.

“I am a fey youki.” He said intrigued.

“Is that like a Tomoshibi?” she asked.

“Hai they are fey youki. How do you know about the Tomoshibi?” he asked coming closer.

“Oh I have a sister who is one.” She said shrugging.

“Impossible!” he exclaimed.

“It is possible! Her name is Hikari and her chichi is Kaito.” She said indignantly.

“Regular youki cannot see the fey youki. We are infinitely different.” He said confused.

“Well Hikari is a Tomoshibi and you can just stew on it. I am sorry I can see you.” She said stomping her foot.

“It is not normal that you can see me is all. Are you hungry?” he asked softly.

“Hai. Magatushi has been rather mean.” She said following the Yosei.

He led her into a quiet and peaceful village. The dwellings were in the trees themselves.

“What manner of youki are you?” Ayumu asked.

“Kind of hard to explain. My haha is half uppyr and half inu. My chichi is mostly tsuchigumo and a shape shifter and I am too.” She said looking around.

“How very odd.” He said staring at her.

“Do I have an extra head or something? I cannot help who my parents are!” she snapped.

“I find it odd that the regular youki are interbreeding is all. Before it was so taboo; during the One Great War so many died and it was unheard of.” He said turning his head to the side.

“We are all youki. Besides my haha and chichi have loved each other a really long time.” She said hugging herself.

“What manner of youki is this Magatushi?” he asked.

“I do not know. He said something about the Shikon no Tama.” She said looking at him.

“The Jewel of Four Souls?” he asked shocked.

“Hai. My chichi had it last century.” She said meekly.

“Your chichi is that youki?” he asked stunned.

“Hai but he gave it up for my haha!” she cried.

“You are young.” He said looking at her closely.

“I am ten summers!” she snapped.

“Like I said you are so young.” He said looking at her.

“Well you are only twenty two you said.” She said frowning.

“More than twice your age. We age differently then regular youki.” He said shrugging.

“You are getting on my nerves! I hate when you say `regular' as if I have some sort of infection. So sorry I was born into the real world.” She said narrowing her mahogany eyes.

“I did not mean to offend it is the only way I know to describe what you are versus what I am.” He said surprised.

“I wonder if Kaito treats my haha this way!” she said standing up.

“Kaito is a rebel. He has a tendency to not follow rules very well.” He shrugged.

“Kamis to be so good all the time. It must be hard being fey.” She said walking away from him.

“Come back! You cannot be seen in here. Other types of youki cannot see us.” He cried out.

“Well I would hate to infect your village with my regular ness.” She said crossing her arms.

“You are rude!” Ayumu said narrowing his eyes.

“I am rude? You are rude! My jii-chan is Lord Sesshomaru and he teaches us honor and respect! You are the rude one. I would not tell you that you were regular. I would say how pretty you are.” She said irritated.

He looked at her dumbly then started blushing. He looked away then back at her.

“You mean for me to tell you that you are pretty or you think I am pretty?” He asked raising a brow.

“You are pretty.” She said blushing herself.

He blinked his unusual brown eyes at her and he took her hand and pulled her along.

“You are pretty too.” He mumbled.

She was dragged along and they entered the village. He pulled her to a ladder and he began climbing and she followed.

“You need a change of clothing and I need to see to that wound in your head.” He said as he climbed.

“Okay.” She said.

They made it to the tree hut and they slipped inside.

“Do you live by yourself?” she asked shocked.

“Hai. Why not?” he asked surprised.

“You are not a youngling?” she asked him.

“I am but my parents went on to tentou.” He said softly.

“You are alone?” she asked horrified.

“Hai but I live within the village and they see to my bigger needs.” He said softly.

He went to a trunk and pulled out a garment. He handed it to her and he turned his back. She looked at it and it barely covered anything. She sighed and pulled her ruined kimono off. She pulled on the gossamer fabric and it had no back. The skirt portion was uneven and her thigh was exposed.

“What manner of clothing is this?” she asked shyly.

“Normal for the Yosei. We need to move amongst the forests we guard.” He said looking down.

His own kosode was sleeveless and his hakama was rather short.

“You are spirits?” she asked.

“No just fey.” He said blushing hotly.

Mizuki sat and pulled the pins out of her hair and it fell in a black cascade down her back. He came over and looked at the wound. He grunted softly and fetched some water and carefully cleaned it out.

“This must hurt badly; you have a small fracture. You are being very brave.” He said softly.

“Thanks. Is it okay to cry now?” she said stifling her tears.

“Hai I promise I will not tell.” He said putting a hand on her shoulder.

She cried softly and the last few days had been a nightmare. Her shoulders shook and Ayumu moved and gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She leaned against his belly and cried more.

“I can stitch this for you.” He said in a tender voice.

“Okay.” She said wiping her eyes.

“What manner is your yoki?” he asked as he began to thread a needle.

“I dunno.” She shrugged.

“Well what can you do?” he asked smiling.

“I have a toxin and I can do things with my mind. I can change my form and what can you do?” she asked raising a brow.

“I am a caretaker.” He said shrugging.

“Caretaker of what?” she asked as he began to sew.

“The forests.” He replied.

“You talk in circles. First I am regular and now you cannot explain your yoki?” she asked in irritation again.

“I can show you instead of explain; I just care take. You are snotty.” He said clipping the threads.

“I am snotty? I am royalty!” she snapped.

“Well that does not mean you have to be so cruel.” He said stepping back.

“Well you do not have to act all superior. I mean no one but fey youki can see you!” she said making a face.

“You can it seems and you are regular.” He said pursing his lips.

“I want to go home!” she said bursting into tears.

“Where is home?” he asked in a softened tone.

“Sendai mostly.” She said wiping away her tears.

“Come let me show you my yoki.” He said as he went towards the door.

She sighed and followed. He climbed down the rope ladder and she descended it as well. He led her into the forest and she saw more Yosei milling about.

“Ayumu do they think I am bad or something?” she asked catching up with him.

“No. They think you are different is all. As long as I do not bring anymore of your youki here then it will be okay. Why did you here their thoughts?” he asked.

“Hai. Both my parents are powerful telepaths.” She mumbled.

“They do not think you are evil; you have such pretty black hair. They are calling it dark.” He said reaching out and touching the ebony silk.

“Thank you.” She said looking down.

“Okay are you hungry?” he asked.

“Hai.” She replied.

He went to a clearing and put his hand to the ground. Mushrooms sprouted suddenly and he looked up.

“You are elemental.” She gasped.

“I can bend the earth to my will.” He explained.

“You do not eat meat?” she asked.

“No, do you?” he asked in return.

“Hai.” She said turning bright red.

“Well I hope you can eat this. I do not know what else to eat.” He stated.

“I can eat it. Thank you.” She said kneeling.

She picked the fleshy fungi and took a bite. It was a shitake mushroom and had a robust flavor. She ended up devouring it and grabbing several more. She moved to sit in front of a tree and ate quickly.

“I can produce more with little effort. If you are hungry then you should eat your fill.” He said sitting across from her.

She dove for the rest of them and plucked them up from the ground. She ate them quickly and sat back feeling much better.

“I should try and find my chichi. He looked very upset when I was taken.” She said sleepily.

“Why not rest and then you can go. We can stay in my plane for as long as we need.” He said sitting closer.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” she asked him drifting.

“Because I know what it is to be away from your family. Sleep Mizuki you are safe here.” He said running his hands through her ebony hair.

Mizuki closed her eyes and fell asleep. Ayumu saw the spider shaped scar on her back and was curious. He wondered if he should try and reach Kaito and decided that would be good. He closed his eyes and tried to reach the Tomoshibi. Kaito appeared and looked surprised at the scene.

“How does a Yosei have a corporeal being here?” he asked.

“You know this young onna?” he asked moving her hair.

Kaito gasped softly when he saw her crest.

“Lady Mizuki.” He said coming to sit by the sleeping girl.

“She escaped from a creature called Magatushi. She saw me in the forest.” He remarked.

“She saw you? How is it she is here?” he asked shocked.

“I brought her over. Yosei can do that but she cannot stay here. I know not how she saw me.” He said staring down at her.

“Her mother is the mother to my girl. Lady Asuna is able to cross over as well.” He said shaking his head in amazement.

“So she was telling the truth!” Ayumu said.

“Hai young Yosei. Where is your kin?” Kaito asked.

“Gone. I can take her home but could you find her chichi? She was most insistent that she find her chichi.” He said looking down again.

“You are awfully young to loose your heart already Yosei.” Kaito chuckled.

“What do you mean?” he asked shocked and turning red.

“Nothing. I shall find Naraku and when she wakes you can take her to Sendai?” Kaito asked.

“Hai.” Ayumu nodded.

“Well then this has been a fascinating interaction.” Kaito said standing.

“Is it true your daughter is a Tomoshibi?” the Yosei asked.

“Hai.” Kaito replied.

“You mean seirei can mate with teijou?” he asked again blushing.

“Hai. If you can coporealize then hai you can mate with the teijou.” He said smirking again.

“I called her regular.” Ayumu stated aloud.

“This little onna is anything but regular. She had yoki present when she was in the womb.” Kaito said as he phased out.

Ayumu looked down at her and blushed hotter than before. He closed his own eyes and rested while she slept. He was awakened later when she stretched and looked straight up at him.

“I can take you home.” He said staring down.

“Okay.” She said gently.

She sat up and he pulled her to standing. He was nervous as he hardly ever ventured from his forest. They appeared from the forest and she looked around. She had no idea she had just came back into her plane.

“I can port us.” She said.

“I will do it.” He said quickly.

“You know where Sendai is?” she asked.

“I am a creature of the land, I know where Sendai is.” He said smiling.

He took her hand and they began walking as a mist settled around them and they walked out right at the base of the mountain that the Tsuchigumo castle stood on. She looked at him and he started to back up.

“No! You have to meet my haha and my uncle!” she said grabbing his hands.

“No I do not need to.” He said nervously.

“Please?” she begged.

“For a moment.” He said looking around.

She ported them inside the castle and commotion broke out.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

“Lady Asuna!” Zhou said running in.

“Hai?” I replied.

“Mizuki my lady! She is here!” she rambled.

I handed her Kenji and ran into the main hall. My daughter stood in the strangest outfit I had ever seen and there stood a creature of indescribable beauty. He was almost as young as she and looked ready to bolt.

“Mizuki!” I said running to her and holding her tightly.

“Haha! I was so scared! I missed you so much!” she said as she began to sob.

Ishin came in and he was walking a very tired but cranky Iyo. He looked thrilled that Mizuki was home.

“Uncle Ishin!” she cried and then hugged him.

The beautiful young male looked terrified and I came near him.

“Did you assist my daughter?” I asked in a gentle voice.

“Hai.” He muttered.

“What manner of youki are you?” I asked lifting his chin.

“He is fey haha! They live in trees and he says we cannot see him but I see him just fine!” she cried.

“Fey? Explain.” I commanded in soft tone.

“I would rather not.” He said looking down.

“Haha he can grow things! He is elemental.” Mizuki said coming over.

“You are a Yosei.” I said in understanding.

“A spirit of the forest?” Ishin asked coming closer.

“Hai and Uncle Ishin they live in the trees!” Mizuki said excitedly.

“You do not leave your forest much?” I asked the Yosei.

“No. I want to go back.” He said backing up.

“You are safe here. What is your name?” I asked.

“Ayumu!” Mizuki piped in.

I pinned my daughter with a stare and she looked demure.

“Let the boy speak for himself.” I commanded.

“Hai haha. Sorry Ayumu.” She said looking down.

“I have to go. I asked Kaito to look for her chichi. She said her chichi was scared.” He blurted out.

“You know Kaito? You are not from this plane!” I said in sudden understanding.

“No. I have to go!” he said turning and walking into a mist and he was gone.

“That was the most skittish creature I have ever seen.” Ishin said softly.

Iyo had finally fallen asleep and Ishin came by me and meant to kiss my cheek. I turned to catch his lips and he suppressed a groan. Mizuki made a rude noise and Ishin laughed. Karu had been moping but he must have felt her aura. He came running and grabbed her and turned her in a circle.

“Zuki! Kamis I have been scared!” he cried.

“How did you escape?” I asked intrigued.

“I blew him up.” She said shrugging.

“Excuse me?” I said confused.

“Like this.” She said as she turned her hands and a statue flew apart.

Ishin. Karu, and my eyes widened in shock. Iyo woke up and began crying again.

“I am sorry! Sorry Uncle Ishin!” she said covering her mouth.

“Tis okay.” He said taking her to another room.

“How did you do that?” Karu asked excited.

“I dunno.” She shrugged.

“It is a different manifestation of the yoki she inherited Karu. It is telekinesis but in a much more potent form.” I said proudly.

“He is strong haha. He kept me from porting and changing but he could not stop me from blowing him apart.” She said smirking.

“Good girl. Go change into something appropriate though. The fey must be less modest.” I observed.

“I am sorry haha! He cracked my skull and my kimono was nasty and bloody. This was all Ayumu had.” She said blushing.

“It is fine Mizuki but I will not have the males around looking at you in a lewd manner.” I said catching her eyes.

“Hai haha!” she said running to her rooms.

I watched her go and I released a breath. I had been terrified but I had promised Naraku that I would stay. Ishin and I had a slight argument which ended with him pinning me to the futon with his silk. I tried to path to Naraku but he was not paying attention. I walked into my room and fell upon the futon. I prayed to the Kamis for taking care of her when I could not. Ishin came in and flopped down next to me. He looked at me and then closed his eyes. We had not discussed our conversation that we had started right before Magatushi had attacked. I looked over at him and touched his smooth face.

“You are relieved that she is home.” I murmured.

“Hai. Naraku has been panicked and so have you.” He murmured back.

“You have not slept since she disappeared.” I said sitting up.

“No.” he sighed.

“Ishin.” I whispered.

“Asuna please let me sleep for a little while. I will go into the forest if I have too.” He growled.

“You are still angry.” I stated.

“Hai. No. Okay, I do not know. Iyo is beautiful and Kenji is so handsome.” He replied changing the subject.

“Ishin.” I stated more firmly.

“What do you want me to say Asuna?” he asked looking at me.

“I will not fight you. You said that is all we do. If and when you wish to resolve this then I shall listen.” I said rising.

“Why do you have to be so stubborn? Why can you not accept things I tell you? Why does it require a massive drama to accept my love?” he demanded.

“When you leave then maybe I can survive it. You will die or you will walk out.” I said looking away.

“You have never accepted my feelings one way or another Asuna. I am tired of trying to convince you that a dead onna is not in my heart and mind. You will of course do as you wish as you always do. I have lived nearly a millennium and no battle I have fought has been as hard as trying to love you.” He said closing his eyes.

“I see.” I said as my throat ached.

“Let me sleep. I am getting delirious and probably not making much sense.” He said rolling to his side.

“As you wish.” I said moving to the door.

He was fast asleep and I sighed heavily. Maybe he was right and we had no business together. I walked into the nursery and Mizuki was talking animatedly to Karu. Karu was pouting and I looked at him.

“Why do you frown so Karu?” I asked.

“Nothing!” he said jumping up and leaving.

“Why is he upset?” I asked Mizuki.

“I dunno. I was talking about Ayumu and the forest. Oh haha it was so different!” Mizuki cried.

I looked in the direction of Karu and patted her hand. I went to Karu's chambers and he was moping again.

“What ails you?” I asked.

“She will not stop talking about the stupid forest youki! I was scared and she was off frolicking in the woods!” he growled.

“She escaped a very evil creature.” I responded.

“Oh hai. She can blow him up! Mizuki can do this and Mizuki can do that!” he snapped.

“Are you jealous of a little girl?” I asked trying not to smirk.

“NO! I was worried is all.” He said snorting.

He climbed up into his web and ignored me. I crossed my arms and he glared at me.

“You do have a futon.” I pointed out.

“I do not like it! I have no idea why father does. You know Ayana is starting to like her web too. The twins will as well. You make them sleep in those stupid cradles.” He pouted some more.

“Is Mizuki supposed to like one as well?” I asked.

“No. She is a prodigy. She should not lower herself to us lowly kumo.” He growled.

I shook my head and left his chambers. The boy was jealous of her rescuer and he was jealous of her yoki. I wondered if he and Mizuki should not be separated. Naraku suddenly appeared and he grabbed me and hugged me tightly and he dragged me to see Mizuki. He entered the nursery and Mizuki jumped up and she ran to her sire. The once terrifying Naraku hugged our daughter for all she was worth. She had started crying and Naraku was gently kissing her head.

“I am sorry chichi! I should not have been in the forest!” she cried.

“Hush now. You are safe and now I can kill that beast easily. Stay within the castle walls.” He commanded.

“Hai.” She said sniffing.

He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. My heart fluttered at the scene and I remembered him saving her life when she was born. He let her go slowly and looked at her.

“My brave and beautiful girl.” He said lifting her chin.

She smiled at the praise and squealed in delight when Ayana toddled in. She picked up her sister and began playing with her. Naraku took my arm and we walked along the hall.

“Thank you for doing as I asked. When you are recovered another couple of days we could use your help.” He said softly.

“We?” I asked surprised.

“Hai. I went to your mutt sire and your mutt uncle. I was terrified.” He commented.

“You are a very good chichi.” I said holding his face and leaned forward and kissed him.

He sighed into the embrace and pulled himself back. He held my face as well and he sighed again.

“I wish to see the twins. I have to destroy this thing.” He said in remorse.

“Naraku, I have known for a long time who you really are. When that ningen was in you, your desires were twisted. Your youki soul was twisted with that mortal's. When you were freed from him you were allowed to become who you really are.” I said impassioned.

“You are the only one who believed in me all this time. Ishin does now but you have always been my champion of sorts. Let me go, this thing will be gone for good this time.” He said straightening himself.

“I love you!” I said strongly.

“I love you as well.” He replied with a resolute tone.

He pulled me into a hug and then kissed me deeply. He released me and went the other way to see the twins. We had been involved for more than a decade and had been through every manner of difficulty. I intended to fix my relationship with Ishin because we were stronger as three.