InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I am the Moon ❯ Horizons ( Chapter 77 )

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

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

Horizons

Juuna was lying against a tree in Inuyasha's Forest. A smile graced her lips as she sensed the hanyou. She and Nobu had called it quits. It was the most amiable break up she had suffered. He kept their son part of the time and she the other. She had cried in private for the better part of a week and emerged from her chambers with her chin high. She held herself back from Inuyasha but she would watch him. She enjoyed being near him. She put her hands to her now swollen belly and smirked wider. She could mildly mask her presence. She had no wish to ruin his life so she stayed away.

“Your chichi is a very beautiful male. I hope you are a boy as well and you look like him. I shall probably have to ask your cousin if I can move into her lands.” She said as her sweet pup kicked her.

Juuna was wrapped up in her one sided conversation that she did not notice the approach of the hanyou himself. She was not overly showing yet and he cleared his throat.

“I sensed you too late. I am not here to bother you my lord.” She said keeping her belly covered.

“I ain't a lord Juuna! How you doing?” Inuyasha asked as he flopped down next to her.

“Hai you are a lord and I am fine.” She smiled at him.

“You look good. How's the mate?” he asked.

“I am free now. He felt that he could not devote enough time to his family and his patients. He chose his patients and freed me. He is a good male and but could not reconcile his time. He chose others.” She shrugged.

“Sorry.” He said frowning.

“I am fine with it Lord Inuyasha. I mourn no longer as I have no time for it. He does not know that I am going to have a pup again and I shall not tell him.” She said standing.

“Juuna?” he asked concerned.

“Have no fear this is my former mate's pup. I am glad to have seen you again.” She said smiling.

“Are you leaving?” he asked looking up.

“Hai my lord. I hope I shall see you again some time but I think that my future lies amongst other lands.” She said bowing.

“Juuna you're lying to me.” Inuyasha said in a very anxious voice.

“No, I wish I was my lord but I am not. It hurts to be on Honshu and it hurts to know that the one male I wish above all others will never be mine. It hurts that I was not enough for Nobu but I shall live and I shall be fine.” She said sweetly.

“What do you want me to say?” he asked meeting her eyes.

“Nothing. You owe me nothing my lord. You are mated to a lovely onna and I took advantage. Now if you will excuse me.” She said bowing low.

“Let me scent you. Let me see if you tell me the truth.” Inuyasha demanded.

Juuna sighed and exposed her neck. She was prepared to port immediately as he scented his pup. He met her eyes and she met his.

“Juuna, you'd take my pup away?” he asked in despair.

“Inuyasha, this was my fault and I want it very much. You should not have to suffer for my actions. This is what I want very much as I have this small part of you. I am a good mother and I will love this pup more than anything.” She said imploring him.

“I'm a good chichi too. I love my pups Juuna even this one.” He said staring at her turquoise eyes.

“Inuyasha let us leave this as it is. I remember you saying that you were conflicted over a century ago and I do not want you conflicted. You have your family with your miko. I was grieved when I came to you those times and it was wrong. Please forgive me but you gave me something so very precious and I thank you.” She said taking his hand and kissing it.

He looked hurt and very confused as she bowed to him again. She ported away to the West and went to her family's castle. Her trunks were packed and all she needed was Asuna's okay. She sighed and looked around. She put her hands on her belly and smiled softly. She called for her maidservant and she made last minute preparations.

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Juuna let me scent exactly what was going on and she had no wish to bring my uncle anguish. I sighed as I listened.

“Where do you wish to settle Juuna? I can give you lands within my principalities seeing as you are of noble birth.” I said looking thoughtfully at her.

“Thank you my lady very much. I love this pup already and I want the best I can give him or her. Ishin settled upon me a generous amount for my failed mating.” She said bowing.

“I will know my cousin Juuna. I will also not lie to my uncle and keep him from his pup.” I said meeting her eyes.

“I understand my lady. I hear Qinghai is quite lovely and some Western families have settled there.” She said smiling wanly.

“Hai they have and I shall set Changming to building you a castle. You may stay in the capital and have my cousin at the palace. I bid you all manner of luck my friend.” I said standing.

She bowed to me and left. I rubbed my temples and I was furious with Nobu. I ported to Sendai and I saw Ishin playing with Ayana and the twins. I was fuming and he looked up.

“Why did you not tell me what was going on with Juuna and Nobu? He abandoned her!” I yelled.

“It was their business Asuna and not ours. Juuna was settled with generously.” Ishin said reasonably.

“I thought kumo were mated for life.” I said sarcastically.

“Nobu was trying to be fair to her Asuna. He did not think he was being a good enough mate and still able to do his calling. They had no harsh words.” Ishin said standing.

“I have known her along time Ishin and she is broken. She went and rutted with my uncle after they separated and she is to bear his pup. She is leaving Japan altogether and you say they had no harsh words. Kamis you are cruel! She was a better onna then I any day!” I snapped.

“She accepted his proposals without a word of protest!” Ishin said defensively.

“She is a descendent of the Northern inu. Most are empathic and they do not show their feelings as widely as a normal youki. They cannot because they feel everyone else's! She did not fight because she felt his feelings. Fuck Nobu and screw you for supporting him in breaking her heart!” I yelled.

“It was their business Asuna and not ours. If I remember right Magatushi is still around and still very much a threat. You managed to thwart the ga and I applaud you but this has to be finished.” Ishin said standing.

“Bastard! You are both bastards!” I snarled.

“Quit acting as though I had a hand in this! I tried to do right by her damnit! Why do you punish me?” he hissed.

“Because! You are his best friend and you are a damn kumo!” I snapped.

“Our babes are half kumo, should you damn them as well?” Ishin growled.

“I am mad at you.” I said irrationally.

“Well I am so pleased with you at the moment.” He replied sarcastically.

I growled and picked up Kenji on one hip and Iyo on the other. I jerked my head for Ayana to follow me.

“Where are you taking them?” he demanded.

“To my palace.” I hissed.

“Which one?” he asked in anger.

“Figure it out. Mizuki! Karu!” I yelled.

The two older pups ran into the hall. They looked at me and then at Ishin.

“Mizuki and Karu, I want you to port to Qinghai now!” I commanded.

“Mother?” Mizuki asked.

“Now!” I snapped.

They both nodded and Ishin was furious. I sequestered him in my mind and he became infuriated.

“Karu is mine Asuna.” Ishin said in fury.

“Karu calls me mother now Ishin. Where is Katsu?” I hissed.

“Sleeping.” He growled.

I handed Iyo and Kenji to Karu. Ayana, I handed to Mizuki. I stormed through the castle and went into the nursery. I bent over and picked up Katsu and Etsuko. I ported with them to Qinghai and settled them into the nursery. Etsuko looked at me and I lifted her chin.

“Such a big girl. It is well my darling.” I said kissing her head.

“Hai haha.” She said softly.

I nodded and left the room. Zihao was with Li and he came to me every other week and I saw Hikari when I could. Eyal and I had a horrid falling out and Rina stayed in Buda always. I was losing touch with her and I could not think on it. I made sure and saw Nahut on a more regular basis and I could not look Anupu in the eye. Kazuo stayed in Manchuria and he grew more despondent. He would not see me at times and I felt as though I had lost my oldest born son. I sighed and Teiran Huber's influence still was far reaching. I was angry at Nobu and taking it out on him.

-Come to Qinghai please. - I pathed to him.

-Why so you can bitch and whine some more? - He growled in my head.

-Just come. I have things that need doing. - I snapped in his head.

He appeared moments later and his expression was sour. I walked up to him and undid his hair. He sighed in irritation. I pulled him forward roughly and took possession of his mouth. I did not want my relationship to end up like Nobu and Juuna as I walked him backwards. Ishin had never been here and he was not thrilled not knowing his surroundings. He ended up in a high backed chair and I was in his lap.

“What is going on inu?” he asked me softly.

“Tell me you will not dismiss me like Nobu did to Juuna.” I said breathing roughly into his ear.

“No that I can promise. You are a force of nature my beloved. You are impossible to ignore and more impossible to forget.” He said holding my face.

“I am going to find every hair tie and rip them up. You are so incredibly gorgeous Ishin.” I said nipping his jaw and throat.

“I am sorry the ending of their relationship is shaking you up. I am nothing like Nobu. I have a much more fiery nature and I am very emotional in comparison.” He moaned softly.

“You are mine. You are mine Ishin.” I breathed in his ear.

“Hai Asuna. I am yours as I have been the second I met you.” He said huskily.

“Where is Naraku?” I asked brushing my lips against his ear.

“Dealing with Kenta.” He murmured.

-Naraku? - I pathed.

-Hai? - He pathed in return.

-Come to Qinghai? - I purred in his mind.

“Hai.” He said from behind me.

I saw him and my chest burned. Ishin grinned at me and I turned around.

“Hello my dearest inu.” Naraku said with a grin.

He came to me and he pushed me into Ishin's lap. My kumo held my hips and Naraku pressed his forehead to mine.

“You belong to us our dearest love. Do not think that we are too wrapped up in matters of state to make love to you.” Naraku said in a husky voice.

“Hai.” I breathed.

I grinned like a fool and Ishin was getting impatient. I groaned softly and I felt the shared passion of my two wonderful mates.

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Magatushi was hiding out and peace it seemed had returned for a little while. I heard nothing from Kenomaru and I was glad of it. I was languishing in bed with Ishin and Naraku at the moment and I was rather content. I crawled over to Naraku as he slept and watched his chest rise and fall. The markings on his eye lids stood in sharp contrast to his skin. I placed my hand on his chest and I ported us both to my Shanghai palace. He sat up suddenly and looked around.

“I wanted you alone for a little while. I have been too scattered and too busy. I have neglected you again and I am sorry. You are my foundation and without you I could not breathe let alone live.” I said pushing him onto his back.

“I love it when my powerful little inu supplicates me. It makes me rather wanton you know.” He said grinning.

“You are being silly.” I said slapping his arm.

“Hai especially when she feels vulnerable. We are possessive even if we try and not act like it my dearest. Ishin and I both would be dragging you home and convincing you that this is where your heart truly lies. I can think of many pleasurable ways that we can show you how much we love you.” He stated sitting up then laying me back.

I smiled at him and watched as his wavy black hair fell around us.

“You and Ishin were in the Kamis hands when you were made.” I said smirking.

“Do not neglect Ishin either. He has such a quick temper at times.” Naraku said grinning widely.

“I shall play with Ishin later. This moment the mighty Naraku is this inu's feast.” I said growling softly

The talk turned to moans and cries of profound passion as it always did with him. I was sleeping in his arms when I sensed something. I slowly slipped from him and put on a dressing gown. I went to the gardens outside when I saw him.

“You left this and broke your word to me.” He said in a toneless voice.

“I figured you needed it more than I at the moment.” I said calmly.

“I see your word means nothing?” he asked raising a brow.

“Do not question my honor ga!” I snapped.

“Here!” He said throwing it at me.

I caught it and glanced down at it. I angrily put it on and stared at him defiantly. He circled me and it seemed he was angry.

“That Naraku creature is nearby.” He said growling.

“He is my mate. He is in fact the sire to two of my babes. He has been by my side more than a decade.” I said very calmly.

“How many have the kumo and that creature sired?” he demanded.

“We are raising seven between us three. I have born four and adopted two. Ishin's son now calls me mother.” I stated in honesty.

“So they are the core of your family.” He said glaring.

“I am a member of the Tsuchigumo state as its consort.” I acknowledged.

“Do not take it off again. You swore on your honor to never part with it.” He said coldly.

“Why do you care?” I asked.

“You helped restore my twin to me and I thought I could at least trust you. Imagine my profound surprise when I saw it tossed at the base of that cursed tree.” He snapped.

“I did not toss it, I placed it there.” I said flatly.

“I parted with it for my reasons she dog. Honor your words to me.” He said coming closer.

“What words would those be?” I asked.

“That you would not turn on me. I have trusted you and you break a simple request that I have made of you.” He said snarling in a low tone.

“I have not turned on you! You needed time to deal with your idiot brother. You are the better of you two you know.” I snapped.

“I have dealt with him. He is totally fascinated by you now though. He has been reading up your all antics and I must say that I have too. Since I met you four decades ago you have been quite the woman.” Kenomaru said crossing his arms.

“This is not the place to discuss things Kenomaru.” I hissed softly.

“You think I am afraid of a former hanyou? I am not afraid of your kumo either. They are nothing to me as they should be nothing to you.” He stated in almost fury.

“Why should you care who my mates are? You have your conquest of the warrior princess, are you my master now?” I asked in sarcasm.

“I am not Menomaru. I am a private individual but yes I did pursue you. I pursued you rather brazenly but I desired you for years!” he said coming closer to me.

“You are on my lands ga! This is my land and I rule here. No one is my master!” I said flatly.

“Our language is different Asuna. Are not the males in inu society the alpha? It is the same with my kind but I am not among my kind am I now?” he said leveling me a stare.

“You two have different colored eyes!” I said really noticing.

“We do. Everything else is identical. I have my mother's eyes and he has our sire's.” Kenomaru said searching my face.

“You should leave.” I said stepping back.

“Why would I do that?” he purred.

“You made your conquest and hai I shall wear your pendent. I have no wish to upset Naraku.” I hissed.

He pushed me against a trellis and glared at me.

“I do not give a damn what a part kumo mongrel thinks. You are a part of me now as well. Think on that.” He said backing away from me.

“I know what I did. I would do it again because I thought it was what you needed.” I sighed.

“I need it. I crave it like air as much as I needed Menomaru.” He said staring at me hard.

“Truly why do you need me to wear this?” I asked.

“It is my symbol and you wear it as though I am part of you.” He said looking over his shoulder at me.

“Go Kenomaru! You still owe me for waking up Magatushi!” I snapped.

“I keep my word see that you keep yours!” he snapped in retort.

He ported away and I was dumbfounded. I growled in irritation and stormed into the palace. I walked into my study and I heard clearing of a throat. Inuyasha stood there with my mother. My mother looked confused and I growled in my exasperation.

“Uncle Yasha. Thank you Mother I will take it from here.” I said sighing.

“Alright Inuyasha.” My mother said looking at him strangely.

My mother ported away and my uncle looked stricken.

“Where is she Suna?” he asked.

“Within my lands. She left to find a future for her son and this pup. Uncle you love Kagome so go home.” I said rubbing my temples.

“I ain't leaving my pup! I wanna see her Suna!” he growled.

I stood up and took his hand. I ported to Qinghai and bid him follow me. I had set up Juuna in a seldom used wing of the palace. I saw Changming and he bowed low to me.

“Chang, this is my uncle; Inuyasha.” I said softly

“Very good to meet you.” Changming said bowing.

“Lady Juuna, where is she?” I asked.

“She rests mistress. Her pup is active.” He said smiling

Inuyasha did not growl but he was agitated with Chang. The white inu bowed low and I went to Juuna's chambers. Inuyasha followed but brushed past me. He opened the doors and shut them in my face. I was more than shocked. I stepped back and went back in search of my lord magistrate.

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Inuyasha went to her side and stared down her. She wore a thin shift and he saw the outline of her very full breasts and swollen belly.

“Juuna.” He said softly.

“Hmm?” she murmured sleepily.

“It's Inuyasha. Come on onna wake up.” He said wrapping his hand around her shoulder.

“My prince you are supposed to be in Edo with your lovely mate.” She said with her eyes closed.

“Juuna, I can't leave my son or daughter. I just can't do it.” He said putting his hand on her roundness.

“I just did not want to force a choice on you. I know you cannot love me and I accept that. This pup is so very wanted my lord.” She said meeting his eyes.

“I don't trust easily Juuna. I don't open up! It's not me.” He said looking away.

“This is why I left. Let us go so you are not conflicted and you do not have to feel guilt. I asked you for this and I am glad for it. My son and my pup are all I need.” She said holding his cheek.

“You're asking me to do the same damn thing that was done to me. You're asking me to be a bastard and leave my kid alone in the world!” he growled.

“I am here for this pup. I am well my prince and I am not asking you to do what was done to you. I am asking you to allow us all some measure of dignity for my transgression.” She sighed gently.

He looked stricken terribly and he rolled her to her back. He ripped open the light silk and pressed his lips to her belly. He felt the pup roll in her stomach as he kissed her belly over and over.

“Inuyasha please.” She said unable to look at him.

“Juuna don't ask me to stay away.” He said laying his cheek against her roundness.

He sat up and hovered over her. His eyes were pleading but she kept her composure. She was falling apart inside but appeared very calm and collected.

“Juuna, I know you're trying to be good and honorable. I'm sorry I said you were like every other bitch. I was used to asshole's mother and her fucking disdain.” He said in a heavy tone.

“I am a bitch my prince. Save yourself any guilt and go and feel that you have done the right thing.” She said closing her eyes.

She could not stop the few tears that leaked from her eyes. Inuyasha leaned down and licked them up and kissed her lightly. She jerked her head away but he gently held her chin. His lips possessed hers and she softly cried. He met her eyes as he lifted his head.

“Please don't cry.” He murmured.

“Do not do this to me! Leave and move on.” She cried out.

His hand splayed across her belly and he laid behind her. Her eyes widened as he held onto her. He breathed in her scent and he closed his slowly reddening eyes. He refused to let go of his pup and he refused to let go of its mother. He undid his hakama and worked himself into her heat. She moaned out and he felt her tense up.

“Inuyasha! What are you doing?” she whispered hoarsely.

He growled to calm her and thrust in with gentleness. She moaned as he reached deep and she could not think clearly. His hand moved up to cup her breast and her hand covered his. He was growling to comfort her as his movements were more urgent but very fluid. He moved his hand to her nubbin and brushed his knuckles over it. Her sensitive walls constricted tightly and he buried his nose into her neck. Her purity overwhelmed him and he licked her throat.

“Inuyasha?” she asked him in a raspy tone.

He remained buried in her and kept his hand on her belly.

“You ain't taking yourself or my pup from me.” He said softly.

“This is not right.” She sighed.

“What am I feeling Juuna? Come on and tell me.” He said tightening his grip.

“Possessive.” She murmured.

“More.” He said calmly.

“You love this little one.” She said and he could smell tears.

“I'm coming to care deeply for you.” He said softly.

“Very deep feelings my prince. You are honorable so go home.” She said trying to wiggle away from him.

“I wanna love you Juuna. I can love you if you let me.” He said holding on.

“It is not your job to love me Inuyasha. Please let me up as I am cramping.” She said fiercely.

“Get up but you ain't keeping me from my pup! You ain't keeping me from you either. You wanted me to not hate my inu half.” He growled.

She looked at him and her body was rather bare. His eyes roved over her form and he felt tremendous lust and need. He stripped out of his clothes and he watched her.

“Come here.” He commanded softly.

She moved over to him and he pulled her down. He pressed his warm, hard body next to hers and she closed her eyes. He lowered his head and lightly tongued a peak and she squirmed in pleasure. He latched onto it and suckled it and released her breath she had been holding. She met his fiery eyes and so much passed in that one look.

“I can't give up Kagome but I can be around if you let me.” He said softly.

“I left for this very reason! Go home Inuyasha! I had to tell Asuna the truth but no one else knows. You are free and clear. No one knows me here or you for that matter. I am a big girl and if recent events have taught me anything, I am better off alone. I apologize for my arrogance and walking roughshod over your morals. You are not full inu and you most certainly are not a member of the Western Court. What I did is no different then what many at court do but I in a way hurt you. I was terribly wrong and if it comes up I shall say I drove you to take me. Now please go and never seek me out again. You have tried to do the right thing but leaving is the better choice.” She said getting up and putting on a dressing gown.

His jaw was set and he dressed in a huff. He glowered at her and left her chambers. He slammed the doors and Juuna sat on a low chair. She allowed herself a good cry and then straightened up. She had to be strong for her unborn.

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I was in Yuuta's office answering letters from my principalities and he was on the other side of the desk. We worked well in the same place and he had been pleased to discover that I had a business head like he did. I picked up a chalice of wine and sipped as Yuzuna slept sprawled across me. I opened a letter in a handwriting I did not recognize.

“Can you read this?” I asked.

“That is Korean.” He said surprised.

“I speak almost all the Chinese dialects but Korean is not a language I know.” I said.

“Well this inu claims that he is a foster son of Tekeshi. He wants to establish normal trade and commerce with his father's former lands.” Yuuta shrugged.

“Can you take Yuzuna?” I asked.

“Hai. Where you off to?” he asked looking up.

“The barracks. No fears I am not leaving the West right now.” I said smiling.

“I find that I am quite despondent.” He said with a ghostly smile.

“Really? Well my love you could take care of your own needs.” I said giggling.

“I know I could but why would I when you are here and in my futon?” he asked smirking.

“Then tell me when I return how you should like your bitch. Shall I make you cry out as I lick and suck upon your maleness or ride you?” I said lewdly.

“Please hurry. I think I just became needier.” He groaned in my ear.

“Hai. I shall hurry.” I said depositing a rather seductive tone.

“No other female has made me this way.” He whispered.

“Well my darling Yuuta you were not made love to properly.” I laughed.

He smiled and I kissed his ear. He growled and I laughed again.

“His name is Hwan by the way.” Yuuta said.

I nodded and I ported to the barracks. Geming was here from the continent and I found the red inu right away.

“General?” I questioned.

He had been in the middle of describing a battle and I covered my mouth in amusement. He turned and grinned at me.

“Do you know a Hwan?” I asked.

“He is another adopted brother. You have not heard of him before?” Geming asked smirking.

“No General I have not. Where is he? Ishin holds a lot of land in Korea and I have never heard of him.” I said raising a brow.

“He is in the northern part of the peninsula in a city called Hyesan. He is unique my lady. You find me obnoxious; you may find him even more so.” Geming laughed.

“What did Tekeshi do? Did he sit you all in front of mirrors and teach you to make love to your images?” I asked with widened eyes.

“No but that is a hilarious image. He treated us as though we were the only pups on earth. He loved us as his own blood and we were treated as royalty if we were or not.” Geming laughed.

“He said he wished to reestablish trade with my lands.” I said.

“Well should you like for me to take you to meet him?” he asked.

“At some point. Yuuta and I are spending the day together.” I said bowing.

“Lucky bastard.” He said under his breath.

“Just wait on Yoshiko. She is turning into a drop dead stunning bitch.” I said smirking.

“Funny my lady.” He snorted.

I ported to Yuuta and to normalcy.

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I quickly entered the hot spring and tore my tattered clothes from my body. The water soothed me as I cleaned myself up. I fingered Kenomaru's pendent and more guilt wracked me. I scrubbed my skin and wrapped a clean yukata around myself. I picked up my ruined clothes and brought them with me to my rarely used chambers. I sunk down on the futon and shook my head. Hwan was hands down the most spectacular and striking male inu I had encountered. My face burned red as I had acted no better then an adolescent pup finally given her freedom. Zhou came in and she silently took my clothes. I looked up at her and she smiled.

“Has Youshiro been leaving you alone?” I asked.

“Hai my lady. He really is a sweet young male.” She said shyly.

“Do you like him?” I asked.

“I think him quite handsome but I know he is a heart breaker. He would hurt me badly my lady.” She said blushing.

“That is when you use him.” I muttered.

“My lady?” she asked surprised.

“Rut with him and then make him think he was terrible. That would pay back the little brat.” I said fighting back a grin.

“You give me permission?” she asked shocked.

“Hai. Make him crazy! That will teach him to disobey my parents and myself. Make sure you moan and sigh for him but then act hatefully towards him.” I said standing.

She laughed a little and went on about her business. She was around eighty and beautiful. She was a black inu with very soft blue eyes. I could see why Youshiro wanted her as she was also pure. It would teach the little snit to mind his business. I went to my armoire and picked through my wide array of clothes. I selected a plum colored hanfu and a white obi. I stayed barefoot and I picked up my fang and slipped it into my obi. I was lost in my own thoughts and I saw my sire. He beckoned me and I followed. We went to his study and handed me a parchment. There were sightings of Magatushi and it was bad. He had begun decimating villages of ningen and some inu in the West. My sire was simmering and I looked shocked.

“Get Lord Ishin and Naraku, we need everyone looking for him and striking him down.” He said flatly.

“The ga owes me.” I said under my breath.

“The ga who took the jewel in the first place?” he asked.

“Hai. He has given up on his quest to kill Uncle Yasha. He also regrets letting Magatushi loose.” I said meeting his eyes.

“Asuna, how do you know?” he asked.

“I have spoken with him.” I said raising a brow.

“Daughter, what is with you?” he asked.

“I try and turn enemies into allies is all my lord. Peace is much better then battles do you not agree?” I asked.

“Hai I agree but with the ga?” he asked.

“Hai. They are powerful taiyouki and Lord Kenomaru is a fabulous warrior.” I said bluntly.

“Fine, get Lord Kenomaru and hunt down this beast.” He said.

“As you command.” I said bowing low.

He snorted and I ported to the cocoon city in Magnolia. I entered their grounds and I saw many different ga. There were such variations in color of hair and everything else. The males seemed to be more brilliant in their coloring than the females. A male walked over and looked me over.

“I need Lord Kenomaru.” I said cordially.

“He is in his home.” The ga said.

“Kindly point out which one.” I said amused.

“The biggest one she dog.” The male snickered.

I made a nasty look on my face and I ported into his home. It was early evening and I came upon him in a bath. I blushed as I saw him and he looked back at me. He smirked softly as he eyed me.

“I am sorry for disturbing you.” I said looking away.

“Asuna, we have been intimate. I think you can look.” He said turning over in the large tub.

“Magatushi has been decimating villages.” I blurted out.

“Okay so you want me to assist you. Can I finish my bath?” he asked.

“Hai.” I said softly.

“Join me?” he asked.

“I have bathed thank you. I shall wait in another room.” I said bowing.

“Asuna! Please stop this.” He said rising.

I turned my head and he came and stood next to me.

“You wish us to be nothing do you not?” he demanded.

“I wish for us to try and be cordial; I wish to distance myself from you physically because I do my mates ill by being involved with you.” I said staring ahead.

“I am so glad you continue your self recrimination. I am so glad that you can just dismiss what has happened. I was under the impression you were a mainland ruler.” He growled as he quit my presence.

“You ask me to throw my happiness with them away! They sired my pups!” I snapped as I followed him.

“I could not bring you happiness?” he snarled.

“I did not stay that Kenomaru.” I hissed.

“Leave my room she dog! Wait for me in the antechamber.” He commanded.

I grew angrier and I walked straight up to him and shoved him hard. He grabbed my arms and we fell. Kenomaru flipped us and I was underneath him. His eyes held hurt and I hated how I was torn all over again. His lip curled in anger and he growled.

“I cannot carry out my word unless I can dress.” He snapped.

“What do you want from me Kenomaru?” I challenged him.

“Not a fucking thing!” he snapped in a fury.

“You get angry with me for what reason?” I queried.

“I owe you no explanations.” He said getting up.

I grabbed his member and his eyes widened.

“Let go of me.” He growled.

“After you tell me why you are angry with me.” I said smirking.

I stroked his flesh and he shut his eyes. I kept up the torture as his face began contorting. He thrust in my hand to relieve the ache.

“I need more.” He cried quietly.

“Tell me why you are angry.” I demanded as I tightened my grip a little more. He groaned louder and tried to move faster.

“Asuna. Gods Asuna please something!” he growled out.

“Tell me then.” I said in his ear and licking his lobe.

“Cruel bitch!” he snarled.

I released him and he growled in fury. I undid my obi and stripped out of my clothes in record time. He crawled to me; he fell upon me and pushed into me hard.

“Wrap your legs around me.” He cried in my ear.

I brought my legs up and around his hips. I was moaning immediately as he pushed and pulled. He took possession of my mouth and he was merciless in his assault. Kenomaru pulled on our connection and our yoki flared. He let up on kissing me and I heard myself release a muffled moan. He ripped his lips from mine and began panting. His movements lost cohesion and he moved hard and fast. I arched my whole body as I felt my completion rip through me. He shouted out as he released as well. I was breathing hard and I felt his hair fall around my chest. He was laving his tongue around my nipples and it sent small shocks down my spine. He lifted his head from his pleasing endeavor and met my eyes. I sighed and I grew angry that he had not answered me.

“My business Asuna.” He said kissing my neck.

“I am supposed to share myself with you but you get to keep it all in. Get out of me!” I hissed.

“You know it will hurt me!” he exclaimed annoyed.

“I said get out of me.” I growled fiercely.

He grimaced and pulled back. He hissed in pain as I rolled and stood up.

“Where is Menomaru?” I demanded.

“In pain here.” He growled.

“I shall ask your brother what you are thinking. He will tell me.” I said jerking my hanfu back on.

“Asuna! Do not!” he shouted.

“I see! He will know what you are thinking and feeling!” I exclaimed.

I stormed from his room and scented out his twin brother. I found the ga reading a very long scroll.

“Well well! Little she dog, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Menomaru asked me.

“I want to know what your brother is feeling. I want you to tell me why he was angry.” I stated.

“Right now I feel pain. Oh and yes he is desperately in love with you.” Menomaru answered smirking.

“Thank you.” I said stomping away.

I stormed into Kenomaru's room and he was pulling on his ku. I growled at him and his face was burning. I put my hands on my hips.

“You refuse to tell me your own feelings and you want me to act the same way. I shall not deny that I feel very strongly about you but I am being realistic.” I said in a low tone.

“Whatever.” He snapped.

He pulled a pein-fu out of his armoire and I grew agitated.

“What do you feel Kenomaru?” I said in a hoarse whisper.

“Fury at you right now.” He snapped.

“What do you feel?” I yelled.

“Foolish!” he yelled back.

“As you wish Kenomaru.” I said gathering Kumosaiga.

“You slink away to wash my scent off of you?” he snarled.

“Hai.” I said lifting my chin.

He stalked over to me and picked me up. He stalked through his rooms and dropped me into his marble tub. I sputtered in a fury and glared at him. He looked quite pleased with his efforts and I stood up and pulled him in. He too sputtered and we were glaring at the other.

“I love you so much that a rage burns in me. I feel you keenly through that pendent. It has my blood and yoki within it. It is my way of being with you when I am not with you. You restored Menomaru to me even though you dislike him but you did it for me. You love me in return but you would have us as strangers.” He said as his eyes burned.

“I am mated to Naraku and Ishin.” I said flatly.

“Kumo! I have known you longer; you and I have shed blood almost thirty nine years ago.” He said pressing his nose to mine.

“You were an intruder into my sire's lands. I was barely an adult at that time.” I said shaking my head.

“Adult enough! Tell me you did not sense my fascination!” he yelled.

“I sensed it but I assumed you wished to kill me.” I snapped.

“No, I did not want to kill you but you were most intent upon killing me. It took my all to defend myself from both you and that boy dog.” He snapped in retort.

“As I said you were an intruder. You need to help defeat Magatushi and put personal feelings aside.” I said flatly.

“As you command Lady Asuna! I shall swallow my feelings and pray you can forgive me.” He said furiously as he sloshed water everywhere.

I pulled myself out and stripped the sodden silk off of me. I went to his armoire and pulled out a tunic. I grew rather rebellious and wrapped a think obi around my waist. I turned and stared at him. His eyes were wide and I just quirked a brow.

“You need bottoms on.” He said flatly.

“I do? I have worn short battle kimonos before.” I said smirking.

“Put something else on.” He demanded.

“No, I am fine.” I said slipping my fang into my obi.

The tunic came to my knees and I would need something under it. I was enjoying his discomfiture at the moment.

“I shall be in the West. Meet me at the Tree of Ages if you would.” I asked.

He growled at me and I ported to my chambers in the West. I went to my armoire and pulled open a drawer that held my foundation garments. I would at least be covered. I cared not if I showed my legs and let Kenomaru fume for all I cared. I put on geta and ported to Yuuta's castle. I went to the nursery to observe Yuzuna and I fell to my knees and kissed her head. She stirred and stared up at me. I covered my face and then removed my hands suddenly. She giggled and I did it again.

“This is quite a lovely sight.” Yuuta said.

“You think so?” I said smiling over my shoulder.

“Hai.” Yuuta said coming in.

“Well she will be the most powerful inu onna. Yuzuna is my legacy amongst the West.” I said running a finger along her cheek.

“I want a son.” He said softly in my ear.

“Do you?” I asked.

“Hai. I want a son.” He repeated.

The nursemaid smiled and I kissed my daughter's head. Yuuta lead me into the hall and pushed me up against the wall. I was rather aroused at his actions and he held my chin.

“I have asked Yasu to track your cycles to see if you have any sort of pattern.” He murmured kissing my jaw.

“Do I?” I asked trying to kiss him.

“You seem to enter a heat every other month instead of monthly like a normal bitch.” He said nipping my lips.

“Even that has not always been the case.” I said breathing quicker.

“There are things your aunt can do. I can just keep you here and rut you everyday.” He said nipping my neck.

“Highly pleasurable but not practical.” I retorted.

“Hai I know. The Kamis know I would love to do just that.” He said breathing harder himself.

“Sir Yuuta whatever is wrong?” I asked innocently.

“My bitch is aroused and needs me.” He said breathing in my scent.

“Your bitch is aroused but your bitch needs to behead Magatushi.” I said licking along his neck.

“I want a son Asuna. I want to name him after Yuudai.” Yuuta said making me look at me.

“I am fine with that. I just need to go and take care of this pest. When I come back, I can strip very slowly for you and you can take me as you wish.” I said in his ear.

He groaned against my throat and his lips found his mark. He sank his fangs in and I swooned. He knew what it would do to me and I was shaking. He slowly pulled his stained lips away and kissed me. I tasted my own blood and it was strange and exciting. He finally stepped back to allow me passage and I grinned at him.

“I need you and soon.” He grunted.

“I wish to please you my dear. I rather love feeling your skin against mine. Now I am for the hunt.” I said smirking.

He bowed but it was obvious his little game had backfired on him. I imagined poor Yuuta would need privacy. I ported to the Tree of Ages; my sire wanted Naraku and Ishin on Magatushi's tail but I intended for Kenomaru and I to find him. He was the one that awakened him then he needed to defeat him. He was sitting in a high branch scowling down at me.

“What?” I demanded.

“Nothing.” He said jumping down.

He landed gracefully and I watched him. His hair was bound back and annoyance went through me. I walked past him and plucked the lacing out. He looked at me outraged and I just walked on.

“You are an arrogant little tart.” He hissed.

“Hai I am. He has been seen here in the West. Now I can imagine we can find him if we follow his trail.” I said walking.

“Fine. After this is done, I think it prudent to do as you wish and not encounter the other.” He said stiffly.

“As you wish.” I said as I did not look at him.

He held out his hand and I undid the pendent. I carefully laid it in his hand I moved away quickly. I kept my hurt in and acted indifferent. We were doing the right thing but I was still upset by it. I was scenting the air to see if I could catch Magatushi's scent. I caught another one that was familiar but fury gripped me.

“Mizuki!” I screamed.

“Who is that?” Kenomaru asked.

“My twelve year old daughter!” I hissed.

“Mizuki!” I screamed again.

She stepped out and looked sheepish. Kenomaru seemed surprised at her appearance and she had grown tall and lithe.

“What are you doing out here?” I demanded.

“I was trying to find Ayumu.” She said looking down.

“He is fey! You are corporeal!” I seethed.

“Well he was kind to me!” she snapped.

“Mizuki, where is your chichi?” I demanded.

“He is in Sendai.” She said lifting her head.

“You will go there now or I will beat you within an inch of your life!” I snarled.

“No I will not. I will find Ayumu first!” she yelled.

“Mizuki.” I growled.

“Haha please!” she cried.

“Naraku!” I yelled.

“Not chichi!” she cried.

“Hai chichi. I said go home!” I said coming within an inch of her face.

She grew defiant and went to slap me. I caught her hand and threw her over my shoulder. She jumped up and pressed her hand to my leg. She released her toxin and I yelped in pain as she ported away. I was furious and Kenomaru knelt by my leg and inspected the damage.

“Her shoki is unlike anything I have seen.” He said looking up.

“Please go back to the tree and wait for me. I am going to find her and beat her!” I snarled.

“I will be there. Please try and hurry though.” He said and I growled.

I ported to Sendai and I stalked through the halls. I was yelling for Mizuki and Naraku ran out.

“Where is she?” I hissed.

“She was playing with Karu.” He said concerned.

“Karu!” I yelled.

I stalked into the pup's wing of the palace and found my adopted son blinking his obsidian eyes at me.

“Where is she?” I demanded in fury.

“She said she had to do something.” He said innocently.

“What?” I inquired.

“She has been looking for the Yosei.” Karu said scared.

“You have been covering up for her?” Naraku hissed.

“Hai sir.” Karu said sheepishly.

Ishin walked in and saw Naraku and I. He saw my leg and blanched.

“What in the Kamis name happened?” he asked.

“Mizuki burnt me.” I said pursing my lips.

“Where has she been looking?” Naraku demanded.

“In all the big forests. She has been reading the legends about them and they move around. Their village is never in the same place. She said Kaito refused to tell her.” Karu said turning red.

“You are an idiot and old enough to know better Karu!” I yelled.

“She's my sister! What am I supposed to do?” he snapped.

“Have sense! She is only twelve.” I growled.

“Only twelve? Yeah well she is scary in her yoki.” Karu stated.

“Son you should have told us.” Ishin said from behind Naraku and me.

“She swore me to secrecy.” Karu said lifting his head.

“If Ayana, Iyo, and Kenji asked you to do the same thing?” I growled.

“Then I would cover up for them too. They are my siblings and you all are the adults. We never get to have any fun because you three are old!” Karu snapped.

“Talk to him before I kill him!” I snapped at Ishin.

“Well its true haha. You are mean and make us stay wherever you or those two are.” Karu hissed.

I went to hit him and Ishin held me back. Me eyes were red and snarled in anger.

“You had better hope I find her Karu or you will not sit for a month. You will stay in my chichi's dojo in your humanoid form in the most painful moves possible.” I said in fury.

He gulped and I stormed away. I had to find my daughter before maniac did.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

She knew she was in deep trouble but she had not seen Ayumu in over a month. They had been steeling away and seeing each other for well over a year. She adored him and he seemed to like her too. She sat beneath a tree and pouted. Her haha was furious and she felt horrible for burning her. She wondered at the ga but put it out of her mind.

“You said you would be here Ayumu! Where are you?” she called out.

“Sorry! I had to sneak away.” He said coming from the trees.

“My haha is mad. She scented me out here and I hurt her.” Mizuki said shaking her head.

“I am sorry. Should you go back now?” he asked.

“No. She will beat me when she finds me.” She sighed.

“Mizuki.” He said gently.

“My chichi is going to be furious.” She said shaking.

“Come stay with me. I can hide you.” He said holding her face between his hands.

“Okay.” She said smiling.

She knew she was too young but she loved him. She just enjoyed being around him as she did not feel weird around him. He kissed her forehead and she hugged him tightly. She stiffened in his embrace as she spied the ga that had been with her haha.

“What are you doing here?” Mizuki demanded.

“You seem to be a wayward young one. You hurt your mother badly.” Kenomaru said glaring.

“What do you care?” she snarled.

“Because I do. Unhand her Yosei and go on about your business.” Kenomaru said calmly.

Ayumu knew a powerful youki when he saw it. He bowed and brushed his lips against Mizuki's ear.

“I will find you soon.” He said and then disappeared.

Mizuki glared at the ga and she was furious. He was hovering a little above the ground and his arms were crossed.

“Why not go back to Mongolia and find one of those Shouten and fuck yourself!” she snarled.

Kenomaru looked more than shocked at her language and glowered down at her.

“You are definitely her daughter. Well young miss, I cannot let you stay out here alone. I shall have to return you to your mother.” He said.

“Try and catch me bug face!” she said as she began running.

He was amazed at her speed and she rounded on him and a tree exploded behind him. His eyes widened when he realized the extent of her yoki. This female was more powerful then her mother. He released his moth shoki and she began choking badly. He released more and she fell unconscious. He picked her up and she weighed nothing. He sensed her mother and ported him and the shape shifting female.

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

I looked up and felt Kenomaru and Mizuki. I ran quickly and Naraku followed. I came into the courtyard at Sendai and Kenomaru laid her down. Naraku looked coldly at the ga and I looked relieved.

“I sensed her in the forest and figured you wanted her home.” Kenomaru said bowing.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Naraku growled.

“Your mate and I are no longer enemies kumo want to be. I await your return.” He said bowing.

Kenomaru ported out and I looked at Naraku non-plussed.

“What did you do?” he snarled at me.

“I went back and forced Menomaru into submission. He has his brother and I have peace. I told him since he awoke Magatushi that he needed to hunt him down in repayment.” I shrugged.

“I see. You are remarkable at negotiation.” He sighed.

“No. I will deal with her!” I said going and picking her up.

I knew of a cold stream and I was dumping her in it. I ported us and threw her into the cold water. She came to quickly and squealed. She jumped out of the stream and shivered.

“I tell you to do something and you will do it!” I hissed.

“Hai!” she cried.

She tried to slink away and I grabbed her ebony tresses. She yelped in pain and I dragged her with me.

“Haha! Haha please stop!” she screamed.

“Oh you burned the hell out of me and you will know your place!” I snapped.

I took her to her chichi and threw her at his feet. I was too furious and felt I may actually hurt her too much.

“Deal with her. I have things that need doing.” I said in a beastly snarl.

Naraku nodded and he soothed me with his mind. I bowed and I ported back to the Tree of Ages. Kenomaru was in the branches and I jumped up and made my way to him.

“Are you ready now?” he asked.

I said nothing and I settled in his lap. I began kissing him deeply and very passionately. He growled and began responding hungrily. I was grateful and very touched that he should risk going after her. I pulled my lips from his and he closed his eyes.

“We should go.” He said in a soft voice.

“No.” I said.

His eyes opened and then widened. I was slowly undressing and he met my eyes.

“Asuna. Please no.” he said breathing quicker.

I reached behind his neck and undid his pendent. I latched it around me neck and Kenomaru seemed stunned.

“You cannot have it back.” I said softly.

I undid his ku and I took him. He gasped as I descended upon his staff; I moved gently seeing we were so high up. His claws dug into my shoulders as he helped me keep my balance.

“Have you done this before?” I asked moaning.

“No.” he groaned.

“So very exciting.” I said in a very low groan.

“I want more from you.” He said biting back moans.

“Hai.” I said in a low tone.

I brought his right wrist to my lips and he watched me with desire filled eyes. I was going to mark him as Quon had marked me originally. I braced myself and licked the veins; his eyes closed and I bit down with tremendous force. He cried out in a little pain but I moved on him harder. His blood was making me crazy and we were in a frenzy.

“Asuna, I want my mark on you.” He growled loudly.

I nodded as he produced one of his crystals. He pressed it to my left wrist and it hurt as I absorbed it. It left a tear shaped scar on my skin. I reacted and he sat up and held me close as we experienced a rather intense climax. I laid my head on his shoulder and we shook as we came down.

“Please do not move too soon.” He said in my ear.

I nodded and did not move.

“I am inu Kenomaru. I get quite possessive.” I said in a soft sigh.

“I will manage.” He murmured.

“Better yet?” I asked.

“Almost.” He said holding me close.

“I imagine this is your species way of insuring reproduction.” I said in a chuckle.

“Yes.” He said shuddering.

“Sorry.” I said meeting his eyes.

“Slowly get off.” He said.

I squeezed my walls on him as I climbed off of him. He cried out and glared at me as I did so. I smirked and slipped the tunic over my head. I put my undergarment on and he watched me like a hawk.

“We are in a sense mated Kenomaru.” I said as I jumped down from branch to branch.

“I realize that.” He said jumping down and landing quite gracefully.

“Show off.” I said lightly as I landed next to him.

“Yes I am.” He laughed.

“Thank you for finding her.” I said meeting his eyes.

“She has a mouth and she is powerful.” He said raising a brow.

“I shall let her chichi know. Can we remain as we are? Can we just do what we have minus the fighting?” I asked.

“Yes. I can be reasonable but I do not like the kumo.” He said growling.

“Well you are my business.” I said smirking.

He pulled me to him and kissed me. I sighed softly as he did so. I took his hand and ported us up into my northern territories. I was in a deep forest and I sensed the sparrow hawks. I looked up and saw the winged avian.

“Are those what I think they are?” he asked.

“Hai.” I nodded.

“Ugh! I hate birds of prey.” He growled softly.

“Another natural enemy?” I asked.

“Yes.” He snapped.

“Well the sparrow hawks were the guardians of the north for the northern inu. It was Tekeshi's wish for our daughter to rule his former lands. Anyway that was before Hana was murdered.” I said looking around.

“She was the sister of your twins?” he asked.

“Hai. It is a very long story and I still get very emotional.” I said closing my eyes a moment.

“I am sorry.” He said taking my hand.

“Who the hell are you?” Tsubasa said from behind me.

“Tsubasa this is Lord Kenomaru.” I said turning.

“Stupid ga. What can I do for you Lady Asuna?” he asked raising a feathered brow.

“Magatushi. He has been seen around here I have heard.” I said.

“Fair haired bastard with red stripes on his cheeks?” Tsubasa asked.

“Hai.” I nodded.

“Hai he has been around. We managed to drive him off but a village near the capital took a beating. When are you going to install a proper magistrate?” Tsubasa demanded.

“Look in the mirror then hawk.” I said smirking.

“Me? No not me! I am a warrior.” He snapped.

“Sorry Tsubasa.” I said walking away.

“Damnit I do not want it!” he snarled.

“Well until I can find a suitable replacement then you shall do it. I was Lord Tekeshi's mate! I was his aijou.” I said bowing.

“Damn inu bitch!” Tsubasa snapped.

“Hai I am. Good day magistrate.” I said walking on.

Kenomaru fell in step beside me and I remembered these woods from when I had met Quon. I avoided Sapporo quite a bit but I straightened my spine.

“Bad memories.” Kenomaru stated bluntly.

“Good ones as well. Come.” I said as I walked deeper into the forest.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I was dreaming but it was so realistic. I was at Changchun yet again reliving the battle. Why I was dreaming of Yuudai I did not know.

“Kamis please stop!” I screamed.

I watched the battle over again and I wept loudly. I knew I was screaming as I watched Yuudai fall. I moved over to his body and screamed louder. I clawed at my own flesh and I was shaken roughly. I sat up and felt my face. Kenomaru was next to me and I scented my own blood.

“What in the Gods' name were you dreaming about?” he asked horrified.

“Changchun. Kenomaru, can I meet up with you in Mongolia tomorrow? I swear to you I will not part with your pendent again.” I said wiping my face.

“Yes. I will say a prayer for you.” He said standing and pulling me up.

He kissed me softly and ported away. I ported to Yuuta's castle and walked into his chambers. He woke up immediately and saw my arms ripped up from my own claws and tears streaming down my face.

“I was not strong enough Yuuta. I cannot stop the dreams.” I said sliding down the wall.

“Asuna.” He said as he came to my side.

“I killed your son. I killed your beloved son.” I wept openly.

He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. I sobbed loudly as the very real memories were assaulting me. He did not let me go as I wept and apologized over and over.

“Asuna! Listen to me. You did not kill him. Ningen scum killed him.” Yuuta said holding my face in his hands.

“I should have been right by him. I cannot stop the dreams Yuuta. So often I see the battle and I see him expire. His eyes held such pain.” I said starting to scream.

“Have you thought you are being tormented on purpose? Who knows what manner of yoki Magatushi holds. If he could make you go mad then you would be an easier target.” He said lifting my chin.

“I killed him Yuuta and nothing will change that. How can you love me?” I asked as the tears fell in torrents.

“I could never hate you beloved.” He said holding me again.

He called for a servant and asked for a sleeping draught. When the maidservant brought it, I took it greedily. I managed to stand but I looked at Yuuta and tears streamed down my face more. I ported out and I was next to the shrine. I slid down the side and bawled like an infant pup. I closed my eyes as the draught made me dizzy. I felt Yuuta's presence and he neared me.

“Asuna, what can I do?” he asked me gently.

“Pray to the Kamis and to Yuudai to forgive me.” I said drifting.

I knew he stood and he snarled suddenly. It jarred me awake and I stood up as well.

“Where is he?” Yuuta asked.

“Son of a whore!” I said in fear.

“My son! Good Kamis where is my son!” Yuuta shouted in rage.

He went to the door of the shrine and called for a guard. I stared down at Ken'ichi but no Yuudai. I began to shake and I fell off a step. Yuuta caught me and held onto me.

“Port us to the palace my love. Please.” He said in my ear.

I nodded dumbly and ported us to the hall outside of the study. Yuuta saw Jaken and sent for my sire. I continued to shake and sank to my bottom. I shook my head and my sire appeared.

“What is wrong?” he demanded.

“Yuudai is missing from his sarchopugus.” Yuuta said rapidly.

“What?” my father asked shocked.

“Father please send Jaken and awaken Baku. Call on the army and see if we can search. I am going to Fuji.” I said continuing to shake.

I did not wait for a response and ported to Fuji. I began screaming for Kaito and he appeared suddenly.

“Have you been here?” I asked urgently.

“No why?” he asked.

“Yuudai is missing. I mean to say that his body is missing from his shrine.” I said and he held me up.

“Dearest, I had nothing to do with it. I would not desecrate a sacred burial ground.” He said holding onto me.

“Someone is messing with me. Magatushi, can he do this?” I asked.

“No but there is no telling who he has allied himself with.” He said.

“Please from your plane search please? You love me, then please search.” I said imploring him.

“I shall. Calm down.” He said kissing my forehead.

“I cannot. I will be in the West.” I said porting back to Yuuta.

My mate was sitting dumbly in my sire's study and I sank down next to him.

“What did the Tomoshibi say?” my sire asked.

“He knows not. He and Hikari have been abroad.” I said in a tired voice.

“I have sent for the kumo.” My father said reaching over and placing a hand upon mine.

“Thank you my lord.” I said as a tear slipped down my face.

“You do not think he is alive?” Yuuta asked in a fearful tone.

“I pray his soul is at rest but I do not know.” I said lowering me head.

“Yuuta, take Asuna to your castle and you both sleep for now. I will ascertain what I can.” My father said.

“Hai my lord.” Yuuta said standing and pulling me up as well.

I looked at him and took his hand and ported us to his castle. The draught got to me and I sagged against him. I was pulled down into more nightmares.

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

I was in a cold and very dank place. I was scenting around me as I moved. I knew that this was not real but I was shaking badly. I looked at my hands and I realized that I was as my astral self. This was real and I had been pulled here for a reason.

“You wish to know the reason?” Kaimei said from behind me.

“What do you have to do with this?” I snarled.

“Well inu whore you thought you would hurt me and manage to get away with it? You will suffer for your arrogance. You have given the Tomoshibi hope for survival but you will never dictate to me ever!” he said slapping me.

“What have you done with Yuudai?” I hissed.

“You will hurt. Mental pain is your weakness.” He laughed and circled me.

“Have you been aiding Magatushi?” I demanded.

“No. This is my revenge little bitch. You have no idea how long it took me to heal. Deal with the fall out.” He laughed and I woke up.

I sat up and I was bathed in sweat. I had a nasty feeling that Kaimei did the unthinkable. I shot up out of my futon and Yuuta saw me and grabbed my hand.

“What is going on?” he demanded.

“Kaimei. It was Kaimei. Yuuta let me go.” I said urgently.

“Who is Kaimei?” he asked letting my hand go.

“Kaito's eldest brother and I humiliated him. I think he brought Yuudai back.” I said shaking.

“What?” he yelled.

I ported to the last place that Yuudai had been alive. I went to my chambers and blood assaulted my nose. I threw open the door and stared down at Yuudai's bloody body. I was terrified as I laid my hand to his chest and ported to Korea. I knew Nobu could save him and I was going to have hell to pay.

“Nobu! Nobu!” I screamed.

I saw the kumo run in and he looked shocked.

“Is that Sir Yuuta?” he asked as he sank to his knees.

“No it is General Yuudai.” I said standing and backing away.

“Kamis in heaven.” Nobu said softly.

He began staunching the wounds and he sealed the biggest wounds off. I staggered backwards into Ishin. His eyes were wide as he saw who was staining the marble floor.

“Inu how?” he demanded.

“Kaimei.” I said turning in his arms and bawling.

Ishin held me and I saw Naraku staring at his old friend. He looked up at Ishin and they were more than shocked.

“That was the Tomoshibi whom tried to take Hikari!” Naraku said.

“Hai. I pissed him off. He thinks to make my life hell by bringing back the one person who would raise all kinds of hell.” I said bitterly wiping away tears.

“My lady.” Nobu said.

“Hai?” I inquired of Nobu.

“He lives. He is in a coma but he is alive. Where should you like him?” Nobu asked gently.

“Sir Yuuta's castle. There is a room on the second floor that faces south.” I said dully.

“As you wish.” Nobu said producing a shoki cloud and porting away.

I was shaking terribly and Ishin held me up.

“How can I explain my actions? How do I explain that Yuuta is my mate?” I asked in a hoarse whisper.

“Asuna. Go to Yuudai so that he is not alone.” Naraku commanded.

“I cannot by myself.” I said shaking my head.

He took my arm and produced his miasma cloud. He pulled me in and I was barely holding it together. I was shaky as I went to Yuuta and he was pacing our shared chambers.

“He is in his room.” I whispered.

“Kamis.” He said rushing past me.

I went to Yuzuna and picked her up. I ported to Yuudai and sat down next to him. Yuuta was there and he was shaking his head in disbelief. Tears fell freely down his cheeks and Naraku was in the doorway.

“Asuna! Go ahead and give Sir Yuuta time with his son.” Naraku said calmly.

“Hai. I have Yuzuna.” I said standing.

“Asuna?” Yuuta said shaking.

“He is your son. I am nothing. Tend your son.” I said bowing.

Naraku took my heir from me and held me up. He ported us to Korea and I fell down on the futon. Ishin came in and sat next to me.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“No.” I said staring out.

“Inu look at me.” Ishin said holding my chin.

“What?” I demanded.

“You did not do this.” He said trying to calm me.

“You did not know Yuudai. You have no idea how he will react. He will go ballistic.” I said depressed.

“Asuna please rest.” Naraku said.

“Stop it both of you! Stop acting as though this is normal! This is not normal!! Yuudai holds the title of mate consort. He was the best general the West ever had. He is not just any inu!” I said standing and pacing.

“Asuna if you allow this to get to you then the wraith gets his objective.” Naraku said.

“I mated his father! It was not wrong but it is now. I bore his sister!” I said getting upset.

“Do you wish to see him?” Naraku asked.

I nodded and I ported out. I was leaving Yuzuna with them and I appeared in Yuudai's room. Yuuta was speaking very softly and I saw Yuudai's head turned toward the wall. I knew he was awake and I stepped back to leave.

“Please stay Lady Asuna.” Yuuta said formally.

“As you wish Sir Yuuta.” I said fighting back tears.

“Chuusin?” Yuudai muttered.

“Karuson.” I said softly.

“What has happened? Why do I feel so disjointed?” he asked.

Yuuta nodded and I sat by him.

“You fell karuson. You fell at Changchun and I tried to get you here but you passed. A Tomoshibi brought you back. That is why you feel so badly.” I said gently.

“How long?” he demanded.

“Almost five years karuson.” I said as my voice shook.

“I understand.” He said closing his eyes.

“I avenged you! I swear I avenged you. The Ming fell and I killed Natsumi.” I said in his ear.

“Your grandmere?” he said turning his head to me.

“Hai. She betrayed you and the West. My father condemned her to death. Your sire struck the first blow and I finished it.” I said modifying the truth.

Yuuta looked shocked and Yuudai stared at his sire and then at me.

“Thank you for the honor you did me. I am tired and I think I should sleep. Where is my son?” he asked.

My face blanched and I moved away and began throwing up. Yuudai pushed himself up and stared at me and his sire. Yuuta calmly rubbed my back and I could not stop retching.

“Chuusin tell me!” he demanded.

“Murdered. They were murdered at the behest of a foreign kumo named Teiran Huber. Ken'ichi, Nori, Hana, and Hiroto.” I said wiping my mouth.

“Where is he?” Yuudai asked with a strained voice.

“He was buried with you.” I said shaking.

“Father, help me!” Yuudai said.

Yuuta helped up his son and Yuudai held onto me. I ported all three of us to the shrine and I looked away. Yuuta helped him to the sarchopogus. Ken'ichi laid there as perfect as he had been in life.

“Kamis help me.” Yuudai said sliding down.

“My son. Breathe please.” Yuuta said holding him up.

“Chuusin? Why??” he cried out.

“The kumo wanted Naraku and Ishin's lands. She wanted them both and sought to rid them of me.” I said dully.

“The Tsuchigumo Lord? We were fighting him!” Yuudai said shocked.

“Karuson I cannot do this!” I said trying to flee.

Yuuta held onto me and his eyes pleaded with me. I looked at Yuudai and I sobbed. I moved to the other side of the shrine and sobbed as I had when my pups died.

“Father!” Yuudai cried softly.

Yuuta helped his son come over to me and Yuudai wrapped his arms around me as I sobbed. I felt Yuuta's eyes on me and I could hear his thoughts. He intended to step aside for his son and he intended to strong arm the council to keep their mouth shut.

“Yuuta!” I growled.

“Lady Asuna. Could you please stay with him awhile as I see to matters?” Yuuta said bowing.

“Yuuta!” I nearly shrieked.

“Chuusin let him go.” Yuudai said softly.

“I am taking you back to the castle.” I said to Yuudai.

“Hai.” He nodded.

I ported us back to his room and I made sure he was comfortable.

“I have to see to something for a moment. I promise I will be back.” I said kissing his forehead.

“Hai.” He nodded.

I ported to Yuuta as he entered the castle court yard.

“What are you doing?” I demanded.

“I am making right a wrong. You have loved him nearly your whole life. I love you Asuna, let me do this.” He said trying to stay calm.

“How are we to explain Yuzuna?” I asked as tears streamed down my face.

“I am asking that you give her to me for now. I am taking her to Kyoto where Yuudai will not see her.” He said calmly.

“You ask me to deny our daughter?” I snapped.

“Hai for now. Yuudai does not understand!” he said shaking me.

“Yuuta, I love you. Do you understand that?” I hissed softly.

“I know but Yuudai has to come first Asuna. He did not ask for any of this.” He said holding my face.

“You sent word to the court.” I said shaking harder.

“Hai. I will not hurt my son this way. I will deny knowing you in such a manner.” He said looking away.

“I see. Care for your son Yuuta. I have a youki to hunt down.” I said in pain.

“Asuna you cannot leave him.” He said in a hiss.

“You fight for our mating and now you dissolve it. You turn my daughter into a bastard!” I yelled.

“Of course I do not! She is heir to the West. There is no changing that.” He said softly.

“No but you deny her in favor of Wakana's son!” I said harshly.

“He is my first born!” He said defensively.

I stormed away and I was sick again. I fell to my knees and vomited again. Yuuta came to my side and held onto me.

“Asuna, I love our daughter. I love you but I love my son. You love my son. Please!” he said rubbing my back.

“I cannot do this. Kaimei knew what he was doing.” I said in a defeated tone.

“Please go back to Yuudai for now.” He said brushing my hair back.

I nodded and I slowly walked back into the castle. Yuuto was sitting by Yuuta's futon and he bowed to me. I nodded to him and sank down by my former general.

“Yuuto, Zhou expects you this evening.” I said in a tired tone.

“Hai my lady. Thank you for the honor of her hand.” He said smiling.

“You showed you were in love with her.” I said softly.

Yuuto nodded and jumped up. Yuudai looked at me in question and he pulled me down next to him. I did not want to lie to him but I did not want to ruin my life either.

“What is going on?” he asked softly.

“Much karuson. Please rest as you have much to assimilate.” I said brushing his hair back.

“Please tell you still love me.” He said meeting my eyes.

“I have and always will love you. I failed you karuson. I am not worthy of you.” I said brushing fingers along his cheek.

“I scent my sire on you Asuna. Ken'ichi is gone as was I. What happened?” He said sitting up.

“It was not meant to happen. It just did. We both grieved over you for so long. I would sleep by you all the time.” I said softly.

“I understand. I understand but I am here. I cannot be angry at either of you but I am here now.” He said kissing me.

I lost my head and kissed him deeply. I pushed him back and he held me tightly as anguish and profound love stole through us. I pulled back and stared down at him.

“I bore him a daughter. You have an infant sister.” I said honestly.

“What did you name her?” he asked.

“Yuzuna.” I said holding his face.

“I love you chuusin. I want to see her.” He said kissing my hands.

-Naraku! Bring Yuzuna. Yuudai is awake. - I pathed.

“I am here.” He said softly.

Yuzuna was awake and kicking her little legs. Yuudai looked at her and he held out his hands. She reached for him and he held her close.

“Asuna! She looks just like you!” he said in amazement.

“Hai. She has the Yuu family eyes.” I said rubbing her cheek.

“I want father to let me raise her.” He said looking down at her.

“Yuudai. This is your sister.” I said gently.

“I know chuusin. I know but I was cheated and my son was taken too early. I am your mate consort and surely she is your heir. I have a right to her!” he said fiercely.

“I cannot imagine he will just give her up.” I said horrified.

“He will. He will have no choice.” Yuudai said nuzzling her neck.

“Yuudai.” I said gently.

“No chuusin! She is mine now. You are mine. My sire will understand. Go now.” He said coldly.

“Yuudai! She is my daughter! I bore her and nearly bled out having her!” I said thrusting out my hands.

“Call on my sire Asuna.” He demanded.

I stood up and Yuuta was near the room anyway. His face held horror at the idea and he turned and walked away from me. I followed him and grabbed him.

“I asked you not to! She is my daughter Asuna. She is my baby girl!” he snarled.

“Yuuta.” I said trying to calm him.

“Move!” he snarled.

He walked into Yuudai's room and physically took Yuzuna from Yuudai. His eyes were crimson and he held her close.

“You have Asuna! You have her but you will not have my daughter too.” Yuuta hissed.

“Father, I am alive now and I am not leaving Asuna's life.” He snapped.

“I did not ask you to. You will not take Yuzuna from me. You may find this hard to bear but she was conceived in love. Hai I love her.” Yuuta said stiffly.

“Right Father! You could not criticize her enough! You did nothing but complain and whine about her for years!” Yuudai snarled.

“You have been gone. You want to do this Yuudai? I am willing to give up my lawful mate but I will be damned if you take your sister from me.” Yuuta snarled back.

“Oh really? You have no standing Father as I am the consort of the West. You place second to me always!” Yuudai snapped.

I gasped and Yuuta punched Yuudai in the jaw. Naraku held Yuudai back and Yuuta grabbed me.

“Get out of my home Yuudai. I did not raise you to speak to me as such and you will not. This is my bitch and my daughter.” Yuuta said pulling me along.

“Yuuta!” I cried.

“Make your choice beloved. Make it now as I shall understand either way.” Yuuta said gently.

I was stricken terribly and Yuudai was going feral. I looked back at him and Yuuta released me.

“Go to him. I shall not stand in your way. Yuzuna is our daughter and I will not give her up.” He said leaning forward and kissing my head.

I cried out as he left and I turned to Yuudai. Naraku released him and he came over to me and crushed me in his arms.

“Take me to Lord Sesshomaru please.” He said in my ear.

-Naraku will you make sure that Ishin understands. - I pathed.

-He understands but I shall explain it more. - He nodded and then ported out.

I ported Yuudai and me to the palace. He led me to the study and my father threw open the door. Yuudai bowed before him and my father pulled him up. He helped him to a seat and he sat behind his desk.

“My lord, I want the union between chuusin and my sire dissolved.” He asked forcefully.

“Yuudai nothing would make me happier but the inu court must decide upon it.” My father said.

I turned bright red and Yuudai stared at me. His face grew full of fury and he glowered at me.

“He manipulated you into a ceremony?” he shouted.

“Yuudai please.” I said helplessly.

“I want to formally adopt my sister Lord Sesshomaru. I want my sire banished!” he snarled.

“Yuudai stop! You are acting in malice!' I snapped.

“What? My sire takes my bitch to mate and I should stand by?” Yuudai snarled.

“You had fallen!” I said in anger.

“Whatever Asuna. This will not stand as I will not allow this atrocity.” He hissed.

Yuudai stood up and stormed out albeit slowly. I looked helpless and I wanted to escape.

“How did this happen?” my father asked.

“Kaimei wanted me to suffer for humiliating him.” I said in despair.

“Bastard! Asuna you never took the title of consort from him. He has rights; he lives.” My sire said sighing.

“I cannot do this my lord! I cannot take Yuzuna from Yuuta no matter how much you hate him. I do love him very much.” I said with my chest heaving.

“Asuna please think carefully.” He said.

I shook my head and ported away. I was Yuuta's castle and I went to his chambers. He was packing things and I watched him. A nursemaid was holding Yuzuna and I took her from the servant.

“Yuuta, I will take you wherever.” I said softly.

“I wish to go to my mainland estate. Why are you here?” he asked me gently.

“I cannot tear us apart Yuuta. I cannot. We fought so hard to get to this point and I love you. I have felt terrible guilt about Yuudai but…” I tried to say.

“You helped me save face yet again. How can I ask you to part with my son whom I love dearly and I know you do too?” he asked.

“How can you ask me to part from you?” I asked him.

“Asuna this is tearing me apart. Yuudai is your mate consort and I will abide that but as I said Yuzuna is mine.” He said looking away.

“So that is your final word?” I asked falling apart.

“It has to beloved. He is angry with me right now but I love my son very much. You and he were attached at the hip for a long time. I could not part with you to anyone else. Please do not make this any harder.” He said looking away.

“Come beloved. I shall take you and our daughter to your estate.” I said sighing.

He nodded and I ported the three of us to the mainland. I kissed her head and laid her in Yuuta's arms. I gave him a lingering kiss and stepped back. I brutally cut myself off from my mates and bowed to Yuuta. I ported to my secret haven.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I was in Qinghai and Juuna looked so serene as she labored. I admired her as I was a raving lunatic when I birthed. I put my hands on her belly and I looked surprised.

“Juuna, has the pup been very active?” I asked.

“Hai. I ended up huge do you not think?” she laughed softly.

“Well there are two distinct minds in your womb.” I said smiling.

“Oh boy.” She said groaning softly.

“They run in the family.” I smiled.

“Well shows you what I know.” She laughed.

My uncle would be devastated but I shielded heavily so as not to hurt her. She was progressing nicely but she would be awhile. I left her and went to the hall. I ported out to Edo and I found my uncle in the forest knocking down trees with his claws.

“Uncle Yasha.” I said behind him.

“Sup Suna?” he asked as he worked.

“Juuna is in labor.” I said gently.

“Keh whatever.” He said as his brow furrowed.

“She is having a boy and a girl.” I said softly.

He turned and his face was full of emotion. He went back to what he was doing and I bowed.

“I thought you should know.” I said.

“Messed up big time didn't I.” he said bitterly.

“Juuna is a good mother.” I said.

“I tried Suna. She said no.” he said sitting down suddenly.

“Uncle Yasha, Juuna was hurt terribly by Nobu and she feels terrible about pursuing you. She wanted to do the right thing and not hurt you in the process.” I said sitting next to him.

“They're mine Suna! I wouldn't have abandoned her.” He said in anger.

“Do you wish me to take you to her?” I asked.

“Hai. She can kiss my ass. They're mine too.” He growled.

“Where is Aunt Kagome?” I asked.

“At the house. Lemme tell her I need to see my asshole brother.” He said jumping up and running towards the village.

I waited on him and he returned quite soon. I took his arm and ported us to Qinghai. I had Zhou helping with Juuna and I bid Inuyasha wait a moment as I slipped into the room.

“I know he is here. Go ahead and let him come in.” Juuna said softly.

“Hai.” I nodded.

I opened the door and Inuyasha slinked in. Juuna smiled sweetly at him and his chest was heaving rather hard. He was bitter but I could see what was happening. He went over to her and took her hands and she closed her eyes tightly a moment as an intense contraction hit her.

“You doing okay?” he asked her.

“Hai. It seems one was not enough my prince.” She said in a sigh.

“Why can't you accept me Juuna?” he asked leaning closer to her.

“I do not want you hurt.” She said grimacing slightly.

He leaned over and lightly pressed his lips to hers. She sighed again and he pressed his forehead to hers.

“You wanna kill me yet?” he asked.

“No. This is a beautiful thing I am doing.” She said groaning a little.

My uncle held her hands and she would moan softly every so often and I blushed at the idea she was so serene. Zhou was helping her and the contractions were getting harder and Juuna seemed more uncomfortable.

“Lady Juuna, you need to push now.” Zhou said smiling.

“Hai.” She grunted.

I saw her straining but she was making good and easy progress. I hated Juuna for just a moment for the ease of her birthing. I saw a golden headed pup and she bore down hard. Zhou held up a squirming girl who was screaming. Zhou cut her cord and laid her in my arms in a blanket. I brought my sweet cousin to my friend and uncle. She opened her eyes and they were bright amber like Inuyasha's. I watched him kiss his pup's head and he was so tender.

“Name her my prince.” Juuna said closing her eyes.

“Imari?” he asked her.

“It is beautiful.” She murmured softly as her labor began again.

Inuyasha watched his baby girl as she looked at him with his eyes. He was in love and she held a finger in her little clawed hand. Juuna cried out loudly as a horrendous pain hit her.

“You tore a little my lady but it is okay. It is a big pup.” Zhou stated.

Juuna had her eyes squeezed shut as she bore down hard. She was panting as she groaned in her agony. It took nearly a half hour of intense pushing but my other cousin was born. He was silver haired like my uncle and he was larger than his sister. Juuna held Imari as her son was cleaned up. I wrapped him in a blanket and handed him to Inuyasha. He held his son and a tear fell from his eye.

“My lord what is his name?” Juuna asked.

“Isamu.” He said scenting his pup.

“I like it.” I said staring down at my cousins.

Isamu opened his eyes and they were turquoise. My mouth dropped open at his coloring.

“Uncle Yasha! Juuna, they are both so beautiful!” I said smiling.

“Thank you.” Inuyasha said settling next to Juuna.

“I shall give you privacy.” I said bowing.

I slipped out and marveled at the beauty of my baby cousins. Uncle Yasha would not be able to give them up. I shook my head and went to my study and brooded more over events.

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

The twins were between Juuna and him and he gazed at the golden haired bitch. She was sleepily staring at him and he was mesmerized. He carefully sat up and lowered his lips to one little forehead and then the next. His boy and girl both had the ears of a full inu and they were both gorgeous in his eyes.

“Juuna, I'm in love.” He said softly.

“They are wonderful my prince.” She said giving him a soft smile.

“Juuna, they scent like me. They look like us both and damnit I ain't gonna just go away.” He said touching her hand.

She sat up carefully and leaned over the sleeping pups and went to kiss his cheek. He turned his face and kissed her. It was passionate and full of promise; he tangled a hand in her gold hair to steady them both. He slowly turned away from the intimacy to scent her juncture.

“I have to. You're mine.” He said in a rumble.

“Hai my prince.” She said hoarsely.

He sank his fangs deeply and she cried out softly. She shut her eyes as her yoki flared. She could not claim him as a mate but he was hers. Juuna nearly wept in joy feeling his want and love for her and their pups. He withdrew and clenched her jaws shut to stop herself from marking him. His mark would be enough.

“I'm a bastard but I love you.” He murmured.

“We are fine. See us when you can my lord. Imari and Isamu will know their chichi.” She whispered gently.

He looked down and marveled at the twin beauties. He was a fool but next to him was a full blooded inu who cared for him just as he was and he sired almost full blooded inu. He needed his brother at the moment and he needed asshole's promise to help protect them. He kissed Juuna again and swooped down and kissed each twin.

“Gotta talk to Suna. You guys rest and I promise I'll be here soon.” He said gently.

“Hai.” Juuna nodded.

Inuyasha jumped up and went to search for his niece.

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

I was being shaken awake and I looked up from my desk. My uncle stood before me and I smiled at him.

“I owe you kiddo for making me come here. Kamis they're gorgeous aren't they?” he asked me.

“Hai they are. You want me to take you back to Edo?” I asked.

“Naw. I gotta see your old man first.” He said helping me up.

“I see. Okay.” I said sighing.

I touched his arm and we ported to the West. I watched my uncle search out my sire and I tried to slink away. I felt Yuudai and I walked on and I heard him growl.

“You intend to be a coward?” he hissed.

“I cannot do this Yuudai.” I said turning.

“You walked away from Sheng but you will not walk away from me.” He said coming straight up to me.

He had regained his strength and my chest felt as though a huge weight was pressing down. He walked me backwards into a wall and I met his gray eyes.

“Where have you been?” he demanded.

“I have to hunt down the youki from the Shikon no Tama. The jewel was taken from this very palace and my uncle was a target of a ga. I aided the ga in saving his brother Menomaru and thus got him off of his track of revenge. Natsumi betrayed this house to try and escape her banishment. She gave the Ming and the Shouten information that led to your falling at Changchun.” I said breathing fast.

“Who was the Shouten?” he asked.

“His name was Lei Jing. He was the younger brother of Bai Jing.” I said shuddering.

“What did he do chuusin?” he demanded.

“He brutally raped me. I barely survived the battle of Jinzhou but you were fully avenged.” I said as my lip trembled.

“Chuusin.” He whispered horrified.

“Stop! No more.” I said hypervenalating.

“I will hear it from your lips chuusin.” He said making me look at him.

“What do you wish to hear?” I shrieked.

“Tell me you do not love me. Tell me you can leave without me.” He said passionately.

“Part of me died when you fell karuson. Another part died when my pups died. I have been hollow and desperately trying to fill a void for several years. I cannot tell you that I do not love you as I have loved you since I took your first kill.” I said as tears streamed down my face.

“You really care for my sire?” he demanded.

“Hai. He throws me at you and you demand me. To not hurt either one I am trying to not choose.” I said.

“Yuuta cannot have you anymore. You took me at Shanghai and made us one chuusin. You wanted us one as we should have been all our lives. I follow behind you no more and walk beside you chuusin.” He replied hoarsely.

“Yuudai.” I whispered shaking.

“I have been gleaning information but you live this life in this era.” Yuudai said mere inches from my lips.

“Karuson.” I stated breathlessly.

He reached up and held my face and lightly pressed his lips to mine. He growled as he kissed my lips and nipped softly at them. He kissed my eyelids and cheeks and I cried out softly.

“You have been and shall always be my heart.” He said roughly.

“Karuson.” I whispered roughly.

I was wearing a hanfu and Yuudai lifted me up. He was going to take me right here and my eyes widened. I arched my neck as he shifted into me. My lips trembled and he then attached his lips to mine. I could make no noises as his lips silenced me and he moved in me in short, sharp thrusts. My eyes widened as bliss consumed me like a fire. I normally felt this way with him as he could bring about such intense responses. I moaned through his kisses as my body gripped him and milked him. He ripped his lips and growled fiercely trying to hold out.

“Fall for me.” I begged in my inner nature's voice.

“Hai. Chuusin.” He growled in return.

He whined softly as his own bliss took him. I gasped as I felt him and shook. He went back to kissing me and I ported us to my chambers. We fell upon the futon as he consumed me in passionate love. Much later crushing guilt weighed my heart down as my head was on his chest; I heard his heart beating steady and strong and I thought to never hear the glorious sound again. I was overwhelmed in the moment and rolled to my side and cried very softly. He slept deeply as I slipped from the futon. I put on a light dressing gown and walked out onto my balcony; I stared out into the night sky in more turmoil then I had been in a long while.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Inuyasha had spilled his guts to his brother and Sesshomaru stood and poured himself a generous amount of sake. He sipped the wine and sat down.

“Inuyasha why?” he asked.

“I dunno. It just kind of happened. We were tussling and mock fighting.” He said looking sheepish.

“Where is Lady Juuna now?” Sesshomaru asked.

“She didn't do nothing wrong! I did and you'd better not punish her.” The hanyou growled.

“Inuyasha, she bore almost pure inu pups. They need to be brought here and raised here.” He said bluntly.

“Why?” he asked his elder brother.

“Fool we are not the only silver in the West. I shall clean this up but you will use discretion!” he snapped.

“Hai sorry.” Inuyasha mumbled.

“I demand that Akemi show herself so that this thing will be over between our daughters.” Sesshomaru said rubbing the bridge of his patrician nose.

“I marked her but she didn't mark me.” Inuyasha said.

“That was intelligent half breed.” Sesshomaru said sighing.

“Hey did you knock up Augusta?” the hanyou asked.

“No. I have not had time. The term is pupped idiot.” He said irritated.

“I know. I just like to annoy ya. By the way thanks.” Inuyasha said quite seriously.

“Brother you pupped one of the most beautiful and sought after bitches in the West. Her sire is one of the best males you will ever meet. I shall call upon him and settle a generous amount to help things stay quiet.” Sesshomaru said bluntly.

“Thanks asshole.” Inuyasha said good naturedly.

“You act more like us then you may think you do brother. Now have Jaken send for Akemi. This nonsense will be over. What did you name the twins?” Sesshomaru asked then drained his sake.

“Imari and Isamu.” He said softly.

“Good names. I will have Asuna retrieve them tomorrow.” His brother said.

“What's up with Suna?” Inuyasha asked.

“A damn Tomoshibi brought Yuudai back.” He said sighing.

“Holy hell! Awe shit poor Suna.” Inuyasha said whistling.

“Eloquent brother. Go send for your eldest daughter.” His brother commanded.

“I have an eldest daughter now!” Inuyasha said grinning.

Sesshomaru snorted and watched his brother jump up. He was happy and that made him happy. He wished he had not gotten himself in so deep but it was obvious that he had wanted a large family as well. He looked up and saw his mate. She looked angry and he sighed.

“Dumb ass.” She said as she came in.

“Augusta please.” He growled softly.

“Sorry.” She said coming to sit on his lap.

She gave him a brilliant smile and unmasked her scent. His eyes widened and he stared up at her.

“Now I have already seen Yasu. I have been hiding this a few weeks to surprise you but now seems a good time.” She purred in his ear.

“I am pleased.” He said holding onto her tightly.

“Well your brother seems to be an indicator as we are having twins as well.” She said standing.

“What?” he asked surprised.

“Hai. I am sleepy and I am going to our futon.” She said yawning.

“Has Yasu sewn you shut?” he asked.

“Hai. Done almost two weeks ago. Now my love I shall see you later.” She said smiling.

“I will join you soon.” He said as close to emotional as he would get.

Augusta smirked as she had made her mate deliriously happy. She now had to help Asuna but she was too exhausted at the moment. She had to keep a draught handy or she would vomit constantly. She saw Yoshiko leading Masami and Katsurou. Yoshiko looked up and smiled at her mother.

“Hello beautiful girls! My handsome little man.” She said to her youngest pups.

“Hello haha.” Yoshiko smiled as she hugged her mother.

Masami and Katsurou giggled and took off in a run. Yoshiko fell in step beside her mother and laid her head on her shoulder.

“I am so happy for you and chichi.” She stated.

“Thank you. He is thrilled. Have you spoken with him about what you want?” Augusta asked.

“No. I see how he acts when Asuna comes back injured.” She sighed.

“Well he is in a very good mood right now.” Augusta said gently pushing her.

Yoshiko looked nervous but she lifted her head. She was going to Hunan. She had memories of a pretty tiger boy named Ling. She went to her sire's study and knocked.

“Come.” Sesshomaru called.

She slipped in and bowed. She saw his eyes and they held pride.

“Chichi may I ask you something?” she asked.

“Hai.” He nodded.

“I was hoping you would train me as you did Asuna.” She said nervously.

“Why?” he asked.

“I have the same yoki.” She said bluntly.

“You have the same yoki as her and Youshiro?” he asked surprised.

“Hai chichi. I want to defend the West when I am older. I want to be like you.” She said honestly.

“You will start tomorrow.” He nodded.

“Thank you chichi!” she said bowing in excitement.

“Hn.” He muttered.

She knew she had been dismissed and she slipped out of his study. She was happy as she walked along. She ported to the palace from her memories and she was dizzy. She had only just mastered it; her uncle and mother had taught her. She moved with stealth and masked her scent. She saw Byakko everywhere and she pressed herself behind a wall. Yoshiko moved to where she thought the royal apartments were. She saw a fairly young tiger that she thought was Cheung.

“Pst!” she hissed softly.

“What the hell?” Cheung said coming over.

“Are you related to Ling?” she asked.

“I am his elder brother. Who are you?” Cheung demanded.

“I am Lady Yoshiko.” She said softly.

“Really?” he asked stunned.

“You have not seen me in many years but hai I am the same inu.” She said softly.

“Well spoken.” The Byakko observed

“Where is your brother?” she asked.

“He will be floored little inu.” He laughed.

“I am sorry about your other brother.” She said softly.

“Thank you. How is Masami?” he asked.

“Annoying.” Yoshiko snorted.

Cheung laughed and found himself intrigued with this young inu nu zi. She looked so much like her elder sister that it was shocking. He led her to his little brother's chambers. He watched the young inu knock on the door and it swung open. Ling stared at a young inu nu zi who stole his breath. His eyes widened when he remembered who it was.

“Princess Yoshiko?” he asked stunned.

“Prince Ling?” she asked in return.

“Yes. What are you doing here.” He asked turning red.

“May I speak with you?” she asked him.

“Yes.” He said stepping aside for her to enter.

Cheung made an obscene face and Ling growled at him. He slammed the door shut and met the soft brown eyes of the loveliest female he had ever seen.

“I shall be frank as I am sure you are busy. I have read that Panyu causes issue for the Byakko again.” She said bowing.

“Please speak.” He said intrigued.

“We were betrothed at one time and I have not seen evidence of it being called off.” She said softly.

“You are worried about that? That was a stunt so Asuna and Quon could have their wedding.” Ling smiled.

“I wish for it to remain intact.” She said meeting his eyes.

“Huh?” he asked confounded.

“Hai. I wish for the betrothal treaty to remain as it is. I was hoping that by conversing that you would find it inoffensive.” She said demurely.

“I know not what to say.” He said floored.

“You are a tiger and I would expect you to take as many mates as you wished but I would ask that I be considered your chief lady.” She said softly but with confidence.

“I do not understand.” He said as his silverish blue eyes were still wide.

“Your eyes have haunted me since I was tiny. I am young I know but I know what I want in life. Our alliance would allow Masami here more often as your family would foster me. I would at least be able to see your beautiful eyes.” She said stoically.

“How old are you now?” he asked in shock.

“Thirteen summers.” She said again demurely.

“How can you know what you want at such a young age?” he asked.

“I know.” She said meeting his eyes.

“This is silly! That treaty was made to appease some inu council in your homeland. Quon is passed and we have no need to honor it.” Ling said in a sad tone.

“I am sorry for your brother's death. Asuna was affected terribly by it and she will not discuss it. I was hoping but I can see you find the idea very disgusting. Thank you so much for your time Prince Ling Hu.” She said bowing.

“Princess Yoshiko wait.” Ling said grabbing her arm.

“Hai?” she asked.

“You were a baby.” He said gently.

“Who stills remembers how soft your tail feels against my skin.” She said quietly.

“You are too young for this.” He said backing up.

“You have said your words Prince Ling and I understand. You must find me hideous.” She said raising a black brow.

“No!” he said quickly.

“I am assuming that since I am of mixed heritage that I must be unacceptable. Please I am young but I have pride. Good day.” She said bowing again.

“I never imagined you would ever be half as beautiful as you are. I feel this conversation is rather grown up for a child.” He said softly.

“I understand. I shall make sure that the treaty is officially broken. I wish you much happiness.” She stated.

“How is it you are so mature?” he asked.

“I have to be. I am lost between my siblings. My brother Youshiro is more than forty years my senior and the very young ones are in fact young. Asuna is a force within the family and if I do not make my future myself then I shall be wayward as Youshiro.” She said frankly.

Ling was in shock and needed to see his ba. She was very beautiful and he felt shame in feeling desire for her. She bowed low and then ported away. He immediately went to his ba's den and knocked.

“Come in.” Chen called out.

Ling came in and bowed. Chen motioned for him to sit and he did.

“Ba Lady Yoshiko of the West just showed up.” Ling stated.

“Really? How old is she now?” Chen asked thoughtfully.

“Thirteen. She is beautiful ba. I mean she is so very beautiful.” He stated shaking his head.

“What did this beautiful nu zi want?” Chen asked intrigued.

“She wanted the betrothal to stay intact.” Ling answered.

“Seriously?” his father asked surprised.

“Yes. She said she wanted to make her own future.” Ling said.

“She is another Asuna. She is going to be a worthy mate but hard to handle son. Does she act like her mother?” Chen asked.

“No. She was softer and stoic.” He replied.

“She acts like her dog sire. I leave the decision up to you.” Chen said looking down at the documents he was reading.

“I cannot make a decision about a thirteen year old girl!” Ling said in a perturbed tone.

“Then do not.” Chen shrugged.

“You are not helping ba.” Ling said irritated.

“Would you like me to command you not to?” Chen asked.

“Yes!” Ling said exasperated.

“Fine then. I do not want another inu in this palace.” Chen said amused.

“She said we could foster her and she would bring Masami.” Ling said.

Chen stiffened but relaxed. He had come to grips with his love affair with Augusta and the result of their passionate union. He had come to grips with the idea that the inu was raising his daughter.

“It is your life Ling. I shall not ask you to do anything. Go on boy; I have work.” Chen said changing his tone.

“I want her.” Ling said in a fierce whisper.

“You do?” Chen asked surprised.

“Yes ba. I want her. I have thought Lady Asuna stunning but her sister is an angel.” He said ashamed of himself.

“Do as you wish.” Chen said shrugging.

“Okay.” Ling said standing.

His youngest son slipped out and Chen sat back. He missed Augusta terribly but he had reconciled with Lihua. He had no idea what he would do if he saw his soul mate. He would probably loose his head. He shut out the old pain and dealt with the Panyu idiots.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I had brought back Juuna and my cousins to the West. My sire was admiring his niece and nephew as Juuna was uncomfortable.

“Inuyasha asked this Sesshomaru to help him. You will go along seeing as you disobeyed me.” My sire told her.

“Hai my lord.” She said inclining her head.

“Your sire knows and you shall be able to return to his home. In private and amongst this family you are his mate. Be more discrete Lady Juuna.” He said in a dismissive tone.

“Hai my lord.” She said bowing.

“Hn.” He said waving her away.

I watched Juuna carefully leave the study holding a twin in each arm. I looked at my sire and I sighed.

“I am restoring Yuudai as General of the West. You shall decide where Baku goes.” He said not looking up.

“Thank you father.” I said in heavy sarcasm.

“Asuna!” he growled.

“You are gleeful in Yuuta's discomfiture.” I said in an angry tone.

“Hai.” He said bluntly.

“I will not allow anyone to take Yuzuna from him. Not you or the courts. Yuuta and I did nothing wrong.” I said flatly.

“Do not start an argument.” He stated in a growl.

“Hai.” I said flatly.

I stood up and ported away. I was bitter about the situation and I needed to see Yuuta. I appeared at the estate on the mainland and I lifted my nose to scent him. He was outside and I went to him. He looked up as he sensed my approach.

“Asuna what are you doing here?” he asked me.

“Falling apart.” I said in a strangled voice.

He stood up and moved to me. He wrapped his arms around me and held onto me tightly. I had not truly realized how much I had fallen for him. I scented him and leaned my head back. I could not stop the torrent of feeling as I claimed his mouth. He whined as he gave in and returned the melding of our lips. He groaned louder as his eyes widened. He tore his lips from mine and he was panting harshly.

“Asuna. You are in heat.” He said closing his reddening eyes.

“I know.” I said in a hoarse tone.

“I cannot be with you now or ever.” He said in a harsh tone.

“I make that choice Yuuta! You will give me this before you leave me completely!” I cried.

“I cannot give you a pup and not be in your life.” He said growling.

We stared at each other and I pulled him to me. He buried his nose into my juncture and whimpered. It was not like him at all.

“You make this so hard. You are making it impossible for me to walk away from you.” He cried softly in my ear.

“I cannot handle you walking away Yuuta.” I said as tears slipped down my cheeks.

“I love you so much.” He said as he began kissing my cheeks and eyes.

His hands were splayed across my cheeks as he kissed me in earnest. We had unspoken words and feelings that we were communicating through simple caresses. I ended up leaning my head back as lips left the sensitive flesh almost scorched. There was so much passion and so much need reflected that I was trembling. He reverently slipped a hand beneath the folds of my kimono and spread it open.

“Asuna, dearest one…are you sure?” he asked me hoarsely.

“Hai. I am very sure Yuuta.” I said pressing my forehead to his.

His breathing was quickened as he fully opened my kimono and slipped it from me. One hand lightly brushed along my neck and then my chest. He pressed his lips between my breasts as he skimmed my skin with his mouth. We were in the gardens and I pulled him along with me to the grass covered ground. I undid his navy colored haori and hakama. He slipped out of the expensive silk and began kissing and sucking on the skin of my neck. His hands cupped my breasts and he was growling as he did so.

“Asuna there will be repercussions.” He said making me look at him.

“You love me.” I said holding his face.

“More than I had ever thought possible.” He replied.

He slid into me as I trembled around him. We moved in unison and my face contorted as my walls clutched him tightly. I drew my legs up along side his waist as our bodies joined over and over. My hands gripped at his backside and slid up his back as I cried out his name.

“Yuuta.” I whispered his name.

He met my eyes and a tear actually slipped down his cheek. I kissed him again but it was slow and highly emotionally charged. I slipped into his mind which I had really never done and his eyes widened as he gently pulled back from my lips.

“Asuna?” he murmured in surprise.

-You hear me? - I pathed.

He nodded slowly and his face changed suddenly as I mentally stroked against his mind. He pressed his head against my shoulder as he cried out in a beautiful moan. I held onto him tightly as the incredible pleasure blossomed all over my body. I could hear Yuuta's thoughts as his own body was building up for a tremendous explosion. He managed to put his thumb to my nub to facilitate my release and I cried out as I seemed to melt in the intensity. I gripped Yuuta to me tightly and within me as he too was overwhelmed in an intense culmination. I was crying softly as he pecked my lips lightly.

“I am going to do something and you have to trust me.” I said holding his face.

“My love.” He said closing eyes and sighing.

“Yuuta, I need you to give up your titles and your estates.” I said as he was still buried in me.

“What?” he asked shocked.

“Hai. You love me and trust me.” I stated flatly.

“Hai I do but.” He tried to say.

“Trust me now Yuuta. Leave the West and come to me.” I said softly kissing his lips.

“Sapporo is a port city and your main business is shipping. Come to me and I will give you the Northern Lands to rule. Come to me and you will rule.” I said softly.

“Asuna, what are you saying? I do not understand.” He said shaking his head.

“I refuse to have you subjected to another's will. You are my mate and I shall not give you up. I have fallen so deeply and madly in love with you. The Northern Lands are aimless. You have a good sense of management and I am a warrior. You and I shall make the North prosperous again.” I said softly.

“You wish me to give it all up?” he asked.

“Hai and become a lord in your own right. I am not placating you Yuuta. I rule several lands and if you take control of the north then it would benefit us both and our pups.” I said rapidly.

“Hai.” He said meeting my eyes.

“Give it all to Yuudai. Let him take it all and we shall take Yuzuna to Sapporo. She shall be our heir there.” I said as he slowly pulled back.

“I cannot believe I am doing this.” He said with widened eyes.

“I will not be dictated to and controlled. I choose you and Kamis forgive me.” I said as I gathered my kimono.

“Why Asuna?” he asked.

“You fought for me and fought me for us. I knelt before our Kamis and declared my passion and love to you. I swore my devotion to you.” I said very quietly.

“You said in the past that you were not worthy and that is a lie. It is I who is not worthy of such love. I beg your forgiveness.” He said in a hoarse tone.

“There is nothing to forgive. I was and am reckless. We shall have to prepare ourselves but Naraku and Ishin will back us. I have already told them what I wanted. They support you; you let them into your life and they will always back you.” I said bluntly.

“I am amazed.” He said pulling on his haori and hakama.

I tied my obi and watched him finish dressing with love in my eyes. He moved to me and pulled me into a hug.

“Do you think I give you a son or daughter?” he asked.

“With you it will be either or. I intend to have Nobu deliver this pup and be watched carefully.” I said.

“What about Yuudai?” he asked.

“I cannot think about it Yuuta. I will not discuss him anymore with you. He will be incensed that I carry your pup but I do not have to be in the West per say.” I shrugged.

“I understand. I shall face the council now if you do not mind porting me there.” He said with his palm against my cheek.

“Hai. I am then leaving the West for awhile. Make your way to Sapporo.” I said kissing his ear.

We ported to the Western palace and we parted. I went to my chambers and directed Zhou to see to my trunks. I had servants take them to Niigata and after awhile I heard the ruckus that Yuuta's denouncement caused. My sire stormed to my chambers and I was finishing up my tasks.

“What is the meaning of Yuuta's announcement?” he said growling.

“I have no idea. What do you mean my lord?” I asked softly.

“You do not know?” he demanded.

“No. What is going on?” I asked raising a brow.

“Yuuta is leaving the West completely. We will lose much commerce.” He snapped.

“I am sorry my lord.” I said inclining my head.

He growled loudly and left my presence. I was putting away my most of my things in a small trunk and Yuudai stormed in. I watched him as he fumed.

“What the hell is my father doing chuusin?” he demanded.

“I have no idea of what you mean. I have been handling affairs of state for Qinghai and Shanghai.” I shrugged.

“He has left me everything and has said he is leaving the West. He is taking Yuzuna and leaving completely.” He snapped.

“He has not discussed his plans but I shall have to speak with him.” I said meeting his eyes.

“You think me a fool? You cannot stand the idea of hurting him. I know how you act chuusin and you are giving him something big for settling with me.” He stated flatly.

“I can do whatever I wish karuson as I am a lord too.” I said meeting his eyes unflinchingly.

“You cannot have both chuusin.” He said flatly.

“I will not hurt either of you so I am choosing neither. You cannot have Yuzuna either.” I said lifting my chin.

“You have no intentions of honoring our mating.” He said in anger.

“I did not say that. I have intentions of hunting down Magatushi and Kenomaru owes me.” I said in a low growl.

“Who?” Yuudai said confused.

“The ga you and I faced four decades ago. He has become an ally.” I said raising a brow.

“Who are you? Where is the onna I fell in love with?” he asked in fury.

“I suppose she passed on when you did as well as her pups. Quit judging me Yuudai and recognize that this situation is hard on us all. I have wished for death over and over these past few years.” I said refusing to meet his eyes.

“You turn enemies into your lovers.” He accused.

“You mean Ishin? That was a strange situation.” I said sighing.

“So how is your damn tiger?” he asked sarcastically.

“Quite dead.” I said clenching my claws.

“Chuusin.” He said in regret.

“You fell and my life fell apart okay? I have done things I had not thought I would do before but I have learned that individuals will do things that they may not normally under difficult situations. Between Lei Jing and Teiran Huber, I have wished for my own death many times. Now if you will excuse me I have things that need doing.” I said fighting back the old pain.

“Why can you not give him up?” Yuudai asked.

“I do not know. I know him to be highly honorable and very honest. You always said what an ass he was but I have seen him weep openly at your shrine. You were his reason as well as Yuuto. He wanted your sister but she and your mother passed. He wanted to have a son to name after you before you were returned to us.” I shrugged.

“My sire can be a good man but you have always been mine chuusin.” He said in anger.

“Yuudai! I have said I have things that need doing! I do love you most earnestly but you have to be patient!” I growled.

“I will see you soon chuusin.” He bowed furiously.

“As you wish karuson.” I said sighing.

I ported out to Qinghai and leaned against a wall; I slowly slid down it as I realized that I was going to fall apart yet again. Thoughts of England flitted through my brain as I thought about the Welsh inu.

“Changming!” I called out.

A few minutes passed and Chang appeared. He looked concerned and I sighed.

“I am making Yuuta the undisputed lord of the Northern Lands. I am removing him danger in the West. Please see to it that Geming takes up residence in Sapporo to look out for him. He is not a warrior. I am going to England; I need to think.” I said walking to my chambers.

“As you command.” He said bowing.

“Thank you.” I said bowing in return.

I began packing hanfu to take with me. I went to my bureau to retrieve the salve that hid my markings. I looked forward to a little court intrigue of the English.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Yoshiko sat with her book reading. She was in the forests surrounding the palace and she looked up. Ling Hu stood ten feet from her and she was surprised. His hair was unbound and it blew around him. His stripes were more subtle than his sire and he was more compact and feline like almost.

“I accept your terms.” He said softly.

“Why all of a sudden?” she asked meeting his eyes.

“I want you.” He said bluntly.

“I am surprised.” She stated.

“Why? My sire nearly destroyed our family for your mother and my brother fell madly in love with Asuna.” Ling said flatly.

“They are not you Prince Ling.” She said softly.

“I have thought your mother so beautiful. I find you more so.” He said sighing.

“As I said I expect nothing but to be your chief mate. I have no designs on you.” She said raising a brow.

“This will be hell waiting for you to reach maturity.” He said softly.

“Why?” she asked genuinely surprised.

“You are too young for lust Lady Yoshiko. My sire is appealing to your sire for your hand.” He said stepping back.

“I remember your face. I have gone to bed every night remembering the feel of your soft tail and the scent of your hair.” She said meeting his eyes.

“Stop!” he cried stepping back from her.

“Why does this bother you that I say this?” She asked standing.

“You have no concept of what you say! You are much too young to be thinking these things and I am terrible for tying you down.” He said shaking his head.

“Love does not know age Prince Ling. I may be young to participate in matters of the flesh but that does not mean I cannot love.” She said narrowing her eyes.

“When are you considered mature enough to mate?” he demanded.

“Fifty is pushing it but I can be mated at that age. Inu prefer to wait till at least seventy. Asuna was not given her own chambers till she was eighty.” Yoshiko answered.

“I have to wait forty years for your hand.” He said breathing hard.

“At least.” She confirmed.

“You will be fostered by my family. We will be married by proxy.” He said flatly.

“Is this what you wish?” she asked.

“I have dreamt of you too.” He answered.

She nodded and knew her sire was going to have a fit. She would have to convince him that she wanted this. She had precognition and she stared at her soul mate. Her mother would help her and so would Asuna if she could find her. She bowed before her tiger prince and kissed his hand. He jerked it back as if burnt and she smiled at him. He groaned softly and ported away. He was honorable and the idea of wanting her was tearing him up. She got to thinking and looked forward to knowing him better.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I appeared in a secluded part of Hampton Court and I lifted my head. I had a nagging feeling of a familiar aura. I went to search for Aldwyn and I knocked on his suite door. Anne answered the door and she bowed low.

“Hello Anne. Is Lord Dillingham in residence?” I asked.

“Aye my lady. He is with Northumberland.” She said smiling.

“Percy and Aldwyn are where?” I asked amused.

“They are at court my lady.” She said curtseying.

“Here is a small bag and more will be arriving later. Could you see to that my things are installed?” I asked.

“Your old room or the lord's?” she asked.

“The lord's room.” I said.

“Very good my lady.” She said taking my satchel.

“Who are the foreigners at court Anne?” I asked.

“I know they are from Eastern Europe.” She shrugged.

My face blanched and I stormed away. I knew Eyal was here and I was incensed. I went to where court was held and I went to my knee when I saw Jaime. I saw Aldwyn and Percy as well. Eyal was there too and he looked shocked to see me.

“Well well majesty.” I said in a furious tone.

“Asuna?” he asked shocked.

“Lady Asuna!” Aldwyn said shocked.

“Hello Aldwyn. I thought to see you and Northumberland awhile. You as well your majesty.” I said to Jaime.

“Welcome back te England Asuna.” Jaime nodded and watched intrigued.

“Asuna, we will speak now.” Eyal said in a hard tone.

“Rot in hell bastard.” I said as my chest heaved.

“Not here!” he growled low in his throat.

“Why not Prince Vlad? How is Rina? I would not know would I? I thought you never left the Carpathians! Sorry bastard!” I said fighting back my beast.

“My chambers now!” he snapped.

“No. I am a guest of Lord Dillingham and King James. I stay with Lord Dillingham and you may fuck yourself your majesty.” I said mock bowing.

I stormed from the court and I knew all were shocked.

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

Aldwyn stared at the foreign prince and King James was shocked. The ebony haired man came over to him and he eyed him. Fury was evident on his face as he watched him.

“Prince Vlad a word.” King James called.

“Yes your majesty.” Eyal said looking at the mortal king.

“Lady Asuna is a good friend te this court and mine as well. Why is she upset?” the king demanded.

“She is my wife.” Eyal said grinding his teeth.

“Yer wife?” James asked more than shocked.

“Yes. I would prefer if she stayed in my chambers Lord Dillingham.” Eyal said to the Welsh noble.

“I am sorry Prince Vlad but Lady Asuna does as she wishes. She has a standing invitation of my family to stay with us here at court and at Flintshire. Your marriage woes are you problem and not mine.” Aldwyn said smirking.

Eyal moved closer to the foreign noble and hissed in his ear.

“I know you are dog demon and I know you know she is one as well. Do not cross me mutt.” Eyal said in a very low tone.

“I will do as I damn well please Romanian. She is my guest and obviously does not like you.” Aldwyn smirked.

“Come Percy. Lady Asuna will wish to go hunting I am sure.” Aldwyn said in an arrogant swagger.

Eyal watching as the dog left and anger consumed him. He had not seen his mate in months and she was here. He turned his eyes to the king and he suppressed his need to drain something dry.

“I have need to speak with my wife.” He said flatly.

“She apparently doesna want te see ye.” James pointed out.

“We have suffered a separation but your noble gets on my last nerve King James.” He said in anger.

“I shall write te her te see if she will see ye. I willna have my court in an uproar Prince Vlad.” He said bluntly.

“Please your majesty. See to it she is at dinner.” He said bowing and stormed out of the court.

Aldwyn watched from an alcove and smirked widely. He was thrilled to see the woman he was enamored with again but to find out she was at odds with one of her mates made him thrilled. He went to his chambers followed by Percy.

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

Aldwyn and Percy came in and I was having tea. He raised his brow at me and I did the same.

“Hello Aldwyn.” I said sighing.

“Prince Vlad Tepest. The Dracul?” he asked surprised.

“Yes. You know I am not full inu and I am half uppyr. He is in fact a two thousand year old uppyr.” I said leaning back.

“What?” he asked shocked.

“Yes. He was at one time my mortal enemy but that is a whole other story. I mated him in a fit of passion and I bore him a daughter named Rina. He is immensely powerful and he keeps me from her now.” I said bitterly.

“I see. Well he demanded you stay with him but James told him no.” Aldwyn said sitting across from me.

“I am installed in your room.” I said meeting his eyes.

“You are?” he asked amused.

“Yes. I am tired Aldwyn. Things at home are hairy again and I need a haven. Can I stay here?” I asked.

“You never have to ask.” He said softly.

“Aldwyn this is where I go. Do you plan being at the king's table at dinner?” Percy asked.

“No. Tell his majesty I shall attend him in the morning.” Aldwyn said not looking up.

“As you wish my friend. Good to see again Lady Asuna.” Percy said bowing.

“Thank you.” I said inclining my head.

Aldwyn pulled me up and began kissing me deeply. I wrapped my arms around him and fell into it. I had found a large family of Panyu inu that had left after there had been a dispute of power for the title. This was a very distant branch of Jin's family and he would have insisted they return to Guangzhou but I said nothing. I ended up in Aldwyn's bed and I was taken from my problems.

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

He sat back and watched the mortals eat as he sipped his wine. He was beyond furious and she did not show. The court was abuzz with his supposed failed union and he saw the Earl of Northumberland. Jarek was further down the table and they always told the mortals that his son was his nephew. He knew he looked very young himself and he hated diplomacy. He grew more agitated and irritated that he could not feel her for she was coming into her power more. She could completely hide herself if she so choose.

“Lord Percy, I should like you to send for my wife.” He said glowering.

“Your wife was confessing her exhaustion Prince Vlad. She said she was having issues in Japan.” Percy said eyeing the demon.

“King James, I grow tired of your nobles sheltering what is obviously mine. I have said I will see my wife and I will see her!” he said standing in a fury.

“I told ye Prince Vlad that if she wished te see ye that I would let ye know. She refuses.” James said in anger.

Eyal stormed from the banquet hall and he knew roughly where Dillingham's chambers were. Jarek came up to him and he growled.

“Keep the fucking mortals away whilst I deal with her.” Eyal snapped.

“Yes father.” Jarek mumbled.

He stormed to Dillingham's rooms and pounded on the doors. It was opened by a little woman and she bowed. His face held malice and he pushed in the door.

“You will tell the Lady Asuna that her husband will see her now!” he snarled.

“Yes milord!” she cried.

“You need not frighten the poor girl Eyal.” I said from Aldwyn's door.

My Welsh lover had taken the opportunity to hunt and the uppyr king looked ready to rip my throat out.

“Your fucking him?” he asked coming up to me.

“Why not? You have kept me from my baby girl and isolate yourself as always. I am more than shocked that you would venture this far from Buda.” I said in anger.

“You kept yourself from me Asuna. You were always off in battle or with one of your delightful mates.” He said furiously.

“I am a warrior Eyal! Go away. I have reconciled my losses as I will suffer your presence no longer. I did my duty of brood mare quite well. Do not dare try and use your yoki on me fool!” I hissed.

“Dirty whore!” he snarled grabbing my jaw.

“Me? How about you? How many have you bedded Eyal? You have been just as amorous my love. You have won whatever it is you wanted. Now get the hell out!” I yelled.

“I followed your example dearest.” He retorted.

“I am not leaving so you probably should. You are not the most powerful of us anymore. I match you so do not think to try and sway me.” I said shoving him away.

“You think this over?” he demanded.

“I know it is. You should have stayed asleep. I did not need you and you stole my daughter. Get away from me.” I said moving to a side board and pouring water.

“This is over when I say it is lover. You are still half of what I am.” He said in a deep, dark voice.

“Get out Eyal! You win and you are alone. Have you not wondered why you have not felt me? The kumo can dissolve soul bonds. It is very handy really and he was really pleased to do it. So you see I am no longer mated to you. You have your freedom you so wished.” I said in mock sweetness.

“How dare you!” he said in complete fury.

“Get out. I did not even really need you when Yuzuna was born. It was Naraku that pulled me back.” I said cruelly.

“You had already destroyed our bond. I could not help you.” He said coldly.

“You are right. I am a product of a wraith, a kumo, and you. Thank you. Now get the hell out!” I screamed.

I felt Aldwyn enter and he was growling low in his throat. Eyal looked at him and his eyes turned. I jerked my hand and Eyal was thrown backwards with tremendous force. He stared at me in surprise and I glowered at him.

“I take in blood now Eyal. You never told me that I could draw in yoki that way. You hid much from me though did you not?” I demanded.

“It never occurred to me that you were a moron.” He smarted off.

“Well Halima grew up.” I said mocking him.

“You were a cowardly bitch then as you are now.” Eyal stated growling.

“How dare you! You had no idea of what I suffered then or now! You isolated yourself nearly two thousand years ago as you do today.” I said in a rage.

“You will not air my life so flippantly whore!” he said glowering.

“Aldwyn I have this. I am fine. He is no threat to me.” I said arrogantly.

I ported into the forests surrounding the palace and he appeared forthwith. He pinned me against a tree and I laughed.

“Are you really going to throw a temper tantrum now? You taught me well Eyal. You taught me that you were crueler than any wraith.” I said meeting his reddened eyes.

“Shut up! You should talk. I fall in love with you and you remain absent for months at a time and I am supposed to be alright with that? My daughter is supposed to take your scraps?” he asked in a fury.

“You saw to it that my daughter has nothing of me. I will not disrupt her life that you have established and be as cruel as you have been. You have what you wanted. Why not leave it alone?” I asked him.

“God I have come to hate you.” He said in a cold tone.

“Good. We are nothing again.” I said as coldly.

“Such a good student of your mother.” He said in a nasty voice.

“What now?” I asked in a bored tone.

“I could drain you.” He threatened.

“Go ahead.” I said shrugging.

“Ready to be a coward as you were as Akana?” he asked mocking me.

“I care not.” I shrugged again.

He backed away and I walked past him. There really was no love lost it seemed and only anger. I shut out the pain of my daughter and I tried to ignore him.

“So you have tried to return to your dog ways?” he demanded.

“I am half inu asshole.” I said growling.

“Yes you are an animal.” He mocked.

“I am tired Prince Vlad. You are dead to me as is Rina. Have no fear that I will try and take her. You have probably filled her head with hatred.” I said trying to push away the pain.

“You are right. She thinks her mother is a hateful harpy who could not love her enough.” He said with pure venom lacing his words.

Tears fell from my eyes and I changed form. I sprinted away to find privacy and cry my heart out without an audience. I laid my head between my paws and let the tears fall. I had come here in hopes of finding peace to only find more pain. I changed back to my humanoid form and curled up under the tree. I cried harder and eventually passed out.

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

I woke up on Aldwyn's bed with him holding me tightly and I was grateful. I carefully stretched and decided not to cower away from Eyal at all. I sat at a small vanity and began pulling my hair over my ears and partially up.

“You looked more comfortable on the bed.” Aldwyn said from behind me.

“Thank you. I am fine Aldwyn and thank you for backing me up. I thought I should tell you I know where your family hails from.” I said looking at him.

“We come from Flintshire.” He teased.

“No you come from Asia many many centuries ago. There is a group of brown inu on the continent who are led by Lord Jin. It is called Panyu and they have the exact yoki your family does. Jin is a friend of the West and uncle to my oldest born son.” I said softly.

“I see. Well we are Welsh now.” He said lying against the headboard.

“I will say nothing to Jin as he is very protective and territorial of his family.” I stated.

“You are saying we are distant relatives of this Jin character?” Aldwyn asked surprised.

“Yes. You scent a little like him. There is most definitely a family connection. He is over seven centuries old and pretty powerful. He is the eldest of three. He has a sister named Jun and of course Sheng is his baby brother.” I stated as I did my hair.

“I am amazed.” He said watching me.

“Well I had also discovered that a group of wolf demons in Scotland are descendents of Ahkmet; my son from my previous life.” I said looking at my image.

“Amazing.” He muttered.

“The world of youki is small it seems.” I shrugged.

I stood and pulled out a deep golden hanfu. Oranges and greens were woven throughout and I pulled it on. I wrapped a burnished orange and green obi around my waist. Aldwyn watched rapt and I leaned down and kissed him softly. I stepped back and slipped Kumosaiga into my obi and slipped on some geta.

“I am breaking my fast with the king. Join us when you are decent.” I said smiling.

“I shall.” He smiled at me.

I curtsied to him and he laughed. I slipped from his apartments and went to the banqueting hall. I took my seat near Jaime and Queen Anne. I saw Eyal further down the table and he had Rina with him. I lifted my glass and my hand was shaking. His eyes met mine and hatred passed over his features.

“Majesty I have to leave.” I said in a hushed tone.

“Lady Asuna?” he asked concerned.

“He mocks me. I will not be mocked as my daughter stares at me with the eyes of a stranger.” I said trying not to cry.

“That is yer daughter?” he asked shocked.

“She was. Excuse me Jaime.” I said standing.

I calmly left via the royals door and walked down the hall. I clutched my aching stomach and my throat hurt. A gut wrenching pain ripped through me and I cried out. I moved and I saw droplets of blood on the floor. I was horrified and sobs wracked me. I slipped back into the banqueting hall and I collapsed at Jaime's feet. Everyone stood up and Anne screamed.

“Call the doctor!” Jaime yelled.

I was barely conscious and I stared up. I said prayers to the Kamis for the soul of my unborn. I sensed Eyal close by and he elbowed his way through.

“Asuna!” he cried in my ear.

“Leave me be.” I muttered.

“You are bleeding horribly.” He said in a hushed voice.

“I said leave me be. I failed him.” I mumbled.

“You will not bleed out in front of a bunch of mortals.” He hissed in my ear.

“I care not. Go to hell.” I said turning my head.

I felt myself lifted and I was being taken somewhere. I was laid on a bed and my silks stripped from me. I stared at a wall as I was examined.

“You are miscarrying.” I heard a voice say.

“I know.” I said in a flat tone.

They told me other things but I did not register it. I finally was allowed to sleep after much fuss was made. I came to after awhile and I saw Eyal sitting in a chair reading.

“You are not welcome here.” I said weakly.

“Such a thing to say. Whose dog did you loose?” he demanded.

“I said get out. I owe you nothing anymore.” I said in a very tired voice.

“I grow tired of your games. I asked a simple question. Why can you not reply with a simple answer?” he asked.

“Yuuta. It was Yuuta's pup.” I said fighting back blackness.

“You need blood.” He said coldly.

“I do not care.” I said in a defeated tone.

I felt the mattress sink in by me. He cut his own wrist and pressed it to my mouth. I kept my mouth shut and he snarled. He pressed my chin harshly and I had to open my mouth. He again pressed his wrist to my mouth and I had to gulp down his crimson flow. I felt the familiar rush of yoki and groaned as I swallowed. I grabbed his forearm and sank in my fangs. I heard him hiss softly as I took in his healing blood. I let go suddenly and rolled to my side. He slid in beside me and I tried to fight his presence.

“Stop! You can go back to hating me later.” He snapped.

“Why can you not just go back to Buda?” I demanded.

“Because I have to be here for a damn summit. There is trouble from the Ottoman's whom I detest with a passion.” He said in my ear.

“I do not want you near me.” I said coldly.

“I knew you would leave me just as you did before. You are the one who abandoned Rina and I.” he said harshly.

“Fine. I am a terrible mother and mate. Leave me alone then. I have no wish to wallow in my pain. You are nothing but tragedy for me anyway.” I said closing my eyes.

“I did not do those things to you in the past and you know it!” he said gripping me.

“No this is worse.” I retorted.

“What is wrong with you?” he asked in a low snarl.

“I feel dead. Leave me alone before I strike out.” I said dully.

“Why did you abandon us Asuna?” he demanded.

“I did not abandon you. I was being hunted by a Tomoshibi and Teiran had murdered four of my pups! I could not draw you and Rina into more danger! I could not live with myself if I lost you and her to that slut! I lost you anyway so leave me alone!” I said in a strangled yell.

“You shut me out! You sequestered yourself from me!” he said furiously.

“It hurt Eyal! It hurt unlike anything I have ever felt and you want me to act as if it is alright? I come back and you deny me my daughter? I lost another pup it seems. Leave me alone as I need to see Yuuta soon.” I said burying my face into the pillow.

“You and I had connected on a basic level and you left me for dead it seemed. I shall leave you to your mourning.” He said pulling away.

I began sobbing into the pillow and I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and Eyal looked stricken. I just stared at him and he sighed.

“You cannot give one inch can you?” he demanded.

“No.” I said hoarsely.

“You give yourself to that dog but me?” he demanded.

“We are no more.” I said shutting my eyes tightly.

He again sank next to me and I tried to port away and he held me there with his will. I snarled in fury and sat up to strike him. He laid me back and his breathing was hard. He pulled the quilt from my body and exposed my chest.

“You should know better then to try and port around me.” He said flatly.

“Leave me alone!” I growled.

“No. I cannot.” He snapped.

He lowered his lips and very lightly sucked a tip into his mouth. I squirmed as his warm tongue laved against the pebbled flesh. I gasped loudly as my center became stretched and taut and he suckled the pert nipple harder.

“Eyal!” I cried out.

He kept the full feeling and switched his attention to the other nipple. He was not doing anything else and I knew he wanted to.

“Give me more.” I moaned.

He looked up and I met his brown eyes.

“Not right now. You have suffered.” He said going back to my breast.

I cut into my opposite breast with my claw and he growled harshly. He immediately licked at the wound and groaned rather wantonly. He sucked on the wound and growled fiercely. He looked up and his eyes were reddened.

“Why did you leave me?” he snarled softly.

“To save you.” I said in a whisper.

“From who?” he demanded.

“My enemies. From Magatushi and anyone that would use you or Rina against me.” I said choking back sobs.

“I love you.” He said fiercely.

“Do not.” I begged.

“How do I stop Asuna? I love you.” He said softly.

I fought back tears and I met his eyes. I was beyond hurt that he had kept Rina from me and I rolled away from him. He sighed heavily and lay next to me.

“I was hurt too. I am sorry for my actions.” He said gripping my shoulders.

“It does not matter anymore. She barely knows who I am and you said you have let her think terrible things about me. I accept my failures and you can accept mine as well. Get the hell out!” I screamed.

“This is not done. You are mourning your pup but you will see me one way or another. I am still the ruler of the uppyr and you are still our most powerful female.” He said flatly.

“I am inu! I am inu youki with uppyr blood. I have born pups that have true forms of inu!” I snarled at him.

“So you are back to denying who you are. Well beloved bravo! You bore me the most powerful uppyr in this generation and you are in fact uppyr as well. Does your Naraku still hate that side?” He hissed.

“He hates nothing about me. He loves me and did not abandon me when I stayed away from him as well! I stayed away from all my mates and my pups to keep them safe until I found Terian. You have no idea what has happened and I do not feel like indulging you. I have matters of state that need attending and you are nothing to me anymore.” I said making myself stand.

His blood had pretty well healed me and I moved away from him. I held back my tears as the thoughts of telling Yuuta horrified me. Eyal came up behind me and held me up.

“I told you that you will see me. We were married if you remember and that has not been dissolved. You are my wife before God and all these people. The fact you grace that dog's bed is an insult and I will not be insulted in a foreign court by no one!” he growled in my ear.

“I will not be staying with you and you can get over it. In fact I think I shall leave.” I said jerking away.

“No!” he yelled pushing me up against a door.

He lowered his fangs to my juncture and sank them in. I was immediately overwhelmed in his yoki and it was drawing me down.

“Kamis! Eyal please no. Please stop.” I begged.

He lifted his stained mouth and his pain was bared to me. He took my lips with his as he seemed frenzied. I was groaning as the intensity was acute and overpowering. I wrapped my arms around him and lost myself for a moment. He ripped his lips away to breathe and he was breathing fast.

“I need you. Asuna, I need you.” He whispered in my ear.

“Leave it alone Eyal.” I said softly.

His lips were nipping my throat and I sighed in pleasure.

“Drink of me.” I whispered hoarsely.

He groaned softly and latched onto my breast again. I felt his fang pierce the flesh and I cried out softly in the euphoria. He was growling gently as he licked and suckled at my breast. He was pulling me under as I had done to him many times. I gasped loudly as my body tightened and I moaned out as my body surrendered to the strong climax. He lifted his head and kissed me again and I ripped my lips from his. He was not happy but I sank my fangs into his neck and proceeded to do the same to him as he had done to me. He groaned loudly as we sank to our knees and he held onto me as his own body surrendered to his rapture. He buried his nose into my juncture as he licked and nipped at my throat.

“Eyal.” I moaned softly.

“Rest and restore yourself. If you do not stay in my apartments then stay in some of your own. Do not stay with the Welsh dog.” He said cupping a breast.

“Do not dictate to me Eyal. We have chemistry and nothing more.” I snapped.

“Oh we have much more than chemistry beloved. I have still had your blood and I can still make you succumb to my will.” He threatened.

I jerked away from him and stormed out of the chambers. I saw Jarek and I ignored him. I saw Aldwyn further down the hall and he was angry. I took his arm and he led me away.

“What happened? They said you collapsed at breakfast and that you were bleeding.” He said concerned.

“I was pupped Aldwyn but I miscarried. I need to tell Yuuta.” I said softly.

“I am so sorry! You did not say you were and you were masking the scent.” He said lifting my chin.

“I had not told anyone. Take me to Flintshire please.” I said laying my head on his shoulder.

“As you wish.” He stated kissing my forehead.

“Get your hands off of her!” Eyal growled from down the hall.

“I shall do as I please Prince Vlad. You have no recourse here in a palace full of mortals.” Aldwyn stated raising his brow.

“You try me boy? She is my wife and mother to my daughter!” he growled loudly.

“Did you not forbid your daughter her mother? Go crawl in a hole uppyr. She does not want you.” Aldwyn said in a cocky voice.

“Do not Eyal. Do not make a scene in front of ningen. I am leaving now.” I said as I dragged Aldwyn behind me.

“You are a dead man Dillingham. You will not continue to touch what is mine!” he snarled.

“Words uppyr. Good day.” Aldwyn said bowing.

We were in a private area and I ported us to Flintshire. He looked pleased to be home and led me to his castle. I knew Eyal was furious but I could not expose myself to more pain. His was a terribly brooding disposition and I was tired of feeling.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Vlad was fuming and he went to his apartments. He ported to the Western Palace of Honshu and demanded to see its lady. He paced back and forth until Elizaveta appeared.

“Vlad? What are you doing here?” she asked rubbing her eyes.

“Asuna is why I am here. She miscarried I thought you should know. She also is cavorting with a dog named Aldwyn Dillingham.” He said darkly.

“Why should that bother you Vlad? You two are no more and you have kept Rina from her mother.” Augusta said easing herself into a chair.

“She cut herself off from me! She left me no explanation as to why she abandoned us!” he yelled.

“What you see as abandonment was done to protect you two. She fell apart when Duchess Huber had her pups murdered. You have never lost a child Vlad and she is walking around a shell of herself. You then deny her Rina. Terian cost her five babes and she is not the same. To top it all off a Tomoshibi Wraith name Kaimei brought back General Yuudai.” She said shrugging.

“A wraith brought back her murdered consort?” he asked shocked.

“Da. She has run away basically to not face more pain. I am assuming you saw her in England. You have helped seal your own fate with her Vlad and I cannot help you.” She said rising.

“You mean you will not help me! I sheltered you when you came to me Elizaveta! I love her more than I could love anyone. You deny me for what reason?” he yelled.

Sesshomaru stepped in and saw the leader of the uppyr yelling at his mate and his brow was raised.

“Is there a problem?” he demanded.

“Conversing with your mate Lord Sesshomaru. Your daughter has decided to run away again and I was trying to convince her mother to help her to see reason.” Vlad said bitterly.

“Augusta how are you feeling?” Sesshomaru asked.

“Tired beloved.” She said closing her eyes.

“Augusta is newly pupped uppyr and I will not have her traversing far from home. She has a rough time with pregnancies.” Sesshomaru stated bluntly.

“So it would seem Asuna does as well.” Vlad said meeting the great inu's eyes.

“What do you mean?” he demanded.

“Sesshomaru do not!” Augusta said standing.

“Asuna miscarried.” Vlad stated.

“Who sired the pup?” Sesshomaru demanded.

“Someone named Yuuta. Should the dog not be informed that his mate lost his progeny?” Vlad asked coldly.

“Yuudai could find him.” Sesshomaru said growling.

“Well lead the way.” The uppyr ruler stated.

“Vlad you are ruining any chance you have.” Augusta said wanly.

“Oh well Elizaveta. It seems I shall not have my family back so why should this mutt?” he said furiously.

“Yuuta loves Asuna very much!” Augusta said flatly.

“Augusta!” Sesshomaru growled.

“Sesshomaru you may not like Yuuta but you know he loves Asuna! He left the West for her and Yuudai and you know it!” Augusta said disgusted.

“Are you coming uppyr?” Sesshomaru stated.

“Da.” He said following the inu lord.

Augusta grew furious and focused on Yuuta. She ported and found herself in Sapporo. She was surprised and moved forward. She saw Geming and the red bowed to her.

“Where is Yuuta?” she asked.

“In the palace. My lady has asked that he manage these lands for her.” Geming stated.

“No wonder he left the West. Asuna handed him the North.” She sighed.

“What is wrong?” Geming asked.

“Please get Yuuta.” She said sitting.

Geming bowed and went to get Yuuta. Augusta looked up to see Tsubasa and she smiled softly at her former mate; he came and sat by her.

“You look beautiful Augusta. How have you been?” he asked.

“Well.” She said softly.

“You are pregnant.” He observed.

“Hai.” She nodded looking away.

“The inu is a lucky bastard.” Tsubasa said softly.

“He wanted another pup and I am giving him twins. My pregnancy with Asuna and Osamu was rough.” She said sighing.

“I take it he wishes a large family?” he asked.

“Hai. He is a good chichi.” She said wringing her hands.

“Augusta we have worked through our issues. I have taken a mate and she gave me a son. Do not fret over the past anymore.” He said gently.

“Thank you Tsubasa.” She said sweetly.

“Lady Augusta?” Yuuta said coming forward.

“Yuuta! Thank the Kamis! Asuna miscarried and I think she needs you.” Augusta said standing.

“What?” he said stunned.

“I am sorry. I know why you left and I respect you for it. She is in England and I can take you.” She said taking his hands.

“Thank you. General Geming please make sure that Yuzuna does not leave Zhou's sight.” Yuuta said quickly.

“As you wish.” Geming said bowing.

Augusta ported Yuuta and herself to the British Isles and a secluded spot. Asuna had told her that they had stayed at Hampton Court before. She knew England well and Yuuta followed her. She made sure his ears were covered and she nodded. Augusta entered the palace and bowed before a soldier.

“Hello! I am Lady Asuna's mother. Have you seen my daughter?” she asked.

“You are her mother?” the soldier asked stunned.

“Yes. I am Princess Augusta Orlovich of Novgorod. Please take me to your king.” She asked.

“This way your majesty.” The soldier said.

“Lady Augusta where is she?” Yuuta asked in anguish.

“I am finding out Yuuta. Just play along okay? Try and not breathe too deeply.” She said looking around.

“I have figured that out. Mortals reek.” He said wrinkling his nose.

The soldier brought her to the inner court and she curtsied low for King James.

“King James, I am Princess Augusta Orlovich and Lady of the Western Lands of Honshu. Lady Asuna is my daughter. This is Sir Yuuta and we need to find her.” She said in perfect English.

“Yer daughter went te Wales with Lord Dillingham Princess Augusta.” He said deeply intrigued.

“Thank you. May I see a map perhaps your majesty?” she asked.

“Aye. Have a map sent fer. Please sit princess and Sir Yuuta. Are ye Prince Osamu's mother as well?” he asked intrigued.

“Yes majesty. Asuna and Osamu are my eldest born.” She acknowledged.

“I see where ye daughter gets her beauty from. Ye Sir Yuuta yer are Lady Asuna's mate in Japan?” he asked.

“Yes King James I am. I was told you know all about us.” Yuuta said bluntly.

“Aye.” He nodded.

“She was pregnant with my child.” Yuuta said bluntly.

“I am sorry te say that she started bleeding jest this morning. She left with Lord Dillingham after having a nasty fight with Prince Vlad.” James said softly.

“Where is Jarek Tepest?” Augusta asked.

“He is here staying with the Princess Rina.” James said.

“He is here?” Yuuta asked furiously.

“Hai Yuuta calm down. I am getting Rina now. When I return we will port out.” She said in Japanese.

Yuuta nodded and Augusta stood up and left the court. She focused on Jarek and ported into his rooms. She appeared suddenly and he nearly jumped out of his skin in surprise. Rina was at his feet playing and she looked up.

“Hello Jarek. I will have Rina now.” Augusta said gently.

“I do not think so Augusta.” He snapped.

“Brother?” Rina asked softly.

Augusta swooped down and picked up Rina. She screamed for her brother and Augusta held him back with her will.

“Let her go Augusta! My father will be furious beyond anything.” Jarek said flatly.

“I am not taking her permanently Jarek but my daughter has a right to see her daughter!” she snapped.

“Momma dead.” Rina said softly.

Augusta's eyes widened when Rina said her words. She turned angry brown eyes at Jarek and scowled.

“Vlad told her she was dead?” Augusta asked in anger.

“What was he supposed to say?” Jarek fumed.

“Momma dead.” Rina said again.

“Go back to Jarek now little one.” She said letting Rina down.

The tiny uppyr female ran to her brother and wrapped her arms around Jarek's legs. She had on a tiny gown and her hair was up. Augusta was fuming and stormed away.

“He wants her back Augusta. He loves her very much!” Jarek cried.

“Your father ruined any chance he had with Asuna. He told Rina that Asuna was dead. He is a fool.” Augusta said disgusted.

“Momma not dead?” Rina asked confused.

“Rina, your momma is not here anymore. Shush now.” Jarek said softly.

Augusta grew even more disgusted and stormed out of Vlad's rooms. She stormed back into the throne room and saw a map. She looked at where Flintshire and thanked the king. She pulled Yuuta with her and they found an alcove and ported. They appeared at the Dillingham castle and they moved quickly.

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

Aldwyn was shaking me awake and I rolled over. He looked displeased but kept a cheery air.

“There is a Sir Yuuta and your mother here.” He said softly.

“What?” I asked shocked.

“Come in please.” Aldwyn called out.

My mother and Yuuta came in and my lip trembled. Yuuta came over to me and pulled me into a hug. He held onto me and did not let me go. He was murmuring in Japanese how sorry he was. He begged me to forgive for not being there. I began crying as he held me.

“Thank you Lord Dillingham for being such a good friend.” My mother said softly.

“You are most welcome Lady Augusta. She has shown my family such generosity in the past. Prince Vlad is most put out.” Aldwyn said softly.

“He is at the Western Palace now.” She said under her breath.

“What?” I asked shocked.

“He is at the palace apparently trying to find Yuuta.” She answered.

“How did you find him?” I asked surprised.

“I have a blood tie to Yuzuna. Wherever she is so is Yuuta.” She shrugged.

“Thank you mother!” I cried softly.

“Beloved, will you please come home? Let me take care of you.” Yuuta said lifting my chin.

“Yuuta, I will be home soon but I need a break from Japan. Not you beloved but away from the turmoil. I cannot face Yuudai right now and hai I am being a coward but I do not have the strength to deal with anything right now.” I said wiping tears from my eyes.

“As you need. I will come here and visit you if it is alright with you and Lord Dillingham.” He said holding my face.

“You are welcome here Sir Yuuta.” Aldwyn said benignly.

“Thank you.” Yuuta said looking up.

“Hai. I would like that. I cannot think and I want to sleep. Have you solidified the tribes? Has Tsubasa helped you?” I asked.

“Hai he has. He says he is thrilled when I take over. He said he is sick of doing your work.” Yuuta said trying to make me laugh.

“Thank you. Give me a few days Yuuta.” I said burying my nose in his juncture.

“Whatever you need koi. I love you! Do you hear me?” he said fiercely.

“Hai I hear you. I love you so much.” I said pressing my forehead to his.

We had spoken in rapid Japanese so we had privacy somewhat. Yuuta stood and bowed low to me. I stifled my tears and he took my mother's hand. She ported them away and I buried my face in the pillow and cried violently. She had pathed what Vlad had told Rina. I was devastated and my heart was heavy from all of it.

“Aldwyn can I be alone?” I asked.

“As you wish. I am here Asuna.” He said gently.

“I know.” I said as he left.

I laid there and I felt numb. I opened my bond with Naraku and Ishin. I felt both of them concerned at my whirlwind emotions. I ported suddenly and I stood in the Korean palace. Ishin got to me first and he pulled me into his arms. Naraku was in the room quickly and pressed his cheek to mine.

“What is wrong?” he asked gently.

“Why did you not let me go when I had Yuzuna? Why can I not stop feeling this anguish?” I asked him.

“I was trying to give Yuuta the son he wanted.” I said hiccupping.

“Asuna! My love.” Ishin said holding me tightly.

“My little inu. Shall we call upon Nobu?” Naraku asked brushing hair off of my forehead.

“I am fine. I ran into Eyal at the English court. He has told Rina that I am dead. He has filled her head with hate for me. I lost another pup.” I said as I bleakly walked away from them towards our room.

I could feel Naraku's anger simmering and I heard Ishin's frank thoughts of hatred. I walked into the sleeping room and fell upon the futon. Naraku brought me sake and I downed it gratefully. I laid on the futon as they both cuddled next to me.

“Inu? You are loved and you are wanted. Our babes love you as do we.” Ishin said softly.

“I know.” I said closing my eyes.

“I need to take care of some things my heart. Rest and I shall return soon.” Ishin stated.

Naraku looked at Ishin and his younger brother nodded. Naraku held onto me tight as Ishin left the room. I fell into a deep slumber as my dearest one held me.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Ishin had gleaned from her mind where the uppyr was. He ported via his shoki cloud and appeared at the Western Palace. He listened carefully and felt the wall for any vibrations. He sensed the uppyr and stalked him silently. He found him conversing with Lord Sesshomaru and he moved forward. His father in law looked up surprised and saw him simmering.

“Lord Ishin?” Sesshomaru asked.

“Hai Lord Sesshomaru-sama. You uppyr have some explaining to do.” Ishin said in a very subtle tone.

“What do I have to explain to you spider? You are the one that tore my bond apart from her?” Vlad asked in a low growl.

“She asked me to. Asuna could not stand to feel you anymore. Did you or did you not tell Rina that her mother was dead?” Ishin asked coldly.

“She asked me and I did not deny it. I did not think that Asuna would come back into my life. Why should my daughter think her mother did not want her?” Vlad asked hatefully.

“You narcissist bastard! She thought she was protecting you and Rina. You have put a nail in the coffin so to speak. She is wishing for death.” Ishin said stepping forward in malice.

“Lord Ishin you will speak to me.” Sesshomaru demanded.

“NO! This beast is killing the onna I love. He is killing the mother of my daughters and sons! She has given me far more than one babe uppyr. I have no problem laying waste to you and taking Rina back.” Ishin snarled.

“Lord Ishin!” Sesshomaru said firmly.

“You wish to fight me spider boy?” Vlad threatened.

“I need not fight you. All I have to do is tell Shezmu and watch him decimate you. Both of the Egyptians rather adore Asuna.” Ishin said coldly.

“You think I fear a half breed uppyr and another dog?” Vlad snapped.

“Shall we find out uppyr?” Ishin asked.

“Lord Ishin!” Sesshomaru hissed.

“Hai Sesshomaru-sama?” Ishin snapped.

“Where is my daughter?” the inu lord demanded.

“Safe. You have signed your own death sentence uppyr.” Ishin said producing his shoki cloud and porting away.

Vlad growled and stared at the inu lord. Sesshomaru shook his head and felt for his pup. He knew her and she wanted peace in her personal life and was not getting it.

“I think you need to go back to wherever you came from. Lord Ishin is not to be taken lightly.” Sesshomaru said flatly.

“I want my wife back inu. I love her and I will have her. I made a mistake.” Vlad stated impassioned.

“That is her choice uppyr. I cannot make her do anything.” Sesshomaru said shaking his head.

Vlad grunted and ported away. The spider intended to threaten him and he would decimate him. He truly had thought she has abandoned him. He did not think when Rina asked where her mother was. She had asked if she was dead and he had flippantly answered in his anger. He sighed and he realized his pride had caused much pain.

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

Ishin was not fond of the mutt as Naraku called them but he would turn to him to help Asuna. He found the small Chinese village and saw many inu running around. An onna of immense beauty came forward and he knew this was her daughter from her previous life.

“Hello Lord Ishin. I am Nafre. You are my mama's mate?” she asked sweetly.

“Hai. How did you know?” he asked surprised.

“I am a strong telepath and you are anxious. Papa is around here somewhere. You have nothing to fear; we are Egyptian and your ways are normal to us.” She said softly.

Ishin was shocked at her words and she bid him follow her. He saw the Egyptian mutt and Shezmu looked up. Nahut saw him and she ran over and hugged his legs.

“Ishin! Ishin! Mama? Where is mama?” she asked jumping up and down.

“She is sleeping little one. She had a boo boo and needs rest.” Ishin said kneeling.

“I see my brothers and sisters?” Nahut demanded.

“If your chichi says it is alright.” Ishin said looking up.

“It is fine. Nahut go to Nafre now.” Shezmu said looking at Ishin.

“Papa!” she cried in annoyance.

“Nahut, I said go now.” He said firmly.

“Yes sir.” She said walking away dejected.

“What is wrong with my little one?” Shezmu demanded.

“She lost a pup by the silver mutt and she ran into the uppyr ruler. He demands her back and he told their daughter that she was dead. She is broken and we are having a rough time reaching her. Since you were bonded to her; we hoped you could try and pull her out of this and maybe pummel the uppyr for us.” Ishin said quietly.

“He is the only one I resent. I rejoice in you and the shape shifter as you two adore my heart as much as I do. I am her very distant past and your brother her middle. You do realize that you are her present.” Shezmu stated.

“I had not thought on it that way.” He said surprised.

“Three soul mates. One for each life she has lived. You should never resent Naraku or me. We are the ones that will stand the test of time.” Shezmu said raising a brow.

“I misjudged you.” Ishin muttered.

“I have lived a very long time Lord Ishin. I knew her as Akana and she has changed much and in some ways not at all. We were devoted to the other in that life but our culture this whole thing is normal. The few female pharaohs had many mates and no one thought on it. I resent only the uppyr because he touched Akana when she still lived. I cannot forgive him that for she was my mate and my wife. He knew she was from Thebes and he did not send word to us at all.” Shezmu said bitterly.

“I do not understand your history.” Ishin said gently.

“It rivals your own tragic past Ishin. I suffered greatly and I lost the love of my life and three of my pups did not survive. You know the anguish when Ayana was ripped from you and yes my little one asked the wraith for her back to ease your pain. She has great passion for us three and may fancy and love others; we are her center and we are core of power and yes love. She must always be safe with us and never fear our anger.” He said to the kumo lord.

“You are very wise.” Ishin said ashamed.

“Come my friend. Let us to our beloved shall we? Nahut! Come pup.” Shezmu said as his daughter ran to him.

Shezmu picked her up and she butted her nose against his. The ancient inu laughed and ported to Korea. Ishin followed and led him to the room Naraku and Asuna slept in.

“Lord Naraku.” Shezmu said softly.

“Shezmu-sama!” Naraku said amazed.

Nahut struggled in his arms and he let her down. She ran to Asuna and snuggled up against her mother. Shezmu smiled as did Naraku.

“Hi Naku!” she said smirking at him.

“Hello my little lady.” Naraku said smiling.

“Nahut?” I asked waking up.

“mama?” She asked me.

“Precious! I am so glad to see you! My sweet girl!” I said holding her tightly.

“Hello little one.” Shezmu said.

I looked at Shezmu and I held back my tears.

“Shezmu. Wedja.” I said softly.

“Wedja my heart. My soul.” He said softly sitting by me.

“Come Ishin. Let us give them privacy.” Naraku said picking up Nahut.

“Hai.” Ishin said following Naraku.

Shezmu waited for them to leave and he lifted my chin.

“Say the word and I will get Rina for you.” He said quietly.

“No. She thinks I am dead and I cannot take the only parent she has ever known away from her. I have to let her go. I have to move on. It is hard right now.” I said looking away.

“The wraith was cruel bringing your general back.” He said taking my hand.

“In this life I have never not loved Yuudai.” I said broken.

“I know. I also know we three love you with our whole beings. We are who you can count on and our love will not change little one. You are my Akana as my precious Asuna.” He said holding my face.

“Shezmu.” I stated closing my eyes.

“When I wanted to die you held me up. You gave me your strength and now you can do the same with me, Naraku, and Ishin. We are the four souls beloved. You know this right?” he asked.

My eyes widened when he said the words.

“Aramitama, Nigimitama, Sakimitama, Kushimitama.” I stated in a whisper.

“Yes. You are Sakimitama. Now you have to face your youki so to speak but we are here and we are your foundation beloved. You can face these things; you have faced much worse in your previous lives. You can face this.” He said lifting my face up.

“They want you to live with us.” I said meeting his eyes.

“I am happily situated my heart. They deserve their time with you without me.” He smiled.

“I owe you a son.” I said looking sad.

“I am happy Asuna. We have Nafre and we have Nahut.” He smiled.

“I know where Ahkmet went.” I said suddenly.

“Where?” he asked shocked.

“Scotland. There are ookami there have blue eyes and fire yoki.” I said softly.

“He went that far north? He must have settled amongst the wolves up there. Dear Gods!” he said sitting back.

“He had your sire's eyes.” I said remembering.

“Yes. You wish to go back to England? I will go with you. I should like to see this Scotland.” He said sitting by me.

“Let Nahut stay with Ishin and Naraku. She misses her siblings.” I said laying my head on his shoulder.

“That will be fine. I will sniff around the Highlands or would you like to join me?” he asked.

“I will join you. I miss Osamu.” I said sighing.

He pulled me up and we walked out to the main room. Ishin met my eyes and his were full of love. I smiled at him and at Naraku.

“I am taking her to see Osamu. Nahut you will stay here and play with your brothers and sisters. Ishin and Naraku we can talk later about your thoughts.” Shezmu said smiling.

Naraku inclined his head and so did Ishin. Shezmu dipped into my mind and we ported to Scotland.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

He was moving through the forest and was amazed at the cool climate. He could not believe his son had come this far north. He had seen the hanyou named Collum and he scented the relationship. He was in shock and went in search of this Anice. He sensed many auras and he smirked. He scented the relation and it was stronger in the she wolf. He turned and saw a large black female growling terribly. His face was neutral and she transformed.

“Who are ye?” she demanded.

“My name is Shezmu. I was wondering if you are Duchess Halkirk?” he asked.

“Why de ye want te know?” she demanded.

“I would know of your ancestors she wolf.” He said leaning against a tree.

“Why would ye care?” she said coming closer.

“I scent you Lady Anice. You carry my blood in your veins. I am missing a son and I would know when he died.” Shezmu said bluntly.

“Ye are no wolf.” She said stunned.

“No. I am half dog and half uppyr. My father was pharaoh of Egypt more than three millennium ago.” He answered.

“Oh my God!” she said backing up.

“Do you know of a blue eyed, ebony haired ancestor?” he demanded.

“Ye speak of me grandfather.” She said coming closer.

“That would make me your great grand father. Well hello.” Shezmu said smirking.

“I dona believe it! He never talks of his past.” She said with wide eyes.

“Where is he?” Shezmu said grabbing her shoulders.

“In my castle! He isna a mutt!” she said in an angry tone.

“Oh my son is only a quarter inpu my dear. He masks it seems.” He said.

Shezmu dipped into her mind and she gasped. He ported them both to her fortress and began searching out the aura of his son.

“Where is he?” he demanded.

“Why should I tell ye?” she yelled.

“Ahkmet! Ahkmet!” Shezmu yelled.

“His isna named Ahkmet! His name is Aindrea. Leave him alone!” she snarled.

“Tell me where he is!” he snapped.

She growled but she ran up some steps. Her grand father was not old looking but he was old in his mind and heart. She knocked on his door and he did not answer. She opened it slowly and peeked in.

“Paw?” she called out.

“Anice, I am tired my girl. What do ye want?” he answered.

“Paw there is someone here that says ye know him. He's a mutt paw.” She said in a shaky tone.

“Who?” the old male said coming forward.

Shezmu stared at his son whom he had not seen in more than two thousand years. Ahkmet looked stunned and sat down immediately.

“Papa.” He said in shock.

“Son.” Shezmu said coming closer.

“I did not know you lived.” He said meeting his sire's eyes.

“I did not know you lived either Ahkmet. Do you prefer I call Aindrea?” he asked.

“No papa. You can call me Ahkmet.” He said turning red.

“Paw?” Anice said her jaw dropping.

“Go on my girl.” Ahkmet said.

She was shaky and he stared at his father. Very old and very painful memories assaulted him.

“You look well papa.” He said softly.

“I am well. Nafre is alive.” Shezmu said.

“I know.” He said looking away.

“Why did you isolate yourself my son?” he asked horrified.

“The screams would not stop papa! Mother's screams and Nafre being raped! I watched my elder brother die trying to save me.” He said looking away.

“Nahut is alive.” Shezmu said making him look at him.

“No. You lie! They took her. I saw mother stabbed to death and they took our baby. No Nahut is dead papa!” Ahkmet said in anguish.

“No! Do you remember the silver haired bitch that came to us right before we buried my father?” he asked.

“Yes. She disappeared.” He answered.

“No she did not. Ahkmet she is Akana. She was reborn my son. She is here; your mother is here.” He said fiercely.

“Do not lie to me!” he said standing and screaming.

“I do not lie. I never knew how much you suffered. You never spoke. I swear I tried to ease it for you.” Shezmu said with unshed tears.

“Papa how could you make it better? You could not make it better for you. You were defeated and so sad all the time. It should have been me and not Judafre. He was your eldest son. He should have lived and not me!” Ahkmet cried.

“You left and I never knew where to find you. You hid yourself away.” Shezmu said in old pain.

“It was my fault! I could not save anyone. I could not save you or mama.” Ahkmet said wiping away tears.

“Ahkmet come with me. Come with me and see your mother. You will know I speak the truth!” Shezmu said.

His son nodded slowly and he slowly opened the door.

“Anice! Come here my girl!” Ahkmet called.

Ahkmet's granddaughter came in and she looked at her grandfather and his father apparently. Her eyes were wide as she entered the room.

“This is my father Anice.” Ahkmet said softly.

“Yer his paw?” Anice said shocked.

“Yes I am.” Shezmu said bowing.

“Oh my God! I am a dog?” she asked in shock.

“Very small bit my dear. Your grandmamma was full she wolf.” Ahkmet answered.

“Yer Egyptian?” Anice asked in more shock.

“Aye.” He nodded.

“Ye lied te us?” Anice stated in anger.

“I do no speak of it Anice. Yer maw maw grandmamma passed on and yer all I have my girl.” Ahkmet said holding his face.

“Where are ye taking him?” Anice asked.

“Sutherland Castle.” Shezmu answered.

“Whose at the fox castle?” she asked.

“His mother.” Shezmu stated.

Anice fainted and Ahkmet shook his head. Shezmu looked amused as his son picked up his grand daughter. He laid the she wolf on the bed and he sighed.

“She has been through a lot. She lost her mate with the Bruce and she has had te rule since he died.” He said.

“You have picked up the accent some.” Shezmu remarked.

“I know. I have been here a long time.” He shrugged.

“Well come.” He said.

Ahkmet gulped and Shezmu ported them away. They appeared in chambers at the kitsune castle and he looked around.

“Collum comes here often.” Ahkmet stated.

“The hanyou?” Shezmu asked.

“Yes. He is a good boy father. He is my great grand son and it is getting too confusing. I stay in the shadows so I dona scare the humans.” He sighed.

“Does this Collum know you?” his father asked.

“Aye. He should. I raised his mother and Anice.” Ahkmet shrugged.

Shezmu nodded and they descended some steps and Lord Kimbrace looked up shocked to his great grand father. He cocked his head to the side and he mouthed why. Ahkmet saw the silver haired female from so long ago.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I turned when I felt Shezmu and my eyes widened. My youngest son as Akana stood by Shezmu. I stood up and moved towards my mate and left my brother speaking. Lord Kimbrace came forward as well.

“Pawpaw what are ye doing here?” Collum asked.

“Excuse me?” I asked Collum.

“That is my pawpaw. Whose the dog?” Collum asked.

“Oh my Kamis.” I said stunned.

“Asuna.” Shezmu said softly.

I walked forward and Ahkmet's face showed his disbelief and astonishment. He lifted his hands to my face and I nuzzled them instinctual.

“Mother?” Ahkmet asked with a shaky voice.

“Yes it is me.” I said in Egyptian.

“Mother?” he cried as he grabbed me and held on.

“Pawpaw what is going on?” Collum asked shocked.

“Hush boy.” Ahkmet said as he held onto me.

“You have been here this whole time and I did not know?” I asked holding onto him tightly.

“When did you die? When did you remember?” he asked pulling back.

“I was killed in Babylon and I remembered a few years ago. Nahut is alive. You remember me when I came back?” I asked.

“Yes but I was young!” he cried.

“Yes I know. One of my allies allowed me back so I could right some wrongs done in that life. I brought Nahut here so that your papa and I could raise her. Nafre is in China and your uncle is alive as well.” I said hugging him fiercely.

“By the Gods mama.” He said holding onto me tightly.

“Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Collum snapped.

“Collum! This is my mother.” Ahkmet said.

“Yer ancient pawpaw! How can Lady Asuna be yer mother?” he asked in disbelief.

“Collum, I lived before in Egypt. My name was Akana and I was mated to Shezmu here. Ahkmet was my second son.” I said looking at him.

“This is insane. Are ye telling me that yer like my great great grandmother?” Collum asked in total shock.

“In spirit yes. In body no I am not.” I said meeting his eyes.

“Good God. Pawpaw yer from this strange land?” Collum asked raising a brow.

“Aye.” He nodded.

“So ye lied to us by not saying a thing?” Lord Kimbrace said in anger.

“I didna speak of it because it hurt to much te think about it boy. I watched everyone I loved or cared about murdered or nearly murdered. Life was different fer me so shut up!” Ahkmet said in old pain.

“Collum can I speak to your grandsire for awhile please?” I asked trying to soothe the hanyou.

“Sure. When yer done please make sure he lies some more!” Collum said in anger.

“Collum it was not meant as such!” I said sternly.

“This is crazy ye know. Ye tell me ye have lived befer and yer like an ancient relative. Wer ye someone great or something?” he demanded.

“I was mated to Egypt's crown prince. I bore him five pups. Judafre and Bastat did not survive. They were heinously killed like my own pups were killed. Collum, my past two lives were tragic but I remember them clearly.” I said softly.

“So ye were royalty back then too. Well Lady Asuna good te know yer a distant relation. I willna make the mistake of caring fer ye inappropriately!” he snapped.

Collum stormed away and I sighed. Osamu came forward and he was in shock. I had told him everything but to hear it was a surprise.

“I am her twin brother Osamu.” My twin said bowing.

“Good te know ye.” Ahkmet said bowing in return.

“My mate is Aileana MacLean.” Osamu said.

“She is a good girl.” Ahkmet said.

I was floored and my son came to sit by me as we talked and he listened raptly. We stayed up into wee hours of the morning and Shezmu held me as I talked.

“I am so happy. I am so happy to see ye papa. Mama, I thought ye had died.” He said softly.

“I did Ahkmet. I was sold into slavery by the jackals and I was set free by a young Hebrew uppyr. You know him as Prince Vlad Tepest now. I was bereft and I had myself killed by the mortals to try and enter the afterlife but of course your papa was still alive. We rediscovered each other nearly a decade ago in Rome.” I explained.

“I should have stayed. I should have helped ye papa.” He said looking ashamed.

“There was nothing to be done Ahkmet. She was ripped from us and none of us ever got over it. The Gods decided to reunite us and here we are.” Shezmu said softly as he nuzzled my neck.

“I am so glad te see ye both. I am gonna check on Anice. She was put out and she will cuss me up and down. She is a good girl though. I had te raise her and her sister because their mama died. It broke my heart but she died in child birth.” Ahkmet explained.

I yawned and my son grabbed me and held on as if for dear life. He finally let go and wiped the tears from his face. I wiped away mine as well and I watched him port away.

“Shezmu?” I asked in the darkened room.

“Yes little one.” He said in my ear.

I turned in his arms and began kissing him madly. He responded and I wondered if I could end having a pup like I did with Ishin and Naraku. I was getting hotter and wetter every second as I kissed him and he moaned softly.

“Asuna. Our chambers.” He moaned out softly.

“Why?” I asked mischievously.

“I need you. I need to feel you around me.” He groaned.

“Hai.” I said as I undid his ku.

His eyes flew open as I settled in his lap. He bit back a tremendous groan and I sighed at the feeling of him. I knew I got my brazenness from Akana. I had my moments that I knew I acted just like Sorami. He moved forward and I ended up on my back on the bench. We began feverishly kissing and holding onto the other as his thrusts were long and languid. I flared my yoki and he bit back a snarl as I applied all of it to him. He released my lips and clamped his jaws shut tightly.

-What are you doing? - he pathed.

“Taking you completely.” I mumbled.

I pressed him forcefully with my power and I yanked on his. His claws gouged the wood of the bench and one set pierced my side. I cried out and I felt the heat. I had never experienced it with him and I moaned out as I drew it forth. I began perspiring heavily and his eyes had turned crimson.

“Shezmu! Kamis so very hot.” I moaned.

“You are channeling.” He groaned out as I continued to amplify his yoki.

“Harder my love.” I cried out.

He began harder thrusts and I was engulfed in the intensity of his yoki and his love. I was reaching a boiling point and I had to clamp down on his juncture to muffle my scream as I released violently. He bit down on my juncture as well to silence his own cries as he shook quite hard against me as he was awash in the combined yoki and his immense release. I blacked out momentarily and he was gently shaking me awake.

“Little one! Please wake up.” He murmured in my ear.

“Hai?” I asked in an almost drugged state.

“It is always amazing with you.” He mumbled softly.

I looked around and we were in the room that Cawley had given us. I laid my head back down and smiled at my gorgeous mate.

“I have never channeled you like that before.” I said sighing in the memory.

“The yoki was immense. I am surprised we were not disturbed.” He said lazily running his hand up my thigh.

“I had a barrier up.” I said smirking.

“Ah well that explains it. I was too involved feeling your wonderful bliss to care.” He said laying his head down.

“Scent me later.” I mumbled as I fell asleep.

Shezmu stared down at her puzzled and shrugged. He allowed himself to fall asleep and glory in the awesome bliss that always consumed him in their aftermath of their lovemaking.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

“Oh Kamis!” I said stumbling over Shezmu to get to the chamber pot.

He looked up and I began retching into the pot. I was thrilled as I vomited and Shezmu came over to me. He rubbed my back and he scented me closely.

“Asuna! Little one how?” he asked shocked.

“We rutted goose.” I said smirking.

“I know that but you were not in heat!” he said lightly.

“Mizuki was conceived this way as well as the twins and Ayana.” I said stretching.

“You forced your own body into a small heat.” He said in surprise.

“Hai I guess. I have never questioned how; I just know it happens with Naraku and Ishin, why not you too?” I said leaning over and vomiting more.

He looked concerned and I lay back on the bed absolutely thrilled. I began giggling and he looked down at me.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked softly.

“Hai. Oh hai!” I said leaning up a little and kissing him.

“Asuna.” He said softly as laid his head to my belly.

“I wonder what it will be like to have pup just like both of us.” I said smiling.

“Beautiful beyond compare.” He said kissing my belly.

“Hai. Kamis Shezmu! I am terrible. I loose Yuuta's pup only to get pupped so soon?” I asked.

“I will speak with Yuuta myself. I wish for you to mask it for awhile so he is not hurt. You are strong enough for that. I want out pup to have your hair.” He said nipping my belly.

“I want him to have your eyes. You have the most seductive brown eyes I have ever beheld.” I said nipping his lips.

“Your crest. I want him to have your crest.” He said nipping my throat.

“I wish him to have your lovely skin.” I stated kissing him deeply.

We ended up making love again and I was completely at peace at the moment.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Shezmu had returned to Jining and I had returned to England. I was going to stay a week or so then I was going to deal with my issues in Japan. I was sitting with Jaime and Anne as we discussed all manner of impertinent things. Vlad was in the English countryside and I was at court. It worked out well. Aldwyn was my companion at court and I enjoyed it.

“Needless to say that I was in an alcove praying my father did not show up and kill my lover.” I said in a low tone.

Anne snickered and I could tell she knew. She winked at me and I adored her. Aldwyn knew I was pregnant again and he did not say a word. I had shown him some history books and explained about Shezmu. He was in awe of my mate's age. I was strolling in the gardens when I sensed Naraku. I smiled at him and I ran into his arms. He swung me around and kissed me lightly.

“Work on him. Ishin really likes the ancient mutt and I am always in awe of him. How are you feeling?” he asked walking beside me.

“Surprisingly good. I can handle a pup just like me.” I stated.

“Who do you have here?” I heard from my side.

“Queen Anne! This is one of my mates. This is Lord Naraku!” I said beaming.

She curtsied and Naraku bowed. She looked at me and smiled widely.

“You said he was handsome but you did not say he was this gorgeous!” she said smiling.

“Pardon?” Naraku asked.

“She thinks you are stunning.” I said poking him in the ribs.

“I see. Well I am heading home. I wanted to see you koi. Tell the ningen I said goodbye.” He said lightly kissing me and he moved into the shrubbery.

“He is rather serious minded. He said goodbye by the way.” I stated.

“He is beautiful! He has such gorgeous hair!” she cried.

“Yes. Many women would murder him for it. Ishin is just as delicious.” I said smirking.

“I know you are a demon. I am not afraid of you.” She said smiling.

“I figured you knew. Did your husband tell you?” I asked walking with her.

“No but I figured it out. No woman recovers from a miscarriage that fast.” She said wanly.

“No. Is your husband like I think he is?” I asked.

“Yes. He loves me very much but I know he likes men as well. He is good to me and does right by me.” She said looking forward.

“Does he keep you satisfied?” I asked bluntly.

“Sometimes. I am alright with it. He is my best friend and I tell him everything.” Anne stated.

“Well it sounds as if you need a lover.” I said looking over at her.

“I am not as brazen as you.” She laughed.

“Well I am going to nap before we sup.” I said softly.

“I look forward to dinner then.” She smiled.

She walked on and I was almost to the palace when I felt hands on me. Only another uppyr could sneak up on me so. I stiffened as Eyal turned me around.

“You have openly defied me.” He said in anger.

“I am tired Eyal. I thought we had come to a consensus when you took off to Japan. You tattled on me to Yuudai?” I said in a tired voice.

“I thought to inform the sire of your pup that you had lost it.” He said raising a brow.

“You were being considerate. Thank you but my mother handled it. She told me what you have lead Rina to believe about me. I shall not destroy her illusion and let her think I did not want her or love her. Let her think her mother died. This hurts me terribly but you have convinced yourself that I abandoned you. If that is what you choose then so be it. I shall not hurt my daughter to get back at you. I bid you good day Eyal. I hope you find some measure of happiness.” I said trying to move away.

“I found happiness.” He said in my ear.

“Not with me. Maybe at one time with Syna but never with me. We made a beautiful girl.” I said as tears fell.

“I am a product of my experiences Asuna. I reacted badly.” He said in a toneless voice.

“You tried to save us the pain of a relationship. You knew yourself well enough and I pushed. I am sorry for that but I shall not repeat my mistake.” I said as tonelessly.

“This is why I did not want a relationship. I had learned you well enough to know you cannot handle the amount of emotion that I am capable of!” he hissed.

“You have Rina. I cannot give you anything else. Terian wanted to break me and she damn near did. I did not think you would be a casualty of her but then I should have expected it. My mother tried to warn me.” I said sighing.

He grabbed my arms and shook me hard. He was furious and looked quite dangerous at the moment. I did not fight him and he let me go.

“You betrayed me worse than Syna ever did!” he said coldly.

“As you wish Eyal.” I said in the same toneless voice.

“Do not ridicule me!” he snarled.

“I am not! I am agreeing with you. If you wish to castigate me then go ahead. I am the devil and a monster right? Go ahead and hate me. I have nothing else you can take; the wraith took my dignity with this body and you took my daughter. Goodbye.” I said again trying to leave.

“Silver tongued she devil!” he hissed holding onto me.

“Shall we officially divorce? Would that make this easier for you?” I asked honestly.

“Nothing about this is easy.” He growled.

I said nothing and he was very, very angry. He walked me backwards and held my chin in his powerful hand. His eyes were burning crimson as he slowly began undressing me. I looked at him surprised and he glowered at me. He brushed my nipples gently and traced my lower lip with a claw. I gasped quite softly as his hand drifted along my body. He titled my head back as he continued to touch me softly.

“I gave you my soul woman.” He growled in profound anger.

“Take it back.” I answered.

“I am taking it back. I am taking it all back.” He said in a low snarl.

He sank to his knees and spread my thighs; he located my femoral artery and sank his fangs in. I shut my eyes to it and it hurt. I yelped in pain and I stared at him. He looked at me in anger and pulled away from my center.

“You should feel what you so gleefully inflict.” He snapped.

“How much was the wraith and how much was you Vlad?” I asked narrowing my eyes.

“You wish for my total and complete hatred?” he demanded.

“I wish for you to leave me alone.” I said holding back anger.

“No. You are my wife and I have the right to want to sink into your depths.” He said in a sultry tone.

I said nothing and he grew angrier. He tilted my head back and he lowered his mouth to mine. He plundered it and bruised my lips with his intensity. I growled and his bit into my tongue but this time it did not hurt. Pleasure exploded in my brain and I moaned against him. I responded to his kiss with ardor of my own as he continued to plunder me. He pulled his mouth from mine and I bit back my whine. I watched as he stripped his linen shirt and undid his breeches. He pulled us down and he was behind me. He slipped a leg between mine and he pushed into me hard. I cried out and he did not move as he was growling and moaning.

“Asuna.” He said in a pained voice.

“Eyal!” I moaned out in a desperate voice.

I tightened on him and he shook against me. I began to shake but he still stayed within me. I cried out in anguish as he denied us both.

“Bastard! Bastard!” I hissed.

“If I am to loose you then I intend to memorize how you feel.” He growled in my ear.

I shuddered against him and I pushed my bottom against his groin. He groaned but did not move. I was getting insane with need and I snarled in frustration.

“This is to punish me?” I asked in a strangled voice.

“Da.” He hissed.

“Hateful!” I snarled.

He said nothing and his body was shaking with strain. I too was shaking as he refused to move. I began to sob and he still refused us both. I tried to grab a hand and sink my fangs in and I screamed.

“Asuna.” He whispered hoarsely.

“What?” I yelled.

I felt his fangs at my neck and his hands were kneading a breast lightly and my hip. He slipped his fangs deeply into my jugular and I closed my eyes as the rapture raced through my blood.

“Take me in. Kamis Eyal please! More take more.” I begged him.

He grunted and I felt his tongue lapping at the puncture wounds. I moaned out as he drank from me. I had lost my mind to the tremendous pressure in my loins and the indescribable need. My hands flexed as he drank deeply. He pulled his head back and gasped loudly.

“What do you want from me Asuna?” he asked deeply.

“Move!” I snapped.

“Not yet.” He growled in my ear.

“I hate you! I hate you!” I began snarling.

“Do you? Am I still that wraith? I can and will control myself.” He snapped harshly.

“Very good Eyal! Let me release please!” I cried out.

“Tell me what you want from me Asuna.” He said in a nasty tone.

“I wish for peace with you.” I said moaning loudly.

I managed to grab his forearm and I bit into his wrist. I flooded him immediately and he groaned out louder then I had ever heard. I dipped into his mind and his cries of passion were building. We both were trembling violently as he fought not to take me. I opened my mind to him and laid myself bare. He seemed shocked at my actions and he sank his fangs back into me. I began incoherent moaning as my nerves became electrified. I sensed him all about me and I tried to scream but it came out as soundless. He too was being consumed by the unadulterated sensations as we delved deeper into each other. I was trying in desperation to bring about some sort of completion. I was mentally thrown into rapture as my body reacted as well. He shouted out and he moved suddenly in me. I was thrown again into the euphoria as I took part in absolute and uncorrupted ecstasy. I experienced the agony and frenzy of our separation and I could not be from it or him. I sensed the upcoming elation and jubilation of complete surrender. I leaned my head back to join my sensitive flesh to his; the brilliance of a magnificent release consumed us one and the same. He held onto me and I was numb. My limbs were completely leaden and I heard him trying to catch his breath. He sluggishly ported us to his bed and he fell to his back. He had intended to punish me but it had turned into paradise.

“Asuna.” He said in a hoarse whisper.

“Tired.” I muttered.

“Sorry. So sorry.” He said crawling over my body.

“Fix it.” I breathed in a nearly comatose state.

He knew what I meant and he knew I wanted him to tell Rina the truth. He knew I wanted him to admit to our daughter how much I loved her and I wanted her to come with me at times.

“I shall.” He said cleaving to me.

“I will not survive.” I said breathlessly.

My eyes grew heavier and I knew because I felt it; I felt what our yoki had done. I feared that in such a profound moment of love and passion that it would kill me. I feared I would be felled by my own.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I was being roused and I opened my eyes. Eyal was above me and Rina was sitting next to me.

“Mama?” she asked.

“Hai.” I mumbled.

“You live?” she asked.

“Hai and I love you so much baby girl. Mama had to fight very bad people but I am here. I have always loved you my precious.” I said weakly.

Tears ran down her face and she pressed her tiny body to mine. I wrapped my arm around her and she sighed happily. She fell asleep and Eyal watched me with such love and tenderness on his face.

“I may not make it.” I said softly.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“I am so tired.” I murmured.

“I am too my dearest.” He said lying down and watching me.

“I am giving you another.” I said watching him.

“You are pregnant already.” He said quietly.

“Hai I know. I carry within me one just like me and another almost pure uppyr.” I said fighting blackness.

“Asuna?” he asked surprised.

“Hai?” I asked turning me head.

“You cannot leave me. I love you.” He said holding me up.

“So much yoki and you two are ancient. Your babes take much from me.” I said closing my eyes.

“Shezmu?” he asked gently.

“Hai.” I said closing my eyes.

“Asuna. You need to take in blood.” He said softly.

“I need to sleep.” I said trying to fall back in oblivion.

“Asuna! Wake up!” he cried.

I kept my eyes open and he cut his wrist and fed me as he had done with Rina. He fed me till I felt him weaken considerably. He lay beside me and made sure I was awake.

“You need to seek out the Egyptian as well.” He muttered.

“I will.” I said in a whisper.

“I was terribly wrong.” He said kissing my hand.

“No matter now.” I said softly.

“I will not loose you again.” He said fiercely.

“So beautiful Eyal. It truly was so very beautiful.” I muttered.

“Da.” He said running his fingers through my hair.

“So much.” I said choking back my feelings.

“Da. Please rest my love. He will hate me.” He said brushing his knuckles across my cheek.

“Loves me. I am sorry I did not tell you the truth. I am sorry I left it to Syna. I should have told you.” I said as my eyes grew heavier.

“Rest my lover. We rebound ourselves you realize.” He said holding my hand.

“Hai. I felt it.” I muttered.

He stood and he moved away. I brushed Rina's hair off her crested forehead. My eyes kept grow heavier and I tried to fight to stay awake.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Aldwyn was searching for her and could not sense her at all. The queen had said she had left her in the gardens. He seethed and went in search of Prince Vlad. He pounded on the doors and Jarek answered. Jarek crossed his arms as he stared at the Welsh dog.

“Where is Lady Asuna?” he demanded.

“None of your damn business!” Jarek snapped.

“You are getting on my last nerve Tepest.” Aldwyn growled.

“As if I care?” Jarek snapped.

“Jarek? Who is there?” Vlad said coming forward.

“Where is she Tepest?” Aldwyn snarled.

“In my bed sleeping at the moment. She is my wife!” he growled.

“You bastard! She wanted nothing to do with you!” Aldwyn said in a fury.

“I have a very long history with her and you are nothing but a toy. I suggest you leave dog.” Vlad said in a voice dripping with disdain.

“You will rue your actions uppyr. Rot you blood drinking bastard.” Aldwyn said leaving the Romanian chambers.

“Jarek, please watch over her and Rina. They sleep in my room. I need to find the Egyptian.” He said sighing.

“Please be careful father.” Jarek shuddered.

“He may be older Jarek but I am not without my own resources. I do not lead our kind for no reason.” Vlad stated.

“Yes Father.” Jarek said sighing.

Vlad ported to the image in Asuna's mind. He looked around a very desert like environment and felt the ancient hybrid uppyr. Shezmu came out immediately and began growling as he saw him.

“I am not here to fight. She needs you.” Vlad said.

“Why? She was fine when I left her!” Shezmu said dangerously.

“Why not come see to her and your puppy.” Vlad said disdainfully.

Shezmu growled fiercely and ported away to his beloved's side. Rina was sleeping tucked next to her. He felt her and she was drained terribly.

“Little one.” He murmured.

“Wedja.” I muttered.

“Wedja beloved. You and the uppyr have come to an understanding?” he asked gently.

“Hai. Finally believes me.” I said softly.

“Little one there are two pups.” He said lifting me up.

“I know. So strong and you both have lived so long.” I mumbled.

“By the Gods! Little one the pups are draining your yoki already?” he asked horrified.

“Hai. I know not what to do.” I said in a whisper.

“You will be fine. I will not let anything happen to you.” He said clutching me to him.

“You could give her your blood and that would help.” Eyal said from the door.

“You could not leave her alone?” Shezmu said in a fury.

“You are not the only one that loves her Egyptian! She is married to me!” Eyal said in a cold voice.

“We are inpu and have no need of such trite and meaningless ceremonies!” Shezmu growled loudly.

“Right so meaningless. Heathen creature you are! Give her your blood fool.” Eyal said moving closer.

“You dared to touch her before and you could not convince her to live? You are not worth the dirt beneath my feet Hebrew!” Shezmu said in a dangerous tone.

“Stop.” I said weakly.

“You supposedly had some epic bond with Akana and you did not feel her alive? She lived with me for nearly a year Egyptian before she took her life. You where were you? I tried to save her and you were an Egyptian royal probably having your ass wiped by my people!” Eyal said in a tremendous snarl.

“Stop it! It was my fault! I shielded so that you would not know what I was. Shezmu you would not have felt me. I was nearly a pure uppyr and you could not have sensed me if I chose. Do not blame him Eyal. You were not there when Thebes was sacked. You have no idea of the devastation.” I managed.

“I will not stand here and have some worthless Egyptian prince tell me anything! You have no idea of what real life was like bastard and I loved her with my whole being! I would have died for her over and over. I never felt for another until she came back to me. Espouse your royal attitude somewhere else!” Eyal growled at Shezmu.

Rina watched in horror as her sire was growling and snarling at a stranger.

“You knew she was Egyptian. You should have tried Hebrew. You should have tried to find her family. I know from her memories that you knew the name of our pups. You did nothing!” Shezmu hissed.

“That was almost two thousand years ago. Here and now is what matters, no give her your blood you retarded fuck!” Eyal snapped.

“Not in front of Rina!” I snapped at Eyal.

“Of course.” He said picking up our daughter.

“You will face me when she is well. You will answer for all you have done uppyr.” Shezmu said as he cut into his neck with his claws.

He pulled me up and I sank my fangs into his neck. I drank from him and I felt Eyal leave the room with Rina. I took in a huge amount and Shezmu laid me back.

“Little one you are going to have to be bed ridden the whole time. You will not have the strength to do much more.” He said brushing my hair off my forehead.

“Okay.” I said softly.

“What happened? Did he accost you?” Shezmu demanded.

“No. We argued badly and things led from there. You cannot blame him for my past life Shezmu. I was mated to him before I remembered. You cannot take Rina's sire from her. You cannot do what was done to our pups!” I said fiercely.

“Damnit little one! How can you care for him?” he said in a wretched tone.

“I do. Shezmu please do not be angry with me.” I said holding his face.

“I am not angry with you. I resent your partners who are not your soul mates. I was mated to you for two hundred sixty four years Asuna. I know you are different in this incarnation but I cannot help what I feel!” he said impassioned.

“I do love him.” I said gently.

“He had better remember who you are! He had better respect your needs or I will kill him. I will kill him as I should have done before. You were my wife and my mate before you ever knew he existed!” He yelled.

“Shezmu!” I said as he ported out.

Eyal came in slowly and he was wrathful. He held me up and fed me again.

“Shhh. It will be alright. Should I take you back to Japan?” he asked.

“Qinghai. My favorite palace is at Qinghai.” I said sleepily.

“Image it in your mind. I will bring Rina. I swear I will never keep her from you again.” He said in a sorrowful tone.

“Hai.” I said closing my eyes and imagining Qinghai.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I woke up and Nobu was sitting by the futon. He moved to me and held me up. He pressed a cup to my lips and I drank.

“Yasu and I think we have figured a way to help you. You are going to need massive amounts of blood for the first few months. Both these little ones have such large amounts of uppyr in them. I have met with the uppyr doctor named Luca as well. If we can get you through the first trimester then you should be fine. It is whilst they are growing and developing so fast that you will need the bed rest.” He said feeling my head.

“I am craving the blood but I am so exhausted.” I said.

“I imagine you are. Ishin and Naraku are in the antechamber.” He said.

“Nobu, why did you leave Juuna?” I asked.

He stiffened but met my eyes.

“I am called away all the time and I was seeing very little of her and my son. It is not fair to expect her to be faithful when I am gone so much. I freed her because I do love her and I always will. I cannot let someone die if I can help it.” He answered.

“She would have understood.” I replied.

“I hated myself for it and I am wretched without her but it was the right thing to do. No one will tell me of her and her father brings Nobuyuki and he says nothing about Juuna.” Nobu said frowning.

“She has moved on.” I said softly.

“Do not lie to me my lady. I am almost ten centuries and I can handle news.” He said straightening up.

“She took an inu noble as a lover and they have had twins. Imari and Isamu.” I replied.

“Inu?” he asked surprised.

“Hai.” I nodded.

“Who?” he asked.

“I am not allowed to say. My sire is protecting Juuna for she is not officially mated. She refuses.” I say laying back.

“You know who?” Nobu asked.

“Not really.” I shrugged.

I could see jealousy eating him and he had thought he was doing the right thing but he still loved her.

“I want to know!” he said in anger.

“You lost the right when you let her go. Juuna does not cry Nobu and she locked herself in her father's castle and cried herself silly. She was bereft and does not believe in anyone anymore. You broke her.” I said softly.

“How quick did she jump into another's futon?” he demanded.

“Nobu, you chose your calling over your mate. I respect your devotion but you cannot expect Juuna to stay around when you turned her away. Thank you for your care of me.” I said lying on my side.

I heard him leave and I sighed.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

“Ishin, my lord can I speak with you?” Nobu asked.

“Hai. She is awake?” Ishin asked.

“Hai. I gave her the fortified blood. I made a mistake Ishin. I want her back.” The kumo healer said distraught.

“My friend you cannot just waffle back and forth. Lady Juuna is quite settled I hear.” Ishin said sitting by his best friend.

“She never complained Ishin but I heard her pain. She was miserable so I thought I should let her go. I thought I was doing the right thing. Did you know she had twins?” he asked.

“I thought I heard that. Asuna mentioned that she birthed a boy and a girl.” Ishin shrugged.

“She must have rutted immediately after we split.” Nobu said bitterly.

“Did you expect her to never mate again?” Ishin asked.

“I am being irrational I know but I want her back Ishin.” Nobu said flatly.

“Nobu, she is under the personal protection of the Western house. That means someone related to Asuna must have sired those pups. Lord Sesshomaru would not just do that for anyone.” Ishin remarked.

“Someone from the House of the Moon?” Nobu asked as he brow furrowed.

“Hai. A Western royal got her pregnant. Let it go my friend.” Ishin said shaking his head.

“I cannot.” Nobu stated standing.

“Nobu you ask for much trouble.” Ishin stated.

“I know but I have to try. Asuna needs bed rest for two or three months. I am going to take the babes through her stomach to ensure they are born alright. Have you seen the Egyptian inu?” Nobu asked.

“Hai. He is crawling the walls. He hates the uppyr more than Naraku ever did. Shezmu talked to Yuuta and he is okay with everything. I like this inu; I really like him.” Ishin said shaking his head.

“I get the impression of a very good soul within him.” Nobu said bowing.

“Be careful my friend.” Ishin said sighing.

“Do you know?” he asked.

“No.” Ishin said.

“I know when you lie Ishin. I have known you all our lives.” Nobu stated.

“Hai I know. Asuna will murder me.” He said meeting his eyes.

“I understand. I will find out on my own. Does the inu love her?” Nobu asked softly.

“That I do not know.” Ishin said shaking his head.

“Thank you my lord.” Nobu said bowing.

He produced his shoki cloud and disappeared. He went to the West and changed into his true form. He spun a web and waited. Juuna came out of her parents' castle and she carried two infant inu. One was golden haired like her and the other was silver haired. She laid one in a cradle and fed the golden haired female first. She was humming a haunting tune that he recognized and his gut twisted. The silver male began whining as she fed the girl.

“You are a glutton little man. You are just like chichi, you like your food.” She cooed to the boy.

Nobuyuki ran out and kissed each pup and jumped up and down.

“Has Uncle Baku said it was alright?” Juuna asked.

“Hai! He say I train!” his son said jumping up and down.

“If it is alright with uncle then hai.” Juuna said as he stood on a sculpture and she kissed his lips quickly.

“Bye haha!” Nobuyuki cried as he ran back into the castle.

“Do you plan to stay in the tree Nobu?” Juuna said.

He was shocked and he changed form and jumped down with ease. She met his eyes calmly and then looked down at her pups.

“Nobuyuki is supposed to see you in two days; did you need him sooner?” she asked sweetly.

“I came to see you. I heard you had twins. I see the rumors were true.” He said softly.

“Hai it is true.” She nodded.

“You did not mate their sire?” he asked.

“No. I have what I wanted.” She said looking away.

“What did you want?” he asked kneeling.

“Not much. I have two beautiful pups and I have our son. I am content.” She said sweetly.

“Juuna.” He said frowning.

“Nobu, you treated me with dignity and you were honest with me. I am alright and I do not need placating. You were trying to be honorable and I know that. I was sad and I turned to their chichi but I know I do not need a mate. I cannot be left if I am not mated now can I? No one has to make a choice and this way I will not cry. Please if you wish go ahead and take Nobuyuki if you have a lull in your patients. I know you are busy.” She said pressing a palm to his cheek.

“Juuna.” He said hoarsely.

“You did right by yourself and those that needed you. How can I find fault with such a selfless individual? I am selfish Nobu and I wanted you to myself. I was wrong in wanting that and I know that. You are such a wonderful male with such a giving heart. You told me before we mated that you were devoted to your work. I wanted you so badly that I did not heed your words. I was a fool but I can learn from my mistakes. I am not a priority and I can accept that. The Kamis gives us each gifts and you are using yours. I should never have pursued you as you did warn me. Forgive me in my stupidity healer Nobu.” She said looking down.

Self hatred consumed him and he looked down. She was shielding from him and he could not sense a single emotion or thought.

“I am meant to be alone Nobu. Again I accept my fate and you should go on and do what you need to do for your patients. I think the pups have had enough sun for one day. I pray you continue to do good as your heart is in the right place.” She said kissing his forehead.

She stood and swooped down and picked up her male pup.

“Juuna! I cannot let you go. I cannot handle not loving you.” He said hoarsely.

“I was not your calling healer Nobu. I am apparently worthy of no one but that is my fate. Please go now as I hear Lady Asuna is quite weak with her own twins.” She said bowing.

“You are purposely being cruel with your words!” he accused.

“No, I am not. You left me Nobu. You told me you could not give me enough time and that you would not give up your calling. You said I was a hindrance and you should not ignore me but you had to. I knew your words to be true because I felt them. I was not Ine. I was not good enough for you. I thought I was strong enough but that sweet onna captured all of your heart and I was there to relieve your physical needs. You have replaced Ine with your patients and I understand that. I have seen you crying over her shrine and she must have been an angel. I am a failure as a mate but good enough in bed. I am glad I brought you pleasure.” She said as a single tear fell from her eye.

She stiffened and felt Inuyasha. She called for the nursemaid and spoke in inu with instructions. Nobu looked confused and angry at the interruption. She handed the twins over to their nursemaid and watched them with love.

“Nobu you stay here for what reason my friend? I am not angry and I am not bitter. As I have said I accept the situation for what it is and what my place was.” She said sitting on the chaise.

“I cry at Ine's shrine because it was my babe that killed her. I was not a healer at the time and this is my penance for killing her. She was a ningen who was frail and I loved her; I wanted a family as I lost all but Aya in the one great war. I hurt you and I am so sorry. I cannot manage without you Juuna. I somehow was trying to justify my self hatred by letting you go.” He said in a hoarse whisper.

“You can manage Nobu. You managed without me for nearly a millennium and you now have a son. Maybe that was the only purpose I was to serve, maybe I was just supposed to give you a babe. You are so good and so kind. I was a very good court bitch before I met you and I have done many things healer Nobu. This was my penance so to speak. I was supposed to do a good thing for my rotten actions in the past. No, I am meant to be alone and you are meant to save countless youki and ningen. I was never worthy of you and I know that now.” She said holding his face.

“That is a crock of shit!” Inuyasha said from the doorway.

“Who are you?” Nobu asked in anger.

“My lord I believe you met before when he helped Asuna with her pregnancy with Zihao. My prince, this is Nobuyuki's sire Nobu and healer Nobu, this is my Lord Inuyasha. He is the brother of my Lord Sesshomaru-sama. My lord here looks out for me.” She said softly.

“I suggest you get your kumo ass outa here before I kick it all the way back to Edo you dumb fuck!” Inuyasha said in a tremendous growl.

“This was a private conversation between the mother of my son and myself Lord Inuyasha.” Nobu said coldly.

“Yeah whatever. You ain't just gonna walk up in here and beg her back after you broke her heart! She doesn't need no damn eight legged bug.” Inuyasha snarled.

“My prince, I can handle this. You have matters that need your attention do you not? I am sure your are here to see your brother. This is a simple talk between friends.” Juuna said calmly.

“Right! You sit there and say that shit Juuna? Is that what you really think?” Inuyasha asked coldly.

“It is the truth. I am and I always shall be alone. I can never have what I want as I do not deserve it. How is that shit as you put it? Have I not committed sins that need apparent punishment? I was not good enough for a kind soul and the sire of my pups. Please leave both of you. I cannot handle both of your emotions. I am going to break down and that is for no one to see.” She said backing up.

“Juuna.” Nobu said standing.

“She said back off!” Inuyasha said in a nasty tone.

“That means you as well half breed.” Nobu said in retort.

“Please both of you. I thank you for checking on matters my lord. My sire is most thrilled with the help and Nobu you can assuage your guilt my friend; I know my place. I am to receive scraps and I accept that.” She said bowing and fleeing.

“You sire the twins you cheating bastard?” Nobu snapped.

“I'd be proud if I did! She's an amazing bitch but you ain't gonna get her back.” Inuyasha said in a snarl.

“How dare you interfere!” Nobu snapped.

“Get outta here!” the hanyou yelled.

Nobu produced his shoki mist and disappeared. Inuyasha was simmering at her words. He stormed into the castle and went to her chambers. He found her on her futon sobbing. He settled next to her and wrapped his arms around her.

“Why'd you say all that crap?” he demanded.

“I am trying to protect you my prince. It does not need to get out that you sired Imari and Isamu. It is our business and no one else's. You are still mated to Kagome and she does not deserve my behavior!” Juuna cried.

“Sorry I got mad. I love you Juuna. I swear on our sweet pup's heads that I love you.” He said burying his nose into her juncture.

“I love you as well. You should not tarry too long. Please see them and go.” She said squeezing his hands.

He nodded and slipped from the futon. She had no intentions of continuing to divide his attentions. She looked over as he departed and the pain of abandonment hit her again. She left written instructions for the twins and she slipped away as they slept. She knew where to go and she went to the forest outside of the palatial complex. She picked several of the plants and sighed as she did so. She wondered how anyone could suffer with as much guilt and pain. Inuyasha wanted the twins and she would give them to him. Kagome would make an excellent mother and she had left it in a long letter to her lord. She asked that he protect his brother's honor and say that the twins needed a good family. She went to her favorite spot in the garden and was glad that Baku had taken Nobuyuki for the day. Her brother would protect her son. She could not handle the shame and the pain anymore. She slowly ate the sweet plant that would end her suffering. She ate several sprigs of belladonna and closed her eyes and waited for her breathing to be cut off. It was good to end the suffering and it was good to give the male she loved what he wanted. Nobu would not have to feel any sort of responsibility to her either. She loved him and it hurt. Her breathing was slowly being cut off and she succumbed to the blackness in her soul.

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Lady Orimi entered the palace and she could not keep back the tears. They had found Juuna and she had been so cold. Jouichi had howled in anguish as he held their eldest pup. Juuna had left several letters and Orimi stumbled. She finally made it to the study of her lord and she knocked.

“Come!” Sesshomaru called.

Orimi entered and she lifted her golden head. She looked at the male she had made a mistake with herself.

“My Lord Sesshomaru. My daughter bid us to give you this letter.” She said fighting her anguish.

“Orimi what happened?” Sesshomaru said dropping all formality.

“Juuna is dead. She committed seppuku earlier this day. It seems the kumo came to see her. She wanted the twins to go to Lord Inuyasha and for you to say that they needed a family. She was hoping the truth never came out. She prayed you could forgive her for her dishonor. She hoped that by her acts she could give everyone happiness. She prayed that everyone could forgive her failures as a lady of these lands.” Orimi said as tears fell down her face.

“Her final wishes will be honored to the letter Orimi. I grieve for the loss of your precious pup.” He said sadly.

“Thank you my lord.” She said bowing.

“I will do all the informing. Enshrine Lady Juuna with honor.” He said calmly.

“Hai my lord.” She said wiping her eyes.

Sesshomaru stood and called for Youshiro. His son came and he sent him to retrieve his brother. He had his niece and nephew sent for and waited. Youshiro came back with Inuyasha and Kagome.

“Sup asshole?” Inuyasha asked in a good mood.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome hissed.

“Half breed please sit. We have had a death amongst the nobles and for some reason the bitch has left her pups to you Inuyasha. She said at one time Akemi had stated that you and Kagome had wanted more pups. Lady Juuna has asked that you two raise her twins. She apparently had a liaison with a cousin of ours and he left her.” Sesshomaru said in his baritone.

“What?” Kagome said in disbelief.

Augusta came in and laid Imari in Kagome's arms and Isamu in Inuyasha's. Kagome gasped and cried softly.

“Poor babies loosing their momma. Sesshomaru, we will take good care of them.” Kagome said continuing to cry softly.

“How'd the lady die?” Inuyasha asked choked up.

“She committed seppuku. She felt her honor was tarnished and was trying to preserve some dignity. She hoped you would love the pups as your own.” Sesshomaru stated softly.

“Hey Gome can ya give me and Sesshomaru a second?” he asked fighting back tears.

“Hai. Here give me that sweet boy.” She said as she held a twin in each arm.

Augusta and Kagome left and Inuyasha felt the a few tears slide down his face.

“She left you a letter. I have not read it but I am trying to honor her wishes.” Sesshomaru stated.

“Lemme see it.” He said choked up.

His big brother handed him a letter and he opened it. There some smudges where tears had fallen on the parchment.

My prince,

Forgive me for having wronged you. You are a wonderful chichi and these beautiful pups deserve you in their lives every day. I have read up on your mate and she is beautiful and kind. She has been unselfish all these years and I dishonored her. I pray to the inugami to forgive me. You comforted me when I failed with Nobu and you should not have to suffer my sins. You have suffered more than enough in your life. I hope that our sweet boy and girl are something that brings you happiness. I do not deserve your pups and your true love and true mate does. I am a sickness and I have cured it. I know you love them and Kagome will love them too. I leave them to their proper family and I thank you for giving me the privilege of knowing them. I was never worthy of your love or care and I was not worthy of Nobu. He rid himself of me because I was not his true love. It seems I was to never be loved truly; I was to bring these beautiful pups about and give them to their true life. Please do not think ill of me for needing you at the time. I can do at least this one thing right.

Juuna

Inuyasha turned his head and the tears fell. He handed the letter to Sesshomaru. Hatred of the kumo consumed the hanyou and he angrily wiped away the tears.

“You gonna tell the kumo he killed her?” Inuyasha growled.

“She wrote him a letter as well. She is being cremated this afternoon brother.” Sesshomaru said sighing.

“I'll be there.” He said looking away.

“I am grieved that she was destroyed by the kumo. I could never tell she was so sensitive.” His brother said.

“She felt like it was all her fault. I am a bastard.” Inuyasha said in anguish.

“Make sure the twins know all your love. She wanted her life to have had purpose.” Sesshomaru said standing.

The Western Lord felt the aura of his son in law, Ishin. He walked out into the hall and bowed.

“My lord your message said it was urgent? I assure you Asuna is fine. She is weak but fine.” Ishin said confused.

“Lady Juuna is dead. I believe your healer should like to retrieve his son.” Sesshomaru said stoically.

“What? How?” Ishin asked stunned.

“Belladonna. General Baku has his nephew.” Sesshomaru said flatly.

“By the Kamis.” Ishin said shocked.

“This letter is for your healer.” Sesshomaru said handing it to the Tsuchigumo lord and walked away.

Ishin produced a shoki cloud and ported to Qinghai. Nobu was working with the uppyr doctor and Ishin motioned for Nobu to follow him.

“Lady Juuna is dead and she left this for you my friend.” Ishin said softly.

“What?” Nobu asked in a horrified voice.

“Hai. Her brother has Nobuyuki right now. I will give you privacy.” Ishin said bowing.

Nobu opened the parchment with shaking hands and he fought back a torrent of emotion.

Nobu,

I ask one thing of you and that is for my parents to see our son on a regular basis. I loved you the second I saw you. I am so sorry I was not what you needed or wanted. I have prayed for Ine and for you everyday. I have hoped that maybe you could forgive yourself and give me a chance to make you happy. Alas, I failed in my aspirations. You are so good and so kind; I truly was never worthy of such goodness. I am ready for the Netherworld and my punishments. I know you will continue your good works and please have no guilt over your inability to see beyond your grief for your first mate. Maybe at some point I did make you happy but it has long passed. I love you Nobu. I know you will take good care of our son. I can face myself now. I can embrace my failures with a clear conscience. Live well my heart.

Lady Juuna

Nobu fell to his knees and clutched the letter and he knew immense anguish. He managed to make it to his feet and he found Aya. He openly wept and his sister held him up.

“Nobu? Kamis brother what is it?” Aya cried.

“I killed her. I killed her!” he said sobbing.

“Who?” Aya said holding onto her younger brother.

“Juuna is dead. I killed another onna I loved.” He said wracked with sobs.

“How did you supposedly kill her?” Aya said trying to understand.

“She took her own life because she felt as if she failed me.” He said wiping his face.

“How can you blame yourself for that? She was obviously unbalanced.” Aya said in anger.

“She loved me and I abandoned her. I split from her in hopes she would not have to be neglected by me. I went to her to beg her back. She was so incredibly wonderful to me and she took all the blame for my actions!” he said in pain.

“Nobu you cannot blame yourself for her choices. You tried to beg her back. It sounds as if she had guilt from other things in her life.” Aya said reasonably.

“I drove her to it.” He said dully.

“Stop it! You did nothing wrong; you were trying to do right by her. She chose to see it the way she did. She chose to kill herself. That was not your doing!” Aya said forcefully.

Nobu just stared out and profound anguish tore at him. He did not know how he could manage. He did not see how he could face his son knowing he had driven Juuna to her suicide. He slowly pulled away from Aya and went in search of Ishin. He intended to fall into a drunken stupor and pray to every kami to forgive him. He had managed to destroy one of the sweetest onna he had ever met.

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My sire helped me stand as I watched my closest female friend pass on into the Netherworld. It sickened me to see her body burn. My uncle was barely holding it together and I was wrathful. I was angry that she should have seen no way out. I was angry that Nobu had been such a fool. My resolve about my own situations grew. I would not fall prey to my own feminine heart. I had one last enemy to conquer and I had to hold on to birth two very special pups. I saw Yuudai with Baku and I held my head high. After the ceremony my consort came over to me and bowed.

“You stand by me or you do not. You realize things have changed some or you move on. Make your choice karuson. I will not be told or molded into anything but who I am. I will not be that onna who sees no way out but death. I will not succumb to pain no more!” I hissed softly.

“Chuusin!” he said stunned.

“Those are my wishes karuson. I am for Sendai for now. If you stand by me then you and Baku will put together a force to hunt down Magatushi and end this once and for all. If not then oh well. Baku, I am so sorry for your loss.” I said bowing.

“I will be in Sendai tomorrow then.” Yuudai stated.

I nodded and my sire picked me up. He took me to the palace and I settled onto my futon and began planning my life very carefully.