I am the Moon

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

The Siege of Tianjin

I stayed away from Sheng. Two inu males held me captive in a way; one had my heart and the other my soul. Sheng continued to get stronger and Katashi would spend time with him keeping him company. I spent time organizing supplies for the military campaign. I intended to leave in two days time and strike the Chinese a blow on their own soil. Jing would probably be around to wreak her malice. I was poring over maps of the region and Katashi came into our shared chambers.
“We will be ready as scheduled.” I said feeling his aura.
“Hai.” He said
“Will Sheng be well enough to travel?” I asked with an air of disinterest.
“Hai he will.” He said.
“What bothers you Katashi?” I said turning to look up at him from my sitting position.
“You have been avoiding Sheng since three nights ago.” He stated simply.
“He has not been well and I have been making preparations for a siege.” I said flatly.
“You should not blame yourself for his injuries; he survived thanks to you.” He said putting a hand on my shoulder.
I stared into his beautiful eyes and forced myself to shield heavily. I loved this inu and this time in his lands had changed me forever.
“I will stop blaming myself. I do know that he is a great warrior and we will need his strength.” I said wrapping my arms around his neck.
He pressed his lips to mine and I sighed.
“As much as I would love to stay here and bury myself in your depths, I cannot.” He sighed in frustration.
“I came here to help you stop these vermin and that is what I shall do. Being joined with you is just a bonus.” I said looking up at him with a small smile.
He moaned and buried his nose into the crook of my neck and I sighed yet again. He reluctantly pulled away.
“I am leaving to go to Ansham. I would like you to meet me there with the rest of the army and Sheng in two days time.” He stated.
“Hai. We will strike a blow and show the Han and the Mongol curs exactly who they are facing.” I stated.
“I love you.” He breathed into my ear.
I was instantly aroused and glared daggers at him for leaving me like this.
“And I you.” I said kissing his jaw.
“Now I am leaving.” He said pulling away from me.
I growled but let him go. I cocked my head to the side and watched him leave. I needed to face Sheng sooner or later and I decided now was as a good of time as any. I left the security of my chambers and went next door to Sheng's. I knocked and I heard a clear “come” and I entered. There by Sheng's bedside was Annchi. I nodded to her and noticed Sheng was asleep.
“He sleeps deep.” Annchi answered the unasked question.
“I see. I will need to wake him soon and speak with him alone.” I said softly.
“Hai my Lady.” She said.
She looked at me with questions on her face and I sat and faced her.
“What is it you want to know?” I asked gently.
“How is it that you a warrior?” she asked with awe.
“I have been trained as such. I am a product of a taiyouki.” I answered.
“I see. You give these lands an extra strength my Lady.” She said standing.
“I thank you for the confidence.” I said.
She bowed then slipped out of the room. I leaned forward from the chair I was sitting on and whispered in Sheng's ear.
“I need you awake for a few minutes.”
He roused a little and I repeated my statement. His eyes fluttered open and he turned his head and looked at me. My chest constricted but I kept myself extra calm and my mental shields firmly in place. I lifted the coverlet a little and checked the wound in his lower belly. I lifted his chin and saw that the wound in his neck was healing beautifully. His crystal blue eyes were perusing me and I ignored him.
“Have I passed your inspection?” he asked hoarsely.
“Hai. Can you travel in two days time?” I asked him emotionlessly.
“I will be ready.” He replied.
“Good then.” I said flatly.
I stood and pulled away my hand. He grabbed it and I stiffened. He searched my eyes and I tried to stare coldly. He knew me now and he saw through my front. I jerked my hand away and backed away from his bed. My heart was pounding in my chest; nothing was said and I fled his room. I fled back into my chambers. I went to the desk and sank into the chair. I had no idea what fate was playing at by allowing me to be tied to him in such a way. I heard a knock on the door and I called out “come”. Sheng came in clad only in a pair of silk ku.
“What do you want of me?” I asked softly.
“I do not know.” He answered hoarsely.
“There is no point in compounding the problem. When and if it becomes necessary to join again in such a manner then we will.” I stated.
“That is not what you want and we both know it.” He replied.
“Again what do you want from me?” I asked breathing harder.
“I have never known such passion or release. I want you to allow me to strengthen this ability.” He stated.
“So you can join like this with another?” I asked angry.
“Kami no, I want to feel you.” He replied whispering dangerously.
“You can return to your chambers and forget that you ever knew me in such a familiar fashion. We have a unique ability but I will not use it in that way.” I said pointing to the door.
He approached me like the predator he was and I stood up. I truly did not want this to get out of hand. He came up to me and touched a stripe on the side of my cheek. My chest was heaving and I felt him pressing my mind.
“No.” I groaned.
“Please allow this. I need this.” He breathed.
“Sheng.” I whispered in protest.
“I want to feel you.” He said breathing along me neck.
“No. I will not do this. We are going to lay siege to Tianjin.” I said roughly.
He did not touch me again but I could tell he was warring with himself. It was strange to know everything but still be a stranger.
“Laying siege?” he asked; his curiosity piqued.
“Katashi has mobilized half the army and he is on his way to Ansham. I am hoping that by creating a diversion we will take them by surprise.”
“It is a good plan but what about the youki?” he asked stepping back.
“You and I have the ability to erect powerful barriers. It will disguise our half at least from the youki scum.” I ground out.
“Hai. It is a good plan but we will have to disperse our numbers as to not draw attention. Jing has been moving back and forth from China to Manchuria.” He said almost wincing at her name.
“Hai. I think it would be better if we left on the morrow. Can you travel?” I asked calming my racing heart.
“Hai I can travel.” He answered.
“General Yuudai has traveled with Katashi to Ansham. It will be you, me, and General Ichigawa.” I said calmly.
“Hai. I will see you on the morrow.” He said bowing and leaving.
I put my shaking hand on the mahogany desk and blew my breath out.
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We had been attacked but that did not surprise us. The attacking troops were mostly ningen and easily dispatched but there had been a small contingent of youki. I was facing a bear that was large and burly. I had my katana out and I had struck its left shoulder. There was blood all around the ground. It made a grab for my waist and I went to one knee and shoved up into the beast's ribcage. It howled in rage and blood sprayed everywhere. I fell to the ground and rolled a few feet and jumped to my feet. I let my Dakkasou come to the tips of my claws and I shoved my hand into the bear's chest. There was a hissing and popping sound as his flesh was eaten away by my poison. I grabbed his heart and he dropped to the ground in a soundless scream. I removed my hand and whirled to face another youki. I let my mind touch Sheng's and was assured he was winning. My blade was knocked from my hand and I went into a roll. I jumped up and was stabbed in my right shoulder blade. I yelped in pain but brought my elbow up and smashed the badger in the nose. I located my katana and willed it to my outstretched hand. I swung around and cut the badger in half. His two halves fell to the ground in front of me.
I felt it before I saw it. My eyes widened and I looked down at my midsection. I had been impaled by what felt like glass; it looked like a glass spear. Fear and dread spread through me. I heard the laughing and her disgusting voice.
“I told you inu bitch that we would meet again.” She said laughing like a child.
I mustered every ounce of strength I had and I moved forward and un-impaled myself. Blood was pouring from the wound. I coughed up the red, viscous liquid. I turned to face her and showed her my most disdainful face.
“Yes you did. I must confess I have been looking forward to seeing you again.” I said with a cold smile.
My vision was swimming but I remained awake. Her arm was the glass like spear. I whirled in a quick circle with my yoki and brought down my blade. I severed her arm and she screamed an unholy scream. I let my poison grow and I threw it at her face. I pushed it faster with my telekinesis and she did not see it coming. I feel to my knees and smiled.
“You awful monster. I will destroy you.” She screamed at me.
“Your flesh is being eaten away Bai Gu Jing. I win this round.” I said leering at her.
She used her other arm and slashed my gaping wound with claws. I felt Sheng coming up behind me. He jumped over me and managed to strike her in the shoulder. I was slowly losing consciousness but she shrieked and retreated into her mist. I felt better knowing she could be struck down. She was not invincible. I had not realized that tears were pouring from my eyes. I had no strength for my shield and Sheng was trying to reach me. I put my clawed hands to my stomach and they were covered in blood.
“My pup.” I whispered in agony.
I was still being my typical analytical self when I realized that I was going to bleed to death. I felt myself being lowered and Sheng calling my name.
“We won?” I asked in a tortured whisper.
“Hai. You must stay awake. Asuna stay with me.” Sheng cried.
“It will be alright. You must contact the West. My father will help. You must stop them.” I said with a weak smile.
“You will not die.” He said forcefully.
“I wounded her. I hope more painfully than she did to you.” I said coughing up more blood.
“Hai, it looked as though you did.” He said quietly.
“I am tired. I am going to sleep.” I said almost inaudibly.
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Sheng looked up from Asuna's prone form. There was so much blood. He yelled to two nearby soldiers to help him with her body. They were not far from Fuxin. He might be able to reach it in time.
“Set up camp nearby. I am taking the Lady Asuna to the village.” Sheng commanded.
“Hai sir!” they replied in unison.
He carried her in his arms bridal style and moved at an inhuman speed. He knew that there was a ningen miko with some power in the village. Fuxin was one of several villages where youki and ningen lived fairly peacefully. It took him fifteen minutes to reach the village from the battle site. She had long since passed out. He doubted that her pup had survived the grievous wound. He mourned for Katashi; he would be beyond incensed. Asuna had been wearing armor wrought from youki bone and leather. It was a tough sturdy armor and it had been pierced like paper. Blood streaked her silver hair making it pink in some areas. Her skin was quickly losing any color. Her markings from her house stood out starkly against the quickly whitening flesh. He made it to the village and located the miko's hut.
“Miko! It is I Sheng from Shenyang.” He called.
A small ningen woman pushed aside the screen in the doorway and came out. Her eyes widened at the inu holding a female inu.
“Bring her in now. We do not have much time.” She exclaimed.
Sheng obeyed and went into the hut and laid Asuna upon a plain pallet on the floor. The miko ripped the hakamas and haori away from the wound. She indicated to a pile of clean white linens with her head and Sheng retrieved them. He handed them to her and the miko packed the wound to stop the bleeding. Sheng watched as the miko healed some of the lesser wounds with her hands, which glowed a soft pink.
“Sit with her while I make a salve and pain reliever.” She commanded quietly.
“Hai.” He said sitting next to her almost lifeless body.
The miko began mixing pungent herbs. It took almost an hour to finish. She had a small wooden cup filled with a similar brew that he had taken just days ago. In a small clay bowl she had a paste that smelled equally revolting.
“Lift her head.” The small onna commanded.
Sheng gently lifted Asuna's head and opened her mouth. The miko poured the disgusting tea down her throat. She massaged her throat to make her swallow. She then took the blood soaked linens and put the healing salve into the wound, then repacked it with clean ones. Asuna had remained unconscious the whole time.
“Now we wait my lord.” She said looking at Sheng.
“What of her pup.” He asked grimly.
“I am sorry. There was too much trauma.” The miko said sadly.
“She is Lord Katashi's mate.” Sheng said sadly.
The miko put a hand to her mouth.
“My poor Lord.” She cried.
Sheng crossed his legs and sat by her, refusing to move.
“Are you learned?” he asked the miko in a quiet voice.
“Hai.” She responded.
“Lend me some so I may write the Lord a letter.” He said.
Sheng busied himself with a quill and paper and wrote a short letter to Katashi. Sheng cringed when he imagined his adopted brother and best friend reading it.
“Could you take this to a runner and have it sent to Ansham.” He asked politely.
“Hai my lord.” The little onna said taking the letter and leaving the hut.
Sheng brushed a few stray strands off of her lovely face. He was in love with her. He could not help it. He would never overstep his bounds but he warred with himself over it.
“Let her live.” He whispered.
They had injured Jing grievously and he hoped bad enough to warrant time to recover. His thoughts kept straying to Asuna and their joining. He had felt utter rapture when he had touched her soul. He had never known such complete pleasure in his life; he had come to know all the intimate details of her. He wanted to touch her but refrained. He bent his head down and pressed his lips to hers. He straightened back up and started the wait till she awoke, if she awoke.
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Almost unendurable pain assaulted my senses. I tried to not to cry out but I did. I turned my head and saw Sheng sitting next to me. I moved my lips but no words were formed; I pathed to him instead. Even it was weak. I barely had any yoki and pain dulled my senses.
-Where are we?-
-You are awake! We are in a village called Fuxin. - He replied
-Tired. Must get the men to Tianjin Sheng. - I pathed very weakly.
-I must get you better as you did for Me.-was his reply.
I felt his yoki spread through me and I felt a little stronger. I gasped at the feeling again.
-The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. - I pathed.
-That is a crock Asuna. - He replied with a very soft thought.
I lifted a hand and he took it. I barely shook my head to him.
-You and Ichigawa need to meet up with Yuudai in Tianjin. - I thought to him.
“I will not leave you alone.” He replied with his voice.
“Hai, you will.” I said with as much conviction as I could.
I noticed a ningen onna at the fire in the center of the hut. I cried out in pain and waited for it to pass.
“I do not want to be awake right now.” I pleaded.
The little onna came over to me and pressed a wooden cup to my lips as Sheng lifted my head so that I could drink. The scent and taste of the concoction was vile but I knew that it would cause me to sleep and I drank it greedily. If it was not considered such a weakness, I would have shed tears. I could not think too much of my pup. I was devastated more than I thought possible. Katashi would be enraged beyond belief. I had grown accustomed to the idea of being a mother. I completely let my shields down for Sheng; I needed his strength right now. I felt his yoki warming me and I slipped back into a coma like sleep.
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Her face was slowly getting more color and Sheng waited on news from Katashi. He had sent word to Ichigawa to continue on to Tianjin. He had disobeyed Asuna but felt certain that Katashi would forgive him for staying with her. He had disliked her intensely the first time he saw her and could not believe how much that opinion had changed in the last several weeks. There had been a bloody battle between Katashi's half of the army and the Han Ming Chinese.
Her yoki had been ebbing and flowing with his yoki and he felt certain that she was borrowing his power to help build hers back up. She was still young for an inu, barely of age and yet she had experience beyond the palace fed bitches he was used to. He knew Katashi would be here soon to fetch them and he hoped she had gained enough strength. That had been in the ningen Miko's hut for several days and he still kept vigil. Many things were weighing upon his mind and heart and he knew that he needed to exorcise his feelings for this particular female. Now that he knew her truly all the others seemed to pale in comparison.
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Katashi received the letter from Sheng. All that it said was that they were in Fuxin and that she was injured. Sheng had also informed him that Ichigawa had moved on to Tianjin and that when Katashi arrived he would join the general. Katashi had transformed into his true self and had taken off to Fuxin. He had ordered Yuudai to meet up with Ichigawa right outside of the city that they were to lay siege to.
Katashi entered the village back in his humanoid form and scented his mate and closet friend in a hut. He came to the doorway and knocked on the frame. He pushed aside the reed mat that serviced as a door and entered. Asuna lay on a plain mat covered only in a light silk blanket with Sheng sitting near her. Her skin was sallow and she reeked of medicinal herbs. Katashi looked at Sheng in disbelief and he nodded his head for him to come outside. Sheng got up and followed the Lord.
“What happened?” he asked with barely contained fury.
“We were ambushed Katashi. I feel certain that we have a mole amongst the court. Jing was there. She is the one that did this to her.” Sheng replied.
“The pup?” Katashi asked in a harsh whisper.
“No more my Lord. I am truly sorry. She nearly bled to death.” He remarked quietly.
Katashi's hand actually started to shake with repressed fury. His eyes were completely red when he looked up at Sheng.
“What were her injuries?” he asked snarling.
“Jing impaled her my Lord. She had also torn open her belly.” Sheng replied his own eyes reddening at the memory.
“She knew. That evil witch knew about our pup.” He growled.
“Asuna took her down and injured her severely Katashi. You would have been in awe at her skill.” He said eyes downcast.
“You did well to stay with her Sheng. Is she well enough to move?” he asked tightly.
“Not as yet Katashi. She woke up once and ordered me to Tianjin. I knew you would have had my head if I had left her.”
“You are as wise as ever my brother. I should have stayed with her. I should have protected her.” He said disgusted.
“You and I both know she would not have allowed it. She has been raised as a warrior just as you and I were. Her sense of honor forbade it.” Sheng said.
“Her honor is not as important as her life. Kami, I love her and I would rather burn in hell than see her come to harm again. She can claw my heart out as far as I care. I will send her back to Japan if need be.” He ground out.
“I can take her to the Winter Palace in He Gang.” Sheng offered.
Katashi looked thoughtfully at his advisor and oldest friend and nodded in agreement.
“I am going to finish what was started and lay waste to Tianjin.” Katashi snarled.
“Hai. I will be more than pleased when that takes place.” Sheng agreed.
“When she is more recovered I will take her to He Gang and send you regular correspondence.” He continued.
“I trust her life to you. If anything happens you are to take her back to the Western Lands.” Katashi ordered.
“Hai my Lord.” Sheng said bowing.
Katashi entered the hut and kneeled by the prone Asuna and pressed his lips to her crescent moon. He turned to the ningen miko and pressed a large amount of gold into her hand. He went back outside and snarled in complete rage. He looked at Sheng and nodded as he left. Sheng looked toward the north and his journey away from the war torn southern provinces of Manchu and He Gang.