I am the Moon

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

Rumors and Truths

I was pupped; there was no doubt about it. I did not need Mayu to tell me my scent had changed. I started the violent retching the next evening and even water passing my lips caused me to be horribly ill. I was furious that I should get sick this time as well. Mayu had come to assist me in my bath and had seen me retching.
“My Lady there is a brew that can ease these symptoms.” She said.
“This is worse than before and much sooner.” I replied wiping my mouth with a cloth.
“That would suggest more than one pup my Lady.” She said knowingly.
“What?” I asked in shock.
“Hai you are a twin and your Uncle Inuyasha produced twins as well. It only makes sense.” She stated smiling gently.
“My father and mate are going to wring my neck.” I said flustered.
“Mask the scent for now. I will bring you the brew so you can eat and I will get your mother.” She said kindly.
“What would I do without you Mayu?” I said gratefully.
She bowed and left. I pondered the news and realized that I should have expected twins. I was a fool not to have anticipated it. I knew Katashi would be overjoyed but nervous as well. My mother came to the spring next and I looked up at her.
“I was horribly sick with you and Osamu as well. It should pass within a month or two.” She said brushing my hair out of my face.
“How long is a normal gestation?” I asked perplexed.
“Typical inu pregnancies last seven to eight months and uppyr tends to last longer.” She said matter of factly.
“So mine will be somewhere between the two?” I asked in a tired voice.
“Maybe not. Katashi is full inu so it may be the former rather than later.” She replied.
I looked relieved when she said Katashi's name and knew I needed more care in my personal affairs.
“Hai these are his pups. When are you going to tell him and are you going to mask it longer?” she asked picking up a brush and running it through my hair.
“I have no idea. I convinced father and Katashi to let me assist them on the hunt for Jing. If they know I am pupped there will be no leaving the palace.” I said.
“Is that a bad thing?” she asked me arching a brow.
“Mother you are not an inu bitch. You have never had to sit and listen to the plotting and conniving that goes on in this very court!” I stated in irritation.
“Oh yes I have. I detest it. I have banished several of those bitches from court. They would have liked nothing better than to see me dead and take my place.” Augusta said amused.
“You never speak of your longevity mother, what is the life span of your kind?” I asked curious.
“It is harder to kill my kind. We can live as long as any youki.” She said as she started to elaborately braid my hair.
“You will help mask my scent for now?” I asked.
“Hai but you will need to figure how to tell Katashi. I can ease the blow from Sesshomaru.” She said.
Mayu brought me the herbal brew and I took the cup and drank it slowly. It was sweet and it did ease the nausea. I thanked her and looked at my mother.
“What if I tell Katashi now and demand I still go. He said my guard would be heavy.” I said.
“Personally I think the sooner you tell him the better.” She replied.
I stood up and put on a cotton yukata.
“Do you know where he is?” I asked.
“In the dojo with Sheng.” She replied gently.
I looked apprehensive about Sheng and my mother looked up and smiled gently.
“Asuna as I have stated before; you were raised as a lord would be. Lords have concubines occasionally.” She said wisely.
“Hai but that is amongst other youki.” I stated.
“Set a precedent.” She stated standing.
“Nothing ever really upsets you.” I said amazed.
“Why should it? Things happen for a reason Asuna. I firmly believe in fate. I shall come and keep your other mate busy.” She said quite cheerfully.
“Hai.” I said heading in the direction of the dojo.
I got to the dojo and quietly slid open the screen and I saw Katashi and Sheng sparring. My mother looked over my shoulder and smirked. Both males were stripped down to their hakamas and I sucked in my breath. Katashi's pale blue stripes were visible on his forearms and he had his black hair tied back. He was holding a wooden katana as was Sheng. I had to elbow my mother to keep her quiet. Sheng's hair was loose and his skin was glistening with perspiration and I felt my claws gouge my hands. My arm was slowly healing and my aunt had done a marvelous job of healing it to a point.
-They are magnificent.-she pathed to me.
-Hai they are.-I pathed back.
Katashi looked up and gave me his marvelous smile and I smiled back.
“Care to join us?” he asked.
“Hai. I need to build back up my arm.” I said.
“Sheng I would like to train you some in your mental abilities.” My mother piped in.
Sheng looked at me and I nodded to him to go.
“Looks as if I shall be getting another type of workout Katashi.” Sheng said grinning.
“Take it easy on him my Lady. I have tired him already.” Katashi said taunting his advisor.
“Oh I shall be gentle.” My mother said winking at us.
I laughed and nodded to them as they left. I went to the wall and picked up a light katana with a dull point. Katashi eyed my choice and followed suit.
“You are going to try and best me I see.” He said lightly.
“Hai. The last we dueled you won on a technicality.” I said sweetly.
“I remember that you changed form and broke our stated rules.” He said starting to circle.
“Hai I did. I had a desire for your flesh.” I said wickedly.
“Oh I remember. You would have dismembered me if I gave you the chance.” He said smirking.
I moved to strike and managed to push him back an inch or so. I pulled back quickly and fell into a battle stance.
“I was fighting myself. I did not want to admit I wanted all of you.” I said honestly.
“I know. I also know I wanted to be mated to you the second I laid eyes on you in that hot spring.” He said.
He struck a blow that I blocked. He was not going easy on me at all. He was very good with a sword but I knew he truly disdained violence.
“Why did you not just come out openly to me? Why did you hide yourself at first?” I asked curiously.
I managed to hit him in the side. He threw me back and I stepped forward and our katanas clashed. Our faces were mere inches from each other.
“I was truly transfixed. I had never seen a female so comfortable with herself. You exuded your confidence.” He stated bluntly.
He pushed back roughly and I whirled on him and the blades clashed again.
“Your form is excellent. I know you can be tougher. You are holding back.” He observed.
“Quit talking and spar!” I snapped.
“I touched a nerve in you my love.” He smirked.
I dodged several blows and landed two more and I pushed against his blade with my own. I used all my strength and pushed him back several inches. Nausea assaulted me again and my face turned white. I backed up and dropped my katana. I went to the side of the dojo and fell to my knees and proceeded to empty my stomach. Katashi had come over to me with a cool rag and pressed it to my head. I allowed him to scent my condition and he stiffened for a moment.
“Why would you spar with me when you are so newly pupped.” He asked in a harsh voice.
“Because I can.” I snapped.
“Asuna. You are sick.” He said kneeling next to me.
“Katashi, you are stating the obvious.” I said taking the rag from him.
“I knew you would conceive. I should not have rutted with you.” He angrily said.
“Oh stop it. I knew what I was doing. You and everyone else seem to forget that I am grown. I want this. I want this for us.” I said looking at him.
“Asuna there is time for us to have a family. There is still much danger.” He said taking me into his arms.
“I am to have twins.” I said quietly.
“You are giving me two hmm.” He said calmer.
“Hai.” I responded.
“You still want to come and hunt for Jing.” He said.
“Hai I do.” I said kissing his hand.
“I cannot dissuade you can I?” he asked in a whisper.
“No. I am quite determined.” I answered bringing my lips closer to his.
“Koi I am going to end up taking you here.” He said as kissed me.
“That would be new.” I giggled.
“Hai but I would rather find your excellent servant Mayu and see if she can help you with this vomiting.” He said standing and helping me up.
“I know that I will have to endure your over protection and I accept that.” I said to him.
He let out a laugh and he pulled me out of the dojo towards my chambers.
“If that came from anyone else I would be offended but coming from you Koi, I accept your compliment.” He said laughing again.
“I am so glad I could amuse you.” I said annoyed.
“Asuna you are not exactly the typical inu bitch. I was in complete shock when you told me that you wanted to give me an heir.” He said mildly.
“Well now I give you two.” I said smiling a little.
He pulled me to him, I pressed against him and he lifted my chin.
“I honor you, you know that?” he asked.
“Hai.” I said barely above a whisper.
“I am glad you know. Come let us make your stomach well so that you can nourish our little ones.” He said gently.
“I can still spar with you.” I said.
“Allow me some of my prejudices, indulge me on this topic and do not ask to fight unless absolutely necessary.” He asked.
“I shall do as you ask in this. I will tell you I will not back down from a fight with Jing.” I said strongly.
“You see your father and I will be there to cool your hot head.” He said kissing my nose.
I growled lightly and we made it to my quarters. Mayu was there laying out a sleeping yukata and she handed me another cup with the herbal brew in it. I smiled at her anticipating my needs.
“You will need to drink this about every two hours at first my Lady. Your cousin Akemi is here from Edo. Shall I bring her to you?” she asked.
“Hai please do.” I said.
She bowed and left. Katashi looked interested as I changed into my sleeping yukata.
“Akemi is Uncle Yasha's youngest. She is very beautiful and a quarter youki. Uncle Yasha goes crazy when he thinks males are interested in her, she is supposed to be getting married soon. I imagine my uncle threatened to castrate him if he treated her wrong.” I told him.
“Marriage? She is going to tie herself to a ningen?” he asked surprised.
“Hai. He is a samurai and quite nice really.” I said.
“She still has youki in her, I am surprised a ningen would marry her at all.” He said shaking his head.
“Ever since the Shikon no Tama debacle the ningen in Edo treats my uncle quite well. In fact he protects them and they honor his family. Kagome is obviously a very powerful miko. Akemi shows spiritual power versus yoki.” I continued.
“Your father does not mind all this?” he asked
“My father respects my uncle's choice of mate. Kagome has proven her self worthy of the House of the Moon. Uncle Yasha also does not tie himself to the West; therefore my father cannot say much.” I answered.
There was a knock on the shoji and I called enter. Akemi slipped in and she gave me a beautiful smile. My cousin and I resembled each other enough that we would have been mistaken as sisters. Her eyes were blue like her mother's. She had a formal kimono and her hair was intricately twisted and on her feet were a pair of silk slippers.
“Did I miss the wedding?” I asked.
“No sweet cousin. I just figured if I was coming to the West than I should look the part.” She answered winking at me.
She turned and stared at Katashi and smiled openly at him.
“So you are the rogue inu traversing the lands.” She said mischievously.
“Hmm?” he asked staring at me.
“Akemi!” I warned.
“Oh my. Lord Katashi right? My sweet cousin the last time I saw her was on the hunt for a rogue inu.” She said sweetly.
“Really?” he asked amused.
“Hai and she was most put out by this cur as she called him.” She continued.
“Really, what else did your cousin say?” he asked crossing his arms and laughing lightly.
“Akemi!” I hissed.
“I could tell she wanted to be ravished by him. She was most put out but her eyes told a different story. When my fiancé said he knew of your whereabouts she was gone in an instant.” She finished laughing.
My face was burning red and I mouthed to her I was going to kill her. She just beamed at me and seated herself upon my futon.
“I am Lord Katashi, I am the cur.” He said laughing.
“You two mated I assume?” she asked raising a silver brow.
“Yes we did cousin. I am also with pup.” I said annoyed.
“Asuna that is wonderful! Well Lord Katashi congrats on becoming a daddy!” Akemi said with mirth.
Katashi raised a brow and smiled widely at her informal ness. He bowed to her and looked at Asuna.
“I shall give you two ladies time to visit.” He said.
He came to me and put a hand to my stomach and kissed me lightly. He murmured `I love you' and took his leave.
“Kamis Asuna he is beautiful!” she cried when he left.
“Hai he is.” I aid looking at the door.
“I assume you have seen your parents?” I asked.
“Hai of course. My dad would kill me.” She laughed.
“You are so informal cousin.” I stated.
“You know you love me for it.” She laughed.
“Hai I do.” I said seating myself on my futon next to her.
“Mother alludes to you and a complicated situation. She will not tell me so I decided to come and find out for myself.” She said frankly.
“Much has happened cousin.” I said sighing.
“Akemi, you can call me Akemi.”
“Hai Akemi.” I said tiredly.
“You just became pupped didn't you?” she asked.
“Hai.”
“What is going on Asuna? Mother had said you were in Manchuria to aid this Lord Katashi.” She asked me.
“You truly knew I wanted him back in Edo?” I asked changing the subject.
“Hai. You are never that intense unless you want something.” She stated.
“I will explain all tomorrow. I am tired; I found out I am carrying twins.” I said.
“I am happy for you.” She stated with good humor.
I felt Sheng brush my consciousness and I smiled gently. He wanted to see me and I pathed for him to come.
“Katashi's advisor and adopted brother are coming to call. He has become a good friend. He wishes to meet you.” I said to Akemi.
“How do you know?” she asked curiously.
“He pathed to me.” I said neutrally.
“Another inu that has your abilities?” she asked.
“He has similar heritage as I do.” I said standing.
Sheng came to the shoji and knocked.
“Hai!” I called out.
He slid the door open and came in and bowed to me and Akemi.
“My Lady! Katashi says you are ill.” He asked concerned.
He barely noticed Akemi and searched my face. I knew he was seeking an answer and I sighed.
“Can this wait till later Sheng?” I asked quietly.
“No my Lady it cannot. Are you ill?” he asked in a temper.
“Do not start your selfish attitude with me Sheng. Not right now!” I snapped.
“Why can you not answer the question? Why are shielding right now?” he demanded.
“Akemi could you please give me and Sheng a moment? Perhaps visit with Osamu and Youshiro?” I almost begged.
“Hai Asuna. I will be back in a half hour?” she stated firmly, more for Sheng's benefit.
“Hai.” I said absently.
Akemi left and he glared at me. I glared back and he closed the distance and put a hand to my stomach. I gasped and he looked down at me.
“You are pupped aren't you?” he asked me viciously.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked him in a fury.
“I know damn well that one is mine.” He said.
“I cannot answer that as yet. I do not need to answer to you.” I sniped.
“You were not going to tell me?” he demanded.
“Stop with the petulance it does not suit you.” I sneered.
“Kamis Asuna! I am so furious with you right now I could skewer you.” He said with fury.
“Sheng did you think I would have kept this long from you?” I asked surprised.
“I think you would have done what suited you most. You are very good at conniving.” He said narrowing his eyes.
I was beyond furious and I slapped him.
“Get out!” I yelled.
“Tell me now!” he demanded.
“Yes damn it, yes!” I snarled.
“Why did you not say anything? I suppose now that Katashi is here what we are is nothing.” He said pushing me against a wall.
“If you think that than get away from me and never speak to me again. I am not your personal whore. I am doing and have done what I can with a difficult situation.” I snapped.
“It is hard not to think when you leave out pertinent information. All it took was a thought Koi.” He said heatedly.
“I had to think, alright?” I admitted.
“Think about what? You excluded me, what am I to think?” he said forcing me to look at him.
“I cannot do this right now Sheng. You demand too much!” I said.
“I have to live with sharing you, I will not be excluded. I am not as easily manipulated Koi.” He said dangerously.
“Get your hands off of me now. I am going to find a way to release you from this ridiculous situation.” I seethed.
“I questioned your mother on that topic. You or I would have to die first and I promise you that I do not plan on dying anytime soon.” He replied.
“So do you plan on my death then?” I asked pushing him away.
“You are being obtuse Asuna!” he said with fury.
“I am pregnant ok? I am having two. This is what you want to know?” I said tauntingly.
He pushed me back against the wall and his eyes had turned blood red.
“You go too far.” He snapped.
“Get out.” I whispered furiously.
“If another bitch ever kept what you have from me…” he started.
“And what would you have done? I am not just any bitch, now get out!” I growled terribly.
“You are doing what you do best. I will get out. I will get away from you!” he said hatefully.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Saving my sanity. I wish I had died in the forest that night, it would be a hell of a lot less painful than dealing with you.” He said in a dead calm.
“Do not threaten me.” I said.
“It is not a threat. I will be leaving for Shenyang tomorrow. If I am not near you then I will not feel so.” He said as his eyes changed back to his blue. My mouth dropped open and I was speechless.
“You win Asuna. You realize that you tried to push Katashi away too at first. I said I am not as easily manipulated. Loving you is too difficult and I will not receive scraps.” He said backing away from me.
I was shaking with repressed emotion and I stared at him.
“How is this supposed to go? I do not know, what am I supposed to do?” I asked almost tearing up.
“Tell the truth to me at least. You can share whatever you like with me yet you do not. When I am convieant to you; that is when you throw me something.” He said sadly.
“That is not true and you know it.” I cried.
“How would I know? You do not speak and you shield from me.” He accused me.
“Go then. I do not need your sniveling, self righteous crap.” I yelled at him.
He walked away from me and opened the door and away from me. I held onto the wall for support and I started to sob. I could face an enemy and be torn to pieces and survive it. Sheng walking away from me tore my heart out and I fell apart.
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I had actually cried myself to sleep like some ningen onna. I knew he was gone and I could not bring myself to get up. Katashi and my father were leaving and I sent them both a message that I was not going. I had written that I saw the wisdom in staying behind and I needed to protect myself. Katashi tried to see me and I refused. I knew he was confused but I could not bring myself to face him. My father came to my chambers and he would not be denied. He was standing before me and staring at me. I did not even bother to hide my pregnancy.
“Why are you ensconcing yourself in your chambers?” he asked.
“My Lord, there is wisdom in your objections. I will stay here and not put myself to further harm.” I stated in a toneless voice.
“You are not well.” He stated in disbelief of my words.
“I care not my Lord.” I stated in my flat tone.
“I am sending your mother to you. You will not see your mate?” he inquired.
“No.” I said flatly.
“Asuna look at me.” He demanded of me.
I looked up at him hollowly and he growled low in his throat. He turned and left my chambers and I laid my head back down.
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“Why will she not see me?” Katashi demanded.
“Pregnant bitches are not always rational.' Sesshomaru said.
“How did you manage with your mate?” Katashi asked the Western Lord.
“Sake.” Sesshomaru said unemotionally.
“I see.” Katashi smirked.
“This Sesshomaru valued his life.” He said with a ghost of a smile.
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There was a soft knock on my screen and I did not answer. My mother slid it open and she closed it behind her. She came and lay next to me.
“I cannot breathe.” I whispered to her.
“He has cut himself off from you.” She stated brushing my hair back.
“One of the pups is his, I can tell now.” I said.
“He feels as though you betrayed him. He was broadcasting quite loudly; I believe he wanted me to feel it.” She said quietly.
“I feel as though I have been ripped asunder. I wish for death not to feel this.” I stated clutching my chest.
“He is mated to your soul my darling. You are to halves to one thing. Sheng has shut off your bond. I will tear him to pieces when I find him. He must be feeling the same but he is too angry to feel the void.” She said.
“I will die I know it.” I whispered.
“No you will not die but it feels as though.” She said standing.
“Come we are going after your wayward soul mate.” She said.
“I will not.” I said in pain.
“You will waste away and I cannot let that happen.” She said firmly.
“I cannot continue this. I need to be released. I have not the strength to handle his severe mood swings. I want my life back before I met them. If that means death maybe it is preferable.” I said angry.
“You speak nonsense because of the pain of his separation. You have the strength because I will lend you mine. Look at the situation in another angle. Sesshomaru and Katashi can hunt Jing and we draw her out by leaving Japan.” She said lifting my chin.
I nodded and she pulled me up.
“Come you will say what I tell you my darling.” She said as she pulled me toward the study.
I nodded mutely and lowered my head. I was drained but full of hate for Sheng for ripping us apart. My mother pulled me into the study. My father and Katashi looked up. Katashi sat down his cup and came to me. He wrapped his arms around me and I stiffened in his arms. He looked down at me in surprise and a worried look passed over his features.
“She is not faring well with the pregnancy. It seems that the strain of carrying twins is sapping her yoki. My father still lives in Russia. I believe he can help her.” My mother said smoothly.
“Our healer cannot help her or Kagome?” my father asked.
“No mate. I did not see her doing her last pregnancy for very long, she carried a single. She was tired was she no?” my mother said to Katashi.
“Hai at times excessively so.” He said.
“Quit talking about me as if I am not here!” I screamed.
“Shhhh my darling.” Mother said grabbing me and wrapping her arms around me.
“Asuna and I will be going home to Mother Russia. Her emotions are swinging.” She said sternly.
I tried to fight my Mother's embrace but she held on fast. Katashi stepped back in confusion.
“Jaken!” my mother called to the kappa.
“Hai milady!” he said running in.
“Take Lady Asuna to her chambers and make sure she is sedated.” My mother ordered.
“Hai my Lady!” the toad answered.
I followed Jaken back to my chambers. Mayu gave me a sleeping draught and I took it.
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“That is not her at all!” Katashi paced back and forth.
“Lord Katashi, she will get better I assure you. I lost three pups myself. I was horribly sick with Osamu and Asuna.” Augusta admitted.
Lord Sesshomaru shifted in his seat at such private information. Katashi stared at Augusta and had to sit.
“Is my seed killing her?” he asked quietly.
“No. Not yet. It is very important that I get her to where she needs to be. Look on the bright side, it gets her away from Jing and you can draw the whore from hell out.” She said brightly.
“It is a good plan.” Sesshomaru said.
“What about the pups? Can she travel?” Katashi asked in a small voice.
“I will not let one thing happen to her. You and Sesshomaru have come to an understanding I see.” She said cheerfully.
“You are a strange creature.” Katashi muttered.
“Hai she is. She is a formidable youki Katashi. She has amazing strength.” Sesshomaru spoke evenly.
“Hai, do what is necessary. Sheng has left to the front in Manchuria. I regret his loss at the moment.” Katashi stated.
“I will see about that also whilst I am on the continent.” Augusta replied.
“I owe you much my Lady.” He said bowing.
“Find the creature and destroy her.” She said.
“Hai.” He said bowing.
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My mother woke me and I glared up at her. She held a cup filled with the brew to calm my stomach. I took it from her and laid my head back down.
“Get up and I will help you dress.” She ordered.
“I do not wish to get up. I wish to be left alone!” I snarled.
“You will be traveling and you will get up.” She ordered again.
“Why should I beg him to come back to me? I did nothing wrong. Are you sure there is no way to release me from this ridiculous bond?” I asked in anger.
“I would have told you my dear if I did and save you this pain. I told you to become blood mates because eventually you would have gone mad. My father may know of a way other than death.” She said.
“Hai that is what we will do. He can burn in hell for all I care. He forced this on me in the beginning anyway. I will not let a mere nothing destroy me.” I said sitting up.
“Darling, what of his pup?” she asked
“I care not. I can make it to where he smells of Katashi, Kagome told me so. He does not deserve to know my pups.” I said harshly.
“Asuna I know he loves you.” She said gently.
“He walked away, I know him not anymore. He is dead to me.” I said turning my head.
“That is the pain talking. You will care later, if this gives you strength then so be it.” She stated.
I walked to my armoire and pulled out a red haori and hakamas and white obi. I dressed myself quickly and sat in front of my mother and she twisted and braided my hair into an elaborate design. She stuck decorative sticks in to hold it in place. I slipped my fang into my obi and left Tensaiga where it was.
“Father will need it more than I.” I stated.
“Hai.”
“I am saying goodbye to Katashi.” I said leaving my chambers.
I went to the dojo and saw my mate as he sparred with my father. It was an impressive sight. I growled lightly to get their attention and Katashi looked up and smiled gently. I bowed to them both and waited for my mate to speak.
“Are you any better?” he asked searching my face.
“I am not wishing for death at this moment.” I stated flatly.
“Talk to me?” he asked.
“I cannot explain. It feels as though I am going to die. I have a hole that I cannot fill. It is not you; I will get better and be myself.” I said coldly.
He nodded trying to understand and took what little I said. He took my hand and placed a kiss on my palm. I looked up at him gratefully but left a moment later.
“She tries.” Sesshomaru said behind Katashi.
“Hai I can see that but there is such blackness that I cannot take away.” He replied sadly.
“Hn.”
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My mother transported us both to the mainland. I recognized Zhuanghe; I realized she had transported us from my memories. I looked around and shuddered at the memories. She laid a hand on my shoulder and I smiled.
“I can transport us to Russia now if you wish.” She said gently.
“Hai I think that would be best. I have a wish to meet my grandsire.” I said.
“He is rather ghastly at times. I have not been to Russia in over two centuries.” She stated with a look on her face.
“Why?” I asked her.
“Well my dear, I decided to travel. I heard rumors of other youki around the world and I wish to see them. Uppyr are a secretive group and pass themselves off as mortals. It is odd to you I know. We are known as daemons in that part of the world.” She explained.
“Where in Russia do you hale from?” I asked deeply intrigued.
“A city called Novgorod. Come hold my hand.” She commented.
I did as she bade and moments later we were in a strange foreign land. The architecture was far different and involved more stone than in the Far East.
“My father is Stasio. He is a prince here. Russia has many prince and princesses. The ruler is called Czar. The czar now is Boris Godunov.” She informed me quickly.
We were in an alley of a city and I saw horses going by. The place stunk of refuse and ningen bodily fluids. I wrinkled my nose and looked at my mother in complete horror. She was too elegant for such a filthy place. She was dressed in a kimono and her black hair done elaborately. I noticed all the other females in dresses and I was in my hakamas and haori. I shrugged and figured if my grandsire could be of use then I would deal with the smell. She led me to an opulent house and she knocked on the door. I felt youki behind the door and waited. The door opened and a very ordinary looking female uppyr answered.
“Hallo?” she asked.
“Hallo, I am relation to Prince Stasio. Could you please tell him Augusta is here?” she asked sweetly.
“Yah. You will wait here for my master.” She said shuffling away.
`Disgusting.” I said under my breath.
“Asuna, temperance my child.” She said.
Shortly a large burly creature came in. He was deathly pale and had a goatee. He could only be described as meaty. My golden-brown eyes looked him up and down with disdain. He wore a heavy coat of fur and black trousers and boots. I could see a small similarity between him and my mother. Recognition could be seen in his beady black eyes.
“You return to this house, have you no shame?” he asked my mother in Russian.
My mother had seen to it that her pups spoke Russian, Japanese, and several dialects of Chinese. We were born speaking inu but that was by instinct.
“Da, I do return. My child needs your assistance and you can put aside your pettiness for a few hours.” My mother said back.
“You have mixed yourself to another type of daemon!” he stated in a nasty tone.
“Come mother, I would rather face Jing then stand in this creature's stink for any longer!” I said growling.
“You mixed with a dog?” he asked in disbelief.
My mother looked non plussed but I was beyond furious. I moved directly in front of him in a matter of a second. I had wrapped my clawed hand around his throat and squeezed. She put a hand on my shoulder and I released him. He glared at me and made to hit me but mother stood between us.
“Stasio, My daughter has need of information is all. Can you act like a gentlemen or will you be yourself?” she asked with contempt.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“I need to know if there is a way beyond death to break a soul match.” She stated simply.
“I know of no such thing. Once the binding of blood and soul have occurred only death can break it.” He replied.
“What if one mate seals off the other?” She asked.
“A horrible void.” He answered.
I turned my eyes down and growled low. There was no way out of this thing with Sheng.
“Why is it you ask this thing?” he demanded.
“That is my business and I will not share it.” I stated coldly.
“You are as much of a pest as your mother.” He said nastily.
“Enough you two.” My mother commanded.
“What if I may be able to help?” Stasio said.
“You said there was no way except death.” I replied.
“You are not of pure Uppyr blood. There may be a way out.” He said disdainfully.
“Stasio you speak in riddles, can she be freed or not?” my mother asked.
“Your brother may be of more use, he knows of these foreign daemons.” He said stepping back.
I looked at my mother in surprise at the mention of a brother.
“Where is Viktor?” she asked quietly.
“He is upstairs. He knows to stay with his kind.” Stasio remarked snidely.
“Then I will visit with my brother then be out of your house.” Mother said agreeably.
“What country did you whore yourself to?” her father asked.
“I believe that shall remain my secret Stasio. I am happy and wish for no more contact than necessary.” She said as she started to mount the steps.
I followed closely behind her and she laughed merrily in my head. I looked at her.
-I told you he was ghastly did I not? - She pathed to me.
-I truly had no idea. My humblest of apologies for asking you to come here.-I replied in thought.
“Ah well. It will remind me why I never return here and why you were raised as you were.” She said lightly.
I felt a strong aura as she stopped in front of a solid wooden door. She knocked and we heard a loud Da?
“It is I, Augusta.” She called out.
The door immediately opened and a tall creature that resembled my mother strongly looked at us.
“Augusta?” he asked in disbelief.
“Da it is, Viktor. Do you have a moment?” she asked.
“You have not returned to us in over two centuries, who is this?” he asked looking at me.
“This is my daughter, Asuna.” She introduced me.
He looked me over and I inclined my head very little. He was obviously very curious but he was staying polite.
“How can I assist you?” he asked my mother.
“Stasio says you know about foreign daemons. Asuna is half Uppyr and half Inu youki. She has been soul matched and seeks to break the bond.”
“How would an inu youki break a match?” he asked.
“Removing the mating mark. It is a match more of tradition than by spiritual energy.” I answered.
“I am truly sorry but a soul mating cannot be undone, they say in death but that is not true. Souls that are bound in such a manner will spend eternity together.” He said perplexed.
“Great just great!” I muttered.
“Her soul mate has cut himself off from her. She suffers and I am inclined to inflict the same kind of pain onto him.” She said sickly sweet.
“How is it that she is soul mated to an inu youki?” Viktor asked truly interested.
“He has Uppyr in him. He is a Manchurian Inu but we do not know his lineage.” Mother replied.
“I see. So these two dog daemons have our kind in them and they mated.” He said pondering.
“Da.” She said.
“Death would free you in this lifetime but you would bound to him forever in the afterlife.” He commented.
“So you are saying I will never be free?” I asked irritated.
“Da.' He answered apologetically.
“I thank you Viktor, I take my leave of you now.” She said.
“Augusta will I ever see you again?” he asked sadly.
“Da at some point.” She replied taking his hand.
She grabbed hold of mine and she transported us back to Manchuria. We were in Shenyang and I saw my mother yawn.
“Too much yoki?” I asked quietly?
“Hai. I will need rest and find a meal.” She said.
“This is the palace of Shenyang. I have been meaning to find out who betrayed Katashi and me.” I said firmly.
“I do not sense him here.” She said closing her eyes.
“He cannot transport the way we can. He is a powerful youki to be sure but he is not a taiyouki.” I said.
“I would not be so sure. He still young himself. It took combining your yoki to release your fang.” She commented.
“Hai this is true.” I said thoughtfully.
“Who do you think he really is?” she asked cocking her head looking at me.
“I would love to find out.” I remarked.
“Well show me Katashi's lovely palace.” She said in a happy tone.
“Hai, this way.” I said motioning for her to follow me.
“Which palace is his favorite?” she asked me.
“The one in He Gang, it is known as the Winter Palace.” I answered.
“Would he stay with the troops or would he retreat you think?” she asked as we entered the palace grounds.
“He would stay for a week or two then move on. All his memories are a jumble. It is hard to sort them out.” I said.
“Well we shall make ourselves comfortable and flush out the traitor. Then when he shows himself, I will show him the amount of pain he has put you through.” She said too cheerfully.
“I do not wish him harm. I do not know what I wish. I know the pain in my chest gets unbearable at times. Right now my hatred of him is fueling me.” I said confused.
“I will lend you my yoki, I can do that. It will ease the burden. He is a fool to separate himself from you and his pup.” She seethed.
“I told him to leave.” I stated sadly.
“You told him to leave your room, nothing more. I like him Asuna, I really do. You are right when you say he is arrogant and self centered at times. That is why I question his lineage.” She said.
“Mother he has a true inu form. I know he is mostly inu and we know he is uppyr too but why would he not know his own heritage?” I asked.
“We shall look into it. I suspect he was a love child or something of that nature. I think politics must have been involved.” She observed.
“Hn.” I responded.
We had made it to the gate of the palace. When they saw who I was they immediately threw open the gate. I was giving orders for rooms to be readied. My mother needed blood and I was tempted to just give her mine.
-I will find my own sustenance daughter. - She thought.
-Hai. - I returned.
I went to Sheng's rooms and entered. I looked around for any personal effects. I went to his wardrobe and opened it. I looked through his clothing and admired his style. It was simple and elegant and it suited him. I ran my fingers along the silks and cottons. In the back of the wardrobe I found a miniature of an onna who resembled him. She was obviously inu and beautiful. Her hair was the same color as his and her eyes were a darker blue. Her forehead had a small crest of a bolt of lightning. I stared at it and knew she had to be a taiyouki. She looked like a hime but I could not place the crest. Why had Sheng not inherited her crest? I put the miniature in my hakamas and shut the wardrobe. I looked around more and found nothing else. I had a feeling his rooms in He Gang would have more. I ran my fingers along his coverlet and sighed. I left his rooms and went to Katashi's rooms. I lie on the bed and put my hand to my chest. I hurt and I could not speak of it. I wanted to hate him for starting this mess but I could not. I wanted him close enough that I could feel his aura at least. Bastard, I thought. He had not given me time to explain about the pups but I suppose he was being jealous and had felt deprived of information. I allowed myself to weep and I blamed it on the pregnancy.