I am the Moon

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

The Korean Bat People

My mother's face was stunned and I felt shame at my actions. I looked into her eyes and I could see her forgiveness.
“I have no idea how he managed to survive a combined attack of Tetsaiga and Bakusaiga.” She said shaking her head.
“He made a wish on that damn jewel.” I said flatly.
“What was his wish?” she asked gently.
“To stay alive and see me again.” I said ashamed.
“How?” she asked surprised.
“I can project.” I said.
“You can astral project?” she asked stunned.
“Hai. I assumed you could.” I said shrugging.
“No my dear girl, I cannot.” She said in shock.
“I saw him in a dream and I continued to see him in my dreams and we struck up a friendship of sorts.” I admitted.
“How did you know he was real?” she asked.
“He told me so.” I said shrugging again.
She pondered my words and continued to shake her head.
“I meant no betrayal Mother. I needed his point of view if you will. I needed to defeat Jing and I thought another shape shifter could provide me that insight.” I said.
“Know thine enemy.” She stated.
“Hai. He kept his word to me and more and I told him to survive he would have to give up the Shikon no Tama. He did not listen and I went back and secreted the jewel away.” I whispered.
“You caused him to go into hiding. He had to scramble to find it and he used me for it.” She said.
“I am so sorry.” I said looking down in shame.
“Daughter, you do not understand. It had to happen that way in order for him to need me in the first place. If that had not happened I would never had met Sesshomaru. Fate has used him and you to make sure things were in balance. If you had not stolen the jewel from him then you would not be here.” She stated in awe.
“I wondered at the ability to see him.” I said in surprise.
“What sort of relationship do you share now?” she asked bluntly.
“He has become my lover.” I admitted.
“I see.” She answered.
“His yoki and mine mix like Sheng and I do. I have to initiate it with Sheng but it just happens with Naraku.” I said apprehensively.
“Have you had a heat since the birth of the pups?” she asked urgently.
“I am entering one now.” I said concerned.
“Have you rutted with him since your cycle began?” she asked.
“Hai. Although he did not finish.” I stated nervously.
“It does not matter. You will bear him a pup of immense power. You have more uppyr powers than you do inu youki. I had not realized the extent of that power. Powers like yours only occurs once in a millennium Asuna. I am considered powerful amongst my people but you are more so. If my family were to realize the extent of your abilities they would try and force you to Russia.” She told me.
“Oh Kami. I am in trouble.” I said widening my eyes.
“You will have to be careful. This pup you will bear is going to rival your own power and that of your father's.” she stated.
“I cannot bear this pup Mother.” I said in horror.
“Asuna you would not consider such a thing!” she admonished me.
“Do you see that if Naraku were to turn against me he could use this pup as a way in?” I said truly frightened.
“How does he feel about you?” she asked.
“He loves me. The ningen part cannot stand me.” I said clenching my claws.
“You attract powerful youki my dear. This is more than what you should endure but endure it you will.” She said putting a hand on my shoulder.
“I cannot do this to Sheng. I will not.” I said angry.
“Asuna we can find a solution to the problem but not by ending it.” She declared.
“Do I have to worry about Russian youki coveting my womb too?” I asked sarcastically.
“Hai. We have to keep your powers under wraps.” She said matter of factly.
“Oh hai I can do that. I must never see Naraku again.” I stated in utter frustration.
“I did not say that.” She said sweetly.
“I care not if I am powerful. I care for my family.” I said sitting by her.
“I know. You demonstrated that today. I would never have fed off of you if you had not offered yourself so selflessly to save us.” She said lifting my chin.
“Why did you want another pup?” I asked.
“Your father wanted a larger family than what I could give him. We kept trying and met with tragedy. Finally he refused to even consider it and I have been begging him for years. He relented because I said it would be different. After Youshiro was born I had many more losses. You have given me such a gift.” She said with tears in her eyes.
“I give you a gift and myself a nightmare.” I said bitterly.
“I will help you figure this thing out. I do ask that I meet with the hanyou again.” She stated.
“No.” I said flatly.
“I have the right to thank him for my pup's life!” she demanded.
“Do not dredge the past then. He is not quite the same.” I said sighing.
“Everything happens for a reason.” She said smiling.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
My mother insisted we go sooner rather than later and was up and around the very next day. My father was overly protective but she laughed it off. He looked at me and I could tell he was happy to have the audacious mate back. They treated me as if I was a hero and I felt my shame mounting. If I was pupped I could not tell. I was not sick whatsoever and I was delighted.
I took her to Mount Hakurei-zan and I had her follow me inside the cavern. She had me mask her and I hated to deceive Naraku, he could be very volatile. I could sense his presence and I waited. I wondered if he changed form when I was not around and I wondered what he did in his time. My mother waited in the shadows and he came up behind me.
“I did not expect to see you so soon.” He purred.
“We are not alone.” I said quietly.
He looked at me in anger and my mother stepped out. His eyes widened a fraction and then narrowed them.
“Are you intending to inform your mutt of a mate that I live?” he snarled.
“I am here to thank you.” She said in her sweet way.
“What?” he asked in total surprise.
“It is because of you that my pup has a chance at life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also know you nursed Asuna back to health after her unfortunate incident with the Chinese bastard.” She said bowing to him.
I was shocked to see her doing such and looked at the hanyou.
“Your welcome.” He answered.
His response surprised me as well and I wondered if this thing would work out after all.
“I am famished daughter and I am going to hunt for my dinner.” She said turning to leave.
“I will join you. Father would be most displeased if I allowed you out by yourself.” I said concerned.
“My dear, when have I ever allowed your father to dictate my every move?” she said laughing.
Naraku snorted in laughter and I gave her an evil glare.
“Much needs to be discussed. Shall I catch you a deer as well?” she asked nicely.
“Hai.” I said as she left me and him together.
“Before you start giving me hell, she could scent your miasma. What I did worked and she is eternally grateful. So much so that my father and uncle will never learn of your existence from her.” I said in a tired voice.
“You smell different.” He said off topic.
“What?” I asked him.
“Your scent has changed.” He retorted.
“What does that matter? You are not angry?” I asked in irritation.
“What can I do? Why has your scent changed?” he asked me.
“You are impossible!” I said growling.
“Answer my question.” He demanded.
“No.” I said walking away from him.
He was getting angry and I dared him with a look.
“Answer me.” He said grabbing my shoulders.
“No.” I said firmly.
“Are you ill again?” he demanded.
“No.” I said tersely.
“You will tell me now.” He growled low in his throat.
“Must we always fight or threaten? I am tired and I have bared my soul to my mother.” I said.
“Something is off in you and I would know what it is.” He demanded.
“It is of no consequence and it will not burden you.” I said in a very tired voice.
“I thought that we had moved beyond this.” He growled.
“My life is changing faster than I care for it to. I have found out that I have been fate's toy and I need to rid the Southern Lands of a major threat.” I said shrugging.
“You still refuse to answer as to your health?” he asked.
“Hai.” I said.
“Do I deserve less than that Chinese inu?” he demanded.
“That is not fair.” I said in anger.
“Then answer the fucking question!” he snarled.
I had never heard him curse and I looked at him. I could not gauge his mood and I wanted to scream.
“Fine. You asked. I am pupped.” I said sourly.
“What? Well I see you have been busy.” He said nastily.
“Shut your mouth.” I snapped.
“I will say what I will.” He said getting into my face.
“I carry your progeny you pompous ass.” I snapped.
“Liar!” he hissed.
“I do not lie. Scent closer and you shall know the truth,” I hissed back.
He stuck his nose into the crook of my neck and his eyes widened in shock.
“Hai you realize that I have whored myself to you.” I said angry.
“I do not understand. I have been careful of you.” He said.
“The last two times you and I have rutted our yoki mixed. I do not understand it myself. It has created a pup. I do not need this right now and neither do you.” I stated miserably.
“What is to be done?” he asked.
“I care not at the moment.” I said shrugging.
“You would care if it was his.” He said angrily.
“I will not feed this jealousy. I have things that need doing and this is the last thing I needed.” I cried.
“You may have only known me a year of your life but it has been over a century for me, how do you think this feels when I realize that you do not want this part of me?” he said in contempt.
“I still do not completely trust you as you do not trust me. We have both agreed that the chemistry has been explosive but you would not hesitate to stab me in the back if it suited you or whatever half of you has it in for me that day.” I snarled.
“I cannot convince you of my feeling for you. I grow sick of these games.” He snapped.
“Who plays games with whom? You are the master. Admit it you do not want this any more than I.” I cried.
“I will not admit to a lie.” He growled.
“Even yesterday you were still pushing me away, you will not tell me why the ningen half of you hate me so and I am to be glad of bearing your pup? Excuse me I am not!” I said in a temper.
“You have been the one constant this past century for me. I have never experienced such things. Would it surprise you that my intensity of emotion makes me angry? Before I saw you that first time; I was sure of everything. I was sure of my place in the world and my power. Now I cannot touch you enough or feel you enough. That is why there is hatred. I am weak because of you.” He stated.
“I will not be accused of making you weak. Love is supposed to make one strong. I have the example of my parents' union and it is beautiful. I will not be hated because you fell in love with me. I did not ask for this and I will not continue to be punished by you for the inconvenience of loving me. If it is such a terrible thing then let us leave it.” I said in turmoil.
“Hai maybe we should. I cannot change everything I am for a mere onna.” He said cruelly.
My heart twisted again at his words and I stood up straighter. My eyes were emotionless and I stared back at him cruelly.
“I refuse to change myself for a mere hanyou.” I said.
“Deceitful bitch.” He snarled viciously.
“Who is the liar? I have never asked you to change your ways for me. I have spoken the truth of what I would do if you harmed those that I loved.” I stated flatly.
“Go and never show yourself to me again.” He said in a threatening tone.
“Hai there you go. Would you kill me? I think you would. You would kill that part of yourself that you say you want?” I asked in a hateful voice.
“Why should I care what happens if you do not?” he retorted.
“You should not. I am very sorry for interfering in your life; I had no right to play a Kami. The least I can do is do as you ask and spare you my awful presence.” I said bitterly.
“Spare me your theatrics.” He snapped distancing himself.
“What was yesterday? You tell me that.” I said coming closer to him.
“Stopping this from happening. I am tired of wanting you.” He said with narrowed eyes.
“You have hurt me far worse than Katashi or Sheng put together.” I said to him.
He closed the distance and held my throat without squeezing. I was beyond caring what he did to me and it showed in my words. I loved this creature I knew, I had not seen it happening but there it was. I was trying to be realistic but I could not figure out why that hurt so damn much. The moment made me wish I was in the South killing something.
“Do not ever compare me to those inu again. I have done what I have done for very good reasons.” He said contemptuously.
“Let me go. I am hungry and have no wish to argue further. I will honor the request and never seek your company again.” I said closing my eyes.
He let go of my throat and I walked away. I needed to separate myself from him anyway. I intended to hide myself for a little while and give into the pain in my heart and cry. I wished I was anybody else but me. I wished that I was a nobody and therefore my behaviors would not have ramifications. My damanable feelings had led to one of the purest ways of making a pup. The intensity was there and so was the power. I went further into the forest and found a stream. I lay down beneath a tree and produced a powerful barrier. I allowed my feelings out in the form of the sobbing that overcame me. I did not know how long I was there and things were quiet I realized. The animals should have started up their various songs again. I stretched my awareness and felt many auras. I was surrounded and barrier or no I was in trouble.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
A creature moved forward and its ears were larger than that of a normal youki. Its eyes were large and very black. Its claw was attached to a large membrane thin wing that was attached to its body. Its hair and fur was a very soft brown. It looked at me like I was dinner and I drew my fang. I saw hunger in its eyes and the damn thing passed right through my barrier.
“Holy hell!” I muttered.
I channeled my yoki and knocked the damn thing away from me. I let the Dakkasou come to the tips of my claws and threw a small poison ball at one I presumed to be a female. More were coming at me and I realized my best chance was to change form and overpower them. They had moved further north and I had been here playing argue with the lover.
“Damn it all!” I cursed as one bit my arm.
They were pack hunters and most certainly blood drinkers. I hoped my mother had enough sense to get away and I changed to my true form. The sheer amount of yoki overpowered three that had moved in close. I was not far from Naraku and the bastard was going to have to forgive my intrusion but self preservation won out. I ran through the bat youki and several had moved quickly and had latched onto my fur. I howled when their fangs pierced my skin and I let my acidic saliva burn two. The screeched loudly and I knew it must be communication. There were ten more that appeared and I jumped up and over them. I had various bites and the wounds burned like hell. I made it to Mount Hakurei-zan and quickly changed form.
“Naraku!” I called loudly.
I could feel his aura coming from deeper within the cave and I was thrown against the cavern opening and my wrist was bitten into and another appeared quickly and bit into the juncture of my elbow. I could not tell how intelligent they were but as pack hunters they were efficient. They would outnumber their victim and devour them as a whole, as individuals they were weak. I felt one that was drinking from my wrist forcefully pulled away and the action ripped my skin. I howled in pain but I heard a sickening thud against the rock wall. The next one was grabbed by the throat and I could see Naraku inject the thing was copious amounts of miasma. He erected a barrier and I looked at him in surprise.
“They walked straight through mine.” I said as I stood.
“What?” he asked surprised.
“Hai.” I confirmed.
He pulled me to him and he made us disappear into a cloud of his poison. I was bleeding from the various nasty bites but my concern was for my mother. I looked at Naraku and I looked around. We were near the mountain and in the surrounding forest. I saw her as she was feeding off of one the disgusting things. She looked up and came to me.
“You are hurt.” She observed.
“I will be fine. We must get home and get a move on to the south. They have moved this far north in search of what?” I asked.
“I would imagine more powerful food.” Naraku pointed out.
We all felt the swarm before it was seen.
“For Kami sake!” my estranged lover cursed.
“No Kami.” A voice was heard.
Naraku turned and narrowed his eyes at a very powerful looking koumori youki.
“Who are you?” I asked angrily.
“I am Kyung-Sam.” He said staring at me.
I could feel Naraku's yoki rising and wondered if he would change form.
-Get behind me now! - He ordered in my head.
I pulled my mother to me and got behind him. He did indeed change form and the infamous tentacles erupted from his person. He was going to throw off the koumori and allow us to escape.
-You are coming with us! - I demanded in his mind.
-I will meet you at my castle in the north! - He thought back quickly.
I grabbed my mother again and changed into my energy sphere and we managed our escape.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
I took my mother to the West and it was determined that since they had moved this quickly up here that we would move the Southern Lord and his court into the West. Inuyasha, Akemi, and Daichi left that very afternoon to head to Nagasaki. My mother was fine and the effusion of youki blood seemed to be helping her immensely. She had wiped out twenty or so by herself. I looked at her in awe and so did my father. I made Sheng take the pups to Edo and stay there with them. I had recently given him a fang forged from Totosai that he had been practicing channeling his yoki through. He was a taiyouki too; he had just never been trained. I had to get back to Naraku and I was going insane with worry. My mother had my father send me on a reconnaissance mission and it gave me the perfect excuse to look for the hanyou.
I moved with my yoki cloud and scanned the land underneath for the enemy. I could not sense them and I made my way north to his castle there. I warily searched the horizon for any of the vermin because they could easily fly. It took me less than a day to travel to the north that normally took well over two. I was pushing my own limits and I passed through the powerful barrier. He was here that much was certain. I went to the further most room in the castle and opened the shoji. He was in a corner and wounded terribly.
“Naraku!” I said urgently.
I crossed the room quickly and knelt by him. He looked up at me and sighed.
“I am sorry. I must get you cleaned up.” I said.
“I will heal.” He said jerking away from me.
“Do not do this now. I need you.” I cried.
“For what?” he snapped.
“I am going to clean the wounds.” I said standing.
I leaned down and helped him to stand. I saw the sheer number of bites and hated myself for leaving him. He stood straight and tried to pull away from me.
“Do not please.” I said staring at him.
“Clear your conscience and then leave.” He snapped.
I leaned forward and kissed him with my repressed and savagely raw feelings. I was weak when it came to him and at this moment I did not care. I took his hand and pressed it to my stomach. I reached up and held the sides of his face and his tongue slipped into my mouth to taste me. I had to breathe and I pressed my forehead to his.
“I am frightened. I wish no harm to come to you because I am to bear you a pup.” I said barely audible.
“I have been caring for myself a long time. Danger is not new to me. Besides you have eloquently reminded me that I have a knack for causing myself mischief and I always manage to get out of it.”
“I lied at the mountain. There is so much danger for you and this pup, I was afraid.” I cried softly.
“I do not know how to react exactly to this news but I wish for it.” He murmured against my skin.
My hands tangled in his ebony hair and I sighed when he lowered his nose to my neck.
“I will help you clean your wounds and set up your futon.” I said leading him to the spring.
This castle, the hot spring had been incorporated into the design and it was more like the West's own. I quickly divested him of his attire. My hands skimmed over the various bites and grew angrier at the koumori. He slipped into the steaming water and hissed at the pain. I grabbed the soap and herb basket and quickly stripped out of my own attire and set to work of washing the bites. I looked into his eyes and they had changed to dark brown. I looked at him in surprise.
“I am hanyou am I not?” he asked of me.
“You are choosing now as your time of weakness?” I asked.
“Hai.” He answered as I washed the wounds.
I got a predatory gleam in my eyes and I knew he would not be able to scent my intentions. I was going to attempt to heal him through a joining and overcome him with my yoki. I straddled his hips and lifted a hand and saw only blunt finger nails. I looked down at him and he eyed my responses. I drew a finger into my mouth and swirled my tongue around it. He continued to eye me and decided to enjoy his weakness. I put my hand behind his head and gently pulled his head forward and he licked a nipple into his hot mouth. I sucked in my breath and gently raked my claws across his skin. He groaned and I pulled my nipple from his mouth and he growled lightly. I captured his lips and dominated him. I moved my lips to his jaw and nipped along until I reached his neck. I licked my way to his ear.
“I am going to give you my blood now.” I whispered in his ear.
“Hai.” He breathed.
I bit into my wrist and pressed it to his lips and he lapped at the wound. I closed my eyes and focused my yoki through and he groaned beneath me. I was surprised he could feel it in this form. I grasped his length and lowered myself onto him. He groaned and I kept my face neutral. I did not move and he stared at me with an impatient stare.
“Do not tease me Asuna.” He moaned.
“I am not teasing you. I have a purpose for this. I want you to trust me.” I said calmly.
“You are clenching me so damn tight.” He groaned.
“Go with it.” I said.
He nodded slowly and I released my yoki. I kept still and he stirred beneath me.
“Too much.” He groaned.
“No. Take it in.” I commanded.
He pressed his head against my chest and groaned loudly. Surges of yoki could regrow limbs then I was certain that surges of it could heal many wounds. I kept pressing more of it and his breathing was heavy.
“Asuna please ease it up.” He begged.
I watched in fascination as his wounds were healing slowly before my eyes. I decided to tease him just a little bit and clenched my muscles tighter and his blunt finger nails dug into my back. I pressed my yoki again and he started shaking under me. I was satisfied he was healed enough and I ground myself against him. I kept it agonizing slow and I knew he was going to lose it soon. I tried to urge his own yoki to the surface and it flared suddenly and mixed with my own again. I kept moving against him and he opened his eyes and his eyes were crimson. He held onto my hips and forcefully thrust up as I ground against him. My whole body felt like it was on fire, I could not contain the feelings and they washed over into Naraku.
“Kami.” He cried out.
We were truly one and we both reached a sort of culmination and fell against each other as our combined energies overcame us. Naraku had returned to his youki state and I was astonished. He wrapped his arms around me and we started devouring each other. We feverishly pressed our bodies and mouths against the other. My lips were bruising from the onslaught and I cried out his name over and over.
I ended up laying my head on his shoulder and passing out. I felt his arms around me and it felt right. I awoke a little while later being held close to him and we were laying face to face on a futon. My eyes were heavy and again the joining of our bodies left us drained.
“You used your body to heal mine.” He whispered.
“You used your time to heal me.” I whispered back.
“We are designed for one another you realize.” He said quietly.
“Something happens when we are together, that is for sure.” I laughed lightly.
“You will need to return to the West and garner the forces against these creatures. I am going to go on my offensive against them myself.” He growled.
“How do you intend to do that?” I asked.
“I am a shape shifter after all. I can and will keep my identity unknown. You will know of my presence, I promise.” He said as he kissed my temple.
“Maybe you should appear as a bitch at court and try and take me to your bed.” I said giggling.
“Watch it, I may do that.” He joked back.
“What a scandal that would be.” I said with a smile.
“You will bear this pup will you not?” he asked seriously.
“Hai.” I answered.
He pulled me to him and held on. This was not the same creature that I had first met almost a year ago. I had no idea how to make this work but I knew that this had to work. I fell back asleep in his arms.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
I kept to the skies so that I would be able to see them clearer if they did try and swarm me again. I was uneasy and had a bad feeling about the area but I kept going. I was hoping that the neko court made it to the palace. Naraku was joining the fight against koumori and that excited me in a way. I hated that he had to hide himself away as much as he did but his own past was too sordid.
I managed the trip of two days with out incident. I entered the palace and I scented neko immediately. I went to my father's study and there was Daichi and Inuyasha; to their left stood two more neko. I knew the older one must be Hikaru and the other must be his eldest son Hiroshi. I cocked my head to one side and looked at my Southern equivalent. He was an impressive sight. He did not have the reddish orange hair and fur of his father and Daichi. His was gray and black and he had yellow eyes. He was almost as tall as my father and lean like the other neko. He wore the colors of the South and was heavily armored. My father looked up and motioned me in. I had taken great pains to mask my scents so as not to tip my hand of my condition.
“Lord Hikaru this is the West's heir; Lady Asuna.” My father introduced me.
“My lady!” Hikaru said bowing.
I bowed to him and then his sons. I looked at my Uncle and he looked back at me in a very calm manner, which surprised me.
“There is an area further north that gives me pause. I cannot say with all certainty but I believe that is one nest of the koumori.” I said to my father.
He nodded and I seated myself near my father's desk.
“This Sesshomaru's mate and heir ran afoul with the creatures not three days ago. They have insinuated themselves all over Japan.” He said to all.
“How do we go about ridding the islands of these vermin Lord Sesshomaru?” Hiroshi asked in a rich timbre like his younger brother.
“One nest at a time Lord Hiroshi.” My sire said flatly.
“Mother and I are able to sense them a little easier than most youki. I believe if we strike them midday then we have a better chance of defeating them.” I stated.
“I would have you recall your mate from Edo.” my father said to me.
My mouth dropped open and I had to restrain a growl. I preferred the pups to be guarded by him or myself. I knew the reason he wanted Sheng here was because he too was uppyr. My uncle looked at me and I clenched my fist.
“Kagome will care for the pups `Suna. I will also have Isamu and Kanta guarding them.” He reassured me.
The scent of blood filled the room as my claws had pierced my palms and I nodded stiffly at my sire's request. My father looked at me in surprise but I did not question his authority. My uncle was going to have his taijiyas sons guarding my full blooded youki pups. I motioned for a paper and quill and wrote to my mate to return to the palace. I knew he was going to be furious as well. I handed the letter to a servant and he took off.
“We will wait for Asuna's mate to return to the palace and then go on the offensive. Several nests have been identified and we will exterminate them.” My father stated to all.
There was a consensus and the neko all bowed and left the study. Inuyasha stood up and slowly left the study as well.
“Why do you disagree with Sheng returning.” My sire said pinning me with a stare.
“Not with him returning but leaving the pups in Edo.” I said.
“It cannot be helped Asuna, they are safer away from this part of the island.” He said flatly.
“I will arrange for their care my Lord. It makes me nervous that taijiyas will be helping to care for inu youki pups. Sorry but that is how I feel.” I said firmly.
“Asuna, your aunt will care for them well.” He said irritated.
“I would prefer that youki pups be protected by youki in their own family.” I stated with conviction.
“See to their care but we have not a lot of time.” He said staring me down.
“Hai my lord!” I said bowing.
I would have to go to Edo and the quickest way there was through Naraku. He said he would not be far and I hoped he kept his word. I left the palace proper and went into the nearby forest. My mind was screaming for Naraku and he would have a headache if he was nearby. I was pulled behind a large tree and there was my hanyou lover. He looked annoyed at me for screaming in his head but I shook my head.
“I need to get to Edo and get my pups.” I said imploring him.
“What ails you.” He asked searching my face.
“My father has recalled Sheng and I will not leave my pups without powerful protection.” I said.
“Who would care for them?” he asked.
“My Aunt Kagome and her taijiya sons. I trust my aunt but the pups are already powerful and they could be targets.” I said worried.
“Who are you getting to watch them?” he asked lifting my chin.
“I was hoping that you would.” I said pleading with my eyes.
“Me? I do not know what baby inu even eat.” He said surprised.
“They eat what you eat silly. They have been weaned from milk for months now.” I laughed.
“Asuna I do not know.” He said.
“You are powerful enough to see to their care and you love me. Do it for me.” I implored him more.
“What are their names.” He asked quietly.
“Hiroto and Kazuo. They are identical twins.” I said smiling.
“Great now I will not be able to tell them apart.” He snorted.
“Hiroto is a little bigger than Kazuo. He has a much bigger appetite.” I grinned.
“Come let us get your puppies.” He said as if he was put out.
“Pups. Puppies are begotten by domestic inu.” I said jokingly.
“Hai. Alright let us go. I will do this once.” He said.
He gathered me into his arms and we disappeared into his miasma.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
We arrived in Inuyasha's Forest and I left to go to Inuyasha's home. I went inside and found Sheng on the floor with twins. They squealed when they saw me and I scooped them up and kissed them. Sheng was surprised and I looked at him. My heart twisted at seeing him and I smiled.
“Father has recalled you to the West. We need your abilities and I am going to take the pups to a secure location. No offense Aunt Kagome; these creatures seem to go after powerful youki blood.” I said.
“No offense taken dear.” She said warmly.
“I will take the pups now and meet you back at the Palace soon.” I said as I kissed Sheng quickly.
“What is going on exactly?” he asked.
“The koumori have been making nests all over the island and we are going to flush them out.” I said.
“You think they would go after the pups?” he asked concerned.
“Hai I do.” I answered.
“Take them and I will see you soon.” He said kissing my cheek.
I had both of the boys in my arms and I left the house. I moved quickly and met up with Naraku. He looked at them curiously and Hiroto started grabbing at Naraku's long hair. Kazuo looked at the hanyou and blew a raspberry at him.
“Curious little creatures.” He said staring at the boys.
“They are infants Naraku. They are innocent.” I said searching his face.
“Come let us go to my northern castle.” He said.
Hiroto grabbed a hold of his hair as I got closer. His chubby little hands were fisting the ebony strands. Naraku looked at me as he scented the pups.
“They smell similar to you now.” He said in awe.
“I carry their sibling. They would scent similarly.” I stated.
We disappeared into the miasma and reappeared at the castle. Both of the twins squealed in delight at the shift and power.
“They can change their forms. They are rambunctious and they will mock attack you.” I said kissing them both.
“I will need to bring in some servants.” He said letting Kazuo gnaw on a knuckle.
“Hai. They will sleep more often and several times a day in fact. You will need to feed them several times a day as well. They can be a little vicious during their dinner.” I said smiling.
“They will not kill me will they?” he asked intimidated.
“Just think of it as practice for our pup.” I said smirking.
“How long will you be you think?” he asked.
“When we flush out the nests closet to the palace, I will bring them home.” I said.
“You have no idea.” He sighed.
“I have no idea. Please you will care for them well?” I asked him.
“They will be taken care of as if they were mine.” He promised.
“Swear on our unborn pup.” I demanded.
“HAI!” he snapped.
“Alright then I leave them to your care.”
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
I traveled cautiously south. By the time I reached the West; Sheng would have arrived. I kept a low profile to avoid undue attention to my yoki. I made it to the Western Lands with out any trouble and felt it was too easy. The koumori were up to something and we needed to stop them. I went into the palace by a side gate and came upon the Southern heir. He was sparring with Daichi and they looked surprised at my sudden appearance.
“Please continue, I return after personal matters.” I said walking past.
“I thank you for the care of my younger brother Lady Asuna.” Hiroshi said after me.
I turned and faced them both and watched Daichi. He looked away under my scrutiny.
“It was not big matter my Lord. He was brave for venturing out for one so young.” I said.
“He is brave but terribly shy are you not little brother.” Hiroshi said.
“We cannot all have your charisma brother.” Daichi muttered.
“Have you seen Lady Akemi around Lord Daichi? I know you two have become friends.” I said distracting Daichi from his brother's attentions.
“Hai I saw her in the dojo with her father.” He said quietly.
“Inuyasha and Akemi in the dojo?” I asked surprised.
“Your cousin is terribly lovely.” Hiroshi said with a lecherous smile.
“Hai she is lovely and her father is terribly protective. He has been known to kill for inappropriate glances.” I said leveling the Southern heir with a glare.
“I meant no offense. She is truly more beautiful than most youki females I have seen.” He commented.
“I leave you two to your sparring. By the way have you knowledge of my mate returning?” I asked arching a brow.
“I have not seen or heard my Lady.” Daichi said bowing.
I looked concerned at my mate's absence and left the neko brothers to their exercise. I entered the Great Hall and found several members of my family sitting and enjoying their noon meal. My father was not there but Osamu and Youshiro were.
“Have you seen Sheng?” I asked.
Both of my brothers shook their heads and I got more worried. I opened myself to my mate mentally and felt barely anything. That could be distance or something far worse. Osamu stood and followed me to my father's study. I knocked on the shoji and he called for us to come.
“Sheng has not returned. He should be here by now Father.” I said as I walked into his study.
“You are correct. We shall see if he is close.” He said standing.
“Hai.” I said following him.
Osamu actually trailed behind me and I shot him a grateful look. He smiled a little and we continued on our way to the front gates. I pulsed my aura powerfully and my father looked at me in surprise. If Sheng was close by he would have felt it, so would anything else. I did not feel a flicker of anything from him and I looked back in almost a panic at my father.
“Come.” He commanded.
We exited the gates and went into the forest surrounding the palace and I kept myself open to his yoki. Osamu was with me and I was grateful to my twin. I was near panic and I had a hard time concentrating appropriately.
“Sheng.” I screamed.
My father put a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him in panic. He tried to keep me calm and I jerked away. I was not angry at him, I was just panicking.
“Sheng!!!” I screamed.
I transformed into my true form and put my nose to the ground. My father backed up and gave me room. He drew Tokijin and my brother followed suit and transformed too. Both of us kept scenting the air and the ground. I was at a near frenzy and I knew my father felt my anguish. I was going to be eating koumori for dinner. I kept moving further into the forest and growling. I kept screaming his name with my mind and nothing; not a thing. I looked at my brother and whined terribly. There was no sign of Sheng.