It hurt. God did it hurt! It was like being ripped apart and then put back together slowly and painfully. Was this what it felt like to die? Am I even dead? I gasped out a breath. Hell, even that hurt.

"Welcome back," a deep voice grunted from above me. Shit! He's here! Panicked, I awaken fully, jumping up into a fighting stance. The pain that wracked through my body proved that it was a dumb idea. Shit, what happened? "Calm yourself, woman."

Focusing, I recognized the youkai in front of. With a squeal of glee, I launched myself onto one nearest me, my pain momentarily forgotten. I'd thought for sure I was going to die, but they saved me. I'm still alive!

"I'm still alive! I thought I was dying, but I wasn't!" I exclaimed, tightening my grip. "I'm so relieved!"

"Actually, Lady Ayame, you did indeed die," Inutaisho clarified from behind me. I whirled around to face him, the dull aching of pain returning.

"I don't understand."

"The venom killed you. This Sesshomaru tried to remove it, but it had spread too quickly through your body. You did not make it."

"So, how am I alive right now?"

"Tenseiga brought you back," Inutaisho informed. "It is good for something, no?" A quick, mocking look in Sesshomaru's direction told me that he wasn't speaking to me. Well, that and the deep growl that resonated from behind me. I cocked my head to the side in confusion.

"So, every time I die, you can bring me back?" I asked, my mind coming up with several reckless things to do.

"No."

"I don't understand."

"It can only revive you once, Ayame. Please, do well to remember that."

I nodded my head in understanding, but I was still confused. If I died as they said I did, then what was with that dream? Was it even a dream? It all seemed so real and yet it there was no way that it had happened yet.

"Speak your mind," Sesshomaru snapped. I felt his glare even if I couldn't see it. It was just that powerful.

"I-I had a…dream, I guess you could say," I finally spoke after a few moments. Inutaisho cocked his head to the right.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I was in so much pain and bleeding. And Takken—" A snarl from Sesshomaru at the mention of my betrothed's name forced a smile on my face. "—was standing over me. I'm not exactly sure what happened." It was a lie. I knew exactly what happened, but to tell the Western Lord and his son would sign Takken's death. I hated the guy, but I didn't want him dead.

"I see," Inutaisho drawled, rubbing his chin in concentration. "I have not heard of such a thing. Rest and I will get to the bottom of this."

With that said, he and his son were gone. I took the opportunity to scan my surroundings. I was standing over a bed pushed against the far wall of the room, a large window above it. In front of me was a shoji door, closed tightly. On the wall to the left of the bed was a folding door that I knew opened to large sitting room with a low table and cushions. A small dresser sat up against the bed. I was in the room I had claimed as my own within the Western Palace. Mother used to scold me about claiming territory where I had no right to, but Lord Inutaisho didn't mind. In fact, whenever I came to visit, I would end up sleeping in this room.

Flopping back down onto my bed, I thought about my "dream." It felt real, but if I was supposedly dead, how exactly did one dream? And not only that, but what did the dream mean? Was there trouble ahead? Forcing the thoughts to the back of my mind, I fell into a dreamless sleep.


Sun streaming through the window woke me up. I was still sore, but the pain had diminished greatly. I guessed it was just the aftereffects of dying and being brought back to life. Stretching, I forced myself from my bed. It would do no good to just lie around and do nothing. I wanted to be productive. I needed to get my mind off of things.

First things first, a nice, hot, relaxing bath was in order, followed by a gentle pampering from a couple of maids. And last, but not least, some food.

Once those things were taken care of, I began my search for my surrogate father. I found him in his study, Sesshomaru seated to his right. Both looked up upon my arrival. I knew I was supposed to knock, but being here so often allowed leniency from Lord Inutaisho. As long as I spoke nothing of what I heard, he didn't particularly care.

"Ah, Lady Ayame," Lord Inutaisho greeted, a wide grin on his face. "I take it you slept well?"

"Yes, I did. Thank you."

He nodded, leaning away from his desk and the piles of paperwork scattered about.

"Is there something you needed?" Sesshomaru asked, narrowing his eyes. I wasn't sure if it was a warning or concern. You can never be too sure with Lord Icicle over there.

"Um, no, not really," I started, looking down at my intertwined fingers nervously. "I was just wondering if there was something I could do. You know, to assist you in finding out about the reason behind my dream."

"Your assistance is not needed."

My eyes snapped up to his in a heated glare. How dare he? It was my dream and my death! He didn't have to experience it! It wasn't his burden to carry! However, the anger subsided once I studied him. He wasn't trying to be mean. In fact, it was the complete opposite. He was trying to protect me. My eyes softened and I bowed, leaving the room with a quick "thank you."

Anyone who ever said that Lord Sesshomaru was a cold-hearted bastard knew nothing of him. He was just simply misunderstood. He was blunt and straightforward, but, even though it was highly annoying, that's what I liked about him. He never beat around the bush. He'd tell you his opinion and leave it at that. I just wished he was more sensitive to the emotions of others, though.

Sighing, I took the steps down to the lower level of the palace. It was nothing but large rooms meant for dining and meetings here, along with a kitchen. I trekked my way out of the front doors and took a left to reach the garden. I'd always loved coming out here. It was nice, just like the one back home, but this garden didn't carry such painful memories; nor did I scorch any of the plants here. I giggled to myself at the thought. If I knew that Mother would turn into such a bitch, I'd have singed the entire garden. All her hard work would have been in vain.

Walking a little farther, I found my favorite tree and slumped against it, sliding into a sitting position. It wasn't fair that Father died. Sometimes I wished that Mother would have taken his place. At least then I'd be happy and none of this would have happened. But then again, I wouldn't be so close to Lord Inutaisho and Lord Sesshomaru. I guess some good came out of your death, Father.

Blinking back tears, I noticed that it was considerably darker than it was when I'd first come outside. Had I been sitting here that long? Pushing myself off the ground, I dusted off my backside. I'd missed both lunch and dinner, so there was no since waking someone up just to feed me. Shrugging, I began my journey back to my room, getting ready for bed.

Sleep didn't come easy. I tossed and turned for hours. It seemed that no matter what I did, I just couldn't grasp the reason behind that stupid dream! It just didn't make sense. I turned over onto my left side, wrapping myself in the blankets. A few minutes later, I was on my right side.

What am I missing?!

I forced my eyes closed, breathing deeply to calm my mind. As I finally started to drift off, a sudden realization started me into a sitting position.

The dream I'd had wasn't a dream at all.

It was a premonition!


A/N: I hope that cleared it all up for you guys. The next chapter will be a skip in time, but just remember all that has happened so far. The shit is about to hit the fan! I'm so excited!

Anyways, don't forget to review! I love reading what you guys have to say!