Chapter 9: The Reason and The Exception

~Sesshomaru~

Sesshomaru clung to the sleeve of her purple Yukata. The fabric was slightly more soft than he had remembered upon commissioning the outfit to be made. Ameki's confused stare made him uncomfortable. How was he supposed to explain the situation to her? He didn't want to reveal what had happened in the first place, fearing that the vibrant woman before him would transform into the horror stricken shell she had presented him with after his use of the Tenseiga. He knew deep down that it was inevitable, and the responsibility of enlightenment would be his considering he had been the one to promise Rin.

"My Lord, am I in some kind of trouble?" Her eyes searched Sesshomaru's face for any hint behind the sudden change in his demeanor.

"No, not exactly." He answered, pausing momentarily.

"It's nothing you've done, but rather something that has happened to you." Sesshomaru released her sleeve, trying his best not to spook her. He wanted her to understand the seriousness of the situation, but he had no intent to cause her discomfort considering the details that were about to be presented would no doubt shake her sunny disposition. Sesshomaru's own discomfort tried to surface as it had previously, but he quickly quelled the rising emotion.

"Ameki. I need you to accompany me to the Northwest. It will be a long journey. I need to make arrangements before we leave and track down someone else that will accompany us. There is no need to pack your things in this moment." Sesshomaru settled for simply calming the rushed girl that had tried to hurry off and ready her things.

He knew that the best place for him to reveal things to her would here within the village. It was where she was most comfortable, and he wanted her to be around people that would know how to comfort her. Sesshomaru was not rehearsed in such things. She needed to be around humans, her own kind. Beings that weren't afraid of expressing emotions, he needed the Miko's help. He would do the talking, but Kagome would be the one to comfort the girl.

After returning to Kagome's home they waited for her return. A dawning glance crossed Kagome's features as she realized what decision Sesshomaru had made. He would be taking Ameki with him, and to do that it was imperative for Ameki to understand why. Ameki's wide eyes never left the great dog demon as he spoke. Where Sesshomaru had found himself hesitant or lost for words, Kagome intervened to complete his thoughts. Sesshomaru, on a very deep and secretive level, was thankful for the Miko's help and cooperation. He realized in his situation that he was no longer watching out for the little girl that he could easily boss around. In fact, she was an entirely different person. This was the daughter of Rin. Ameki often held the same softness Rin had, and the same extent of understanding toward him, but she wasn't Rin. She was merely her offspring, an entirely different person that only shadowed his previous ward. However, she was something completely different and intriguing to him. Her Rin like qualities were only accented by other traits that Sesshomaru found admirable.

Sesshomaru had no time to reflect further, due to the shock ridden mess Ameki had become. Her eyes, though never leaving Sesshomaru had taken on a hint of terror, along with many other phases of emotion that had lead there. Her once flushed cheeks were now pale as Sesshomaru and Kagome finished explaining the situation. She had been killed, marked and never even knew about it. Sesshomaru grew uncomfortable under the changing expression. Ameki's eyes darkened as a low whisper escaped her lips.

"You refuse to kill him, the demon that continues to destroy your name, land, demons and humans alike, because of me?" She narrowed her eyes toward Sesshomaru. This was the first time Sesshomaru had ever experienced hostility from the woman he had saved. Ameki's expression spoke to him. He could tell she was not pleased by his obvious sacrifice to keep her alive.

Ameki stood, the anger was apparent as her hands took on a slight tremble.

"I'm going to need some time, to think all of this through." With tears presumably fueled by anger she turned toward Kagome.

"Please excuse me Lady Kagome." With that Ameki left. Sesshomaru himself was slightly shocked at her reaction. He had expected something more devastating to unfold. He had never seen her angry before, but he could feel the darkness manifesting around her as her anger grew, and it seemed to resonate within the room, even in her absence.

Sesshomaru resumed his standing position just inside of the Miko's door. Kagome slightly shook her head and gazed up toward him.

"She's hurt Sesshomaru. She probably didn't mean to bite your head off like that." Sesshomaru didn't respond to the Miko. He replayed the events over in his head, wondering what had caused such a different response from Ameki. Without a word, he turned to make his way outside.

"Wait Sesshomaru!" He turned back to the Miko that had stated his name pleadingly. Her eyes were slightly widened as she spoke.

"Don't approach her, with young women it's smart to just let them be. She needs to blow off some steam. She's confused and angry. She's not thinking clearly." Kagome seemed to ponder her own words.

"If you are going to follow her, at least keep your distance." Kagome's brow furrowed.

~Ameki~

Things were beginning to make sense. Kagome and Sesshomaru's explanations had stung Ameki. It wasn't the small revelation of pain that sneaks up on you, it was like the unsuspecting sting of a bee out in the fields only on a much larger scale. Sesshomaru had hidden things from her, things that could have been vital to help her maintain control of the many nightmares she continued to experience. Or at least help her cope with them. She had died, along with everyone else she loved, and yet… Sesshomaru had only arrogantly revived her. Was it arrogance? Had he intended on reviving her as some kind of game? Why revive her and no one else?

Ameki recalled the tale Jaken had spun for her in one of his ramblings. Sesshomaru had revived her mother, Rin, as a child and that was where their journey had begun together. She knew the tenseiga could only work once on a person, but it didn't explain why he had used it on her. She knew her mother had something to do with it, but where had her choice been? Could she not have been left for dead as her family was? They no longer had to suffer the endless trauma and the memories of that nights events.

Ameki took a deep breath to steady herself as she continued her walk through the village. She knew her anger was foolish deep down. She understood Sesshomaru's actions had stemmed from his care of her mother. She hid her shaky hands beneath the material of her sleeves and continued, making her way toward the forest. Underneath the moonlight Ameki could see the sprawling darkness that the forest presented her with, but the gleaming pond water caught her attention at the edge. She sat down, curling her legs to neatly tuck them to her chest. She just wanted to understand why she had been used. It hadn't been Sesshomaru's actions, but he had been the reason. Yakunan had killed her? She tried her best to remember such an incident, but her memories only grew into an impenetrable fog as she tried to delve deeper into what had happened after her escape from the Ogre into the woods. All she could recall, was the face of the man, demon, that plagued her nightmares.

Why had such a demon chosen to kill her? Why did that demon presume Sesshomaru would even care, and why had Sesshomaru actually cared? Sesshomaru, the almighty dog demon and son of the great dog general of the west, had chosen to save her life and even continued to spare Yakunan because killing him would kill her. InuYasha had made it blatantly clear that Sesshomaru didn't care for people, except her mother. Ameki's anger slightly subsided as the realization took hold. Ameki couldn't be Rin. That's probably the only reason Sesshomaru refused to kill Yakunan, and had instead embarked on a fool's errand to try and remove the mark. Sesshomaru was afraid of losing his last tie to Rin. Ameki realized she was that tie, and the only thing holding him back from serving Yakunan the justice that was rightly needed.

Ameki curled further into herself, pulling her knees tighter to her chest as she released an entourage of sobs into the silky material. She would be the reason Yakunan continued to kill innocent people, and destroyed homes and villages. She was what held back the only demon capable of ending Yakunan's frightening reign of terror. Yakunan had somehow known that Sesshomaru wouldn't kill him, if She held the mark. Was Sesshomaru really that transparent to demons? Had his whim for her mother truly softened him from the monster he was rumored to be in ages past?

She clenched her fist, feeling the sting as her nails scraped against her palm. She didn't want to be used by Yakunan. With every day that she kept breathing, Sesshomaru wouldn't lift a finger toward Yakunan. Yakunan had been the reason for everything. He had destroyed everything she loved, and was now using her as his life line. Ameki stood, her shaky composure was a bit more to balance than normal. She needed to distance herself from the village, from Sesshomaru. She hadn't noticed his presence, and could only hope to slip away without him following. Surely he was obeying her wishes by giving her space. Now it was time to do them all a favor, something she couldn't hesitate to do in fear she would scare herself out of it. She didn't want to be selfish the way Sesshomaru was by keeping her alive.

The moon only partially lit her path as she raced through the forest, past the ancient tree that once held InuYasha and deeper into the woods. Branches, twigs and other from of foliage lashed out at her as she gained speed, hearing the rushing river in the distance. This could be her chance to save others from suffering what she had been through. This could save someone's loved ones. She knew every moment Sesshomaru spent on a journey to try and rid her of the mark, was a new chance for Yakunan to destroy another village, or kill an unsuspecting family of people or even demons. Yakunan would no doubt flaunt the leash he had on Sesshomaru, so Ameki would simple destroy the leash.

The water was cold as Ameki flung herself into the currents of the river. It shocked her, causing Ameki to instantly try and suck in a breath of air. Her lungs refused to expand farther, as the first bit of water caused her to gag. She surfaced and flailed her limbs, her body wanted to fight against the current that was swiftly carrying her to the falls, but her mind begged her limbs not to. This had to be done. There was no other way. Ameki closed her eyes and envisioned her mother's face, and the many faces of her young cousins that she had not seen since barricading themselves in the castle armory. The innocent faces with terror in their eyes. Ameki felt the sudden pull of movement as her body sped downward in a plummet toward the bottom of the rock filled falls. If she was lucky, it would be quick and painless, but if she missed the rocks the whirlpools at the bottom of the falls would no doubt pull her to the bottom. It wasn't an ideal death, and the thought terrified her, but Ameki knew it was the quickest way to get things done away from prying eyes or anyone that would stop her.

The current was strong, and an invisible force seemed to pull her body downward upon impact. Her lungs were begging for air, but she couldn't force her body to inhale the water. Her body had taken on a will of its own and refused to hasten its demise. Her mind pleaded with her lungs, but fear controlled them. She felt weightless in the water. Her mind was clearing quickly, as the urge to breath deepened. She envisioned her family, waiting for her. Her mother's smile was even more beautiful than she remembered, but it slowly disappeared as Ameki felt the cold rush enter her chest. Her eyes opened, but all she could see was darkness and she could feel the twisted grasp of suffocation. Her body sunk even lower as her lungs filled with water, her eyes slowly rolling into the back of her eyelids. She was doing what was right, she was certain and could die with peace knowing that couldn't she?

A face entered her vision, a face that didn't hold a smile or a smirk or any kind of emotion. However the eyes were filled with pain, a darkened amber that caused regret to surface.

I'm sorry Lord Sesshomaru…

~Sesshomaru~

Sesshomaru caught site of Ameki in the distance. She had found solitude beside a pond that was spring fed and was the starting point to the irrigation system that sprawled across the vast fields. She had pulled her legs to her chest, and her head rested in the security of where the two met. Sesshomaru observed her like that for a while, but was soon interrupted by Jaken.

"My Lord, is she alright?" Jaken's worried tone did not match the usually arrogant facade he paraded around on the regular.

"She will be." Sesshomaru replied after a hesitant moment of answering. Jaken scratched his head and cleared his throat.

"My lord, something has changed. I wanted to tell you but you raced off and I didn't get the chance to." Sesshomaru peered down at the little imp that seemingly squirmed under his vision.

"The staff my Lord. It… The man laughed without warning." Jaken spun the staff around so that the male side was facing Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru observed the rough wooden architecture of the carved face. The mouth of the male was in an open position. One he had not seen in ages, not since he had discovered his father's tomb within the black pearl that had occupied InuYasha's eye.

"How long ago has it been since you heard the laughter?" Sesshomaru inquired after his lengthy observations causing Jaken to jump slightly.

"Well, my Lord it was just a few hours before sunset. You had taken off after talking to the Miko so I didn't have time to tell you." Jaken continued to squirm, expecting to receive some kind of reprimand for not being able to bring the news to Lord Sesshomaru sooner. Instead he only caught a thoughtful look from the dog demon, and a twitch from the corner of his mouth.

"Very well." Sesshomaru responded, turning his attention to the hint of blood he now smelled on the cool evening breeze. Ameki's blood.

Her form was still huddled beside the pond, and a strange feeling entered Sesshomaru's chest. One he immediately dismissed upon realizing the change. He turned his attention back toward the imp.

"I assume you made arrangements for supplies?" Jaken's shoulders slightly raised as his neck retracted in a defensive pose.

"What supplies my lord?" He asked nervously. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and found comfort in the cold stare he was so used to exhibiting.

"Ameki will be travelling with us, and there is no need for her to forage every meal along the way. She wasn't raised as a peasant." Sesshomaru spoke through tight lips as he watched the realization dawn on Jaken's face.

"Oh, those supplies!" Jaken quickly corrected himself.

"I have them all packed up and ready to strap to Ah-Un. They're in the barrel beside the arch because I didn't trust these humans to safeguard it, you know, with their poverty status'." Jaken scratched his brow in a nervous manner once more.

"Keep the currency, I dislike carrying around the extra weight." Sesshomaru straightened the sleeve of his white silk kimono, and ran his clawed hand through his silver strands of hair pulling a few strands loose that had been caught by his armor. Jaken watched in awe as his lord seemingly groomed himself. It was something Jaken seen less and less of since the war had begun.

Jaken's wide eye stare often filled Sesshomaru with pride, but in that moment it merely filled him with irritation. He wanted to be alone in that moment as well, mirroring Ameki's reaction. He took one more glance at the the girl beside the pond, and made his way toward the opposite direction. Sesshomaru didn't sense any threats nearby, and he was confident that any threats that did approach the village would sense him and flee for their lives.

Sesshomaru observed a few people hurrying to their homes, turning in for the night. He took a little time to reflect on things as his slow pace toward the Miko's home continued. Ameki had not reacted the way he had assumed she would. She had not needed the comforting from the Miko, but the Miko's services had been well placed in explaining things to her that Sesshomaru found difficult. Ameki had acted rather similar to himself upon learning news of such gravity. She had sought her solitude, and who was he to deny that?

Sesshomaru sought out the barrel that Jaken had spoken of, and retrieved the bags that had been stashed inside. With a low whistle, he summoned Ah-Un. The whistle had been feint, but the two headed demon would no doubt hear it and come… or so he thought. Ah-Un didn't appear, causing a slight bit of confusion to enter Sesshomaru's already jumbled thoughts. The two headed dragon had never disobeyed an order, unlike Jaken. Which was one reason Sesshomaru had decided to retrieve the bags himself and make sure that they found their way to the two headed dragon. Jaken was often forgetful in his old age. Sesshomaru whistled once more, but alas, the two headed dragon still did not present itself from within the forest. Sesshomaru threw the bags toward Jaken, sending the imp backwards onto his backside under their weight, and took to the sky. He rose above the forest, and opened his senses. In the distance he could sense the demonic aura of his dragon mount, but still close enough to hear his whistle. He whistled once more in flight, but the presence did not near the village, instead it remained in one area. This was strange Sesshomaru thought to himself.

He glanced back to see Jaken regaining his footing, much smaller, much like the aunts he often observed when he was walking along the ground. He peered over his shoulder to take one more glance in Ameki's direction, to ensure that she was still safe while he went off to investigate. However, she was not there. He searched the surrounding area, wondering if she had set back off toward the village, but there was not a soul in sight within the roads bathed in night. He quickly changed his course, and landed where he had last seen Ameki. Her scent was still fresh as Sesshomaru had suspected it would be. It hadn't been very long since he had turned his attention away from her to deal with the traveling preparations. His nostrils flared as he attempted to follow her scent. Instead of finding a trail that lead back to the village, he found a fresh trail that lead into the darkness of the forest.

Sesshomaru halted, recalling Ah-Un's strange behavior. Ah-un was probably accompanying her. It's probably why the two headed dragon had not come on his command. He took to the sky immediately. Realizing the possibility that Ameki could have fallen and injured herself in the dim lit forest. He knew that Ah-Un would stay by her side until help arrived. However, the sight he approached had not been what he was expecting.

Ah-Un continuously flailed around in the vast bottoms that occupied the end of the falls. The dragon struggled to stay adrift in the water, or so it had seemed upon first glance. To Sesshomaru's surprise he realized that Ah-Un was attempting to dive. Sesshomaru landed on the bank beside the dark body of water, sniffing the air. Ameki's scent was feint, it drifted in on the breeze that came from the north, above the falls. He turned his attention back to the water where the two headed dragon that was clearly meant to fly, attempted to swim. He sensed the distress within the beast, and quickly scanned the water, wondering what must have spooked it. He attempted to whistle once more, gaining only a groan from the beast that surfaced and attempted a dive once again. Sesshomaru grew impatient, realizing that every moment he wasted on trivial behavior of his mount was more time for Ameki to be travelling alone in the woods. The girl had been foolish to take off on her own, and he intended on making her see the error of her ways, despite whatever mood she was in.

Ameki's smell slightly grew stronger as Ah-Un's distress deepened. One of the demon's heads burst from under the water, with something in its mouth. Sesshomaru adjusted his eyes, focusing on the purple material that hung from its jaws. Ameki's waterlogged scent filled Sesshomaru's sense as his body went rigid. Without hesitation Sesshomaru joined the two headed dragon, only Sesshomaru elegantly dove and didn't resurface. Sesshomaru could feel the underlying current produced by the continuous water from the falls that filled the body of water he was now searching. The purple material that Ah-Un had snagged was no doubt Ameki's Yukata. She had presumably fallen into the river, and Sesshomaru inwardly begged that she had survived the fall from the waterfall. His eyes adjusted to the darkness of the water, and slowly shapes of boulders and debris from flooding entered his vision. A small bit of white came into focus shrouded by logs that had been lodged between two boulders. His speed within the water was reduced, but he was still faster than any human or the floundering beast above him.

Ameki's body was caught between the log and a boulder, shielding her from being swept away by the current that seemingly drifted over the void in which her body had rested. He quickly pulled her up, and grasped her lifeless form to his own body, pushing off of the bottom and making his way to the surface.

Sesshomaru didn't even attempt to hide his panic. Who was he going to hide it from? The beast that was just as worried for the girl as he was? Ameki's head rolled back, exposing her neck as Sesshomaru jumped up onto the bank. Her body was limp, and made no attempt to gasp for air. He quickly laid her on the ground, and gently shook her.

"Ameki, answer me!" Nothing… Sesshomaru didn't hesitate to try again.

"Ameki, answer me now!" He shook her with a little more force, but still to no avail. A low growl entered his chest as his panic filled gaze searched her for any sign of life. She needed air, how could he give her air? Sesshomaru paused, and silently shook the feeling that tried to overtake him. He would need to push air into her lungs, and there was only one way he had witnessed how to do such a thing.

He quickly tilted her head back and opened her mouth. Water pooled over the corners of her lips, and Sesshomaru instantly knew that there would be water in her lungs. He pushed down, holding back his strength, but firm enough to cause a sudden jolt, pushing some liquid from her chest. He watched as it spewed from her lips, but still nothing. She still needed air. Sesshomaru was going to lose her if she didn't, and he knew that it was probably already too late. He however couldn't accept that fact so easily, and pushed any reservations he had aside. He leaned down quickly, and placed his mouth over hers. With a strong exhale he forced the air into her lungs, and watched in his peripheral as her chest rose with the inflation of air. He held it for a moment, and then pressed firmly once more, removing his mouth and watching as more water was expelled from her mouth. He placed his mouth over hers a couple of more times and repeated the process, losing hope each time it did not work.

A small cough sounded against Sesshomaru's mouth as he had prepared another attempt at forcing air into Ameki's lungs. He instantly pulled back and watched as Ameki's form shook with a series of coughs that expelled the remaining water in her lungs. Sesshomaru grabbed her shoulders, bringing her to a sitting position. Her eyes opened in a frantic manner as she fought to hold on to the air that was now within her. Her body began to tremble against the cool breeze and ragged breaths she attempted to take. The thin white robe she had worn under her Yukata was all that she had left and it was soaked, providing her no warmth. Sesshomaru's panic, though still present, subsided to a manageable level, allowing him to quickly act as he saw fit.

His mokomoko was the only feature he retained from his true form while in his humanoid form. Yakunan had sought to insult him by referring to it as his tail, and though it was, it was also the symbol of his heritage. A strong and powerful heritage. The mokomoko released from its hold around Sesshomaru, unraveling from around his armor and shoulder. He Quickly grabbed his boa like tail and wrapped the shivering girl, hoping that it would provide her with warmth. She tried pulling away, but Sesshomaru's strong arm halted her.

"Why?" She croaked, spitting more fluid from her mouth upon speaking. Sesshomaru released her arm and covered her limbs with the fur. She attempted to scoot away, but Sesshomaru held her in place, causing her to slightly squeal.

"Let me go!" She managed above her cries that erupted once her airways were free of any remaining water. Sesshomaru froze at her sudden outburst. He had just saved her life, he hadn't tried to harm her. She was still furious with him for withholding information? Ah-Un now accompanied them on the bank. The two headed beast lapped at the water that clung to its scales.

"Please, let me go." Ameki cried. Her body seemed much more defeated as fatigue took over. Sesshomaru didn't speak, but rather observed her behavior. She appeared defeated, instead of the expected gratefulness Sesshomaru had thought she would display.

"I'll never be Rin. I can't be…" She continued to sob. She wouldn't bring her gaze to the great lord Sesshomaru before her. His confusion at her words only grew as he watched the young woman before him collapse into herself emotionally.

"As long as I live, Yakunan can do as he pleases. You won't harm him because of me." She brought her hands to her face to mask the sobs that poured forth.

"I won't be a pawn in this game, I owe it to everyone to return to the dead where I belong." Sesshomaru's breathing hastened at her words, breathing that he often done well to hide, surfaced in quickened bursts that slightly whistled through his flaring nostrils.

"You wish to die?" Sesshomaru asked, a hint of anger entering his tone. Ameki didn't look at him as he spoke, causing his anger to steadily rise.

"You foolish woman!" He hissed. Causing Ameki to slightly jump and inch away from the sudden change in his tone. She remarked with a much lower tone, but the words could clearly be heard.

"You're being selfish…" She brought her gaze up to meet Sesshomaru's darkened glare which seemingly unfazed her as she spoke.

"You clearly do not know this Sesshomaru!" Sesshomaru countered.

"I never claimed to, I also never asked to be brought back as some kind of sick twisted pawn to be used in an attempt to manipulate you!" The dam of her glazed eyes broke, sending more tears down her already soaked cheeks. Her quivering bluish lips and chattering teeth seemed to spit the words out.

"How was I to know?" Sesshomaru Rebutted. Sesshomaru tightened his fur around Ameki's shivering form, causing her to slightly jump.

"You saved me on my mother's whim, and in an attempt to rectify yourself for not being able to save her. If she had known this would have happened, she would have wished me to stay among the dead." Her words were much softer this time, causing Sesshomaru's anger to slightly dwindle.

"You would have been brought back regardless of my actions. Yakunan would have attempted to use you either way." Sesshomaru spoke, hoping that his words would make Ameki understand.

"Then let me go.." She found Sesshomaru's gaze once more with pleading eyes.

"Let me help you rid this land of its burden." She lowered her voice and ended her attempt at persuasion with words that reignited the anger.

"Kill me, so that nothing stands in your way of Yakunan."

Sesshomaru could feel the demon beneath the surface howl at her plea. He wanted nothing more than to kill Yakunan, but at what price? The woman before him? He clearly couldn't let Yakunan win at this game he had created. He wouldn't dare bring his sword against the woman he had sworn to protect, and yet here she was begging him to. At this point, it was no longer about the promise he had made to Rin. It was about Sesshomaru's ability to protect Ameki, and show Yakunan that he could still bring him down. It was Sesshomaru's pride riding on the edges, not his word. Sesshomaru gazed with anger toward the pleading woman before him. Killing her would have been something he would have considered if he were still a pup, but he wasn't the power hungry welp he had once been, and he wasn't afraid to admit to himself that taking Ameki's life was out of the question. Even the thought of such a heinous act caused something deeper to stir inside of him. Dare he admit it was pain?

"No…" Sesshomaru growled, letting a bit of venom enter his voice hoping to frighten some sense into the woman before him.

"I'm not Rin!" She shouted, causing Sesshomaru to quickly grab her shoulders, pulling her tightly to his chest in a strong embrace that caused her to squirm. Sesshomaru held her like that until she stopped her attempts to pull away. She was clearly out of control, or was he? He couldn't decide at the moment in his hastened action. Her continuous yells echoed in his hearing. I'm not Rin! I'm not Rin!

"I know…" He growled, with a bit of sorrow escaping with the sound of his words.

~Ameki~

The pain that was present in Sesshomaru's voice was clear, and drowned out the feeling of pity Ameki had been feeling for herself. She had truly overstepped the boundaries of sanity, bringing this mighty demon to his knees nonetheless. He had shown her such compassion, despite her not being Rin. What had she been thinking? Her mind slowly cleared of her hectic and foolhardy thoughts. Surely a demon of his standing would never have confused her with Rin, not one in his right mind anyways. Ameki realized this as she reflected on how he seemed so different compared to the stories she had heard of him in the village among Kagome's friends. He sounded as if he were in a more merciful state of mind than he had been many years ago. It had been her mother that had eventually brought his softer side to the surface, and she was now gone. So Ameki could only wonder what caused this powerful demon to cling to her knowing that. Was this truly the lost puppy affect InuYasha had sneered about? Was Sesshomaru clinging to Ameki because he had become used to the human companionship, even in Rin's absence? Had he truly longed to be in the company of a human once more?

"Sesshomaru…" Ameki whispered, hoping to gain his attention and praying that his tight grasp that had grew uncomfortable would loosen.

"I'm sorry." Her tears had halted, and the sobs that had engulfed her previously were merely echoes as shaky breaths replaced them. She was collecting her thoughts as well as her physical self.

"I've acted carelessly in my hasty decision. I became reckless and could only think about others, but I completely disregarded your feelings on the matter." Ameki sighed as Sesshomaru's grip released her. She peered up toward the stone faced Demon that had previously pinned her to his armor to quell her fit.

"I did not consider how my actions would affect you." She slightly bowed, trying to amend what she had taken out of focus.

"I do wish to live, but not at the expense of others." She could feel the tears return, gravity pulling them toward the dirt as she resumed her deep bow.

"Not if it means being a weakness for you." Heat returned to her face as she held her breath in the downward position she sat. She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing the tears that continued to form to stay within the confines of her eyelids. The hot liquid pooled in her eyes quickly, begging for release.

"Yakunan will pay for what he has done, but he will play by my rules not his own." Sesshomaru's voice returned to the usual flowing cool tone she was used to. Ameki rose from her bowing position, but kept her face tilted downward.

"I will accompany you, if you believe that these people can help us." Ameki gulped as she spoke.

"I'm the reason he will continue to pillage these lands and murder without cause." Her voice broke once more.

"No, Yakunan has gone into hiding." Ameki's gaze shot up at Sesshomaru's words.

"The mark he placed on you has no doubt weakened him considering he is such a young dragon." Sesshomaru continued.

"In our last battle, I easily left him wounded. Where in our battles before we were always skillfully maneuvered into stale mates." Sesshomaru's gaze softened as he found Ameki's eyes. Ameki felt a little relief toward the information Sesshomaru shared with her.

"Promise me this." Sesshomaru's sudden mention of a promise brought Ameki's full attention to him.

"You won't try anything foolish again." Sesshomaru stated, declaring the conditions of said promise. Ameki watched as Sesshomaru stood, the fur wrapped around her pulling her to her feet as well.

"Why make me promise that. Why would you care for me, knowing that I can never be Rin. You fulfilled your promise to her. I'm just another mortal to you… or should be." Ameki gazed into the eyes that bore into her soul.

"No, you are the exception." Sesshomaru's tone was hard, but the hidden softness behind the word's meaning poured from the windows to his soul.