Chapter 17: Beyond the Gateway
~Ameki~
The water was frigid. Ameki instantly regretted her decision to bathe at night when the temperature dipped so low. However, she was not afforded the privacy she wished during the day, and had been forced to sneak off while everyone else slept. She had given herself what Kohaku had referred to as a "Spit bath" which had involved wetting a cloth and wiping down. However, that just wasn't cutting it anymore. It was the third night since Sesshomaru's departure. The stench that settled into her clothing was almost unbearable. She wanted nothing more than to rid herself of it. If that meant plunging into a river at almost freezing temperatures than so be it. The shock of the cold water would help aid her in staying awake as well. There were perks to her plan afterall. She wanted sleep to be the last thing on her already exhausted mind.
What she hadn't anticipated was the numb sensation her limbs began to settle into. After her body partially adjusted to the temperature, she began washing herself. Her limbs shook as she began pouring a bit of the fragrant liquid into her hand. She was sure more of it had spilled into the water than into her palm. She needed to hurry. The numb sensation was quickly growing, making her movements slower, causing her to exert more energy than she had to spare. Washing her hair was a chore in itself. Her long wet hair felt heavy, and the weight pulled uncomfortably against her cold scalp, but the fragrant smell gave her some comfort as the wretched stench of smoke was masked.
She lathered her hair the best she could before hurriedly continuing with the rest of her exposed body. Waist deep in freezing water was no place to take your time, and Ameki knew that all too well. The chattering of her teeth could probably be heard echoing through the silent forest.
"You're going to freeze." The cool voice rang over the sound of Ameki's clattering teeth, startling her. The weight her numb legs had been supporting aided in her strength giving away, causing her to plummet into the water. She resurfaced moments later, struggling against the cold, but successfully peeking her head just above the slow current.
Sesshomaru stood near a tree at the edge of the bank with his back turned. Thankfully, she thought. He was facing away from her lewd figure. Seeing him aided in returning some warmth to her body. Not only from embarrassment, but also from pure relief that he had returned. It was anyone's guess as to where he had been, and even in the back of her mind Ameki had been struggling with the thought that something could have happened to him. He had in fact departed with a demon that had previously been hostile. Even if Jaken had reassured them that she was an old acquaintance of Sesshomaru's, it hadn't eased all of Ameki's worries. She knew that things were quite different in the demon world, but Sesshomaru seemed civilized enough.
"I'm ss..sss..sorry m-mmy Lord." She managed, though speech was a bit difficult at the moment.
"Get dressed." Sesshomaru spoke softly as he took a few steps, stepping around the tree and out of sight.
Ameki made no argument toward the command. She herself had decided that her body could take no more. She was relieved to be out of the water, though the cold air almost made her second guess her decision. It was an icy wind that sent her body into a fit of convulsions. The stench was gone, but in the back of her mind she wondered if this level of suffering had been worth it. She quickly grabbed her sack of clothing, pulling out a thick wool towel that her numb fingers clumsily tried to hold onto. The towel helped shield her from the cold wind, but her body was still extremely chilled. Slowly drying herself the best she could she eyed the area where Sesshomaru had disappeared to. It was a dark area that the moon light had once illuminated, but was now shrouded by the clouds that had quickly stamped out the light.
Ameki gathered a few morsels of clothing. The Kimonos Sesshomaru had given her were too thin, her Yukata's were too thin. Ameki's body wanted something warmer, and her mind agreed. However, the thick yellow Yukata that she had previously worn needed to be washed. If she were to put it back on, her bath in the river would have been in vain. She settled for a thrown together outfit. A simple white robe, with a pale green Kimono to go on top. It wasn't as thick as the yellow Yukata, even with the combination of the two materials together, but it would have to do.
"Lord Sesshomaru?" Ameki called out after grabbing her belongings. Sesshomaru stepped out of the shadows, his eyes betraying nothing, even if he had been watching. A bit of heat found its way to Ameki's cheeks. She was sure that her Lord was more chivalrous than that, but the thought brought her warmth, and she welcomed it.
"I'm sorry I wasn't at camp. I sh-should have t-t-told them where I was." She fought against the shivers that still persisted as she spoke. The stuttering was inconvenient, but it couldn't be helped. Ameki stilled herself, trying to contain it as she spoke.
"I just couldn't find the privacy while everyone was awake."
"I understand." Sesshomaru's answer was simple. A bit of relief found its way into Ameki's mind. He wasn't upset with her, even though her little adventure into the night, and cold river was a bit foolish. Even she would admit that.
"The fire will warm you up." Without hesitation he stepped forward, taking her bag from her and sliding his arm around her midsection. Before she could protest they took to the sky, moments later landing near the campsite where everyone still slept as Ameki had left them.
Ameki didn't think she would ever get used to the sense of ascending into the sky. It was a sudden rush, and a feeling of being weightless, yet the fear of falling from such height teased the corners of her mind, adding a bit of excitement to the mix.
The heat from the fire called to her, beckoning with open arms of warmth, but Ameki paused. She turned back toward Sesshomaru for a quick glance. He seemed fine as he knelt down to place her belongings near a log. Something in her just wanted to make sure though. He had been gone for a while, and she knew all too well how quickly things could change. If Sesshomaru had in fact been through something she was unaware of yet, he didn't show it. He held the same calm and cool expression that always adorned his handsome features. The look of indifference was accented by his golden eyes that continually spoke volumes. Maybe it wasn't obvious to most people, but the eyes were something Ameki had always observed when meeting new people. You could tell a lot about someone by looking into their eyes.
Sesshomaru's eyes were often shaded. To most they would be impossible to read, but even the great dog demon could only hide so much. Ameki adored his eyes, and to her they were one of his most prominent and unique features. True, InuYasha had similar eyes, but up close they were two worlds apart in difference.
Ameki smiled slightly as Sesshomaru caught her stare. The light from the fire illuminated his golden orbs, giving them an Amber glow. He truly was breathtaking. It was no wonder Yuuto had been intimidated by Sesshomaru. How could any man not feel some kind of Jealousy over such a beautiful being?
Ameki broke free from her trance like stare, a little embarrassed that she had practically been gawking at Sesshomaru, and he had known. She settled down by the fire, welcoming the heat that caressed her cold skin. The shivering had caused the muscles in her lower back to seize, causing an ache that reminded her of the long days back in the village when she had worked in the fields.
Ameki's small vanity pouch sat close to her makeshift bed. Inside contained her comb, a few feminine articles and her favorite floral scents. She took the comb out and began the long de-tangle process. She watched as Sesshomaru searched the area, observing the sleeping forms. She wondered what was going through Sesshomaru's mind. She found that she was curious about that subject a lot. How did he see the world? He was a completely different kind of being that shared the same world as her, yet their perspective was more than likely different. Humans and demons were extremely different. Though, InuYasha had argued many times that their quarrels with each other proved that they were cut from the same cloth whether they wanted to admit it or not.
Ameki smiled. Of course someone like InuYasha would see the similarities, considering he was half demon and half human. Years of not belonging anywhere in the world was sure to put a lot of stress on him. In time though a sort of clarity had come from it.
"Lord Sesshomaru…" Jaken cooed in his sleep, causing Ameki to stifle a giggle, and more than likely Sesshomaru, an eye roll.
It wasn't long before Ameki found herself fighting sleep once more. It was hard, laying down, and not succumbing to sleeps constant pull. She wanted nothing more than to keep her tired eyes open, so many things fought against her. The soft and rhythmic crackle of the fire, the slight rustle of leaves that could be heard in the distance. It was peaceful. Sesshomaru was there to watch over them. She felt safe, but she knew deep down that her dreams were not. She knew what would be waiting for her if she closed her eyes for too long.
Peaking over her blanket, she caught sight of Sesshomaru, resting. He was propped against a tree, still close enough for the fire to illuminate his features. He leaned against it, one leg outstretched, and one tucked, ready to react if something were to disturb them. His eyes were closed. Ameki doubted that he was asleep. Did demons even need sleep or was it just recreational? She figured they at least needed rest, but Ameki couldn't bring herself to imagine someone as powerful as Sesshomaru, as otherworldly, having simple needs such as sleep. Did he even eat?
The thought perplexed her, giving her mind another reason to deter the impending sleep. She would fight sleep with everything she had. Even if she had to pinch herself, which she did. She held the pinch for a moment before releasing. The spot on her arm was sore, and would keep her mind preoccupied for a few moments at least. That is, until she simply couldn't hold on any longer. It was too much for her exhausted mind and body. Days without sleep had caught up to her and fast, and the warmth she now felt in her bed beside the fire, quickly ushered her to a world filled with darkness.
~Sesshomaru~
He felt it, almost as instantly as she had fallen asleep. He had noticed the slight movements Ameki had made, he had seen her fight the urges that continually pulled her under. She had been fighting sleep. He already knew she had dreams that bothered her, but the severity of them must have worsened for her to have fought to stay awake so much. A few times Sesshomaru had almost wanted to command her to stop, and her pinching herself was as much as he wanted to take, however, it wasn't long after that Sesshomaru sensed the calming of her heartbeat. Sleep was approaching fast, and Sesshomaru wouldn't have to intervene.
He would now though. He could feel the demonic presence ignite within the mark on the back of her neck. It was almost as if Yakunan himself were standing before him. The power had grown in magnitude. Sesshomaru watched as Ameki's sleeping form stiffened. Even as she slept he could sense the fear emanating from her. Yakunan's audacity angered Sesshomaru. Yakunan must have known that Sesshomaru would be able to sense the change. It was a ploy, a play of power. Yakunan was teasing him, intentionally riling him up, and in the process possibly scarring Ameki's mind. Sesshomaru could only imagine the horrors he was making her witness. It was no wonder she had fought sleep for so long. Had she even slept since he had left, and what had changed?
Sesshomaru stood from his relaxed position against the tree. He himself, yes the great Lord Sesshomaru, was exhausted. Not physically, but mentally. The transfer of knowledge between himself and the demon Nimka had taken more out of him than he would be willing to admit. Then he waited for her to reawaken, giving himself no time to recuperate. He quickly, but silently, made his way to the young woman's side where he knelt down. She didn't move, other than the small twitches her limbs exhibited. The Energy around the mark was swirling, and growing in intensity, as if it were coming from inside of Ameki. Sesshomaru instinctively wanted to reach out and swipe at the familiar feel of Yakunan, but he didn't.
A whimper escaped her lips. She was stranded in a nightmare, one of Yakunan's making. Sesshomaru clenched his jaw, the heat of his temper rising. The girl before him couldn't seem to find peace, not while Yakunan existed. Sesshomaru himself couldn't even find peace. Yakunan was more than just a thorn in everyone's side. Thorns only hurt a little, an inconvenience really. No. Yakunan was much more. He was tearing the land apart, and the people and beings that lived within as well. Sesshomaru cared for very few people, but the more time passed, he realized that something within him had grown to care for this woman. Another mortal. Just as Rin had been. The very offspring of Rin. So much like her mother, and yet so different. She was her own person, and Sesshomaru had discovered that quiet early in their knowing each other.
Sesshomaru had spent years trying to figure out the reason he had cared so much for the young orphan girl. In time it became clear that she had been the one mortal that knew her place in the world, but still preferred to include him in hers. She was a human that didn't look up on him in fear or disgust. She was a child, the most impressionable stage in a beings life, and yet she wasn't terrified like most mortal or demon children. He was the literal monster from mortal bedtime stories, and yet, she preferred to sing him lullabies. She had fascinated him, cared for him. He found that his loyalty soon after migrated toward her. He needed her attention, and appreciation. Her opinion had mattered to him when no one else did. He truly became "Man's Best Friend," but only to that one mortal girl. Rin.
Now he found himself completely imbued with another presence that felt similar, but different. Rin had been a child, Ameki… Ameki was a woman. A woman that intrigued him. In the beginning he had only wished to honor Rin's wish, but more and more he found himself simply wanting to make Ameki happy. Not because it would be what Rin wanted, but because he felt that loyalty growing once more of his own accord. It's what he wanted to do. It's what she deserved. She deserved to be happy, but because of him, her life had been torn apart. Everything, everyone she loved had been taken from her. Either killed, or lost to the numerous refugees that littered the roads and villages to the South.
Something inside of Sesshomaru felt remorse. He was hurting. Hurting for the woman who lay in front of him suffering. Her dreams were Yakunan's playground, and Sesshomaru hated the thought of his enemy using her as his toy. Sesshomaru did reach out, touching the mark that swirled with Yakunan's dark energy. Sesshomaru released a bit of his own, hoping that Yakunan could feel him, feel his anger, knowing he was there. He wanted Yakunan to know he wouldn't leave the young woman's side.
Something strange happened. The energy around the mark almost seemed to shy away from Sesshomaru's own. Sesshomaru watched as the strands refused to come into contact with Sesshomaru's aura. His physical touch yes, but Sesshomaru had released a bit of his own power toward the mark, in hopes to send Yakunan the message. However, he felt that Yakunan wouldn't get it. He was weak. Nimka had been right. Sesshomaru's power easily overtook Yakunan's little show of trickery.
He watched as some of the tension left Ameki's body. It was still there, but weakened. Yakunan's hold on her was weakened.
"Ameki." Sesshomaru whispered. At first there was no sign of her responding. Sesshomaru pushed harder with his power. The new flux of realization fueled his attempt, causing Yakunan's energy to recede further, as if it were being syphoned back within the mark.
"Ameki." Sesshomaru's voice had gained volume, but not enough to disturb the others that still slept around them. Her eyes fluttered for a moment, her mind trying to gain consciousness. However, the exhaustion was keeping her under. She was tired, and Sesshomaru's attempts to wake the girl would be in vain. However, he could help her sleep peacefully. All he needed to do was stay alert, and chase away her nightmare. It was funny to him in a way. Not the situation, but the thought of him, a demon, scaring away the night terrors of a mortal. If he were anyone else in the world, he might have laughed. The situation however, was far too dire to even consider.
~Ameki~
"Please, stop ...Please!" She begged. Yakunan's onslaught of dark imagery persisted. The waking world was just a faint memory to her now. Time seemed as it did not exist in these times. In these nightmares. She had no way of knowing how long he had tortured her, or how long it would continue. Her mother's lifeless form morphing into the countless other people she had lost. Yakunan's laughter sent a wave of nausea over her. She could feel the suffocating need to escape, but like in normal nightmares, she couldn't move. Only watch, and when he appeared before her, he wore a mocking grin of pleasure as he caused her pain over and over again.
The dream itself felt for a moment like it was about to change. A new dread embraced Ameki, as she prepared herself for whatever was to come. Except, it wasn't what she expected. Yakunan's grin turned to one of momentary confusion, before the image of him began to blur. He came in and out of focus, as Ameki watched. Each time his features appeared, he seemed more angry than the time before.
"No, this isn't how this is going to play out!" His yell was but an echo, sounding more distant than he had previously. Ameki instantly felt hopeful. Maybe her body was waking up, maybe she was somehow escaping his grasp. She focused, trying to forget everything that she had witnessed while in the dream. She focused on how the smell of the smoke had burned her nostrils, how the cold wind had whipped at her soaked flesh, she tried to move her limbs within the dream, hoping that her physical body would find synchrony, helping her to wake up. That's when she heard it, and looked around frantically. Her dream was changing, and something was behind her. She turned slightly, afraid that Yakunan had gained control once more and had planned something else. What she saw, though, was not only terrifying, but magnificent.
From the darkness emerged a large beast, the white mane seemed to glow against the shadows of her dreams, and the gaping maw lashed out threatening. She was frozen in terror. The image of Yakunan fled without hesitation. An annoyed look on his face was all that she could see before nothing.
Ameki… The voice, it was so gentle, and familiar. It made her feel safe. She was safe. Her dreams lingered with the beast only moments before changing. A new vision appeared, a more serene setting, and a garden that beckoned to be explored.
Morning came. The early dawn was washed, clouds covering the horizon, and a bitter cold that promised to stay. Ameki felt someone beside her, rousing her awake, but not quickly enough to see who the presence had been. By the time she opened her eyes, the person had gone.
The morning was spent hurriedly eating, and packing their things. Sesshomaru spoke of finding shelter. Jaken claimed that Sesshomaru could sense a snow storm coming. The hectic imp scurried around the campsite, resembling a small cyclone as he packed things adhering to his master's commands. Kohaku had insisted they continue their journey to Echigo, but Sesshomaru, without hesitation had decided to postpone the journey for a bit. He didn't explain the situation right away, but he didn't have to. It was his plan to make the journey, and everyone else would follow his lead.
Ameki admired that about Sesshomaru. He had an air of authority without needing to voice his claims. His very actions and more times than not, his lack of action, demanded respect. They were traits she only wished she could have obtained as a princess surrounded by her uncle's stuck up advisors and visiting nobles. They had always viewed her as left over baggage after her father had died. To them she was nothing more than trash left in the way for her uncle to take care of.
After leaving the area where scorched earth intermingled with flush forests, they travelled for half a day. The area Sesshomaru picked to rest surprisingly consisted of a few abandoned shacks, and an old mine. The mine appeared to be closed off, but the shacks looked as if they had recently been repaired. New wood, mixed with old in certain areas, presumably where weathered boards had began deteriorating. The repairs looked to be a few seasons old, but whoever had done them was now gone. The place was desolate. No one in sight. Kohaku surmised that this had been a mining camp, but with the recent war, and men taking up arms, it was closed down. Select few mines were kept open in neighboring provinces, those with more valuable materials and resources. While the young men prepared to protect their homes, the work was carried on by the older generation, those who were still capable anyways.
Thankfully there was still a pretty sizable wood stockpile. Unfortunately most of it was seasoned, meaning it would burn quickly. Kohaku and Hotaru set out to down their own green wood, something that would hold over night, and burn longer. With the wind picking up, and the clouds thickening, they made a point to hurry.
Ameki gathered her things from Ah-Un's travel gear, and made her way to one of the huts. Sesshomaru followed. The hut she chose was small, large enough to house maybe two people if they had chosen to live there. She decided choosing small would increase her chances for a bit more privacy. She didn't mind Sesshomaru's company, but she didn't think he would stick around to sleep later, which is what she wanted to avoid with the other two men. Her dreams had been terrible as of late, and the less she disturbed her travelling companions, the better.
The fire crackled filling the silence of the small hut. She continued feeding the fire the green wood that Kohaku and Hotaru had gathered, until she was sure that it would catch and hold. The small chimney area had been cleaned of debris, and she was ready to settle down for the night. The two men had chosen a different hut, one more spacious, so that Jaken could accompany them. Though, he had insisted on having his own, his desires had been quelled by the lack of green wood. They had only the time to collect enough to hold two fires overnight
Ah-Un had found himself a shed to take cover in. It wasn't much, but it sheltered him from the snow that had begun to fall. Sesshomaru sat quietly in a corner of the small hut, watching Ameki stoke the fire to her satisfaction. When she was through, she sat on the adjoining wall with her back against the surprisingly sturdy boards. She had yet to prepare her bed, but her mind was far from sleep either way. They sat in Silence for a while, before Ameki's curiosity got the better of her.
"If you don't mind me asking, where did you go?" Sesshomaru's eyes flicked in her direction momentarily before returning to his straight stare.
"I had some business to attend to." He replied simply.
"With the demon woman?" She inquired.
"Yes, with Kintara." Another simple answer, but with elaboration on the demon's name.
Ameki thought for a moment. Recalling the events that had happened before her sudden black out. The demon had been on the verge of burning the world, or so she thought in her panicked mind. So many aspects of the encounter still confused her, and all she wanted was a bit of clarity in the big mess she knew as her current life.
"You two knew each other?" She waited for an answer. Sesshomaru was known for his lack of socializing, and she figured this would be no different. She had almost given up on an answer when one came.
"Yes, our families were close." This time Sesshomaru looked at her. She didn't want to continue prying, but anything was better than silence with everything that was on her mind as of late.
"You grew up together then, is what you're implying?" She pursed her lips as she waited.
"Yes, we did." Ameki thought of a way to reply, but all she found was a bit of forced humor.
"Strange relationship you two have, huh?" She was hoping that the humor of her answer wouldn't fall flat. If it had, Sesshomaru didn't betray the disinterest.
"Indeed." Was his only reply.
Ameki clasped her hands, the wind outside had picked up, and a bit of a draft entered the shack through the straw curtain covering the slats in the sliding door. The room was warm, for now, but she knew that keeping it that way meant she would need to stay on top of stocking the fire when needed.
Ameki had turned her attention to other things, while stoking the fire every now and again. She had caught the slight movements in the corner of her vision, as Sesshomaru shifted.
"Tell me about your life." Ameki froze. Shocked. The words were so unexpected. She looked toward Sesshomaru who was no longer preoccupied by the opposite wall. He was looking straight at her. His eyes searched her face for some kind of response. He searched for a reply to his words.
"I'm sorry, I uhhh… What do you mean my Lord?" Ameki fidgeted with the sleeve of her kimono.
"Before Yakunan. I want to hear it." Sesshomaru wasn't demanding. More suggesting that it was okay to share.
Ameki had never really shared much about her life with anyone other than Kagome, Sango and occasionally Jaken. Sesshomaru had never shown interest, and so she had never really imparted much. She didn't figure that Sesshomaru, a great and powerful demon would even be remotely interested in her bland humdrum life. Though, there were memories that were precious to her. Memories involving her mother. Memories she was sure that Sesshomaru would want to hear of. If he had cared for Rin the way he seemed to that is.
Ameki braced herself. These were happy memories she would share with him. There would be no reason to cry, though, the subject of her mother was still a challenge for her. She shared stories of her mother's love for art, her love of music, how clumsy she was when she tried to dance. She shared stories of the Palace garden, and Rin's favorite flowers and trips to transplant some wild growths. She imparted their weekly fishing in the pond, their sneaking out of the castle to explore the neighboring forests and much more. Sesshomaru had listened, his eyes never leaving Ameki's. If Ameki had to guess at the slight expression change on Sesshomaru's face, it might have been happiness. He was definitely interested in her tales of her mother, but…
"I want to hear more about you Ameki." His voice was soft. Much softer than he spoke to anyone else. Ameki wasn't sure what to say. There wasn't anything really interesting about her life. Definitely nothing that would keep Lord Sesshomaru's attention.
"I was… I was just in the way really. No one special." Sesshomaru's brow twitched.
"You were special to her." His voice came again.
"Yes, she was my mother. I know she loved me, but…" Ameki paused.
"Things involving my life, outside of my mother's will, weren't that great." Ameki gave a half hearted smile.
"How do you mean?" Sesshomaru asked.
His interest continued to surprise Ameki, but also made her feel a bit awkward. It was the first time that Sesshomaru had really talked to her about anything predating their meeting.
"I mean, I was a princess, and that's all. My father's brother, Yuudai, took over rule after his death because my father didn't have a son. It was a long standing tradition. Women were seen as weak and not leaders. My uncle didn't think I had what it took. He just saw me as someone he could marry off to some sniveling Lord in an attempt to build alliances." Ameki's eyes widened at her use of the word sniveling.
"I didn't mean that all Lords are, well…." Sesshomaru nodded.
"Human men are often arrogant. Especially those in power." Ameki sighed in agreement.
"But you never married." Sesshomaru observed.
"No, I didn't. I didn't want to. I've never had an interest in marrying someone for possessions." Sesshomaru blinked. Something Ameki very rarely witnessed.
"I always wanted something like my mother had with my father. Those two seemed inseparable." Ameki trailed off, remembering how close her mother and father had been.
"Only death had been successful in separating them, but I'm sure they are with each other now." Ameki paused, quelling the sudden rise of emotions that built within her chest.
"Maybe so." Sesshomaru's simple answer brought a smile to Ameki's face.
"Lord Sesshomaru?" He glanced back in Ameki's direction once more, permitting her to continue.
"What's it like? Your world? Demons that is." She waited as Sesshomaru slightly lifted his chin. In thought presumably.
"It's complex. Any answer I were to give you could be true or false. It's different for all." Ameki thought on his words. How similar his answer could have been to a human's. It was uncanny, but acceptable. It wasn't necessarily the answer she wanted, but she didn't expect Sesshomaru to become long winded as she had with her life.
"What about your life?" Ameki held his gaze, hoping he could see the hint of all of her questions she held in her eyes.
"You should rest," were his words.
"I'm not tired though." She replied. Sesshomaru slightly raised a brow. The expression almost made Ameki laugh. It was rare for Sesshomaru to exhibit such behavior.
"Fine." Was his reply.
~Sesshomaru~
Ameki's interest in his life had caused a bit of tension to enter his mind. It wasn't a life he cared to enlighten her to. There was much blood on his hands, many wars, many dark truths about him that he would rather her not know. His life was unimportant. All that mattered now was bringing down Yakunan, and returning her life to some sort of normalcy. He would continue his life as well, picking up where he left off. He would go where the wind took him. There would always be more conquests for him.
"Where do you come from? Your family?" Sesshomaru was confused by her question. He was born here, in Nihon. Far above albeit, but within the borders.
"I was born here as well as my mother. My father's lineage is more complex. He spent centuries roaming the continent, and was born there, eventually coming to Nihon. Here he established his foothold, reigning in my mother's domain after she fell complacent." Ameki's brow rose a bit.
"Did you know your parents well?" Sesshomaru could tell that her questions were steering into an awkward direction. He could give her simple answers, but was it fair? He would let her decide.
"Yes, I knew them." He answered.
"So, demons look after their children like humans?" He wanted to smirk at her question. All demons were different. His mother had been indifferent toward him the older he got. She had little more than nursed him as a pup, and let her handmaidens do the rest. The only time she socialized with him as a child was to hear reports on how he was doing in his disciplines and lessons.
His father had been different though. The young Sesshomaru had been visited many times by his wandering father. He had forged a relationship with him that was far greater than that of his own mother whom he actually lived with. After he was old enough, he departed his mother's domain within the sky, and had set out to follow in his father's footsteps, hoping to one day equal him in battle. Maybe even best him.
It was a strange relationship, but it was far closer to a bond than he had with his mother. That's why it had angered him, it had angered him when his father had fallen protecting a mortal woman and InuYasha. Sesshomaru had not had the chance to best him, to show him that he was his equal. Sesshomaru had spent countless years gaining his stripes, trying his best to make his father proud, and in the end… All he cared about was…
No. That's not what happened. Sesshomaru's thoughts intervened. He had lost the one parent that had actually cared for him. His mother's parenting was what had given him such a cold outlook on life. It was his father's warmth that he had always been after. His father's personal life only bothered him because it was what ultimately took him away.
"Sesshomaru?" Ameki's eyes searched his face. He had been lost in thought, and neglected to answer her question.
"They tend their children. Yes."
Ameki smiled.
"I'm sorry if I'm bothering you Lord Sesshomaru. You don't have to answer my questions. I just...I want to understand you a bit more."
"So you ask questions about demon parents?" He raised a brow.
"Well. The way you were raised can reflect up on who you are as a person. I just wanted a glimpse to try and put the pieces together." She lowered her gaze, resting her eyes on the fire.
There weren't many beings that had shown interest in his life. He wasn't used to sharing his past.
Ameki shifted her weight, reaching for the bag that sat in the corner. As soon as she opened it Sesshomaru's nostril twitched. Ameki began pulling out her things.
"Jaken…" She mumbled.
In his haste to set off at Sesshomaru's command, Jaken had thrown everything in the bag, except Ameki's mat. Ameki made a face as she pulled out a rolled up piece of cloth that contained three day old raw meat. The sour smell wafted into the room. She dropped it back into the bag and stood up. She walked to the door, sliding the wooden frame open and chunked the bag against the side of the hut. Closing the door she sighed.
"I guess I'll wash everything inside once we find water again." Sesshomaru noted the defeat in her voice. Of all the things she could have been upset over, she chose spoiled food.
"I can go retrieve Jaken's mat for you." Sesshomaru offered.
Ameki giggled a bit.
"No worries my Lord. I'll be fine." She gave him her best smile.
"You need rest." Sesshomaru pointed out.
"I'll lean against the wall and nap if I get tired." She reassured him. He knew she was lying though. She had already started her nervous fidgeting as the night progressed. He knew she would try and keep herself awake. Now she had an excuse.
Sesshomaru stood and turned toward the door. He would retrieve Jaken's mat for her. She watched him leave with curiosity, but said nothing. The cold snow pelted against Sesshomaru. The wind whipped his hair in all directions as he made his way toward the hut where the demon slayers and Jaken resided. Upon entering he caught Kohaku's attention. He had been stocking the fire. Hotaru was laying down facing the back wall, and Jaken sat against the front wall with a look of disdain. Jaken's ill mood quickly turned to one of joy at Sesshomaru's entrance.
"My Lord!" He squealed as he hopped onto his feet.
"Did you forget something Jaken?" Sesshomaru voiced coolly. Jaken's happy demeanor wavered.
"Uhm, I don't think so…" he looked around nervously.
"Ameki's mat…" Sesshomaru waited for the imp's reply.
"It's strapped to Ah-un's travel gear." Hotaru answered without moving. His back still faced them. Jaken seemed to melt with relief. His body had gone cold from more than just the weather outside.
Without a word Sesshomaru left.
~Ameki~
The familiar and daunting pull of sleep caused dread to enter her mind. Sesshomaru had recovered her mat and blanket without issue. She was warm enough, but the thought of what awaited her in her dreams chilled her to her bones. He would be there, waiting to turn her dreams into a prison.
"You should rest."
Ameki had tossed and turned, refusing to let herself get too comfortable. Sesshomaru's voice cut through the silence of the shack. She peeked over her blanket at him. He was looking in her direction.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. She closed her eyes. Trying to act as if she were going to sleep, but forcing herself to stay awake. She heard the floorboards creak, but refused to open her eyes. She heard a light thud beside her.
"Ameki." She opened her eyes once more to see Sesshomaru propped against the wall beside her bedding, mere inches from her.
"Your dreams have worsened?" Sesshomaru asked, holding her eyes with his own. She wanted to look away, ashamed of the truth. She was weak and she knew it, she just didn't want Sesshomaru to know how weak she was.
"Yes…" her answer was barely a whisper.
"Don't worry. Just rest." His words oddly calmed her. She did fear slipping into her nightmares, but Sesshomaru was confident. He was sharing that confidence with her. He was showing her compassion. The compassion she knew he held, even if he didn't show it to the rest of the world. The gesture made her feel warm all over, or maybe it was sleep's embrace. She felt safe with Sesshomaru so close to her. She felt secure in falling asleep. Even if Yakunan was waiting in her mind, Sesshomaru was merely a hands length away.
She slept, and for a while it was unhindered. That is, until she felt the world around her change. The dream was beginning, and what waited for her was a mystery. Ameki… That voice. It was familiar, very familiar but sounded as if it were an echo. Like her mind was trying to identify it, but the closer she got, the further it moved away. It matched in a sense of identifying as well. The owner of the voice was on the tip of her tongue. A part of her wanted to search for the owner, but something was holding her back. Fear maybe? It was all speculation. The dream itself was barely coherent, as if a fog had circumferenced her mind. A protective fog, not letting anything from the outside in.
Her body moved slowly, as if time itself had slowed down. Inside the barrier of fog she stayed. It was peaceful. Ameki… The voice rang through the fog again, tempting her to dare the borders. Drawing her to it. Fear again. She felt fear, but why? The fear halted her steps. There was something on the other side. It was lurking beyond the fog, scaling its borders, but unable to pass through. The shadows were calling to her. The voice changed, becoming one that she knew all too well. Rin.
Her mother's voice beckoned. Ameki...please… Rin's voice chanted. Her mother was there. She needed to see her. How she wished to see her face. The fog was hiding her features. The warm smile that Ameki remembered so well was just beyond the fog. She stepped forward once again, this time fear didn't stop her. At the edge of the fog, she whipped the pale essence with her hand, searching for the voice or anything. She wanted to see her. To see her mother. She pushed forward stepping inside of the haze of confusion. The voice from before changed, but still called to her. She hesitated again, unsure of whether to continue. The shapes ahead of her began to distort, but she couldn't make out the features.
She felt a slight caress of the fog, it seemed to pull her back toward where she had been safely within its borders. She didn't fight it, knowing what was where she had come from, and not knowing what lay ahead. She let the mist guide her back. The sounds from beyond the fog turned grim. She could hear a woman's scream, a woman crying for help. Ameki froze once more, back within the borders of the fog. It sounded like her mother, but she couldn't move. Something was keeping her in place.
"Sesshomaru…" The voice was no longer an echo, but sounded as if it came from every direction beyond the barrier.
"You're playing unfair." The voice, Yakunan, snarled in distaste. Ameki soon realized what had transpired. She looked around disoriented, as if realizing for the first time that she was in a dream. Recognizing that familiar sense of being nowhere she had been before. Yakunan was hunting her, but he was calling out to Sesshomaru. Was Sesshomaru there somehow?
"Do you forget who holds her life in their hands?" Yakunan howled. His anger clearly seething into the dream, and probing the fog barrier. She could feel the area around her thrum with energy, seemingly knocking back the dark energy that had begun dissecting the protective fog. Yakunan's voice became distant, though his anger was still apparent.
"You won't win this way Sesshomaru. It will all be in vain, every last attempt…" His voice distantly trailed as the thrumming of energy around her transformed the scene. She was in a field, nay, a beautiful prairie, and far above the clouds arose a beautiful and fearsome creature. One with white fur, and the likeness of a dog.
Ameki awoke the next morning feeling rested. Far more rested than she had in the last few months. She attempted to stretch her newly recuperated body, working out the kinks and aches her sleeping form may have acquired. Bleary eyed, she looked around. The shack was empty. The fire had been freshly stocked, the green wood that sat on top of the flames had hardly been touched by the hungry kindles. She rose slowly, making sure that her body would react the way she wanted to after sleep.
Making her way to the door she stopped. A weird feeling engulfed her as a bit of her dream flashed back into her mind. Her dream hadn't been as vivid as they usually were, and it was hard to even remember what had taken place. She remembered mostly just a misty vision. It really dawned on her in that moment, as she tried to recall her dream that she couldn't remember Yakunan. He hadn't been there to torture her within her dreams, or if he had, she couldn't remember. Either way, she was relieved, and a little shocked that he had neglected her. Maybe something important had come up and he was preoccupied while she slept. Maybe she had caught a break for once.
She continued to the door, sliding open the wooden panels. Her breath caught. The cold air rushed inside, startling her groggy state of mind, but filling it with awe as well. Everything was covered in snow, and it continued to fall. It was absolutely beautiful. On the ground, she could see a trail leading from her hut, that disappeared a few feet away from the shack. Sesshomaru. He had left moments before she woke no doubt. It was only one set of tracks in the shin deep snow, and they were leading away after all. She couldn't think of anyone else that would have left the hut, and then taken to the sky. He was gone. To where her mind could only imagine.
The day, and the snowstorm progressed. Sesshomaru finally returned around noon, baring gifts it would seem. The package he carried contained a thick Yukata. Not as fancy as his normal gifts were, but it would suffice in this cold weather, and Ameki was ever grateful. Giving her privacy to change into the new suitable attire, Sesshomaru had stepped outside.
The Yukata was a cream color, with s simple design of a black crane along the bottom. She wore her white robe underneath, and the long stockings that had been apart of the ensemble. The extra layers were sure to keep her warm in the ever churning snow storm. With her new attire she had assumed that they were going to continue their journey, but Sesshomaru had other plans.
He had re-entered the hut upon Ameki's call. His emotionless face was greeted with a happy expression upon Ameki's.
"Thank you so much Lord Sesshomaru!" She gleamed.
"It's important to stay warm." Was his reply. The two sort of fell in silence as Ameki shuffled around the hut.
"Ugh, my bag." She groaned, as she remembered the terrible smell that had accompanied everything inside.
"Do you need something?" Sesshomaru inquired, face still calm as he looked up at her from his propped position against the wall.
"Well, I'm a little hungry. The only food I had was in my bag, and I can't stand the smell." She answered with a bit of guilt.
Sesshomaru stood, disappearing for a bit, before re-entering once more. This time he held a bag, one that had been tied to Ah-un. Inside was an assortment of bread, dried meats and fruits. Once she had her fill, the conversation began.
"I need to speak with you." Sesshomaru spoke plainly. Ameki looked up as she dusted the remaining crumbs from her clothes.
"Yes my Lord?" She searched his face, wondering what the subject would be.
"When I departed with Kintara, It was because she knew of someone that could aid me on our journey." Ameki listened to Sesshomaru, curiosity indulging her forward to understand his words. He was imparting his experience while he had been away, something he very seldomly did.
"A demon called Nimka." He continued.
"A demon that lives and trades off of the memories of others." He paused seemingly waiting to gauge her reaction. Her demeanor didn't change, so he continued.
"What I learned there was far more helpful than anything else I have come across." He paused, probably by habit, never speaking too much at once. Ameki continued to listen, caught on his every word, trying to figure out what his journey would reveal.
"I needed more, but the demon only teased. Giving me a taste of the knowledge after finding something it wanted more within my own memories." Sesshomaru blinked, again catching Ameki off guard. It was a rare occurrence, but maybe she just hadn't noticed it before. Maybe she had just been paying more attention to his actions lately, or maybe it was because they had actually been spending more time together. When he didn't continue, Ameki became curious as to what he meant by "Something it wanted more."
"By something it wanted you mean?" She waited for his reply. She could clearly see the uncertainty in his eyes. An unspoken hesitation, not just physically, but emotionally as well. He was unsure how to answer, which caused a bit of unease to surface in Ameki. If Sesshomaru would hesitate to answer, she could only imagine what the demon had wanted.
"Your memories." The answer finally came. As soon as the words left his mouth, Ameki sighed in relief. A bit of confusion entered his eyes at her reaction.
"I thought you were going to say the demon wanted your soul." She almost laughed at how silly the answer had been. She had imagined that it would be so much worse by his hesitation.
"You shouldn't take this decision lightly." He explained, causing her to quiet once more.
"Sesshomaru…" She voiced.
"It will help us will it not?" Sesshomaru hesitated once more to answer, but finally did.
"Perhaps it could, but it isn't promised. There are risks Ameki." She became thoughtful. Wondering what the risks could be without asking if he knew. But in hindsight, whatever the risk, it would be worth it to her.
"Can it possibly help us defeat Yakunan, or atleast break this hold he has over me?" She asked honestly.
"I don't have those answers, But Nimka has knowledge. Whether it's the knowledge we need I do not know, but it's more than we have." His answer was honest, and to the point. Ameki knew Sesshomaru didn't like not knowing things, and this was a path that would lead him to at least a bit more clarity. She could see that he yearned for knowledge, anyone could. Especially with as long as he had been searching, the depths he had crossed to find what he already knew.
"I'll do it." She voiced.
"You need to know the risks." Ameki stopped him, trying to exert her own demanding air of respect that Sesshomaru often held.
"Please Sesshomaru, let me give back to you." She leveled her gaze with the great dog demon. Had it been any other mortal, they may have winced at his stare. She however, did not.
"Very well, but the things you may see might weigh on your conscience." He continued. Ameki could see the way Sesshomaru weaved his will on the conversation. He wouldn't let her head into this decision without knowing the risks. She wanted him to know that she would do it, and she had. Now she would hear him out, and still decide to do it. No matter the cost. Not at this point. Not after losing so much but gaining so little in their journey.
"Lord Sesshomaru… The things I've been made witness, and put through…" Her previous courage diminished as she began to reveal the dire circumstances of her dreams.
"My dreams, I can't see anything but my loss, and everyone's loss. I'm made to relive it over and over again, with changing circumstances befit a dark dragon. If this can put us one step closer to bringing him down, then so be it. It's either this, or I die in the end anyway." She answered honestly, letting the raw emotion enter her voice. It was her decision to make. Knowing the opportunity was out there left no room for turning back now.
The slayers and Jaken had been left in the dark on the subject. Sesshomaru had surmised that Kohaku would have his doubts with the plan, and cause resistance. It wasn't something that Sesshomaru wanted to deal with, and Ameki had agreed. The others went on about their day while Ameki and Sesshomaru had departed. The snow storm still carried on, but it was no problem for the great dog demon that lived upon the wind. He expertly dodged and evaded the heavy fallen drafts of wind that wove their way through the sky, blanketing the atmosphere with a turbulent and bumpy nature. The wind was cold, like piercing knives against Ameki's cheeks. The only way she found comfort from the wind was by burying her face in Sesshomaru's fur that he kept around his shoulder in a boa fashion.
Ameki felt the impact as they landed in the snow. She slightly turned her face to see their surroundings, but Sesshomaru still held onto her. The area was blanketed in snow, as she had suspected. Nothing seemed unusual about the small area where they arrived. Though, Ameki did get a strange feeling. Like someone was watching them. It wasn't long before a figure appeared before them, as if the being had come from within the snow itself. She was a beautiful woman. Her long dark hair was pulled back with a red ribbon. A lock of hair perfectly framed each side of her face with a single red band on each. Her dark shaded eyes gave off tints of blue, rather than the dominant brown. She was stunning, with flawless skin of ivory, and a smile to accent the natural beauty.
Sesshomaru didn't react. Ameki was still close to him, his arm still wrapped securely around her. Ameki observed the woman before them once again. She was clearly a princess, her attire deemed her as so. The beautiful multicolored coat, and intricate train that accompanied it signaled her royalty. She appeared to be human enough, but Sesshomaru had mentioned that he had met with a demon. This meeting, was beginning to make little sense to her. The woman spoke softly, like a choir of celestial maiden's her voice came forward, like a beautiful instrument.
"You've made your decision I presume?" Sesshomaru didn't speak. Ameki looked up to see that his gaze was hardened, but his eyes were rather distracted. It almost seemed as if he were lost in thought, but Ameki knew better. Sesshomaru was always alert, and this meeting would be no different. At any moment he could spring into action.
"Yes." He answered coolly.
"I mean the girl…" The woman answered coyly. Causing Sesshomaru to scoff in his own way of indifference.
"Come to me." The woman spoke softly, her eyes taking on a bit of a glow. A glow that accentuated her beautiful features. Ameki could almost feel envious of the woman, if she had not been so confused as to what was unfolding before her.
"Are you... the demon Nimka?" Ameki asked calmly, not wanting to betray the bit of nervousness that had surfaced in her mind.
"Tis I." She answered.
"But for now, I'm Sara. Lady Sara Asano." Ameki felt Sesshomaru's grip tighten for only a moment, before releasing. She turned back to glance at the glassy eyed demon. His emotions were unreadable, but his stance was steady. He was ready for anything.
"I don't quite understand." Ameki asked confused, forwarding the question to anyone among the targeted crowd.
"Someone from Sesshomaru's past. She was within his memories, and I rather liked her." Nimka's answer confused Ameki, but she didn't suppose anything made sense when it came to demons. Especially of the kind she had never heard of. A demon that fed on other's memories to sustain themselves. Ameki couldn't fathom how memories could suffice as sufficient sustenance for anything, even a demon. Yet, here before her stood the demon that wanted her memories, but appeared as someone she had seen from Sesshomaru's memories. Someone he had known?
"Today young one, You'll see beyond the gate way." Ameki could feel the pull. Curiosity filled her mind. She was here to get answers. She would get those answers, and that is what fueled her. One last look at the stone faced Sesshomaru was all she needed to proceed. Nimka extended her hand, waiting for Ameki to take it.
She felt the pressure on her shoulder before looking up. It had stopped her in her tracks. Sesshomaru gazed down at her with questioning eyes.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" He asked. Ameki blinked, giving a slight nod. She tried to hide the small gulp that accompanied her answer. This decision wasn't without its uncertainties, but she found herself wanting to reassure Sesshomaru more than she needed to herself.
"Yes." She gave a small smile, and stepped away from his touch. She watched as his clawed hand fell to his side, before turning back toward Nimka.
"Please come dear. We've much to learn today." Nimka's smile was sweet, but the hunger in her eyes was apparent.
