~Sesshomaru~
His eyes were closed. He sat against a tree under the dawning moon. Night was upon him. The breeze that could be heard through the rattle of dry leaves was almost serene to his senses. Calming even. It was what he yearned for. Not just rest, but to find peace in his jumbled mind. This gave him the break from reality, just focusing on the sounds around him. He could hear a herd of deer bedding down in the distance for the night. Most of the insects were quiet, the winter months usually sent them into their dens, awaiting warm weathers return. That didn't stop the few that chirped and rattled off in the distance. The heartier bugs could stick it out for a while longer. It wasn't freezing, but it was cold.
Sesshomaru took a deep breath, and then exhaled slowly. He listened to the way the wind made a slight whistling noise as it escaped his nostrils. He could feel the tension leave his body, along with a bit of built up stress he had been carrying around. He opened his eyes for a moment, taking in the glimpses of stars he could see through the rustling leaves above him. It was peaceful here. Very peaceful. His mind drifted. Not into sleep, but very close. His demon would always stay alert, even while he closed his eyes and shut his mind off to the world around him. It was as close to sleep as he allowed himself. It was a regenerative form of rest, but it was required more often than if he were to actually allow the unconscious world to take him. He hadn't experienced that type of rest in decades. Not since after Naraku's defeat.
His nemesis was defeated, and he had been exhausted. Rin had been safe within the human village, and the world had bared itself in front of him. He had allowed himself to slip into an actual slumber, readying himself for his new journey. He never imagined it would have brought him to this point though. Rin was gone. Sesshomaru was no fool. He knew her mortality would eventually limit her years. This though… She had been taken too soon. He had wished her a full life. He had wanted her to pass at an old age, surrounded by family. Many mortal's held that wish. To die surrounded by loved ones once their time was up. Rin had always held a special place in Sesshomaru's heart. Heart, if you could call it that. She was the urchin, the outsider, the lone wolf. Sesshomaru was no urchin by any means, but he himself had always been hard to get along with. It had caused Sesshomaru to become very isolated and distanced from anyone or anything. That was until Rin came along. An orphan. Sesshomaru's mother was still alive, but he too could sympathize with losing a parent. He may not have gotten along with his father very well, but for some reason he had done everything to strive to be as powerful as he was. Rin however, had lost both parents. She was just as lost in this world as Sesshomaru had felt at times. Something in him had wanted to give her a place to belong. Somehow that ended up being at his side, and he at hers. It had felt like home.
Sesshomaru could feel his demon withdrawal. His demonic nature couldn't even deny the emotions he had felt toward Rin. She had truly been his best friend. He really did just want to give her the best life possible. He knew though, that even with as powerful as he was, she would have met her fate sooner if she had stayed with him. It was too much of a risk. The company he held, even when brief, was too dangerous for a mortal child.
She was happy though. Sesshomaru reflected further, delving into memories he cared not to touch before. Rin's eyes, even as the life faded from them, had held happiness. She had been content with her fate. The only concern she had left was not for herself, but for her daughter. Ameki.
Ameki. Sesshomaru sighed. He had been coarse with her upon his departure. He had given no reason for his sudden mood. He didn't need to. He knew somehow that Ameki would forgive him. She did after all seem to inherit her mother's heart. She even at times seemed fond of him. Though, now as he reflected on his actions, his mood darkened. He couldn't help but to feel like...an idiot? He had talked to Ameki as if she were Jaken. That alone made him want to reprimand himself. She hadn't deserved his cold words. She had done nothing to spite him, it had been his own thoughts and feelings that had upset him. He should have been mad at himself, and now he was.
His feelings toward Ameki were shifting. Shifting into territory he wasn't comfortable addressing. She was beautiful. Few mortal's could rival her beauty, nay, few mortal's or demon's. Yet, it was clear to Sesshomaru that she was not aware of that fact. Those types of things didn't seem to concern her. She saw herself as ordinary, but Sesshomaru was the one who noticed every man's head turn in her direction. He watched as young children cooed over her beauty. He saw the young women stare after her with envy. He could see the desire in the elderly men's eyes. He was willing to bet a few of them would have traded their souls to a demon for youth once again, just for the chance that she might notice them. This wasn't all that bothered Sesshomaru though. He could reason with being attracted to her. It was only natural for him to find her looks appealing given that she was beautiful. What bothered him, was the emotional connection he felt toward her. He didn't expect it to be like his and Rin's, but he hadn't expected to…develop feelings for her. His jealousy over the farm boy Yuuto should have been his first clue that he was in trouble. Yakunan was intentionally using this woman against Sesshomaru, and yet he still couldn't distance himself from her. He didn't just need to be close to her, he actually wanted to be. That was what had caused him to lash out at her. The realization of his changes had hit him all at once. He cared for her. Not just because she is Rin's daughter. He cared for the woman in Ameki. He often found himself wanting her approval in his actions. Sesshomaru...wanting a mortal's approval. It felt ridiculous to him, but it was the truth. Sesshomaru wasn't so different from his father after all.
He couldn't decide if he was trying to rest or throw himself into turmoil. Either way, he was stuck with his emotions. His mind had run ramped, even though his intentions had been to rest. There was no telling how long Sesshomaru had been in his reflective state. He glanced up at the sky. The same constellation he had spotted before just above the tree line was now fully in his sight. The sky had shifted as night fully sat underway. Sesshomaru calmed his mind once more. His demonic side had surfaced, joining him in his unsettling thoughts. Though, now that he had brought himself back around, he could sense something. It didn't stick around long, the sensation. It felt much like the night before. Somehow he could sense Yakunan's presence, even when he wasn't around Ameki. The night before had been the night he had given her the necklace he had infused with his own energy. He surmised that much like Yakunan's mark, it served a similar purpose. Only the necklace didn't hurt her. He had felt Yakunan the night before, presumably from the mark on Ameki's neck. He used the link to terrorize her in her dreams. Sesshomaru had used his own aura to overcome Yakunan when he was near her, and had sought a solution for when he wasn't able to be near her. Hence came the infused talisman. Sesshomaru never imagined that he would be able to sense when Yakunan tried to gain access to Ameki's mind. Though, the night before he had and the necklace had done its job, linking Sesshomaru to her. It was a strange sensation, but with enough focus he could magnify his energy to link with his departed energy. It must have been the material that aided him in doing so. It wasn't a random rock he stumbled upon. The necklace he infused with his own demonic energy had actually been a piece of his great grandfather. It was the only logical explanation.
He felt the intrusion once more. It's effects were flared, and lashing out at Sesshomaru's energy. Ameki was presumably asleep. Yakunan's hold on her was stronger than it had been the previous evening. The night before it had been as if he was toying around, but now it was different. There was a feeling of urgency to his presence, and Sesshomaru didn't like it. Yakunan was fighting back this time, spending his energy to try and overtake Sesshomaru.
Lord Sesshomaru… He heard her voice. Even if it had been in his mind, it mattered not. He had heard it, and she was calling out to him. Rest would have to wait. Yakunan was calling and Ameki was the unfortunate receiver. Sesshomaru hoped that not all of Yakunan's attempts to control her sleeping mind would be this powerful. Sesshomaru was, after all, limited to what he could do while away from her. Sure he could attempt to magnify his power through the necklace, but he knew it wouldn't be as potent as him being right there beside her while she slept. He would go to her. Even if it were just for the night. Something in him had wanted to see her anyways. Hell, he had wanted to see her as he was walking away from her. Sesshomaru inwardly groaned. He wouldn't let himself live down the way he had spoken to her. She wasn't a child, or the sometimes disobedient Jaken. He wouldn't find peace until he apologized, he hesitantly decided.
~Ameki~
It was a strange sensation. Ameki's mind settled from her frantics as she felt a heavy sleep threaten to take her. It wasn't blood thankfully. That had been her first assessment upon gaining some of her composure. It had looked like blood, and the smell… the thick iron smell that coated the chamber had only aided in proving so. It was cold, and she was sure that was the only thing helping her to stave off her sudden tiredness. The material that encased her was gelatinous. She could feel the cushion this material lended to her frame. She wasn't sure how deep inside of this substance she was, but everything was dark. She could breath, barely. It was enough to keep her alive though. Short and small breaths was all that this environment would allow her before she felt the thinning of the oxygen around her. Just when she was sure that the lack of air would cause her to faint, the small area around her head would fill with fresh air once more. She would need to stay calm, or she risked losing consciousness. She didn't want to fall into the unknown. Not without at least trying to do something.
She could feel her limbs, as groggy as her mind was she was amazed at this little feat. The substance around her left little room to move, and when she did she was met with resistance. She was in some kind of prison. She didn't want to die like this. She couldn't. Not with the great lengths Sesshomaru had gone to just to take care of her. Just to get them here. They were so close to Echigo. Yet, somehow she had gotten herself into this predicament, even with Kohaku's earlier warnings. She could easily blame this whole thing on Sesshomaru. He had given her his cold shoulder act, making something in her want to lash out. Yes, she could blame him, but she didn't want to. She couldn't blame the demon with the cold exterior and soft eyes. She could tell from the start that he had been troubled. She knew he was the type to keep things to himself, not bothering her with his problems. For a while he hid that Yakunan had killed and marked her. It had infuriated her, but eventually she realized it had been for her own good. Especially after the way she had reacted, attempting to take her own life.
Sleep. It was quickly approaching.
"Fight it." The voice came, startling her from the hazy visions of dreams. The sudden shock caused her frame to lurch. She felt the goo around her tighten, causing her rib area a bit of discomfort. She was sure her bumpy trip down the steps had broken a rib, or maybe two. The voice though held more prominence to her mind. It had been Yakunan. It had happened before as well. When Kasumi had tried to command her into submission. A trend was appearing. Yakunan could reach her through sleep, when her mind wandered freely. However there also seemed to be a loophole. She had noticed it with the demon Nimka as well. Whenever the security of her mind was compromised, even when fully conscious, he somehow knew and took advantage of it. Much like right now, or so she thought. His words each time though had seemed as if he were aiding her. It was strange. He had plans for her, and she was in danger so it only made sense. It might have been the reason he had told her to not journey with Sesshomaru. Ameki couldn't see the bigger picture, but she was sure Yakunan's plan would waiver if something were to happen to her.
Maybe she would just let go. Let her mind fall into the abyss as her physical body lay imprisoned here. If it would foil Yakunan's plans then so be it. Whatever she was up against now didn't affect her the way he had. This was out of her hands, as well as Yakunan's. Somehow, she felt content with her circumstances. Yakunan could try and compel her but she was unable to comply. She couldn't even help herself if she wanted to.
The area around her began to vibrate. The goo around her skin trembled in waves. It almost felt alive. Exhausted. She was becoming exhausted. She could feel the little strength she had, leave her body, as if it had been siphoned from her. This thing, whatever it was, was feeding on her. It was zapping her limbs of their strength, causing her mind to slip into a panic but also closer to sleep. What if these were her final moments? Everything, as pointless as it seemed sometimes, would be for nothing. It wasn't fair to Sesshomaru, or to her mother. How many women had disappeared like this? Had Nasami, the missing priestess of the village, been one of them? Had she suffered this fate as well?
The area around Ameki's legs tightened. She felt as if the pressure pulled her farther down. Solidifying further for the soul purpose to drag her deeper. Or maybe that was her mind playing tricks. Her sense of sight was taken by the darkness. She could hear, and smell. Though she wished her sense of smell would vanish. The scent made her feel ill. It smelled like rotting flesh. Her mind instantly recalled the ogre demon that had chased her from her castle. He too had a similar smell. Ameki knew this was no place to get sick. Her cramped position would leave no room for her projectile secretions. It would only further the distress of her situation.
She felt heavy. Some of the gelatinous ooze around her gave way. Her body slid further down into the pool, the goo gathering around her once more, pinning her into place. It had all happened so suddenly she hadn't really had time to react. Her breath caught as she forced herself to take tiny shallow breaths. Her side. There was so much pain when her body was jostled too much. It would keep her awake though hopefully. The familiar pull began again. Her limbs weakened once more. This thing was feeding on her. It was devouring her energy, her life force. She felt helpless.
"This is not the time nor place." Yakunan's voice echoed in her dazed mind. Maybe at this point she was simply hallucinating. Either way she didn't need or want to hear his words. Even if they were to motivate her. She was tired. Tired of Yakunan and tired of fighting. No one knew she was here. She had never given Kohaku reason to believe she would go against his words, and Sesshomaru was on "business," he had said. She would perish in the pool before too long. The object around her fed from her life force, and she wasn't sure how much she had to give.
~Sesshomaru~
"Noppera-bō." He heard Kohaku's voice. Sesshomaru saw Kohaku and Hotaru conversing quietly with a few of the villagers. He stopped momentarily to listen.
"It makes sense considering the rumors of the faceless paintings. It still doesn't explain the disappearances though. Noppera-bō are usually harmless." Hotaru retorted. Kohaku shook his head.
"Not always. You're gonna learn quickly in this world that even the most docile demons can become enraged and act out." Kohaku replied.
"I get that, but the Noppera-bō is just a ghost. It likes scaring people, not kidnapping them." Kahaku sighed as Hotaru spoke, his patience seemed to wear thin.
"Who can say what they really are? Yeah, it might just be a ghost, but they can exhibit powers much like Yokai. It just depends on the being that died to create the Noppera-bō." Kohaku explained, trying to reason with the boy. It seemed to work as Hotaru slightly nodded his head in understanding.
The men they were talking to looked back and forth at each other questioningly before the older gentlemen spoke.
"What of my daughter, and the priestess? Do you think they could still be alive?" Kohaku's features fell a bit.
"I don't want to go around passing out false hope. I'm still not completely sure what we are up against. It is a possibility though, but you need to accept the alternative as well." Kohaku's shoulders slumped. Sesshomaru could tell it was difficult for him to be honest, but crucial to his line of work.
"I see. We can pay whatever you ask. Many of us have banded together to find a solution, and money is not a problem." The man begged with his eyes, but his face remained solemn.
"We can talk about that after we've dealt with things. For now return to your families. Maybe you can all rest a bit better with us here. We can promise to do our best to protect you." Kohaku gave a slight bow, signaling Sesshomaru's departure.
So there was a demon of sorts here? It was strange considering Sesshomaru couldn't sense it. It must have been a weak demon, so weak as to slip under Sesshomaru's detection. Or, as Kohaku had stated earlier, not even a demon at all. Simply a ghost or apparition that could exhibit Yokai type powers. Also, Sesshomaru noted, there had been disappearances spoken of. Women in the city, one being a priestess. A priestess was a woman who possessed spiritual powers. Sesshomaru had known a few in his past, and had heard rumors and ancient legends of women powerful enough to hold their own when faced with demons. These women were usually well prepared and could ward themselves against such things. Yet, the priestess was missing. Had she succumbed to this demon or ghost?
Sesshomaru hastened his step toward the tea house, hoping he wouldn't catch too much attention, but rather catch Ameki's scent. Her scent was there, but it was faded, as if the activities that had taken place in her absence had already disrupted the trail. She wasn't there. Of that he was certain. Where else would she be this late at night? Sesshomaru was certain this was the only place that housed travelers. Every other building he had observed had either served as a home, market, tradesmen or crafter. There was the palace though. Why she would be there was beyond him. It would be heavily guarded, and Sesshomaru was sure that someone as peculiar looking as him would not be welcomed. He turned on his heel to find Kohaku, freezing mid step. He was almost sure Ameki should have been asleep. He had felt Yakunan's grip on her through the necklace. Even now he felt his demonic energy push against the dark mist that clouded Ameki's mind. Where was she if not in the tea house? Where would she be sleeping?
Sesshomaru's brow furrowed. He would need to find Kohaku and question him of her whereabouts. He had, after all, sent her back into the village into Kohaku's care. It seemed now though that Kohaku was rather preoccupied, leaving an opening in his attention that Ameki could slip through.
Sesshomaru returned to the concealed garden area where the group had been talking. They had dispersed. Kohaku's scent wafted from the east, toward the castle. If Sesshomaru hurried, he could catch him before he became inaccessible. He rounded the corner, out of sight of the few loitering humans that lined the streets after dark. He could smell sake thick in the air. Maybe Ameki had sampled some, or rather drank herself into a stupor. He thought back to the way he had treated her earlier. Maybe it had hurt her feelings. Was he the cause? It would make sense why Yakunan's hold on her mind felt so powerful. If he was struggling to maintain the thoughts of an inebriated Ameki, it would cause him to push himself. Sesshomaru felt the familiar sense of guilt resurface. She could be passed out in an alley, or worse, someone's bed. The thought angered Sesshomaru. So much that he found himself calming his breathing and trying to control his erratic heart beat. No one would soil her purity. It would be protected until she chose otherwise, and her ability to choose would be hindered under the influence of rice wine.
Sesshomaru caught sight of Kohaku climbing the steps up to the palace. He would need to hurry. He had no choice. He took to the sky, darting quickly in the direction of the castle. It was Hotaru who noticed him first.
"We have company." He had stated, causing Kohaku to peer backwards toward the approaching Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru landed effortlessly. His movements were graceful, and not at all like the unbalanced and somewhat goofy looking InuYasha. Kohaku looked as if he were ready to greet Sesshomaru, but was cut off.
"Where is Ameki?" Sesshomaru asked, a bit of his emotion unwillingly slipped out. He sounded impatient, and in reality he was. He wanted, no, needed to know where she was.
"Is she not with you?" Kohaku asked, his brow elevated by Sesshomaru's obvious change.
"No, why would she be?" Sesshomaru recanted.
"I told her to leave the village a bit early. She was supposed to find you and stay away while we work this mess out." Kohaku answered.
"Oh that's right, you probably aren't aware. There's…"
"I know what's going on, I overheard your conversation. Right now I need to find Ameki." Sesshomaru stated, cutting in on Kohaku's response once more.
"She isn't at the tea house?" Hotaru intervened this time.
"No, her scent was there, but very faint. I had no doubt that she was gone." Sesshomaru replied.
"Well did you physically go in and check?" Hotaru's brow rose. Sesshomaru didn't acknowledge such a silly question. It should have been obvious that someone such as himself would quickly become the social pariah in a tavern full of humans. Sesshomaru glared at the young man that spoke.
"Hey now, don't get your fur in a knot. I was just asking. I don't know how your sense of smell works, but if it's anything like mine, I'm just implying that the mixture of so many scents in one place could throw you off focus. Maybe she was there, but her scent was dampened by something. They burn all types of scented oils and incense at the tea house." Hotaru shrugged. Kohaku slightly shook his head, a hint of knowing in his eyes.
"No. Sesshomaru would know if she was there. If she's not then we need to find her." A bit of dread entered Kohaku's features, but he didn't care to voice what was bothering him. Hotaru on the other hand was more than willing to part with his thoughts.
"Maybe this is a bit far fetched, but she was seen with the Lord today." Kohaku raised his attention toward Sesshomaru as Hotaru spoke. Kohaku was nervous. Nervous of Sesshomaru's reaction.
Sesshomaru felt his own brow furrow. His jaw clenched, no doubt causing his jaw to form a hard line. She was seen with the Lord? Of the castle?
"This Lord…" Sesshomaru started. Kohaku stepped forward.
"Sesshomaru. It's important for you not to lose your cool in this village. Some very important individuals are under some kind of spell or something. We think the Lord is...possessed." Kohaku spoke.
"More like obsessed. Did you see the way he looked at Ameki today?" Hotaru's bold statement caught Sesshomaru's glare once more.
"Shut up!" Kohaku was now angry.
"You aren't doing anyone justice right now boy. You need to give detail and context otherwise you'll give off the wrong impression." Kohaku seemingly spit his words toward his nephew. The young man seemed to draw into himself at the sudden outburst. Kohaku gathered himself and turned back toward the stone faced Sesshomaru.
"There was a festival today. Ameki took part in a clothing event in hopes of earning herself some money. During this event somehow she came into contact with the young bachelor Lord Hiroshi Taowa. Now, I don't know if what Hotaru said is true or not, but Ameki assured me that their conversation had been civil. There was no hint of any animosity." Kohaku sighed.
"If she is in fact in his company, then I will go fetch her. You need to stay away from the palace." Kohaku's nerves resurfaced as he seemingly gave the order toward Sesshomaru.
"I don't need a demon tearing the palace apart while I'm trying to draw this entity out of hiding." His reasoning was concrete enough. Sesshomaru would comply with Kohaku's terms. However, at the first sign of trouble, Sesshomaru wouldn't hesitate to bring the castle to the ground if needed.
He waited for what felt like an eternity. Though only half an hour had passed since the two demon slayer's had disappeared up the remaining steps into the courtyard, the constant struggle and self discipline Sesshomaru struggled with made the minutes drag on.
He could smell her. The fading scent in the area only hurt his attempt of self control. The scent on the steps was much more fresh than the fading scent in the busy districts below. He was sure she was in the castle, but why? What had been her purpose in visiting the palace at such a late hour? Had she been forced, or had she gone of her own accord? Too many questions. They were fogging Sesshomaru's mind. He needed to clear them out, but not disregard them. He wanted answers, but he needed to make sure Ameki was safe first.
He focused, clearing his mind as he let his vision of the palace glaze over. The palace seemed to be lacking sufficient guards. Critical positions within the courtyard were not maintained and the far wall of the complex was unmanned as well. If the palace were under threat, Sesshomaru had no doubt that it's security would dwindle quickly, putting all within the palace in danger. He found it odd. Usually mortal compounds such as this one would be crawling with warm bodies. The protection of mortal nobility was normally held to such a high standard in many other regions. Why was this one different?
A strange smell entered Sesshomaru's senses. It was only for a moment, but long enough to cause alarm. Blood, strange blood. Sesshomaru sprang into action. He couldn't ignore a clear sign of duress. Any reservations he had held for the slayers previously was gone, along with his will to stick to the shadows. He would bust down the doors if he had to, but he was going inside one way or another. It was clear that there was some kind of scuffle, and Ameki was nearby. He could almost feel their link through his energy intensify as he made his way through the palace courtyard. In a blink he was through the doors. The commotion his sense of hearing picked up led him to what appeared to be a feasting hall. The previous sounds revealed a brawl of sorts. Hotaru was holding off a few guardsmen's advances as Kohaku knelt over an injured figure. At first glance she seemed like a normal woman, but the scent from her wounded arm suggested otherwise.
"I'll only ask you one more time." Kohaku voiced. His words came out sternly, but his posture was calm and steady. The woman peered up at him, her eyes held no fear toward the demon slayer.
"Where do you take the missing women?" Kohaku continued. A bit more tension entered his frame as the hate filled eyes of the women before him seemingly refused his question.
"Have it your way then," Kohaku's blade came into Sesshomaru's view. The glint of steel reflected the nearby candle light, sending a gleam across Sesshomaru's observing glance.
"You will cease your actions, slayer!" The woman hissed as Kohaku rubbed a strange scented oil across his blooded blade.
"Your mind tricks won't work on me. My discipline is exemplary. I control my will, not you, and I'm aware that I have control." Kohaku scoffed.
"Now where was I?" The woman slid against the wall, her fatigue was clear. Kohaku's blade sliced through the air in front of her, slicing a few strands of stray hair and leaving a slash along the meat of her cheek. The woman hissed, her innocent act faltering as the substance on the sword reacted with her skin. The wound began to fester and boil, leaving a rather rancid odor clinging in the air. An inhuman sound escaped her throat as she clambered and clawed at her face where Kohaku's sword had slashed her skin.
Bay leaves, or Rorie. Sesshomaru's memory had finally retrieved the familiar and strange smell. The oil Kohaku had coated his blade with was made with Rorie. Rorie was often burned to rid buildings and structures of evil spirits. Apparently Kohaku had taken another approach. A more hands on kind of approach, and Sesshomaru oddly approved. This Kohaku seemed fierce and well prepared. It was an improvement from the clumsy scatterbrain boy he remembered from long ago. Something was clear though. They would get the answers they wanted, whether it be from Kohaku's blade or by Sesshomaru's claws. Ameki's scent was all over the room. It was moderately fresh, and nothing would stop him from finding her.
Kohaku's eyes widened in Sesshomaru's peripheral. He had been surprised at Sesshomaru's sudden appearance. Sesshomaru's hand snaked out, fitting comfortably around the struggling woman's throat as he lifted her further weakened form up into the air. Sesshomaru made it a point to hold her gaze. He wanted to witness the terror as he extorted the information. Or rather, any small hints or change in behavior as he questioned her with his presence as intimidation.
"Where is Ameki." Sesshomaru's tone held the same cool and composed note as Kohaku's had previously. Only this time, Sesshomaru sensed a bit more hesitation rather than disobedience.
"It's too late. Even if you did find them, nothing can be done." She hissed. Her previous courage faltered, but her determination remained. The beads that clung to the woman's disheveled hair rattled as Sesshomaru tightened his grip around her throat. The action was more of an intimidation factor than it was to physically hurt her. Any mortal would not be able to breathe, but it was clear to him now as he stared into her dead eyes that she felt no pain from his hand. No, this body was long dead, only preserved by the demon spirit that possessed it. This was definitely the decayed smell he had caught previously. He had written it off as some strange concoction that the humans had dabbled with. She smelled of decay, but from somewhere within the body he could sense, even smell a morsel of vitality. The body had been preserved on the edge of death, and possessed before the victim had passed. That could only mean…
"She's a Kana Sesshomaru. The place is crawling with them." Kohaku spoke.
Sesshomaru inwardly nodded. That would explain the situation. Kana or Hanja were evil spirits that possessed dead bodies. The longer the body had been dead, the less time they were able to inhabit them before needing to move on. They couldn't possess a living body unless it was severely weakened, and even then it would drive the host to eventual madness as the Kana fought to overtake their consciousness. The internal struggle would greatly hinder the body's ability to regenerate either causing eventual death or expulsion of the Kana. A living body is a hostile environment for the Kana. While it can feed from the body as it possesses it, slowly killing it, it can also become entangled with the host's mind in the process, making the Kana a prisoner inside of the human vessel fading to nothingness as the body dies. Then there is the Hanja. The Hanja are the same as the Kana in ethereal form, but the difference lay within the host. A Kana is the spirit that constantly moves on from one host to another as the vessel dies. A Hanja is created by a Kana that has successfully merged with a body that has been preserved on the brink of death. The spirit of the person has detached from the body, but not released from it. This renders the soul eternally unconscious, allowing the Kana to become a Hanja. An eternal one. The body never fully decays because of the human spirit trapped within, and the Kana does not become entangled in a mind that is eternally unconscious giving the Kana, or now Hanja, full control over an eternal vessel.
Sesshomaru knew this woman was actually a Hanja. An eternal one. It only made sense.
"Hanja to be accurate." Sesshomaru's cool voice answered. The woman's eyes narrowed.
"Wait…" Kohaku paused before continuing.
"Hanja are very rare Sesshomaru. Usually the Hanja are men. They're created by dying monks who try and follow the path of the living Buddha. Men who bury themselves alive but find themselves wrought with regret in their final moments, giving the Kana the perfect host. A monk or holy person whose body has been preserved, but soul clings to this world."
It was the woman's turn to reply as she struggled against Sesshomaru's tight grasp.
"Some of us prefer feminine charm to brute muscle. There is more than one way to water a garden." Kohaku's brow rose.
"Still, it would be extremely difficult to create the exact circumstances needed to create an immortal vessel through the joining of Kana and body to create Hanja." She smirked as Kohaku spoke.
"Our kind exists because of perseverance. We find ways, we make opportunities." She growled her response.
"I assume that's why so many women are missing?" Hotaru's voice chimed in.
" Are you experimenting with them? Is that your big scheme here?" Both guards he had been scuffling with were now unconscious. His step faltered slightly as he looked into her eyes.
"Are you trying to create more eternal vessels for your what? Coven?" The woman's eyes narrowed once more.
"I think I've said enough." With those words Sesshomaru increased the pressure around the woman's neck. He could feel the bones beneath the flesh give away under his extreme grasp. It didn't seem to bother the woman as she turned her gaze back toward the dog demon.
" Ameki. She's perfect. She was chosen, her spirit is so strong, it's ideal." She cackled through the crushing pressure.
"It's a shame for you that you're too late." Sesshomaru's anger blinded him. This demon before him spoke of Ameki as if she were dead. Pain. Sesshomaru wanted to crush this being in his hands. He wanted to relish the sweet release of his anger. More pain. His chest hurt. The anger was crushing him. She couldn't be… Their last meeting he had been cold toward her, harsh even. He was supposed to atone for that. He wanted to, but this beast within his grasp denied him the chance.
"No. It's not too late." Kohaku intervened. The woman's eyes darted to the right side of the room, only for a moment, but Sesshomaru had witnessed it.
"You said yourself that her spirit is strong. I take it that probably means she's an ideal candidate for whatever you've cooked up, but I'm guessing that also means it's going to take time…" Kohaku's eyes narrowed.
"Which is exactly why you're stalling. You're buying time aren't you?" Kohaku's words barely had time to escape his mouth before Sesshomaru released the body he had held in his death grip.
"You keep giving us enough information to keep us interested." Kohaku continued. Sesshomaru searched the area where the woman's eyes had betrayed.
"She's still alive, and we're going to find her." Kohaku spat. The woman seemed less confident in that moment, giving Sesshomaru all of the determination he needed. Ameki was here, and alive somewhere. He would find her. He would make sure she was returned safely to him, and he would destroy anything and anyone who got in his way.
