~Ameki~

How long? How long had she been here? How long would she be here? These questions surfaced. A part of her wanted to give up, to just give in to the temptation of a peaceful death. That's exactly what would happen if she gave up though, and she knew it. Death. Was that truly something she wanted? Or was she somehow influenced by her surroundings the way a single command from those women seemed to influence others? Even she had felt the urge to comply with their demands. Something about Yakunan's mark had helped her fight off such strong compulsions though. Was he responsible for her clinging conscious state?

Images of Sesshomaru flooded her mind. Or was it her sheer will to see Sesshomaru again? She couldn't bear the thought of her final memories of him being so cold? Was that the demon everyone knew? Was that the true Sesshomaru? He had always been so warm and welcoming to her. What had changed? Sure he was silent, and quite indifferent most of the time, but in their last meeting something about him had changed. Could Ameki truly leave things as they were? No. The answer was no, and this helped her maintain her alert state. She wouldn't slip into that promising sleep, because Sesshomaru wouldn't be there. He was out in the world, and Ameki needed to be as well. She needed to right whatever it was that she had done wrong.

Sesshomaru forgive me. Her mind pleaded. Her limbs were weak. Weaker than they had been only a few minutes prior. She feared that at this rate, she wouldn't be able to move, let alone form a coherent thought. She needed motivation. The mark on the back of her neck flared with pain once more, as if she had openly invited Yakunan to join her. She would need this, and it pained her to realize it. He was using her, and so now she would return the favor.

"Yaku-... Nan." She struggled to say his name. Each breath she attempted revealed to be futile. The area around her head was slowly closing in, suffocating her. She settled for calling to him in her mind. The place he often occupied against her will. He would be there. The mark on the back of her neck assured that. She was barely clinging to her conscious state, and it was the perfect opportunity to use him to fuel her attempts.

"Move." She heard the reply in her mind as clearly as if he were right beside her. It didn't startle her the way it used to. It was accompanied by not so pleasant thoughts, but she wasn't exactly in a situation to deal with those. She simply needed to survive, and to do that she needed fuel. Anger, sorrow or just anything that could spike her adrenaline.

"Move now!" She heard once more, the voice gaining volume in her mind. The closer she slipped to the edge of sleep, the louder Yakunan's voice rang through her mind.

"I can't move…" Her inner monologue sounded as clear as a bell.

"Then Perish." His reply baffled her. Was he giving up that easily? Was she not as highly valued by Yakunan as she had previously thought? Maybe this was it. Maybe he didn't care to keep her as a pawn any longer, especially since she had disobeyed him.

" Perish along with everyone you love." He cooed. His voice was strange. Almost hypnotic.

"Just let go and join them. I'll get what I want either way." Ice. She felt as if her body was frozen. This wasn't going to work. He wasn't encouraging her to fight. He was encouraging her to let go. She couldn't let go.

The cold feeling only deepened as the heat from her mark faded. He was serious. I'll get what I want either way. Those words. What did he mean? Had something happened to Sesshomaru? Had Yakunan come up with another plan? It dawned, as if the sun had risen, bringing light to her foggy mind. Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru, I'll do my part…." Her voice was raspy, but she could actually sound the words.

"I'll do what I must, to protect you as well…" her arm moved. At first it was only slightly, but the more she envisioned Sesshomaru's face, the more strength she found. He was her strength. She wouldn't give in. Yakunan had given up so easily, giving her the motivation she needed. If he had been so quick to stop trying, then that could only mean he would benefit from her death. What had changed? Is that why Sesshomaru's demeanor toward her had been cold? Something new must have developed while they had been in the town, and Sesshomaru had not wanted to speak of it.

Ameki planted her feet, pushing against the insidious goo type substance that surrounded her. She could feel the substance tighten and harden in areas, as if it were trying to fight back against her, keeping her there. She used this to her advantage, pushing against the hardened areas below her, while clawing upward with what strength she had. She tore through, her nail splicing the gelatinous surface. A liquid spilled from the area she had wounded. This time, it was blood. The heavy iron smell entered her struggling senses. It was a small wound, but enough to evoke a reaction. The mass around her began to convulse, catching her rib in the process. She felt the air leave her body as the pain shot through her side. This was bad. She was still wounded, and had almost forgotten in her predicament.

She fought to regain the breath that had unwillingly escaped her, but no matter how hard she tried to inhale, the pain and lack of air fought against her. She had to escape now. It was now, or die. She swiped blindly once more toward the wound she had already inflicted. The surface was so tender, and easily complied to the outcome Ameki had intended. Ameki felt the cool liquid drip down, followed by another round of convulsions. This time though, she felt air. The sweet embrace of air encompassed her. Whatever she was doing, it was working.

Her lungs expanded, sending a pang through her abdomen. The pain was bearable due to the pure relief her starving lungs currently felt. It was short lived though, as the ooze hardened, surrounding her once more. Only this time, it didn't hold back. Ameki could feel the drain once more on her body. It was somehow drawing her strength out. The weaker she felt, the more active it became, crushing her in what seemed like a death grip. Her limbs were entangled, the pressure against them only increased the more she fought. It wasn't just cradling her now, it was detaining her.

"No!" She begged, feeling the space around her disappear.

"I need to see him." Images of Sesshomaru passed through her mind once more. New images. Images her mind created rather than remembered. Visions of him smiling. A rare but extremely sought after occasion. One Ameki wished she could see more often. Her mind watched as each new image appeared, his eyes softening more each time. Though, this wasn't just her imagination running wild in its final moments. Looking back, his eyes truly had softened more with the passing of time. She wished for nothing more than to see that trend continue. The softness they revealed felt like happiness. A warm and bright beacon in the confusing place she was currently in.

She pushed forward using the last of her strength, digging her nails in, and forcing her aching body to comply. She swiped wildly, feeling the area around her convulse once more as she pushed upward with her feet. The pressure around her broke free, giving her the opportunity she needed. Pulling herself upward with her arms felt futile. Her hands slipped from the slick surface.

"Sesshomaru…" She breathed as her body settled back to her previous position. The pendant around her neck pulsed, causing her to halt her next wave of futile attempts. Her body, seemingly suspended in the ooze, relaxed on command. She could feel Sesshomaru's presence. Almost as if he were right there with her. It was so strange. The environment around her began to convulse once more, only this time it was not her doing. This time, it was far more extreme. The crushing pain was only intensified by the vibrations around her. The drain began once more, but this time Ameki was sure she would lose the battle. Her mind led the fight, but her body was ready to give in. She tried to verbally resist, but her words failed her. Her mouth wouldn't respond, leaving only a muffled noise in her throat.

She felt the pressure around her extended wrist, along with a new set of tremors that encircled her. She was...moving. She was being pulled by something. The grip on her wrist tightened. She could feel air on her now exposed hand. Sesshomaru's silver hair and white attire came into her bleary vision as she broke free of the vile pool. Her eyes, already adjusted to the dark, could see the Golden pools staring back at her. As her vision cleared, his features came into focus. He was worried. His brow was creased and his jaw was clenched. His eyes were almost wild as she stared into them. The air around him pulsed with the same frequency as the necklace she wore.

Sesshomaru's arm slipped around her midsection, pulling her free of the nightmare she had been trapped in. The sudden pressure on her ribs caused her to stiffen. She was too exhausted to stifle her moan, but in enough pain to create one. Sesshomaru's grip on her eased as he cradled her gently in his arms. He had taken notice of her reaction. Her body felt slack, but her gaze fought to find his again. He was really there.

She could feel her consciousness slipping, as the mark flared on the back of her neck momentarily. A look of annoyance washed over Sesshomaru's features.

~Sesshomaru~

She was safe. Hurt, unconscious, but safe. Her body and clothing was covered in a thin film of plasma. The same plasma that fought to regain it's previous prey. The murky substance reached forward, gaining solidity. Sesshomaru moved backward, holding Ameki firmly in his grasp. This thing, whatever it was, was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Maybe he had heard of similar creatures in passing, but he had yet to see it for himself, until now.

"Well this explains a lot." Kohaku muttered from the entryway.

"This isn't good. Sesshomaru. You need to get her out of here." He continued. Sesshomaru glanced up toward Kohaku, who slowly made his way toward the sloshing pools.

"This is…" Kohaku sounded as if he was at a loss for words.

"I've only ever heard rumors about things like this. I've never seen it." Hotaru entered shortly after Kohaku's words drifted into the echo of the cavern.

"What is that?" Hotaru asked as his eyes widened.

"These are reflecting pools." Kohaku answered. Sesshomaru felt the confusion, but did not portray it.

"Ungaikyō, to be exact. I'm not sure how this happened or why, but…" Kohaku hesitated, taking in more of his surroundings.

"The Ungaikyō normally takes form as a mirror. However, a mirror must have not been an option. Whoever trapped these spirits down here knew what they were doing, and was able to enchant the water surface, acting as a mirror would." Kohaku placed his hand on the cavern wall.

"Iron, this place is surrounded by iron ore. Iron can act as a strong deterrent, or even a barrier to spirits, keeping them out, or locking them in. Someone led these spirits down here, and trapped them within the reflecting pools. These Kana must have been exceptionally strong." Kohaku observed.

"It would explain why they are able to reach through the confines of the surface. I doubt they are able to fully leave it though. Look, on the ground." Kohaku pointed to the dark circles that surrounded the pools, the area where the pursuing entity had halted it's advances toward Sesshomaru, unable to cross.

"So, wait…" Hotaru began.

"This Ungaikyō is a what? A demon?" Kohaku shook his head.

"Not exactly. An Ungaikyō can be a reflective surface that is possessed by either a mortal spirit or a demon spirit. This greatly influences what the Ungaikyō is capable of doing. In this case, whoever created the Ungaikyō, had intended it to be a prison." Hotaru nodded, understanding Kohaku's explanation.

"It's my guess that the Hanja inhabiting the castle are here to figure out a way to break the bindings." Kohaku's brow creased.

"We can't let that happen." Kohaku's look of dread deepened.

"There are five pools here, but it only looks like four of them are occupied. The fifth one is dormant." Kohaku pointed toward the still crystal clear surface.

"Whoever created these Ungaikyō was not able to seal the last Kana within, and I bet that is who is behind this. It's somewhere in the castle." Kohaku surmised.

Sesshomaru didn't have time for this. He wanted nothing more than to see to Ameki's needs. She was wounded, as for how severely he wasn't sure. He wasn't going to stick around and play hero with the slayers. He got what he had come for, and it was time to move out. Sesshomaru stepped around the writhing pool and made his way toward the cavern leading back to the stairs.

"Sesshomaru?" Kohaku's voice didn't halt his steps, but he did reply.

"Do what you must." Sesshomaru's words gained only a nod.

He left the castle. A part of him felt rather curious to see how things would unfold, but Ameki's safety came first. The farther away the better. He was sure Kohaku would fill them in later. However, one thing irked him. Where would he take her to recover? He couldn't just drag her out in the middle of nowhere on a cold night and expect her to regain her health. The priestess in the village was missing, and Sesshomaru had no knowledge of any physicians around. She needed the warmth a shelter could provide her, a soft mat instead of the hard cold ground and she would need something to dull the pain.

The inn. It was the only option at that point, and Sesshomaru felt the dread surface as he wallowed in his distaste of mortal establishments. As if their presence wasn't enough to irritate him, most of them would be nosy as well. The longer Sesshomaru spent around mortals the more obvious it was that their tendencies and behavior was rather off putting. Sure. He could tolerate being around mortals that could offer more than just a curious or awe struck stare, but those were few and far between.

Sesshomaru entered the tavern. To his surprise most of the patrons had seemingly turned in for the night. A long day of festivities had worn the majority down. A few women scurried around the dining area, cleaning up the remainder of the evening meals. Sesshomaru passed the room unnoticed, making his way toward the room where Ameki's scent barely lingered. It wasn't hard for Sesshomaru to pick up on the faint scent, even with her being so close to him, he could decipher what scent was fresh and what scent had begun to fade. Sesshomaru slid the door open, stepping inside. A small sigh escaped him. It wasn't like him to exert relief, but the evening's events had weighed on him. Slipping past unwanted attention had been a small break.

The bed where she had presumably slept the night before was already turned down. The sheets were neatly tucked, and the blanket was pulled down mid ways. The cushioned mat was definitely more suitable than the hard ground. Sesshomaru glanced around the room, searching his memories, recalling the items that Ameki had taken with her. Everything seemed to be present. Satisfied, Sesshomaru stepped toward the bed, Ameki still unconscious in his arms. Her calm breathing was enough to still his jumbled thoughts. He needed to tend to her wounds. Kneeling down, ready to place her sleeping form on the mat, Sesshomaru realized just in time her current state. She was covered in a thin film of plasma. The material smoothed over the surface of her skin, but caked in areas of her hair.

Sesshomaru didn't want to dirty the fresh sheets. His brow creased. He looked around the room, taking in the furniture and accessories. There was a privacy partition, and the smell of fresh water caught his senses. He walked over, Ameki still in his arms. Peering around the wood and rice paper, he saw a large dish filled with water, accompanied by vials of fragrant oils and soaps. Hand towels hung from the wall just beside the dish, and an ornamental arrangement occupied the table beside the bowl of water. It wouldn't be a luxurious bath, but he couldn't just leave her in her current state.

Sesshomaru suddenly felt uncomfortable. He couldn't clean her, or undress her or change her clothes. She would need to do it herself. It wouldn't be proper if he did while she were unconscious or even if she were. It felt wrong. Sesshomaru felt guilty for not realizing it sooner. Even just the thought crossing his mind made him want to cringe. The sudden heat in his cheeks almost made him release the limp body in his grasp. This was beneath him. Or was it? He dared a glance at Ameki's solemn face. She looked so peaceful as she slept. If you could call collapsing from exhaustion sleep?

"Ameki." Her name left his lips. She didn't respond. The light twitching of her eye lids was the closest thing to a reply. He could tell she was dreaming. Thankfully Yakunan's mark remained dormant. She had been through enough already. He had sensed the mark before through his link with the necklace she wore. Yakunan had definitely appeared in her moment of weakness. He wasn't sure what her experience in the pool had been like, but it had given Yakunan the advantage and he had taken it.

The situation as a whole perplexed Sesshomaru. He would even dare to admit to himself that he was tired. Tired of this endless war, tired of being toyed with and just tired in general. He didn't have the strength to maintain his stubborn pride in a moment like that. He knew what had to be done.

To Sesshomaru's surprise, Ameki's bottom layer of clothing, a white silk robe, had not been marred by the filth that had coated her skin. This eased Sesshomaru's mind. He couldn't imagine having to explain himself if she were to awaken in an indecent state. That fact alone cut Sesshomaru's tension by half.

Sesshomaru finished cleansing her exposed skin of the ooze like residue. He had chosen to prop her frame against the wall, doing so gently as to not cause her wounds any discomfort. Washing her hair would be a bit more tricky, but it was a feat Sesshomaru could easily overcome. Picking her up once more, Sesshomaru cradled her body against his.

His senses momentarily heightened as he took notice of the thin silk beneath his hand. He was all too aware of the fact that he felt more flesh than fabric. The clothing Ameki usually wore had multiple layers, but this. He could feel the light thrum of her pulse through the thin fabric.

Pushing those thoughts from his mind he continued. Effortlessly he positioned Ameki's head above the bowl, supporting her weight with his arm he began gathering her hair with his other arm. The substance washed out rather easily. The water dissolved the gelatinous material quickly, washing it free of her hair.

After a few minutes, when Sesshomaru was satisfied with his handy work, he moved her to the mat. It was time for her to rest and recuperate. He however, would be on edge for the remainder of the night, or at the very least until he had word from Kohaku. He knew they would continue to find themselves in situations like this. Sesshomaru and trouble came hand in hand. It had always been that way. It was the very reason he had let Rin go. It was also the very reason Ameki lay mere feet from him. A living breathing mortal woman that he had grown to care for. That wasn't his duty to Rin. He had promised to protect her. Protecting her and caring for her, they were different. Sesshomaru could have kept her safe from a distance. It would have been possible, he was sure of it. It had worked with Rin, until he had been forced back into the remainder of her life. Yes, it was he that brought destruction and death. Yet, there he sat. Unwilling to move from her side as he had chosen on multiple occasions before.

"Sesshomaru…" His untrained gaze focused, finding Ameki's half lidded eyes staring back at him. She was awake, partially. Her eyelids drooped as she fought to stay awake.

"I needed…" Sesshomaru listened to her soft words.

"I wanted to see you again." A slight smile appeared on her lips. It was at that moment that Sesshomaru felt the pang of familiarity. Looking at her now in her weakened state as she smiled. A warm smile meant only for him. The same Smile that Rin had given him in her final moments. Sesshomaru blinked, understanding her words. The look of happiness on her face was enough to thaw the cold that entombed Sesshomaru's heart. He could feel his own pulse quicken at hearing her words. She wanted to see him again. He couldn't deny it. His need to protect her had turned into want as well. He was no longer driven by the need of duty, but rather the want of his own will. Despicable, a younger Sesshomaru would have thought. Undeniable, this Sesshomaru felt.

Ameki kept her gaze on him. She was slowly, but surely regaining her strength. Enough to keep her eyes open, and focused on the struggling Sesshomaru. He did his best to quell the sudden irrational swell of emotions. He needed to converse. It was uncharacteristic of him, and he knew it, but anything to draw his mind away from his inner thoughts.

"How do you feel?" Sesshomaru inquired. Ameki tried a half hearted stretch. She winced moving her hand to her side, where she winced once more upon contact.

"I'm alright, a little sore." She admitted. Sesshomaru nodded. He had examined her ribs previously while tending to her. He didn't need a visual indicator to know that the loose bone beneath her skin was broken. Her broken rib would cause her pain for a bit. It had already begun to heal. As he had gently poked and prodded he could feel the resistance of scar tissue, and the slight tug of fusion as the bone tried to mend together with its broken counterpart. Her hastened healing capabilities from Yakunan's mark was no doubt the reason her body mended itself so quickly. He was also sure that was why she was able to regain consciousness so quickly. Her life force had been severely weakened before. When he had pulled her from the pool in the cavern beneath the castle, he had almost thought it had been too late. It had scared him. The panic he had felt was only quelled by the determination he glanced in her eyes. She had fought to stay alive. She hadn't given up, even when her own body had begun to fail her. His mind wandered back to her words. "I wanted to see you again." Had that truly been what kept her fighting? To see him once more? Even after the way he had treated her in their last meeting?

"I'm sorry Ameki." The words escaped before his mind had even processed them. Ameki's brow rose only slightly.

"Sorry for what M'Lord?" Her eyes searched his features. He could feel their intensity prying into him, threatening to peer into his mind. His soul. Her eyes were the only weapons able to disarm him emotionally, and they were doing just that.

"I didn't realize you were in danger. I would have never turned you away." He needed to be honest. He could have given a half hearted answer, or an answer that would soothe his own pride. It wasn't his pride he had cared about saving though. It had been Ameki.

"Me being here... It bothers you doesn't it?" Ameki's face didn't fall as Sesshomaru thought it would have as she spoke those words. Her eyes though. He could see the anxiety of her fears surfacing.

"No." He spoke suddenly. Almost too suddenly. He wasn't giving himself time to process his answers.

It did bother something in him. Something primal. A feeling of distaste for the way his father had led his personal and not so personal life. It was exactly that. His father had loved a mortal woman. Something that should have been hidden, instead he had paraded it around. It had put her in harm's way numerous times. He had bragged about loving something so fragile, leaving every enemy he had an opening to destroy him. It had been that carelessness that had pushed Sesshomaru over the edge. Looking at this woman before him, he couldn't understand why someone would risk something so precious to them. His father's arrogance had cost him his life. It wasn't that his father had fallen in love with a mortal that bothered Sesshomaru. It was that he dared claim to love her, choosing her over his duties and family, and yet had let harm come to pass on her numerous times. His arrogance and complete disregard for the unspoken rules of humans and demons cost him. Sesshomaru couldn't help but to feel how similar his own situation had become. Ameki was always in constant danger around him.

Was that what Sesshomaru felt now? Is that why he had distanced himself from her previously? These feelings were foreign to him. It frightened him. Ameki wasn't something he was willing to risk over his complex and indecisive emotions. He wouldn't parade her around, dangling her from a string for all to see, for all to target. No one could know how he felt. His reaction had been him deciding that she couldn't know about his feelings either. That is why he had pushed her away. He had been cold toward her, where usually there had been warmth. A warmth he had only ever shown her. Did he love her? Love wasn't a word he had ever considered. He had always just been tolerant. He tolerated those around him. He had cared for her mother, and maybe even loved Rin in a way, but this was different. She could just look at him and change his stoney demeanor into a softer, more approachable one. She didn't see him as the monster legends made him to be. She didn't see him as the monster he had once been. She just saw Sesshomaru, and maybe, just maybe that is what led to his sudden change, the want to be seen as someone rather than something.

Every action he took while she was around would prove or even hint toward his feelings for her. That could and would be dangerous. So yes. Her being there did bother him, because he knew Yakunan would be watching.

~Ameki~

She could see the indecision in his eyes. His answer had been no, but something in his eyes suggested that wasn't completely true. Maybe in a more wide and complex view of things, her being around didn't bother him, but there was a moment of hesitation as he spoke, and a wild light in his eyes that said otherwise. Something about her did bother him. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, knowing that someone so important to you held such reservations. Ameki shook her head.

"You're a terrible liar M'Lord." She forced a smile, sighing. She took note of the way his brow twitched as she spoke. It was alright. He was a demon after all. She knew her place and his in this world. She just wished that it didn't have to be that way. She wished that she could reach out and soothe him. It wasn't just the unseen restraints and rules that kept her from doing so. It was also the pain that would accompany her movement. She would just settle with his answer for now. He had lied to protect her feelings, which meant that he did care, and that was enough.

A sudden shock consumed her as her mind steered itself back to the events at the palace.

"The other woman!" The realization caused her frame to jolt sending a stabbing pain through her side once more. A hiss followed the sudden strain as air entered forcefully between her clenched teeth.

"Sesshomaru, there was another woman. She was pulled into a pool. Did you find her?" Ameki could feel the panic slip into her features as well.

"The slayers stayed behind." Sesshomaru answered. He had straightened his back pulling away from the wall he had been leaning against. He was in a sitting position, and his body had been relaxed. However, Ameki's sudden outburst had caused him to stiffen his posture.

"That's… a relief." Ameki was sure that Kohaku and Hotaru would do all that they could to help the inhabitants of the castle. It was what they did. Protect the innocent. An image of the dazed princess crossed her mind, along with a hate crazed Taowa. Something in her chest tugged. She felt sympathy for them. The confusion they must have felt, not having control over their minds. She could relate to having her mind manipulated, but she couldn't fathom losing control to someone else like they had. It made her wonder. She opened the palm of her hand, staring at the number 79, that would soon become 78. It was only a matter of moments she was sure. She could feel the tingling sensation building in her palm. It was dark outside, presumably the early hours of the next day.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Ameki's voice wavered as her vision blurred. Sleep threatened to take her once more. The groggy sensation and foggy haze that seeped into her mind was quickly approaching. She let her hand drop as she found his gaze. She smiled with the last vestiges of her strength.

"Thank you. For everything my Lord. For not giving up on me." His eyes softened at her words. He looked as if he had been ready to say something when his attention darted to where Ameki's discarded clothing lay. His eyes slightly narrowed, causing Ameki's senses to refocus. Ameki glanced down to where his attention had gone. Her evening attire, still covered in a film of plasma, lay beside the privacy partition. She would have been embarrassed, realizing Sesshomaru had undressed her only leaving her in her thin bottom robe, but that would have to wait. Movement caught her eye as a bit of the gelatinous ooze fell from the discarded clothing. From its position on the floor, it began a small migration toward the area where she lay.

"Oh no…" Ameki breathed, trying her best to prop herself up on one arm, while avoiding too much jostling of her ribcage.

"That stuff, It's like it has a mind of its own." She whispered, the hair standing on her arm as she remembered the cold dark place she had been entombed. She had been surrounded by the oozing substance. Irritation entered Sesshomaru's features. Ameki could see the slight flare of his nostril as he stood. Taking a few steps forward, Sesshomaru extended his hand, the area around his nails began to glow an ominous green. Ameki had never seen him exhibit this power, but if Jaken's stories were true, then she could only guess he was preparing to use his poison claws. One quick motion as Sesshomaru knelt was all Ameki could see. It had been a blur, and she hadn't even seen the contact. However, the gooey substance that trailed across the floor melted before them, leaving only a murky green residue behind on the dark wooden floorboards.

Sesshomaru turned looking back at Ameki, and then to the door. He had heard something. Presumably the approach of footsteps in the hallway as a knock rapped at the door. He stood, making his way toward the door. Ameki stifled a whimper as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. She watched as Sesshomaru stopped at the door where he stood in silence for only a moment. He slid the door partially open, hiding whoever stood on the other side with his towering figure. Ameki could hear a man's voice. The words were hushed, but Ameki was sure that the voice belonged to Hotaru, and whatever he had to say did not make Sesshomaru happy.

"Very well." Sesshomaru's voice came forth, much louder in comparison to Hotaru's. Whatever Hotaru had to say, he didn't want any passerbyers to hear.

The door slid shut, sounding a loud thud as the wooden structure collided with the fitted frame. Sesshomaru turned, his attention fixated past Ameki to the area where he had quelled the plasma.

"We're leaving." He stated.

The confusion set in quickly. Ameki opened her mouth to speak but Sesshomaru spoke before the words could even form on her tongue.

"Don't move. I'll gather your things." It was more of a suggestion than a command, but even so his words didn't answer the many questions that began to surface. She watched in silence for the few moments it took Sesshomaru to gather her items and shove them into the sack near the corner.

"Did something happen?" She finally spoke as Sesshomaru fastened the bag to the side of his armor. At first she doubted a reply would come, but surprisingly it did.

"The occupants of the castle have escaped." He spoke calmly. Ameki could see the slight irritation in his eyes though.

" I see. Well they will probably leave the area right? So why are we leaving?" Sesshomaru's eyes slightly narrowed.

"If I'm forced to defend you, I'll use any means necessary." Ameki pondered his words for a moment, realizing their meaning. A demon unleashing his wrath in a populated human area was a bad idea. Kohaku and Hotaru had probably thought the same, hence Hotaru's warning. Ameki had no doubt in her mind that Sesshomaru was telling the truth. He had been on edge lately. Something had been bothering him, something other than his obvious predicament with Yakunan. There was no way of knowing what that was, or how far it would push him out of control during an altercation. If Ameki had to venture out into the cold night with her Lord to protect a village of people from undue casualty, then so be it. She didn't want anyone getting hurt on her account, and another part of her didn't want to witness Sesshomaru harming humans, even if it was in error. A fight in such close quarters could spiral out of control quickly, harming any number of patrons currently occupying the inn.

Ameki gave it her best effort to push herself up from her sitting position. The pain in her side halted her motion, but didn't stop her from trying once more. Sesshomaru knelt down, his arms slid around her frame, ever so gently pulling her upward. She stood up right with his help. When he was sure she had found her balance he released her, walking over to an item of clothing he had neglected to pack. The peach colored kimono with white Lilies sat on a small table near the privacy partition. It had been one of the outfits she had acquired as payment. The sludge covered garments still occupied the floor. Sesshomaru hadn't even bothered to gather them. Thankfully Ameki would gain another layer of clothing before setting out.

~Sesshomaru~

The night wasn't as cold as the previous nights had been, but it still chilled Ameki to the bone. The snow had stopped a few days earlier, and any evidence that a snowstorm had moved through was nearly gone. Sesshomaru carried Ameki with him. His plan had been to find Jaken and Ah-Un. From there they would move out to a safe distance from the village and make camp. He remembered the area of the forest where he had attempted to find rest. That was, before he had felt the disturbance from the necklace around Ameki's neck. It was suitable, secluded and far enough away from the village for some comfort. There he could attempt to make Ameki comfortable. She needed to rest while she recovered. Even the strongest demons needed recovery time after being wounded, so of course he wouldn't deny her that right. He knew her ribs caused her discomfort. He could see it in her face and in the way her body stiffened when she moved.

Thankfully Jaken and Ah-Un had stayed put where Sesshomaru had left them. The little imp warmed his hands by the pitiful excuse for a fire that he had thrown together. After giving instructions to follow, Jaken complied, gathering his few things and Ah-Un to accompany them.

They arrived in the familiar place that Sesshomaru had previously chosen to rest. Sesshomaru was hesitant to let go of Ameki. Her frame shivered, even in his arms as the cold chilled her. He knew the shivers caused her pain. The involuntary movements her muscles made irritated her side. He peered down at her. She was putting on a brave face for him, he realized as she smiled up at him through the pain. Silly girl.

"Jaken." Sesshomaru spoke.

"Yes my Lord?" He asked as he hopped off of the two headed dragon.

"Gather some wood for a fire." Jaken smiled happily. Sesshomaru had returned to him once more. Nothing would shake his sunny disposition for a while to come.

Sesshomaru sat Ameki's feet on the ground. At first, she looked as if she was struggling to get her limbs to cooperate, eventually they did comply. She straightened her back, her body moving slightly away from Sesshomaru's. She cupped her arms as the full chill of the night air encompassed her, causing her to shiver once more. He could hear the way her breathing halted as the shivers took hold. This wouldn't do.

Sesshomaru released his mokomoko. The fluff would aid in quelling her body's fit for warmth he was sure. Sesshomaru's eyes found Ameki's as the warm fur nuzzled her arm. She glanced down, noticing the appendage. She smiled once more, stepping closer to Sesshomaru, giving her approval. Sesshomaru stepped away, catching her off guard. He motioned her to follow. Slowly they made their way to a small cluster of roots protruding from a large tree. It had been the area where Sesshomaru had settled in previously. He sat down, leaning against the tree, his body almost fitting perfectly in the crevice of roots. At first, Ameki was confused. That is, until Mokomoko pulled her slowly toward Sesshomaru, where he extended his arm. She grabbed his hand, a bit of hesitation entering her features. He helped her lower herself onto the ground. He propped one knee up, and let his other leg rest on the ground, creating a comfortable nook for Ameki's body to rest against him. Mokomoko pulled her closer, as Sesshomaru's arm guided her slowly. She nestled in as Mokomoko wrapped around her, creating a soft barrier between her and Sesshomaru's cold armor chest piece. He let one arm rest on his knee, and the other fell to his side. Ameki would stay warm this way. It would have to suffice until Jaken returned.

He could feel the heat build in his own cheeks. This felt different, being this close to her. Sure he would carry her from time to time, but this wasn't for that purpose. This was to keep her warm he convinced himself. He could feel Mokomoko's grasp around her tighten a bit, pulling her closer. She sat comfortably between his legs. His body heat would combine with hers, and hopefully run the chill from her bones. Ameki's body began to still, the previous uncontrollable shivers had been reduced to minimal. This pleased Sesshomaru. They sat like that for a while, not speaking. It wasn't long until Ameki's form fell complacent. Her muscles relaxed, as did her breathing. She was facing away from him, but he could tell that she was asleep. His aura encompassed them completely. Yakunan would have hell trying to penetrate her dreams now. This pleased Sesshomaru even further.

He felt oddly content. Being content was something Sesshomaru rarely ever experienced, but when he did, he relished it. Having Ameki so close and secure caused something within him to relax. They were alone, besides Ah-Un. Jaken seemed to be taking his time on gathering the wood. A part of Sesshomaru wanted to scold him for it, but another part was actually grateful. It would afford him more time with her. He told himself it was to keep her warm, and if he could thwart Yakunan in the process then so be it. That would just add to Sesshomaru's pot of content. He dared a glance down at her. Her head had rolled back as her body slumbered. From his position he could see the tip of her nose, and thick lashes that protruded from her eyes. She looked peaceful, even as her body ached her. How miserable one must feel to be so fragile.

Yes, her body was fragile, but her spirit was strong. She pushed forward everyday. A struggle all on its own, especially with as much as she had experienced as of late. Sesshomaru found himself weary of his own struggles, and in some magnitude his problems paled in comparison to hers. Yes, he was in the middle of a bloody war, but so was she now. She had lost her family, her home and friends. Her life even. Though she still lived and breathed in the mortal world, her soul was not her own any longer. Sesshomaru felt the anger surface as he pondered the fate of the angelic face he gazed down at. He would fix this mess. He had to. If not for himself, then for her.

A sudden emotion surfaced. One Sesshomaru knew, but did not associate with. However, he would have to face it. Sesshomaru brought his hand up from its resting position by his side. He brushed the few strands of bangs to the side that clung to Ameki's brow. She stirred only momentarily, her face revealed more of itself to his view. The emotions he felt gazing down at her would have been unfathomable to his younger self. His purpose in life had always just been conquest, growing in power and inheriting his father's empire. Looking down at the sleeping woman, Sesshomaru let his mind wander. What else had life planned for him, and how much would he have to keep hidden from the world, and from her?