~Sesshomaru~

The wind outside of the human dwelling picked up once more. The whistling sound through the weathered boards of the wall drew Sesshomaru's attention. There was a scent in the air. One that Sesshomaru didn't like. A demon was nearby, and had been for a while. He had watched previously that evening as the white apparition danced across the fields, only to disappear as he drew closer, making his own presence known. It was a lowly demon, not much of a concern to him, but a demon nonetheless. One that could turn violent when it found someone suitable enough to become its prey. Ameki had a knack for finding trouble, and Sesshomaru often found himself playing interference for her. Did he mind? No. He had always done so for her mother without a second thought.

The Yuki-Onna was a common demon in the northern regions. Many villages and farmlands were plagued by such demons. Demons that paraded as beautiful women to lure their unsuspecting targets into an icy grave. The white spectres were created by the souls of women that had been spurned in life. Women that were human or demon. In most cases it was the women killed by bandit raids or betrayal. Their lost souls wandered the land, until inevitably being consumed by the residual demonic energies that lingered in existence, twisting and warping those souls into an empty shell of a vengeful and hungry apparition. The Yuki-Onna were known to freeze their targets and consume their life essence. Most targets were men, depending on the specific Yuki-Onna. It really just depended on their taste or desperation.

True, Sesshomaru had come to check on her because of the demon's close proximity, but something else had concerned him. He had sensed the same fleeting grasp on his bond with Ameki's necklace. It was as if something had temporarily severed his ties to her. The discomfort she had felt prior had left his own mind in a dark place. Her reaction, the pain he felt emanating from her was proof enough that she had needed him, yet he had been unable to reach her dreams. If Yakunan had found a way around Sesshomaru's energy, then he needed to know. Her suffering didn't go unnoticed, and Sesshomaru found himself physically restraining himself from comforting her. The contact she had made with him was all he needed to read the state her mind lingered in. Even in the darkness the pain etched itself into her features so clearly. What kind of being would want to exist in such a state? Sesshomaru wondered. He knew that there was little more that he could do to pacify Ameki. Staying upon her request was an acceptable favor.

She seemed to sleep peacefully with him so close, and he knew all too well her fondness of the mokomoko. Sesshomaru thought back to the feelings he had sensed before his ties to her dreams had been severed. He was almost certain he had felt a warmth on his cheek. A warmth that, to his own physical body, had not made sense. The wind had been icy against the skin of his cheek, and yet Ameki's face had surfaced in his mind before feeling the soft caressing warmth. Her smile had burned itself into his mind. Something he thought of often. Something he wanted to fight for. He found himself imagining the lengths he would go to just to ensure that smile wouldn't fade. Yet, he continued to fail. Miserably, he realized as he recalled the anguish that she fought to hide in the dark room.

Her scent had changed once more. The area of bangs that framed her face held the fresh, yet familiar, scent that Sesshomaru was unsure of. The change he had witnessed first after her encounter with Nimka, often surfaced again after certain dreams. Dreams in which he couldn't reach Ameki. Not knowing the origin bothered him, almost as much as the smell. It wasn't Ameki's scent and didn't belong.

Sesshomaru inwardly quarrelled with the idea of leaving before dawn. He knew the slayers would rouse before the sky had a chance to lighten through the thick clouds above. He wouldn't need to explain his presence, but he wanted to avoid the awkwardness that he was sure would ensue if he were caught. It would have been different had they been in an inn, or out in the woods. However they occupied a private residence, and it would be seen as improper for a man to be in a woman's quarters. He released a drawn out sigh before preparing to withdraw himself. Ameki still clung to the Mokomoko in her slumber. Her form nestled comfortably as the fur entangled her. Sesshomaru's Mokomoko had returned her embrace he realized. As his mind had drifted for hours on end, he had failed to notice that his grasp around her with the Mokomoko had tightened. As he had pondered his scaleless thoughts, the Mokomoko had curled around her protectively, mirroring his earlier feelings.

He released the grasp, hoping she wouldn't stir. He gently pulled the fur, sliding it from between her arm and body and from beneath her. He moved slowly, anymore slowly would be painful for Sesshomaru. He normally lived a fast paced life, every move was quick but calculated. His movements now contrasted with those he would have served in battle. Ameki's head tilted to the side, giving him a view of her face. Something inside of him tugged at the image. The room was dark, but her pale skin acted as a beacon to Sesshomaru's senses. Many things about her drew him in. Her normal scent, her laughter, her graceful step, her more humorous side and her eyes. Yes, her eyes. In some ways they reminded him of Rin. The shape of her eyes were a perfect almond setting, but the color differed. The color of Ameki's eyes were a warm brown, sprinkled with specks of green around the iris. The green reminded Sesshomaru of the finest emeralds money could buy. He took no pleasure in fineries, though he was afforded them as a child. That didn't mean he didn't appreciate the beauty of such jewels, or the beauty of the woman before him.

He wanted to growl at his observations. Or at least, a part of him did. A part of him that still lingered from his supreme youth. A part he struggled with everyday. Rin had been the mortal to change his views. This woman though, she had altered his feelings somehow. His path in life had changed numerous times, but he had never dared tread the path he was currently on. A path that made him question his future and emotions for her. He was the same Sesshomaru right? He just had a better understanding of the world and a wider view to the meaning of all things living. Yet, he was hesitant to leave her. She was safe and warm. He didn't feel an immediate threat nearby. Why did he want to stay? Why did he yearn to be near her? Why did it satisfy him to just sit in silence and gaze down at her?

Sesshomaru's attention was drawn from her sleeping form as he registered movement from the other side of the wall. Someone was stirring from sleep. He picked himself up quickly, giving one last glance down at the sleeping Ameki and made his way to the sliding door. Quietly he made his way out into the cold air. Outside of the house he paused, looking around to make sure there were no prying eyes. When he was satisfied, he made his way toward the forest, where his mind would linger on the night he had spent by her side once more.

Sesshomaru had watched that morning as the slayers departed. A young woman stayed in Ameki's company for most of the day. Jaken hid himself within the hut with a morose demeanor. Sesshomaru knew very well that Jaken disliked being among mortal settlements. The imp wanted nothing more than to be with his lord. Sesshomaru was fond of Jaken, whether he would ever admit it or not was a mystery to even Sesshomaru. He had always been grateful for Jaken's aid, and had hoped that his gratitude would be seen in his actions. He continuously saved Jaken from many perils, even when it had been Jaken's fault. Jaken had also been given a permanent spot at his side, despite the separation anxiety the small imp had.

Sesshomaru spent most of the day lounging in a tree with a broad view of the village. The snow had accumulated over night, giving the village a washed out white and brown appearance. As the day progressed and the temperature rose above freezing for a while, some snow began to melt starting with the roof's first. The clouds still appeared heavy above, but if the precipitation were to fall, Sesshomaru was sure that it would be a mix of rain and snow.

Sesshomaru hadn't needed to strain to see Ameki's approaching figure. Her earlier company was nowhere to be seen, and she watched as she made her way toward the forested area. Her eyes scanned the roads as the evening hours approached. Most people that had tracked through the village that day had found warm shelter within their dwellings once more. Nonetheless, Ameki's eyes darted back and forth from house to house and then behind her to make sure she wasn't being watched, or followed. She would be searching for him no doubt, yet trying to keep his presence a secret as to not insight fear into the villagers.

Sesshomaru had been on edge conversation wise. He wanted to know the details of her dreams, but had lacked the opportunity to inquire. It would seem though that Ameki would seek him out in private, giving him the perfect chance to pick her mind of the events.

Her long black hair fell behind her, a few locks were caught by the wind as she slowed her pace, searching the shadowed forest before her. Her eyes scanned the depths of the forest. Her lips parted, as if she were ready to call out, but she didn't. She hesitated as a look of confusion came over her. Sesshomaru continued to watch as Ameki became more unsure of her actions, and for a moment she looked as if she would turn and leave.

"Ameki." Sesshomaru's voice found her from his position in the branches. She looked to almost immediately snap out of her uncertainty. Her eyes lifted searching in the direction of his voice. The smile he imagined would light her features didn't appear as their eyes made contact. In its place a more sorrowful gaze arose. Her breathing halted as Sesshomaru kept her gaze. He could have let her walk away, not letting her find him, but something inside of him had not wished it. He had sought her company, and yet he sat under her stare, feeling a bit malaise. He had wanted to see her smile, but was presented with shaded eyes instead.

"Did you wish to speak?" Sesshomaru's interlude vanquished the deafening silence. The sadness in her eyes called out to something deep inside of him. His demon growled, wanting nothing more than to rip apart the very thing that caused such sadness to paint the windows of her soul.

"I…" her voice held no hint of the sadness clearly etched into her features. The sad expression was quickly fading. Her eyes were still full of shadows, but her smile did return.

"I just wanted to see what you've been up to all day." Ameki slightly shrugged, pulling her eyes away.

"I didn't know whether you would be here or not." She cleared her throat as she continued.

"I know duty sometimes calls you away, and was just curious if such an occasion had arisen." Sesshomaru observed her nervous behavior. Her hand now played with the material of her sleeve.

"You came to this forest, unsure of whether I was here or not?" Sesshomaru asked. Ameki sighed.

"Yes. I needed some air." She admitted.

"And does my presence please you?" Ameki's gaze turned more questioning.

"Or would you prefer solitude?" Sesshomaru added. Ameki's brow twitched as she pondered her answer.

"I wanted to see you." She finally answered. The quiver in her voice gave way.

"I just wasn't sure if you would want to see me." She added a little more quietly.

Sesshomaru's mind wandered to the evening he had turned her away. The evening she had almost died because Sesshomaru had chosen to revel and brood with his own toxic thoughts. It had instilled a fear in her that he would turn her presence away once more. Sesshomaru had felt the remorse for his decisions, and the lingering after effect was still strong. He could spurn himself a thousand times and it would never be enough to subside the guilt he had felt. The guilt he still felt. He wasn't sure anything would. That evening had affected her as well. He watched as the result of his behavior played out in front of him. The woman he had come to care for sat uncertain in his presence, unsure of how he would react. It was his feelings toward her that had gotten them in that situation in the first place. Or rather, his unwillingness to admit he had developed something toward her. Although, gazing at her now, he wanted to comfort her. To calm those fears. Turning her away would only further the damage, and Sesshomaru wished for no such thing. Although, allowing her to stay would only sate his desire to have her near him, possibly deepening those emotions he did not wish to address.

"My dreams last night…" Ameki began.

"I'm sorry if I'm coming off as awkward. They left me feeling a little shaken today." Ameki imparted, falling silent for a few moments.

"Care to elaborate?" Sesshomaru asked. Ameki's hand released the material she had clenched in her grip. The shaky digits registered on Sesshomaru's vision, as she found herself a seat among the knotted roots at the tree base. She sat below him, her features now out of his sight. It was probably more comfortable for her. One often felt more confident when not being watched. Sesshomaru often found comfort in his actions when he was alone to make them.

"The white haired woman that appeared in my vision's with Nimka has been in my dreams for a while now. At first, she was merely a spectator, but as of late, and especially last night she has been more intrusive." Sesshomaru felt the urge to shift his weight as she spoke. The white haired woman, he surmised, was the apparition she had spoken of on the border of the afterlife. Though, she hadn't mentioned her much after that. It was strange to think she hadn't brought the subject up sooner.

"Sesshomaru…" Ameki's voice was soft, the material of sound threatening to unwind into a quiver.

"I'm not sure if I could go back to a life without you in it." Her words froze not only his slight movements, but his thoughts.

"If it ever were to happen though, I wouldn't forget you. I couldn't." Sesshomaru sat still, trying to make sense of her words. Was she trying to tell him something?

"And if I were to die…" Sesshomaru cut her words short as his figure descended from the branches, sounding a thud through the otherwise quiet forest. Her head turned in his direction. The splay of bangs shaded her eyes from his view.

"Don't speak of such silly things." Sesshomaru spoke. Ameki sat still, her face partially in view.

"It's inevitable at some point my Lord. I would just like to have some sort of preparations in place." Sesshomaru's brow tightened.

"You realize, If I had to choose… between my life and yours, I would choose to save you, Sesshomaru." The wind shifted, wafting her scent directly to Sesshomaru's senses. The tears beneath her bangs had yet to fall, but were present and on the verge of cascade.

"Silly things, I know." She added quietly, not wishing to reveal anymore of the tremble in her voice.

"Why do you speak of such things?" Sesshomaru's own curiosity was almost smothered by the weight of her words. He struggled to form the words, and even more to say them as his own mind reeled around the meaning of them. She would choose his life over hers...but why? What had prompted such a thought?

"Life is unpredictable." Was her only reply. It was a reply that answered his question, but not in depth as he wished.

"This is to do with your dreams?" Sesshomaru's brow rose as he questioned, hoping something in her would want to impart with that which was bothering her. It was no coincidence that her sleeping state had taken on a strange habit. There were times he was unable to work his energy through the pendant she wore around her neck. It was as if something blocked the energy, keeping it imprisoned in the necklace, unable to reach her. If the white haired woman had something to do with it, then he needed to know. He needed to fix it, but would he be able to?

"What are your intentions Lord Sesshomaru? With me I mean. How do you plan to defeat Yakunan while constantly carrying me as a burden? One he devised at that." A straightforward and elaborated question, he surmised. What had been his intentions? Initially he had only been concerned with removing the mark that Yakunan had placed on her. In doing so he would seek a weakness and learn more about Yakunan's powers, giving Sesshomaru an advantage. That had been the plan, but so far it had unraveled from the beginning. Nothing was solid anymore he realized. He often found himself improvising, or grasping for answers and solutions. It had all been rather chaotic, and in the process he had been blinded. Not by duty any longer, but by sure will to protect her. He couldn't say that though. Something in him feared the conclusions she would draw. Something inside of him shriveled at the thought of admitting such things to her. In theory, his plans were the same. In reality though, his biggest obstacle as of late, were her dreams.

"The situation is complicated, yes." He began.

"My motives however, are the same. To remove the mark and ensure your safety and longevity." Ameki's lip curled at the side, revealing a forced smile that hid the grimace beneath.

"What if things don't play out that way My Lord?" Sesshomaru wasn't sure how to respond. Her questions and the way she kept insisting things would not be in their favor… It was sobering. It was a well placed concern, but something Sesshomaru did not want to consider. However, in not doing so, would he be hurting their odds?

"For now we will focus on our current dilemma." He answered. She responded with a small nod.

"Finding the twins." She agreed. He could tell that her agreement was forced, or rather submissive. He had no doubt that the worry within her would linger. He had not sated the anxieties she carried, and that bothered him. There wasn't much more he was able to do though. He couldn't force her to see things his way, and it was clear that her faith in him had waned. His own had as well, but what had changed?

"Do your doubts come from your dreams?" Sesshomaru's question gained more than just the swivel of her head. She turned her body to face him, her eyes coming into view, no longer shrouded by the veil of bangs.

"I don't think they are my own dreams any longer. Much like with Yakunan, I can't rid myself of her." A haunting look krept into her eyes.

"What I thought was a lingering fragment of my vision with Nimka grows in power each night. If it were my imagination, I think it would fade " she reasoned.

"However, she doesn't. Sometimes I wish I couldn't dream. I thought things were getting better, but the longer Yakunan was away, the more she surfaced." Sesshomaru's brow furrowed as she spoke.

"And last night…" She paused, unsure of the words that would come next.

"It's like she opened a door for him. She invited him into my dreams, but they weren't civil toward each other. It was like she was using me to threaten him." Sesshomaru listened to the details. Hearing her admissions was quite difficult for Sesshomaru to comprehend. His absence in her sleeping state didn't help to further his understanding. All he had to go on was her words, and the pain he had felt from her the night before.

"I think somehow she is shielding me from his abilities, and it's only angering him. Something about her angers him." Ameki lifted her gaze, staring into Sesshomaru's eyes.

"Yakunan called her a Bái lóng, whatever that means." Sesshomaru froze. Neither answering or daring to remove his gaze from her. The Bai Long, or white dragons. He had only ever heard rumors and stories of those beasts. Beasts that kept to their own realm, only appearing in the face of great calamity.

"And…" Ameki continued, her voice breaking as she spoke.

"If Yakunan can't reach me in my dreams, I fear I'll come face to face with him soon." Sesshomaru's brow tightened further. Were these just dreams of her anxious mind, or were there merit to them?

"At that moment, I felt like I was the bigger threat to him, not you, but I don't understand why or how. It was like the white haired woman was using me to antagonize him." Sesshomaru's mood darkened. Whether it were simply a dream or not, the context of it could not be ignored. Ameki would have never known of the Bai Long surely. It wasn't something her mind could have made up. Sesshomaru knew that something had been blocking his attempts to reach her within her dreams, but apparently something else had been blocking him as well. Something about the way Ameki looked at him with uncertainty. He fought the sense of a wounded pride under her stare. He glanced at the same expression she had held when they first met, with a bit of fear. She was looking at him like the lost woman she had been on their first meeting, and he didn't like it. Not with as long and as hard as he had fought to preserve what happiness she had seemingly regained.

Their evening was spent mostly in silence after that, aside from the few things Ameki imparted with him. After retelling the events from her dreams, something halted her. Something she remembered but didn't want to say. Sesshomaru processed the information in silence as Ameki steered the small talk in another direction, ridding herself of the guilt ridden expression she had previously had. They had watched from a distance as Hotaru had returned, signalling Ameki's departure from Sesshomaru's company. He had a lot to think on that night, and by the look in Ameki's sad eyes, he knew she would return to her habit of fighting sleep once more. The pendant around her neck had served its purpose for such a short time, his effort almost felt vein.

That night passed slowly, as did the next three nights. It was on the fifth morning of their stay in the village that Kohaku returned. Ameki had kept her distance during that time. He had wanted to check on her, but had feared to intrude on her. If she had needed his company, she would have come, he told himself. That notion had turned his mood sour, his inner demon seemed to lick at the invisible wounds he had inflicted to his pride. It was true though.

Kohaku had found a solid lead. An elder he had spoken to in the twin's home village had recalled the priestesses intent on making a trip to the province of Honshu in Echigo. A recent uprising had caused a stir within the ruling Makino clan, and the commission of a new castle had been put underway. However, strange happenings had occurred during the transition of power to the new young lord after his father's mysterious death. The son had commissioned a new castle to be built upon the circumstances and strange omens surrounding his father's untimely death. A few groups that opposed the son's rule claimed that he had usurped his father and murdered him, however, people who had actually been in the castle the night of the late Lord's death claimed that the young lord, and successor, had been visiting members of the Tokugawa Shogunate with an ambassador in another part of the newly formed Nagaoka Domain.

The elder, Seiji, claimed that lady Chiyoko had been summoned by the young lord to investigate and dispel any rumors surrounding his father's demise. He claimed that something ominous had shrouded the castle after his father's death, hence solidifying his decision to construct a new one. The governing families of the region had supported him in his decision, but the price tag for such a lavish new structure would come with it's burdens for the people of the region. The young lord needed a way to clear his name, and show them that he was worthy to rule and that his decision for a new palace was just. Seiji had said that Chiyoko had decided to make the trip, if only to uncover any insidious means or plots. She wanted to make sure that the people of her region wouldn't shoulder the new expense for a castle because of a cover up, and in the process, if there had been anything ominous, she would rid the world of it in the process.

However, after her departure, courier after courier arrived with letters from the young lord. At first, they assumed that the letters had been sent before her estimated arrival, but a few weeks passed and a group of soldiers appeared with the news that Chiyoko had not arrived. Seiji said that Tomoko had talked with the soldiers, and claimed that his sister had imparted weeks prior and should have arrived by then. Tomoko himself had not gone, because of his duties to their shrine. At the mention of his sister's disappearance though, his duties were left for Tori, an apprentice that had studied under Chiyoko in the temple. Tomoko made his departure hastefully, and the two had not been heard from since, leaving the villagers with a sense of dread. Seiji had been the one entrusted to the upbringing of Chiyoko and Tomoko by Kohaku. He had raised them as their parents had intended, tending the Gion-Jinja shrine, renamed throughout history but as ancient as the very mountains that surrounded them.

The news Kohaku brought was not as uplifting to Sesshomaru's spirit as he had hoped. It was something though. They now had a solid lead, whereas before they didn't. The part of the region where the old castle stood was known to be teeming with demons. Demons were drawn to the mountainous regions, knowing there was little to no humans due to the dangerous and hard to travel terrain. The valley's within such regions where humans did settle were often used as hunting grounds for the demon's, whether it be for sustenance or purely sport. It was far from safe to live in such a place, but sometimes humans had no choice but to settle down anywhere they could, even with the hardships. Times were hard for both humans and demons.

Sesshomaru and Kohaku decided on their course of action. They would leave the village soon, leaving Hotaru behind with Ameki and Jaken. Hotaru didn't dispute the decision which aided greatly. Sesshomaru would have at least a little peace with him staying behind, knowing he would be leaving Ameki in a strange village whilst he accompanied Kohaku. Ameki's dreams of Yakunan's threats were still fresh in his mind. He didn't want to leave with the threat of Yakunan's appearance, but he had little choice. Leave her in the village, or take her to a place crawling with demons. Ameki seemed unfazed by the decision as well. In fact, Sesshomaru observed, her countenance had changed. Her normally warm brown eyes speckled with splashes of green were now darker, and they evaded his glance. Her features were set in stone with an expression that Sesshomaru himself often carried. Her brows knitted with the all too familiar brooding effect. Her hair was pulled back and tied to secure the strands from whipping in the wind. She was merely just present for their talk, doing nothing to add to the conversation. Her appearance bothered Sesshomaru. Since the night she had spoken of her dreams, her and Sesshomaru had ceased communication. He had glanced at her only a few times within the village. She had mostly stayed to herself, not keeping anyone's company. Her days had been spent staring off into the distance with an eerily blank stare.

He wanted so badly to talk to her before leaving, but nothing about her seemed to invite him. She almost felt cold. He longed for the warmth to return. A part of him didn't want to leave her in that state, but another part knew the importance of their journey. If he backed out now, or procrastinated any longer they could lose valuable time or possibly clues that would be buried beneath the snow. He had to act now, for her sake and her current state caused Sesshomaru to develop a new urgency. Her dreams, it was as if she no longer had them. He couldn't sense when she was sleeping, or if she even had been sleeping.

~Ameki~

Her nights were filled with visions of the white haired woman, Yún Niángjiā. Yun often showed her visions of her life before the destruction of the palace. Ameki spent numerous hours reliving her days of innocence, before her mind had been enlightened to the true nature and reality of the world. Yun watched these memories with her as well. She spoke more often than not, trying to convince her that her life would only continue down a dark path as long as Sesshomaru stayed by her side. Sesshomaru no longer scoured the skies of her dreams. The setting was solely the creation of Yun. She only saw what Yun wished for her to see. Thankfully, Yakunan had been blocked as well.

Her mind wandered to a dark place that night as sleep threatened to take her. She knew that Sesshomaru was keen to sensing any changes in her, and so she had distanced herself from him. Not saying goodbye to him had been painful in itself. She had to force herself to look at the ground, afraid that he would see something in her eyes that would make him stay. She could feel his eyes on her as they had prepared for their departure. Kohaku and Sesshomaru would depart for the castle, and see if they could find any clues to the priest and priestess' whereabouts. She wanted nothing more than to gaze upon him, but what repercussions would that bring to her when she fell asleep? Would Yun show her once more what the great dog demon was capable of? Would she replay a memory that was not her own again? The visions of the aristocratic assassin that Sesshomaru once was, haunted her dreams at times. Yun would show her the bloodied visions of Sesshomaru standing over the bodies of his enemies. Some were even mortal. It terrified Ameki to her very core. Each new vision that Yun showed her of the fearsome dog demon burned itself into her memory. It burned itself into her soul. She didn't understand how her Lord could be capable of such atrocities, and yet hold such soft eyes. He had changed hadn't he? These were just memories of a young Sesshomaru, a whelp coming into his power. They were memories of him before he had met Rin, yet, Yun thought it plausible to show her this side of him. A side of him that no longer existed. He was capable of it though, and that is what Yun had intended to show Ameki.

The familiar voice echoed through the corridors of her mind as she drifted into sleep once more.

"He is gone now, yes?" Yun's voice wafted through the images that began to flicker behind Ameki's eyelids.

"For now, yes." Ameki stated. Her own voice carried an echo through her mind, chasing the vision of Yun that picked through Ameki's memories.

"This would be an opportune time for you to leave Ameki." Ameki's body materialized in her dreams with a beautiful view of her castle in the distance. Yamato castle looked just like she remembered it, only she knew this was just a memory. Her home had been reduced to nothing in reality.

"Why do you insist on playing these games?" Ameki's mind was tired. She spoke without holding back as Yun's brow arched. The inquisitive look on her face only aided in agitating Ameki further.

"Why taunt me with memories that you know are precious to me? Why appear to me each night to try and drive a stake between Sesshomaru and I?" Ameki's voice held a hiss with each word. Her anger was seething and coming through.

"Dear Ameki…" Yun cooed.

"Those memories you hold so dear… You can thank Sesshomaru for losing everything." Yun's eyes grew wild as she spoke.

"Can you not see the trend? It wasn't until he appeared in your life that you started to lose everything that you held so dear. Can you not see that?" Flashes of Sesshomaru's red eyes appeared behind Yun's illuminated body.

"He is no better than the black dragon. Demons, they take and destroy whatever they wish. It's all just a game of conquest. Even in your situation, Sesshomaru wishes not for your well being. He merely wants to remove the mark so that he, the great and terrible Lord Sesshomaru, can best Yakunan at his own game." Yun's eyes narrowed as she spoke.

"I wish to protect you from becoming a pawn Ameki. Let me protect you." Her eyes softened from the wild haze that earlier ensued. Her features now beckoned for Ameki to understand her words. It was a plea, but why? Why did this woman care?

"Sesshomaru is no longer the monster you would have me believe him to be…" Ameki would plead as well, for Sesshomaru's sake. Ameki had seen him face down Kohaku in their misunderstanding. He could have easily cut him down like the Sesshomaru from Yun's visions, but he didn't.

"He may appear softer, and he might very well have changed, but that doesn't mean he is someone you need in your company. Human and demon relationships never end well Ameki." Ameki could feel her ethereal body become warm at the word relationship. True it had many meanings. To be a friend, to be an enemy, to be an acquaintance or even a lover. Her recent feelings toward Sesshomaru had shifted, and Yun was able to see right through her.

"He would do nothing but twist and warp your mind Ameki. Already you have been swayed by him." She paused, her eyelids slightly drooping as her lashes shielded her eyes.

"How long until you fall prey to his carnal desires?" Ameki froze at her words. Sesshomaru would never… He wasn't like that.

"Demons and humans live in two different worlds. Even if you do occupy the same plane of existence, your lives are far too different to be compatible." She sighed.

"I can see into your heart Ameki." Her brow creased.

"A demon like him will cast you away if only to gain an ounce more power. Human life means nothing to him." Yun stepped closer, her eyes leveling with Ameki.

"I may not see your future, but… I will show you something. Something that has come to pass in another plane of existence. A different timeline, but the same Sesshomaru." Yun held out her hand. Her long white hair floated weightless around her. A delicate hand beckoned for Ameki to grab hold. However, fear kept her body rigid. Would she want to see what this woman offered? The knowledge she held in her eyes alone could haunt Ameki.

"Ameki…" she whispered.

"I only ask that you trust me. I merely wish to show you what your future could hold. You will have to be the judge of your course of action. What you will see is left to interpretation, but the meaning is clear to me."

Yun's image flickered before reappearing face to face with the startled Ameki. A cold hand wrapped itself around Ameki's wrist. The pressure increased as Yun turned, pulling her toward the shadows of her dreams. At first Ameki fought against Yun. Yun continued her walk toward the shimmering shadows of Ameki's mind. Whatever lay beyond the darkness was a mystery to Ameki, and she had hoped to keep it that way. However, Yun had decided otherwise.

"Grab my hand, and do not let go!" Yun turned to glance back toward Ameki. Yun's crystal eyes held her in place as she spoke.

"Do not let go, lest your mind will lose its way. An eternal slumber is most undesirable." Ameki pulled against Yun's grasp.

"Then stop. I don't wish to go any further. Let me rest please!" Yun shook her head as she turned back toward the abyss.

"Ameki, you refuse to believe me. You may not understand now, but my hand has been forced. I need you to understand, and this is the only way."

With those words, Yun pulled Ameki into the dark veil.