We arrived back at the temple, and woke the man before heading inside and sending the man off on his way. Xie Lian asked the man not to say anything to anyone about tonight. I was about to take some things inside when I realized I still had a mask over my face. I slid my mask off my face, carried some things inside and set them near the door. I looked up and saw Kiyoshi asleep with Kohana in her fox form, sleeping close to him to protect him. I guess they dug out some mats to sleep on. I pulled the extra mat to drape over them like a blanket. The night air won't bother me while I sleep on the floor since I created my cultivation to be well adapted to cold and to just work with any temperature variation in cold weather or winter temperature and freezing waters. If anything, it's like my power getting a little stronger. It's not too bad with me, but I doubt Flower Sword will let these things happen often when the Shrine is in much better conditions. I remember when he found me asleep on my room's floor back when Xianle was still standing. He was so mad at me.
I looked at Kiyoshi's sleeping face while I lay on the floor beside him, with Kohana curled around him. I've only had Kiyoshi for a short time, and only just started calling him my son, but he has become my entire world. He is my baby, and I will protect him however I can. Even if I have to risk almost everything. As I closed my eyes, I was desperately hoping I could have any dream but the same damn nightmare. Every time I have a reminder of who I lost over the years, I either have a panic attack or a nightmare. With the panic attacks, it's ordinary on the surface, but in my head, I see their cold, lifeless bodies and that damned mask of White No Face. While lying near the kitchen wall, I felt the same aching feeling inside as darkness filled my mind, and I fell asleep. That feeling, like when HE was looking for Xie Lian. White No Face will NEVER touch my brother EVER again. As shadows filled my vision in my mind, the screams from back then filled my mind and echoed in my ears. Fire was everywhere, and like every time, the bodies were all of people around me. And in front of me was the mask, getting closer to me. No matter how fast I ran, the screams grew closer, as did the mask. Then, something, someone, set fire to the mask. Then everything was dark and silent. I was trembling, breathing shakily.
"Amei, my Amei." A voice said, sweet as my favourite ginger sweets, and warm as the sun. "I am here, my beloved. sing, sing for me."
I began to hum a melody to her, the frost forming a sword that slashed the white calamity. I was still trembling until I felt someone take my hands. A familiar set of arms wrapped around me. holding me securely. I took a few deep breaths. I felt her hug me close. I felt her skin against me through my clothes. Cold, not like the warmth I remember her having. But I felt her intent with the embrace, warm and secure. I took a deep breath and continued to hum the melody. My body stopped shaking. I wasn't scared of the nightmare I started having. I felt it was easier to breathe. I kept up with the melody. I felt her press her head against mine. I closed my eyes and wanted to cry. I felt safe, and I felt myself beginning to wake up. I opened my eyes while still in the dream, and desperately held onto her, but I was beginning to fade from her.
"My Amei, we'll meet again." My love spoke, and a heartbreaking crackle in her voice showed how much she wanted to stay. "Just meet in the city. I'll find you!"
"Ayoong!" I called desperately as I slowly opened my eyes. What was going on before me was Kiyoshi sitting beside me, as Kohana seemed to be guarding me. Brother and Hunger were sitting near an old man.