Dante (of Devil May Cry) was there. I think his twin brother, Vergil, was there, too, but I can't be sure. I think he (or they) got there before me, wanting to slay the wind demon. When I got there, they looked ready for battle, edgy even. I took it that Venger must have insisted they wait until I had had a chance to try to communicate with it.

We all stood in a circular stone courtyard, the wind demon in the very center. It was near dusk. The sky was absolutely beautiful � reds and purples fading into the blackness of night.

I stood before the wind demon, saying nothing. It stirred at my presence, became near frantic. Black in all forms, it changed from something stone-like to a sandstorm, and then to like a liquid ribbon. It turned itself back into the sandstorm and tried to form a face. It tried until it was tired and could try no more.

For some reason, this was traumatizing for me. The next thing I remember is Venger escorting me back to the courtyard when I was well enough to face the wind demon again. We were arm in arm. He did not rush me. My well-being seemed his only concern as we walked.

Then my cousin was there. She wore loose, black clothing, and her blonde hair was tied back in a tight ponytail. She walked up and stopped in my path, looking at me, accusingly, as though I had faked being so distraught just to get Dante's (or Vergil's) attention and sympathy.

I couldn't deal with her right then. I turned to Venger and, as though he read my mind, he lifted and carried me past her.

It felt so good to be in his strong arms. I felt the world could not touch me as long as he held me. I rested my head against his chest.