Spring had just arrived. The scent of flowers filled the soft, blowing breeze. The great demon lord stood amidst the flowery meadow, letting the delicate wind sway his white kimono, ever so gently. Its been long months since Naraku was defeated and the Shikon no Tama, destroyed. The young miko that had InuYasha's heart entangled had already left and returned to her own world. Rin has been under the care of Kaede ever since, although he would visit her every now and then to bring her gifts from his travels. Everything was back to normal-the way things were supposed to be.

The wind blew once more, bringing him the sweet aroma of wild roses.

Ah, the wind.

Memories soared in his mind. The way she looked at the birds and the sky, the way she smiled, the sound of her voice, her resolve, her will. Her last words. Kagura's memories haunted Sesshomaru since that last day-the day she died. It was unlike him, to let someone linger in his mind for so long. She was neither a friend nor an ally. If anything, she was simply a stranger with a known name. He never really did know her. But he at least knew what was most important to her: her freedom.

His gold-colored eyes watched the wind blow petals into the air. Where he stood was the exact same spot he stood months ago, watching her die. He was helpless to save her. Not even the might of Tensaiga was able to bring her back.

His hands curled into fists. Why was he feeling this way? Why is he feeling angered over her death? What was she to him?

The memory of her smile flashed to his mind. She was tainted, yet she was pure. She was passionate, fighting for her one and only dream to the very end. She knew compassion, even when there wasn't so many times this world had given her a chance to show it. And yet, she came to such a tragic end.

A clawed hand grasped the hilt of his father's blade. Although his face-his expression-did nothing to show it, deep in remote parts of his soul, he was tormented by her death.

Kagura...

If only she had lived, would things have been different? If she had survived the war with Naraku, what would have been this day like? His grip on the ancient sword loosened itself, as he tried to calm his own mind. She can no longer be returned after all, no matter how deeply he wishes it to be. He could only ponder of the things that could have had happened if she was still alive. If he were able to save her.

If only she lived...

Would he have been standing where he stood right now?

Would he have taken her with him?

Would she have been his ally? Or even, perhaps, a friend?

Would he be this tormented by the guilt of not being able to save her?

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting his troubled mind calm itself as he grew to accept that which he couldn't change. A gust of wind, a little stronger, yet still as gentle as the rest, brought him back to reality from the depths of his own thoughts. His eyes opened slightly as something soft brushed against his pale cheek. Raising a hand, he swiftly caught the object in his right hand-only to see a single, white feather.

Ah...

If only she lived... Would he have fallen in love with her?