"I can not friggin believe this!"

Miku growled to herself as she made angry strides away from the village. Again, she walked in on Inuyasha and Amara having sex. It was absolutely horrible! They were always doing it, always. No where was safe for her to go. She's caught them doing it everywhere; in the forest, the hut, in the field, just everywhere. If she wasn't annoyed, it would be rather comical, but she found no humor in it at the current moment. She was overjoyed that Amara was happy, that her and Inuyasha had finally opened up and got their feelings expressed to eachother and were now together, it would just be nice to turn a corner and not find them going at it like fucking bunnies. Stopping, she let out a frustrated sigh as she shook her head. Amara was happy and that was really all Miku has wanted.

"I love you way too much Amara.."

"Awe. How sweet."

Miku didn't recognize that voice, but the scent...she recognized it.

Naraku.

Turning around she rose a brow at the female demon before her. Naraku in disguise? The demon smelled just like him and those blood red eyes still managed to send chills over her, but there just wasn't the same...fear and disgust she felt when in Naraku's presence.

"Who are you?"

"I am Kagura of the Wind."

Of the wind? What did that mean? Miku looked for a weapon on the Demoness' body, but the only thing she saw was the fan in her hand and she had some feathers in her hair. What was her power? It made her nervous. She didn't like fighting someone without knowledge of their powers. Amara was better at that than Miku was, mainly because Amara wasn't a coward like she was.

"What do you want?"

"I am here to take your life."

No sooner had the words left her lips, did she open the fan she held and swung it through the air. Miku's blue eyes widened as something tore through her arm, leg and shoulder. Glancing where it was throbbing , she couldn't believe the blood she saw soaking through her kimono and down her leg. How had she done that? She just swung the damn fan. Laughter made her turn her gaze back to the demon.

"How...did you do that?"

"The wind is my weapon, girl. You can not hope to win against me. I can steal the breath from your lungs just like that."

Kagura snapped her fingers and suddenly Miku could not catch her breath. Grabbing her throat, Miku began to panic. She absolutely could not breathe. Her vision started to blur and she knew...she was about to die. Kagura attacked again, blades of wind cutting into Miku, causing her to collapse to her knees. She didn't want to die...to leave and never see Amara again or the others...or Sesshomaru. Tears filled her sapphire eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

"Let her breathe, Kagura."

Doing as she was told, Kagura allowed the air to flow back around Miku. Able to breathe again, Miku took gulps of air as she massaged her throat, the lack of air caused it to burn.

"Ah Miku...hasn't anyone ever told you that being out all alone is not safe? Especially when you have enemies out to get you.."

Actually...she had and as usual she didn't listen. If she survived to live another day, she would listen to Sesshomaru from now on. He had warned her not to be out alone, but did she listen? No, of course not. Her stubbornness and need to defy anyone with authority was going to be the end of her.

"What do you want?"

Naraku walked up to where Miku was on the ground, grabbed her arm and jerked her up to her feet.

"I already told you. I wish to cause Amara the ultimate pain and sorrow and unfortunately for you, My Dear, you are someone she loves and cares about dearly. You're death with tear her apart."

Narrowing her gaze on him, she drew back her leg and kicked him in the nuts as hard as she could. As he doubled over in pain, she jerked her arm from his hand and turned to make good her escape. Unfortunately, the kick to his manhood didn't faze him as long as she would have hoped. Tentacles caught her and shoved her against the nearest tree.

"You fucking bitch. That's the last time you ever do that."

His fingers grew into sharp, dangerous claws covered in poison and looking Miku right in the eyes, he sank each one into her belly, relishing in the pain that entered her eyes. Pulling his claws free from her stomach, he grinned at the trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth that dripped down her chin. Leaning closer to her, he licked the blood away.

"It wont be but a few minutes now. You will bleed to death."

Miku could already feel her body growing cold. It looked like she wouldn't live to see another day. Her vision turned blurry again and began to blacken ever so slowly. Kagura watched, not feeling the same enjoyment Naraku was at tormenting the dying girl. Suddenly her eyes widened and fear sliced through her. They were about to have company and she refused to stay and meet him. She would not die today. Taking a feather from her hair, she tossed it in the air where it grew and she jumped on it, allowing it to take her far from where all hell was about to break loose.

He emerged from the trees, fit to be tied. His eyes were ringed in red and his demon ready to be released and taste the blood of the one who dared to shed her's. His eyes held death in them as they landed on Naraku. His body was blocking Miku's, so Sesshomaru could not see the damage the bastard had done to her, but he could smell her blood and there was too much of it. Not speaking a word, Sesshomaru used his demon speed to put himself at Naraku's back and with no hesitation, he shoved his hand into the fiends back and out his chest. If he had a heart, Sesshomaru would have pulled it from him, but he did not. Naraku simply looked down at the hand protruding from his chest.

"That is not going to kill me, Lord Sesshomaru."

Growling, Sesshomaru pulled his arm from Naraku and grabbed the hilt of his sword. He would attack and tear Naraku apart with his Dragon Strike, but Miku was right there and she would be caught in the attack as well.

"What are you waiting for? Aren't you going to attack me, try to kill me?"

Naraku took a step to the side and looked at Sesshomaru. Instead of his murderous gaze going to him, they stared at Miku and Naraku knew exactly what was going on. The Great Lord Sesshomaru was in love with her.

"I never thought I would see the day Lord Sesshomaru would fall for a half breed."

Pulling his sword free, Sesshomaru attacked using Dragon Strike. He moved to shield Miku from any harm as Naraku was torn apart. His tentacles fell from Miku's body and not having anything to hold her up, she collapsed to the ground. She was numb all over, her vision was almost totally black and she couldn't hear much of anything aside from buzzing.

Her heartbeats were slowing. Sesshomaru returned to her and gathered her up in his arms. Her blood was everywhere and the sight of it enraged him. Her skin was pale and she was cool to the touch. He was losing her...she was fading. Even as her breathing slowed, she stirred in his arms, opening her eyes to reveal Sapphire, but they did not hold the life and sparkle they had before. A growl rumbled in his throat as he tightened his hold on her. He never should have left her, he knew she would not listen and stay with the others, that she would wander about alone. He just never thought this would happen...not to her.

"...Sesshomaru..."

His golden eyes looked down at her as she spoke his name. It was a strain on her to simply speak.

"Sshh, little one. Conserve your strength."

Miku knew she was dying and though she hated that she wasn't able to say her goodbyes to Amara, she was happy to be able to see Sesshomaru one last time. Dying in his arms, somehow managed to give her a sense of peace.

"Thank you...for saving me...again."

Why would she thank him? He did not save her...he failed in that.

"I did not save you, Miku. I arrived much too late and now you are...dying."

"But you came...you tried...that's all...that...matters."

Her eyes closed then and Sesshomaru felt his heart clench as her head rolled back and she expelled her last breath. He stood there for several minutes, listening to the fainting beats of her heart...till that too stopped. It echoed all around him...the last beat of her heart remaining inside his head. Shifting her lifeless body in his arms, he held her with one arm and pulled the pendant around her neck off. Even in death, her body took on the transformation. He preferred her this way, as unlike him as it was...he thought she was beautiful. It did not bother him that she was half demon. Holding her close, he started toward the village. Before he could lay Miku to rest, Amara deserved to say goodbye.

Back in the village, Amara sat in Kaede's hut, working on a new pendant for Miku. Instead of the crescent Moon like hers, Amara figured she would make Miku's a cat paw and have the crescent Moon in behind it. At first, she wasn't going to put the crescent Moon, but since Miku and Sesshomaru seemed to have this little thing going, she decided to include it. Holding it up, Amara grinned, proud of her work. Miku was sure to love it. Getting to her feet, she started out of the hut when she caught the scent of Miku's blood. Exiting the hut, she quickly followed the scent to the center of the village. A bunch of villagers were crowded around something and from all indications, from the strong scent of Miku's blood, it was she they were surrounding. Surely she hadn't gotten herself into trouble and got hurt? As she got closer to the crowd, Inuyasha intercepted her, blocking her way.

"No Amara...you need to stay back..."

That just confused her and pissed her off.

"Excuse me? I smell Miku's blood, she's hurt. You really think you're going to stop me from helping her?"

The look that entered Inuyasha's eyes had her stomach cramping in dread. Why was he giving her that look?

"I'm sorry Amara...you can't help her..."

That set her teeth on edge. Her green eyes spit fire at him. Just because they were a couple now did not give him the right to boss her.

"Watch me."

She stepped around Inuyasha, but he grabbed her wrist trying to stop her.

"Amara, don't."

"What is your problem?"

Not waiting for an answer, she jerked from his grip and pushed her way through the crowd. When she saw Sesshomaru, it only confused her more. Still pushing her way through the villagers, she growled in annoyance.

"Get out of my way, NOW!"

That did the trick. Everyone moved out of her way and revealed Sesshomaru cradling a bloodied Miku in his arms. Amara's eyes widened at the sight of Miku and rushed forward.

"Oh god, what happened to her?"

Sesshomaru looked at Amara and shook his head.

"Naraku attacked her...I arrived...too late."

"At least you got there and brought her here. I can heal her and she will be okay in a few days."

For the first time in his life, Sesshomaru felt guilt for having to inform Amara of her friend's death.

"You can not heal her Amara."

"Uh, yes I can. I have that power Sesshomaru remember?"

"She is gone. I did not make it in time to save her. Naraku...killed her."

Amara simply blinked at that, her ears buzzed loudly with those words. Dead? Miku was dead? No...no way. Impossible...he was mistaken.

"No...you must be mistaken. She's not dead...she can't be."

Moving to stand in front of Sesshomaru, Amara felt the truth the second she looked at Miku's body. Tears flooded her eyes as she reached out with shaky fingers to touch Miku's cheek and when her fingers felt how cold and lifeless Miku's skin was, she broke.

"No...no...this can't be...no."

Amara dropped the pendant she had just finished for Miku and cupped her cold cheeks in her palms. She was dead...Miku...her best friend...was...dead. Hot tears rolled down Amara's face and landed on Miku's cheek.

"Miku no. You can't do this to me...you can't leave me."

Grabbing Miku's hand, Amara linked their fingers and held the back of Miku's hand against her cheek. This could not be happening. Inuyasha watched in pain as the woman he loved cried her heart out. Walking up behind her, he placed his hands on her upper arms.

"Come on...we have to lay her to rest..."

Amara shook her head violently at that. No, that wasn't going to happen. No one was going to put her in the ground. Pushing Inuyasha back, Amara opened her arms.

"Give her to me Sesshomaru...please...let me hold her..."

Though he did not want to let go of the girl, he did as Amara asked. Stepping towards her, he placed Miku in Amara's arms, but didn't let go till Amara was kneeling on the ground. Holding Miku to her chest, Amara laid her cheek on top of Miku's head as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair and rocked her.

"It's okay Miku...I'm going to fix it...I'm going to heal you."

Sesshomaru and Inuyasha both shared a worried look at Amara's whispered words.

"Amara...you can not bring the dead back to life.."

"Yes I can...I can and I will.."

Inuyasha shook his head and knelt down to look at Amara. He knew she was hurting, hell even he was hurting at Miku's death, but this was just crazy talk.

"If you tried to bring her back, it could kill you."

"I don't care...she didn't deserve this. Naraku killed her to get at me...it's my fault she's gone, so I will be the one to fix it."

"No Amara. You can not do this."

"Fucking watch me!"

"NO! I will not lose you, do you hear me?"

On his hip, Sesshomaru felt his sword, Tensaiga, stir. It was calling to him, telling him to use it. There was only one other time it had done this and that was when he saved Rin's life. His golden eyes widened just slightly at the realization...Miku COULD be saved. He could resurrect her. His heart beat against him in excitement. Pulling the sword from it's sheath, he spoke to Inuyasha.

"Remove Amara from Miku's body Inuyasha...now."

Normally Inuyasha would have argued with Sesshomaru about bossing him around, but as he noticed the sword, he did as told without any arguing. Pulling Amara away wasn't very easy, but he did so, with her kicking and screaming the whole time. Inuyasha just held her to him, tightly with no intention of letting her go. It didn't take Sesshomaru long, he swung his sword over Miku's body and that was that. Everyone watched in anticipation till finally, after it felt like hours of waiting, the color returned to Miku's face, the blood faded and even the tears in her kimono were fixed. Her Sapphire eyes snapped open and she sat up with a gasp of air, her hand flying up to her chest as she looked around in confusion.

"What happened?"

Sesshomaru couldn't stop himself from reaching out and pulling Miku against him in a tight, relieved hug. His heart thumped loudly and he couldn't hide the fact that her being alive again, overjoyed him.

"Maybe now, you will listen to me when I speak. Do not go anywhere alone."

Miku's face flamed as she realized her face was pressed against Sesshomaru's chest and he was hugging her. What was worse, it was in front of everyone. But she was in no hurry to remove herself from the shelter and warmth of his arms.

"I'm sorry. I have this thing with authority figures and bossy men. It's a serious condition, I swear."

Amara broke free of Inuyasha's hold and ignoring the fact Sesshomaru held Miku, she simply inserted herself. Amara didn't care that in order to hug Miku she had to basically hug Sesshomaru too, she did it anyway.

"Never ever ever do that to me again."

Miku twisted herself around so she could face Amara.

"I"m sorry Amara. From now on, I will not go out of the village without someone with me. I do not want to face Naraku alone again..."

"You better honor that promise, otherwise I will take you with me so that you will always have protection."

Miku rolled her eyes at Sesshomaru's words, but she knew deep down, he was dead serious.

"Yes yes. I promise okay? This little kitty will never wander alone again."

Amara simply laughed through her tears and kissed Miku on the cheek.

"Okay, question. Why is Sesshomaru embracing Miku? Does that not seem weird to anyone else?"

Sesshomaru shot Miroku a deadly look and Sango just smacked him upside the head.

"Do not ruin the moment, Miroku."

Inuyasha was glad Miku was back, he didn't know how he would have handled Amara if she remained dead. His golden gaze went to his brother. Sesshomaru had brought Miku back with the sword...he was changing and from all indications, he really liked Miku. Sesshomaru didn't feel pity for many people nor did he go around hugging people either. Miku had managed to wiggle herself inside Sesshomaru's heart and melt the ice there. It was a good thing, and now it was his turn to pick on Sesshomaru the way he had done him over Amara. Because fact was, Sesshomaru was full demon and his needs and desires were a lot more demanding than Inuyasha's. A grin splayed across his lips. Hell yeah, he could also tease Miku with this as well. And when she and Sesshomaru finally sexed it up, he would make damn sure to embarrass her like she had Amara and him. And he had no doubt in his mind that it would happen...and soon. Payback was a bitch and he couldn't wait to exact his revenge.