Miroku tossed and turned as he lay on his futon, violet eyes half-lidded. His body was overwhelmed with exhaustion, but he simply couldn't sleep. He simply couldn't stop thinking about Sango…and how he wanted to be with her. Even to watch her sleep would be so soothing. He knew that she was alright…that she was alive again, and would never leave him again, but it just didn't feel right that he wasn't at her side. He agreed with Kagome, that she needed time to adjust and get used to her new lifestyle, but he still felt unsatisfied, almost worried that if he wasn't with her something would happen.

But even in the unlikely event that Sesshomaru would return to try and reclaim her, he knew that Inuyasha could fend his older half-brother off. He reassured himself many times that no harm would come to her, but still the feeling lingered. The monk bit his lip.

Curse it…he thought. Slowly, he sat up, pushed his blankets off. He surveyed the room, finding nothing out of place, just as he suspected. Why am I so convinced that something will happen? This insomnia had been regular before he had learned of Sango's resurrection…he had felt so guilty, he blamed himself for her death. But now there was no reason for it. The thought entered his mind that, perhaps, she really was happier with Sesshomaru.

But he quickly dismissed it…there was no way she could've been happier with that demon. He furrowed his brow, rubbing his forehead.

Getting so little sleep is taking a toll on me…he thought. They were meant to be, he and Sango, it was as simple as that. They had been through so much together, saved each other so many times. It was destiny. It was also why Miroku had felt so incredibly guilty when she had died, but now that she was alive again, the tormented monk had no idea why he was feeling just as he had all those sleepless nights before. But now…now the cause was a mystery. Was this all a premonition of the future?

He grimaced. The Kamis had dealt he and Sango such a terrible hand already…could it be that they had yet another cruel twist of fate heading their way? If this would ever prove to be true…it would seem like even the cosmic forces were trying their best to tear them apart.

Fighting his exhaustion, Miroku stood. He didn't care that it was so late…he just needed to see Sango, make sure she was alright. But he also needed to know if this malevolent feeling affected anyone but himself…

Sesshomaru had perched himself on a large branch on one of the larger trees the outlined the forest. He couldn't think of anything to do with himself; since he had to convince the world that he was dead, he'd certainly have to lie low. But the faults of his plan were slowly starting to show their ugly heads. What if Sango never even got the news? The village where they were keeping her was remote, and no prominent demons who perhaps would've heard the news lived nearby. Of course, there was Inuyasha, but no full-blooded demon would pay him heed until it was too late.

But he had another concern. What if Sango didn't even care? He refused to believe that she could be so shallow, but then again, she had chosen to leave him. But he knew that she was still concerned about him. He could see it in her eyes, taste it in her scent.

There's no way that damned brother of mine and that monk could've turned her against me…he thought angrily. He frowned. He still cared about her, even though she had betrayed him, but…there was something in him that hungered for vengeance, and it cried out to be satisfied. He was torn; Sango was still dear to his heart…but he felt the need to hurt her as well…and not by killing the other mand she had found room for in her heart…but her. Sesshomaru clenched his fist, then shook his head.

I'll slaughter her friends and her village…that will be enough to teach her a lesson…he thought. He could feel the anger towards humans running through him that had been absent when Sango stood by him. He could feel that same accursed need to kill. And just as always…he liked it.

Slowly, the demon stood. Smirking slightly, temporarily forgetting the arrangements he had made, he tried to pick up her scent. The village was miles away, but he would find it, and take her back immediately. But then, as the bloodlust faded, he remembered that his plan had already been put into action. There was no taking it back. Korosu had begun his work.

Sesshomaru scowled. Korosu…there was something almost familiar about him…but who could forget a demon like that? It was probably only the stories about him, they had reminded him of something else. He was getting a bad feeling that trusting Korosu was a mistake, if not already, then it would be. Plans could never be fool-proof is others were involved, of course. But Sesshomaru got the feeling that Korosu would try to bend some aspects to his own want and need. Then again, he might just end up doing what Sesshomaru had told him and claimed the rest of his pay. The demon crossed his arm over his chest and his expression turned emotionless. He'd have to wait and see…

Sango tussled around on her futon. She simply couldn't get to sleep. She tried counting, she tried clearing her head of thoughts, none of it worked. She was tired, yes. But she just couldn't sleep. It was like something…else was in her as well, not letting her sleep. She sighed again, closing her eyes half-way.

Why do I have such a bad feeling about Sesshomaru? Maybe I should just listen to what they're all telling me…she thought, frowning more. They're probably right…he would've done more if he wanted me to stay…but he just let me leave with Miroku! Kami…what am I supposed to do…?
 She felt like crying. She knew it wouldn't help with anything, but she still just wanted to let her emotions loose. She was so confused, so lost. Her friends were all doing their best to comfort her, but they really had no idea what she was going through or how they could relate. She thought of them all, Inuyasha, Kagome…and especially Miroku. She knew deep in her heart that they had been in love…but did she still love him the way she had before she met Sesshomaru.

There! Sesshomaru again…I can't let my thoughts stray to him…A few tears slid down her cheeks, her eyes red.

"Why is this happening to me…?" she thought aloud in a low whisper. She slowly silenced herself, wiping her tears away. Crying won't help anything…it won't help…it'll only worry the others…she thought. She was being torn apart by the things around her, it was all so overwhelming. But she had to be strong. She could make it through anything if she were strong. But as she finally shut her eyes and drifted off to sleep, one last thought that there was a malevolent force around all of them, and it would prove to be stronger then any one of them…

[Author's Notes] Again, I'm sorry it took so long to update…lots of stuff to do lately…anyway, please remember to review, your advice helps!