In the mist-veiled dawn, Sesshomaru and the silver-haired girl faced each other in silence, while Inuyasha, Kagome, and the others stood helplessly to one side.
"Get out of her body," Sesshomaru said, his voice as cold as water striking ice, carrying an overwhelming force that seemed capable of shattering jade and crushing frost.
The silver-haired girl raised an eyebrow and returned his gaze with utterly unfamiliar eyes. "I'm saving her."
Sesshomaru frowned. Everyone present sensed the gathering storm in the dog demon's aura.
Kirara, who had fallen unconscious from miasma poisoning, had awakened at some point. Her large, glossy black eyes caught sight of that familiar, resolute stance, and her nose picked up a scent she had not smelled in ages. With a soft chirp, Kirara struggled to her feet and tottered over to the girl, gently rubbing against her calf, just as she had centuries ago.
"...Kirara?" The girl crouched hesitantly and stroked the soft fur on her little head and body, her gaze tender as water.
"Mew..." Kirara answered affectionately, her two fluffy cream-colored tails swishing happily behind her. Her mistress's touch soothed away the misery of the poison.
The girl picked up the little two-tailed cat demon. Sensing the evil aura and miasma poison within Kirara, she tenderly stroked her soft back, sending spiritual power from her palm into Kirara's small body. The evil aura dispersed, and the poison dissolved. Kirara chirped happily and settled trustingly in the girl's arms, then caught her sleeve in her mouth and leaned toward Sango. Sango had also been poisoned by miasma during the earlier battle with Naraku, and little Kirara hoped her former mistress could heal her too.
The girl gave a helpless, bitter smile. "Kirara, I'm sorry. I can't. This isn't my body. My true self died long ago.