Chapter 21: Return

Sesshomaru continued to walk. He had left Rin somewhere safe and sent Jaken with her. He did not want them with him when he confronted whatever demon waited ahead. He feared he would not be able to control his emotions…

Emotions… These trifle matters never bothered him before. Emotions were like bugs – needing to be squashed and controlled. No matter the situation, Sesshomaru always knew how to systematically control any emotions. Sesshomaru understood what it meant to remain in control.

Inuyasha was always the one losing his control. Inuyasha was always the one jumping into things too quickly. Inuyasha was always the one to get hurt… so why was Sesshomaru being led by his emotions?

His thoughts traveled back to the strange woman who called herself Kasumi. Where had she come from? And why did she cause him to feel these emotions…

All he could do was walk.

Two eyes watched Sesshomaru from above. Kasumi never thought it would go so well. He was walking straight into a trap without even realizing it. She knew Seppuku would be pleased.

With nothing to do but wait, her mind traveled back to where it all began…

"So this is the thing that contributed to my birth?" Kasumi asked.

"Yes, isn't she wonderful?" Seppuku grinned.

Kasumi looked upon the woman before her. She was tied securely in place to prevent her escape. Kasumi did not understand the binding, for the woman was unconscious. "What is she?" Kasumi asked as her face scrunched up in confusion and disgust.

"That's not important. All you need to know is her name and the one she is connected to."

Who she is connected to? Kasumi did not understand. "Well, then, tell me that."

Just then a noise came from behind the girl. The ropes around her wrists and ankles began to loosen and she began to wake up. Within a flash, the girl dissolved into darkness and Kasumi lost sight of her. "Master! She's getting away!"

"No matter," came Seppuku's reply. "I have gotten what I need from her."

Kasumi returned her gaze to the area where the girl was suspended. For just a second, she caught a glimpse of someone slipping out the back, their black hair disappearing around the corner. Was that the girl or the one who let her go? Kasumi made a mental note before returning to where Seppuku stood. "So, then, what do I need to know about her?"

An evil grin crossed Seppuku's face. "Well…"

Kasumi thought of this as she watched Sesshomaru, his long silver hair swaying slightly with each step. She had no idea what Seppuku had in mind for her, but now her eyes were open. She was the ultimate key to the plan, for she had to lure a prominent demon to her master. It seemed almost too easy…

For a fleeting moment Sesshomaru felt a presence near him. Pausing slightly, he titled his head in an attempt to better feel the air around him. A rustling in the leaves caused him to stop completely. But then his thoughts moved on, for he realized he had probably been followed by that girl making sure he was going to Seppuku. He decided to continue moving.

A shadow skidded across his line of vision. It caused him to freeze once again. He waited, not understanding this new approach by Seppuku's minion. However, before he could dwell on that thought for long, the shadow stopped. It suddenly began to take shape in front of Sesshomaru's eyes. He caught his breath as the shadow ceased shifting.

"Hello, Sesshomaru…"

A/N: Sorry! I had the chapter written for a while, I just haven't had the chance to type it up. Hopefully you enjoy it (I know it's kinda short). I have two other chapters written (just gotta get them typed up as well). Have a good one!