CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Sessho-Maru

Unexpectedly, the sky had begun to cloud over. Though I suppose it would be possible, due to how humid the air was. It had been so sunny out earlier, though. I knew that Rin would be disappointed.

We came to the flower field. White blossoms blew in the breeze, allowing petals to be stirred into the air. I sighed as I looked to the sky, just as I had done then.

"Wind sorceress Kagura," I whispered, closing my eyes, letting the breeze sift through my hair.

"You're still thinking about her, Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked, coming beside me.

Opening my eyes, I stared forward.

"The field brings up memories."

Rin nodded, gripping my pant leg with a hand.

"You know what?"

I acknowledged her with simple silence, expecting her to continue.

"I'm still thinking about that pretty woman I met," she confided, gazing at me.

Mikage?

I shook my head, gazing at the spot where it had happened. Where Kagura had died. I still remembered every word of what she had said. She had the same sad smile that Mikage had so long ago. Those soft pink lips curved into a small smile, eyes shining with tears that were fresh. Kagura's smile was more guilty though. As if knowing all the people that she had killed purposely. Under Naraku's control or not- freedom couldn't come to someone who never felt remorse for her sins.

"She seemed so nice, Lord Sesshomaru."

Rin stopped for a bit, studying my face. I left her no emotions to pick up on as I stared at the ground. The truth was, Kagura had allowed me to receive the Bakusaiga- according to that wretched swordsman, Toto-sai. The thing was, why? I had been annoyed by her arrogance. Now, I was still feeling disgusting pity for her. Mikage only made matters worse. I shook my head yet again, turning away from both Rin and the spot.

"Don't fall behind. We're moving."

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

I remained silent as I stopped walking again. "Will you seek her out again?"

I paused for a few elongated moments before continuing to walk.

"Don't be foolish Rin."

The wind had begun stirring up the petals even more, making them get stuck in both my hair and hers. I still remembered how Mikage's fragile, broken body had gripped my fur, sliding down my chest. Wet as she was from both blood and rain, she still felt warm. But was that not her body? Thinking of it now, it would be impossible for her to be warm when the air was so cold.

…

Now I knew the answer.

It wasn't her body that was warm, it was the feelings that she was harboring that were. She had said that she cared about me, but what was the extent of those feelings?

As I thought, I grew agitated. Only humans and half-breeds thought like this; of such tomfoolery emotions. Mikage would be better off not associating with me at all.