Author's Note:

This story evolved as an as I went thing with no real end in mind. It was more of a character exploration of "what would happen if..." So enjoy this bitter exploration into hurt, healing and hope.

Be warned, since I haven't followed the series closely in years or seen the Final Act, I'm pretty sure some things won't fit into cannon.

Of Pride and Power
Chapter 21: Rooms

Considering the emotional upheavals in her life and the altitude sickness, Kagome was grateful for the rest the passing days offered. Even more blissful, Sesshomaru kept to himself and didn't bother her; probably tending to his own wounds. Kagome had the mind to help but then remembered his healing factor and the fact that he was a colossal pain and decided to do likewise and keep to herself.

Surprisingly, as time progressed, the estate healed itself. Holes in the roof were restored, splintered wood became smooth and a gentle warmth settled into the home that hugged her like a fond embrace. Even more strange, dead animals appeared regularly in baskets near the room she commandeered, often times with varying vegetables. Logically she knew they were probably left there by Sesshomaru, but Kagome could hardly picture him to be one to act so selflessly.

After dinner one evening, to amuse herself Kagome strolled through the halls, taking note of the kitchens, dining room, sitting room, music room and all of the other rooms. Her favorite by far out of them all were the hot springs. Folding her clothes, Kagome slinked into the warm mineral water, relishing the heat against her skin. As she relaxed, Kagome couldn't help but snort at the bitter irony of her life.

Just when she finally was freed from Sesshomaru, she once again found herself trapped with him. Even worse, she had no motivation to seek the well again. If she got sent to a time where she didn't know anyone, then what? There was no guarantee that anyone would take to her in the same way that Nanami and Goro did. Belief in the spiritual waned as time progressed and Kagome had no desire to be executed by the ignorance of others.

Lifting the gem from her chest, Kagome could only look at it in wonder. Why had it sent her here to this time? If she entered the well again, where would it send her? "What do you want from me?" she murmured feeling her frustration rise. Ultimately it was the jewel's fault for sending her to Sesshomaru.

While Kagome had come to terms with her revenge– or lack thereof– it didn't mean that she was okay taking up residence with the person of her nightmares. Having no pillow to use, Kagome dunked into the water and screamed her frustration into the pool with all her might. The therapeutic power of a good, tension releasing yell was simply amazing. All was fine until a hand seized the back of neck to rip her from the water like a drowning puppy. Cold windy air rushed against her bare skin, silver hair filled her vision and an old habit took hold.

"Sit Inuyasha!" she sputtered, her hands frantically moving to shield her exposed skin. Her bare bottom bounced against a the ground even as a warm sheet was thrown atop her. Desperately, Kagome pulled the cloth against her to hide her nakedness. Once the essentials were properly covered, her attention finally focused on the towering youkai who glared down from her at his nose.

"If it is death you seek then I am willing to oblige." Sesshomaru offered flatly, placing a clawed hand atop his sword.

"I wasn't trying to kill myself I was trying to think!" she snapped, wiping her plastered hair from her face.

"Then think in a manner that reduces the risk of a dead human contaminating this hot spring."

As he turned from her, Kagome stuck her tongue out at his back. The soft limp that troubled his step didn't go unnoticed but in her frustration, Kagome hardly felt sorry for him. He'd heal and Kagome left it at that.