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 7: Independence Applied
"Look!" one of the villagers called mid-climb. "You're right, someone climbed up here. The bark is torn from the tree!"
Swearing under her breath, Kagome shouldered her bow and crouched atop her perch, muscles coiled and tense. What the men said fell deaf on her ears, her attention solely on the leaves that shielded her. She was on her own. This time, no one would save her and the cost of failure would be her life.
A head crowned. Kagome dropped, swinging on the branch to bash his temple with her foot. He fell, as did she, landing on top of his back and with a slam to his head against the ground, he was unconscious . Startled men yelped; disoriented, Kagome failed to assess her surroundings. An arm slung itself around her neck...
"Inuyasha if you please." Sango instructed, pointing for him to hold Kagome. A clawed hand reached around her neck, pulling Kagome against his chest. Inuyasha cleared his throat nervously, Kagome fought a blush that threatened to stain her cheeks. "Now Kagome, like we practiced?"
Kagome gripped his arm, opened her mouth and bit...hard. The villager howled in pain, giving Kagome enough time to twist his arm behind him and swiftly swung her foot, striking his sensitives. The howl turned into a shrill and the man crumpled to the ground, his hands shielding his nether regions.
Two were down with one left to go. The man ran at her with a club in hand. He swung, she ducked and her fist slammed into his throat. He choked, she kicked, and he fell. Panting, Kagome stood up straight, assessing her handiwork.
Until now, Sango's lessons were nothing but practice. Even with fear and adrenaline spiking through her veins, Kagome found the wherewithal to release a choked laugh. "Thanks guys." she whispered, speaking to the memory of those who once cared for her. "You were right."
White silk billowed down from the trees and Sesshomaru apathetically observed the remnants of the fight, though his brow did twitch at the sight of the man clutching his crotch. "You!" she snapped, feeling her former indignation return. "How could you just abandon a helpless girl to–mmph!" Kagome's words turned to muffled nonsense as thick cloth struck her face.
Clawing for air, Kagome tore the fabric from her face only to find her arms full with a traditional priestess hakama and a robe. Wooden sandals were thrown to her feet. "Clothe yourself." Sesshomaru advised before sauntering away from the clearing.
In her confusion, Kagome became like him and unable to find the appropriate words, she said nothing.