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 9: Defeat
It was a hot day. It was a beautiful day. It was a perfect day. In fact, it was so perfect, an unruly, oversized sand-worm youkai decided to ruin it just to remind Kagome that nothing in her life was perfect. In the span of time it took Kagome's breath to hitch in fear, the enormous monster barreled into Sesshomaru fangs first, it's armor plated body coiling around the daiyoukai like a snake.
A massive coil that's size rivaled a ship rushed towards her in a fearsome cloud of dust and debris. It was useless to run, but still she did. The ground rippled and cracked beneath her feet, armor snagged the hem of her hakama, and as she fell forward to her death Kagome suddenly found herself soaring through the air. The clawed hand fisted in her clothes at her tailbone unclenched and Kagome dropped onto the grass atop a nearby hill.
"Stay out of my way." Sesshomaru warned as he turned his back to her.
"Uh-yeah." Kagome answered shakily. Sitting up, Kagome watched in awe as Sesshomaru fought the oversized beast. It's third cry for the jewel was its last and in a flash of blinding light and energy, the youkai was slain. Sesshomaru landed on his feet roughly a yard from her, sheathing his sword with an audible "clink". Still too shaken to stand, Kagome leaned forward to observe him with new appreciation.
"You really are something else." she noted appreciatively. Eyes narrowed, an eyebrow twitched and misunderstanding was apparent. Shaking her head, Kagome clarified her sentiment. "You're really strong." she amended. "You took out that youkai like it was nothing."
A hum of agreement was made and his attention strayed to the remains of the worm. "An insignificant insect such as that is not worthy to be compared to the greatness of this Sesshomaru." he affirmed. It was the arrogance in his tone that made Kagome regret complimenting him; she could only imagine the pompous inflation that came from her praise. Though, inflation or no, it was the truth. Sesshomaru was insanely strong and because of it, the goal of taking the Shikon Jewel was just about impossible.
An inquiring hum sounded and Kagome realized she'd been staring. "Sorry." she offered with an absent shake of her head and a sheepish smile that didn't reach her eyed. "I'm just realizing I might not ever get that jewel from you. I can't think of way to do it." she admitted candidly. With someone as perceptive as Sesshomaru, lying was virtually useless. If she approached him with false intentions, he'd smell them. With a sigh, Kagome fell backwards onto the soft grass, looking to the azure sky. "But I want to go home." she muttered. "Any chance you'll just have mercy and give me the jewel?"
Sesshomaru's answer was his back as he journeyed away.