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 11: Confessions
The days ran long and Sesshomaru walked much. Youkai attacks became more frequent, but not disruptive in the least. Most were slain before they could even make their brash demands for the Shikon Jewel.
"Seems like such a hassle." Kagome mentioned offhandedly, strolling up to Sesshomaru's side with her fingers bridged behind her back- carefully navigating around the pieces of dead youkai scattered atop the forest floor. "It must be annoying to have all these weak guys challenge you. You know, I'd be willing to help you with that thing." she offered slyly, nodding her temple to the jewel hidden within his robe.
A terse hum of dismissal was made by him. Frowning Kagome shrugged. "It was worth a try."
Another sound aired, this one of tolerant acknowledgement? Or had it been amusement? "Where are we?" Sesshomaru asked as they walked further into the wood.
"Where?" Kagome echoed, eying the forest surrounding them. Her steps stopped, her movements going still. Why hadn't she noticed sooner? Had it really been so long? "Inuyasha's tree..." she breathed, approaching it to run her fingers against the smooth bark.
Hanging within the gnarls of its roots were the Beads of Subjugation, a memorial of her beloved hanyou. Reaching for them, Kagome found them in tact and as whole as the day she placed them there. Taking them in hand, she lifted them from the tree holding them to her heart. It was a long time before Kagome found the words to break the spell of quiet.
"I miss him." she admitted, fondly remembering their first encounter and all that followed after. "For him, I would've stayed." At Sesshomaru's silence, Kagome inclined her cheek in his direction. "I wouldn't expect you to understand."
The forest around them retained a reverent stillness as if to respect the grave of its namesake. The sun shined, butterflies fluttered, and Sesshomaru spoke. "There are times when..." he began his words spoken slow and thoughtfully. "...when I envy Jaken and Ah-Uhn."
The wind blew, the trees rustled and Sesshomaru left.