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 15: Ripples

Soft sunlight filtered through the window, stirring dust motes and Kagome with gentle even heat. Bleakly, Kagome pried open a saline crusted eye her attention moving to the window before falling to the wooden floor. Softly her chest released a sigh. Normally upon waking, Kagome would mentally list her daily tasks and prepare for them.

But now what?

There was no next step, no plan and as far as she could tell, no hope. With no real direction, Kagome decided to at least act out the regular routine of life that had been instilled in her since she was old enough to pick out a shirt.

With no enthusiasm, Kagome exchanged the night robe for her miko garb. Once her hair was tied and her face washed, Kagome stepped from the hovel of a home and into the glorious day beyond. Unsurprisingly, there were a handful of monks and priestesses traveling the grounds of the modest shrine.

Briefly Kagome wondered if any of the inhabitants were distant relatives. A grim smile of amusement lifted her lips at the idea of meeting them. How would or rather–could she introduce herself to them? Somehow, greeting them with "Hi I'm your descendant from the future!" didn't sound like it would go over well. She could almost picture the stares of bewilderment her introduction would cause.

"Kagome!" Takashi waved, setting a pail down beside the well before jogging to her. Briefly, Kagome's focus wavered at the sight of the dysfunctional time portal. Even now, home and the promise of it felt so close...but if she were to jump through, where would it take her?

"Priestess Nanami asked that I take you to her the moment you woke." Takashi explained moving to take her hand in his. With no reason to object, Kagome followed the youth to the corner of the shrine where a modest edifice sat proudly. "Stay here, I'll go get her."

With a shallow nod, Kagome waited on the porch, taking in the lush summer grass and wildflowers that flourished on the grounds. A snort and a burr sounded beside the house and curiously, Kagome peeked to find two white horses tied to a post. These animals weren't stocky workhorses but strong stallions bred for speed and power. These were horses meant for war.

"Kagome, how are you feeling?" Nanami asked as she appeared at the entrance, sliding the door shut behind her.

"Better. Thank you." Kagome answered, turning to face the woman more fully.

"I see you've found evidence of our guests." she observed, approaching Kagome to fuss with her hair and robes, neatening them both respectively. Now, Kagome wasn't one to dress sloppy so to have Nanami putter around her and tidy up her appearance raised questions of why the woman thought it necessary for Kagome to appear pristine.

"Uh, thanks?" Kagome offered hesitantly, still taken aback by the woman's sudden care.

"Child you must forgive me." Nanami breathed, taking Kagome's hands in her wrinkled ones. "You've only appeared to us yesterday but these are desperate times."

"Desperate?"

"Our visitor is none other than Lord Goro." she answered, speaking the name as if it should hold some weight. "I sent word to him of your arrival."

"Uh–who?" Kagome asked bluntly, her expression going flat with an eyebrow arched.

"Ye know not of Lord Goro?" Nanami asked. "No matter. He is a lord over this province and is valiantly leading the charge to eliminate all youkai in the region."

"All youkai?" she breathed, her expression sobering.

"Aye. Recently he captured a creature of great strength– an inu daiyoukai..."

Time slowed and the warmth of summer turned deathly cold. Kagome went still her mind afar off in the memory of one particular inu-daiyoukai and the bloodshed he wrought. Her teeth clenched, her hands balled into fists and her shoulders went taut. For reasons unknown to her, the well transported her back into a time where her paths would cross with her nemesis and Kagome could only question as to why. In that moment the only thing that went without question was the justice she'd exact on the vile creature who demolished her life.