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 16: War
"Kagome, are you well?" Nanami asked, putting a hesitant hand to Kagome's trembling shoulder. "You look like death itself."
Coming to herself, Kagome could only guess the contortion of anger her face displayed as Nanami had stopped talking to look at her younger counterpart with concern. The subtle shake in her chest had little to do with fear, but more with the months of suppressed ire that now threatened to burst like pyroclast.
"Lord Goro–what does he need and what does it have to do with me?" Kagome asked pointedly.
Studying her briefly, Nanami nodded. "I think it would be best for him to explain."
Leading the way, Nanami walked into the small home sliding the door open before stepping aside to allow Kagome to enter. Two men dressed in uniform with navy padded armor conversed at the far end of the room. One man appeared sage with the experience of battle if the greys atop his head and the scars sweeping across his face were an indication The younger man couldn't be much older than her, but there was a certain hardness in his eyes that echoed the resolve of a warrior.
"Lord Goro, Captain Masaru, this is Kagome the priestess who appeared to us."
Politely, Kagome bowed to the men before fixing her attention on the older male. "Lord Goro, Nanami told me you captured an inu-daiyoukai. Can you tell me more?"
Both men look to each other with purpose before the younger captain gave a subtle nod. Nanami moved to speak but went quiet when the scarred man raised his palm for silence. "Three days ago we set a trap to ensnare an inu-youkai of great strength and with the aid of Priestess Nanami and the monks of this shrine, we were able to subdue it."
"So he's dead?" Kagome asked feeling her tension subside with a conflicting air of disappointment.
"Unfortunately, defeated is not the equivalent of dead." he corrected his expression turning grim. "As it is, the monks containing the monster are struggling to keep it imprisoned. We are unable to kill the creature. We haven't the power."
The very idea of even subduing Sesshomaru was a feat in and of itself. The inu-daiyoukai was immensely powerful and if she hadn't witnessed Inuyasha get the upper-hand on occasion, she would've believed the elder sibling unbeatable. "How did you do it?" Kagome pressed.
It was the younger captain who answered. "Many men sacrificed their lives in a battle that stretched for days. We could not contend with it in strength so we overwhelmed the beast in numbers. It is imperative that we slay this youkai to give meaning to their deaths and to strike fear into the hearts of all youkai."
Going quiet, Kagome gave a shallow nod in understanding. While she didn't agree with the idea that all youkai should die, the bitter pain within her demanded vengeance against the one who destroyed her life. Lifting her chin, she looked to the men with firm resolve. "What do you need me to do?" she asked already knowing their answer.
"Is it true that you appeared from the heavens?" asked the younger captain.
If by heavens he meant a water filled well..."Uh, sort of." Kagome answered hesitantly, remembering her ungraceful arrival.
"She came to us in a flash of light." Nanami clarified. "All at this shrine felt the ripple of her purifying energy and can attest that she is strong."
"Is this true?" asked the captain.
Clutching the Shikon Jewel that laid against her chest, Kagome agreed, inclining her chin softly. "I think I can. Especially if he's already weak."
Both men narrowed their eyes before exchanging looks. Then, the captain looked to his superior saying, "Go send word to the men to bring the carriage." he ordered. Looking to her he asked, "Will you be ready to depart come morning?"
"I'm ready to leave now." Kagome announced.
At her eagerness, the captain's hardened cheeks softened with amusement. "M'lady, while I understand your enthusiasm and encourage it, the journey will be long and the oncoming battle strenuous. It is my understanding that your arrival was not without its own burdens and that you require rest."
"I'm not some delicate flower." she protested putting her hands on her hip. "I can take care of myself!"
"Kagome!" Nanami rebuked, chastising her for her disrespect.
With a raised hand, the captain silently requested Nanami to hold her peace, his attention glued to the younger priestess. "I meant no insult to your strength. In fact, I hold your strength in high regard. As it stands, you are the only one who has the ability to bring meaning to the deaths of my men."
Rather than meet her fire with fire as Inuyasha often had, Kagome now found her offense cooled by the captain's caring words and geniality. In that moment, Kagome became aware that the person who she was speaking to was a man, a man who looked to her with gentleness. Inuyasha once looked to her similarly and Kagome knew instantly what that particular look meant.
Swallowing her pride, Kagome averted her attention and tucked a hair behind her ear her cheeks turning pink. Emboldened by her sudden onset shyness, the captain took a step closer. "I am intrigued by your origins Lady Kagome. Would you care to indulge me with your presence and share how you came to us?"
Nervously, she looked to Nanami who made a subtle shooing motion to encourage her. Lord Goro cleared his throat and gave a shallow bow to the captain. "I will take my leave and regroup with our transport." he excused before turning to acknowledge the women. "Priestess Nanami, Lady Kagome, we appreciate your cooperation and aid."
"Of course." Nanami said. "I can walk you to the main gate. Kagome, why not take Lord Goro and show him the grounds? It is a lovely day for a walk and some fresh air would do you both good."
"I'd love that." insisted the captain, his attention wholly on Kagome.
Confused by his response, Kagome looked to the sage warrior and then to the captain. "Lord Goro?" she questioned her voice pitched high in uncertainty. With a charming grin, the captain hooked her hand into his arm, patting her knuckles affectionately.
"I would be him m'lady." he grinned, looking pleased with himself.
Kagome turned as red as the hakamas she wore.