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 17: Sunset

The shrine grounds displayed the beauty of summer with rustic charm and simplicity. Wildflowers decorated the hills, hosting bees, hummingbirds and fireflies. Lush grass and shrubs full from the summer rains blanketed the rolling hills with emerald life. From where Kagome and Goro rested atop a hill, the entrancing sunset could be seen as it crowned nature with riveting golds that painted the cloud streaked sky.

At her side, Goro recanted his efforts in the war of humans against youkai. From the hardness in his raspy voice, Kagome felt the tainting bitterness that shrouded his heart and mind. "If not for them, she'd still be here." Goro admitted, speaking of his mother. His palms curled into fists atop his folded knees. "I will never forgive them." he seethed, his eyes closed to take in the cooling breeze that brushed lightly across his angular cheeks.

"That inu-daiyoukai, when it falls so will all youkai-kind." he explained. "That creature is the last of their generals and the strongest among them. With him gone, the others will scatter and our victory will be assured." As he finished, he looked to Kagome whose attention was to the setting sun.

Having listened to his heart and not his words, the heavy pain that Goro carried was made evident by his earnest insistence to eradicate youkai. It was an odd sensation hearing her own pain come from the mouth of another. Goro had lost much and so had she the only difference being, Goro had surrendered fully to his hatred while Kagome had yet to prove herself.

"I take it you have history with this creature." he observed.

Startled by his insinuation, Kagome looked to him with wide eyes. "How did you know?" she asked airly in surprise.

His lips widened into a confident smile and a soft shrug clinked the shoulder pads guarding his arms. "When we spoke of it, you referred to it as 'he'." he explained perceptively. "How did you know it was male?"

Kagome couldn't quite recall the slip-up, but ultimately it didn't matter; she had nothing to hide. "His name is Sesshomaru." she clarified, her attention to the skies. "He murdered my friends and separated me from my family. I'm not supposed to be here, in this time."

"A time traveller?" Goro asked in partial awe and amusement.

"Yeah, something like that." she agreed with a wistful sigh. "But normally I only traveled between two points. Home and the past. I'm supposed to be home with my family but the well, it's broken. Somehow I ended up here."

"And you suspect that this creature is the cause?"

"I know he's the cause." Kagome corrected, feeling her temper flare. "Everything was fine before him. Before he..." her words trailed, her mind unwilling to travel the roads to sorrow. Goro took her hand in his and squeezed it for comfort.

"I'm sorry Kagome. I know what it means to lose those you care for to these monsters." he offered, looking to her intently. "For your aid, there is nothing I can offer to adequately reward you for your service." Goro paused, hesitating. With cheeks tinged pink and a nervous cough to clear his throat, he continued. "I-If it would please you, I offer you my home. There is no need for you to wander adrift in time without place or purpose."

"I..." Kagome faltered. She'd forgotten how forward the men of the past were concerning their intentions. In the matter of hours, Goro had practically proposed to her. If his offer was to be accepted, Kagome didn't doubt that marriage would be the eventual outcome.

As sudden as it was, in her circumstances, Kagome had to ask herself– what else would she do? She had nothing left. The future with her family was gone as were her friends of her past. Goro offered hope of a life and one where she'd be loved and accepted. There would be no risk of being salted and stoned for how she looked and talked. Goro offered her an opportunity to simply be herself, and though Kagome didn't necessarily feel anything toward him, his offer was too valuable to dismiss.

"Thanks." she breathed, forcing a cheerful grin on her cheeks. "Honestly, I'm still out of sorts from all of this," she admitted gesturing her hand to motion to her invisible burden. "–but it's nice to know that I have a home, somewhere."

Understanding her indecision, Goro nodded respectively. "Nothing needs to be decided now. I suppose I am hasty in my actions." he admitted with a soft chuckle, his own cheeks turning pink. "When the creature is dead, my men buried and the lands at peace, you are more the welcome to take residence in my castle."

In the vivid glow of the setting sun, Kagome simply let the gentleness and warmth of her smile answer for her.