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 18: Kindred Spirits

On the morn of their departure the skies proved clear, a good omen for favorable travel. A handful of monks aided Goro's men as they loaded the armored carriage with supplies. As Kagome looked over the modest shrine reminiscently, a forlorn ache settled within her heart. While it paled in comparison from the shrine in her era, it still held the echoes of home reminding her of both the past and future along with the loved ones from each respective times.

"Take care young priestess." Nanami encouraged, taking Kagome's hand in hers, patting them gently with care. "When the beast is slain, be sure to return and tell us of your success Ye are welcome at this shrine."

Kagome softly squeezed the older woman's hand, a silent sentiment of thanks. "That's the second home that's been offered to me since I've arrived." she grinned, feeling warmed by the generosity of those around her. Of all the times that she could've been transported to, Kagome was grateful that this was the one the well chose for her. Regardless of what direction she took in life, she was guaranteed shelter and an opportunity to make friends and family.

With interest, Priestess Nanami leaned closer to the youth. "Who be the first?" she asked inquisitively.

"Oh, uh...Goro."

The cheer that brightened the woman's face took years off of her countenance. "The young master has taken interest?" she breathed with wide eyes. "Child, heed my words, Lord Goro is a good man and will treat ye favorably should ye let him."

An uneasy chuckle sounded from Kagome's lips. "I take it he doesn't bring his girlfriends around often." Suddenly she found herself regretting the gesture of holding the older woman's hand. Nanami held Kagome fast, preventing any escape from the awkward conversation that was sure to come.

"If ye are referring to his prospects then no. Consider his offer child. It was I who acted as his teacher in his youth so I know him well. The young master is not known to make decisions of the heart lightly."

"Uh-sure." she agreed hesitantly, feeling flushed to have someone earnestly push in her in a direction she herself wasn't yet sure of. "I'll keep it in mind."

"Be sure that you do." she pressed to Kagome's embarrassment, keeping her voice low and attention beyond the young priestess. With a pat she dropped the hold on Kagome's hand. "The young master does not love often but when he does, his love is strong."

Like a sixth sense, Kagome felt Goro's presence behind her and she stiffened hoping that he hadn't overheard their conversation. "Your carriage awaits you m'lady." he announced at her side, holding his hand out for her to take. Looking to his palm, she couldn't help but sense his offer was another trap into awkwardness.

Now, Kagome wasn't one to indulge in the outdated acts of chivalry– she was fully capable in walking on her own. However, with a subtle look of reproof from Nanami, Kagome obliged him with an uneasy grin and placed her hand in his. Though subtle, Kagome saw Goro's cheeks brighten and his chest rise with confidence. Nanami cleared her throat and Goro's transfixed staring came to an end, followed by a light blush that stained his cheeks.

"Thank you Priestess Nanami, for your care." he acknowledged, turning to the older woman.

"It be my pleasure young master." she replied with a honoring bow. "Please take care of the Lady Kagome. Though we have only known her briefly, like us she be a priestess and by our accounts she is one of us."

With an enthused nod, he looked to Kagome and then to his elder. "Of course. By my honor I swear to you I will keep her safe." he swore, this time looking to her.

Grimacing, Kagome withheld the roll of her eyes. Inuyasha tried this crap too. While the promises of protection were heartwarming, Kagome was far from helpless. "And I will do the same." she added pointedly looking to Goro and Nanami. A charming grin lifted Goro's cheeks in amusement at her bravery and boldness. His lips parted to speak but a frowning Takashi beat him to it.

"Take this." said Takashi as he handed her a satchel of salt, but not before giving Goro a glare of jealousy. "It'll help keep you safe. Just throw it on the creature and it should make him weak."

If not for the terrorizing nightmares of fangs and claws, Kagome would have thought the idea of throwing salt on Sesshomaru laughable. "Thank you Takashi." she said, moving to give him a firm hug. With their goodbyes said, Goro led Kagome to their coach.

Generously, Goro offered her his hand for assistance as she entered the wagon. "Thanks." she remarked politely. Kagome didn't miss the tender hold on her hand that lasted for a few seconds too long, nor did his closer than average proximity when seated within the coach escape her despite Goro sitting opposite of her. There was no mistake, the coach was confined, but was it necessary for his knee to rest so closely?

"How long is the trip?" Kagome asked conversationally as she moved to pull the curtains aside to allow for air. The heat she felt had everything to do with the fact it was summer and nothing to do with Goro's stifling behavior. Kagome assumed that most women of this era would've been flattered by his attentions, after all, it was clear that Goro meant well. Only the earnest heart in his intentions kept her from rebuffing his attempts of care. Admittingly, Kagome did feel flattered herself, but there was truth in the saying 'too much of a good thing'.

"We'll arrive by nightfall." he informed as he loosened the plating at his chest like a man tugging at a collar buttoned too tightly.

Amused, Kagome's lips lifted at his expense. "How can you wear that armor? It's like a million degrees outside."

Matching her humored expression, a handsome smile revealed his well cared for teeth. "M'lady, if that were true I doubt there would be need for any of us to venture to slay the beast as we'd all be cooked." Goro chuckled. "Besides, if attacked a warrior must always be prepared to defend themselves and those in their care."

The tenderness towards her that sparkled within the depths of his dark eyes as he spoke didn't go unnoticed. Tucking a hair behind her ear, Kagome looked out to the passing fields if only to still her heart. Falling in love was a tricky thing and she didn't know enough about him to make such a decision with haste. The most beautiful persons imaginable had inflicted the worst nightmares imaginable against her. As she knew from experience, a beautiful face didn't guarantee a beautiful person and though Goro was handsome by human standards, he still had yet to earn her trust.

"I guess that's why I prefer the bow." she added after a moment of contemplation of Cupid's bow rather than the one resting at her side. "At long range armor isn't as necessary."

"I see." he grinned with enthusiasm towards the topic of combat. "I am a swordsman myself." he boasted motioning to the two blades at his side. "Between your bow and my sword we would make a fitting team don't you think?"

Kagome's chest flinched at the thought of it, his suggestion striking close to home. Inuyasha wielded a sword and many a time she had guarded his back in battle. Apparently her wistful longing reflected on her face as Goro's own countenance sobered to match. "There is another." he stated in subdued remorse.

Knowing he meant a lover, Kagome merely nodded her agreement her attention to the passing hills. "Was." she corrected, her tone dampered with memories. "He was a swordsman and in a fight, I watched his back. He was very stubborn about protecting me and would rather I just sit things out. " she reminisced, a forlorn grin ghosting across her cheeks. "He's gone now." she breathed. "Sesshomaru took his life."

Goro's hand found hers and gave it a squeeze of encouragement. "You will have your revenge m'lady. If you so desire it, that beast can be slain before dawnbreak."

Revenge.

"I guess..." she murmured contemplatively. The idea should've brought a sense of peace and justice to her...but for reasons beyond her, the memory of Kikyo exacting revenge on a similar silver haired, golden eyed person echoed through her thoughts as a cautionary tale. In that moment, Kagome questioned herself, was she prepared to do the same? Could she take responsibility for all the events following her execution of justice?

Of that, Kagome didn't have an answer.