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 25: Trust
Sesshomaru proved to be an exemplary student. With keen eyes and ears he listened attentively and his detailed notes reflected his fascination and interest. "So these corporations take the place of ruling families?" he questioned with a consternated brow, evidence of his mental grappling to understand the future..
"Something like that." she agreed. "I'm no economics major, but I do know that big business plays a huge part in shaping our society."
"Explain big business." he requested, re-dipping his pen and fixing her with an unflinching glare.
"Oh uh, things like oil and medicine are big businesses. In some places the heads of those companies practically run their countries." she explained before another point worth mentioning came to mind. "Oh yeah! Also the world in the future is incredibly small."
"The world shrinks?" he questioned.
"No, it stays the same size, but we all get quicker and more connected. We can use things called planes to fly, automated carriages called cars to drive and we connect using phones. Using a phone, I can call someone across the world and speak to them in seconds."
"How can that be?" he pressed. It warmed Kagome to know that his question stemmed from feasibility rather than skepticism. For everything she said, Sesshomaru always approached it as if it were fact and truth. Though it was small, it was a sign that the silver haired daiyoukai actually trusted her.
"I-I'm not sure how it works." she admitted. "I know it just does."
"So you purchase this contraption–a phone, and are able to use it without knowing how it works?"
"Uh, it's like a blacksmith making a tool. A regular person probably doesn't know how a hammer is made or all that goes into it, but they know how to use a hammer."
Sesshomaru's hand swiftly moved across the paper, taking more notes. Their lessons continued for weeks, with Sesshomaru accounting for every detail from government to the role of house pets. Normally being one reserved and un-talkative, in the subsequent weeks, Kagome had never heard him speak at such length. In light of who he was, really his interest made sense. Sesshomaru was a being who craved power and knowledge was no less a weapon than a sword. The intensity at which he learned was frightening and his ability to latch onto new concepts intimidating, though, not as intimidating as the intensity at which he said her name.
One evening as she ate her dinner of roasted vegetables, rabbit and rice, Sesshomaru asked a question that had little to do with his learnings and more to do with her life. "Kagome," he began, his attention afar off as he looked into the dancing fire between them. "Will you attempt to return to your time?"
Lowering her chopsticks, Kagome's expression became equally distant as she considered his words. "I-I don't know. I want to go back but..."
Silk rustled as his cheek turned to face her. "You hesitate."
Sighing, Kagome lowered her bowl altogether. "I'm afraid." she admitted. "What if I end up in another random time? People just like things that are familiar and better or for worse, you're the last familiar thing I know from now until the future."
"Then what have you to fear?" he inquired, his gaze narrowing.
Tensing, Kagome bit her lip. "I guess..." Kagome paused, gathering her thoughts. It wasn't that she didn't think about leaving, she just thought of it far less and even her inhibitions to return became muddied, replaced by normalcy of life at the Inu fortress.
Finding her answer, Kagome explained the trouble clouding her heart. "I guess I don't want to end up alone, stranded in a time where I don't know anything or anyone."
A grunt of dissatisfaction sounded within his throat. "If you think so little of your counsel then perhaps it is I who should fear." he scoffed arrogantly with his nose raised.
"What?" she breathed, inhaling deeply to abate her anxiety.
Sesshomaru stood, moving to leave. "If I am unable to survive until your time then your instruction is to blame."
"H-how would that be my fault?" she countered, feeling the chills from the disheartening dejavu the argument brought.
"A swordsman is only as strong as his weapon." he began, speaking simply. "The strength and wisdom of this Sesshomaru is unparallelled and if I truly have been equipped with the appropriate knowledge then my victory is assured. However, if you arrive at any time and I am not present, you have only yourself to blame for it affirms that the knowledge you have given me was faulty."
"Those lessons weren't faulty!" she argued, feeling offended by his accusation."If I were lying then you'd be the one to know it." History was history and that didn't change.
Turning to leave, Sesshomaru spoke in passing. "Then you have no reason to fear your well."