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 26: Smoke
It was mid autumn when Kagome first saw the smoke of a hundred fires within the valley below. Having lived for nearly two months in seclusion with the inu-daiyoukai, she nearly forgot the existence of others. Interestingly enough, the company of the stoic inu lord proved satisfying and left her without want for the presence of people. In that aspect she could see why Rin opposed the murmurings of the idea of living with humans. Oddly, despite his anti-social tendencies, when Sesshomaru was present his company was wholly enriching and over the passing weeks, Kagome had come to enjoy her time with the breathing rubik's cube that was Sesshomaru. In many ways, he was a puzzle that she just couldn't figure out and never one to give up, Kagome found interest in trying to solve the enigma.
The enigma in question came to stand beside her, his sight seeing far more than hers as they looked to the smoking valley below. "What is it?" Kagome asked, huddling to his side for warmth, hugging her basket of foraged herbs to her chest. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as he studied the blackened wisps rising from the golden foliage. It was then Kagome noticed his armor and swords adorning his person. He hadn't touch those things for moons... "Sesshomaru?" she asked, this time more concerned for him than what the smoke suggested.
"Go inside Kagome." he advised moving past her.
Of their own will Kagome's fists knotted within the folds of his robe, her basket dropping to the ground forgotten. "Don't go." she appealed, clenching his sleeve to anchor him. "You don't have to." Sesshomaru looked to her and though his expression still remained as stone, it somehow appeared soft.
Clawed fingers lifted to pluck a crimson tassel from his armor. Then, moving to her he took her hand in his and placed the bundled thread into her palm with his thumb. "I will expect to reclaim this on my return." he warned. "Am I clear?"
With misting vision Kagome nodded, swallowing her worries and wincing against the lump in her throat. She'd already lost so much, Kagome couldn't bear the loss of the last familiar face she knew. Softly she shook her head, scarcely believing her attachment to him. "I never thought I'd ever be concerned for your safety." she admitted, rubbing her eyes and clutching the tassel against her chest. How far had she fallen? When did Sesshomaru become important to her? Worse, would her actions disrespect the loss of her friends? Inuyasha? How could she care for the very person who took them from her?
At the touch of his fingers to her skin, Kagome jumped focusing on the smoldering kilns of gold that looked down to her. With gentleness unbeknownst to any, clawed fingers found her chin, lifting it to face his. "Kagome, am I clear?" he inquired, his raspy tone deep and warming.
"Yeah." she agreed, noting his subtle nod of acknowledgement. His hand dropped and she caught it, squeezing briefly. "Please, be safe."
A hum of reassurance was made and Kagome watched his back as he left in a blur to descend the mountain. Kagome could scarcely reconcile the worry she felt towards someone history demanded she should hate. With a sigh, Kagome retrieved her basket and returned to the safety of the estate with nothing but her guilt and the sickening sense of betrayal to her dead to keep her company.