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 27: Saccharine
From the porch overlooking the snow tipped mountains, Kagome watched the red sun rise and set thrice. Weariness clung to her like the arid cold that frosted the air. In Sesshomaru's absence, sleep was nothing more than a myth and visions of his entrapment and torture consumed her every waking thought. Courting the painful worry she felt towards him was a debilitating guilt that left her stomach sick and her eyes tearful.
If Inuyasha were alive to witness her worrying for his brother, he'd never forgive her. This was the very same brother that unceremoniously butchered her beloved as if he were livestock sent to slaughter. In all truths, Kagome shouldn't care for him; her mercy in sparing his life was more care than he could ever deserve and more than he'd ever given to his own flesh and blood. But try as she might, Kagome couldn't quiet her troubled heart. Regardless of his crimes towards her, Kagome found herself genuinely worried about Sesshomaru, reasons and logic be damned.
As the sun set once more without any sign of him, her frustrations mounted and rose to stir her into action. The same resolve that moved her to spare his life was the same resolve that egged her on to find him. Despite his atrocious crimes against her, Sesshomaru continuously proved he possessed the capacity for good. In the time she spent with him following his slaughter, though callous, Sesshomaru in his own way proved kind. He fed her, clothed her and at times, protected her. While his actions could never excuse what he did, his works proved that there was good in him and Kagome felt the obligation to protect all that was good regardless of any evil committed. It's just who she was.
Armed with her bow, fur cloak and quiver, Kagome crept to the edge of the fortress grounds to overlook the valley. Fires glowed into the night, appearing far closer than the smoke suggested from the previous days. "Sesshomaru..." she whispered to the passing winds. From the lack of commotion in the camp, Kagome was confident that no fighting had commenced. Carefully, she descended the mountain, drawing closer to the camp until the fires could be seen within their freshly dug pits.
Kagome clenched her chest, pressing her back against a tree that hid her, her breathing shallow and quick. What laid in that camp was a battalion of soldiers armed for war. However the swordsmen, archers, gunmen and cannons weren't what gave her concern. It was the company of monks who accompanied them that struck fear into her heart.
These warriors were hunting youkai and by their masses, Kagome could only assume that Sesshomaru was their target. Questions riddled her thoughts all of them circling Sesshomaru. Assuming that the inu-lord was aware of their intent, Kagome had to wonder, where had he gone? She highly doubted he would abandon her, Sesshomaru was honorable and would never go back on his word.
Taking another peek, Kagome spotted an enormous cage laced with beads, talismans and sutras. Thankfully, it was empty and upon seeing it, Kagome knew that wherever Sesshomaru was, for the moment, he was okay. With her curiosity sated, Kagome decided it best for her to return to the hidden fortress. If Sesshomaru found her missing, no good would come of it. She doubted he'd be as tolerant with her disobedience to stay put as Inuyasha once was.
Creeping away from the camp, Kagome retraced her steps and in the cloak of darkness, ascended the mountain. Suddenly warmth embraced her from behind and Kagome gasped into a dampened cloth that pressed against her face. Strong arms held her firm as the sweet smelling substance lulled her into unconsciousness before the understanding of abduction could set in.