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 31: Beginning of the End

It was dawn when the carriage arrived to Lord Goro's stronghold. For every soldier garrisoned, archer guarding, and cannon loaded, discouragement and fear bound Kagome's courage like iron shackles to a prisoner. The fortress was abuzz with palpable energy as men rushed to and fro to their stations along the wall. Within the courtyard, monks inscribed charms using salt and chalk atop the stone mason work. Sesshomaru was strong, but even he had his limits; limits that she'd witnessed with her own eyes at the sight of his capture. If Goro and his men were ill prepared when they last faced Sesshomaru, what did fate hold for the daiyoukai now that they were adequately armed?

Kagome's step faltered at the thought, her eyes shimmering with her fears. Looking to her with compassion, Goro swept her into his arms. "Easy there." he said, his tone placating. "This will all be over soon. I promise.."

Shaking, Kagome clenched Sesshomaru's tassel where it was tied beside the Shikon Jewel. "You think you're some kind of hero but you're not." she informed, wriggling in his grasp. Though she was accustomed to being carried, Inuyasha often carried her in a way that went against the whole damsel in distress look. "I'm not under any kind of spell." Briefly, Kagome wondered if everything would be easier if she were. Certainly this worry wasn't normal. The last person that gave her heart so much trouble was Inuyasha... "–and put me down!" she demanded, squirming uncomfortably.

Caringly, Goro shushed her as he climbed the stone steps to enter his intimidating fortress. His arms adjusted to hold her more securely to him despite her protests. "I'm not some dog you know." she huffed. "You can't just order me around and expect obedience."

At that, subdued amusement twinkled in Goro's eye. "No, thankfully you are not. Besides, I have no intention to bringing you to heel. I do enjoy your fire–though, it's unfortunately taken to burn for sour wood. I will rectify that matter soon enough and correct its appetite."

Kagome choked, wondering if Lord Goro intentionally suggested such a crude innuendo. Rather than question him on such a thing, Kagome held her peace and kept quiet.

They moved through a guarded hallways to enter through a heavy reinforced door. Gently, Goro set her down to her feet. "I must go to address my men." he informed. "You will be safe here."

"You keep saying that." Kagome observed. "When he comes, it's not my safety you should be worried about."

It was clear that Goro differed in opinion, but respectfully, he said nothing. Under other circumstances, Kagome suspected they might have been friends, maybe even something more– but as it was, Goro stood between her and the youkai she cared for. With a shallow nod, he left and the armored double doors closed loudly behind him. Kagome searched the ornate sitting room but found no hopes for escape. Both food and water were provided, but Kagome had the stomach for neither.

Instead, she moved to sit against the wall opposite the door among the lavish cushions provided. With the door too heavy for her to move, the windows to high for her to reach and with no material to fashion a weapon, Kagome was left with no choice but to sit and wait, praying that Sesshomaru's absence in her time wasn't caused by his death at Goro's hand.