Thawing Her Heart

DIsclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of it's characters! It doesn't hinder my writing though! *_*

Thanks again to all my reviewers! You really have kept me wanting to write this and other stories soon to follow!


Chapter 15 Recognition of Souls


Sesshomaru rose from his bed and went to his balcony, sighing he stared out at the false dawn as questions continued to run through his mind. He could not deny it anymore from the first time he had met his brother’s odd miko in his father’s tomb his soul had cried out in recognition. What it all meant now he had no clue and had sat up the entire night trying to come to a conclusion, the only one he could come up with was foreign to him. The miko was his; he would not allow another to take her. She would continue at his side, he had finally begun to recognize the stirring of old emotions for what they were. He was falling in love with the girl. Sure he remembered love, when he was younger and it was his father, mother, and he. Even when his father had married the ningen after his mother had perished in battle, he had known love for his brother if not for the woman who had born him. He stared out at the training grounds of his men as he let the memories wash over him.


~~~~~~~FLASHBACK~~~~~~~

He had watched as his father cradled the tiny bundle in his arms, sniffing at it he had moved closer to inspect what it was. His father catching his curious stare had beamed from ear to ear and presented to him his brother Inuyasha. He remembered his father placing the small bundle in his arms he had laughed at the fear in his eyes. “It is ok Sesshomaru, even as tiny as he is you will not break him. I remember I felt the same the first time I held you in my arms.” His head had snapped up from the downy features of the newborn pup at his father’s statement. “ I am afraid I will drop it!” His father had simply laughed but he did not take the pup back. Shaking his head he smiled once again, “my son I will leave him with you. You will be his aniiki, which means you must help me to tutor him in the ways of our clan.” He had walked away leaving a very confused young Sesshomaru behind.


Looking down at the sleeping form in his arms he gently sniffed the young one. His little brother smelled faintly of blood and birthing fluid but his scent also contained the strong smell of woodland spice. His heart jumped when Inuyasha opened his eyes to peer into gold so similar in color. He couldn’t help smiling down as his brother let out a yawn waving tiny fists in the process. Jump forward twenty-five years and he was standing in the courtyard as it had been during his father’s time. “Sesshou how do I hold it again?” He had looked down on his brother’s form with love as he struggled to lift the practice katana. Kneeling down before the seemingly five-year-old child he positioned his brother’s tiny claws around the hilt once more. Watching the young pup’s eyes alight with triumph when he had finally managed to lift the tip of the blade about a foot off of the ground he had almost chuckled. “That is right Inuyasha you got it, just like that.” Startled from their training the two had felt an ominous dread when their father came stumbling into the courtyard. Sesshomaru smelling his father’s blood had ordered two soldiers to carry him to his rooms as he collapsed from blood loss in front of them. He remembered the tears streaming down his brother’s face in his fear. “Inuyasha stop that. We are the blood of Inu Taisho we do not show fear.” He watched his brother struggle to control said tears. Sighing he did the only thing he could, he picked him up and cradled the small shaking form to his chest as he walked to the palace doors. Inuyasha had merely buried his head into his chest for comfort.


Flash forward fifty years as he remembered staring out at a battlefield as he waited for his brother’s response to his summons. Preparing for the coming battle that would take place the following fateful morning he had been brought to attention by his retainer’s soft voice. “ I am sorry my lord but your brother will not be able to join you and your father in battle.” Jaken had stuttered the last out and started away from him when he heard the ice in his lord’s voice he stopped short of running. “ Where is he Jaken? Father and I need him here, he should not be chasing after some silly dream!” Jaken had bowed low in his reply, “I am sorry my lord but it seems he has been betrayed by the miko he said he was in love with. She pinned him to a tree using her arrow of suspended time. Then she died, the only one who could release him would be another miko of reknowned strength and unfortunately my lord none exist at this time.” That was the first time he had let ice overtake his heart. He had felt anger at the onna but at his brother as well for being fooled. Then the ice had set in, the following twenty years only served to instill the ice as he found himself angrier and angrier by what he saw as his brother’s betrayal. When his father had sustained his fatal wounds in his battle with Ryoukotsei he had journeyed with him to where his brother slept pinned to the god tree. His heart had broken at the sight of his once proud father brought to his knees in pain and grief. He had watched as the tears had fallen down the once proud cheeks and felt a deep sorrow when he had faced him once again. “ Sesshomaru my son I must leave this world I fear. My only regret is that I will not be there to see you take your place as lord of the western lands, and that I could not free your brother. I promised I would watch over him to her before she passed and I could not carry it out. It is up to you now my son to watch over him until he can be freed.” His own vision had blurred and he blinked to clear the wetness from his eyes. When he opened them again his father was gone. His rage at his brother and his foolishness had overwhelmed him. He had stalked from the forest vowing that if his brother should awaken he would be the one to take his life for making such a stoic, proud, and honorable lord break his word. Blood or no blood he would enjoy killing the selfish hanyou.


~~~~~~END FLASHBACK~~~~~~


His anger towards his brother for his betrayal had now taken a backseat to the anger he felt at the baka’s treatment of the miko. He would make sure his brother never got the chance to do so again, and as for Lord Kotaru he had been informed of his alliance with Naraku. He decided to let him live until he had defeated Naraku and then he would finally have the satisfaction of murdering on who had dared lay his hands on the one he intended for his mate. He sighed once again letting all thought slip away as he took in the sun rising before him.

Kagome woke in a start her breath coming in quick pants as she struggled to calm her pounding heart. Something was wrong, something was coming she could feel it. She slung her feet to the floor and stood slowly so as not to wake Shippo. Grabbing her robe she walked to her balcony doors and stepped outside. When she had reached the rail she turned her head to the right to catch the first rays of the morning sun. Her heart lurched in her chest as her glance fell upon the ice lord in all his glory. He stood at the rail nude and she let her eyes drink in the beautiful sight of him. Her mother would’ve laughed and said that men are not beautiful but she could not use any other word to describe him. His silver mane fell below his knees and rustled in the light breeze, she took in the evidence of his masculinity in the muscled form of his legs and back. When her gaze reached the arm he had lost on the left she felt a sudden rush of guilt come over her. Before she knew what she was doing she found her feet approaching where he stood apparently lost in thought. Quietly she approached him til she stood at his left side. He turned to look at her and the tears formed in her eyes as she witnessed the look of sorrow before he slipped his mask in place. She gently reached out both hands so that they rested lightly on his left shoulder, closing her eyes she concentrated as Kaede had taught her. Feeling her energy swirl she built it up in her heart before letting it wash over him.

Sesshomaru stared down at the miko curious as to what she was doing when she placed her hands on his shoulder. Suddenly he felt her energy whirl and spike as he felt a gentle warmth encompass him. He stared in wonder as the girl started to glow a bright blue. Wanting to see her face that was hidden behind her bangs he reached out towards her with his hand…wait, hand? Looking down he finally saw what it was she had been doing. She had restored his arm to him. He looked at her in shock when she turned her gazed to him once again. “Gomen nasai…it took so long for me to return it to you. I should have done so earlier as it was my fault it was lost in the first place.” Her voice choked on tears as she hung her head once again. Gently he raised her chin with his newly restored claw and looked into her watery eyes. He watched the blue and green depths swim for a moment as the tears finally fell down her elegant features. He gently pulled her into his embrace wanting to bring her comfort. She should not be crying for me he thought. He felt her stiffen and then relax in his embrace as the quiet sobs rocked her petite frame. “Do not cry for me. I have long since become accustomed to my own sorrows.” He gently whispered as he ran his left hand through her silky hair. “If you wish to cry your pain out then know that I will comfort you whenever you need it. I know you feel the same pull in your soul towards me as I feel towards you. I know not what it means but I am weary of fighting it.” He held her like that as together they turned to watch the wonder of the new morning dawning before them.

Kouga had reached the barrier just as the sun made it over the horizon. Good that meant he had time to warn Sesshomaru of the threat to him. He called out to the sentries to allow him access to the palace. Once the gates were opened he strolled towards the older Inu waiting at the steps to the entrance. “Onegai I need to speak with lord Sesshomaru it is urgent.” The guard looked him up and down before nodding. “Very well I am Kizuko his first in command I will take you to his study and inform him of your presence.” Following the grizzled warrior Kouga glanced around for sight of Kagome but was disappointed when none appeared. Striding through the door he was led to stand in front of the desk to wait for the stoic taiyoukai to appear.

Sesshomaru had finished tying his obi and was in the process of positioning his katanas when a knock sounded at his door. Calling for Kizuko to enter as he recognized the scent of his general he turned to face him. “I am sorry for the intrusion my lord but lord Kouga is here with what he proclaims as an urgent message for you.” Pondering what it was the ookami could want he nodded at Kizuko and dismissed him. Striding down the hall to his study he found the wolf lord awaiting him there. Pulling the door closed behind him he rounded his desk and motioned for Kouga to have a seat. “What brings you back so soon after our last meeting?” he raised one silver brow in arrogant question at the wolf. “Look Sesshomaru I know that our last meeting was not that great but I have come to warn you. Kagura is on her way here with three very powerful snake youkai, as I am sure it was Naraku who sent her I am also troubled as to why she is on her way here. It can only mean trouble for you. Not just her but Inuyasha is also on his way following behind her, he I would presume is after Kagome.” Sighing he leaned forward in his chair, “While I know you to be powerful and that you could handle them even without warning I somehow have a foreboding feeling about this. I also would like to see Kagome if at all possible, while I do not question your ability to care for her I would like to assure myself that she is fine.” Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the young wolf lord. While he knew the two to be friends he was still not yet sure whether or not he could trust the ookami. Now that he had decided that he loved her he was wary of allowing another male in her presence. He could not help but keep her under guard lest something like what happened with Kotaru happen again. No it would not he would make sure of it. She was his no one would ever cause her pain again. “I thank you for your timely warning of the threat to my lands, as for your request I am willing to let you see Kagome but I will not allow her to be alone with anyone. My general Kizuko will accompany you as you visit with her. She is in the gardens with the children.” Realizing he had been dismissed Kouga made his way to the door when Sesshomaru’s voice stopped him again. “While I realize that you have feelings for her I warn you now that I intend to claim her as my mate, do not attempt to change that in any way.” Kouga could not believe his ears! Sesshomaru the aristocratic assassin himself, whose name meant killing perfection, was going to mate a ningen! He hated them! So why was he keeping Kagome? Noting the look in the taiyoukais gold eyes he didn’t voice his questions, instead he followed Kizuko to the gardens so he could assure himself as to Kagome’s well being. It was only when he was almost to the gardens that he realized what else had bothered him while in Sesshomaru’s study, he had his arm back!


Inuyasha made his way behind Kagura careful to keep her in sight so he could follow through with using her as a distraction so that he might grab Kagome back while his brother was occupied. He would make sure this time he was triumphant and that his bastard brother would not interfere.

Kagura realized that she was on the outside border of the barrier, motioning the snake youkai to her she ordered them to wait for her signal to attack. She settled on the ground and tucked the feather back in her hair as she made her way to the barrier. If Naraku was right then the shard she held was tainted with enough of the hanyou’s blood to break almost any youkai barrier. She strolled forward readying herself for the attack to come. She wondered again how it was she was going to warn the miko.


Sesshomaru made his way to the gardens a half hour after dismissing Kouga. Now he followed the wolf lord’s scent to where he would find Kagome. He took quicker strides when he observed them coming towards him. “Kagome I would like to speak with you for a moment.” He pulled her aside and glanced up as he watched the wolf continue on alone for a few feet before speaking. “ There is danger right outside my barrier I have felt it trying to get through. I believe it is Kagura, while I address the threat I would like for you to take Rin and Shippo to the inner gardens. While I realize you wish to fight I must have you with the children to make sure they remain safe.” Watching his face as he said this Kagome could only stare in wonder at the changed lord before her. While his face still held the indifferent expression he was known for his golden eyes belied the truth. In their depths were gentleness, kindness, and warmth. She had to say she preferred this one better than the block of ice he used to be. She nodded her head and lifted up on her toes to place a soft kiss on his lips. Then she turned to the wrestling children and smiled at their antics. While Shippo was definitely the stronger of the two his gentleness shone through as he let Rin best him yet again in their contest. She called to them and they made their way to the inner gardens. After placing them in Jakens care for a few moments she went to her rooms to retrieve the Kyo-Kuu and tied them to her belt. She was at least glad for the fact that she wore another pair of hip huggers with a long sleeved tee; it would’ve been a pain to have to change from a kimono.

Sesshomaru watched her walk away in wonder. She had kissed him, when she had touched her lips to his he could not deny the spark that had jumped between them. Smiling to himself he turned back to the wolf. “ Kouga would you do me the honor of protecting my home with me.” Kouga again found himself reeling with shock at the seemingly new demon lord before him. When Kagome had kissed the stoic youkai he had feared the worst but it had not come. Now Sesshomaru faced him with a smile on his face. A smile! Well at least he knew that Kagome was okay, he knew the instant she had kissed Sesshomaru that there was no hope for him. He placed his hand out and scratched a claw across the palm drawing blood. “ I offer you my blood kinship in alliance to you. I will defend your lands, your life, and that of your future mate’s as if they were my own. In doing so we form a blood pact, should you ever to have need of me you must only call with your mind and I will be there. I will hear you as if we were born brothers.” Now it was Sesshomaru’s turn to stare in shock. The wolf would offer a blood pact? He had not heard of one doing so in a long time, he felt honored but would not let the wolf see this. Taking his own claw he drew blood on his palm as well and grasped the wolf lord’s hand in his own. “ The same applies to this Sesshomaru, should ever have need of me simply think it and I will be there. Now let us face the threat that has finally broken through my barrier.” They turned and strode swiftly to the gates just as the first snake youkai attacked.

Naraku sat in the tree where he had landed just inside Sesshomaru’s lands. He could sense the taiyoukai in battle as well as that puny wolf demon; he also sensed where Kagura was hidden. He also knew that Inuyasha was slowly making his way around the battle waging at the gates. No matter, the mutt would not gain access to the miko, she was his and he meant to take her. Deciding to make the battle a little more interesting he leashed one of his puppets at the two lords fighting side by side in the fray. Once assured that they would not interfere he made his way to where he could smell her.

Kagura hid and watched in horror as Naraku glided through the surrounding trees toward the back part of the palace. The bastard had meant to follow all along; he had merely used her for a distraction. Not surprising to her since he did it all the time. What had her transfixed to where she stood was that she knew it was truly him and not another puppet that had just crossed into the gardens of Sesshomaru’s palace.


Inuyasha watched the demon’s battle it out for a moment before heading to where he could feel Kagome. Suddenly a familiar scent drifted to him and he narrowed his eyes in contempt. Naraku! That bastard was here! Deciding to put his plans for Kagome on hold he made to follow the hanyou. When he had taken a few steps he realized that Naraku was headed exactly where he had been headed just a moment ago. One thought raced through his mind and that was he needed to stop Naraku before he got to Kagome.

Kagome raised her nose to the air and sniffed gently. Yes it was definitely miasma that she smelled, turning to the guard behind her she ordered him to quickly take the children inside and keep them safe. She watched until Shippo and Rin were safely ensconced inside the palace before turning to face Naraku as he had just entered the gate to the inner gardens. “I told you then teme that I would not have you and I will not now so if it is I you come for then you have come for death!” Naraku stared in wonder at the beauty before him, her eyes had returned! He remembered how just those eyes alone could make him shiver in his lust for her. Yes she cursed him all those years ago but now that he had found her she was his! “Get away from Kagome you bastard! Or are you to cowardly to fight a man?!” Kagome swung her gaze to Inuyasha who had just appeared behind Naraku. So he had come as well? Well they would both see that this miko was one strong bitch! She did not need defending and she would not cower in fear any more. Her eyes began to glow violet as she grasped the hilts to her katanas and swiftly drew them out. “Inuyasha you will stay back I need no man to fight my battle and I assure this filthy hanyou could not best me even on my worst day.” She slowly twirled the swords as she felt the energy sweep through her. “Shall we dance once more Naraku?” She let an evil grin slip over her features as she waited for his attack.


I know the timing of events are jumbled in my story! I planned it that way! It fit my plot better....anyways ooc for sess but what the hey it's my liscense! *_* I hope you all enjoy