Thawing Her Heart

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of it's characters they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi and I enjoy the fun that I have with them!

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews! I am sorry I haven't updated sooner but I have had one hell of a weekend. HELL being the operative word! Well I hope you all enjoy the fun I had witth this chappie but I warn you there are dark moments! So if you are offended then don't read! >_<


Chapter 22 Looming Battles

Inuyasha caught up to Sesshomaru who had been walking ahead for the last three miles. "Aniiki I know you are eager to make headway before sunset but we must slow our pace for the humans. If we could stop and give them a slight break we would be back on the road in no time." Sesshomaru looked away from his half-brother, as much as he didn't want to he knew Inuyasha was right. What's more is Kagome had often reminded him of the same thing, "Very well but I believe we should reach our destination by nightfall two days from now. Naraku better hope he has not laid one finger on what is mine!" Inuyasha patted his brother on the shoulder,"Do not worry I believe Kagome can take care of her self, he is in for a big surprise if he thinks he has won over her without a fight." Not returning the smile Sesshomaru looked Northeast, knowing that Naraku was out there somewhere with Kagome made his youkai want to break the restraints he held it in. He would kill the bastard hanyou, and he was going to enjoy every slow painful minute of it.

Kagome rose from the futon, looking down at Shippo as he still slumbered. Rin lay next to him resting again herself. Kagome felt the rage fill her once more when Rin had cried to her what had happened the first night they were brought. If Kotaru were not dead by Naraku's hands she would kill him herself. Just thinking about ripping through flesh with her bare hands had her feeling giddy, no one hurt her kits! Making her way to the door she peered out and had to keep the surprise from her face when she came nose to nose with Kohaku. Stepping back she had to calm the beat of her heart,"Oh Kohaku I'm sorry I didn't know you were there." He raised blank eyes to her not replying, "Could you tell me where I could get some food around here I am famished." He shook his head and replied, "I am sorry but master Naraku says you are not to leave this room. I will have someone bring something up for you." She nodded and sighed, stepping back into the room she slid the door shut. Kagura had told her that she may not be able to leave, that she would have to wait for Naraku to summon her. She hoped the summons never came, she did not think she was ready to face him yet. Even after laying down sleep had eluded her, all she could think of was Sesshomaru. Was he safe? Was he on his way here? Could she keep Naraku from killing him? Shaking the thoughts from her mind once again she made her way back to the futon, all in all the room was very sparse as it contained only the futon and a small mirror in the corner. There weren't even any windows to see out of. Her new found hearing picked up a noise moving towards the room and her eyes were fixed to the door when Kagura entered. "I have brought you something to eat Lady Kagome." A little shocked at her words Kagome looked at her and then the tray she held. "You do not need to address me as Lady Kagura. Just Kagome will do thank you. You have the smell of blood on you, why?" She caught the other woman's intake of breath at her words. However she did not answer merely set the tray in front of Kagome as she pulled chop sticks from the folds of her kimono. When Kagome took them from her she sat down with her back to the wall staring at the floor. The only sound for a while was the sound of heartbeats and breathing mingled together. Kagome realized that Kagura probably not tell her so she began to eat, she was surprised then when the wind sorceress did speak. " I told you before my life was not my own, well neither is my body. Naraku has made that clear to me from day one of my existence. At least with him it was quick and I could imagine I were somewhere else or that he was someone else. When he gave me over to Kotaru for his..." her body began to shake at even the mention of his name, still she found the strength to continue,"pleasure I had no way of knowing what it would be like. He used me in ways I didn't know and hurt me as much as he could. he was happy once my blood flowed but not happy enough as I was not you. Still I am glad it was not you, for I do not think you would have been able to endure. At least Naraku was never so violent or bloodthirsty." Kagome's eyes widened when it finally registered that Kotaru had raped Kagura, and from the sounds of it he had hurt her more than he had ever hurt Kagome. "I know how it is, the pain, I know it and I am sorry if I was the cause of it." She finished quietly, catching the tears in the crimson eyes of her companion she dropped her food and walked over to her. She wrapped her in an embrace and whispered soothing words, she felt Kagura start to shake with her tears. Quietly she rubbed her back and rocked her until her sobs became sniffles, and the tears became a trickle wetting her haori. "I did not think you would understand, I mean the only part of me you've really seen is the one who does Naraku's bidding. I tell you now though if I could kill him for what he has done to you and yours I would! He has grown ever stronger now though since he has absorbed Kotaru, I warn you be wary of him this night for I know he will call for you. I will be with your children and keep them safe from harm." Kagome let go of her and nodded, "I promise you Kagura, once Naraku has been defeated you and your sister will have your freedom." Kagura looked into the mesmerizing gaze of the one she hoped to one day call friend. "There is one other thing, Naraku had stated that he had a surprise in store for Sesshomaru. I know what it is and I would like to warn him but I fear he may kill me on the spot." Kagome looked around finding the Scrunchie she had pulled from her hair to rest better she handed it to her, "This will ensure your safety, just tell him I gave it to you and that I await my future. He will no what you mean and allow you to speak." Kagura made to leave but got as far as the door before Kagome's voice carried to her, "I am almost afraid to ask but I must know what is the surprise he has?" Kagura took a deep breath not knowing how to answer for a moment, finally she decided honesty was the best policy. " He has here in the castle someone from his past. While I do not know his name I know that he and Sesshomaru were close. He has no mind of his own now thanks to Naraku and will do what ever he is told to by him. I will say this he looks very similar to Sesshomaru in appearance but for the color of his hair and eyes. His hair is gold to Sesshomaru's silver and his eyes are silver to Sesshomaru's gold." With that she left, leaving Kagome to ponder just who it could be that Naraku thought would be of use against him?


Naraku called for Kanna and when she appeared he had settled down upon the futon in his master's chambers. "Bring the Lady Kagome to me and be quick about it. I would like to break my fast so and I would like for her to join me." Nodding the pale young girl made her way to her sister's rooms. Once there she repeated Naraku's orders to the boy guarding them, when he slid the door open she stepped inside to inform Kagome. "My master requires your presence." When Kagome heard her she sighed but stood, "I knew it was going to come sooner or later." Moving to stand behind the sleight girl she motioned for her to lead the way.

Sesshomaru couldn't help but shake the feeling of ill omen that seemed to settle around his heart this night. Staring into the fire he was locked deep in thought when Inuyasha and Koga made their way over to him. "Hey Sesshomaru what's up? Don't try to say nothing because I can tell by the look in your eyes that something is wrong." His brother had indeed changed much since joining forces with Kagome once more. It seemed as if the hanyou had finally developed some patience, combine that with his strict training by Sesshomaru and the result was a shorter version of his aniiki. While he was only half-demon he still carried himself with the pride of his father. "I can't help shake this feeling that something is wrong. I don't know what it could be but something tells me I am not going to like it." Inuyasha pondered this for a moment, in truth he didn't know what it could be either. To be honest everyone in their little war party had been having the same feeling of dread, he just hoped they reached Kagome in time. She was his soon to be sister if nothing else and she would always hold a piece of his heart. He would do anything to protect her now, the same could be said for Koga. " Sesshomaru I swear to you that we will reach Kagome before any harm may befall her." He looked at the ookami when he was done speaking, they were shocked to see a small smile on his face when he spoke next, "I am not too worried Koga, any one who tries anything with my future mate will be a bit surprised at the power she wields. Not just her miko capabilities or sword fighting, she has yet to unleash her youkai on anyone and if my instincts are correct then she may be even stronger than I." Inuyasha's eye's widened, stronger than his aniiki? The only other he had ever known that was able to best his aniiki was his chichue, so that meant she would be as strong as that? He couldn't hold the laughter in as he thought of the look on her captors' faces when she did finally unleash her dormant youkai. " I am sorry but I couldn't help it, knowing Kagome as I do I know that her captor's are in for a rude awakening if they think they will get her to do their bidding." His laugh was echoed by all in the camp as they finally all mentally pictured Kagome in one of her tirades. Ayame spoke up then,"I will tell you this, the feel I get from my newfound sister is one of trepidation and anger, she has yet to feel fear. So put your worries to rest my lord your soon to be mate fares well." He nodded taking comfort in her statement, he could only hope it remained as such. Quietly they all settled in for the night as Inuyasha took first watch, looking at his younger brother Sesshomaru was again struck by how much he had matured in the past month and a half. Naraku was going to pay and god help anyone who tried to hurt his newly recovered family and newfound friends, for if he had any say in it they would suffer slow and agonizing deaths.

Kagome followed the silent girl as she led her down a series of hallways. Their destination was not the main hall it seemed and she could only wonder at where it was she was being led. She did not have to wonder long as the shape before drew to a stop before a pair of massive doors. Studying them she noted that they were made of cheery wood, their color deep and warm, but the carvings upon them were anything but warming. Slowly her orbs widened as she took in the carvings of scenes of mass destruction. Rape, war, murder, they were all there laid out in wood. She shuddered when they parted, the screeching groan they made did nothing to calm her nerves. She was led inside but was surprised when the pale figure she had followed left her to shut the doors and disappear. Her breath hitched in her throat when she heard Naraku bid her forth. Her eyes again took in her surroundings, it seemed she found herself in the master chambers. It was done in the same manner as the doors, cherry wood off set with cream colored walls, she took note of the same bloody images painted on the walls in this massive chamber. Suddenly a feeling of familiarity wrapped around her very soul as he eyes wandered to the enormous bed that seemed to sit at the very center of the room. This was the same chamber she had seen in her recollections of the past, this was the very same fortress it seemed that she had been brought to when the council bent to the whims of the one she had hated. Now standing in front of the bed his name of the past came back to her, Keisuke, yes though his visage had changed he was the same as before. Greedy, bloodthirsty, and wanting what he could not have. It seemed the goose bumps on her flesh extended to her soul when he spoke again. " Does my room bring back pleasant memories my pet?" He let out an evil chuckle when he saw her beautiful orbs narrow in anger, " What do you hope to accomplish by denying me, hmm? I will have you and your mate will die once again by my hand...but enough of pleasantries I require your attentions this evening and I believe we should start with dinner." She could only follow him as he led the way to the living quarters, once inside her sight took in the large table surrounded by black satin sitting cushions. Her heart wished it were her own white ones of home. Sesshomaru's palace was home? Yes it seemed as though her heart deemed it so as visions of their time spent in quiet repast there swept through her mind's eye. "What do you hope to accomplish by bringing me here Keisuke? I want even less now than I did then." He merely chuckled and motioned for her to sit, tucking her knees under her she did so and was aware of doors opening to her left. Silently Kagura made her way in placing a very large try in the center of the table. Sweeping off the lid a steaming pot of miso almost made her mouth water, Kohaku followed with another large tray and this one revealed a platter of sushi. Villain he may be but it seemed as though Keisuke did enjoy the finer things. She waited for him to serve her and was surprised when he made no move to do so. "Surely you haven't forgotten my pet that it is the woman's job to serve the man." She was tempted to scratch the grin from his face but her stomach rebelled at thought of having to wait longer for sustenance. So she served him a generous plate and then served herself, they ate quietly for a time but her nerves were still on edge, it was no surprise then when she jumped at his sudden slamming of his sake glass upon the wood. Her gaze went to his then and was shocked to find a look of satisfaction on him. What was he smiling about? Whatever it was it couldn't be good she thought. When he made a move towards her she made to move away and was surprised when her limbs suddenly felt as though they weighed far more than they should. Drugged! That was all she could think when he grabbed her and settled her in his lap. "Yes my pet I added a little something to your repast to make you a bit more pliable and agreeable to my demands. I have made it so you can not escape me in death once again." He laughed at the look of hatred in her green and blue orbs when she found she could not speak, "Let us make our way to baths now my pet, and wash away the crumbs of our divine dinner hmmm...."His laughter echoed in the room as he carried her to the springs she had taken note of earlier. Why had she not noticed a difference in her food? Why had she failed to notice the drugs in it as her sense of smell should have warned her? "I am sure you wondering how I was able to drug you so easily eh my pet? Let me enlighten you as to how, the herb I used carries the same sent of sage that is in miso, and if you hadn't been so caught up in your thoughts of escape and violence upon my self then you would have noticed that I did not partake of the soup as eagerly as yourself!" She could only shiver when he stood her upon her shaking limbs and divested her of her clothing," Men's clothing does not suit you my beautiful mate, you should be covered in nothing but your own skin. I also do not like the smell of him that surrounds you!" With that final statement he shredded the last of her cloth barriers so that she stood before him nude, she could only watch in horror as he divested himself of his own clothing and again lifted her into his arms. Slowly he stepped into the hot springs cradling her to his chest as the water wrapped itself around them, he set her on his lap and reached for the oily soap placed to the side. Dipping his fingers in he brought a handful of the smelly substance to lather upon her form,"That is much better, now you shall smell of myself." She could do nothing but scream inside her mind as his hands made their way to all the crevices of her body. Sitting her back against the stones he moved to the center of the springs and dunked himself, when he resurfaced he was facing her. Slowly he prowled his way back to her a grin splitting his features as he drew up in front of her. He let his hands roam once again across her shivering form and dipped his mouth to hers. She couldn't protest as his tongue found it's way inside of her mouth delving and tasting the moistness there. Inside her mind was screaming as he released her mouth only to devour her breasts she felt the pain as his fangs grazed them and felt the blood that trickled out where he broke skin. Finally he lifted her from the water and made his way back into the bedroom part of his chambers. She was beyond angry at this point, how dare he touch what was not freely given! Unwisely he decided to ignore the red in her eyes as he threw her onto his massive bed. She could see his lust as he peered down at her splayed out beneath him. All he could think of was the beauty she portrayed in her creamy satin skin in sharp contrast to the blood red satin of his sheets. His member twitched in lust as he let his eyes greedily drink in her loveliness. She was his! She would be his mate whether she wanted to or not, for once he had made his biting claim to her she would no longer have a will of her own. Yes his youkai was strong enough now that once she was bitten he could take control of her mind as the drug had done to her body. When he leaned in to ravage her mouth once more he was almost too late in noticing that her body was not as pliant as it should be under the influence of the powerful drug he had given her. He was not quick enough to avoid the blinding flash of red that was her poisonous whip. Flaring from her fingertips it caught him along his side as he jumped back. Hissing in his breath as a wave of sharp pain engulfed his ribs he saw red, how dare she defy him! He had drugged her and still she retained some sort of power to refuse his advances. He could not understand it, the witch had told him that the drug would last for 24 hours and yet she was rising from the position in which he placed her. He was in awe when he heard her voice in his head, 'I thought I told you never to touch me? You obviously did not heed my warnings. The only reason you are not dead is that I want to enjoy every second of your demise!' He took another step back and realized just how powerful this woman was when her youkai snaked around her form. She was definitely awe inspiring, but instead of striking fear into him it only made him want her to mate more. His mind took all of this in and decided he may just have to wait until he broke her spirit to claim her body, so be it. If anything he was a patient man and he would have her. Before her drugged form could react he drew back his fist and slammed it into her jaw knocking her unconscious. He caught her as she fell forward and placed her gently back upon his bed. While he still ached in his need of her he wanted her to be awake and aware of him as he slid his member home, just so he could see the shattering of her soul when she came to the understanding that there was no escaping him, and that she belonged to him. Covering her up he moved away from the bed and slipped into his blood red robes and rang for Kanna. When the pale silent girl appeared at his summons he ordered her to have the woman's kits brought to him. Then he had Kohaku retrieve his ace in the hole so to speak from his chambers as well.She would wake to find that she had no power to defy him and in the end he would claim what he kept telling her was his. Smiling wickedly he settled back into his chair and waited for the vision of beauty to awaken to his new schemes.

Ayame hissed in her breath as she woke from her dreams, instantly Koga was awake beside her inquiring as to what was wrong. Shaking her head she could only get out that she needed to talk to Sesshomaru. The taiyoukai awoke instantly at the summons and took note of the sky as it lightened in the hour before dawn. Making his way to where the ookami's mate was seated he stooped down and saw the concern in her eyes. "What is it?" He watched as she drew in one ragged breath before she described the vision she had of Kagome's plight. She described everything from his love's drugged state to finally her unconsciousness. When she had paused he made to move when her hand shot out to capture his wrist, curious he looked back at her. "Sesshomaru who is the man in my dream to you, he has long golden hair and silver eyes. I saw him standing over Kagome as if she belonged to him, the only difference to you in appearance were the switch of hair and eye color." He sucked in his breath at her words, Kami! Could it be after all these years? No trace was ever found of him, could it truly be his uncle?


I hope you all enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it!