Heart of Pain, Heart of Ice

^_^ Untitled


Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.


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Chapter 4: Unable to Understand....

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Sesshoumaru lifted his head up, away from the faint but steady heartbeat.

Shaded afternoon light entered his vision as he opened his eyes.


For a long time, he simply stared at the bedraggled female lying on the
blue green moss before him. Shadows fell from the looming trees above.
The shady splotches danced a dark dance over her defiled body, giving the
impression that her spirit had vanished from this world for a happier one, leaving the
bruised and battered flesh to rot in this place of pain. It was only an illusion
the veiled sunlight played on his numbed senses. She was not dead. Far from it,
her heartbeat grew stronger with each passing minute.

An early evening breeze touched the ragged edges of her pink dress,
a hint of a flutter at the bottom hem. Transfixed, he watched the pink frayed
material as the cooler wind tugged it back and forth. By degrees, his attention traveled
from the hem of her dress, over her midriff, and to her chest.
The half-buttoned garment had crumpled, almost exposing the young girl's breasts.
Pale skin rose and fell with long whispered breaths. Unaware, he went
further along the pallid skin up to the dip where her neck and shoulder met.


The dog demon stared at the wound, two very deep fang marks covered
in both his blood and hers. Crusty reddish brown laced a horrendous
blackening bruise the size of his fist. It had been a savage piercing,
more brutal than any he had ever seen.


Wrenching his gaze away from his gruesome mistake, he shifted his attention
to the girl's face. Smooth pink skin graced innocent features with
the purity of youth. She was no more than a child. A very young...human...child.
Dropping his gaze with an emotion he could not name, the inu youkai glanced across
her muddy disheveled form before closing his eyes. She was so small
compared to him. He could have so easily broken this weakened creature.



Taking a solid breath of self assertion, he opened his eyes to look upon
the girl once more. She was resting, a deep healing sleep bordering on the
rim of unconsciousness. Sesshoumaru considered her condition.
A full demoness recuperated from a marking within minutes.
A female hanyou only needed a few hours but, for a weak human female,
especially one as starved and beaten as this one, it would take at least two days
or more for her body to recover from the shock and awaken.

With that last thought, the dog demon leaned over the young female, slid his
left clawed hand between her warm back and the cool spongy moss then moved his
right arm underneath the girl's knees. Gently, he picked her up and stood.
He stared down at the filthy child in his arms, her limp body in
his protective grip, her serene expression halfway hidden by his shirt, strands
of dingy brown hair plastered to her face and stuck in the mass of clotted gore
on her throat and shoulder. His nostrils flared in annoyance.
The staleness of muddy water merged with the coppery pungency of blood.
The ghost of pain blended with the fading stain of fear.
For an instant, his vision flashed a murderous shade of dark red.
The foul stench of that hanyou lingered, a sickly blanket coating
every inch of her pale skin.

Sesshoumaru switched his attention to his home and began the
numb journey back. The stink of that hanyou needed to be removed.


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It did not take long to return to the door that
opened up into the back yard patio. Maneuvering as best as he could, Sesshoumaru slid
the paned glass back and walked into the sun-room. Not taking the time to
close the door, he proceeded to walk out of the sun-room, through the small
den and into the hallway. When he reached the large downstairs bathroom, he entered
and shut the door.

Slowly, he kneeled, gently laying the female down on the plush bathroom carpet
next to the bath tub. He carefully assessed the filthy girl. This should not be too
difficult. He had watched his step-mother bathe his younger half-brother many times
when he was a child. Sesshoumaru leaned over and began filling the oversized
garden bathing tub with warm water and soap. As the rushing water frothed with
rising bubbles, he turned his attention back to the young female.


Sesshoumaru extended both clawed hands to the buttons of her pink dress then paused.
Closing his eyes, he swallowed heavily. This simple act should
not bother him. He'd already seen her naked body but the inu youkai found
himself blind and frozen. Several seconds passed. In that time the dog demon
fought the unwelcome invading feelings that were beginning to threaten his sanity.
After drawing in a deep breath, he opened his eyes and began to unbutton the
material. As each button fell away, his normally steady hands began to shake.
He paused again, raising one hand in front of his face. Crusted, black crimson
stained the tips of his claws. Returning to the intended task, the dog demon
glanced at the girl's arms, nearly wincing. The young female had struggled.
Unfortunately for both of them, she had not been able to break away.


After the last button at the bottom hem had been taken care of, he
reached over and turned off the running water, his sleeve brushing against
the bubbles in the process. Grabbing some towels from a nearby shelf,
he laid one down next to the tub and kept the other folded to the side before
turning to the girl once more. He had not removed the dirty garment
from her body. In between the buttons, a line of exposed flesh reached from
her throat to her faded pink underwear. Trying to control his thundering
heartbeat, Sesshoumaru reached toward the girl and began removing the
dress and undergarment. When finished, he carefully slid both clawed hands underneath
her shoulders and pulled the naked girl forward. Limp, her bare warmth fell against
his chest, her cheek resting on his shoulder. With some effort, he first stood then
kneeled by the tub, lowering the sleeping female by slow degrees into the bubbly water.
Taking a wash cloth in his right hand while holding on to the girl with the other,
Sesshoumaru began the unaccustomed task of bathing another being.


The wet cloth smoothed the soapy water over her skin. Soon, Sesshoumaru
found the touch of soft, bare skin pleasing to the pads of his fingers. His hand slid
across her body, moving from her shoulders and arms to the fullness of her breasts.
Without thinking, he cupped the right one with his cloth covered hand. His
fingertips tingled, indulging in the delicate roundness that nearly filled his
palm. A distinct, aching pull began deep inside him as he absently rubbed across
one nipple. His body reacted to the sensation. Sesshoumaru growled in frustration
at his hardening arousal. Willing the urge to pass, he finished by
carefully cleansing her face and washing her long brown hair.


As he lifted the girl up out of the bubble bath, stray bubbles stuck in patches
to her wet skin while hot water fell, dripping small droplets on the light blue carpet.

After easing the young female down on the towel, he covered her body with the
other white towel then went in search of something for her to wear.
Returning a minute later with one of his t-shirts, he once again
kneeled by her side. Taking great care, Sesshoumaru dried the small female,
dressed her, gathered her up in his arms, then carried her across the
hall to the downstairs bedroom. He neared the queen sized bed then gently
laid the sleeping girl on the royal blue comforter, propping her head up on the
pillow. She needed to be kept warm. Reaching over to the bedside night table,
he grabbed a large cream colored velour blanket out of the drawer.
When he was assured the young female would not get cold,
Sesshoumaru stood silently by the bed, staring at the woman child he had marked.


What was he going to do? The gravity of the situation dawned on him.
He had chosen, or more to the truth, his instincts had chosen without his
consent. Why did his instincts betray him? Why had his
rage blinded him, allowing the animal lust for this sick, weak, pathetic
wisp of a girl? Why had he not killed the bitch when he awoke
from his rage driven instincts? He waited but heard no answer to his silent
questions.

How was he going to tell his father? Not that his father would be displeased.
Far from it. His sire would be most thrilled with the choice. Seeing as his father's
current mate was human. Human....the word cut through his thoughts like a
razor sharp knife. The lowly beings were beneath him. They were the scourge
of the earth, the jagged scar on society. He hated them.


Sesshoumaru turned around, not able to look at what now lay on his bed, not able
to stand the sight of his new human female mate.

Dark anger heated his every thought, almost shattering reality into a blistering,
fiery rage. Thick, oozing warmth dripped in staccato rhythm from his tightened
fists as the scent of warm copper flashed across his senses. The dog demon
dropped his gaze to the light blue carpet that was now stained with small black spots
of his fresh blood. He stared at the stains. Slowly, the angry cloud of emotion drifted
away, lacking purpose. No. She now belonged to him, his lifelong human mate....and
he would have to deal with it. This was his mistake and his responsibility.

The youkai's gaze drifted slowly to his once white shirt. Smudges of brown blood
and dried tears now soiled the material. Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder
once toward the sleeping girl before leaving the room.


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After taking his second shower of the day, Sesshoumaru dripped his way to his
bedroom, a towel around his waist, passing the girl's room along the way.
He found a dark blue shirt and black dress pants in his closet.
When he finished dressing, the inu youkai went in search of food.

Upon entering the kitchen, a thought struck him. He had no food that a young
human girl could possibly want. Opening the refrigerator door, he glanced in,
finding nothing. The only food in the house was frozen steak in the freezer.
Snatching his wallet and keys from the bar, Sesshoumaru quickly checked on
the sleeping girl before setting the burglar alarm and leaving the house.


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Sesshoumaru entered the small convenience store. The male human clerk at the counter
glanced up once, eyeing him before returning to his reading. The smell of
new plaster lingered and the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeated the air.
The shelves were dust free. From what he could tell, the store was new.
It seemed these quick mart gas stops were popping up everywhere lately.
Thankfully, this one had a grocery section. He would have had to travel a
few more miles to the grocery store but he did not want to spend too much time
away from the girl. For some reason, it felt wrong to leave her by herself for very
long. Grabbing some bread, milk, soup, cheese and lunchmeat, Sesshoumaru walked
to the register and placed the items on the counter.

The brown haired attendant put away the newspaper. "Will there be anything else?"


Sesshoumaru glanced around. Spotting a barrel full of fruit, he picked two apples,
two oranges and three bananas and added them on the counter.

After ringing up the items, the clerk asked again, "Anything else?"

Something that caught his eye while the human male was busy
ringing up purchases was a small stuffed panda bear on a shelf by the counter. He pointed
to it. "How much for the stuffed animal?"

The attendant glanced at the toy. "Six dollars."

"I'll take it." Sesshoumaru said as he dropped his hand.

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As he drove, Sesshoumaru glanced at the dim evening sky, noting that the sun would
fall behind the tree-line soon. The convenience store had been just a few
miles away and it took a few minutes to drive back home.
Upon nearing his house, he glanced at the house across the street
with a leer forming on his face. The black SUV was parked in front.

After parking in his driveway, Sesshoumaru grabbed the brown paper bag full of groceries
before stepping out of the car.

Without a glance toward his neighbors, he walked to his front door,
unlocked it, entered his home and switched off the burglar alarm.

First, he went straight to the kitchen and placed the bag on the counter
by the refrigerator. Next, he hurriedly went and checked on the girl.
Somewhat relieved to find her still resting, Sesshoumaru returned to the kitchen
and began filling the cabinet and fridge. Just as he was about to finish, a
knocking sounded at the front door.

Already sensing who it was, the dog demon let out a low growl to himself.
While trying to suppress the hot rage in his blood, Sesshoumaru slowly walked to
the foyer. When he opened the door, he found himself eye to eye with the hanyou.
With a forced mask of cool indifference, the inu youkai spoke in an even tone,
"Yes?"

The raven haired half-demon smiled a warm, fake smile. "Greetings, my name is Naraku."

Sesshoumaru kept his gaze even with the hanyou, ignoring the offered hand. "Yes?"


With a hint of irritation in his slightly fading smile, the hanyou lowered his
hand then pointed to his house. "I'm from the house across the street."


The scarlet gaze turned back to him. "I'm sorry to bother you but...you see...
I have a fifteen year old daughter and I can't seem to find her. Have you seen a
petite girl with long brown hair....." the half demon raised his open hand up, palm
side down, to a point about five feet from the ground, somewhat level with his chest.
".....about this tall?"

With a neutral expression, Sesshoumaru shook his head in a slow motion once.
"No, I have not seen your daughter."

Darkening red eyes narrowed a fraction of an inch as they darted to the house
before returning instantly with reserved civility. "Thank you for your time, neighbor.
Forgive me for interrupting your quiet evening."

The inu youkai gave a nod then watched the half-demon walk down the concrete
pathway leading to his driveway.

Closing the front door, Sesshoumaru inhaled deeply, trying to force the
urge to kill away. The dog demon knew the bastard hanyou was suspicious
but the half-demon could do nothing and would not dare call the authorities.
No, that would expose the sick son of a demon whore for who he really was.
Sesshoumaru's claws extended with a loud crack as a bloody scene of
retribution darkened his thoughts. A small sneer lifted the corners of his
mouth as he envisioned ripping the half-demon's throat out. No...the weak
hanyou would not dare use his pathetic powers against him. The bastard
was no match for him... and they both knew it.


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Okay, I thought that was a good place to stop. Sorry for the wait. I am in
a brain fog. MY story telling is suffering at the moment. Things just aren't
coming out the way I want them to. Maybe it will ease up soon. Hope all who
read enjoyed.


Thank you all so much for the reviews! I could not believe the imput of reviews
for this dark story. Your comments help boost my lagging talent to get up and
go.

Seth: thank you seth. that was an inspirational review. Breathtaking? well put.
^_^

stayingput29: Yes, I meant for the bite to be in that sense. Sesshoumaru would
have never bitten her in any other circumstance. Think about it this way.
One, Sesshoumaru hates humans, two: when he began seeing what the girl was going
through, subconsciously he began to feel bad for her. this feeling showed itself
as a hurting ache in his gut that would not diminish. three: when he saw how brutal
Rin's bruises were, a part of him, deep inside, did not want her to rn trn to
the male hanyou she called father. Four, when Rin tried to bolt it angered
him. His instincts used that rage and fulfilled his unconscious wish for the girl
to stay away from the evil hanyou by binding Sesshoumaru to her. If the girl
had gotten away, he felt deep down inside there would be no other chance of
saving her. In his right mind, Sesshoumaru would have watched the girl run
and not have bothered to chase her. hope i kinda explained it right. my brain is
not working correctly lately. ^_^


faerie

Pallas

Nekiochan: Sesshoumaru marked her as his in a rage driven by instinctual lust.


MomOfFluffyandFluffier

Taiki

dragonflyelj


New Fan

RavenShadow

SessRin2003
Kin
quanku
Bsasmai
animechick262003: lol, biscuit eater. we have a saying in the south. 'son of
a biscuiteater' instef sof son of a b**ch. lol.

golden
Berinsama56
Anne

Tiranth: Del-Kaiden? I'll have to thank her. ^_^. Yes a mating mark.
Del-Kaiden: ^_^ thanks.

Fuzzy: no, he did not r@pe Rin. Only mark her.

No One Knows

Ugly
Mistress Sakura

Beruda: lol. I nearly laughed out loud at the comment. He's got a lot to
learn about being a good neighbor. lol!

ami
Karina