A Heart's Strangled Cry

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own InuYasha! He belongs to Rumiko Takahashi (Damn, lucky her!)! Enjoy!

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Chapter 5: Midnight Crisis
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Sesshomaru stared down at her with a mixed expression as he held Kagome in his arms. Leaning on his propped arm, Sesshomaru ran a hand softly over the outline of her shapely figure. His youkai purred happily at the contact, pointedly ignoring him as they touched their mate, from her soft skin to the slick silkiness of her nightgown. Kagome…

Leaning forward, he nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck where his mark was. Closing his eyes, he thought back to dinner. It had felt so good to be home; around familiar scents such as his daughter and Kagome…even seeing Jaken was up-lifting to a degree. Eating with family once again, Sesshomaru felt as if it was just like old times…until he began to think of her once again.

Even after that tantalizing and almost hypnotic kiss his mate gave him, even after the comfort and support she gave him about his business problems, he still thought of Chiihiro, wondering how it would be like if she was there, eating with them. He couldn't help but feel as if he was slowly cutting Kagome side from side until she couldn't stand up on her own anymore. His eyes tightened shut as he clutched Kagome tighter to him.

Kagome seemed so foreign to him that it frightened him. He didn't know what to say around her anymore. It was as if there was tension between them so intense that he had to take a deep breath after a few moments to clear his muddled thoughts and clear his head. It was…it was almost as if, as if she knew…

He stubbornly shook his head slightly, scoffing silently. No, it's impossible for her to know, I was very discreet about this. He lifted his head to stare down sadly at her relaxed, angel face – his heart squeezing uncomfortably as she smiled within her sleep. I know that what this Sesshomaru is doing is wrong, but…I just can't seem to help myself. He slowly got up as to not awaken her before slipping from the covers until his bare feet met the cold, marble floor.

Wrapping his tail around him for some warmth in the slightly chilled air of the uprising autumn, he walked quickly to their large closet, he went to his half where his business suits and casual wear resided. Shrugging on a long sleeve, button up shirt of dark burgundy; he slipped into a pair of comfortable jeans before putting socks on. Brushing his hair quickly, he eyed the clock on his dresser: one thirty a.m. He was going to be late if he didn't hurry. After putting on the concealment spell on once again, he watched as his silver hair disappeared to black and now reached to his mid back. His golden eyes remained however, piercing through the darkness when the moonlight didn't.

Walking out, he walked towards the door only to stop when hearing a whimper. Concern flashing through his head, he turned around to have feel as if he was being slapped across the face. Kagome lied on her side still, but now, her face was scrunched up beautifully in discomfort, almost as if in pain. Walking forward, he crouched down before her and gently stroked her cheek with his hand with his youkai whining in sadness, pressing him to stay and comfort their mate. However, he whispered softly after a few moments as her face relaxed, a content sigh leaving her as she leaned into his touch,

"Kagome…" He whispered softly, almost desperately wishing for her to understand,

"I'm sorry, Kagome." Standing up, Sesshomaru quickly left the room before she was to awaken from his touch. Asumimasen…

And just like that, Sesshomaru left once again from his family, to a woman that lived halfway across the city.

Kagome once again began to whimper the moment he left the room.

-

This place…is familiar…Kagome thought to herself as she walked through the meadow. Looking down at herself, she gasped to find herself wearing one of her favorite, traditional kimonos. With only three layers of silk, Kagome with wonder, brushed her fingertips against the fine crimson red fabricate, tracing the golden-trimmed dragons that wrapped around her arms. My old, favorite kimono…is this possible? Looking upwards, Kagome looked around her.

Trees stretched on for miles, the vegetation so green that she almost lost to her inner child to go and run through it, laughing. The birds chirped happily, the sky was bright blue, uncontaminated by the world's pollution. The sweet smell of nature filled her. Closing her eyes, she favored every sensation. The wilderness, it's so comforting that I can't put it into words…

"Mommy!"

"Mama!"

"Mother!"

Kagome turned around swiftly, hearing choruses of her name being called. Her mouth dropped, her eyes widening. She took a few moments to take in everything as she saw all of her twenty-two children in a group in their kimonos, haoris, and hakamas. Lifting a hand to her mouth, she felt her eyes water as she stared at her handsomely smiling sons in their gleaming armor and swords to her beautiful daughters in their splendid kimonos and sashes.

"Everyone…" She whispered breathlessly as she finally took a hesitant step forward, trying to decide if this was an illusion or not. She watched with horror as the ground beneath her cracked. Snapping her head upwards, she reached forward,

"Minna - !" Taking another step, Kagome couldn't hold back the scream that left her as the grassy meadow shattered like glass…like the mirror she broke.

"NO!"

Kagome looked around her, her eyes tearing as their heads stared down at her from the semi-hole that was above her, the only peaking light that filtered through the darkness as she continued to fall.

As she fell, farther away from her children even as she reached out to them, Kagome saw images scattered around her as she fell…like moving pictures. She watched, her tears falling down her face, her hair billowing around her as she looked at them. There were so many…like memories. Of how she fell into the well…unleashing InuYasha…meeting Shippo and defeating the Thunder Brothers…meeting Urasue, the demon witch that took part of her soul before sealing it into Kikyo…meeting Miroku…being bound into the tree as Kikyo tried to take InuYasha to hell with her…meeting Sango…Koga…Kagura…Kanna…Naraku…Jaken…Rin…Akitoki Hojo…her sitting InuYasha…the evil sword, Sounga…Kaguya and her enchanted mirrors…Menomaru and Hyoga…Myoga…Totosai…InuTaisho…Saiya, the floating ghost…Kohaku…Ginta and Hakaku…Midoriko…Sesshomaru…everything.

Closing her eyes, Kagome whimpered as painful memories, memories she wished to dwell in with the past, resurfaced into her mind's eye. Clutching her hands on the sides of her head, she curled up into a ball as she fell.

"Stop, please stop!"

Kagome's eyes snapped open when she felt an invisible jab into the back of her head. Gasping…Kagome couldn't stop herself from falling forward, feeling the familiar warm liquid of blood sneak down her neck. What…what happened?

Crying out as she fell onto the cold, glass floor that seemed to last forever, Kagome couldn't find the strength to get onto her feet as she laid on the floor, her head out to the side so she could breathe. Her eyelids drooping, she ignored the itching sensation as a trickle of blood crept down her cheek from above her ear. Looking downwards, her eyes glazed, she noticed a dark substance surrounding her. What, what is that? Allowing her hand to shift upwards, she felt the tears building up as dark, crimson red stained her hand. B-blood? But, but how?

"Kagome…"

As the tears trailed down her face, Kagome shifted her head to find,

"Sesshomaru…" She breathed out, relief flooding through her as Sesshomaru knelt down before her.

She watched as he brought a clawed hand towards her to stroke her cheek. Letting out a content sigh, she welcomed the relief and security to blanket over her with warmness.

"Sesshomaru…" She whispered as joyful tears built underneath her closed eyes, leaning into his touch.

Opening her eyes, she couldn't help but stare into the endless, golden suns that peered down at her. Losing herself in them, she watched confused as he turned his head over his shoulder before looking down at her. Her eyes widened in panic as he started to get up,

"No, Sesshomaru, please…!" She reached out to just lightly snag onto his fingers, her eyes begging as he glanced down at her from his half-raised position.

"Please…" She begged, her tears growing heavy. "Please, don't leave me alone…not here in the darkness…please." She watched, her heart sobbing as he took his other hand to gently take her own to unclasp them from their grip on his hand,

"I'm sorry, Kagome…"

"No…" She whispered in disbelief and hysteria as Sesshomaru began to walk away from her bloodied form.

"Sesshomaru!" Her voice croaked out in a raspy voice, her hand outstretched,

"Please, Sesshomaru! Don't leave me!"

Her hand stretched further ahead of her as she watched him stop before a woman in a white skirt that reached her knees, white high heels, and a light blue cashmere, off-the-shoulder sweater. She couldn't see her face other than her cherry lips, lightly flushed cheeks, and perfect button nose as her long dark-brown hair swayed at her hips. She watched with horror as they joined hands before slowly walking away from her…turning their backs to her.

"Sesshomaru…" She whispered before screaming as tears mixed with the blood surrounding her,

"SESSHOMARU! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME, SESSHOMARU! COME BACK! SESSHOMARU!"

The darkness was all that she found…suffocating her as she called out to a lover that moved on.

-

"Sesshomaru!"

Crying out, Kagome's eyes snapped open to find herself lying on her side, facing the closed bedroom door.Looking down when feeling dampness, she was shocked to found soaked tears in the fabric of her soft pillow. Slowly, almost cautiously, she sat up until she faced forward, her chest ballooning. As the images of the dream filtered through her mind, tears unconsciously coursed down her face.

With her hands shaking horribly, she brought them to her chest over her racing heart. Gulping, she took a shaking hand and placed it behind her head to feel no mark or wound. Sighing in relief, she shuddered in her wake, slumping forward slightly. It was only a dream…it was only a dream…it was only a dream…only a dream…just a dream. Licking her dry lips, she asked quietly,

"Sesshomaru, are you awake? S-Sesshomaru?" Looking over to her left, she felt her heart stop.

The bed was cleanly made as if he had never been there before she fell asleep. Lips quivering as the familiar dryness of her throat started to constrict her, Kagome felt a shudder wrack through her body before the explosion of tears overcame her.

Sobbing, Kagome fell to her left side, messing up the folded and tucked in blankets once more, her tears seeking comfort in the fabric that smelled so strongly of him. Her hands moved to violently clutch the soft comforter as her body moved into a bowed position, one of that of a submissive servant almost begging for mercy. No…She weakly thought in hysteria as her sobs coursed through her unforgiving. He…he left again…Rubbing her face viciously against the cloth before her in attempt of comfort on her part, she tried to get rid of the images of her dream.

"Sesshomaru," She whimpered, "Why is it that w-whenever I need y-you…y-you're never HERE?"

Lifting her right arm, she rammed her clenched fist against the mattress before repeating it over and over again, getting faster and harder than the last.

"NO! SESSHOMARU, DAMN IT!" She screamed into the comforter as her inner turmoil continued to rage on.

She couldn't understand it – she simply couldn't. No matter how much love and affection she gave him, no matter how much determination and dedication she gave to him, he still left her…no matter what. Why? She thought broken-heartedly as she rose to her hands and knees, her head still bowed. Why can't he love me like before? Why can't he be happy with me? Why aren't his children and me enough? What have I done wrong? Why can't I fix this? WHY? Eyes flashing red to blue and back again, Kagome felt her youkai howling with rage and sadness within her so powerful, Kagome almost buckled down once again against the bed.

Sobbing as her hair fell over her somewhat bare shoulders, she clutched her hands into the fabric again until her knuckles went white from the force. Why aren't I enough? She helplessly lost to her youkai as she threw her head back and howled loudly, letting it echo throughout the whole mansion…not caring who heard, just as long as they understood how lonely, angry, sad, and depressed she was. It just wasn't fair, why does she have to go through this? What did she do wrong? The only thing she could ever remember fighting with Sesshomaru about was when their daughters were at the age where they were up for mating and suitors and his beatings on Jaken when he had started showing his old age of fragility. She felt left in the dark…a place she never liked.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her door was met with insistent pounding and cries from Asahi.

"MOMMY! Is mommy all right? Is mommy hurt? What's wrong so Asahi can make it better, onegai haha-ue!"

Sniffling, Kagome hurriedly got off of her bed and tried to get rid of the tears that somehow continued on, as if never-ending. Brushing her hair back with her fingers, Kagome opened her door enough to find Asahi there; her eyes big and teary as she held on to her favorite stuffed rabbit. Kagome let out an emotionally drained smile, catching the leaping Asahi as she jumped into her arms,

"Why is mommy so sad?" She asked as she snuggled into her arms.

Sniffling, Kagome didn't answer, instead, she buried her face into her small shoulder as sobs continued to exploit from her. Asahi clenched her eyes tightly in worry as she felt the immense sadness protruding from her mother in waves that Asahi almost choked from the force. Burying her face into her mother's sculptured shoulders, she reassuringly licked her soft skin to calm her down, to get her distracted from her thoughts and on the feeling of comfort.

Kagome's eyes cracked open enough to let out some more tears into her daughter's silky raven-silver hair. She let out a soft sigh as she felt her daughter's soft, but slightly rough tongue lovingly and soothingly rub against her shoulder in an attempt of comfort. Readjusting her grip on her daughter, she placed her head gently on top of Asahi's as she continued with her task. Hugging her tightly to her form, Kagome stroked her daughter's tail, letting her know that she was appreciating her for what she was doing. Asahi gave a happy purr as her attempts succeeded in her mother's sobs decreasing to light whimpers and finally, only silent tears.

Asahi relaxed against her mother's strong, comforting form even though she was the one giving comfort. She couldn't stand it when her mother cried; it always made her heart break. Wrapping her small legs as much as she could around her upper torso, Asahi snuggled closer to her, almost as if she was trying to absorb all the turmoil from her. Her mother was always a strong person by heart, she knew that – how else did she defeat Naraku from all the times Uncle InuYasha told her stories of their adventures together? From what she knew of her younger mother, she was someone that although was sensitive, didn't allow it to show publicly, afraid to be a burden. What was causing mommy to act so much unlike herself?

Asahi sleepily yawned before continuing as if second nature. She whined softly in happiness when she heard her mother give a weak chuckle before feeling her turn around to go to her bed. Asahi felt warmth wash over her as she was met by both of her parents' scents when they entered their room. She happily bounced on the springy bed when Kagome settled her down. Smiling softly, Kagome climbed in after her. Scooting over, Asahi snuggled close to her mother, her tail wrapping around Kagome's waist. Nuzzling the top of Asahi's head, Kagome grasped the beige sheets and brought them up until they were tucked underneath Asahi's chin.

"Goodnight, haha-ue." Wrapping her arms around her, Kagome responded softly as she allowed her daughter's soothing scent wash over her,

"Goodnight, my little morning star."

Asahi stared at her mother's bare neck for a few moments before deciding not to ask where daddy was. She then fell asleep along side her mother, a sinking feeling that he was the source of her distress.

What both didn't notice was that the mating mark on Kagome's left shoulder in the crook where her neck and shoulder met seemed to darken ever the slightest – it's features slowly sharpening, showing a dark green crescent moon.

-

Jaken stared at them from the slightest crack from the door before he gave a relieved sigh when finding that Kagome's youkai had been restrained, thanks to Asahi. When deeming the mansion's habitants' lives were safe, Jaken softly closed the door as to not awaken either of them. Grunting, Jaken heaved himself with the help with the two-headed staff. Giving a sigh, he continued on with a lot more ease and less use of the weapon turned cane. It wasn't the fact that he couldn't walk; it was just getting up that was the problem – a fact that took him years to accept of him finally reaching his golden, final years of life.

Please, Kami-sama, allow this to be over with before I move on to the afterlife, I wish to see my master and mistress the way they were before I die.

As Jaken tiredly walked down the long hall to the South wing where the servants lived, Jaken thought over the years. Sure, he had been upset (As he thought back on it) when he found out that he…the Great Jaken whom was the faithful retainer of the Fearsome Lord Sesshomaru, Taiyoukai of the Western Lands, had been reduced to baby-sitting the children. All the annoying games, the rudeness of them (Even though they never understood) towards him, all their obvious and annoying questions, their innocence and complete happiness that sickened him…

…he couldn't have been any happier.

It had taken him a few years, but he finally understood as to why he was always referred to as the babysitter – they, as in his master and mistress, trusted and still do trust him, with their children…their lives within his hands. When he stumbled upon that fact, Jaken bluntly flooded in tears of joy and happiness of deserving such trust…it was one of the only few things he wanted in life…to be trusted with something valuable.

Opening his door, Jaken shuffled in as he broke out of his train of thoughts. Turning on a nearby lamp, Jaken peered around his room. Although he was a servant like all the others, his was by far larger than the others like a personal suite to himself – showing his high position with the owners of the household. Sure, new servants often complained when finding out this tidbit of information, but they soon learned why when they got a taste of his two-headed staff.

Chuckling under his breath, Jaken moved to his bed, only to plop down on it heavily with a sigh.

Settling his staff against the wall near the nightstand, Jaken leaned forward and plucked open the top drawer, only to take out a big, leather-bound book. Shifting to a more comfortable spot on his bed, he untied the knot that kept it together and started to flip through the pages. A photo album with centuries of memories opened before him. He critically eyed all of them, noting each happy face as within every few years, a few more faces were joined in the Taiyoukai family. A rare, fond smile lit up his face as he found his favorite picture.

It was taken back two years ago when Asahi was four – it was the day of his birthday, his…oh, gosh…what was it again? Oh, yes…his 3,203rd birthday. Ha, he still remembered. He sat there on the picnic blanket with all the children surrounding him, from oldest to youngest, which was Asahi as she hugged him around the waist with a few others. Some had their arms slung around his shoulders, one of the troublemakers doing a 'bunny' ears behind his head. Kagome and Sesshomaru sat behind him, Kagome smiling happily and warmly with her hands settled on his already arm-filled shoulders and Sesshomaru, possessively close to her, only smirked at the camera. But as Jaken looked closer, he could see the small tenderness in his golden orbs.

He gave a sad sigh. Where have those days gone? Unable to continue without his thoughts going downhill, Jaken closed the book heavily and tied the knot before putting it back in its respective place in the nightstand. Scooting backwards, he turned his body to face the direction of the door before sliding underneath the covers. Reaching over, he flicked the lamp off and faced the ceiling as the moon's light filtered through the window beside him, casting a long glow across the bare floor.

He thought back to earlier this night.

He had never felt so afraid as he did when he heard Kagome's youkai howl as loud as she could, vibrations coursing through the walls. He shivered as he remembered the intensity of the sorrow that was filled. He immediately knew as the howl echoed throughout his room…Sesshomaru had left once again.

Jaken's eyes narrowed at the ceiling. He had known his master since he was a wee little pup, he knew what to expect from him. He knew how he was angered, when something struck a nerve, when he was hurt, or when he was lazy or pleasant. He could always tell. But now, now all he saw now was a stranger that he barely knew. A shell of the person he once knew. Shifting into a comfortable position, Jaken closed his eyes as he commanded his body to rest, even though his mind was in a whirlwind of emotions, memories, and questions – he would need the strength for when Kagome finally woke up from her deep sleep. Without a doubt, Sesshomaru's hasty escape to go back to the other woman had shattered Kagome's resolve to keep the marriage going for Asahi's sake.

He solely wished how all of this happened.

-

The first thing she saw was a head of black and silver as it snuggled closer to her. Frowning, she hugged the little inuyoukai to her, her chin settling on the top of her crown. Running her hands through her daughter's long black-silver hair, Kagome thought back to last night. Confusion swept through her as she looked to her left before realization hit her once again. He…he left…again. Biting her lip, she swore herself not to cry in front of Asahi again, thus making the girl worry about her even more so than she should.

She scowled at herself angrily for making Asahi worried sick last night. Now she'll have a hovering Asahi around her and usually when she hovered, she would blab to Sesshomaru, without a doubt telling him what happened last night. She inwardly scolded her youkai whom in return only looked away, her eyes cast down.

Slightly put out by this reaction, Kagome sighed and shifted in her position so that she could look over her shoulder to glance at the digital clock on her nightstand.

6:54

Once again, she sighed before laying her cheek on Asahi's head, giving off a light purr as her youkai showed up within her eyes, her eyes crimson. Their purr was like a lullaby and a 'Thank you' to Asahi for her help last night in calming her before she lost to herself in a rage once again. Kagome could never and would never forget the horror-filled face that reflected on Asahi when she saw her holding a servant in the air by the neck, snarling angrily. She hadn't known Asahi was back from school and had thought it safe to lose to her youkai, thinking that it would only lie down on the bed once again, whimpering…not going into a killing rage.

Ever since than, she never truly trusted her youkai for a while. But now, being with Asahi, she knew that her youkai wouldn't do anything reckless to awaken her, but before she could say or do anything, her ear perked up as she heard her door opening and closing. Looking over her shoulder curiously, her face softened when Jaken appeared by her side with his trusty two-headed staff. She couldn't help but to look away ashamed, knowing that he knew what happened last night.

She and her youkai sighed in relief when he merely patted her head reassuringly, showing he wasn't in any way upset with her. Relaxing once again into the bed, she asked softly,

"Is there something you need, Jaken-kun?"

She felt the bed dip when he sat down near the end. She was grateful when Asahi turned away from her, mumbling so that she could sit up as well, not caring if Jaken saw her in only a nightgown. He saw her in worse conditions (Which were totally by accident when she was just newly mated with Sesshomaru).

"In a moment, but most importantly, are you okay?" Looking down at her laid out hands on her lap; she asked quietly as her voice cracked with emotion,

"Why did he leave?"

Jaken bit his lip and sighed uncomfortably,

"I do not know, Kagome-chan. I may have been with him since he was a pup, but it only took me a few days to realize I could never truly work out the maze-like mind that is Sesshomaru-sama's. He is unpredictable, you know this." She nodded her head in agreement as she idly smoothed the wrinkled cover on her lap to keep her occupied.

"Has he…has he come back since he left?" Her heart broke when Jaken replied,

"No, he didn't." She tried once again, her heart shattering,

"Did he…did he call?" A lone tear left her eye as Jaken replied,

"No, he hasn't. Gomen nasai, Kagome-chan." Jaken felt his heart freeze from the almost dead-like chuckle that left her,

"There is nothing for you to be sorry for, Jaken-kun. Is there anything else you needed to talk to me about?" Taking a breath, Jaken nodded.

"Yes, you have a visitor awaiting for you downstairs." Her eyes widened,

"A visitor?"

When Jaken nodded, she growled underneath her breath and turned to her right until her dainty feet touched the chilling marble floor. I really need to get carpet in here. She added as she shifted a little,

"So I can leave it to you to make sure Asahi gets ready for school?"

Jaken however, was staring wide eyed at the marking on her left crook of her neck. The green of the mark that faded with time like all marks do, had darkened back to its original color of dark green, showing the divine crescent moon that stood out against her lightly tanned skin. The mark…it is beginning…He shook out of his thoughts when Kagome's voice asked,

"Jaken-kun, daijobou ka?" Turning to Kagome, he nodded,

"Hai, what is it that you asked?" Kagome chuckled,

"Losing your memory cells, Jaken-kun? I thought you told me you had a few centuries left in you." She giggled silently when he playfully huffed, folding his arms across his chest,

"I hope you know that I was only thinking to myself that I lost track?" Kagome nodded before saying,

"So its short-time memory now, is it?" She put her face into her pillow, peals of laughter coming from her when he growled at her,

"Don't you have a visitor to go attend to? Your presence is annoying me greatly!"

Nodding her head while still giggling, she got out of the body, instantly shivering at the chillness of the room and willed herself not to dive into the bed where Asahi was currently snuggled in.

"Hai, Jaken-kun, hai."

As she walked away to get ready, Jaken slightly smiled.

Maybe there's still hope for you yet, Kagome-chan. Just please, be strong for you and Asahi.

He looked at Asahi and sighed. He really was getting tired of always wakening the brats, especially this one. He didn't know where Kagome and Sesshomaru got the idea to name her morning star when she was the only one grumpy in the morning. Just like Kagome-sama.

Shaking his head, he set to work.

Oh my god, thanks you guys for all of the beautiful reviews! (Starts crying) Sorry if I'm being emotional, it's just…oh, man. I'm touched.

Miss Artemis: (Turns to Sesshomaru) So, how does it feel to be the center of hatred of your fan girls? MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Sesshomaru: (Growls angrily) It's your damn fault, onna! This Sesshomaru would NEVER betray his mate!

Miss Artemis: (Shrugs) Too bad, in this one you do. You heartless asshole!

Sesshomaru: (Rushes forward with his claws outstretched)

Miss Artemis: (Squeaks before typing at a lightning fast pace)

(Sesshomaru finds himself bound and gagged as he glares dangerously at her)

Miss Artemis: (Sighs happily) God I love being an author! Anyways, onto the reviews!

Reviewers:

kar00: Yeah, glad it did! Hope you like this one!

kagomes pup: (Blushes) Thank you!

inuxkagfan: Glad you love it! Hope you like this chapter!

Ember-Angel: Yeah, a long review! (Hugs her to death) About Chiihiro finding out about Sesshomaru? You'll find out! (lol) And about InuYasha's reaction…(Smiles wickedly)…I'm already thinking it out. Thanks for the review! Hope you continue to do so!

Seryu (Anonymous): Anytime, I love to reply to reviewers and I love it even more when they reply back. And no, it's okay. You're not annoying, I really enjoy long reviews! (Hugs her to death once again) I'm really glad you can relate to this story, I was hoping some can (Even though I never experienced this before…--;;;). For his youkai, yes, his youkai would be very against him being with another woman, so if he does make the decision in staying with Chiihiro, he'll be in for a long, LONG lifetime of hatred and battles with his youkai. Thanks for all of the suggestions, they made me think! I hope I didn't bring out any bad memories! Thanks for reviewing, please continue doing so! And thanks for the two reviews:D

ADSV: Wow…that has got to be the longest review I have ever had…YEAH FOR ME! (Hugs her to death) I am VERY glad you like my story and I am also happy that you can relate to the story because it has happened to you (Even though it has never happened to me…--;;;). You'd know what women in a troubled relationship would feel like and experience. I'm glad you took interest within the mating mark because it'll set off a chain of events. (Oops, wasn't supposed to let that out. Oh well, too late! Lol) Thank you for the suggestions! Thanks to you and Seryu (Anonymous), you guys got me thinking in a way for Kagome to finally see the woman that Sesshomaru has been seeing behind her back. I'll look in on them! Thanks for the two reviews! But now, for your questions about Kagome's eating problems…For the five months before Kagome had OFFICIALLY found out that Sesshomaru has indeed been with another woman, it was only a hunch. She could only guess that was the solution so she still had hope it was something else. The non-eating began when she got solid proof that he was with another woman, so it has only been going on for a few days. Nothing major. And about Sesshomaru being selfish…yes he is in a way. Truthfully, he's doing this because he's confused. He's experiencing feelings unknown to him other than from Kagome, so it would only be natural that he seek the answer out, which would be near Chiihiro. (DAMN YOU SESSHOMARU FOR HURTING KAGOME! Grr, okay, had to let that out) And about love surviving without trust? Simple, it can't. So, Sesshomaru will have a hard time convincing Kagome to come back to him if he were to choose her. Thanks for the reviews! (Sorry this was so long…laughs sheepishly) Please review!

Silverwish of StarClan: I'll have to agree with you, Sesshomaru is being a total jerk (Although bastard would be more appropriate in his case) and yes, about Kagome being hurt when Asahi wanted Sesshomaru to tuck her in, it was because of the doubt and fear that's starting to settle in. :D Hope you continue to review!

Inuyasha'sChic: Sadly, yes, they are. (DAMN IT!) lol, hope you continue reviewing!

Caroline (Anonymous): Haha, I loved your review! Yes, I'm totally crazy about Sesshomaru too (Stalker? Hmm, maybe…) and I was surprised when I found out that I was angry with him, and I'm WRITING him! Is that possible? Got to think on that. Anyways, thank you for the lovely review!

SK Lovers: Yeah, when I thought of this story, I was just like…Sesshomaru…cheating on Kagome? NOOOOOOOOOO! But, oh well. Hope you continue to review!

Scruffy Wolf: Hope this was soon enough:D

Demonic Angelz: (Blushes) Thank you:D

Thanks you guys for all of the wonderful reviews! But I'll have to tell you, I won't be bale to update for about another five to six days because I'm going to be at a soccer tournament and I'm also going to try to update my other InuYasha story, 'Scars'. Please bear with me! (I know, I'm troublesome) I'll promise to try and update as soon as I can.

-Miss Artemis