A Heart's Strangled Cry
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own InuYasha! He belongs to Rumiko Takahashi! Enjoy!
I DO own Asahi, (Unfortunately) Chiihiro, and the rest of Kagome and Sesshomaru's twenty-two children.
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Chapter 13: Confrontation – Sesshomaru and Shippo
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"What are you doing to me?" Kagome repeated, her voice frightened and upset – tears were readily building up in her sapphire eyes.
She was so scared it was unimaginable. What the hell was going on with her? What did these markings mean? She stared helplessly as Sesshomaru continued to stare shocked at her shoulder. Oh, please god…please tell her that he knew what was going on so he could tell her. When looking at her shoulder, her tears increased; she wondered if she really wanted to know at all. Looking up, she found Sesshomaru looking at her shoulder deep in thought; his once emotionless eyes were now expressive, emotions running through them so quickly she couldn't almost identify them.
No…this can't be…Sesshomaru almost felt himself being transported back into a different time…a time where a small inu heir felt torn as his father went once again to a mortal woman as he stood beside his beautiful inuyoukai mother as she suffered the consequence of the mark's distress signals – her whimpers and cries resounding around them.
"Mother?" Nine-year-old Sesshomaru looked around inquiringly down the large, cold hallways of the once warm and loving kingdom of the Western Lands.
Sesshomaru looked down excitedly at the flower within his small, but strong hands with a happy smile. Mother would be happy with his gift, he knew it! This flower just HAD to be the most beautiful ever! The flower was a beautiful red rose with a tinge of pink outlining the edges softly, giving it a soft, ethereal look. The stem was long with sharp thorns and healthy leaves here and there – it was the picture of perfection. Golden-ember eyes lighting up, Sesshomaru ran down the hall, his small tail bobbing around excitedly to match his mood…even as his instincts began to throb dangerously, whispering that something bad is happening.
Okaa-san, will love it!
Mother as of late had been rather depressed and sad, making the small inuyoukai prince to become worried over the one person he loved the most: his mother. He knew his father was doing something awful, for he had always stunk of a mortal ningen woman, but no matter how angered and betrayed he felt towards his father, Sesshomaru couldn't help but to feel as if his mother needed him more. Sesshomaru bit his lip in anticipation, hoping that she would smile that beautiful smile once again, the smile that always seemed to brighten anyone's worst day, the smile that always made her beautiful light violet eyes twinkle like that of glistening waters that flowed from a powerful waterfall, flowing down a peaceful stream. Her always naturally pale skin seemed to look almost sickeningly pale nowadays, her long fiery red hair seemed to have lost its sheen and bounce…her laughter, he never heard it anymore.
With resolve strengthening, Sesshomaru willed his small feet to run faster, causing his mid back, silver hair to fly behind him with his small, fluffy tail.
"Mother?"
He poked his head in between two large oak doors and looked around to find himself in the dining room. All that his golden gaze met was the shining wooden floor, the beautifully painted walls with the long, grand table with lush floor mats lined along each side. Strangely, the tableware was still where it was, only empty as the moonlight's beams cast gleams across the fine china cups and plates. Pouting slightly in disappointment, Sesshomaru snuck his head back to gently close the doors as to not awaken anyone. Running to the set of doors on the opposite wall, Sesshomaru gave a grunt as he put the rose's stem into his mouth and with both hands, tugged on one of the doors open enough to poke his head in once again. He gave a cute scowl when his gaze once again met no life as he found himself staring into the living room where his mother, father, and himself resided at night with a calming relaxation after a day of training or patrolling. The open fireplace was strangely putout and everything seemed…oddly cold and dead-like. It was almost haunting.
Gently shutting the doors, Sesshomaru leaned against the set of doors as he took the rose out of his mouth and into his right hand. Staring intently at the flower, Sesshomaru tried thinking of some places his mother would be. Her most favorite place…After a few moments, a smile formed on his handsomely boyish face,
"I know, mother and father's bedroom!"
Anticipation and excitement bubbled within him one more time as he reached a staircase and began to run up the steps, taking three at a time. As he ran down the hallway, he grinned when seeing the highest set of double doors in the kingdom where the Hyourin insignia was carved with in the two doors, a waning crescent moon. Grinning to himself, Sesshomaru once again put the rose's stem into his mouth and began to pull on the large, double doors. Eyes clenching tightly, Sesshomaru gave a grunt with each tug he gave. Giving a few pants as he regained his breath, Sesshomaru walked through the small slit of space, taking the rose out of his mouth,
"Mother! I have something to give you, something I know you'll like!"
When looking up, his golden eyes widened. The red-pink rose slowly slipped from his hand – it was as if time slowed to an almost agonizingly speed. The moment the rose touched the ground, Sesshomaru went running to the crying and whimpering hunchbacked form that was his mother.
"Mother!" Falling to his knees in front of her, Sesshomaru grabbed her face gently with his two clawed hands, uncertainty and fear running through him. What was going on with his mother? What was causing her pain?
"Mother, please speak to me!"
He felt his heart break as he witnessed her pain-filled face. He shuffled closer to her, tears unwillingly building up. His mother…he could no longer see her. Her once lively hair was matted with sweat and looked like the color of dirty blood, her naturally pale skin looked sickeningly enough that Sesshomaru swore that he saw some of her blue veins. Her pale lips trembled violently as she held in the torrent of screams. When she opened her light violet eyes, Sesshomaru felt the hot tears run down his face. They were no longer happy; they were dead to the world, swirling with pain and agony so indescribable that Sesshomaru's heart lurched forward. Her eyes…they weren't his mother's.
"S-S-Sesshomaru…" Her weak voice trembled as she struggled to say his name, as if she was being choked. Sesshomaru's eyes widened in fear and concern as she gave a stifled cry, her back hunching even more so as she wrenched her head from her son's hands regretfully.
"Mother!"
She gave a cry as she fell forward, leaning heavily against Sesshomaru's small frame, her body shaking with convulsions. Gritting her fangs, Sakuya buried her face into his small shoulder.
"Mother, what's happening?"
Bittersweet tears left her clenched eyes. She whispered softly in pain-filled breaths,
"S-Something…s-something you…w-weren't supposed…t…to experi-ENCE!"
She screamed loudly for the first time, arching her back as if someone had thrust a sword into the middle of her back. Sesshomaru clenched his eyes and held on to her around her waist, the tears sliding down his cheeks, his chin, and down his neck to his haori. He trembled as he heard his mother's claws scraped harshly against the floor behind him in an attempt to ease the pain. Looking up, Sesshomaru looked her over – where could her pain be? He ran his hands over her slender back, hoping to ease her the way she had eased him when he had woken up from a nightmare. When reaching to a certain spot, his eyes widened.
"Ouch!" He bit his lip from giving a pitiful whine, not wanting to burden his mother, whom at the moment hadn't heard his soft exclamation.
Bringing his finger to his face, he noticed that all the tips of his fingers were burnt lightly. Eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity, Sesshomaru moved slightly so that he looked over his mother's back, but at the same time supporting her as she gave out grunts and moans of pain. Looking down to where he burned his hand near her waist, he noticed that there were parts darker than the rest of the fabric…showing a certain pattern. Eyes scanning over the light blue nightgown that she was wearing, he traced his eyes over the patterns, following them until they were completely hidden from view by his mother's hair. Moving her hair gently from her neck, he gave a sharp gasp,
"Mother…"
She slumped forward in response, as if in defeat and shame that her son finally found out what was causing her pain.
He gently moved her hair over one shoulder, his eyes never leaving the pulsing crescent mark on her left shoulder. The mark was a deep red, pulsing an even darker red every few minutes or so as he continued to stare. Moving his eyes around it, he noticed that the markings had spread from the mark, winding down her back and from further inspection, around her neck. Moving to look in front of her, he noticed that there was a long gentle wave of black, but pulsing red mark across her chest, touching her right collarbone.
"Mother…what is happening to you?"
She refused to answer him, shaking when the mark once again gave a large pulse, making the marks glow in tune with it. She collapsed forward abruptly, Sesshomaru unable to catch her as she landed on the soft fur underneath her, her claws still buried deep into the wood just beyond the fur rug.
"Get…" She softly grunted. "Out…of here…now!"
Sesshomaru stubbornly held on to her, wincing as the heat from the markings began to burn against him; the smell of burning cloth filled the room.
"Iie, haha-ue, this Sesshomaru is not leaving you!" She gave a soft growl of comfort as she felt her son snuggle closer to her despite of the pain he was in.
"S-Sesshomaru, onegai…go. I…I don't know…how much more I…I can take."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened at the hidden meaning,
"Iie! You're not going to die, no! I will not permit it!" Sesshomaru cried softly, hugging his mother close, not hearing the sound of the door scraping against the floor…nor the shuffling of feet and a soft thump of a staff.
"Sesshomaru-sama, you must let go of your mother."
Head snapping up, Sesshomaru gave an icy glare at the servant before him.
"No! You can't make me!"
The servant frowned, a sympathetic gleam in his eyes before looking towards his mother. His eyes widened in horror when her mother gave a nod of her head. He began to claw, kick, and yell as he felt a pair of bigger, stronger hands wrap around him in an attempt to take him off of his mother,
"No! Let me go! Mother!" He yelled into her back as he held on stubbornly. The servant above him gave an impatient growl,
"Let go, Sesshomaru-sama! You're hurting your mother!"
Indeed, the struggle of trying to get Sesshomaru off of his mother's back made the situation even more painful for the Lady of the Western Lands. Tears for a whole new different reason began to spill down her cheeks. Silent whispers of 'gomen nasai' and 'asumimasen' could barely be heard above Sesshomaru's outraged cries, Jaken's added yelling with the servants as they tried to separate them.
I'm so sorry, Sesshomaru…please don't hate me…or your father.
"NO! LET ME GO! MOTHER!"
Sesshomaru cried out as a large servant began to slowly walk away from his slowly dying mother, the scent reaching his nose as blood started to slowly line her pale, cracked lips.
"NO, PLEASE DON'T DIE! MOTHER!"
He watched as Jaken, one of the high advisors of his father begin instructing the servants to lift her slowly to the futon, threatening them that if he caught them not doing so, he would kill them before they even knew it. Watching them handle his mother's twitching body made his eyes glow red in anger – what gave them the right to touch his mother? His struggles began anew.
"LET…ME…GO!"
The servant let out a pained scream when he swiped his poison-filled claws into his lower back. Immediate release welcomed him, letting the young inuyoukai to run towards his mother, whom was now lying down on the soft covers, blood slowly trickling down the right side of her face.
Jaken and the servants jumped back from the slightly out of controlled inuyoukai, allowing him to go near his mother now. Jaken stared sadly at the two, his hands tightening around his staff. Poor Sakuya and Sesshomaru-sama…He ushered the servants away from the futon as Sesshomaru clutched her slender hand in his. Involuntary tears escaped his now slightly pink eyes,
"Please," He whispered desperately as her eyes began to fade of life, "Don't leave me."
She gave a pained chuckle,
"B-Believe m-me…S-Sesshomaru…w-when I s-say…that I-I've tried." She gave a cough, causing blood to trail down her slender neck, over her markings, and onto her light-colored dress, ruining the silk.
"Onegai, haha-ue…try harder…"
Sakuya gave him a lop-sided smile, squeezing his hand gently before leaving it. Sesshomaru bit his lip as she raised her arm shakily, pointed a trembling finger to her dresser.
"S-Sesshomaru…please g-give me…m-my jewelry box. T-There's something I-I wish…t-to give y-you." Obeying, Sesshomaru sprinted to her dresser and grabbed the medium-sized, wooden box and sprinted back to his mother's side within seconds.
Chuckling faintly, she gratefully took the box from him and began to search and prod through the many necklaces, earrings, and bangles that she had littered within. She gave a soft 'ah' when finding a particular item. When she tugged it out, Sesshomaru's eyes widened at the sight of the piece of jewelry. Mother's locket? He watched in curiosity when she beckoned him closer to her. Leaning forward, he watched in wonder when she slipped the white-leathered strap around his neck.
"You're…you're locket? But, why give it to me? Why not to father?" His heart clenched tightly in bitter betrayal at the thought of his father.
She must have seen the distain in his eyes because she whispered softly, stroking the crescent moon locket with her index finger, tracing over the delicate, but complicated designs that centered around a dark blue jewel in the center,
"Because you will be the one that will need it most."
Before he could question her, his eyes widened when she leaned back, a peaceful smile on her face. He just noticed that the convulsions had ended for a little while now.
"M-Mother…?" He asked quietly, frighteningly. She squeezed his hand gently,
"I love you…Sesshomaru." His name barely escaped her blood-stained lips as she slowly closed her eyes, her tense body relaxing.
"Mother…? Haha-ue, please…stop playing, I don't like this. MOTHER!"
Sobs entered the room as Sesshomaru clung to his lifeless mother, continuously telling her to come back and wake up. Jaken looked away from the sight with heavy shoulders. He gave a small sniff, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as his mistress passed on to the next life. The servants and maids around him could be found wiping at their tears, the scent of death surrounding them. Jaken didn't find the heart in him to go and chase after the silver blur that ran by him and through the opened doors to who knows where. Instead, his eye caught a small glisten. Sad curiosity filled him as he walked forward until his eyes softened at the object that glowed underneath the waning moon's rays.
A crumpled rose.
Sesshomaru must have stepped on it.
Picking it up, he was mindful of the thorns as he walked back to his everlasting sleeping mistress. He reached over her body to put the rose on her chest as an offering for her passing. Stepping back, he bowed lowly in respect – the servants behind him following him before getting ready for the burial in the back of the kingdom.
Oh, Sakuya-sama…you don't know what you're death has done to Sesshomaru-sama…In a far away corner in his room, Sesshomaru sobbed into his arms, his tail bristling with emotions as he clutched the cloth on his arms. Lifting his head, he looked at the family portrait on his wall across from him, a painting he had always loved to wake up to. His eyes narrowed hatefully at the handsome face of his smiling father, his claws growing deeper into his arms, blood dripping down his arms from his strong hold.
Father…I HATE you. I will NEVER forgive you.
His golden eyes hardened with resolve.
I HATE YOU.
"Sesshomaru!"
Sesshomaru shook himself abruptly from his trip on memory lane to look up and find a highly distraught Kagome, tears sliding down her face. His eyes landed on the gentle black wave that looked as if painted across her upper chest.
Mother…"I love you…Sesshomaru."
Shaking his head mentally, he looked over the mark, trying to ignore Kagome's angered and frightened cries as well as the howling of his frightened and shocked youkai. Her markings…they showed a long duration of time by how much they had spread. His mating mark on her neck had darkened to its original mark of dark green, the outline around it has darkened to black, and now there were markings traveling across her body…which showed that…
She knew. Closing his eyes, Sesshomaru felt himself grow weary. She knew…this whole time. He didn't even notice that she did or of the pain she was going through. He had never meant for any of this to happen. He had thought he would be sparing her the pain of the mark because of her being once human. He had thought that he would be able to figure all of this out without bringing her into this, he had thought he would figure this out on his own before she figured something out…that way it would have been a fleeting memory. Eyes filling with regret, Sesshomaru stepped forward, his arms rising in a motion to take her into his arms,
"Kagome – " The moment his fingers brushed her arm, she backed away sharply,
"Don't touch me!" Sobs wracked her body as Kagome huddled herself against the wall and away from Sesshomaru's intended embrace. Anywhere was better than his arms, if he did; she would fall for him once again…for his well, laid out trap of love and compassion. No, she couldn't – WOULDN'T fall for it again.
Sesshomaru flinched at her words, he flinched even more so when she backed away from him in fear and hurt. This was what he had feared if she had ever found out about his secret rendezvous – the rejection, the hurt, the tears, the betrayal. He hadn't meant for this to go as far as it did, he had meant for it to just be a quick find out and terminate, he wasn't supposed to have any affection for the girl – he didn't even know he had any with things going on as they were. He was so confused and lost that it secretly frightened him deep inside. He knew he loved Kagome, with all of his heart, there was no mistake about it…but what about the feelings he had for Chiihiro, no matter how short of time they were? And since when did his emotions get out of his control and even further more act up and than all of a sudden just stop? He was suspicious, but he couldn't prove anything. He was no expert on emotions; he still didn't know all of them. He hoped that Kagome would allow him to explain,
"Please, Kagome, allow me to explain – " He was cut off yet again as she hugged herself tightly, as if shielding herself from him and his tender gaze,
"No! This mark explains enough for you without having you LIE and PLAYING with me!"
She thought he was toying with her? His eyes began to bleed red, wanting – YEARNING to prove her wrong that he meant nothing of the sort.
"I'm not PLAYING with you, Kagome!"
"You could have fooled me!"
Kagome looked up at him, making him freeze at the look in them. They were angry, hurt, sad, but worst of all…the light in them was dying. Tears continued to spill from her stormy blue eyes. She continued on, her heart matching her tears as all of the abuse of the five months finally took over,
"You lead me on for who knows how God damn long! I was always left alone with the fact that you were drifting from me, CHEATING on me! That some other woman had stolen your affection and love from me, making me wonder of my existence and how much of a LOWLIFE I was! I had to wake up countless mornings without your presence, knowing that you spent a night with another woman probably doing things behind my back! I had to raise Asahi on my own for FIVE months without your help! Whenever Asahi had a nightmare, I was the one who had to comfort her while coping with my own. Whenever she needs to be picked up, I was the one who went to get her; when she needed confidence for a school play or when she went to her first birthday party, I was the one who gave it to her! Damn it Sesshomaru, you're missing on her life! She's been wondering for weeks where you've been, wondering where you were. She had even asked me if it was something SHE had done to drive you away! If there's one thing I hate Sesshomaru, it would be making a child believe it is their fault when a relationship goes sour!"
Sesshomaru looked down, his heart clenching at the mention of his youngest daughter – another person that he had hoped to keep from finding out. Did she really feel that way? That it was her fault that he was away? But it wasn't! Looking up, Sesshomaru took another step closer to the huddling Kagome. He reached out a hand to bring her crying form to him,
"Kagome – "
"I said DON'T TOUCH ME!"
Sesshomaru allowed a small growl to escape him when she backhanded his reaching hand with her own; a light burn sizzled on his pale hand – reeking of miko energy. How could he explain himself when she didn't allow him the chance? But than again, he didn't give her the chance to help him through his emotions…He shook his head out of his thoughts and stared down at the crying Kagome whom had been trying to make a break away to the door. He gave a slight frown. He wasn't going to allow her to run, not now. He had to explain himself before anyone found out and got the wrong impression – Kagome had to know the truth before anyone else.
Quickly, Sesshomaru grabbed Kagome and crushed her to his chest, his grip loosened ever the slightest when her whimpers of pain and distraught reached his sensitive ears. His arms tightened however when she began to struggle within his arms,
"Kagome, stop it!" His strong and stern voice echoed throughout their room. Kagome however, focused solely on getting out of his embrace, the warning bells going off within her mind as if saying: Danger! Get out fast! She gave a squeak when his fangs penetrated her mark deeply. Sesshomaru closed his eyes as he willed for his mate to calm down while at the same time enjoying her life's blood. It was so long since he last drank from her, the liquid was ambrosia, it had to be. He allowed himself to relax when she gave a defeated whimper, her body melting against his strong one, her head rolling backwards and onto his free shoulder. Reluctantly, he parted from her neck and whispered softly into her ear,
"Please, koi, allow me to explain my actions and hopefully…you can help explain to me as well."
When sensing her confusion, he nuzzled her neck pleadingly.
"The reason that this Sesshomaru had endured another woman's affection is puzzling. Believe me when I say that – "
"SESSHOMARU!"
Both of the couple's heads snapped towards the door to find a furious Shippo standing in the doorway, his normal jade eyes pure red with hate. Kagome and Sesshomaru could hear Rin and Katsuki running up the stairs, yelling for Shippo. Jaken could be heard more faintly along with his staff against the stairs.
"Shippo!" Kagome gasped out in relief and happiness; she tensed when Sesshomaru tightened his arms around her, a growl escaping him.
Damn it, there always seemed to be a distraction from keeping him explaining to Kagome! Huddling Kagome to his person, Sesshomaru stared coldly at his first adopted son,
"Shippo," He said with a deadly-calm tone, "What do I have the pleasure of your appearance?"
Shippo growled at him, his hands flexing,
"Cut the bullshit, Father! Stand away from mother now!"
Sesshomaru's eyes tinted pink with rage,
"Or what prey tell?"
Shippo lunged at him, claws extended,
"Or I'll make you myself!"
Kagome gasped in horror as Sesshomaru dodged the lunge with her in his arms before being deposited in Katsuki's strong arms.
"Take her from here and keep Asahi away." Before Katsuki, Rin, or Jaken could say anything, Sesshomaru had zipped out of the bedroom and down a familiar hallway and towards the dojo with Shippo following quickly. Shippo managed out before disappearing after Sesshomaru,
"Rin, get mother out of here."
The four adults in the room looked at each other with mixed expressions. Kagome urged Katsuki to put her down and when her feet touched the ground, Rin pounced on her, fresh tears escaping,
"Oh, mama!"
Kagome managed to stay upright as she caught her little Rin. Holding her close, Kagome buried her head into the smaller woman's hair, breathing in her familiar scent of wildflowers and oranges. Her youkai let out a howl of pleasure when the scent finally registered – their first adopted daughter was here…with them. It had been a while since they saw each other, months maybe. It felt so good to feel her bright spirit, no matter how tormented it was at the moment, it made her feel so warm and soft inside.
"Rin…" She breathed out, nuzzling her face into Rin's soft hair. "It feels so good to have you in my arms again."
Rin sniffled, burying her face into her mother's shoulder,
"Oh, mama…how could this happen?"
Kagome couldn't hold back the tears that wanted to come forth. As they trailed down a familiar path, Kagome replied softly,
"I'm still trying to figure it out."
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"I trusted you." The hateful whisper pierced through the tension-filled air as the stare-down continued for the umpteenth minute.
Golden eyes met head on with jaded green.
Shippo's hands tightened at his sides, his rage barely under control as he stared at the man he had idolized (After getting over InuYasha), the youkai that others all feared and respected, the one he had felt for sure that he wouldn't hurt his mother. Right now, Sesshomaru meant nothing more than the dirt underneath his foot, the speck of dust on a book's pages. Sesshomaru was the perfect mate material; he was brutally honest, strong, protective, and loyal…up till now.
"I trusted you to love her…to care for her! You swore to me you wouldn't do what InuYasha did all those years ago with Kikyo! You PROMISED me! I should have known you would have never changed! I bet that all of those years of devotion and love were an act too, right?"
Sesshomaru icily glared at him,
"Don't speak of what you don't know of, kit."
Shippo narrowed his eyes at the former Taiyoukai,
"Don't speak to me as if I'm a toddler, Sesshomaru-sama. When it comes to years, you're a head of me, but at least I'm mature enough to keep my dick in my pants and stay true to my mate!"
Sesshomaru's eyes bled red in an instant at the insult,
"This Sesshomaru has NEVER bedded a female other than your mother!" Shippo snorted disdainfully,
"Yeah right! I guess those five AMAZING months together with the slut have just been peaches and cream. I doubt that hands hadn't gone astray."
Sesshomaru was on a fine line of letting go of his blood beast. How DARE the kit for insinuating that he would go so low as to welcome another woman to his bed other than his precious mate? Kagome was the only woman that would ever grace his sheets. He wouldn't lie that he had taken many youkai females to his bed before Kagome, but everything changed when he had given Kagome a chance to prove herself. Her body was the only one he desired. Her touch was the only one welcomed to his body. Her company was the only one he wished for.
He didn't stop to realize that he hadn't felt any anger or emotion when Shippo had called Chiihiro a slut.
"You're walking on a thin line, Shippo! This is NONE of your business! This is between Kagome and me!" Shippo bared his fangs,
"I'm never going to let you near mother again, not after all the pain you've put her through! From what Jaken told me, she's known for FIVE months. She doesn't deserve this pain; if I have to get rid of you so that she'll be alright again, I'll do it!"
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at him,
"And if it doesn't?"
"I'll find another way."
"You can't keep me from my mate for long, Shippo!"
"As if you cared about being near her in the first place!"
"Stop twisting this Sesshomaru's words around! You know nothing!"
"I know plenty enough to keep you away! If you come near her, I won't hesitate to tell the others."
Sesshomaru froze and in response, Shippo smirked,
"That's right. If you continue to pursue mother when she doesn't want you, I won't hesitate to tell Keii, the others, InuYasha, Kagura, Kanna, Kohaku already knows, Koga, Ayame, Sango, Miroku, Mio, and EVERYONE."
Without a second thought, Sesshomaru let out his acid whip, grazing Shippo dangerously on his left cheek, whom just barely dodged in time to miss the blow that was meant to cut off his head. Looking up at Sesshomaru, he noticed that his eyes were completely blood red. He allowed his anger to flow out, his jaded green eyes losing themselves to crimson as well,
"FOX FIRE!"
"POISON CLAW!"
Both easily dodged the other's attacks before sprinting towards each other at a maddening pace. Punches and kicks were flying in every direction at the other's body, trying to find a weak point to feed on and take advantage. The two looked like mild blurs as they raced among the large and expansive dojo. Shippo gave a low round house kick, aiming for Sesshomaru's ankles only to have the former Taiyoukai jump over his crouched body expertly, aiming a kick at the fox's head. Snatching the foot, Shippo made way to throw him towards the far wall when Sesshomaru twisted his body and did a reverse, throwing Shippo instead towards the wall. Growling, Shippo aerial twisted in the air before landing his feet against the wall and pushing off with enough force to slam against Sesshomaru.
Grunting, the two exchanged blows one after another, both received minimal damage as few punches reached their bodies. When Sesshomaru made a successful punch in the stomach, causing the kitsune to hunch over in shock, Sesshomaru immediately did an uppercut, making Shippo fly upwards into the air until his feet reached close enough to Sesshomaru's head. Wincing from his most probably bruising jaw, Shippo latched his feet around Sesshomaru neck and flipped over, bringing Sesshomaru 'around-the-world' and onto his back. Wincing, Sesshomaru brought his leg up and slammed the side of it into Shippo's lower back before both jumped away from each other, breathing heavily.
They slowly circled the other, analyzing their opponent's strength, power, and speed as well as their appearance. Although Sesshomaru had a good few punches and kicks laid out at him, causing floor marks, cuts, and bruises to mar his skin (like his neck for example), Shippo took the worst shots. With the back of his shirt torn, Shippo had an aching back, a pained stomach, a bruised jaw, a deep enough gash on his left cheek, and other minor injuries to boot. Scowling, Shippo flexed his claws – Sesshomaru mimicked him except for a few bones cracking from the pressure. Normally, Sesshomaru wasn't one to crack his fingers or any part of his body – reminded him too much of InuYasha, but when the time came for it, it felt good to let out SOME pressure that hadn't been let out yet.
"Shippo," He said gravely, hoping that he would see reason and listen first. Even though Sesshomaru was angered at how reckless he was taking the situation, he would not harm Shippo to any extent above a beating. Despite of Shippo seeing InuYasha his father when he was younger, he had come to accept him just like he had accepted him – a son, a son whom which was wishing for his ass to be kicked. "Stay out of affairs that do not concern you. I understand your care for your mother, but this is between her and me to solve – not for you to cuddle her!"
Shippo lowered himself into a fighting position,
"That is where you are wrong, Father, whatever concerns mother concerns me. Mother's helped me through more than you can ever know, it's my turn to return the favor and be there for her when she needs it most. I haven't been there for her for the five months she's been needing me and now, I'm going to be there for her until her heartache or YOU, goes away whether you like it or not."
"Shippo, you don't know what you're dealing with – "
"You better not say that 'if you play with fire you'll get burned' because that's old."
They started anew, hurling themselves at each other, this time with their fists covered with their jaki. Every time their fists met, a loud crack like a summer thundercloud rang throughout the house. Their movements were quick and graceful, either to the point or perfectly misleading, trying to reach their masters' goals. Shippo gave a grunt when Sesshomaru slammed his fist into his chest. Stumbling backwards, Shippo winced as his hand moved to his throbbing chest. With one eye slightly swollen shut, Shippo barely dodged Sesshomaru's oncoming attacks that seemed to be never-ending. Bending backwards, Shippo's unharmed eye widened at the jaki that was around his father's fist as it practically grazed his nose, burning it ever the slightest. Quickly, he fell backwards to land on his hands while jabbing out his right foot; covering it with his own aura, he inwardly smirked in victory at the grunt that accompanied Sesshomaru as fell backwards, his leg without a doubt burning like his chest was.
Shippo heaved his body and back flipped up into a standing position. Running to the slightly struggling Sesshomaru, he turned around fluently, raising his leg up high into the air and swung it down sharply when coming to Sesshomaru's direction, aiming for his stomach. His surprise showed on his face when Sesshomaru grabbed his foot with both hands and twisted his foot before flipping him away from his person. Flying through the air, Shippo thankfully managed to fall stealth fully on his hands and feet like the tricky fox he was.
Both by now were sweating and more injuries to their bodies, but to Shippo's annoyance, no matter how many blows he gave to his father, he always seemed to have doubled them on him – it wasn't fair.
Annoyance ran supreme in Sesshomaru's mind. Out of the corner of his right eye, he looked at the clock to find it three in the afternoon. Damn it, they had to be fighting for about two to three hours already. Looking over the kit he saw as a son, Sesshomaru was somewhat proud to find that Shippo had managed to get stronger by the few months they hadn't seen each other since their last fight. Him, InuYasha, Koga, and some of his sons were the only ones that have ever laid a blow on him…other than Kagome. He had to end this soon before Asahi came up to the dojo besides Jaken and Katsuki's efforts – if there was one thing he was very proud of his youngest daughter, it would be her stealth fullness in sneaking by others without being detected.
Shippo blinked when Sesshomaru disappeared. He looked around, lending out his senses. Where the hell did the cheating bastard go? His eyes widened as he made way to block the attack. There he is! His vision blackened out as he felt two cold fingers skillfully pressed on a sensitive nerve at the base of his skull. Damn it!
Catching Shippo before he hit the ground, Sesshomaru gave an impatient sigh as he heaved his adopted son over his left shoulder. Walking out of the dojo, Sesshomaru walked to Shippo's old room and deposited him on his bed. Looking him over, he decided to have his eye and his cheek looked to just incase so that Kagome nor anyone else could put it over his head that he ruthlessly beaten up on his son. Well…he deserved it.
But I deserved it too.
As he shut the door, he began to rub his bruised neck. He winced as his muscles slowly began to heal themselves. Yep, he deserved it.
-
Paris, FranceA frown marred a pair of beautiful, cherry red lips. A pair of equally cherry-red eyes looked up from her canvas that held her latest creation. Running a hand through her short, but stylish ebony hair, Kagura stood up while using the same hand to massage the knot that decided to form on her neck. Cracking her neck, she walked to the billowing curtains, the curtains blowing upwards as if welcoming her. Walking past them until she reached the railing, she grasped the cold bars before looking up at the pale moon that glowed above the busy city that lied beneath it. Her eyes narrowed as she listened to the wind intently, the wind making her usual five-jade-beaded earrings to sway with the traveling wind like they had five hundred years ago when she was under the control of Naraku.
"The wind…" She whispered softly as she closed her eyes, allowing her hair to go wild with the wind, not minding it as it tickled her nose and began to form into tangles.
"It carries tears of sorrow and pain." Opening her eyes that showed uncertainty and confusion, she wondered aloud, "What is happening for the wind to carry such emotions?"
Turning her back at the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, she began to walk back into the large, Victorian house that she, Inu, and many of their children have lived in.
"Something is wrong, I can feel it."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Yeah, I updated! (La gasp, it's a miracle!) Sorry you guys for a…FIVE day wait! (Well…at least it wasn't six…--;;;) It's just that I've just been caught up (A.K.A. OBSESSED) with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. (Gives fangirl squeal) Jack Sparrow is so fucking hot! (Let's out another squeal) I have OFFICIALLY been dubbed a Jack/Elizabeth shipper after seeing the scenes between them. (Promptly faints before coming back up) Also, I will admit (Shivers) that I have been having a slight writer's block (Hence why I put in Sesshomaru's past memories with his mother because I didn't have any idea how to stretch out this confrontation) AND…it's SUMMER! My house has no fricking AIR CONDITIONING which equals to it being VERY HOT AND MUGGY in my bedroom! Do you know how many buckets of sweat I gave when working on it the other day?
(GoldenStar promptly arrives and gags Miss Artemis, quieting her complaints)
GoldenStar: (Sigh) Don't mind her, she's just frustrated with her slow writing process. Now…ONTO THE REVIEWS!
Reviewers:
Royal blueKitsune: Yeah, glad you liked last chapter! I felt it was really stupid, but it did have some important facts in it – like Sesshomaru finally seeing the mark (As well as Kagome). And YES! Shippo and Rin enter the scene! Wonder what'll happen when Shippo wakes up…and what have Kagome, Rin, Katsuki, and Jaken done during Sesshomaru and Shippo's fight? (Grins wickedly) Just wanted to stir up some curiosity! (Cackles evilly) Hopefully, next chapter won't take as long as I've been going. (Looks apologetic) Hope this has been up to standards:D
NCchick4456: Awww, glad you love my story!
BrokenSouledPoetess: Hope this chapter has been up to standards! (Hope I made Sesshomaru's reaction to the appearance to the mark believable…did I? I'm still trying to write him as close to character as possible.) Thanks for the review!
Dante Gemini: Hey, thanks for the two reviews! Glad you find the story interesting and I think I will check out 'Wanderers from the Well' – can't wait to read! Thanks again for the reviews!
darkfyredragon: Thank you:D
RED EYES (Anonymous): Hmm…you're right. There's only so much laying back that a girl can take – Kagome is no exception. I guess I was so focused on making her innocent and pitied on (Basically bent on showing the emotions most women experience) that I have strayed away from her true character, and if there's one thing I TRULY hate when I write fanfiction, is not sticking to the personality and actions of the character. (Top pet peeve) I don't think there's anything wrong with Kagome going with another guy to make Sesshomaru see what he's missing, it's just that the real reason is…I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN DO IT! T.T I love Kagome/Sesshomaru pairings so much! (And yet strangely, I find myself writing this…--;;;) When I read that your grandmother had said that to your mother, I had to agree (I'm sorry), but that was plain stupid to just forget about it. The man CHEATED on her (Damn it, how can people not just take that into consideration?), he did something unforgivable and she had to pay the price (Which I find unfair in relationships), it's nothing you can ever forget. Truthfully, I can understand her doubts with your father and he deserves for crying (Maybe I shouldn't have said that, but I'm on an anger streak – (Sigh)); like the old saying: an eye for an eye. And thanks, yes, you gave me another helpful view on an upset marriage. (:D) Sorry, the chapter was so slow (I kind of wanted everything to actually slow down a little, I felt as if I was rushing it.) And for your question, no, he doesn't believe in the dream yet (I SHALL FIND A WAY! MUWAHAHAHA!); damn it! Thanks again for the help! Hope Sesshomaru suffered enough for at least this chapter! (Waves a flag with a picture of Shippo: GO SHIPPO!)
ckat (Anonymous): (Bushes) YEAH! Thanks!
Togu: MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (Did I leave a cliffie this time? I can't tell if I did…--;;;) Sorry it took so long! Don't cry! Hope you liked this chapter!
SesshomaruCrazy: :D Thanks, I'm just happy we ended the season good. (Starts gaping) WOW! So many good suggestions, ones I never thought of! (I love asking people for help because they point things out or have great ideas that I never dreamed of thinking of, it helps me get more imaginative.) I laughed at the ring part, I could just see it: Sesshomaru walks into his office and when a younger female tries to woo him and he accidentally (Ahem) sees something not meant to see, the ring would activate and zap him. MUWAHAHAHA! (I'm so evil) And although I thoroughly entertained the idea of Keii doing something like that (Like mating a hooker), that would be forcing them together instead of having them be together because they love each other. (Sorry, can't do that, but I was amused all the same…disappears with a smile on her face) Thanks for the bunch of suggestions, they helped and (I think) they're slowly helping me out of my light writer's block! (Jumps around excitedly) Thanks! Hope this chapter was up to standards!
kimbie-animegal-saskanechi-sakyan4ever: Sorry it practically took forever! (Pouts ashamed) Hope this chapter made up for it! (Gives Bambi eyes)
Seryu (Anonymous): Yeah, glad you liked last chapter! (I practically hated it) :D Yeah, I guess I made the mark very complicated in this – here's a small summary. The mark has a few reasons for existence – 1) It's like saying 'BACK OFF, I'M TAKEN!' so that they will stay true to their mate and warn others that they already have a mate. Secondly, when a relationship gets sour and when one of the mates is being cheated on (Male or female), the mark will react to their most powerful emotion and send out distress signals, calling for comfort from other members of the family that they're close to. Those are basically the reasons for what the mark stands for and what it does. :D Hope that cleared up some confusion! And yes, interesting question. The reason Sesshomaru didn't make a call or anything was because when Kagome hadn't called him and wondered why he left, he thought she would believe that he had to go to work early (He didn't think she woke up in the middle of the night after he left), so he didn't say anything – there were no questions so he didn't need a lie to cover himself. (Lying would only bury him deeper) And a-HA! I am working on it! (Beams proudly while referring to having Sesshomaru experiencing what Kagome had to feel) I got some good suggestions from others (I'm still welcoming them too if you have any ideas – other than having Kagome go with another guy because I know that'll have to come up sooner or later) and my brain is starting to turn. I can't exactly say when Kagome and Chiihiro meet (Trying to work that out), but I think it'll be sooner than I expected. (Blushes at the last few sentences) Aww, thanks! It feels good to read that someone is that devoted to their fic – thanks! Hope this chapter was up to standards!
Eternityoftears: Haha, glad you liked it! Hope this chapter was okay!
Yami all the way! (Anonymous): Nice question, I'll have to fix that now don't I? (Smirks evilly in anticipation) MUWAHAHAHAHA! I shall not fail you! (Does a Gai-sensei pose from Naruto (You've seen that, right?) with the effects of shiny teeth) And don't feel bad, I'm the evil one in my family (I'm told that at least ONCE a day, it's like daily prescription; when I don't hear it at all for one day, I wonder if the apocalypse has come). I also know what you're going through, I'm trying to get my younger sister into liking more anime than just Tenchi Muyo and InuYasha (I proudly say I got her into them, maybe not as drastic as I am, but still…), but I'm working with her on Naruto and Yu Yu Hakusho. (Sighs) Silly sisters, they don't know what they're missing. Hope you like!
12 (Anonymous): Thanks!
NorgePrincess Alexandra Noel: (Laughs) No hard feelings! I'm glad how you like the relationship is going (Though I think Kagome is starting to get a little violent – he deserves the burn on his hand! MUWAHAHAHA!) Glad to hear that you're working on your stories and I understand the running on spare fuel. I may not have insomnia (Hope you cure that by the way), but I AM TIRED! (Laughs) I started acceleration for three days a week for an hour and a half and I'm dead beat tired at the end (I just came back about a half hour ago to finish replying and my arms are STILL shaking from all the pushups and weight lifting I did). (Tries lifting a shaky hand to give a high five) Yeah, I have someone with understanding! Thanks for the review! Hope that this chapter was good (I'm a little concerned about it while dealing with the reactions of both Shippo and Sesshomaru – darn them for being too hard to write on, darn them! Lol)
P.S. – I added you on my contact list:D I hope you don't feel bad or angry that you may not get to talk to me too much, I'm barely on because of…well…life and stupid soccer. (I'm supposed to have a relaxed summer vacation…pft, what summer vacation? It's soccer prison! I love soccer, but there's only so much I can take without cracking.)
Wolfpup333 (Anonymous): Haha, Shippo finally got to kick some ass (Before he unfortunately was knocked out…--;;;)! Glad you liked last chapter and hope you like this one!
Sesshomarugrl: You're right, but I can't help but to get upset when it take me almost a week to update (Because I know I'll get even more lazy and soon enough, I'll lose interest in my story and not update and in result: VERY UNHAPPY READERS! ACK! Lol) But thanks! Hope this went well!
HOWCOME (Anonymous): Naw, I may be evil, but I'm not heartless (Is that comforting? I don't know, I think I just degraded myself – darn it!). No, I'm not like that, I'm just having an argument with mother nature with all of this stupid heat and summer thunderstorms keep getting in my way. I have no air conditioning at my home, so my room is all stuffy and muggy and HOT (Despite of there being a large fan in there once in a while), it's just sometimes too unbearable to write – sad, but true. There was even one time during said summer thunderstorm when there was a loud clap of thunder and a big streak of lightning that it cut off the power for almost half a minute (I freaked out and cursed beyond tomorrow during those agonizing seconds because I had finally just started to reach the end of the chapter) before power came back and my chapter was safe and unharmed (Big breath of relief there). Also, I like the assumption of Chiihiro being a demon, it causes much more confusion and wonderings (I sadistically love leaving my readers in the dark before shocking them in the end with a major twist). (Starts running away from the rotten food being thrown at her.) And yes, it may seem that Sesshomaru is dim beyond his character (Shit for brains, haha!), but that'll be explained later! (Promise!) Thanks for the long review! And oh yeah, I guess I'll have to think of a way to save Jaken before Sesshomaru tears him apart for not informing him of the mark, shoot! Hope this chapter was up to standards!
abc (Anonymous): Ha, glad somebody noticed Kagome's slowly coming back to the surface! And thanks, glad you love the story! (Blushes) Hope you liked this chapter!
nothing (Anonymous): HEY, NO FAIR! (Starts pouting before becoming transfixed with the yo-yo) Can…not…rebel…must…follow…command! (lol) Thanks so much for the compliments, it helps!
Leunra: Hahahahahaha, mango scented bitch, that was good… (Laughs to herself again before getting back in control of her emotions) Yeah, sorry about there being no Satan's cat, God knows I wanted to put him in, but I couldn't when I decided to make the little argument into a fight…I'm also glad you liked the fact Shippo yelled Chiihiro (I was waiting for people to find that out and get happy – Chiihiro got chewed out! HAHA! Ya deserve it, bitch! Muwahaha…) And hey, you think I could have a try at Sesshomaru? (Gives Bambi eyes with a trembling lip) I want to see what comes out! (Gives evil smirk before running off to Sesshomaru) Thanks for the review!
Sesshomaru'sFear: Thanks! (I'm just glad the season's over) You're lucky you got your brother in, in only two months! It's been almost a YEAR and I still haven't gotten my little sister into it as much as I do. (Pouts) How unfair and injustice…Thanks for the review! Hope you like this chapter!
kagomes pup: (Squeaks as her yo-yo falls apart in half) My…my favorite yo-yo! ALRIGHT! That's it, you're paying for a new yo-yo! (lol, just kidding) Well, InuYasha is still in Paris (I have no idea what his career is yet, without a doubt he's rich…lucky), I have no idea where Koga and Ayame are at the moment (But they'll appear!), but this chapter has answered your other questions. :D Hope you liked it!
Angel2005399: Yeah, you signed in! Haha, glad you're satisfied! Hope you like this chapter! Hope it kept you on the edge of your seat!
fluffykags: Yah! (Hugs) Glad you loved the chapter! As for your question, yes, Sesshomaru does indeed know what the mark means. (The flashback says it all) I love answering questions, makes it easier for everybody (More importantly me, haha, just kidding). Hope you liked this one!
StarPrincess2020: Yeah, I'm added onto a favorite! (Hugs) Sorry for the tears, but I'm happy you enjoy the story! Hope you liked this one!
? (Anonymous): Sorry I didn't update soon enough!
Burnt-Marshmallow.: (Blushes at the comments) Aw…thanks so much! (Starts laughing gleefully) Glad you noticed, but I can't say anything about the time lapse between the time of Sesshomaru being with Chiihiro until now – simply can't! (I'd like to, it's practically bubbling inside me, but I'd give away part of the plot if I did – darn it!) Yes, Sesshomaru knows the extent of the mark. Wow, your very first review? For the story or for like…ever? If so, I'm honored! Glad I got someone to who never usually reviews to review, if not, oh well! Glad you reviewed anyway! Thanks again for the nice compliments! Hope this chapter was okay!
P.S. – sorry about the six days thing, I was just upset with weather and the slight writer's block I had. (Sigh, I hate them, I really do.)
diva are wild: Glad you notified me:D
Eldaraigne: Hey, glad you told me! 'Cause I was confused about the name at first. (Squeaks under the explosion) Here's your update! (Wait a minute, did she surpass me in evilness? NOOOOOOOOOO!) And a bitch fight, interesting, but not yet. They'll be some kind of fight between them, but I'm not going to say (Whistles under her breath innocently, evil I am…muwahaha). Post this on A Single Spark? I tried to get an account there, but there were some complications and I was unable to get one, but I'll try again, but not right now. Soon though! Promise! I understand about the Department of Education, while in the library, you're watched over like a hawk to be made sure that we're doing work and not on anything bad (Perverts). Oh, I have question! (I hope you can explain it to me) What do you mean by tagging your blog? I'm a little confused. I'm still a little new around things (Even if I've been here for a year), so I would be grateful if you explained! Haha, thanks! Hope you liked this chapter!
AkumaRule: (Smiles happily) Glad you think I update fast! (I have been but lately, it's been taking me longer than usual…--;;;) I shall honor the request of Sesshomaru not getting off easily, he didn't need to do what he did and he deserves some heavy punishment for what he did to Kagome. (RETRIBUTION ALL THE WAY!) This chapter answered one of your questions – yes, Sesshomaru remembered the event in which his mother was killed by the mark. Sad, but yes. As for the second question, after he met Kagome, he saw humans in a different light (He still finds them underneath him, but still, it's better than before – he acknowledges the fact that many of them are intelligent to a degree – prime example: Thomas Edison and the light bulb); but I think he forgot to keep in mind that although there are good humans out there like Kagome once was, there are some others that are just like what he thought of in the beginning: lying, cheating, deceitful, and no honor what so ever. So yeah, I think he let his guard down a little. The mating mark…I can't let anything out without giving out some of the story (Must…resist…temptation…), sorry! As for the feeling Sesshomaru had for Chiihiro, I'll explain that later in a few chapters when Kagome and Sesshomaru calm down from all of the hustle and bustle and get together and talk – that'll be when she'll explain what he's feeling when he will describe it. :D I'm leaving people in the dark again, hee hee. Thanks, I tried to put in Sesshomaru's youkai but I remembered that although his youkai is part of him, he's still the 'animal' part of Sesshomaru, so he mainly speaks in growls, whines, barks, and what ever, so I decided to have him give a silent message to his logical part (Whom seems to have his head in his butt at the moment). Hope the confrontation was as thrilling as you were expecting! I tried, but I'm a little uncertain. Hope you like!
segumisama (Anonymous): Which other story are you referring to? Scars? Well, I'm trying to sort things out, but I'm trying to ignite my inspiration once again. (Damn it, why did it have to go out?) Thanks for the review! (Blushes at the last comment) Thank you!
easywayout (Anonymous): Sorry, no slap on the face, but at least she backhanded his hand! Will that suffice for now at the moment? (Gives Bambi eyes) I have to agree with you, a good story that has not been updated for a while can only hold on for so long. (I would know, I have some stories I love to read too, but after a few months of them not being updated, I stop reading and waiting and when they DO update, I usually don't go back (Unless I LOVE the story too much not to keep going back) to read it because who knows when they'll be updated again? I get sick of it at times. YES, I shall stick by you! (I was surprised at how much my story got up in popularity wise – after reading through all the people whom have gone through something like this and for the so many people that like it, I can't bring myself to do that to them. Nope, can't. Hope you liked this chapter!
Doll (Anonymous): Heehee, yep, knowing InuYasha, he'll blow up a volcano and kick Sesshomaru's ass to kingdom come (If he can that is, darn it, why did Sesshy have to be so powerful?) Thanks for the review!
Dark Neko17: YAH, you reviewed! Thanks for the four reviews! Haha, sorry I made you stay up! (I know how you feel, I lose a lot of sleep because of that at times, I can't seem to stop reading. One time, I tried to go to bed when stopping in the middle of a great story, but whenever I closed my eyes, the story would come back and suddenly I HAVE to know how it ends…this results in me sleeping throughout the next day, out like a light.) Glad you loved a lot of things! Hope you're more awake and that this chapter was up to standards!
Sonjia (Anonymous): MUWAHAHAHAHA! REVIEW, REVIEW I SAY! (Coughs) Sorry, couldn't resist. (Goes sad) Yeah, the chapter was a few pages shorter than the norm and I was kind of upset with myself because of that. Hmph, well, hopefully this was better!
Lanowen: Glad you liked the part with Rin and Shippo (I was hoping some people would). And the sentence, well, it was supposed to be sarcastic a little bit. This time, this wasn't one of those 'look in between the lines', he meant that even though she was beautiful and arousing (To him), the angry look on her face made him double think. Haha! Sorry, couldn't help it. (Ha, as if he would think she would be smiling when she found out she has MARKINGS all over her body.) Hope I cleared that up! Sorry I haven't been updating as fast as I would like! Hope this was worth the wait!
Strawberrylover: Sorry about the pop-up blocker, hope you get it fixed! Glad you liked last chapter! Glad I'm on the right road for a recovery formula for Kagome and Sesshomaru and I'm happy you liked the part with Shippo chewing out Chiihiro, I couldn't resist (Just imagine what he'll do when he finds out SHE'S the one that's hurting his mother! HAHAHA!) I also can't wait for Sesshomaru to find out she took his picture and erased the teacher's conferences. At least Shippo got to kick some ass (Before he got knocked out). No, the tournaments won't hold me back from writing anymore (I got done with them, FINALLY). AND YES! Someone who feels my pain! (Tries lifting a shaky arm to give a high five before it fell down once again when halfway up) Damn it! My arms are still shaky! But at least I have someone who understands my pain (Sniffs) Today during acceleration, I almost did the impossible by fainting and puking at the same time. (Impossible, not with me!) The gym was so humid from it being hot outside that you immediately felt it, but that didn't stop the sadistic instructors from making us do sprints! Grr…Sorry I didn't update fast yet again! (At least it's a day faster…)
sesshyholic: Sorry I didn't update soon! (Sobs dramatically) Thanks for the review!
bluerosepunk: Hahahaha, your wish is MY command! (Blushes) Thanks for the compliment! Hope you liked it!
MrsSesshomaru (Anonymous): Yeah, glad you reviewed again! Glad you understand:D Can't wait to read your story! (I'm sorry about your brother! Hope things get better!) (Blushes at the bows) Nah, I'm not the master, if you read KogasAngel's Winds of Change, now he is a MAJOR ass whole there. (She's on A Single Spark). Tsk, tsk, boyfriends…tsk, tsk. HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND! (haha, just kidding) And your questions…shall be answered soon enough. (Smiles innocently while evilly laughing within her head) I'll try to get an account on A Single Spark and post it there, I've gotten requests to do it and I thought, well, why not? So, expect me there…at some point in time…haha. Thanks for the review!
KagHieiLuver: Haha, thanks for the review! Hope you liked this chapter!
red lady (Anonymous): No, I'm not mad. Just complications of life had gotten in the way. (Storms off while muttering darkly about acceleration, soccer practices, the too hot weather, and stupid writer's block) Hope you liked this chapter:D
mistress yume: MUWAHAHAHAHA! Yes, I know I'm evil and I'm LOVING it! MUWAHAHAHA! (Evil look slowly crumbles at the puppy dog eyes) Aww, man! Not the puppy dog eyes! God, they get me all the time. Now I want a puppy again…(Pouts before sighing) Hope you liked this chapter!
Angel715: Glad you love it! I know, I'm starting to miss my Inu (Although Sesshomaru can never be replaced in my heart…sniff…well, actually, Kakashi (From Naruto) happens to be tied with him…oh no!) Hope you like!
red haired bitch: Hope you like:D Thanks for the review!
heyyou (Anonymous): Haha, here's your update! Sorry for the wait! (Rubs head sheepishly)
Neo-Crystal (Anonymous): MUWAHAHAHAHAHA! I just LOVE being evil! MUWAHAHAHA! (I'm doing that a lot nowadays, I hope it's not addicting…muwahaha…uh-oh) Sorry for the wait!
the-redwolf42: (Smiles) Aaah, another Sesshomaru/Kagome loyal fan, yeah! Where have I been? Trying to keep cool from the heat (Waves a fan in front of her face), I've been sweating by the buckets full. Okay…ew…I will admit I've had a small case of the writer's block, but it's curing! Hope you like!
ParaKisschan (Anonymous): Hahaha, I say yeah to all of them, but mostly to suffering Sesshomaru…hmm, that I can do. Haha, sorry for the late update!
whereareyou (Anonymous): No, I'm not mad (At least not at you guys, I'm mostly mad at Mother Nature at the moment), I'll continue updating no matter what! And (La gasp), the whore won't win Sesshomaru! (Pouts angrily) No way! Hope you like!
PHEW! Done! First off (Before I end this), thanks you guys for the WONDERFUL reviews! And secondly…I REACHED OVER THE THREE HUNDRED MARK! OH MY GOD! (Gives a squeal) Thanks you guys so much! (It was my goal to at least go over three hundred) Here's cookies for a thank you! Anti-Chiihiro! Fresh from the oven!
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go back to my Captain Jack Sparrow shrine. (Goes dreamy eyed)
-Miss Artemis
P.S. - IMPORTANT! You have read my upper AN (Hopefully) and I have put it down as FIVE days to update while it might appear that it was SIX days again to take me to update. You see, I tried to update the other day, but the site had a glitch and I couldn't update my story (DAMN IT!) and I had to wait until morning. SORRY! So yeah...I didn't have the heart to change some of the reviews because I said 'at least it wasn't six...'
P.S.S. – Oh and…(Whips out the new and improved hypnotizing yo-yo) MUWAHAHAHA! You shall review…you shall review…you shall REVIEW!
(GoldenStar appears once again and drags her off while muttering how much of a drama queen she was being)