I loved this story. It made me cry a bit because it was depressing, but in a different way. A sobering way. The focus was more on the situation than on minor details (who the children were, the rest of the group, anyone other than the head maid, etc.). This is more of a self-reflection, a coming to terms for Kagome. For that reason, I don't think you needed that author's note at the end. It diminishes the story as a whole to speak of anything other than Kagome's complicated mental state and Sesshomaru's knowledge of it, or rather lack thereof. Mortality is something no one can overcome. It's difficult for people to face it now. To think that a girl that has little to no knowledge of the inner workings of the aristocracy of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's era (though she'd no doubt been taught before and during her marriage), would be subjected to the life of the women of that time... Compound that with the issue of Sesshomaru's distinct inability to age and well... I'm kind of surprised Kagome held out so long.

It's obvious from her selfless actions that Kagome is a very strong individual. To allow another to take your place and raise your children; knowing that they probably won't remember you - nor will they want to - requires a lot of strength.

I think that Kagome drowned. But not completely deliberately. More like an unwillingness to be pushed away. Even when this sacrifice was her own to make, she WAS still being kept locked away, as if Sesshomaru was now ashamed of her - no matter what he'd said. I think Kagome "letting go" would be a natural course of action for her. Like you said, she's not an obedient girl. Though not intentional, Kagome would feel as if THIS was the right thing to do. No self-respecting, headstrong woman could really live with the shame. Not when there would be nothing she could do to defend yourself. It's hard to explain but I think that's it. Do you get what I mean?

In any case, this is a beautifully tragic story. It made me sad, but happy at the same time (sad for the circumstances, but glad that even after all this time, she could do what needed to be done for not only her husband, but in the end herself).

--Sorry if my review was a long a rambling.--

~Animefreak242
aka
Kawaii Girl

This fic is really realistic and well written but I can´t help but feel that you were not fair to Sesshoumaru. I´m talking about him and not waiting until he mates with another while Kagome is still alive. Above everything else Sesshoumaru valued his honor and I just can´t see him acting this way. The other thing is that you used Western names like Vivienne in feudal Japan, it just doesn´t fit.
It was great how you captured Kagome´s feelings, I really pitied her and could understand why she did not want to live on anymore. She should have left with Inuyasha, anything would have been better than being an unwanted prisoner in her former home.
I don´t know if you will write a sequel for this fic but I really would like to read Sesshoumarus POV. The worst crime he did was to take the mother of his children away and I don´t care if Vivienne is nice or not. She is not their mother.

It's sad what had to happen. He should've waited. He could've waited. In my opinion he jumped up much to quickly to rush to Vivienne's side to mark her...*sighs* well, i loved it anyway.

BTW, I know how you feel when you want a happy ending but at the same time you want to contrast from your usual writing to have somthing totally different...or thats just me.

:'(
I just read Half Empty, and then found out that Desolate was some kind of.. twin piece? of it.
It's so sad! I kind of understand how everyone felt, but I still feel it's unfair to Kagome. :(
I love your writing style, it really fits.

it was a great story.
had me thinking about how i would act if i was in that position.
most people aren't that strong to live on so you can't really blame her for committing suicide.

I read this and loved it, despite how tragic it was... Made me sad. I especially liked the author's note at the end where you told what your vision was and described everything more in detail. A wonderful piece.

I looked at your poll, but I didn't know if there was a sequel to this as a story. If there is I would like to vote for it. I really liked this story.

If she comes back maybe you could make her a half/demi godess or something. Maybe even throw in someone to rival Sesshomaru in looks (drool) as a love interest.

aww man, that was so sad! What an utterly selfish demon O.O Really I'd love it if you did a sequel to this story, even though its great the way it is. I'd like to see him suffer some, or at least justify why he couldn't stay with her the last of her human years when they mean so little to a demon.

* votes for cheezy ending * x)

I so many emotions n thus story ,and although it was short compared to others the way the story was written made an illusion that it was long.You are an awsome authour and i hope to write like you someday. This story was sad and your are right not everything will go as plan.

beautiful piece.
it was relaly moving. and im glad that you portrayed Kagome in such a positive light. although i didnt like the fact that Sessho and Kaggie arent together, it really was a good read.
maybe a sequel with Sessho's POV?

Are you going to make a sequel? I wanted to see Sesshomaru trully and utterly regret taking Vivienne (not because she's evil, but because he realized what an idiot he's been for treating Kagome that way). I want to see him cry his heart out over Kagome and have HIS tragic and sad ending (revenge!! muahahaha!).

This was ridiculously depressing and I almost started to cry. It rings with such truth though, the not so happily ever after and tackling this issue of Kagome's mortality, something that I think a lot of us authors tend to avoid by either having the mating extend her life to match Sesshoumaru's or making her immortal because of the jewel or what not. This was a different take on their relationship and goodness, you've managed to pluck at my heart strings with it. I'm glad you wrote this piece and I definitely enjoyed it.

-hasu

I really like your story, its sad and heartbreaking but its a good story.

I think you should have just left the story without the author's note. It didn't need to be explained...it really did not make me feel any different about the situation. It actually made me feel worse because I'm like their doing all of this for the wrong reasons. You really shouldn't have to justify your story in this way because when you go down that road it makes people think of ways to counter-argue, which really isn't necessary. It also brings up more unanswered questions, like why didn't they talk about this in the beginning? Did she not know what she was getting into? He did have the time, so why couldn't he have waited? She was locked up like a prisoner, why did she have to make all the sacrifices and him none? She has children, is that not enough to live for? Or fight for? What kind of message does that send to Rin or any of her daughters? If he loved her so why didn't he just send her back to her time and keep her from living a life of shame, hurt, and anger when he basically gets off scott-free? Doesn't love count for anything? If it was love to begin with. But all of that is neither here nor there. Not all stories have good endings and that's fine. Its just a f-ed up situation.

*Kagome really had a bad life though. I'm assuming the beginning is based off of the anime/manga. So starting at 15 with jewel shard hunt and Naraku and ending where she is isolated, shamed, degraded, hurt, and loads of other hurtful things.

I cried... it was beautiful. I love all your stories, but this one is just... urgh there are no words to describe it! You managed to keep Sesshoumaru in character, yet make the story flow without it being awkward. Please write more stories like this, ones that can make me cry. Your humor is wonderful, but I just adore your angst. I think your story is just...oh god I need a tissue...

Gr! I just want to go over there and kick Sesshoumaru's **. I loved the story and all, but man couldn't he just wait... it's not thay hard. She sacrificed many things (like being confined for 10 years)and then he cheats on her (or something like that XP). I liked how Inuyasha just showed up, broke down the bedroom door, and stabbed an old wound.
Anyway Sesshoumaru's okay, but you can't help but think of him as the bad guy in this situation... he could have waited... T_T
Again, loved the story
As for Kagome being reincarnated and having a happy ending
...well... i want Sesshoumaru to be miserable, well no... kind of like that saying "you don't know what you got 'till it's gone" and then after a lot of hard work and some sprinkles: a happy ending (that's my opinion)
I'll just wait for that poll if you decide to put it up
i don't know if i am making any sense at all, so I'll stop now...wonderful story! ^_^