Title: Tides Against Time
Rating: M (Language, Violence, and Adult Content)
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the Little Mermaid. All rights should go to Inuyasha Inc. Disney and Hans Christian Anderson.
Music: The song I have selected for this chapter is: "Inuyasha OST 2 - Fun Group of Friends" "Inuyasha OST 2 - Fierce Fighting." I love to listen to music on YouTube while I read to add to the atmosphere. You are welcome to listen along with my music selection if you want. It is not required. When you see these marks (***) that means to begin to play the selected song. When you see (xxx) this means to stop playing the music. It is important to pay attention to these marking as there is more than one song for this chapter. I do not have credit for these recordings or channels but I think it adds to the story.
Tides Against Time: Protect the Pack
(*** Inuyasha OST 2 - Fun Group of Friends ***)
"Daddy, I hungie." whined a little newt just over three demon autumns old. She had shoulder length silver hair and a bright red tail with black speckles. Her eyes were a warm honey brown color and had the sweetest button nose.
"Yah! I'm hungry too." Whined her older brother of five as he rubbed his little round tummy. He had short white hair, chocolate brown eyes and a gold tail with white speckles.
"We will be at the cove in 30 minutes Axel and Aninna." Inuyasha sighed for the 100th time as he pulled their little sister beside him.
She being the smallest of the twin girls had a harder time keeping up. He and his mate would rotate in pulling her along as they swam. She had black hair and sported a silver tail with gold speckles. Her eyes were navy blue like her grandpa's and had cute rosy cheeks.
"But Dad… you said dat 10 minutes ago!" whined Axel as he swam up beside him.
"Well if you're hungry why don't you eat some of the snacks we packed?" Inuyasha suggested growing grumpier the closer they got.
"Day all gone!" said Aninna as she swam next to her brother.
"Wants mine?" Aninna's twin sister offered as she pulled her thumb out of her mouth and took two kelp leaves from her little satchel.
"Really? You sure it's ohtay?" Axel asked as he swam up beside her and slowly took one of the offered snacks.
"Uh huh. I no hungies." she said as she handed the other snack to her sister.
"Danks Sissy!" Aninna shouted happily as she and Axel began to eat.
"That was sweet of you Aerwyna." Kikyo said as she swam behind them.
Slung tightly against her back as she swam was the newest addition to the Tashio family. He like Aerwyna had black hair but having been born less than three months ago had yet to grow into his tail. He was swaddled tightly in a woven sling and grunted every once in a while in his sleep. Behind his slumbering lids, warm gold hid like his father's. He was the chubbiest of their offspring weighing roughly around 10 pounds at birth. When he entered the world he was already sporting well-rounded cheeks, roly-poly arms and a pudgy tummy. Being the only one in his litter like his older brother he didn't have to share his food. That of course didn't seem to faze little Alwar who seemed to always be hungry. When he wasn't suckling from his mother's breast, he was either chewing on someone's hair or gnawing on his chubby fists. Being that all of their offspring had successfully obtained magical qualities while at the mating grounds he being the second son to the Water Kingdom would one day be Axel's right hand man in protecting it one day. They were truly blessed and thanked the gods daily for it.
"Always the little helper." Inuyasha chuckled making Aerwyna blush shyly. She reminded him a lot of Kagome and he smiled sadly at the memory.
"So what do you want your father to find for dinner?" asked Kikyo as they continued to lead their large pod closer to home.
"Kwams!" Aninna shouted. "Kwams yummy!"
"Clams? Sure if I can find some." Inuyasha said just as they rounded another bend along the coast. "If I can't find any is there something else you want?"
"A big fat crab!" shouted Axel as he emphasized how large with his arms spread wide.
"With as hungry as we all are I'd say I'll have to find a couple of each." Inuyasha said making his little newts giggle.
"Look! There's Valencia's bay!" someone shouted from the pod traveling behind them.
"Alright everyone! Remember to stay low, keep together and don't touch anything!" Inuyasha commanded as he and his mate pulled their offspring closer to their sides as they swam.
"No touch?" asked Aninna curiously.
"No sweetie. Those nets and fishing lines are meant to catch you. If you touch any of them even just a little it will tangle you up and pull you out of the sea. Once above the water humans and demons will kill and eat you." Kikyo taught insuring to induce fear into her spawn. This was not a place to spark their curiosity.
"Until Sess no eats us." Aerwyna said as they passed by a sunken crab trap loaded with tasty smelling bait. She was surprised there wasn't any bottom dwellers taking it.
"That's because he is your father's brother. Not all who walk on land will eat you but the ones who work these fishing grounds will. I need you three to promise me to never go anywhere near the fishing nets or traps without your father and I. Is that clear?" Kikyo commanded.
"Yes Mommy." the newts said together. Just then they heard a cry from further back in the pod.
(xxx stop music xxx)
(*** Inuyasha OST 2 - Fierce Fighting ***)
"HELP!" a mermaid cried as her tail fin got tangled up in a free-floating fishing line.
"Quick! Someone cut her lose!" shouted Inuyasha as five mermen swim to her aid.
"The line's being pulled in!" One of the merman shouted as they felt her being dragged deeper into the fishing grounds.
"CUT HER OUT NOW!" shouted Inuyasha as he passed his offspring to their mother and swam to aid his merman.
"AHHH! It's cutting into my tail!" shouted the mermaid as the line sliced deeper under her scales causing it to bleed.
"The line wont cut!" shouted another merman as his stone blade refused to fray the metal line.
"Here let me try!" Inuyasha said as he pulled his sword from his side. "Whatever you do don't let her go!"
"Yes Sir!" The merman shouted as the mermaid continued to cry out in pain. Seeing his men pulling her taught against the dragging line he lift his blade his above his head and swung. The wire to his shock only splintered and sliced deeper into her tail.
"AHHHH!" the mermaid cried as the wire began to cut into her muscle.
"It didn't cut!" cried one of the merman in horror. Not giving up Inuyasha continued to strike at the line. After three more swipes of his blade the wire snapped and the ensnared mermaid was set free.
(xxx stop music xxx)
"What the hell is that stuff?" shouted one of the mermen as he held the crying mermaid in his arms while some healers began to inspect her tail. It had nearly sliced through the bone and was bleeding heavily. Had they not gotten her free it would have permanently crippled her by slicing her tail fin off.
"I don't know. But I sure as hell am going to find out!" Inuyasha growled as he carefully untangled the cut wire from her tail and clutched it tightly in his hand. "Let's get moving! I don't want to get stuck in here with it being so close to sunset!"
"Come along little ones." Kikyo soothed as little Aninna and Aerwyna cried in her arms. "Let's go home."
"S-scary Mommy!" Aerwyna sobbed as she and Axel swam close to her side.
"I know sweetie but that is why it is so important to be careful when swimming through here." Kikyo said as she pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "Keep close to your father and I and you will be ok."
"As soon as we are settled in the cove I'm going to have a word with my brother." Inuyasha growled as they continued to weave about the fishing grounds. Everywhere they looked the grounds were ripped up and bare of any sea life. Only a few small pods of fish remained but even they were small and could easily escape a net. Seeing broken coral beds and disturbed rocks and sand scattered along the sea floor he growled in annoyance. "I mean just look at the place! This shit is everywhere and it tarring up the sea floor like a cheese grater!
"A cheese what?" asked Kikyo in confusion.
"It's a metal thing that slices up stuff into thin stringy pieces." Inuyasha tried to explain. "If Sesshomaru doesn't regulate his fisherman soon this place will be destroyed and Valencia will have to fish somewhere else."
"Wouldn't dem going away be good?" asked Axel not understanding the seriousness of the situation.
"Yes and no." Inuyasha said as they finally exited the grounds. "If Valencia loses their fishing grounds here it means that somewhere else will get the same treatment. Sure... we might not have to swim through the lines in the bay but once this place is damaged then the next place they go to will be damaged too. After a while those grounds wont have any fish and we will have to hunt even farther away."
"Oh… dats not good." Axel said as his little chocolate brown eyes widened in understanding.
"Nope, so I've got to have a word with your Uncle to see if we can fix this." Inuyasha said as they saw the sand dunes leading into the cove off in the distance.
"Yay! Home!" shouted Aerwyna excitedly as everyone began to rush towards the cove.
"You go inside with your mom. I've got to scout out a dinner party together." Inuyasha said as he kissed his little ones on the head. "I'll do my best to get you those clams!"
After that everyone settled into the cave while Inuyasha and about twenty other mermen went in search for dinner. While they were out Inuyasha decided now would be a good time to inform his brother of their arrival.
"Hey Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha inwardly said in his mind. "You there?"
"I am." Sesshomaru replied back in his mind. "Have you returned?"
"Yeah we just arrived but I need to show you something. Are you free later tonight or tomorrow? It's important." asked Inuyasha as he discovered a sand bed sure to be filled with clams and oysters.
"I am unavailable tonight. Come tomorrow and bring your family. I have something important for you to see as well." Sesshomaru said making Inuyasha pause in his hunt.
"Uh… alright then. See you around 7 o'clock then?" asked Inuyasha just as he pulled a large oyster from under the sand.
"7 it is." Sesshomaru said before cutting off their connection.
Shaking his head at his brother's typical short-ended responses he loaded his satchel with half a dozen oysters and clams. As he continued to search for food he found Axel the perfect crab. It had long chunky blue legs and a wide body. It looked to be a fully mature male with a large dactyl claw and a mean attitude. Taking his sword he hit the crab over the head; killing it instantly. Having successfully gathered enough food for his family he swam over to the other gathering merman. Seeing that they were successful in their hunt as well they turned towards the kelp forest to pick up a large bushel of leaves before returning to the cove. That night in the cove they celebrated their annual feast with music, games and story telling. The mermaid who had been injured in their travels had healed and was resting and celebration with everyone. All was well in the Royal Cove once again and the excitement of the nearing mating season was stirring in the air.
[Tashio Castle]
"You are certain this will work?" asked Sesshomaru to his most trustworthy advisor.
"Unless Rome has something else tucked away we aren't aware of then yes." Miroku said making the dog Lord's tension lessen slightly.
"We will still need to proceed with extreme caution." warned High Priest Shinsen. "You wife has yet to sign the papers and her Father could refuse our offer all the same."
"As greedy as that man is I doubt he would refuse our offer." said High Councilmen Shako. "It's Rome that I'm worried about. The Bishop could still decide to go to war despite the Barron's choice in releasing Lady Sara."
"Should that be the case all but one of my alliances I sent out letters to have agreed to aid where we need it.I'm hoping to hear back from the last one by tomorrow" Sesshomaru said.
"That is good to hear. Keep them on standby should need be." Miroku said.
"Hn." Seshomaru hummed.
"May I make a suggestion?" asked Louie. "I don't wish to over step boundaries here."
"By all means speak!" offered High Councilmen Shako. "Any idea could make a difference!"
"Thank you. (Clears throat) Should Lady Sara cause trouble along with Rome I would like to offer my country as a sanctuary. The young Prince has already decided to join my daughter at the academy next year so the transition for him to move to France won't be as traumatic." Louie said.
"I see no issue in this except my wife could send for an Italian convoy once over the boarder and hold him hostage against Spain." Sesshomaru said.
"Fear not, your wife would not be with him." Louie said making Sesshomaru scowl in concern.
"My pup is still too young to be separated from pack." Sesshomaru said making Louie smile knowingly.
"I am aware of that my old friend. That is why he would have his pack mother go with him." Louie said making Sesshomaru growl.
"No." Sesshomaru growled low making the court officials jump in their seats in surprise.
"I'm sorry have we missed something here?" asked High Councilmen Shako cautiously.
"She is not fit to travel! I will not risk her safety." Sesshomaru argued completely ignoring the officials.
"They would be perfectly safe. Besides, our healer back home is already familiar with her medical history and Lorenzo wouldn't be separated from her. This will give you the chance to make things right back here knowing they are safe and away from harm." Louie offered
"I said no!" Sesshomaru snarled. "She cannot be separated from me in her condition!"
"Condition?" asked Miroku in deeper confusion. "What else has happened to Princess Kagome since our last meeting?"
At this the room grew very still. You could almost see the string on tension hovering in the air as the dog Lord stared down the fighting cock. His amber eyes burned with frustration and his jaw was clenched tightly. Having hoped to avoid this information for a little while longer he at last relinquished his glare towards the firry rooster and stared down his chief advisor.
"She is with pup." Sesshomaru said sternly making High Councilmen Shako curse under his breath.
"Your beast just couldn't wait could he?" High Councilmen Shako sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. "You know as well as the Court that certain rules have to be followed before you can claim your mate."
"I can assure you she remains unmarked and was a virgin upon our union." Sesshomaru said making High Priest Shinsen look at him in thought.
"I take it with her new body this was made possible?" asked Shinsen earning a nod from the dog Lord. "We will need proof of that. You know your word is useless as evidence being in a relationship with her."
"I will find proof." Sesshomaru said as he turned to look at the rooster. "Would your mate be willing to help with this?"
"I will ask." Louie said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Kagome cannot stay here Sesshomaru. You may not have a weakness but your pups and mate will if you let them be."
"I agree." said High Priest Shinsen. "I know it is crucial for the development of the pup to be close to your aura but in times of war risks must be made."
"There is always a way to make a situation better. We'll come up with something my Lord." Miroku said earning nods of agreement from his fellow officials.
"What if she carries your Mocco Mocco?" asked High Priest Shinsen pointing to the pelt hanging on the back of his chair. "It contains your demonic aura does it not my Lord?"
"It does." Sesshomaru said as he too looked over at the fur pelt. "It's energy only lasts for so long before it must be reconnected with me."
"Do you know what length that is?" asked Miroku curiously. "If we knew exactly when it needed reconnected we could send you to the French border to make the connection."
"It last's for one month. After that it is no more than a common pelt. Only when reconnected to me will it return to its full potential." Sesshomaru said hesitantly. He didn't like revealing information about his powers; especially limitations.
"Then it's settled. Should war become the inevitable we will send both Lorenzo and Lady Kagome to France where Louie will find them sanctuary." said High Councilmen Shako. "Until then we will make preparations for the Barron of Naples and finish the papers for the revised peace treaty. Are you able to arrange for transportation on your end if needed for Princess Kagome and Prince Lorenzo need to depart quickly?"
"As soon as Lizy and I return to Paris it shall be arranged." Louie said earning a nod of approval from the High Councilmen.
"Let us pray these preparations are not needed." said High Priest Shinsen.
"Indeed." Sesshomaru said as he sat back in his chair and glanced over his notes.
"Don't worry my Lord. We'll get this figured out." Miroku said trying to ease his obvious upset.
"I say let's get to work on those treaty papers while it's hot on our minds." suggested High Councilmen Shako. "Are you two able to stay a little later tonight?"
"I'm sorry I can't. I'm to pick up my wife from the carriage station in half an hour." Miroku apologized.
"Then lets meet first thing tomorrow morning. I would like this finalized before the Barron arrives at the end of the week." the Councilmen said as he got up from his seat. "Enjoy your evenings gentlemen."
Once the officials had left his office Sesshomaru reclined in his seat and stared up at the ceiling. "I do not like this."
"I know my friend. I would be feeling the same if my mate was in Kagome's place." Louie said as he patted his friend on the shoulder. "Should my services be needed I will do everything in my power to keep them safe."
Sesshomaru unsure of what to say anymore just nodded his head and closed his eyes. He had just gotten her back and now the world was once again threatening to take her away from him. He knew why his beast had chosen to pup her so quickly. They needed to feel some type of bonding connection to their mate-to-be. Proving to everyone of who she belonged to. She was his damn it! However, now with the threat of war and the potential of his pup weakening through the pregnancy the long forgotten emotion of fear began to settle into his bones once more. He hated the feeling.
"Let's go have a drink. I'm sure by now everyone has settled in for the evening." Louie suggested as he got up from his chair. "Besides, I haven't had a chance to show you my congratulations."
"Hn." Sesshomaru hummed in amusement as followed his friend towards the parlor.
After a few drinks later they made their way towards the attached guest wing. Seeing his friend slip into Kagome's chambers a sad expression flickered briefly across the rooster's face. Having known Sesshomaru since childhood Louie witnessed the changes in his behavior over the years. He had lived through the tragedies with him, had spent endless hours in the training grounds helping him work through his anger and frustration. He knew of his darkest secrets and the underlining pain growing in his heart. Having known all of this he had never seen his friend so broken after Kagome had died. It was like speaking to an empty shell as he lived through the motions. Sesshomaru was simply a well-oiled machine that ruled his country and struck when necessary. Knowing he hadn't been there for him when he needed him the most was inexcusable in his mind. He refused to let that happen this time. He truly believed a piece of his friend had died that day and the friend he had once knew was gone forever. Those thoughts only deepened when he saw Sesshomaru getting out of that carriage with Lady Sara two nights ago.
It shocked him that even after five years he held no life in his eyes. To everyone else he looked calm and collected but to him he looked drained and sickly. He never realized how quickly demon heart break could cripple one as powerful as Sesshomaru. It just went to show how much he loved his mate-to-be. At least that was his guess. He had heard it crippled a demon by the strength of their love and by the looks of it Sesshomaru's passion for his dead mate almost was his undoing. The next morning when they accidently found him in Kagome's bed; it was like Sesshomaru had been given a drink from the Holy Grail itself. There was no doubt in his mind that Rin was Kagome. Sesshomaru was literally glowing from joy and looked like he had gained 100 years of his life back. He could feel the intense protective nature from his beast and knew if he was acting so it had to be true. Rin was Kagome... end of story. She was his savior and because of that it frightened him to death not knowing if Kagome leaving would be enough to protect her from Rome. Should she die again he knew his friend would never be the same or something much worse would befall the Tashio family. Quietly undressing for bed Louie came up behind his mate and pulled her close to his chest. Holding her safely in his arms his heart ached for his friend. He preyed he would never have to experience such grief. Having almost lost her to her damn uncle was enough. No... he would not wish for such suffering on anyone.
[Kagome's Chambers]
"I was wondering when you'd come." Kagome said as she sat up in bed. "Elizabeth said you and Louie were stuck in meetings all day."
"You haven't stayed awake just for me have you?" asked Sesshomaru as he undressed from his uniform and climbed into her bed.
"Of course!" Kagome giggled before placing a finger over his lips to silence his disapproval. "I've been resting all day Sesshomaru and can't get to sleep."
"Hn." Sesshomaru mumbled as he pulled her close to his chest and kissed her forehead. "How are you feeling?"
"Besides wide awake? I feel great! The medicine Tsukiyomi has given me is working wonders. My headache hasn't returned since this morning." Kagome said as she kissed his chin. "I told Tsukiyomi about the pup. She's very excited for us and has added its needs to her list."
"Good." Sesshomaru said as he buried his nose into her hair and ran his claws up and down her lower back. "Louie and the Court leaders are also informed. I would have come to you sooner but Louie wished to celebrate."
"So that's why I smell scotch on your breath." Kagome laughed as she nuzzled along his chest. "I'm surprised you told the Court already."
"I had rather hoped to delay it for your safety however a complication has surfaced and the news was needed to be addressed." Sesshomaru said making Kagome pull back to look up into his face.
"What kind of complication?" Kagome asked nervously.
"I received word of the Barron patrolling our eastern waters. They plan to visit us this next week." Sesshomaru said making Kagome stiffen in his arms.
"Is his navel guards coming with him?" asked Kagome anxiously.
"There will be two other ships traveling with him. Why?" asked Sesshomaru as he took in his lover's paling complexion.
"If it is the navel fleet I am thinking of do not let Captain Mitsukubi Okami know I am here." Kagome said making Sesshomaru tighten his hold around her waist. "He visits Paris on occasion when representing Rome and has crashed a few of Louie's parties."
"I do not know if he is coming. What has he done to frighten you so?" Sesshomaru asked as he held her trembling form against him.
"He hasn't touched me inappropriately but has made unwanted advances towards myself and a few of Lizy's friends. Being a wolf demon he likes to hunt his victims and the female flesh is his favorite. He has a bad reputation for taking advantage of women when they aren't chaperoned and doesn't take no for an answer. I've been told he tends to abuse his liquor and has a mean streak too. He also has a hypnotizing power in his eyes that lour's you in like a moth to a flame. I've witnessed too many girls fall prey to his good looks and flirtatious charms. I hope to never see him again." Kagome said making Sesshomaru's growl darken.
"If I have any say in it you won't. I have already decided for you and our pup to be moved to the room adjoining Lorenzo's. The wolf will not have access to you in the protection of the Royal Wing." Sesshomaru said making Kagome gasp.
"Really? I get to room with Lorenzo?" asked Kagome in excitement. "And your wife doesn't mind?"
"I do not care if she minds or not. I will not allow you to be surrounded by a bunch of unruly seamen." Sesshomaru said making Kagome giggle at his protectiveness.
"But you will let a rambunctious four year old and a vicious soon to be x-wife?" Kagome teased making him nip at her chin playfully.
"Exactly." Sesshomaru teased back as he gingerly rolled on top of her and began to kiss along her neck.
[Warning: Limy/Lemon till the end, please 18+]
"And what about a ravenous wild dog?" Kagome taunted as she rolled her hips against his suggestively. This made him groan and begin a gentle rock against her to continue the feeling.
"I'm a dog am I?" Sesshomaru asked as he lick down her neck and lightly humped against her core only further proving her point.
"Mhmmm." Kagome hummed as she enjoyed his attention to her neck and lower body. "My big white... (moan)... fff fluffy puppy. I think I'll keep you."
"Is that so?" Sesshomaru chuckled against her skin. "Well then let me show you my appreciation for your consideration."
Before Kagome realized what he was doing he disappeared under the covers and was licking at her folds. "SS-Sessho-maru!" Kagome squeaked out as he relentlessly ate her out.
His only reply to her surprise was a victorious growl and a firmer grip around her hips. He rolled his tongue fully against her sensitive core and thrust and twirled it deeper inside. Soon he had her moaning and whimpering as she thrashed against his mouth. Her nightgown by this point was pushed well over her breasts and he had one firmly gripped in one hand. As he rolled his tongue against her trembling clit he kneaded and pulled against her tender tit. The combination quickly sent her senses over the edge and she cried out his name to the heavens. As her release continued to flow from her quivering channel Sesshomaru eagerly drank up every drop. When he at last cleaned her of her nectar he crawled over top of her limp form and looked into her glazed blue eyes. A deep predatory purr rolled up from deep in his chest as he watched her watch him lick his lips of her juices. Her deep ocean blues followed the motion of his tongue as he licked his lips and he couldn't stop the smug smirk from forming.
"The taste of you pupped is delicious." Sesshomaru said huskily as he leaned down to kiss her. "I think I'll keep you this way."
"Oh?" Kagome giggled as she tried to catch her breath. "You might change your mind... when I get all moody."
"Moody?" Sesshomaru taunted as he nuzzled into her breasts. "Never."
"Hey!" Kagome laughed as she playfully smacked his shoulder. "I thought you liked me feisty."
"Perhaps." Sesshomaru said as he nipped at her under breast playfully. Still feeling the lingering effects of his earlier ministrations Kagome began to lick and nibbled along his ear as she looped her leg behind his back and began to set a gentle roll again his swollen cock.
"K-Kagome." Sesshomaru groaned into her neck as he took hold of her hip. "We... we need to stop."
"Please…" Kagome whimpered and she tried to move against him again. "I need to feel you."
"Your body needs to rest." Sesshomaru said as he ran his hand from her hip to rest over her womb. "I can feel that you need it."
"Love me gently." Kagome pleaded as she tried to coax him once again by running her claws up and down his spine. "I want to be one with you again."
"The pup…" Sesshomaru began.
"Will be fine." Kagome interrupted as she cupped his face to make him look into her pleading blues. "Please? I miss you…"
Resting his forehead against her's Sesshomaru stared into her eyes and knew he had lost the battle. Releasing a sigh in defeat he rubbed his nose with hers before kissing her lips in a tender kiss.
"If I sense you tiring we will stop." Sesshomaru whispered against her lips.
"K." Kagome agreed as she threaded her fingers into his hair and kissed his lips in passionate kiss.
[End of Chapter 57]
(HAW HAW HAW! ;) Let's continue on with the show shall we?!)
-s-
Inuyasha and Kikyo's Kids Name Meanings:
Axel: Father of Peace
Aerwyna: Friend to the Sea
Aninna: Answered Prayer
Alwar: Guardian for all