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: "Beautiful Japanese Piano Music ~ Relaxing Music for Studying or Sleeping" "The Little Mermaid Soundtrack - Flotsam and Jetsam" and "Inuyasha OST 1 - From a Secret Well to a Turbulent Age."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: Trouble
A knock sounded at the door and opened to reveal Tsukiyomi holding her medical bag in one hand and a cup of prenatal vitamin stomach-calming tonic in the other.
"Ah! Daija I see you have arrived to the party at last!" Tsukiyomi teased as she closed the door and walked over to the bed to hand Kagome her tonic.
"About that… why has no one come to collect me sooner?!" Daija pouted making Kagome giggle against the rim of her cup.
"Sesshomaru has the castle on lock down. Should Sara discover our relationship before this new contract is signed it could delay our mating and cause other unwanted complications with Rome." Kagome explained as she took another swig of the tonic.
"Ah… yes, Lady Sara." Daija smiled sadly. "Have you met her and Lorenzo yet?"
"I have." Kagome said before she washed the tonic down with a cool glass of water that Tsukiyomi handed her. "Lorenzo has already come to recognize me as his pack mother and Lady Sara for some reason already dislikes me."
"This is wonderful news regarding your relationship with Lorenzo. However, I do not understand Lady Sara's dislike of you. Why is that? Do you think she suspects something?" Daija asked as Tsukiyomi began checking over Kagome.
"Not yet but it won't be long. As soon as she hears the rumors and puts a few more pieces together I am certain the woman will be out to get me." Kagome frowned. "Sesshomaru and I decided that should I need to seek emergency shelter I will return to the sea and stay with my family."
"That is a wise choice." Daija agreed. "You would be nearby so Lord Sesshomaru can feed his aura to the pup and get to you should you need help."
"Daija... do you mind turning your chair around while I check on the pup? It will only take a few moments." Tsukiyomi said as she helped prop Kagome's back up with some pillows and pulled down the bed sheet.
"Of course." Daija said as he stood up and turned his chair around to face the wall. "It does puzzle me that the gods have changed your form to that of another water creature. You could have been reborn into any other creature. Its a blessing you will be able to reconnect with your family while still being able to live here."
"I know. Plus being demon compared to my past forms has offered Sesshomaru and I a long future together that previously wouldn't have been an option." Kagome said as she pulled her nightgown up for Tsukiyomi.
"It's like the gods fixed a mistake or something." Tsukiyomi said as she inserted two fingers into her channel to check her cervix. "Now you can live as long as he does and become the true life partner you've always wanted to be."
"Simply incredible." Daija agreed as he listened in on the conversation.
"I do have a question though Daija." Kagome said making Daija perk up to listen. "I have no clue how to be a water elemental. Do you have any information on my kind or know of someone I could learn from? It makes me nervous not knowing how long I will be pupped for or what my body will need upon delivery."
"Hmm. I know some things but I unfortunately do not know of your breeding specifics." Daija said as he scratched his chin in thought. "Perhaps I could call a few friends and ask if they know of any water elementals? You of course could always speak to your inner demon but the odds of her knowing are just as slim since you yourself do not know."
"What do you know of my kind in the mean time?" asked Kagome as Tsukiyomi finished her exam and pulled the covers back up.
"You can turn around now Daija. I am finished." Tsukiyomi said as she wiped her hands on a cloth and sat on the bed to listen.
"Thank you." Daija said as he turned his seat around. "What I do know is that you have the power to manipulate any body of water such as its liquid, solid or gas forms. I have heard that some water elementals have the power to use water outside of its natural property. For example should you wish to fly you could use your power to form a cloud of sorts under your feet and lift you up into the air. It would be in its gaseous state but have the solidity of ice for you to stand on."
"Cool!" Kagome said excitedly. "I'll definitely have to play around with that one. I would love to fly with Sesshomaru one day. I already figured out I can manipulate water with my mind but I haven't quite figured out how to control the forms fully."
"Well while you are stuck in your room you could work on that?" Tsukiyomi suggested as she got up from the bed and put her items away in her bag. "Is there a way for her to defend herself should she need it?"
"There is. You could always use water as a whip or freeze the water from the atmosphere and make daggers but there are other powers as well." Daija said as he took hold of her hand. "See these markings along your wrists?"
"Yeah? What do they do?" Kagome asked as she felt Daija rub his thumb over it. It had a slightly raised blue vein along her wrists and when he touched it she was surprised to feel a rush of power flow down her into her fingers.
"Not only do you have the power to manipulate water but all forms of fluids that contain water; such as your tea, the atmosphere, the food we eat, the trees and grass... even your blood." Daija said making Tsuikiyomi's eyebrows disappear into her bangs.
"M-my blood? What would that power do?" Kagome asked nervously.
"Should someone wish to harm you, you can control the blood flowing through their body. You could stop it, reverse the direction it flows, evaporate the water from their system, even cause their organs to drown or explode. However the most common use of blood manipulation is by using a claw on these markings and forming blood blades with your own blood." Daija said making Kagome pale slightly.
"I don't think I feel comfortable using this power." Kagome said shaking her head out of fear. "To kill someone in such a way… the torchere is unthinkable."
"It wouldn't hurt for you to learn just in case you needed to defend yourself." Daija urged gently. "As future mate to the Lord of Spain there will be many who will try to kill you to get to Sesshomaru. There will be times you will need to protect yourself and your future pups."
"He is right my Lady." Tsukiyomi said encouragingly. "War requires all of us to make uncomfortable decisions and sacrifices. Even if that means manipulating someone's blood or bringing them down with a blood blade. This power could save your pack when help cannot reach you in time."
"(Sigh…) I know." Kagome sighed melodramatically. "I guess not having grown up as a water demon has soften me towards my own potential. I'm not a warrior and the idea of killing someone, even in self defense frightens me."
"Don't worry Princess. You'll grow into your own soon enough." Daija encouraged as he squeezed her hand lightly in his. "Unfortunately that is all I know of water elemental powers. Have you ever transformed into your true form? Do you know what creature you become?"
"No I haven't had a reason to. I know that I can breathe under water and can swim faster and go longer distances than any land demon. But that's not unique. Any water creature can do the same." Kagome shrugged.
"Should you need to escape I suggest you get to a source of water quickly and allow your beast to take over. Your inner beast should recognize her way home." Daija suggested.
"Alright." Kagome nodded as her eyes began to grow heavy and she stifled a yawn.
"Before you get too comfortable and fall asleep my Lady we must be moving you to your new chambers." Tsukiyomi said as she walked over to the trunk at the foot of the bed and grabbed a pair of shoes for Kagome to slip on. "The Barron's ship was spotted entering the outer loop of the bay not fifteen minutes ago. They should be arriving at the docs in an hour or so. I imagine the servants will be arriving soon to clean and make this room presentable for the guests."
"Do you need help moving these items to the new chambers?" asked Daija.
"That would be of great help." Tsukiyomi said. "She is to move into the adjoining room to Prince Lorenzo's.
"Let me grab my robe so I'm not walking down the halls in my nightgown." Kagome giggled as she walked into the bathing room and pulled her robe off of the hook.
(*** Beautiful Japanese Piano Music ~ Relaxing Music for Studying or Sleeping ***)
Seeing Sesshomaru's comb sitting on the bench she slipped it into her pocket for safekeeping. Picked up one of her lighter trunks she followed after Tsukiyomi and Daija down the hall and entered through the Royal Wing's main doorway. As she entered her new chambers the smell of Lorenzo heavily permeated the space and it filled her heart with happiness. She could clearly see that her new bathing chambers connected to his and she chuckled at the amount of toys that were littering his floor. Her room was a soft powder blue color and had a mural painted along the walls. In the mural were cranes and other water birds walking along the surf with gentle waves crashing upon the sand and sweeps of clouds blowing with the ocean breeze.
The bed sheets were white with tan and blue stripes running across it and tan and grey pillows decorating the headboard. Hanging above the bed was a shire white mesh canopy that lightly flowed down the railing to the floor. A large white woven rug covered the wooden floors with light brown furniture decorated the space. In one corner a wooden rocking chair sat and a gray sofa with brown claw feet was near the window. She noticed the ceiling was high and had strong wooden beams running across it. She loved everything about her new room and couldn't help but smile.
"You feel like your on the beach don't you?" Tsukiyomi said as she and Daija brought in the last of her luggage.
"I do! I love everything about it. It's so peaceful and the mural is beautifully done. It's like I'm living in a beach house on the coast."
"I'm sure if you open the widows the ocean breeze will blow in and you might even be able to see out over the castle wall towards the private beach." Daija said as he set down a heavy trunk in one corner.
"Having Lorenzo and Sesshomaru close by makes it even better. Now just to finish this trade agreement and our future together as a family can finally begin." Kagome said as she set down the luggage she had brought in and continued to soak in her new surroundings.
"I agree. The atmosphere of the room is a perfect retreat for you. Should you need to escape from Lady Sara go out onto the patio there and soak up some sunshine and play with your pup. Laughter and joy are the greatest medicines anyway. It will be good for you both." Tsukiyomi suggested as she pulled back the sheets on the bed. "Come, my Lady. The other medicine that is good for the soul is rest. With the stress that is sure to occur the next few weeks I think it would be best to rest and relax as much as you can."
"I think your right." Kagome said as she covered her mouth with her hand and yawned. Climbing into her new bed she snuggled into the clean sheets and savored in the comfort of the soft matrices.
"I'll work on finding another water elemental to answer your questions." Daija said as he made his way towards the door. "You rest and focus your free time building your powers."
"Sounds good, thank you." Kagome smiled sleepily. "Will you be able to come by another time?"
"Of course Princess." Daija said as he was about to follow Tsukiyomi out the door.
"Oh! Daija I almost forgot. I give you permission to call me Lady Rin. Should Lady Sara accidently over hear you calling me Princess or Kagome it could get very messy." Kagome warned as she pulled the covers u a little higher.
"Understandable." Daija agreed. "Enjoy your nap Lady Rin."
As he closed the door Kagome pulled her new shell to her mouth and said, "Lorenzo? Sweet heart? Are you there?"
"Gome!" Lorenzo shouted happily through his shell. "I hears you!"
"I'm so glade! Where are you? I'm about to take a nap in my new room! Would you like to join me?" Kagome asked as she closed her eyes and inhaled his scent clinging to the sheets.
"He is with this one. We are on our way back from the port." Sesshomaru chimed in making her smile. "We shall join you soon."
"K." Kagome said sleepily. "Love you both."
"Wove you too Gome! Papa and me comin and snuggle soon!" Lorenzo said making her giggle.
"Alright sweet heart. See you in a little bit." Kagome said as she let go of the shell and relaxed into a light sleep.
About 20 minutes later she heard the bedroom door creek open and lightly close with a click of the lock. When she felt a little body crawl up on the bed beside her she slowly opened her eyes and smiled.
"Hi sweetie." Kagome whispered sleepily as she pulled the cover back slightly for him to snuggle into her chest. "Did the Le Fleche's sail off ok?"
"Yeah… I was sad to see Odette go." Lorenzo frowned with sad puppy dog eyes. His little ears were pinned back on his head and she could tell he had cried from the smell of salt on his cheeks.
"You'll see her again soon." Kagome said as Sesshomaru came up behind her and pulled back the sheet to slip in.
"How are your new quarters?" Sesshomaru asked as he kissed her cheek and pulled her back to his chest. "Were there any complications?"
"Nope! Everything moved quick and easy with Tsukiyomi and Daija's help. I love the room. It's so peaceful and it reminds me of home. I'm so happy that I get to be closer to you and spend more time with Lorenzo." Kagome sighed contently.
"Good." Sesshomaru sighed in relief as he kissed her cheek.
"Now you can pway wif me all da time!" Lorenzo said excitedly making Kagome giggle at his enthusiasm.
"We will be sure to have fun." Kagome agreed as she tucked him close while Sesshomaru's strong arm curled around them and held them close.
"I unfortunately cannot stay long. The Barron and his crew will arrive in two hours time. I am sure Sara will be looking for me and I wish to greet her father when he arrives to make a good impression." Sesshomaru said as he nuzzled behind her ear and took in the scent of their growing pup.
"Mmkay." Kagome said sleepily with her eyes closed.
She could tell Lorenzo was already drifting off to sleep. The steady beat of her heart against her warm chest and her motherly purrs surrounded him. She knew smelling and sensing his pack all around him made him feel safe and completely relaxed. Sesshomaru held his son and mate in his arm while running his claws lightly through Lorenzo's white hair. He felt relaxed in the peaceful stillness of the Royal wing and soaked up its comforts. Hearing his mate and pup lightly snoring he took in their beautiful image and smiled. He could not think of a better way to spend his afternoon. Holding them close he closed his eyes and soon joined them in a light sleep.
(xxx Stop Music xxx)
[An Hour Later - Across the Castle]
"All the rooms are ready and accounted for." Kaede said as she followed Sara down the hallway while she was checking off her list.
"Wonderful!" Sara said as she checked off her list. "Has anyone checked to see if the cooks have prepared the roast beef for supper?"
"Aye, thy Lady. The head chef just finished cutting the potatoes. All should be prepared by 6 o'clock." Kaede said as they continued to walk down the hallway. Sara seeing she made it completely down her list went back over it to see if she had missed anything. When one line without a check mark came into view she stopped and turned to look at Kaede with a questionable brow. "You said all the rooms were ready correct?"
"Aye, all 200 rooms have been cleaned, dusted, swept, moped and aired with fresh linens and bathing supplies." Kaede said making Sara frown.
"What of Lady Rin's room? Has the carriage arrived?" asked Sara making Kaede frown as well.
"Her room was emptied when the servants arrived to clean it. Thy know not of any carriage." Kaede said. "Were ye expecting other company?"
"No, no. I made special arrangements for her to stay at a bed and breakfast along the coast. A carriage was to arrive about an hour and a half ago to pick her up." Sara said as she turned to the stairs to make her way towards the main entrance. "You there! Did a carriage from the Blue Goose Inn come by?"
"Yes my Lady, about an hour and ago." the guard said as he and his fellow soldier turned to look at her and Kaede.
"Perfect! So she is on her way then." Sara smiled brightly as she checked the final square on her list.
"Who my Lady would that be?" the soldier asked making Sara look up from her list in confusion.
"Why Lady Rin of course? Was it not her who left with the carriage?" asked Sara.
"No one left in the carriage my Lady. It arrived not two minutes before Lord Sesshomaru and Prince Lorenzo returned from the docks. He spoke to the carriage driver himself and sent it on its way." the guard said making Sara snap her quill in her hand.
"He did, did he?" Sara clipped as the ink of the quill stained her fingers.
"Yes, my Lady. I know not what he said as he spoke at the carriage with the driver. I am sorry to not have anymore information." The guard apologized as he and the other guard bowed.
"No, that is quite alright. You have answered my question." Sara said as she turned to make her way towards the Royal Wing.
"Lady Sara? Are ye alright?" Kaede asked as she followed after a quick paced angry woman.
"Please finish the last minute details. My father and his crew shall arrive any minute." Sara commanded as she left the nervous old woman behind on the stairway.
"A-aye… thy Lady." Kaede said as she watched her storm up the stairs towards the Royal Wing. She silently prayed that the gods would protect Kagome from her wrath.
(*** The Little Mermaid Soundtrack - Flotsam and Jetsam ***)
Sara was furious that her plans of ridding Rin from the castle had been ruined. She stomped up the stairs in an angry huff and crumpled her list up in her fist. She had specifically planned for Rin to disappear from the castle while Lorenzo and Sesshomaru were at the docks. Why the carriage driver was late she didn't know but were it not for Sesshomaru dismissing the driver Rin would have been an hour up the coast by now and out of their lives for good. She knew she should have been there personally to send her off. She cursed under her breathe at having been stuck firing three servants for slacking on their duties. Having finally reached the top of the stairs she saw Sesshomaru exiting from the room Rin was now staying in.
"Is she in there?" Sara snapped making Sesshomaru narrow his eyes at her tone.
"She is." Sesshomaru said unmoved by her fit as he finished closing the door.
"Why? Why didn't you let her go to the bed and breakfast I had arranged for her? She would have been safe and in a relaxing environment for her to recover in. And why were you in there?" Sara snapped angrily.
"Woman, I suggest you hold your tongue. This one has killed others for less offense. To answer your question, this one said the other day she was to stay. You over stepped your bounds of authority. Do not do so again in the future for I will be very displeased." Sesshomaru said coldly as he stepped around her and began to make his way down the hall. "Why this one was in Rin's room was to check on my pup. Do not disturb them, for they are resting as you so desire."
Boiling mad Sara bit her tongue to keep from screaming. Face burning with anger she turned to her bedroom across the hall and slammed the door shut. Once inside she grabbed a pillow off her bed and screamed into it for a good 5 minutes. After 15 minutes or so had passed she finally collected herself enough to wipe the tears from her eyes, reapply her makeup, straighten her hairdo and unwrinkled her dress. Clearing her voice from screaming she straightened her shoulders, opened her bedroom door and walked down the hallway as if nothing happened. Although she looked confident and collected inside were hot coals ready to burn into an inferno. Hearing voices and the sound of horse hooves clomping near the main entrance she picked up her dress shirt and quickly made her way down the stairs. Seeing familiar faces greeting her husband and members of the Spanish court her heart lightened in happiness. At last, her father was here.
(xxx stop music xxx)
"There's my charming daughter!" Baron Garcia bellowed in the grand marble entranceway. His arms were spread wide for her and his broad smile warmed her heart.
"Daddy! At last you have arrived!" Sara cried as she smiled from ear to ear and quickly made her way to her father's side.
"It is good to see you my child!" Barron Garcia chuckled loudly as he took his daughter into a tight embrace. "Where is my little hell hound of a grandson?"
"He is resting." Sesshomaru said as he stood tall and proud next to his band of court officials. "Your daughter shall show you to your quarters."
"Ah yes... the pleasure of afternoon naps. I'm sure he is growing like a weed and needs his rest." Barron Garcia chuckled making his round belly bounce. "Lead the way daughter! I'm sure Captain Okami and his men are looking forward to a nice bath and a warm bed to lie in. Aren't you Captain?"
"Aye, I hear your castle's hospitality is as fine as your women and wine. I look forward to the experience." Mitsukubi said making the Barron and the other gathered men in the lobby laugh along with him.
Sesshomaru having heard the familiar name turned to look at the Captain. He had to fight ever nerve in his body to keep from growling and digging his claws into his flesh. The smell of wolf, cheap cologne and rum strongly hit his nose. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the sleazy womanizing drunk Kagome had warned him of. He'd be sure to keep a close eye on him during his stay and inform Kaede to warn their castle staff of his reputation. They were under his protection and they deserved to be aware of Okami and possibly even his crew's behavior.
"How many men will be staying at the castle?" asked Kaede as she motioned for them to follow her and Sara up the stairs.
"There are 50 seamen who will be arriving later this evening. They are still at the docks settling the ship and its crew." Barron Garcia said as they followed her up the grand stairs towards the guest sweet.
"And the other seamen? Are they staying in town? There be plenty of room for them to stay should they wish." asked Kaede curiously.
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - From a Secret Well to a Turbulent Age ***)
"No they wish to be near the docks and experience Valencia's spoils to the fullest." Mitsukubi said as they reached the top of the stairs.
"Very well thy shall leave ye in Lady Sara's care. Thy need to inform the cooks and the servants of ye's numbers to prepare for supper. Should ye be in need of anything do not hesitate to ask thee." Kaede said as she bowed and left them at the guest sweet.
"Captain Okami, do you wish to bunk alone or with a roommate?" Sara asked as she lead the Barron and 10 other navel men who had arrived with them down the hallway.
"Alone would be preferable." Mitsukubi said as Sara lead him towards the room Kagome had stayed in. It was the largest of the single guest rooms and had its own bathing chamber. Looking around the room and seeing it would be the perfect get away he said, "This will do nicely. Thank you."
"Perfect. Go ahead and make yourself at home. A servant will come to collect you around 6 o'clock for supper." Sara said as she continued to settle the other 10 seamen into their rooms down the hall.
Setting his hat at the foot of the bed he sat on the end and began to unbuckle his boots. As he was unfastening he noticed the floorboards were scratched and scuffed near the legs of the bed. Not seeing other scuffs on the floorboards to show that the furniture had been rearranged he wrinkled his brow in thought. Shrugging it off he laid back on the bed and relaxed into the matrices. As he was closing his eyes he took in a deep breath to help him release the tension he had in his body from weeks at sea. As he was breathing a familiar scent briefly crossed his nose and his eyes widened in shock. Trying to find the source of the smell he followed his nose and found a long black hair with deep blue undertones stuck to the back of the head board. Plucking it from the wood he brought it up to his nose and deeply inhaled the heavenly scent. It was a scent he has been lusting over for the past four demon years.
It made his loins burn and a deep predatory growl rumble from deep in his chest. His bright green eyes glowed with excitement and hunger. She had been here recently and the thought of her being close by made him crave for her touch. However as he held the single hair up to his nose and lustfully envisioned the female from which it had come from, another scent coated the hair. He also noticed more scratches along the wall from where the headboard looked to of been repeatedly banged against it. As he took in the new smell cloaking her hair and the battered floorboards and banged in wall a picture began to come to mind. Realizing what had happened here he growled angrily and bared his fangs at the offending bed. Knowing the bitch he had always wanted to fuck had banged another in this same bed pissed him off. For years he had been trying to take her virginity but now he could almost taste her broken innocence on his tongue the longer he stayed in the room.
Growling in frustration he walked over to the patio door and tossed the offending hair outside. Taking a deep breath of fresh air he calmed down enough to close the door and sit on the couch in the corner. Here he could slightly make out her sent as well but not the other masculine smell. Deciding here would be a good place to sleep he stretched out on the couch and closed his eyes. As he began to fall asleep the unsatisfied ache in his groin reminded him of his lack of intimacy the last three months at sea. Seeing that the door was closed he reached into his pants and quickly relived himself of the sexual tenion. He would need to ask Lady Sara for a woman soon. That would be the perfect way to get rid of the smell permeating the bed. Satisfied in his plan to cloak her scent with his instead of the other male's he whipped his spilt seed on his pants and drifted off to sleep. At least in his dreams her beautiful ocean blue eyes and voluptuous breasts were his.
(End of Chapter 65)
(Way to go Sesshomaru in putting Sara in her place! Not to mention a quick response in keeping out of Kagome's room! Let's just hope it lasts so he can have a chance to speak with the Barron and keep Kagome safe from Captain Okami's pervy hands. However, only time will tell! Be sure to follow along for more! Thanks for reading.)