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: "The Little Mermaid Soundtrack - Bedtime" and "Inuyasha OST 1 - Sesshomaru." 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: A Wrinkly Situation
"Here you are daddy!" Sara said as she opened the bedroom door beside hers.
"Why am I not staying in my usual chambers attached to Lorenzo's?" Barron Garcia asked as he set down his luggage and took a seat on the couch.
"Because Earl La Flèche's adopted sister is staying in there. She became ill last week during her visit with them and wasn't well enough to leave this morning to Paris. My husband offered her that room until she is well enough to travel." Sara explained as she plopped down on the couch beside him.
"Oh! Well no matter. It is good to keep one's alliances happy and secure. I'm certain the woman appreciates the safety and protection of the family wing. His gesture in hospitality I'm certain has not gone unnoticed and will strengthen his bond with France. What a wise husband you have!" The Barron chuckled as he closed his eyes and relaxed. "What does Lorenzo think of sharing a room with a stranger? Surly Sesshomaru could have offered the women another room in this wing?"
"Lorenzo adores her which I don't know why. It was actually his idea to offer her that room in the first place. I tried to change my husband's mind but he agreed with Lorenzo." Sara grumbled as she snuggled into her father's side.
"Why do you not like her?" the Barron asked curiously as he reclined back into the couch cushion. "Is she a cruel woman?"
"No, it's just that Rin and I have bumped heads a few too many times and she spoils Lorenzo. I told my husband about her behavior and he did nothing about it. I told him when it comes time for her to leave that I will not be the one to console him. It was his decision to allow her to stay with us so therefore it's his problem to fix. I had arranged for her to recover at a beautiful bed and breakfast up the coast but he choose to ignore my idea. Now her recovery will be delayed and Lorenzo will become more attached." Sara sighed in annoyance making her father look at her in thought.
"My dear I do not see what the problem is here. Lorenzo will grow attached to many in his lifetime and he needs to learn to let go eventually. Plus, if she is ill it's best to keep her here instead of sending her to a place she doesn't know and receive care unequal to the castle healer. Moving could actually make her condition worse and that is not something your husband wants to be responsible for, especially when dealing with an ally. Besides, I'm certain sending her away when the La Flèche's believe her to be at the castle would not be wise. It would break their trust in Spain and that is very unwise. Plus, if my memory is correct the Le Flèche's have a daughter around Lorenzo's age do they not?" the Barron asked.
"They do but…" Sara said.
"But what? Did he not get attached and have to say goodbye to her as well?" the Barron asked not understanding her upset.
"He did but it's different with her daddy. It's hard to explain…. you'd have to see them together to understand. Its like… I don't know, like they are mother and son and I'm no longer in the picture I guess." Sara sighed making her father understand the issue.
"I see." The Barron smiled gently. "It's not that you are upset about her staying it's that you are jealous of their relationship."
"What?! I am not!" Sara argued as she stood up from the couch. "She is manipulative and rude and clings to my son like she is his mother. He is MY son, not hers! He should be coming to ME when he needs comforted! Not that demonness bitch!"
"Calm yourself daughter. I understand your upset but this Rin woman will leave eventually and everything will return to normal! Your son has simply found a new interest to occupy his time. Surly you can understand that? She is like a shiny new toy or playmate so to speak. Sometimes you want to do something different than play with the same toys and doing the same thing over and over. Rin is new and exciting and I do not mean this in an offensive way but you are not. He knows in his heart that you are his mother and will always be there for him. You don't have to remind him. He'll get over Rin eventually and come back to you. So why upset the boy? Let him play. Surly there is no harm in that?" the Baron said as he stood up from the couch and cupped Sara's face in his hands.
"I-I guess…" Sara sighed as she looked up into his warm brown eyes. "I'll try to be nice and give Lorenzo some playtime. He does get rather bored doing the same thing over and over. I'll have him to myself again soon enough."
"That's my girl!" The Barron laughed as he patted her cheeks making Sara smile.
"Now my dear… tell me about your life. How have things been since I last saw you?" the Baron asked as he and Sara walked out to the patio and sat on the chairs.
"Well… I made the mistake of asking Lorenzo if he wanted a sibling." Sara sighed making her father's brow crease in confusion.
"What do you mean mistake?" the Barron asked.
"Lorenzo became very excited about the idea and I misunderstanding demon pack law created a huge mess in assuming my husband would want the same." Sara explained. Looking downs the gardens she frowned at the memory. She could remember that night as if it was yesterday. "After dinner a couple weeks ago we were in the gardens taking a family stroll when Lorenzo brought the subject up. Sesshomaru became torn at the idea of me having another child with him and ended up leaving us in the dark. After I put Lorenzo to bed I confronted him about it and we got into a huge fight. I've never seen him get so upset."
"What happened next?" the Barron asked as he listened to her story.
"During our fight I confessed my feelings for him and he avoided me for over a week. I went to his office and he basically said that I had served my purpose as a wife and was free to go if I wished. That our marriage wasn't of love and that my womb had simply been used as a battlefield for peace. He did not desire a marital relationship with me and said that should I push his beast for children again or any physical affection it could possibly kill me." Sara explained with a quivering chin. "I asked him if there was anything I could do to help calm his beast back down to were we could talk of a relationship but he said it was impossible. He and his beast only desire for their dead mate to provide him children and a life long relationship."
"So what does that mean for you?" the Barron asked not liking where this was going.
"I'm not sure. The topic hasn't been brought back up again but our marriage has been very rocky ever since. I feel like we are on different planets and nothing we say agrees with the other. I don't know what to do daddy. I'm in love with my husband but his inner demon wont let him move on from his dead mate." Sara said as she began to cry.
"There, there my dear." Barron Garcia said as he pulled her into his arms and patted her back. "You knew these where his feelings when you married him but I understand how the heart grows fonder with time. I will try to speak with him about another child during our meeting tomorrow. We'll get this all sorted out."
"Thanks daddy." Sara sniffled just she remembered something. "Before I forget, they will be bringing up a new trade agreement at the meeting tomorrow. I spoke with my husband and Earl La Flèche about it the other day and I told them I would give them my support." Sara said making the Barron frown.
"You are certain of this?" the Barron said with a surprised expression.
"I do not go back on my promises." Sara said confidently.
"And you were not pressured into agreeing into anything?" the Barron asked for clarification.
"Of course not. I am capable of making my own decisions." Sara said as she patted her cheeks with her handkerchief so not to smear her makeup.
"Well then. If you strongly support it I will take that into consideration while looking over it tomorrow." The Barron said.
"Thanks daddy." Sara sniffled with a teary smile. "Would you like to take a walk around the gardens before supper? I noticed the rose bushes were beginning to bud yesterday."
"Sounds wonderful." The Barron smiled as they stood and made their way towards the gardens.
[Kagome's New Room]
(*** The Little Mermaid Soundtrack - Bedtime ***)
Lorenzo was the first to awaken from their nap and he rubbed his eyes with his hands to clear them of sleep. As he sat up in the bed he stretched while smacking his lips. When he yawned his little dog tongue curled and his little fangs poked out. His white shoulder length hair was tangled and on one side and was matted from where he slept. His clothes were all wrinkled and slightly sweaty from snuggling under the heavy comforter. As he looked over his new pack mother and took in her beauty he grinned happily. Her long black hair had come undone from her braid and was lying loosely around her back and shoulders. Its blue and indigo undertones complimented the light blush to her cheeks and soft coral pink lips.
Her long eyelashes fluttered as she dreamed against her whitecap skin and he thought it made her look pretty. Catching a new smell he had not recognized before he carefully pulling back the comforter and huddled down by her belly. It smelled like a spring meadow laden with wild flowers and lemon grass. He had no clue what it was but he liked how it smelled. He could also smell his Papa all over her and knowing his alpha had chosen her made him happy. Kagome having felt the cool draft with the covers being pulled away slowly woke up. When she saw Lorenzo's puzzled face as he sniffed at her belly she smiled knowingly and ruffled his messy hair.
"Hi there sleepy head. Did you have a nice nap?" Kagome asked as she sat up against the pillows.
"Uh huh!" Lorenzo smiled before turning back to her belly. "Gome? What's dat smell in your tummy?"
"That's your little brother or sister." Kagome said making Lorenzo's eyes go wide.
"You ate it?" Lorenzo squeaked making Kagome chuckle as she shook her head.
"No sweet heart babies grow inside their mommies just like flowers grow up from the ground." Kagome explained making Lorenzo relax a little.
"How did da pup gets in dair?" Lorenzo asked curiously.
"You know how flowers, fruits and vegetables have seeds?" Kagome asked as she pulled Lorenzo into her lap to listen.
"Yeah?" Lorenzo said as he looked up into her eyes with curiosity.
"Well... your father has specials seeds that he gives me and we planted them together inside my womb which is right here... Over time his seeds grow in my womb and turn into a new pup!"
"Wow!" Lorenzo said making Kagome giggle.
"That's right! When the pup is ready it will come out of me just like you did your mama." Kagome explained as she threaded her claws through Lorenzo's hair to untangle it.
"Ohhh…" Lorenzo said. "When will da pup come?"
"I'm not really sure sweet heart but I do know it won't be for a few more months." Kagome giggled as Lorenzo slipped down to her belly and placed his nose to her nightgown.
"Hello pup! Can you hear me?" Lorenzo called against her tummy.
"I think its still too little sweet heart to hear you but you can try anyway." Kagome smiled as Lorenzo placed his ear against her tummy and looked up into her eyes with fascination.
"Maybe if I talks to it, da pup will know me when it comes out!" Lorenzo said as he sniffled over her womb.
"Maybe!" Kagome giggled as she watched him sniff and nuzzle into her tummy. "Would you like to help your father and I take care of the pup when it is born? It will be very tiny and will need a big brother to help protect it."
"Ohtay! I pwotects da pup! Just wike I pwotects you!" Lorenzo declared as he stood up on the bed with his hands on his hips. "I'm da big bwuder and da pup is pack!"
"That's right. As a big brother you have to help your father protect the pack." Kagome said just as they heard a knock on Lorenzo's door.
"Prince Lorenzo? Are you in here?" Sango called as she opened his bedroom door to find it empty.
"In here Mrs. Sango!" Lorenzo called from Rin's room.
"There you are!" Sango said as she walked through the joining bathroom doorway to find him on the bed with Kagome. "Are you ready to get cleaned up for supper?"
"Yah! I'm hungry!" Lorenzo shouted as he jumped off the bed and rushed into his room. "Come on Gome! Help me get dwessed!"
"Haha ok! Just give me a minute." Kagome laughed as she got out of the bed and followed after Sango into his bedroom.
"Here I'll show you where everything is so next time you'll know." Sango chuckled a she made her way towards the dresser in the corner. "Here is all his slacks and under garments. In the closet are his shirts, jackets and dress coats. In that cabinet over there are his shoes and stockings and on the rack hanging behind the bathroom door are his hats, ties, pins and official badges."
"Sounds easy enough. Does anyone come in here to clean on a regular basis or is it left to his own responsibility?" Kagome asked as she stepped over wooden blocks and toys on the floor before sitting on his unmade bed.
"We are in the process of helping him learn how to clean up after himself but he does get help from staff three times a week. Lady Sara has it as a part of his nightly routine to clean up his mess before he goes to bed. He's been doing really good but with the Le Flèche's leaving and the Barron's crew arriving this afternoon I suppose his chores got forgotten." Sango said as she pulled out fresh clothes for him to wear out of the closet.
"Do I have to wear dat? It makes me itchy." Lorenzo pouted with his hands crossed over his chest.
"I'm under strict instructions from your mother. She wants you looking presentable for your grandfather and his friends." Sango explained as she knelt down to help him undress from his play clothes.
"No! I want Gome to do it!" Lorenzo shouted making Kagome quirk an eyebrow at his attitude.
"Don't be mean to Mrs. Sango. She's only doing what she's been told. If you want me to help can you can ask her again nicely?" Kagome asked with a pleading smile.
"Pwease Mrs. Sango? I want Gome to do it." Lorenzo said with his ears pinned back.
"Since you asked so nicely I'll allow it." Sango said as she winked at Kagome for her cleverness. Laying the clothes on the bed beside Kagome she then made her way over to the rocking chair in the corner to wait for him to finish. "I believe Kaede will be bring up your meal this evening. Tsukiyomi got called into the city for an emergency of some kind."
"Oh! That's fine. I wonder what the emergency was?" Kagome asked as she unbuttoned the last button on his shirt and slipped it off his lanky figure. "Alright! Do you think you can pull your pants off or do you need my help?"
"No I gots it! I'm a big pup!" Lorenzo said as he plopped down on his bottom and pulled off his pants and almost his under garments. Kicking them off he then took hold of the new pants Kagome offered him. Somehow both of his legs ended up in the same hole again. "Dang it…"
"Here… let me fix it and you can pull them up the rest of the way." Kagome smiled as she pulled the other leg out and put it in the correct sleeve. "Do you know what's for dinner?" she asked as she helped Lorenzo get up from the floor and button up his clean shirt.
"Roast beef garnished with steamed vegetables. However I think there was a red wine marinade so the Daija has prepared you something else." Sango said as she watched Kagome tuck his shirt into his pants before slipping the itchy gold tweed vest around his chest.
"What jacket is he to wear?" Kagome asked as she looked through the closet stuffed with clothes.
"The black corduroy one with golden moon buttons." Sango said making Lorenzo groan.
"Dat ones so hot! Why does mama want me to wear dat one?" Lorenzo whined as Kagome dug through the closet and pulled it out.
"She just wants you to look nice. However after holding it I'm in agreement with you. It's much too hot to be wearing it this evening. Let's see what else you can wear that will look just as nice." Kagome said as she put the jacket back in the closet. "AH! What about this one?"
"Lady Sara won't be too pleased about you changing his outfit. She's rather particular about his appearance." Sango warned as she watched Kagome help slip on a nearly identical dark navy blue cotton jacket with round gold buttons.
"No one is going to notice but her. The only difference is the color and the buttons. If she is worried about the moons we could always place a pin or something on his jacket."
"There is a little moon pin we could place on his tie?" Sango suggested as she went behind the bathroom door and pulled a small black box out of the hanging rack. "Here it is."
"That's perfect!" Kagome said as she placed the tiny crescent moon in the center of his bustled tie and twisted it into place. "Lorenzo you look so handsome!"
"Danks Gome! Can you fix my hairs?" Lorenzo asked as he grabbed a golden ribbon off his night stand.
"Sure sweet heart." Kagome said as she began to brush his hair using Sesshomaru's comb she still had in her robe pocket. Pulling it back she tied his hair into a cute little ponytail.
"Here are his shoes." Sango said as she leaned over the side of her chair and plucked a pair of black dress shoes out of the cabinet.
"Gome? Why cants you eats wif us?" Lorenzo asked as Sango helped steady him as he wedged a foot into his shoe.
"I'm sorry sweet heart but it's not safe for me and the pup to leave our room just yet. There are some bad people who want to hurt us and until your father says we can come out we have to stay hidden. Remember what I told you the other day? No one can know of my real name or of the pup. Not even your mother." Kagome warned as she straightened his outfit and kissed him on the cheek.
"I members." Lorenzo said as he nodded his head for emphasis. "I come and checks on you after supper!"
"Sounds good." Kagome said as she stood up from kneeling on the floor and walked him towards the door. "I'll see you later tonight sweet heart. Maybe we could read a story of something?"
"Ohtay! By Gome!" Lorenzo said as he waved goodbye and raced down the hall.
"I hope his outfit is ok?" Sango asked as she nibbled on her lip.
"It will be fine and if its not I'll take the blame and call it ignorance!" Kagome waved off as she turned and made her way towards her bedroom. While she was walking through the bathroom a wave of nausea hit her and she raced to the chamber pot.
"Kagome! Are you alright?" Sango cried as she held her hair back as she continued to empty her stomach.
"Y-yeah…" Kagome said as she spit into the chamber pot. "Just morning sickness again."
"I'll go and tell Kaede so she can prepare some of that tonic for you." Sango said as she helped her stand up and make her way towards her bedchambers. "What happened to your bucket?"
"It must have been left in my old room. I'm sure one of the cleaning maids took it when they changed my room for its new occupant." Kagome said as she stepped out onto her balcony for some fresh air.
"I'll make sure Kaede brings you a new one. Just take it easy until she comes." Sango said as she rubbed her back in comfort. "I promise to swing by sometime tomorrow to check on you."
"Thanks Sango." Kagome smiled as she hugged her. "You're a great friend you know that?"
"Same to you Kagome." Sango laughed as she slipped back into her room. "If Sara gives you any grief don't take it to heart. Stress isn't good for the pup and it's not worth getting upset over."
"I'll try to keep that in mind." Kagome said as she waved Sango goodbye.
[Dinning Hall, Tashio Castle]
Lorenzo raced down the hall and pulled himself up onto the banister. Holding tightly he slid all the way down the spiral staircase to the main floor. Having reached the bottom in record time he shook his head to clear it of dizziness and quickly straightened up his outfit the best he could. Satisfied with his appearance he raced towards the dinning hall causing servants and cooks to dodge his path. As the servants opened the doors for him to enter the sound of his grandfather's deep laughter and light dinner chatter came to his ears. The room was crowded with both human and demon males dressed in familiar black Italian and blue Spanish uniforms. They were laughing and drinking as they ate along the grand dinning room table. As he made his way down the table he caught his family's eyes and raced to his grandfather's open arms.
"There's the little rascal!" the Barron bellowed loudly as he swept Lorenzo in his arms and hugged him tight.
"Grandpa!" Lorenzo shouted happily as he hugged him tight and laughed as his mustache tickled his cheeks.
"Lorenzo? What happened to your dress coat?" Sara asked as she took in his blue jacket and rumpled clothing. "And why are you all messy?"
"Da odair jacket was too hot Mama! Gome said dis one was ohtay. I didn't means to make it messy. I just wanted to wun and swide down da stairs." Lorenzo said innocently making the Barron smile knowingly.
"No worries my boy. I don't like getting all fancy either." the Barron said as he set him down and helped his grandson straighten his clothes.
"But Daddy! It was the jacket mother sent him for Christmas last year. I was hoping he could wear it for you so you could tell mama how nice it looked on him." Sara pouted as she took a sip of her wine.
"Perhaps another time?" The barron suggested as the servant pulled back the chair for him to get in. "When I was your age Lorenzo, my mother had a hard time keeping my brothers and I from sliding down the banister. It was only when my younger brother broke his arm is when we stopped."
"Weally?" Lorenzo asked as a servant placed his food in front of him.
"Oh yes!" the Barron said as he took a bite of his roast beef. "It took him forever to get his arm back into shape. It was all good fun but none of us wanted to go through that."
"Lorenzo honey do you need help cutting up your beef?" Sara asked as she noticed Lorenzo slopping his food around on his plate as he tried to use his cutlery.
"No! I'm a big pup! I do it." Lorenzo said as he cut a huge chunk of his meat in half and stuffed one side into his mouth.
"He's a determined little fellow isn't he?" Mitsukubi chuckled as he watched the meat's juices drip down Lorenzo's chin.
"Just like his father!" the Barron joked as he patted Sesshomaru on the back. Sesshomaru just ignored him and continued to eat his dinner. "Have you got any plans for his fifth birthday?"
"Nothing as of right now." Sara said as she took a bite of her dinner.
"Surly you must! 5 is a huge milestone!" the Barron said as he ruffled Lorenzo's hair making him giggle. "If not a party at least something!"
"His party wouldn't be for another few weeks!" Sara laughed. "We could try to do something small while you're here?"
"What do you think my boy?" the Barron asked as he looked down at his grandson.
"I don't wike pawties. Can we just have cakes and pwesents?" Lorenzo grumbled making Sesshomaru inwardly smirk. His pup was becoming more and more like him the older he got.
"Whatever you want darling." Sara said with a gentle smile. She knew how shy he could be and with him being half demon along with being born a prince he tended to shy away from all of the attention. "I had planned on making a party this coming weekend for everyone but I guess we could squeeze in a special cake during the festivities or something while you're here."
"Perfect. Our men were hoping for a chance to party." Mitsukubi said raising his cup in a toast making Sara smile. "We would be happy to make Lorenzo's day special."
"Wonderful! Oh Lorenzo this will be perfect!" Sara clapped happily making Lorenzo smile weakly.
"Would there be a chance for us navel men staying at the castle to have a ride in town? A few of us were hoping to visit the local pubs." Mitsukubi asked.
"Of course! Should you ever wish to visit the city you can rent out a carriage from the stables." Sara said as the servants began to clear away their plates.
"Excellent." Mitsukubi said as he everyone began to dismiss from dinner. "Lord Sesshomaru? May I speak to you in private for a moment?"
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - Sesshomaru ***)
"If you insist." Sesshomaru said as he got up from his seat and made his way towards the gardens. Once they were near the fountains where they were far enough for demons to hear the wolf went in for the kill.
"I know of your secret dog Lord." Mitsukubi accused causing Sesshomaru to stop and turn to look at him.
"What secret?" Sesshomaru said through a narrowed glare.
"Don't play dumb. I know what you are keeping from your wife. I smelled you together in my room and I have over heard your servants talking about her." Mitsukubi said as he smirked wickedly.
"You know nothing." Sesshomaru said as he turned to walk away from him.
"Ah! But I do…. I could smell her all over your pup just now meaning she is still here!" The Barron taunted as he followed after Sesshomaru deeper into the gardens. "Do you know what else I smelled? I smelled your..."
"My what?" Sesshomaru said as he pinned him to the nearest tree. As soon as Mitsukubi opened his mouth Sesshomaru had turned on him. He had moved quicker than the wolf could react and suspended him off the ground with his tail dangling between his legs.
"Y-your pup!" Mitsukubi choked out as he struggled to breath in his tight grip. "I know of w-what you've done! I'll tell Sara… and the Barron!"
"I suggest you hold your tongue before I castrate you here and now wolf." Sesshomaru snarled as he stared him down with tinged red eyes.
"You wouldn't dare…" Mitsukubi snarled back. "I am the captain of the Italian Royal Navy. You hurt me… its war."
"Try me." Sesshomaru challenged as he held his claw in front of Mitsukubi's eyes dripping with poison. "You make mention of this and you will no longer enjoy the spoils of women."
"F-fine!" Mitsukubi spat causing Sesshomaru to drop him on his ass. No longer interested in this poor excuse of a demon he turned to walk back towards the castle. "Your secret won't last forever! Your servants are already talking!"
"Need not worry wolf. I had made plans to make our relationship public as soon as the Barron signs the divorce papers." Sesshomaru waved off uncaring as they walked towards the castle.
"Why Rin? You already have a wife and pup! Why did you pup her?" snarled Mitsukubi. "I told her four demon years ago that she would be mine! MINE! I've been pursuing her as a mate ever since! You had no right!"
"I need not have to explain myself to you." Sesshomaru said as the walked down the cobblestone walkway towards the dinning hall's side doors. "But know this, she is my mate-to-be and mother of this one's pup. Should they come to harm by your hand in any way... I will end you."
Boiling with pent-up frustration Mitsukubi stopped and glared at Sesshomaru's retreated back. He couldn't believe how his plans to see the old dog crack had crumbled under his feet. As soon as he sat down at dinner the smell of Sesshomaru hit his nose and when his pup came carrying her scent all the pieces came together. He had to bite his tongue to keep from causing a scene. Now he wished he hadn't. It would have made for some interesting entertainment and possibly even a bit of action. Needing to blow off some steam he huffed in irritation and stormed back into the gardens. Seeing a secluded portion of the gardens he decided to hide in the shadows and soak up the stillness of the night. As he was relaxing in the darkness a light came on in a room not too far from him. Looking up into the room he was surprised he could see into Lady Sara's room. She was readying for bed and the sight of her naked body made him burn. As she changed into her nightgown before slipping into bed a new plan came to mind and a dark chuckle rolled up from deep in his belly.
[End of Chapter 66]
(Well fuck... I wonder what Okami's got up his sleeve? Also, what will happen no that Kagome's pissed off Sara again? Be sure to follow along to to find out! Thanks for reading!)