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 1 - An Attack" "Inuyasha OST 1 - Sorrows End" "Inuyasha OST 1 - Longing 2" "Inuyasha OST 1 - A Fight" and "Inuyasha OST 1 - Kagome and Inuyasha." 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 markings 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: Heated Accusations
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - An Attack ***)
"So you mean to tell me that after everything my daughter has done for you, you're going to throw her aside like used goods?!" the Barron yelled angrily as he slammed his fist down on the table. Its sting echoed throughout the marble boardroom intensifying his outrage.
"That is not what we are saying at all your Grace. Lady Sara has been a wonderful asset to Spain and our Lord holds the highest regards for her. Spain wishes for her to find her happiness and we believe it is back home in Italy." High Councilmen Shako said as he looked at him with apologetic eyes.
"If this is true, then why does he desire for a divorce?! He knows of her feelings toward him. This would not as you say... "bring her happiness." the Barron fumed.
"Sara has been a good wife but wishes for a husband who will love and cherish her. She desires a partner that will provide her with affection and more offspring. It is true she will be upset but overtime this one believes it is for the best. This marriage cannot be moved past companionship. Your daughter is not satisfied with this kind of relationship and has been pushing dangerous boundaries to get what she wants." Sesshomaru calmly explained as he looked into the Barron's eyes. He wanted to make sure he saw no deceit and for there to be no misunderstandings between them.
"So what you are really saying is that Spain is offering my daughter her freedom?" Barron Garcia asked as he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. He was trying to digest what was being said beyond his own feelings towards the mater but was having difficulty seeing their point. If he felt he or his daughter were being cheated out of anything he would report it to the Bishop immediately.
"Correct." Sesshomaru nodded as he slipped his hands in his white courtly robe sleeves and reclined in his seat. Sensing the Barron's hesitation and concern in his aura he continued with his explanation. "The original contract has the option for Lady Sara to find a bed partner. She was reminded of this condition many years ago but desires more that a lover. With a divorce she will be free to find what she desires. She can move back to Italy, be close to home and build a family of her own. Should she take this path we are open for visits with my heir once everything settles down."
"She told me of your fight regarding new pups. Why the sudden change? Why now? Are you doing this for other reasons? Do you have a lover on the side or another marriage contract you wish to make? Are you using this as an excuse to get rid of her?" Barron Garcia accused making Sesshomaru's heart race a little in his chest. Not wanting to let the Barron know he had hit the nail on the coffin he decided to challenge him instead. By doing so he hoped to avoid answering the question by distracting him with other vital conditions to their debate.
"You and your daughter were both present upon forming the marriage contract. This means you were witnesses to this one verbally denounce our marriage bed upon her conceiving a son. You witnessed this one explain his inner spirit before the court and his loyalty to his mate. Neither of you can claim ignorance to any of this including warning you of the repercussions in forging this union. Your signatures upon this contract meant you were aware of the lonely life Sara would have. If she is unhappy with the terms of the contract that is not Spain's problem." Sesshomaru said making the Barron narrow his stare.
"Then explain it to me again because I am having a hard time seeing why is it so difficult for you to love your wife? Why can your beast not move on from the dead? Why can you not give my daughter her happiness and bring another child into the world?" the Barron question. "It sounds to me like you are simply being stubborn and lack the strength and motivation to let go of the past. Are you a coward to love again? Are you so afraid to open your heart to pain and the knowledge that one day she will die? What of your pup? Do you truly wish to force him into a split household?"
"Being human it does not surprise this one of your lack in memory and doubts. Therefore, this one will explain again to ease your worries. This one's beast understands that Lady Sara is the mother of his pup. He tolerates her enough to allow... a friendship of sorts but nothing more than that. When the topic of another pup was brought up and your daughter increased her displays of affection towards this one, his loyalty to his mate was challenged. Because of this he became aggressive and refuses to betray his mate again." Sesshomaru explained. "Is this making sense so far?"
"It is, thank you." the Barron nodded. "Please continue."
"Hm." Sesshomaru hummed, pleased he was making some progress. "This one's beast is not a tamed animal nor can he be forced out of his wild nature. He is an alpha dog spirit that rules his own pack and lives by demon pack law. Therefore no one can force him into doing anything he does not wish to do unless he is a higher rank within the pack. As this one has explained, his beast feels that he has betrayed his mate by consummating a legal marriage with your daughter and pupping her. To make up for his mistakes he has chosen to remain loyal to his mate until the ends of this one's days. He will not allow the relationship with your daughter to become more than companionship. Unlike the human heart that can love many partners in a single lifetime the demon heart can only come to love one during its entire existence. This one partner when bonded correctly can last many lifetimes, even beyond the grave. One simply cannot part with it for you would literally be severing a piece of yourself. This is why your daughter's happiness can never be with this one. This one is bonded with his mate and it biologically cannot be broken, even by death."
"I see..." Barron Garcia said as he scratched his chin in thought. "You say you cannot force your beast into anything... yet Sara bore you a son? How is this possible and why can you not do so again despite this... spiritual bond you speak of?"
"This one's beast are one in the same... yet not. It was this one's physical form who consummated with Lady Sara, not his spiritual form. He fought inside this one's mind the entire experience to try and prevent her from conceiving. Three times he attempted to kill her while we rutted. It was only by sure willpower that her life was spared. When this one's seed was released his beast held back his demonic powers to insure she would not be pupped. However, the gods miraculously used this one's physical nature much like you humans do to manifest life and molded it with her essence in her womb. This is why Lorenzo does not have my demonic powers, pack markings along his body nor the crescent moon upon his brow to claim him as my heir. He is this one's pup, not my beast's. Had my beast allowed his powers into this one's seed his markings would be present upon his pup's skin and his demonic signature would permanently mark Sara's womb as his. Without it she is simply a rutting partner in this one's eyes, nothing more." Sesshomaru explained.
"Let me get this straight... you are saying your inner spirit didn't approve of my daughter as a life partner and decided the best corse of action would be to shame her womb upon her marriage bed and not give her your spiritual stamp of approval? That in the eyes of the demon world she is no better than a concubine? Even though she is and has been your honorable wife for 15 years?! That her son, your only heir, was born from a womb that was denied his rights of obtaining a crescent mark upon his head to symbolize his rank, any demonic powers that can protect him from harm and all demon markings on his body to show his family tribe? That because you denied him these things in the eyes of every demon he will meet as your predecessor will forever be seen as an unwanted, weak, illegitimate, half-breed heir? All because you couldn't get over a dead woman?" the Barron screamed.
"Yes." Sesshomaru answered honestly allowing the depth of the situation to sink in. "This is what this one tried to explain would happen upon our signing the contract 15 years ago. All of this could have been prevented had you and the Bishop heeded this one's warnings."
"How dare you!" the Barron snarled making the courtroom's anxiety skyrocket. "How can you be so cold to your own child?! He will already have a hard life being a half-breed. Why did your inner beast feel the need to sentence him to a life time of heartache? When he come to understand what you've done he will be devastated!"
"As this one mentioned before his inner beast does as he wishes and thus makes his own decisions. It will be difficult for Lorenzo later in his life when this is comprehended not to mention responsibilities unload upon his shoulders and more people look to his guidance. There will be many challenges for his leadership and position as heir but this one is certain he will have the strength and courage to withstand them all. He is and will be my heir regardless of the situation. I will not take it from him unless he acts foolishly. Many things change with time, much like the tide and the earth's seasons. This one is uncertain what the consequences will be in regards to rejecting Lorenzo of his birth rights but will accept them none the less. When the gods see fit to appoint them this one will accept it humbly. Until that day comes, we must move forward by taking care of your daughter and grandson." Sesshomaru said calmly as he tried to pull back the reigns.
"True... but I still don't see why you can't give another pup to my daughter during her next heat cycle. Is having another pup truly so impossible?" asked the Barron.
"As mentioned before, it was a miracle your daughter conceived without my demonic signature in the first place. It took all of this one's strength to hold back his beast let alone force himself to spill in her womb. It is this one's belief that the need for an heir and the duty to protect his lands from Rome's threat is what allowed his seed to take. Normally the lack in power prevents weaker demons in being reproduced as you can see that is not the case." Sesshomaru explained making the Barron smirk a little.
"I guess its not so surprise being the high ranking demon you are that the potency of your seed would take regardless of your spirit's best efforts. I guess it just goes to show how stubborn and determined you are when you put your mind to it." the barron chuckled when he saw Sesshomaru smirking back at him with male pride reflecting in his eyes. His comment to everyone's relief lightened the mood in the court room significantly. "I do have one more question if you will be so kind as to humor me."
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - Sorrows End ***)
"What would that be?" Sesshomaru asked as he relaxed a little more into his chair. He was thankful the Barron was finally taking what he was saying seriously.
"Had my daughter given birth to a daughter instead of Lorenzo... what would have happened then?" the Barron asked making all of the court officials turn to look at Sesshomaru.
"Should Lady Sara had a daughter instead of a son this one still does not think he would be able to force another pup against his beast's wishes. Just like wine demon's inner spirits grow stronger with age. This is true for mine as well as his desire to make up for his disloyalty towards his mate. It has been many years since then meaning the strength needed to hold him back would need to be even stronger than before. Thankfully, the gods saw fit to provide Spain with a male heir the first time meaning there is no longer a need to risk your daughter's life in reproducing another pup." Sesshomaru concluded.
"So there really isn't a way past this is there?" the Barron sighed already knowing the answer.
"There is not. This one's beast believes your daughter's duty and purpose is complete. She means nothing to him other than being the mother of his pup. Should Sara try to push this one's beast again for affection of any kind he cannot guarantee her life will be spared." Sesshomaru warned making the Barron pale slightly.
"I did not realize your inner spirit held such power over your physical form. It makes sense being how demons transform into their spiritual beings but I guess I never thought outside of transformation they could manipulate your humanoid being to their whims. If what you say is true in regards to her needy behavior... Sara will die." the Barron said as the court around him nodded in agreement.
"We are sorry it has come to this conclusion. Lady Sara has been a wonderful asset to Spain but with her feelings for our Lord she will unintentionally cause herself harm, possibly even death. We do not wish for this event to occur and have come up with this new trade agreement as a preventive solution. Just so you are clear on our terms we the members of the Spanish Court and the Tashio Crown do not desire to divorce from our alliance with Italy regardless of seperating from Lady Sara. We are willing to offer both you and Rome this written exchange of power, resources and income to insure peace." High Councilmen Shako explained as he turned towards the table behind him and picked up the new trade agreement. "Inside this document you will find the divorce settlement, the terms and condition regarding Lorenzo's upbringing as well as our new offer in partnership. We have also included a private list of stock markets we are willing to sell to you that have never been provided to the public."
"And if I refuse?" the Barron asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. He glared at the councilmen in one final attempt to intimidate him.
"Should you refuse we will commence the divorce through the Roman courts and offer your half of the deal to the Bishop instead." High Councilmen Shako said unmoved by his stare. Setting the copy of the trade agreement on the table he opened it up for the Barron to look over. "If you would like some time to think it over we are willing to give you two days. After that we will be sending a messenger to Italy and would request for your fleet to depart in three days time. We would also like to ask for Sara to return to Italy upon your leave regardless of agreeing upon this document or not. She is a liability to her safety and needs to be removed from temptation before she accidentally kills herself."
"Hn. The are quite strong demands..." The Barron said as he looked over the document. "My daughter told me yesterday that she supports this document. She didn't read it did she?"
"She jumped to conclusions when she over heard this one's council with Earl La Flèche a few days ago. She does not realize the full extent of this report." Sesshomaru answered.
"I appreciate your honesty with me." Barron Garcia sighed as he rolled up the contract and tucked it into his dress coat pocket. "I will accept your offer of two days deliberation. We went over much to day and I would like some time to process it all."
"Understandable." Sesshomaru said just as a guard quickly walked to his side and whispered in his ear.
(xxx stop music xxx)
"Sir, you are needed in the Royal chambers immediately. There has been an accident." The guard whispered making Sesshomaru grip the chair's arm rests a little tighter.
"Our meeting will have to adjourn for the day. Something has come up that needs this one's immediate attention. Let us pick up in two days time unless the decision is made beforehand." Sesshomaru said as he excused himself and got up from his seat. Motioning for High Councilmen Shako to close the meeting he walked down the center isle of the board room and followed the guard towards the main doors.
"Of course my Lord." Shako said as he and the court members bowed in respect.
Once Sesshomaru was out of the boardroom he quickly followed the guard up the main stairs. When a hint of Kagome's blood on the guard's uniform floated past his nose his eyes rimmed red and a dark growl rolled up from his chest.
"You are dismissed." Sesshomaru commanded to the guard causing the poor badger demon to freeze in his spot.
"Y-yes, mmmm my Lord!" The guard stuttered nervously as the feeling of Sesshomaru's angry aura crushed down upon him.
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - Longing 2 ***)
Leaving the guard trembling behind him, Sesshomaru walked down the hall with purpose in his step. Everyone who came across his path quickly got out of his way. As he entered the family wing he heard muffled voices coming from inside Kagome chambers and he cursed under his breath when his wife's voice came to his ears. He needed to get himself together or risk ruining everything. Sara and the Barron couldn't find out about their relationship... not yet. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door.
"Just a moment!" Sara called as Tsukiyomi covered Kagome's naked body over with her blanket. Seeing that she was covered Sara nodded for Kaede to open the door. "Oh! My dear husband why aren't you in..."
"Explain why this one's guest smells of blood and appears to be unconscious?" Sesshomaru demanded cutting Sara off. His expression was hard making his amber eyes burn with fury. It made a cold chill run down everyone's backs. From this distance he could see a dark bruise on Kagome's cheek forming and the smell of her blood was thick in the air. It turned his stomach only pissing him off even more. Who dared to touch his mate?!
"The prince was trying to pull a pair of pants from his wardrobe when it snagged on the back of the drawer. He yanked it and the pant leg pulled the entire piece forward making it topple over. Were it not for Lady Rin rushing to his aid and using her body as a shield it would have crushed him." Tsukiyomi explained as she patted Kagome's cheek tenderly with a cool cloth. "She was able to keep it up for him to escape but by the time he returned with help her strength had given out and the wardrobe had pinned her to the floor."
"How badly are her injuries? This one will need to send the La Flèche's a full report." Sesshomaru asked as he walked past his wife to get a closer look at his mate. He was thankful for the years of practice in self-control and strategizing because inside he was a hot mess. Her neck and shoulders were swelling from being hit and he could see the bruises darkening with each second that past. It made him nervous what other damage had been done to her body and most importantly the survival of his unborn pup. His heart was racing in his chest and he felt twitchy from anxiety. His palms were sweaty and he didn't know how to process these unfamiliar feelings. Thankfully, to everyone else he just looked pissed... but collected. He was grateful for this illusion, especially with Sara in the room.
"Thankfully she didn't break anything but I am uncertain of internal injuries." Tsukiyomi said. When she she looked up at him with serious eyes he knew she was referring to his other question.
"Shit... she can't tell if the pup is alive." he thought to himself. Knowing there was no other option he looked at her with slight worry reflecting in his eyes and said, "This one should be able to tell with his nose. Where are your concerns exactly?"
"Her abdomen mostly... however with how bruised her back is I am also concerned for injuries to her chest and heart." Tsukiyomi said as she pulled back the heavy comforter. To his relief she left the sheet in place to hide her nakedness. He already knew Sara was going to be upset with what he was about to do but having her covered eased his own heart. He didn't think he could handle seeing her battered body at the moment.
"Wh.. What are you doing?!" Sara gasped as she watched him kneel by Rin's bedside and begin to sniff along her body. His nose dug into the sheet along her stomach, under her breasts and just above her crotch. Surely if his nose was that good he didn't need to actually touch her. "This is highly inappropriate!"
Ignoring his wife's obvious upset he closed his eyes in concentration and tried to take in every scent. As he did this, he tried to decipher each smell and their meanings. When he did not smell anything harmful inside her body other than pain and distress he focused on his pup. When he smelled its spring meadow wild flowers and lemon grass intact and it's aura fluttering like normal he relaxed a little and turned to look at Tsukiyomi.
"I do not smell any signs of inner bleeding. There is only intense pain, swelling and stress in to her back back bones and shoulder muscles." Sesshomaru said making both Kaede and Tsukiyomi sigh in relief.
"Thank the gods." Kaede sighed making Sara scowl in confusion.
"I'm sorry. I do not understand the worry of Rin being injured nor the reason for my husband to stick his nose where its not wanted. Shouldn't she be able to heal fairly quickly being a demon?" Sara asked making everyone frown at her.
"Some injuries cannot be healed in time to save a life." Tsukiyomi clipped as she turned her back on Sara. It pissed her off that she was being so cold towards Kagome. She had just saved her son's life for goodness sake! Couldn't the woman be a little more grateful? Rolling her shoulders to shrug off the tension in her neck she mixed an ointment for Kagome's sliced hand to keep infection out and to dull the pain. Seeing Sara's confusion when she turned around she knew she needed to give her a little more information. "For example, were it the prince who was pinned under that wardrobe he would not have been as lucky. Even with demon blood running in his veins the weight of the wood would have crushed him. His body being too small to fight back would not have had a chance to recover before he succumbed to his injuries. He would have likely died before help arrived."
"I-I had no idea..." Sara stuttered as she paled at the thought of her son nearly being killed.
"Lady Rin deserves respect Sara. She saved Lorenzo and put herself in harms way when she did not have to." Sesshomaru said as he took the ointment from Tsukiyomi's hand. "Louie entrusted her to my protection and she was injured rescuing my son. I am honored she is here."
"So what? Just because she pushed our son out of the way you are going to wait on her hand and foot?" Sara snapped when she saw Sesshomaru sit on the bed and take hold of Kagome's injured hand in his. It was one thing for a servant to care for her son's savior but for her husband to humble himself in such a manner was unthinkable. When he unraveled her dirty bandage and tenderly rubbed the ointment into her bloody palm she clenched her fists with anger. He had never been so affectionate with her and to see him doing so with another female in such an intimate way pissed her off.
"Silence woman or need I remind you such behavior is unbecoming?" Sesshomaru snapped back making Sara turn a dark shade of red from anger and embarrassment. He couldn't believe how callused she was being towards his mate. She had always been a warm and inviting creature during their marriage. Where in hell did she pick up this "bitchy" attitude? He honestly didn't know what to think. It pissed him off and he was taking her tasteless behavior no longer. If him punishing his wife ruined his relationship with Italy... so be it because he didn't take shit from anyone, especially this female who was the root for his mate's distress in the first place. "I will not allow such tongue to be spoken towards Lady Rin. She is an honored member of this castle and thus shall be treated as such. Where it not for her sacrifice our son would be dead! I am honor bound to care for her so this one suggests you learn to deal with it or risk this ones punishment."
"Seriously? You would take her side over mine? What makes her more special? Can you explain that to me? Huh? We have spent countless amounts money on man hours to clean, cook, mend and bath her not to mention her medical bill! Plus, she has the servants in a tizzy creating ridiculous stories about her. Its become a distraction and they are fighting, making betts and slacking on their duties left and right! I demand an answer!" Sara yelled and stomped her foot. The sudden disturbance woke Kagome up. When she groaned in pain it made everyone's attention immediately return to her care.
"Ow…" Kagome hissed as she tried to move but was crippled with pain. When her eyes flickered open they were laced with pain and tears threatened to fall. It broke Sesshomaru's heart seeing her in such distress and not being able to comfort her as a mate should.
"Shhh… Lady Rin. Try not to move. You sustained significant injuries to your neck and back. I've created a balm for your hand and will make a pain sedative for you to drink tonight with your evening meal." Tsukiyomi soothed as she ignored Sara's temper tantrum and went to work on her patient.
"The pup?!" Kagome gasped as she covered her hand over her stomach. Feeling Sesshomaru's hand still holding her injured palm she clutched it in a death grip and ignored the pain racing up her arm.
"Is fine." Sesshomaru said quickly. Hoping she understood his double meaning he lightly squeezed her hand back and looked into her eyes with tenderness on the edges.
"Thank the gods..." Kagome sighed as she relaxed her hold on his hand. She flinched when she finally noticed Sara and inwardly panicked when she noticed how she was looking at her and Sesshomaru. Clearing her throat she let go of his hand and brought it up to her eyes to inspect the damage. "So… w-where is he?"
"The prince be with Sango at the private beach. Need not worry he was spared of any injuries." Kaede said as she hoped to redirect Sara from her thoughts.
"Would you mind updating him on my health Lady Sara? I know he must be worried having been the one to go and get help." Kagome asked hoping to get Sara out of the room as quickly as possible. The sudden change of topic made Sara snap out of her dark thoughts and to her relief and upset she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at her mate.
"May I speak to you in private?" Sara snapped to Sesshomaru as she ignored Kagome's request completely.
"If you insist." Sesshomaru huffed as he reluctantly got up from the bed.
With his back to Sara she was unable to see the apologetic longing in his eyes as he stared down at his beloved mate. He didn't wish to leave her side knowing she was in pain. He knew whatever his wife wanted to talk about was not what he wanted to deal with at the moment. Seeing his discomort and hesitation in leaving her side Kagome subtly smiled and looked up at him with love in return. Getting the message he and flexed his claws inside his robe's sleeves to ease some of the tension in his arms and turned around to make his leave. Pissed at his wife's attitude and rude remarks he purposely brushed into her shoulder on the way out the door. His strong build easily caused her to stumble and she growled in annoyance at his minor offense. Annoyed and embarrassed by her husbands lack of respect towards her person Sara rolled her eyes and followed him towards their chambers. All three women behind her lifted their eyebrows into their bangs and gaped in astonishment at her attitude. The woman was sentencing herself to death if she didn't get her grip together.
(Sesshomaru's Bedchambers, Tashio Castle - Royal Wing)
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - A Fight ***)
"What requires your attention woman?" Sesshomaru clipped as he slammed their bedroom door behind them and looked down at her with burning amber eyes. His patience was gone and he didn't know how much more he could hold back his beast from killing her.
"Why did you feel the need to belittle me in front them? That was rude and embarrassing!" Sara yelled as she placed her hands on her hips. "And don't woman me! I am your wife!"
"I suggest you shut your mouth before you regret it." Sesshomaru growled in warning as he towered over her with red-rimmed eyes. "I shall treat you how I wish. I am the Lord and master of these lands and you shall obey my commands!"
"No! I deserve respect and shall be treated with such! I am the eldest daughter of a Barron and first Lady! Not to mention the mother of your pup! I am your equal damn it! I am not some peasant for you to shove around!" Sara yelled in challenge making Sesshomaru flex his claws and snarl. He was about to strike her when...
"SARA!" the Barron yelled as he stood in the doorway with a very disapproving scowl on his brow. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"D-daddy?!" Sara squeaked and blushed from embarrassment at him witnessing their fight. "I-I didn't hear you come in."
"That's because you were too busy getting yourself killed you foolish girl!" Barron Garcia yelled as he took in the angry dog demon behind her. Sesshomaru's eyes were closed at the moment and he could tell by the curling swirl of his aura that he was trying with all his might to hold back his beast from striking at her. Had he been just a moment later she could have lost her head. "What the devil has gotten into you?"
"It's that demonness! She has enchanted him somehow... I just know it!" Sara yelled as she pointed accusingly at the fuming demon Lord. "I saw the way you cared for her! There is something going on between you two and I demand to know what! The servants have been talking... I know what they think!"
"Silence woman! I have warned you enough!" Sesshomaru commanded as his eyes rimmed a little more red. "No charm or spell is strong enough to sway this one."
"Then what the hell was that?! You don't just get all cozy with a female when your wife is watching! Is she a new lover? Is it because she's a water demon too that you want to fuck her? So you can fantasize about your dead bitch?" Sara demanded making the Barron gasp at her fowl mouth.
"Sara Maria Garcia! You will silence yourself this instant!" Barron Garcia demanded making Sara clip her mouth shut and face burn red with anger. "Now what has happened to upset my daughter so?"
"My son was…" Sesshomaru began.
"OUR SON!" Sara interrupted earning a...
"SILENCE!" from both her father and husband. Sesshomaru turned his attention to the Barron. He couldn't stand to look at Sara let alone be in her presence any longer. He wanted to wring her neck like a rag and cut her into pieces to feed to his dragon but to avoid war he couldn't do so... not yet.
"My pup was nearly crushed by his wardrobe during our meeting. Lady Rin intercepted the impact and became injured in the process. Being honor bound to care for her needs I smelled for internal injuries that my human healer was unable to check and rewrapped one of her wounds. If you doubt my behavior there were two females servants in the room as witnesses." Sesshomaru explain.
His eyes were still rimmed with red as he tried to steady his breathing. Last he had lost his control on his beast in such a way was when Kagome had been taken by Takemaru. He needed to keep it together or risk ruining everything they had worked on to be together. The Barron needed to be on their side and if that meant allowing Sara another day with her head attached to her shoulder then fine but that didn't mean he wanted to have to listen to her mouth or be anywhere near her until everything was said and done. No, he was finished with Sara... end of story.
"Good gods!" Barron Garcia gasped in shock. "Is Lady Rin alright?"
"She is fine. Just some scrapes and bruises." Sara shrugged off.
"They are not simply scrapes and bruises woman!" Sesshomaru growled in annoyance. Seriously was she trying to kill herself? Did she not see or sense that he was seconds away from decapitating her? "One of her palms sliced open from a drawer handle and has bone bruising all down her neck and back. I was able to scent out no internal damage but did find her body to show signs of distress."
"The poor woman..." Barron Garcia sympathized as he frowned at his daughter's lack of respect toward's Rin and terrible accusations towards her husband. "That must be excruciatingly painful."
"It is, even for a demon." Sesshomaru explained as he ignored Sara's bitter mocking "even for a demon, blah..." behind him. "This one does not appreciate Sara's attitude towards his honored guest. She treats Lady Rin as if she were poison to a wound. This one will no longer tolerate such childish disrespect especially towards a creature who sacrificed themselves so selflessly. Had you not come in to stop my beast from punishing her we would be arranging a funeral at this moment. I do not wish to ruin our contract with her blood on my hands."
"Indeed... I do apologize for her behavior. It is most shocking. Had I not seen this incident with my own eyes I would not believe it to be possible." Barron Garcia agreed as he looked at Sara's shocked expression in disapproval. She should have known she had pushed her husband to his limits. The fact she was so blind to her own safety only solidified his thoughts. She was no longer safe here and would be coming home with or without the new contract sighed. "You both have given me much to think about. I do not believe the court will have to wait long for my decision."
"Understood." Sesshomaru nodded making Sara's eyes widen in confusion and worry.
"Decision? What decision?" Sara asked as her father ignored her and turned towards the door to make his way down the hall. "D-Daddy?"
"LEAVE! This one does not wish to be near your presence any longer." Sesshomaru snarled as he turned away from her and flew out his balcony doors.
Panic stricken Sara raced after her father to try and figure out what the hell was going on. Seeing him walking towards the stairwell she ran to stop him.
"Daddy wait!" Sara cried out making him look over his shoulder at her. He scrunched his bushy eyebrows together with a frown still curving his thin lips. When he noticed no sign or remorse for her actions reflecting in her eyes his frown deepened. When she said, "Please! Tell me what is happening?! What decision are you to make?" he turned his back on her and closed his eyes. Never in his long life as a Barron and father has he ever been so disappointed in someone.
"One that could save your life." he answered bluntly before walking down the stairs leaving her staring down at his retreating form in shock.
[Kagome's Room, Tashio Castle]
"The nerve of that woman I swear!" Tsukiyomi growled as she finished the bandage around Kagome's wrist. They could hear their muffled yelling from down the hall and they knew it wasn't good. "She is going to get herself killed!"
"Sesshomaru has great self control but I don't know if he will be able to handle her much longer." Kagome agreed as she tried not to move too much. "You are certain the pup is alright?"
"He checked your person himself." Tsukiyomi said making Kagome frown in confusion.
"How? Sara was right there!" Kagome asked as Kaede pulled the comforter back over her body to keep her warm.
"With his demon nose." Keade chuckled as she tapped her own. Seeing the twinkle in the old women's eyes made Kagome blush. "Worry not child, ye were covered by the sheet to protect ye's figure. He sniffed along its surface to insure no internal injuries were sustained."
"And Sara let him?" Kagome gapped like a fish in disbelief.
"He didn't give her much choice. She was burning with rage while he did it, but given the situation our Lord was willing to risk your cover." Tsukiyomi chuckled.
"Hn." Kagome hummed as she rubbed her hand over her womb. Noticing her stomach wasn't as flat her eye's widened in surprise. She was showing already?
"Ye will be swelling more and more in the next few weeks. Demon pregnancies don't take as long as we human do." Kaede explained with a knowing smile. "It is good that ye are wearing loose fitting nightgowns to hide ye figure from Lady Sara and the other servants.
"That and hiding under the covers will do too." Tsukiyomi said making Kagome laugh.
(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - Kagome and Inuyasha ***)
"I hope I don't have to hide much longer. I'm ready to announce to the world of Sesshomaru and I's happiness." Kagome said just as she felt him land outside the patio door. When she heard a light tap on the glass she smiled and carefully turned her head in his direction to look at him. She could smell his worry, weariness and stress and it made her heart flutter knowing he cared so much.
"We'll leave ye be." Kaede said as she opened the patio door to let him inside. "Thee suggest ye demon tongue shall aid her in her recovery."
"That is this one's intension." Sesshomaru nodded as he motioned for Tsukiyomi and Kaede to walk out the door. Locking it behind them he began to undress. "I apologize for that unwanted disruption."
"Keh… it's free entertainment." Kagome shrugged off before wincing from moving her shoulders.
"Don't move… I too have healing properties." Sesshomaru said as he kicked off his boots and undid his belt and sword. "Allow me to assist you."
"What? Really?" Kagome asked in surprise as her crawled up the bed and hovered over her. "Why haven't you used them before?"
"I have but, you were asleep last time." Sesshomaru smirked making Kagome's eyes widen in surprise.
"What?! When was this?!" Kagome squeaked making Sesshomaru chuckle.
"It was the night you were injured by Kagura in the town square. You had scraped your knee, bruised your sides and broken your hand during your fall."
"So that's how my scraped knee and bruises went away! I had assumed it was some of my remaining mermaid powers at work. Guess I was wrong haha." Kagome blushed. "H-how exactly did you do it?"
"Like this..." Sesshomaru purred as he pulled his shirt up and over his head before leaning down and sensually licking up her bruised neck.
"S-Sesshomaru…" Kagome gasped when the tingling feeling of his demonic properties soaked into her skin. When its healing heat began to take the ache away she closed her eyes and did her best to lean into his touch.
"My powers will not heal internal injuries like breaks or bleeding but will help your bruises, cuts and delay any infection." Sesshomaru explained as he lovingly licked and kissed along her battered cheek.
"That feels nice." Kagome hummed as she relaxed beneath him as he slowly worked down her face and neck. "So what made you want to heal my injuries before?"
"Even then my beast claimed you as his and the sight of you injured was more that he could bare. Holding you in his arms and healing you with his lips was paradise..." Sesshomaru whispered as he cupped her now healed cheek in his palm and claimed her lips in a tender kiss.
Kagome sighed against his lips allowing him entrance to her mouth. As their tongues made love she slowly brought up her hands to rest against his bare chest. His strong hard muscles were warm and smooth to the touch. Feeling her hesitation to move Sesshomaru reluctantly pulled back from their kisses and looked down into her sparkling blues.
"Do you think you could roll onto your stomach so I can heal your back?" Sesshomaru asked as he ran a finger along her jawbone.
"Only if you help me." Kagome blushed making Sesshomaru smirk.
Pulling off the covers Sesshomaru gingerly helped roll Kagome onto her stomach. Her whimpers and hisses of pain crushed his heart and he immediately got to work. Now laying on her stomach Sesshomaru was able to fully asses the damage. He whimpered at the sight that greeted his eyes. She was black and blue from shoulder to hip and swollen along her spine and right shoulder blade. There were scratches and grooves near her ribs from the other drawer handles that had carved into her back and a huge bruise just above her tailbone.
"It was worth it." Kagome whispered as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. As she reflected over the terrible accident she couldn't help but cry. "As soon as I saw it begin to top over I ran. The only thoughts that were going through my mind was, "save pup, save pup" over and over. It was only when the weight of it hit me that my beast and I realized we couldn't shove it back. It was too heavy to do it by ourselves and not only did we get hurt but we endangered our unborn pup. I'm so sorry for risking that but I didn't know what else to do!"
"Shhh… your decision saved them both." Sesshomaru whispered as he nuzzled into her now healed neck. "I am not please you were hurt but I am proud of you my mate in protecting our pups. You bring this one honor."
"My poor pup... he was so scared." Kagome cried as she remembered seeing Lorenzo's terrified face as the drawers came crashing down. "Such innocence taken away from him by a simple tragedy. We will have to get a new storage compartment for his clothes or fix the one he has to where it doesn't do that anymore."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru said as he kissed between her shoulder blades and began to lick down her back. "We will nail it to the floor."
"And the walls." Kagome agreed as she sniffled and relaxed under him once more. "Thank you..."
"For what?" Sesshomaru asked as he looked over her shoulder to see she was looking back at him with rippling blues.
"For loving and caring for me when you don't have to. For sacrificing your time to spend it with me, for our pup in my womb, for Lorenzo, a future together… for just being you." Kagome said with a warm teary smile. "You are my everything and I am honored to be yours. I love you..."
[End of Chapter 68]
(Poor little Lorenzo and Kagome. :'( Thankfully they will recover from this ordeal.. but what about Lorenzo later on? When he get's older will the choices of Sesshomaru's inner beast's rejection affect him? What about with Lady Sara? Now that she's been abandoned by Sesshomaru and is under her father's disapproving stare what will happen? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Be sure to write them down in the review section and to follow this story! I've finished the next few chapters. Just tweaking them to make sure all the details are in order the way I want to them to be. Will be posting more soon! Thank you so much for reading! Until next time! TG1)