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: "Under the Sea Instrumental" "Inuyasha OST 2 - Inuyasha's Metamorphosis." 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: Eyes Opened
"You aren't serious darling?!" Lady Garcia gasped causing her to nearly spilling her tea.
"I am." Sara sighed as she stirred some sugar in her tea. She and her parents were enjoying their afternoon tea out in the rose garden under the gazebo. Only recently bloomed the flowers filled the air around them with their sweet smelling fragrances. Being surrounded in their tranquility made it the perfect place to unload her tattered heart. "I caught him talking to someone on his calling shell last night. I took it off the second day of the spell working."
"That means he's remembered everything about Kagome before you left!" Barron Garcia said making Lady Garcia frown.
"Correct." Sara grumbled.
"Calling shell? What do you speak of?" Lady Garcia asked as she spread some marmalade on her scone.
"It's a seashell that has a magic spell cast over it. Whoever wears the matching set can talk to them from anywhere in the world." Barron Garcia explained making Lady Garcia's eyes widen in surprise. "It's very fascinating gear if I do say so myself."
"Who do you think he was speaking to?" Lady Garcia asked.
"He didn't try to hide it from me so I'm assuming our son." Lady Sara said before frowned. "However…"
"What is it darling?" Lady Garcia asked.
"That bitch is the one who made it and she had one too." Lady Sara said making Barron Garcia frown. "Hers could be connected too and he could have been talking to her behind my back!"
"Princess Kagame said..." Barron Garcia began to say.
"Don't call her that name again. I refuse to address her with such honor." Lady Sara snapped. "She isn't worthy of that title and was reborn without it."
"I agree." Lady Garcia huffed with her nose in the air. "Very undeserving with her crass behavior of sleeping with your husband and mothering a pup out of wedlock."
"To be fair my Love, our daughter hasn't been the best in lady-like behavior herself." Barron Garcia grumbled making Sara's cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Also, you forget that she was adopted into the La Flèche family. Like it or not she is still of nobility."
"Regardless, if she is speaking to my husband through that shell I'm going to be very displeased." Sara growled as she grit her teeth. "He is my husband and his loyalty should be to me! She shouldn't be permitted to be with him let alone talk to him on that blasted shell!"
"I was told the necklaces only worked through family connections? Is that not true?" Barron Garcia asked as he scratched his chin in thought. "Perhaps her being pregnant with his child has allowed such a connection?"
"If that's the case the necklace should break any day now." Sara said with a wicked grin.
"What do you mean?" Lady Garcia asked.
"Growing demons feed off of their father's energies as much as their mother's nutrients when inside the womb. It's how they develop their demonic powers and pack connections. Kagome fled the castle as soon as her identity was discovered. To my knowledge Sesshomaru didn't see her before we left. That being said, by the time we return home it will be nearly two and a half months the pup will be without its father's energy. If the little beast survives, it will be sickly the rest of its life or possibly die soon after brith." Sara explained.
"Oh dear..." Lady Garcia gasped with genuine grief. "That is not something to be please over darling. I know you are upset with her but as a mother I can't imagine the pain she is going through."
"Agreed, not mother should suffer the loss of their child." Barron Garcia hummed in agreement as he remembered the joy reflecting in Kagome's eyes when they had last spoke. It made his stomach twist in grief for her. Although he was angry at she and Sesshomaru's deceit he couldn't help but feel sorry for them both. Fate continued to try and pull them apart and no child should be dragged into that, legitimate or not. "Very unfortunate news indeed."
"I don't care what you think. It serves her right for sleeping with my husband. The only children Sesshomaru should have should come from me!" Sara huffed as she nibbled on a tomato basil finger sandwich. "The medicine Tsukiyomi gave me should ware off in a few days. I would like to try for another pup and move past all of this."
"Sara you shouldn't!" Lady Garcia gasped as she gripped her daughter's arm. "He could kill you!"
"Don't worry mama. I have a plan." Lady Sara smirked wickedly as she pat her mother's hand. "During the farewell ball after Sesshomaru is well and drunk I will seduce him into my bed. Just in case his beast retaliates in the morning I will leave as soon as he falls asleep and stay in your lounge room until the guards can calm him down. By then he and his beast should recognize me as their female and ditch Kagome and their sick pup."
"But Sara!" Barron Garcia blanched. "It would take a river of alcohol to drown the dog."
"Then I suggest getting some highly potent booze for the party! If you want another grandchild you can make it your personal duty to insure my safety." Lady Sara commanded. "I am moving forward with this plan with or without you."
Lady Garcia and her husband just looked at their daughter as if she was crazy. Not seeing a hint of hesitation in her decision and knowing if he didn't help she would kill herself Barron Garcia sighed, looked at his wife and took her hand in his. "I am satisfied with one grandchild. However, if you choose our daughter's side I will aid in this."
"Please mama… Lorenzo has been begging for a playmate and I long for another child." Sara begged as she took her mother's hands in hers. "I know you and daddy wanted more children. Will you damn me to the same fate?"
"(Sigh...) Only if you promise not to act until your father says he is well and drunk. If your husband declines your advances, you will back down and drop this plan all together. I will not sentence you to death." Lady Garcia said seriously.
"Thank you Mama! I promise!" Lady Sara smiled.
"I do not like this." Barron Garcia grumbled. "but... with your word I will do my best to intoxicating your husband. Should I sense he is still cognitive enough to kill you, you will withdraw no matter what. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Papa! Thank you! Thank you so much!" Lady Sara beamed with joy.
"We must go into town and purchase the most eye catching fabric for your gown!" Lady Garcia said making Sara laugh. "You must ensnare his attention!"
"I'll leave those details to you then. I must speak to the house about their party services. I know just the liquor that will knock his socks off!" Barron Garcia laughed as he got up from his seat. Kissing both women on the head he then said, "In the mean time stay on his good side and give him space."
"Yes, Papa." Lady Sara said as she watched him place his trifold hat with a black ostrich feather atop his balding head.
As he walked towards the palace he noticed Sesshomaru sitting on the far side of the gardens taking his afternoon tea with the Bishop of Rome. At the Bishop's sides were two of his clergymen and three holy guards. He could tell they were in deep discussion over something important. Not wanting to miss out on the gossip he made his way over to them.
"Very interesting Lord Sesshomaru. Thank you for informing us of this information." The head Bishop said just as they noticed the Barron peaking around some bushes. "Barron Garcia! Do come join us!"
Having being caught spying the Barron cleared his throat and made his way towards the table. "I was on my way to the palace and noticed you were enjoying the afternoon sun. I do hope I'm not intruding?"
"Not at all, please take a seat." The Bishop said as he motioned for Barron Garcia to sit. "We take it you are aware of Captain Okami's behavior the past few months?"
"Unfortunately." Barron Garcia grumbled as he adjusted his chair to sit more comfortably. "It has come to my attention that beside my daughter, he has seduced other unfortunate women into his bed."
"I do apologize for not informing your daughter of his behavior." Sesshomaru apologized. "I made mention of it to our head of staff and assumed she had been informed. Apparently word of his behavior didn't reach her in time."
"Regardless, my daughter should have known better." Barron Garcia huffed. "I spoke to the wolf upon our journey home and he holds no remorse for his behavior whatsoever. In fact, he purposefully targeted Sara to get under your skin. Fortunately for us, his little stunt didn't work. Had your relationship with my daughter been broken it could have ruined our alliance!"
"Indeed." The Bishop said. "This behavior is unacceptable and I have ask the naval guard to collect Captain Okami. Once he is taken into custody he will be stripped of his rank and asked to step down from the guard. Your wife and castle staff are not the first victims. We have received countless letters of complaint and him targeting an ally for personal gain is inexcusable. It is time for his behavior to end and to come forward and repent of his sins."
"He will retaliate." Sesshomaru warned as he took a sip of his tea.
"Do not worry Lord Sesshomaru." The Bishop said as he set his teacup on the table. "He is not the first trouble maker we have dealt with and we have steps in place for such occasions as this. Should he cause further issues... I'm certain you can figure out the rest."
"Hn." Barron Garcia hummed as he took in the information.
"Were you able to uncover the merchant ships passing through your ports illegally?" the Bishop asked curiously. "The men I sent out said they were unmarked."
"They are the band of pirates that were flushed out of the eastern territories. Apparently word has spread of a priceless jewel being found in my waters." Sesshomaru scoffed in annoyance making the men around the table scowl. "I have not heard of them causing any damages or vandalism to my city as of yet. My hope is they will discover the rumors to be just that and leave. My men are in place should anything escalate."
"Those damn pirates are robbing every port of their goods and causing destruction everywhere they go. If we don't stop them soon all of our trading routs along the Mediterranean coastline will be ruined." Barron Garcia growled and slammed his fist on the table making the tea cups rattle. "Captain Okami said we had rid of the vermin!"
"That is another issue we need to address. There have been rumors of seeing the Captain boarding ships and leaving with loads of stolen goods." One of the clergymen said behind the Bishop. "We suspect the captain to be a leader within the pirate world and laundering goods around the Mediterranean Sea by way of the Italian flag."
"Another rat hidden amongst mice... how irritating." Sesshomaru thought to himself. "He is using you for his own gain."
"Exactly. We will question him and hopefully cut off the head of snake." The Bishop said as he set his napkin on the table and pushed his chair back. "Will it's been a pleasant afternoon gentlemen but my men and I need to return to the temple to prepare for the evening service."
"Of course." Barron Garcia said as he and Sesshomaru stood up from their seats to shake the Bishop's hand. "Will you be attending tomorrow's festivities?"
"Gods willing." The Bishop smiled as he folded his fingers together at the center of his chest and made his way down the path towards their carriage.
"If the pirates attack do you plan to depart early?" Barron Garcia asked as he and Sesshomaru made their way towards the palace.
"Only if my men need be. I have plans set to delay them until I arrive." Sesshomaru said making the Barron grunt in approval.
"Good." Barron Garcia said. He was pleased he was maintaining his grandson's inheritance."You are certain of my grandson's safety?"
"He is hidden within the water kingdom. It is a place of secrecy and only few know of its location." Sesshomaru said making the Barron's eyebrows rise in surprise.
"A hidden kingdom under the sea… sounds like Atlantis to me." Barron Garcia chuckled. "I have been told you recovered your memories. I take it your lover is with him?"
"Hn." Sesshomaru nodded. "She is Lorenzo's personal care taker."
"Does my daughter know of this?" Barron Garcia asked as they walked up the steps.
"Not directly. However, she is growing bolder with her tongue. My beast is at his wits end and I do not think she understands the implications of her spell weakening." Sesshomaru warned as the servants opened the doors for them. "She struggles retaining and comprehending demon customs, constantly challenges my authority and disobeys orders. If this continues she will kill herself or become seriously hurt."
"So where do you stand in your desires towards my daughter?" Barron Garcia asked. "Are we back to where we started?"
"At the moment my heart is torn in two; one side loyal to Kagome and the other to your daughter. My beast believes me marrying Sara has short sided our original vow, thus cheated Kagome of having Lorenzo. Now with the potion, my other half wishes to uphold my vow to your daughter until death due us part. I will warn you; this side is weakening every day. I am uncertain if my own toxins will eventually rid of her spell all together or a part of me will always be loyal to Sara. Regardless, your daughter pushing my beast will end up killing her. So in theory, yes we are back to the beginning. Sara is no longer safe with me. The only difference now is half of me wishes to keep her." Sesshomaru said. "I need to meditate and become one with my beast to decide which coarse will be for the best."
"I see…" Barron Garcia said as he followed Sesshomaru into a lounge room with a roaring fireplace. "So if you and your beast cannot become one towards one woman what then shall you do?"
"If I should stay with Sara and my beast continues to retaliate she will be lonely for the remainder of her life just as we spoke of before the potion. Should my beast and I connect with Sara I will stay with her until her parting breath." Sesshomaru said.
"Then would you go to Princess Kagome?" aske Barron Garcia.
"No, for she will no longer have me." Sesshomaru said. "If I choose your daughter she will return to France and our relationship will be over. She will not wait for me to come to her. She refuses to be seen as second choice."
"I can understand that." Barron Garcia said as he poured he and Sesshomaru a bottle of scotch. "What should happen if you decided to be with Kagome? Would you risk war with Italy?"
"I would prefer peace. I would offer you and Rome the same deal as we spoke last time. I do not desire to separate from Rome's trading or cheat you of future networking arrangements. We would sign the new trade agreement, Sara will remain in Italy so she can marry another and she will be allowed to visit Lorenzo six times a year in France during his studies." Sesshomaru said as he took the offered glass. "Lorenzo will remain my heir and ties and loyalties to Italy will remain the same."
"I suggest you get too it with your beast. Who knows how long it might take for you to agree on which woman you desire most." Barron Garcia said as he took a swig of his drink. "My daughter is madly in love with you to the point of throwing herself in dangers way. I wish for my daughter's happiness but I am torn in my decision. She desires another child yet your beast will kill her if she pushes you. We had originally agreed for an annulment until Sara poisoned you. At this point I am uncertain in which direction to support."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru said as he finished his drink. "I think it would be wise for all of us to take a step back and assess our desires."
"Hn." Barron Garcia hummed against his glass as he too finished his drink. "Good plan. Until then, I am going to find out what sort of beverages they are planning on having at this gathering. If I am to have a good time I am not wasting it over cheep liquor. Don't worry, I'll find some good stuff to take your worries away. I've heard rumor of a brandy that will knock your socks off!"
"Sounds intriguing." Sesshomaru said as the Barron got up from his seat and patted Sesshomaru on the shoulder.
"Just you wait! This year will be the best ball yet!" Barron Garcia chuckled loudly as he walked out of the lounging room leaving a contemplative dog lord behind. Sure to his word he went to the kitchens and ordered 50 bottles worth of the brandy. He promised he would try. He just prayed to the gods that whatever happened would be the gods wills. If it didn't work... then at least they would end the night with a bang.
[10 Days later; Eve of Farewell Ball: Valencia Spain, The Royal Cove]
"Where do you want to go today?" Kagome asked as she and her sister sat upon the rocks outside the cove with their offspring.
"Go to da toral reef!" Aerwyna suggested.
"Was dat?" Lorenzo curiously asked.
"It's a pwace wif wots of fish and colorful pwants!" Axel explained dramatically.
"Wow! Dat sounds amazing!" Lorenzo exclaimed. "Can we goes dair?"
"Honey… you know Lorenzo can't breathe under water." Kikyo said making them all frown.
"I could swim with him close to the surface? That way he can at least look down at the reef. We could find some old reeds or something for him to breath through." Kagome suggested.
"If a ship comes they'll see you and Lorenzo will be exposed to their danger." Kikyo said.
"We can go and explore the one closest to the cove? That way if there is danger we can get to safety quicker?" Kagome suggested.
"Pwease Mama?" Annina begged.
"Pwease?" Axel, Arewyna and Lorenzo chimed in too with big dreamy eyes.
"As long as you help me keep watch for danger." Kikyo said making the little ones cheer.
( *** Under the Sea Instrumental *** )
"Wets go!" Axel shouted as they all began to dive under the water.
"Alright, hold onto me tight." Kagome said as she helped Lorenzo into the water and up onto her back.
"Ohtay Gome!" Lorenzo said as they began to swim down the coast towards the reef.
As they traveled they hung to the shadows to avoid being seen by fishermen and passing boats. When they saw a patch of reed grass they broke off a stem and cleared the passageway down the center for Lorenzo to use as a snorkel. When he blew through it, it made a fun flute noise and made everyone laugh. Carefully holding his new breathing device is his hand he climbed on Kagome's back and continued down the coast. Once they arrived at the reef Lorenzo was amazed at the variety sea life. Eager to explore he ducked his head under the water and breathed through his snorkel. Here he could see sea turtles nibbling on the sea moss and schools of colorful fish swimming in and out of the reef. Their reflective bodies made the water dance and shimmer and he stared in awe of its beautify.
He watched fat blue and orange crabs scurry along the bottom and even a pair fighting over rock to stand on. It made him giggle and eagerly look for more. Kagome sensing his eagerness to explore pulled him off of her back and helped him to swim around the reef as his cousins played bellow. As their offspring played she and Kikyo took turns watching both above and bellow the surface for danger. They were thankful the water's were calm allowing the sunshine to reach far out into the sea's depths and off into the distance. As Axel, Aerwyna and Annina played they brought up different items for Lorenzo to look at. The items they liked best they tucked into their mom's seaweed bags. As morning turned into afternoon Lorenzo was well on his way to learning how to swim by himself.
There were a few occasions were Kagome had to help hold him up but after a while his little legs and arms were doggy paddling away. It made her proud seeing him work so hard. How she wished Sesshomaru were here to see this. She vowed then and there that if things worked out between them that she would make sure he was at every major milestone of their pup's lives. Every once in a while Lorenzo would grow bold and swim down to the bottom and grab something then quickly push back up to the surface. His little puppy ears were soaked and he would shake the water from them making all of them laugh. They were having a great time and it filled Kagome's heart with joy knowing Lorenzo now had such a memory with his cousins. Seeing him struggling to swim she knew he was beginning to grow tired. Carefully pulling him back onto her shoulders she called for everyone to make their way back home.
(*** Inuyasha OST 2 - Inuyasha's Metamorphosis ***)
On their way back they swam past a canal system that was shadowed by thick palm trees and sea grass. It was dark and hard to see down. No one dared to swim back there for fear of getting tangled in thick vegetation or running into a sea monster. Quickly swimming past they didn't see the shadow of a ship coming out or the net that dropped into the water behind them. Just as they were about to swim towards the kelp forest the net snagged around them and began to pull them towards the ship. They screamed in panic and tried to get out of the net as it grew tighter and tighter. Kikyo and Kagome frantically cut away at the rope with their claws creating a small tare in the side. Taking hold of their children they shoved them through the hole as fast as they could. Just as the net was about to be pulled over the side of the ship Kagome shoved her sister through the hole.
"KAGOME!" Kikyo cried as she saw her sister's terrified blue eyes disappear over the lip of the ship. "KAGOME!"
Hearing shouting and yelling from the ship Kagome knew she needed to escape immediately but with her belly the hole was too small. When she felt the net drop onto the deck and suddenly sagged in tension she frantically clawed and pulled at the netting. However as she struggled in the net she saw hands reaching for her in all directions. It made her scream and cry out in panic. When she was free of the net her hands were wrenched behind her back, hair was pulled and her mouth was gagged to shut her up. They whistled and catcalled as they grouped her breasts and tried to pull off Sesshomaru's pelt. Unable to move and surrounded by dozens of scroungy pirates tears rolled down her cheeks and she whimpered in fear.
"Step back boys!" someone shouted on the other side of the gathered crew.
As the dark masculine voice approached through the crowd she heard the heavy clomps from his boots hitting the wooden planks and saw the crew make a path for him down the center. When the captain of the crew came into her view she paled in recognition and trembled in fear. His hair was black as coal and his eyes burned red like the flames of hell. He was dressed in black leathers making his skin look pale like a skeleton and his wicked grin look menacing. He wore a black hat with a red feather atop his head and a heavy black rusty sword at his waist. When he knelt down and gripped her chin in his dirty hand he chuckled darkly and looked into her eyes with hate and vengeance.
"Ku ku ku... Princess Ka-go-me. It's been a while." The captain said darkly as he lowered her gag to sit on her neck. "I didn't believe it at first of your return seeing as I remembered you being dead. However when a bounty went on your head I just had to come see for myself. Boy was I surprised when I saw not only you, but other mermaids and a hanyu swimming out in broad daylight!"
"What do you want Naraku?" Kagome whimpered making the spider chuckle darkly.
"Revenge." Naraku chuckled darkly making her chin quiver. "You'll bring quite the pretty penny when word of a pregnant mermaid for sale spreads around the black market. I know of quite a few demon's and humans who would just love to get their hands on you. I bet even more so with a certain dog Lord. Hmmm? I can hardly wait for our reunion."
"Please… just let me go!" Kagome cried as tears began to fall from her cheeks.
"None sense! You're mine... now throw her bellow deck! I've got some letters to send." Captain Naraku commanded as he stepped away from her.
"W-Wait!" Kagome cried as she tried to fight the strong demon's carrying her down the stairs. "SESSHOMARU! SESSHOM…" she screamed before her mouth was gagged again taken bellow deck.
(xxx stop music xxx)
[Rome, Italy - Bishop's Palace]
Sesshomaru was frustrated. He and his beast were getting nowhere in making a decision. They both held valid arguments to each woman yet would not sway from their choice. It had been almost two weeks since he made love, kissed or hugged either female. Sara had tried over and over to get him into her bed during their stay but his beast refused to back down. For this he was both grateful and annoyed. He was grateful that he was keeping his promise and able to continue his assessment without her influencing his choice. However, it annoyed him because he really... really wanted to sleep with his wife and comfort her in her time of distress. When the smell of her heat began to fill his senses the other day he nearly ended everything right there. Gods how he wanted to fuck...
However his beast quickly reminded him that should he break his vow once again to Kagome she would leave forever and he would have no part in their pup's lives. That thought was an instant boner killer. It helped staying in a guest room on the other side of the palace where he could cleanse his senses of her scent and meditate well into the late hours of the night. It wasn't until the morning before the farewell ball that he finally had a break through. The last damn holding in Sara's potion broke and his poison immediately went in for the kill. He could feel a pressure easing from his heart and mind with every passing minute. All the lost feelings and tension he felt towards his wife returned. It was then his beast recounted specific memories that brought him to his decision.
"She challenges your leadership and doesn't respect your authority as alpha." His inner beast said as image after image of Sara arguing with him, taking charge behind his back with the castle staff and making plans to send Kagome away crossed his mind. "She claims she loves you, yet when she doesn't get her way she leaps into another mans arms for comfort and takes action to get her way."
"I remember this…" Sesshomaru confessed as he digested everything that he felt towards her in those memories.
"If she truly loved us she would support out leadership as Lord and would have stayed loyal to you as a wife. She would submit to us and no one else." His Beast growled as the images of Sara covered in the wolf's scent crossed his mind and her body heavily saturated in claw marks with hours of their sweat and grime coating her skin. "You would have mated Sara 15 years ago if she was the one. You know this to be true! You are and always will be loyal to Kagome! Otherwise you would not have run to her as soon as she returned!"
"But my eyes have now been opened..." Sesshomaru argued as he soaked in everything his beast was saying. "I know what Sara can offer now as a life partner, I know of her love for me."
"What you feel in not love it is lust! Even under her spell you did not mark her as your mate. She remains even now your wife!" His beast argued making Sesshomaru's brow darken in thought. "True, you may have feelings towards your wife but you loved Kagome more!"
"I love Kagome… more?" Sesshomaru repeated as his inner demon's words spoke true. His eyes widened at the realization and suddenly all the weight that had been sitting upon his shoulders faded away. He loved them both, but deeper rooted within his mind, heart and soul was… Kagome.
"Even through a love potion, a sea witches curse, a mass murderer, the hands of death and broken time, she has returned to us! Now our mate is waiting for us to return to her! Become one with me master and let us finally begin our lives with Kagome as mates!" His inner beast howled.
"Kagome…" Sesshomaru whispered as he sank into his mind and allowed their inner spiritual connection to rewire.
As they melted into one once more all that was left of Sara's spell was a nagging pinch on his heart. Everything else had returned to normal and he and his beast figured that pinch would go away once Sara had passed on. No longer did he feel pulled towards her in anyway except for lusting her body. The memories of their love and passion would remain simply that; memories. He now only desired one female in his life… and that was his beloved mate. Finally reconnected with a cleared head and eyes reopened to the world around him Sesshomaru made his decision. Reaching into his trunk at the foot of his bed he pulled out a yellowed envelope and tucked it into his jacket. Determined to make it right so he could return to his love he made his way towards the courtroom to await the Bishop to arrive for the day. He wasn't sure what was to happen but what he did know was that his person had been won over by a heart of gold and eyes as deep as the sea.
[End of chapter 74]
(Oh man! I wonder what will happen next! Be sure to follow along to find out!)