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: "Studio Ghibli Music Box Collection 1." 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: Heart to Heart

(*** Studio Ghibli Music Box Collection 1 ***)

Kagome awoke to the sound of the waves hitting the side of the ship and the call of seagulls passing over head. She could feel a light breeze blowing in through the tiny round window on the far side of the room and smell the crisp salty air and the warm cherry wood of the ship's hull. As her blue eyes slowly fluttered open she noticed a strong wooden desk across the room covered with maps and astronomy tools. It had strong wooden legs and beautifully carved drawers with brass handles. Behind the desk were shelves lined with leather bound books and nautical scrolls. The room's paneling was a dark cherry wood color and had different shipping equipment and nautical gear decorating it.

As she stretched in the bed she could feel the thin cotton sheet flirting against her exposed skin. It was cool to the touch and she curled it around herself to stay warm. Looking over her shoulder she noticed his side of the bed was empty. Placed her hand in his spot it felt cold to the touch and she knew he had gotten up some time ago. As she sat up in the bed she heard footsteps approaching the door. Not wanting someone to see her in her naked state she pulled the sheet up to cover her chest. She smiled when she felt his aura and quickly tried to fix her messy hair so she would look her best for him. When he opened the door with a tray of warm porridge her mouth watered from hunger and he lightly chuckled when her tummy growled.

"Need not worry little mermaid. There is more where this came from should you or our pups grow hungry." Sesshomaru said as he sat on the bed. He loved how red she was from her embarrassment and he thought it made her look endearing.

"Good because we haven't eaten in nearly a week." Kagome said shyly as she readily accepted his tray of food and blew on her spoon loaded with hot food.

"A week?!" Sesshomaru frowned.

"The food Naraku offered us was moldy and sopping wet with green sludge. I dared not eat it out of fear of what it would do to our pups." Kagome said before she took her first bite. The porrage was loaded with sweet cream, cinnamon and raisins. "Mmmmm… this is so good. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Sesshomaru said as his eyes softened towards his mate. She was so beautiful sitting there basking in the morning light. She glowed from her pregnancy and contentment. When her brilliant smile greeted his eyes he swooned with his love for her. There was no doubt in his mind now of his decision; she would forever hold his heart. Noticing her eyes had slight shadows under them with a fading bruise on her cheek he frowned in concern. Brushing her bangs back tenderly with his claws he asked, "how do you feel?"

"I'm tired but I figure once we get back I can take it easy for a few days." Kagome shrugged as she nuzzled into his hand. "These little guys took a lot of energy from me since I wasn't eating. It's a good thing I had your pelt. It came quite handy keeping them healthy and strong. With the stress of everything and not knowing what Naraku's plan was I didn't dare let my guard down. There were many nights your pelt kept me company by radiating his heat and protective energy."

"Hn." Sesshomaru frowned. "It pleases this one to hear he could protect you when I could not do so but is still sorry for putting you in that position in the first place and not reaching you sooner."

"Shhh." Kagome said as she set her now empty bowl down in her lap and leaned forward to kiss his pouty lips. "You came for us and that's all that matters. When we get home maybe we could spend some time together with Lorenzo? I'm sure he's in need of his pack as much as we are."

"It will be arranged when we return." Sesshomaru agreed as he took her bowl from her lap and sat it on the side table. "Did you eat enough?"

"For now." Kagome giggled as she took his hand in hers. "That might change in an hour or two."

Sesshomaru smirked knowingly as he threaded his fingers with hers. Her little hand fit perfectly in his and he loved the feeling of it. It was a tiny reminder that she was truly with him and under his protection once again. Seeing her absentmindedly rubbing her growing bump a thought came to his mind and a curious gleam shimmered in his eyes. "You said you had a surprise for this one?"

"That's right!" Kagome gasped with a warm smile. Scooting closer to him on the bed she beamed with excitement. "Are you sure you haven't figured it out?"

"I would not have asked if I did." Sesshomaru pointed out.

"True… Alright then, I'll tell you but… I need you to close your eyes first." Kagome said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes making one of his eyebrows disappear in his bangs.

"You wish for this one to close his eyes?" Sesshomaru asked making Kagome pout cutely.

"You want the surprise or not?" Kagome asked as she crossed her arms over her swollen breasts.

"Very well." Sesshomaru sighed as he closed his eyes.

"Now to make sure you're not peaking…" Kagome said as she slipped out of bed and grabbed one of his waist sashes from his trunk. "You'll wear this."

"A blindfold? Do you not trust this one?" Sesshomaru teased as he felt her tie the sash around his eyes.

"When you are curious? Um…. no." Kagome giggled making him smirk. Waving her hand in front of his face and not seeing him respond she then stood back to admire her work. "There! Ok, now I want you to use your other senses to figure it out… ok?"

"What am I looking for exactly?" Sesshomaru asked as he heard her backing away from the bed to the other side of the cabin.

"It's something very… subtle. Something you wouldn't notice without really focusing on it." Kagome said as she watched his ear's twitch and nose wiggle to try and figure out what she was talking about. He looked too cute sitting there on the bed blindfolded and she had to bite her lip to keep from giggling. "What do you smell?"

"Cherry wood, salt, you, our pups and the leftover residue in your bowl." Sesshomaru said.

"Do you taste anything different?" Kagome asked trying to lead him into her trap.

"No, not really." Sesshomaru said. "Just some of the cinnamon from your breakfast I got from your lips when we kissed."

"Good, now what do you hear?" Kagome asked as she chewed on her finger nail. Now was the moment of truth… she could hardly stand it.

"The waves, the gulls, the creaking floor boards, the working crew, your breathing, your heart, the pups…" Sesshomaru stopped as he stiffened and his ear's perked in her direction.

Using his ears and nose as his guide he slowly got up from the bed and walked towards her with his hands out stretched. He could hear her heart pounding in her chest from her excitement but what made his own heart race were little beats accompanying her own. When he reached her side he cupped her beautiful bump in his hands and sank to his knees. Placing his ear against her belly he listed closer to the new sound. He wrapped his arms around her waist as the air escaped his lungs. There… steady and strong were the little beating hearts of his pups.

"What do you feel?" Kagome whispered as she threaded her fingers through his bangs and held him close.

"Warmth, pride, joy and love... so much love." Sesshomaru said making Kagome sniffle with a teary smile.

"Did you notice anything different or special about what you found?" Kagome asked making him frown in confusion.

"Is it not our pup's hearts beating?" Sesshomaru asked making her giggle.

"Yes… but there is more to it… listen again." Kagome said as she ran her fingers through his hair.

Focusing his hearing on her swollen belly he listened to the steady rhythm of her breathing and the drum of her heartbeat. Not sensing anything different there he moved onto his pups. It was heard making out the different beats to each pup but when he matched them up with each aura he finally noticed what was new. Gasping in shock he held her tighter and buried his nose against her bump to make sure what he found was true. He smelled her warm ocean breeze and tropical flowers then focused on each one of his pup's auras to help define their individual smells.

There was the expected meadow, lemon grass and wild flowers but what he had not expected was the spring smell that clung closely to the meadow was actually it's own separate smell now. Also the wild flowers broke down into three separate kinds of flowers. There was now a pup smelling of spring rain, a fresh meadow, lemon grass, wild daisies, tiger lilies and snapdragons. His bitch was no longer whelped with three pups… but six.

"K-Kagome…" Sesshomaru stuttered as he became overwhelmed with understanding.

"I know." Kagome said as she continued to pet his head. "I didn't believe it at first either."

"When did you find out?" Sesshomaru asked as he pulled the blindfold off and looked up into her eyes in awe. His amber had melted into the deepest honey and burned with a million embers a second.

"Our pup smelling of spring rain was heard beating two day's after you left. After that the other pup's hearts grew one after the other until we heard all six." Kagome said with a soft smile as she cupped his cheeks in her hands and looked down into his with just as much warmth reflecting in her own. "Lorenzo was very excited through the entire process.

"This one can imagine." Sesshomaru smirked before he nuzzled into her belly once more. "It saddens this one to know he missed this crucial milestone. I promise to be there for you and our pups in the future. It pleases this one greatly that your womb holds six of my pups. You returning to me was a miracle but now starting a pack is greater than I could have ever dreamed."

"It makes me happy too but…" Kagome said as she nibbled on her lower lip making him look up at her in confusion. "I'm not going to lie… I'm a little scared. Six is a lot to manage, especially with this being my first pregnancy. I can already feel the strain on my body. What if something happens and I'm not strong enough to carry them full term? Not to mention during my delivery! What if something happens? What if I'm not a good mother? What if there is trouble from…"

"Nonsense." Sesshomaru said making her stop. "We will be certain to have the best medical staff available when we return home to help care for your needs. I'll be certain to assign Kaeded to prepare everything needed for your delivery and I promise to be with you the entire time. As for you being a poor mother that is a ridiculous notion. You are already a great mother or have you forgotten our eldest pup?"

"Well… no but I…" Kagome answered unconvincingly.

"You have proven to everyone of your love for Lorenzo by sacrificed yourself in order to save him. You acted as a true mother would and my castle staff acknowledges your efforts. I can tell by how much care and attention you focus on our pups that you will be an excellent mother. Do not think so poorly of yourself again." Sesshomaru said as he kissed her belly.

"But we're having so many!" Kagome cried out with anxiety. "How am I to be a good mother when I cannot care for all of them when they need me? I only have two arms Sesshomaru!"

"You are forgetting that I will be with you; as well as my castle staff." Sesshomaru chuckled as he stood up and pulled her into his arms. Kissing her forehead he then said, "Do not fear my little mermaid. You are no longer alone."

"Promise?" Kagome asked as she looked up into his eyes with uncertainty.

"Promise." Sesshomaru vowed before he took her lips in a tender kiss.

(Warning: Lemon, marked with finished. Please advise +18)

He pulled her close to his chest and loved the feeling of her growing bump resting between them. No longer could she fit perfectly against him and it only further made him burn for her. Carefully walking her backwards until she bumped into the desk he used his arm to clear its surface of clutter. Slowly laying her back on it they continued to lick and kiss with longing. Knowing what he wanted she lifted her legs up to straddle his waist and leaned back on the desktop. As they kissed she slipped her hands down his chest and went to work on unfastening his belt. As she worked at his pants Sesshomaru kissed and licked along her jaw, chin and neck while he stripped himself of his jacket and shirt. When he felt his pants fall down to the ground he quickly kicked them off and kissed down her front and knelt between her gaping thighs.

Seeing her growing bump blocking his view as he buried his nose into her curls make him growl in pleasure. He could hear her heartbeat picking up and her panting with need. The little fluttering beats of his pups made him purr in contentment. When the smell of her arousal hit his nose combined with her pregnancy his eyes burned red and his beast came free to join in their rutting. He licked his lips with hunger as her folds began to seep with her want. When his tongue licked across her center Kagome threw her head back and moaned out in pleasure. She could only see the top of his head behind her bump and it intensified the feeling of his licking. Wanting him to go deeper she threaded her fingers into his hair and pulled him closer to her.

Sensing his bitch's desires he held one thigh tight in the crook of one arm while the other hand carefully cupped her aching breast. Heavily pregnant her teats were now an alluring reddish brown color and swollen on the nub. They were thick and pert begging to be teased. He groaned when his tongue and lips began to suck and lick against her opening while he felt how hard her nipple pebbled in his hand. The combination had Kagome's eyes rolling back into her head from bliss and had her spreading her legs a little wider for him. Loving the flavor she offered Sesshomaru and his beast dove deep into her cunt with his tongue and drank up every drop she offered. It had her moaning and mewling from the torture.

Smelling the scent of her approaching release Sesshomaru rub against the sensitive nub above her clit and fucked her with his tongue. With the combination of his hands and talented mouth she quickly came and spilt herself into his awaiting mouth. The taste of her release was like an aphrodisiac to him and he was precumming at his tip. Her normally sweet cream and honey cum was accented by her pregnancy; giving it a nutmeg and cinnamon twist. Gripping his cock in his hand he grunted as he fisted himself to relieve some of the sexual tension. As he pumped his cock he licked his lips of her juices and leaned over top of her. His eyes burned red with his want and were heavily hooded. She was like a drug to him and he couldn't get enough.

He watched in satisfaction as her breasts rose up and down with her rapped panting and her skin was slick with sweat. Her blue eyes were hooded and glazed over like his own and was lost in ecstasy. She smelled deliciously sated but he could tell she had enough of a burn for another round. Feeling his growing pup's auras eagerly feeding off of their blended energies made him harder for her. He groaned and flicked his thumb across his spongy mushroomed head feeling some of his seed spread adding lubrication. Kagome having come down from her high looked up into his red-rimmed amber eyes and mewled when she saw him pumping his ragging cock. Her inner beast rose to the surface having been seduced and readied for him.

"My Alpha, my mate; the father of my pups." Kagome's inner beast chirped in recognition as she opened her legs for him. Caging over top of her he purred from deep in his chest and began to nuzzle and lick along her collarbone.

"My Bitch, my love, mother of my pack." Sesshomaru's inner beast growled huskily as he began to rub his cock along her entrance to coat himself in her juices. The feeling of him grinding against her made her gasp and roll against him. Wanting a deeper thrust she set her heals against the edge of the desk for better leverage and bucked up into him. The combination had them groaning and purring from pleasure. "Soon you shall hold my mark."

"I desire your mark Alpha, I do not want any other's." Kagome's inner beast purred as she wrapped arms around his chest bringing him closer to her. "Our pups and I missed you…"

"My pack." Sesshomaru's beast groaned as he aligned his cock at he entrance and began to sink into her. "You are mine."

"Yours…" Kagome's beast mewled as he began to set a steady pace against her.

Loving the feeling of him humping deeply and quickly inside of her Kagome and her beast submitted beneath him. They arched their breasts up towards his awaiting mouth and bared their neck from the pleasure. Growling in approval Sesshomaru and his beast eagerly took hold of her nipple in their mouth and licked and sucked to their hearts content. They groaned when the feeling of her little claws scrapped along their back and chest. Wanting to intensify their thrusts they anchored both arms under her knees and opened her further against him. Now she was held firmly in place against the desk's top and he could thrust, buck, roll and slam as quickly, deeply or as intensely as he wanted.

Still laying flat against the desk' top for support Kagome gripped the side of the lip for leverage and clawed into the wood. The legs of the desk scrapped against the wooden floorboards and creaked, creaked, creaked as they moved. They paid no attention to the world passing by outside the little window nor the member's of the crew working aboard. Only the feeling of their little pack is what mattered in this moment. As they looked into each other's eyes they petted, licked, chirped, purred, growled, moaned and groaned. Both man, woman, bitch and beast were present in this dance and only the ship flipping over would stop them. Seeing her looking up at him with her blue eyes rimmed with purple made his red-rimmed amber burn with a deeper need.

Wanting to hear her cry out in bliss he quickly pulled out of her, flipped her onto her hands and knees on the desk and thrust back into her. Caging over her back he picked up the pace and grunted into her back with each thrust. He loved keeping her on her toes as they made love. He would change their angles by slightly lifting or dropping her hips; even sometimes rolling into her in a circular motion. He would go hard and fast then slow and gentle. It had their heads spinning from the feeling and quickly approaching their ends. Sensing her exhaustion Sesshomaru and his beast leaned back and went in for the kill. Looking down at their lower bodies he watched his cock sink in and out of her dripping pussy as he rapidly fucked her from behind. He could see and feel his heavy ball sack smacking against her ass as he humped and loved the sounds of her moans and groans as he bucked. The smell of their blended juices and heated skin had him moaning and growling in ecstasy.

As he fucked her backside he could see her heavy breasts bouncing beneath her through the mirror against the wall. Her face scrunching up and contorted from pleasure was sexy as hell. Her claws were digging in the wooden desk and shredding the maps and papers that hadn't made it to the floor. Her blossoming bump hung heavy bellow her and he loved holding it in his hand as he caged her against him. He could feel his little pup's warmth fluttering and hear their beating hearts. It was simply beautiful. Close to his end he slid his hand to rub her swollen nub in time with his cock. As he rubbed her pussy she cried out in time with each thrust. It was strange yet exciting feeling himself moving beneath her skin as he stroked her. He could hear her claws digging into the wood and feel her abs tightening as her inner pressure coiled up like a spring. Knowing her inner knot was soon to snap he leaning forward and suck and licked on her earlobe. When her channel began to flutter and tighten around him he picked up the pace and lifted her hips higher against him.

Wanting to be apart of her in everyway when they finished he licked up her neck and claimed her lips in a heated kiss. As they finally came together in a blinding white release they held each other tight and moaned and howled against each other's lips. As Sesshomaru felt her juices dripping down his legs he continued to pump into her to make their highs last as long as possible. As the last of his seed emptied from his shaft he felt it go slack inside of her and he gingerly slipped out. The loss in connection made them both moan and hold onto each other a little tighter. Carefully helping her to lay on her side so not to crush their growing pups beneath her, he kissed and licked all along her neck and jawline. He could hear her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Her legs had gone slack from exhaustion but she continued to pet his silver hair and rub up and down his side as he rest against the desk.

[End Lemon]

Feeling the cool breeze blowing in from the little window made Kagome shiver. Carefully lifted her up bridal style in his arms he nuzzled into her neck and carried her over to the bed. Knowing he needed to get back on deck to manage the captain and its crew Sesshomaru tucked her into bed and reluctantly began to get dressed. As he dressed Kagome tucked one arm under her pillow, laid on her side and watched. She loved seeing his rippling muscles work as he moved and his long silver mane shine in the morning light. Sesshomaru loved the approving sheen reflecting in his bitch's eyes as she ogled his body. He inwardly smirked at how her pupils would dilate when he purposefully strutted and angled his muscles so she would see him in all the right places. It filled him with pride knowing his bitch approved of his looks. Were in not for needing to get back on deck he might give her a proper display and show her how male he truly was. Perhaps another time?

"Will you be alright remaining in the cabin until we make landfall? I do not have proper clothing for you to explore the ship at my side." Sesshomaru apologized as he adjusted his tie around his neck before tucking it into his jacket's vest coat.

"As long as you come and check on me every once in a while." Kagome said as he walked over to her bedside.

"Do not worry. I planned on just this." Sesshomaru said as he knelt beside the bed and placed his hand over her bump. "We shall make port in three days time. When we arrive I shall send for a servant to bring you suitable clothing to the ship. Once you are dressed we will then make our way to the castle."

"When will Lorenzo return?" Kagome asked as she placed her hand over top of his on her bump.

"I have spoken to my brother. He is to return with Daija tomorrow evening and stay under Kaede's care. He will be at the castle upon our return home." Sesshomaru said as he accepted her touch by threading his fingers with hers. Together they felt the warmth of their little pack and it made them smile. As they huddled close around her belly their steady purrs sang in the room.

"I wonder what they'll look like." Kagome whispered as Sesshomaru kissed her growing belly.

"I know not with you being a water creature and I an Inu demon." Sesshomaru said as he leaned up to kiss her lips.

"Daija said he had found a water creature for me to learn from before I was taken. Maybe they would have an idea?" Kagome said before his lips took hold of hers in goodbye. It was a lingering slow kiss filled with deep passion and love.

"Perhaps." Sesshomaru sighed as he reluctantly pulled back from her lips. Rubbing her nose with his in an Inu farewell made her smile. "Rest, I shall return for lunch."

"K." Kagome said as she snuggled into the bedding and watched him make his way towards the door.

She could tell he was reluctantly to leave her side with the longing reflecting in his eyes but she knew he was right in needing to go. Giving him an encouraging smile she reflected her love for him in her eyes and gave him the encouragement to finally walk out the door. No longer able to see her beloved mate-to-be through the doorway Kagome sighed in content and curled around her growing bump. Rubbing it tenderly she began to hum them a lullaby and soon drifted off to sleep.

[3 days Later – Valencia, Spain]

"I see um! I see um!" Lorenzo shouted from his bedroom window. "Day are comin up da woad!"

"Alright young master. Let's be fixing your vest so your Papa and pack mother be seeing you proper." Kaede chuckled as she helped the wiggling toddler into his clothes. "Remember, a young master is well behaved and proper-like. Let's show them how big of a pup ye can be and make them proud ney?"

"Ya! I'm a big pup!" Lorenzo cheered as Kaede fixed the last of his front buttons.

"There… now ye be ready. Let's head to the lobby to greet them." Kaede said a she stood on her creaking old legs and watched him race towards the door. "Remember not to run!"

"Ohtay…" Lorenzo sighed.

He didn't like all the rules and funny clothes. He didn't care that he was a prince. He just wanted to explore, have fun and eat all the cakes he could eat! However, he'd do anything Ms. Kaede asked him to do. His papa's parents had died long before he was born. Having helped cared for him his entire life Kaede was very much like a grandmother figure to him and he loved her dearly. If she wanted him on his best behavior he'd try his best.

Smiling he took hold of her wrinkled hand and pulled her towards the lobby. "Come on Ms. Kaede! Wets go!"

"Aye, young master. Lead the way!" Kaede smiled as she followed after the bouncing boy down the hallway.

When they walked down the stairwell they saw the main foyer crammed with castle workers and members of the Spanish court. All had heard the watchtower's bell signaling that the Lord of the castle had returned. Quitting whatever they had been doing at the time they raced to the lobby and were eager to greet the carriage. Taking hold of Lorenzo's hand so he would not get trampled Kaede led him through the crowd and arranged him at the center of the top step outside the main doors. Here he could see the carriage and as heir would be able to greet his parents properly. At his side was High Councilmen Shako, High Priest Shinsen, Grand Elder Sennin and Chief Advisor Miroku. It was mid afternoon and the late May sunshine made the air warm. A gentle breeze blew through the front gardens and the sounds of the clomping horse hooves of the approaching carriage echoed up the castle walls.

As they watched the carriage grow nearer a light dust cloud trailed behind it from the wheel turning up the dirt on the gravel road. Knowing they were close made an excited tension build in the air. Some responding out of anticipation for Kagome's safe arrival while others with uncertain emotion. Everyone in Spain and most of Europe by now had heard of the romantic drama that transpired the past few months at the Tashio Castle. When word of Sesshomaru's annulment with Sara spread along with Kagome's kidnapping and Sesshomaru's ship being tampered with the country went into an uproar. Were it not for the Spanish Court and the emergency procedures set in place to reassure their safety, a temporary peace might not have been able to be established as quickly as it did. That did not stop the arguments and debates over gossip from spreading.

Many Spaniards were upset at how Lady Sara was neglected and abused by an unfaithful husband. Others were disturbed by her use of witchcraft on their Lord and having an affair on him in return. Many believed she used the potion out of desperation in wanting to keep his loyalty in marriage others believed she wanted to kill him from revenge or so she could be with her lover, Captain Okami. Some believed that Princess Kagome should have waited until his vow to Sara was over and others thought Sara broke her rights as wife upon poisoning Sesshomaru; thus supporting the annulment. A few believed that Sara's time with Sesshomaru was over because Kagome's miraculous return was obviously ordained by the gods. Some felt that he should keep them both as mates or not at all. Theories, rumors and opinions spread in every direction making it impossible to tell truth from the lies.

They went as far as Sesshomaru not actually getting a divorce but killing Sara off and covering it up with the annulment. Which was why Rome wanted a war and tried to kill him. Others were that Sesshomaru never was cast under Sara's spell but used it to have sex with both women and when Kagome found out she ran away or that Sesshomaru liked to watch Sara and Kagome have sex and during their threesome Kagome got knocked up and Sara got jealous because she can no longer have pups since she is old. A top favorite however was the belief that Kagome used her pregnancy and kidnapping to seduce Sesshomaru back to her and that Sara being an older human woman could no longer provide heirs for Sesshomaru and her cruel treatment towards Kagome was the final straw in kicking her out.

Of course when word spread of the seriousness of Kagome's kidnapping those rumors of her trying to seduce him back into her bed quickly died out. However with Sara tricking the baker into putting her "medicine" into a pastry and her threatening Kagome's life after she found out she was pregnant didn't help her case either. There were too many witnesses seeing or hearing the cruelty of Lady Sara towards Kagome that made many turn their allegiance to Kagome's side. Kagome had protected Lorenzo (a pup not her own, but of Lady Sara's) and became severely hurt. Plus when she was captured by pirate and made sure he escaped first. Human or demon Kagome had a heart of gold, was a tough cookie and deserved respect. Did she have an affair? Yes she did. Is she pupped with illegitimate pups at the moment? Yes she is but… they hold royal blood.

Everyone was upset that Lady Sara banished Kagome. Having died or not died Kagome was their Lord's chosen mate before Lady Sara and she by rights should remain in the castle; especially while pregnant. Illegitimate or not her pups will be pureblooded Tashio demons and should be under Spain's protection. Even more so when word came back from a messenger that Italy had tried to assassinate Sesshomaru upon signing a new trade agreement. Which included his annulment to Lady Sara. Should something accidently happen to Lorenzo, gods forbid, they would need another heir. Regardless of the rumors, arguments, and drama all agreed that Kagome needed to be reunited with their Lord, return to the safety of the castle and since he was now officially divorced be mated and end the entire ordeal. They knew their Lord was miserable without her. They would work together to help their Lord and new Lady through whatever came their way.

When the carriage at last stopped in front of the grand entranceway they watched a servant approach it and open the door for them to exit. Upon seeing his father step out of the carriage and offering his hand to his pack mother Lorenzo couldn't stop the whimper from escaping his lips. Kagome hearing her pup's cry looked up as she exited the carriage and smiled warmly at him with bright teary blue eyes. Seeing his mate safely out of the carriage Sesshomaru looked up at Lorenzo. He could tell his son was trying to be a big pup in welcoming him home and he beamed with pride. Nodding for his pup to approach Lorenzo raced down the stairs with his arms out stretched and tears running down his cheeks. Kagome dressed in a stunning dark gray nobility gown that helped hide some of her belly couldn't bend down to pick him up. That didn't stop her from bending down as best she could to welcome him into her arms. When he at last leapt into her arms he wrapped his arms around her neck and buried his nose into her hair.

The entire castle upon witnessing the emotional exchange, felt the rising in demonic auras and heard their happy purrs, knew that regardless of their opinion they belonged together. Even up in the rafters of the castle Kagome's motherly purrs rumbled their soothing song and she kissed and licked his face, as a loving demon mother would do. They could tell by the way their auras danced even if they were human that their bond was strong and genuine. It was a truly beautiful sight and brought many to tears. Sappy grins and smiles were spread all across the grounds and word would spread of this encounter and hearts would be softened towards their new first Lady. None was more moved than Sesshomaru but knowing his entire kingdom was watching he was forced to hold back much of his reaction. However that did not mean his aura could not reflect what he could not. The sight of his bitch heavily pupped and holding their eldest pup upon such a touching reunion made his heart soar like the wings of an eagle. His pack at last was together, happy, healthy and strong.

"G-g-Goommmeee." Lorenzo hiccupped as his sobs slowly began to calm down. His breathing was still rough from his hard crying and his eyes were all puffy and red from his tears.

"Shhhh… its ok little one." Kagome soothed as she nuzzled into his hair and nipped his chin. "I'm here… everything's ok. We're together again."

"I-I missed you." Lorenzo hiccupped as he pulled back to look into her eyes. "I was so scared."

"I know it was scary sweet heart. Your papa will make sure that it doesn't happen again." Kagome promised as she helped straighten up his clothes. "You were such a brave pup. Your papa and I are so proud of you."

"Indeed." Sesshomaru said as he pat his son's head making him smile as he wiped the remaining wetness from his eyes.

"Are da pups ohtay papa?" Lorenzo asked making the crowd behind them gasp in surprise.

Sesshomaru having wished to announce the news later looked into Kagome's eyes for permission to continue. Seeing her shy smile he pulled her to his side along with Lorenzo in front of them and looked up to the crowd to make the big announcement.

[End of Chapter 77]

DAWWWW! I hope you enjoyed that sappiness as much as I did writing it. Bet you didn't expect that as the surprise! Don't worry! There is still more to come. There is the drama with Italy and the pups to be born! Make sure to follow along to find out what happens!