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: "Hawaiian Guitar Music - Relaxing Instrumental Music for study, work, sleep." 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: Beachy Pink
"When will our allies be ready?" Advisor Izumo asked the court.
"When given the signal they will march." Sesshomaru commanded. Upon hearing the good news the gathered Court relaxed slightly in their seats and breathed with a little less tension.
"Has any word arrived from our intelligence in Rome?" High Priest Mushin asked.
"Our men have broken up into three teams. There is a small group infiltrating the capital and over seeing the Bishop. There is another small team over seeing the military and navel units at the ports. The last team will oversee the merchant routs near France, Switzerland and Austria." Sesshomaru said as he pointed on the map centered on the court table. "Should they notice anything different or gain new information they will send out a message immediately."
"What if the messenger is apprehended?" Councilmen Nanushi asked.
"The messages will be written in code." Sesshomaru said earning nods of approval from around the boardroom. "In addition to that, there will be weekly reports from the front lines. Should a message not arrive within a day or two the mission will be considered compromised."
"Very good." High Councilmen Shako nodded as he crossed his arms behind his back. "When is the first message to arrive?"
"In three days." Sesshomaru said.
"Very well. What preparations would you like us to commence my Lord?" asked High Councilmen Shako.
"Valencia must secure the Spanish borders immediately. All merchant and travel ships from now on are to be fully inspected at the bay's gate before making port. Our business routs and back roads will need to be monitored. Have guards stationed at each village as well as the border. No one goes in or out without inspection. There will need to be guards stationed at our wells, stock yards and farmers markets to avoid tampering. Have a notice posted in every town, village and city center. Spain is officially at war gentlemen. Be on high alert until peace is reestablished. All able men need to be ready to fight at the given notice." Sesshomaru commanded.
"Yes, Sir." High Councilmen Shako said. "It shall be done."
"How is the First Lady my Lord?" Miroku asked earning nods of approval from the gathered court. "Is she in need of anything? My wife is quite happy in her returned."
"This ones mate and growing pups are well." Sesshomaru nodded in thanks. It felt nice to finally be able to address her with such honor. "This one believes she had plans to visit the beach with Ms. Kaede and your family."
"Ah! Very good my Lord." Miroku smiled warmly. "Sango mentioned spending the afternoon with her but had not shared their plans. Perhaps after our meeting we could join them?"
"That is agreeable to this one." Sesshomaru nodded.
(*** Hawaiian Guitar Music - Relaxing Instrumental Music for study, work, sleep ***)
About an hour later their meeting finished and the first letters of war were sent out. After hearing the crack of the wooden hammer on the podium, Sesshomaru stood from his seat and made his way towards the main entrance. He and Miroku made their way down the rock path lining the back gardens until they reached the secret passage way down the castle cliffs. The sound of youthful laugher and feminine chatter blowing upon the gentle breeze made the tension in their shoulders lessen.
Off in the near distance they could see a silver haired hanyu pup building a sand castle and two black haired youths splashing in the crashing waves. Resting under a large beach umbrella were three women. One had peppered grey hair tied back into a low pony tail, another with black hair pinned up high on her head and the other braided down her back with a decorative sunhat on top. As they approached the women they could see a light spread of finger sandwiches and a pitcher of iced tea.
"Papa!" Lorenzo cheered as he noticed them approaching. Everyone hearing his shout turned to look.
"Oh good! You made it!." Kagome smiled as she blocked the sun from her eyes. "I was just about to send Sango up to see if you were free to join us."
"Our meeting just finished." Sesshomaru said as he walked through the white sand. As he grew closer he took in her beauty.
Although she was sitting under an umbrella he could tell by her wet skirt and pink cheeks that she'd played in the surf with the kids. Her blue eyes sparkled with happiness and her pregnancy made her glow with etherial radiance. Her braided hair had come undone in some places near her face and was blowing freely in the breeze. Her ankles were covered in sand and her dress's hem was stained giving her appearance a ruggedness about her. Her dress was a soft yellow with thin white pin stripes running down it. Just bellow her heavy breasts was a pink ribbon tied off in a bow making her heavily pregnant belly look like a present.
Atop her head was a yellow straw sun hat with a matching pink ribbon and white flowers. He thought her entire vision was adorable and couldn't help the tug at his lip. When she noticed the subtle softness to his eyes and his struggle to hide his smile, a sweet blush colored her already sun streaked cheeks. It was very rare for her to make him smile like that, especially in public. For him to be struggling to surpress his grin he obviously liked what he saw. Knowing she made him feel this way made her blush color even more. Embarrassed she lowered her head and looked up at him through her eyelashes. To her amusement it only made him struggle even more to keep a straight face. To her relief her step-son saved her from his approving stare.
"Come wook at my castle papa!" Lorenzo shouted as he waved at his father to come inspect his work.
"Impressive." Sesshomaru said as he walked over to look over the large fourtrice. It had various main buildings, walls and towers connected with roads and bridges. "If you permit this one, he'd like to show you his only improvement."
"Was dat papa?" Lorenzo asked as he watched his father pick up his sand pale and walk over to the surf.
"You have constructed a grand castle son but have nothing to defend it." Sesshomaru said as he carried the bucket with water over to the castle. Setting it down he then began to dig around the fort. Once a perfect circle was dug around the castle he then poured the water into the center of his castle. "When the court yards are filled with water like so…"
As Sesshomaru said this he made a small hole in one corner and allowed some of the water to leak out of the castle wall. The water quickly followed the cut out roads and bridges making a tiny canal system through the city. When the water was about to hit the main wall he made another hole allowing the water to channel out into the outer ring. Here it finished the cycle creating a complicated woven water way.
"It makes an inner defense as well as an outer one. This slows the enemy from reaching the main hull during an invation." Sesshomaru finished.
"WOW!" Lorenzo shouted, as he took in his little castle in a whole new light. "Is dis why our home has water?"
"It is." Sesshomaru nodded as he pat his son on the head.
"A very good lesson indeed." Miroku chuckled as he took in the addition. "Your ancestors were very wise tacticians when designing your home. Many have tried to invade but with an inner canal and outer mote no one has been able to bring the castle down. Seeing how you designed your castle I'd say their skills have passed onto you young master."
"I'll agree to that!" Kagome laughed as she watched Lorenzo sit back down on the sand to continue fixing his little masterpiece. "He's been working on it for over an hour. It's been very fascinating to watch him put it all together."
"Hn." Sesshomaru nodded as he crossed his arms behind his back.
As he watched his son make his new mote deeper he couldn't help but smirk with pride. His little cherub cheeks were pink and speckled with little freckles from playing in the sun. His white hair was wavy from swimming in the sea and drying in the salty breeze. He wore blue swim shorts and his shoulders and bare upper chest were tan from sunbathing. As he worked his little tongue pocked out from concentrating and he lightly hummed a little tune all his own. He made everyone smile at his innocent charm.
"Sango my love? Do you care to take a stroll down the beach? It's nearly five o'clock and we'll need to head home soon." Miroku asked as he offered his hand to help her stand up.
"Of course!" Sango smiled as she took his hand. "Kaede do you mind watching over the kids for us?"
"Not a problem. Thy shall take them with thee to the castle to wash up." Kaede said as she stood up from her spot on the blanket making her old bones creak. Ignoring the pain she turned with a warm smile and took the sleeping Sebastian from Sango's arms.
"Are you sure? We could pick them up on our way back?" Sango suggested as she heard Miroku calling for their older kids to get out of the water.
"Aye, that way when ye return to the castle they shall be ready to depart with ye." Kaede said as she adjusted Sebastian's tiny sun hat on his head to keep him covered. Turning to look at Kagome and seeing Sesshomaru taking off his jacket and boots she smiled and said, "Enjoy ye afternoon thy Lord and Lady. Thee shall see ye in the morning."
"Thanks Kaede. It's been fun." Kagome waved goodbye as she watched Miroku try to round up his feisty kids up the beach towards the castle. Seeing Kaede making her way after the rambunctious duo Sango turned to her friend.
"Bye Kagome. Remember what I said!" Sango waved as she took hold of Miroku's hand. As they strolled along the surf they gently swayed back and forth enjoying each other's company. It made Kagome happy to see her friends enjoying themselves. It was obvious of their love for each other and seeing them relaxing brought a smile to her face.
"Remember what?" Sesshomaru asked as he sat behind her with both legs stretched out on either side of her. As he nuzzled into her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist, he felt her relax her back against his chest.
"Just for me to take it easy." Kagome sighed in contentment as she took off her hat and rest her head against his shoulder. Feeling his strong hands rubbing tender circles along her tummy and feeling his soft lips kissing along her neck had her smiling and snuggling closer against him.
"What would make her say so?" Sesshomaru asked as he concentrated her demonic energy into his hands and rubbed it along her belly.
"Gome got too hot when she was pwaying wit me, Jack and Lily. Mrs. Sango and Ms. Kaede said dat was a no, no for da pups." Lorenzo piped in as he came to sit on the blanket next to them. Taking hold of an apple slice he bit into it making smacking noises with his mouth as he ate.
"Lorenzo sweet heart remember to close your mouth when you eat and to hang your feet over the edge of the blanket so you don't track sand all over." Kagome giggled as the little pup suddenly realized he had sand stuck all over his body.
"Woops! Sowarys!" Lorenzo apologized as he did what he was told. "I just gots so hungies!"
"I'd think so with as hard as you've been playing all afternoon." Kagome smiled as she felt her mate feed their pups his energy. It made her entire body feel warm and cozy. If he kept it up she'd fall asleep.
"What were you playing to get so hot earlier?" Sesshomaru asked as he rest his chin on her shoulder. He smiled when he noticed Kagome's eyes were closed and relaxed. It made him happy that she could feel that way around him.
"We played some tag and splashed around in the tide pools." Kagome shrugged as she snuggled closer to him. "I was having too much fun to notice I got a little dehydrated. It wasn't until Kaede made me sit down and Sango forced me to drink some water that I realized I had stopped sweating and my face was all pink."
"Yeah and your hands and feetzes gots all puffy too." Lorenzo added making Kagome inwardly groan.
There was no getting around this observant toddler. His little doggie ears heard everything and apparently his little demon eyes were just as sharp. Feeling Kagome's hesitation in replying through their new bond Sesshomaru reach forward to take hold of her skirt's hem. Pulling it up just bellow her knee he could see her ankles were a little swollen. Setting her skirt back down he took hold of her hand in his and found her little fingers were puffy as well.
"This displeases this one." he frowned knowing Kagome could feel his frustration through their mating bond.
"I know…" Kagome sighed as she rubbed her hand over her belly. "I got lost in the moment playing with Lorenzo. I'll take it easier next time."
"Good." Sesshomaru said as he buried his nose into her neck and took in a deep breath.
Sitting here on the beach with his pack brought a peace to his soul he had not felt in ages. Hearing his pup humming as he ate and seeing his little feet carelessly swinging side to side made Sesshomaru smirk. He was grateful through all the heartache and chaos his little pup was still happy, healthy and safe. That is until…
"Papa? When is Mama coming home?" Lorenzo asked making both he and Kagome stiffen.
"Remember the conversation we had in my office when your grandpa was still here?" Sesshomaru asked as he watched his son's eyebrows furrow in thought. "Your mother is no longer a member of my pack. She is part of yours should you wish it."
"Does dat mean she can't come home no more?" Lorenzo asked with confused puppy eyes.
"Come here sweetie." Kagome said as she motioned for him to snuggle. Once he was carefully curled against her side Sesshomaru began to run his fingers through his messy hair affectionately.
"Your mother is no longer in my pack son. She was too dangerous to keep around with Kagome and our pups. Remember when she forced Kagome away and tricked me with her magic spell? She can no longer stay in our home. The alpha must protect the pack, even if that means sending her away." Sesshomaru said as he saw the understanding spark in his son's eyes.
"When will I see her again?" Lorenzo whimpered as his chin began to quiver. He understood why his papa had to do it but he didn't like the fact that his mama would be away from him for extended periods of time.
"When it is safe your grandpa and I will setup a meeting." Sesshomaru said as he continued to comb his son's wild hair with his claws. "Do not worry pup. You will see your birth mother again."
"Oh-tay." Lorenzo sniffled as he tried to stay strong.
"I know this is hard Lorenzo but I just want you to know that your papa and I are so proud of you." Kagome encouraged as she kissed his tear-streaked cheeks. Her warm motherly purr rolling softly along his side made him feel a little better. "I know you miss your mama but it will be okay soon enough. I promise."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru agreed as he held his little pack close and rolled his purr along with hers. Sensing Lorenzo's acceptance in his little aura and feeling him starting to fall asleep in their arms Kagome and Sesshomaru continued their purring until he'd fallen asleep.
"My poor little pup." Kagome sighed as she nuzzled into his salty hair. "So much pain for so young a soul."
"He is the Tashio heir." Sesshomaru sighed as he ran a finger along his son's round cherub cheek. "He will know many hardships in his life. It is a curse of being royalty as well as the eldest son."
"I know… I just wish he could always be happy and protected like the little boy we saw just moments ago." Kagome sniffled as her pregnancy began to get the better of her.
"All will be well my little mermaid." Sesshomaru promised as kissed her cheek making her smile.
"Sorry… my hormones have caught up with me it seems." Kagome sniffled with a quivering smile.
"Hn." Sesshomaru smirked and held her close. "Perhaps it is time to retire?"
"Alright." Kagome agree as she carefully sat up so Sesshomaru could get up.
Once he finished getting dressed she helped lift Lorenzo up into Sesshomaru's arms. Lorenzo's head rest comfortably against his shoulder and his bare chest snuggled comfortably against his father's dress shirt. The picture of his sweet innocence and complete trust in his father warmed Kagome's heart.
"I feel like a beach ball." Kagome grumbled as she struggled to get up. She blushed heavily when she noticed the amusement reflecting in her mate's eyes.
"Six pups will do that." Sesshomaru inwardly snickered as he offered her his hand and pulled her up the rest of the way. Watching her waddle around picking up the basket and folding up the umbrella he couldn't help but smile. "This one thinks you look beautiful; beach ball or not."
"Really?" Kagome asked as she looked up into his eyes to see if he was teasing her.
"I do not lie my little mate. Surely you can sense this through our bond?" Sesshomaru asked as he pulled her into his side and kissed the crescent moon upon her forehead. Seeing her smile a little wider he knew she found his feelings true. "Hold onto me, we shall fly to our chambers."
Forming his demonic cloud beneath his feet the three of them flew through the air towards the royal wing. Once they'd settled down on Lorenzo's patio Kagome set the beach items outside as Sesshomaru opened the door for them. Making her way towards their bathing room she went to ready their pup a bath. As she was preparing the water Sesshomaru nuzzled into Lorenzo's hair and licked his cheek to stir him from sleep.
"Pup, you must wake so you can bathe." Sesshomaru commanded when Lorenzo began to whimper at being woken up.
"Do I have to?" Lorenzo whined as he struggled to wake up.
"You do." Sesshomaru said as he set his little feet on the floor and began to undress him from his swim shorts. "Go, your pack mother will bathe you."
Seeing his now naked pup disappear into the bathing room and hearing his mate helping him into his bath, Sesshomaru tossed his son's dirty play clothes into the laundry basket. Pulling out his night clothing from the dresser he tossed them onto the bed and grabbed the towel hanging on the back of his door. Hearing his mate finishing up washing his pup he opened the bathing door just as Kagome helped Lorenzo out of the tub.
"Thank you! I was just about to get up and grab that." Kagome said as she took the towel from Sesshomaru's hand and wrapped it around the soaking wet half-demon pup. His little puppy ears were soaking wet and his shoulder length white hair hung limp and clung to his neck. He was slightly shivering from getting out of the water and readily accepted the warm towel around him. Rubbing him down till he was all dry Kagome curled the towel around him so he could walk into his bedroom to change. "There! Go and dress with your father while I clean the tub up."
"Oh-t-tay." Lorenzo shivered.
The towel covered his head and went just above his ankles. Holding it tightly around him to stay warm he followed his father out of the bathing chambers so he could get dressed. Kagome chuckled at her cute little pup. With the towel wrapped around him he looked like a little white ghost. She loved him so much and enjoyed spending the day with him on the beach like she had promised to do so long ago.
Pulling the plug at the base of the tub the dirty water quickly disappeared leaving gritty sand at the bottom. Using the rest of the water in the bucket she rinsed the sand out of the bottom and wiped up the little puddles on the floor with the washrag. Tossing the dirty cloth into the tub for one of the servants to pick up later she tried to get off of the floor. Rolling onto her hands and knees she gripped the edge of the tub for support. It took a little more effort than she thought causing her to grunt.
"Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked as he pushed open the door. He'd been helping Lorenzo into his pajama shirt when he had heard her making distress noises. "You alright?"
"Yeah… just getting harder for me to get off of the floor." Kagome blushed heavily as she pushed herself up the rest of the way.
"I see." Sesshomaru smirked as he pulled her into his arms. "Perhaps next time you could ask for help?"
"I'm not cripple…" Kagome pouted cutely. "Just… very pupped."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru chuckled as he rubbed his nose against hers.
His tenderness made her smile and her heart flutter in her chest. She could feel his love for her through their bond as his amber eyes darkened into a rich honey gold. Standing onto her tippy toes she kissed his lips in a sweet kiss. Her lips barely brushed against his making him want to lean closer to her. Feeling his arms wrap tighter around her lower back she threaded her fingers into his hair and deepened their kiss.
His deep purr and husky growl against her lip had her heart racing in her chest. Her heavily pupped belly made it hard for them to get close but it only intensified their passion. She loved feeling his large hands running along her sides and holding her heavy belly. It made her feel cherished as his bitch and proud to carry his pups. His actions spoke loudly; he loved her, loved her being pregnant. He even loved her when she was as big as a beach ball and still thought she was sexy.
"Papa? Gome?" Lorenzo shouted from the other room. "I ready for bed now!"
"Coming sweet heart." Kagome answered as she nuzzled into her mate's neck and breathed in his woodsy musk.
"This isn't over." Sesshomaru whispered huskily as he ran his hands down her back and cupped her ass. Giving her plump backside a firm squeeze he pulled her lower body against him. She could feel how hard he was for her and it made her lean against him and moan in want.
"Good." Kagome purred as she looked up into his eyes. Her deep blues were dark and shimmered with passion. Puckering her lips for one last kiss Sesshomaru took hold of them in his own before reluctantly letting her go and making their way into their son's room.
"All tucked in son?" Sesshomaru asked as he came around one side of the bed while Kagome straightened his bed covers.
"Yup!" Lorenzo said with a warm smile. "Night Gome, night Papa."
"Goodnight sweet heart. I'm so glad we got to have fun on the beach today." Kagome said as she watched Sesshomaru kiss his head and rub his little puppy ear goodnight.
"Me too." Lorenzo said just before he yawned. His little honey brown eyes began to droop making Kagome smile. "Can we do it again tomowow?"
"Perhaps." Sesshomaru said as he watched Kagome kiss Lorenzo's cheek. "Night pup."
"We'll see you in the morning." Kagome said as she got up from Lorenzo's bed and followed her mate towards the door.
"K." Lorenzo yawned as he closed his eyes and snuggled his toy dog close to his chest.
Closing the door behind them Sesshomaru took hold of Kagome's hand in his and lead her back through the bathing chambers towards their joined bedroom.
"Shoot… I forgot to keep a bucket for us." Kagome said as she suddenly remembered her own sandy state of dress.
"I shall retrieve a new bucket while you change." Sesshomaru said as he kissed her forehead before making his way out the door.
While he was gone Kagome pulled down the bed sheets, lit the candles, grabbed two towels out of the cupboard in the bathing room and lavender scented soaps. Slipping behind the changing screen in the corner of her and Sesshomaru's new chambers she began to undress. Untying the pink ribbon from around her waist she hung it over the screen and began unbuttoning the buttons down the back. As she was doing this she heard the servants enter their chambers and begin to prepare their bath. When the feeling of her mate strong hands wrapped around her waist she couldn't help but blush.
"Need help?" Sesshomaru asked as he kissed up her neck. His hot breath fanned across her skin making her shiver.
"N-no." Kagome stuttered when she felt one hand slide up her belly to cup her swollen breast. She couldn't believe he was being so bold while their servants were in the other room. She had to bite her lips to hold back a moan when his hand slipped through the paneling of her dress and rubbed his thumb over her swollen nipple.
"You sure?" Sesshomaru asked huskily as he slowly ground his cock against her backside.
It wasn't unheard of for demons to take their mates in front of others, especially to prove dominance. The idea of taking his bitch before his kingdom made him burn but he knew his bashful butterfly might not feel the same. Perhaps she would warm up to it later on in their mating? For now, taking her behind a changing screen with listening ears close by would suffice. As he listened to his bitch's heart beat quicken and the smell of her arousal strengthen he licked and nibbled along her earlobe.
"Sess…" Kagome moaned when he pulled against her pebbled tit.
The pleasure of his strong chest against her back combined with his skilled mouth and calloused fingers got the better of her. She could feel his hot breath on her skin; smell his arousal and his heavy cock rubbing against her ass. Knowing others weren't too far away both embarrassed her and edged her on. She was tittering between intense pleasure and embarrassment at the feeling. Thankfully Sesshomaru sensed her mixed emotions and pulled back the reigns a little more on his beast. Taking a deep breath of her and the pup's scent he calmed down enough to help her finish the last buttons down the back of her dress.
"My Lord and Lady, your bath is ready. Is there anything else you need before we depart?" one of the servants asked.
"There are dirty clothes in Lorenzo's basket and our picnic supplies are on his patio. We just put him to bed so do try to be quiet." Kagome said as Sesshomaru kissed her now bare shoulders and pushed her dress sleeves down her arms.
"Yes, my Lady." The servant said as she and two other maids went to do as she ask.
No longer hearing the servants in the room Sesshomaru pushed her dress the rest of the way down her body leaving her breast bindings and undergarments to his approving gaze. Tilting her chin up with a finger he sensually kissed her lips and pulled her back into his chest.
"You're quite wound up today my dear." Kagome teased as she turned around and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Any particular reason why?"
"I rather like seeing you pupped." Sesshomaru admitted as he rest his forehead against hers. "Plus seeing you on your hands and knees at the beach and just now in the bathroom has captured... my attention."
"Oh really?" Kagome laughed making him smirk. "Well… perhaps if you are a good boy and let me undress you I might just let you have your way with me?"
"Woman… I am always a good boy." Sesshomaru growled playfully.
"Hn." Kagome hummed in amusement as she began to undo the buttons on his shirt. "I guess you'll just have to remind me?"
"What are your conditions?" Sesshomaru asked as she played with the top button of his shirt.
"For you to have your way with me tonight… I must first take you." Kagome whisper huskily against his ear.
"Explain." Sesshomaru asked as she slowly slid her hands down his chest. When her little finger swirled suggestively over his clothed erection he closed his eyes and hissed.
"I want to give you pleasure mate…" Kagome's inner beast growled as she cupped his cock in her hand. Both she and Kagome were present in her mind and they purred when his body heat intensified. As she slowly rubbed and squeezed his sex through his pants he moaned huskily making their undergarments wet for him. "Let your bitch show her desires for her Alpha."
"My bitch…" Sesshomaru's inner beast growled as he too joined in on the fun. The feeling of her dainty hands on his person had his head spinning. "Don't stop..."
"Yes Alpha…" Kagome's inner beast purred as she ran her hands back up his chest and began to unbutton his shirt.
[End of Chapter 79]
(Ho ho ho! I wonder what Kagome's got in mind? Also, what will Rome do now that Spain is in full defense mode?)