Title: Tides Against Time
Rating: M (Language, Violence, and Adult Content)
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the Little Mermaid. All rights should go to Inuyasha Inc., Disney and Hans Christian Anderson.
Music: The song I have selected for this chapter is: "Inuyasha OST - Tsubaki The Dark Priestess." 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: Lurking Shadows
"How are you feeling?" the healer asked as he gave her a pelvic examination. "You still haven't progressed into dilation."
"Feeling good Doc! Tired, hungry and achy... but good!" Kagome smiled as the healer wiped his hands on a clean cloth.
"Good, good." He smiled as he placed his stethoscope to her belly and listened to the pup's hearts. "All six sound healthy. How's the swelling?"
"About the same." Kagome sighed as she looked at her swollen feet that no longer fit into any shoes other than her house slippers. "I've been keeping off of them which has helped a little but I still can't wear anything else."
"Hn... Lighten up on the sodium intake. This will help with the swelling some. I also suggest you remain on bed rest until the pups are due. Don't get too comfy, a ten-fifteen minute walk twice a day would do you good to keep up your strength and maintain healthy blood flow." He said as he loaded his bag back up with his equipment. "Queen La Flèche?"
"Yes Doctor Pier?" Lizy asked from her chair beside the bed.
"Have the chef add extra protein to her diet. She's going to need it to build up her energy in the coming weeks." He said as he walked towards the door. "I'll check on you in another day or two. It is bed rest until delivery my dear. Only your ten-fifteen minute walks, bathing and chamber pot are you out of bed."
"Yes, Doctor." Kagome sighed. She had hoped to never be bed ridden again but for her pups she'd deal with it. Just then a servant came in carrying a tray of food followed by Odette and Lorenzo. "Hey there sweetie! Come to join me for dinner?"
"Yup!" Lorenzo said as he and Odette crawled onto the bed. "Da pups ohtay?"
"Mhmmm." Kagome hummed as she bit into her beef. "All good!"
"Papa said for me to check evewy day!" Lorenzo said as he raised his calling shell up making her smile. He then munched on his mashed potatoes humming with delight. "Dis is yummy!"
"When is pére coming back?" Odette asked as she took a dinner roll off of her plate.
"Very soon." Lizy smiled. "I spoke with him this morning. He said they made it across the boarder and are on their way towards Rome."
"Really?" Kagome asked in surprise. "I wonder why Sesshomaru didn't say anything?"
"Louie and Max worked the western unit while Sesshomaru went to meet up with the Austrians. He didn't say anything happened so I'm assuming they're ok." Lizy shrugged before taking a sip of her tea. "He would have told me if something happened to delay their plans."
"Hm." Kagome hummed as she took another bite of her supper. She frowned when the thought of Sesshomaru being hurt crossed her mind. "I don't sense any pain or upset in our bond so you're probably right."
"Unless he's blocking it." Kagura said as she walked into the room with a sleeping Agnes in her arms. "Max has done that on occasion when he's upset. He doesn't like other's seeing his weaknesses so he shuts them out."
"I hope Sesshomaru's not doing that." Kagome frowned as she finished off her plate. "He should rely on me to support him like he does me."
"Most men don't think that way." Lizy chuckled. "They think showing emotions are a weakness."
"Hm." Kagome huffed as Lorenzo snuggled into her side and placed his ear to her belly.
"Wittle bwudders… wittle sisters!" Lorenzo called against her belly. "Come out now! I wants to pway wif you!"
"Just a little longer sweet heart." Kagome chuckled as Kagura and Lizy smiled knowingly. "We've got to keep them inside until you're Papa comes back."
"But I want to see them now!" Lorenzo whined. "Why can't Papa see dem after day are born?"
"He wants to be here to see them come out of my belly too." Kagome soothed as she held him to her side and nuzzled into his hair. "It seems like forever but can you hold out just a little longer for him? Soon you'll have them to play with and take care of."
"Ohtay." Lorenzo sighed. Growing tired he tried to stifle a yawn but it slipped past his control. His little puppy tongue curled in his wide mouth and his eyes grew heavy with sleep.
"Here," Lizy chuckled as she reached for the trays. "I'll set them outside for the servants to gather."
"Thanks Lizy." Kagome smiled as she pulled back the covers for she and Lorenzo to get under.
"Of course." Lizy said as she helped Odette off the bed and ushered her towards the door.
"Sleep well. We'll come check on you in the morning." Kagura said as she closed the door behind them.
"Gome?" Lorenzo asked as he snuggled into her side.
"Yes?" Kagome answered as she buried her nose into his hair.
As she did this Sesshomaru's pelt curled tightly around them. His demonic energy swirled around them cloaking them in his warmth and protection. The smell of his musky cider wood spice filled their senses and it made the tension in their bodies relax.
"Can you tell me a story?" Lorenzo asked with sleepy honey brown eyes.
"Once there was a poor farmer who only had three beans." Kagome began making the little pup smile sleepily. "He went to the market were he traded them for a goose to eat. When the farmer woke up the next morning to cook the goose for lunch he found a golden egg in its nest."
"A golden egg?" Lorenzo gasped in surprise.
"Yup!" Kagome giggled as she ran her fingers through his bangs making his eyes grow heavy with sleep. "The farmer was shocked and immediately sold the egg at the market. Night after night the goose laid golden eggs and the farmer grew greedy and rich. He spent all his money without saving a single penny."
"Dat's not… (yawn) smart." Lorenzo said as he snuggled deeper into her side.
"No it's not." Kagome agreed as she kissed his forehead. Her motherly purr rolled from deep in her chest making it harder for him to stay awake. "One night the farmer forgot to lock the barn door. A fox ate the goose leaving the farmer with no more income. Before the farmer knew what happened all of his riches were gone and he no longer had his beans, his goose or his home."
"Hm." Lorenzo hummed and nuzzled into her neck.
His little clawed hand wrapped around her neck and fisted in some of her hair. His little puppy purr rolled in his chest as he began to snore. Having felt him fall asleep Kagome and Sesshomaru's pelt held him close. Her motherly purrs pattered in time with the steady rain beating against the window. Soon its soothing rhythm filled the bedchamber around them creating a peaceful symphony. As the sun set in the sky and the room went dark all grew peaceful at the castle. Kagome having woken up in the middle of the night to use the restroom carefully pulled Lorenzo from her arms and curled Sesshomaru's pelt around him to keep him warm. Pulling the covers back over him she kissed his forehead making him mumble in his sleep. She smiled when she saw his little hand fist into the pelt's soft fur and it curl tighter around him for comfort.
Waddling her way into the hallway she made her way towards the bathroom. Seeing a burning candle resting on one of the hallway tables she picked it up and continued on her way down the hall. Having reached her destination she quickly relieved herself and slowly made her way back towards her room. On her way back she walked past Lizy and Kagura's chambers and smiled when she heard their light snoring rolling from inside. She was so happy that her best friends was there to keep her company while away from her mate. What would make it perfect was if Sango were here. However, she knew Sango couldn't leave her duties to the castle or her children at home. Continuing on her way she passed through an open lobby with a fireplace. It had burned out during the night and only slightly glowing embers were left.
(*** Inuyasha OST - Tsubaki The Dark Priestess ***)
The room felt cold and its light cast an eerie glow about the room making a shiver run down her spine. She was about to go into her room when a strike of lightning caused a dark shadow to move past the window. Gasping in surprise she turned and pressed her back into the door to see who it was. She saw that the shadow was coming from a figure as it peered into the window. It was cloaked in a dark cape hiding its identity. She knew it couldn't see her since she was hidden in shadow but that didn't stop her heart from racing in her chest. When she saw the figure pull a dagger from its belt she trembled in fear. She watched the figure fiddle with the lock using the blade. She couldn't tell who it was but knew it wasn't someone who should be getting inside. Just as the strangle clicked the lock she screamed. As she expected the dark figure quickly raced back into the darkness of the night and disappeared from sight.
"Lady Kagome!" one of the guards shouted as he raced down the hallway just as Kagura and Lizy slammed open their doors with crying children in their arms.
"What the hell is going on?" Kagura demanded as she tried to silence her crying kids.
"A cloaked figure was trying to break into that window! Quick! It had a knife and it disappeared that way!" Kagome shouted as she waddled to the window and pointed out into the darkness.
"Shit!" Lizy cursed as the guards raced down the hall shouting orders.
Kagura frightened for their safety tightened her hold on her kids. "Everyone grab a pillow and a blanket. We're going to stick together and sleep in the central parlor."
"Gome!" Lorenzo cried as he opened the door behind them and ran to Kagome's side. He had tears running down his cheeks and was whimpering from fear. The moco moco trailed helplessly behind him like a child's favorite blanket. When it met Kagome's warmth it sensed their upset it curled around them both.
"It's ok sweet heart." Kagome soothed as she held him close and nuzzled into his hair. She could feel her mate's comfort through their bond and knew he had sensed her fear. Sending him her love and comfort back he relaxed making her smile. It made her feel better knowing that even far away he was with her. "Let's go get our stuff so we can get back to sleep. Ok? The guards will take care of the bad guy."
Doing as he was told they grabbed what blankets and pillows they could carry and followed everyone down the hall. Pushing the couches together they made three beds for them all to sleep on. Having tucked their little ones back in for the night the mothers stayed up to keep watch. About an hour later the guards returned dripping wet from their search.
"Did you find them?" Kagura whispered as the guards quietly made their way towards the center of the parlor. The guards noticing the slumbering children on the couches crept closer as quietly as they could. Only the slight squeaking of their boots on the tile floors and the light jingle of their metal suits made noise.
"We tracked them into the woods but lost their scent with the rain. We will try and track their foot prints come morning." Whispered the guard. "We've stationed every able guard at all entrances, walls and watchtowers. The intruder entered during one of our shift changes on the southern wall. This will not happen again."
"Good." Lizy whispered back as she rocked Arthur in her arms. "Should anything come up inform us at once. You are dismissed."
"Yes, Lady Queen." Bowed the guards before quietly exiting the lobby leaving muddy prints and water puddles in their wake.
"We will wait to inform our mates until we have investigated who this intruder is. There is no need to worry or distract them from their task if our guards can handle it." Lizy whispered.
"Agreed." Kagome nodded as she petted Sesshomaru's pelt absentmindedly.
"I'll take first watch." Kagura suggested. "All three of us staying up is pointless and our young will need our strength come morning."
"Sounds good." Lizy agreed as she and Kagome laid back down to try and get some shut eye.
When morning came the guards had searched the woods and found tiny boot prints in the mud. They followed them to a small village were the prints were then lost in the hustle and bustle of village boot prints, horse hooves and wagon wheel tracks. They searched the village for a wayward traveler fitting the description but none was found. Growling in defeat the guards returned to the castle to report their findings.
"You say the prints were small?" Kagura asked as she, Lizy and Kagome stood in the doorway as they watched their young play in the nursery.
"We believe it was probably a kid from the village trying to sneak in to steal something." One of the guards said. "It's hard to tell since we didn't find them. It could still be an assassin or a spy from the enemy."
"What do you suggest we do?" Lizy asked as she leaned against the doorframe. "Kagome is in no condition to leave and we have half a dozen children."
"Worry not my Ladies." one of the guards said as he placed his hand over his sword's hilt. "You and the heirs will be protected. As of last night we have stationed guards at every entryway and have lookouts guarding the walls and towers. No one will sneak in again."
"Better not." Kagura growled as she adjusted Gunther on her hip. His red doe eyes watched with curiosity as he sucked on his thumb. "Whoever the hell it was best not come back or else they will be at the end of three very pissed off demonesses."
"Not to mention our mates." Kagome agreed as Lizy dismissed the guards. "It makes me nervous that they didn't get them or know what their goal is."
"Me too but we can't dwell on that." Lizy sighed as she helped her waddling friend to a rocking chair in the corner of the room. "You just rest now and focus on keeping those little ones inside. Don't worry about any of this. We've got it."
Sighing in defeat Kagome nodded and adjusted moco moco down her shoulders and more snuggly around her belly. Her little ones had been fussing all morning and she could only guess that they felt her upset. Patting her belly and rocking her chair back and forth she hummed them her lullaby and soon they were at rest. Seeing Lorenzo having fun playing with Odette and her cousins she smiled and closed her eyes to rest. She hadn't slept well last night and was achy from sleeping on the couch. Feeling something being laid over her she opened her eyes to see Kagura placing a blanket over her.
"Thanks." Kagome smiled as she snuggled under the blanket. Seeing Kagura's smile and watching Lizy playing with their kids she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. As Kagome dreamed Lizy received a call from her mate.
"Are you there my love?" Louie called through their calling shell.
"I'm here and so is everyone else!" Lizy answered as she held both Arthur and Odette in her arms while Kagura and her kids tuned their demonic ears in to listen. "How are you? Did you make it ok?"
"Max and I are safe on the other side. We are waiting for Sesshomaru and the Austrians to make it to our checkpoint. Once they get here we will invade the city." Louie said making Lizy and Kagura relax slightly.
"Is Sesshomaru alright? Kagome was asking about him earlier. She's taking a nap right now." Lizy asked as she looked up to see Kagome still deep in sleep in the rocker.
"They had a little skirmish last night at the border. Apparently there was a band of assassins hidden amongst the mountain pass. Unfortunately their unit took quite a loss but they were able to rally back and take them out before our cover was blown." Louie said. "He seemed cold and distant when I spoke with him but nothing out of character that I could tell. He tends to be grumpy after he battles."
"If you think he's ok I'll let her know." Lizy sighed knowing this news would ease her worried friend a little. "What's the plan once you meet up with Sesshomaru?"
"Sesshomaru and his unit will invade the Bishop's lair while the Austrians clear out their supplies. While that is happening Max and I will take out the harbor and the city guards. Once the city is overrun and the Bishop is dead we will invade the royal palace together as a unified army. There we will negotiate new terms without the Bishop's influence." Louie said as he and Max stood on a mountain pass. From here they could overlook Italy's countryside decorated with fruitful farmland, vineyards and thriving cities. Seeing a group moving towards them from the east they knew the time had come. "It looks like Sesshomaru has just arrived. We will keep you posted should anything change. Do not try to contact us unless its an emergency."
"Alright." Lizy said as Kagura leaned closer to the shell.
"Max? Can you hear me?" Kagura called into the shell.
"I can hear you my love." Max said as Louie held the shell out to him.
"Daddy!" shouted Stephen as he, Gunther, and little Agnes circled around their mother.
"Hello little ones." Max chuckled into the shell. "Best be good for your mozier. Louie and I hafe to get to vork now."
"Ok daddy. Love you." Agnes said through the line making Max smile.
"As I do you my little princess. Kiss your mozier for me." Max said before stepping back and making his way towards the approaching army.
"Give Odette and Arthur a hug for me." Louie spoke through the shell. "I will see you three soon."
"Be safe. I love you!" Lizy said earning an "I love you" in return before the line was cut. No longer able to hear them they returned to their play while Kagome continued to rest in her chair.
[ Italy]
"You're late." Louie scowled as he crossed his arms over his chest as he and Max watched Sesshomaru and his unit making their way towards them up the hill.
"You look terrible." Max frowned as he looked over the muddy soldiers as they passed by. Looking at Sesshomaru his pony tail was stained with mud and blood and his clothes were equally dirty. "Vhat the hell happened?"
"The Italians hid snow leopards in the mountain pass. They kept down wind of us in the shadows so we did not detect them until it was too late. They took out all but three of our horses and over turned our wagons on the cliff sides. Were it not for an avalanche taking most of them out we might not have gotten away with as many as we have. The ones that survived the snow we left their blood to stain the mountain path."
"Shit!" Louie cursed, as he looked over Sesshomaru's body only now noticing his arm was badly bleeding and smelled sour. "We need the healers to take a look at your arm. It doesn't smell right."
"I will see to it later." Sesshomaru commanded stubbornly and he shook off his friends worry. "We need to keep moving. If the Italians knew we were coming through that mountain pass they are likely already prepared for us in Rome."
"Most likely." Max agreed as they made their way towards their central tent. "Let us rezink dis before ve depart."
"Is your brother and his team making any headway?" Louie asked as they looked over their map hanging from one of the tent walls.
"They have destroyed two other ships just yesterday." Sesshomaru said as he tried to wipe off as much blood and mud from his body with a clean cloth. "They are due to arrive at the harbors just after dawn tomorrow. There they will await our signal to advance."
"Very good." Louie said as he looked over the map. "Do you suspect any fowl play for them?"
"The Italians have tried to take them out using explosions, netting and cannons but my brother and his men see them coming before they have a chance to make their mark. It would not surprise me if Rome hasn't prepared something in their harbors but I don't imagine them doing too much so not to damage their own ports." Sesshomaru said as he tore a clean rag and began to tie it around his upper arm. He knew the wound was already infected from the cat's claws and could smell small traces of dark magic. He could feel the magic blocking his healing powers and poison in the wound to heal it. He knew no matter what the healers did if he didn't get the magic expelled he'd lose his arm. He needed a specialist. "How are your units? Any casualties?"
"None so far." Max said with a pleased glimmer shinning in his green eyes. "We took zee bastards out at the boarder before zey knew vhat hit zem."
"Hm." Sesshomaru hummed in approval. "If Rome hasn't heard of you coming in through the boarder yet they will know by the day after tomorrow. I suggest we keep moving. There is no time to delay."
"Agreed." Louie said as he pointed to the map. "If we take this side road here it will take us around the city and avoid any blockades they might have set up to slow us down."
"Then it's settled." Sesshomaru said. "Let me speak with my mate and then we will move out."
"Ve just spoke vith our mates before you arrived." Max said stopping Sesshomaru from exiting the tent. "Zay said Kagome vas resting at the moment. She asked about you and ve told zem to inform her of your progress. Zey knew ve are moving to Rome and not to interfere until ve report back."
"No report on her health?" Sesshomaru asked as he, Max and Louie exited the tent.
"Nothing other than her resting. I'm assuming they would have told us if anything were different." Louie shrugged as he placed his hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder feeling it tense under his palm. "Are you sure you don't need to have your arm taken care of?"
"Nothing can be done with it until we find a witch." Sesshomaru shrugged his hand off. "The cat had dark magic on its claws."
"Let's hope we find one that is willing to help us after all of this." Louie sighed knowing Sesshomaru was right. He could smell the magic now. Nothing their healers could do would change it.
"Hm. Ready your men and lets move out before we loose sunlight." Sesshomaru said as he exited the tent.
Soon the four armies moved as one across the countries side. As day turned into night they settled down an hour from the city. They could see its lights twinkling in the far horizon. They didn't know what to expect when they arrived but were bound and determined to not only win the freedom of Spain by the entirety of Europe. When the sun rose in the sky the following morning it stained the landscape with warm rays of orange, yellow and red. It was if the land itself knew that blood would be spilt this day and prepared itself for what was to come. In position at the cities edge Sesshomaru spoke with his brother through their mental bond and readied for the attack. As they charged the city both by air, land and by sea the people of Rome awakened to the sounds of war bells ringing in the air.
[End of Chapter 85]
(Crap! So Sesshomaru's arm is messed up, they are getting ready to attack Rome and Kagome's under attack at the castle! I wonder what will happen next? Be sure to follow along to find out!)