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: "The Little Mermaid – Le Poissons Soundtrack." 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, lyrics or channels but I think it adds to the atmosphere. All rights to the lyrics and composition go to Disney.
Tides Against Time: Never Ending
[500 years later]
"Can you believe it?" Lorenzo said as he looked down the beach in amazement.
"Believe what?" Odette asked as she looked at her mate in confusion.
"Somehow all of my parents offspring and their kids and grandkids made it to the island for their anniversary weekend." Lorenzo chuckled as he watched his dozens of pack mates and pups meander around the beach. "Over their 500 years of being together, I don't remember that ever happening before."
"Not even when you were a pup?" Odette asked as she adjusted her sunglasses on her nose.
"Well... maybe when the first two or three litters were younger. After we went off to school and found mates of our own, it got harder to get us all together at the same time." Lorenzo explained.
"I can believe that." Odette hummed in thought. "That's not surprising considering your parents have 36 pups."
"40" Lorenzo corrected her as he looked at his mother and father relaxing on a beach blanket not too far from them. His eyes softened when he saw his father kiss his step-mother's lips as he rubbed over her swollen belly.
"Right, I forgot to count those. Once they're born your parents legacy will be well over three hundred strong." Odette giggled as she too noticed the adorable couple. "They're amazing aren't they?"
"Who?" Lorenzo asked as he reached for the tanning lotion.
"Your parents! If you count the years before they were mated, they've been together for over 500 years now. So much has happened since they first tied themselves together and they still can't keep their hands off of each other." Odette pointed out just as Sesshomaru nuzzled into Kagome's neck. She smiled when she saw Kagome tenderly run her fingers through Sesshomaru's hair as they relaxed together under their beach umbrella. "You think we'll be like them when we reach their age?"
"Absolutely." Lorenzo smiled as he tossed the lotion into their beach bag. "Since the moment I saw you dressed in that flowered dress with frilly socks I knew you were my forever."
"Me too." Odette smiled as she leaned forwards to kiss his lips.
"Ewww mommy's kissing daddy!" gagged a griffon pup roughly 4 years old. He had wild red hair with rich honey brown eyes.
"Yeah, dat's yucky." agreed the pups equally mischievous twin with bleach blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Mommy's allowed to kiss Daddy." Odette chuckled as Lorenzo pulled their sons onto their blanket and began to tickel them.
"Stop it daddy! That tickles!" their little pups begged as their happy laughter escaped their lips.
"Do you surrender?" Lorenzo asked as he tickled his sons harder along their sides.
"Never!" the first pup exclaimed as he tried to shove his father's hand away.
"You sure?" Lorenzo smirked as he struggled to escape his attack.
"Yes! I mean no!" the other pup giggled as he failed to get away. "Mama help!"
"Don't drag me into this." Odette chuckled. "This war is between you and your father."
"Traitor!" the first pup shouted making Lorenzo toss his head back and laugh.
"That's quite a strong accusation Jasper." Lorenzo chuckled as he eased up on his tickling. "I wonder where he gets that kind of boldness from?"
"Don't look at me! He must get it from your side of the family." Odette exclaimed only making Lorenzo's amusement heighten.
"Someone like Nana?" Jasper asked as he and his twin brother Devin sat innocently between their parents with a slice of watermelon in their hands.
"Exactly like Nana." Odette agreed as she looked over at her mother-in-law.
"Papaw wants to talk to you." Devin said before taking a large bite of his snack. He hummed his enjoyment as the fruit's sticky juices trickled down his chin.
"Did he say why?" Lorenzo asked as Odette reached into their beach bag to pull out a wet wipe.
"Na uh." Jasper shook his head. "He just said to come get you."
"Alright." Lorenzo sighed as he forced himself off of their sandy blanket. "You two keep your mother company while I'm gone."
"Kay!" Jasper and Devin grinned before slopping more water mellon down their chins.
Lorenzo chuckled at the annoyed look his mate sent him as he left her to clean up the mess. Out of the 15 pups they'd had in the 237 years of mate-ship, Jasper and Devin were the most difficult to handle. They constantly fought and were getting into things they shouldn't be. It was a miracle he and Odette hadn't pulled out all of their hair. He knew leaving her alone to manage them that he'd have to make it up to her later. As he made his way over to his parents he smiled and waved at his relatives relaxing around the beach. Every year on his parents anniversary they had a family reunion.
Over the centuries his father had slowly built housing developments onto their secret island. Now it had a fully functioning resort with a hotel, swimming pool and private beach for them to use. The island was privately owned by the Spanish crown allowing their family to relax without worry of being spied on by the paparazzi. The only outsiders allowed on the island were their personal servants, security team and cooking staff. To avoid unwanted visitors from crashing their shores they had a private boat squad patrolling the waters. Anyone who dared to land on their shores were dealt with immediately.
They could speak freely here without fear of being taped or recorded. The island was their sanctuary and they made sure it remained that way. When he walked up to his parents beach blanket he found his younger half-brothers Theo and Alden were in attendance as well. Since the three eldest sons had grown up and moved away from home, it was very rare for their father to gather them together and seek their council. They knew instantly that what was about to be spoken was most definitely not about the weather.
"Father, mother." Lorenzo nodded to his parents before turning to his younger pack mates. "Brothers."
"Sit, we have much to speak of." Sesshomaru said as Lorenzo sat beside Kagome on the blanket.
"What is it Father?" Theo asked hesitantly.
"It is time for your mother and I to step down from the thrown." Sesshomaru said causing their son's backs to stiffen.
"Surely you don't mean that." Lorenzo blinked in astonishment. "You're still so young! You could lead for many more centuries."
"We are tired my son." Kagome sighed as she rubbed over her swollen belly. "We've served well past our time as Lord and Lady. Now it's up to you boys to do what you've been trained for."
"When do you plan to make this announcement official?" Lorenzo asked.
"Tonight before we return to the main land." Sesshomaru said as he propped Kagome more comfortably against his side.
"When's the coronation ceremony?" Alden asked as he whipped out his cellphone to take notes.
"In two weeks." Sesshomaru said making all three boys eyes widen.
"T-two weeks?" Theo stuttered. "We can't plan a coronation ceremony by then!"
"Which is why I'm hiring Odette's grandmother to plan it for us." Kagome chuckled.
"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Lorenzo frowned. "I would have had a speech prepared for tonight."
"It was a last minute decision." Sesshomaru said as he looked down at his heavily pregnant mate. "Your mother's blood pressure has spiked the past couple of weeks causing her pregnancy to turn high risk."
"You are unwell mother?" Theo asked anxiously.
"I've been better." Kagome smiled weakly. "Alda has helped me manage my condition up to this point. I just worry about the next two months leading up to delivery."
"If your pressure doesn't go down what will happen?" Alden asked.
"Lots of very unpleasant things." Kagome said making their anxieties highten. "It's best that I avoid stressful environments and remain on bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy."
"I take it that's were you come in?" Lorenzo asked his father.
"Hm." Sesshomaru nodded. "I will need to be by your mothers side from now on."
"We understand." Lorenzo agreed. "Just let us know what to do and we will be there for you."
"Thank you sweetheart." Kagome said as she cupped his chin and kissed him on the cheek. "Now you boys run along. We'll speak more on this later."
"Yes, mother." Lorenzo, Alden and Theo said together.
Once Kagome and Sesshomaru were alone on the blanket they snuggled together and watched over their many generations of pups move about the beach before them. It was then Sesshomaru's eyes widened at the sense of déjà vu. The dream he'd had so long ago was there before his very eyes. Dozens of his pups and grandpups were splashing around in the water. The sound of their squeals and joyful laughter blew upon the warm breeze. The beach was covered with colorful beach umbrellas with his pups and their mates relaxing on equally colorful beach towels. Then to capture it all was his beloved mate snuggled up by his side. Just like his dream she was round with his pups with a happy contented smile on her lips. She was just as beautiful to him then as she was now.
Their mateship hadn't been perfect by any means. They'd had their rough patches over the five centuries they'd been together. Some how they'd always managed to work through the messiness and make up with just as much passion as they'd had when they were years younger. It was one of these heated fights that ultimately lead to her getting pupped once more. It hadn't been a planned pregnancy but one they were just as excited about like all the others. That being said, they weren't getting any younger and Kagome's body was taking longer to recover. It hadn't been an easy decision to make but after Kagome gave birth to this last litter they were done. She'd blessed the Spanish thrown with more than enough heirs.
Now it was time for them to enjoy being together and spoiling their many generations of grandpups. They'd done their best to train and educate their sons to rule the kingdom. They'd unknowingly been ruling three fourths of the kingdom for little over a decade now. They'd proven themselves so far. Now it was time for them step into their fathers shoes and make them proud. Of course they weren't going to abandon them completely. They'd live in the castle for the next couple of months to make sure they were comfortable and would be on call for any questions. Then when their sons were good and ready he and Kagome would pack up their things and move to the island permanently. Here they could live in peace and be surrounded by their youngest litter that had yet to reach 4 demon years old.
After the pups were old enough they'd be sent off to boarding school in Paris. There they'd study with their older siblings until they were able to go off to college and be mated themselves. Whatever their pups paths became they'd support them all equally. It was kind of surreal knowing they were finishing a major milestone in their lives. They'd never stop being parents to their pups but accepting the fact that they'd never bring another life into the world again was hard to wrap their minds around. The beauty of creating life together was something they greatly cherished together as a couple. Over the span of their 500 years together it was very rare for them to not have a litter of pups by their side. It will be interesting to see what the next 500 years will look like for them.
When it came time for dinner everyone began to pack up their things on the beach. After washing and bathing into a fresh set of clothes Kagome and Sesshomaru made their way towards the dining hall. As they grew closer the sound of singing rolled down the hallway. At first they couldn't understand what was being sung due to the walls muffling the words but when a server carrying a tray full of appetizers open the kitchen door, the voice of their head chef sang true.
(*** The Little Mermaid – Le Poissons Soundtrack ***)
Curious to what was for dinner they decided to step inside. As they moved towards the large stove at the back of the kitchens they saw a fat cat with curly whiskers preparing a large tuna fish with a herbal garnish rub. He had a tall chef hat on the top of his head and was dressed in a matching button up chef's coat. As he prepared dinner he danced around the stove grabbing various ingredients for his dish. The spectacle was charming and it had Kagome giggling at the sight.
"Les poissons, les poissons
How I love les poisons
Love to chop (CHOP) and to serve little fish (CHOP, CHOP, CHOP)
First I cut off zeir heads
Zen I pull out zeir bones
Ah mais oui, sa c'est toujours delish!
Les poissons, les poissons,
Hee, hee, hee, haw, haw, haw
Wiz a cleaver I hack zem in two (CHOP, CHOP)
I pull out what's inside
And I serve it up fried
'Cause I love little fishes, don't you? (CHOP, CHOP, CHOP)"
(pause music)
"I take it seafood is on the menu tonight Cookie?" Kagome asked as she and Sesshomaru walked up to the counter covered in mouthwatering appetizers.
"Oui, madam!" Cookie grinned as he finished rubbing seasoned salt onto one of the fish. "Zeir will also be stuffed crab, caviar hors d'oeuvres and oysters."
"Sounds delicious." Kagome nodded in approval.
"What is this?" Sesshomaru asked as he looked at a board covered in salted fish crackers.
"It's something to tempt your pallets during the main corse." Cookie said as he whiped his hands on a clean dish towel. "Feel free to try one! They are prepared in the classic technique."
"Classic technique?" Kagome asked as she and Sesshomaru popped one of the tiny fish appitizers into their mouths.
"Oui madam! First you take the fish and pound it flat with a mallet." Cookie instructed as he pointed to the seasoned fish on the board. "Then you cut through the skin, slice through the belly and rub some salt to flavor the meat. Once its seasoned to your liking you garnish it with herbs."
"Very nice." Sesshomaru agreed as he watched Cookie's sous chefs carry two of the plates out the doors. "We look forward to the full experience."
"Merci Miser." Cookie bowed. As his Lord and Lady exited the busy kitchen he began to clean up his station. He gasped when he noticed a tiny crab hiding under some discarded veggitables.
(play music)
"Zut alors! I have missed one!
Sacre bleu what is dis?
How on earth could I miss such a sweet little succulent crab?
Quel dommage what a loss
Here we go in the sauce!
Now some flower, I think just a dab.
Now I stuff you with bread. It don't hurt 'cause you're dead
and you're certainly lucky you are.
'Cause it's gonna be hot in my big silver pot
Toodle loo mon poisson au revoir!"
(xxx stop music xxx)
"He's certainly an interesting fellow, is he not?" Kagome giggled as they listened to their head chef's silly song echo down the hallway.
"Indeed." Sesshomaru smirked.
"I like him." Kagome said as they made their way towards their seats at the front of the large dining room. "It would be nice to have a permanent cook on the island."
"Hm. Cookie is by far the best chef we've had come to the island." Sesshomaru nodded in agreement as he helped her to sit in her seat. "That being said, Cookie is only on loan for this weekend. I'm not sure if Louie will be willing to part with his favorite chef or not."
"Offer for him and Elizabeth to come visit us." Kagome suggested. "They are more than welcome to make this their vacation spot. It's big enough for he and Elizabeth to stay in one of the other residences. We'd both have plenty of privacy and could meet up for dinner on occasion."
"This is true..." Sesshomaru agreed as their pups and grandpups began to fill in the empty tables nearby. "I will see to the arrangements."
"Excellent." Kagome smiled just as Rin and Arthur walked over.
"May we join you?" Rin asked.
"Of course sweetie." Kagome smiled as Arthur pulled back a seat for Rin to sit in. "How are things back in London?"
"The usual." Arthur sighed as he came to sit beside his mate. "We've been having issues with the Unions trying to raise their salaries again. It's been a headache trying to get parliament on board."
"Keep strong. If it's meant to happen things will fall into place." Sesshomaru reassured him. "Where is Marigold?"
"She's right..."
"Papaw!"
"Here!" Rin giggled as her two year old daughter jumped into Sesshomaru's lap.
"Papaw!" Marigold exclaimed as she nuzzled into his neck.
"Did you have fun playing at the beach today?" Sesshomaru asked as he tightened his hold around his favorite grandpup.
He loved all of his pups equally but Rin had always held a special place in his heart. He'd struggled letting her go when Arthur approached him to court her shortly after high school. Were it not for his mate's firm intervention in his protectiveness Rin might have never mated or moved away to England. Being the runt of her litter Rin had always been tiny and more often became ill. She and Arthur had struggled to get pregnant for years. It wasn't until Marigold was born two demon years ago that Sesshomaru's heart was stolen once again. Just like her mother and grandmother before her she had striking blue eyes, wavy black hair and coral pink lips.
She obtained some water power but with Arthur's bloodlines also obtained the ability of flight. She had a kind nature about her and was always smiling. She was beautiful, both inside and out. Even though Marigold was their only child she loved to share and had a forgiving heart. She was the sweetest little pup and instantly stole the hearts of anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. It was uncertain if Rin would ever have another pup. Even if she couldn't Marigold was more than enough. She was their little ray of sunshine and would forever be their little miracle.
"Uh huh!" Marigold nodded as she dug into her dress pocket. "Here Papaw! Dis is for you."
"For me?" Sesshomaru quirked his eyebrow as he took the tiny shell from her hand.
"Yep!" Marigold beamed with pride. "I pixed it out just for you!"
"That was sweet of you." Kagome smiled as her mate kissed Marigold's cheek. "Your Papaw will be sure to place it beside the other gifts you've given him."
"You must have a lot of stuff laying around from all of us kids." Arthur chuckled as Marigold crawled out of Sesshomaru's lap to snuggle with her Nana.
"An entire room full actually." Sesshomaru nodded as he reclined in his seat. "The pack rat gene must have come from your mother."
"Hey now..." Kagome pouted. "You told me you liked my gifts."
"I do... but your gifts on top of our pups and grandpups adds up. We will have to open a museum to house them all." Sesshomaru teased making Rin and Arthur laugh.
"Fine, see if you get another gift from me ever again." Kagome pouted in defiance.
"Come now mate... you know I was only teasing." Sesshomaru chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her forcing her back to rest against his chest. "Each and everyone of your gifts, including the pups you given me are special."
"Better be, because you're stuck with me till the end of time." Kagome smiled as he rubbed over her swollen belly.
"I wouldn't have it any other way my little mermaid." Sesshomaru said before kissing her lips.
Dinner as expected was made to perfection. Once everyone finished eating and Lorenzo had given them a toast for their 500 year anniversary Sesshomaru stood to his feet and made their announcement. The news of he and Kagome's retirement had been a shock to everyone but they were all in agreement that Kagome's health was most important. Besides, Lorenzo was more than ready to become Lord. Things with Italy had long been taken care of and he'd proven himself to be more than capable of being a Lord. Although he was a half-demon his Taisho bloodline was strong. He was smart, brave, well educated in political arts and was devoted to the Spanish crown. He brought honor to his parents and with Theo and Alden by his side, he would not fail.
Everyone was excited for him but no one more so than Kagome. Although he was her step-son, she'd always seen him as her own. He'd been a huge part of her and Sesshomaru's story in coming back together. True, he should have been born from her womb, but even with Sara's blood running through his veins he was hers. She'd never been more proud to call him her pup. After the plates were cleaned Cookie brought out their anniversary cake. With there being over 300 mouths to feed their cake was enormous. Cookie had painstakingly decorated it with buttercream flowers. Just like the rest of his cooking the rich raspberry cream cake was made to perfection. Everyone was stuffed to the brim by the time it was all said and done.
By the end of their weekend retreat at the island, everyone had worn themselves out of fun. Everyone sported various shades of tanned skin with the occasional sunburn. It was all agreed that they'd return the following year to celebrate Lorenzo's one year anniversary as Lord and Sesshomaru and Kagome's year of retirement. As everyone kissed and hugged goodbye the sun began to set in the sky. By the time Sesshomaru had his mate and youngest litter of pups aboard their private yacht the sky was aflame with color. The sun's rays casting off the water projected a rainbow into the sky. It was a beautiful sight and the symbol of hope brought smiles to everyone faces.
Two weeks later Sesshomaru stepped down as Lord. The news of Lorenzo's coronation ceremony had spread like wildfire and quickly became the center headline world wide. Every news broadcasting station was in attendance as well as the elite. Kings, presidents, dictators and celebrities from all over the world appeared for the big day. It was a momentous occasion all around and Kagome was happy to pass over the reigns to Odette's grandmother. She'd somehow made everything sparkle and shine to perfection. Everything had been taken care of and ran on schedule. It eased a lot of stress on her shoulders allowing her to enjoy her son's special day. Two months later she and Sesshomaru moved to the island. It was almost a week to the day they arrived that she gave birth to their last litter of pups.
Thanks to Alda's assistance she was able to give birth with ease. With her enhanced healing capabilities she also managed to tie her tubes together without having open surgery. It was an emotional experience knowing they'd never be able to have children again but also beautiful knowing that they were officially starting a new chapter together as mates. To their excitment six months later Louie and Lizy came to visit. It was nice having their best friends with them. It got even better when Inuyasha and Kikyo joined in. Somehow the island became their senior safe haven. Although the future was uncertain for them all, they knew they could weather through the strongest of tides together.
[El Fin]
Authors Notes:
OMG! I cannot believe this story is over! Wow! Thank you to those who've followed along with this story from start to finish. It has been an emotional ride! You guys have given me so much support and your comments brightened my day. I could not have finished this story without you!
Please don't forget to favor this story so you can find it and read it again in the future! If you wouldn't mind leaving me a note in the reviews so I know your thoughts over the story that would be amazing! Your comments help me to become a better writer in the future! That being said, I am writing other stories at the moment! Be sure to check out my profile to see my other stories.
Thanks again for everything!
TG1