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. and Disney.
Music: The song I have selected for his chapter is: "Celtic Music – Mermaids of the Kelp Garden" and "Inuyasha 3 - Renkotsu - Jashin (Wicked Heart)" and "Inuyasha OST 3 - Crash." 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: Hidden Dangers
"Kikyo… Kagome…. Hello? It's time to wake up!" said Sota to his sleeping sisters.
There was no response. They were snuggled up together and snoring lightly, completely oblivious to the world around them. It was already noon and they had still not moved from their slumber. Growing impatient Sota shakes their shoulders and calls for them again a little louder with no success.
Kagome rolls over to her side and mumbles dreamily, "5 more… minuets…"
"WAKE UP ALREADY!" he shouted causing the sisters to bolt upright into a sitting position.
"What the hell Sota?! What's all the yelling for?" barked Kikyo as she rubbed the sleep away from her eyes.
"Yeah… what's the (Yawn) big deal?" said Kagome as she stretched with a big yawn.
"You guys have been sleeping all morning! You both missed breakfast and its almost past noon! Why are you guys so tired? I thought we were going to go explore today?" Sota wined.
"I guess we were just tired is all." Kagome said as she slipped into the water.
"Was Father upset?" asked Kikyo.
"Nah, he has been gone all morning." said Sota. "You guys want to swim by the kelp forest and grab lunch before we go?"
"Sure! You got anything in mind that you want to do today?" asked Kagome.
"Yay! I over heard there was a sunken ship south of here from some of the mermen. Let's go check it out and see if there are any skeletons!" he shouted excitedly.
"Skeletons? Sota, you have such a wild imagination." joked Kikyo as she joined them in the water.
"You never know!" he argued. "Now come on! Let's go while we still have daylight."
(*** Celtic Music – Mermaids of the Kelp Garden. ***)
They slipped out of the cave's tunnel and out into the open water of the Balearic Sea. Heading south along the coast they soon approach a forest of tall sea kelp. Weaving through the kelp stocks they pick off some of its leaves and seedpods and eat as they go. The kelp forest was teeming with fish, turtles, crabs and sea urchins. Seagull's webbed feet paddled on the surface and occasionally stick their heads into the water hoping to catch a fish. Having filled their stomachs the gossip begins to make their way out of the forest. Suddenly a voices calls out to them.
"Kagame, Kiko, Sota! Wait for me!" shouted a little green and orange fish as he made his way towards them as fast as he could swim.
The little Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse came to a stop a few feet away from them as he tried to catch his breath. Seeing it to be her little friend Kagome captures the small fish in her hands and brings him close to her face. Her siblings recognizing the little guy come around her to get a closer look.
"Shippo? Is that you?" asked Kagome.
"Yup! I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you!" Shippo said before swimming in circles around them.
"It's good to see you too Shippo!" laughed Kagome as Shippo tickled her with some of his bubbles.
"Would you like to come with us? We're going to go exploring!" asked Sota excitedly.
"Sure! Let's go!" said Shippo happily.
The group then set out once again and made their way towards the direction Sota heard the sunken ship to be located. Going further away from the coast the landscape began to flatten out with lesser rocks, seabeds and coral life. Being exposed out in the open was a risk for the group but sticking close together they made sure to keep an eye out for any dangers. A dark silhouette begins to appear in the distance and as they approach, it begins to make the distinct outlines of the sunken ship. Recognizing the corroded seadog on the front of the ship Kagome knows this to be the one she had watched sink 50 years ago. The group slips into a large hole on the hull and begin exploring its innards. Kikyo goes up to the top deck and peeks around the quarter deck door. She slips into the dark room and sees scattered around the wooden floor sandy covered books, candles, knocked over chairs and various other pieces of bedroom furniture. Swimming up to a vanity she finds a beautiful hand mirror. Its glass had dark spots around the edges and the body and handle was a little dirty. Despite its aging she could still see the ornate beauty of the object. Picking it up and holding it carefully in her hands she sees that it was sea foam green with pink flowers painted on it and had golden trimming around the edges. She decided she was going to keep it so she kept it close to her heart as she continued to explore the room.
Sota went to the bottom floor of the ship and found piles of broken barrels, rusted cannons and abandoned swords. Taking one off its hook along the wall he tries to pull it out of its sheath but it was corroded shut. Finding a leather strap he hooks it to the blade and slips it over his shoulder so the blade would lie flat against his back. Going through the rest of the deck's bottom floor he finds a wood and ivory object. The top was small and it grew in size as it went. It was shaped in a strange "S" shape and had a small hole from the top and at the bottom was a larger hole. Seeing that holes were connected inside he blows on the small hole causing black ash and dirt to spill out of the larger hole at the bottom. Having being cleaned out the object now blew bubbles making him laugh. He had no idea what it was but knew that Totosai would be able to help them. Holding it tight in his hand he continued to explore the ship.
Kagome and Shippo were on the middle floor between Sota and Kikyo and found rows of bunk beds, tables, cups, bowls and fishing supplies. Not seeing anything interesting she makes her way through the stairwell and sees something blue in the corner of her eye. Making her way behind the stairs she finds blue plant life with a large crescent moon in its center. It was about 3 feet by 5 feet in length and was thin and light weight. She remembers seeing this blue objected flying in the wind when the ship was still afloat. Deciding to keep it she begins to fold it and put it in her braided seaweed bag on her side.
(xxx stop music xxx)
(*** Inuyasha 3 - Renkotsu - Jashin (Wicked Heart) ***)
Just then a dark shadow swims past the window near her. Its size was large enough to cover the entire hole making the room grow dark.
"W.. wha… what was that…" whispered Shippo. His voice shaking as he snuggled close to Kagame.
"I'm not really sure but I've got a feeling we're not alone anymore." Kagome whispered back.
Kagome feeling the need to leave begins to swim down the stairwell to her brother. Seeing him safe she swims over to his side.
"Hey Sota… I think we need to leave." Kagome said through a hushed voice.
"What? But we just got here!" Sota cried out. Kagome hearing his raised voice quickly puts her hand over his mouth shushing him.
"Shhhh… not so loud!" she said through a hushed whisper.
Just then a rumbling and creaking sound was heard outside the ship.
"Dddd did you… hear.. that?" stuttered Shippo. He swam close to Kagome and the two of them looked about the windows along the side of ship.
"Shippo, stop being such a guppy." said Sota as he placed his treasure in her bag before he turned back around and continued to dig through a pile of junk.
Just then Kikyo quickly swam down through the stairwell. Kagome could tell she sensed it too by her stiff body language and her looking over her shoulder as she swam towards them.
"We need to leave. We are no longer safe here." Kikyo commanded as she slipped her gift into Kagome's seaweed bag.
"Yes, Shippo and I felt it too." Kagome said as Shippo nodded his head up and down.
"Would you guys relax? Nothing's going to happen!" Sota said irritated. He was having fun and they were ruining it.
Just then a dark shadow reappears over a nearby window and a dark black eye stares in at them. It was cold and lifeless. It swam away from the window and a mouth full of white jagged teeth replaced it.
(*** Inuyasha OST 3 - Crash ***)
It charged at the ship and the momentum breaks through the wall of the ship. The form reveals itself to be a large shortfin mako shark and as it charges into the room it barley missing the siblings. It crashes into the wall behind them and they all begin screaming as they panic about the room trying to get away from the shark.
"Quick! Let's get out of here! cried Kagome.
The mermaids and the wrasse fish scramble up the stairs of the ship. The mako shark shakes its head from the impact and quickly races after them snapping its teeth. Kikyo and Kagome knock over anything in their path to try and slow the beast down. Despite their efforts however it tares through anything in its path as is if it were paper. They swim in and out of the ship in hopes of confusing the shark but it's got its sights set on Sota. Sota weaves in and out of windows, around polls and cannons but its no use.
"Help me! I can't out swim it!" Sota cried. Diving back into the ship he swims as fast as he can with the beast was still hot on his tail.
"Quick! Come this way" shouted Kikyo.
Kagome and Kikyo grab hold of a net on the ships deck and lay in wait behind two barrels on either side of two polls. Sota swims in between the polls and the sisters lift up their fishing net just in time to snag the shark. They throw the shark into the Captain's quarters and slam the door shut. The shark breaks free of the net with its teeth and begins banging against the door. Seeing the door cracking they quickly swimming away from the ship towards home as fast as they can. The door eventually breaks away and the mako charges after them again. It quickly gains on them and they were running out of time. Kikyo and Kagome begin searching the ocean floor for anything that can help defend them. Seeing the sword on Sota's back Kagome yanks it off of his shoulders. Slamming it onto a rock nearby it breaks away from its sheath and a rusty blade is revealed. The shark was almost upon them when Kagome swam towards the beast. It opened it mouth and Kagome slammed the sword through his open jaws and impaled him through the top of his mouth and into his head. It's teeth tare into her skin but she pulls the sword back out and stabs it again, this time in the chest. The beast releases one final grumble before going limp and sinking to the sea floor. The water surrounding them filling with their blood.
(xxx stop music xxx)
"KAGOME! Are you ok?!" cried Kikyo rushing over to her side and taking hold of her arm to inspect it.
"Yes, Ouch! Careful!" said Kagome tenderly taking her arm back and holding it close to her chest.
"Sorry!" Kiko apologized. "We need to get out of here now before more sharks come from smelling all this blood."
"Yes, but just look at her arm! If they don't come for the mako they will certainty come for us." said Shippo fearful.
"I will heal it once we are back, now come on." Kikyo commanded to the group.
They quickly began making their way back up the coast. However something sticking out of a nearby rock catches Kagome's attention. Swimming down to the rock she sees a black and blue rod stuck between two rocks. Taking her good arm she pulls it out and discovers it to be the blue and black rod she had seen her demon receive as a gift 50 years ago. Holding it in her injured arm and keeping it close to her body she catches up with her siblings and Shippo. Reaching the sea kelp forest they say goodbye to Shippo and continue on their way. By now the sun was beginning to set in the sky and all of the Merfolk were making their way inside of the hidden cove for the night. Kikyo helps pull Kagome out of the water and begins to heal her arm however, not before their father notices.
"KAGOME?! Are you alright? What happened?!" he said taking hold of her arm in his hand examining it. It is there he sees the cuts of teeth torn into her skin. Looking back at his daughters angrily he once again asks what happened.
"We went and explored the old sunken ship down the coast... We were being careful by sticking close together…" Kikyo started.
"But then a mako came out of nowhere and attacked us..." Kagome finished.
Sota sat next to his sisters with his head down. He was guilty for everything. It had been his idea to go and it had been his stubbornness and stupidity to ignore his sister's warnings. Now they were in trouble and Kagome was injured. He felt terrible.
"WHAT?! How did you escape? How is it the beast let you go?" Poseidon demanded. He was livid. He had told them to stay away from open water without him. They knew of the dangers.
"Sota found a weapon at the shipwreck and while we were swimming I used it to slay the beast." Kagome defended.
"Don't be upset with them Father, it's my fault. I wanted to go exploring and I didn't listen to their warnings. I'm so… so sorry Kagome. I'm so sorry!" Sota said as tears ran down his face.
"ENOUGH!" Their father shouted. "You three knew better than to go out there without me or an escort. You are all grounded and you will not leave this cove without an escort until I say otherwise."
"But father!" shouted Kagome.
"Not another word young lady! I set certain rules and I expect them to be obeyed!" he shouted.
His younglings sat there on the beach with defeated looks on their faces and their heads hung low on slumped shoulders. He hated yelling at them but they had to learn from their mistakes! Taking a deep breath to calm himself he then continued.
"I am sorry for yelling. I was angry… but this is my decision. Please think about what you have done while I prepare for our guests who will be arriving any minuet." Poseidon said.
"Guests? Who is coming father?" asked Kikyo as she began healing Kagome's arm once more.
"Have you forgotten what day it is? It is the first day of mating season! Gossips from all over will be arriving within the next few days to participate in the festivities and celebration next month." their father said with slight confusion on his face.
It was why they were there in the first place. Had his daughters truly forgotten? True neither of them had ever mated but they had been participants in other areas of the celebration their entire lives!
"Oh yes… Forgive me father." said Kikyo quietly.
Relaxing her hands she finished healing Kagome's arm. The only trace of her injury was ghostly white scars. They would disappear completely in a few days. Just then a conch horn was blown announcing the arrival of their first guests. Everyone inside of the cave began spilling out into the open water to watch the approaching tribe.
"Great… they're here." whined Kikyo while rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest.
"Who?" said Kagome following her sister's gaze.
It was then she saw about 20 figures come out of the water's shadows. They were swimming quickly and showing off by shoving and wrestling each other. They were the Newts, the outcasted males of the Merfolk who had reached 15 years in Mer-age. They had been pushed out to grow into strong mermen. It was an initiation ceremony where they had to swim in open water, learn to defend for themselves, learn how to survive and become the strongest they could be in order to gain the rights of a mate. These single newts often times joined together forming packs, earning the nickname the Sea Wolves. Having spent so much of their time away from society they were known for not being the best of company. They are loud, demanding, and messy and often caused unnecessary fights. They also were not use to seeing females and being high on testosterone made them moody, horney and possessive. With them coming it only meant one thing, they were looking for a good time.
"Oh…" Kagome said unimpressed.
"Come now girls, I would have thought you both would be excited to see such strong eligible males? You both are of mating age." Their father said while swimming up next to them. "Of course they would have to come through me first."
"FATHER!" the sisters both said as their faces turned bright red in embracement.
He chuckled at their uneasiness Turning his gaze back towards the approaching gossip he reflected on the time when he was once one of them. It was his 24th year when he had found his youngling's mother. She was the most beautiful mermaid he had ever seen. Of course his daughters were beautiful and they both looked a lot like her but there was no one in comparison to his Calypso. His son was a few feet to his left and he could see the eagerness in his gaze. It wouldn't be long now for him to take his outcasting initiation. The sea wolf pack finally came to a halt in front of him. They were ranging from 20 to 30 in age and were lean, strong, and rippling with muscle. Some had scars on their bodies from surviving in the harsh open waters but overall he could tell they were a well-structured gossip.
A strong black haired merman was in front of the pack. He had piercing blue eyes with a single scar on his right eyebrow. His skin was lightly tanned and his muscles were well defined. His tail was a rich electric blue and had light blue stripes running along the sides. In his hand was a long jagged blade made from a swordfish and he had a shark tooth necklace around his neck. Catching his eye the two of them swim up to each other. Reaching the middle of their groups they begin to discuss terms.
"Greetings my King. I do not know if you remember me but my name is Koga. I once was a member of your gossip and I am now the tribal leader of the Barracudas. We seek to participate in this years mating season and bring peace and hopes of unity between our tribes." Koga said confidently.
Koga then gave Poseidon a necklace made of fish bones, shark teeth, blue sea stones and driftwood. Accepting his gift he then looks over the male in front of him. Taking a good look at his face he recognizes him as once a small orphan boy who often played with his daughters. He could feel the strength in his aura and could see the potential of a great leader in him. He mentally took note of him as a possible suitor for his daughters. He was sure of their past histories that they might make a happy union. It was not uncommon for a merman to have multiple mates and he believed this strong male would do nicely for both of his daughters.
"Greetings Koga of the Barracudas. It is good to see you once again. Welcome home. You and your gossip are welcome to stay the duration of the mating season as long as you maintain peace and live once again to the Merfolk laws." Poseidon said while extending his arm.
Koga and Poseidon take hold of each other's arms near their elbows showing to both tribes their agreement to his terms and unity. The tribes shout in celebration and begin to swim and mingle together. Koga looking over Poseidon's shoulders sees two beautiful mermaids. The females swim towards them and it is then he recognizes the mermaids as his playmates.
"K.. Kagome? K k.. Kikyo? Is that you?" Koga said swimming up to them with a surprised look on his face.
The sisters stare at the merman in front of them. Looking at his black hair, stripped tail, bright blue eyes and a scar on his eyebrow they instantly recognize the male.
"Koga? Is that really you?" Kagome asked with disbelief on her face.
He had really turned out well. He was strong, handsome, and had that boyish charm she remembered twinkling in his eyes. Kikyo was thinking along the same lines but neither of them thought much more about it. Unfortunately for them Koga thought their body language communicated something else. He then wrapped his arms around them both and began swimming around in a circle making them squeak in surprise.
"I can't believe it! You both have changed so much!" he said. The sisters just laughed at his silliness.
"It is good to see you too Koga. I take it from you greeting Father that you are leader of your gossip?" questioned Kikyo.
Koga puffed out his chest with pride, rested his hands on his hips and lifted his chin with a cocky smirk.
"Of course! Who else would keep these bozo's alive?" He replied confidently.
The sisters just giggled at his over confidence. Even at 24 he still had not changed and was just as cocky as they remembered. Just then two other merman swam up beside Koga. They were not nearly as handsome but strong non the less.
"Who's your friends Koga?" said the one to his left. He had brown hair and a brown and gray tail.
"Yeah… aren't you going to introduce us?" said the one coming over to his right. He had grey hair trimmed in a mohawk with a grey and black tail stripped.
Pointing to his left he said, "This here is Ginta. (points to right) And this here is Hakkaku." They are my pack mates and my righthand men. Boys, this here is Kikyo and Kagome. They were my playmates when I was a youngling. There ya happy?" he finished crossing his strong arms across his chest making his muscles ripple.
"Ahhh, so you're the sisters we heard so much about." said Hakkaku. Making Koga blush in embarrassment at being caught talking about them.
"Hakkaku!" Koga yelled smacking him behind the head.
"Oh? And pray tell what you have heard, friend of Koga." Kikyo teased, loving seeing Koga squirm.
"I only talked about ya when the boys and I would talked about home. That's all." Koga quickly explained with a blush still on his face.
"Whatever! If you girls really want to hear some stories you know who to ask." Ginta teased back while swimming out of reach of Koga before he could hit him.
"We'll be sure to take you up on that. Now come in! Dinner is about to begin." said Kagome as she began making her way back to the cave.
"Sota, can you please show them their side of the beach?" Kikyo asked following behind her sister.
"Sure! Follow me guys!" Sota replied happily. He was very excited to be leading these strong males. He couldn't wait to hear all about their adventures.
Seeing the King, his family and all of the remaining Mer-folk make their way into the cave the three loan wolves stayed back until almost everyone is gone.
"You sure you want to stick with the plan?" asked Hakkaku quietly.
"The King did look intimidating." said Ginta.
"Yah, and his daughters are HOT! You sure you want both of them?" asked Hakkaku, earning another smack to the head.
"We stick to the plan. Nobody touches my women. Got that! Nobody! If we need to make changes I'll let you know. For now leave everything to me." said Koga as they began entering the cave.
"Got it boss." his men said together following after him.
They find Sota on the west side of the beach and settle in. Looking about the beach they realize that they are on the opposite side of the royal family. Grinding his teeth in irritation Koga mentally begins to formulate a plan in how he was going to work his way over to that side of the beach. It had always been his dream to be King of the Merfolk and since his outcasting he had worked his fin off to get to his position. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. Especially with other gossips coming in and bringing other potential suitors. Now he just had to seduce the sisters, mate them both and secure his position. Then cause an accident to get rid of the King. After eating his dinner he relaxes on the beach surrounded by his men. The cave grew quiet with snores, heavy breathing and mothers singing softy to their younglings. What he doesn't see though was the very women he sought to seduce slipped out of the cave and into the night.
(End of Chapter 4)
(Oh no! What will the royal family do with an assassin in their home? Will Koga be successful in his hunt for power? Will the sister be caught sneaking out? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along and leave a review! Thanks for reading. Hope you're enjoying the story!)