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 this chapter is: "Shark Attack: Jaws Theme Song." 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: The Suitors

The Mermen were on their way back to the cove after a long successful day of hunting. They had collected enough food to feed not only their gossip but also for the continually growing number of guests. Since mating season started a month ago the remaining tribes, excluding the other sea wolf gossips not participating in this years festivities have finally arrived for the celebration. There was the Astarte tribe from the east who were tan in complexion, had black curly hair, dark brown or golden eyes and had dark red, orange or gold tails. They were known for their godlike strength and obsession with shiny things. The tribe to south was the MamiWata. Their tribe was scattered around the rivers along the heart of Africa and along its northern coast. They had divided sub gossips within their tribe, however when mating season came around they always joined together as one large gossip. They had purple eyes, brown skin and purple or zebra stripped tails. They often shaved their black hair off or would decorate it with shells and river stone beads. They were known for their upbeat personality, magic and fortune telling.

The tribe to the north was the Sirens. They had fair skin with red, blond or sandy brown hair. They had green, brown or blue eyes and tails. They tended to be mischievous in nature and often drowning sailors for fun. They were the best singers of the Merfolk and could hypnotize their pray with their voices. Most of them preferred to live in ponds or rivers but had been known to live near the sea's coast. The tribe to the west was the Amazons. They had long straight black hair, red eyes, and snake skin tails. They were shy in personality and reclusive in nature. However they were stealthy hunters and were known to enjoy the taste of man. They were also the only gossip to be strictly carnivore. There was also the Artic tribe from the icecaps. They had white skin, blue, green or silver hair and light blue, silver or brown eyes. Their tails were blue, black, silver or grey tails. They tended to be the most standoffish in personality and preferred to be with their own kind. They were the only group to have the capabilities to swim to the deepest parts of the ocean and launch themselves so far out of the water it made them look like they could fly.

The last group to arrive were some gossip Lasiren members from the islands. They were the most colorful of all the Merfolk. Their hair, skin, and tails could change depending on the waters temperature or their moods. They could also manipulate this change to camouflage themselves with their environment if need be. They were great storytellers and were the most relaxed in nature. They tended to swim at their own pace which is why they were the last to arrive at the celebration… a month later. Swimming through the tunnel King Poseidon can't help but smile at the sight before him. Merfolk from all over were blended together creating colorful canvas of tails, hair, and skin. Younglings were swimming and playing together, the old were reconnecting with long time friends and new lovers were lounging in each other's arms along the beach. Everyone was together once more and it filled his heart with joy to see his kingdom united and happy.

Looking to his left he sees his daughters relaxing on the beach with their cousins and a handful of potential suitors. Looking at the group of males there was Koga from the Royal tribe and leader of the Barracudas, Hojo from the Sirens, Bankotsu from the Astarte tribe, and Ryura from the Artic Icecaps. He had already been impressed by Koga, Bankotsu and Ryura but had yet to see anything worthy of recognition from Hojo. Sure the boy was sweet and he could see that he would show affection to his daughters but they needed a protector and a provider. They would be leading the Water World one day and they need someone to rule along side them and maintain peace for all water creatures. Hojo had yet to ask him for his daughters hands and he highly doubted he'd have the guts to do so. The other three had already asked him and he said he would consider them once he spoke to his daughters. He wasn't surprise they hadn't mated yet with three very qualified males to choose from, however mating season was ending in a month and if they didn't choose the there males would have to fight it out at the annual mating games. That is if they didn't kill each other first. Seeing a group of mermen sitting together on the beach sharing hunting tales he decides to go and join them.

Kikyo and Kagome were getting fed up with being pampered and losing their personal space from their suitors. They could tell that the males were simple after their titles and was irritated by their fake facades towards their father. Sure they could provide and protect but they were selfish and prideful at heart and didn't feel like they would put the Water Kingdom's needs first. They also didn't feel attracted to them in a way a mate should. Sure, they were handsome but they were not genuinely affectionate nor did they genuinely care for their wellbeing, just their titles. They only kept up their façade to get them to agree to mate with them. Who's to say they would be faithful mates? They didn't know these males and they hadn't seen Koga in over 20 years! A lot can happen in that time frame and his choice of friends in his pack was not very helpful in providing loyal support outside of themselves. They had watched his pack mates flirt up and down the beach and messing around with their gossip sisters. They weren't ignorant to mating season. They had witnessed many times where males would woo one of their gossip sisters, impregnate her without finishing the mating ceremony and leaving to go back to their pack mates, never to return. It was heart wrenching to see them in such loneliness and heartache. It was considered shameful and it laid unnecessary burdens upon the gossip to provide for their circumstances.

"I'm so bored…" whined Koga as he rested with his arms behind his back.

"Well if you're so bored why don't you go do something instead of complaining about it?" said Ryura dryly as he ran his fingers through his long blue-gray hair.

He had brown eyes and a long silver tail. He was currently second in command under his father of the Artic tribe and was seeking to unite their tribes together to build one large tribe under his rule. Around his neck was a necklace with fish bones, blue and green sea glass and one red sea stone in the center. Along his back were two whale rib-bone swords that were supported by braided fishing rope. Everything about his personality irritated the sisters. He was cold, entitled and rude. He had no sense or care for those around him and never laughed or smiled. Koga hearing his statement glared at him and growled at his lack of respect. Ryura just rolled his eyes before looking back to his hair. Once satisfied with its texture he then took a string lying in his lap and tied his hair up in a high ponytail on his head.

"Sorry we're not very entertaining," said Kagome indifferently.

She really didn't care if these suitors were bored or not but didn't want to disrespect their father by being rude. In all honesty she hoped they would leave her and her sister's side so that way the could actually breathe! That had been following them around for days and they were really starting to get on their nerves.

"That's alright Lady Kagame! It should be us entertaining you. Would you like to maybe go and explore the coral reef again? You seemed to really enjoy looking at the colorful sea coral flowers and sea life the other day." asked Hojo politely.

Hojo had sandy brown hair, hazel eyes and a green tail. He was not as well built as the other three mermen but he wasn't unfavorable either. He loved to recite the sisters poetry and had tried to woo them with song, gentle charms, and compliments.

"No, that's alright Hojo, maybe another time." Kagome said before biting her tongue. She did not mean to make it sound like an invitation for him to take her again but by seeing his face light up and the scowls the other males were giving him they all took it that way. Hojo had continued to ask her to go out on courting dates and she had declined every single one but for some reason he didn't take the hint that she wasn't interested in being his mate.

"No one wants to go see any damn flowers Hojo. Why don't we go spar or something?" said Koga.

"That's the best idea I've heard all damn day. Kikyo, be sure to watch me kick these wimpy worm's asses." said Bankotsu as he stretched his arms making his arms and abs flex.

He had dark tan skin, long curly black hair that was braided down his back and had a dark red wine colored tail. Around his neck was a necklace made of gold, red, purple and dark green sea beads and glass. His eyes were dark brown and he was by far the strongest of the three. He was cocky, arrogant and hot headed. On his back was a braided shipping rope that held a large sword made from a megalodon's tooth. The sister's didn't say anything as the mermen began to slip into the water.

"What do you mean kick my ass? It's going to be the other way around meat head!" Koga barked back at him.

"Both of you idiots have no class. Ladies, be sure to watch me teach them both a lesson." said Ryura as he slipped into the water behind them.

"Shut it pretty boy. Just you wait… I'll be the one giving the lesson." said Bankotsu while raising his nose up into the air and pointing to himself.

"Tsk, I'd Like to you try." Ryura countered.

"Princesses, where would be a good place to spare?" asked Bankotsu while he started to stretch his toned arms in preparation for their fight.

"Near the sandbars where the mating games are normally held is an open sand field," said Kikyo "However, you all will have to spar without your weapons. Merlaw forbids you to fight during mating season with any weapon. Do try to remember that."

"Sure thing Princess, besides I don't need a weapon to being down these fools." said Bankotsu.

"Don't get too full of yourself just yet meat head. You have yet to spar against me!" challenged Koga.

"We'll see about that sea mutt." Said Bankotsu.

"That's Sea Wolf jackass!" jarred Koga.

"Whatever dog breath" Bankotsu finished before swimming through the tunnel. He was soon followed by Koga, Ryura and surprisingly Hojo in tow.

What the suitors forgot to pay attention to however was that the two mermaids they were fighting attention for were still sitting on the beach. They were so focused on their upcoming battle that they forgot to check to see if they were even following them.

"Idiots…" whispered Kikyo before taking in a long frustrated breath. "Come on Kagome before they realize we aren't following them.

"Ugh… do we have to?" whined Kagome. "It's so nice not having them here."

"Yes, I agree but I'd rather go an watch their stupid fight then have to keep hearing them complain. Now come on, lets get going." Kikyo said while slipping into the water and out the nearby tunnel.

The sisters swam along the coast until they reached the sandbar on the south side of the beach, just north of were Kikyo had first met Inuyasha. The mermen were just throwing down their weapons when they showed up. Looking around they noticed other mermen sparing each other in hopes of impressing their chosen females. It was then they saw their cousins Yuka, Eri and Ayumi watching Koga's men Ginta and Hakkaku fighting with another merman from the MamiWata tribe. Catching their cousins attention they swim over to their sides and the five of them sit and watch the mermen mock battle. Seeing that their princesses were present and seated in front of them the four mermen began their sparing match. Koga and Bankotsu were quickly hitting and punching each other. Their hard hits echoed through the water and sounded like bricks hitting cement. They were both appeared to be evenly matched and it would be interesting to see who pulled out as the winner at the games. Ryura and Hojo were also fighting each other and Hojo surprisingly wasn't doing half bad. He was a very fast swimmer and used that to his advantage to speed up his punches and to dodge Ryura's attaches, however Ryura was an experienced fighter and was a more experienced fighter and their battle was soon over when Ryura had Hojo pinned to the ocean floor by his neck forcing Hojo to submit. Hojo having been defeted joins the mermaids on the rocks and hold his hand up to his bleeding nose.

"Here Hojo let me take a look." said Kagome. "We need to stop the bleeding before sharks start to come."

"Thanks Kagome, I think it might be broken," said Hojo with a nasally voice from his pinched nose.

Kagome pulled his hand away from his face with hers causing Hojo to lightly blush. Seeing his nose was still bleeding she placed her finger on his nose and spread some of her healing magic causing it to stop bleeding.

"There, that should do it." said Kagome satisfied with the now clearing water. Feeling his nose tickle Hojo sneezes before taking in a deep inhale through his now clear nasal passageway.

"Wow! Thanks Kagome, I don't even feel any pain anymore! I had heard of the Royal tribe having healing magic but having experienced it now myself it is truly amazing." Hojo said excitedly causing Kagome to laugh.

"You fought pretty good out there Hojo," said Kagome. "I did not know you were such a fast swimmer."

"Oh thanks, that was nothing in comparison to my dad. He's the fastest swimmer in our tribe. I might not be the strongest merman but I am fast and can defend good enough." He said shyly with a light blush to his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his head with his hand.

"Yes, very good strategy when able." said Kikyo as she turned her head back to the sparing before her.

Since Hojo had failed in his fight, Ryura had since joined in with the other two and now the three of them were in heavy battle. The water churned with their fast movements and spins. Their punches and grunts continued to echo in the water and they didn't seem to be letting up any time soon. Loosing interest the sisters begin to daydream of their silver haired demons. Seeing the mermen's muscular chests, arms and shoulders reminds them of how they were held in their strong and caring embrace. Their fighting made them think of how their demons might of looked like if they were battling instead and how their silver hair would flow out behind them as they moved.

Unknowingly they sighed out loud with glazed looks at the battling mermen and their slight arousal fills the water around them. Their cousins sitting next to them look at the sisters and the battling mermen in front of them and mistake their arousal to be because of them. Looking at the direction of their gaze they see Kagome and Kikyo both staring at Koga. With wide knowing eyes the cousins look at each other before sly smirks perk on the corners of their mouths. Hojo seeing this as well finally sees that he has not only lost the battle but also the favor of the princesses and swims away defeated. He had not given up though; he just needed to think of another plan to win their hearts. Seeing Hojo swim away the cousins sit on either side of the sisters, trapping them between them.

"So cousins, why haven't you told us about your choice in mate?' asked Yuka.

"Or is that you both just want to make them wait and see him battle?" asked Eri.

Kagome and Kikyo however just continued to stare off in their own little world completely oblivious to their cousins questions and misinterpreted swooning.

"Hello? Anybody in there?" shouted Ayumi as she snaped her fingers in front of their eyes making them snap out of their daze.

"I'm sorry cousin, did you say something?" asked Kikyo with a confused look on her face.

"Geeze, took you long enough. So… which one did you guys pick?" said Ayumi to her cousins with her hands on her hips.

"What do you mean?" asked Kagome confused.

"Which of the mermen are you both drooling so much over?" asked Eri and she leaned in closer to their faces making them feel trapped.

"I don't know what you are talking about." said Kikyo as she begin playing with her hair.

"Aw come on we all saw you both staring off in la la land a few moments ago while watching your suitors fight! So which is it? Is it Bankotsu?" asked Yuka with her arms crossed over her chest.

"No, it is not Bankotsu. Why would you think I'd was that arrogant newt." said Kikyo offended and crossing her arms over her chest.

"Then its Koga!" said Eri happily while clapping her hands. "Oh Ginta and Hakkaku will be so excited!"

"No it is not Koga either." said Kikyo irritated.

"You can't possibly want Ryura? He so… so…" said Yuka.

"Cold!" Eri finished.

"No we do not want him either." said Kagome.

"What do you mean? Iii i...I don't understand" asked Ayumi with a confused scowl.

"Yeah?" said Yuka and Eri together.

(*** Shark Attack: Jaws Theme Song ***)

However before the sisters could respond dark shadows began appearing in the distance. They moved from side to side and moved smoothly through the water. The darker shadows continued to grow until there was well over a hundred of them steadily making their way towards them. As they came out of the darkness flat heads with beady black eyes on the ends of their wide permanent smiling mouths filled with rows of pointy teeth moved from side to side with its swaying body behind it. Behind their flat heads was a tall dorsal fin followed by a lean body and tail. Propelling the shadows forward was long caudal fins whipping back and forth. The numbers continued to grown as they were drawn to the traces of blood and fighting noises in the water. They were inching closer and closer and many of the Merfolk were still fighting or talking on the rocks completely unaware of the approaching danger. Realizing what the swarm was Kagome's eyes grow large and her instincts to protect and flee takes over.

"HAMMERHEADS!" shouted Kagome causing everyone to stop what they were doing and look towards the approaching danger steadily making their way towards them.

Mermaids began frantically swimming towards to the safety of the cove. The sharks seeing their meal escaping them began to chase. Kikyo and Kagome kept to the back of the group to make sure no one was left behind. The sharks were quickly gaining on them and a mermaid from the Siren's tribe wasn't swimming fast enough. Seeing her struggle Kikyo swims to her aid and punches a shark in the nose, who was about to bite her tail, allowing their escape. Taking her hand they quickly catch up to the remainder of the group. Koga, Bankotsu and Ryura and other mermen were fighting off the sharks that were too close with their weapons filling the water with their blood and sending the skarks into a feeding frenzy. They began devouring anything in their path, including their fallen brother. With the sharks distracted on eating their fallen kin the mermen follow after the others and they soon escape into the tunnel to safety.

(xxx end music xxx)

"Phew! That was… a close one!" shouted Ayumi as she tried to catch her breath.

"Too close..." corrected Kikyo.

"Is everyone… alright?" asked Koga while looked around the beach.

"We got a bleeder!" shouted Eri down the beach.

The group quickly swims over to that side of the beach to see one of the Amazon members holding her tail fin in pain. It had a chunk taken out of her tail and was heavily bleeding.

"Quick, somebody hold her hand while I apply pressure before she bleeds out!" commanded Kagome.

Once she was adjusted to lean into Eri's lap and someone was holding her hand Kagome began applying pressure to the wound while Kikyo feed her healing magic into it. The mermaid cried out in pain as the heat of the magic slowly cauterized the wound. 30 minuets had gone by and Kikyo was beginning to tire. Sweat clung to her brow and her hands began to lightly shake. Seeing her sister tire Kagome switched places allowing her magic to finish the job another 20 minuets later. The sisters were highly exhausted from their efforts but the task was done and the Amazon was healed. It would take her many years to grow the chunk out of her tail back but she would live and be able to swim relatively the same. The mermaids who had gathered around stared in awe at the healing magic of the sisters. It wasn't very often the Royal tribe was required to heal and for them to witness such an act was truly a blessing. Among those who had witnessed this were the princesses suitors. They stared at them with respect and a desire for their abilities. They truly would make powerful mates and have wonderful offspring. Seeing the princesses tire Koga comes up behind them just in time to catch them in his arms.

"Thanks, Koga." said Kagome exhaustedly. Her eyes had light shadows under them and she too had a light sweat to her brow.

"Of course, now lets get you something to eat so you can get to rest." said Koga as he slipped in the water and began swimming backwards on his back to allow the sisters heads to rest on his shoulders out of the water as he made his way over to the Royal side of the beach. Pulling them out of the water he see's Kikyo has already fallen asleep from exhaustion and Kagome wasn't far behind. Bankotsu seeing his dilemma gingerly takes Kikyo from his arms and rests her up on a rock and tucks her arm under her head. Ryura does the same with Kagome and lays her on the sand near her sister. The three suitors then slip back into the water and make their way over to the food storage cove of the cave and pull out seaweed and dried coral branches. Swimming back over to the princesses they wake them awake so they can eat before the they all fall asleep on the beach.

King Poseidon had watched this exchange between the males and his daughters. He had seen them earlier that day spending time together and had swam past them when they were sparing. He was getting ready to swim over to join them in sleep when he overheard his nieces talking behind a rock near him.

"I can't believe it!" said Ayumi crossing her arms in disbelief.

"What do you mean, you saw it yourself! They were totally smitten." said Yuka

"Did you see how they looked into each other's eyes when he held them in his arms?" said Eri

"Yes! That and how they were totally drooling while watching him fight?" said Yuka

"I know, I know its just that its Kikyo and Kagome wer're talking about here!" argued Ayumi

That got Poseidon's attention. Who had captured his daughters eyes? He had to know. Bringing his hand to his ear he inched closer around the rock as best as he could but kept in the shadows so to be be seen. He wanted to make sure he did not miss anything.

"There is no doubt about it. I mean look at their history! They grew up together, were childhood friends and now that Koga's back they see him in a different light! It's totally romantic if you think about it." said Yuka.

"Oh to be in love…" said Eri dreamily.

"Agreed, lets just hope Uncle gives his blessing and get's rid of those other guys." said Yuka.

"Yah, then maybe I can get my hands on Bankotsu." said Ayumi, earning an elbow in the side from Eri.

"Not if I get him first!" joked Eri.

"Ha! You can have the Iceburg." said Ayumi

"No way!" said Eri as the three of them began swimming to the beach for the night.

After his nieces swam away Poseidon stayed behind the rock in contemplation. He had already decided he liked Koga but was waiting on his daughters to come speak to him about him. Thinking about what all his nieces had said one word stuck out the most that he did not expect.

"My daughters… in love? I must speak to Myōga about this and see if Koga truly is a lucky merman indeed." He said to himself before swimming to the beach to sleep for the night.

He would look more into this new development tomorrow. The sun soon set on the horizon and Kagome began to wake from her slumber. Reaching over to her sister she sees she has a light fever from over exhausting herself. Not wanting to wake her she slips out of the tunnel and towards the castle. She'd try to explain to the brothers for her absence and hope that her sister would forgive her in the morning for leaving without her. What Kagome doesn't realize, however was that three pairs of eyes had seen her leave that night and were now following her in the shadows of the night.

(End of Chapter 6)

(Oh no! Will Kikyo forgive Kagome for leaving without her? Who were the mysterious followers? What will happen with the development of Koga? Only time would tell! Please follow along to find out! More chapters to come, thanks for reading!)