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: "Morning Guitar Instrumental Music to Wake Up with Coffee." 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: Day 2
(*** Morning Guitar Instrumental Music to Wake Up with Coffee. ***)
The early morning rays peaked over the horizon marking a new day in the city of Valencia. As it continued to rise the shops and markets began filling the air with fresh baked goods and new sale pitches. The castle servants also began to move about the halls and the hum of their busyness began to rouse the sleeping princess from her slumber. Kagome opened her eyes and was graced by the soft morning light through the window. She could hear the city and castle noises along with birds singing and roosters crowing in the distance. As she sat up in the bed it took her a moment to remember where she was. As she rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes and stretched she was quickly reminded of the events of yesterday from the shoot of pain running up her back and down her legs. It wasn't nearly as bad a yesterday but it was still enough of a shock to make her breath catch. Seeing movement in the corner of her eye she sees a half demon dog rolling over on his side in his sleep. From here she could see his ears flutter as they listened to the world around him in his sleep. He looked so peaceful and content. Seeing the sun continue to rise in the sky she decides it was time to get up and explore her new world.
Seeing a door at the other end of the room she decides to start exploring in that direction. Pulling back the sheet on the bed she wiggles her toes and releasing a soft giggle from her excitement. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed she places her feet onto the floor for the first time. It was weird feeling the grittiness of the wood. She could feel their groves and lines and the slight give under her weight. It was like having hands on her legs! Holding her bottom lip between he teeth she begins putting slight pressure onto them as she attempts to stand. However once she placed her remaining weight onto her feet excruciating pain shoots up her feet, legs and spine causing her to cry out and collapse onto the floor. Inuyasha hearing the cry and thinking it to be danger shoots up and draws his sword from under the couch. His eyes were still foggy from sleep and he frantically scanned the room for the intruder. In the corner of his eye he sees movement on the floor next to the bed and looks over to discover Kagome trying to pick herself back up.
"What the hell? Kagome, are you alright?" Inuyasha said as he tried to help Kagome back up. "Did you roll off or somethin?"
"Sorryz Enuyasu" Kagome said as Inuyasha helped her sit up. However once again as she tried to stand she cried out in agony.
"Its your legs isn't it…" he said with concern.
Kagome nodded through with squinting eyes and clenched teeth from the pain. It felt like needles or swords pierced through her flesh as she stepped. Urasue said their would be slight pain but this was unbearable! Surely something else was wrong.
"Here let me pick you up and lay you back on the bed." Inuyasha said as he gingerly picked her up bridal style and helped her back onto the bed.
'Muchas gracias, Enuyasu." Kagome said shamefully with a blush on her cheeks.
"Why do your legs hurt so much?" Inuyasha asked as Kagome just shrugged her shoulders up and down in defeat.
"Legz, no good. Sorryz Enuyasa." Kagome said defeated.
She had been so excited to start her second day as a human and now all she could do was lay around in bed like a useless barnacle. She might as well of stayed a mermaid is she wasn't going to be able to use her legs. Feeling her depression and disappointment Inuyasha walks over to the wardrobe in the corner of the room and begins digging through it. Pulling out a light cotton dress he walks back over to the bed and lays it down for Kagome to look at. Seeing her mood quickly shift he can't help but smirk at her innocence. She ran her hands all over the garment in fascination. It had a light blue skirt, dark blue corset and white under shirt. She had no idea what the names of these pieces were but she couldn't wait to get it on.
"I'm going to go find a servant to help you change. Don't try anything stupid like getting out of bed again while I'm gone ok?" Inuyasha said as he made motions with his hands for her to stay.
"Kagome understand." she said with a soft smile on her face as she watched him go out the door.
A few minuets later a female servant knocked on the door and came inside. Other than Inuyasha's mother this was the only other female land dweller Kagome had ever seen. She was a human like her and she looked to be around the same age as she was. She had dark brown eyes and dark brown hair that was tied in a ribbon high up on her head. She wore a brown skirt, black corset and a white long sleeve undershirt with little black flats. She had a soft expression to her face and feeling her aura she could tell this female had a genuine soul.
"Hello my Lady. My name is Sango and Prince Inuyasha has assigned me as your personal servant." she said with a slight bow.
"Hallo Sango." Kagome said with a bright smile.
"Oh yes the Prince did say you were learning our language. I must apologize. I do tend to run my mouth." Sango said as she moved over to the bed and pulled back the sheets.
Kagome had no idea what she had just said from her talking so quickly so she just smiled and nodded. Sango then walked over to another wardrobe against the wall and pulled out a bathing robe, two towels and washing soap. Opening the door Kagome intended on exploring through Sango lays the items down on a bench in the corner of the bathing room. Dumping the buckets filled with hot water Inuyasha had sent in she reaches over and pours some of the water fragrance oil into the bath water. Satisfied with her work she turns around to help Kagome undress from her nightgown only to find her not there. With her back to the door she had not realize Kagome had not followed her inside. Peeping around the doorframe she sees her still sitting in bed. Think she had misunderstood her intentions due to a language barrier she walks over to the side of the bed and takes hold of Kagome's hand to lead her into the bathing room.
Kagome seeing her take her hand gets the impression she wants her to follow her. Pulling her legs back over the side she takes in a deep breath to prepare herself for the pain she knows is to come. It takes all her strength to hold in her breath as she places her weight onto her feet. The pain was excruciating. It felt like little needles or knives were stabbing her all the way up her lower body. As she tried to take her first step she wasn't very stable and falls into Sango's arms.
"My Lady! Are you alright?" asked Sango in concern as she watched her mistress's face scrunch in pain and a single tear roll down her cheek.
"Sorryz Sango. Kagome legz no good." Kagome said through clenched teeth.
"I'm so sorry my Lady! I was told you had some pain but I did not realize your injuries were this savvier! Please, allow me to help you!" Sango said as she placed her arm around her waist and helped lift some of her weight off of her feet.
"Muchas gracias Sango." Kagome said with a slight smile on her lip and watery eyes.
It took the women a few minuets to get to the tub and by the end of it they both had a slight sweat to their brow and were breathing a little heavier than normal. Placing Kagome's hands onto the rim of the tub Sango unbuttons her gown and pulls it off of her. She then helps Kagome into the tub. Feeling the hot water soak into her aching back and legs she releases a happy sigh.
"I'm glad the bath is to your liking my Lady." Sango says with a light giggle.
"Dis good. Muchas Gracias Sango." said Kagome as Sango began helping her wash.
As they washed Sango taught Kagome the names of the different bath items and room accessories. Kagome loved the fragrant oils and soap bubbles. After a while Kagome's hands began to prune and the water lost its heat. Rinsing the last of the soap off of her body Sango helps Kagome to stand. She dries her off with a bath towel and pulls the robe around her shoulders. They then make the long 15-step trip from the bathing room to the bed. After 10 minuets or so they final reach the bed. Sango helps her to sit on its edge and pulls her legs through a white skirt slip and white under pants that go to her knees. She then pulls over the white long-sleeve undershirt. Pulling the strings taught over her bust it creates a nice cleavage line. Taking the blue skirt over her head she pulls it over her shoulders until it rests under her breasts over the white undershirt. Coming around the other side of the bed she climbs up behind her and pulls the strings tight at the skirts top so it won't slip down. Reaching across the bed she then pulls the dark blue corset around her front. Placing Kagome's hands on her stomach to hold it in place she then begins lacing the strings up its back. Starting from the top she works her way down, pulling as she goes.
Kagome had never worn anything like it before and wasn't sure what to make of the corset at first but as she watched in the mirror and Sango worked her magic she couldn't help but be fascinated at her skill. It definitely wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world but she liked how it looked. Once she reached the bottom of the corset she tied it off and tucked the ribbons into its seam. Walking back around she pulls Kagome off of the bed and helps her to sit in a chair by the window. Seeing her sitting comfortably she reaches behind her and opens a drawer from the nightstand and grabs a brush from its contents. Starting from the ends of her hair she works her way up her long wavy black tresses. It glistened in the morning light and smelled of coconut, tropical flowers and fresh rose oil. Running her fingers through her hair and not feeling any more tangles she reaches back into the drawer and pulls out a blue ribbon. Taking a section of her hair on the top of her head she ties it half up and half down with a blue bow, leaving some of her long bangs to frame her face. Satisfied with her work Sango comes around to look from the front. If Sango hadn't of known better she would have sworn Kagome was a fallen angel. She could still tell she was tired but even still she looked absolutely breath taking. She had no makeup on and was wearing a simple housedress but made it look like an evening gown by her natural beauty and angelic charm.
"Damn I'm good." Sango said to herself with a cocky smirk causing Kagome to giggle at her expression.
Just then a light knock was heard at the door and Sango made her way over to answer it. Opening the door she sees the head healer Tsukiyomi and welcomes her inside.
"Tsukiyomi! I take it you've come to check on Lady Kagome." said Sango as the healer entered the room.
"Yes, I've come to see if her fever has subsided and her pain in her legs and back have receded any." she said as she knelt down in front of Kagome. "Hello, Lady Kagome. My is Tsukiyomi. I've come to check on you. How is your fever and pain?"
Kagome just stared at the healer as if she were talking to a wall. Tsukiyomi asked her again earning the same response. Seeing the healers growing concern Sango steps in to fill in the blanks.
"Did our Lord's not inform you that the Lady is still in the process of learning Spanish?" asked Sango coming up behind Kagome and resting her hands on the back rim of the chair.
"Ah, that would make sense. I was afraid by her lack of response that the fever had caused her to loose her hearing." she said relieved. "Well then since she can't respond I'll just have to wing it."
She then checked her temperature, heart rate, eyes, ears and mouth for any other form of sickness. Not seeing anything serious she then moves her attention to her pain. Starting from the crown of her head she makes her way down her body pulling, prodding and bending. From this she could gage her pain through her body's natural responses. After she was done with her physical exam she gave Kagome some tea with a natural pain relief supplement mixed in it. Seeing her swallow the contents Tsukiyomi stands back up and begins collecting her things.
"So what did you find out?" asked Sango curiously.
"Whatever accident she went through must have been pretty significant. She has savvier bruising of the bones in her lower spine, hips and all the way down her legs. She's lucky she's not paralyzed from the waist down."
"Will she have pain like this the rest of her life?" asked Sango.
"It would be a miracle if she ever walked again without help, let alone walked without pain." she replied sadly.
Kagome knew they were talking about her and by the look on their healer's face she knew she couldn't cure her legs. She would just have to endure this pain for the next six days and if Sesshomaru did kissed her and her body took this form permanently she prayed to the gods that this would be resolved by itself.
"Well, I must be off. I suggest you clean this room up before she is summoned or someone else arrives." The healer said as she said her goodbyes and made her way out of the door.
Sango was just beginning to untangle the sheets on the bed when another knock sounded at the door. Thinking the healer had forgotten something she cracks it open and discovers it to be Lord Sesshomaru himself. Bowing her head she quickly addresses him and offers him her service.
"Mmmm my Lord! Hh how my I be of service?" Sango asks with her head bowed.
"Is my guest fit to receive visitors?" he asked with a straight tone.
Secretly he had been dying to see her all morning but did not want to seem out of character or show unnecessary emotion to his other guests and household. From here he could see that the bed was empty and still unmade. So she was up but why wasn't her room put in order?
"Yes my Lord, we actually just finished getting ready. I do apologize for the mess I was just cleaning up. Do come in." Sango said with her head still bowed.
Sango then pulled back the door and stepped aside, allowing Sesshomaru to come in. When the door opened up to the remainder of the room his eyes quickly scanned its contents. The room was a mess. The bed's sheets and blankets were twisted and wet towels sat on the ends. Wet puddles led from the bathing room and he could still feel the humidity from its heat cling to the air. The couch were Inuyasha had been sleeping still had two wadded up blankets sitting on it and a rumpled pillow. However all negative thoughts escaped his mind when his eyes finally fell upon the woman sitting in a chair by the window. He stopped in his tracks and felt his heart skip a beat. His eye widen in surprise as he took in the beauty before him. She had her back to him as she stared outside unaware of his presence. The light shinning in through the window cast a soft yellow glow about her. She was dressed in one of the local village girl's dresses and was the colors of the sea. Her freshly washed tresses still held onto some of its moisture making it sparkle and shine. Some of her hair had been pulled up away from her face exposing more of her ears, slender neck and collarbone. Hearing the door close behind her Kagome turns her attention away from the window back to the center of the room.
He looses his breath as he watches her face turn around to look at him. The color of her dress made her eyes almost glow against her porcelain skin and dark raven hair. He could tell she wasn't wearing any makeup and he was glad for it. She didn't need any with her perfect complexion. Her lips were once again a soft rose pink and her cheeks had gained their gentle hue. Her long, dark eyelashes framed her beautiful big blue eyes and despite her slightly tired expression he couldn't help but feel like he was looking at heaven itself. Seeing her catch his eye, his stomach twists in a knot when a giant smile lights up her face and she happily call out his name. Seeing her there with that expression was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Everything he had just witnessed had seemed to play in slow motion. Even though it had only been a few seconds he knew in his heart that he would remember this moment for the rest of his life.
"Sessomaru!" Kagome called out happily as she saw Sesshomaru come through the door.
Trying to get to him she grabs hold of the chair's arm and attempts to lift herself up. Sesshomaru seeing her slowly get up makes his way over to her side. He sees her arms slightly shaking and watches her take a wobbly step towards him. He hears her cry out in pain and he reaches her just in time to catch her in his arms. Kagome successfully pulled herself up but was having a hard time holding herself up. Her arms were shaking from the pain and exhaustion from their efforts earlier. Taking one step by herself she quickly lost balance as pain stronger than before shoots through her once again. She closed her eyes and placed her hands out in front of her to brace herself for her impact on the cold hard floor but feels comforting warmth instead. Opening her eyes she sees the buttons lining Sesshomaru's blue overcoat and golden vest. Looking up his tall torso she follows his broad chest, strong chin and high cheekbones till she drowns in his golden honey orbs. His hair had been pulled back into a low ponytail revealing his markings on his face and pointed ears to their greatest advantage. He was breathtaking and she felt her tongue swell in her mouth.
"Ssss Sorryz, Ss Sessomaru." Kagome said as a heavy blush spreading across her chest and cheeks as she realized she was resting in his arms once again.
"Are you in pain? You just cried out like you had last night." Sesshomaru said as he lifted more of her weight into his arms relieving the strain on her back and legs.
"Jah, legz no good. Sango good help." Kagome said as she looked over to her new friend with a grateful smile.
Sesshomaru taking his gaze away from Kagome suddenly remember they weren't alone in the room and looked over to the door to see a bug-eyed servant staring at them. Realizing her attention was directed at their intimate embrace Sesshomaru clears his throat snapping Sango out of her shock and he helps return Kagome to her seat.
"I appreciate your help taking care of Kagome. She is an honored guest to the royal family and as you have discovered was recently injured and must be treated with great care. Seeing as Kagome has taken a liking to you I am reassigning you as her personal servant for the remainder of her stay. With that said I expect her to be ready by this hour every morning and for her room to be presentable for incoming visitors at anytime. All conversations you two share or overhear are to be strictly confidential am I understood?" commanded Sesshomaru.
"Yes Sir, it will be my honor. Thank you." Sango said with a blush gracing her cheeks out of embarrassment at being caught staring and for the room being a mess.
"Hnn," he said as he crossed his hands behind his back and walked over to the window next to Kagome and looked outside. With his back to her he then said, "You shall clean up this mess after you have brought Kagome her breakfast. We will be eating on the connecting balcony today."
"Yes Sir, I will retrieve it right away. Is there anything else you would have me do my Lord?" Sango asked with her head still bowed.
"No that is all. You are dismissed," he said indifferently.
Kagome just sat there quietly in her seat observing the entire exchange. She could never figure out how he could be so warm one second and as cold as ice the next. Being a princess she understood the need to show authority and maintain respect from ones subjects but she didn't agree to such an extreme. He had always been warm towards her and Enuyasa and she prayed that as her six days as a human went by that those feels towards her would only continue to grow. Seeing her new friend make her leave she turned her attention back towards the demon standing with authority and raw power beside her. She could tell by the look in his eye he was lost in thought and reached forward to take hold of some of the sleeve on his jacket. Sesshomaru had been thinking about what the healer had told him in the hallway. She only had six days as a human but would the pain remain with her once she changed back? Feeling a light tug on his sleeve he looked down into pools of blue.
"Sessomaru ok?" Kagome asked quietly.
"Yes... forgive me. I was just thinking about what the healer had said." As he took hold of her hand in his helping to pull her up to rest in his arms once more. "Come lets make our way out to the balcony by our lagoon. Your servant should be back any moment."
He then slipped his arm around her waist and placed her arm on top of his allowing him to take the brunt of her weight as she walked. He would prefer to carry her but he was already showing those who watched them make their way down the balcony in each other's embrace. Reaching a set of chairs around a small iron table he helps her into her chair. Just as he sat down across from her Sango returned with a tray of fruit, toast, scrambled eggs, yogurt and a pot of breakfast tea. Setting the tray on the table she then pours their tea before bowing and making her leave. Kagome had never seen foods like this before or such beautiful china. It smelled amazing but had no idea how to eat it. Seeing her dilemma Sesshomaru takes a grape from her plate and tosses it into his mouth. Kagome does the same and the grape erupts inside her mouth filling it with its juices. It tasted amazing and she soon popped four more into her mouth, chewing with a happy smile. Sesshomaru couldn't help but smirk at her cuteness. She was so innocent and could bring the simplest thing into a new light for him.
Finishing off the grapes she then looks around the plate and discovers an object she had given to Sesshomaru on the day they had finally been reunited. Confused as to why a fork was served with breakfast she takes the hint that maybe her hair was a mess and begins to brush it. Sesshomaru just cocks an eyebrow at her use of the eating utensil. Looking up from her now frizz and tangle free hair she see's Sesshomaru's confused expression. That is not the look Totosai had said she would receive from using the fork. Sesshomaru taking the fork from her hands pours some of his water from his glass over it washing it clean. He then takes the fork and stabs her eggs and brings the fork to her mouth. Shyly opening her mouth with a blush she takes a bite of the eggs. Their creamy, salty taste fills her mouth and her eyes grow large in surprise. Taking the fork from his hand she tries to hold it like he had and pick up the eggs. However, she ends up gripping the fork and stabbing the plate causing the eggs to flop all over the tray. Seeing her embarrassment Sesshomaru lightly chuckles and takes hold of her hand in his and adjusts her hand to relax around the fork. He then helps her gently impale a cluster of scrambled eggs still on the plate. Carefully lifting the fork up to her mouth and successfully makes contact.
Feeling excited to try something else she quickly makes work of the remainder of her breakfast. Throughout the rest of breakfast Sesshomaru shows Kagome how to use a knife and a spoon, as well as how to properly hold a teacup. She tries the remainder of her food on her plate and their laughter and light chatter filled the morning breeze. Sesshomaru had not had this much fun in a long time and he had truly enjoyed his morning with Kagome. However, he needed to get back to his duties. Hearing a knocking on his bedroom door he stands up and makes his way over to answer it. Opening the door he discovers his brother and the snake demon who worked in their kitchens.
"Perfect timing, I was about to take my leave. Do come in." said Sesshomaru as the three of them entered his room. "I take it you explain out situation."
"Somewhat I wasn't sure how much you wanted me to tell." said Inuyasha.
"Yes, well Mr…" asked Sesshomaru.
"Daija, my Lord." said the snake demon as he bowed.
"Yes, Mr. Daija. A water creature has come into my care recently and I am in need of an interpreter. I am of the understanding that the water world has a universal language you speak?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Yes, my Lord you are correct." said the water demon. "If my senses are correct I can feel her aura very near."
"Yes, she is just outside. Do rise, I will introduce you. However, do keep in mind that all conversations and interactions you are about to participate in are completely confidential am I understood?" Sesshomaru commanded with no room for questioning.
"Yes, my Lord. I am of complete understanding and this will not be spoken of." Daija replied.
Not sensing any deceit from the snake the trio begin to make their way out onto the patio. What Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were not prepared for however was what was about to happen next. As soon as Daija saw Kagome he fell prostrate onto the floor and cried out,
"Princess Kagome! It cannot be true! What have the gods done to you?"
The brothers just looked at the snake and then up to Kagome. She released an annoyed grown and rolled her eyes before hiding them behind her hand out of embarrassment. Kagome a princess? Surely it couldn't be true!
(End of Chapter 12)
What's going to happen now that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru have found out Kagome is actually royalty? Will the snake be able to interpret her story? What about Kagome's pain? If Sesshomaru does end up kissing her and her soul is saved will she remain in pain for the rest of her life? What about back at the Mer-kingdom? It has now been two nights since Kagome and Poseidon had their fight and little over 12 hours since Kagome became a human! Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out what happens next! Please write a review on how you think the story is going. I'd love your feed back on likes/dislikes. Thanks for reading! More chapters soon to come.)