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 songs I have selected for this chapter are: "Inuyasha OST 1 - Sorrow's End," "Inuyasha OST 2 - Kiko's Heart" "Inuyasha OST 2- At The Meeting Place" and "Inuyasha OST 3 - Innermost Love." 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: Daija

Daija followed Inuyasha into his Lord's room. As soon as he entered he felt a strong aura coming from somewhere out the balcony doors. He could not place where he had felt this presence before but he could tell by the energy it was definitely a powerful water creature. After listening to what his Lord told him about the circumstances of the water creature they were taking care of it made sense as to why he was feeling its presence so close and outside his Lord's chambers. Agreeing to the terms of secrecy despite not understanding the reason as to why he followed the brothers out onto the balcony.

Stepping outside he notices a beautiful human woman sitting at a small round rod iron table. Catching her eye he was instantly struck with realization of who he was looking at. There was only one being who had deep blue eyes like these and this strong of an aura for a water creature. It was the King of the Water Kingdom's second daughter and second heir to the water world.

Falling onto his hands and knees he prostrates himself and cries, "Princess Kagome! It cannot be true! What have the gods done to you?"

He could not understand how it was possible for her to be on land and in the form of a human woman?! Kagome realizing who this snake demon was and released an annoyed grown and rolled her eyes, hiding them behind her hand out of embarrassment. It was none other than her father's old retainer. He had been "promoted" to the King's water kingdom's embassy. It was his job to negotiate and help aid the King in maintaining water safety and health among the water creatures. He was seen as the face of the water kingdom world for the land dwellers to help protect the safety and secrecy of the Royal family. Having him here meant her father would find out where she was and that her peace and quite for the remainder of her six days was officially over. Daija was great at his job but he also never shut up and tended to hover when not wanted, another reason why her father "promoted" him. Daija didn't seem to mind though; he got to be a "god" in his way with the new liberties in power for the water world he helped put into order.

*The conversation between Kagome and Daija is going to be in Water Language. Imagine it sounding like a mix of Swedish/German and Scandinavian.

"Please get up Daija, you're embarrassing me." Kagome replied as she turned to look at him.

(*** Inuyasha OST 1 - Sorrow's End ***)

"I'm sorry Princess… I only wish to honor you. I must apologize. I am still in shock! Please, how is it possible you are here? Aaaa and a human?!" Daija said as he picked himself up off of the floor to sit with is legs resting under him.

"I made a deal with Urasue to make me a land dweller." Kagome said as she reclined in her chair. She knew this conversation was going to be a long one knowing Daija.

"URASUE? THE SEA WITCH?! Www why would you do that!" Daija shouted in shock.

"It's a long story… but basically I saved Sessomaru 50 years ago from drowning and we were recently reunited. Kikyo met Inuyasha and the two of us have been visiting them ever since. Myōga ratted us out though and Father banned us from coming back and is forcing us to mate with the winner of the mating games this year. I swam away after finding this out and met Urasue. She offered me a deal to where I can be a land dweller for 7 days and if Sessomaru kisses me before the sunsets that day I will remain a land dweller with him. If not…" Kagome said as she glanced at Sesshomaru who was standing next to Inuyasha in the doorway observing the whole ordeal with interest.

"If not?" asked Daija curiously and a hint of anxiety.

"If not…then my soul will belong to Urasue and… I will die." Kagome said looking away from them all and down at the lagoon bellow.

"Princess! You cannot be serious?!" Daija shouted in anger and grief. "Why would you do that?!"

Kagome took in a long sigh before turning to look Daija seriously in the eye. She then said,

"Because I love him."

Daija's shoulders slumped in defeat as he just looked at his Princess. How could he tell her that her wish could never come true? That her Lord was already engaged! How could he tell her that she had damned herself to death? Any moment now the Duke was due to arrive and Sesshomaru would be too busy to spend time with her let alone kiss her!

"And what if your wish does not come true? Surely there must be a way to undo this? You have only just started and we still have time to undo this." Daija said.

"No, I signed a legal document with Urasue and besides I doubt anyone would be able to make her change me back and I don't want it. I would rather die then be mated to someone else who does not love me." Kagome said as she looked down at her hands sitting in her lap.

"Does your father know where you are? You know I will have to tell him or risk my life if he were to find out that I knew and did not report it." Daija said.

"I am unsure if he knows and I know of your loyalty to my Father Daija. Do what you must but hear me now. You will not make any efforts to change what has been done. I am legally an adult and I am responsible for my own decisions. You will also not interpret to Sessomaru or Enuyasha of my need for the kiss. If I am to remain a land dweller I wish to receive it from his heart not from duty or pity." Kagome commanded seriously as she stared into his eyes and pointing at his face making sure she had his attention.

"You are certain of this?" asked Daija hopeful of her changing her mind.

"I am certain. I told Kikyo the same before I made my choice. If I were to live my life and mate to another, I would regret not trying. I have been in love with him for 50 years Daija. This was not something I made without considerable thought. I must follow my heart. Even if I die in six days at least I will not die with regret. Please try to understand that." Kagome said sadly.

"Aaaa as you wish… my Princesses." Daija replied sadly. "Now if you will pardon me I must interpret as much as I can to the Lord and Prince."

Kagome nodded her head somberly in agreement and looked down at her hands. She did not wish to witness their reaction to the possibility of her dying. Daija then took a long breath before turning his attention back to the brothers standing behind him in the doorway. The brothers watched the entire ordeal and were unsure of what had been exchanged between them. They had felt a mixer of anger, frustration then a strong somber auras around them and they knew it wasn't good. Seeing the water snake and the princess finish their conversation they stepped closer to the snake still sitting on the floor. Sesshomaru motioned for the snake demon to rise and he and Inuyasha sat at the table with Kagome. Daija then stood next to the table. His eyes were slightly glazed over as he processed everything that had just been said. Hearing Sesshomaru clear his throat to gain his attention he snapped out of his fog.

"Iiii I must apologize my Lord... I am still unsure… how to process everything the Princess has just shared with me. There is… quite a lot to tell." Daija said unsure of how to start as he rung his hands together anxiously.

"Why don't you start at the beginning." Sesshomaru suggested.

"Yyy yes, my Lord…" Daija said as he cleared his throat and quickly processed how he would start. Taking another deep breath to help settle his nerves he then began.

"She informed me that you have known each other for 50 years and that she was the one to have saved you and your father…" He started.

"That is correct." Sesshomaru replied.

"Well… she also informed me that you were recently reconnected and that Kikyo has also met you." He said still slightly nervous of how they were going to take the news.

"Yes, we already know that. What we want to know is what happened to Kagome and how the hell you know each other?!" barked Inuyasha loosing his patience.

"Yes… I apologize. I am getting to that." Daija said.

"Please continue." Sesshomaru said trying to direct the conversation to the task at hand.

"(Clears throat) Right… well I am the water kingdom ambassador for their land embassy location. I help communicate to the Mer-King any issues regarding changes in water laws or dangers from the rulers of the Land." Daija replied.

"So in other words you're a spy…" replied Inuyasha as he quirked an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest.

"To a degree yes. However, I also help those of the Water Kingdom who reside on the Land as I do. Since the Mer-King is tied to the Sea I help enforce any new laws or decrees here. I also help protect him by helping to maintain secrecy of all Merfolk by spreading rumors and tales so they are believed myth and legends outside of the Water World." Deija replied proudly.

"Who knew our cook was so important and influential." Inuyasha joked as he reclined in his chair with his arms crossed behind his head.

(*** Inuyasha OST 2 - Kikyo's Heart ***)

"Yes… well anyways, her father discovered your connection and banned the sisters from seeing you both again. Being that they are both of mating age and the heirs to the Water Kingdom he was upset that they were focusing their attentions on you instead of finding a mate. Kagome got upset by this and she swam away from home."

"So that's why their father got upset." Replied Inuyasha. "Kikyo had said her father didn't like us and said something about a male. I guess I didn't realize we were the reason Kagome was unsafe that night."

"How did you know this?" Daija asked curiously.

"With this." Sesshomaru said as he and Inuyasha pulled the seashells from under their shirts.

"Calling shells… I have never heard of any ever given outside of the Merfolk race! You should be very honored to be given an enchantment from a them. They are created through binding one's essence to another's and can only be taken off by the wearer or if one of the other binned wearer's of the calling shell dies!" Daija emphasized. "That is a very special gift indeed."

"Wow… I knew we were connected and could talk to each other but I had no idea about the other part." Inuyasha said surprised as he looked down at his necklace and held it tight in his hand.

"Indeed." Sesshomaru said as he too rubbed his with his thumb.

Looking over at Kagome he was surprise to see her so melancholy. That was not normal. Since he had come to know her she had always been full of life and glowing in energy. Something wasn't right and he needed to know the rest of the story.

"Do continue." replied Sesshomaru as he tucked his necklace back under his shirt.

"Yes… well while she was away from home she came into contact with a Sea Witch by the name of Urasue.

"A witch? So that's what Urasue was! Is she the one who turned Kagome into a human?" shouted Inuyasha.

"Unfortunately yes." replied Daija regretfully.

"Unfortunate? Explain." questioned Sesshomaru as he straightened in his chair and narrowed his eyes in question. He did not like the tone in Daija's voice or where this was going.

"Yes… unfortunate. Urasue is a wicked being whom I have been told makes curses and magic spells of immense power. Kagome informed me that Urasue turned her into a human and consumed half of her soul as payment and then cursed her to where in six day's if she does not break the curse she… will die." Daija said as he looked down at his feet in defeat.

"DIE?!" shouted Inuyasha as he stood up from his chair making it fall backwards behind him. Sesshomaru's eyes widened in shock and lost the breath in lungs.

"How can that be?! Why would she do such a thing to Kagome?! Inuyasha yelled angrily as Sesshomaru stared at Kagome in disbelief.

Now it all made sense why she had been turned into a human and why she had been so sick! She only was living with half of her soul and was low on life energy. She had to be in excruciating pain and discomfort. If they could not find a way to save her she would be doomed to die. No, he could not allow that to happen.

"What must she do to break it?" asked Sesshomaru in earnest as he clenched his hands in his lap under the table.

"That… is the problem my Lord. There is only one way to break her curse… and she has already missed her chance." Daija said somberly

"No… that can't be true! Surely there must be another chance! What was she supposed to do?!" demanded Inuyasha as he slammed his hand down on the table angrily.

"Yes, what was she destined to do that was so important as to save her life?" Sesshomaru questioned.

"I am sorry… but she has forbidden me from telling you." Daija said remorsefully.

"WHAT?! You've got to be kidding me?! Inuyasha screamed as he took hold of Daija's shoulders and shook him forcefully.

"Enuyasa." Kagome barked as she stared at him intensely causing the demons to snap their attention towards her. She did not like how worked up they were getting or him shaking her subject. "Sit."

"But Kagome! Why….?! Why will you not let us help you?" asked Inuyasha dejectedly as he fixed his chair and sat back down at the table.

Kagome just took in a deep breath and looked at Enuyasa and hesitantly towards Sessomaru. Looking into his golden eyes she could see a mixture of confusion and something else and it tore her heart up making her eyes lightly water. Her chin quivered slightly and she pulled her sight back down to her lap and she played with her skirt in her shaky hands. Feeling her nose run a little she sniffled and replied in mermaid for Daija to translate.

(*** Inuyasha OST 2 - At The Meeting Place ***)

"I do not wish for you to solve my problems. This was my choice by becoming a human. I simply wish to live what time I have left with you both and if a chance opens up to where my curse can be broken then I look forward to my new life fated by the gods. If not, then I will die without any regrets because I was able to spend what time I have left with you both and what I felt right in my heart." she replied through a shaky breath.

As Daija translated what she had said both of the brothers sat in their chairs quietly. Neither knew what to say or do. Their stomachs were twisted and their aura's shadowed in grief and depression. Just then a knock was heard at the patio door and it opened to revel one of the royal advisors. He was dressed in dark blue and black official robe attire with a blue crescent moon over his heart. Over his left hand was a black arm brace and wrapped in enchantment blue beads. He had brown eyes and brown hair that was tied low in a ponytail.

Bending at the waist he says before rising, "Sorry to interrupt my Lord but the Duke's ship has just been spotted in the port, Sir."

"So it has begun…" said Sesshomaru as he took let out a long exhale in annoyance. Standing up from his seat he then straightens his clothing and turns his attention back to Daija.

"I would like you to remain with Kagome during the remainder of her stay. It would be helpful to have you available if translation were needed." Sesshomaru commanded.

"Yes, Sir. I will make arrangements in the kitchen to maintain the demands while I'm away. I will need to send word to my informants of Kagome's location and wellbeing to her father. I do hope this will remain peaceful. Poseidon's anger has been known to get the better of him at times, especially when concerning his family. I will return shortly." Daija said.

He then explained what has happening to Kagome before he stood up, bowed and made his way to the kitchen. Sesshomaru reaching down to Kagome's lap and takes hold of her hand in his. Kagome releases a gasp in surprise and snaps her water rimmed eyes to Sesshomaru's intense amber ones. Sesshomaru then brings her hand to his lips and lightly kisses her knuckles before bowing and taking his leave. A single tear falls from her cheek as she watches him leave. Feeling all of her pent up emotions and frustrations come crashing down on her all at once Kagome begins to cry. Inuyasha rushes to her side and brings her to sit in his lap and she cries into his shoulder.

"Why is the young lady crying? By the aura out here it feels like we went to a funeral." the advisor lightly joked trying to lighten the mood.

"Shut up Miroku. Now is not the time to joke about death." Inuyasha snapped.

"My mistake! It was not my intention to offend." Miroku defended as he brought up both of his hands up by his face in apology. "So why is the lady crying? Is it that she is upset he was going to greet his fiancé. Which speaking of which shouldn't you be going to greet yours as well?"

"I'm a little preoccupied and no that's not it." Inuyasha said as he continued to hold Kagome close.

She was no longer crying but lightly hiccupping and snuggled into his embrace. Kagome was so frustrated. She wished to tell Sessomaru of her feelings for him but that had been the second time he had kissed her hand and she had still not turned into a land dweller for good. So he did not return her affections? Or was it that the spell only worked by a kiss on the lips? She wanted to tell him and to kiss him to find out but she didn't want to pressure him into anything and desperately wanted him to pursue her. She was so thankful for Enuyasa comforting her. She had been feeling so alone without her family and he had come to be like a brother to her.

"Well I could hold her while you go. You know I can bring a smile to any woman." replied Miroku with a hopeful look on his face.

"Yes I know… and that's why I'm going to hold her. I suggest you keep your hands off of this one or you'll be at the end of Sesshomaru's sword." Inuyasha said as he leaned back into his chair to get into a more comfortable position and to get Kagome further away from Miroku's wondering hands.

"Inuyasha, you wound me." Miroku said sarcastically as he placed his hand over his heart and had a dejected expression on his face. "And why would Sesshomaru get so upset over the girl? Is she truly that important to him? I thought he disliked humans?"

"It's a long story…" Inuyasha said as he looked down at Kagome to discover her to have fallen asleep.

"Well, it doesn't look like you'll be getting up anytime soon. So why don't you indulge me." replied Miroku as he made himself comfortable in a chair next to the Prince and the sleeping Princess.

"Well I am going to have to leave out some stuff because it's for her own safety. But to sum it up basically Kagome, her sister Kikyo, Sesshomaru and I are close friends and Kagome was recently attacked by a witch and half of her soul was stolen and she only has 6 days to reverse the curse or she will die." Inuyasha said.

"Oh I am so sorry Inuyasha… I did not realize the circumstances when I made that joke. I most humbly apologize for the offense." Miroku said regretfully as he looked at the dying girl in Inuyasha's arms. "What an unfortunate fate this is indeed. Do you know what it is she must do to break the curse? Please let me know if I could be of any assistance."

"No I don't and I guess she already missed an important window of time where she was destined to break the curse. But she said if another chance opens up by the fates she will take it." replied Inuyasha as he looked down at the slumbering girl in his arms.

"Well if that is the case and it does come please let me know. I would be honored to help." replied Miroku as he stood up from his seat to let Daija back into the room.

"Come, let us take her back to her room where she can rest. I'll sit on the couch in her room and answer some of my letter's I've been putting off" replied Daija as Inuyasha got up from his seat while holding Kagome bridal style in his arms.

(*** Inuyasha OST 3 - Innermost Love ***)

The three men then made their way across the balcony and opened the door leading into Kagome's now clean room. Daija pulled back the sheets on the bed as Inuyasha set her down. Seeing her resting and comfortable Inuyasha and Miroku take their leave. Daija gets to work answering his letters for the embassy on her bedchamber's couch. A little past noon Kagome awakes from her nap and sits up in the bed.

"How are you faring Princess?" asked Daija as he looked up from his paperwork.

"I feel a little better thank you. Since giving half of my soul I feel like I can never get enough sleep. I'm always tired and never seem to have enough energy." Kagome replied sleepily.

Daija took in Kagome after she had informed him of her decline in her wellbeing. Now that she mentioned it she did look a little paler in color and her eyes were not as bright as they had earlier that day. Suddenly voices were heard coming up the hallway towards them. As the voices grew closer Kagome could tell it was at least two women and possibly a third as well as Sesshomaru's, Inuyasha's and another man. She heard them shuffle around in the rooms across the hall from her's. Daija quietly walked across the room and softly turned the lock on the door. Just as he sat back down on the couch the nob on the door wiggled back and forth as someone tried to get in. She then heard the voices move away from her door and vanish down the hall. As soon as she could no longer hear the voices anymore she turned to look at Daija.

"Thank you for locking the door Daija. I don't think I'm ready to meet anyone else just yet and beside I didn't appreciate them not knocking before trying to open it. I wonder who that could have been?" Kagome questioned as she reclined back into the pillows.

"I believe that was the answer to your fate." Daija replied sadly.

"What do you mean Daija?" asked Kagome curiously.

"What I mean is the person trying to get into this room was the one who was meant to have it." Daija said trying to give her a hint.

"You've got to stop speaking in riddles Daija. Just be frank with me please. Who was that?" Kagome said losing her patience.

"That my dear Princess… is the reason in six days you will not receive Lord Sesshomaru's kiss." Daija replied remorsefully.

Kagome gasped as she realized what he was trying to tell her. "You don't mean…"

"Yes... my princess… in six days...you.. will die." Daija replied as he watch new tears run down her cheeks

(End of Chapter 13)

(I know that was a hard ending to leave you at but I promise more is coming! I wonder what will happen to Kagome and Sesshomaru? Will he be able to spend some time with Kagome now that the Duke and his fiancé has arrived? What will Kagome do now that she knows she is going to die? Or will Sesshomaru figure out how to save her in time? Only time will tell! Please write a review to let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.)