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: "Sad Violin Music (This will make you cry." 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: Dreaded Fates
(*** Sad Violin Music (This will make you cry ***)
(Kikyo)
It had been three days since Kagome's disappearance. Kikyo had kept her mouth shut in hope of giving her sister a head start in making her wish come true before their spies on land had found her. Kagome had been so weak since she last saw her sister. She knew she was safe with the demon brothers and with the necklace still enchanted around her neck she knew Kagome was still alive. But she still worried for her wellbeing. Since she returned from the beach without Kagome the night before, her father and suitors have not left her side. She didn't dare talk into the shell out of fear of being caught knowing where she was hiding. She also longed to see Enuyasa again. She had tried to sneak off to go see him but with her father and suitors standing guard it made her escape impossible. She was heart broken. She had not meant to fall in love with the half demon dog Prince but fate once again played its cruel game of false hope and happiness.
She no longer felt like herself without him. It was as if a piece of her soul like her sister's was missing and she could not seem to find peace in her restlessness and depression. Many of her friends had checked on her and asked if she was okay or feeling unwell. She had always redirected their questions somehow away from it. It was too painful to speak of him. Since being separated she had come to the realization that if there was ever a male she ever wished to spend her life with and mate with it would have been him. She had silently cried herself to sleep the past two nights and now was going through out her days feeling numb and empty. Her responses were hollow and emotionless. There was no longer color in her life. Everything around her she saw in black and white. She moved about in a fog, only moving when told to. If it weren't for her duty as heir she would have fought harder to get to him but she knew they could never be.
So she would fulfill her duty as heir and produce an offspring for her Kingdom. She would live her life for her youngling and Merfolk. Of course she realized she loved them and would probably love her young, but when the time came for her youngling to take care of itself and her Merfolk no longer needed her she would seek out Enuyasha again or take her life. True many things can change over time and she could come to love her life with her youngling in the future but it was so hard for her to think that way right now in her distraught state of mind. As for right now the only thing she was thinking about was Enuyasha. He was her happiness and meaning for life and without him was already hell. Why remain in pain and loneliness when not needed? It was only a matter of time now. The mating games started in two days and her empty future would begin.
Seeing the sun begin to set in the sky she makes her way into the cove with her father, brother and suitors. Her cousins try to cheer her up by talking about watching the handsome males battling soon and the excitement of the festival but she just sat and ate her meal silently as she listens to them ramble on. Finishing her meal she pulls herself up onto her favorite rock on the beach and forces herself to try and go to sleep. The sooner the games were over with the faster she could move on with her life. As she nestled into the rock and sand, silent tears ran down her cheeks as she fell asleep and dreamed of her silver haired demon she could never have.
(Mer-King Poseidon)
Poseidon watched as his daughter once again cried herself to sleep. It broke his heart to see her so torn in half by her duty as heir and by her heart. He hadn't realized just how much his daughters had come to love the land dwelling demons. As much as he wished to make his daughter's dreams come true it was not meant to be. Since Kikyo and Kagome had come of mating age his powers had slowly began to weaken and he knew he only had possibly another 30-50 years left to live. It was simply nature's way of passing the torch of power from one generation to the next. Even though he looked 35, he was 460 years in Mermaid. He could tell his strength was not nearly as powerful as it was 10 years ago and he wasn't moving as fast as he used to. His hearing and sight were also beginning to bother him. If his power was as it used to be in his prime he might have been able to conjure enough energy and magic to make one of his daughter's wishes come true, but not both.
He knew he should not of said the things he did to Kagome. It wasn't even her falling in love with a demon that bothered him. It was more of the fact that over the past 50 years she had deliberately disobeyed him and placed herself and the knowledge of their kind in danger. He had many water demons under his authority and they were just as much a part of their kingdom as the Merfolk were. He knew not all demons were the same either. It was the brainless, animalistic, savage demons that took their more primitive side that upset him. They could have easily captured her and eaten her, tortured her, chopped her up into tiny pieces and made into soup or sold to scientist for profit. Any number of things could have happened to her and he had no clue, for 50 years! Now, Kagome was missing and possibly dead and his other daughter might as well be dead from her state of depression. He hated having to make Kikyo mate to someone she did not care for. For he had mated out of love and he knew of her pain of being separated from the one you love most. But their Kingdom needed a pureblood heir and to do so required Kikyo to make a sacrifice.
Seeing everyone else in the cave had fallen asleep he pulls himself up next to his daughter and he pulls her now sleeping form into his arms. He held her close as he secretly snuggled with his daughter. He had not done this since she was a small child and holding her in his arms the reality of her finding a mate finally struck him. His baby girl had grown up and she would soon be having a baby of her own. Keeping her close to his side he closes his eyes and falls asleep dreaming of the beautiful memories of his daughters, son and mate playing in the kelp forest and exploring the coral reefs as they once did. So much as happened since those days and now his time was quickly come to an end. How had his baby girls grown up so quickly? He wasn't ready to see them off and mated and starting families of their own. He wanted to be selfish and keep them to himself forever but he knew his kingdom needed him to let them go and to begin the next generation.
The following morning he had received a letter from one of his spies on land and received alarming news about Kagome. He was relieved to know she was alive but his spies had informed him of her transformation and the real possibility of her dying in five days if they could not figure out a way to save her. Making arrangements with his guards to keep post in his absence he makes his was to the under water embassy to begin discussing with his elders and advisors on the best course of action to save his daughter's life and bring her safely home.
(Toran – Artic Tribe)
Toran had watched in the shadows as her love was forced to try and woo the princesses. She could tell he was truly trying but he lacked emotion and sensitivity like he was with her. Knowing he truly wasn't interested or attracted to them in the way he was towards her helped her to keep her peace. She knew he was doing this for them and their tribe. He was trying to be the ruler he had always strived to be and that his father would finally approve of. She had witnessed throughout his life the horrible punishments and reprimands his father would lash upon him in his youth. If it weren't for the healing magic imbedded in the icy water's of their home he would be covered in ugly scars and marks from the abuse he had received over the years. After her father had died in a hunting accident, her mother became one of Ryura's father's favorite concubines. Because of this she had been able to stay in their nest and develop a friendship with Ryura. Since her mother became a concubine she had been bullied by the other artic younglings and had trouble making friends. They bonded through their loneliness and became inseparable as they grew together.
When the time came for Ryura to leave for his out casting ceremony it became evident to them both that their friendship had become something much deeper. While he was away she came to realize just how deeply she loved him. As the years passed she waited patiently for his return and longed to be by his side once more. 15 years had passed when his band of sea wolves finally returned to the artic circle. He had become his gossip's leader and she could tell he had worked hard to get to the top. He had a long scar over his chest that was healing and a tare in his tail from a fight. He had become a strong leader and he no longer looked like the young male she had last seen. He now was an alpha male, rippling in muscle and power. His long blue-gray hair had grown to his waist and his chin and cheekbones were strong and masculine. As soon as their eyes locked it was like the world around them had disappeared and time had stopped.
She can remember how whole she had felt being held in his arms and the electrical energy radiating off between them. When he finally kissed her lips she had thought she had died and went to the afterlife. He had filled their first kiss with just as much passion and love as she felt. It was evident that he had missed her just as much as she had for him. If it weren't for his father stepping in and demanding he mate with the King's daughters instead of her they would have mated that night. They had made a promise to each other that as soon as he had done as his father commanded he would make her his queen. Despite not being able to mate that did not stop them from being intimate. They had had physical relations with each other multiple times before their migration. The only thing separating them from becoming fully mates was binding them together with a mating mark. Since they had arrived at the Mer-King's cove they reluctantly kept separated from each other so not to distract from the task at hand. She had been approached by plenty of eligible males and many had tried to get their way with her but she had eyes only for Ryura.
He had told her that if he were to fail in his quest and be banded from their tribe like his father threatened, she was free to choose another. She had told him to not think that way and that she believed in him but could tell he had his doubts. She had seen him watching her from afar being flirted by other males. She knew how much it bothered him and how he longed to be mated with her. What she had yet to be able to tell him since their separation however was that she was expecting their first youngling. Since arriving at the cove she discovered she never went into heat like she was supposed to and she was beginning to feel the early stages of pregnancy. She was ecstatic and couldn't wait to tell him. But she knew she had to hold in her excitement until after the games so not to distract him. Sure it bothered her that he would have to mate with the princesses too but she knew she would be his first mate and hold favor over the princesses. It wasn't her dream-mating situation but as long as she had Ryura and soon to be youngling that's all that mattered to her. Now she just had to figure out a way to tell him.
(Kagome)
Kagome could not believe what Daija had just told her. There was no way Sessomaru had already chosen another. She had never seen any other female with him and never smelled another on him. But if what he said was true and by what she had heard and felt outside the door it had to be.
"How could I have been so stupid…" Kagome said and she cried into her hands. "I should have never hoped for someone to love me for me."
"Oh… my dear Princess." Daija said as he came to kneel beside the bed to try and comfort her. "There is still time! We'll figure something out!"
"No… I… already … told you… I… gave him… my heart… I have nothing else… to give." Kagome said through heavy sobs.
"Don't give up yet Princess. You still have five days left before the curse takes place. You already know I sent word to your father. I'm sure regardless of me telling him you do not wish to change that he is working on something anyway." Daija said as he rubbed her back and let her cry onto his shoulder.
Kagome by this point lost all awareness of anything happening around her. She was too hung over with grief to process anything else as Daija continued to say comforting things to her. All she could think about was how the love of her life had slipped away from her before she even had the chance to share her feelings. Fate was a bitch and she was over run with anger, loss and sadness. She was now facing what she hoped wouldn't take place. She was going to die and the remainder of her soul would belong to Urasue. She would become part of the sea, never to be a part of the world again. For without her soul she could never become reincarnated and over time she would be forgotten, lost amongst the tides like a grain of sand. What could she do now? Sure, she could confess her feelings for him and he could kiss her but what would that do? He loved another and she didn't want his pity. She wanted his love in return. She dared not tell him and ruin his chance at happiness. So she would spend her time with them as her friends and live life as if she were not dying. She would make the most out of the time she had left and would hold these memories to her heart as long as she could.
"Thanks you… Daija." Kagome said after she had calmed down a little. "I didn't mean to put you through that."
"It was an honor to be able to be here for you. Here let me help you sit back and rest." Daija said as he helped her to recline back on the pillows.
"Please Princess… for your family and your Kingdom… think about what I have said." Daija said tenderly as he took hold of her hand and patted it tenderly.
Kagome just gave him a small smile and nodded her head so not to upset him further. As Daija pulled the sheets over her they heard a knock coming from the balcony door. Making his way towards the door he sees it to be Inuyasha. He steps inside the room and Inuyasha informs him of the door situation and the need to tell the servant Sango of the code name. Kagome not knowing what was being said wipes the tears from her cheeks and tried to quickly make herself presentable. Just as she finished straightening herself up Inuyasha waved and said his goodbyes. After he left she turned to look out the window to see two birds happily singing. They hopped about on the windowsill as they began to build their nest in the flower box. She watched as they helped build their new home together and snuggle together in its center as the sun began to set in the sky. It made her heart ache in longing to have what little love they shared for one another. Just as she was about to call for Daija to help her sit up again Sango entered the room and Daija excused himself.
"Good evening my Lady. I have come to help you get ready for the evening and to serve you your supper." Sango said as she helped Kagome to sit up in the bed.
Sango undid the back of her corset and ribbon in her hair. Kagome releases a happy sigh to finally be free on their constraining bindings. She had liked the dress very much but it had definitely not been comfortable during her nap that afternoon. Pulling her skirt and shirt off she slips over her white night gown. Sango then comes around on the other side of the bed and comes to sit behind her. She then brushes her wavy locks and braids it down the back. Tying the end with the blue ribbon she had worn that day she brings the rest of the braid to lay down the front of her shoulder. Getting back up from behind her she climbs off of the bed and then helps her to the bathing room to wash her face, brush her teeth and relieve herself. The walk there and back had taken a total of 30 minuets. By the time Kagome was back resting under her covers eating her dinner on her tray, she and Sango were exhausted. The pain in her back and legs had still not gotten any better. Her spirits were already lowered from the news she had received that afternoon, she hated adding to the growing load. After she was finished eating Sango tidied up her room before excusing herself for the evening.
Having the room to herself for the first time, Kagome sat there, enjoying the solitude and silence. She rolled onto her side and looked out the window as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. The moon was bright in the sky and she could see the silhouettes of the little birds still happily snuggled up in a lovers embrace as they slept in their new home. With no one to bother her Kagome let go of her grief and cried herself to sleep. Today had only been her second day as a human and it not only had been the hardest day of her life physically but also emotionally and mentally. It also marked the beginning of the end for her. She never thought this would be how she would die, but starting tomorrow she would have to refocus her mind and live what time she had left to the fullest. Next time Daija came in she hoped he would be able to help her explore some of this new world, and if not then maybe at least around the castle. Tomorrow was a new day and she just hoped it would be better than today. With those thoughts in mind she soon fell asleep as the trails of her tears stained her rosy cheeks.
(End of Chapter 15)
(The mating games are in two days! Will Kikyo be able to fulfill her duty to her kingdom of will her heart get the better of her? What about Kagome? She just found out she had doomed herself to death. What will become of her fate? Will Ryura be able to win the games for him and Toran and their baby to be? Will King Poseidon be able to find a cure for the curse in time? Will Kagome change her mind and accept it if he did?)