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: and "Light and Shadow – Philip Wesley," "The Garden – David Tolk" and "Afternoon Mood / Classical Music."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: Nightmares in Reality

(*** Light and Shadow – Philip Wesley ***)

Sesshomaru had just finished saying goodnight to the Duke and his daughters for the evening when he made his way into his bedchamber. Pulling on his sleeping shirt and pants he then walks over to his bathing room to wash his face and brush his teeth and hair. Remembering he hadn't checked on Kagome since earlier that day he decides to go see if she was all right. Walking to the other side of the bathroom he opens the door leading into her room and seeing that the room was all ready dark and that she was sleeping. He started to close the door to leave but before he closed it a small whimper caught his attention. Quietly slipping into the room and gently shutting the bathroom door behind him he makes his way over to the side of the bed. She had her back to him as she slept on her side facing the far wall and window. As he came around the bed he had to stop and admire the sleeping maiden before him. The light of the moon highlighted her sleeping features. Her dark hair was French braided and its length reached to her waist as it set atop the blankets. Her porcelain skin glowed softly against the evening light and her pouty pink mouth was parted slightly as she breathed. Her thick, long lashes kissed her cheeks and her hand rested under her pillow as she cradled it to her neck.

What caught his breath though were the tearstains that clung to her cheeks. They sparkled in the moonlight making her already perfect skin sparkle like diamonds. She was so beautiful and he couldn't stop looking at her. Seeing her face scrunch as another whimper escaped her lips he silently kneeled beside the bed. She rolled onto her back and mumbled to herself. Her breath began to become ragged and a light sweat started to glow on her skin. Seeing her become distraught in her sleep he realized she was having a nightmare. Just as he was about to touch her shoulder to try and wake her up she rolled back onto her side and said,

"Sess..so..maru."

Thinking she was waking up he pulled his hand back but when she didn't say anything else but continue to whimper and shake from her nightmare he realized she had called for him in her dream.

"Sess..so.. maru…" she cried out in her sleep again a little louder. Sesshomaru's body went stiff as he took in a light gasp and his eyes widened in surprise.

"She calls my name yet she is not awake? Does she not sense my presence here? Or is it… no that can't be…" he thought to himself as he shook him head.

"Sess.. so.. maru…" Kagome cried out again.

She then raised her hand up into the air like she was reaching for something as tears once again began to fall from her cheeks. What he wasn't ready for was for her to finish her cry saying,

"Help… p… pweez…"

"Impossible." He whispered to himself out loud.

It couldn't be true! She was dreaming… about… him? He knew his ears had not deceived him for he had heard his name cross her lips not once but three times! Pride swelling in his chest after realizing even in her dreams she called for him to protect her. But why? Seeing her continue to suffer in her nightmare and having no luck of waking herself from its grasp his inner beast couldn't take it anymore.

"Kagome." He said quietly so not to wake up the sleeping demons nearby.

Having no luck. He tries again by calling her name a little louder and shakes her shoulders lightly but she still refused to wake up. He tried a third time but she only called for his name once again. It was as if she was stuck under a spell and could not pull out of its web. His eyes flashed red for a moment as his inner beast released a whimper at their failure to rescue her. He pulled the sheet back to reveal her long slender legs and carefully lifter her back up and brought her to sit in his lap and rest against his chest. He used one arm to hold her back while the other hand held the back of her head. Rubbing his thumb over her cheek tenderly he continues to call her name. To his relief she finally snaps out of her personal hell. Her eyes were large as they scanned the dark room before focusing on him. Her breath was still ragged and she was clammy and hot to the touch. Her checks were red from her nightmare-educed fever and her bangs clung to her brow and along the sides of her face.

As he held her, he realized her breasts were rubbing against his chest through their light sleep attire. Her raised body heat and sweat also made sections of her white nightgown wet and practically see-through. It also enhanced her natural musk. If he hadn't of awoken her from her sleep just now he would have mistaken her to of just finished some passionate foreplay. She looked hot and bothered and he became intoxicated from her very essence. He was grateful that he was sitting down on the side of the bed because he became suddenly very light headed and dizzy. His body became itchy and his member burned and ached for her touch. He sees a mix of fear, sadness, and anxiety swirling around in her deep blue's depths. As she focuses on him they change once again to a mixer of emotions he could not quite place their meaning.

"Sess… Sessomaru?" Kagome asked softly as her face scrunched in confusion. "Wh… why herez?"

"Yes… its me. I came to check on you and found you to be having a bad dream. I tried waking you up… but your dream refused to let you go." He said quietly.

"Oh… sorryz… Sessomaru." Kagome said with a huge blush spreading across her checks and along the tops of her chest.

"Damn…" Sesshomaru said to himself. "How is it such a simple blush could cripple me so?"

"It is not a problem." Sessomaru quickly responded while averting his gaze from her breasts to look out the window.

He really needed to get some fresh air before he did anything stupid. Knowing that she was now awake and probably wouldn't be returning to sleep anytime soon he decided maybe a trip down to the lagoon was in order. Slipping his hand under her legs he picks her up bridal style and made his way to the balcony. Surprised by his warm touch on her upper legs Kagome quickly pulls her arms around his neck and releases a small "eeping" sound as he carried her.

(***New Day – Philip Wesley ***)

"Wh… Where… w.. ww.. we go?" Kagome said with her face as red as a tomato.

"I thought it might be nice to get some fresh air to help cool you off before returning to sleep." He said as he carried her down the balcony stairs and sat them on the grass near the lagoon's rim.

Keeping her in his lap he swings her legs over to rest between his. He reclines against the brick wall and leaned her back to rest against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her they both relax in the evening moonlight. If it weren't for her having legs and her being in land dweller clothing it was almost as if they were back to the way it used to be. Feeling content in his arms Kagome releases a happy sigh and closes her eyes. Being close to him like this she could feel his heart beat against her back and soaked up his warmth. She could smell his musky masculine smell of cedar wood and spice. She loved how his strong arms held her against his chest. It made her heart ache to receive his comforts but she couldn't seem to pull herself away either. She was so happy to be alone with him and her mind raced with all the things she wanted to say but knew she couldn't. So she would simply enjoy his touch while it lasted. If there was a way for her to maintain her memories after she was gone she wanted to make sure she soaked up every last drop of him as she could.

"I'm sorry I was not able to spend much time with you today after breakfast." Sesshomaru said as he looked up into the stars.

"No problemz, Sessomaru. Kagome understand. Daija say Sessomaru n Enuyasa busy. Females come." Kagome said quietly as she played with her nightgown in her lap.

"Hn…" Sesshomaru said quietly back.

So the water demon has informed her of their guests? Good… Now she knew of the code word and what her alibi was if need be.

"Yes, when you saved my father and I 50 years ago we were actually on our way back from signing a contract of marriage to these females." He said informatively. "They have come for the 50th anniversary of that contract and for Inuyasha's coming of age celebration."

"Understand…" Kagome said as she continued to look down in her lap.

So she really never had a chance did she? Not even from the start this other female had beat her too him by meer days. Sesshomaru returned his gaze to look at her after hearing her use of tone. He could feel her sadness and it bothered him. Why the sudden change in mood? Was it something he said? He also was curious to know what her dream had been about and why he had been in it?

"Your dream must have been very serious... If you don't mind my asking… would you pray tell what it was about? You had called out my name…" asked Sesshomaru curiously.

Kagome stiffened in his arms. How could she tell him? How could she tell him that in her dream she saw him leave her for another? How could she tell him that Urasue had come to take her to hell and consume her soul? How could she tell him that she had cried out to him to rescue her but he just turned his back on her and left her to die? How could she tell him that without her soul she could never be reincarnated and meet him again in another life? How could she tell him that she would be lost in darkness for all eternity to never be known again? How could she tell him that her nightmare was soon to become a reality?

"Dream Curse. Curse finish. Call Sesshomaru but no come. Kagome… die. Kagome no more." Was all she could think of that would answer him without giving him everything.

So she had been dreaming of her curse? That was understandable as the reality of Kagome dying was a scary reality indeed. However, why she had said he did not come to her aid was a mystery to him. Of course he would aid her! Was he away and not able to make it in time? Or was it something else? He still needed to find a way to make another chance for her to break this curse. He would have to have a talk with Daija later on the subject.

"We'll find a way to break this curse Kagome." Sesshomaru said reassuringly.

Kagome just reclined back into his embrace and snuggled into his chest to hide herself away from his gaze. Against her will, silent tears fell from her eyes and a lump tightened in her throat and chest. Smelling her tears and hearing her begin to sniffle in his embrace he pulls her away from his chest and raises her chin up to look at him. Her deep blue eyes rippled like the ocean with her tears. He hated to see her upset and it tore him to pieces. Even as she cried, she was as beautiful as a goddess of the sea to him.

"Shhhh…. no need for tears. Put your trust in me... I will not stop till I find a way to fix this." He said as he cupped her face in his hands and wiped the tears away from her cheeks with his thumbs.

Not knowing how to respond to him and his false hope Kagome just nodded her head and accepted his comforting embrace. He brought her back to rest her head on his chest and held her tight. They stayed out there for a couple more hours talking about everything. They shared about their days, families, of life in the sea and on the land. What they liked and disliked, anything and everything. Sesshomaru taught Kagome some more about his people and their language and enjoyed simply being together under the stars. Sesshomaru enjoyed being able to be himself around her and he didn't have to pretend to be anything or anyone else. He was simply Sesshomaru the inu yoki and Kagome was the mermaid turned human. No titles, no pressures, no expectations, just two beings enjoying each other's company. Sometimes they talked and sometimes they just sat there in peace, enjoying the stillness of the night and the feeling of their closeness. Sesshomaru was about to ask Kagome if she was ready to go back inside when he found her to of fallen asleep in his arms.

A smirk grazed the side of his mouth and his eyes soften at her innocent charms. Picking her up once again in bridal style fashion he made his way towards the balcony stairs. He loved the feeling of her smooth legs against his hand and her resting safely in his arms. Being caught up in the moment that night Sesshomaru didn't sense how strongly his inner beast came free of his cage. His inner beast soon came to the forefront of his mind and temporarily took control of his person. His eyes turned red and he nuzzled his nose into her hair and purred as they made their way into Kagome's room. Tucking Kagome under the sheets his beast craved to hold her against him and soon climbs in behind her. Spooning her from behind he brings her close to himself and wraps his arms around her possessively. She fit perfectly against him and he loved the feeling of her firm ass against his groin and how her breasts rested against his arm wrapped around her. She was everything a mate should be. She was caring, passionate, loving and loyal. She loved being with him and he loved being with her. She accepted him for who he really was and was supportive and spoiled him with her affection, time and gifts. The only problem was she was a mermaid turned human and he was a demon. He could not mate either and produce a pureblood hair for his kingdom.

His inner beast didn't care though and he decided for himself that he wanted her above anyone else. Pulling her sleeping gown low on her shoulder he nuzzles into the crook of her neck. Licking her neck he places his scent on her. She tasted so sweet against his tongue and he wanted to ravish her body but knew she needed rest. By placing a temporarily marking on her it would be a warning to any other male demon who wished to take her from him that she was spoken for and was under his protection. Content with her scent smelling of him he reclined his head back down onto the pillow and closed his eyes. Soon he fell into a deep sleep with her held closely in his arms. Kagome did not have any more nightmares while sleeping in his arms and Sesshomaru remained in a deep sleep the remainder of the night.

(*** The Garden – David Tolk ***)

When light began peeking through the window Sesshomaru opened his eyes and stared up into the canopy on the bed. Now back in his normal state of mind he realizes he was not in his room. Not remembering how he got there he tries to sit up but something was holding him down. Looking to his left he sees the crown of Kagome's head resting on his chest and that his other arm was still wrapped around her waist holding her close to him. She looked so peaceful resting there and it warmed his heart to see her so comfortable with him. But he knew he needed to leave before she woke up. Carefully pulling himself off of the bed he takes one last look at her before slipping back into his bathing chambers. Taking a cold shower with the water sitting in the buckets by the tub he washes himself of her scent as best as he could so not to upset his guests. He then dresses for the day and makes his way towards the dinning hall to eat with his guests and soon to be fiancé.

(That morning - Day 3)

Inuyasha had tried everything. He tried to spark conversations, to go on walks, go in town, to the beach; even horseback ridding! He tried anything and everything to get a reaction or some type of an emotional response from his fiancé. But Kanna was as bland as sand. Deciding he needed a break and that it was almost lunchtime he makes his way up to Kagome's room to see how she was doing and to dine with her instead. Knocking on the door he hears Sango on the other side. Checking to make sure he didn't sense anyone in the wing besides them he gives the secret code.

"Curioso" he whispered through the key hole.

Sango then opened the door for him and he made his way inside. Not seeing Kagome in the room he makes his way out onto the balcony to see her sitting on a blanket under a tree in the courtyard. Her hair was still wet from her bath and she was dresses in a light green dress like the one similar to yesterdays. She had her eyes closed as she listened and enjoyed the stillness of the courtyard and its songbirds. Hearing someone approaching her she peeks open an eye and sees Inuyasha coming down the stairs.

"Enuyasa!" Kagome called happily.

"Hey there Kags! You getting hungry? I told Sango that I'd be taking lunch with you today." Inuyasha said as he pulled off his sword from his belt and kicked off his shoes before sitting down next to her on the blanket.

"Hn, yes. Kagome hungry." She said as she nodded with a small smile on her face.

She had awoken that morning feeling a little better than yesterday. She had really enjoyed her time with Sesshomaru and missed him already. When Sango came to get her ready for the day she realized she wasn't as strong as she had been yesterday. She also was beginning to feel a little colder than normal. Seeing that the sun was out Kagome asked Sango to help her down to the courtyard to rest in the sun for the afternoon. She was afraid she was going to be alone today with only Daija to keep her company but she had been pleasantly surprise to be able to spend some time with her half demon dog.

"Good, how you feeling today? You're lookin a little paler than yesterday…" Inuyasha said as he placed his hand on her forehead to check for a fever.

Feeling that she didn't feel warm he then checking his to realize she was actually a little colder than he was. Were humans supposed to be colder than demons? He was half human and she used to be a mermaid would that make a difference?

"Hahhaa… nnn no problemz… Enuyasa." Kagome replied embarrassed.

"Well, that's good. We only got five days left to figure out how to fix your curse. Have you spoken to my brother today?" Inuyasha asked as he reclined on the blanket with his hands behind his head.

"No, Sessomaru no come… today. Kagome n Sessomaru…. um night." Kagome said as she tried to remember the right word.

"You saw him last night but not today?" Inuyasha asked as he raised a eyebrow in disbelief.

"Jah, Sessomaru night no today." Kagome said happy that he understood.

"Weird… cuz you smell like him." Inuyasha said as he sat up and moved closer to her. When he did however his sensitive nose picked up a marking on her neck. His eyes grew large when he realized what that was and why she reeked of his sent. "Tsk.. Protective much?"

His brother must have marked her as his so that way no harm would come to her while she stayed in the castle. Now that he thought about it, it wasn't a bad idea. Except if his fiancé were to find out, she might get a little upset and put Kagome in danger. He'd better talk to Sango about giving her another bath later that day to help scrub off some more of his sent. Just then Sango made her way down the steps with their food closely followed by his cook Daija. When Daija approached and smelled the strong aroma of Sesshomaru he had asked the same question. After Inuyasha explained his theory he told Sango of Kagome needing another bath and then Daija joined them on the blanket to eat. Once they were finished eating a servant came and retrieved Inuyasha to join his brother and their guests for afternoon tea. Saying his goodbyes he reluctantly made his way to the tearoom.

(*** Afternoon Mood / Classical Music ***)

Walking down the hall he could hear their fake laughter and gossiping chatter ringing from the tearoom. His ears went flat on his head as he entered the room. He dreaded teatime with a passion. It was a waste in his opinion. Sure, he enjoyed a good cup of tea but he'd rather take it by himself then have to listen to people yap about nothin. He knew his brother felt the same way but it was rude for the head of the house to not be present at special events, even as small as a tea party. Taking the empty seat between Sesshomaru and Kanna a servant behind him steps forward and pushes him in closer to the table and then pours him a glass of black tea and a small plate with two biscuits on it in front of him. Taking a sip he reclines back into his chair and blacks out the world around him as he thinks of the woman who had stolen his heart. He cared not to participate in the table's affairs or talk of gossip. All that mattered to him was that she was away from him and he was trapped marrying to a demon who might as well be walking corps.

As tea continued on he every once in a while would say something or answer someone's question but for the most part he kept to himself. He hated everything about this life. Everyone outside of his family was fake. He hated politics and didn't really care for anything outside the welfare of his countries people and his family. He wished for a simpler life. One where he could be free to make his own choices and love the one he wanted by his choice. But no, he was stuck marrying a princess of a neighboring ally simple because it was the "right" thing to do. Well he had had it. He was his own person. He was the second son of Inu no Tashio and second in command of Spain. No one was going to tell him how to live his life and who he was going to marry. From the stories he had heard of his father he had a feeling if he were here right now he'd be on his side and let him back out of the contract. Besides, it was a contract formed before he was even born! How messed up was that? He didn't even have the freedom to choose his life or what he felt in his heart to be true. No, he would not stand for it. Not any more. With those thoughts in mind he excused himself from afternoon tea and made his way to start his new fate.

(Sesshomaru)

Why had his father been thinking when he signed his life away to these imbeciles? If was his decision he wouldn't of been anywhere near them, let alone sign a contact of any kind. What was he thinking?! The Duke was obviously after their crown and was a slimy, gold digging snake that hid behind toothy grins and sugary complements. His daughters were just as awful. Sure Kagura was beautiful but the more he got to know her the less he liked her. She was just like all the other demonesses. She was only after his title and she was fake, rude and selfish. Her sister was cute but held no life in her eyes and never acted outside of what she was told. He was certain she had been severely abused by them when she was a child and now was nothing but an emotionless empty shell. He pitied her. Seeing his brother join them finally for tea he takes a subtle whiff of Kagome's sent upon his person and it helps to calm his nerves slightly. Taking a sip of his drink he then drifts off to his thoughts while the other members of their table continue to chatter on over nothing important.

He had been thinking of Kagome and the curse when he felt a hand rest on his arm. Flinching against the invading touch he looks down to see Kagura's gloved hand on his person.

"I'm sorry, my Lord. I did not mean to offend you. I merely meant to gain your attention. You seem distant, are we boring you with our conversation?" Kagura asked overly polite.

She again was dressed in a high fashioned gown of high society. It was tailored to fit her perfectly and extenuated all the right curves. She really was a beautiful demon, he just wished for a winning personality and heart to come with the package. She was nowhere in comparison to Kagome but he had to continue to remind himself, she was his soon-to-be-mate, not Kagome. He had to honor the contract or dishonor not only his father but their alliance. Biting the inside of his cheek he then says,

"I am fine. I just have a lot on my mind." Sesshomaru said while removing her arms from his person before taking another sip of his tea hoping she would drop the subject.

"Perhaps you could show us around the kingdom this afternoon?" The Duke suggested. "Maybe that will help clear your mind?"

"Alas I am much to busy today. I have much to prepare for my brothers celebration and a few other import issues I cannot put off. Perhaps my brother can take you?" Sesshomaru suggested.

"Aw, such a shame. Kagura's been dying to explore your lands with you. But… duty calls I understand. What do you say master Inuyasha? Are you up for a spin around town?" The Duke asked.

"Oh.. uh.. I.. ah can't sorry. If you'll excuse me I just remembered I must go... and uh do something. Good day." He said as he bowed and made his leave of the room.

Sesshomaru had watched his brother from the corner of his eye off and on during tea. He could see his brother's inner wheels turning and formulating a plan of some kind in his mind. By the look of determination and resolution showing on his face he knew he had figured out whatever internal battle was happening and was going to go put it into action. Knowing his brother, whatever he had planned it probably was not thought all the way through. He tended to make his decisions based on his emotions and with everything going on right now he could only imagine what was going on in the muddled brain of his. He would have to check in with him later. Finishing his tea he informs his guests that one of the stable boys would be happy to ready a carriage for them and he could arrange for his retainer Jaken to given them a tour of Valencia if they wished. Seeing that his suggestion was well enough he excused himself to make preparations for their tour. Seeing them off at the gates he then makes his way to his office to continue working on his brother's party in two days and to try and figure out more of the mystery of Kagome's curse.

(End of Chapter 16)

(What could Inuyasha possibly be thinking? Will Sesshomaru's beast get the better of him? What about with Poseidon? Had he made any head way toward resolving Kagome's cures? The mating games start tomorrow, who will be the winner? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out. Thank you for reading and please let me know what you think by leaving a review!)