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 "True Love Spanish Guitar for Healing and Relaxing" "Inuyasha OST 3 – Shibito No Nioi (The Stench of Death)" and "Inuyasha OST 3 – Shichinnzuka no Bourei." 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: Changes and Confessions

Inuyasha made his way out of the medical wing and headed straight for the library. He needed some answers and this was the best place to start. Going to the back of the library he sorts through dusty scrolls and crumbling books. Opening a dark purple book titled Chants and Curses he searches its contents until he reads the scripted heading of Conjuring Chant Spell. Reading the page he finds the spell to be identical to the one Daija had told him about on their way back to the castle plus some more information on how to finish the spell. Folding the corner of the page so not to lose his spot he continues scanning through the book. He was nearly to the end of the book when another heading caught his attention. It read, Transformation Spell. Bringing the book close to his face, he intensely reads so not to miss anything. His eyes grow large as he realizes what this spell could do. Folding the page down he shuts the book close and slips it into his coat pocket before making his way to his room. Closing the bedroom door behind him he slips the book into his dresser drawer and hides it under his cloths next to Kikyo's scale.

Seeing the sun had set in the sky he makes his way to the dinning hall. Making his way to his seat he ignores his brothers stare as he begins to stuff his face. Sesshomaru's birthday was coming up and he knew that the food was going to suck. Sesshomaru hated his birthday and tended to skip over it so he made sure to indulge himself while he could. Feeling his brother's disapproving stare on his person again Inuyasha glances his way ands says,

"What do you want Sesshomaru."

"Why are you covered in dust? Could you not have changed before coming to dinner?" Sesshomaru questioned.

"I didn't have time. I was busy doing research in the library." Inuyasha defended earning a raised eyebrow from his brother.

"And pray tell what were you… researching little brother?" asked Sesshomaru.

"Nothing I can share at the table about." Inuyasha replied back giving his brother a serious look to make him realize he needed to drop the subject.

"I see…" Sesshomaru said with secret understanding. "After dinner, join me in my study. I wish to discuss this with you."

"Whatever." Inuyasha said as he stuffed his face once more.

After that dinner was relatively quiet. It wasn't until Lady Kagura shared about her day in town that Sesshomaru saw his brother's fists tighten around his eating utensils and his brow twitch in irritation.

"And then I ruined my beautiful dress by a slimy snake pushing a crippled girl!" Kagura said as she continued to tell her tail.

"A snake and a crippled human girl ran into you on the street?" asked Sesshomaru as warning bells went off in his head.

"Yes, this snake demon was pushing a crippled human girl in a wheelchair and knocked me with such force that I fell and ruined my dress! And there I was... soaking wet, covered in mud and this snake demon went to aid the human before me! And he called her his mistress! It was absolutely despicable." Kagura said dramatically crossing her arms over her chest and stuck her nose up in the air.

"And what did this snake demon and human look like?" asked Sesshomaru with interest. He did not like where this was going.

"The demon was tall and thin. His eyes were ringed with blue markings that wiped out at the end and his eyebrows were rounded and high up on his forehead. The human girl had ugly black hair and blue eyes. She was dresses in a green dress and had a red blanket on her lap. When she fell on the ground it looked like her upper body worked just fine but he lower half was sickly. She was pale in complexion and weak. Just seeing the way that snake took care of her like a princess made me sick!" Kagura said.

After hearing this Sesshomaru snapped his eyes to look at his brother. Seeing his brother's stiff body language and his eyes were hidden behind his bangs he knew it to be true. Somehow Kagome and Daija had gotten out of the castle and of course, the three demons he wanted to keep her away from the most she literally runs right into them.

"I see… you didn't happen to catch their names did you? Or where they were staying" Sesshomaru asked. He had to know if they knew or not.

"No, we did care to ask. They were nobody of importance. However, the snake has offered to buy her a new dress and cover for the event. He said he would be sure to pay for it before we returned to York." The Duke said as he took a sip of his tea.

"Hn." He responded.

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the city. I must depart for the evening. I will be busy the next few days finalizing the remaining details for the celebration so I will most likely be unavailable until then. I will see you all at the celebration." He said as he excused himself and made his way out of the room.

Catching his brother's eye and seeing the hint for him to follow Inuyasha also gives his farewells before making his exit. Walking in silence they make their way to his study. Once inside Sesshomaru slams Inuyasha up against a wall with his hands around his neck.

"Why were you not guarding her little brother? Why did you let them leave without an escort?" Sesshomaru growled angrily.

"They... left while... we were... at tea" Inuyasha chocked out. "I didn't... know... till after… they were.. gone."

Not satisfied with his brother's response he squeezes slightly causing Inuyasha to chock a little more before relaxing his grip.

"Try again." he replied.

"Kagome wanted… to see… Valencia. She looked… happy! By the time.. I found… them… they had… already met." He finished.

Sesshomaru drops his brother to the floor and makes his way over to the table to sit at his chair.

"Sit. I am not finished. " Sesshomaru says through angry eyes as he glares at his brother.

Inuyasha flops down in a chair by the desk and rubs his soar neck with his hand.

"I know you are up to something little brother. I could see it in your eyes at tea. What were you researching?" Sesshomaru questioned.

"I dug through some of the old magic books in the back of the library to see if there was any more information on Kagome's curse," Inuyasha said.

"Did you find anything useful?" Sesshomaru asked slightly impressed at his brothers idea.

"No… everything I found we already have been told." Inuyasha said as the ears went back on his head. He wasn't however going to make mention of the other things he found out though.

"Hn. At lease it's a start. I take it Kagome is settled back in her room?" Sesshomaru asks as he reclined in his seat.

"Yeah, I had Tsukiyomi go and check on her before I came to dinner." Inuyasha said.

"Tsukiyomi? Did Kagome over exert herself?" asked Sesshomaru with slight concern.

"Yeah, and she hurt herself when she fell out of the chair I guess. She wasn't cryin or anything when I saw her so I'm assuming she's fine." Inuyasha said calmly.

"I'll speak with Tsukiyomi to be sure. I will see you tomorrow little brother. Do not be late for our meeting." Sesshomaru commanded.

"Yah, yah. I'll be there. Night," Inuyasha said as he made his way out the door.

Hearing his brother retreat down the hall Sesshomaru finishes signing a few documents on his desk. Standing up from his chair he makes his way out the door and locks it behind him. Walking down the Royal wing towards his bedchambers he runs into Tsukiyomi, Kaede and Daija. It is there in the quiet hallway were he learns of Kagome's injuries and their severity. He was livid. He had been locked up in meetings and in his study all day and had not heard of them leaving their room let alone the castle. Daija had informed him that Inuyasha had had a hard time finding them due to his slip of maintaining the cloaking spell on their persons as they made their way around the city. Hearing this news relieved Sesshomaru slightly as he realized that the Duke and his daughters would not sense Kagame sleeping next door with the cloaking spell and she would remain safe for now. Finishing their discussion they go their separate ways and Sesshomaru slips into his room to get ready for bed. Once he was finished he quietly goes into Kagome's room through the connecting bathroom door and made his way over to the bed to check on her. Coming around the bed he sees with his enhanced demon eyes and light of the moon through the window her sleeping elegance once more.

(*** True Love Spanish Guitar for Healing and Relaxing ***)

Pulling the chair closer to the side of the bed, he sits down and leans forward to check her over. He could tell she was deep in sleep and was completely unaware to the world around her. He was grateful her exhaustion and medicine had knocked her out so she wouldn't be disturbed by her injuries. Her breath was slow and deep making her chest raise the sheets slightly as she did. Seeing a knotted piece a fabric pulling at the top of her gown he pulls back the blanket slowly so not to wake her and reveals her arm to be hanging in a sling across her chest. He could see her swollen hand through sections of wood and wrapping. It was discolored and painfully swollen. It had to hurt and his inner beast whined for her. Smelling slight traces of her blood and growing concerned he pulls the blankets down further to reveal her long slender legs and bandaged knee. Her blood had soaked through some of the bandage and was slowly healing. Getting up from his chair he comes around the other side and climbs up on the bed to take a closer look.

Pulling himself up beside her he carefully lifts up her leg and rests it in his lap. He begins to undue the dirty bandages but stops when he feels some of the bandage sticking to her skin. He leans down and wets it with his tongue so it won't pull. He shouldn't have done that because the taste of her blood was like milk and honey. His inner beast once again began to come loose of his chains. He had to have more. Carefully pulling back the rest of the bandage he see's her skin around her knee was scuffed from hitting the rocks and was bruising near the wound. Seeing a bead of blood threaten to run he leans down and begins to clean her wound with his healing saliva. The remaining chains of his beast snap and his eyes bleed red as he licks up her blood. It was like heaven. He could hear her breathing pickup as he licked. She moaned in her sleep as he rubbed his hand across her bare leg. Sweat came to her brow as she continued to breath heavily. He continued to devour her leg with his tongue and he ran his hand up and down her thigh. She felt like silk beneath his fingers and he couldn't get enough of her touch.

What surprised him though was that her smell grew spicy with need as he continued to ravish her leg and her moans became more consistent in her sleep. He watched as she tried to bring up her other leg to relieve her growing need but his hand on her inner thigh kept her from doing so. He couldn't believe it! He had caught her having a dirty dream while he tended to her wounds. A smirk graces his lips as he finishes healing her. Not tasting anymore of her blood on his tongue he looks down to see it had healed and was starting to loose its discoloring. His elbow accidently comes into contact with her side as he began to lay her leg back down on the bed. Her moan turned into a whimper making him freeze in his tracks. Running his hand up her side she again whimpers in pain and he grows concerned as to why. Pulling her nightgown up on that side he begins to see dark discoloration on her hip. Careful to not wake her he lifts her up into his lap as he unbutton the gown bellow her breasts so he could get a better look. As he unbuttons he could see the dark bruise had spread from her lower ribs, down her side and over her hip. His beast whimpers for her and he nuzzles her under her chin and in the crook of her neck. He felt terrible. How could a simple fall hurt her so badly! He had failed as her alpha and now she had a broken hand, bruised ribs, side and hip as well as a healing knee.

He lowered his head and began to cover her side with light kisses. Her whimpers soon stopped and once again turned into soft chirps and moans as he gave her attention. His hand on her leg glided up and down her inner thigh as he kissed. He couldn't seem to get enough of her. Her spicy scent continued to grow and his beast's need did as well. He wanted to wake her and make love to her but knew he couldn't. His body ached with desire to burry himself into her but he didn't think she would want him as he did her. His kisses worked their way up her side until he reached the weight of her breast. He dug his nose under the parted nightgown and kissed along its underside. Kagome's breathing was ragged and her sweat had returned tenfold as he tortured her in her sleep. When his mouth began to kiss and lick along the base of her breast she gasped in delight. Unknowlingly to Sesshomaru Kagome was dreaming of him holding her near their lagoon and making love to her on the beach. Little did she know outside of her dream he was doing as she desired.

His beast continued to hold her as he ran his hand up and down her inner leg. His fingers ached to explore her inner heat. He could feel its warmth when his hand ran down her leg and he could smell its wetness. It made his mouth water with want but he knew he could not or she would wake and send him away. When his hand found their way down her leg once more he found that her hand had found herself and was trying to relieve her ache. Taking her hand in his he intertwines their fingers and holds them close to his chest. He knew he would lose it if he watched her touch herself. Reluctantly pulling back from her under breast he fixes her gown and looks up into her heated sleeping face. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips were parted as she tried to catch her breath. Her bangs were clinging to her brow and the smell of her heat filled his nose and it had all been because of her dream. He wanted to know what her dirty secret was and whom she had been dreaming about. His inner beast growled at the thought of her being with anyone but him. What made him stop in his growl though was when he heard his name once again pass her lips in her sleep.

"Sess…so.. (moan) maru…"she whispered.

At hearing his name pass her lips his inner self came back to the forefront of his mind and now he and his beast were present as they watched Kagome continue to struggle in her won ton dream. He had to be mistaken. She must be waking up and had sensed his presence or said another name.

"Sess…so..ma..ru…" she whispered. "(moan), pweez."

"Impossible…" he whispered out loud with wide pink eyes.

It couldn't be true! She was dreaming of him again…. and it was… dirty? Not only that but she was… begging?! How could that be possible? Did she feel the same as he did? She must or at least lust for him to have this kind of a dream.

"She wants us…" his beast said in Sesshomaru's mind. "She needs us like we need her. She desires for our touch. For our seed filling her womb, to be our mate."

"You don't know that." Sesshomaru said back to his beast in his head.

"Don't lie to yourself. You can feel it as well as smell it as I do… she wants us… cries out for us… BEGS for us… she desires to be our mate as we do." His beast argued.

"You don't know if she was dreaming of us or if she was just have a lusty dream. There can never be anything from it anyway… she could never be our mate." Sesshomaru sad back sadly as he continued to watch the sleeping beauty in his arms.

"She will be ours! I refuse to mate with that demon bitch. She hurt Kagome and we weren't there to protect her! I know you feel that same! Don't forget I am just as much a part of you as you are of me." His beast argued back.

"And what would you have me do Beast… you know we cannot disgrace our father by breaking our contract! And she by blood is still a mermaid; I could taste it on my tongue. She may look human, but she is still her true self inside. Our kingdom needs a pureblood heir. It can never be…" Sesshomaru said as tenderly ran his finger along her cheek.

Kagome turned towards his touch and a small smile graced her lips. Her breathing had calmed down and her heat had receded as well calming his inner need. How he wished his beast could be right. How he wished he could ignore his duty to the contract and to his kingdom. Even if he wanted to change the law he would have to go through too many loops and he knew the elders and councilmen would never agree to his decree. Besides he still wasn't sure if Kagome felt the same as him. Sure, she had dirty thoughts about him but that could be from simple lust. He didn't desire a mate who only wanted him for his power and reign. But who was he kidding? This was Kagome he was talking about, not Kagura. He had come to know her better than that. So could it be possible? Could she truly desire him as much as he desired her as a mate?

"I would never give up! I would do anything in my power to find a loophole in the contract. I would fight to the end for her because she is worthy of it! She is the best candidate for a mate and you know it! She is beautiful, both inside and out. She has been there for us even when we didn't realize it! She is kind, selfless, gentle and you can be yourself around her. You speak of loyalty as a demon dog, yet here you are letting her go without even giving her a chance! Some alpha you are! If you can't see that then you truly are a coward and a fool for giving up on her. If you choose to over look the wonderful mate before your eyes then I will make your life a living hell if you choose anyone else. I can promise you that!" His beast threatened.

"You're right… I mustn't give up hope! She truly is the best mate for us and I do not desire anyone else! Kagome only has four days left! We cannot fail her now and let her die for nothing! We will look over this contract of fathers more thoroughly and seek the advise from Miroku. If we can break it and convince the elders and councilmen to overlook the law of a pureblood then I will ask her to be mine. If not…" Sesshomaru said with renewed spirits.

"If not?" asked the beast curiously.

"If she will not have me… then… I will let her go." Sesshomaru said sadly as he tucked Kagome back under the sheets and curled up beside her and held her close.

"Why would you do that?" his inner beast whined.

"Because I love her…" Sesshomaru said out loud as he leaned down kissing her temple.

The rest of the night Sesshomaru continued to hold her as he and his beast watched her sleep. She was so beautiful as she laid there in their arms. He couldn't get enough of her sweet smell of coconut and tropical flowers and the hint of her spice clinging to her hair. It was intoxicating and he didn't want to leave her side. But despite his desires the sun soon crept over the horizon and he had to leave her side before she woke up. Resealing his scent mark on her neck he reluctantly lets go of his hold around her and gets up from the bed. Taking one last look at her sleeping form he sneaks back through the bathroom door and takes another cold shower.

(xxx stop music xxx)

Today was going to be a long and busy day. He specifically filled it to the brim with meetings and office time so he wouldn't have to be spend time with his fiancé or receive any unwanted attention. Now that Kagome's cover was blown in the castle his first order of business was to have a meeting with his brother, Miroku, and Daija. They needed to devise a new plan to keep her safe and away from the Duke and his daughters. With that thought in mind he made his way out of the Royal wing and straight into his office. He did not feel ready to see Kagura or her father just yet. After learning they were the cause for Kagome's injuries he didn't want to blow Kagome's cover with his beast getting in the bad habit of breaking free of his leash. Ringing a bell for a servant to bring him breakfast he writes three letters and sends word to collect his brother, advisor and cook to meet with him as soon as possible. After seeing them leave he takes a sip of his tea and begins to look over the staked papers on his desk and says to himself,

"Yes… a long day indeed."

(That same night)

(*** Inuyasha OST 3 – Shibito No Nioi (The Stench of Death) ***)

Around 3 o'clock in the morning Inuyasha snuck out of his room and made his way down the balcony stairs and into the courtyard bellow. Making sure the coast was clear and that the yard was vacant he sat down on the grass close to the lagoon's edge with his back facing the water. Reaching into his vest he pulls out the spell book, a small dagger and his mothers mirror. Taking a deep breath he cuts a small wound on the palm of his hand and squeezes it tight making it drip with his blood. Extending his hand behind him he lets the blood pour from his clenched fist into the lagoon's water bellow. Opening the book he turns it to the chanting spell and picks up the mirror in his other hand. He angles it so he can see both his face and the water's surface behind him. He then begins to chant his spell.

"Urasue… Urasue… Urasue... Here my call and come to thee. Break thy time and break thy space. Come so that I can see thy face." He said as he read the spell from the book.

The water then behind him then began to ripple and green bubbles rose up from the darkness. His eyes grew wide when a gray haired octopid rose up from the bubbles. She had her head hanging down and her arms were crossed over her chest. When the bubbles stopped and the waters calmed she raised her head up and her piercing red eyes looked into his through the reflection of the mirror. Her thin painted lips had an evil smirk on the corner and when she broke their seal with a wicked smile pointy-yellowed teeth were revealed. Inuyasha's heart was pounding in his chest. He wanted to turn around to look at her but he knew if he did the spell would be broken and she would be gone, never to come back again. He swallowed hard as she made her way towards him on the lagoon's shore. He knew she was just a mirage but it freaked him out.

"You've summoned me… Prince Inuyasha?" Urasue said through her yellowed smile. "What services could I offer to a half-demon?"

"I wish to become a merbeing." He said with regained confidence. He could not show fear now. He was the second son of Inu no Tashio! He was no weak half-demon. He had to do this and he wanted it!

"Oh? Is that so? And what would you give me to pay for this service? I have no need for jewels or worldly things. Besides, you don't have anything that belonged to a merman for to turn you into one." Urasue said.

"I'll give you anything you want! Except my soul or anyone else's!" Inuyasha said.

"And yes I do, I have a scale right here in my pocket." Inuyasha said as he pulled Kikyo's red scale out.

"I see.. and anything you say? Well… what about your demon abilities? Would you give them to me?" Urasue asked.

"You can have them, except my strength! I want to still be able to defend myself." Inuyasha commanded.

"All right, I accept but to make up for not giving me your strength I'll be taking something else to compensate for it." Urasue said as she began filling out a contract that she had pulled out of thin air.

"What else do you want?" asked Inuyasha nervously.

"What I want… is your tongue." said Urasue.

"Mmm my tongue? But why?" asked Inuyasha angrily. "How the hell am I going to talk?"

"I need your half-demon tongue for a spell I'm working on. Besides! You're a handsome fellow; I'm sure with your good looks your body can do all the talking for you! Now… do we have a deal?" Urasue said as she reached out through the mirror and held the contract out for him to sign. "All I need is for you to hand me that scale and drop some of your blood on the line and all your dreams will come true."

(xxx stop music xxx)

(*** Inuyasha OST 3 – Shichinnzuka no Bourei ***)

Inuyasha hesitated for a moment but passed her the scale into the mirror and then brought his cut hand over top of the x and sealed it with his blood. Just like Kagome's contract as soon a drop fell onto its page his names appeared into its place. The contract vanished and Urasue began chanting her spell. His mouth began to burn and he felt as his tongue ripped from his mouth and reappeared in Urasue's hand. He cried out in agony and pools of blood seeped down his lips and throat. His legs began to hurt and he realized they were beginning to fuse. Slipping into the water with his back still facing Urasue he pulled off his pants. As soon as he did this his legs starting from his groin fused together and a tail took their place. Holding himself up with the rocks on the shore he felt as his ears crawled down from the top of his head to be replaced with finned human-like ears. His entire body hurt and his lungs and mouth were on fire. Looking back up into the mirror he sees Urasue finish her spell.

"Oh… one little thing I forgot to mention. Since you were only a half demon the spell unfortunately wont be permanent.

"UH!" Inuyasha grunted angrily. (Meaning to scream WHAT)

"You will only be a Merman during the day. At night, you will return to your half-demon self. So be sure to be near the surface by sunset or you will drown! Enjoy your new life half-breed!" Urasue said with a cackling laugh as the mirror went dark.

Inuyasha slammed his uninjured fist into the rock. He yelps as the side of his fist cuts on the rock and he is quickly reminded of the loss of his healing powers. He was going to have to take it easy from now on. Taking off the rest of his cloths he hides them, the book and his mother's mirror in some nearby bushes but keeps his sword. Strapping it along his now tailed torso he slips out of the lagoon's drain and makes his way to the coast. He had no idea where he was going but he figured heading towards the beach where he had rescued Kikyo was a good place to start. With his new body and burning determination he set out to find the love of his life.

"Just hold on Kikyo… I'm coming for you!" Inuyasha said to himself as he raced forward into the rising sun.

(End of Chapter 18)

(Thus concluding Day 3 and beginning Day 4. Will Inuyasha make it in time to save Kikyo from an unwanted mating? Will Sesshomaru be able to contain his beast and find a way to save Kagome? What of the Duke and Kagura? Will they discover Kagome? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out! Thanks for reading.)