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: "Inuyasha OST 2 – Dearest (BGM String Version)."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. I do not have credit for these recordings or channels but I think it adds to the story.
Tides Against Time: Requited Love
Kagome awoke to the sound of someone knocking on her door. As she rubbed the sleep away from her eyes Tsukiyomi and Sango greeted her.
"Good morning Lady Kagome. I hope your pain didn't keep you from sleeping?" asked Tsukiyomi as she untied Kagome's sling.
"Hn, Kagome sleepz good. Muchas gracias." said Kagome as she watched Tsukiyomi inspect her hand.
"Good, how is your pain? Is your knee feel…" Tsukiyomi began to say but stopped when she pulled the sheet back to see a completely healed knee and bandage gone.
"Is everything all right?" asked Sango as she came out of the bathing room. "(Gasp) Your knee! It's healed?!"
"How is that possible? You are a human like us? How did your knee heal so quickly?" asked Tsukiyomi as she inspected the knee.
Kagome just shrugged her shoulders. Maybe her mermaid blood was still in there somewhere and she healed herself?
"Sorryz." she said as she gave her a clueless look.
"No matter, lets get you cleaned up and dressed for the day before I attend to your hand." said Tsukiyomi as she helped Sango lift her and help her to the bathing room.
Setting Kagome on a bench in the corner of the room Tsukiyomi begins to undress her. Sango locks the doors and sets out towels and a robe for her to use after she bathes. As she lifted the gown over her head she heard Kagome take in a sharp breath. Looking back down at the now bare chested Kagome she sees black and purple bruises going up her left side.
"My Lady! Why did you not make mention of these bruises?!" asked Tsukiyoki as she inspected her side.
"No problemz, Kagome (hiss) ok." Kagome said before taking in a hiss when her healer applied slight pressure.
"Uh huh…" Tsukiyomi said as she gave her a disbelieving expression. "After your bath I'll be sure to rub some ointment on it to help numb some of the pain.
Kagome just nodded her head and gave her a gentle smile. Sango and Tsukiyomi then helped Kagome into her bath. The hot water felt great on her soar body. Having two women help her instead of just Sango made a huge difference in relieving the pain while she walked. She hated being a burden to them but that was out of her control. When she was finally washed, dressed, medicated, bandaged and ready for the day Tsukiyomi and Sango helped lower her into her wheeled chair. They then covered her legs with her red blanket and pushed her out onto the patio for her to eat her breakfast. Daija had been sitting on the patio waiting for her to join them. When he saw Kagome coming towards them he couldn't help but notice she looked paler in complexion and the blush on her cheeks had faded slightly.
"Good morning Princess. How are you feeling today?" asked Daija as he made room for Kagome and her wheeled chair to fit at the table.
"I'm doing ok. A little tired and my hand still aches but other than that I'm doing all right. Thank you for asking. How about you? Have you eaten yet?" asked Kagome as she took a sip of her tea.
"Yes, I have thank you. Is there anything you want me to tell Tsukiyomi while she is here?" asked Daija.
"No, I'm fine for right now. Please tell her thank you for her care and patience." said Kagome as she began to eat her meal.
Daija then translated for Kagome. Tsukiyomi then said goodbye to Kagome before she and Sango began to make their way back to Kagome's room.
"Daija, would you mind stepping into Kagome's room for a moment? I'd like to talk to you about something." said Tsukiyomi as she gave him a serious look.
Catching onto her intentions Daija excuses himself from the Princess and follows the two women into the room.
"Sango, feel free to clean the room while I discuss this with Daija but please do remember nothing is shared outside of this room." Tsukiyomi warned.
"Yes, ma'am." Sango said as she began getting to work on her chores.
"What is the matter Tsukiyomi? Is everything all right?" asked Daija as he and Tsuikyomi sat down on the couch.
"Kagome is growing weaker. I do not understand it. After giving her a hot bath I would have thought her hands would have been warm to the touch but they were not! She has also paled and weakened in strength considerably since yesterday. I am starting to grow concerned. Do you know of any of her past medical history to help guide me in this?" asked Tsukiyomi. "Also, somehow her knee has magically healed itself?!"
"You do not know?" asked Sango as she stopped her work. "Sorry, that was out of line. Forgive me."
"What do I not know?" asked Tsukiyomi anxiously.
"Kagome… is cursed." said Daija.
"Cursed? What do you mean?" cried the healer.
"Yes… Kagome only has four more days left to live. Unless our Lord finds a way to undo the curse." said Daija.
"Oh… poor Kagome! What on earth has this curse done to her?" she asked.
"The witch consumed half of her soul and if it is not broken before the sun sets two days after master Inuyasha's birthday then she will die." Daija said sadly. "As for her knee healing by itself I will have to look into that."
"No wonder she is as cold as ice! Her life energy is leaving her!" said Tsukiyomi as she covered her mouth with her hands.
"Exactly…" said Daija as he looked down at his hands resting in his lap. "We must do everything in our power to make what little time she has left special."
"Is that why you took her out into the city yesterday?" asked Sango as she picked up Kagome's clothes off of the floor.
"Yes… she had told me that was one of her last wishes she wanted to experience." said Daija.
"What are her other wishes Daija?" asked Sango curiously. "Maybe Tsukiyomi and I can help?"
"She wants to explore the castle, learn how to dance and do what we land dwellers do. She has not told me anything else. With the result from yesterday and with her injuries I do not see how we could fulfill any of those." said Daija.
"Yes, it probably wouldn't be a good idea for her to over exert herself by dancing or exploring the castle grounds." said Tsukiyomi.
Hearing light coughing from the balcony they peek outside the door to see Kagome coughing into her napkin.
"Princess are you feeling all right?" asked Daija.
"Yeah… I'm fine. I just chocked on a piece of toast. Do you mind pushing me out into the courtyard and setting me on a blanket? I'm feeling a bit cold all of a sudden and would like to lie in the sun for a while" said Kagome as she pulled her blanket a little higher up on her waist.
"Of course." said Daija as he pushed Kagome down to the patio.
After he was finished taking care of Kagome he made his way back up the courtyard's steps to grab his book he had left on the table. As he was about to walk back down the steps he heard Sango take in a gasp.
"What is it Sango?" asked Tsukiyomi as she popped her head back out of Kagome's room.
"You better come take a look at this…" said Sango shakily.
Sango had been cleaning up Kagome's breakfast tray when something caught her eye. When she took a closer look she knew exactly what it was and gave out a startled gasp. Daija and Tsukiyomi made their way over to Sango's side and watched as she lifted the corner of Kagome's napkin up. There inside the napkin were small pink speckles scattered on its surface.
"Blood…" said Daija in shock.
"Daija… I think its time we sat down with our Lord." said Tsukiyomi as she straighten her stance stiffly.
"What do you mean?" asked Daija as Sango nodded her head in agreement.
"What I mean is that Kagome might have less time than we think." said Tsukiyomi.
Just then they heard Kagome cough into her hand as she rested against the tree by the water. She looked so happy and carefree sitting there in the sunshine. Her black tresses gently blew in the wind around her resting form. She wore a lavender colored dress that was less form fitting than her previous dresses. It allowed her sides to be free from constraint and for her to be able to move without pulling on anything. From here they could see how sickly her complexion had become and darkening shadows under her eyes.
"Yes… we must go speak to our Lord right away." said Daija. "Sango, would you mind staying with her until I return?"
"Of course! I'm finished cleaning her room anyway. Would you mind taking her tray down to the kitchen for me?" asked Sango.
"Certainly. Daija will be back as soon as we are finished." said Tsukiyomi as she took the tray from her hands.
Sango then excused herself and made her way down to Kagome as Daija and the healer made their way out of the Royal Wing. They were not looking forward to having this conversation but Kagome's life was in jeopardy and they were quickly running out of time. Daija knew that Sesshomaru wouldn't save the princess through a kiss. So if they couldn't solve the problem another way they needed to come up with something quick! If not Kagome would surly die in less than four days time. He needed to talk with Poseidon to see if he had come up with a solution on his end. He just prayed to the gods that they would make it in time. As they were making their way towards Sesshomaru's office a servant approached them and handed Daija a letter stating his presence was being summoned for a meeting with Miroku and Inuyasha.
"Wonderful, it looks like our opportunity to speak with our Lord was already predestined by the gods." said Daija as he rolled up the letter and tucked it into his sleeve. "Come along, I'm sure he would still like to hear your medical advise on the subject."
"You're probably right. I'll wait outside the door until you give the signal to come in or not." said Tsukiyomi as they began walking towards his office once more.
(Kikyo)
The sun had just risen over the horizon and Kikyo had finally been able to sneak away from her suitors and father. Slipping through the tunnel she makes her way up the coast and finds some rocks along the sea floor to rest on. The sun's rays warmed the waters around her and she bathes in the morning light. Closing her eyes she takes in a deep breath as she tries to block out the world around her. The sea was quiet in the early morning and she could finally be alone and rest in peace without anyone disturbing her. Lifting her hand up to her chest she fiddles with her calling shell necklace. It had been almost four days since she had last seen Enuyasa and her heartache only deepening her depression with each passing day. Tomorrow was the mating games and whomever was the winner she would mated to. As the days had passed the more she realized she didn't think she could follow through with it. She felt sick to her stomach at the thought of being touched by another male other than him. Not once had she been able to get him off of her mind. She knew she was losing her nerve when she had began seeing his face everywhere she turned and heard his voice saying her name in her head.
(*** Inuyasha OST 2 – Dearest (BGM String Version) ***)
Opening her eyes she looks off into the sea's open water and wanders off in her thoughts. Something shimmers in her peripheral vision and she turned her attention towards the light. It was still far off in the distance so she squinted her eyes to try and identify what it was. As she looked she discovers that it was steadily making its way towards her and continued to grow in size. Soon she could see the shimmering light was moving alongside a dark shadow. The shadow's shape began to change and soon took the form of a fellow merman. What made her heart stop however was as he came out of the shadows his hair shined like the moon and he had a purple seashell necklace and calling shell around his neck and had piercing amber eyes.
"It can't be… surly I must be dreaming..." Kikyo said out loud to herself as she continued to watch the merman make his way towards her.
She watches him slow down when he finally notices her. His expression softens as he looks into her eyes. Kikyo's heart was beating deep in her chest as she got up from the rock and floated above it. She held the shell tightly under her hands and her eyes grew large with disbelief and longing.
"Enu…yasa?" she asks quietly.
His mouth widens into a giant smile and begins to race towards her after hearing his name. Kikyo seeing him race towards her forces herself forward and slowly begins to swim towards him while calling out his name a little louder. As they grew closer she quickened her pace and her need to make sure he was real over took all reason. Her eyes began to water and a lump catches in her throat as she struggles to contain her emotions. As they drew close she stretched out her arms trying to shorten the gap between.
"ENUYASA!" she shouted as they finally met in a loving embrace.
They held onto each other tight as Kikyo cried into the crook of his neck. Her entire body trembled as he held her in his arms. Afraid he would disappear she wrapped her tail around his to deepen their embrace. As he buried his nose into her hair he cups his hand at the base of her skull. Pulling her head slightly he lowers his lips to hers and seals them in a searing kiss. Happy tears run down Kikyo's cheeks as she passionately kisses him back. After a few minuets of heavy kissing they break their kiss for a much-needed breath. They stare into each other's eyes and could see their shared emotions for one another reflecting in their depths. Seeing the tears on her cheeks Inuyasha kisses them away making Kikyo smile at his affections.
"I can't believe you're here! (Sniff sniff) How is this possible?!" asked Kikyo through a shaky breath as she lifted her hand up to cup his cheek.
Inuyasha leaned into her touch and stared into her eyes with a sad expression across his face.
"What's the matter? Why aren't you speaking to me?" she asked as she leaned back slightly from his embrace to get a better look at his face. "Enuyasa?"
Inuyasha lowered his gaze in shame to the sea floor before returning his golden eyes to hers. He takes in a deep breath and then opens his mouth wide so she could see inside. Kikyo gasps as she sees the swollen bloody cavern.
"(Gasp) Oh Enuyasa! What has happened to your tongue!" Kikyo said as she looked into his mouth more thoroughly.
She could see where his tongue had been ripped from his mouth and were the flesh was stretched and swollen towards the back of his throat. It had to be extremely painful with him inhaling saltwater through his gills and mouth. Her tears of happiness soon turn to sorrow as she tried to comprehend his pain. Inuyasha seeing her tears for his sake tightens his hold around her waist and rests his forehead against hers. Seeing her watery eyes return to his he softens his gaze and rubs his nose against hers making her smile. He might not have been able to speak but that wasn't going to stop him from telling her he was ok and was happy to be there with her. He gives her a loving smile after rubbing their noses together and leans forward giving her a chaste kiss.
"Why has your tongue been taken from you? Who did this to you?" Kikyo asked.
"Uh oo ay"" Inuyasha tried to grunted out.
"Uh-oo-ay?" Kikyo questioned with a confused look on her face.
She really was trying to understand him but it was hard distinguishing his words through his muffled mouth. Inuyasha shook his head yes and then pointed to his tail and ears. Kikyo continued to give him a questioning look as she tried to figure out what he was saying. Seeing her struggle Inuyasha begins to look for something to help him. Looking to the sea floor he sees some dried up coral on a rock. Taking hold of Kikyo's hand they swim down to retrieve some. Breaking off a piece he begins to draw a stick figure with two arms and six legs. Realizing who it was he was drawing Kikyo gasps in shock when she put two and two together.
"Uh-oo-ay… (gasp!) You mean Urasue?! She did this too you? How?" asked Kikyo as she returned to rest in his arms and gripped them in disbelief. Inuyasha nods his head yes and points to his tongue and then to his tail.
"She used your tongue as payment to turn you into a merman didn't she?" asked Kikyo as she received another nod from Inuyasha. "But… why? Why would you do that to yourself?"
Inuyasha brought his hand up under her chin and forced her eyes to look up at his. Looking deep into her rich chocolaty brown ones he tried to pour ever ounce of his love for her into them. As he looked at her, he brought her close to his chest and placed her hand to rest over his heart. Kikyo looked into his eyes and saw them swirl with warm gold, amber and honey. She could see their heat, passion and tenderness. Feeling her hand over his heart she finally understood what he was trying to say. Her rich chocolate brown eyes stared intensely back into his and reflected the same unspoken message as a single tear fell down her cheek. She wraps her arms around his neck and brings his lips down to hers. Their kiss was slow and tender. It held their passion but it was graceful and sweet. As their lips continued to dance their hands lovingly caressed their bodies. His silver hair and her black floated about them as they waded in the sea's open water; creating halos of dark and light. Their tails lovingly wrapped around each other creating a tangled knot of silver, gold, and red. Their love for each other was as warm as the sun and as vast as the sea. As the morning sun continued to rise they showered each other in their requited love and affection.
Breaking from their kisses they rested in each other's embrace. They returned their gaze into each other's as they tried to catch their breaths. Kikyo's lips were swollen from their kiss and hearing her ragged breathing a cocky smirk graces his face. Kikyo seeing his pride in making her breathless from their kisses lightly smacks his chest.
"Don't get too… cocky mister." Kikyo said as she tried to catch her breath through a teasing smile.
Inuyasha hearing her tease brings her face close to his again and wiggles his eyebrows up and down and shakes his hips against hers making Kikyo laugh.
"Ha! You think your funny?" Kikyo teased earning a playful growl in return.
Inuyasha loved hearing her laugh and wanted to play with her some more. Bringing his mouth down to her neck he begins tickling her neck and behind her ear with his fangs and suckling kisses.
"Enu (Giggle) yasa! You better (giggle) stop it! That tickles!" Kikyo said as she began wiggling in his embrace.
After a few more minuets of his torchers along her sides with his fingers and her neck with his teeth she finally frees herself of his embrace and begins swimming away. Looking over her shoulder she invites him to chase her. Seeing her teasing look and hearing her giggle ring around him in the water a playful smile graces his face and he takes off after her into the deepening blue abyss.
(End of Chapter 19)
(Now that Inuyasha has been turned into a half merman I wonder what Kikyo will think when he has to change back! What will become of their relationship? Will it work out or will complications arise despite Inuyasha's efforts? What about Kagome? She's going down hill fast. Will Sesshomaru figure out the curse in time? Will Daija cave and tell him to save his Princess? What about Poseidon? What will he make of Inuyasha and the development of Kagome? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out! More chapters to come. Thanks for reading!)