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.
Tides Against Time: Ulterior Motives
Having just finished his breakfast Sesshomaru rings a bell for a servant to take it away. When the servant opens the door to leave he feels the approaching auras of his advisor with the cook and healer not far behind. Hearing a knock at the door he calls for them to enter.
"You summoned us my Lord?" asked Miroku as he and Daija stepping inside.
"Yes, come in. I have much to discuss with you but we will wait to begin until my brother arrives." said Sesshomaru as he took a sip of his tea. "Why is the healer loitering outside my office?"
"AH! Yes, Tsukiyomi would like to update you on Kagome's over all health. She has much to tell and it's quite complicated in medical detail." said Daija nervously.
"Very well. Tell her to come in. Miroku, grab the chair in the corner for her to sit in." said Sesshomaru as he finished signing a legal document on his desk.
"Yes, my Lord." Daija and Miroku said together as they did as he asked.
"Please forgive my intrusion my Lord but I would like to discus Kagome's health with you." Tsukiyomi said as she made her way into the room and bowed in front of him.
"Sit, Inuyasha can be informed of her update later." Sesshomaru said as he watched his three subjects sit in their chairs across the desk from him.
"My Lord I grew concerned this morning after checking over Kagome. She has weakened considerably since yesterday and her pain in her legs is only growing stronger. She has begun to lose the color in her cheeks and is becoming sickly in complexion faster than normal. Daija has updated me on Kagome's… situation and I am to believe her life energy is beginning to leaving her Sir." Tsukiyomi said sadly.
"Her life energy?" asked Miroku with wide eyes.
"Yes, with Kagome only living on half of her soul her body is over working itself and is slowly killing her." said Tsukiyomi as she began digging around in her pocket.
"How do you know this?" asked Sesshomaru.
As soon as Daija had stepped through the door he could tell he had just come from Kagome's room. Her comforting aroma pleased he and his beast but as soon as Tsukiyomi came through the door they were hit with a stronger dose and grew slightly concerned. He waved it off at first thinking it was because Tsuikiyomi had to have physically contact with her to inspect her injuries but now he wasn't so sure. Pulling out the napkin from her pocket Tsukiyomi extends her hand out over the desk for Sesshomaru to take it from her. Sesshomaru confused as to why she was passing him a dirty napkin hesitates but then takes it from her hand. As soon as he brought it closer to his person he knew right away that something was off. It reeked of Kagome's sent and he grew weary to open it. Pushing his nerves aside he pulls back the corner. When he sees small pink stains speckled across one side he brings it closer to his face. Realizing what it was he quickly drops the napkin onto his desk as if it had burned him. He pulls back in his chair and his eyes flash red for a moment as he tries to control his beast.
"What is the meaning of this!" Sesshomaru barked angrily while Miroku stared in shock at the bloody napkin on his desk.
"This is what concerns me my Lord." said Tsukiyomi as she readied herself for the bad news.
"Explain." Sesshomaru said sternly.
"When Daija was updating me on Kagome's condition we heard her coughing out on the patio. When we went to check on her she said she was fine but when Sango was cleaning her breakfast tray up she uncovered this napkin. I am afraid my Lord that Kagome is running out of time." said Tsukiyomi with urgency.
"I am aware of her time limit." said Sesshomaru as he stood from his chair and walked over to the window.
From here he could look down into the courtyard and watch Kagome relax in the afternoon sun. She was currently talking with Sango on a blanket under a tree near their lagoon. He watched as they laughed about something Sango had said before witnessing Kagome cough into her hand like Tsukiyomi had just said.
"Forgive me my Lord but I'm afraid you do not understand..." said Tsukiyomi nervously.
"What… do I not understand?" said Sesshomaru angrily.
"I am afraid Kagome's body is over working itself too quickly my Lord…. meaning her organs are beginning to shut down. I believe with her rate of decline… we will have less time than we think."
"Surly you must be mistaken Tsukiyomi?" cried Miroku from his seat.
"Unfortunately I am not." Tsukiyomi said as she shook her head with a somber expression. "If we do not find a cure for her curse… it will consume her before it is due."
"I will not allow her to die under my care. We will find another chance for her to break this curse and she will not fall pray to this witch's demise." he said as he turned around to look at them.
They all grew still in their seats as they looked at their Lord. His amber eyes burned with anger and displeasure. His arms were crossed behind his back making his chest and shoulders appear larger than they already were. His face showed no emotion but they could tell his jaw was set tight and his stance was ready for action. The light shown in from behind, casting a dark shadow over his person. His eyes and markings almost glowed against the darkness and his silver hair glimmered with the sunlight's intensity.
"Ww what would you hh have us do?" asked Daija nervously.
"I would have preferred my brother to be a part of this discussion but seeing he is not here we will have to continue without him." started Sesshomaru.
After a pause he continued.
"You are going to tell me what the original chance was. If you wish to save your Princess you will tell us what it was." Sesshomaru said with a threatening glare.
"But she has forbidden me to tell!" cried Daija desperately. "I cannot disobey orders!"
"Do you wish to keep her favor for a few more days Daija?" asked Miroku. "Or do you wish to forever condemn her to hell? If this witch consumes the other half of her soul Lady Kagome can never be reincarnated again."
"You can't be serious?!" said Tsukiyomi horrified.
"I am. If Kagome loses her other half of her soul it can never be passed over to the afterlife and therefore she will forever be tormented by darkness." Miroku said as he shook his head remorsefully.
"No!" cried Tsuiyomi as she covered her mouth with her hands in shock.
"Again, I say I will not allow this. Snake, you try my patience. Speak or condemn her to hell." Sesshomaru said as he glared at Daija.
"Alright, alright!" Daija shouted after feeling the crushing aura and pressure rise in the room.
Taking a deep breath and calming his nerve he then said, "Kagome wished to become a land dweller so she could live her life on land with the one she loved most. She paid for her change by selling half of her soul. However this was only a temporary deal. Kagome wanted the change to be permanent so she bartered her remaining half to were if the one she loved the most kissed her before the sun set on the 7th day of her curse she would remain a land dweller."
"A kiss?" asked Miroku in disbelief. "Well why didn't you just say so! That can easily be taken care of."
"Sit back in your seat Miroku if you know what's good for you. Daija said it had to be a kiss from the one she loved most. It can't be just any kiss." Tsukiyomi said as she grabbed Miroku's collar and forced him back down.
"That's right. The kiss must be from the one she loves most. But to make the deal work in the witch's favor they had to love her in return. Unfortunately for Kagome she did not know at the time she made the deal that the one she loved most was engaged to another." said Daija.
"Oh no!" Tsukiyomi said in disbelief.
"Yes, and by the time she made the deal the marriage contract had already been done." Daija finished as he looked down into his lap in defeat. "This is why I did not say anything because I knew there was no point."
"Surly there must be another way!" said Miroku as he sat on the edge of his seat.
"I'm afraid there is not. Urasue's contracts are set in blood." said Daija.
"It cannot be true! Are you saying Kagome has damned herself?" asked Tsukiyomi with water threatening to run down her cheeks. "Is she aware of this?"
"Yes, she found out her second day here. She is aware of her approaching death. That's why we went into the city yesterday. With her only having a few days left she has asked to experience what Valencia has to offer." said Daija.
"Can't we just convince this love interest to kiss her? Surly there is still time for a change of heart?" asked Miroku.
"I'm afraid not. The one Kagome loves will not sway from his engagement." he replied back remorsefully.
"So are you saying there is nothing we can do?" asked Tsukiyomi.
"Unless we can find a spell powerful enough to override the curse then I am afraid not. In my spare time I have been searching for answers but have not been able to find any. I have my sources looking in the Water Kingdom as well." said Daija.
"Good. I too shall look for a way to override this curse. We need to find a solution quickly. Tsukiyomi from your medical expertise how much time do you think Lady Kagome has?" said Miroku.
"Organs are a funny thing. They could function well on their own for a long time and then they can suddenly crash. By the state of her condition I give her... two-three days max." said Tsukiyomi.
"Then I suggest we get to it. Miroku I would like to speak with you after they leave. Daija, continue connecting with your network and Tsukiyomi keep close tabs on Kagome's health. I do not want to overlook anything." commanded Sesshomaru as he sat back down in his chair. "You are dismissed."
"Yes, Sir." said Daija and Tsukiyomi as they bowed and left the room.
After they left Sesshomaru rung a bell to summon one of the savants. Hearing a knock at the door he calls for them to enter.
"Yes, my Lord?" asked the servant.
"Where is my brother? I sent out that letter over an hour ago." demanded Sesshomaru.
"I am sorry my Lord. We have been searching everywhere for him but are unable to locate him. We've checked to see if he had left the grounds but his horse is still in the stables and no one has seen him since after dinner last night." said the servant.
"Strange… continue your search. You are dismissed." Sesshomaru commanded.
"Yes, Sir." said the servant before making their way out of his office.
"Huh… it is unlike him to leave without telling someone first. I wonder where master Inuyasha has run off to?" asked Miroku as he reclined in his chair.
"Your guess is as good as mine. Now that I think about it however, he was acting strangely yesterday. I confronted him about it and he told me he was doing research to help solve Kagome's curse. I wonder if he was also doing research on something else and I overlooked his intentions." said Sesshomaru. "I will have to question him when he returns."
"Good idea Sir." said Miroku. "What is it you wish to speak to me about?"
"Did you bring the contract I asked for?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Yes, it's right here." Miroku said as he pulled out a folder from his coat pocket. "Do you intend on finalizing it Sir? If so I can arrange for the elders and councilmen to sign and notarize it."
"That will not be necessary. I simply wish to look it over to make sure I know exactly what I am agreeing to. I do not believe the Duke was completely honest with my Father when making the contract. I think he has ulterior motives that have yet to fully play out. I sent out a spy the same day they arrived to go to retrieve information in York. I want to have everything in order before I make my move to avoid a potential war." said Sesshomaru as he took the contract from Miroku.
"Very good Sir. If I may be so bold as to speak freely?" asked Miroku.
"Proceed" said Sesshomaru.
"I have heard a rumor that the King of England is unwell and that his daughter is yet unmarried. Do you know if the Duke has any son's?" asked Miroku.
"He did but died very young." said Sesshomaru.
"Well then that changes things." said Miroku as he rubbed his chin in thought.
"Speak. Share your thoughts." said Sesshomaru.
"I have a theory. With the Duke being the King's brother, it would make sense for him to marry his niece." said Miroku.
"Making him the new King of England." said Sesshomaru as he tried to catch onto what he was trying to say.
"Yes, and all of England's commonwealth. With you marrying his daughter…" Miroku said as he watch the light switch on in Sesshomaru's eyes.
"He would have influence here and all of our territories!" he said through an agitated growl.
"Yes, he would have power and influence over most of the known world." said Miroku as he nodded his head.
"How did I over look this? How did my father not see this coming?" Sesshomaru said angrily.
"I am unsure my Lord but if this theory is correct he had to of put it into place well before the contract. I suspect my Lord that there is fowl play in the ranks." Miroku said.
"Meaning he had influence before the contract and someone had to of somehow tricked my Father?!" said Sesshomaru as another light bulb went off in his head. "If that's true he is still doing so!"
"Yes, my Lord. If this theory is correct we may have moles in the walls. If you would like Sir, while you await your information to return would you like me to take note this afternoon at our meeting with the Duke, Elders, and Councilmen regarding the contract?" asked Miroku.
"Yes. Be sure to speak to no one about this. This is top secret. Not even my brother is to know of this until I am absolutely certain." said Sesshomaru seriously.
"Yes, Sir." Miroku said with a bow. "Is there anything else you would like me to do?"
"If I needed to back out of the contract. Is there anything you could see as a loop hole?" asked Sesshomaru secretly hopeful.
"Hmmm… there is always the legal breaks like treason, war, assassination attempts or other crimes committed against the crown but I would go deeper than that and look at the fine print."
"For example?" asked Sesshomaru as he and Miroku began to look over the document.
"Well… being that man that I am, this one (points to: Content B line 3) is what first came to my mind." Miroku said with a smirk.
Content B – Conditions for Participants
Groom must graduate from all education, training and court leadership.
Bride must be able to maintain household functions and maintenance.
Bride and Groom must be in age of maturity and bride must be of whole purity before marriage consummation.
Bride and Groom must be clear of any other mating mark or marriage contract.
Court officials, Elders, and Priests must be in full agreement of binding before completion.
Required six witnesses for notarization and signatures, three witnesses from both binding parties.
(List goes on… etc.)
"Of course you would…" said Sesshomaru as he looked to where he was pointing.
"Well being a human I do not have the ability as you do to check." Miroku said as he tapped on his nose to emphasize his meaning. "Do you know if she is?"
"I did not think to pay attention. When I see her next I will check. Are you saying that if that one small detail is broken the contact could be broken?" asked Sesshomaru doubtful.
"Since it is one of the binding conditions technically yes but it would have to be brought in front of the court." said Miroku. "I'd like to make sure all our accusations are in place before we embarrass the Lady."
"Indeed." said Sesshomaru leaned back into his chair in thought.
"Sounds like I have much to keep me busy. If there is nothing else my Lord I will get to work on Kagome's cure, take notes from our meeting and think over this contract." said Miroku.
"Very well. I will see you this afternoon in the boardroom. Be sure to keep close attention. I do not wish to miss anything and do not assume anyone is safe." said Sesshomaru.
"What about me my Lord. How is it you trust me so willingly?" asked Miroku curiously.
"Because you are a human and do not hold any magical ability to cover your sent when you deceive." informed Sesshomaru as he stared down his advisor seriously. "You have worked hard to be where you are and I appreciate your honesty. Do not go changing that now."
"Oh… well thank you my Lord! I will see you this afternoon." Miroku said as he bowed and tried to hide his smile from the compliment.
"Hn. You are dismissed." said Sesshomaru as he continued to look over the contract on his desk.
He watched as his advisor left the room before getting up from his seat. Seeing the door lock behind him he pulls a lever on his desk revealing a safe built underneath the floorboards. Opening the safe he slips the contract inside. Closing the door and spinning the lock to make sure it sealed he then places it back into place hiding it safely from view. Feeling better knowing its safe from wandering hands he gets up from his seat and walks over to the window once more to see if Kagome was still resting outside. As he looks outside he watches as Daija and Sango help her into her wheeled chair before disappearing from his view. Leaning on the window he brought his hand up to rub his hand over the calling shell. Pulling it to his mouth he calls for his brother.
"Inuyasha, can you hear me?" he asked. A few moments go by but there was still no reply. He calls a couple more times but he receives no reply.
"Sessomaru ok?" asked Kagome after a few minuets.
"Yes, I am searching for my brother. There is no need to be alarmed. Are you well?" Sesshomaru said.
"Jah, me ok. Kagome room. You busyz?" asked Kagome.
"Unfortunately yes. I have an important meeting this afternoon with my leadership committee. However, I promise to come check on you afterwards. If that is alright with you?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Hn, jah dis good. Hasta luego, Sessomaru." Kagome said happily into the calling shell.
"Good, hasta luego Kagome." Sesshomaru said with a soft curl to his lip after hearing her joyful tone in her voice.
After that the line went dead and Sesshomaru began to clean up his office and finish his preparations for the meeting he would be having with his officials. He just hoped wherever the hell his brother was that he would make an appearance. It was not uncommon for Inuyasha to make last minuet excuses to avoid meetings but it was unlike him to vanish without a trace. He just hoped whatever he was doing he had a good reason for his absence. With those thoughts in his mind he made his way out of his office and down the hall towards the boardroom. He could not wait to have this meeting over with and was not looking forward to their drawn out discussions of having to hear their opinions. He also wasn't looking forward to having to discuss their contract with the Duke present in the room. He was going to have to be quick on his toes for the argument he knew was going to happen. Reaching the door he takes a deep breath to calm his annoyance and makes his way to the front of the room to begin. Looking about the room he immediately takes notice of his brother's absence. He sits in his seat and silently steadies himself. To everyone else in the room he appeared to look bored and calm but inside he was rolling in frustration, concern, and annoyance towards his brother. He raises his eyes up from the stack of papers laid out in front of him that they would be discussing during the meeting and catches Miroku's eye. Sending a secret reminder message to pay attention he returns his gaze to look about the room.
"I apologize for my brother's absence. He was sent to attend to something important and hopefully will arrive before the meeting is finished." Sesshomaru said to his council earing a nod of understanding. "Now, then. I officially call this meeting into order."
As they recited their country's national anthem and pledge of elegance to the crown he mentally said to himself.
"Where are you little brother?"
(End of Chapter 20)
(I wonder what's going to happen in the meeting? Will Miroku be able to help him get out of the contract? Why did he feel the need to hide the original? Now that Sesshomaru has information on Kagome's curse what will he do about it? Also what about Inuyasha? His birthday celebration is in two days. Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out. Thanks again for reading along! I hope you are enjoying the story. Please write a review to let me know what you think!)