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. Disney and Hans Christian Anderson.

Music: The song I have selected for this chapter is: "Sad Piano Piece - Grieving Times" "Soundtrack - Pride and Prejudice - The Living Scriptures" and "Soundtrack - Pride and Prejudice - Liz on top of the World." 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: Second Chances

(*** Sad Piano Piece - Grieving Times ***)

Poseidon returned to the cove as fast as he could after leaving Kagome's side. He needed to distract himself as quickly as possible and he knew his new son-in-law and apprentice would need to start his duties as soon as possible. With mating season coming to a close they would also need to prepare for their harvesting season so the traveling tribes would have food and supplies for departing back to their home feeding grounds. Much needed to be done but first he would check in on the injured from the games. As King it was his duty to ensure every member of his tribe was taken care of and all arguments or threats were resolved. Swimming through the channel he sees Myōga giving Enuyasa language lessons. Good, one less thing he'd have to do. Going further into the cove he meanders from tunnel to tunnel checking on the sick, the injured and the dying. He could tell by the looks on his gossip that they were exhausted from healing and stressed from overing using their bodies and lack of sleep. Thankfully there were only a handful of critically ill or injured that needed attention now. Pulling himself up onto the beach in one of the recovery tunnels he makes his way over to Bankotsu. He had healed remarkably well and was now only marked with a fading black eye and a few minor scratches left on his arms and chest.

"Bankotsu, eldest son and heir of Lord Astarte; how are you faring?" asked Poseidon.

Bankotsu looked up from his healer to see the King coming though the tunnel's entrance. He hung his head in shame. He had under estimated the new Prince and it cost him everything. How could he show his face back to his tribe? What would he be able to tell his children? That he was a failure and that he couldn't bring honor and power back to their family? He was no one now. He had been too prideful and egotistical. He heard the King's question but just sat there in silence. What could he say? He was an embarrassment and a failure.

Poseidon could feel the young males disappointment and embarrassment radiating through his aura. Coming further inside he excuses the healer and filled the tunnel with his authority and fatherly aura.

"Look at me son." Poseidon said to him.

Even witnessing the transfer of royalty over to Enuyasa Bankotsu just had to laugh to himself as the immense power and authority radiating in his room. Even towards the end of his life and no longer in his full power Bankotsu could tell there was no doubt in his heart that he still would not have been able to beat the King. Since the battle was finished and he had sat in his recovery room Bankotsu had been struck over and over again with humility. Looking back at the way he had grown up, he had been a fool. Sure, his people were strong and brave but they were also foolish and selfish. They weren't any different than anyone else in their Kingdom. He wasn't a demigod. He was just a merman who happened to be born of higher-ranking pecking order. Looking back up at the King he was surprised to not see pity or shame reflecting in his eyes but understanding and direction. He had never seen such eyes before. Unsure of what to do he pats on the rock next to him for the King to sit on if he wished. To his surprise the King takes his offer and they both stared off into the room. They both sat in silence just enjoying the peace and quiet. They didn't need to share words for each other to know they both respected each other and that no malcontent was warranted.

"What is your plan son?" Poseidon asked after a while.

"I am unsure Sir. My Father will be disappointed that I did not bring back the power of the Water Kingdom to our tribe." said Bankotsu after taking in a long sigh.

"Disappointed yes. You are probably right. However, do not let this lesson keep you from becoming the true leader your tribe needs." Poseidon said.

"Sir?" asked Bankotsu not understanding where he was going with this.

"You have been humbled have you not?" asked Poseidon turning his gaze to look at him seriously.

Banktotsu unsure of what to say just lowered his head and nodded yes. Was he that obvious or had the King somehow read his thoughts?

"Then use this new wisdom to bring back with you. You have learned of a great weakness in yourself and I am sure you know of many others back home who feel the same as you once did. You have an opportunity to build your people beyond themselves. I am starting to think that the gods fated you to become something greater than King of the Water Kingdom. Sure, it is a great responsibility and holds great power and is a wonderful honor to lead our people as King but if you were to have won you would have still suffered from this same weakness and the future of our kingdom would have grown weak because of it. You my son have the potential for greatness and can save them from their blindness. Ally yourself with this new Prince and build a Kingdom worthy of remembrance." Posiedon said patting him on the back before getting up from the rock to start making his way towards the entrance. "Think about what I have said. It will not be an easy road and many will challenge you. However, if you succeed you will not be the disappointment you see in yourself and will bring a greater power to your people."

Banktotsu just stared at the King in shock as he watched him make his way out of his healing tunnel. He had been more of a father figure to him in less than 10 minuets than his own father had ever been in his entire life. Running his hand through his curly black bangs he takes in another long breath before making his way out of the tunnel. The King was right. He needed to return home and face his Father's disappointment like a true alpha would. He would rise up against the discrimination and change the hearts of his people. He would be the father his youngling deserved and get his act together by becoming the true leader his people needed. They could no longer live in the mindset they were living. For if they were ever under attack or something happened to where they were called to war they would be fighting with only 50% of their strength. Besides it would be unwise to not befriend this new King. He never would have thought that these past two days would have changed his outlook on life so much. He thanked the gods for the chance to fix his ancestors mistakes and for a new King he knew he would be able to support.

A knowing smirk graced Poseidon's face as he made his way further down the tunnel. What he had said he knew had woven itself so deep into the boys heart that there was no going back now. He could almost see the determination gleaming in Bankotsu's eyes. He had been trying to find a way to correct this theology and had a feeling if any merman could change the Aristate tribe, it would be this male. Yes, much was set upon his shoulders and many challenges were ahead of him but he had a good feeling this merman could do it. Checking on a few other members of his tribe he then makes his way to the last tunnel.

(xxx stop music xxx)

Slipping inside he was instantly shrouded in sorrow, anxiety and remorse. The tunnel being in the back of the cove was dark and allowed the most critically to rest in silence and in peace. He could hear quiet crying towards the back of the cavern and knew it to be the green haired mermaid. Coming deeper inside he sees two dark figures gathered in a corner lying on a rock bed. Sure enough he eventually made out the silver tailed male laying on his back covered in bandages around his head, shoulders and upper chest. The mermaid supposedly harboring his young was sitting next to him and crying into his chest. Her long green hair lay gently behind her and across his waist and hips. He could hear her soft cries and could smell her tears. By the looks of it his healers had done everything they could do for him and now it was up to him to decide whether to live or not.

(*** Soundtrack - Pride and Predjudice - The Living Scriptures ***)

"What is your name mermaid of the Artic tribe and mother of Ryura's spawn?" asked Poseidon softly.

"Tt... Toran your majesty. Forgive me, my hormones have been all over the place and I am having a hard time reeling them in with his conduction." She said as she wiped the tears from her puffy red eyes and tried to straighten herself up for her King.

"Your response is only natural. However, please forgive me. I am in need of some information. Being as he is currently unresponsive at the moment I will need to receive it from you." He said as he sat at the end of the rock bed to look upon them both.

"Of course my King." Toran said as she took hold of Ryura's hand in hers and turned to look at Poseidon.

"Please explain to me why Ryura was fighting for both of my daughters hands when he was already in an intimate relationship with you? Why would he not be honorable and mate you? He does not seem like the type to seduce a young mermaid like yourself and disrespect her as such and leave her to mother his spawn without him. Do you know of his reasoning?" asked Poseidon gently.

He knew these questions were very sensitive but he had to know. He had heard of the cruelty of Ryura's father but had never seen evidence of his wickedness. Could Ryura be just as cold as the Ice Lord?

"It's a long story…" Toran said unsure of where to start.

"I understand but for me to help you I must be informed of every detail." Poseidon said as he patted her hand on top of Ryura's comfortingly.

"Well… my mother became one of the Ice Lord's favorite concubines after my father died in a hunting accident. Ryura and I became very close as younglings and grew fond of each other over the years. When he retuned from his outcasting this past winter we intended on mating but our Lord did not wish it. He desired for Ryura to mate with your daughters and bring the power back to the Arctic. However, Ryura and I's love could not be broken and we still intend to mate after Ryura mated with your daughters. It was never our intention to hurt anyone. We just thought this was the best solution." Toran said as she tenderly rubbed her thumb over her lover's hand and looked into his battered face.

"I see. Why did Ryura not fight his Father harder on this?" asked Poseidon as he watched Toran.

"The hand of the Ice Lord is cruel and he threatened Ryura that he would kill me if he didn't do as he asked. He even sent his spies to watch over us while we were here. They left as soon as the mating games were over to go inform him of Ryura's failure. His punishment will be most savvier if and when return. It would not surprise me if he doesn't try and make me lose out young or kill me to rid of his heir just to make Ryura suffer. Its not the first time he's gotten away with murder. He'd probably stage it as an accident or have our gossip vote me out into the open sea to be eaten by the orcas. As soon as he takes care of that he'll probably beat Ryura's already beaten body, brand him as a traitor and banish him forever. So you see my King? What choice did we have? Either way we loose." Toran said as she wiped the fresh tears coming down her face.

"Fear not Toran of the Arctic tribe. Ryura fought honorably and you both have broken no law. I will speak to our tribal leaders that are present and discuss sanctuary for you both. You will not need worry about the Ice Lord any more. He has been under the elder's and I surveillance for a while. We have just been waiting for an opportunity to look further into his rumored questionable actions. Be at peace and try to rest. You have spent much of your energy and they will both need you to be at your best. You are strong Toran and remember you are not alone in this." Poseidon said as he rested his hands on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head making her giggle and smile.

"Thank you my King! I have felt so alone in this and you have given me hope. I will be sure to keep you updated on his wellbeing." Toran said with a small smile on her lips and a thankful twinkle in her eye.

"Very well. Until then Toran, daughter of the Arctic tribe." Poseidon said as he began making his way towards the entrance of the tunnel.

Toran just lightly smiled as she watched her King leave their healing chambers. She had been checked over by the healers as well to make sure the trauma of the event hadn't compromised her pregnancy. Thankfully their little one was strong, healthy and seemed to be growing at a steady pace. Being that mermaids were only pregnant for 5 months and her already being in her second month now she started to bloat around her lower hips and her breasts had swollen. Placing her hand over her womb she could feel its warmth under her hand and a tender expression graced her face. Whatever the outcome she would fight for their young and never forget the love they had shared creating him or her. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she did not see Ryura's hand twitch at his side or his brow bunch in discomfort. His swollen slowly eyes blinked open and he turned towards her as his eyes began to focus. He couldn't see very well in the dark tunnel but knew it was her by her beautiful green hair. He tried to move but found his body was tied down in wrappings all over the place and he hurt everywhere.

"Tt To..rr.. ran?" He tried to get out through his swollen mouth and scratchy throat.

"(GASP) RYURA! You're awake!" Toran cried out gently as fresh tears flowed down her cheeks and she came close to his side. "Try not to move Love, your body is still recovering from your injuries."

Toran cupped his face in her hands and kissed his forehead as she tried to contain her tears. Ryura's heart fluttered in his chest as he saw Toran's beautiful face come into focus. He had missed her so much and being this close he wished he could kiss her senseless and hold her tightly in his arms. Feeling her tender kiss on his forehead he closed his eyes at the touch. Her smell, her voice and aura did wonders to his soul. He could already feel his strength returning to him with her just being by his side. However, thinking back to his injuries he can't remember what had happened while he was out. Did he win? Did he loose? By the severity of his injuries he had a good idea that he did not win but if that was the case why was Toran there? She knew of the consequences of his banishment. She was free to choose another and live happy.

"Wh... whattt happ...end?" Ryura tried to get out.

"Koga hit your neck breaking it and causing you to black out. When you hit the seafloor your internal organs were damaged. Thankfully the healers were able to mend you and you should be good as new as long as you do not move your neck and shoulders for a couple more days." Toran said as she kissed up and down his face with butterfly soft kisses.

(*** Soundtrack - Pride and Prejudice - Liz on top of the World ***)

"I see…" Ryura said solemly. "They should have just left me there to die."

"Don't say such things!" Toran said angrily. "We need you!"

"My tribe doesn't need me Toran. They have my Father and my younger brothers and… Toran you have a chance at another life." Ryura said dejectedly.

"True... your brothers could take over for you but that's not what I meant…" Toran said taking hold of his hand in hers.

"What do you mean? I don't understand?" Ryura said with a confused scowl on his face.

Toran then laid his hand flat over her lower abdomen making Ryura blush and look up into her beautiful sea foam blue eyes in confusion.

"We... need you." Toran said pressing his hand under hers over her womb.

Ryura gasps in shock and his eyes widen with understanding as he felt the warmth of their young growing under his hand. He could feel how swollen her belly had become under his touch and by the size of her, she had been carrying for some time. He could feel its warmth and acceptance of his touch spreading into his hand. Taking a deep breath he was suddenly hit with a new smell. It smelled sweet with a subtle essence of both his and Toran's fragrances. No wonder he didn't notice it at first. It was so subtle and blended in so easily between them. A soft smile graced Toran's lips as they both felt its tiny aura trying to make itself known to them. There was no mistaking it. The young growing inside was his. Over run with emotion he brought his other hand up to cover his eyes as a single tear rolled down his cheek. He tried to keep still as his shoulders began to shake with his silent crying. Toran seeing his reaction pulled his hand from her womb and laid down next to him. Ryura wound his hand around her waist and held her close to his side. Toran encouraged by his need for her touch ran her finger along his cheek. Ryura unable to move pulls his hand away from his eyes and threaded his hand through her green hair pulling her face close to his. Their lips slammed together in a heated kiss. It was deep and passionate. Tears ran down their cheeks as they flooded each other's auras with love, joy, excitement and their need for one another. Careful of his injuries Ryura pulls Toran to lay on top of him. Their fingers tangle in their hair as they embrace each other in a long awaited kiss. His heart swelled with happiness at their reunion and the feeling of her swollen belly between them as she rest on top of him. He felt so complete and he never wanted the feeling to end. Needing to catch their breaths they reluctantly pulled away and look into each others eyes. Running the back of his hand along her cheek Toran leaned into his caresses and closed her eyes in happiness.

"Why didn't you tell me?" asked Ryura as he wiped away her tears.

"I couldn't risk coming to you before the games and besides…" Toran said as she leaned forward kissing his lips again in a sweet kiss. "You needed to focus and I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well a lot of good that did. I failed you… I failed you both. How can you stand to remain with me? You know I will be banished, possibly killed. Their is not future for you or our young with me." Ryura said with a saddened expression on his face while he rubbed small circles along her lower back.

"Hmmm. That feels nice." Toran said ignoring his statement as she closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his.

"Is your back hurting?" Ryura asked in concern bringing his other hand down from her cheek to give her lower back a massage.

"Yes... my lower back has been hurting the past couple days. Don't worry though. the healer said its because I'm caring low and our young is growing strong and healthy." Toran said as she rest upon his chest and enjoyed her massage. "They think its going to be a boy."

"Hm." Ryura said with a content smirk on his lip before kissing the top of her head while savoring in her silky smooth skin under his fingertips as he continued to lovingly give her a massage.

They both laid their enjoying each other's warmth and touches in the peace and stillness of the cove. After a while Toran looked up from his chest and into his warm redish brown eyes.

"The King came by about an hours ago to check on you." Toran said quietly as she played with some of his hair between her fingers.

"That was nice of him. What did he say?" asked Ryura curiously.

"He asked about my relationship with you and why you didn't back out of the games when I was with young. I told him everything because I figured he'd find out one way or another." Toran said.

"What did he say to that? Did he seem angry?" Ryura asked as he ran his fingers up and down her back lazily.

"He was angry at first but once I explained about our treatment at home and our banishment he said he would talk with the elders to see if we can seek sanctuary while they figured out what to do." she said as she began to sit up.

Lying down had always made her nauseous but she was so comfortable resting in his embrace. Over come with the need to relieve her quivering stomach Toran quickly excuses herself and rushes out of the tunnel. Ryura not understanding what was happening began freaking out and tried to get out of his bindings to get to her. However, before he could make any major headway in untying himself Toran returned to his side. He could smell her mild sickness and she looked a little pale in complexion.

"Are you alright? You look unwell!" Ryura said anxiously as he settled back down with her tucked tightly in his side.

"Just one of the symptoms of bearing young, Love. I'm sorry I couldn't of given you a faster warning. The nausea hits me so suddenly every now and then." she said with a light chuckle before kissing under his chin.

"Hm." Ryura said with a soft turn to his lip as he kissed the top of her head. "Well, until we know our fates I will take whatever symptoms, mood swings or changes are thrown our way."

"Don't even think of leaving me to tend to our young without you! We will go wherever you go!" Toran said sternly. "I have already tasted almost losing you once. I know it in my heart if you were to go I and our child would surly die either by the hands of your Father or from a broken heart."

"You are certain of this?" Ryura asked in disbelief and relief. For he too did not think he could live without them.

"Surly you must know by now from everything we lived through and come to build from that I will never leave your side by choice." Toran said as she brought her gaze back to look at him seriously. "I love you Ryura. The Arctic has never been my home. You have, and I'm willing to travel the world with you if you but let me."

"It will be dangerous… and it could be harmful to you both." Ryura said as he rubbed her sides with his hands.

"I am sure. I cannot watch you leave me again." Toran said as fresh tears began to fall down her cheeks.

"Then you wont." Ryura said as he held her tight to his chest. "When I am free of these bindings and am able to hold you like I desire I will make you my mate Toran. I promise."

"You better…" Toran said before kissing him senseless.

As the day went by Ryura grew stronger. When the healers came to check on him around dinner they gave them the exciting news that he should be ready to move in little less than a week and that the elders had approved of their favor for sanctuary. Soon their little family would be together forever and free from the Ice Lord and the cold clutches of Arctic.

(End of Chapter 29)

(What a humbling experience for Bankotsu! Let's hope when he returns home he is not banished like Ryura and that his children won't see him as a failure but as an alpha who has returned home to build them from their blindness! Also, thank goodness Ryura is ok! Will the Elders and Poseidon be able to keep Ryura and Toran safe from the Ice King? Only Time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out! Thanks again for reading! Let me know what you think by writing a review!)