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.

Tides Against Time: Caution

Daija had forgotten to mention about his run in with the Duke after saying his goodbyes last night. He wanted to return to Kagome's bedchambers to discuss his fears with Sesshomaru but he knew that he needed time to be alone with her. The news of Kagome's approaching death was a lot to take in. He had seen how attached the demon Lord had become to the mermaid Princess. Kagome had told him of her conversation with Sesshomaru looking into separating from Kagura as a mate. He didn't believe her at the time thinking she had miss understood what Sesshomaru had said. However, Daija did have suspicions that Sesshomaru had mild affections for Kagome. He had seen his dedication and attention over the past few days but didn't think much of it knowing of his engagement to Lady Kagura. He never expected the reaction of Kagome's attacked on the lagoon to be as intense as it had been. There was no denying it when Sesshomaru's beast temporarily came free of his chains and his instincts to protected Kagome over took his person. Being a demon himself he knew what that reaction towards a female meant. The intensity of his stare, the wild nature of his beast, and the protective stance over her could only mean thing... and one thing only.

Someone was going to die for harming their intended.

He knew of the loyalty of demon dogs. When their inner beasts chose a life partner they were loyal to them and them alone until their dying breath. However, knowing this fact only made his heart further ache for them both. Tsukiyomi's diagnosis had been very clear. He dared not share the way to break the curse now. Knowing what could have been prevented had Kagome not of been stubborn would only make Sesshomaru feel a million times worse. Besides, even if Sesshomaru found out and were to kiss her lips filled with love and passion and Kagome were to change, she would still die from her body shutting down. Knowing how committed and passionate Inu demon's tended to be towards their life partners, he knew Sesshomaru and his inner beast would forever be alone and unbalanced until they died of a broken heart. Sure, they could live on without her and fulfill the contract to Kagura. But she would be only the mother of his heirs. She would never be his life mate and never heal his broken heart. She would be nothing more than a step higher than a personal concubine. She too would suffer of loneliness and never be filled with love of passion she would desire in a mate.

When they had returned from the beach he had smelled their passion for each other on their clothing. He knew the humans helping take care of her wouldn't of caught that sent. He was tempted to ask what but thought better of it. It was not his business anyway and obviously they had been enjoying their time alone together and something terrible happened. What didn't make sense to him though was that Kagome had still not changed forms despite their intimacy. He could still smell her innocence too. Whatever happened must have stopped them from going any further. So what happened? Had he kissed her and it not work? Where his feelings for her made not of love but lust? Did he simply feel the need to rut or had he not even had a chance to kiss her yet? So many questions ran through his head as he made his way down the Royal Wing. Hearing footsteps approaching he quickly slips into the shadow just in time to avoid bumping into the Duke once again. The Duke for some unnerving reason he noticed was whistling to himself and practically skipped down the hall. Daija did not like the feeling he was getting from Naraku's aura today. Something must have happened and he needed to inform his Lord right away. Seeing the coast was clear he slipped back out of the shadows and made his way to Kagome's door. Knocking on it and whispering the password into the keyhole and waited for Sesshomaru to let him in. After a moment he hears the lock on the door turn and he quickly slips inside.

"Good morning my Lord. Before you depart I wish to speak with you." Daija said quietly before settling on the coach to watch over Kagome.

"What is it you wish to speak of?" asked Sesshomaru curiously. He could feel Daija's anxiety floating about him and his body language communicated something unpleasant.

"After I departed from Kagome's chambers last night I was approached by the Duke in the hallway Sir." Daija said nervously.

"Great…" Sesshomaru said irritated as he rubbed his face with his hand. "Did he recognize you?"

"I'm afraid so Sir. His daughters were also spying through the doorway while he asked about Kagome." Daija said after taking a long breath.

"What did he ask?" Sesshomaru said as he leaned back on the door and crossed his arms over his chest.

"He made mention of seeing medical personnel coming out of Kagome's room and then asked if my human mistress was unwell. I did not answer him but instead redirected him with another question about how he was enjoying his stay. He didn't seem too pleased about that. I quickly excused myself before he could ask me anything else. I do fear he and his daughters have been spying on us coming in and out of the room. We will need to take extra caution with who comes into this room and who has access to the code more than ever. Also, I am fairly sure he is up to something Sir." Daija informed.

"Explain." Sesshomaru said as he looked down at the snake through squinting eyes.

"When I was on my way here I saw the Duke making his way down to breakfast. He was in an unusually good mood this morning Sir and the feeling in his aura made me quite unnerved. I am not positive but I have a strong feeling that something is afoot and you need to proceed with caution this afternoon at the board meeting." Daija said urgently.

"Hn. Thank you for informing me. I am to meet with Miroku before lunch anyway. I will be sure to add to his preparations for the meeting this afternoon. You said the Duke was on his way to breakfast when you last saw him?" asked Sesshomaru.

"Yes, Sir. Not ten minuets ago." Daija informed.

"Very well. I will make my way down there to make out his… persona. Please keep me posted on any developments on Kagome. I do not care what I am doing. If she suddenly declines in health you or whoever is assisting in her care is to reach me at once." Sesshomaru ordered as he straightened himself up. He then took one last look at Kagome before returning to the door.

"Yes, Sir." Daija said with a bow.

After hearing the door lock behind him Sesshomaru made his way to breakfast to investigate. Walking through the dinning hall doors he slips into the table closest to him and begins making small talk with some of his other guests. After settling down he begins to discreetly scan the room so not to draw attention to his actions. What he wasn't expecting though was when he finally caught the Duke's eye he was staring right back at him. It was as if he had been waiting for him. A chill ran down his spine in disgust as a malicious grin filed with pointed yellowed teeth spread across his lips and his dark red eyes glazed over with a burning flame of malice. It was as if the entire room in the moment had emptied and it was now only he and the devil himself. He showed no intimidation in his amber eyes. He would not allow this deceitful spider to entangle him in anymore of his webs. Showing no fear or acknowledgement of his threat Sesshomaru played it off as if it he didn't notice. He did not wish to tip off the Duke of his suspicion. Sesshomaru was no fool to the art of aristocratic battle strategy or the games of politics. He would be sure to have all of his chess pieces in place before he squashed him like the half-demon spider he was. Turning his attention back to the guests at his table he finished the rest of his breakfast in peace. He then dismisses himself and makes his way to his study to prepare for the battle that was sure to come. Sitting down at his desk he quickly gets to work finishing the last minuet details needed to be done before the meeting. As he was signing his signature on one of the last documents he heard whispering coming through the shell around his neck. Bringing it to his ear he hears his brother's voice.

"Sesshomaru?! Sesshomaru are you there?" called Inuyasha through the shell.

"Inuyasha? Where the hell are you?! I've been calling you for days!" snapped Sesshomaru through the shell angrily.

"Yeah…. sorry about that! I had a little run in with Urasue and I couldn't get in contact with you until now." Inuyasha said apologetically through the shell.

"Urasue?! Are you alright? Did she harm you?" asked Sesshomaru concerned.

"It's a long story…" Inuyasha said unsure of how to answer him.

"Inuyasha." Sesshomaru said sternly.

"Look… I'll be home tonight. I'll explain everything at the party alright?" Inuyasha shouted trying to calm his brother down.

"Very well. I will see you then. Be sure to not to be late. It is YOUR party after all." Sesshomaru commanded.

"Uh… what time does it start again exactly? heh heh" asked Inuyasha nervously.

"The party will begin just after sunset. You will be announced with me at around 7:30. Be sure to dress appropriately." Sesshomaru said annoyed.

"Yeah yeah I'll be there. 7:30... no problem!" Inuyasha said in an uncaring tone.

"Hm. Until tonight little brother." Sesshomaru said.

"Got it. See you then." Inuyasha said finishing their conversation.

After hearing his brother say goodbye Sesshomaru finished the last of his work and rung a bell for a servant to take them away to be sent out. Leaning back in his chair he closed his eyes to gather his thoughts. As he rested, his mind once again drifted off to Kagome. Spending the day with her yesterday had been absolutely amazing. He knew the memory of riding on A-Un through the clouds and hearing her laugh ring in the air before sharing their first touches together as lovers on the beach would forever be imprinted upon his heart. He never expected for any of this to happen or for him to have fallen so deeply in love with another being. Despite the pain and knowledge of her approaching death he would never ask to have not met her. She had given him so much and had become a piece of his very being. Since the moment he saw her to when they were reunited this spring his frozen heart had become alive and he had grown stronger because of his love for her. Before he understood and experienced it first hand, he had always believed the power of love to be a weak emotion. Now he knew better! He finally understood what his father had spoken to him about on his deathbed! Love was not a weakness, it was fuel to an already burning fire. He knew he could be stand offish at time and cold towards others, but with kagome every was different. She brought feelings or passion and heat he knew imagined he would experience. She had become like a drug to him and he know from the moment her brilliant blue eyes had looked into his amber ones, he was addicted. He finally found someone worthy of protection. But now.. now she was dying!

Even if they were to find the man Daija had told him she had fallen in love with before the curse and she kissed his lips she would still die! Whoever this x-lover was Sesshomaru just knew in his heart that there was no way she desired to be with them. Not when she had him! He knew from their passion yesterday she had come to feel the same for him as he did for her. She didn't need that other lover anymore. Sure, her x-lover could have kissed her on the lips but those lips now belonged to him! He needed to find another way to save her. He could not... no would not let her down! She was his to protect! His love, his life his everything! She was his and his alone! He would not share her with eternal darkness. She would be his! When his brother returned tonight he was going to ask him how he had come into contact with this Sea Witch. If he couldn't break the spell then he was going to force this sorcerous to revers what had been done. No one messed with what belonged to him. It was the only thing he could think of left that could possibly save her from eternal darkness. As he continued to drift off in his thoughts of Kagome he heard a knock at the door.

"Enter." He said as he straightened himself in his chair behind his desk.

"You wanted to see me my Lord?" asked Miroku as he peaked his head in through the door.

"Yes. Be sure to close the door completely behind you." Sesshomaru said as he watched Miroku come into his study.

"Thank you my Lord." Miroku said as he sat down in the chair across from him. "Are you ready for this afternoon?"

"Almost. I am waiting on my informant to get back to me from England. We made plans before he left to return today. I just hope he arrives before the meeting." Sesshomaru said as he made himself comfortable in his chair before resting his chin on his hands.

"Let us hope so. On a good note I have made special arrangements with some medical professionals to inspect both Kanna and Kagura. They will make sure they are both are free of any mating markings or impure blemishes of any kind. I discreetly went through the court system to insure complete privacy for the Ladies. I got a signature from each house so not to impose bias or suspicion either. I did only ask members of the court who I found to be reliable after our meeting the other day. I did not want to inform the Duke or his informants of our plan. The inspection will be done while we are in the meeting so they wont be able to stop it. Besides, with signatures from each house and the entire court's vote on further examining the contract it was within our rights to perform this before it was brought up in the meeting. I've even made sure to slip the examination requirement form with the documents being addressed for the meeting in Jaken's folder this morning so that way they cannot argue they did not have a chance to question our intent." Miroku informed.

"You are sure this examination requirement form was filled out and documented accordingly within the rights of both countries?" asked Sesshomaru questioningly.

"I am positive Sir." Miroku said confidently. "If all goes accordingly neither you nor your brother will need worry regarding the contract."

"Good." Sesshomaru said with a pleased tone as he leaned back into his chair.

Just then a knock was sounded at the door. Expanding his aura he sensed it to be one of his servants and his informant.

"Enter." Sesshomaru commanded.

"Sir, Hoshiyomi is asking to speak with you." the servant said quietly while remaining in their bow.

"Send him in." Sesshomaru commanded.

"Yes, Sir." The servant said while opening the door further to allow Hoshiyomi inside and then closing the door to give them privacy.

"I pray your travels were successful?" asked Sesshomaru as soon as the door had closed.

"Yes Sir. My demon ninjas and I infiltrated the Duke's estate and uncovered various forged documents, including your contract Sir. We also looked into your suspicion in regards to the King of England and his daughter. It was just as you suspected. The Duke forced the King to sign over his rights to his Kingdom and his daughter on his deathbed. It was clear to those who had witnessed this that the King was not in his proper state of mind and had no reasoning to sign that contract. We questioned them about it and uncovered various traces of blackmail and fraud accused against them. Because of this they overlooked Naraku forging the King's signature and sealing the document with his blood while he was in his heavily medicated." Hoshiyomi informed.

"Are they willing to testify against him?" asked Miroku curiously.

"I informed them that if they sought sanctuary that you had graced it before. Because of this they were willing to testify against him. I was told that they are already in the process of bringing charges against him in England's court system. They already have enough evidence against him that the court has annulled the marriage contract to the Princess. I over heard that when she received the news she immediately began making her own arrangements with her advisors. She is to be leaving to France first thing tomorrow morning and is now to be wed to the Earl of Paris. Even if the Duke tries to stop his niece, any letters or ships sent to stop her will be too late." Hoshiyomi said with a smug smirk.

"Ha! That is rich! I can't wait to see the Duke's face when he finds out he's going to prison instead of ruling the world!" Miroku said as he laughed.

"Indeed." Sesshomaru said with a small curl to his lip. "I assume you have these documents for me?"

"Yes, Sir." Hoshiyomi said as he opened his leather satchel and handed them to him.

"Good work Hoshiyomi. I am pleased with your results. Although they are not needed here in our courts to punish him. I appreciate the copies for our records. They will be of good use to compare to other forged documents in the future I am sure will pop up. You are dismissed. I am sure your wife by now has heard of your return and will be looking for you." Sesshomaru said as he looked through the documents.

"Thank you Sir and yes you are probably right. It would not surprise me in the least if she wasn't already standing just outside the door." Hoshiyomi said with a light chuckle.

"Hn." Sesshomaru said with a nod before returning his attention towards the documents in his hands.

"Sir." Hoshiyomi said with a bow before making his way towards the door.

Just as the servant was closing the door behind him Sesshomaru and Miroku both heard a joyful cry coming from down the hall before a crash of something hitting the floor followed by joyful laughter.

"Tsukiyomi sure is a lucky woman." Miroku teased as he shook his head with a light chuckle to his tone.

"Indeed." Sesshomaru responded. "Now back to the task at hand. There has been a new development in Kagome's safety I wish to make you aware of."

"Oh? What has happened?" asked Miroku growing nervous in his seat.

"After you all left Kagome's chambers last night Daija had a run in with the Duke." Sesshomaru informed seriously.

"Oh dear…" Miroku said slightly paling in complexion. "Did he do anything? Make a move?"

"Not directly. Daija said Naraku asked about Kagome and then this morning was in an unusually good mood. I looked into it and found his findings to be disturbingly accurate. It would not surprise me if he hasn't already made the court aware of Kagome and is going to use her as leverage against me." Sesshomaru said annoyed.

"We will need to keep on our toes. Be ready to explain your relationship. Who knows who his informants have poisoned against you. Even though we have our plan in place they could still pull something out from under the rug we do not expect." Miroku said with concern.

"Agreed. Is there anything else you wish to discuss? I wish to check on Kagome before our meeting." asked Sesshomaru.

"Only to ask if you have heard from your brother." said Miroku.

"I have. He will be attending the party this evening." Sesshomaru said as he and Mirioku stood up from their seats and made their way toward the door.

"Wonderful! Well, enjoy your time with Kagome Sir. I will be in my office preparing for the battle this afternoon." Miroku teased with a wink.

"Indeed." Sesshomaru smirked.

Sesshomaru then made his way towards the Royal wing. On his way he mentioned to one of the servants to deliver his lunch to his bedchambers and for the staff to finish up their remaining details for the celebration tonight. Reaching Kagome's room he commenced the door ritual before Daija opens it for him to come inside.

"Good afternoon my Lord." Daija said as he opened the door for him.

"Afternoon. How is Kagome?" Sesshomaru said as he stepped into the room seeing Kagome resting peacefully on the bed.

"She is doing as well as she can at the moment. She awoke about an hour ago when Tsukiyomi came in to check on her. We tried to get her to eat but she struggled keeping anything down." Daija said grimly.

"Hm. Before you go, please wait in my chambers. I have ordered a servant to bring me my lunch and I did not wish them coming to her door." Sesshomaru said as he pulled the chair up beside Kagome's bedside to sit in.

"Of course Sir. I presume you will be staying until you are needed for your meeting later this afternoon?" asked Daija.

"Yes, I will remain here in your stead. Once you retrieve my lunch you are free to enjoy the rest of the day. Send Sango to care for her until my return later this evening." Sesshomaru said as he tenderly brushed Kagome's bangs back on her face.

"Yes Sir." Daija said just as they heard a knock coming from next door.

Daija slips threw their connected bathroom and makes his way into Sesshomaru's bedchambers and opened the door to retrieve the lunch. Thanking the servant Daija then makes his way back to Sesshomaru. Placing the lunch tray on the table beside the bed he then excuses himself and leaves Sesshomaru to the stillness of the room. Sitting back in his chair Sesshomaru nibbles on his lunch as he watches over Kagome. Despite his lack of appetite he forced himself to eat and focused his attention on the soft beat of her heart and her shallow breathing as she slept. He had been looking out the window at their lagoon when he heard the sheets on the bed behind him move. Turning around he sees that Kagome was beginning to wake from her sleep. Sitting on the edge of his seat he leans closer to her so she didn't have to try and expend any unnecessary energy. Her shadowed eyes flutter open and turned to focus into his amber ones. A soft smile graced her delicate lips as she brought up a shaky hand to touch his face. Despite her cold touch he leaned into her hand and smiled back at her with every ounce of comfort he could give.

"Sess…so..maru" Kagome weakly croaked out just above a whisper.

"How is my mermaid feeling today?" Sesshomaru said back gently as he covered her hand over his cheek with his.

He then brought his other hand up to cup along her cheek and rested his fingers in her raven locks. His thumb gingerly caressing her skin as he looked into her paling blue eyes.

"Ka…gome… ok." she said back tiredly with her soft smile still blushing her lips. "Sessomaru, no... bizies?"

"No... Sesshomaru no bizies." Sesshomaru smirked with a light chuckle before brushing her nose with his at her cute effort at trying to say busy. "My time is needed here right now."

"Hn. Goodz" Kagome chuckled back before her face grew serious and her smile slowly slipped into a frown.

"Muchas… gracias." she then said catching him by surprise.

"What is it you thank me for Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked back curiously as he leaned back slightly so he could give her his full attention.

"Kagome safez n catzels." she said quietly. "Many new fins… Sango, Mywoku, Tsuki… Kade n… Enuyasa."

As she spoke of how she was thankful for being safe in his castle and gaining new friends in his beautiful world a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Are you in pain?" asked Sesshomaru as he brushed away her tear with his thumb resting against her cheek.

"No… Kagome ok. Me… happyz!" She said as she sniffled.

"Happy?" Sesshomaru said with a questioning look across his brow. "How can you choose to be happy when you suffer so?"

Before she could answer a coughing fit hit her and Sesshomaru handed her a handkerchief off of the bedside table. She then cleared her soar throat and looked back into his warm amber eyes and said, "Good timez… new worldz, new fins… Valencia… city. So so bootiful."

She then had to calm her breathing to regain what she was about to say next. Fresh tears began to fall down her cheeks as she looked up into his eyes.

"Sess..." she began with a quivering jaw.

As the tears ran down her face his chest tightened at the sight. Bringing his other hand to her other cheek he cupped her face in a tender embrace as he listened to her heart felt declaration.

"Timez n lagoonz, n catzles, n sky. A-Uh n beach…" she said through a shaky breath. "So... happyz."

"Sess… n Kagome… only." she said before her tears began to turn into a sob. "No onez else... no onez else."

Pulling her carefully into his arms he held her tight as her hot tears ran down his neck. Feeling the need to be closer to her he pulls himself up beside her on the bed and climbs under the sheets. As she cried her body trembled against his. He rubbed her back up and down with his large hand and whispers comforting words in her ear to try and bring what comfort he could. After a while she managed to regain herself enough to pull back and finish what she wanted to say.

"Sess n Kagome n bed. Kagame happyz!" she said snuggling into his embrace as close as she could get.

"These moments together are special to me too for I desire to spend them with no one else either." Sesshomaru said while he nuzzled into the top of her hair. "Every moment with you I cherish and I know our time now is short but…"

He then slowly pulled back so he could look into her eyes once more and said, "I refuse to give up hope or to say my goodbyes yet. I will do whatever is in my power to save you my Kagome. This I swear."

A soft smile graced her sweet lips as she looked up into his devoted stare. They rippled in amber and honey gold and were aflame in passion and determination. Wanting to trust in his hope but knowing she couldn't she settled with just simply enjoying the moment while she could. She had shared her heart to him and to her surprise he had openly shared his in return. How she wished she had known of his heart before hand and that he no longer desired his predestined mate before it was too late. Unfortunately the fates continued to turn against her and she knew even if they were to kiss or to become mates it wouldn't matter. She would still die tomorrow. She knew it would hurt him. So she would not confess her love because he deserved to be free from her. He deserved a chance and she couldn't bare to make him feel any remorse or pity. Growing tired she reached her hand up to his face and began to lightly trace the markings like she used to do when they had first been reunited.

"Ok…" she said softly as she closed her eyes and rested in his embrace.

"Hn." Sesshomaru said in response with a soft smile. Happy that she didn't fight his wishes.

As she closed her eyes and continued to trace the marking on his face he leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes as well. Savoring in their intimate touches. Nothing more was needed to be said between them in that moment. They both knew their time was running short and couldn't seem to have the ability to separate from each other's embrace. As they continued to hold each other they soon drifted off to sleep regaining strength and peace from the other. It wasn't until a knock was sounded at the door an hour or so later that Sesshomaru stirred from his slumber. Carefully extracting himself from her embrace he straightened his rumbled clothing. He then leaned forward and kissed her cheek before nuzzling her under her chin. Reluctantly pulling away he then made his way over to the door to let Sango inside.

"Oh good, she is resting." Sango said quietly as she made her way inside. "How is she doing?"

"She grows weaker with every passing hour but she told me in her own way that she is at peace." Sesshomaru said with a sad expression in his eye as he looked at Kagome as she slept.

"She has become like a little sister to me… I will be sure to keep a close eye on her until you return my Lord." Sango said as she sat down in the chair near her bed.

"If anything changes be sure to inform me at once regardless if I am busy or not." Sesshomaru commanded as he began opening the door.

"Yes, Sir." Sango said as she turned her attention back to her sleeping friend on the bed.

Sesshomaru look at Kagome once more before he closed the door behind him. He then slipped into his room and quickly changed into a fresh set of cloths. Washing his face in his washbasin he grabbed the items he required for his meeting and then made his way towards the boardroom. On his way he went over his plan again in his head and mentally pumped himself up so he could focus his full attention at the task at hand. Whatever war Naraku had in store he knew he needed to be at his best. He could not loose. Making his way to his seat he takes note of everything and everyone present in the room. He could not afford to miss anything. Seeing Miroku take his seat they both quickly exchange glances before watching Jaken begin to prepare the documents required for their meeting. Seeing a smile briefly cross Miroku's lips he knew their document was still intact and legally present for their defense. Feeling better about their meeting already he continued to assess his battlefield. Seeing the Duke take his seat across the hall and everyone begin to settle down he looks to his house officials for the ok to begin their meeting. Taking a stand he takes hold of his court mallet and brings their court into session. He just prayed to the gods that whatever the outcome, his people wouldn't suffer under the hand of deceit and destruction.

(End of Chapter 31)

(I wonder what will happen it court?! Will Sesshomaru see Kagame again? Or will something happen to her before? What about the Duke and the High Councilmen? What evil plot could they be cooking up?! Only time will tell. Be sure to follow along to find out! Please let me know of your thoughts or predictions! I'd love to hear them. Thanks again for reading. You are awesome! More Chapters to come!)