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: "Russian Waltz - Dark Waltz - Relic of Novgorod" and "Really Slow Motion - This Ends now (Epic Dark Orchestral)." 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: Celebration Part III

The Duke was getting ready to come out of his room when he heard Inuyasha knock on the First Lady's bedroom door.

"It's me Inuyasha." Naraku heard him say.

"What's the password?" asked a female voice on the other side of the door.

"Oh yeah… sorry I forgot." Naraku heard him say as he spied through the crack of his door. He then watched Inuyasha bend down to the keyhole and whisper "Curioso."

(Russian Waltz - Dark Waltz - Relic of Novgorod)

A wicked smile slid across Naraku's lips as he heard the door unlock and watched Inuyasha slip inside the room. At last he had discovered the way in! With spirits lifted he looked himself over once more in his bedroom mirror. Seeing nothing out of place he quickly slipped out of his room and made his way down the hall to meet his daughters in the ballroom. Taking his seat at their assigned table he indulges in the grandeur of the celebration. He had been livid after hearing his deal with Lord Sesshomaru and Kagura hadn't work out like he had planned. Kagura over the years had been a godsend in helping finalize deals and gain easy cash when he needed it. Having the fortune of having Kagura favor much of his deceased mate's good looks he easily could make a profit off of her body. He had planned on using Kanna the same way once she grew up a little bit more. To bad his mate had died after giving birth to Kanna. He rather like having her around for a good rut. When he had been looking over the contract a year ago he had panicked. Seeing the issue regarding the brides purity in the fine print he knew he had to come up with a way to cover his mistake. Lucky for him he did not sell Kanna's body to anyone yet. Once he could figure out how to convince the court to marry Kanna and Inuyasha off as soon as possible he would find a way to get rid of Sesshomaru and finally be in control of Spain.

Looking over his daughters as he sat at the table he was pleased at their choice of dress. Kagura was dressed in a rich green satin evening gown that's collar showed off her shoulders and the tops of her enhanced breasts he had paid a fortune to fix. He could tell her corset was extra tight by the small portion sizes she consumed and how little she talked at the table. Her makeup was done to perfection like always and her lips were painted a dark red color. Her hair was pinned up high on her head and she had loose curls hanging down the back teasing onlookers towards her slender neckline. She had black feathers and broaches in her hair and wore black gloves on her hands. Despite her loss at becoming Queen of Spain, he planned on searching for the highest eligible male available at the ball tonight to try to wed her off before her state of impurity spread. Looking over to his youngest he was pleased at her elegant taste. Her silver hair was pinned like her sisters but had blue ribbons braided through them and little crystal pins woven about her crown making her sparkle. She wore a soft blue evening gown and it gave her an angelic look. With her quiet submissive nature and elegant mannerisms he knew she would make an excellent queen one day. That is... after he gets ride of Sesshomaru.

After the waiters had cleared their tables of their meals Naraku urged his daughters to engage with the ladies of the court while he scouted for a potential suitor. Having scouting for better part of an hour Naraku introduced Kagura to the Earl of Germany. The Earl was well known for being a well respected leader and rumor had it that he had been sent by the his father to secure a mate. To his luck it seemed Kagura's good looks and charming personality he had engrained in her over the years had just so happened to capture the Earl's undivided attention. He inwardly laughed as he watched Kagura's seduction slowly draw him in like a moth to a flame. Trusting his daughter to not fail him he leaves her to task and hopefully into his bed by the end of the night. Looking about the room for Sesshomaru and Inuyasha he see's them returning from the garden. Why they had left the party he had no clue but not caring to find out he looks about the room for his next mission. Catching Takemaru's eye they slip out those same doors and make their way into the gardens. Once they felt they were in a secluded section of the garden they flared their aura's to make sure no one else could listen.

"What was that today in court?" snapped Naraku bitterly. "You told me you would be prepared."

"I had not expected them to sneak into your daughters room while we were in our meeting and you had sworn to me that the cloaking spell on Kagura was strong enough!" barked back Takemaru as he pointed his finger into Naraku's face angrily.

"No I had not expected that as well with her spell. I asked Kagura how they had managed to clear it. She said one of the healers had been a miko." Naraku said through gritted teeth. Growing irritated he sat at the little rod iron table near the fountain they were standing near.

"A miko? I was not aware we had any in our service?! Miroku must have requested assistance from outside the castle so that I wouldn't become aware of it until it was already too late. Damn it! I underestimated him!" Takemaru cursed as he took the seat across from Naraku. "However, fortunate for us your Kanna was able to pass her part of the arrangement."

"Indeed. We must marry them as soon as possible. Seeing how things have been going we need to do it before Sesshomaru and Inuyasha find another loophole." Naraku said with urgency.

"I agree. Now that Inuyasha has returned from his travels I plan on urging the court at tomorrow's meeting to arrange just that. Hopefully by this time next week your daughter will be married and I will finally be able to get my revenge on these damn dogs!" Takemaru sneared.

"Our revenge might come in our grasps sooner than you think my old friend." Naraku said as he turned from the fountain to look at Takemaru with an evil gleam twinkling in his eye.

"What do you mean?" Takemaru asked curiously.

"I have finally uncovered the code to unlocking the First Lady's chambers." Naraku said with a wicked grin.

"At long last… I can finally strike my revenge and be finished of this long drawn out demise." Takeamaru said evilly.

"Let's not wast time. I say we striking tonight while Sesshomaru is still at the party. I can send in a couple of my men and arrange for them to meet you." The Duke suggested as he looked back at the fountain.

"Have them strike two hour's past midnight. We will be sure to keep Sesshomaru busy as the party continues to play out. That way we have an alibi if the court suspects anything. Then when he returns to his chambers we will make our way to the abandoned beach house south of here near the docks." Takemaru said as he stood back up from his seat.

"Very well. I will take my leave to inform my men. I will return to the party as soon as possible. Please keep an eye on my daughters until I return." Naraku said before taking his leave.

After finalizing their wicked plan Takemaru returned to the party just in time to hear Shako begin his evening announcements. When he heard what the city officials and some of his fellow members of the court had decided he sneered at their kindness. Water Kingdom alliance or not Kagome was the tool to his revenge and could careless about what happened to her or the new alliance. She was dying anyway right? After watching Sesshomaru and Kagome dance he tried not to throw up at the dramatic display of affection. Over hearing the women around the room sniffling and crying in grief of their Lord's intended's approaching death he couldn't help but cringe.

(xxx end music xxx)

"Women…" he thought to himself with a scoff.

When the dance finally finished he saw Kagome pull out a blue and black sword from her chair. Unsure of what it was and growing nervous at the state of shock clearly shown in Sesshomaru's stance he stepped out of the crowd.

"My Lord what blade has she given you?" he asked.

"She has returned to me what once belonged to my Father." Sesshomaru said while looking into his eyes. Something in their amber glow made the hair stand up on the back on his neck but he dared not show his discomfort. He couldn't loose face. Not now! Not when he was so close to getting what he had been craving for for over 50 years! But what was in that look?! Did he know something? Had he figured out his treachery?

"Can it be? The lost sword has finally been found?" Takemaru heard Elder Saya say on the other side of the dance floor.

As Saya asked this he watched Sesshomaru bent down on one knee and take hold of both of Kagome's hands in his. He kissed her knuckles tenderly making everyone gasp at the sign of respect and affection. He personally just wanted to gag.

"It has… and once again…. all because of her." Sesshomaru said.

"Cheers for Princess Kagome and the return of Tenseiga!" shouted someone in the crowd. And at that a loud cheer erupted about the room making a gentle smile grace across her face. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and lightly laughed.

He watched the snake demon and Kagome then say their goodbyes before retreat for the evening. Thankfully he did;t miss the signal Sesshomaru subtly motioned for Inuyasha to follow after them.

"No amount of protection you use tonight will keep your woman away from me eldest son of Inu no Tashio. Your bitch will be MINE!" Takemaru thought wickedly to himself as he watched Inuyasha sneak out the door to make his way after them.

Not wanting to be suspected of spying Takemaru made his way over towards his fellow members of the court and engaged in harmless chitchat. Feeling the party begin to die down and seeing Sesshomaru talking nearby Takemaru takes this as his chance to distract him from going to Kagome's aid.

"My Lord Sesshomaru may I have a moment of your time?" Takemaru asked just above a speaking voice so that he knew the demon dog could not have not heard him.

"Yes High Councilmen?" Sesshomaru asked as he turned towards him.

"Today's development at court was most… interesting. Have you found another eligible female for the court to consider?" he asked nonchalantly.

"SHHHH not so loud High Councilmen!" Advisor O-Yukata reprimanded in a harsh whisper. He had been talking to Sesshomaru when Takemaru inturpted their conversation. "That news has yet to be disclosed to the public! You wish to cause a riot amongst the Ladies of the court?"

"Touché... I apologize for the offense. I was simply curious! Besides after a 50 year contract goes down the drain do you question my concerns Elder? So what say you my Lord? Have you considered another eligible maiden?" asked Takemaru making the group behind him turn to look at Sesshomaru.

All had seen the minor slip of Sesshomaru's inner demon as he danced. They all knew what that meant but despite this knowledge they were still curious to see what he would say.

"I have." Sesshomaru said making everyone stiffen in surprise.

"Who my Lord?" asked Councilmen Shako in a whisper as he came closer so not to draw attention.

"Princess Kagome of Atlantica. If I find the key to breaking her curse, she is to turn into a land dweller permanently. I know what it is you saw. Would you deny my Beast and I of this happiness?" said Sesshomaru seriously.

"Oh, my Lord Sesshomaru this is much to consider!" said High Priest Goryomaru anxiously.

"Indeed. If what you say does happen and she does not pass away from her curse and she becomes one of us we will be sure to bring it before the court. But if not… have you considered a possible contender?" Takemaru asked thoughtful.

"Not with the recent separation of Lady Kagura and I's engagement. I do not wish to rush into anything without considerable thought. Apparently 50 years wasn't enough time to disclose a proper mate so needless to say hours later would simply not do. Now if you will excuse me I need to begin dismissing everyone for the evening." Sesshomaru said as he began to turn away.

"Before you do my Lord I did have one other question for you." said Takemaru.

"Yes... High Councilmen?" Sesshomaru said with a raised eyebrow and a slightly annoyed tone.

"Has your brother consulted with the Duke on whether or not the wedding would be partaking here or back in England?" asked Takemaru. "I am unsure of how long the Duke is staying and it would be wise of him to arrange this before they depart."

"You forget High Councilmen the court has yet to decide my brother's fate to Lady Kanna." Sesshomaru said.

"You make it sound as if there is cause for the court to void the contract?" said Takemaru questioningly.

"Is there something you have not shared with us my Lord?" asked High Priest Mushin.

"Yes, I found out about it this evening." Sesshomaru said as he crossed his arms behind his back and stood proudly. It made the members of the court wary of what he was about to share next.

"Pray tell? What it is you have uncovered my Lord!" asked Councilmen Nanushi curiously.

"As many of you know my brother vanished without a trace a few days ago." Sesshomaru began causing the group before him to nod their heads in remembrance. "It appears my brother went behind our backs and has found his own loophole."

"Loophole? What has he done!" asked Elder Taigomaru nervously. "I pray it was nothing serious."

"That depends on your point of view towards his actions. My brother by his own endeavors eloped with Princess Kikyo of Atlantica and is now future King of the Water Kingdom and leading ally." Sesshomaru said proudly despite the shocked gasps in return.

"Eloped?!" gasped High Priest Goryomaru with wide eyes.

"And.. and future Kk... king of the the Water Kingdom?" Takemaru said in shock.

"The Duke is not going to like this! Not one bit!" Takemaru thought to himself. "Best keep this to myself for now.."

"Are we at risk of war from England with the new development?" asked Councilmen Boyaku.

"We are not. That I can assure you." Sesshomaru said with a knowing smirk making a chill run down Takemaru's spine.

"Shit... he knows something. But what! Best make sure my actions are covered! Sorry Naraku but if this ship of world domination goes down I ain't sinking with you! The mission is already in action so it's too late to get out now. I'll get my revenge sink back into background and watch as the dog suffers before my very eyes! Ha ha!" Takemaru thought to himself.

"Sounds like there is much to be discussed in the morning." said Elder Saya as he let out a long breath of frustration.

"Indeed. Now gentlemen, I bid you goodnight." Sesshomaru said before taking his leave towards the front of the ballroom. After clinking his almost empty champaign glass to get the room's attention he prepared for the evening's closing remarks.

"I would like to thank everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules in attending my brother's coming of age celebration. Many of you are probably wondering where my brother has been the past couple of days and why he is not currently standing at my side. I would like to announce that my brother as of three days ago eloped with the eldest daughter of the Sea King and has stepped up as next in line for the thrown. Because of this commitment he unfortunately had to leave earlier than planned for the evening. Those who wish to bare him their well wishes please forward them to my retainer and we will be sure to address your congratulations accourdingly. By my calculations we not only have a binding alliance with the Water Kingdom but hopefully a new generation of the Tashio soon to come!" Sesshomaru said making the room erupt in celebration.

After the room calmed back down he raised his glass up into the air and called for the last toast of the night.

"Happy Birthday and Congratulations to future King Inuyasha and Queen Kikyo." toasted Sesshomaru before finishing off his glass.

"CHEERS!" everyone shouted happily.

"Thank you again everyone for your support and investment to the Crown of Spain and the Tashio family. May the gods be with you until we meet again." Sesshomaru finished.

After that Sesshomaru gave his closing orders to his staff and then began to make his way up to the Royal Wing.

[Kagura]

Kagura had been flirting with the Earl of Germany when she heard the clinking of someone preparing to make a toast. When she saw Kagome sitting in her chair dressed in a pink dress she clenched her teeth behind her painted lips. She was so lost in her anger that she almost broke her Champaign glass resting in her hand. Sure, it appeared to have lost the diamond and pearl embroidery on the collar and corset but there was no mistaking it. The human slut was wearing her dress! She was about to give the bitch a piece of her mind when she saw a group of city officials gather around her and pass her two papers to sign. Having missed what had been said from her laps in anger Kagura leaned into the Earls side to find out.

"I missed what was said. Do you mind replaying what has just happened?" asked Kagura seductively as she pressed her breasts into the Earl's arm and looked up into his eyes innocently.

"Aah.. ah of courze my Lady…" The Earl said (with a German accent) as he tried to get his head out of the gutter. "It appearz zat zee Lady bevore us is a hero and haz helped vorm an aliance with zee Vater Kingdom."

"A hero? What heroic deed could this crippled human possibly be able to achieve?" Kagura questioned in disbelief.

"It appearz she vas not alvayz a human and in zee state she is now in my Lady. She apparently is a membah of zee Vater Kingdom and saved Lord Sesshomaru and his Vather from drovning 50 yearz ago! She only recently vas turned into a human and I guess zee curze is slowly killing heir. Such a shame really. Even sick she is lovely. I'm sure vhen she vas in heir truest form she vas absolutely breaf taking." The Earl informed sadly. "So to honeir heir zey are giving heir a dahnce."

Kagura just scoffed at his remark and crossed her arms over her chest. She glared at Kagome in disgust. The Earl not understanding her negative reaction towards Kagome just stood there and looked down at Kagura in confusion. As he watched Kagura observe Kagome as she danced the more he suspected there was more to her dislike of the woman than she was letting up. It was when he heard her growl in displeasure and watched her break her glass in her hand when Lord Sesshomaru began to dance with her that he finally figured it out. He was well aware of Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Kagura's engagement. When the Duke left his daughter without an escort in his care just after dinner he at first was very confused but enjoyed her company nonetheless. She was a beautiful female of nobility and had a dry sense of humor he loved. He could tell under all that makeup and wicked charms that she was a strong independent woman with an inner fire crying to be free. He wasn't a fool. He knew she was putting up a front. But who was he to enjoy her attention? He didn't understand why she acted the way she did or tried so hard. He desperately wanted to see her true self. Seeing her father coming towards them he noticed Kagura stiffen slightly at his approach.

"So that's it…" the Earl thought to himself as he looked at Kagura remorsefully.

"What has happened to your drink Daughter? asked the Duke with a displeased tone.

"It must have been a bad glass." Kagura said as she tried to recover from her mix of emotions.

"I see." The Duke said with a disbelieving glare.

Before the Duke could make another remark the dance finished and everyone around them clapped out of respect for Kagome. The Earl out of respect for the Lady clapped with everyone else while the Duke and Kagura only pretended to clap.

"Wasn't that the most beautiful thing you have every witnessed?" said one Lady to their left with her mascara running down her face.

"Yes, and did you see how his Beast came free momentarily? I pray they find a cure in time for both their sakes!" said the Lady to the woman's right as she pulled out a handkerchief from her large breasts and passed it to her friend.

"Our Lord deserves to be happy after everything he went through growing up. Besides he's worked so hard since he became Lord! He deserves some happiness! I would hate to see him suffer without her." said the Lady's friend as she accepted the handkerchief and wiped the smeared makeup form her face.

"Regardless of whether or not they find a cure she could never be more than a concubine with her human status." The Duke interjected startling the women beside them.

"You cannot be serious? Surely there must be someway for the court to over look this?" said the Lady who had wiped the makeup from under her eyes.

"Unfortunately not. Zee Lord needz a pure-blood heir." The Earl stated as well. "Besides, if she vere to remain a human she vould die in a couple decadez."

"Oh how tragic! No wonder our Lord and Lady Kagome was so distraught." The Lady's friend cried as she covered her mouth in shock.

"Poor Lord Sesshomaru!" the other Lady cried as well.

"Indeed. Ve can only hope zee godz are merciful." The Earl stated before turning his attention back to Karua. "Lady Kagura, do you care to take a turn about zee garden?"

"That sounds lovely." Kagura said with a relieved expression across her face.

At that, Kagura and the Earl escused themselves from the Duke and gathered Ladies of the court and made their way towards the secluded gardens. The Duke seeing his daughter take her leave out the door with the Earl then excused himself from the ladies. Walking around the ballroom he occasionally glanced towards the front of the room where Takemaru and Sesshomaru were talking. When he finally heard Sesshomaru's evening farewell he looked over to Takemaru and sent him a silent cue to take their leave. Slowly backing his way towards the back of the room Naraku slips into the shadows of the room and silently slips out the door and out into the darkness of the night.

[Sesshomaru]

Sesshomaru walked down the Royal Wing and slowly undid his tie as he let out a long tired breath. Being demon he didn't get exhausted very often however being an introvert demon at heart, large gatherings and extended conversations did it in for him. With the drama at court, his brother's elopement and the bustling party... he was bushed. Walking up to Kagome's door he knocks on it and whispers the password into the keyhole. Not receiving a response he knocks on the door and whispers again. Still no answer.

(Really Slow Motion - This Ends now (Epic Dark Orchestral) )

"Hn." Sesshomaru said to himself with a confused scowl on his face.

"Maybe they are asleep?" Beast said in his mind.

"Must be." Sesshomaru replied back while pulling out his key and began to unlock the door.

When he began to open the door the smell of blood and fear hit his senses and he immediately went on the defense. He pushes on the door slowly so not to alert his presence but it gets stuck on something. Carefully peeking his head around the doorframe his eyes widen in shock when he sees Daija lying on the floor in a pool of his blood. Looking around the room for the intruder he sees the bed sheets were all twisted and the stench of fear and some of Kagome's blood near her pillow clung to the fabric. The patio door was still swinging lightly in the breeze and the presence of a cloaking spell still lingered on the breeze. Noticing her absence and the lack of her aura anywhere nearby his stomach twisted in knot. Realizing his worst nightmare had just happened his breathing began to pick up, his nails and his teeth began to elongate. The magenta stripes on his cheeks became jagged and his mouth began to drip with his hypersensitive saliva. As he tried to calm out of his panic attack he felt a pulse at his waist and looked down to see Tetsaiga casting a soft blue glow. Pulling the sword from its sheath the messengers of the underworld became visible to his eye. Feeling a pull towards Daija's body he swiped his sword over his corps and slays the messengers where they stood. Sesshomaru's red eyes widened slightly in surprise as a white light cast over Daija's body sealing his wound and an exaggerated gasp escapes Daija's mouth, returning him to the world of the living once more.

"I… I'm alive?" Daija gasped in surprise as he looked himself over and his newly healed chest.

"What happened?" Sesshomaru snapped in a short tone. "Where is Kagame?"

"My Lord! Forgive me! Someone came to the door and whispered the code into the keyhole like always Sir! When I expanded my aura I found none like you've always done so I assumed it to be you! However, when I unlocked the door someone shoved it open and knocked me to the ground. When I turned to the assailant he struck me down with a blade! I tried calling for help but death took before I could. Please Sir you must find Kagome! She is in very real danger!" Daija cried desperately as he slowly picked himself up off of the ground while still covered in his blood.

"Did you get a lock at the attacker?!" Sesshomaru demanded as he fiercely grabbed Daija by his bloody suit collar.

"Nnn.. no Sir! Th.. they were wearing bb.. black masks and cloaking spells! I fear they were pro.. professionals! You must save her! Please before its too late!" Daija blubbered with tears in his eyes.

Sesshomaru growled as his Beast came free of his chains. Turning to look at Daija shaking fearfully on the floor he gave out orders to lock down the castle until he returned. No one was to leave until they had been throughly searched. After that he rushed out the patio door and transformed into his true form. His smooth skin soon covered in white fur as an elongated snout filled with sharply pointed teeth took its place. His hair flowed down his back and as he magically transformed his clothing changed into his white fur along his body. As he ran his legs began to turn into doglegs forcing him to lean forward and eventually moved on his hands and feet. His fingers turned into paws with deadly claws digging into the soil purpelling him forward. The tails on his coat along with his white moco-moco pelt began to twist together into a long elegant tail with long white hair whipping out behind him as he ran. He also grew in size as he changed. Once he was fully transformed into his white dog demon form he stood a total of 40 feet tall. His red eyes had bright blue pupils and with his striking white fur and demonic markings along his face and body he glowed against the new moon's darkness. Leaping over the castle wall in a single bound he craned his nose up into the air to try and catch their missing intended's sent. His mouth dripped with poison out of frustration at the multiple directions her sent had traveled in. Shaking his head of the confusion he cleared his mind and once again tried to focus in on her location. Remembering smelling blood in her room he was able to dwindle the network of paths down to three locations. Seeing the sky begin to lighten in the distant horizon Sesshomaru and his beast threw their head back and howled into the sky. Their eyes burned with the heat of the hunt and there feet pounded beneath them as they raced across the countryside.

(End of chapter 35)

(This ends day 6! Only 24 hours left! Thank goodness the sword of life saved Daija! Now, will Sesshomaru be able to save Kagome? What of Naraku and Takemaru? What evil plan have they set into place? Also, what of the Earl and Kagura? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out! I really appreciate the feed back and support! Thank you all so so much for reading and following along with the story! Please let me know your predictions! It makes me happy to see you connecting to the story along with me! Plus it's fun to see what you all think! You guys can be so creative! Thank you again for the reviews and messages! You all are the best! More chapters to come!)