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: "Kiss the Girl (Instrumental Version) Wedding Reception Music." 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.

Warning: There is adult content and violence in this chapter. Please take that into consideration when reading. Thank you.

Tides Against Time: Heartache

As the Earl escorted Kagura around the garden they walked and talked. Slowly Kagura came out of her shell. He had gotten her to relax so much that she let her guard down and really laugh. It was a warm sound that brought a smile to his face. It was not the fake forced laugh that all the ladies of the court made but the kind of laugh where it was from deep in the gut, brought tears to your eyes and made you accidently snort when unprepared. He loved seeing her that way and her smile was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He could tell if she were to ever escape the world of society that she would be a carefree woman with the wind in her hair. He enjoyed their conversations and found that they actually had many things in common. For example some of the simpler things they loved were exploring the outdoors, a cold pint beer to a glass of wine, the color blue, colder weather to tropical and freshly baked bread with homemade apple butter. Being honest with himself he found her to be a breath of fresh air compared to all of the other demonesses he had met over the years. Her sassy personality and dry sense of humor stirred something deep in himself he hadn't felt before. Being a Ram demon it wasn't uncommon for him to have multiple lovers at the same time. Just the thought of being with Kagura in that manner only made those feelings stronger but more passionately. With the pressure from the Duke and the way Kagura had been flirting earlier he could only assume that they were trying to get her into his bed. But why act so desperate? He liked her just fine! Were they trying to cover something up? He had seen the way Kagura had responded to her fiancé public display of claiming another. Had Sesshomaru broken off their engagement and the Duke was trying to cover up their intimacy by going to bed with him? Where they trying to cover it up by accusations of rape to save her dignity? He might be thick headed but he wasn't blind or stupid. Needing to know how to protect himself and wanting to better understand the women beside him he led her to a bench.

"Vould you care to rest?" the Earl asked as he offered her a seat on the bench.

"Yes, thank you Sir." Kagura said polietly as she fixed her dress skirt and sat down gracefully.

"Please, call me Max. I fink ve are friends are ve not Lady Kagura?" he said with a teasing look making her smirk.

"Hm, I guess you are right. Is Max short for anything?" asked Kagura curiously.

"Indeed. My vull name is Maximilian Johannes Stein König. But you can just call me Max." he said as he winked making her laugh at his tease.

"(Giggle) Very fitting for a strong Ram demon such as yourself don't you think?" Kagura teased back as she bumped his shoulder with hers making him chuckle.

"Perhaps… now enough about me. I vish to know vhat got you so upzet at zee party?" Max asked Kagura making her stiffen in surprise at his question.

"I don't know what you are referring to," Kagura said quickly as she looked away from him and fluttered her fan to hide her discomfort.

Max wasn't buying it and gently took her hand holding the fan in his. Forcing her to look into his green eyes.

"Do not take me as a fool Kagura. I know vhat it is I saw and I have a feeling I know vhy your Vather has pushed you so hard into seducing me." Max said making her blush at his accusation.

"You know nothing!" Kagura spat as she pulled her hand out from his and began to move away from him.

"Please Kagura... I meant no offense." Max said as he walked behind her and took hold of her hand in his and gently forced her to turn around and look at him. "I vish to help you."

"Help me? No one can help me Max." Kagura said as she turned away from him again and hugged herself for comfort.

"Please Kagura… tell me vhat plagues you so? Is it your broken engagement with Lord Sesshomaru?" he asked curiously as they began to walk aimlessly again through the gardens.

"(Tsk) No, I'm actually glad I don't have to mate that boring old dog. At first I was upset because my whole life I was told he would be mine… but the more I think about it… the more I think I'm upset of the chance at freedom from home than him being taken away. I know that sounds terrible but when you are trained your entire life for the position and then you don't get the job… it feels like I've wasted my life away for nothing!" Kagura said as she ran her fingers along the tall bushes next to her as they walked.

"I can understand zhat but I fink you are still not being completely honest vif me." Max said as he began backing her up into the bushes trapping her.

"I cannot tell you so please stop asking." Kagura pleaded as she looked away from him.

"It's your Vather isn't it?" Max asked as he lifted her chin to make her look into his questioning eyes.

He could tell she was beginning to struggle to hold herself together by the tightening in her jaw and the slight watering glaze to her eyes. She pushed him away from her as the tears began to fall down her face. As she tried to move away from him he caught her from behind and held her close to him.

"Please… just leave me alone!" Kagura cried as she tried to hide her tears from him.

"Kagura... talk to me! Let me help you!" Max pleaded as he held his grip despite her struggles to free herself.

"Don't you get it? I can NEVER be free of him! No matter where I go… my father is ALWAYS two steps ahead of me! He holds my life in his hands and watches my every step! He gets pleasure out of seeing my sister and I suffer as we do his dirty work. We are his puppets and we will FOREVER be tied to him. So please… just let me go. You'll want to be as far away from me as possible in a few days away way." Kagura said defeated as she slumped in his grip and her tears running down her cheeks.

"Vhat do you mean you are his puppetz doing his dirty vork? Vhat has he done? And vhy vould I vant to be parted from you?" asked the Earl questioningly as he relaxed his hold slightly and brought Kagura down to the grass to sit in his lap.

Kagura's ruby red eyes looked up into his green and his heart was stolen in that single moment. Never had he seen such beauty. Her eyes twinkled under the star light rimed with sparkling unshed dimonds. Her cheeks were flushed against her delicately soft porcelain skin. Her lips pouty and red, begging to be kissed. Oh and her hair; rich raven locks curled and tussled from her attempt to flea were soaking in the moonlight casting rays of deep blues and purple. She took his breath away. Needing to be closer to her he gently wiped the tears from her dusted cheeks and held her in his arms as she began to tell her tale. It was there under the stars where Kagura shared of her horrible life as the daughter of York. She told him of the torchers of strict schooling, the operations her Father forced her to have to better enhance her appearance and the strict diet and fitness regiments required of her and her sister. The years of physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse performed by her father and his business partners. Even of her Father's wicked plan to trick Lord Sesshomaru by placing a cloaking spell over her person and how it had failed; miserably. She explained the physical pain the spell had on her body. This added stress, pain and pressure from her Father the past few days had made her extremely short-tempered and physically ill. She hadn't been able to keep down any food the last three days unless in small quantities and confessed she hadn't meant to snap at Kagome the other day. By the time she had, she knew she had to play it off as the rich bitch or her father would reprimand her. She wasn't upset with Kagome in taking Sesshomaru or the fact that she was a human. It was more of the fact that she only added to her pain and took her only chance at freedom away from her.

As the Earl sat and listened to her tale he grew sick to his stomach at the thought of it. How could someone do something so terrible to their own flesh and blood? Or to anyone?! He, like many demons had the inherited trait of being able to sense if someone was lying or not and he could tell she was telling the truth. That only further harden his heart in anger and disgust towards the Duke. He would be sure to report of his wickedness and take Kagura as far away from York as possible if she was willing. When Kagura had finished her tale and didn't hear or see him respond after a while it caused her sprits to only darken at his dismissal of her. She began to move out of his lap with bitterness in her heart when she felt him tighten his hold around her suddenly.

"Let go of me!" Kagura yelled angrily.

"Vhy are you leaving? Have I done somezing to offend you?" The Earl questioned not understanding why she was suddenly angry as he recovered from his shock.

"I just poured out my heart to you and your sit there in disgust! I felt it in your aura so don't you deny it! Now let me go so you can be free of my disgusting person!" Kagura snapped as fresh tears began to fall from her face.

"Kagura please! I vas not disgusted towards you but your Vather! Now would you please let me look at you?!" The Earl shouted back as he kept his tight hold on her as she struggled in his arms.

"Why would you want to look at me? Didn't you hear what I just said?! I'm a used woman! My Father's own personal puppet. You deserve better than to look upon my face. So please… just let me go…" Kagura finished through a shaky breath, just above a whisper.

Holding her wilting form in his arms it tore him to pieces. Where had his feisty mountain lion gone? Gently cupping her under her chin he brought her face to once again look up into his.

"Kagura… please listen to vhat I am about to say" Max begged as his eyes bore into her rippling ruby ones. "I cannot deny that I do long for your touch..."

"Please, you don't have to say anymore." Kagura interrupted as she ripped her chin out from his hand and looked up into the night sky away from him. "I do not want your pity and I do not wished to be used in such a way by you."

She couldn't bare to hear his filthy seduction. She just knew he only saw her as a common whore now and would use her just like everyone else. She had come to really like him and found him to be extremely handsome. She loved his piercing green eyes and long sandy blond hair. She even liked his strong ram horns on top of his head and trimmed petite styled goatee on his chiseled chin. She could tell he was well built from his broad shoulders, thick neck and muscular thighs. Being a ram demon she could only imagine the power he could punch both on the battle field and in the bedroom. She though his accent was very masculine and his sense of humor was dry, just like she liked it. No one had talked to her like he did. He treated her like someone who was a close friend and it made her heart flutter at the acceptance. When he had been holding her she had felt so safe and before she even realized what she was doing, she had shared her brokenness with him unlike anyone else. But now, he would cast her aside too. Her Father was right… she wasn't worth shit.

"Vould you please let me finish before you assume anyzing?!" The Earl snapped loosing his patience.

"Fine, whatever. Do what you want with me. I don't care." Kagura said emotionless as she sat in his lap limply.

The Earl just shook his head sadly as he let out a long breath before he continued. He would say his peace and it would be her choice to listen and accept it or not.

(Kiss the Girl (Instrumental Version))

"Vhat I vas trying to say before vas I do not deny in wanting to be with you and that it angers me to know of zee horrible zings zhat have happened to you. It has stirred somezing deep in my soul zat I have yet to understand. I vanted to let you know zat I fink you are an amazing vomen. You are funny, smart and even after everyfing you've been frough you still hold your head up high! You are a strong vomen Kagura! Do not zink zat has gone unnoticed." The Earl said seriously making Kagura look at him in disbelief.

"Why are you saying these things?" asked Kagura confused.

"Because I really like you Kagura!" The Earl shouted passionately making Kagura blush at his confession before turning her gaze away from him.

"Did you know in my culture bof men and vomen often take mulziple partneirs and rut wizout attachment?" The Earl asked curiously.

"What?!" Kagura asked in disbelief as she snapped her attention back to his face.

"It iz true. As a Ram, we often take multiziple partners in our life time. Vhat you have told me of your experience doez not bozeir me. If anyzing it excites me! I rather like a tigrez in my bed." The Earl said with a wicked gleam in his eye and a seductive smirk on his lip making Kagura's face turn a dark red.

"I... I don't disgust you? I'm sure you would change your mind if you truly new what my sent was like." Kagura said disbelieving.

"Let down your spell vomen and I will show you how serious I am." Max said seriously, leaving no room for argument.

Kagura unsure at first hesitated as she looked up into his wild forest green eyes. Figuring the world was going to find out in a few days any way she slowly let down the spell. She could feel the aches and pain lift from her body with every inch she let slip from her grasp. It was as if a tun of bricks had evaporated from her person. When it had finally broke she closed her eyes and let out an exhausted breath. It felt so good to be free of that burden. Afraid to open her eyes again and see Max's face wrinkled in disgust she kept them closed. She couldn't bare his rejection because with him, it would only be the beginning of a long and torturous future. Feeling a brush against her cheek she snapped her eyes open in surprise. Her breath caught at the sight before her. Max's face wasn't what she had thought it would be at all! It was soft around the edges and his eyes rippled with a mix of emotions she could not make out. She was about to ask him to look away when he said something that made her heart skip.

"Beautiful…" he whispered softly as he looked about her face and gently stroked her cheek.

After hearing that, Kagura broke into a heart-breaking sob. Never has that word meant anything to her. She had heard it a million times and knew it was only false passing gestures to get her into someone's bed. But hearing it pass his lips it smashed her into a million pieces and she had never felt so vulnerable. Her ruby red eyes ran with every ounce of her brokenness and he brought up his other hand to cup her heart shaped face.

"May I kiss you my Lady?" he asked gently.

Kagura at this point was having a hard time breathing and could only shake her head yes in response. He had every right to turn her away like trash but instead he told her she was beautiful from the depths of his heart and treated her like a Lady by asking properly before stealing a kiss. When his lips first brushed against hers it took her breath away at the gentleness. She loved how full they felt against hers and how the butterflies spread through her stomach when he deepened their kiss. As they held each other on the grass Max pulled Kagura close to him and not once disrespected her person with wondering hands. She melted in his embrace. When their sweet kisses began to deepen further he moaned in passion making her swell with warmth and adoration. Not wanting to go to far and ruin the trust that had formed Max reluctantly pulled back and kissed away her tears making her giggle. When he finished he smirked at her returned twinkle in her eye and the soft smile across her swollen kissed lips. Brushing her hair that had fallen out of place from their argument early behind her ear he savored in its silkiness.

"I vish to ask you somezing." Max asked with a serious gleam in his eye.

"What is it?" asked Kagura curiously as she fiddled with his tie and collar absentmindedly.

"I am departing back to Germany tomorrow. Vould you vant to come with me?" asked Max curiously.

"Oh... Max, I don't know… What about my Father and Kanna?" asked Kagura anxiously.

"Leave your Father to me. And your sister is velcome to come if she vishes. I'm very serious about this Kagura. Will you give me zee honor of Courting you?" Max asked as he kissed her knuckle while looking up into her eyes pleadingly.

"You want to Cc.. court… me?" Kagura asked in disbelief with wide ruby eyes.

"I vas not joking vhen I said I liked you Kagura. You have enchanted my Beast and ve vish to get to know you better. So vill you run away with me?" Max asked again with a small smirk.

Kagura's face lit up in a bright teary smile and a warm laugh rose up from her chest as she looked up into his handsome face.

"Yes! Yes, I will run away with you, you frivolous old goat." Kagura teased back making him smile and laugh in return. Feeling the need to seal their commitment they brought their lips together in a joy filled kiss. When their lips parted for a much needed breath Max lifted her up from his lap and took her hand in his and began to make their way back to the Castle.

"My ship departs at noon. Be sure to be at zee stable 20 minuets till so ve can make it to zee ship in time. I vill be sure to take care of everyfing. Stay clear of your Vather as much as possible and I vould speak to your sister tonight if you can." He said as he walked her to her bedchamber.

"Good night my Lady." He said before taking her hand in his and kissing her knuckles tenderly.

"I'll speak with Kanna tonight. I will do my best to be there on time. Goodnight your Grace." Kagura said then kissed his cheek before slipping into her room and slowly closing it with a happy smile on her face.

As soon as Max could no longer see her peaking through her door at him, he reluctantly made his way to his chambers. Plopping down on the bed he took off his boots, stripped down to his undergarments and slid under the sheets. Tonight had gone better than he could have ever hoped. His Father had sent him to the ball in his stead to find a potential mate and boy did he find one. He couldn't wait to get his little mountain lion home. He just knew she was going to love Germany! He tried to sleep but with her on his mind, his heart, body and soul couldn't seem to relax. As he thought over what she had told him his inner Beast's desire to protect her only further riled him up. Giving up on sleep he packed his belongings and began making his plans on how to take down Kagura's Father. He knew there had to be dirt somewhere he could use to at least get the arrest and persecutions stated somewhere. Seeing the sun rising in the distance he took a cold bath, dressed and made his way down to the dinning hall. He couldn't waste a single second! If he truly wanted to help his intended and free her from her Father's wicked grasps he needed to find dirt and he needed to do it now! Grabbing a quick bite he then made his way to the boardroom. There was bound to be someone there he could confide in! Seeing a man dressed in courtly robes up ahead of him, he made his way over to him.

"Excuze me Sir, but are you a member of zee Spanish Court?" asked Max.

"Yes. How may I help you?" asked the man. "I don't mean to be rude but please make it quick. The Castle has been placed under lockdown and I am needed right away."

"Oh deir! Vhat has happened? Come, let us valk to your location as ve speak so I do not hold up your time!" Max said surprised.

"Thank you for your flexibility. It appears that Princess Kagome was kidnaped from her bedchambers last night. We have locked down the Castle to account for who all is still present and who is not." the man said as they hastily walked towards the boardroom.

"Kidnapped? Please allow me to be of assistance!" Max said urgently.

"Thank you! That would be greatly appreciated! Now what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" he asked as they turned a corner.

"I have been invormed of some very disturbing news regarding zee Duke of York and I vish to report a crime." He said earning a shocked expression from the man.

"A crime? This is very serious indeed. Come, you shall join me and my brothers in the boardroom. It would be best if we all heard this." said the man.

"Of course. Pray vhat is your name Sir?" asked Max.

"Oh, excuse my rudeness. My name is Miroku, second chair Advisor to the Spanish Crown." Miroku said as he extended his hand out for him to shake as they entered the room.

"Pleazure, I am Maximilian Johannes Stein König; Earl of Germany." Max said proudly as he accepted his shake.

"Well we appreciate you service your Grace. Now come! There is much to do!" Miroku said as they walked into the room.

"Gentlemen! Gather round we have much to discuss! In addition to the missing Princess, the Earl of Germany has come to report a crime." Miroku ordered making the courtly officials quickly get into their seats to begin their meeting.

"Where is High Councilmen Takemaru?" asked Elder Saya as everyone began to look around the room.

"We will have to take account of his absence. Unfortunately at this point anyone could be responsible. Now come! We don't have time to loose! Princess Kagome only has till sunset!" Miroku directed.

It was there Maximilian shared of Kagura's tale. The Court had been in shock because nothing he shared had been released to the public and for him to know of such details only further solidified the case. Having shared his account the Court took account of their attendance and allowed them clearance for departure. Giving them his thanks he made his way out of the boardroom and towards a new future.

[Kagome]

Kagome awoke to the sound of seagulls calling in the distance and a horrible musty, moldy smell filling her nose. She could feel something gritty rubbing against her skin and something dried along her eyebrow. Fluttering her eyes slowly she winces in pain as her head pounded from an intense headache. Ignoring the pain as best as she could she took in her surroundings. She appeared to be in some type of old decrepit shack filled with fishing supplies, rusty anchors, boat repair tools, ropes and nets. It was dark in the little shack and the only light coming into the room were from the cracks in the old wooden planks and the gap between the dirt floor and the base of the lopsided door. Trying to sit up she felt a pull on her hands and feet. Looking down she found them to be bound tightly with dirty shipping rope. Looking around her for anything to cut it with she saw a shovel resting against the far wall. However before she had a chance to move over to it she heard voices approaching the shack. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest when the memories of last night begin to replay in her mind and fear washed over her like a pale of cold water. She presses herself as far back into the wall as she possible could to avoid being seen. But she knew it was no use. They were coming for her. As she tried to calm herself and slow down her breathing she heard jingling sounds from the other side of the door and then a single click. The door swung open and the bright light of the afternoon sun temporarily blinded her. She squinted her eyes as she tries to make out her captors but only a dark silhouette of a man came into view. She flinched when he threw something at her face. It hit the wall behind her making a hard thump before falling at her feet.

"The master wants you strong before he comes for ya so that better be gone before he gets here." The dark figure said before slamming the door closed and locking it back in place.

Kagome struggled to breath from the dirt and grime that now floated in the air. Years of dust fell loose of the walls and ceiling and it made her already inflamed lungs ache. Her chest burned and tightened with every cough. Its sound was from deep in her chest and when she breathed in a hissing, wheezing sound could be heard. She could taste the metallic iron tint of her blood clinging to the back of her mouth. With her hand bound in front of her she was luckily able to cover her mouth for the most part but with each cough a speckle of blood could be seen upon her palms. When the dust had finally settled she looked down at the moldy dry bread her captor had thrown at her. She was expected to eat that? She remembered how excited she had felt exploring the city of Valencia and watching the baker bake his bread just like this one. How had it come to this? How had her dreams have led to such pain and uncertainty? Not feeling hungry from her upset tummy and lack of appetite Kagome scooted over to the shovel despite the pain in her lower back and legs and began sawing away at her bindings. When she was finally free of them she rubbed her aching hands and ankles to try and sooth her reddened, irritated flesh. Realizing she needed to get out of there as soon as possible Kagome pushed on the door to see if it would come free. Feeling resistance she tried again but it refused to give. Trying not to panic she began pushing and pulling on the old wooden planks along the base of the shack. Feeling one give slightly a hopeful smile crept across her face. However before she could finish pulling it from its hold she heard the jiggle of keys and the click on the door. Putting the board back into place to not reveal her escape route she quickly returned to her spot just as the door opened.

[Warning: Adult Content/Violence till the end]

"So you've come free of your restraints?" a new voice said as it came into the room.

Kagome's heart dropped into her stomach when she realized who it was. Although he no longer looked like a human, his demonic aura was the same. Her body trembled in fear when his form came into focus. It was the man who had attacked her in the courtyard! He was responsible for this? He was the one who had captured her? When he knelt down in front of her she whimpered in fear and tried to scooch away from him.

"I see you recognize me… good. Now let me think. What was your name again?" Takemaru said as he gripped her chin tightly making Kagome cry out in fear. "Ah yes… Princess Kagome of Atlantica."

Tears began to slip from her fear filled eyes as she trembled against his touch. Remembering her hands where free from the bindings she shoved him away from her.

"No touch! Go awayz!" Kagome shouted as she tried to crawl her way over to the door to escape.

"Still have some life clinging to your bones I see Princess?! And I thought this was going to be unpleasant!" Takemaru said excitedly as he grabbed Kagome's ankle and pulled her back towards him.

As he dragged her body against the ground the sheet that had been tied to her body came loose slightly and allowed the dirt to scraped against her flesh making her cry out from the pain. She drug her nails along the ground to try and keep her from his grasp but it was of no use. Takemaru flipped her onto her back and pinned her hands above her head with his belt to keep them in place. Kagome tried with everything she had to free herself as she watched Takemaru slowly crawl over her body. She continued to struggle underneath him as she heard his clothing coming undone and felt him begin to lift the sheet from her lower body. Feeling pressure at her entrance and realizing what was about to happen she tried to hold her legs together and cried out for him to stop and for anyone to help. Growing annoyed at her useless struggle Takemaru smacked her across the face silencing her cries.

"Your dog will not make it in time to save you bitch! Now be silent! I have waited for this moment a long time and I plan on ruining every inch of you." Takemaru spat as he pulled her hair and made her look into his eyes as he took her innocence.

Kagome cried out in agony as he used her body. She could physically feel her life escaping her with every second he tortured her. Just as he said, he ruined every inch of her. After what felt like an eternity Takemaru finally finished his twisted torture and pulled out of her brokenness. Not sensing any fight left in her, he freed her hands of his belt and adjusted his clothing before walking over to the door. Reaching outside she saw him grab something before returning to her side. Kagome having spent all of her energy lay limply on the ground. Her lifeless eyes looked up into his dark red ones as he took hold of her wrist. He sliced a rusty blade covered in poison up her arm. Gaining nothing from the scent of her blood or the lack of response from receiving her wound Takemaru flicked the blade of her blood and dusted himself off before turning towards the door to leave.

"Don't get your hopes up on being saved. You'll be long dead before he finds you. Enjoy your last moments Princess… it's been fun." Takemaru said before locking the door behind him and leaving her alone in the dark to die.

Takemaru had never felt better. As he walked up to the tattered beach house he saw Naraku looking at him through the doorway. A wicked smirk was lit across Takemaru's face as he began to approach him on the lawn.

"By the look on your face I'd say you enjoyed your revenge quiet well High Councilmen." The Duke said with an evil gleam twinkling in his eyes. "I could hear the little bitch wriggling from here."

"Yes, even in her last few moments in life she fought me. It was quite invigorating! Now come, before that dog picks up the sent of her blood. We need to return to the castle as soon as possible. I fear we have already been gone to long." Takemaru said as they made their way toward their carriage.

Kagome sat in the darkness for what felt like an eternity. Her body was cold and numb and she was beginning to go in and out of consciousness. She could feel her life energy slowly leaving her. She also felt this nagging pull from an unseen source urging her to move. Knowing she needed to get out Kagome rolled onto her side and began making her way towards the direction she felt called. She slowly pulled herself out of the muddy blood puddle she had been soaking in and made her way over to the loose panel. Pushing it aside she crawled through the small opening and pulled herself towards the beach. She could see that the sun was starting to set in the sky now and that she maybe had an hour or two left to live; that is if she didn't bleed out first. When she finally reached the beach she noticed slight pain rising up in her body through the numbness. A sudden burning sensation ran down her arm and she saw that her fingers were beginning to web over again and the cut Takemaru had made was purple and inflamed. Feeling the same sensation going down her spine she looked over her shoulder to see that her legs were slowly fusing together. Guessing it was because the human spell was reaching its end continued her way towards the surf. When she reached the waves she rests upon the sand as her remaining energy slowly continued to leave her. She savors in the gentle splashes of the surf that made their way towards her. It was cleansing in a way how the sounds of the water rushing against the sand and the gentle breeze blowing across her broken body soothe her battered soul. However, she couldn't ignore the ting of pink in the water from her soiled body. She had tried so hard to free herself from him, but to no avail. Tears ran down her stoic face as she watched the sun creep closer to the water's surface in the distance. She knew she could not escape her death but she hadn't even had a chance to say goodbye! Now she would die alone and would remain alone for all eternity.

How she wished she could have seen Sesshomaru's face one last time and smelled his comforting scent of cider wood. To of been able to know of his touch and spend a life together with him. Maybe even have a family! Now she would never be able to hug him or give him her heartfelt farewell. No, she would forever be condemned to solitude in darkness. Everything had been taken away from her, even the innocence of a mans touch. She was numb from her brokenness and violation. Growing colder she shook slightly as the last of her life energy began to leave her. Pain unlike anything she had ever experienced spread through her body from her arm and into her heart. Whatever that black stuff was she knew it was speeding up her death. She trembled upon the sand as it worked its way through her system. It felt like her heart was going to explode! When the tremors had stopped she looked out to the sea and watched the sun slowly leaving the sky. It was soon coming to an end.

Hearing thumping sounds steadily growing louder from her left Kagome turned her gaze in time to see a large white beast with a crescent moon upon its head quickly making its way towards her. At first she was confused as to what the creature was but when she saw the symbols adorning its body, her eyes widen in realization of who it was. It was the dog demon Lord of her dreams! Her weak heart fluttered with joy in her aching chest. He had come! As he transformed back into his humanlike form another spasm of pain suddenly rushed up her arm and throughout her body. It was excruciating. Through it all she felt he gentle caresses and heard his sweet words of concern. He had come! When the pain once again passed she lethargically opened her fading blue eyes and looked up into his fierce amber ones. As he carefully picked her up to rest in his shaking arms and tried to comfort her, she used her last remaining strength to lifted her hand up. She wanted, no needed to touched his magenta marking one last time. Unable to speak of her love and joy in seeing him, she managed to flicker a subtle smile. As she looked into his mourning eyes and heard his cries of desperation she took in her last breath and drifted off into darkness.

(End of chapter 36)

(Wow! I know that was hard but don't worry! There is a lot more to the story! I wonder what will happen with Kagome? Did Sesshomaru make it in time? What of Kagura and Max? Will they be able to escape to Germany before Naraku finds out? Will Sesshomaru be able to find out it was Takemaru who committed the crime against her? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along! More chapters to come! Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!)