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: "Epic Chase Music - Drive (Copy Write and Royalty Free)" and" Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack - Darcy's Letter" and "Atonement Soundtrack - Farewell," and "Atonement - The half killed." 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: Forlorn Farewells
(Epic Chase Music - Drive (Copy Write and Royalty Free))
Sesshomaru burst into the abandoned building without hesitation. Pieces of the walls and broken wooden beams flew everywhere from the impact as he frantically moved about the room. He quickly scanned its contents for any possible sign of Kagome and her captors. When the dust finally settled around him he followed her scent to a locked closet. Thrashing his clawed paws over the door it shattered into pieces. Looking inside he growls in frustration when he finds a bloody pink piece of her dress tied to a pole. He had been tricked! Not wanting to waste anymore time he quickly takes off to his next destination. He leaps out of the gaping hole in the wall and lifts his dog demon nose up high into the air. Taking a deep whiff he finds two other locations holding Kagome's sent with traces of her blood. Not finding one scent stronger that the other he prayed to the gods that he's made the right choice and takes off across the countryside. His white pristine hair whips out behind him as he runs and his red demon eyes burned with his anger. Nobody messed with him and got away with it; especially when Kagome's life was in jeopardy! With every pound of his paws and the later the day became he lost more of himself to his fear. Smelling her scent further up the path Sesshomaru quickens his pace. He was almost upon the little house on the countryside road when the wind suddenly shifted and a large dose of Kagome's blood hit him square in the face. He skidded to a halt and quickly threw his nose up into the air to determine the location. His demon red eyes grew wide in horror when they realized it was coming from down wind of them. They had chosen the wrong path...
"No…" Sesshomaru whispered through a shaky breath.
"WE MUST GET TO HER!" his beast howled in his head.
Without further delay they raced as hard as their paws could carry them and flew down the mountain path towards the coast. Their legs burned from exhaustion and their heart pounded in their chest at an alarming rate. But they dared not stop. Seeing the countryside begin to loose its vegetation and feeling the softening of the sandy soil bellow they knew they were growing close. Looking towards the sky Sesshomaru and his Beast could see the sun beginning to kiss the water's surface in the distant horizon. Reaching the sandy coast, a shabby beach house could be seen up ahead. Following her scent to a decrepit old shack Sesshomaru wasted no time in knocking it over with the brut strength of his head. A long whimper escaped his muzzle as he looked upon the pool of her blood mixed with a male's masked release, her fear and unfortunate violation. The air reeked with it and they knew they had made it too late. She had not only been taken from their protection but was torched, raped and was now bleeding to death somewhere! Even if they did find her they knew they could never forgive themselves for their failure. They threw back their head in agony as a tormented howl ripped from their throat. His body trembled from exhaustion and despair and his mind tried to process everything. Where had their mate gone? Was she still alive?
(Stop Music)
(Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack - Darcy's Letter)
Suddenly feeling a pulse around his neck Sesshomaru looked down to see the calling shell acting up. Not understanding why it was pulsing he and his beast tried to refocus their energy and look around for where Kagome might have been taken. Seeing a smear of her blood leading towards the beach they raced forward in hopes of finding her before the sun set. In the far off distance Sesshomaru and his Beast could see a dark silhouette lying close to the rising surf. They noticed that the bloody path lead toward the unmoving figure so they quickened their pace. When they grew close enough they could see it was in the shape of a woman with a fish tale and that it was looking at them with pained blue eyes.
"KAGOME!" Sesshomaru howled as he and his beast raced to her side.
Wanting to hold her in their arms they began to transform back into their humanoid form. They fell to their knees upon the sand at her side and gingerly lift her tattered upper torso to rest in their lap. She was so pale. She had scraps and cuts all over her bare flesh and was as cold as ice. She trembled in their grasp as she worked through an inner battle they couldn't protect her from.
"Kagome? Kagome can you hear me?!" Sesshomaru cried as he looked her over while she continued to seize in his arms.
"You must keep her awake! Do not let her fall asleep!" his beast whined.
"Kagome? Baby you've got to open your eyes for me… Come on now… stay with me!" Sesshomaru called as he held her face tenderly in his quivering hands. "Kagome?!"
When her trembling convulsion subsided she lethargically opened her greying blue eyes up at him in relief. He could tell by the shallow glaze over them and would soon be passing from this world. Releasing a heartbroken whimper he leaning closer to her face so she didn't have to work so hard. As Sesshomaru did this he gingerly ran his hands across her clammy bangs and held the back of her head in his palm to make her more comfortable. He saw her continue to weaken in his arms and he struggled to keep himself together. His eyes rippled with unshed tears and he clenched his teeth tight in his mouth to hold back the sob that was soon to come. He watched as her tiny hand shook as she slowly lifted it towards his face. Her deathly cold fingers grazed across his cheek and he leaned into them, taking comfort and reminded himself that she was still there.
It tore him to pieces that he had been so useless in helping her and when a tiny smile flickered at the corner of her lip he sucked in a hard breath to hold back his cry. How could she smile at a time like this? He had failed her and didn't deserve her kindness! As he held her, he noticed a black ooze coming from a festering wound he scrunched his face in confusion and brought it closer to it nose to inspect it. It smelled familiar for some reason but he couldn't remember where he had smelled it before. He could also hear her heart beginning to struggle to keep its beat and her rugged breath rattled through her chest. He knew she was getting close now but couldn't bare the thought of parting with her! He was about to lean forward and kiss her lips and tell her he loved her when the moment he had been racing to prevent beat him to it. He gasped as he heard her heart suddenly flutter in her chest. Looking down at her face in shock he watched as her once beautiful blue eyes closed for the last time and her body fully relaxed in his arms. He heard the last of her long exhale passed her parted blue lips and the hand that had been resting against his cheek suddenly fell to rest against her chest making a shallow thump. All of the blood drained from his face as he realized he no longer heard her heart beating. Feeling something fall from his neck he looks down to see his calling shell resting free of its binding on Kagome's battered stomach. With wide eyes he snapped his gaze to were Kagome's had been resting against her chest and watched as the strand that had been holding her's to her neck slowly faded away like sand blowing in the breeze.
"Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked as he lightly shook her in his arms.
(Atonement - Farewell)
Hearing no response he shook her a little harder but again received no comfort in return. His chest tightened painfully as he looked down into her peacefully resting face. How could this be?! She had once been so full of life and yet here she lay in his arms in eternal slumber and the sun had not even set yet?! With her soul forever torn apart and her being a mermaid again he knew even if he tried to join her in the afterlife they would forever be parted. He had heard of Miroku's warning and knew that even if he waited to see her in her next life she would never be reborn! His breath steadily picked up as he leaned his forehead against hers. He closed his eyes in a tight seal and his shoulders begin to quake. Tears rolled down his cheeks in despair. He called her name over and over again until his voice choked in his throat. Holding her tight in his embrace he sobbed into her hair and lost himself to his grief. She was gone; forever! Suddenly remembering his father's sword he pulled it from his side. However as hard as he tired to will the sword to life, it remained dormant and he did not see the servants of the underworld to cut down. He screamed in frustration and threw the sword up the beach when it continued to deny his request. Of course it wouldn't work! Her soul was broken and therefore there was nothing he could save!
"NO NO NO! Gods no! How can this can't be happening?!" Sesshomaru yelled angrily up into the sky. "What did she do to deserve this?!"
Looking down into his lost intended's resting face he whimpered and nuzzled into her neck while rubbing his tears against her cold skin.
"Baby please… " he whispered against her cheek. "Please… don't leave me…"
Looking over her slumbering expression he couldn't help himself before gently touching her lips in a one-sided kiss. It wasn't a kiss of passion or lust but was a kiss filled with longing, repentance and a reluctant farewell. When his lips parted from hers a cool rush of energy ran down his spine making him gasp at the sensation. Sesshomaru's eyes widened in shock as he felt a magical aura suddenly swirl around Kagome's resting form. He watched in shock as the magic continued to build and swirl around her and began to turn her into an opaque watery substance. As he tried to hold onto her changing form, the sun set in the sky and the rising tide suddenly splashed all around him and Kagome's body burst into sea foam. Before he had the chance to grasp a single ounce of her essence every bit of her had washed away. Now the only part of her he had left was the braided hair he had cut from her head a few days ago. After the shock of what had just happened finally sunk into his heart Sesshomaru punched the wet gritty sand with his fists and howled to the heavens.
This day, April 2nd, would forever be marked as a day of darkness in Spanish history. Not only had it been the day of his father's death 50 years ago, but it now marked the passing of his lost love. Ironically, it was also the night after the new moon and the now not evening sky had yet to offer him any light to help ease his darkening heart. Needing to remain in solitude Sesshomaru and his beast sat upon the beach for the rest of the night. When morning came they watched the rising sun slowly bring light once more to the world. Noticing, the sky was an angry red color this morning against the dark sky they knew a storm was on the wind. Ironically it was the very reflection of he and his Beast's soul in that very moment.
(Atonement - The half killed)
Red, for their passion and desire. Red, for their lost love and eternal fire. Red, for the pain in their heart and soul. Red, for the longing they will have to endure. Red, for their failure to protect. Red, for their shame and regret. Red, for not getting to confess or say goodbye. Red, for the color of their inflamed demonic eyes. Red, for Kagame's blood that had been shed. Red, for the hate and need for revenge. Red, for their anger, war, and danger at hand. Red, for when she left them upon the sand. Red, for their wish to join her in sleep. Red, for the courage and strength they must keep. Red, for the hunt that was soon to come. Red, for their malice and wrath. Red, for determination pounding in their veins. And red, for when they show their pray hell's eternal flame through a slow and painful death. Yes, the color red was exactly how they felt.
"A storm indeed..." Sesshomaru said numbly to his Beast as he tucked he and Kagome's shells into his soaking wet coat pocket and began to rise from his spot.
Taking one last look at the rising sun Sesshomaru reluctantly made his way back to the shack to investigated its remains. Scanning around for any clue as to who could have done this he whittles out the smells around him and finds one that stood out from the rest covered in various cloaking spells. Following it to a section of the broken wall he begins tossing the pieces aside. When it was clear of debris he bent down and picked up a single golden pin with a Tashio family seal engraved upon it. A wicked smirk graced his lips as he brought the pin to his nose. As he inhaled the familiar scent his amber eye's rimmed with electric blue and the whites turned a light pink color. A predatory growl rolled from deep in his chest before it slipped past his dog like fangs. At last, all the pieces had come together! A demon that looked like a man, wore a white robe, and mentioned a name sounding like Izo or Izoyi, had motive against him and his family, and now he had his pin with his sent at the scene of the crime. There was no doubt about it. He had finally found his prey and hell was about to gain its newest addition. Getting excited by the thrill of the hunt he began to salivate poisonous saliva from his jaws and his face once more began to elongate into a snout. Tucking the pin into his coat pocket to rest along side Kagome's braided hair he quickly transformed back into his true form and raced across the countryside. There was only one place his prey could be hiding and he knew exactly how to take him down.
"I've got you now you rat hidden amongst mice…" Sesshomaru thought to himself as he licked his lips in anticipation. With each pound of his paws the closer he came to avenging his love. "Oh yes, I fear your death will be over far to quickly than you deserve… Takemaru."
(Stop Music)
[Miroku]
"Elder Saya, do you still have the letter we received from London?" asked Miroku.
"Yes, fellow Advisor I have it right here." said Saya as he pulled it from his robes.
"Letter? What letter?" asked High Priest Goryomaru.
"We received a letter from London yesterday stating that someone from the Royal Guard would be arriving today to deliver an important message to the Duke. It doesn't state what the message is about and I was going to speak with the Duke about it after the meeting yesterday but he left in such a foul mood I thought better to wait until this morning." Saya said as he passed the letter to Miroku.
"No matter, I'm sure we will find out when they arrive." said Miroku as Councilmen Shako and Advisor Izumo walked into the room.
"The Duke was not in his chambers and no one has seen him since the party last night." said Izumo
"Yes, and the messenger we sent out to retrieve Takemaru just returned and said he was not at his home either." said Shako.
"Hm, how strange." said Elder Saya with a scowl to his brow. "Maybe he went and stayed at someone's home for the weekend? It was a party after all last night. He along with the Duke could have went home with someone."
"Perhaps but He and the Duke's absences doesn't bode well in regards to Lady Kagome's kidnapping. Naraku above anyone at the party last night had motive against her." said High Priest Goryomaru.
"Agreed, and with the disturbing information we received from the Earl this morning it only further solidifies my decision yesterday in denying our Lord's portion of the contract. Just imagine the shame and embarrassment we would receive if we had fallen through with his plan! The Duke might not be able to be arrested in our courts but after we hand over our reports to the English crown I'm sure there will be justice. Thank goodness our Prince's rash actions in eloping with Princess Kikyo were in our favor this time." said High Priest Mushin as he crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head in relief.
"Here, here!" Advisor O-Yukata said in agreement as the other members of the court murmured and nodded their heads in positive response.
Just then a servant came into the boardroom and handed Miroku two sealed messages. Unrolling the first letter it read:
-s-
Dear Lord Tashio and members of the Spanish Court,
If you are reading this letter it means my Fiancé, Lady Kanna and I have made it to our ship safely. We have just set sail towards Antwerp, Belgium and are due to arrive their by tomorrow evening. If the Duke is freed from his charges please inform me at once so I can make special arrangements to protect my intended and her sister. I appreciate Spain's understanding in allowing us to depart despite the unfortunate circumstances. I also want to express my gratitude in your aid towards making special clearance through the bay so we can leave in a timely manner. If Spain is ever in need of assistance in the future please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Maximilian Johannes Stein König,
Earl of Germany
-s-
"Wonderful! They have set sail and are on their way to Germany." Miroku said as he rolled the letter back up and then passed it to Jaken.
"What does the other letter say?" asked Councilmen Byukuya as he leaned against one of the pillars. "It has a seal from the port?"
"It's probably just an update from the coastguard." said Councilmen Shako as he watched Miroku read over the letter.
"You are somewhat correct Shako. It appears the Guard has just spotted a ship entering the outer loop of the Bay barring a Union Jack." said Miroku as he passed Shako the letter.
"It's got to be the messenger the other letter mentioned! I pray wherever the Duke is he returns quickly in case its an emergency." said Elder Saya anxiously.
"Agreed. Now, have we received a final head count from the staff?" asked Miroku as he looked at the Court's Retainer.
"Yes, it appears all have been accounted for except one cook, two stable boys, two horses, one carriage, the Duke and High Councilmen Takemaru." said Jaken as he read over his list. "We have sent messengers to all of their addresses but all have returned empty handed."
"A cook and two stable boys?" asked Goryomaru as he rubbed his chin with his hand questioningly.
"And two horses are missing along with a carriage?" asked Shako for clarification.
"Yes two horses and a carriage were taken from the stables without clearance. I had one of the servants ask the watchmen who had worked last night and he said that a carriage fled from the stables around 2:30 this morning." said Jaken.
"That would have been just as our Lord uncovered Lady Kagome's disappearance!" Miroku said with wide eyes.
"Jaken, is there anyway we could get information on the missing cook and stable boys? We need anything you can dig up on them." said Councilmen Shako seriously.
"Yes of course! I'll get to it right away!" Jaken said as he made his way out the door.
"Do you think they could be responsible?" asked Elder Sennin.
"It's too soon to tell but by the way things look at the moment it doesn't bode well that they are missing from their homes and that a carriage went missing just after the incident." said Miroku.
"Agreed. Now, I propose we split up to help with the investigation. Since the Duke is currently out at the moment we need some members of the court to greet our guests at the Port." said Elder Saya.
"Advisor Izumo and I can greet at the port." said Councilmen Shako as Izumo nodded his head in agreement.
"Good, now we need some volunteers to help Jaken work through our staff records." said Elder Saya.
"I can help Jaken" said Miroku.
"Yes, I as well" said High Priest Goryomaru.
"Great, now to locate the Duke and Takemaru. We will need to send out scouts to locate them." said Elder Saya.
"I will lend aid in search of Takemaru." said Elder Taigokumaru.
"Yes, and I for the Duke." said Councilmen Byukuya.
"Wonderful! While you all handle that, the remaining Court members and I will help to keep the castle under control and to maintain peace until our Lord returns. Now lets get to it! There's no time to waste!" Elder Saya commanded.
[Urasue]
Urasue had watched through her magical caldron as Kagome was taken, tortured and poisoned. She admired this handsome demon as he fulfilled his revenge. She fed off of his hate and his aid in killing Kagome. When Kagome began to die in the shack she knew she needed to help the girl closer to the water. Giving some of the soul back into Kagome's heart she helped pull her to the water's edge. She was so close to her end that Urasue could literally feel Kagame's lifeline. She loved watching her sink deeper into her own personal hell on the beach. When the dog suddenly showed up on the beach she panicked slightly until she remembered that she held Kagome's life in her hands. Waiting until the last possible moment she crushed her heart just before the dog could kiss her lips. It was delicious soaking up her remaining soul. Sure she had taken it 30 minuets before the sun fully set but what did it matter? She was going to die anyway! To finish the deal Urasue needed Kagome's body back. However, no matter how hard she tried to summon her body through her cauldron, Kagome remains stayed in her demon lover's embrace.
"Why aren't you working?!" Urasue shouted angrily as she yelled at their reflection.
Just as she was yelling this she watched the demon dog kiss Kagome's lips and felt something tighten in her chest. Suddenly the cauldron's magical spell forced an unknown soul out of Kagome's resting body and forced it into Sesshomaru as a piece of Kagome's soul she didn't realize she had been missing went back into Kagome's body and passed over to her. Now that Kagome's corps was finally free of life Urasue's spell took hold and transported her body through the cauldron. The spell lifts her out and above the vase before it drops Kagome's lifeless body onto her rocky sea floor in a crumpled heap. No longer in need of spying through her spell Urasue voids the mirror clearing the mourning beast upon the beach and turned her attention to Kagome.
"Ha ha ha! I've finally got you Princess! Now to just force out your remaining essences and all will be mine!" Urasue said as she used some of her octopid legs to carry Kagome's body over to her workbench and pulled Inuyasha's dried tongue from a jar.
Through dark magic and the aid of blood from a hanyō; by morning everything that Kagome had been, was gone. Putting her ashes into a small vial Urasue swims over to her mirror and grabs hold of Kikyo's stolen lip paint. Looking herself over in the mirror she admires her new youthful appearance. She looked as good as she remembered; strong, healthy, and full of energy. Puckering her lips she reapplies the lipstick and makes a loud smacking sound as she spread it around. Satisfied with the results she smirks in the mirror as she looks down at the vial resting on the rock before her.
"Poor Poseidon! Whatever will you do now that I've got your little Princess resting forever in my hand?" Urasue mocked in delight.
Looking out her door she notices the deep sea's water was beginning to lighten. Deciding it was time to make her next deal she picks up the vial and then slips out of her lair towards Mermaid Cove.
[Mermaid Cove]
(*** Soundtrack – Lord of the Rings – The Funeral of Théodred ***)
Poseidon made sure to keep everyone busy so that no one would bombard him, Kikyo, Sota, his nieces or Enuyasa about Kagome. As well as to keep them distracted from falling into depression themselves. Besides, now that the mating games were finished the gossips needed to finish harvesting the Kelp Seeds for their long journey home and he and the representatives of the tribes needed to settle the issue with Toran, Ryura and the Ice Lord. Seeing the sun begin to set in the sky he knew it was only a matter of time until Kagome took her last breath and parted from this world forever. Knowing it was time to gathered everyone together, he gave the signal to his guards to summon everyone to come inside for the night. Positioning himself up on the center rock at the back of the cove he motioned for his family to gather round him. As the Merfolk were making their way inside Inuyasha and Kikyo felt a pulse through their necklaces and looked at each other with shock and grief in their eyes. Taking hold of his mate in his arms Inuyasha looks over toward Poseidon and motions for him to begin Kagome farewell address.
Talking a deep breath to still his shaky breath, Poseidon shared of her kindness, contagious spirit and loving nature. He made mention of her bravery and selflessness when saving her siblings from the mako shark and of her strong will to follow what she believed in to be right. As was custom in their culture the eldest female of the Royal family sung their people's prayers to the gods when they passed from this life over to the next. It was believed that by lifting her voice to the heavens the gods would accept their fallen brethren into their open arms. As Kikyo sang her song the shells around her and Inuyasha's neck began to vibrate slightly. When the vibrating suddenly stopped just as the sun was about to set in the sky they felt the bindings around their necks give way and disintegrate like sand before their eyes. The shells no longer begin attached to their enchanted bindings fell into their awaiting hands. Knowing what that signified Kikyo finished her song and the entire cove grieved together at the passing of their Princess.
(xxx stop music xxx)
They all mourned well into the night and those who had fallen asleep had only done so from crying themselves into exhaustion or had been too young to understand. Seeing the sun beginning to rise in the distance Poseidon motions for Kikyo, Inuyasha, Sota and his three nieces to follow him outside the cove. Swimming down the coast they make their way into Calypso's hidden cave and laid the calling shells upon a shelf to forever rest in memory of Kagome. Not ready to return they gathered together and recovered in peace from the stillness and solitude her cave offered them as a family. Knowing they needed to return after a hour or so of rest they began to make their way back. As they were about to pass by the sand fields Sota noticed something making its way towards them.
"Father, what is that?" asked Sota as he pointed towards the distant mass making its way towards them.
Hearing Sota's question they all turned to look at what had caught his attention. As they watched the shadow make its way towards them the slowly noticed it had six octipid legs whip out behind it as it swam and two human like arms pulling it forward. Its hair was a sleek white color and its red eyes glowed against the dark water. Realizing who it was Inuyasha growled in displeasure as Kikyo stiffened in his arms in disbelief.
"Urasue…" Kikyo said through a shaky whisper, as her eyes grew wide in fear.
"URASUE STOP!" Poseidon commanded as he stood protectively in front of his family.
"Well hello to you too my King… now is that anyway to greet a former healer of the Royal Tribe? You are aware I saved your mother once from nearly dying bringing you into the world." Urasue teased as he continued to make her way towards them.
"Nothing you say will change my mind now stay away from my family you Witch!" he shouted angrily as he pointed his trident in her face making her stop.
"Oh but I already have a member of your family you see! Look, she's right here in this little bottle." Urasue said as she shook Kagome's ashes around in the jar with the flick of her wrist. "Just precious isn't she…"
"Give her back!" Poseidon yelled as his family gasped in shock behind him.
"Not a chance you old fool she's mine now!" Urasue barked back as she lifted her hand up to her side and pulled their contract from nothing. "See here? We… made a deal."
Exploding with rage Poseidon thrusts his spear at the contract to destroy it but a magical barrier blocked his way.
"HA HA! You see, the contracts legal and completely unbreakable, even for you! Your little Princess is mine!" Urasue cackled wickedly. "Of course, I'm always open to negotiate… being that she is your daughter and the Princess of the Sea King she does come with a high price BUT I might be willing to trade?"
"What do you want…" Poseidon said through a snarl.
"I want your powers and soul in exchange for her freedom. Now, do we have a deal?" Urasue said with a wicked gleam in her eye.
(End of Chapter 37)
(Poor Sesshomaru! To fight so hard for her and to have searched relentlessly all day only to hold her in her final moments! So sad Dx Will he be able to take down Takemaru? What about Ursaue? Will he be able to summon her now that she has Kagome? Oh no! What will Poseidon do! Also, why was a part of Kagome's soul missing? And what of Naraku and Takemaru? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along. Thanks for reading! Many more chapters to come! I hope you are enjoying the story! Please let me know what you think!)