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: "People's Court Theme" and "Suspenseful Background Music - Film Soundtracks for Dark Spy Detective Investigation." 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: Unraveling
Takemaru and Naraku were on their way back to the castle when they saw two riders on horseback making their way towards them. Seeing the Tashio seal upon the horses chest plate they instantly went on guard just incase. When the riders grew closer however, they recognizing them to be their accomplices and relaxed a little. The riders pulled their horses to a halt up ahead and Takemaru hit his hand on the roof of the carriage to alert their driver to stop so they could talk.
"What has brought you out of the castle in such a hurry?" asked Takemaru with a curious scowl upon his brow.
"What has taken you so long in returning? The castle is in an up rawer about the Princess and the Court Officials have recognized both of your absences!" Elder Taigokumaru barked.
"Not to worry my friend. Our task has been completed and I made sure to send a letter last night to an accomplice down the coast to cover for us in an alibi." Takemaru said calmly.
"Good. We made sure our men took extra care in dispersing her sent across the countryside. I assume our Lord did not make it in time?" asked Taigokumaru.
"Yes, I applied the poison myself so even if he tries to save her she will still die." Takemaru said with a wicked grin on his face making Naraku, Taigokumaru and Byukuya smirk.
"Very well, I suggest we quickly make our way back before our Sesshomaru returns." Councilmen Byakuya suggested.
"Agreed." Takemaru said before tapping the carriage for them to make their way towards the castle once more.
(People's Court Theme)
When they arrived they made sure to return the lost carriage and horses to the stables and make their way towards the boardroom. Wanting to appear relaxed and innocent of their crimes as much as possible, they casually converse over nothing important before they slip into the room.
"High Councilmen Takemaru! Your Grace!" Miroku shouted as he set down the documents he had been looking through and made his way over towards them. "I see you've been found! We have been looking everywhere for you! Where have you been?"
"So I have heard. I do apologize for not being present for the upset this morning. Elder Taigokumaru and Councilmen Byakuya have just informed the Duke and I of the situation. If we had been informed sooner I would not have invited the Duke to spend the evening away with me at a friend of mine's down the cost. I thought it was only fair to offer Spain's hospitality before he and his daughter's returned to England." Takemaru said causally.
"Yes, thank you my friend. I appreciated the relaxing get away. Now if you will excuse me. I have much to pack for our return home." Naraku said as he was turning to leave.
"Oh your Grace! I have a letter to give you from the Earl of Germany. Do forgive my forgetfulness; it has been a crazy morning. Also, a British Navel ship has just docked in the port. We sent some of our brethren to retrieve them. They should be back any moment." Miroku said as he passed Naraku the letter.
"A Brittish Navel ship you say? I wonder whatever for?" asked Naraku with a confused scowl as he took the Earl's letter from Miroku and began to open it. It reads:
-s-
Dear Sir, Onigumo Phillip Johnston Naraku the V, Duke of York,
I wish to inform you that your daughters, Lady Kagura and Lady Kanna are now under the protection of Germany. Since their engagements to the Tashio brothers is no longer in effect and they are both free women of society, they have chosen the König family to take them into their responsibility. It is by their wish as well as the König family that you are to stay away from them, permanently. If you or anyone else makes any effort to remove them from our care or cause any harm Germany will not hesitate to act. I have been informed of both of your daughter's treatments while in your care and I have already made efforts for further investigation. It would be in your best interest to cooperate. I suggest you prey the gods are merciful on your soul.
Sincerely,
Maximilian Johannes Stein König,
Earl of Germany
-s-
"AHHHH!" Naraku screamed as he crumpled the letter. "Where are my daughters?!"
"I believe they set sail an hour or so ago your Grace." Elder Saya said as he came up beside Naraku and stood with his hands behind his back. "We did look for you."
"You all knew of this?! Why did you not stop them?! I am charging the Earl on kidnapping!" Naraku barked angrily. "And all of you for aiding in their abduction!"
"I believe the letter stated that both of your daughters were free women? They were both of mating age and you had allowed both of them to come out into society to be taken under someone else's protection is that not correct?" asked High Priest Goryomaru.
"That still does not give him the right to take my daughters away without my permission! They are my daughters and therefore it's my say who they are mated off to!" Naraku yelled as he shredded the letter and threw the pieces into the air.
"Did you or did you not set your eldest daughter up with Earl König? I would say you already gave your blessing. As for your say so or not they again were free women of society and chose to go of their own free will." Elder Saya informed causally.
"I am afraid they are right old friend." Takemaru said as he placed his hand on Naraku's shoulder and gave him a small warning glare to make him calm down.
"Get your hand off of me Takemaru! I am not in the mood. Now, if you will excuse me I have two daughters to retrieve." Naraku snapped as he shoved Takemaru's hand off of his shoulder and began to make his way towards the doors.
However, before he had even made it a foot from his spot the boardroom doors opened and Councilmen Shako, Advisor Izumo and five British Navel men walked inside.
"Captain Garamaru! What has brought you so far from home?" asked Naraku curiously as he approached his fellow Englishmen.
"I have come barring the unfortunate news that our King has died not three days ago." Garamaru said as he and the four other navel men behind him bowed out of respect with sad expressions upon their faces.
"I see… how very... unfortunate. Thank you for delivering the message personally. However... a letter would have sufficed instead of troubling you to come all this way." Naraku said with a blank expression upon his face.
"I agree but unfortunately we are also here for another matter." Garamaru said as his expression hardened seriously making everyone in the room go on guard.
"Another matter? What is it Captain? Are we at war?" Naraku said with a concerned expression.
"I prey to the gods we are not." Garamaru said as he crossed his hands behind his back signaling for the four navel men to come up from behind him and circled around the Duke.
"What do you mean?" Naraku said as he glared at the approaching men nervously.
"Sir, Onigumo Phillip Johnston Naraku the V, Duke of York, England, you are under arrest." Garamaru said as the men began to take his arms behind his back.
"WHAT?!" Naraku said as he tried to throw the navel men off of him. "GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!"
The Navel men quickly wrestled him to the ground as he tried to free himself from their grip. As Naraku kept screaming, punching and yelling profanity while wrestling against them Garamaru continued to read him his Miranda Rights.
"for treason again the British Crown, conspiracy against the Spanish Crown, tampering with a legal documentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, piracy, blackmail, domestic abuse, terrorism and participation in human trafficking… (the list of accused crimes continue)."
"RELEASE ME! I DEMAND YOU AT ONCE" Naraku said as his hands were bound behind his back with magical binding rope.
(Miranda Rights)
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions…" Garamaru continued to say while he stood proud and unmoving while watching his men pick Naraku up off of the floor.
"YOU ARE THROUGH GARAMARU! YOU HEAR ME?" Naraku threatened as his hair came out of his ponytail and his clothing continued to get wrinkled and disheveled. "I AM YOUR FUTURE KING! NOW LET ME GO!"
Garamaru ignored him. His face remained emotionless as he finished his rights.
"The contract you forced your brother to sign on his deathbed has been annulled. You niece and future Queen has already left for France to be married to Earl Griffon of Paris. Even if you did escape our ship and made it to France you would still not make it in time to stop their union."
"NO! THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE! AHHHH! THIS ISN'T OVER JUST YOU WAIT!" Naraku screamed angrily.
As soon as he was finished Garamaru gave his men instruction to escort the Duke to their ship. Once the hysterical Duke was out the door and they no longer heard his screaming from coming down the hallway Garamaru turned his attention to the shocked court members standing stiffly behind him.
(Stop Music)
"I do apologize for the dramatics. I was rather hoping he would have come quietly. No matter... what's been done has been done. We will be sure to be out of your hair as soon as possible. Now, who should I speak to so we can retrieve the Duke and his daughter's personal belongings?" asked Garamaru as he bowed politely with a regretful expression.
"We will be sure to send your remarks to our Lord and there is no need to worry about the Ladies. They have both departed this morning for Germany and are now in the protection of the König family." Takemaru said as he stepped out of gathered court members and extended his hand for Garamaru to shake.
"The König family? Very good, I will be sure to relay the message personally to her majesty. She was quite worried about her cousins. Also, please deliver this to his Lordship at his earliest convenience." Garamaru said after shaking Takamaru's hand and passing him a sealed letter with the Royal British seal.
"Of course. Prey tell what is the letter?" asked Takemaru curiously.
"It is an invitation for her royal majesty's crowing ceremony. It is to be held on the last Saturday of the month." said Garamaru. "Now, if you will excuse me I have a very upset passenger to deal with. Again, England sends their apologizes and we hope this incident will not hinder further relations with Spain in the future?"
"We can not speak for our Lord but we will be sure to share what you have said. Be safe on your journey home." Elder Saya said as he came to stand next to High Councilmen Takemaru and Captain Garamaru.
"I understand; farewell." Garamaru said before he bowed and made his way out the door.
"Well… that was… interesting." Coucnilmen Shako said as he leaned up against one of the pillars in the center of the boardroom.
"Indeed." Miroku said after he let out a long breath he had not realized he had been holding while running his fingers through his hair.
"Well, no sense on standing around thinking about it anymore let's get back to work!" said Elder Saya as he ushered everyone back to their tasks they had been working on.
"Would someone care to fill me in on what has developed in my absence?" asked Takemaru as he picked up a stack of papers that had been lying on the table in the center of the room everyone had been working at.
"Ah yes! Well… we did a headcount like our Lord requested and found three staff members, two horses, a carriage, you and the Duke to be missing. However, now that you have returned with the Duke, the carriage and the missing horses that only leaves the three missing staff members to still remain missing." said Jaken as he looked over his notes.
"Did you send messengers to their homes to check to see if they had left the castle grounds for the night?" asked Takemaru as he looked through the file in his hand and pulled out the gathered information on the missing staff members.
"Indeed we did High Councilmen. We checked all three of their homes and found all three of their abodes to be cleared out!" said Jaken dramatically.
"We believe they have fled the country or are wherever Princess Kagome has been taken." said Miroku as he straightened a stack of papers on the table.
"Perhaps. Any news on her whereabouts or our Lord?" asked Takemaru curiously as he glanced over at Taigokumaru and Byukuya.
"None, High Councilmen." said Elder Saya as he shook his head sadly.
"What efforts have been placed since finding their homes to be abandoned?" asked Takemaru.
"We have sent word of their description's to the boarder, every port and major city in Spain." said Izumo.
"Yes, but from the time she disappeared last night, she could have already been taken aboard a ship with her captors and be far away by now." said Councilmen Nanushi.
"True, but regardless we need to still consider the possibly that they are still within the boarders of Spain." said High Priest Gatenmaru.
"Agreed, now High Councilmen; I hate to ask you this but because of the circumstances we need to check your alibi. Would you please relay the address needed for us so we can verify it?" asked Miroku as he handed Takemaru a quill and piece of scrap paper.
"That is understandable." Takemaru said as he quickly wrote down the name and address of his "friend."
"Thank you High Councilmen." Miroku said as he then slipped out of the door to investigate leaving the room to continue without him.
(Suspenseful Background Music - Film Soundtracks for Dark Spy Detective Investigation)
Miroku quickly made his way towards the stables. Retrieving his horse he raced across the countryside as the sun began to set. He knew Kagome only had maybe three more hours left to live by the position of the sun. He just prayed his Lord would find her in time to kiss her lips and miraculously save her from her damnation. Seeing a house up ahead and a man working outside in his garden Miroku slowed his horse down to a trot and made his way over to him.
"Excuse me Sir! Are you the master of the house?" asked Miroku from atop his horse as he looked down at the man working in his garden.
"I am. Who are you?" said the man as he wiped his sweaty brow.
"Don't you recognize the seal upon my uniform?" asked Miroku curiously.
"Not really. Should I?" said the man as he scowled slightly in confusion and placed his tired hands on his hips.
"My name is Miroku, Second Chair Advisor to the Spanish Crown. The seal you see upon my robe is the mark of the Tashio family." He said as he pointed to the pin on his right shoulder.
"So you work for the Castle. Big deal. Now, what do you want buddy? I ain't got a lot of sun left so get to it." he asked with an irritated tone.
"I apologize for the inconvenience but I've been sent to investigate a crime and the two men in question said they stayed here last night and I am checking on their alibi." Miroku said as he watched the man stiffen slightly.
"You mean High Councilmen Takemaru and the Duke?" asked the man nervously.
"So they did stay with you?" asked Miroku curiously.
"Yeah, now get lost." The man said as he began to pull the weeds in his garden again.
"Just a few more questions and I promise I'll be out of your hair." Miroku said as he slipped down from his horse.
"Fine. What do you want to know?" asked the man as he continued to work.
"What did they look like?" asked Miroku.
"I don't know it was dark." The man said with a slight twitch to his shoulder.
"You don't know? But I thought the High Councilmen said you were friends? Surly you would have seen this seal before?" Miroku pushed.
"Look buddy, "friend" isn't exactly the term I would use but sure I knew the guy. Every time I met him at the Three Headed Goose Saloon he wore a cloak over his clothing and last night he showed up around 2:30 in the morning and before you ask no... I didn't see them before they left because I was in town buying bread. So no... I don't remember what he looks like or the Duke for that matter. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have work to do." The man said as he picked up his basket full of spring vegetables and began to make his way towards his house.
"I see. Well, sorry to bother you. Just trying to find a lost Princess that was kidnapped last night and we are trying to find her before sunset to avoid a war. Thank you for your help." said Miroku as he began to pull up into his saddle.
"Are we really at risk of war?" asked the man anxiously with widened eyes.
"We are. We were hoping these two men were responsible for her kidnapping but since you said they were here we are now will be going to war." Miroku lied as he looked off into the setting sunset behind the man's house.
"Urrr uh what are the chances of men being called?" asked the man anxiously.
"Well being that it's with the Water Kingdom I'd say every able man living. With their Princess stolen they will most likely sink any ship we set out to sea and we will eventually lose our trade deals, lose our common wealth and fishing demands. Plus many of the Water Kingdom can come onto land so I'm sure there will be blood shed soon. But, I'm sure we will survive somehow. Now… if you'll excuse me. I have to deliver the bad news." Miroku said with a sorrowful expression as he went to pull himself back up onto his horse.
"Www wait!" the man shouted after thinking over what Miroku said.
"Yes?" asked Miroku curiously.
"If say the High Councilmen and the Duke… didn't exactly stay the night… and I lied to cover for them… what would happen to me?" asked the man as he rung his hands nervously.
"If you were found to have aided in the event of a crime and did not report it then you would be charged as equally as them. However, being as I have yet to report what you have said to anyone I could over look it this one time and give you the chance to tell the truth and help limit your punishment." said Miroku.
"Could you promise immunity from the High Councilmen and the Duke?" asked the man with a hopeful tone.
"I can request it yes depending on the severity of your involvement." said Miroku. "Now, please if you have anything to confess do it now because I am running out of time."
"Yes! Yes of course! Just wait one moment! I must go into my house and retrieve something." said the man as he picked up his basket and took off into the house.
About five minuets later the man came running outside with a rolled letter and a broken wax seal in his hand. Taking the letter from his shaking dirty hand he read the letter. It reads:
-s-
Kohaku,
I am in need of another alibi. If anyone comes by your home asking for me you are to lie and say the Duke of York and myself were at your home on April 2nd from 2:30 am till later that morning. If they ask when we left say you don't know because you went to get bread. Since you would not know what we are wearing or what the Duke or I look like be sure to say you couldn't make out our appearances because of the new moon. Besides, you know I always wear a cloak when I see you anyways at the Saloon. If you do this for me I promise to pay off all of your gambling debts and send medical treatment for your wife again. If not you know what will happen. Be sure to burn this letter when you are finished reading or else.
Your Savior,
H.C. Takemaru
-s-
After reading the letter Miroku looked down at the man with wide eyes.
"He blackmailed you." Miroku said.
"Yes… please I didn't know of the Princess. I didn't mention it in the letter! Please, I just want my wife to be healthy. I'll do whatever you need! Just offer us protection please!" Kohaku said as he pulled on the bottom of Miroku's robes.
"This letter is very helpful in your case. Is it alright with you if I take it?" asked Miroku.
"Yes! Please anything that will help! I'll even come and testify if need be!" said Kohaku.
"Good. Now, I must be on my way. I will be in touch in regards to your protection. Do not disappear or it will only further harm you and your ill wife." Miroku said as he tucked the letter into his robes just as the sun set in the sky.
A heart broken howl filled the air and a cold chill ran down their spines. Realization of who that was and what had just happened Miroku hung his head in sorrow. She didn't make it.
"What was that?" asked Kohaku with fear filled wide eyes.
"That… was our call to war." said Miroku as he looked down at Kohaku with a serious stare. "Remember, I will be in touch either today or tomorrow. It would be best to pack light. Until then Kohaku."
Seeing his nod in understanding Miroku took off on his horse back towards the castle. Knowing they had failed Kagome was heart breaking but he still had a duty to his Lord to fulfill and a fellow brethren to put behind bars. Not wanting to give Takemaru any heads up on his findings. Miroku makes his way towards the dinning hall to find a few of his trusted brethren to confide in. Catching Elder Saya, Advisor Izumo, Councilmen Shako, and High Priest Goryomaru's eyes he pulls them to his private study.
"Elder Saya, could you place a barrier around the room please?" asked Miroku.
"Of course," Saya said as he did as he asked. "Now, what is it that is so important you called us into secrecy?"
"I called you all together for council. I followed up on brother Takemaru's alibi and uncovered this letter." Miroku said as he handed the letter over to him.
"Oh my…" Saya said as he read the letter with the other brethren behind him reading over his shoulder.
"Are your certain?" Shako said with shocked eyes.
"I am." Miroku said sternly. "The witness is seeking protection. Do I have your permission to go ahead and give it to him until we know for certain if Takemaru is innocent or not?"
"Yes, yes! If the witness was fearful as was mentioned with the threat in the letter we mustn't waist anytime! Go, we will take care of this." High Priest Goryomaru said.
"Thank you, I will return in the morning. Also, while I was out I unfortunately heard our Lord's mourning call." Miroku said making his brethren's eyes widen in disbelief.
"So we failed…" Shako said with remorse shining through his eyes.
"Yes... she is gone." Miroku replied sadly.
"We must do everything we can to avenge her unnecessary kidnapping and untimely death. I pray our Lord will find mercy from the gods through all of this. Who knows what mental state he will be in when he returns." Elder Saya said as he shook his head in grief.
"I appreciate your help in this. Until the morning." Miroku said as he opened the door for his brothers to step out of his office.
Saya, Shako, Goryomaru and Izumo then went to the boardroom to discus their next course of action against Takemaru while Miroku once again slipped out of the castle towards Kohaku's. Reaching his house he sees a light on and goes to knock on the door.
"Who is it?" asked Kohaku.
"It is Miroku; I have come to take you to safety."
Kohaku then opened the door and ushered him quickly inside. After loading everything needed for their journey onto their horses and securing Kohaku's wife comfortably into a private carriage he had brought from the castle they slipped into the cover of night and made their way towards an unknown location for safety. When dawn crept over the open sea Miroku had just returned to the castle from his secret mission. Feeling at ease knowing his witness was safe he slipped into his bed and closed his eyes for a much-needed nap. Hearing a knock on his bedroom door a couple of hours later Miroku rubs the sleep from his eyes and made his way over to unlock it.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" said Sango as she steped into his room. "You slept in your robes? Seriously Miroku?"
"It was a rather hard day yesterday, do not worry Love I have another set," Miroku said as he yawned and then began to unbutton the top pin near his shoulder.
"Wh... What are you doing?!" Sango said with wide eyes before turning around so not to see him undress in front of her.
"Come on… its not like you haven't seen me before." Miroku said as he came up behind her and hugged her and kissed her cheek.
"I, I know… you just surprised me is all… Why were you so busy yesterday? I missed you." Sango said with a soft blush on her cheeks as she pulled out of his embrace and began to make his bed.
"I know… I'm sorry I did not come to you last night. I had to take care of a witness to Kagome's kidnapping. I did not return until just before sunrise." Miroku said as he changed into a clean set of robes while Sango had her back to him.
"I still can't believe she's really gone…" Sango said as tears began to fall from her eyes.
"I know. But we mustn't cry. We need to be strong for our Lord. He needs our strength more than ever right now." Miroku said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
"Yyour right. Besides… Kagome wouldn't want us crying. Now come on, your brethren are beginning to gather in the boardroom. I can grab you something to eat really quick from the kitchens along the way." Sango said while slipping her hand into his and pulling him towards the door.
"Sango wait a minute." Miroku said just before she opened the door.
"What is…?" Sango said as she turned to look at him just as Miroku kissed her lips.
Miroku pulled her into his arms as he slowly kissed her lips. They both closed their eyes while enjoying each other's touch. Sango wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened their kiss making them both moan in bliss. Walking her back into the door Miroku held the women who had stolen his heart over the years in a tender embrace. When his hands began to kneed her backside and try to undo the ties in the back of her corset Sango stiffened slightly in his arms.
"Mi..ro..ku." Sango said in between kisses with a halfhearted tone making him smirk against her lips.
"I know, I know." Miroku said as he pulled his lips away from her's before kissing the tip of her nose making her giggle.
They then straighten their clothing and hair before slipping out of his room and made their way down the hall towards the kitchen. Kissing Sango goodbye Miroku quickly stuffed the muffin into his mouth and slipped into the boardroom just as he watched his Lord make his way to his seat.
"Elder Saya… when did our Lord return?" asked Miroku as he sat down next to him.
"He arrived not 20 minutes ago. He has not spoken a word to anyone and has avoided acknowledgment and eye contact since his arrival. He has also sealed off his aura and demonic presence to us... I do not know what is to be the outcome of today." Saya said nervously as he side glanced Miroku.
"Intresting. We will just have to see what happens then. Be ready for anything I guess. Did you figure out what to do about the information I gave you yesterday?" asked Miroku.
"Yes. We will be discussing it towards the end. Do not worry brother. It will be dealt with most definitely." Saya said with a serious insinuating tone.
"I see." Miroku said as he mentally prayed a silent prayer just as the court hammer brought the meeting into session.
"Dear gods, please hear my prayer… I know not of what will happen today but I pray for the safety of those you deem worthy and for those who are guilty to be met with your just and swift hands. Please let the evidence today be accurate and for all those who are innocently involved find safety and rest. If it is your will I also pray that your powers bring mercy and peace to my Lord. I know you know he is suffering a terrible pain I wish to never come to know.
Your humble servant…"
(End of Chapter 38)
(Oh man! Things are about to get heated! Only time will tell! More to come! Thanks for reading and be sure to let mw know what you thinks is going to happen next!)