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: "Why So Serious - Joker Theme Dark Knight Soundtrack" and "Rok Nardin - The Devil (Epic Powerful Dark Action)." 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: Predator
It was roughly around 9:30 in the morning when Sesshomaru leapt into his back courtyard. While he was transforming into his humanoid form he heard his guard's raised voices shouting his arrival around the castle grounds. Not ready to see anyone just yet or to listen to unwanted questions about Kagome he slipped into his bedchambers and locked the doors. Passing a mirror along one of the walls in his room he sees that his party clothes he wore were stained and torn in multiple places. He was still soaking wet from the surf and was covered in sand, mud and grime. His hair was a mess from running all day yesterday in search of Kagome and from sitting out in the elements all night. He looked exhausted, smelled like a wet dog and was in serious need of a bath.
Not wanting his servants to see him in this state of weakness and disarray he striped out of his clothing, placed his and Kagome's calling shells into his desk drawer next to the gifts she had given him over the years, and tossed his swords and Takemaru's pin onto his bed. Walking into his bathing chamber he grabbed the cold-water buckets from the corner of the room and quickly rinsed himself of all sand and grime. After drying himself off he then changing into his courtly attire. Shacking his hair of any extra water he brushed it and then tied it up high on top of his head like his father had done before preparing for battle. Not wishing to be parted from Kagome completely he tucked her calling shell back into his pants pocket and rubbed it between his fingers to sooth his aching soul along with her braided hair resting next to his heart. Taking one last look at himself in the mirror he straightened his overcoat, grabbed the pin and both swords off of his bed and made his way down the hall.
As he walked across the castle towards the boardroom many of his workers, servants and guards approached him asking millions of questions, but he answered none and gave no notice. He closed off his aura and demonic presence to help hide his wavering restraints on his Beast and made sure to not expend any unnecessary energy. His mind needed to keep focus and to remain focus on one thing only. He was closing in on the hunt and his prey was still blissfully unaware of its approaching demise. Making his way over to his seat he sits down quietly as the remaining members of his court filed in. Once again a few of his concerned court officials tried to speak with him but he continued to ignore them. Once they got the message that he wasn't going to address anyone until he thought necessary they left him be.
When he saw Takemaru enter the courtroom he had to force himself to remain calm and maintain complete stoicism. He could feel his insides burning with need to sink their teeth into his flesh. Poisoning him with their deadly saliva while shredding him into pieces before melting him into nothingness. But no, he and his Beast had to remain strong. They couldn't just go crazy and kill him. Even though he was Lord, rules still applied to him and he could not show any sign of instability. Kagome deserved to be avenged honorably! Not by his inner animalist demonic desires! Not wanting to let Takemaru catch onto his plans he turned to look towards the back of the boardroom at a painting of his father, Inu no Tashio. In the painting he wore the same high ponytail and courtly atire he was currently sporting. Along his side was Inuyasha's sword and over top of his robes was his battle armor adorning his chest.
The painting had been completed a year before his death as a request from Izayoi. It originally hung in the royal wing but when his father died Sesshomaru had requested it to be moved into the boardroom to honor his legacy and to remind those who served in the court of their loyalty to the Tashio family. It was his favorite painting of his father and he looked at it often when he needed support from the heavens. His father had been the strongest demon known to exist at the time when he was a pup and for him to die so simply always disturbed him. Over the years he had reflected back on his memories on the beach and knew his memories were sound. His father was free of any wounds until after he had passed out. He was sure of it! They had never found the source of his mysterious wounds or to why they refused to heal before his death. When he requested his body to be examined for fowl play the medical professionals had argued that his body was already in such state of decay that they needed to bury him as soon as possible. Thus, the closure never came for his family.
As the meeting began, he continued to look over his shoulder at his father's painting and reflected over his injuries that took his life away so unexpectedly. It was then he remembered where he recognized the smell from. His dog nose had never failed him in identifying a scent before and there was no doubt in his mind that whatever killed his father progressed Kagome's death as well. By the nature of the black ooze and the destruction it caused upon the flesh he knew it had to of been a poisonous concoction. Not recognizing the smell to be native to his lands he could only assume it had been smuggled into his city. He understood the use of such a deadly concoction against his father being that a swipe of a blade could easily be remedied but why it was used against Kagome baffled and angered him. She was completely harmless and had already suffered enough from her damn curse and violation! She was a Saint for gods sake and would never hurt anyone!
So what was the point? Was the creature responsible for his father's death the same who took his love away? What was the motive?! Thinking over who Takemaru was and how he came into the court Sesshomaru for once drew a blank. He knew that he had been an avid member of the court for years and came into ruling as head of the Court shortly after his father's passing. Obviously his father trusted the demon at one time to elect him as a trusted member. Or was it that he added him into his Court as a way to keep his enemies closer? Knowing his father's crazy logic it was probably the second. So if Takemaru had problems with his father enough to kill him or aid in the assassination, what was the reason?
Turning his attention back to the room he sees Advisor Saya speaking with Miroku and a few other members of the court quietly in their seats. He could also see that Takemaru was debating over the budget on the other side of the courtroom. Curious to what they were discussing amongst themselves he focused his hearing in on their conversation.
"Did you get the witness to safety?" asked Shako through a soft whisper as he leaned forward to speak into Miroku's ear.
"Yes. He and his wife are at a safe location. I have his statement presented with the letter." whispered back Miroku.
"Good. As soon as he is finished with the financial director I will direct the meeting into a hearing." said Advisor Saya.
"A hearing? What has happened while we were away?" asked Sesshomaru's Beast.
"I am unsure. Let us hope they have found some other evidence against Takemaru to where we can finish him off." Sesshomaru mentally responded to his Beast.
"Yes yes! Let us hope! I want to sink our teeth into his flesh and devour his blood! To shred him into pieces while listening to his pain filled cries! I can see him now… begging for mercy as we inflict our revenge!" his Beast howled in Sesshomaru's mind.
"Agreed… now shhh. I wish to listen." Sesshomaru said as he watched Takemaru finish up with the financial director.
"(Clears throat) Now, for those of us who were attending other duties yesterday and earlier this morning I would like to update everyone on a few things. Firstly, being that Lady Kagura and Prince Inuyasha were found to of broken binding elements to the contract it has been decided that the contract be voided. If you care to see the notarization and witnessed signatures performed by myself and five other members of the court from earlier today, it is presented on the table before you. Secondly, as of yesterday the Duke was taken into custody by the British Navel service and is in route to return home as we speak. He was accused of various crimes including treason, blackmail, fraud and human trafficking." Takemaru said earing shocked gasps and whispers from around the boardroom.
"Well… that would have been fun to watch." Sesshomaru's Beast said.
"Indeed… glad to be rid of him though." Sesshomaru thought back with an inner smirk.
"Thirdly, the captain of the British Navel service announced that the Duke's brother, has passed roughly four days ago and that his daughter will be crowed Queen on the last Saturday of the month. She has invited our Lord and three of our members to attend. If you are interested in attending please sign up after the meeting today so we can plan accordingly. And lastly, this afternoon her majesty will be united with the Earl of Paris. I have a letter of congratulations on the table if you wish to send them your well wishes. Do try to sign these today before leaving." Takemaru said while pointing towards the documents on the table.
"Now, if there is nothing else to discuss I will..." Takemaru began to say.
"High Councilmen, I am sorry to interrupt but there is a matter of importance we still need to discus with everyone before closing." advisor Saya said as he stood from his chair causing everyone to turn to look at him.
"Advisor Saya? What matter is in need of discussion that I forgot to mention?" asked Takemaru with a shocked and confused expression.
(Why So Serious - Joker Theme Dark Knight Soundtrack)
"Why the passing of Princess Kagome of course! Surly you have not forgotten?" asked Saya with a disbelieving glare.
"I was unaware her passing had been confirmed." Takemaru said as he crossed his arms behind his back.
"Regardless an update on her well being was needed to be mentioned; especially since she had been taken while under our care! But to answer you High Councilmen, I heard our Lord's mourning call last night while investigating your alibi." said Miroku before turning to look at his Lord and bowing to him with a sorrowful expression. "I am very sorry for your loss my Lord. Lady Kagome was an amazing woman and it pains me to know we failed you both in finding her in time or from breaking her curse. Please accept our sincerest apology and sympathy."
Sesshomaru remained silent but nodded his head in appreciation of his respect.
"Speaking of your alibi Takemaru, we spoke with your "friend" and he gave us a hand written letter from you stating to lie to cover for you." said Shako as he joined Saya and Mirku on the main floor.
"WHAT?! That's impossible!" Takemaru snapped. "The man owes me gamboling money. He must have written that letter himself to cover for his debts!"
"Do you forget that I am the secretary of the Court and have already proven my worth is signature forgery? This letter was very much written by your hand Takemaru and I along with other members of the Court find its content very disturbing." Councilmen Shako said while pulling the letter out from under a stack of courtly papers on the table along with Kohaku's statement.
Both had the time stamps and initials of Jaken to prove that they were legal to use against him. Takemaru was seething on the inside and was struggling to control his anger.
"Let me ask you again, High Councilmen. Where were you and the Duke on the night and early morning of Kagome's disappearance?" asked Miroku as he stood tall before the court and looked into Takemaru's eyes with a serious unwavering expression.
"I already told you! We were at Kohaku's! The man is a liar and a cheating gambler. I do not think you can trust his statement." Takemaru said as he crossed his arms angrily.
"But yet you wanted us to trust his statement before he went against you? I am sorry High Councilmen but your argument has no footing." High Priest Goryomaru said.
"Well, neither does yours! The man obviously cannot be trusted. How can you prove to me that these allegations against me are not his way of putting me behind bars so he doesn't have to go further into debt?" argued Takemaru making the room break out into debate.
"By proof that you wrote this letter!" snapped Shako as he picked up the letter and shook it in Takemaru's face. "This letter proves to the court that you were not at Kohaku's home and that you blackmailed him into lying for you! So again where were you High Councilmen?"
"He was with Kagome." Sesshomaru said calmly from his seat making everyone turn to him with shocked expressions.
"How do you know this my Lord?" asked Saya nervously as he watched Sesshomaru slowly stand from his seat and began to descend the stairs towards them.
Sesshomaru's intense amber eyes never left Takemaru's cowardly brown ones as he stood from his seat. They were a dark amber color swirling with gold and oranges making them appear to be on fire. His demonic dog eyes were wild but showed no weakness or breaking point. They seemed to glow against his alabaster skin, white Court attire and silver hair. As he walked towards him, his posture was smooth, strong and full of purpose. With his hair pulled back into a high ponytail it only intensified his strong build and dominating appearance. With the picture of his father positioned perfectly behind him he released his aura and demonic presence making everyone cower slightly in their seats. They looked nearly identical and all were reminded instantly of whom they were speaking to and who their loyalty was to in that very moment. This was no mere demon. He was the first born of Inu no Tashio and was nick named "The Killing Perfection." A demon never to be crossed.
"I know this because when I investigated the decrepit shack where she had been held I found his scent." Sesshomaru said as he stood mere feet from Takemaru and bore him down with his stare.
"Scent alone cannot be brought before the court first born son of Inu no Tashio. You need physical evidence to prove that. You know this." Takemaru said with a smirk.
"Where is your pin Takemaru?" Sesshomaru asked ignoring Takemaru's remark.
"My pin?" asked Takemaru as he looked down to his right shoulder to see that indeed it was missing. "Hn. I must have left it at Kohaku's while I was getting ready or it must have fallen off on the way here." said Takemaru with a confused brow as he patted his robes.
"Wrong, you left it in the shack." Sesshomaru said as he pulled it from his pocket and handed it to Shako making everyone gasp in shock.
"Impossible!" Takemaru snapped with an angry glare. "You are mistaken! Besides, you cannot use evidence against me that had not been brought before the Court without documentation!"
"True, but with you not having an alibi and the letter in your handwriting I would like to request that you be placed into holding until further evidence can be proven your innocence." suggested Sesshomaru.
"WHAT?" Takemaru snapped.
"All in favor of suspending High Councilmen until all allegations are looked into?" asked Advisor Saya before any other argument could be made.
"All in favor of releasing High Councilmen and continue to look for evidence with no restrictions?" he asked again.
The tally came out to 65/35.
"You cannot be serious?!" Takemaru said as three guards came up behind him and began to tie his hands behind his back with magical rope.
"We take this very serious and we will be sure to look into every possible angle High Councilmen." Advisor Miroku said. "You can be sure of that."
As the guards escorted the fuming Takemaru out of the courtroom they read him his Miranda rights. No longer seeing his prey Sesshomaru turned to look at the gathered members of the Court on the floor next to him.
"When I found Kagome she was covered in a cloaking spell and had a strange cut on her arm with a black ooze coming out of it. I recognized the scent to be the same as what killed my father." Sesshomaru said.
"You are certain of this my Lord?" asked High Priest Mushin with wide eyes.
"I am. If Takemaru is guilty like we suspect I propose we search his estate and any other property he is in possession or associated to. I have a feeling whatever this black concoction is will also be in his possession." Sesshomaru said.
"That's what I was about to suggest my Lord." said Miroku. "I do have a question though."
"What is it Advisor?" asked Advisor Izumo.
"If Takemaru did kill Kagome and possibly even our previous Lord; what was the motive? Miroku asked curiously.
"I thought of this as well. Elder Sennin, you have been a member of the Court the longest out of anyone here. What can you remember of the High Councilmen when he first became a member of the Court?" asked Sesshomaru as he turned to the crippled old flower demon sitting behind them.
"From what I can remember… High Councilmen became a member of the court after one of our council members died from an unexpected illness. He had been recommended by various city officials and neighboring ally's so… we voted him in that very day. I believe it was a week or two after your father passed away." said Elder Sennin with a shaky old man voice.
"Do you remember any reason for him to want my father killed?" asked Sesshomaru.
"I'm sorry I do not. But, if you wish to know more about him the village he grew up in is not 2 hours south from here. I'm sure someone there could tell you more about his person than I." said Sennin.
"If you wish my Lord, myself and one other rider can travel to this village and seek out information?" asked Shako.
"We must seek out all angles" Sesshomaru said. "Go and return as soon as possible."
"Yes, my Lord." Shako said before turning to leave and quickly followed by Izumo.
"Advisor Miroku, you said the witness would be willing to testify correct?" asked Saya.
"Yes, I can go and retrieve him right away if you wish." asked Miroku.
"No, we will keep him and his wife in safety until they are needed." said Saya as he shook his head sternly. "When we are ready to begin our trial we will send for them."
"Then I suggest we make our warrant for Takemaru's estate and continue our search for the missing staff members." suggested High Priest Goryomaru.
"Agreed. To get started we must be thorough and my Lord, I am very sorry but would you please inform the court of everything that transpired while in search of Lady Kagome and of her passing?" said Saya remorsefully. "Do not leave anything out because it needs to be documented as well as possibly lead us in the right direction."
"I understand." Sesshomaru said as he turned around and walked back to his seat. "This will be long, so those who are not investigating Lady Kagome's room, the shack or Takemaru's estate please make yourselves comfortable."
After everyone was seated Sesshomaru relived the worst day of his life. As requested he left no detail out and by the time he had finished the court was stunned into silence and mortified at what had been done to Kagome. After a moment to allow everything to settle the Court's determination to avenge Lady Kagome grew tenfold. By late afternoon Takemaru's estate had been thoroughly searched as well as four other properties they had uncovered. They found these properties to of been used to do his dirty work as well as various other illegal activities. All were being paid with under the table. At one of these properties they found the missing staff workers and at another property a magic book, three small vials of black poison hidden in the floor boards and letters and documents holding illegal trading, smuggling, espionage, blackmail documents, hit lists, slave trading and various lists of accomplices and informants. They also found a rusted blade with remnants of Kagome's blood and black ooze hidden in Takemaru's robes when they had searched his person. Amongst those informants listed were 15 castle workers as well as Elder Taigokumaru and Councilmen Byakuya who were shortly arrested after this discovery.
After going through the confiscated documents they found that Takemaru and the Duke had been childhood friends growing up at a boarding school in Switzerland. Through letters and journals they were able to put together that they had planned to over throw the world together well over 100 years ago. Their plan was simple; plant spies and workers throughout the top five power houses in the known world and slowly over throw them; starting with England and Spain. The letters held no detail out and when Izumo and Shako returned from the village they were able to piece everything together. Along with world domination they were able to discover Takemaru's motive for killing Inu no Tashio and Kagome was due to Inu no Tashio's mating of Izayoi. Apparently Takemaru and Izayoi had been arranged to marry and Takemaru was obsessively smitten. However, when Inu no Tashio met Izayoi at a charity banquet while Takemaru was finishing school the arrangement was dropped and they mated two months later. Izumo and Shako informed the court that many in the village had witnessed Takemaru threaten Izayoi's family as well as shout threats to the gods of revenge when he had returned from school to find his mate-to-be gone.
It was after that he moved to Valencia, worked his way up the political tower, poisoned the current councilmen and took his seat in the house. He had been in constant contact with the Duke and through a gypsie from Russia they were able to conform the perfect poison to kill Inu no Tashio. When his men found them on the beach it was easy carving into his flesh and infusing the poison. It also made mention of killing Sesshomaru that morning as well but by having Takemaru in the court he and the Duke made sure to educate him and mold him into their perfect puppet instead. Unfortunately for them it hadn't worked out that way. Time and time again Takemaru and the Duke had tried to get ride of Sesshomaru as he had gotten older but no matter how hard they tried the assassination attempts never worked. So they stuck with the contract and figured if need be they could always kill him later.
When Takemaru and the Duke had found out about Kagome it was too big of a temptation to make the Tashio family suffer. Not only from embarrassment to the Duke but to sooth Takemaru's lustful revenge. They could only assume he used the poison against her to only further make her suffer in her passing and to insure she passed away before Sesshomaru couldn't save her in time. By dinner time the evidence against the Duke and Takemaru was overwhelming. Calling the witness forward they listened to his story of enslavement to Takemaru and blackmail in helping him throughout the years. Punishing him to community service they then release him and finish their investigation. Not wanting to keep a raping homicidal psychopath in their dungeons any longer than necessary the Court summon Takemaru back to the boardroom for sentencing. When Takemaru saw the items presented against him on the table a wicked smirk crossed his lips.
(Rok Nardin - The Devil (Epic Powerful Dark Action))
(Warning: Adult Content/Violence)
"So Ses-sho-ma-ru… how does it feel to know I took her innocence from you?" Takemaru said making Sesshomaru's eyes bleed red and a growl escape his lips.
Sesshomaru leapt forward and slammed him into the wall behind him causing Takemaru's wicked cackle to fill the boardroom. It echoed off of the marble ceiling making the air feel chilled and sickly. As he held him by his neck his claws dug into his skin making his blood seep into his clothing.
"Ho ho ho! Does that displease you? Well good! Because I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed myself." Takemaru spat as he stared back making Sesshomaru tighten his hold around his neck and press him further into the wall.
"Takemaru, from you confession to the crime and the evidence brought against you it is by the power invested in me as newly elected High Councilmen you are sentenced to death. Is there anything you wish to say in your defense?" asked High Councilmen Shako as he and the other members of the Court glared at him in disgust and displeasure.
"Yes… I finally got my revenge and I am dying in peace knowing that your little bitch begged for you the entire time I slammed into her. She was such a fireball it almost made me want to keep her a few more days, especially since she was soooo tight! I couldn't help myself from breaking her over and over again until she was nothing but an empty shell. Your little bitch tasted so sweet too and I loved how my cock ripped into her and her throat as I spilled myself thoroughly. But don't worry… while she choked I made sure she swallowed every drop! HA HA HA" Takemaru said as he laughed making everyone's eyes bleed red.
"You bastard!" Miroku yelled angrily as Takemaru just continued to laugh.
"High Councilmen…" Sesshomaru growled as he lost more and more of his control over his Beast.
"Permission granted." High Councilem Shako said.
As soon as he said this Sesshomaru thrust his jaws into Takemaru's face and his claws began ripping him into pieces. Takemaru's cries of agony rung throughout the castle as Sesshomaru painfully tortured him. His teeth ripped his flesh from his bones and his claws shredded his organs one by one. He made sure he went slowly and seeped his poison and acid into his system making his death beyond comprehensible. The smell of his blood and putrid decaying flesh filled the boardroom making many of the court officials spill the contents of their stomachs. However, none took their leave or turned away because every single member of the court needed to witness his demise for their own peace of mind and revenge. Eventually his blood and flesh became nothing more than mush on the tile floor and Sesshomaru used his acid to erase every last drop of him. After requesting a change of cloths he quickly melted his bloody robes as well leaving nothing left of him to be traced. Having finished with Takemaru's execution the court quickly sentenced his accomplices and informants. All were banished from Spain and marked with a branded traitor tattoo on their necks before sending them away with the guard to be shipped off to Australia.
"Now that has been finished. What must be done with the Water Kingdom?" asked Elder Sennin after the courtroom cleared out.
"Leave the Water Kingdom to me." Sesshomaru said as he began to walk towards the door to leave. "Jaken."
"Yes my Lord?" asked Jaken nervously.
"Inform the housing staff to escort our remaining guests to the ports by tomorrow morning. I wish for our schedule to return to normal as soon as possible." Sesshomaru said while opening the door.
"Yes my Lord! Right away Sir!" Jaken said as he quickly gathered his things and scurried on his way.
"Would you like us to request anything else for you my Lord?" asked Miroku as he and a few other members followed Sesshomaru out the boardroom doors.
"No, I still have other matters to settle. Do not wait up for me at tomorrow's meeting." Sesshomaru said as he walked away leaving them confused in the lobby.
Quickly making his way down the Royal Wing he slipped into his room and pulled the magic book Inuyasha had given him out of a hidden cubby in the wall. Opening the book to the pages that had corners folded he finds the spell he was looking for. Grabbing a few other items he needed he slips them into his coat pocket and walks through the connecting bathroom door and into Kagome's room. He could see that the room and been cleaned and put back together after his Court officials had inspected the crime scene. However, her scent still clung to the air and it soothed him and his Beast as well as filling their heart with longing and remorse. Taking hold of one of the pillows on the bed he holds it close to his person and deeply inhales her scent. Finally alone after such an emotionally exhausted day Sesshomaru and his Beast soak up whatever comforts they could get from her room. Feeling stronger and ready for their last quest in their revenge Sesshomaru transformed once more into his beastly form and leapt over the back courtyard wall and raced across the countryside towards the coast. As he had predicted that morning, it was now pouring rain and lightning lite up the sky all around him. It did not sway his path however as he continued towards his destination. Having reached a secluded section of the beach a safe distance from any populated area Sesshomaru transforms back into his humanoid form and settles himself onto the beach. Pulling out the book he opens it and cuts his hand. Dropping his blood into the stormy salty surf behind him he looks into the mirror and casts his spell.
"Urasue… Urasue… Urasue… here my call and come to thee. Break thy time and break thy space. Come so that I can see they face."
Just as it had done with Inuyasha the water behind him in the mirror rippled and green bubbles rose up from the darkening water. He watched in displeasure as a beautiful silver haired octopid rose up from the bubbles. She slowly lifted her red ruby gaze up into his as her pouty painted lips curled into a wicked smile. She then began to move towards him through the mirror but he remained in his place. He knew she was trying to intimidate him and was not going to allow her to get the better of him.
"Lord Sesshomaru… how may I be of service to you?" Urasue said as she continued to slowly creep towards him from behind.
"I hear you like making deals?" Sesshomaru said seriously just before a bright flash of lightning lit up the sky and a roll of thunder echo into their bones making her halt in step.
End of Chapter 39
(Oh man! Will Sesshomaru be able to get his revenge against Urasue? What about Poseidon? So much is happening and it's only continuing to build! What's going to happen next? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out! Thank you again for reading. Please let me know what you think and of course I love your predictions! Until next time!)