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: "The Little Mermaid – Part of Your World - Horror Version." 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: Life and Death II
Darkness and crushing silence surrounded her. She felt weightless. Suspended in endless space and nothingness. She was completely numb and could not tell up from down or left from right. If she was moving or rendered motionless she had no clue. No matter how hard she tried to grasp her barring's or take hold of reality she ended right back were she started; nowhere. She had no grasp of how long she had been suspended like that or how much time had passed. Was it days, weeks or even years? Would she remain like this forever? She was anxious, stressed and afraid. While at the same time at chill, numb and sedate. Somehow she felt this was where she was supposed to be but at the same time felt as if something was incomplete and was holding her back. Was she supposed to do something? Was she forgetting something important? Was she dead or alive? She had no clue!
Her thoughts were scrambled and it was becoming harder and harder to put the random pictures and memories together. The longer she lingered in the cold, empty abyss the harder it became to keep hold of them. Slowly they disappeared one by one. Nothing made sense. Nothing felt right. She was alone, numb, surrounded in darkness with no substance to hold on to. Perhaps she was having a nightmare and this was her own personal hell? That had to be it. She tried to wake herself up but remained. What was going on? Why wouldn't she wake up? Was she somehow locked underground or cast under a spell? Was there something else she was not putting together? Had she forgotten something important?
Trying to place her weakening thoughts together, the only thing that remained consistent were warm amber eyes. They were so beautiful. She urged herself to remember them. If all else faded away, she would hold onto them as hard as she could. She couldn't remember where she had seen them before or who they had belonged to but somehow she felt attached to them. Almost as if they belonged to her in a way. They were special and held value. She gained warmth and protection from them. They were so bright against the darkness and she wished to never part from them.
However, her beautiful amber-eyed security blanket suddenly disappeared before she could react. Their bright light was blown out like a candle's flame. What had happened? Where did they go? Why could she not bring them back? She felt like crying but nothing happened. She wanted to scream but no sound or call was made. Everything around her was muted, empty and cold. Without them her dark world sucked her in like a vacuum. It was suffocating and she collapsed in on herself. With no longer thoughts or memories to keep her focused or gravity, time and space to guide her she drifted off into nothingness. Soon, even the thought of those eyes had vanished from her thoughts.
All was lost and meaningless. Nothing had substance, purpose or direction. She simply continued to drift off into the dark abyss for what felt like an eternity. No thought, feeling or emotion fazed her now. She was nothing just like her new blank world around her. That is until a sudden bright light and comforting warmth surrounded her. As she tried to adjust to the invasion, a powerful presence began calling to her.
"Kagome…" a deep soothing male voice called.
"Time to wake up child." said another more feminine voice.
"H..hello?" Kagome called back timidly on a quivering voice.
"It is time for you to deliver your last task." said the deep male voice.
"Task? What task? I don't understand! Who are you? Where am I? Why can't I see or feel anything other than this bright light and warmth?" Kagome asked fearfully.
"Be at peace child. For no harm will come to you." said the woman's voice. "I am the goddess of death, Izanami."
"And I am her husband Izanagi; god of life." said the male voice. "You are to take back a message to the land of the living."
"The land of the living? But that would mean that I'm…" Kagome began to say but stopped when what had been said began to take root.
"You are in purgatory little one. Neither amongst the living or the dead." said Izanagi.
"Purgatory…" Kagome whispered as she tried to wrap her head around it.
"Yes, child. The Sea Witch Urasue trapped your soul into herself. Because of this you were unable to pass over into the next life. However, through the selfless willpower of two brother's working together you and hundreds more were rescued." said Izanagi. "You have been given the opportunity to begin a new beginning. It is your final task to deliver our thanks to these brothers and then pass over into the afterlife. Only then can your next life begin."
"Urasue…" Kagome said with a questioning tone. "I know this name but cannot recall from where. Did I know this being?"
"All will become known to you as soon as you re-enter the world of the living." said Izanami gently. "Now, come child. It is time."
Just after she said this, a fog began to lift from Kagome's eyes. Her lost memories that had been soaked up by the darkness of purgatory began to fill her mind once more. At first it was a little overwhelming making sense of it all. But soon the fog had lifted and she saw three figures off in the distance. As she made her way towards them she noticed she was walking upon the water yet felt nothing. It was unnerving and it only further reminded her that she was no longer a part of this world. Suddenly she found herself understanding a lot more about the world around her than she ever thought possible. When the figures turned to look at her, her breath caught in her throat. Two piercing amber eyes bore into her and finally everything made sense once again. It was her silver haired, amber-eyed demon! The being that had stolen her heart 50 years ago! Every precious moment they had shared together and heart felt emotion flooded over her. She felt a burning sensation stinging her eyes and a tightening in the back of her throat. Remembering the feeling she knew she was about to cry. It was so strange being able to experience these emotions and feelings of the living yet not be able to be a part of it. When she was less than five feet from them she smiled up into his charming face. He was so handsome, just liked she remembered. It made her heart ache knowing she would have to leave him once more.
"Sesshomaru..." she whispered unsure of her own voice.
"Kagome?" he whispered back in disbelief making her heart flutter. He had heard her?!
When his hand reached for her cheek however it went through her form. She could not feel his warmth but could feel a ghostly essence of his presence. It was a strange feeling. Her heart sunk when she saw his disappointment. She knew he now realized that she was not back like they had both wanted. Unsure of how long she would be a part of this world she decided she needed to fulfill her mission.
"The gods have sent me to tell you their thanks in bringing Urasue down and for freeing their lost sons and daughters from her unworldly prison." Kagome said as she stepped closer to him and rest her icy hands on his chest making him shudder slightly.
"You understand Spanish?! asked Sesshomaru in surprise.
"Being in the after life the boundaries of the world are almost nonexistent." Kagome giggled sadly.
"Indeed... I felt as if someone had been watching over me when I struck her down with my Father's sword. Was it you?" Sesshomaru asked as he looked into her eyes before resting his forehead against her ghostly one.
Kagome too longed to feel his warm touches but no matter how hard she tried her form simply passed straight through him. Closing her eyes from heartbreak, tears began to fall.
"No, I only just came free from the darkness. The pull you felt must have been of the gods." She said as they pulled back to look upon each other again. "I wish I could return to you... but with my body being unattached to Urasue at the time of her passing I was unable to be reborn into the world of the living. I'm sorry my passing has tortured you so... That was never my intention."
She watched as Sesshomaru tried to wipe them away but once again her unearthly form prevented his worldly touch from reaching them. She hated seeing his suffering.
"What will become of you now Daughter?" asked Poseidon as he and Inuyasha swam up beside them.
"With my soul being free of Urasue and my body returned to the sea I can finally pass into the next life. I am unsure when I will be reborn again but I imagine it won't be for quite some time. My soul was broken for an extended period of time and suffered from a lot of trauma." Kagome said just as she felt her body began to be pulled back into the other realm.
"You're leaving already?" asked Inuyasha sadly.
"I am no longer a part of your world Inuyasha. I will miss you all dearly and will watch over from the heavens." Kagome said as she felt more of herself being pulled back.
"Kagome wait!" Sesshomaru cried out as he tried to cup her face in his hands as she continued to fade away little by little. "I'm so sorry I was unable to save you in this life but I promise you here and now that I will wait for you. Even if its in the next life I wish for you to be my mate."
"Sessomaru..." Kagome gasped in shock. Her eyes were wide, trickling with tears.
"Kagome the moment our eyes first fell upon each other 50 years ago I have loved you with every fiber of my being. You captured me body and soul that very instant and if you would have me I wish to be bound together with you for all eternity. I have lived a long life and have come to desire no other. For much of my life I had felt as if a void was sitting in my heart, never feeling complete. When we were reunited that fateful night in our lagoon I at long last had found what had been missing in my life. It was you who completed me. Not a demoness, not a human, but you my little mermaid who my soul cried out for. I am unsure if this form will see you in your next life or what form I should take in mine but if our souls were to be united once more... would you honor this demon in become his life mate and the mother of his children?"
"Oh Sess... I do! For I too feel the same!" Kagome said through sobs. "I would gladly become your mate. I love you so much!"
"Until we meet again... my Curioso." Sesshomaru said as he leaned down and tried to kiss her lips one last time.
Although she could not feel his touch his essence showered her in his passion and promise. Being with him like this made her feel complete. Like she was finally home. She felt a wash of warmth suddenly filled her heart and it only further urged her emotions. It was both heartwarming and heart shattering at the same time. She was so torn! She wished and prayed to the gods that it didn't have to be this way but she understood why it had to. When their lips parted Kagome smiled up into his rippling amber eyes one last time and then reluctantly disappeared from his grasp all together. As soon as she was no longer a part of his world she felt a sense of peace flow over her. A calming blue fog clouded her vision making everything disappear. With no longer having any ties to the land of the living she was once again drifting off into timeless space. This time, however, she felt complete and ready for the next step. Now all she had to do is wait for it to come.
[El Saler Beach - Valencia]
The sound of gulls calling overhead and the gentle rush of the tide coming in and out upon the sand slowly pulled Sesshomaru from his unconsciousness. As he cracked open his eyes he had to squint to block out the piercing morning rays. Sluggishly sitting up, he brought his hand up to steady his head. It was pounding beneath his fingertips and his body was cold, wet and felt heavy from the over use of his power. Not remembering his barring's he looked around and saw his brother and Poseidon about 15 feet from him resting on some rocks close to the surf. Steadying himself onto his lead weight legs and slowly made his way over to them.
"About damn time you woke up! We were beginning to think you were going to be like that forever." Inuyasha teased when he noticed his brother approaching them.
"Have you such little faith in this one little brother?" Sesshomaru groaned as he sat down next to him on the rocks while taking in his new merman form.
He hated to admit it but perhaps the gods had planned for Inuyasha to be a merman all along? There was no denying that his little brother's new form reeked of power and strength and could easily defeat any who challenged him. Sesshomaru could tell that the barbs on his muscular tail were deadly when provoked and would be an excellent additional weapon if needed. Seeing Inuyasha, as he was now Sesshomaru couldn't help but feel a little more relieved in knowing Inuyasha would be ok. Not that he would ever admit that he was concerned for his little brother's wellbeing out loud. Knowing he was able to protect himself, had become a being a authority by his own actions, and gained a mate who cherished his heart as much as his own made letting him go a little easier. He just hoped that after today wouldn't be goodbye forever.
"After your revenge yesterday and grieving the past couple of days, would you blame me for doubting?" Inuyasha asked gruffly as he crossed his arms over his muscular tattooed chest.
After hearing the reminder of Kagome's death, a chilling pain washed over Sesshomaru. The memory of last night's farewell and declaration flashed before his eyes and reality slapped him in the face. She was gone and he would have to wait for her reincarnation to return or to meet her in his next life. From what he understood of the afterlife, even if he killed himself or met an untimely death they would not be together. He was a demon and she was a mermaid that had turned human and then turned back into a mermaid. He would be sent to hell and she would be sent into another underworld dimension. Only when they were reincarnated could they be together in the same plain. He need not be so careless for it would be pointless.
All the anger, frustration and bitterness he had been feeling the past few days had long since been powered into his revenge against Takemaru and Urasue. Now he felt empty, cold and numb. What was he to do now? He knew he still had to produce an heir for the Spanish crown. Being that Inuyasha was no longer able to take his place as Lord he was stuck once again in having to find a female to fulfill the duty. He hated the thought of having to be in such a position with another other than Kagome. He knew this was being unfaithful to her. He had promised to be with no other and to wait for her. How was he going to explain this to his people?
He did not know how long he would have to wait for Kagome to be reincarnated. Being a demon he knew that if he didn't come to an early death, he would take at least another thousand years or more to meet his end. Why rush in finding someone to bare him an heir? Surly they could let him mourn in peace until she returned? And if he did die at least he would go in peace knowing he had remained faithful to his promise. Yes, this was the only way. He would give his people an heir but they would just have to be patient and wait. He knew it was going to be hard, but she was worth it. Not wanting to waist anymore of his energy on those thoughts he shut them off and turned his attention back to the conversation at hand.
(While Sesshomaru was lost in his thought)
"We must return to the cove Son. I am sure by now your Mate has awaken from her rest. We will need to assess the damages from last nights battle before we prepare the other tribes to depart to their feeding grounds." Poseidon said to Inuyasha.
"Feeding grounds? Where is that?" asked Inuyasha. "I didn't realize you… I mean us Merfolk moved around?"
"Yes, we do. Did you notice the different species of Merfolk? Some had cooler colors in appearance while others more warm?" asked Poseidon.
"Huh… I guess I never realized there were different races of Merfolk. Do we go anywhere other than here?" asked Inuyasha curiously.
"Seeing as you and your brother just found out about us little over two months ago that's not surprising my boy." Poseidon chuckled. "Our tribe travels south along the western coast while others go to the artic chill or more tropical climates. I believe the land dwellers call the coast we travel on West Africa. It takes us at least two months to reach our feeding grounds. Being that the weather has been warmer this year I have a feeling we wont need to make that journey for yet another two months or so."
"It takes that long to get there?! How far down the coast do you go?" asked Inuyasha in disbelief.
"It's not that it is too far. It is that our gossip is very large and we will be traveling with harboring mermaids, some elders and youngling. We have to stop often for them to feed and rest." Poseidon informed.
"Harboring? What the hell does that mean?" Inuyasha asked with a confused scowl on his brow.
"They carry new life. Surly you understand the effects of mating season my boy." Poseidon teased as he saw his new son-in-law's cheeks dust a rosy pink.
"What do you take me for Old Man?! Of course I understand that! I just didn't know you called it harboring!" snapped Inuyasha.
"I see." Poseidon chuckled only earning a brighter shade of red across Inuyasha's cheeks.
"What has got you so flustered little brother?" Sesshomaru taunted as he returned his attention to the conversation.
This earned a growl from his little brother and a richer chuckle from Poseidon.
"None of your damn business Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha barked as he turned away from them both as they continued to laugh at his embarrassment.
"Hn." Sesshomaru smirked inwardly despite his blank expression.
Although he was greatly upset, he couldn't help but enjoy seeing his brother squirm under pressure. Inuyasha had always been an easy target to rile up. Knowing he would be leaving him too made Sesshomaru inwardly sigh. He would never admit it to Inuyasha or anyone else but he would miss his little brother. They did not come from the same mother nor were equal in blood, but they were very close growing up. How had time gone by so fast? What had happened to the little half demon brat with puppy ears that always pulled pranks on him? The punk that made him laugh like no one else could and spare nearly as well as he could? Who was he going to confide in and allow him to process his grief with? Seeing his brother and Poseidon starting to slip into the water to leave he knew he needed to ask his concerns.
"Inuyasha, now that you have entered the world under the sea how will I contact you should I need to?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Huh… I don't know. Daija was able to send messengers to Poseidon but that wasn't very quick. Let me ask if there is a quicker way. Maybe we could make another set of calling shells or something?" Inuyasha said as he turned to Poseidon and asked his questions.
"I no longer have the power to make you a calling shell and you have yet to learn. However, there is a way you can connect with you brother." said Poseidon after hearing what Inuyasha had to say.
He then motioned for Sesshomaru to move closer to him and rest his feet in the water. Poseidon then ushered Inuyasha to rest by his brother side.
"You will be creating your first alliance bond as King of the Water Kingdom. This bond is used to ensure complete allegiance between the tribes and outside alliances. It will bond you and whoever you create this bond with so you can communicate together even from far distances. For example, say you are in danger and are in need of assistance right away. You can call out through your bond and alert your allies. They will hear your call and feel pulled to your aid. It can also be used to relay simple messages or warnings without crossing enemy lines. The messages can go to individuals as well instead of all of your allies at once. The communication is through telepathy so no one will uncover your intent. Our ancestors have used this form of communication since the beginning of time. I was told it is similar to how dolphins and whales communicate." Poseidon said as he began to place the brothers into the bonding formation.
As he did this Inuyasha translated what Poseidon had said to Sesshomaru. To say Sesshomaru was impressed was an understatement. Having such an ability to outsmart and meander around any enemy is a huge booster in power. Now if there was only a way for this ability to be used within his own people. He would have to experiment later. As he thought about this Poseidon continued to place them in position. The formation was simple but full of symbolism and vulnerability. It required close proximity and easy access for attack. They first had to be facing each other with their left hands resting on the other person's shoulder. Then their right hands were held together as that same arm were crossed and pulled into their new allies chests. This pulled them together making their chest form as one. Then to top it off their foreheads were touching. It forced them both to have complete trust in the other and open each other's mind for the bond to form. They both hated their positions but understood it needed to be done. Once the formation was in place they then were required to recite a chanting spell to seal the bond with their eyes closed.
"Alright, repeat after me." Poseidon said making the brother's focus fully on him.
They held their positions stiffly and then chanted after Poseidon.
They said in Merlish:
"United we stand, divided we fall. Bound to protect when hearing thy call. Sealing spirit, fate, and mind. Brothers at last until the end of time."
Once they had finished speaking a blue glow surrounded them, thus sealing their connection.
"Did it work?" asked Inuyasha as he slowly pulled back from his brother.
"Try speaking to your brother in your mind." suggested Poseidon with a knowing smirk on his face.
"Uh.. ok?" Inuyasha said with a doubtful expression.
"Damn… how the hell do I talk in my head?! Hey! Sesshomaru? Can you hear me?!" Inuyasha asked in his mind.
"How is it even in your mind you are annoying; and loud..." responded Sesshomaru as he straighten his crumpled clothing, earning a growl from Inuyasha.
"Shut up asshole! At least we know it works!" Inuyasha inwardly scoffed.
"Indeed…" Sesshomaru inwardly replied as he began to stand up from the rocky beach.
"I take it, it worked?" asked Poseidon as he watched the entertainment of the two brothers banter back and forth in their minds.
"Yeah it worked. Now come on Old Man! Let's go check on Kikyo." Inuyasha said before turning to look at his brother to say his farewell. "I'll swing by the lagoon three nights from now just after sunset. If I can't come I'll let you know. Don't do anything stupid like sell the kingdom or anything while I'm gone."
"Don't say such silly things. I will see you in three days time. Until then little brother." Sesshomaru scoffed with an annoyed tone while turning away and making his way up the beach.
As Inuyasha and Poseidon began to make their way to the cove Poseidon couldn't help but think of the two exchanges he had witnessed between Sesshomaru and Kagome. One being while she was alive and the other when she was visiting from the underworld. Both times Sesshomaru showing his love, regardless of whoever was there to see it. It was obvious by his forwardness and verbal declaration that he had loved her. He knew after his actions in avenging her death that what he had said was true. It was a shame to see a strong male such as Sesshomaru become as broken as he was last night. Being a widower himself, he knew of such grief. He could tell by how drained he was that Sesshomaru had closed himself off like he himself had done all those years ago when Calypso died. It was going to be a long road ahead of Sesshomaru in opening himself up again. He just prayed to the gods that they would be merciful in Sesshomaru's grieving and not make him wait too long for Kagome to return.
Being her father it wasn't any less painful in grieving her passing. He missed his little one dearly. No parent should outlive their young. It was not natural! But he knew with Sesshomaru being a demon, his grieving and suffering would go beyond his comprehension. He was aware of the pains in demon heartbreak. It was a slow and painful death that often lasted hundreds of years. The only way to stifle the pain was either to end ones life or to take another mate. Being that Sesshomaru was a Tai Inuyoki he would do neither of these. He was too honorable to commit suicide and was too loyal as a dog demon to choose another. No, he knew of Sesshomaru's fate and it pained him to know he would be subject to such. For they were star crossed lovers. They were fated to meet, fall in love and then die a painful death. Then be reunited at the bridge between worlds, share their heart felt declaration before being parted one last time with a farewell kiss. It was truly tragic.
He had heard their promises to each other last night and had held his tongue. He wasn't sure how promises such as that could be possible. There was no guarantee that they would meet again, let alone be mated down the road. He surly didn't remember anything from his past life. Why would they remember this one? Let alone a promise in the next? But who was he to come in between them and the gods? He along with hundreds of others had just come back from the dead by the swipe of a sword! Who's to say it's not possible? Regardless of his thoughts, it wasn't his place to interrupt his daughter's heart-warming moment. Seeing how open she had been last night in Sesshomaru's arms there was no denying the obvious. She was smitten with him. Enough for her to sell her soul for legs then suffer and die for his happiness!
Now that she was gone there was only one problem left. That was facing the reality of not only letting her go in restful peace but letting her be with Sesshomaru in another life without him. True, they were both of mating age and legally able to make their own decisions. But that doesn't mean he had to like it! He was her Father damn it! And it wasn't that he didn't like the demon. He was honorable enough and loved Kagome in return. But she was his baby girl! There was something else as well. True, he had been resurrected. But it did not given him any more life than what he had had in the time of his contract with Urasue; meaning he still only had about 5-10 years left to live. Even if Kagome did become reincarnated before Sesshomaru's passing; he would not see her again. She was gone. Oh, how he would miss her. He just prayed that the gods would hear his prayer and bless her with happiness and protection in her next life. Whenever that would be.
[Tashio Castle]
A guard from the watchtower spotted Sesshomaru walking along the beach towards the castle and immediately sent for a carriage to pick him up. Soon word spread of their Lord's return and quickly prepared for his arrival. The carriage raced down the coble streets until it reached the dirt-covered road along the coast. The guard saw his Lord make his way into the carriage and then quickly informed the remaining castle members of their approach. As soon as the carriage reached the main road the gates opened. They hastily made their way into the front courtyard towards the main entrance. Miroku and various other members of the court and castle staff were already awaiting the stairs to welcome him home. When they all took in the state of dress and appearance of their Lord when he exited the carriage they all stared in shock and disbelief. He was covered in blood, sand and mud. His hair was a messy tangled disaster and his courtly robes were stained and riddled with holes and tares. He was slightly pale, had shadows under his eyes and looked like he was on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion.
"My Lord! What has happened?!" cried Elder Sennin as they followed him up the stairs.
"I have fulfilled my last revenge. The Sea Which is dead." Sesshomaru said as he made his way through the main doors.
"Dead?! How did you find her and accomplish this?" asked Miroku astounded.
"As I do with all who get in my way." Sesshomaru said as he graced his hand over the hilt of his blade.
"I see. Well we are glad of your safe return. Do you require anything?" asked Miroku out of concern as they continued to follow him through the halls of the castle.
"Send for hot water and my dinner to be brought to my chambers. I do not wished to be disturbed until otherwise." Sesshomaru commanded as he began going up the stairs towards the Royal Wing.
"Of course! Right away Sir!" said Councilmen Shako as he and the other members left to inform the servants to do as he asked.
Sesshomaru slipped into his chambers and began to peel himself out of his mangled rags. Slipping on a bathing robe he walked into his bathing chambers just as the male servants finished filling his tub with warm water and fragrant soaps. Tossing his robe onto a bench in the corner of the room he slowly entered the steamy water and tried to relax. The hot water did wonders to his aching body but nothing could heal his broken heart. It felt cold with a minor pinch in the center. He could already tell it was beginning to be affected by the dreaded demon heartbreak. Hearing a servant bringing his dinner tray into his bedchambers he finished washing and dried himself off before dressing in his robe. No longer sensing the servant in his chambers he entered his room, picked out a pair of blue cotton sleeping pants and then walked out onto his patio to eat his dinner in peace.
(The Little Mermaid – Part of Your World - Horror Version – Start playing after 10 seconds)
Feeling a slight chill in the air he walked into his room to grab a blanket. As he looked in the trunk at the foot of his bed an idea came to mind. Closing the trunk he walked back into his bathroom and slipped into the now vacant first Lady's room. Opening the trunk at the foot of her vacant bed a red colored blanket was folded neatly on top. He gingerly picked it up and held it close to his heart. Although she had been gone for two days already the room still held subtle elements of her fragrance. He knew it wouldn't last forever, but just being in the room had already brought peace to his aching heart. Burying his nose into the blanket he was once again shrouded in her sweet smell of the ocean breeze and tropical flowers.
Hearing the cries of a bird he looked out the window near the bed and noticed a small nest resting in the sill. The nest held three little chicks and the parents were filling their hungry tummies with a fat caterpillar before nestling in for the night. Seeing them snuggling up together as a family in their little home filled him with loneliness and jealousy. How was it that these little birds could have such happiness? Yet he and his love could not? Noticing the sun setting in the sky he sighed to himself and walked back into his room. Going over to his side table next to his bed, he pulled out a drawer and grabbed his wooden flute. Plopping down on a lounge chair back out on the patio, he covered himself over in Kagome's red blanket and watched the sun set over the distant seashore.
Soon the sun disappeared in the sky and the flamboyant sky drifted off into darker shades of blues and purples. Bright stars appeared one by one and blanketed the sky. The night was dark without the moon. Its silence accompanied by chirping crickets and frogs only further sedated his mood. Hours ticked by as he reclined in the darkness. It was only when he brought his flute to his lips and played her song had he finally begun to allow his emotions to grab hold of him. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he played. It's haunting tune floating above the city. All who heard the tune knew of who played and grieved along with him. He poured his soul into his song and soon it became too hard to play. His breathing became harsh and his body trembled. Holding tight to her blanket he curled into himself and wallowed in his grief. Heart retching sobs escaped his lips and soon he howled into the darkness.
He neither cared who heard or who would judge him. He needed this moment to grieve his departed mate. Feeling a wash of uncontrollable emotions rise in his chest he threw his flute out of frustration. It whistled through the air until it splashed in the lagoon bellow with a clunk; not caring if it sank to the bottom or not. Feeling everything come crashing down on him he slumped back into the chair and succumbed to his exhaustion. His swollen irritated eyes became heavy and slowly closed shut. Being surrounded by her ocean breeze and tropical flowers the darkness of slumber soon consumed him. His mind remained blank as he tried to regain the energy he had lost. No dreams came to comfort him this night. All was numb, empty and cold. Only the warmth of her red blanket and gentle smell was left to comfort him. Soon the distant sun began to peek over the horizon and with it came the pitter patter of rain. But even so, not even this stirred him from his sleep.
(End of Chapter 41)
(Poor Sesshomaru! That's alot to take in on one day! Much more to come. Only time will tell what will happen next! Love hearing your thoughts. Thank you for keeping up with the story. You guys rock! :D)