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: "Evelyn Stein: Quiet Resource" and "Creepy Winter Music - Snow Queen's Palace." 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.
Authors Note: There are some additional Inuyasha characters added into this chapter! If you wish to know what they look like be sure to look them up online! I do not own any of these extra characters and all rights should go to Inuyasha Inc.
Tides Against Time: Changing Tides
Inuyasha and Poseidon quickly made their way home to the cove after saying their goodbyes to Sesshomaru. Both were anxious to assess the damages done by Urasue's fury. As they traveled they scanned the sea floor and looked over every water creature they passed. Thankfully much of Mother Nature had already taken care of most of the cleanup. Her tides had washed away broken debris and fallen creatures were picked clean by scavengers; clearing the waters from death and disease. Only a few seabeds and coral fields were in need of repairs and few animals seemed to have suffered serious injuries. When they finally approached the cove their eager subjects greeted them and found only 17 had been injured during the battle. After explaining Urasue's demise to everyone and celebrating Poseidon's return, Inuyasha slipped into the healing tunnels.
Seeing his mate peacefully sleeping upon the sand brought a tender smile to his lips. The room was shadowed in dim light but that only helped relax the atmosphere in the wing. Pulling up beside her he took in her slumbering features. Her long raven hair was haloed about her body creating endless waves of black silk. Her heart shaped face wore a soft expression and her pouty lips were puckered as she lightly breathed. A light blush graced her porcelain skin framed by thick, long eyelashes. Needless to say she was beautiful and he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Needing to feel her presences he softly brushed the back of his hand upon her cheek and tucked a loose strand of her silky hair behind her delicately finned ear. Just as he suspected her rich, chocolaty, brown eyes slowly fluttered open and looked up into his golden.
"Enu… yasa?" Kikyo asked softly as she tried to clear the fog from her vision.
"It's me. How's your head?" Inuyasha asked gently as he gingerly pulled her into his chest.
"My headache is gone thanks to the healers. I'm sorry I missed out on the fight." said Kikyo as she rest her head on his chest and nuzzled into his neck affectionately.
"Don't worry about it. I'm glad you were in the cove were I knew you were safe." Inuyasha said as he buried his nose into her hair and breathed in her sweet scent. "We killed Urasue and all her puppets and all the stolen souls were released; including your Dad's."
"Really? He's alive?!" asked Kikyo in disbelief.
"Yeah, He's with your brother in the main chambers if you want to go see him." Inuyasha said before kissing her forehead.
"No, that's alright. Let Sota have some time with him. He took my Father's sacrifice pretty hard and needs the reassurance. We'll go see Father after everyone has had a chance to talk with him." Kikyo said as she relaxed into her mates embrace upon the sand.
"It was so weird seeing your Old Man come back. One minute Urasue was alive and the next these white orbs were shooting out of her chest and transforming into all sorts of water creatures. When your Dad swam up to me shouting my name I thought I was seeing things!" Inuyasha said earning a giggle from his mate.
"I'm sure that would have been a sight to see. Thank you for avenging my family Enuyasa. It means the world to me." Kikyo said kissing his jaw sweetly.
"Of course I'd avenge your family Kikyo! Hell, your family has been more open in accepting me than mine was my entire life! Besides, you're my mate and therefore your family is my family. I want to do everything in my power to protect you. Even if that's chasing after crazy sea witches." Inuyasha said as he held her close.
"Well I'm grateful. You have been so amazing in taking in everything. I know my world is different from yours but I hope one day you can call it home." Kikyo said.
"Some of my questions have already been taken care of with being a merman now, but I know I've still got a lot to learn. I hope with the guidance of your Old man and the tribal leaders that I can live up to being a King you can be proud of." Inuyasha said as he lovingly ran his fingers through her hair.
"What do you mean I will be proud of? I already am! You fought heroically for my hand, sacrificed yourself for my father, valiantly avenged my family against Urasue and then brought my Father back to me! You are more than worthy of being called King. I am proud to call you my mate!" Kikyo declared as she sat up from her resting place and leaned over him to look into his eyes and make sure he saw her seriousness.
There was no deception in her gaze and Inuyasha's breath caught in his throat at her honesty. How had he become so blessed in gaining such a goddess for a mate? Unable to speak in that moment he lightly smiled up at her in acknowledgment and she sealed their understanding with a loving kiss. When her lips dusted across his, his heart fluttered painfully in his chest. She had become the very air he breathed and he knew if anything ever happened to her he would surely die. Needing to become one once more with the love of his life he rolled onto his back and gingerly pulled her on top of him and threaded one hand into her hair while his other hand slid down her back to rest along her hip. As they continued to enjoy each other's touch a new enticing smell slowly began to permeate the air. Unsure of what it was Inuyasha pulled back from their heated kisses and looked up into his mate's enchanting face. Her eyes were half lidded with lust, like his own and were glazed over from their passion. Her breathing was labored and her cheeks had a rosy tint too them. With his fingers threaded in her locks she looked absolutely delicious. He thanked the gods that no one would ever see her like this but him.
"What's wrong?" asked Kikyo as she looked down into his contemplative face.
"What is that smell?" he asked making her look down at him in confusion.
"Smell? What smell?" she asked curiously. "All I smell is the cove, the healing herbs and us?"
"No… it's not that. It's something I've never smelled before. It's smells… sweet and tangy. Kind of like a warm orange with a twist of cinnamon to it." Inuyasha said as he tried to figure out the source of the smell. "I really like it."
"Ah… that smell. Can you not find the source?" asked Kikyo in a knowing tone.
Inuyasha looked at her curiously as she slid off of him and laid down on her back beside him. Curiosity getting the best of him he continued to smell the air around them. He noticed it grew stronger when he turned towards Kikyo and soon found the smell was coming from her. With a wicked grin he crawled over her body and slowly prodded her form with his nose making her giggle. As he continued to search he left little kisses until his nose came to hover over her womb. He blinked in confusion when he smelled it again thinking it was what he thought. However, when he sniffed he didn't sense any new life growing within her. So what was it? Sensing his confusion Kikyo gingerly threaded her fingers through his silver bangs making him look back up into her eyes with confusion.
"What does it mean? Are...are you sick?" Inuyasha asked in concern.
"No, no, nothing to be concerned about. However, this smell will only last for five days so if you want to we better start today. I know you already have a lot on your plate being newly turned merman and inheriting the Kingdom in less then a week so I will understand if you want to wait. But being as it is my first season with a mate I'm not going to lie to you in hiding back that I want to try. It's something I have been dreaming about a lot recently." Kikyo said with hope filled eyes.
"What only last five days and what do you mean you want to try? If you want something just ask! I'll give it to you." Inuyasha said.
"Really? You really want to try?! Well I've only gone into heat twice before but didn't have a mate then so I don't…" Kikyo started.
"Heat?! You're in heat? That's what this smell means?! Damn it, Kikyo! Why didn't you just say so!" Inuyasha shouted before he quickly leaned forward and captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Soon their kisses became needy as their hands caressed all over their bodied. Fingers tangled in tresses, tails twisted in a loving embrace, tongues battling for dominance. Their bodies slick with their passion making the room permeate with their lust and desire to create new life. However before they could further their union Kikyo knew they needed to relocate. Reluctantly pulling away from his firm lips Kikyo took in a needed breath. Not catching her drift in needing to stop Inuyasha continued to devour her body with his mouth making her mewl in pleasure. As she tried to gather her thoughts his attentions slowly went from her jawline to the crook of her neck were he suckled savagely. Now that he knew what that smell was all of his scenes had kicked into over drive and he was not going to waist a single second!
"Are you sure… you want to try?" Kikyo asked as she tried to ignore the seductive motion he began to set against her center.
"Mmhhhmm." Inuyasha murmured against her collarbone in agreement. Not once slowing his rocking torture.
"Then we need to go to... to the mating grounds." Kikyo gasped out making Inuyasha reluctantly pull back from her neck to look up into her face.
"Do we have to? I'm happy mating with you right here." Inuyasha said with a slight pout.
"No we don't have to but, the mating grounds were a gift from the gods. The sand there is warm to the touch and has magical properties in it. If we consummate there we have a higher likely hood of conceiving and this magic binding with our union. It's not guarantied but outside of the grounds our child will 100% not gain any magic and it will be harder to conceive. With the likely hood of producing an heir this season I think it would be best to give our young the chance of gaining one of these magical properties. The magic offers them protection and power as well as respect within the gossip. If our first youngling is a boy and does not have gifts then he cannot absorb the rights as King when he grows up. With you being a demon, you already had a strand of magic within your being so it wasn't hard for Chief Kaguya to switch the ceremony to make it work. However Sota cannot be King because he does not have these abilities even though he is my Father's only son. Would you grant me this? Would you allow our first heat to be upon the mating grounds? It is a tradition of my line. I was formed there, as well as my Father and his father." Kikyo asked with pleading brown eyes.
"If we consummated our mating here and produced an heir without magic what would happen to them? Would they be rejected?" asked Inuyasha curiously.
"No, he or she would be treated like any of our young. They would be loved by the entire gossip just like my brother. However, they would not be seen as an authoritative figure. No matter the bloodline, magic holds power and for them to rule our Kingdom they must be above all others. If our first young has magical qualities to it they would become the heir and they would be required additional schooling and training to prepare for the position of ruling the Water Kingdom in the future. Our other young would be loved and treated no differently then they would. They would just receive less schooling and training. That being said I would like to be able to protect our young as best we can. With you being a new King I have a feeling we are going to be going into quite a few battles in the near future. Even the very young who weald magic can create a barrier until help arrives to save them. It would ease my heart in knowing we tried everything we could to protect our young. I will love all of them equally but it would ease my heart if this were so." said Kikyo as she ran her fingers along Inuyasha's jawline.
"Then it's settled. Every heat we will do our best to be at the mating grounds to have a higher chance of providing our young with magic to protect them." Inuyasha said as he sat up and pulled his mate up off the sand. "Where are the mating grounds anyway?"
"Eager are we?" Kikyo teased making Inuyasha blush.
"Keh! Damn right I am woman! I want this as much as you do! Were it not for moving to these mating grounds we wouldn't be having this conversation!" Inuyasha growled making Kikyo laugh.
"Well I'm glad. We best be on our way. It's not too far and if we leave now we can get there before noon." Kikyo said as she pulled her mate out of the healing wing.
Unknowingly to the happy couple, as they passed through the main tunnel and out towards the mating grounds the ever watchful eye of Poseidon smiled upon them. A silent prayer was lifted up to the gods that morning for a successful blessing upon their union.
"Be well my Daughter. May the gods bless you and your Mate this day in bringing new life, new hope and new strength through this union. Unite our Kingdom, for this young will be its future."
[Tashio Castle]
It had been three days since their Lord returned to the castle. They had been in shock upon seeing his exhausted form dressed in shredded clothing covered in blood, sand and mud. No one dared disturb him in his chambers especially after receiving strict orders that he wished to be alone. However, that did not relieve the uneasiness felt amongst his people. No one had ever seen him in such a state. Word had spread like wild fire of his weary, disheveled form along with the news of his mate's demise. It was surprising when word of needing a new Lady reached the other kingdoms and the opportunity for an attack was a possibility. His country needed him to act and resolve these issues before they got out of hand. It was from these concerns that brought the newly appointed High Councilmen and his fellow courtly officials to his chambers. After not receiving an answer at the door they slowly entered to find him in a comatose state sleep on the patio. They had tried to wake him but he refuse to respond. It was obvious that he had been out there for at least two days by the dampness of his hair and the soggy red blanket he was huddled under. It had rained consistently since he returned and was soaked to the bone. He was shivering, pale in complexion and had a pink tint to his cheeks. When Shako touched his forehead it was scolding hot to the touch.
"Damn it... He's burning up! Quick, summon the healer but keep it quiet. We need to keep his illness as secret as possible. With the castle already a buzz with gossip that's the last thing we need." High Councilmen Shako commanded.
"It will be done High Councilmen." said Advisor Saya as he slipped out the door.
"Help me get him changed and into bed. We need to get him as dry and warm as possible." High Councilmen Shako said as he pealed the red blanket off of him.
It took all of them to carry his heavy, limp body to his bedding. After changing him into warm long johns and a wool over shirt, they tucked him into bed and towel dried his hair the best they could. They had tried to pry open his hand holding onto a strand of braided hair but after seeing no harm in leaving it there they choose to allow him this small comfort. When Tsukiyomi arrived about 10 minuets later they quickly filled her in on how they had found him before stepping back to let her get to work.
"Will he be alright?" asked High Priest Gatenmaru in concern.
"Now that our Lord is in bed and under my care he will be. If you all had waited another day or two he might not be so lucky. The medicine I'm about to give him should start to kick in, in about 20 minutes or so. He will be good as new in a couple hours. I think it would be best when he comes around to not have so many in his chambers all at once. I'm not sure what frame of mind he will be in when he wakes and could lash out should he feel cornered. Why don't you all go and retrieve some of your work details requiring his immediate attention and return back here in an hour or so. By then Kaede should have him set and ready for visitors." said Tsukiyomi as she placed a cool rag upon his brow.
"Thank the gods! If anything changes until our return please send for us at once." said High Coucilmen Shako as he motioned for the other brothers to follow.
Just as Tsukiyomi suspected about 20 minuets later Sesshomaru slowly began to awaken from his slumber. Seeing his soaking wet cloths and bathing articles lying on the floor Tsukiyomi took the items and made her way down to the launder.
"I'll return shortly with the Court. Keep him calm and in bed until we return." Tsukiyomi said to Keade before slipping out the door.
(*** Evelyn Stein: Quiet Resource ***)
Taking a seat at his bedside Kaede took hold of her old charge's hand and petted it affectionately. At one time being his nanny and later tutor, Kaede had seen to Sesshomaru's care his entire life. She loved him as if he were her own son and had cared for him through many difficulties. She had been there when his mother, father and later stepmother had passed. Had cleaned his battle scars, comforted him when he needed reassurance and now she would be with him once again through the passing of his mate. How had her sweet, cherub, cheeked little boy come to know such pain? When his amber eyes flickered open and glazed over with pain and confusion she lightly squeezed his hand to let him know she was there.
"K-Kaede?" he groaned and turned his pounding head towards the wrinkled old woman beside him.
"Aye, my Lord. It is thee. How do ye feel?" she asked tenderly while she adjusted the cool cloth upon his brown. Her motherly attention always comforted him when in times like this.
"This one has seen better days. I do not recall how I came to be in this ill state but it matters not. We have walked this path many times have we not, my old friend?" asked Sesshomaru as he tucked Kagome's hair into his shirt and tried to sit up in the bedding so he could talk to her at eye level.
"Indeed. Ye have been hidden away for three days my Lord. Much confusion and concern has begun to fester about the castle. Rumors have also started to spread beyond our boarders. Ye councilmen came and found ye soaking wet on the patio, covered by a wet blanket. They were very concerned when ye had been unresponsive with a high fever. We feared ye would not wake up had it not been for the care of Tsukiyomi. The healer took ye's laundry down to be washed and told me to care for ye until she returns. Ye court officials will also return shortly. They went to retrieve a few matters to discus." Kaede said as she helped to place a few pillows behind him to help him sit up.
"Hn. It was not this ones intention to lax in his duties. I am sure seeing my lack of care was quite surprising." Sesshomaru said as he grabbed the tea Kaede handed him and settled back comfortably into the pillows.
"Come now my Lord. Ye are grieving and have just gone through an extremely traumatic experience! Do not hide the truth from thee. Thy saw her braided hair ye just placed close to ye heart. Thy know ye too well to not see the pain in ye eyes. Now come, tell this old woman what happened." Kaede said in a motherly tone that only she could get away with when speaking to him.
Knowing she was right he let out a long exhausted sigh before telling her everything that had happened. He told her of how he had chased after Kagome only to find her dying upon the sand; violated and poisoned by Takeamru. He shared of the pain he experienced in her passing and the strange sensation that went through him after kissing her. He spared some of the more gruesome details but she grabbed the gist of it. She remained very quite in her seat as she listened of his revenge against Takemaru and the destruction of the sea witch. She nearly dropped her teacup when he told her of being visited by Kagome's spirit upon the waters.
"What did she say to ye?" asked Kaede amazed.
"She came with a message of thanks from the gods and to say her farewell. Every time I tried to embrace her I was reminded that she was no longer a part of our world. My form would pass through and her essence would ripple around me. It was so strange. I could feel her aura near me and could see her ghostly tears upon her cheeks but could not take hold of them to comfort her. Before she return to the other side she did promised to be my mate upon her next life or mine in my next." said Sesshomaru as he looked out the window by his bed. His gaze focused on nothing in particular but was lost amongst the memories that played in his mind.
"She did, eh? Well thy am unsure if this be possible or not but who am thy to control the power of the gods and a lover's vow? This will be very hard to explain to the court should ye deny potential suitors in the future. Thy am sure word has already gotten out of Lady Kagura's rejection and Lady Kagome's passing. Our country will not wait forever for an heir my Lord; vow or not." Keade cautioned.
"This one will simple have to persuade them to allow me the chance to properly grieve. Hopefully by the time their patience has run out and demands are at their highest for an heir I will either have Kagome returned to me or have come up with a plan to devise them further into breaking my vow to Kagome." Sesshomaru said as he place his cup onto the side table with a serious expression upon his brow.
"And what if she doesn't return to ye in this life time my Lord?" asked Kaede gently.
"We will cross that road when we come to it." Sesshomaru said firmly.
However before Kaede could argue with him on that comment a knock was sounded at the door and Tsukiyomi quietly entered, followed by the leading officials of the Spanish Court.
"How are you feeling my Lord?" asked Tsukiyomi as she looked him over and found that his fever had disappeared.
"Fear not for this one will return to his duties come this afternoon." Sesshomaru said making the tension in the room recede significantly.
"Wonderful news my Lord! Are we to expect our normal routine?" asked Advisor Saya happily.
"Indeed." Sesshomaru said before taking a sip of his tea.
"Much has happened in the past few days my Lord! Word has reached far and wide of the open position for first Lady as well as your absence. We have received rumors of action coming from the east and half a dozen proposals!" exclaimed Councilmen Nanushi urgently.
"This one will not rush into any union Councilmen. We should learn from our mistake with Lady Kagura. It is also too close to my Lady's passing and I am not ready for such a commitment. Please respect my wishes in this. I will decline them all regardless of your opinions. As for the issues from the east we will address them at once. I will meet you along with the head of the guard in one hours time. Until then return to your duties and ease the tension within these walls. I can smell their uneasiness from here." commanded Sesshomaru leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, my Lord. It shall be done." said High Councilmen Shako as he bowed and ushered everyone back out of the room.
After everyone had gone and he and his beast were alone to soak in the silence. They gingerly pulled out Kagome's braid from their shirt and fingered it affectionately. Together they listened to the gentle rain patter against the window. So much had happened the past few days it was hard for him to wrap his mind around it. Regardless of what did happen, he could only move forward and hope that his mourning heart would soon pass like the gentle rain. Reluctantly getting up, Sesshomaru changed into freshly cleaned Courtly robes and attached his swords to his waist. Not wanting to part with Kagome he snuggled the only piece he had left of her back into his undershirt pocket against his heart. Being that he had slept the last three days he knew he was to meet with Inuyasha later that night. Not wanting to delay his meeting any longer he quickly fastened his boots, grabbed a bite to eat from the kitchens and made his way towards the board room. All the while, Kagome's beautiful expression and haunting laughter played in the back of his mind taunting him of his pain.
"Kagome… come back…. Come back to me."
(*** Creepy Winter Music - Snow Queen's Palace ***)
[Arctic]
"My Lord, the scouts you sent to the Royal Cove have returned." said Captain Kai of the Arctic Navy.
"Send them in." said the Ice Lord in a board tone. He sat unconcerned in his thorn made of ice with three concubines resting at his side.
"Yes, Sir." said Kai as he turned to usher the scouts into the Ice Palace.
"Report." Demanded the Ice Lord as he watched the scouts bow before him.
"We followed the mating gossip to Valencia as ordered Sir." informed Asagi.
"Prince Ryura easily gained favor of both Princesses upon arrival as expected." said her brother Roku beside her.
"Good. So my worthless son did as told. Was he successful in his task?" he asked through chilling emotionless eyes.
"He was successful in earning rights to fight against the other suitors as expected Sir, and even gained favor in the eyes of the King. But..." Asagi began.
"But? What has he done now?" he demanded angrily making everyone finch and cower in fear.
"H-he was struck down in the the battle S-Sir." said Asagi nervously. "A mm-merman of the r-royal tribe struck a fatal blow to his neck breaking it upon impact!"
Upon hearing this everyone in the room gasped in disbelief. Despite the Ice Lord's wicked treatment of Ryura everyone respected him and his devotion to the Arctic tribe. He was a known warrior and a powerful opponent. For him to have been struck down in the heat of battle was hard to swallow for everyone.
"SILENCE!" shouted the Ice Lord angrily making everyone quiet instantly. "So my son has failed. Why have you not brought his body?"
"The healers were able to heal him before death took him my Lord." interjected Roku making everyone sigh in relief.
"So where the hell is my son?!" barked Lord Memōmaru. "He knew of the consequences should he fail!"
"King Poseidon has offered him sanctuary Sir along with the mermaid Toran." Asagi said making Memōmaru's face turn an angry shade of red.
"SANCTUARY?!" shouted the Ice Lord making the frozen chamber tremble from his fury. "So the coward thinks to hide from me does he?! Captain!"
"Yes Sir!" asked Captain Kai as he bowed before his Lord.
"Gather the Arctic Navel Force and summon General Ryujin and Lieutenant Kawaramaru to the war room at once!" commanded Lord Memōmaru.
"Yes Sir!" shouted Captain Kai as he quickly left the thrown room to fulfill his orders.
Needing to blow off some steam Memōmaru grabbed hold of his favorite concubine by the arm and dragged her to his chambers. None questioned his actions or dared to get in his way. All feared his wrath, even to save the poor mermaid from his anger. After he had relieved his frustrations upon the girl he made his way to his war room to begin making his plans to strike down his son.
"Sir!" shouted the Navel Force at attention when he entered the room.
"At ease men. Now General what is the best plan of attack?" questioned Memōmaru as he took his seat at the head of the room.
"I was not informed of who we are attacking Sir?" asked Ryujin in confusion.
"The Royal Cove you imbecile! Where else would we be attacking?" snapped Memōmaru.
"The Royal Cove?! My Lord please reconsider! We would be committing treason and going up against the Royal Navy!" said Lieutenant Kawaramaru.
"Silence!" commanded Memōmaru angrily. "My son cannot remain in Valencia with his whore. He must be made an example of! He knew of the consequences should he fail and therefore must be banished. However, because he dared to flea from me, his bitch will be killed to make up for his cowardice. If others see him fleeing into sanctuary they will soon follow him and rebel. No, he must be returned and brought under my power to receive his punishment."
"Yes, Sir." said the Arctic Navel Force together.
"Captain Kai! Inform my mate of what has happened to her son and begin making arrangements for Shishinki to take the place of his brother. When Ryura has returned we will reject him as heir then crown his brother the same day. Is that understood?!" demanded Memōmaru.
"Yes my Lord! It shall be done." said Kai as he left the room and made his way to the Ladie's chambers.
Upon arrival Kai over heard feminine laughter and light chatter coming from inside the room. Lightly tapping upon the thin sheet of ice lining the entryway the chime like atmosphere silenced and an angelic voice called for him to enter.
"Lady Tsubaki your mate has asked me to inform you of Ryura's failure in Valencia and his impending banishment. You are to prepare Shiskinki of his approaching crowning ceremony upon Ryura's return." Captain Kai said as he bowed politely.
"So my son failed in gaining the crown. When is he expected to return?" asked Tsubaki as her servants continued to brush her long silver hair.
"That is to be determined upon retrieving him my Lady. He has sought sanctuary in Valencia and our Lord is in preparation as we speak. It appears he has disobeyed our Lord's commands in returning home and is avoiding banishment with the mermaid Toran." Kai said as he looked into her chilling blue eyes through the reflection of her ice mirror.
"I see. Is there word if he has mated this Toran? If I remember correctly this mermaid was very close to him while growing up and is the same one my mate threatened to kill upon my son's long awaited return." said Tsubaki as she placed her black pearl necklace around her neck and turned to look at him.
"I am unsure my Lady. The scouts did not mention it during their report. Perhaps they are unaware or they were unable to say before our Lord dismissed them." said Kai.
"Perhaps. To be certain send them to me. I wish to know of the entire story before I aid my mate in committing treason and executing our son." Commanded Tsubaki as she motioned for him to be dismissed.
"Yes, my Lady." Kai said as he did as she asked.
It was upon the scouts retelling of their report in the sanctuary of Tsubaki's chambers that the depth of Ryura and Toran's predicament was reviled.
"What troubles you put yourself in my son." Tsubaki said with a heavy sigh as she sat in her room alone once more.
Opening her ice chest resting beside her vanity she pulled out a tiny raddle carved from an orca's fang. As she reminisced a young minnow holding the rattle a familiar motherly pull began to wrap itself around her heart. A wicked smirk flicked across her lips and a determined gleam twinkled in her eyes.
"Oh, we'll get our son home, mate. However, not quite how you envision it." Tsubaki thought to herself before a dark chuckle escaped her painted lips.
End of Chapter 42
(Ah crap! Just when we thought things were starting to clear up! Now we go trouble the east and the Ice lord is out for blood! I wonder what will happen at the mating grounds? Only time will tell! Be sure to follow along to find out! Thanks for reading. You guys are the best! Be sure to leave a review to let me know what you think will happen!)