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: "Ocean Sounds with Seagulls / 2 hours of Beach Sounds." 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.

Author's Note: There is a word key at the end of this chapter if needed.

Tides Against Time: Sultan of Alijabbar

"Bank?... What's wrong?" Vixen asked as she stilled his hand cupping her breast and rested her forehead against his. This forced him to still his affections and look into her worried ruby eyes.

"It's nothing." Bankostu said as he tried to ignore her concern with a kiss.

"No… there's something. Don't try to hide away from me. You know better than that. Now tell me… what is it?" Vixen demanded as she threaded her fingers through his hair.

"I…." Bankotsu tried to explain with a conflicted expression.

"You what?" Vixen coxed gently.

"I… I lost." Bankotsu said just above a whispered and bowed his head in shame.

(Gasp) "You… you lost? Vixen asked in disbelief.

Not once in Bankotsu's life, excluding as a young newt during training, had he lost a fight. Being heir he was already seen within the Arstate tribe as demi-god status. However, he had earned that title through years of successful battles, displays of unwavering strength and raw power. He was built to perfection, was a champion of champions. He had rightfully earned the title of general, had sparred against every soldier within the tribe and won in less than 15 minutes. He moved with grace, fought swiftly and packed a deadly punch. He was a master in hand-to-hand combat, marksmanship and swordsmanship. All respected him and his authority. It was because of this, that Vixen stilled in his arms with confusion, disbelief and… fear.

Who had beaten him? What being could have brought Bankotsu to shrink before her in like a disciplined minnow? His face lacked his confident swagger and was shadowed with shame and regret. Who could have done this? How could this be possible?! But then everything hit her at once. He had lost! What would the Sultan do? Sure he tolerated her presence and loved her spawn but they had definitely shared some harsh words over the years in regards to her relationship with Bankotsu. What would become of her? Would she be given away to another? What of her offspring? Would they be taken care of? Her heart began to race as panic set in. Her skin became clammy and her breathing became ragged. As she struggled to catch her breath her face grew hot so she fanned her hands in front of her to try and cool down.

"Vix?... Vix you alright?!" Bankotsu asked worriedly as he cupped her face in his hands.

When he noticed no change in her breathing and didn't get a response he quickly brought her close to his chest and rubbed her back soothingly. He then gently rocked her back and forth in hopes of calming her down.

"Shhhh… Vix you got to calm down babe. Nothing is going to happen; I swear it." Bankotsu soothed as he continued to comfort his lover in his arms. "I'll explain everything to the Sultan. He's a warrior and I'm sure after I tell him everything he'll understand."

"Bb-but what if h-he doesn't Bank?" Vixen cried as she tried to get herself together. "What's going to happen to you? To us? T-to our spawn?"

"I'll make him understand and anyone who stands in my way you hear me? Nothing, and I mean nothing will take you and our spawn away from me!" Bankotsu demanded as he held her tighter in his arms and tucked her head under his. Before Vixen could argue with him the soft cry of a hungry mouth called from inside the den.

"Guess nap time is over. Go on… go see your daughter." Vixen said as she wiped her tears from her cheeks and fixed her bra back into place.

Not wanting to leave his distraught lover behind Bankotsu laced his fingers with hers and pulled her in after him. His sweet gesture made a weak smile curl the corner of her dark lips. As they went deeper into the dwelling the angry cry grew louder and soon little clenched fists could be seen clutching a woven sea kelp blanket over the lip of the sand pit. Reaching inside Vixen pulled the flustered minnow from her twisted bindings and drew her close to her chest. Her angry wales filled the room announcing to the world of her disapproval of their tardiness. Softly cooing her little one, Vixen swam over to their nest and settled down against Bankotsu's chest. Unfastening her bra her heavily breasts fell from their restraints. Quickly coaxing a swollen nipple into her little one's mouth it silenced her angry cry. As the couple relaxed little suckling and grunting noises could be heard in their cozy den.

Reaching around his lover side Bankotsu ran his finger through his daughter's soft tuft of hair. It was thick, black and curly like her mother's and currently made a cute twisted mop on the top of her head. Her cheeks were red from her wailing and very round making her little nose wiggle as she ate. Currently her eyes were closed but behind her tiny lashes were bright pink eyes. Just like all little ones, her fingers and arms were rolly and had a cute pudgy tummy. She had yet to grow into her tail as it was still developing its fins but he could tell by the darkening complexion and the strong muscle movement as she nursed that she would soon be on the move. She was a feisty little thing and she had him wrapped around her finger like all of his young. But this little one… she was the spitting image of his lover and had stolen his heart the moment she came into the world.

"My little Ai." Bankotsu cooed gently as he and his Vixen watched her at last fall asleep and relax. "Not even seven months old and she has already grown so much since I've been gone!"

"I know… her tail is really fighting me while I try to feed her. It wouldn't surprise me if she starts sprouting her fins by the first of autumn." Vixen agreed as she snuggled further into his chest.

"What color do you think her tail will be?" Bankotsu asked as he lightly ran his finger along her little opaque limb.

"I think it will be similar to yours." Vixen said as she brought his attention to a small pink spot close to her hip. "See here? There is already a tiny pink scale starting. Isn't it cute?! If she is anything like you, her tail will grow darker as she gets older. It might not get quite as red as yours but I think it will be close."

"With your good looks, her pink eyes and rosy tail I'll never be able to keep the sea wolves off of her." Bankotsu sighed melodramatically making Vixen chuckle at his hopelessness.

"Serves you right lover boy." Vixen teased making him pout cutely. "Now you'll get a taste of your own medicine."

"Hey! I thought you'd be with me on this one?" Bankotsu whined.

"Pst." Vixen scoffed "Please... like I'd let some idiot mate our daughter. However, that doesn't mean she can't have a little fun. That is how I kept your attention all those years ago."

"Oh… don't worry; I remember." Bankotsu teased back huskily with a wicked twinkle in his eyes. He lightly ran his fingers up her tail and swirled around her hipbone making her return her gaze with just a much heat.

"Good, one less thing I have to remind you of." Vixen whispered seductively into his ear before she sat up from their nest and placed their sleeping Ai back into her warm sand pit.

"Woman… your presence alone does that for you." Bankotsu said making her roll her eyes at his play.

"Praise the gods! A man who can see what's in front of them!" She teased as they left their slumbering minnow inside.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Bankotsu argued.

"Nothing Dear… now before you get yourself killed by your Alab could you go and fetch some dinner?" Vixen asked as she began to dig around their den to start preparing supper.

"Vix… the Sultan isn't going to kill me. Will I be punished? Most definitely; but killed? Not going to happen. So would you quit worrying about it?" Bankotsu said as he ran his fingers through his bangs out of frustration.

"Quit worrying about it? Really Bank?! Really? Of course I'm going to worry about it! This isn't just about you. This is about all of us!" Vixen shouted angrily.

"Damn it Vixen! Don't you think I know that? I've had two months to think over it. Not to mention being constantly reminded of my failure by the wayward looks everyone gave me!" Bankotsu argued. "I'm doing the best I can here but us worrying about it until I speak with him isn't going to fix anything!"

"I know. I know… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel like you're letting us down. It's just unexpected and I'm not sure how to go about it." Vixen cried as she swam to him and wrapped her arms around his chest.

"We'll just take it one step at a time. If all goes well I'll pick up Gennosuke from practice on my way to hunt some dinner." Bankotsu said as he held her tight in his arms and nuzzled the top of her head. "If my brothers bring him home instead I'm most likely still talking with the Sultan and you'll need to dine with them instead."

"I hope it won't be the later. I've missed you and I know our spawn are looking forward to you being home." Vixen said as she craned her neck back to look up into his eyes.

"I know, I've missed you all too. I'll be back as soon as I can." Bankotsu said before he kissed her goodbye and swam towards their future.

As he entered the main fortress he passed by old friends and members of the Alijabbar guards. All welcomed him home but he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that he was actually saying goodbye. Swimming through the hallway leading towards his father's chambers he could already hear voices coming from up ahead. As he entered the room he overheard the end of their conversation.

"You are certain of this?" asked the Sultan in a serious tone.

"Positive, Sir." said Seiten Captain of the Navel guard.

The Sultan was currently looking out his balcony window towards the city gates. With his back to the Captain he did not notice his son slip into the room. His strong arms were currently crossed behind his back as his short black pony tail swayed with the gentle current. Bankotsu could tell by the tension in his father's dark green tail that whatever he had just learned, he was not pleased.

"Hn, thank you Captain. You are dismissed." Sultan Soju commanded.

"Yes, Sir." Seiten said as he bowed in respect before turning to leave.

When Seiten turned around and noticed Bankotsu waiting by the door he greeted him with a weak smile and a light pat on the shoulder before taking his leave.

"Shit… he knows." Bankotsu inwardly groaned to himself. His father didn't turn around right away but when he did he knew he was in trouble.

"Care to explain yourself?" Soju demanded when he turned around with an angry scowl upon his brow. It made his black bushy eyebrows and goatee bristle.

"I underestimated my opponent." Bankotsu answered honestly knowing his father didn't care for excuses.

"Underestimate…" Soju hotly mumbled to himself before blowing up. "Damn it Bankotsu! What the hell where you thinking?!"

"I fought like always. I thought since I had never lost a fight and being the heir of the gods it made me undefeatable." Bankotsu confessed.

"You fool! Did you learn nothing during our lessons? Were you not paying attention to the other suitors? Surly you would have known to up your game watching your competition spar!" Soju yelled angrily.

"I did watch the other suitors spar but the merman who conquered the other suitors and our King didn't show up until the mating games. I had no opportunity to assess his strength before battle." Bankotsu defended making his father pause in his retort.

"You mean to tell me this merman didn't show up until the games?!" Soju asked in disbelief.

"Yes, there were two other suitors besides myself. They were Ryura of the Artic tribe and Koga of the Royal tribe. Our new Prince's fighting style was unlike anything I had ever seen before. He used moves that were so smooth I thought they would be easy to dodge. Then at the last minute he would curve them and nail me with such force I almost passed out from the first punch. After he had wrangled me into a locked knot, he battled against Koga. That bastard defeated Ryura by breaking his neck." Bankotsu explained in a disgusted tone.

"Fighting for one's mate is an act of honor and to be defeated as so has always displeased me. This Koga should have been disqualified that first match for his dirty, underhanded trick." Soju sneered in disgust. "Do you know if Ryura was able to recover well after the games?"

"As far as I know. He and his new mate were socializing in the main chamber of the Cove with the Royal family when we left." Bankotsu said as he joined his father out on the patio to continue their conversation.

"So what happened next? I presume you being defeated in a wrestling match, you were well enough to watch the remainder of the fight?" Soju asked as he settled onto a rock worn away with time. It made a comfortable chair perfect to observe his city bellow.

"Yeah I was and even after witnessing it I have a hard time comprehending what I saw." Bankotsu said as he leaned up against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.

"What do you mean?" asked Soju curiously. Bankotsu hearing his father's tone of voice lose it's anger gave him the courage to continue.

"Well as you know there are no weapons permitted until battling against the King. You would think that after fighting against myself he would have been tired but it was as if each battle he grew more and more powerful. After he had defeated Koga and knocked him out he joined the King immediately on the battlefield." Bankotsu informed.

"Poseidon didn't give him time to rest between your battles?" Soju asked in disbelief. "I know he can be a bit serious when it comes to his spawn but I never thought he wouldn't allow the boy to rest to win his daughters hands!"

"I guess the King wanted to make sure he was truly worthy of being his heir. You should have seen them Alab. It was unbelievable! As soon as their weapon's clashed it was like watching the gods battling before my eyes! I knew the King held power and that his trident controls the sea but never would I have thought that this merman's weapon could equally counter its power! Every time their blades met sparks of lightning and magical energy would explode from them. It got so bright and they struck so fast that it was hard to watch sometimes. Towards the end of the battle I thought Poseidon was going to win when he knocked the merman's blade from his grasp. Then all of a sudden he counter attacked him using his bare hands, forced the King to drop his trident and then pounded him into the sea floor before we realized the match was over!" Bankotsu explained dramatically.

"Unbelievable!" Soju argued as he shook his head with doubt.

"It's true! You can ask any of my travel companions about it. The energy coming off of him made the water pulse and made the hair on the back of my neck stand on edge. His power was unlike anything I had ever experienced before and I had been around the King all month! What caught my attention the most though Alab were his eyes. They were an exotic golden color but after he defeated the King they were so intense I swear they were glowing red."

"So what tribe is he from? Why had you not seen him before the battle?" asked Soju curiously.

"That's the thing Alab. No one knows who he is or where he came from. He just showed up that day. He has silver hair and a white tail decorated with gold, red and black speckles. Being of lighter complexion I thought he would be from the Artic tribe but Ryura said he didn't know him. When I asked around some said he was a demon were as other's say he was sent by the gods. With his looks, power, unique weapon and unknown origins it wouldn't surprise me if either of those were possible." Bankotsu said.

"Hn. Other than his fighting style, what do say of this new Prince?" Soju asked.

"I can already tell after observing him with the other tribal leaders that wherever he came from he was born of noble ranking. His movements are methodical and his decision-making is well thought out. He obviously has an education of some kind and when I first met him I over hear him speaking in another language." Bankotsu informed before looking at his father seriously. "May I be frank Alab?"

"Proceed." Soju said as he inclined his head to listen.

"I think he will make a better King than I would have been." Bankotsu said making his father look at him as if he had lost his mind.

"Explain." Soju said sternly.

"He doesn't belong to any particular tribe that we know of, making him unbiased towards one group over the other. He is a true warrior and contains god-like powers. He's moldable, teachable, but holds a strong foundation for our King to build on. The tribes and representatives already love and respect him. Princess Kikyo absolutely adores him and it appears he cares for her in return. His leadership is already making the water Kingdom move forward in a better direction than I would have gone. He fought honorably for the kingdom with a spirit and determination of a true King." Bankotsu explained.

"If I became King I would have continued to believe I was invincible and that the Astarte tribe were of the gods. We aren't Alab. We are just Merfolk who have been blessed with extra strength and hot headedness. The other tribes are just as unique and powerful in their own way. If I were to mate Kikyo I know it wouldn't of been a happy paring. She hates me! Besides, my heart already belongs to another and I have plenty of heirs to show for it. I am stubborn and hot tempered. The representatives and I would constantly be at each other's necks for dominance. Our tribe would continue to be at a disadvantage in battle strategies and I think there would be a division eventually within the tribes with disastrous results. I honestly think Alab that the gods purposefully had me fail so that I could come back and follow in your footsteps. We need to make Alijabbar a city our new King can rely on." Bankostu finished proudly.

"You have thought much over this." Soju said as he returned his gaze to the busy city bellow. "I am uncertain if your belief of the gods having you fail is true but now that you are no longer leaving as Prince it will be your responsibility to teach your new theology. Along with working with the guard you will need to become mated to move up into the position of my successor."

"Really Alab? You're not kicking me out?" Bankotsu asked in shock.

"Whatever gave you that impression my boy? Am I upset that you failed in your mission you've been training your entire life for? Am I upset that the role of power hasn't returned to the Astate tribe? Yes! Yes, I am very upset but I believe you are correct in your assessment. We must correct our battle strategies. Your punishment will be correcting our ancestor's mistakes and making our city as you say "reliable." Soju said as he got up from his seat and rest his hands onto his son's shoulders.

"The path you have chosen will not be easy. However, I am sure with your stubbornness and determination the impossible will become possible. For you it took loosing the thrown. For others it could be the threat of Alijabbar's downfall. What you need to remember is that if you do not become the light in the darkness, the darkness will suffocate you. There is also the issue of your brother Renkotsu."

"What about him?" Bankotsu asked in confusion.

"(Tsk) Have you forgotten how spiteful, entitled and manipulative he is? He will be most displeased in you returning as my heir. He like everyone else believed that you were to become King and he ruler of Alijabbar. Now that you will be taking my place instead of him he will most likely retaliate. Do not be surprised if he challenges you for the position and tries to turn others against you." Soju said with a huff.

"You can't be serious?" Bankostu groaned as he ran his hands over his face in frustration.

"I am very serious but enough of this. As my heir you need to be informed of the information I received upon your return. It appears that the Ice Lord is not too pleased with his son either. My intelligence informed me that the Artic tribe is in motion to attack the Royal Cove just before they leave for nesting season. We are of the impression that their goal is to kidnap Ryura's mate and killed her along with their unborn spawn. While they are attacking the Royal tribe, they plan to assassinate the Royal family; forcing the reign of power to the Arctic tribe. They will then banish Ryura and make his younger brother our new Prince and the Ice Lord our King." Soju informed seriously.

"Shit! Does Poseidon know about this?!" asked Bankotsu urgently.

"As an ally to the King my response was sent immediately." Soju said making Bankotsu relax a little.

"Good, so what are we to do now?" asked Bankotsu.

"You, my son will start implementing your epiphany into our Navel guard first thing tomorrow. We will be sending out our support in two days time. We cannot delay any further. I suggest you make the most of your time left with your mate before you leave." Soju said making Bankotsu's eyes widen.

"Mm-mate? You give us your blessing?!" Bankotsu said in disbelief.

"With as many grandyoung that mermaid has given me I think it's the least I can do." Soju laughed making a wide grin spread across his son's face.

"Thank you Alab! Where am I to meet you tomorrow?" asked Bankotsu.

"Meet me in the sparing grounds come first light. I will re-introduce you as my heir to everyone and explain the situation." Soju said clapping his son on the back.

"Yes, Sir!" Bankotsu said bowing. As he was about to exit the room his father's next question halted him in place.

"Oh and Bankotsu?"

"Yeah Alab?" he asked.

"What is the name of our future King? I don't recall you saying it." Soju asked curiously.

"His name is Enuyasa." Bankotsu said.

"Enu… yasa?" Soju repeated, testing the foreign name upon his tongue.

"That's right. See you later Alab." Bankotsu said before slipping out of the room.

As the Sultan looked out his balcony he watched his son pick up his grandson from practice. Watched him swim home and encircle his soon-to-be mate in a tight embrace before seal the good news with a heated kiss had the Sultan contently returned to his chambers. As he made his way to the dining hall a smirk graced his face and a light chuckle echoed down against the ancient stones. He thought to himself,

"Thank you Prince Enuyasa. For you helped my stubborn son finally become a ruler to be proud of. For this, I am well pleased."

[Royal Cove Beach]

(*** Ocean Sounds with Seagulls / 2 hours of Beach Sounds ***)

Poseidon was sitting on a cluster of rocks over looking the beach above their hidden underwater cove. There he guarded his people who were relaxing and soaking up the sun's summer rays. It was a warm sunny day with a light ocean breeze; perfect for lounging about and spending quality time with family and friends. No one came this far south along the coast and it was their favorite place to relax in peace. However, that didn't stop him and his guards from keeping post just in case. As he looked down the beach he watched generations of newts splash about the tide pools, build castles, and burry each other under the sand. Young couple's lounged together upon the shore whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears and clusters of Merfolk gossiping away about the latest news.

Looking up the other end of the beach to his right side, the same picture could be seen. However, this one included his heir lovingly tracing his fingers upon his daughter's swelling tummy. He could tell the boy was focusing hard since his eyes were closed and ear was against her growing bump. It wouldn't be long now that their little minnow would be moving about inside. It was a beautiful sight and it made his old soul feel whole. When he was about to return his attention to the beach he watched his son-in-law's eyes grow large and heard Kikyo's startled gasp.

"What is it Daughter?" asked Poseidon anxiously as he moved closer to their side.

"I-I think our minnow just kicked?" said Kikyo in surprise. "Quick Enu, give me your hand."

Just as she placed her mate's large hand upon her bump a subtle flutter made itself known. At this a happy smile lit across Inuyasha's lips and a giggle passed hers.

"Wow…" Inuyasha whispered in awe as their little minnow kicked once again against his hand. "You're really in there aren't yah?"

"I know… it's amazing isn't it? I mean I know that I'm harboring and everything but feeling our little one just makes this even more real." Kikyo said as she and her mate stared down at her tummy tenderly. "Here Father, give me your hand."

"Are you sure? I don't want to take this moment away from you both." Poseidon said hesitantly, not wanting to intrude but secretly wanting to.

"Of course! I wouldn't have asked you otherwise." Kikyo giggled as she took hold of her father's hand and placed it where Inuyasha's had been moments ago.

Just as their little one had done before, it flittered behind their Grandfather's hand making a bright twinkle light his navy blue eyes.

"You are a strong little one." Poseidon chuckled as he reluctantly let go of her tummy and presumed his guarding position. "Now that my Grandyoung has made itself known to you my dear daughter it will be even harder to stay asleep I'm afraid."

"That's alright, I don't mind. I'll just rest when I need to." Kikyo said.

"Probably a good idea since we will be leaving in a couple weeks. Don't want you both getting weak on the trip." Inuyasha said before kissing her rounding tummy.

"That would be for the best. We wouldn't want to loose the little one on the trip. It is a long trek and you will need all the strength and energy you can muster." Poseidon warned seriously. "Not to mention the added stress and potential dangers we could cross along the way."

"I know Father, I've made sure to eat, exercise and rest regularly in preparation for the trip. I would be devastated if anything happened." Kikyo agreed anxiously as she held her tummy protectively.

"Don't worry yourself sick Love. Your Old Man and I will make sure to keep you both safe. You just rest and stay strong; leave the rest to us." Inuyasha soothed as he brought her to relax in his arms.

"Yes, leave everything to us. We will…" Poseidon began but was interrupted by a voice in his head.

"My King, I must speak to you at once." said Sujo's voice.

"Sujo? What has happened?" Poseidon answered back as he held up his pointer finger to his lips to still Inuyasha and Kikyo from asking what was the matter.

"I hate to inform you of this but my intelligence just received word that the Ice Lord is on his way to Valencia. It appears he plans to banish his son, murder his mate and heir before assonating the Royal family." Sujo answered back seriously.

"You are certain of this?" asked Poseidon urgently.

"Positive. They will arrive the eve of your migration. What are your orders?" asked Sujo.

"That's less than three weeks away! How long will it take you to get a fleet of your Navy ready to leave?" asked Poseidon.

"If we leave two days from now we will arrive at Valencia in two and a half weeks time. That is without any unwanted delays." Sujo answered back.

"Then make it so. Thank you Sujo for informing me of this corruption. I had rather hoped our reunion would have been on different circumstances." Poseidon said with a mental sigh.

"It will be good to see you my King none the less. Until then, I will keep you posted along the way." Sujo said.

At that Sujo cut the connection and Poseidon returned his attention to his awaiting heirs.

"What has happened Father?" asked Kikyo anxiously. She knew what that glazed far away look meant. He was speaking to an ally and by the looks of it something bad was going to happen.

"Yeah? What's up Old Man?" asked Inuyasha just as nervous. He had never seen Poseidon use his alliance bond before and from the tension in his body he knew something wasn't right.

"I just spoke to the Sultan of Alijabbar. He has informed me that upon the eve of our migration, the Arctic Tribe plans to come to Valencia." Poseidon answered quietly so not to draw attention from nearby Merfolk.

"Why would they come to Valencia? Ryura has joined our tribe and we're leaving the next day?" asked Kikyo not understanding the seriousness of the situation.

He answered by saying, "They do not come for a social visit my dear. The Ice Lord is not pleased with his son and plans to make him suffer by killing his mate and unborn heir, along with our entire family to make himself King. No my dear daughter, in three and half weeks we are going to war."

[End Chapter 44]

(War is coming! Will the Sultan arrive in time? Now that they are aware of the Ice Lord coming with he still be able to gain leverage? Only Time will tell! Be sure to leave your predictions and comments in the reviews! I love hearing your thoughts! Very creative :) More to come soon! Thanks again for your support in reading this story.)

Word Key: For those who are confused with the mermanic terms.

Alab - Father

'Um - Mother

Minnow – baby

Newt – Child

Younglings - Children

Spawn – offspring

Harboring – pregnant

Nest – bed

Grandyoung – grandchild