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: "Carriage Ride - Michael Starke." 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: Rin
"Awe we dere yet?" whined Odette as they sailed along Spain's southeastern boarder.
"Nearly little one. If the wind continues to blow its coarse we should arrive just after lunch." clucked her father as he led her from their sleeping quarters to the side railing. From here they could watch coastline go by.
"I forgot how beautiful the countryside is here." said Lizy as she came up beside them. Arthur resting on her hip and was busy playing with buttons on his coat. "Remind me to purchase a couple cases of wine to take back home with us. I'm sure your brother and mother would appreciate a bottle."
"Indeed. By the looks of it my old friend will have a very fruitful year. Here take a look little one. See that vineyard on the hillside over there?" asked Louie as he opened up his brass telescope for her to see what he was pointing at. "Notice how some of the rows of vines are growing bigger grapes where as others are smaller?"
"Oui I see Père! What does dat mean?" asked Odette curiously.
"The bigger grapes will be picked off of the vine first where as the smaller ones growing behind will be picked later. If the vine is too thick the grapes it becomes sickly. It is very important the farmer's prune the vines in order to have a larger supply of grapes. When the bigger grapes are ready to harvest the smaller ones will grow in behind them. Then when they are big other grapes will come in behind those. If they all come in at the same time they will all stay small and not grow as healthy. So it's very important to keep this cycle going until the weather changes and no more grapes grow." Louie explained as he watched with amusement as his daughter's eyes widen in wonderment.
"Wow!" Odette said as she continued to explore the countryside using her father's spyglass. Seeing something dark in the distance she looks up from the telescope and pointed towards it. "Père? What's dat?"
"That little one is Valencia. It doesn't look like much from this distance but when we get closer you will see that it is a big beautiful city filled with music, dancing, shopping and markets. Don't worry, knowing your maman I'm sure she and your auntie will be more than happy to take you exploring." Louie said earning a light jab in the ribs from his mate's elbow.
"Come now, you don't want to go shopping with us? I thought we could reminisce like old times." Lizy teased with a wicked grin.
"I don't think that would be quite appropriate around the chicks my dear." Louie teased making Lizy blush prettily.
"I swear Louie, one of these day's your teasing will get the best of you." Lizy mumbled as she tried to hide her blush from her knowing mate.
"Oh, don't worry my dear Lizy, I fully intent to reminisce when we reach dry land." Louie teased back while dodging a playful swing from the lioness.
"Père's silly isn't he Maman?" Odette giggled at watching her parent's flirt.
"More than you know sweetie. Now come along, you need to get changed out of your travel clothes. When we arrive at the docks I'd like for us to be ready to leave in the carriage." Lizy said before kissing her mate's cheek and leading their chicks into their quarters.
As the ship grew closer Rin dressed and ready to depart left the sanctuary of her quarters and made her way to the main deck of the ship. There she found Louie and the Captain conversing about their approach.
"We should be docking at port in about an hour Sir. The men have already tied back the masts to slow her down and prepare to steer the bay." The Captain informed as they continued to watch the water's break against the bow of the ship.
"Wonderful. I am uncertain of how long we shall stay but I will be sure to keep you posted so you can ready the ship at the earliest convenience. Until then you and your men relax and enjoy your time on land." commanded Louie.
"Thank you Sir, I'm sure the lads will enjoy that. If you will excuse me. I must finish preparing the ship." The captain bowed and then made his way bellow deck.
"So that's Valencia?" asked Rin as she leaned against the railing beside him.
"That's it! It's the city of beauty, fidelity and love. Ruled by dog lords who protect their lands fiercely, possesively and passionately." said Louie as they sailed through the bay's welcoming gates. Two iron fighting dogs holding the Spanish flag in their jaws line its towers and nesting gulls clung to their stone.
"I see what you mean. Everything about it is as if out of a dream." Rin said contemplatively. Her haunting tone caused Louie to turn and look at her seriously.
"You say that as if something has crossed your mind." insinuated Louie in a questioning tone.
"It looks familiar, yet not. It's hard to explain. I'm not feeling any pull towards anything in particular or a landmark that I recognize specifically but the entire atmosphere of the city seems… I don't know comforting if that makes any sense. Like its familiar in its own way." Rin shook her head as she tried to gather her thoughts.
"Perhaps, but no need to worry about it. If something sticks out to you let us know and we will look into it. Until then just enjoy yourself. I'm sorry the doctor didn't work out." Louie comforted as he joined her in relaxing against the railing.
"Thanks Louie, you and Lizy have been so accepting and patient through all of this. I can't thank you enough for welcoming me into your home and placing me under your care. You all have truly become family to me." Rin answered honestly.
"Of course my little mermaid. We wouldn't call you our little sister if I didn't care for you. If or when you do recover your memories you are always welcome in our home." Louie said as he placed his hand on her shoulder before turning to leave. "Come, we shall be docking soon. I'm sure Lizy will need help handling the little ones through all of the excitement."
"Haha, I'm sure she would." Rin laughed as she joined Louie in the family quarters.
(*** Carriage Ride - Michael Starke ***)
About an hour later they docked in the port and were quickly ushered into a palace carriage. As they road through town Lizy and Louie pointed out different landmarks and buildings as they passed. It was just as Rin had dreamed it would be and more. Streets lined with cobblestones and slim alleyways decorated with ivy vines, clothes lines and vender signs. The air was sweet with freshly baked bread and grilled street food. Horse drawn carriages and city dwellers busied the streets and expensive fountains centered the city squares. Little canals flirted about the city and romantic iron bridges weaved over them. Gondola boats and merchants traveled its waters and their songs and sail calls rung off the stucco lined buildings.
The windows on the town houses were decorated with flower boxes and red clay tiles lined their roofs. It was warm and welcoming and it filled her heart with happiness and excitement. She couldn't wait to explore Valencia and all its wonders. There were moments where places felt familiar but she couldn't connect them. Perhaps she had been to this city before? They passed through beautiful farmland and flower fields as they traveled out of town and up towards the castle. Everywhere you looked the land was blossoming with spring flowers and young life. However when they passed through the castle gates an uneasy feeling settled in her stomach and she had a hard time understanding why. Shaking off the feeling she picked up her parasol laying next to her on the seat and helped Lizy ready the chicks to exit.
Louie was the first to step out of the carriage. Having grown out his red feathers atop his head, he tied them tastefully at the nape of his neck with a white silk ribbon. Proudly dressed in his navy blue noble uniform all that gathered to welcome them immediately knew of his station. Extending his taloned hand he helped his wife from the carriage. Her delicately gloved claws now secure in his gave her the support she needed to safely exit without tripping on her gown. Her white-feathered hat ducked through the tiny door and her bright forest green eyes shimmer in the afternoon sun. Taking hold of her navy blue satin dress trimmed with white needlepoint french lace she steps out of the carriage and proudly stood at his side. A rich red ribbon was wound tastefully around her slender waist giving her a delicate hour glass shape. Her blond tresses were braided and pinned elegantly at the nap of her neck and a happy smile curled her red painted lips. Closely behind her little Odette dressed in a frilly red dress and white stockings made her way to her father's side. Her little strawberry blond ringlets bouncing as she walks and a white hat with a big blue ribbon sat upon her little head.
"Welcome! Earl and Queen La Flèche. I am High Councilmen Shako. I do apologize for our Lord and Lady's absence. They are currently in rout to return later today from a festival in Madrid. I take it your journey has been well?" asked the councilmen.
"Pleasure, to meet you High Councilmen. I do not believe we meet last we were here." Louie replied politely. "And yes, our travels went quite well thank you. Allow me to introduce you to my family. This is my mate, Queen Elizabeth Charlotte Naraku La Fleche of England.
"I'm so glad you are here your grace." High Councilmen Shako smiled and bowed politely at the introduction.
"As are we. My children have heard many stories of my mate and I's travels here during our youth. Our little Odette is quite ready to make some memories of her own and possible a new friend with the young Prince." Lizy said as she doted on her daughter.
"Ah yes! Our young Lorenzo is quite excited for the chance of a new playmate as well." High Councilmen chuckled as he smiled down as the bashful chick. "It's so nice to meet you Princess Odette. I hope you and our Prince make many memories together during your stay."
Odette being to shy to answer just smiled and nodded with a blush to her freckled cheeks. Hearing fussing coming from inside the carriage Lizy turned to take little Arthur from his aunt. As soon as Arthur was out of the carriage and resting in his mother's arm's he laid his little white downy head on her shoulder and closed his sleepy eyes. His little miniature blue uniform like his father's tucked snugly against him as he rest.
"This must be the new Prince! Such a sweet little fellow. I'm sure being away from home has been hard on him." High Councilmen sympathized.
"Quite, he hasn't been sleeping well since we left. A quiet corner of the castle away from the bustle of castle workers would be greatly appreciated if at all possible." Lizy asked as she nuzzled her little boy's downy feathers with her nose and purred to lull him to sleep.
"Of course. We are more then happy to supply whatever you are in need of. Come, our head of housekeeping will take you to your rooms. I'm sure you all would like to to to..." The councilmen began to say but froze after taking in the women who exited the carriage behind them.
She was dressed in a dark blue dress with a matching parasol. She had opened it as she stepped out of the carriage and it at first hid her face. Once she was out of the carriage she tipped the parasol back revealing an elegant face with deep ocean blue eyes, pale skin dusted with light pink cheeks, coral pink lips and long dark eye lashes. Her dark ebony hair was twisted at the nape of her neck and white gloves covered her webbed hands. Her water elemental ears kissing the side of her head and light blue elemental markings lining her cheeks. She was stunning and captured everyone's attention immediately. He couldn't his eyes as he took in the nearly identical woman to the one long since passed.
"High Councilmen?" asked Louie as he eyed the stare down between the councilmen towards his sister in confusion.
"I,I, I'm sorry. Prey what is your name? I must apologize I do not recall catching it." High Councilmen Shako asked the mysteriously water elemental.
"Oh, forgive me! I was distracted looking at the grounds through the window of the carriage and missed the introductions. My name is Rin, the Earl and Queen's adopted sister." she smiled sweetly and bowed to the Councilmen.
"R-Rin…?" repeated the councilmen as he digested the name upon his tongue.
"Are you alright? You look as if you've just seen a ghost?" asked Lizy in concern as she took in the wide-eyed, clammy skinned man.
"Alomost your Grace. It's just that Ms. Rin looks very similar to someone who has long since past and her likeness caught me by surprise is all. Please forgive my rudeness. I'm sure Kaede has everything ready for you. Dinner will be served at 6. Do you think you will be ready by then?" Shako said as he motioned for them to follow up the stairs.
"6 sounds more than reasonable." Louie said as he followed after the councilmen with his family trailing close behind him.
As they made their way towards their chambers servants and guards gawked and stuttered as they went. It was apparent that all of their shock and disbelief were directed towards Rin just as Shako's had been. Thankfully to Lizy and Louie's relief she was too distracted observing the castle to of noticed the unwanted whispers and glances. It wasn't until the clatter of a serving tray hitting the floor is what snapped Rin's attention away from the décor.
"Are you alright Kaede?" asked High Councilmen Shako as he went over to check on the paled elderly woman.
"It… it can't be?" asked Kaede in shock as she took in the water elemental before her. "These old eyes must be deceiving thee. Surly thy am not seeing a ghost High Councilmen?" she asked as she picked up the broken china off of the floor and took in the guests before her.
"No my dear Kaede. This here is Earl Louie La Fléche, his mate Queen Elizabeth Naraku, their children Odette and Arthur and Ms. Rin." informed the Councilmen.
"Thy apologize for the disturbance. Thy old mind deceived thee it seems." Kaede said as she laid the tray covered with broken serving ware on a table along the wall. "If ye would follow thee, thy have set up a guest wing near the Royal chambers. Thy hope this will make ye more comfortable being close by for the children to play and peace for the young Prince's naps."
"Wonderful." Lizy exclaimed happily. "That is most acceptable."
"Ms. Rin, I pray a room across the hall from thee friends would be adequate? There unfortunately is not another room in their wing for ye to rest." asked Kaede as she began to lead them down the hall towards their chambers.
"That's fine. As long as I am nearby." Rin replied sweetly.
"Of course. There be a private bathing chamber attached to ye wing so should ye need of supplies do not feel hesitant to ask." Kaede said.
"Just what you need Rin! A private bathing chamber." Louie teased making Lizy chuckle.
"I'm not that bad." Rin pouted with a light blush to her cheeks only further proving Louie's taunt.
"Is there a problem?" asked the Councilmen not understanding their joke.
"Oh it's nothing. It's just that Rin is every bit a water elemental and loves anything to do with water; especially her baths." Lizy explained.
"Ah, I see." the Councilmen chuckled as he took in the blushing elemental. "Well Ms. Rin, should you wish to escape the confines of the castle to relax there is a private beach just south of the Castle. You are more than welcome to take use of it during your stay."
"Really?! That sounds wonderful." Rin smiled brightly. "Hear that Odette? A beach for us to play on!"
"Yay! Can Lowenzo come too?" asked Odette excitedly.
"Perhaps. We will have to ask first but I'm sure Lady Sara wouldn't mind." Councilmen said as he looked down at the beaming chick. "Until then, I'll be taking my leave. It was lovely meeting you all and I am sure we will encounter each other again during your stay." High Councilmen said as he bowed politely.
"Thank you Councilmen." Louie said as he shook the man's hand. He then followed after Kaede towards their chambers.
As they made their way down the Royal Wing they passed through a lounging hall and Rin noticed a painting resting above a fireplace. In the picture was a beautiful woman with long black hair. At her side were two silver haired boys. The youngest appeared to be about two years old and was sitting comfortably in her lap. His silver hair almost reached his shoulders and two dog shaped ears perked at the top of his head. He had warm golden eyes and was dressed in a red uniform. Standing proudly on the other side of the woman was a boy that appeared to be about fifteen years of age. He was dressed in a white uniform adorned with metals and a sword resting at his waste. On his shoulder was a white fur pelt that elegantly flowed down his back. His hair was pulled half way up making his elfin ears frame his developing strong jawline. What made her heart flutter though were his piercing amber eyes, magenta stripes along his cheeks and wrists and a blue crescent moon upon his forehead. A typhoon of vivid images and roaring voices suddenly crashed over her causing her to black out and collapse to the floor. He head hit against the bricks lining the floor and a bump formed near her spine.
"Auntie Rin!" Odette cried as she watched her aunt crumple onto the floor unconscious.
"Oh my God! Rin?!" Lizy cried as she ran to her sister's side with Louie and Kaede quick on her heals.
"Help thee get her into her room. Thy will call for a healer." Kaede said as she and Lizy helped Louie pick her up bridal style and usher her into her chambers.
Once safely tucked into bed Kaede left to yell for another servant to send for Tsukiyomi. While they were waiting Kaede helped settle in the La Flèche family into their chambers across the hall. About fifteen minutes later Tsukiyomi entered the bedchamber.
"Tell me what happened?" asked Tsukiyomi as she approached the resting elemental on the bed. When she pulled back the covers her legs nearly collapse out from under her and she had to grab the bedside table for support. "K-Kaede?"
"Thy know Tsukiyomi. Thy reaction was the same." Kaede said as she ruffled the young woman's bangs affectionately. "She said her name is Rin."
"Rin?" repeated Tsukiyomi. "She looks so much like her."
"Looks like who?" asked Lizy as she stood in the doorway having watched the entire exchange.
"Like our Lord's long lost mate. She was a water creature as well and they look nearly identical. But they couldn't be the same." said Tsukiyomi as she sat in the chair next to the bed. Taking hold of Rin's hand in hers she began her examinatino. Not finding anything irregular she checked her her pulse one last time to find it normal. "She seems to be in good health. Can you repeat to me what caused her to pass out?"
"Everything was fine until we entered into the lounging room down the hall. Odette said she saw Rin looking at a painting resting over the mantle then grabbed her head like she was in pain and collapsed onto the floor. She didn't appear to be over heated or sick before hand so I don't think it's any sudden illness. However I believe it was another of Rin's episodes."
"Episodes?" asked Kaede curiously. "What do ye mean?"
"Rin suffers from memory loss and on occasion get's terrible headaches when over whelmed with sudden memory lapses. Something in that paining must have reminded her of something." Lizy informed as she pulled off her hat and laid it on the trunk.
"That's the painting of Lady Izayoi and the young masters." said Tsukiyomi as she turned to Kaede with a serious stare.
"Memory loss? Prey tell what caused this?" asked Kaede curiously as she digested what Tsukiyomi just said.
"We found Rin washed up on the beach near Louie's home nearly 15 years ago. She had no recollection of who she was or how she had ended up on the beach. She spoke a little Spanish enought to get her point across but nothing more thatn that. Over the years in our care she has suffered from graphic nightmares and on occasion has episodes where memories and passed voices come to the surface. We schooled her and had a councilor help her. However, nothing seems to truly help her recover long lasting memories. Louie and I were hoping that during this trip to Spain it might help. We actually just went to see a specialist in Morocco. They gave Rin some exercises to practice however after today's event we will have to wait until she wakes up to see if anything important resurfaced." Lizy informed.
"You say she washed up on the shore five demon years ago?" asked Tsukiyomi for clarification.
"Yes, I believe it was in early April. Why do you ask?" asked Lizy curiously.
"That would have been the same time our Lady was murdered. Her body was never recovered as she was lost to the sea." Kaede said as she turned to look at Lizy. "And ye say she doesn't remember who she is or how she came to be there?"
"You don't think? She couldn't be?" Lizy said as she understood what they were implying. "Her body would have to travel hundred of miles in open water!"
"The sea's currents are strong and full of mystery. There is only one-way to find out if what thy believe to be true is confirmed. We will have to wait and see what her vision revealed. She had not reacted all day until she looked at that painting and into the eyes of our young Lord. Thy do not think that is coincidental. Thy suggest we keep this to ourselves until then. Upsetting our Lord would be disastrous should she not be our long lost lady." said Kaede.
"Agreed. I'll stay here and keep her company until she wakes. I'll be sure to inform you should anything change." Tsukiyomi said as she made herself comfortable in her seat.
"Thank you. My family and I are right across the hall. I'll be sure to check on her after super." said Lizy as she made her way out of the room.
"Do you really think its her?" asked Tsukiyomi as she looked over the slumbering woman. "Kagome didn't have these marking on her like Rin does."
"These old bones never lie and they say she is." Kaede said. "We did not know what her true form looked like before the curse. We must keep her a secret as long as possible until she recovers. Should our Lord find her and realize she not remember him thy fear what the outcome to be."
"But what of Lady Sara? The kingdom loves her and should Rin become Kagome surely the people will be torn in their allegiance. Not to mention what will become of Italy and our alliance?" asked Tsukiyomi in concern.
"All very real concerns. We will have to prey that the gods will correct it in time." Kaede said. "Thy need to return to thy duties before Lady Sara returns. Thy feel great heartache is soon to befall us once more."
[Later that evening]
It was roughly around 7:30 when Rin's blue eyes began to flutter open. At first she was confused as to where she was. The room was lavishly decorated in yellow and blue butterflies. She could tell whoever's room she was resting in was very well off due to the expensive furnishings and golden embellishments that lined the room.
"I see you've awakened. My name is Tsukiyomi and I'm here to take care of you while your companions are at dinner. How are you feeling?" asked Tsukiyomi gently as she reached into her medical bag.
"I'm a little dizzy but other than that I'm ok, thank you for asking." Rin said as she sat up on the pillows in her bed. "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
"You look familiar as well but I'm afraid you are the only Rin I've ever met. Queen Elizabeth informed me of your memory lapses. Do you recall another name you went by?" asked Tsukiyomi as she used a spyglass to look into her eyes to began her examination.
"(Sigh) No, I don't remember what my name was before I was called Rin. I guess it's possible we might have known each other before then." Rin said disappointedly.
"That's quite alright Ms. Rin. I'm sure your identity will come to you eventually. Until then we'll just call you Rin and start over. How about that?" said Tsukiyomi encouragingly.
"I'd like that." Rin smiled back. "How long have you been a healer?"
"I've been a healer for about 25 years now. My mate and I have worked here in the castle for nearly 30 and three of our children work un the castle." Tsukiyomi said as she began to place her medical tools back into her bag. "Are you hungry Ms. Rin? Dinner has passed and Queen Elizabeth has already come by to check on you."
"Please, just call me Rin and no I'm alright. What time is breakfast served in the morning?" Rin asked.
"I'll bring you a tray around 8:30. I want to make sure you aren't dizzy before sending you on your way for the remainder of the day." Tsukiyomi said as she went to Rin's wardrobe and began to lay out her night ware. "Do you need help getting dressed for the evening?"
"That would be very helpful thank you. I always have trouble undoing the strings towards the top of my corset." Rin chuckled as she began to untie the strings along her back.
"As do I." Tsukiyomi laughed as she crawled up behind her on the bed and took the ties from her hands.
Once Tsukiyomi was finished helping Rin dress in her nightgown and braided her hair down her back she said goodnight and departed for the evening. Unable to sleep Rin carefully walked over to her luggage resting in the corner of the room and dug out a travel cloak, a pair of slippers and her wooden flute. Ignoring her vertigo she opened the patio doors and ventures out into the night.
[End of Chapter 49]
(So who do you think the mysterious Rin is and where is she off too? Only time will tell! More chapters to come! Be sure to leave a review! Thanks for reading and showing your support! Till next time! - TG1)