Little Mermaid

A/N: I was really excited to write this one guys! I LOVE The Little Mermaid and I hope you enjoy! Also, I have a few more lined up for the next chapters, but would you guys like to see a more modern one? Or you think I should keep it in a more historical fiction setting? Thank :)

Many years ago, there was mermaid with special gifts, a shaman. She was able to use her gifts to protect her kingdom and heal her people. Her name was lost to the sands of time, but her beauty and kindness was renowned. She was beloved by all, especially the king himself whom doted on her.

One night, during a grand celebration, chaos ensued. The waters chilled to an artic temperature, and a mighty whirlpool swept through, destroying buildings and sucking in merpeople. The mighty king braved the dangers, as more and more tornadoes appeared surrounding him. He used his trident to try to destroy the tornadoes, but they just regenerated, becoming more intense. The king was able to escape, and came face to face with the source of all this terror and destruction on his kingdom. It was the shaman, but her aura was dark and oozed anger and hatred. Her hair flowed around her, almost like tentacles surrounding her.

'Why?! Why are you attacking our people?!' the king bellowed

She gave no reply as she raised her arm and pointed to him. Her eyes glowed a blood red, her power beginning to build, focusing into her outstretched hand.

With no hesitation, the king charged her at full force. Using his agility, he managed to avoid the tornadoes, as he got closer and closer to her. Finally, he came face to face with her, his trident piercing her body. The king stared at her, and watched as tears fell down her cheeks and the life left her eyes. The tornadoes slowly dissipated and the waters warmed up, the king removed his trident, and her dead body floated to the ground. The people gathered and cheered for his bravery, however, upon looking at her dead body, everyone fell silent. The king used his trident and carried her body to the edge of the Forbidden Abyss. With one final look, he tossed her body over the edge, disappearing into the darkness.

Upon returning to his people and the rubbles of his remaining kingdom, he made an announcement,

"My people! We have been betrayed by one of our own. The damage to our kingdom is nothing compared to the damage of our trust. However, we are strong, and shall persevere in these trying times. And never again, shall I allow this to befall our people again. Merpeople with magical powers-no, witches, shall be executed. Years passed, but the kings proclamation remained. Every few generations, a witch would be born, and after their magical abilities discovered, were put to death. Eventually, decades would go by without the birth of a witch…until now.

Hundreds of years passed, and the kingdom now fell under the rule of His Royal Majesty, King Tashio. He was a mighty warrior king who fought in many battles and thus earning the respect of his people. He was succeeded by his two sons, His Royal Highnesses Prince Sesshomaru and Prince Inuyasha. One day, while both princes were very young, Prince Sesshomaru was practicing his fighting as Prince Inuyasha played with a little mergirl. They were being watched over by one of their older servants, Kaede.

"Catch me if you can Kagome!" yelled Inuyasha as he swam away from the little mergirl. His silver white hair trailing behind him.

The mergirl giggled as she tried to keep up, "I'm catching up to you!"

The two swam around and around as fast as they could all over the courtyard. Sesshomaru was focused on his form, but occasionally would glance over at the two.

"You're too slow Kagome!" Inuyasha taunted as he veered around statues and bushed.

"I am not!" Kagome yelled back as she flicked her green tail just a bit faster.

Inuyasha turned to look back, and stuck his tongue out. "Kagome is a slowpoke!"

"Inuyasha! Watch out!" Kagome called out, but it was already too late. Inuyasha swam right into a large statue of a previous king. It began to rock, then fall back towards Inuyasha, who was frozen on the spot.

Both Kaede and Sesshomaru turned to watch as the larger statue began to fall onto Inuyasha. Sesshomaru swam as fast as he could but knew he's never make it in time.

"Inuyasha, get out of the way!" He called out in an attempt to snap him out of his petrified state, but he didn't seem to hear. Then, Sesshomaru's eyes flickered over to the young mergirl Kagome, who swam towards Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha! NO!" She cried out as a brilliant, white light surrounded her, then it shot out to destroy the falling statue.

Sesshomaru and Kaede paused as the light faded, and the little mergirl rested on the ground, panting at the amount of energy she used.

Inuyasha immediately swam over to her, "Kagome, are you alight? What was that?"

Her innocent blue eyes looked up at him, "I-I don't know…but are you ok?"

His eyes water up as he nodded as he tried to hide his face.

Kagome smiled sweetly.

"What is going on here?!" A deep voice bellowed.

All eyes turned to His Royal Majesty, King Tashio.

Inuyasha swam up to his father excited, "Father! It was amazing! Kagome destroyed that statue and- "

"What do you mean she destroyed the statue?" His father cut him off.

"W-well there was this light and…" Inuyasha trailed off as he was getting a strange feeling from his father.

King Tashio narrowed his eyes at Kagome, "Was it magic girl." His voice icy.

Kagome trembled in fear. She had never heard him speak that way before.

"Guards. Seize her." The guard immediately swam up and grabbed the weak mergirl.

"Father no! Please!" Inuyasha begged.

"Sesshomaru, take your brother." King Tashio ordered.

Sesshomaru paused for a moment before taking his brother by his hand. "Father- "

"You will remain silent." Sesshomaru flinched at his words.

"Your Majesty." The older servant swam in front of King Tashio bowing lowly. "I know the laws well, but please spare her."

"She is a witch."

"She saved your sons' life."

Sesshomaru watched as his father clenched his fist, but contemplated. It seemed time had stopped as no one dared to move nor make a sound.

"Kagome Higurashi, you are hereby banished from the kingdom." He turned to Kaede, "And you shall spend the rest of your days with her, as punishment for speaking out to your king."

While never raising her head, Kaede graciously thanked him, "Thank you, You Majesty."

After King Tashio left, Sesshomaru watched as Kaede went to Kagome to hold her and try to calm her down.

"Sesshomaru." King Tashio called out.

Sesshomaru tugged Inuyasha back to the castle, only looking back to meet those sad blue eyes, before disappearing into the hall.

With Kagome exiled, she was forced to leave her home and family, never allowed to see them again. A small doll, the only thing to remember her home goodbye. Kaede promised to care for her as her own, but to be separated from her mother at such a young age was heart wrenching. Kagome held onto Kaede as hot, wet tears ran down her face. (A/N: I know she's underwater but work with me please lol)

Kaede led Kagome to an ominous cave, just on the outskirts of the kingdom. Looking in, it was dark and frightening for who knew what lived beyond the entrance.

"Don't be frightened child. Nothing but the darkness is in this cave."

Kaede grabbed her hand sat her down in the cave. "Stay here while I prepare our beds for the evening." Little Kagome nodded, understanding. She watched as Kaede gathered kelp and wove them, then laid them out. Then taking what was left, she tied them on a string and hung them at the front of the cave.

Kaede swam over to Kagome and sat by her.

"Kagome I'm going to go and get us food. Will you be ok?"

Kagome held her doll in her hands and played with her hair.

Kaede sighed, "I'll be quick, I promise." Kaede gave her a hug and swam out of the cave.

Kagome swam over to the kelp bed and laid there holding her doll close to her, crying herself to sleep.

Kaede returned finding Kagome curled up on the bed. She sat the food down and curled up behind her and held her tight.

Weeks passed, and not much had changed in Kagome's emotional state. She spent most of her days in the cave, fearing the hatred and loneliness of the outside world. Kaede was tending to her baby kelp garden when a voice could be heard just over the hill.

"Kagome! Kaaaagoooome!"

Kagome's eyes lit up as she dropped her doll and swam out of the cave searching for the voice. Her eyes met with Inuyasha's as she swam towards him, crashing into his arms crying.

"Hey now, stop that crying."

Kagome stood back, and tried stifling her cries and tears. "I-Inuyasha…"

Inuyasha was taken aback. He never really saw Kagome cry like this before. "C'mon Kagome…."

She couldn't stop her crying, so Inuyasha held onto her tightly. Kaede watched as they hugged each other. But this happiness couldn't last as three shadowy figures came towards them.

Inuyasha noticed them coming quicker than he anticipated. He looked Kagome in the eyes,

"Look Kagome, I snuck out to see you but they already found me. You're my best friend and nothing will keep me from seeing you."

She looked up at him, "Promise?"

He held up his pinky and linked it up with hers. "I promise."

"Inuyasha." Kagome and Inuyasha turned to see Sesshomaru accompanied by two guards. "Father has sent me to get you."

Inuyasha looked dejected, but put on a brave face for Kagome. He swam to Sesshomaru, but before they left Sesshomaru swam over to Kagome. She was a little frightened but refused to back down.

"Thank you."

Kagome was confused, "Why are you thanking me?"

"You saved my brother, and I never got the chance to say thank you."

Kagome gently smiled at him. A slight blush creeped up on his cheeks, and he quickly turned and returned with Inuyasha back to the castle.

"What did you say to Kagome?" Inuyasha asked as they swam back.

"Nothing important." Sesshomaru said embarrassedly as he hurried up his pace.

Upon returning to the castle Inuyasha was punished by his father, but that never stopped him from sneaking out of the castle to see Kagome again and again. Sesshomaru was always tasked with retrieving him, but on some days, he'd give them some time. This continued for years, and Inuyasha's father gave up on trying to stop him. As long as Kagome stayed out of the kingdom, that's all he cared about.

10 years later

"Hey Kagome!" Inuyasha called as he approached her cave.

Kagome peered out from the entrance of her cave and waved to Inuyasha as he approached her. They both had grown up a lot since that day in the courtyard. Kagome's hair grew out down to her back, and her face thinned out. She also held herself as someone from the court, thanks to Kaede raising her, god rest her soul.

"Inuyasha, what are you doing here? I thought the Princess from the Southern sea was presenting herself today."

"She is. But I wanted to give this to you." Inuyasha handed her a mask.

"What is this for?"

"We are having a masquerade ball tonight in honor of the princess, and I'm going to sneak you in."

Kagome's eyes widened, "Inuyasha, you know I'm in exile. I couldn't even if I wanted to." She tried handing it back to him.

Inuyasha pushed he hands away, "Look, everyone is going to be in these masks, and no one besides myself and Kaede know what you look like. It'll be fine."

Kagome couldn't argue with him as he started swimming away, "Meet me at the gates at sundown!"

Kagome watched him swim away. She re-entered the cave and sat the mask down, staring at it. She spent a long time contemplating what to do. She lived for so long in exile. It was the one thing Kaede told her not to do in fear of execution.

"Argh, what is wrong with me?" She grabbed her bow and arrow, and swam out of the cave. Hunting for food would help clear her mind.

Inuyasha returned to the castle. Everyone was busy as they were preparing for the princess to arrive. He tried sneaking back into his room when a voice called for him,

"Inuyasha. Father requests our presence in the throne room."

Inuyasha sighed, "Coming." Ever since that day in the courtyard, the relationship between Inuyasha and his father changed.

As soon as they entered the throne room, the cold voice of their father boomed in the empty room, "Good. Now that I have the both of you here…The princess shall be arriving soon. She will need your complete and undivided attention. Upon her arrival, she will be shown to her rooms and then afterwards a tour of the ground. From there, lunch in the courtyard and leisure time. She will need an escort for the evening." King Tashio's eyes narrowed on Inuyasha, "And I think Inuyasha should be up for this task."

"What? Why not Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha demanded to know.

"Sesshomaru isn't the one who hasn't fulfilled his duties as a prince! I have indulged you long enough boy! It's time you started acting like the prince you are!"

"But father-" Inuyasha tried but was cut off.

"ENOUGH!" King Tashio bellowed as he rose from his throne.

Both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru bowed in submission.

"You will do as you are told. Am I understood."

"Yes father." They both replied. Backing away, they exited the throne room and down the hall.

"Inuyasha, if it is that important, I will escort her this evening." Sesshomaru offered quietly.

He sighed, "No, if father saw you escorting her instead of me, he'd have both of our heads. I just don't know what to do…"

"Then what ails you brother? Maybe I could be of some assistance?"

Inuyasha stopped and stared at him as an idea popped into his head, "Well actually…"

Kagome had gone back and forth with the idea and decided to risk it. With her mask in place she swam to the designated spot. She could see Inuyasha already there. She swam right into him hugging him from behind, but something felt off. He felt leaner, and more muscular. Then she saw the magenta striped on his hip, and immediately let go.

Sesshomaru turned around and stared at her. It's been ten years since the last he'd seen her, and if he wasn't waiting for her, he wouldn't have known it was her. Except her eyes, hidden behind the mask, those deep blue eyes that reminded him so much of the ocean itself. They suddenly filled with fear and she turned and swam away, her mask falling off. Sesshomaru picked up the mask and chased after her. It wasn't too long before he caught up to her and grabbed her hand, pulling her to him.

"No please forgive me! I won't ever leave my cave again! Please just let me go!" Kagome begged as she tried to wrestle out of Seshsomaru's grip.

"I'm not here to harm you! I'm here on Inuyasha's behalf!"

As soon as she heard Inuyasha's name, she stopped struggling. "You're not here to turn me over to your father?"

"No. I'm simply doing a favor for my brother."

"Where is he? Why was he not able to meet me himself?" Kagome questioned.

"Our father has tasked him to accompany the princess this evening. He still wanted you to come and requested I accompany you." He explained.

"But why did you agree to accompany me?"

He was silent for a moment before he answered, "I'm in your debt."

"What are you talking about? How could you be in my debt?"

"Years ago, you saved my brother. I should have been able to protect him." Sesshomaru confessed.

"Inuyasha is my friend. I didn't do it so you'd be in my debt or anything."

"I know, but nonetheless," Sesshomaru handed her the mask, "it was a favor asked of me and I agreed."

Kagome searched his eyes and saw his sincerity. She put the mask on and accepted his arm as they swam back to the kingdom, which was booming in a giant celebration.

Kagome was in awe at the liveliness around her. Sesshomaru watched as she visited stalls and tasted yummy food offered to her. The colors and laughter filled the kingdom in grand celebration, and Kagome was taking it all in. Sesshomaru stopped at a stall himself and looked over the masks.

"I think this mask suits you." Kagome suggested as she pointed to a mask.

"You think so?" He chuckled to himself. He picked up the mask and put it up to his face, "How does it look?"

"Yes. I think the color compliments your eyes." She smiled genuinely.

Sesshomaru was thankful for the mask as it covered the blush creeping on his cheeks.

"It's not much of a disguise though. Your hair is a dead giveaway." Kagome commented as she gently touched his silky hair, but then pulled back.

"It can be troublesome at times." Sesshomaru confessed.

"What do you mean?" Kagome questioned.

Sesshomaru sat down the mask, "To everyone I meet, I am His Royal Highness, Prince Sesshomaru. It doesn't seem hard for my brother to be seen as just Inuyasha.

Kagome chuckled, "Yes, well Inuyasha does have a way with making people relax around him." She picked up the mask and handed it to him, "But maybe you can be just Sesshomaru, with me."

He took the mask in his hands and stared at it.

"Oh wow. This is amazing!" Sesshomaru looked up and saw her swimming off to the next stall. He paid for his mask and put it on. He followed close behind so not to lose her, but he suddenly bumped into her. "I'm sorry I- "

Sesshomaru began to apologize but stopped as he saw Kagome staring off to the other side of the market. His eyes followed her line of sight and saw a woman and her son at a stall.

"Mommy! Mommy! Can I have a treat?" begged the young merboy.

The woman smiled gently as she bought the treat for him. She took his hand and they swam down towards the castle.

"Kagome, are you ok?" Sesshomaru asked concerned.

"I'm fine." She simply said as she swam off. Sesshomaru swam after her through the crowds.

"Kagome! Wait!" He called. He followed her into an alley away from the crowd. "What was that about?" Sesshomaru stared at her back as she refused to turn around.

"That woman…That was my mother."

Sesshomaru was taken aback by her words, but realized what it meant for her to see her mother again. "Kagome…" He looked back to see if the woman was still around. "Look she couldn't have gotten far. We can catch up to her- "

Kagome grabbed his hand, "Please, no. I can't do that to her."

"Kagome, but why?"

Kagome looked up at him, eyes glistening. "I can't put her through that pain again of losing me. I just can't Sesshomaru."

It pained Sesshomaru to see her so dejected. He slowly removed her mask and stared at her sad blue eyes. He didn't realize until his hand was already caressing her cheek, and gently cupped it. Kagome tenderly looked up at him as she rested into his touch. From there, she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him. They stayed there for a moment until Kagome realized what she was doing.

She pulled back apologizing, "I'm so sorry Sesshomaru. I didn't mean to do that…"

"Don't worry about it." Sesshomaru replied, too embarrassed to tell her he couldn't stand to see her cry. He placed her mask on her face, and grabbed her hand to pull her back into the bustle of the kingdom. "Follow me, there's somewhere I want to take you."

Sesshomaru led her to the castle courtyard where a band played music and everyone was dancing.

Kagome tugged on his hand, "Sesshomaru, I don't know how to dance."

He gave her hand a squeeze. "Trust me."

Kagome slowly followed him. They faced each other as the next song began. Sesshomaru bowed to her, and Kagome followed suit. Her eyes were on him as he led them in their dance. Palms, pressed together, as they circled each other. Then, Sesshomaru took her hand and twirled her around, pulling her to him. Their eyes locked on each other, as he led her in a waltz like dance, gliding around everyone else. Sesshomaru watched as her eyed began to light up, as she twirled around and around. It felt like the two could go on dancing forever. Eventually the music ended with Kagome in Sesshomaru's arms. Both were breathing heavily as they stared at each other. It seemed liked it was just the two of them, and everyone passing by was a blur.

"Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru tensed as he turned around to meet his father's gaze.

"Father."

"And who might this little siren be to have held your attention all night." King Tashio's gaze drifted to Kagome with curious eyes.

Sesshomaru could see Kagome was uncomfortable, and floated in front of her. "She's just a girl from the kingdom."

"I see. Well, you two enjoy the rest of the evening. I must go see to your brother."

Sesshomaru bowed, "Father."

King Tashio peered over at Kagome. She bowed, "Your Majesty."

Satisfied, King Tashio left.

As soon as he was out of eyesight, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome. He leaned down to her still bowing form, "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. I just…"

Sesshomaru helped her up. "I'm sorry. I should have noticed him earlier."

"I'm ok Sesshomaru." She gripped his hand. "Really."

He helped her up, "If you're sure."

"I am. I had fun dancing. Thank you."

"Would you like to stay? Or maybe we could swim around?" He suggested.

"Swimming around sounds nice." Kagome replied with a smile.

Sesshomaru offered his arm and after she took it, they went swimming off to see the rest of the celebration. It was getting late, and Sesshomaru escorted Kagome back to her home.

"I had a lot of fun today. Thank you so much for doing this for me." Kagome said as she held her mask in her hand.

"It was my pleasure." Sesshomaru replied as he too, took off his mask.

"Please be safe on your return."

"I will. Goodnight." Sesshomaru bowed

Kagome giggled, "Goodnight Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru waited for her to enter her cave before he turned and returned to the castle.

"Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha called after him after his return.

Sesshomaru turned and waited for Inuyasha to catch up to him.

"Hey, how did it go?"

"It went fine. Kagome had a good time."

Inuyasha breathed a sigh of relief, "I'm so glad to hear that. I really wanted Kagome to have some fun for once."

Sesshomaru smiled to himself realizing he helped put that smile on her face.

"And what of you and the Princess, Inuyasha?"

"Honestly it was a bit annoying. She clung to me a lot and wouldn't stop asking for me to buy her things. Oh, and she wanted to spend more time together again tomorrow."

"She seems taken with you."

"I think she seems taken with the idea of marriage." Inuyasha confessed.

"Seems to be father's idea as well." Sesshomaru concluded.

"Well, thank you again for doing this for me. I really appreciate it."

"Don't think anything of it. Goodnight Inuyasha."

Inuyasha waved him off as Sesshomaru entered his room. Sesshomaru laid on his kelp bed as he held on to his mask. He felt his heart beat against his chest, as his mind drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Sesshomaru swam down the hall and encountered Inuyasha and the Princess.

"Good morning, Your Royal Highness." The Princess politely greeted as she bowed.

Sesshomaru bowed, "Good morning Princess. I trust your visit has been pleasant so far?"

"Yes. His Highness, Prince Inuyasha has been most kind to me." She gently slipped her hands into Inuyasha's arm.

Sesshomaru could see the look of annoyance in his eyes. "Well I'll leave you to your activities. Good day." Sesshomaru bowed again and swam off.

He looked out into the market from inside the library and recalled the night before with Kagome, looking at the stalls filled with things.

"But maybe you can be just Sesshomaru, with me."

Her words echoed in his head. He grabbed a satchel laying on the table and swam back down to the market. He was searching for a particular stall. He saw the familiar face of the merchant owner he was looking for and swam up to him.

"How can I help you- ", the merchant dropped whatever he had in his hands as he immediately recognized Sesshomaru. "Your Royal Highness! Please forgive me. I didn't know it was you!" The merchant begged forgiveness as he bowed.

"Sir, please. There's no need. I've only come for a book."

The merchant looked confused, but seemed happy Sesshomaru chose his stall to purchase a book. "O-of course sir! Please choose whatever book you'd like!"

Sesshomaru scanned the books, trying to remember the book she picked up. "Sir, there was a dark blue book here last night. Do you perhaps still have it available?"

The merchant thought about the book he was talking about. He bent down and searched through some hidden books and pulled out a book. "Is this the book you are talking about?"

Sesshomaru's eyes lit up, "Yes that's the one!"

The merchant handed it to him, but curiously stared at him. "A young merwoman was here last night looking over it fondly. I was hoping she would return for the book so I tucked it away. However, she was with a young merman. Was that maybe you?"

Sesshomaru was surprised at how observant the merchant was.

"Don't worry Your Royal Highness. It'll be our secret." The merchant teased.

Sesshomaru handed the merchant come coins. "No, Your Royal Highness. I couldn't possibly."

"Please sir. For the book and your kindness."

The merchant took the coins and thanked him as he swam off.

A customer approached the merchant, "Was that Prince Sesshomaru?"

The merchant smiled as he began picking up his books he dropped earlier. "That it was."

"It's very rare to see him outside of the castle."

The merchant smiled to himself, "I think we will be seeing a little more of him outside of the castle."

"What makes you say that?" The customer asked curiously.

"Just a hunch." He replied nonchalantly.

They watched as Sesshomaru stopped at another stall and purchased some food, and passed through the kingdom gates.

Kagome was returning to the cave with some fish when she caught a glimpse of silver hair in the distance. She hurried back thinking it was Inuyasha. She was surprised to see it was Sesshomaru.

"Oh Sesshomaru. Is everything ok?" Kagome asked as she entered her cave.

"Yes. Inuyasha is engaged with the Princess today." Sesshomaru followed her.

"Oh, did he ask you to come visit me today?" Kagome asked as she sat her fish down.

"No." He dug through his satchel and pulled out the book.

Kagome turned, confused but paused when she saw the book in his hand.

She accepted the book and started combing through the pages. "This is the book I was looking at last night, but how-."

She looked up at Sesshomaru, "I noticed you were looking at it and thought you'd like it."

Kagome closed the book and tried to hand it back to him, "Sesshomaru, I couldn't possibly…"

"It's a gift for you. Please take it." Kagome held the book to her.

"Thank you Sesshomaru." Kagome turned to hide the blush on her face. She sat the book down and went back to her fish. "Are you hungry? I just caught some fish. I'd love for you to join me."

Sesshomaru pulled out some fresh fruit he also purchased and sat them on the table next to the fish. Kagome could feel his chest against her back as he leaned over. "I picked these up for you as well. We can have them with the fish." His voice sent shivers down her spine.

"T-thank you."

Kagome prepared the fish and fruit and they sat at her table and shared a meal. They many hours talking. They spoke of many things, like the things Kaede taught her over these years, and her hunting expeditions. They even spoke of her magic.

"Kaede's biggest rule was never to practice magic. For years, I denied the power inside me. Then one day she got hurt. I helped her back to the cave, but her wounds were so severe. I was so upset, and the powers inside me, I couldn't contain them anymore. They just burst out from me and begun healing her."

Sesshomaru recalled that time in the courtyard when she saved Inuyasha. The bright light that emitted from her as her powers shot out from her to save Inuyasha.

"However, it didn't last, and it wasn't enough to save her. I used up a lot of energy. It was almost killing me. But she grabbed my hand and told me to let her go. And that it wasn't good-bye. Just until we meet again. I refused. I felt a surge of energy flow through me as another burst of power enveloped us. When the light died, I fainted. When I woke up, it was dark, and Kaede had passed."

Sesshomaru reached over and grasped her hand. "Kagome, you tried."

Tears started to run down her face, "I know. I just sometimes thing, if I practiced more, than I could have saved her you know?"

"No on blames you Kagome."

Kagome leaned her head against his arm. "I just miss her so much."

Sesshomaru tilted her head up and gently wiped away her tears. "She'd want you to look to the future."

Kagome smiled, "I guess you're right." She sat upright, "I'm so sorry. I seem to always to be crying in front of you." She laughed trying to find the humor in the situation.

"As long as I am not the reason for your tears." Sesshomaru commented nonchalantly.

Kagome blushed. "Let me clean up this mess." She started grabbing dishes to hide her fluster.

Sesshomaru chuckled.

"After I'm finished cleaning, I was going to the kelp garden. Would you like to join me?"

Sesshomaru noticed it was late afternoon, "I think I should head back to the castle."

"Well thank you for joining me today. Maybe…tomorrow if you're free…you could come visit again?" Kagome asked shyly.

"I would like that. I'll see you tomorrow."

Kagome waved him off, her heart pounding in her chest.

Sesshomaru arrived back at the castle and later joined everyone for dinner. His father sat at the head of the table, and Inuyasha and the Princess sat across from him. It was mostly the Princess talking of life in her Kingdom, but the King managed to make conversation with Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru, I didn't see much of you today. Where were you?"

Not wanting to lie to his father, Sesshomaru was a bit vague, "I was out of the castle today."

He raised an eyebrow at this, "Really? You don't go out of the castle much."

"I was thinking of getting out a bit more." Sesshomaru confessed.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with your duties here at the castle."

"Of course, father." Sesshomaru finished and asked to be excused.

Everyone watched as he left the table and disappeared into the castle.

He laid down in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, ready for tomorrow.

The next day arrived, but Sesshomaru had a meeting to attend to with the Captain of the guard. It took a few hours but he managed to review and critique their training and form improvement strategies. Afterwards, Sesshomaru grabbed his satchel and head off to the market. He saw the book merchant again and asked for another book. After purchasing, he bought more fruits and headed off to see Kagome. After arriving to her cave, he called out to her.

"Oh Sesshomaru! Welcome back." Kagome greeted him with a smile.

His heart skipped a beat seeing her smile at him. He immediately reached down and handed her another book.

"Oh, another book? Thank you." He could look at that smile all day.

"I was going to read today. Would you like to join me?"

Sesshomaru nodded, but realized he didn't have a book himself.

"I have some other books if you'd like to borrow one?" Kagome showed him her collection. He saw some familiar books he's read in the past. He picked one out and she grabbed his hand as she led him to her favorite spot. They swam up towards the surface, but before breaking the surface Sesshomaru stopped.

Kagome looked back, "What's wrong."

"I've never been to the surface. My father said it isn't safe."

Kagome held her hand out, "Trust me Sesshomaru."

He took her hand and she led him to the surface. Sesshomaru was blinded by a bright light and a clear blue sky. It felt warm and comforting. He watched as Kagome climbed up onto a rock and laid out, soaking up the sun. Water droplets glistened on her smooth skin, and her green tail seemed to shimmer. Her eyes seemed so intense as it focused on the book. Then they shifted to Sesshomaru, "You can join me up here. Or there is another rock here…"

Sesshomaru looked around at the cove like area. They were near an uninhabited island that flourished with large trees and curious creatures. He climbed on top of the rock that Kagome was on, the touch of the rock warm from the sun. He laid next to her and began to read.

He seemed absorbed into his book, but took a second to look over to Kagome. She was on her back, asleep. He noticed her black hair curling around her face, but then his eyes trailed to her lips. His heartbeat quickened as he leaned his head down to brush his lips against hers in a soft kiss. He leaned back, completely frozen.

'Did I really just do that…?' He saw her begin to stir and went back to his book. She sat up rubbing her eyes, "Goodness, the sun felt so wonderful I fell asleep." Kagome laughed to herself.

She looked over at Sesshomaru and became concerned, "Sesshomaru, maybe we should get you back into the water. Your face is all red."

"I'll be fine." He replied as he buried his face into his book. Kagome shrugged it off, but went back to her book. As she read, she couldn't help but to feel a slight tingle to her lips.

Hours went by, and the sun began to set, and the warm air cooled.

"We probably should head back." Kagome concluded as she shut her book.

"Perhaps you are right." He sat his book down and slid off the rock. Kagome followed suit and joined him in the water. Sesshomaru swam Kagome back to her cave first.

"I had fun today. Thank you for joining me."

Sesshomaru shook his head, "No Kagome thank you. What I saw today was incredible. I hope we can do it again soon."

"I as well. Goodnight Sesshomaru."

"Goodnight Kagome." Sesshomaru gently grasped her hand and kissed it before parting.

Sesshomaru and Kagome spent the next week in each-others company. Everyday Sesshomaru would bring Kagome a gift, and every day Kagome would smile at him, making him fall in love with her more and more.

Sesshomaru sat and watched her tending to her kelp garden. He thought she looked cute with her hair tied back and a bit of mud on her face and hands. She looked up at him and gave him a funny look, "What are you looking at?"

"I love you." He didn't need to think about it, he just said it.

"What?" Kagome looked at him, thinking she misheard him.

"I love you Kagome."

Her eyes welled up, "If this is a joke Sesshomaru, it's not very funny." She got up and swam to her cave.

He chased after her, "Why does it have to be a joke? Why can't I be serious?"

He could see her shoulders tremble as her back remained to him, "Because you are a Prince, and I'm just some girl in exile. You can't love me."

He turned her around, "Yet I am. I love your blue eyes, that reminds me of the vast deep ocean. I love the way your green tail shimmers in the sun above. I love how your face scrunches up when you read. I love how you like to get dirty in your kelp garden. I love how fierce you are when hunting. Kagome, I love you."

Her tears wouldn't stop flowing, "I…I love you too Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru wiped away her tears, and leaned down to kiss her. Their lips melded together, their passion and love coursed through their bodies.

They laid together in her bed, cuddling against each other. Kagome slipped her hand into Sesshomaru's much larger one. Sesshomaru tilted her head up and kissed her soft lips again.

After their kiss, Sesshomaru noticed her face sadden.

"What's wrong my love?"

Kagome paused before asking her dreaded question. "Sesshomaru, what are we going to do about your father?"

Sesshomaru ran his hand over her hair before kissing her head, "Don't worry about it. I'll deal with him."

The next day, Sesshomaru brought Kagome to the castle. She clutched onto him for dear life. "Kagome, don't worry. I'll protect you."

"Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha rushed to them before they entered the castle. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? If father sees her, he's going to go ballistic!"

"Inuyasha, I've brought Kagome to present her to father."

Inuyasha stared at both Kagome and Sesshomaru, baffled. It took him a moment before it clicked. "Wait what?!"

Kagome let go of Sesshomaru to help calm Inuyasha down. "Please Inuyasha. It would mean so much to me if you would support us with your father." She grasped his hand, "I love him."

Kagome never asked for much in her life, and Inuyasha knew that. "You know you always have my support Kagome."

"Kagome, Inuyasha, let's make our way to the throne room."

Kagome's heart pounded through her chest the closer they got to the throne room. Sesshomaru led Kagome and Inuyasha in.

They all bowed in greeting. Inuyasha took to his spot next to the King, as Sesshomaru remained in front of them with Kagome.

"Sesshomaru, what is this?" He gestured to Kagome behind.

Sesshomaru bowed to his father, "Your Majesty, I, Your Royal Highness Prince Sesshomaru wish to present Kagome Higurashi as my intended."

Kagome bowed again, "Your Majesty."

It was silent within the room. No one dared move or make a sound.

"Sesshomaru. I thought I raised you better." The sound of his voice chilled the very soul of all in that room. "It would be one thing to bring a peasant girl from the kingdom to me, but to bring that…witch here is nothing less than plain stupidity."

It took a lot of self-control for Sesshomaru to remain calm.

"Father please. Kagome isn't like that! I believe – "

"SILENCE!" King Tashio bellowed. "I expected this behavior from you Inuyasha, but not you Sesshomaru."

"Father, I love her!" Sesshomaru proclaimed.

King Tashio grabbed his trident and swam to Sesshomaru, "Love? Well look where your love has gotten her. GUARDS!"

One guard grabbed Kagome by the arms as the other separated Sesshomaru and Kagome.

"Take her to the dungeons to be executed."

"Father no!" Inuyasha yelled. Soldiers came and held him down by his arms as he was forced to watch Kagome be taken away.

"Sesshomaru! Help me!" Kagome cried out as she was being pulled away.

King Tashio looked over to the frightened Kagome. "You should have stayed in that cave where you belonged."

Sesshomaru fought with the soldier in front of him, but two more appeared to hold him down.

Days passed as Kagome was locked away in the dungeon. She kept hoping that Sesshomaru would come for her. She heard the door leading to the dungeons open. She peered her head to see who was coming for her. It was the King. Her heart sunk. She was going to die.

"Fear not witch, you will get to live another day."

"Where is Sesshomaru?" Kagome demanded.

"Where he belongs. Now for you, you are going to back into banishment."

"We love each other! You can't stop us."

He laughed at her as he opened up the door. "We shall see…Now, be on your way."

Kagome hesitantly inched her way to the door. Seeing as he wasn't going to stop her, she swam as if her life depended on it. She searched through the halls and encountered Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha!" She swam straight into his arms.

"Kagome! How did you escape?"

"Your father just let me go! But where is Sesshomaru?"

Inuyasha winced at the mention of his name. "Kagome…"

"Inuyasha, where is he?" Kagome begged needing to know.

Inuyasha turned her to the courtyard. Sesshomaru was standing with a beautiful merwoman. She smiled at him as she hugged him joyfully.

"Inuyasha, who is that woman?"

"That's the Princess from the visiting kingdom. Sesshomaru has just asked her hand in marriage."

Kagome couldn't tear her eyes away from him. Everything seemed to go mute around her. Even Inuyasha's voice seemed to fade out. She turned and swam off, out of the castle and out of the kingdom. She eventually made it back to her cave. Upon entering, she was swept-up in memories of time spent with him and all the 'I love you's'. The books he bought her, that they'd spend days up above together sat neatly off to the side. The bed they laid down together in, holding each other tenderly. She fell to the ground and let out a blood curdling scream.

Sesshomaru searched the castle grounds and kingdom relentlessly after his talk with Inuyasha.

"What do you mean 'father let her go'?" Sesshomaru demanded.

"I don't know Sesshomaru. She just came to me out of nowhere looking for you, but then she saw you and the Princess – "

"What?!" Sesshomaru seemed to panic as he took off.

He was in the market place when a beam of light shot up through the sky. It came from the direction of Kagome's.

The bells sounded from the castle as a warning to the citizens. Panic ensued all around as everyone seemed to scatter getting to safety. Suddenly, the waters chilled as the skies darkened from above. Sesshomaru rushed back to the castle.

"Father! What is going on?" Sesshomaru found his father giving directions to the guards.

"It's that witch! She intends to doom us all!"

Sesshomaru looked out the window and saw multiple tornadoes form destroying everything in its path. There was one large tornado with a purple light from within coming straight to the castle. Sesshomaru swam straight out to it.

"Sesshomaru, you'll get yourself killed out there!" Cried King Tashio.

Sesshomaru ignored his father as he approached the tornado.

"Kagome! Kagome can you hear me?!" He called out.

The tornado dissipated and what was before Sesshomaru was a form of Kagome. All the light and joy that filled her was replaced with anger and hatred. Her tail shifted from green to black, and her hair flaring about around her, almost like tentacles. With her unchecked powers and the intense emotions she was feeling, it had turned her into something frightening.

Her arm raised and pointed to Sesshomaru. "You…" It didn't even sound like her anymore, more like an ethereal being.

"Kagome let me explain!" Sesshomaru called out to her, but she didn't seem to listen.

She swiped her arm and blades of purple light shot out towards Sesshomaru. He was able to dodge them, but the destruction resulting from them were frightening.

"Kagome please come back to me! I still love you!"

Her eyes bled red as she screamed, "LIAR!" She sent more blades of purple light towards him.

"Sesshomaru, get out of the way! I will handle this!" Sesshomaru turned and saw his father along with the guards following behind him. King Tashio summoned lightening to his trident and attacked Kagome. Sesshomaru listened to her screams of agony.

"Father please, you're hurting her!"

"Look at what she has done to our kingdom Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru looked around at the destruction of the kingdom. "Just let me try!" He swam towards her again. Kagome's red eyes focused on him as she shot blasts from her hands. He was able to avoid most of her attacks, but the closer he got the more frequent they came. One eventually hit him in his arm, causing her to pause her attacks.

Sesshomaru noticed her hesitation, "I know you don't want to hurt me Kagome! Just please stop this!"

"You did this to me!" She screamed out at him. "You have betrayed me!"

Sesshomaru tried getting closer to her. "No! I did it for you! I protected you!"

Kagome stopped her attacks as Sesshomaru continued.

"The Princess was trying to get my attention through my brother, and when I refused her my father bargained with me! He said if I agreed to marry her, he'd spare your life." King Tashio winced at his words.

The might of the tornadoes seemed to dwindle. "I couldn't bear the thought of you being executed. Kagome, it broke my heart having to do it. But please know Kagome, I love you!"

Tears ran down her face as he approached her. He held her gently, as he kissed her, "Sesshomaru…" she whispered before they were engulfed into a large ball of light.

Sesshomaru held her tightly to protect her from this unknown ball of light, "Kagome, what is this?"

"I don't know, But look." Kagome looked at on-going scenes playing around them. "They seem to be images, but from when?" Her eyes widened as she pointed to one particular image, "Sesshomaru look…that merman...he looks like you…"

Sesshomaru looked at the young merman that resembled him, and then he took notice of the mermaid with him. They sat in a courtyard together as he tucked a flower into her hair. They looked at each other so affectionately. "Kagome, I think this is the King from the legend. The one who fought the witch."

They both watched as images played out of the two together. "Sesshomaru…is that her? The witch?"

They both watched different scenes of the two together. They watched as they danced together at a ball, swam together all throughout the kingdom, her using her powers to entertain little children, and even sharing secret kisses hidden from others.

Realization hit Kagome, "Sesshomaru they…they in love?"

"The legend never said that…" Sesshomaru commented in disbelief.

"But look…" They watched as they held each other tenderly. But then, the next scene was them arguing, and her swimming off. The next image was of the King in the throne room holding a grand celebration.

Within the ball of light, a figure emerged from the images. It was the witch.

"Kin of my kin." She spoke to Kagome in a celestial voice.

"Are you...Are you my ancestor?" Kagome questioned.

She nodded. "Through our shared blood and powers I have brought you here."

"You wanted me to see these images, right?"

"To see the truth. My broken heart consumed me, turning me into what you see. History stands to repeat itself, but you can change it." she proclaimed. She began to fade back into the last image.

"Wait, what am I supposed to do?" Kagome cried out, but she was gone.

Kagome watched the final scene of the King's trident piercing her stomach, but she noticed the tears, streaming from her face. The light that surrounded them died and they saw the remains of the destruction left behind from Kagome.

"Sesshomaru, look at what I have done..."

"Kagome, we can fix this."

Kagome shook her head, "My dearest Sesshomaru. I love you so much, please don't ever forget that." She leaned in to kiss him before she turned around and swam for the King.

King Tashio saw her coming and he prepared his trident.

Kagome used her powers to knock the trident out of his grasp. Kagome swam straight for it and grabbed it.

"Kagome what are you doing?" Sesshomaru asked confused.

"This is how I change things Sesshomaru! We can't let history repeat itself."

"What are you talking about?"

"In the legend, the King killed the witch. He loved her, but having to kill her destroyed him. I can't let that happen to you Sesshomaru." She raised the trident to herself.

Sesshomaru swam towards her, tears blurring his vision. "Kagome no!"

Nothing could stop his fathers' trident piercing through her abdomen. She pulled out the trident as blood seeped out of her wounds.

Sesshomaru caught her in his arms, "No Kagome, please. Heal yourself. Please don't…"

Kagome smiled gently up at him, snuggling into his embrace. "It's ok Sesshomaru."

"I love you Kagome…" Sesshomaru shed tears dripping onto Kagome.

She gripped his hand, "I love you too Sesshomaru. But it's time to let me go."

Sesshomaru felt his heart squeeze as he recalled Kagome's story of Kaede.

"Just until we meet again." Sesshomaru watched as the life faded out of Kagome's eyes and her hand went limp

The waters warmed up and all the tornadoes disappeared. All was calm, but a storm raged inside Sesshomaru. No one dared speak to him as he picked up Kagome's body and carried her back to the castle. There, him and Inuyasha buried her in the courtyard. Sesshomaru later on took over the throne from his father. He lifted the orders of his ancestors and embraced the people of magic again. With this, the kingdom gained much from their powers and gifts. Sesshomaru lived for a very long time, but he never took a wife. He left the kingdom to Inuyasha and his family. He only thought of Kagome, even until his dying breath.

Sesshomaru was suddenly surrounded in darkness. "So, this is what awaits me in the afterlife…"

Then, there was a bright light that blinded him. Sesshomaru found himself on a rock above the surface, in the little cove of their special place. His hands, firm and strong as it was so many years ago.

"Hello Sesshomaru."

He turned and saw Kagome smiling tenderly at him. "Kagome…" She looked as he remembered, shimmering green tale, hair black as the deepest abyss, and ocean blue eyes.

"I've been waiting for you."

The End