Chapter 4 – Infinite
A/N: I have just been letting the story kinda take me where it wants thus far. I have a general plot in mind but it seems all these little details are coming together quite nicely. Can't wait to see where it all goes!
The song for this chapter is:
Infinite by Silverstein
You can find the playlist on Spotify under the same name as the fic. I'll be updating the playlist as the chapters progress.
~oOo~
The storm continued to batter Inuyasha with every step he took.
After his fight with the deer youkai, the gash across his body pulsed at the memory, he swore to himself that he would get his revenge. What irked him the most out about the situation was that the bastard never said a damn thing the entire time they were fighting. In Inuyasha's experience, typically once the battle commenced, his opponents were more than happy to declare their grand scheme to the hanyou. Yet in this case, all he got was a beating and more questions than when they started.
As he hurried through the damp landscape, he prayed to the Kami that Miroku had made it to Kagome in time and that the deer didn't have any accomplices. It would be just his luck for Kagome to be kidnapped again while he was in this condition. Already he could feel his youki working overtime on mending his wounds, but it would still probably be another day or two until he was back to normal.
Moving past their campsite, their once chipper fire a mountain of pasty ash, he considered relocating his pack back to the village for the night. He'd have to let the village elders know what he suspected. The why was still a mystery, but he was certain of the who at least. Inuyasha figured that the sika youkai had something to do with the missing village girls, and doubted that he would strike again so soon after their fight.
Inuyasha could smell the mineral water bubbling from the hot spring and skid to a stop within the clearing, Damnit, where the hell are they?
He cursed under his breath and assessed the clearing. There, piled neatly by the edge of the spring, he recognized Kagome's precious future belongings.
She wouldn't have left them if there wasn't some type of emergency. And with the monk missing too, this does not sit well…
He growled. With everything being so drenched he was having a hard time tracking either of them. Getting on all fours, the ends of his silver hair becoming stained with mud, he sniffed the ground in a circle until he finally caught both of their scents headed east. Doing one final go around, he didn't notice any other traces of youkai or humans.
So if nothing chased them off, where the hell are they going?
He started east, periodically stopping to catch the faint traces of his packmates. Before long, Inuyasha had burst through the forest and slid to the edge of some steep cliffs. The wind was whipping wildly off of the sea. Looking around for his friends, he recognized one of Kagome's sandals, he picked it up and looked frantically around him. Where the hell could she be?
"KA-GO-ME! MIRO-KU!" he shouted.
The wind picked up once more carrying with it the distinct smell of copper.
"That's a lot of blood. Where's it coming from?" he inhaled deeply, eyes widening in horror as he recognized the scent, "Shit! Miroku!"
~oOo~
Kagome assumed that this is what a torpedo felt like as Shinkai propelled them both swiftly through the water.
It was a bit unnerving feeling the Ningyo's legs shift into a tail when they first took to the sea. But after some time, with the exhaustion of the day's escapades catching up to Kagome, the rhythmic movements of the siren had lulled her into a comforting daze. The whole situation felt like a dream – swimming with a mermaid through the ocean. Keeping her eyes tightly closed, she tapped gently on Shinkai's neck, exhaling bubbles through her nose. The Ningyo wasted no time slanting her lips to the miko's and breathing life-sustaining air into her lungs, which Kagome inhaled greedily.
The first time Kagome made the request, she almost choked to death with surprise when Shinkai slipped her tongue into Kagome's mouth and lapped at her own appendage. This caused Kagome to bite down none too gently.
She felt the siren chuckling at her antics and remembered her words from earlier within the cave,
Who says it has to be one or the other? Pleasure can be found in pain.
Kagome grimaced. That's the last thing she needed in this bizarre day was Shinkai thinking Kagome was accepting of her advances. Shinkai pulled back from the kiss and began their upward ascent, wings gliding effortlessly through the water. Kagome felt the Ningyo's grip tighten around her and mimicked the action around the youkai's neck, their bodies entangling with one another, fins, wings, and legs thrusting them upward.
Kagome felt Shinkai's wings give a giant heave and before she knew it, they shot from the sea like a geyser and into the skies. Kagome felt tail transform into legs once more and felt relieved that she could breathe on her own.
Shinkai laughed, the tinkling sound of it carried quickly behind them by the wind, "Kagome, you can open your eyes now." Shinkai readjusted her grip on Kagome, reaching down to scoop up her legs and carry her bridal style through the skies.
Kagome opened her eyes hesitantly and gasped, the siren before her really was a sight to behold. Her face had an angelic air to it: sparking amethyst eyes set behind long lashes, full ruby-colored lips, and high cheekbones. Delicate lavender scales accented porcelain white skin, while contrasting black tresses tumbled endlessly around her. Behind her, Kagome spotted the vicious looking wings and laughed internally at the mental image she had previously cast while in the cave. Shinkai was certainly no Ariel with angel wings, the comparison seemed childish in retrospect. Instead, she looked more like a wicked seductress who would pleasure you just as soon as she would tear you apart. Kagome blushed at her own thoughts and quickly looked everywhere but at the Ningyo.
With a knowing smirk and a raised eyebrow, Shinkai questioned, "Like what you see, little miko? It was not in jest that I said I was quite the exquisite specimen. If you would like to take a brief detour, I would gladly allow you to examine me to your heart's content," she squeezed the miko, "And then I'll return the favor."
Kagome couldn't help it, she laughed. The whole thing was just so silly. Up until now, Kagome's confidence had been shot. Every time Inuyasha denied moving their relationship forward, Kagome's ego took a hit. Did he not find her attractive enough? Was that why he never seemed to want to do more than kiss and hold hands? Having a siren queen flirt with her boosted a bit of her confidence.
At this rate, I may just have to stick with the fairer sex.
Kagome said as much.
"Do you not have a lover back home?"
"Ah – um – well no, not exactly. There's this guy that I like and we've been sorta seeing each other, but things aren't exactly moving as quickly as I want them to. We've been best friends for a long time, but in the past, there was always something keeping us apart. Now that things have calmed down, I thought we would start our life together, like our friends have. But I'm starting to think he doesn't want me at all," Kagome looked sadly across the sea, "I think maybe he's not attracted to me. I feel like I keep offering myself to him and he just ignores the signs," her throaty chuckle was self-deprecating, "Sorry, I didn't mean to give you my whole sob story."
The Ningyo snorted and looked offended by the remark, "If he does not see what is right in front of him, then he is not worthy of your time. I see a beautiful woman who deserves all the pleasures life has to offer. I live by the rule that you should live your life to the absolute fullest in all regards; not pine over someone who obviously does not respect you. No lover should make you feel unworthy or doubt yourself," she gave a haughty smirk, "I maintain several lovers at any given time to ensure that no one is left feeling unsatisfied within my clan."
Kagome seemed to contemplate the siren's words, choosing to ignore the last comment, "I know that you're right, but it's not as easy as just leaving him."
"Why not?"
"I mean, we have history."
Shinkai rolled her eyes, "Having history does little to change your current predicament; especially if he is not willing to create a present or a future with you where you are happy. Look at me, I had history with someone I thought was my friend and occasional lover, and he stole my youki and locked me and another woman in a jewel with a monster! History does not mandate a future relationship if the present brings you no joy."
Kagome squeezed her eyes shut. These were all thoughts she had before, but hearing them aloud made her heart hurt. "You're right…I just don't know how to go about it. I've never been in a situation like this before. He's the first guy I've ever –" she hesitated, swallowing thickly, "loved. For the longest time we were all we had, we've saved each other's lives more times than I can count. We've fought countless battles together. How do you separate the history to save the future? I don't want to lose him as a friend no matter what else happens with our relationship."
Shinkai's eyes gentled, love was not something that she claimed to understand. Perhaps if she did, she wouldn't have been placed in the situation she was in now.
"I suppose, the best you can do is be honest with him. Tell him what you just told me. My mother always said honesty was a good place to start."
"Your mom sounds like a smart lady. I feel like mine would say the same thing." she smiled fondly at the thought of her own mother.
"She was. Even when I was being particularly difficult, she always knew what to say to make things right. She was a respected queen, loved by her people for being fair and kind. She was taken from us far too soon, and left me with far too much responsibility. She would have liked you," it was her turn to look away.
"I would have liked to have met her; she sounds wonderful. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"As am I, the bastard who locked us away was the one who killed her. He has a penchant for poison and cursed a bracelet my mother had him commission for her. I did not find out until the deed was done."
Kagome didn't know what to say to that, so they flew on in silence, each lost in their own heartache, deep in thought. Throughout their journey, soaring through the grey skies and above the watery expanse, Kagome began to feel an oppressive weight being pushed against her. It was a gradual feeling that was reminiscent of being tracked by a predator. Hungry eyes following their every move, and instead of hiding they were on track for a collision of sorts. The sense of dread was worming its way into her very bones.
When panic started to settle over Kagome like a smothering weighted blanket, Shinkai's wings began to slow, powerful downbeats bringing them into a hover. Kagome gazed beneath them and recoiled. There was a distinct line in the water where the brackish sea turned into oily pitch-black tides.
"I – I can't do this. I think we need to go back and come up with a different plan. Please, let's just go back." Kagome begged, something didn't feel right at all and she had learned to trust her instincts. It was hard to be an optimist when everything suddenly felt so infinite and bleak.
Shinkai's brow furrowed, her lovely amethyst orbs set in determination, "I am sorry little miko. This is the only way; we must speak to the serpent." She shifted her grip on Kagome once more so they were chest to chest, "Just as before, hold tight and tap on my neck when you need air. There should be a barrier surrounding the beast, once we are within you will be able to breathe normally. Whatever happens, do not let go!"
Kagome felt on the verge of tears, the feeling of terror was coursing through her veins making her want to claw her way out of Shinkai's arms. Anything to get away from the dark swelling tides which appeared to reach incessantly at the pair, beckoning them into their inky crests.
Shinkai gave her a hard shake, "We do not have time for this! We go – now!" And with that, Shinkai began her dive into the murky depths.
"No!" Kagome tried desperately to release herself from the siren's grasp before they made it to the water, but the Ningyo's grip was too tight, and Kagome was caged in.
She took a deep breath and slammed her eyes shut. The darkness had found them.
They plunged into the oily black surge and were immediately tossed by the heaving undertow. No light penetrated the darkness giving the already vast ocean the impression of being infinite space. They became binary stars orbiting one another on the event horizon as they spun through the current. They were caught in the gaping maw of a ravenous black hole, the vacuum of space pummeling their bodies as they writhed in pain. They tumbled faster through the churning waters; Shinkai tried frantically to right them and get some semblance of direction, but the current was too strong, even for her. Her wings were being bent painfully the wrong way so she tucked them tight against her body and did her best to hold on to the miko and keep her own rising panic at bay.
For the first time in her life, she couldn't breathe and was blind beneath the waves.
The oily water made it impossible, even in her tailed form, to bring in any type of oxygen to her lungs. And with horror she felt fingers tapping against her neck. The miko needed air and she had none to give. Her youkai body with an affinity to water still had plenty of time before she would need air, but the human did not have the same luxury.
She held on tightly to the woman and rested her forehead against Kagome's. Kagome began to tap more insistently, this time pressing her mouth to Shinkai's to relate that she needed to breathe. Oxygen depleted bubbles began to slip from her lips between them. Shinkai didn't know how to relate that there was no air for either of them. With hopes of distracting them both from the situation, she wrapped the miko tighter in her arms and kissed her passionately. She locked their lips and plunged her tongue into her mouth, exploring the warm cavern experimentally, roving over flat teeth.
Kagome grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled hard. This was no time for a kiss! She needed air! The pain in her lungs was increasing and she began to see bursts of blinding light behind her tightly closed eyelids. Pulling her mouth away, she lost any remaining oxygen she was holding tightly in her lungs. A few moments more, she began to spasm in the siren's arms as she fought to not take in any of the briny pitch which accosted her body, searching for any means of entry. The pain and the darkness complimented each other in their endlessness. Both stretched on leaving her in a blackened pain-filled perpetuity.
Questions poured into Kagome's mind.
Why isn't she giving me any air? Can she not breathe the black water? Keep it together Kagome!
On the brink of losing consciousness once more, the unfathomable pressure building around her, something shattered within Kagome's soul.
A bright pink light swirled benevolently around the two women, purifying the dark waters and casting them within a protective pink orb of power. Shinkai rapidly filtered air through her lungs and descended on Kagome's mouth, forcing fresh air in to expand her chest. Eyes and lips stayed locked for a few moments longer, each feeling grateful for the oxygen that the other provided; Kagome by purifying the water and Shinkai for creating usable air.
Holding her breathe Kagome pulled away and looked around her. Her pink reiki continued to pour out of her, illuminating the waters around them and giving them both the ability to see the effervescent chasm which lay beneath.
Their descent seemed to slow and they passed through a barrier without any troubles, floating above the crevasse. Shinkai loosened her grip and said, "Kagome, it is alright, we should both be able to breathe and speak here. I am going to release you, just keep hold of my hand."
Kagome's eyes grew wide at her ability to hear and understand her companion beneath the sea the same way they would on land. She shifted to take float next to Shinkai and took her hand firmly in her own, fingers interlacing. She then took in a small experimental breath and was pleasantly surprised when the water did not choke her. After multiple drownings, she was sure she was going to have a phobia of water, or at least, the things that lurked within it.
The happy feelings were short lived however as a rumble came from the boiling chasm below. The two watched on frightfully as a huge obsidian scaled sea drake rose from the abyss. It lifted itself slowly, shifting massive scaled coils around itself, the swirling pink light gave the leviathan an almost twinkling appearance as it reflected off of its dark iridescent body; like looking at distant shimmering stars in the night sky. If it weren't for the ravenous aura, horrendously long fangs and the sheer size of the beast, Kagome may have thought it beautiful.
Shinkai was holding onto Kagome's hand painfully tight.
The darkling serpent rose until his bright red eyes were level with the two much smaller beings. His snake-like tongue shot out, testing the purified water, causing the crimson pupils to dilate dramatically.
What bringssss you to my prison, Sssshinkai Queen of the Ningyo and Kagome the Sssshikon Priesssstesss.
The monster's mouth did not move; instead, the voice seemed to hiss into their very minds.
The two women looked at each other apprehensively and Kagome squeezed Shinkai's hand reassuringly.
"Ikuchi, Great Serpent King of Storms and Madness," the creature seemed to preen at the title, finned tail swayed lazily like a cat, "We have come in hopes of begging your assistance. My youki has become separate from me and we both wish to leave this place."
Shinkai's voice had lost its playful tone that Kagome was used to and, in its place, a queenly vibrato emboldened her. Kagome let her eyes roam over the queen. This was the first time she had seen her tailed form in the light and she was a miraculous sight. Back held straight, batlike wings curved protectively, her exceedingly long black hair floated around her like a dark halo against her white skin.
The long slope of her neck gave way to exposed collarbones and she did not shy from her uncovered breasts. Dusky nipples proudly on display, delicate purple scales outlined the dip in her waist, generous hips transforming into a butterfly koi tail. Her graceful extremity held smatterings of purple to match her wings, while her tail fin splayed out elegantly into a single dark violet which matched her eyes perfectly.
Her overall appearance was ethereal and Kagome could understand why sailors would throw themselves into an early watery grave for a beauty such as hers. She exuded confidence and power in every fiber of her being. Her presence demanded to be seen and heard. Kagome yearned to be that person.
The great drake considered them.
Yessss, it sssseemssss we all wissssh to leave thissss place, he chuckled darkly, And what do you bargain with for my assssissssstance?
His yellow talons clenched in anticipation, snake-slitted eyes narrowing.
Kagome felt like she had stepped into some type of royal court where she was unaware of the etiquette that was demanded of her, and in some way, she was right. Both of these sea creatures were royalty in their own regard, neither of which looked like they were used to being opposed. Where Shinkai was an archangel personified – all power and beauty, Ikuchi was a nightmare come to life.
"We do not have much to barter, what would you have of us?" Shinkai was careful not to promise anything, better to find out what the monster wanted and negotiate from there. She snuck a glace at Kagome. The girl's face looked worried, but she had a determined set to her shoulders. Shinkai prayed that they'd both be able to return home, but was mentally prepared for the worst. The leviathan was the king of madness after all, he would always want more than they would be willing to give. She had assumed that some sacrifice would need to be made, she was just unsure how devastating the forfeiture would be.
This response seemed to please the serpent, he flashed arm length fangs in a daunting imitation of a smile. Then, his entire body stilled, muscles bunching, like a beast about to pounce on its prey.
Abruptly, the dark drake lifted fully from the chasm, coils melding and disappearing into the gloom as he stretched to his full length. He then began to circle the two women in a predatory fashion. Kagome's powers began to cackle in response to her fear, purifying more of the black water around them. The women turned in time with the beast in cautious waltz, never leaving their backs exposed.
Ikuchi inhaled deeply, slithering tongue tasting the pungent fear permeating the waters from the young miko. He delighted in it. It had been such a long time since he had consumed such raw negative emotion. Suddenly, he lunged at them, causing Kagome to shriek with terror and cling to the siren. Shinkai's face had transformed into grotesque parody of its former beauty as she hissed at the beast, black claws lengthening, and wings circling around them both in a protective embrace.
Kagome's reiki flashed a blindly pink light causing the sea serpent to stop his pursuit and retreat back into the infinite darkness. His crimson eyes were the only indicator of his location, a deep manic chuckle echoed around them.
Ssssuch power from one sssso ssssmall. Ssssuch delicioussss fear! Will you attempt to purify me little one? He snapped his powerful jaws at her, Feed me your terror!
"I – I don't," she swallowed the lump in her throat, attempting to stop the full-body tremors which suddenly plagued her, "I don't want to purify you, I just want to go home," Kagome whispered, "Please." she added as an afterthought, not typically one to be rude.
Very well, little one. Although I have great power, I am not omnipotent, I do not have the ability to ssssend you both home. Neither of you entered my realm through the Calamity Tempesssst Sssstone, I have no dominion over your being to expel you from my prisssson. One of you musssst remain.
Kagome felt like the air was knocked out of her and she was drowning all over again. She looked to Shinkai who had yet to speak, her face a mask of stoicism. One of them would need to stay behind, in the infinite pitch black, with the nightmare drake.
"Done, I will remain behind – the miko goes," Shinkai announced, no hint of doubt in her melodic voice. "What of my youki?"
"No!" Kagome yelled, panic once again rising in her chest, "I won't leave you behind!"
Kagome couldn't stop the choked sob which bubbled up from her lips, traitor tears welled in her eyes only to mix with the saline sea. When had she become such an emotional mess? The serpent's aura was causing her to express all of her emotions at a thousand percent. She couldn't shut off her feelings to think straight.
I can't seem to focus. We need to get out of here and come up with a new plan.
The darkling drake began to sway drunkenly like a snake in a trance, reveling in the emotions which radiated off of the girl, circling closer to the pulsating pink power which tempted him. Ikuchi could not remember the last time, in his millennium of captivity, that someone's aura felt this much in his presence. The negative emotions tumbled from one to the next in a delectable ambrosia which he greedily sampled. He needed to convince her to stay, so he could continue to feed off of her appetizing aura.
Ikuchi hungered.
Ningyo, if you sssstay I cannot return your youki to you. The only meanssss of doing sssso issss upon your return. At that time, you will find yoursssself at your full sssstrength. Your powerssss will not return while entombed here.
"Shinkai, please –" Kagome begged turning to face siren fully, "you have so much to go back to! Your people need you. I have my powers; I can stay behind and I'll be fine. You can go back and find my friends, Inuyasha and Miroku. Let them know what happened to me, they'll find a way to free me, I know it! Please!"
Shinkai was watching the beast intently, amethyst eyes narrowing, He is feeding off of her emotions, if she stays behind, he will drive her to the brink of insanity, I am sure of it.
Her eyes softened at the raw emotion that this human, who she had just met, was displaying for her. Her selflessness and compassion towards someone who was completely other was inspiring.
No, my decision is made. Now I must convince her this is the right choice.
Shinkai steeled her voice, putting as much command into it as possible. Her Siren's Song may not work on the miko, but the Ningyo had never lacked in confidence or sheer willpower where her desires were concerned.
"Do not be a fool Kagome. This is the best option for us both. My sister will take on the mantel of queen in my absence, if she has not already. I was never cut out to lead," Kagome was shaking her head like she didn't want to hear what the siren was saying, "Listen! I have lived my entire existence selfishly with no regard for anyone or anything but myself. I have dwelled in a constant haze of pleasure at the expense of other's pain, never concerning myself with the consequences," she gentled her tone and ran her knuckles down Kagome's cheek, "Let my final act be one of sacrifice, even in that regard it is a selfish request. It seems I cannot change my nature."
She smiled sadly, "Here, take my youki with you," she pulled the swirling lavender pearl from within her mouth, "Perhaps when you return you can bring it to my sister, her name is Mizuki."
Kagome clutched tightly to the pearl with her free hand. "Go to the Ryugu Sea Cave, there will be an azure barrier around the entrance of the cave. Touch the pearl to the barrier and it should let you pass. When someone comes to investigate the disturbance, ask for Mizuki and Kaito, they will speak to you and grant you safe passage."
The Ningyo queen hesitated, "Tell them – tell them I loved them. Both of them."
Kagome sobbed and flew to wrap her arms around the siren in a hug, "I swear it, I'll do it all. I'll return your youki to your sister and tell them what happened. Tell them you love them." she cried harder. "We'll get you free, I'll find the Demon Jeweler who did this to us and make him let you out. I swear…"
Shinkai patted her back a little awkwardly, the tender display endearing the miko to her even more, "Then it is decided," she met the unflinching crimson eyes of the sea serpent before her, "The miko will return with my youki in the pearl. I will stay behind."
Coming out of his trance and focusing on the women once more, he dipped his giant horns in a mock bow.
He hissed menacingly at the decision, Sssso be it.
The great beast abruptly threw back his massive head and released a feral and explosive roar into the abyss. The sound of it was deafening to an excruciating degree. Oily coils slithered around the two women, forcing them apart.
"No! Please, there has to be some other way! We'll think of something! Anything!" Kagome shouted, reaching desperately for the siren, "Shinkai! Please!"
Everything was moving too fast. She didn't want to agree to any of this, and Kagome couldn't leave her friend behind with that creature, in the dark. This whole situation was a lucid nightmare with no escape.
"Remember your promise Kagome. Find Mizuki." Shinkai smiled, her beautiful face giving off a happy glow at the choice she had made. Her one selfless act.
Ikuchi wrapped his insatiable aura around Kagome's pink orb of reiki and slowly forced her towards the surface. As she lifted higher, the blackness quickly enveloped Shinkai's form, making only the crimson eyes of the leviathan visible in the pitch. Kagome couldn't catch her breath, she felt like she was being crushed from the pressure of Ikuchi's aura and her own guilt. She forced more power into her orb, lessening some of the pressure and illuminating the horrifying scene beneath her.
She screamed, "SHINKAI! KAMI – NO!"
The darkling drake was once again circling the Ningyo, steadily moving in closer with each pass. Suddenly he lunged towards her, moving with terrifying swiftness for one so large. Advancing rapidly, he opened his incredible maw, and before she had a chance to react, he snapped the siren up in his jaws, shaking her body in an animalistic display of hunger. The incident took only a few seconds yet was horrifying in its brutality.
The realization came to her quickly – he never intended Shinkai to remain alive.
Kagome continued to ascend faster through the desolate sea, guilt and anger her traveling companions. Crying uncontrollably, the imagine of the beatific siren being eaten by Ikuchi was locked forever in her memory.
She knew that was his intent all along, and she sacrificed herself for me. I should have stayed; we could have thought of something – I could have fought. I could have saved her.
Kagome, wrapped in her reiki orb and the serpent king's aura, spewed up from the sea and shot into the sky towards the gloomy clouds. She clutched Shinkai's youki pearl tightly to her heart with both hands, terrified of dropping it.
Miko, you will carry the Ningyo's youki and with it, my sssstone. I hunger and have determined that you will be the one to ssssusssstain me.
The slithering voice of the beast caressed her mind once more before she blacked out entirely.
~oOo~
A/N: I swear everyone, this really is a Sess/Kag fic. I know he hasn't made an appearance yet, but he will. And when he does, he'll be in it for good. I just need time to get there! haha