Omega
Disclaimer: I do not own Haikyuu!.
Warnings: Self Harm, Hurt/Comfort, Drama, Angst
Pairings: Akaashi x Bokuto, Akaashi x Kuroo, Kozume x Kuroo, Sakusa x Kyoutani, Sakusa x Ukai, Sugawara x Sawamura, Oikawa x Iwaizumi, Akaashi x Udai, Hinata x Kageyama, Hinata x Hoshiumi, Yaku x Haiba, Yaku x Shibayama, Yaku x Haiba x Shibayama, Yachi x Aone, Nishinoya x Azumane, Tsukishima x Yamaguchi, Shimizu x Akiteru
Plot: Hinata encounters an unexpected adversary at sea.
Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics
Ch 18: Leviathan
Hinata, Kageyama, and Hoshiumi departed at dawn.
They reached the oasis by mid-day, the sun high overhead, burning brilliantly against the clear blue sky. They'd visited the oasis often since first coming to the Western Kingdom. Many festivals and celebrations took place at the oasis, as it was thought to bring good fortune to all those who drank from its waters.
They paused only briefly before continuing on, heading northeast towards the coastline. There was a small ship there, waiting to ferry them to the Northern Kingdom at the Queen's bidding. It was dangerous, as the Empire's vessels also roamed the northern waters near the battlefront, but Hinata had already surmised ways to hide their small party from sight until reaching a safe place to disembark.
It would take four days to reach the coast where the ship waited for them, then nearly an entire night to cross. They hoped to reach the Northern Kingdom by the end of the fifth day, and head towards the mountains to find their comrades before the Empire's forces could advance any further. They'd already lost a substantial amount of territory compared to the borders held two years before, and the enemy's forces were advancing quickly now that a new high priest had arrived.
Hinata wasn't certain what it would be like to face Oikawa in a fight, but if it was anything like the time he'd gone against Sakusa, he definitely wasn't looking forward to their reunion.
They rode across the desert, following the stars towards the north, and on the second day they crossed the remnants of a small village, taking time to rest their horses and draw water from the village well.
Hoshiumi poured half a bucket of water over his head, sighing contentedly as he doused himself, tossing his hair back and glancing towards Kageyama, the other Alpha surveying the abandoned village quietly.
"It's eerie." Kageyama murmured, Hoshiumi humming his agreement. "We've never crossed this far into the northern desert before. I'm surprised we've found ruins already."
Hinata stood beside their horses, examining the map and compass in hand before marking their current location. "There's another village along our way, we'll likely reach it tonight. We could stay there until dawn." He glanced towards the Alphas, shrugging lightly, "Abandoned or not, it's better shelter than a tent. We might find a stable for the horses too."
"Alright. We'll ride for the next village and keep an eye out for other ruins as we go." Hoshiumi grinned, tying his hair back and nudging Kageyama lightly. "They say there used to be another castle in the northern desert! Could you imagine crossing ruins like those?"
Kageyama sighed, shaking his head, perking his ears towards one of the half-collapsed buildings nearby. "It's amazing to think that wind and sand could do such damage over time. The desert erodes everything away, stone and bone alike."
Hinata watched the Alphas as they drew closer, offering them the map and tracing their intended path with his fingers. They agreed amongst themselves, then returned to their saddles and set off again. The day was hot and long, and by the time night began to fall and the temperature started to drop they were all ready to eat and get some much needed rest.
Hoshiumi spotted the village first, the outline of it barely visible in the shadows of the surrounding dunes. It was abandoned as the last had been, and half-buried where sand had begun to accumulate around the weathered buildings over time.
Hinata carefully cleared away sand from around one of the central structures that appeared more intact than the rest, easily bending the chilled desert winds to his will. Kageyama and Hoshiumi stood back with the horses, watching his movements with quiet reverence and awe.
Akaashi was at Hinata's side, whispering against his ear, pointing out a well that had been buried beneath layers of sand nearby. It didn't take much for Hinata to clear away the sand and draw fresh water to the surface, and as Kageyama tended to the horses Hoshiumi explored the interior of the small building, fetching kindling to start a fire within the stone hearth.
They were well stocked with provisions, several packs filled with oats for the horses, while another pack carried vegetables and fruits, along with dried meat, grains and spices. They'd been taught how to survive in the desert without such luxuries, but having a fresh supply of provisions on their journey allowed them creature comforts not typically found in the depths of the desert.
They made spiced flatbread in the hearth and shared it between them, paired with dried meat and peppers. They curled up together with thick woven blankets, sharing their body heat and sweet apples for dessert.
Hinata stared into the fire absently while slowly chewing an apple, Kageyama petting along his side gently, yawning and nuzzling into his vibrant hair. Hoshiumi was resting at Hinata's other side, watching the omega quietly. He listened to the sound of the wind outside, the soft crackling of the fire and the subtle noises from the horses outside, then frowned a little, reaching out and wrapping his arm around Hinata's waist, cuddling up close beside him.
"This is the first time we've been alone like this, just the three of us."
Kageyama perked his ears up, meeting Hoshiumi's eyes. He was quiet for a moment, then hummed and let out a little sigh. "I suppose that's true. Typically Yaku and the rest are with us, or Ushijima and Tendou."
"Akiteru, Aone, Kita…" Hoshiumi breathed out a soft sigh, and it was a nervous, restless sound. "We've always had others nearby guarding us, watching out for us. This time, we're really alone."
Hinata shifted a little then, the Alphas looking down at him as he nuzzled into Kageyama's chest, tugging Hoshiumi's arm further around him. The Alphas pressed closer on either side, sheltering Hinata between them, the omega smiling and beginning to purr softly.
"It's scary," Hinata murmured, blinking slowly while curling his fingers against Kageyama's chest, "but it also feels like we're finally grown up." He rolled onto his back a little, staring up at the shadowed ceiling. "We're heading north to join the war. There are so many people relying on us. Depending on us." He shook his head, blinking slowly as he whispered, "It's hard to wrap my head around it, it still doesn't feel real. The Queen herself asking me to help out as the Supreme…"
He sighed heavily and tucked his face against Kageyama's chest, hunching his shoulders a bit.
"I'm so afraid I'll mess something up, but I've been preparing for this. We've been preparing for this, training non-stop for over two spirals." Hinata perked his head up a little, breathing softly against Kageyama's jaw. "It doesn't really feel like it's been that long, does it? Sometimes it still feels like the day we first met."
Kageyama chuckled quietly at that, Hoshiumi grinning and snorting softly.
"A lot has happened since then." Kageyama murmured fondly, kissing Hinata's brow.
"I still remember you tripping over your feet, and falling into the river." Hoshiumi sighed deeply, teasing his fingers along Hinata's side. "You were such a brat! Arguing with us non-stop, making us carry you-"
"As I recall, I was the one doing all the carrying." Kageyama growled softly, Hoshiumi flashing his fangs as he grinned.
"Only because you insisted! I offered!"
Hinata was blushing lightly, listening to their banter with a fluttering heart, smiling and laughing as he swatted at them gently, chiding them both to calm down. They settled down once again, each wrapping an arm around Hinata to keep him close, Hinata closing his eyes and relaxing between them with a happy smile, waiting for sleep to come.
Akaashi watched over them throughout the night, drifting through the village ruins as silent as a ghost. His eyes traced across the peaks of the dunes surrounding them as far as the dark horizon, his gaze following the paths of shooting stars as they streaked by overhead.
Natsu. He whispered, waiting to feel her distant response. We're on the move now. We should reach the Northern Territories within the next few days.
There wasn't a response for quite some time, then he felt her presence far to the east, much further than he'd ever felt her before.
Be vigilant. She whispered back, her words barely audible beneath the soft rush of desert wind and sand. There are dangerous adversaries to be faced once you have crossed the frigid sea. Trust no one, not even the friends you once knew.
Akaashi's lips pressed into a firm line, and he nodded while whispering, I understand. I will watch over Shouyou.
Natsu lingered for a moment, as if her hand were pressed against his forearm, then with a sigh of breath she disappeared again, leaving Akaashi alone once more.
He closed his eyes, his wings shifting behind him, unable to shake the sense of unease that Natsu's words had instilled within him.
Trust no one.
Not even your friends.
Akaashi hummed to himself quietly, turning his eyes once more to the stars, tracing the constellations as he waited patiently for the coming dawn.
-x-
Hinata woke after only a few hours, slipping from beneath Kageyama's arm and padding quietly towards the door, leaving the Alphas to rest a little longer. He stepped out into the blue shadows of the cool morning, perking his ears up and stretching his arms high above his head, sighing contentedly while making his way towards the horses.
Akaashi greeted him beside the well, watching over him with an affectionate smile as Hinata drew fresh water and went through the process of tending to the horses, fetching oats from the closest pack. He walked between the stallions slowly, petting along their noses and patting their necks, ensuring they were all eating before turning his attention to the angel nearby. He frowned a little when noticing Akaashi's eyes were locked on the northern dunes, his wings bristling around his shoulders slightly.
"What is it?" Hinata asked, taking a step closer and narrowing his eyes. "Do you sense something?"
I'm unsure. Akaashi murmured, lifting his wings higher as he started ahead. Stay close by the horses, I'll investigate.
Hinata hummed a soft affirmation, staying where he was and watching as Akaashi soared ahead then disappeared over the rise of a dune. Hinata tilted an ear to the side, listening and watching closely. He shifted his weight back and forth, shivering lightly as he patted the nearest horse's side, looking up towards the fading stars.
There was a rumble in the distance, and then suddenly the ground began to shake, Hinata's breath hitching as he threw his arms out for balance. The horses spooked, whinnying and thrashing against the weathered post they were hitched to, one breaking free and immediately fleeing into the desert, the two remaining horses trying their best to free themselves and follow after.
Hinata reached out to them, gathering their reins and urging them to calm, looking back over his shoulder while calling out to Kageyama and Hoshiumi over the growing quake, "Tobio! Kourai! We have to run!"
The ruins all around them began splitting into fragments and raining down heavy stone, the ground beneath Hinata's feet cracking like an eggshell and crumbling into darkness, the omega clinging to the horses' reigns as he lost his footing, one of the stallions screaming as it tumbled down into the widening chasm.
The remaining horse backed away from the fissure and pulled Hinata to safety, the omega panting and trembling all over, his stomach twisting in knots.
Breathe, Shouyou. He chided inwardly, gritting his small fangs. You can control this. Contort it, bend it to your will.
He closed his eyes, centering himself and reaching out towards the ground, inhaling deeply and then exhaling slowly, allowing his mind to fade away until the shifting earth all around him felt like an extension of himself.
Calm. He called, willing the tremors to settle, methodically soothing the seismic waves splitting the village apart. Be still, rest now. Return to the state you once were.
He shifted his hands, palms parallel to the fractured ground, petting over the rippling tremors still rumbling around him defiantly. He felt a hand on his arm, guiding him gently, then hands on his waist lifting him up, the sensation of a saddle beneath him, a strong chest against his back.
A soft kiss was pressed to his nape, and Hinata smiled as he flexed his fingers against the air, still fighting against the trembling earth. Kageyama kept his arms around Hinata's waist as he guided the stallion to safety, and distantly Hinata could hear his voice and Hoshiumi's as the Alphas shouted back and forth over the tumultuous quake.
When Hinata returned to his senses they were atop a steep dune, looking down at the decimated village below. It looked as if it had been ripped apart by a great beast, the giant chasm splitting open the center of the village sending shivers up Hinata's spine.
Luckily enough, Hoshiumi had managed to catch the first horse that had fled from the quake, and so they were able to continue on towards the north with most of their provisions intact. Hinata took turns riding with Kageyama and Hoshiumi as the sun rose high overhead, switching after a few hours to allow the overburdened horses to rest. Hinata was small enough not to cause too much strain on the horses, but at the pace they had set they still took precaution nonetheless.
The moment a patch of greenery came into view they headed towards it, finding a small grove of cacti and succulents in a vaguely circular pattern. Hinata could sense the water hidden underneath, and drew what he could to the surface, creating a small spring.
The horses rested beside the spring as they made camp, the Alphas working together to pitch their tent while Hinata gathered tumbleweeds for tender and started a small fire nearby. Akaashi murmured to him softly, reassuring him that there was nothing more he could have done to save the provisions or the horse they had lost. He had acted quickly to prevent their situation from becoming any worse. The earthquake had been unexpected, a natural phenomenon Hinata had never encountered before, and even after a spiral of intensive training earth was still the element Hinata struggled with the most.
"I feel bad about it…" Hinata said with a soft sigh, frowning and drawing his knees close against his chest. "Nothing deserves to die like that. I wish I had thought to calm the quake sooner. I could have saved all of our horses then…"
Akaashi rubbed back and forth across Hinata's shoulders lightly, perking his ears up slightly as he leaned closer, murmuring against Hinata's ear, You have a kind, gentle soul Shouyou. You must come to terms with the reality that you cannot save every single life you encounter.
Hinata's frown deepened, and he tucked his face against his knees, letting out a shaky sigh. "I know. I still wish I could."
Akaashi hummed softly, rubbing along his shoulders and reaching up to card his fingers through Hinata's bright hair, offering what comfort he could. Kageyama and Hoshiumi joined him beside the fire as the sun set below the horizon and the desert temperatures dropped, the Alphas taking turns making kebabs and flatbread before offering Hinata a skewer of veggies and meat.
"Eat something." Hoshiumi said softly, Hinata frowning but accepting the skewer with whispered thanks, the pale Alpha watching over him with a soft expression.
Kageyama could sense Hinata's disquiet as well, shifting closer and brushing his fingers against Hinata's cheek, meeting the omega's eyes worriedly. "Shouyou? What are you thinking?"
"Talk to us." Hoshiumi murmured softly, reaching out to press his hand over one of Hinata's.
The omega shook his head, dipping back his ears a bit, searching Kageyama's eyes. He let out a shaky sigh, then looked to Hoshiumi, the Alphas watching him quietly.
"Sometimes it really gets to me." Hinata whispered, tightening his hold on the skewer in his grasp. "This is really all up to me. It's all on me. If I mess this up, no one is going to be there to pick up the pieces, or clean up my mistakes." He glanced between the Alphas, slowly shaking his head. "Even if you both wanted to, it's impossible. I'm the only one who can do this, I'm Natsu's only living heir."
He lifted his hand, turning it over and revealing the glowing white of his palms and fingertips, his fingers trembling lightly.
"What if I mess up like that on the battlefield? What if someone dies because of me? If I'm not quick enough, or smart enough-" He clenched his fist, his voice quivering as he continued on, "If I hesitate even for a moment, all of our friends could die-"
"That won't happen." Kageyama said softly, arching his brow with concern. "Shouyou, look at me. That won't happen."
"You don't know." Hinata whispered, holding Kageyama's eyes. "If something happens, if I can't reach you in time, you could die because of me. Both of you." He looked up at Hoshiumi, searching his eyes. "I could lose you, just like that." He snapped his fingers, the sound ringing across the clearing, fading as it reached the closest dunes. He blinked back tears, swallowing thickly, his shoulders shaking as he dropped his head. "I could lose you both, just like Keiji-"
Kageyama took Hinata's face in his hands, and leaned in to press their mouths together, Hinata making a soft sound of protest as he was kissed. He reached up, clasping a fistful of Kageyama's tunic and letting out a shuddering breath as the Alpha kissed him, over and over, Hinata blushing brightly as Kageyama stole his breath, his words, whatever thoughts had been spiraling within him before already lost.
Hoshiumi watched them quietly, petting Hinata's side and exhaling slowly, crooning softly to soothe him. When Kageyama pulled away Hinata was panting unevenly, his blush burning across his nose and cheeks.
"Why did you-"
"I love you." Kageyama said softly, tracing his thumb over Hinata's freckles. "I love you so much it hurts. So much it's hard to breathe." He pressed their foreheads together, holding Hinata's eyes. "Don't you dare tell yourself you're doing this alone. Don't you dare even think of leaving us behind."
He flashed his fangs as he growled softly, bumping their foreheads together lightly.
"We're with you, Shouyou. We aren't going anywhere. We're not going to lay down and just accept death either, we could never allow ourselves to be taken down so easily." He glanced up to catch Hoshiumi's eyes, adding on with a grin, "We have each other's backs, and we know you'll do whatever it takes to protect us." He looked down again, searching Hinata's eyes. "Neither of us have ever doubted that. Why do you keep doubting yourself?"
Tears welled up in Hinata's eyes, and he pouted while forcing out, "I'm scared! I'm so scared of doing something wrong! I don't want to make another horrible mistake!"
Hoshiumi breathed out quietly, then tugged Hinata closer, wrapping his arms around the omega from behind, Hinata sobbing against his palms as he hid his flushed face. "Shouyou…" Hoshiumi whispered, nuzzling his shoulder and nape, Kageyama pressing closer to shelter Hinata between. "Easy, sweetheart. Easy…"
"Breathe." Kageyama whispered, petting over one of Hinata's hands, his other hand resting against the omega's trembling leg gently. "Breathe, Shouyou. We're together, and we're safe."
"We are a team. We're packmates - we're bondmates." Hoshiumi whispered, kissing Hinata's shoulder softly, breathing against his nape. "I can understand your fear, it's terrifying even imagining a life without both of you in it, but you can't keep focusing on the worst case scenario of what may happen in the future. None of us know that!"
Hoshiumi sighed softly, hugging Hinata gently while perking his ears up slightly.
"The future is unpredictable; every decision we make changes endless potential outcomes. You'll drive yourself crazy worrying about things that may never happen."
Hinata was sobbing brokenly, reclining back against Hoshiumi's chest while fighting to breathe, on the verge of hyperventilating. Kageyama carefully tugged Hinata's hands aside, kissing his wet cheeks and crooning gently, whispering soft reassurances while petting along Hinata's throat.
"Breathe, baby…" Kageyama whispered, kissing the corner of his mouth, nuzzling his cheek. "You're safe with us. You're safe…"
"I l-love y-y-you!" Hinata stammered out breathlessly, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks as he choked on a sob. "I love y-you both, s-s-so much!"
"We love you too." Hoshiumi whispered, carefully tightening his hold. He kissed Hinata's shoulder, then the soft curve of his neck, his lips lingering against the omega's fluttering pulse. "We love you, Shouyou. We love you."
"We do." Kageyama whispered reverently, waiting patiently for Hinata to catch his breath before pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "We love you, baby. We're here. We're right here. We promise to stay."
"Y-You promise?" Hinata asked shakily, taking one of Kageyama's hands, Hoshiumi already taking his other and lacing their fingers together, squeezing tightly. "You promise you won't leave?"
"I promise." Kageyama whispered, kissing him again, Hoshiumi growling deeply before whispering against Hinata's ear,
"We promise, Sho. We'll never leave your side."
It took a while longer for Hinata to calm down enough to eat, and once they settled down and curled up together Hinata fell asleep almost immediately, Kageyama and Hoshiumi exchanging soft words in the dark.
"I wish there was something we could do, some way we could reassure him." Hoshiumi murmured, tucking Hinata's messy bangs away from his cheeks, his touch featherlight. "Even though Akaashi is with him now, it's not the same. He still fears repeating the same mistake. It haunts him every day."
Kageyama watched Hinata quietly, the rise and fall of his breath, the way his eyelashes fluttered minutely in his sleep. "I wonder if he dreams of it." Kageyama whispered, pinching his brow. "I wonder if he has nightmares where he imagines us dying because of a decision he makes."
Hoshiumi frowned a little, leaning closer to nuzzle Kageyama's forehead, pressing a kiss to his brow. "Now you're the one thinking too much."
Kageyama smiled softly, chuckling under his breath, Hoshiumi smiling as his companion tilted his face up and nipped at his jaw. "I'm glad you're with us, to keep us both grounded."
"Me too." Hoshiumi murmured, trailing his lips across Kageyama's cheek, the dark Alpha purring deeply at his affections.
"I love you." Kageyama whispered, and Hoshiumi met his eyes.
"I love you too, Tobio. With all my heart."
-x-
They reached the coast within a few hours of their original estimate, finding the small boat they had been assigned and greeting the captain waiting on the docks. They were ushered below deck and told to keep out of sight until nightfall, and once the sun had begun its descent their vessel set off across the narrow stretch of sea that would allow them access to the North.
Hinata was anxious, despite Akaashi's reassurances. He acted as their eyes and ears while they were tucked away below deck, relaying their progress in quiet whispers, Hinata repeating his words to the Alphas beside him.
"Keiji says we're past the trade channel now, which means we're outside of protected waters." He worried his lip, listening for a moment before continuing again. "They have a pair of crewmates posted in the crow's nest keeping watch in either direction. If there's another ship, they should be able to spot it in time for the captain to react accordingly."
He glanced up, catching Kageyama's eyes.
"It's dark enough now we should be able to stand on the main deck without being seen. I can draw a veil of fog around us if needed, though it will make our path harder to see as well."
"Let's ask the captain if he's comfortable navigating through the fog." Kageyama agreed with a nod, stepping towards the staircase leading to the main deck. "This far north, there may be ice floes that need to be navigated around. The further north we sail, the more the temperature will drop."
Hinata could see his breath before him as he exhaled against the night air, shivering and wrapping his arms around himself despite the extra layers of cloth bundled around him. They'd been equipped for the Northern Territories once the captain had ushered them on board; adorning thick gloves and fur-lined cloaks alongside layers of warm wool and heavy leather boots. Still, despite his gloves he could feel the chill biting into his fingertips, the icy wind across his forehead and cheeks nearly burning as it swept by.
Kageyama drew him closer to the railing, looking out across the black water, tucking the omega against his side to share his natural warmth. Hoshiumi stepped closer as well, leaning out over the railing and perking his ears towards the waves lapping lazily against the hull. "Listen to how quiet it is. The sea is as calm as glass."
"Makes it harder to see the ice." The captain sighed as he stepped closer, gesturing out across the water as he spoke. "We've made good time thus far, but without steady wind to fill our sails and break against the floes, we may be in for a long night."
"Have you spotted any ice yet?" Kageyama asked, the captain giving a little nod.
"A few floes here and there. Nothing directly in our path. We'll keep a close eye as we continue on." He dipped his plumed hat a bit, offering a slight smile. "Ice means we're less likely to cross paths with another ship before reaching the other side. If there's cause for concern," he glanced up the length of the main sail, towards the crow's nest half-hidden in the dark, "the boys'll give a shout. Til' then, rest easy. Enjoy the calm of a clear night."
The captain excused himself shortly after, continuing to pace the upper deck while monitoring the dark waters closely, directing his first mate as needed to maintain their course.
Hinata exhaled against the air, shivering while pressing closer against Kageyama's side, staring out into the night. Hoshiumi crossed his arms against the weathered wood, letting out a heavy sigh, his breath casting fog before his lips as he murmured, "It's pretty out here, isn't it? So dark, and quiet. It's kind of unsettling." He looked down at the sea again, perking his ears curiously. "Wonder how deep the water is here. Think there's anything swimming below us?"
Kageyama hummed thoughtfully, content to simply lean against the railing with Hinata bundled up against him, the omega resting his cheek to Kageyama's chest and yawning quietly.
"You're a good enough swimmer, aren't you Kourai?" Kageyama teased softly, a playful grin turning up his lips. "Why don't you take a quick dip? See if the northern fish are friendly?"
Hoshiumi frowned and huffed softly as he pushed himself up, propping a hand on his hip and replying with a smirk, "I seem to recall a certain someone boasting of being the fastest swimmer. Why don't you take a look down there and see what sorts of monsters are lurking-"
There was a sudden surge, icy waves crashing across the lower deck as the ship creaked and groaned, the mainsail's rigging whipping back and forth while deckhands shouted and ducked for cover. The captain and first mate were barking out orders, Hoshiumi and Kageyama clinging to the railing with Hinata pressed securely between them as the boat rocked violently, the bow briefly tilting up towards the sky before settling once again.
The boat rocked back and forth slowly in the wake of the surge, choppy waves crashing on either side of the vessel as the sea settled momentarily, and below the ship multitudes of lights began illuminating the dark water, slowly circling as a predator would stalk its prey.
"What is that?" Hoshiumi called, leaning out to watch the lights as they coiled around the side of the boat, Kageyama taking a step back and looking towards the captain with wide eyes.
"Colossus! Colossus!" The captain was shouting, the answering crew echoing back the same word as the first mate whistled loudly, sounding the alarm.
Kageyama bristled immediately, fixing his eyes on Hoshiumi and calling him away from the edge. "Kourai, get back!"
A giant tentacle rose from the black ocean, rising higher and higher, the pale Alpha inhaling shakily and tilting back his head to follow its ascent. "It's huge-"
"Kourai, now! Get away from it!" Kageyama shouted, Hinata clinging to his arm with wide eyes, breathless and in awe, transfixed by those countless glowing lights.
He'd been prepared for many possibilities during their crossing, but none of his studies had involved their ship potentially being attacked by a Colossus Cuttlesquid. Such creatures were not native to northern waters. From everything Hinata had read before, they were typically found in the far south, living in much warmer climates. Why would it have travelled this far north?
The tentacle coiled against the air, flashing lights creeping along its near translucent skin and encircling its massive suckers, and after a few terrifying moments of being suspended in air it came crashing down upon the lower deck, splintering the ship in half.
Other tentacles were wrapping around the opposite side of the boat, tearing into the deck mercilessly, ripping apart whatever it could grasp. Several of the crew were fending off the tentacles with swords and harpoons, but as soon as the coils shifted they scattered again, doing everything they could to avoid those powerful downswings.
Violet blood rained down from overhead as the squid recoiled then attacked again, concurrent lashes methodically cleaving the vessel in two, water already flooding across the main deck.
Amidst the chaos, Hoshiumi had managed to ascend the closest stairs to the upper deck, calling out for Kageyama and Hinata who were directly below the edge of the upper deck, one of the tentacles creeping dangerously closer to their hiding spot.
"Shouyou!" Hoshiumi called down to him, the omega looking up at the pale Alpha with wide eyes. He was leaning over the edge of the upper deck, his fingers splayed wide to try and bridge the distance between them, "Reach for me! I'll pull you up!"
Kageyama tilted his ears towards his companion, shifting to pick Hinata up, quickly lifting him high against his chest. "Go on, Sho. Reach!"
Hinata clenched his teeth and reached for Hoshiumi, Kageyama boosting him up until their fingertips barely brushed. Hoshiumi reached down with both hands, growling as he did everything he could to secure his hold, losing his grip twice before their fingers came together again.
Just as Hoshiumi finally secured his grip on Hinata's hand, Kageyama was jerked roughly to the side, letting out a startled yelp and clawing at the tentacle coiling around his legs. Hinata was left hanging mid-air, clinging to Hoshiumi as the Alpha hoisted him up, Hinata kicking desperately as something cold and writhing reached up and brushed against his leg.
As soon as it made contact with him, Hinata's grip went slack. His pupils consumed his iris and flooded his sclera entirely, turning his eyes as black as the sea.
Drown… Drown… Drown…
Hinata jerked and inhaled sharply, twisting and flailing against the black as he floated weightless in the unfathomable depths, bubbles drifting all around him.
He reached out, flexing his fingers against the black, his skin radiating brilliant light to push back the encompassing darkness.
Drag them down. Drag them deep.
Drown them all.
Hinata glanced over his shoulder, turning slowly and looking out into the endless black, shivering as he called out warily, "Who is it? Who's there?"
Nothing came in reply, just the sound of bubbles drifting by, and the ominous ringing of the depthless sea.
His chest twisted, and he tried again. "Keiji? What is this? What's happening?"
The angel was unresponsive, and the chilling sensation of absolute solitude sunk deep into his bones. The light emanating from his skin slowly began to lose its splendor and fade away, its brilliance dimming in direct correlation to his rising fear.
Drown. Destroy. Consume.
Hinata clenched his fists slowly, focusing his breathing and concentrating on the voice echoing throughout the depths. It was dissonant, as if spanning a great distance. Was it the creature he was hearing? No, why would it want to drown them? Why was it here to begin with, where it didn't belong?
Someone brought it here.
He grit his teeth, pushing back his fear, trying to work through the problem quickly while finding the most probable solution.
The captain would have heard of a sighting if the Colossus had been here all along, attacking other ships. It was waiting for us to try to reach the mainland, as if assigned a set task…
He glanced around the darkness, his glow growing in strength again.
Who could manipulate a giant beast the same way an omega bends an Alpha to their will?
A priest. It made the most logical sense. A priest had summoned this Colossus to northern waters far from its home, and had left it lying in wait for the exact opportune moment to strike.
If a priest can manipulate it then that means…
He inhaled a slow breath, spanning out his fingers, feeling for the squid the same way he might seek out any of his elemental attunements to latch onto.
…I should be able to do it too.
It was one of the first things he had been taught about his birthrights. Magic and miracles were two sides of the same coin, as were witches and priests. If there was an ability a priest possessed that Hinata had never encountered before, he could theoretically copy it and make it his own. He was the Supreme, he could wield all magics and mysteries, bestow each and every miracle that the highest of holy priests could.
It was what made the Supreme so formidable an ally, or an enemy.
You can do this.
Hinata closed his eyes, feeling the sea churning all around him as he drew his arms closer to his core, his limbs splitting apart and multiplying. Pain blossomed along his arms, deep and resonating. Violet blood pooled in the water around him, his skin glowing with bright blooms of fuchsia, mirroring wherever the squid had been struck.
It's alright now. It's okay.
Hinata breathed in slowly, then exhaled long and deep, gradually releasing the tension in his shoulders, his limbs uncoiling and relaxing. His wrists were burning, his fingers twitching here and there where the tips of tentacles had been severed, harpoons and blades embedded into his forearms nearly elbow-deep. He felt a tightness in his chest, as if someone was grasping between his lungs, forcing him to submit.
He breathed again, and this time when he exhaled he flooded warmth and light throughout his body, mending what had been broken, regrowing what had been lost.
You're safe now. You're safe.
He reached out and flexed his fingers against the darkness, gliding his palm over the mass of tentacles coiling around him.
You can rest now. You can return home.
He pressed a hand over his chest, ripping away the darkness clinging defiantly to his lungs, breaking the taut chains that bound the squid to another's will.
You didn't deserve this. This wasn't your fault. You're innocent.
He opened his eyes slowly, rubbing his palm gently over his heart.
I'm so sorry this happened to you.
The endless sea around him filled with bubbles, blinding his sight, and he reached up to shield his eyes with his arm instinctually, brushing against something cool and soft.
He blinked open his eyes, and found himself standing on the ship once more. He was at the edge of the upper deck closest to the sea, Hoshiumi calling out to him in a frantic, desperate tone, Kageyama's voice echoing across the lower deck in a muted rumble.
Hinata realized after a moment what he was feeling, slowly lowering his arm and watching the massive tentacle curled just above him, hovering only a few inches away. The lights illuminating the creature's skin were strobing dizzyingly, multicolored and dazzling in their beauty, Hinata's breath hitching as he reached out to touch them with a smile.
"It's okay now. You're okay." He smoothed his hand along the tentacle, and it undulated against his palm, a high-pitched croon echoing from the icy waters and vibrating in his core. He smiled wide, laughing with giddy relief, petting along the tentacle with both hands, marveling at its incredible size and the way the lights danced against his fingertips. "Thank you for not drowning us. I hope you can find your way home again easily enough."
Another croon vibrated throughout the ship, louder and melodic as it harmonized with itself, the tentacles surrounding the ship slowly withdrawing. The tentacle hovering before Hinata withdrew last, as if offering a final goodbye, then the Colossus disappeared into the depths below, leaving the battered ship in almost complete darkness.
Hoshiumi ran to Hinata's side and picked him up, cradling the back of his head and crushing the omega against his chest, a sob caught in his throat. "Oh god!" He forced out, hissing between his teeth, "When that thing grabbed you I didn't know what to do! I thought you were being crushed!"
Kageyama was still on the lower deck, calling out to them both in a hoarse voice, "Are you oka-" He coughed and took a moment to catch his breath before trying again, "Are you both okay? Can you come closer to me?"
Hoshiumi pressed a kiss to Hinata's crown, then forehead, carrying him towards Kageyama's voice before letting him back on his own feet. They peered down at the Alpha below from the broken remnants of the staircase, Hoshiumi crouching down and offering out his hand, Kageyama carefully climbing over scattered debris to take his companion's hand.
"Are we sinking?" Kageyama asked, reaching up to rub his throat and coughing roughly, Hinata's eyes falling on the giant red circles marring his exposed skin. He looked like he'd been manhandled and doused underwater, his nose and lip were bleeding and the side of his face was swollen, several of his layers ripped away to reveal extensive bruising beneath.
"Tobio." Hinata breathed out worriedly, immediately beginning to heal his wounds, Kageyama wincing and staying as still as he could to allow the omega to work.
"I'm fine." He looked across the length of the ship, assessing the damage that had been done. "What of the captain? The first mate? Did you see how many were tossed overboard?"
Akaashi was suddenly with them again, hovering at Hinata's side once more, smoothing his hands over Hinata's cheeks and forehead over and over again.
Shouyou. Shouyou I'm so sorry. I couldn't reach you, I couldn't speak with you until the Leviathan had gone.
"There you are." Hinata breathed out a sigh of relief, smiling and closing his eyes as he leaned into Akaashi's touch. "I was so worried when you didn't answer me. I was afraid, I haven't felt alone like that in so long…"
Hoshiumi frowned at Hinata's words, asking hesitantly, "Akaashi wasn't with you when the Colossus attacked?"
"He was…" Hinata said softly, pausing to listen before continuing on. "He says he was with me the entire time, but I couldn't see him or hear him. Something about the Colossus was affecting our connection…" He glanced up to meet the Alpha's eyes. "Keiji says it's some kind of spell the priests use against witches?"
"A hex, or a curse." Kageyama murmured with a frown, ducking his ears back a bit. "We were warned about them, during our training." He met Hoshiumi's eyes, gesturing lightly as he spoke. "It's dark magic, akin to mind-control. Absolute submission."
"That's why he couldn't respond to us?" Hoshiumi asked, frowning and arching his brow. "I'd never seen anything like that, the way his eyes turned into voids-"
"It was like a void," Hinata agreed with a little nod, glancing between the two Alphas, "It was like I was trapped deep underwater, at the bottom of the ocean. There wasn't any light, or sound. Everything felt muted." He curled his fingers against Kageyama's forearm as the Alpha stepped closer, shivering at the memory of that dark place. "I felt like I could have been trapped there forever, if I had lost sight of what I needed to do."
Hoshiumi turned towards the sound of splashing nearby and Kageyama inhaled sharply, quickly making his way to the splintered railing and looking down at the debris floating alongside the ship. "Survivors! Quick, grab a length of rope - we'll pull them up!"
Between the two Alphas they managed to pull a few crew members to safety one at a time, Hinata healing their injuries and staying close by to assist however needed. The crewmates set out immediately, searching the ship and surrounding waters for other survivors. They found the first mate still alive, trapped under a pile of rubble. The captain however was missing, along with nearly half the remaining crew.
They searched for a while longer before determining there wasn't any chance of finding anyone else alive. With the ship as damaged as it was, the crew and first mate were barely able to keep the vessel afloat as it slowly crossed the icy sea.
At dawn they had neared the opposite shoreline, jagged mountains and dense forest shrouded in thick morning fog stretching on as far as the eye could see.
By the time they'd reached the shallows, the ship was finally too damaged to stay afloat, and gradually began to sink. They abandoned ship, wading through small, choppy waves the remaining distance to reach the muddy beach. The crew spread out, gathering wood and starting fires along the bank, stripping out of their wet clothing and settling down to soak up the heat from the flames and share a scavenged breakfast.
Hinata, Hoshiumi, and Kageyama followed their example, gathering around a fire of their own and stripping off their layers, sorting through their salvaged supplies as they waited for their clothes to dry and their bodies to warm. Their trip across the sea hadn't been anything close to what they'd expected, but they'd made it across alive.
Now they had to reach the Northern Rebellion, and judging from the mountains nearby their base of operations should be hidden somewhere up ahead. They hadn't been told the exact location of the camp, just the general direction. They were expected. It was likely the rebellion would find them long before they drew close enough to reach the hidden camp.
Hinata was staring out across the water, watching the sunlit fog rolling along the beach, his expression distant. He was speaking quietly with Akaashi, his murmurs barely audible over the waves crashing against the broken ship nearby, slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the muddy shallows.
Hoshiumi watched him closely, reaching out to pet between his shoulder blades, smoothing his palm along the omega's back and petting down his spine. Hinata perked his ears up, looking back at the pale Alpha with a little smile, his expression tired and soft.
"I'm sorry if I scared you." Hinata said gently, turning so he could press into Hoshiumi's side. "I didn't mean to make you worry."
Hoshiumi clicked his tongue against his teeth, shaking his head lightly. "You don't have to apologize for that. I'm just glad you're alright." He tugged Hinata closer, wrapping his arm around his bare shoulders and pressing a kiss to his forehead, the omega letting out a soft, contented sigh.
Kageyama watched their exchange with a little smile, stretching out beside the fire and flexing his toes, perking his ears towards the other fires nearby. He thought to himself for a long moment, then mused, "I wonder who it was. The priest that was controlling the Colossus." He frowned a little, pinching his brow with concern. "I wonder if we should be concerned about encountering something like that again." He looked to Hinata, catching the omega's eyes. "What did Akaashi call them?"
"Leviathans." Hinata replied quietly, ducking his ears back a bit. "It seems likely, the empire has many priests with unique blessings able to craft sorcery and bestow miracles." Hinata glanced towards the forest beside them, then the towering mountains beyond. "What kind of creatures are native to the Northern region? There are giant bears here, aren't there?"
"Bears and wolves." Kageyama agreed with a nod. "Spotted boars and massive elk."
"There are wildcats as well, and several fearsome birds of prey." Hoshiumi added, counting on his fingers absently as he named a few. "Hawks, owls, eagles…"
"We'll have to be more careful from now on." Kageyama said softly, nodding lightly as he reclined back with a soft grunt, cushioning his arms under his head and slowly closing his eyes. "Danger could be lurking around every corner, and we haven't even reached the battlefield yet."
Hinata was quiet for a while, resting against Hoshiumi, then he murmured gingerly, "I wonder what kind of miracles Oikawa can perform, now that he's ascended to priesthood."
Hoshiumi hummed softly, resting his cheek against Hinata's crown tiredly. "I dunno. I guess there's only one way for us to find out."
Hinata took the Alpha's hand, lacing their fingers, Hoshiumi pressing a kiss between his ears and purring softly. Hinata let out a heavy sigh before closing his eyes and relaxing against him, listening to the waves and the crackling fires, wondering what it would be like when he finally saw the other omega again.
Once their clothes were warm and dry, and they had rested beside the fire for several hours, they donned their layers once again, gathering their supplies. They smothered their fire before saying their goodbyes and leaving the first mate and his crew behind; venturing into the dark, dense forest, the path ahead eerily shrouded in thick fog.
Thanks for reading! More to come!
