Elska alertly opens her eyes, missing the dimming of red hues leaking from them.
'Is it morning already?'
Half sitting up in the bed, she leans to one side to rub her sockets and yawns.
She would've noticed Satoru's long legs dangling over the arm of the couch adjacent to her immediately if she'd not been staring off into space, chasing her dream as it fades from memory. Elska clings to the few images she can recall, even as they blur.
'Was I in...a forest?'
The trees were fictitiously massive but she also draws in on a bush with blurry, indistinguishable black flowers. There were roses too but she incredulously snickers to their blue pedals knowing they don't naturally exist. Elska squints her eyes, rummaging through what's left as quickly as she can in hopes to ingrain some it into place but feels her soul jump when presented with the reminder that someone else was with her.
'Something about that place though...it's somehow...familiar...'
But she sighs frustratingly when the frames with luscious gradients of greens distort with each second passing; ultimately leaving her with nothing but the ability to wonder.
'Who was that? Why can't I ever remember the good ones?!'
It's hard to explain but the residual traces of emotional bliss linger just within awareness which pulls her towards the assumption that it must have been the best dream ever. She shifts a little in the bed but discovers dampness between her legs.
'IT WAS THAT KIND OF DREAM?!'
With her sudden euphoria making a little more sense, Elska gently rests back into the pillow with a much grander sigh.
'I know my brain has been manipulated and all...but this is just unfair!'
She pouts for a moment but begins to smile to how lucky she actually is once realizing she's been sandwiched between Toji and her prince. She sits up again to her elbows, readying to challenge the day.
Elska chuckles after her view meets Gojo.
'Poor Sati…'
One would think that perhaps he would've gone and found a better place to turn in for the night but his joke about wanting to watch over her while she slept must have been more true than not. He's on his back but his neck is pushed forward because of the far arm of the couch that's not cradling behind his knees; the love seat simply not being adequate for him.
Looking down to her left she finds Naoya still completely passed out as well and partially covered by the sheets, mumbling sounds that signify he too may be dreaming. She lightly brushes the blonde hair away from his eyes and smiles to herself as he looks so sweet when he's like this.
Turning to her right, she's startled when Toji's eyes are already watching.
"Good morning, doll…"
Toji smirks while looking up, reaching an arm to brush his fingertips up to her shoulder and then back down to her wrist. He's actually only just woken up but was elated that she was the first thing he saw.
"I'm so glad you're back."
She rolls her body towards Toji as he lies there still staring into her; his half naked body pushed from the sheets. The previous night's events swarm her mind as she at least remembers her beloved feeding and the paradisial sensations that accompanied them during his meal. She runs her fingers through his thick black hair and cocks her head to the side.
"I am glad to be back, I was so worried about you Toji…".
In this moment they share an elongated pause that speaks mountains of words as both of their eyes glow and reflect into each other.
Toji laughs quietly.
"Worried about me?"
Her soothing touch causes him to close his eyes and exhale all of his worries. He grabs her hand and kisses it before sitting himself up so she could maneuver a little more easily off the bed.
"I know you're probably dying for a shower, doll. Do you want some clean clothes?".
"My beloved Toji, that would be wonderful!"
Elska excitedly but carefully tries scuttling off the bed, not wanting to disturb Naoya but Toji sits to his knees and effortlessly scoops her up. Once placed on the floor, she leans down and kisses Toji's cheek to show gratitude.
Toji watches her walk away but has to avert his eyes since she's still wearing the torn, exposing slip. If he doesn't, she won't make it to the shower.
"My beloved Toji..."
Anytime Elska acknowledges their bond surges Toji with a strange but understandable satisfaction.
Right before entering the bathroom, she stops which curiously turns his head back in her direction but what he finds is a flirtatious expression featured on his doll. It was as if she was admiring him right back and he's cemented with this when she blushes before shutting the door.
'Doll…'
After hearing the water turn on, Toji slumps back against the headboard to relax but Naoya rolls to his left side and throws an arm over his lap.
"You…UGH…damn it boy!"
Without even thinking the giant shoves his younger cousin off of the bed and instantly feels bad when Naoya's head bounces off the night stand.
"Damn..."
"HEY! WHAT THE FU-!?"
Naoya angrily holds his head but groggily peers over the mattress and into Toji's eyes.
"Did you just push me off the bed?!"
Toji points to the spot Naoya was originally allowed to occupy.
"You were trying to grope me you little shit! I told you to stay over there."
Naoya wheezes defensively.
"GROPE YOU?!"
Satoru rolls over into the couch to signify that he's not ready for the day yet.
"Why are you two making so much damn noise?"
"Toji is being a dick!"
Gojo tiredly groans but can never miss an opportunity to make things weird so he corrects the Zenin.
"Toji has a big dick."
The giant glares with a disgusted frown.
"Shut the fuck up Gojo...it's too early to deal with your shit."
Ignoring Satoru's giggles, Toji stands from the bed, stretches and then adjusts his low-hanging sweatpants.
"Get up you two, let's go get some breakfast."
Naoya's stomach growls but he also hears the running water.
"I'll stay with her! Get me a bagel, some eggs and…do they hav-…"
Toji's impatient eyes silence Naoya who is now retracting his entire demeanor.
"You are going to get your own damn breakfast, lover boy. You think I'm about to leave you here knowing you have some sort of weird kink with Elska and water?!"
Gojo dramatically extends all of his limbs into the air before hastily launching into a seated position.
"I'll stay with my love then! Can't trust Naoya and I to get the breakfast right all by ourselves can you? It's a disaster waiting to happen!"
Toji scowls in a domineering way that tells Gojo he will be getting his own food as well. After gaining visible cooperation from Satoru, he rolls his shoulders and walks over to Elska's dresser in search for the promised clothes. Not having patients for any more idiocy, he throws out a suggestion that would suit them all.
"Where's Choso? He can stay with her."
"I can do that."
Choso was already nearing the room when he heard them talking.
Toji freezes, alarmed by not having sensed his arrival but then turns toward the being and laughs.
"You're still a sneaky one, aren't you bud?"
The being nods but is noticeably off so Toji asks with concern if he's alright.
"No. I do NOT feel well today…"
Choso takes out his bun and runs his hands heavily down his face.
"I was sleeping in Itadori's room but…"
He blushes through his disorientation.
"...he and Nobara needed alone time."
The being recalls how they were kissing and whispering in the bed, something which through being friends with Naoya has taught him is a cue for his exiting. Choso saunters closer into the room, seemingly off balanced.
"I had some really obscure dreams too..."
The being swears he can recall the naked flesh of a woman but he's currently so consumed with agony that it hurts to even think about it.
"You're probably hungover Cho, that's what happens when you drink too much."
Naoya walks up to him and grins.
"I'll grab you some food! I forgot to tell you that there can be repercussions..."
Choso grunts and sits down on the couch next to Gojo.
"Why on Earth do people do this to themselves?"
He leans his head back into the couch and closes his eyes.
"I feel horrible right now…I don't believe this is of equal exchange. What nonsense it was to drink that putrid liquid."
Satoru stands up, reads his watch that says 9:36am and then nods to Choso.
"Hey buddy! Just sit tight and we'll be back with some cooked remedies. Grease is the key so let's get it while it's still hot!"
The Zenin agreeably follows Gojo towards the door, stopping a few feet from it to swivel back towards his friend.
"Look Cho, she's naked and vulnerable, guard her! And no peeping!"
Choso doesn't seem like he could get into any mischief even if he wanted to which worries and reassures Naoya all the same.
Toji pitstops by the bathroom door, quietly knocking.
"Doll?"
"Yes?"
He cracks the door open enough to escort his words.
"We're going to grab some food but we'll be right back, okay? Choso's on the couch."
Elska is rinsing her hair by this time but assures him that's all good and that she's almost done. She spins to wash her face as the door shuts but then it sounds like its opening again so she draws back the curtain to peek.
"Sorry doll, I just wanted to say something else too."
"Toji, what's wrong?"
The giant smirks when she pops her head out, thinking the abruptness cute.
"I'm sorry about last night…this morning…whenever it was. I was just…well, you know..."
"Toji, come here."
Elska curls her finger to suggest his moving closer. He looks surprised or worried, it's unclear to her exactly but when he reaches the shower she uses the wall for support so she can connect their lips. She thinks to herself how seductive he is when towering over but cautiously smiles to clear his confusion.
"Do not be sorry…I told you that I really liked it, didn't I?"
Toji deeply inhales her natural scent, overly enticed with their immediate situation and the confirmation that his random feeding happened without offense. She leans in and kisses him again and the urge to shred his own clothes off runs rampant in every limb until Naoya's voice is heard complaining about Gojo.
"STOP PINCHING MY ASS!"
Toji sighs into Elska but they soon snicker into each other as they revel over how the fire was mutually felt. He, the novel gentleman, takes a step back with a face splitting grin and points over to the counter.
"There's clean clothes laid out for you there, doll. After everyone's ready we'll go replace what was lost."
Elska bashfully accepts his dialing back though he can sense her reluctance. Toji feels incredibly reinforced by her affection and wants to enjoy it but forces his stoic nature before leaving the bathroom behind. Before anything can be said to him he ushers Gojo and Naoya past Choso and out into the hall.
"We'll be back in a few, thanks for patrolling."
He sees Choso lazily nod his head but knows that if it came down to it, Choso can and will protect her regardless.
The being sits there feeling unlike he ever has before.
'Is this really because of the alcohol?'
His whole body feels weak, mind clouded and his own energy feels off. He's focusing on the fact that his head hurts like crazy and he's feeling progressively dizzier now.
"I'm never drinking again…"
The room begins spinning beyond his tolerance so he lays down on the couch, closing his eyes. After settling into the cushions, he feels a jolt through his body, a painful one. He curls up, attempting to sturdy himself with the couch arm but tumbles over onto the floor. A burning sensation shoots through his limbs and chest and before he knows it, he's seizing in between the couch and the coffee table.
Elska wraps herself in a towel and yanks open the bathroom door after hearing the crash. She sees nothing initially but then screams in horror when she takes in Choso and his current state. Without hesitation she lifts and throws the coffee table across the room before kneeling down next to him.
"CHOSO!! WHAT'S WRONG?! CHOSO!"
His eyes are starting to blacken and his entire body thrashes violently. Foam dribbles out of his mouth as black veins form, originating from his eyes; starkly reminding Elska of Getou's thought of demise.
"What do I do?!! CHOSO?!"
Elska starts crying as she can tell he's in incredible pain. Desperation takes over when she kicks the couch away and crawls on top of him to try and restrict his contortion.
"CHOSO!!!"
She has no idea what's going on but can't help but feel that it looks like his own technique is being used against him. The black veins become more prominent and start to stray a path down from his face, to his neck.
'FEED!'
The ancestral voice blares through her but she's not concerned with drinking from him nor does she feel it's an appropriate time. She cries out again as blood mixed spittle droops from his mouth and notices that it's affecting his breathing.
"I CAN'T JUST FEED FROM HIM RIGHT NOW!"
The room echoes with a lack of response.
'FEED'
Through her tears and while observing his deteriorating state she grabs the being's face with both hands.
"CHOSO! PLEASE!"
But it's of no use as he convulses and chokes beneath her. As she's threatened to be thrown off her eyes jot down to his neck again, not feeling eased about what she's about to do.
"I-I'm going to try something! Just hang on!"
'DO IT NOW'
'NOW!'
Elska tries to move his head to the side but his muscles are contracting so wildly that she thought it might hurt him so she ducks down, awkwardly arching her body as best as she can to pierce him.
Choso is aware of what is happening to him, it all makes sense now as Kechizu's excited voice echoes an explanation from a memory; he's simply powerless to stop it.
"Vita reversal! Did you know all of the reeeally important Titers used to be protected?! It was a technique that reversed cursed energy back to the bad guy attacking them! They say it's been lost but I still think that's awesome!"
"...brother."
Choso knows this energy is not simply his own returning, he can sense the elixir mix of more. The pain coursing through his body is luckily alleviated when Elska bites into him. Through the sounds of her unsettling sorrow, Choso can feel himself slowly settling aside from some random twitching. He feels her crying into his neck and once he can move his arms again he hugs her loosely to try and reassure that it's working.
"Elsk…ahhhhhh…"
But he's now overcome with that immobilizing pleasure from her fangs that drops his arms down to his sides while she seemingly sucks the tainted energy out of him. He clears his throat, finally gasping for a clear breath.
"Els-mmmmm..."
Another repeated sensation, the forbidden one, lecherously creeps into his mind until Elska's presence darkens overtop of him. He wants to ask if she's okay but she aggressively tugs his hair to move his head to the side now that he's more pliable. Her moans fill his ear to which he shudders even while Elska's pretty hand wrenches into his bicep, prompting him to consider that something more is going on here.
"Elska…I'm okay now…"
Choso breathlessly whispers this to her on repeat, biting his lip and controlling in his own sounds until he's panting instead.
"Els...ka...why are you...doing this?"
When she lifts her head and hovers her face over his Choso eyes widen in response to her appearance.
"What… is…how?!"
Elska's sclera and pupil are blackened with thin black veins surrounding her eye sockets and branching out across her face. Choso freezes underneath her, not comprehending what he's seeing as the poisonous energy mimics himself before him. His eyes catch her creepy smile that has him feeling like pray but to his surprise, Elska leans down and softly drags her lips across his tattoo until she's gently kissing the area over his nose. Choso feels himself throbbing and hates himself for the way he reacts.
"You should be mine, hybrid."
The being can't help but notice how low and demanding her voice is, how much it differs from the girl that was crying over him minutes ago.
Elska sinks her weight into his hardening lap thinking that there's nothing she wants more in this moment than to have him.
"I would protect you."
"Elska!"
The lowly voice on top of the ominous presence sends alarms off in the being's mind but she proceeds to grinds on him all while he lies there wishing for the situation to cease. She pins his arms down with incredible strength and uses his immobility to taper her lips down his chin and neck.
"Don't you want to know what it's like, hybrid? I could show you in this physical realm…",
Choso holds his breath to this losing battle of bewildering temptation. Elska deeply grinds herself against his member, forcing him to whimper but then her voice enters his ear again.
"Your blood is so…arousing…"
Choso panics and tries to fight against her but this strange version of Elska opens her towel and exposes her breasts.
Elska thoroughly enjoys the way the being's wide, curious eyes rake over her bare skin.
"Do you not understand yet, hybrid?"
She lifts his shirt up with her mouth, dragging her chest along him while he squirms. After cruelly laughing to his disposition, Elska leans back down and bites into Choso's chest, sending wonderful ecstasy through him once more.
He groans loudly and places a hand on her head but he grabs up some of her hair, inspiring her sweetened moan. He feels like he can possibly withstand this until her hand slides down to his pants.
"Elska…what are…you doing?!",
But Choso simply cannot fight her off while under her bliss. When she grips his hardened flesh through his clothing, he moans loudly and throws his head back into the floor.
It feels good, really good but he's still not liking where this is heading. She begins saying something again so he does his best to listen.
"You have to give me consent before I turn you, hybrid. You alone could fuel me…I want you."
Her soft fingers slip under his waist band but all Choso can do is turn into mush when their skin connects and she strokes.
"El...ahhmmmmm..."
The being melts with lustful misery, unsure of himself for the things she's making him feel but when her lips trail down his chest toward her occupied hand, he freaks out.
"Elska please! Wait! What about Naoya?!"
To the sound of the Zenin's name Elska instantly collects herself and lifts her head. Dazedly, she peers down to Choso and sees the two separate bite marks paired with his flustered expression.
"OH MY GOD! WHAT HAPPENED!?"
She hastily closes his wounds and jumps off of him to help pull him up.
"CHOSO!"
Elska hugs him tightly around his neck.
"What was that?! Are you alright!?"
She pulls away and uses the nearby towel to wipe away the mess on his face but all he can do is stiffly sit there with wide eyes, not daring to move even an inch. She places a hand on him and he jumps in place on the floor.
Choso's relieved to see that her eyes and presence are back to normal but is still in shock by how she was able to stop that reversal as well as what she was trying to do with him. He gauges that she doesn't seem to have the same intentions in her normal state but he remains riled up and on edge. He finally finds the courage to speak when the concern in her eyes is surmised to be genuine.
"Elska, are you feeling okay?".
Choso then slowly reaches over without looking to grab and raise the towel to cover her. Her yelp of ghastly embarrassment tells him that she still doesn't remember removing it so he makes note.
The door now opens and with the three men entering they bring a wonder wafting aroma of freshly made food items.
Naoya looks at Choso's raised shirt alongside her partial nudity and viciously glares. He coldly passes the food he was carrying to Toji and squats in front of them both only now picking up on his friend's fear. The Zenin calms himself when tears well in the being's eyes and picks up on the unusual flow coming from him.
"Cho…what's up with your energy?"
He looks back down at his wrinkled shirt but grows more anxious the more he glances back between the two of them. There's blood on his princess's face and on Choso's neck but that's when Naoya spots the spittle on the floor where the coffee table should be.
"Hey...Cho, just talk to me. Let me know what's going on because this looks really strange, alright?"
The being nods, sniffles but then successfully pulls himself together enough to explain.
"N-Naoya…a Titer technique reversed my own that I put into Getou…I know that's what it was..."
Choso is still catching his breath and cautiously observing Elska, not being sure if he should share the rest. He's not even sure he could properly elucidate since he's still reeling from how bizarre it all was; and who was she protesting against earlier?
"He was seizing on the floor! It was exactly like what Choso did to Getou!"
She's still in a shaken state from almost witnessing Choso's death and reliving Getou's supposed demise. In a dreary manner, she explains a little more.
"I drank whatever that was into myself though…and it worked."
"Love, WHAT?!"
Gojo pulls her up to stand as he unnerved from hearing this.
"What do you MEAN YOU DRANK IT?"
"They were sending my energy back but it was almost like it was poisoned…or altered."
Choso smooths out his shirt and exhales heavily. His train of thought is skewered once his mind takes to her grinding against him but he shakes his head to stir away the thoughts.
'What is causing her to switch?'.
He's upset at the fact that he was easily excited by her and simultaneously awestruck with how everything felt.
Gojo takes a moment to consider the being's statement while holding his love close.
'It doesn't connect...why would someone like Getou be protected by that kind of rare technique? How does that cunt fit into this?'
But that's when it clicks.
"Oh fuuuuck..."
Everyone orients to Satoru due to how uncharacteristically shaken his voice sounded.
"Is Suguru Getou a fucking TITER?"
Toji's eyes widen when the dots connect.
"Oh shit."
Choso eyes everyone in the room but ultimately lets his gaze befall Naoya.
"I believe he is and I'll explain how that would make sense. Getou's ancient gravity technique has been forgotten about through generations and honestly, I couldn't tell you what the Titer's was prior to this. He has to be one of them. Why would they go through all of that trouble otherwise?"
"FUCK!"
Gojo holds Elska again.
"You have to be careful with their energy love…"
He holds her tighter as if to symbolize her inability to flee.
"Because of what I did…with your memories…and their intervening…"
He kisses the top of her head and shamefully exhales
"…you just can't absorb anymore ever again. Please tell me you understand.".
Satoru pulls away to see her face and can tell that she's agreeing even though she doesn't comprehend everything.
Naoya has been quietly thinking as he unfortunately concurs with Choso.
"The Titers haven't been taken seriously but they are incredibly formidable as enemies…even without Getou."
His eyes lock to Choso.
"That's why Getou didn't die when you thought he did. They say the Titers are friends with time itself…"
Naoya sighs before standing up to grip Choso's arm and pull him to his feet.
"Baby…Gojo's right. You have to be more careful. One of the reasons I needed to get you away from Getou was because he wasn't worried about the risks of manipulating your mind again. We were told that there's a high chance you'll lose control…although I don't know what that means exactly, I'm guessing that has to do with that other you."
He turns to hug Choso.
"But I'm glad you're safe now Cho. I promise that I will be a better friend next time you say you don't feel well."
Elska is still in Gojo's arms but feels his tension that catalyzes in the atmosphere.
"Sati, what's wrong?"
She hears him swallow down and sigh so she pulls away to see his expression but his eyes avert hers instantly.
"Sati?"
Gojo is reliving all of the atrocities he's ever inflicted on the Titer clan. He's not exactly remorseful but is beginning to piece together why Getou's had it out for him for so long. Elska is still staring at him but when she goes to reach for his cheek, he moves backwards and away from her with heavy lungs.
"Sati, what has gotten into you?"
Elska glances to Toji who's angrily gritting his teeth.
"Toji? What is it you guys?"
"This is because of what you've done to the poor bastards, isn't it Gojo?"
Toji appears like he's ready to swing but his voice is rather calm in comparison.
"Fucking…probably…"
Satoru throws his hands up in the air before swinging them backwards and defeatedly falling back into the couch.
"I guess I should've killed them all."
"Sati…what are you two talking about?"
With a furrowed brow Elska reaches out to him again but this time he doesn't shy away but rather snags her hand with his own.
"My love…before I met you, I was…"
He's carefully selecting his words as he wants to be honest but wishes he could guarantee her not being afraid as result.
"…A fucking insane serial killer? Are those the words you're searching for bud?"
Toji scoffs as he's sure he's only aware of some of the horrors inflicted. He's heard the rumors for everything he can't confirm.
Gojo glares at Toji but then softens his expression for Elska.
"...I was going to say...different."
Choso turns his back towards the door so he can view them all with minimal effort since he's still pretty lightheaded.
"Satoru Gojo has killed hundreds of Titers, Elska. My understanding is that is was for the joy of watching them bleed."
The being glances to her to read Elska's nonverbal communication but finds that he's still rather nervous around her.
Naoya chimes in with an odd snicker.
"WELL I HEARD it was because he hates their clan ratio."
Satoru would typically enjoy this kind of conversation as it revolves around depreciating Titer life but his concerns over Elska being fearful cause him to brutally rectify their theories.
"ACTUALLY, it was because they're dangerous as fuck and needed be kept in check. Do you guys not understand that they are the ONE CLAN that could go sinister and fuck us without even trying?! You think I'm bad? You think my clan is bad? Shiiiit..."
Gojo wants to look at Elska but is caught up in the memories he has of her being terrified whenever he killed years ago. A pit forms in his stomach while considering she could very well become frightful again.
"I've done some awful things, love…really awful things. Once I knew about you though, I couldn't just stand by and let them succeed. They had terrible plans for you. If I didn't take you against their wishes then...you'd be with Getou right now. I killed as many as I deemed fit and would do it again."
Elska is unsure about how calmy he was able to say all of that but has always known his character to be darker than most. She's struggling with a response but wants to understand where he's coming from.
"Sati…how many?"
"A lot love…a lot."
Satoru kind of wants to explain further but feels it's best to only share what is evident in this moment.
"They were the ones that helped me find and take you too. I wouldn't be so quick to feel sorry for them. They were playing both sides but ultimately decided to help the Elders end me by using you."
Choso remorsefully looks to Elska.
"They were watching her for years before you heard about her, Satoru. I knew about it all and pretty early on…I just had a role to play myself and for good reasons. I'm sorry Elska…"
She seems bothered by that but Choso doesn't feel any angst. This is when he decides it's best to say something about what happened earlier to avoid it from repeating again. He realizes that shit could have hit the fan if she'd become more unstable from the Titer energy.
"You guys…there's something about me that this other Elska wants I think…"
Choso's apologetic eyes meet Elska.
"You bit me twice a few minutes ago, do you remember that?"
Gojo and Naoya both sound off in confusion.
"TWICE?!"
"I saw the marks on you but…I don't remember…"
Elska's voice trails off as she tries to figure out how she knew that she fed and didn't become alarmed with having empty spots where his flavor should be. She nears closer to Choso and studies him as he takes two steps backward.
"For some reason, I can never recall your taste…"
"S-She said she needed my permission before I was turned!"
Choso shifts his view over to Toji hoping that would be of some help.
Toji is noticing Choso's hesitation to be close to her.
"Why are you so afraid of her right now? Are you guys leaving something out here?"
Choso is embarrassed but also terribly worried about the reaction he'll receive but knows he needs to get it out there.
"She uhhh…the other Elska…I think she was trying to do more than just…feed."
The darker side of her really turns his brain inside out. Choso does his best to erase the sensations she gave him.
Elska quickly darts her eyes over to the men in shock.
"Choso...did I…did I touch you?"
The being sheepishly nods which instantly stabs Elska as she cringes over what may or may not have happened. She's not sure what to say, she has a blank slate where that memory should exist. She thinks back over everything he's said so far.
"Permission? That's odd…I don't think it's actually necessary…"
Elska now twists towards her beloved who was unable to consent to anything when she turned him.
"Toji couldn't and I was still able to do it…".
"Love, Choso is different though, he's not just a human."
Satoru narrows his eyes as he thinks further.
"Could it be because you're half curse? I would've thought that to make it impossible for you to become like Toji…"
"Baby, just turn me!"
Naoya smiles gleefully as he desperately wants to change the subject, hating the fact that there's something going on with her that they don't understand. He's also unnerved with what Choso is suggesting took place between them only minutes prior.
'I wonder if Getou knows why this is happening…'
Naoya can only wonder.
"Shut up you little shit…"
Toji is aggravated by this whole topic of conversation.
"Doll, I am your turned. You don't need another one, fuck all that."
Toji huffs as he will be damned if anyone else bonds with her. Their eyes meet and respond with a glow as his emotions are communicated by a glance.
"How about we eat before this gets cold, hmm?"
Gojo points to all the food that has been set down to eagerly assist Naoya in his topic change.
"Food powers the brain you know!".
But Satoru is still ruminating about the Titer situation and comprehends that this entire troublesome era may be his fault.
'The fucking messes I make…'.
————————————————————————————
Getou struggles to stand up, failing as his knees buckle every time. His frustration grows with tearing eyes as he merely wants to be tall before his mentor.
"How…how are you here?!"
Genghis's dark but kind eyes meet his own leaving Suguru feeling comforted by the soft mannerisms long forgotten about.
Genghis lowers himself to kneel next to Getou.
"Being your caretaker, I was also put under the same technique of revival. I'm sorry it took me so long to find my way back to you though."
Temujin now orients towards Kokoro with grievous hatred knowing that he's been turning Suguru into a monster for years now in hopes of making him ruthless.
Kokoro flings his golden sleeves while throwing his hands up.
"Don't be so soft on the boy, he's weak enough as it is."
"LEAVE US."
Genghis stands up and hastily cruises towards Kokoro, pinning him against the bronze-colored wall.
"You've done more than enough, you disgusting excuse for a leader."
He sees Kokoro about to speak so he throws his forearm into the worthless man's throat and pushes.
"Perhaps I should incapacitate you as you did that young boy...the one Suguru was so fond of..."
Genghis's eyes narrow, the resentment becoming overly apparent.
"I would be doing us all justice."
At the mention of Kechi, Suguru lowers his head to the floor. He remembers thinking, 'No, not him…' which makes his heart drop. He eventually hears Kokoro stomping out of the room and sighs in relief but with eyes trained downwards, he feels Genghis trying to lift him back onto the table.
"Whatever you've learned from that man, you need to disregard it now, Suguru."
Genghis's emotional eyes take to Getou as he can sense the malevolence in his pupil's presence.
"You don't have to do all of this, Suguru…to be what you've become."
"Gojo fucking murdered you and so many others…I can't leave that alone and I won't!"
Getou honestly doesn't know how to feel about his revenge in this moment but has planned this for so long that he's not sure he can bring himself to falter now.
"But I'm right here! Not dead…"
Genghis tries to smile but sees that Getou isn't responsive to it.
"I know this is a lot to take in Little One but you have to understand that Kokoro will lead you to absolute ruin. He doesn't want what's best for you or anyone else…he's drunk on power that he doesn't even possess…".
A small part of Getou wants to believe that he could turn back but ultimately isn't leaning towards such insignificant weakness. How could he live with himself if everything he's done was for nothing?
"I am going through with it all. You're alive now but Satoru Gojo still killed you. I've spent the last 15 years preparing for this and now I've actually seen what he did..."
Listening intensely, Genghis is riddled with dejection over his pupil's attitude. Having known Getou from a young age, he's been privy to the gentility that once existed within the abrasive, detached husk of a man he's grown into. There's another troubling behavior Temujin feels he needs to address so with resolve, he gently places his hands on top of Getou's.
"Tell me Suguru…why did you do those horrible things to the girl?"
Confronted and cornered with disgrace, the mere mention of his assaults chaotically triggers Getou's guard.
"Because she's on GOJO'S fucking side. ELSKA ODA doesn't deserve to be my wife nor do I want her. SHE'S REPULSIVE AND A WHORE!"
Getou grits his teeth when faced with his mentor's egregiously stoic expression that taints him with the fear that Genghis thinks him a monster.
"Zenin, Toji AND Choso betrayed me because of her too. FUCK BIRD GIRL."
Genghis isn't exactly sure of how this conversation will turn out but he can't help but feel sympathetic to his pupil's afflictions.
"That's not the girl I'm speaking of Suguru…I meant the one you were fond of."
He sees Getou's eyes water before he snaps his head away in what Genghis feels is shame.
"I…she needed to submit."
Getou's fists ball up before he slams them into the table he's sitting on.
"BUT SHE WOULDN'T!! Yet another human that wanted nothing to do with me…".
Genghis steps back from Suguru after this brief observation thinking he's figuring it out. Getou may have matured physically but he was never nurtured in the way he should've been after Genghis was killed. He never grew emotionally.
"How could you expect her to want to be with you after everything you did to her?"
"I JUST WANTED HER TO BE MINE!"
Getou sheds a tear, refusing to feel guilt about the black haired woman he kept prisoner.
"She thought me a monster immediately, never even gave me a chance…".
"You behaved like a monster, that's why."
Genghis's words are harsh but his delivery is purposefully soft.
"Little One, you took the Oda girl's wing too and then used your gift as a man to viciously attack her again. if you wish to enact the plans set forth for our great clan, you'll need her. I don't understand you're reasoning."
"I just…her…she wants nothing to do with me either. I have no choice with that one."
Getou collects himself as he's forced to face the judgement of his mentor. He simply wishes he didn't feel as villainous as Master Genghis's words seem.
"She sees me as an enemy, a beast even."
Suguru remembers her using those exact words while using his water viewing technique to spy on her and Naoya.
"There is always a choice, Little One."
"Tell that to Kokoro…".
Getou brushes disheveled hair from his face.
"He's going to die as well. I will not have him around once this is over. It will be my very first order when I officially take the helm."
Genghis says nothing initially as he feels he has failed Getou. He chooses his next words slowly, hoping they wouldn't fire him up in this same way but the truth needs to be finally said.
"Kokoro sent me to conjure for Gojo. I believe he knew what would happen and needed my fate be so for his to flourish."
"What?"
The rage illuminates through Getou's tone.
"Kokoro knew you were going to suffer that?!"
Kechizu and Eso flash before Suguru's eyes but then his mind strays into darker territory when it shows him scenes from Temujin's torturous murder. His rage boils to a point that leaves the calculated Getou eerily calm, at least on the exterior.
"I believe Mugoi to be harmful to the future as well but you can't do anything to him yet, Suguru. What would happen to the clan as a result of that power vacuum? Many laugh at us now but the older generation fears what we may be capable of. The Elders would act immediately."
Genghis reaches out to Getou and puts a gripping hand on his shoulder.
"I wish I wouldn't have been forced to leave you…"
He remembers how sweet young Suguru was and finds himself mortified by the man he's witnessing; wanting to have saved him from the horrors that awaited him in what was then, the future.
"Despite my best attempts, I wasn't able to stop any of it though…"
"Master Genghis, have you heard anything in regards to the Elders?"
Getou is swiftly changing the subject, not appreciating the disdain in his mentor's eyes or wishing to insult their dynamic farther by going on a senseless verbal rampage.
"Surely they're suspicious by now."
"Yes, they indeed are. You'll have to decide what to do soon unfortunately, Little One…but no matter what I swear you will never be alone, again."
Genghis pats Getou's shoulder and finds light when he catches the surprise douse over Suguru's features. The defenseless, vulnerable flare fizzled as one would expect but for just a second there Temujin felt like he was speaking to his promising pupil once more.
'We have a chance yet...'
Suguru's eyes nervously search the room. How is it that even at this age, Master Genghis has a way of making him feel so childish? Why does the distinction between right and wrong suddenly feel so heavy when the mindset here was always that the ends justify the means?
Is there truly a chance his path of reprisal is a forsaken one?
Any serenity they were grasping becomes disrupted when Kokoro bursts back into the room sweating and heaving as if he just sprinted the entire compound.
"WE HAVE A PROBLEM."
Getou and Genghis speedily direct their attention to Mugoi.
"The hybrid didn't perish…the girl...she was able to fucking stop it!"
Kokoro wipes his face but eagerly aims the blame at Suguru.
"If we had Oda on our fucking side this would be much easier you stupid fucking SADISTIC sociopath! The hybrid is dangerous to our cause in case you've forgotten! THANKS TO YOU HE WILL RUIN EVERYTHING! EVERYONE WILL FUCKING DIE AND IT WILL ALL BE YOUR GOD DAMN FAULT SUGURU. YOU'RE A FAILURE! COULDN'T EVEN EXECUTE THE SIMPLE TASK OF OBTAINING ELSKA ODA IN HER WEAKEST FOR-"
Genghis, having lost his composure and patience, traveled to Kokoro in leu of giving notice so he could feel the satisfaction of Mugoi's distress.
"DO NOT SPEAK TO HIM THAT WAY!"
All at once, Genghis snatches Mugoi's throat, rotates it to where his own back is free and Kokoro is pinned to the wall but then slams him so hard that the timeless clay behind him cracks.
Suguru sits up, utterly astonished by his mentor's prowess.
'Has Master Genghis always been that strong?!'
Kokoro is bordering on full on survival mode. He's been trying to pry Temujin's hands away but it's as if a hydraulic machine was clamped around him. Hysteria knocks at his door in exchange for the oxygen he isn't currently being allowed to breathe but then a sharp pain addresses his shins and ankles. The next thing Mugoi knows, he's on the floor.
Suguru's heard of other Titers like himself who have trained their abilities to favor combat but what he just witnessed from Genghis was aptitude that would generally be unexpected from any Titer.
Genghis stands over Kokoro with an expression that's seemingly devoid of human nature.
"Do not let my kindness fool you for weakness. It would be poorly advised to carry on as you have in my absence, Mugoi. You've guided him down the wrong path and I cannot forgive you for this. I know Suguru and I know you and it's safe to say that it is you that is the failure here. Couldn't even raise a loving boy into a decent man."
Getou is confused by the scene in front of him as they were just talking about how Kokoro needs to be left alive. He too thought Mugoi was done for; the rage displayed by Genghis was far too visceral to anticipate anything else.
Kokoro is trying to communicate something but is initially unable to. He rocks himself, hunched over and groaning in pain.
"What is it, Mugoi."
"They…finished…it…"
Genghis yanks him upright even while Kokoro shamelessly curls into himself, heaving for respiration.
"Then give it to me."
Genghis unapologetically holds out his hand palm up and waits for the item to be placed into it. Once received, he kicks Kokoro in the face so that his body falls over to the side to taste the Earth beneath. Temujin now walks back towards Getou on the table who appears minorly affected.
"It was hoped that after the hybrid was put down I could avoid you having to kill Gojo yourself."
He smiles kindly to Suguru, raising it to their eye level.
"As I said, Little One, there is always a choice."
Getou looks over the object, this tiny black box.
"I don't understand. What's in it?"
"I've asked our loyal members that thrive the most to focus their particular abilities into this. Only with our knowledge of Oda's world and its connection to ours were we able to effectively create something that could counter and even manipulate the turned's energy. "
"So...you mean to do away with Elska then?"
Getou is mostly relieved by this thought but to his complete discomfort feels the tiniest tug on his heart and doesn't understand why so he ignores it.
"Is there something inside of the box?"
"This isn't for her but rather for the other one like her…this Toji Fushiguro."
Genghis grins in a creepy manner that would be more befitting of a madman before he proceeds explaining.
"Toji became like her and it was discovered by our new spy that he could also harm Gojo if certain conditions are met. If we can successfully corrupt Fushiguro then he will be able to do all the dirty work, not you."
Getou doesn't know what to say. He's angry at Toji's betrayal but only because he liked him so much to begin with. Suguru sighs and thinks deeper. He still wants to fight and kill Gojo himself so he feels that forcing a prideful man like Toji through anything that's not of his own will is unnecessarily risky. Anyone who isn't afraid of being on Fushiguro's shit list is a fucking moron and this is mainly why Suguru didn't retaliate when Toji left. To make matters worse, the giant has only become stronger since being turned.
"Will it kill him?"
Genghis is troubled over that question.
"No. The object itself won't but I can't speak for what his actions against the others will result in. I have no control over that. Do you care for that man?"
Getou truly does as well for Choso. He realizes that he's grateful Choso wasn't 'put down' as his mentor stated but becomes irritated when he understands that his gratefulness transfers to Elska for stopping it.
Suguru turns his head towards Kokoro to take in the full detail of the account.
"How was she able to save Choso?"
Mugoi is still irritated that he's been treated in the way he has been by Genghis so his attitude is prevalent.
"She took it into herself...which isn't good for the fucking record! If she fully awakens then everything could be jeopardized! It would all be over!".
"She sounds feisty, this Oda…"
Genghis's usual temperament has returned.
"Were you able to tell if there were any changes within her? Does she realize what the hybrid can do for her?"
Before he lets Kokoro answer though, he glances to Getou.
"Unfortunately the hybrid is very, very bad for us now that he's with them. This was always a possibility though I suppose...from what I hear she has quite the way with men."
Getou scoffs. He's offended by the slightest hint of praise given to Elska from his master.
Kokoro finally climbs to his feet and reluctantly relays the report.
"Obviously we couldn't feel any differences but her appearance altered and so did the dynamic between the two."
He sees the flat expression on Genghis as to assure him to say everything or else.
"She began to sexually engage with him. We've not seen any other indicator that they have this kind of relationship so it's my genius theory that it served as a warning of her full, inner self being nourished by the hybrid which brought her out momentarily."
Getou is genuinely confused as he's not been made aware of any of this.
"What do you mean? How does Choso affect bird girl?"
Genghis sits himself next to Suguru and leans back onto his arms against the surface.
"The hybrid was perfect for us before because once we had her on our side, she would notably help us with our cause. When she feeds from the hybrid curse, we've seen in many possible scenarios that her true self slowly awakens but only if continuously supplied. Of course, we would never wish for her to do that in full but we would be able to control her power level and use it when needed with her being your bride."
Kokoro leans up and away from the wall as he chooses to only speak when necessary. His mood still is still fouled and if he doesn't recompose himself he fears for his pride and credibility amongst them.
"The bitch has altered every course we've seen though."
"Yes, that has been a problem. Just as her presence affects other's techniques the same goes for us as well. Her being brought back to this world was always a risk. The balance once set ripples with uncertainty. Little One, our ancestors sent her ancestors away to save countless lives so us Titers have already bent and altered the time continuum once before. It's a pretty entertaining story, you know. The Oda clan was originally never involved in the shaman world until they made a deal that enabled them to…evolve."
"Why have I not been taught these techniques or history?! WHY AM I JUST FINDING THIS OUT?!"
Getou feels enraged and humiliated. His view falls to the floor where he sees his own useless legs; he can't even storm out of there. His emotions spill over in the form of a singularly anguished question.
"Why that fucking girl?!"
"You will learn everything in time, Suguru. You were given enough of a plate already; the postponement was my suggestion…"
Genghis reaches out to place a hand on Getou but is brushed away. He studies Suguru for a moment and takes notice to the insecurity bleeding from his pores.
"When she was turned, the situation was orchestrated to be…unique."
But sighs when Suguru is still reluctant to make eye contact.
"You're not a puppet little one, I just didn't want you to be overwhelmed. You've not be handed the easiest life. An entire clan of great consequences weighs on your shoulders and that in itself is daunting to accept on a daily basis."
"If I am not a puppet then I shall have my say."
Getou pauses as he ensures he has their undivided attention.
"I do not wish to kill Toji Fushiguro or Choso. We will NOT hurt them in any way. If you can guarantee to me that this object will not harm Fushiguro then I will allow that option. We will extract him once he has assisted me with Gojo. If he must die then I wish to end him myself...on my own terms."
"I'm sure we can arrange for that but Little One…Chos-…the hybrid, is too powerful and now is with the enemy. I don't know if there's much of a choice left where he is concerned."
Kokoro rolls his eyes.
"You and those God damn creatures."
"AS I was saying…"
Genghis halts the nonsense.
"She's altering every possible future scenario we've been given so we don't know what to expect and this is unsettling. The hybrid being with her while they fight against us could cost us everything."
Genghis sighs.
"Things have definitely not gone as planned…we can't afford mistakes with this either."
His eyes meet with Getou's as he increases his intensity.
"The hybrid must be dealt with. Perhaps Toji can help with that too."
Getou dislikes what he's hearing but comprehends that Genghis would have said otherwise is sparing Choso was possible. His whole mood depresses as the other two carry on about the two clan's history which he's honestly intrigued by but hasn't the heart to disregard the fact that eventually, he will be responsible for all three of the brother's murders. He loathes this burden, the heartache of always destroying the things you care about.
"Kechi...you'll see your biggest brother soon..."