Suguru has been lying in bed for hours now with his mind wandering through his past and imagining different scenarios for the future. He sighs as he tosses and turns for the thousandth time just to end up gazing over the viewable parts of his new quarters that this angle allows.
This is by far the cheeriest room he has ever called his own and it kind of makes him sick. The walls are a warm golden-yellow, the floors of solid hardened red clay and all of the matching furniture adorning the room, dark-stained wood. His eyes take to the closed curtains with long thick white drapes but Suguru mumbles unpleasantries since there's not even a window behind it. There's no way for there to be one when you're underground.
'This is so fucking annoying…'
Sitting up now with aggravation, he reaches over to the bedside table and places the bowl of water he was using the night before back into his lap. There are other Titers specifically tasked with the enemy's surveillance but he can't help himself, he wants to see her too. Before activating his technique though, anxiety throws a axe at his chest.
'What the fuck am I going to do when we take her? What the fuck will she do?'
Footsteps approach his door which tells Getou that Genghis must have already finished with most of the arrangements.
'Great.'
Genghis strolls in like a happiness rainbow has been shoved up his ass and eagerly prompts his pupil.
"Little one! Time to wake up!"
When the faux head sees that Suguru is already awake, he stops and smiles with a question.
"Aren't you excited about today?"
He looks over the worrisome Suguru who's vexation is transparent. The golden sheets drape along his body and slide from his bare skin whenever he moves under them as if it were a fabric that could protect him from his fate.
Getou grumbles and turns his head down.
"I don't think what I'm feeling is excitement…"
He reverts back looking at the curtains that hide lies while wondering if he's much different.
'Will I have to subdue her when she lashes out? Am I going to have to hurt her when she resists?'
He's had no qualms with doing so in the past but feels an incredible amount of pressure regarding it now.
'Could Elska and I…like each other?'
Genghis chuckles and ignores Suguru's reluctant attitude and instead sizes up the new room.
"This is definitely much more suitable! Did you really put in a request for a giant tub though?"
He's poking fun at his pupil but was also genuinely puzzled by that. Regardless, Genghis ensures that the brighter room will serve them both well psychologically.
'Not too shabby for being done at the last minute.'
Embarrassed by the question, Getou submerges deeper into his bad mood and bed.
"It's for me. I'm tall."
He's certainly not about to admit that it was for Elska; thinking she really must love them judging by how insane Naoya acted about it when the Zenin originally designed the first room where she was held. Suguru is aware that her reaction may be hostile overall and is dreading these coming days because of it so he hopes having one may ease her nerves.
He doesn't know that the tub is Naoya's thing.
Genghis isn't really satisfied with that answer but continues on.
"I've summoned the most adept offensive fighters we have to offer."
Understanding that the Titer's abilities are incredible but lack in the area of traditional combat, selecting the most capable available would be crucial.
"I believe you'll quite enjoy my plan…"
Temujin's teeth show in this smile now being more than willing to share his enthusiasm.
Suguru finally turns to his mentor, interested.
"Do tell me what you've concocted."
Genghis lights up.
"So as we were discussing, we need to restrict their actions. We will make our move in a public setting but you'll still be able to have your fun. We will have to harm a few innocents but I assume that's not what troubles you."
"No. It's not."
Genghis gathers that his pupil is finally taking matters to heart which forces him to grin maniacally.
"Mr. Satoru Gojo's presence will be requested before the Elders here in a bit and his curiosity will assure he attends."
Genghis sighs.
"I was worried Gojo might want to kill all the representatives because of their involvement alone but I brought in two special people to mediate our fictitious ambitions."
He chuckles to Suguru's furrowing but questioning brow.
"The Silver Shaman has no idea what's in store for him."
Getou smirks at the thought of Gojo having the rug pulled from beneath him, it's simply a satisfying probability.
"So we're planning on having to deal with Toji, Zenin and Choso…aside from her today?"
Genghis nods to his question but a heaviness forms in Suguru's chest when he thinks about having to kill Choso. He's still not on board with that and figures he'll try his best to protect the hybrid in the midst of confusion. Getou wishes to find a way to bring the being back to his side.
'Not him too. I won't allow it.'
Genghis claps his hands, causing his golden robes to flutter.
"You better get up and get ready! I'm about to meet with our team. I believe your first sweetheart will be amongst them. Perhaps we'll have a little reunion!"
Getou stiffens immediately as that did not help his motivation.
Temujin laughs for the drama but honestly loathes that woman.
"Lydia?"
Genghis peacefully nods.
"She's fucking crazy Master Genghis! I don't want to be anywhere near her!"
Suguru takes his head to his hands as a few memories of her dependency and inhumane behavior flood him. To submerge back into that time in his life is equivalent to 10,000 days without food or water but being positioned in front of it; complete misery.
'Psychotic bitch.'
Lidia always chased after Suguru when they were younger and at some point this wore on him as before he knew it, she was claiming them to be betrothed. He had no say though. She was obsessed with his destiny, his calling for the clan and would worship him in the most toxic ways due to it.
"Master Genghis...do you understand what that vile woman is capable of?"
Lydia's need to be the only one in Getou's life caused her to manipulate every aspect she could.
One time, she found out that Suguru was receiving disciplinary action for refusal to participate in classes and did not agree with that judgement. Lydia did not see the record being fit for someone of Getou's standing so she attempted to seduce that teacher and recorded it only to edit the video and expose the man for something he was not. Suguru recalls the twisting in his gut when he realized that Lydia slept with an additional man just to have a body to fake but the real horror had yet to come. The teacher was found days later hanging from a rafter in that very classroom.
"I do, Suguru."
The months after this incident naturally led Suguru to stray from Lydia and towards others. Not even this was an answer however because eventually, the lack of attention caused Lydia to mutilate young women amongst Suguru's outer circle out of spite and jealousy. He once found feelings for another clanswoman once though; she was tall, tan and had long beautiful black hair. Suguru would've done anything to get closer to that girl that sparked something in him but before he was even sure of his own feelings, Lydia managed to slash her face to the point to where her and her family went into hiding. She would not accept a visit from Suguru afterwards either and so he carries this guilt with him every day. The woman he held captive at the base was a near spitting image of his childhood crush but Getou has a hard time facing himself now with how all that even ended.
His and Lydia's time together did not last long as it quickly became a violent pairing; ending with him crushing her ribs under his usual technique. just to feel unoppressed. Suguru sighs his disbelief to her involvement and feels the nausea take root.
"She's is not going to help me obtain another woman…"
Shuddering, Suguru remembers how after healing, she was back to throwing herself at him as if nothing happened; like zero boundaries had been crossed.
'Fucking…crazy…'
Genghis hides his sneer, knowing full and well the history of the two.
"On the contrary, she requested this assignment."
He notices Suguru's growing frustration and wishes he could explain exactly why he's doing what he's doing but instead goes a different route.
"I've seen many outcomes for this and although they may have varied, I can assure you Lydia will serve a great purpose here."
Little does Getou know, Lydia will be the proof offered to Elska to show that she will be cared for while in the Titer compound.
Suguru is skeptical to believe this and shows it through his expression as he rises from the bed and says.
"Women are the bane of my existence…"
He stretches in his black briefs and cracks his neck while stewing on a foreboding feeling eating at him.
'I'm probably going to have to expose my other techniques now.'
"You're about to receive the most powerful wife in the world and yet, you complain."
Genghis teases but he'd probably be nervous too if the roles were reversed. He watches Suguru don a black robe, clearly showing signs of stress so he walks up to him and puts his jokes aside.
"This is going to work out, little one, one way or another."
Genghis then pulls Getou's head down to plant a fatherly kiss to the top of it. After sharing the rare moment, he bows and leaves Suguru to his morning routine.
Suguru watches him walk out of the room with conflicting emotions. Genghis is the only man he's ever looked up to; the only other human that ever offered genuine affection. Ever since Suguru was reunited with his mentor though, something has felt off or perhaps Temujin just seems more purposeful. Suguru struggles to know if this odd feeling is because of his own unstable emotions that threaten to derail his purpose of revenge or if there's another reason begging for acknowledgement. He trusts that his mentor is still worthy of his respect and recognition though so ultimately, Suguru finds his returning welcomed regardless.
'All of those years…'
He wonders exactly where his mentor spent his time and why.
Genghis is turning a hall leading to a spiraling ramp to take him upward. He sees two of the recruited Titers waiting for him outside of the designated auditorium-styled room near the top, smiles and nears them.
The first one he shakes hands with is Sain Khun. The 32-year-old Titer is a remarkable martial artist and hunter. His rare eyes are more grey than blue and stand in contrast to his long black hair that he wears down. Sain is one of the handful of Titers that learned to channel their metaphysical natured abilities into to combative techniques but usually stays out of the political fray of the clan.
'A fine young man.'
Before he's able to address the handsome Titer, the annoying second part of the pairing cuts in.
"Master Genghis, I have more questions about this woman."
Lydia shamelessly exudes her opinion of the situation and demands attention. She receives a sharp look from the clan's head but it only fuels her suspicions.
"Are we certain she's the best pairing for Master Getou? Don't you find this all a little sus?!"
"Miss Lydia, you look lovely today…"
Genghis takes her hand and kisses it, ignoring her inquires. He continues to smile until she speaks up again.
'She never ceases.'
"Can we trust that her intentions for Master Getou are ones we can stand by?"
Lydia shakes her long curly red hair that dances along her arms and with green eyes narrowed, she waits for an answer.
"She's not even human. What if she uses her powers to manipulate his biology as well? Doesn't sound trustworthy to me!"
Her foot taps impatiently against the now softer ground.
"I don't know who this girl thinks she is but I'll fucking kill that bitch if she even looks at him wrong."
Genghis has already grown tired of catering to Lydia's neediness in the short time they've come to know each other but understands how vital she will be.
"And what of your own intentions, my dear? Are you telling me you're too noble to have a stake in this?"
Temujin confidently questions her and doesn't need an answer. He already knows and is glad to see her heart hasn't wavered from its possessive ways.
Sain slouches and feels forced since this meet and greet was supposed to be simple. He cares not of Lydia's unhealthy interest in Suguru and even with his instincts crying against Genghis, he feels badly for the man so he enters the conversation in hopes to shut it down.
"Lusting Lydia, it's time to get on with the meeting."
Sain hooks her arm and leads her through the door where the rest of the selected wait.
Genghis takes a moment to center himself while every one finds their seats.
'I understand your resentment little one…'
This quick exchange between them wasn't the worst he's suffered from the woman but he still cannot stand to be around Lydia. He chuckles and whispers to himself.
"But if she were any more sane, this wouldn't work."
————————————————————————————–
Elska is looking around the busy street as they occasionally squeeze past random strangers. She's never been to this part of the city before and is feeling anxious by the crowd. Her mind is heavy and plagued with questions over the evening before but she doesn't want to dampen Naoya's mission for the day.
"My prince, are you sure it's around here?"
The sun is free of clouds but a chilling breeze catches them every so often.
"I'm positive!"
Naoya stops near the edge of the wide sidewalk and pulls out his phone to check his location and make sure he could stand by those words.
'Where the hell is it?'
His brow creases after studying the screen.
Toji runs a hand through his hair.
"We've been walking forever."
The giant's abnormally agitated but also hates crowds and is pinning his mood on being dragged out into one. He looks at Elska whose eyes happen to meet his and feels his tension dissipate ever so slightly when the wind blows her blue-nearly black V-cut dress along her calves. All of them are dressed up more than usual since Naoya begged for them to eat at one of his favorite restaurants. Toji catches Elska eyeing him in a way that foretells she finds his black suit appetizing, and it makes him feel like he could deal with it's restrictive feel a little longer.
"It says we're close!"
Naoya points to the map on his phone pridefully; it's been a few years since he was on this side of the city and a lot has changed. He's becoming frustrated with not knowing how much time they'll have before Gojo returns since he's hoping to enjoy some normalcy.
'I just want to treat her to nice meal!'
He turns to Elska and takes her hand.
"Baby, I promise it will be worth it. I'm talking…food fit for a princess."
When she giggles, Naoya does too and is happy to see that she isn't wanting to turn around. He shifts his gaze to Toji now and snickers as the giant narrows his eyes before continuing ahead.
"What?"
"Want me to find you a walker?"
Toji glares at his younger cousin for a moment but instead of saying anything back, he crudely pushes the Zenin ahead of him so they can eventually make it to their destination.
Elska feels Naoya's finger lace into hers as they resume walking with Toji on her left. She's trying to be cheerful today, wanting to appreciate the time she's spending with both of them but her mind keeps leading her into thought.
The night before, Toji stopped her from feeding and although she was aware of why and understood the risks Satoru spoke about, she tried to proceed anyway. There were a weird few seconds where she could only focus on drinking from her beloved and flailed wildly while he restrained her.
'Why did it feel like I wanted the Titer energy too?'
She thinks to hold Toji's hand as well in this moment but stops herself as she doesn't want to draw unnecessary attention to the three of them. Just because this dynamic is their normal doesn't mean it couldn't cause them trouble amongst others.
'Toji looked so concerned all while I couldn't even stop…'
The ancestral voice advised her to feed. She hadn't heard that eerie sound in what felt like such a long time that it almost seemed like maybe it was all part of a bad dream.
Elska's heart aches as she knows this was out of character and extremely selfish when they didn't know how the energy could affect her. The one thing keeping her emotions afloat here is how Toji held her after she snapped out it; how he appeared to understand without saying that she didn't mean to.
Toji lets Naoya and Elska get a step ahead of him so he can keep his eyes on her. After their last outing he's remaining highly aware of their surroundings and is watching for anything suspicious. He sees Naoya in his dark grey slacks and black dress shirt, leaning down to talk to her as they maneuver through the groups of families and friends, keeping her close.
'Is she really, okay?'
Toji recalls how she fought against him the night before after resisting to offer himself. Gojo tried to rush to the bed after witnessing her reaction but Toji was also wanting to shield Elska from him.
'She was switching...but without any warning at all...'
Her eyes changed and began showing the dashes of his green while she clawed at his arms and flashed her fangs. Toji knew that wasn't his Elska but didn't want to make anyone apprehensive so he hid her the best he could from Satoru until she reverted.
'Why was the other her so desperate to drink from me?'
He heard something from within while this was all occurring though; a voice that he swears communicated for him to feed his master.
'Is that even possible? What the fuck was that? Am I losing it?'
Toji rubs his bicep after feeling a sharp pain run through his arm but takes a deep breath and remains mentally vigilant.
Naoya leads them to a building that has loud club music playing inside, the base being noticeable from where they stand. He looks up and scrunches his face in displeasure.
"Whaaaa-what the fuck is this?!"
The sophisticated Japanese establishment he once adored has now been replaced by a dirty-bricked disco joint. Naoya's eyes scour the unmanicured entrance with overgrown weeds and old cigarette butts sprinkled every square foot.
'Son-of-a-bitch!'
Naoya checks his watch that bares 1:39 p.m. and is further confused by the daytime club scene. A group of four men stumble out of the swinging front doors, laughing breathlessly together.
Toji cackles on the sidewalk.
"HA! I guess its not as abandoned as it looks."
Naoya orients back to the building and bites his nails.
"I've failed."
Toji can be heard groaning so Naoya orients himself to face them both.
"It was right here!! I swear it!"
The Zenin takes in Elska's kind smile and returns one once it's clear that she's not going to make him feel bad for being wrong. Not knowing what to do to save their lunch adventure, he stands there awkwardly to engage his brain but Elska's voice jams his gears.
"Well let's enjoy a drink while we look up somewhere else nearby!"
Naoya grins at her ability to always find a silver lining and follows behind her up the ramp that leads inside.
As they walk through the room on the first floor, Toji feels an intensely familiar sensation wash over him. It wasn't so long ago that shit bars like this place were a second home. After his first wife died he couldn't stand the feeling of being in his house alone and therefor always grasped at the night life to dwindle the evenings away.
'Those were some dark times...'
Music is drowning out most other sounds but the way the bass pulses through him allows him to instantly feel alert and alive. The stench of cigarettes, sweat and alcohol sting his senses while they cross the room towards the bar but once sitting, he catches a whiff of Elska's perfume when she whips her hair to the side, exposing her neck and causing him to stir in the stool.
Naoya hands out drink menus for them all but Toji doesn't even look at his; knowing his order and wanting it immediately. He feels unusually ready to pounce on his doll but is cautiously calming himself by reiterating where they are.
'I am not Gojo…'
When Elska crosses her legs though, that cryptic sting resonates his arm again.
"I'm thinking a red…'
Elska states this loud enough to be heard while looking over the wine menu. Naoya smirks and announces his choice of Mojito.
"So that's why you're such a sweet prince?"
With eyes on Naoya, she places a hand on Toji's right knee and is surprised when she feels the giant jump. Turning towards her beloved with curious eyes, wonderment expresses itself in her voice.
"Did I scare you!?"
Elska giggles until she registers the intensity in Toji's eyes and is left wondering why he's exuding so much. Her breath is trapped in her throat as she waits for his emerald eyes to glow, knowing that would not be good for where they are. They never do though and she eventually resumes respiration when he places his own large hand over hers.
'What was that? Is something wrong with Toji?'
Swiveling her head around the large room to take in all of the day drinkers on the dance floor invites the previous pressures about going out into public, back.
'Is it wrong for me to be here?'
She becomes distracted when their bartender, a young man with short black hair, appears to take their orders with a smile and begins to serve them up on the spot. He recommends a red for Elska that he swears is his personal favorite and proudly waits for the approving sip. When she states its palatability, he winks and runs off to tend to other customers but Toji can't help but glare menacingly.
'That's a brave man to be flirting right in front of us.'
Naoya sips his drink while eyeing Toji chug his whiskey on the rocks.
"Slow down old man, we still have to go somewhere to eat!"
The blonde laughs at the eyeroll he receives but notices Elska drinking pretty quickly as well.
"Baby, what's on your mind?"
Naoya knows something is bothering them but begins to wonder if they're all merely nervous after the last Titer attack.
'Maybe I can convince her to dance it away!'
He smirks and imagines himself twirling Elska under the club lights. All of this actually is simply his attempt at giving her a good, care-free day.
After finishing her glass, she sets it down on the bar.
"I'm fine, I promise! I just really have to pee!"
Naoya chuckles and adjusts himself so she has room and assistance to slide off her stool.
"You do look beautiful today, you know that, right?"
Elska stomach curls into butterflies when Naoya's lips grace her hand but she snatches it away when his touch gives birth to signs of heat.
The Zenin cannot take offense to her action as she pulls away for its the utmost gratifying feeling to know that they still dance along this line of insane chemistry. When Elska walks away Naoya sits back down and buries his head. to make weird, groaning noises.
Toji studies her navigation through the room but elbows his cousin.
"What the hell are you doing, boy? Stop moaning or our bartender will think we're an item. He's got eyes for Elska."
Naoya launches his head up to reveal a beat red complexion.
"Tooojiiiiii! I just can't get over how good things are these days! Did your old man eyes see how cute she was a minute ago?! Like...how is she even a real person?!"
"Calm down."
The Zenin dramatically puts his hand over his heart and grips his shirt.
"But I can't! It was like cupid's bow all over again..."
The giant's eyes follow her until she turns a corner down a hall on the left that leads deeper in.
"I don't like this. She shouldn't be alone."
Toji's worried about her and has this acquainted, unyielding need to be in her vicinity.
"I'm going to wait for her, watch the drinks."
He hears Naoya protest with grief but coldly faces him.
"Boy, why don't you find us a place to eat since we're out here because of you."
Naoya does a decent job at hiding his hurt but the guilt barrels over Toji when he considers how rude of him that was. To counter his previous aggression, the giant lays a kind but heavy hand on the blonde's shoulder why while walking by.
"Order another round too, will ya?"
Elska stands up in the stall and flushes but doesn't leave. She's feeling like Toji's eyes were trying to tell her something minutes ago but she can't figure it out. All she's been able to gather is that it was sexy. Sighing into the air, she opens the latched door to wash and dry her hands but takes in her reflection in the mirror.
'Life is so much crazier now…'
But Elska also smiles with the knowledge that she has incredible support from everyone.
The door pushes open abruptly behind her and she gasps in startlement once realizing who it is.
"TOJI! What if there are other girls in here?!"
She can tell by his expression however, that it wouldn't have mattered anyway.
"Doll…"
He mutters this with parted lips but slowly locks the door behind him. He sees that Elska's caught off guard when she asks why he's in there but doesn't respond and keeps walks closer until he's inches away.
"I need…"
Toji lifts her up so she can wrap her legs around his waist which he then supports her back with his right arm. Dragging the tip of his nose along her collar bone, he hungrily examines her skin changing pigment from his glowing eyes.
"I need you."
Her hands are roaming through his hair and he moans to the sensation of her nails against his scalp.
"Right now."
He nearly growls while sinking her into his groin.
"Toji…"
She was right about his prior intensity but can't find it in her heart to stop him when he begins kissing the crook of her neck. The music can be heard through the walls along with idle chatter and despite her beloved's salacious behavior, it all serves as a reminder for where they're at. Elska thinks of her pheromones and instantly pulls herself out of their beautiful trance.
"We shouldn't do this here, my beloved."
She frowns as his eyes raise to meet her own.
"I can't release them here. It'll be a disaster if I do!"
"What exactly do you think I'm asking of you right now, doll?"
Feeling his fangs form, Toji shows them to her and happily takes in her reaction as she smiles and moves her hair aside.
"Oh! ok…but we still have to be quick. Sorry for thinking you'd be trying to seduce me here..."
Toji cackles and squeezes her rear with the hand supporting her and drags his teeth across the skin of her neck.
"I just need to taste you."
He wantonly groans before biting down, slyly wishing that they were the only two people left in the entire city. She gasps to his intrusion and grips his hair when he begins to suckle but his own whimpers can be heard between gulps, loving every drop he's being given as he deciphers her soul and feelings. Elska's flavor, now that he's not as overloaded by the information, is reminiscent of the aroma born from a field of wild flowers. It's earthy and savory and each time he swallows more of her blood, his overall restlessness fades while her squirming increases.
Elska cradles his head while melting in the master's ecstasy flowing through her. Her eyes are closed and she bites her lip in futile attempts to muffle her sounds but the whimpers flutter out.
"My beloved…"
His hypertonicity dwindles as she feels his left hand travel up her back, resting a grip on the nape of her neck.
"I love you, my beloved Toji…"
She gasps in desperation as she can sense his own and desires to assure him of his importance. Those same fingers now dance along her clavicle as he brings them over the wounds to close them, though he remains panting into her neck. He leaves his face buried there, casually adorning the area with his lips but she can tell he's gathering himself.
"Do you feel better now?"
Elska caresses his temple and cheek hoping that he does. She's feeling pretty terrible herself now since she didn't recognize or even sense his disposition sooner. When Toji lifts his head to look at her again, she feels the need to lock her lips to his as they both exhale in a gratified union. She moves the hair out of his eyes and kisses his forehead before he gently puts her back down, him looking refreshed with a bashful grin.
Toji grabs a paper towel from the dispenser and wets it. In the mirror he can see Elska's loving eyes watching him and it causes the scar on the corner of his lips bends pleasantly.
While wiping away any evidence, he shyly adds a response to something she said only moments ago.
"I love you too, doll."
After discarding the bloodied paper towel, he takes up her hands in his own.
"I'm sorry for following you in here, I just…I don't know...I really needed to do that."
He's still uneasy by how compelling the desire was.
"I felt like I wouldn't get another chance or something..."
Toji witnesses the concern blossom on Elska's face so he tries to quell her worries.
"It was just time for me to feed doll, everything is okay."
Her hand sails upwards to hold his cheek so he leans into it.
'I have to keep her safe.'
Naoya is watching the condensation accumulate on the glasses and is now feeling anxious as he checks his watch again.
'Where are they?!'
He swings around in the stool to check the room and feels an incredible wave of relief when he finds Toji and Elska making their way back to the bar. After they sit, he can't help but question them.
"Did you guys go to the bathroom at the dorms or what?"
But to Naoya's dismay, he picks up on the weird laughs he receives from them.
'He wouldn't have tried something Gojo-y, would he?!'
Naoya squints his eyes at Toji.
'He looks way better though.'
With these facts before him, Naoya decides to let it go as he's sure even a quickie couldn't be that quick.
"Baby…"
Naoya slides his phone over in front of them as he finishes his second Mojito.
"I've never been here before but I looked over their menu and it's somehow really similar to the one I was originally planning you to look at. Oh! They have beautiful seating along the water too!"
Elska giggles to her prince's excitement and agrees to go discover this new fancy restaurant.
"…and it's only about half a mile away by foot!"
———————————————————————
Gojo is quickly walking through the whited-out halls with Choso following behind.
"Choso, when we get in there…I have to warn you...you're not exactly expected."
Gojo heard the being's rubber soles screech to a stop so he turns around to reassure and wave for him to hurry.
"You're with me though so it's fine! If they say anything to you, just ignore them. I will do the talking."
"I…I don't understand why I'm here with you and not everyone else…"
Choso is familiar with the Elders but can't ignore the fact that he used to work for them where as he's now on the opposing side. He was also expecting Satoru to sulk and whine over being called in today but is puzzled by how thrilled he is in reality.
Gojo jumps up to click his heels to the side.
"I don't trust these cunts and I'm almost positive this is a trap of some sort…"
He notices Choso's eyes widen with confusion so he giggles and continues.
"If they're trying to distract me from Elska then they fail if you're there using your technique to watch her for me!"
That infamously smug grin appears.
"This way I'll know the moment something happens."
He's sure the Elders have called him away in order to create an opportunity of some sort but has a mind to flip their plans upside down with this small act of rebellion.
"I can never remember where to go! This shit all looks the same…it's creepy. as fuck!"
Choso sighs but tries to keep up with Gojo's quickened pace. The bright lighting overhead is blinding and causing him to feel a little uneased since his preference reigns in darker territories. He doesn't know what to make of Gojo's explanation but figures he's along for the ride at this point anyways.
"Do you think they'd even admit to what they're doing, Satoru?"
Choso understands the amount of secrecy that surrounds the Elder's goals and is sure that he's not even fully aware of their intentions.
"Yes. I will make sure they do."
Satoru's words are eerie but his expression is still delighted.
"These fuckers have messed with us for long enough. They're cowards, Choso and the things they want to do to my love are unacceptable."
Gojo is certain that none of the others would have condoned what he's thinking he'll have to do which is why he said nothing before leaving.
"They need to leave her alone and how can I call myself the strongest if I can't protect her from these witless skin bags?"
Satoru at least wanted to inform Nanami of his meeting but hasn't been able to reach the fellow shaman yet.
'Did they get to him already?'.
Gojo is certain that something happened with Shoko but was waiting to see how things played out.
'As long as she's fine, I know she can handle it.'
But not for a second does he presume that Kento's reaction would be the same if he's already discovered this too.
Choso feels like something big is about to happen, something that cannot be taken back.
'What is he going to do?'
The unnerving pressure in the being's gut hints that whatever it is, it's not good.
"Itadori and the others are still on standby but isn't it odd that they haven't been given any missions lately? Elska too! She said she hasn't been called to one in months."
"It is extremely odd, my hybrid pal."
They pass one more room before Satoru's feet finally stop moving. Choso watches the Silver Shaman's expression shift to a lethally cold one and feels compelled by that same resolve.
'I guess I have to just trust him…'
The thought not sitting comfortably at all.
Gojo quietly speaks and places a reassuring hand on the hybrids shoulder.
"Remember, don't mind them, they're not worth the stress. You do not serve them any longer and you belong to no one, got that?"
He's impressed when he looks over the being and realizes that his previous fear has been cast away and replaced by a collected ensemble. Satoru feels poised in the dark nature that lurks beneath Choso's kindness.
'I'm pretty sure I'm right about him.'
Turning back to the door, Gojo nods to the being before fiercely kicking it open.
"WHAT'S UP FUCKERS?!"
Three people sit along one side of a long white table seeming prepared aside from the sudden commotion. The first is a representative of the Kamo clan, a new middle-aged face Satoru has never seen draped in dark red robes. The second is the loyal Zenin sub-clansman known better as "Peaches" for a lesser known reason. Gojo knows him rather well from his childhood and all of the clan events he was forced to attend. The third, however, catches Satoru by complete surprise and angers him to an instant point of boiling rage. The woman sitting as a representative for his own clan is none other than his mother.
Gojo seethes with white knuckled fists as old anguish resurfaces between the two.
"What the fuck are you doing here?"
Satoru hasn't been home in years and purposefully because was sure if he stayed any longer, he'd annihilate his own family.
The Kamo rep scoffs and points to Choso.
"Yes… well hello to you too Satoru Gojo. We could ask your friend the same. Isn't that Kamo property?"
The hybrid and Gojo fail to give him the time of day though, stirring this stranger's tension.
Gojo never takes his eyes off of his mother while waiting in silence. His eyes eventually darken though.
"I asked you a fucking question you miserable old whore."
He feels the urge to gather a technique but calms himself with better judgement.
"That is no way to talk to the woman who raised you! But I do suppose you were daft from birth..."
She laughs in a haughty way but brings her dramatics to a cringey close that erases any humor from her face.
"Why else would I be here? You can't be left to just do whatever you please…"
She tilts her nose up and displays her notion that feels untouchable.
Peaches shifts in his chair.
"You have something that needs to be returned to the Zenin's. Master Naoya was promised this."
He's honestly terrified of Gojo but would never allow this to show but Satoru darts stormy eyes in his direction, Peaches endures a chill racing down his spine.
Gojo voice is calm, almost lighthearted.
"Let's just be frank about it. You want my love."
He brings his gaze back to his mother, feeling a little better about the situation knowing he's going to be able to handle more business than originally expected today.
"Choso, please start now."
Gojo doesn't have to look since he can feel the being's energy gathering to form the window. He watches the representatives lean to figure out what the hybrid is up to and laughs out loud.
"My friend here..."
He scowls at the Kamo man.
"...is going to observe Elska while we meet."
He winks to Peaches
"She's with Naoya right now for your information…Toji too."
Gojo's mother bursts into a kind of brief but unbearable hyaena laughter that threatens to rupture the unsuspecting eardrums of the others.
"You think you have it all figured out, don't you? Such a pitiful child."
Her long silver hair waves in the air as she jerks her head to see Peaches's perplexed expression and folds her arms while thinking of how many more beatings her son should have to experience when younger.
"Don't believe him just because he speaks it…trust me…Satoru has always been so full of shit..."
Still rather confused, Peaches clears his throat and tries to save face.
"Surely this is some kind of joke. I hate to be the one to have to say this...but...Master Naoya loathes your very existence Satoru."
Peaches is now chuckling to himself, having felt it was a test of some sort.
"Are we not on better terms than that of your games?"
He's now sure it was a lie.
Gojo regrets that Peaches is here today but is unable to overlook the fact that it would seem that the old goat is in cahoots with this situation.
'It can't be helped!'
He turns to Choso now for the first time since they walked into the room and is reassured that nothing bad is happening. Once those nerves are calmed, he faces Peaches again.
"You know… Zenin and I got off on the wrong foot."
Go offers a maniacal grin and preemptively swims in the shock that will plaster everyone's face.
"But now we have threesomes!"
The Kamo man chokes on his own saliva to the mention but his mother released a disrespectful lip smack.
"Mother, don't be upset just because no one wants to fuck you. I mean, it can't be helped when your cunt leaks venom."
Choso motionlessly listens to the meeting unfold; completely flabbergasted by Satoru's way of speaking.
'What did his mother do to him to make him hate her so much?'
He hesitates to explore the options in his mind as he can only imagine. Aside from that though, Choso has never witnessed such a display of blatant disrespect to the higher ups and is completely unnerved by the Silver Shaman's ever changing composure.
'What is he planning to do?'
The ominous feelings he's experiencing from this are only growing at this point.
Peaches is red with embarrassment and allows his anger on the matter to spill over.
"YOUNG MASTER NAOYA WOULD NEVER DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!"
The representative huffs relentlessly to the accusations and feels disgraced for his ears being exposed to such vile talk. When expecting to see an angry Gojo though, he's further confused by the smile that meets him instead.
Satoru runs his finger along the table as he casually saunters in front of each of them.
"You know...if you three decide to get rowdy…I'll have to kill you."
He basks in the glares and especially enjoys his mother's disdain as she probably knows better than anyone there, he's not playing around.
"You being here makes you my enemy, mommy. How long have you been involved?"
She starts to swat his question away with a scoff but everyone leaps out of their skin when Satoru screams.
"HOW FUCKING LONG?!"
He increases his presence tenfold and studies the representatives writhe in distress before him. But even with the room's physics feeling like they could be turned upside down, terror suffocates the reps when she says nothing at all.
The Kamo man is sweating bullets as he's only heard the tales of horrors committed at the hand of Gojo.
'Genghis said nothing about this hostility though. He said things would go much differently than this!"
He switches gaze to the hybrid just as he comprehends that he's bitten off more than he can chew. He's afraid to peel his eyes away from the powerful shaman making inquiring demands but also wants to flee the room.
'This guy is even crazier in person!'
Gojo takes a deep breath and exhales dramatically.
"Well…this is going nowhere…"
Without shame, Satoru summons energy into his hand as he aims it at the Kamo representative. The nameless man cries out in fear and studders in his breathing. Gojo notices Choso jump to his feet but the being thankfully doesn't say anything to go against him. Only when the defeated female voice utters three years does Gojo quell his attack. He thinks about that answer for a moment before acknowledging her again.
'Three years? That's strange.'
Looming across from the woman who birthed him, he prepares his next question and warns of his impatience.
"I'd already had my love for some time before that, why did you join them to conspire against me at that point? Don't make me blow this poor guy's skull open…"
His mother sulks in her seat having her hands tied.
"I thought she was a passing infatuation at first, like all of the others but you completely neglected your responsibilities of being an heir or even a decent member of any society because of that wretch."
She's met with unforgiving, stormy eyes and wishes to smack the audacity out of him but has learned the hard way about his response to abuse. It honestly worked for the first few years but by the time he could walk, Gojo learned to adapt to pain.
"She is not yours Satoru and you jeopardize the entire balance of the clans with your actions of keeping her."
Out of the corner of her eye she sees Peaches nod in support and feels reaffirmed by it.
Gojo slips a wild laugh and slaps the table.
"But she is mine though. I am the one who voyaged worlds away to find her. I am the one who went to incredible lengths to bring her back and I am the one that has protected her from all of your nasty little designs…cunts."
Satoru sighs while resting his hands on his hips, completely unbothered by the three shaman preparing their presences.
"You do know, mom, these Titers that have you in their pocket…they were going to use my love to assassinate me."
The atmosphere of the room deteriorates at the mention of the Titer clan. Its obvious that they were left unaware to Gojo having knowledge of the group's silent partner.
His mother jumps from her seat and screams.
"AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SUCCEEDED!"
All of the hatred she's ever felt for her son sears the air around them, her chest feeling lighter for the honesty but heavier for the fear.
"You were destined for greatness but even with your gifts, something is wrong with you! How you ever came out of me? I will never know…"
She feels she must stand her ground or else the structure they've served their entire lives will crumble.
"You're evil, my child. You always have been and always will be."
Choso is still watching Naoya, Toji and Elska but can't help but be distracted by the darkness exuding Gojo.
'What is going on here?'
He doesn't understand how this is official business and even finds himself feeling defensive over Satoru.
'That woman is appalling.'
He thinks as he considers Gojo's upbringing and decides that there's much more to the man than he ever considered. After surmising that none of the representatives were going to attack, Choso becomes rattled when the window shows Toji drinking from Elska in a cramped bathroom.
'I can't believe the lighting permits this, it must be dim.'
He temporarily becomes fixated with Toji's fangs anchored into Elska but then also with how she quietly moans. He's not seen anyone but her feed before but now that he has, this opens an entirely new world of novelty.
'So, his bite feels good to her as well?'
He brushes his lap as if to tell it to knock it off but his attention is soon stolen by Peaches's mention of Elska.
"If you don't return Elska Oda then this will be seen as an act of aggression Satoru, please…don't do thi-"
But Peaches can no longer speak as Gojo grips his throat and is thrown into a fit of fright.
"I kind of liked you…I was use to you at least…but if you ask me that one more time, I will break your fucking neck."
Gojo feels his face twitch when he squeezes the old man's beard into his throat.
"You guys are fucking with me today and I don't appreciate it."
Never letting go, Satoru turns to his mother but also glances at the petrified Kamo rep.
"I do not give a single flying fuck about the clans, I couldn't care less of your archaic ways and I am never going to surrender my love."
As Peaches reaches a critical point of needing air, Gojo clamps his fingers deeper.
"I left her side today to be here because of your guys' little fucking Titer friends. That is what we will discuss."
Gojo's mother rushes to pull her son's hand away but right as she's reaching out, Satoru releases Peaches. She watches the old man heave and choke uncontrollably and shoots hateful eyes to her long-dead-to-her son. She even frantically thinks to threaten with her husband but knows that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
"How dare you lay a hand on him? Do you fear NOTHING?!"
Satoru smirks while studying Peaches inability to regain his breath.
"I crushed his trachea a bit, he's going to need medical attention soon."
He watches the Kamo man stand up in disbelief so Gojo meticulously warns.
"My mother is right about one thing, I do not fear you or your influence."
"You psychotic little freak!",
His mother cries out in disgust.
"We need to get him to a doctor!"
She feels herself fill with anxiety as she was not expecting him to go this far. Before she knew it, her son had become something far more terrifying that even his father.
"Let us take him, Satoru!"
Gojo hisses.
"If you guys weren't so dead set in dicking me around then this wouldn't have happened. No one leaves until I get some answers."
He strolls around the table, loving how terrified the Kamo representative becomes the closer he nears. He yanks up the suffocating Peaches and throws him back into his chair.
"Have some fucking dignity…I thought better of you."
When Peaches makes eye contact though, he can see the dread wash over the man and Gojo is hit with the fermentation of knowing their dynamic has changed forever.
The Kamo man speaks up sheepishly.
"Wh…What is it that you want to know?"
He's all for handing over the required information as he clearly cares about his life more than the others. Satoru's expression softens as the other two representatives hang their mouths open, not expecting him to fold so easily.
Gojo narrows his icy eyes.
"Everything."
The Kamo rep doesn't know where to begin so he hastily starts blurting out random facts surrounding the situation.
"Suguru Getou inherited ancient techniques as well. The Titers are planning on taking the girl for themselves to ensure their supremacy. There's something they can do with her that no one else can."
He inhales sharply and squeezes his eyes shut to hide from the shame.
"The original head of their clan was called Mugoi Kokoro and he met his end by the hands of your company. They want to repay your transgressions by being rid of you as you are their final target. You're still too strong because of your infinity, so the girl's fate was determined the moment you were born and is meant to serve as a means to your end."
"You…weak...imbecile…"
Gojo's mother retaliates to the sensitive information by pushing Peaches backwards, causing him to fall to the ground and thrash violently. Without so much as a second thought, she gathers energy into her hand and expels it at the Kamo man's rancid and traitorous mouth. The representative dons his own matching blood as his brain matter exits the back of his head, decorating the white surroundings behind him; only a cavernous jagged hole remains where the words escaped him only seconds prior. The body slumps over the table and leaks his remaining essence into a pool that shortly forms a dripping pattern to the white tiled floor.
Choso defensively stands as the black tattoo on his faces begins to wave.
"Satoru…"
This is all he says while watching Gojo's mother now strain to lift the blue tinted and gasping Peaches back upright his seat.
'His mother is just as rash…'
Choso waits for a few moments longer but is eager to gauge Gojo when their eyes finally meet.
'Why does he look so satisfied?'
Choso questions himself as he's met with that smug smile. The Zenin man's eyes look like they may pop out of his head but Choso can still make out Peaches's presence. He hears Gojo's voice.
"Everything is alright Choso, don't worry. Just watch them."
But the being is unable to simply sit with ease at this time.
'How is this alright?'.
Gojo is irritated that the only man that was willing to talk is now dead but he's also able to take the information to heart because of how his mother reacted.
"And you wonder where I get it from, mom?"
Jokes aside, this news truly strikes Satoru's core.
'So all of this really is because of me…'
He thinks of Elska with a heavy heart knowing all that she's been through, even before he got his hands on her...it's all his fault.
'My love…I will make this right.'
Gojo's mother now sits back down, wondering if she went too far and gave away their hand. Peaches struggles to speak next to her but she can make out that he's trying to question the fidelity of the Kamo's last words. She sighs anticlimactically.
"Look Peaches, I like you but I'm siding with Genghis.".
Peaches gurgles himself into a purple hue as he still cannot breathe or talk properly. She understands that Peaches was completely ignorant to the Titer's planned betrayal to the Zenin.
"They're not wanting to eliminate other clans, they're just going to help guide us to this proposed peace, don't worry so much! Imagine us actually being able to retire."
Peaches's view darts between Satoru and his mother as he can only think of Master Naoya who he feels is in grave danger after hearing this information.
'I…he has to know…Master Na…he needs to be made aware! If the Zenin are caught in the crossfire...'
He thinks to grab his phone but he wouldn't be able to relay the information, nor is he fast enough to text it. Peaches chokes in his stress and can tell his body is slowly shutting down after being deprived oxygen and feels completely hopeless about his predicament. When his heavy, hazing eyes meet Gojo's, he freezes in apprehension while listening intently.
"Now, you two...where were we?"