"Oh, thank goodness! I was so concerned!", Genghis shuffles over to Sachiko who is now shoved in his direction by Nanami.
Steadying her by the shoulders, Temujin whispers, "Don't do anything rash.", but after noticing her oddly foul disposition however, he quickly garners apprehension of how she'll react to being put in front of everyone. When he takes in the how Sachiko's appearance is barely out of order, he discerns how well she was treated in their care, adding to his nerves, 'I need to remove her at once.'
Comprehending the old Titer's thoughts, Nanami informs, "I don't take pleasure in hurting women, no matter how atrocious they are."
Kento simmers in his anger over Shoko being held hostage to begin with but brought Sachiko along for a trade in case all else failed. The awkward silence twirling around the room causes Nanami to send sympathetic eyes to Toji, having recently come under the knowledge of the woman's connection to the Fushiguro family.
As Genghis unties the ropes that bind Sachiko's wrists, she vindictively yells, "DO YOU THINK MEGUMI IS YOUR SON?!!", and belligerently jerks herself arms towards Elska.
Temujin instantly is reaching out, pleading, "Sachiko...don't do this...", his weary eyes training to Elska to make sure neither attack.
"But Genghis…", Sachiko narrows her dark, empty eyes while she takes in the audacious display, "We'll never know how strong this monster is..."
Elska hasn't any words. She opens her mouth to defend herself but is all too stunned by Sachiko being alive. There's a huge portion of her that is elated knowing Megumi isn't at all motherless, despite the woman's apparent hatred. However, Elska's heart does ache when wondering what this could mean as far as she's concerned.
Who is she to stand in the way of a family? What if Toji is still in love with Sachiko? He never really stopped loving her, did he? Circumstances separated them, it was not a choice. Will she be replaced? Or be forced to relinquish her beloved? What of their bond?
Elska's teary eyes swim over toward Toji with questions filling them but before she can even shed a stream of regret, her beloved embraces both her and Megumi.
Surprised, Elska gasps, "Toji?", once feeling his mass against them with obvious concern.
The giant sighs but tilts his head into Elska's, "Don't listen to her, doll…you are not at all what she says you are..."
In no way is Toji prepared to deal with this matter since he hasn't even had time to fully grasp it as reality. He glances over to see the wife he no longer recognizes but is countered by an unbearable visceral weight. There's a part of him that still loves Sachiko, or at least the women she portrayed herself to be from their time together. There is no denying that but his heart's jagged pieces are shifting about to find some kind of order as he tries to at least comfort Elska and his son.
He squeezes them with a heavy exhale, "Whatever she said to you Megs, I want you to know I'm proud of you…"
Toji feels Megumi tremble and takes a deep breath as he has no idea what transpired between him and Sachiko when he wasn't present. Grief could be understood here but maliciously confusing their son to the point where he's in tears really depletes the giant's understanding of what could be going through Sachiko's mind.
Gojo is in a shit mood after being forced to merely stand feet away from his greatest enemies, "I knew it the moment I saw her; the resemblance is unfortunately unmistakable." He cracks his knuckles and shakes his head but with the utmost honesty possible, Satoru also adds, "She'd already be a stain in the basement otherwise."
Toji's winces, that statement only adding to his deepening depression. He knows who he needs to protect and they're in his arms but by the rate animosity is seeding into the air, his heart compels him to take awareness of Sachiko just in case she becomes a target.
Naoya swiftly interjects, understanding delicacy could help his cousin, "Gojo, shut the fuck up, we get it."
"But Naaoyaaa!", An out of place whine leaves Satoru, "I could burn out their eyeballs and rip some fucking spines out! Imagine how nice things would be then? Hmm?"
Ignoring the Zenin's scoff, Gojo begins sizing up the two new Titers to figure which is more of a threat besides Getou. When his eyes meet the older Titer, he remembers what his mother mentioned. Satoru then notices something twisted about the man's aura but the variation in his wavelength is so subtle, it would probably be impossible to detect without the six-eyes.
Hardening his expression to the older Titer, Satoru coyly announces, "You must be Genghis…"
The venom in Gojo's tone is not something he can hide since it's taking every ounce of decency that he possesses to not simply unleash all of his frustrations against them, with brutality. In the midst of his murderous thoughts, Satoru's view rancorously snaps down at Sachiko who wears clenched fists, wondering what she's planning to do.
Genghis awkwardly shifts his stance, ignoring Gojo's insinuations and says, "Sain, please escort Mrs. Fushiguro back to her room now.", and whispers to Sachiko before passing her off, "You still have a job to do, do not forget that. Time tells all, dear.", but smiles with reprieve when the grey eyed Titer approaches them to obey.
"Come, Ms. Sachiko...", Sain does his best to remedy Temujin's careless mistake, "Surely, you'd like t-"
As Sain is reaching out to her, Sachiko stomps her right heel, revealing a 6-inch blade that sticks out from the toe of her seemingly harmless flats. She pushes the Hunter into Naoya, swivels herself around Toji, and spins backwards to build speed and force for her kick. She's aiming for Elska and smiles mid turn when she perceives that the girl is going to use her body as a shield for Megumi.
"LOVE!"
The blade catches Elska perfectly, leaving a deep laceration from the middle of her left cheek to diagonally down her face and neck; her wings forming a second too late.
Sachiko grips her wounded leg, 'Those wings are as deadly as they say...', but watches the younger girl collapse and breathes deeply with fulfillment as Elska's blood begins to spray about, donning some willingly.
"BABY!", Naoya runs over as Toji catches Elska, immediately applying pressure to her wounds while Elska lays there clearly disoriented and fighting to breathe. The shock in his princess's eyes as they meet worsens when Naoya pries her hand away and replaces it with his own to press down on her neck, screaming her name hysterically. Watching the blood pump from the gash makes him lightheaded and his eyes begin to glow brightly, while hers do not respond. Out of the corner of his view, the Zenin can see Toji legs almost giving out underneath him as the giant suffers a delay in response.
"YOU BITCH!", Gojo lunges over to Sachiko and punches her so hard in the back of the head that the woman falls face down into the floor, "YOU'RE THE GODDAMN MONSTER!" He kicks her in the face while she lays there, barely hearing Nanami calling for him to stop, "NO GOD DAMN IT! IM FUCKING SICK OF THIS SHIT! HOW DARE SHE?!" Satoru's seeing red and is gearing up to kick the unconscious woman in the skull next but barely misses it as he finds himself being tackled by Nanami. "GET OFF OF ME! SHE FUCKING...SHE FUC-, LOVE...LOVVVE!" He flops underneath Nanami in an attempt to see Elska and begins shaking when he sees how much blood she's lost. "Love…NO! ELSKA!" His watery eyes track Choso as the being runs.
Choso comes over and begins healing Elska instantly but is becoming emotional to the sounds of her choking on her own blood.
"H-...hang on..Els...", seeing her in this waning state causes undeniable vexation to surface, amalgamating with his anxieties to contemplate on what will happen if she can't be saved.
Recalling the circumstance that brought them all to the compound, a thunderous realization strikes Choso as he mentally focuses all of his energy to repair Elska's dire injuries. He meets eyes with Getou across the room who's are fixed in fear while he gradually slides down the wall, screaming, "Is this what you wanted, GETOU?! LOOK AT HER!" Choso cries out to the Titer, inadvertently gritting his teeth with disgust when he sees the unexpected remorse in Suguru.
Choso tries to remain calm and turns his attention back on Elska but some of her blood squirts him in the face. A wrenching bellow leaves him as he wipes it away, condemned by the thought that his technique isn't working fast enough.
Sain hastily picks up Sachiko and runs out of the room before things get worse, hating himself for still pretending to be under Genghis's command. 'Elska can't die…what will happen if she does?!', he thinks to himself as he crosses the threshold through the doorway, somewhat wanting to drop Sachiko off of the face of the Earth for doing something so counterproductive to their cause when she knows of the girl's importance, 'Why do this, Sachiko?!'
Toji, having watched her being carried out, furiously releases a wave of energy that pushes everyone off of their feet as he screams in frustration.
"Dad...Elska...she's..."
The giant secures Megumi who's now even worse off emotionally and holds him while they helplessly watch Naoya break down next to Elska.
"Why is it not...", Toji becomes worried when Choso's healing seems to be taking too long, pestering him with the thought that Sachiko must have nicked one of Elska's arteries. "DOLL HANG ON!", the giant crawls to get as close to her as he can, holding her hand while fighting the ravenous instincts within that call for the slaying of everyone to save his master.
Choso holds his technique but once he thinks of how quickly Naoya's blood works for her, he frantically cries, "Feed her!"
The being promptly helps lift Elska into a better position within Naoya's arms and resumes his healing once she's placed more favorably in his lap. 'This has to work…', Choso feels pressure increasing around him though and turns his panicked, blood covered eyes to Suguru as if to question why.
"AND NOW YOU TRY TO HINDER HER HEALING?!", the being's blood now boils over, causing the black energy to seep from his waving tattoo, down his arm and directly into Elska.
Getou, who has gathered his wits and is ready to act, runs over and drops down next to Choso and explains, "I'm just trying to slow the bleeding!" Tears form as this act of his forces him remember the day he brutally ripped Elska's wing out, hoping this could somehow turn out the same; with her recovery. "Please Elska, stay with us…", he senses her presence fading but notices what remains is also darkening. He increases his gravity a little more and brokenly whispers, "If you can survive me, you can survive this…"
"Princess!", Naoya is an absolute wreck all over again as he wears his lover's blood, jostling her around in hopes she'll wake up, "Baby you need to feed!" He shouts with a red face as he holsters her up higher towards his neck, "Princess, please…" His energy intensifies along with his emotions as his brain goes haywire from seeing her deteriorate before him, again.
"Elska...come on....", Choso's entire expression squeezes into something unpleasant when she remains unresponsive, but then he accidentally nicks himself on her wings. He pays it no mind as it is only a flesh wound but it jars him with an answer, "Naoya! CUT YOURSELF!"
The Zenin instantly reaches to grab one her feathers but as his fingertips grasp the warm metal, they release into nothing. "No, no NO NOT AGAIN…baby pleeeease…", he begs with a breathlessly fleeting voice.
Gojo's presence darkens along with his eyes as he shoves Nanami off of him, slugging the manager in his fury. Witnessing his love bleeding out on the floor of course almost ushered Gojo to her side but virulent urges that lay wake from this newfound trauma animate his body towards a different direction.
Without warning, Satoru slams the frozen faux head against the wall and lifts him up by the neck, "You think you're so fucking smart, huh? You worthless piece of SHIT! I will kill EVERYONE if she dies…your clan, their clan, my clan, THE ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD! EVERYBODY!" A wicked bloodlust smirk of insanity forms across Gojo's face when he sees the hastened expression on Genghis as he squeezes his throat, disabling his ability to take in air, "If she can't breathe, neither can you…" Genghis doesn't seem happy about Elska's condition though. In fact, Satoru is struck oddly when he watches the Titer's eyes drift over to Elska and well up like he's watching the goriest movie.
Nanami rubs his jaw, "I hear you, Satoru...", but it could be easily recognized that the manager's demeanor has shifted into something a little less known. Instead of being angry with Gojo, Nanami stands up and removes his cleaver, ready to assist the silver shaman with this mandated revenge.
"There's my Nanamean...", Gojo cackles in diabolical celebration, "You've been put up for far too long!"
"Shut it. You know I don't like this...", Nanami rolls his shoulders and takes a practice swing, "I chose to not be this way a long time ago."
Satoru quietly squeals but then adds, "But I always liked this side of you! Would we have become close if you were normal?!"
After releasing a slow, weighted sigh, Nanami hacks at Genghis right elbow, severing his forearm off completely.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
The Titer cries out in strained agony which catches Getou's attention, although Satoru seethes, "Help-her-or-I-swear-to-God-Getou...", anchoring Suguru to Elska's side.
Cynically, Satoru saunters up to Genghis and peers down his nose while the Titer screams jumbled words that ultimately have no meaning.
"Awwww, does it hurt?", Gojo uses his energy to cauterize the wound but jabs his fingers deep into it, "You're not getting off that easily…", menacingly giggling as Nanami brings his arm back to cut more. All Satoru can think about is the destruction that will ensue by his very hands if she doesn't pull through.
'I will kill them all.", echoing in his mind as the unfathomable blares his conscious, 'There will be no point in existing, so no one will continue on.' Reinforced by his own fantasies, Satoru pushes Genghis further into the wall, enjoying the sound of bones cracking. "You take my love, I take your fucking life!", and thoroughly burns the Titer's neck with his energy without even trying.
Gojo's torture halts though after hearing Naoya yelp into a moan; inadvertently dropping Genghis to turn around after Elska's presence amplifies and darkens. Satoru smiles, knowing that this means she's feeding, experiencing goosebumps as the eerie thought of her passing begins to subside.
"Love…", he drops down to his knees, comprehending that without her there is no hope, "I could never live without you...."
Affirmed by fear, Genghis tries to scurry away but Nanami kicks the man in the chin which causes his head to bounce off the wall, leaving him now unconscious and bleeding from the mouth and nose. He kneels down next to Satoru and throws an arm over his shoulder to quietly say, "It's alright, everything is alright…" Nanami glares at the motionless Titer while Naoya's deep moans dance in the air. "We will deal with him Satoru, I promise."
Naoya feels her grabbing his hair and tugging his head to the side, he in return releasing small noises of relief as she drinks.
"Ba…by…", he can tell by Choso's wide smile that his blood is working so he closes his eyes, thanking the powers that be while he attempts to control the pleasured whimpers leaving his lips while evidence of his sorrow remain on his face. He holds her slippery body closer and feels the tacky dampness of her blood-soaked robe.
"My princess…", Naoya's lips quiver against her head as he turns to ever so slightly to place a kiss to her.
He runs his palm down through her now matted hair, slowly trailing it down her back and crying again when he feels her heart beating. Seeing her so badly hurt again wrecks him to the core and makes him think of how much better it would if he could take her away from all of the dangers that are constantly surrounding them. Naoya hears her whimper and smells the scent but his thoughts couldn't be further away from the ritual as he desperately digs for a way to keep her safe.
Toji drops to his knees now, forcing Megumi down with him as they both sigh to her recovering. A painfully wide smile splits his expression as he listens to her gulp and hum, it sounding like a melody he thought he'd never hear again.
The hatred he feels for Sachiko runs deeper than he could have ever expected. 'I do not know that woman.', he coldly decides while catching his breath and reminding himself that Elska lives.
"Baby? What's wrong?!"
Toji's respite instantly expires when Naoya's emotive questions are unleashed. His pained eyes watch as Elska's body slumps as if she's lost consciousness but something within the giant senses familiarity.
"Hey....Naoya...", Toji asks his cousin in a curious voice, "She's fed from you since you've turned right?", but Naoya quietly whimpers no, as he can't speak more due to the bliss coursing through him. Toji's mind jumps back to the past and comes to a terrifying conclusion, "SHIT! MOVE YOUR HANDS NAOYA!" With fevering urgency, Toji now tackles Choso off his knees behind her which in turn knocks Suguru over as well. After the three are on the ground but Choso tries to sit up until Toji keeps him anchored to the floor and orders, "DON'T MOVE!"
"WH-…What are you doing?!", Choso quickly questions Toji as he's unsure as to why he's being pinned but merely seconds later, Elska's metal wings tear out of her back, inches from their bodies and with a new design. Choso's mouth hangs open as takes in their details, "They've changed…"
Suguru is the first to sit up after pushing away from Toji. He gawks at her wing's appearance, taking in the blueish-black color that now forms the very tips, blending with the dark grey middles of the feathers that lead to metal, wondering what that means. He looks over to Toji and nods to give a speechless form of thanks while considering that he and Choso could've become deli meat. He feels a stinging in his side and gasps silently when he finds a stray feather scratched him. Carefully tucking it into a pocket, Suguru's gaze lands back to the woman that's taken over his purpose.
"Holy shit…", Gojo recalls the night that Elska's wings first changed, when she was stuck into the floor. He's utterly amazed but is also concerned so he runs over and crouches next to Naoya as he watches Elska close the bite marks. In unison, Gojo and Naoya both inhale sharply to her appearance. "Love…", he coos while birthing a small, intrigued smile.
Elska, who is now a little better off, looks between the two men and feels her chin being lifted by Satoru who says, "Love, you have Naoya's color in your eyes now too…", and studies her, waiting to hear the lowly voice that would confirm her switch.
"Really?!"
After seeing her expression, though he's confused, Gojo understands that she's still herself so he leans in to kiss her healed cheek, playfully expressing, "You almost got everyone killed…", chuckling before pulling away.
Toji now turns her to the right, towards him, "Doll…", and searches her eyes deeply as he begins to clarify that she's indeed just gone through the same exact thing with Naoya that she did with him. The amber dashes now rest next to his green and both colors shines brightly against the glowing red. He plants a rougher kiss than he means to on her head and heaves for a moment while savoring this place in time. He can't even consider how devastating it would be if she would have perished and is grateful to not find out first hand. He whispers, "I love you."
Elska, still dazed, palms her neck and face, not being fully aware that she's already healed.
"What just happened?!", she shakily questions as she tries to stand up but trips over Choso's legs and falls backwards. When arms catch her, she clings to them and breaks down as everything floods her, still being in a state of shock, "Did she…really try to kill me?"
Elska sobs into those arms and turns into the broad chest they're attached to, miserably understanding things were not going to go so smoothly as far as Sachiko is concerned. She would rather have tried to accept the woman but her vicious stance has been made very clear.
Getou stands there and cautiously brings his arms around Elska, not being sure if it's the right thing to do as all the eyes in the room heatedly glare in his direction. He closes his embrace though and his heart skips a beat to having knowledge of how good she feels against him. The formidable terror that coursed through him when she was at her worst has led him to accept that all he wants to do right now is hold her.
Hearing her sorrow and knowing that he failed to stop that whole series of events weathers Suguru but his own trail of self-pitying thoughts freeze when he hears Gojo demand, "Get the fuck away from her." Getou unfastens his eyes as reality shakes him awake and Elska slowly lifts her head to look up.
When she sees Suguru glance down to her with uncertainty, Elska gasps and sinks towards the floor but he stabilizes her, making sure she doesn't fall.
He clutches her unguardedly, "I'm so sorry little one…I'm sorry I didn't protect you…", struggling to recognize his own voice while it pours from him. Her wings release so he pulls away just enough to see her face and loses himself in her new eyes. As if it his current dynamic hasn't already been thrusted to shit, he now has to bear witness to Naoya Zenin's permeance interlacing with her very existence.
Elska's balance falters though, causing the Titer concern when she appears to suddenly become delirious and blurts out, "Woah!! You're a prettttty buff guy, Getou!", and begins searching his body with her hands.
Naoya jumps to his feet and Toji's growl creeps through the room.
"DID YOU NOT FUCKING HEAR ME?!", Gojo now creates a vortex around himself without meaning to as his energy circulates out of control. It isn't until Elska cheerfully turns to look at him that he calms down, immediately understanding that she's met her drinking limit for the time being and has fallen into that inebriated-like stupor.
"Just…ARGH!", it's clear as day to Satoru that Getou's rosy cheeks were created from her words and this irks his very core. "Love...get away from him, NOW!", he doesn't care for her being sullied by a Titer, Suguru Getou at that.
"Come here doll…", Toji walks over and scoops up Elska who seems pretty weak but in the process, meets Suguru's hurt-filled gaze. Toji still doesn't care for Getou but he understands more than anyone else in the room that the Titer truly was not intending things to happen this way, sharing for all to hear, "I know this isn't what you wanted and thank you for helping her."
Gojo scowls, "Ummm...fucking, what?"
Toji is met with frustrated eyes from Naoya and Gojo who clearly don't understand the demeanor in which he holds towards Getou so he states, "There's a lot more to this whole situation than you guys are aware of…" He shifts Elska as she tucks her face into his chest and giggles to which Toji raises an eyebrow to but continues, "We need to sit down and talk. Believe it or not, Getou was actually trying to help."
Naoya snarls and uses his projection technique to slam Getou in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and smiles as the tall Titer drops to his hands and knees.
"I've never seen this fucker help anyone…", and yanks Getou's head up by his hair. "Do you think I forgot about what you did to her? How you made me fucking watch when you knew how it'd feel?!" Naoya can tell his eyes are glowing again by how they reflect off Getou's ivory skin but discovers that beating him without resistance doesn't satisfy him at all. "Tch. Worthless…", he seethes while throwing the Titer's head back down. Upon walking back over towards Toji and Elska though, he shoots menacing eyes to Satoru and slips, "I'm 100% with you on this one, Gojo..."
"God damnit EVERYONE STOP!", Toji's voice bellows through the room and causes everyone to do exactly that.
"Why the fuck are you sticking up for him?", Gojo goes to near Toji but Megumi gets in between them and says, "Let's at least hear what he has to say!", and winces to Satoru's presence that sings of his annoyance.
"Why can't we all just get alonnnnnnnnnnng?", Elska curls deeper into Toji while leaving one eye viewable to look at Gojo and giggles, "My sweet, sweet Sati! Please don't be angry!"
The Silver Shaman can't help but look back at her when she smiles and runs her hands through Toji's hair.
"D-Doll, what the hell has gotten into you?", Toji cackles though as he finds her odd state to be cute as well as humorous. He briefly closes his eyes to enjoy the sensation of her nails and is filled with relief by being with her.
Satoru walks up to her and softly grabs her bloodied shin, "This happens sometimes when she takes in too much blood, or in this case…", he glares at Suguru, "too many different types." He tickles her knee and laughs when she squirms before finishing with, "She's exhausted basically." but knows in his heart that Choso's energy likely played a role somehow. While flashing a charming grin, Gojo's eyes are drawn to her exposed lady bits so with a nostalgic smirk, he tucks what remains of the wet black robe under her and against Toji's arm. "Won't be making that mistake again!", he calls out and winks to Nanami who grimaces with displeasure.
Toji repositions while making sure the cloth remains covering her, trying his best to ignore her groping as he feigns off his love for it to be serious. He opens his mouth to address the next move but he's cut off by Elska's cheerful, slurring voice that exclaims, "Getou tastes spicy and I want to hear what he's been trying to tell me! You guys lay off of him!"
"There's a lot to be said…", Suguru states sorrowfully while looking over to his mutilated mentor lying against the far wall, "…but we should let her rest, I have a room where she can do this."
"We are going home fucker, fuck you and fuck this place!", Naoya doesn't move to get closer as Megumi throws out his arms out to act as a divider again but makes it well known that he's not wanting to be a guest either.
"Knock it off Naoya, I'm telling you there's a good reason.", Toji now turns towards Getou, "Where is this room?", and is met by a stunned expression of gratefulness from the Titer who slowly releases his tension.
"Follow me…", Suguru starts heading towards the doorway with Toji walking behind him. 'This is one of the many reasons I am so fond of you, Fushiguro.', he tells only himself feeling that perhaps somehow, not all of the odds are against him.
After noticing the group's reluctance, Toji stops mid-step before leaving, "Are y'all just going to just stand there or what?", trying his best to lead by example, showing that he's wanting everyone to have faith.
Megumi is the first to move which fills him with pride so he sends his son an earnest smile. Toji looks back and sees Choso picking up Itadori but the being is obviously waiting for Naoya before making a decision.
"Naoya.", Toji's parental voice nags.
"UGH, FINE YOU ASSHAT!"
Toji would typically scold him for that but is happy enough that his younger cousin will follow.
"Nanamin, I don't know about this…", Gojo shares his distrust of the situation but feels his blonde friend nudge him forward, drudging a genuine, "Are you serious?!"
"I'm not too keen on it either Satoru but this goes deeper than we're aware of. Toji seems to know something we don't though and I doubt he would lead us into a trap." Nanami continues to force Gojo to walk but hears the silver shaman scoff and cruelly state, "This wouldn't be the first time…", to which Nanami abruptly slaps him in the back of the head for. "And how much shit villainous have you pulled while being alive?! Get ahold of yourself, Satoru..."
As Getou and the group walk through the halls, lower-level Titers bow in awe to them as they pass. Whispers can be heard amongst the frantic Titers, "That's Satoru Gojo!", "Why is he here?", "Is he going to kill us!?"
Getou ignores the clamor and leans down to one that is close to ask, "Please see to Master Genghis, he's been injured.", and the Titer obeys but with confusion. Suguru stands up tall but is stuck in this feeling of purgatory as he knows this could've gone much worse and becomes heavy with guilt as he thinks about Elska bleeding out.
'What if she didn't make it?', his eyes well up again to the thought but his anger grows in relation to Genghis for allowing a scornful woman such as Sachiko to be hiding amongst their ranks. It doesn't make sense to him why she'd be there when it was obvious that she only cares to make matters worse; formulating new distance between himself and the man he's always looked up to. Peering down to his hands, Suguru recalls Elska's warmth from moments ago, 'We are not pawns.'
Curiously, Naoya whispers behind to Choso, "Where are the windows? Or the sun?", but the being doesn't seem to have an answer and perhaps is only now noticing the lack of them himself. The Zenin looks down at his bare chest and is mortified by the amount of Elska's blood that he's wearing so he takes a deep breath to quell the rising emotions that were once again billowing. He's decided that he's not leaving her whatsoever while they're here, not believing that there's some magical answer that could explain the war that has been raging between them and this clan.
They continue to walk in silence until Elska begins to stir in Toji's arm.
"Doll, it's alright, I'm bringing you to a big comfy bed!", she dazedly smiles and his heart flutters when he hears her say, "I've missed you so much my beloved…I love you…so much!", and snuggles up into his chest before closing her eyes again, giggling. He nearly trips on the inclined clay ground from adoring her but is able to keep balance. He hears Naoya say, "If you can't carry her old man, I will! Don't you dare drop her!", and rolls his eyes with a smirk when he lifts Elska higher to kiss her forehead.
"My PRIIIINCE!!!", Elska gleefully shouts which captures the response, "I'm right behind you princess!", from Naoya who's tone is still disturbed but its clear that he's masking his distress for her sake.
As they reach the top of a mildly sloped incline that act as stairs, Toji asks, "How much farther?", but grunts to acknowledge his own impatience when Getou stops before a door and opens it.
"This is it, here."
Toji scrunches his face when he sees the bright, cheery room and glances over to Getou while thinking, 'Okay, this can't be his room at least.', only having known Getou to surround himself with anything that could describe depression.
Suguru points to the bed, "There's fine...", to which Toji walks over to and lays Elska down towards the center.
Getou always wondered what the first time of her being in his room would be like, never guessing that Elska's whole harem would be joining them. He watches Toji sit at the edge of the bed next to her, peeling her bloodied hair from the skin. Getou says nothing but heads towards a shelf with towels that he plans to dampen and wipe her with, 'she must be feeling gross like that...' When he reaches the bathroom, his gaze shoots towards the tub that has been installed, inadvertently blushing to the idea of her happily using it.
"YO! What the fuck…", the first thing Gojo notices is the bowl of water on the floor. Understanding exactly what it's used for, he sends energy into it and shatters it. He has to admit that he feels the tiniest bit of satisfaction when the water seeps into the clay, weakening it.
"Can you not be destructive for two seconds Satoru!?", Nanami is irritated by how unstable Gojo is acting and wonders if the shaman is going to be able to handle a mediation. He looks to Choso who also seems to be pondering the same thing and narrows his eyes, trying to communicate that the being may need to put Gojo asleep as well at some point.
Gojo turns around and looks at everyone while pointing to the mess, "That's the technique he used to spy on her!", but becomes frustrated that everyone doesn't immediately share the same urge to tear through the place. "For fucks sake…", he pouts in the entryway for a second but can't keep his scowl as he perceives Elska smiling and getting comfortable, 'My kryptonite…'.
"It's true. I did.", is all Suguru says as he returns with wet towels, some for Elska, and one for Naoya as well as Toji. When he holds it out to Naoya though, the Zenin merely glares and refuses to take it so he sets it down on a table next to him. Toji gracefully grabs the other one and begins to wipe Elska down as Choso lays Itadori on the other side of the bed. She playfully moans to Toji cleaning her which strikes a nerve within Getou but he ignores his jealousy.
Suguru wants to clear the air as much as he can so he calmly tells them, "I went to the dorms meaning to simply leave Elska something I'd made for her but I didn't know she was still there." Suguru can feel the atmosphere thicken so he proceeds, "She believed me when I told her I wasn't there to hurt her and I even let her drink from me so she could see that herself.". He notices the golden light travel over Naoya after mentioning this but instead of feeling sorry for himself he continues, "Sukuna tried to attack her, saying the bite was his so I fail to understand why you had him with you when he was out."
Elska tries to sit up but fails and falls back into the pillows and says, "That's right! GETIIIO saved me!"
Getou smirks causing her to smile in response but Elska stares at him kindly until Toji reaches her chest with the towel.
"Oooo, friskkkyy!", without hesitation, she rips open the robe and tosses it the floor while saying, "Can't have a wet bed!"
Suguru's wide eyes drill into the floor, Gojo frowns to the Titer's exposure but Naoya wheezes to her treasures being put on display.
Unaware of the high blood pressure she's causing, Elska merely giggles when Toji climbs over top of to wipe her down with great speed while also attempting to give her coverage with his body. She lays there, arms open, admiring how wonderful her beloved is until he sits her up and puts Gojo's clubs shirt over her head.
Toji then cackles and says, "Doll, you can't be showing everyone these cupcakes…"
Gojo has had about enough of Getou trying to play the good guy and chimes in, "As for what you said earlier, cunt...Sukuna said he was willing to work with us to retrieve my love. I figured he wasn't being completely truthful but I happily accepted because I wanted to completely decimate any trace of you and your clan's existence…" Even with his rage though, Satoru glances over at Itadori and frowns; half wishing he'd never struck that deal with the curse knowing full well Sukuna won't stop until he gets what he wants from Elska.
Naoya can be heard arrogantly stating, "I for one was not for him tagging along! The dude is literally a psychopath!"
Suguru stands off by himself in the feeling of complete alienation as he's surrounded by all of the people he's done wrong in the past, "Well, that very well has complicated everything but I'm glad Choso has the ability to somewhat control the matter." He notices Gojo gearing up to charge at him again but by this time, Getou has grown tired of taking all of the hits and prepares to finally strike back.
Satoru grins, "Oh...so you do want some huh?", and gathers up energy as he can tell Suguru is going to engage his gravity. "Bring it, bitch boy.", he taunts, thinking about how satisfying it'll feel to rip out Getou's intestines while the fuck is forced to watch. When Getou's eye narrow and become exacting, a wave of thrill calls to Gojo's depravity, wanting to unleash it fully, "Let's go then..."
Choso has only just wiped the blood from his face and is fed up from all of the instability the day has brought. Too much has happened and he's not been left with any time to process all of the emotions clouding his usual manner. He waves Megumi over to sit by Itadori and stands up, preparing to act against Gojo yet again.
"WE SAID, KNOCK IT OFF!", Toji releases an inhuman sound as his energy amplifies, swinging with full might and connecting his fist to Satoru's face. Choso stands there, wide-eyed and motionlessly as the silver shaman flies off of his feet and collapses to the ground without so much as a twitch.
"Fuckers got such a hard head…", Toji huffs while shaking his hand next to his side, worrying he overdid it. After confirming that Gojo is fine, Toji leans his head up and sighs greatly. "This is too damn much y'all."
"Damn dad, that was pretty cool!", Megumi is always amazed at his father's strength and finds it hard to believe that he came from such a man. This thought though brings him back to his mother, whom he fears he hates now. Megumi's eyes drop over to Elska who has fallen asleep but his brow furrows knowing that they almost lost her because of the woman that gave birth to him and isn't sure what's going to come of all this. Culpably, Megumi drags his hand against the gold sheets, inching it closer until their skin makes contact where he gently rests it over her wrist. He's not feeling amorous or anything of that nature but she compels him near for support.
Suguru shifts back into a neutral stance but becomes depressed when he witnesses Naoya kneel down on the floor next to Elska and adorn her with gentle kisses. He recalls a time when the Zenin barely held interest in the girl and is astounded by how much change has occurred between them.
'He really loves her…', the reality of his own dynamic with Elska being permanently scarred buries him as if he were caught in an avalanche. The coldness of his malicious past behavior chills him until remembering how it felt when he held her again; the vivid memory thawing his defenses. He's taken out of his own thoughts when Toji speaks to him, not having been aware that he's been caught gazing at her.
Toji furrows his brow as he sees the longing in Suguru's eyes but puts that aside for the sake of finally getting down to business. He shifts himself on the bed, "I hate to say this but that Genghis guy would be able to explain everything better…", he turns to look at Nanami who's moving Gojo into a better position, "…but you went and mutilated the fucker so I don't know when he'll be back in commission.", and throws his hands up as if to gesticulate with thinned lips, what the fuck guys?
Nanami clears his throat, loosens his tie and then says, "Yes, well, I can only take so much and it was clear that Genghis had a direct connection to Sachiko. Just because I'm not Elska's lover does not mean I do not care for her. She is one of us, someone we all hold dear."
Suguru adds in while exposing his soul to Toji, "I swear to you that I held no knowledge of Sachiko's past. I was actually disgusted by the manner in which all this has occurred." He is able to determine that Toji believes him which evaporates some weight from his shoulders.
"Says the fucking kid killer.", Naoya growls as he holds Elska's hand, "You make me fucking sick." He brings his vision from the sulking Titer to Toji and asks a question that causes him confliction, "But...Toji…what are we going to do about Sachiko?"
Toji turns towards Megumi with a softened expression as he hesitates to say anything at all. He hasn't the first idea of what to do. Megumi sends him a resolved stare and states, "I don't care what happens to her.", but Toji can tell the words are ingenuine and also doesn't want to believe that he'd wish his own mother dead. He now looks at Naoya but glances over to Elska and can't deny the fact that Elska has his heart and not simply due to their bond. "We'll figure it out…", is all he can bring himself to say as stress clouds his mind. He sits back down next to Elska's legs and rubs them behind him while leaning his face into his left hand, "We'll figure it out…"
There's a knock on the door and after a moment of silence, Suguru quietly announces, "Come in…"
Beside himself, Sain observes everyone amicably existing in the room but immediately searches for Elska, "Is she okay?"
A heartfelt turn of the lips erode Getou's stoic gloom, "Yes.", pointing towards the best where she sleeps.
Sain whispers, "Incredible…", and smiles with reprieve to Suguru, "I feared the worst…but every Titer head can rest easy now that Lady Oda has recovered..."
He walks into the room, eventually having to step over Gojo who he eyes in bewilderment, 'Who put him in that state?', he thinks to himself as he's never heard of anyone being able to challenge the silver shaman.
"Yeeeah...", Toji laughs to himself, "Don't worry, he's fine."
Sain's wide eyes leap to Toji, "R-right, of course."
'Fushiguro really is something else…', Sain does his best to avoid the giant's gaze out of fear and respect but can't help but realize how outmatched he was or how fortunate he is that Toji never got the chance to flip the script during their attack, 'What the hell was Genghis thinking?!!'
Sensing the hunter's discomfort, Getou inquisitively asks, "Sain, did you wish to tell me something?"
Sain's grey eyes float back up to Suguru, "Master Genghis is being healed but I have to tell you something isn't…", but he stops and turns to address everyone in the room, shrinking in place, "…this is a rather private matter actually so I will bare my silence some more." This only leads to the feeling that he's being viewed as suspicious though and wishes he'd not said anything at all.
Instantly interested by the cryptic behavior, Suguru begins acknowledging that perhaps Sain more aware of the inconsistencies that he'd originally thought.
"We will discuss your issue soon, I promise.", he nods to the devout clansman, signaling him to leave.
The lingering anxiety surrounding Sain makes Getou feel like the rug might be pulled beneath him at any moment. There's a huge deficit of knowledge where he's concerned and although he's doing his best to learn about it all, unease slithers into his heart with the fear that he may completely ignorant to the path the Titers are being guided down. Without even thinking about it, Suguru's eyes land on Elska in the bed.
Nanami checks his phone during this exchange and nervously discovers that he's without cell service, "Hey, I would really like to get back to Ieiri. Nobara is probably tired of playing body guard by now and she'll be worried about Itadori." He looks around the room to gain a blessing to leave without resistance.
Choso perks up with an innocent grin, "I can make you a portal! But, will you take my brother with you?"
Nanami returns the kind gesture, "Of course."
Exhaling, Choso feels comforted that his brother will at least be out of harm's way and graciously thanks the manager before walking back to the bed.
Toji lifts his head, "Megs, could you go back with them?", he's met with a defiant reaction but explains, "There're not a lot of shaman at the school right now so you would be a great help to the defenses." Megumi lifts his chin a bit and nods but then he looks back down to Elska, "She's going to be okay son, I'll be with her the entire time.", bringing his attention to Suguru as if to emphasize that last part.
Choso's sclera blackens, "Alright!", before he closes them to map the portal. While Nanami hoists up Itadori, Choso says, "Please tell my brother I'll be back soon!", and waits for them to walk through it. Once he's sure the other end is secure, the being closes the opening in front of him and sighs to his slight headache he's obtained from guiding so many in one day.
Toji stands up and walks over to where Gojo lays, "Watch out Choso, don't want his legs to get ya.", and then hoists up the silver shaman over his shoulder to bring him to a brown couch on the far side of the room.
Naoya laughs, "This is going to hurt his pride more than his face. He's going to be PISSED, Toji!", but watches the giant grunt while flopping Satoru down against the cushions.
Returning his concentration, the Zenin takes the towel that was meant for him and proceeds to wipe off what blood he can still see on Elska.
"My princess, how do I keep you safe when chaos is attracted to you as well?", he absentmindedly asks under his breath while staring into her sleeping form. He's reliving all of the instances where she experienced pain, feeling less of man for seemingly always failing her. Naoya crawls into the bed next to Elska and cradles her body against him, uncaring that she's still sticky from dried crimson essence.
Toji huffs when he sees the open spot on the right side of the bed and walks over to it. He sits down first before looking to Choso and Getou, "Why don't we all take a breather for a bit…"
Choso finds an empty brown chair with a foot stool so he eagerly rests into it and relaxes for the first time of the day, "My head really hurts so I'm for it.", stretching his legs out with a yawn.
Suguru stands there observing Toji and Naoya on either side of Elska in his bed but hides the fact that the display cripples him, "Very well, I will come back soon." He keeps his eyes to the floor while continuing, "If you should feel the need, there's a shower and plenty of toiletries. I can have some clothes gathered for you as well."
Getou quickly escapes the room, shutting the door behind him to bring his body to rest against the joining wall. His hands find their way up to his face but his heart sinks down to his feet. He wonders how he'll be able to stay afloat of these new suffocating emotions that hinder his ability to be decisive and exacting.
"Elska...are you making me even weaker?"
Staring at the ceiling, Suguru slides a hand into his pocket and runs a finger along the stray metal feather; dancing with the idea of being sliced open just like what she's done to his muddled heart. The piece itself has lost her warmth but as he encloses his palm around it, he proceeds to understand that he too has the ability supply heat.
"Or will you continue to teach me and be my catalyst for triumphs unknown?"
Scoffing at himself, Getou pulls the feather out enough to catch it shimmering against the light but then stuffs it back down as if he'd finished utilizing a pocket watch. His feet take him in the direction of duty but every 5 or 6 steps, he cannot help but twist his neck back to the direction of her door.
Toji lays down and spoons himself behind Elska, nudging Naoya to reposition his arm so he can hold her waist. His cousin has already closed his eyes so the giant comfortably stagnates his gaze while contemplating how easily he could've lost them both. A pitting depression applies pressure to his soul but Toji tries to mentally shake these heavy thoughts away and lowers his own lids only to be swarmed by the aroma of Elska's blood. It would be driving him mad if he wasn't already assured of her recovery, but she did so he allows himself to sink into the bed while inching closer to feel her body. As he begins to drift off, he swears he feels her pressing her rear into his pelvis so he waits for a moment with his eyes closed until he hears Naoya quietly whimper.
"What the h-"
When Toji perches up on his elbow, he can see Elska stroking Naoya through his sweatpants, arching her back into himself.
Naoya's puffy, glowing eyes are heavy with lust as they accidentally meet his own.
"You Little SHIT! She needs to rest!"
Perplexed, Toji reaches his hand to Elska's face so he can gauge it but becomes swept away by her salacious expression.
"Doll…", Toji's greeted with her ravenous, inviting eyes but isn't sure how to react until he hears her side of the story.
In a soft, delicate voice, Elska informs her beloved, "I need you both right now."