Choso and Toji appear out of the portal, remnants of the scent lingering through the air as they both stand there idly, inhaling their maximum capacity as if it's aromatherapy.
Toji groans pleasantly but overhears quiet voices stemming from the direction of the bathroom so he paces over and pokes his head in but, "What the hell boy?!", Toji barks in a frustrated pout as he takes in Elska's nudity and the way they're positioned, "You couldn't stay off of her for an hour?!"
The giant finds himself blanketed with a strange envy but can't imagine it's due to them merely having sex. When he looks at Elska again though, he surmises that something weird just happened. This something prods at his nerves about her and Naoya but he can't recognize the reasoning when he's actually relieved to see her.
Choso sees them but watches the mirror instead and leaks envious whines, "That's not fair Naoya! I was so good earlier!", wantonly studying her body with his eyes, 'I missed out again!'
Naoya turns his nose up jokingly, "A princess needs her prince.", winking before picking up a different towel to hand her with a kiss, "And a prince needs his princess!"
Toji frowns, 'Well fuck…', he thinks to himself, arranging the veracity to how much her sexual appetite has grown in the realms of pleasure. He hears his cousin ask about Gojo and theTiter so he coldly responds, "They're unpacking."
Elska and Naoya both snap their necks with disbelief in their expressions, causing Choso to giggle.
"They are actually getting along!", the being merrily states, enthusiastic for everyone to be friends. Choso loves having friends, "Everything should be a lot more organized but…"
Naoya snarls, "So that twatty fucker…", he instinctually brings Elska against his chest, "…is still at our place?" He glares over to Toji and asks, "How are you okay with this? FUCK GETOU!"
Elska notices Choso retracting as if he still had something to say, "What is it my hybrid?"
The being fidgets his hands a bit but eventually informs, "There's a man taking over Nanami's position and it would seem he doesn't care much for us..."
This information irritates her because she will be damned if anyone talks down to her beloved turned. She growls and mumbles, "I'll have to rip his limbs off."
"Yeah doll, we've been labeled as blood shaman.", Toji chimes in, picking up on her mood switch. "Don't fret about that though, we just have to not destroy anything while he's here and I'm sure things will be fine.", he lies, not wanting her to worry. "And yes", Toji looks over to Naoya and replies, "Getou's still there."
"This is crazy.", Naoya turns to Elska, "Getou is crazy.", but finds that she's deep in thought. "Baby!? He can't live with us." This aggravates him but then the Zenin additionally thinks about the those two arranging their living space and rubs his eyes, "Both of them have zero taste too…", and sighs, "The fucking predator is our new roommate but even better, they'll have that whole place looking like shit."
Choso doesn't mean to laugh but he finds Naoya's reactions funny sometimes and adds, "Elska said she wants you to be in charge of that stuff!", trying to iterate to his blonde friend that not all hope is lost.
Toji walks closer to them and glides his hand down her hair, "Yeah boy, maybe you should go supervise.", narrowly eyeing his younger cousin who definitely looks like he just had a wild ride.
"I'll fucking kill him! I do not want to work with either of them on this…", Naoya folds his arms and demonstrates his disinclination, "They're both on my shit list. Plus, I want to stay here with my princess."
Elska sympathizes for her prince and isn't going to force the comradery but she interjects and distractedly adds, "But you would probably make our home so beautiful that I would never want to leave!", and is surprised when the pride beams over Naoya's face as if he's considering doing that statement justice.
"I could work them like dogs…", Naoya slyly tilts his head with a malicious grin. He ruminates over the what if's but has to ask himself if he's even capable of not becoming aggressive towards the Titer. His eyes fall to his princess, "And I could bring up what we discussed."
Elska blushes with wide eyes, understanding that Naoya was speaking of their recent, weird sexual banter. 'That would definitely start a fight…', she thinks but doesn't have the heart to tell her prince otherwise. He's allowed to be upset about everything; her new emotions convincing her that she should respect him in this way. "Do you want us to come back with you?", she reaches out to brush his hand, not really wanting him to leave.
"No baby, I want you to enjoy my estate for a bit. There're tons things I wanted to show you but maybe Toji can do some of that in my stead.", Naoya lifts their conjoined hands to his lips to kiss hers. He doesn't want to seem like a whiny asshole so he's decided that he's going to put his anger aside long enough to enact this role reversal. He's slowly becoming enthralled with the idea of being in charge of Satoru and Getou, "Cho, will you come with me though?"
Choso looks over at Elska with pouty eyes, wanting to reply no but says, "Okay…", with obvious reluctance. He hasn't had any time around her since before the fight with Gojo and it pains him to stay away.
"You're a key part to this makeover taking a fraction of the time. I could really use your skills.", Naoya feels bad for making Choso leave again but he's now determined to arrange the house. This is actually one of his hobbies and it all started when Naoya was first introduced to the game Sims in middle school. He flips out his phone and sends a text to his subordinates, asking them to meet him at their building to aid in painting and construction. 'Shit…I may have to pay them double. They were pissed last time…', he thinks to himself while remembering their irritated tempers when constructing Elska's room at the base. Ultimately, he shrugs and thinks, 'I can afford it and their help is valuable after all…', and sends the mass text.
Choso likes being helpful so his attitude changed when he saw the flare in Naoya's expression, wanting to be a part of the success,"I would be happy to assist you!", he beams widely. "Let's do this!"
"You can't go in your pajamas though…nor can I go like this.", Naoya smiles as he sees all of the damp evidence of Elska across the lap of his pants. He glances over to her, exhaling through his nose while remembering the way she looks underneath him, 'So fucking stunning.', there's not a thing about their bond that he would change. "There's a closet for you baby, you should check it out! I handpicked everything.", grinning with accomplishment.
Toji's eyes wander over to her as she covers her nudity with a towel. 'Great. I would be such a piece of shit if I tried to get with her now.', thinking how she must have had more than enough sex today. It sucks too because Toji really needs her comfort. He wants to feel that incredible reinforcement of his mattering but he's not going to push her to get it.
Watching everyone walk towards the closets, Toji stands back and observes them all. He hears Naoya tell Choso, "These might be a little big…", holding up a set of Zenin robes, "…but maybe it won't be so bad!" Elska is the next closet over, a few feet away, flipping through the things that are hanging but she's soon holding up a dark blue maxi dress that has the front and back of it trailing down into a V.
Elska catches the glow of Toji's eyes and darts hers to him, "I like this one too my beloved.", and pulls it away from the others that hang. "Hmmm…", she frowns, "Will I have to go without underwear?", but then hears Naoya relay, "Panties are in the top two drawers, baby!", which makes her giggle. Though she never felt that Naoya purposefully forgot her clothes when she was held prisoner at the base, this reinforces her trust in him even more because he literally thought of everything for his estate. Even after minutes in there she's only now noticing a range of cute shoes, belts, bras, yukatas, pajamas, make-up, purses, long coats for all seasons…everything she could ever need. 'He's always been attentive…'
Toji orients himself away from Naoya and Choso dressing and hones in on her. When she drops the towel to don a pair of black laced panties, he allows himself the little show at least. She puts on the dress, maneuvering the thin straps over her shoulders, causing Toji to notice that she'll remain bra-less. He moans deeply, wanting to entrap her perky buds into his mouth, push her against the wall and cage her in like the lovely bird she is but, 'Don't be a piece of shit!', he mantras, his final decision warranting only to be on good behavior for her sake.
Choso walks out of the closet first and awkwardly shows off the robes, "I kind of like them!", he tells everyone, turning to present to Elska.
Naoya slides out of the doorway from behind Choso, "They don't look to bad at all on you actually.", but then he grins widely when he takes in Elska choice of dress. He remembers purchasing that one.
It was hotter than shit outside and traffic was crazy. He thought his family name was enough to put a hold on an item but human error of the company failed him. Naoya actually traveled to three different store locations, all in different cities just to find her size. It was a limited item, production number of only 250 and he felt owning it would match the symbolism of at least a fraction of her rarity, "My heart princess, it's going to explode…"
Elska twirls around, adoring the long ruffled train in the back, "I really do feel like a princess now!"
"That's so silly because you are one.", Naoya will say this until the day he dies.
He looks her over again one good time, taking in how surreal it is that she's finally here at his estate, 'And she likes it!' He's only dreamed of these domesticating scenarios but having them play out right before him elevates his happiness to a new high.
Giddily, Naoya lightly pecs her lips, wanting to stay but ultimately tells her, "Have Toji show you where the spa is and rest assured that our other home will be so beautiful, you'll never want to leave." He would still prefer to move her into the Zenin territory but knows he has to work out a few kinks with his clan first; he needs to demonstrate his authority.
As Naoya walks away, she completely forgets that there's likely about to be drama and sends him and Choso off with a sweet smile after the being runs over for a hug.
Choso maps the path and then opens the portal. Wind scours through the room as it pressurizes which has Elska's dress blowing about, something that doesn't help Toji's dilemma. When the portal closes, the giant is still gawking but she doesn't seem to mind as she closes the distance between them with a smirk.
"You, my beloved, could probably do well from a little pampering.", she raises her hand to his face and tilts her head to his loving gaze. "I want you to be treated like so today."
"Naoya acts like I know this place though. It's been so long and everything is different…", he sees her about to laugh but he adds, "But we'll find it."
Toji is secretly itching for a fight despite his better judgement. He's putting on a good show but he's in turmoil and his anguish is close to brimming the surface. Elska ends up tucking her arms beneath his in an embrace, something that begins to soothe him. He exhales through his nose as if he's physically releasing his stress into the air, losing his melancholy mindset against the battle of her warmth, "Alright doll, let's go find it…"
-------------------------
"I thought you were upset with those blood shaman as well?", Hiromi's tone is weathered by the shit situation he's now involved in.
Shoko looks away over to Nanami's sleeping body in the bed. She's definitely pissed with Elska and everyone else, the world even but she's not so immature as to think that hurting any of them would ease her strife, "So what?"
"They're monsters, Shoko…", Hiromi walks over to the foot of the bed and puts his hands in his pockets as his eyes remorsefully scan his slumbering friend. "I always told Kento to watch his back around Satoru Gojo. That man was born an abomination… and that holds even more truth now."
Shoko's eyes water and she finds herself thankful for the dim lighting.
Gojo should be who she's upset with the most but is finding that her bias over him being her close friend protects him. Itadori was the one to suggest Nanami's being turned too but she understands that the junior shaman only wanted to save him. "We know Gojo is rough around the edges but what happened wasn't necessarily his fault, Higuruma…"
Hiromi chuckles emptily, in disbelief with what he's hearing. He points to Nanami, "He tried to kill Kento and everyone else from what I read in the report! He succeeded with the Fushiguro woman, a non-shaman and mother to a graduate might I add… and even this Elska Oda who is supposed to be his lover." He stalks the woman that he's learned Nanami has become so fond of, "Rough around the edges?", he asks mockingly and continues, "More like broken beyond repair…" He truly is repulsed by all of the evil that surrounds this campus and worries for the safety of not only the students and people that attend here but for their entire structured system of the shaman world as well. "He's done nothing but stain our society."
"YOU DON'T FUCKING KNOW HIM!", Shoko shrieks in full-blown tears, "WE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM ON OUR SIDE…what…do you think you could've done better with that fucking forest fiasco? A bureaucrat from above?!" She scoffs and looks back over to Nanami, "We did our best to contain that storm. Kento…he did his best."
Hiromi softens his eyes and realizes that he's allowing his personal feelings to influence his unusually harsh words. Right as he's about to open his mouth to apologize for being rash, he feels a familiar hideously ominous presence manifest along with a Zenin.
"That's Choso and Naoya…", Ieiri noticed his concentration and was quick to offer an explanation. "They also are with us! Please stop trying to include me in their demise because I won't be part of it."
"What is he?", Hiromi asks, referring to Choso. He's at least happy to know of Naoya Zenin appearing as he feels this would be the final one out of the group that he could find reason within. 'The Zenin clan is known for their traditional ways. I wonder how the new young Hei fits into all of this…', he wonders. "Satoru Gojo feels like the devil himself but this Choso is certainly a demo-…", the words leaving him in low volume but oddly falling short of completion.
When he turns to leave the room Shoko states, "We believe Choso is a half curse…and I know his presence is frightening but he's very kind despite that.", she narrows her eyes, "You also couldn't beat him even if you tried…"
---------------------------
Naoya and Choso walk out of the portal, strapped with paint buckets and tools for a true reformation. Looking down at the pile of supplies, Naoya rubs his chin and wonders if it will be enough and tries to ignore Gojo peeking into the room and staring at him.
"Hey…", Gojo's aware that the Zenin is still being weird around him and this honestly crushes Satoru. Naoya merely glances up and gives a nod in response, causing Gojo to slouch his shoulders defeatedly. 'Damn.'
"How are you feeling?", Choso cuts through the silence with a warm tone as he inquires about Gojo's new form. He's still traumatized from their battle but Choso doesn't really think Satoru would mean to harm any of them and since everything could've been worse, he's decided to simply be grateful for that. When Getou walks up behind Gojo, Choso adds, "I never thought I'd see you two together!", and chuckles innocently. He receives a harsh jab in the side from Naoya who's still pretending to seem uninterested in their arrival.
"Owwww…", he frowns and whines.
Gojo now leans in the doorway but darts his eyes back and forth between Choso and Naoya, "I'm fine, haven't gone on a rampage at least…", trying to joke but quickly finding it was in bad taste. 'Fuck!'
Suguru smiles at Choso but gives dead eyes to the Zenin, picking up on Naoya's aversion. When he looks down at the supplies he accidentally asks, "Is this for us?"
Naoya growls, "It's for her you fucking sociopath but yes. I've been put in charge of this assignment so you two,", he points at them, "will be using some of it."
Choso's eyes widen when he comprehends the malice in Naoya's voice and thinks to him, 'Hey let's just get to work.', and hears, 'We will Cho.', causing him a minute moment of relief. Surprisingly, Gojo is the first to accept the Zenin's suggestive order and walks over to the pile to grab a sander.
"Alright well, let's get started then…", Satoru morosely states wanting to get back on Naoya's good side. As he's looking around for where to begin he feels about 16 different presences approaching their location, causing him to get defensive. "There are Zenin's here…", he starkly offers, thinking that Chonan hasn't given up.
"They're my men and they're here to help.", is all Naoya retorts with as he leaves the room to greet them.
Choso tilts his head while looking at the saddened Satoru and tells him, "Naoya still likes you, he's just upset about how all of that turned out…" The being now flashes eyes to Suguru, "I think he's bothered by the fact that we couldn't do much when…you know….", Choso discerns that verbal reiteration is unnecessary when Gojo visibly depresses. He looks to the Titer, "…and I think he hates that you could." in contrast to Gojo, Getou's affirmation appears like a petty victory.
"I think it's more than that…", Gojo recalls his recent frenemy threesome, "But regardless! When I woke up from the synthesis...I didn't mean to do that shit…", Satoru clenches his fist and lightly pounds it against the door frame. He moves out of the way though when he hears Naoya directing his men, "You three start in the hall, the rest come with me." Gojo's eyes follow the Zenin men as Naoya assigns jobs, hating the cold shoulder. He looks to Choso, "What about us? What does he want us to do"
Choso is kneeling down while sorting through the paint colors, but retorts, "We will be unloading the new furniture!", as he stands up and smiles.
Getou can't get over how Choso is wearing the Zenin robes, hating that symbolism but chooses to not comment on it. Instead, he questions, "Where is it?", knowing this will be an easy task with his technique.
Gojo nods, thinking that's fine with him until Choso adds, "We have to go pick it up from downtown.", causing Satoru to huff while looking at the ceiling.
Getou loses the entertainment in his features when he comprehends that when they at least load up the furniture, they won't be able to use their abilities. They'll be out in public. 'Zenin…you dick.'
"Yep! Naoya said that when he renovated his estate, he changed his mind a bunch of times so there's already a bunch of nice stuff that he's bought, just never picked up. I am excited to learn the ways of Fang shi!"
Satoru instantly cracks up needing that laugh and being tickled by the being's attempt. He slaps Suguru on the arm and continues giggling, soon causing the Titer to smirk.
Choso frowns with a furrowed brow, "What? Naoya said that's an important part of decorating! He knows this stuff!", Choso defends his statement, feeling that his friend is unrivaled in this area.
"Fengshui, Choso…", Gojo postures up again and wipes his eye, "It's called, Feng shui."
----------------
Elska has never felt better.
'That massage was amazing!!', she cheerily monologues as she heads towards the Zenin's personal hot springs. Although she's trying her best, her awkward footing has her fearing for her ankles as she attempts to master the geta sandals provided.
'How do they walk in these like its nothing?!', she asks herself, amazed in the grace that she's always studied while others such as Naoya wears them. She spots a woman out of the corner of her eye, a pretty Zenin maid with chin-length light brown hair and a fresh scar that crosses her left cheek.
Elska asks, "Is this the way to the springs?"
The Zenin woman seems angry with Elska and although that flare of attitude struck her with the urge to wipe the pretty girls face off of her body, she remains calm for the sake of relations with her prince, thinking, 'You can't hurt his people Elska…calm down.'
"Yes, keep following this hall and leave outside of the last door on the left. Even someone like you should be able to find it."
Elska grits her teeth at the disrespect only now wishing to be less whole as her viciousness peers through at the slightest sign of this kind of thing but she continues walking in hopes of finding Toji.
--------------------------------
"Zenin bastards…", Toji huffs as he sinks into the water, trying his best to relax.
He didn't get a massage because all the women working refused to touch an outcast such as himself as if he's plagued with misfortune. Toji was even escorted out of the therapy room by Zenin security, all who spat ugly sayings.
His patience has really been tried lately and he's almost to a breaking point but prides himself on his ability to remain collected despite the cruel discrimination.
"Tojiiiiii!?"
He hears his name being called from beyond the wooden partition which makes him perk up.
It's Elska's voice.
"Doll! I'm on the other side!", he tells her with a smirk bending his lips.
Elska glowers, "Well…this isn't going to work for me…", crossing her arms, "Why is there no doorway to lead me there my beloved?"
Toji cackles as he understands that she's unaware of the indecency that is considered with male and female friendly baths here.
"We're supposed to be separa-…", he begins but hears her wild call and widens his eyes in surprise as she flies over the divider to land on his side. He scatters and splashes in the water, "D-doll what are you doing?!"
Elska releases her wings and smiles as she kicks off her geta sandals and removes her robe, "I am joining you is all."
Toji knows this will not be met well especially with the clan needing to be convinced that she's only Naoya's so when she goes to unravel her towel he shouts, "Keep it on!", and looks around for prying eyes. He awkwardly stands, nude and dripping but reaches for his own towel to wrap around his waist before submerging again. "The clan will find this odd as it is…we need to at least keep up appearances."
Elska frowns but secures her modesty before walking into the spring.
"I forgot…", she admits, not enjoying having to perform such lies. He still offers a hand though and guides her in which warms her more than the water ever could. They settle next to each other and allow the serenity to surround them.
Toji sneaks his hand to hers under the water and holds it gently, skipping his thumb across her fingers as they curl into his. When she looks at him, their eyes begin to glow brightly, the reflection shimmering off of the water's surface, giving their skin a pink hue.
He still can't put his finger on it but something about her energy is different and it's not in a malevolent way. It's softer yet strong and he can almost sense some weird variances in her hormonal level. Squinting his eyes curiously, he studies her as if that alone would show him what the causation was but she leans in with a playful face and pretends to do the same to him, making him chuckle until the thirst hits him.
Elska observes his fangs forming and concludes that he probably needs to feed. Moving her hair to the side and propping up on her knees, she sweetly says, "Take what you need my beloved. Although I marvel at how long you can go without, your suffering is not necessary."
Toji swallows hard, his body slightly shaking at his need for her sustenance though he's apprehensive about doing this out in the open. The steam rising around them only adds to his thrill though, knowing that this is exactly what he wants. He starts to explain why he shouldn't but her voice strikes his mind, 'I want to feel you…', compelling him to swiftly wrap one arm to support her back as he angles his teeth into her neck.
Elska moans immediately, loving the master's ecstasy that flows through her and the way his fangs penetrate. Her fingers quickly lace into his hair, her eyes shutting blissfully as his groans enter her ears, his other hand seizing her thigh.
Drinking her in started wonderfully; the information of her love for him simulating reconstruction of his soul. Toji couldn't even help himself from grabbing and pulling on her, his basic instincts to be consumed by her existence tugging at him all the same. A weird image flashes through his mind though, one of a small flower bud that is in its earliest stages of life. That same variance of her energy flows across his tongue but there's a hint of Naoya's sweetness too. When he puts the meaning together, he freezes and it's as if a massive weight dropped through him and took his stomach with it. With a startling realization, he jerks his head upwards to look her in the eyes while closing her wound.
"Doll.", his tone somewhat anxious.
Elska is taken back by his sudden halt and cups his face as he stares into her, "What?! What is it!?"
Toji doesn't know how to say it, nor does he even know if he's right.
"Holy shit…", he braces his hands on her shoulders with fear blossoming in his heart. If he is correct, then this is terrible news.
Not because of his awareness of who's responsible but because of the danger looming over all of their heads with the King's attack on the horizon. He looks down at the water in frustration and mumbles, "This changes everything…", wondering how the fuck this could turn out well.
"Toji!! What's wrong!? Talk to me!", Elska's never seen that bloodless look on his face before and nervously questions him as he seems to be reeling over whatever the issue is.
"Tell me my beloved!"
His luminescent eyes dart back up to her though and the seriousness of his demeanor causes her to tremble.
"Doll…", he rubs her shoulders, "I...I don't know how to say this...but…I think you're…", he nearly chokes on his own words but forces them out as calmly as he can, "Listen, doll. I think you're pregnant."
Elska's initial reaction is to snicker not understanding what would cause Toji such assumptions but she loses her breath when she thinks back to the hinting of a mysterious ritual. She covers her mouth in horror, beside herself. 'THE FUCKING PLANT!'
'YES.', the ancestral voice spooks her, having been so deep in thought.
"No…", she whispers through her fingers wholeheartedly, not being able to imagine the success of having a child in the midst of everything, 'Why didn't I know?'
Toji senses her uncertainty and though he feels the same way, he pulls her closer and uses his mass to shield her from the world.
'What are we going to do?', he asks the universe, no longer caring if wandering eyes caught them in such an intimate embrace. He thinks about Naoya and imagines his younger cousin will be elated when he finds out but Toji's also worried about everyone else's reactions.
'What will Gojo do? And what about the Titers?' He knows that Genghis is still wanting to align her to them and hopes there won't be some sort of sick retribution for her carrying a Zenin life.
"We need to go back doll…we need to figure this out."
Elska remains in place though, her right hand drifting to rest over her uterus. She's terrified at what this means, how will she still fight if she's carrying an unborn child? Will her turning the masses of volunteers affect it? What will the child turn out like? What kind of being did they produce? All of these questions and more ridicule her sensibilities, sheer panic flooding her veins. She doesn't even hear Toji speak otherwise she would've said something but she's lost in the endless problematic factors.
Toji takes a deep breath but scoops her stilled body out of the spring, thankful to their towels for keeping up in task. "It's okay doll…", he quietly soothes to her as he calls for his wings to take them back to Naoya's room for clothes. "It'll be alright."
When they arrive after the short flight, he opens the door and walks her over to the bed. Toji would rather go back to their place versus staying at the estate but he surmises that perhaps they should take a minute and gather themselves.
Elska insecurely lays on her side so Toji crawls up to lay behind her, providing them both with security. He ponders on what the variable could be that would cause her to reproduce now of all times, 'Shouldn't this have happened already?', it doesn't make sense to him, 'What did Naoya do differently? Or was it her?', there're not enough answers.
Elska, though she's still tucked away in her mind, receives her beloved's support gratefully and clings to his arms that engulf her body. He only breaks away when peeling off their soaked towels and slings them aside. She assists him with the blankets so they're both able to retreat to their body heat as the shivers subside. There's something eating away at her though and she has to ask, "My beloved, are you not angry? I think...it's my prince's…"
Toji nuzzles his face into her hair with a half smile. Sure, he was kind of wanting to be the one that would impregnate her but he can wait. "Luckily for that little shit, I have Megs.", he chuckles. Squeezing her a little tighter, he adds with a husky tenor, "We'll have plenty of time to make one ourselves..."
Elska jumps when she hears this, forcing herself to roll over to face him, not having expected that at all. She raises an eyebrow and interrogates, "What is with you two? Does me being close to 30 not alarm you at all?"
Toji then understands that Elska really doesn't have all her memories still.
He thinks back to what Genghis told him before when they had Toji chained up after the Titer attack.
"She's not aged a single day since she was turned…"
He ducks his head down to kiss her forehead before muttering into her skin, "Doll, have you ever noticed that your appearance doesn't change? You may celebrate birthdays but you don't actually look any older." Toji hears her gasp as if she really wasn't aware which blows his mind but he reiterates, "We will actually have all the time in the world."
As the words left him and seeped into her, a series of blurred still frames of other winged people massacre her sanity.
"Time…it doesn't affect us?", she asks this but it feels like a strangely familiar concept, as if it's something she should've known. Gazing up towards him, she takes in the ruggedly handsome features that fix to her with confidence, something that helps balance her mood. Toji's left hand hooks around the curve of her hip, rocking her gently as if to lull her fears to sleep and it almost works. Under her breath, she mumbles, "I'm 28…right?", but his expression tells her that it may be a false identifier.
"Umm, actually, doll, you might be older than me!", he pokes fun at this, happy for the change in atmosphere. Watching her blush in frustration he adds, "But I've always liked relics so its not a big deal!" He receives a tiny shove, her skinny arm laxly pushing him, their shared laughter uprooting all of the stressors that plague them both.
A firm knock echoes the room though, causing the happiness to end a little too soon. Toji grunts, connects their lips and then curses as he throws the sheets away from his legs to swivel them to the floor. He doesn't like this interruption and he's on edge as he grabs a pair of Naoya's sweatpants to answer the door. He was half expecting it to be reveal some drama but he ends up finding the opposite.
'Thank God.'
Peaches smiles widely, having heard about the ordeal at the spa, "How are you Toji?! You look well!" He clears his throat anxiously when he notices Elska in the bed but adverts his eyes respectfully, still adjusting to their relationship dynamics and asks, "There's some business I would like to discuss with you in regards to young Master Naoya's power of exchange ceremony. Would you be interested in helping me decide on a few things?"
Toji throws a hand behind his head not really being interested but Peaches has always been good to them both so he suffers the obligation. "How much of my time do you need?", he asks as he shuts the door behind him, entering the hallway, "I don't want her to be here for too long by herself…you can imagine why."
For a second, Peaches almost rescinds his offer since he'd never want to endanger Naoya's bride but he knows it will be quick. "My boy it will take 10 minutes and you would have helped me make this a most special celebration!", Peaches can't even hide his enthusiasm for Naoya's rise. He's always been fond of the youngest Zenin and wants to show it in the momentous moment of his official takeover. He waits while Toji peeks into the room and relays what's happening to Elska and adds, "I do not want Lady Oda unguarded either so I will limit your consultation to a minimum."
Elska fakes a smile as Toji leaves, wishing he'd stay but also understanding why he'd go. She giggles when he hollers, "And lock the door behind me doll!", the seriousness in his voice reminding her of the first time not doing so failed her and Satoru. She has every intention to as she gets up to find some clothes.
The only thing she grabs from her closet though are underwear and silk shorts. She then walks over to Naoya's side and beams brightly as she removes one of his shirts from the hanger. When she lifts the overly expensive T shirt to her face, she sighs when it doesn't smell like her prince, though it lingers a cleanliness that's refreshing nonetheless. While she's lifting it overhead and putting her arms through, she hears something behind her but doesn't have time to react as everything goes black.
Chonan catches her body before she crashes to the ground and quickly slaps a seal on her spine.
"Finally…", he rejoices his capture as he checks her head and regrets to find her bleeding. He didn't mean for all of that but was honestly afraid to not strike hard enough because he understands her strength. Throwing Elska over his shoulder, he peers out into the hall and luckily finds that its empty and takes off in the opposite direction Toji went.
When Toji returns to the room only minutes, he's instantly aware of her blood's scent, it sending his senses haywire.
"DOLL!", he calls out knowing he wouldn't get a response but nothing else seemed appropriate. When he runs into the closet, he finds the evidence of the attack and is overcome with a ferocious pitting anger that violates all the good things he's become. He already knows who took her.
"CHONANNNNN!"
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As they're traveling back from the different shops, Choso feels his phone vibrate.
"Oh! It's Toji!", he states though being crammed in the middle of Suguru and Gojo, they were probably close enough to see that for themselves. When he answers it and says hello however, it takes two seconds before the tattoo on his face begins to waver, sending dark energy out and wrapping around his arms.
"FUCK! CHOSO WHAT THE HELL!?", Suguru tries his best to create a gap between them, the essence of that volatile energy singing his skin. He squishes the right side of his body against the car door, "It fucking burns!"
"Stop the truck.", Choso's tone is freakishly low and devoid of his usual compassion.
Gojo picks up on the emergency immediately and slams on the breaks all while not losing control of the truck even as it skids and slides sideways. They were within 10 miles of their home but none of this beautification matters anymore. "What happened with my love?", he asks while squeezing the steering wheel so tight that his grip becomes imprinted.
Suguru has to hop out of the passenger side to let Choso out and is perplexed when the being stands in front of the truck. "What is he doing?"
Choso focuses his energy and maps a portal to the campus but expands the opening so that the truck could fit too. Climbing onto the grill with his blackened eyes, he nods to show that its ready for them to go through.
"Drive."
Gojo narrows his eyes, thrilling for blood.
Suguru resolves himself to fight.
When they wind up at the campus, near their home, Gojo nearly rips off the driver door by accident, barely keeping his rage at bay as he considers the eldest Zenin's audacity. He looks to Choso, waiting for further explanation.
"Chonan abducted Elska when Toji stepped away with that Peaches guy.", the being angrily snarls. "Toji wouldn't have left her for long at all. This was a crime of opportunity." He begins to walk towards the building but Gojo teleports and is quickly returning with Naoya.
"Yo what the fuck, Gojo?", the Zenin spits as he's wasn't intending to speak to them yet. He doesn't even meet Suguru's gaze but comprehends that something's wrong when he sees the state Choso is in. Dropping the clipboard he had in his hand, he realizes that something happened with Elska. Gojo releases him but informs, "That cunty brother of yours has taken my love."
Before Naoya can clarify the details, Choso's mapping and without further words, they all enter the dimensional window created.
Toji's already informed Peaches who has sent out a reliable search party but he's not excited to meet with the others because of his failure.
"FUCK!", he screams, a wave of energy coursing out of him as he stews in the probability that she's hurt. He feels Choso's energy gathering and sighs.
Naoya stumbles out of the portal in a daze, "WHERE IS SHE?!", he screams into the room. He's frantic with worry, and scours the room needlessly.
Toji sulks as they all gather, "I left with Peaches for a few minutes but it seems like fucking Chonan was waiting for that…' He points to the closet, "That's her fucking blood in there. He's gone too far this time."
Gojo darts stormy eyes to Naoya, "You know we have to kill him, right?" He's surprised when he sees the Zenin's eyes calm as if that was acceptable.
Naoya doesn't want to kill his brother but he also did his best to express the consequences. "Let's go save her…", Naoya roars, calling for his wings. He doesn't even seem to mind that his fresh robes are being ribboned. Gojo and Suguru produce theirs next and it's as if there isn't any hostility between the group as they gather and plan for absolute decimation.
"I fucking warned him earlier…he was hit by two of her waves and lost his mind."
Suguru steps back with wide eyes as Toji lunges for his cousin.
Toji yolks Naoya up, "What the fuck do you mean?! Why didn't you tell me he's already attempted this!? I WOULDN'T HAVE LEFT HER!" He feels bad as his cousin's red eyes cancel out to show saddened amber ones but keeps his hold firm. "SHE'S FUCKING PREGNANT WITH YOUR KID BOY! WHY WOULDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE ATTACK?!"
The entire room goes silent as Naoya's legs give. He hits the floor with a loud smack, in shock…not computing what was just said. "…huh?"
Gojo's head slowly turns towards the Zenin, glaring with all of the wickedness he can forge as he feels betrayed, deceived. He can see the disdain wash over Getou's features and the confusion blanketing Choso's blackened eyes.
This is the last thing Satoru wanted.
'They'll make her a Zenin…'
The Silver Shaman's entire world disintegrates as those tiny qualms of Naoya claiming her once and for all rips open all the sutures Elska's reassurance once created. He can't even control it, his feet move on their own in the path of his blonde friend, "Naoya…", trickles from his lips without emotion.
Naoya's eyes water in a perplexing moment of happiness and terror. He sees Satoru coming but he can't move nor really process anything else.
"My…kid?", this is everything he's ever hoped for and triggers his thoughts back to the plant they both saw, "Oh my God…we didn't even mean to…" He stares absently, wrapping his mind around the seriousness of the situation and thinks, 'I'm going to be a father!' Right as Gojo is about to close in on him, he jerks his head in shock to find that the Titer has come between them.
"Don't do this…", Suguru strains to keep Gojo back, they're hands grappling, "WE HAVE TO FIND ELSKA!" He headbutts Gojo as hard as he can, dazed by the impact and insulted when he finds he only hurt himself. Holding his head he topples backwards, tripping over Naoya, half landing on him. Toji is immediately taking his place in trying to calm the silver shaman, which Suguru finds gratitude for until he looks over and has to see the utter excitement written across Naoya's face. It stirs his darkness greatly, the slacked jaw and wide red glowing eyes overflowing with obvious happiness.
'I can't let her become a Zenin…', Getou bites his lip until it bleeds in order to refrain from crushing the blonde out of pure envy. 'I have to tell Master Genghis…', alarm blaring through him as he considers the hopeless of his own predicament involving her.
'Was it all for nothing little one?'
Choso growls deeply and increases his presence which covets everyone's attention. He casts his observer technique to find a grotesque display of Elska being secured to a bed by Naoya's brother. "I've found them and they're nearby", he tells them but thinks to her, 'Master…we are coming.' He doesn't hear her respond which prompts him to wonder if her abilities have been sealed, hastening his urgency.
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Elska groans to her blaring headache and doesn't even notice the jostling of her legs but she does hears a voice say, "Shit.", and suddenly all of the movement stops. She tries to move her arms but finds that she can't and this sends her into a thrashing fit. When she opens her eyes, she finds that same vermin climbing on top of her.
Chonan leans down, ghosting over her lips with a certifiable air, "I've finally caught youuuu." He raises a cloth to lightly sponge at the dried blood on her forehead, "Though I'll admit, I didn't mean to hurt you."
Elska bears her fangs and tries to bite him but he's quick enough to evade and clicks his tongue in taunting disapproval.
He doesn't know what's come over him but as he stares down to her, Chonan can't help but think about how reckless this was…but also he couldn't help it.
He had to steal her.
Her animalistic noises somehow charm him, something he can't understand but he's coming to terms with the fact that she draws him in.
"Miss Oda…", he calls to her romantically all while checking the rope's binding her to make sure she wouldn't be able to retaliate, "What is it that you see in my little brother? WhyNaoya? I can't fathom any logic behind it. Is it because he inherited the clan's ancient technique?"
The mention of her prince's name reminds her of the life she's possibly carrying. When she looks down her stomach, which is being crushed under this large stranger, it maddens her beyond normal standards.
"GET OFF OF ME!", her voice seems to stun him for a moment but the clarity of his fear soon dulls away, his former obsessive expression returning.
Chonan's eyes wander along her body, the feral urge to take her consuming him.
"Is it because of his looks? Or the family money?", he queries while shifting his weight to snatch the hem of the shirt she's wearing, gliding fingers slowly along its fabric as he inches it up bit by bit.
"Does he do something special in the bedroom? Something that renders you speechless?"
He flinches to the abhorrence in her eyes but confesses, "Your spell, Miss Oda", he recalls that scent, "I've been infected by it."
His brown eyes focus onto the promising glimpse of the crease produced under her breasts, licking his lips as he takes his time.
"Why him, Oda? Why Naoya?!"
Usually Chonan, though cruel in many ways, wouldn't try to force a situation like this, not one of this nature. He's never needed to either. Women love him.
This muddles him since he cannot figure out why he's become so aggressive, especially when she's noncompliant. She refuses to answer him too, exposing his lousy chances of swooning the girl as even dialogue seems to be more than she's willing to give.
Through her silence and with some more time to studying her revulsion, something happens within Chonan; a moment of clarity. Suddenly, he's lamenting regrettably, "This is wrong."
Elska holds her breath while he climbs off of her and then eyes the ropes, indicating that he wants to remove them.
'Does he think I will not strike?', she wonders to herself, bewildered by his sudden change of heart.
She watches him intensively and monitoring the careful manner in which he cuts the restraints confounds her. The tender fingertips that glazed over the area of skin that were rubbed raw from her flailing reveal a completely different man. Taking her limbs back, she scoots against the wall as much as she can and plans for a counterattack just in case he's setting her up.
"Look…", Chonan puts his hands together and tilts his head forward, "I don't know why I did all of this." He gulps down air while he stands and shakes his head, "I shouldn't have done any of it…"
Elska is still needed to take over the clan but as he looks around at where they are, he becomes disgusted with himself. In this instant of elusive quaintness he has to ask himself if he's really willing to do away with Naoya as well and the honest truth is that he isn't.
"I'm not giving up on the position of Hei", he discloses with sincerity, "But I can't go about it this way, nor will I." He walks over to the door and opens it, "Would you like to leave, Miss Oda?", almost too ashamed to look her in the eyes.
Elska feels her turned coming in hot and suddenly fears for this man's safety. This conundrum angers her but she glances over and lowly states, "You need to run."
She uncoils herself from the bed and dashes past him, "I will cut them off but there's no guarantee that they won't come after you."
She can't believe it, helping this vermin escape? But what she witnessed seconds before was a man lost in her the effect of her pheromones, a Zenin man no less and they naturally gravitate to her because of their clan history.
"Do not misunderstand, Chonan. If you ever harm Naoya, I will end you myself.", the last words she leaves him with as she runs towards the direction of her beloved turned.