Holly POV
I lay my head against the wall of the shower, finally moving from the bedroom after Hao left. Looking down I see the brown Leather collar that has been draining my powers. Another mage had managed to put it on me in an attempt to weaken my demonic powers enough for him to kill me. What he had not counted on was me being a Shaman. My guardian ghost, a Black Phoenix named Asuna, had easily dispatched him. She is a powerful one, and I am lucky to have her as my partner. It is thanks to her that I have remained alive these past years. Even though the mage that had tried to kill me was dead, the spell he put on this damn collar remained as strong as ever. Had it not been for this damn collar, and the fact that I have yet to fully recover from the demon ambush earlier, I would have had enough strength to fend off Hao's attack. Unfortunately my strength has yet to return so I remain vulnerable, knowing that the strength of my guardian ghost isn't enough to go against Hao and his spirit of fire.
A sigh escapes past my lips as I turn the water off, knowing he is probably out there now, waiting for me. I step out and stretch, trying to un-kink tense muscles. You're pathetic Holly. I hear Asuna's mocking voice. To allow a creature such as Hao Asakura to dominate you like this. Obviously you've forgotten what it means to be a demon; you've lost your pride, your power. The truth in her words hurt, more so than any physical injury I had ever had.
Asuna…I sighed, knowing full well that she was right. You're right, I'm weak. There's nothing I can do about it at the moment. I can't do anything until I get my powers unsealed. Without my powers I am not strong enough to fight Hao, and we both know that your power alone isn't enough either.
Hn. She replied, disgust evident in her voice. I still don't like it, he hurt you. I sensed the change in the tone of her voice, she was concerned now. It pains me, feeling the way you're hurting right now, and knowing that I'm not strong enough to stop it.
Asuna? I ask hesitantly.
Yes? Came her reply, her voice soft and soothing, understanding that I was afraid
Will you…take control of my body and pull my mind into yours? I know this is asking a lot of you, asking you to take the pain, but I-I just can't take it. I'm scared Asuna, not just of Hao, but of who my body reacted to what he did. With him I have no control and that scares me more than anything. I know where not strong enough to beat him, but you're stronger willed than I am and are less in tune with emotions. I couldn't count how many times we had done this to keep my mind from breaking under severe mental strain. How I had always found solace in her dark world.
Of course my love, I would do anything to stop you from hurting. Her words were soothing, and darkness had begun to creep into my vision. Shadows swirled up around my body, forming the traditional black Mage robes that I am so fond of. Looking into the mirror I saw my light violet eyes change, darkening into Asuna's familiar crimson ones, and then I was surrounded by shadows, engulfed in peaceful darkness.