This was Mukuro in her prime, all the hurt and much more surfacing under the weight of that atrocity. A dimension cut almost severed me in two if not for Kurama pushing me out of the way, a motion so fast, that I didn't even realise what happened until it was over. Everyone jumped to contain her, raw power bouncing off the walls. Yusuke groaned as a punch interacted with his jaw sending him flying across the room. Yomi appeared near me, both him and Kurama acting as a shield in case an attack "Mukuro don't let it control you."
"Shut your putrid mouth Yomi!" she wasn't trying to contain the swirl of negative emotions or had enough of trying to do so. Revealing his Jagan I saw Hiei staring at her, more than likely trying to tap in her mind. Botan had her back against a wall, shaking from head to toes, Kido in front of her frozen in fear.
"Mukuro" stepping between Kurama and Yomi, both placed a hand on me to hold me back "listen to me please" concentrating my territory on just her I gently pushed back the hands protecting me. Glancing at Hiei, he shook his head, he still hasn't managed to get through "that thing on your soul is going to kill you." Extending a hand out I stopped in my tracks waiting for her reaction "Let me help you."
Thin lips rolled back revealing teeth snarling at me as the council grabbed her arms trying to hold her back from cutting me in two "I won't listen to a weak human!" if she continued to struggle like this there was no possible way I could work properly. I needed her sedated, calmed down, something.
Kido stepped near me, eyes focused on Mukuro who spat out insults struggling against the demons holding her. Following his eyes, he was searching for her shadow and it clicked in my head. If he could step on her shadow then I could work. To my right a window, to the left another one, if Mukuro would be released to my right she would still hurt me, if she went to the left Botan wouldn't stand a chance.
Taking a deep breath in, I cleared my head, trying to ignore my own ragging fear, stepping closer to the window, away from the light "Come and get me then Mukuro, see how a weak human can disintegrate your soul." I had to trust Kido, that he would step in even if I got hurt and not freeze in front of her force. Concentrating my territory just within my body I screamed "Release her you fools, let it be her undoing!" I tried not to shake on my feet, but it was an impossible task, I could only face anger so at least justify it in a way.
"Let her go." Since Kurama also backed me up it meant he understood what we were planning. Reluctantly they released her after Enki gave them a direct order, Mukuro lunging at me, hand lashing before she even reached me. Air left my lungs as I gasped, blood painting the floor under my feet, legs giving out. Kido stepped in before a second attempt could be made, trapping her in his territory.
Kurama caught me, that much I know, burning pain and hectic energy trying to mend the damage done. And then I heard Hiei's voice inside my head, keeping me together, reorganizing me so I wouldn't panic more. If I did, I would have taken my last breath in Kurama's arms and could not have focused on healing myself. I didn't have the discipline of managing so much pain with a clear mind.
Once my vision focused, I felt like I could breath, slowly leaving the comfort of Kurama's embrace as I got up, someone's coat being draped over my shoulders, clothing I took, hiding the blood on my skin and my torn up shirt "Alright Mukuro we have a lot of work to do." Looking over at Hiei I finally received a nod "Let her go Kido we got her."
Placing my hands on her chest, I let my energy escape.
Drowning...
Shattering…
Destroying…
A collapse of senses…
Behind closed eyes everything spiralled out of control. Brick by brick, cemented walls inside my soul crumbled as a feral cry escaped my lips. Thoughts clashed inside my tired brain, whispers intertwining. I was not myself, Mukuro either, Hiei keeping us connected, Jagan bleeding at the rims. We were one, every fear, each painful memory being passed between brain cells until we could barely differentiate what belonged and what was borrowed.
If not for Hiei, Mukuro wouldn't have calmed down enough for me to work. Even now she was trying to resist him all while my heart beat so fast that my chest hurt. I expected that abomination on her soul to crush everything into oblivion but it didn't. It kept looking at me, I could see it no matter where I turned, energy pouring into deep cracks, slithering past those horrible tentacles. It almost purred when I reached it, I swear it made a sound, like an animal, or a beast I don't even know. But I heard it, I swear I did.
Hiei held Mukuro close, allowing her to lean against him as I offered my energy, healing away chaos and suffering. So much pain, this woman has been through Hell, her memories giving me goose bumps, the air around my body turning ice cold. Everything about her was chilling to the bone, her soul a testimony of all the horrors endured.
And then there was me, a healer working my way against a tentacle baby stuck to an almost catatonic Mukuro. I was nothing, not even a dent in all this chaos, my power not enough "Focus Hana." A small groan left Hiei's lips but the words spoken where just for my brain to latch onto "Don't let it get to you."
Opening my eyes I couldn't stand the dim light inside the meeting room, even that scarred my retina. Hiei was pale, like he was about to pass out. Mukuro now had her eyes closed, a low murmur chanted through thin lips. Extending my territory, it reached Hiei, healing the damage done to the Jagan, ruby eyes softening.
Kurama was my support, strong hands holding me, helping. Yusuke hurled everyone out of the meeting room, acting as a guard dog outside the door, sometimes stepping in to ensure we were all still alive "Conserve your energy woman, I can take far worse." Maybe Hiei's body could, but his Jagan was a different story and it was hurting him as well. How could he handle the chaos of our thoughts, holding Mukuro stable and me conscious?
Swallowing hard I felt something wet dripping out of my nose, Kurama quickly wiping blood away "I cannot inject you anymore, your body might collapse if I do." Thankfully I still had two courtesy to Yomi who gifted those injections used on me in Gandara and he being him, brought more.
"It will if you don't." again I heard Hiei's voice inside my head hushing me, urging me not to speak anymore, shortly after feeling the sting of a needle pricking my skin, a rush of air being forced into my lungs. It felt like I've honesty been given a chance at life, as if it was prolonged somehow. For how long I wasn't really sure. Warm arms wrapped around my waist for a moment before they helped me keep tired hands pressed against Mukuro`s chest.
Beyond dimmed sounds, a creaking door was heard, Yomi`s voice reaching me "Let me take over Kurama, you have been here..."
His fingers gripped my skin, a slight tremble travelling up my tired limbs "Touch her and you will regret it." through all the fatigue my brain wandered to my father, thinking that sounded like something he would say about any of his possessions.
"This is not the time for pettiness Kurama, surely you must be tired." turning to look at Yomi, the words leaving my mouth sounded slurred at best.
"Fuck off both of you." the door was heard once more, silent footsteps making their way near us.
"Both of you can go, or stay here for all I care but you will both shut your traps. I'm taking over." for once relief washed over me as slowly, Kurama let Yusuke take over. As he held me I felt warm and safe, energy slowly engulfing me. Hiei's eyes widened slightly, but my current partner in crime hushes him gently as to not startle me.
"Yusuke what are you doing?" it felt like his soul was travelling inside my body, small doses latching on to me. Hiei's eyes fell on my face, witnessing the realisation slowly forming in my head. This was not spirit energy that I was feeling, nor was it demon, the only thing remaining as an answer being life energy.
"Don't panic." once more Hiei's voice sounded clear in my head, this time Mukuro also looking at me, opening her eyes for the first time since we started, asking in a serene voice how was I managing.
Managing? I couldn't understand half the things happening, I didn't wish for them, I needed them to stop, for everything to just be alright "One more to go. Yusuke stop it." he stiffened behind me, almost making me jolt in the process. His nose nuzzled my hair, breath hot against my shoulder.
"You're dying Hana, stop trying to handle this alone." tears spilled from my eyes as I bit my trembling lip trying to contain the rising grief. This new tentacle baby coupled with Mukuro's hurt, her thoughts and Hiei's, everything cut throw me and I couldn't pretend anymore it didn't hurt. It did, my story was nothing compared to them "We're all here for you." Yusuke's hands kept a firm grip on me, assuring all will be well.
Hiei's voice travelled back to me "Hana, don't think about us." Mukuro's hand pressed on top of mine telling me she was there as well "We all carry scars on our souls for different reasons, that does not mean your pain is worth any less."
I needed to find a way to beat this, go to the source of it, become stronger. Locking eyes with that thing I didn't look away anymore. There was no running from it, only confronting it "I'll find you." I whispered even if there was no way of truly knowing it could hear. But it blinked, it blinked once before shutting its eye, detaching itself from Mukuro's soul.
Hiei pulled her back, Yomi stepping in front of me before that thing could even latch on to me. Kurama reacted, energy overflowing as plants summoned by him protected Yomi, loud blast resonating in the meeting room. Enki and the rest stormed in, looking at us, their eyes demanding answers.
"Not now, they need rest." I couldn't even get up on my own, eyes barely focusing the crowd. Kurama came in sight, arms picking me up.
"Kurama" Hiei got up, shaking on his feet "if I wake up and they are both not with me, I will kill you all." with that a thud was heard followed by a low chuckle. Pressing my head against Kurama's chest I closed my eyes, a deep sigh leaving my chest.
It was over.
For now.
Regaining consciousness wasn't as I imagined, every bit off me hurt, my head pounding loud in my temples, the pulsations unbearable. But apart from the tiredness that still haunted me, I felt warm, an arm keeping me close. Opening my eyes I froze as I looked up at Hiei's crimson orbs watching over me. On his right arm, Mukuro slept soundly, relaxation visible on her face.
"What woman?" I just smiled, resting my head back on his chest, thankful I was safe "You did good."
"No, I didn't, this thing is stronger than me." His grip tightened on my arm, a low growl resonating from his chest, rising in his throat. Lifting my head, I gazed back in his eyes "I need more power Hiei." He blinked, shining away due to the proximity of our faces.
"This is not for you to handle alone, you will fail with that mind set." Shifting, Mukuro yawned as she also lifted her head from Hiei's chest. She scanned us both as well as the surroundings, shrugging her shoulders.
"At least we are alone. Hana" our eyes locked in an instant as she offered me a ghost of a smile "thank you." Looking over at Hiei, I cocked an eyebrow at her inquiry "Is she yours?"
"No, she's with the fox." Glancing over at me Hiei smirked "Lately though I don't know how much." Rolling my eyes I groaned, least of my worries honestly. Draping a hand over me, Mukuro came closer, kissing me on the cheek, getting up after.
I for one just rolled to the side, letting Hiei also get up. All I wanted to do was get more sleep, getting out of bed wasn't an option if I had a say about it. But something told me I didn't. Using my powers was also not a valid option, not unless I wanted to crumble.
Pushing the covers off, I got dizzy the second I sat up straight "I don't think she can walk Hiei." Groaning, he came to me, pulling me over his shoulder.
"Oi, oi, put me down." Struggling only made me dizzier.
"Shut it, we need to go to the meeting room, everyone is" opening the door he stopped and I summoned all my strength to pull myself up and off of his shoulder. In the hallway, everyone was waiting, not really knowing what to do with themselves.
Steadying my body, pain shot up through me, from my toes to the top of my head. Holding onto Hiei for support I bent forward and hurled my guts out right there in front of the damn Demon World king and council, my friends and my love interest "Shit, sorry." Breaking the silence, Enki's laughter echoed down the halls.
Slapping his knees he tried to contain himself, but he just kept at it for a full minute "Oh boy, this is the second time you have this reaction when seeing me." More laughter followed and honestly I thought they all were on crack.
"I need to sit down so give me the short version."
Nodding, we all stepped away a bit from my brilliant performance on the floor, Enki still laughing away while Yusuke took over, for the first time being too serious "Relocation will restart, but both teams will attend, double the man power so there will be lots of travelling." He suddenly looked older, wiser as his eyes focused my face, no smile gracing his lips "We will try to limit it to weekends, but we can expect emergencies." Grabbing me by the arm, his grip hurt "You will not and I repeat will not be alone. We are all backing you up so fucking accept it." Pushing me, Hiei caught me before I met the floor, but Yusuke's eyes still tried to burn a hole through me "I would have punched you but I might kill you if I do."
"Yusuke, that is enough." Kurama became the centre of attention, Yusuke levelling him with a glare "We will deal with her inability to accept help ourselves." Cold deep forest green eyes turned to look at me "Am I getting through to you Hana?" I would have shoved my middle finger in his face, but I nodded instead "Good. Now let's get you home." He nodded at Hiei and the next thing I knew, I felt a hit at the back of my head, image darkening after.
