House of Alphas Chapter 82: Breathe Me (Patreon)

Chef Note: This one is a hefty meal~ enjoy!

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵

Nanami shook Gojo gently as he spoke, "It's time to go."

The alpha mumbled sleepily, hugging you tight, "Nooo~ ten more minutes."

You yawned, patting the alpha on the arm so he could release you, "We gotta go, my alpha."

"Fine~ fine~" he huffed, begrudgingly releasing you.

You stretched in bed, lying there for a few seconds while you wiped the sleep out of your eyes.

If it weren't for your quest, you would be begging for some more minutes, too. You wondered if you'd ever find a moment of peace where you could sleep in for a change. Or feel that easygoing weekend vibe where you just waste the day away doing whatever you want. From bed rotting to going out with friends. Or anything in between.

You missed that boring feeling, where you were worried about whether you would order food or finally go grocery shopping.

You found a part of you…kind of missed that… and more from your old life.

But you push all that down as you finally crawl out of bed.

Now was not the time.

You had too much to do.

It was a teensy bit awkward while your pack got ready. No one was talking as much. You could have chopped that up to everyone feeling sleepy… but you also noticed Toji wasn't acting like his usual daddy self. Nanami was the main one helping you get ready.

You glanced at your big alpha as he slipped on his shoes. When he finally looked up and caught your eyes, he said, "Ready?"

"Yeah… let's go."

He must have been feeling upset still.

~

"Please come back anytime now~" Reggie Star sought to it that he personally escorted your pack out. Talking like one of those fake greedy people that just juice you up because they want something.

"I look forward to the changes you will make in this place." Nanami spoke within his businessy tone.

You listened with half a mind to the conversation. None of it sounded important to your adventure. Just mindless dialogue you would have skipped.

"Ah~ and one more thing!" Reggie snapped his fingers at Uraume, who was waiting for your group at the door with a box in hand. "Another apology from the troublemaker omega."

Your head was lowered with your cloak back on, hood up. Your gaze searched for Uraume's.

They bowed their head and pushed the box forward. As their sleeve fell, you saw vicious-looking bruises around their wrists.

The sight of it made you grit your teeth. They appeared fresh. Did that fucking alpha-

"You all really did a number on them. Poor thing was trembling." The man laughed.

Oh- so he thinks your alphas did that. You wondered who did it.

Gojo gave a weird look, but Toji elbowed him before he could say anything.

"Good, I hope there are no other mishaps." Nanami gave a goodbye nod, as did your other alphas.

You sent Uraume one last glance before Getou was ushering you out.

They gave you nothing.

Their gaze forever on the floor.

You didn't know what you expected, but you had hoped that Uraume would give you anything, but they didn't.

Perhaps when you come back around…

As soon as you left the inn, you began to feel a buzz of energy. Your mana was slowly coming back to you. It was a weird feeling. Like when you drink too many energy drinks… but without the headache.

"Back to this hell." Gojo waved his hand up in a grand gesture as you stepped out of the building.

"I'm beginning to wonder what is the lesser of the two evils." Nanami stated.

Yes, he was right. Anxiety tickled your neck. The Eternal City was bad, but each one gave you different kinds of fear. It was like choosing to be in boiling water or freezing cold water. Both are equally uncomfortable- both can kill you.

You just wanted to hurry up and find Yuta. Leave this place never to return.

Your party equipped their weapons, and then you all set off, following Nanami.

As you walked, someone grabbed your wrist. You blinked, looking toward Getou who had his Byakugan eyes active.

You saw his jaw tense as he finally looked up at you.

Your voice lowers as you speak, "It's there…isn't it?"

Getou gave you a small nod. "You were right."

"At least we know it won't kill me." You tried giving him maybe some sort of peace of mind. "It's just like a cellphone, but on my hand."

"A cellphone… is that the thing that cooks food for you?" Getou questioned.

Gojo popped over, speaking before you could, "No, that's a microwave! The cellphone is the one you can make calls with! And play games and take pictures."

"Oh, that, I thought it was called a telephone?"

"Yes, it could be called both things. Cellphone, telephone, phone." You giggle lightly, "Completely harmless."

Sukuna scoffed, "They aren't the same. Your people can't cast magic through them."

"Well… no…but it's harmless until I activate it…I guess..." Your words trail off as you continue walking.

Glancing over your shoulder, you looked at Toji. His senses were on full alert, awaiting any attack. However, when your eyes made contact, he just nodded forward.

"Keep your eyes peeled."

You did as he said, but your mind still wandered.

You remembered when he had acted like this before; he liked to bottle up his emotions, but he was really bad at keeping them on the inside. It was obvious when something was wrong. You knew it must have something to do with your discussion… what else would it be about?

You didn't want to wait it out to talk about it.

Might as well rip the band-aid off.

You trailed back, so you could speak with him.

"What's wrong?" He questioned as you got beside him.

He pulled you closer to his body so he could shield you from an ambush. Even if he were upset or feeling unwell, he was always looking to protect you. It made you feel special even when you knew he was upset. Like he was reassuring you that he still loved you, and it was more of the situation that bothered him.

"I should be asking you that." You countered his question. "Are you mad at me?"

The alpha looked to be in thought, pondering your question. "I'm not mad at you. Just… stressed… with you. Perhaps frustrated." He ended up giving you a look as if it pained him to have such emotions.

"I frustrate you?" You joke with a little smile.

Toji went silent for a second, his expression changing from slight pain to a frown. "Remember… what we told you when you made your first call?"

You felt your smile disappear, "Toji… I know, but…this… this is different. A different person at that. Someone who knows Raven. If anything…that could help me possibly figure out how I even got here. So many questions could be answered."

"I want to believe that-Baby I really… really do. But you have no idea what could happen. And I know you want us to trust you, I know you want to do what's right, but you don't know how helpless I-we were as we held you." Toji lifted his hand as if he were there in that memory right now, you could see the way his eyes darkened and glossed over at the same time, "You were screaming and crying, and there was nothing I or anyone could do. It was fucking terrifying. Then-"

"Toji…"

"Then… you get upset with me for the way I acted? Saying you wish you didn't tell us? Do you know how that makes me feel hearing you say that? Now I don't know if you are going to get yourself in danger all because you don't want to tell us anything?"

Fuck- well, now you just felt like an asshole! What THE FUCK! You never meant for this to happen. You never meant for him to feel this way. Hearing it felt like a cold slap to the face.

"I'm… I'm so sorry you-" Your voice cracked as you felt shameful tears burn your eyes. You never really thought about how much baggage you had unknowingly tossed to your alphas. You didn't realize what events weigh heavily on their minds. From start to finish. Every event, everything that has occurred…. You didn't know what pained their hearts.

You understood why they all reacted the way they did. But you always played it off as them being overprotective. Perhaps you gave them every right to be. Something small to you could have been big for them. You felt disappointed in yourself and how you dismissed their feelings. You shook your head as you told your alpha, "No…no, you're right." You had to stop walking, turning as you grabbed his arm. "Toji…I owe you an apology…all of you-you are absolutely right, I- that wasn't right for me to say. I was just feeling upset in that situation and said something I wish I didn't say- and I truly don't mean it. I- I always want to be honest with you guys. I don't want our pack to be built with lies… I was just… stupid and angry… and selfish. I hope you know that I'm trying- I'm trying my best to do all I can to protect you guys, I swear to Tengen, everything- everything I do is for you."

Toji wiped away your tears with a gentle caress, his gaze sweet as his smile was sad, "I know…. I know, sweetheart. And that's why you frustrate me and give me grey hairs. I'm supposed to be protecting you, yet you always try to beat me to it."

You released a sob-like laugh as you nodded, "Yeah, this feels like a conversation I keep having, but I'm trying to be more aware, okay-"

"Look out!" Sukuna shouted abruptly.

You gasped as Toji pulled you in for a hug, flipping away.

Landing by Sukuna, you were able to see the ghouls that were running to sink their glistening teeth into your flesh.

Getou summoned his snake as he put his back against yours, "No offense, but now is not the time to let our guards down."

"Sorry-" You and Toji said at the same time.

The bigger alpha kissed your forehead swiftly, "We will talk about this later, let's focus." Then he was leaping into action.

You still had tears in your eyes but you had to queen never cry and lock the fuck in.

~

After you defeated the creatures, your pack continued to push forward. You stayed in formation this time, much more prepared to fight the next mobs. When you got closer to your destination, Nanami suggested that you all take a break and eat, just in case you needed your energy.

You cleared out an abandoned cabin… Well, what was left of the cabin. The wood was falling apart, and parts of the roof and floor were missing. Truly, you couldn't say if you were outside or inside.

Setting up a small camp, Sukuna dug out the soup and passed it through the Toji security.

"Poisoned?" Sukuna questioned.

"Nope, all good."

With that confirmation, everyone served themselves a bowl and sat back to eat.

As you sipped your soup, you thought about what Toji had said.

You really didn't mean to dismiss their feelings so casually. You didn't even realize you did that- it was never your intention to do so. Yes, you have joked about them being overprotective, and sometimes it could feel overwhelming, but you knew it was in good nature.

They just wanted what was best for you.

Taking a step out of your shoes and putting theirs on, you took a good look at yourself. You almost choke on your soup as you imagine a miniature Donnie Thornberry version of yourself running around in circles like a lunatic. Complete with a princess tiara on top of your head.

As funny as that imagery was, you couldn't help to feel like they see this wild omega that keeps driving head-on into danger as they watch in pure horror.

Even this right here.

Traveling through this toxic wasteland.

All because you said so.

You were truly blessed to have the alphas who will go to the ends of the earth for you, but perhaps they need a break.

A break from the stress of you.

You cleared your throat as you set your bowl in your lap, "Um…" Looking up, you make sure you have your alphas' attention before you continue. "…I wanted to say… that I'm sorry for the way I acted and what I said. I don't want you guys to think I will ever keep a secret from you... Communicating is important even if it's something I may not want to hear…it's good that I do. You all have every right to voice your concerns…I know you want what's best for the pack just like I do. So I won't hide anything from you. I promise." You finished your speech, feeling a little tense as you await a response from your alphas. So quickly you threw in, "And-maybe after the second mission in Kobeq we can find some time to relax…"

They all had shared little glances. Getou was the one who spoke up first.

"Sooo~" The black-haired alpha drawled, "Could you tell us who is the villain of this game?"

You paused- well shit- could you tell them- but then you blinked confused because you realized he said 'game'- "Uh- you-you mean story?"

Nanami let out a little chuckle as he and Getou seemed to know some inside joke.

"Wh-what?" You questioned with your cheeks starting to burn.

Gojo looked confused. "Is it a book or a game?"

"Nanami and I were talking." Getou grinned mischievously, "I think this was a game you played. You always slip up sometimes and say it, but I doubt you realize it."

"Yes, you did it a few times already."

YOU DID? When did you slip up?! You were lost in your memory, trying to figure out when you had called it a game instead of a story. You wish you could flip back the pages and CHECK WHEN YOU MESSED UP-

"I imagine…" Getou continued, "That it was like those other little story games you told us about."

"Yes." Nanami nodded, "With how much you know about the choices, the battles, and much more… a book would be much too complex to withhold such information and paint such a vivid picture. I got this idea after you told us about the story of the Detroit Become Human game."

OH, WEREN'T THEY JUST SOME SMART COOKIES-

"A game?" Toji chuckled. "Why would you be embarrassed about playing a game with us in it?"

"UH-well-"

"No more secrets, remember?" Sukuna pointed with his spoon.

"I mean~ okay it's- so yeah it is a game- but-but- You know what, why don't I just tell you about who the villain is hehe-"

"OOOOH SNAP~!" Gojo explained, "You'd rather tell us the villain instead of why you are embarrassed!?"

"Now I know it's juicy." Getou chuckled, making everyone else bust up in laughter.

"I'm not ready for that talk, okay!" You growl while looking away shyly- dying of the idea of telling them it was a fucking HENTAI GAME-.

Your alphas were still laughing, but Nanami settled them down. "Quiet now…I would like to know who it is we need to be cautious about. Would you tell us?"

You slowly nodded, looking toward your alphas once again. "Ok…I will tell you guys, but like I said. It's crucial for you not to act differently… I trust that you all understand from our talks before..."

"Is it Yoshinobu?" Gojo asks quickly.

"That was my guess too." Getou nodded like he was saying 'good answer, good answer'.

"No…uh…" You lick your lips as you ready yourself to tell them. "It's the…alphas far north."

"Far north?" Toji repeated, then he snapped his fingers, "From Kushoto?"

You nod again.

Sukuna looked pissed, "Those bastards…for what reason do they have?"

You shrug, "Typical villain wanna take over the world stuff. Just because they can kind of thing."

"I bet he's upset I didn't invite him to my birthday!" Gojo then changed his tune, "Wait- those bastards were at our welcome party!"

You release a low hiss, "Yeah…. About that… I think Mahito had given me the… mark in the first place. When he shook my hand, I felt this sensation on my palm, but I didn't think anything of it till it happened again with the beta… the thing is, I don't know why he gave me the mark. That didn't happen in the…game… so I must have done something wrong…again…"

Toji shook his head, "Don't say it like that."

"I don't believe you should see it as something wrong you did… but perhaps it could have been when you escaped from the Omega house. A butterfly effect?"

"But how would he have known she could cast the spell?"

"Maybe it wasn't meant for you to cast, but just a way for him to scare us." Getou suggested, "I mean we all freaked out, and if it weren't for the witches we would have been traveling up and down the map. We got lucky."

"Really, lucky." You agreed.

"So I feel it is safe to say, we have caused quite the ripple in their plans by saving those witches." Nanami pointed out. "I feel it is also safe to say two coincidences will not go lightly…"

"You think…they've already shifted most of their plans?" You question with furrowed brows.

"That could be a good guess…"

Sukuna finished his soup, tossing it to the side, "What if the attack doesn't happen in Kobeq? If I were them, I would send it elsewhere."

You felt the back of your throat burn, "That…could be a possibility…"

Toji noticed your stress building at the idea, "Let's just focus on one thing at a time. We can still go by there to make sure it's safe."

"Ok." You say as you look down into your soup.

"GAWK-"

You looked up in surprise as Gojo began to hack and cough, holding his throat.

"Gojo? Ah- he's choking!" You shout as Sukuna pats the alpha's back, trying to help him hack up whatever was lodged in his throat.

A tinged piece of shroom came out of his mouth as he patted his chest, his face flushed.

Nanami raised his brow as he picked up the mushroom, but then he rolled it out- oh it wasn't a mushroom but a piece of paper!

"Hm…You were right." Nanami read, looking up for an explanation.

"Aw~ Thanks, soup, I'm always right." Gojo grinned.

"No, you idiot." Sukuna snatched the paper to inspect it. "It's a note to someone. Who was right?"

"Well, Uraume made it. Maybe they are talking to you." Getou pointed.

"Me…?" You blinked, and then you realized what this meant. You smiled, "They want help…"

"Guess we will have to figure out a plan when we stop by again."

"Gojo how did your dumbass not see this note?"

"Yeah, what if you accidentally ate it?"

"I just thought it was a weird mushroom! Toji checked the soup!"

"Hey, now don't put this on me, I just checked if it was poisonous."

You giggled at your alphas but then perked up with a thought, "Oh- that reminds me…none of you…actually hurt them, right?" You question.

"Nope." Gojo shook his head. "I was super confused when Reggie said that."

Sukuna shrugged, "Pretty sure they did that to themselves. Which was smart, better to cause your own pain than have someone else do it."

Just hearing that made you cringe, "Yeah, let's cook up that plan, any ideas for the board?"

"Poison! We can get Uraume to cook up a deadly concoction and then boom, everyone is dead." Gojo clapped.

Toji made a face clearly not liking that plan. "I'm sure I'm not the only one checking for poison."

Nanami took a throw at the idea board, "Well, what if we find out how the beta used magic?"

"If we can use our mana then we could just fuck shit up."

"Yes, it would give us a huge advantage."

"Ok…so we got two ideas." You say while holding up two fingers. "We find a way to poison the alphas…and keep the omegas safe and make it undetectable…or we find a way to use magic. I'm leaning more toward the second one. If we can talk to Yuta, we could get the clearance for the beta witch, and then I can ask him…" You trailed off as you felt a tremor in the ground. It started slowly, but then it started to vibrate harder as a bubbling banshee scream carried into the air.

Everyone froze as the scream continued to pierce your ears.

Then it stopped along with the rumbling.

"What… the fuck was that…" Getou questioned.

"I never heard anything like that before…"

"Me neither…"

"That shit was louder than a Gyron screech."

Your alphas were clueless, but as they looked toward you… The expression you had told them everything…

Your lips barely move as you whisper, "That was Rika…"

~

Fear had your blood cold.

As you rushed toward the catacombs, your footsteps became less confident. The monsters didn't even fight you. They were just running for their lives as they fled Rika's wrath.

She continued to scream until she couldn't scream anymore… and then she would do it again… and… take a break and then wail again.

The ground vibrated underneath your feet, it was that loud. At times, you had to cover your ears and stop, gritting your teeth at the screeching sound.

It was just like when you find her in the game. It starts just like this.

Meaning that Yuta could have already perished.

You stop running, grabbing Gojo's arm, "W-wait…" You called your alphas.

They looked back at you with furrowed brows.

Toji reached for you, "We gotta hurry baby, If this guy is hurt, we should help him before he dies."

"B-but…I don't think we should go- He might already be dead, and if he is- I don't want to fight Rika, we aren't ready!" You had never felt more scared within this game until now. Your body was trembling, and you felt as though every part of you was telling you to run- run away as quickly as possible.

"What?" Sukuna frowned, "We came all the way out here to help these two, this is what we set out to do, why would we turn back now?"

Getou shook his head, "We should go back- look at her, she's terrified!-"

"Then how will we get her memories back?!"

"We can find another way!"

Everyone was screaming and shouting at each other, but that all stopped when-

"AhhHHHHHHHhhhhhh!"

-The monstrous yell made them cover their ears.

That sort of shockwave scream stuns foes. But it didn't stun you this far out. In the game, it's when you are within the catacombs. That just shows how under-leveled you all were! This was not good!

Not good-not good not good-

You felt this weird feeling bubble in your body, you were shaking and trembling out of control now. Then you felt this dip like you were drowning- suffocating- you had to- you couldn't breathe- you had to swim out gotta get out gotta-

"Not good not good- Gotta go-" You whispered to yourself as you moved away from the creature. Feeling as though you were swimming to the surface, the further you ran away- the pressure was leaving your chest as you moved away- yes, it hurt you-had to-you had to move- it hurt-

"Aw damn- she-" Toji hissed running for you. "WAIT!"

They all saw you break down, and it was difficult to observe.

Omega's have a flight or flight mode.

A typical thing they have seen with plenty of omegas- usually this occurred most of the time when danger was around. They were submissive creatures that couldn't handle the pressure.

However, this was the first time they had seen you do it.

"Y/n, wait!" Sukuna called, but you were now sprinting while panting.

"No-" You scream, "No- no-NGH!"

You were tackled to the ground, thrashing around as you tried to get up, but then the scream went off again, and you curled up into yourself as you covered your ear,s crying.

"No no my alphas- no don't want to lose my alphas my alphas no-!" You cried, hiccuping as you sobbed and repeated your words like a broken robot.

"LU MARCIE! LISTEN DAMMIT!" Sukuna shouted, pushing your shoulders so you could look up at him. "Hey! LISTEN- and THINK- The screams JUST started, ok! That means that something must have just happened to Yuta- if you don't get your shit together he can die! But if we get there soon enough, we can save him- you can save him, I know you can!"

You sniffled as you looked at Sukuna, his words sinking deep within you.

"IF WE LEAVE NOW, WE MAY NEVER HAVE A CHANCE AGAIN! SO GET YOUR SASSY ASS BACK HERE AND LET'S FUCKING SAVE THIS ASSHOLE!"

Your other alphas crowded above you as they knelt beside you.

"I-I can't I can't- can't breathe- daddy help me-"

"Shh…. You can…you can breathe okay…"

"Breathe with us…"

"Close your eyes for a second-"

"We got you, baby, take a deep breath in…"

You did as your alphas said, closing your eyes as their words helped bring you back to shore.

"Hold it… one…two….three…four…"

"Let go… two… three…. four…."

It was shaky at first as you tried to breathe… especially when Rika started to scream again.

Slowly but surely, you felt your breath steady and that overwhelming pressure release from your chest.

You could breathe again.

You could hear the soft purring from your alphas as they touched you gently and whispered words of encouragement.

When you finally opened your eyes, your alphas let out a sound of relief.

"Oh, thank Tengen, she's back."

"Sorry…" You felt embarrassed as your alphas helped you stand.

"There's nothing to be sorry about, honestly expected this sooner... like when Sukuna chased you into the woods." Toji chuckled as you nodded.

"That was pretty scary." You joked, feeling like you were returning to a more sound mind. It felt fuzzy… like you were switching channels to get to the right station.

"If you can handle Sukuna, you can handle anything."

"You guys can suck both my cocks."

"Sukuna, I couldn't help but notice you called our omega, Lu Marcie?"

"You heard wrong."

Your pack began to laugh, but then it was cut off as Rika screamed again.

This time, the scream didn't frighten you. It… actually pained you.

It was like you felt her anger… watching her lover die must have been heart-wrenching… she was screaming in agony.

You felt that feeling when you freaked out. The need to scream, cry, and run away. All because you let your fear of losing your alphas consume you. If someone hurt your alphas, you probably would feel the same anger as she felt.

Rika was a scary monster… but she also expressed human emotions…

"Ok…" you wiped your sweaty hands upon your dress as you gave them the rundown, "I'm ready… but just a heads up, she will attack us… so let's prepare to charge in after her scream ends…Nanami, your shield can block some of it. Use it right when she does this motion.." You show him how she will prepare for a scream. " While all of this is going on, I will try to talk to her… Everyone, do your best to keep your distance…use defensive moves only, any offensive ones will leave you open. If worst comes to worst, we will need to flee. We cannot beat this curse spirit, so please, Sukuna, don't even try. We are fighting the clock here… if I cannot save Yuta, we leave, as quickly as possible. She will not go far from Yuta. I'll yell for a retreat…at that point, we pray to Tengen we make it out alive. Any questions?"

"Yeah," Gojo spoke up, "do you know where Yuta is?"

"I know where his skeleton is…and a sweet sword…but let's hope there's a body there. As Sukuna said, Rika just started screaming; whatever happened to him must have occurred recently. We may have a chance…"

"If we are quick enough."

"Alright. No further questions." Nanami stated, getting the worm out, "Let's get buffed up(1*)."

"Mm."

After casting your spells and drinking your potions, your party made its way toward the entrance to the catacombs. Leaning against the huge stone arch, the large stone doors were hanging off their hinges. You were able to peek inside, but could only see a few lit candles that lined the walls.

You waited for the scream to occur...

"AaAaAHHHHhhhhhhhHHHHHhhhh"

Everyone held their ears, and once it stopped, you all took off.

The catacombs were huge, with the walls covered in skeletons stacked tightly together. Rows of broken and whole tombs were in the middle of the room, while Rika cried at the broken angel statue at the head.

Rika was huge- and scary. She looked like a mixture between a xenomorph and a ghost. Her flesh was back and white, and her hair was like long tentacles. To your surprise, she did not immediately turn toward you like she normally does. It was like she was looking at someone and crying.

"The angel statue." You whispered, "That's where he-"

Crch-

Someone kicked a skull, sending it skittering across the dirt.

"Shit-" Gojo hissed as Rika looked toward you all.

The middle of her face split open as an angry eyeball glared at you. She lifted her claws to her face as her lips twitched and snarled. Getting ready for-

"RRRAAAAAaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" She released her pitiful scream as Nanami used his shield to block some of the attack.

"Here she comes-" Sukuna could barely give out the warning as she flashed to you guys with a wild swipe.

You all flew apart, getting on either side of the catacombs.

"RIKA!" You scream her name as she goes chasing after Toji. "WE ARE HERE TO HELP!"

Just as you told your alphas, Toji made sure to only use his sword for blocking, but she launched a strong attack that sent him flying into the wall. His back hit the bones as he slid to the floor with a grunt.

"RIKA, WAIT!" You screamed again as you and Nanami moved toward the broken angel statue.

She looked toward you and screeched, "AAAhhhhhHHHHHhhhhhHHH! GET AWaaaAAAaaaY!"

As she flew across the catacombs, Sukuna sent a flaming arrow at her- and Getou released the spider queen, who tried to stop the spirit with her webs.

Rika screeched when she was caught, but then ripped out of the webs and dodged the arrow- all while charging toward you with her razor-sharp teeth that were longer than your arm.

"GO!" Nanami pushed you forward as he used his shield to block her attack.

You dashed away within a mist of darkness, clearing the rest of the way so you could get to the angel statue. However, you heard a noise that made your heart stop.

"Ah!"

As you turned around, you could see Nanami holding up his shield, but Rika's nails pierced through it, stabbing his shoulder.

"Nanami!" You cried watching the shield splinter and then shatter into a million pieces.

Your other alphas flew to his aid, trying to help the blonde.

"FOCUS!" Sukuna shouted at you.

That snapped you back to your task. You circled the statue and breathed in surprise- you found Yuta.

Alive-

He was sitting against the base of the statue with his body slumped. His skin looked pale, and his eyes were sunken in. He looked feverish and sick.

"Yuta-"

"DOoooOoon't- TOUCH Him!" Rika came screaming at you with Getou in her grip.

You put your hands up as you screamed with all your might- "I CAN SAVE YUTA! I CAN HEAL HIM I CAN!- G.MA SENT ME TO HELP YOU! RIKA PLEASE!"

Rika stopped just short of you, her claws sticking right in front of your eyeball- your eyes widen as you realize how insanely fast she was- you were one breath away from receiving critical damage.

"G-g-MaAaa…."

"Yes- yes, G. Ma had sent me here to help you guys. Let me heal him okay?" You were cautious as you knelt by Yuta. Your hands glowed white so you could show Rika your intent. "He's hurt… what happened Rika?" You speak calmly even though your eyes wanted to look at your alpha that was in her terrifying hand.

"Y-yutaaa…. Help yutaaaaaAaaaAaaa- won't wake up-"

"Ngh-" Getou's eyes pinched as Rika squeezed him within her hand.

"YOU HELP YUTA-" She held Getou in front of your face, shaking him. It was clear that she was using him to threaten you. She then looked toward your other alphas and growled- "STAAAAaaaAyyYYY!"

"Ok- ok! Don't hurt my alpha… Please…" You pleaded, looking toward the others who were standing by with caution. "I got this- I got this…" You looked at Yuta as you used your light energy to heal him. As your hands glowed, they trembled- 'please-please work-' you begged. As you sat there trying to heal the alpha, a certain smell hit your nose.

One that you had only just become acquainted with.

Dandelions.

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵

Chef Note: A lot to digest, I know v-v. Take your time 🖤

(1*): Buff up just means to make a character stronger. Usually, it's done with potions or magic spells. So for an example, a might potion could give a character plus 10 strength or something like that. Or maybe even a spell that could give the party quick feet, which could be a speed boost. Each one can have different expiration times. It can range from seconds to until the character dies. Seeing as no characters can die in this story or the game would be over, these buffs typically last seconds/minutes/hours/until the battle is over/ or until the next rest.

Hope this helped and if you have any questions, just let me know ^_^~