House of Alphas Chapter 142: Kindred (Patreon)

The crackling of the fire was rather loud.

Everyone was sitting around it, except for you and Sukuna.

The two of you were still sleeping.

Nanami had tried to wake you up for food, but you told him you were not hungry. Despite his making your favorite food, the scent did not entice you.

You would rather sleep.

They all knew what was going on; your smell was dampened, like that of mossy grass. It was difficult for you to be apart from the twins, and you are experiencing the negative impact. The bond you have created will take a while to weaken.

In time, you will feel better.

But that time is not now, and that made sitting around unbearable. They wanted to make you feel better now. Their life was so pathetic without you. The pack seemed to be lost like men overboard.

They could barely eat, picking at their food with slow movements.

Luckily, Yuji kept the space busy with his chattiness. It distracted some of them a bit…

Not Toji.

He sat further away from the fire, his gaze hard. He’d go from staring at the flames to staring at your tent. You needed to eat. He knew you were depressed, but that was no excuse for you not to take care of yourself. It nagged at him, made him uncomfortable. You haven’t eaten anything since yesterday. That was too long. He was up in a flash, going to your tent to try to get you out or, at the very least, take a bite of food.

Gojo watched the alpha go, his eyes trailing after him. He had attempted to talk to Toji, but he felt he had annoyed him more than anything. He really tried, but he just wasn’t you…or Sukuna. He released a low sigh, looking into his bowl that had yet to be touched. This sucked so bad. He thought the trip home would be a happy one…he thought you’d all finally find some peace after finishing the mission and getting away from the elder hag. However, the situation seemed to have earned the witches' mistrust rather than their friendship. What a waste of his energy.

“Stop sulking. We don’t need two people not eating.” Getou nudged Gojo and then pointed his chopsticks at Nanami, "You too Kento."

“Yeah- yeah- I know.” Gojo muttered, trying not to interrupt Yuji’s story. He and Nanami took a small bite, tuning back in.

“…So I finished my song, and then the elder witch asked me to come to her office and -BAM!- she throws this stuff on me and starts screaming when she saw the symbol! I don’t know what it is, but it looked like a star! She then said I was a monster and I am a spawn of some demon! I was of course baffled becasue no one had told me this so I asked her what I should do, and she told me to get in the cage, and I did, and then she said to put all these talismans on and-

“You willingly locked yourself up?” Megumi gapped. He was not aware of that part.

“Duh, it was to protect others from me...” Yuji pointed at his collar, “That’s why I wear this…just in case I might hurt someone... I wouldn't-of course! Never in a million years, but I don't know, what if I transform into a worm- would you still love me, Megumi, if I were a worm?” He fluttered his lashes at his partner, making the beta roll his eyes.

"You aren't going to turn into some worm. You saved the town, and those taka birds thought you were a monster because of that? That makes no sense. They had no real reason. They were the ones in the wrong. And anyone who thinks otherwise.” Megumi stated with such firmness.

Yet his confidence in his partner didn’t lighten his mood.

Yuji looks down, speaking softly, “You don't know if I’m a danger or not…If I am…I’ll take myself out if I have to.”

“None of that.” Nanami snipped.

Itadori uttered a sorry, but deep down, that’s how he truly felt. He’d do anything to protect Megumi from himself.

Getou released a low snort- it seemed almost hypocritical since Nanami would probably do the same, considering his chain situation.

Choso quietly interrupted, “Can you show me your star? Perhaps I could send word to my..." He halted, shifting his words, "…Maybe…I have seen it in passing." He was so used to asking his father everything, but maybe...just maybe... he was not the truthful man he thought…

“Uh- well um…” Yuji pulled his shirt up, revealing his bare stomach, “…It’s here somewhere… but it’s invisible. You need a special spell or potion to see it.”

“I have some of that potion the elder witch used.” Nanami offered, “I use it to draw my chains…I can draw your star too.”

"That would be good!" Yuji nodded in agreement.

Toji came trudging back.

“Any luck?” Gojo perked up with hope.

Toji shook his head, plopping down with a hard thud. His features looked tense. “We leave as soon as Sukuna wakes up. I’ll carry her.”

Nanami pulled the map out, laying it on the ground, “I have marked the quickest path home…the question is... do we stop by the omega house…”

“Absolutely-“

“-Not."

Toji and Getou glared at each other over the fire.

“Straight home Getou.” Toji spoke with finality.

“Might as well stop by on the way.” Getou countered. “We need to speak with Mei Mei.”

“…”

The others in between the two alphas already knew what was about to happen…

The back and forth started small…

“That will add another day or two!” Toji hissed.

“It will, but it will be worth it. That woman messed with her mind for a reason.”

“What does it matter? Resurfacing those memories is out of the question.”

“Even if she doesn’t give them back, we still must know the motive. Do not be afraid of knowledge.”

“I’m not afraid of knowledge, I’m afraid of losing my omega!”

“Running away and turtling inside our dens is not the way to protect her!”

“Neither is putting her in constant danger!”

Yes...it started small…Until both alphas were yelling, shouting higher and higher above the other as if whoever was louder would prove their point.

Yuji let out a soft whine as he tried to push his scent to calm the hostile environment.

Nanami spoke with a tired but gruff voice, “If you two are going to fight, then take it out of the camp.”

“There’s no need for a fight... We can be civil alphas. Let us cast a vote.” Getou raised a finger, “I vote we go to the Omega house.”

“I vote we don’t.” Toji looked toward Gojo; the sudden attention on the white-haired alpha made him squeak.

“What…” He gulped, looking at both alphas who were glaring at him. Suddenly, he didn't want attention.

“Vote!” They both urged in unison.

Gojo began to stammer, “I-I thiiiink….I think….” This vote was making him sweat. Whichever side he didn’t pick was going to be pissed. Toji was already in a bad mood, but Getou was his fam from another dam.

“You think?” Getou pushed.

Gojo quickly looked at the blonde whose head was down, “Yes...I think...Nanami? What do you think?”

“I…I don’t know.” Nanami kept his eyes away from the others. Almost as if he was ashamed that he didn’t know the correct answer. He didn’t know what they should do with you in your current state…he didn't know what was best.

“I don’t know either!“ Gojo blurted out.

“Then it is a tie. Why not settle this with a fight then?” Toji cracked his knuckles, ready to hurt someone. “It’ll prove who is the better protector.”

That pissed Getou off, “I do not lower myself to such barbaric tactics, you brute! You think you can protect her better than I because you have physical strength? That’s not all that is required! We aren’t just fighting a battle; we are fighting a war! And your stupid tactic never works! That's why you always lose in Conqueror!”

“What does that have to do with anything! And I usually get second place or third!” Toji growled out.

“Only because we are busy fighting for other land! You sit there all game waiting to lose, afraid to move out and take risks, and that’s why you never win. That strategy never works in the long run! AND IT'S FOR COWARDS!"

“Fuck you-This isn’t some stupid game!”

“I mean, isn’t it kind of…” Gojo whispered, but no one heard except his sad bowl of food.

“I can’t do this with you!” Getou pointed to Choso, “What do you think?”

“No! He doesn’t count.” Toji objected before Choso could even acknowledge that the question was aimed at him.

Getou released an annoyed growl, pinching the bridge of his nose, “I fucking hate when you get like this- you see no reasoning and become such a hypocritical ass.”

“Speak up, I couldn’t hear you!” Toji hissed, showing he might have heard what Getou said or gotten an idea.  

“Weeee~! Are going to go out for some dessert pickings!” Yuji shouted. “Anyone want any?!”

“…”

“No.”

“No thanks.”

“That is very kind of you, Itadori, but I do not need any.”

“Get the same amount for everyone, but give me all their servings.”

“Gojo, that’s too many sweets for the night.”

“I’m going through a crisis, leave me alone.”

“On it!” Yuji saluted the group. The two betas then left…rather swiftly.

Megumi whispers, “Are you sure you want to travel with them?”

“It's fine, just a little pack drama.”

“A little?”

“…”

"You might want to leave too." Nanami warned Choso, "Because if this fight doesn't end soon, then I am going to get pissed."

The beta had his arms crossed, “Your alpha battle doesn’t disturb me as much as it will her. I’d like to be here just in case you wake her up in a worse mood than she already is.”

"Exactly why I will step in before that happens." Nanami cast a warning glare at the two arguing. "All of this bickering for what's good for our omega yet this beta is more concerned than you two."

"I didn't...I didn't start it." Getou scoffed.

Toji’s lip twitched. He knew the two were right. Fighting in camp will disturb you, and even if they did take it out of the camp, you would still be unhappy if he hurt Getou. The alpha could barely take a punch...He needed someone else to fight... someone who could take a hit and hit him back, to tell him he’s right (or wrong). Someone to let him work out his frustration.

He needed-

The flap of Sukuna’s tent was ripped to the side as the alpha came barreling out of it.

“Where is she?!”

“She’s in her nest resting.” Nanami gestured.

Sukuna rushed toward your tent, breathing in your sorrowful scent, “What’s wrong with her? She smells depressed- what happened, did that bitch hurt her?”

“Come sit Sukuna. She’s not hurt physically; she’s a bit saddened by the events that occurred after your rescue.” Nanami fixed the alpha a bowl as he slowly made his way. His eyes still trailing back at your tent.

“Sukuna, I just have to say I’m really digging your punk look.” Gojo complimented, making the alpha grimace.

Sukuna ripped off the leather clothes he was still wearing and tossed them at Gojo, who let out an exaggerated yelp. "Y TU SUKUNA?"

“What the fuck happened?” Sukuna ignored the drama king, squatting before the fire. But he was restless, kneeling instead of fully getting comfortable. Foot propped like he was bout to sprint.

“Our omega had attacked the elder witch to free Yuji...” Nanami explained, handing him his food. “...She summoned those shadow creatures that roamed the castle, and the witches now believe she was the one who attacked them the first night.”

“Which Choso already said she didn’t, it was his father.” Getou quickly inserted.

"Okay- did you guys tell them that?" Sukuna questioned.

“No…” Nanami continued, “…unfortunately, the witches wouldn’t allow us to object to this claim. We were locked out of the realm, and no one would let us back in.”

"Fuck them, we don't need..." Sukuna trailed off, his shoulders dropping as realization weighed on him. "...The brats..."

The blonde nodded solemnly, “She’s been grieving ever since. For the most part, she has been sleeping, but earlier she had claimed she heard the girls calling for her. I believe she was experiencing phantom cries, which is something that usually occurs with bonded dams and pups. But considering the strength of her connection, we must treat it as them being bonded even though they aren't. This means the further we get away from the girls-"

"The worse she's gonna get, yeah yeah... I got it..." Sukuna felt an ache in his chest. Immediately, he felt as though it was his fault this occurred. Because he had a moment of fucking weakness.

"I'm honestly scared to see how bad it's going to get..." Gojo confessed. "We are only a few miles away…and already she's like this?"

“And that’s why we should take her straight home. So we can get her to safety.” Toji crosses his arms tight. Almost like he was a bull taunting someone to challenge his decision.

That someone being Getou.

“Which we can dooo while stopping by the Omega house.” Getou held all the attitude in his tone. Fully waving the red flag in the bull's face, not at all afraid. “If you don’t remember Sukuna- considering your whole situation, glad to have you back by the way- but the elder witch had said that Mei Mei had messed with her mind."

“I remember.” Sukuna stated, he then sniffed, his nose twitching from the burnt smell. “Is this what got you all smelling like shit? Deciding on where we go next?"

Getou tossed his hair over his shoulder, “Toji won’t listen to reason.”

The said man was quick to buck back, “We all know her condition is going to get worse, why would we deviate from her recovery?”

“They have been at it for quite some time.” Gojo sighed.

“I don’t know why.” Sukuna snorted, speaking as if the answer is obvious, “Why wouldn’t we go to the omega house?”

“Thank you!” Getou shouted, throwing up his hands to the sky. Thanking Tengen for someone to finally speak some sense into the pack!

Toji blinked in surprise, “Sukuna she- she won’t even come out to eat, and she’s hearing voices! She’s not okay now, and she will only get worse. What if she drops?!”

That had everyone stunned for a moment; no one likes to talk about you dropping. They know it could happen, but they don’t like to think about it.

“She won’t…” Choso finally cut into the tension. “…After everything that I have seen her go through… she won’t. I don’t know what keeps her pushing, but never once have I seen her drop, even during her illness. I'm pretty sure Yorozu has already dropped, and her condition is nowhere near what Raven’s was.”

Sukuna shouted in surprise, “You brought that bitch with us?!”

Getou shrugged, “For my curiosity.”

"Curiosity?!"

“Yes! Our omega gave that slug whatever disease or curse she had before. We wanted to observe it.”

Nanami gestured, "I told him it was fine as long as he keeps her away from us."

The black-haired alpha shooed the problem away with his hand, "She’s no threat, so can we get back to the part where you said Getou Suguru you were right and you are always right?”

Gojo raised a brow, “I don’t think he said that.”

“I didn’t...but Choso...I suppose... brought up a good point." It took him a moment to give the beta his flowers- "No matter the situation or how emotional she gets, our omega never drops. Her emotions may be high, but the threshold for mental suicide seems to be pretty far."

"Yet it is still there- and even if it isn't, I don't want my girl in misery. She's been through enough!” Toji shouted.

“Even though my vote doesn’t count…” The beta started slowly, “I know she’d vote to go to the omegas' home.”

Toji looked disgusted. “Your opinion doesn't matter. She's my girl, and I'll protect her how I see fit."

“I believe you have me mistaken. I would have voted for her to go home because I want to protect her, and protecting her means protecting all of you, too. It would be easier to do so out of the wild."

This time, Sukuna got angry, "We don't need your fucking protection."

"Sukuna, you literally just got kidnapped."

"Fuck you, Satoru."

"Like I was saying..." Choso got his word in before the two could start a whole new argument. "...If Rav...or Y/n were here, I believe she'd want to go to the omega house. Wouldn't you all agree?"

There were some head nods and looks- but Toji kept his frown. He, too, knew that you would probably want to go to the Omegas' home. He was afraid you’d be upset with him for closing you off to the world, but the fear of losing you was much stronger.

"...Sure…but it is up to us to keep her out of danger. She went ahead of us and could have gotten killed by her own alpha or that witch. We can't trust her life in her own hands; we have to be the ones who protect her as her alphas. And make the tough decisions."

"She went ahead because we couldn't get through quickly enough. If we had used the bombs sooner, we wouldn't have had that issue."

Toji blinked in surprise, "Are you saying it's our fault!?"

"Yes." Choso stated without missing a second. "If we got through quicker… and if… the kidnapping didn’t occur… we wouldn't have been here in the first place. Why are you punishing her?”

Sukuna didn’t like how Choso grouped him into this, but he couldn’t even object because the fucking beta was right. If he hadn’t let his guard down, none of this would have happened…he looked away, hating this feeling of shame that stabbed at his chest. It's his fault you don't have your pups...it's his fault you made such a drastic choice to come save him without everyone, and it's his fault you are grieving now. Though Choso had put the blame on everyone, Sukuna took most of it to heart.

“I’m…not punishing her…” Toji spoke low.

“Then allow her to choose her own fate.”

“My thoughts exactly Choso, that’s why I voted to go to Mei Mei too.” Gojo spoke with a hand to his chest.

Getou looked shocked, “Oh, NOW- You vote?!”

“I must say, Getou, now that all is said and done, I believe I also vote for the Omega home.” Nanami added.

“WHAT?!”

“Maybe you should have had better points for your argument.”

That made everyone except Toji- release a small noise of laughter.

Toji was still feeling uncomfortable and undermined. He wanted to protect you. Why was it so difficult? Was he just a terrible alpha? The thought made his chest hurt. He stood, “I’ll... take first watch…” And with that, he disappeared in the woods.

Gojo looked back and forth between Toji and Sukuna, “Aren’t you going to go after him?”

“Nah, give him some time to simmer. Then I’ll go out there and throw him around.”

Ohhh~ maybe that’s where Gojo had gone wrong. He needed to give him time and then beat him up. Of course it's genius why didn't he think of that.

“Hey, Sukuna-“ Yuji began to greet the alpha but then his face dropped as he got closer- “-Why are you naked?”

Instead of answering, Sukuna narrowed his gaze, pointing at his brother, “Why is he here?”

“He wanted to travel with us.” Nanami answered.

“And you said yes?”

“Is there something wrong with this beta?” Choso questioned. “Were the witches correct in their assumption?”

Getou shook his head, “No, Sukuna is just silly.”

The hot head popped off, “The elder witch had said he was a spawn!”

“The elder witch also believes our precious bird is a demon, too, but they were wrong about that and probably also wrong about that book. Damn, if only we had taken it with us. He could have answered so many questions!” Getou pouted.

“Why didn’t you?” Choso questioned.

“I would have! But only Raven could pick it up.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m…wait," Getou narrowed his eyes, "Why are you asking this?”

“Well, I was able to pick it up just fine. There was no magic on it, holding it down.”

“DID YOU TAKE IT?!”

“You’re lying! How could you have picked it up?”

“Are you sure it was the right book?”

“…I could...pick it up...but that's not to answer if I took it or not...” Choso had a blank expression that was somehow even more guilty.

“CHOSO FOR THE LOVE OF TENGEN, DO YOU HAVE THE BOOK?!”

The beta sighed, “Yes…I believe this is the right one... It had called to me.” Choso dug into his inventory and pulled out the stone book that none of them could pick up besides you.

“You picked it up-“

“Wait, it spoke to you?!”

Yuji perked up, “Oh, that thing? Yeah, it spoke to me too. Said something about me being a worthy spawn.”

Choso blinked in shock, “It said I too, was a worthy spawn.”

“What-“

“What the fuck Yuji? Why didn’t you tell us?!”

“It said YOU TWO- are worthy?!” Sukuna nearly shrieked.

“It wasn't anything crazy; it just wanted to challenge Megumi and me, but I told him I wasn’t interested. I think his name is Maga Gaga or something like that.”

“Why don’t you tell me these things?!” Megumi yelled at his partner.

“I thought I was hallucinating!”

Getou pointed to the other beta, “What about you Choso? What did he say exactly?”

“He said I was worthy… but I needed a bonded partner to summon him…” Choso tried to hand the book to Getou.

Thinking perhaps things would be different this time, the black-haired alpha attempted to take the book but failed like before, “I still cant pick it up.” He sighed. “Yuji, can you pick this up?”

“I never tried-“

“Is there something wrong with it?” Megumi questioned in confusion, blocking his partner with a hand.

“It appears only a select few can pick up the book. Yuji, give it a go.“ Nanami gestured. “It’s a summoning Shikigami, it cannot hurt him.”

“Ok…” Yuji moved around Megumi, tried to grab the book, and, just like that, lifted it as if it were effortless. “Whoa, this isn’t heavy at all.”

“What? This is heavy as fuck.” Megumi attempted to take the book, but he couldn’t.

“Not to me! See!” Yuji threw the book up and balanced it on one finger.

Sukuna was shellshocked. He blinked furiously, “WHAT THE FUCK! Give it here!” He shot up trying to snatch the book from Yuji, but even with all his might, he couldn’t take it.

“Here you go-“ Yuji let go of the book, and it slipped past Sukuna’s fingers and almost crushed his toes.

“That is most interesting…”

“Indeed…”

Getou and Nanami mused as Sukuna grunted and struggled to pick up the book.

“How does the Shikigami decide who is a worthy person?” Gojo questioned.

Suguru rubbed at his chin, thinking, “...I haven’t a clue…”

“LET ME PICK YOU UP YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!”

Sukuna was more than pissed at this outcome, “What the hell do you have that I don’t!”

“Ah…” Getou felt an imaginary light spell burst above his head, “Nanami…” he flicked his fingers at the blonde, “Give me that revealing potion.”

“Who are you going to use it on?” Gojo looked curious as Nanami handed Getou the glass bottle.

Getou stood, “Yuji, Megumi, and Choso.”

“What do you need me for? The witch already checked.” Megumi didn’t come right away; instead, Getou had to grab his arm and pull him over.

“Hush, pup.” Getou poured a drop of the potion on Megumi’s arm. Yet nothing was revealed.  

“I told you.” Megumi used a cloth to wipe his skin.

“I must have three test subjects to make sure it is working properly. Do not question me.”

Next was Yuji. The boy looked saddened as the drop caused his markings to appear along with the star on his chest.

Last but not least, it was Choso’s turn.

Choso compliantly offered his arm, and once the drop touched his skin, the same markings as Yuji appeared. Choso's lips fell in a silent gasp, opening his kimono to reveal the star shape on his chest.

“…”

Everyone watching was quiet.

Even Sukuna had halted his never-ending struggle to pick up the summoning book.

“You have it too…” Yuji whispered.

“…What does this mean?” Choso questioned.

“I have a theory.” Getou spoke with a nod, “Mahoraga refers to our omega as a Star Hero. Yet he refers to the two of you as worthy spawns. With the stars upon your chest, I can only assume you are perhaps pups of a star hero.”

Choso stammed,“…I-Is my father a star hero?"

Getou raised a brow as if to secretly say 'really'.

"...Or perhaps...I was adopted."

“Am I adopted?” Yuji echoed.

“Are our fathers the same?”

“Are we brothers?”

“I’m extra confused right now…” Gojo whispered to Nanami.

"Perhaps Choso and Yuji shared the same dam?" He offered.

“That doesn’t make sense! I’ve watched this brat grow in my mother's womb! He took up all the nutrients; there was no room for another!” Sukuna declared.

“Maybe he ate your other siblings.” Gojo shrugged.

“I’m so sorry Sukuna I didn’t mean to.”

“YUJI IT WAS A JOKE!”

“Settle down pups.” Getou returned the potion to Nanami and then slotted his hands within his sleeves. “There are a lot of questions that we have, and I believe Mahoraga can help us. All we need to do is defeat him and ask him about these Star Heroes.”

“We aren’t doing that now.” Nanami stated firmly, “She is not in any condition-“

“I know Nanami. I wouldn’t push for that now. All I’m trying to say is… I do not believe the star marks are anything evil. I believe you two are descendants of something greater. Something that ascends through time.”

Yuji beamed toward Nanami; he was excited about this good news. "Maybe our markings aren't something to be afraid of."

Nanami offered the boy a soft smile, but deep down, he felt ashamed. His chains were passed on as a punishment. He was no son of a star hero... His family was perhaps the villains.

“This is so bullshit.” Sukuna glared at the book. Now he had to blow off some steam with Toji. Their therapy session was now meant for two.

There was a flapping of noise from above. A bird circled down and landed on Getou’s shoulder.

Tweet Tweet~

It chirped excitedly as Getou took the message it brought.

“It’s from Kobeq…” He whispered, unrolling the paper carefully. His eyes scanned the words with scrutiny, but then they softened.

“What does it say?”

"An attack?"

“Nothing bad, it’s from Tigress.” Getou moved toward your nest, leaving the others. He was hoping this letter would give you some happiness.

“Sweetheart…” He called to you from outside your tent. He could still hear Sukuna in the back struggling to pick up the book. “…Sweetheart, you received a letter from Tigress…” he waited patiently.

“Sukuna, can you put some clothes on now.”

“Be amazed at what you don’t have!”

Suguru shook his head, calling to you again, “Baby, did you hear me? Tigress sent you a letter.”

He heard some shifting then…

“…Tigress?” Your sleepy voice questioned.

His voice had a tilt of hope, “Yeah, do you want to read it?”

“Sure, you can come in.”

Getou moved into your nest, careful with how you were curled in the middle. You were hugging a small pillow to your chest.

“It just came in.” He shifted your blankets and things around so you could prop up next to him, cradled in the crook of his arm.

“I hope it’s nothing bad…” You whisper, unrolling the letter.

“It’s not, I promise.” He gently rubbed your arm as your eyes scanned the words.

As you read, your lips pulled up into a slow smile, and you even let out little quiet giggles.

Hey Bitch,

I've never written a letter before so this will be my first. You know with Mei Mei’s rules and all. Or maybe you don’t remember. You'd better not remember.

If this is my girl then please continue to read. If this is Raven backflip off a cliff.

Still reading? Cool! Guess what?! You are going to be so proud of me! I took my first bath in the tub!

I know I know clap it up! Keep clapping! This is a marvelous achievement. I’m getting over my fears of the liquid of death. I even learned a water move so tell your six-legged dog I’m making waves.

Next time I see you, we will need to have a spar and of course more fun with our alphas. By the way how many of your rings have been destroyed? We are on our fifth one! They need to find better material to make these toys! Albeit I believe Miguel is purposefully breaking his. Your sugar boy seemed to love his he wouldn't stop talking about it with my alpha. Now that I think about it Miguel might be breaking them on purpose. Maybe I should start punishing him for each one he breaks. He loves to be punished I swear. His greed sickens me.

When will I see you next? It feels like I haven't seen your face for many moons. I hate your face no offense but I have to say I miss you and so does my pack.

Miguel has already gotten the townsfolk building your private home.

The twins are practicing for their rematch in the next sports game.

And Nagi won't shut up about our amazing relationship. Can you believe that? Nagi doesn't so much as speak five words in a day but when it comes to your pack he goes on a whole talkathon. He damn near talked me to sleep the other night!

They call you my omega mate.

With how boring it is without your presence perhaps I am a little attached to you. Like a LITTLE bit. Don't get too high up on your dragon.

Oh my tengen my hand is cramping too much for this. How does Nagi spend days writing all the time? What tedious work. My arms are too weak Ill write the rest with my foot.

(Scribbles of something untangible)

Damn, that didn't work. It just looks like a pup wrote this! I guess this is Tengen's way of telling me I wrote too much! I'll just end it here!

I hope to receive word from you.

Love you, don't die.

-Your Omega Mate Tigress

"She's so... silly." You chuckled, folding the paper with delicate fingers.

"That is your omega mate," Getou teased, "Would you like to send a love letter back?"

You let out a little laugh at his joke, but otherwise you didn’t reply back with anything sassy like you usually would…."Yeah, but not right now, could you just hold me..."

"Of course." The alpha got more comfortable settling down with you in his arms. He was happy to see you smile and hear your laugh, even though it was a quiet one. You were a grieving dam after all. “How are you feeling?”

You relaxed, eyes blinking slowly as sleep seemed to attack you. “...I'm just...so tired..." You spoke, your energy fading with each word. "...I wish I wasn't..."

"Don't fight it so much, it's ok...but pretty soon you might have to at least try to eat or else Toji might force feed you."

You sighed sadly, "I know…you all must be so worried….sorry…I'll be okay…promise. Maybe I can… sip something like a smoothie…. I just feel so sick…and..." You paused, looking off in a direction. Getou followed your gaze but saw nothing in the corner of your tent.

"Are you hearing the pups again?"

"..." You nodded your head almost robotically.

"Sh...it's okay...I got you." He pulled you to him as you hugged him. "...I miss them too."

"Sorry...I know you were closer to them…than the others."

"I was...and it sucks...It feels empty without the twins, but...maybe someday we can explain to them and the other witches what truly happened..."

“…May-ah-…May-aaah~…” you fought a yawn trying to get your words out, but soon it took hold, and you fell silent.

You had fallen back to sleep.

He gently played with your hair, staring at your peaceful expression.

“Get better soon…I have so much to tell you…I need another thinker in the group…it’s so hard to be the prettiest…smartest…bravest…in the group…It’s no fun without you…”

~

Getou stayed with you for a while, but soon the others called to him; it was time to go.

As everyone packed up, Getou spoke with Nanami.

“We move slow, give her time to adjust…But I think some medicine will help with her symptoms when they get worse.”

“Agreed. I already sent word to Shoko.” Nanami took off the saddle of your horse; you wouldn’t be able to ride in your condition.

“Look!” Yuji called, pointing to the sky.

A ravenous bird was circling above. It looked mutated, with six eyes, three on either side of its head. It landed on a trunk and cawed at them, its ugly cry was unnerving and sounded nothing like a bird. It had a gurgle-like sound to it.

“What the fuck is that thing?” Gojo leaned his head, looking at it.

“It seems harmless…” Yuji was going to step forward but Megumi grabbed his arm.

“Harmless my ass.”

Cawgk! The bird cawed and then regurgitated a letter upon the ground and then cawed at them again.

“Is that from Shoko?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Should we even tough it?”

Choso, who was gathering water, had come into camp, seeing everyone staring at the bird as if it were a threat.

“What are you guys doing?” He questioned setting the buckets down near the bird.

Nanami pointed, “That thing just came into camp, do you know whose bird it is?”

“Yeah, it’s Mahito's.” Choso picked up the letter, and the bird spread its mutated-looking wings, bones sticking out in places it shouldn’t…and flapped its way into the trees where it waited patiently for them to read what was delivered.

“Mahito?” The alphas looked at one another as Choso handed the message to Getou.

“Who’s Mahito?” Yuji questioned curiously.

“An alpha up north. Continue getting ready to go; it’s nothing to be worried about.” Nanami stated, even though he was extremely worried about what this letter would say.

What did the alpha have to write to them?

Getou unrolled the cutesy-looking paper, which was a soft yellow and frilly. It smelled like vanilla too. It was almost laughable how such a hideous creature coughed up this.

They read the first line-

“Oh-“

“It’s from Dove.”

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

Chef Note: I swear some chapters I go from laughing to awe to sad to laughing again to oh shit to uh oh shaggy all in one meal lmao XD. Like even I have to take a step back and be like… is this an emotional rollercoaster insert confused butterfly meme . I guess That’s just the way the cookie crumbles lol.

I personally enjoyed the part where Toji doesn’t realize Sukuna balances him out, but deep down that’s who he needed to help him out a bit. And of course Sukuna popping out right in time. But now he needs a good spar too now that he has realized he can’t pick up the book, but the two people he despises can lol. Our poor pink punk princess 👸 ( I’m sorry if I’m tiring that name Eris Echo🤣🖤)

Anyways~ We just got a letter~ We just got a letter- I wonder who it's from :3 (Reads a monstrosity note with gun noises and screaming in the background.) Just kidding im kidding im not gege (v=v;)

Just a heads up i will be making an announcement some time before next week! It is for our celebration for the kitchen 🥳!