DB - Fu's and Kayel's Breaking Points

[2021-04-21 23:49] Kayel: "Watch and learn, boy.. There's certain ways to deal with such soulistic beings. Data picked up and recorded about Janemba has proven useful on that." His dark gaze cast to the girl and Fu would recognize the ambience change. It was a familiar shift, as if suddenly they were in that mindscape again. However this was more of a Dark cut off from the surrounding world. Tendrils hugged about and masked away the sight of the unconscious Chronoa as all grew black to the point that spacial distance was but a theory. There was no way to even tell where the ground ended and air began. "I've gathered a bit from prior run-in's before my time. Oh how you dislike being alone. Not so brave now, are you? You look terrified.."

"Miss Chro-nuh.." Kayel tried to hide the quiver in her voice as she was suddenly left with those two. Her aura flared, small orbs of violet and indigo forming and fighting against the darkness with their soft little glows. Looking back to that dark entity, she puffed out her chest and straightened to stand tall. "I's really scared.. but.. but that's okay. I can try to be brave and brave is still doin' stuffs even when you's scared and not runnin' way just 'cause you's scared. I's not gonna leave Miss Chro-nuh! Give her back! Mister Master Lord Demigra and Mister Uncle Mickey is gonna stop you and make Fu better!"

"Oh? Your ignorance is astounding. Fu is fine. If anything, I've made him better. He's so much more improved. But look at you, alone.. Do you think they wouldn't hesitate to let you disperse if their duty was on the line? That is what gods exist for, their duty.. their purpose. Then there's you.. Your purpose.. a little experiment, was it? A creature brought into the world not out of love or a joy of creation, but just for some.. role." He wavered his hand of crimson talons in gesture. "Expendable."

A few of those lights dimmed, Kayel glancing away a moment with a fist balling up against her chest. Her gaze shot back to him with cheeks puffed up. "That.. may be why I gots here but.. but I want to exists and I can.. and Mister Master Lord Demigra is helpin' me like Miss Chro-nuh. And.. and I helps them.. and we's.. likes a family.."

A hearty, mocking laugh echoed as crimson claws glinted the dim lighting, as if massive black palms were encasing the trio. "Oh yes, because family carries such titles of formality. To them, you would be an ant, perhaps a minuscule pet at most. But you're not even that, are you? Oh no, you've simply existed and been used. That is your purpose.."

"I just.. calls them that's 'cause.. they wanteds me too and.. and it makes Demigra happy.. They dun uses me. I helps thems and… and if that's how I can helps them to be's of use then.. then that's okays." Kayel poked her fingers together as her remaining orbs shifted closer to her form, flicking rapidly.

He grinned, double fangs revealing sinister intent. It was most obvious but Kayel was curling inward, tail tucking. "And it's okay when your use is over? Should they survive that long… Look at all the danger and trouble you've gotten Shroom into. For how long will you continue to torment him with your existence? Until you've led to his destruction?" Shroom… That dark entity had dug deep, pulling up scenes of Shroom's ordeals, from facing Goku to his battle with Salsa, to Kanba, to Sukashu…

"No.. I.. I just… I's just.. wanted to… exists.. and not.. be's alone no mores… I.. I don't wants him hurts.. I just.. wanted… to has a family.." What little light she had managed to give off was simply gone, smothered by the dark and replaced with tears down her cheeks. Kayel couldn't even lift her head.

"You're just some creation that has outlived its use by being a weak little fool that can't even properly live up to your purpose. Not that your purpose is anything grand.. just a battery." His hand rose, crimson claws flexing and drawing in violet streaks and pulses of energy as his other hand readied with grasping talons twitching in anticipation.
[2021-04-22 00:09] F u: Fu may be under influence... but he was not deaf nor blind. His mind was under a sway, an enthrallment that kept that demonic dragon passive and in a leash, susceptible to the dominance of the Dark Entity; a glorified pet that waited for commands. Still, a trickle of memories and awareness existed. Fu still listened, even with his mind bound by those dark chains.

He heard, he understood. The impostor's words floated at Kayel, but those ears still heard it all, and something in him trembled with... with...


.... rage. The dragon had been silent, his loud breaths usually coming with the slight hiss. He was idle, nails at his sides, closer to the ground.

... then they dug into the surface. Something Dark Mechi doesn't notice. Then that tail curled and lashed slowly...

Something the Master doesn't notice.

Then the maw went open, a tiny bit. The Master doesn't see.

Suddenly Dark Mechi felt his strength drain. Now that.. THAT'S what he notices. A simple glance tells it all - the dragon became stone -? and out of the depths of that obsidian, came a shape - Fu...

"Kayel...." It was Fu alright.. torn up, battered, his white hair slumped with his bang hanging over his face. He had a worn look, yet his eyes were vibrant... ".. those guys are all OLD. If they really didn't want to care about you, or bother with you, then they wouldn't. They ... love you. They are your family. That's how I know Mechikabura is mine.. that's how I know Shroom is mine. Yours too.. I guess that makes us kinda like family..." - he was talking to Kayel, but the piercingness of his pupils were straight on Dark Mechi -

"I hate you."

Vermillion marks streak below Fu's cheeks. They're incomplete, slow to form.. there was no mistake to them, however. His body, his soul, was finally processing the Dark Factor, which was.. quite bad for the Dark Entity-  "You made me... MAD!" -  Fu was before him, FIST-  FIST - graaasp towards the neck, grasp towards the arm - YANK - he was trying to pull the entire limb with those terrible claws off - "I'm.. not.. just a creation... I'm not just here to play some role. I make my own fate. I didn't.. just die like I should've."
[2021-04-22 00:48] Kayel: There was such focus, such depth being dug and gnawed into for that raw openness. Claws at ready, his hand rose and he.. paused. "What is this?!" Dark Mechikaboola hissed his confusion at that draining sensation.

He was too focused on his prey.

But now his pet was denying his chains.

"…Fu.." It was the only thing she could say, a single word, a name squeaked out as she sat there on the ground. She looked.. lost, there but not.

Fu's words resonated in an echo as Dark Mechi narrowed his gaze back. That harsh pressure grew at that processing with himself processing the process of the processing. Fu was tearing at him, and his own massive claws came forth, thick armored hands blocking strikes and glancing his own blows Fu's way. That violet crackle was unleashed at Fu's chest. "I can fix that for you! Know your place!"

Anger.

It was fuelling them both. The two fought.

His claws went to grasp Fu's arm and hold, a wild swipe taken for Fu's chest as he swung his own form and thus Fu's, trying to propel him into a darkness wall with the momentum. But that slash, that stabbing of crimson talons.. that contact…

Kayel sat there… crying. She was a little girl and reached the point that was all she could do. Tears. Crying. It echoed.

And it seemed to echo through that contact of Dark Mechi's claws. It was a snap, himself overwhelmed at the sound, while Fu… heard his own infant voice of tears and sobbing. The onslaught of memories poured, flooded in a sudden storm of flashes and orderly chaos.
[2021-04-22 01:09] F u: The two fought - it was vicious, hard, fast... and fleeting. Fu seemed to have a momentary advantage, his strength and raw speed harsh against the old man's unwieldy scales. His fast, relentless strikes would undoubtly keep growing worse - the anger fueled them both, but it was Fu's body and Fu's will that was suddenly changing the world, morphing it from that Darkness to the peaceful, endless desert...

Kayel could see the battle of these two souls. Fu was winning! He needed to win.. right?

... unfortunately, one tiny mistake and one gripping weakness still circulated between them: Fu was a young man carrying unknowns - parts of his life a mystery, his history unknown. In this moment, both men lose something. Dark Mechi feels an arm be ripped away, and all that momentum carry both of them into the dirt... and Fu's questions were given answers at a time most inconvenient- all at once. The blood-letting claws sunk into Fu's rib cage as both men crash into oblivion..



.... Towa....? .... mom was looking at him. He was in her arms, and she was.. comforting him. He was crying, she was comforting him.

Mira... father. His huge hand poked him with a finger, and baby Fu gave it a grip. Fu giggled. He was happy...

The Demons all failed him. Demigra, the traitor, with the foolish Time Kai... there was only one method to truly finish them off. There is no other choice.

Take everything, Fu... take it all. Live on...

Allies? Nothing matters but power...

Mom... you'll find me again... right?...

Live on... live on...

Live On....  Fu found himself standing in the desert. He was a child. How long has he been alone? Somehow he was making it. He stared up in the sky, knowing he forgot something important. Knowing that he came from somewhere, and had something important out there waiting for him... but he was alone.


... he was supposed to be alone.
Fu floated again in oblivion, his crying echoing through a timeless hole. He was supposed to end up somewhere, yet a random happenstance Fu found himself into that vortex which lead him to... Dabura. Uncle Dabura, from that time, from that group that he would grow up with and end up in the Nexus...

He was supposed to be alone.

Demigra... how insolent.

[color=color]The infant opened his eyes. Why were his parents going so far away... They're all dead. They've all been destroyed. Mother...

Huh.. back at the desert again. This was where he was supposed to grow up with. Fu holds out his palms. The Darkness... he was always so good at it. What is he.. what is he...?[/color]

"I... remember...." Those marks fade from his face. Fu's began to shake. His hand idly settled on the black scales, sunk to his chest....
[2021-04-22 01:41] Kayel: "RRRRAAAARRRRRRGGGHH!!"

Dark Mechi's arm was torn off, sending a splatter of vile thick onyx ink-like blood in a spray. It was the sheer essence of Darkness itself. He stared, eyeing Fu… Then yanked his hand back from the scientist's chest while using a boot to shove him back. What is this?!

Having pushed Fu away with a loss of arm, his other hand grasped his face, crimson claws digging as dark eyes buzzed wildly in his head and Fu's blood smeared his face. The memories… The thoughts.. The memories.. The crying.

Live on…

The crying.
The crying.

"Shut up… SHUT UP!" What was that feeling of loss? Emptiness? Dark Mechi snarled as Fu's infant voice filled his mind alongside memories of the past. "It will be mine.. It will all be mine. I will consume it all!" Just as he was about to unleash something upon Fu and Kayel, a blinding golden light illuminated the Darkness and whited out their forms….

Fu and Dark Mechi would find themselves back at Penumbras, but once more Dark Mechi was more of an entity to Fu's sight, weakened by that pulse of light.

"Kayel?! KAYEL!" Chronoa! In her Unleashed form, she had purged and warped the Darkness and Fu away! The time kai wasn't privy to exactly what all had gone on, but she found Kayel curled up on the ground crying with imprinted scarring of that vile darkness. The whole area was tainted by it in the form of a black haze and sickly feeling of something horridly foreboding. Chronoa's head was pounding and her form ached, but no time was wasted in swiftly gathering Kayel up into her arms. Fixing Spartopia was far from her mind. She warped, off for the Time Nest straight away.
[2021-04-22 01:48] F u: Penumbras... Fu gazed at the sky, his back to the ground. Dark Mechi was once again for his eyes only...

... the crying. Fu had a tear to his eye. "... you do have an advantage over me. You don't have to feel like I do..."
[2021-04-22 01:51] F u: QUICK ADDENDUM:
[2021-04-22 01:51] F u: "... but maybe you do, don't you?" Fu... held up his hand.
[2021-04-22 01:55] Kayel: Conniving thing.. He could utilize this. Dark Mechi had some memories squished together, but also recalled how Mechikaboola of this world was. So he reached over and set hands to Fu's shoulders.. nevermind when he regained that missing limb. "So you would think.. but there is reason I have not allowed you to perish. You understand. I am your family. We are family. I have always been there with you. We belong together."
[2021-04-22 01:59] F u: "I can't resist what you do to me. I don't have the strength to fight you..." Fu looked at his palm. Lilac fingers. They.. did hold onto his mother. They did hold onto his father. "... I'm bogged down by all these feelings. So don't pretend to care for me suddenly, old man. I know you want to survive too..."
[2021-04-22 02:00] F u: "At least hold my hand..."
[2021-04-22 02:06] Kayel: "Yes.. but I'm not taking advantage of that lack of resistance, now am I? These words you speak are not any different from what you told that falsehood you called grandfather. But he wasn't there.. I was. I was there when you grasped your father's finger. Do you not recall his words? He will be strong." And those words echoed with Mira's voice like a long lost memory.

"We're not meant to fight." Hold his hand? His hands to Fu's shoulders pulled him closer, against his taller form in a hold, a hug before his hand bled away the inky black scaled armor and crimson claws in favor of light blue flesh to take Fu's hand into his. "We will survive… together. We will live on and take it all."
[2021-04-22 23:51] F u: The burning started on his forehead already, but strangely.. Fu didn't find himself back in the mindscape. He walked himself back to the castle, which had already been marked by the insignia of a new King, and simply came back to the throne room. Most demons kept their distance, most of them hardly having a special perception. But those who would often see the King closer, like Putine, Gravy, Mayo, knew something was different.

Obviously, he wasn't a big lizard anymore. He was a man again, disheveled. He wasn't wounded, but he walked wounded. He didn't have the same, intense glare behind his eyes, his sclera were a normal color... he was Fu again.

But so, so tired. There was an aura of sadness about him. He went past that throne, and started to the stairs. "I know you're following me, Mr. Mayo.."
[2021-04-22 23:59] Kayel: "Of course I am, Prince Fu. You look disheveled and if you won't do something about your appearance, I will. There are pretenses to uphold. Even if you do not feel your best, you must always look your best." Indeed, the lanky elderly Demon God was not far behind at all. He could tell from tone and word usage that Fu was certainly.. more himself. Should Fu look to him at any point, he would be greeted with a sad, slight smile and worn eyes.. an understanding look.

"So it seems you need a good, proper pampering."
[2021-04-23 00:03] F u: Fu did look at him. Crimson irises slide over. They are gentler than before. He looked at Mayo and said - "I'm really glad you're here. You've done a lot of good for Mechi-san. You've done a lot of good for me. I respect you. I'm sorry for what I've said before..." Fu's eyes didn't stay on him that long. They went aside. "... I'd love some spoiling.. but we don't have time for that. We have visitors sooner than later now..."
[2021-04-23 00:11] Kayel: "While they may have been your lips moving and your voice, I do not believe they were entirely your own words. And even if they were, there is nothing for you to apologize for."

His hands went to Fu's shoulders, fingertips tapping lightly in a small patpat patting before he sought to guide him off from his original path. "Nonsense. There is nothing you cannot think about or conduct while taking a seat and doing absolutely nothing otherwise. Come. This is one of the perks of royalty you may not be quite used to just yet. And regardless of thinking if you deserve such or not, you're going to get it."

No choice! He was ushering Fu along as he would any other day, but this time to a more private area.. somewhere he's actually not been before. How come he's never noticed that rather simplistic looking wooden door there in the hall? Into it they go!

The room was warm, with the floor a non-slick yet smooth onyx mirrored image while the ceiling was aglow in a light cascade of violet and pink reflected from the walls that seemed to flow with silent water. In the middle of the room simply sat a wooden chair with bamboo backing and seat, held afloat by magic foundation, lacking connective parts and screws or legs.
[2021-04-23 00:16] F u: Comfort.. the little boy within Fu needed that. It's perhaps why he went over with an easily guided, childish blink. He was lead to this warm, welcoming room of cascading shafts, towards a relaxing, less daunting chair. Fu's smile crawled onto his face. "... Mayo... don't waste this space on me. I... don't know how long I'm going to be allowed to be like I am now. There is something I need to do.. as a beast. I don't want to break anything here..."
[2021-04-23 00:24] Kayel: He took in a deep breath as Fu pressed onward in his argument, so Mayo felt it best to offer a new perspective. "Something broken can always be repaired, Fu. It may not be in its original state, but let us consider that things grow from their original states in the first place. That is a lesson learned in the Heavenly Realm Academy, one of the fundamentals that is rarely passed on but is a primary lesson not to be taken for granted. Breaking something, may be a negative.. but it can always be reformed and be made better than it was under proper guidance and nurturing." Mayo's fanged smile carried wrinkled mirth that forced his eyes shut in an almost giddy manner that reached his voice. "Besides! It's not a waste. That is this room's purpose and it's not as if the magic that made it can't just re-make it or mend it together. Beast or no beast, you are going to sit and allow yourself to be pampered. I'm either going to soak your feet or shine your scales and claws, your choice. But if you so much as show me a fang, you will promptly be flicked in the nose and I know where your pressure points are in such a form. So best not test any ideas."
[2021-04-23 00:28] *F u knew that his current, emotional state was all hooks for exploitation...

... but his heart was bouncing anyways, dammit. All these new feelings, sensations.. that reflection and... and empathy? Illogical feelings swim and create something that Fu finally began to understand: need. Mayo was bathing him with... kindness. Love.. maybe? Nah, Fu couldn't delude himself, yet he felt his heart fuzz with warmth ...

Fu was suddenly just happy to be taken card of. His big, lilac arms reach forward and he hugged the lanky Mayo.
[2021-04-23 00:34] Kayel: Mayo was one of those oddballs who had a natural way about him. He wasn't deemed a threat really as he tended to keep others in line and truly had no ambition for power or stepping over others. It was a rarity of such darkness, such a chaotic society, but one of the more unique aspects he still kept true to despite the carnage and politics he was privy to with demon and warrior cultures.

Fu's hug was returned with that genuine warmth. For him, seeing to the Royals wasn't just merely a job or duty, but a passion… Was he a fallen kai that still held his nurturing ways and replaced tending to worlds with tending to Royals? Possibly. "I do know it is rough. I understand that, even if I cannot fathom exactly what you are going through. So please, allow me to support you in the ways that I know how."
[2021-04-23 00:36] F u: Fu kept clung on the old man..."Hey Mayo... you aren't completely from this timeline either, are you...?"
[2021-04-23 00:43] Kayel: "Indeed not.. My personal timeline was destroyed long ago. Well, either that or I cannot find it. I have not bothered to look either. My main mission is not complete but until then, I pass my time between leads by serving where I can, when I can. My last trail just had happened to have brought me here. Each time I encounter one of whom I serve, or would have served, I offer them my opened mind and allow them to decide my fate. I've thus far managed to prove my worth and have a place to serve." That hug had not lessened.
[2021-04-23 00:47] F u: "... this timeline has so many misplaced people. We must have a very talented Kaioshin of Time to keep it in wraps. She worked really hard to make it stable, after the whole Nexus stuff... I don't.. really deserve that..." His fingers tighten around Mayo, a little bit. "... thank you. Thank you...." Fu's face pathetically digs against his LANK. "...ugh, I'm sorry. I can't stop.. myself.. I hate this. What are these .. streams down my face? They're too many..."
[2021-04-23 00:59] Kayel: "Indeed. There are infinite if's out there and some carve their way into standing out, records that do not get lost or erased with only minute recordings of existence left behind, but instead expand and flourish like strands of a spider's web branching across a canopy of other silk designs. It's all one massive web, but each web has various strands and each strand has a story all its own even as it branches across other webs. It's a delicate balance.. and certainly a job I would despise to have." His nose crinkled slightly. "I never did understand why so many shinjin thought that an ideal job, besides the fact that such a position is the only multiversal position held by a shinjin that has no shinjin above ranking. The work is simply exhausting. Why fight over that responsibility? Tch.."

Wetness. That was felt and focused on more than Fu's clinging. But that sensation had Mayo's arm envelope Fu in more of an hold, frail-looking digits rising to brush back those misplaced strands of wild white hair in that embrace. "Tears… Physical expression of internal feeling often related to grief, sorrow and strife.. and in some extreme cases.. joy where the strain and tension force a release of moisture from the tear ducts as opposed to the other sensations creating that moisture in the first place. That is why they do not stop, whereas with the sensation of joy and tears, they cease shortly after and do not result in streams. Similar to a laugh or shout being the rawest verbal expressions of emotion, tears are the rawest physical expression of emotion and often quite hard to fake and control. This is why those of authority or trying to give off the presence of command or strength despise the release of tears... it is something they cannot control and an inner fear is that such a lack of control will be seen as weakness or what they grow tearful over will be found to be their inner most weakness, as anything valued can easily be turned into a vulnerability."
[2021-04-23 01:05] F u: "V-Vulnerable.. this isn't a time I should be vulnerable, Mayo..." But Fu's tears kept wet... "Everyone is.. in danger. Please, don't give me so much .. of yourself.. please."
[2021-04-23 01:21] Kayel: "On the contrary, right now is the perfect time. At this very moment you are safe. You can express. I will not take advantage of that. And unfortunately.. What or who you are dealing with already knows many of your vulnerabilities. This is not a battle I can win for you, or fight for you. I cannot even fight along side you.. but I can support you. Like I am right now. Just do not give in. Do not give up. Do not stop fighting. Use this moment to know you have backing so you do not lose yourself." Squeeze.

But it suddenly changed.

Fu watched himself, felt himself pushing Mayo back and away but that wasn't his conscious action. The world was growing darker as he was tugged towards the depths of his own mindscape but at the very peripherals, he could sense… incoming… Demigra… Mechikaboola… But Fu was pulled inside himself...
[2021-04-23 01:23] F u: "No... noo... NOO! Why are they here so soon!? They take forever before they move! Nnooo!" Fu knew where he was - and he knew who was next to him. His fist flew straight at him.
[2021-04-23 01:37] Kayel: SHNK!

The sound came after the sensation of restriction, a realization hitting as chains snaked and bound their way about Fu's torso while his fist was stopped mid-punch.

"Tsk tsk… It looks like I'll have to punish that one once I'm in full charge. It's illogical for him to take such a stance, knowing you are on the losing side. But we have bigger matters to attend to.

But that sensation of being so restricted wasn't.. Just chains. It seemed to fade, as instead Fu was held in Dark Mechikaboola's corrupted embrace. A tight, smothering hug. "Your vulnerabilities.. I will protect you from them. We will consume it all. We will take it all. You will be vulnerable no more. Safe. Secured. I will be your armor. I will take away the pains you feel."

But that armor.. was comprised of binding chains.
[2021-04-23 01:44] F u: "I... don't ... want this. I don't ... want you..." The chains were growing tighter.. The corrupted embrace was already fogging more of his consciousness. That pain, that sadness, the loneliness, drained to the deep core of the man that was holding him. The black hole was taking the pain. Fu growled, his frame weakly pushing but.. eventually going limp.  "... what's happening... "
[2021-04-23 01:52] Kayel: "You may say that. But we both know it's not fully true. You want to stop fighting. You want to rest. You want the pain to be over and done with. You don't want to be alone, but you don't want to destroy everyone you touch." So he would do it for Fu. That hug. That warmth. That darkness enveloping him and urging that primal change.

"So don't think about it. Just rest.. I will protect you. I will guide you." He will control Fu through such sweet whispers.
[2021-04-23 02:08] F u: "You.. don't... know.. hgghff..." That was Fu's "last breath", so to speak. The audible, slowness of a induced, enthralled relaxation - and that black fog exhaling. The darkness wasn't merely enveloping -- it was now seeping itself in. Those whispers of promises washed over Fu, and they ... wash off this resistance too. The flutter of his eyes dimmed, to the grey haze that filled his sclera. Fu's irises drained of their color. The powerful, domineering candor of Darkness was.. his guide now. His enemies, clear. His family... clear. Fu's teeth became fangs, his hands bared to shaking fists...

"... Master..."  He wanted him to transform? Easy. He already had the taste of the Dark Factor in many forms, and the most appropiate one right now was...

Leezurd.
[2021-04-24 19:29] Kayel: The tranquility of the Time Nest was filled with an astounding sense of peace and relax-CRYING!

The sound was as disturbing as a screeching pause or skip of a record that suddenly would not stop. It didn't just hit the ears alone, but was annoying on a level beyond sound itself, a raw emotion drudged up by the chaotic presence of fit and trauma in a bundle of turmoil.

"It's okay.. it's okay.. We're home now. It's okay.." Chronoa was making attempts at calming Kayel, rubbing her back, soothing voice.. everything. She was struggling due to her own hazed mind, even unaware of the little droplet of blood that peeked from her right nostril due to her internal mental battle from loss of consciousness. Her feet hit the ground softly, a hurried, worried pace taking her straight away for that main abode.

Somewhere, Tokitoki was even in a ruffle of agitated feathers prickling up, head tucking into neck tuft fluff with wings risen in hunch trying to protect those hidden birdy ears.
[2021-04-24 19:42] F u: With the girls gone, it was guy time... but it was guy time with two geezers, Shroom would find. Mechi and Demigra, as much as they denied it, would swiftly find some method to glare, growl at each other nearly nose to nose. For Shroom, when this happened, he was either in between them or a tiny pixel on their internal radars: No in-betweeen. He may occasionally count himself lucky in those moments when they weren't paying him heed. This would be one of those moments where he wished that anything else could have happened and that he could be right between them. That suffering would've caused his heart to flip less, because that noise...

It set off something instinctual to every caretaker. Demigra suddenly brings himself up from Mechikabura the reasons why he was horizontal with him will never be explained - he charges through and past technically running him over as his ear drums are deaf to the piercing sound waves and instead focus on one fact only: That was Kayel, there was a Chronoa, and both of them were in distress. Nobody could stop Demigra, not even the walls. He was before them in an instant.

"No! You.. you're injured?! How badly?! What happened?!" He lifted Chronoa, who was lifting Kayel and hurried to their muchly used as of recently infirmary..
[2021-04-24 21:47] Kayel: It was a mixed bag and there was no escape. Even when Shroom tried to wander away as a tiny pixel off radar, one of them managed to bring him right back between them. Each. And. Every. Time.

N O   E S C A P E

Shroom had to resign himself to observing the tensions. He was often lost to his thoughts about those two. He knew two things were certain. One, they needed to smash; in that they needed to fight or do the dirty. Two, he would get a show either way whether he wanted it or not.

That sound. That sound. Shroom was like a shadow, clinging at Demigra's heels in quick pursuit. There was a reason he disliked her crying beyond just the sound, beyond that she was his. The pulse it sent out that he picked up on was like a wave, something that drowned him in a strange vat of emotional rage and fury.. but not at her. It was directed towards whoever, whatever caused her to make that sound.

"What has happened?" Wait.. Mechikaboola? Somehow as Demigra rose from atop him, he had managed to loop about and hold to his back, so he was peeking up over Demigra with a hand to his shoulder for support and the other parting a waft of that ginger trollish hair aside from his vision.

"Yee.." Lifted! She is a portable kai, even in her Unleashed form. "I think she's okay, physically I mean. I don't see any blood! I was knocked out and when I came to, Fu in some.. that.. that dragon form was standing by her. But he wasn't moving. He was entirely still. Still.. I.. I just reacted. I banished him back to Penumbras!" Andrenaline was keeping Chronoa focused at least.

There was another focus however.. Demigra had his arms full of Kai and the Kai had ehr arms full of Kayel. But her grip wasn't bulletproof. Nor was it Shroom-proof!

CHILDSNATCH!

Shroom all but ripped Kayel from Chronoa's arms and was quick to perch up on the nearest object that would support him, wild gaze scanning in a hyperfocused mode that blocked out the rest of the world… right down to the fact he tore Chronoa's sleeves and had bits of fabric pinched between his fingers from how manic that grab was.
[2021-04-24 21:54] F u:  It was perhaps a male thing... or just the fact that Demigra and Shroom were both in rabid-uncle-dad mode - Kayel was at least in the hold of Shroom, but suddenly Demigra's big arms wrest firmer around Chronoa. His red hair frazzled slightly, his blaze-gold eyes widened with that alert. "... Fu..."  He peeked at Mechikabura over his shoulder... "... there is no more debate about this. We are going to go NOW- and we are going to battle him. In that form, he is only more dangerous! A beast!... ugh..." His hand went to Chronoa's cheeks, poking that stream of blood. "...  you're wounded... I should not have let you leave. We are both too stubborn for our own good- " Demigra slammed his back against the wall.. with or without a Mechi.
[2021-04-24 22:18] Kayel: Fu? This was a problem within a problem. Mechi's mind calculated between how long it would take for Demigra to calm down and-- wait. Shroom's grip. "In due time, Demigra."

Demigra slammed back but Mechikaboola was suddenly at Shroom's side, hand to his shoulder. "Shroom.. Let me see the girl." It was an order, but spoken with a softer tone than any order. His other hand went carefully pulling Shroom's hand from Kayel, his grip enough to leave a band of red and white streaks where his fingers had been clinging to her. His hand to Shroom's shoulder rose to muse through those white spikes of hair kept up by that bandanna.

"Huh?.." Among the sobbing and cry-screaming, Shroom finally blinked out of his stupor and his literal deathgrip eased. "Y-yea.. she uh.. has some uh.."

"Darkness scarring, I know.. I see it too. Not as much as you I'm sure, but let's handle that first." His gaze slid to Demigra. Mechikaboola wasn't blowing off his words about going after Fu.. but was focused on giving him time to cool down a little and this was the perfect excuse. "Multiple things at once, while keeping a level head is something I happen to excel at."

Looking back to Shroom, he kept one hand to the Death God's head while the other trailed crimson nails down and fingertips touched to the front of Kayel's shirt. Upon drawing his digits back, small orbs of Darkness floated up and gathered, absorbing into his palm. At the same time, he was casting a spell of slumber and increasing its affect. "She's highly susceptible to it, you know. That's all the more reason why the Abyssal Heart was a good choice. It wouldn't surprise me if she would have perished without it. No need to thank me, Demigra."

As the Darkness drained, Kayel's screaming turned to soft crying, which turned into whimpers that reduced as her head bobbed. Then finally she was asleep.

Chronoa had been about to shout at Demigra no doubt but the sudden snatching of Kayel threw her off. And Mechikaboola's actions brought about a stunned silence. When she finally found her voice again, it was much softer and her form reverted to petite and pink in Demigra's arms, hugging to him. "I shouldn't have pressed about it so hard. I also should have had someone else go with us or taken precaution and set up an alarm or barrier before working on things. But enough of our shoulds. Going after him right now or five minutes later or an hour later won't make much of a difference..."

Shroom finally seemed more himself, nose giving a wrinkle. He couldn't be of any help in his state when it comes to Fu.. Not to defeat him, not to save him.. but he'd find some way… Just needed time and energy.. "Pinksqueak is right. Now ya two need to strip." Wait.

Wait.

"Wait.. er.. I mean I need like.. your coat, Chronoa. And somethin' of yours too Demidude." Shroom was removing his cowl with his free hand.
[2021-04-24 22:30] F u: Crck.. crumble... The wall Demigra slammed into was aligned with a web of destroyed foundation. Demigra, glaring flares yet his mouth was strangely straight and firm. Eventually, the Demon God pulled away from the wall.. and it came cascading down, burying both Chronoa and himself briefly in a rain of magical building. Demigra eventually emerged.. he seemed slightly calmer. His wild, pointed hair was at least no longer flared like some particularly angry lion. He keeps his curl around the Kaioshin of Time for a moment... and that raw silence after Mechikabura made his stunt, the two men communicated either respect or swearings. Possibly both, with a 'Thank you' somewhere in there.

They were truly gay bizarre men.

"It would make a difference. Right now, we at least know that he is disoriented. That entity controlling him might be weaker. It's a grace period that we may not be granted again..."

Demigra let go of Chronoa, holding her shoulders. "What disturbs me is that the entity was attempting to take Fu's body prior. If it has had Fu bound deep enough in its webbings to make him take the form of a Dark beast... then it is plotting something else." The Demon God had an ambient snarl. The red marks beneath his eyes were deeper. This made them a little scary when they slid to Shroom.

"Why?"
[2021-04-24 22:51] Kayel: Chronoa squeaked, curling into Demigra as the debris showered down. "What I meant is.." But her words trailed. With her form back to her normalized state and the rush now ending, so did her adrenaline rush. Her head ached. "Ouh.."

Set to her feet, she leaned back into Demigra with a slight slump as she went removing her kai coat.

"You can rush off in the heat of the moment to have that advantage to protect these two from more harm.. or you can take a moment to ensure they are well and safe, recovering before you rush off so you have something to actually come back to." Mechikaboola glared and gestured to Chronoa as example.

Shroom nodded, not disagreeing but he wasn't putting his voice to that. Cowl removed, he took Chronoa's coat too, only to squint at Demigra. He was snarling and scary looking.. and Shroom was one to squint at authority figures. Punk. "So I can wrap the kid, so you can put her to bed in your bed. Squirt likes nests so wrappin' her up should do. She's most comfortable in your room. …She got hurt bad. Ya can't see the wounds but.. I can. Best thing is to surround her with good imprints and resonance so she.. she's got a better chance to heal.. And you gotta be the one to put her to bed 'cause.." Shroom's gaze slid aside to the far wall with a slight glare. "Just do it."

Mechikaboola raised a single slender white brow.. but as Shroom was gathering clothing and had his hand out in demand for something from Demigra, he removed his crimson kai coat and added it to the mix before glancing away himself with nothing said and a very snobbish look about him, nose to the air with hands behind his back and all.

"Hurry it up Demigra. You are the one wasting time with unnecessary questioning. I thought you wanted to go?" Jabjabjab "While you do that, Shroom and I will see to it that Chronoa is tended to so that she can rest as well. Shroom will look after them both in our absence, of course."
[2021-04-24 23:01] F u: RIIIP. Demigra tore most of his already rather thin verdant robe off his torso. His claws had grown.. evident by the light cut he left himself. "You have made your point..."

... somehow seeing the very powerful muscular demon this bare made it all worse with that glower. "I CAN see the injuries." He left the 'that's why I'm so agitated' part out, because it was terribly evident. His body language warns to not keep going, although Mechikabura is usually only the one who can get away from him. He suddenly had Chronoa baby held in one arm, and he offered the other at the ready for Kayel. His steadier breaths at least pointed that he was trying to calm down...
[2021-04-24 23:14] Kayel: Distracted, he stared at the fact he had Mechikaboola's coat added to the mix. He jsut stared… But like a switch, Demigra's words triggered something raw. "In your own way, yea. But not like I can! You don't see what I do!! YOU DON'T FE--"

"Enough." Mechikaboola's voice boomed, a single word pausing Shroom from nearly getting into Demigra's face, even as he held Kayel in one arm. "Now is not the time.." He gestured with a hand to Demigra's offered robe, "Shroom."

Shroom had his own intense scowl and tiny pinprick black pupils settled into those ruby reds… but he quietly took Demigra's robe and added it. He was an expert at monkey-child-wrapping by now, carefully weaving the articles of clothing about her and together as if they were one instead of layering them one at a time. Then he stared, hugged the apparently slumbering Kayel and carefully set her to Demigra's offered arm.

"We will tend to Chronoa, Demigra. Come now. It's alright." Just as he had pried Shroom's grasp off Kayel, Mechikaboola stepped forth to take Chronoa into his arms. His voice held that benevolent calm softness he had used with Shroom."I'll scan and do a removal of anything I find that may be lingering while Shroom tends to any wounds and makes her comfortable. Let's tagteam this, like the olden days my friend."
[2021-04-24 23:34] F u: A tense quietness for a moment. Demigra's skin ripples with that warlord's ready, as it burned with a sudden desire to PUNT this punk. Getting too close to Demigra was going to be.. ugly.

Which is good that it didn't proceed! The moment continued, and Mechikabura's speechcraft maintained the sanity. The passing of girls was done, and for the first time, Demigra didn't emit a growl when Mechikabura got near the Kaioshin of Time. He just stared at the Dark King, no less of a fiery beast in the intensity of his burning, browless stare. Suddenly, the muscular man was close it's a good thing Chronoa wasn't awake otherwise her nostrils would bleed worse because she was practically right next to Demigra's firm row of abs[/sub] - "... you are a leader, Mechikaboola, and a King in a truest sense. There is something that you have done differently than this monster that has granted you a grander life and the opportunity to continue to call me a friend. I will battle by your side in this fight - as your ally, but as like the old days. Support me, I support you."
[2021-04-24 23:34] F u:  A tense quietness for a moment. Demigra's skin ripples with that warlord's ready, as it burned with a sudden desire to PUNT this punk. Getting too close to Demigra was going to be.. ugly.

Which is good that it didn't proceed! The moment continued, and Mechikabura's speechcraft maintained the sanity. The passing of girls was done, and for the first time, Demigra didn't emit a growl when Mechikabura got near the Kaioshin of Time. He just stared at the Dark King, no less of a fiery beast in the intensity of his burning, browless stare. Suddenly, the muscular man was close it's a good thing Chronoa wasn't awake otherwise her nostrils would bleed worse because she was practically right next to Demigra's firm row of abs - "... you are a leader, Mechikaboola, and a King in a truest sense. There is something that you have done differently than this monster that has granted you a grander life and the opportunity to continue to call me a friend. I will battle by your side in this fight - as your ally, but as like the old days. Support me, I support you." [/s]
[2021-04-24 23:38] F u: "You will be my King again."
[2021-04-24 23:52] Kayel: Shroom grumbled to himself, making his way to set a room with some incense and get some bandages ready.

Mechikaboola smiled one of those rare, true smiles.. and leaned forward to lightly bump his forehead to Demigra's own. "We will discuss along the way, my friend.. I may be older, but there's still some tricks up my sleeve you've yet to see." That charm then bled into his smile to contort it to a smirk as he walked with Chronoa in his arms. In a rare show of form, he wasn't sniffing her hair or holding her too close beyond support. His mind was in the right place in the moment. He also called out, "I've never stopped being a King, you know!" He smiled to himself a genuine soft smile..
[2021-04-24 23:56] F u: "You will soon be a King of nothing if we do not stop that puppeteer." Demigra followed along Mechikabura. They were heading towards Demigra's room, which holds the largest bed in the entire damn nest. Mechikabura has made notes to get a bigger one too. "... Thank you for your help. This will be a continued sentiment.. I am grateful that we can still hold time together. The one from.. Fu's original time made more idiotic decisions. Perhaps he was missing a me."
[2021-04-25 00:06] Kayel: "Once a King, always a King." Mechikaboola chimed back. And he was indeed going to get a bigger bed. He paused for a moment as his eyes narrowed. "…I need to divert Shroom's attention. I assure you, Chronoa will be fine. She'll be settled with the girl but I need her presence for a moment. Hold your thoughts. I am interested."

He turned, to track down the Death God.

Meanwhile, whatever it was.. Kayel peeked open her eyes in battle against the sleep spell. They fell shut again.. but her hand reached up and cupped against Demigra's chest. "D.."
[2021-04-25 00:11] F u: Demigra was a parent, he was naturally nosy. He was, however, also easily distracted. His nostrils huff with that URGE TO PROTECC- a big cat chuff, as he goes straight to the room, and settles the giant nest on the giant Demigra bed. "Kayel. I am here..."[[color=orange]Kayel. I am here..."[[/color][color=orange]Kayel. I am here..."[[/color]/i][/color]/i]
[2021-04-25 00:11] *F u ignore coding fail
[2021-04-25 00:24] Kayel: Shroom was so lost, stuck within himself. He had froze, black pupils staring sharply at the ribbon he wore on his wrist, He didn't even hear the sizzling of the herbs he was working to brew now being burnt instead as the water and oil had boiled away.

"Shroom…" That soft voice and he neared, nudging into him with Chronoa's foot. "Do get me a cold compress for the kai, would you? She feels a bit fevered and as you can see, my hands are full."

That touch, that contact from her jolted him from his thoughts. "Huh? Oh uh, yea, right. Sorry 'bout tha-- what the heck happened to the herbs?" The scent of burning.. Shroom crinkled his nose. "Gah.. Time Bird. This ain't the time to be messin' with my makes. I'll deal with 'em later.."

Mechikaboola watched as Shroom went on to get the compress and also handle a new batch of herbs.


~~~

Kayel squinted her eyes open again and her hand tried to grasp.. but there was no cloth to grasp.. or flab. So her fingers just curled against Demigra. "Fu… Help.." Did she think she still needed help from Fu?… "Help.. Fu.." Maybe..

"Save.. him." Magic was strong and one thing they hadn't taught her that worked in their favor so far, was how to fight, counter or dispell sleeping spells. Her eyes drifted shut, fist starting to slide down Demigra's chest slowly. "He… ..saved.. me.. Help.. Fu.."
[2021-04-25 00:28] F u: "H-Help him?!...." Demigra's digit came down, to give Kayel something to grasp. He had big hands, so he carefully curled his fingers around her palms. "... he helped you..? Do not push yourself too hard, Kayel. Rest..." Those words were still haunting Demigra, however. Fu.. helped her?! It was... unbelievable. Save him, how could he? But she's saying he.. helped her... Now there was a part in Demigra that was remembering that the brat was still a boy, all things considered.

The disbelief still pounded in his chest...
[2021-04-25 00:45] Kayel: Raw magic, a spell used without an actual spell itself was powerful and in that moment as Kayel's hand curled about Demigra's digit, it sparked. It was a glimpse, a cloudy image that moved slowly through tearful blurry eyes. The scene bobbed and wavered because her head bobbed and wavered.. Fu standing there, he and that Dark Entity towering massively above her and nothing but sheer darkness all around. Energy riddled and danced between crimson talons ready to destroy her and the intent was there. But her gaze diverted to Fu, drawn by his voice as he stood up to that Dark Entity and looked to Kayel, worn, weak.. but genuine.. and with a kindness there that sparkled to her eyes. It was not just a memory, but a sight through her gaze and so Demigra would see as with Fu's silent words, a golden aura formed about him and a spark of white glittered at his chest, turning into opalescent hues until the scene was suddenly cut off from play. Kayel was asleep and even her grip weakened to barely a hold. It was a soundless moment in time that Kayel struggled to put to words, fearful for Fu.. and she knew Demigra was strong and entrusted him to save her new friend, the newest member of her family.

"There we go.. Now Shroom, do make sure to keep the compress moist. Check her temperature by scanning her body heat, not putting your hand to her forehead right after removing the compress. Of course that won't work. If there's any further bleeding to her nose, do not stuff it with tissue. Just wipe it away and keep her head tilted up and back." Mechikaboola entered the room, oblivious to Demigra's moment of his own dealings. "I will be lighting a candle.. Should that candle burn out, take them all to safety within the Crack of Time. I will leave you an anchor to it."

Shroom followed behind and prepped part of the bed while Mechikaboola laid the kai down. He just nodded, trying to not glare at Demigra. But glares did come. The presence of a glare was there even without the eyes upon the Death God.

Mechikaboola produced a black violet-tinged feather.. one from the Bird of Catastrophe and set it down. Along with it he formed a simple light blue wax candle with a dark gray flame surrounded by a black halo of light. "Demigra? Are you ready?" Only then did he notice Demigra seemed.... haunted.
[2021-04-25 00:49] F u: ".... He needs you." Demigra was still processing all that had happened. Fu... and to think there was more to that scene. What did those... children confront?
[2021-04-25 00:55] Kayel: His voice lowered while Shroom was busy. "He will be fine. Shroom has this. Now let's go handle other matters. We have much to discuss and the path we take will be an... unusual route." He thought Demigra spoke of Shroom. A hand went to Demigra's shoulder now that his arms were free. "They will be alright. Your family will be okay, my friend."
[2021-04-25 00:57] F u: "No, not Shroom. Fu is still fighting. Fu... saved Kayel..." Demigra found the words strange to say aloud. He put hand to Mechikabura's shoulder- one to his forehead- and the memory was shared.
[2021-04-25 01:14] Kayel: Shroom's head lifted at Demigra's words. Here he was fearing the worst and trying to wrap his head around things, already in grief and mourning over his nephew and his own failure and inability to save him. Those pupils shifted, fading from his eyes and returning them to the norm. Even his actions were more fluid, less slowed and sluggish as he went on to tuck Chronoa in and adjust her pillow to tilt her head up a bit. He was quiet though.. with a lot on his mind.

He had to help Fu. His nephew was still fighting. His eyes slid over towards his reflection in a window.

"Whu.." Before he could even get out the question of a word, he saw what Demigra had seen.. And he saw the changes in that Dark Entity that he wasn't privy to due to the blockade of his own mind.. and the help of a dark blue ribbon tethered about his ankle under his pants. "That thing isn't even a shinjin-like being anymore. More like.. a living black hole. Whatever trace there is of the former me from Fu's time is just that, traces that have been built onto. He must be destroyed.. before he does the same to Fu. Let us be off."

Without any hesitation, he squeezed tight to Demigra's shoulder and the two were gone!

To be continued…