Unbreakable (Killer X OC)

Chapter 25 Awake ⚠️⚠️

**Chapter 25: Awake**

AUTHERS NOTE:
As someone who has struggled with self-harm and battled with depression, please seek help wherever you can. The world is better with you in it. So, yeah, trigger warning for this chapter. If reaching out for help is hard, please check out https://twloha.com/self-care/ (To Write Love on Her Arms); they helped me through my darkest times. Let them help you. You matter. Keep going.

When Cytherea opened her eyes, she thought she would find Killer beside her in the field, his reassuring presence a balm against the chaos of her mind. Instead, she was met with complete darkness, the air thick and still, as if the world outside had paused in a moment of silence. Panic surged through her, a cold wave crashing over her as the weight of reality shattered the calmness she had felt in her dream. Her heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears, amplifying the sense of isolation that enveloped her. With a heavy sigh, Cytherea focused on activating her haki, a familiar warmth spreading through her body like a gentle wave, grounding her in the moment. This allowed her to realize she was in Killer's room, all by herself. For once, she felt a flicker of relief at this solitude; she needed time to contemplate her next steps, to gather her scattered thoughts.

Spotting a tray with a glass of water and some snacks, a sense of happiness returned, momentarily lifting the heaviness in her chest. The sight of the tray, with its simple offerings, felt like a small act of love, a reminder that someone cared for her. She placed it on her lap, the cool glass refreshing against her skin, a small comfort in the midst of her turmoil. As she reached for the food, she felt a pang of gratitude for Killer's care, but it was quickly overshadowed by the gnawing anxiety that had taken root in her mind, a relentless whisper that she was not enough.

Alongside the food, there was a note, and she was taken aback to find she could read it; it was written in fresh blood, the metallic scent lingering in the air, sending a shiver down her spine. With a light movement of her wrist, she picked up the note and started to take in its message: “Love, take some time to relax today. After being thrown overboard, eaten by a Sea King, and dealing with the chaos from yesterday’s battle, you deserve a peaceful day of rest. The crew is celebrating our recent victory tonight. You’re invited to join if you’d like. If you need me or Wire, just call from the transponder snail next to your bed. I’ll come by as soon as I can. -Killer”

She smiled at the note, the warmth of affection washing over her, but it was tinged with sadness. The thought of Killer worrying about her made her heart ache, a bittersweet reminder of the bond they shared. She placed the note back on the tray, feeling a mix of appreciation and guilt. She ate a little, the snacks providing a comforting crunch, but each bite felt heavy, as if she were swallowing her emotions along with the food. The stab wound on her back was itchy and tight, a constant reminder of her vulnerability, which only deepened her sense of isolation. She did not smell blood anywhere, and she was wearing her own tank top and sweatpants, the fabric soft against her skin. Killer must have bathed and dressed her, a tender act that made her feel both cherished and undeserving, as if she were a fragile thing that needed protection.

The poison she had been given must have been temporary. Cytherea recognized that her mental state was in shambles, with a storm of emotions swirling inside her to the point of numbness. She understood that she wasn't okay, but she feared that expressing any of those emotions would be too much for her to handle. Despite this awareness, she struggled to concentrate on anything specific. She stood up and began to pace, the wooden floor creaking softly beneath her feet, feeling as though the walls were closing in on her. She needed to distract herself from what had just happened. Shaking her hands in an attempt to relax, she paused in the center of the room and took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs with a mix of stale and familiar scents, each one pulling her deeper into her thoughts.