Crimson Tides (Malereader X JJK)

Chapter ~ 29

/// : Flashback start.

\\\ : Flashback end.

~~~ : Scene break

Only a portion of this is proofread.

~(P.O.V - (Y/n))~

Staring up at the flying object stuck on the roof of my barrier, I can't help but let out a strained chuckle. I knew that whatever it was would make wrapping this all up a million times harder.

I shifted uncomfortably, attempting to shake a little bit of the cold sweat currently soaking my clothes off before once again closing my eyes to focus. 'Shit... It's taking everything I have to maintain these barriers and keep my left arm together simultaneously.'

"Ah, it is what it is. At least I'm practicing my energy efficiency. I just wish it wasn't at an important time like this." I muttered, flexing the fingers of my previously amputated limb.

A voice suddenly rang out, forcing me to my feet in alarm. "You're pushing yourself too far." The voice said, revealing itself to be Todo. "You aren't Gojo Satoru."

I huff, sitting back down in my semi-meditative position. "I'm the next best thing." I responded. "Besides, has anyone ever told you not to sneak up on people like that?"

Todo began to approach my side, revealing a limp body slung over his shoulder. "I wasn't trying to hide my energy. I was flaring it to ward off the weaker curse users. That proves to me just how much you're exerting yourself."

I grimace, diverting my gaze to the ground. It was obvious to see that Todo wasn't off. Facing the big boss in my top condition would've been challenging, yet here I am, further weakening myself.

My heart pounded in my ears, my lungs felt more and more restricted as the time passed. The area where that technique cut my arm off grew numb. My condition was hell.

Todo sighed, placing his hand on my shoulder. "I understand wanting to help, but sometimes you just can't save everyone alone. It's okay to receive back up-"

"You guys are the backup." I said, my jaw tightening as I cut him off. "I know that in this condition, I'd be dead after I take down the second head of these cultists' fucks. That's exactly why you guys are here."

We fell silent as I began to return my focus on conserving as much energy as possible. Yet, before I tuned everything out, I pointed in the direction of my current prison barrier. "You'll see the area to put that guy in over there. The barriers allow for people to enter freely but never leave."

Todo stared at the darkened city buildings for a moment before looking back at me. "We'll handle everything. Don't die from all this pushing, got that?"

I nod, letting a small smile slip. "Yeah, hurry up with that, and make sure Yuji's safe. I don't exactly trust the other Kyoto people to protect him."

As Todo left, I could finally release a sigh of relief. Throughout the entire conversation, my left arm became damn near unusable, and as tempting as it is to simply detach it, I currently need both hands to maintain the two barriers.

Sending a minuscule surge of cursed energy through the limb, it slowly began to regain its usability. 'This isn't sustainable. If they don't hurry up, I'll be forced to intervene.'

Suddenly, I felt an intrusion in my barrier and a suspicious number of non-sorcerers entering about one hundred fifty meters west of my current location. Confused, I began to pull myself up. 'The barriers should last until I get back. I need to check this out for now.'