Kitsune and the Star Plasma Vessel Part 1

Summary:

The sophomores take a trip to the beach and after a rather eventful day, Sachiko reveals something important about her Heavenly restriction.

Tengen entrusts an important mission to Getou and Gojo, and while they have accepted the task, Sachi gives them a warning.

While preparing for their two-day expidition, Gojo musters up the courage to advance things on his end before its too late.

SPRING OF SOPHOMORE YEAR

"You cryin'? Want me to call on beast-boy for you?" Satoru was perched over the window, taunting his less than enthused senior after finally discovering their whereabouts after 2 days of uncanny silence from their end. For the most part, it was the Miura boy who had gone through lengths to remind the school that the girl he was seeing was MIA. Forcing him to reach out to one of his cousin's friends, the well-mannered one who then convinced his principal to let him and his buddy investigate.

The two 3rd years found themselves trapped in loop-barrier and was unexpectedly rescued by the two special grades. The taller one with the blue hair and ponytail chuckled in excitement, "My, my, did you come to bring us home at last?" her eyes teased at the boy with the shades, "If I cry will you comfort me? I wouldn't say no to that,"

Gojo smirked and brushed her off, "You wouldn't cry, you're strong,"

Utahime glared at the two boys for interrupting their mission. Her hand was balled up in a fist, with one of her veins, becoming prominent at the left side of her face,

"You should respect your seniors!" she yelled, "I didn't ask for your help-" But rather than retaliate with his words, Suguru had already summoned one of his spirits, a giant, worm like creature that ascended from the ground and gobbled up the curse next to their pig-tailed schoolmate.

"Satoru, it's not nice to pick on the weak," Suguru's words only made Utahime more angry. To add to it, their very indiscriminate remarks towards her being of lesser status on the rest only added to their fuming.

"Utahimeeeee!" Shouko's voice was a great breaker of tension. Utahime couldn't help but squeeze the female of the second years in between her arms as if she was a safety blanket.

"SHOUKO! Don't be like these two, okay?" she continued to give the boys stony looks while Shouko was kind enough to go along with her train of thought seeing as she was also a common target of their crassness,

Shouko shook her head, "I'll never become trash like those two," these earned her a few snarls from across where she stood.

But in the height of their banter and the rubble they had scattered during their entrance, it was only Mei-mei's brown eyes that had caught on to a flaw to their system. She cleared her throat and took a few steps towards her schoolmates, "Where's the curtain?" she asked leaving the three sophomores in a state of confusion and ultimately their demise as the incident in Shizuoka brought about a good lecturing from Masamichi Yaga.

2 weeks ago.

Shouko Ieiri's family, to say the least, was affluent. Despite lacking much influence in the Jujutsu society, Shouko's status as a reversed-jujutsu technique holder gave her massive cred to the higher-ups. It wasn't like she was in any way short of cash before enrolling at the academy. Her family owned several businesses including the newly minted havens for windows and sorcerers alike. Of course, when she finally found a blank slot on her best friend's calendar, she had to literally drag her to one of their establishments.

It was a private resort-slash-beachhouses that rich people would frequent. It literally looked like it was lifted from one of those magazines where a celebrity would be found walking around in their swimsuits in their ridiculous heels and whatnot. To add to its modern and spacious set-up, it was also connected to a white-sand beach.

But it had just turned mid-spring, so the temperature still dropped during the afternoons, still it was a lovely time to be surrounded by nature as flowers were in full bloom.

Shouko was already out swimming and parading around the shoreside as early as 5:30 in the morning, making the staff scramble to catch up with her every demand and move. Sachiko had waited until the sunrise to catch the first warmth of the day. She loved the feeling of being kissed by the first rays of it and breathing the fresh sea-air was a great change from the belch of the city streets.

Unlike her friend, the young Kitsune still couldn't bring herself to dress the way any normal girl would at the beach-at least to the same extent as her friend with the beauty mark. However she did compromise to exchange the pair that matched Ieiri's neon bikini into a navy-blue halter- swim top that stopped at her mid-rift and a pair of boy-leg swimming shorts. It had been fine except for the fact that Ieiri pointed out that the back of her top was open and pretty much held on like a sports bra. And this did little to comfort her. She didn't like showing skin despite her friend's compliments at her curvy-yet toned body. Her permanent Kitsune marks were visible, and she just wasn't comfortable enough to just put it on display.

She had finished placing sunscreen all over her body when she grabbed one of the thin-almost-transparent beach robes that Ieiri had lent her before hurrying to watch the sunrise. Sachiko hooked her fingers on her flip-flops and finally dug her toes in the sand as she raced towards the awakening sun. The sight of the blue ocean water coming to a rise as the veil of the dark was beginning to lift made the reflective surface sparkle. Soon, the yellow and blue of the sky became unhidden by the clouds casually letting in linear fragments of light that danced their way towards their direction.

It was very relaxing to Sachiko. The feel of the breeze, the gentle heat that now traced her body was a welcome sensation that she couldn't help but disrobe and take a few steps forward to dip her feet on the water. For a while, she just closed her eyes, hiding the crescent crimson behind her lids and just breathed.

I wish we could stay here longer.

"Sachi!" Shouko was already intruding in her meditation making her lips curl upward, but her eyes remained closed. Grumbling at her sudden descent, her senses began to awaken more.

She heard slow splashes and foots-steps draw near in her direction, signaling someone's approach but she didn't really mind it much. She expected other visitors and if anything, it was probably just her friend, creeping up to reveal her surprise itinerary for the day.

"WHOA! THIS PLACE IS HUGE!"

It was different voice that had cut her melancholy. A familiar voice that oftentimes gave her unease and some very rare moments, calm. His tone of bewilderment that followed a short, excited cackle, she was even more acquainted with. This froze her where she stood, eyes still shut, scared to open at the shadows that formed beside her.

"I'm glad Shouko invited us," another recognizable voice, this time, a deeper one, increased its volume indicating that they were drawing near her.

Sachiko finally opened her eyes and began to slowly and stealthily make her way back to where she had left her robe. She had hoped that since the two were two busy looking towards the sea, they wouldn't pay much attention to the scrambling figure in front of them.

Why didn't Ieiri tell me that they were coming too?

Sachiko was already two paces away from grabbing the robe when she noted that the boys had walked past her already. She gave out a heavy sigh of relief. She probably looked different which is why they didn't recognize her. Her hair was tied to the side and up and besides the permanent marks on her back and the curious shade of her eyes, she had no indication of being their friendly neighborhood Kitsune.

A lot had changed since they progressed to their second year at Jujutsu Tokyo tech and yet, she still couldn't bring herself to be as comfortable around the boys if they weren't in their uniforms.

Clutching the thin cloth against her chest, it swayed with the wind that crossed her. She watched as Ieiri had approached the other two, seemingly unphased by how she looked in front of them.

They're not bothered by it too. Wait, is that even a good thing? Maybe, I shouldn't think about this too much.

The boys were already in their board shorts paired with those crazy tropical polos that they had left unbuttoned to show off their toned bodies making her conclude that Ieiri probably made them wear it.

What was funny was how different they both looked. While Getou seemed to be paired well with the weather and the atmosphere, Gojo looked like ghost, almost blinding her at first glance with his hair and complexion of course, her milky skin also screamed of indoors, so she shrugged that thought off.

Suguru had kept his hair loose and allowed it to sway with the breeze as they continued chatting, "So, where's Sachi?" curious eyes coming to and fro around their area.

Shouko went in between them and pointed at the smallest person in their group, "There," she said, index finger plastered on Sachiko like a homing device.

Sachiko winced, trying to decide quickly if she should fling her robe around her and approach them or wait for them to go to her as she tied it around her waist, but it seemed like her feet had a mind of its own. Folding the cloth in her arms, she took steps to meet them half-way.

"Hi," Suguru started, his tone a little bit wary. His purple-hued eyes were trying to lock heavily on her face, but the twitching of his lower lids betrayed his efforts and he couldn't help but notice how she looked so different from how he was used to seeing her.

Satoru did a double take initially to check if this was the same girl, he hung out with who was always either in uniform or was fully covered in long dresses and skirts. But what made him really look was the clearing of her alabaster skin.

No markings. I can breathe.

He was lucky that he towered over her, so it wasn't obvious he was looking elsewhere-except he was. It wasn't that he never paid attention to her form, after all, after the incident at the anatomy lab, he and Getou had an inkling that she pretty-gifted. Her facial features were already an attractive set but having her body on display in front of teenage, hormonal boys was becoming a fete on its own. A true test of character.

Gojo moved his glasses to fully conceal his eyes as he looked away, "Hey, glad you're here," he said behind flushed cheeks.

Suguru, equally phased and struggling to remain his composure dared to speak, "Sorry, we're not used to seeing-"

The light-haired boy began to fan himself out of nowhere, "-hot-" Gojo didn't continue as he noticed that Sachiko was already scowling at them and folding her arms to conceal her well delineated body.

"The hell?" Shouko began, hands on her waist and brows cocked, "We go swimming all the time, with more people!"

Gojo snorted at Shouko, blue eyes still evading the red shifting from him, to Suguru and Ieiri, "No offense Shouko but uh, you-" he began pointing his finger up and down as if to outline her form but before he could finish, Shouko had hit the white haired boy in his head and had kneed the back of Suguru's thigh, before forcibly turning Sachiko away from them revealing her exposed back and the six-tailed sigil in their line of sight.

But before she could even get a word in, Sachiko suddenly found herself sitting on the beachfront towel laid-out by Ieiri's staff, "Sorry about those idiots, sometimes I forget that they're like any other boys,"

Sachiko merely gave her a smile and shook off her reservations, "Don't worry about it,"

Satoru was already behind her, crouched and eyes narrowed and chin resting on his hand, staring at her mark. Disbelief again crippled her ability to shoo him away. But since his cyan eyes didn't have hint of malice to them, she just slowly backed away.

He snapped his fingers and jerked his head sideways, "Wow, that's a cool mark. I counted, there six-swirls for six tails, right?" he seemed almost happy at how he was able to decipher the sigil so quickly. It was his innate technique, his Six-eyes, that allowed him to form the complete image in his head.

Sachiko nodded once and laughed shakily, "R-right,"

Hearing the bell of the ice-cream man's cart, the pale boy merely shot them a grin before dashing off.

Meanwhile, Suguru had finished positioning the large, multi-colored umbrella to provide enough shade for the girls as they sat to catch-up. Seeing as the seat beside the raven-haired girl was unoccupied, he settled beside her, "I'm sorry again for earlier," his temple creased slightly.

She shrugged, "It's alright, anyway," she blinked, "How did you guys get here so fast?"

Suguru laughed and pointed towards Ieiri.

Ieiri put on a smug expression before continuing slathering her face with sunscreen, "I had them picked-up,"

"Picked-up?"

Shouko twisted the bottle close then flipped her hair, "By plane,"

"Of course," Sachiko replied, rarely surprised by anything Shouko did or said.

Suguru continued to make small talk with the ladies but mostly to the one who sat beside him. It amazed him how many things they could talk about casually that Ieiri didn't seem to mind that a lot of his questions were directed towards her friend. If anything, Ieiri was hyperaware of the triangle that formed in their group. Sometimes, she would even directly ask them about what was up only to be told that there was absolutely nothing. She didn't believe them of course eventually forcing her to make at least one of them admit to it.

It worked for Getou. After sneaking in a few beers inside the training grounds, she had told him that Sachiko wasn't seeing anyone, but she had a hunch that she was open to dating one of them. Problem was, she liked her relationship as is and hadn't really thought about it. Getou however openly asked for her advice if he should pursue her but upon asking her if she knew about Gojo's intentions, she just told him that even if she did, he should just do whatever he thought was right but not at the expense of their friendship.

She was nice like that.

Satoru couldn't stand being out of topic for too long especially since he went out of the way to get everyone ice-cream. Honestly, he did it just so he could escape from the appalled expression Sachi had given him when he stared at her Kitsune sigil but there he was, back in their area, with an equally annoyed look as he handed each their share and casually slumped on the back as he ate and continued listening in on their conversation. Ieiri half of the time was on her phone, shooting texts at whoever she was in a relationship with at that time leaving the two black-haired, pony-tailed classmates to direct their attention towards each other. He was never good at hiding his real emotions and it was in odd situations like these that his even odder behavior came out.

Without thinking, Satoru leaned in and licked Sachiko's ice-cream as soon as he got the chance to do so rewarding him with a sharp and mean glare coming from Suguru, "What are you doing Satoru?" he said with gritted teeth.

Gojo didn't recoil and instead lifted his chin, ignoring a motionless Sachiko, with melting icecream in her hand, "Nothing, I just wanted to taste hers, it's fine right?"

Sachiko's head robotically turned towards the light-haired boy but she didn't change her stunned expression. Shadows appeared over her eyes, creating an air of tension around them.

Satoru feigned a sigh and gobbled up his share before grabbing both Sachi's and Suguru's. He took another large bite of Sachiko's matcha flavored ones before turning Suguru's black sesame cone to the side where his mouth didn't touch and gave it a taste as well.

Suguru's brows began to twitch, and he found himself in a state of controlled fuming. He reached out retrieve Sachiko's ice-cream, but Satoru evaded his hand easily, "You should stop playing around, you're making her very uncomfortable," his words edged with steel now as if his best friend was committing a mortal sin. In his mind, they were both already in front of the school grounds, haphazardly just going at each other punch by punch at even the most menial of reasons. He thought that this time, he had a pretty solid one to propose when they get back.

Sachiko held out her hands covered with melted ice-cream and rigorously shook her head, "I don't want it anymore! It's fine!"

Satoru let out his tongue before handing over Suguru's back which he reluctantly took, "Relax Suguru, Sachi is used to me sharing her food," he widened his eyes at her making her look away and hide her infuriated expression, "Right?" he continued.

"Alright, you guys need a time out," Shouko's temple skirted, her jaw clenched as she let out a an exasperated groan and dirtied Satoru and Suguru's face with whatever was left of her ice cream before storming off with a relieved Sachiko in hand.

Satoru gurgled, "Okay, maybe we deserve that,"

Suguru was still upset by what he had done that he had released some of his cursed energy in one hand as he gave him a look of warning, "We'll finish this at school jackass,"

"Tch!" Satoru wiped the rest of the dessert in his sleeve, "Whatever,"

After spending a few minutes out, swimming, Sachiko excused herself from Ieiri, Gojo and the rest of the staff to rest and take a sip of water. She was still dripping in ocean water, hair trickling with beads of sand and dew when she returned her position on under their umbrella and covered herself with a towel.

Suguru was still busy sketching. She noticed him bring out the pad a few minutes after the ice-cream incident, but it seemed like he seemed too immersed in it that his hair was completely dry. The sun had been playing on one side of his arm as he angled the pad to get enough light to see the lines he was making on the clean surface.

Getou had been doing his best to distract himself from the anger he had felt earlier as well as making means not to allow himself to look at Sachiko for too long else he might end up not being able to resist keeping her close to him. He didn't like the prying eyes of strangers on his dear friend which was probably the same reason why his dumb white-haired friend was trailing on her every move.

His shading deepened at the height of his fury that he had to sharpen his pencil a few times just to continue. When he drew, he was in complete focus, erasing the people and sounds around him until he was done with his masterpiece. But this time, he made an exception.

"Can I see? Suguru?" the kind voice he had grown accustomed to, broke his trance. Not wanting to seem too delighted nor too expectant, he inhaled and flicked the excess lead off the medium before turning to his friend, "Of course, come closer," he beckoned, ever so slightly.

Sachiko couldn't help but instantly smile at his drawing. It was a rough sketch of the four of them, sitting on the beach. He was very detailed, down to the shell that was actually found near their umbrella, to the shadows cast by the palm trees around them. There they were.

"This is amazing, you're really good," she commented.

He couldn't help but just push pause to take a good look at her expression. She was truly happy by what she was being shown that he couldn't help but mirror her look by smiling, "Thank you,"

"You know, you're full of surprises Suguru, good ones,"

Suguru didn't give her an audible response and just took her compliment as it is. As if he was struck by some inspiration out of her accolade, he took a newly sharpened pencil and began sketching again. Sachiko folded her legs to the side and gave him space but still leered on his progress.

He was outlining a face that was a little smaller than the rest of his sketches that followed the one he had made of the four of them. He then continued to draw a neck and an outline of the bust. Continuing on, he made long strokes to create a wave that soon wove into a woman's long, braided hair. He paused suddenly and dropped his pencil before turning to Sachiko. His fingers gently went under her chin and lifted it, drawing his face close to hers, aligning it, so their eyes could meet. His purple ones piercing through her red as if he was trying to read something. He saw the bright pink spread across her cheeks, making him slowly withdraw his hand and turn back to his pad, "Just want to make sure I get every detail right,"

His statement turned her away but not in an offended manner. Sachiko realized that it was her whose portrait he was drawing which was thoughtful but also quite unnecessary for him to do. See, Ieiri of course had hinted to her about his lingering feelings though she hadn't really thought much of it. They were close because they were friends. That was all.

I think.

Suguru sunk into his smile, trying his best to hide his own flush after his courageous move. He had lied. He wasn't one to do such things especially to his friends but it was a necessity at that point. He didn't need a closer look at her features. Unknowingly, he had already familiarized himself with it.

It was becoming clear to him that she was becoming an important of his daily routine, but he knew the distance between them was difficult to close in, but he shouldn't be afraid to try.

Gojo wasn't blind. Nor was he dense. It puzzled him that his childhood friend still couldn't admit to his desire to pursue her.

He watched from the distance, waves crashing against his thigh, sand inflicted breeze landing on his warm skin, standing still, trying intently not to eavesdrop at the conversation before him. It was impossible to hear against the water ripples and splashes of people occupying the beach but his eyes, ever dependable, saw through them clearly. Sure, she was also engaging him but it wasn't out of the ordinary for her to sit comfortably beside the tall guy with the ear piercings and bun but there was something undoubtedly stirring within Suguru Getou. He knew, because he was the same.

Is it because I also have cru-ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. I have no time to dwell in stuff like this. Or was he as much of a coward as I am?

Gojo was already retreating to the shore when he felt a sudden force interrupt his analysis. The volleyball bounced off his head, forcing him to tilt. His head was already massaging through his scalp to sooth the pain when he turned around to catch a sniggering Shouko pointing directly at him.

Wiping her tears, she spoke, "Sorry! Anyway, come on, let's play!"

Ieiri had ushered them to a more secluded area of the resort. In front of them were chopped up wood, neatly arrange in the center of the camping area. Each of them took their place around the unlit coppice and simultaneously turned to the elemental of their group.

She scoffed, "Alright, no need to ask me twice," lifting her hands towards the fire, Sachiko wiggled her fingers as if she was creating wisp, slowly enveloping them with a small amount of fox fire, afterwards releasing it in the center, finally setting the wood ablaze. She continued hovering over the dancing flames to control the spark, but it didn't take long for her to stabilize it. They each gave her looks of approval.

Despite the light that grew in between them, their eyes were still locked towards the dark, twinkling sky. Stars hung low that night allowing them to trace bits of it to create separate images in their head on what the dots actually formed.

For a while, they just sat there, no words leaving their mouths, just the sound of steady clashing of waves from the horizon. A very rare moment for young sorcerers to remain undisturbed in their daily activities.

Sachi couldn't help but feel a lot of mixed emotions as she had paid more attention to her peers. She had been trying to permanently capture moments like these in her head ever since she obtained friends in the academy. She had to make every single day count. Her time was running out, but she knew keeping it as a secret would mean a disservice to the three people, she trusted the most.

Tucking her legs behind her, she laced her hands together and took a deep breath, "Permission to speak?" she asked earning her a few nods before she continued, "There's something you guys should know," she began.

Getou immediately tensed at her solemn tone. Fully aware of the topic she had wanted to discuss. She didn't know it, but he already had the conversation with her cousin, Hiko regarding her impediment and as his eyes shot a look of concern, across him, Gojo mirrored his hidden worry.

Ieiri folded her lips, "Yeah, go ahead," she said, still unsure of what she should expect. Sachiko always told her first whatever was bothering her but slowly recounting recent events in her head, she couldn't point out anything that stood out that would make Sachiko look like she had just received devastating news. Little did they know, she was about to give them one.

"Well, it's about my Heaven Restriction," she took a moment to read the room, her big red eyes, carefully inspecting even a small trace of flicker in their eyes that would signal the extent of their knowledge towards her condition and she was right, by the sullen looks they tried to hide, they had been asking about her. Not directly but they were. She didn't know if she would be relieved that the information, she was about to divulge was already known to them making the rest of the statements she would follow-with, soften the blow of its reality. But she continued anyway.

Without any more hesitation, she straightened herself but looked down at her trembling hands, eyes carefully scouting the invisible lines that often times haunted her daily routine of looking in the mirror, "My consumption is progressing," her soft chuckle escaped her mouth before she could even take a moment to dispel their horrified looks.

She could see hesitant lips, trying their best to find the correct words in reply for her revelation, however, the Kitsune pressed on, lifting her shoulders then unclasping her hands,

"My life may be shorter than yours but as sorcerers," her eyes reflected on the fire now, burning through them each time she had made contact with theirs adding to the weight of the words she continued casting on them like they were being cursed. The guilt continued to overwhelm but she had to finish, "-we face uncertainty daily. To me, it's not any different. Which is why, I try to just live it out the best that I can and make memories. Thanks to you three, I think I have a pretty large collection of good ones already. What I'm trying to say is, please don't treat me differently knowing this. I only told you this so we can all move past that fact and just keep on going about our lives."

Ieiri had been secretly conversing to Kodansha regarding her ordeal. Spending countless nights researching for a cure that could save her friend because she dreaded the day, this day, that she would finally begin to say goodbye, resigning to the fate laid out of her. She felt heavy, almost paralyzed by the lack of progression in her efforts that all she could just do is be a good friend to her and try her best to no break down, "Sachi, are you okay?" Shouko asked, tears welling up.

Her hand went to meet Ieiri's, squeezing it in reassurance coupled with one of her small smiles, "I'm fine. I'm not dying anytime soon, alright?"

"Good," it was all Satoru could say. But his eyes spoke a different language. The sky that danced on it, turned gray and almost violent at her coaxing, lips downturned but almost unaccepting of her reassurance. His fingers dug through the sand, palm, clenching against the grain to displace his discontent he was feeling. But he wasn't mad at her, not in the least bit. He was angered by her words.

Has she given up? Why didn't she ask for our help?

Satoru followed her eyes heavenward, intrigued by her rather tranquil musings with Shouko even if she was a harbinger of bad news. Internally, he was pissed at her submission. If there was anything he had always reminded her during their training was that she should never ever think less or do less of anything that she is actually capable of. Giving up was never an option.

Suguru crept closer to her side and patted her head, his habit and endearment reserved only for her, "I think what he meant to say was, we're not ready to let you go anytime soon. So, while, we're here, let us help you."

Satoru scoffed partly because his offer to help her is probably moot but also because they were thinking of the same way to casually make light of the conversation. At the back of their minds, they knew they would have to privately look into her situation one way or another. His hand grazed the back of his neck before speaking. Raising his palm to catch her attention, he relaxed his jaw, "Remember," he directed his stern voice to her, "Our party has three special grades and a healer, it's kind of perfect,"

Shouko nodded almost too excitedly at the odds he broke down simply, "You bet!"

This allowed her some space to breathe even if deep inside, she still felt awful, "Thank you, guys. Sorry for being a downer,"

"Come on," Satoru let out an exasperated groan, "Stop saying sorry. It wasn't your fault you were born with that restriction. Just be you. You don't have to be sorry for that."

And for the first time in a while, Gojo Satoru, made the most intelligent, thoughtful and sensical sentiment out of the four of them.

Tokyo Jujutsu Tech High

It seemed that there was no true repose for the special grades. Masamichi Yaga had already cornered the cursed spirit manipulator and the boy with the Six-Eyes in one of their classrooms. Speaking without much restraint about their high-level mission.

Both of them were still at arms with opinions regarding jujutsu sorcerers and their obligation to protect non-sorcerers and the weaker faction of their colleagues. Leaving the taller one to lecture his friend regarding being more attune to their creed as the gifted ones. Of course, their fist-talk would have to wait 'til after the vice-principal's lecture.

"Escort the girl, and erase her," he instructed, tone low and expression unyielding, eyes fixated on his two prodigies. He had handed them Tegen's request of escorting the Star Plasma Vessel to him in two days. The haste, puzzling Gojo leaving his friend to hesitantly and begrudgingly detail why their task was important.

Getou heaved, "The barriers that protect the two pillars of the Jujutsu Realm are reinforced by Master Tengen. Without him, security and even undertaking missions would be more difficult. Worse-case scenario, he could lose his humanity and become its prime enemy. Which is why every 500 years, he must merge with a suitable vessel," Gojo gave him a blank stare making him flip his inattentive friend off inside his head.

Suguru continued, almost whispering his next few words to get him up to speed, "If the body is refreshed, then cursed technique will follow,"

Satoru nodded, leaning in to give him a thumb's up and lowering his volume, "Gotcha. So, becoming Metalgreymon is fine, but it'd be a problem if he becomes Skullgreymon. So, we reset back to Koromon, right?"

"Uh…right," he replied, pretending to understand what he said.

His Digimon reference made Yaga lean back on the table and groan. He was confident in their physical capability to finish the mission, but he was beginning to wonder if they both had the correct mindset to fulfill his mission. Like any other high-profile mission, he didn't have much choice regarding who to send, the other, would entail even more complications.

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto Miura Estate

Yahiko Miura's Inari had been dragging him around the estate since he stepped foot in their hallowed grounds. Fox-spirits took comfort in the members of their skulk,and having a wide barrier that allowed summoners like him to free their fox-spirits without having to consume cursed energy was good break for him. More so, that he shared his energy with his loyal fox.

As per tradition, he took the route to the main shrine, pacing leisurely beside the beast that matched his mane until he arrived to greet the statue of Kai, the nine-tailed Kitsune, responsible for both cursing and blessing their clan. His heterochromatic eyes inspected the detailed figure carved in marble, perfectly capturing every lock of his long hair, every crevice of his muscle and skin markings and his expression of despondence and discontent cast over the whole estate. They were often told that it was made that way to remind the members of the clan the consequences of exploitation of his gifts. His mother however told him a different story. She said that he looked so sad in that image because, he had lost his beloved human familiar, the first clan-head who reigned under the tutelage of the Golden fox.

For whatever reason he was made to look that way, its kind off-set Yahiko to become more distant with his ambition to run the clan. In fact, early on, he already knew that he didn't want the title. He just wanted to be a normal member of both societies. Alas, he could never leave the clan, especially since his cousin, the little sister he had cared for, would run in by default when the time comes.

His Inari let out a soft squeal as if it was saying a prayer to their master, afterwards bowing its head and folded its paws as if to genuflect. Yahiko could read its thoughts. It was thanking Kai for his guidance and his gifts for us and for the gift of having a good master. The beasts' sentiments turned his gloomy expression away that he himself knelt in front of the statue and smiled at the deity.

Yahiko dug inside of his pocket to acquire one of his baseballs, juggling it from hand to the other as he walked. This made his Inari leap and turn, as if it was inviting him to play, "Alright boy, go long," as the blue fox ran to provide some distance between them, the blue-haired Miura shifted into a pitching stance, readying to release the ball. Keeping his cursed energy confined within himself, he controlled the change of the shape of his pupils and kept his human ones, and after another second, casting the ball high and speeding towards the expectant Inari. Of course, as it had perfectly matched its masters' skills, catching the ball in between its teeth wasn't a difficult task. Yahiko was proud of his Inari, too elated even that he ran towards it to rub its belly and kiss the side of its ear making it drop the ball in front of him and use its nose to push it towards Yahiko, "Okay, ready for another?" he said ruffling its fur.

The beast was already readying to catch the ball as Yahiko changed his stance but before he could release the ball, he heard a loud explosive sound that was followed by tendrils creeping up in the mountain temple. Yahiko and his Inari's eyes changed into crescents that was housed in glowing orbs of yellow and brown, "What was that?!" a number of the Miura wardens along with their shikigami foxes began stationing around the main temple as well as others mobilized to the East Wing where the source of the sound was.

Yahiko approached one of the wardens already in heightened alarm, "What's going on?" he demanded.

The guard summoned his own vulpex Inari before responding, "There's been a break-in at the armory young master,"

There was a sharp whistling sound that captured every Miura follower's ears which was then followed by an echoing of a deep, commanding voice that only remained in the thoughts of those connected with fox-line. All Inaris present stood still, eyes glowing in their assigned color, "Mobilize all offensive units to the armory, the rest, keep key members safe," Hideo's voice trailed off as everyone was quick to follow his command but as the young Miura was about to go down the steps to join the offensive units, Hideo's connection to his Inari halted him from doing so,

"Wait, Yahiko, I must tell you something. But for now, retreat to the tearoom,"

Yahiko dismissed his Inari and frowned, "Yes, grandfather,"

The young clan-head prospect dragged his feet to enter the main estate, his grandfather's presence still clinging unto him to assure his safety. As soon as he had entered the tea-room, he found the old man, hunched back, brows weaved tight, eyes fierce with wary. Yahiko was also quick to notice the bloodied bandage on the side of his abdomen, the giant 3 tailed Inari, also limped at the side of his master.

"Grandfather!" he yelled in panic, shutting the door harshly but Hideo merely glanced over his shoulder and spoke, "We have lost the spear, someone's going to get killed,"

The grim atmosphere only continued to escalate. As Yaga had warned, two groups were already mobilized to eliminate the Star Plasma Vessel, the Q-group and the Star Religious Group.

The latter group mentioned had already recruited the infamous sorcerer slayer, Toji Zennin. The same man with the peculiar lip-scar and green eyes and no trace of cursed energy was already on the move. Though unlike his counterparts, Toji didn't rush through the process. He did however like to have insurances so upon invitation of the Miura clan head to meet with him, he couldn't resist borrowing a few things from his former employer.

Funny thing was the Q group had been doing planning something similar just in case they would fail. Knowing the past history of the Miuras with Tengen, they sent a fox-hunter to track her down. As Sachiko was still a viable vessel, the Q-group couldn't risk tainting Master Tengen with Kitsune blood.

"Thanks for the boost old man," the muscular figure had already passed the gates by the time the units had gathered inside the discarded entrance of the armory. The whole estate was scrambling after finding their master injured in his own residence. Toji of course had no reason to kill the old man, simply inciting a warning that coming after him wasn't a good idea. Being trapped inside a heavy barrier of sorcerers gave him an advantage. He was completely invisible, presence seemingly mundane as his real identity was never divulged as agreed by the elders who commissioned him during the six-tailed Kitsune's time as the vessel.

Unfortunately, his neutral stand would soon come to an end. He knew that his face and reputation would soon be made public after the scuffle he had caused but it wasn't anything new. As a killer, he always had a target behind his back.

But this time,

"At least I got this fancy-ass blade," the small spear was quickly swallowed by the parasitic curse that would itself around his arm and torso which he followed with a menacing cackle.

There were roughly 48 hours left until the full moon. Master Tengen had been pacing around his temple in anticipation but continued to fulfill his duty as the warden of the Pillars. But his disturbance wasn't unfounded, a few miles away from him, the Kitsune tossed in her sheets. Pillows already resting on the cold floor as her mind wandered off everywhere but her dreams. She had recounted the events of the day. Another one spent in the office of Yaga and his company of dolls, this time, she had come uninvited.

"Is this why you're sending me on a different mission?" it was Sachiko's first time to raise her voice at the Vice-Principal. She had been always respectful of her grandfather's colleague but sometimes couldn't relieve herself of the skepticism eating inside her. She never liked the higher-ups and as someone who worked for the institution, it shouldn't come to a surprise that he may be not any different.

The vice-principal sat idly in his office hair, twining the yarn he had in between needles to create a pair of cat-ears for one of his dolls. He seemed unperturbed by her words even as she stood straight, feral eyes narrowed at him, cursed energy filling up her form.

He attached the triangular shape unto the doll's side and began to contemplate. Yaga was made fully aware of her own ordeal with Tengen and even though he knew that having his students, her close friends, take charge of the mission, he didn't have much choice but to displace his concerns at the expense of her comfort.

"There are no other suitable candidates for this mission. Tengen himself agreed. By rank and skill, we can never surpass any of the three of you, we had to work around those facts. But given that," he rested his chin on his hands now, "We also cannot afford you projecting your own feelings towards this matter. This is too important."

"Are there no other special grades other than us?"

"None."

"And what about the girl? Does she know?"

"Riko Amanai has been raised in the system. She is a willing vessel."

His words devasted her, making her mouth quiver as she spoke, "Then…what can I do? I can't just step aside,"

"Nothing." He placed both of his hands down before animating the doll, "Just do what you always do but also let us and your friends do your job." Giving her another meaningful look, he looked down, "As sorcerers, sometimes, we must put our own contentions last. For the good of all."

By 4 AM, Sachiko had already finished drying her hair. A newly pressed set of her school uniform hung outside of her bathroom door thanks to her happy helpers. Quickly removing her robe, she slipped into her skirt and tucked in her white blouse, leaving the blazer on the hanger for when she goes outside. Rolling up her long stockings came next, followed by mumbled noises, one of the large dolls were making, calling her to break her fast. She didn't have much appetite to spare but feeling her stomach grumble, she sat and picked on her food set in the table. Happy bead-like eyes clapping at her appreciation of their efforts.

Her to-do list that day only contained one unticked box with it are words written, "Tell Satoru and Suguru," a rather tedious task set before her so early in the morning. There was something quite different about the feel of that morning. Sure, the sun had risen on time, shadows of trees stretching against the buildings greeting the start of the school day.

There weren't a lot of students present so early so the chatter was rather minute compared to the strange howling of the morning breeze making her enclose the space between her arms to keep her warm as she walked towards the training grounds. Her tread was rather dragging, leaving imprints of her shoes against the dirt on the floor but that day, she paid no mind to the scenery she had passed. She had memorized the path to the private training grounds that she just continued on walking without having to stop and check for signs.

The veil had already opened which meant the area was already occupied. Familiar voices filtered her ears, the intonations and even difference in laughter was easy to identify from the other side. Sachiko already had one hand through the door, but the other, she kept in her blazer pocket to hide the tremor she was experiencing as she rehearsed her speech silently in her mind. Another few seconds had passed until she crossed making two tall figures in fighting stances already visible from a distance.

Suguru was on the offensive, striking Satoru's sides precisely at his weak points, making the other boy force deflective measures to counter him. As the two rarely changed into training uniforms, their long-sleeved white undershirts were crumpled up and dirtied from their exercise. Strands of hair flowing out of place from the boy with the purple eyes and displacement of the other's spectacles to the far side of his nose.

Sachi continued to watch them spar from one of the benches, remaining silent as to not to intrude in their training, taking in points from what she could decipher from the fast exchange of punches and kicks. She removed her hand from her pocket and steadied them in front of her lap then afterwards tried to embody a calmer appearance.

From her experience working with them individually and collectively, she would have to agree that they were most fit to fulfill Master Tengen's task. They were both equally strong and calculative and more importantly, they had a great partnership. Even she would entrust them with such favor if given the choice. But truth was, she couldn't see past the fact that they were her friends first and were just special grade sorcerers second.

Satoru's right hand grasped the side of Suguru's shoulder from behind and whirled him around before attempting to throw him across their arena, of course, having spent so much of their younger days talking with their fists, Suguru had already anticipated this move and ducked to the side before his cyan-eyed friend could take hold of him. This made Gojo snarl but only more motivated to continue attacking but seeing as they could only read so much of each other's' moves before one makes a mistake, the two special grades ended their spar with a draw after having their curled-up fists land a punch each on their cheeks. No one spat blood, but the movement of their teeth was evident upon impact that they both stopped to give each other rather astounded looks before bursting into laughter.

This made Sachiko giggle behind her hand. Shouko had often told her that when they were suddenly unavailable, they probably had a misunderstanding and often sorted it out by giving each other bruises until they were found by the janitor half-dead on the school grounds. This was part of the normalcy she had treasured-yet something she could also do without, whenever she talked about her friends. In the past year and half, the young Kitsune was given two very important people who had helped her not only reach her potential as a sorcerer but also was one of the first people who welcomed her into the world she had come to love.

There was a part of her that was pooling fear at the thought of her not being able to retain such mundane moments that even if revealing the truth would more likely not change their minds about the assignment, giving them a perspective of the true nature of it could contribute to their success.

A pale arm swung above his head and waved towards the third special grade present, "Oyaa-oyaa! Sachiko-chaaaaan!" Gojo sung, plastering that overly excited grin like he had just caught the attention of the taiyaki (red-bean stuffed fish pancakes) vendor.

Getou was gathering his long raven hair with his hands behind his head and gave her a smile through his ribbon-stuffed mouth.

Sachiko pulled the zipper on the side of her black boots before standing and begun taking steps towards them. She raised her right hand to wave back, gathering air before she opened her mouth to speak, "Ohayou! Can I borrow you two for a second?"

The two boys gave each other glances before gesturing her to come closer but before they could ask what she wanted to talk about, she handed them both two bottles of water she hid in her blazer in-pockets.

"Thanks Chi," Gojo was already twisting it open when Getou, done with his tying approached,

"Sorry, we're all sweaty and a mess, was there something you wished to talk about?"

His words actually made Sachiko realize that they had both become quite see-through that she couldn't help but flinch at the sight of their half-buttoned shirts, "Ah," she began, "No, that's alright, I can wait," already retreating to the nearer benches and railings, the two scoffed at her shy expression before momentarily dismissing themselves to change into a new pair of clothes.

It took only a few minutes for them to rejoin her. She was sitting with her legs stretched in front her, clicking her boots together as she leaned a little backwards, hands to the sides to balance herself. She wasn't in her usual long, loose braids but her hair was still notably kept neat in a low ponytail. But simple and even discreet changes like these was enough for the two boys to catch on to her unusual behavior.

The advantage of being best friends since childhood allowed Suguru and Satoru to telepathically read each other that even slightest of twitches or flicker already spoke so much about their shared thoughts.

Satoru hooked his foot on one of the railings and lifted his body so he could balance himself as he sat on the cold, steel bars, while Suguru opted to continue standing and lean in on the same railing from the opposite end so they could both have a place to listen to her speak in the middle.

Suguru crossed his arms together, "Anything on your mind?"

She had stopped the movement of her feet and aligned her boots before looking over her shoulder to peek at the two of them before giving them both a flash of her small smile, "I heard that you two were going on Tengen's mission," her voice turned solemn, "And before you say anything about it, you should know that, I'm against you two going," she looked towards her periphery, first to her left then her right before lifting her shoulders. She saw the jerk of their brows ever so slightly but continued anyway, "Don't worry, I won't stop the both of you but I think you should be made aware about what you're going up against,"

Gojo popped a lollipop in his mouth, coating it first with his saliva before removing it from the pucker of his lips, "We've received the files, so we got the groups covered unless," his voice trailed off as he adjusted his weight on the railing to allow proper blood flow to go through the back of his thighs, "There's something else?"

She gave him a singular nod, "There's a reason why I was left out of this mission. I mean, surely, it was quite strange, modesty aside, that for a task given by Tengen, three special grades would've been better to deploy," her fingers caught the flowing lock of her unwound black and white hair. Fishing for her extra pair of ribbon, she began twining her hair into her usual braid to fill the silence. The boys didn't want to interrupt but they couldn't help but shuffle as they waited for her to continue her speech,

Sachi looped the last stretched end of her tie to secure her braid afterwards releasing the end of it and let her hair fall to the back part of her blazer. Her lids turned downward, evading even the slightest of stares that they could give her as she opened her mouth, "I'm not going with you because," she paused to edit before taking a sharp breath, "-a few years ago, I had the role of Riko Amanai,"

There was a simultaneous yet very controlled gasp that came from behind her, Gojo and Getou's brows drew inward as one boy looked towards the other then finally placing troubled expressions drilling through the back of the girl who sat in front of them.

Getou took a step forward alerting Sachiko of his growing questions that she would be thrown soon. Seeing as her two friends were already caught in between asking and waiting, she looked behind her with sunken eyes, careful that her red ones wouldn't meat any purple or blue. She clasped the side of her arm before making a pivot so that when she spoke, she would still be able to make out their faces without having to force herself to make eye contact,

"I was primed as the vessel. My grandfather and aunt Kodansha had already discovered that since I wasn't able to learn how to control my cursed technique early, my consumption also started early. My grandfather he," another pause followed by a few seconds of shut lids, "He became quite preoccupied to find ways for me to overcome it so when Tengen presented him with an option, he took it."

Gojo put down his candy similarly creating a downward curve on his lips, but blue eyes still darted with much trepidation towards his friend, "He offered you up as a vessel?" his voice rose slightly making Getou clench his jaw at his vocalization of his thoughts.

Sachiko shook her head lightly, fiddling her long slightly curved and sharpened nails against each other, hoping that her words would soon make sense, "He found a way to save me from an early death," she chuckled, not quite sure if it was the irony of having to offer her life in order to extend it or if she was laughing at herself for not even feeling sad for telling her tale. She didn't worry about her condition; she was more concerned at how the other two would react to it.

"My first two years at the estate was pretty much heaven for me. I was given everything I could have asked for, quite excessively to my taste so when he brought me to his temple, I finally understood why. I was fourteen then, a good age for a merger."

"As a Kitsune, I practically guaranteed an 80% chance that it would be a success despite not being a true star plasma vessel. And since Tengen will be me and I will be Tengen, I would be able to live for as long as he did. But, my grandfather," her voice turned grim now, mouth unsteady, "The same person who wanted the convergence to continue, was the same person who stopped it."

Suguru cut back on the cusses he wanted to dispel at the confusing history of his dear friend, but he didn't want to make it seem like he detested her family. From what he could tell, Sachiko only spoke of them kindly. He lifted himself from the railing and went to her side, careful not to invade the space she had created between them. "Did he tell you why he made that decision?"

His question made her lift her chin to meet his unhappy gaze hastening to jerk her head away from him lest she mirror his expression, "I remember what he said clearly. He said that even if I would take up the form of Tengen, even if he had allowed me to be his physical vessel, I would never grow up as myself because I was a Kitsune, and I would just be a spirit lingering in his body. Tengen will always be Tengen because I wasn't the plasma vessel. I was a substitute,"

Satoru's fingers dug through the hard steel as he now etched a sour look. His eyes dashed forward the empty training ring and he patiently waited for his chance to speak,

She continued, "And even if he found a suitable vessel, I would never resurface. I guess he couldn't live with that." She shrugged almost wanting to make light of things by forcing a worried grin but only resulted in a more dissolute atmosphere around the three of them.

Satoru jumped off the railing and aligned himself beside her now, placing weight on one side of his leg, allowing what was left of his candy to remain dry in between his thumb and index finger. He softened his stare and matched his intonation as he crouched to her side, folding his hands in over his knees as he asked, "And what did you feel?"

Sachiko's crimson eyes were covered by her lids for a split second before responding monotonously, "Nothing." She laughed now, a loud cackle escaping from her throat, force pushing her diaphragm to let out air. It was the truth. And it was so sad that she couldn't help but laugh at herself for having no such feeling during her time as a human sacrifice.

She wiped the sides of her face before apologizing to them for such crass and unwanted behavior, "I dunno, I guess, after spending a few years in complete freedom, I was just thankful. Willing to push through with it if it made him happy. I didn't know how to handle my powers and with Tengen, I was sure he'd put it to good use."

Satoru punched the ground forcing her eyes to shut at the sudden impact. But the white-haired boy turned away, "You were ready to die?"

Getou was at a loss for words, it seemed that days with her becoming entangled with a lot of things slowly being unearthed from the past she had wanted to stay hidden. It was hard to accept that as he was also trying to find a solution (secretly) to her restriction, he was being given different signs that it was next to impossible. This gave him a feeling of despondency. The fact that even Tengen wasn't a viable source to her remedy only made it harder for him to look at her the same way.

Suguru's fists clenched tightly, eyes narrowing at the ground hoping that she would reach her conclusion soon.

Sachiko felt the cold morning air creep through her that her hands wound around herself to brace herself from the lowering temperature. Her eyes projected to the sky, lips parted to let out a small fog form as she breathed out, "No. But before that, I wasn't ready to live, until" the side of her mouth curled, "I saw my whole family, going against the higher-ups, begging for my freedom. What was most surprising was, Tengen," she turned towards the two now, "-actually cried. And he let me go which made me think that even if I had been given another period of borrowed time, I guess, it might mean something if I actually…lived."

"So, you see, this isn't just any mission. I didn't get to Tengen unscathed. To think, I didn't even push through with," guilt painted her crimson eyes, filling up with water she turned her head downward to hide her shame, "People have died trying to protect me during my short term as a vessel. And that kid, she'll-disappear. As someone who was saved from that fate, I feel remorseful knowing that I can actually do something about it but at the same time, I'm not allowed to because…"

They both spoke, tone steady, eyes sharp, gripping themselves as if they held on to the rope that their friend was attached to. Pictures of the higher-ups and their shadows went through their mind rapidly, stirring up rage and disdain over their lordship to young sorcerers like them,

"It has to be done. For the good of all."

"Mm-hmm…"

Sachiko slowly got up from the bench and raised her head to face the two boys. Satoru had already straightened himself but still wore the same expression while Suguru kept his statuesque posture, emotional purple eyes fixed on her.

She took another step forward, "I'm not trying to persuade you two to back-out of the mission. You guys don't have a choice anyway but, please, you have to be careful."

Getou finally beamed at her, though forcibly, raising a hand to tap her shoulder before returning to his space, "We will, you don't have to worry." Gojo nodded slightly in agreement.

She grated, "I can't promise that I won't worry but I will try," she tilted her head towards the bespectacled one as she pleaded, "Also, please, be kind to Amanai,"

Gojo jerked backward and pointed at himself, confused and a little offended by her implication, "Hey why are you only looking at me?" he pouted, "Besides, I hate to say it, better her than you-"

Suguru massaged his temple before halting his friend. Smacking the back of the light-haired boy's head, he lectured, "Don't Satoru. That girl is still a person."

"Right, my bad," he said, slightly irritated by his uncalled-for gesture as he massaged his head.

Sachiko's squared shoulders finally dropped to relax. Giving each of them a thankful grin, she gave them a short bow, "Okay, that's all I wanted to say."

Gojo scootched over to her side of the railing and nudged at her arm making her widen her eyes at him but he soon followed with another nudge at the same timefollowed by a neutral expression as he turned his eyes downward to meet with hers,

"Hey," he began, "What happened to you sucked and having to relieve it is equally crap. Sorry you had to go through that," he was being awfully chatty but in a sensical way.

This actually lightened Sachiko's mood, seeing him fumble for the correct words to say. But she just stood silent until he finished,

"But thanks for trusting us with your story. I'm sure it wasn't easy for you to tell," he was quite sincere, in fact, the most sincere she has seen him in a serious situation such as what they were facing in a long time that Suguru couldn't help but smile through his teeth in agreement.

The furrow of her brows began to disappear but still, her mouth remained rigid as if she had forgotten how to smile. In all Gojo-fashion, he impulsively pinched her cheek making the tear that hung on the corner of her eye disperse while also forcing that side of her mouth to widen, "Just leave the rest to us," he said, over enthusiastically.

Mimicking his sudden pincer of a grasp on her other cheek, Suguru chuckled, "Yeah, don't worry, we're the strongest. No way we're gonna lose,"

Sighing in defeat through half-lidded eyes, she slumped back and waited for them to release her. Their tall and wide shadows occupying her space, ears ringing with the humdrum of their laughter. Perhaps it was their version of a huddle. Whatever it was, the six-tailed Kitsune felt a huge weight lift from her whole being that soon she had joined in the squander, playfully jumping to ruffle their hair and lock her arms around their necks that their height difference made the two boys ache from slouching.

Yet another trauma of hers disclosed to the people around her. That secret was equally hard to divulge to Shouko and she was her most trusted friend. At least for the two, she didn't have to help calm them down and fight through tears. It took a few days for Shouko to process the information about her time as a vessel, but she was glad she told them about her ordeal.

Still, I hope they go through with this unscathed. I can't afford to lose them. They're my reason to live now.

All she had to do now is believe that she could get through the next two days with a peace of mind.

We all have to return.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, remember Kokichi Muta?" she set down the can of soda after taking a few sips as her friend was busy licking through his cheese covered fingers.

"Yeah, bandage boy," he said non-chalantly.

"Er, right, anyway, he's awake now and recovering," her eyes curtsied at the sudden urge to share good news that Gojo found himself halting his snack feasting.

Dusting his fingers to the side and wiping off the soda off his lips he grinned,

"Guess rubbing Billiken's feet paid off huh?"

The memories of their Osaka trip always made for a good conversation. Gojo remembered their time their vividly and was pretty sure Suguru could also imagine their trip clearly in his thoughts as he had spent at least an hour detailing it to him. Of course including a lot of his time spent with Sachiko wasn't something Getou really wanted to pay much mind to. However, if he recollected it on his own, he would find himself in a state of solace knowing that it was one of those days where he had conquered not only his hesitation to be more frank and comfortable around her in social settings but also found a form of compatibility as a partner when it came to Jujutsu sorcery. It was nice that he had shared a large part of her growth with him. Including a significant triumph that sparked hope in the dim places their missions took them.

He offered her another unopened snack to which she politely declined, "I heard he's staying in the Ao-Miura residence, where exactly is that?"

"Do you want to visit him? I could ask Hiko if you want,"

He snapped his fingers at his sudden realization, "Oh so, Kyubimon is an Ao-Miura!"

She rolled her eyes at his reference to a fox-like digital monster from one of the anime they watched, "Right…anyway, just let me know,"

The topic of the 500-year sacrifice still snuck in their conversation even as they had retreated to Gojo's dorm room to hang-out. Suguru had to leave abruptly after being requested to return the cursed weapon he had kept with him for the past few weeks leaving the light-haired sorcerer and his red-eyed companion alone in his room.

With eyes locked on the screen, Sachiko sighed, "I wish I could go with you guys,"

Quick to disparage her sentiments to prevent him from throwing a fit, Gojo shook his head without looking at her. Taking another sip from his drink, he cleared his throat, "Nah, spare yourself from reliving the trauma,"

Sachiko folded her legs sideways, increasing the length of her skirt to cover her skin and took one of the pillows on the couch to rest her back, "I'm not totally off the hook, I'll be scouting with Kento around Tengen's temple before we leave for a separate mission,"

Gojo winced at the mention of the blonde's name. Crumpling the now empty bag of chips in front of him, he turned to his side to shoot the ball towards the waste can. His tone remained neutral at most but his words couldn't hide his discomfort, "Nanami?" his voice turned sour , "That first year is something else…you know he has a crush on you right?" he teased, looking at her partly annoyed expression at the corner of his eye.

"Stop, Kento will be with Yui Haibara as well. They need an upperclassman to go with them. I'll just supervise." She said in defense, not quite sure why she had to go and explain that to him.

Wiping under his nose with his knuckles, he snarled at her, "I dunno, you said he's been hanging around the Metro dojo all summer and you did say he magically appeared during our Exchange event to bail you out. Sounds suspicious to me,"

The raven haired girl sitting beside him shifted her position to turn to him and explain, hand up in the air, "Ugh, he's a Miura associate so of course he goes there occasionally."

His eyes narrowed her now, blue lights turning dismal, unconvinced by the convenience of her company during her next mission, "Uh-huh…" he said.

Her pale, slender fingers reached out to poke the side of his cheek which was paired with her playfully unkind glare, making Gojo raise his hands and laugh at her attempt to silence him.

Retreating her hand, her expression softened, "Anyway, tomorrow's a big day. You should get some rest."

Again she had found herself watching him sleep as if it was some payback for all the times he had to watch over after missions whether it was on the train, the bus or plane once her Kitsune slumber commenced.

But he had a way of slyly making her wait until he was deep in his sleep before she left. He was lucky that Sachiko felt indebted to him but there was still that realization that this could be the last time in a while that she could do something for him. No one from the vessel mission of her past had come home the same, others were even more so unlucky, leaving no remnants enough for a burial. She couldn't help but ignore the flashes of color on the screen. She was watching him rest. Slowly removing the ridiculous and oversized pair of shades he wore everywhere so he wouldn't have marks when he woke up. Later, she was caught in the trance of his steady breathing, his subtle snores making her giggle as she traced her hands on his pale locks. Perhaps it was a way for her to comfort not just him, but herself of the danger they were about to face. The kind of comfort that made her relax to the point that she rested her head beside him, lids closing to welcome her own slumber.

It was probably a few minutes after she had fallen asleep that the tall boy on the couch, was brushing his fingers on the side of her face to wake her. Gojo was perched beside her, hands and elbows lifting his upper body to a steady position as he gave her a very amused laugh,

"Sa-chi-ko-chan!" he sung, sending his friend into a jolt as she finally ascended from her sleep. Before she could respond, Gojo looked owlishly at her then snapped into another smile, "You wanna exchange places sleepy girl?" he mused.

Still at a daze from her broken kip, she merely rewarded him a blank expression, "No, just go back to sleep, sorry, I guess I'll head back now,"

Before she could increase the distance between them, Gojo's hand gripped her wrist so she would go back to sitting beside him. Disturbed by his sudden approach, Sachiko kept silent,

"Wait," he said, releasing the strain on his companion's hand. He swung his legs to the side and quickly settled on the floor beside her, still confused at what he was on to she raised a brow at him.

Gojo cleared his throat, "I want to sleep but, I want you to stay too,"

She folded her lips before replying, feeling a flutter of anxiety sprawl through her back.

Gojo ruffled his hair then quickly rested his head on her shoulders, making Sachi's heart pound so fast that all she could do is clench her jaw and continue to lose the words she needed to say that he was making her nervous. But she didn't fight him. She allowed a few minutes of just him, placing some weight on her small figure, his hair stroking the side of her neck and his hand, behind her back, ready to lace around her if she allowed him too. He didn't close his eyes though, he wasn't sleeping. They were just there, sitting.

Gojo decided that he had to be the first one to speak. It's as if her speech had given him enough reason to get something that had been bothering him for a while. Relieving her of the weight of his head, he lifted himself slowly and adjusted his sitting position so that he was now facing her. Because he still lacked enough courage to be bold about his inhibitions, he found himself, looking to his sides and scratching the side of his face,

"Sachi-chan, do you-by some chance-like me?" his voice wasn't shaky but the air of hesitation hinted of it.

Flustered by his words, her eyes widened, mouth agape, slowly moving without a sound as she tried to collect herself to find the correct words but all she could do and say was out of reflex. She blinked once, "Are you seriously asking me that?" her tone was quite agitated. It was hard to read if this was some sort of his ill-laden jokes.

But Gojo nodded rapidly, rather, expectantly at her, eyes also wide but out of sincere curiosity, "Uh-huh,"

She winced at him, "What makes you think I like you?"

He placed a hand below his chin and looked up to find answers, his sky-eyes screening the ceiling like he was reading a crib-sheet of his dialogue, "You're very nice and caring towards me," his other free hand began laying out fingers to count, "You talk to me about everything and you hang out with me a lot," he returned his hypnotic eyes to her.

She snarled, slowly turning her face away from him and modulating her voice so that she wouldn't raise her tone. He was concluding things on his own, "Those aren't any different with how I treat Shouko and Suguru…" she twisted her real answer with a bit of truth. But Gojo knew better than to simply believe in her excuse.

He raised his index finger and pursed his lips, "I think it's a little different…" seeing that his friend didn't change her knotted expression, he let out a loud sigh before crossing his arms, "Hm…soooo…its platonic huh?" he sighed once more, leaning his back on the couch, "Well that's a bummer…" his voice trailed off, seemingly saddened by his realization.

This made the Kitsune more restless but the atmosphere was just too peculiar for her to stay in it longer, "Where is this going really?" she still hadn't answered him directly and instead posed a question to him in return. It was one of the conversations she didn't want to have with him yet. She didn't want things to change. But she had to ask what was the point of the conversation.

Satoru merely shrugged, half-covering his face with one hand, giving her a small grin before answering, "It's just that-" he turned to her now, slowly closing in the gap between their faces, his blue eyes locked on her red, swimming in its fire but he stopped just a few breaths away, "I think I like you,"

"You think you like me?" Sachiko was equally stunned and confused by his confession. By this time, the racing feeling in her chest had begun to ease in to a more tolerable rhythm. She still struggled with her words and couldn't exactly decipher what she must've looked like to the boy in front of her. She was about to mouth something back but Gojo suddenly buried his red face in his hands and muffled out his spilling, loud cackle, weirding out the girl beside him.

Gojo wiped away his tears and waved his hands to dispel the illusion that he would receive the answer he wanted. He continued, "Well yeah…but forget about it, you don't seem to like me so I guess there seems to be no point in me thinking I like you right?" he jerked his head sideways, sweat dripping below his chin, slowly internally panicking at the mess he had created.

Dampened laughs were still escaping his mouth. He was embarrassed but Sachiko didn't react to it. Instead, she took a deep breath and rolled her fingers into a ball on her lap and spoke under her breath, "I—do…too,"

There was a rather audible pause to Gojo's cackle, the feeling that he was shot with electricity pierced through his ears as he tried to digest what she had just whispered, "What? What did you say?" he said, voice rising, inching his ear closer so he wouldn't miss it if she repeated her answer.

Sachiko knitted her brows and pouted at his astute attempt to persuade her to admit her feelings. She already opened her mouth to speak when she found him just a finger breath away from where she sat. He was pointing at himself repeatedly with a crazed but gleeful expression, "Did you just say that you like me too?" he was grinning like an idiot that it made it even harder for her hide her red face. That same idiotic look he made when he knew he had won.

She withdrew her line of vision from him and shrugged, "Well…I said I think I do too so…"

Gojo's face lit up instantly but it was close to his expression whenever he ate dessert for free. It was the kind of glee that she couldn't really take seriously but it seemed like he was sincere with his joy.

Taking another shot at his upcoming victory, he decided to ask another question after he folded his legs and began to sway, slowly allowing the slightest of his arm to contact the other, "Does that mean-its mutual?"

She stuck a finger on his forehead to create space, "Its mutual that we think we like each other,"

He stopped swaying in his seat and eliminated the very little space left that kept them side by side. He turned to her close enough so that her hair could graze through the side of his face and neck "Then," he began, "Let's see shall we?"

Sachiko's face was soon covered with his shadow. The tall boy's nose was an inch close to touching hers making the pink on her skin spread further down her neck. He stopped as soon as he felt her breath reach his skin. With his free hand, he placed a hand on her chin to steady her and parted his lips,

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, voice low but endearing as he shifted his gaze from her cupid's bow to her eyes. Sachiko clutched the side of his shoulder near his collar before nodding. Seemingly, she had lost all doubt from a few minutes before.

Her lips were just about to part when Satoru slid his own in between them before planting a firm one with his eyes closed. He drew back to examine Sachiko's surprised expression then smiled before proceeding to give her another one. This time, Sachiko loosened her hold on him and relaxed as she reciprocated molding her lips around his. Gojo thought that she had very sweet, soft lips, almost impossible to stop from feeling it against his. For a moment, he had regretted not examining his own before invading the precious pair he had locked in his mouth. It took only a few seconds from her reciprocation when she felt Satoru's hand slide down the back of her neck as if to steady her for a few moments but as she was still flustered by the fast turn of events, she drew back to let in some air.

Satoru was still longing for them to continue when she opened her eyes but his expression turned into a lame pouting one when she removed her hold and broke eye contact with him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, hands still behind her nape.

She turned away and etched a nervous smile, resting one hand on his chest, Satoru still peering down to examine her face, "N-no its just-"

He caressed the side of her cheek, "Is it because it's your first kiss?" his brazenness reminded her of her hesitancy to create any form of romantic relationships with him. She could never be sure if he was serious or just looking for a good time but having him hold her, gently at that moment, made her feel secure about the hands that steadied her.

He rested his temple on hers for a second before he continued, "You don't have to be embarrassed, its mine too anyway and I'd say we were doing a good job," he ended his statement with again, a smile that revealed not only his teeth but also his gums. That seeing as her gloss had made the side of his mouth and lips shiny from their kiss, she couldn't help but click her tongue.

She let out an annoyed breath, "You're taking this too lightly,"

He placed one hand at the back of his neck but he was still trying to contain his flushing, "Sorry-but hey, uh-thanks," his hold loosened around her and Sachiko quickly moved to the side to regain her personal space.

She tossed her head to the side and broke eye contact with him, making him, flinch.

Thanks. He says. For what?. Breaking his long awaited epiphany? Did this guy just trick me into kissing him?

"Thanks?" she muttered, eyes blazing with infuriation shooting through him as seconds passed.

He was attempting to wrap his arms around her only to be met by a halt from the girl he thought he liked, "I just meant, thank you for uh-" noticing that his lack in articulation was quickly getting him into trouble he shifted his train of thought and placed a hand on her shoulder making her face him, "Look, that wasn't just a trivial thing okay? I'm just glad I got to share that with a person I like that's all,"

"You think you like," Her expression softened, brow taut. It wasn't hard to read through what he meant. It was kind of comforting that he had this awkward, unguarded side to him. And she felt that he was being honest with how he felt. He just needed to improve on how he said it.

They had both reinstated a safe space in between and took a few moments to let the awkwardness die down. But still, Satoru couldn't help but look at her expectantly. So in his most sincere and gentle way of speaking, he called out to her, "Chi-chan?"

"Yes?"

They finally had the courage to look at each other again, expressions calmer and more understanding, "This counts right?" his words reminded her of the incident at the bridge which instantly sent her trying to hold her cackle. Despite being inexperienced herself prior to that afternoon, she still found it quite charming how he could be so naïve sometimes.

"Yes, this counts," she tells him softly.

Satoru's mouth laced into a wide smile.

He regretted not telling her straight that he didn't think that he liked her. He knew he did but he was afraid that she'd reject him or tell him that she didn't want their friendship to be compromised because of his feelings, but at the back of his mind, he was hopeful and actually, quite confident that she liked him too. Being too patient or too careful wasn't his style anyway.

Everything we did together always counted.

They both had the same sentiments but it would seem that they had not yet reached that level of comfort nor maturity to face the truth that they had always neglected.

It counted. That's all that mattered.

"Satoru?" Sachiko's voice was small and seemed broken. He could hear her voice but couldn't make out the rest of what she was saying except for catching his name.

Gojo rose from the couch, throwing his body into an upright position so that the blanket and the pillow fell to his sides and into the floor. The girl who sat from across couldn't help but giggle at his disheveled appearance but she was caught aback when Gojo made, a loud, "EH?!"

His head robotically turned to examine his friend and his room, slowly draining all the life out of him after realizing that had just woken up.

He stared blankly into space for a few moments in reflection.

What the hell was that dream? It's so lame…

Sachiko was waiting on him to say something but he just evaded her again.

Wait a minute, so that means, I haven't kissed anyone yet?

He looked at his peripheral to check if she was actually still there. Fingers tracing the exterior of his cracked lips, making him fluster more.

Not her yet?

He sighed in anguish as he accepted the glass of water his pretty companion had offered before she took her place to his side.

At least dream-me had game.

Shifting position and dragging the mattress covers as he sat up, he groaned and stretched his arm, un-looking at his companion to hide his shame,

"Satoru? Were you having a bad dream or something? You were mumbling and tussling a lot," she said, wondering eyes still fixated on the bright eyed boy in front of her, "Didn't mean to wake you but you were uh making…weird noises," her voice was caught behind her throat as said those at him, immediately forcing her to cover her mouth.

Gojo's eyes opened wide enough to show most of his upper limbus and he felt his mouth twitch as he struggled to find a decent reply for his odd sleeping behavior.

Ah, shit, hope I wasn't moaning or something.

As if by reflex, Gojo snapped his head back and released a loud, rather forced, cackle making Sachiko flinch. He steadied himself with one hand balanced on his thigh and the other on his abdomen, "Don't mind it! I dreamt that I was being eaten by a big-ass cake-monster," his words sped through her ears like how his heart was skipping beats out of his chest. Seeing as it was something he would actually say or joke about, she just shrugged.

"Uh-huh, so that's why you mumbled, 'sweet',"

Gojo felt a lump in his throat. He remembered distinctly that dream-him said that in his thoughts when he pressed his lips against dream-Sachi, the second time around, "Uh, yep,"

"Anyway," she unfolded her legs and began packing her stuff. After spending most of the morning of helping him and Suguru prepare for their mission, she finally decided to do some of her own reading while it was still early. Of course, she couldn't do that without rearranging the study material on Gojo's table, buying time for the young sorcerer to collect himself after his rather suggestive dream,

"I better go,"

"Already?" he looked at the grandfather watch across the room, "It's just a little past 3PM,"

She snorted, "Yes, well, I have to take care of something and I think you have some cake-monster exorcising to do so,"

Gojo snarled at the menacing look Sachiko gave him. It was rather cute, he thought, seeing her being playful with that kind of face. Her big, red eyes looking at him in taunt while her lightly painted lips were smirking. It was enough to make him want her to stay.

But as she had already looped her bag on her shoulder, Satoru had folded, "Walk you out?"

Sachiko was already putting on her shoes when he had asked, not looking back to hide her small smile, she replied, "Come on then,"

The boys' dormitory wasn't that far from her own but the private residence route did allow them to pass by the spacious pebbled walk-way that was covered in flowers. Yaga had spent a lot of time teaching his dolls to decorate the campus that he had ended up with such a masterpiece. The two of them were given some time to just quietly marvel at the beauty of it. Lately, time spent within the walls of the school seemed rather short. The demand for their assistance as special grades made it so.

Rare moments of peace, was always something they had appreciated, if only there were more.

Sachiko's eyes were already half-lidded, the smile on her face was wiped out almost immediately at the thought of Tengen's mission. She was all too aware of it.

"Satoru?" there was something different about the way she said his name. It was like the intonation was reserved for him. A different kind of spell dropped by her words enough to elicit a sudden skip in his chest.

Gojo lifted his brows and bit on the side of his lip to disguise his true demeanor, "Hm?"

She turned to him slowly with the same expression but quickly looked away, "Please, be careful…"

"That goes without saying. But yeah, we'll be careful."

"Okay good,"

They stopped walking. This time, concerning the boy with the curious eyes.

"Hey, you alright? We're gonna be fine, come on, we're special grades, don't be too worried!"

"That's actually why I'm concerned, you can't go through the mission with that arrogance. You two have to be level-headed. This isn't just any mission. Especially you," she paused to retract a bit of the force she had released with her statements, "You have to-be careful, okay?" her eyes shot up at him like she was imploring him to take her words seriously.

"I heard you," He didn't know if he should be touched or concerned by her words. She looked at him like she was truly scared. Like she knew that something bad was gonna happen. But how could she have known?

Gojo deflated. Of course she knows.

Sachiko had been through the same ordeal. And people have died from the same assignment. And this time, the wards would be her two close friends. Not to mention, the healer of their group would also get deployed in the same area just in case they needed tending to. And she would be someplace else.

Gojo dragged his hand across his nape, "Hey, I know, it's dangerous but you gotta have some confidence in us too," slowly bringing her closer to him by dragging the hem of her elbow jacket, he lightly patted her head next and curled up his lip. This softened Sachi's expression but the water that was beginning to fill her eyes, stood still, "We'll be okay,"

She nodded slowly, allowing his words to truly go through her. He never broke his promise towards anyone and he always emerged victorious whenever he was sent on missions but this time, she had to be sure. She couldn't afford to lose any of them.

Gojo was already continuing his tread when Sachi stopped and hurriedly unraveled her braided hair. The locks were long, seemingly dark and luxurious, the light, sweet scent highlighted by the sudden swaying of the wind that aided in freeing her hair from the twine. The highlighted silver streaks shone brighter as it landed on her shoulders. Gojo watched from behind how Sachiko took a large bunch of her hair and raked her pale, delicate fingers through them while releasing some of her cursed energy. Dropping the rest of the hair behind her back, she was able to lock a long strand of her dark hair between her curse-filled fingers and approached the young sorcerer.

She raised her head to look up at the tall boy with a serious expression, "Give me your hand," she demanded.

Satoru offered his right hand to her and watched the Kitsune move swiftly with her enchantments. Carefully folding his uniform to form a cuff so that his wrist was fully exposed, she turned his palm upwards and proceeded to tie her hair around it. The cursed object completely transformed into a red, almost, silk-like string that wove around his wrist and slowly tightened and locked, the ends of it, transforming into a pair of small bells as she finished. Covering the bells with her palm to embed her cursed energy, Gojo's eyes shifted from the markings forming on her own hands, soon, the glowing crescents on her eyes drew his attention.

Is she giving me a protection spell? He asked himself.

His eyes lingered on at her quaint features, slowly trying to trace the outlines in his head. It was quite overwhelming to have her so close and so concerned towards him that it overpowered receiving a part of her energy transfer to him. This time, what was happening and what he was feeling was outside of his dream.

Releasing her hold, Gojo felt some weight lift from his wrist. Despite some of the Kitsune markings appearing on her face and hands, Sachiko finally found it in herself to relax and smile,

"For protection," she mouthed.

Before he could speak, Sachiko had turned to continue walking ahead of him while fidgeting on her fingers behind her back as if what she had done took a lot of her nerve but she continued to give her instructions, "It's one of my tails…the red string, can only be given to those I trust. While you wield it, you will be able to borrow some of my cursed energy for protection by unlooping the tie. If you are hit while you wear it, you are almost guaranteed that you won't easily die from it," she snickered, "But more importantly," she looked over her shoulder, her face a mask of deep concern, "If you need my immediate help, you can call on me and I will come running. Just break the string. I am connected to it and you so I will know either way," she cocked a brow and grinned for a few seconds before looking forward, "Got it?"

"So this," he held up the string wrapped on his wrist and rotated it, "Is a lifeline?"

"Yes. Just in case,"

"It's a part of you?"

"Yes,"

Gojo felt quite overwhelmed. He hated having to call for help but mostly because no one really offered it to him sincerely. But having someone-her-for once actually worry about him was a feeling he never knew he wanted.

No one ever asks the strong if they're okay.

In all honestly, Gojo was quite worried about the mission. Suguru had even vocalized the possibility of the both of them ending up in crutches. Not that the school ever really thought about that kind of outcome, it was nice that at least, someone was thinking of a fool-proof way to finish the mission alive. Most of the time he was just their sword and shield. Mindlessly thrown in the frontlines to keep themselves safe behind the walls. Initially, he was flattered, proud of it actually but as time passed, it seemed rather too convenient for others at his expense. He was still a person. Sure, he had his best friend, but he was the same. They were both just soldiers-unequipped soldiers. But this time around, someone, actually offered him some sort of protection.

And this, this string, it's practically her hand, clinging unto me. And she gave it to me. Just in case, I would need it. I don't think I will but…

His fingers traced through the neatly knotted loops before turning his attention at the tiny figure in front of him. He let out a small laugh, "You really are quite something Chi…"

You're probably the only one capable of making me feel scared and happy at the same time. Damn, you've activated my sappy side. She's probably one of the very few people who worried about me.

Thinking back, his slightest wounds, she didn't ignore. His days spent lazily at his room, she would indulge him with company just so he wouldn't be alone. He had believed that he was doing all of those things for the sake of his friend's recovery but in the end, it was clear that he was just being selfish. Occupying her time just so he could spend it with her.

Gojo took quick strides to catch up to his friend and without thinking, he had halted her movement. Trapping her with his hold on her shoulders, head resting under his chin and against his chest, leaving her temporarily mute and dependent on the tall, lean boy's body keeping her balanced.

She felt the heat spread across her chest then her face but she didn't dare look at him despite his unshy cheek brushing against the back of her head. His scruffy hair was actually poking through her own a little. His long fingers began to comb through locks of her hair as if he finally understood why they had its peculiar array of black and white. Her precious faded locks were literally a sign of her consumption and yet, she had again given up a part of her soul to others-to him.

Sachiko felt him continue lacing around her tightly but it was his hot breath against her neck that made her jerk forward and force some distance between them, "W-what-Satoru!"

Gojo allowed some space between them but made sure that it was just enough for him to maneuver her to face him. She was quick to stare down at her shoes, attempting to hide her flushed face and expression, even mindlessly fiddling her nails as a habit she had developed whenever she felt uneasy.

Gojo liked that he could elicit an adorable response from her. Well at least he thought she looked sweet. It was pretty hard to read her as she was naturally kind and comfortable with the three of them but was never this flustered. To him, it was encouraging. The thought of reciprocation of his still unsure feelings was enough for him to test the waters when it came to his advances.

He felt a strong tug in his chest. He was nervous but also pushing himself to make a move, "I'm sorry," he finally said, breaking the awkward tension. He let out a nervous laugh and blinked away, "Sorry," he said again, not meaning his words, allowing him to catch a small sliver of movement from her facial muscles, "I-was just touched. It's nice, to have someone worry," he shrugged, "About me. For a change," he lifted his shoulders once more.

She was still fiddling with her fingers even as she clasped her hands together in front of her chest, "I—okay,"

He leaned forward. His sudden change in stance, made Sachiko draw back, "Hey-uh, you still kinda make me want to hug you…" scratching the side of his face with an expectant look, he waited for her to reply.

She weaved her brows, "I-I think I get your point. You appreciate my gesture-" she was trying her best not to directly tell him that she wasn't comfortable with that idea as she was too shy to do it out in the open even if he was her friend. And more so, she actually had taken a liking to him and he didn't know it. But for her, the circumstances didn't favor any sort of declaration to happen anytime soon.

Taking a step back, Gojo couldn't help but laugh. Laugh so hard at her coyness and his own dumb ineloquence. It was like two kids trying to make-up after their senseless fight on the playground. At least, the loud sound from his mouth made the raven-haired girl relax a little. Good thing they both had the innate skill to know when to stop their awkward exchanges.

They continued walking, both still trying to get rid of the red on their faces and trying to slow the heart rates down to normal. But Gojo, couldn't stop looking at her and the bracelet. She was sincerely worried about him that he didn't even give much thought on how he worried about her being stationed far away from them. And it was hard. He and his bestfriend could end up in big trouble but looking at the nearing end of the path, he decided not to waste any more time. They were alone anyway and she was still shaken up but what had just happened.

Gojo unclenched his fist and aligned himself on her right shoulder as they walked, "Chi-chan?" he changed his tone to a calmer and endearing one, calling her by the petname he had declared officially only for his use. He waited for her to meet with his chastened face. But she didn't turn.

"Mm?" she merely said.

Satoru folded his lips and took a deep breath as if the air he was breathing was giving him courage. There was an odd sensation pricking at the side of his chest that almost made him faint. Pooling whatever nerve he had left, he spoke, "Can I hold your hand instead?"

Sachiko slowly moved her neck to face him immediately lifting her chin only to be caught by a very gentle looking smile and his eyes, the shade of sky, sparkling against the afternoon light, glinted with much hope making her instantly sink into her own abyss of unsteady excitement and joy. He was already reaching out to her,

She only took a second to glance at them before she could feel herself beaming and holding out hers to rest on his slightly pinked out ones "Yes," she said unlooking at the boy beside her.

Gojo Satoru half-expected a rejection but that also meant he also half-expected a positive response. And thank God for that. Perhaps his dream was a good kind of omen that in his own way prepared him for very real moments like this.

Sliding his palm over hers made Sachi tingle a little but as Satoru's touch evolved to entwining his fingers over hers, she relaxed, matching the strength the boy with the light eyes had in his hold. He was surprisingly very careful with the way he held her that it made her feel safe and trusting not only by his physical presence but also, by the words of reassurance he had kept on reminding her he would keep.

The boy with the six-eyes couldn't stop grinning, eyes locked on his companion that looking at the figure beside her, cursed technique enhanced or not, clarity seemed inevitable.

I don't know what's going on. But, this…works. He thought, clouds filling up his thoughts then after as he relished in his triumphant advance. His thumb began to slowly massage the dorsal side of her hand, making her loosen her hold unto his. Quick to notice the sudden shift of his move, he clasped unto Sachiko's hand tighter but with a bit reservation as he decided to just savor their walk. He had matched her pace well, eyes lingering on her profile as they made one step forward then another leading him into a state of sheer elation that was still a little foreign to him. But his attachment, seemed duly founded.

Not exactly able to decipher how she was feeling and why she had agreed to hold him, Gojo Satoru was sure about one thing.

This sure as hell isn't just some platonic thing.

End of Part 1 of Kitsune and the Star Plasma Vessel

AN: I decided to cut this chapter into two as I feel like placing everything in one go would kind of be too rushed. This is a pretty heavy arc in the manga so might as well pace it.

I am sorry about the dream thing BTW XD Who knows, it might become real soon :3

If you guys like the story so far or have some things in mind, leave me a kcomment. Let's interact!

We can also do that on twitter: ChroniclerMiura

A lot of the references here are actual scenes from the Hidden Inventory Arc manga which I just adjusted to suit the timeline and OCs involvement.

Some clarifications and reminders:

Inari- fox shikigami exclusive to male descendants of the Miura clan.

Kitsune- Sorcerers born with 2 halves of 1 soul (human and cursed spirit), the higher number of tails, the stronger they are. All born with the heavenly restriction of consumption making their lives relatively short.

Skulk-group of Foxes

Kai, the nine-tailed fox's illustration is up and available on Chapter 0.

We also have a Kitsune tail revelation!

Sachiko's tail of cursed object manipulation is directly connected to the way she bends her cursed energy into a literal life-line. It is believed that the hair is symbolic of human transcendence making it a good allegory for offering one's self up to protect another. It is directly connected to her cursed energy so even if wielders do not pull on or break the string, she can sense if they are in trouble.

There is a limit as to how many people she can gift the string to. Wielders of the strings can only use it until it breaks.

Once the string breaks, part of her hair turns silver/grey meaning the cursed energy is deactivated.

Also, yeah, had to reveal a sad truth about Sachi's heavenly restriction Sorry. But who knows eh?

Anyone else here totally relating to the Digimon references? Gosh, I grew up watching this as well XD

If you want to see the art depicting the sweet hand-holding moment in this chapter, you can visit my AO3 account or twitter. TRUST ME, IT'S SO ADORABLE HUHUHU

GOOD JUJU VOLLEYBALL

As competitive as they were about a multitude of things, sports was on the top of their list of things they had to be extremely good at.

By way of elimination, Sachiko had miraculous teamed up with Satoru making the two brunettes on the other side of the net disgruntled over the over achievers killing their advantage. Shouko was actually a good player but it was Suguru's lack of knowledge about the game that made her cuss at his reckless counters.

Gojo and Miura were casually giving each other high-fives whenever they earned a boy, continuously making the boy with the piercings to fixate on the overly grinning idiot who was getting too close for comfort to his prospect.

Suguru was tasked to serve that turn and he had every intention of sacrificing a foul just so he could make him remember that he was being out of place. But as he let hit the ball forcibly on the other side of the net, the one who moved to receive it was the girl with the red eyes.

"Sachi, watch out!" Shouko yelled, pushing Getou out of the way.

Of course, luckily, Satoru's height advantage rescued his partner from a rather painful attack that could earn him a bruise. Gojo shook his hand to ease the impact he had received from deflecting the ball which was followed by a loud sigh of relief from the other side of the net.

"Oi, oi oi Suguru! It's just a game, what the hell do you think you're doing?" he grimaced.

Suguru cussed under his breath and rushed to the other side to check on Sachi, "Sorry, are you okay?"

Satoru clicked his tongue, "Seriously!"

"I'm fine," she was already off to retrieve the ball, leaving the two boys' having a rather heated argument.

Behind her, a few boys their age was caught in a deep conversation. Overhearing them was something she didn't want to do but their topic couldn't make her shake them off.

"Damn, look at the girl with the mole. I saw her parading around here yesterday, I think she's easy," one of them said, instantly making Sachi grip the volleyball tighter.

The other one laughed, "Yeah, let's wait 'til she's alone, I bet we can get her to have some fun with us,"

They had already left before she could confront them but as she walked to inscribed in her mind very detailed pictures of their faces and clothes so that upon their next meeting, she could give them a piece of her mind.

They were already preparing for a new set when Sachiko was tasked to serve. As if fate had smiled on her that day, the two boys who made lewd comments about Shouko was only a few feet from where they were playing.

Sachiko narrowed her eyes at them and grinned. Throwing the ball in the air, she jumped to angle herself before hitting it with much of her force sending it flying across Shouko and Suguru and into the face of the boy who first spoke then bounced off to the other, rendering them both seeing stars.

Her three friends were shocked from what she had done. It was clearly intentional. Slowly darting their attention towards their Kitsune friend with the fierce eyes, she wiped off her previous expression into a rather apologetic look as she waved her hand, "Sorry, I slipped!" she yelled.

And the three other members of her group were too puzzled to ask why she had just done that as they fought of the fear and trauma from what they had just witnessed.

"Scary…" they said.

Giving you guys good vibes before Toji wreaks havoc. Take care and thank you again!