Kitsune and the Star Plasma Vessel Part 2
Summary:
After a rather confusing and slightly emotional exchange with Sachiko, Suguru and Satoru finally leave to retrieve the Star Plasma Vessel.
Things take a different turn after a break-in at the Miura estate and a former associate works with the Q-group.
Nanami and Sachiko is faced with a difficult decision.
"Woooow, you really spruced up this place," green eyes traced heavily around the tea-room of the Miura chieftain's abode. The tall, muscular man was slumped on one of the couches, jade teacup in hand, head hanging on the headboard. His disrespectful behavior earning him fierce looks from Hideo's subjects.
There wasn't any particular need to increase security at the estate. Toji Zenin was an invited guest. Still, that didn't mean that the clan head any reason to remain lenient. Hideo's face aged another day earlier that morning. Dark shadows imprinted under his graying lashes, wide lips drawn in a straight line was all he could spare the man who once aided in his granddaughter's ordeal.
Toji cackled, swinging his legs forward and straightening before dismissing the tea in front of him. Instead, his calloused fingers reached towards the white ceramic vase than contained warm sake, "You don't mind, do you? Just like old times?" there was an immediate popping sound that followed his pull of the cork later replaced by the plops of the semi-clear grainy liquid that poured unto his cup.
He had filled it in almost up to the rip before taking a whiff of the fermented alcohol, Hideo's expressionless, grey-brown feral eyes continued to observe the sorcerer killer in silence.
The infamous man allowed the cup to dangle on the side of his lip-scar, menacingly adamant to hear what the Inari summoner had to say that he collected him himself and had him brought inside the estate, "What do you want old man? Have an offer?" he dared to ask, devilishly grinning at the thought of a counter proprosal given by the Q-group. Hideo Miura wasn't above using his wealth to employ Toji before so he reckoned it wouldn't be any different from their present meeting.
Hideo grunted before narrowing his eyes at him, still poised as he sat erect, "What do you intend to do with the vessel?" his voice was low, almost careful with the way he spoke to the non-curse user.
The man crossed his legs and snorted before taking another large gulp of the wine, "That's not your concern anymore right?" he raised the now empty cup towards the Miura elder before claiming the bottle once more to replenish his share, "I helped you get your grandkid off the hook last time after all,"
Hideo tensed now, alerting his Inari, the grey-colored leonine-sized creature of a fox with three tails, ascended at his side, eyes ferociously glaring at the 6-foot man in black clothing, "We agreed never to speak of that so casually," he said, foreboding.
Toji shrugged twice as he allowed the liquid to drip to the side of lip, emphasizing the permanent line that it traced, "How is she by the way? I heard she's barely hanging in there,"
The grey-colored Inari took another step forward, giving Toji a clear warning about his next set of words. Hideo side-eyed his Inari making it stand down, "My granddaughter is fine, now, if you please, indulge me with an answer,"
The sorcerer slayer used his pinky-finger to pick at his ear, free hand casually tapping on the cushioned areas of his seat, "Good for you," seeing as the older man was less than raved, he took a breath then finally answered, "I have a contract with some people but I'm not at liberty to say the specifics, however, if you must know, it's not me whom you should worry about when it comes to the future of your clan,"
"Meaning?" he said, voice stern.
Toji gave the old man a one-over, "Tengen's got a lot of enemies right now, including you," his rows shot upwards in a sincere attempt to offer him information, "I'm off to get the main target but others will come after his back-up plan," his words alarmed the old man. Hideo felt himself shackled to his seat as his deductions were being confirmed. Sachiko, as an unbound Kitsune was still a viable vessel if the great sorcerer becomes desperate.
His answer was less than satisfactory but in reality Hideo was quite torn. His reassurance not to harm his granddaughter was double edged. If he succeeds in killing the girl, then Tengen might look at Sachiko next, forcing him to concede to the merger, but he knew that his granddaughter would not want that. Killing at her expense so he only thought of one solution.
With a deep intake of air, Hideo stood now, approximating his height with the other man across him. His Inari growling at his side, eyes glowing with fire-like blaze as it readied its position, "Then I must stop you now. I will not allow innocents to die at the cost of this information,"
"Oh?" Toji mused, still slumped on the couch. He raised his cup into a toast before carefully putting it back to rest on the marble table, "I gotta say, for an old man, you're not very wise," he cracked his knuckles and began to stretch, making the guards inside the room ready their weapons, in case the visitor attacked, "My contract does not involve your precious heir but if you Miuras get in my way, then I would have to break our truce," he threatened.
Hideo shifted into a dachi stance, claws forming at his fingers, eyes turning into crescents as his Inari grew in size, covering itself with his master's cursed energy, ready to pounce, "Our treaty has indeed lapsed, I will not allow you to-"
Before Hideo could finish, the energy-less man already took to his side with a crazed look and whispered, "To what?" he said driving the curseless blade he had hidden inside his pocket and into the Miura elder's gut. He twisted the knife two times forcing the old man to dismiss his Inari and slowly fall to his knees, bloodied hands grabbing onto Toji's wrist to prevent him from further driving in the knife inside of his body, "What's the matter?" he teased, voice cracking over his heinous laugh, uncontrollably vibrating at his own amusement in front of the helpless man who gripped his shoulders tightly.
Toji slowly unsheathed the dagger from Hideo's body making a grotesque slithering sound as it left the old man's body. It wasn't an enchanted blade but the way the assassin handled it was quite enprecidented. Hideo's mouth tasted like copper as the blood began spewing him, leaving him rapidly bleeding on the ground. The guards were stunned to stay the least at the mundane killer who had gravely injured their elder.
He cocked his head sideways and grinned sinisterly, green eyes counting the bodies that he would have to leave breathless as he began to make his escape. He had successfuly disarmed and eliminated the men Miura had surround him but before he left, Toji crouched at his side and scooped up the old man's hair with tight fingers, he aligned his mouth towards the elder's ear to force him to listen, "I have to thank you in advance for my new toy," twirling the bloodied blade with his free hand, Toji laughed once more, "Thanks to your blood, I'll be able to enter your armory," he slammed the old man's head hard on the ground causing a dent on the floor,
"You better pray hard that I fail this one,"
A singular text message from his crimson-eyed friend was enough to send Suguru rummaging through clean garments and brushing his hair before hurrying over to the training grounds to meet Sachiko.
He had retreated to his room early after returning the playful cloud in the armory but didn't feel like joining his friends Gojo's room to hang-out.
Since they got back home from the beach, his mind had been stirring with thoughts of her heavenly restriction, bothering him enough that he had Yahiko Miura, her cousin, on speed dial. He wasn't as helpful as he had hoped. He didn't know if it was his family history of fox-hunting or just something the Yahiko had wanted to speak about.
Yahiko said it himself that the reason he didn't divulge much to him was that his scope of knowledge wasn't apt for his questions. Suguru often felt worried about the young Kitsune regrettably tantalizing his mixed reactions whenever she talked about her impediments and now after revealing that she was a vessel, he couldn't help but pity her and at the same time admire her for her resilience. The overwhelming amount of misfortune she had been through was only worsened by their participation in the replaying of her trauma.
Suguru sometimes felt guilty as looked at the healthy image in the mirror, literally reflecting on how lucky he had been to have lived a relatively normal (sans sorcery) life. So he felt that it was a personal thing to help his friend rekindle that kind of mundane setting even if it meant a lot of sacrifices.
It was either her or them.
He was glad that Yaga made the right decision. Selfish as it may seem, it was the truth he held on to.
His hands were tucked inside the pockets of his dark purple hoodie, neck turning sideways to find traces of the precious special grade. He finally spotted her raven and silver streaked braids by the benches sending him a bit of a thrill as he approached.
"Sachi-chan!" he called out, making the girl turn to him and wave back. She motioned for him to sit beside her, tapping the unoccupied space beside her to make small talk before she introduced the real purpose of her invitation. Suguru didn't mind this. Small moments that made it seem comfortable for them to just sit together was something he had always looked forward to. He was the one talking at first, casually sneaking in glances at her kind face even as he listened in. It took a few moments until Sachi had begun unravelling her hair and explained the mechanism of her tail.
Suguru's face remained calm as she gave him instructions, her voice entering his ears like a soft lullaby that always made him so helpless and quite pathetic to his liking. There were moments that he hated himself for being so attached to her but it wasn't like it was something he could suppress, nor did he want to.
Sachiko had the lock of hair in between her fingers, as she had finished explaining to him how it worked, she then proceeded to hand him the string. Looking upwards to meet his eyes, her lightly painted lips curled, "Just remember what I told you okay?"
Suguru gave her a small nod and counted with his fingers as he repeated her instructions cheerfully to prove his attendance, "Pull on the string for a boost, then break it and you'll come to my rescue," he sung making Sachiko widen her smile.
"Exactly,"
Suguru balanced the long, raven strand of hair in his hands, looking at it like it was a medal he had won from a contest, "This is really thoughtful of you to give," he began, lifting himself a little so he could move a little closer to her, "I am honored and I sincerely hope I won't need it."
She weaved her brows a little and gave a little chuckle with which she covered with the back of her mouth, "Me too."
Staring again into his hands, Suguru allowed himself a few seconds to assess the real weight of it. Sachiko was giving him a shield-her own spectra of cursed energy that would envelope him with protection should he need it. Raising his hands at a comfortable level, he looked down to hide his flushed cheeks before speaking, "Will you please tie it for me?"
"Oh of course, I will need to activate it anyway," Sachiko took the strand from his hand, her fingers brushed lightly over his wrists and she fluttered her crimson eyes at him as if to tell him to roll the cuffs up making him smirk. Suguru quickly rolled it three-fourths out of the way so she could have ample space to tie it. Unlike his counterpart, he was more brawny but this allowed her to wind it less and just layer it over his arm comfortable..
Sachiko had embedded cursed energy into her hair, slowly activating her tail to reveal the cursed object that formed a red silk string, intricately being woven around his arm. The feel of her touch against his skin was like gentle, trickling rain, making him quiver inwardly at her generosity to indulge in his request.
Tying the last knot to reveal the bells, she patted the center twice before letting him go, "There,"
Like Gojo, for a moment he was fixated on his new accessory, taking in its beauty and complexity with each rotation. He gave her a slight bow making Sachiko flinch, "I'm grateful for this. I hope you won't worry too much," she waved her hands to dismiss him but Suguru continued his speech, lowering his tone into an apologetic manner before looking at her face apologetically, "I'm really sorry you have to go through this again, in some way. I wish there was some way we can help you feel better,"
Sachiko realized how differently the boys approached their ordeal. Suguru, for the very least was more sympathetic towards her. His purple eyes brimming with much anxiety and concern and there was hardly any air of arrogance in between them. But despite the disparity, she was glad that both of them were quite confident that they would go through it successfully.
Placing a hand on his arm, she sighed, "Just get back safe."
Suguru had offered to walk her back to her dorm, finding it as his only plausible excuse to extend his time with her, internally kicking himself for allowing Satoru to be alone with her at his dorm despite being offered an opportune moment to interrupt in his rather cringe-worthy enmity.
Not that he was suspicious of any indecent instances however he was all too aware of their silent rivalry but unlike his counterpart, he actually planned to doing something about it. However the timing was quite off. Again, he resigned to just being in her midst, walking leisurely back to their dorms under the darkening sky.
He watched from behind how her long hair danced in the breeze, hands tied behind her back, slightly revealing the markings that had surfaced after she had laced the red string around him
Of course. It's consumptive.
Sachi suddenly turned to face him but continued walking, lifting her index finger at him to drive a point, "Oh and don't forget the curtain!"
Suguru sighed, "You're all never going to let that go, are you?"
She shook her head and held another giggle before facing forwards, "So, two things, don't forget the curtain and don't forget to return safely,"
Suguru caught up to her and went to her side, extending his smile with his eyes closed and replied, "We'll be back, besides," he tugged on his earlobe and looked sideways before speaking, "There's something I want to talk to you about when I return," he sounded serious, making Sachiko all the more interested about it.
"You don't want to talk about it now?"
He sighed again, this time, uneasily, "Well, I don't think our circumstances favor it. It might seem like a rather prude thing for me to discuss with you," he laughed nervously, sliding his hand on the side of his arm to compose himself.
This didn't satisfy his friend forcing her to grasp the side of his already occupied arm and shake it as she her frown deepened, "Oh now you gotta tell me! Come on, please Suguru?"
Suguru clicked his tongue, he was still a sucker for her but he really had no intentions to discuss his feelings with her nonchalantly, "Sorry Sachi, it has to wait."
As soon as they got to the walkway, Suguru took that as his cue to separate ways with her albeit hesitantly. He didn't want to risk making his confession end with a distasteful impression that he did it because he might not come back. Her beloved companion might take it as a ominous sign. Instead he settles for patting her on the head before parting but this time, he bravely places his hand on her cheek, letting it idly caress her face for a few seconds.
His eyes aligned with hers for a moment, soundlessly adorning her with his sweet sentiments clearly sounding off in his head. His own heart was pounding so fast but it was hard to notice anything else. Trance broken by her widened eyes, he reclusively pinches it and lets her go to save himself from forcing out an explanation, "See you later, adorable girl," he said, walking away, regretful that he was not as brave as he thought he was.
Suguru had barely eaten his dinner the night before their departure. When he checked on his light-haired best friend, he was already dead on his couch, snoring so loud that he just left. Shouko had sent them a group text, heavily detailing every possible scenario that would entail them to use first-aid without her on the scene, even instructing them to drop by the infirmary before they leave to get the bags she prepared filled with different medical materials.
The four of them shot her back with words of gratitude for her gesture. It was in moments like these that the non-special grade of the group proved to have the strongest resolve amongst them. Consistently keeping them afloat, waking up in the wee hours of the morning just to patch them up.
This was probably why, smoking sessions aside, she had become a good neutral confidante for each of them. Suguru was thankful for that. Glad that he wasn't alone throughout it all.
Suguru picked up his phone and pressed the call button, ligning the phone in his ear as he sat-up and waited for the person in the other line.
"Hey Getou," Yahiko Miura's deep voice patched through, "Glad you called, I heard about the assignment. Guess Chibi told you huh?"
Suguru sexhaled, hold on his phone loosening, "Yes she did,"
There was a short pause before the older of the two spoke, "How's she holding up?
Suguru folded his lips, trying to bury the sad look on her face earlier that day, actively trying to layer it over with memories of better times that they had spent, "She's okay,"
"Good…" he wasn't convinced that her cousin was truly relieved. He had been living with the knowledge of her illness and her time as a vessel after all. Making Suguru wonder how hard it must've been to live knowing that you can't even help the person you love. Yahiko continued, "I'm supposed to be assisting her there but something came up at the estate," his voice turned cautious making Suguru suspicious about his context.
His senior had mentioned before that Fox-Hunters were becoming more and more active as of late and knowing that their family is deeply tied with Tengen's merger, he knew he had to ask.
"Everything alright senpai? Fox-hunter related?"
Suguru could hear Yahiko drum his lips, indicating a form of hesitancy with the information he had in hand. He was considering informing the curse manipulator seeing as he had been so helpful to his cousin but instead decided to remain vague about it, "Not sure yet but can't say it isn't. Anyway, if anything comes up, don't hesitate to ask for our help,"
Suguru sniggered, "You sound just like your cousin,"
"Eh?"
Suguru lifted his hand, purple eyes hovering over the red twine on his wrist, "She gave me a protection charm,"
There was a subtle gasp that came from the other line, "Whoa, she gave you a red string? Even I haven't earned mine yet," he said, annoyed.
Suguru's face lit up, eyes still wandering on the charm, "Should I feel special then?"
Yahiko's voice turned restrained, seemingly wincing through his intonation, "Blecchhhh, listen, I'm not comfortable talking about that stuff with you. She's my baby cousin and you, pining over her, I still can't really stomach it yet," he scoffed a little loudly now, "No offense,"
Suguru snorted in dismissal, "I was only kidding. Anyway, since we're on the topic, if I use the string, will it speed up her consumption?"
A longer pause. Yahiko was clearly trying to remain calm and respectful of his cousin's request not to worry the others regarding her condition and if there was something he noted when he and Suguru had conversed about her heavenly restriction was that he had a very, intent almost forboding look to him whenever they spoke of her. He cleared his throat before continuing,"...listen, I really hope you won't need it but if you do, don't hesitate to break it. It's better that you don't take chances,"
That's a yes then, Suguru thought, lowering his wrist and tilting his head to side to glance at the watch.
The boy with the long raven hair slumped back on his headboard, "I see. Okay then, thank you senpai,"
"You're not gonna use it are you?" his inquisition came before the next minute had passed.
"What makes you say that?" Suguru muttered.
"Because you probably lo-er-like-her," there was no immediate response from his junior, "Suguru?"
"I guess we'll see,"
Even as the call had ended both people from the opposite ends of the line retreated to their beds, remaining restless as worry filtered through their minds. The older of the two knew of Getou's answer. So certain of it to the point that he was more worried of the fool's rejection for help. This was Tengen's task, a deadly endeavor given to a bunch of special grade teens.
He had understood why his cousin had to go through such lengths to activate her technique just so she could provide help even from a distance. Tail-led techniques were the most consumptive and this one in particular was one of the most draining.
She must be very scared for them. If that assassin uses that stolen blade, certainly, someone's gonna get hurt.
Yahiko stood as a clan-head substitute while his grandfather was recovering. Inaris and elders loitering about their abode, sending trackers to detain the man who had injured their leader. In the guise of no disarray, Kodansha, the two-tailed Kitsune, had decided to stay in Tokyo to watch over her niece. Keeping her in the dark especially days before the merger was the only option.
He had missing school lately, despite having his family matters approved for his leave, he couldn't help but feel detained inside the estate. Their sister school seemed to be on high alert as well seeing as he wasn't talking as often with his purple-haired, base-ball enthusiast girl in the miko. Still, he couldn't afford to get distracted. He just had to get through the merger.
"Stay safe, Chibi," he whispered, thoughts sprinkling like hazed images of his cousin, his little sister whom he witnessed being dragged away to her death when they were young and he, so thin, voice cracking at his pleas, couldn't do anything to stop it.
"Is it our fault if the kid's already dead?" Gojo was eyeing the explosion that had just occurred in front of the building that housed the vessel. Crumbling portions of it, falling to the ground, with a thick figure emerging as it closed in from the ground.
A girl in a sailor's uniform captured Gojo and Getou's attention. She was unconscious, limp extremities, flinging with the wind signaling the boy with the purple eyes to activate his technique, summoning a sting-ray like yokai large enough to cushion both him and Amanai before they impacted on the ground.
Floating overhead his less than enthused partner, he allowed the star plasma vessel to rest in his arms as he jerked his head at the boy below him to turn his attention to another uninvited guest, "Don't go making a mess now, we just got in trouble earlier," he raised his voice and directed it to a rather irritated Gojo Satoru.
"Those uniforms, you're from Jujutsu High, aren't you?" a man in an army coat and beret spoke through his covered face. He was one of the Q soldiers sent to eliminate Riko Amanai.
Suguru snarled, feigning his inability to make out what he said by placing a hand behind his ear, "Come closer would you? I can't understand what you just said,"
His sarcasm irked Kokun, sending him into a frenzied rage, "Hand over the child or die!"
The blue-eyed boy was already facing a similar fete. Another one of the Q men had surfaced and had already failed in his attempt to scathe Gojo Satoru. Daggers were thrown in his direction, aiming at his entirety only to be terminated by Gojo's cursed energy, sending them clanging on the ground, showering over his smug expression.
Vayer had a longer veil and mask wrapped around his head. Unlike the one above them, this guy was said to be the strongest of the Q soldiers, "Amazing! As expected from you, Gojo Satoru. What do you say to proving if the rumors are true?"
Suguru grinned, side-eyeing his oponnent with his glassy oculars, "Sure, but let's make a rule," he said in jest making the man raise a brow.
"Rule?" he asked in confusion.
"I don't wanna go all out and get in trouble," Gojo flicked the side his Lennon-like glasses before smiling with his teeth, "Cry and apologize now and I won't kill ya!" he cackled raising a finger to drive in his point, he spoke, "That's the rule!"
The Q soldier narrowed his eyes at Gojo, ready to engage in a fight, "BRAT!" he hissed.
The six-tailed Kitsune was already making her way towards Tengen's temple, secretly her rounds before she left for her mission. She was already rushing out of the Miura Metro Dojo when she got a text from her cousin. It was very brief but very vital information,
From: Big Bro Hiko (Miura Yahiko)
Armory break-in.
Golden Fox sealing dagger gone.
CAREFUL CHIBI.
CALL ME ONCE YOU READ THIS.
Before she could reply to his text, a voice of a man, intruded her peace,
"Huh, you don't look like you're dying at all, fox-girl,"
Menacing green eyes were leering over her from head to toe. The tall muscular figure, was leaning against the gates, one leg advanced, the other crossed over to his thigh as if to simulate sitting. He had an equally sinister smile which highlighted the scar across the right side of his lip.
Sachiko's eyes turned into crescents even as she slowly returned her phone inside her pocket, one hand, already going to the side of her hip to draw her weapon laced around her torso. But she couldn't register any cursed energy coming from the man, making her consider that he was nothing but a civilian, "Who are you and what do you want?" she asked calmly.
Toji Zenin raked through his hair and lifted his broad shoulders, "I'm just a messenger,"
All of her defenses were up, his eyes had that distinct feel to it rather, a distinct indication of his infamy-a mark of a killer.
Shifting into a better stance, she braced for her approach, only to have him stop at least six strides before her.
He flicked his thumb over the side of his lip and closed his eyes, "Listen girl, you better be careful. If you get in the way, can't promise you won't get hurt," he said, slowly, regaining his sight, keenly observing her reaction.
Her voice turned low, mimicking the threatening aura he was throwing at her, "What do you want?"
He tilted his head and showed his teeth, "Nothing. Just satisfying my curiosity. Now, be a good girl and go inside,"
Sachiko weaved her brows, not quite sure if he was actually giving her a fair warning. It was already dawning on her who the person in front of her was. But if she were to place any sort of trust in his words, she had to be sure.
The large man was already turning his back on her when Sachiko finally pieced something together. A friend from the past or not, this man, was the sorcerer killer. Fingers traced the sides of her obi-belt, ready to draw them to reveal her weapon. It may be less than honorable to attack him from behind but if she deduced correctly, he's off to find Tengen's vessel.
There was one problem, outskirts of the Metro Dojo was heavily cloaked, rendering her cursed techniques useless. Sweat dripped down the side of her face but her eyes radiated in a crimson glint as she soon found herself leaping towards Toji, whip fully extended thrown at such a precise angle to loop around his neck.
Sachi gritted her teeth at her failure to detain him. Having the leathery rope wrap instead on his toned wrists and forearm, gripping them casually like wool. The man with the scarred lip, slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder, teeth clacking as he let out a grotesque form of laughter.
Sachi landed into a widened stance, hands taut to keep herself balanced. The older man's grip was very strong. Even with one hand, he managed to pull her forward inch by inch. Sachiko looped her leg in the middle of the whip, simultaneously lifting herself from the ground to whirl and attempt to detach herself from his hold, victoriously forcing him to release it. However, Toji merely took it as chance encounter and blinked owlishly. Toji had begun sprinting towards Sachiko, grabbing the furthest end of her whip to force her forward and momentarily loose her balance.
Even as she lunged forward, the six-tailed Kitsune quickly thought of her next move. Her close combat skills were better than her tactical weaponry so she waited until the buff man was close enough for her to land a hit.
Toji's shadow covered her from behind as he leaned in and whispered, "Is that all you got princess?" he taunted.
In the next breath, Sachiko had dropped to the floor, sweeping her legs under his which he had evaded without much effort but this did not stop her from attacking. She was already successfully placing hits over his body. Despite the sure impact she was pushing in on him, the sorcerer killer wasn't disconcerted. In fact, every move she made, got him more fired up.
Toji thrown a few paces back, arms-crossed, eyes wide with anticipation at the young Kitsune's next move, "Not bad. Good thing your gramps chickened out when it was you being offered up huh?" this made her wince. She was correct. This man, was the same man they had contracted to protect her from fox-hunters when she was a vessel and was the same person how revealed that her ascendance wouldn't grant her the life her grandfather would hope for.
His thumb went in between his upturned lips, "Of course, I do have to remind you that I take credit in that as well,"
"Then why have you turned? Why are you letting yourself be used like this?" her voice rose making the other one cackle once.
Toji scoffed at her seemingly ridiculous questions. "Money, cred, whatever's convenient enough for you to believe,"
Her crimson eyes still looked at him fiercely, anger rising as the minutes passed by making the man in front of her cock a brow. She had to be careful, despite him remaining unarmed, Yahiko's warning about the stolen blade put her at so much risk.
"Damn you sorcerers are even worse than I am. All that power only to be blindsided by us civilians. Anyway kid,"
Distracted by her own wandering thoughts, Toji managed to lunge at her and grab her throat, leaving her short of breath as he slowly tightened his grip. Her pale fingers wound around his wrist in her attempt to break free. She was still fighting back making the man impatient and forcing him to knock her against the wall, leaving her gasping in pain. Toji looked at her closely now, a familiar pleading expression peeking through her disheveled raven hair that fell on the sides of her light face. Sans the difference in eye color, he was suddenly troubled by the memory of a person whom he had once cohabitated with. At the distance he was in, he was also reminded of the familiar scent of lavender almost identical to woman he had left behind.
His recollection seemed to affect him personally as his hold was loosening around her neck and it wasn't long until he fully let her drop on the gravel, coughing and gasping for air, eyes still locked on the intruder.
His expression softened slightly, still tinged with malice yet he did not nothing to make her raise her defenses once more, "This is the last time I'm gonna give you a free pass, little girl."
Sachiko woke up a few hours later, back in the Metro Dojo after she was found by the sole caretaker unconscious on their own grounds. But what shot her awake wasn't the voice of the old gran but instead, the voice of the warden of the Jujutsu Pillars, Tengen himself.
It was a dreamless sleep, the only thing that remained vivid was the voice of the acclaimed sorcerer himself,
"Miura Sachiko, six-tailed Kitsune, heed my plea. You are in grave danger but all that must happen will happen, with which I must ask you not to interrupt even if it means failure in my part. Death can only come in multiples if we change fate too much. Do not worry as I will no longer consider you as suitable vessel replacement but I do ask that you help me in paving a smooth path for the task I have given the institution,"
She didn't hear her voice in her dreams, it seemed that it was meant to be a one-sided conversation.
Tengen continued, "Forgive me, young one, if I were not desperate, I would not ask. Please do understand that this-"
She already knew the last bit of his words all too well. Those words that already became a worn out, pathetic excuse for every impossible task.
"-is for the good of all."
His last few words sent her into an awakening jolt, lids separating, barely bracing from the bright lights around. Her thoughts were still fuzzy, headache impending as she lifted herself to sit. She looked out the window, one hand over her eyes to ease in the noon light, eyes tracing every corner of the room to find no sight of the sorcerer killer.
She let out a long breath of relief, "He's gone," looking towards the side table, she found her phone lit with notifications of missed calls and even text messages alerting her that she must've missed something in the height of her engagement.
She balanced the phone on one hand quickly unlocked it, rubbing her eyes in attempt to clear them before tapping on her messages one by one. Another form of release from her tension followed after learning from her two friends informed her that they have recovered Riko Amanai safely.
Not having enough strength or will to talk, she replied with another text message,
"Thank God! Follow Mr. Yaga's instructions okay? Don't forget the veil. Be kind to Amanai and come back safely!"
The Miura operatives had mobilized as soon as they learned that one of their previous associates, Kuroi Misato, the new caretaker of the star plasma vessel, was taken as hostage. With the help of the two special grade students, they were able to recover her, unscathed.
"Excuse me," Kuroi turned to the two boys, "Would you mind if I speak to Lady Miura?"
They exchanged curious glances, not quite sure how she was acquainted with their Sachi but then suddenly shot with a reclusive understanding.
Of course, in the situation they were in, it wasn't hard to surmise that she was probably there when the previous candidate for vessel was being summoned.
Getou had already handed over his phone with Sachi's number ready to be called on the screen. Bowing slightly at him and moving a few feet away for some privacy, she waited on the other line to pick-up.
"Hello? Suguru?"
Kuroi flinched at the sound of her voice, her hands trembling even as muffled her tears, "Lady Miura? This is Kuroi Misato,"
There was a rather pleasant and albeit emotional exchange between Kuroi and Sachiko and seeing as the two were still puzzled by the real connection, the middle-schooler with the headband clapped her hands to get their attention. Raising her finger she spoke, "You idiots are probably wondering why they know each other,"
But before she could finish, the two boys pursed their lips to contain their chuckle and spoke simultaneously, "We know, we know,"
Amanai put on a long face, arms extended to her sides before gurgling in annoyance, "Fine, I won't tell you," she said, whipping her face to the side.
Be kind.
Suddenly, the two boys recounted Sachiko's request, making them hold back on their teasing. But Amanai had already shifted moods, looking expectantly at a rather happy caretaker making small talk with her former lady.
"Hey, uh, what is she like? The previous vessel candidate?"
She was sincerely looking for an answer, eyes bouncing off the two boys, making them soften their expression before they spoke.
Gojo smiled with his teeth, "She's a whole lot stronger than you, she's a special grade sorcerer,"
"Really?" she said half-surprised.
"She's very kind too. You'd like her," Getou added.
"What else?" Riko said, still curious about her predecessor.
Gojo cackled, "She's a whole lot prettier than you, that's for sure."
Riko rolled her eyes, "Shut up!"
Getou smirked, "She's not as hot-headed as you too,"
"I get it! I get it!" she groveled, "I want to meet her! Why didn't she come if she's a special grade?"
Gojo wiped his shades on the side of his shirt, "The world doesn't revolve around you kid, she has other stuff to do,"
Getou decided not to add to their banter, instead his thoughts remained focused on the reason why their friend wasn't with them.
Tengen can't risk losing his back-up in case all of this goes to shit.
His first curled into a ball at the thought of failure. This was indeed a test. Truly something worth of the sentiment that it was a collective mission and a collective victory once completed.
Cyan eyes were observing his rather serious expression. Gojo was also on the fence about what could happen should they fail. Thing was, they had already made a decision to save everyone, not just Amanai. Inwardly, he was already recalling the measures they had decided to take to end this arduous mission without leaving anyone behind.
Amanai had already retreated to the side of her caretaker who was still drying her eyes from a short reunion with the previous vessel. Handing back the phone to the tall boy with the piercing, she gave him another bow, to which Getou had politely returned.
"Thank you master Getou, master Gojo. There is a matter which Lady Miura wanted to discuss with you but she asked me to tell you instead,"
Before Kuroi could ask, the soft sound came from their own phones which had very few words under the frame of the sender, "Please say yes." Sachiko messaged.
Amanai tilted her head to listen in on Kuroi's message, "What did she say?"
The star plasma vessel caretaker covered her mouth as she giggled, "She asked that we'd go to the beach while in Okinawa,"
The two sighed at her request. Of course, leave it to Sachiko to choose the beach as if the place had been symbolic of farewells or a private sanctuary before the impending doom they were about to face.
Amanai was already jumping in excitement, her braided her, much like their friend's, dancing as she did so, "YES PLEASE! I want to go!" She turned to her two body guards with pleading eyes, "Can we go?"
Gojo lifted his chin then shrugged, "Why not? We can wait out your bounty there," the white-haired boy had already tucked his glasses inside his pocket. Not alerting his female companions, he had already activated his Six-eyes just so he could keep a careful watch on everyone and everything around them.
Kuroi however was still worried about their situation, emotions hanging clearly on her sleeve, "Would it be safe for us to do so?" she weaved her brows as she searched for security in their faces.
Getou gave her a small smile before silently consulting his best friend with a short glance, "Yes. Besides, we're not the only ones here on duty,"
Another clinking sound lit up their phone screens which alerted a new message from the previous sender,
"Careful. Assassin on the loose. Please be careful."
"Miura? Are you still at the Metro Dojo?" Yaga had been calling her for the past hour, asking for updates on her whereabouts. She was supposed to stay at the University until deployment but seeing as how the Metro Dojo had almost been attacked, she was glad that she left. Problem was, she wasn't sure about sharing the information about the sorcerer slayer with him yet. At least, she had informed the two boys about the Zenin man who had gone AWOL.
"Yes vice-principal," she was already tucking in her boots and readying to leave at the heightened sound her teacher's voice, "Should I return to the school?"
"Yes, at once. We've deployed first years to Okinawa to serve as surveyors for the team in charge of the vessel but we've just learnt that the sorcerer slayer may be involved. The Q-group may have disbanded but the assassin works for the star religious group. It would be better to have you assist them," there was a short pause before he dared to ask his favor, "I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate," having the vice principal echo Tengen's words struck a nerve that crept up her spine. She had wanted an excuse to assist, and there it was.
If what she understood was right, the oldest of the sorcerers had told her himself that she was no longer a suitable vessel and as such all she had to worry about now was making sure her friends were safe until the bounty lifted, "Yes of course, I'll be on my way,"
They had taken a portal to Okinawa. Their presence was needed at once. Sachiko had been scouting around the airport alongside the two first years. It wasn't as crowded as he expected, in fact, it was eerily peaceful that even as she was allowed some time to rest, she kept her defenses at the optimum.
She sat on one of the benches, eyes directed at the tall, blonde boy with the sharp eyes. The semi-first grade one, was a Miura associate, the one who had come to her rescue during last year's exchange event. His stance was always guarded, ready to run or leap if needed, expression smileless and eyes scanning in detail at those who surrounded them.
She learned from their summer training at the Metro Dojo that he was quite good with sizing people rather, curses up. His eyes hardly missed any weak points and he was quite sensitive to anomalies. In fact, her grandfather had taken quite a liking to him and not just because he was a familiar prospect. He was also cunning.
The other freshman was more free-spirited. He sat on the cold floor crossed leg, casually swaying and looking sideways for any traces of suspicion. Sometimes, he would look over his shoulder to grin at Sachi, wide-eyes full of innocent wonder, hiding all apprehensions in front of his senior.
Yu was rewarded by a singular nod from the Kitsune making him flush at her sudden acknowledgement. He tilted his body towards his partner and whispered, "Ne, Kento, is Miura-senpai nice? I kinda wanna talk to her,"
Kento looked at him through his periphery without much interest, "Yes, she is pleasant. What do you want to talk to her about?"
Yu rubbed chin, "I dunno, I'm curious about-"
"Forget it," Nanami cut him off, "I apologize Yu," he turned to him now, voice kept in monotone, "I hardly think that this is the time to make nice while on patrol,"
Yu pouted and nudged at Nanami, earning him an unethused glare, "Come on! Lighten up! I'm not gonna embarrass you or myself, I'm just gonna make small talk and we're almost off duty anyways,"
Nanami gave a deep sigh as he shut his eyes to clear his vision, "That's unnecessary,"
Their phones began ringing but Yu Haibara was the first to open the message, "Huh," he looked at the screen once more before turning his phone towards his companion, "We're extending our stay,"
While the two remained confused at the sudden announcement, Sachi's mouth curled up. They had agreed to go on the side-trip she had suggested to wait out Riko Amanai's bounty.
24 hours. That's all we need.
She placed her phone inside of her pocket and approached her juniors, instantly making them turn and straighten. Yu in particular was happy to finally talk to her.
"It looks like we're staying. Once our alternates arrive, let's retreat to the safehouse," she instructed.
Nanami simply nodded but Yu was adamant to respond, "Can we eat first before we go back?" there was an air of pure excitement around the freshman that Sachiko couldn't help but stifle a grin even as Nanami had been trying his best to signal him to stop.
Sachiko shrugged, "Alright. But, no guards down," she crossed her arms and looked at the each for a few seconds, "I'm responsible for you two so, any sign of trouble, we jet, okay?"
Yu was already strolling in from them, researching on his phone on where they should get dinner. Sachi was already following him but was stopped when Nanami placed a hand on her arm and decreased his volume, "I've been told that there are also fox-hunters targeting you, have you considered informing the other special grades that you're here?"
She shook her head, "I am aware but, it's best if they concentrate on the mission. They know about my time as the vessel so it would distract them if they learn about the hunters. Besides, I have you two," she scanned the room "It's awfully quiet on our end. They might be waiting for a signal from them of my arrival, so let's keep this between us,"
Nanami bit the side of cheek before giving her a reluctant nod, "I understand," he said, opposite to what he just vocalized.
The task was a lot more perplexing than expected.
Satoru had been using his eyes to check every individual they came into contact with, including all of the passengers inside the plane. Remnants of curse users were also taken into consideration leaving him with not much time to rest during their travel.
Suguru had been manipulating his curses to help ferry the plane to safety in case they were attacked from the sky also forcing him to keep on watch the whole trip.
Exhaustion, to say the least was their biggest problem at hand but Suguru was quick to reprimand his teammate to take a breather as his technique demanded more cursed energy to expend. Not that he'd ever listen to him that easily, at least, they had arrived at their destination, safe and sound.
Unlike the resort, the Okinawan beach had more tropical trees and the breeze harbored saltier water. Still, it was tranquil enough to give them a good welcome.
Their fatigue quickly escaped from their body as they faced the peaceful scenery. The water shone like stars under the bright light of the sun making the ladies in their company light up as they made their way down to ocean.
Both of the boys were reminded of their own time in the sand just a few weeks from before and it was quite ironic how their new companions even mirrored Shouko and Miura's hair making them quite sentimental. The feel was similar as well, the momentous serenity of the setting and the air of good company.
Amanai couldn't help but be nicer to her guards. Truly the young woman was enjoying herself putting the older ones at ease.
She had told them before that she had accepted her fate. For the merger didn't mean an end to her life and instead, meant a beginning for both her and Tengen as they would become one. It was still a grim fate to be given to a middle-schooler, but, like her predecessor, she was handling it quite well.
"Thank you guys!" she yelped up, handing out pieces of freshly sliced watermelon to each of them before turning her gleeful look on the lady who reared her.
Gojo and Getou gave her a rueful smile.
For someone who was about to be erased, she looked like she was just about to start living her life to the fullest.
And they both had wondered, if that was how Sachi had felt that day she confessed to them around the campfire.
Telephone services were working fine that day but for some reason, she couldn't get ahold of any of her friends.
Amanai's bounty had been lifted just in time for the merger. So she was sure that they probably would have arrived by the Temple outskirts by now.
"Anything?" Nanami asked, taking to her side.
"Nothing yet," she said, apprehensively. They were tasked to guard the windows in the safehouse stuck in Okinawa. Yaga had instructed her that their best bet to minimize possible casualties was to separate her from Amanai, forcing another extension for her and the freshmen in Okinawa.
Yu had his hands behind his head as he walked towards the two, "Pretty sure they're already within the veil, maybe they're talking to Tengen already,"
Sachiko nodded, "Yeah, probably,"
There was a loud pattering noise that alerted the three Jujutsu Tokyo students. They huddled with their backs towards each other in a circle as they concentrated on the sound to locate the source of the cursed energy.
"A curse?" Yu said, sweat dropping to the side of his temple.
The crimson eyed sophomore had already shifted into her innate sight, trailing her line of vision to identify the remnants of the curse. The feeling she had was unnerving. It was a familiar trace that had seemingly been tainted.
There was a howl, followed by a fold of mists surrounding their area as the pattering commenced once more.
Every inch of her body reacted to the energy being cast, highlighting the markings on her wrists and forcing her eyes to burn into a bright red pair, "Nogitsune!" she warned, making Nanami weave his brows tight through gritted teeth. He was well versed in their history after all.
She turned to Yu now, "Stay close Haibara, there's more than one of 'em,"
Yu had the lowest classification in their group of three, but even with that knowledge in mind, he didn't fear much about their circumstances. He was pretty brave, sometimes, a little too brave that his partner Nanami would end up reminding him not to be too reckless when it came to battle. If there's any trait that best highlighted the black-haired freshman, it was his undisputable trust in his teammates and his idiotic principle to never run away.
"Don't worry senpai, I'm ready," he said, grinning at two very worried and unconvinced individuals staring back at him.
Tokyo Jujutsu High, Foothills of Mount Mushiro
4 hours since the bounty was lifted
The blade that ripped through the boy with the six-eyes sent a cold, almost time-stopping pain throughout his form. His eyes widened at first touch of the sharp end that exited a few inches through his chest, luckily missing his heart. For a moment, Gojo wasn't sure if he was still breathing, all he could do was concentrate on the man who had driven the blade through his body.
There was barely any clues that could have predicted his attack. As someone who had no cursed energy registry, Toji Fushiguro was practically invisible inside the barrier. The rest of the mortified spectators could only scream and remain still at the sudden attack.
Sweat trickled down a rather nervous Gojo Satoru. His face, a mask of endurance, knotted only slightly to hide his wincing and twitching from the pain. He slowly angled his neck towards his side to eye the large man with the sinister look. Cyan eyes caught his grin making the boy heighten his alarm,
"Do I know you from somewhere?" he spoke in staggered breathing, his right hand, hovered over the steel, contemplate on grasping it to keep him from getting stabbed any further.
His eyes lowered, taking a moment to silence himself as he began pooling his cursed energy to reverse the effect of the wound. Suddenly, a small sliver of the red string that wound around his wrist began to glow, the red of it served as reminder of the receiving end of its repercussions should he choose to activate it.
But Gojo slowed his breathing instead. His core, gathering enough of his cursed energy to slowly mend the blow. If he hadn't expended too much of it using his Six-eyes, he probably would have healed faster but even then, he wasn't sure if it would even work.
The sorcerer slayer was savoring his first victory. His stealthy tactic against the Gojo boy was a gamble but he was glad that he had rolled the dice. Toji jerked his head cackled ominously, "Don't sweat it," he began, almost sarcastically, "I'm not one to remember some dude's name either,"
Sachiko felt her chest tighten. The sudden anginous sensation had activated her Kitsune markings, eyes going into a flurry of pyre-like projections. This was the sign that she had been anticipating yet secretly wished she would never get anytime soon. But the lingering feeling of fire and smoke tangling in between the strands of her hair didn't come. The celestial strings she had gifted her beloved comrades remained inactivated. Still, they were giving her a grim warning. She couldn't shake off the alarming feeling increasing as she put one foot in front of the other. Her friends were in trouble. They didn't exactly call out for her but she felt them. Their fear. Their uncertainty. But they didn't want her to come. Either they were managing or, it was too late,
"I'm scared," she breathed in before whispering to herself, "Keep your promises please, Satoru, Suguru,"
But she didn't have the audacity to abandon her juniors. They were her responsibility. Instead, she kept on fighting, putting more effort into every hit and blow she gave the Nogitsune-summoners turned Q rogues.
The large black fox shikigamis were narrowing on them. Forcing the three sorcerers to concentrate on keeping them from entering the safehouse full of windows.
I have to go help Nanami and Yu now but if you call for me, I'll come running.
The tall blonde student was already fending against one of the beasts. It was very swift and quite terrifying. Being an elemental beast, it enabled itself to use its surroundings to its advantage. It lunged at Nanami, teeth blared, biting through the short-handed blade he wielded against it. He cringed at the sight of its large mouth, drool dripping on his face as he fell on his back, hollow eyes glaring at him in its monsoon of a shape. Finally able to gain momentum, the freshman had kicked the beast on its belly, sending it back and enabling him to flip to stand.
His brown and opalescent eyes scanned through the shikigami's entire form, carefully making precise measurements, marking its weak spots to pin point the most optimum area to inflict damage to, "There!" he hissed.
The summoner's eyes widened as Nanami changed his stance, slowly increasing the amount of his cursed-energy two fold before running towards the beast and swiftly slashing through its neck, successfully beheading the Nogitsune.
Yu was already apprehending the stunned summoner who was dazed and repeatedly chanting in attempt to revive his long gone shikigami.
Nanami lifted his blade and flicked it sideways to remove the bloody contents on its shiny body.
He scoffed at the summoner, his icy glare being softened by the victorious smile of his partner who was standing beside the unconscious summoner.
The blonde only took a second to confirm his status and began to search for his senpai who had gone after the larger Nogitsune whose owner was still nowhere to be found.
"Where's Miura-senpai?" Yu inquired from across where he stood.
"You stay here and keep watch of that guy, I'll go find her,"
As a familiar-prospect, Nanami was given responsibilities similar to being her personal bodyguard, difference was, he wasn't compelled to do anything for her as he was not an official follower. He was after all, the one invited by the Miuras as a consideration for their heiress. But to Nanami, every duty and every rule was more or less the same. He wasn't particularly interested in being a human familiar, but, as someone was given tremendous support and opportunities since he entered the system, he took it upon himself to always assist the Miuras in any way he could. As a non-legacy to be given perks in their world, it was the least he could do.
Besides, he knew the six-tailed Kitsune personally. They got along. He respected her.
He spotted Sachiko's flames a few feet from the area of the outskirts he had been. Increasing his pacing, he finally decided to run through the large hatchet of bushes that served as a shortcut, hacking away the branches that stood in his way. Of course, elementals would always prefer to fight in broader areas outdoors.
And Sachiko had chosen her area well.
"Miura-senpai!" he called unto her now, making her turn to him with a hand help up to keep him from coming closer.
Below her feet, was a large glowing sigil made from black smoke. Nanami initially wondered why she remained on a standstill until he noticed that the summoner in front of the raven-haired upper classman had his hands together, cursed-energy circulating over it, and an even larger fox-shikigami with human eyes this time, at his side. The Nogitsune let out a loud growl that shook the earth.
She was trapped in his domain.
Kodansha had told him that earth-manipulating summoners were more or less first grade curse-users which meant that they couldn't afford to be too aggressive without planning their attack.
Yu came running, joining the other two after the tectonic shift which made Sachiko all the more disgruntled as he stumbled backwards at the sight of their enemy's face. The summoner had both of his eyes plucked-out indicating blood-jujutsu, a dark craft. Fox shikigami summoners normally lend their eyes to their foxes in exchange for mutual use of cursed energy however, with the exception of Yahiko, no one really had to give-up any part of their bodies.
That wasn't the case for Nogitsunes whose relationships were highly dependent on blood sacrifice. The greater the use for the organ, the more powerful.
This one, could even expand his domain.
The talisman clad, eyeless man gave out a ferocious sound, "More kids for me to play with? Too bad six-tails here can't help you,"
Sachiko's face knotted in contempt, "You came for me deserter! Leave them alone!" she looked very feral inside the domain, fighting off several shadows of evil-foxes dragging her into a vortex. Her flames were working against them but there were too many to fight off so fast.
Nanami was already on the move, hands steady on his blade, the other, summoning a blue-black blaze of his cursed energy. His brown eyes were dotting over the summoner's outline, mentally creating markings, accurately measured to create axes that would specify where he would attack. Thanks to his extra training at the Metro Dojo, the promising freshman already identified three areas of weakness.
He was only two steps away from the summoner when he heard a snapping sound come up from behind. He had failed to include Yu and the Nogitsune itself in the equation.
"Arrghhhh!" the brunette yelped in pain as the beast had bitten his arm and thrown him hard enough to dislocate his shoulders.
"HAIBARA!" Sachiko yelled, forcing herself outside of his crater-like domain, only to be held down by the summoner's fiends.
Nanami was midway between Sachiko and Yu, his focus shifting between them like two end points of a singular line. This time, he was their weakness.
Yu's breathing was becoming unsteady and he was losing a lot of blood. The crimson fluid, flowing out of him painted the frozen mud where he lay. The black beast began pacing around the injured student, opening its mouth to let out his long tongue mop the red off the ground. It's human eyes, a shade darker of black, gazed at Nanami so sinisterly as he drank that it made him quail.
He had decided to go with the odds. Focusing on the beast beside his partner, he transferred his cursed energy to the hand that held his wrapped blade and aimed at its head, sending the beast rolling and whimpering a few paces back. This gave enough time for Nanami to drag his friend into a safer area, but before he could face brace himself for another attack, the beast had begun to regenerate.
And worst of all, the summoner was delighted at their circumstances, "I've got you now!" he jeered.
The secret behind his technique was that expanding his domain would require the shikigami at close proximity to those he wanted to trap. Nanami and Yu were already being sucked on the gravel-filled vortex. The sigil slowly engraving itself on the ground, binding the two boys within its confines.
Sachiko was finally free from the domain. Already in a state of adrenaline, she had covered herself in her own flames to disintegrate the beasts that were tackling her. Using her Kitsune-enhanced speed, she dashed towards the summoner, fists ablaze with her cursed energy. She positioned herself into a floating benediction, weightless in the air as he readied to throw her gathered orb towards the summoner. With a flick of her wrist, the thick cloud of white flames and smoke scattered over the summoner, producing a half-blinding light that attracted the boys inside the ring.
Nanami had never seen his senpai so literally fired-up. The Kitsune in her was truly intimidating but in the situation they were in, they could use a little bit of ferocity.
The summoner had disappeared as soon as Sachi had made a clearing from her technique. Quick to notice the sudden disappearance and the floating figure speeding towards her juniors, she had concluded that this summoner had sacrificed more than his eyes to be able to withstand her flames. Like Yahiko, he and his Nogitsune were one.
Nanami was already reaching for his blade, ignoring the clawing of the small shadow-like foxes over his four limbs, the scratches, he only minded when they crowded around Yu. They were rendered powerless inside the domain but in his desperation to alleviate themselves from some pain, the blonde sorcerer trainer threw his blade directly at the sorcerer's chest making him draw back, clutching at the hilt in attempt to remove it.
The Nogitsune however didn't seem to move nor was it in the least disturbed by its master's injury. From behind the hooded figure, the girl, known as the six-tailed fox hybrid was making strides to align herself to him, ready to attack after she closed in but instead, she moved past him, eyes glowing like lit pyres on an open furnace, nails transforming into claws, cursed energy creating a disturbance amongst the battling of balances for remnants. She was targeting the large beast.
The Nogitsune finally mobilized, hyper-reacting to the aura of the female. Initially putting weight on its hindfeet, it finally stretched its mouth open to reveal several layers of sharp teeth, humanoid eyes laser-pointing on its prey until finally it met with the Kitsune.
What she did next was something very out of character for Miura Sachiko but something that would have been crafted by the rumors, no, the legend of the Kitsune's prowess that left even Yu Haibara shaking at what he had witnessed his respected senior do.
Sachiko had pierced through the Nogitsune's core with her bare hands. The copper smell quickly spreading like the trickling of dark blood from the sides of the beast. It happened too fast that it didn't even have time to cry. But Miura wasn't done, she slowly lowered down the Nogitsune and shifted her hold inside its chest producing a squishing and crackling sound that soon followed by a sharp gasp that came, not from the beast or the summoner, but from the young men she had just rescued.
There was a small thud heard as soon as she finally let go of her hold the dead fox. Allowing her to walk towards the already whimpering summoner, stuck in a fetal position, clutching the side of his heart.
The young Miura heiress stood over him now, her small shadow invading his space. The dripping sound coming from her hand was harsh. The distorted image of her bloodied arm balancing the beasts' still beating heart would be imprinted in their minds perhaps forever.
Nanami straightened, ever so slowly, still finding his footing even as he approached. He had never seen her in such a chilling state and he was sure that her blood was still curdling from the rage.
Without saying anything, Sachiko set her hand aflame and crushed the heart, creating the sound of broken glass as she curled her hand. Peering over the summoner, she watched as he took his last breath resulting in the fading appearance of the lifeless beast, seemingly transforming into remnants of smoke.
Sachiko exhaled, allowing the last of her anger to escape her to regain control of her old self. Her bloodied hands were shaking despite knowing that what she did was the only way to eliminate the first grade curse-user. She just wished that there were no witnesses to see her in that state.
She slowly turned to face her juniors, hands hidden behind her as if by instinct to conceal what she had just done.
Nanami would never forget how she looked that day. The crimson that danced around her eyes, the specs of blood and dirt on her skin and clothes but more importantly her expression-the regret, the sorrow and the horror she had etched would haunt him forever.
He felt sick, almost physically unable to tolerate what was set before his eyes, but all this quickly washed way upon catching the sudden trickling of clear fluid at the side of her right eye.
Miura Sachiko, sophomore of the Tokyo pillar, special grade sorcerer in training, six-tailed Kitsune had taken a life….saving two, in return.
END OF KITSUNE AND THE STAR PLASMA VESSEL
GOOD JUJU
Shouko was always the tension breaker in their group. She had invited the four of them to go on a vacation in attempt to temporarily detach themselves from their hectic, supernatural world.
Despite being a different kind of frontliner, the reverse-jujutsu trainee had been feeling so drained. There were days when assisting in treating patients-sorcerers and windows alike, just became part of her morbid routine. Images of splayed bodies, some in black bags, would remain imprinted in her thoughts even after she had left the pathology section of the medical arts building. The feeling of dread each time she would watch as the zipper would be pulled down to give an identity to the face that belonged to the lifeless body probably would never go away. Her audible gasps from relief that it wasn't anyone she knew was never hidden, but so was her discontent with herself for being too callous about it.
And yet, they still wonder why she continued her bad habit of smoking.
The girl with the beauty mark would always confide on her best friend, the raven-haired girl with the skin markings about her sentiments. Most of the time, in attempt to guilt her out of accepting too many high profile and dangerous missions. Sometimes she would even cry at the thought of having a reunion with any of them at the morgue, pushing her to become more aggressive with advancing her technique just so she could confidently stay by their side.
Despite reassurances from the three, there was always that small part of her that had accepted that it wouldn't be always that they'd come home unscathed, she just hoped that when time came for that, she would be prepared.
For now, her main goal was to replace the disturbing images that plagued her own sleep with concrete memories, immortalized in frames.
The campfire only continued to glow gloriously around them thanks to their fire-elemental companion. Shouko Ieiri watched and listened in on the hushed quips from the other three, warming her up at the side of how mundane they were in her eyes. She never thought she'd have any self-less bone in her body to spare when she entered the school. Having been born in an affluent household never really equipped her to think of others but there she was, painstakingly attached to adrenaline junkies and danger magnets.
I have the worst taste in friends.
Satoru and Suguru for absolutely no good reason began grabbing at each other's hair after having whatever trivial banter they were having not 2 minutes ago, with the shortest member of the group, trying her best, in between laughing to serve as the referee.
Shouko's lips curled upward. Fishing for her phone in her bag, she unlocked it and opened her camera. Walking towards them, she turned her back on them and shifted into a front view of the camera and began to frame her and the others on the screen, "Mah-mah, everyone, eyes on here," she said as she angled her head before plastering a smile.
As if she had a just used her technique on them, Suguru, Satoru and Sachiko had dropped their previous behavior and properly aligned themselves around Ieiri, projecting their smiles and lit up eyes until their moment was finally captured by a singular click.
I have the worse taste in friends.
But thank God for that.
At least, with this, I can replace unsightly pictures with a moment I can treasure daily.
NEXT CHAPTER: KITSUNE AND THE PREMATURE DEATH PART 1
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Some contents were based off on the Manga with the same arc, but I worked around it to fit the story with my OCs. All rights reserved still JJK GegeAkutami
Chapter art can be seen on my AO3: /works/32280142/chapters/82745290
Banger chapter art by: HiragiiTsukasa on twt ( /HiragiiTsukasa)
Thank you!
Let's communicate!
Twitter: /ChroniclerMiura
Tumblr:
Hope you enjoyed! Leave me a kudos or even your honest thoughts if you want hehehe :D
See you next week for more Toji-isms!
Manga readers may know what's gonna happen next but I promise not to torment you too much :D What did you guys think of Nanami here? Also, sorry I couldn't highlight Yu so much, I attempted to create his technique but I couldn't think of any suitable ones for now.