RESIDUALS
Part 2
Author's Note:
This chapter is dedicated to VampireSiren, who also coincidentally celebrated her birthday this week! I wish you more good ones to come! She's not just a loyal reader but my new friend and partner in crime who has helped me with a loootttttt of content for the story, including some very beautiful illustrations that I can't wait to share with you all. VS, I can't wait for us to officially collab. We have some very interesting ideas for our beloved characters haha.
Please do send her some love! Love ya! 3
Other shoutouts go to sexykatsudon, Juju, fushi9urou, ryla, MaxOliver, simperella and elia ^w^ thanks always for your support!
IMPORTANT!
To my readers, after pondering, I have decided to change my rating from T to M for mentions of some mature and sensitive content in this chapter and the chapters that will follow (also placed a long time ago in my tags). Each chapter which I feel would need some trigger warnings will be placed at the start of the chapter. If I have missed anything, feel free to message me.
Trigger warnings for this chapter:
Graphic depictions of violence, mentions of death and dying, *mentions/implications of childhood trauma, depression and mental health issues, use of profanity
*only a small sliver of the story will mention this theme, it is mostly implied.
The depictions (save for the fight scenes) are mostly not explicitly narrated and are just mentioned to avoid too much emotional unease that may be experienced.
I apologize for the unease in some parts that it may bring but do know that my story will also have a lot of HOPE and recovery in it.
Anyway, I do hope you enjoy reading this update. ^w^
Summary:
The Aftermath of Suguru's betrayal has made a huge dent on the pillars.
He takes one last trip to meet his friends and end up starting a long, arduous journey alone.
While he begins his new life away from the Institute, another struggles to keep hers.
Shouko laments on his betrayal.
Satoru finally decides to become a solution.
~There was nothing but a deafening silence in the grand staircase that hosted the entrance of Tengen's barrier around the college.
Even the chirping of the cicadas were absent in the noontime and there was no wind that would howl or echo their sentimentalities and romanticisms across the vast distance they have created from each other.
Yaga stealthily made his way down half of the steps where he watched a white-haired boy sit, unpoised and disgruntled, head hanging low, the weight of his arm raking through his already messy hair keeping his sanity close to the edge. The vice-principal felt sullen and defeated. He had failed his students and he would have to burden them even more because of it.
Still, he had to know,
"Why did you let him go?"
Gojo placed one hand behind his nape but didn't greet his mentor properly, vexed, he let out a low groan, "Are you really asking me that?"
"No, you're right, I'm sorry,"
Yaga gave his student a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before giving him more space. As he continued to move down the stairs, he heard his student shift in his seat.
"Sensei, I'm strong right?"
He felt that his question pertained not only to his physical prowess but also to his ability to weave through expectations of the higher-ups. Satoru was aware that he had probably turned some heads from their court upon word that he had let slip an opportunity to capture his friend. But he wasn't in the right state to detain him, nor did he have the heart to.
Yaga knew that all too clearly.
"Yeah, in the impudence department too," he humored him, but he afforded his mentor no such pensive.
Bright blue eyes stared at the empty lot blankly, each breath that escaped his mouth was filled with too much agony but despite his troubled thoughts, something remained very clear,
"But, it looks like, just being strong isn't enough.
His voice trailed off,
"I can only save those…who are prepared to be saved…"
Masamichi Yaga allowed three blinks and two breaths but not another minute to pass by before grating inwardly. His second purpose to disturb the young man's peace had to be delivered too. Even though it broke his heart, he did so anyway,
"Satoru…there's something else,"
Sachiko had woken up in such state and had been struggling since she first began to open her eyes to allow light to bring her to her senses.
Lifting herself up proved to be a challenge. Her head felt so heavy, and she felt her muscles and bones stiffen at first movement, similar to when she first woke from her coma.
This time though, she didn't remember her dreams or rather, she was pretty sure that she didn't have any…but, for some reason, she found herself touching the side of her cheek. fingers tracing a linear, cold outline of what seemed like tears found itself freshly carved on her face.
Except for a sinking feeling that she couldn't explain.
She heard the buzzing of her phone that she immediately swung her legs from the couch and reached out for the item on the table. Rubbing her eyes to clear her vision, she noticed that she left it open with the last message she read from Ieiri.
Was I crying because of this? This can't be true right?
Her phone felt warm against her palm that she noticed she had a lot of alerts from missed messages and calls including the kids she had abruptly left at the dojo.
Tsumiki:
Sachimommy? Where did you go?
Before she could reply, she got a few blasts from her beau who had been trying to reach her for a few hours now,
Gojo:
Chi? Please answer the phone. Call me back, where are you? The kids are worried. Call me right back!
She quickly pressed the call button but sunk back to the couch as she clutched her head. When he answered, she tried her best to steady her voice as she wiped the sides of her face,
"Toru…? I-I'm at my dorm…yeah, I'm not sure either…okay, I'll wait for you…"
"I don't know how I got here…after I read Shouko's text about Suguru, I blacked-out, but I was sure-I was at the Dojo,"
Satoru already had an inkling on what happened based on what Megumi and Tsumiki had told him, but he was relieved that she was at least safe. Whatever Suguru did, he wouldn't ever resort to hurting her…at least not literally.
He was quite surprised himself that he was able to narrate most of what he and Suguru talked about but the more he spoke of it, the more he felt like a dozen needles where going through him inch by inch. Still, it was better that she was made aware of at least most of it.
Sachiko twined her fingers in his now, tightening her hold to make him feel that he was being heard. Satoru only gave her a small smile, but the fact that he was able to keep a strong front, amazed him.
"Are you okay? This must be very hard for you…" she told him, making him feel a little guilty for asking her to comfort him despite having been likely abducted earlier on.
The blue-eyed boy buried his face in her palms to hide the water that was forming behind his eyes. He breathed in,
"Honestly, I dunno Chi, I'm mad for starters and it just sucks! Suguru pulled some utter bullshit!" he exhaled once more, "Sorry, I don't mean to curse…"
Sachiko removed her hands from his face only to reposition his head on her lap. Satoru quickly lengthened and allowed some of his weight to transfer on her. When he looked up to search her eyes, her fire-like eyes, dimmed one shade that for a moment he thought that he saw his reflection. He wanted to wash away the sadness in her appearance but no matter how many times he blinked his eyes, her face remained the same.
"I can't understand why he did that…it's not like him," she commented drearily, looking just as heartbroken as he when she spoke.
"I'm not sure anymore…" his voice trailed off, signaling to her that his mind must've been stirring with so many pained memories that she could only do her best to comfort him.
Sachiko brushed her lips against his temple,
"You don't have to hold back. If you want to scream or cuss or even cry…you can. It's just you and me. Okay?"
He relaxed his jaw now, the creases on his forehead flattening at her remark and as soon as another sigh escaped his lips, some of the knots on his back disappeared,
"I want to, but I just don't have the energy anymore…I just want to lie down and do nothing…"
"Then rest, I'll watch you,"
Satoru shook his head and straightened, "What about you? How are you feeling?"
She shrugged, "I'm still trying to process it…I don't really know…"
"I see…we don't have to talk about it. I'm just rambling here…sorry,"
Sachiko gave him a rueful smile, "No, it's alright. But, you really look like you could use a break. Go lie down,"
"Later…I have to bring you back to the dojo first. The children want to see their Sachimommy," finally, his face lit up at the mention of the two. They were always bright beacons for them, and it gave Sachiko comfort that despite what they were going through, he could still remain hopeful in a lot of things, "Shall we then?"
"Sachimommy! Come inside! We were so worried!"
Tsumiki hurriedly grabbed Sachiko's arm as soon as she caught sight of her from the entrance. When they arrived, the two siblings were sitting by the door, waiting for their guardians to arrive. Even little Megumi couldn't help but give each of them a short but very warm hug after running back inside.
Despite his age, he was very perceptive and without them detailing what had happened, he felt that they needed some solace and that was the only way he knew he could help.
Satoru actually appreciated that about him. Even if most times, his presence seemed to dour the kid's mood.
Sachiko was already stepping inside when she caught Satoru at her periphery, still looking downcast despite the beam he kept lingering on in front of her.
"Are you going to be okay?" she spoke, breaking his silent melancholy.
He increased the length of his smile enough to show his teeth, "Yeah, I'll be right with you, I'll just go take a walk for a bit,"
Sachiko gave him a thoughtful nod. Sachiko knew that the needed space to clear his thoughts, god knows she wanted to do the same but to Satoru, Suguru's betrayal meant more because he was his family. And it hurt him, so much that he couldn't even bear to lash out at him.
Sachiko took a step closer, making the other boy turn and meet her inquiring eyes, "Something wrong Chi?"
"Hm…it just seems strange, he talked to you and Ieiri before he left, but not to me. I wonder why,"
Satoru jerked his head sideways, a small fraction of jealousy creeping at the back of his mind knowing well why Suguru must've felt the need to leave her out. It burdened him a little to have to speak but it was the only way to dispel her curiosity,
"Maybe that's because you were the hardest to say goodbye to in his life,"
Her eyes widened at his statement, "What do you mean?"
You're the person he loves most. He kept the truth inside his head. Telling her about it bluntly would only hurt them both and he knew, Sachiko wasn't dense. He knew, she understood his statement and that it was enough.
"He cares about you; a lot more than you know," he followed, making her drift her eyes away from him at the guilt she felt for making him say such things.
"Don't stay out for long, okay?"
He grinned, "Okay, Chi, leave me some dessert," he winked.
Sachiko gave him a kiss on the cheek before she made her way inside the dojo. Satoru watched as she calmly removed her shoes and hung her jacket on the rack but there was something else, he noticed from where he stood.
It was very faint, and it was something only his eyes would not miss-the fragments that served as Suguru's registry of cursed energy scattered at the back of her hair.
He wouldn't tell her about it but perhaps in hindsight, she might even remember someday.
For now, Satoru had also made his turn and began his walk.
I have no words for you good friend.
1 Month Later
"If you need anything, let me know Getou-san," Toshihisa Negi, the boy whose father previously worked with Suguru and Sachiko at the farm had opened his home to the rogue sorcerer after learning about his plans to reform the world that favored sorcerers, he knew he wanted to help.
After his father's death, their family had been pressured to take up the mantle to be protectors of the village and this took a toll on his poor mother's health which caused it to continuously decline. Most of his siblings were gifted but only he was strong enough to actually train as one.
Negi didn't like the ideals of the village and he grew tired of their demands so as soon as Getou spoke with him, he offered his loyalty at once.
Suguru Getou had been in hiding for quite a while now and while it was fortuitous that he was offered asylum to start over, he still had some things from his old life he wanted to get rid of.
Especially the cloak of his previous allegiance. He preferred wearing very plain clothes after he had left the beach but he still kept the uniform he wore that day he rescued the twins.
He looked at his reflection in the mirror, smirking at how coincidental it was that he wore the same white polo that day, except there were no more buttons on his cuffs. He began unfastening it around his bodice and threw the garment beside his uniform jacket and donned a plain white shirt which he overlapped with a haori of the same color.
He pulled the ribbon that kept his hair tied neatly in a bun and allowed the long locks of his raven hair to fall on his shoulders. He intended to get rid of the purple ribbon alongside his other belongings but instead, he took a small piece of it and tied a small portion of his hair before gathering the items he wished to discard.
His lilac eyes caught his reflection in the mirror and for a moment, he thought he was looking at someone else.
A voice lingered in his head, reminding him to choose the correct words to describe his life. In his conversation with the Seer, he had told him before that he had a chance to correct mistakes in his past, but everything looked so black and white in his present.
There was no point in going back.
"Better it is to live one day seeing the rise and fall of things than to live a hundred years without ever seeing the rise and fall of things," he recited to himself.
He took one last look at the photograph that he hid inside of his journal. The reading that was meant to keep his life on track. Tsukasa believed that he could still change something and so did he, but it seemed he and the Seer meant very different things.
He tucked the photo back in his journal and sighed as he placed it beside his uniform but before he was about to set them ablaze, something else fell on the floor.
A folded piece of paper.
Taking it in between his fingers, he had forgotten how such a small thing could weigh so heavy.
The sight of its content made him a little sentimental especially since he was the creator of the portrait.
There was a knock on the door making him refold the sketch and place it safely on his pocket before making his way to answer the call, "I'll be right there," he said.
He lifted his hand and directed a small amount of his cursed energy towards the items he wished not see anymore and then grabbed a small sphere which carried the cursed seed, that now grew into a half-bloomed flower and made his way towards the forest where he first sealed it.
Images of his mission with Sachiko and the time she had cured him from the poison filtered through his mind that he couldn't help but smile a little. In the little time he had spent with her there, that was when he felt closest to her that it seemed quite unreal.
He knew he loved her then and being back to that same place they had cleansed of all negativities made him realized that perhaps loving her wasn't going to be possible if he wanted to a better world for himself.
He crouched on the ground and reimplanted the seed, the earth responding to the sudden breach of unsanctimous energy by sending tremors around them. Suguru stood firm and watched as vines crippled the plump harvest that would soon plague those who were born without cursed energy.
"What do we do now?" Negi, now a young sorcerer asked from behind.
"We gather more," Suguru said, "And then, we grow,"
After the events of the farm which was wiped out in a span of a month, Suguru Getou had not been heard of for two years.
"So, in conclusion, Tsumiki-chan, Megumi-kun, you don't have to call Sachibi and that man mommy and daddy since they're just your guardians, not your parents, okay?" Yahiko had gathered the two youngsters in the living room after Iori had volunteered to clean up after their meal.
After pleading to her cousin to take the shift of watching over the kids while she was out on a mission, Hiko had taken the opportunity to get to know the Fushiguros, of course, being nervous around children, he had begged his lover to help him which earned him quite a scowl.
Surprisingly, she was quite comfortable with taking care of the younger ones and was quite good at being a host. It seemed that the two easily got along with her despite her being a little more reserved and kept when it came to smiling.
Yahiko on the other hand, was still warming up to them.
Tsumiki blinked and pouted at the Miura heir, "But mommy says we can!"
Megumi etched an equally cross look making Yahiko jerk back in surprise at how cold he was towards his statement.
Utahime crossed her arms and let out a sigh as she approached the three. She gave each of them a pat in the head before sitting beside her beau,
"Let them call those two what they want. They're technically like their parents anyway," she lifted her shoulders.
Hiko, who was still coming to terms with the fact that Sachiko was already dating someone became inherently emotional and quite petty when he put on the big brother role. So, with moistened and frustrated eyes, he raised his voice, "I can't accept that!"
Megumi tugged on Iori's white miko sleeve, "Why is Yahiko-san weird? And why is he a crybaby?"
Utahime snarled and side-eyed her boyfriend who was clearly bothered by the crassness of the kid, "You wanna answer that weird uncle Hiko?"
Hiko gritted his teeth, "I'm more normal than that weirdo man who stalks Chibi!"
As if he had summoned his presence at the mere insinuation, Gojo Satoru's had made his presence known with a loud closing of the front door.
"KIDS! I'm home!" he jeered, making Yahiko cringe at his statement, leaving a rather unenthused Iori to just roll her eyes and keep drinking her tea.
Tsumiki stood and took to Gojo's side, "Satodaddy!"
Gojo raised his hand and looked owlishly at his guests, "Oh, the godparents are here,"
His remark made Utahime choke on her tea that she almost spilled the contents unto her red skirt, "Godparents?" she reiterated.
Gojo patted Tsumiki and Megumi before settling in front of his two seniors. He scratched the side of his chin and pushed his glasses towards his nose,
"Yeah, I mean, you two old farts are gonna get hitched soon, right?"
Hiko's color turned pale. He remembered casually talking about his plans to ask for Iori's hand when he had visited the dojo a few weeks ago but with him divulging that sort of clue, he knew he had to make some big diversions to keep his surprise in check.
In his mind, he had bitten off that white-haired weirdo's head and had been electrocuting him non-stop to make him pay for his inconveniences. Of course, he couldn't do that.
Not in front of the lady he wanted to marry anyway.
Utahime was equally flustered, her grip on the mug tightened and she couldn't help but raise her voice, "Be respectful to your elders!"
Gojo shrugged and quickly made some distance from the fuming girl in front of him, making the kids also retract at how scary she looked, "Okay, you two can go 'cause I'm here," he lifted Yahiko's right hand and forced a high five, making the older boy wince, "Nice pass senpai,"
He quickly ushered the kids towards the garden but found himself choking as his senpai grabbed him by the collar, "Matte kudasai, Gojo-san," Yahiko's voice was a little taut and one look at the intensity behind his scarred eye, Gojo knew he was about to bring up something serious.
"We need to talk," to which Gojo could only nod. Without removing his grip on his collar, he shifted into a calmer, more cheerful mood as he looked at his lady, "Iori-chan, my hime, can you please watch over the kids for a few minutes dear?"
Iori pouted as she covered her flushed face and muttered, "I told you not to call me that in public!" she flipped her long, purple-black hair and gave Hiko a snide look before making her way into the garden.
"Sorry honey!" Hiko gave her a wink and a cutesy puckered up look that sent a grossed-out chill up Satoru's spine.
Gojo snorted, "Wow, how sickeningly sweet, good for you two. Though I didn't peg you as the type Utahime-senpai," he chuckled.
Utahime almost threw her slippers at him but luckily Yahiko was already dragging him out of the room.
Gojo had fixed the alignment of his clothes and spectacles after Yahiko had released him. It was only then that he noticed that he had a few bruises on his face that looked like it was already healing save for his bandaged wound on his arm.
Gojo crooked a brow, "Whoa, what happened to your face and arm? Who beat you up?"
"Take a guess," Yahiko replied and immediately the mood between them turned serious.
He had recounted to Satoru how his last encounter with Suguru went including his rather questionable suggestion as a cure for Sachiko's restriction. The older Miura looked very uneasy. He had admitted that perhaps he should've tried harder to stop him from running away.
He didn't know how Yahiko could still apologize for being insufficient when he nearly died trying to detain him.
The fact that Suguru had no problem hurting Sachiko's cousin, practically her older brother, upset him. Suguru only had respect for the half-Inari and he had been a good mentor to him. He wasn't surprised though, if he could betray him, his best friend, this was something that was bound to happen.
Yahiko's heterochromic eyes dawned down towards his feet, "I don't think we can reason with him anymore," he paused to edit, "And with what I told you about his plan for her, he might come back for her one day,"
Satoru tilted his head, fingers running through his hair as he felt beguiled at what he was told, still, he had to ask, "Does she know? About the alternative he suggested?"
It was an intriguing suggestion from the cursed spirit manipulator. As opposed to the more accepted one, it was something that only Suguru could do.
Yahiko could see a bit of desperation on his face. He knew all too well how much Satoru wanted to find something, anything that could lift her restriction without having to go through the possible side effects that the Six-tailed Kitsune would never agree to risk.
That proved to take a toll on the younger boy who literally wanted nothing but to give her the life she deserved, and he wondered what was truly holding him back. Still, he decided to spare him of another heavy conversation for another time.
"She doesn't and I don't intend to tell her anytime soon,"
Gojo clenched his jaw before speaking, "Is it really an option?"
Yahiko shook his head, "It's not the right option," he cursed. His eyes changed into crescents and his hands formed fists as he tried to contain his abhorrence towards Getou's method,
"He would be taking her will away! That's unacceptable!" he hissed.
Gojo knew he was right. It would protect the familiar but not the Kitsune. It was a selfish suggestion and it also hardened his heart towards his friend.
That doesn't sound like love to me.
I'll never allow it.
Gojo placed a hand on the older one's shoulder and gave him a blunt look, "I'll guard Chi with my life. I won't allow him to do such a thing,"
Yahiko closed his eyes and chuckled, features softening at Gojo's sudden gesture, "Yeah, I know you will,"
Yahiko tapped Gojo's arm and smirked. He had so many things he wanted to discuss with the kid, but in those few minutes, he already felt too spent to dawn on more difficult things. He begun to excuse himself after being given some relief by Gojo's reassurance of watching out for his cousin but more so because he knew the difference between right and wrong.
Yahiko looked over his shoulder and gave him a small smile, "One more thing, about those two kids, listen, don't hesitate to ask for our help. Right now, I know you two are doing your best with them, but-you need each other right now…you need her, and she needs you. That crazy med student too. You three need to get your heads straight and accept the fact that your friend is gone, and you have more pressing matters to attend to,"
"What are you saying?"
Hiko took a few more steps towards the room where Utahime was waiting and quickly changed his expression as soon as he caught sight of her face.
He gave Gojo another warding look,
"Accepting the fact that we just made a new enemy. Possibly the worst one,"
Two Years Later
Mt. Fuji
A rumor had spread like wildfire after a young monk had visited the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha with a number of his followers, a few days after Mt. Fuji was given high alert for its volcanic activity. This young monk was said to be able to appease Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of all volcanoes after he had performed a cleansing ritual and miraculously stopped the eruption. It was even more noted that Sakura blossoms began draping the mouth of the volcano which locals believed was the goddess' way of making peace with its inhabitants.
The young monk and his troupe began walking around the famous tourist spots and had given announcements on where to find their temple. But the shaman did not speak to anyone during his stay.
Instead, he took it upon himself to devour the cursed spirits who lingered around the sacred mountain while he searched for a certain family.
It hadn't been his intention at first to make use of the natural calamity to make his group known but seeing as it would ease in his search, he gave into his followers' advice.
Suguru Getou had disrobed into a more casual attire as he followed the trail of the fly heads he had dispatched to look for the twin sister of Sayo Miura and her family. Sachiko's aunt had not made contact with any of the pillars since she was given strict orders by Hideo Miura regarding his granddaughter. It was quite a challenge at first to search for her as her name had been changed twice-over that even using Sayo's maiden name proved difficult to look for her even if she was still registered as a physician.
Of course, with the new resources he had acquired, they had finally located her in her old hometown within the mountain.
He learned that she still lived in their old residence, the one that had to be restructured after Sachiko nearly burned it down when she was a child. She had long been divorced from her abusive husband and had custody of their only child. According to the reports he was given, she had quite the reputation of being a charity-centered doctor and was well loved by the community.
Suguru thought that it was quite hilarious how a hypocrite such as her, a person licensed to care for sick people did not even bat an eye to care for someone who shared the same blood as her. Even being complicit in Sachiko's tormented childhood where she was left to starve and receive many forms of torture that remained confined in the corners of their home, the one place she was supposed to feel completely safe. The place where he was now only a few feet away.
It seemed as though the only occupant of the household was their little girl. A healthy looking elementary student who adorned quality clothes and toys and played joyfully outside of her home.
It amazes me how they couldn't even give her the same treatment, even the bare minimum to care for a small human being and yet this little monkey had it all.
Suguru gathered a small amount of cursed energy in his palms, a cloud of red began to blaze into his arm, ready to burn the house down and whoever resided in it.
It doesn't matter if it's just the girl. Maybe this would teach them a lesson.
His hand was raised, ready to aim at the household until, a pair of doe-eyes, similarly shaped to the ones he used to sneak glances at peered towards his direction.
The child had turned towards his direction but remained blind to the curse he was unleashing.
He felt paralyzed at the sight of her. She didn't exactly look like Sachiko but something about her eyes, so innocent and filled with wonder shook his conscience that he found himself lowering his hands almost immediately.
The child took another step but with the next blink, the young man was gone.
Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture
Kaeru Izakaya
Despite his retreat, Getou was determined to finish the task he could only entrust to himself.
Lucky for him, his hunt for Sachiko's fosters would soon find its conclusion at the city at the foot of the mountains.
Her uncle was easier to locate. After their divorce, he had gone back to his old name and continued working as a dirty cop. If he wasn't on duty, he would be found anywhere with liquor and because he was a known drunk, it was easy to pinpoint his favorite pub.
Suguru knew that he might regret not confronting Sachiko's aunt but the filthy man who did unspeakable things to a little girl that had caused her so much hurt, and trauma would not get away unscathed.
A middle-aged man wearing a misaligned shirt and tie came fumbling out of the pub. From what he could make-out, they were calling him a detective who had the same name as Sachiko's uncle. He was very stout and had plump skin and from head to toe, he wore very expensive accessories.
Even from his distance, he reeked of alcohol, from his very red cheeks and flushed out chest, he knew he had consumed more than his usual intake. This disgusted Suguru more. This man, because of his occupation was able to get away with the nightmare he had cause her and he would make sure that he would live the same.
Two other men came rushing to his side, the younger man, a thin man with good features and large eyes boring holes towards the detective's face had folded his sleeves and wanted to tackle Sachiko's uncle when he was stopped a better dressed older man who seemed like his superior.
Sachiko's uncle laughed in between hiccups, "You shitty-ass public defense lawyers should just give up! I am a man of law myself! Give it up! I won't admit to anything you accuse me of!" he was still holding a filled bottle of beer when he pointed towards the lawyers, "You have no proof!"
The younger lawyer clicked his tongue, "DON'T YOU HAVE A CONSCIENCE! YOU ENDANGERED YOUR WIFE AND CHILD! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE UNDER THE LAW AS A MAN OF JUSTICE YOURSELF!"
The drunkard flipped him off and began to make his leave.
Suguru was already aching to abduct the old man and beat the shit out of him. He had already imagined gripping his throat and slowly suffocating him with his grasp but that wouldn't give him the satisfaction of ridding the world of such an animal.
He knew he deserved more.
After all these years, he was still a pig. He deserved punishment.
Suguru took a few steps forward but acted calmly to redirect suspicion, "I think this man needs medical attention, allow me to assist him," he feigned a smile and offered his shoulder to which the old drunk took after tapping his arm as a thanks.
Fucking filthy.
The older lawyer spoke, "We will see you in court," then he walked away.
But the young lawyer, a newly minted attorney could not simply redirect his angered expression away from the detective. He forced the older man to look into his eyes which only made him cackle maniacally.
The younger lawyer was then distracted by what he saw in his peripheral vision. A strange activity, so dark and so ominous had cloaked the young man who was assisting the detective. Suguru gave him a sinister stare and nodded before ushering the man away from them.
The younger lawyer's widened eyes drooped low now, a half-smile suddenly appearing as his tension began to fade. A hand caught the side of his arm, and his mentor shook his head and ushered for them to walk away,
"Let's go, Hiromi,"
Hiromi Higuruma let out a frustrated groan but continued to watch as the two figures went away, "You're right sir, we should go. Besides, today, justice might come for him at last,"
"Ready to confess?" Suguru was standing straight from a few feet across the detective. His face was painted in a grim smile and his eyes looked through him like he was an animal.
The old detective finally came to but the state he found himself wracked in his senses. He was enchained in all fours and was held together by pinned curtains scattered all over the walls. His whole body ached, and he reeked of oil and alcohol. The stench not as abhorrent as Suguru perceived but for him all the more expected of a dirty old man. He looked at his hilt where a gun used to be present but was left with nothing but his clothes and a rather half-beaten face,
"Who the fuck are you?" his teeth chattered upon viewing a few beasts, leonine and otherwise otherworldly stood beside the young man making him almost piss himself at how ferociously they eyed him, "What the hell are those things?"
Suguru's brows shot upwards, "Oh, so you can see them? Maybe Hideo's spell is breaking after all," he couldn't visualize a person in him anymore. All he saw was a hideous blob pretending to be human. The amount of negative energy he was spewing was enough to create a grade two curse and that only meant that he deserved the title of a wretched pig. He deserved to be removed of any of his rights.
Fucking filthy.
He didn't know it, but what Suguru used to knock him out wasn't a manmade drug that was similar to the tranquilizers that he used on his niece. In fact, he utilized a few of his minor curses to help capture him after they left the pub.
He may not remember, but the gashes on his feet and knees were proof of the amount of time Suguru had made him run for his life as he was chased down by his curses.
He wanted to make sure that he would be stripped off his extravagance and authority by the way he would interrogate it and it amused how much this foul creature who did not even give a semblance of mercy for the little girl, didn't have difficulty in asking for it.
Pathetic.
"What?!" he yelled, struggling to break free from the chains, creating an irritating sound that made Suguru's ears ring.
Suguru rolled up his sleeves and picked at his ear, "Your voice is incredibly irritating. Unless you plan on confessing, you better not say a word or my friends here," the curses took a step forward, "Will make you eat them,"
Tears and snot were flowing out of his orifices, the look of pure distress painted with the engorged veins on his forehead and neck. His heavy breathing coupled with his sobs which Suguru relished but feigned interest with his yawn.
"You know," he propped his head to the side and scratched his chin,
"I can make it easy for you. Just say her name and confess your crimes and the Miuras will take care of the rest for me, after all, that is the condition of your wife's binding vow with the old man," he badgered.
Yahiko Miura once told Suguru about the conditions that spared their lives. A binding vow was made between Sayo's twin sister and Hideo that speaking about Sachiko in any such way outside of their family, especially about her condition as the Kitsune would automatically result to heavy sanctions which may include but is not limited to corporal punishment and imprisonment. To ensure that Sachiko would be kept safe from hunters, the memories of Sayo and her husband were altered.
Of course, Suguru had made sure that he would be equipped with everything he needed for this special event. Imprisonment was something he had already checked off his list, it's the other part that was still on-going.
"What the hell are you talking about?" the detective groveled, eyes swaying from one beast to another.
"This is no good," Suguru gave a pronounced sigh as he summoned a new yokai, a magnificent, phoenix whose whole form lit up in flames that only grew as its wings flapped. The detective stumbled backwards, one leg caught up in chains, as the phoenix circled around him before resting on Suguru's side.
He lifted his arm for the large bird to perch on, "I rather liked this capture, but if I sacrifice him," he spoke with gleaming eyes, "I can make you talk. So, last chance," he pet the bird once more before it continued to float beside him, "Unless you want to burn,"
He shook his head frantically in between sobbing, "I don't know anything you're talking about! I don't know who that girl is!"
Suguru frowned, "Really? Then why did you act all too familiar with her then?" he gnashed his teeth together and hissed, "You really are a shameless piece of shit aren't you? Anyway, I'm in a rush so, don't move too much, this may hurt a little,"
Suguru had ordered the phoenix to envelop itself on the detective until it deteriorated and burned some parts of his flesh that made his hellish screams echo throughout the abandoned building, he had enchained him. Suguru's lips stretched so tightly over teeth that they seem to disappear and he watched with eyes wide open, protecting each detail in his memory, engraving in it his suffering.
This is nothing compared to what you did.
Suguru didn't have any companions with him. This was something he wanted to personally take care of. As soon as the phoenix perished, the detective writhed in pain as the smell of his flesh had overtaken the whole room. Suguru took a step forward then crouched, "So, tell me, are you ready to confess?"
The detective howled, "It doesn't matter if that old man or you finish me now! All for my ex-wife's sister and her bewitched child!"
"So, you finally remember," Suguru gripped what was left of his hair and looked at him coldly,
"You, a man of the law, whose sole duty is to protect those who cannot protect themselves inexplicably did such horrific things to a child, do you admit to these crimes?"
The detective spat at him, making Suguru tighten his grip on his scalp, the sound of ripping flesh making his prisoner panic. Still, with what little pride he had left, he berated,
"That child was cursed! We had to protect ourselves and when physical means didn't shut her up or even scare her, we had to dope her and sedate her to keep her fucking witchcraft at bay!"
Suguru slammed his head on the concrete, causing a crack on his forehead, blood dripping profusely from the wound, teeth chipped from the impact, nose turned crooked from the displaced bone and yet the man still smiled devilishly at him,
"That little bitch! All she was ever good for was being a piece of meat!"
Suguru's eyes turned extremely dark, every inch of him was now moving on pure maddened instinct and he emitted harsher cursed energy flow throughout his entirety as he gripped the man's throat with one hand and lifted him off the ground.
There was no speck of remorse that could be found within the man. Nothing in his eyes would make Suguru believe that he didn't abuse the woman he loved without knowing what he was actually doing. He was wide awake and too conscious all throughout the time he spent bastardizing her childhood like she was an object.
"You hurt a precious soul, the kindest person I've ever met, the woman I loved so now, you shall pay…" Suguru had summoned his Nogitsune, the appearance of the dark Inari made the detective frightened even more.
He was familiar with the creatures, he had been threatened with the same ones right before his memories were swept clean but this time, Suguru would make him remember and make him regret everything he had ever done.
For each time Sachiko had to endure being left scraps to eat, he would allow his Nogitsune a piece of his flesh.
For each time Sachiko had been hit until she was badly bruised and coughed up blood, he would also equate with a hit that came from his own fist.
For each time, his skin had breached hers, even if he was not successful in defiling her virtue, the mere thought of his unchaste advances, had worsened the anger inside of Suguru that he allowed the beast to bite off his manhood.
And alas, for the time he had attempted to put her into an eternal slumber, he would grant his own demise.
Suguru and his Nogitsune stood over the mangled detective now, etching in his memory how such a man, with no powers, had the ability and the means to create curses had been living a life that was even more vile than some spirits he had fought before.
He summoned his cursed energy one more and hovered his hand over the detective's heart to which the Nogitsune aligned its mouth and bared its sharp teeth. The detective's blood and tears gushed forth, but no amount of pleading could change Suguru's mind now.
"The world is better off without you," Suguru concluded, eyes blown with pure folly and dissent towards the bastard who was swimming in his own blood and grime.
The Nogitsune widened its mouth as Suguru spoke and with the next breath, it bit down on the man's chest until it pierced through his heart where finally met his wicked termination.
Suguru turned his back now and etched a rather gentle smile as he wiped the blood on his shirt, grimacing at the thought that he was smeared with dirty essence, "Filthy monkey," he said.
Shortly after, Hideo had heard from Masamichi's dolls and his own Inaris about what the graphic murder that occurred in Kofu.
Sachiko's aunt was soon reported to be missing but her cousin, the only innocent soul was luckily placed into custody with her grandparents and granted protection by the clan.
He had cautioned Gojo not to divulge the information to his granddaughter out of fear that it might trigger her consumption to progress.
She had worked incredibly hard to move past what that man had done to her when she was younger and triggering bad memories while she was on an important mission wouldn't do her any good.
Hideo knew from how Satoru had reacted that he was aware of every important detail of her past. As much as his heart ached from the recollection of her state from before, he needed to keep strong so that her new protector, could remain confident as well.
After excusing himself from the Miura clan head, he met up with Shouko as per her request.
Of course, he had to make do with a meeting at the smoking area near the Institute as she had told him that she was on call.
As soon as he saw her lighting up two sticks at one time, Satoru had pointed out that she wasn't being a good example to her future patients and peers to which she rewarded him with a direct puff of thick smoke to his face, causing his spectacles to fog up.
He coughed a few times before fanning away some of the smoke from his face,
"Seriously! Yesterday, you wanted to drink and now you're smoking and still dragging our asses for another round at the pub,"
"I'm fucking stressed wise-ass, I need my friends to unwind," she glared at him through her tired eyes.
After graduation, Shouko had gone through hoops to earn her degree early and as a result of Getou's group, the number of injured sorcerers and dead bodies she had to examine piled up.
Satoru leaned on one of the railings a few steps away from her and sighed, "So, why'd you bring me here?"
Shouko took a long hit from her cig and tucked one hand inside her coat pocket,
"The man that Getou killed,"
"Yeah?"
"That's Sachiko's uncle," she looked at him now, and based on his tightened mouth and riled expression, Shouko knew he knew what she was hinting at.
She wrinkled her brow at him, "You know about him? What he did?"
Satoru merely nodded but kept his expression stern.
She balanced the cig in between her fingers and tapped the end over the tray, "I only hinted to Suguru about him, I never knew he knew so much, then again, who knows what else he dug into," she cocked a brow, "And you, when did you find out?"
Satoru placed both hands inside his pockets and gritted his teeth, evading the stare of the brunette who was clearly trying to read through his rage, "Last year…she told me,"
"And how did you react?" Shouko felt exhaustion creep in. The bags in her eyes had deepened since learning of the news she had hesitantly kept from her best friend. Many times, the two of them would reenact how revealing such sensitive information to him would go. She had begged Ieiri to help her through her speech, having to repeat over and over such disgusting memories that once plagued her daily nightmares just so she could protect him from the trauma.
What Ieiri feared wasn't her delivery, it was how he would take such news.
He clicked his tongue now, "I wanted to do the same thing," he said bluntly.
Shouko felt sick. Her stomach was in knots because the first time she was told the painful tale, she wanted, hell, wished for him to die in the most horrific way possible. But when it finally happened, she didn't expect that Suguru would be the executioner.
Thinking about how Sachiko had bared her soul to her when they were younger made her realize how much she had already overcome and hearing about the incident about her uncle only made it more real to her best friend. She felt a little bad and a little confused if she was being honest with herself. One hand, Sachiko's abuser is finally gone, on the other, Suguru murdered someone again, and this time, he did it, for her.
It was an equally twisted moral conflict that she just couldn't help but feel nauseous about it.
But then her friend said something that made her feel more at ease about what she should focus on,
"But, that's not what she'd want me to do," Gojo's face softened. His hatred was covered by his vacant stare and Shouko's reddened eyes opened widely in surprise.
He's doing better than I am.
Shouko threw the small end of the cig on the wastebasket before proceeding to replace it with the one in her coat, "Exactly. Now you know why I wasn't that happy that the both of you were pining for her. I'm sure you've noticed when we first met her, she rarely sat too close to any of you. And the time at the arcade, yeah, those had reasons," before she lit another stick, she pursed her lips and walked to confront the boy beside her and continued her speech,
Her hazel eyes narrowed at him now, demanding that he take her next set of words seriously. To say that she was desperately trying to protect her friend was accurate but also, she also wanted to protect Satoru's sense of justice and ability to see beyond the gray lines,
"Despite what happened to her, she actually handled a lot of it well and it's not a coincidence," she let out a sharp breath and raised her finger,
"It's hard work. Since she got rescued by the Miuras, she had been receiving therapy," her fingers combed through her hair in an attempt to flatten the curves that formed in her forehead,
"Heck, I even went with her a few times, and I was glad that she rarely needed medication," she pierced her index finger into his shoulder now, startling him,
"That's how strong and determined she was to get better," With one hand on her waist, she tilted her chin,
"When she first told me about you two, she wanted to speak to her shrink about it because she was so afraid that she'd lose you. And she still is," she threw the cig inside her pocket and placed both hands on the sides of his face now and looked at him harshly,
"So, I want you to understand how every touch she allowed, even a pat in the head, how every hug and hell, every kiss she had allowed you to give, and she had reciprocated is all founded on the trust she has with you," she let him go now. His cerulean eyes shot wide open at her intense statements, but she wasn't done. Jabbing her fist towards his chest, she raised her voice to drive a point,
"It's not just love. It's trust and respect. She doesn't give that liberally,"
Gojo could feel that she spoke from a place of understanding. Sachiko was like a sister to her and was the first person she ever trusted about very complex things about her life. Her reaction was touching but also meant to give him a sort of warning.
This made him mollify his expression at her, "I would never hurt her Ieiri. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize our relationship," he promised.
"Good. Cause, she's not getting better for you. She's doing everything primarily for herself so…I hope you understand what I mean," she crossed her arms now and relaxed her brow.
Gojo gave her a soft smile and nodded, "I do. I'd never hurt your best friend. And I do understand everything you've said and I value my time with her,"
She turned her side now and wiped the solitary tear that threatened to trickle down her eye,
"That's all I needed to hear then,"
Take good care of her, while you can.
She groaned and waved goodbye towards her friend, unable to look him in the eye to tell him that on top of everything they were going through and despite the harsh circumstances Sachiko had overcome, her status remained the same.
She's still withering.
I already lost one friend.
If her condition persists then, I'll lose the two people left at the same time.
Fuck this shit.
Siu Kong, the Korean liaison that she had joined years ago for a Gumiho incident in Seoul, South Korea had given them a very ill-detailed tip regarding the mission. It was supposed to be just an escortship for the two-tailed Kitsune to conduct routine physical check-ups to some of their associates abroad.
The location was correct, but they were clearly outnumbered. Siu Kong had failed to mention that besides the grade 1 curse lurking about the area, Nogitsune summoners and local curse-users also took advantage of the laxed security and attacked the camp. Sachiko was doing surveillance at a nearby base and only had a handful of escorts when the siege began. After rushing back, she and her men were forced to separate ways as their return was already expected.
She was leaning against one of the desecrated temples that had been turned into rubble by the summoners. There were probably at least twelve summoners who had dispatched their Nogitsunes to surround Kodansha and the Inaris inside the camp.
The rest of the curse-users concentrated on keeping Sachiko outside the base until they had disposed of her aunt, who was the biggest threat to them.
Already, the number of civilians who were injured were increasing each moment that passed that she wasn't able to go near them. Around her, chaos rippled out of control which left her unable to aid most of her companions.
The plan was crafted meticulously. There weren't any signs of an infiltration which only meant an insider had given away too much information and was likely actively participating in the ambush.
She was still puffing out air, red eyes scanning her surroundings, readying for any impending retalation from her successful attempt to eliminate at least half the summoners and their Inaris. The problem was, in between her active management, the more she remained idle, the more her consumption began to surface.
She covered her mouth with one hand as she coughed, her palm instantly felt moistened by the droplets she had released and with obscured vision, she saw the crimson taint her skin and she could taste the blood in her mouth.
The burn of the Kitsune markings continued to etch sigils that were made visible to her surroundings. Which tail she had activated, the locks of her hair lightened.
But her resolve to rescue her people was stronger than the Kitsune adamant to consume her cursed energy.
The fire in her crescentic eyes danced like the ones that covered her body. Determined to bring her and her family back home, she faced her enemies head on and glowed a harsh light to draw them in.
Inside of her pulsed a wave of determination to still all of her enemies and with the next breath, she raised her hands into a benediction,
"Ryoiki Tenkai…" she uttered, drawing into herself the light that slowly enveloped her form, overlapping it with the shadows of each entity present, she marked her domain at the expanse of the whole camp.
She could feel the fear and the beguilement each of her enemies had towards her, their allusive stares, and ill attempts to retaliate almost palpable with the aura they brought but it didn't matter anymore because inside of her territory, she knew, they were already defeated.
Her blood quickened and the rhythm only fueled her energy more. From what she saw in their faces, she knew her reflection was no longer of a woman and a sorcerer but her true self in her most feral form of the cursed spirit. She charged through each body and each curse without much difficulty, creating for herself a path that led straight to her aunt and the civilians.
Her enemies were limited inside her domain, but she was the complete opposite.
Covering her palms in a blaze of her white fox fire, she walked defiantly across the last few remaining summoners and just about she was set to attack, they surrendered.
Dispelling her hold on them came soon enough, with whoever was left of her comrades, she had asked them to apprehend the suspects who only spoke of fear and regret at the sight of the Six-Tailed Kitsune but even in her triumph, Miura Sachiko could not feel the pride nor glory that came with her win.
How could she when she failed in saving more than half of the people who relied on her?
How could she when they would never wake again?
If only, I didn't need to step back. If only I were faster and stronger.
Again, a horrid taste in her mouth and a sudden tightness in her chest pushed her off her balance, a warm liquid tinged in red trickled to the side of her lips and she could feel her energy slowly drain her senses.
She could hear the words of gratitude by those left behind, but she could not make any sense out of them.
If she weren't there, perhaps no one would have survived but if she were better, perhaps everyone would've.
Moments like these, she wondered how many more she'd have to endure and how many more people she'd fail to save because of her limitations.
Despite the fatigue, she couldn't feel the pain from her wounds. All she was left to do was question herself as she looked at her reflection in the puddle of red that cloaked the ground,
How long can I still do this?
How long do I still have as a sorcerer?
But then she saw her aunt, bloodied at her sides, still using her reversal techniques on others instead of herself. Like her, she used her affinity as a Kitsune to not only use her strength in battle but to will it to be something more than just be a sword and shield.
She knew it when Kodansha gave her a solemn look that she also needed to continue to fight because she fought for her and the others too.
Kodansha spoke through her eyes how the sacrifices of that day will always have a deeper meaning.
She needed to believe it or else she could not press on.
The life of a sorcerer was incredibly difficult and unfair.
Sometimes, there are battles you win that would never clear the emptiness of the souls left behind.
There are no true winners in war.
Only the evidence of its ceasing in the memories of both the living and the dead.
Still, because of what had happened, there were people who were allowed to return to their homes.
The place, which was once a valley of hurt and darkness, can now be rebuilt into a place of hope.
The path of a sorcerer is difficult but perhaps, it was the path that only a few of those brave enough to enter the fold could survive.
Life was relative to sorcerers.
But living,
Wasn't.
I am here because I want to protect people.
I want to continue fighting.
I want to live without regrets even if I know there will be days when I won't feel as strong as people presume I am.
I can't leave this world knowing I have people waiting for me.
I want to live fully-
-while I still can.
The search for Siu Kong was spearheaded by the Miura clan. After the two-tailed Kitsune, Kodansha and the six-tailed Kitsune have been recovered from their last mission, Hideo made sure that interrogation reports from the higher-ups would all pass through him.
Kodansha was among those who needed special medical care which forced Shouko Ieiri to take on more than what she was prepped for in terms of her technique. It saddened her that her beloved mentor had decided to utilize what was left of her energy that day to tend to others when she was also at her limit.
And to add fuel to the fire, Sachiko arrived in haphazard state, close to the Kitsune slumber.
Gojo Satoru didn't think twice about using his teleportation technique to head to the Taisha in Kyoto.
He hungered for a detailed explanation, but Shouko could only spare him a few moments before she had to aide in the recovery of others.
He was given the gist, they were betrayed and surrounded. Kodansha and a few of her aides had to defend a whole camp while Sachiko had to fight off conspirators and the curses that infiltrated the camp and she had to do that all by herself.
If given rankings, most of those she had to fight were at least a grade 1 curse user and the fact that she had to utilize her domain for a prolonged period of time made for a catastrophic consumptive process as soon as she started her rest.
It didn't help that she still felt so frustrated with herself for not being able to do more but more so for thinking that she wouldn't be able to pull something as massive as that if needed in the future without risking her life in the process.
Satoru had rushed to her quarters and was relieved to find her conscious. It was hard to still his heart and staggered breathing but the empty bed and sound that came from the lavatory allowed him to release some of his concerns.
He gave three soft knocks on the door, "Chi-chan? It's me, are you okay?" his voice was gilded in concern, and it was enough to pierce through her core that all she wanted to do was open the door and crash into his arms.
But she couldn't, not with the kind of reflection she saw in the mirror.
"I'm alright, I'll be right with you," she sounded convincing enough to make Satoru withdraw from the other side but in reality, she just didn't want to make him any more worried than he was now.
She felt the power surge through her veins when she was fighting. It was overwhelming and it made her confident enough that she would win but with the first breath of rest that escaped from her dry throat, the pull of the ravenous cursed spirit inside of her made her tremble.
Her shaking fingers traced the outline of her pale face that was now branded with the markings of her curse on her cheeks and forehead that also extended to her limbs.
She turned her morphed crimson eyes away from the glass and proceeded to splash her face with water, the cold droplets allowing her to activate her senses to seem more alert than what she really was. As she wiped her face with the towel, she couldn't help but notice how pale her hair had gotten. In its unwound state, it was evident even as she stood conscious, consumption was already at play.
There was a sudden urge to cough that the surprise of it didn't even allow her to cover her mouth to muffle the sound or catch the blood that splattered on her sink. It was only fortunate that she had left the water running that it bought her time to collect herself as she eliminated the fading red marks that spread all over.
Sachiko felt herself begin to breakdown and this feeling of dread suddenly made her teeth chatter at the truth she oftentimes ignored.
I am powerful but I am not-invincible.
I am…running out of time.
Another knock sent her into a jolt, and she quickly changed her bloodied clothing and tied her hair up just to ease in the changes that Satoru's eyes would surely notice.
There were hardly any secrets in between them and instead of it being a comfort, she thought of it as a burden. Herself, to him.
When she finally opened the door, Satoru was already waiting only a step away. The sight of him standing there was enough to make her undone, but she would not risk weeping and making him disquieted by her appearance more so than what his face was showing now.
He didn't speak a word at first, but he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and helped her to sit comfortably by the bed. Even with the dark glasses shielding some of her energy, weak as it may be, he could already feel that she wasn't feeling well. He thought by now, in his years spent tending to her, he was used to it, but every experience was different-no, difficult.
And it was escalating.
Satoru felt like his soul was leaving body, but he needed to stay grounded for both of their sakes.
Without waiting for him to speak, Sachiko rested her head on his shoulder and looped her tired hands over his body, inwardly sobbing and just feeling extremely fatigued that keeping her balance was a struggle.
Satoru stroked the side of her cheek gently, "I'm glad you're home. Are you okay?" he turned a few decibels lower as he spoke to her and waited for her reply.
Sachiko only tightened her hold him and nodded slightly, "I'm just tired," she said lowly, "I'll be fine." Her eyes were already half-lidded but the small smile she gave him made Satoru a little calmed.
He supported her head now and slowly moved her to lie down restfully on the bed. Sachiko allowed him to tuck her in, her movements slowing down but was carefully guided by her lover as she settled in the soft sheets.
"Go to sleep, I'll watch you," he said, smiling sweetly as he sat beside her in the space left near the header of the bed. She reached out to touch his face, icy fingers making Satoru wince slightly that he quickly caught them in between his warm hands as he lowered them over his lips.
She scooted over to give him enough space to lay beside her, the silent request he quickly indulged as he cradled her in his arms, humming a soft tune to help her sleep.
He affixed the blanket over her bare arms and began rubbing the sides to induce warmth over her shaking body and Sachiko could only watch and accept his gestures and cling unto him, taking in every touch, his scent and his warmth which instantly became the source of her strength to keep awake.
The way that she felt so secure in his hold is what she missed the most whenever she was away. Everything about her life was filled with uncertainties except for him.
While true that he was far from perfect in such a way that he was crass, often unsubdued and had very strong opinions about many things, including trouble with keeping balance of what is morally acceptable to what can be compromised, she was able to accept because she was there to help him. Many people told her that she was ideal for him to keep him grounded but in reality, she was the one who relied on him too much.
"Hey, go to sleep, I'll be right here," he began lightly tracing lines over her brow making her long, dark lashes flutter open and close, preempting her to sleep.
Sachiko bobbed her head and closed her eyes, her lips curving as she took a deep breath and proceeded to welcome her slumber.
Satoru's mind was filled with many questions. For one, the sudden reappearance of Suguru to exact justice against that vile man was clearly meant to send a message to him as well.
He couldn't understand the timing of it, and he couldn't accept that he did it so monstrously especially since he had been doing a fine job of keeping under the radar.
He and Sachiko had been using resources behind their family's back to find information about him during the first few months that he had disappeared and even though their efforts weren't as much as before, he made sure that he'd be made aware of anything related to him.
There were traitors among them. Siu Kong and Toshihisa Negi were only a few of them.
Satoru knew that there was more to Suguru's activity than just eliminating that man.
And he had to prepare for it.
Even her.
But how could he ever find the strength to focus on something else when the most important matter was literally in his hands?
The voice of the present Seer, Jinx, echoed in his thoughts,
"Remember that some ambitions hinder the greater gift of reality, cherish the beauty than can only be seen through your eyes, cherish what you have now,"
And she was right.
For the past few years, their priority had always been the realm and nothing else. Themselves only a close second.
And that needed to change or else, there would be nothing left for him to hold.
As if Sachiko could actually hear his thoughts, she began stirring and had slowly opened her eyes. She lifted her chin so that she could look upon his face and Satoru realized that perhaps Sachiko had not gone to sleep and just lay silent beside him.
"Thank you…Satoru…" she said making him a little flustered at her sudden remark.
"For what Chi?"
She took in a breath with her smile, "I'm so happy you're here. I'm glad we're back home…"
This made him chuckle, the feel of his airy breath tickling her skin that aided in evening out her breathing. He tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear and grinned,
"Don't worry about anything, I'm right here, go to sleep, I'm not going anywhere,"
Sachiko shut her eyes for a moment, the force of it allowing a trickle of her tear to drop to the side of her face. Her lips quivered and the more she tried to keep awake, the more she felt the pain from the consumption,
"I know you're not, it's me who I worry about…" she sobbed, crushing Satoru's heart as he tried to keep strong even though he already felt too deep into the slump. His brows were weaved harshly, and his mouth drew into a straight line, but Sachiko's continued speaking before he could even hush her to sleep,
"I don't want to sleep…I'm scared I won't wake up,"
Satoru felt his chest tighten, her hold on her loosened as he tried to grasp the depth of her words. This was his girl, the strongest person he knew, cowering and allowing the truth of her state finally surface after years of resistance. A part of him wanted to scold her for saying such grim things. She had promised him that she wouldn't speak of her condition with much finality but the way she delivered her statement made him realize that perhaps he was asking too much of her.
Another crystal fluid wet her face and Satoru was already scrambling to wipe her face clean while keeping his own dry.
"Chi, don't be scared. I'm right here, you're just going to get some rest. I'll watch over you even in your dreams,"
He leaned over now and brushed his lips on hers, slowly, carefully molding his mouth as she weakly pressed hers in between her whimpering.
After a while, he had managed to lull her back to sleep but he kept his eyes wide open. As soon as her breathing evened out, Satoru placed one of her hands on his face, pressing his cheek on her palm before his hand caught her wrist. The feel of her pulse made him sad. It wasn't thready but it was slow.
This compelled him to take a closer look at her features. Her body was covered in vivid markings of the Kitsune that when he traced it, he could almost feel it being carved into her skin. When he ran his fingers in her hair, it finally revealed that much color was lost from her last mission.
He clenched his teeth and rubbed his eyes with his palms, awaiting his vision to clear and check if what he had seen was actually accurate.
But there was something else he had to check. A definite way to gauge her full state of health. Shifting into his gifted sight, the strong cloud that used to block the outline of her body turned into a thin mist of white. Her thermal registry was cooler than before and combined, he could not just see the radical shift in her core energy as compared to the Kitsune one, he could feel it.
It was weak.
The cursed-spirit part of her soul glowed a harsh color and it was evident that it was overpowering her sorcerer self.
The contents of his ribcage rattled, the spirit inside of him withered with each heartbeat he made that soon enough he felt the pool of water he had shunned flowed out of him profusely.
It felt like torture to watch her fade away. But if he continued to cry, he knew he'd start yelling and bawling so loudly out of despair that he'd awaken the whole Taisha. He quickly wiped his face with his sleeve and drew her closer to his body.
He hadn't cried in such a long time.
He realized, perhaps these tears were reserved for her.
He hated himself for not being able to do anything as she lay beside him. If only he could replace her and bear the pain for her. He was ready to do that. He was ready to give up everything.
But he needed her to want him to.
And it was hard.
Because her big heart would never allow it.
The sudden shift in their position, alerted a half-asleep Sachiko that she couldn't help but open her eyes. She was met by Satoru's unhappy expression which he could no longer will away,
"What's the matter, 'Toru?" she said, worried.
Gojo took a deep breath, "It's nothing Chi," he cleared his throat to keep his voice from cracking, "I-I just miss you, that's all…"
She giggled, the sound of it tickling the happiness that was hard to find in that moment, making him yearn for more of it, "I'm right here silly," she followed.
Satoru kissed her temple now and kept her line of vision away from his watery eyes,
"I know and I don't want that to change,"
"Toru?" her voice rose in alarm, but Satoru kept her head in place, gently resting on his chest, close enough that she could hear the beating go faster and faster like he was running towards something.
He was trying to hasten himself, just so he could catch up to her and keep her in place.
Desperately.
"Sachi…don't leave me…"
"Never," she said, a little bit confused but extremely confident in her promise, herself already feeling the last bit of her consciousness seep away.
"Okay," he kissed the crown of her head once more and which made Sachiko tremble as she longed to tighten her hold but failed, "Chi-chan?"
Sachiko swallowed her tears, "I want to hold you…but I'm so weak…I don't want to sleep but my eyes are growing heavy…"
"I'll hold you," he whispered, embracing her with all that he had, to make sure that she wouldn't ever feel alone in their bed, "You feel me, I'm right here, I'm never letting you go,"
He meant everything he said and even if she began to finally descend into her sleep, Satoru continued his prayer,
"I'll take care of everything, I will give you my strength, I will save you, so don't be afraid to close your eyes, even in your dreams, I'll be there to keep you safe, I promise you…"
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Three nights after, Satoru had made an unexpected visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Hideo Miura had dismissed all of his subjects as per request of the boy. The matter seemed of utmost importance in his message, and he knew he had to at least humor him.
As soon as the door slid to a close, the head of the Miura clan was surprised to be greeted by a presence of a man he almost didn't recognize. He wore his own clan robes, the plum blossoms outlined in white floated against the blue of the cloth and he had presented himself in the most respectable way not just in garb and hair and very clear unshaded eyes.
But what was most notable was the way he carried himself.
He approached with much poise but didn't walk in a manner of arrogance nor conceit.
This boy, the inheritor of one of the three big clans looked at Hideo like he was about to present something that would potentially change the course of their dynamic forever.
And with one blink, Hideo already knew what he was about to ask but, to test his sincerity, he set his personal feelings aside and stood firm as he took on the role he was needed to fulfill.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" he finally asked.
But before he could say anything else, the tall boy with the striking sky for eyes slowly dropped to his knees. He lowered his upper body until his chest pressed against his lap while his hands slid forward along his thighs until they were on the floor, roughly a few centimeters away from his knees. He then lowered his head until his face was only a breath away from the floor, his palms flat, forming a triangle directly under his face with the tips of his index fingers lightly touching another.
He had performed a perfect Saikeirei. A type of traditional bow that was meant to show his utmost respect to the person before him.
Hideo was taken aback by his humble gesture but before he could usher the man to stand, Satoru beseeched,
"I, Gojo Satoru, am offering my life and my soul to save Miura Sachiko.
Please, allow me to bind with her,"
I can only save those who are ready for saving.
She told me herself.
She wants to live. She deserves a good life.
So, I will give her mine.
END OF CHAPTER
GOOD JUJU PART CONT.
The next morning, Sachiko woke up early to help the kids with their preparation for school. Satoru was entrusted with finishing breakfast preparations when Sachiko was busy adjusting the hem of Tsumiki's skirt. He poked fun at her for tying her hair so messily as she began wetting the end of the thread and hooking it around the needle and did so in her pajama bottoms and tank top all the while barking instructions at what Satoru had to pack for their lunch.
Their morning routine while the old gran was away, was something they liked to discuss after the kids had gone to school, with Satoru casually feeding the tired Sachi with a layered toast as she checked both of their schedules and planned out how they were going to efficiently take missions that would allow them to come home more frequently to the kids.
Satoru didn't vocalize his thoughts, but it really did feel like they were young parents. He saw it in her eyes, the eagerness and joy she felt whenever they stayed with them and that was something he wanted to keep constant.
Their afternoons were rather occupied as well. When they were indisposed, Sachiko would go about and teach them how to properly ride the bike after Tsumiki had asked Satoru for one.
Of course, in all Gojo fashion, he had bought one for each of them without asking for Sachiko's permission. But what was more surprising was the fact that he didn't even know how to ride one.
While Tsumiki took the liberty of teaching her little brother the basics, he was caught off-guard when she asked if Satoru could ride with them. Sachiko couldn't help but laugh at his shy statement and it took her and Tsumiki to get him to learn how to balance himself on the bike.
It was in instances like these that Sachiko wondered who among the both of them had more normal childhood experiences. But having the opportunity to actually teach Gojo Satoru something very important, she couldn't resist but make the most out of it.
Clingy as he was, the first few times they had ridden the bike around the Dojo, Sachiko was the one driving with Satoru settled on the passenger seat and it was so nice to see him so happy and free with the two kids mirroring his excitement.
She loved that they had captured the moment so she could always go back and reminisce about such a sweet memory.
The following week, Satoru had received news that Megumi and Tsumiki excelled in their schoolwork and as a prize, he took measures to get permission for them to go on a fun trip.
He gathered them at the living room and made the announcement,
"So, what do you say? You wanna go to TDL?"
"T-D-L?" the two said in unison.
"Tokyo Disney Land?" his overly opened mouth, draped half-way, as he waited for them to pick-up their excitement.
To dispel the awkward tension, Sachiko clasped her hands together and replied happily,
"Oh okay, sure! I've never been to a theme park before, sounds fun!"
Satoru was shocked by her statement that he couldn't help but sit back down and stare at her,
"Never? To any theme park?" he frowned, chin trembling from woe.
"Uh-uh…" she shook her head.
Gojo started to sniffle, "Even I went when I was in middle school…" without thinking twice he looped his arms around a rather confused Sachiko and squealed. "Chi-chan! I'm taking you there so you can have fun!"
Tsumiki exclaimed, "YAY! THEME PARK!"
As soon as the other two were off preparing their things, Sachiko took it as an opportunity to inquire more about his time at the said attraction.
She crossed her arms and snickered, "So, who did you go with when you went to TDL?"
"Some middle school classmates," his eyes went astray which was followed by a few scratches on the side of his face. Sachiko could sense that her question made him uneasy which made her even more curious.
She lifted a brow and challenged, "You can say if you went with your middle school girlfriend,"
Satoru's arms began flapping into a panic and the way she had looked at him made him unsure if she was just teasing him or if she was seriously asking him to give her a proper answer,
"I told you, you're my first and only," he replied, sweat dripping down his face.
She pursed her lips and stepped sideways,
"Okay, some pretty girls you wanted to impress then. Hm?"
"…Uh…."
The sound he made irked Sachiko and he immediately saw the vein prominently throbbing at the side of her temple. The kindheartedness was lost in her eyes and her voice shifted into an eerie sound of monotony,
"Oh, wow, so it's true…okay, I don't mind but please don't tell me about them, okay?" she gave him a smile that sent a cold chill down his spine, for a moment he thought he heard the sound of glass shattering and as she left him under her own dark cloud, he rushed to her side,
"Chi, wait, I can explain!"
Their trip didn't start off as smooth. Megumi was still grumpy and eyed Gojo like he was the demon spawn after overhearing that he hung around other girls when he was in middle-school. Kicking him in his shoe wasn't enough and as a way to make amends with him, Satoru went out of his way to shower him with gifts.
Sachiko and Tsumiki had fun going around the attractions and the little one was even successful in convincing Sachiko to have her hair done into the style of Belle from Beauty and Beast while Tsumiki had her crowned like Aurora from Sleeping beauty.
Satoru had taken the liberty to buy matching Mickey-ear baseball caps for him and Megumi and despite him being initially uncomfortable and shy around other people, they were able to take a few good shots at the park.
Sachiko dragged Satoru to one of the rollercoasters she read about and, in his attempt, to impress her, he didn't even think twice about jumping in line. Their pictures have proven though that he was a little too overwhelmed by the ride unlike his girlfriend who was too ecstatic during the whole ordeal.
They had stayed long enough to watch the fireworks which made Sachiko a little emotional.
Tsumiki and Megumi couldn't help but inquire about it when they got home, asking Satoru why she cried and laughed at the same time before they left.
He did his best to explain, "Oh, you see, well, Chi-you're Sachimommy had a tough time when she was your age. She didn't have the time to go do things normal kids did…so, our trip was very special to her," the kids exchanged worried looks to which he quickly dispelled by patting their heads,
"I want her to experience the things she missed out on and at the same time, we get to spoil you two too! I don't want you kiddos to miss out as well," he grinned.
Tsumiki though still felt a little concerned, "Mommy wasn't happy as a kid?"
Gojo exhaled, "Well, I guess, in a way, she just was alone for the most part-but thanks to you two, she's much more, happier now. So, if you kids wanna do something fun, make sure to invite her okay? And I'll take care of the rest!"
"Okay! Thank you!" Tsumiki had given Gojo a short hug before retreating to her room where Sachiko was waiting to help her prepare for bed.
Megumi on the other hand gestured for him to crouch down and to his surprise, he had awarded Gojo with three thoughtful pats on the head,
"Good job, Satoru-san,"
NEXT: FAMILIARSHIP, BINDING VOWS AND INTIMACY
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hi! How are your eyes? I hope you guys are still okay LMAO.
Thank you so much for dropping by again. I really appreciate reading all of your comments, messages and even kudos. It really helps keep me motivated.
To date, this is has got be my longest chapter yet. Like I said, my schedule is so haywire and most of the time, I'm not sure when I'll be able to update, so here you go haha. (I'm currently doing research and stuff in between my job for the next chapter).
This was quite a different challenge for me as I had to detail some very sensitive and quite graphic elements of the story. With that said, I do hope that despite all those, the semblance of hope still remains.
It was important to me to add some dialogues and scenes (would you believe I cut a lot haha) in this chapter to provide some clarity and continuity because after this chapter, we will cross a different territory of maturity and struggles but also a whole lot of triumphs, big and small.
I'm sure some of you might have some questions or thoughts, please feel free to let me know either here or on twt ( MiuraChronicler).
Again, thanks to my friend iwanttobeaseme on twt for providing the art for this chapter. My friend truly nails the expression department and the way she drew Suguru, I couldn't help but bawl. I love this so much!
P.S. Who else stayed up late for the Vol. 0 trailer?
Next chapter: BINDING VOWS will retain its M-rating from then on. It's gonna be a bit SPICY and LIME-Y. I'll speak to you all again in 2 weeks (hopefully).
Sooooo, they'll be in their 20s then and have graduated and starting to career as professional sorcerers by then haha.
SOME INTERESTING NOTES!
Quote/Dialogue References:
Sachiko's line is mirrored in this line by Yuta in JJK Vol. 0 Manga (now upcoming movie):
"To be among those you love and feel like you're an important part of them, then I'd like to believe, that I'm allowed to continue living just for these moments too…"
-Yuta's line to Suguru when they fought head-to-head
"As sorcerers, we must also make sure that we keep our fellow sorcerers safe…"
-Suguru Getou, Star Plasma Vessel Arc
"Emerge from darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure."-sorcerers recite this when they create a curtain.
In my readings about Buddhism, I came across some very beautiful and intriguing quotations about their ideologies that I thought fit some of the characters' own. They are as follows:
"The root of suffering is attachment." – This is a Buddhist belief and is roughly adapted by the Vol. 0 Manga when Gojo said, "Love is the most twisted curse," and yes, I love this line that I dedicated the whole story to Gojo's words. Buddhism teaches that in order to achieve enlightenment, we must detach ourselves from all worldly things and connections and instead dedicate our lives to become selfless beings as only then can we achieve true peace.
Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals.
-Suguru's lamentation regarding his reason for providing an alternative to Sachiko's restriction.
Better it is to live one day seeing the rise and fall of things than to live a hundred years without ever seeing the rise and fall of things."
This is paralleled by Sachiko's statement:"If I stop being a sorcerer, then what would I be left with? Who would I be? Where would I go? I'd rather face and feel it all. The struggle, the pain, the peace, I'd feel more complete if I am able to do so."
~It is better to do nothing, than to do what is wrong. For whatever you do, you do to yourself.
I believe this is about Karma. Yahiko said this line as a warning to Suguru about the consequences of his actions.
~Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let them resolutely pursue a solitary course.
Parallel: Suguru said this when he was saying his goodbye. This is why, I must pursue the solitary course. He is ultimately choosing a lonely path in order to pursue his ambition because his love would never dream of the same as him.
There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
Paralleled in Satoru's statement at the Shinjuku crossing:
In that moment, Satoru began to question all of his memories with Suguru. That shard of doubt sent a dreadful taste in his mouth and that's what made him feel so detached to the friend he once knew. He felt extremely wounded and peeved that nothing about what had happened made sense.
The sting felt like he had been pierced through a sword, the cold steel boring a whole in his chest until he felt-nothing.
Other references and factoids:
Suguru's special Shikigami he used to eliminate the binding vow imposed by extension to Sachiko's uncle is the Phoenix/Suzaku (Summer/South)
A proud defender of justice and fidelity, this Yōkai takes the shape of a giant fire bird.
The phoenix is believed to be a symbol of justice in Japanese folklore.
I wonder if you've noticed that Suguru has actually utilized three out of the 4 sacred beasts. The white tiger was summoned in "Fox Hunters and Cursed Spirit Manipulation," the Dragon in the Star Plasma Vessel Arc and the Phoenix in this one. Maybe I'll have the tortoise appear too.
Gumiho: a Korean counterpart of the Kitsune legend
Very real places in Japan: Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha and Fushimi Momoyama Baseball Field, Kofu
Konohanasakuya-him e-kami or goddess of volcanoes, her symbol was said to be the Sakura (cherry blossom flower)
CAMEOS:
Actual JJK characters mentioned were Siu Kong, Toshihisa Negi and TADAAAA, one of the future Culling Game players, Hiromi Higuruma (I wanted a lawyer-cop confrontation and so happy I prayed to Gege ahahaha) and Jan Kazuha, my OC from the Commissioners of Ginza chapter
P.S. I didn't bother naming Sachiko's fosters LMAO. But her cousin, you will meet again in the next arc. She's an actual character in the canonverse. A minor one, but she's there.
Timeline Check!
The Good Juju timeline follows the period where Tsumiki and Megumi are in Shōgakkō (小学, Elementary school) from 6 to 12 years old.
Roughly:
Megumi – 8 years old
Tsumiki -10 years old
Gojo and Sachi are 21-22
