FAMILIARSHIP, BINDING VOWS AND INTIMACY


Author's Note: HELLO!

First of all apologies for the delay, this chapter was quite a monster to write haha.

Admittedly, it's my fault and things at work piled up too so I for a while I couldn't write anything so as compensation, I have added a Good Juju portion in this update and since I'm celebrating a small win of getting very good responses from you kind readers, I decided to have art made for you guys! At the end of the Good Juju portion will be choices of what kinda art you wanna see drawn. Lemme know either via comments/reviews/twts/dms ^^

Also, I'll be posting a digital painting of Sachiko I had done during my birthday on twt on Sunday as a thank you again for the number of hits I got.

Hope you guys enjoy this GojoChiko heavy chapter!

Dedications go to all my new readers and my buddies, VampireSiren (ILY bestie), MaxOliver, fushi9urou, juju, ryla, sexykatsudon and kamijin 3 thank you for your support always!


Note: This chapter will have a mature topic so as a content warning, the latter part will have mentions and depictions of sensuality and sex (I must emphasize, mention only of it) but nothing explicit (also sorry for the spoiler) lol. A number of Buddhist and Shinto themes inspired some elements found on this chapter are just meant to match the elements Gege Akutami is also inspired by.


Spring

There was something about Spring that always made the Tokyo Jujutsu Institute less dreary than usual. The university structure was always kept tidy and up to date. Unlike its Kyoto counterpart, only Tengen's dwelling was kept in its untouched state.

Well, of course there was the boundless accessories of nature that remained pristine.

Satoru had walked the same halls and entryways for years. Memorized each shortcut and recognized if any rock was out of place. Even the waveforms of the veil, intricately woven with variable cursed energy, streams of luminated colors of red and white and blue that blanketed all corners of the sacred college, would never remain unnoticed his special set of eyes.

It felt like communing at the place he called his home for the past few years made him realize how the air was different than other places he had been. During this season, his lungs would be filtered completely from the city smog, his skin would be kissed by stray lights that pass through the spaces of the trees' branches that served as natural umbrellas, that created tall pillars of shadows making him reverent at the whole place.

Satoru had treated it more like his playground than his second home though. The dorms were more like mid-level rent-out apartments made for ten people; the rest of the unoccupied rooms were storage. Training grounds next to the cafeteria were the most utilize areas in the campus giving him an array of attractions to stretch his legs and sometimes pique his mind in terms of their craft.

The classrooms were pretty standard and ambient enough but there weren't a lot of general subjects to use those blackboards and notebooks anyway. Initially, it was the place he avoided the most since it was near the principal's office. He hated the sit in lectures but not because he found study tedious, it was quite the opposite, he easily understood the lessons and much preferred other topics to discuss and read. He loved taking naps there though.

It was the perfect place to take breather. For some reason, the armchair was comfortable to rest his back in, though the school didn't take into account how his length made him stoop when he'd have to answer a test or scribble something in his notebook. But that's where he always found himself dragging his legs when he would come early straight from a mission.

Despite what he had said earlier, no one in their right mind from the authorities would come looking for him there if they had any other errands for him to attend to. But what initially started as a hiding place, instantly became one of his refuge areas. An unexpected, instant favorite among all the rooms he had visited.

Because it was where he first really opened his eyes and saw her.

His memory of it was vivid only because what he saw was something-no someone so unique and peaceful and yet was forced to be kept hidden from everyone else.

But during Spring is where she was most present and most visible.

Looking at her perfectly framed against the opened window against the backdrop of falling pink petals under a bright blue sky, she shone brightly. Her skin, frequently untouched by the sun, shone like mid-dew frost, her lips seemingly trapped the heat from the rays making them pool circulation but only faintly as compared to the fire in her eyes. The literal color of a burning flame trapped inside of her orbs, reflecting like rubies as it caught light. Then there were the faint markings of darkened flesh-colored crescents over her cheeks, seemingly carefully painted by a brush held by an experienced painter.

If he took a step back, she almost looked like portrait in the gallery.

A rare depiction of beauty of an even rarer subject.

Unlike what had actually happened, the girl who sat by the window was now looking at him, directly piercing the red through his blue, deciphering him like she was looking at a mirror. He wondered what she could have seen and was even made more curious about what she could have thought the first time they had locked eyes. The intensity of her stare making him close his eyes firmly and in the next second, he opened to another scene.

She remained still now, eyes focused on him and behind her was the narrow passage of tall wooden cabinets filled with books.

Tengen's library.

Then she took a few steps forward, with each imprint of her shoe she left, the scenery changed.

Satoru didn't feel any distortion of his own space but before him, Sachiko's image morphed into her fierce, fighting stance. Her uniform was bloodied and the gentleness on her eyes was replaced with the Kitsune's own, the slit of her pupils concentrated on his core as she dashed towards him, making him draw back but only remain stale as she went through him like a ghost. He followed her sprint but as soon as he turned around, another setting welcomed him and this time, she did not look at him for she could not.

The slumber.

The arduous state that left her immobile for weeks, causing a pause even in his own activities that even breathing needed a reminder. It was a terrible aide-memoire of how fragile she was despite being powerful.

Strong but not impenetrable.

In one corner of the room where she lay were torn pieces of the calendar, month after month, time seemed to pass and the image of her changed like the seasons.

The day had started as spring. She was a beautiful, delicate flower in full bloom. Her whole form a perfect canvas, colors painted so vividly, a breath of fresh air escaping with each of her sighs.

But now, Winter has come at last. She lay frozen in time, washed out of all hues save for the black and white now dawned on his eyes. No matter how many times he rubbed them to clear his vision, only the time would change.

He began running towards her, but the soft bed drifted further away until he fell.

The abyss felt like he was being swallowed up by the ocean. The waves crashing and willing him to sink further down until he could no longer find even her shadow.

When he took a deep breath to swim, the first stroke transitioned into him flapping his hands against the wind. Floating into a spread of clouds, dissipating with each grasp, unable to hold unto them to keep him from falling until with the next heave of his breath, he found his feet planted firmly in what seemed like grass.

Around him were vine and bushes uprooted with an assortment of flowers, plum, cherry and all kinds of blossoms, even red camellias appeared as a lone, majestic red swallow tail butterfly would fly over the leaves. The butterfly circled around Satoru like it knew exactly who he was and why he was there. He recalled that the swallow tail laced with gold details was actually the symbol of the Taira clan and the blossoms that sprouted beneath him, were the deep shade of purple over its circular petals that led him to a trail of a red torii gate. The plants seemed to push him towards the structure just far enough for him to make out a figure of a woman in a black dress.

Unlike the Sachiko he saw at the classroom, this one did not glow. Her light was faint, as if the clouds were commanded to cover the sun. The shine on her skin was absent, the crimson of her cheeks and lips were replaced by pallor and lack of flesh evident in her collarbones. Her long raven hair became even paler than his own locks and her eyes, once lit up like a pyre, dimmed into a light shade of red.

When he blinked, the image of the Sachiko he knew all too well was replaced by another woman who wore a multicolored juunihitoe, a distinct type of clothing women wore during the Heian period. What was more, her raven hair reached the soles of her feet, still braided with the ends faded into gray. She had the same markings of the Kitsune all over her body but he wondered why she looked so different yet bore the same face.

He followed the stream that led him closer to the torii, the clear water allowing him a glimpse of his reflection which even he didn't recognize. For one, his hair also grew in length but was neatly tied just in the middle and his sleeves had outstretched longer than the tips of his fingers, his dark blue soukutai flapping against him as he ran towards her.

The woman who bore Sachiko's face took a step forward, the torri gates framed her whole form and transitioned into black, until red spider lilies decorated her hair and surrounded the path, she took towards him. Both of them rushing to meet at the midline as the lilies continued to surround them.

She raised her trembling hands and reached out to him, pleading to him to come and take her hand and he steadily increased his pace towards her. His footing felt like he was flying.

Her lips quirked open, "Then..." she looked at him now, full of determination and certainty embedded in her flame-colored eyes. Carefully taking closer strides towards the white-haired Jujutsu Sorcerer, she lifted her fingers into a benediction and activated the spell that wove like bands on a red string, that extended towards his long, fingers and warm hand, almost longing for him take her, all of her away with him,

"Let's make a vow. If you lend me your strength, my powers, allegiance, and whatever ounce of my protection I can give, will be yours, "

But the tall man with beautiful glassy eyes didn't take her hand. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close to his muscular body, towering over her so she could hear the fast beating of his heart. His touch against the back of her head as he caressed her hair and tightened his hold on her bodice was almost electric that even without speaking, she knew his hushed sentiments towards her-so pure, unselfish and clear. His lips gently brushed her temple making her quiver in his grasp and soon her own beating was audible.

Gojo Satoru lifted her face to align his sapphire eyes at her and grinned,

"My strength, my heart, everything, it's all yours. Vow or no vow. All I want, is you."

And in that moment, they were left alone in a blank space, no walls, no trees, no oceans, nothing left but a single red string, twined in between their hands.

Miura Sachiko lifted her head and focused her crimson eyes at him and smiled and there he saw, so clearly, was his future.

And then, he woke up.


Satoru's eyes snapped wide open, and he found himself half risen, covered in sweat as he welcomed the first light of the day. He was out of breath, but he couldn't figure out why he felt so tired when the conclusion of his vivid dream was a hopeful one. His palms were moist and clammy that he had to wipe them over his sheets before he slumped back down on his pillows.

"What was that?" he muttered, glancing upon the ticking clock then again to the window. The breeze brought in the fresh smell of the flowers that surrounded his Dazaifu ancestral home pushing his lungs to stretch and take out the tension from his interrupted sleep.

Satoru had been staying there for at least a week now handling his own family matters. It would've been better if the request was the usual exorcism assignments but in the short amount of time he was there, they had managed to bring up his guardianship to the Fushiguros, Getou's betrayal and they kept on pressing him to lay out concrete plans after graduation (which had long since passed).

It was so tedious but he didn't have a choice but to put up with the elders but what irked him more was the fact that when he tried to ask for help regarding a personal matter, no one gave much interest. Their prejudice against the Miuras still stood firm and it just made him more adamant to leave the godforsaken place he called home. When he proclaimed the state of her health, Satoru was told that he should either take the chance to sever his ties with the clan or take a part of her power in a ceremony. Not once did they ask how she was actually fairing or how they could even offer a solution for her predicament.

They hated her guts. And what little supporters Satoru had, they would not even raise a peep.

Before he knew it, he had already replaced his sweaty nightwear and had rushed to change into a plain gray hoodie and jeans, setting aside his prescribed plum printed haori and haka pants as his own act of rebellion after disrespecting an important person in his life.

The fall breeze made him quiver as his damp hair and its droplets collected on his shoulders jolted him more awake followed by a very snark sneeze.

The thought about catching a cold didn't really faze him. If anything, it was very minor compared to Sachiko's own illness.

But every illness must have some form of panacea.

The sun had only started shining and he had not even noticed how he had already passed the Ukidono garden, the taiko bridge and the shinji ike pond that next thing he knew, he was already at the chozuya in front of the Dazaifu shrine.

He contemplated on the cleansing ritual. Himself upset at his ancestor for not guiding him better or being of no help at all for finding a solution to his jarring question.

"You're useless. So much for being the kami of scholars!" he hissed. He kicked a stray stone that flew and sunk at the holy water at the chozuya. This earned him a shocked expression from the old temple maiden who was sweeping nearby. He quickly apologized for his behavior without making eye contact and rubbed his nape as he stomped towards the sacred basin and lazily followed the steps to purify himself before approaching the main shrine.

He skipped paying respects to his ancestor's altar and hurriedly groveled towards the Tobiume tree with both hands lodged inside his pockets.

He had dismissed every keeper on sight and finally allowed himself to sit on the Ox that pointed towards his crypt.

His face was contorted, mouth shriveled up so sour as he roughly removed his dark spectacles and dropped it on the ground.

His cerulean eyes lasered through the majestic plum blossom tree. Starting from its tallest branch, detailing each leaf and flower of its gradients of purple, flocked perfectly down to the midline trunk that embedded itself with cursed energy pooled from his ancestors and now strengthened by him, the Tobiume remained ever fresh and in full bloom ever since Miura Sachiko, the Six-tailed Kitsune placed it under her spell.

Spring will come early, she said. Promising Sugawara no Michizane a more hopeful ending to his otherwise lonely life as an outcast lasting until his demise. And yet, all Satoru could ever think about was how pathetic it was to place pity on his so-called mighty ancestor, for failing him and leaving him without assistance despite being promised so.

The wisdom promised, he could not find. For it is in the hopes of his ancestors that he would resign to her dark fate. They called that wisdom to accept truth of the inevitable. To him, it was known as their negligence.

He remembered how, when he was young, every single time he would worship and or sought refuge from the pressure and responsibility that weighed him down daily, he went to him, the one they called the strongest during his time. The one who could answer his questions and whose prayers of the chosen one would never be left unheard.

Bunch of lies.

For a time, the tree and its owner were his only friends. As a child, he treated the whole area as his sanctuary. When he had brought his beloved before him, he hoped that he would accept her as someone seeking asylum from the fate that was set in stone for her. She had offered him a lifetime of prosperity through the evergarden and yet, as recompense, she never asked for something in return. It was he, his relative and most loyal servant, the boy with the Six-Eyes whose prayerful self was rekindled that day. Beseeching the kami to help him find a solution. To be an extension of his hand in the heavens and point him towards the direction he needed to go to save her.

And yet, after all these years, just when he thought he had actually been blessed by the Tenjin, again, he was left wanting.

He raised his rigid fingers towards his head, hands trembling as he bunched up his pale hair and raked through them forcefully along with a loud, frustrated groan. He stomped his feet, and stood in front of the Tobiume but scanned from Sugawara's crypt, ox and then back at his beloved tree. Inside of him, he felt the need to scream. It was like he felt his abdominal contents were boiling and bursting at the same time, until he couldn't hold it anymore and he spat out curses.

"SUGAWARA!" he yelled, his voice echoing at the empty temple, his subjects opting to keep hidden and or decisively opting to provide more privacy for their young liege who looked so distraught and crazed from his personal disputes that no one dared to be within a few feet from him.

He balled his hands into tight fists and clenched his teeth, modulating his voice as much as he could but continued on with his speech, "I prayed to you…begged you to send me someone, anyone who would truly give a damn about me…I begged you to lift me from my suffering…to strip me off of my responsibilities and just give me peace…" he let out a slow but very audible sigh, "And finally, when you finally chose to answer my prayer, you chose to dispel my loneliness," he snorted.

Satoru stood and took strides towards the tree and allowed his right palm to rest on the bark which was engraved with words arranged to form the old poet's thoughts. It was supposed to act as a barrier but for one who actually created it, "It's just a damn tree!" Satoru had forced his fist on its wooden body making some petals and leaves dance in the air until it met the ground. A short disturbance in the stream of the cursed energy that surrounded the Tobiume had struck back at his fingertips which barely made him flinch,

"You seem to value this tree so much…but I, who value a person…" he gulped, "You sent me someone, who actually broke my curse of loneliness," he rested his temple against the tree and forced his eyes to a close,

"You sent me someone, who actually saw me and me feel like a real person. Someone actually capable of loving me but you-" he pounded on the tree once more, another pulse of curse energy pushed him away from the bark but only temporarily as his nails dug through the skin of the Tobiume, that created a linear and permanent mark of his frustration. His lips quivered from the pool of his sadness, knees buckled at the thought of watching her continuously fade away and he could not even be there to hold her as she struggled.

He wished his will was as powerful as the damn plant in front of him. He wished he could fly to where she was and uproot himself on the ground of her bed and forever make her feel that she was Spring itself, full of life and of new beginnings but instead he was left in the dirt of his own backyard temple. Blaming another for his shortcomings.

His knees scraped through the overgrown roots, and he repositioned himself to rest his back on the sturdy tree. His moistened eyes peered through the heavens that was partially blocked by shade of branches, and it dawned on him that perhaps even at his state as a god who walked the earth, he was would always stay in between what is considered celestial and mundane.

"She's dying…" he finally acknowledged, water trickled quickly and froze at the sides of his face, the rest of him resigning to fatigue as he continued to weep, "I asked you to send me someone would love me and yet you gave someone whom I love more. You fucking masochist! What kind of a punishment is this? I've done everything you wanted me to! Why?!" he growled.

Of course, despite willing the voice of his ancestor to surface, it was a different one that he heard.

"You'll see…pretty soon, you'll be able to make something impossible, possible as expected of you," Suguru's voice was so clear inside his head. His delivery was exactly the same as that time he turned his back on them forever at the crossing.

Despite his wallowing, he managed a scoff as he wiped through his tear-filled face. Everyone was telling him that of all people, he could do something about it. But even if he was willing to do so, the solution in it itself, the chances and the consequences of it were grave.

And he needed her to want it to, or else, the impossible will remain solely what it is.

His head dropped towards his chest as he took a deep breath. His vision continued to blur and he felt himself ache at the sight of his empty, trembling hands, "I wish I could fly, I miss you Chi," he closed his palms and bit his lip to muffle his wailing.

Again, he found himself at his sanctuary, alone and confused. Praying to anyone who would hear him but this time, he fervently sent his message well beyond the clouds and hoped that it would reach the person he was praying for.

I can only save those who are ready to be saved.

I know that.

Please, let me save you.

"Gojo," a deep voice willed his eyes open, and without another minute to spare to clean his face, the owner of the voice made his presence known. His scarred opal right eye and mismatched hazel on the other looked at him desolately. With one hand on his coat pocket, the half-Inari sorcerer jerked his head sidewards, his blue-black hair bouncing against his temple as he called upon his junior to follow him.

The younger boy didn't seem to have enough energy to move from his spot, but this displeased Miura Yahiko as he hid his weaved brows and tightened lips as he turned his back, "If you're done moping, there's something you and I have to discuss. Immediately,"

He looked over his shoulder once more, a cold glare made Gojo wince as if it was a signal to collect himself, "Time's ticking Satoru, move your ass. Now."

Yahiko only cussed when he was extremely frustrated, and it was enough to make Satoru lift himself from the ground. They didn't stray far from the shrine, but Yahiko made sure that no lingering ears would hear their conversation.

"What do you want?"

He pursed his lips in response to his scowl, "I need you to tell me the truth,"

"The truth?" he said, confused.

Yahiko lifted his chin and grabbed him by the collar, "Why?"

"Why what?" his voice rose, eyes scanning the heterochromic ones glaring on him.

"If you love her then why haven't you asked?" he sounded very intimidating. Yahiko was there not as his senior but as Sachiko's family and the question he asked posed fear in the very depths of his soul that he struggled to formulate a proper response.

Satoru gripped the older man's wrist, "You think," he began, pulling his grasp away from his collar slowly, making Yahiko grit his teeth at the strength that he was matched with, "I haven't tried?"

Satoru bumped Yahiko's head against his now, hard enough that some wind went out of him causing momentary white-out in his vision as Satoru took a step back to contain his anger, "I WANT TO DO IT! I WOULD OFFER MYSELF WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT!"

Before Yahiko could ask what was holding him back, his hand massaged the part that hit him hard and peered through a disgruntled Gojo.

"I know the repercussions," his voice went dreary, eyes cascaded on the floor, "And I'm scared she'll say no…"

Yahiko wiped the blood that dripped from his mouth, "You're fucking kidding me, right? ASK." He hissed, "You have to or else, you'll never know,"

Satoru wiped his face with his palm and dropped his shoulders, "I tried but she won't even speak to me about it and with everything I thought she was getting stronger but after the camp I-"

"Stronger doesn't mean better," he pointed towards him now, "Gojo, nothing is for certain except for the fact that you can give her a chance. And that chance will grant her something that Getou can never give,"

"Which is?"

Yahiko looked distant now as he rolled his sleeves and slumped on the bench, "Freedom, Gojo, freedom," he gestured for him to sit and continued, "Listen, I may doubt you in many aspects, but saving Sachiko isn't one of them. I trust in you. I believe in you,"

Satoru didn't meet his gaze, "Are you saying that because of who I am? Or what I am painted to be?"

Yahiko snorted, "I don't care about your freaking reputation, to me, your status is just a very lucky coincidence, all I care about is how genuine you are with your feelings. I don't doubt it. Not one bit. But you must also decide if it's something you want,"

"More than anything," he sounded stern, but Yahiko remained not completely convinced. Suguru had the same intonation and yet, despite his words, he didn't act on his plan. Which was fortunate but for this one, Yahiko needed the young special grade to be firm about his decision.

"We'll see…the path to becoming a familiar is extremely hard. You must be prepared to give up everything if you wish to even try. Are you prepared to do that?"

Gojo's nails dug in his thighs, but he didn't hesitate to answer, "What I have to lose for not trying is the reason for my being. What use would be my strength if I can't even protect the one, I love?"

He hid the smirk that fought to plaster on his lips. A little impressed at how Gojo sounded unyielding and sincere. He crossed his arms and raised his chin, observing the younger man if he so much as twitched in doubt. He didn't.

"I hope your words match the voice of your soul," he turned away now, "Take a few days to think about it and think about what you're going to say. Remember the binding vow can only work if you two are willing parties. Whatever she decides, you must respect. Got it?"

Yahiko knew why where Satoru's hesitance stemmed from. If there was even a morsel of a hint that the binding would not work, Sachiko would definitely choose to die rather than endanger Satoru.

It was a cruel irony. He was the perfect candidate. The ideal match who could withstand the consumption but because he was born with too much power, he could be recognized by the Kitsune as a threat and could cause a catastrophic collision between the two souls.

But he was right. He had to at least ask for the alternative would be worse than death.

Imprisonment.

No.

Never.

Gojo Satoru, world's strongest sorcerer watched as the half-Inari faded from the distance and took with him all the confidence he had, pushing him to muster up what was left of his will to set her free, "I was born to rid the world of curses. I have to start with mine,"

And hers.


Miura Metro Dojo

Tsumiki-chan!" Gojo called out cheerfully, ushering in a tired Megumi from school who simply bowed to thank him for fetching him and went on to fix his shoes and join his sister to prepare for supper.

"Haiiiiii!" she answered, waving towards her grinning guardian, apron tied neatly on her little body as she went on to set the table.

Satoru was finally able to breathe freely. The air was fresh whenever he was at his second home, and nothing beat the feeling of safety within the circle of his little family. It was like the sun never set nor did it ever rain around them and there was no silence but a quiet gleeful chuckle of two children and his partner filling the wide corners of their makeshift home.

Everyday around them was the only adventure he didn't wish to end. Rest was optional because simply being in their midst was his repose.

Tsumiki quickly ran her hands over water and wiped them dry on the side of her apron and ran towards him, making him curve at the impact of her short hug. He gave her a pat in the head and smiled, eyes twitched upwards upon noticing how she had grown a little taller than before. When he peered behind her, Megumi seemed to have grown as well and this made him chuckle. In the past few years, he had spent as a guardian, he had managed to raise two kids with Sachiko (well with the help of her whole family and some from his own clan and of course their carefully selected child counselors) and he'd hate to stroke his ego but looking at them made him realize that they were actually doing something right.

"Satodaddy?" she said making Satoru looked down at her, "Sachimommy's asleep but auntie Ieiri said she'll drop by and check on her,"

He gritted his teeth for a split second and buried his fear on Shouko's incoming intrusion and crouched, "Did she say why?"

Tsumiki shrugged, "Before Sachimommy went to sleep, auntie spoke with her on the phone, I don't know why,"

Megumi was holding a pitcher of cold water when he struggled to place it on the table hurriedly and looked at Satoru with worried eyes then shifted towards her sister. He didn't say anything, but Satoru knew exactly what he wanted to ask.

He repositioned the pitcher on the table and smiled at the kids reassuringly, "Nothing to worry about. Ieiri probably just wants to drop by for a visit,"

"Why is she always tired and sleeping after school trips?" Megumi could no longer hold back his questioning and he looked at Satoru, neck extended, eyes dipping away from his direct gaze.

Tsumiki glowered now and went to her brother's side, "Sachimommy also has paler hair,"

The fact that Megumi could also see her Kitsune markings only produced more questions inside his head, and he could feel the cursed energy that came from her. He may be young, but he was very intuitive. And scared.

And so am I.

A knock disturbed their beginning conversation, and a quick sigh left his lips as soon as Ieiri kicked off her heels and invited herself in.

She rubbed her eyes and covered her yawn, lazily folding her white coat and throwing it on one of the empty chairs, "Is dinner ready yet?"

Tsumiki and Megumi bowed to greet her and already, the two took each of her hands and ushered her towards Sachiko's room. They had gotten used to her examining them routinely that they didn't even hesitate to ask for her help.

Satoru merely shrugged and dismissed himself to properly hang her coat on the rack. It was quite damp around the collar and made Gojo think if she actually rushed over to see them. There were stains of faded red on the bottom of the hem, some soot presumably accumulated from her smoking breaks and even stray pen lines on her coat pockets that remained permanent were seen. It was no surprise that a box of unlit ones rested safely on her inner coat, but besides her wallet, Shouko didn't seem to be equipped with anything else.

Did she just come from a shift? Or is she on one?

It made him wonder how fast Ijichi had driven to get her here but seeing as she had an urgent matter, he would remind himself to properly thank him as she probably had forgotten to do it in her haste.

The two kids were waiting patiently outside the door and as soon as the medical trainee gently closed it, she was met by three pairs of worried eyes. Her neatly lined brows and tired eyes were raised, and she could only stifle a one-sided smile as she tucked one arm over the other, "She'll be fine. Just tired," she poked Tsumiki's cheek and ruffled Megumi's hair, "Just leave her some dinner and tomorrow, she'll be good as new,"

The three of them sighed in relief and Tsumiki was quick to invite them to the table to eat. It was a pretty decent meal shared among them. Satoru was surprised at how kind Ieiri was being to the youngsters. She seemed genuinely interested in their lives unlike how she was usually just passive around him outside of her work. Ever since Suguru had defected, Ieiri was one hard person to reach and even Sachiko only managed to talk to her regularly using her phone.

The occasional bar hopping that only she enjoyed while he drank carbonated juice and ate wings. Sachiko only occasionally took sips of her wine but and listened to her ranting but it was their own form of support for her. Even though the last two of the active special grades (Yuki Tsukumo was on indefinite hiatus) were taking in missions, it was the reversal trainee who had been lifting heavy artilery with the overactivity of curses, with her being on the receiving end of not only the injured but the deceased.

We can legally drink and smoke now! Live a little! She would often exclaim, halfway through her limit, the couple exchanged knowing glances at how even before they graduated, Suguru had been her confidante and partner when it came to these things. Like Satoru, Ieiri always thought of Suguru as a sibling and to have him disappear-no-turn his back on them and be a large contributor of her stress, Ieiri's anger towards him only increased with time and it hurt her so much that she could feel that way.

Numbing herself through alcohol was preferrable to her. At least Sachiko and Satoru had the adrenaline from fighting to keep their mind off him but at the end of the day, it was hard to escape their reality.

They were mourning a departure and it was becoming more and more difficult to ignore now that another was threatening to make an absence. A permanent one.

Satoru probably owed her more than a homecooked meal.

The view from the cup he held tight in his lip wasn't enough to hide his embarrassment from disregarding the well-being of his other friend. If Tsumiki hadn't pointed out how long her hair had gotten, he wouldn't have noticed. If Megumi didn't ask about why she had multiple band aids on her fingers (probably from too much handwashing and minor surgical procedures and disinfection), he wouldn't have asked.

Sachiko taught him to be more compassionate and considerate to others and she'd be highly disappointed if he didn't take care of her best friend too. She never lacked in that department when it came to his best friend.

He took minute to shake off his thoughts.

As soon as the kids went to sleep, Satoru had offered her a small bottle of sake that Hideo Miura had given him as a gift when he and Sachiko turned twenty-one. This made her laugh at how unusual it was for him to have alcohol in his pantry.

"Thought you could use it," he quipped, settling beside her after putting down a small ceramic glass for her to pour herself the wine.

She moved her shoulders and took the bottle, popped it open and began to pour contents into the small vial but instead of bringing it to her lips, she pushed it towards Satoru who was resting his head one of his palms, himself looking so exhausted and very much had his head elsewhere than his home.

Ieiri crossed her legs and loosened her turtleneck before speaking, "I think you need it more than I do,"

Satoru's fingers circled over the wine glass and as his eyes flocked downwards, he saw his reflection on the clear fluid and yet he could hardly recognize who was staring back at him. He looked lifeless and if he acquired the taste and the appeal of alcohol, he would down it in one go, "That bad?" he lowered his voice so that the children would not hear but he could not mask the sadness in his tone because Ieiri was struggling to stay composed herself.

Shouko took a deep breath and reached out to remove his hands from the cup and surprised Gojo by gripping on his palms so tight that it hurt making him grimace at her grasp. Shouko's head dropped to her chest and from the motion of her shaking from shoulders to her fingers, the silence between them broke as she sobbed, wetting the table runner with the fluid that poured from her eyes.

He had never seen her cry but from what she heard from Sachiko, she often did, in silence, on her own and this made him worry even more. The grim ambience was apparent in his home. What was once a haven where no bad news could ever break, would create a new tradition where reality must be faced.

"Satoru…Sachiko, save her but promise me that you won't fail," his grip loosened on hers now, "If I lose her, I lose you, if I lose you, I lose her," she raised her chin, her face smeared with her make-up but the way she looked shook him and made him feel even more guilty that he left her to struggle with these thoughts alone when they could have been dealing with it together.

Satoru left his seat and went to her side, offering a box of tissues as he made circular patterns on her back to soothe her. He allowed Ieiri to cry longer as she delivered her request, but he knew he was also close from breaking down, but he couldn't especially since she told him,

"You two cannot abandon me. I'll go insane! I can't do it," she shook her head and laced her hands around herself and whimpered, "There's no point in being given the gift to heal when I can't even fix my friends and myself…there's no point!" she almost screamed.

Satoru gave her a quick hug and a soothed her hair before creating distance and wiped her tears away. Despite it creating little comfort, Satoru knew, this was one of the reasons he should let go of his fears. He couldn't be selfish about it because their cross was bigger than him to bear alone.

"I'm not giving up on her, I promise, I-" he took a deep breath, "I won't fail,"

Ieiri wiped her tears with her sleeve and blew her nose on the roll of paper he gave him and then without looking, she punched his chest as hard as she could and smiled, "You can't! she sniffled, "You won't…"

Then they smiled at each other with moistened eyes, but it was a familiar exchange just like when they were still students, enjoying an afternoon in the arcade or at one of their dorm rooms, complete and undisturbed and since only the two of them remained in good health, Satoru thought it be best to toast at least once for a more hopeful future.

He took the jade cup filled with Sake and with a look of hesitance easily replaced by it with determination, he allowed the liquid to pass through his throat in one go, making him gag and cough at the intensity of its taste against his palate earning him one of Shouko's tummy-holding cackles that pushed some happy tears to drop to the side of her eyes.

Shouko clumsily raised the bottle towards him and said, "Here's to you, I guess, dumbass!"


The rumbling in her stomach and the draft that entered the semi-opened door crept up on Sachiko's bed, disturbing her sleep. Satoru had intentionally left it that way for him to get easy access in case she needed help. Ieiri had advised that she be left alone to rest fully despite him wanting to stay by her side. As per custom and respect to the children they looked after, they never slept in the same room and took ones that were on opposite sides from them, making sure that they were guarded properly.

Sachiko let out a soft yawn as she swung her legs on the side of the bed, raised her arms to stretch and fastened her robe around her waist before gathering her hair in one side of her shoulder. She looked at her phone and found that she had a few messages waiting for her to be read and reply to, including one from the Institute.

Another mission.

She opted to turn it off for the rest of the early morning but not before she checked the time.

2 AM.

She had slept through the whole day and even missed the dinner that Tsumiki had promised and that thought was enough to make her feel a little guilty. She felt better after her rest but the urge to see her little family was stronger than the pull of her bed.

Her instinct first capsulated to check on Tsumiki and Megumi, her mouth stretched widely as she saw how soundly they slept, properly tucked in their separate beds. On each of their corners, Megumi's divine dogs stood guard but was as also resting peacefully.

She crossed the room on her tiptoes, not wanting even the slightest creak to disturb their sleep and stealthily went to get a glass of water. As she went ahead to pour herself a glass, at her periphery she saw a long sheet of paper with a bunch of medicine, instructions carefully outlined with Ieiri's signature, don't be dumb and take these message at the end.

She managed a small giggle before putting the glass down and separated the meds she would need to drink after she had gotten something to eat.

Before she could even will herself to make a sandwich, another note over a covered set caught her eye. Eat some food when you wake up Sachimommy! Love, M and T. Already she felt that that little piece of paper taped on top of her cling-wrapped meal was enough to take her fatigue away. She removed the cover from her plate and pressed the button to heat up her meal. While waiting, she went to the other occupied room and opened the door ever so slightly to glance upon her beau.

He was in deep sleep. Hair pushed back, snoring into a familiar tune that sometimes served as her white noise on some nights and around him was the notebook they used to scribble their schedules. He must've been trying to fix and sync his on hers for a change. As she was about to set foot inside, she found her hand stuck on the knob and Ieiri's voice filtered through her mind.

You're dying Sachi. She said, the sinking feeling of the reality she was slowly trying to accept froze her in place. She wanted to touch him and be with him to stop herself from shaking but she found herself mute and planted firmly at his doorway.

She told Ieiri earlier that she didn't care about dying before but now that she was needed, she couldn't bear the thought of what would happen to those she would leave behind. Sachiko narrated to her how the future Seer told her such words,

"If time is not granted for you then I hope you live the life and find the love that you deserve, Afterall, that's what you truly wanted to ask right?"

It sounded like a ominous statement. A compensation for her early demise would have been a great life that would make for a satisfying ending, but Shouko made her understand something deeper.

You can't die. I'm tired of losing people. People die around me every day. I'm done. You have made too much of your life to let it go.

Shouko didn't cry when she told her that only because she wanted her to feel how frustrating it was for her to be a bit selfish herself. Her worth was more than she imagined. If she wanted to really embody the future she wanted for herself, she needed to believe that she would have one first.

Saya, the future Seer, was right, I did find the love that I needed. All forms of it.

What I have yet to accept, is the love I need to give myself.

Her feet moved on their own, body carefully lying beside Satoru, weight transferred and controlled to not move the mattress as she positioned herself beside him.

Her eyes traced the very outline of his hairline, from the crooked dark silvery demarcations that ended just above his nape, to the multi-layered thick strands that stretched to the sides of his face that reminded her of the snow she experienced when he declared her as his signified other to his subjects in Dazaifu. Then she marveled at his light-colored brows and long pale lashes that cast shadows under his eyes that hooded his very pretty, illuminating blue eyes. Those eyes that never failed to captivate her and remind of her clear skies and sunny days.

Her finger lightly traced over the bridge of his nose, making him wince slightly at the sudden contact which made her mouth twitch upwards. The bridge that often supported the spectacles so dimly tinted that blocked everything he could see. Not you. He once told her when she tried it on. I always see you.

Soon, her hands landed on the side of his face, thumb affectionately caressing his jaw and then outlining his lips, partially moist but still colored of health. Those lips she often missed on days they were apart. The feel of it against hers, she often yearned as it always made her warm and secure and loved as he gently molded his kisses and shared his breath with her, seemingly connecting his existence to her as a whole.

And when he would lay silent, she missed how his loud quips would sometimes make her ears ring but also often his words would always make her laugh and smile.

She leaned forward now and planted a chaste kiss on his lips as she closed her eyes, a tear danced down on the side of her face, whimper, she swallowed whole to keep him fast asleep. Another kiss she gave on the crown of his head and then back to his mouth, this time longer and more affectionate than before.

She didn't wait for him to reciprocate before she parted from him, but his pull was too strong for her to just leave his bed empty on one side.

She tucked pillows under his arm and bid him goodnight, slowly closing the door but leaving a small amount of light from the hall to creep in before she turned to return to the kitchen.

Taking with her a newfound realization of what it is she wanted to remained permanent.

This. Everything. This is what I want. This is my new mission.

And soon as her footsteps could no longer be heard, Satoru stirred in his bed and clutched on the pillow that substituted her presence and he opened his eyes.

You will live. You and I. That is the destiny I will fulfill, he said in his mind, almost praying to whoever was listening to help him with the most important quest yet.


Fushimi Inari Taisha, Hall of the great Kitsune, Kai

Gojo Satoru had already familiarized himself with the biggest hall inside the Taisha. It took a very long and grueling day to convince the Miura clan head to grant him entrance to the sacred temple. To say that Hideo Miura was not moved by the sincerity of the boy would be wrong, however, the air of caution did not leave his side. For one, this young boy-no, a man, had to understand the extent of his request.

Satoru sat straight, legs tucked behind him, palms resting on his thighs covered in his hakata, eyes pleading towards the tall elder who paced in front of him. Hideo had tucked his left arm inside his haori, while the other traced his neatly kept gray beard. His gray-brown eyes did not leave the boy's and he remained astute as the boy listened in to his words.

He pointed towards the inscriptions inside the hall. Around him were different styles of portraits of foxes and famous scrolls of the teachings of their creed. He recounted the history of their family, enumerating the Kitsunes who came before Sachiko, emphasizing how each of them bore a tight cross and lived just long enough to provide a significant change. He did not bore him with too many details and instead went on to tell him about the men who once sat where he was at that very moment.

"Kodansha's husband was a first-grade sorcerer, skilled, in perfect health and extremely devoted, much like yourself. He understood what it meant to be bound and he survived it without much problem because unlike you, his power was perfectly matched to hers. But, the result of the binding was far from perfect. Kodansha lost some of her elemental powers and her affinity to withstand poisons withered. While her husband grew in power, physically and mentally, he experienced emotional instability as influenced by the consumption that forced him to step back as an active sorcerer. His right hand, the one he used to wield his katana, weakened. It was his wager in exchange for his trials to save Kodansha. And their tale is but one of many from our history. As you can gather, the binding is far from perfect but, it serves its purpose,"

Gojo's expression remained unyielding. No matter what discouragement was thrown in his direction, he skillfully evaded with his singular nods.

Hideo shifted in his stance and stopped his pacing, centering on the boy and slowly mirrored his posture, "Once you accept the role of a familiar, you will go into a path that rejects cutting of the cycle of rebirth and you will become a person, persistently seeking recompense for others by being their salvation, you will lift up their suffering in order to attain their enlightenment,"

Satoru's mouth quirked upwards, "With all due respect, it doesn't sound much different from the path I walk on now,"

This made Hideo laugh, "Perhaps. As someone destined for greater purpose, you are indeed expected to be a savior for all but what I want you to understand is that the only way to truly find purpose is to find it individually,"

He said something quite similar to Sachiko before that dying to win and risking death to win, are completely different but perhaps he had been playing the hypocrite all along. It was extremely hard for him to accept he was wrong about some things and how he neglected his own sound advice because he and Sachiko were just too stubborn to meet in the middle.

Hideo saw how Satoru's eyes began to pool with water. In front of him, his boisterous howling and overly stretch mouth couldn't be found. This was a man who offered his very soul on the table just to hold on to a thin thread that threatened to snap with one wrong move.

The Miura elder's hand dipped into the large tea kettle and grabbed the flower that served as the flavor of their drink. Kodansha's choice was of no coincidence that he couldn't help but grin, "Tell me," he began, resting the flower on his palm. His left hand hovered over his right and released cursed energy towards the flower, its pale, soaked petals slowly plumping up over its leaves. It's crescent rims, a pink rose in color, stretching over its pale body with a bright yellow center had appeared to regenerate on his palm.

Hideo held up the flower and aligned it in Satoru's vision, "Do you know, why these halls are etched with the small lotus symbols? Why each area they are carved with, inscriptions always follow?"

Gojo shook his head, "Religious reference?" he quipped.

"Spiritual is more apt. Our creed is influenced by various beliefs but this beautiful flower is important for people such as you. You see, water lilies require very careful attention. It is an aquatic plant that needs its thirst to be quenched properly or else it will wilt and not bloom.

The way it is planted has many requirements, a nutrient rich loamy soil that has to be set properly in between seasons and a part of its rhizome and least one eye must be planted in ponds and the from there, it must be tended to for ten days.

Harvesting is another matter all together and requires time, months even and must be precisely done so before flowering. It cannot be done using any instrument for it is in the hands of the planter with which its quality will rely. It requires careful manipulating, pulling and shaking of young leaves in shallow water until the stolon is finally pulled and planted. Then you await for a few months to pass once more until the first of its leaves and flowers can be harvested."

"This plant that needs so much care and attention is just as so since it is very variable. It is not only pleasing to the eye but it serves many purposes besides ornamental ones. Rhizomes can be consumed as food, the cut pieces often served in many banquets. It's seeds and stems can also be cooked and cleaned and used in several delicacies. Leaves and flowers serve as tea and refreshments, often their benefits are said to provide clarity in mind and relaxation."

He passed on the flower towards Satoru and balanced it in between his palms, blue eyes fixated on how pristine and healthy it looked.

Hideo took a deep breath and continued, "The Lotus plant also contains thermal-stable proteins that modern medicine is already bioengineering to utilize it as a form of cell protection and regeneration. So in a sense, it's whole embodiment is quite sacred and beautiful. An apt symbol of enlightenment, spiritual awakening and, it represents a path,"

Satoru lowered the flower and gave him an inquiring look, "A path?"

Hideo pursed his lips as he bobbed his head, "It represents a path from demise to rebirth to the afterlife. A cycle of completion and transcendence. That very flower inspired an aphorism that familiars were required to embody and my dear boy, only those who see the beauty of the sutra can understand. Only a person capable of accepting unity among men and the belief that everyone can achieve salvation is worthy of being a familiar,"

The philosophy was a difficult concept to accept. But perhaps only those who can see beyond the transgressions and fear could truly understand the depth of its teaching.

It basically works on the premise of hope and selflessness. Something a little difficult to grasp but he so dearly reached out to. His hands traced over the delicate flower and soon Hideo had asked for him to return it in his bowl. He cast a spell over it to keep it untouched and forever in bloom, seemingly resembling how he, as a man had to go through so much to be deemed important to the realm.

Hideo stood now signaling Satoru to follow suit. He aligned himself in front of the young man and squeezed one side of his shoulder before smiling, "Gojo Satoru, you have my blessing if you wish to pursue this path but only if my granddaughter agrees." He released him now and gave a firm pat on his shoulder blades, "The binding will only happen if the both of you are mutually in agreement, knowing her, she won't go down without a fight,"


Autumn

Only a rumour do I

Hear: the chrysanthemum's white dewdrops,

Fall at night (I lie awake),

And with the day's weight of sun (laden with thoughts of you am I),

Cannot endure and is gone (as will I be, lest we meet).

Kokin Wakushu on Love; 470

The was something about the first kiss of autumn. The description so fitting as two lovers shared a sweet moment under the foliage of orange, red and yellow leaves falling like the snow over a green field but now the meandering walking paths of the Shinjuku Gyoen was a sea of the sunset's hue. It was breathtaking and beautiful, and it signified the start of a wonderful seasonal transition from the warm, dry months to a colorful, cooler and relaxed period 'til everything was blanketed in a white toasty plain come Winter.

Not too long ago, Shinjuku was a place that only reminded him of hurt and goodbyes. At the crossing, he could only remember how his best friend had turned his back not just on his beliefs but his family. The crossing, for months, despite having never been left without crowds have always felt empty when he walked through them.

But because he had a warm hand attached to his, he could cross it peacefully and escape the wounded memory that the area had inscribed in it.

There were very few people that early morning and both of them had finally managed to meet up after their separate missions, a little fatigued and tattered from battle and yet no amount of exhaustion could keep them away from each other's company.

Again, that sweet moment of their rendezvous began and culminated with a gentle kiss. The sweetness of the interlocking of their lips under the scenic park was enough to provide them warmth.

In the area where they rested, a large shade was cast that only allowed glimpses of Satoru's careful hold around her waist as well as the way he shifted from there to the side of her cheek at the same time took in the scent of her hair which he feared would be left forgotten if he spent another day. She laughed into the kiss, making him hesitate on pulling back but smiled into it as he kept his hand behind her head, fingers carefully untangling her hair.

It was in that moment that Satoru knew, he couldn't let another day pass without making sure it wouldn't be his last walk with her under the gentle sunlight. He closed his eyes and rested his cold temple on hers, making her crimson eyes and dark lashes lift to search his stare. She smoothened the tips of his hair that she could reach beneath just above his nape.

Her lips parted slightly, wanting to break the silence that seemed to overcome Satoru. He remained in the same partially poised position for a few moments until she noticed the quiver that appeared on his lips and glistening shine he had as he slowly opened his eyes making her pull her brows together in worry.

"Satoru-"

"Share your affliction with me," he interrupted, retaining his firm hold on her, unblinking and resolute in his position.

A whistle-like sound almost escaped her lips as she blinked three times before replying, "My affliction?"

He nodded, "Let me be your familiar," despite the reluctance of him to let even a step come in between them, he obliged in the distance she has made to take in what he just asked.

She had tried so hard to not give him the impression that the familiarship was an open option for them because it posted more of a danger for him than her. But one look and she knew, his mind was made up.

"Satoru, you don't understand what it means to be one. What you're asking me is-"

Satoru placed both of his hands into her shoulders and shook his head, "I do, and I accept," his tone was serious, every word he released just wanted to get through her, almost imploring to her like his life depended on it and it did.

"It's a sacred covenant than can potentially endanger you as well, aren't you afraid?" her voice begun to crack now, her throat was welling up and it became incredibly difficult to look him in the eye.

Satoru groaned loudly, palms pressing on his sockets, tears pressed back with only tiny droplets spreading on the side of his face. This made Sachiko extremely uneasy, but all she could do was continue to hold his hand.

Satoru steadied her gaze to look upon his fear-stricken expression. His eyes looked like cracked glass and Sachiko knew what he would pronounce would be something she needed to hear clearly, and she ached for him to stop and yet if she halted him, she'd never be able to face her own reservations.

Satoru frowned and spoke in between his shaky nerves, equipping himself with the courage to speak something grim and yet honest to the one person who could very much get hurt by his words,

"What I fear the most is waking up next to you and living in a world where you would never open your eyes. I fear the day where the fire in them becomes nonexistent. I fear the world where your chest does not rise and fall. I fear the thought of not hearing your voice and seeing your smile except in my memory. To me, living in the world means living with you. I do not accept eternity as a sorcerer if that eternity lacks my sole purpose of being,"

Satoru was many things but among who he was outside of the jujutsu society, it was his most honest and sincere self that only Sachiko had the privilege to witness. She had watched him break walls out of frustration from the defection, watched him laugh so incredibly loud and so happily when Tsumiki and Megumi painted Sachiko's hair brown when she said she would've wanted the same bed of locks but this time, what she was witnessing was something new.

Satoru could no longer control the waterfall of his tears the ran down his face. Immediately she wondered where his ever-famous smile, the one that extended to the heavens, so proud and pure had hidden. She was concerned he had deliberately thrown it all away because his fear was too great to allow himself some humor.

And with two blinks, she found herself beginning to whimper and mirror his reaction. His fears were her own, but she never dreamt him having the same sentiments so intensely about the same worries.

Sometimes she wished the rumors of him being a too amorous were true. In her own wicked way, she thought that it might help him cope if she ever went away too early but no matter what, she couldn't allow it, because she knew their loyalty was mutual and deep-seated. And she was running out of excuses by telling him that it was just too complicated for him to go through.

His answer wasn't shrouded with complexities, "No Chi, it's simple. You'll get better, I get stronger. We both will be able to really start living,"

Sachiko dropped her weight on him as she wound her arms around his solid body, clinging unto him with all that she had, "You could die-"

Satoru didn't wipe his wet face but stood still with a hand clasped steadily on her nape. His voice transitioned into something close to a whisper, fighting the urge to bawl, "I'm already losing you as we speak so dying to me, is no different…"

Her fingers dug through his dark purple coat jacket, creating creases and marks that surely pierced inside his undershirt while she soaked the front with her own tears, "It could fail and we both could-

"Or it works. I has to. It will, do you not trust me?" the sound of alarm in his voice made her look up at him. Himself looking through the blur of his tears yet continually focusing on how she was taking his declaration.

Sachiko's grip finally left his coat and shifted to his shoulders, using the broadness of them to hoist herself up to seep into his eyes. He looked so broken and desperate and around them it's as if the falIing of the leaves stilled, the air grew tight and the invisible barrier that usually enclosed them only in battle seemed to have extended into their whole perimeter that as she exclaimed her words, it echoed, jolting him awake,

"I trust you with my whole being!"

His hand slid from the side of her face down to her shoulders until the whole of his body just lost to the pull of gravity that dragged him to his knees. Sachiko's breath hitched at the sight of him so forlorn and distraught and it didn't help that he now had his head bowed down towards her and his hands gripped tightly on her wrists.

Her tears stopped midair, carefully evading the white hair that blocked the view of her feet but his continued to soak the ground covered in leaves.

"Then take this chance," he almost yelled now, equivocally just begging her to listen, not minding if their privacy was being invaded. Not giving mind if he, the one most feared by curses would be seen in such a compromising and somewhat unprideful state, just so he could make her listen,

"Live, for me. Live, for us. Accept me into your soul and let me lift you from this curse. If I am not the world's strongest sorcerer for you then I do not wish to be crowned for others!"

A soft thud followed his statement and Sachiko found herself winding her body against his, her own tears crystalizing as it met the cold autumn breeze, "I'm scared too and I know I'm dying-"

Satoru quickly hushed her from continuing her speech but she moved her head ever so slightly in an attempt to wipe her tears, "It's the truth Satoru and what I ultimately fear is that I'll be the one to kill you because of this burden but at the same time," she paused to sob into his shirt, crumbling the last piece of her composure by breathing out another admission, "I don't want to leave you, I just want to continue holding unto you, needing you and feeling you. I only feel truly myself when I am with you. Nothing else compares to the way you make me feel so alive,"

Sachiko held out another whimper that synced with his own sobbing, both already out of breath and trembling from the height of their emotions. In reality, none of them wanted to let each other go. But, out of all the battles Gojo Satoru had to face, this was one he so desperately wanted to win but unless his opponent yields, victory seemed moot.

But he was not one to give up. He hated losing and hated the idea of leaving things unresolved. But for this particular one, the only way was to declare his unbeatable plan.

Satoru lowered his head even more, until it rested on her thighs. Without looking he gathered her hands and twined his fingers in hers. He cleared his throat and slowly lifted his chin and trunk until he was finally at level to her. He messily rubbed his face on his sleeve and took a deep breath. With eyes burning with willfulness and devotion, he spoke confidently, more reassuringly and more like the Satoru she knew and loved,

"I'll save you. I told you before. Even if you don't need saving, I'll come and save you,"

How she saw herself reflected in his sky-blue eyes made her realize something important.

What they feared wasn't the vision of death but what would come after if they ever lost each other. The fear of seeing no one reflected in each other's' vision, the empty space that would be left in the circle that reflected their light.

But what was the point of fear when they could easily beat the odds by simply trusting in each other?

"Say yes. Yes, to this chance. To this life. Yes, to me and I will you give you everything," he continued, the bottom of his heart swelling and beating intensifying at her silence that he could only continue to beg, a slight shake beckoning her to come to her sense and hear his prayer,

Satoru fell to his knees once more, this time, he buried his head over her feat, clutching unto her ankles so she would stand in place and not run from him. With the last of what he could muster for courage, he spoke through his pain,

"My breath, my heart, my bones, my soul, I offer it willingly to you because you are my life.

Please, take it. Take it all,"

But Sachiko would no longer shed tears that moment as she quickly wiped away the fear, the hesitance, and the doubt she had worn as a shield for too long. No, her heart was too filled with the fire he had reignited and this time, she would not cause him any more hurt. This time she would take another leap of faith. She would risk it all for a chance to be with him longer. To fill more days with happiness so she can compensate him for every good did he had ever done for her. For each time that he made her laugh. For each moment they had created as new memories. For each time he had made her feel whole. This time, she will be brave for him.

The Six-tailed Kitsune's trembling hands steadied upon the sides of his head. She lowered her lips into his pale crown then slowly lifted his whole being up so he could once more tower over her as he usually did. She provided him the extra strength to keep his balance because his face was still stained with his tears, he couldn't look at her directly and instead flocked to his feet.

Sachiko broke their quiet, "No. I won't take it all."

"Sachiko-"

Sachiko took a step forward and dug her fingers lightly on the sides of his head, tucking the hair behind his ear as she softly circled around his scalp as she would always do when he was stressed, and she would help him relax the same way. A little bit of tension released from his shoulders as soon as he saw her form a small but very meaningful smile. She gently tilted his head down so that his forehead was just a centimeter away from hers, but her eyes were leveled to his moistened ones,

"I will it share it with you, if you'd let me," a solitary tear left her right eye and her voice was unsteady but was clear enough for him to understand but small as her voice may have been, it pierced through him like she was clutching into his very core, the hold of her promise was enough to energize him because finally, she was ready to accept him, all of him,

"Breath, heart, bones, soul, you and I, as one,"

The first smile that he showed her under the Autumn clouds of the bright morn was partially covered by the orange leaf that landed on his face but only briefly as the wind howled it away alongside the turmoil that plagued him for the past few years.

The first kiss of autumn was always bittersweet.

A midterm transition between the hotter days of summer to the welcoming embrace of winter.

As Satoru had taken his first taste of the holiday season as he withdrew from the pink-hued lips of his beloved yet opted to get one more hint of the sweetness he always cherished, he finally realized how much hope and happiness was present with each day they were given to count the seasons and his life would only be allowed more if the both of them walked at the same pace.

Satoru held her close to his heart now and stilled, "Let's break this curse, once and for all,"


Rising and returning,

Filled with love,

However distant

You are, my heart

Lifts with the whitecaps.

-Kokin Wakushu on Love; 483

As per tradition inside the Nine-Tailed Kitsune's Hall, after the cleansing ritual from the chozuya, guests must change into their traditional garb as part of a proper introduction to his sacred home. Satoru was already down to his undergarments and was proceeding to wrap himself with the gray and blue yukata, inserting his arms on the holes of the wide sleeves, before overlapping the left side over the right. Then after securing it with a thin obi embroidered with the plum blossom emblem, golden threading providing enough shine and design to his rather simple attire. He replaced his socks with newly cleaned white cotton ones and left his geta sandals at the dressing area before proceeding to the hall.

There, Hideo Miura stood to welcome him, himself cloaked in their clan colors of crimson, yellow and black. He also wore the torii embedded ring that would one day pass on to either Yahiko or Sachiko should their time as clan head come and in his wide fan bore the swallow-tail butterfly that paid homage to the Taira side of their clan.

His back was turned towards Satoru. The older man, who stood as tall as him but was more poised and careful with each movement of his fanning and craning towards the scriptures painted on the walls and the talismans and sigils that covered the halls as a warding alongside the numerous Inari statues as he awaited the young prospect.

At the center was a singular strip of parchment pasted over a wooden plaque that floated in front of the portrait of a woman with raven hair and pale eyes, whose color had faded with time. She was considered the first familiar because she was believed to have been espoused by Kai. Back then, their covenant went over the bounds of their matrimony and their pledge to care for each other had no conditions except for what it was-love. It was only upon her death and the treachery of the elders that their deity and protector was imprisoned and forced to curse their bloodline with hybrids who would be given godlike powers but would reach an early and painful demise as a price.

Hideo had motioned for Satoru to stand beside the Miura elder and asked for him to follow his hands as he pointed towards specific corners of the room. There was an internal veil whose remnants were that only of a high level sorcerer, Hideo had told him that when the time comes for the binding, a veil will be placed by the Kitsune and her familiar and enact the ritual in private and would only be lifted once it was completed. He did caution that in order to create the barrier that would connect their lifeforms, he would need to be worthy of it or else it wouldn't work.

"Master Tengen has explained the nature of sorcerers to undergo contracts in order to enhance once capabilities in exchange for a greater outpour of cursed energy. Two means were devised to utilize such binding vows. One would be the limitation of oneself, the other must involve another willing party.

Most of the time self-binds involve creating a timestamp or allocation of specific amounts of cursed energy to be restricted until a set period of time or specific circumstance would lift it thus resulting in an upsurge of cursed energy. Vows made with other sorcerers are even more complicated, most of the time these were utilized to create a truce to support each other to reach a common goal while others would do it for protection. Either way, the spell would always caution those who undergo contracts to be true to their promise or else face catastrophic repercussions. With what you will go through, is not just a simple vow.

During the trials, you will undergo a binding vow but those are limited to the effect physically, the Marking on the other hand loops your soul with hers making the connection deeper and stronger and highly complex. The preparation is extremely difficult and not without any sacrifices and it will be done in a duration of six months,"

Gojo rubbed the skin under his brow, pretending to retain his calm at the information he had just amassed, "Half-a year?"

Hideo clapped the back of the young man making him jerk forward and with a toothy grin that surfaced under his beard he encouraged,

"You are quite fortunate to have a long preparation young man, Kodansha's husband only had a month. You see, the binding will only become possible on a certain date which will take place on the first day of Spring. If you miss that chance you will have to wait until the next and I'm afraid, we cannot wait any longer than next February," his eyes, grey yet remaining clear and sharp flocked towards his clothed feet. The weight of his words caused him a sort of pain which he knew he had dealt with before, the fear of loss and that was enough to make him determined to give his granddaughter whatever chance she could take.

His right hand left his shoulder and he proceeded to dig through the deep end of his left sleeve. As he withdrew his hand from the garment, he took out a small, browned-out booklet and handed it to Satoru.

The booklet was probably just as big as his hands but for a small collection of paper, it weighed more than he imagined. It was laced with a thin piece of red and black string with the same elements woven into its spine, looped six-times over. There were no writings on the front and back covers, just a small imprint of what looked like a lotus flower and small fox on the lower right side of the booklet.

For some reason, it felt warm against his palms and it seemed to resonate to him as his fingers traced over the pages, but before he could open it, Hideo placed three fingers over the cover and tapped it,

"I believe this could help you. Study it and who knows, you may feel enlightened. You see these wardings?" his fingers hooked on the enchanted strings, "These will break after your declaration and will signal the start of your trials,"

Satoru nodded and had already started to make sense of the amount of information that was being thrown in his direction. Hideo began moving away from him and headed towards the rightmost entrance where the view of the whole Taisha in all of its glory made him etch a cherry grin as he looked over the quiet activities of his subjects. By the garden, with his enhanced vision, he spotted Kodansha and his beloved granddaughter taking a stroll.

Hideo looked over his shoulder and watched as the young man's face basked in the midday sun. His lips parted slightly as his blue eyes found a certain spot in the scenery that made him instantly create a smile that wrinkled his eyes. Unlike others, he could see beyond what was considered normal and despite the Miura head having enhanced vision himself, only Gojo Satoru could easily recognize and target a particular light that could only be found inside of Miura Sachiko.

Hideo took in air and exhaled before he began his tread down the wide staircase, "You will experience many changes. Many challenges and many distortions but if you are able to overcome it, you will, without a doubt succeed. Sachiko will also go through a difficult preparatory stage, but you must do so separately. Until then, you two shall limit your contact and concentrate on your meditations."

"When do we start?" he said, eager to decrease the days that he would be forced to leave her alone.

Hideo stopped his footing, "Today,"

"Today?" he sounded worried as he balanced the booklet in one hand then peered at the clan head before him, questioning, "I haven't even read a single page. How will I know what to do?"

Hideo gave out a soft chuckle but shifted his expression into a more solemn one,

"The marking ceremony is built on trust, but it is also a wager that both of you must face. Today, you will only be asked to state one thing in front of each other under the veil of this room. Today, you must answer, what it is you will be willing to risk to get a chance that will make you, the familiar. As a recipient of power and provider of a cure to her restriction, potentially ensuring your place as the most formidable sorcerer of all time, you must ponder on what it is you will offer to appease the gods," he jutted his chin at him now, "I know the title is already practically yours without the help of the Kitsune but with her, you might find yourself completing the missing pieces that still hinder your progress,"

Satoru felt the weight of his stare now. The gray of his eyes looking almost black for a split second as he turned to face the boy once again, "But the track is not about you seeking more power than what you already have because if it is, then this is not the right path for you,"

"She will share not just her overwhelming cursed energy with you, allow me to rephrase, she will pour forth all of it in your palms, but you will also mend it with yours. It is not your core strength that will lift her restriction. It is your soul itself. If it is pure enough to be shared by her then you both can expect a very favorable outcome.

What she is asking of you is great but what she will give to you in return is even greater. She will make you indispensable. If you succeed, you two might actually stand as physical embodiments of the pillars to our society as a whole.

So, think very well, for Kai isn't too forgiving to those who refuse to offer anything less than what you deem as integral to your being. Whatever defines Gojo Satoru is what is needed to be laid on the line in exchange for her life,

This is a test of character and not strength.

If you are ready, we will meet you here at sundown,"


Satoru had descended from Kai's shrine not long after the clan head disappeared into the Taisha. He spent a few more minutes going around the hall, contemplating on what it is that he would place on the line that would make the Nine Tailed Kitsune heed his call. But then, clarity instantly fell to his senses when he saw her waiting by the end of the footsteps.

Radiant under the light, a little thinner than he was used to as she was clad in her own clan robes, shadows highlighting her cheek and collarbones more so than before and despite the faded rouge on her cheeks and lips, she still looked extremely lovely no matter how pained she was.

It felt like a dagger had pierced through his chest how she still managed to give him a perfect smile despite her condition and that's when he knew, if what he was always known for was to use what he saw to his advantage-the eyes of a god, then, what else could be worth wagering? If he would no longer be able to set eyes on her, even a small glimpse of her shadow, then he'd rather be blind and weak and called ordinary.

"There you are," she said, lifting her hand to call him to her side. A sincere beam etched on his face instantly, as he gently laced his fingers in hers and allowed her to guide them to sit by the garden.

Satoru chuckled and said serenely, "Yes, I'm right here Chi,"

Sachiko rested her head against his shoulder and took in the fresh air from the garden but kept her scarlet eyes focused on him, "This might be our last stroll together,"

"For now," he corrected, a little unamused by her tone.

She playfully punched his arm which made him smirk, "Yes, for now silly, I just meant that when the trials start, we'll be apart for a while,"

Satoru placed a soft peck at the top of her head and breathed in her flowery scent, "Are you worried?"

"No. I'll just miss you, that's all but I'm not worried," she said confidently, teeth brimming at him brightly.

"Really?" he said, partially amused.

Their footing stopped, making Satoru cock a brow as she took her place in front hip and stood on her tiptoes, hands playfully pulling on his cheeks making him etch an unsteady snarl,

"I'm not worried because we're the strongest," she said.

Xxx

As the darkness started to loom over the Taisha and night began to stealthily hover the clouds, Satoru and Sachiko stood in the middle of the red and black vermillion torii pavilion, allowing only a small lantern to light up a fraction of their existence. Satoru's roughened, big hands rested on each side of her face, thumb soothing the corners of her soft skin, temple indented over hers, head shifting ever so slightly as if he wanted to transfer a sliver of his warmth against her cold skin. He kept his eyes wide open, making sure not a single grain would impede his vision as he tried to take in as much as he could from her before they parted.

He inhaled with breeze, taking in the familiar scent of lavender in her hair, relishing the soft whisps of her stray hair that tickled his hands and engraving in his mind how deep, fierce and incredibly serene she looked with her eyes that burned like fire, igniting in him a type of courage he could only call love. Leaning down, he asked her with the crease in his eyes if he could share one breath with him, that one move seemingly levitating her off the ground as she reached to press her lips on his in one soft kiss.

They spoke no other words after. Just kept their gaze on each other's for a few more moments, hand to hand until they finally had to face forward.

As they reached the end of the vermillion pillars, Satoru's grip tightened on Sachiko, making her turn to him and etch a reassuring look. His face mirrored his heart, the fear, the desire and the determination and Sachiko felt it, deep in her core, how much they both just wanted to get through the trials successfully that whatever doubt she had was erased by his mere presence alone.

She was luckier than others in their line. In the short amount of time she was immersed into the world of sorcerers, she managed to overcome a long list of difficulties, gained allies, created memories and even found him. It wasn't perfect but if she were to fail, she was glad to have a meaningful time not just with fulfilling her duties that came with her namesake, but she had a partner, a trusted friend and someone she adored more than anything else.

She couldn't believe that she would be standing beside someone who would risk everything for her because not too long ago, she didn't know what it felt and meant to be important to someone else.

She experienced a dark period in her past where all that was left for her was hurt. But by some twist of fate, she saw something in him that made her a believer of hope.

He always called her strong. Independent. Admirable.

But she knew, despite having been brought up to be able to stand in her own feet, the one who could keep her there was him. The one who would remind her that she was enough, that she could go and be free, was him, the tactless, overly spontaneous and reckless man who stood by her side since day one.

He didn't offer her a one-sided reprieve, what he was giving her was a communion.

Trust.

An unconditional bond far stronger than any spell.

And that was enough for her to be valiant and sanguine that perhaps the sun will shine for both of them soon.

They both took separate and opposite routes to the highest peak of the mountains and stopped in the middle where Kai, the Nine Tailed Kitsune's statue stood. A few feet apart didn't seem so distant since they were already connected by an invisible bond that was present way before the start of their trials.

It may be childish of her to have thoughts that the date of their births had a celestial meaning to it but how else could she perceive such a rare coincidence as that?

How could one be born with a blessing and another a curse meet and find themselves irrevocably forced to fight fate together?

If it wasn't destiny then perhaps it was something close. Luck.

From the first day that she had spent alone with him, in that classroom, she took a chance in staying despite the knowledge that he was wide awake. Her secret, her face, and her markings and more so her uncontrolled energy didn't seem to threaten him. She felt his glances but only because she too would steal the same moments, curiously observing him from afar and basking in the fact that he would not fear her since he was the stronger than she was.

He thought she wouldn't notice his secretive removal of the talismans that would plague her daily life. But she counted the pieces of parchment daily and found some crumpled ones falling from his pockets whenever he would grab a piece of gum or candy in between classes. She never even spoke to him much back then, but it was his little acts that meant so much to her.

The side trips in between missions, the seemingly lighthearted jests in message exchanges, the treatment as a real sorcerer when they trained, all of those showed her how much he cared and respected her that since then, she couldn't help but allow her fondness to grow for him.

She always thought she developed feelings for him that day he called her by her first name. It was a pleasant surprise that the realization only dawned on her when he had confessed first but she always knew she looked at him differently. Otherwise, what was the use of making up excuses for them to train together, dine together or even study together?

Perhaps the both of them were too young and scared to admit such strange feelings then but the time it took wasn't too long until they admitted their mutual feelings and the rest led them to this moment.

The light disappeared around the Taisha and soon, the six tailed Kitsune had summoned her flames and lit up the whole area with an orange and yellow glow. Her light had matched the season and the small twinkling ones that Gojo saw were a different prism of colors that belonged to the numerous Inari that watched over them.

Hideo nodded towards Satoru who was tasked to speak first. He faced the great Nine tailed Kitsune and positioned his hands into a prayer before bowing. Then, he opposed his index and thumb fingers on both hands and connected the right by overlapping his opposed fingers with his left middle finger, the dharmachakra, the symbol of continuous energy, movement, transition and a wheel of fate.

Activating his Six-Eyes as he cast his attention towards the now glowing sigils that covered Kai's body, Satoru took a deep breath and spoke,

"As the great enlightened one watches over us and the gods and deities would please, I Gojo Satoru, accept the test of the Six Perfections and offer-" he extended his right hand and without removing the position of his fingers, he aligned it over his visual field,"

"My Six-Eyes as collateral and show of my aptitude to see through it until the Marking Day for Miura Sachiko and I," his declaration for a wager made Sachiko jump and plead with her eyes towards her aunt and grandfather for him to retract his statement.

What he offered was something that helped defined him as a sorcerer. A rare trait that even the gods would envy. It was something that representatives of his clan did not take kindly for him to throw away. Failure of the Marking would mean the wagers would be lost forever but what else could Gojo Satoru gamble with except his gift?

There was a short uproar from the representatives of his clan which he was able to hush with one snide glance, but he did not break his demeanor. The sigils that embraced the Kitsune statue now danced around him, glowing threads, nine in number wove together to form a thick metaphysical cloth that covered his eyes. His family symbol, the plum flower appeared like talismans over his blindfold to symbolize his eyes then. Before he could blink a loud gasp escaped him as if a part of his soul had been ripped out from his being. He stumbled backwards but still followed the trail of the plum sigils that transferred to the eyes of Kai which now glowed a hollow kind of purple and blue.

"Satoru!" Sachiko cried out, lifting her long kimono to run towards him but was right away halted by the same person she tried to tend to.

Satoru was fuming in white foxfire smoke as he stood slowly and clumsily. With shaky hands, he resumed the dharmachakra and bowed once more, "I offer," he said, short of breath and overwhelmed by Kai's response, "My Six Eyes, not for the Kitsune," his voice was strangled as he coughed out the fumes, but he still managed to straighten his stance and positioned his hands into a prayer and opened his eyes, "But for Miura Sachiko,"

A sigh of relief escaped her lips at the sight of his eyes still remained in their form, but the tangle of Kai's web was already there for her strings she had given him were overlapped in his own brand. She reminded herself that it was temporary but that didn't change his worry for him. Familiars were often subjected to the shorter end of the stick but no matter how many times Satoru had reassured her that he was fully prepared to do so, all she wanted to do was be done with it all.

She balled her hand into a fist and walked over to take her place beside Satoru. He had never seen her look so fiercely at an object before and did not expect that she would ever glare at their deity but there she was, positioning her hands the same way with closed eyes. It took a few minutes until she spoke but what happened next was enough to push Hideo away from his position.

Sachiko lit herself up in flames and spoke, "As a show of chastity and filial commitment to the Six Perfections," she gathered the flames that covered her body to a huge ball of fire that hung above her head, "To the gods and the enlightened ones present, I offer my everlasting service through the price of my flames," inch by inch, the markings that branded her as a hybrid began to surface, from the patterns on her limbs, to the swirls around her neck, the cuts on her cheeks and the insignia on her temple, she cast upon herself the full form of her curse.

She lowered her flames now into a small pyre and directed it towards Kai's outstretched hand making her jerk forward at the sudden pull of her cursed energy that would be kept captive until their trials were over. Her eyes began to blur, beads of sweat formed at the side of her face but she needed to finish her declaration or else the ritual would remain incomplete.

She reformed the position of her hands but the shifted them to rest on her chest and then with a singular glance towards him she declared, "But to him, to show my commitment, I offer, my life,"

Kai's nine threads from his tails pierced through her chest making her gasp in pain as Kai's pull on her felt like he was stabbing through her chest with a very blunt blade.

This is temporary. She repeated, holding out her breath until she was finally let go by his hold. Sachiko's markings disappeared on her skin and transferred towards the statue, fox fire setting it ablaze but staying unconsumed.

Satoru didn't bother to watch the events before him unfold and quickly went to Sachiko's side, scooping her up until she could stand on her but allowing her to lean against him to keep balanced. With careful hands, he wiped way the sweat from her brow and called out her name. A weak smile played on her lips making him sigh in relief as she finally evened out her breathing.

The disturbance of peace that came before Gojo's declaration suddenly sounded modest against the clamor that the Miura clan had made upon Sachiko's choice to wager her life, the very thing that she was fighting for.

Sachiko knew the only way she could convince her liege lord that she was prepared to undergo the trials was to risk everything. Failure would mean immediate death for her, but it wasn't much different if she lived without taking this chance.

Hideo took a step forward and examined the face of Kai. The eyes that borrowed Satoru's power and his skin that blazed with her fire all meant that he had accepted their offering to undergo the Six Perfections.

Hideo had ordered the retreat of the witnesses, even the badgering of the Gojo clan who were utterly disturbed by Satoru's choice to offer his innate technique as warranty but the crescent eyes that sent them dire glances were also unhappy with their own lady's choice to bet her life on something that could fail miserably.

But it didn't matter anymore. It was done. There was no going back.

There was only them, moving forward, under the starlit sky.

Gojo Satoru offered his hand to Miura Sachiko and together they took one last stroll in complete silence, just the careful beating of their hearts, sounding an alarm to the fates that they were ready.

"Chi-chan?" he said, brushing the side of her face gently with the back of his hand.

Sachiko caught his hand and pressed her cheek against it before drawing in close so she can lace her arms around the sturdy towering body beside her and smiled, "Hm?"

"Let's make this count," he said.

xxx

THE SIX PERFECTIONS

xxx

The animosity of Kai's experience with the mortals he gifted with his assistance sprung forth from their greed and lack of proper morals that he bestowed unto them a heavy curse. But he was not without mercy. Out of his love for Himeno, the clan head during his reign as their deity, he was able to leave clues as to how one may overcome the restriction he placed upon the Kitsune-borne. Of course, it would be incredulous. But most definitely worth it.

After their trial had commenced, Gojo Satoru's wager has placed him on a limit to use his Six-Eyes, altering the way he was able to view objects and people. To say that the thermal registry and recognition of cursed energy pulses had weakened, wasn't exactly accurate. In fact, it more or less stayed the same. What he did expect was his ability to magnify his technique would be affected. Luckily, news of that was kept hidden and he didn't really have any need to go all out.

It was quite an experience, to live with limits but perhaps it was something he was destined to understand sooner or later to fully appreciate what it meant to be strong but not all powerful. It was how Sachiko had lived daily anyway. Now it was his turn to know what it was like to be revered but to never be considered absolute.

But he would rather be normal if he could hold and control his time.

It was the same with her.

The very core of her being a Six-Tailed Kitsune was to be able to control the elements and giving up the fire that kept her practically impenetrable during battle proved too much to put at stake. It was the same fire that kept her from getting consumed and more so, even before Satoru could save it, she bet her life in order to pursue the trials to be able to keep it.

What else did she have to offer to appease Kai?

She had to wager everything so she can gain everything.

They couldn't fail now.

The next few months proved grueling but in some ways, despite being apart, they always felt that they were going through it, side by side, together, and not a day goes by that thoughts of each other filled their mind but ultimately, they must individually face their trials before they could be reunited.

Xxx

September

~Generosity.

It is the thought and willingness to selflessly offer one's body, possessions, and the collective good deeds. It is an expression of care towards others, but it is not simply an external act, in fact it is difficult to perfect since it involves many forms of selflessness.

It is easy to practice generosity in terms of material possessions but generosity in communicating and listening effectively to the needs of others is another challenge on its own. In conjunction, it is in the giving of the opportunity to others to face their fears and to go out of their way to discover peace on their own is what makes one perfect this trait.

Xxx

Miura Metro Dojo

Satoru had taken the rest of his day off to spend some time with the kids. When he arrived the two were already done with their chores and homework that all that was left for him to do was keep them company and help with their meal preparations.

Megumi and Tsumiki had settled around the living room while Satoru had gone to stock up the fridge and pantry with the groceries, he brought home. As habit, the little black-haired boy would always peer behind Satoru whenever he arrived, hoping that a smiley faced lady would follow behind him. He'd been in a cycle of disappointment for months now. Even though she still came around and stayed with them, she'd never come whenever he would. If she did, she wouldn't stay for more than a few minutes.

It was strange to him since they were a tandem and he still didn't get the dynamics of the white-haired sorcerer so having his mother-figure around was a great filter if he needed to set aside his scowling.

He was growing impatient as days passed by. Even though he loved his sister and appreciated all the efforts she placed into helping him, he sometimes looked for the special bentos that Sachiko prepared for each of them. How, the taunting of other kids regarding his animal-shaped onigiris and the messages written in condiment sauce would always make him a subject of their nitpicking, he didn't care. It was homemade and it tasted like comfort. He wouldn't admit it, but he always missed the way his other guardian would dote on him. Since Gojo also lacked the time to check his school bag at night, he would find himself always forgetting one book at home but luckily, he still managed to find ways to always come running to deliver it at his school if he needed it.

He knew Satoru was trying really hard to keep their routine but since the trials had started, Megumi feared that his second set of parents would disappoint him once more.

"Onee-san, why isn't Sachiko-san here whenever he's around?"

Tsumiki shrugged at his statement but was equally puzzled by the lack of their presence as of late.

Megumi quickly returned to the kitchen and tugged on Gojo's sleeve. His eyes drooped as if he wanted to probe seriously on what was really going on making the older man drop whatever he was doing, "Gojo-san," he started, mouth downturned and eyes batted away from his direction as he waited for Satoru to crouch to his level, "Where's Sachiko-san?

Gojo merely blinked. He honestly didn't know where she was and what she was up to, "Don't worry, she'll be with you all day tomorrow as promised kiddo,"

This did little to lighten the boy's mood and Gojo understood where exactly he was coming from. He had already had his parents taken away from him twice and a third time would just make him go into a fit, "Fine," he answered as he turned his back on his guardian.

Satoru let out a deep sigh and followed him, "Why? Do you miss her?" Cause I do.

Megumi didn't turn, "She's not here a lot," there was sadness in his tone, and he was trying his best to mask it, much like his sister who would hide her crying on some days, whimpering, Satoru could hear even if she muffled them with her pillow.

Satoru wiped the worry off his face and reassured, "Yeah, sorry, I miss her too but don't worry, just a few months of this and we're going to go back to the way we were, okay?"

A small patter of feet joined their discussion, Tsumiki's hands were clasped together and stood in front of the two with wide and moistened eyes, "Is mommy going to the doctors?"

"What do you mean Tsumi-chan?"

Tsumiki clasped her hands tighter and moved closer, "She said she's away a lot so she can get better, but she looks like she's really sick!" she rubbed her hands on her sleeve now, making Megumi reflexively go to her side to try and comfort her, himself, restraining the tears from falling from his eyes.

This made Satoru feel a little mellow himself. Without thinking, he gathered the children in his arms and gave them each a hug before allowing them to sit on his lap and express their emotions. Seeing these little kids being so sensitive and concerned about Sachiko made him well up himself. If anything, the task at hand, wasn't for him but for them, always for them.

"Don't worry you two, she is gonna get better. For now, we have to make sure that we won't worry her too. Just tell me if you need anything or if you just wanna talk. I'm not that good a listener or in the advice department but I'll do my best okay?"

Megumi who usually wasn't warm towards him, had his arms wrapped on his side, the kid looked like a kid for the first time since he entered his life, so pure and so innocent and just waiting for his mom to come home. Tsumiki, had grown up a little, tiptoeing to reach Satoru's unruly hair to mimic the head rubs Sachiko would give each of them to loosen the knots on their shoulders. He smiled then, sweetly at his two treasured youngsters and for a few minutes, they just stayed in place.

It was after dinner that Megumi had approached his guardian who was busy tidying the dinnerware. He stood on the stool next to him and handed the dishcloth to Satoru and leaned on the sink, "Gojo-san?"

"Yeah kid?"

Megumi rubbed the back of his head and shyly spoke, "You said, once I'm older, I'll go to a special school, right?"

The older of the two nodded.

"While waiting, can you teach me?" he grasped his arm and looked away, "Teach me to be stronger?"

Gojo switched the faucet off and quickly rubbed his hands against the washcloth to dry. His glasses slid off his nose as he himself leaned back to observe the kid who was pretty determined to get his request through. In some angles, he still reminded him of his father-fierce and commanding but despite the common features, Megumi was just Megumi. A child who had only known hardship and was just starting anew in a stranger's environment, one he had grown fond off and one which he feared was only temporary. So, he distinguished, the green that reflected in his eyes, grew sharp meant that he was dead serious.

Still, he mused, "What's with the sudden inquiry kid?"

Megumi folded his lips and clenched his fist, "You and Mo-Sachiko-san go out and fight those monsters I can see right? Shouko-san told me, and you're probably doing something big that I don't understand but I want to help. So, you don't have to worry about me and Tsumiki and-"

This kid was actually sweet. He wanted to lighten their load and be a man for himself and his sister that Satoru couldn't help but ruffle his hair.

Satoru grinned as he swatted his hand away, leaving him with even unrulier hair than the adult in front of him, "You're a good kid Megumi-chan. Sorry we have to keep a lotta stuff from you too, but we'll tell you in time. It's not that I don't want to teach you but, you may be too young for that,"

Megumi shook his head and stomped forward, "No, I want to learn!"

A loud boom of a laughter echoed through their kitchen and Megumi was a little offended by his stomach-holding cackle that he angrily got off the stool, but before he left, Satoru apologized and sat crossed-leg beside him. He knew exactly what the little boy felt and above all else, it wasn't an impression he wanted to leave as is, "Megumi-chan, no matter what, you two aren't burdens to us okay? Don't ever think that. You and Tsumiki, you're one of the reasons we keep on fighting. So, don't feel guilty about anything,"

Megumi's lips quivered, his frown struggling to maintain its appearance as he was so surprised at how understanding the weird adult who always teased him was about his feelings that he kept quiet and pushed his tears away, "You and Sachiko-san, rescued us, gave us food and a home and bring us to school and," he took a deep breath before shouting, "I want to repay you!"

Satoru gently flicked his forehead to calm him but that only resulted in Megumi scowling at him as he massaged his temple, "Kid, just promise us that when the time comes for you to step up, you'll work hard. Take care of each other. That's all we ask. Think you can do that?"

Megumi's face softened. He dried his face with his shirt and nodded.

Satoru stood now and gave him a gum revealing grin and clapped, "Good. Well then, tomorrow, let's get started,"


October

~Ethics.

To have proper morals is to neglect harming others in any such away that deviates from proper giving of justice. Misdeeds of the body and the mind must be rejected. To imbibe proper virtues, one must practice it, study it and meditate on it so that it can also be taught to others.

The practice of Jujutsu rejects all evil and the creed to protect humanity from the corruption of curses must be done without the expense of others.


"What is it that you wish to do with them?" Masamichi Yaga and Miura Sachiko stood at the sidelines of an old manor where covert operations of cursed users were easily apprehended by the Six-Tailed Kitsune.

The new principal of the Institute specifically requested for her assistance after learning that Nogitsunes were threatening the area. The operation was rather easy, with one mastermind quickly dealt with, all that was left was removing the group as a whole and restoring their order care of the institute. Sachiko had ordered the villagers to be distinguished from the cult members and be brought to her for a quick interrogation. A peaceful one. Normally, sorcerers would leave that part to the higher-ups but knowing how prejudiced they were, she decided to take the matter into her own hands.

Sachiko's crescentic eyes scanned the detainees one by one before turning to her mentor, "They are confirmed defectors however, not all of them were involved with the incident. I should like to request for them to be tried before our elders while the rest can be brought to the higher-ups,"

Yaga cocked a brow, "Are you sure? They were all practically connected to-"

"Some of them were only born into the faction but have never laid a finger on another person. I think it's only fair for me, the future clan head, to investigate the matter before I resort to extreme measures,"

Her statement made the principal quirk up one side of his mouth, "Very well. And if proven guilty?"

"Then justice shall be enacted. Mr. Yaga, I wish to see through the trials, we've seen so much pointless bloodshed in the past few months as it is so, if we could avoid it, I'd be grateful,"

In front of him, the image of the reserved, detached young girl behind the mask was nowhere to be found and instead was replaced by a woman whose conviction could not be moved. She was finally ascending from her own shadow and despite everything she was going through, she remained decisive and just.

When they were finally back at the Institute, Yaga had asked her to take a stroll with him to his office for tea to catch up. He had asked about how she was faring with the trials among other trivial things. Hideo and he had constantly spoken about her undertaking since he needed to make preparations (extreme ones) to ensure that no one would intrude in the process. From everything handed to him, there was one thing he couldn't get over. Sachiko needed support. So even if he couldn't be there to help her, as her godfather, he would at least give her something close.

"Hideo told me how isolated you have been since the requirements compel you to do so but, perhaps, I could help with that,"

The door creaked open and one of his dolls, a small, fluffy brown bear with boxing gloves came in and instantly rushed to greet her.

Sachiko's face lit up as she lifted the bear who quickly cuddled into her arms, "Tsuka-chan!"

Yaga stood now and placed his hands behind his back and gave a low chuckle, "I believe he belongs with you. This little one, seemed to be fond of staying at the old dorm you used to stay at, keeping the place tidy in case you ever came home so perhaps it's time you brought him home,"

Sachiko couldn't remove the smile that plastered on her face as she bowed to thank him. Tsukamoto was the first and most important companion Sachiko had when she first arrived at the school and Yaga entrusting one of his very precious creations to her was an honor, "I really appreciate this Mr. Yaga,"

Yaga nodded, "Like this little bear, a lot of questions spring forth from things the higher ups cannot understand but, knowing between right and wrong, even this little bear knows how to distinguish if something that is unconceivable to something probable. I have no doubt, you will too. The trials will only get harder dear girl and the responsibility you face now as the future clan head, will test you as well. I just hope you will never close your eyes to those that need your attention the most. To weigh what is most important despite it not favoring your discourse, is a difficult ask but something you must pursue. I have faith in you, so do not lose faith in yourself."


November

~Patience.

It is the acceptance of suffering as suffering is a form of purification in itself by projecting one's concerns even when unbearable by slowly ridding these inevitable circumstances beforehand in quiet contemplation. Patience involves dispelling anger and remaining collected even when provoked. Patience means fortitude and confidence that peaceful results will come in the future.


Shinsuke Izakaya, Bunkyo Tokyo

Ueno

"Took ya long enough!" Ieiri was already three ochoku's done of warm sake when he arrived. She had one of her elbows propped on the long wooden table to support her chin that rested lazily on her palm. A flush was already building in her cheeks but her food, an assortment of yakitori, remained untouched.

Ieiri removed her white coat from the stool next to her and folded it as it hung behind her chair, "At least you dressed for the occasion, complete with your stupid frames,"

She gave him a one-over, relieved that he ditched his usual deep purple set and chose a decent dark sweater and jacket that he paired with his usual loafers. Shouko snorted at the evidence of his girlfriend's influence over his attire.

"Hey! Don't hate, these are custom!" he snarled, lazily taking the seat beside her as he snuck in a quick scan of the area.

Ieiri bumped his head with the carafe's body, "She's not here yet. She'll probably come late,"

Satoru grated.

She picked on her food and lifted the tako skewer. Tired eyes taking in the delicious smelling food she was about to bite then crossed over to scowl at his annoyed face, "Don't give me that look," she bit on the octopus meat covered her mouth as she chewed. With one of her legs crossed over, she hit his shin with the tip of her heel making him wince, "She's fine. She just doesn't want to compromise the conditions of the vow. So, order yourself a drink and be normal,"

Satoru leaned on the cedar counter and gestured to get the attention of the smiling old man in the happi coat and hachimaki tied on his bald head, "Oji-chan! Kitsune-raclette and a sparkling wine please!"

Shouko grimaced, "Tofu? Really?"

Satoru opened the bottle of his drink and took a swig, "Yep,"

Ieiri set the ceramic cup down and nudged on his arm forcefully making him jerk sideways and spill some of his drink on the table.

"Hey, it's my birthday, can you not be gloomy?" She gestured for him to pour her a cup of sake as she pushed the rest of the appetizers in between them and clicked her tongue, "At least Sachiko sent me something," Satoru just gave her a snide glance, "Sheesh. Relax!" she berated, downing another cup of sake.

Satoru thanked the server for setting his meal but didn't even bother to prepare his chopsticks to eat. Noticing how much of a downer he was, he took it upon himself to pour her another cup, "Sorry Ieiri, just, yeah, it's been tough ya know,"

Ieiri rolled her brown eyes at him, unwilling to let his statement go without jest, "Really? Gojo Satoru is having a tough time?"

Gojo let out a rather audible sigh as he balanced the bottle in one hand, and with the other he bunched up a portion of his hair and tugged, "I just want this over with,"

"Me too…" Ieiri sounded so downhearted. Fatigue spilling into her cup as she released her breath over the ceramic piece and momentarily closed her eyes before turning to her friend. She set the cup down and straightened, her brown eyes darting him sharply and more astutely paired with her stern mouth, "Satoru, I'm done with my friends dying, so as your birthday gift to me, promise me both of you will survive this shitstorm, got it?"

Gojo chuckled now and bobbed his head slowly three times before raising his pinky which she reluctantly shook with hers, "I promise Ieiri…sorry, I guess,"

"For what?"

Gojo poked on her forehead once and lowered his head to his chin, "I feel like Chi and I haven't been asking about you as much,"

Ieiri faked an uppercut to raise his head and used the same hand to bonk his head, "I'm not the one who has to go through the ceremony. I'm fucking fine," she positioned the cup just below her lower lip and spoke, "Just, make sure you two will be,"

"Got it,"

"Now, once she arrives, remember you two aren't allowed any sort of intimacy and shit. Just keep your paws off her and casually talk. No staying together for more than five minutes or that old man's fox is gonna bite your asses,"

Gojo finally took a bite of his food and without covering his mouth, he chewed on the tofu and continued rambling, "Geez, what are you, my mother?"

Ieiri ignored his statement and gave him another kick in the shin before proceeding to eat her own food.

He blinked twice and took a gulp of his soda then called the attention of Mr. Yabe, the owner of the Izakaya, chopsticks waving at the man making him etch an awkward smile, "Oiiii, oji-chan! I'll pay for her tab!"

Ieiri called over, "He'll pay for my party's tab Yabe-san!"

Gojo grabbed a random yakitori from her dish and jutted his chin forward, "Who else is coming?"

"Ijichi's on his way. I told Hiko and Utahime but they're off for the weekend or whatever, Mei might follow then there's your girl," she laughed now, making her form some bubbles on her drink at the sudden thought she had making Gojo cock a brow at how messy she looked.

"Ugh, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Ieiri bit on her lip to hold off on her laughter, smearing her purple hued lipstick on her lower lip and closed her eyes as she wiped off her tears, "Nothing, I just thought that it was odd how I remembered someone else,"

Satoru set down the bottle and gave her a small smirk, "You invite him?"

"We have a kill order remember?" She mused, waiting for him to say something in defense but was a little disappointed that he just remained standoffish about it.

He adjusted the rims that rested on his nose and sighed, "Well, if he did come, that's on him.,"

"He did leave me something though,"

"What?"

"A pack of smokes,"

Gojo cocked a brow but said nothing else.

Ieiri gave him a hard pat on his back making him jerk forward, "You really think he'd leave me stuff? I practically badmouthed him in the society. Shit. Anyway, who cares about him?"

We all do.

The two fell silent for a time and their melancholy was only cut short by another familiar voice that needed inquiring.

"Sorry I took a while, happy birthday!" Sachiko rushed through the crowded izakaya and went straight to greet Ieiri with a hug, quickly reciprocated warmly while Satoru stood behind her, moving his chair a few feet backwards but kept his eyes on her frame. She was just about the same height as her best friend but together, they looked like the most unlikely pair.

Even if she hadn't faced him yet, something about her in a monochromatic dress, particularly the muted tone ones made her stand out more in a crowd. She didn't wear her braids, so her long dark hair with stray silver ones danced as she moved. His heart was quickening, palms turning sweaty at her every movement and giggle, and he feared that once she turned around, he wouldn't be able to resist pulling her into his arms.

The restraint was evident in his puppy dog stare that Ieiri was quick to make her sit on her opposite side. Once she was able to settle, she finally gave him a small wave and greeted him with her sweet, calm smile, but didn't look too long at the eyes that always stilled her second hand on her watch. The flicker of her lashes was too quick for Satoru to catch a clear glimpse of her scarlet eyes before she turned to Ieiri.

The birthday girl could feel the tension building on each end and thought it be a good idea that they too start drowning their feelings in alcohol.

"Mr. Yume!" she raised her arms, "Three glasses of wine please!"

Sachiko held up her hand in protest, "Ieiri, we can't-"

Ieiri clapped her hand on the table, "My birthday, my rules!"

And true enough, the first stare the couple had shared would be that of concern, as almost immediately Ieiri's face and neck had patched up red and her speech slurred that soon, even before the others barely clocked in an hour, she needed to be escorted home.

Sachiko was always her designated driver. In fact, among the three of them, she was the most akin to driving and had yet to get her licensed revoked. It was unfortunate that she had to bring Ieiri home too soon as she and Satoru had barely spoken. Satoru had assisted them in bringing Ieiri to the back of Sachiko's car but even then, they hardly said anything that was out of their subject of concern. Sachiko's hand merely grazed Satoru's arm but even that was enough to make him shiver at the contact.

The rules were strict. They needed to spend time apart to keep their vow intact or else, they would be punished. So, after closing the door and sharing one last look at each other, Sachiko smiled at him and started the engine. Keeping her eyes on the road to keep her tears from falling that slowly built up behind Satoru's own.

It won't be too long now. They both thought. Repeating the statement over and over again until they believed it was so.


Three days had passed, and they had gone through their usual routine. Travelling to and from Tokyo and Kyoto to take nearby missions and visit the kids but always staying out of range to not discomfort the watchful eyes that followed them everywhere.

In a way, they had gotten used to it. Their connection was maintained by brief greetings on the phone or happenstance crossing of paths at the Metro Dojo or at the Institute but nothing more. On days where she missed him more than usual, Sachiko would walk around the many places they used to frequent. There was one time she actually went Dohtonburi on her own. Went to the same stalls and even coffee shop where they first had their food trip, but the crowd only made her feel lonelier then, so she settled to stroll on a more familiar ground.

That day, Satoru didn't drop by the Tokyo Institute as she had hoped ,so by the end of school hours, she found herself taking the long route to the train station. She remembered how, after she gave him those fox-shaped deserts, he had dragged her out to this taiyaki and mochi shop near the bridge. There she paced around and just observed people. Not a lot were there that night, but she did spot some students buying some midnight snacks making her feel a little amused at how they used to be as students.

As if he was reading her mind, Satoru's name popped up in her screen making her smile as she answered her phone.

"Are you home?" he asked.

Sachiko tucked her free hand inside her coat and responded, "Just about to go back to the Metro,"

"Really? I just stopped by there to say goodnight to the kids," he chortled on the other line making her widen her smile, "Wow, the kids,"

"You sound like a grown-up man. I'm proud," she quipped, imagining the way he would always proudly puff up his chest and make a V with his fingers in jest.

"Hey, don't forget, I'm not their mom,"

"I heard you did laundry now, so I guess you're halfway there," she mused, earning her another one of his sarcastic chuckles before a period of silence followed. He did well to remind her that those kids really did see her as their family, and she wore that title like a badge of honor only because she had a great partner to bring them up.

They were two unexpected blessings to two unexpected guardians, but they couldn't complain. Those two had molded them into better adults than they could ever imagine so it was normal for Satoru and Sachiko to be a little emotional whenever they spoke about them.

Sachiko continued walking, patiently waiting for him to speak again but conversations like these, he always relied on her to keep in motion so, to break the silence, she spoke,

"I just passed by the mochi vendor, remember, the one where-"

Finally, a reply, a rather excited one, "Where we had our first kiss under the bridge?"

Sachiko folded her lips and covered her flushed face from the people that passed her by and whispered, "That didn't count dummy,"

"Yes, it did!" He argued, rather too enthusiastically.

"Rriighht…which one did you like getting? Cause I plan on bringing home some," she pointed to the custard filled ones and the matcha ones and covered the phone as she ordered, "Oh wait, I remember,"

No answer.

"Hey, are you still there?" she looked at her phone to check if the call was still ongoing which it was so she asked once more, "Satoru? Are you there?"

"Hey! Chi-chan!"

Sachiko had to shut her eyes tight and really squint from across the bridge to check if the slightly annoying and yet comforting tune of Satoru's overly eager voice actually belonged to the waving idiot of a giant calling out to her.

The vendor handed her the bag filled with her purchase and quickly walked closer in his direction, "Toru? What? Are you really here?"

Before she could get even half-way close to him, Satoru pouted and held up his hand to remind her that they weren't supposed to be seen together making her clutch the dessert close to herself and took a step back. She lifted the phone towards her ear as he directed and sighed,

"I-I'm sorry Chi, I just wanted to see you. I know they're watching but-"

Sachiko's eyes widened quickly as she spotted him begin to retreat that she yelled out, "Wait! Don't leave! We can still hang out!"

Satoru weaved his brows and scratched behind his ear, "How?"

Thanks to her quick thinking and highly observant self, she was able to devise a plan that could override their vow if they were careful. She pointed towards the benches, "Okay, now, see the bench over there, just across you? Wait for me there. That's probably around 8 feet away from the other one, I'll sit across you. The Inaris usually interfere if we're only 3 to 5 five away so-"

Satoru couldn't help but let out an airy chuckle, "Are you sure? We won't get zapped or anything?"

Sachiko's crimson eyes implored him to take a chance that he felt his apprehension fleet quickly, "Trust me?" She asked.

"Always,"

They positioned themselves on opposite benches and continued to talk on the phone. For a while, they couldn't help but beam so widely that they could see each other's teeth, both amazed at how nothing like their previous attempts got one of 'em pushed or pulled away by an Inari, had wind forcefully swept the other or their favorite, got electrocuted just by wanting to hold hands.

It had happened early on probably around the first few months of their trials and had only happened on three separate occasions which they promised never to speak off.

Sachi set her phone on speaker mode and began separating her treats while rolling the rest inside the paper bag, "See? Not zapped yet,"

Satoru gave her a thumb's up as he stretched his arms on the bench, "Loophole. I like the way you think,"

She winked at him then proceeded to lift the paper bag, "I bought some for you, Catch!"

He shook the bag he caught and peeked inside, the smell of the custard enough to light him up that he missed how Sachiko was adoring how he looked in the new pair of spectacles she bought him.

"Thanks, Chi,"

"Hey, Toru, I'm glad you're here. It's been a while since we've been on a date," she shrugged.

"I know, it's been tough huh?"

Sachiko crossed her legs and nibbled on her treat but quickly set it down when she noticed how he just stared at her and was satisfied with watching her eat. Despite his usual façade, she saw that he was tired too. The Inaris would whisper the truth about his rigorous training, so she thought it best to validate his feelings, "Heard it's been harder for you. Are you okay? You haven't been getting enough sleep from what I heard,"

Satoru slumped back and waved his hands, "Don't' worry about it, I'm just always studying and meditating, no big,"

Sachiko cocked a brow in warning, "Just, don't forget to take care of yourself,"

He nodded. He was prepared to initiate another round of small talk when she dusted her hands and scooted forwards, face turning a bit serious as she fiddled with her fingers nervously that rested on her lap. Her eyes were downcast, focused in between her shoes which made him uneasy but before he could ask, she spoke,

"Satoru…I've asked a lot from you, and I just want to tell you that I appreciate it so much," she lifted her head now so she could focus on him, "Because of that I just wanted to remind you, how much you mean to me. You are everything to me, I just wanted you to know,"

Satoru was too surprised to hear her words that he began blurting out his own feelings, "Chi-I, even if I don't really understand how you could treat me more than I would ever expect, I do know that. I know it's different when I say it and perhaps, I don't say it enough, but I feel the same way,"

There was a bittersweet sadness that danced around her eyes that twinkled under the moonlight. But the sincerity of her made Satoru so unencumbered that it took everything in him to hold on to the bench to keep him from running towards her.

Sachiko steadied her hands now, "You only ever treated me as your equal. That's why. You express things differently, but I understand the meaning into everything you do and speak. There's nothing I don't like about you," one hand clutched the side of her heart now as she tried to even out her breathing. Her eyes, shut for mere seconds to keep the calm that fought itself from flying away as she bared her soul, "Even your imperfections, I see value in it as you do in mine. Above all, you see me, as me," the slow opening of her eyes only saw him in place. Her steady rock and armor, who was never too distant but was also never suffocatingly close.

And Satoru knew, in her own way, she was reaching out to him.

He saw through her completely. All of his instincts instantly went to his desire to shelter her from the rest of the world but as someone who knew Sachiko very well, she wouldn't take too kindly to too much hand holding.

He knew she didn't need it. Allowing her to spread her wings and even gamble with the threats to her life, his reluctance of allowing her to put herself in danger knowing that he could take her place instead, was displaced in his complete trust in her capacity. He couldn't limit her.

She wasn't his to control but she was still someone his to protect.

A step back was the only length he allowed himself to leave because he knew within him that no matter what, he would be ready to catch her if she fell and if worse comes to worse, come crashing down with her.

Their trials were such moment. And finally, he understood how she could ever gamble everything and be left with nothing if she failed.

It's because she loved him too much that she couldn't do things without giving her all. Sachiko wouldn't compromise on her love for Satoru but instead take a huge gamble to eventually start a life with him.

He buried his face into his palms to take in her heavy confession. He had never felt so deeply regarded in his life. He always thought he lacked in caring for her, but all of his doubt melted with her speech. His elbows rested on his thighs and his mouth was caught in the middle of the triangle he had formed in his fands, curved up lips moving as he said his reply, "It's funny how you always read what's on my mind and make into yours. I guess, you know me better than I know myself," He purposefully grabbed a fistful of his hair and groaned, "Damn it!" he said making Sachiko jerk up, "I miss you Chi, I want to kiss you so bad,"

Sachiko took a deep breath then tightened her expression, "Then kiss me. I can handle a little shock, besides, look inside your paper bag,"

Satoru uncrumpled his bag and laughed at the thin object he hooked with one finger. Sachiko already looped the black pair of surgical mask on her ears and waited for him to follow.

Satoru snorted, "You know, this isn't gonna work right?"

Sachiko stomped her feet and clicked her tongue, "We never know until we try dummy. Come on, humor me!" she said, vexed.

He put on the mask as she directed and hopped on his feet, "Happy?" her brows uncreased.

Three steps closer and the sky had begun to growl over them. Sending a single flash of light as warning making Satoru wince. Behind him, he could hear the activity of the Inaris but this didn't seem to bother the Kitsune. Before Satoru could even caution her, she ran towards him but before they could even close in on a foot's distance, a flash and shock came in between them, sending them a few paces away from each other.

Sachiko landed on her side, "I'm sorry Toru, are you okay? Maybe, we really should-"

Satoru's eyes darkened as he grit his teeth. Seeing her so broken and disappointed only fueled his desire to come near her more, "Wait, no, don't go! Chi, I can't just leave like this!" despite the pain that remained fresh in his body, Satoru managed to stand and rip off his mask. He motioned for her to straighten and forced a grin, "They can only ward us if our cursed energies breach our domains at the same time so-"

He removed his spectacles and started taking steps towards her, one hand raised at the level of his chest, fingers shifting into a benediction that activated his Infinity, "I can get close to you this way," the tears that streamed on Sachiko's face began to dry as soon as he stopped in front of her. Her eyes were quick to survey interruptions but there was none that could be found because of his little trick.

He smiled at her fervently, "For us, I can slow down time. Even if for a fraction of a moment, inside my infinity," he leaned downwards to level himself at a comfortable angle to slant his mouth on hers leaving a space that was only a click away. His eyes dreamily stooped over the scarlet ones that stared back at him then cast itself over the bow of her lips, "I can decide what can and cannot touch me. It may seem like you are unable to reach me, but you will only be able to hit the space between my infinity and myself but there is a finite space that is allotted only to you. In my infinity, you are my center," he pressed his lips against hers, firmly molding his mouth to share one breath simultaneously shutting down his infinity for a split second just so he could feel her against him, actually be able to taste a small amount of the sweetness he missed until the pull of the trials had physically torn them apart to opposite sides but not able to ripoff the memory of what it was to be twined in such an intimate gesture.

None of them looked the least bit disappointed but instead felt a poignant end to their brief reunion. Sachiko had wiped her eyes and steadied herself to stand with Satoru following suit, his eyes, moistened as well from his yearning he was trying to shove in the lowest depths of his soul.

Satoru gave her a rueful smile, "I guess, this is goodnight, Chi,"

Sachiko nodded, still trying to recover from the minor latching of the fates, purposely focusing on the moment they shared to keep her afloat, "Goodnight, Toru…"

Satoru had turned his back first and because his vision was distorted, he didn't recognize that Sachiko had released a small amount of her cursed energy towards him because it didn't feel like a spell. Satoru felt the wind flow in his direction, its gust seemingly tracing over his head, like it flowed specifically to gently graze over his scalp and rub over his nape like she would when she would comfort him.

Of course. He thought. Sachiko wouldn't allow that they part on such a sad note. Even if she was the one, he left hanging, she would always, always make sure, he would keep his ever-famous grin.

He looked back now and saw how she was still smiling at him and waved but only left when she was sure he could understand what she mouthed.

Aishiteru.

She whispered.

But he heard it so clearly. Every syllable of it. Treating it as a singular verb and not a collection of words.

Aishiteru.

He heard it once more and he would keep her voice resonating for the rest of his days during the trials. Like it was his safety blanket but also his goal.

Aishiteru.

He would answer back. Sending his words to her, each day, every hour, and every minute he had nothing in his thoughts but her.


December

~Perseverance.

The path may provide unease for the self but seeking comfort for others. To practice to turn one's back from worldly, meaningless pursuits and instead strive to offer deeds and find joy in helping others.

Gojo Satoru's long line of requests were being checked off one by one at a steady rate all throughout of December. Yaga found it quite odd since he was quite picky with his requests. Not that he could complain since he always chose the harder ones to pursue anyway but Satoru just couldn't stand December, of all months, to be too free with his thoughts.

His cycle of meditation, study and visits to the Metro Dojo and his friends that had a strict schedule felt like he was going through a divorce (not that he knew what that was like). It was ridiculous and tiring but, at least he was doing some good. Besides, he liked that a lot of his efforts were actually coming to fruition. There was less noise coming from curses and he couldn't lie that it was great that he could actually bring peace to some people for a change.

He may not have been vocal about how he really felt about his successes but at least his clan members were appeased by his productivity. It helped shut down the chit-chat about his familiarship but he didn't mind their bickering. There was too much to think about and he couldn't afford to lose their support.

Lately, he found himself not frequenting a lot of the places he used to kill time. Sweetshops were traded for the library or to shrines. Shopping downgraded to supply restocking for the shrine maidens and the Metro Dojo caretakers. His usually movie screenings, he would prefer to set-up at the dojo to spend some time with the little ones. Sparring with whoever sucker was available was instead spent to teach Megumi how to defend himself at his age.

Ironically, the solution he found to get some pressure of his chest was to do so by focusing on others.

He decided to skip his birthday altogether. Sachiko didn't seem as resolute to celebrate it that year anyway. Though, he still sent her a cake to blow on midnight to which he was rewarded a photograph as proof that she was quote alive. He declined the offer for them to meet since he knew how hard it would be to keep their distance during their day however Sachiko couldn't leave him empty handed.

She never forgot how he always joked about replacing his Lennon lenses since it was wearing out. They once went to a store and he tried on different pieces and even though she suggested aviators, Satoru was more interested in those rectangular ones that were oddly shaped. He argued that he didn't want to look like those young hipsters even though that was exactly what he was going for. They didn't buy anything then since his description was too precise so of course when he opened the package that was brought by the Metro Dojo Inari, he couldn't help but grin widely. From the blue-black tint, to the rectangular shape and silver legs, she had the pair custom made to his preferences.

It was a funny spin to his temporary impediment. Lately, he didn't need as much occlusion as he used to. His Six-eyes had been dampened but still active, so the glasses were more of an accessory than an assistive device. He folded his old pair and carefully placed it on the table. For a while he remembered how many things, he had seen through them, how many memories, happy and painful ones were filtered by its tint that perhaps it was the universe telling him to finally part from the circle of which he was confined to for so long. He carefully wiped off the lint from the cornered lenses of his new frames and put it on for the first time. The mirror had showed him how Sachiko was actually right about it not really going with his face shape but would make him stand out nonetheless since what he wanted wasn't something readily achievable. It was something that he had to work hard for, corner by corner, inch by inch, lifting one dark shade off, slowly until all he can see a complete and clear detailed picture.

Just a little more.


Hideo had caught Sachiko just a little past six in the morning in front of the memorial set up by the Miuras to honor her parents. It was situated in the Inari shrine inside the Taisha, carefully guarded by one of the oldest of the Inari spirits. It was a simple tamaya, containing a mirror that listed the names Sayo and Kanata, her parents. Around it were different fox ornaments and lanterns that visitors would leave after paying their respects. Usually, Sachiko would light the incense with her fox fire but seeing as she was limited with her powers, she opted to light them traditionally. On the days that Satoru was with her, he would often offer something that came from his clan, the umegaemochi, the white rice-cake dessert with red bean filling (a favorite among Miuras) that was imprinted with the plum sigil.

It was the first thing she noticed when she greeted her parents and the fact that they were still warm made her check around her if he was still there. Sachiko never held a memorial without him since they turned eighteen and it didn't seem like Satoru was ready to let go of that tradition as well.

As soon as she set up her offerings and said her prayers, Hideo came to her side and greeted them as well.

There was some silence as Hideo helped her to tidy some of the dried leaves and flowers that surrounded the tamaya, but a quiet type of resolve was felt from his granddaughter. Still, as the months were passing by fast, Hideo couldn't help but inquire about her thoughts about the future now that she was laying everything down to have one.

Her answer came as a bit of surprise especially as she said so plainly in front of her dear parents, "Grandfather, I have none, for now,"

"Why?" he said, colorless brows knotted tightly, eyes searching for answers, but Sachiko merely shrugged as she motioned for her grandfather to sit on the stone benches beside her.

"Because all I can think about right now is the now," she placed her left hand over her grandfather's tense shoulders and smiled, "Don't worry, I know you'll be there, to help me when it's my turn,"

Hideo's worries instantly lifted. She didn't speak in the matter that sounded defeated, in fact she actually made him hopeful that she was at least talking about the future. She always told him that it wasn't her intention to lead the clan, but it's look like, she was beginning to accept that being clan head was part of the future she would be given.

"Always, my child," when Sachiko withdrew her attention from her grandfather and focused on the wedding photo of her parents, the sole clear photograph that was salvaged in the fire that consumed the hunters who searched for her but was miraculously found unscathed. She loved the photograph so much because it showed how youthful and how happy they were then. For years, she lived without any knowledge of what they looked like and often dreamed of faceless people rearing her when she was just a baby. She clutched her arms together and smiled as she sent her thoughts towards them.

Under the early morning light, the hollows of Sachiko's cheeks and the spaces in her clavicles caught Hideo's eye. Despite the warmth that kissed her skin, the rouge was pale. The way her physical form changed over the past few months was quite overpowering. There were a lot more restrictions to Kitsunes in terms of the nourishment they could be given and the rituals, the training and even the studies were harsh that it took such a toll on her but still, throughout it all, her grace still remained.

"Sachiko, does it hurt?"

She quickly noticed the weight of his stare now. His eyes could never lie to her but despite all that she truly felt and ached, Sachiko would never allow him to see it.

Sachiko shook her head, "Not as much as it used to. I can manage it well. Don't worry,"

Hideo let out a hoarse laugh and closed his eyes, "Is this what you truly want my dear? I don't want to lose you earlier if this is draining what's left you-"

Sachi's hand rested on top of her grandfather's shoulder now. She moved her head from side to side and soothed his back making Hideo unknot his brows, "That's not going to happen," she stood now and lit another for her parents and placed her hands into a prayerful position which her grandfather mimicked. She opened her eyes slowly and set it once more on the smiling portrait of her parents and took a deep breath, "I refuse to die because I want to start truly living,"


January

~Concentration.

Finding peace in one's environment and finding home in the most unlikely places is the prerequisite of attaining concentration. It is the ideal that one's desires and the demands of the society should not subject itself to personal gain in fruition but instead process to overcome obstacles to find clarity of mind and to see beyond the mundane merits of just simply seeing.

Concentration brings one to transform attention to true mental quiescence. To find focus on what is essential not just consequent.


Satoru had been lying on his futon at the training dojo in Dazaifu for two hours now. He was balancing the small book in his hand and was waiting for something to happen, straining his eyes to read between the text of the Lotus Sutra if he was meant to read something else. By the time he had settled in his studies, he had finished rereading the Sutra around ten times. He understood it and could practically recite it by memory. Imbibing it was a lot more challenging. He wasn't really a straight arrow he acknowledged that but, he had to be if he wanted to pass the Nine-tailed Kitsune's test.

Hideo had told him to read between the lines but the first time he held the book, there was nothing written on it. Just blank pages of white that for a moment he thought the old man was screwing with him since he didn't like him that much. It was around a few weeks into his meditation when the book finally unlocked, and he could actually read the text.

He did venture into the possibility of using his Six-Eyes to see through some hidden messages or even spells but how could he when only half of his sight was still present.

He had given up reading that morning and just opted to cover his eyes with the book for a nap.

Five minutes passed.

Fifteen.

Thirty.

Two hours.

Satoru had to stretch a number of times and crack his back to prep for his exit.

He decided to take a walk in the city, half in hopes of bumping into his girlfriend or any of his friends in general. He opted to go during the busy afternoon, so he'd at least have an excuse to say that it was all by chance but walking through the business district which housed one of his favorite stores to buy a dozen of his chilled soda water, he didn't expect to see a well-dressed young man with a very peculiar, dotted tie, exiting a business establishment.

Satoru leaned outside the windows of the convenience store and watched as Nanami Kento gave the older man in the suit a firm shake before bowing towards him as the manager took his exit.

Unlike his old self, Nanami actually cut his hair shorter, the blonde's undercut and properly gelled hair actually made him look like a professional that went with his clothes. This made Satoru grimace. Not too long ago after he graduated, Nanami didn't want anything to do with the sorcerers, taking strides to distance himself from the community and here he was, about to collide with the most requested man in their realm.

"Oi, oi, oi!" he sung, making the younger man wince at the sudden intrusion of the familiar voice. He started to turn and ignore the call when Satoru had strolled to his side and walked alongside him.

Satoru cackled, "Na-na-mi!" he raised one finger and pouted, "It's rude to ignore your seniors you know!"

"Gojo-san, what exactly are you doing here?" his usually stoic self at least didn't change. Nanami never liked his senior but still respected him for his contributions but at his early stage of transition into a normal work life, he didn't want anything to distract him or remind him of the life he left behind.

"It's mere coincidence," he shrugged, "Say, what do you say you and I get a drink to celebrate our reunion! I'll even pay! We can even celebrate you being a salary man or whatever," he exclaimed, placing one hand on his shoulders.

Nanami merely tilted his head and cocked a brow, "Aren't you tired yet?"

Gojo's brows shut upwards, "Of what?" his hand left his coat and went to his side.

Nanami sighed and crossed his arms. Despite his disengagement with the sorcerers, he still kept himself in the loop with some important events. After all, being a former Miura clan associate had its perks.

"Of pretending that everything is okay and that nothing's wrong,"

"Nothing is wrong," he quickly interjected.

"But?" he egged further.

Satoru flicked his brand-new shades and tilted his head upwards. Of course, he's heard. He thought, making him smirk, "Well, since you know, there's no need to elaborate is there?" he jerked his head sidewards and directed them to keep on walking.

The path was familiar and Nanami knew it well despite not visiting in the last few years. He wanted to but saw no point in interfering in their relationship.

Mid-way, he began to feel a little reminiscent of the Metro Dojo's walkway. Unlike before, there were more flowers than leaves, there was more stone in the pavement and there were more bikes parked outside of the entrance. Gojo didn't have to say much in order for him to understand the context of his actions. For the past few months, Nanami Kento had been keeping watch of Miura Sachiko behind the shadows. Carefully keeping his distance just so he would leave no clues that he even stepped foot on the places she had been.

Even though it hurt his pride, he knew he had to ask him to look out for two more people during these times where he is more vulnerable and would require more time away from them. With his eyes, he pled and Nanami gave him a singular nod to accept.

"I know you don't do the sorcerer thing anymore, but, me and Chi can handle ourselves but them, I could use all the help I could get,"

Nanami followed his eyes and saw through the window how Megumi and Tsumiki were busy with the household chores. For some reason, Nanami's former position of thinking about how ridiculous their set-up had been erased itself instantly as he saw how much their actuations actually reflected on the teachings of their adoptive mother. To him, that was enough.

Nanami broke their silence with a slight chuckle and began to turn his back, with one hand inside his pocket and gave Satoru a quick pat on the back, "I never thought I'd see the day that Gojo Satoru would actually go all out for someone other than himself. It seems to me, this is the most focused you have been since I met you. I know you. Your thoughts are plagued by a cycle of things, your well-being, the missions and your power. On your off days, you think about your connections and your amusement. Right now, all you're thinking about is her and them,"

"Should I take that as a compliment?"

"More like a reminder,"

"Anyway, seeing how things are, I don't think I have much to contribute but a very small fraction of my assistance. I'll watch over them but with Sachiko,"

The mention of her name made his heart skip a beat. Of course, leave it to another rival to bring her into a conversation.

Nanami took a step forward, "I know about the trials, and I sincerely hope you both pull through. In fact, I don't doubt it. The challenge will come after. So, when it comes to her, you can take it from here,"

Satoru took a step towards the opposite direction and even though he knew Nanami was still watching him, he didn't turn when he waved goodbye. Nanami had an interesting way to show his support for them even though he knew he hated his guts, but their common ground was too powerful for them to contradict that all he could do was cackle through his reply, "Of course! Who do you think I am?"


Nanami left the Metro Dojo, a lot more exhausted in the thirty minutes he allotted for his senior than his day spent in a grueling interview with a stock-exchange company. He was interning of course, he needed to get some college credits to actually work full time but despite being young, he did have a lot of know-how about the course. Still, he just couldn't stand idly by and find work while he got his degree.

He had come across the district where a pub was conveniently open had very few people inside. He hated to admit it, but it was one of those days he wished to ignore the age of legality in their country and down some alcohol. But alas, he was a year too early, so he settled instead in a small café with very few people.

He ordered something decaffeinated, figuring that he'd rather sleep off his exhaustion from Gojo's request to play as a quiet guard for two kids while he went to the trials and having to plan out his route to keep himself hidden when Sachiko went on her usual routine from the Institute to the Taisha gave him a bit of a headache.

What he didn't anticipate was the time that she would find him first.

The bell chimed at the entrance, signaling entry of a new customer and before Nanami could even turn to glimpse at the new guest, he heard her call out to him.

"Kento-kun?"

Nanami felt his palms sweat and the nerves he used to feel when they were alone seemed to surface so quickly that he almost dropped his mug, "Sachiko-san?" he said, voice raised, eyeing his beloved senior who look very different from the last time they actually spoke with each other. For one, she donned different clothes, a lot more body clad, and her hair was tied differently yet similarly to when they were still in school, but he couldn't dismiss that she looked thinner and paler than before, and it was quite unsettling.

He tried to remain calm and not point out too many of his observations as they made small talk in a small booth, but it didn't take too long for him to bring up the topic.

He clutched the mug by its handle a little tighter, not minding the heat it transferred on his skin as he mustered up the courage to inquire. He removed his spectacles and pinched in between his brows to allow some tension to release in the air. It didn't do much as he felt her expectant gaze, so he decided to just get on with it.

He shifted in his seat and turned to her, one arm hooked behind the other, but his expression was a lot softer than before, but a little more concern etched on his face. As soon as Sachiko set down her cup, he spoke,

"Sachiko-san,"

"Hm?"

"Please take care of yourself," Sachiko watched as Nanami drummed his fingers on the table. A few moments passed by since he spoke, and she felt a slight tendril from the table which from her periphery came from the uncontrollable shaking of his leg. She clutched unto her sweater then and took a deep breath, removed her eye contact and just shrugged at his insinuation. He ducked his head to catch her glance and cocked a brow, "Should I once again make frequent my visits to the Metro Dojo so that you would utilize the kitchen?"

Finally, after so many years, she laughed in front of him. Her voice quite airy and energetic that Nanami couldn't help but lean back and snort at her reaction. Sachiko waved him off and covered her mouth before speaking, "There's a new chef at the dojo, I don't think she'll let me enter it that easily," she responded, thinking about Tsumiki.

A smile danced around in his lips momentarily taking Sachiko by surprise, "The old lady finally croaked? Or has the lady of the dojo given up on her?"

This time it was the lady of the dojo that cocked a brow and allowed herself to smirk. With a tune of bemusement she retorted, "Nanami Kento, are you actually trying to be humorous right now?"

The emotion in her statement made her cheeks fill with color which made him lighten his mood. Without sounding too uncomposed he jested with his usual low voice, "I dunno, is it working?"

She pursed her lips and whipped the end of her braid behind her before resting her elbows on the table, "A little. Thanks. But you really should visit more often. Lately, I've been staying there more frequently than my own place,"

Nanami took a moment before responding. He wasn't sure if he was still a welcome visitor around their residences since he nullified the contract but he knew that he couldn't stray from his attachment from them for too long so he dared to ask, "Would your grandfather mind me visiting?"

Sachiko shook her head, "He'd love to see you,"

Nanami nodded, "I'll make time then,"

Another smile. Despite her not quite looking herself as he clearly remembered, she acted exactly the same way. Kindness never left her. The calm that he would sometimes question and had concluded that masked her pain was still evident and yet despite everything, he was certain there was still faith that burned through her heart. He didn't deem it necessary to bring up his knowledge of the ceremony and instead focused on having a casual conversation with her, one that he was making sure he was wide awake and fully paying attention to her words and actions since it may be a long time until they could do so again. Should've ordered an americano, he thought.

But I'll make sure we will speak on this booth again once everything is over.

After an hour, Nanami had offered to escort her back home but was reminded that she could manage on her own. Of course, he wasn't at all surprised by her statement. He knew she was perfectly capable of going home without any problems. Even without his watchful eye, she was fine on her own. And now, he had to accept that perhaps, it was time for him to acknowledge something else,

"Sachiko-san?"

"Yes?"

In the many years that they've know each other, it was the first time that Sachiko saw that Kento could actually beam at her softly, almost contently that it made her feel a little emotional since his statement transcended everything that made her worry.

"You're in good hands," he said.

And then he left.


February 2022 (22 years old)

~Wisdom.

The root of suffering is ignorance.

To attain enlightenment, one must seek wisdom.

It differentiates correctly and with utmost certainty between what is proper and what is not, what is right and what is wrong.

Wisdom grants the ability to weigh options and preempt which could result in regret and the other in proper recompense.

Wisdom grants correct understanding to find specific answers to what is at hand.


"If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key."

Buddha


To attain this, the couple was subjected to another six days of complete separation not just from each other but from the rest of their caretakers at the Taisha. Everything kept distant to find focus that could only stem from themselves.

In the fortnight before their binding, the whole place would be warded for their protection as they will be stripped off their powers for the duration of their cleansing.

They will bathe in the waters of chozuya and would undergo heavy fasting and meditation and would be visited by the spirit of the Nine-tailed Kitsune who will present their wagers and subject them to days of sacrifice.

The spirit first visited the young man, with one swipe of his palm over his eyes, Gojo Satoru was blinded.

Miura Sachiko was at the same time, stripped of her consciousness and subjected to a deep Kitsune slumber.

Satoru's days without sight was spent alone in his room cloaked in total darkness but erupted with numerous voices and other sensitivities to his skin that prevented him from getting any rest.

Most of what he heard were words that discouraged him to pursue this path. Some of which told him the consequence of his failure. His skin felt like he was being pricked a millionfold that he couldn't help but wince and toss at the invisible glides of his tormentors. But because he had trained for the trials, he was able to recognize without seeing that it was just his doubts that he had to battle.

It was only himself who saw too much and could not concentrate in his own center. He learned by occlusion that the answer was within his grasp. Detailed and tangible. All he had to do was be brave and have faith. He had to forget himself and think only of what and who he was doing all of this for.

The pain he felt was temporary. The darkness will subside. In his most human state, he felt the sincerest. By rejecting that he was almighty, he would be able to face the divine and make the impossible possible.

No food or drink could ever quench his pursuit except for the thought of his hope that he would soon watch the sun rise with her again. He would not feel the scorch of the flames that engulfed him nor the electricity that continued to tug on his heart whenever he would displease his guardians because all of it had meaning.

In the six days he spent unseeing, he realized something very vital.

In all his years being gifted by a divine power of the sight of the gods, all he had been doing was looking and not seeing and having all of that taken away from him made it even more evident that she was his eyes.

She could see between the spectrum of colors and would refuse to see the gray.

She became his beacon, the light of his world and path.

Through her, he saw things more clearly and was able to discern more carefully what needs to be given attention and what else needed tending to.

She saw goodness in the darkest of places. She was able to find meaning in things he would often shrug off.

No detail, no person was left unseen because he had her to point to him towards them.

She was his eyes.


For twenty-two years, Sachiko had only experienced dreaming when she was in the Kitsune slumber. Vivid images often inundated her rest when consumption was great but on normal days, her eyes merely opened and closed.

She often asked Ieiri what it was like to live in a cinematic dreamscape where some of her deepest and happiest thoughts were mixed with her memories played like her own specially curated movie. She once told her that there were some she remembered and wished she could have stayed longer to play out, other times, she couldn't willed herself wake up for it to end. Ieiri used to love dreaming but daily trips to the pathology lab and treating wounded, almost unrecognizable faces seemed to occupy her thoughts as of late that she preferred the waking state.

Satoru always had the weirdest of dreams. It was often very cryptic but also quite funny. One time he dreamt about being chased a by volcano-like mascot, the other time, he and Suguru were having a squabble as kids and Suguru stuffed him inside a box that took Sachiko and Ieiri to rip the box open to free him. When asked about having bad ones, he'd often shrug it off and say he hardly remembered the details. Perhaps it was his way of not making her worry but it wasn't like him not to share.

Suguru however, never spoke of any of it in detail. He says it's often reminiscent of his childhood if not the missions and stated how he envied Sachiko for having no such problem. He probably mistook her dreamless state for peace, but the echo of nothingness was hardly comforting. If anything, it was mercy.

Mercy to keep her still and unfeeling as her life was slowly sucked away by the supernatural half of her soul.

That mercy felt like a sentence. For in her unwaking state, she was nothing but a lifeless doll. A marionette, unmoving, mute and unconscious.

But in those six days, she had missed being forced into a quiet slumber. Those six days, she finally experienced dreaming and it wasn't of the sweet kind. It was a cruel experience. A cruel reel of all of her deepest fears and tarnished memories and even her past made a brief cameo in her days of torment.

It was closer to sleep paralysis than a coma.

She could watch but never move.

She could hear but never speak.

Until, on the very last day, she saw herself in a mirror, the self she wanted to see in her reflection in reality slowly slaying her demons that was the doubt she had buried within herself.

She cut all the strings that restrained her and instead embraced all of the loose ones that defined her as human being. Perhaps the imperfection and the limits she had were what made her stronger. But more importantly it was the realization that in the battle she was winning inside of her head, there were two pairs of shadows and many footsteps that trailed beside her.

As one who was labeled strong, this one time that she actually needed help to uplift herself from a losing battle came from one who was ready not just to catch her when she fell but to join her into the depths, was him.

He became her voice in a society that was overwhelmingly loud and prejudiced. He didn't teach her the words to say, all he had to do was help her to be heard.

In a society that made her bow to their expectations, he became her spine that erected her independence.

Before the institute, her will to live was almost intangible and yet she gained many reasons to continue to stand.

Because she experienced it, something she thought were only meant to stay in the tropes of books, fairytales she at one point disliked and thought were too ideal to be true until it was finally given to her.

She was given love.

Difference forms seen in the smiles of family and friends and her significant other. Something she never thought she could give as she did not know how to but slowly, she learned because of him.

What it was like to rely on someone. To fully trust and give your heart and soul to someone else for safekeeping. He helped learn as he did, made mistakes side by side, allowing space to correct whatever it is that was misunderstood and use that experience to tighten their bond.

She learned through and with him.

He was what kept her awake all this time she had been living in a dream.


Day 7th

MARKING CEREMONY

On the day of his birth, his elders told him, the whole universe shifted to welcome his first breath.

"One moment can change a day, one day can change a life and one life can change the world."

They proclaimed.

He thought it was some self-serving thing to make him worthy of his namesake to remain part of the revered clans but perhaps that statement would finally find meaning now.

On the day of culmination, Gojo Satoru and Miura Sachiko were dressed in their clan robes and paraded on opposite sides of the taisha in their clan colors. The gold and white plum blossom emblems were printed over the sky-blue flags that flapped in the wind. A select few of the Gojo family members had escorted their liege towards the great hall of the Nine-tailed Kitsune and as soon as the sun rose, the chanting and the meditation commenced at the same time signaling the most awaited day for his clan as it would permit the return of his Six-Eyes after the ceremony.

On the opposite end were the train of gold and black silk flags that imprinted the torii sigil of the Miuras alongside the fox embroideries on its borders. The clan head, Hideo and his grey Inari awaited their arrival at the east gate while Sachiko's cousin, Yahiko Miura and his Inari and Kodansha Miura, the two-tailed Kitsune stood on each of her side as she paraded in prayer.

He tried to sneak glances at her to assure that she was alright, but she was heavily cloaked from head to toe and her small frame seemed to be swallowed up by her junihitoe. He smirked at the recollection that not too long ago, he had dreamt about seeing someone who looked oddly similar to her in the same clothes, and it was frustrating that he couldn't tell her about it until later. His chuckle made the rest of his companions give him odd looks as he went to observe his own attire. It was the similar traditional kimono and hakata, complete with his haori that he saw in the same dream. For a moment, he rummaged his pocket for his phone only to remember that it was confiscated by the elders since they arrived at the taisha.

As they positioned themselves in front of the large wooden door, the rest of the elders took a step back and bowed before they left. One touch from them and it swung open. As if by instinct, their hearts raced but remained in sync. After a long time, they would be granted privacy and a proper reunion.

They were just a few feet away from each other, but their hands continued to shake, and they remained unable to see each other. The door closed behind them and soon they were greeted by the fast rolling of a silken cloth that hung on the kicho. Another divider. This made Sachiko frown, but she knew they were still a few steps away from freedom.

At the foot of the kicho lay a tied garment bag that contained the clothes they were assigned to change unto. Sachiko quickly dropped the hood of her cloak and proceeded to untie the garment on her waist and removed the junihitoe layer by layer until there was none left to untie. The heavy garments made a sound as it dropped on the floor and for a moment Satoru turned to its direction only to be rewarded by a glimpse of her silhouette. A scarlet band appeared across his face immediately at the thought of her bare presence, but it only made it so real that they had finally reached the last stage of their trials. A small smile appeared on his face as he turned around and continued to fasten the thin, black, one-layered garment of cotton-silk robes and a short, tasseled obi-belt of the same color. As he wrapped it around his body, he noticed how the fox was carefully painted over the fabric, he didn't know it, but his own clan symbol of the flower was what decorated Sachiko's own garb.

It was a symbolic exchange of trust that only made their ceremony more personal and meaningful that his excitement to be reunited with her only increased every second that passed.

Sachiko was instructed to remove all of her accessories including her hair tie but what took quite a while was to affix the robe properly around her body. It was too big for her, but it was probably because she had partially wasted for months but at least, when she would face him, her skin would have enough color since his presence alone would be enough to serve as her strength.

They finally lifted the silk partition and walked towards each other but with just three feet away from each other's grasp, a sudare curtain stood in between them.

Sachiko and Satoru couldn't help but snicker at the intricacies of the ceremony but despite the partition, they could at least get closer without repercussions. Sachiko was already catching her breath when they reached the point where only the sudare stood in their way. Satoru was desperately trying to look in between the slots to gaze upon her face but despite the slight distortion, he knew, she was smiling.

Sachiko raised her hand into a benediction and lit the fire that Kai required to rest on his temple. She positioned herself in front of Satoru, where her eyes would meet his and in unison, they took a deep breath and recited,

"Our eyes might see uncleanliness but let not our minds see uncleanliness. Our ears might hear uncleanliness, but let not our minds hear uncleanliness,"

A mixture of their borrowed cursed energy and techniques soon covered the whole room and crashed into the sudare that burned to eliminate their divide. Satoru couldn't help but jeer and grin at Sachiko as soon as he was able to that he almost forgot that there were more spells to be cast.

Satoru closed his eyes and gathered his cursed energy into his core and turned to Kai's statue whose eyes lit with his borrowed Six-Eyes and with one blink, he felt the surge of it back in his being.

He lifted his hands and called upon Sachiko to place hers on his palms. Their first form of contact sending them a huge blanket of warmth that was enough to ignite their soul. Satoru's red string enveloped in his right arm that wound tightly in his ring finger activated. The red glow mirroring the Kitsune markings on Sachiko's skin.

Satoru lifted her chin and rested his forehead on hers, feeling the pull of their cursed energy seemingly twining together in a tight pull of predominance. They were told that there would pain but again and again, they were reminded that they would only be temporary. They felt it. Every inch of their body felt like it was being churned but the crescents in her eyes only meant that she was fighting with her all being to keep herself afloat. Sweat may have dripped from her brow, her hold on him may have tightened but she was fighting because he was there to support her.

Sachiko gave him a slight nod for them to continue the spell. Satoru could taste the copper in his tongue from the pain he tried to gate to keep from yelling but never allowed his grin to get erased as she locked eyes on him. He twined his fingers in hers and gestured for them to speak,

"I look into your eyes, and I see my present, I look upon your hands and see the lines of my past and I look through your soul and see my future. With the threads of my fate, I weave my being into you,"

Satoru's red string imprinted in his skin making him grimace and wince but hold on tighter on her who tried to soothe him from the pain but before she could even do much, the strings extended from his hand looped with the markings on hers then shot through their chests making them gasp at the sudden impact. New markings soon surfaced on Satoru's right thumb and Sachiko's left pinky finger and in a singular loop in between them, the end plunged into their hearts making them let go of each other's hold and fall unconsciously on their sides.

With the strings slowly embedding their hold on their blood, the fox-fire that Sachiko lit left Kai's temple and broke into two and burned through the skin above their hearts the brand of familiars.

The first burn would always be that of the familiar's. Satoru was awakened in a dizzied state with his instinct instantly going to the left side of his chest, he writhed as he loosened his robe and watched the slow branding of what seemed like a lotus flower making its appearance on his chest. He didn't have time to process what had just happened since he was still battling his throbbing headache and blurry vision, but he felt the cursed energy inside of him pulsate erratically that he crawled to her side.

"Sachiko-!" he said, air still finding its way into his lungs. He lifted himself with the ball of his elbow and inched his way towards Sachiko who remained unmoving. He scooped her up until she rested in the cradle of his arms and willed her to awaken but his voice, the one thing that would always bring her back, would not reach her and when he went to check the pulse on her neck, there was none.


Another trip into her unconsciousness and Sachiko is not given a dream but a walk back into her memories. She was taken back two years in time at the dojo. It was summer and Kodansha wearing her favorite peach yukata and spent some time braiding Sachiko's hair like she had taught her when she was young. Sachiko could remember how she was amazed at how her aunt still looked so youthful and beautiful despite her graying hair and lines on her face. She credited it to her positive outlook in life that made her more appealing to the eye. Sachiko agreed, of all people, her aunt was the most caring woman whom she looked greatly up to.

That afternoon, Sachiko had asked how her mother was able to leave her an heirloom when she hardly had any time to prepare after her birth. Kodansha explained that even before she had given birth, Sayo had planned for her gift to be given when the time comes for her to live at the Taisha to train. Kodansha narrated how it was a pair of earrings that was made from an intricate necklace that came from Sayo's mother which would explain how the earrings could be converted into a pendant. She always wondered why they were sapphires instead of her birthstone that she reserved for her, and the explanation took her by surprise.

Kodansha balanced the two gems in her palm and smiled at the recollection of its previous owner, "Your mother told me, that sapphires always pointed her back home," she removed the precious gems from post-setting of the stud and handed it to her niece, "She said, if you look close enough, you will find your way back home. You will find your way back to where you belong,"

Sachiko took one of the gems in between her fingers and lifted it towards the light that aligned in her eyes, the prism sparkled instantly making her widen her grin at what she saw.

Kodansha then asked, "What do you see?"

Sachiko brimmed softly and felt wetness trickle down the side of her face as she told her aunt her answer of what it is that brought her back home.


Her eyes slowly opened now; vision doubled but soon focused on the first thing it caught making her draw back her strength as she made out its whole picture.

His eyes, the clearest of blues she has ever seen. The crystalline prism that stared back at her lovingly and longingly that always made her feel complete.

The sky. She said.

She heard what seemed like another voice similar to her aunt speak inside of her head and whose voice was soothing and comforting that she couldn't help but feel grateful for her motherly words,

"That's right, the sky will lead you to where you belong.

Your home.

To him,"


Inside the orb of light of each other's eyes, they saw their own reflection. The faces whose colors were washed away by the trials now looked pristine and conditioned.

Satoru's eyes glistened as he confirmed her health. Her skin had refurbished the scarlet in them as evidenced by his touch, her hair, coating most strands with raven hues and her flesh became plump and moist and warm that even the shine of her lips and eyes he opted to trace over to make sure he wasn't dreaming made him tremble and bite his lip at the relief that she was finally cured.

Still, in the middle of coming to, Sachiko had reached over to wipe the tears off his face then lifted herself to crash into his hold. The contact of her new brand against his made them feel a sudden, strong gush of cursed energy pulsate like electricity that coursed through their veins. They felt their bones harden and their muscles twitch, skin receptors activating at the fire that flushed through their core seemingly algesic yet a little pleasurable.

They gasped at the surge, breaths panting as they took in the effect of sharing an immense amount of cursed energy that was not just overwhelming but overpowering that they couldn't help but notice how a tinge of ecstasy crept in between them.

Sachiko's cursed markings slowly stripped itself from her body, leaving only small crescents on the side of her cheeks and the crimson lines that mirrored Satoru's strings were brightly lit and comfortably twined around her arm. The sigil, a single character that stated longevity that hung on her chest, just on the level of her heart, still felt a little scorched yet no longer painful as it was before.

Above everything, the pull of sleep and her weakness was gone, now replaced by the strength that Satoru had given her, and she felt his spirit course throw her that her happiness and gratitude for him was evident in the way her face brightly shined.

Despite partitioning a huge amount of his cursed energy to overcome Sachiko's consumption, the replacement he was given increased thrice over. His Six-eyes and his Limitless was surely enhanced and the binding only made it easier for him to harness more from his techniques. The way his eyes would easily tire from the overwhelming stimuli of energy registry, thermal output and detailed outpouring thrown in his direction, was largely dampened though not completely but at least, his vision, of her, was finally, crystal clear.

Satoru pulled her close to him and wound his arms around her waist until he could safely press her head into his chest and soothe her hair and caress her side just to capture every bit of her in her most healthy state. He rocked her back and forth as he cried, making Sachiko whisper sweet nothings and comforting words to reassure him that she was alright.

"Everything's okay now, 'Toru, thanks to you,"

The sound of her voice released the heavy load that he packed on his back for the past six months that all he could do was cup and caress her face as he gazed at her tenderly.

His thumb traced over the curve of her lip and for a moment his eyes flocked towards them before greeting the scarlet ones that looked through him with much anticipation. Something about the way she stared at him awakened a hunger that he kept unsatiated in the past few months of separation that he lifted her chin and slowly drew it in alignment to his face.

When he first met her, Miura Sachiko was just a thick cloud of cursed energy, she was a walking force that only had a name but none of that seemed to make sense now as he was finally awarded with every detail of her being.

Ironically, his eyes were used to the kind of overstimulation that came from thermal, spiritual and supernatural registry of cursed energy usually seen as a spectrum or layers of smoke and colors but right now what he felt was actually quite similar.

Except for her, the rest still required some sort of medium for him to comfortably visualize but her-his Sachiko was the most vivid picture he had ever seen. And-it was pleasant…she was beautiful, extremely exquisite and she looked extremely alluring and picturesque despite some of her scars she had acquired from missions and despite brandings from her curse, she was-

Breathtaking.

Yes, Gojo Satoru had been loving a woman whose face he could probably outline by memory alone and he had held her many times, had felt his skin against hers, shared breaths with but that night was the most intimate and unguarded they both had been.

"My eyes did not miss a single detail of you, and yet, I could not see you clearly. And finally, today, I am truly blessed, for if I have not remained blind, I would not finally open my eyes and be lost with only thoughts of you. I used to view you as the invisible wind, but I felt you. Deeply. I knew you were there. I've only loved you even with half of my sight, I was sure about it. I love you,"

"There is no need for you to explain Satoru because I already know. Everything. And I feel the same way,"

Gojo Satoru was a man. He had urges but most of them he was able to tame because he was fixated in just loving the girl and her heart. This time, his eyes were wide open and there was no filter than impeded him from seeing her so-so-electrifying.

This, was the high.

He tried his best to put words together, "Sachi…I-I just…I'm a little nervous…"

Despite the pink on her face, she was a little more composed than he was.

"Hm?" she leaned closer and began tracing her fingers over the marking that burned through his skin, she looked so worried about him that she didn't have the slightest idea of the kind of internal turmoil he was currently battling.

"Does it hurt?"

The sensation that came from her touch actually made him feel good. The sting from the burn didn't last long but the way she was touching him made him want to feign discomfort just so her fingers would stay on the same place longer. Her touch was so intoxicating that he felt like his morals were being tested and it didn't help that his forehead burned with sweat and he felt like horns were growing out from his temple.

He caught her wrist and exhaled, eyes turning evasive as she latched on, "I-I'm fine, don't worry. And you?"

She shook her head and looked at him calmly, "No pain," she gave him a very endearing smile that made him hold his breathe as he felt her weight shift against him. She placed both hands in between his cheeks and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips that lasted for just a mere second before she continued to speak, "Thanks to you, I'm all better now, Satoru," his name had never sounded so enthralling. They way she called unto him made him almost numb but also quite energized that his mind was going a hundred miles per minute.

He leaned his forehead on hers, eyes kept targeted on his lady, "Yeah?"

"Yes…" she giggled.

Overcome by glee and the burning force that pulsed through his veins, he consumed his desire by plunging his lips over hers, the sudden show of affection making Sachiko bat her eyes then rest her hands behind his nape before finally relaxing into his mold. There was a sudden and literal spark that coursed in between them that their kiss only grew more passionate yet still sweet as they allowed themselves to taste each other after such a constrained period that giving into their romantic longings felt so natural and yet, so divine.

Soon their breathing harshened and the beads of sweat that formed over the exposed skin of Satoru's well-built chest and arms felt like fire that kissed against Sachiko's hold. Warmth radiated from his whole body, making him flush from the neck down. Sachiko felt a little faint herself from the lack of breaks from their kissing, but she didn't wish to stop. Something about the way his fingers moved against her body, and the way his lips would fold against her mouth felt magnetic and so deliriously appetizing that she could help but ask for more. Satoru's eyes fluttered open slightly to peek at Sachiko who was blushing from his impassioned ministrations making him smile into the next kiss, but this only enticed him more, surprising his lover as his tongue grazed the side of her lower lip as if it was seeking entrance into her mouth.

Her breath hitched from his sudden advances that made her shy away and break for breath. Satoru didn't say anything and instead smirked as he rested his temple against hers, one hand caressing the side of her warm cheek before leaning in close enough so he could see her nod in consent.

Then without thinking or waiting for her to speak, he found his hold tightening around her waist and drew her closer, close enough that he could actually identify the tune and the notes of her pulsations. His nose grazed the side of her jaw as he tucked her hair behind her ear and whispered, "You're so beautiful, my beloved Sachiko,"

Satoru hummed against her lips, his mouth, remained closed as he traced over her sides before he allowed his index finger to do the same, then, he slowly parted her soft, pinkish lips and gave her a soft peck which she had obliged into a more tender kiss. Breathing into the next pucker as she balanced herself with her hands behind his nape, their lips parted but created only a fraction of a distance to breathe.

Satoru traced the side of her jaw with the back of his hand and in the next second, Satoru's mouth covered hers, carefully shaping around it, gently forcing more space in between until he slowly slid in his tongue to breach her palate and massage against her own making her gasp at their first, real, deep kiss.


"Each breath you release will be shared under one small cloud and for a while, all your thoughts will only be of each other. As you are now deeply coupled, your will, during the high will be preoccupied by nothing else than each other's being.

It's a strong pulsation.

Quite tantric.

Which is why some who go through it, consume the high through physical means.

I must caution you; the act of love should be as so. It should never be done out of obligation for the ritual. That must be reserved for yourself, to decide and to experience something that is also close to magic.

A human act that may feel otherworldly and extremely divine.

Though the high may mask such lust for desire, you must see to it that when the time comes, you will recognize the difference.

The ceremony is built on trust after all.

I repeat, the ritual is a sacred undertaking.

It is a triumph against the odds and the will set before you.

The best and surest way to be one with the divine is sincerity.

If your familiar truly cares for you then without a doubt, this will succeed.

For if he does not love you, you two will not become one.

So, during the high, never forget the respect that you two built that was deeply rooted in nothing else but pure love.


This time he started with her cheek, then the side of her jaw, soon, he began trailing a butterfly of kisses down her neck, his lips brushing and sucking over the hard pulse just above her collar which made her whimper at the sudden sensation he was able to elicit. Her skin is more sensitive here. I want to discover more. A smile made its brief appearance on his face and he felt the flutter of his nerves in his chest and abdomen as he found excitement at his ability to make her produce very passionate vocalizations.

He continued trailing his mouth down until he saw a portion of her shoulder that was exposed from earlier. He dug his nose into that corner as he took in her scent, the fresh aroma similar to milk and honey that blended well with the smoothness of her skin made him thirst for more. His movements made her squirm from his hold and made her fingers dig unto his scalp as she tried to repress another moan.

Satoru felt possessed. He knew his hands ached to discern her whole form, his fingers found electricity and delight with each contact he placed on her bodice, particularly on the bare parts, but when she called out his name and he opened his eyes to meet with the feverish expression of his partner, he felt startled at what he had done to push her to look so different.

Still, restraint was still fighting to surface in his senses.

He continued to pepper kisses on her shoulders, and soon his hands found the curve of her hip making him grasp them that was followed by a sudden bucking forward of her body when he began tracing circles on her sides. He let go of one side and positioned the other to crane her bare, warm and moistened nape. Sachiko tried to follow the direction of his kisses, gasping at the sensation each time his lips breached her skin. Her breath hitched as his hand brushed against and steadied on the small of her back, fingers tracing the bones of her spine before he he plunged his mouth in between her sternum, making her instantly extend her warmth and scarlet flush to her chest.

The sound made him raise his chin and locate her face, eyes fluttering above making him aware of how flushed her neck was, and in one area near her pulsation where he drove his mouth deeply, was turning into a purple hue. His face creeped up near hers now, her cheek, felt warm against his, and her eyes were still mostly lidded. Her breathing had matched his, slow, deep and fairly audible that soon, he too started to make foreign sounds that tingled Sachiko's ears.

When she made some distance and finally stared at him with a feverish glow, her hands went to steady his face so that she looked directly down at him. His thumb swiped across her bottom lip again, a gesture she now understood meant to ask permission to elevate his advances and then rested just below it so he could slowly allow entrance of his lonely lips once more. He gave her a deep pucker, molding the shape of the half crescents, slowly as if he were memorizing her taste and her feel, taking with him a heavy amount of her air that was making her lightheaded as he continued his oral ministrations.

This made Sachiko's chest flutter, herself drowning in his passion that for a moment, she feared that he'd devour her senses until there was none left but she was welcoming it because she felt extremely secure in his hold. She felt the pleasure and ease and the undeniable desire to be with him and reciprocate his feelings physically.

She would never allow anyone else to be as bold with her as him.

Satoru felt a heat spread from his abdomen to his whole body. Like he had been lit on fire that soon he began to lower her head and their bodies on the floor without stopping the movements of his hands tracing her silhouette, his mouth continuing to connect with hers. He was slowly hovering over her but before she could dip downwards, he felt her fingers dig through his chest just beside the lotus marking that her touch is what brought back his senses and willed his eyes to snap open and slowly lift her back up.

Sachiko still had her eyes closed and rested her head on his shoulder as she caught her breath.

Satoru soothed the back of her head and allowed the beads of sweat that formed under his brow and jaw to fall, some of it catching on her bare skin just above the bare side of her breast. The shine of the water making him follow its position instantly making him parched and enamored by the sight of her beautiful body.

He swallowed slowly, commanding his trembling fingers to quickly lift up her robe to cover the exposed part of her ripe mounds which was partially moistened by his own sweat while he darted his hungry, sky-blue eyes towards the ceiling. Willing himself to keep composed and bury his primal instincts at the sudden shock of the sight of her beautiful, supple skin.

It was only then that Sachiko had let out a little gasp and took the robe in her own fingers and clasped it close to her chest. She had turned three shades of crimson and her heat spread from her neck to the tips of her ears.

The high was declining.

Satoru finally realized that only thing that stood between him and his urges was a single layer of clothing that they both wore.

But Satoru had an even bigger problem. He was still holding her by the waist, she was practically sitting on his lap and was only two breaths shy from his own lips. His breathing increased in pace and soon his blood was pooling down from his head…to other places that he turned very nervous and pale.

"Satoru? What's wrong?"


Inside of Satoru's mind that was slowly being consumed by his primal desires, was a foreboding voice that managed to seep in. Hideo had also cautioned the young man about the high especially since he and his granddaughter had managed to keep their relationship intact for years, he could not place a blind eye into the aspect of their intimacy. Of course, being her grandfather and considering the implications of the high, Hideo was right to give his speech.

"I did not require familiars as I am not a Kitsune, but I have read and seen what they go through. And what I have just described is something you will have to deal with after the binding. As a male, the urge to give in to physical means of consumption is twice over. It is intense and the fire you will feel will be congenial and almost irresistible. I do not question if there is love between you both, but I must emphasize boundaries. You must remember that whatever you do during the high must be consensual. It will feel like you two are the only people left in the world because in that moment, you will no longer just be yourselves but each other's,"


The sound of release, a soft, moist click that only lasted for three seconds as Satoru's mouth would not create space longer than a centimeter from hers as if the pull was magnetic was enough to keep his proper thinking present.

It seemed like a millenia had passed since they had started their romantic exchange but only a few, very unforgettable moments, lodged and properly compartmentalized in their memories had passed. Still, it proved through their uneven and nervous breaths that going back to reality was becoming extremely challenging.

With his newfound sight for his other half, no detail of hers could escape him now. Even though emotions were still felt independently and would normalize under the high, his instincts and desires remained in the realm of aching desire.

The short intermission had made him aware of very intricate details that were previously blocked by the fog of her unsteady cursed energy. From the small mole on the side of collarbone, to the fading scars dealt with by a blade on the side of her arm, his eyes traced every bit of her outline until he noticed a very flushed and plump area of skin that peeked through the folds of her yukata. It was difficult to avoid the glaring mark imprinted on her left bosom and it was only then that he realized the size of it.

He knew from touch, how her physique was quite voluptuous yet, most of her body remained toned if not what is considered feminine standard for women her age but being granted an opportunity to peek at the bodice of his woman gave him an exciting thrill and the weight of it, his heavy glances and shameless beckoning, Sachiko couldn't help but take precedence to cover her form after feeling so exposed and vulnerable in front of the man she adored.

The question hung in the air, but the answer seemed to make its presence scarce. They were in between. Their love for each other was guaranteed however deciphering between the aftereffects of the ritual and their real desires proved confusing.

"Satoru, wait-I," she covered her face in between her small hands, clearly shy at how she must've reacted and how she received Satoru's advances. She felt extremely protected inside his hold and the way he made her feel was nothing less than valued and cherished. It was exhilarating and comforting, and she knew she wanted more moments like that to create with him but because time was finally granted to them, she wanted to phase it properly.

It wasn't that she didn't want to. It was that she wasn't sure if she was ready. She had always envisioned it differently. Like any other girl, she wanted it to be special. Intimate and theirs. That night, it wasn't truly an event that they could call private. She didn't want to go through it over ceremony even if she knew that Satoru willingly sacrificed a part of his life to save hers.

Still, it was something she wanted to be selfish about.

She wanted to be in control of when, where and how it would happen.

And that was not the place or time or even circumstance that she preferred.

Satoru, knew in his heart what she wanted say and he couldn't agree more.

Satoru made some distance in between them and took both of her hands that covered her face and placed it in between his, kissing every single digit before returning his gaze upon her. He grinned sweetly, reassuringly, making Sachiko a little emotional and touched by how discerning and considerate he was of her feelings without her having to spell it out for him.

Satoru smoothened her hair and tilted her chin upwards, "Hey, Chi, it's okay. I know. I understand, you don't have to say anything, okay?"

She finally relaxed and lifted herself off his lap to sit by his side, silently trying to control the harsh beating of her heart as Satoru soothed her scalp while willing himself to repress his animalistic desires that were screwing with the circuits in his brain.

He fastened the robe around him after realizing that he had been half-naked for too long. Then, stood to pace around the room.

"You can go lie down and rest if you like. You must be tired," he said shakily, unmeeting her eyes, "You can take the bed,"

Sachiko tugged on the hem of his sleeve making him jerk forward, "And where will you go? Won't you stay with me?" her voice was a little concerned, but he knew she meant well to not discourage him to come close.

The scarlet band on his cheeks had extended towards his ears as he fastened the tie on his hakata pants before raising his hands and took a few steps backward without turning,

"Uh…I think its best…that…for a few minutes…that I keep my distance and turn my back for now as I calm down…" the tightness below did not subside enough as he had hoped for and his embarrassment was multiplying at a rapid pace that he had to untuck his haori to cover his protruding groin, "I'll watch over you and stay with you in a little while, okay?" he reassured.

Too ashamed to look at her face as he left, Satoru ran to the small veranda and almost toppled over his loose clothing and ended up dropping his weight on the cold marble railing. He was panting so hard and despite the cold breeze, his whole body felt like he was on fire.

For the first time ever in his relationship, he lied. He painstakingly lied as he intended to throw himself out of the window and just lie on the grass or dive into the koi pond or submerge himself in the freezing pond to jolt all reason to go back to his brain.

He started pacing and fanning himself literally and began thinking about anything else other than a sultry yet innocent Sachiko who was probably unaware of how she deeply affected her poor Satoru. He had opened a new door of desire for her and it was an amazing yet terrifying discovery he would have to deal with from now on.

It was probably around more than half an hour of giving him some space, but Sachiko could no longer keep her patience and quickly jumped off the edge of the bed and made her way to the veranda to fetch him.

The way her hand suddenly wound around his arm without saying a peep made him quiver from head to toe that he could only robotically move his legs as she led him inside. His eyes still couldn't meet hers despite her pouting and head ducking that Sachiko had to force him to sit beside her on the bed and pinch his cheek to calm him down.

It worked for the most part, making him chuckle at her cute expression that finally he smiled.

Satoru's left hand rested on hers which she quickly held in between her fingers. She didn't place much effort into hiding her flushed face as it was pointless to deny how happy he made her now that they were finally back together.

Still, despite her silent understanding, Satoru still felt unnerved by how crass he was earlier that he momentarily let her hand go and knelt in apology making her fluster.

"I'm sorry if I pushed it earlier, I didn't mean to alarm or pressure you into anything…"

Her hands quickly went on to rub his scalp and mess up his hair, signaling him to raise his head and dispel his coy look, "No, don't be silly, we were-just caught in the moment and I-" her right hand caught the V around her yukata as she looked at him bashfully, left hand covering her mouth.

Satoru slowly lowered her hand and clasped it in between his and settled beside her,

"Chi, I just, I'm-I just want you to know that I won't ever do anything that you don't want me to do or aren't ready to do okay?"

Sachiko drew closer but still found herself extremely nervous to ask about what had just happened. "I know…I trust you. It's just that-"

Satoru's brows weaved together, "What is it?"

Her chin dropped to her chest and Satoru felt how her hands were shaking that he decided to wrap his arms around her shoulder to keep her still.

Sachiko couldn't help but fiddle with her fingers as she gathered enough courage to inquire. She knew she had to ask or else, there wouldn't be any closure,

"I'm a little embarrassed to ask but, were you-disappointed?"

Satoru's clear blue eyes widened in surprise, mouth left agape by the inquiry that wasn't required of her, but he did find it a little funny and sweet how she still thought of his well-being despite it being a personal matter to her as well,

A whistle-like sound came out from his mouth as he stammered and he had to clear his throat to continue his speech, "Huh? What? No! I mean! I was-a little excited but-I wasn't disappointed…" he reassured, positioning her face to align with his so she'd focus on what he had to say, "I'm actually the one who should be embarrassed. I was afraid that I frightened you…"

Sachiko shook her head and smiled widely as she patted his head, "I wasn't. I felt…very safe with you, actually,"

"You did?" he said, wrinkling the side of his eyes.

"Yes," she giggled.

"I'm relieved that you do. That really means a lot. Just, don't be afraid to tell me what's on your mind, okay? It's me you're talking to. Remember that. I'll always be patient and understand. Okay? You're safe with me,"

"I know and I'm grateful it's you,"

Satoru pulled her in into another hug and kissed her cheek, "Then, I'm satisfied. I'm just glad that you're okay now,"

Sachiko's grip on his shoulders tightened as she buried her face in his chest, close enough so she could hear the fast beating of his heart clearly,

"Thank you for saving me yet again, Gojo Satoru,"

"I would do anything for you Miura Sachiko," he declared making her peer up and lift her chin as they shared another soft kiss.

Sachiko's eyes flashed red as she moved to whisper in his ear shyly, "Just so you know…in the future, you can ask…"

"Hm?"

Not wanting to look at him directly as she hinted on future intimacy, she settled to rest her head on his shoulders as he held the small of her back, "I mean, it's not that I don't want to 'Toru…"

As if his earlier display wasn't humiliating enough, Satoru's whole body tensed at her statement that he felt frozen yet still covered in flames as he retained his hold around her.

She snuggled her face into the crook of his neck and whispered once more, "Eventually…okay? In our own terms,"

Satoru couldn't help but smile with his teeth now. He rested his chin on top of her head and continued to sooth her back, untangling her hair with his fingers and visibly take in how she felt less fragile than the last time she stayed long in his arms.

Her statement had given him a new kind of hope and happiness that involved the kind of future that only existed in his dreams before. But now that they were granted time, the possibilities seemed endless.

His lips brushed against her crown and the she felt the trembling of his shoulders as he couldn't help but laugh then halt to give out a deep breath, "Then, I'll look forward to it," he shifted into a more jolly tune and squeezed her tight in between his muscular arms that for a minute, Sachiko's laugh was muffled in them, "I'll make sure, that its grander than, this-"

Sachiko retreated from his chest and pinched both sides of his cheeks, "Whatever you say," she replied, keeping her blush controlled at their newfound agreement.

He set her hands down and nuzzled his nose against hers and grinned,

"We have all the time in the world now, you and I,"

Sachiko could only nod and accept the chaste kiss he had placed on her forehead before gesturing for her to position herself more comfortably on the bed. As he finished tucking her in, Satoru sat on the opposite side and rubbed the back of his neck and etched a crooked smile,

"Sachiko, for tonight, can I, stay beside you? I promise to say on my side of the bed…"

Sachiko quickly fluffed the pillow beside her and lifted the blanket on the space meant for him and held out her hand, "Don't be silly, tonight, I want you to hold me,"

"Yeah?" Satoru said, already slowly settling beside her as she nodded.

Sachiko lifted her head to allow Satoru to place his arm under her pillow. She quickly rested her head on him and lay beside him so they could gaze upon each other's smiling faces as they waited for fatigue to take over. She guided his hand towards the small of her back as she snuggled in and allowed his warmth to transfer unto her.

In their silence, there was a loud voice that confirmed their security-the start of the rest of their lives. It may seem naïve at their age to think (even within themselves) so far into the future but in the past few years, planning seemed dire that all they could do was think of the now.

Not anymore.

Now they are allowed to hope and to wish and to be.

In his eyes, she saw her home.

In her midst, he felt the missing pieces of his being sewn together in a singular thread that started and ended with her.

They both felt a kindred kind of calm that he had forgotten that existed as they held each other that night, both of them fighting the call of sleep just so they could stay in their new reality.

With both of her palms cupping each side of his face, Sachiko's scarlet eyes began to outline each of his very unique features, from the light-colored brows, to the long pale lashes and of course the calming hue of his crystalline eyes, everything about him just made perfect sense to her. Satoru kissed the part of the wrist nearest his mouth then gently tugged on her back to decrease their distance and as soon as they were only three breaths away, Sachiko parted her lips and whispered,

"I love you," she said, tear escaping her wrinkled eyes, chest expanding as her heart grew and beat so fast, she thought she was going to have trouble breathing but instead she felt fresh oxygen enter her lungs, blood quickening in her veins just by a flicker on movement from his fingers transfused his spirit unto hers. That's how powerful he was to her, even before she had shared her powers to him.

Gojo Satoru was her sword and shield. Her sixth tail, her infinity.

And because he was everything to her, there was nothing else left to say but steadily remind him that-

"I have no other words for you. Nothing else would suffice. I love you beyond the vow, I love you Gojo Satoru,"

He had heard her say those words to him in a number of variations and many instances but the way she said it, serenely and more optimistically forged all those years into his heart.

He had heard it before, and he would hear it again because he would make sure that not a day goes by that he wouldn't say it to her as well.

"Sachiko, you have no idea how much you've made me happy. I never thought I'd learn how to love someone and care for someone else until you showed me how. Aishiteru. Thank you, for allowing me to save you. Thank you for choosing to stay by my side, for allowing me to hold you, for allowing me to truly see you and know you more clearly than before. My life is yours,"

With the ceremony at its end, their night had concluded in a kiss that tasted like freedom. A kiss that finally welcomed their surrender to a blissful dream that became their actuality.

Finally, balance.

Completion.

There is no path to happiness, happiness is the path.


The following day at the Fushimi Inari Taisha's central kitchen, Hideo and Yahiko Miura woke up extremely early and swung the doors open, not minding the staff they bumped on the way as they searched through the tray that just came from Kai's great hall.

Their eyes turned crescentic and as if they were reading each other's minds, the two Miura men quickly checked on the teacups that were assigned buckwheat extract.

They took a deep breath as they closed their eyes and circled around the tray and as soon as they saw that both cups were still full, their serious façade quickly faded away and they ended up hugging and crying in each other's arms as they jumped up and down, "THANK GOODNESS!" they yelped, making the staff dart weird glances at them as they squealed in glee.

Kodansha came not long after, a stark giggle filling the kitchen as she peeked through the cups.

The circles under Yahiko's eyes came from his unrest as all throughout the final moments of the ceremony, he couldn't shove the possibility of his dear cousin being turned into a woman overnight because of the high. The rumors about her boyfriend only made it worse. Despite Gojo having proven him wrong over and over again throughout his years of dating his dear cousin, as a man himself, he knew he probably had some-urges-that had built up through time.

Familiars and Kitsunes were often served buckwheat after the marking ceremony since it was believed to have mystical healing powers that made the post-intimate consummation effects bearable especially to the Kitsune. But as he and his grandfather lay on the floor, crying in relief that their unmarried little Sachiko still kept her virtue intact, they couldn't help but increase their respect towards the Six-Eyes user with the toothy grin.

Hideo spent the rest of the day in his study, leisurely going through documents and messages, a smile unleaving his face as hours went by. It was around mid-afternoon when he finally spotted the young couple from across his window in their traditional robes, strolling hand-in-hand, blissful and healthy. He may have denied the truth of their relationship before, but their unlikely union couldn't have resulted in the connection they had now if it wasn't real.

Afterall, Gojo Satoru wouldn't have come to ask for her hand a year ago if he wasn't serious about his relationship. He chuckled under his breath at how he acted out of character that time and did his best to look and emanate sincerity. It was very convincing, and he felt bad for the boy since he had to deny his request. He reminded Satoru that he shouldn't marry her and use that as leverage to get her to agree to the binding and should marry only despite difficulties. He did clarify that he was only delaying his consent since they were still so young and had to spend time to grow now that they were given an opportunity to actually make a life best suited for them.

Satoru of course accepted his response but did promise that he will earn his right to ask for her hand and he will start by giving his life for her and even if they are not bound by marriage, as long as they are bound for life, a long one he can give for her, he will accept his terms.

The recollection of that day made the Miura clan head felt so parched that he had to open a whole bottle of sake to calm his nerves. He didn't bother to get a ceramic cup and decided to drink straight from the bottle, one hefty swig and he had to wipe his chin with his sleeve as he sighed deeply, "I guess, pretty soon, the next ceremony, would be matrimonial,"


END OF CHAPTER


GOOD JUJU

Sachiko had to be left at the Taisha to attend to some matters in preparation for her transition as a Kitsune with a bound familiar. Despite his reluctance to leave her on her own to finish training, she insisted that at least one of them would be staying with Megumi and Tsumiki for the weekend.

Upon his arrival, Tsumiki had grabbed hold of his sleeve and rushed him towards their room where Megumi was hidden under the covers, flushed in his face, and clutching the blanket tight on his whole bodice.

Tsumiki quickly went to replace the damp cloth over his forehead and frowned, "Satodaddy, he's been like this since yesterday,"

Satoru scratched the side of his face and approached Megumi. Usually, the little boy would either swat his hand away or turn to his other side if Satoru ruffled his hair but when he placed his palm over his forehead, he was very warm to touch and he didn't move. His dark, spiky hair was wet from his sweat and he looked very pale and uncomfortable, "Megumi-chan? Does something hurt? How are you feeling little guy?"

Megumi grumbled, "I'm fine," he responded, followed by a sneeze.

Satoru turned to Tsumiki, "It looks like he caught a bug, hm, Tsumi-chan, remember how to use a thermometer? Like how your auntie Ieiri taught you to use on your mommy?" Tsumiki nodded, "Okay good, now, make sure to check it every hour and tell me if it's over 37.5 degrees, okay? I'll go out and call your aunt and probably buy some medicine for him. Think you'll be okay for a few minutes?"

Tsumiki smiled, "Leave it to me daddy!"

It only took him half an hour to gather all the meds and materials Ieiri had enumerated for Megumi. In between, he contemplated on shooting Sachiko a text as she would always know what to do in these types of circumstances without having to bother their physician friend every five minutes. He decided not to worry Sachiko and do things on his own. After all, if he did intend on becoming a spouse in the near future, he had to be prepared to handle things such as this.

It was probably around three in the morning when Megumi's fever finally gotten down. Listening to Ieiri's advise, Tsumiki was sent to stay with the Ao-Miuras to avoid getting infected, so it was just him and Megumi left inside the dojo.

The following day, Satoru had tried to get him to eat something by preparing the chocolate chip waffles they would always request from Sachiko when she was tasked for breakfast. Megumi was surprised when Satoru came in with his flour-stained shirt and brought his meal in bed. The food was already cut up to bite sized pieces that he couldn't help but feel a little grateful to his guardian who even squeezed up fresh oranges for his juice. But with his appetite still waning, he only managed three bites before requesting that he lie back down after he took his meds.

Satoru went to gather his divine dogs to guard him while he did the dishes and prepared the rest of the activities, he thought would interest Megumi. But the rest of the day, he preferred to spend resting. At one point, he found Megumi weakly reaching for a new change of clothes but ended up slumped on his bed with only one hand inside of the t-shirt. This gave Satoru a laugh but seeing how irritated Megumi was and couldn't do anything but allow him to give him a sponge bath and help him with his clothes, he didn't say any snide remarks and even thank him.

After dinner, Megumi felt too sleepy from his meds to listen to anymore of Satoru's stories. At one point, Megumi asked to be helped up to speak with Sachiko on the phone, his little body leaning against Satoru's arm as he borrowed his phone to reassure his foster mom that he was alright. The call went on for a while until Megumi stopped responding. He was already fast asleep beside Satoru that he had to tell Sachiko goodnight for him.

"How are you doing 'Toru?"

Satoru snorted, "I'm fine, we just miss you and Tsumi-chan around here," her giggle was clearly heard from his end of the line making him relax. Tucking in Megumi beside him, he balanced his phone on his shoulder and pressed it towards his ear before he could settle comfortably beside the little boy, "We'll see you soon, right?"

"Of course, silly. He better be alive and in top shape when I return!"

Satoru bit his lip to control the hoarse chuckle he was about to let loose and replied, "Don't worry, our son is in good hands, bye Chi,"

Satoru was about to leave Megumi's room after dropping the call when he felt a tug behind his sweater that he was quick look over his shoulder to see Megumi half-propped on the bed,

"Stay please…" he said, eyes drifting away from his guardian.

Satoru ruffled his hair and stayed next to him, arms crossed behind his neck as he closed his eyes, "Sure kiddo," without reopening them, Satoru felt how the young boy, probably felt embarrassed and continued pouting but managed to share his blanket with him and turn the other way as he slept. A smile crept in as he heard Megumi's soft, even, snoring which finally allowed him to get some rest himself. He turned to the opposite side and rested his head on one arm and smirked, "Pretty soon, this momma's boy is gonna admit I'm a pretty good dad,"

"Hmpf," Megumi made a sound that made Satoru ruffle his hair once more and needless to say it took a few more minutes before those two finally got some sleep.


The following day, Lunch

"Make sure they taste like Mo-Sachiko-san's cooking, or else I won't get better," Megumi groveled as he swung his legs on the chair on the dining area.

Satoru was busy following the instructions Sachiko sent step by step on how to make Megumi's favorite ginger miso chicken udon when the little kid surprised him by actually having enough strength to get out of his room and join him for lunch.

Satoru gave out a nervous laugh and began gathering the noodles into a bowl, "I tried kid," proceeding to scoop up some broth and add ingredients and an extra amount of ginger, Satoru then nervously set the meal in front of Megumi and sat eagerly next to him to await his review.

Megumi clasped his hands together and said, "Itadakimasu!" he looked towards his guardian and quirked his brows, "You're not eating?"

Satoru rested his chin on his palm and grinned, sweat forming on the side of his neck as he urged Megumi to taste the meal he prepared, "I'll follow in a bit, now, have a taste Megumi-chan!"

Megumi shrugged his shoulders and broke his chopsticks, taking a generous amount of noodles with ginger and began nibbling on his food. It was hard to read his expression even with two bites in. Usually, the little kid's green eyes were half-hooded, and his mouth remained taut. His expression was very blank, and he feared that his reluctance to take another sip of the broth meant that he had screwed up.

Satoru clenched his teeth and made an awkward smile making Megumi wince, "S-so, how is it? Like your Sachimommy's ne?"

"No," he said bluntly almost making Satoru fall to his side but before he could slump to his corner of woe, Megumi followed,

"But it tastes okay, thank you…"

Satoru couldn't help but feel giddy and equally relieved that he didn't screw it up. The kid was tough audience but at least he was satisfied.

The chimes from the entrance clinked together signifying that someone had just arrived. Satoru and Megumi exchanged glances as no visitor was expected but one word from her and they both were up on their feet running towards the front door.

"Megumi-kun? Satoru? Tadaima," Sachiko said, setting down her bag and quickly shuffling to remove her shoes.

Her grin didn't take long to appear at the sight of Satoru in an apron rushing behind the little kid whose stoic expression was replaced by glistening eyes and longing stare as he ran to hug Sachiko.

Sachiko gave him a warm squeeze before checking on his whole form and fixed his hair, "You're looking a lot better! I missed you so much 'Gumi!"

Megumi hid his blush and and nodded, afterwards dragged her to the kitchen to sit down. Next thing the couple knew, Megumi was already setting the table for the two of them and even etched a small smile.

Sachiko took the opportunity to have a private moment with Satoru, surprising him by looping her arms around his sturdy form from behind, then after tip-toeing to ruffle his hair, "Good job 'Toru,"

And with a brisk movement, Satoru and taken her into his arms and had given her a soft kiss on the lips and smiled, "Okairinasai ore no Chi-chan,"


Next: Oni Gokko (Hide and Seek)


Author's Note: Hello, how are your eyes? Haha. Well, I hope I delivered on the promise of Spicy scenes LMAO. Please do take note of the timeline, GojoChiko are 22 when the binding occurred.

Sooooo, that was A LOT wasn't it? I hope some you readers are satisfied with the answer that yes, Sachiko will live. Their relationship can only get deeper from here, so, expect some THINGS to escalate.

I had to do a lot of reading for this one as well as come up with even more original stuff to piece things together, I do hope you guys enjoyed. Just let me know if you have questions.

Next chapter will be a step closer to the Vol. 0 arc so expect to hear from Suguru again soon.

This chapter's SAUCY ART was once again made by HiragiiTsukasa / iwanttobeaseme on twt. My bestie and I had fun collaborating on this one. I mean, they both looks so good and in love and damn, they're fiery aren't they? Can't blame Gojo for staying in the high for quite some time haha. At least, Sachi is looking VERY healthy now. Send some love to the artist too!


GIFT FOR MY READERS POLL

Which would you guys prefer to be drawn?

Tokyo Disneyland trip

GojoChiko in traditional wear

SachiGuru moment

Let me know so by the next two chapters or so, the comm could get prepared ^^


Japanese words/Phrases with translations:

Heian Period- golden period of art, literature and spirituality in Japan and considered to be the golden age of sorcerers

Juunihitoe -traditional, multi-layered yukatas worn by court ladies and nobles during the Heian period

Soukutai- male equivalent of the Juunihitoe garb worn by scholars and nobles during the Heian period

Dazaifu- legendary place of rest where Sugawara no Michizane's shrine was erected

Tobiume- plum blossom tree in Dazaifu believed to be Michizane's favorite. According to legend, the tree had erected itself in response of Michizane's prayer that they be reunited.

Shinjuku Gyoen- famous park located in Shinjuku

Kokin Wakushu-early anthology of the waka form of Japanese poetry, dating from the Heian period.

Symbolisms:

Red Spider lily flowers- death towards resurrection

Number 6 is considered a lucky number in Christianity as it signified that all things were made by God in six days. The number six is also important to many Buddhist practices.

It also denotes imperfection.

In Tarot reading, the sixth card is The Lovers.

Number 7 in Christianity and Buddhism symbolizes perfection and completion.

Gojo's Six-Eyes and Six Tails are also symbolic of power that has yet to achieve completion.

The Lotus Sutra- most influential Buddhist Mahayana sutra that has two main teachings. 1. One Vehicle which states that all Buddhist paths and practices lead to Buddhahood and they are all skillful means of reaching enlightenment. 2. The idea that the lifespan of Buddha is immeasurable and therefore he did not really pass on to reach Nirvana but still continues to walk on earth to teach about enlightenment.

Besides the teachings, I have chosen the mark of the familiar as a lotus since it signifies purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.

The ceremony is based on the teachings of the Sutra in these excerpts:

"Set his body on fire, lighting up many world systems for twelve years, as a supreme offering to a Buddha. Teaches the practice "offering the body", which involves burning a part of one's body (such as toe, finger, or a limb) as an offering."

The Six Perfections: Mahayana Buddhist teaching.

generosity

morality

patience

energy

meditation

wisdom

Gojo's Six-eyes also known as Rikugan from Rokujintsu meaning six divine powers and Gogan, Go meaning five and Gan meaning eyes which pertains to five senses needed to know the truth.

The sixth divine power is called Rojintsu or divine enlightenment power. By becoming her familiar, Gojo has unlocked the Rojintsu and has intern broken her own sixth-tail restriction, poetically releasing the Kitsune from the cycle of death.

A number of quotables in the chapter came from Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Most of the Miuras recite Shinto beliefs. Gojo's center on Buddhism.

The marking ceremony declarations came from Shintoism and my own writing.

KITSUNE LEGEND REFERENCES:

Sachiko's LONGEVITY tattoo was based off the legend of Koan the Kitsune who wrote the same term with his age, signature and seal. Koan was a known preacher and fortune teller in Kozuki. Later, it was revealed that he was a Kitsune.

Buckwheat was believed to have healing powers favorable to those who had sexual relations with Kitsunes.