Eyes the color of the sky met eyes the color of blood.
They both stood under the Sakura tree inside the courtyard of the Hanabashi estate. Behind them, entourages of servants wearing yukatas could be seen, following every word that their parents uttered. Both head of the family stood beside the children. A smile adorning their face as they shook each other hands as if a deal was just made between the two family.
"From now on, both of you are betrothed" the elder said, gently nudging the boy back as sign for him to step closer to the female. "The both of you will spend the rest of your life together" continue the man with a smile on his face
Junko can only stare at the scene in front of her. A boy stood there, eyes squinting on her. Just like Junko, there are a lot of people surrounding the boy. Guards maybe? People that she could identified as an elder could be seen lingering around, casting a peek towards the two children in front of her.
She doesn't understand what's so fun on watching two children meet. Kyoko-sama oddly had decided to stay silent ever since she lay her eyes on the boy in front of her. She could only faintly feel the whisp of caress from the spirit.
The concept of marriage had not reached the mind of five year old Junko just yet. It's a foreign word to her. She knows that her parents are married. She knows that from the old scroll she had instructed to study talked about Kyoko-sama being married once years ago. She knows it's a promise to be with someone forever.
It's a thought that she has yet visited. But the thought of someone that will always be there for her for the rest of her life is oddly reassuring.
Silver hair and eyes the color of the sky. The boy in front of her doesn't look any older than her. Donning light blue yukata and a hakama in a darker shade of blue, his posture is tense and rigid. As if he was not comfortable being here. Junko could relate to that. Her red kimono is itchy on her skin and she felt really uncomfortable under the gazes of the people around her.
Beforehand, before they greeted their guest, Father said that he is the Gojo heir. A child, that possesses the family famous six eyes. From her studies, she knows it's a rare ocular Jujutsu that is inherited amongst the members of the Gojo household and had not appeared for many years. Adding the family own Jujutsu technique, limitless, the boy potential is vast and has no bound. Someone that for sure would grow up to become the strongest sorcerer.
It was a good match, for her who has Kyoko-sama latched into her very soul. Someone who is destined to be a powerful sorcerer from a powerful family with her, the vessel of Kyoko-sama who came from the old and noble bloodline of Hanabashi.
Their parents and entourage leave the both of them in one of the many foyer in the estate. There's only the two of them, sitting silently without anyone looking. Though, Junko is pretty sure that behind the sliding doors there are countless of guards and servants. Just standing there and waiting to be called by either of them.
"Say" started the boy after a long moment of silence. "What's your name again?"
Junko blinked. Had he not know beforehand? "It's Junko" she answered without thinking much. "Hanabashi Junko"
"Satoru" replied the boy too. "Gojo Satoru"
She nodded a bit. "I see…"
Gojo stared at her again. His eyes are really pretty, she noted silently. Father had said that the six eyes resemble the sky in it's beauty. Junko thinks that it's even prettier.
"You don't really talk much do you?" asked Gojo again, eyes narrowing a bit as his mouth settled into a small frown. "It's kinda boring just to sit here"
"Ah.. I'm sorry?" said Junko, a bit flustered and sounding more confused than she ever did before.
The boy in front of her huffed. "Don't say sorry, it's not your fault" he said, finally stopped looking at her and turn to look at the koi pond in front of them. "It's those old people fault"
"Okay then…"
It was silent again between the two of them. The sound of water splashing could be heard from the pond in front of them. Though besides that, the both of them merely sat there in silence.
"By the way" started Gojo-san once again. "I heard you have a ghost latched into you"
Junko could faintly feel Kyoko-sama grip on her hair tightened a bit and she immediately responded. "It's not a ghost" said the girl, trying to defend the spirit that has made her her home. "It's- It's Kyoko-sama"
Upon her answer, she could see the faintest quirk of his brow. "'Ain't she's dead though?" wondered out Gojo-san, blue eyes watching the sky almost boredly. "She's a ghost then"
"No- it's-" Junko fumbled, confused and trying to find a word to defend the spirit of the woman. "Kyoko-sama is- is a god, she's not a ghost" she clarified. After all, it's not good if the future head of the Gojo clan thought that Kyoko-sama is a ghost.
Gojo-san actually snorted at that. "A god doesn't die"
Why is he even saying this kind of things? Thought the girl, eyes narrowing a bit towards the boy sitting besides her. "Kyoko-sama did die but she's still a god" answered Junko, a bit more snappy than she intended to. "She's the goddess for all Jujutsu sorcerer"
The boy in front of her snorted. "She's dead" he said bluntly. "What kind of god is that?"
This- This boy really has the nerve to say that!?
Being a Hanabashi, meant that she will also be a priestess for Kyoko-sama temple in the future. Not just any temple that scattered across the country. But she will be the head priestess of the main temple. The priestess that will lead other priestess and believer. With Kyoko-sama latching into her, her position as head priestess – or someone more important in the temple – is guaranteed.
Junko had been taught since she was a child about how great Kyoko-sama is. How, the woman, is the peak of purity and divine. Even when the spirit attached to her likes to whisper the foulest things, like to encourage her to commit sins that she can't even fathom, at the end of the day, Kyoko-sama is still her god. Someone that she watch in reverence and follow every whim to.
To hear this kind of slander towards the spirit makes her bristled in defence.
"Kyoko-sama died because other gods gave her their mercy!" At this, she doesn't even realized that her tone started to go higher and higher. Junko doesn't even register the widening of the boy's eyes. "It's because Kyoko-sama doesn't want to see her loved one die, that's why she choose to have a mortal lifespan too!"
"Well" started Gojo-san, mouth frowning as if he's challenging her. The boy inched closer towards her and eyes forming a glare. "Dying is not a mercy! Immortality sounds great!"
"Not if you have to see your loved one die!" defended Junko almost immediately. "Kyoko-sama she- she doesn't want to see anymore suffering that's why she choose to die!"
"She's a coward then!"
"Kyoko-sama is not a coward!"
"Well she is!"
"She's not!"
Both of them glared at each other. Blood red eyes and sky blue eyes staring at each other with something intense on both of their orbs.
"You-" Started Junko, standing up from her sitting position in an attempt to gain leverage towards the boy in front of her. Gojo-san may only be a child now, but she's not blind to the endless potential he held. The potential to be someone important in the Jujutsu world from his last name alone. The potential to be the strongest sorcerer out there from his family Jujutsu technique. "Do you have no respect for Kyoko-sama?"
Gojo-san snorted. "What do a child knows about respect?"
"What do you know about respect then?" shot Junko back glaring at the boy in front of her. "You're a child too"
"I know plenty!" retorted Gojo-san hotly as if he was offended. Junko doesn't even know why he's offended. He started this. He's the one that started to slander Kyoko-sama in front of her. "Respect is only given to someone who earned it!"
"And Kyoko-sama don't!?" Yelled Junko. At this, the boy in front of her immediately stood up to so that their eyes met in an equal footing. "She- she sealed the king of curses!"
"Well that was years ago! It doesn't count!" Argued Gojo-san back, fuming.
"She's been dead for years so of course she didn't do anything recently!"
"So you admit she's a ghost!?"
"Kyoko-sama is not a ghost!"
Both of them glared at each other, huffing from the tirade of screaming match that just happened. Gojo-san seems to want to say something more. Another scream maybe, another slander maybe, when the sliding door opened.
Her father and what she identified as Gojo-san father stood there. Both man stared at the two children whose face look red. Maybe it's because how worked up they are, or maybe it's because how mad the both of them are.
"Well" started Father, raising an eyebrow. "It seems the both of you got along just fine"
"Boys are stupid Junko-chan" crooned Kyoko-sama that night. Junko still fuming from the earlier confrontation she had with the Gojo-heir. "Don't listen to them"
He is stupid, decided the girl, huffing inside her silent room. The sound of crickets could be heard from her opened foyer door. Her room are illuminated by the faint flicker of lantern besides her futon and the moon.
Kyoko-sama hummed near her ear. "He may be the wielder of six eyes, but he is but a boy" whispered the spirit, invisible hand cradling her cheek softly. It's cold, noted Junko distantly. Kyoko-sama touch is always cold. "If I wish he's dead, what will you do?"
Junko stiffened immediately.
Since her nanny disappeared – Dead, whispered a voice in her head that certainly is not Kyoko-sama – Junko learned the weight of Kyoko-sama to Jujutsu sorcerers. Every of her whim and wish will always be fulfilled. Every desire she had will be met. And Junko, as her vessel, has the duty to voiced that out. To let them know what Kyoko-sama wants.
If Kyoko-sama wants Jujutsu high to be burned, they will do so. If Kyoko-sama wants the Zen'in family head to die, the man will do that happily.
If Kyoko-sama wants the Gojo-heir die, - wielder of six eyes or not – he will die.
A laugh rang out on her ear. "Don't think too much my sweet sweet Junko" said the woman. "It'll hurt your pretty head"
"Kyoko-sama" whispered the girl. "I-"
"Hush" said the spirit. Junko could feel a cold sensation enveloping her mouth. A trace of invisible hand – something that only she could see – could be seen covering her mouth. "I'm not going to ask that yet"
She doesn't know if she should be relieved or dread the future.
Junko saw Gojo-san the second time a mere week after that screaming fest.
The main temple is holding a praying ceremony for Kyoko-sama. For the first time, Junko has been entrusted to be the one leading the ceremony. The youngest that ever do so. Usually the head priestess will be the one conducting these kind of ceremony. This year though, Junko has been the one chosen, considering she has Kyoko-sama.
Just a few months before, the elders has finally deemed Junko enough to lead the ceremony. Her mother has been delighted, her enthusiasm didn't dimmed a bit as she prepare all the preparations needed for the praying ceremony.
So now, here she stood. Right in front of the large statue of Kyoko-sama, wearing a pure white elaborate kimono. There are many people around her, important figures from the Jujutsu community to her own family member with their distinctive wgite Yukata.
This is a ceremony that's held every once a year. In this day, according to the records in the Hanabashi family vault, is the day where Kyoko-sama sealed Ryomen Sukuna and got her status elevated as a god. It's an important day and the Hanabashi always held a praying ceremony every year without a fail.
Only important figure in the Jujutsi community can attend. After all, attending this ceremony is considered the greatest honor. To attend, a ceremony being held by Kyoko-sama direct descendants.
Kyoko-sama seems pleased, she noted almost idly. The spirit has been humming nonstop since the start. She sounds delighted and euphoric. Whispers of admiration could be heard faintly from the spirit as more and more people appeared for the ceremony. After all, this is a ceremony where they will praise Kyoko-sama. Of course she will be delighted.
"Junko" said Mother softly. A large hand on her hair, careful to not messed up the elaborate accessories decorating her hair. "Is Kyoko-sama pleased?"
Junko nodded. "Vey pleased mother" she replied, large red eyes looking around. "Kyoko-sama is in a good mood since the start"
A large smile appeared on the older face. "I'm delighted" said the woman, happiness clear on her face. "I think she's also pleased that you will be the one leading the ceremony today too"
The girl doubted that but she nodded anyway.
She still stood there with her mother right in front of Kyoko-sama statue when she saw something. Spotting a blue formal yukata at the corner of her eyes, Junko should've expected to see the boy from one week before.
Turning her head a bit, blood red eyes immediately sky blue ones and Gojo-san eyes immediately squinted down. Glaring at her. A glare that was could be seen from Junko's own eyes.
"Gojo-sama" greeted mother warmy, bowing a bit towards the man. "How have you been?"
Gojo-san father bowed deeper towards the both of them before straightening himself. "Hanabashi-sama" said the man. "I'm doing well"
Mother chuckled. "I'm glad then" said the woman before she nudged Junko softly by the back. "Jumko, come and greet your fiancée"
Junko pouted. "… Gojo-san" she finally relented out.
The boy in front of her seems to not want to greet her too, but his father throw him a harsh glare that made said boy rolled his eyes before bowing shallowly. "Hanabashi-sama" he greeted. It sounds half hearted and she expect nothing more from the rude boy.
"Hanabashi-sama" said the head of the Gojo family, turning his head to stared at Junko. "I hear that you will be the one leading today's ceremony?"
At the question, Junko nodded before a small smile appeared on her face. "Yes" she confirmed. "I've been entrusted this important task, I hope I'll do well"
"Of course you will do well Hanabashi-sama" laughed the older man softly. "I was wondering, is-"
"Kyoko-sama is really happy" cut Junko off, eyes crinkling in happiness. "She's very flattered and pleased, I hope we can do this kind of ceremony more often"
The man laughed at that. "Of course if that's what Kyoko-sama wants" said the man with a grin. "The future will surely look bright, with the current generation having Kyoko-sama incarnation and the six eyes"
Mother smiled at that. "Yes" she agreed, patting Junko's back. "The future will surely look bright"
Somehow, Junko thought, remembering all the things Kyoko-sama had whispered to her. She doubts that.
"Is it heavy?"
Junko looked up from where he sat.
The ceremony has been a success. Many sorcerers even cried, saying Kyoko-sama name in reverence. Kyoko-sama in turn sounds pleased by it, purring his thanks to Junko. A message that the girl immediately informed her Father who in turn informed all the guest attending.
Standing in front of her, is Gojo-san with his eyebrow quirked a bit.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
Gojo-san pointed something with his chin. "The accessory on your head"
Ah, she realized. That's actually a heirloom in her family. The records said that these pins and accessories once were wore by Kyoko-sama herself. No one ever dare to touch less wear it. For the first time in years, it was brought out and placed on top of Junko's head.
A clear sign how much the family value Junko now.
"… It is heavy" answered the girl after a beat passed. "But it's still bearable"
The boy in front of her hummed, tilting his head a bit. "It looks expensive"
"This is a heirloom" said Junko, hand unconsciously went to where the accessories rest. "They were once Kyoko-sama's"
"Huh" said Gojo-san. "Must be valuable to the old coots, they really let you wear it?"
Junko nodded her head. "It is an honor" she answered, adjusting her seating position to a more prim and proper position. "To think I have the chance to wear something belongs to Kyoko-sama is an honor that no one-"
"You sure talk a lot about Kyoko-sama huh?" said the boy. "You're not tired of it?"
That stopped her train of thought immediately. "Tired?"
Gojo-san nodded. "Yeah" he said. "Like Kyoko-sama this, Kyoko-sama that, you're not tired of it?"
Her first instinct is to say no. After all, they're talking about Kyoko-sama here. The goddess that she prayed upon. The woman, that always whispered the sweetest things to things that could be considered as a great sin. Though, that statement actually got Junko thinking.
Did she always talked about Kyoko-sama?
Ever since her birth, her world revolves around Kyoko-sama. Revolves around the greatest sorcered that every lived. Revolves around the spirit that latched into her soul.
"I-" started Junko, doubt filling her voice. "No- of course not"
The boy blinked. "Huh" he said, tilting his head a bit. "That's a bit sad"
"It's not sad" interjected Junko, narrowing her eyes a bit. "I will be the head priest in the future, it's my duty to stay devout to Kyoko-sama"
"Kinda depressing" commented Gojo-san offhandedly. "I can't imagine dedicating my life to a single purpose"
Junko huffed. "It's my greatest honor to serve Kyoko-sama"
"Sure whatever you say"
The female frowned but merely looked away. She can't believe that the holder of the six eyes is this flippant about Kyoko-sama. That the holder of the legendary technique is not even a devout believer for the goddess.
"Why are you even here?" asked Junko.
Gojo-san hummed. "I was kind of curious" said the boy. "Kyoko-sama latched into your soul right?"
"Yes" nodded the girl. "Kyoko-sama has decided to give me the honor to be her vessel"
"So like" said the other child. "She could see everything you see?"
"Of course"
"Huh" voiced out Gojo-san. "She's pleased by the ceremony then?"
Junko nodded. "Very" she confirmed. "She's been so happy since the start of the ceremony"
"Interesting" muttered the boy. "Anyway yeah, I was kinda curious about the ghost that latched into you"
Just like one week ago, Junko immediately bristled. "For the last time, Kyoko-sama is not a ghost! She's a goddess"
"A dead one" argued Gojo-san immediately. "Besides that, I thought I should accompany you here or something"
That stopped the anger that simmering insider her. Instead, she stared at Gojo-san with confusion evident on her face. "Accompany me?" she repeated, confused. "What for?"
"The old coots are boring and bothersome" replied the boy. "And you look lonely"
Junko stared at him.
Maybe she is.