Chapter 16
The month passed.
Yua was surprised to how well the kids grew and developed themselves. Even Kiyoshi has become rather strong in his new age. He looked like Yuuji when this whole thing started, fourteen years of age but far more aware of the world around him. In fact, he's been training himself on Raynn's power. He can manipulate water rather well and use it as an attack. But it's not curse energy he was using. Yuuji has kept a close eye on the situation but is rather impressed that his son could do something like that.
Yet today was oddly different.
For the whole month, Sukuna has been nothing more than helpful to Yua. He has tended to the children, done chores and assisted when asked of Yua. At the same time Gojo has been trying to be a better father, yet his heart breaks when his children explained. 'We are training with Uba right now dad, we will train with you later'
They prefer Sukuna over him.
He has stepped up big time in trying to get the kids back to his side. Despite all the fun stuff he does with them and taken them out into the city, when it comes to their abilities, he isn't considered. Their focus turns to Sukuna.
Yet tonight it was rather odd.
Sukuna cooked the meal for everyone, and yet made Yua's extra extravagant.
"What's the occasion?" she asked.
He merely smiled to her. "Celebrating," he simply said.
But… what IS he celebrating?
Yua peered down and found her meal was rather extravagant. High quality meats, grilled to perfection, hand made noodles and other decedent side dishes.
Truthfully, it was one of the best meals she ever ate.
Even the curse wombs' wives were raving about it.
Yet, as the night came to an end, Sukuna had called for attention. "I want everyone to know here and now, that soon, things are going to change around here!" he decreed.
It prompted Yuuji and Suiryu to stand at the ready to fight him. "At ease brats, I am not taking over the place… well… not really, but I'll be assisting to run it."
"What are you getting at?" Suiryu demanded. "You're speaking crazy even for you!"
Yua then saw the look in his eyes. He was staring at her…
"Lady Tiamat… I wish to know if I passed your test!" he called.
"Lady Tiamat? Why are you calling her!?" Toshi demanded. But he appeared worried as he too peered over at Yua. She knows he can sense Sukuna's emotions, and something was startling him…
She appeared behind him.
Lady Tiamat herself.
Sukuna turned and smiled to her. "Ah, the great lady I have been waiting for. The month has passed and I ask of you, how did I do?"
"What's going on here?!" Yua shouted. "Lady Tiamat…"
"I owe Sukuna a favor." She said gently. "As such, he asked something within reason to me. The favor being that you become his wife,"
Yua felt part of herself die on the inside. "This… is within reason!?" she demanded. "Why… why are you asking such a thing? You have wanted to kill me on more than one occasion!" she protested.
"When I was mad, yes," he said without much care. "But now that I have slowly regained what I have lost, I realize… I am far better off to have a Tooru for a wife than anything else. I remember what Kenjaku took from me, and now… I want it back." He decreed. "I had asked my favor of Lady Tiamat, she told me I had a month to prove myself that I would be a worthy husband for you. Have I not done a good job?" he asked as his smile turned wicked.
Yua… felt sick.
She knew he was after something, yet, she never imagined with would be her… in this way!
"La… lady Tiamat…" she asked nervously.
"Fulfill the favor!" he demanded. "I proved myself!"
Lady Tiamat sighed. "You have… and you haven't." she said bluntly.
Sukuna's smile… vanished. "What…" he growled. "What do you mean I have and haven't! I WANT WHAT IS MINE!" he roared.
"You aged the children without consulting her. You have done many things believing you are doing right by her… and yet, did you speak with Yua about aging the children? Did you even mention before what you observed before doing so? Sukuna, being a parent, you must have communication between each other. She has no idea you were doing this, and you expect her and everyone else to merely accept it?"
He froze and yet, he started to tremble with rage.
"ONE mistake… that was the only one I made… ONE!" he shouted. "I shouldn't be punished for a minor error!"
"MINOR!" Suiryu roared. "My babies are four years old now!"
"Not my problem."
"MOM!" Suiryu protested.
"Ryomen Sukuna… I won't fulfill the favor,"
His face… altered. He turned and glared at Lady Tiamat.
"This… this was all for NOTHING!?" he shouted. "A THOUSAND YEARS, I HAVE SUFFERED A THOUSAND YEARS WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT WAS TAKEN FROM ME UNTIL NOW! AND YOU… YOU DARE SAY I AM NOT WORTHY?!" he shouted.
Yua was impressed that he was raising his voice to Lady Tiamat!
"WHY!" he shouted. "WHY HAVE ME BE LIKE THIS IF IT'S FOR NOT! I HAVE NOTHING WORTH LIVING FOR!"
This… hit her oddly.
Lady Tiamat kept calm as she looked into his face. "Then, ask something else." She said. "I do admit, you did a wonderful job tending to Yua and her children. They have learned quickly about their abilities thanks to you, so, I will uphold the favor, however, Yua will not become your wife."
He was still pissed off, yet, at the moment it was better than nothing. Yua had no idea that if he failed in his test, he would lose his favor to Lady Tiamat. But she is being rather generous to him.
"Then… I want a wife… a Tooru wife!" he decreed.
"You're asking the same thing you son of a bitch!" Suiryu snapped. "There is only ONE living Tooru left, and you ain't asking Mochi for her hand in marriage you pervert!"
"This is interesting…"
Suddenly, everyone was listening closely. "Lady Tiamat?" Yua asked.
"The thing is this, I can grant this request, but this is beyond the means of a favor, do you understand Ryomen Sukuna? I can grant your request, however, a price must be paid for it."
His rage subsided. He kept peering at Yua before saying. "You can guarantee me a Tooru wife? Then name your price."
This, took everyone aback.
Sukuna, who would only lust for power, death and destruction… has other desires than such things?
Still, Yua could only wonder how this would all work out.
"Then, offer me what you are most proud of… Give me your power,"
He froze.
Sukuna was bewildered to the terms, however, he looked her dead in the eyes and said. "You promise me, she will be a Tooru?"
This made everyone's jaw drop.
"Are you serious?" Yuuji whispered. "You'll sacrifice your power for a wife?"
"I want… what was taken from me!" he protested, but then turned back to Lady Tiamat. "My power in exchange for a Tooru wife, is that agreed?" and he put his hand out.
Lady Tiamat smiled warmly.
"Agreed."
The moment their hands connected. Sukuna dropped like a rock, and laid unconscious on the ground…