"Jujutsu Kaisen: The Forgotten Clan"

Chapter 33: Don't Come Again

Simon holds his thumb under his chin, looking between his mug and the table. He slowly scratches the five-oh-clock shadow before it dawns on him. "Does your father have green eyes and a similar facial structure to you?"

I nod my head up and down. He stops scratching, opting to let his brows dance together.

"Spill it out." I tip my head to the left.

"He might have been one of the people following me." His face morphs into a coy smile.

Why the hell would my father be keeping tabs on Simon? My brow furrows, and my arms fold across my chest.

"And the second stalker?" Simon's smile does not fade as his eyes drift to the floor. I sit back in my chair, waiting for a response.

"I don't know. Sorry." He shrugs his shoulders, taking the last sip from his mug. "Ugh," he scratches behind his head, "please don't get mad."

"What is it?" He gets up and shuffles to the door. I sit up straight, throwing the last drop of coffee down my throat.

Within a few seconds, Satoru and Suguru come into view. Simon trails behind them, smiling as much as possible. They take a seat. I prop a hand under my chin.

"What do you want?" I run a finger around the lip of my mug.

Everyone holds their breath, waiting for the right moment to talk. Without prodding, I get up and move to the kitchen. The steam rising from the coffee pot makes me inhale deeply. My shoulders release all tension when I exhale.

"Let me guess...I am being summoned for another meeting?" I ask playfully between sips.

My question is met with raised eyebrows, lips pointed toward the ground, and heads tilted sideways. Satoru and Suguru share a glance. The former clears his throat before talking.

"Not entirely. Simon wanted to clear the air with you and needed our help." Satoru's arms fold themselves the more he speaks. "When you stormed at us earlier, we backed away."

I chuckle under my breath while Suguru picks up where Satoru left off. "It seems like you are in a better headspace. Do you mind rejoining us at the table?"

I switch the coffee pot off before dragging my feet to the table. What Simon told me about my father sits like rocks in my stomach. I rub both hands over my face the moment I sit down.

"Simon, catch them up to speed." I sit back in my chair, hoping Simon gets the hint.

"Ugh...yes. I was sharing..." He scratches his head, looking at me for the answer.

"We were discussing our dreams and how..." This last part makes me close my eyes and swallow hard. "How Simon is being followed."

Simon's eyes widen as he nods slowly. "Does your grandfather have any information regarding my father?" The question spills out of my mouth before Simon can talk.

My lilac orbs soften as they meet Satoru's opaque sunglasses. His lips form a hard line across his face, making my mind spin a mile per minute. I raise my eyebrows, hoping to pry something from the alluring boy. He tilts his head to the side.

"And if he does?" A childish grin replaces the line. My eyes harden.

"I want to meet with him." I continue after a brief inhale, "If that is not possible, find out who is following him." I point at Simon before leaning back in my chair.

I quickly fold my arms across my chest. "What?" I ask as two pairs of eyes land on me.

"She asked for help! Miracles really can happen." Satoru says while throwing his hands in the air. "Oh, and I found these at the school.

I snatch the blue envelopes from his hands, scanning every corner. My expression shifts between frowning and smiling. The envelopes feel heavy despite their contents being unadulterated. I place the delicate information under my mug for safekeeping.

"What else were you and Simon discussing?" Suguru asks while petting Nutmeg. "And what made you run off campus?"

My gaze returns to Simon. He jumps in his seat, his memory now sparked.

"I had an interview." I hold a palm out, encouraging him to continue. "Where an older person asked if I wanted to study with Lithuila." His smile fades away. The weight of his words hovers in the air.

Satoru's half-cocked smile and Suguru's gaping mouth say it all. Letting a civilian join Jujutsu Technical College is absurd!

I fold one hand atop the other. "Now you understand the urgency of me meeting with your grandfather. Do you not, sweet tooth?"

While standing up, Satoru grumbles under his breath. "I will see what I can do. Come on Simon, Suguru and I can walk you home."

"Stop worrying about her. She will be fine." A woman says, running a leathery hand through her short-grey hair. Her plum eyes catch the mid-day sun.

"And how do you know this?" The green-eyed man asks, coffee dripping from his chin

"She has your survival instincts." Grenadine looks up from her book, meeting her son's eyes. "Besides, those geezers have a greater threat to worry about." She places her book down, folding her left leg over her right leg.

Friday July 5th, 2007 5:30am

My eyes open to the vacant darkness of the room. Each sentence from the note plays out inside my head, making me shift onto my side. I am no longer in Canada. Do not try looking for me. Remember, you always have a place to go home to. Take care.

"Does this mean you moved countries? Were you in Canada during my mission?" My questions float into the nothingness surrounding me.

Feeling jitter than someone waiting to take a test, I get up, balancing on all fours while searching under my bed. When my fingers touch a smooth, wooden surface, I carefully scoot the chest toward me. The butterfly-shaped lock makes a delicate click sound as I open it. I set the blue envelopes to my left, the dagger to my right, and the pictures in front of me.

Once the seal comes into view, I trace the intricate design with my index finger. Three crowns of roses joined together by a double-triangular bed of crow feathers. Each crown bears a lavender, turquoise, and yellow flower. I smile when the sigil sparks, revealing a vile of positive energy.

Friday July 5th, 2007; 7:30am

My eyes scan the door, two meters left and two meters right. I glance at my phone, breathing in relief. The warmth of the cafe blankets my damp face...causing me to smile. While placing my order, I notice something out of the corner of my eye. I beeline for the table overlooking the sidewalk, placing my number on the table before walking to the restroom.

I fidget with the arms of my sweatshirt while blowing out of my nose. The room feels so hot that beads of perspiration form on my brow.

"What is this?" A woman with a pixie cut asks.

"I don't know, let it be." Another woman says while fixing her hair.

"No, I am going to take it with us." The first woman says while reapplying makeup.

I flush the toilet and force a smile on my face before exiting.

"Are you sure? It looks childish to me." The second woman says, pointing her thumb at a doll.

"Oh, my niece's toy. Thank you." I snatch the doll from the ground and shove it into my bag. "Have a great day." I bolt out of the bathroom before the other two make a fuss.

I glance over at my coffee cup and an occupied seat. My stomach drops as I slowly walk toward the door. Once on the sidewalk and a few meters away, I look over my shoulder. The person looks in my direction, making me pick up my speed.

After circling the block three times, I pick up my phone and duck into a crowded shop. I grab random clothing and head for the changing area. Once situated, I text Satoru and pray for a quick response. I receive a slight static shock when my fingers touch the doll.

Half of my face moves to the sky, revealing teeth. Chills slither down my spine as I run a hand over its stitched-up face. I shove it in my bag, settle on a new outfit, and beeline for the check-out.

"Oh, my god. I can't stand this freaking thing!" I mutter under my breath while adjusting the orange pants.

Friday, July 5th, 2007: 8:30 am; Gojo Clan House

"Grandpa?" Satoru whispers while knocking on the door. "Grandpa, are you there?" This time, his voice is a tad louder.

"You just missed him." Satoru turns around, meeting the person who brought him into the world. "Said he had something urgent to address at the school." Her tone is concerned and gentle.

"Thanks. See you later." His face turns to the floor. "See you.."

"What happened with her this time?" The second person who brought Satoru into the world has arrived.

Satoru grits his teeth while turning on his heels. He walks past both parents, nose glued to his phone.

Shit. They are right outside, looking through the windows. I need to punch someone right now!

"What?" I say to the kid looking at me.

"Just the pants and shirt today?" The stunned attendant asks through a fake smile.

"Yes. Keep the change." I slam cash onto the counter, grab the receipt, and bolt for the door.

Don't rush outside. That got into trouble last time! Take a few deep breaths, keep your head low, and walk across the street. If they start following you again, keep walking to a crowded area!

I tilt my head toward the ceiling, grit my teeth, and step onto the sidewalk. The mid-morning sun makes it hard to see for a split second. I turn to my left, waltzing past the auburn-haired individual I saw in the cafe. Their pale grey-green eyes reflected in the glass, catching my profile. I make it to the crosswalk, picking up my pace every slightly. Once I clear the intersection, I turn right...noticing the auburn-haired person mimicking my movement.

They stay on the other side of the street, never picking up nor slowing down their pace. This makes my head spin. Why are they following me? Is it this cursed doll they are after? If so, they can take it! I stop walking, and so does the other person. I turn toward the street, meeting their eyes. My stomach drops as I notice the detailed raven tattoo on their forearm. Their steely gaze reminds me of my mother. I take a step back as a speeding car passes by. When I regain my senses, the person is no longer across the street. They are nowhere in sight.

"Oh, my god. Oh my, god!" I run like a bat out of hell for the nearest train station. To hell with waiting for Satoru to...

"It is about time you got back! Have you contacted your grandfather?"

"Hello to you too." I roll my eyes as Satoru continues. "Why are you out of breath?"

"No time to explain." My feet miss the first step, causing me to tumble down the stairs. "Just...meet me by the school in twenty." I click off the call.

When I see Leonce again...

Friday, July 5th, 2007: 9:30 am; Near Jujutsu Tech. Tokyo Branch

My heart slams against my chest as my knees begin to wobble. I grip my backpack tightly, causing my knuckles to turn white. Hot fluid races down my face, forcing me to close them tightly.

"You followed me here, huh?" I furrow my brow, sending daggers to the auburn-haired person.

"I come in peace, Miss Santa-Clara." They hold both hands up.

"That is rich coming from a fellow sorcerer. What do you want?" I bear my teeth, wanting to throw my bag at this creep and run. My feet refuse to move despite my uneasiness.

"Leonce said you would be..."

"What the hell does Leonce have anything to do with this? I asked about you!" I shout at the top of my lungs, making a few birds fly off. "Do you work for him?"

Rather than answering my question, the individual looks at me head-on. Their face does not smile or frown. Their eyes relax, letting the sunlight highlight the grey undertones. I hold a shaking hand out, prompting them to talk.

"I can't discuss matters involving Leonce. But, you may want this." The person drops a green envelope on the ground. "I was hoping we could have chatted over coffee. You have a habit of drinking the beverage, just like her. Take care."

Before I can open my mouth, they teleport away.