A/N: I stated explicitly in the very first chapter that there will be disturbing stuff in this fanfic. You've been warned.
Cursed Love
~ The Great Mother ~
November 3rd, 2016. / 18:23 / Tokyo, Japan
It is a rainy day in Tokyo despite the late sunshine grazing the horizon.
With the colder days slowly rolling in, people notice on their phones that the date spells the month of November. The promise of snow, cold, and the upcoming holiday season cheers up many - but not all.
A middle-school boy, barely in his mid-teens, sits alone in the classroom. He packs his bag and prepares to leave class, more than glad for another day to be over. Before he can put on his uniform jacket, a group of bullies enter the room with a robust teen as their so-called leader. The boy's breath hitches and he lowers his gaze, hoping the bullies would somehow ignore his presence.
Alas, they came solely for him, knowing that the timid kid tends to wait for everyone else to leave before him. It is unknown why as his shy personality and isolating tendencies result in him being alone most of the time with no friends or even acquaintances. Yet, he ends up being bullied anyway because of his weak disposition and doormat mentality.
"Yuta Okkotsu."
The boy's skin crawls and his knees buckle as he grips his bag and jacket, holding them tightly against his chest. He says nothing as he tries to walk past the bullies. One of the rowdy boys, stands in his way, blocking the door of the classroom.
"Don't be like that," the ringleader teases menacingly. "We're friends, right?"
No, the boy almost says but merely clutches his belongings even tighter.
"It's been a while," the buffy boy says, coming closer.
Yuta takes a step back, shaking his head vigorously. "Don't come over here - "
"But I really want to punch you," the ringleader laughs. "Do you know how long I waited for this?"
"Stop," Yuta begs.
"Think of my feelings, Okkotsu," the same boy says, anticipation making him sweat. "We're graduating and I want to slug you just one more time."
"Please," the bullied boy cowers, tears almost spilling out of his eyes. "Please, just stop - "
"You know what?" the bully cackles, loosening his tie. "I'll just kill you and be done with it."
No, no, no, Yuta pleads inwardly, walking as far back as possible. His back hits the window, however, and he's caged by the ringleader and the other three boys. They laugh at him, at his misery. No, no, please, don't come out, he begs again but his prayers fall on deaf ears as he feels the ominous presence make itself known.
No -
"RIKA!"
The bullies are confused for a moment and halter their ministrations. Before they can even register what's going on, a shadow slides from underneath Yuta's feet. A pair of enormous pale hands emerge from behind the bullies' leader. His eyes widen as something large and callous grasps his face.
Yuta can only sit and watch as the apparition tears the boys one after another, their mouths muffled before they can even scream. The hands claw, rip and plunge into their flesh, rendering their skin into tattered pieces. They're half-dead as it shoves them into a nearby locker, all four of them squished into the tiny space before closing the door shot. Yuta sinks onto the floor and hugs his knees, begging them for forgiveness.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he repeats over and over, his eyes wide and red in terror.
The white hand pats his head affectionately before disappearing into the shadows. He hardly notices it. The contorted bodies of four students remain in the nearby locker as blood oozes from the storage, pooling on the linoleum floor of the quiet classroom.
November 5th, 2016. / 16:08 / Shuuin Manor, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Liv sits in the main hall of the Manor, her back turned to its entrance.
It has been almost three weeks since she and Satoru tied the knot. Despite numerous obstacles keeping them from proceeding with their plan (Satoru's overwhelming amount of work being the main issue), they figured out a date when Satoru wouldn't have so many things on his to-do list so that they could take their time with the Great Mother.
Liv has come to the Manor early, wanting to pay her respects to her ancestors before the ordeal. Today is the day, she thinks to herself while her eyes are fixed on the offerings resting atop the humble shrine. A smile crosses her features as her heart swells with hope, pride, and excitement. Today, we will be free.
"I will be free," she mutters, placing a hand above where her heart is. "Mere words won't seal my fate any longer."
With a final salute, she bids her ancestors farewell as she retreats inside the Manor. Once inside, she finds Rune and Tove sitting on the tatami mats in the living room, playing cards as a pastime.
"Who's winning?" Liv asks jokingly, putting her hands on her hips as she stands near the two women.
Rune points to Tove, a childish pout on her lips. "She's cheating."
"She asked who's winning, not who's cheating," Tove says evenly as she throws a card down before looking up at her mistress. "Answer's still me, though."
Liv chuckles.
"Are they here yet?" Rune asks, resting her chin on the ball of her free palm after she places a card on the pile in front of her. "We've been here for hours."
"They're at the foot of the hill. It shouldn't be long before they join us," Liv answers before adding more sternly, "Haven't I told you to practice your sensory skills, Rune?"
The redhead is startled as she answers meekly, "Yes, but - "
"No buts," the Shuuin mistress cuts in curtly. "You're a Shuuin spy, take some initiative. I won't have you squander your chances at improving your skills."
"I told you she'd chew you out," Tove comments evenly before throwing another card.
"Whatever," Rune retorts as she looks through her cards.
Liv sighs. "Anyway, have you prepared everything for the meeting?"
Both spies nod, with Tove adding, "The talismans are already in place. We'll stand watch at the entrance as well."
"Good," the Shuuin mistress nods. "I'm counting on you both."
"Hey, if I work extra hard today, can we go and get crepes from Takeisha Street?" Rune asks only to be flicked into the forehead by Tove. "Ow, what was that for?"
Liv laughs while Tove scowls at her subordinate. "It's 'Takeshita' Street and you'll do twenty laps around the Manor tomorrow."
"Why?!" Rune whines.
"For wagging your tongue," Tove retorts.
"It was just a question," Rune argues.
"Thirty," Tove says pointedly.
"Thirty?!"
"I'd shut up if I were you," Liv nudges the redhead with her foot. "You'll get fifty at this pace."
Rune wants to argue further but the stern look on the spymaster's face tells her otherwise. Swallowing her dissatisfaction, Rune complies and effectively remains silent from then onward. A short while later, they hear the front door of the Manor open.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Liv sighs before shouting, "We're in the living room!"
Emerging from the hallway are Satoru and Mathias, both dressed in all-black attires with her husband being in his uniform while her brother is in a suit.
"You're late," Liv says, folding her arms.
"Apologies, I got held up," Mathias says apologetically. "The Council called for an urgent meeting."
"What for?" Liv asks.
"There's been a curse attack at a school in Tokyo," Satoru replies casually, "or so I've heard. No biggie, don't worry."
"No biggie but they had an urgent meeting because of it?" Liv arches her brow.
"You know how it is," Mathias sighs exasperatedly. "They get their panties in a twist whenever something happens too close to home."
Liv rolls her eyes. "Heavens, they're so paranoid."
On that, they all agree.
"Anyway," Liv says, "introductions are in order. Satoru, you already know Tove Dahl, my spymaster. This is Rune Hagen, another spy in the ranks. They will accompany us."
Satoru glances at the redhead and recognizes her after a short while. "You're the one from school!"
Slightly flustered, Rune offers a deep bow. "A pleasure to formally meet you, herre."
Satoru nods. "Well, we're here. Now what?"
Liv says nothing in response. Instead, she beckons him to follow her while the rest of them walk behind the couple. Walking outside to the backyard, Liv leads them off the Manor's premises and into the woods surrounding it. They head in the direction of the forge and further uphill, deeper into the woods. As they make the hike, Satoru takes note of the eeriness of the forest around them. The Manor itself is quiet but the woods are ominous, its vibrant green hues turn dark emerald under the shade of the branches. The further up they go, the colder it gets and a scant fog covers the forest floor.
After a while, Satoru finally asks, "Are we there yet?"
Mathias rolls his eyes and Liv merely chuckles.
"What's funny?" he asks quizzically, his question directed at Tove and Rune.
The two spies exchange knowing looks before Tove answers, "We're there already, herre."
"Where?"
They stop suddenly as they reach a small clearing in the forest.
Satoru takes a quick look around. "Here?"
Liv nods. "Here."
He quirks a brow. "There's nothing here."
"Not yet," she says as she turns to the brunette. "Tove, if you'd be so kind?"
The spymaster nods and lifts two fingers in front of her face as she starts chanting softly. "Blessed are they who tread the unknown path, for their effort is rewarded."
Rune then joins the chant, clasping her hands together. "Leap into the sound's deep, drown in its song."
Liv puts a hand on Satoru's shoulder and softly pushes him to take a step back. He meets her hazel eyes and complies, letting her guide him backward.
"Fortune, favor my plea," Tove recites and spreads her arms apart. "Darkness, hide my sins."
"Let the true blood see," Rune says softly, spreading her arms as well, "where whispers wail."
Satoru stares in disbelief as a large hole opens in plain view, revealing a large cave ahead. At first, he doesn't understand what is going on until his Six Eyes picks up on the complexity of the barrier in front of him that's been forced open. He almost doubts what he sees.
"Liv," he mutters. "What is this?"
Liv smirks. "You tell me. You're the one with special eyeballs."
A near masterpiece - that is what he sees. The intricate design of the barrier is unlike anything he has ever seen: a complex mesh of cursed energy that is refined and dense. He also picks up on the cursed energy residuals of the hanging talismans that dot the surrounding landscape.
"It's the outer shell," he says as he inspects the technique's unique design. "Like that magician's trick with a rabbit in the box, the outer layer of the barrier acts like a mirror, giving an illusion of invisibility."
Liv nods. "Good job, Satoru."
Oddly, her praise makes him slightly flustered which he hides behind the high collar of his jacket. "Why the incantation and talismans then? Barriers are easily breached from the outside."
"This barrier has many inner and outer conditions," Mathias explains plainly, "one of which allows any Shuuin to pass but only Shuuin-born can enter without the opening ritual."
"And the talismans protect the integrity of the barrier so it doesn't break while also masking the entrance so we don't expose the Great Mother," Liv says as she turns to her brother, her expression neutral. "We're going in alone. Stay here with them two and watch out for trouble."
Mathias offers a curt bow in response. "Understood."
"Come on," she says grimly to Satoru. "The Great Mother awaits."
He lets her get inside the barrier first and after a brief contemplation, he takes a step inside as well. They find themselves in a narrow passage, whose ceiling is lower than Satoru's height so he has to bend slightly to pass through. Liv can walk comfortably with a straight back though hers are much more tense since they entered the cave.
"You okay?" he asks, treading carefully down the slippery path.
She hums in response. "I guess."
"It'll be fine," he says, adding dubiously, "I think."
She chuckles. "Tactful as always."
He smiles but says nothing else as she leads him further inside the cave. The air grows stale the deeper they go and Satoru can even smell rotten flesh. She did say some have died fighting the Great Mother, he remembers and figures the stench is coming from leftover corpses of her fallen comrades and relatives. After a while, the passage widens and he can stand up as well, groaning in relief.
"Well, that was uncomfortable," he comments, massaging his neck.
"You've seen nothing yet."
Before he can ask what she's referring to, the passage ends and they enter a vast cavern. Running alongside its walls is a stream of translucent, red liquid that pours into a small pool at the base of the cavern. Even from a distance, Satoru sees and senses a presence at the bottom of the cavern. Human, he deduces. A sorcerer.
"That her?" he asks, nodding his head in the direction of the sorcerer.
Liv nods stiffly.
"She doesn't seem that strong," he notes as he analyses her cursed energy flow.
Liv scoffs. "I thought you fixed that condescending attitude."
"It's not condescending," he retorts. "I'm just stating the facts."
"Are you sure it's a fact what you're talking about?" she asks enigmatically.
He frowns as they then descend a curving stone staircase. The walk down is short but challenging as the humidity renders the stone slippery. Liv turns and offers him a hand but he shakes his head in refusal. Once at the bottom of the stairs, she halts before turning to him again.
"Stay calm," she says slowly. "No matter what happens, do not engage her. Understood?"
He frowns. "What do you mean by - "
"Do you understand?" she repeats sternly.
He is startled for a moment, her tone unusually serious and commanding. "Alright, fine, I understand."
She nods curtly and turns on her heel before taking a deep breath. With heavy steps, she makes her way toward the altar where the woman is sitting. Liv lifts her hand in front of his chest, stopping him before he can get too close to the matron. From this distance, he realizes his expectations have been far from the truth. This ain't some old lady, he thinks as he looks at the Great Mother. She's barely in her thirties.
"I greet you, Great Mother," Liv says, loud enough for her voice to echo in the vast chamber.
The woman doesn't move an inch, though. Her silky black hair falls in cascades down her back, glistening under the red hues of the nearby stream. She's leaning on one arm while the other one rests leisurely in her lap. She wears a linen yukata and a purple kimono draped over her shoulders. No corpses though, he notes as he looks around the cavern. Where's the stench coming from? Except for the wooden platform, there's barely anything else in the cavern.
"I know you're awake," Liv says evenly. "Answer me."
The matron sighs and her eyes open, revealing ruby-red orbs.
"Come to bother me again," the woman says evenly.
A sardonic smile appears on Liv's face as she retorts, "As usual. This time, I brought an accomplice. See?"
The Great Mother's gaze falls on Satoru and he feels judged already. She eyes him from head to toe - lingering at his groin - before turning her attention back to Liv.
"Yes, I see," the woman muses, squinting her eyes. "Except for his eyes. Did he lose his eyeballs? I guess it's to be expected, you always fancied the broken and crippled."
Satoru dislikes her choice of words, finding it exceptionally disturbing. Liv, on the other hand, doesn't seem fazed in the slightest.
Rather, her lips are stretched even further as she says. "Nah, he's in one piece."
The woman hums. "To what do I owe this visit?"
Liv offers a curt bow. "I wished to introduce my husband to you formally."
Satoru waits patiently for the woman's reaction. She doesn't say anything nor does she show any kind of frustration or disapproval. Liv said she had a temper. Right now, all he sees is a calm and collected individual. If she has a vile side, it is very well hidden.
"Formally?" the woman mutters. "Since when do you care about filial responsibility?"
Satoru notes the utter disgust in the woman's tone.
"You're curious why he's here," Liv's tone remains cool. "Why don't you see for yourself?"
The woman breathes out through her nose before standing up. Her eyes are solely on Satoru, particularly his shrouded eyes.
"Take that blindfold off, stranger," the woman deadpans. "It's disrespectful."
Satoru turns his head toward his wife and as she nods subtly, his finger hooks under the lower edge of the blindfold and he pulls it down. Cerulean orbs glisten in the dark cave, their ethereal glow resonating with the power of old. It is at this moment that Satoru recalls Liv's warning from before. The Great Mother's eyes widen twice in size, glowing with malice as she growls at her progeny.
"What have you done?!"
Liv remains stoic in her spot, not threatened by the woman's outburst of frustration. "Is something wrong?"
A pale hand wraps around her neck and though Satoru can see the grip tighten around Liv's neck too much, the quick flick of Liv's wrist reminds him of their previous agreement. Do not engage her. He takes a step back, balling his fists and biting his lower lip as he watches his wife hang slightly off the ground.
"You brought a Six Eyes," the Great Mother says, her eyes narrowed and her upper lip curled.
"His name is Satoru Gojo and - "
"I don't give a flying fuck about his name," the woman growls. "I should kill you both!"
"Before you do that," Liv says, her voice clear despite the pressure on her throat, "I want you to see him."
"Your arrogance knows no bounds," the Great Mother asks darkly and Satoru can barely keep himself from interfering. "You've doomed us all and for what?"
"See him and you will understand," is Liv's final response.
Several moments pass before the Shuuin matron lets Liv go. Instinctively, the Shuuin mistress reaches for her throat, nursing the sore and bruised skin. Satoru sighs in relief as he sees her breathe comfortably despite being in a chokehold for so long. He is about to approach her but the other woman blocks his path, her eyes challenging him.
"Do you know about our ability, boy?" the woman asks.
Satoru ignores her calling him a 'boy' and answers calmly, "Yes."
"Good," she says simply, and in a few short steps, she stands in front of him with her hand against his forehead. "This may hurt a little."
He doesn't get a chance to ask what she means by that as she pushes his forehead and his head back. A surge of strange energy courses through his being as their surroundings change near-instantly. He looks around and notes the familiarity of the space around them: a picturesque representation of the universe with all its colors and glitter where they float amid the vast emptiness. His Six Eyes widen as he looks at the Great Mother. This is the inner world of Limitless, he realizes. My innate domain!
"What is this?" he asks slowly. "I thought the Inner Eye only allows you to hear thoughts."
"I am not just any Shuuin, child," The Great Mother says as she smirks. "Inside your mind, there are no secrets. Thoughts can be random and prone to change. A heart can't change as easily."
"So this is an application of Inner Eye?" he muses and the woman nods in confirmation.
"You wanna know if I'll snitch or something?" he asks though it sounds more like a statement.
"Among other things," she responds coyly.
He then feels a strange pressure in his cranium. Thoughts erupt and flood his mind. The images flash before his eyes and he can't do anything to stop them. One of the other, they play out in front of him and all he can do at this point is watch.
He can't make sense of the visions as there is no coherent pattern. He sees his childhood memories and then some that are more recent. He thinks she's searching for something specific, though he can't think at this point.
The visions end as quickly as they came and they return to the cave, no longer inside his mind. He feels a pair of hands hugging his torso. It takes him a while to realize that it's Liv who's holding him up, a worried expression on her face.
He chuckles. How odd, he thinks, given that he's the one helping others and not the other way around. Liv seems frantic as she keeps a tight hold on his jacket. Satoru tries to pry her hands off of him but her grip remains firm. A short while later, her worry slowly dissipates and she finally lets him go. Taking a deep breath, she turns her attention back to the Great Mother who has her back turned toward them. She is quiet and stoic - contrary to her previous spout of aggression. Neurotic hag, he thinks to himself.
"That's rude, Satoru," Liv reprimands him, silently reminding him that his thoughts are heard by both women.
"He's right, though," the Great Mother suddenly says, no traces of offendedness in her tone. "Anyone would turn neurotic after being away from the civilization for so long."
The spouses say nothing in response. She then turns to them, her face unreadable. The corners of her blood-red lips are turned slightly upward.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Satoru Gojo," the Great Mother says as she takes her seat again. "You may leave now."
Satoru quirks a brow at his wife. Liv nods and urges him to leave the cavern.
"I'm not leaving you alone," he whispers, grabbing her forearm.
"It's alright," Liv whispers in return, taking his hand off her bicep. "Just go."
He hesitates, his eyes glancing at the red-eyed woman every so often. Liv notices this and places a hand on his cheek.
"Trust me, Satoru."
Every instinct is screaming at him to ignore her words and just blast this Great Mother off with his Red. Why am I even entertaining this idiocy? he thinks to himself.
"Calm down," she says softly, bringing another hand up to cup his cheeks. "I'll be okay."
"That's not as convincing as you think, Liv," he says, his upper lips curling.
She chuckles. "Come on, I've survived worse than this."
He rolls his eyes. "Oh yeah, you've totally got a point there - "
"I can't tap out now," she says, a soft smile on her lips. "I have to finish this."
Another moment passes as he weighs his options. His eyes shift back to the Great Mother. I can take her on, no problem, he surmises but his promise to Liv still rings in the back of his mind. Why are you even listening to her? he immediately chastises himself. He looks back at Liv, her hazel eyes looking right back at him. Kind, reassuring hazel eyes that he has grown rather fond of. This is her choice, he reminds himself and sighs. You can't save those who don't want to be saved. He closes his eyes. Damn it all.
"Fine," he mutters, reaching for her hands on his cheeks and lacing their fingers. "Fine."
"Go," she whispers and detangles her hands from his.
He hesitates but obliges nonetheless, walking away from her. Liv watches as he ascends the stairs and turns back to look at her one more time before disappearing into the passageway.
"How touching," the Great Mother teases. "I wonder if he'd care as much if he knew what you are."
The Shuuin mistress stares at her ancestor, realizing for the first time how the entire concept of their meeting is downright bizarre. "You sound jealous, Great Mother."
"It's merely an observation," the matron says evenly.
"He is different," Liv says sternly, walking closer to the Great Mother.
"He is promising, I'll give you that," she says evenly before adding, "but we don't put our faith in potential alone."
"Satoru wishes the same thing you do," Liv says, sitting across from her. "A better world, a place where - "
"Don't pretend you're doing this for anyone but yourself, little dragon," the Great Mother hisses. "You can fool the rest of your brethren but not me. I'm far too old for such shit."
"Yet, you still chose me," Liv counters calmly. "Despite my flaws, you saw potential in me as well."
"You can't have it all," the Great Mother argues.
Liv frowns. "Watch me."
The Great Mother is silent for a moment. That determination is not something she sees for the first time.
"Why him, little dragon?" the Great Mother asks curiously.
"You saw why," Liv responds simply. "His heart is in the right place and he wants to do good."
"I suppose," the older woman says. "Does he know why he was brought here?"
Liv tries not to look her in the eyes. "He knows enough."
"No one likes to be manipulated, child," the Great Mother says evenly. "Your husband especially might not like knowing he's been used."
"I needed his help," Liv cuts in curtly. "He agreed to help me. That's all there is to it."
"Do you think I'm stupid, child?" the Great Mother laughs, her giggles unnerving Liv. "I may not get out much but I can smell a fraud from a distance. It's a peculiar stench, you know."
Fraud? Liv hums. "What are you implying, Great Mother?"
The woman scowls. "You brought him to corner me so I would have no other choice but to revoke the Vow."
Silence. Liv doesn't even look at her - she doesn't need to. Everything the woman said so far is correct. Satoru's sole role has been to corner the Great Mother. It was a gamble. Liv wasn't even sure if it would work. Her rationale often speaks louder than her optimism but she took that leap anyway.
If it means freedom -
"Six Eyes wielder with Limitless Technique," Liv explains (albeit needlessly). "If he reports to the higher-ups that there is a thousand-year-old Shuuin progenitor hidden deep within the forest near Shuuin Manor, no one will question him. His word holds that much influence."
The Great Mother frowns. Her red eyes flare with silent fury. She has lost and worse still, she underestimated the child before her. That pride, that confidence, the Great Mother thinks to herself. My mistake was to expect her to be like the rest of her kin.
"So you'd let him die and condemn countless of your kin to death?" the Great Mother seethes. "The Vow extends to him as well through his union with you or have you conveniently hid that piece of information from him as well?"
Under usual circumstances, these words would've shaken Liv's resolve. As it were, the circumstances have changed. Satoru is already married to her and he's agreed to come along. 'Guilt' is not the luxury she can afford at this point.
"High risk, high reward," Liv's hazel eyes meet the crimson orbs. "I never claimed to be a saint and you are a real pain in the ass."
For a moment, the Great Mother feels almost proud of her progeny.
"If I revoke the Vow," the Great Mother says slowly, "you will be cursed with the same fate as the Shuuin of old."
"So be it."
The woman shakes her head, chuckling. "You are insane, child."
Liv chuckles as well. "Can you blame me, after everything?"
The Great Mother doesn't blame her. For one so young, she has been through hell and back. Unfortunately, she's walking willingly into her doom this time. Too late to turn back anyway, the Great Mother thinks to herself with a hint of sympathy. The dye has already been cast.
"You don't know what you're asking for," the older woman says solemnly. "This won't make you whole."
"I gave up on that long ago," Liv argues briskly. "I just wish to be free."
The older woman shakes her head. "Those chains of yours are not because of me."
Liv's gaze is cold and piercing as she retorts, "I didn't chain myself if that's what you're implying."
"On the contrary," the other woman counters, "I think your kin chained you. Weaklings tend to limit the strong."
The weak discourage strength, Liv recalls Suguru's words. Oh, the irony.
"They are not weak," Liv says stubbornly but she doesn't seem confident. "Weaker yes but not weak."
"Semantics mean little in the great scheme of things," the Great Mother mutters, "but you already knew that. Otherwise, why marry the only man in the world stronger than you?"
Liv's eyes widen as she takes in her words. "What do you mean?"
The matron's thick brow quirks. She's still not aware of it? the woman wonders before sighing. No matter, she will be soon.
"Your assumption was correct," the Great Mother answers. "He is the right man for you."
Liv frowns as the woman smiles at her coyly. "I never said - "
"You'll figure it out later," she waves Liv off dismissively. "We have more pressing matters to deal with."
"Then," Liv asks slowly, "you will do it?"
"Don't act so surprised. This was your plan, was it not?" she responds in return. "You counted on me relenting instead of letting everything I've done so far go to waste."
'Happy' doesn't even begin to describe Liv's emotion at this moment. Bewildered, ecstatic, high, fulfilled, relieved - so much emotion wells within her being and she doesn't know what to do with it. Finally.
"Once I take back the Vow, I cannot remain in this world any longer," the Great Mother says, her words echoing in the chamber. "Someone must take my place."
Liv nods in understanding. "I know and I accept it as long as the Vow is gone."
So be it, the Great Mother thinks to herself as she summons a sword in her hand. "You should've fasted for this."
"I skipped breakfast," Liv smirks before reaching for a particular tattoo behind her ear. "It should be enough."
November 5th, 2016. / 18:22 / Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
"It's quiet."
Satoru's eyes are glued to the entrance of the cave. It's been hours since he left Liv alone in the cavern and the sun is already setting behind the line of horizon. He used to hear sounds coming out from inside the cave for a while. Groans and shouts could be heard, followed by loud thumps and clashes of metal against rock. Things have been quiet the last couple of hours, though but he can't discern what's happening. Worse still, his Six Eyes can't pick up much from inside the barrier, even if it's still open.
"How long will she be in there?" he asks.
"It's hard to tell," Mathias says, folding his arms. "Depends on the fight itself, I guess."
"Fight?" Satoru asks in confusion. "What fight?"
Mathias is quiet for a moment. "How much did she tell you? About the Shuuin, I mean."
Satoru quirks a brow. "We were short on time so not much, I guess."
"Did she tell you how the Shuuin choose their leaders?" Mathias asks.
Satoru nods. "You fight that black-haired lady. Some survive, some don't. Those who do become the leader of the clan."
"Proxy," Mathias emphasizes. "They become proxy leaders. The Great Mother is the true mistress of the Shuuin."
The Gojo clan leader cocks his head to the side. Mathias can almost see the question marks floating above his head.
"Our ancestors used to choose their leaders by fighting as well," Mathias explains further. "However, the losing party used to be cannibalized by the victor."
Satoru's eyes widen and his face distorts into that of sheer disgust. "They'd eat each other?"
Rune and Tove remain pointedly silent, looking away from the two men.
"The Shuuin value their secret knowledge above all else," the older Drakon sibling says, "and the Shuuin masters are living facsimiles of the collective knowledge of the Shuuin. Cannibalizing is the only way to preserve and pass on that knowledge in its root form."
"But Liv is alive and so is that freak-ass woman," Satoru points out. "Maybe there is a way to bypass the whole eating thing."
"The only reason Liv is alive is because the Great Mother deemed her worthy of the position," Mathias responds in kind. "Others, however - "
He needn't finish the sentence. That's why there were no bodies in the cave, Satoru realizes. Damn, the Shuuin are dark.
He breathes out before asking, "Does Liv even want this?"
Mathias hesitates to answer. "She didn't at first but the chains imposed by the Vow made her desperate to do anything to be rid of it."
Satoru tries to ignore the insanity of the words coming out of Mathias' mouth. He still doesn't believe that Liv would do something like this. She doesn't care about power, he knows that much. So why?
"What does she truly want?" Satoru asks. "It's not just to share the Shuuin knowledge with the world, that much is obvious."
Mathias looks at the entrance of the cave. "We sold the lie about the Vow of Pacifism to the higher-ups. We attract less attention from the jujutsu society that way. Living nomadic lifestyles and even avoiding using our Shuuin names is another way of protecting ourselves and our secrets. Our lives, our entire existence is about hiding and restraint."
"So she wants freedom," Satoru surmises.
Mathias nods. "Not just freedom. She wants to be able to live her life as herself without pretending to be something she's not."
"Which is?"
Mathias glances at Satoru. "Weak."
November 5th, 2016. / 18:38 / Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
With a final axe kick, Liv plummets the Great Mother into the ground before bringing her fist into the woman's stomach, crushing her organs. Blood coats her fist while the Great Mother coughs out the dark red liquid and Liv stumbles backward. She's barely standing on her feet but at least she's won.
The Great Mother is defeated, rendered immobile as her legs have been broken, with one almost torn off her hip. Her sword is broken, the left side of her abdomen is crushed, and she thinks her back is broken - she's got no more reason to fight. Her cursed energy is depleted and using reverse cursed technique is impossible for her at this point. This is it, she thinks to herself with a satisfied smile on her face. It's time for me to sleep.
"Marvelous," the Great Mother whispers as she turns her head around. "That master of yours - he was a monster, wasn't he?"
The Shuuin mistress closes her eyes and opens them again before reaching for the tattoo behind her ear. Her extensive markings burn away, revealing flawless alabaster skin beneath. With an uncertain step, Liv walks to the woman's side.
"He was a man," Liv says softly, adding, "a strong man but still, just a man."
The Great Mother coughs as she tries to chuckle. "'Just a man' taught you to fight like this?"
The statement draws a smile from Liv. "Not really. He sucked at teaching big time but broken bones and a mouth full of blood were a good motivation to get better."
She hears the woman hum and the Great Mother struggles to take a deep breath. Her punctured lung fails her and she wheezes instead. Liv feels no desire to help her - she can't help her anyway. She doubts the woman even wants help at this point.
"That husband of yours," the Great Mother coughs. "The Gojo - does he know about your abilities?"
Liv takes a moment to answer. "No."
"Will you tell him?"
Again, she hesitates. "I don't know."
"He will fight you," the older woman says somewhat weakly, the bloodless wearing away her life force. "Men like him a drawn to power but are easily frightened when their strength is brought into question."
"He is different, Great Mother," Liv says softly.
The older woman laughs. "Oh, pup. All men are the same - only the faces differ."
Liv doesn't like her tone. "You're wrong about him."
Her next words are softer, almost hopeful as the Great Mother says, "I sincerely hope so. Otherwise, you've achieved nothing with this."
"Even so," Liv mutters, "thank you, Great Mother."
"Rei Shuuin," the older woman says with a chuckle. "And don't thank me yet, pup."
Liv kneels before Rei's lying body, placing her bloodied hand above the woman's heart. "Any last words, then?"
Red eyes glimmer in the dark. She has thought about her last words many times over the centuries. She had imagined a different scenario each time, a different Shuuin. Who would've thought, she muses to herself, her red eyes gazing at the young woman leaning over Rei's now dying body, that it would be you, of all people.
Nevertheless, the Great Mother of the Shuuin doesn't regret her choice. She welcomes the death's sweet embrace and the peace that comes with it.
"You're about to be cursed," she finally whispers, "so enjoy the calm before the storm."
The spite in her tone doesn't go unnoticed but Liv doesn't mind it. Centuries of existence have made Rei's heart callous and her tongue sharp - it is to be expected.
"Go in peace," she whispers as her hand pierces the woman's chest and rips out her heart.
The organ still spasms in her hand while its owner is taking her last breath. Liv watches patiently as the light dims in Rei's eyes and she falls limp. The longest-living Shuuin is no longer among the living and as she stands witness to this momentous day, Liv cannot help but feel pity for her.
"Watch me, Rei Shuuin," the words escape her lips as she grants herself one final chance at gloating. "Watch me have it all."
Liv then chomps down the heart before pulling out the lungs. The taste of flesh is bland but the blood leaves a metallic aftertaste on her tongue and palate. Cartilage and tendons are stringy and hard to chew. Liv doesn't mind it, even as the bile rises from her esophagus and into her mouth. She swallows it all.
It is the taste of freedom, after all.
November 5th, 2016. / 21:36 / Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
The night has already fallen.
The moon is high and the stars are shimmering in the night sky. It is slightly chilly but no one is thinking of leaving yet. Satoru in particular doesn't want to leave, not until he sees Liv with his own eyes. Mathias told him he was under no obligation to stay, that he did his part already.
Yet, the Gojo clan head stays.
Suddenly, they all hear tapping sounds coming from the cave. They look at the entrance, tension filling the air as they wait.
Obscured by the darkness, they see a pair of red eyes glowing from within the cave. Satoru watches as his wife emerges from the cave, bloody around her mouth, hands, and upper torso. Droplets of red trickle down her abdomen, staining her already ripped shirt. She looks satisfied, licking her fingers as if it was the best meal she ever had while her eyes are glowing with reddish hue, the dark of the nighttime making it more apparent.
He then hears shuffling behind him and as he looks over his shoulder, he sees Mathias and the spies bow to their knees and lower their heads. He's not sure if it's out of respect or reverence.
"They don't teach us to grovel at other people's feet," Liv says, her voice thunderous as it echoes in the forest. "Rise."
Without a second of doubt, they stand up but the wonder and awe are still plastered across their faces. Mathias is especially stunned as he watches his siblings stand proud and tall before him like she didn't just perform sacrilege.
"How are you feeling, sister?" Mathias asks wearily.
Liv is silent for a moment, curiously looking at her bloody hands. She flexes her fingers and inspects them closely.
"Mighty," she says finally.
At that moment, Satoru sees something different in her cursed energy flow. It is not the same cursed energy he associated with Liv Drakon all these years. The outlines of it are stretching out and pulling back in as if she's generating some kind of magnetic field. That's new. His eyes peek over her shoulder and he sees there are no residuals where she previously stepped. That's an extremely precise control over cursed energy, he notes curiously. Not a smudge of it is released into the surroundings.
"Call our cousins, Mathias," she says with a drunken smile, walking past them. "Tell them, the silence is broken."
"And the barrier?" he asks.
Liv looks back at the cave before answering evenly, "Destroy it. There's nothing left in there anyway."
Mathias nods and watches as she walks in a random direction, the purple kimono draped over her shoulders trailing after her.
"Where are you going?" Satoru asks before she can take another step away from them.
She stops and looks over her shoulder at her husband. The hazel green eyes stopped glowing red. Instead, they light up with life and joy.
"I'm going for a little walk," she says softly.
Before he can inquire any further or even stop her, she disappears from his view, leaving no residuals in her wake.