A/N: Hi guys!
Okay, spoiler alert. At the time of this writing, chapter 236 is out and those of you who've read it, know what happened. I'm a JJK fan, first and foremost, and let me just say that I kind of anticipated this so I am HYPED! There are some things in the chapter that make me think hmmm, yes, no, maybe so BUT I won't make predictions because chapter 236 is BOMB and let's just leave it there.
The way things are unraveling kind of works for me as well because, if you paid attention, I'm a sucker for bitter-sweetness and tragedy and all that jazz. That's why I love this manga, it's dark, it's unpredictable, and it's got an AMAZING cast of characters. Also, given Gojo's status at this moment, I'm sad a bit and this chapter is also a bit more emotional so... heads up? Shit's about to get real real.
Anyway, thanks for reading Cursed Love, hope you'll like what I've come up with in this chapter!
Cursed Love
~ Homeless ~
November 6th, 2016. / 05:12 / Mount Tate, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
Everything is so vibrant.
The colors of the forest, the heat of the Sun's rays, and the cold of the morning air. The sounds of the mountain rivers, the songs of the birds, and the overall force of life that permeates through nature.
Everything is so vibrant and Liv has never felt so good.
She finds herself atop a mountain, somewhere, somehow. She doesn't remember how she got here or when she got here. Time seems irrelevant. Nothing is important. She breathes with ease and walks with pride.
She's free.
"Why can't I hear it, then?"
The words leave her mouth almost unconsciously, beyond her control. There are supposed to be shouts from the heavens, a surge of knowledge unlike anything she has ever experienced before. She's supposed to see the memories of her ancestors, of her predecessors. She's supposed to know everything now.
Yet, she doesn't.
"I told you, pup. You are now cursed."
She doesn't need to turn around to know that voice. That smooth, deep, feminine voice. Liv doesn't feel elated anymore. The colors fade and the sounds subdue. Everything is normal.
Everything is normal except for her.
"There's always a catch," Liv mumbles under her breath. "There is always a price."
The voice chuckles and Liv almost rolls her eyes. As she turns around (because she doesn't like the prospect of talking to herself), she sees a mirage, a resemblance to a figure. She frowns as the image condenses and clears up, forming a visage of a familiar woman.
The woman she cannibalized hours prior.
"You've got to be kidding me," she breathes out. "Fuck me."
"I'll pass," Rei says, stuffing her hands into the sleeves of her yukata. "Looks good on you."
She nods her head toward the kimono Liv is wearing, the same one she took from that cave after she finished with her 'dinner'. She doesn't know why she took it in the first place but she likes it anyway.
"Thanks," she says and doesn't mean it. "What do you want?"
Rei hums. "Good question but poorly formulated."
Liv quirks a brow.
The older woman continues, "The question should be - what do you want?"
The Shuuin mistress is silent for a moment, her head cocked to the side. She finds this conversation even more bizarre than the one they had in the cave. What do I want?
She already got what she wanted.
Right?
Wrong.
Liv's eyes widen as she hears the woman's voice inside her head. Technique Reversal? she thinks to herself. But, the Inner Eye isn't -
"You've got so much to learn, pup," Rei says, crossing her legs as she floats in midair. "Knowledge, power, strength - all of this and more await you but not without some preparation."
"I don't understand," Liv says, shaking her head.
Rei raises a single index finger, "Power is given to those who can handle it."
As if struck by some kind of lightning attack, Liv's heart skips a beat. Those words -
"A soul is not forced upon the unwilling," Rei raises her middle finger, holding up two fingers now. "Those are the main concepts you have to understand in order to utilize the secret knowledge of the Shuuin."
Shaking her head, Liv sobers up as she inquires further, "What are you talking about? Why can't I recall memories of old now? I've defeated you, fair and square!"
"Are you being intentionally deaf?" Rei sniggers as she says, "Because of what I just said - you are not ready."
"I've consumed you - " Liv almost cries out.
"And I've warned you, pup," Rei cuts in sternly. "You don't know what you're asking for."
Dread creeps into Liv's being as the weight of those words becomes apparent. Worse still, she's stuck with the ghost of a woman who's been a thorn in her side for the entirety of her life.
"This a cruel joke," she mutters in disbelief. "It has to be."
"It's not," Rei counters. "In fact, it's the most important step in your life now."
Liv frowns. "Why?"
"Because unless you are prepared," Rei explains grimly, "you won't be able to handle the weight of the memories of your ancestors."
"Won't be able to handle as in - "
"You will die, most probably," Rei finished her sentence.
"Shit," Liv curses, running a hand through her hair before gripping her roots. "I didn't do all of this just to die."
Rei blinks. "Didn't you want to be free?"
Liv nods. "Yes."
"Death is the ultimate form of freedom," Rei points out without a hint of doubt.
The look she gets from Liv can only be described as 'blank'.
"That makes no sense," she says after a while of silence.
"Is that so?" Rei cocks her head to the side (which Liv notes is very unlike her). "I guess it is a matter of perception."
Liv wants to argue her point but realizes they've gone far off-topic. "We were talking about 'preparation'. So what is it?"
Rei sighs, crossing her arms. "You need to make peace with your own trauma. Move on from your past, as it were."
"I don't think I have that problem," Liv says evenly.
Suddenly, images roll like a movie film, one after the other, all of them invoking deep and intense emotions of sadness, anger, and frustration.
Her master.
Her mother.
Her father.
The dead.
Groaning, Liv falls to her knees and grips her head. Rei silently observes overhead, not at all moved by the young woman's visible pain.
"You were saying?" the Great Mother asks teasingly, adding salt to the wound.
Drenched in a cold sweat, Liv looks up at the mirage and seethes, "Fuck - you."
Rei grins wickedly, resembling a Cheshire. "Curse me all you want but the fact stands - as long as you refuse to face your past and move on, you can kiss your precious freedom goodbye."
Letting out something akin to a growl, Liv pulls herself upward, wobbling slightly as she steadies herself on her feet.
"Luckily," Rei continues with a calm expression on her face, "you're not alone in this. I'll help you."
Yay, Liv thinks to herself sarcastically. Lucky me.
November 13th, 2016. / 08:20/ Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
Kinji Hakari's first impression of Satoru Gojo was that he was insane.
His second impression of Satoru Gojo was that he was stupidly powerful.
The two impressions overlap and in Kinji's mind, it is understandable given that the man is the strongest sorcerer of today. Not only that, he has influence, money, and adoration - all of which Kinji deeply respects.
However, he notices that his sensei has been acting rather weird lately - well, weirder. He'd stand in the classroom or in his office, looking at the mountains and forests in the distance for hours it seems. Kinji can't see his eyes because he covers them up but he has a feeling that the man is worried about something.
Satoru's weird behavior persists for a while, almost a week or so. He is late to class (he was always late to class but now especially), he tends to lose track of his lessons (again, he always did that but it's even more obvious now), and he seems to be missing his chirpy attitude. Yes, Kinji thinks to himself. Gojo-san is not his usual self.
The first-year shares his thoughts with his classmate, Kirara Hoshi.
"I don't know Kin-chan," the boy says, scratching his cheek. "I mean, sensei is already weird. Being lost in thought should be part of his weirdness, right?"
Kinji shakes his head. "No, I'm telling you, something's definitely wrong with him."
Kirara taps his chin with his index finger, humming as he thinks for a while. "He got married recently, right? Trouble in paradise perhaps?"
"You think?" Kinji crosses his arms over his chest. "Gojo-san can't be that dissatisfied so soon after the nuptials."
"Maybe she's dissatisfied with him," Kirara proposes. "Sensei can be a lot at times."
Kinji nods in agreement. "So, that leaves us where?"
Kirara pouts and cocks his head to the side. "Sensei is weird and we've just realized how much?"
Needless to say, Kinji sighs in disappointment.
November 13th, 2016. / 10:20/ Nara Prefecture, Japan
Miguel sits in the foyer of the mansion where he and his family have gathered. The mansion was borrowed (read confiscated) from a wealthy pair that had been cursed by a particularly nasty curse with a tendency to burn things at random. Suguru offered to absorb the thing for the right price. At their wit's end, the couple agreed and not only were they rid of a curse, but they were also down to their last penny.
The couple didn't live long afterward. Realizing they've been more or less scammed, they tried to attack Suguru in a pitiful attempt at retribution - with kitchen knives, of all things. They were dead before they could get close to smell him. A few hours later, their bodies were disposed of and the blood was cleaned off the floors.
It is like they were never even here.
Miguel has little qualms getting rid of non-sorcerers, especially if they're pesky and annoying the shit out of him. After all, he cares about Suguru and wants to make his dream a reality. If non-sorcerers have to die for that dream to happen, then he's glad to comply.
But, from time to time, he finds himself looking up the photo on his lock screen and smiling softly at the face of the woman he cherishes more than anything in the world. So beautiful, he thinks to himself often. His mistress is one of a kind and if Miguel has any regrets about his life, it would be disappointing her three years ago. He doesn't regret following Suguru, though. The world Suguru envisions is the world Miguel wants to see himself in.
He just wishes his mistress would want it too.
"We can't have it all," he sighs as his thumb rests near her face on the image.
His phone then rings and Miguel sees Mathias' name spelled out on the screen. Curious, he picks up the call before pressing the phone against his ear.
"This is a surprise," he says teasingly. "It's not even my birthday."
A short silence follows. "It might as well be."
Miguel quirks a brow. "Oh? And why is that?"
He hears Mathias chuckle before answering, "The silence is broken, Amadi."
Miguel's mind is suddenly blank. There are no thoughts, no emotions, no images - point blank. Then, he slowly takes in Mathias' words. The silence is broken. Those are the words that the Shuuin have never heard. The silence is broken. He takes a deep breath and as he exhales, a chuckle escapes his throat and he feels his eyes tear up. The silence is broken.
"You're free," he whispers softly.
"We're free," Mathias mirrors.
The spy reaches for the spot above his heart and checks his heartbeat. He feels it falling into an uneven rhythm, probably due to the excitement.
"Is she - " Miguel asks hesitantly.
Mathias understands even if he doesn't say it. "She's somewhere out there but have faith."
"Call me when she gets back," Miguel silently pleads.
The older Drakon sibling concurs before hanging up.
November 13th, 2016. / 12:28/ Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
Jujutsu High's morgue is as morbid as one would expect it to be.
Despite that, it is a sterile clean place as per standards of medical practice. That's why Shoko doesn't feel repulsed by the fact that she's spending most of her time among the corpses - also, she's never been squeamish in the first place.
But Satoru is a tad squeamish which is why she finds his recent visits not only frequent but odd as well.
She notes that he's constantly alone and he never mentions Liv at all. His quiet disposition is also curious as he normally never stops talking. Shoko tried calling Liv several times but she never got an answer. She figures that whatever has happened between the two is something they'll just have to get over with time.
That doesn't mean she's not worried about them - rather, she's more worried than ever.
Satoru comes to the clinic today as well. He says a brief greeting before sitting on a chair next to the window. She says little to him, as usual, before returning to her work. Reports are filled in the meantime, her drawers with files are organized, and her equipment is sterilized. She even gets a lunch break in between but Satoru hasn't left yet.
"You know," she says, munching on a piece of sandwich, "you can mope around in your office."
Her comrade lifts his head and then cocks it to the side. "I'm not moping."
Shoko deadpans, "Go away, Gojo. I have work to do."
"I'm not even talking," he says and crosses his legs.
"That's the problem," she sighs. "If you'd just talk about what's bothering you, then you could go back to work as well."
"Nothing's bothering me," he scoffs.
Shoko hums. "Yeah, I can see that."
He is silent again and Shoko shakes her head, dumping the sandwich wrap into the nearby trashcan before sitting behind her work desk. Another hour passes with neither saying a word. Shoko even forgets she's not alone after some time as she focuses on the medical records of the senior sorcerers. She looks up at the clock over her desk. End of my shift, she notes. Her tired eyes glance toward the nearby window and she sighs. Satoru is still there, sitting on the chair in the same position she saw him an hour ago. You look lame like that, she thinks to herself.
"Did you and Drakon fight?" she asks suddenly, turning her chair around and mimicking his posture. "Need a girl talk?"
He chuckles in response. "I'm a dude, Shoko, in case you haven't noticed."
She hums. "Well, the offer still stands, if you need it."
Satoru is quiet yet again but not for long.
He sighs and pulls down his blindfold. "Something happened."
"Something bad?" Shoko asks.
Satoru shakes his head. "I guess it depends on the point of view."
"Alright," she says, resting her elbows on her knee. "Tell me what happened and we'll go from there."
His blue eyes stare at her, with no clear emotion reflected in them.
He takes a deep breath and recounts the events from a week ago.
November 13th, 2016. / 16:12/ Shuuin Manor, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Tove puts down the phone and sighs.
"Is that all of them?" Rune asks exasperatedly, resting her forehead against the table. "I don't think I've ever spent that much time talking to someone over the phone."
"Me too," Tove agrees, her eyes closed. "It seems surreal, all of this."
"I know, right?" Rune jokes. "It seems like yesterday, you were telling me to run thirty laps around the Manor. Instead, I'm running thirty calls per day. Not that I mind."
Tove chuckles. "There's a whole day ahead of us. I wouldn't celebrate just yet."
An adorable pout appears on the younger spy's face as she pleadingly looks at her superior. She falls to the ground on her knees and crawls to the woman, her hands clasped in a praying manner.
"I'll behave, I promise," she says hurriedly, rubbing her palms. "I'll be the goodest, no, the bestest spy."
Tove ignores the fact that 'goodest' and 'bestest' aren't words as she answers, "Stop that."
Rune stands up immediately. "Yes, ma'am."
The two are interrupted by Mathias entering the Manor's living room. He's tired as well, even more than them and it's rather obvious, given the dark circles under his eyes. As the unofficial spokesperson for their mistress, he's in charge of handling the clan affairs until she returns. The elders are understanding, the spies are complacent but their relatives are acting up.
"How are things on your end, herre?" Tove asks softly.
Mathias slumps on the chair nearby and sighs in frustration. "I just broke the news to the Cormac sisters."
Both spies wince.
"Their first question was is Liv alive," he says evenly, adding, "Their second question is did Satoru divorce her yet."
Tove rolls her eyes. "They're thinking with their vaginas again."
"Can't really blame them this time," Rune mumbles. "He's dreamy."
Tove glares at her. "What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing," the younger woman says quickly, shaking her head. "So, what else did they say?"
Mathias hums. "They're curious about what's going to happen from here on out."
"We've finished what we set out to do, right?" Rune asks. "Herre Gojo is on our side, our mistress is the mistress now and the Shuuin are free."
Tove doesn't agree. "Except the mistress is missing while the clan has to go through reforms given the new circumstances."
Rune quirks a brow. "Why, though? We're doing just fine now."
"Yes but our system was made around the Vow," Mathias points out. "With it gone, things have to change. It's normal and expected."
"Where does that leave us, then?" Rune asks.
Silence. No one has an answer to that question.
"Do we wait for Liv?" Tove asks carefully. "The elders can wait but the others will get snippy if Cormac's are any indication."
Mathias nods. "Liv will probably be out of commission for a while."
"What about Gojo?" Tove asks. "Should we ask him for help?"
"He's wrapped up in his own work," Mathias shakes his head. "Besides, having him interfere will only create more confusion."
"Guess that's that," Tove says then sighs in defeat. "I hate the sitting ducks game."
"Yeah," Mathias says softly, closing his eyes. "Me too."
November 13th, 2016. / 14:32/ Fushiguro Residence, Saitama, Japan
It has become a rare occurrence when the Fushiguro siblings would hang out together after school.
Normally, after school, Tsumiki would head home and make something to eat while Megumi would be most often in detention for making trouble around school. Today, Megumi decides that there's no need to pick fights as bullies are surprisingly behaving while Tsumiki does not feel like staying indoors. She proposes for them to go out and have some fun for a change.
"Eh?" Megumi makes a bored face from the couch. "I don't want to."
"When was the last time we went for a walk or to the arcade?" she asks with hands on her hips.
"When I was a kid," he says dismissively while flipping a page of his book.
"You're still a kid, Megumi," Tsumiki deadpans. "Me as well so let's go and do what kids do."
"Go bother someone else," he responds in kind.
Tsumiki humphs and then proceeds to sit next to her brother. He eyes her suspiciously before moving a bit. She scooches closer and he moves back as well. They do that over and again until Tsumiki grabs his book and sits on his abdomen, flipping through the pages while he squirms underneath her weight.
"You're heavy, get off," he grumbles before reaching for the book in her hands. "I'll forget which page I'm on!"
"Page seventy-eight," Tsumiki chirps before closing the book. "Can we go now?"
Megumi groans and his arms fall to his sides, with one hanging off the couch. "Get off me."
"Say we're going," she presses.
A long sigh is heard in the Fushiguro household's living room as Megumi nods in approval. Happy with the outcome, Tsumiki jumps to her feet and heads to her room to change, leaving Megumi's book on the coffee table.
"I hate my life," the boy grumbles before getting ready as well.
Half an hour later, the siblings leave their apartment and head toward the train station. When asked where she wants to go, Megumi gets a non-specific answer.
"As long as it's fun," she says with a smile on her face.
Megumi rolls his eyes at her answer but he complies nonetheless and they get off at Koenji district in Suginami. It is a relatively popular place among tourists, but not so much with the locals as it's primarily a residential area. The district has a large number of second-hand shops and since Tsumiki likes to thrift, Megumi figured why not. Given, it's rather far from home but since it's Friday and they don't have to go to school tomorrow, they have enough time to enjoy themselves before sunset.
"You know," Tsumiki says as they enter the PAL Shopping Arcade, "I never would've thought of this. Good idea, Megumi."
A small, discreet smile appears on his lips.
The rest of their day ends up being jumping from shop to shop, buying some nicknacks, or simply window-shopping. Tsumiki has a lot of fun thrifting Victorian skirts and blouses, while Megumi sifts through vinyl records and checks out old gramophones. The appeal of retro lies in its timeless appearance and feeling of reminiscing. Even though neither teens have ever even seen or much less used gramophones or vinyl records, there is a certain feeling of class and style when one is surrounded by such items.
"Hey Megumi," Tsumiki asks as they enter another thrift store. "Should we buy something for Gojo-san and Liv-san?"
Her brother frowns. "Why?"
Tsumiki hums. "Why not? We don't need a particular reason to gift them."
"Yeah but what to give them as a present anyway?" Megumi responds evenly. "Gojo can have anything he wants and Liv-san is, well - "
"A stranger?" Tsumiki finishes for him with a smile. "We know some things about her though."
"Like what?"
"Like," Tsumiki thinks for a moment. "Remember how she sent us a picture of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar? The stand with those eye things?"
Megumi tries to remember the said picture. He can scarcely recall most of the pictures and postcards she sent them over the years. Despite his disregard for the woman who's become their godmother/caretaker/provider - whatever - he has to admit she's remarkably thoughtful. Surprisingly, Satoru talked very little of Liv Drakon, despite their constant exchange of gifts and shit. However, what Megumi has gotten from what the man told him over the years is that she's resourceful, she has many secrets, and he's known her for a very long time.
He finally remembers the picture Tsumiki is referring to. "You mean that glass amulet with blue eye motif?"
"That's the one," Tsumiki says cheerfully.
"What of it, though?" Megumi asks quizzically.
"Well, she seems to like those kinds of things," Tsumiki points out, "so why don't we get her something similar?"
"Street charms and pendants don't actually protect against curses, Tsumiki," Megumi retorts.
"Then a souvenir," Tsumiki offers, taking his hand into hers before pleading with him with puppy eyes. "Please? Just this once."
Megumi wiggles out of her grip before groaning, "Fine, just stop doing that."
Tsumiki beams at her brother before going off to search for a souvenir shop. Half an hour later (which seems much longer to Megumi), they find an antique store where they sell old paper items, such as wrapping paper, postcards, stamps, and similar things. Tsumiki eyes an intricately made map of the world that she thinks would look good framed and hung on a wall. Liv-san is a traveler and an artist so she might like it. They end up buying the map and a leather-bound journal, while getting some stickers for free as well.
"I'll need to figure out how to wrap this," Tsumiki pouts as she inspects the bought goods.
Megumi sighs. "Should've thought of that before buying the stuff."
Tsumiki merely hums in response.
The siblings decide to head back home as it is getting rather late for two middle-schoolers to be out on the streets. As they pass by the residential area on their way to the train station, something catches Megumi's eye. Halting his step, he looks to his left and sees a lonesome figure standing on the pavement, their face facing the row of homes in the street. Tsumiki notices that he's not walking so she approaches him with a curious look on her face. Turning her head in the same direction, she tries to find what catches her brother's attention.
"Is that," she asks, squinting her eyes, "Liv-san?"
November 13th, 2016. / 18:04 / Koenji, Tokyo, Japan
Her eyes glance at the two-story house that once used to be her refuge.
She takes a deep breath as she lets the moment sink in. For a long time, she had no home to call her own. She was left to fend for herself but somehow, fate showed her kindness and led her to him. Granted, he didn't have a place to call home either but it didn't matter to her - as long as he was around, she didn't need a home.
Liv recalls the memories with a tinge of longing. It has been too long for her to still grieve but not long enough for her to completely forget. Some things cannot be forgotten, she thinks to herself as she looks at the upper-floor window. She remembers shadows dancing behind the curtains of that same window every time she came to crash. Warm food and bed would welcome her regardless of the time of day.
She was happy, probably happier than ever despite her circumstances then. Then again, so was he. A sigh escapes her lips as she realizes how easily things can change. All it takes is just one decision, she thinks bitterly.
For the briefest moment, she sees him, standing at the front door, his stupidly large shoulders and just as big head with unkempt raven hair falling down his neck, forehead, and temples. He turns around and there's that stupid scarred smirk of his while his green eyes full of mischief stare into hers. Walk tall, kid, and stand strong, she hears him say it. She closes her eyes and they sting behind her eyelids as she wishes for the big oaf to be real this time.
Dead should be dead, she reminds herself. Let it go, it's over. As her heart clenches, she swallows a sob and takes a deep breath. It's over, he's gone, she repeats over and again, focusing on those words solely. She opens her eyes and realizes she's not alone. Her perception of cursed energy is that much more refined so she recognizes Megumi's presence quickly. Though faint, she feels Tsumiki's presence as well.
Megumi frowns as he starts walking toward her, with Tsumiki following him. True enough, as they get closer, Megumi recognizes the figure as Liv Drakon. However, he also notices that something's strange about her. It is like a bad feeling, like how he senses cursed spirits lurking around him before he spots them. Her outfit is also weird as she's wearing a grey pair of sweats and the same colored sweatshirt, and a purple kimono over it. Odd choice of fashion. Once they're roughly five steps away from her, Megumi stops Tsumiki from going any further. She gives him a curious look as he glares at her pointedly.
"You're in no danger from me."
They snap their heads in the direction of the voice and find Liv smiling softly, still facing the house.
"Liv-san?" Tsumiki asks softly. "Are you alright?"
The woman nods affirmatively. "I'm fine, Tsumiki."
"You don't look fine," Megumi grumbles.
She smirks in response and beckons them to approach her. Tsumiki doesn't hesitate to come to her side while Megumi follows solely to stay by his sister. They stand next to her as she looks up at the houses again, one in particular seemingly holding her interest.
"Um," Tsumiki asks hesitantly, looking at the house, "are you waiting for someone?"
Liv hums. "Not really. I'm just remembering stuff, is all."
"Like what?" Megumi quirks a brow as Tsumiki nudges him with her elbow, mouthing 'shut up' to him.
The Shuuin mistress chuckles. "This used to be my master's home. He lived here with his wife and child for a time."
"Master?" Tsumiki asks now. "Like a teacher?"
Liv nods. "Though frankly, he was bad at giving lessons."
"Where's your teacher now?" Megumi wonders out loud.
For a moment, Liv's eyes lower and she recalls the gruesome image from that ominous day. She closes her eyes, forcing the memories away before she opens her eyes again.
She musters a soft smile. "He and his wife are at a better place."
The siblings understand the subtle hint.
"What of their child?" Megumi asks. "You said they had one."
Liv tries not to look at Megumi as she answers, "Safe and sound."
An awkward silence follows with no one saying anything in particular. Liv hears their thoughts though, mostly Tsumiki's. Megumi seems bored, having exhausted his curiosity with previous questions so his thoughts are mostly concerning how to get home.
"Did some shopping?" she asks and then nods to the bag in Tsumiki's hands.
Tsumiki smiles at the woman. "Actually, this one is for you."
Liv's mouth makes an 'o' shape as she takes the offered bag. "Oh my, thank you. You shouldn't have spent money on me, though."
"It's a gift, just take it," Megumi deadpans when Tsumiki elbows his sides again.
"It's not wrapped, sorry," Tsumiki says sheepishly after she's done glaring at her brother. "I hope you'll like it."
Liv beams at the kids as she opens the bag. "I love the gesture, regardless of the gift. Thank you."
Tsumiki blushes and Megumi looks to the side, hiding the same blush on his cheeks. As Liv takes the present out, she marvels at the journal first before looking at the map. The journal is empty, expectedly and the craftsmanship of the item is definitely something to marvel at. The binding is sturdy but flexible, while the paper is textured, giving it a rusty, authentic appearance. The map is another oldie but goldie, slightly yellowed due to the passage of time but the colors still persist and the ink hasn't crumbled off yet.
"This is so cool," Liv says in awe before looking at the siblings. "I'm flattered and touched, and I seriously can't thank you enough."
A bright smile graces Tsumiki's beautiful features while Megumi scratches the back of his head. Liv's heart swells and she offers to walk them back home which they accept. Pain is quickly replaced by joy as she walks with the kids over to the train station. While waiting, she glances over her shoulder at the house one final time. She sees him again, this time waving at her. He's looking exactly as she wants to remember him - happy, fulfilled, free. She decides to not visit the house anymore. Rest in peace, Toji, she prays. Save me a spot on the other side.
The siblings snap her out of her thoughts as they see the train arrive. She looks at them and then at the house again but he's gone already. She smiles despite the sadness in her heart as she hops on the train after the kids.
She finally lets go.
November 13th, 2016. / 20:22 / Gojo Residence, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
Satoru throws his jacket on the armrest and slumps on the couch, letting out a long sigh.
The penthouse is empty but this time, he's acutely aware of it. The hustle and bustle of his everyday life leaves him craving for solitude. Yet, as he sits at the place he frequents often and sleeps over at, the deafening silence is unnerving to him. He's grown accustomed to having Liv around - it is quiet but comfortably quiet. He likes having her around.
He frowns. What now? he thinks incredulously. The things he thought he knew about Liv are suddenly warped. He suspected things, sure but nothing like this. Not even I'm that insightful, he scoffs as he takes off his blindfold and rubs his eyes. They're sore again, he notices.
Satoru takes a deep breath and tries to relax. The body he trained all these years to sustain damage beyond most people's limits has suddenly been rendered sore, almost as sore as his eyes. The weariness and exhaustion have caught up with him. Bottled-up stress and overexertion are finally bubbling up to the surface. No wonder I'm so sappy, he shudders.
"I need a day off," he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
His head starts pounding and he groans as he falls to the side, burying his face into the pillow. Stars dance in front of his eyes and the view over Roppongi seems to dance a little as well. He groans again and closes his eyes, trying to ignore the incessant pounding.
"Heartless woman," he mumbles with a pout.
Ten minutes later he's fast asleep.
November 13th, 2016. / 20:35 / Fushiguro Residence, Saitama, Japan
Liv doesn't linger at the Fushiguro's, partially because of her new ghostly companion. She doesn't want the kids to think something's wrong with her (granted, something is very wrong with her). Instead, she walks them to the front yard of their apartment.
"Thank you," Tsumiki says as she bows low.
Liv shakes her head. "Don't mention it."
"You can come in if you want," Tsumiki offers politely. "Do you want some tea?"
Reluctant to accept, Liv gives her a forced smile, "Maybe another time. It is pretty late."
Tsumiki's shoulders slump ever so slightly and Liv feels slightly guilty. As an apology, she asks the girl for her phone. Puzzled, Tsumiki quirks a brow as she unlocks her phone and hands it over to Liv. Typing quickly, Liv saves her phone number in the Tsumiki's contact list.
"In case Satoru bothers you too much," she jests before handing the device back. "Also, I'm the one with more free time, so call me in case of an emergency."
Tsumiki's smile returns and Liv feels much better. Megumi silently appreciates the woman's offer though he's not sure how much she can help them. His wonder is left unexplored as she bids them farewell shortly afterward, turning on her heel and heading back to the train station. Tsumiki goes inside the apartment while Megumi stays outside for a while longer, watching as this strange woman walks away. After a while, he goes inside as well.
Liv sits on the bench once she arrives at the train station. The cold is picking up and she shoves her hands in the sleeves of her kimono. She turns her head to her left and sees Rei sitting comfortably, her arms and legs crossed. A scoff escapes Liv's lips as she notes how Rei seems so lifelike.
"I'm not real, you know," the woman scoffs. "Your brain is conjuring up images to make this process easier."
Liv rolls her eyes. I'm hallucinating so I don't end up insane.
Rei glances at her, the red eyes are cold and stern. "Insanity is a norm for a sorcerer, even more so for a Shuuin."
"Fuck the norm," Liv mutters bitterly.
Rei chuckles. "Well said. So, where to next?"
Liv looks up at the sky. Home?
"Ah," Rei muses. "But where is a home for a homeless person?"
Liv hums. Where indeed?