GOJO ESTATE, A FEW HOURS BEFORE THE GOODWILL EVENT
"Hey Mel."
"Yes Sensei Gojo?"
"Tell me how you came back from the dead, I know you said you're a goddess but you certainly gave us quite a scare when you disappeared on us like that. I almost killed all the higher ups for that one."
Both the sorcerer goddess and the strongest sat together as the morning sun began to rise, both needn't much rest after all so the two had just spent their remaining time together before the goodwill event conversing with each other while the tv in front of them displayed some show they weren't even paying attention to. Melinoe has been trying to think of anything else other than everything that transpired within the depths of the underworld, especially when it came to both Chronos and Nyx, she's still cursing herself over her lack of will. It was clear as day to Gojo that she didn't look all too comfortable about the topic.
"You don't gotta say anything that you don't wanna tell me. I don't wanna end up in Tartarus just for making you cry." Gojo reassured Melinoe while adding his iconic humor.
"No no it's alright, Hecate always told me feelings must be shared. But It's just that it's not exactly an exciting tale and feels more like a tragedy if anything. So where do I start… Well as you already know, I died. Still got the scar to prove it strangely enough." Melinoe adjusted her clothing to present the clean cut that persisted despite her many encounters with death.
"Guessing that's from Sukuna?" Gojo turned his head to examine the scar.
"Precisely. The only one that has persisted besides the one that took my left arm, but that was from a failed incantation when I was a little girl. I'm getting off track–"
Melinoe cleared her throat. "When I woke up I didn't exactly know where I'd end up, it certainly became quite the surprise when I learned that I was back home in the underworld and in my father's home. Well… what used to be his home…" Melinoe lowered her head. "Are you aware of the Goddess Nyx?"
"She's supposed to be goddess of night, correct?"
"Yes, but as of late she's been the ruler of the dead, taking both her duties as night incarnate and what would be my father's duties. They described her as someone with ultimate authority but graceful and elegant, but when I got there she looked as if she was on the verge of collapse. I truly didn't know a goddess as powerful as Nyx could be brought to such a state, taking on that workload for thousands of years… I can't imagine what that does to someone…"
"So where's your dad? Thought the whole reason you wanted to be strong was to go see your family, so where did they go?"
"That's the thing, nobody knows. The last time Nyx ever spoke to my family was after she was free, and according to her, all who shared the blood of Chronos lost their god hood. Which essentially makes every god of Olympus and their descendants which include my father, mother, and brother, they are practically the same as any mortal man with the plus side of immortality."
"Y'know, that actually explains a lot." Gojo scratched his chin while thinking "Since you came around it had me questioning how come we don't hear about deities anymore, I originally thought that it's just a well kept secret like Jujutsu Sorcery but that makes a whole lot more sense."
"After learning that my parents were nowhere to be found in the underworld much like Hecate, Nyxthen told she required me to stay since I'm the only descendant of Hades who somehow still retains their godhood, the rules of the underworld dictate I'm to be the next lord of the dead." Melinoe' face began to wrought with grief and regret.
"But you couldn't go through with it?" The blindfolded teacher could see where this story was headed just by her face alone.
"I didn't feel right… My purpose was to kill Chronos and find vengeance for my family, and being told I have to be trapped down there without so much as seeing their faces. It's selfish of me but I just couldn't do it… at least… not yet. So Nyx and I came to an agreement." Melinoe fixed her posture as she tried to keep herself composed.
"She knew I wouldn't perform my duties as lord of the dead if I was kept there against my will, so if I could escape within 40 days I could leave the Underworld till I would have my freedom until I die again once more, and if not I stay and fulfill my duty as lord of the dead. I suppose this is what mortals feel on a daily basis, having only one chance in life with the constant fear of death looming over you."
"Oh let me tell ya it's haunting." Gojo chuckled as if he was telling a joke. "Everyday you live with the fact that you can randomly kick the bucket, choking, drowning, heart attack, sickness, guns, knives, cars, animals, weather, natural disasters, and so many other things. And for us Jujutsu Sorcerers there's a good chance it will be from curses, I can't lie that I don't think about what will happen when I eventually die. I have changed jujutsu society with my birth alone so what will happen after I'm gone? It's why I became a teacher, because all those kids back at Jujutsu tech I believe they'll be strong enough to fight grade 1 and special grades if they work hard enough because when I'm gone, I want to make sure the future is in good hands."
"It's hard to even imagine that someone like you would eventually perish, but I bet it would be a long time till I would be the one rewarding you with a one way trip to Elysium. I'd say you'd more than earn your place among the warriors of the past, you'd probably annihilate the current reigning champion even with his cursed energy."
"Aww, you're so sweet Mel." Gojo would say in a playful tone while ruffling her hair which seemed to make her happy. "But speaking of cursed energy, how about you being able to control it and acquiring a technique all in the span of 40 days, not even Yuji has a complete grasp on cursed energy much less a technique. So spill the beans, who taught you~?" Gojo's words hit Melinoe with a truck full of worry.
It completely slipped her mind about Suguru Geto's current status and his role as a curse user. Gojo has never once mentioned Geto before so she has no idea whether he would hold her resurrected teacher with disdain or sorrow, especially since he is a Special Grade level curse user that has killed who knows how many during his previous life. Even with his want just to live with Eris and her threat that he will be sent back to Tartarus should he continue his plans with killing all non-curse users, it probably won't be enough to convince Gojo not to kill her right here. She could already feel her heart beating out of her chest as Melinoe struggled to find the courage to tell him.
"I… don't think… you would like the answer…"
"Aw come ooooon, not telling me just makes me want to know more! Come on pleeeeeease." He begged her like a child but it wasn't calming Melinoe's fear in the slightest.
"F-Fine… While I was in Tartarus I came across a man who was set to be punished for the rest of eternity but he knew Jujutsu Sorcery, I hit a roadblock and I was desperate to escape so I offered him a second chance at life if he would teach me how to harness the power… his name was Suguru Geto."
Gojo looked directly at her which sent shivers down her spine, she felt as if he was about to kill her with just his stare alone even behind that blindfold. An uncomfortable silence filled the room as Melinoe felt that the next words out of her mouth would be her last. But strangely enough, Gojo asked her a question in a soft voice. "Geto… how has he been?"
"Well…" It's really hard to describe her former teacher ever since he told her of the atrocities he has committed. She can't figure out whether she can view him in a favorable light or not. "I could only presume awful considering he was in Tartarus for most of his time in the underworld until I gave him the offer. But he seemed to enjoy teaching me since most of it included beating me over and over again. He still considered you his best friend even in death and he probably would have refused my offer if it wasn't for wanting to be with his wife again."
"HOLD UP, GETO GOT MARRIED?! TO WHO?!" The fear that Melinoe was feeling had completely vanished as she couldn't help but laugh at her teacher's bewilderment.
"Would you believe me that I know the woman he's married to?" Melinoe smirked as Gojo gasped as he was on the edge of his seat. "Do you know a woman named Eris?"
"ERIS?!?! AND NEITHER OF THEM INVITED ME TO THE WEDDING, THOSE ASSHOLES!" Gojo cursed their names but it was obvious that there was no actual malice behind his words.
"Trust me, you wouldn't want to be at any wedding or party that Eris is invited to. But then again when she wasn't invited to one, she caused an entire war."
The gears are now starting to turn in Gojo's head, to how they first met, how her and her sister shared this presence that wasn't human, and with Melinoe knowing who Eris was despite coming from thousands of years in the past and being dead for most of her time here. He was being led to one conclusion. "Hey Mel, how come you know who Eris is?"
"I had to deal with her growing up and during my quest to kill Chronos. Let me tell you she was the biggest pain in the universe, interrupting my runs with her 'blessings', after trudging through the waters of Cocytus she would always be there to block my path and I'm forced to fight her. Then comes the times she used my tents for target practice, using the cauldron to make bombs, always leaves her trash on the floor, and quite a few more tales to describe her knack for causing discord. She's a handful and a nuisance to say the very least, it certainly was a surprise to hear that someone was able to fall in love with someone like her."
"Mel, is Eris a goddess?"
"Of course, she's the goddess of discord, did she never tell you?"
"You're kidding me! Geto got married to a goddess, that's hilarious!" Gojo began to laugh.
"She never told you? That feels like one of the first things she would have told you?"
"I never believed in gods before meeting you so everyone just thought it was a part of her cursed technique. So I'm gonna assume you know her sister Nemmie too, huh?"
"Unfortunately I do, let me guess, she's still the stubborn, cold, condescending, and resentful woman she always was?" Melinoe's brows furrowed at describing Retribution Incarnate.
"Right on the money! I'd tell her I got her goddess pal over here but she's got my number blocked." Gojo said while waving his phone. "I can't imagine she'd be too happy about the news, but I know Eris right now would be ecstatic. You should tell them to come by sometime for dinner if you ever see those two again."
"You aren't mad that I resurrected a mass murderer? One who could easily go back to his misguided goal of the extinction of non-sorcerers?" Melinoe said with tone shifting to one of melancholy.
"He helped you out right?"
"He was the deciding factor in my battle against Nyx…" That day truly was one Melinoe wished to forget. She never wanted to harm Nyx, especially when the Titan took over her body in order to do so. "I would have lost without him…"
"Then I'd tell him thank you for bringing my student back. I'm not the type of guy to argue over morals and who deserves a second chance. You did what you had to do so who am I to judge what the lord of the dead thinks?" Gojo put a hand on her shoulder and pointed his thumb to himself "Trust me, if he goes back to his old ways I'm pretty sure I can handle it, hell maybe you can instead!"
Melinoe's smile appeared once more as Gojo's words seemed to reassure her that everything will be alright. "I'm grateful to be welcomed back Sensei Gojo, but I'm pretty sure I still wouldn't stand a chance against Geto. Last time we sparred I still was defeated even without being able to use his cursed technique, apparently his curses don't stay with him down in the underworld."
"Interesting, guess I'll have to make you take on some big girl missions to help you become special grade level oh Lord Melinoe!" Gojo mockingly referred to her as such as the two shared a laugh.
"There's no need to be formal with me Sensei, I'm still processing that when I go back I'm going to be the ruler of my father's domain. So at least humor me to believe I'm still a lost princess."
"Whatever you say Mel, glad to have you back."
It was a pleasant memory between the two as Melinoe only chose to reveal so much. But it was nice to be around someone who could make Melinoe forget about all that plagued her mind, her regrets, her fears, her pain, and the Titan who she allowed to possess her body. But even as lost as she is in this cursed future as she may be, there are at least others who will show her the path and remind her that she's never alone on this journey.
"Oh, one last thing, Sensei Gojo."
"Shoot."
"I needed to ask the Ferryman Charon to bring me over to Japan because I don't really have any other means of transportation. And getting a ride from Greece to Japan wasn't exactly free and I didn't have any money so I may or may not be ask you to pay him for me…?" Melinoe winced the further she went on in that sentence.
"How much?"
"10000000 yen."
"Pfft, what does he need all that money for anyway?!" Gojo began to burst out into laughter at the situation Melinoe put herself in "I never expected to have a goddess of the dead asking me for money like a kid asking for field trip money!"
"I know I know I'm really sorry!" She put her hands together in a begging motion as her face flushed red with how embarrassing this was. "I promise to pay you back!"
"Hey, don't sweat it Mel! 10 million ain't nothing to me, but I'll think of a way you could pay me back."
…
PRESENT DAY
"Well then, what do you want?"
"Eh? Are you upset now?"
Gojo, Utahime, and Nemesis, were all sat together in what is essentially the spectators booth on the campus. Usually they would have a few minutes extra to go do as they please but Gojo had instead called the two Kyoto teachers to talk as he had made some important discoveries that acquired their attention. You can probably imagine that Utahime and Nemesis were not too happy to be conversing with Satoru Gojo.
"No, I am not upset at you." Utahime told the Strongest with a hint of annoyance in her voice as she tried to keep a calm demeanor.
"Of course not, I haven't done anything wrong."
Already he was pushing Utahime's buttons.
"Are you gonna tell us why you called for us to talk? I already have had enough of your silver tongue so can you hurry the fuck up and tell us what you want?" Nemesis knows his games at this point but she still can't help but find them ever so aggravating.
"Someone within the schools is a spy, they are in cahoots with a curse user or cursed spirit." Satoru's tone became grim as this news caused Utahime to gasp and Nemesis' eyes to widen.
"What?! A curse user is one thing but working with curses?!" Utahime's voice had a sense of denial behind it.
"A lot of curses on that level have been popping up lately." Gojo thought back to august where he fought a powerful special grade that was similar to a cyclops but had a volcano for a head, of course for Gojo it was no sweat, he even turned it into a lesson for Yuji but given it was any other less competent sorcerer they would have likely been burned to a crisp. Then comes the curse who manipulated plant life to save the fire wielding curse, not to mention the patchwork skin curse that Yuji fought yesterday. It was smart enough to manipulate a boy's emotions and were it not for Melinoe and Nanami Yuji would have likely perished or worse, let Sukuna out.
"They understand human speech and are operating with purpose, this spy might only think he's working with a curse user though."
"You noticed it too huh?" Nemesis intervened. "Beginning of September I found two curses by a beach that gave me some trouble. Both of them could understand me and one called upon a domain. When it failed to kill me they both ran off before I could finish the job, one was special grade and the other was a cursed womb so I can't gauge how powerful it truly was."
"So that makes five… either way I need both of you to investigate everyone at Kyoto."
Utahime looked at Gojo with furrowed eyebrows as she was still having a hard time processing that a member of staff or worse, a student could possibly be plotting against them. "Well… how do you know I'm not the traitor?"
"Pfft, no way you're too weak to do that, you don't have the guts for it either." Gojo waved the idea off as Utahime angerly tossed a cup of green tea at him only to be more annoyed that it hit Gojo's infinity.
"Let me raise you the same question, Satoru. How come you don't think I'm a traitor?" Both teachers turned to Nemesis who starred Gojo down with her soul piercing gaze.
"As if you'd ever do something as stupid as that, you're always on about how we all get what we deserve, retribution and revenge is supposed to be your whole thing right? Plus you always go on about your students and even though you don't say it, you really do care for them even when you act like a drill sergeant."
"Heh, right on the money Gojo. I'd be disgracing everything I stand for if I ever went against my students." Nemesis in a rare moment of vulnerability had a soft smile on her face thinking about the type of people who students will be one day.
"Really if you think of it you are such a mom towards those kids!" In a split second Nemesis punched the barrier of infinity as she was hoping Satoru had left it down for even a moment. But alas she seemed to be only centimeters away from his punchable face, yet was still so far away.
…
Sister Blades? Check.
Arm sleeve to cover her spectral arm? Check.
Witch's delights in her inventory for Megumi's Shikigami and Panda? Check.
Her and Yuji's goal was to distract the one named Aoi Todo. But Melinoe was looking to prove her worth to everyone and to herself so she intended to defeat Todo and cement themselves as a powerful sorcerer. What grade would they even put her in? Someone like Nyx would probably be special grade since she's a primordial goddess who's mere presence on the surface turns the world into night and Melinoe beat her, but she wasn't exactly in the best condition to fight and she likely was going easy on her. She wasn't anywhere near Gojo's level and by how she constantly got beat by Geto in the underworld, special grade is out of the question. Grade one maybe? The only point of reference she has is Nanami but when she fought alongside him she was extremely exhausted so maybe she was at that level, I mean anyone who could escape the underworld should be grade one at the very least.
Questions for later.
Melinoe took a quick trip to her room just to drop off a few things and check on her Staff of Descura. She didn't plan on using it today as it's been more than a month since she was last able to use it so she's quite rusty. She told herself she would begin training with it after the goodwill event since she knows she shouldn't limit herself to one weapon in order to improve as a sorcerer. Upon reaching her room she twisted the doorknob and gazed into her room, as expected the room was littered with dust but only on the less important areas. Looking at her bed she noticed her sheets were left in disarray which is unlike Melinoe because she rarely laid in bed and always made sure to fix her sheets, it was obvious someone was here not too long ago and the little strands of orange hair gave her a good idea who. "Maybe my bed is more comfortable?"
Naturally she fixed her bed in about a minute then turned on her heel, walking towards her closet she slid her closet door open to find her closet filled with the clothes that Nobara bought her from her first two weeks at Jujutsu Tech left untouched since she first bought them because Melinoe really only wears her usual outfit and her Jujutsu Tech uniform when going out on missions. But right behind her clothes stood the Staff of Descura, Melinoe grabbed the staff and examined it. The silver shined in the light, and the cursed energy flowed through her body as the staff in her hands became an extension of herself. "Sorry I've kept you waiting for so long… I've gotten much stronger Descura and I promise to wield you once again. Just wait for me a little longer."
Melinoe laid her staff on her newly done bed, she turned to leave for the door but for some strange reason heard the sounds of water moving outside her sliding door but she thought nothing of it.
That was until the sound of the bell sounding the arrival of Charon.
Melinoe's eyes widened as she quickly turned and pulled open her sliding door to the outside. Low and behold at the small lake outside was the boatman of the underworld dressed in a different yet similar attire to his usual outfit, replacing his golden accessories lined with obols with silver ones along with his old disheveled hair becoming more curly, it was a good look for the boatman. Melinoe ran over to the boat man as he greeted his new lord "Kkkkhhhrrrssssshhh…"
"Welcome to Jujutsu Tech Charon, I'm glad to see you in a brand new attire but how did you find me here? Much less getting past the barrier?"
"Hrrnn, hehhhh…"
"Really? I suppose it won't be a problem if it's just you who is able to come here. While I'm glad to be seeing and I would love to split a bottle of Ambrosia, I'm afraid I don't have much time because we are having a combat event with the sister Jujutsu school from Kyoto."
"Nnnnngggghhh…" Charon demanded, holding out his hand.
Oh blast Melinoe forgot about the payment!
"O-Oh! Right… I didn't expect you to find me so soon so I don't have the money yet, but I promise after the event I will bring you your payment for the transport!"
"Grrruuunnngghhh…"
"A package from Nyx?"
Charon from a sack on his boat used his magic to levitate a well wrapped box with a letter attached over to dry land as it was placed right in front of Melinoe. The curious Melinoe tore the letter from the box and unwrapped it from its envelope as inside was a note addressed to her and signed by Nyx.
The letter read as such…
…
Dear Lord Melinoe,
If you are reading this you most likely have claimed victory over the underworld and have received the title of Lord of the Dead after defeating me beyond the Styx. For that I congratulate you, as much as I would love to congratulate you personally, my duties do not allow me to leave my position in the underworld for long. I'm sure your brother would be proud to hear of your accomplishments and do what has seemingly been thought to be impossible.
I can only hope that you can accomplish your goal of finding your family along with The Witch of The Crossroads. I will keep the underworld in order for as long as possible till you return so please don't concern yourself with my well being.
Inside the box I leave you three items.
Xinth the Black Coat, you were supposed to receive this weapon via the god of the forge but alas it never came to be until now which I trust in your care.
Cerberus' spiked collar, once belonging to your brother he most likely would trust you with it seeing as you likely found a way to bribe him.
Lastly, The Unfinished Portrait, Hecate told me how much it meant to you and how you would spend time brooding over it. I've had it framed to keep it as in best condition as possible, I never thought I would ever relinquish it to anyone but you deserve it more than I.
You are stronger than you may believe yourself to be Melinoe, what happened after Chronos banished you was of no fault of your own. We cannot change the past, but we can always change the future. You are like a daughter to me Melinoe.
May moonlight guide you.
Sincerely,
Nyx
…
Melinoe had mixed feelings about this note, a part of her feels happy that Nyx cared for her enough to consider her a daughter but another part still felt guilty for having put Nyx in the position she's in right now despite having been told not to worry about her. But overall she's grateful that Nyx sent this letter at all and that she should have treated Nyx better when she was stuck in the Underworld.
Melinoe looked up at Charon and put on a warm smile on her face. "Thank you Charon, I can't thank you enough for delivering this, I promise to call upon you once the event is over with your payment."
Charon tipped his hat and his boat sunk into the lake leaving no signs that he was even there in the first place.
Opening the box she found exactly what the note had stated, two fists and a large attachment that was unlike any weapon Melinoe had ever used previously. Such a weapon felt powerful just from the touch but she couldn't use it at the moment because she was completely out of cursed essence, likely after this event she would be able to acquire enough to enhance the coat with cursed energy.
The spiked collar in her hand made Melinoe feel more defensive just at the touch alone; she had completely forgotten about how useful keepsakes were and quickly attached the spiked collar around her neck which tightened itself to fit perfectly on Melinoe's neck, yet not to make her feel uncomfortable.
But lastly was a framed photo with the House's usual decorative framing, Melinoe could only feel a gut wrenching sorrow upon staring at the unfinished painting. To think that it was preserved in perfect condition for all these years, though unfinished, she can't help but admire the talent that came with painting such a beautiful work of art. The once Lord of the Dead with his queen and prince holding the newly born princess…
Melinoe was so engrossed by the painting that she didn't notice the footsteps approaching her until they called out to her "Hey Mel!"
Melinoe's body jolted in surprise as she turned to see who it was that called to her. Itadori stood at her entrance into her room and approached the sorcerer goddess as Melinoe held the framed painting close to her chest. "I-Itadori! You startled me, please make yourself known next time."
"Sorry about that, just came to get you because we got ten minutes till the event starts and Maki would probably kill us if we were late." Itadori examined Melinoe's face and could easily tell that something was troubling her, along with how she held a picture frame close to herself as if she were protecting something. "Something up Melinoe? What'cha you got there?"
"I'm fine Itadori, it's just…" Melinoe couldn't find the right words to say to Itadori.
"Hey come on, you can tell me what's up. Can't have you feeling down before the event!" Itadori once again hits Melinoe with one of her biggest weaknesses, his smile that was as bright as the sun and infectious to the sorcerer goddess.
So she had no choice but to cave in. "It's just… this painting…"
Melinoe showed the unfinished painting to the pink haired vessel who looked at the painting with intrigue at both the artwork itself and just how old it looked from inside the frame but what really grabbed his attention were the people within the painting itself. "Woah… who are they supposed to be?"
"That's my family… this is the only memory I have of them other than my dreams…" Melinoe could feel her vision begin to fog with her eyes about to water with tears.
"Really?! So does that mean that the baby there is supposed to be…?"
"Yes, that was me… They were all so happy together, weren't they? And oblivious to the Titan's threat…" A sniffle came from Melinoe as she closed her eyes. She didn't want to cry in front of Itadori but she couldn't hold it back anymore as a teardrop fell on the frame of the painting. "Would they despise me after I failed them and cemented them to their fate…?"
Melinoe quickly felt the warm embrace of Itadori wrap around her as it didn't take a genius to find out Melinoe needed some help. "Look at me Mel." Melinoe opened her tear filled eyes as she turned her head to look at Itadori's. "Don't say those things Mel… it's ironic coming from me since I don't know anything about my parents, but I know enough to say that they would love to see you. I mean, you are one of the coolest people I know and I know Kugasaki and Fushiguro would say the same. You were already super strong before and now you are even tougher than before! I don't know much about this Chronos guy but if you ever find him let's beat him up together okay! Because you are my best friend!"
Melinoe returned the hug as his words seemed to tug at her heartstrings but in a good way as a smile came upon her face thanks to Itadori.
If only they could fight the titan together…
If only he knew what lingered inside Melinoe that she refused to tell almost anyone about…
She can almost hear the Titan snickering deep within the depths of her psyche…
…
After that brief moment of weakness, Melinoe and Yuji left her dorm and ran towards the Tokyo team's starting position as they were already cutting it close by a mere few minutes. As the two sorcerers approached the rest of the Tokyo team Melinoe was almost immediately dragged away by an enamored Nobara who had lots to say about the sorcerer goddess' brand new appearance. It was when Megumi called out Yuji's name did the pink haired vessel turn around to face him "Itadori."
"Hm? Sup Fushiguro?"
"You okay?"
"Well, it's a big job but I should be more than okay with Mel helping me out."
"Not that." Fushiguro looked directly at Itadori "Something happened, didn't it?"
"Huh? No idea what you're talking about!" Yuji said with his iconic Yuji charm as he hit Megumi with one of his extremely bright smiles. But megumi wasn't accepting that answer as his scowl told Itadori that he wasn't buying his act. Itadori let out a deep sigh and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, something did happen…"
Itadori was reminded of Junpei and his failure to save him from Mahito yesterday. It hurt to remember such a day but Itadori wasn't the type to wallow in his defeat. "But I'm okay, Fushiguro. In fact, thanks to what happened I really don't wanna lose to anyone anymore."
Fushiguro nodded and walked forward. "Good answer, because I really don't wanna lose either."
"You're just saying that because you got beat up the other day." Nobara overheard Fushiguro. "It's gonna be a flawless victory for Maki and Mel! We're gonna wreck them!" Nobara said, pumping his fist into the air.
"Knock it off." Maki told her as she wasn't one for praise.
"Spiced salmon roe!"
"Yeah, for Maki!" Both Panda and Inumaki cheered as more of a way to tease Maki who just scoffed at the two.
"Hehe…" Itadori chuckled. "Well then…"
The Tokyo team was ready and motivated to win the exchange event whether it was for pride or to prove themselves as a capable sorcerer. All of them shared one goal…
"Let's go and win this!"
"Who made you the leader?" Maki kicked over Itadori who fell flat on the ground, annoyed at his boisterous statement which made him look in charge.
Over the loudspeakers that were abundant around the school Gojo could be heard so he could announce the commencement of the first event. "T-minus one minute until we begin! Now over to Utahime and Nem Nem for some words of encouragement!"
"H-Huh?! Uh um…" How did Utahime not expect this from Satoru, literally since the day they met he has been messing with her and she just keeps falling for his tricks. "Uh… some injuries will be unavoidable. So, um, let's try to help each other and-"
"Okay time's up." Gojo took the microphone away from Utahime.
"Gojo! You little-"
"And now to Nem Nem for the weather." Gojo jokinging stated as nemesis could be heard grabbing the microphone from his grasp.
Nemesis cleared her throat "As Utahime said injuries will be unavoidable. Even though this is a team game, do not expect others to pick up the slack for you. The only person you can truly rely on is yourself." Nemesis tossed the microphone back to Gojo who caught it in his hand
"Okay and with that it's time for the good will event tooooo… STAAAAAAART!!!"
Both teams were off to the races in a sprint to acquire the most points via killing curses that littered the campus. The Tokyo team ran together as they would soon split up and follow either Fushiguro or Panda since they were the two trackers on the Tokyo team. Melinoe activated her cursed technique as the roulette above her head cycled through the symbols of the former gods of Olympus. Melinoe had purposely slowed herself down so she didn't outpace her fellow sorcerers as she could easily speed right past them but the plan required her to stay with the team until the split.
The dark divine dog barked to signal an enemy. In front of them dropped a curse that heavily resembled a spider that was almost the size of Frinos, it wasn't anything stronger than a grade 3 if she had to guess. The roulette came to stop as she felt a sudden surge of passion coursing through her veins as above her head was the pink heart symbolizing Aphrodite's replicated blessings. "There!"
Melinoe sped up leaving a wave of passion from where she dashed as she now took the lead, ready to destroy the curse in one fell swoop. But thanks to her bloodlust Melinoe was unaware of the danger that was approaching with the divine dog signaling to Megumi as they caught a familiar scent with its nose. Megumi's eyes widened as he knew who was coming, it was too late to stop Melinoe but he yelled out to her "MELINOE, STOP!"
Right before Melinoe's blades struck the spider curse, something struck her with the strength similar to that of Heracles as it punched her square in the jaw and sent her flying into a nearby tree. While the punch hurt, it wasn't enough to keep her down as Melinoe stumbled to get back on her feet.
The rest of the Tokyo team was surprised to be confronted by Aoi Todo this early on just a few minutes after they started. His smile was as wide as can be at seeing the entire Tokyo Team grouped up, it was a shame that neither Yuta nor Yunna were here but it will have to do. Todo boisterously yelled out "GOOD! EVERYONE'S HERE! LET'S HAVE EVERYONE COME AT ME ALL AT ONCE!"
His challenge to the Tokyo Team left him wide open for Aoi Todo felt his body weaken as below him the Rapture Ring both pulled him in and inflicted him with weakness as Itadori ran up and grabbed Todo's head to deliver a rising knee to Aoi Todo. The cast ring below Todo's feet exploded and left a dirt cloud where the cast ring once was, seeing this as the opportunity to get away from Todo Maki gave the command "Split up!"
Everyone else not assigned to the keep Todo busy mission went either left or right with Megumi and Maki going left while Nobara, Panda, and Inumaki ran to the right.
"He came for us alone after all…" Megumi stated.
"Glad that Yuji and Melinoe are stuck with him." Maki playfully replied not being aware of Megumi's concern for the two.
"That guy's a beast… I almost wanted to stay just to back up Mel but I'm kinda glad I didn't…" Nobara says with concern painted all over her face.
"Yeah that's Todo, just ignore him." Panda commented.
"Tuna Mayo" Inumaki insightfully stated.
Yuji and Melinoe stood before Todo as the Kyoto powerhouse could feel his heart racing at the two sorcerers who were bold enough to stay behind and deal with him, he made the connection that this was the girl who his teacher Nemesis was referring to. Now that he got a better look at her, he could already see why Nemesis told him not to hold back as just being in her presence was leaving him weakened. Any normal sorcerer would have been taken out of the fight with that punch he delivered to her alone but she had taken a fighting stance with her blades as if it was nothing. These two were gonna be fun. "At least your speed is decent."
Yuji could have sworn that he got Todo with that knee but it seemed to do nothing more than excite him as the third year spat out a little blood in his mouth thanks to the blow. Melinoe even with Sweet Surrender from her replicated boons was amazed at how her and Yuji's combined assault wasn't enough to lay a dent on Todo, it seems this was going to be more of a challenge than she thought.
Todo arched his back to flex before he took up a stance "So I'll return the favor. Act like your life's at stake"
Todo was quick, too quick for Yuji to react to and too strong for Melinoe to block as the third year charged straight at Yuji who put up his arms to block. That same spider curse from earlier dropped down somehow still alive, but not for much longer as it got in the way of Todo's heavy punch as he sent the pink haired vessel flying, ripping the land itself and sending him through a few trees.
Todo wanted to chase after him but he found himself once again being dragged in a cast ring as his mobility was halted by Melinoe. The sorcerer goddess thrusted and swung her Sister Blades at Todo but not only did her blades not seem to pierce the flesh but Todo was even parrying her attacks. Even with how fast she was, Todo read her like a book and once the cast ring dissipated, Todo grabbed Melinoe's face and dragged her across the dirt as he quickly ran towards Yuji.
Yuji's flight would end as his back slammed against a tree after his momentum stopped, his heart was beating at a million miles per hour as he thought Todo blew off his arms with that singular punch. If the curse wasn't there, who knows how much damage Yuji would have taken. But just as he was about to get up the body of Melinoe crashed into him and bounced off as Todo kicked the goddess to the wayside. Yuji didn't even have time to get a word out as Todo turned and began to stop his head against the tree Yuji slammed into, repeatedly he felt the tree bark impact the back of his head along with Todo's shoe as if his head was about to be crushed.
Melinoe mustered up the energy to pull up her head and was horrified to witness Todo ruthlessly beating Yuji to an inch of his life as his blood splattered against the tree and staining his pink hair with crimson red. How were they defeated so easily? He predicted her moves perfectly and his cursed energy was strong enough to act as armor against her attacks, with Yuji's body laying there Melinoe feared the worst as her pupils were the size of needles.
But that's when she heard it, the ticking…
Tick tick tick…
Louder than it was ever before she could feel her control sipping away from her as the titan wanted to seize control. She can't let him take control… he's gonna kill everyone if he does… why does she have to be so weak…
As Todo was prepared to land another blow to Itadori he stopped himself as he seemingly thought that Itadori had lost consciousness. A frown came across his face as he was left severely disappointed by the performance of these two. "Done already… well then." He looked towards Melinoe who was on her feet, he was pleasantly surprised she got up after all that. But strangely enough she had these golden marks all over her body that almost looked like scars that seemed to fade and glow as the sorcerer goddess clutched her head.
"Just calm down, just calm down, you can't let him prey on your weakness, you can't let him prey on your weakness…" Melinoe began to mumble to herself as the sound of a clock ticking was all she was able to hear.
"Damn… did I really hit you that hard?" As Todo was about to put this girl out of her misery and finish her off. He could hear the sounds of the dirt shifting behind him as Yuji was still alive even after all that damage he took, and he wasn't happy in the slightest.
Todo couldn't hold back his laughter of excitement as he turned to Yuji "Man, are you for real?!"
"What gives…" Yuji sluggishly stood back up on his feet "Why'd you go and stomp my head like that! What if you made me dumber than I already was?!"
"Don't worry about that." Todo replied with a grin on his face. "Takada says 'Men are perfect when they're a little dumb.' And I got a feeling she's right."
Yuji wiped the blood away dripping down his forehead with his sleeve as he was desperately trying to catch his breath "Who's that? I don't know anything about idols. Hey Mel, are you oka- Mel?" Yuji turned his head to see Melinoe who was holding her head in pain as the golden scars on her body seemed to glow brighter and he instinctively ran over to her forgetting he was in a fight. Aoi Todo decided to see how things played out since this girl was clearly distressed over something other than their fight and he didn't like the look of things.
Melinoe's breathing became heavy as she could feel Chronos' influence about to break her but all of a sudden things came to a stop when she felt a familiar grasp on her shoulders as she looked up to see Yuji's worried expression. The ticking began to quiet down as she could now hear the world properly "Mel?! What's wrong, are you okay?!"
How can he be so concerned over her well being when he was the one in more danger, mere moments ago she had thought he was about to die but here he is standing as if nothing was wrong. The gold scars began to fade away as Melinoe could once again think clearly, Melinoe could her face begin to flush as she nodded "I'm… o-okay… thank you…"
"Are you sure you're okay to do this? What was that gold stuff all over your body?" Yuji looked at her with genuine concern in his eyes which made Melinoe feel more pathetic.
"I… um…" The words got caught up in her throat as she didn't know what to say to him for a moment. "Things… have been rough recently and the more I dwell on them, the more I begin to lose control… I'll tell you about it later…"
"Okay Mel… remember I'm always here for you, once we get out of here you can tell me all about it." Yuji let go of Melinoe and turned towards Todo who looked at the two with a soft smile.
It was clear to Todo that these two were good friends and he respected Itadori for looking out for Melinoe like that. It was clear that they needed to lighten the mood so it was time for the burning question that has racked his mind ever since he met the two sorcerers. "What are your names?"
"Hm? Yuji Itadori."
"My name is Melinoe."
"Okay Yuji Itadori and Melinoe, I've got a very important question to ask you two." Todo's smile grew sinister as he asked the two for one simple thing "What kind of woman is your type?"
"My type?" Yuji was thrown off guard by the question "Why do you want to know something like that now?"
Melinoe tilted her head in confusion not knowing what Todo was asking for "Um, I'm sorry but what does that mean…?"
"Don't question it, I'm just using it to evaluate you two."
Yuji put his finger to his chin to really think about his answer, it was pretty embarrassing to say it with Melinoe around but she doesn't seem to understand anything that's going on so it should be alright to say. "Well, I don't get why it's important but if I had to say…"
Todo's eyes widened in anticipation for Yuji's answer as the few seconds the pink haired vessel took to think of his answer felt like hours to him.
"Yeah, I like a tall woman with a nice big ass… just saying. Like Jennifer Lawrence…"
"U-Um y-yes I also like Tall women with a big a-ass…" Melinoe didn't even know what that meant or what she was even being asked, she just replied with Yuji's answer as it seemed like it was the right one.
Aoi Todo gasp as he felt his heart skip a beat, he was shocked at hearing their answers as a memory began to play inside of the third year sorcerer.
…
AOI TODO'S HEAD (MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS)
It was a beautiful spring afternoon as the bell rang signaling that it was time for the students to go take their well needed lunch. The school rooftop was off limits to students but the teachers never bothered going to check up there and neither did any students ever go up there in the first place. All except for three students who made it their gathering spot, Aoi Todo, Yuji Itadori, and Melinoe.
Both boys were dressed in their dark blue uniforms with Itadori keeping a red hoodie underneath his uniform jacket, meanwhile Melinoe was in an iconic japanese school girl uniform that japan schools were famous for but all the while still keeping various silver ornaments on her person. Together the three read through one of the latest Shonen Jump issues that Yuji picked up on his way to school, Todo resting against the chain fence that guarded the edge of the rooftop while Melinoe had her head on Itadori's shoulder as he read. Yuji turned the page as his eyes were amazed by the art "You know what? This new series is pretty good."
"Oh yeah?" Todo responded.
"It's alright I suppose." Melinoe commented as she wasn't all that invested in the story as good as the art was.
As the day went by and the trio finished their after school Takada fan club meeting, the three walked the halls ready to head home after another day of school. As Yuji and Melinoe walked side by side with Todo following behind, he all of a sudden came to a stop as he told his two bestest friends his plan "I'm gonna tell Takada I love her."
"Huh?!" Yuji looked back at Todo worried.
"Really?! I'm so proud of you Todo!" Melinoe likewise looked back but had a large smile on her face.
"What? But what if she says no? Then he's gonna be crying on my shoulder for days!"
"Why do you assume I'll get rejected?" Todo had a scowl on his face as he walked forward.
"Have faith in him, Yuji! Takada would be a fool not to accept the love of such a powerful, smart, caring individual such as Todo, there's no way she'll say no!" Melinoe exclaimed her faith as she would love nothing more than for Todo to finally achieve his ultimate goal of forming a relationship with Takada.
"Why would she say yes to Todo?"
"As Hellen Keller said to Anne Sullivan… she said 'What fool admits defeat before even trying?'" Todo's wise words didn't seem to reach the two.
"Todo… Hellen Keller was deaf…" Melinoe corrected him.
"The japanese wrestler Inoki said that anyway!" Yuji in tandem corrected him.
Even with his brother's lack of faith, Todo still went forward and asked the girl of his dreams to meet at the cherry blossom tree. Takada appeared and Todo gave her a letter proclaiming his love alongside a speech that has been lost to time. But Takada did not accept his feelings for she had eyes for another, Takada ripped his letter apart and walked away as Todo stood there in silence and on the verge of tears.
Behind the gymnasium the trio rested as Todo still lamented the defeat of trying to win over Takada as he hugged his legs close to his chest. Melinoe hugged Todo doing her absolute best to comfort him in his dire moment of need, meanwhile Yuji laid against the wall.
"But how… how could she so heartlessly reject you like that! That Takada doesn't know what she's missing, letting you go Todo…" Melinoe put her arm around Todo trying to comfort him.
"Any chance that the someone she loves could be me…?" Todo asked his two best friends.
"Of course!" Melinoe replied.
"Not a chance." Yuji left his spot and patted Todo on the back as he and Melinoe looked up at him. "Come on, let's go get some ramen, my treat."
Even in heartbreak Todo knew from that day forward he could always count on his two best friends to be there for him when the world was kicking him down. The trio walked the streets on their way to the ramen shop as they both patted Todo's back as a silent congratulations for his bravery.
Don't question how Melinoe attended middle school when she only came to the present just less than two months ago. All of this was a true story according to Aoi Todo's flawless memory.
…
BACK IN REALITY
Aoi Todo looked towards the sky as he began to shed tears thinking back to those days where the three of them were an unstoppable trio. "No one has ever beaten us in our hometown, huh?"
Both Melinoe and Yuji were confused as they looked at each other and shrugged not knowing what Todo was talking about.
"It seems that we three… were destined to be best friends!" Todo told them with all of his heart and soul. These two were his closest friends, the people he could rely on the most.
His brother and sister…
"But we just met!"
...
Authors Notes
Sup it's ya girl again.
So how about that Olympus update huh? I sure as hell love it from a gameplay and story perspective.
But as a fanfic writer I wanna break my keyboard over how many things that get retconned or I have to take into account.
Let me tell ya if I ever get to Culling Games it's gonna be a mess.
But hey, Xinth the Black Coat is here. I just put it in because of how much fun I've had with the weapon so I get an excuse to write it.
In other news I finally got a job so that's probably gonna get in the way of my writing, but it's whatever because I'm already a procrastinator.
I think that's about it so I'll be seeing ya. Bye bye.