"We have to help Gojo-sensei!" Yuta clutches his jacket and thrusts his other hand in the air. The temperature of the dojo drops. "Something isn't—"

"He's just fucking," Shippo says with a yawn. "Mama forgot to put up a barrier. It's fine." He cracks his neck and then looks over at InuYasha. "Looking a little green there, InuYasha. Mad Mama ain't give you no play?" Shippo crackles.

"Fuck off, Shippo." InuYasha sheathes his sword and stalks towards the door. "Don't fucking follow me. I need some air." He slams the door shut, and the sound reverberates throughout the room.

Uh...

Yuta touches his face. Did the dojo get hotter? It was cold and now the heat is unbearable. Shippo is joking around like he always does. Gojo-sensei isn't doing that. Not when there is planning, training, or searching for Sukuna to be done. "Shippo, I thought Kagome-san was going to give Gojo-sensei a boost. Is that what's going on?" Has to be. These fluctuations are because Gojo-sensei's energy is being boosted. He winces and struggles to regulate his breathing.

The energy is oppressive. It feels as though someone turned on gravity and increased it by five.

"I mean, she is?" Shippo whistles when the lights go out. His eyes glow and there is something eerie about only seeing Shippo's green eyes in the dark. "But they're definitely fucking too. You can't smell it or hear it because you're just a human. But enough about Mama and Papa. Pull out your sword. You still got some ways to go." Shippo snickers. "Not that sword."

"I can't see—shit!" Yuta dodges. A bead of sweat drips down his brow. "I thought your fire was blue," he says, unsheathing his sword. The room is illuminated with fire embers and... snow?

"My fire is blue." Shippo hums. "On second thought. We should talk to Sesshomaru. This isn't me and unless Papa controls the elements, this isn't him or Mama, either. Come on, just focus on the sound of my footsteps. This is good practice."

Yuta fails to see how this is good practice, but he focuses on the sound of Shippo's footsteps and re-sheathes his sword. The hallway is cold. He shivers and clenches his fists. His legs are freezing, and it feels as though he is moving through a mountain of snow. Wait. This is snow. There's snow in the hallway.

"Shippo, are we under attack?" There's another fluctuation of Gojo-sensei's energy and Yuta has to grit his teeth to stop Rika from wanting to manifest. Okay, maybe not an attack, but it sure feels like one.

"Attack?" Shippo chortles. "Please. Not with Mama reinforcing the barriers around this place. Nah, whatever is going on is probably because of the energy fluctuations coming from her room. That's why we're gonna talk to Sesshomaru."

Yuta nods, and even that takes a lot out of him. His jaw is growing numb and just when he thinks his body cannot handle the cold any longer, the flames grow bigger. He breathes a sigh of relief. Is it too late for him to find his way back to his shared room and soak in the hot spring?

"So, Sesshomaru-sama will know why this is happening?"

"More like we could use this to our advantage. Maybe. Depends on who is doing this." Shippo motions to the floor, to the melting snow. "It's slowing you down, so it could slow down other sorcerers. Or demons."

"Demons!" Yuta coughs. "Sorry, I thought we were just worried about Sukuna and Kenjaku?"

Shippo shrugs. "Well..."

"Well?"

"Sesshomaru!" Shippo shouts, pushing the doors open to what must be Sesshomaru's room. Yuta frowns. Is Shippo not going to answer the question? He brought up the demons, not Yuta. If they have to fight demons too, then that complicates things even further.

"You track snow into this Sesshomaru's room."

"Ah, well, snow happens." Shippo strolls into the room as though he owns it and plops down onto the white sectional. "So, speaking of the snow, I don't think this is Mama's or Papa's doing. But it feels like both of them."

Yuta stands by the door, not sure if he should walk in and track more snow into Sesshomaru-sama's room or stand in the entryway waiting to be acknowledged. Sesshomaru-sama looks at him and then at the sectional where Shippo is lounging with his legs over the edge. Yuta hunches his shoulders and moves to join Shippo on the couch.

"It is the pups," Sesshomaru says. "The priestess has been dealing with an increase in sickness since her mate has returned. This Sesshomaru advised him to flare his energy to soothe the pups." Sesshomaru sets the book down on the table and stands. He walks over to his bookshelf. "From the fluctuations of the priestess's energy and that of her mate's, this Sesshomaru suspects the pups are simply reacting. There is no need to be alarmed." He selects a book and throws it at Yuta's head.

Yuta's eyes widen as he catches the book before it knocks him out. Living in this estate is somehow the safest place in Japan and the most dangerous. He glances at the book, Rearing Pups. His brows furrow. Why would Sesshomaru-sama give him this book? He doesn't have kids, and he's not a demon either.

"You share the same ancestor of Satoru," Sesshomaru says simply, "and he shares common behaviors of that of a demon."

"Right... but why do I need to read this?"

"Don't tell me you got some curse pregnant. Gross."

Yuta flushes. "Stop calling me a curse fucker. I haven't—I wouldn't sleep with a curse." He stiffens. Rika prods at his back, but he ignores her for now. "Shippo mentioned that this snow could impede demons."

"Some foolish clans seek to be eradicated. It is not for you to worry about."

In other words, it is demon business, but Sesshomaru-sama gave him a book on demon parenting. So, which is it? Is it his business or not? He is human, though some would say he is more than human because he can use cursed energy, but human nonetheless. Yuta looks at the book once more and opens it. He flips through and stops on the page about pack dynamics. "Am I not pack?" He keeps his voice even. "If it affects the pack, then it affects me."

Sesshomaru smiles and Yuta's heart tries to claw its way out of his chest. He's never seen Sesshomaru-sama smile before and on anyone else, he would smile back, but since it is Sesshomaru, Yuta bites back the urge to cower.

He never wants to see Sesshomaru smile again.


Sukuna curses as he moves his way further into the Kamo clan's compound. It wasn't his first choice, but the Zenin compound is compromised, destroyed, and he needs somewhere with a bath large enough for him to sink Naraku's soul further into the abyss. No, he needs to sink the demons further into the abyss.

"Speak," he says, not bothering to look back at Uraume.

"Forgive me, master. I could only find one finger. Whatever punishment you seek fit, I will endure."

Sukuna turns and stares down at Uraume. He tenses. That energy. It's Satoru's, no doubt. Is he flaring his energy to pick a fight with him? "Do not worry about it. I'm sure the brat and his friends have something to do with that." He plucks the finger from Uraume's palm and studies it. This finger is not pale like the ones Satoru gave to the brat to consume. Is it because of her? Did she do something? Sukuna wraps his fingers around the finger and turns on his heel, resuming his stride in search of the bath.

The barrier shakes. Sukuna grits his teeth and leans against the wall. He focuses on strengthening the barrier. It has to remain intact. Going against Satoru now would be stupid, and Sukuna does not plan on losing. No, he'll kill Gojo Satoru just like he promised, and then he'll take his head to that woman. He glances down and frowns at the beads still around his neck.

Damn subjugation beads.

Damn that woman. These beads should have stayed on the brat's neck, not followed Sukuna to this new body.

Another wave of energy crashes against the barrier.

"Put up a veil," he says.

"As you wish."

Sukuna's nostrils flare as he pushes himself off the wall. This body is failing him. The demons and the curses are clamoring for control. It's annoying. Instead of one soul, he is fighting multiple for control. He would have been better off waiting for a chance to take over Megumi or someone else.

"Having difficulties, Sukuna?" Kenjaku asks, rounding the corner. He smiles as he approaches.

"Why are you still here?" Uraume questions, the disdain dripping from their words.

"Are you kidding?" Kenjaku laughs. "Gojo is free, and he's clearly sending us a message." He stuffs his hands into his sleeves and then frowns. "For him to reach us all the way out here is a problem. I'm sticking close. If I take one step out of this barrier, he'll kill me in an instant."

"Good riddance. All you do is blab your mouth."

"And they somehow have Sesshomaru on their side. What a pain," Kenjaku continues.

"It's because of that woman, Kagome," Sukuna says, brushing past. "She knew Naraku, and she is close to Sesshomaru." He glances at the finger in his palm. "She has the Shikon."

"Excuse me?" Kenjaku appears in front of him. "What do you mean, she has it?"

Sukuna smirks. "Why do you want it?" There's no real benefit in telling Kenjaku, but the look on his face is worth it.

Kenjaku leans back and shrugs. "Chaos, really. Rumors are that it is responsible for the birth of cursed energy. I'm curious what would happen if a wish were to be made on it. But if she has it, then Satoru knew where it was this whole time." He rubs his jaw. "I hate that guy. He's been nothing but a pain."

"How did he get out of the prison realm?" Uraume stands next to Sukuna's side.

"I don't know," Kenjaku admits. "They could have found the back of the prison realm, or they could have wished for him back since they have the jewel." He blows out a breath. "Or he could have overpowered it somehow if these warnings are anything to go by." Kenjaku scowls. "Satoru is stronger than I thought."

Sukuna keeps silent. The demons are restless. He gives Uraume a look and then walks away. Uraume will keep Kenjaku occupied. First, he needs to soak in the bath and then expel the demons that are causing trouble. Sukuna opens his mouth and swallows the finger. The additional finger helps to settle the unrest, but it is still not enough. He approaches the bath and slides out of his clothes.

Consume.

He needs to consume more cursed energy and offset the demonic energy. He'll consume the other players.

Sukuna sinks into the bath until only the top half of his face is visible. Another wave hits the barrier and this time it shatters, only leaving Uraume's veil. A moment later, even that fails. He narrows his eyes. Soon, he will take out Gojo Satoru and he will take great joy in ripping his limbs from his body for this insolence.


Satoru stares up at the ceiling while he runs his fingers over Kagome's arm. He feels like he can take on the world. Hell, he could take out a couple of planets. The temperature of the room is back to normal, but the same can't be said of the furniture. Maybe Sesshomaru takes checks. He turns his head and smiles softly at Kagome.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, careful to not wake her. He moves his arm from under her and slides out of the bed. When she wakes, she'll want some food. What time is it anyway? Satoru runs a hand through his hair as he slides on some pants and a shirt. He looks around the room and winces at the mess on the floor.

Food and a broom.

He throws one more look at Kagome's sleeping form before closing the door behind him. No guards. Good. Satoru yawns as he makes his way to the kitchen.

"G-Gojo-sensei," Yuta splutters, coming to a stop in front of him. He clutches a book to his chest. His face looks paler than normal, and for some reason, he keeps avoiding Satoru's gaze.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"N-nothing! Sorry for bothering you." Yuta turns and runs in the opposite direction. Satoru blinks. That was weird, even by Yuta's standards. What is with him? Whatever, Satoru pushes the encounter from his mind and resumes his trek to the kitchen.

"Does she still want pickles with whipped cream?" Satoru opens the fridge, that looks as though it belongs in a restaurant and not an estate. It's huge, and he's a little jealous. He wants one. Not seeing any pickles, Satoru settles for a bowl of fruit. "This should be easy on her stomach."

"Do you always talk to yourself?"

Satoru chuckles. "Could you go out and get some pickles?"

Shippo rolls his eyes. "Do you know what time it is?" He leans against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Get a couple of them, maybe three cans of whipped cream, and some wasabi. Not sure if she's still craving that, but I'd rather have it on hand." Satoru sets the bowl of assorted fruit down on the counter and looks through the cabinets. "And something sweet like cake for me."

"So, we aren't going to talk about it?"

"Talk about what?" Satoru closes the cabinet doors and picks up the bowl. No snacks around here. What a bummer. He doesn't feel like cooking right now, but if Kagome wants him to, then he will.

"The energy fluctuations? Or you know, the snow in the hallway."

"What snow in the hallway? I didn't see any snow on my way here." Satoru bites the inside of his cheek. So, it really affected the rest of the estate. He can't wait to tell Kagome.

Shippo squints. "You're glowing too."

"Yeah, that's a thing now." Satoru smiles. He grips the bowl closer to his chest and then turns to the left.

"What is it?"

Satoru narrows his eyes as he focuses on the energy. "Sukuna."


A/N: Happy December! I will be focusing on the Christmas Wish, Accidentally Dating, and Brat Tamer this month. We will get the masseuse Kagome fic next year.

Take care of yourselves! Thanks so much for all the wellness tips and for the fun facts. Get plenty of rest and make sure you stay hydrated!

P.s. For those that follow my original writing, I will be putting up advanced chapters of Stuck In Another World With A Demon Fox up on this week(under Autumn Banks) if you would like to support. I've also started drafting the second book in that universe.