Toji was worried… more than worried…
“Baby? You okay?” He spoke softly to you as he carried you back to the main camp.
“Mmm…” You hummed, almost like an afterthought.
You seemed so tired, yet you refused to close your eyes…actually, it appeared you rarely blinked.
He knew this type of training was not for you; it was mentally taxing. Really, he didn’t want you to do it, but when you get stuck in your ways, there was no changing your mind… however, as he carried you...eyes seemingly unfocused… like you were awake and asleep at the same time... yeah... he wished he had tried harder to stop you.
You looked startled.
It feels like shit. It feels like death. As close to death as you can get to...a breath away...
He knows the feeling all too well.
He knows about it because his clan forced the same kind of treatment on him and then sent him into a room full of monsters to get fucked up. Day after day. Night after night. They didn't care if he had lived or died. He was lucky that he survived. It's how he had obtained his 'gift'. Though he lacked curse energy, he was able to harbor something like it.
He hates to admit that he became as strong as he is because of it. He knew you wanted to become strong, too. He thought maybe you could take baby steps, but coming close to death was something you probably never experienced. In this world, that sort of thing was a normal occurrence. Pain was an everyday thing. The need to fight and grow stronger was all they knew. Because it was either that or die. He's sure you understand that, and that's why you wanted to do this... he respects that...and that is why he wanted to give you a space to grow...doing the training with Sukuna is a nicer way of doing it, believe it or not.
Much better than what he had gone through. And it was better to force it now than later, where if you fail, there is no try again...
As for now...they would have to wait for the mental shock to wear off. Then they can have a better conversation about it. Maybe you'd want to try it again later now that you know what to expect.
Toji knelt behind a tree as he signaled to Getou with a bird call, his hands cupped around his mouth as he chirped.
“What kind of bird is that?” One of the pups asked.
“Not sure, let me check it out…” Getou shifted as he came toward the spot where he was hiding. “Sounds like a real hideous bird if you ask me…” The alpha joked.
Toji all but rolled his eyes as Getou stepped past the bushes. His usual playful smirk soon fell when he saw your expressionless face.
“The fuck- happened?” Getou growled as he knelt before you. He tried to keep his composure so the pups wouldn't be affected.
"I think it was a bit too much for her..."
"I told them to tell Sukuna not-"
"They did. She was doing fine until she wasn't, but...I think she's just tired right now... some good sleep will probably get her right."
Getou waved his hand in front of your face, yet your eyes seemed not to blink. Leaning in closer, he was about to say your name, but he heard you snoring. "She's sleeping...with her eyes open?"
"Yeah." Toji nodded. "Her scent doesn't smell too foul...I think because of that perfume the pup sprayed...it's really strong, I'm actually impressed."
"She's a smart girl-"
"Getou? Is everything okay?" Mimiko had come over, and before she could round the tree, Toji jumped away, disappearing swiftly.
"Oh-" Mimiko gasped seeing you. "Is miss Raven arlight?"
Getou put on a soft smile, picking you up. "She's fine, little one... Just a bit tired from training."
Toji watched from up above as Getou took you away. As he watched the three of you go, he noticed that the other pup was missing.
He jumped down from the tree, taking in a deep breath, and he found that he still smelt that strong scent coming from you, even though you had already left him.
Strange...
Then he heard the noise from behind him. And the tickling of the back of his hair, standing. Someone was about to attack. He already knew who the culprit was before she jumped out at him with a knife. The girl let out a battle cry as she fell from above, knife handle in both hands. He stepped to the side as she planted on the ground and then rolled.
Her face fixed into a growl as she threw the knife at him.
Toji leaned his head to the side, allowing the knife to sail past him but once the knife whipped by the girl disappeared in a flash, a spark of light left behind as she zapped in a blink.
He was surprised to find she was now behind him with another knife spinning above his head as she sought to sink the dagger into his head.
This time, Toji could not move, his feet already in motion he had to snatch the girl by her leg and swing her upside down.
"Ah-!" She cried, the movement making her drop the knife. "L-let me go y-you monster!"
Toji snorted, dangling the girl in the air as she fought and wiggled, trying to get her ankle out of his grasp. Kicking at his hand that seemed as hard as a rock.
"That was quite the element of surprise; I do like how you used your spay to smell as though you were one with nature... if I didn't have such a keen sense, you would have almost had me, however, I am much faster than you...you are gonna need to work on your speed if you want to kill me..." Toji tossed the girl up as she flipped and flopped in the air, plopping down on the ground with a loud
"Oof-!"
Toji hissed, "And you are gonna need to work on your acrobatics..." He knelt, picking up her knife.
Her eyes widened as she scurried backwards until her back hit the tree. She looked at him with fear swirling into a tornado.
“I’m not going to hurt you…” He spoke as he walked toward her then dropped to a bend. “Here- wait a minute…” He looked to find that the weapon was a dark blue blade that had a sharp hook, perfect for administering poison. "Hey, this looks like Getou’s pocket knife...you stole this from him?"
The girl set him with a dangerous glare, "Tell on me- I don't care!"
"Ha- I'm just impressed, is all... You are quite the smart pup." He flipped it around, holding the blade.
Nanako's eyebrows furrowed, looking at the knife, then him, a moment of hesitation before she quickly snatched it, scrambling to her feet as she readied a stance, her killer face back on.
"See that stance is just not going to work pup, and your eyes are telling me all I need to know about your next move-" He wasn't done talking before the girl ran at him with a full warrior cry charge, knife raised above her head.
He bounced back and forth as the girl threw out all her rage. He danced around as the girl screamed and slashed… tiring herself out trying to kill him.
“Why- won’t you die!” One final swipe at him took all her energy as she sailed to the ground and fell flat. Her body began to tremble as she cried in frustration, he could smell the scent of her salty tears. “Why-why did you have to k-kill him-“ she sobbed, curling into a ball.
Toji felt bad for causing her such pain, but nothing he said could make anything better. He sat next to the pup, resting his hand upon his knee. “I’m sorry…I wasn’t a good alpha when I hurt your papa…but -y/n…“ he paused almost saying your real name “…Raven…helped me be better…I only hurt those that deserve it now…”
“…” The pup didn’t say anything as she continued to sniffle…and he stayed there… making sure nothing else would hurt her.
“AAAAAH!” Gojo had flown past, yelling as he disappeared into the woods.
Toji released a sigh, perhaps Sukuna was having a little too much fun with this training.
~
~
You were dying…
That’s what was happening.
Dying within the waters as that shadow creature mocks and laughs at you.
You could feel it. Life leaving you.
Was it an omen?
A warning of some sort?
What is this vision?
Or perhaps it wasn’t your own.
You awoke suddenly. It felt weird truthfully. You hadn’t realized you fell asleep. But you had noticed a warmth, and someone was purring, trying to comfort you.
You blinked your eyes a few times, finding yourself lying on a blanket. Getou was sitting right next to you. When you shifted, there was a weight upon your shoulder, someone was lying their head on you. Dark brown hair tickled your skin, as it moved and then you were looking at Mimiko’s eyes.
“Oh, Raven are you okay?” The pup seemed worried about you.
Getou even peeked over, “Hey darling, you hungry?”
“No, I’m fine…” You smiled softly at them, feeling dampness on your eye. You wipe at it, surprised to see that your fingers are damp.
Getou’s eyebrows furrowed, “You were whimpering in your sleep…”
“Were you having a bad dream?” Mimiko questioned.
“I was…” You sit up looking between the two of them, “It was…it felt real…”
Getou looked concerned but Mimiko spoke first before he could voice his worries.
“…When I would have bad dreams… my mommy would tell me that they can’t hurt you…they aren’t real…”
You released a little laugh as you leaned against Getou. You felt this dream was quite different, but you didn’t want to downplay her attempt to comfort you. So you went along with what she said. “Yes, you are right Mimiko… They aren’t real.” But you knew this was more than just a nightmare. This felt very real… like you had lived it.
It felt more like a memory than a dream.
“Hey, she’s up!” Gojo called to you as they walked into camp- well- He was being carried by Sukuna… who was also carrying Nanami.
“Hey, guys...” You shifted forward knowing they would need some healing. Sukuna dropped both boys off by you. “Sorry, I couldn’t train with you...” You did feel bad that you missed out on the other half of training. This was supposed to help you with your Shadowform. This was supposed to make you stronger… Yet right now you felt it made you…weaker? No not weaker…afraid… confused… you don’t know how to word it but you felt… uncomfortable.
“You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do…” Nanami hissed, as he lay down next to you, hand on his stomach.
“For real that shit was ass, I ain’t doing it again.” Gojo pursed his lips as you finished healing his wounds.
“I wouldn’t do it again either…” You shook your head, as you moved to Nanami.
Sukuna scoffed, “Are you kidding?
Getou rolled his eyes, “That is some psycho shit. No one sane would do that… no offense Nanami…”
“I understand.”
“Wait what are you trying to say!” Sukuna growled. “Wanting to get stronger, mind body, and soul is a trait that not just anyone possesses! Going beyond the body’s limitations and breaking free from them should be seen as something truly breathtaking! Showing that you will not buckle or yield to the cruelty of death- pushing forward! Screaming out! Fighting with RAGE!
Sukuna spewed on like he was Erwin telling his men to fight and advance.
Mimiko was the only one looking at Sukuna with wide twinkling eyes, his message seemingly inspiring her. You’d have to think Nanami also felt the same, or else he wouldn’t be willing to do it a second time. He took that pain like a champ.
The other three of you looked at each other with side eyes.
‘You hearing this shit?’
‘He’s crazy’
‘Batshit’
‘We should put him in the loony tower’
“Hey-“ You perked up realizing something. “Where is Nanako?”
Everyone stopped what they were doing, looking around but Getou eased your minds-
“She’s out there trying to kill Toji.”
Kind of-
“Eh-what?!”
“Yep, the sneaky pup stole my knife and then went to assassinate the big guy using the bathroom as an excuse. Ha~ the little trickster reminds me of myself when I was young.”
“That’s actually hilarious.” Sukuna said while Gojo agreed with a little laugh.
“I’m sure they are both fine.” Nanami rubbed your leg gently just in case you had any worries.
You realized while looking at Mimiko’s reaction she was not surprised by her sister’s plan. “Did you know she was going to do that?”
“I-I told her not to…I’m sorry…” Mimiko put her forehead to the ground and tucked herself in with her knees together. It was a pup pose that they’d do when they were showing respect or being disciplined. “Pl-please forgive us-“
“No no, none of that Mimiko please. You are not in trouble.” You rubbed the girl's back as she uncurled.
She sniffled a bit as Getou wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.
Mimiko looked a bit scared, “Are- are you guys mad?”
Gojo raised a brow, “What? Why would we be?”
“I actually let her take my knife, I was so curious about what devious plans she had.”
“If Toji dies to a pup then he deserves to die.”
“Don’t say that Ryoumen!”
“I’m just speaking the truth, if a pup kills me do not mourn me, spit on my grave.”
“I was going to do that anyway-“
“Fuck you Satoru.”
“Alright guys, I’m gonna go check on them…” You stood just as Toji entered the camp carrying a sleeping Nanako. He had a few slashes scattered around his body.
“Hey, can one of you set up her tent? We might have to camp here for a little while.”
“I got it.” Nanami volunteered.
You scurried to Toji as you met in the middle of the camp. “Are you two okay?”
“We are fine.” Toji smiled softly, handing the pup over to Sukuna who looked at him with a grimace.
“Why are you handing that pup to me?”
“Sukuna- Never mind Gojo can you come get Nanako?”
“Yes, my queen~!”
Sukuna rolled his eyes as he grabbed Nanako from Toji holding her away from his body like she was a pup who needed a bath.
“Omt-.”
“Sukuna I can tell you were never loved as a child.”
“Take her then!”
You smoothed your hand upon Toji’s arm healing his wounds, “Goodness she did a number on you.”
“She’s a feisty pup. I’m sure she will learn how to kill me in no time.”
“You were actually training her to kill you?” You released a snort.
“Yep, told her all my weaknesses too.” He grinned but you slapped his arm.
“You'd better not allow anyone to kill you.”
“I know I know- I told her she had to work extra hard since I can’t leave my princess.” He pinched your cheek playfully, “Hold on- I gotta do something…” he then walked over to Mimiko who was hiding behind Getou, holding onto his sleeve as she peeked at Toji.
Toji then knelt before her. “I will give you the same deal as your sister. You two are free to attack and kill me. You can punch me hit me stab me or whatever you like whenever you like. And neither I nor anyone else will stop you but I get to stay in camp, deal?” Toji reached out his hand for a shake Mimiko looked confused as she looked up at Getou for help.
“Do I get that offer as well?” Getou teased.
“I already have two strong pups I have to deal with!” Toji joked making you and the others laugh.
It helped to lighten up the situation as Mimiko finally relaxed and shook Toji’s hand.
“I-I accept your deal… wh-when can I start?”
“Right now if you so wish.” Toji grinned.
“I-I don’t know how to really fight…”
“Wanna look at our weapon collection?” Toji asked as the girl slowly nodded.
You then watched as Toji pulled out all your weapons within the inventory and began to talk and showcase about EVERY single weapon. Showing her how to cock the gun and EVERYTHING.
“L-like this?”
“Ah~ you aren’t strong enough to chop off my head I don’t think that would work.”
What the Koro sensei is this?!
Sukuna even stepped over after Nanako was put in her tent, telling Mimiko what the best weapon would be! And of course, Gojo and Getou jumped in!
It was cute but also a bit scary at the same time.
What if Nanako and Mimiko actually killed your alpha? You doubt that could happen anytime soon but still… You hoped they’d find it within their hearts to forgive him someday before that could ever happen.
~
Night had fallen and you found yourself sitting by the campfire with Gojo’s head in your lap.
The others had gone to bed… Gojo and Sukuna were on watch first. Sukuna patrolled the outskirts of your camp while Gojo stayed within the camp.
He was mumbling as he fell asleep, the poor alpha was exhausted.
You played with his soft hair, twirling it around your finger as you spoke softly.
“I think that was the hardest training I’ve ever dealt with…”
“You mean torture?” Gojo mumbled.
“I mean… I do see the benefits of it, I just… I just don’t have the mental capacity for it.”
“Me neither…I like your training waaay aaaah “ he yawned big as he got more comfortable, “~better…” He sighed, eyes falling closed.
“Hey…what did you see? When you were… I guess dying?”
“Hm? What did I see?”
“Mhm… Like when I was…dying… I saw this big shadow creature… and I was drowning… I think my arm was cut off too.”
“That sounds wicked…I think… hm… I don’t think I saw anything… I feel like I saw the light and Tengen coming for me but that was about it.”
“Oh… well I know this is going to sound weird but…Mine felt like a memory…”
“Hm? Have you been attacked by a shadow creature?”
“No…but what if Raven had?”
“Oh~ you think that was a Raven memory?”
“Yes, perhaps…”
“Does Raven get dismembered?”
“…” Yes…
You fell quiet making Gojo look at you with a raised brow, “Does she?”
“She does… but like way later in the game…”
“By who?”
“It doesn’t matter… This vision I saw felt like a memory, what happens to Raven in the game in the future didn’t happen now or before I came to be.”
Now Gojo sat up with furrowed brows, sleep seemed to sit on the back burner. “What if this is an omen?”
“I doubt… what happened to Raven will happen to me…” At least you hope Sukuna doesn’t turn on you and try to kill you.
“How can you be so sure?”
You pull Gojo back into your lap smoothing his worried brows. “Sh~ I just know ok…get some rest…”
Gojo seemed hesitant at first but then you started singing his favorite song, softly humming it as you ran your fingers through his hair.
“Ah. You know I’m weak when you-hm~ play with my hair…” his eyes began to drift and soon he was asleep.
That was easy.
You continued to sit outside, not wanting to go to bed. But then again being up in the dark was giving you the creeps too. Shadows jumped and moved, each one making you tense.
Knowing that Sukuna was out there made the situation better… but you kind of wish Gojo was up with you.
Your thoughts began to drift into a dark space. Matching the shadow-like creature with Sukuna. Could the two be the same? Was that just a vision of your impending doom? And by the hands of Sukuna nonetheless? His true form wasn’t as large but perhaps the water disoriented things.
And what did it say to you?
You could barely decipher the words all of it happened so suddenly and too quickly. It was a shock to your system. The only thing you could remember was the haunting demonic laugh.
Something cracked behind you and you squeaked in fright.
“It’s just me…” Nanami put his hands out to show he meant no harm.
“Oh~ you scared me Kento…”
“So I see. I apologize for that.” Your blonde sat down next to you as he gestured to your other alpha, “Was he asleep this whole time?”
“Actually he just fell asleep a few minutes ago.”
“You aren’t lying for him are you?”
“I know I do that sometimes but it’s not this time.”
Nanami gave you a soft smile, “Alright, just checking.”
“And what about you? I know you must be exhausted from training as well so please, if you need some sleep I can keep watch. My nose isn’t too shabby and I’ve gotten a good idea what my senses are telling me.”
Nanami shook his head, “No… I’m quite alright…Though I don’t doubt your skills, you had a tougher time with the training.”
“…Well… I’m fine now… It wasn’t exactly… well no it was the pain the whole thing actually. The feeling of dying was not something I was ready for. It shocked me especially since I saw this vision of something that I can’t understand. It just felt so real…like I can feel it.”
“And what is it that you saw?”
“I was dying, sinking in the waters as this monster laughed at me. I even saw my arm, it was cut off.”
“That’s…very specific for it to be a simple play of the mind…”
“Yes, I know, but I’ve never been in that situation in my life. Gojo thinks it’s an omen while I think it’s a memory.”
“If I had to make an educated guess… I would say you are right…”
“Really? What are you basing your guess on?”
Nanami placed a hand to his chest as he looked away from you. “My own experience…every time I do it…I’m brought back to that same moment with you…being crushed by those rocks as I listen to you cry… I can feel it as if I’m there… every single time…”
“Oh, Kento I’m so sorry…”
“No, don’t be sorry for me… it’s just a reminder… of why I do it…” His soft yet stern gaze locked with yours, making you hold your breath.
His determination to keep going was because of you. How was he able to embody that and push forward? How was he able to make his weakness moment his strength?
“I wish…” You looked away from your alpha, feeling ashamed of yourself. Embarrassed that you had run away. Nanami was doing this for the greater good of your pack yet you couldn’t harbour the very thing you had preached to yourself earlier. You had to do it- but you couldn’t. You had to face your fear and beat it but you didn’t. You failed yourself and your pack. “I wish I could do that…I wish I were as strong as you…”
“It’s not a contest sweetheart, so do not belittle yourself. You didn’t ask me to do this I requested it for myself.”
“But I should do it, to make myself better. This could be the deciding factor between life and death. If I cannot do this now what if someone else dies because of me?”
“Is that why you are doing it? Are you punishing yourself for what happened to Six?”
“No…I…I just don’t want what happened to Six to happen to anyone else…I don’t want to have to feel that pain of losing someone ever again…”
Nanami rubbed your back gently, trying to soothe the tears you were starting to work up.
“Who’s making you cry-imma kick their asses-“ Gojo mumbled as he sat up still sleeping with his eyes closed as he readied his fist.
You released a little laugh as you kissed the alpha, bringing him back down into your lap. “I’m fine Gojo please rest.”
After some time had passed by Nanami spoke up again, “I can understand your sentiment…but there are other ways of training…this route is just…a little extreme…”
“…” You nodded your head, trying to let Nanami’s words sink in. Trying to feel better about the situation. You could train all you want but being able to do what Sukuna did is on a whole new level.
“We didn’t do that training in the game did we?”
You looked toward Nanami and shook your head. “No…I guess it was just Sukuna…”
“And Toji.”
“Toji? Toji did the training too?”
“Not quite…his clan used this technique on him.”
“Oh…that’s- that’s fucking awful.” You had to swallow the bile that threatened to escape your mouth. You were unaware that this was how Toji’s clan trained him. And you doubt his was anything as structured as Sukuna’s training. In the game, it even said that they didn’t care if he died or lived. His experience must have been so terrible…you couldn’t imagine being forced to do that by your own family.
“…I had brought that up to prove a point but I didn’t mean for it to dampen your mood even more…”
“No no it’s fine…I understand what you are saying. In the game, we were able to save the world without the Sukuna Boot Camp of Hell.”
“Sukuna Boot camp of hell?” You heard your fiery alpha snort as he jumped down into camp.
“Oh~ Hey Kuna.”
“Good evening Ryoumen.”
“But like did I lie?”
Sukuna just shook his head as he kicked Gojo’s leg, “Come on get into your tent so our omega can sleep.”
“No I’m comfy” Gojo whined as Sukuna dragged him off you.
“Goodnight alpha~” You called to Gojo. Nanami helped you stand, walking you to your nest like a gentleman.
“Get a good night's rest, we will be leaving in a few hours.”
“I’ll try.” You shared a goodnight kiss before crawling into your nest.
A lot weighed on your mind.
Gojo and Nanami gave you two different ideas of what that vision could have been.
A memory or an omen.
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆
Chef Note: *Me running away after posting this next meal*
I like to pretend I don't know what's gonna happen while reading your comments lol.