Chef Note: Hi can I set this meal out or is it too soon for you to eat 🥺👉👈
I've been keeping the stove hot in the kitchen haha enjoy this meal 👩🍳🖤
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“Girls, are you done with your breakfast?!” You call as you pack your nest.
“I- HIYA! N-Not yet!” Nanako shouted as she ran at Toji with the knife that she somewhat stole from Getou.
Is it really stealing if he knew?
Bang Bang Mimiko shot her magical pistol while Toji dodged around. “Gah! Did you see that I almost got em!”
“I did that was a close one!” Gojo high-fived the girl as she ran by.
They looked so cute, dressed in outfits that made them resemble little ninjas. Nanami tailored them to fit.
Your blonde walked by to tell you, “We are almost done packing, sweetheart.”
Getou looked over at the bowls that were rather full, "They barely ate anything.”
You click your tongue as you set your fist upon your hip. “Girls, you need to finish your breakfast!"
“W-We will!” They called, but they were too busy fighting Toji, and not coming to eat.
The alpha disarmed both of them, picking them up by the back of their shirts. “That’s enough, pups, you gotta listen to Raven.” Toji told them as he carried them over.
“Ok, ok~” The girls conceded as your alpha sat them down gently in front of their bowls.
Nanako picked up her chopsticks, "Hurry up, we can probably train before we leave!"
“Good idea!”
They immediately started shoveling bite after bite into their mouth while holding the bowl up in the air.
“AYE SLOW DOWN- I don’t need you punks chokin!” Sukuna shouted at them with a raised fist.
“Srry~!” they spoke with their cheeks full like chipmunks.
“No talking with your mouth full.” Getou chided.
They swallowed their food and then spoke.
“Can we train some more when we get to Yoko?”
"How long will it take to get there?"
“We are way behind schedule, so we aren’t going to be in Yoko for long…perhaps in Kyotoma.” Nanami said as the pups seemed not to like the news.
“Aw man~”
“Remember, girls, refueling and resting are just as important in training.” Getou ruffled their hair.
You smile, carrying your stuff to the inventory worm. You were enjoying the feeling of your pack. There was no more bad attitude smell, Nanako and Mimiko were rarely in their tent, and you were happy having- You got kissed on the cheek, releasing a little giggle when you realized it was Toji.
“Need help, princess?” He questioned taking your things from your hands before you could even answer.
“Thank you, alpha~” You say, patting his nice muscles.
Yes, you were happy having Toji back in the camp, and you knew he was enjoying it too. Even though he has to look over his shoulder all the time… but he barely breaks a sweat while doing it. If he gets hurt, it is to show the girls how little damage an area would do and where to aim. He and the rest of your pack were helping them learn how to fight using Toji as a practice dummy. They were very informative and gave them good strategies to better themselves. It became more than just learning to kill Toji, but also to defend themselves.
It was an odd bonding agreement that somehow made you all feel like… a pack.
You found yourself smiling so hard as you enjoyed this moment, where everyone is just enjoying each other's space.
It felt so wholesome.
Is this the snippet of what being a dam would be like with them?
You could almost imagine more little pups running around and more wild shenanigans. It wasn't as scary to think about. You actually felt peace envisioning it.
It was perfect…your vision of a perfect world.
But some people and monsters threatened to take that away from you.
You would be damned if anyone tried to…
Which now led you to a very silly idea…
~
~
“You want me to what?” Sukuna looked at you, dumbfounded.
You were picking Shoko’s for the girl, Sukuna keeping watch over you as you gathered the candy along with other things. You had traveled through Yoko and now you were on your way to Kyotoma. When your pack was settled, you asked your alpha to come with you.
That’s when you decided to voice your silly idea…
“I want you…to hold me…in the circle…so I can do the training…” You try to say confidently as you stuff some herbs away.
“You want me to force you in the circle?”
You slowly nodded your head, looking toward him. “Yes…” Now that it was being said out loud, it sounded even more dumb to your ears.
Sukuna glared at you as he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb, “And have every one of those asshole down my back when you freak the fuck out? No thanks.”
You released a sigh, “I know…I will talk to them and let them know this is my choice-“
“Doesn’t matter what you say, because then I’m going to hear ‘YoU sHoUlD hAvE kNoWn bEtTeR RyoMeN’”
“Yes- b-but we don’t know if I’m going to freak out…” You let out a little laugh, you could already feel the jitters just talking about it. “-and besides- I need to do this. It’s the only way I can learn how to use my shadow magic! It doesn’t matter how I feel; I just need to do it. You understand that more than anyone…”
“…” Your alpha rolled his eyes around and then stared off into the distance, contemplating your request.
“Sukuna…please…I cannot have anyone else get hurt…This isn’t about if I want to…it’s about I have to…”
“Fine, I will do it-“
“Yes-“
“If- you get everyone else’s approval. If I’m going down, we are all going down.”
“Alright…” You nod your head, “I understand…”
You finished collecting everything in sight and then ventured back to the camp. As soon as you stepped into the clearing- EVERYONE (except Nanako and Mimiko) was looking at you with a ‘look’. As if they already knew what you were about to ask…
“H-hey guys…” You wave at them timidly.
“Good luck with that.” Sukuna whispered, then he snapped his fingers, “Nanami, you ready?”
“Yes…” Your blonde nodded as he walked toward Sukuna.
You stepped in front of him, stopping him from his path.
“Guys…” You look at Nanami, then everyone else, “…I have to do this…”
“Do what?” Nanako questioned as she looked at Getou. Mimiko looked just as curious.
“Train, she wants to train with Sukuna and Nanami.” Getou let the pups know.
"Oh, the super hard one?"
“Yes... It is very hard, but I did it before, so I know what to expect this time.” You spoke to the girls, but in a way, you were also speaking to your pack.
Nanami put a hand upon your arm, bending his head so only you could hear his words, "You do not have to do this... remember- this wasn't required in the game..."
You rubbed Nanami's hand gently, offering him a soft smile, "But we also didn't face a horde of shadow creatures...save witches...or plan to attack the priests' tower...and Dove wasn't with them..."
"I suppose...that is true..."
"I wish to be tyrant strong...and if this is what needs to be done to get there, then..." You shrugged, as if it was just that simple. But it had to be that simple. You had to simplify it within your mind. You had to overcome your mind so that you could make your magic stronger. Doing this is what can make a huge difference in a fight. You had used your shadow form and massacred an entire town...that kind of power you wanted to be able to control and use when needed. Who knows, you could unlock something even stronger.
Nanami took a deep breath and then stepped back. He looked at the others as they all had a silent discussion.
There were some sighs and head shakes, but the outcome was a nod from Nanami.
"Alright... if this is what you wish to do."
"Cool..." You smile, but deep down, the anxiousness is growing stronger. You tried to swallow it down, "Lead the way..." You gestured to Sukuna, ready to get this over with. If you hurry, you might not run away...
The three of you started walking, but then Gojo appeared next to you. You looked at him, confused.
"So you comin' too?" Sukuna grinned.
"I mean...if she's doing it, I'll do it." Gojo smiled at you, the anxiety easing just a bit with him there.
"I think you did pretty well last time." Nanami commented.
"You mean getting my ass beat from Sukuna?"
"I don't expect either of you to win against me. That would be impossible." Sukuna stated when he finally stopped. He took out his knife and began to draw the circle once again.
"Hah! Just you watch! What if I beat you this time?" Gojo boasted with a fist to his chest.
"If you actually beat me, then I will give you my share of crystals for a fucking year. But if you lose, then I get yours."
"Ooo~" Gojo drooled, thinking about all the candy he could buy.
"Don't take that bet, Gojo..." Nanami sighed, sounding disappointed that the alpha would even consider that deal.
"You don't have faith in me Nanami?"
You were listening to them speak, but your eyes were targeted on the death circle. You felt your stomach fill with what felt like acid, but you tried to ignore it. Licking your dry lips, you blink your eyes to Sukuna, "So what are we supposed to do?"
"It's supposed to get you used to the feeling of using all your curse energy. We have special curse energy that emerges when our body is at its critical point. It's like a spike of adrenaline for your energy. Getting used to that feeling will help you learn how to use it on your own. It is why I can transform at will..." Sukuna finished explaining as he finished the circle. He then stood, nodding toward Nanami. "Same order?"
"Yes, I can go first." Nanami stepped up, without a hint of hesitation.
You watched him go through the draining process. Third time, and he takes it like a champ every time. Maybe it gets better each time.
"Nice job Nanami." Sukuna congratulated the blonde as he rolled out of the trap and rested on his back.
Gojo let out a breath of air, "Alright, my turn then."
"Good luck." You nod at him as he steps up next.
Gojo's second time around looked as though it had gone a lot better. He still let out a string of curses, but he didn't try to crawl out this time. Watching Gojo gave you hope that your second time will be better.
"Fuckin- feels great...so great..." Gojo hissed as he flopped on his stomach. He was going to say bad things, but he decided against it to not scare you.
However, he didn't need to hide the truth from you; you knew this shit was about to suck.
"Ready?" Sukuna stepped into the circle, holding his hand out to you.
"Y-yes..." You choked on your own spit, the burning sensation in your stomach growing hotter. Walking forward felt like a task on its own. 'You can do this you can do this- just DO IT- JUST DO IT!' you cheered within your mind. You made it to Sukuna much too quickly, but you stood outside the circle, your toes a piece of dirt away. You felt your heart start to pick up speed, your eyes slowly widening. The reminder of the pain started to fill your mind. Your throat feeling as though you were swallowing glass- your organs feeling like they were shutting down- your arm-your arm missing- will you feel that sense of terrible dread as you drown, will you see that terrifying being- hear his demonic laughter.
You can- not do this-'
"Sukuna, just grab me-" You squeaked in fear.
Your alpha did as he was told, pulling you into a hug as he held you in the circle.
"You're okay, I got you-"
You were crying- as soon as you felt that pull- as soon as the siphoning started- it was like an entire dam broke-
Your chanting of you can do this turned into you can't do this. Your mind started tumbling as you screamed, "Noooo! Nooo! I can't I can't Sukuna let me go!" You cried, thrashing around in his arms.
"You said you can- I know you can-you can do it- stop freaking out, Lu Marcie!"
You were beginning to hyperventilate, not even the loving nickname could stop your pending doom that was your mind. You could feel the cold claws of death dragging against your flesh like the undead were pulling you apart. The shadow creature flashed in your mind and you were hearing its laugh again- feeling as though your lungs were filling with water- you were dying- you were going to die- "NO!" you cried pushing Sukuna away, and the next thing you knew you were running through the forest, you weren't sure where you were going but you were just running. Your feet and legs felt like pins and needles were stabbing them with each step. Each step made you scream out in pain, each movement, each breath, it all hurt. The urge to throw up was strong as you slammed against a tree and doubled over, hurling as you gagged on air.
Everything was hitting you all at once. The pain from feeling like you were kissing death to the pain of realizing you failed.
You failed.
Failed.
You were a fucking failure.
You couldn't do it.
You couldn't stomach the pain like Nanami and Gojo.
Gojo, who only did this for you-
Nanami, who was doing this also for you-
Why can't you do this for them?
Why can you not stomach this pain for the ones you love?
You were sobbing, unable to hear the noise of someone approaching you.
"Miss Raven?"
You sniffed, feeling a tiny hand touch your shoulder.
Looking over, you found the pups looking at you with their brows scrunched up.
"Oh-my no-no I-I'm sorry-" You hid your face, ashamed for the pups to see you ugly cry like this.
You heard a loud crash, and a waft of strong wind blew in your direction. "What happened?!" Toji growled.
"N-Nothing- t-take them Toji- I -I don't want them to see me like this-" You sobbed.
You felt the pups sit on either side of you, and then they hugged you, laying their head upon you. Their soft purring and warmth felt like a warm, weighted blanket coupled with a fresh hot cocoa that warmed your body from the inside out. Their smell reminded you of home. The pain you were feeling slowly started going away, and so did the mental turmoil you found yourself quick sanding in. They were like a lifeline thrown out to you as you were drowning in the water. Relief came over you, and you accepted their comfort.
"Th-Thank you, girls...I'm...I'm sorry you had to see me this way..."
"It's okay to cry, Raven...do you want to eat some Shoko cookies? Getou just made some?"
"Yeah! Cookies always make me feel better."
You nodded your head as you went to wipe your nose with the back of your hand, but Toji offered his shirt for you.
"Sorry, I don't have a fancy handkerchief to give you." Toji spoke softly.
"I don't want to ruin your shirt..." You laughed a bit.
"You're good baby. I got plenty."
You pressed the cloth to your face, cleaning yourself up. It also smelled like your alpha, which was a plus. You noticed the girls had their weapons out, and they had little dirt spots on their battle gear.
"Oh, did I interrupt your training?"
"We were getting tired anyway."
"What did Geto say about talking for your sister?" Toji wagged a finger at Nanako, but it had more of a playful tone to it.
"Oh- sorry Mimi..."
"I was getting tired." Mimiko nodded. "And I want cookies!"
"Yeah! They might be done!"
Toji picked you up, bringing you back to camp. The girls are jumping ahead of you in excitement for cookies.
When you entered camp, Getou looked worried. "You okay?" He questioned as Toji set you down.
"So...training did not go as planned..." You joke, but Getou was not laughing.
"So this is done right...girls-ahem- go get your cookies." Getou gestured as the pups left so you could talk. He breathed deeply before setting you with a glare. "No more. I don't want you to do that training anymore."
"I know...I won't...I'm sorry...I thought...I thought I could do it..."
Toji rubbed your back gently, "We can ask the grand witch if she has ways to train you. She owes us big time anyway."
"Yeahawwwn~"You released a yawn mid-sentence, feeling emotionally and physically tired just like last time. This shit was draining. "I just want to cuddle for a little...will one of you cuddle with me?"
"I can-"
"Of course-"
They both said at the same time.
You smiled at them both, "I wouldn't mind a double cuddle."
The three of you settle within your half-tent; they set it up for you to be comfortable. You had your alphas on either side as you rested your head against Getou's shoulder, and your knees leaned into Toji, who massaged your calf lovingly.
"I feel like...I failed Gojo..." You whispered.
Getou looked at you with a raised brow, "Why would you say that?"
"Because...he only did the training because of me...and then I left..."
"Don't worry about that, he would understand."
"Don't think about that baby, "Toji gave you a little squeeze to your calf. "You are worrying about nothing."
You knew Gojo would never hold any grudge against you, but you were upset with yourself for him. He wouldn't have done the shitty training if it weren't for you.
"Ooo Ooo Raven, you should have saw this super cool move Getou taught me!" Mimiko jumped in her spot excitedly.
"But I did something cool too!" Nanako added, not wanting to feel left out.
"Tell me all about it, one at a time, please." You smiled as the girls told you about their little training session.
It sounded like their training was a lot more fun than yours. Maybe you need to join the attack Toji session.
Somewhere during the conversation, your eyes slowly start to close.
"Raven-Raven-"
Your eyes shot up as you snorted away, Nanako waving at you.
"You started falling asleep like Gran gran." The pups giggled.
"Sorry, girls, I didn't mean to." You let out a little laugh.
Getou kissed your cheek, "Let her rest, she had a tough training."
"Yes, I'll just rest my eyes...for a little bit...wake me up when the others get here...so I can heal...em..." Your head nodded off, not even a second later, and then you were asleep.
~
"Hmm~" You felt someone was holding and snugglign with you, kissing you repeatedly on your cheek, neck, and lips. You giggled awake, smelling the sweetness that surrounded you. "Gojo, what are you doing?" You blink your eyes open as the alpha smiles down at you.
"Congrats babe."
"Congrats? For what?" You sit up, looking at the others who were now within the camp.
"You used your shadowform!" Gojo smiled.
"Uh huh?" You were utterly confused.
"I told you, I don't think she realized she did it." Nanami said.
Sukuna looked annoyed now, "Do you think I just let you go?"
"I pushed you..."
"And then you turned into a shadow, going through my arms. You practically did what the training was for, so why are they saying no more?" He pointed to Getou and Toji as they shook their head.
"Though she used her shadowform, it was a bit too much for her; did you not feel the distress that I'm sure all of us felt?" Getou questioned angrily.
Sukuna just put up his hands, "I'm just saying don't bite my fucking head off. She was like that last time, but the perfume covered her scent."
"This was worse Sukuna!"
You noticed the pups looking anxious as the two shouted at each other.
"Chill, guys- it's fine I already know I won't be doing it again." You say interrupting the argument. "It was worse this time, I have to admit...and even though I used my shadowform, I have no idea how that happened, so I still failed the training...and that's okay, it's just not for me..."
"..."
The camp had gone very quiet.
Gojo made a drawn-out noise, "Uhhhhhh-Well, you kind of failed successfully...if you think about it..."
"How so?"
"You used your shadowform; that was the point of this...you weren't even able to do that in Fushimi...so I would say this is a win. You used it when you wanted to get away. We should celebrate this! I'm proud of you, aren't you guys?" Gojo pointed out.
"Yes, more than proud." Nanami added. "That was a very difficult thing for you to do, and though you ran away, you succeeded in doing so. If not, you'd still be in the circle with Sukuna. I would consider that a different kind of training if you ask me."
Toji stated, "You make a good point, Nanami."
"That's literally what I said, but for nerds."
"Gojo, this isn't about you-"
"I'm proud of you Raven."
"Thanks guys...." You smiled at your group, feeling a bit prideful in your fail not fail moment. If you used your shadow form to get away, that really showed how much you didn't want to go through the trial. So maybe they were right, you failed... successfully.
"Toji, come on, let's give her our gift now!" Gojo grinned happily.
"Alright, I guess we can give it to her tonight..." Toji looked toward you, "But you have to close your eyes while we set it up."
"Set it up?" You question. "What kind of gift is this?"
"Just cover your eyes, I'll put it together real fast!"
Now you were feeling excited about this unknown gift. You put your hands over your eyes and then heard a lot of commotion go on.
"No peaking!"
"Alright, alright~"
"Woah-"
"Shh~ don't say anything, girls!"
You smiled, waiting for your gift to be ready. Finally, after suffering from the unknown, Gojo patted your head.
"Alright- open y-your ha- eyes-" He spoke nearly out of breath.
Pulling your hands away, you were met with a giant-looking tent that was purple, gold, and black. It looked like a tent for a luxurious warrior princess.
Toji opened the flap that you didn't have to duck under to enter. You could just walk into it.
"Oh- wow! You guys bought me a giant ass nest?" You chuckle as Gojo helps you to your gift.
"Yep! We talked about it after we all crammed into your nest last time."
"Go on in and check it out." Toji gestured.
"Can we see too?" The pups asked.
"Yeah, come on, everyone can fit in here!" You went into the tent to see that there was more than just your nest of blankets. There was a vanity for you to sit at and a golden tub. They even bought you more blankets and pillows to add to your nest. It felt like a nice little hotel room on the go. The candlelights that floated in the air were also a very beautiful touch.
"This is a lot to put together..." Sukuna stated, his arms crossed.
"We will put it up and down." Toji countered with a hint of annoyance. He probably didn't like how Sukuna was questioning their gift to you.
You didn't pay Sukuna any mind as you started spreading your scent around, ready to claim the tent as your own.
"And is there a budget for me to get one of these fine tents?" Getou humphed sassily.
"Toji and Gojo pooled in a lot of money for this." Nanami deadpanned.
Yes, of course, you need to thank the ones who gave you this gift. You ran to Gojo and Toji, hugging them at the same time, "Thank you so much! I love it!"
"I'm happy you like it."
"I get to break the tent in first, though-"
"Gojo-" You pinch him, stopping him from talking too inappropriately with the pups around.
"Why would you break Raven's present?"
"He was just fibbing, Mimiko. He wouldn't do that because then I would kick his butt for wasting our money." Nanami smoothly deterred the pup from asking any more questions about the statement.
"This is so pretty~." Nanako was at your vanity, messing with the makeup. "Can I do your makeup, Raven!"
"I dunno, do you know what you are doing?" You ask playfully.
"Uh- yes."
"That answer was not very confident, hm?"
"Oh...well, no one lets me play because Yorozu said I made her look like a clown…. And everyone was laughing…”
Well fuck Yorozu- "That wasn’t very nice…Well I don’t care what she said, I will just have to see how well you do with my own eyes."
"Can I play with your hair?" Mimiko questioned.
"Sure-"
"Come on, sit sit sit." Mimiko patted the velvet cushion, ready to do your makeup.
"It looks like they are having a pampering night, let's leave them alone." Your alphas slowly left your tent, leaving you to enjoy your time with the girls.
The three of you were talking and laughing as they gave you an all-over makeover.
"And just a little touch...pppeerfect." Nanakp popped her lip as she swirled the brush in the pink eyeshadow.
"Did that hurt?" Mimiko leaned into view, making sure she wasn't hurting you.
"No, you are fine, Mimiko."
"Good! Almost done with your hair!"
"You are going to look so fetch." Nanako danced as she came at you with the eyeshadow brush.
You could only close your eyes and release a chuckle as she dabbed the makeup on your eye.
"I will have to do your guys' makeup next."
"Yes, but I only like pink, so only pink for me-"
"I hate pink; purple is better, right, Raven?"
"I like both colors."
"But which one is better?"
"None is better than the other; they are both very nice in their own way."
"Ha- well, Gojo said pink is better-"
"Geto said purple!"
"No, he didn't!"
"He did!"
"Nuh uh-"
"Are you calling me a liar!"
"You're not a truther!"
"Okaaaay girls" You waved your hands, fanning away the negative energy.
The two settled, going back to pampering you.
"I'm done!" Nanako said, "Now I need to paint your nails."
You set your hands on the vanity as the girl popped open pink nail polish. Oh boy- you were about to be pinked the fuck out.
"No~ I wanted to paint them black!"
"You guys can do both, you can paint this hand and you can paint this one."
Mimiko picked up your hand and then went still, staring at it. "Hey Raven, how come you don't answer your call?" Mimiko questioned.
"Huh?"
"Is it someone you don't want to talk to?"
"Ummmm what?!" Now you were staring at your hand in shock. "I-I have a call?"
"Yeah silly, did you not know?"
“It’s been there the whole time we just thought you didn't want to answer it...”
"FUCK!"
"Ooo~"
"Raven said a bad word~"
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Chef Note: Did anyone like Raven forget that Choso gave us the call in the sleazy underground hotel? 😂 (I didn't see anyone point it out so I was wondering if anyone noticed hahaha XD!)