“Um…The bad Apple?” You stare at the thin colorful book in your hand, but most importantly at the cartoonishly drawn character on the front. It was a picture of a crude-looking boy with a devious smirk… he also had gold chains tattooed on his skin. “This… is a children’s book?”
You and Nanami were sitting at the table together. After cleaning up and getting dressed, he had slid this book in front of you.
“Yes…I know…” Your blonde blushed a bit in embarrassment, “Just…read it please...”
You weren’t sure what the children’s book had to do with anything, but the image of chains must have drawn your alpha to it. You opened the hardcover and started reading. It was a nursery rhyme; you could tell from the little musical notes drawn around the words. Each verse had its own page and cartoony illustration. As you read it kept a fast tempo similar to Pop Goes the Weasel.
Theeere ~ Once was a little boy, who was a baaad apple~
He played his tricks and played his games, on the ooold chapel~
Until the elders had enough and chained him to the biiig tree~
He sat there, day and night for many many centuries~
Yes the chains held him tight, it bled into his family
Sooo if you see the ray of chains be sure to-
You had to flip to the last page to see a picture of kids scattering in all directions away from a boy who had chains drawn on his skin. In big letters at the tops it says-
RUN AWAY!
You hum softly looking slowly through the pages once again. This nursery rhyme had a dark undertone, despite all the fun drawings. Each page made the boy seem like a conniving child- smirking within each drawing. Even as he chases after the children he looks evil doing so. The pups are running away with nervous expressions, while he’s laughing. It felt so cynical. But funny enough, you could imagine pups playing chain tag as if it were zombie tag. Or even have a musical dance they do when singing it.
But the story itself... was weird wasn’t it? Chaining an unruly child to a tree was cruel but leaving him there to the point it passed on to his family- like who was singing this nursery rhyme?
Nanami spoke while you looked through the pages again, “It’s the only information I have found. Yes it’s a children’s book but these playful rhymes are stories…stories to pass down to pups as a warning.”
“Yeah…We have fun nursery rhymes in my world that hold a chilling origin…so let’s say this story is true…that would mean that something your ancestor did had put a curse on you. So it was nothing you did Nanami…I feel like… this isn’t the worst information to come across.”
Nanami’s expression seemed to beg to differ, “No- the story is very clear. It is insinuating that I am a descendant of a bad family, like a bad apple that doesn’t fall far from its tree… a bad batch if you will…and you and everyone should stay away from me…in fact, you should be sprinting away.”
You shook your head, “Oh- come on Nanami you aren’t a bad apple- Or whatever. You don’t play tricks on people. You are kind and caring. If anything you are just being punished for someone else’s crime and I don’t think that is fair.”
You wanted him to understand that this didn’t change anything. But he still appeared to be shaken up about the silly story.
So you continue, “Nanami.” You place a hand upon his, “You are an amazing alpha, and no stupid story is going to change that. This isn’t something we should be worried about. If anything this just tells us that you do have holy magic! Your ancestors were people of the church. And I bet we can find a way to take those chains off!”
Your blonde grabbed the book, sliding it off the table, “I don’t think it is as simple as you are making it…this curse…one that could be passed down from generation to generation…that is nothing I have ever seen. It would take immense power to cast a spell such as that, let alone dispel it.”
“Sure…yeah…but…you are still Nanami Kento, my alpha…and even if we don’t find a way to remove the chains that doesn’t change anything!”
“That’s where you are wrong…” He growled out, looking to be pained, “…it does…it does matter…I do not wish to pass this…” He rubbed at his skin, as if he could feel the binds that tie him, “…I don’t want this curse-for our pups…for our family…”
You reared back almost shocked by his words. This whole time you never even considered that thought. There was so much you had to do, you couldn’t settle down to think about that happy pack life with pups running around… but for Nanami that was probably all he could think about… Now you finally understand why this situation was weighing so heavily on him. Why it pain him so deeply. It would have been one thing if this had just affected him but it was another for it to be something harmful to your pack.
“See…? And that’s how I know this curse was put on you so wrongfully…for you to think about your family and how it will affect us… You are a good alpha…we will figure it out. One way or another…we will find a way around this…so please, don’t give up just yet. I won’t give up. And my first plan of action is G.Ma’s library…there might be something in there that can help us.”
His gaze softened a bit, “…Thank you…I…am truly blessed to have you by my side…I won’t rest until I figure this out…”
“I know you won’t, but don’t beat yourself up so much…I didn’t like…seeing you that way…”
Nanami sighed, “ I didn’t like for you to see me like that either…never again…if I get like that…just leave me.”
You huff, “What? What if I want to get tied up?”
Nanami raised a brow, “Hm? So you enjoyed it? Perhaps my punishment was much too light…”
“Noooo ~ where did you get that idea from?” You held a playful tone but deep down you were afraid to see worse. Especially after he hinted that he could be far more sadistic than even Sukuna. You didn’t want to find out if that was true or not. So you quickly changed the subject. “Alright- we should probably get going now, we have a lot of questions that need answers.”
“Right…”
The two of you stood, making your way out of the library. You noticed that your blonde still held on to the children’s book. Clutching it tight to his side like a holy book.
You gestured toward it, “Don’t let G.Ma see that, she might try to lock you up right next to Yuji.”
“…” Nanami didn’t reply to your statement he appeared to be lost in thought staring straight ahead.
You poke his arm, “Nanami.”
“Hm?”
“Don’t let G.Ma see that…she might overreact…”
His eyes fluttered in realization, “Yes- I’ll put it away, once we get with the others…” He drifted off, but then furrowed his brows, “…Sorry…I was thinking…what if we take these chains off and all that is underneath is…a monster...perhaps we should consult the elder Witch?”
“No way, I won’t believe it until I see it.”
“Being reactive isn’t a wise decision.”
“Well, I dunno Nanami what do you want me to say?” You question stopping to look at him with furrowed brows. “Do you really think G.Ma is going to react rationally?”
You had just made it outside.
Your blonde sighed, “I…I don’t know either… I never felt so…”
“Not in control?”
“Yes…”
“I know…I’m sorry… This all sucks but let’s get the trying part done first you know. We have plenty of options that we can go through. These chains didn’t affect the game, so I think we at least have time to figure this shit out…if all else fails we can always ask Yuki when we save her.”
“If-“
“Nanami I love you but please work with me here. We barely got outside.”
Your alpha sighed, finally nodding his head. “Fine…I’ll attempt to be more optimistic…”
“As much as you can…I know that’s harder said than done.”
“Perhaps I need to make the same deal you tried to make with Sukuna to help put my mind at ease.” The little twitch of his lip had let you know he was joking but there was some truth hidden in the joke.
It was hitting a little close to home but you still let out a laugh because dark humor keeps the tears at bay, “You are so bad- don’t let Sukuna hear you say that, I just made up with him.”
“Did you?” Nanami questioned with a raised brow. “With the change of your dress, and the scent you had coming in, the two of you did a little more than make up.”
You blinked swiftly in embarrassment, averting your gaze to your horse as you attempt to come up with some words, “Well- uh he got really upset with Choso. He told me about the blood oath he made with Raven…”
“So that’s why he was upset?”
“No…not that…Choso said Raven was afraid of Sukuna and would have dreams about him killing her…apparently, he hurt her so bad she was bedridden. But Sukuna doesn’t remember ever meeting her…”
“Sukuna is a terrorizer but he has a method to his chaos. If he doesn’t remember hurting Raven, then he would have definitely at least remembered your scent. Is there anything in the game that could have made you fear Sukuna?”
“I mean he was the reddest flag of them all but…” You trailed off, realizing something. There was a point in time when you were afraid and that was before you had been picked. If Raven were aware of the game you could see how she could have been so afraid, especially in such a terrible state. “I…think I know what it was…um…” Your voice drops low, “…It could have been…well in the game Sukuna is the one to kill Raven…”
“What?” This had Nanami surprised, “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I…I didn’t think about it…Or maybe I just…didn’t want to think about it. When I was in the Omegas’ house…I thought my fate was sealed…but then you guys picked me and…the whole story was already changed.”You shrugged a bit. “… A lot of things have changed actually…Nothing is really following the game so I felt I had nothing to fear…and I didn’t want you guys to worry about it…And I wasn’t sure if…that information would do more harm than good…”
“…” The clock tower rang loudly, in the silent town.
Once it was done, you spoke softly, “Do you think…I should tell Sukuna…?”
“…You should tell the pack…but the timing of it couldn’t be any better.”
You knew exactly what he meant. You had just had a huge fight over appointing Sukuna to kill Raven if something goes wrong. And now with this sudden news, you aren’t sure how they’d take it.
Like- ‘Hey you know the game? Funny story- haha- see what I did there? Yeah well, Sukuna actually kills my character- me- or Raven in the game can you believe it?’
You are gonna need to work on how you come out with this one…
~
When you entered the clock tower, you were immediately attacked by the pups- they practically launched themselves at you and spoke so fast at the same time you could barely catch what they were saying.
“Whoa-“
“Raven let us come with you!” Mimiko shouted.
“We can fight too we don’t want you to go in there alone!” Nanako added, with just as much energy.
“Girls- uh-“ You blinked in surprise, their eyes so wide and big they looked like they were about to cry.
“You two are not coming with us, I already told you it is too dangerous.” Getou stated with a very stern tone.
“Why!?” Mimiko looked upset while her sister looked angry.
“We are strong too! Right Toji?”
Your alpha fidgeted nervously, “Uh-you should ask Raven.”
Did he just do the ‘ask your mother’ strat?!
That had both of the pups clasping their hands together as they begged, “Raven pleasseeee!” “Please please please!”
You patted the pups gently upon their heads, “Girls girls- I know you two are strong, but these monsters will eat your magic.”
Sukuna huffed in annoyance. “We already told the brats that.”
Gojo nodded, “They are being stubborn.”
“Wonder where they got that from…”
Your eyebrow slightly twitched at the secret jab.
You knelt before the girls, their scent mingling with fear. They were afraid of losing you.
It warmed you to know they cared about you so much. Squeezing both of their arms gently you say, “You have nothing to worry about… I have really really strong light magic that will make the shadow monsters go away.”
“But- there’s a lot of them…”
“Not even G.Ma wants to go in there…“
“Um…yes that is true but that’s because the monsters eat witches' energy and grow stronger-.”
“-You have dark magic too! Won’t they take your curse energy?”
“I do but I also have light magic, I won’t use any shadow magic against them.”
“But what if Getou gets too cold?”
“I’ll give him my firestone earrings-“
“Or what if Gojo and Sukuna get in a fight!”
“Nanami will handle them-“
“What if Nanami gets a tummy ache?”
“We have medicine-“
“Or what if Toji gets hungry?”
“He will eat before we go-“
“What if-“
“Okokokok-“ You cut them off before they could rapid-fire at you again. You felt like you were going round and round in circles, the pups were not letting up. They were too emotional to listen to reason.
Luckily Maki, Momo, and Nobara came to your rescue.
They offered you a soft smile, before joining the critical debate.
Maki leaned forward with her hands upon her knees, “Guys…Raven is verrrry strong. I saw with my very own eyes when she saved us.”
Momo nodded, “Her pack has helped a lot of people. Do you know the badlands? Well, Raven and her alphas went there and saved Yuta, Rika, and a whole lot of other people.”
You smiled at Momo, you weren’t the one to tell her of your adventures but you are sure Yuta has not stopped talking about what you have done. Singing your good graces up and down the halls.
Nobara continued, with an exaggerated jab of her finger, “No silly monster is going to lay a finger on her!”
“We wouldn’t allow it.” Nanami placed a protective hand upon your shoulder. Then he looked toward the pups, “No stomach pains will prohibit me from keeping my omega safe…and making sure Sukuna and Gojo are behaving.”
“I feel very disrespected.”
“How am I getting dragged into this-“
“We promise nothing will happen.” Getou offered his pinky to the girls.
Nanako pouted in defeat, wrapping her pinky around his. “You promise…you will all come back…?”
“Promise.”
You stand, giving Mimiko a swift peck to her forehead, “You two stay here with Momo, Maki, and Nobara… perhaps you can tell them some of your favorite stories hm?”
Mimiko pouted a little, “It’s not the same, you tell them better…”
“Okay~ when I get back I’ll tell your favorite story.”
“The one with the princess and the ogre?”
“No-“ Nanako jumped over, “I like the one with demon-fighting pop stars!”
“I will tell both of them.” You said making the girls happy.
“I have missed your story telling Raven, I don’t think I can find anyone with quite an imagination like yours.” Momo gushed, “You guys should hear some of her tales!”
Maki agreed, “I think a story with sweets would be fun. But for now, do you guys wish to show me your super cool new moves?” She questioned the girls.
“You can train with us!”
“Ahuh! We have to get strong enough to kill Toji!”
The woman’s facial expression changed immediately - “What-“
“Yeaaaah we will fill you in on that later…” You chuckled. “You two run along now, I don’t want you around just in case any of the monsters try to slip past.”
“I’ll take them.” Momo gestured at the girls but before they left they gave you one last hug.
You waved to the girls as the door closed behind them.
“Ok…” Nobara started giving you the rundown, “I already gave your alpha a bell…when you need us to open the portal just give it a ring. But you must be at the clock tower for us to hear it. Do you understand?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Good- Do you still have the bell?” She pointed at Gojo.
“Riiiight here-“ Your alpha raised his hand but there was not a bell in sight. “Ah-“
“YOU HAD ONE JOB!”
“It’s right here.” Getou grinned as he pulled the bell from his sleeve, giving it a little ring.
“Why did you take it from me?”
“He didn’t. You placed it down as soon as you got distracted.”
You truly were even surprised.
Nobara turned to you, “Are you sure we can’t help in any other way?” Now that the pups were gone, you could see the nervousness in the woman’s gaze. She had put on a mask in front of the pups but she too was feeling uneasy.
“Don’t be nervous Nobara, we have gotten much stronger than last time.”
“I know I know- you don’t need to give me the pup talk…I just feel so helpless.”
You put on a confident smile gesturing to your still-arguing men. “I have my guard alphas.”
Hearing your compliment made them stop debating so they could eat up your praise.
“She has the best alphas with her she will be just fine.”
“Yes, pinky promise.” Getou offered his pinky but Nobara rolled her eyes at the joke, while you let out a little giggle.
“Make sure she comes back without a hair out of place!” Nobara shouted as she backed away from your pack.
The witches got ready to open the gates and your team huddled together. The smaller the portal the easier it will be to keep the monsters from slipping by.
So you were all huddled rather close like a pack of sardines.
The others were running around, setting traps as extra safety precautions.
“Bout time you two made it.” Gojo whispered as he cracked his neck readying himself for a fight.
“They were having so much fun though, I must say I’m a little jealous I didn’t get to join.” Getou sent his flirty eyes toward you.
Toji frowned, “I didn’t like seeing my princess wrapped up like that.”
“I think the destroyed pocket pussy would suggest otherwise.” Sukuna snorted.
You coughed, choking on your own spit,” C-can we focus here-.”
“I am to blame for our tardiness…” Nanami lamented.
“You are also to blame for dipping into our mana pots.” Sukuna added.
“Sukuna you hypocrite she had to heal herself from your fuck fest in the woods too.”
“But did she use a mana pot?”
“That’s-“
“Yes or No-“
“Shhhhhh.” You hushed them, “We have a job to do guys! Get your head in the game.”
“…”
“Did you find anything?” Sukuna questioned Nanami.
The question made you nervous. Your gaze shifted toward your blonde.
“I did…” He said, eyes meeting your own.
You damn near held your breath, hoping that he’d not speak upon the death of Raven. You felt that was a conversation you needed to have.
“Alright, last ready check!” Maki shouted.
“Yes go go go!” Gojo shouted impatiently,
“Okay someone is excited.” Maki chuckled, finding Gojo’s attitude amusing.
“Why are you being bratty, do you need sweets?” Getou teased.
“Yes, actually I have a very sweet treat I still have to plan out. Or did you all forget that I too was part of the I get whatever I want deal?”
You looked confused, “Uh- I don’t think that was the exact words-“
“Open the gates!” Nobara signaled and the witches were off. Mumbling their enchanting spell.
The floor beneath you glowed, but only within your little circle. Your hair flew as did your battle gear dress. Now that you were about to step into the other side, you could feel your heart begin to drum.
This was it, back into the dimension you once escaped.
Funny enough you didn’t feel that scared. Not as much as you expected. Perhaps you were getting used to the adrenaline rush of a big fight.
“Weapons at the ready…we might be fighting as soon as we dive in.” Nanami warned.
You hummed in agreement, hand curled over your light energy. It was already pulsing in your hand. As soon as you got to the other side you were going to shine this light up those monsters’ a-
“REMEMBER! RING THE BELL WHEN YOU NEED TO RETURN!”
Nobara shouted as the portal began to consume you.
It was like a flash- one moment you were within Shapuro, the next you were in complete darkness. All you could see was the glow of your hands. As soon as you were in the dark you let your light shine bright.
Tossing it above you.
The light flashed like a shining star. Its rays pierced far and wide as it twinkled.
Loud screeching rang all around you. It was so loud. You yelp from the scream of the monsters as the ground shifted away from your feet. You toppled but a hand caught your back and held you upright,
“Keep going!”
You weren’t sure who had said it, there was so much commotion going on- but you were already shouting, “DIVINE LIGHT!” Casting the spell like it was second nature. Your curse energy burst all around you, erupting into a beautiful golden light that shattered into glittering stars.
“Fuck- was there this many here last time?”
“They may have multiplied!”
The darkness had shot away from you, creating a ring around the spot you were standing in and you could see a circle of the pretty galaxy above you, as if you were trapped in a giant barrel. The creatures had taken every inch of this once treasured home. Destroying the very clock tower that you stood upon. The rubble under your feet.
In that moment you had felt disgust. Watching as the monsters slithered and hissed away like cock roaches scattering from the light.
You were afraid when you first met them. You remembered how absolutely terrified you were…how afraid you were of losing your alphas and the people you cared about.
You allowed that anger to channel within you, but instead of your dark energy buzzing, it was your light.
Red eyes of different shapes and sizes appeared in the pit of monsters. There were so many of them packed in this little dimension that they were slipping and falling as they desperately tried to fight each other out of your light and away from your alphas who were slashing and blowing them up.
Each attack would create a cut into the darkness revealing the beautiful scenery that was obscured. Then it would wash away with tumbling lumps of shadows.
The monsters could barely fight back, their cries piercing like a bird’s dying breath.
“DIVINE LIGHT!”
Your next burst of magic created an even wider space, clearing a huge circle around the destroyed clock tower.
It was…
“This is easy!” Gojo scoffed as he took his hand and swiped it around. The monsters balled up into a curse energy sphere and then were dispersed into little droplets that burned up within your light.
Very easy.
“Cockiness will leave us open for a silly mistake.” Nanami commented while slashing in a quick session. The slashes cut threw in the shape of a star.
“We can’t let the pups down, they will be pissed if their dam is touched!” Toji chuckled with a spin of his sword, a tornado whipping the monsters away.
“D-dam?” You question in shock, your light flickers off.
“OI WHAT THE FUCK-“ Sukuna shouted as everyone panicked watching the monsters finally dive in for a big attack.
They came at you like a giant tsunami. Their eyes are angry and ready to feast upon you all.
“TURN THE LIGHT BACK ON!”
You shot your hands up letting your spell shoot from your palms. The wave crashed upon your bubble and sizzled into nothing.
“My bad!” Toji gave the others the yeesh look- like he didn’t expect you to be caught off guard.
“Stop distracting our omega you dumbass!” Sukuna shouted, jumping back into action.
“What- wait I didn’t mean to!”
No it wasn’t really Toji’s fault. You felt bad that such a comment had you stutter like that!
“You should know our darling gets flustered when it comes to being a dam.” Getou commented as he rested his back against yours. His Spirits were doing most of the work as he commanded them.
You noticed some weird glances sent your way but you pretended like you didn’t see them. Too busy killing.
You wouldn’t say you get flustered all the time they talk about pup and dam things… well probably a little. But the comment just had you stumble a bit because you weren’t trying to replace the girls’ mom. You're sure the woman was a wonderful mother. The pups would always speak of her in such a sweet and loving way. They loved their mother very much… but the way things worked in this world was a little weird. If a dam or sire dies then another one is to take their place. You would be lying if you didn’t feel the girls getting attached to you… and you them…but you always felt the moments in between tragedy were so short-lived.
It felt like… people were easy to replace… you were easy to replace.
If you were to die they’d be hurt…but sooner or later…maybe even within a day…they’d move on…but that’s just life. You can’t be mad that this world just processes things quicker…
Your next cast of light was a lot weaker…it was dimmer and didn’t have that explosion of energy.
“Do you need a mana pot?” Sukuna called.
No- you didn’t. You just let your thoughts cloud your mind. However, you weren’t stupid, you weren’t going to lie and jeopardize your team by taking a potion you didn’t need.
“No! I’m fine! I was just thinking about the pups…”
“Way ahead of you baby.”
Your brows furrowed at Gojo’s comment. “What?”
“What do you say we ask the old woman if we can adopt them into our pack?” Toji questioned.
“You- you guys want to take them?”
“We already discussed this after you failed miserably to disconnect yourself from them- “ Sukuna spoke but he couldn’t finish talking getting caught up in a little tussle with the shadow creatures.
“Getou is also quite connected, so do not put all the blame on her.” Nanami came to your defense.
Getou let out a little growl, “That’s because they smell like my omega. I will take care of anything that she wants.”
You looked over your shoulder, with a little smile, “That’s so sweet…”
“Hey! Me too!” Gojo shouted.
“As long as it’s not a half-baked alpha.” Sukuna growled.
“Agreed.” You were surprised to hear Toji agree to what Sukuna said.
But then you realized…
“What is a half-baked alpha?” Gojo whispered to Toji.
“A shit alpha. That doesn’t know how to take care of their pack.”
Toji and Sukuna were not talking about the same thing. Toji was referring to a terrible alpha. So in hindsight, you wonder if a good alpha would please him. And of course…Sukuna was referring to Choso.
Your heart aches for the beta…it was truly sad what he was going through…and even if his Raven is technically gone he still sees her within you. Was it so wrong for you to want to try to give him some sort of comfort? Some sort of happiness? Even if Raven didn’t reciprocate his feelings…
He seemed to just enjoy being around you.
What would be the harm of adding him to your pack? Sukuna said not a half-baked Alpha but jokes on him because he’s a beta with alpha tendencies…sooo that should be fine right?
Or would that just simply complicate things-
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?!”
You jolted- Sukuna came flying across you to attack a shadow monster who had sent a spike at you. You hadn’t realized it, but the elongated spike had become so thin by your light magic that you couldn’t see it point-blank. But when you saw Sukuna chop off the limb you noticed it still had a slight form to it. It was a nice prick that would have stabbed your damn eyeball.
The little mistake that almost cost you a very painful attack had you shuddering “Sorry sorry…just stop talking and making me think about things!”
“Were you thinking about him?”
“STOP TALKING!”
“I take that as a yes-“
“RYOUMEN SUKUNA!”
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆
Chef Note: I hope you guys have been having a wonderful holiday or just a wonderful week! And of course I hope you enjoyed your meal ^=^~!
For the nursery rhyme, I wanted to make sure it was catchy. So I read it over maybe once or twice and then would go on about my day and see if I remembered it. If I didn’t I would go in and tweak it a little. Good news I succeeded… bad news I got it stuck in my head now and was humming it to myself for my mom to be like pop goes the weasel and I was like :0 it is like the tune to pop goes the weasel it just doesn’t say pop goes the weasel at the end lol XD.
If you are confused with how it is sung let me know and I can try to break it down a little better :3!
Or if you have a different version then that’s fine too.