This is a 6k hearty meal take your time to eat it 👩🍳🖤
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You were within the astral projection realm.
Awaiting as the rings flashed over and over again just like when you called Choso...and Mahito.
It was weird to think that this was your third time connecting with someone. At least… that you know of. You weren't sure how many times you or Raven had made calls.
Doesn't matter… your heart thuds with each pulse.
Awaiting the man of your nightmares.
BOOP!
The area shifted into its more glowy atmosphere.
And right before you, Mahito's ghostly, colorful body appeared. "What...what the hell?" He questioned, wiping his eyes as if he had just woken up. “What the hell is going on here? How did you call me? Do you know what time it is?” He questioned in annoyance, an obnoxious yawn hitting him as he waved his hand in front of his mouth.
The way he spoke was so playful, it was vastly different from your memory. He must have been in a better mood. But you cant let that cause you to slip up. This alpha was crazy.
"Good evening, Mahito." You greet him with a stern tone.
"Raven...?” He peeked his eye at you...testing the waters.
"Yes."
He scanned the area suspiciously. "...What is it? Your fucked up mind fixed itself or what?"
He must think you have remembered everything- including your time living with them. You already knew Mei Mei was the one to lock away those memories. But it seemed this was unbeknownst to Mahito. If he knew Mei Mei messed with your mind he wouldn't have been surprised by your mental state the first time you connected with him.
Maybe Mei Mei was also the one to heal you.
Either way, you could use this to your advantage.
“No…not completely. I do not remember anything before the Omega House.”
This made the alpha’s eyes lower, “Yet you call me?”
“Yes, I did...Yuta had unearthed my memory that you had erased.”
That had Mahito looking at you in surprise, "Who?"
"Yuta. He's an alpha witch.”
"Lovely~." He spoke with sarcasm. Then, under his breath, he said, "Damn alpha reject can't do shit."
That pissed you off, but you kept yourself poised, "I’m sure you are aware of him since you guys tried to kill him and his family. I wonder what they or my alphas would say if I tell them the truth. You would have a lot of people after you.”
Mahito looked at you with a raised brow, and then he burst out laughing, "Ooohahahaooh! That's why you called? Are you threatening meeee? Raven~ That's not nice, I'm your friiiend!
You felt your stomach stir at his manic attitude. He was acting as though he had the upper hand…but there was a reason he erased your memory, a reason the attacks stopped, and there had to be a reason he took Dove.
You were betting it was fear.
“So then what should I tell my alphas? That my friend wanted me to get into their pack and kill them?”
“So spicy tonight, are your alphas not taking care of you?” Mahito took a lazy step toward you, but you moved back with a point of your finger-
“Don’t. If I show any signs of stress, Yuta will join our call and see the monster I'm talking to."
That made the alpha stop with a grin. He crossed his arms to rest his chin upon his fist, "And whyyy~ haven't you told anyone about the monster little bird?”
The endearing nickname sounded gross coming from his lips.
But telling him you despise him calling you that will only give him something to use against you. Any weakness Mahito found he exploited till the squeaky wheels fell off. It was no wonder he used your name to make Raven freak out.
“…I want to know…there must be some reason you want to get rid of the alphas…have they done something… that I can't remember?”
“They've done sooo~ much! We are pretty sure that bad man hurt you and destroyed your home. You used to have so many nightmares about it.” He bemoaned.
He must have been referring to Sukuna.
“Yes… Choso told me the same…is that it? Is that why we have to kill them?”
“That asshole also didn't invite me to his birthday party but no- you were supposed to get them under your thumb so I can do whatever I want. Keep them busy and I have fun! THAT was the deal. But noooo~ It doesn't matter now.” Mahito sighed in annoyance.
“What doesn't matter?”
“The plans have changed.”
“So…what am I to do?”
“Relax~.”
“Relax?”
“Yep.” he popped his lips. “Go home, and enjoy yourself.” he shrugged nonchalantly.
You furrowed your brows, “You want me to just… what? Enjoy life?”
“Exactly~ that's what I'm doing.”
“With Dove?”
The omega’s name made the alpha smile deviously, “Yes my omega, she speaks so highly about you. Can't get her to stop yapping about you.” That last part made his lip
twitch and his eyes roll.
It reminded you of Yu.
Was that jealousy?
That surprised you, “Do…do you like her?”
Mahito growled, “Fuck no- that bitch is annoying as-” he then paused as he realized he was spewing off, “- Why do you care hm?”
“Just trying to figure out why an alpha would steal a taken omega…figured you really liked her since she is a nice girl…”
“Oh stop you know why I took her.”
“Actually, I don't. Why don't you tell me?”
Mahito yawned while stretching his arms, “This is getting boring. Why don't we just cut straight to the heart ah? You won't send your fiends nor those witches north and I won't hurt your girlfriend.”
You couldn't even say you were surprised by the threat.
“So is this a sort of cease-fire agreement we're having?”
“Sure.” He reached his hand out for you to shake but you didn't take it.
You weren’t going to touch this filth. You learned your lesson the first time.
“And what about those things you said…about me… killing my alphas and betraying you…?”
“That was me just picking on you~you don't remember but that's how our friendship was You loved it.”
“You're lying…you said no matter what I will kill them. And even threatened me when you believed I was betraying you.”
He scoffed with a wave of his hand, “That’s just something the old man would say. He said you were cursed to kill the ones you love-”
“I'm cursed?” You cut in with wide eyes.
“I’m not done talking-buuuuut yes. That’s why you joined the alphas so they could help you find a cure for your cancer thingy. But it's gone now so congrats Raven. You win! Your perfect victory ~!” He clapped for you.
“Stop that-you think I’d believe a word you’d say?”
“Then what's the point of this call if you won't take my words. Isn't that all this is? I can say I will kill Dove now, would you believe that?”
“You kill her and I-”
“Re-lax! Damn, smoke some Husho huh?” He huffed. “Your illness- the tar that you came covered in might have been contagious, but it’s gone now, and look at you thriving and letting your wings fly~ Why not let bygones be bygones?”
“What? Does that mean…”
“This is my surrender flare. I just want to be at peace.”
Peace?
“…No more… attacks?”
“Nope.”
“…Why? Why do you want peace now?”
“I have had a change of heart that's why.”
He's lying! What change of heart?!
“Seriously? After everything you have done, like Aika-? Like Junpei? Like-All the people you have cursed to turn into monsters?! You just want to stop- that's it?”
“Ah, come on, I was young and stupid. I'm an alpha now.”
“That was this year!”
“And you killed the entire Chi village, I killed fewer people so I'd say you are beating me.”
“No! You cursed that town! They- I wouldn't have done that if you didn't make them go crazy!”
“I may have cursed them but I didn't make them transform. Haha~ imagine my surprise when I found out youmassacred them! Those poor people!” He shook his head pitifully while giggling.
“I-” you felt your chest tense up. “-You -you are the cause! You caused all this!”
“I was going to release them!”
“You're lying!”
“Am I? You know I have plenty of curses lingering around and yet I haven't transformed them and attacked anyone since Aika. You saw that first hand in Kobeq.” The realization on your face made the alpha smirk.“Exactly. But it's okay.” he put his hands up, “We alllll make mistakes, including me. I apologize for everything I have done to you even if you cant remember it.” He bowed.
There was something going on. You just couldn't sniff it out. Dove might know something.
“You… you will allow Dove to talk with me.”
“She's written plenty I just never sent them.”
You gapped, “Send them to me!”
“Alright- goodness. May I go to bed now?”
No way. There was no way he was just going to ‘relax’! And allow Dove to send you letters. What was this? No attacks? No plans? No nothing? Such a cruel man such as Mahito who gets off on hurting others?
What was he planning? What were they planning?
“I-I…” You gulped nervously. You didn't know what to expect from this call but a seemingly peaceful treaty was not it. If anything this threw you off more. “…Change them back…all the people you turned into curses… turn them back.”
“I can’t. Once the spell is done there is no reverse. But.” he snapped his fingers and pointed, “That book that beta is looking for to make him into an alpha could help you. Ask him.”
“Uh-” you blinked in surprise, “Ch-Choso is looking for the miracle book to become an alpha?”
“Pfthahah! He didn't tell you?!”
You wanted to yell at the alpha so he could stop laughing at Choso but you knew that would only make him laugh more. “…No. He’s fine just the way he is.”
“Hahahha! If you say so!”
“…” You neglected to entertain this conversation any longer glaring at the man. “We’re done here.”
“Aaah fine fine I didn't mean to upset you! Oh it was such a joy talking with you Raven you should call me more often. I like this new you. What do you call this persona?”
“Goodbye, Mahito.” You roll your eyes disconnecting the call.
It was so difficult to hide your annoyance with that alpha. He just loved to get under people's skin and he was damn good at it.
~
Yuta was standing before you, watching you closely as you blinked swiftly.
“Hey! You're back.”
“Hey…” you spoke slowly, getting your senses adjusted.
“It must have gone well?” he looked you up and down trying to analyze if you were in any harm.
“I…I have no idea honestly… it was… so weird.” You shook your head. “…They apologized…”
“Is that good….or bad?”
“To be determined…” You had to think over this new information... And new and ‘improved’ Mahito. “…I’m sorry, I got a lot to think about. “ You bowed to the alpha, “Thanks for helping me. I really appreciate everything that you have been doing for me.”
Yuta smiled, “No worries… but I do have one favor to ask you…”
You felt a bit nervous, having been slapped around by G.Ma so much, you were afraid of what this favor was going to be…“Sure…what is it?”
“Rika…” The alpha blushed a bit, “She…really liked that story you told at dinner... Could I get a copy of that book before you guys leave?”
You let out a little laugh, worry washing away, “Of course, I'll ask Nanami for a copy.”
“Thanks.” He beamed excitedly. “I’ll let you go out first.”
“Kay, see you around.” You whispered before slipping out of the bathroom.
You walked down the hall, hoping your expression didn't reveal the turmoil you were dealing with on the inside. Your conversation with Mahito weighed heavily on you. There was something wrong about it. Your gut told you that something was not right.
But what is it?
You wanted to talk to your alphas about this. Telling them about your call would be difficult because they were going to flip out over the fact that you didn't tell them first before doing it. Such an idea made your stomach feel queasy. Maybe you could start with Nanami first. No he will be upset that you put yourself in danger. You don't think anyone could help your situation at this point. This was a side quest that you were going to have to deal with on your own.
You will have to bury this secret.
Because you plan to call Mahito again.
‘This could be your thread…’ you reasoned with yourself…’Your lead that you could use to figure out the truth.’
Your alphas proved they couldn't handle everything. You needed this.
Already with this one call you learned so much.
Mahito was a talker and let a few things slip.
He did get Dove as a means of defense, so that meant he was afraid of your alphas. However, Kenjaku had told him that plans had changed, and therefore no more attacks would occur. You don't think they just so happen to wake up and see the light. Maybe, since you helped the witches and you were technically a new person… they were afraid of you turning on them.
Right now they seem to be lying low.
Good, this will give you time to get your pack ready for their next visit. You will lead Mahito into believing you were going to ‘relax’, but you planned to rescue Dove during your second ceremony.
Until then… You gotta figure out if your curse has actually been cured. You had to make sure you were safe for your alphas.
There was this blast of heat that hit you out of nowhere. Like you had just been smacked by the warmth of a sauna.
The feeling was not new to you.
Alphas.
Specifically yours.
Something was causing them distress.
Shit- did they know what you did?
Your steps quickened as you rushed toward the metaphorical fire.
The closer you got, the harder it was for you to breathe-your skin was feeling HOT- like you were sitting under the summer sun in the middle of July.
What was going on?
Some of the other witches were fleeing the danger zone.
If it was hot to you, it must have been scolding for them.
There just wasn't ever a break was there!
What was going on this time? You were so tired, your body barely whisped along trying to propel you forward. You didn't even have enough curse energy to enter your shadow form and go through the wall.
There was this loud clattering along with shouting and the music of chaos.
You ran out into the common area, your alphas down the stairs. Sukuna had Nanami by his shirt pinning him against a statue that had broken upon impact. Your other alphas were shouting at him trying to pull him off your blonde.
Choso was standing off to the side.
“Tell me Nanami! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU HIDING?!” Sukuna snarled.
“What's going on!” you shouted running down the stairs, but your alphas were much too occupied-
“Stop Sukuna-”
“Let us talk about this!”
Choso spoke to you, “What do they mean by…the game?”
“What?” You furrowed your brows.
“HE KNOWS SOMETHING! AND HE’S NOT TELLING ME!”
Nanami didn't even fight, his arms hanging to his side as Sukuna choked him, “Let her explain it to you- it's not in my place!”
“Guys what the fuck!” You try again.
“I'm sorry- I didn't know Y/n I didn't know-” Gojo looked toward you with frantic eyes.
“You are overthinking this- she would have told us-” Toji gestured, “Tell him baby-tell him he has nothing to worry about!”
Sukuna looked toward you with an expression that you had never seen before.
“What the fuck is he hiding from me? What the fuck are you not telling me? Why is Raven having dreams of me tearing her apart? Why is that the same way Raven dies in the fucking game?!”
Your breath caught in your chest, your eyes moving toward Choso who looked confused about the whole thing but most importantly the part about ‘the game’.
Sukuna grabbed your shoulders, “Nanami won't say- he won't say but I know the bastard knows something I don't…tell me-tell me…you said… Raven dies in the game…how does she…how does she die…”
You felt like you were hearing nothing. Nothing but this ringing noise. Oh no… not this… not now…this isn't how you wanted to talk about this…or maybe you never wanted to talk about this. You never wanted to see Sukuna like this... He was so far gone that he didn't even realize he was speaking about a secret that Choso should not know about.
You swallowed slowly, “We should go to my room where it's more private-”
“Y/n! Tell me…tell me…is that my destiny… is that why…why you chose me to do it? Is that why you always run from me?! Is that why you hate me?!”
He looked so hurt. So vulnerable. So fearful.
Spewing nonsense that he should know the answer to.
“Stop stop -saying that Sukuna! No, I love you- so please listen to me It’s- it’s not going to happen Solunar…” You shook your head reaching up to cup his face but he flinched away.
Your words… your expression…your wavering tone…all of it was answer enough.
The answer being yes.
Yes, Sukuna kills Raven in the game.
He looked at the others, “Who else knew about this besides this yellow-haired bastard…”
Getou looked down as he raised a dejected finger.
Sukuna scoffed.
“Sukuna…wait…”
“…” he was already leaving.
“Sukuna wait!” you called going after him but Toji grabbed your arm before you could.
“Why-why didn't you tell us…?” Toji questions sadly.
“Wh-what- I just didn't know how…or when… when would have been a good time?! I didn't want… I didn't want this…” You felt so… terrible.
“It’s not like it's going to happen… Sukuna wouldn't… he wouldn't - he couldn't!” Gojo spoke frantically a cracked laugh slipping from him.
You could smell the burnt cinnamon trail Sukuna left, you were afraid of his mental state. And right now you could barely ground yourself as it is. “Go- go with him please Toji, make sure he doesn't do anything…”
Toji hesitated for a moment, “I…” his brows furrowed, “…Is this something we need to worry about?”
“No!” you shout in shock, you don't know who you were trying to convince anymore. “It- It won't happen! Things have changed so much- It won't happen!” You sounded so confident but deep down you really didn't know where your destiny could lie. “G-Getou has been watching Miwa, nothing has happened to her so it’s fine. I'm fine. We are fine! We are!” You shout at your alphas who looked distraught by all of this.
“Ok…ok…” Toji’s expression was so fearful.
He probably didn't trust Sukuna anywhere near you now. Sad thing is… Sukuna probably felt the same way.
“It’s…It’s okay Toji there is no need for any of us to be scared.” You tried to console your alpha but you felt it only helped a little. “Nothing… is going to happen to me Toji so please make sure nothing happens to my alpha. That would hurt me the most. If something happened to any of you… that would wound me greatly… so please…I know he doesn't want to see…see me right now…”
Your alpha finally conceded, going after Sukuna.
You could still see the confusion on Choso’s face but he kept quiet as you conversed with your other alphas and did your best to do damage control. You gave his arm a little squeeze so he knew you hadn't forgotten about him.
“You guys…okay?” You questioned your other three who looked at every which way but at you.
“We are fine sweetheart…Just unfortunate timing.”
Gojo pulled at his hair, “It’s my fault- I told Sukuna we should try to be nicer to Choso and- and then he got to talking about Raven and why she was afraid of him…”
“I told them about your nightmares…” Choso spoke softly.
“Yeah- Yeah…and I-I just told Sukuna it was like how you said… You said about the whole dying thing in the… the thing…”
“…The…game.” Choso stated.
Gojo looked surprised, “I-I didn't even mean for him to hear that, should I kill him? Is he going to ruin everything now?”
“Gojo, no… I will talk with Choso later, I don't think he'd tell anyone…”
“Okay… okay right so… so yeah I-shit I can't remember where I was.”
“They came to me…” Getou commented, “I tried to deter them from the conversation but that only made Sukuna more suspicious…he wouldn't drop it so I told him to…talk to Nanami.”
Your blonde sighed, “I didn't feel I should talk to him about that…and I didn't wish to lie… but maybe if I did this wouldn't have happened. Perhaps I should have just lied...saved us a lot of trouble in the long run.”
“You’re too much of an honest man Nanami… I should have lied…”
By the sound of it, it sounded like everything just snowballed out of control.
You felt sick to your stomach.
Guess now wasn't a good time to tell them you spoke to Mahito.
“If we are going to pass the blame around then…I should have told you guys…I had…just never felt comfortable having that talk…I thought…I would never need to bring it up. Thought it would do more harm than good…”
“I…didn't know it was him...I just thought it was some monster or something...when you had told me…” Gojo spoke as his eyes drifted to the ground.
“…”
“Let us rest…this day has been eventful enough.” Nanami rubbed at his eyes, exhaustion evident.
Getou looked at Choso, “You will not speak of what you heard for the safety of our omega. Do I make myself clear?”
“I would do nothing to put her in harm's way.”
You held back your tears. You wanted to cry.
However, you kept it together for them.
If you start spiraling out of control it will cause more issues.
“Come on Gojo…Let’s get to bed.” You grab your alpha's fidgeting hands, deciding he needed you more than the other two right now. Sleeping together in his bed will help calm him down.
“Get to bed my pack… tomorrow is a new day.”
~
Sukuna had gone to his room last night…and he hadn't come out all day.
It was lunch, your pack eating within the dining hall. Breakfast was skipped due to everyone sleeping in. You didn't realize what time it was until your betas had woken you all up.
The unfortunate event was seemingly affecting everyone.
Gojo didn't even get greedy last night, all you did was hold him as he apologized over and over again. You hushed him and told him to sleep.
And now you all are here.
Picking at your food in silence trying to get something down.
Your betas and the other witches kept their curiosity at bay, trying to make things seem as normal as possible.
However, the burnt smell coming from Sukuna’s room was so potent that they had to evacuate the hall.
You just knew G.Ma was going to bitch about that.
Your other alphas had sprayed themselves in Nanako’s perfume so they wouldn't carry around a foul smell.
All in all your pack was once again in this awkward state.
Fucking yay.
Why did it seem you were constantly hurting someone in your pack? You finally got some resemblance to normal, even while dealing with Choso. Things were still looking brighter within. Outside that was a different ball game but inside… you thought your inner structure was finally becoming stronger again.
And yet this imaginary bomb just blew everything up.
It's not like it would happen.
It was in the game. Things were already so different that they had to see that. Yet any thoughts of harm were a means of losing it.
Hypothetical or not.
The thought of losing you or harming you was too much for them to bear.
You loved your pack but their obsession with you is the exact reason you didn't want to talk about the death of Raven.
Of course, this would happen on the day of the funeral…
“Is S’kuna okay?” Mimiko questioned while sipping her drink.
“He’s fine… just a little upset because he’s worried about me.” That was all you said to anyone who asked. Because no one else could know the truth. Choso shouldn't even know as much as he knows now. That was a slip-up that you were afraid would bite you in the ass. Yet he seemed to keep quiet during this problematic period. Making himself seemingly small while he watches closely.
“Eat your food.” Getou rubbed the pup’s back gently.
“He will…be there for… for mama’s… dance right?” Nanako looked worried.
“I will talk to him.” You smile softly, there was no way he'd miss it… even if he was going through something. He knew how heartbreaking it would be for the pups if he didn't show up… But you understood if he didn't... You hoped he'd be there. The girls had nothing to do with your issues. You stood, “I’m going to bring him some food.”
You kiss the girls and your alphas but when you got to Toji he stood.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Toji…” You place a hand upon his shoulder making him halt. “…I am not scared of my alpha. And I do not wish to make him believe I am.”
Toji’s fist tightened as he looked up at you in frustration, “I can’t- we can’t just…”
“Let her go.” Nanami came to your aid. “He has little curse energy to really do anything.”
There was a shifting of glances but Toji begrudgingly sat back down.
“He won't hurt me Toji. You have nothing to worry about so let us stop with this foolishness.” You kissed the alpha again but you could tell he was not convinced. His guard has yet to be dismantled.
Was this going to be an issue going forward? Is the trust gone for Sukuna? No… that would further ruin everything. Sukuna had a hard time with Choso believing him to be a danger to you but now Toji too?
What about everyone else?
No they can’t shun him. That would lead him to misery. And if one falls they all fall. Your pack will cease to function properly.
You tried to escape the dooming thoughts.
It will be fine! This was just another unfortunate set back but you always work it out! If you got through the other debacle you can get through this! It wasn’t impossible!
First things first you will apologize…
The hallway to Sukuna’s room made you frown. It smelled like burned spicy food. It was stinging your nose, making your eyes water. Not even the many candles could save this place. Your poor alpha was really going through it right now.
You hold your breath shifting the two plates to one arm. Usually, your alpha eats four plates but you don't think he'd have the appetite for it.
Here goes…
Before you could knock a gruff voice said-
“Drop it at the door.”
You blinked in surprise, hand in motion. “Ah-Okay…” The message was clear. He didn't want to see you right now. Your chest ached as you set the plates down in front of the door. You couldn't be surprised honestly. Standing you stare at the food as if it were going to somehow tell you how to make this all better. “…I’m sorry Sukuna… I’m really…really sorry I didn't tell you…” Your eyes watered, a sniffle tickling your chest before you could even prepare for it.
“…”
“…” You wipe some of your tears, clearing your throat, “Th-The girls… they wanted to know if you would be there for the funeral…”
“…”
“I can tell them that you aren't feeling wel-”
“I will.”
You slowly nodded your head, “Okay…thank you…” You were thankful that he was at least going to be there.
He wasn't too far gone.
You stood there for what felt like far too long.
No movement… no nothing. You felt you were overstaying. Standing in the same position, a wooden door separates you from your alpha. It made him feel so…far away. You couldn't expect him to come out and embrace you. You had to give him time…and space.
“…I…I love you…” You whispered sounding pathetic to your own ears.
“…”
“…”
You rubbed at your chest, trying to make the stabbing pain go away. He was once again holding his affection hostage. Just like before. You accept his non-answer. Accepting this shot to your heart.
“Leave me…Lu Marcie.”
His voice sounded strained. Like he was begging you to leave him. He didn't need to say please… but it was like you heard it anyway. He was hurting… bad… but he called you Lu Marcie. That was his little way of saying he loved you too.
Even in his terrible state.
You felt a little better, having this little scrap.
“If you need your space then okay… I'll be ready for you… When you are ready for me.” You placed your hand upon the door, allowing it to linger there for a moment. Then took your leave. You held your head up high, refusing to crumble. You will get through this just like you get through everything else. It will just take time. You will wait for however long Sukuna needs.
His hurt was just a little too fresh right now.
And that's okay.
Everything will be okay.
Even if you were distraught and sad about this…this storm will pass…and your pack will be whole again.
You had to hold on to this hope. Like you knew it was coming just like the sun rising-
Well, it doesn't rise here…
Maybe you just needed to leave this place.
Get some fresh air and vitamin D.
Go home and take time to reconnect with your alphas.
To mend your bond.
Yes…you will go home and allow your alphas to relax.
“Ah! There you are come come come!”
You heard G.Ma shout at you, down another hall, she was waving you over.
Oh no…
“G.Ma… if this is about my alpha I do not wish to do this right now-”
“No! I found it! I found what I was trying to tell you about that creature!” The woman had grabbed your arm waddling quickly.
You had never seen her move so fast, she was barely using her cane.
“What did you find?”
“The Thing!”
“What thing?”
“The Thing!”
“Yes, what thing?”
“Thats what it's called! The THING or IT!” G.Ma dragged you into her office and straight to her desk where there was a book open. She slammed her hand upon it, “See here now! Go on read it!”
She urged as you turned the book around. Upon the shadowy image, you felt a cold shiver seize you. “Is-is that what it looks like?” you question as your senses begin to scream. It felt like your body was trying to pull away yet you stayed in place. Trying to keep your teeth from clattering.
The image was of a large shadow creature. It looked like the very same one you saw in your vision when you were drowning.
“No…no one knows its true form. A monster that is only spoken about in whispers. I thought it wasn’t real… just something my Mimi would tell me to keep me in line…my brothers would use it to spook me but...if only we knew.”
You tried to avoid the picture as you read the writing on the page…
The Thing / IT
Possession: Papa had started acting strange. It was like he wasn't himself anymore. He looked like him… and behaved like so. But there was something eerie about him. He said he hated Kewaki porridge, even though it was his favorite meal. Mama says he is just happy to be alive and gets angry anytime I voice my concerns. I know I wished for him to be healed. I begged Tengen to bring my papa back, but this is not my papa. My papa had died. I held his hand as he took his last breath.
I don't know what this Thing is.
Creature: I have seen IT. The monster that crawls into my Papa's skin, and wears it like its own flesh. It was dark but the creature was large, and squished itself inside my papa’s body like it was clothes.
No one will listen to me.
They all tell me it was a fever dream.
I know what I saw.
Atrocities: These siblings are not mine. They are spawns of a creature. They have already surpassed me in training when I have practiced sorcery all my life. Where do they obtain such power?
All-Seeing Mirror: I have used the magical mirror to reveal the hideous truth of these creatures. The spawns have a red star symbol on their bodies, showing they are an abomination. I have shown my mother but she claims they are gifted. Blessed by Tengen himself with strong magic beyond our capabilities.
I gaze within the mirror as my father sleeps, and I have seen the stitches upon his forehead.
This isn't a blessing. This is a curse.
Dispatch: I have killed them all. Tainted their meals and slit their throats. Eradicated the pack so this entity does not spread. If I have failed then be warned of The Thing. IT will crawl into your loved ones and stitch itself inside. Birthing its evil spawns.
You finally finished, shaking your head in astonishment. The very symbol that was revealed on Yuji was drawn right next to the comment about the spawn’s star.
This certainly sounded like a horror movie.
It brought dread upon you.
Was that sweet ball of sunshine a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
“See…” G.Ma spoke behind you, “…I told you that thing comes from this monster…” She pointed at the figure, “His dam or sire was being puppeteered.”
“…If that's the case then…The Thing took hold of one of them after Sukuna’s birth… he doesn't have the star.”
“Exactly. I heard both of his parents have perished… so that means that this entity could have jumped into another body. We need that monster to tell us where its leader is.”
Its leader…was it the same monster you had seen?
“I have to talk to…” Shit…How the hell was your pack going to deal with this shit?
Nanami won't be able to handle the news, Sukuna was already locked away in his own mental battle, Toji was afraid for your well-being around Sukuna, Gojo thinks he's ruined your pack, and Getou is in the middle trying to keep everyone calm, while Choso watches this dumpster fire.
You felt like YOU were about to snap.
“You alright?” G.Ma questioned as she leaned into view.
You had gone radio silent, frozen in place, “Nope…no, not at all.”
The woman seemed a bit surprised by your honesty. “Here…” G.Ma, moved to grab something.
You heard clinking but didn't look until a dark purple drink was being handed to you.
“What is this?”
“A drink for your nerves. Your body is too heavy.”
You let out a scoff, “Tell me about it…” grabbing the cup you looked within the glass. It was a thick liquid. “…What is this?”
“Lavadagra with extra Lavada leaves.” G.Ma had poured her a glass as well. “Constant fear and anxiety are not good for the body. Especially, as an omega. However, when we were in darker times those feelings were hard to bypass. Not even Husho could help. This kept my ancestors from losing their bandoolzes.”
You were still hesitating over drinking the substance. “I appreciate it G.Ma… but…” You set the glass down upon the desk, “…I can’t drink my worries away. I need to keep myself grounded. I just…”
“You cannot lead your pack if you start to break. I admire you for your strength. But this doesn't hinder it. Just think of it like emotion control. You still feel everything it just grounds it for you…makes it less…potent.” She finished taking a sip of her drink.
“So why are you drinking? What do you need to be grounded for?”
“Besides my granddaughter's funeral today or my nightmare being real?”
“Fair…” You took a cautionary sip, licking your lips. The drink tasted pretty good, like purple jello. Its effects seemed to work as you took sip after sip. You felt as though your body was finally getting out of this locked position. Like your limbs felt stretched and you felt a lot taller. “…Wow…” You felt… good. Still bad but good. You didn't feel like you had to throw up.
“Works like a charm.” G.Ma commented sitting back in her seat with a sigh.
You sat down too, staring at the moon in the back of her window. “I’m surprised you aren't yelling at me about my alphas' scents.” You state rather simply.
“I don't yell all the time.”
“Yes, that's why some of your witches call you a hag behind your back?”
“Okay, you’ve had enough to drink! Now you are getting too comfortable!”
You let out a laugh as did the elder woman.
After a while, she spoke again, “Truthfully…I hope my granddaughter dances for you…those pups are so attached as it is.”
“Really? I had the feeling you hated me. I did beat up your grandson.”
“I do not hate you. I fear you. There is a difference. And we witches get into fights all the time… we have our moments. My sister and I would curse each other every other week.”
“That’s horrible G.Ma. A pack should not fight each other like that. I don't even allow Mimiko and Nanako to say shut up to each other.”
“…”
You felt like you had probably spoken your mind too much. But the drink made that feeling very small. “What? How you run your pack is your business, but it's also why our packs don’t get along. We can love each other from afar. There is nothing wrong with admitting our differences.”
G.Ma smacked her lips, “You sound just like Akasi, perhaps you were sent here by Alune herself to teach me a lesson.”
“It seems she has been sending you many lessons. I heard Rika and you also bumped heads.”
The woman pressed her lips into a thin line, the drink was probably quieting her stubborn anger. “We will see…if I will learn this time.”
“Cheers to that.”
The two of you clinked your glasses and drank your drinks.
Maybe you could teach an old dog new tricks...
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Chef Note: I was hoping to post this chapter earlier this week but my mom was needing my presence a bit more this week. She doesn't really have friends and always says her kids are her best friends so when she's going through a bad work week I try to hang out with her more to get her mind off of things. Yes, I spend a lot of time with her like all the time but she needed it more so XD.
A lot to digest in this chapter take your time 🙂↕️