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Hummingbirds migrate alone
A little thing they are. Frail. Quiet. Not timid but…obedient.
This is the first time that Uraume has made an effort to be with someone else, to be alive for someone else. This isn’t something that comes to mind often. Usually they remain alone and flourish in solitude. Their sudden change in emotions come from a saving grace – a true saving grace that should’ve killed them instead of letting them live. Uraume always thought that the lonely life they lived would end that way. And yet, now they walk behind an all powerful sorcerer as he tells them his plans for the world. It’s confusing to them. He talks about creating a better world where only the strongest can live, where the best of the best can carve out their own paths on a planet of worthless beings.
Is he not human? Uraume can feel that there is more to Sukuna than that. Or, there will be more to Sukuna. He’ll be a king one day. The most powerful sorcerer in the world. Uraume can see that future for him.
But they wonder where their place is with him. They need to prove their worth, they don’t think they’ve done that just yet. It’s frightening to not know how Sukuna will ask of their loyalty. So they remain quiet for the time being.
The two of them walk in the garden. Uraume follows a few paces behind and listens closely to every word that Sukuna says. It’s like a teaching. They learn his mannerisms quickly, study what he likes and doesn’t like. How he says things and how he lets out his emotions. Uraume watches the way he walks with his head held high and confidence exuding from his body. This man is so poised and calm, it’s almost a dream. To them, Sukuna is otherworldly.
Uraume follows blindly, letting the white kimono be their guide around the garden of red tulips. Sukuna’s pink hair is bright in the light of the sun. His skin is covered by his clothes; a sliver of his black tattoos peaks from the neck line, but Uraume lets their memory fill in the rest. There’s not much they know about Sukuna’s life yet; they haven’t asked about his tattoos or his life before this…they want to get to know him, but they continue to keep quiet. They hope that they can stay with him long enough to know more about him…
Their mind wanders until they’re listening to the tune of their own imagination of what their servitude to Sukuna could be like.
“...ume? Uraume.”
They abruptly snap out of their trance and stare bewilderedly at Sukuna. Their body goes rigid once they realize that Sukuna is looking back at them. Their heart flutters to the point that it’s painful.
Sukuna’s gaze is naturally unrelenting. Crimson eyes pierce into Uraume’s soul. They become completely naked and bare from Sukuna’s unwavering stare.
“Y-yes!” Uraume stammers.
“Did you hear me?” Sukuna raises an eyebrow.
“Y-yes…” Uraume’s cheeks begin to brighten as they look around, “my lord,” they say though it sounds off to them. Is it because they don’t mean it? It’s the first time they address Sukuna so highly. The words don’t feel right from their lips.
Sukuna laughs at how uncomfortable Uraume appears. “The words don’t sound appealing coming from you,” his voice is loud in the garden, his laugh hearty and deep. Uraume becomes even more embarrassed. Their face grow hot and they stare at the pebbles on the ground.
Water trickles from the small waterfall into the pond in the center of the flowers. The warm breeze blows Uraume’s white bangs from their forehead briefly. It’s hard to hide how flustered they are. Sukuna continues to laugh and Uraume only becomes more frustrated. Their effort should mean something.
“Come, Uraume. Let me tell you my vision for the world.” Sukuna says with a smile and turns away to walk deeper into the garden. “I’ll make a place where sorcerers can do what they want freely. No rules or laws to hold us back. We will be gods among many…”
Uraume can’t take a step forward. They hear his words and once again they’re confused. “Me?” They ask, almost shyly, their voice small. They hadn’t thought they’d be included in such a world. At least, not in the manner that Sukuna is describing.
He turns back towards them again, just as confused as they are. But he realizes why they seem puzzled. His expression becomes soft when he looks at Uraume; this is a gaze he wouldn’t give to anyone else but them. “Yes, you, Uraume.” Sukuna answers. “You’re strong.”
“That’s…high praise.” Uraume’s brows furrow. They can’t look up at Sukuna.
“It is.” Sukuna agrees.
“I’m only here to be by your side.” Uraume makes their devotion known. Still, their expression is quizzical. And they can’t lift their eyes to look at Sukuna, not even as he walks towards them.
“Is that so?” Sukuna hums quietly. “What does your loyalty look like, Uraume?” He asks.
A rush of panic takes over and Uraume sputters to come up with an answer. What does their loyalty look like? What should they do? They haven’t gotten this far before. Sukuna hasn’t asked what they would do for him until now. Uraume believes they have given it thought before but now that they are asked by the one they call their “lord”, not a single word can come to mind.
Gently, Sukuna rests his hand on Uraume’s shoulder. “Your heart beats faster than mine.” The hand placed on them is not reassurance, at least not to Uraume. Their heart is buzzing in their chest, and Sukuna can feel it. “Tell me…how can you be of use to me, Uraume?”
There’s no rest for Uraume’s heart.
The hand on their shoulder moves and Uraume feels compelled to drop to their knees. To kneel at his feet. They called Sukuna their lord before, they might as well act as if that’s true. Their hands pull on their kimono as they prepare to lower themselves, but Sukuna doesn’t let them. “Ah,” he holds their chin, “I said tell me.” He repeats as he tilts their head back. “Don’t kneel unless you know why you’re doing it.”
Uraume’s eyes widen. Once again they’re surprised by his words. “I wish to follow you.” They have a desperate need to prove it to him.
“Why?”
Why. That’s what makes their mind freeze. They know why. There are so many reasons why. But their breath catches and they can’t say a single word. They look into Sukuna’s eyes, their heart still racing, their blood going cold. They panic as they try to find a way to tell Sukuna that his entire being consumes them.
It burns to have the words on their tongue.
Their lips quiver with the need to speak.
They’re paralyzed.
Lucky for them, Sukuna can see the paralyzing devotion through their eyes. The fear that Uraume shows is not because of Sukuna being so close to them, holding their face, and staring into their eyes like they are the only two in the world. Their fear comes from not knowing how to express their true desires.
They’ll go with Sukuna to the ends of the earth.
Sukuna smiles slowly and leans closer to his new servant. Their cheeks are no longer pale, their cold blood instantly becomes burning hot as the fire Sukuna wields. Their eyes, as bewildered as before, flutter behind the curtain of white eyelashes. Sukuna comes even closer and Uraume can barely breathe.
“Is your love deep for me, Uraume?”
Sukuna’s lips just barely hover over Uraume’s as he speaks to them, his voice low. They feel his gentle breath caress their skin. He asks the question so fondly, as if Uraume’s answer matters to him. They swoon because of the question, it’s music to their ears. A sweet and beautiful sound.
Is their love deep for Sukuna?
“Yes, my lord.” Uraume says.
Proudly.
Sukuna’s smile widens. Uraume is a quick learner and has a lot of devotion to show.
Hummingbirds visit hundreds of flowers each day
The flowers on the south side of the garden bloom red in the summer. The colors are vibrant, each group of flowers a different shade. Butterflies and hummingbirds land near the beautiful plants to steal their nectar. Quietly, in the distance, a few animals roam through them. The sun is high in the sky and the air is humid today. It’s not unusual in the summer, however this past week has been more dry.
Uraume walks along the stone path. Their feet are bare on this hot day. They don’t feel the stinging pain of the stones on their soles. Their pale skin barely flushes from the warmth either. Their hands rest by their sides; the sleeves of their kimono are long enough to cover the tips of their fingers. The fabric is a faint yellow, the bow around their torso a pale blue. The only red on them is the streak in their white hair; there’s a hint of purple and it brightens in the sunlight. Their eyes have a similar shade of beautiful maroon. It’s not unusual for the look in their eyes to be dull. Or sometimes angry. However, today, their eyes sparkle brightly as they admire the red flowers of the garden.
Sukuna has been very kind to them.
Generous even.
Uraume tells themselves that they made the right choice, that they’re following a worthy master.
Sukuna has already told them his vision for the world and Uraume believes every word of it. They want to be there when Sukuna transforms the sorcerer ideology. It’ll be the start of a powerful era where the strong will rule and the weak can only watch.
This is the first time they have heard such extreme plans from any sorcerer. Uraume, as everyone else, has always followed the rules, done what they were told, and didn’t make a fuss. They were never put in a position to conceal their powers but they hardly went out of their way to use them. None of the other sorcerers were unruly. Even the curse users didn’t stir up as much trouble as Sukuna is planning now. However, Uraume wouldn’t call it trouble. They know that Sukuna is trying to change the world for the better.
They imagine a quiet and peaceful place where they can be free to do what they want.
Slowly, their pace comes to a stop in front of the blooming crimson tulips. They tilt their head back to look up towards the clear sky; their white hair has gotten longer over the past few weeks, the length reaching to their shoulders. The sunlight is warm on their face. They close their eyes but the bright light doesn’t go away. The beginning of summer usually isn't their favorite time of year but the flowers fill them with a sense of peace. The fragrance is thick around them. Uraume takes a deep breath and fills their lungs to the brim with the humid air. And when they breathe out, they feel…whole.
The aura that surrounds Uraume is a cold one, but their master enjoys the summer time so they will learn to enjoy it, too.
"Uraume."
Their name comes from afar. When they turn, they see Sukuna standing by the rose garden. Instantly, Uraume's heart jumps as if they've been caught doing something they're not supposed to; Sukuna had been gone for a few days, so Uraume wanted to take some time to get to know the garden and tend to the flowers. It wasn't asked of them. They just never saw anyone else come to the garden, so they thought, as Sukuna's servant, they should perform the role. Their eyes fall to the ground and they hesitantly take a step away from the tulips as Sukuna approaches.
"Your feet are bare." Sukuna looks down, too, and he notices Uraume's pale toes almost covered by the length of their kimono. "That can't feel pleasant."
"No need to worry for me, my lord." Uraume bows their head. Their brows furrow once Sukuna can't see their face. As usual, they're confused by how Sukuna treats them. "My feet are fine." They look up to him again.
"Shoes won't hurt you, Uraume."
"The ground is warm." Uraume says. "If it gets too hot, I can make a path of ice." They say and let their cold aura concentrate at their feet. Frost rises from their skin and a small patch of ice spreads where they stand. "I'm only learning the garden."
"Do you like flowers?"
Uraume wants to nod. A blush rises to their cheeks and they mash their lips together to hold back a smile. Sukuna sees a shimmer in their eyes that he hasn't seen since they recently came to him. "I admire nature at times." Uraume says instead.
To offer a part of themselves seems a little silly. They're a servant. It wouldn't be their place to share more than Sukuna needs to know.
"But…" Uraume looks to the side, "I need to learn the area. I can't be a good servant to you unless I know every inch of this place."
"Hm." Sukuna hums quietly and crosses his arms into the sleeves of his kimono. Uraume has noticed that the size is too big for him but they haven't asked why yet. "Do you know how to cook?"
The question takes them by surprise. "W-what?-" They sputter.
"Can you prepare a meal?" Sukuna rephrases the question. "You barely eat but I've seen you tasting a few of the herbs in the garden." He gestures across the ways to where the herbs grow.
It’s true that Uraume wanders near the herbs on occasion. They’ll take some mint or rosemary back with them, too. At the moment, they wait for the thyme and basil to be perfect so they can pick them.
Uraume doesn’t realize that Sukuna has been watching them until now. "I can do whatever you tell me." They answer once the fog in their mind clears.
Sukuna laughs at the response. He's amused by how much Uraume wants to show that they're useful. They've already shown him that before. Now, he just wants to know what else they like to do.
"Come." Sukuna walks forward and extends his arms around their shoulders, leading them towards the herb gardens. The cold aura that surrounds Uraume instantly fades away. Now under Sukuna's arm, Uraume feels shrouded in a protective warmth. "I enjoy a feast so I'll share with you my favorite meals." Sukuna guides Uraume as he always does.
He'll teach. They'll learn. That's how their weeks have been.
"I hope you like meat, Uraume." Sukuna laughs loudly again.
Uraume doesn't have the heart to tell him that they're vegetarian. However, that won't stop them from learning how to prepare a feast fit for a king.
Hummingbirds can be aggressive and territorial
Sukuna has grown more powerful over the year. Other sorcerers warn him that he is going too far with his plans, though that doesn’t stop him. Sukuna is the one to be feared now. No curse can compare to his power. He wants others to join him as well. He promises them a world where they can be free. A few sorcerers are hesitant. Some are scared. And some wait to see how the end will happen. Will the society of sorcerers put a stop to Sukuna’s vision, or will Sukuna use his strengths to put an end to the restrictive laws and rules? There’s tension everywhere. No one knows what will happen.
The society of sorcerers decide that they have to execute Sukuna because he’s too great a threat.
Their plans to take him down always go unexpectedly. Sukuna doesn’t have his own army of sorcerers beside him. In fact, he’s usually alone when he’s found. Every time more powerful than the last, not a single sorcerer can get close to him.
He doesn’t have an army.
However, he has Uraume.
They are a threat all on their own. Sukuna doesn’t restrict any of what Uraume does. Thus, they unleash everything they have as a sign of their complete devotion to their master.
Not that Sukuna needs protection, Uraume believes that he has better things to concern himself with than low sorcerers that are beneath him. They’ll handle whoever tries to get in his way.
Plans to get to Sukuna now have to include taking down Uraume. That will be the only way to have a chance at executing Sukuna, or so it seems. Sorcerers come up with their strategies to keep Uraume occupied, anything that will separate them from Sukuna and force them to defend their life first instead of his.
It works.
Uraume is ambushed by a small army of sorcerers and forced away from Sukuna. No matter how hard they try to rush to his aid, the barrier of sorcerers continues to push them further back into a forest. They have no choice but to run. The sorcerers are aiming to kill them.
With Uraume out of the way, maybe the others have a chance.
“Sukuna! Stand down! You are no longer in a position to fight!” One of the sorcerers yells his way.
Sukuna looks among the many sorcerers that are prepared to kill him. He’s the only one standing in the clearing of grass. His hands are crossed in his white yukata. The others watch closely for any sudden movements he may make, but Sukuna remains completely still. His expression is plain, his eyes distant. His mind is far away. He thinks of a way to get himself out of this situation, not out of difficulty but how to use as little energy as possible.
“No.” Sukuna finally says after giving their offer some thought. He never intended to surrender. “You either stand beside me or die. The choice is yours.” There is no fear in his eyes. His voice is strong. He lets his opponents know that it will be futile to fight him.
The sorcerers take that as a threat.
They all lunge for Sukuna, weapons drawn and powers bare. Sukuna goes head first towards them all. A wicked smile spreads on his lips and his eyes shine for the first time with a thrill he only gets from fighting. Finally, a worthy battle. One against many. Sukuna will kill them all.
However, the first blow is a fast one. A small silver dagger plunges through his chest in the blink of an eye. It impales his heart and a gush of blood stains his white yukata red.
It's the first time Sukuna doesn’t see a threat coming until it’s too late. He stands there, expression shocked from the sudden pain rippling through his chest. And from his human flaw. A weakness. He couldn't see what was ahead of him; the thrill of an intense battle blinded him from seeing his enemy's desperation. This mistake is not something he will make again.
What would have been a world changing fight is cut short, immediately halting Sukuna's breath and leaving everyone in silence.
This moment, the fall of Sukuna, would have been a righteous one had a crystal meteor not crashed into the ground. It comes straight from the sky and plummets into the earth, creating a barrier between Sukuna and the other sorcerers. Instantly, the area is covered in ice. The temperature is frigid and the air is sharp.
The heavy mist slowly clears and reveals Uraume in the center of the cracked ground, broken shards of ice surrounding them. Their hands are deep in the frozen dirt as they turn the terrain into a frozen wasteland. Their kimono is torn and covered in blood. Blotches of red and purple mark their skin, open wounds still bleed with scratches and cuts on their face.
Their eyes tell the story of what they've done.
Keeping them away from their master has made them unruly and violent. Enough for them to kill without mercy.
It’s unfortunate that they weren’t fast enough to stop the single dagger that pierces through Sukuna’s chest. They would have taken the dagger a thousand times over if it meant that Sukuna would be unharmed.
Now, the powerful sorcerer falls to his knees. His last breath is slow, the frost leaves his lips and he falls over. Silent.
“Uraume.” A sorcerer calls above them.
Their ears are ringing. Their heart flutters from the panic and rage. Sukuna has died because of their failure, and that is not something they can handle. It's as though their entire world stops and they're forced to relive this trauma over and over as the seconds pass.
They can feel it, his curse energy waning, slowly turning into nothing as his blood pools on the icy ground. They don't see the moment Sukuna loses his life, but they feel it as if it's their own life.
The other sorcerers stand around the clearing, some hiding among the trees at the edge of the area. By the look on Uraume's face, every one of them know that the job is done.
“Your execution is next, Uraume.”
The next breath Uraume takes is through their teeth. Their muscles tense and their fingers dig deeper into the solid ground. The ice thickens but the sorcerers don’t retreat. There’s no need, especially since Sukuna is dead. They’ve done what they needed to, and that is take care of the more serious threat; Uraume will have no choice but to surrender since they no longer have a master to lead them.
"You've made a grave mistake." Uraume grits through their teeth as they rise to their feet. Their bloody hands clench by their sides, the crimson liquid dripping from their knuckles and onto the ice. Their glare is colder than the air they breathe.
"The only mistake was letting Sukuna go unchecked. He chose his path and now he suffered the consequences-"
Uraume screams. "Watch the way you speak of him!-"
"He's dead, Uraume!" Another sorcerer shouts at them. "You will be, too!."
Uraume will fight with their life and die protecting Sukuna. This is what they think their purpose is and they serve it well.
Their anger fuels them to take on the group of sorcerers by themselves. They unleash their full power with the intent on killing everyone here. They'll curse them all to hell as revenge for what they did to Sukuna. Uraume's scream pierces the frozen air as the others approach them quickly.
They use crystal daggers to impale the sorcerers, one by one, if they get too close. Their slaughter is just as vicious as anything and everything Sukuna has done. Uraume won't stop until the ice melts red.
In the midst of their battle, a fire sparks and Sukuna's body burns. Uraume whips around once they see the flickering orange light and their agony becomes debilitating once they see their master go up in flames. It's unexpected. And it destroys them. At this moment, Uraume realizes that there's nothing they can do to save Sukuna. Not even protect his body.
Everyone stops to watch the fire.
A familiar voice is heard laughing. The sound grows until the laughter becomes a cackle of pure excitement. It comes from the growing flame that melts the ice.
"No…" Someone whispers in disbelief.
One arm reaches out of the fire and claws at the burned grass, nails as black as night digging deep into the dirt. Then another arm reaches out. Then another. And another. Four large arms pull a massive body from the fire. This vicious beast, the curse, rises to its feet while still cackling evilly. The sound brings chills to everyone that hears it.
It’s massive and domineering. A hole splits open at its torso and bears sharp teeth while snarling viciously. The markings on its chest and arms are familiar. This beast, everyone knows who it is, yet it has transformed into something far worse than anyone can imagine.
Sukuna, now reborn as a special grade curse, appears thrilled with the sudden influx of power.
Uraume stares in awe of their master. Two faces, four arms, dominating stature…Uraume thinks he's beautiful like this.
A true king.
They're compelled to kneel before him. They’re the only one amongst other sorcerers to get down on one knee and bow their head. Everyone else stands paralyzed before this monster. However, Uraume shows their continued gratitude for their saving grace.
As they take a breath, their panic flows away with ease. Once again, they feel whole.
"My lord, allow me to take care of the waste of space."
Four crimson eyes glare with a passionate fire. Uraume can feel the heat of his look and it makes their heart flutter. They wait for Sukuna’s commands. "Do as you please, Uraume."
That’s all they need to hear to unleash an icy hell on every sorcerer that threatens Sukuna’s life. And they do so as Sukuna watches with an intense fire. Uraume wants nothing more than to prove that they will do anything for him.
Large crystal shards rain down from the sky by Uraume’s will.
When the destruction stops, and the mist clears, what’s left is a bloody battlefield and dismembered sorcerers; some have painful and excruciating deaths, others lose their lives immediately. Their blood splatters along the reflective ice, pooling in the cracks and leaving a trail to the disfigured bodies.
Sukuna laughs. Wildly.
The other mouth howls, too. It rumbles excitedly and bears its sharp teeth again.
Uraume turns to look at their master again. Not often do their eyes sparkle, but there’s a fondness in the way that they look at Sukuna. He’s much bigger now, broader and more muscular. His four hands clench tightly with his immense strength. There are four eyes, too. Half his face is covered by a wooden mask, two eyes a part of it.
“Uraume! You never enjoy the battle!” Sukuna laughs.
“I don’t have patience for nonsense. These peasants were beneath you anyway.” When they turn back to look at their massacre, their lip curls with disgust.
However, it’s true they don’t enjoy the fight. Their clothes are torn and they have blood all over them. Not to mention the wounds they’ll have to tend to. Had they not gotten separated from Sukuna, this wouldn’t have happened. They tug at the shredded fabric of their sleeve and sigh. Though, their worry for themselves comes to a stop when they begin to think about Sukuna again.
“My lord, we must leave-”
“Always in such a rush.” Sukuna wants to admire the bloodshed.
“Please, Sukuna, allow me to at least tend to your wounds and prepare a meal…” Their voice trails off when Sukuna approaches them. They lean their head back to gaze up at his massive stature.
A hand rests on the top of their head. The palm is warm and a finger gently rubs their hair. Uraume’s eyes slowly go wide once they realize that Sukuna is patting their head. A sign of approval. Praise. This means Sukuna is proud? Uraume holds their breath as their face glows from the sudden heat.
“As you please, Uraume.” Sukuna answers.
“Ah.” They breathe out after a second. Their nerves only go away slightly, though Sukuna’s hand continues to be gentle on their head. “Shall I bring the meat?” They refer to the dead among them.
“Wonderful idea! A feast for a king!” Sukuna’s voice booms in the clearing as he begins laughing again. He suddenly has a taste for flesh and Uraume’s idea to cook the dead sorcerers is appetizing.
Uraume smiles.
They can cook a feast for Sukuna.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red
It was Uraume's idea.
A bath fit for a king.
Enough blood to be reborn in.
They prepare the perfect space for Sukuna, a massive tub filled to the brim with the blood of new followers and enemies. It's more pure than water. They believe the blood will wash away Sukuna's old life so he can start fresh as a true king.
Sukuna sits peacefully in the bath. His upper arms are spread wide against the icy edge. He leans his head back and sighs as his new body gets used to the warmth.
Uraume watches.
They stand a few steps back and quietly observe Sukuna submerged in the crimson fluid. It grabs their attention once again. Before they know it, they're daydreaming about the bright red flowers and red paint Sukuna uses to create his art. Blood is such a beautiful color. Uraume believes they made the right choice for this bath.
"Uraume." Sukuna turns his head slightly. Uraume sees the wooden mask and the eyes that are on it. A beautiful crimson red. They like it.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Join me." He lifts his hand and waves them over.
"I shouldn't." Uraume answers curtly. "This bath isn't for me and I shouldn't disturb your peace."
"I would rather you not stand and watch me the entire time."
"Why?" Uraume asks, puzzled. "I enjoy my place here."
Sukuna sighs, "If we begin this as a ritual, you must join me." He sounds adamant to have Uraume by his side.
This confuses Uraume a bit. They understand their place as a servant, they have no desire in taking part of something meant for Sukuna.
They walk towards him and pause. Their mind is quiet for a few seconds. Then they lift their maroon kimono and place their foot in the sea of red. The blood covers up to their shin once their foot reaches the first step. Slowly, they bring their other foot down as well. The first step is as far as they're tempted to go.
However, they stare at the blood intensely. Their eyes are hypnotized by the deep color, enough so that they imagine themselves sinking further into it until they disappear. Their heart swells with admiration for the sea of blood they've created. But they don't go any further. Instead, they sit at the edge quietly.
It's their way of meeting Sukuna halfway.
Of course they'll do anything he says. Within reason of course. A servant shouldn't be bathing next to their king.
Sukuna allows them to sit beside him.
"You say you want this to be a ritual?" Uraume asks quietly as they place their hands in their lap, their fingers tugging on a soft cloth they plan to use once Sukuna is done.
"'To be reborn'..." Sukuna's voice trails off and he hums. "I like it."
"How many times are you planning to be reborn?" Uraume snickers with a sly smile.
"How extraneous was it to make the bath?" He turns to them, a smile rising to his lips.
"Nothing is too extraneous for you, my lord." Uraume's own heart swells as they say this. Nothing gives them more joy than being devoted to their master.
They lift their hands to Sukuna's face. Their fingers trace the wooden mask gently, feeling the textures for the first time. Being this close to him has always made Uraume nervous, but they also feel a sense of pride, too. They live to be near him. To be this close is an honor. One hand falls lower to his chin and with a little pressure, they are able to tilt his head back slightly to look into his eyes…vivid crimson and as deep as the blood he bathes in. Uraume easily becomes hypnotized by his eyes, by the power he exudes…his entire being.
Before they fall deeper into their affection for him, they touch the mask again and gently pull it from his face. Behind it, his skin is deformed and scarred. Uraume wonders if it was painful when Sukuna transformed into what he is now. They don't ask but the question lingers in their mind. With their curiosity, they touch his face; their fingers rub lightly on the tight skin. It's warm and hard, but Uraume knows it's him. Sukuna's eyes close and he leans into Uraume's touch.
Their heart swells even more.
Their beautiful king has given himself to them just for a moment. Uraume feels honored.
He'll make a world just as beautiful, Uraume believes it.
They draw their hand back and rest the mask in their lap; they use the cloth to wipe it clean. "I wonder how long the world will last if you continue to crave a blood bath, my lord."
"We can make it last.”
“We?”
“You always believe that my plans won’t include you.” Sukuna chuckles to himself. “I can’t understand why.” He leans his head onto his hand. He appears amused with how Uraume questions their place with him, but that’s not it at all.
“My purpose is to serve you, Master Sukuna. Nothing more.” Uraume nods slowly as they wipe the mask gently. “I am fulfilled with what I’m doing.”
“I still want you by my side, Uraume. I trust you.”
Uraume mashes their lips together and hides their smile again. They don’t win. The corners of their lips curve upwards even if they try to stop it. Hearing that they’re trusted fills them with joy, more joy than Sukuna will ever know. This is the first time that they’re wanted and desired. This is the first time they’ve felt like their life is worth living.
“I will do anything you ask of me, Sukuna.”
Uraume has proven that much.
They live for Sukuna.
“That’s good to hear.” Sukuna smiles, too. “Don’t ever leave.”
“I will never have a reason to, my lord.” Uraume glances to the side at Sukuna, their cheeks turning red. Now their smile is full. They look at Sukuna with adoration and love.
They lift the mask up and stand in the pool of blood, their kimono laying at the surface. They turn away to get out of the bath, but they feel something caress their ankle. They look down abruptly as Sukuna’s fingers rub along their calf. He teases them gently, hoping to coax them to get in the bath with him.
“Allow me to prepare your meal.” Uraume laughs quietly from the soft touch. Their pale skin drips with blood and Sukuna wipes it away slowly as if Uraume is his delicate doll.
Sukuna leans his head back, his pink hair falling out of his face. All four of his eyes gaze at Uraume deeply. That stare will always be unrelenting, but for Uraume, Sukuna softens up a bit. He wants them to stay. Uraume’s expression doesn’t change. Although soft, they shake their head with a smile. There’s nothing that will change their mind. Not even Sukuna’s desire to have them relax in his presence.
“Alright, Uraume.” Sukuna says in defeat and lets go of their ankle. “Do as you please.” He tells them as he always does, allowing them to do what they enjoy most: serve him.
“Thank you.” Uraume nods at him and steps out of the bath.
Their face is darkening with their blush. Once again, they try to hold back their smile, but a small giggle leaves their lips. Uraume admires the attention that they get from their master. That’s why they continue to dedicate their life to him. That will never change.
Hummingbirds are long distance travelers
The years have been more gruesome.
Sorcerers stop at nothing to kill Sukuna now that he’s a powerful curse. He has been heinous to the world and continues his slaughter without the care of life. He amasses a following, too. There are people who believe in his ideals, and believe that curse users shouldn’t be limited to the rules of other humans. With that, Sukuna allows them to do whatever they want.
Should anyone try to stop them, he unleashes his power on them.
The strongest sorcerer of his time, he becomes known as the King of Curses.
Uraume stands by his side. That has not changed. Uraume remains the only person that Sukuna trusts and the only person that he’ll let near him. And Uraume is still his army, defending him from threats that aren’t worth his time.
They rule for years, but the other sorcerers' efforts don’t stop.
Sukuna’s reign of terror must end.
The battle takes years. Thousands lose their lives by Sukuna’s hands.
However, the sorcerers finally trap Sukuna and kill him.
His body still remains. Too powerful to be completely exorcized, the sorcerers rip apart what remains of the King of Curses. There are twenty fingers that each sorcerer takes, and they vow to hide them across the world so Sukuna can never come back again. That is the only way to ensure the future of the world. In the meantime, they will come up with a plan to fully destroy Sukuna.
Uraume walks through the destruction.
There are dead bodies everywhere. Most of them are casualties from the gruesome battle. Women, children, elders. There are sorcerers among the dead, too. Uraume doesn’t have sympathy for anyone they walk by.
They don’t try to avoid the blood on the ground. The bodies are nothing more than just broken shells. Had they listened, had they followed alongside Sukuna, these sorcerers would still be alive.
Uraume’s aura is cold.
They’ve been separated from their master and it caused him to lose the battle.
Their aura is harsh and unforgiving for themselves. They hate what has happened. They feel as though it’s their fault that the only remains of Sukuna are his fingers.
There’s a red flower that lays in the pool of blood. Uraume stops mid step before their foot can crush it. They pull away and look at the flower in silence. A small breath of frost leaves their lips as they finally calm themselves. The flower soaks in the crimson fluid, the body is nearby, crushed under rubble.
Their anger is still there, but they take a moment to think to themselves.
“I’ll find you again.” Uraume says as they wipe the blood from their face. “No matter how long it takes, I will find you again, Sukuna.” They say deeply with their conviction.
They will wait for Sukuna to return, even if it takes a thousand years. They’ll wait for him.