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❝ ─𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵, 𝘰𝘩
𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥
𝘞𝘦'𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘰𝘩 ❠
—𝑇𝒉𝑒𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑅𝑎𝑡
๋࣭ ⭑ ⩇⩇:⩇⩇ ⭑
๋࣭⭑ ᴇɴᴛᴡɪɴᴇᴅ .𖥔 ݁ ˖
┄
"Dad! This is not fair! You said we're going to a fun place!" Shoko winced, stomping her feet against the cobblestone path, looking at the massive museum that stood in front of her. Pouting and crossing her arms the six year's old shows her dissatisfaction to her father. On which, Ryusuke, her father chuckled. Her mother, Ayako, kneeled down in front of her. She reaches out to caress her cheek affectionately. "C'mon sweety. It'll be fun." Shoko shook her head disapprovingly. Taking her mother's hand away from her cheek. "What's fun in watching some old stuff of dead people? I could've been playing with Utahime senpai in our favourite park right now. It would've been more fun."
"Hmm. So you're no longer interested in skeletons and scary things? I see. Shoko is starting to get scared by these things." Her father smirked, obviously trying to provoke his daughter. It worked actually. Shoko started stomping towards the museum now. "I'm not scared. I'm brave. Just you see. I'll explore every corner of this old place and definitely scare you two with one thing or two." The couple chuckled at their daughter and held each other's hands. They walked towards Shoko and her father took her in his arms despite her protests. He put her over his shoulders and Shoko grabbed her father's ears for support. The night air hit her face, blowing her short bob cut hairs as she giggled when her father mimicked walking like a penguin.
The museum they were visiting was an ancient one. Standing in a hill covered with rich greenery located in a far corner of Tokyo, away from the bustling city life. Yet the place was not peacefully quite. There were so many people here and there that if they were in a building instead of a hill, the risk of getting lost in the crowd would've been high. The cobblestone path leads through a small gardan full of spider lilies to a stone staircase till the museum. The small gardan on each side of the path had small ponds bordered by smooth rocks. The water was so clear and bright that if Shoko's parents weren't paying attention to her, she would've jumped in the ponds. The museum was prestigious. Higher clans or common folks, everyone were welcomed to visit it. Thus, there were people from both higher society and commoners.
Few people moved away from a far corner to make room for someone. Whispers whistled through the crowd that one of the three big clan's is here. Two men walked ahead of three people. Dressed in different shades of blue, the three looked majestic enough that one can mistook them for royalty. The man had his hands behind his back, walking with his head held high. The woman, probably his wife, was holding the boy's hand who looked same as Shoko's age. The woman smiled at the spectators kindly with a bit of shyness whereas the six year old boy remains stoic like his father. The family walked in followed by two more guards. After them, the other people started going in.
"Dad, who are they?" Shoko, who was noticing the scene from her father's shoulder, asked bluntly while pointing her forefinger at the clan members walking in. The earlier scene had piqued her curiosity. "They're members of Gojo clan. One of the big three clans. The man is Gojo Satoshi. He's the leader of the clan. The woman is Gojo Yui. She's the leader's wife. And the boy is Gojo Satoru. Their son." Ryusuke explain to his daughter as they made their way towards the massive oak doors of the museum. "And do you know, Gojo Satoru is of your age. You're just a month older than him." Ayako giggled while caressing her daughters hairs. "Not my type. Dad's older than you so I'll marry an older boy too." Ryusuke and Ayako began laughing at their daughters words. Shoko, smiling proudly, pulled her father's hair to signal him to hurry.
As Shoko and her parents stepped through the heavy wooden oak doors of the ancient museum, they were immediately enveloped and welcomed by the dimly lit foyer and the scent of aged wood. Ahead of them, a grand hall stretched out, lined with tall wooden cabinets and glass display cases filled with artifacts from centuries past. Each cabinet seemed to hold a piece of history frozen in time, from ancient pottery to delicate jewelry and weathered manuscripts. To the left and right of the hallway, branching corridors led off into different wings of the museum. Shoko's eyes widened with anticipation as she caught glimpses of shadowy alcoves and mysterious doorways, beckoning her to explore further. As they ventured deeper into the museum, they passed through rooms filled with towering bookshelves and ancient scrolls. The air was thick with the smell of old paper and ink, adding to the atmosphere of antiquity and intrigue.
Occasionally, they would come across small alcoves or hidden chambers tucked away behind ornate wooden doors that contained a statue decorated with heavy iron armour, each holding its own macabre delights. Skeletons of long-extinct creatures stood sentinel in glass cases, their bones gleaming in the subdued light, while eerie artifacts adorned the walls, their origins shrouded in mystery. Throughout the museum, wooden furniture adorned the rooms, from sturdy tables and chairs to intricately carved benches and cabinets. Each piece bore the marks of age and use, adding to the sense of history and character that permeated the space. As they wandered through the labyrinthine corridors and rooms of the museum, Shoko's excitement grew with each new discovery, her father's promise of skeletons and creepy things seeming more tantalizingly real with every step. She sure was enjoying herself here.
A strange thing caught her attention. She got down from her father's shoulder, her eyes never leaving the glass case ahead of her. Ryusuke let her down without much protest. Ayako extended her hand to her but Shoko ignored it and walked towards the small wooden pillar that held the glass case. Ayako worriedly called her name. Shoko easily walked through the crowd because of her small body but Ayako and Ryusuke were getting pushed back when they tried to approach her. Ayako started getting worried. Ryusuke had to stop and tell her that Shoko will be alright and there are guards here. But Ayako just shook her head. Her worry increasing with each passing second as soon as Shoko disappeared in the crowd, away from her sight.
Approaching the glass case, Shoko examined it with curiosity. Whatever there was, it was wrapped in strange symbol covered cloth. The actual thing that caught her attention was how the covered object was floating in the small glass case. Shoko walked around it, peeking and crouching to get a glimpse of the thing beneath that cloth. Subconsciously, Shoko let her fingers trail over the cold glass. A boy approached her, a year or two older than her. Looking at her for a few seconds he harshly pushed her. Shoko snapped back to reality when she felt the floor slipping from beneath her feet. Her back hitted the wall and she slumped down with a thud. The fall hurted her elbow. "Who do you think you are touching this thing? A nobody like you don't have any right to touch this treasure. It belongs to the higher clans. Someone pathetic like you shouldn't be around it." The boy angrily scolded her. Shoko's father had taught her that it's no good to mess with a person that belongs to the high society. Judging by the boy's attire he belongs to a well known clan. So she forced herself to drink her anger and not create any scene that might upset her parents.
She raised her head, looking angrily at the boy. In response he just laughed making her clench her fists. "Do you even know what it is? It's a curse womb. And touching it is prohibited. Let alone take it. If I catch you around it again, I'll bully you along with my friends." With that he opened the glass and took the object, replacing it with a white stone. Giving her an 'I am watching you' hand gesture, the boy walked away. Shoko scoffed at him and stood up. Dusting herself off she glanced at the glass again. She felt a strange feeling, like some kind of energy engulfing her as soon as the object was out. She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts and feelings and looked around. She realised that she got seperated from her parents. She looked around but failed to spot them. She tries to calm herself down after noticing 2 guards just around the corner.
She walked towards the guards and looked for her parents in the crowd. After waiting for 30 seconds when she didn't spotted them, her eyes wandered around the walls. The wall filled with weapons. Swords, daggers, war hammer, bow and arrow, battle axe, mace, halberd, scythe, katana and what not. On the other wall, there were huge portraits hung side by side. Shoko walked towards them, looking at all the portraits. The portraits were ancient and carried a deep message but for the little Shoko, they were funny drawings. She giggled looking at them, imitating the pose of the person in the portraits she walked towards. Little did she knew that someone had his eyes locked on her antics. Gojo Satoru seemed to forgot blinking when he saw the girl just being herself. The little mole under her right eye was what caught his eyes first.
He diverted his eyes, deep in thoughts and closed them, as if shutting any thoughts that tried to get in his head. When he opened his eyes, he noticed his parents had already walked ahead with the guards. He scoffed and walked in the direction his parents would've went. Meanwhile, Ayako was on the verge of breaking down. The couple searched everywhere but couldn't find their little girl. Ryusuke tried to calm her but it didn't worked. Maybe because he wasn't calm himself. His heart was throbbing against his ribcage out of worry for his daughter. Air around the hall felt heavy. Not just for the worried couple but everyone too. Yui was tensed while Satoshi ordered the four guards to go and find his son with a calm demeanor.
A scream attracted everyones attention. It was the boy who had pushed Shoko earlier. A cursed spirit had him by his neck. A special grade cursed spirit, a truly terrifying sight to behold. Its appearance was monstrous and grotesque, instilling fear and dread in anyone who's eyes captured it. It had a towering and imposing figure, towering over its victims with its immense size and intimidating presence. Its body twisted and contorted, with grotesque proportions and unnatural angles. Jagged spikes and protrusions jut out from its body. Its eyes were glowing with a malevolent light, casting an eerie aura around it and instilling a sense of unease in those who gaze upon it. Its mouth is filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth, twisted into a sinister grin. Its movements were jerky and unpredictable.
A wave of high pitched screams flooded over the crowd, followed by another one right after it. The presence of one wasn't enough that a second one bursted in through the wall. A special grade as well. The curse stood before them. Its body was a patchwork of mismatched limbs and malformed features, like a nightmare stitched together from the darkest recesses of the human psyche. Its eyes glowed with a sickly green light. The cursed spirit moved with an unsettling grace, its movements fluid and sinuous despite its hulking frame. Every step of the spirit accompanied the eerie sound of bones grinding against bone. Its mere presence sent a chill down the spines of all who witnessed it.
With a guttural growl that echoed through the hall, it fixed its gaze upon the first cursed spirit, who held the boy tightly in its grasp. The two cursed spirits locked eyes, their intentions clear as they both set their sights on the cursed object the boy had taken. A primal hunger gleamed in their glowing eyes. The second cursed spirit lunged forward. With a swipe of its jagged claws, it slashed at the unfortunate bystanders who stood in its path, tearing through flesh and bone with brutal efficiency. The victim's screams were drowned out by the cacophony of chaos that erupted around them, their life extinguished in a spray of blood and agony.
"Why is there a curse womb in this museum?!" Satoshi growled looking at the mess on the ground floor. As the hall descended into pandemonium, panic swept through the crowd like wildfire. People screamed and scrambled for cover, desperate to escape the clutches of the rampaging cursed spirits. Some were trampled in the stampede. Amidst the chaos, the cursed spirits clashed with savage ferocity. With each swipe and snarl, they left a trail of destruction in their wake, sparing no one in their relentless pursuit of the cursed object. The boy hastily threw the object away and the curses rushes at it like dogs chasing their treat, killing every human that came in their way without bating an eye.
In the face of such overwhelming terror, survival became the only instinct that mattered, driving everyone to fight tooth and nail for their lives in a desperate bid to escape the nightmare unfolding before them. It was a fight for survival against the very forces of darkness itself, a battle that would test the limits of human courage and resilience in the face of unspeakable evil.
As chaos enveloped the museum, sorcerers sprang into action, their voices cutting through the clamor as they directed people towards safety. Urging them to flee the building before it became a battleground between the monstrous entities that now roamed its halls. Amidst the confusion, Shoko's parents frantically called out for their daughter, their voices filled with a mixture of fear and desperation as they searched for her amidst the throng of panicked onlookers. Despite the efforts of the sorcerers to usher them to safety, Shoko's parents refused to leave without her, their hearts gripped with a paralyzing fear for her safety. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as they scanned the crowd, their eyes darting frantically from face to face in a desperate bid to find their beloved daughter.
Meanwhile, Yui's cries echoed through the chaos as she pleaded for any sign of her missing son. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her husband's arm, her grip tight with fear and uncertainty. Beside her, Satoshi remained stoic, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the unfolding chaos with a steely resolve. "Please do something! Find him please!" Yui pleaded to Satoshi. He grabbed her wrist and freed his arm form her desperate grasp. "He's a gojo. He'll be fine." Yui shook her head. Glancing at the chaos happening in front of them and the blood splattering against the floor, a shiver ran down her spine. "HE'S JUST A CHILD! Your child..."
Amidst the havoc, Shoko's small frame trembled with fear as she navigated through the chaos, her heart pounding against her ribcage with each passing second. The overwhelming screams and the sickening smell of blood and sight of cut off broken limbs threatened to engulf her senses, leaving her feeling utterly lost and alone in the midst of the terror. "MOM! DAD!" Desperately, she called out for her parents, her voice drowned out by the deafening roar of panic that filled the air. The sea of bodies surged around her, pushing and shoving relentlessly as people fought to escape the horrors that surrounded them. In the midst of the chaos, the two cursed spirits closed in on Shoko, their malevolent presence sending a chill down her spine as she realized the imminent danger she's about to get in.
Her young mind unable to comprehend the nightmare unfolding before her eyes. She could see the blade like fingers looming over her, ready to cut her in half. But she couldn't move. As if she was paralysed and frozen. But just as the cursed spirits loomed dangerously close, a hand seized her wrist, yanking her away from the path of impending doom. The blow of the curse landed on the wall, tearing the wall and making a big dent in it. Its limb got stuck into it and the second curse took advantage of it to attack. With a cry of alarm, Shoko stumbled backward, her eyes wide with fear as she found herself pulled beneath a nearby table.
Trembling with fear, she clutched her head with both of her hands trying to block the horrific sounds that surrounded her. She was shaking like a leaf as she let out sobs uncontrollably. With a protective instinct, Satoru shielded her with his own body, his arms wrapped tightly around her so that even if anything harmful comes in their way, she wouldn't be hurt. Satoru looked over his shoulder. The whole hall which was peaceful just moments ago, had turned into a nightmare."Hey, stop crying." Satoru said to her but she kept crying.
"I want to go to my parents! Where are my parents?"
"Stop crying will you? If you didn't, I'll leave you alone here and then you can keep crying all you want."
"I'm scared!"
"You're not alone."
Despite his strict tone, Shoko tried to calm herself. Her cries died down as she cautiously raised her head. The curse spirits where in the far corner now. And half of the people where either out or laying dead in the hall. "Now, I'm going to search for a way out. If you wanna get out too, you can tag along." With that Satoru moved forward to get out from under the table, but before he could, Shoko grabbed the hem of his tshirt, stopping him. He looked over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow. Shoko didn't looked at him, she kept her head down. He sigh and sat back again. "We can't just go out from the front door. There will be more curse spirits coming because of that curse womb. We'll find another way out. We just have to survive till the sorcerers kills the curses. Let's go in those corridors. There must be a way out somewhere."
Shoko nodded. She followed Satoru as they crawled from beneath the tables to reach the corridor without making a sound. Once they were in the corridor, Satoru looked around. The corridor leads to a small room on the left side and stairs on the right. Satoru cautiously opened the room but it turned out to be a junk filled storeroom. He closed the door again and moved towards the stairs. "Why are you going up?" He stopped in his tracks for a moment but didn't turned around to face her. "Wanna go back in the main hall?" With that simple sentence he started walking upstairs again. Shoko glanced at the hall and witnessed the blood covered floor with destroyed wood pillars and shattered glasses. She sharply turned towards the stairs and rushed behind Satoru.
The stairs creaked under their weight as they ascended, each step echoing in the empty stairway. Satoru led the way while Shoko followed closely behind, her heart still racing with fear. As they reached the top of the stairs, they found themselves on a dimly lit landing, with several doors lining the corridor ahead. Satoru scanned their surroundings, his sharp eyes darting from door to door, searching for any sign of danger or escape. Shoko stayed close behind, her breath coming out in shallow gasps as she kept a tight clutch at his tshirt. Without a word, Satoru approached one of the doors and cautiously turned the handle. The door creaked open, revealing a darkened room filled with dusty furniture and cobweb-covered shelves. He motioned for Shoko to stay back as he stepped inside.
As he explored the room, Satoru's six eyes picked up on a faint energy coming from the far corner. A lightest rustle right after it. He crept closer, his footsteps barely making a sound on the wooden floorboards. Peering into the shadows, he spotted a small window partially obscured by thick curtains. With a sense of urgency, he hurried over to the window and pulled back the curtains, revealing a sliver of moonlight filtering through the glass. A mouse rushed past his feet, hiding between the jumbled furniture. As they were on the first floor, the rooftop wasn't of that big height from the window. If they jump out they'll get little cuts at most. A glimmer of hope sparked in Satoru's eyes as he realized their chance for escape. Turning to Shoko, he beckoned her over with a silent gesture. Shoko looked around the empty corridor. The sounds of screams and roars were dimed here. She quickly ran towards him.
Satoru leaned closer to the window, his gaze scanning the surroundings for any danger, not finding any, he reached to open the window. As he was about to unlock it, some kinda slimy water fell on the other side of the window. Not slimy water but saliva. He sharply raised his head and his eyes widened when a curse spirit hung upside down on the window. Its clawy hands were gracing each side of the window while its long pointy tongue swirls around the glass, leaving wet spots. Its dark eyes kept a pearcing gaze on him. His six eyes failed to notice the ominous presence lurking just above him? How can it be? Unbeknownst to him, the curse spirit was perched on the edge of the rooftop, its dark form concealed in the shadows.
With a sinister curiosity, the curse observed Satoru and Shoko through the window, recognizing them as easy prey in their vulnerable state. Before Satoru could react, the curse spirit sprang into action, its twisted form descending with unnerving speed. With a deafening crash, it burst through the window, shattering the glass with a shower of shards as it landed with a menacing growl. Satoru's heart pounded in his chest, his senses reeling with shock and fear. Shoko let out a startled cry, her hands trembling as she clutched onto Satoru. The curse spirit loomed before them, its menacing presence filling the room with an oppressive aura of malice. Its eyes gleamed with predatory hunger as it advanced.
With a sharp move, Satoru grabbed Shoko's wrist and sprinted out of the room, closing the door before the curse could get out. The sound of the curse's enraged growls echoed through the corridor. Soon the door broke, collapsing against the wall and landed on the floor with a loud thud. The curse burst into the corridor. With eyes gleaming with malice and hunger, the curse fixated its gaze on its fleeing prey, a sinister grin twisting its grotesque features.
A long, sinuous tongue snaked out from between its jagged teeth, the pointed tip swirling with anticipation as it licked its lips in predatory delight. With a guttural growl, the curse launched itself into motion, its limbs propelling it forward with alarming speed. Each stride brought it closer to its quarry, the thrill of the hunt igniting a primal frenzy within its twisted soul. The lights flickered ahead of them and then went out. Shoko glanced over her shoulder. She didn't wanted to go in the dark corridor but being a free food for this curse seemed even bad. She shut her eyes close, letting Satoru lead her through the dark. In the sudden darkness, Satoru's instincts sharpened, his senses heightened by the absence of light. Gripping Shoko's hand tightly, he took the lead, navigating the darkened corridor. The darkness enveloped them like a cloak as they moved swiftly through the labyrinthine corridors of the museum.
The two young kids hurried down the dimly lit corridor, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floor, Satoru's eyes scanned their surroundings. Spotting a dust-covered vase resting on a nearby pedestal, he seized it with a quick, decisive motion. The corridor splits in two different directions ahead. Satoru hurled the vase down the right corridor, the sound of shattering pottery echoing through the darkness as it crashed to the ground. The noise reverberated down the corridor, drawing the attention of the curse, which turned its focus toward the source of the disturbance. Satoru pulled Shoko along with him, veering sharply to the left as they hurried down the opposite corridor. Behind them, the sound of the curse's footsteps grew fainter as it followed the trail of the broken vase, its attention diverted long enough for Satoru and Shoko to put some distance between themselves and the looming danger.
Approaching a door, Satoru pushed Shoko in and entered the room after her. The soft glow of moonlight filtering through the high window provided a dim illumination, casting eerie shadows across the space. Satoru swiftly closed the door behind them, the faint click of the latch echoing in the silence as he turned his attention to their surroundings. The room was sparsely furnished, with only a few pieces of dusty, forgotten furniture scattered about. A worn-out armchair sat in one corner, its fabric faded and threadbare, while an old wooden desk stood against the opposite wall, its surface cluttered with papers and debris. By the looks of it, it seemed to be an abandoned office. Satoru scanned the room for a suitable hiding spot.
He spotted an almira in a corner beside the table. Motioning for Shoko to follow. Shoko quickly approached him. Satoru slowly opened the door, trying to not make any sound that might attract the curse's attention. With a gentle push, he urged her into the hiding spot, his hand lingering on her shoulder for a reassuring moment before he slipped in beside her, pulling the door behind him. In the relative safety of their hiding spot, save for the sound of their own breathing, they waited for the danger to pass. An eerie silence filled the air, Shoko's senses seemed to heighten, the ringing in her ears magnifying every sound around her. She held her breath, straining to hear even the faintest noise as her heart pounded in her chest. The darkness of their hiding place enveloped them, pressing in on all sides and suffocating her with its oppressive weight.
Then, like a thunderclap in the stillness, came the deafening thud on the door. Shoko's entire body tensed and the sound sent shivers down her spine. Instinctively, Shoko's mouth opened in a scream, her terror threatening to overwhelm her senses. But before the sound could escape, Satoru's hand clamped down over her lips, cutting off any chance of outcry. His touch was firm yet reassuring, a silent command to remain calm in the face of danger. For a moment, they both remained frozen in place. Outside, the door, the thuds continued, each one sending shockwaves of fear coursing through Shoko's body. It was as if the curse itself was pounding on the door, a relentless force bent on hunting them down and tearing them apart.
Shoko clung to Satoru, seeking solace in his presence amidst the chaos that surrounded them. His hand on her shoulder was a lifeline, grounding her in reality and reminding her that she was not alone in this terrifying ordeal. Then there came the loud sound of door breaking. Shoko felt a sense of helplessness wash over her. She couldn't understand how Satoru was so calm in this situation. They were trapped, with nowhere to run and no means of defending themselves against the approaching threat. All they could do was wait and hope that the curse would lose interest and move on, leaving them unscathed in its wake. But deep down, Shoko knew that their ordeal was far from over. The curse was relentless in its pursuit, and they were its prey.
The curse's sniffing grew louder, its guttural growls sending chills down Shoko's spine as it prowled around the room. With each passing moment, the tension in the air seemed to escalate, the very walls of their hiding place closing in around them like a suffocating embrace. Shoko's heart hammered in her chest, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps as she clung to Satoru, her fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to flee from the menace that lurked just beyond the door, but she forced herself to remain still, to trust in Satoru. Time seemed to stretch. Each second dragging on like an eternity as the curse continued its relentless search. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of fabric, sent a new wave of fear coursing through Shoko's body.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the growling sounds and screeching of wood ceased, replaced by an eerie silence again that hung heavy in the air. Satoru remained poised, his hand resting on the door, ready to open it. But Shoko kept her grip on his shirt, her eyes wide with fear. Satoru glanced down at Shoko, his expression unreadable in the dim moonlight that filtered through the cracks in the door. With a silent nod, he carefully began to ease the door open, revealing the empty room beyond, Shoko held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves outside and the sound of their own ragged breathing.
"It's gone. Calm down now." Satoru walked out of the almirah, relief washed over Shoko, the tension slowly draining from her body as she realized they were safe for the moment. But even as her racing heart began to steady, she found herself unable to move, paralyzed by the lingering fear that still gripped her. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps as she huddled in the darkness of the almirah, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched at the fabric of her dress. Outside, she heard the soft click of the door closing, followed by the sound of Satoru's footsteps approaching. She held her breath, waiting for him to speak, but when he didn't, she felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped for some words of reassurance, some sign that everything would be okay.
But Satoru was never one for empty platitudes. Instead, he let his actions speak for him, extending his hand towards her without even looking in her direction. His silent gesture spoke volumes, conveying a sense of calm that Shoko strangely didn't mind in the least. For a moment, she hesitated, unsure whether to accept his offer of comfort. But then, with a deep breath, she reached out, grasping his hand tightly in hers. In that simple touch, she found solace, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that surrounded them. With Satoru by her side, Shoko felt a newfound sense of courage welling up inside her. She may have been scared, but she was no longer alone. And as they sat together in the dimly lit room, their hands intertwined, Shoko knew that no matter what dangers lay ahead, they would face them together.
"You're Gojo Satoru, right?" Shoko's curiosity rouse once she calmed down. In response Satoru just gave her a side eye. "Have you bleached your hair? I thought you would wear a Yukata. Aren't you Gojo clan's prince?" Satoru raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Bleached? Yes I have." (Lie) "And as for the Yukata, not really my style." (Another lie, he just wanted to annoy his father.) "Besides, being a prince doesn't mean I have to follow all the traditions." (Don't even have to clarify.) Shoko nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. So, what's with the serious face all the time? Can't you smile?" "Smiling's overrated." Shoko giggled, finding his response amusing. "Well, I think you should smile more. It suits you." Satoru's lips twitched upwards almost imperceptibly. Their brief exchange brought a moment of levity despite the dire circumstances.
They again sat in silence. Satoru who was zoning out from a while now asked silently. "What's your name?" Shoko raised her head to look at him but he had his eyes focused on the floor ahead. "Ieiri Shoko." She gave a cheeky grin after introducing herself. "...Shoko..." Satoru repeated her name silently. "Hey, Gojo, do you think cats can do sorcery too? Wouldn't it be cool? Do you think we could make a potion that turns vegetables into candy? I hate vegetables. Do you think we could ride on a curse spirit like a magic carpet? Can you teach me how to cast a spell? I promise I won't accidentally turn you into a frog. Do you think there are dragons hidin~"
Shoko's train of questions died down, her eyelids grew heavy, and eventually, she succumbed to the exhaustion of the night's events. With a soft yawn, she leaned against the wall, her mouth agape in a peaceful slumber. Satoru, who had been ignoring her babblings, glanced over at her when she fell silent. Observing her peaceful expression, he couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards the bubbly agirl who had somehow managed to find her way into his life. Recognizing the discomfort of her sleeping position, Satoru's stoic demeanor softened slightly. With a gentle movement, he reached his free hand towards her head and carefully lifted it, maneuvering it to rest against his shoulder. He adjusted his posture slightly to accommodate her, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible despite the cramped space within the small room.
As Shoko's breathing steadied into the rhythmic pattern of sleep, Satoru found himself studying her features in the dim moonlight that filtered through the cracks in the walls. Her face, usually animated with curiosity and excitement, now held a serene calmness that softened her features. Satoru couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth towards the sleeping girl beside him, a feeling he couldn't quite understand but didn't want to question. With a silent sigh, Satoru leaned against the walls of the room, the only sound now was the occasional crickets and the gentle rhythm of Shoko's breathing. Despite the chaos that had surrounded them just moments ago, a sense of peace descended upon the small space they shared, wrapping them both in its comforting embrace. And as sleep began to claim him as well, Satoru found himself strangely grateful for the unexpected companionship of the spirited girl.
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The sunlight filtered through the window, its gentle rays fell upon Shoko's face, gradually rousing her from her slumber. Blinking against the brightness, she stirred and found herself in an unexpected position, nestled on Satoru's lap. She glanced up at the boy who slept soundly, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. For a moment, Shoko simply observed him, taking in the peaceful expression that softened his usually stoic features in sleep. Careful not to disturb him, Shoko gently shifted, easing herself off his lap and onto the floor beside him. As she stretched and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she glanced around the room, taking in their surroundings once more. The events of the previous night felt like a distant memory now, replaced by the calm stillness of the morning.
Shoko looked down at herself and grimaced in disgust. Her cloths and limbs where stained with blood as well as Satoru's. They probably didn't noticed them last night. She leaned forward, poking Satoru's cheek with her fingers to wake him up. "Oi, mini Prince of Gojo, wake up." Satoru stirred at the light touch on his cheek, his eyelids fluttering open slowly. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he glanced up at Shoko with a faint furrow of confusion on his brow."What is it?" he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep as he rubbed at his eyes. "what are we going to do now?" Shoko ask. Satoru paused for a moment, considering their options. "We need to find a way out of here," he replied, his tone serious and focused. "Then we can figure out where we are and how to get back home."
Shoko nodded and pushing herself up to her feet, brushes off the dirt from her clothes. "Lead the way, mini Prince of Gojo." Satoru raised an eyebrow at the playful nickname but didn't commented on it, instead focusing on the task at hand. With a nod, he gestured for Shoko to follow as he headed towards the door. "I just don't wanna experience that curse again." Shoko mumbled when they got in the corridor. Satoru's expression softened slightly at Shoko's words, understanding her fear. "Don't worry," he reassured her, his voice calm and steady. "We'll do our best to avoid it. And if we do encounter it again, we'll figure out a way to handle it together." Shoko nodded. "Okay," she replied, mustering up her courage. "Let's stick together and keep moving forward."
The two started walking through the long corridors. Satoru kept his senses on high alert. Moving around a corner, they came across the room they had first went into last night. The door that the curse spirit broke lay still on the wooden floor in pieces. The sight of the shattered wood on the floor brought back vivid images of the curse spirit's attack and the desperate struggle to survive. Feeling a surge of fear welling up inside her, Shoko instinctively closed the distance between her and Satoru. She hesitated for a moment, her head hung low as she struggled to find the words to convey her unease. Finally, she mustered up the courage to speak, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed Satoru.
"Um... Can I... hold your hand?" Her words came out in a hesitant rush. Satoru glanced down at Shoko, his stoic expression never leaving his face. Without a word, he extended his hand towards her, offering it in silent reassurance. Shoko tentatively reached out, her fingers intertwining with his in a tentative grip. Their hands met and Shoko felt a sense of warmth and safety wash over her, a comforting anchor in the midst of chaos. With Satoru's steady presence by her side, she strangely felt safe. Satoru sigh and walked ahead, giving a gentle tug at Shoko's hand to make her follow him. The two continued there walk through the corridors trying to find a way out.
Unfortunately the two remained oblivious to the looming threat above them. Unbeknownst to them, the same curse spirit that had terrorized them the night before was lurking in the shadows, its form blending seamlessly into the darkness of the ceiling. Silently, the curse spirit crawled along the ceiling, its movements sinuous and stealthy as it watched the unsuspecting kids below. Its eyes glinted with malice, hungering for the fear and despair it sought to instill in its prey. And in a sudden, swift motion, the curse spirit leaped down from its perch, landing with a thud that echoed through the room. Shoko gasped in surprise, her heart pounding with fear as she stumbled backwards, her eyes widening in terror at the sight before her.
"Damn it! That curse is weak but it have a very light curse energy. I can't even spot him before he appears itself!" Satoru hissed. His instincts kicked in immediately, his body moving instinctively in a defence position. He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Despite the fear that gripped him, he remained calm and focused. The curse spirit loomed over them, its presence casting a dark shadow across the room, Shoko clutched Satoru's hand tightly. The curse spirit lunged forward with menacing speed, Satoru reacted quickly. He pushed Shoko aside. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the curse's movements. The curse attacked with his bony rotten hand and Satoru sidestepped the curse's lunge, narrowly avoiding its outstretched claws. He reached out and grabbed a nearby object—a broken wooden plank lying on the floor.
Using the plank as a makeshift weapon, Satoru swung it with all his strength, aiming at the curse. His movements were swift. Despite his young age, Satoru's instincts and combat skills were remarkably advanced, honed through the early training and discipline his clan have given him. The battle raged on, Shoko watched in with fear. The curse lunged forward once more, Satoru seized the opportunity, his movements fluid and precise as he countered with a powerful kick to the creature's midsection. The force of the blow sent the curse staggering backward, its grotesque form recoiling in pain as it struggled to regain its footing. Taking advantage of the curse's momentary vulnerability, Satoru pressed his attack, unleashing a flurry of strikes against the creature's defenses. With each blow, he chipped away at the curse's resolve.
Satoru felt the curse's clawed hand closing around his leg, the young boy's heart raced with adrenaline-fueled fear. With a sudden yank, he was lifted off his feet, his world turning upside down as he found himself dangling helplessly in the air. For a few heart-stopping moments, Satoru locked eyes with the curse. And with a powerful motion, the curse hurled Satoru through the air, his body hurtling toward the front wall with force. The impact sent shockwaves of pain coursing through his body as he collided with the hard surface, the breath knocked from his lungs as he crumpled to the ground in a heap. Satoru lay there, dazed and disoriented, fighting to regain his bearings. He forced himself to his feet, his muscles aching and protesting with every movement as he prepared to face the curse once more.
The curse growled, dashed towards Satoru and grabbed him by his waist. The six year-old fitted in the curse's broad palm easily. The curse then slammed him against the wall, knocking the breath out of his lungs. Satoru coughed out blood. His limbs went loose as the curse's fingers dug into his skin, tearing it. "Gojo!" Shoko tried to approach him and her little movements attracted the curse's attention. Shoko stopped at a halt, gasping as her eyes met the curse's. A sharp pain in the eye made the curse leave Satoru. The curse growled and thrashed around. Satoru had kicked him in the eye. "Get out of here! I'll distract it. Go straight in that way and go down. You'll find a way out." Shoko glanced at the hallway Satoru was pointing at. Then glanced back between Satoru and the curse.
"I— I can't leave you alone her—"
"JUST GET OUT AND DON'T MAKE THINGS HARD!"
Shoko flinched. She kept glancing between Satoru's stoic face and the curse. Her eyes teared up because of the overwhelming situation. She took a step back, then another, then turned around and dashed towards the stairs without looking back. Away. Away. Away. She just wanted to get away from this nightmare. As soon as she can. She sprinted down the stairs almost tripping. The main hall was right ahead. She could feel her heart throbbing inside. As soon as she reached the hall, she stopped immediately. There was no one. Nothing. An eerie silent washed over the place. Why aren't any sorcerers coming to rescue? Where are the special grade curses? Where are the people? The hall was stained with blood, broken furniture and shattered glasses. There were not any cut off limbs or dead bodies laying on the floor anymore. Could it be, the sorcerer have already left after doing their work?
The absence of any sign of life only served to heighten her fear. The oak wood door in the front was wide open, letting the sunlight seep in. Shoko felt nauseous. The smell of blood was so hard that even the fresh air coming through the door failed to ease it. The door's right in front of her. Opened. Inviting her to safety. To her parents. A way out of this nightmare. She hesitantly took a step forward. Her little step echoing in the empty building painfully. A rustle made her gasp and step back. She looked from where the sound came. A bunch of pages were blowing because of the light wind. Shoko tried to calm herself down and took a step again. The again. Creeping towards the open door. Her heart raced with anticipation. She kept looking around warily.
On the other hand Satoru was having a hard time fighting the curse. Satoru gritted his teeth against the searing pain that radiated through his body with each blow from the curse. Every muscle screamed in protest as he struggled to fend off the relentless assault, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. The curse loomed over him with the intentions of swallowing him whole. With each passing moment, Satoru's strength was fading, his vision blurring at the edges as exhaustion threatened to overtake him. Yet, he refused to yield, drawing upon every ounce of determination and resilience he possessed to keep fighting. Every strike he landed against the curse was met with a snarl of fury. But Satoru refused to back down.
The battle raged on, Satoru's mind raced, searching for any weakness or vulnerability he could exploit. He launched himself at the curse. He dodged its attacks with practiced precision. Satoru spotted a glimmer of opportunity. He delivered a series of rapid strikes, aiming for the curse's weak point. It's neck. A roar of pain echoed through the air as the curse staggered backward, momentarily stunned by the unexpected assault. Seizing the moment, Satoru pressed his advantage, unleashing a barrage of blows with all the strength he could muster. But the curse was still more powerful than him. With a sudden jerk of it's movements Satoru was pushed back again. His legs trembled but he forced himself up on his feet. He wiped off the blood from his lips with the back of his hand, ready to strike again.
"Gojo! Here!" Satoru sharply turned around when he heard Shoko's voice. Why is she still here? Is she out of her mind?! Satoru watched her rushing at him as she tossed a dagger towards him. His eyes widened but his face twisted into a wicked grin. He caught the dagger mid-air, feeling the cold of the metal against his palm. "Good girl." He ruffled Shoko's hairs while she was trying to catch her breath. Shoko raised her head with an unreadable expression after hearing his words, but he was already rushing towards the curse. The dagger she just gave him was blazing with his curse energy. That's right! Curse energy. Satoru doesn't know any cursed technique yet, but, he sure does know how to apply his curse energy on weapons. By doing that, he can make any weapon 10x stronger.
Shoko thought about the way she was rushing at the door but just before the threshold, she stopped. Fists clenching at her sides. She desperately wanted to leave this hell but a part of her refused to leave. Satoru was still up there, fighting with the curse despite being injured. Just so he could buy time for her to flee away. This doesn't feel right. Fleeing away. When he was still inside. Did he left her? And ran away? No he didn't. If he had, she wouldn't have been alive. She wanted to cry. Her inner turmoil threating to choke her. She glanced around the room again and noticed weapons hanging on the wall. She rushed towards them. They were high, out of her reach. And there wasn't anything nearby she could stand up on. She hopped on several times trying to tackle the nearest weapon to the ground. She succeeded and a dagger fell down. A smile graced her lips. Despite the tension she felt good. Satisfied. Both by her work and his praise. She didn't flee away like a coward. She managed to be brave this time. She was feeling proud of it. The feeling of fear slowly leaving her.
Satoru charged forward, the dagger in his hand glowing with pulsating curse energy. Despite his lack of formal training in cursed techniques, he had learned to harness his innate curse energy to enhance his attacks. As he closed the distance between himself and the curse, he felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. This was his moment to prove himself, to show that even without a formal education, he was a force to be reckoned with. Satoru slashed at the curse, the enhanced dagger slicing through the air. The curse let out a guttural roar of pain as the blade made contact, its dark form recoiling from the searing heat of the curse energy. Satoru pressed his advantage, his movements fluid and controlled as he continued to strike at the curse.
The adrenaline surged through his veins and Satoru felt a surge of exhilaration coursing through him, drowning out the fear and uncertainty that had gripped him moments before. With each clash of metal against flesh, he felt a sense of empowerment, a rush of adrenaline. The curse's thrashing and growling only fueled his moves. His eyes dilated unnaturally. For the first time in his young life, Satoru felt truly alive, his senses heightened and his instincts razor-sharp as he faced down the curse. He knew that he was capable of facing any challenge that came his way. He was going to be the strongest. The strongest sorcerer this world have seen. And he would go to any lengths to achieve it as soon as possible.
Satoru knew the curse's weakness—the curse's neck. It was a small target, but if he could get close enough, he might be able to deliver a decisive blow. He dodged the curse's attacks and managed to leap onto its shoulder, clinging as he aimed his dagger at the curse's exposed neck. But just as he was about to strike, he caught sight of Shoko out of the corner of his eye. He froze as he watched the curse loom over her, threatening to crush her under its weight. Panic surged through him as he realized he couldn't reach her in time to save her. Shoko stood there as if paralysed. Watching the curse closing in on her. She felt a surge of energy inside her. She immediately crossed her arms forward in front of her. She felt a surge of energy inside her. Felt as the Positive energy mingled with negative energy. She automatically wove them together, her hands glowing with a brilliant light.
The energy surged forward, enveloping the curse in an aura as it struggled against the onslaught. Satoru who had the dagger over the curse's neck, plunged it into the curse's neck. Purplish liquid oozed out of it's neck. The curse's limbs went limp as it fell on its knees. Shoko immediately moved away letting the body fell down. Satoru let the dagger stuck in the neck of the curse. He let his body relax and fell on the floor. His eyes locked on the ceiling as he layed their without moving. It's over. It's finally over. Satoru let his body relax and layed there lifelessly as he felt his heart hammering against his ribcage.
Out of nowhere, he felt a strange warmth enveloping him, soothing the ache in his injured abdomen. He lifted his head sharply and saw Shoko beside him, her lips moving in a silent chant as she kept muttering something like 'fyoo' 'hyoi'. Her forefinger waving in the air from left to right. Her other hand rested gently on his abdomen, her touch was comforting and tender. Confusion flickered in Satoru's eyes as he watched her, unsure of what she was doing. But he didn't question because of the relief he was feeling. Wait...relief? Looking down at his abdomen he lifted his tshirt "What the—" His wounds were...healed?
Satoru's eyes widened in disbelief. His wounds, which had been gaping and bloody only moments before, were now completely healed, leaving behind only faint scars as evidence of their existence. He traced his fingers over the smooth skin, feeling the absence of pain. It was as if the injuries had never happened, as if he had been miraculously restored to perfect health. "How...?" he began, his voice trailing off as he turned to look at Shoko. Her eyes met his, shimmering with unshed tears. "Magic" Shoko replied innocently. "I did fyoo hyoi to make the pain go away." Satoru stared at her with an 'are you for real?' face. He was serious here and she was making up jokes?
"I'm not lying!" she exclaimed. "Magic make the pain go away. Fyoo hyoi!" Satoru's brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of her words. "Fyoo hyoi?" he echoed, unsure of what she was referring to. Shoko nodded vigorously. "Yes! It's like...um...waving a wand and saying a spell!" she explained, her hands mimicking the motion of casting a spell. "Except I don't have a wand, so I just use my fingers instead." Satoru's skepticism deepened as he listened to her explanation. Magic? Spells? It all sounded like something out of a fairy tale, not something that could actually heal wounds. But as he looked at his perfectly intact abdomen, the evidence of Shoko's 'magic' undeniable.
Satoru pondered Shoko's mysterious abilities, a nagging curiosity tugged at the back of his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her 'magic' than met the eye. Perhaps it was a curse technique she had unknowingly unlocked, a hidden power lying dormant within her. It was a possibility worth exploring, and he made a mental note to discuss it with his father later. For now, however, Satoru's attention was drawn back to Shoko, who was still beaming with pride over her supposed 'magic' feat. Despite the lingering questions in his mind, Satoru couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her. After all, without her unexpected intervention, he might not have emerged from the encounter with the curse spirit unscathed.
The tension from their recent ordeal began to dissipate, Shoko and Satoru found themselves sharing a moment of quiet relief. Sitting side by side on the floor, they exchanged glances, each silently acknowledging the other's bravery in the face of danger. With a small smile, Shoko reached out and gently nudged Satoru's shoulder. "You know, for a stoic prince, you're not so bad," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Satoru raised an eyebrow in mock indignation. "And for a chatterbox, you're surprisingly tolerable," he retorted, a hint of amusement softening his stern expression. Despite their contrasting personalities, a sense of camaraderie had begun to blossom between them. As they prepared to leave the museum behind. With a playful grin, Shoko nudged Satoru once more. "Race you to the door?" she challenged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Satoru's lips quirked upwards in a rare smile, a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're on," he replied, his competitive spirit ignited by Shoko's playful challenge. And with that, the two unlikely companions rose to their feet, their laughter mingling with the echoes of their footsteps as they raced towards the open door. Satoru was the winner. Shoko joined him few seconds later, huffing as she tried to catch her breath. "You— you won because— your legs are long." She protested. Satoru chuckled heartily, a rare sight for the serious boy. "Well, I'll let you borrow my legs next time." He replied. Shoko stuck out her tongue playfully, her eyes alight with mischief. "Next time, I'll make sure to trip you up," she teased.
With a smirk, Satoru raised an eyebrow in mock challenge. "Oh, is that a promise?" he countered, his tone teasing yet inviting. The two shared a moment of light-hearted banter, their laughter ringing out in the quiet street. Despite the dangers they had faced inside the museum, they found solace in each other's company, their friendship blossoming amidst the chaos. As they prepared to step out into the sunlight, Satoru extended his hand to Shoko with a warm smile. His eyes reflecting the trust that had formed between them. And with a nod and a grin, Shoko took his hand. Satoru stepped out into the sunlight, relief washed over him. The cool breeze brushed against his skin, carrying away the lingering scent of blood and fear. Turning back he watched as she emerged from the museum behind him.
As soon as the two walked out, Satoru noticed his parents, surrounded by Gojo clan guards, were locked in a heated discussion with the sorcerers outside the museum. His mother's face was stained with tears while his father's stoic demeanor betrayed no emotion. Shoko noticed her parents standing nearby, holding each other tightly as they tried to offer each other solace. The sight of the few scattered individuals standing in the aftermath of the chaos was a stark reminder of the toll the night had taken. Sorcerers moved among them, their expressions grim as they worked to bury the dead and tend to the wounded. As Satoru watched from a distance, he suddenly remembered the whole ordeal. He knew that he and Shoko had narrowly escaped a fate that could have easily been their own, and yet here they were, alive and relatively unscathed.
"MOM! DAD!" Shoko's voice rang out amidst the somber atmosphere, cutting through the tension. Her parents, startled by her cry, turned to see their daughter rushing towards them with tears streaming down her cheeks. They untangled themselves from their embrace, and quickly removed the security tape that the sorcerers had placed, their movements frantic with worry and relief. They then hurried to meet her halfway, pulling her into a tight embrace as if to reassure themselves that she was truly safe. Satoru's parents, alerted by the commotion, turned to see their son standing nearby, his expression a mix of exhaustion and relief. Without a moment's hesitation, Yui rushed forward, her arms outstretched as she enveloped him in a fierce hug.
Satoshi followed close behind, his usual stoic demeanor cracking as he clutched his son tightly, his relief palpable in the air.
"Toru, thank goodness you're safe," Yui murmured, her voice wavering with emotion. Satoshi, simply nodded in agreement, a rare hint of concern in his eyes. Satoru, still reeling from the events of the night, struggled to find the right words to express himself. "I'm okay," he finally managed, his voice hoarse from exhaustion. Yui cupped his face in her hands, her eyes searching his for any sign of lingering distress. "We were so worried about you," she said softly. "We're just glad you're safe." Satoru nodded. "I'm sorry for worrying you," he said earnestly. "I'll... I'll be more careful next time." Satoshi placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, his expression stern but gentle. "You did well, Satoru," he said quietly. "You showed courage in the face of danger. I'm proud of you."
"Shoko, my dear child, are you alright?! we were so worried about you!" Ayako exclaimed, tears glistening in her eyes as she squeezed Shoko tightly. Shoko felt a lump form in her throat as she looked up at her parents. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Ryusuke's arms tightened around her, his voice choked with emotion as he spoke. "We were terrified when we lost you," he admitted, his words filled with the weight of their shared fear. "But seeing you safe and sound now... it's the greatest relief we could ever ask for." Tears welled up in Shoko's eyes.
As Satoru and Shoko stood amidst the embrace of their respective parents, their eyes met. Though their paths had crossed amidst chaos and danger, they had found solace and strength in each other's presence. In that fleeting glance, they exchanged silent reassurances, a silent promise of friendship forged in the crucible of adversity. Despite their differences in background and temperament. They felt a bond forming between them, a connection that transcended words and explanations. Satoru shuffled his feet awkwardly, his eyes darting to the ground before daring to meet Shoko's gaze. He walked towards her and his parents followed him with their gaze. Shoko too broke free from her parents embrace and approached him. The morning sun casted a golden glow on the two.
"Um, thanks for helping me back there," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. Shoko smiled. "Of course! We're friends now, right?" she replied, her voice tinged with excitement. Satoru's lips twitched into a small smile, a rare sight for the usually stoic boy which didn't seemed rare since yesterday. "Yeah, friends," he agreed, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at the thought. Friends. "Looks like you two make quite the team," Ayako remarked. Yui nodded in agreement. As the adults continued to chat, Satoru and Shoko shared another shy smile. Shoko then excitedly climbed on her father's shoulder.
"So? Did I succeeded in scaring you?"
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