Chapter Text
Subaru was a shut in, case in point. He can hardly remember the last time he left his room nonetheless the time he last went to middle school. But here he was, at a convenience store. About to step in and actually communicate with someone other than his parents and the posters he had hung up in his room.
His parents were away at a work thing, leaving him alone in the small home. This wasn’t exactly unusual; his father, being an outspoken and successful salaryman, left him with various late nights and many, many business parties that his mother liked to attend. Leaving Subaru alone in their house. Don’t get him wrong it was Good, very good, for a hikikmorki like himself being alone was the only acceptable option!
Subaru sighed, scratching his arm. It was dark out, he was hungry and his parents still weren't back. So out to the nearest convenient store he went. It’s not like he couldn’t cook, (though all he can do is boil some Raman). but Subaru was really craving corn chips and where else could he get some late at night then at the twenty-four-seven store down the street.
Shitty pop music played in the background but it hardly registered in Subaru's mind. As of recently it felt as if his head was constantly spinning. Static being a new norm and his ability to focus lessened as the fuzzy noise increased.
It's been getting worse as of late, getting to the point where Subaru could hardly focus. Unfortunately for his otaku nature it’s not easy to give up reading so he’s desperately trying to make the noise go away to no avail. Now Subaru just tries to ignore it, putting all of his energy into the jumbled words in front of him.
Perhaps it was some crazy brain condition, maybe he could die if he continued to ignore the fuzz. But Subaru just didn’t want to drag his parents into his problems. Including the worsening state of his mind.
“It’s the same thing,” he croaked, “I guess this is how they suck you in,” he muttered putting down the random manga he picked up. Turning around, Subaru continued his shopping, picking out a bag of corn chips and miso ramen.
“A jagged edge yen coin, lucky,” Subaru hummed quietly. Stuffing it back into his cheap wallet. “Well back home I go.”
Subaru stepped out into the night air, bag in hand. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes to save the moment. But jolted at a sudden and intense need to itch. His hand clenched around the small plastic bag tightly then loosened. Letting out a shaky breath, Subaru's hand tingling with the need to scratch. Instead Subaru forced his hands to stay at his side, he didn’t know why exactly he was so determined not to itch but some primal instinct in him told that if he did give in to his ache that something bad would soon follow.
Choosing to ignore the itchy sensation Subaru looked around. a couple, gross, the bright street light that seemed to single him out a car that sped past. The ding of the convenience store door as someone enters. Anything but the itch Anything but the itch.
Oh Subaru gave in, man why was he worried about this, it feels awesome. Like scratching an itch that he’d been ignoring, wait, that's what he just did. Man what an idiot he is, it’s a whole saying and he ignored it. Lame.
Subaru let out a breathy sigh, closing his eyes in bliss, all the while scratching his neck red. His eyes flutter open, the feeling of euphoria still lingering. But he paused.
This wasn’t the same street he was just staring at, this wasn’t the time he remembered, it seemed midday not late at night. The technology seemed more advanced. There were weird colorful monsters everywhere. This could only mean one thing.. Had he?
Has he been teleported to another world!?
It took Subaru all of ten seconds to realize that, no, he had not been teleported to another world. That instead he was thrusted into the future and that the monsters were only hallucinations. It made sense, no one else seemed to mind them, but a small part of Subaru wished that there was a demon king, one that casted his minions to torment the people of Japan just so he can step in and save the day!
Okay enough otaku talk Subaru! That woman would definitely kick off that ugly green-yellow spotted monster thing if she noticed it humping her leg. Or at least react a little instead of continuing to blissfully chat with her friend. So they definitely don’t see the monsters, odd.
But good for him no doubt! That means he’s one of a kind, ready to save this country from the evil clutches of the Demon King! Now all that’s left to find the woman who summoned him. Oh boy Subaru can’t wait, ohh what would this woman look like.
No wait! Subaru has already come to the conclusion that he’s just hallucinating, so no way these monsters are real. But they aren't going away, and they are oddly detailed for illusions (though hallucinations are one of the things he hasn’t gotten around to studying in great detail so Subaru wouldn’t know the exact limitations to them) case in point this only means one thing… The demon king is real! And he needs to save all these people!
Wow awesome, man talk about his perfect isekai hero upbringing!
Wait no, his time travel hero upbringing..
Now that Subaru thought about it, the fuzziness in his head was gone, all gone. He could think clearly again, no more focusing way too much on a bad manga. Woo go time travel, this is so awesome.
“Hm it seems I’ve gone fourteen years in the future,” Subaru whistled. Putting down the magazine he found.
“Might as well explore the future,” he giggled wickedly. “Find out what stocks skyrocket!”
Subaru walked around for a good while, taking in all the new technology, phones where big rectangles now, headphones didn’t have the annoying cords that got tangled. Man his flip phone looked so out dated, this was Subarus time to shine! Be strong and cool! But instead he was stuck with his old starter gear.
Wait! his parents, maybe he could call them? get a place to stay. But would there be two Subarus? Obviously, he’s already here but what if the Subaru from the future was here too? Woah trippy. Maybe it will cause some world ending catastrophe if he met himself from the future. Guess he should ignore his family for now.
“Hm, I should just go straight til I find something of interest,” Subaru hummed in though. “Yes that works!”
Might as well explore, not like that was what he was doing. Now he has to put his brain together and find out where he is.
So he’s definitely not in his hometown. Thank god. But he definitely wasn’t in some place crazy like Tokyo. Also thank god, he’d get lost, mugged and probably murdered there. Subaru could tell that he was in a more suburban area. Okay he can work with that. Now to just find out where he is.
Wait a moment.. Finding out where he is can wait. The real question is, does he have powers?! Oh he definitely does, maybe he’s the hot fire wielding guy (though Subaru doubts he’s hot enough) or maybe he’s the cool water guy, or even the mysterious and powerful earth type!
Oh! What if he tests it out, killing one of those annoying ugly monsters will surely show his unmatched power!
“Take this!” He cheered, suddenly turning and striking a pose at the women who passed him. An ugly red-orange monster was resting on her shoulder that unfortunately was still alive, no big ice spikes or bursting into flames.. shoot now he looks like a crazy person! The woman looked reasonably pissed, uh oh. There goes his reputation.. Again!
“Sorry!” Subaru squeaked before bowing and promptly scuttling away. So embarrassed! He just wants to curl up in a ball and die.
“Man, my future life sucks!” He murmured to himself.
“There’s odd monsters, I’m completely lost, I have no money, and no place to stay.” He sighed dramatically. “I guess I should focus on finding something to eat.”
Sadly enough Subaru lost his bag during the time leap, or well more he freaked out at the thought of getting a fresh start that he dropped it. He’s moved around a lot since then and the place he first appeared (the place that holds his precious corn chips) was long past the point of return.
Hey at least he still has his wallet and flip phone. Sitting on a park bench Subaru started to count his money. He had about two thousand yen, and if things got really desperate he could sell his phone for a good chunk of change. Okay, with money somewhat solved now what.
Those monsters were starting to creep him out now that he thinks about it. They used to completely ignore him but now they seem oddly fixated on his frame. This could be bad, maybe the demon king took notice of him and was actively sending in his troops!
Yikes! Better skedaddle!
A short jog led him to a small alleyway. This could be a good place to wait for the troops to pass. With a sigh he slumped down, leaning on the wall. Scratching his wrist and down to his arm Subaru reached for his phone. Low in behold it was still there. Right away Subaru started flipping through his contacts. Stopping every time it came to his parents.
They would be a get out of jail free card if he wasn’t so worried about messing up the future. But ultimately he didn't know what would happen if he made contact with them. And that scared him the most.
He missed his mom’s cooking, his dad’s cheerfulness, eating a nice meal smothered in mayo.
“God I really am pathetic,” Subaru said softly. Resting his head on his knees. Closing his eyes Subaru took a deep breath, fighting away tears of frustration. “Now is not the time.” He wobbled. Time to get up.
“Okay! You're better than sitting in a creepy alleyway, Subaru!” He grinned. Staring out in front of him.
“Gah!” Subaru shrieked, three ugly monsters had inched towards him while he was sulking. Quickly he scrambled up, pressing himself up against the wall.
“Get back you good for nothings!” He yelled, kicking them away. Unfortunately a purple monster latched onto Subaru's leg. “Ah get off! get off!” He shrieked.
“Divine dogs!” A voice yelled out, and suddenly after the ugly monster was nothing more than purple gore. Subaru froze, careful not to make any sudden noise, two dogs.. no wolves were chowing down on the monster guts.
Slowly inching away he didn’t take his eyes off the two wolves. But shierked when an unfamiliar voice spoke. There goes being sneaky..
“You okay?” The voice asked.
“Yeah I was until you spooked me! This is all your fault if those animals eat us!” Subaru wailed. Jumping behind the tall dark haired guy. “Protect me!”
“It’s fine,” the guy sighed, calling the monster eating wolves away from their meal. “They won't attack you.”
“Like hell! They tore through the Demon Kings monsters like they were nothing! They even ate it!” Subaru yelped as the white wolf came closer. “Look how hungry it is, they're going to make me their next meal!” He clung closer to the man.
“No they won’t,” the guy sighed again, desummoning the Demon wolves.
“Woah! How’d you do that?” Subaru gawked, unlatching himself from the stranger.
“Oh uh sorry,” Subaru blushed. “Man, my dignity as a man is totally gone!” First the weird pose in front of that woman and now this? The black haired guy looked frankly unimpressed.
“Dude that look isn’t helping!” Subaru squawked. Still the guy looked unamused. “Stop looking at me like that, you Sasuke look alike!” Subaru jumped back, hitting his fighting pose. But still he had that sour look on his face.
“Ugh! I give up, I'm leaving!” Subaru fumed, turning away.
“Why were you losing to grade 4 cursed spirits?”
“Huh..?”
“Huh?”
“What do you mean huh? I’m the confused person here!” Subaru shouted. Spinning around furiously. “And I don’t like how you said that!”
“Tch whatever,” Subaru rolled his eyes at the perplexed expression on the other dude's face.
Wait, does he know what these weird monsters are? And he can kill them? That must mean hes anti demon king! This random dude must be an important npc, meaning if Subaru got enough friendship points with him he’ll be able to move onto the next level! Oh Subaru should have known this, he’s definitely the dark haired mysterious type with a tragic backstory that all the girl fans love.
“So what is your deal anyway,” Subaru scoffed, trying not to seem like he actually does want to talk with the guy.
“I’m a first year student and jujutsu high Fushiguro Megumi,” the Sasuke rip off (I guess Fushiguro?) said.
“Huh so what? Wait, does that mean there’s a whole school dedicated to fighting the demon king?” Subaru gasped, woah he could totally join.
“Demon king?” Fushiguro muttered, almost astonished. “No there’s no demon king,” he cleared his throat.
“Your seeing are cursed spirits, I take it you’ve seen them all your life and never known what they are?” Fushiguro concluded.
“Uh, no I’ve only started seeing them now,” Subaru replied sheepishly.
“Really?”
“Yeah…? Are these things normal?” Subaru asked.
“Have you been in possession of something that looks like this,” the first year asked, suddenly more serious, bringing up his cool, flat, futuristic phone to show Subaru an odd box with an even stranger wrapped up cylinder thing. Was this some weird voodoo stuff Subaru wasn’t prone to?
“Uh no I don’t think so,” Subaru replied reaching into his pocket pulling out his wallet and flip phone. “This is all I have on me, sorry dude!”
“And you’ve only now started to see the cursed spirits?”
“Yeah, that’s what I said,” Subaru chuckled awkwardly.
“You have so much cursed energy, how is this possible?” Fushiguro hummed thoughtfully.
“Wait, so you're saying these monsters are everywhere?” Subaru squeaked.
“Correct, Curses are everywhere”
“yikes everywhere!!” Subaru yelped, jumping back, everywhere, wait does that mean they’ve watched him.. Yikes! Better not think of that. Wait if they’re everywhere.
“How come I’ve only just now begun to see them?” Subaru muttered to himself. “Maybe it’s the whole time travel thing.” He mused.
Fushiguro looked just as confused. If Subaru had a lot of cursed energy (whatever that means), wouldn’t he be scouted for whatever school Fushiguro goes to. Like idols or something, they notice his super cool and super strong powers and send him away to school.
How come that didn’t happen in his past though? Maybe he didn’t quite cut it and when he did time travel all his stored away energy came out. It would explain it possibly, to be honest Subaru doesn’t know how cursed energy even works so he’s probably wrong.
“So uh now what,” Subaru questioned stiffly, iching the back of his neck. What would happen to him now? What if they're super selective and they don’t want anyone else to learn how cursed energy works so they just kill him?
Fushiguro let out a long sigh before walking past Subaru. “Come on, I'll take you to someone,” he paused for a good long while “but I need to finish something first.” He offered.
“Oh sure! I’ll be glad to help!” Subaru smiled rushing next to the black haired guy. Patting his back obnoxiously.
Subaru as he introduced himself, (no last name apparently) was an odd boy, he had this odd ancient aura that made Megumi want to curl up and disappear. When the young sorcerer first found Subaru he was cornered by three grade four curses. It was odd for such a seemingly strong sorcerer to be terrified out of his mind by shikigami none the less such weak curses.
As it turns out, the kid was absolutely clueless. He didn’t know what curse spirits were, he didn’t know how to use cursed energy and allegedly he wasn’t able to see curses until recently. Hard as it was to believe Megumi could tell this naïve guy was telling the truth.
Not knowing how to handle this situation was Megumi's first mistake. Maybe if he didn’t offer to help him out Gojo would have swooped in to help save the day. (But knowing how dumb the strongest could be sometimes, he wasn’t exactly confident) so instead he offered to take the kid to Gojo himself.
It took all of one moment to realize that until he found Sakuna's finger his teacher would be pretty unhelpful. Even if he found such an oddity like Subaru himself.
Speaking of the kid, he seemed pretty excited, walking with Megumi. His confidence was back, and his head was held high. The curses seemed to no longer bother him, he barely spared them a glance.
Subaru was young too, immature, and rash. Following a complete stranger into the unknown just because he also sees the same demons as you. He loved to talk, express himself in ways only a child could freely do. Megumi smiled inwardly at the childish behavior of the person next to him.
Subaru seemed to mindlessly chatter, filling up the empty air with questions upon questions that Megumi answered in one to two words. It seemed like the previous annoyance Subaru had regarding Megumi disappeared. And instead of a random stranger he was following blindly Subaru was with his best pal, catching up with the latest drama.
“So Fushiguro, your wolves, they're like super strong right?” He yapped, “man so like you can command them, right?” Subaru seemed undetermined by Megumi's silence. “So wait if your wolves are not able to be seen by normies you could totally get one of your dogs to steal something!”
“Ohh, imagine if we went to a rich person's place and steal one of their wallets!” Subaru beamed, “oh that’d solve my money problem..”
“Can you teach me how to summon one! We’re friends right?”
“That’s not how that works.” Megumi stopped to look at Subaru's still beaming smile “And no.”
“Aw.”
They stopped at an entrance to a school, the curse energy was even stronger here, meaning the object that had been the cause of his troubles was near. Finding the cursed object would be much harder with such a suffocating cursed energy following him around. But he couldn’t just leave this kid here, not after he offered to help.
“This is it.” Megumi said monotone.
“So this is the school where the demon king resistance is being trained! So cool!” Subaru bounced up and down.
“What no?”
“Oh..”
Megumi ignored the dejected expression on Subaru's face and walked in. Hopefully this is an in and out mission, so he can just pass the kid along to Gojo and be done with it. But Megumi had a sneaky suspicion it wouldn’t be that easy.