starlight

There was a part of you that was ashamed. Ashamed of how you had wished that Yuji didn’t make it when he had swallowed the finger. It only made your shame worse when Gojo asked both Megumi AND you what you wanted to be done with Yuji. You had hoped that Megumi would be the harsh voice of reason but he wanted Yuji saved. When the two turned to you, it had put you on the spot. Of course, you said to save him. You didn’t want to be that person. You didn’t want to risk disgusted side glances from Gojo or Megumi or anyone else for that matter even if Yuji’s execution was something widely agreed upon by the higher-ups.

In that moment, you were outnumbered. Plain and simple.

You used to have nightmares about Sukuna. Normally after your family had mandatory King of Curses worship sessions. Ones where all the girls had to sit behind the boys so that the boys didn’t see the terror in your faces and raise objections about their sisters, nieces, and female cousins being sacrificed.

Of course, when these group sessions happened children were told a much more…docile story akin to telling a child that their dog was being sent to a nice little farm upstate.

Your nightmares were always abstract. Sukuna looming over you on a mountain of bodies while a bright white light cascades from behind him, completely enveloping his entire form in shadows.

You’ve never smelled blood back then but in those nightmares…you could always smell blood. If that didn’t make it worse…all around you were familiar faces.

The mangled corpses of your family were scattered all around you. You recognized your Aunt Toshiko’s bejeweled hand. The one she had covered in rings to overshadow the wedding wing her estranged husband gave her.

A distant older cousin stared at you with lifeless eyes. His teenage body slung over your Aunt Haruka’s thicker lifeless corpse. You didn’t even see the twins’ corpses but judging by the lone blood-covered white air forces that Yoshio heavily favored, they most likely met the same fate as their mother.

No matter the slight changes of the nightmare, the end segment always plays the same. Sukuna looks down on you with a sickening grin and eats you alive...and you felt every second of it before the fear woke you up.

So here you were again. Sitting on the steps outside in the school’s garden, listening to the subtle sounds of the Shishi-odoshi emptying and refilling itself while your eyes were closed. There was something really soothing about the water and all of the sounds related to it. You knew it was like that for a lot of people but you especially. It really did something to you, even as a kid. Whenever everyone else was against you, the water was there.

“Modoru-san.” A deep masculine voice called out to you.

You opened your eyes and looked behind you to see your principal, Masamichi Yaga, standing over you. He stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back in his usual attire. It dawned on you that it might be appropriate to stand up and show some respect, which you did, offering a respectful bow.

“Good morning, Masamichi-sensei.”

“I heard about what happened last night. How are you feeling?”

“Huh? Well, I didn’t really get injured compared to Megumi and...Yuji.”

“That’s not what I was referring to.”

“Oh…”

“The higher-ups will most likely want Yuji Itadori’s execution to happen immediately. However...knowing Gojo...he will try to convince them otherwise.”

“You really think so?”

“Gojo may be unorthodox but he’s steadfast in his resolve. That’s the admiral part of him.”

You let out a troubled sigh. “Great.” You muttered.

“Allow me to ask you something…do you think your family will change their minds about clemency when news of Sukuna’s rebirth reaches them?”

You were silent as you thought about the question. “Honestly...I’m not really sure.” Your eyes widened. “But I promise: whatever they do, I have nothing to do with it!”

“I know. It’s one of the main reasons that we forbid communication between your family through this trial. Especially you.”

“Me?” You knew why. You kinda just wanted to hear someone else say it.

“Given your clan’s history of sacrificing the women in the family, we want to make sure that can’t happen.”

“How do you know they just won’t sacrifice one of my cousins?”

“You’re the one in Tokyo with Sukuna’s current vessel is why. It could be a matter of convenience.”

Grabbing your bag, you slung it over your shoulder. “I need a nap. It’s been very hectic.”

Your principal nodded as you walked past him and into the building. It didn’t take you long to reach the dorm area and find your room. Which wasn’t that far from Megumi’s but still a breathable distance. The other dorms were empty considering the second years were elsewhere and in terms of first years, it was only you and Megumi as well as another unnamed first year Gojo mentioned but never spoke more of. The door closed behind you and tossed your bag onto the floor before walking over to your mirror on the wall, pulling your thing black blanket off of it.

“This was not how ANY of this was supposed to go.” You began muttering to yourself. “You were supposed to get away from them and then NEVER have to deal with them again. This was supposed to be your way out, [Y/N]. How did it get fucked like this?”

You took a deep breath.

“This is fine. So long as they can never contact me, I’ll be fine. Even if they find some way, I’ll just ignore them...simple.”

To a normal human, the scene before them would just be a girl talking to herself in the mirror. However, other sorcerers would see something slightly different. It was like watching a transfer of energies between [Y/N] and her reflection as she continued rambling on.

How does a child with no one else to talk to go about letting their emotions out? Simple. They talk to themselves. [Y/N] didn’t realize it at the time but this was a clear sign that she did inherit her clan’s signature curse technique. However, her family did, especially her Aunt Toshiko, who found out that Aunt Haruka knew and pressed her about it in front of everyone in an attempt to humiliate her.

You took a deep breath. “You will not give in to fear. You will not give in to fear...what are you afraid of?”

The sounds of muffled talking outside caught your attention. One voice sounded like Gojo’s and the other sounded like Yuji’s. You sighed, appearing calm but your nerves were starting to feel uneasy. Being careful not to make too much noise, you slowly inched open the door, peaking outside to see Gojo, Yuji, and Megumi talking amongst each other.

‘So Gojo managed to talk them into delaying his execution.’ You thought.

When you were about to brave it and come out, a mouth formed on the side of Yuji’s face. A sick, evil grin that was 100% directed at you. The thought that he just knew to come out when you were there shot your nerves as you quickly slammed the door shut, locking it. Your breathing going from calm to erratic.

The sound of the loud slam caught everyone’s attention, especially Yuji’s.

“Who was that?” He asked.

“Most likely [Y/N]. Her room’s not too far from Megumi’s.”

Yuji scratched the back of his head. “How come she didn’t want to come out?”

“Well, she just has to get used to you is all. Her family has a...interesting history with Sukuna.”

“Did he kill all of them?” The new student innocently asked.

The look on Gojo’s face told Yuji that was close to the answer but not quite. “A little bit more interesting than that. Tell you what? You prove to her that you can control Sukuna and I’m sure she’ll tell you.”

With Yuji being the unexpected third first-year, there were now four first years learning under the tutelage of Satoru Gojo. Megumi Fushiguro, [Y/N] Modoru, Yuji Itadori, and a girl named Nobara Kugisaki.

While you were excited about the thought of another girl being in your class, just being near Yuji rattled you a bit. After their first bout, it was clear that even if Sukuna fully took over Yuji, Gojo would do something about it, so that aided in calming you down.

“Four first-years? Isn’t that a little small for a class?” Yuji asked with a pop sickle stuffed into his mouth.

“Well unless you’re deep in Jujutsu sorcerer society, it’s pretty rare for normal humans to see curses. Even then, just seeing curses isn’t enough to combat them.” You explained to him while not looking at him. He was very much staring at you though. Admiring you even. “It’s rare for someone with low cursed energy to become sorcerers.”

“I see. How come I’m the fourth? Shouldn’t I be the third?”

“The other one was admitted a while ago,” Megumi answered. “Jujutsu Tech is an unusual school and everyone has different circumstances.”

A brief silence before Yuji spoke up again, this time his question was solely directed to you. “Hey, [Y/N]?”

“Hmm?” You didn’t look at him and he took note of that.

“What did Sukuna do to your family? Is it ok for me to ask that?”

‘Easy question to answer.’ You thought. ‘My family has a long history of sacrificing girls to Sukuna to be eaten and killed and I was next so no offense to you Yuji but I’m hella uncomfortable by your very presence.’ How could you possibly explain that without making him feel bad? You didn’t know how to.

“[Y/N]?” Yuji called out to you.

“It’s a long story.” That was all you said.

Yuji couldn’t help but notice the stark difference in how you were treating him. Granted, you weren’t being an asshole or anything but yesterday you were pretty normal and nice. You seemed open and now you were more cut off. You never really looked at him. As if doing so was going to burn you alive. Based on what Gojo said, he wasn’t surprised. If your family had a terrible history with Sukuna, you must’ve grown up with stories about him. He did feel bad, bringing this nightmare to life for you to experience yourself. Yuji knew that this was the right decision though, he doesn’t regret that choice since you, Megumi, and his friends would’ve died if he hadn’t swallowed the finger. But damn, Gojo wasn’t kidding when he said that you would need proof that Yuji could control Sukuna.

“Thanks for waiting--oh!” Gojo approached the trio and noticed Yuji’s new look. “Looks like your uniform made it on time!”

Yuji flashed a smile. “Yup! A perfect fit! But it’s different from Fushiguro’s. It’s got a hoodie!” He exclaimed with as much excitement as a girl whose dress has pockets.

“School uniforms can be customized on request,” Gojo stated.

“Oh really? But I never put in a request.”

“I went ahead and did it for you. Figured you appreciate it.”

“Be careful...Gojo-sensei is quirky like that.” Megumi warned.

As the three of you walked around Harajuku, Megumi found himself becoming increasingly frustrated while both you and Yuji were in awe of the district. The only thing that has come close to a sight like this is when you and your aunt snuck out to Mardi Gras.

“This place is awesome.” You said, ogling all the different pieces of jewelry one vendor had on sale. This station in particular definitely catered to your style.

Rings with skulls on them, crescent moon earrings, black cat pins, and all other types of items. Feeling your heart pulse faster, you turned to Gojo and called out to him.

“GOJO CAN I GET MY ALLOWANCE EARLY?!” Your eyes were filled with glee.

“No can do, kiddo. Gotta wait a week, you know the rules.” Your teacher answered, causing you to pout. “Besides, we’re here to pick up another student, not to go shopping.”

Megumi scoffed. “That’s rich coming from you.” He said under his breath.

“I heard that.” Gojo laughed.

“Why are we in Harajuku anyway?” Megumi inquired.

“She asked us to meet her here.” Your teacher replied.

As the three of you walked on, Yuji hung back for a bit as he eyed the vendor you were just at. He pointed out an item and handed the vendor some money before taking off after you all.

The sight before you sure was something else. Your third classmate was easy to spot, not only because of the attire that looked similar to yours with fewer altercations but the fact that she was holding some random dude by the neck of his suit jacket.

You were the only one laughing as Megumi and Yuji looked on with semi-worried looks.

“How embarrassing,” Yuji commented.

Megumi rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk.” Highlighting the goofy glasses Yuji currently had on his face.

“Hey! Over here!” Gojo called out to her.

The ginger-haired girl glanced over to the rest of you. Her eyes lighting up with glee when she saw you among the guys. She strolled over to the four of you, placing a hand on her hip.

“The name’s Nobara Kugisaki. The other girl in your group.” She said with a proud smirk. “Consider yourself lucky to hang out with a girl like me.”

Yuji smiled at her. “I’m Yuji Itadori and I’m from Sendai!”

“Megumi Fushiguro.” The dark-haired boy said bluntly.

You offered a little wave. “I’m [Y/N] Modoru. Nice to meet you.”

Nobara looked between all three of you. She looked disappointed in Yuji and Megumi’s appearance and the way they held themselves. You, on the other hand, seemed to meet whatever standards she held.

She looked down at your feet. “I like your taste in shoes.” Pointing out your shoes.

“Aww, thank you!”

“Can I be honest with you?” She started, placing her hands on your shoulders. “I’m relieved that I’m not gonna be the only girl here.” She leaned in, whispering. “Especially cause those guys are just NOT it.”

The comment earned a giggle out of you. “No, they’re fine..so far.” You replied back with a whispering tone of your own. “Our teacher’s gonna be a real weirdo though. Whatever you witnessed before is not the full story.”

The guys watched the two of you whispering to each other and giggling back and forth. Gojo flashed a soft smile.

“They got along quick didn’t they?” He joked. He clapped his hands together, loud enough to catch the attention of all of you. “Alright campers! Since the two of you are newbies to Tokyo. Why don’t we have ourselves a nice little tour of Tokyo?” He asked with a smug look.

Nobara and Yuji’s eyes gleamed with excitement and the two crowded around Gojo.

“LET’S GO TO DISNEYLAND!! TOKYO DISNEYLAND!!” Nobara shouted.

“IDIOT!” Yuji started. “DISNEYLAND IS TECHNICALLY IN CHIBA PREFECTURE! LET’S GO TO CHINATOWN!”

Megumi looked downright annoyed while you chuckled at their enthusiasm as they argued back and forth about where they should be taken.

“Alright, alright! Relax! I will announce our destination.” Gojo stated. The two students backed away, bowing before him like dumbasses.

“We’re going to….ROPPONGI!”

Yuji and Nobara smiled wide and looked at each other. “ROPPONGI?!?!”

Yuji flashed her an embarrassed look as you tapped her shoulder to reveal crucial information to her.wof the derelict building that oozed cursed energy.

“Yup, there’s definitely a curse.” Megumi commented, ignoring the angered rambling of Nobara and Yuji while your face scrunched up at how dense the cursed energy was in the giant building that loomed over the four of you.”

“Playing with us country folk!” Nobara growled.

“I told you so.” You reminded Nobara with an elbow nudge and a giggle. The girl sent a grumpy look your way as Gojo began explaining the details.

“There’s a cemetery as well as an abandoned building. That combination attracted a curse.”

Yuji looked intrigued. “So are graves a hot spot for curses?”

“It’s not so much the cemetery itself but more so the fear people have surrounding cemeteries.” You replied, again you weren’t looking his way. “Superstitions about stepping on people’s graves, the fear of death, fear of zombies, and all other types of stuff.”

“Yeah, you guys mentioned that the school was like that too.”

Nobara looked confused. “Hold on. He doesn’t know that?”

“Well…”

Yuji flashed her an embarrassed look as you tapped her shoulder to reveal crucial information to her with an embarrassed look.

I’m so sorry about the familiar faces joke but I’m also not so 😛