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Nibbling silently on the packaged bread forced onto him by a worried Fushiguro, Yuuji couldn’t help but turn his gaze to the newest addition to their ragtag team of sorcerers (and curse). A sudden enemy turned ally just as quick – Okkotsu Yuuta was certainly… quite the character. He definitely had a career in acting if sorcery didn’t end up working for him. Though that in itself was highly unlikely. The dark-haired youth was far too skilled as a sorcerer, of that he was sure. They didn’t send just anyone to kill the King of Curses and his vessel after all. He shivered, recalling the sheer intensity at which the elder had hunted him, blade drawn and wielded without a hint of hesitation. His speed, mastery of sorcery and pure physical prowess. It all made for a very nasty combination that easily outclassed not only himself, but Choso as well.
Not to mention…
Yuuji’s eyes shifted, taking in the monstrous form lingering besides Okkotsu as he swallowed the final bite of his bread.
The curse. No…the cursed companion of Okkotsu Yuuta. Rika…was it?
His heart had leapt to his throat when he felt those strong limbs latch around his waist – locking him into place effortlessly as Okkotsu stood with his blade. A shikigami he had believed in panic at the time. Though now, as he took in the pair before him, his hurried conclusion seemed rather…inadequate. Not quite capturing the duo’s unique bond, far beyond that of master and summon. He observed fascinated, unable to take his eyes off the powerful curse as it hovered over Okkotsu – one arm wrapped possessively around his frame while the other softly caressed his hair with a gentleness Yuuji only ever witnessed from lovers.
The elder was preoccupied with his own bag of snacks, tearing open a packet of salted animal crackers that appeared just the slightest bit stale. Not that it seemed to bother the sorcerer though, as he turned his head to allow Rika – attention now veering away from the dark locks – to casually drop a piece into his mouth. It made for quite the scene. Yuuji couldn’t entirely believe those same hands – large enough to completely engulf his skull and crush it to pulp effortlessly too had it chosen to – could touch so tenderly or move so deftly.
“Ah, thank you Rika-chan.” The older boy chimed gratefully, chewing calmly as he shifted to face Yuuji.
Oops, busted. His eyes flickered away, alarmed and embarrassed, but a tad too slow. He’d clearly been caught. Not entirely unforeseen though. He had been rather shameless with his intrigued observations. His grandfather would have surely scolded his ears off for his poor etiquette had the man still been around.
“Did you want a piece, Itadori-kun? You’ve been glancing over here for quite a while now.” Okkotsu queried, surprisingly tender. “It’s okay if you’re still hungry, you’re recovering after all.”
A strange sense of shame bubbled in the pit of his stomach at the kind tone. Perhaps he had become too used to hateful looks and demeaning words, but Yuuji had prepared for a far more hostile reaction from the elder at his admittedly rude behaviour. It was warranted after all. He was nothing but a danger, a failed cage barely able to keep its prisoner in check. It was only logical everyone looked at him with wary eyes.
Yet…Okkotsu showed not a single sign of suspicion towards Yuuji, instead appearing exceedingly troubled at the idea his junior still felt unfulfilled by the admittedly lacklustre food on hand. Concern bled from his frame, and Yuuji was instantly reminded of Fushiguro. The summoner had fretted incessantly over his injured state after their emotional reunion, and despite protests, insisted Yuuji rest further before taking off to scout the vicinity for what other supplies could be scrounged.
“Ah… no, I’m fine thank you. Um, it’s just – ah…you and Rika…san…are quite close, aren’t you? Uh, I mean...you seem to get along really well for a sorcerer and uhm…” he asked, fumbling over his words as he felt heat rise to his cheeks. If Okkotsu noticed, he certainly did not point it out, choosing to smile sweetly as he lightly stroked the curse’s hand.
“Ahaha, yes. I guess you could say we are.” He answered sheepishly before sending Rika a fond look – intimate enough that Yuuji felt the urge to turn away. He felt almost like an unwanted intruder, interrupting a moment so personal and sweet it should have been protected from prying eyes.
“Rika-chan is very special to me after all.”
The aforementioned curse released what could only be an affectionate squeal in response to the bold declaration, nuzzling aggressively into Okkotsu’s entire frame. The heavy weight caused even the powerful sorcerer to buckle, though the elder didn’t seem to mind as he returned the loving gesture.
“Yuuta is Rika’s most precious as well!” It proclaimed childishly, attempting to feed him yet another cracker in the midst of its cuddling.
Letting them partake in their good-natured antics, Yuuji turned away to give the pair their privacy. The curse, Rika…was quite unlike any of the prior beings he had encountered. He couldn’t help but feel unnerved, his very understanding of curses challenged yet again. It…no, she, was incredibly human in nature, even if that description didn’t quite translate in the way she physically appeared. Not that it really mattered. It was the humanity in her behaviour, so often deemed absent in curses - especially of the Special Grade variety - that truly made her existence so fascinating to Yuuji.
And even though his time with the duo has been short, he could see it. The genuine sentiment – the love – that the supposedly monstrous creature held towards Okkotsu. Could see it in her actions, in how she desired to be by his side every chance possible, in how she catered to his every need and in how fought by his side not as a summon, but as an equal. A protector that chose to join the fray purely out of their love for another.
It was an unsettling inference to come to, particularly with his piling resentment towards curses as of recent. The idea curses existed beyond the threat to society they naturally seemed to be had been one he’d been trying so hard not to see. For the progression of his career as a sorcerer…and for the sake of his heart. And for a time, he’d been quite successful at just that, encouraged by the unending incidents incited by their enemies and the traumatic losses sustained from them. They made it so easy for him to despise curses, even if he tended to be generally compassionate by nature. His grandpa had always bemoaned that soft disposition, grumbling how he was too kind and simple for their era.
And perhaps, he had been right. A part of Yuuji had always doubted the innate evil of curses and the absolute destruction of their existence by the hands of sorcerers, at least in the beginning. The weakness had lingered at his core – a notion of how curses, to a certain extent, were merely the unfortunate result of a world that failed them. Ultimately influenced by the corruptions of mankind itself or the devious scheming of higher beings. His heart never failed to clench painfully at the memories of the transfigured children Mahito needlessly dragged into their fight. Of Choso’s brothers, their blood and flesh staining his hands. Had they deserved to die? Were they also not victims of the dire circumstances? And Junpei, for all his misplaced associations with Mahito, had truly deserved better.
But ultimately, it had also been curses that had dictated their cruel fates, as it was every time. The vulnerable were always swept away by the whims of the strong. And curses with power weren’t the type to be sympathised with. He’d learnt so the hard way. There was only so much room in his heart, and he couldn’t allow himself to be weighed down by doubt and uncertainty. Almost instinctively, he reached for his stomach, fist clenching as his mind wandered to the insidious curse housed in his body. The King of Curses had to be stopped. Of that, there was no debate. His resolution couldn’t be allowed to waver now – not after what the vile being had done. Had made him do while controlling his body. The thought of Shibuya weighed on his existence every day – all the despair, fear and resentment resting on his shoulders as he fought to simply survive. He had to, for Nanami.
But yet, Rika existed – proving without doubt that curses were more than the warped and mindless beasts both sorcerers and curses of kind had tried so hard to depict. It had been different with Choso, at least, that was what he had convinced himself of. Choso was partially human after all. And perhaps that made it easier for Yuuji to accept the man’s unending loyalty and love for his family that went beyond what was decreed possible from curses. It was only human nature to love one’s family he insisted.
But with Okkotsu and Rika, it was different. He just knew – call it the judgement of a fellow curse bearer. Rika came across as the type to be very much capable of snapping at a thread despite her childlike demeanour. Special Grades tended to have the most malevolent of personalities after all. And she definitely had the strength to back it up. Yet she consciously chose to rein it in, all for Okkotsu. A human. He did not know their full story, but such a profound bond between man and curse had seemed so impossible before, yet there they stood.
How unfair he mused, unable to stop the bitterness that flooded his veins.
It was nothing more than a passing thought, the ruminations of a lonely child during the darkest of nights. But Yuuji couldn’t help but wish his own circumstances had been different. A little more like Okkotsu. He often wondered what god he must have angered in his past life to have been dumped the King of Curses in this one. Of all the cursed beings out there – capable of both evil and kindness as he was beginning to see – Yuuji just had to be stuck with the most malicious and infamous of them all.
Sukuna couldn’t be more of an antithesis to Rika even if he tried to be. For all the love Rika held for Okkotsu, he could guarantee Sukuna felt in hatred for him. The curse had made it clear he couldn’t care less for Yuuji as an existence. Boring and dull, was that what he had said? Either way, his safety and wellbeing were the last thing on Sukuna’s mind. He truly received the short end of the stick he was starting to realise. Stuck with the worst possible option of the bunch. A true evil against humanity – one that forced him to always keep his guard up, lest he end up dead, or worse…a mere meat suit for the entity.
With that grim thought, maybe it was better their relation remained spiteful. He’d rather the curse not use false promises of friendship to further mess with his mind.
And if there was one thing Yuuji could appreciate about Sukuna – as much as it pained him to even admit a shred of gratitude towards the monster – it was the fact he stayed rather straightforward with his intentions. And also the fact the curse mainly ignored him. At least while he was awake and with the others. He couldn’t imagine having to deal with Sukuna more than he already did, let alone one that clung to him like a lover would. The King of Curse’s love language probably translated to nothing good anyways. The dictator had a penchant for demeaning and tormenting whoever he addressed. He assumed a lover would be treated no different. He snickered slightly at the strange thought. Whatever poor sucker that ended up the target of Sukuna’s affection would surely accrue much suffering. Choso certainly made a case for the peculiar tendencies of a doting curse, one that revolved around his love for his family, siblings and Yuuji – as misplaced as those feelings for him were.
Either way, there was no purpose in lingering on the ‘what ifs’ now. He had made his choices, and had it been offered again, Yuuji would take the same path every time. How could he not when it meant sparing his friends from their untimely demise. Hesitation never once crossed his mind on swallowing Sukuna’s finger the moment his senpai and Fushiguro were in danger. Because to Yuuji, it was only natural the desire to save his precious people came above all else. He sighed, sick of the conflicting emotions that ate at his mind.
“Are you tired, Itadori-kun?” A worried Okkotsu interrupted, clearly mistaking his troubled huff as a sign of fatigue. “It’s probably best you rest up a bit more. We shall be heading out soon once Megumi-kun returns and your friend over there wakes up.”
Feeling drained, and not quite up to protesting, Yuuji nodded mutely. He moved to lay his head on the dirty sweater Okkotsu had previously used as a pillow while healing his wounds. Closing his eyes, he was grateful sleep came easy that night.
--
Rika watched curiously as her precious Yuuta smiled softly at the sight of the sleeping child. Her beloved seemed to be growing increasingly fond of their latest stray despite the short time spent together – rather uncharacteristic given his reserved nature. Because though Yuuta cared deeply for those precious to him, it can be said that only so few people were actually extended the privilege of having that favour. The small group of sorcerers from their past and the teacher with the divine eyes were the few she could count.
But to a certain extent, Rika did understand Yuuta’s inclination towards the boy. Nobody knew Yuuta better than her after all. And after his small chat with the teacher, he had claimed they were the same! Him and Itadori. And that it was their responsibility as seniors to look out for their juniors! Not that Rika really understood what that meant, but her Yuuta had always been so kind like that! Surely, he must have felt some connection to the young boy that seemed to almost replicate their very circumstance years ago. It was strange really – she had never met anyone like her and Yuuta in all their years together. Though this Yuuji looked to be dolefully weak from their first encounter, nothing like her amazing Yuuta. It didn’t help he carried this painfully downcast air, like a wet cat in need of a good cuddle. She hoped that cute shadow boy would give him the big hug he seemed to need!
“Rika-chan, I’m going to quickly check up on Megumi-kun.” Yuuta interjected, disrupting her musings. “Please keep an eye on Itadori-kun while I’m gone, okay?”
He smiled sheepishly, already trying to appease her before she could fuss. But she couldn’t help it! Rika didn’t like being away from Yuuta for long. She wanted to be by his side, always and forever! However… the shadow summoner had been gone for a while now, yet to return from his impromptu trip out for supplies. She could understand Yuuta’s concern. And with the blood user still out cold – Yuuta had been rather violent with his fists, even if it was for the sake of authenticity – it left the sleeping Itadori defenceless should he head out.
“I’ll be quick Rika.” He assured. “Megumi-kun is strong, I’m sure he is fine. But I just need to check. I’ll drag him back here in no time.”
Pouting, Rika crossed her giant arms and turned away.
“Yes, yes Yuta. Rika will make sure nothing happens to the boy!” She concedes begrudgingly even as she continued to sulk. Yuuta’s gaze softened, eyes expressing his gratitude in a way words could not.
“Thank you, Rika-chan. I know you will. You’re the strongest after all!” He grinned. “Just call me if you need me.” He advises before leaping off into the night. Hmph! More like he should call her! Rika was always helping Yuuta out! Slightly miffed, it didn’t stop her from reaching out to their special bond, feeling the link tug as Yuuta traversed further from their hideout. It was this little connection that ensured she was always attached to his soul, allowing the sorcerer to summon her the moment he willed for it. Hopefully though, he would not need to.
Now alone with no Yuuta to entertain her, Rika turned back to the sleeping boy. He was certainly the anomaly, Itadori Yuuji. Not only was Yuuta quite invested in him, having gone through great lengths to keep him safe and guarded from the jujutsu organisation, but the strongest sorcerer had expressed his interests as well. The teacher with the divine eyes was fiercely protective of him, going as far as to find them across the ocean to relay his request for the pair to watch his precious student should he somehow become unable to himself. It was uncanny, the extent these powerful sorcerers were all willing to go for a mere child.
Especially considering what the boy housed in his tiny frame. The King of Curses, according to the files she’d peeked at over Yuuta’s shoulders. A vessel for the supreme being of all curses. Not that one could tell from first glance. The child’s doe like appearance easily distracted from the fact he was a massive threat to those around him by simply existing. Perhaps it was that charm that bewitched the men around him? Was that his true cursed technique she pondered? The shadow boy and blood user had similarly appeared enamoured by the mere presence of the child. She would not forgive him if he tried to take her Yuuta away!
Feeling annoyed, she hovered closer, further inspecting the child. His face was surprisingly peaceful as he slept, very much unlike the gloomy and sullen boy that emerged when he was awake. He always seemed so sad she noted, eyes dead, looking but not really seeing. It was as if he were operating on muscle memory alone, staving off constant exhaustion and despair without respite. She’d seen the shadow summoner obsessively watch the child, visibly pained at such despondency from what must have been a close friend. And just like that, her sudden jealousy washed away, disappearing as she realised the child might not even have the will to live, let alone take her Yuuta. She felt a little silly now! Yuuta was always lecturing her on her short temper…
Now lingering mere inches away from the boy, she further scrutinised his form. He had such lovely skin; it was almost a shame the harsh scars tarnished the look. Though in a weird way, they suited him fine as well. Like proud battle scars that indicated his struggles against adversary and subsequent victory. She also loved his pink hair, such a pretty shade reminiscent of the cherry blossoms Yuuta had once shown her in a distant memory.
Instinctively, she reached out to touch a strand, childish curiosity eager to see if those pink locks were as soft as her Yuuta’s. But before her fingers could even make contact, a firm grip clawed into her forearm, squeezing hard enough that even a durable being such as herself felt a spike of pain shoot through the bone. Then, like an eruption, there was a surge of cursed energy that only came with a domain expansion, and Rika was dragged in by the force before she could even resist.
--
“Don’t come so close to what’s mine. It’s unpleasant.” spat a dark voice, echoing throughout what appeared to be the inside of a soul. It was clear she was no longer in their prior hideout, at least spiritually, instead pulled into what must have been the enemy’s domain. Rika surveyed her new surroundings, noting the unending red waters that extended around her, and the many bone structures that occupied the place. The overarching ribcage being most noticeable. Beneath the grand structure, skulls lay about haphazardly, eventually piling up to form a tall, deathly mountain that propped a grand throne. Rika had a sneaking feeling the design layout was deliberate, allowing the one who sat upon it to gaze down mockingly on those below. And this was only proven by the current occupant, four red eyes boring back at her full of malice and distaste. As if her very presence was a blight on his sight.
“Hmph. What a disappointment. To think this is what the brat has been so enamoured by.” He scoffed.
She hadn’t expected the infamous King of Curses to make an appearance so soon. The entity had been as silent as death since his rampage in Shibuya after all. She had only witnessed the aftermath of that incident, but even she and Yuuta had been stunned at first at how such large-scale destruction had occurred in such little time. But taking in the pure power permeating the air around the domain – any lesser being would have been trembling by now – she could finally understand how that level of devastation had been possible. The being in front of her was dangerous, even for a Special Grade such as herself, and as deadly as the legends told.
Yet even as he sized her up like a bug, she noticed how the bottom set of eyes remained locked on the body he held closely on his lap. Upon closer inspection, she realised she recognised the familiar head of pink hair. Itadori Yuuji. It seems she hadn’t been the only one the King had graciously decided to bestow his company on. The vessel lay cradled against the King of Curses, head tucked gently into the crook of the curse’s neck, looking rather petite in comparison to the other’s broad frame. And still deeply asleep she noted, blissfully unaware of the deadly situation they had landed themselves in. In fact, with his proximity to the King of Curses, it wouldn’t be too outlandish to say he was certainly in the most peril. Calmly, she measured the distance between her and the boy, Yuuta’s words on protecting the child echoing loudly in her head. And almost as if he’d read her intentions, the strong clawed grip on the boy’s waist tightened.
“Eyes back up here, vermin.”
Instinctively, Rika raised her gaze, unable to resist the pure authority in his tone despite feeling annoyed at herself for doing so. For now, the child was beyond her reach. And not quite under threat just yet, seeing as the King of Curses appeared far more focused on her instead.
His muscles were tense, unable to completely hide the anger in his narrowed eyes despite the façade of indifference projected. For whatever reason, her presence bothered him more than he let on.
“Tch. A mere vengeful curse and their human pet. He always did have such laughable taste in company.”
Rika felt her metaphorical hackles ruffle, body tensing as she her fists clenched. No one insulted Yuuta around her.
“And rather fickle too.” The curse continued with absolute nonchalance, as if she wasn’t releasing enormous amounts of killing intent that would normally send anything under Special Grade on their knees.
"The pathetic brat lavishes his affections on any poor fool that shows him the slightest bit of attention. But no matter, he’ll learn soon enough what it means to be mine.”
He shifted, and she was instantly on guard, arms positioned in preparation for an attack. An unnecessary precaution however, as the curse simply moved a hand to grasp at his vessel’s face, shifting it to get a better view of the sleeping boy. Gently, he ran a thumb beneath the child’s eyes, far less callous than she would have expected. According to the data provided about the pair, it would be an understatement to say their relationship was less than hostile. The King had supposedly killed his vessel once, though one couldn’t tell with how tenderly he was currently handling the boy. Like a precious prize he didn’t wish to risk damaging with his superior strength.
But she had no idea how long this magnanimity would last, and with the situation growing quickly beyond her control, Rika considered calling on Yuuta. Hesitantly, she tugged on their special bond…but did she really want to bring her beloved here? As capable as they were in battle, even she was uncertain they would leave a confrontation with the King of Curses unharmed, if not gravely so. She had underestimated the curse, and with just this small encounter, was beginning to grasp just how dangerous this being was. The six-eyed sorcerer must have been insane to risk allowing such a threat to remain unchecked, even if the current vessel was supposedly more effective than the rest.
“What? Not going to call your little human? We can finish what he started.” Mocked the curse, having concluded his little inspection of the vessel and seemingly back in good spirits. If not a little smug.
Rika snarled. King or not, she was willing to go toe to toe with this beast if it intended any harm on Yuuta. She would have normally ripped off the head of anything that breathed wrong at her beloved, but unfortunately, this was not such a simple case. For once in her life, she would need to act with caution.
As much as pompous sorcerers loved to dismiss her as a mindless beast, she was far more perceptive than most. A trait that had won her battles in the past. When she wasn’t engaging with Yuuta, she often found herself observing their surroundings, whether it be the environment or Yuuta’s interactions with others – and she had grown good at making quick, on the spot conclusions. Something she had been doing the moment she was dragged into the domain, brain running a mile a minute on why? Why had the King of Curses gone through all this trouble to pull them here? And for what?
She wasn’t a threat, at least while their forces remained allies. Not that it seemed to matter to the King, as even when Yuuta had stabbed a hole right into his vessel’s chest, the curse did not emerge. What made it different this time? She had only hovered near the boy, at most intent on feeling his rather lovely hair up close. If anything, she had been gentle, almost affectionate, a privilege not many were lucky to receive.
And then it clicked. Itadori Yuuji. Her affection, the warning upon dragging her into his domain and the simmering irritation from the curse. It was the moment her actions towards the child shifted from threatening to teeter on amicable, that the entity had bore its fangs. Almost resembling a wrathful beast guarding its treasure. But could that really have been it? The sorcerers had been insistent he held no interest towards Itadori Yuuji beyond his role as a vessel after all. Then a territorial dispute perhaps? Did he view her as infringing on his domain? But again, that simply didn’t feel right. The curse would have reacted far more negatively during their initial battle with the child if that had been the case. No, it definitely had to do with her friendliness towards the boy. She herself also tended to get rather angry when others lingered too close to her Yuuta too after all. And it explained why the child remained so far beyond her reach, personally guarded by the King of Curses himself it seemed. Well, this was…interesting. And if her theory was correct, a good chance in potentially de-escalating this mess.
“Rika doesn’t touch your human. You don’t touch Rika’s Yuuta.” She scowled, fists clenching. It was hard to remain polite when Yuuta’s welfare was being jeopardized.
Silence. Then, as if he’d heard a great joke, the curse threw his head back and cackled – long and loud. It made her feel like a kitten mewling instead of a fellow Special Grade.
“Is that so? Is that so?” He mocked in response to her proposition, still laughing. Rika nearly decided to screw negotiations and lunge at the vexing curse, but a sudden burst of power stopped her in her tracks as the water besides her exploded, splashing her in the red liquid and causing some skulls to be swept away. A clear warning.
“You really aren’t in the position to be making demands from me.” He snapped; all sense of amusement wiped from his face. “I’d easily serve your heads on a platter.”
Then, he leaned back, relaxing yet again as he re-adjusted the child’s body to slump against his chest. He must have forcefully kept the boy asleep she thought. There was just no way the ruckus they were causing wouldn’t rouse him from his slumber. She was slightly miffed truthfully. Itadori Yuuji could contribute a bit more to calming down his possessive curse.
“But just this once, I’ll overlook your insolence. If only for that fantastic little theatrical show your human pulled over those sorcerers.” He smirked; chin rested languidly on his fist as he stared her down. Perhaps looking for a sign of weakness she would not show. “And I am rather interested to see what you and your droopy eyed pet have planned.”
“But know your place. My generosity only runs so deep.”
She nodded, a slight tip in her head, but enough for the message to get across. As much as it pained her to concede to the demands of anybody besides Yuuta, she would be sure to return this humiliation back tenfold. But for now, their little alliance needed the King of Curses cooperative, lest he interfere in future endeavours and cause a bigger mess than he already did.
“And keep your distance from my possessions, and I’ll even let yours live for the time being. It doesn’t really matter to me after all. Whether you die now or die later, you’ll all fall at my feet soon enough.”
Then, like she’d become a mere afterthought, the curse returned his gaze to the boy. To Itadori. She watched intrigued as the infamous King of Curses – known solely for his vicious disposition – softly caressed the child’s face. Gentle fingers brushed against the boy’s lashes before running across the curves of his cheeks, finally lingering lightly at the child’s lips – reminiscent of a lover worshipping the body of their beloved.
“Hmph, but the brat should be more honest with himself. So desperate for my affection it seems.” He chuckled, thoroughly amused by whatever strange thoughts occupied his mind. Rika blanched at the words. The King of Curses didn’t seem like the type anyone would be pining after, let alone an innocent child like Itadori Yuuji. She couldn’t imagine his attention would denote anything good for anyone.
“Is he not showered with my blessings? Is he not resistant to poison? Does he not return from death?” The curse murmured, mainly to himself at this point, mesmerised by whatever he saw in the sleeping boy’s face. “Always so greedy, so spoilt.”
His eyes returned to her, a scowl overtaking the previously subdued expression. “And always so easily distracted by insignificant pests. He really should learn to let go. My possessions needn’t concern themselves with such things.”
Being referred to yet again as a nuisance was really beginning to tick Rika off. She’d gladly accept being returned to the outside world, if only the King could just take his eyes off his vessel for more than a single second.
“But I can’t deny that fiery little spirit of his isn’t appealing. I’ll make sure to enjoy punishing that defiance.” He purred, tongue running across smirking lips.
In all honesty, she wasn’t sure what to make of the display. But Rika couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in her gut that the King of Curses was…dare she think it…rather fond of his host despite reports of their supposed animosity towards each other. It was a ridiculous notion for sure, one that would be disregarded by most should she raise it. But Rika knew. She recognised the same adoration in the curse that ran as deep as her own for Yuuta, even if it were rather pernicious and warped.
After all, he’d trapped her, threatened her and mocked her, simply for daring to reach a gentle hand towards the boy. But yet, strangely enough, the beast was more than happy to turn a blind eye as the child suffered from the endless onslaught of curses and sorcerers after his head. It was befuddling, almost as if the only kindness the child was allowed to receive had to be granted by the King himself. She wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. How utterly twisted, his form of love.
For a brief moment, Rika truly pitied Itadori Yuuji. Fate had not been kind to him this life. The affections of the King of Curses must not be easy shoulder after all.
A sudden tug on her bond with Yuuta signalled the man’s return, and Rika couldn’t decide whether she was happy or concerned. The decision was made for her though, as the domain slowly started to disappear, the king of curses looking annoyed.
“Hmph, it seems time is up. Remember your words, curse. Oh, and stay your tongue, this little encounter remains between us.” He ordered sharply as Rika was rapidly ejected from the domain. The last thing she saw was Itadori Yuuji, head obstructed as the King of Curses lowered his own face closer – and then she was back at the campfire, as if no time had passed at all. Yuuta and the shadow user burst from the bushes a moment later, both lugging large bags and boxes under their arms. The endeavour for supplies had been a success at least.
Yuuta smiled.
“Sorry for the delay. Hopefully things were peaceful on your end, Rika?” He asked, clearly with good intentions but completely ignorant to the struggles she’d underwent the second he had left.
A surge of irritation raced through Rika and she huffed, turning her back on her beloved. Ugh, if only things had been peaceful.