Echoes of Sukuna

Megumi's heart pounded as he sprinted through the dimly lit corridors of the school. His mind raced with thoughts of Suki, her transformation, and the fact that she was Sukuna's daughter. He couldn't afford to lose her—not like this, not when she needed him the most.

He reached the edge of the school grounds, breathing heavily. From what Noritoshi had said, Suki was with her mother, likely at a remote part of the village where she had been taken for safety. With no time to waste, Megumi summoned his shikigami, Nue. The bird-like spirit creature appeared, wings spread wide. He hopped onto Nue's back, and together, they took to the sky.

The village was a long way off, and as they flew over the city, the sun began to set, casting a crimson hue over the landscape. The thought of Sukuna's influence over Suki kept gnawing at him. What if she was losing control? What if her mother couldn't help her?

As Nue descended toward the outskirts of the village, Megumi spotted a small house nestled in the trees. There were no lights on, but a presence—faint yet unmistakable—lingered around it. Suki's cursed energy. He could sense it.

He landed near the house and approached cautiously, his hand ready to summon his divine dogs. When he reached the door, he hesitated for a moment. What if she didn't want to see him? What if she had already changed completely?

Gathering his resolve, Megumi knocked.

The door creaked open slightly, revealing Suki's mother, her expression calm but weary. "You've come for her," she said softly.

Megumi nodded. "I need to see her. Is she okay?"

Suki's mother opened the door fully, motioning him inside. "She's struggling, but she's strong. She's been resisting the influence of Sukuna's curse. I've been helping her contain it."

Megumi stepped inside and immediately felt the thick, oppressive air of cursed energy surrounding him. It was clear Suki had been battling hard to maintain control. He turned the corner into the living room, and there she was—sitting by the window, her back to him, her once long hair now cut short and jet black.

"Suki," he called gently.

She turned slowly, her dark eyes meeting his. For a moment, Megumi wasn't sure if it was really her. Her presence was different, heavier, as if she were balancing on the edge of a precipice. But then she smiled, that familiar warmth breaking through the cold exterior.

"You found me," she said softly, her voice a mix of relief and sorrow. "I didn't think you'd come."

Megumi approached her cautiously. "Of course I came. I told you before, no matter what happens, I'm not leaving you."

Suki looked down at her hands, still trembling from the strain of controlling her powers. "It's getting harder to hold on. Sukuna's presence... it's like he's always watching, always whispering."

Megumi knelt beside her. "You don't have to do this alone, Suki. We'll figure it out—together. I promised I'd protect you, and I'm not going back on that."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "But what if I hurt you? What if I lose control?"

"You won't," Megumi said firmly, taking her hand. "I trust you."

Just then, a sharp surge of cursed energy erupted from Suki, making Megumi step back. She gasped, clutching her head as Sukuna's influence flared up, threatening to take over.

"No!" she cried. "I... I can't..."

Megumi summoned his divine dogs, ready to intervene if necessary, but he knew that this battle wasn't his to fight. Suki had to face Sukuna's curse head-on.

"Suki, listen to me," Megumi called out, his voice steady despite the growing tension. "You're stronger than him. You've always been stronger than you think."

With every ounce of willpower, Suki forced the cursed energy back, her breathing heavy as she fought for control. After what felt like an eternity, the energy subsided, leaving her exhausted but still herself.

"I'm so tired," she whispered.

Megumi gently pulled her into his arms. "I know. But you're not alone anymore."

As they sat there, the moonlight casting a soft glow through the window, Megumi vowed to stay by her side, no matter how dark the path ahead became. Together, they would face whatever came next, and no curse—not even Sukuna—could tear them apart.