Chapter Text
The wind was harsh against your nose as you focused on where it was leading you. You tried not to panic. The key word here was- try. You don't know what happened to Junpei and stating the obvious fact here you won't relax until you find out. So you attempt to be optimistic. He couldhave just drifted off somewhere…the problem was you weren’t sure how long ago that was. According to his scent, which was very light… it could have been during your time of slumber. That was at max three hours ago.
You didn't want to imagine what the omega would be up to within that time frame.
The only positive thing you could hold on to was the fact that you hadn’t found his monster flesh or anything of the sort. That was a good thing… unless something ate him whole.
Were there any big monsters this close to Shapuro? No, nothing that gigantic. Just basic mobs usually surround the towns.
Just as Toji jumped down into a clearing a new smell hit you, the irony sting set your alarms off.
“Toji-“
“I know.”
Leaping off the alphas back the two of you kneeled in front of a tree that had a splatter of blood upon it. There was a large bug that looked like a giant blue cockroach, it was feasting on the red liquid.
“Scram.” Toji waved the bug away, sending it scurrying up the tree.
“It looks… fresh…” you breathed with a tight throat. By what you could tell, the blood belonged to that of a beta. Seeing as it was the only evidence you had you felt your optimism crumbling. “What if he kill-“
“It’s not a lot of blood sweetheart…” Toji commented as he dragged two fingers upon the tree. Bringing it to his nose. With two quick sniffs, he smelt enough. Wiping his hand on the ground he jumped up. “The blood leads in the same direction I can...I can smell where the beta is, he's bleeding but he's alive.”
"Ok...I-I guess that's good." You followed after Toji as he continued to try to reassure you.
“There’s slight scuff marks but I don’t see any severe…” he trailed off because right in the path was more than just a littleblood, there was a good bit of it along with a scrap of blue fabric. There was also what looked like creature blood.
“Oh dear Tengen.” You were back to sprinting before Toji or your own thoughts could try to calm you down. Now you knew there was an altercation and someone was hurt. Whether it’s Junpei or the person he attacked. “Junpei!” You were screaming as you ran. Hoping your words can reach him before he killed someone. “Junpei, please- ah” you gasp in shock, “Megumi?”
Said boy was leaning against a rock, his arm bloodied and scratched.
“What are you doing here?” His tone was pretty nonchalant for someone who had just been attacked.
"Looking for a friend...Are you okay?" You knelt before the boy to heal him, his gaze not truly on you. Now you realize his question and demeanor were for the man behind you. Even being injured he still could ooze such disdain for his biological father.
Glancing at Toji you noticed how stiff he appeared. “Megumi.” He nodded his head toward the younger Fushiguro, massaging the back of his neck awkwardly. "You... okay?"
"What does it look like."
"Sorry, uh...stupid question..."
Unfortunately, it wasn't the time to unfold the father-son issue. The whole thing was like a damn chapter in itself and an ongoing issue that Toji deals with internally. To be fair...what his clan did to him was incredibly wrong.
The 'story'… that everyone knows… goes a little something like this. Toji had a mate that he impregnated and she died during an attack on the Zenin clan. Most of the family was killed. Toji then went John Whick and started massacring those that hurt his family. That's where he and Sukuna became best friends, during his blood rampage.
Aaaaallthis time he has been living in pain, feeling lonely.'Will he ever find love again?'they whisper in passing. Such a beautiful and courageous alpha who was so infatuated with his deceased omega would truly never find the one! Of course, until he meets Dove blah blah blah- happy ever after...the end! This is the truth that everyone knows...everyone except Toji... Sukuna... and well you.
The real story is much more...fucked up. The Zenin family tricked Toji into believing Megumi’s mother was his mate, implanting fake memories into his mind. It was their attempt to control the beast of an alpha. The monster THEY created. His clan treated him like shit just because he didn't have curse energy. They thought he would never be worthy of their name. Through the hardships and pain they bestowed on the man he vowed revenge. The only way to stop him was through Megumi's mother.
A witch's love potion made him fall madly in love with her, and she manipulated him into forgetting about his need to kill those who hurt him. To live a righteous life.
Sukuna saw right through the bullshit and saved the alpha. And once the spell was broken Toji was sent into a fit of rage and ended up killing the omega and a majority of the zenin family. His mental state was deteriorating due to the death of his false mate but also through the knowledge that she was controlling him. He was stuck in misery, on a wild rampage wanting nothing more than to rip apart the one that killed his mate- but it was he who killed her. He was lost in a forever cycle of turmoil.
You were surprised he was able to come out of all of that with how he is today. You don't know what you would have done if you had been there for such a depressing time. Of course, you would have done your best to be as supportive as you could but with the way it was explained it sounded like Toji was a walking-killing zombie with nothing to live for.
Playing as Dove in the game, you have to rekindle that love for him. Show him it's okay to open his heart- or some mushy gushy shit like that. It was actually kind of hard now that you think about it.
Needless to say...Though that was eighteen years ago, the resentment toward the clan and his only son still remained.
Obviously.
He doesn't even try to rekindle with him in the game. Not even poor Megumi knew what actually happened, but you always wondered what would have happened if Toji had told him. Would he hate him more or just continue with how their relationship is now? They have always just been passing ships. Toji didn't even raise him. It was much too difficult for him too. Gojo and the other alphas helped raise him. It was more like a village type of deal. Everyone but Toji had any true interactions with the boy. It was sad, and it's something you wanted to look into but you can't do that right now. You aren't supposed to know all of this. Not until Toji tells you this himself in the game...later...like waylater. So you must pretend you don’t know the truth. Your truth right now was that Toji loved Megumi’s mother very much and she was taken away from him.
And everyone believes Toji avoids Megumi because he failed him as a father. It was hatred... a confusion of emotions. A reminder of the pain he went through. And by the way, Megumi was glaring at the man he felt he was abandoned, no matter the excuse.
Do you have time to unpack all of that right now? Absolutely not. It hurts your head just thinking about the whole situation. You don't even know how you were going to go about it. In truth, you were thinking about slowly talking about it since there were life-or-death situations that required your attention. You felt bad putting it on the back burner but you had to take these things one step at a time.
"Hey-" You lean your head in the way so you can block Toji from his sight. Dark orbs blinked before you as if just realizing you were there. "Megumi, were you attacked by a blue-looking spirit?"
He raised his arm, checking out his freshly healed flesh, "Yeah, it just caught me by surprise."
"Where is it?" You speak swiftly making him look you up and down suspiciously.
"Yuuji is dealing with it."
"Wh-where where!" You hop up looking around ready to dart in the direction given. Of alllll the damn skills for you to not upgrade you were waving an internal fist in the air for not raising your scenting ability. You felt like you couldn't pick up a damn good trail!
"Why are you freaking out? Yuuji is strong he will kill it. I only got hurt because I didn't notice it."
"No- I don't want him to kill him! You are missing the point, just tell me where they went!"
Megumi snorted looking between you and his sperm donor. " You're kidding, right? It's a cursed spirit. Why would you care." He was being a stupid teenage boy dammit- you didn't do anything to him that was Toji!
"Megumi!" You hiss out, the sound almost sounding like a growl.
The boy looked slightly surprised by your reaction and your alpha must have been too because you felt a hefty arm wrap around you as Toji picked you up, running his fingers upon your cheek. "It's her friend Megumi. Please."
The brooding teen leaned his head back as he gestured east.
"Thanks."
"Thank you thank you-" Toji was already carrying you off as you said your appreciation toward the young beta.
You wanted to thank Toji too because you knew it must have taken a lot for him to just do that.
The tension between those two was uncomfortable.
You could understand both of their viewpoints. Megumi looks at Toji as if he has deserted him for something he had no say in...which he did.... but Toji looks at Megumi as a product of his mind fuck. It was amazing that he was able to stop himself from killing him. Even now you could feel his body trembling a bit.
The whole thing was just awful and both of them were victims.
"Are you okay?" You question as Toji ran with you.
"Yeah, just worried about your omega."
Oh Toji, you are a terrible Liar.
"Oi. Over here!"
Toji skirt to a stop sliding next to Sukuna who was standing before you with his arms crossed.
Your eyes lit up, "Did you-"
"Yes-"
"Is he-"
"Yes-"
"He's dead!?"
"Wait no-" Sukuna pinched his nose, "The stupid omega is alive."
"Where is he?"
"There." Sukuna pointed toward a clump of brush.
You furrowed your brows. "Is there... something wrong?"
"No. I'm going back to the others now. I assume you two got it from here." Shoving his hands in his pockets he began to stroll away.
"What the hell... why is he acting so weird?" You shook your head looking at Toji who was looking just as spacey as Sukuna was, nodding his head. He didn't even hear your statement! He was just nodding his head! These two idiots! Oh for the love of Tengen. "Come on..." You trudge forward dragging the alpha with you, pushing past the bushes. You were met with Junpei in his monster form. His big eyes looked toward you and with a screech, he ran at you with open arms.
"Shit-" You were pushed back as Toji got ready to attack.
"Wait!" Yuuji jumped in the way as Junpei cowered behind him, trembling as he looked toward you with glossy eyes. "It won't hurt anyone!"
"I'm not letting that thing get anywhere near my omega unless it's tied up!" Toji growled.
"No no- it's fine now!" Yuuji tried to reason, his body marked with a few scratches.
That certainly didn't look fine but with how Junpei wasn't attacking him made you question his statement, "Fine? What do you mean?"
"I mean..." Yuuji stepped back and smiled at the creature. "Hi, how are you!" He then offered Junpei his hand he took it gently.
"Hahaaaaaai..."
Yuuji chuckled patting the creature on the head, "You almost got it, buddy!" He sounded so proud.
"He..." Your eyes widen as you walk toward the two, Toji following along as if he were attached to you by the hip. "He's not attacking anymore!" You smile brightly. "Junpei! That's amazing!"
With a happy chitter, the monster omega threw its arms around you, which you accepted with vigor.
Much against Toji's wishes. His eyes narrowed looking at the marks on Yuuji. "If he's so safe why do you have marks all over you and why was Megumi hurt?"
"Oh~ Well sometimes he can get upset if I'm not playing his favorite song."
That didn't help Junpei's case at all, Toji reacted quickly, "Ngh-" Tearing you away from Junpei once again. "-How does that make me feel any better about this?"
"It's okay Toji..." You sigh, but just as you said such words Junpei began to twitch and scratch at himself, digging into his flesh with his claws like he was going insane. His lips snarling as he drooled.
"Ai- it's alright- I gotcha!" Yuuji flipped his lute around and began playing a song, singing along with it as he tapped his foot and rocked side by side. He sounded like an angel.
The bard's voice wasn't the only thing that impressed you, it was also how Junpei began to react to the music. He slowly stopped scratching at himself and began to calm down bit by bit.
Once Yuuji finished his song Junpei was no longer in attack mode, but he seemed to have more control over his body.
"See? It won't harm anyone as long as I play this song."
"Mm..." Toji didn't seem very convinced but you sure were.
"Amazing!" You nodded, quite pleased with this outcome. "Music... Music helps him?" That's so weird! If music helped why did no one pick this up in the damn game?
"No..." Yuuji shook his head, "...not just any music, it likes this song in particular. When I tried to play another piece it didn't do anything."
"Holy vecna..."
"Who?"
"No one... uh do you mind... um if we travel together? Until we get to Shapuro... we were hoping we could find someone who could help him but this... this is the first thing that has helped so much! This could be what we need to save him."
Yuuji scratched his head, "We just came from there so I would have to ask Megumi..."
You could hear in his voice that he wasn't 100% on board with the idea.
"Please Yuuji, this cursed spirit is... it's an omega named Junpei and he's my friend. I'll forever be in your debt if you do this for me..."
Yuuji looked toward you and then the big orbs of Junpei. He smiled softly, "Junpei huh? That's your name?"
The omega seemed to blush as it looked down with a little screech.
Your shipping antennas were twiddling but you settled them down as you asked once more. "Please come with us."
"You want them to come with us?" Toji questioned.
"Yes... you saw how well his music worked, this is a huge discovery Toji, that needs to be studied. What if this could help others?"
"Yeah- I know you're right sweetie, I'm sorry."
You rub on his biceps to show him you understand his situation-more than he knows-. "Good... thank you Toji. What do you say Itadori?"
The beta shrugged, "I don't mind, but like I said, I have to ask my partner... and of course... if Sukuna is ok with me traveling with you guys..."
"Sukuna? Why would Sukuna-" You choked on his name as something hit you.
How could you fucking forget-
Not only did Toji have issues with his family but Sukuna had problems with his as well. All because Yuuji was born with the ability to consume curse energy... but it works especially well on Sukuna. The older brother had always hated the younger brother for that. He would go on and on about how it was a mockery of him and all the hardships he'd been through to gain such power. He molded himself into the alpha he was and then Yuuji comes along being able to take all that power-if he truly desired to. Yet he never does or attempts to do so any time in the game. He used to do it when he was younger but that was typical child tantrums. Apparently, it was enough to anger Sukuna.
Yuuji had vowed to never bother the alpha unless he went rogue.
Did Sukuna want to go rogue... oh no is Sukuna secretly an evil villain that is just waiting for Yuuji to die so he could do whatever he wants? Eh- you would give that a fifty-fifty shot.
Whatever it is that pisses Sukuna off, he too doesn't like to be tied to his family. Though their drama wasn't all that huge like Toji's and Megumi's, the four-armed alpha avoids the beta by any means necessary. The two shared that in common. Even during the ceremony and announcement party, the alphas stayed far away from them.
You wondered if this would be the first time they would be traveling with each other.
You parted your lips to say, 'It will be fine'-but you learned to never say that anymore, or else you jinx yourself. Because nothing is ever fine when you utter those words. So instead you just say, "It is what it is."
It's not like you had any other choice. This right here was bigger than their problems. Your alphas can get over their differences with their family for just a wee moment.
~
"Meguuumiii~ It's been so long since the last time I saw you~!" Gojo gushed.
"Didn't I see you a month ago?"
"Yes- that was many moons ago!"
"He's a growing beta, you have to let him have his space Satoru." Nanami commented, but he seemed just as excited to see Yuuji as a father would. Listening to anything the boy had to say and congratulating him for each achievement.
Your lips twitched into a small smile listening to the four of them talk. They truly did care about each other. It was unfortunate that the others... You looked back a little to see Toji and Sukuna riding as far as they could without being too far... they looked greatly displeased. Well, Sukuna looked pissed, and Toji just looked a bit sullen.
Then there was Getou who wasn't as involved, he was too busy worried about his balls freezing off.
"So you guys just came from Shapuro?" Momo questioned the boys.
"Yeah, we performed in one of my favorite shows!" Yuuji grinned happily. "It's called human earthworm four!"
"Human earthworm four?" Inumaki gasped in light shock. "They made four of those?"
"Oh no, I'm not going to see that." Momo made a face. "I hated the first one-"
"How could you! It's a romantic play!"
"I mean how bad could it be if they made four of them." You chimed in, seeing as Yuuji was the only one that seemed to like that show. Not even Megumi looked pleased about playing in it. He may have just been a supportive partner in this one.
Gojo snorted, "Nanami just pays for more productions since Yuuji likes it so much."
"Aw- that's so sweet." You smile at the blonde making him grin.
"I do my best to take care of those important to me."
"Fuck everyone else am I right?"
"It's not sweet he's killing us."
"So you don't love us, Nanami just confirmed it."
"That is not what I meant."
"Aye-" Yuuji cuts in, "-give it a chance!"
"No way, I would rather see...wait I want to see Raven's dance! That would be cool!"
You're what now-
"Yes, I'm sure they'd let us play a show of your dance, everyone in town would be there for sure."
"Uh, my dance? No no- no one wants to see that-"
"Which one she has two!" Yuuji beams.
"Two?"
"Yeah one of them is something I've never seen before, it blew me away-"
"ONE- I have one hehe... uh but there are way better shows to be seen than my silly old dance. I'd rather see human earthman."
"Pfft-"
"Human earthworm!"
"Yeah, that."
"We can play your song if you'd like to perform?"
"Nope, there is no need." Honestly, why did they all have to be so obsessed with your dance? "Besides there... are a few things I need to take care of so I can't even warm up and practice. Like Junpei, I need to focus on him."
"Ahh~so there is someone there that could possibly help him?"
"Possibly... we don't know yet."
"..."
The moment became a bit quiet... Yuuji and Megumi weren't aware that you too had something going on. It wasn't just Junpei. Now the sudden idea was starting to make you uneasy. You were almost there, and even though you should be feeling relief you found you were starting to get anxious. What if the witches didn't want to help you? What if they couldn't help you? What if no one could? No...worst case scenario...you would have to go to...him. For you and Junpei... he was the cause of both problems anyway. Maybe he could solve them. But would doing so jeopardize the entire game...?
Gojo popped his lips, "I want to see fifty shades of red."
You gasped in shock, "Fifty shades of red?!"
"Yeah, you gotta watch it with me!"
"I'm not sure if our omega can handle something so spicy."
"Nonsense! It goes a little something like this..."
"..."
You listened as Gojo explained the story and the only thing that he convinced you about the play was that it was practically a porno on stage. You were too scared to ask if they were acting or actually having sex.
This world was so weird.
As Gojo talked you noticed Yuuji taking slight glances behind you. He must have been looking toward Sukuna.
Toji was a sentimental bastard so he might be easier to talk to but Sukuna wasn't. Yuuji could die and he probably wouldn't even bat an eye.
Is becoming Dr. Phil on your list of things to do before you leave...
~
"Alphaaaas~!"
"Good morning alphas!"
"Lovely day alphas!"
Your alphas were treated like celebrities as you crossed the long cobblestoned bridge to get deeper into town. Its people were dressed so nicely, Shapuro was a more upscale town.From the fancy buildings to the wealthy people who mosied around as if they had nothing to worry about. The witches here were probably making a killing with their elixirs. You sniffed the food in the air, the smell had your stomach growling. You hadn't had a fancy good meal in a while. Being on the road made it a little harder to cook five-star feasts.
"Hmm~ Something smells good."
"It's the bom boms!" Gojo was already drooling, "Nanamiiii~ can we get some bom boms!"
"We can once we- oh-"
A few giggling pups ran past you as your horses neighed in annoyance. They nearly got run over.
"SORRY~" one of the girls with blonde hair squealed as she fell on her butt.
The other held up her doll as she used to is a shield, but Momo stopped the carriage before they could get pummeled.
Your heart nearly fell out of your ass, you were glad you didn't just witness two girls facing a gruesome death.
"Are you two okay?" You questioned as they looked at the carriage curiously.
"Where is your dam?" Nanami questioned, he looked pale, probably just as afraid for the pups.
"What's in there?" The girl with brown hair cocked her head, their attention span going somewhere else. They didn't even seem phased by the fact that they almost got into a freak accident. But a woman walked swiftly toward them, grabbing them both by their upper arm.
"Ah-"
"Ai-"
"Mimiko and Nanako I can't believe you two!" The flustered woman looked toward everyone and bowed, "Our apologies prime omega and alphas- my girls are still learning their manners!" The woman then nipped at the girls prompting them to apologize.
"S-sorry!" They said in unison.
"No worries." You laughed lightly to show that there was no harm done. "I'm just glad your girls didn't get hurt. Please be careful around horses, they can get easily spooked, and listen to your mama, she works hard."
"Yes ma'am..."
"Hm..."
The woman looked up at you with relief, "Thank you. You are much kinder than I could have ever imagined. Come girls, we must be headed out now."
"Okaaay."
You watched the woman go feeling quite good with how she showed her gratitude toward you. It was nice to be loved instead of the sneers you used to get at the omega house.
"You okay?" Nanami questioned grabbing the strap of your horse. He pulled you close as you looked back toward the carriage, making sure Junpei couldn't be seen.
"Yeah...just glad they didn't get hurt. We should get him somewhere before someone sees him, I don't want people freaking out."
"We are almost there."
The town was so busy, busier than the alphas' kingdom. It felt a tad bit overwhelming.
Once you arrived at your inn, Inumaki and Momo departed from your group to go speak to who they call G. Ma. Which you could only assume meant they were talking to the Grandmother Witch.
"Let's get settled in, and then we can grab something to eat."
It's funny because getting settled in within this world was pretty much just you scenting you're room and building a comfortable nest on the bed. You also washed up really nicely, taking extra time to soak in the warm water. You were in heaven a bit too long because your alphas were knocking on your door.
"I'll be out in just a minute! GO on without me!" You called.
Cutting your bath time short you got out and threw on your dress and cloak.
Leaving your room four of your alphas were waiting for you, leaning or sitting against the wall.
"What took you so long?" Gojo pouted.
"Sorry sorry~ I was in the bath."
"Do you need your betas to wash you? You were in there for like an hour."
You glowered at Sukuna, "I was not! That's an exaggeration!"
"Just a tiny exaggeration." Gojo murmured.
"I told you guys you could have-"
The door further down opened as Getou stepped out fresh out of the bath. "What a lovely bath, oh you guys waited for me?"
"Aye, he took just as long as me!"
"Well of course darling this beauty takes time." Getou pushed up his hair in a sassy manner.
"We would have left him."
"AH! SO cruel!"
"We can talk about it on the way there i'm hungry!" Gojo was jogging backward trying to get everyone to speed up. "Comeoncomeoncomeon!"
You released a snort, "So this is what a hungry Gojo is like?"
"No he ate before we left, this is what a sugar-starved Gojo looks like. There is surprisingly a difference." Nanami informed you.
"So I see...ah, where's Junpei?"
"With Itadori."
"What?" Your eyebrow furrowed as you paused, but Gojo came back to scoop you up into his arms while you continued to conversate with Nanami. "I don't want to leave him to handle Junpei."
"Don't worry about Yuuji, he doesn't mind. In fact, he volunteered to do so."
"He did?"
Getou waved his hand as if to cast away your worry bubble, "The boy has been trying to help him talk, it's like his new best friend."
Gosh Yuuji was such a ball of sunshine, how could Sukuna hate a boy like that?Easy he's everything he's not.Looking over Gojo's shoulder your bigger alphas were talking quietly amongst each other. When they caught your gaze Toji gave you a forced smile and wave. It was clear that they were most likely discussing more private matters that you shouldn't know about just yet.
"We are here~" Gojo let out a singsong voice as he carried you inside.
"Welcome~!" A giant panda waved from behind the counter. "-Oop!" He then gasped in shock, "Alphas! What a pleasant surprise to have you enter my restaurant!"
The panda shop- it's where you get your purchases of meals that can increase stats among other things. Usually, its run by some sort of animal creature, but the panda is the original owner.
"Hi hi~ please give me all of your bon bons!"
"Hey old man! Get in the back of the line!"
"Old?!"
"Gojo you can't cut the line." You chide the alpha pulling him toward the back.
"But-but I'm going to starve!"
"Who's exaggerating now? Prime alpha or not you can't just..." Your words escaped from you as you watched a young woman past you with short brown hair.
The girl was smiling as she met up with her green-haired friend.
"Thanks..." The betas began to conversate as they walked out of the shop.
You couldn't believe it.
"Sweetheart? Are you okay?"
"...Yeah."
"Do you know that woman?"
"..."
Yes. She's the very Witch you fight in the game.
She just looked nothing like her deranged self.
"That's the beta that called me an old man!"
"Well...I did have a full conversation with your knees the other day."
"Noooo~ I just need a relaxing massage! That's it then my youth would be restored! Tell them, princess!"
You were lost to the others, busy wondering one thing.
Was that really the same witch you fought in the game?
┗━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━┛
Chef Note: Plot plot plot- don't worry there will be smut later of course but this chapter was full of actual plot lol