Chapter Text
Naoya stood in the hallway leading up to his bedroom, face pinched and eyebrows curled. He took a breath and released it…slowly. A few more steps, and he was directly in front of his door.
One more breath and he felt the tension leave his shoulders. He closed his eyes and let himself sink into a more relaxed state of mind.
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.
He opened his eyes, a small smile quirked at the corner of his lips. He took a half step forward and punched the frame of his bedroom door so hard the family portraits of generations past had no choice but to give up their places on the wall and crash to the ground.
The maid who had been following close behind him with fresh towels and soaps screamed as a small crack grew wider, eventually collapsing a portion of the ceiling on top of her, silencing her ear piercing yells.
Naoya ground his teeth, heart thumping.
That display, that vulgar, arousing display. A curse would always be a curse, there was no getting around that. They were filthy, awful creatures that had cast aside dignity and decency upon their birth and traded it in for nightmarish depravity. But Toji, for all intents and purposes, was human.
But not just any human, omega.
The gods had first made alpha’s, strong and intelligent. Alpha’s were harsh and unforgiving, unwilling to put aside their egos for the betterment of society. The gods saw the calamity on earth and decided to make a partner. One that would best compliment these abrasive creatures.
An omega, torn from the right side of the brain, they were made to be creative, supportive and loyal. As a result, the alpha’s mellowed out being far too intrigued with soft skin and curvy figures. The omega’s of the past had softened their sharp edges and encouraged mankind forward, into the future and out of the past. They were both necessary, there would be no more alpha’s if the omegan gender suddenly ceased to exist.
However, the old writing had washed away long ago and when the new era dawned, omega’s were only given third class in a world that needed them more than ever.
Naoya was young, intelligent and strong. Just like the alpha’s of old. The ones who stood on the hill, waiting to inherit the world. He had climbed his way to the top and had simply stood there, waiting for the old man to die, so he could finally take his place. However, every time he looked to the side, there was nothing but an empty void.
The light had seemed to gray and dim as time marched on. There was no celebration after his coronation. No mate meant no wedding. No wedding meant no babies.
No babies meant no one to take the reigns when he decided to pass on his empire and that…well that was simply unacceptable.
The Zenin rarely mated outside of their clan, preferring to mate with third or fourth cousins. Just far enough away in the family tree that the branches would never touch. He had been through years of matchmaking, talking his ear off about his wants and needs in a potential partner.
Yet, they all fell through.
None of them came even the tiniest bit close.
They were too meek, too obedient, too willing to take the abuse. Just how the clan liked them to be.
Naoya had all but given up his search for his bride, when he happened to come across Naobito scolding an omega in the greenhouse. The old bastard had forced the shaking thing down to their knees, fist clenched tightly in midnight locks. Naobito spoke slowly, as if talking to a child as he berated and degraded their sense of character.
It was such a common sight that he rolled his eyes and took his leave, but not before watching in mild curiosity as his father cleared his throat and hurled the contents onto the young one’s face in a disgusting show of alphan posturing.
What happened next was almost unbelievable if Naoya hadn't in fact seen it with his own eyes.
The boy stood up, hands coming up to grasp tightly at the elder’s neck, fingers interlocking behind his head and forearms straining from the grasp. Naobito’s eyes went wide, unable to close due to the grip around his throat.
Naobito scratched and clawed, feet kicking out uselessly underneath him as he desperately tried to stabilize himself to get leverage.
It was useless, the boy only tightened his grip, setting his feet apart, and grinning maniacally. Sharp omegan fangs glinted in the fading light and when the boy turned, no doubt having heard Naoya’s shrill cry, their eyes locked, green met green and for a moment Naoya stopped breathing.
The boy huffed, eyes narrowing and gaze sharp. He didn’t need to speak for Naoya to understand.
Intervene, and you’re next.
He couldn’t feel a trace of cursed energy or smell anything remotely helpful coming from the boy before him. Just his father’s scent filling up every available corner in the room, making the young alpha close his eyes to fight off the oncoming pheromone headache.
A deep rumbling growl shook the room and for a moment, Naoya glanced at his father in confusion, brain not connecting how his purpleing sire could possibly be making such a guttural sound. The growl got louder and Naoya whipped his head to the side to stare at the omega whose teeth were now bared and wide.
He took the hint, feeling momentary pity for the man who had put him on his pedestal, but ultimately understanding that his own life was to hang in the balance should he stay. He backed up slowly, hands raised and palms open, running down the halls like a bat out of hell.
It was later that night that Naoya realized that the omega wasn't shaking out of fear, but cold blooded rage.
It seemed to be a well known secret that this omega in particular was powerful. Yet no one was permitted to acknowledge this out loud. Naobito had returned to the compound with bandages around his neck and a cheery smile, saying something about a particularly vicious curse. Toji was nowhere to be found, moved even farther away from the main compound.
And that was how he came face to face with his elder cousin for the first time.
His infatuation had lasted years, eventually turning into obsession.
He followed him everywhere, watched him while he slept, trained, read and swam. Watched his birthday’s go by unnoticed. Watched as his family shut him away, deeper and deeper away from the main compound. Watched as his heats took their toll, face flushed and gasps of pain played in Naoya’s head on loop.
Naoya wanted him, oh how he wanted him. So badly, enough to beg the elders for months, head low and eyes downcast as they scorned his choice. Naoya didn't care. He took their harsh words and pleading tones in stride and eventually it worked out. They granted him his wish, and in turn their blessings for his one sided union.
Naoya was unsure what had made them change their minds, but he wasn't going to let time pass too far in one direction. He scheduled the wedding to happen in a week's time. Perhaps it was a rush, but he had waited long enough and refused to go another month longer.
He would finally have the object of his desires, and only then would he finally be complete.
But it seemed fate had other plans.
In just a week’s time, Naoya had lost what took him nearly two years to acquire. His omega, swept up by a curse of all things.
He shook his head, fist still curled by his side.
Well , he thought. If you can’t beat them…
~~~~~~~~~~
Naobito had already broken three wine glasses and a mirror by the time Naoya finished speaking. His wife lay cowering in the corner along with his omega mistresses. He paced furiously, potent alpha pheromones seeping through the cracks and bleeding out into the hallway.
Naoya stood silently, willing himself to take longer breaths so as not to inhale the sour scent of his father’s rage quickly filling up the room.
Naobito looked back, eyeing his son angrily.
“Is this true?” he asked.
Naoya nodded, bracing himself against the doorway.
Naobito shook his head and laughed, running a hand down his face.
“This is entirely my fault,” he exclaimed. “I’ve been far too lenient, letting him roam around on his own. What was I thinking, leaving an unmated omega to his own devices. Poor thing probably went crazy. Nineteen years old and no pups is practically unheard of. It’s only natural he would take the first alpha to cross his path. Omega’s are simple creatures after all.”
Naoya nodded along, eyes lit up in agreement.
“So,” he asked. “What do we do now? He’s already mated to that walking disease and I for one would like my head to remain on my shoulders, thank you.”
Naobito snapped his fingers, a grin on his face.
“Oh but my son, there are ways around everything. Their bond is fresh and new. You see, the common omega is malleable and naive. They are easy to control, wanting to be loved and coddled.”
Ignoring Naoya’s sigh in the background he went on.
“However, we don’t have that kind of time, but there is another way. Two little brats, omegas, seem to have caught his eye. He’s imprinted on them, in his eyes, they are his children, his pups. Any omega worth their salt wouldn’t dare leave their pups behind, it’s in their nature after all. All you have to do is grab the girls and he’ll follow like a bird chasing a bread trail.”
Naoya swallowed hard, understanding dawning on him.
“Fine,” he conceded. “But what do I do with him once he’s here? Not to mention I’d have to wrangle those two little brats.”
Naobito clapped a hand down on his shoulder.
“Oh I’m sure you have a few…ideas, yes.”
At Naoya’s vigorous nod, Naobito laughed heartily before smirking coyly.
“Just remember son, sharing is caring.”
Naoya stepped out into the hall, a grin plastered on his face.
“You’ll get your turn when I’m sick of him old man, until then, whet your appetite on your harem. He’s mine until I say otherwise.”
Naobito’s laugh carried down the hall.
“Atta boy.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Toji couldn’t sleep, instincts hardwired to watch over the two little ones. A sharp feeling of anticipation kept him alert. Something was off, he just knew it, and without his alpha around to defend, that left him to be the front line defense for his young.
It was too easy, too peaceful.
Too quiet.
An alpha, quite a powerful one at that, had been slain in the clan compound, by an omega no less. Yet, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The owls still hooted undisturbed in their perches and the evening critters still scampered about, unaware of the panicked omega desperately trying to reach his alpha through their bond.
Please, please, please , he thought, trying his best to convey his intense anxiety through their shared connection.
Whether the alpha felt it and chose to ignore, or simply had no reaction was anyone’s guess. Toji was unsure how a bond worked between human mates, let alone a mix. Either way, it only left Toji reeling, drawing his blade and praying that whatever was to come, came quickly. Uraume, sensing his discomfort, positioned themself near the back door of their small cabin, eyes and ears open and alert. Toji exhaled through his nose, willing himself to calm down.
He had options, he pondered.
He could stay and face the inevitable battle head on, or, he could grab the girls and flee, braving the miles and miles of dark forest all around them, crawling with unseen horrors.
But would it be enough? He alone could make it through the woods unscathed, but hauling two children behind him seemed like a death sentence for them all. But as the moon disappeared behind the clouds, it was starting to feel as though the decision had been made for him. The night sky got darker and suddenly the world seemed far too big for someone so young.
Only nineteen and facing the world head on.
He took a breath and stood up straighter, eyes darting around the tree line. He could see them in the distance, writhing and slithering, amorphous blobs bounding through the underbrush. They reeked, their foul aura shimmering even in the darkness.
Cursed energy or not, he was still a sorcerer born into one of the three elite clans. If this was to be his last stand, so be it. He had pups to protect, children that relied on him. He refused to go out weak and afraid.
Let them come, he thought as he readied himself.
Time seemed to crawl as they stood, glancing around the forest, straining their eyes to see through the dense trees. Curses wandered into the compound plenty of times, the Zenin were notorious for keeping them in stock and occasionally, they got loose. Uraume watched a few flying curses float by, unworthy of the efforts to exercise them.
Toji cocked his head, inhaling hard.
Any moment now…
The owl had stopped hooting and for a moment there was nothing but eerie silence.
All at once a rush of stimulation. Buzzing, chirping, screeching, foul odors and grotesque forms burst from the underbrush. A few dozen curses, easily, made their way screaming and warbling towards the cabin.
Uraume whipped their head around, ice flying in every direction, “sharpen your fangs sorcerer, they’re coming!”
Toji backed up, drawing another blade that sang as he whipped it through the air. He grit his teeth, kicking open the door and stepping out onto the grassy field. Instantly, every pair of eyes, teeth and tentacles were pointed his way. The first one made its move, leaping a terrifying twelve feet into the air, limbs outstretched and gangly spikes shooting from all ends as it made its way to the lone omega.
Toji sidestepped and stabbed it in the head on its descent, absolutely eviscerating the vile thing. Its guts exploded from the impact, raining down on the roof of the cabin and waking the twins from their slumber. Several thumps to his left confirmed Uraume had also successfully exercised three smaller curses; they lay gasping weakly as they faded.
Maki and Mai shook under their blankets, clutching each other's hands. Several more thumps sounded from outside, Mai whimpering softly. Maki stood furiously, ripping the blanket from her body and rushing towards the door, determination lining every part of her expressions.
Toji turned, wide eyed and panicked as he dodged an underhanded blow, breathlessly demanding the children return back inside, where it was safer.
Maki shook her head, already reaching for the dagger strapped to her side. But Toji could tell, just by the way her eyes were searching wildly, that she couldn’t see the monsters in front of her. In this world, it was hard to say whether that was a good or bad thing.
Mai clutched her sister's hand with strength she didn’t know she possessed, pulling her back into the cabin. Maki fought against it every step of the way, pleading for a chance to help. Mai pulled her in just as a massive curse took a deliberate swipe at their heads, slithering along the roof of the cabin.
Toji’s heart thumped in his chest as the girls narrowly avoided getting their heads torn off. Uraume made light work of it, its pained scream echoing throughout the forest. Toji nodded their way, gratitude evident in his stance. Uraume nodded back and carried on, icey shards ripping and tearing through extended limbs and extra eyes.
For a while, for every curse that came their way, there were ten more behind them. It was never ending and even Uraume seemed to be running out of steam.
Toji grit his teeth, swinging through another abomination that had come his way. He kept moving, backing up slowly until he felt his back resting up against the rough exterior of the cabin door.
A snapping noise sounded above him.
He looked up, eyes wide at the sight before him.
Ah, so they had this in their arsenal as well, he thought.
The curse of humiliation. Born of humanities need to be perfect, but ultimately falling short.
This curse was small and curled in on itself. Long stringy hair covered the curse's face which was set into a deep frown. It was almost humanoid, except for the way its limbs were bent in every which way. It grunted again, snapping its gnarly fingers at him and shaking its head, much like his parents.
Toji lifted his arms, katana ready to home itself in the curse's neck when he noticed the scowl growing on its face, disappointment etched into its features. The curse screeched, before raising both hands and snapping its fingers once again.
Toji felt his stomach drop from the shift. Instantly, he knew he was no longer in the woods but instead trapped in the curse’s domain. He looked around, eyes adjusting to the sudden blinding light and jumped at the sound of a school bell.
All at once the scenery shifted. He was in a classroom surrounded by misshapen people. The walls oozed a dark gray liquid, thick and unsightly. The windows were crooked and the desks were flesh colored and lumpy.
He turned around only to be greeted by the curse, standing at its full height, greasy hair curled in one fist as the curse pulled and tugged on its own hair.
It raised its arm, pointing to an empty chair.
“SIt.”
Toji backed up, but remained standing.
The curse fidgeted some more, tugging on its hair.
“SiT DoWN.”
Again, Toji stepped back, but refused to sit at the empty desk.
The curse began muttering, pacing near the chalkboard. Toji could only make out a few words, the curses' frenzied warbling making it hard to understand.
“....bEen…WaRnEd.”
Warned?
Toji didn't have time to dwell on the phrasing. Out of nowhere, a sharp, direct pain hits him in the calf, causing his leg to buckle. He turned, eyes squinted against the pain only to receive another hit, this time on his shoulder.
The class immediately broke out into laughter, pointing and guffawing at his pain. It was loud, his ears ringing from the shrill noise.
The curse moved in again, pointing at the desk, head cocked to the side as more and more of its hair was pulled and tugged.
“SiT.”
Toji turned to face it, teeth bared.
“No.”
The class went silent. The curse shook its head, finger wagging as it clicked its tongue.
“DEteNtiON!!” It screamed, scalp bloody from the constant stress on its roots.
Toji felt himself lifted and placed at the empty desk, limbs tied down and making him immobile. The curse circled around him, bringing out what looked like a ruler with serrated edges. The curse swung, striking him on the wrist.
Toji hissed, feeling blood well up under the surface of his skin.
The class broke into giggles again, mocking his pain with exaggerated facial expressions and wasted movement.
Another strike, and another. He took nearly fifteen hits before the curse was finished, slipping the ruler back where it came from before releasing his binds.
The pain was bearable, hardly the worst thing he’d ever felt. As depressing as the thought was, his time in the Zenin clan had amounted to something. He stood up, readying his sword in front of him when a hand, misshapen and oozing grabbed onto his leg.
“Worthless omega, costing us too much to even keep him alive.”
It was Naobito’s voice.
Toji couldn’t pin it down but it was crystal clear.
Another hand grabbed onto his ankle, holding his limb hostage. All of a sudden he stopped fighting as the voice continued, leaving the omega reeling from its message.
“Who would want an omega that big? He’s unsightly, broad shoulders, muscled core and dark eyes. Too dark don’t you think, like, he’s staring into your soul almost. Still though, you can just tell he's tighter than the usual omega.”
Another voice chimed in, this one made his stomach turn. He recognized this one: his own father.
“Fine, but he’s worth something, he’s gotta be. You saw how he acted in the pit, not a curse left alive.”
Naobito’s voice scoffed but conceded, “I suppose you're right after all, but there’s nothing that will increase his value in the eyes of the elder’s. So he killed a pod of curses, that’s hardly news. In fact, it’s expected. We already have sorcerers and we already have omega’s, so I ask again, what is his value here?”
Toji swallowed hard, tears stinging the corners of his eyes, dreading to hear the answer from his father.
“We sell him off then, the Kamo’s are looking for a new breeder anyway. Or the Gojo clan, you know how they like to…experiment.”
Naobito’s voice hummed in consideration.
“Not a bad plan, but what if he pups an extraordinary specimen, perhaps one with the Ten Shadow’s?
His father’s voice answered, voice low as if he didn’t want to be overheard.
“Fine, we put him up for auction, one alpha every six weeks until he’s pupped. We can examine the child and see if it’s worth keeping and pass it off as one of the clan omega’s babies. No one will know and when he’s out of his prime, we either sell him off or kill him, deal?”
Naobito’s voice rang out with laughter, “Cruel to do that to your own child,” he mused.
“Deal.”
Toji couldn’t feel his legs anymore, numbness seeping into every pore.
He couldn’t move, standing stock still in the curse’s domain, tears welling up in his eyes as his heart thumped faster. The class broke out into laughter again, pointing and guffawing at his expense. Degrading words thrown in his face, mocking his omega status and possible fate as breeding stock.
He shook his head, willing himself to calm down.
It was…humiliating. To be considered so worthless. He’d lived his whole life desperately trying to remain unaffected, unbothered by the sneers, the stares and the unsolicited sexual comments. He’d kept his head high, sharpened his fangs until they glistened. He was the best damn sorcerer in his generation, if not his clan. And yet, because of his being born as an omega, he wasn’t even considered for his power, only his womb.
But oh....how the mighty fall.
He tilted his head down, the laughter ringing in his ears and for a moment, everything went silent. The curse loomed closer, ruler at the ready, its sharp serrated edges pointed at the omega’s throat, its job done and its victim ready.
Anger, white hot and viscous ignited in his blood. He welcomed the feeling, after all, it’s what had kept him alive all this time. He let it feed him, seeping into his bones.
His katana sang through the air as he swiftly cut through the masses holding him down. The curse jumped back in the nick of time, blocking the blow with its modified weapon. Its warbled muttering increased in volume as it shrieked unintelligible words. The ruler cracked under the force and the curse’s expression finally morphed into a common human emotion: fear.
Toji leapt forward, having switched out his blade for the tri-section nun chucks he carried in his arsenal. Each blow only caught the curse off guard, leaving it stunned, gasping and growling. Eventually, all of its hair had fallen to the floor, leaving it bald and grotesque, scratches and bruises lining its pale head. Still, Toji advanced.
Swing after swing caught onto some part of the curse’s body, leaving it howling in pain as it turned to flee. The classroom door swung open as it called on its last remaining dregs of power, molding the scene to resemble a hallway.
Toji didn’t stop and he refused to slow down. He jumped through the shift, chasing after the injured curse. It had disappeared into another door, no doubt trying to throw him off the scent.
Toji pursued, eyes blazing with unkempt fury.
Just as he was about to kick open the door, the domain fell apart to ribbons. The curse was left standing in the field, eyes wide and shaking like a leaf. The chaos that unfolded around them was an easy cover and it moved to escape, trying its best to leave with its life.
Toji lunged forward, blood still thrumming in his veins but stopped short at the sight of his mate standing eerily off to the side. The curse barely glanced in his direction, still running for its life. Sukuna flashed him a grin, looking a little too pleased with himself before raising two fingers and decimating the fleeing curse. Tissue and bone flew through the air, little left of its earthly presence except for a dark pool of navy colored blood.
Sukuna approached him slowly, watching in interest as the remaining curses turned tail and fled, dashing desperately into the forest in a last ditch hope for survival.
They would never make it.
The only ones left standing were Uraume, who was in desperate need of both a shower and a nap, Toji, who had been awake for over two days and Sukuna, who inhaled slowly and looked as though he had all the time in the world.
Sukuna had finally made his way over, eyes lidded as he took in the omega’s frame. His clothes, damp and sticking to his skin, covered in blood and guts. He looked exhausted, as if a slight breeze could knock him over. He looked worn but he also looked fierce. Scars open and bleeding, eyes shining with a darkness few humans would ever come to possess. He stumbled slightly in an effort to keep himself upright. He looked tired and angry.
Sukuna ran his tongue over his teeth, grin sharp and devious. He thought, and not for the first time, that he had truly met his match. Tall, dark and dangerous. Sukuna wanted to taste him, hold him down and make a home between his thighs.
His perfect, pretty omega.
~~~~~~~~
Toji wasn’t done yet, not even close. His mate had since approached, glancing him over and healing any wounds that were in need of immediate attention. He dropped his head down on his alpha’s shoulder, letting himself rest for a moment.
Sukuna licked his cheek, having hoisted him up onto his shoulder.
“I knew you had it in you darling,” he cooed, blood staining his sharpened teeth.
Toji beat weakly at his back.
"You son of a-"
The curse leaned in, biting at the omega's ears. Toji growled low, omegan claws digging into the alpha's arms.
“Where were you!” He yelled.
Sukuna hummed, grabbing at his ass.
“Like I said, curses need to eat too.”
Toji grunted, shaking his head in anger.
“Put me down,” he rasped. “I need to check on the girls.”
Sukuna gave him a quizzical look.
Toji rolled his eyes but attempted to wiggle out of the alpha’s grasp.
“Please, I need to make sure they’re okay, my pups, in the cabin.”
Sukuna only tightened his hold but gestured for Uraume to come closer.
“Check on the brats and report back to me,” he commanded.
Uraume nodded and bowed, scurrying off to the cabin to fulfill their master’s orders. They came back a moment later, bowing deeply before informing the two that the pups were no longer in the cabin. The inside of the cabin was destroyed, though from human hands or curses it was hard to tell. Before Toji could speak, Uraume mentioned that Mai’s cursed energy trail indicated she had gone back to the main house.
Toji knew they wouldn’t have fled, knowing the danger that laid just outside the door. He jumped down, pushing the frowning alpha away before limping into the cabin.
Immediately, it became evident what had happened. The smell of wet dog had permeated the air, sinking into the ruins of the cabin. Toji rushed out, feeling more awake than he had all night. He started making his way back, towards the compound when Sukuna scooped him up once again.
Toji wriggled in his grasp, feeling faint.
“T-take me to them,” he gasped out.
Sukuna rubbed his hand down the omega’s back.
“Hmm?” He questioned.
“My children,” he shouted, wiggling out of the curse’s grasp even harder.
He looked up, head thrown back and eyes darkened.
“Take me to my children.”
The alpha stared down at him, licking the blood from his fangs.
“Now.”
Sukuna hummed, reaching for the omega once again, tone soft and sweet.
“Come now, you're injured. I can see that you haven't slept in days, why don't you come with me?”
“Don’t be stupid,” he hissed, scent souring with his rage.
Sukuna narrowed his eyes, tone sharp.
“Watch your tongue omega, or else I'd be forced to consider other ways to keep it occupied.”
He sighed, hugging Toji closer. “Come now, you’re in no state to fight any longer, you’ve given it all you can.”
Toji wiggled harder, tears flowing from exhaustion.
“No,” he whimpered. “No, I won’t stop, that bastard has my pups. If you want to stop me then you’ll have to kill me.”
Sukuna started purring, the sweet sound reverberating throughout their shared embrace. He moved, a slow rocking motion to lure the omega into a sense of security.
Sleep , the alpha seemed to be saying.
Just sleep, my sweet omega. Let your alpha handle it.
Toji shuddered, trying to shake himself out of his daze.
“Stop!” He cried, “let me go this instant. Let go of me you bastard!”
Sukuna continued his movements, running a gentle hand down his back, massaging his skin and lightly kissing his neck. He kept on releasing his pheromones into the air, rocking the omega side to side. After a moment, the omega in his arms stilled his movements, head falling onto a thick shoulder.
Sukuna breathed him in. The sweet scent of cardamom and gunpowder tickling the back of his throat. Sukuna kissed him lightly, licking up his neck to nibble at the bond mark. Toji grunted softly but otherwise didn't move. The curse repositioned him, using his massive lower arms to cradle the sleeping omega.
Uraume stepped forward.
“Well then,” he spoke with a devious grin.
“Let’s get going.”