𝑬𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑹𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑫 ⇢ Gojo Satoru

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐗𝐗𝐈𝐗 - 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃

SUGURU GETO OBSERVED THE MAP CAREFULLY, taking in the neat layout of the Tokyo area. It was a touristic map, with some zones outlined in bright red with a string of inviting words designed to trick foreigners and lure them into the sort of tourist traps the ex-sorcerer had been avoiding like the plague since his arrival in the city.

The map was laid out on the floor, the bright morning sun shining on the paper while the rest of the group bickered among themselves. Geto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before turning to survey his so-called allies. Twisted and another curse whose name he didn't bother learning were speaking in unintelligible shrieking sounds, having whatever passed as a conversation for their kind. Meanwhile, on the other side of the rooftop and protected by a colourful paper umbrella, stood Mahito accompanied by a rather displeased Jogo and a little girl – although, referring to Kagome as a little girl was a misnomer, especially considering she was one of the most powerful curses Geto had ever seen.

If it weren't for his current goals, he would have exorcised the being a long time ago. Unfortunately for him, Kagome's skills were instrumental to his plans. Unlike Twisted or Mahito, who were simple means to an end and easily replaceable, Kagome held to key to the new future he was trying to build. As if sensing the man was thinking about her, the girl jumped down from the railing.

The curse was by far the most human looking Geto had ever seen, even compared to Mahito's mildly mortal form. Kagome looked like a pretty average human girl, about thirteen years of age, which Geto assumed was the age she was before being brutally murdered, judging from the blood still matted in the back of her hair. The cursed hopped towards him before pausing in front of the map, her small beaded purple eyes taking in the map that was still splayed all over the ground.

"So;" She began, her tone far too chirpy for such an early hour. "phase one and two of The Pattern are nearly complete, should we move on to phase three?" She asked, tilting her head to the side like an eager golden retriever, which was the closest Geto could come to call her personality.

The sorcerer eyed the rest of the team, a shadow passing over his features before it disappeared in less than a second.

"No, it's too early." He countered, his voice stiff despite the fact that he was the designed leader of the operation.

The girl huffed, puffing out her cheek before literally levitating closer, her large puppy eyes turning sharp as she settled her gaze on Geto.

"While tragic, Keisuke's death doesn't change anything." She reminded, her tone far colder than the usual happy demeanour she was known (and hated) for. "We can still move forward to phase three."

Geto snapped his gaze towards her, Kagome's words quickly turning to bitter ashes in her mouth.

"Unfortunately, Keisuke's death does change everything." He protested, his words harsh and accompanied by a finality usually reserved for other matters. "Besides, it won't take long until The Magistrate becomes suspicious of us, making our move when tensions are still high would be a mistake. We move as we have been doing so far; quietly and slowly." Geto paused, eyes turning towards the child. "Unless you'd like the whole plan to unravel?"

Kagome tsked, softly landing on the railing that surrounded the rooftop as she gazed down at the city. This place used to be her favourite, being able to look down at the busy streets of the Tokyo centre always made her feel safe, even during the bad times. Maybe if she was still alive instead of turned into a cursed spirit, she would be able to enjoy it like she had back then. Now, instead of her heart swelling with love at the sight, it was deadly still.

"Acting from the shadows won't always be possible, sooner or later The Magistrate will catch on to what we're doing." The girl turned around, legs dandling from the edge of the building. "The fact that we've been able to take out thirteen high-ranking sorcerers without raising suspicion is strange enough, but our luck won't last long. Soon, someone will start asking questions."

Geto shrugged, he too leaning against the railing as he admired the city below. It truly was a beautiful sight, one he couldn't wait to tear to pieces.

"By then, phase three will have already began and they will have far more pressing issues to take care of. A bunch of rogue curses won't even register with all the chaos."

Kagome looked directly at the sorcerer, a strange expression flickering in her face. It wasn't doubt, that was a feeling the girl had shed long ago, but something else that she couldn't quite put into words. Their plan – Geto Suguru's plan – was a huge endeavour, and if by some miracle they did manage to pull it off, the world would cease to exist.

Was that something she wanted to be a part of? Her past self wouldn't have, that girl was in love with the world and everything it had to offer. But this girl, the one who had been violently murdered, couldn't care less about what would happen to all these people.

"The Kinzoku heiress is going to be a problem." Kagome mentioned absentmindedly, her eyes never leaving the view.

Geto signed, shifting his weight to his other leg.

"I'll handle it." The man bit his lower lip, hesitating before he said his next words. "Shibuya 31st, right?"

Kagome nodded, a light smile playing on her lips.

"Shibuya 31st."