HAVEN || SATORU GOJO

XXVII

AS SHE STEPPED INTO THE HEART of a bustling metropolis, amidst the vibrant cityscape, she came across an alleyway that stood in stark contrast to its surroundings. This foreboding path, known only to a few locals, exuded an eerie atmosphere that sent shivers down her spine.

The narrow alley was dimly lit, with flickering neon signs casting eerie shadows upon the damp, weathered walls. The air was heavy, carrying a distinct scent of aged wood and decaying leaves. A chilling breeze occasionally swept through, rustling the leaves on the ground and echoing through the desolate alley.

The buildings that lined the alleyway appeared dilapidated and forgotten, their paint peeling and windows cracked. Some were adorned with faded posters and torn advertisements from a bygone era, further emphasizing the sense of abandonment and decay. Jagged wires and overgrown vines dangled haphazardly from above, adding to the ominous ambiance.

The alleyway seemed to twist and turn endlessly, leading her into unknown depths. The cracked pavement was uneven, and the occasional puddle reflected the dim glow of flickering streetlights above, mirroring distorted images of the surroundings. It became increasingly disorienting, as if the alley itself were shifting and rearranging, toying with her sense of direction.

Among the shadows, she caught glimpses of mysterious figures lurking in the corners, their faces obscured by darkness or half-hidden beneath the hoods of their coats.

She couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease, as if she had stepped into a world where reality blended with the supernatural, and where the line between the living and the dead became blurred.

Before the woman's chestnut brown eyes were two deformed curses that wore humanoid clothing. White button ups that were torn apart from their grotesque bodies, eyes with irises that seemed so real .. but bulged out from their sockets.

"Hey Nanamin .. I didn't make it in time." Rieka had sighed, holding the phone by her ear.

The man grunted on the other side of the line, hanging up at the news, likely going to report it to Shoko who had been taking some of the railings on the new task they were assigned.

It was based off of a mission he and Itadori Yuji had taken upon themselves some time back where they had discovered that the curses they had been fighting, were humans.

This was the same situation that Rieka had come upon.

Not only that but this location was supposed to have one of the cursed fingers tucked away and protected in a spellbound safe. But it was gone.

"Little boy .. would you have happened to see what went on here?"

The woman didn't have to turn around .. but she felt a presence .. it didn't seem to have cursed energy, but it was unusual. It made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

When she did turn, the boy stood in front of her.

He had a very peculiar appearance .. but he didn't seem like a curse.

The boy had clear heterochromic orbs, a blue left eye and a gray right one. When mixed together it created the odd hue of his hair color that reached past his neck. But what was most unusual of all .. was the seemingly patchwork and stitching that was done not just on his face, but body.

He was barefoot with a black shawl cut into three parts on his left arm and dark blue pants .. what a small little thing.

Rieka crouched down with a gentle smile. "Are you lost? you seem to be in the wrong place."

At first .. he just stared at her, it was unsettling, but then he frowned, beginning to sniffle, reaching for the woman, seemingly asking to be comforted.