Cataclysm [jujutsu kaisen fanfic]

chapter fourty seven

"don't you see ?"

i stared down what he called a 'village', where the houses and stalls were all bright and sparkling with lights. the outfit they wore looked different than before. unlike back then when the villagers cower in fear, in their torn and colorless outfits, their smiles were bigger and happier, and their clothes were all sort of colorful threads that i have never seen before. 

"they're all smiling now. unlike before, they did not live jittery about when will Sukuna come and kill them. they're happier now."

i turned to look at him. the grey skin that was unlike any human, his eyes that instill fear in whoever looked into them.. he actually had this part of him.       

"it is what you wished for. a better place for your people." 

my eyes tugged harshly when he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me from behind. i remained unmoved. 

 "i put you in a place no one can harm you, with a complete family, with your children and husband by your side. no one will ever dare to disrespect you anymore."

"Lady Zenin !"

i immediately turned around, afraid they would see the man behind me, however, he has gone. i faced back the group of people with their eyes field with worries.

"my lady, what are you doing out here ? you'll catch a cold."

"yes, my lady. please be in your room to keep yourself warm."

i looked at them, not recognizing any of them. some women rushed to my side as to escort me back to my room. their touches startled me, and the escorts' faces dawned with horror.

"my lady, forgive me ! how dare i touch you without your permission !" she went down to her knees, and the tears fell down to her cheeks like rain, as if all this time she had held them in.

i followed her down to the floor, trying to stop her from doing such thing.

"h-hey, it's okay !" i reassured her, but at the same time, i was confused as to why she was being so extreme about it. the look in her eyes were pure shock as it stares back at me.

"my lady, the floor is dirty ! you should stand up !"

the elder man was panicking as he helped me up. i looked at him, confused at everything that was happening. when i looked around, everyone's faces looked so pale and in fear. 

"everyone, i-it's alright. let's return back."

i told them, and they barely smile and guided me back to my room. the atmosphere felt so thick, as if i am surrounded by negative energy. i feel like they did not like me one bit.

as i reached my room, i heard a few footsteps and laughter from the outside and the door opened. one by one, the boys entered my room with their smiles. the eldest was sixteen, and he looked the most mature among them. the youngest one, however, immediately sprawled onto my laps. i did not say anything, and i did not feel like showing any reaction to them. 

after all, they were not my children.

"mother, father will come home in two days ! he came in victorious after a war against the army of cursed spirits !" my brows crooked a little at his words. what are cursed spirits ?

i just stayed quiet. i barely speak with them, unless i have to answer. my heart would not open for them. they have been very sweet to me and always trying to get my attention, but i could not find in my heart to love them.

"mom.. why are you like this ?"

i instantly looked down at the youngest that, his eyes glistened with tears. my heart broke seeing such tears from a child, a boy of my own.

before i could say anything, the door opened from the outside and a man entered adorning in a kimono. his toned physique looked intimidating that caught my tongue.  a couple of men stood at the doorway seemingly to assist him as guards.

the children immediately gathered into a straight line and sat properly on their feet. i was a bit confused, however, my eyes moved to follow the man that slowly walked towards me. the muscular body beneath his kimono frightened me. it reminds me of the man of that night, the Commander. He crouched next to me.

"wife, I'm home."

my eyes widened as he picked up my hand and pecked at the back of it, his gaze holding mine. dark green hair and a pair black of eyes, i never saw eyes shine so bright despite being the darkest of colour. the confidence behind those pair of eyes make me think he gets whatever he wants easily. 

"i heard you take a stroll outside. I'm glad you're getting better." he spoke with the softest of voices. his rough hand caressing mine as he spoke as if to rock me in the affection he was showing. nevertheless, i did not fall for it.

his eyes then sharply moved to look at the children. 

"you guys.. what are you guys doing here ?"

his voice switched into cold steel in a matter of seconds. his eyes instill fear in the children and the youngest seem to already shaking. 

"i told you guys not to be near your mother. she's sick and you will make her grow ill-"

i placed a hand on him.

"it's okay." i told him, and he immediately went silent. the silence, the way he stares, he was confused. 

though, it was only for a moment before he glared at the children again.

"get out. now !"

they all scrambled to leave, and i felt bad seeing them urgently running away in fear in their own home. 

"i thought you agreed to discipline them when needed." my eyes glanced at the door that was closed outside, leaving this man and me alone in this room. unlike his strong and coldness earlier, he sprawled over my lap and hugged my waist. my whole body froze by the touches. 

"t-they're just.. visiting me.."

i said, but my voice was almost inaudible. his pair of dark eyes glanced at me, probably wondering why i looked rather reluctant to speak. i looked down, avoiding his eyes.

"what's with you ?" he finally settled down by my side and rested his head on my laps. i was taken aback and panicking at his action, but i immediately moved my hands from touching him and looked on the floormat rather than him.

"you told me it's better to discipline those brats."

i did not answer. the more i think about what they say, the more i felt anger and hatred toward that.. devil.

he had create another life out of me and made them believe i'm doing it. he used my body to create this situation i cannot get out of. i wanted to see Sukuna again..

"Something wrong ?"

this man said, not turning to look at me and his voice rather cold, as if he already know what happened. my whole body froze and skin runs cold.

"you're not pushing me off like you used to do."

he finally turned around, looking into my eyes.

"who are you ?"