𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 [JJK x OC]

4: A Flower By Any Other Name...

A/N: I know I promised a fight chapter but I'm visiting my grandmother and she dropped some family lore that inspired this chapter. My next chapters will be for Control so that fight might take a bit. So oops.

In a prior version of last chapter it said Hanako's eyes were emerald green but they've been changed to a deep red.

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A thousand flowers bloom at her feet, but only one may adorn her.

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Hanako POV

Even through the barrier, I could feel the constant drumming of cursed energy being expelled, like the rhythmic ticking of a clock. The ground beneath me quivered, bending with every blow. That ominous aura, inherited from cursed energy, didn't only come from the village but from Lady Ayako's temple as well.

It's strange to think that both she and Amaterasu would ever be put in a position where they would be in an actual fight. I'm glad.

Another burst of energy rattled the barrier, leaving an ephemeral glimmer in the air. The atmosphere was oppressive. Right now, it feels like the world is caving in on itself and bowing in reverence.

"I should tell the villagers to move further away; that barrier won't hold," I mumbled as another flash of blue light illuminated the sky. "I hope there's still a village after this..."

"Eh, things will probably be fine. Satoru tends to get out of hand, but Suguru will keep him in check." Shoko assured as she walked beside me, though her eyes wandered before she continued. "Then again, he can get carried away too sometimes."

"That hardly brings me any comfort". I sighed dejectedly; the very thought of the workload this would entail almost made me regret my decision. Ayako would scold me for thinking like this. If you regret something, then you're nothing more than a fool who'd readily betray themselves; those who are strong must never feel regret. I bet she'd say something unreasonable like that.

"Heh, complain to those two, not me." I stole a glance at Shoko as she chuckled; she seemed far more normal than the other sorcerers I've seen over the years. "Hey, I know Satoru already asked you this, but are you really okay with letting them in the barrier?"

Considering that she's on the same team as those two boys, I expected her to be as monstrous in strength as they were, but she's surprisingly down to earth. In a way, I'm thankful; with a smile, I responded, "I simply did what I thought was right in the moment. When it's over, I'll beg Lady Ayako's forgiveness. But right now, the only thing on my mind is how hard repairs will be."

"Aren't you too young to worry about logistics like that?" Shoko asked, her brow furrowing in concern. I could only shrug, taking on this much work that had long become standard for me; my mind wanders too much without it. "What even made you trust us? Has anyone ever told you that kids shouldn't talk with strangers?"

Her concern was surprising, almost like a scolding mother... or at least how they act in the stories I read. "No matter what, Lady Ayako won't lose. Plus, from what I heard, you three seemed earnest; that and the white-haired boy reminded me of Lady Ayako. Kinda."

Shoko's face contorted into a grimace, and a shiver ran down her spine. "Sorry, that must be troublesome for you." Her eyes were filled with pity as she glanced at me.