Beyond the Veil | Yuji

1

┏━°⌜ 呪術廻戦 ⌟°━┓
CHAPTER 1
THE SHADOWS (past)
┗━°⌜ 呪術廻戦 ⌟°━┛

I turned eight with a determination that burned brighter than the candles on my small, forgotten birthday cake. The orphanage now felt like a cage too small to contain my dreams.

One stormy night, when the thunder roared and rain lashed against the windows like angry spirits, I made my decision. With a heart pounding with equal parts fear and excitement, I slipped through the corridors, careful to avoid the watchful eyes of the caretakers. Kurogami's voice urged me on, guiding me through the labyrinthine hallways with the expertise of a seasoned navigator.

"Tonight is the night," Kurogami whispered, its voice blending with the howling wind. "Freedom awaits beyond these walls."

Finally, I reached the heavy wooden door that marked my escape. With trembling hands, I pushed it open, stepping into the pouring rain that soaked me to the bone. The world outside was a blur of shadows and shimmering lights, a landscape transformed by the storm's fury.

I ran through the muddy streets, the cold wind biting at my skin as I sought refuge from the orphanage that had been my prison for so long. Every step was a leap of faith into the unknown, fueled by the promise of a future where I could wield twin katanas and confront the curses that haunted my nightmares.

"Keep going," Kurogami urged, its form flickering alongside me. "Do not look back."

But as I ran, the shadows seemed to come alive, the rain-soaked alleys twisting and turning in ways that defied logic. Kurogami's presence, usually a source of strange comfort, now felt unsettling. I glanced to my side and saw its dark form weaving through the rain, keeping pace with me effortlessly.

Suddenly, the darkness ahead of me shifted, and a figure emerged from the storm. He was tall and imposing, his trench coat billowing in the wind like a cloak of authority. His gaze pierced through the darkness, locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Are you lost, kid?" His voice was deep and authoritative, yet tempered with a hint of concern.

I skidded to a halt, panting and drenched, my eyes wide with fear and confusion. The curse was right behind me, its presence palpable in the cold, wet air. "I... I escaped," I finally managed, my voice barely audible over the storm.

The man's expression softened slightly, as if understanding the weight of my words. "Escaped, huh?" He glanced around, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the presence of Kurogami nearby. "It's not safe out here."

He stepped closer, extending a hand toward me. "Come with me. We'll get you somewhere dry."

With a mixture of relief and trepidation, I took his hand. His grip was firm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the cold rain that pelted us from above. As he led me through the alleyways, I stole a glance at Kurogami, which hovered a short distance away, its eyes glowing with an inscrutable expression.

"I'm Kento Nanami," the man introduced himself, his voice steady despite the chaos around us. "What's your name?"

"I'm Reina, Reina Nakamura" I replied, my teeth chattering from the cold and nerves. "Thank you for... for helping me." I mumbled with a small voice.

Nanami studied me with a penetrating gaze, as if assessing my resolve. He glanced around, sensing something I couldn't see but that I could feel after so many hours spent trying to understand how cursed energy worked. "Stay close," he said, his tone becoming serious.

We had only walked a few more blocks when the air around us seemed to thicken with a malevolent energy. The shadows moved in an unnatural way. Then, two grotesque figures emerged from the darkness, their forms twisted and horrifying.