Kotoba Ijō 言葉以上 ⋮ Fushiguro Megumi

Chapter 10

"Play with me, play with me!
Get the answer correct,
and I will set you free!"

It was a ghoulish voice. One that didn't seem from this realm. But Megumi's had his fair share of otherworldly experiences. Too many in fact. So these factors didn't frighten him (not that they ever really did). What scared him, is the idea of returning to jujutsu tech without you; the man wouldn't know how to live with that kind of guilt. Although, in retrospect, if you hadn't apologized earlier, he probably wouldn't have mind leaving you for dead. Megumi's always been one to see the bigger picture and if it meant having to sacrifice a little to execute a mission, he just may. Plus, the world could use less shitty people. But then he banishes that thought. Because he felt somewhat responsible for you (he wish he didn't). Megumi wasn't one for games either, he wishes he could just exorcise the damn thing and be done with it. But such is a special-grade curse. They're never easy (or reasonable). In any case, he understands he'll need to play if he has any chance at all to save you.

Megumi straightens up. He finally calms his nerves. The guy stuffs his hands into his pockets and stares at the large double doors that he's been desperately trying to open. He'll add this to one of the many trials and tribulations he's been through. It'll shape him into a better sorcerer; a better version of him that Gojo Satoru himself foresaw.

"Very well." Megumi says aloud, "What are the rules?"

"A riddle! A riddle! A riddle you must solve!
And your dear friend here is surely involved!"

Megumi tenses at the word 'friend'. He didn't really consider you a friend up until this point. And now he's still uncertain how he truly views where you stand in his life. His only concern is getting you back in one piece, "I'll play your damn game. So let her go."

There was a strange whirling noise at a distance and maybe a creak of the floorboards. It's eerie. And then it seemed like the house shook with anger.

"NO! NO! NO CAN DO!
That was not apart of the rule!
I will not let her go until you win!
So it's in your best interest
that you now begin!!"

"You'll let her go if I answer correctly?"

"The doors will open,
once you've correctly spoken."

"Alright." Megumi prepares himself, "I'm ready."

The house begins to rattle. It makes Megumi look to the ceiling. He gets into an offensive stance and summons his divine dogs again for safe measure. The rattling slowly subsides. And the strange voice appears again.

"In the night I glide, silent and sleek,
With wings like a shadow, I seldom speak.
My eyes glow bright, as I take to the skies,
A creature of darkness, with haunting cries.
What am I, lurking in the moon's silver light,
A symbol of mystery on this eerie night?"

Megumi eases up a bit. The curse wasn't lying. It's just a riddle. This seems easy enough. He just needed to think. In the night I glide. The raven-hair ponders to himself. Kabo Yu was someone who enjoyed Halloween, "The answer is...." He continues to think. With wings like a shadow. Megumi answers, "....a bat."

There's a shrill cry that breaks the silence. It fills the entire area. It's so sharp it sends a chill down the man's spine. But what's most haunting is that this screaming voice was one he recognized.