𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕝𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕔𝕪 (𝔾𝕠𝕛𝕠 𝕊𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕦 x 𝕆𝕔)

Chapter 4 : Echoes of the Past

The night had fallen over the Egyptian desert, wrapping the landscape in a peaceful darkness. The cool wind brushed against Mei's shoulders, bringing with it whispers from distant dunes. She was sitting in the fine sand, arms wrapped around her knees, hands pressed against her face to try to calm the oppressive weight on her throat. The air was heavy, almost palpable, a sensation of unease that squeezed her breath. In this starry night, each star shone like a distant beacon, but for Mei, the beauty of this spectacle was suffocated by a growing anxiety.

She closed her eyes, breathing slowly to try to free herself from the invisible weight. Memories of the day surged forth, the reason for her presence here imposing itself on her: she was in Egypt to exorcise her first cursed spirit, a task that, while exciting, terrified her as well. The silence of the desert, both soothing and frightening, made her feel the gravity of the mission that awaited her.

When Mei finally woke up, she found herself in front of a small, picturesque shop typical of Egyptian architecture. The walls were painted in ochre and beige tones, adorned with traditional patterns that told ancient stories. The street was lively, despite the late hour, with merchants closing their shops and groups of people chatting happily, their laughter echoing in the cool air. The scent of spices floated around her, mingling with the smell of warm sand that still held the heat of the day.

Mei, dressed in a black tank top and worn denim shorts, felt out of place. She had deliberately left her exorcist uniform in her bag, opting for simplicity and comfort in the summer-like atmosphere. Her hair flowed freely around her face, and she struggled to adjust to the residual heat of the day.

It was then that she spotted Gojo emerging from the shop, a smile on his lips, holding a bundle of tickets in his hand. His exorcist uniform, immaculate and formal, contrasted sharply with Mei's casual outfit. The crisp white shirt was paired with tailored black pants and a belt that accentuated his athletic silhouette. The black headband across his forehead drew all eyes, adding to his mysterious and charismatic aura. He exuded natural confidence, and even in such a simple setting, he had a way of standing that attracted attention.

Gojo noticed Mei, his expression shifting from indifference to casual amusement. "Did you forget your uniform?" he called out, a teasing smile on his lips. His tone, while playful, held a hint of seriousness that made Mei clench her fists. She felt like an intruder in this world where he seemed so at ease, like a king in his kingdom.

"What the hell are you doing here, Gojo? We're supposed to be exorcising a cursed spirit, not shopping," she shot back, trying to keep her composure despite the rising tension. The confrontation between them was inevitable, and Mei knew it would only add to the pressure of the night ahead.

She took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come while observing the striking contrast between her casual attire and Gojo's imposing presence. Exorcism was not just a mission; it was a rite of passage, and with him by her side, she felt both protected and terrified.

The bus creaked and vibrated, a true tin can on wheels, full of tired tourists and assorted goods. The seats were faded and worn, and the air inside was thick with a disagreeable odor, a mix of spoiled food and sweat. Mei held tightly to the safety bar, her head bent forward, trying to resist a bout of motion sickness that threatened to overwhelm her. With each turn, her stomach flipped, and she forced herself to breathe slowly, focusing on the scenery flashing by the window rather than the nauseating stench surrounding her.