Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 25

As they neared the heart of her kingdom, the air felt thick with tension, oppressive and almost suffocating. Her aura was palpable—an overwhelming presence that seemed to pulse with an ominous, deadly force. Megumi, Yuji, Nobara, and Gojo braced themselves, drawing upon their cursed energy, each ready with their unique techniques.

"We're close," Gojo murmured, his gaze steely. "Be prepared. This aura... it's almost like she's a completely different person."

Megumi's fists clenched, his shikigami, Divine Dogs, leading the way through the chaos and destruction that had consumed her kingdom. The scent of her blood grew stronger, saturating the air around them and hinting at the devastation she'd wrought. When they arrived at the kingdom gates, they found a scene that was nothing short of mayhem. People were attacking one another, as if in a frenzy, seemingly lost to their own violent impulses.

Yuji and Nobara exchanged a worried glance, nodding to each other as they moved forward, each with a determined set to their jaw.

Nobara's hammer was in hand, nails floating around her fingers as she activated her Straw Doll Technique. "This is going to be messy," she said, gritting her teeth. She raised her hammer, targeting a group of hostile attackers who'd turned their crazed eyes on her and Yuji.

"Yuji, cover me!" Nobara shouted, launching a nail toward one of the assailants. Yuji sprang forward with his Divergent Fist, clearing a path for her. With precision, he hit the closest enemies, sending them sprawling back.

"You got it, Nobara!" Yuji called out, his voice resolute as he twisted and took down another attacker with a powerful blow.

Gojo, observing from the edge, activated his Limitless technique, protecting himself and the others from those attacking with ranged curses. "Keep moving!" he called to them, his playful grin gone, replaced by a grim expression.

But despite their efforts, they were no closer to finding Y/N. Her scent was everywhere, intensifying the chaos around them, driving the people to madness. Yet, strangely, it had no effect on them. It was as if her power had carved a path for them alone, keeping them immune from its maddening influence.

"Megumi," Yuji called out, wiping a trickle of blood from his cheek. "Go find her. We'll hold them off here."

Megumi nodded, summoning Nue, which soared above, scanning the area for any sign of Y/N. The Divine Dogs, too, prowled the perimeter, sniffing for her unique scent, leading him further into the building.

He burst into the large chamber at the heart of the castle, his steps slowing as he felt her presence overpowering every corner of the room. The scent of her blood was almost unbearable now, tinged with rage and grief. His heart pounded as he took in the sight before him.

There she was, seated on a grand chair, her posture like that of an empress. Blood spattered her hands and her clothes, and her eyes glowed an eerie crimson, a haunted satisfaction reflected in her gaze as she watched the carnage below her. The bodies lay scattered across the room, some unmoving, others stirring feebly under the influence of her curse, their movements jerky and unnatural.

Megumi took a step forward, but a wave of force pushed him back. He stumbled, barely able to stand his ground against the immense power she was emitting. Her voice, low and dangerous, cut through the air.

"Don't interfere, Megumi," she warned, her gaze pinning him in place. "If you value your life, you'll leave."

But Megumi's resolve was unwavering. He couldn't leave her—not like this. Not when she was spiraling further and further away from herself.

"Y/N..." he whispered, his voice filled with desperation. "Come back. I need you to stop this."

She merely laughed, a hollow sound that sent chills down his spine. She lifted her gaze, a dark smile spreading across her face as she glanced at the destruction around her. "Isn't it beautiful?" she asked, a twisted gleam in her eyes. "Don't you think my kingdom is finally... lively?"

Megumi's chest tightened at the sight of her, at how lost she looked. This wasn't the Y/N he knew. But he wouldn't give up on her. Not now. Not ever.

She walked around the room, her aura curling around her like an ominous fog. With a flick of her wrist, she raised the fallen around her, puppeteering them to fight among themselves, even as those still alive begged her to stop.

"You need me to rule, don't you?" she sneered at one of the council members who had remained. "But now... now, I think I'm done with you."

Her blood twisted, hardening into crimson spears that struck one of them through the throat. He choked, slumping to the ground as her fury only grew.

Megumi couldn't bear it anymore. He rushed forward, grabbing her wrists in a firm but gentle hold, meeting her burning gaze with his own. "Y/N, stop!" he said, his voice raw. "This isn't you. Come back to me."

She struggled, her face contorted with pain and rage. "Why are you here?" she hissed, her voice trembling. "Why do you keep coming after me? Just let me go!"

Her fists pummeled against his chest, but he refused to let her go, holding her close as her strikes turned weaker, each one laced with the agony she'd tried so hard to mask.

"Because I love you," Megumi whispered, his arms tightening around her, grounding her in his embrace. "I need you. I need you more than anything."

Her movements slowed, and her resistance melted away as she clutched the front of his shirt, her body trembling as she let her tears fall. "Why..." she whispered brokenly, burying her face in his chest. "Why can't you just let me go?"

He pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes searching hers, refusing to look away. "Because you're worth everything to me," he said softly, his voice a gentle murmur. "And I'm not letting you go. Ever."

She took a shaky breath, her fingers clutching tighter to his shirt, and for the first time, the glow in her eyes softened. She sank into his embrace, letting his warmth wash over her. Her tears fell freely now, her walls crumbling as she allowed herself to lean into his strength.

Megumi kissed the top of her head, his touch tender, his hand brushing her hair softly. "I missed you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I missed you so much."

Her arms wrapped around him, holding him just as tightly. She closed her eyes, resting against him, finally letting herself feel the comfort he offered. In his embrace, she felt safe—safe from her past, from the torment that had haunted her.

They stood there, holding each other in the stillness, letting the chaos around them fade away. For a moment, it was just them, wrapped in each other's warmth, a quiet promise hanging in the air between them.

Finally, she whispered, her voice soft and broken. "Thank you, Megumi."

And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe again.