Chapter Text
the year 1045
heian era
hida province, japan
ruled by the double heron of the ryomen clan
"Famine ravaged all through the land then," Hiromi began, elegant voice carrying the weight of history, "People were dying from hunger. The water wells were in drought. It was then that two herons appeared before Ryomen Shigemitsu, leading him to the people in need. Famine stopped with time, and the people welcomed him. His legacy is this on that flag above us."
Sukuna listened intently, his gaze fixed on Hiromi's face. There was pride in the way you spoke. You smiled ever so gently. To Sukuna, you were beautiful like this. He could see the light in your eyes that he wants to keep there for all your life.
"The double heron has been a symbol of resilience and compassion for generations," Hiromi continued, eyes alight with reverence for her family's legacy. "And now, it's up to us to uphold that legacy—to be beacons of light in the darkness, just as Shigemitsu- sama was all those years ago."
Sukuna felt his mind wander to thoughts of his own identity. He felt like a stranger in this world, a creature of darkness amidst the light of Hiromi's noble lineage. His mother's words echoed in his mind, reminding him of his supposed destiny—to fail, to disappoint, to be a monster. He was a creature of horrors. His face falls flat to contorted darkness.
Lost in his thoughts, Sukuna's gaze fell to the ground, his heart heavy with doubt and uncertainty. He fears he would fail you. He fears he would bring ruin to you and to the Ryomen. He was a curse, a curse and he couldn't understand how he could be honorable as you. But before he could spiral further into despair, Hiromi's gentle hand reached out, flicking his forehead lightly.
"Hey, don't overthink it," You said with a warm smile, bright eyes filled with kindness. For a moment, he wonders what he did in his life to deserve how you treated him in your life. "You're not alone, Sukuna. I believe in you."
Sukuna's eyes widened in surprise, his heart skipping a beat at your words. He had never dared to hope that someone like Hiromi could have faith in him, could see beyond the darkness that seemed to define his existence.
"But… I…" he stammered, at a loss for words.
Hiromi's head shakes lightly, your smile unwavering. "No buts," you insisted. "I know you're capable of great things, Sukuna. You're not defined by your past or your fears. You have the power to forge your own destiny, and I'll be here every step of the way, cheering you on."
In that moment, Sukuna felt a glimmer of hope ignite within him, dispelling the shadows of doubt that had clouded his mind. With Hiromi's unwavering belief by his side, he felt a newfound sense of purpose stirring within his soul—a determination to rise above his fears and prove himself worthy of her faith.
And as they sat together beneath the moonlit sky, Sukuna made a silent vow to himself—to stand tall, to fight against the darkness, and to make Hiromi proud.
Records and History of the Ryomen Clan
an ode to my mother, lady hiromi of the ryomen clan.
to my descendants, read carefully and thread carefully.
this is for your eyes to seek only , descendant of hiromi.
do not let this fall in ryomen sukuna's hands.
mikoto masuyo.
bound to serve, further and beyond.
household of ryomen isamu
: ̗̀➛ his lady wife, fujiwara akiko
: ̗̀➛ his daughter and heir, ryomen hiromi
: ̗̀➛ his eldest and deceased son, ryomen akimu
: ̗̀➛ the lord's brother, ryomen hiramu
: ̗̀➛ adopted son of hiramu, ryomen sukuna
: ̗̀➛ retainer and heir of the mikoto clan, mikoto masaomi
You reached out your hand to his.
His eyes blinked.
You smiled at him tenderly.
"Are you alright, young one?"
In that fleeting moment, the boy found himself captivated by the tender lady's presence. You seemed to radiate an ethereal aura, your every essence imbued with a sense of otherworldly beauty. The soft glow of the lanterns bathed your features in a warm, gentle light, casting an enchanting halo around your form.
And then there were your eyes—pools of warmth and compassion that drew him in, their depths revealing a wellspring of kindness and understanding. In those moments when your gazes met, he felt as though you could see straight through him, peering into the depths of his soul with an unwavering sense of empathy.
It was a moment suspended in time, a fleeting encounter that left an indelible mark on his heart. In that moment, long before he knew Hiromi's name, he saw not just someone above him, but a guiding light—a beacon of hope in his world shrouded in darkness. And as he reached out to take your hand, he knew that this chance meeting would forever alter the course of his destiny.
"What's your name?"
He did not reply.
You smiled wider at him.
"It's okay if you have no name."
He looks up to you, eyes widened.
"I'll give you one."
