Eldest Sister of the King of Curses (JJKxSDS Fanfic)

The Heian Era was what many would say the era of when refinement and position of power are at their peak. Chinese influences were in decline, giving room for the Japanese to nurture their own culture through the art of literature. But in the world of Jujutsu sorcerers, the era would be the golden age of jujutsu.

Sorcerer clans in political power based on the amount of their juryoku, their innate techniques and most importantly the pinnacle of their ability, domain expansion. Only three powerful clans held the highest authority and political power over the existing familial clans: the Zen’in, the Kamo, and lastly the Gojo.

The Zen’in Clan with their innate cursed technique, the Ten Shadows and Projection Sorcery.

The Kamo Clan with Blood Manipulation, relying heavily onto the bloodline.

Lastly, the Gojo Clan with Limitless and often paired with Six Eyes. These two genetic abilities are extremely powerful, thus allowing the Clan itself to be held in higher esteem than the other two.

But even when the Big 3 Clans held the highest political power over other familial clans, they, unfortunately, did not reign in peace. Each clan fought for control and to regain higher authority over the other. For every masked diplomacy, attempts of poisoned meals and third party assassination is to be expected.

Despite the political ongoing struggle to gain more authority than the other, mainly even towards the Gojo Clan, there was one threat that looms over.

That threat was the King of Curses, Sukuna Ryoumen.

The curse they only recognize as the most cruel, dangerous sorcerer that defies nature. The one they hear was once a man but now transformed into a curse. They only knew of his feats and mantle that most would only quiver in fear just hearing his name.

But they don’t know his personal background.

They don’t know he loves someone more important than anyone or anything, even his quest for power. His older sister Yelena, his only family and his only anchor to this cruel world. He’s aware that she could take care of herself and is a capable jujutsu sorcerer.

He’d rather take the burden of being a monster so she doesn’t have to carry them.

How it came to be started when their mother, one of the wives of a familial clan head gave birth to a daughter with an abnormal amount of curse energy. However, despite this Yelena wasn’t wanted because she wasn’t a son. So growing up, Yelena wasn’t exactly neglected by her mother but she also wasn’t loved either. She was just a shadow that lingered in the halls.

Her father ignored her existence, and she would hear remarks that Yelena is only good for being a plaything for men who need to ease off their stress. She wasn’t given training for her sorcery; Yelena had to figure it out herself in secrecy.

When Sukuna was born, their parents immediately wanted him dead because of his appearance. They’ve believed his existence would mean they have been cursed and wanted to get rid of him.

But Yelena outright refused to let them. She had clung his wailing newborn self close to herself, shielding him with her own body to keep him from being taken. Her curse energy was in overdrive, suffocating the room and her eyes had glowed with pure, newfound protective fury.

“Don’t kill my baby brother!!” She had screamed, threatening to upheave the foundation. The walls had shook, and the ground seemingly threatened to split open in response to her rage. Her cursed energy overflows like a powerful tsunami.

Because of her refusal to see him dead, and fearing she would slaughter them if they persist, he was spared. As he grew, Sukuna only remembered how Yelena was fond of him. While the world rejected him just for existing, she didn’t. Even to this day, she still treats him like he was normal and never stopped loving him despite the foul reputation he gained.

Sukuna honestly called his parents fools for dismissing Yelena’s potential but they ignored his perspective well. Regardless, he helps his sister to reach her full potential and to protect herself. He wanted her to be her own person, not some fool’s plaything.

He wanted her to live her own life on her own terms.

In the end, while Sukuna earned himself the dreadful moniker as the King of Curses for the pinnacle of sorcery and cruelty, Yelena was the opposite. She’s now a noblewoman who was praised for her mastery of cursed energy and for her beauty. She earns the title ‘Queen of the Dawn’ mainly because of her copper hair that resembles the breaking dawn of the sun.

Nobody would ever know that the benevolent Yelena and the monstrous King of Curses would be related. But it has its perks.

Like one instance, for example.

Sukuna was amused when he started having Uraume serving him with absolute loyalty, one day Yelena came to visit him at his estate unannounced. Sukuna recognizes her quick just by sensing her arrival though Uraume was unfamiliar with her. Hence why they felt vexed at first seeing Yelena coming into the eastern pavilion of the estate so casually without giving a notice ahead of time.

“Stop right there.” The ice-cursed user says coldly before Yelena gets any closer. And of course, Yelena does without flinching.

“Who are you to trespass the estate of Lord Sukuna so casually, let alone seeking his audience without addressing your arrival?” Uraume demands towards her.

As appreciative as their loyalty is, he would have to interject before Uraume would further threaten her.

“That’s enough, Uraume.” Sukuna started coolly with all four of his crimson eyes closed, still lounging lazily on the tatami floor. He’s still facing towards where the gardens are with the shoji screen wide open. “She’s an important guest.”

“A guest, my lord?” Uraume asked him while still suspicious of Yelena.

Yelena makes a face akin to a pout. “You mean to tell me you haven’t told them about me? How rude!” She remarks.

Her remark would have made Uraume bristle at Yelena speaking so casually to Sukuna, had they not witnessed Sukuna actually looking over his broad tatted shoulder to direct a smirk towards Yelena.

“I forget.” He says.

“Meanie! You’re such a meanie, my precious little brother!” Yelena pouts, crossing her arms despite the oversized sleeves of her black intricate kimono.

A vein popped onto Sukuna’s forehead. “Oi, I’m the King of Curses! You can’t say I’m your little brother around so casually, I have a reputation to upkeep.” he says.

Yelena pouts. “But you don’t tell anyone you have a loving sister, so mean!” she says with a fake sniffle.

Meanwhile, Uraume felt frozen at the sudden revelation. Now, they look between the two closely.

Sukuna is a towering muscular being standing little over 9 feet tall with red-pink hair swept back. His skin is slightly tan and has four arms and four crimson eyes, his right side having a bone deformity over his right eyes almost like a mask attached to his skin. There are also what appeared to be bone hoop-like structure coming out of his earlobes. A mouth on his belly that seems to form a tiny grin despite the irritation Sukuna expresses, with black markings on his face along his jawline, chest, nape, back, arms, wrists, thighs which are hidden, and around his ankles.

His only choice of clothing was a dark tan hakama pants. His nails are as black as obsidian, sharp as talons which he also made them short and blunt when in combat.

Yelena, on the other hand, owns long copper hair and porcelain skin. She owns crimson eyes, her makeup only being black lipstick. She wears the kimono that is black, the inner kimonos being crimson to yellow and purple. There were fin-like kazashi hair ornaments in her hair, appearing to be made in genuine gold. She stands around 6′2; a calculated guess that Uraume estimates on the spot.

At first glance, they look nothing alike. Sukuna being a monstrosity with additional limbs and features, while Yelena being an ordinary woman born in nobility. The only common ground they have was their eyes. Other than that, everything else there was no direct familial resemblance.

But it’s clear, based on their interaction, there’s history between them. The familiarity, the casualness. And most of all, Sukuna not even treating nor looking at Yelena like a bothersome insect, but someone of utmost respect and genuine care.

Yelena fakes crying. “How could you not introduce me?” she says with a fake whimper, her lip quivering.

Uraume sees this and was in shock. “You never mention her, my lord.” they said.

“With the best intentions, I assure you. But truly, I did mean to mention her.” Sukuna remarks, not exactly willing to admit that he kept forgetting.

He then sighs of exasperated fondness. “Enough of the waterworks, you bleeding heart. This servant is Uraume who has been with me for a while now. Uraume, this is my elder sibling, Yelena. Do treat her with the respect she deserves.” He says, and Yelena instantly stops with her little fake show of crying.

“I’ll remember this, you beast.” Yelena says angrily with a pout.

“I’ve been called worse.” Sukuna waves off, making her make a ‘harrump’ sound. Then she turns to Uraume, smiling towards them.

“But it’s lovely to meet you. It’s good to knowsomeonehas a soul looking after him in my absence. He can’t even bother to clean himself up right.” Yelena says kindly, taking a jab towards the lounging King of Curses.

Uraume almost broke into a snicker as they covered their mouth.

A vein popped onto Sukuna’s forehead. “That’s a lie, and you know it!” he hisses indignantly.

“Really, you sometimes forget to eat your breakfast! You know how hard it is to cook your favorite meals and you don’t eat it!? Food is not to be wasted!” she says.

“I had matters to attend to.” He said, like it’s obvious.

“Ah yes, pillage the towns and rob the rich! Kill off the dingy sorcerers dumb enough to try! Even going as far as eating them when the mood strikes! You didn’t even bother washing off the blood and the stench when you came home, and sat on my favorite cushion! I still don’t forgive you for that one!” Yelena huffs.

“It was your favorite, that’s why I sat on it.” Sukuna says, in a matter-of-fact tone.

“And that silk was expensive! I had to buy myself another one! You know how hard it is to find a cushion made out of pure silk?” Yelena demanded with a pout.

“Oh woe is me.” He remarks sarcastically, though he is grinning all teeth like a little shit he is. Typical younger sibling behavior.

“Oh you absolute.... Ugh, you know, forget that. That isn’t why I’m here. I need a favor from you, dear brother.” Yelena says, deciding to continue the banter another time. She has a reason to visit personally.

“If it’s about getting you a rare painting set to take advantage of my reputation, fetch it yourself.” Sukuna remarks. His wording made her puff out her cheeks a little, but doesn’t comment on it.

“No! I have a dilemma that normally I would handle it myself but I may or may not have done something out of spite and I can’t go back on it now that the binding vow is ma-” Yelena starts to explain, only to cut herself short when she saw Sukuna instantly look back to her with narrowed eyes.

“Binding vow? Pray tell what has overcome you to agree to a binding vow that prevents you from solving this dilemma yourself?” He demands calmly.

Uraume watches as Yelena sheepishly smiles to the side, messing with her index fingers a little.

“So... the truth is, I have been dealing with proposals left and right. For political matters, they would say. Even going as far as making arrangements in marriage without my knowledge, which I always ensure it’s dismantled before it’s official.” Yelena starts explaining herself. She grew more and more sheepish sensing the murder vibes from her little brother.

“But uh, just two days ago... you remember this one small clan, the Adachi, right?” Yelena asks before she gets into it.

Sukuna only stares at her, but there is a glint of familiarity in those eyes of his. “The irrelevant small family of sorcerers with a pitiful innate cursed technique? What of them?” He questioned.

“So the Adachi head clan’s son came to my estate and demanded my hand in marriage. He was a persistent dastard, kept on banging on the doors for a month now. I rejected him but it was like he was treating it as a game until I caved in. So out of impulsiveness, I made the vow whereas I told him if he beats my brother, he has my hand. If he loses, he and his clan are to lose access to curse energy for life.” Yelena explains.

“I fail to see the point if you inform him who your brother is.” Sukuna deadpanned, resting the right side of his cheek into the propped up palm of his right hand.

“Oh no, brother. I only told him he has to defeat my brother. I never told him who my brother is.” Yelena tells him, a vixen-like smile forming on her face.

Sukuna’s eyebrow shoot up to his hairline. “You purposely set him up to get killed. That’s evil, more evil than I am.” he says.

Uraume had to admit, that was devious. “If she were to tell him your identity, he would have backed out immediately. I’m guessing you just want to entertained, don’t you, Lady Yelena?” They asked with dot eyes.

Both Sukuna and Yelena are definitely related; they can be sadistic in different ways.

“I thought it would be hilarious to see his smug insufferable face drop instantly when he realized he’s got no choice.” Yelena says innocently, like it was only a harmless joke. Even making an innocent face despite the cruel context of her words.

Uraume looks at her with dot eyes. “Oh Lord Sukuna, she’s definitely your sister.” they complimented.

“I influenced her too much.” Sukuna remarks, feeling a sadistic sense of pride. Their shared trait of sadism is the other proof of their blood relation.

“You say it like it’s a bad thing. I can be cruel myself when I want to.” Yelena crosses her arms with a subtle pout.

“And what do I get out of this?”

Yelena looks thoughtful for a moment. “You can eat him if you want. And I’ll make the rice wine I picked up from the other country as compensation.” She says.

“What kind of rice wine?” Sukuna asked her, raising a slitted eyebrow.

“I think they called it a makgeolli.” Yelena responds.

“I heard about it, isn’t it sweet rice wine?” Sukuna asked in boredom, curiosity in his eyes despite appearing bored.

“It can be sweet, but it can also be sour and bitter altogether. I can try to make it less sweet for you if that’s what you’re concerned about. I’d be more than happy to show Uraume how it’s done if you end up liking it.” She reassures her brother.

“I do like to try different rice wines. Just make sure it’s not too sweet. Sure, bring the vermin over. I’m itching for a challenge, the competition has been boring lately. The price of being a King.” Sukuna says nonchalantly.

He earned an appointed look from Yelena in response to his remark.

“No, you’re going to mess with him to humiliate him before killing him off. I know you.” Yelena calls out to him with a deadpan.

“It’s fun for me. I didn’t become King by being swift and quick. If some third rate sorcerer thought he could take my sister’s hand in marriage and thought he could get access, then he’s asking for a death sentence. Not while I'm still alive.” Sukuna replied.

“Hmm, of course. Such a wonderful, thoughtful brother I have.” Yelena nods with a cheeky grin, with Uraume having one of their hands over their mouth to stifle in an amused snort.

The behemoth felt himself ticked at her words, “Cease the words that aren’t true.”

“Nah, you just don’t want Uraume here to see the big bad King of Curses being a softie to his older sister~” Yelena giggles mischievously, already at his side kneeling by his head to poke his left cheek teasingly.

Such casual touch would have anyone else in Yelena’s place their heads cleaved or worse, their bodies a pile of flesh. After all, no one has the right to touch Sukuna who sees himself above all living beings.

But Yelena is the sole exception.

Sukuna gently swats her hand away from his face, appearing irritated but does nothing else in protest. “I’m still the King.” He says with a twitching eyebrow towards her.

“Yes, yes. You’re an almighty King. But at the end of the day, you’re still my brother.” Yelena grins

A vein popped onto Sukuna’s forehead. “And what if you were to actually receive someone actually worthy enough of your hand?” He asks her.

“Hmm, who knows. That’s if you don’t actually scare them off because I’ll have you know, I go both ways.” she tells him.

She sees him blink his eyes, likely akin to genuine surprise but wouldn’t show it on his face. “That insufferable man will come in about another three days to my estate. He’ll bring along his entire clan to bear witness given he’s so confident he’ll secure victory which can make the humiliation ten times better. But enough of me, did anything interesting happen while I was away?” Yelena asks.

“Nothing too concerning. I have been hearing about some individuals from the up and coming, and I’m curious about them.” Sukuna says to her.

“Oh? What sort of individuals?” Yelena tilts her head, looking upwards towards the ceiling in thought. She wonders if she had heard such rumors in passing back then.

“Foreigners from another land, though some speculate they’re living proof from far back in ancient civilization. Though others also mention that one of the five is a native here.” Uraume mentions.

“A native eh?” Yelena says with a grin forming on her beautiful face. “What do they look like, I’m curious?”

“What are you up to now?” Her brother opens his main left eye towards her, previously closed from him just basking in the early afternoon air. She makes a small pout towards him.

“I’m just curious, is all. Should I worry if they’re hostile?” Yelena questions.

“Last I gathered, they’re neutral. And there were only three women and two men. Perhaps if you were to encounter them, Lady Yelena, they wouldn’t mind. The same cannot be said for Lord Sukuna, I’m afraid, should they be informed of his reputation through the words of sorcerers and frightened villagers.” Uraume informs her.

“How they view me is of no concern to me.” the King of Curses drawled, clearly unbothered. He never cared of how the common folk and sorcerers viewed him; there’s no point in making sense of a walking calamity.

Aside from his anchor, that is.

“Still I’m sure it would be fun, don’t you think?” she says with a grin. Now she was curious about these five individuals.

“I wonder about their abilities,” she adds in wonder.

“Don’t mull over your dainty head over the people you’ve haven’t met yet.” the taller sibling huffs out calmly. Yelena felt her left eyelid twitch at his remark.

“Dainty?” she repeats.

A cruel smirk forms on Sukuna’s face, an opportunity presents itself to be a menace towards his elder sister. “Ah, forget that. You’re no delicate noblewoman; you’re an uncouth spoiled brat.” he says crackling.

Then he grunts when Yelena, with no hesitation, smacks him right in the center of his muscular, tatted chest hard enough he could feel the air knocked out of his lungs. Again, such manners would make anyone lose their head quite literally but it’s Yelena.

“How rude!” Yelena pouts angrily down at him.

Sukuna snorts, gathering his footing. “It ain’t rude if it’s the truth. You could present yourself as a proud, dignified woman all you want but you’re no lady. You literally set a pest up to fight me in order to see the look on his face, and then you’re trying to hook up with a few newcomers. And oh, I must not forget that I witnessed you punch a few noblemen in the face.” Sukuna says to her, making her flush.

Uraume was enjoying the show between the siblings.

It’s a rare sight to bear witness the normally cold and cruel master bantering with his only relative. A sight only more common among ordinary folk.

“Well, what was I supposed to do to make him go away? Should I have taken notes on how you gleefully and savagely dispose of your side of pests? And those pigs deserve it! They think they can simply say such vile things in front of me and I would do nothing and just stand there and absorb it. You told me to do it!” Yelena points out to him, still pouting angrily.

“I don’t recall suggesting such a thing.” Sukuna looks to the side with his four arms folding over his chest.

“Excuse my manners, but BULLSHIT! Recall the last time we met up and I complained your ears off about the men pestering me to gain favor. You told me, word for word, the next time I see them, punch them in the fucking face without restraint!” Yelena recounts.

Normally, Sukuna would just bluntly tell her to kill them for their insolence towards her. Perhaps after quick thinking, the idea of the humiliation of a woman putting an arrogant man in place is much more amusing to him.

“No disrespect my lord, but that is your way of handling things.” Uraume says with a tiny smile towards Sukuna.

“If I was feeling merciful. But I don’t restrain my strength and if their heads were ripped off, then that’s their fault for being weak.” Sukuna grins wickedly.

“Still, the five you mentioned, what else have you heard about, Sukuna?” Yelena asked him.

“Aside from them hailing from a land long thought to be a myth and the four of the five being nonhuman but also not a curse, that was it. You should do well to keep yourself at a distance from them, neutral or not.” He remarks, already moving to stand up on his feet. He stretches his arms, muscles rippled and joints popped back in place from laying on his side too long.

Yelena only smiled in amusement. It’s quite endearing of her young brother to veil his concern for her wellbeing under the guise of warning.

“Dear brother, you know I can handle myself.” Yelena says.

“I’m aware, but you get a little hard headed.” Sukuna deadpanned towards her.

“Look who’s talking.” Yelena bluntly retorts, earning a heavy glare from the King. She then huffs, lifting herself up from kneeling.

“Well, I must head back to my estate. Do please come in three days to deal with my issue. And Uraume, make sure he doesn’t forget.” She says.

“Of course, my lady.” Uraume bows, hiding the smile of amusement sensing the irritation Sukuna gives off.

“Such faith you have in me.” Sukuna clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“Oh? I thought you don’t believe in faith.” Yelena smiles cheekily towards him, nearly hiding it behind her ornate fan in hand.

She then leaves the pavilion, giggling mischievously upon hearing Sukuna growling under his breath. This time, Uraume could not hold back their crackle.

It was the day before the persistent bastard unknowingly would meet his end soon. Yelena doesn’t stress herself over it too much, only instead enriching herself in playing the 25-string koto at the engawa to the bloomed sakura trees in her garden.

The lovely tunes echo the area with each string plucked by her delicate fingers and the tsume on her right hand. When she isn’t playing the koto, she switches to the biwa or soaks into the onsen with her scent ointments. Her favorite is always plum or cherry blossoms.

Then she becomes aware of her most loyal servant appearing near her. Well, she appeared loyal since Yelena knew she was only serving her due to her thirst of knowledge in not only curse energy but also her relation to the infamous King of Curses.

But she also proved to be a good friend for a very long time.

“Merlin. You have some news to deliver?” Yelena asks, instantly stopping her session with the koto to look over to the dark-haired woman with amber eyes and pink painted lips.

“Oh Yelena, have you heard about the five coming this way?” Merlin asked with a grin on her face.

Yelena blinked at the news. “That’s news to me. For what purpose do they intend to come here? I have nothing worth noting for them to make the trip here.” she remarks towards the sorceress of a distant land.

“Well so far, they are just minding their own business. Not bothering anyone unless some idiot messes with them.” Merlin says with a grin.

Yelena raised an eyebrow up. “You speak as though you know them.” She points out directly.

“I do. Have you heard of The Holy War, my lady?” Merlin asked her, shocking Yelena.

“The Holy War?” Yelena says in shock, she thought it was a myth.

Who has not heard of the Holy War?

It was often recounted to be one of the bloodiest wars ever existed between the Demon and the Goddess Clan. It was a dark time where it was a kill or be killed, but in reality from what Yelena perceived it was nothing but a power contest fueled by mutual hatred between the Demon King and the Supreme Deity.

Many from the clans of old have died, and in the end the Demon Clan and the Demon King were sealed away. The Goddess Clan and the Supreme Deity vanished from the living, and eventually other inhuman clans dwindled in numbers.

To this day, they were regarded as myths because it happened so long ago.

“Who has not heard of the tales? So you mean to tell me they are living proof of the war?” Yelena questions her.

Merlin grins. “Yes, living proof from the ancient world of the five races. That was when warriors were a lot more fierce and ruthless, especially the human race. They have to make up for their lack of superhuman abilities with strategy, weaponry and intelligence,” Merlin explains.

“Hence the sealing of the Demon Clan that fundamentally ended the war. Were there sorcerers back then that could use curse energy?” the copper-haired woman questions curiously.

“Magic, yes, though I’m not sure about curse energy. It was probably still new but they experimented with it. That’s the beauty of knowledge; you learn something new every time having the creativity to wield that knowledge. I swear in the Heian Era, people have gotten so lazy, especially the Zen'in Clan, that they lack an imagination.” Merlin mentions,

Yelena snorts at her remark. “You tell me. Nowadays all the folks care about is who has the bigger stick than the rest. I never liked being in the same room as the Zen’in Clan, nor even the Kamo because of rumors I heard of one Kamo clan member. I never stopped enriching myself in evolving my curse energy, especially my dear brother.” she says while removing the tsume from her right fingers.

“How long will we expect them here?” she then asks her, moving to stand up from sitting down in the expensive silk cushion.

“Ah... Any moment now if I’m not mistaken.” Merlin says, making Yelena look over to her with a tilt of her head.

“...Did you give them directions?” Yelena questions her.

Merlin grins at her, making Yelena a little uneasy.

“Merlin, what’s the grin for?” Yelena asked with dot eyes.

“Perhaps I did, perhaps I did not.” Merlin remarks, although she doesn’t do anything to hide that cunning smile of hers. Yelena swears that one of these days, she questions if her place of trust in Merlin is in the right place.

“Well, you could have informed me earlier. But oh well,” Yelena remarks, smoothing out the fabric of her lavish junihitoe. The main color being black with the inner layers being various shades of red and purple. The obi on her mid-section being golden yellow.

“But if you had deliberately sent me into the den of savages, I will not forgive you for a while.” Yelena finishes with a mild pout, already moving to head to the main throne room with Merlin following behind her.

“I’ll never put you in a dangerous situation,” Merlin says to her.

“Yes, of course you would never. But sometimes, your habit of keeping things in secrecy frightens me. But if you’re familiar with them, then I think there won’t be an issue.” Yelena remarks.

After wandering through the estate briskly through the halls, they arrive at the throne room and Yelena makes her way up the platform to kneel in seiza position atop her zen cushion. Even though they just arrived, Yelena already senses five powerful beings just coming closer towards them. It made her straighten her back even more; with or without curse energy, she can sense they easily rivaled her and also her brother.

Merlin already moves her fingers, using her magic to open the sliding doors giving entry to five unfamiliar individuals to enter.

“Merlin, are you home? I brought you the expensive wine you like!” a voice called out.

It was a woman, and much to Yelena’s shock she looked to be a normal woman with brown skin, long black hair and purple eyes. She was wearing a purple haori with a floral pattern with black hakama pants, and a dark purple tie around her waist. She was holding a parasol in her hand, a choker on her neck, purple tassel earring on her left ear while a stud was in her right, and she wore heeled boots instead of sandals.

Merlin grins, turning to her. “Oh the fresh kind?” She asked her.

“Well I-we, all brought gifts from our travels,” Ryoko says to her before her eyes shift to Yelena.

“Oh my fine lady, are you single?” She asked boldly towards Yelena.

The question was quite sudden, it had Yelena blink her eyes wondering if she heard wrong. She blatantly ignores Merlin’s chuckling openly at her reaction.

Merlin also notices the way the other four stared at Yelena. It seems Ryoko wasn’t the only one seemingly star-struck at the sight of Yelena.

“Oh we just met and you’re already asking me out?” Yelena asked Ryoko.

“I just believe in going for an opportunity rather than waiting. That’s knowledge, love and adventure. I don’t know about the others though.” Ryoko says, earning an annoyed look from her friends but she pays them no mind.

Yelena blinks seeing a regular human being around two demons, a goddess and vampire just being causal.

“Really?” One of the demons remarks in irritation towards Ryoko. He owns a short but powerful muscular stature, admittedly handsome too.

“Yes really, Zeldris.” Ryoko says to him with a grin. Yelena’s eyes nearly widened out of her head.

“Um, did you say his name is Zeldris?” Yelena says in disbelief.

Ryoko turns to her. “Yes.” she says with a smile towards her.

Yelena then looks over to the other three. Then it has to be them; the veterans of the Holy War who are known for being powerful but dangerous too.

“Then the rest of you are Meliodas, Elizabeth and Gelda. I’ve heard of you through the tales.” She says, calming herself.

“Oh I never thought we would be recognized after 3,000 years.” Meliodas says with dot eyes.

“Man, I feel old, it’s been that long?” Ryoko asked the blonde haired demon.

“Are you immortal somehow? You don’t appear to be a curse.” Yelena questions her.

“Curse? Oh I’m sorry, I’m new to curse energy, but yes I am immortal. Just like Merlin, I’m obsessed with knowledge and I am into alchemy. I created an elixir using a philosopher stone but I did destroy my research and my notes. Yes, knowledge can be beneficial but I couldn’t risk it landing in the wrong hands. As much as I love humanity, I don’t blame the other four races for their contempt for them.” Ryoko says to Yelena.

“No, you’re completely in the right to make that choice. It would be best for no one with a wicked mind to learn the fruits of your research.” Yelena says with a slight nod.

“Unfortunately.” Merlin comments.

“Um, if it’s no trouble to ask but I noticed some of your attendants prepping the courtyard while we’re coming here. Did we arrive at a bad time?” Elizabeth asks with a tilt of her head. Yelena nearly grins but only smiles kindly.

“Oh no, it’s for tomorrow. I’m about to have an issue be dealt with. With my brother’s help, of course.” Yelena says smiling.

“Japan has changed a great deal. Since when have men become spineless pigs treating women like second class citizens?” Ryoko says in deep disgust over how her country has regressed.

“You know how it is. Men with wealth think they have it all figured out and what the ideal lifestyle is. Thankfully my younger brother hasn’t adopted that attitude... for as long as I know.” Yelena admits, already moving to rest her right hand on her cheek in thought.

“Your brother?” Gelda voices curiously.

“Ah yes. My precious little brother is very much protective of me, even though he acts like he doesn’t. He despises pigs trying to lay a filthy finger on me. He would rather I make my own choices about how I live my life.” Yelena says fondly.

“Who’s your brother?” Elizabeth asked her curiously.

Yelena grins mischievously. “Where’s the fun in me simply revealing his identity? If you really want to know, you can stick around to watch tomorrow if you’d like. I’ll warn you, though, it’ll get messy and bloody and gory. But I’m sure you’re used to that.” she giggles.

“That’s a splash compared to the carnage we experienced.” Elizabeth says with a shrug.

“Although on a side note, I’m curious about curse energy. Is it a lot different from curse magic?” Zeldris asks Yelena.

Yelena hums to his words.

“The juryoku. You know of spiritual powers that wards off fiends, do you? The juryoku is the opposite; it’s the negative spiritual energy fueled by the negative emotions of humanity. Greed, anger, disgust, fear... and so on. Sorcerers trained in controlling and inheriting it via bloodline use it to exorcise evil spirits known as curses, born from the negative emotions. Even curses themselves can wield it too since they are entirely made up of it.” Yelena says, and Merlin happens to produce an apple to place it between the five and Yelena.

“By inheriting, one would have what’s called the innate cursed technique. Like mine, for example, is what’s known as Shrine.” Yelena says, already raising a hand with her two fingers up and making a slice motion after a brief channeling into her cursed energy.

Instantly, the apple was sliced in half and the slices toppled over to the ground.

“Now I’m interested. I could use a new trick for Lostvayne.” Meliodas says with a grin.

Ryoko sweat drops. “You already got full counter, you nearly blew me up with that technique because some idiot didn’t do their research on you before invading your territory. And I almost got turned to ash by Zeldris’s Dies Irae, once again another macho pig thought he could hold his own against “The Executioner”. What idiot would challenge someone that ruthless? And thank Kami I didn’t get entrapped by Liz’s Ark, sure let’s piss off a lady named “Bloodstained Ellie” and don’t get even me started on how Gelda got her name “Thousands Ashes”.” Ryoko says with a twitching eyebrow, and Yelena had dot eyes.

“It was your fault for standing too close. But you lived.” Meliodas says nonchalantly. Ryoko felt the urge to strangle him.

“Besides, nothing wrong learning something new for once.” He adds.

Yelena blinks. “How are you still alive?” Yelena asked Ryoko given the brother’s technique are very dangerous.

“Luck, and a very strong barrier...” Ryoko says with anime tears towards her.

“Is learning it difficult, by any chance?” Gelda asks Yelena.

“If negative emotions aren’t easily harbored by yourselves, it can be. Especially if one is a non-sorcerer. Those who aren’t gifted at wielding the juryoku can acquire themselves with cursed tools. Even better when you are blessed with Heavenly Restrictions.” Yelena says thoughtfully.

“Heavenly Restrictions?” Zeldris frowns a little.

“Imagine a human suddenly blessed with the strength of a thousand men, senses heightened to higher degree, and can go undetected by sorcerers. All that in exchange for being unable to use the juryoku. They can easily best a powerful sorcerer.” Yelena explains with a wicked grin on her elegant face.

The four supernatural and Merlin glanced towards Ryoko who blinks.

“Why’s everyone looking at me?” Ryoko asked pointing to herself tilting her head.

“You could fit into that category.” Elizabeth mentions to her.

“I’m an alchemist not a warrior, I don’t fight.” Ryoko says.

"Suuure.” Meliodas says, very unconvinced sounding.

“If you’re really that interested in learning more on the juryoku, I can part away some scrolls that can teach the basics. Unless, of course, you have other plans.” Yelena says with a small tilt of her head.

“Oh I would love to learn. I want to learn any type of curse techniques even if it’s just the basics.” Ryoko says with a grin.

“We were going to chat with Merlin but we don’t mind hanging out with you in the long run.” Meliodas says to her.

“Ohh, you’re making time for her.” Merlin says with a pout towards them.

“Don’t get us wrong, Merlin. We are happy to see you and catch up with you, but we want to know the person you’re serving to at the moment.” Elizabeth smiles kindly towards her.

“Please don’t mind me. Make yourselves comfortable here and catch up with her.” Yelena says with a wave of her black-nailed hand.

Ryoko pouts. “Awww, and I was so hoping to take you out on a date. I know all types of foods, places and the best rice wine, the best to treat a lady.” Ryoko says with confidence that doesn’t make her look arrogant.

Merlin doesn’t hide her grin seeing the four looked at Ryoko with building annoyance. They all knew Ryoko doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind or intentions, but it’s still something else for Ryoko to start actively pursuing Yelena. A high noblewoman at that.

Yelena only smiles in amusement. “Perhaps another time.” Yelena remarks.

It wasn’t a flat out rejection, but it was a start of something new. Merlin knows that given all the nobles and sorcerers alike seeking her hand, Yelena rejects them. It was more based on her intuition, that she doesn’t see herself in a future with those arrogant men.

Yelena then stands up from kneeling, revealing her height that made the five blink. Not in shock, but in absolute awe.

“I have some things to take care of now, so I’ll be off. I’ll be joining for dinner time.” Yelena says, moving along to another room with grace.

“I could see why so many desire her, but do they really want her or just her title?” Ryoko asked Merlin.

Merlin only scoffs a little.

“Everything she has but herself. But more so because of her owning an overwhelming abundance of cursed energy.” Merlin remarks with her arms folding beneath her chest.

“A lot? I’m not familiar with cursed energy but I sense only an ample from her.” Meliodas frowns a little.

“Because she suppresses it as a way to fool others.” Merlin says.

“So she enjoys toying those fools.” Zeldris forms a grin, which is uncharacteristic of him to do and it takes a lot for him to smile.

“Oh damn, now I have competition. You know it takes a lot for Zel to get going,” Ryoko says with a pout.

“Competition? You two, I hardly doubt it.” Meliodas called out towards her.

“Just because you were the Leader of The Ten Commandments doesn’t mean anything. And last I checked, they got sealed away.” Elizabeth says with a twitching eyebrow.

“And? She knew who we were plenty. But I doubt she cares about that.” The blonde demon remarks.

“No, she doesn’t.” Merlin nods to that, and Meliodas makes a ‘see?’ gesture with a point of his gloved finger.

“But you know... I am also curious of who her younger brother is.” Gelda admits with a tilt of her head in wonder.

Merlin makes an amused expression. “When you arrived here in Japan, how many rumors did you all hear?” Merlin asks. Just curious if they heard other things besides ones about Yelena.

But like Yelena, she wouldn’t tell them the identity right away. It would be fun to see their faces when they see him in person tomorrow.

“We have been hearing someone calling themselves the ‘King of Curses’.” Zeldris says.

“Sounds exciting, finally some real competition. I have heard about the sorcerers who really push themselves through absolute hell just to win.” Ryoko says.

“Haven’t seen that since the war.” Elizabeth says.

Merlin hums to make herself appear nonchalant. “There are the big three clans that promise competent sorcerers, especially the Gojo Clan. But if anything, I’d pay attention to the Gojo Clan the most.” Merlin says.

“Gojo clan?” Gelda asked with a raised eyebrow, wanting to know more and the major clans.

“The Gojo Clan are known to have two cursed innate techniques; Limitless and Six Eyes. You would know the Six Eyes from them owning crystalline blue eyes that can literally see through your soul and juryoku. Limitless grants them the ability to manipulate space and distance at an atomic level. Separately, they are powerful. But if one lucky Gojo is born with two, they’re basically at god-level. Those folks are typically born with natural white hair and blue eyes. The Kamo Clan are involved with Blood Manipulation, while the Zen’in have the Ten Shadows as the main innate cursed technique. Now I have high praise for the Gojo Clan because the other two clans have their... moral flaws.” Merlin says, not even sugar coating her opinion on the Zen’in and the Kamo..

“What about the other two?” Zeldris asked her.

“As I mentioned, the Kamo Clan and the Zen’in Clan have innate techniques that place them above other clans alongside the Gojo Clan. But just because they are powerful in their own right, doesn’t mean they’re good company in person. The Zen’in Clan only recognizes worth in those who inherited cursed energy, those who don’t are cast aside like nothing and view women’s worth only in the kitchen. The Kamo Clan... well, there’s rumors of one Kamo member committing atrocities that involve violating women.” Merlin explains.

Ryoko, Gelda and Elizabeth formed a deep scowl on their faces.

“Sick bastards.” Zeldris says with a scowl. He hates rapists with a passion.

“Okay. I’ll remember that.” Meliodas comments with a frown of disdain. He may have done bad things during the war, but taking advantage of the weak is the one thing he’d never do.

“Please don’t tell me the issue Yelena mentioned is from one of those two clans.” Elizabeth mutters.

“Unfortunately, no. Just some fool from one of the smaller clans, but his attitude isn’t exactly... favorable.” Merlin shakes her head.

“Oh, I see. A nobody with no class is trying to take a sip of a sweet red wine. Not on my watch, maybe I could teach him some manners.” Ryoko says with an uncharacteristic cold look on her face.

“Don’t bother,” Merlin waves her hand at that. “He’s not going to live to see the day coming tomorrow. Yelena’s brother will thoroughly make sure of that.”

“You sound oddly sure of it.” Gelda noted. The smile on the sorceress’s face only grew a little, in a near sense of wickedness.

“Very. You’ll see why tomorrow.” Merlin says.

“Oh, can we come just to witness?” Ryoko says with a giddy smile on her face.

“Sure. Just do one thing: behave. Don’t act out of line out of impulse.” Merlin smiles.

Ryoko chuckles. “We’re not children, Merlin, but I understand. Apparently people lack manners nowadays, especially when men feel they could look down at women and others who are less fortunate.” she remarks.

Elizabeth giggles to herself. “Oh, I gave that prick a lesson on respecting women.” Elizabeth says, shocking Merlin. Usually Elizabeth doesn’t like violence and she’s usually not that crass.

“Oh don’t forget, women can be just as disgusting as the men. I saw the way they were glancing towards Mel and Zel. I told them to their faces, eyes off them or I’ll claw their eyes out.” Gelda says bluntly, smirking a little just mentioning it.

“Oh, you all changed a great deal.” Merlin says.

“Traveling and years going by does that.” Zeldris remarks in amusement.

Merlin can’t exactly argue with that. But it’s a good kind of change, and she won’t complain about it.