House of Alphas Chapter 51: Grand Witch (Patreon)
Content
"Raven?"
"Hm~" You hum sleepily as someone shakes your arm softly.
"Raven you have to get up..."
"No..." You groan rolling away from the person.
"You know how grumpy she gets when she's tired..." another voice speaks in the darkness of your void.
"Well, there's no other choice Inumaki...Raven... I'm sorry but you have to get up."
"Whyyyy~" You whine trying to shoo the hand away from you.
"G.Ma is ready to speak to you."
That sent a shock to your system. Your eyes flew open as you looked back to see you were in your room, Momo sitting on the side of your bed while Inumaki stood beside her.
"She...she's ready to see me?” You looked toward the moon shining bright in the sky, “Now?”
"Mhm..." Momo nodded. "Can you get up? Your alphas are waiting outside... if you need them to help you..."
You took a deep breath while rubbing the saliva from your lips. "No... I should be fine..." Sliding out of bed you went to stand but sail to the floor as you cried out, "OH GOOD HEAVENS-"
"Ai-!" Momo squeaked as you grabbed her to accompany your descent to the ground. Smacking the floor Inumaki let out a choked laugh while you apologized profusely to your beta.
She let out a little laugh while helping you up, "No worries, Toji really did a spell on ya...do you know how much cum we had to wash?"
You felt your face heat up. "Y-yeah...sorry…I...I will be out in just a moment... can you guys give me some time to gather myself?"
"Sure. Let us know if you need anything."
You nodded your head respectfully as they went. Once they were gone you let out a little sigh, looking toward the window. You placed a hand on your chest, feeling the rapid thump. There was so much to take in at the moment. First, the mother witch was ready to see you, and second...
'I love you Toji...'
The words you uttered echoed in your mind, and the scene burned behind your eyes. You see it every time you blink. You could not believe you said that. You were shocked you spoke those words. You were so mixed up in the moment letting your instincts take over. Drowning in an overwhelming amount of emotions. It was all so much and you just... you just let go and those words exploded from deep down, without a second thought. You knew that within your heart you meant it. You truly did love Toji. Hell- you loved them all. In a way, they had always had a place in your heart even as you played the game. Each one had caught your love in their way. Now that you are here spending time with them you feel as though that love has grown a lot stronger. The thing is, you knew them, but they didn’t truly know you. The real you.
What were you even doing? You were still planning to leave before the mating moon…right? And here you are saying you love Toji before even the SECOND chapter started.
Was it too soon for such a confession? It’s only been like, two months! Of course, it was too soon. You felt a sharp pain in your chest…he didn’t even say it back. You were moving too fast. What would the others think? Will they be jealous or will they look down on you? In the game when you rush the ‘I love you’ phase it backfires.
‘Why would they look down on you? You aren’t Dove.’
‘I don’t know!’
Ugh- you were going crazy.
Maybe you can just pretend you blacked out again.
Releasing a huff you heal yourself as much as you can with the little bit of curse energy you restored.
You got up to get ready, dressing in more refined clothes. A long dark purple dress. You let out another sigh as you threw your cloak over it. You would kill for an oversized sweater and joggers.
You go to your door, placing a hand on the knob before you prepare yourself for your alphas. You weren’t sure who heard your confession. You wondered how they would take it. Would they be jealous? Would they feel overwhelmed?
You’re being silly…
You don’t know why this is making you so anxious…
Maybe it’s because of that tiny voice in the back of your mind reminding you this is not your home and you don’t belong here. This isn’t even your body. Truly you were always surprised that Issekai characters didn’t have depersonalization or some other mental issues. You suppose since you looked like you it truly helped that feeling… but still… you were not Raven.
You squeezed the nob tight, there was no sense in going down this path. You just had to keep going.
Just keep swimming…just keep swimming…
Settling down you open your door to find everyone waiting for you.
Gojo was on the ground begging and holding Momo as he shook her. She looked absolutely annoyed.
“You have to help me please-oh- “When he saw you he quickly shot up scratching the back of his head. “Hey, sweetie~.”
You smiled at Gojo and then darted your eyes across your other alphas lounging around. “Evening m-my alphas.”
They nodded or grunted in response.
“Are you ready?” Nanami questioned.
“Yes, I’m ready to go.” You follow Nanami as the others form around you like bodyguards.
It was… awkward.
No one was really speaking. You don’t know if it was due to your date or just the fact that it was midnight and everyone was tired.
“Did you enjoy your date?” Suguru questioned finally breaking the silence.
“I did, it was very nice.” You smiled looking toward Toji who shyly rubbed his neck.
“…” Sukuna had said something under his breath but you didn’t hear it.
You ask, “What did you say?” Just as Gojo chuckled.
“Nothing.” Sukuna looked away.
You clicked your tongue, “What did he say Gojo?”
“Ha-Uh? I don’t know...”
You audibly gasped, “Gojo are you lying to me?”
Your alpha quickly sputtered, “Well I do know but I also don’t know if I can tell you BUT- I do know that I may or may not be able to tell you due to circumstances-“
“Okay okay, geez you broke him dear.” Suguru chuckled.
You dropped it but you eyed the two suspiciously. There was that familiar scent of jealousy that you were starting to become most accustomed to. Well- they aren’t looking down on you. They are most definitely jealous. Once outside, the horses were gathered as you surveyed your surroundings. The town was silent, in a peaceful slumber. A few cats running about, looking toward you with curious leans to their heads before scurrying away.
You watch them go then look toward Nanami with a sleepy yawn that you try to stifle, “Hmm~ Can I ride with you please?”
“Me?” He questioned. His eyes looked behind you and then settled back on your face.
Did he just look at Toji-
“Yes.” You nod wiping at your eyes again trying to keep them open. “I’m really tired and don’t want to fall off my horse… if you don’t want me to-“
“Of course you can.” Nanami quickly stated.
“Thanks.”
You sit in his lap sideways while your head rests on his chest. He had one hand around your hip while the other held the reins.
You had to spread some affection to the others so they didn’t feel left out. You just couldn’t do it too fast and too much because it would seem dishonest. You are tired now but you will think of a more thorough plan later. Maybe you could go out on a date with each alpha and slip in a love confession.
It just had to be special when you say it.
You were lulled by the nightly breeze, warm chest, and gentle ride. You blinked slowly, finally nodding off to a half-sleep. You could hear your alphas comversate but you weren’t too in tune with it, it all sounded jumbled up.
Nanami placed a sweet kiss on your head, “She’s so tired.”
Suguru snorted, “Someone knocked her ass out.”
“I mean I would be too if I took a giant cock like that.”
“That’s a very suspicious statement Satoru.”
“Sorry…” Toji sighed, “…I didn’t think we would be summoned so late.”
“Yeah, this shit is stupid. She should have seen us when we first got here.”
Nanami’s chest rumbled as he spoke, “Be respectful Sukuna. This woman is helping us, we are on her time. I expect you all to behave yourselves when we meet her.”
You knew it wasn’t the case but you felt like you blinked and you were there. Nanami had carried you off the horse, trying to let you sleep for as long as you could. You had peeked your eyes open a little to see you were at the clock tower. You became increasingly interested in your surroundings, fighting your sleep.
Did G.Ma live in the clock tower this entire time?
You were being a little spoiled, allowing Nanami to take you inside. The tower was gigantic, but you really got a feel for how massive it was once you were inside of it. There were winding stairs that led to the top. Craning your neck you could see where the moon leaked in.
“Where is she?” Sukuna asked with impatience.
“We aren’t there yet.” Momo walked to the middle of the tower. She then began to draw a glowing symbol over and over again while chanting. As she chanted you heard the ticking sound of a clock as if time was rewinding. The tower began to glow and you felt a surge of energy spin all around you like a wild tornado. Your alphas stepped closer to you becoming on guard with the sudden change.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to be scared!” Toge calls over the whirlwind of noise. “There’s a lot of stuff we couldn’t say out there but we can talk freely once we are on the other side!”
The other side?
Was the clock tower a portal?
“I don’t like this…” Toji looked very uncomfortable and so did your other alphas.
“It’ll be fine…” you speak up. “I trust my betas!”
We’ve come this far.
The commotion finally settled as Momo let out a sigh. She then smiled at you guys. “We are here!” She was exploding with excitement as she skipped to the doors.
“Where is here?” Gojo questioned.
“Okay, we couldn’t tell you guys because you know confidentiality and all that but this…” The blonde pushed open the double door like a grand entrance. “…is where the castle is!”
You let out a gasp, your eyes met with a beautiful place. It appeared as if you were in a different dimension. The ground looked like water and the sky was a beautiful dark blue with a giant moon beaming down. It was so close as if you could reach out and touch it if you went far enough. Right in the middle of this strange world that stretched forever was a castle. It was huge and stood tall like you were on your way to meet fucking Harry Potter.
“Woah-“
“This shit was here?”
“Amazing.”
Your alphas were just as flabbergasted by the castle.
“Pretty amazing right?” Momo was so proud of this place and even Toge seemed to have an air of pride.
“It is…” you patted Nanami so he could put you down. You were no longer feeling tired, hit with a second wind that will for sure tax you later. You looked down at the water-like ground, your reflection looking back at you. Stepping out the reflection wasn’t disturbed as if it were glass.
Getou also took a curious step, “This reminds me of your domain Satoru.”
“Yeah, it does.” You mused.
Gojo looked toward you in slight surprise, “How do you know?”
You look toward him with a light raise of your brow, “Huh? What were you guys talking about?”
“Were you just saying yeah just to say yeah?”
“Oops~ you caught me sorry I’m just so shocked of this place.” Whew nice save girl…When he reached level twenty you can circle around to that when he’s ready to use it in battle.
“So~!” Momo began while walking backward, ”We couldn’t tell you this but it is G. Ma’s 100th birthday! I wasn’t sure if she was going to invite you to be honest because at first she said no but then she changed her mind!” Your beta was blabbering in excitement but you tried to pause her.
“What?” You furrowed your brows. “Are we intruding?”
“No! She said it was fine. She thought it over and after watching you guys today she realized you guys weren’t so bad!”
“Ngh-“ she was watching you?! “-are you sure she was watching the right people?”
Suguru hissed, “Ouch darling that really hurts.”
“Yeah!” Gojo continued, “Weren’t you and Sukuna causing trouble too?”
“I-I’m just saying guys don’t bite my head off.”
Toge chuckled, “I think she saw what a good person you were.”
Good at taking dic-
Nanami cut in, “Whatever it is, I thank her for changing her mind. Should we have brought a gift? Would money suffice?”
“She would love that.”
Entering the castle you could hear a lot of commotion, the sound of music playing among laughter and talking. It was drowned out and got louder with each step. There were pictures along the wall that Momo pointed out, telling you who each portrait was.
“That’s Ranni, she was a great witch that lived a long long time ago when the world was tarnished.”
You listened while your gaze shifted around the beautifully decorated castle. It was very much witchy-themed. Dark colors with antique decorations that looked as though they had been passed down from generation to generation. You bet there was a story to every piece.
Nanami seemed much more interested in the history of the witches while everyone else was focused on other things like the owls and cats perched in the windows watching you all very closely. You could feel their slight curse energy.
They must use the animals for surveillance. That’s probably how she was watching you today. You would much prefer something cute and fuzzy than the giant eyeball tailing you. Hell, you would even take a reptile.
Reaching the main hall you finally felt the nervous heat flicker over you. You could smell it from the others. They were on edge, sticking close to you and tensing from even the smallest movement. If it were up to them they would have probably turned around but you put your faith into your betas. You knew they wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or put you in danger. That’s what you reminded yourself even as you felt the tension wind up so tight it could snap.
The doors opened and as you and your alphas entered the chatter around simmered down into silence. Everyone had turned to gaze at you, shocked by your presence. Like you weren’t even supposed to be here. An arrangement of emotions overcame the masses but for the most part, it seemed everyone was on their guard. Staring at you as if you were the threats. In a way you probably were more of a threat to them than they were to you. Their whole existence could get them killed.
“Helllooooo~!” A cheery voice called. You looked over as a small older woman waddled her way to you, dressed in a flowy black dress. She wore one too many jewelry on her person, making her clink around as she moved to you. “It is such a pleasure to meet you-“ she went to grab your hands but someone growled. She hissed and chomped her teeth at your alphas, “Pipe down I’m not going to hurt your omega.”
There was a low grumble but they were otherwise silent.
Oh damn…
You allowed the woman to cup your hands together, resuming her earlier greeting.
“You! Youuuu must be the beautiful Raven that Momo and Toge speak so highly about!”
You smiled shyly looking toward your betas as they gave you a reassuring grin.
“Y-yes that would be me I suppose.”
The older woman let out a little chuckle as she patted your hands sweetly. You let out a little laugh too, feeling the situation starting to feel less intense. The woman seemed kind.
“I’m the great witch or the old hag when the others think I’m not listening.” She looked back as some of the witches chuckled nervously. “Mhmmm.” She shook her head looking back at you. “You may call me G. Ma sweetheart.”
“G. Ma…” you bow respectfully. “…Thank you so much for seeing us. You have no idea how grateful I am.”
“Oh Ho Ho honey, there is no reason to be so formal. This is a party after all.” She then turned to the others and yelled, “Why is everyone so quiet? It’s a night of celebration! I’m a hundred years old!”
You watched as the group changed, cheering in an uproar as they raised their glasses.
“Yes~! Let us have some fun!”
“Ahem…” Nanami coughed as he stepped forward the party going back to normal before you had walked in. “G.Ma… happy birthday…” Your blonde gave her a bag of crystals as she cooed and cackled while opening it. It reminded you a lot of Mei Mei. As she began to count it Nanami continued speaking. “…I understand you are celebrating but… we have a certain matter that needs some looking at if you-“
“Yes yes, I’ve heard.” G. Ma dismissed Nanami, finishing counting her money.
You could almost hear the tension in Nanami’s jaw. He was trying to be respectful but you knew they were all just as anxious to find an answer to your problem. It felt like the woman wasn’t taking your situation seriously.
Once the last ruby was counted she giggled and tucked the pouch away into her belt, “Alright I’ve already looked at your palm when I first touched you. You have nothing to fear.”
“Really?” You gasp in relief.
“What is it?” Toji and the others urged.
“Just a little curse.” G. Ma snapped her fingers as one of the witches stepped up to her.
You internally gasped realizing it was the girl that was looking at you with a mean expression. It seemed her resting bitch face was still active.
“G. Ma.”
“Mai, go get me the book of curses.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“What’s a little curse?” You question while Mai left.
“Yes, I didn’t recognize this curse…” Suguru stated.
“Nor did I…” Sukuna glared.
“And if you boys knew everything would you be here?” G. Ma snorted. “This particular curse is only activated when something occurs. What that is I don’t know but I can remove it for you.”
You felt a wave of relief but then uttered, “And my friend Junpei-“
“Yes~ Toge had told me all about it, I’m already working on the elixir, it will be ready by tomorrow.”
“Really…?”
“Mhm.”
“That’s…” You looked toward the others as they seemed to be in a state of disbelief. This just seemed…
All too good to be true.
“What’s with the faces?!” G. Ma chuckled, “Y’all should be celebrating with me! Come come, join the party!” The woman waddled into the crowd shouting, “Get our prime alphas and omega some grata!”
“Well then… that was easy.” Gojo grinned taking the entire platter of sweets that were offered to him. (The witch looked flabbergasted- she was only offering him one).
"No... nothing is that easy." Sukuna growled under his breath. "I don't like this… you can never trust a witch.”
You gave Sukuna a look, “You cannot say that Sukuna. I trust my betas and they are witches.”
The alpha scoffed leaning down so only you could hear him, “You haven’t dealt with them for as long as I have. There’s always a catch. A give and take. That’s how they work. They will do something only for a price and they’re sneaky little shits.”
“Enough…” you shake your head, “I don’t want you talking like that. Please don’t be rude.” You straighten your frown as someone comes up to you. You blinked over with a, "Hi-" and then paused as you saw who it was. "Nobara!"
"Hey." She smiled at you, "Didn't think we would meet again like this."
Maki stood right next to her with a cup of grata for you. "Yeah, I guess the secret has been dispelled." She says while handing you a drink. “Are you surprised?”
“Ah-absolutely! But this doesn’t change how I see you guys.” To be honest- you already knew Nobara was a witch but you did not know Maki was too.
“Really? I didn’t think you could get much cooler.” Nobara smiled.
“Oh… thank you, um these are my alphas." you turn to gesture toward your brutes as they greet them with a nod.
"Nice to meet you all." Nobara and Maki gave them a bow before popping back up. "Well, let's get this party started I suppose." She clinked her cup against your glass as the two of you cheered and took a sip.
You mingled with the others but you couldn't truly enjoy yourself. All of this just felt strange. Something was tickling the back of your mind. Something that was telling you that something wasn't right. However, you don't know what wasn't right. How did G. Ma have a cure for Junpei? Does she know how to cure people turned curse spirits? If that were the case why didn’t she assist in the game? She was nowhere to be found. She didn’t have to make an appearance but she could have for sure passed the knowledge to someone else. It could have saved a lot of people.
You keep your gaze sharp, Sukuna may have been right. This seemed too easy and unreal.
Sitting at the table you were conversing with Nobara, Maki, and your betas. They were ecstatic to tell you all about their history. Something about you accepting them for who they were brought out a new side of them. You smiled through it while nodding appreciatively. It was cool to watch them talk about their ancestors and their witch powers.
You could tell they were super proud of who they were. Even as Inumaki described his dormant power.
"That's wicked cool." Nobara noded. "If I had a power like that I would make everyone bow down before me."
"Nobara~ You are supposed to use your powers for good!" Momo chuckled.
"That is for the greater good!"
“What kind of powers do you have Maki?”
“I’m a guardian witch. I protect Nobara.”
“Oh? Was it hard for your acceptances?”
“No, not at all. G. Ma took me in when I was little. After I ran away from my clan.”
You roll over the information. Maki protects Nobara… so that means she would always be with her. Interesting…that further digs into your suspicion of why you don’t see her and you only see Nobara in her insane form… something must have happen to her. Eyes drifting to your alphas. Nanami sat beside you while Suguru sat on the other side of your blonde. They both looked as stiff as ever. You looked out into the crowd searching for your white haired peacock. Which, just as you expected he was in the middle of a group of people talking animatedly with them as they had sparkly big eyes. Witches, alphas, hell even bandits- it didn’t matter. That charm was out of this world.
You twisted your lips, unable to find Sukuna and Toji. You will check on them after you check in with Nanami and Getou.
You leaned toward your alphas, "Are you guys okay? You look uncomfortable."
"Hm... is it that obvious?"
"Yes, very much so." You giggle lightly.
“I’m not uncomfortable.” Getou commented. “Just…observing.”
“You guys don’t want to make friends?” Damn-You sounded like a wife trying to push her husband(s) to go play nice.
"My apologies little bird. I had thought Sukuna and Gojo would be my greatest issue but it would appear I cannot even relax... something about this..."
Getou hummed, “We are getting a lot of sideways glances. And not in a way that I like.”
“Do you think this is a trap?”
“…Perhaps.”
You gulped harshly, looking around searching for any key signs that would point such a thing out to you. "What do you think we should do?" You whispered.
“Watch. For now.”
“Agreed.” Nanami placed a hand upon your back, rubbing you gently, “Relax. I don’t think your new friends are after us, but I I’m not good at reading people. How do you feel about them?”
Well considering Nobara tried to kill you on the game you don’t think she is a threat right now. Not until her canon event so it was hard to tell. Maki was apart of Nobara. Perhaps the girl with green hair? Could she be targeting you?
"Ooooh~!” A deep and loud voice called. “So the prime omega has found her way into the hag's den!" Todo chuckled as everyone else looked at him with a raised brow.
"You want G. Ma to turn you into a Dokko?" Maki teased.
"Pah!” Todo didn’t seem to have a worry about the threat.
You were taken by surprise by the presence of the alpha, now he was not one you thought to be a witch. "Todo! I didn’t know you were also a witch.“
“No-“ he shook his head.
Maki hooked her thumb, “He’s a guardian too, but not a good one. He kind of just does his own thing. How was the concert?"
"It was amazing- no beautiful- no- words could not even describe!" He placed a hand on his chest as he looked up with tears in his eyes.
"Oh, brother." Nobara muttered.
Todo pointed an accusing finger at Nobara, "Don't be jealous because your voice cannot even COMPARE to Takada's~!”
Some of the witches from another table laughed, hearing Todo scream to the high heavens about his Takada. ‘There he goes again.’ They whispered. It seemed everyone knew of the passionate alpha.
"Hey! The prime omega said I had potential!" Nobara shouted.
You chuckled a bit but then you felt something, like the hair on your back began to stand up. You slap your neck in confusion, what was this feeling? Your body was starting to feel hot and overwhelming sweaty. And you felt there was a ball of fire just off in the distance growing bigger and bigger. The heat wasn’t coming from within it was coming from a different source outside.
"Do you feel that-" Nanami began but then there was a loud growl and crash.
You shot up looking toward the direction everyone was gazing at but you couldn't see.
"FOUL BEAST GET AWAY FROM ME!"
You heard someone shout.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
That was Sukuna! You were up and moving, pushing past the crowd until you came to true form Sukuna standing before a woman who had long black hair. She wore a long red dress with a slit down the side showing off her legs. Sukuna had her by the arm, gripping it tightly as he growled in her face, claws elongated.
"Sukuna stop!" You run to him pressing on his chest but he wouldn't give, his hardened gaze locked onto his target. It was like you weren’t even there.
"I finally found you- you bitch." Sukuna growled making the woman scream.
"Someone help me! He's trying to kill me!"
You looked around in shock, everyone fearful from the heavy intensity of Sukuna’s need to kill. Then your eyes landed on Toji “Toj-“ but then you stopped realizing he was also growling, looking ready to attack.
What the fuck was going on?! Who the hell was this woman?! What did she do to your alphas?!
“What do you think you are doing? Release her!” G. Ma hissed while whipping out her crude wand.
“Wait stop-“
“Sukuna! What is going on-“
“LET GO!”
“Let go of her Sukuna!”
Nanami, Getou, and Gojo came running all three of them trying to hold the alpha back with you. Toji was the only one who wasn’t moving, frozen in an angry trance just as much as your tatted fiend.
There was so much going on- screaming and shouting- and then- *SNAP*
“AAAHHHH! HE BROKE MY WRIST!”
“YOU MONSTER!” the great witch started chanting in tongues as she waved her wand around.
“STOP-“ You threw yourself up to hook your hands around Sukuna’s head bringing him down to your level. You looked into his four eyes crying for him to listen. You didn’t understand what was happening, couldn’t understand his rage, you wished he would just talk to you so you could figure it out but this wasn’t it. “SUKUNA LET GO PLEASE!”
You noticed his lip twitch and you could feel him loosen up. He was letting go.
“Thank-“
“BELLUMA!” The witch shouted. You were hit with something, your vision and body zapped and your eyes rolled back.
You heard shouting but then grew dizzy and finally, you closed your eyes for a swift moment. The next time you opened them you found yourself in Nanami’s arms, your alphas all looking down at you with worry.
“Oh thank Tengen.” Gojo sighed.
“Are you alright baby girl?” Nanami murmured rubbing your arm.
“Yeah, what happened?” You furrowed your brows realizing that you were no longer at the party but somewhere a little darker. The ceiling was grey stone and a small opening in the corner allowed for the littlest bit of light to shine in.
“That fucking hag put you in a coma.” Sukuna hissed.
“Pfft-“ Someone scoffed. “that hag did give you the elixir to awake her.”
You noticed the glass tube that was in Nanami’s hand and the taste of something chalky on your tongue like you had just drank medicine. G. Ma cast a spell on you?
“After she threatened us to surrender!” Suguru growled.
“YOU ATTACKED US!”
“We didn’t that was Sukuna!”
“Are you not a pack?”
“Sukuna is like the adopted alpha, between you and me that guy is totes weird.”
“Fuck off Gojo- I was trying to kill that one bitch.”
What the- you blinked realizing the bars that separated you from Mai. -Fuck?!
“WHY ARE WE LOCKED UP?”