Time Gone By
Part One | Fate (Gojo x Fem! Reader)
(TW: blood, gore, violence, abuse)
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The night of the invasion, your family was in the middle of a peaceful dinner, happily enjoying each other's company. The sliding glass door leading to the backyard had been left open to let in the evening breeze, the faint scent of flowers and freshly cut grass drifting in.
However, that tranquility was abruptly shattered when Toji appeared, kicking in the sliding glass door with a deafening crash. His sudden intrusion sent shockwaves through the room, causing your heart to race.
Before you could react, Toji swiftly subdued your father with a single powerful blow. The room filled with the sound of chaos, the clatter of overturned chairs, and your family's terrified cries.
Toji's ruthlessness knew no bounds that night. As your mother tried desperately to protect you from the menacing intruder, he showed no mercy. In a horrifying act, he impaled the two of you together, a cruel and gruesome display of violence that left you both fatally injured and in unimaginable pain.
Both fear and pain paralyzed you as you hazily looked up at your mother. Her normally bright and lively eyes, which had always brought you comfort, were now dark and lifeless.
Swiftly removing the sword from the two of you, you collapsed on your side. Bloodied coughs wracked your small six-year-old frame as you weakly called out for your parents. Their condition had not fully registered in your young mind, and you were overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness and confusion.
“Mama… Papa..” Tears flowing down your cheeks as you cried out for your parents, gasping for air in your dire situation. Pain coursed through your small body, and the overwhelming grief made it almost too much to bear. Your vision blurred as your body grew hot, and the pain becoming nearly unbearable
A cooling sensation slowly spread through your chest, and you felt a glimmer of hope amidst the pain and despair. Your head turned toward the sound of hurried footsteps, and to your relief, two police officers arrived at the scene. You could barely keep your eyes open as the officers frantically worked to save you.
The realization of your parents' deaths began to settle in as you lay there, the world around you becoming a blur. Their voices were muffled, and you could hear the distant wails of sirens approaching. As the darkness threatened to take you, one of the officers, a kind woman with warm eyes, softly whispered, "Stay with us, kid. Help is on the way." You clung to her words, fighting to hold on as the world faded into black.
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Your eyes slowly fluttered open, and the sterile, white surroundings of the hospital room came into focus. Greeted by the faint beeping of machines and the soft murmurs of nurses moving about. The events leading up to your hospitalization flooded back into your memory.
You couldn't quite comprehend the reality of it all. Your parents were gone, and you were now left orphaned. Tears welled up in your eyes, and the grief was nearly suffocating. A social worker gently explained that they would be looking for a suitable foster home for you.
Alone in that hospital room, you felt the profound sense of loss and emptiness. Clinging to the memory of your parents, the warmth of their love, and the happier times you had together. The pain felt nearly unbearable, but somewhere deep within you, you found a flicker of determination. You would carry their love with you and find a way to move forward, even in the darkest of times.
The doctors' confusion regarding your rapid recovery was a mystery that they couldn't explain. But even as your physical wounds mended, the emotional scars ran deep. Memories of your parents' final moments haunted your thoughts, and their screams and cries seemed to echo in your mind, refusing to fade.
You felt like a hollow shell, moving through each day with a heavy heart and a sense of profound loss. The world had become a darker and colder place, and you couldn't shake the feeling that you were alone in a vast, indifferent universe. In a matter of no time, your social worker had found a family to take you in.
Soon after you were discharged, the Wilson's took you in. The first three weeks were comfortable, they had one other foster child, Lily, and for the first time in a while things seemed normal. But things took a dark turn for the worse when their "father" showed his true colors after coming home from his post-work bar bender.
As he stumbled through the door, reeking of alcohol, he slurred out cruel words and insults. His anger was like a storm that descended upon the household, and the peace and comfort you had felt vanished instantly.
The Wilsons, who had initially appeared to be a caring and loving family, were now revealed to be far from that. His wife and child cowered in fear, and you quickly realized that you had entered a new nightmare, one that was eerily reminiscent of your past.
In the midst of this nightmare, your older foster sister, Lily, shone as a beacon of hope through the darkness. She was your pillar of strength and support. Lily, seven years older than you, became your protector in those difficult times.
Whenever "father" would erupt in one of his violent outbursts, Lily was always there to shield you. Her courage and care provided a comforting presence in the midst of chaos. With her guidance and protection, you found solace and strength to endure the hardships that life had thrown at you.
As you grew older, your home life became increasingly hostile. “Father's" outbursts grew more frequent and severe. Lily continued to shield you as best as she could, trying to shoulder the brunt of his anger. The burden of her protection weighed heavily on your heart, as you watched your older foster sister bear the physical and emotional toll of the abusive household.
It was a seemingly ordinary day when you and Lily decided to enjoy a rare moment of happiness at the park and have lunch together, away from the looming shadow of your abusive "father."
However, that day took a terrible turn when he returned home unexpectedly early. You had planned to be back before he arrived, but his early return caught you both by surprise. The consequences were far worse than anything you had experienced before.
As your "father" mercilessly beat Lily, trying to get to you, anger coursed through your veins. He pulled her hair, and a swift kick to her side left her coughing up blood. But you couldn't just stand there any longer. Anger, fear, and a desperate need to protect your sister fueled your actions. You slipped out of her weakening grip and launched a punch at the bastard's face. He lost balance, falling backward, unconscious. Yet, the fury within you wouldn't subside, and you rained down an onslaught of punches, venting your frustration and pain.
Tears welled up in your eyes as you lifted Lily's shirt to reveal a large purple bruise forming around her ribcage. Her weak coughs pierced through your heart. Desperately, you tried to find a way to call for help.
"I'll fix this," you cried as you searched for help, your mind racing for a solution in the dire moment.
With the familiar cooling sensation at your fingertips, you knew you had the power to heal her. You took a deep breath to focus, then gently laid your hands on her injured side. The soft, light-blue glow began to emit from your palms, and you could feel her pain subsiding.
Lily's eyes fluttered open, her breathing slowly stabilizing. "What... what did you do, [Name]?" She was filled with both awe and confusion.
You managed a weak smile. "I... I have a gift, Lily. It's healing. But it's a secret, okay?"
She nodded weakly. "Okay, [Name]. I won't tell anyone. Thank you for saving me, my little sister"
Weak and battered, you and Lily slowly eased to your feet, clinging to each other for support. The two of you knew you had to get to safety. Stumbling toward the neighbor's house, desperate for refuge from the nightmare that had become your life.
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After the authorities had intervened, and once they uncovered the extent of "Father's" abuse, you and Lily were separated shortly after. The two of you had to go your separate ways, leaving behind a traumatic chapter of your lives.
Between the ages of eight and nine, you moved through three different foster homes. They were not nightmarish like the Wilsons, and you found some sense of security during that time. However, as you reached your tenth birthday, you were taken in by a new foster family; the Smiths.
During the first few weeks, everything seemed normal. The Smiths presented a facade of an average family. But you couldn't ignore the strange noises that came from the basement, or the feeling that something was off.
Your new siblings were terrified of your foster parents, and they made sure you understood the rulesw: don't make Mom and Dad mad, and absolutely never go near the basement. The fear in their eyes was a constant reminder of the darkness that lurked in our home.
Knowing that you couldn't allow your younger foster siblings to endure the same horrors you had experienced, you took on the responsibility of protecting them. Whenever they were subjected to beatings for the slightest mistakes, you stood up for them, just as Lily had done for you. Forming a tight-knit bond, seeking solace in each other's presence.
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In some twisted way, you'd become grateful for your parents' nightly wrath, the daily use of your technique steadily helped you harness your power. As you contemplated your abilities, the thought struck you on your way to gym, "If I can heal myself so effectively, maybe I can use it to amplify my strength, stamina, and agility."
The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky as your gym teacher, Mr. Anderson, addressed the class. It was the day of the annual 3K run, and excitement and nervous energy filled the air. Students began their warm-up routines, stretching and jogging in preparation for the upcoming race. The track was surrounded by trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. As you and your classmates completed your warm-up, anticipation for the race grew. Finally, you all gathered at the starting line, ready for the challenge ahead.
Mr. Anderson shouted "START!," pushing off the starting line, heart pounding with determination, you focused your healing technique on your legs, feeling a surge of energy that made you feel lighter than air. The wind rushed past you, and for a moment, it felt like you were flying.
You slowed down as you neared the finish line, not wanting to draw any more attention than necessary. Despite that, you came in fifth overall, a remarkable achievement considering you were only using a fraction of your abilities. After the race, you rested by the water fountain when Mr. Anderson approached you.
"[Surname], you've got a real knack for running. Ever think of joining track or cross country?" he suggested, clearly impressed with your performance.
"Nope, I've got stuff to do after school anyway." Politely declining his offer as you shook head and left to shower and change, you had to finally found a way to get stronger.
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Five years had passed, and during that time, your strength and resilience had paid off. You had taken over as your siblings' caregiver, protecting them from the horrors your parents inflicted. The beatings had stopped, as they had realized they had no effect on you.
Despite their physical abuse ceasing, they found other means of control. "You think you're so clever, huh?" your foster father sneered one evening before dinner, his eyes cold and calculating. "You may not feel our beatings, but your precious siblings sure do. Don't think we can't hurt you through them."
Your heart sank as you looked at your terrified siblings, their faces filled with fear. "Please," you whispered, "leave them alone."
Foster mother chimed in with a wicked grin. "We control your world, and your siblings are our pawns. We could make their lives a living hell if we want."
The next day, you found your worst fears realized. The kitchen, which usually held a meager supply of food, was now stripped bare. Hunger gnawed at your stomach as your younger siblings looked to you with worry in their eyes.
A letter sat on the kitchen table, addressed to you. It read:
"[Name], we'll be gone for the next few weeks. Have fun.
Love, Mom and Dad"
It was a chilling message, making it clear that they could control your world and the lives of your siblings with ease.
Crouching down to their eye level, your younger siblings looked at you with a mix of curiosity and worry. "We're all staying home from school today, okay? I need the two of you to stay here and be good while I'm gone. Don't open the door for anyone, promise?"
The seriousness of your tone made it clear that this was an important request. Your siblings nodded in agreement, understanding that this was a situation that required their cooperation. Knowing you had to act quickly, you scrounged up whatever change you could find in the house, giving them each a reassuring smile before heading out the door, rushing to the nearest store
After buying a small amount of groceries, you returned home and made a simple but filling meal for your siblings. The relief in their eyes as they ate was all the motivation you needed to keep pushing through. As you ran your fingers through your little sister's hair sitting together, watching cartoons for the first time in a while. An idea suddenly popped into your head, and you smiled at your siblings.
"How about we go to the library today? You both can pick out two storybooks for bedtime," you suggested, and their faces lit up with excitement. The thought of a trip to the library and choosing new stories to read before bed filled them with joy.
Your siblings cheered in excitement at the idea of a library trip. Your little brother's eyes sparkled, and your sister's face lit up with a big smile. It had been a while since you had a chance to do something so simple, and their enthusiasm warmed your heart.
After finishing the cartoons, you quickly got ready, making sure your siblings were bundled up for the trip to the library. It was a cold day outside, and you wanted them to be warm and comfortable. As you walked to the library, their chatter filled the air, and it was a refreshing change from the usual tension at home. It felt like a small adventure, and your siblings seemed grateful for this rare moment of normalcy in their lives.
When you arrived at the library, they eagerly ran to the children's section, their eyes scanning the shelves filled with colorful books. They each carefully selected two storybooks, taking their time to pick the ones they found the most interesting.
You watched with a sense of fulfillment as they clutched their chosen books, the excitement in their eyes making your heart swell with happiness.
With your siblings' hands securely in yours and the tote bag filled with their chosen books slung over your shoulder, you were headed toward the library exit. However, something on the job listing board caught your eye, making you pause in your tracks.
The sign read:
“Help needed, daycare in need of attendant. Babysitting or childcare experience preferred. Free childcare while working."
Your eyes widened with hope as you jotted down the phone number listed on the sign. This opportunity could be a game-changer for your family, providing not only a source of income but also free childcare for your siblings.
You couldn't help but wear a wide smile on your face as you continued the journey back home. The idea of securing this job and easing the burden on your family filled you with hope and excitement for a better future.
Tears of joy welled up in your eyes as you walked home, realizing that you got hired on the spot. Those few words on the job listing had opened the door to a new chapter in your life. Six months swiftly passed, during which life had indeed started to change for the better.
Your job had been a godsend, providing stability and support for your family. It allowed you to take care of your siblings while your parents were frequently absent, sometimes for weeks or even months at a time. You had found solace in the fact that your siblings were happy and safe.
One evening, during dinner, a sudden knock at the door sent chills running down your spine. Hastily instructing your younger siblings to hide, you rush upstairs and quietly slip out of the window. You carefully peer down to catch a glimpse of who might be causing this disturbance so late in the evening.
As you strain to see through the shadows, the intruder suddenly vanishes into thin air. Your heart races as you cautiously approach the spot where he stood, and there you find a mysterious black business card left behind. With a sense of trepidation, you pick up the card. Your fingers grip the card tightly as you flip it over to read the instructions on the back.
The words guide you to a hidden sorcerer black market website. A surge of curiosity and intrigue floods your thoughts. What could this mysterious website offer, and why was this person leading you there?
With the enigmatic business card tucked safely in your pocket, you return to your siblings, doing your best to reassure them and continue with your meal. While the mystery of the black market and its potential secrets lingers in the back of your mind, you keep your focus on ensuring your siblings' well-being and maintaining the peace and stability you've worked so hard to create in your lives.
As the Christmas season rolled around, the daycare owners presented you with two thoughtful gifts, a brand new tablet and computer. Tear of joy run down your cheeks, clearly touched by their kindness as you unwrap them.
One of the owners, Mrs. Johnson, smiles warmly and says, "We've noticed how hard you work, [Name], and we thought these might help you with schoolwork and your responsibilities here. We consider you part of our extended family."
Grateful tears glisten in your eyes as you express your thanks, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson. This means a lot to me."
Once again, you feel a mix of emotions - the generosity of your employers warms your heart, but the enigmatic business card still lingers at the back of your mind. You've kept it hidden all these months, and it's become a secret you're not sure whether to dive into or not.
The dinner table held a warm, family atmosphere as you, your little brother, and sister enjoyed a home-cooked meal. Suddenly, your younger brother looked up at you with concern in his eyes.
"Sister, are things going to get bad again when you turn 18 and leave?" he asked. His question tugged at your heart, and you could see the same worry reflected in your little sister's eyes.
You gently placed your hand on your brother's cheek and assured him, "Of course not. I promise you, I'll make sure you guys are always safe and happy, no matter what. We're a family, and I'll always be there for you”
With a reassuring smile, you opened your arms, and your brother climbed into your lap, hugging you tightly. In that moment, you realized how important your role was in their lives, and you were determined to protect and care for them.
In the stillness of the night, with your younger siblings peacefully sleeping beside you, you found yourself revisiting the same conclusion that had been haunting your thoughts. It was clear that the only way to ensure a proper future for them, one free from the hardships you all had experienced, was to attain the financial means to adopt and provide for them.
Gently stroking your sister's hair as she lay snuggled close, you thought about the sacrifices you were willing to make and the path that lay ahead. In the soft moonlight, the resolve in your eyes shone brighter than ever. With determination in your heart, you whispered softly, "I'll do whatever it takes to provide you both with a safe and happy life. You deserve nothing less."
With your mind firmly set on exploring the world of the Jujutsu black market, you carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to wake your younger siblings who were sleeping soundly beside you. You had spent a significant portion of the night downloading the necessary software and learning how to access Tor to navigate the hidden corners of the internet.
The soft glow of your computer screen cast an ethereal light in your room as you delved deep into your research, scouring the web for information about your newfound powers, Jujutsu, and the website mentioned on the enigmatic business card. The night was silent except for the occasional clicks of your keyboard and the whisper of your breath.
As you ventured further into this mysterious world, a mix of excitement and trepidation filled your thoughts. You knew this path would lead to challenges and danger, but it was the path you had chosen to secure a brighter future for your siblings.
Hours passed, and you made your way through the labyrinthine corridors of the Jujutsu black market. Your heart raced as your eyes fell upon a listing that seemed almost too good to be true:
"Healer needed, $5,000 paid in cash, no questions asked."
The offer was incredibly tempting, especially considering your desire to secure a better future for your siblings. However, your excitement was quickly tempered as you noticed the familiar company name on the poster, the same one from the business card you had received. It was a clear sign that this opportunity had direct connections to the enigmatic world of Jujutsu sorcery.
As a sense of unease crept over you, you couldn't help but wonder if this was the path you should be treading, especially knowing the dangers that lay ahead.
With the weight of your responsibilities as your siblings' protector heavy on your shoulders
The mix of anxiety and anticipation weighed heavily on your chest as you summoned the courage to click on the ad, submitting your application for the healer position. It was a big leap into an unknown world, but the need to secure a better future for your siblings motivated you.
Your pulse quickened even further when, within mere minutes, you received an email notifying you that your application had been accepted. The email contained all the necessary details – time, date, and location.
With a deep breath, you scanned the information, mentally preparing yourself for the path you were about to embark on.
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Hello my loves! What did you think of part one of her backstory? Thank you for the support!!!
As always, much love xoxo
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