This has been lingering on my mind for a while, I wanted to share it, although it's dark fantasy, with some heavy topics so you don't have to read it.
⚠️ Content Warnings: Implied forced conception, Concubinage, corrupt love interest, Toxic family dynamics, Dark themes and morally gray characters, arranged marriage
(A/N: I promise I am a normal person. I do not condone Sukuna's worldview or actions. This is a dark fantasy story exploring a character whose ideas of love, family, and legacy are deeply distorted by his power and immortality. Also, yes, I realize this concept is absolutely unhinged.)
The walls of Sukuna's palace were built from cedar blackened by incense and old blood, their polished floors reflecting the dim light of hundreds of candles. Servants moved like frightened ghosts, speaking only when spoken to, never looking directly toward the throne room where the King of Curses rested.
The women of the inner chambers knew the rules.
Never forget why you were chosen.
She rested one hand over the gentle swell beneath her robes.
The court physicians had confirmed it.
Exactly as Sukuna had desired.
She sat beside the open veranda overlooking endless forests painted gold beneath the setting sun. A breeze carried the scent of rain and plum blossoms, lifting loose strands of her long hair.
Her fingers traced absent circles over her stomach.
"...I hope you can't hear me..."
Far too small to be called a kick.
Her eyes watered despite herself.
"You've already inherited his cursed blood."
The physicians had whispered about it.
The child possessed cursed energy before her organs had fully formed.
"You'll probably never understand why everyone fears you."
"They're afraid because your father isn't a man."
She glanced toward the palace towering behind her.
Every servant had a different story.
Some claimed Sukuna had once been human.
Others insisted he had descended from calamity itself.
A demon wearing human flesh.
A god forgotten by heaven.
No one denied what he had become.
She lowered her head again.
"I was selected because he said I was..."
The compliment had chilled her more than any threat.
Strong enough to endure carrying... her
Strong enough not to die before birth.
Strong enough to create...
Her fingers tightened against her stomach.
She remembered his exact words.
"An heir is unnecessary."
The throne room had echoed with his voice.
"I have no intention of dying."
His four arms rested lazily upon the massive throne while countless curses knelt beneath him.
One crimson eye settled upon her.
"The child is for my future."
A smile that belonged to something ancient.
The entire court had frozen.
One minister had dared raise his head.
"My lord... surely there are countless noble daughters-"
His body had split in half before he realized Sukuna had moved.
Blood painted the pillars.
Sukuna hadn't even looked at him.
"I grow weary of human women."
His gaze remained fixed on her.
The room had become suffocating beneath the pressure of his cursed energy.
"My bride will remain beside me forever."
Then he'd looked directly at her stomach.
"The girl will inherit enough of my blood."
She blinked away the memory.
"...That's why you're here."
The words felt heavier spoken aloud.
"You weren't conceived out of love."
She smiled despite the ache in her chest.
Her thumb rubbed gently across her belly.
She had told herself this child belonged to Sukuna.
That she was merely carrying a vessel.
Yet every day the feeling became stronger.
"...will you have four arms?"
She giggled through her tears.
"I'll make you the prettiest little robes in the world."
She imagined tiny sleeves.
The absurd image made her laugh harder.
For one fleeting moment...
Not the chosen vessel for the King of Curses.
A woman speaking to her unborn daughter.
"Everyone says you'll become a monster."
She leaned down until her forehead rested against her stomach.
"...someone should tell you that you deserve kindness before the world teaches you fear."
Tears finally slipped free.
"I don't know how long I'll be allowed to stay with you after you're born."
She already knew the answer.
The child would belong to Sukuna.
Raised within his palace.
"If... if one day you wonder whether your mother wanted you..."
"Even if I wasn't allowed to choose."
A shadow fell across the veranda.
The air instantly became heavier.
She didn't need to turn around.
Every instinct in her body already knew.
She lowered her head without standing.
Heavy footsteps approached, each one deliberate enough to make the wooden floor groan.
His four arms folded across his broad chest as crimson eyes regarded the woman and the life growing within her.
"I thought... perhaps hearing a familiar voice would be comforting."
One of his lower hands reached forward, brushing aside the loose folds of fabric until his broad palm rested against her stomach.
There was no tenderness in the gesture.
The cursed energy surrounding him shifted.
Small movements beneath his hand.
His voice carried unmistakable satisfaction.
The mother stared at the movement beneath his palm.
"She has inherited my cursed energy."
His thumb shifted ever so slightly.
"She has been aware of my presence since before she possessed ears."
Another flutter answered him.
A low, pleased sound that very few people had ever lived long enough to hear.
One of his upper arms folded across his chest while the other remained where it was.
The concubine couldn't hide her surprise.
She had never imagined Ryomen Sukuna speaking to anyone with that tone.
But there was unmistakable approval.
Like a craftsman admiring the first signs that his masterpiece was taking shape.
He briefly glanced at her.
"...What kind of life do you intend for... the child?"
His attention returned to her stomach immediately.
The answer came without hesitation.
"She will want for nothing."
"Anything she desires shall be placed before her."
"She will never know hunger."
"Never lower herself before another."
His crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
"I will ensure no one possesses the ability to deny her anything."
His hand remained still against her abdomen.
"If she reaches toward the stars... I'll tear them from the heavens."
The certainty in his voice left no room for doubt.
The mother looked down, emotions knotting in her chest.
"...You wish for her to be happy."
Sukuna gave her an almost puzzled look.
"As though there were another acceptable outcome."
His gaze drifted back to the tiny life beneath his hand.
"She will have strength."
"Why would her not be happy?"
There was no cruelty in the statement.
Only the simple belief that happiness was something one obtained through absolute freedom.
His thumb tapped lightly once against her stomach.
The tiny movements answered immediately.
"She already responds well."
He withdrew his hand at last.
Without another glance toward the woman carrying the child.
His interest had begun and ended with what she carried.
As he turned to leave, his voice echoed through the veranda.
"Continue speaking to her."
"She should recognize your voice as well."
He paused only for an instant.
"She will need someone familiar before it grows accustomed to mine."
Then he continued walking.
His robes disappeared into the dim corridors of the palace.
Leaving the concubine alone once more.
She rested both hands over her stomach.
She smiled through the sting in her eyes.
"You'll never have to wonder whether he'll provide for you."
Her smile became bittersweet.
"...I only pray that one day..."
"...someone teaches you that love is more than never being told "no"."