🌑 JUJUTSU KAISEN: MOON OF THE FALLEN KING
📕 Chapter 8 – "Ashes of Power"
The forest lay cloaked in thick mist as the Master carried Lucius in his arms. Blood trailed from a wound on his shoulder, but his steps were steady, determined.
> "This cursed energy... It's too ancient," he thought grimly. "I must hide him before they return."
Lucius lay unconscious, his body still faintly glowing. The Master glanced down at the boy's peaceful yet troubled face.
> "Who are you, child?" he whispered.
Above the trees, cursed birds screeched and scattered, their cries echoing through the silence.
Far ahead, hidden deep in the Forgotten Forest, stood a crumbling temple covered in ancient seals and charms. It was a place untouched by time — and protected from cursed detection.
Inside the ruined sanctuary, the Master gently laid Lucius on a woven mat. A circle of charms and talismans surrounded him.
> "Only this place can suppress what's awakening inside him," the Master thought as he began placing protective sigils around the boy.
Lucius stirred in his sleep. His lips moved faintly.
> "No… mama… help me…"
His face twitched as dream fragments consumed him.
He was in her arms again — the demon girl. Her warm smile, her gentle touch on his head.
> "You were the only warmth I knew…" his mind whispered.
But warmth faded into screams.
Blood.
Flames.
The image of Jujutsu sorcerers plunging their blades into her — again and again.
Lucius's body jolted.
> "AHHH—!!" he screamed, sitting upright in a cold sweat.
The Master was already at his side, placing a damp cloth on his forehead.
> "You're safe now," he said calmly. "No one will hurt you here."
Lucius's eyes darted around. His voice was fragile.
> "Where… where am I? Who are you?"
> "A protector," the Master replied softly. "That's all you need to know for now."
He began tending to Lucius's hand, carefully wrapping it where faint cursed lines still shimmered.
> "They fear what they don't understand," he said. "That's why they came for you."
Lucius looked down, quiet for a moment.
> "But… what am I?"
The Master didn't answer right away. He rose, gazing into the misty jungle beyond.
> "Someone powerful," he said finally. "Someone dangerous… but not evil."
Far beneath the surface of the earth, the Demon Lords gathered again in their shadowy domain. An enormous stone chamber pulsed with cursed heat.
> "The boy's aura briefly broke the seal," said one, his voice echoing.
Another slammed his fist into the stone table.
> "Too early! If he awakens before the full moon, we lose control!"
The leader of the Demon Lords, calm and unreadable, spoke at last.
> "Let it unfold. The Demon King's soul is already fused with the vessel."
A female demon lord with glowing red eyes stood.
> "Shall I retrieve the boy?"
> "No," said the leader. "Let the sorcerer mold him. The power will surface on its own."
Behind them, an enormous statue of the Demon King stood in shadows — its eyes glowing, waiting.
> "The king's awakening is inevitable."
Back in the temple, the Master unrolled a long scroll filled with ancient runes.
> "We need to control your cursed energy," he told Lucius. "Before it consumes you."
Lucius stared at his palm. It had started to glow again — faint red light pulsing like a heartbeat.
> "I felt it," he whispered. "That thing inside me… it's not me."
The Master gently pressed a talisman to Lucius's forehead.
> "Then let's find out who you are," he said. "Together."
Suddenly, the temple doors shook violently.
> BOOM!!
THUD! THUD!
The Master's eyes narrowed. He reached for his weapon.
> "They've found us already?"
Lucius's body froze.
> "Is it them again…?"
Outside, a squad of masked Jujutsu sorcerers stood in formation, cursed energy glowing around them.
> "Orders were clear," said the leader. "Retrieve the boy. Or eliminate him."
From the threshold of the temple, the Master stepped out — sword drawn, eyes aflame.
> "You'll have to go through me."
✅ End of Chapter 8