"Oh, come on, you cannot be serious," I said, exasperated.
"We are, and that's the deal."
"But Elena? Does it really have to be her? Can't it be Bonnie?" I asked, hoping for a miracle.
"Absolutely not. Why in the hell would we give you a powerful witch?"
"Okay, what about Jeremy? Or hell, I'll even take Damon."
"No on both. Look, this is the deal. You can either accept it or cease to exist. Your choice."
You're probably wondering what the hell is going on. Let me explain.
My name is Virgil Knight—or at least, it was. I died in an accident and ended up in some weird dimension where one side was pure white, and the other was pitch black. Two beings showed up—one made of light, the other of darkness. They told me my death was a mistake, but because of their screw-up, I couldn't go to heaven or hell. How that works, I have no idea.
To make up for it, they offered me reincarnation. But since I wasn't exactly a good person or a bad one, they gave me two wishes. Of course, there was a catch—whatever I chose, they'd weaken it somehow.
So, for my first wish, I asked to be Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen. They granted it—but with a twist. I needed a vessel, and I wouldn't start at full power. My vessel would have to collect my fingers to make me stronger. And, worst of all, they got to choose my vessel. At first, I didn't mind.
My second wish? To have access to every Cursed Technique. They granted that too, but the same rule applied—my vessel had to consume my fingers to unlock them.
And here's where the real problem starts.
Not only did they throw me into The Vampire Diaries universe—which, okay, fine, I liked the show—but they made Elena Gilbert my vessel. Look, I don't hate Elena, but let's be real—there were way better choices. The girl attracts danger like a magnet and makes some of the dumbest decisions. To be fair, she's just a kid surrounded by vampires and supernatural threats, but still.
Anyway, now that you're caught up, let's get back to this absolute bullshit of a conversation.
"Okay, how about Matt? He can be my vessel," I suggested.
"No," the being of light said.
"Vicki?"
"No," the being of darkness replied.
"Jenna? Alaric?"
"No. And if you suggest one more person, the deal is off, and you will be erased," the being of darkness warned.
I sighed. "Fine. I guess I don't have a choice. I'd rather not die."
"Finally. You know, most souls don't get a second chance at reincarnation," the being of darkness grumbled.
"Yes, consider yourself lucky—especially since you're not exactly a pure soul," the being of light added.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. So how does this work? Elena just eats one of my fingers when the series starts? Or is it somewhere in the middle?"
"She already ate one of your fingers. As a child. You'll be with her when she's five."
"WHAT?!"
"The story we came up with is that she found one of your fingers, mistook it for a snack, and ate it. She was sick for a few days but recovered."
I blinked. "So I'm going to be stuck with her as a literal child?"
"Yes." Both of them said in unison.
I rubbed my temples. "Fine, whatever. I guess I'll just have to deal with it. Maybe I can make her a little less reckless before the series starts."
"Good luck," the being of light said.
And just like that, everything went black.
I woke up in a blank void. Memories flooded my mind, but they weren't mine—they were Elena's.
Right. I was inside her soul.
Focusing on the dark void around me, I willed it to change. The emptiness shifted, morphing into something familiar—a throne atop a pile of bones, the floor slick with blood. Just like Sukuna's domain inside Yuji's soul.
I sat down on my throne and focused. Soon, I could see through Elena's eyes.
Right now, she was still just a child, which meant nothing important was going to happen yet. So, I decided to wait until she was old enough before making contact.
One Year Later
Apparently, I couldn't just sit back and wait—because this girl was stupid.
I get it, she's a child, but Jesus Christ, you wouldn't believe how many times she almost died. One time, she chased a ball into the street and nearly got hit by a car. I had to scream at her to make her stop.
Luckily, she listened. But after that, she started noticing me. She didn't tell anyone at first, but when she was alone, she began talking to herself.
"Hello? Is anybody there? I heard you," she said.
I hesitated for a moment. But screw it, she already knew I existed.
"Hello, Elena."
She looked around, trying to find where my voice was coming from.
"You won't find me. I'm inside your soul," I explained.
"How?" she asked, frowning.
"Long story. I'll tell you when you're older. The important thing is, we're bound to each other."
"So we're friends?" she asked innocently.
I sighed. "Sure, let's go with that."
"Cool! What's your name?"
I hesitated. I wasn't Virgil Knight anymore. That life was gone. This was a new beginning.
"My name is Sukuna."
She scrunched her nose. "That's a weird name."
"Maybe, but it's my name."
"Okay! I can't wait to tell everyone I made a new friend!"
Panic shot through me. If she started telling people she was hearing a voice in her head, that could go very badly for both of us.
"No! Please don't do that!" I blurted out.
She tilted her head. "Why not?"
"Because our friendship needs to be a secret."
"Why?"
"Because if people find out, I'll disappear, and we won't be friends anymore." I lied. The truth was, I didn't want her getting locked in a psych ward. If people thought she was crazy, she'd stop listening to me, and I needed her to help me regain my power.
She gasped. "Oh no! Okay, I won't tell anyone!"
"Good. One more thing—don't play in traffic."
"Okay!"
Years Passed
Over time, I learned a few things. First, I couldn't take over her body unless she willingly let me, and even then, I couldn't hold control for long. My Cursed Techniques were weak in this state, but at least I could heal her if she got hurt.
After that first conversation, Elena would talk to me whenever she was alone. I always answered.
But then, when she turned seven, she made new friends—Caroline and Bonnie.
The two of them became her world, and just like that, she stopped talking to me. I won't lie—it stung a little. Over time, we'd actually become friends. But I told myself it was a good thing. She had friends her own age now.
So, I watched her grow up from the sidelines.
I saw her bond with Matt and Tyler. I watched her play with her little brother, Jeremy. I even saw her parents—happy, alive, completely unaware of the tragedy that awaited them.
And I felt something I didn't expect.
Sadness.
Because I knew what was coming. I knew her parents were going to die. I knew Bonnie was going to suffer. Not just her—Caroline, Jeremy, Matt, Tyler, Jenna... everyone.
At first, my plan was simple: manipulate Elena, get my fingers, regain my power, and take over her body. That was all.
But now... I don't think I can do it.
I've watched this girl grow up. I've been with her through everything. Somewhere along the way, I actually started caring about her.
I might not be a hero, but I'm not a complete monster either.
So, I guess I have no choice.
I'm going to help Elena survive—and thrive—in this supernatural world.
With my power and knowledge, she'll be okay.
Not just her.
Everyone we care about will be okay.
Elena POV
I had just finished arguing with my boyfriend, Matt.
We were at a party, talking about life—our future, the one he had so neatly planned out for us. The problem was, it wasn't the future I wanted. One thing led to another, and the argument escalated. Frustrated, I walked away and called my parents to pick me up.
A few minutes later, a car pulled up. As I stood there, a sudden breeze sent a chill down my spine. It felt... strange. Off. But I ignored it and climbed into the backseat.
My parents didn't ask questions. They just started driving me home.
We were crossing Wickery Bridge when I heard it.
A voice. In my head.
"Elena, let me take over so I can save them."
My body tensed. What?
"Did you say something, honey?" my mom asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
I swallowed. "Did you hear that? Someone talking?"
She frowned. "No, sweetie."
Confused, I shook my head. I knew I heard someone, but maybe I was just tired. Maybe I imagined it.
Then, I heard it again.
"Elena, quickly! Let me take over before it's too late. I'll explain everything later—just trust me!"
The voice was urgent, almost desperate. My heartbeat quickened as I looked around the car, trying to find the source.
That's when everything spiraled out of control.
Out of nowhere, my dad lost control of the car.
The tires screeched. The world tilted. A flash of headlights. The gut-wrenching sound of metal hitting metal.
Then—cold.
Darkness.
Water rushed in as the car sank beneath the surface.
"Elena, let me take over! This is our only chance to save them!"
I wanted to listen. I wanted to react.
But panic overtook me.
And then—
Everything went black.
Sukuna POV
Damn it. I couldn't change this event.
If Elena had just let me take over, I could have saved her and her parents. But I guess it makes sense—she doesn't remember me. Who in their right mind would listen to a random voice suddenly speaking in their head?
There's nothing I can do about it now.
The only thing left is to help her through the grieving process.
And if you're wondering—yes, I did let Damon compel her to forget they ever met. I didn't see the point in stopping him. It wasn't harming her, and honestly, there are bigger things to worry about.
I can always give her the memories back when the time is right.
Right now, Elena is in the hospital.
Stefan saved her, just like in the show. She's fine—just unconscious. I'm making sure she heals faster, but not at an alarming rate. Anything too unnatural would raise suspicion.
I need a plan.
Before you ask, no, I haven't just been watching. I've been thinking, considering multiple possibilities. Now, I have to move to Plan B.
Plan A was simple: save Elena and her parents, then tell her everything about the supernatural world—including some future events. But since her parents are gone, I have to wait. She needs time to grieve.
Plan B is also straightforward: help Elena through her grief and earn her trust that way. Originally, I was supposed to gain her trust by saving her family. But things didn't go as planned.
One Month Later
For a month, I said nothing.
I let Elena grieve, watching as her life fell apart. She broke up with Matt. Jeremy withdrew from everyone. Jenna moved in to take care of them.
I watched her at the funeral, surrounded by friends—Bonnie and Caroline trying their best to comfort her. I saw her cry herself to sleep most nights.
Right now, she's in her room, writing in her diary. It's 10:00 PM.
It's time for me to speak again.
"Elena, I'm so sorry about your parents' death. I wanted to give you more time, but it's time for us to talk."
She froze, her pen pausing mid-sentence. Her eyes darted around the room, panic creeping into her expression.
"Like I told you before, you won't be able to find me. I'm in your soul."
"Who are you?" she asked. "I heard you the night of the crash."
"My name is Sukuna."
She frowned. "That's a weird name."
"Maybe, but it's mine."
She went quiet, her brows furrowing as a distant memory surfaced.
"Wait... aren't you my imaginary friend from when I was a kid?"
I chuckled. "I am many things, Elena, but imaginary isn't one of them. I'm real."
She let out a dry laugh. "Or I've finally gone crazy."
"You're not crazy."
"Says the voice in my head."
I laughed again. "Fair point. But I can prove I'm real."
She hesitated. "How?"
"Promise me you won't scream."
"What?"
"Just promise."
She hesitated again, then sighed. "Fine, I promise I won't scream."
"Good. Now, hold up your hand in front of your face."
Confused but curious, she did as I asked.
A second later, an eye and a mouth appeared on her palm.
"See? I'm real."
Her lips parted like she was about to scream.
"Don't. You promised," I reminded her quickly.
She shut her mouth, breathing heavily.
"Good. If you screamed, Jenna would've come running, and I really don't feel like dealing with that right now."