Can Red be my Favorite Color

by ShInb05butt347y

Summary:

Zenitsu's a demon. He doesn't know how or why but a promise ties him to the house he lost everything in...That is until The Kamado's barge in on his not so peaceful life. Dreams are often your brain trying to work through things that you yourself cannot handle. What will happen when Zenitsu finds out his dreams were real all along. Also fuck Kaigaku!

Chapter 1: The Haze

Zenitsu's POV

 

 

The painful burn of a parched throat, and the ragged breaths that made there way in and out of my lungs begin to painful weigh on my chest as I weave my way through the markets crowd.

Tightening my grip around the smooth glass brushing comfortingly against my hand the rough fabric of my cloak rubs against my fingers as I slip the vile into one of its many pockets.

The booming sound of heartbeats invading my ears makes the ache in my throat almost unbearable. The undeniable urge to turn back plagues my senses as I harshly bite down on my lip feeling the familiar trickle of blood soaking onto my bandaged chin. I quickly round the corner narrowly escaping the watchful rays of the sun and slipping back into the darkness the long alleyways grant me.

Listening to the pitter patter of the morning rain against the cobblestone ground I let even the loudest of whispers to fade into the background until it turns into nothing but a hum in the back of my mind.

In my panic I wasn't able to feed properly.

“Well shit.”

Collapsing onto the cold corner of the city street I take in a deep breath soon turing into two and then three, adjusting my cloak until satisfied with the shade it provides me I tighten the bandages around my hands and face for more protection against the still rising sun.

I feel my stomach grumble in retaliation to my movements. To be honest I’m not sure that jumping peoples fences to steal their livestock is a good solution to my predicament, given that tonight I happened to be a bit too loud when sneaking through the coop. How was I supposed to know that that chicken was gonna wake up when I grabbed it. I got beat with a broom too this time and fucked up my ankle on the way out. Seriously this sucks.

Alls well that ends well I guess, the people of the town are none the wiser, they believe they’re fending off a feral animal I get their chickens, most of the time anyway..

A distant squeak rings softly in my ears followed by tiny scampering against the wet stone ground. With a swift movement I grab the small animal smoothing its grey fur down in my tight grasp.

Gripping the rodent firmly in my palms I finish it with a quick snap. Indulging in it's sour taste I suppress the bile threatening to tear up my throat swallowing the liquid down with a loud gulp.

‘I'm sorry little one it wasn't my wish to cause you suffering.’

Wiping my mouth from the red liquid that dared to taint my clothes I feel the tingling of my already healing wounds as my clearly sprained foot snaps back into its proper position within seconds. Whispering a short prayer for the rat I dispose of it in the nearest garbage can. I still can't seem to get used to this whole ordeal, if that's even what I should call it.

Shakily standing I begin the trek towards the orchard not bothering to spare a glance at the road behind me. I felt a gaze a familiar one, one old but kind, understanding. I recognize it somehow but at the moment I was to tired to bother. Looking back I should've, even a glance towards her would have sufficed. But nevertheless I walked home the burn of the sun grazing my back as if to mock my very existence.

Practically throwing myself down onto my futon I let the dreams once again overtake me, no matter whether I wanted them there or not.

 

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All I remember is red.

Screams pierced my sensitive ears and I couldn't even tell if they were mine anymore. I dragged myself along the hardwood floor using all the strength I had left.

Gramps...where are you?

Blood soaked through my clothes, the red streaks shone brightly on the walls, floor, and in a pitiful trail from my bedroom. I was plagued by the color red. My fingernails scraped against the floor trying to grip onto anything to pull myself forward, my old blisters reopening as I went.

It hurt so goddamn much.

I could feel my broken ribs brushing against my insides as I resisted the urge to throw up.

All I have to do is get help, I can make it outside. My arms scream in exhaustion as my fingers, torn from the broken floorboards begin bleeding onto it's dark panels. I finally reach the door crying in relief. Hesitantly lifting a hand to the wooden frame it falls open letting in a cool breeze of winter air.

Outside.

I'm so close.

I crawl shakily onto the porch the splintered wood digging into my bruised knees. I just need.

to get help...

The snow bites at my hands and bare skin as I try to continue moving.

My body feels heavier by the second as the snow begins soaking through my clothes letting the chilling breeze nip at my back. As if crawling across a thousand needles, pins prick my body followed by a warmth that unnervingly pools in my abdomen. As my arms give out beneath me I fight to remain conscious, the nausea and fatigue paying their dues.

My vision begins to fade dark swirls dancing through the snow and orchard my eyelids feeling droopier by the second. A strange dark figure blocks the moonlit sky, their voice falling on deaf ears blown away in whispers by the wind.

I try to stand, to do anything but I don't have the strength to lift my head anymore. I clench my fist but resist the urge to cry out as the sting returns leaving me helplessly splayed out across the ground.

I feel so cold, my arms and feet begin losing feeling as my blood seems to travel out of my core. It's so cold, yet strangely warm, peaceful, quiet.

Suppressing a choked laugh I watch the branches sway softly in midnight breeze. Is this what it feels like to die? It's a lot more painful then I thought.

I can't die!

ķ̷̧̛̙̙̗͚͕̹̳̘͙̤̻͍̬̰̭̙̟͖̦̹̦̌̈́̅̉̂̑̋̿͌̽͒̎͋͊̆̀̓͂̄̕͝͠ȁ̵̡̡̧̧̖̺͎̯͓̻͈͈͔͇̱͕̻͚̥̰͍̟͂̈́̄̂̔́͐͋͛͛͂̋͑̐̑̾̃̄͜i̵͕̝̣̹̻͇͖̖͙̮̭͍͚̰͈̗͗̓̀̎̚͝͝͝͝g̵̡̛̛̲͖͙̰̤̮͍̜͚͓̖͕͚͕̝̘̒̒̊͂̇̍̏͋̽̄͑̽̑͌̈̌̕͝͠͝ẳ̴͔͚͔̘̮͍̯̤̥͔͔͎͕͎̩̩̲̈͐́͑̌͒̾͛͘͜ḱ̸̡̨͓͚̼̣̺͇͓͇̣̘͎̰̘̤̭͓̤̺̦̻̦̊͋̽̊̓̔̈́̑͂̓ü̶̧͇̯͚̖͗̎̈́͛̐̒͆̎͒̓̇͑͆͛̕ ̷̡̧̳̱̺̜̟̰̫̣̣̯̱̼͎̫͊͛̈̈̒̅̀̊͛͆͑̈̓̒́̌̓͒̄̚͘͜͝͠w̵̡̬̹͈̩͓̠̥͈͖̗͈͉̳̺̹̠͔̣̗̃̂̈͂̉͌͐̕h̸̨̛̟̲͎͈̙̹̹̹̬̜̥̲̹̯͉̫̗͎͚̼̣̒͗̌͑̉̒̇̍́̏̂̑͂̊͊̑͜͝͝y̴̢̧̢̡͓̖̘̭̙̟͍̲͈͍̣̋̓͆̉͑͗͒̒́̊̀̓̌̋͑͛̈́̂̈̕̕ͅ ̴̢̧̧̧̨̰̙̰͓̜͔͙̯͓͍͖̲̟͈̺̗̻͕͛̔̋̓̽̎̉̅͐̕d̷̢̛̫̦͇̗̾̈̈́̑̅̔̐͂̄̌̅̏̃̈̊̌́͘̚i̷̡̧̨̬͔̤̫̟̝͎̤̘͈͔̳͔̟̮̊̑̄̋̓̉͆̏͂̌͌͘̚͝ḓ̸̛̈́͌͆̋͛͂̊̾̕͜͝ ̵̨̗͍̘̣̦̫̻̼̪̮̮͔̦̺̖̮͑̆̃̿̒̿̐̅̕y̸̩̞̣͑o̵̗͎̘̹̭̲̣͛͑͛̈́͌̀͌̈́̏̒͘̚u̷̧͔̗̤̥̙͎̙̲̽̐ ̴̢̛̠̜̼͓͈̮̓̀͐̊͊͐͑̿̈́̇͂̆̒̃̒̆̄͒̕l̸̢̛̦̣͔̣͓̮̜̖̾̓͂̈͂͂͛̃̑͐͂̃̿͊̚͝͠e̵̦̬͙̩͆͂̈́̔̅̃̋́̅̒͂̋̅̆͆̐̉͗̚̚͝a̷̛͔̞̣͙̺̙̝̭͉̰͖̻̯̣͚̹̜̖̳͉̺̠͒̌͗̏̀̄̈͒̚͝v̴̨̪̟͓͚͇͙̬̺͕͍͚͆͗̽ẹ̴̢̢̝͖͈̫̠̙͚̄́͑̈͋̑̇͊̿͊̆͘͘ ̷̞̗̟͍̙̞̭͌̈̊̈́͐́̂̓͛̈́͂̾̌̓̉̽͌̕͜͠ư̴̧̧̮͉͔̥̻̝̫̦͇̼̻̺̟̜̩̫͔͆̿̎̇̂̂̎͒̔̓̈̔̇̉̕͝ͅṣ̶̢̧̬̱̫̠̤͉̮͍͕͌̐̒̋̎̐͜

Wake up, I need to wake up! I can't fall asleep I need to help Gramps, I need to stand....

Spitting out what I can only assume to be more blood I feel my heart bang against my chest blood slowly turning the snow a vibrant crimson. I hear a soft voice calling out to me but no matter how hard I try to listen it's as if my ears are stuffed with cotton and my body filled with lead.

The swirls grow stronger now as if everything is right there yet so far away, fading into the distance, disappearing. Like drowning, suffocating.

I̷̡͚̐ͅͅ ̶͍̘͙͉̪̲̙̖̈̇̊̾͘͘͜ģ̶͓̮̽̏ȃ̷̮̅͋̿͒͌̍s̸̟̗̕p̵̥̞͋͐ ̷̹̖̝̳͙̪̝̥́̈͌̈́̊̅͝͠f̵̥̥̙̼̗̮̓̊̄̽͘ͅo̷̧̡̟̊͜r̴̨͚̬͙̞̐̄͗̆͐̇ ̴̡̰̘̦̊͜ă̵̖̭͊̑̽̽͆̂ï̴̪̤̤̩̲͍͇̟̲̖r̵̝͖̈́̅̓̈̋ ̶̠͔̙̹͔̥̍̈̉b̷̨̝̠̰̃ü̶̟̦͕͇̟̠̱͗͛̽͜t̶̪͙̳̤̗̭̘̪͎͊̈ ̷̡̨̼̙̠̣͙̈́̔͜m̴̤̩̔y̴̢̛̮̘͎̮̤̼͖͔͑̋̓͛ͅ ̶̟͔͕̙͑h̶̢̨̛͇͚̦̟́́͋̄̍̉͊̒̎ę̶̧̟͇̯̰̻̱̎͒͗̅̿̇̉ȧ̶͓̩̥̜̝̱̹͐̋̓̐̈͝d̷͕̞̣̜̼̼͉̲̞̳͊͑̓͊ ̵̯̒̑̈́͐̄̚̚͝i̷͙̝͖͛̏̔ͅs̵͎̟̹͈͕͓̤̿͌̏̊͝ ̶̝͑͆̑͗̆́͗͒p̵͖̻̟͕̬̜͍͓̖̫̒̂̅ṳ̷̡̩͇̕s̸͚̫͔̗̰̺̻̄̋͒̐̎͆̕ͅḧ̷̛̫́̆̀̀͝͠͠ë̷̛̫͙̦̮̦̻̞́͒̅́͠d̶̢̧̦͈̝̰̼͍̦͓͛̉͂͋ ̴̧̛̻̾̃̏͗͐̋̈̌͘i̶̥̤̩̙̘͕̎͐̅̕̚ņ̶̡͙̱̞͕͐̋̄͗̂̎̇̄̒͛ ̴̧̤͛̎̊̎̆̐ţ̴̹̦̟̰͍̫̳͗̇͐̃͊͂̌̕̕h̴̘͓͙̃̉ę̷̧͔͓͖̞̘̞̥̆͌̄͘͜ ̸̢̺̹̬͍͕̜̱͋̇̓̊͑́̎͌̕s̸̨̛͍͙̠͕̦̿̓̈́͋͘͝͠n̴̛̖̣̄̏͝ͅͅo̵̰̣͈͉͚̟̜̭̜̭̍̇̚͠ẁ̷̢̙̩̅̈̒̑̕͘̕.̸̹̈

I gasp for air but my head simply won't rise.

'Gramps...I'm so sorry'

'I really am a useless coward.'

I say as my vision fades into a deep red.

 

{5 Months Later}

 

Tanjiro's POV

 

I watch my sister happily sprint into town down the rocky path that seemed to stretch on for miles. As I rush to keep up with her I can't help but wince at the soreness of my feet. I guess Nezuko was right I really am out of practice.

"For being the 'Water Hashira' you've gotten slow big brother~" I hear her softly chuckling the smell of amusement radiating off her as she dances towards the town square. Picking up the pace only for her to run faster ahead the cycle was endless an unfair game with her always emerging as the victor-but she wasn't wrong. As a Hashira I have to be vigilant and careful. I really have been getting out of practice.

"Hey I'm getting old over here! Hurry up Tanjiro!!"

I was assigned another mission with my sister, not my idea of course but it had to be done. After a little bit of surveillance the town grew quiet the bustling of carts and animals came to a stop. From what I could gather 2 people had gone missing from this close knit village. A father and son.

Not long after this tragedy many farmhouse animals like chickens, pigs even dogs have started mysteriously disappearing without a trace. People have even done stakeouts to catch the 'wild animal' in their midst but with no success.

The rat population in this area has also gone down significantly.

Nezuko and I questioned some older and more native villagers. Some claimed to hear strange noises coming from the peach orchard on top of the hill, others believed that a strange presence has surrounded that house for a long time, saying that the owners are practically never there and if it weren't for the towns market they would've presumed them dead long ago.

The most popular thing in this village happened to be a night market that brought in many types of people keeping the town alive and functioning. With the red light district nearby the market place here was especially successful in bringing many talented people and performers. They sold things that ranged from herbal remedies to food and alcohol to clothing.

The reason we are even here in the first place was because my family and Nezuko alike both agreed that I was getting too stressed being all cooped up in the house.

Mother started becoming more sick with age, so as the oldest son it was my job to attend to her and take on all her chores and daily tasks. With house sitting, daily chores, meals, attending to my mother and entertaining the children even I could admit I was a little exhausted. My mother insisted I go on this 'easy' mission to loosen up a little.

I wasn't to sure about the whole ordeal one way or another. It just seemed so odd. Could this really be the work of demons, what happened to the people, where did they go, will we ever find them? And how could all of this be tied to the market place here, there are thousands of people rushing through the streets daily, are we sure it's not just some rookie kidnappers? Then again if the people on the orchard are only out to attend the night market what could they be hiding?

As the sun begins to set, disappearing behind the distant hilltops a quiet yet chilling breeze fills the air. Tamayo had requested while we were here to pick up a few things, but I can't help but feel guilty leaving my mother in her care. I should be there right now taking care of my family. As the oldest son I-

I'm snapped out of my thoughts to a comforting pat on my shoulder.

"Big brother, stay on task here."

I straighten myself out and brush off the imaginary dust from my clothing, glancing at Nezuko’s soft smile I can’t help but feel a little more reassured.

"Well it's not going to get any brighter out, so it should be about time to head over, don't you think?"

I finally say giving a weak smile. With a newfound enthusiasm Nezuko grabs my hand and drags me towards the town square. I really can't help it but I have an overwhelmingly strange feeling about this, and I can't seem to understand why.

Notes:

Fuck Kaigaku I hope he dies painfully!! Hope y'all had an amazing day! Sorry for any spelling errors I'm trying not to fall asleep while writing. BYeeeee!!

Chapter 2: ANOTHER NOTE

Hey guys after moving cross country I've been trying to adjust to my new surroundings and just recently got the wifi hooked up. I will try to post 2 or more chapters per week on thursdays and sundays. I will try to stick to this so hopefully I don't procrastinate as much. Sorry for the delay hope you enjoy the edits byeeeeee~
kaigaku can suck a dick.

Chapter 3: A Taste of Freedom

Zenitsu's POV

 

Flinging a long cloak over my shoulders I watch the sun dance across the hilltops, it's light soon reflected on the face of the rising moon. Stepping down from my perch near the open windows ledge my feet hit the cold wooden floor the soft creaks of my footsteps echoing through the empty house as I approach my room. Nothing more than a clumsily placed mattress on the floor a mirror and a broken bedroom drawer I didn't keep much in here but it was enough. I hear the soft shaking of the almost broken mirror as I open the drawer to pull out the last of my bandage supply, I'll have to get some more from the Misses later. I loosely wrap the bandages around my fingers and face as an extra precaution from the suns unrelenting rays as my stomach swirls unpleasantly at my movements.

A cold feeling overtakes me for only a moment, eyes blurring on my surroundings--the time in between doses was getting shorter-shit. Trying to clear the fog filling my mind I attempt to focus on the repetitive sounds of my fingers rubbing the hem of my grandfathers Haori, before the sickening feeling comes back 10 fold. I soon feel the tickle crawl up my throat the burning of my stomachs retaliation leaving me light headed, gripping the edge of my broken drawers I distantly hear the shake of the mirror, carelessly hung on the wall. I place a hand over my mouth urging my stomach to calm but that did little to help as my floor was quickly coated with a red liquid that now dripped down my face and fingers.

Lifting a head from the sight before me I stare into my own reflection as if it were a strangers. Gold eyes piercing into my own I watch the sharp shine flicker out falling back into a dull yellow as I wipe my mouth with the back on my sleeve. Quick to scrub the floor back to it's familiar shine I ignore the taunting sight of claw marks covering the walls and floors.

I blow my low hanging bangs out of my face swiping the other longer strands behind my ear, sure to make mental note of an overdo hair cut. Grabbing a red ribbon from the side table I tie back the rest of my obnoxiously vibrant yellow hair before covering it with the hood of my cloak. The ache in my bones and soreness of my body leaves me feeling weak. Stretching my muscles I feel the soft cracks, pops and creaks of my bodies protest. Gripping the fabric of the cloak tighter to my person I chug the last of the purple vile hiding it in a pocket of my cloak feeling it burn as it flows down.

Taking another glance out the windows before opening the door a soft patter of small feet and bustling of the nights activities sooth my wayward mind.

Hesitantly walking past the porch the blood and wood cemented as one, if there had been a soft creak in the broken panels that gave under my feet or trails of unwashable stains reminding me of something in the distant past I would pretend to be none the wiser. No amount of scrubbing on my part could undo what has already long since been done. Red is such a disgusting color just as how I've become a disgusting creature to be infatuated with the sight of it. I want to remember how I came to be here yet every time a memory comes surging into my mind the pure pain of the fleeting glance at what it once was hurts more than its worth.

I had woken up on the porch in the cold snow, blood surrounding me in a disgusting puddle. I immediately found Gramps who laid with sword still held tightly in his grasp directly in front of me cold on the snowy winter plaine.

He was unmoving, frozen in a protective stance, snow flakes sprinkled on his now still body. He no longer contained that beautiful sound I'd found comfort in so many times, his eyes had lost their fierce glow. He really was, dead.

And it was all my fault.

I picked him up from the blood covered snow and cried for him. I cried until my eyes wouldn't produce anymore tears, until my throat gave out from screaming until I felt the familiar exhaustion overcome me. That had to be the worst day of my life, or should I say the first day of my death. Maybe this is a punishment from the gods to repent for my worthless nature, quite fitting for scum like me.

I sat a good month mourning him before my hunger began to consume me and the house began to smell. I cried uselessly as if my tears would somehow make this reality not my own, spending my days sitting terrified and confused, quivering on the cold wooden floor.

I don't remember much before waking up on the bloody porch that day.

But something tied me to this house, and I'm waiting for it, I'm not sure what yet but I will wait for as long as it takes, I will avenge my grandfather. I will survive by any means. And I'll kill anything that gets in my way.

 

Tanjiro's POV

 

The market was full of people, their smells filling my nose at a rapid pace a queasy feeling overcoming me.

Nezuko was more than happy to indulge in this kind of outing . As my lungs begin to ache with the constant running I begin to wonder, was Nezuko right? Maybe I am becoming some sort of old hermit at the age of 18, I'm too young to start hermiting! Yet as I watch her happily skip and hop from stand to stand I can feel my body ache at the sight.

Rushing to keep up with her I weave through the crowd as she runs from stall to stall seemingly befriending everyone in an 30 feet radius as I’m left to chase after her. From jewelry to clothes to glittering 'potions' she seem infatuated with each and every one eyes glowing with a child like excitement. She smiles eagerly as she picks up each object preciously in her grasp before thanking the vendor and running towards the next interesting thing. After finally catching up with her and bowing in a silent apology to the newest victim of Nezuko's excitement I convince her to head towards the food stands insisting unless she wanted to be the one to clean up whatever came out of my stomach from the shit we'd eaten on the way here we should go get something to eat.

Finally a less crowded place, we’re surrounded by calming sounds and even better smells I now drag my sister towards the nearest stall. Only one person stood in front of the vendor. Lucky us!

"Yes I would like-"

"Are you sure you can handle it, this kind of thing isn't for weak stomached kids like you." The vendor interrupts him. The stranger was weirdly dressed bandages covering their small hands and a hood concealing their face from view.

"I may look weak and pitiful old geezer but I could take you any day, now give me my goddam food." Besides his vulgar tongue the person in front of us leaked the strangest scent I've ever encountered. Like soured peached left out to dry in the sun with a hint of-

"Hey kid you gonna order?" the vendor said angrily. Ordering two bowls of udon I sit down with my sister unconsciously following that strange scent with my nose.

"-BROTHER" Nezuko shouts into my ear shocking me out of my daze.

"AHH! WHAt!"

Laughing she grabs my shoulder showing off her already emptied bowl. Giggling at my expression she’s quick to wave at the vendor ignorant to his huffing as he grabs her another bowl.

"Brother.” She says taking a bite of her fresh noodles. “You're not just slow and outta practice, but you seem to be losing your head too.” Scowling at her I glance at the now cold soup sitting in my lap.

“You really are turning into an old man." She laughs a sinister grin plastered on her face.

Shoving her jokingly in return she shoves me right back. Smiling kindly I shove slightly harder this time watching her steady herself as she grew closer to falling off the bench we were sitting on. The playfully nudging soon turned hostile almost falling off the market bench several times and already feeling my arms starting to bruise. My sister sets the half full bowl down harshly standing to her feet almost tripping over my udon when a wicked smile crosses her face. She quickly lifts my bowl of uneaten cold soup and dumps the contents directly on to my lap, laughing mockingly as it soaked into my pants. Standing up I let the soup drip down my legs the cold and wet feeling of it running down my thighs and dripping into my socks and shoes leaving a shiver to run down my spine. I feel heat rush to my face as I try to keep a cool head.

"OH it's fucking ON!"

"Let's see you try old MAN~"

 

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time skip

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"You dam cocky brat!" I hear the boy huff out.

I hear a choking noise emit from the person beneath me, their scent now fully surrounding me as they squirm helpless in my grasp pulling at my forearm that's pushed harshly against their throat. I watch the light in their eyes flicker out as their head falls bright yellow hair revealed under the dark cape and bandages covering their body. Slamming them against the alley wall again in an attempt to wake them I watch as they loosely flop in my grasp.

Beginning to panic I glance down towards the persons face still hidden by the shadows of the alley but as I loosen my grip on their throat I feel a soft rumble fluttering through the persons chest, a muffled laugh. Lifting their head practically reeking with the scent of a demon their eyes glow a bright gold.Their lips twitching up into giddy smile as I finally get a good look at them, blood covering their loose wrappings illuminated by the flickering street lights that I cant be sure is entirely their own.

"Just what the hell are you?"

But I knew, I knew exactly what they were.

 

3rd POV

 

A soft strumming could be heard in the distance as the white haired demon entered the castle a chilling breeze blowing past her. Structures shifted in her presence guiding the demon further through it's infinite walls. Window after window and panel after door, the close to silent realm echoing the woman's footsteps across the rough wood floor soaked with fresh blood.

The tapping of her shoes against the ground grew louder as the koto player stopped, the eerie feeling of the void settling in.

"My precious number six~" a feminine like voice called out. Motioning for the younger to grow closer. She placed her head into the "woman's" lap letting him softly pet her head in approval. The "woman's" hair was tightly bound into a bun only two black strands framed his thin face the dark color of his kimono giving a bright contrast from his glassy red eyes.

Giving in immediatly to the their presence the man smiled beginning to sink his fingers into the girls soft locks.

"Have you anything to report Daki?" smiling softly she sank further into the comfort of his lap.

"Yes Master Muzan."

Notes:

I'm too tired to form a coherent thought, so the spellling might be jackshit it might not it's a choose your character type deal. I'll edit it more tomorrow but if I don't manage to fall asleep soon I might not be able to wake up when it's still morning. Fuck kaiagku that rank ass bitch can die, goodnight, hopefully.

Chapter 4: Girl Like Poison

Zenitus's POV

 

The moonlight illuminates the ground beneath my feet as the tapping of my shoes against the stone is pushed to the forefront of my mind; their endless rhythm almost soothing to follow. The broken fence line separating the market town from the entertainment district was still practically empty making it an easy entry or exit if and when need be.

The cawing of a wayward crow sets me out of rhythm, as it stares quizzically from it's post on the roof of a small desolate house laying here in the corners of town I can feel it’s almost human like stares crawl up my spine. Brushing the feeling aside quickly I begin to creep through the hole in the fences center stumbling through its messy wiring as it snags my cloak. The bustling sounds only grow louder as I finally stood upright on the other side of the fence, the smell of alcohol and sex running rampant through the alley.

Taking a deep breathe in I begin to walk forward unpleasant sounds filling my ears with every step, from the loud beating of heartbeats to grating music and clientele I knew I would find exactly what I'm looking for. At the end of the alley was the entrance to the sleepless town where hopefully I would find her, or she would find me.

Shivering slightly I adjust the loosely hung cloak that laid against my shoulders there edges blowing softly in the evening breeze. Pulling down my hood I let it blow through my hair the soft drizzle of rain dripping onto my bandaged forehead. Feeling for the small blades kept in my cloak I hear a rustle behind me.

I stiffen at a new sound that enters my ears.

"Daki."

I hear her soft giggles as she lands quietly onto the ground making her way towards me. Before I know it her soft fingers are gripping tightly onto my arms as they travel up towards my shoulder blades. Her hair tickling my neck as she leans further against me, hands shifting to secure a hold on my waist.

"You're here a day early Zen - IT - sUUU~" she says punctuating each syllable with a soft tap of a finger.

“Why is thatt~?”

I hear another giggle before she stuffs her face into my neck breathing in deeply.

“That’s no concern of yours, miss-“ I hear her huff into the folds of my cloak annoyed at my attempts of creating distance between our bodies. “So do you have it?” I say sternly.

“Zenitsu~” she sing songs.

“Come on let’s play~“ she says giggling once again her words blowing cool air into my sensitive ears as I feel the edges of her scarves begin to slowly creep up my legs.

"Where's Gyutaro today, it's impossible speaking with you like this." I say giving the girl a soft push as she snuggles further into me, as if she belongs there.

"Brothers out today, master wanted him.” Ah the notorious master they always speak of. But that’s strange, why hadn’t they attended together, it’s quite rare for the two of them to be apart. “and I need you to fix up one of my co-workers~" she mumbles into my back as if ashamed.

What a brat, she’s throw a tantrum yet again. “Well Daki, I need the medication, so do you have it or not.”

Not bothering to respond she hums against the bandaged skin of my neck.

Growing annoyed with our position I shift slightly in her tight hold grabbing one of the many blades hidden in my cloak flipping it in my hand and swinging it towards that unsuspecting 'beautiful' face of hers.

Dodging skillfully without letting the blade even graze her skin she huffs disappointed as I stick the weapon back into my many pockets, another gust of wind flooding the air with the smell of blood.

"Oh Zenitsu you're no fun." she says releasing me of her many scarfs to lean against the dirty alley wall her hair slowly shifting from that greenish white to a dark black as it hung against her shoulders. Looking down towards my hand I see the shallow cut in my wrist beneath the many bandages and am quick to wrap them tighter, letting it soak through the browned fabric.

"Do you have it Warabihime, or are we going to continue to play like this."

"Like I said Agatsuma you're a day early, are you really going through it that fast?" she asks beginning to tie her hair back into its original style holding the pins in her mouth as she messes with the back.

"Besides you need to hold up your end of the deal too, fix the girl and I'll try to get it to you later tonight, no games okay?" Sticking the last of the pins into her hair she walks towards me pulling my hood gently over my head and framing it around my face.

A soft smile crosses her lips as I stare at her intently focused eyes, the reddish eyeshadow complimenting the bright green of her soft irises. Satisfied she backs away after straightening a few bandages on my face.

" A girl by the name of Hina-Hinastsuru, has been disturbing me lately." I hear her mutter out before shes back to fixating on straightening my hair and cloak tucking the shorter strands of the disobedient hairs behind my ears.

" She's relatively new to my house and I put her in her place." the Kyougoku house tended not to get as much attention as some of the other surrounding brothels, well that is at least until Daki came. A pecking order was put in place causing most of the women and men alike to be at each others throats while all in fear of their Oiran.

"And now I need you to fix her up a little bit." a sickening grin crossed her face as I quickly shove away her wandering hands. Turing towards the edge of the narrow alley I look back at her figure unmoving like a statue in the alleys little light.

"Okay then my Oiran, lead the way."

 

 

3rd POV

 

The loud voices and crowded appearance of the night lit town dulled as the two grew closer to their destination. The blonde walked closely along side the Oiran never falling far behind as the streets grew narrower and darker. Small creatures scampered across the ground beneath their feet the older not flinching at the appearance of the unexpected guests.

Entering the house with only the potent smell of blood and sex as a greeting they begin walking down the dark hallways as the black haired woman led without a word. The sounds were the worst echoing loudly in the unnerving silence.

Choking back his discomfort the cloaked man continued to follow the green eyed woman as she stopped before one of the many doors of the house.

"She's here, your supplies are already inside." the woman spoke already beginning to walk away.

"Tell her you’re the houses doctor, and that Omitsu sent for you." Hesitating for a moment the Oiran turn to face the cloaked figure.

"Goodluck doctor boy." and she left disappearing down the long hallways her footsteps softly patting against the wooden floor.

Notes:

Once again I'm lazy and forgot to write this. I was having sort of a shit day today so I'll edit more tomorrow hopefully and possible add more to the chapter but idk. I thought I was gonna throw up the contents of my stomach from the past seven years for a while and failed a test but besides that it was good, and to clarify 'Warabihime' is Daki's human alias and this chapter is mostly build up so hopefully next chapter will be more "action packed?" anywayssss hope y'all had an awesome day fuck kaigaku byeee byeee!!!

Chapter 5: Swords and Wounds

3rd POV

 

The blonde turned to face the rooms entrance, the splintering wood of its frame rubbing roughly against his clothes catching the fabric as he moved forward.

Tentatively reaching out a hand towards the copper colored knob he gives it a shaky twist the hastily done wrappings on his fingers quickly unraveling.

The door cracks open with a groan echoing loudly through the empty hallway.

Everything was still, not a sound heard beyond the flickering of the halls lamps as they shine across the floor with a yellowish hue.

The silence wavers as soft footsteps enter the room, a trail of blood barely hidden by his shadow standing in the floors muddy reflection.

Shivering against his many layers a soft breeze sweeps through the room leaving a chill in the air and the undeniable scent of blood.

 

 

Zenitsu's POV

 

The burn of bile rising to my throat is the only thing I can comprehend as I stare into the dimly lit room.

I feel frozen in place, the splatters of blood beneath my feet and murky air coating the room making it hard to breathe. It’s quiet, too quiet, I feel an uncontrollable urge to puke, the soft beats of a heart fighting to pump my only indicator that the person inside remained alive.

Opening the door further the light streams into the room falling across the collapsed body of a black haired woman, skin paler than a ghost, body slumped in a fetal position on the floor.

 

Glancing at the bruising covering her wrist and face already covered with sloppy bandaging I can only assume this was a previously inflicted injury. My eyes drift across her small form looking for the major sources of blood loss, I’m quickly able to spot the gash across her lower stomach and forehead from god knows what. I can hear the pumping and gushing of blood from the entry way.

As I move closer I'm fully engulfed in the smell of blood. I feel my body suddenly go cold, almost remembering the feeling of snowflakes melting across my skin. My eyes dart across her helpless figure covered with more blood than skin and cloth, my breaths grow shallower and shallower.

 

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳?

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮

𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴....𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵.

 

 

t̵̢̡̘̠͕͖͆͗̍̔͌͒̈́̊̑͐͐̋́͘a̴̧̡̛̬̗͖̫͔̬̺̰̗̓̈́̽̍̓̂̚͠k̵̢̗̔̈́̂̿̊͘e̷͎͈̥̫͉͈͖̠̐͋̈́͆̍̿̍͜ ̸̨̖͓̤̹̹̪̘̟̮̜̩̼͒͋̔̈̓̇̆̌͆̕͠ą̷̢͔͍̳̺͎̜͎̘͈̅̇͆̈́̔͌͊̿̚ͅ ̸̰̠̲̈̏̿̎̓͛̅͘̚͠b̴̡̡̘̬̦͈̑̓͛̓͋̓́̾̑̓̓̕i̵̢̖͉̫͔̼̠̮͌̿̀̉̿̍̒͂͛͘t̵̡̽͒̀́͘̕͝ë̷̠̓̒̊̈́̈́̀̔̉͝

 

 

Drool pools in my mouth the liquid dripping down my chin onto the ground beneath me as I take in deeper breaths of her scent. I feel the piercing sensation, an all consuming urge filling my being. Needle like tingles run across my arms and legs, a haze filling my mind. I have-I have to resist- her body shifts a soft cry escaping her lips.

I bend down to her, the smell wafting straight into my nose.

Reaching out I watch as her blood smears onto my hands, a pulse faintly felt from her wrists. Blood dripping from my open palms softly onto the wood paneled floor in almost a hypnotic way. She wouldn’t mind right? If I just-took one bite?

 

"Honestly Zenitsu, are you this pathetic?"

 

Blinking softly I watch the dark blood filled room fade from my vision, a soft breeze blows through my hair as wind swept grasses brush against my legs. Taking in a deep breath the smell of spring flowers fills my nose cleansing my body of blood.

A yellow colored yukata covers my aching shoulders the white triangle patterned hidden by layers of dirt and dust. The weeds tickle at my bare feet as they sway softly on the ground below, a familiar ringing filling my ears. Like the strumming of a harp, sharp and sudden notes interrupting it's lovely tune.

The sun shone brightly above me the warmth flooding my body, it's bright rays stinging my eyes.

Taking in a breath I feel the strain leaving my body replaced with bruises and cuts covering my forearms, and calluses across all my finger tips. A wooden sword falls from my grasp, slipping through the illusion of blue skies and green grasses.

" I don't know what Master sees in you. Fight harder Agatsuma otherwise you'll lose before you've even started."

I feel my body move on it's own turning to face the blurred figure behind me. Reaching towards the ground again I feel the wood of the sword splinter against my skin. My body naturally falling into stance, holding the makeshift sword tightly in my already sweat covered palms.

The cold sensation of tears dripping down my cheeks almost makes me laugh as I attempt to move the haze covering the familiar stranger.

"I don't wanna train anymore!!" I hear myself cry out.

"Well then, put up a fight and you'll win, that is.... if you can remember me at all."

They sky darkens as a cool hand presses harshly onto my shoulder, the beautiful illusion fading away from in front of me.

I feel a sharp sting press into my neck.

As the spots dance across my vision can feel my nausea return, the woman's blood coating my fingertips in red as I hold a cloth tightly to her stomach.

"Who the hell are you, and what are you doing in my wifes room."

Notes:

Sorry about not updating recently I was studying for a test retake ( I passed yay!!!) and then yesterday I fell down a flight of stairs and blacked out. I think I had a concussion but I'm not a doctor of any kind. But on the plus side I can write black out scenes more accurately now!!! Anyways fuck the person who invented carpeted stairs and fuck Kaigaku even more. Hopefully I'll have some time to make up some of the chapters but idk!! Hope you had a nice day!! BYEEE!!!!

Chapter 6: Where's Waldo expect it's Daki.

Zenitsu's POV

 

The blade felt cool against my freshly sliced skin a stark contrast from the heat rising to my neck as blood slowly dripped down my newly opened bandages.

"I'll ask again, who the hell are you?"

This time the figure was closer I hear the soft pumping of blood through their veins steadily growing faster, the shakiness of their hot breath blowing against my back sending a subtle chill down my spine.

The hiss of a knife being released from its sheath echoed in the air. I hear her breath catch in her throat the now steady streaming light from the hallways lamps illuminating the room with a yellowish glow. Dropping the woman's wrist with a soft plop I grit my teeth as she digs the metal further into my skin.

"This is the last time I'll ask, who are you and what are you doing in this room?" Her voice shook slightly as I sat there motionless the cloth in my hand dripping onto the floor. Without a second's hesitation, my hand flies to my neck with practiced action, snagging the edge on my bare fingertips I grip the base with one hand and her wrist with the other.

 

Makio's POV

Skilled fingers encompass my wrist and base of my arm the sting of their hold, fingers pressing harshly into my skin-painful as I brace for the inevitable snap . Pushing my hand to rest just a mere inch away from their neck I feel a soft tremble come of their body- Were they, scared? Before I can think a moment longer on this I'm suddenly flung to the floor by my arm, the knife falling from my grasp before he in a sort of panic scrambles to stand beginning to frantically search the floor for the lost blade.

My eyes widen with confusion as I gaze at the cloaked figure's face covered in worn dirtied bandages leaving only the eyes on display; a soft muddied brown now hazing with tears. I stare in amusement as he finally brushes the tip of the blade with his fingers wincing at the contact before grabbing it lamely turning to face me tears already streaming down his face.

"Honestly this is why I hate working here!!! EveryONe is So goDDAm scary all tHe tIMME!!!" his voice shook as he dropped to the floor holding the knife with both hands in an effort to stop his fearful shaking.

"Warabahime-san is gONNA KILL me!!! Oh goD I don't wanna Die yet!!"

What the hell is he talking about?

"Oh god!!! I'm gonna get beat for this, tHis is WHy I hatE cleaning up her messES!!!"

The boy began fussing around the room completely abandoning the knife on the floor the wrappings on his hands slowly coming undone as he paced back and forth in the darkness. Picking up the abandoned weapon and tucking my second back into its sheath I'm barely able to comprehend his panicked ramblings as he scuttles from one side of the room to the next feet tapping frantically against the floors.

"Boy, what are you talking about? Speak clearly!!" I manage to say as he weakly lifts Hina onto the bed rushing around in search of something amidst the darkness. Grunting is displeasure he boldly turned to face me a furred look on his hardly visible face. I can almost feel his bloodlust as his shittly wrapped hands became more and more messied with his sporadic movements a steady stream of blood dripping down from his palm.

"Warabahime is this houses Oiran ma'am!! how dare a mere- UM- A mERE-I"

"And don't call me boy!! It's Zenko Inadama, I'm this households doctor. If you can even call me- OH gODD!!"

While leaning against the wall I found the switch for the lights shocking the poor child as he was already quite literally shaking in his shoes. Wiping his forehead from sweat and scanning the room quickly I watch as his eyes light up coming in contact with a leather sachel placed sloppily on a desktop.
As I watch him quickly dig through his bag the smell of fresh herbs filling the air I can feel myself calming.

In all honestly, I thought he was some strange pervert, not the weirdest occurrence given where we are. I wasn't getting many reports from her and with Tengens constant letters and the steady stream of tear-stained updates from Suma I was surprised when Hina's updates had gone down to a trickle. With all of us regularly being in contact, I decided to pay them both a visit, though I would've come sooner had I not spent 15 minutes washing the snot stains off my kimono.

"HAah I found it!!!" he exclaimed grabbing and sorting through many labeled jars and elixirs shaking a couple before setting it down onto the table in front of him. I watch him stuff many appliances back into his worn-down bag Hina shaking in discomfort eyes still tightly closed.

Pulling out a couple of bandages he grabbed some gauze and what I hope to be a disinfectant as he heads for her bed pressing the wet rag against her already exposed stomach.

Now with the intensity of the light, I can see how bad her condition truly was bruised wrists and shallow cuts across her stomach and forehead dried with blood stuck to her low-hanging bangs. Besides her overall ghastly appearance as he begins cleaning up her wounds stopping the excessive amount of blood seeping into her clothes, some color begins returning to her cheeks.

I'm guessing from the doctor's unsightly rags and Hina's condition that this Oirian was stronger than she was letting across. Beating those of a lower rank than her, a power manipulator, I swear if I ever get my hands on this woman she will not make it out alive.

Working quicker than ever her wounds are fully dressed the tips of her fingers and ears regaining their pinkish tone.

I'm able to catch the soft smile the strange boy gives her as he cleans his scarred hands of her blood. Wetting a white cloth before wiping her hair out of her face I watch her let out a content sigh as the cool fabric comes in contact with her feverish forehead.

"Mrs. Assassin-sama, your wife has been taking poison that paired with blood loss caused her to pass out, but don't worry I have toxin cleanser-"

Grabbing the boy in a hug I feel him stiffen as I hold him tighter to my body I feel tears drip down my face as I choke out my thanks, his rough hands rubbing soothingly against my back.

I swear I'll make sure that Oiran wishes they'd never been born.

 

3rd POV

 

The blonde made his way out of the room tears long gone from his empty eyes. The eerie creaking of a door stuck on its hinges going unnoticed as it slides closed behind him.

Dropping his innocent smile the soft clicks of his quick footsteps in the long halls were barely heard through the loud ringing echoing through his head. The bustling crowd steadily grew larger as he headed back for the broken fence, the sound of the lover's district left in the alleyways behind him.

Pulling down his hood and reaching a steady hand into his cloak the boy pulls out a brown stained pouch the rustling of the bag accompanied by the song of the windblown voices by the cool night breezes.

Soon the worried chirps of the fluttering sparrow filled the air as it flew down from its buildings perch.

"Chuntro, apologies for not greeting you sooner." It chirps again pecking his shoulder in what seemed to be in annoyance.

The yellow-haired man chuckles lightly delicately untying the bag handing the seeds piece by piece to the content bird resting calmly on his shoulder.

Satisfied with its meal the bird nestles itself into his neck as he lifts the hood heading deeper into town.

As the coos slowly died out he placed a finger to his shoulder the fluffed bird laying comfortably against his skin, the scent of blood still resting on his fingertips.

Wandering through the square the joyous laughter of the never-sleeping town filling his throat with an unquenchable ache.

 

Zenitsu's POV

 

My feet ached as I continued across the gravel path drifting from stall to stall the distant whispers of people feeling like cotton in my ears.

I needed to find Daki as soon as possible, I don't think I can last much longer without-

I feel a force hit my back successfully knocking me off my feet stumbling across the ground. A note was shoved hastily into my hands a black hair woman tripping off through the path her body disappearing through the dense crowd.

Peering down in confusion I carefully unravel the neatly folded paper.

 

- Agatsuma, head to the food stall, the red-haired owner will give you my location I'll see you soon.-

 

Suppressing a groan and rubbing my probably bruised knees I slowly stand dusting the remaining gravel off my clothes.

I hear an annoyed chirp and a not so gentle peck at my ear as I began walking once more. Swatting at their place on my neck I hiss in pain as they bite at my fingers.

"I'll leave you for the crows Chuntaro, don't test me."

Notes:

Idk what's going on during this chapter like I have no fucking clue but at least I updated on the proper day.... kinda. I'm using Grammarly now so hopefully my grammar isn't ass, and they're fewer errors today. Anywaysss fuck Kaigaku hope y'all enjoy !!!! Also a little tidbit I guess, or fun fact, kaigaku's full name is Kaigaku Inadama and Zenko was Zenitu's alias during the entertainment district arc so that was what spurred his 'fake name'.

Chapter 7: Give me my Udon or Imma kill U

Notes:

!!!! Important thing before I ramble small TW for Daki's POV she's a lil hostile towards her underling so for hitting and harsh language!!!

Sorry this chapter is short and late I feel like shit and spent most of my morning throwing up the contents of my stomach. I’m not sure if it’s the stomach flu or not but either way!!! Hope y’all had an amazing day and FUCK Kaigaku!!!

Zenitsu's POV

 

Wandering towards the food stalls the comforting smells of candies and meats waft into my nose. Tightening the slipping bandages on my palm I trace my finger over the shallow cuts wincing slightly against the touch.

Lifting a hand towards my throat a wet feeling reaches my fingertips, the disgusting smell of my drying blood filling my nose.

Wiping my hand off on the inside of my cloak I hear Chuntaros soft chirps as he moves to sit more comfortably against my neck welcoming the warmth easily.

 

Sparing a glance towards the dreary night sky, it's blue hue covered by graying clouds I watch the lazy sprinkle of rain trickle down my exposed skin onto the rocky ground. The bustling of children and salesmen grew softer as I neared the food, the sounds of buzzing and frying of meat taking their place.

 

Moving out of the way I watch a child stumbling towards me narrowly missing my shoulder as she excitedly runs past.

I catch the wide smile on her lips, eyes practically sparkling, her dark brown hair up in short loose braids tied beautifully by two pink ribbons that draped across her shoulders.

Rushing forward she throws herself onto a black haired woman's arm, gripping tightly onto the woman's blue dress sleeve. The older woman's eyes widen with surprise as the girl begins pulling them further towards the toy vendors stalls.

I hear the rushing of blood in their veins the tempting thrums of their hearts loudly ringing in my ears.

Digging my nails into my skin I turn away from the two ignoring the dull sound of my own distorted breathing.

Memories that I can't re-call flash through my mind, the ringing of their voices like needles to the skull.

They all stood black and grayed in my vision with one consistent color, red.

Red,

REd

RED

It's AlwayS RED!

 

'Zenitsu.'

'Zenitsu'

"ZENITSU GET a HOld of Yourself!"

Opening my eyes I'm standing in a strange garden the flutters of butterfly wings and the smells of spring flowers filling my head.

As soon as the brush of grass and the burn of the suns rays filled my vision it was gone, and so was that voice.

 

I’m left with the cold night sky once again. Glancing through the break in the rooftops I can see the dark sky brightening to a soft blue, the edges of the horizon giving way to the coming sun rise, I need to get moving.

 

 

Daki's POV

 

"Warabihime-san please- Please I do not know wher-"

Disgusting, utterly disgusting how dare this pathetic child cry in front of me, how dare they look to me for sympathy.

Pathetic.

I hate weak humans like these.

Slapping her again I watch as her body writhes on the ground gripping her now bloodied cheek streaked with tears that dripped down her face onto the hardwood floor.

"Child I will not ask you again, the purple box. Where is it."

"Please, please Miss I do not know-"

Worthless humans, slapping her once more I watch as she crumbles to the floor before me her weak arms barely managing to hold her up. My hand stings at the contact with her cheek the burn invigorating against my cold skin, wiping her blood left on my palm onto my kimono I glare down at her shaking figure.

I hear the sound of pumping blood loud in my ears two more quivering beings standing not far behind me. Reaching for her face I resist a smile at her compliance her black bangs hanging loosely around her bruising cheeks as another slur of apologies fall from her lips.

I hear the door creak open behind me, soft footsteps entering the room only stopping to stand beside me.

"Warabihime, why must you torture the children so."

Turning to face the intruder I'm met with the manager of the house her wrinkles prominent in her weak smile. She reaches for the child lifting her off the floor and onto her feet dusting off the girls kimono before standing to face me again.

"Okami-san."

I watch as the girl trembles while hiding behind the older woman, eyes filled with un-shed tears.

"Is Zenko still in the house, I heard they were treating our newest hire." she says tone unwavering.

Tucking my loose hairs behind my ear I reluctantly respond.

"I believe they've already left, I'll call for them again tomorrow."

Smiling again she lifts a hand patting me softly on the head before straightening out some of my loose pins.

"That's wonderful dear, please try no to loose your temper before then, alright?"

Stepping away from me she grabs the child's hand escorting her out of the room. Everyone here is so weak and useless. I couldn't even get the brat to find the poison.

"Gyutaro, find your sister the box."

A tingling sensation fills my body before I see his strange figure kneeling in front of me smiling happily.

"Of course sister."

 

Zenitsu's POV

 

 

I hear the sound of bells, the constant chiming timed to the sound of a sporadic heartbeat. Wandering further through the stalls I watch the owners stare warily at me their gaze piercing my back as I continue down the roadway.

 

"You boy."

 

Startling me out of my thoughts I look towards the source of the sound.

An udon sellers shop with the menu nicely written out on the wall beside the opening.

Beyond the stalls order window sat a older man with an unsettling head of bright red hair and strange smile caked on his thinned and ghostly face , at my lack of response his brows furrow lips quirking down in a sort of frown twirling his scraggly beard between his fingers.

Moving my hood father away from my face I stare into his eyes letting a threatening expression cross my face.

"What do you want?" I mutter out.

I watch his irises lose their glow his body stilling as his eyes rake uneasily over my figure, his strange chiming sound shaking with a feeling akin to fear.

As he turns his back to me I smell a familiar scent drift through the air as he begins digging through what looks to be a spice drawer of sorts, the slash marks across his upper arms horribly concealed by his apron.

"Are you the Kyogoku houses doctor?" He stays still not facing me.

Ah, so this is the man I was to meet, well this makes it easy.

"Yes Warabhime-san has 'clean up' work that needs to be done. " I reply almost chuckling at the shiver that seems to run down the mans spine.

"Now if you wouldn't mind-" A thumping fills my ears the sounds of this heartbeat strong yet kind it's awful tune encompassing my brain with fear as every atom in my body told me to run.

Before I can even think I'm grabbing the man closer to me my eyes flickering over his stilled figure in my hands.

"You will pretend that you're nothing more than an asshole street vendor do you understand sir, that is if you value your life or anyone else's in this market." I finish with a bright smile digging my fingers further into his shirt.

With a nod for reassurance I drop him back through the window wiping my hand off on my cloak.

Pulling my hood back over my head the quick yet graceful footsteps grew closer behind me as I glare at the shaking man.

"Now sir I'm going to order some food and you're going to give me an empty bowl with the note inside do you understand."

With another nod I relax the footsteps stopping directly behind me.

"I want the Spicy udon-"

"Spicy udon really?" He says barely stuttering on his words as his face turned stoic once more.

"Yes I would like-"

"Are you sure you can handle it, this kinda thing ain't for weak stomach kids like you." He griped out slowly tucking the note onto the backside of the bowl.

"I may look weak and pitiful old geezer but I could take you any day, now give me my goddam food."

With a sympathetic gaze he hands me the bowl. Offering an apologetic smile I take it easily out of his hands shooting a grateful look before turning around.

As I begin walking past I catch a small glimpse of the strangers faces, red eyes, red and black hair and skin tanned by the suns unrelenting rays.

And their sound was worst of all practically dripping in rage, yet still so filled with kindness I can't even begin to understand it.

Walking further away from the food stalls I head into a nearby alley unfolding the nicely placed note and setting the bowl careless down on the ground.

I feel sharp eyes on my back as I began to read, chuntaro still snuggled peacefully into my neck.

----------------------------------------------------

Meet me in the alley, no need to thank me doctor boy

-Warabihime

----------------------------------------------------

Ah so this is the game she wanted to play.

I hear a soft giggling behind me only having enough time to ready my stance before two graceful arms are wrapped around my shoulders the soft shaking of the liquid in her hands bringing me to my senses.

 

"Aren't I just the best Zen-It-Zu"

Notes:

When I was writing the description for the child I realized it sounded like muzan’s kid so I just kinda ran with it. Also Zenitsu is out on the town looking like he came straight outta the hobbit, not that it’s a bad thing but still…

Chapter 8: Are you sniffing me weirdo?

Notes:

Sorry I posted a day late I was attending an orientation meeting, but hey y'alll!!! My school is starting tomorrow so this schedule (that I can barely keep up with now) probably won't work. So I most likely will be posting once every two weeks, or once a week (I'll update the specific day later but for now idk). I really want to be able to figure out the schools vibe and get settled into my new schedule so hopefully I get it sorted in the next week or two!! Fuck Kaigaku taht hoe can die and hope y'all had a wonderful day!!!!

3rd POV

 

Covered in soup and noodles from their hair to their shoes the two slayers feet squelched loudly on the cobbled pathway, the packing of carts and sounds of emptying stalls filling the market.

Steadying the blades belted to their hips the cold evening air nipped at their cheeks and fingers as the suns rays slowly began to rise above the fence lines.

With no information and the cloudy skies splitting to make way for the oncoming daybreak the siblings began to walk through the town in search for an inn and a change of clothes.

The townspeople still bustled around, the crowds numbers dwindling slightly as the dawn began to come, the opening and closing of doors and rickety carts across the walkway ever present through the many streets as vendors sold their last items and started readying themselves for another night to come.

"Brother, Look." Grabbing onto the older's wet sleeve the slayer points towards an open stall with a few clothing items they had yet to sell.

Leading them both towards the vendor the eldest's mind began to drift to the sky above, still holding onto the darkness of the night that clouded his mind.

The dawns air swept through the stalls sending a shiver down his spine.

Arguing with the man for a few moments longer the younger began pilling the items into the red heads arms throwing a few sacks of coins onto the booths counter before walking off with the boy and clothes in tow.

"Honestly these vendors are such pricky assholes."she said more to herself than the other.

Snapping out of his trance the older begins to scold the girl for her foul choice of language. Resisting a laugh himself.

"You sound like Inosuke when you talk like that, honestly mother would be so ashamed." he says flopping dramatically into his sisters arms almost dropping the clothes he held loosely in his grasp.

Huffing out a breath of irritation the girl shoves him back into a standing position continuing to walk, albeit very furiously away from him.

"Yeah well, I didn't even see you looking for Tamayo's herbs, what about that ~Oh So REsponsIBle Eldest BRotHER KAmado."

Smiling at the red flush that takes over the boys face she chuckles at his embarrassment.

Lifting an arm the older began rubbing his neck in a show of awkwardness, face contorting to one of displeasure.

"I mean, I- I looked but I didn't-" the boy tried.

"Oh don't lie to me Tanjiro." The younger scolded pounding a fist into his rock like skull resisting a wince that comes along with her bruising hand.

" Your face betrays you everytime, we'll do some surveillance tomorrow with some good sleep and gather the necessary herbs."

Pulling out a small ribbon from their pant pocket the younger began tying her choppy bangs out of her eyes, the flapping of crows startling them from the task.

Looking up in surprise the slayer is met with the familiar bird a bit of wisteria clutched in it's beak.

"Tennogi, I see you're back sooner than usual." The slayer says with a soft smile.

The crow landed on the girl with a silent flutter of wings, claws digging into the youngers shoulder.

Reaching a gentle hand to pet the crow his soft feathers gave beneath her fingertips, dropping the flowers held readily in it's mouth the crow began to speak.

"Kamado Nezuko and Tanjiro, Demon spotted in-"

A smell wafted through the air, a scent so foul so disgusting that it almost sent the older slayer to his knees.

"An upper moon."

 

 

Tanjrio's POV

 

 

A scent so strong I could taste it in my mouth, the power, the strength, the aroma of death, a smell I've grown all to familiar with, blood.

Dropping our clothes to the ground I don't spare a second chasing after it losing my sister in the crowd. Her distance cries white noise in my ears as I followed after it.

Letting my nose guide me I see a whisp of black hair in the distance before turning another corner the alleyways growing slimmer and slimmer as I begin to lose track of the smell, wind whipping against my face and body leaving me numb.

Turning another corner a strange static fills the air a soft chuckle filling the empty alley.

The dark light of the pathway makes it hard to see, a million scents invading my nose all at once, but from the flickering street lamp and the already rising sun I can make out two figures pressed against the back wall of the secluded street.

For a moment I’m able to push my worries aside attempting to turn back at what I assume to be a private exchange between lovers, but like electricity rocking through my body two golden eyes flicker to meet mine the stench of demon filling my nose so rapidly I choke back a gag at the smell.

The womans head snaps up at my sound, her dark black hair cascading down her slim shoulders, green eyes piercing through mine. Gripping the hilt of my sword I slowly draw out my blade aiming for the woman's head. ‘Water breathing-first form’

As she steps back from the cloaked figure I watch as they stumble for footing distracting me from my aim.

‘Damn it’ I find myself muttering ‘I really am too out of practice’, repositioning the blade I try to switch forms as the demon jumps back in an attempt to dodge but my body aches in disapproval.

Glancing towards the second figure instead of a shaking form leaning against the alley wall I see something flash in the corner of my vision, sniffing the air I sense them near but I can’t pinpoint where-I failed to realize the change in their scent until it was too late, a shallow slice of a knifes blade cuts my cheek as they suddenly appear directly behind me.

Hiding my shock I slam them against the wall beside me with the hilt of my sword sighing a breath of relief at the sound of a pained groan as they crumple to the ground.

“A demon slayer.” I hear the woman mutter breathlessly. Lifting a hand to my cheek I cautiously wipe away the blood before holding the sword tighter in my hands.

“Water breathing first form, surface water-“

I feel a unsteady grip to my ankle as I’m suddenly pulled towards the ground only tumbling forward slightly before kicking the offender off lazily.

"D-Akii- THe- SUNn" I hear them mutter out. Gazing up wards I see the edges of the nearby inns become dusted with the light of dawn. ‘Yes, the sun.’

Straightening my posture I’m only able to make a step towards the green eyed woman before I’m being slammed into the cold wet ground.

The shattering of glass against the floor followed by the feral look in the persons eyes leave me gasping for breath as they straddle my waist.

Face to face eye to eye a peach scent seizes my senses as they pull out what I assume to be a dagger from their cloak. Ever fiber of my body was screaming at me to run, to fight, to swing as I sat there frozen in place doing all but.

"-stop-messing-things-up-"

 

 

Zenitsu's POV

 

 

I had it in my hands, I had the medicine in my hands and this human decided to ruin it for me.

I don’t wanna see it, I don’t wanna see things I can’t remember.

IT’S ALWAYS rED

RED!

REDD!!

I didn’t want to hurt them-I DIDN’T DO IT!!

The sun was beginning to rise and I had it in my grasp and this fuck decided to ruin it for me. I didn’t want to kill them I had no choice!

 

You’re giving me No CHOICE!!

 

Pulling out my hemlock coated knife I'm barely able to make another slit into his skin before I'm being slammed against the wall behind me.

"You Dam cocky brat." I breathily choked out.

His arm pressed harshly against my throat I feel the air being pushed from my lungs my head fuzzing more by the second.

I'm in a tight spot quite literally. With my cloak just barely covering my face and the sun rays shining across the the dumpsters from behind the diluted stranger I whisper a soft apology before digging my heels into the mans toes.

Expecting any kind of reaction from a loon was my fault, I mean what sane human attacks a demon without backup, let alone covered in soup and hardly holding onto his swords handle in any proper fashion.

Was he some kind of idiot?

I feel his hot breath begin to tickle my neck as he sucks in a deep breath the heat of his skin practically radiating off his entire body.

"Peaches"

I hear him mumble out taking another whiff of my neck. I feel my face light up with an unfamiliar flush.

"Did you just- SNiff me-"

"Tanjiro-TAnjirO Where are YOU?"

A girls voice echoed loudly through the alley, the sound I’m all too familiar with.

Daki, I thought I told you to run, not play with the mad man.

"Nezuko?" I hear the red head huff out.

I let out the breath I was holding in as his grip softens on my arm and neck, the sound of the girls voice grew louder.

And that's when I felt it the stabbing pain straight through my skull.

Gripping onto the arm still pressed into my throat I try to stay grounded as the images in front of me merge into a colorless blur.

“Zenitsu, Zenitsu."

"ZENITSU WAKE UP!"

 

 

Tanjiro's POV

 

 

I hear a choking noise emit from the person beneath me, their scent now fully surrounding me as they squirm helpless in my grasp pulling at my forearm that's pushed harshly against their throat. I watch the light in their eyes flicker out as their head falls bright yellow hair revealed under the dark cloak and bandages covering their body. Slamming them against the alley wall I watch as they loosely flop in my grasp.

The only warning I got was the soft rumble of the persons chest, a muffled laugh as they lift their head practically reeking with the scent of a demon their eyes glowing a bright gold. They smile the blood covering their loose wrappings illuminated by the flickering street lights.

“Die.”

Quicker than my eyes could process two knifes are pulled out aiming for my arms.

“Water breathing seventh form piercing rain drop!”

Jumping back the first blade just barely grazes my skin as I reposition my own sword in my hands watching his second knife tumble onto the walkway.

With a sudden surge of speed he’s in my space again. Narrowly avoiding his jab to the gut. Jumping backwards I watch as he quickly changes his attack to cutting a slice across my temple.

Taking a kick to the face he stumbles backwards a hit that would’ve been easily deflected by sword, that is if he had one.

“Water Breathing first form surface water slash!”

Jumping in an attempt to avoid the attack I watch as he rushes to grab his second blade.

“Striking tide!”

His hand is cut open leaving him bleeding onto his already conveniently placed bandages.

“Shit-“

I hear his hiss in pain as he surges forward again this time aiming for my side his cloak making is harder to locate any distinct parts of his figure.

Fighting close range they’re able to deflect all basic attacks successfully cutting another slice into my skin as wave of drowsiness overcomes me.

I need to create as much distance as possible to give me the advantage again, this is not the hill I’m planning to die on.

“Water Breathing first form-“

“AgH-“

The sensation of a blade being stabbed through my stomach fills my mind. It’s piercing pain overwhelming.

Looking down I see his hand leaving the blade now imbeded in my gut.

“ Oops, That looked like it hurt, I’m no doctor but I think I’d leave that in, that is if you want to live any longer.”

Dropping my sword I feel a numbing sensation overcome my body, as if it’s slowly shutting down. Waves of pain wash over me as I fall to my knees my vision already spinning. I glare towards the hooded figure his eyes glowing yellow a strained smile crossing his face.

"Good boy, now stay down."
Stepping his sandaled foot easily on my back, my body falls harshly to the ground incapable of standing back up.

"Burn in hell demon." I spit out with as much venom as I can muster barely holding the strength to even lift my head.

"Aw don't say that~ It HurwTs my FeewlINgs~" he says mockingly wiping his blood covered hand across his mouth fingers already beginning to regrow.

Kneeling in front of my shaking body his expression softens to something similar to pity as I struggle to stand. I feel heavy under his gaze as he stares harder at my helpless figure in feigned interest as if looking at a helpless bug, as if I wasn't even human to him.

Grabbing my face in his clawed hands his eyes shone with a vicious smile. Leaning down he pulled his second knife off the ground tucking it back into his coats pocket.

Squeezing my cheeks in between his fingers I feel his sharp nails scratch the top of the skin stroking the tissue beneath his index and thumb.

" I'll see you there asshole."

My head dropped onto the wet ground like dead weight the hazing figure of the demon rushing down the alleyway disappearing behind me. My mouth felt glued shut and my tongue felt foreign in my own mouth, not having the strength for even a retort my body goes slack on the ground beneath me.

"Don’t worry this won’t kill you slayer, that is if you can wake back up." he called out a chuckle in his tone.

I'm pillar for gods sake, this is pathetic.

I watch the sun rise above the rooftops the exhaustion taking over my body, the distant screams of my sister barely acknowledged as whispers in the far corners of my mind. I give into the world of darkness as it slowly shifts from blurrs of grey to black.

3 POV

The fortress was silent besides the continuous stroking through the young demons hair.

Raking his fingers through the silky white strands pulling harshly against any tangles he lets the pliable hair fall softly back over the demons shoulders as the girl's legs begin to grow numb against the cold tiled floor.

"Muzan-sama the demon Agatsuma Zenitsu has begun venturing inside the village." her voice and tone was soft and calm as she allowed herself to relax further in his grip.

"That's wonderful my beautiful child, I rely on you, so do your best and stay perfect and useful to me, alright."

The white haired girl smiled a proud expression crossing her face as the older still ran his hands through her hair.

"Yes Master." a heavy silence filled the room as she contently rested in his lap.

"Is there anything else my dear." the 'woman' said finishing the placement of the many pins in the youngers hair.

"The demon Agatsuma Zenitsu has been discovered by two demon slayer pillars, siblings Kamado Tanjiro breath of water and Kamado Nezuko breath of sun. I have made sure he was not captured and both were dealt with as to not cause a scene master." the man above her hummed content with the hairstyle he'd completed.

"Daki, bring the demon to me or leave him for the slayers, whatever serves to entertain you more."

"Yes Master."

Notes:

When I wrote dakis or the 3rd POV it was originally part of the third chapter but I decided to separate it in order to add MySterY~

Honestly speaking Tanjiro wouldn’t be able to be taken down by a knife alone but it was coated in relaxers and poisonous herbs. (It’s like the human version of Shinbou sword)

Sorry for the late update and any spelling errors😭✋🏼

Chapter 9: A Late Night

Notes:

Sorry It's been so long school has been kicking my ass and I haven't been sleeping very well. But I'm back now better than ever!!! (questionable statement) But regardless fuck Kaigaku I'm gonna try to post three chapters (including this one) in the next week or two!!!! I’m planning on having Nezuko and Zenitsu meet for the first time the next chap!! Hope you had a wonderful day!!! Bye!!!!!

Zenitsu's POV

 
"ZENITSU"
 
"ZENITSU WAKE UP!!"
 
Drip....Drop....
 
Floating, it feels like I'm floating, invisible hands pushing me upwards, my thoughts merging with the the knowing eyes of waters depths.

Warm and comforting, my body feels weightless as the waves brush against me, it's soft echo's bouncing off the wet cave walls.

I feel the slow waking of my body, from my hands to fingers, to legs and toes a unfamiliar ache flowed over me.

It was as if I was stuck in a bubble. Nothing but my own thoughts to accompany me.

My heart beat ripples weakly in the water around me. The feeling of exhaustion overcoming my already hazy senses.

Tingles like jabs begin to pierce through my consciousness spreading throughout my body, the sounds around me slowly growing louder and the light behind my eyelids slowly growing brighter.

Soft pitters of water hit my face, the slow yet constant droplets leaving individual trails down my cheeks as they fall.
 
Reaching a tentative hand to my face I wipe off the liquid slowly opening my eyes to glance towards the pool of water beneath me.

It holds an almost translucent sheen only illuminated by the tall crystal cave walls surrounding it.

Stringing my fingers through the warm liquid it moves willingly at my touch as I watch the clear water coat my hands in a strange shine.
 
My head suddenly feels fogged, my body heavy as if a weight had been dropped onto my chest my breath becoming labored and rattly.

Familiar shapes and pictures flicker across the crystal walls above me becoming more like blurs as my vision slowly starts to fuzz.
 
The drips from the crystals fall faster onto my face their constant pings barely making a sound as an almost suffocating silence takes over the waters filling my ears with a loud static.
 
I feel my eyelids heavy, the pressure against my chest causing my breath to flatter as I'm pushed further into the waters depths.

It was as if the water was taking me away from everything, it’s small whispers promising me something better, something greater than myself as they softly hum a song I had long forgotten.
 
"Our Sensei is an amazing man, so why would he take the time to raise trash like you."
 
I'm tired-

I feel the cold wooden floor beneath my feet.

I've been tired.

The stains that wouldn’t wash out no matter how many times I had scrubbed them filling my vision.

Is it okay to rest now?
 
As the blankets of warmth cover my body flowing up my legs, thighs then arms and shoulders it's slow trails begin to trickle up my cheeks and neck and I can't find it in me to resist as I grow to become apart of the water itself.

I'm safe, protected, it was as if nothing but the waves themselves could touch me, as if nothing could reach me, as if nothing could harm me.

l let the water fully engulf me the warmth of the liquid covering my skin leaving me at peace.

The shimmering lights above my head reflected beautifully off the water. Every stone, every wave expressing a story of it's own holding memories that I could only assume to be mine.
 
"Die"
 
I feel the water release my ears the quiet whispers of the gem covered walls slowly trickling through my head.
 
"Zenitsu, I can't just-" the heaving of his chest was loud, familiar, sounds of trickling blood filling my head.
 
"Run, get help I'll hold it off, Gramps and I can handle ourselves."
 
"But I-"
 
"This is not time to argue! Go escape, get help!!"
 
I see the ghost of his smile the flakes of the wind swept snow melting easily on his blurred face.

Distantly I hear the roar of the storm around us, the shaking of trees, and the familiar crunching of winter snow beneath our feet.
 
'You were always too trusting for your own good'
 
I feel the water beneath me chill, it's comforting presence turning cold.
 
"I'll be back before morning with help, hold him off until then Zenitsu."

Shoving him towards the dark and barren orchard I can feel the nips of cold winter air against my face and hands.

" I believe in you. I'll be back soon, I promise." He calls after me his dark figure fading in the nights shadows.

 

I almost cry out the unforgiving feeling of the winter storm harsh against my chilled body, ice coiling up my back and solidifying in my core.
 
'He said he promised'
 
"WAKE UP"
 
The fluttering of snow just beyond my eyelashes disappeared as I opened my eyes once again.

I see a dark figure reaching out to me just above the surface, their head covered in a shinning light casting out the darkness, body distorted in the waving image of water. I reach for them my fingertips just barely brushing the surface as I'm pulled further down into the ice.
 
I feel the suffocating pressure of water in my lungs as I try to take in a breath, the comfort of the waves long since gone.
Screams of torment entered my head rapidly, the water holding me prisoner, there was no escape, there was nothing beyond this. Nothing-

"You're not just gonna give up now are you?"

I feel a strong hand grip my wrist, a tingling sensation flooding my body as they pull me further and further up
 
It was dark, it was cold.
I resist a shiver as I feel a figure passing me their grip on my wrist loosening,
 
"Zenitsu, live for me...okay"
 
Opening my eyes I'm standing in an open field the flowers and grasses brushing my bare feet and tickling my ankles. Grabbing for the hand that had once clenched mine I find two swords held tightly in my grasp.
 
"Straighten your posture Zenitsu!"
 
I feel the soft gusts of wind on my face blowing my black bangs into my eyes. My fingers feel rough and callused, the afternoon sun warm against my wet back.

"Again!"

I fall stiff confused at the familiarity of the voice behind me. Where am I?

"I told you Master he doesn't have the fighting spirit in him." I hear a different voice call out from far behind me.

"I don't think that's for you to decide, now AGAIN!" I feel myself swing the blades with a strange familiarity ducking and dodging, striking and countering against a seemingly invisible enemy. As my mind tries to catch up to my body I can't help but feel that I’ve done this before.

"Swing again!"

And I did. With twin blades held carefully in my sweating hands I swung, again, and again, and ag-
 

"agh-"

I feel a stinging sensation overcome my fingers their grip on the sword loosening as a burning wet liquid flows down my palm. Taking a weary glance towards my hand I see blood coating the handle of my blade as it slips out of my palm onto the grass with a loud thump.

"Zenitsu?"
 
A chilling breeze filled the field, the grass and flowers darkening under its might.

Something cold seeps into my shoes. Looking down water had begun pooling at my feet, the smell of the liquid invading my senses as I try to move out of its path.
 
The ground becomes slush, the grass fading into dark puddles their once pretty image reflected off the murky water.

Stumbling backwards away from the melting scenery I see a red color shine through the backdrop, a soft yet strange strumming echoing through my head.

I watch the water wash away this illusion, the field falling apart at the hands of the liquid, a hot summer day shifting into a cold autumn night.

The peaches begin to rot and crumble some rolling towards my feet.

I feel cold wet hands wander the back of my neck nails dragging across the plains of my skin blood pumping loudly under their control.
 
"Zenitsu wouldn't you feel so much better."

And just for a moment as their voice filled the air, my eyes I could see my own reflection cast out against the puddles of water, long choppy blonde hair eyes slit like a cats burning a vibrant yellow. The walls around me begin to crumble and fall the strumming of the koto player growing louder as I stare further into this reflection, dark, it's so dark, distantly I hear a cry in front of me, a guttural sound, a sound of pain.

"If you gave yourself to me."
 
Spinning to face the voice I feel a falling sensation overcome me as I'm pushed deeper into darkness.
 
The water takes over my vision destroying everything in its path. Stabbing towards the hazing figure with my only remaining sword still feel the cold presence of their hands draped across my neck.
 
"Burn it hell demon"
 
"I'll see you there asshole"
 

"Zenitsu-"
 
"Zenito"
"Zenikou!"
 
"Zenko."
 
"Goddam it ZENKO YOUR GONNA HURT THE GIRL!!"
 
Glancing down at my hands I'm no longer holding swords, a rag is gripped tightly in my unscathed hands as I'm grasping the girls leg as if readying myself to snap it.

 

The girl looked close to tears the scars and bruises covering her frail body leaving me sick.

 
"She'll be fine Utahime-san." I say wiping away the remaining blood dripping down her leg.I feel a wave of nausea overcome me as more blood trickles down from her infected wound.
 
"Are you feeling alright Zenko?"
 
Nodding in a hesitant agreement I continue willing away the nausea, scrubbing away the trails of blood that begin to stick to the girls leg.

“I am well Oiran-sama."
 
Ignoring her piercing gaze on my back I adjust my position, my knees sore from the hard wooden flooring.
 
This was one of my regular patients, 14 year old Yua Sato. A personal attendant of this houses Oiran.

Though it seems that she has been coming to me more often than usual. Feeling the soft trembles that vibrate through her skin I raise my gaze to hers smiling brightly.
 
"Are you okay dear." I say gently as I begin ringing out the once white rag watching the clear water turn a muddy red.
 
Nodding profusely her choppy black hair shakes with her falling across her face in a disarray. I bite back a laugh standing to grab my medicine bag.
 
"Zenko, I have other duties to attend to this evening can I leave the rest to you? "
 
“Miss I am well now, you may place your worry somewhere else."
 
I feel her gaze flicker from me to the girl her dark eyes shifting back from her vibrant green to brown in a curious manner before she turns for the door flinging it open carelessly and slamming it just as loudly behind her.
 
Letting out a sigh of relief I hear the girls heartbeat gain a normal speed the continuous tapping of her fingers against the bed frame going quiet.
 
"How was your day Sato dear ?"

I say in an attempt to lighten the mood walking back over to where she sat against the bed.
 
"Its-it's Yua sir." She says happily her lips quirking in a soft smile.
 
"Ah Yua?! I'm sorry I seem to have forgotten ." I say mostly in embarrassment continuing to clean up the floor from my disinfectants and cleansers.
 
“You didn't it's just my first name." She states flushing slightly.

Ah I see, she would like to be friends. Patting her head softly I run my fingers through a few tangles before pulling away to finish my statement.

"Alright then...S-Yua, I would recommend you be careful around Miss Oiran from now on."
 
I watch her face darken at the mention of the women, quickly grabbing my bag I hold out a Valerian root mixture along with some basic numbing salve and something to help with pain.
 
"As much as I enjoy your presence I shouldn't be tending to you every other day." I say in a harsher tone careful not to scare the kid.
 
Handing her the bottles I wipe the remaining dirt off her face with my now wet cloth fetching out my bandages before I begin wrapping her leg.

"Yes Zenko." She says a slight irritated groan behind her words as if I was scolding a child who had eaten too much candy.

It makes me feel old, I’m only 18 goddam it!! Ugh, kids these days need to learn better manners.
 
"You should change these everyday, so they don't become more infected." I say adjusting the tail of the bandages and tucking it back into the weaving.
 
"Zenko?"
 
"Yes dear."
 
"What are you doing after this? "Smiling at her attempt to continue conversation I brush her bangs out of her face before cleaning out the shallow cuts across her forehead.
 
"I have one more woman to attend to, then I'll be heading home for the night." I see her shoulders stiffen then slump as I place the cooling patch across her head.

A soft creak echos through the room.
 
"You're going to be staying out late again Inadama?" Turing to face the now open door I'm met with a familiar black haired women the ease of her steps almost graceful as she walks towards the bed.
 
"Okami-"
 
"Omitsu-San" I say stepping back from the patient.
 
"Hello Yua, are you feeling better." The older women smiles ignoring me to pat the youngers head.

“Yes thank you miss, Zenko taking very good care of me.” Patting the girl once again she turns to face me her nose scrunching up with displeasure as her eyes dart across my clothing.

“Ah Zenko the cloak again.” She says teasingly straightening out the wrinkles and brushing off the seemingly invisible specks of dirt.

"You always stay in the brothel so late Zenko, most are surprised you’re only a doctor here.” The older woman says holding back a laugh.

“Okami, not this again!” I say shoving her wandering hands off my cloak.

“Don’t be a prude Zenko, I’m sure our customers wouldn’t mind a new face.” Omitsu says nudging my stomach softly with her elbow.

“What face? He always covers it in bandages?!” Yua shouts out amused.

“The beauty’s are always the ones wearing the masks, I’m sure if he was tidied up a bit-“

“Don’t be so Impudent!! You should be grateful I stay so late!! And with no pay!! Repent, Repent I say!!!”

“Now, now Zenko you wouldn’t wanna pop a vein in your forehead, then you’ll really have a reason to wear so many bandages!” Yua says teasingly.

“No one appreciates my work here!”

“Zenko, I’m serious.”Omistu says suddenly.

“I’m not joining the brothel-“

“Not about that, dear. You surely shouldn’t be staying here so late into the night, Especially with the recent up rise of disappearances within both districts.” Omitsu says sternly.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I've heard that more and more people have been just disappearing off the streets recently. Almost no traces of them left behind as well, not to mention the sudden uprise of people going Ashinuke.” Yua says softly, that almost unnoticeable shake returning.

Taking a weary pause Okami's smile stiffens before she goes back to scolding me.
 
"She's right Inadama, I've heard that a boy was found half dead by his brother in an alley, an almost fatal knife wound in his stomach."

A knife, in the stomach? Did I hear that right?

“I heard their brother went half crazy after finding him, yelling something about ‘demons’ and ‘slayers’.”

That cold ache comes back, reaching a hand up to my forehead I can almost hear the soft pings of water as they hit my skin.

“Poor boy, he hasn’t even able to find a proper doctor so far, and it’s been a week since the incident. I just hope he won’t die too painfully.”
 
“Demons?” I ask beginning to put away the rest of my medical supplies into my bag.

“Yes demons, the poor boy must be in too much shock.”

“Maybe he’s just crazed”

“Yua!” The older woman scolds laying a light pound on the top of her head.

“Do not say that about others, how have we raised you?!”

I hear a shuffling of feet barreling down the hall approaching our door as Omitsu continues to scold the poor girl. I watch as the worried woman begins tidying the youngers hair and straightens out her dark colored kimono before two teary eyed girls come running in.

"Yua!!! WE WERE SO WORRIED!!!"One shouts latching onto the injured girl. I watch as the two intruders smother Yua before I'm able to recognize the two by their uniform and dress, the 2nd and 3rd attendants to our Oiran, twin sisters Aiko and Etsuko Tanaka.

Taking this as my sign to leave I bid a quick goodbye closing the door softly behind me so the sounds of loud sobbing don't disrupt the night time atmosphere.

Following the familiar trail down long halls and broken lights I creak open a splintered wood door quickly flipping on a light. As the yellowed color begins to fill the dark room I hear a soft rustling beside me as I set down my bag onto the cold wooden floor.

Turing to face the noise I feel an uneasy feeling creep up my throat as I turn for the bed. 

"Ah, it's you boy."
 

Notes:

okay!!! SOOOOOO to be perfectly honest I searched for quite sometime to find the names of Daki's attendants and actually read over the scenes they were seen in (in the manga volume 9) but unfortunately they were never named so I named them myself! Sorry for any confusion about that!!! Anywyas hope you had a wonderful day sorry for any spelling errors!!!! bye Byee!!!!

Chapter 10: A friendly stumble

Notes:

Sorry I was gone for so long been going through a lot of shit I’m im starting to feel better now! I hope y’all are having an amzing day and the Tanjiro and Zenitsu First meeting is coming sooooonn

Nezuko POV

 

-one week before-

 

Gold has always been such an interesting color.

The weight of it heavy in my soup soaked pockets, a color that can be reflected by the dawning sky to the wings of a flightless bird.

Gold was freeing, gold was everything, gold was-The claws of the tamed crow dig into my shoulder as I sense the familiar twitching of my brothers face, his nose sniffing through the air like a trained dog.

 

“——”

 

“Tanjiro?” I ask seemingly to no one as he rushes off, his words no more than a mutter in my ears.

 

I recall the sound of our clothing falling on to the dirt covered path with a crumple as I watch his figure disappear through the ever present crowd, wasting not a second to chase after whatever he had sensed before.

Leaving nothing but an empty space beside me, I stand in the pathway stunned, Tennogi still pressed against me his head tilting in an idol confusion.

I barely notice the harsh shove to my shoulder as another traveler pushes past until I’m already being shoved aside by two more. Staring at the abandoned heap of clothing for a moment I begin picking them up piece by piece from there place on the path.

 

I feel a soft breeze pass as I sense his presence get lost among the many others wandering the streets, an uneasy feeling swirling in my stomach.

“Should I go after him?“ I ask no one in particular the birds feathers tickling my cheek as he rubs against it.

Shoving it aside I pull a noodle left in the depths of my soup soaked pants feeding it to the docile bird as his wings flap in what I assume to be satisfaction.

It’s ridiculous of me to worry, after all this was only a minor animal problem or a low ranked demon at most, yet he took off in such a hurry-

For just a moment I can see his teary eyed figure laying practically motionless next to mine, my hands desperately grabbing him closer to me, in search for the fading light in his eyes to return, the bloody trail leading to the inside of our neighbors house with that man standing at the center. Gold, the morning sun shone off him like gold.

I hear a sudden coo in my ear before I snap out of it, he’s a pillar Nezuko, he will be fine.

Patting the crow softly on his feathered head I begin walking towards the nearby inn.

———————————

 

“A room for two” I say softly dropping a pouch full of coins onto the women’s desk watching her eyes widen slightly before handing me a key before greedily gathering and storing the coins into the nearby register as well as the open pockets of her skirt.

Settling into the inn I take a quick shower to ease my mind, my body already calming from the several nights without rest loosening up from the warmth that drips down my back and sides. Carting my fingers through the tangled strands of my short black hair the smells of the woods and dirt I’d been laying on washed easily down the drain.

Changing out of my soup smelling clothes I clean them lazily to tired to care as I hang them to dry on the showers edge.

 

Wiping my damp hands onto my new pants I begin to grow antsy at the lack of my brothers presence.

“He’s not a child Nezuko-he wouldn’t have gone into a reckless fight his first time back in months-right?.”

As I glance outside from the windows opening the moon seems to gaze down at me in a doubtful manner.

 

‘Right?’

 

Even my own subconscious mind doesn’t trust this.

 

Throwing open the windows glass I grab my sword tying it to my hip quickly before taking one last look at the ground below the window.

 

‘Tanjiro-please be safe’

 

—————

 

I hear bangs and yells coming from a dark alley near the Pho stand, a flash of yellow is all I see before I hear a thump like something heavy hitting the ground.

 

“Tanjiro?”

 

I turn the corner as a hooded figure begins to slip into the shadows left by the buildings mass, the sun shining brightly over the city.

“Tanjiro-“

Golden eyes meet mine for only a second as I run towards the fallen body.

No it couldn’t be.
Not again.
Please not again.

I feel the air leave my lungs as I grow closer.

 

It couldn’t-

 

I hear his heavy breaths, arms straining to allow him to push himself up green Haori reflected brightly by the morning suns rays, a puddle surrounding him like a halo of red.

 

“TANJIRO??!”

 

My legs move even faster than before, I can hear a crowd start to gather at the sound of my screams.

I watch his eyes begin to darken, his head collapsing on the pavement.

 

Zenitsu’s POV

 

-present day-

 

“Good evening miss.”

I say offering the sickly woman a bright smile kneeling beside her to open my bag.

 

Her eyes blink at me languidly as if to greet me in return, the irises seeming to brighten at my presence.

Grabbing out the usual bandages and disinfectant I set them onto the floor beside me standing to get a closer look at her condition.

Brushing my fingers along her face I can feel the skin taking it’s normal shape once again the swelling going down significantly from our last visit.

Tapping her cheek softly she doesn’t even spare a wince instead continues to inspect my every move with incredible interest.

As if trying to analyze my being as a whole.

Lifting my hand away I notice the purpling beneath her lids and the bruising across her wrists and forehead just starting to fade into a unsettling green.

I can already see patches of what I assume to be her originally skin tone across her neck and temples.

"May I redress your wounds miss-"
 
Ah I never did ask for the woman's name personally, given that she's been sleeping happily for most of our visits, only waking for a brief moments which were far and few in between. It would be strange if me to just know it wouldn’t it?

During these times she seemed to only require pleasant small talk and food so introductions were never necessary.

Or maybe I was too stressed to say much at all, Makio-San was quite the terrifying woman, especially when hanging over your shoulder for hours on end.
 
"Hina." Smiling weakly she relaxes her body onto the futon.
 
"It's Hina."
 
"Yes, miss Hina, may I dress your wounds?" Taking her soft nod as a yes I take her hand wrapping the wrist first before replacing the bandages on her neck.

“How has been the state of things been Dear?”

She asks kindly as I begin to expose her bandaged stomach to the cold night air.

Humming as if in deep thought I take off the previous wrappings pilling them on the floor beside me cleaning out the cuts before placing more cream on top of it.

 

“I heard from the Oirians attendants that more and more woman have gone Ashinuke.”

The woman’s eyes widen in surprise before squeezing tightly shut as I place another bandage against her cut.

“Ah so she has been in your presence again.” The woman mutters as I begin to cover her again.

 

What she really meant was if the girl had gotten injured under our Oirans care again,something that she’d experienced first hand. I’d heard that this Misses had been taking beatings for other members of staff protecting the little ones from the harsh treatment which infuriated Daki to the point of losing more than just her temper.

 

“She’s been coming quite often-to see me-“ I say without thinking, stopping for a moment to realize my mistake I immediately flush 10 shades darker.

“That is-Our Miss’s hasn’t been in the brightest of moods as of late.” I respond hesitantly as if fearful of this sickly woman’s wrath.

 

Her silence said enough but I continued.

 

“Apparently more people have been disappearing from the street, just recently a boy was stabbed and found by his distressed brother.”

The woman’s eyes sparkle in interest.

“The brother still hasn’t found a doctor and they predict the boy will die soon.”

I feel a small pinch at the back of my head sting that causes me to flinch in pain. That’s strange I must not be getting enough sleep, I should visit Daki tomorrow for some new supplies, my bag is running low.

Shaking my head softly I place another patch across her forehead brushing her hair aside.

 

“And this brother, how is he fairing?” The woman asks as I step back to inspect my work.

“They say he’s crazed,” I say shortly.

“Apparently he began screaming this and that about demons after finding the boy.”

“I assume no one would help him after that.”

“They wouldn’t, I got a scolding from
okami though, she insists I get home earlier-she’s worried for nothing really.”

 

The room falls into a solemn silence before I feel a soft flick to the back of my head as I’m suddenly being pushing down to greet the intruder my face almost making contact with the floor.

 

“Demons?” I hear her voice chime out. Her fingers still holding the back of my head in a death grip.

 

“Makio-” I say irritably as she quickly noticed her mistake and releases albeit reluctantly .

 
Wiping off her fingers as if ridding them of something fowl I pretend to not have seen kneeling before the bed once again I straighten myself out to begin packing up my things."Inadama they have right to worry if you’re staying out this late every night" I hear her voice chime out from beside me.

“Because of demons?” I say with a forced laugh the glass jars in my bag almost breaking in my rush to gather them. “Creatures who prey on humans covered by the night sky’s? Miss assassin-“

“Makio” she says sternly.

“Miss assain ‘Makio’, demons are simply a tale to keep children in their beds.” I hear myself saying moving to wipe my hands off on my cloak the subtle shake of them almost undetectable.

The women exchange a short glance as I begin to zip up my bag cleaning the remains of trash and old bandages from the floor. “You know Inadama, if I didn’t know better I’d think you were a demon.”

I stop myself from freezing in place, the pitter pattering of my heart loud in my ears. “You joke too much Miss.” I find my mouth saying as I rise from my place on the ground tightening the loose bandage on my wrist to calm my nerves.

“Oh Makio leave the poor boy alone.” I hear the other call out softly. Readjusting herself in the bed.

A cold hand touches my shoulder the feeling almost causing me to jump in my spot two strips of blonde hair hanging in the corner of my vision.

“Every fairytale holds a certain truth to it, be careful out there.” She says a soft smile gracing her features patting my shoulder once again before moving to sit by her lover.

I feel a cold chill fall down my spine as I exit in an unfamiliar haste.

Demons this , demons that-

Won’t they just shut up!

Clutching my bag to my body I begin making my way towards the broken fence chuntaro greeting me on the other side.

“It’s so silly Chuntaro who believes in such tales-“

A purple haze fills my mind as I find myself stumbling through the market square

‘Brother, what do you think of him’

I cant see I cant hear I cant smell two sharp fingers are pressed against my cheeks moving my head from side to side as if inspecting my very being.

I suddenly feel a heavy pressure hit my chest knocking me to the ground.

Notes:

Fuck Kaigaku he's an ugly rank ass bitch also hope y'all are having a great day!!