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trancylovecraft · 5 months

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(KNY) YANDERE PLATONIC! KOKUSHIBO x SISTER READER: You, Shibou. I, Kokoro (CHAPTER THIRTEEN)

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN: "You will not be more than a rat in the gutter"

Child abuse can come in many forms including Physical, Emotional, Psychological and Sexual. It happens to more than one in ten people according to local statistics.

The morning rays shone through the window, The disgusting mould building up on the glass making dots in the spotlight.

The room the light had hit was clustered and tossed over, All furniture either broken or tipped over onto the ground. Shattered vases and hives of insects were plentiful in nature, Thriving in the filth of the abandoned house.

It was horrid, Looking like no-one had dared to step foot into the derelict surroundings of the rotted structure. Walls near falling apart and doors barely clicking place into their doorframes.

Larvae gathered around on the decaying wood floor, All from the corpse laying atop it.

It had been there for days, Maggots already crawling in and out of the pores in her skin. She was old, Dying of old age. But that was perfect for the gathering flies and vermin starting to make their young out of the nutritious flesh of her decaying face.

Her figure was as gout as an English king, Her spindly grey hair was scattered across the floor and already falling out of her scalp. It was disgusting, The smell was like spoiled eggs and sulphur from the mould.

But it didn't bother the girl peaking out from the nook in the door that was slightly open, Her little face was shrouded in shadow with the only thing visible being the vivid colour of her eyes staring out at the corpse.

She could of only been about seven or eight, But she looked at the corpse like it was her everyday life, Like she was just observing people passing by on the streets.

Her overgrown hair was matted and tangled into that of a thorn bush, Dirt was displayed on her face and her eyes were wide and vigilant like a bird of prey. It wasn't fit on her and her skeletal complexion, A girl that looked so young.

Her brows lowered as she looked at the corpse, It wasn't of disgust or horror as it should've been but instead it was akin to annoyance or perhaps irritation. It was a mature face, One she should've never been able to make at her age.

The thin bony hands that lain on the other side of the door started to quiver. Even though there was a faint warmth in the air, Her body was still chilled to the bones from the ravenous hunger that laid inside her stomach.

She pushed her fingers forward, The door starting to close. [F/N] took one last look at the infestation gathering on the corpse before huffing.

The door shut softly with a click, Leaving nothing but dead silence to fill the room.

☆♡☆

[F/N] sat upon her futon, Head drooped down to look at her knees.

Her futon was small compared to [F/N]'s already tiny body. The sheets looked like they hadn't been measured to her size in years as it could barely fit over her tiny little feet and provide much needed warmth in the high altitude of the mountain.

The cold air from the atmosphere outside left a lasting chill within the air. The snow-capped peaks above were not too far from where her grand house sat within the rocky terrain, Nestled at the head of the village facing below.

It was lively to say the least. Men with heavy pickaxes slung over their shoulders were waltzing about streets, Most likely on their way to work. Women with baskets of shining ore headed in the other direction from the way, Ready to haul them to the exporting wagons.

Kids ran around the adults, Grinning as they chased each other throughout the plentiful streets and tall buildings lining them. They were having fun, [F/N] could tell from the loud muffled laughs coming from below.

The sunlight village, The place where the sun never went down and where the entire village was eternally basked within the grace of Amaterasu. The only place where scarlet iron ore was cultivated for the demon slayer corps.

For a small village it was a hotspot for both the mining and swordsmithing industry, Never having a quiet moment. It was also a place constructed by the Ubuyashiki family for the sole purpose of collecting and exporting the scarlet ore for the swordsmith village.

The grand house bigger than all the others sat atop a hill overlooking the rest of the village and the entire drop of the mountain miles below them. It was beautiful, Always clean and pristine as it was an example for the rest.

It was gorgeous, At least from the outside view that is.

Screaming erupted from somewhere deep within the house, [F/N] flinched at the high-pitched hollering coming from further within the rooms of the house. It was a constant back and forth of a man and a woman yelling at each other.

"YOU'RE DEFECTIVE! I SHOULD'VE PICKED A DIFFERENT FUCKING WIFE THAT COULD MAKE ME A RIGHTFUL HEIR!"

"I'M DEFECTIVE?! HAVE YOU EVER STOPPED TO THINK THAT MAYBE IT'S YOU THAT'S GOT SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIM?!. IT FUCKING FIGURES, YOU CAN NEVER GET IT UP!"

"YOU WHORE!"

Then the woman's screaming would turn into yells of pain and anger, The sound of a hand connecting with the skin of the face being the cause. Though despite the intensity and the structure-shaking yells that they made, It wasn't the sound of the adults that made [F/N] flinch.

Instead, It was the baby's.

It was horrifying, The shrill crying of a recently born child was mixing in with the roaring of the adults. It made [F/N] ball up and press her knees against her chest, Shutting her eyes and whispering to herself.

She sniffled, A futile attempt to wipe the oncoming tears off her face was made to no avail. [F/N] rocked back and forth, Whispering little confirmations to try and convince herself that it would be okay.

Though she was only a toddler, She was fully aware of what's happening.

Another one of her siblings failed the test, They hadn't been born with the proper hands. An annual occurrence with no deviation from it's result, Again and again she would hear the cries of a child from the other room and the adults screaming would kick up again.

Her family lineage had been blessed by the gods, That's what the villagers said anyways. Sometimes they even claimed that they were the descendants of gods far above them, Gifting them their power.

The Hands of Kagutsuchi, That's what they were called. Named after the kami of fire and the patron of blacksmiths. It was a bloodborne power that gave the blessing of being able to identify any material by the touch of a hand.

It could tell the density of the finest of threats, The way it was woven or the exact touch of the person it belonged to. It could even tell if a glass of sake was poisoned just from a simple graze of the liquid.

It was especially useful here due to the nature of scarlet iron ore, The mining village's sole export. Despite the assumption of the colour in the name, It was impossible to tell what was the scarlet ore or just regular iron.

It would usually take a few hours, Only being able to tell once it was cut into. However with The Hands of Kagutsuchi it would be able to be identified within a second, Saving countless resources and hours of work.

Though there was an is-

"DEFECTIVE.. ANOTHER DEFECTIVE BASTARD- CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING RIGHT?!"

Sudden thumps of storming footsteps started to make their way down the halls of the house, Though what terrified [F/N] is that the cries of her baby sibling followed with it. Screaming wildly in distress. [F/N]'s breath hitched within her throat, Eyes going wide.

It was happening again, He was going to take another one-!

[F/N] wasted no time in stumbling to her feet and rushing over to the window on the far side of the room. Hopping up onto the soles of her feet, She was barely able to peer over and look out at the valley in front of her.

[F/N]'s eyes landed on the river, Almost second-nature to her by now.

It was the running water sourced from the top of the snow-caps, It was long and winding as it flowed throughout the entire village. It provided hydration and irrigation to the fields of crops growing on the outskirts.

It also had a private part flowing on the hill their house sat on, Separated from the rest of the village a good bit away. It was only a few metre's away, Giving [F/N] a place to run around in if she was lucky.

However [F/N] wasn't bothered by that as she heard the sound of a door being roughly slammed open.

It made her yelp, But her eyes never wavered as she watched the bulking figure of the man storm out into the field facing her house. Her eyes widened, Her vision focusing on what he held high above his head.

It was her baby sibling hung up by the raging grip of the man, They were screaming and wailing with their little face scrunched up in pain. They had only just been born, Still covered in the blood of their mother and freshly cut from the placenta.

Their little fingers were balled up, Their mouth open to let out their high-pitched wails of discomfort as they were hung upside down. They weren't even given the gift of clothing to warm their growing body.

The man marched onwards however, Ignoring the screams of the child as he stormed over to the place where [F/N] feared the most. Her mouth going dry at the sight.

The river.

He had reached the edge by now, [F/N] tried harder and harder to extend the soles of her feet to try and get a better look at what was happening. What was going to happen to her little sibling.

The man stood, Hanging his child like they were meat on a hook. Dangling over the river their cries only grew louder and louder, [F/N]'s breath only picked up once more as she looked on helplessly.

The river water ran cold, The rushing waves speeding down the slope of the mountain in waves. Rocks below it bashed into the water, Hard edges making the water sway and swim in different directions.

The man raised his child higher and higher, The screaming of the child becoming unbearable to [F/N] as her eyes landed on the object gripped tightly in his other hand.

She had been so focused, So attentive to the fate of the little boy that she had failed to notice what he was holding. But as he raised it higher and higher, Dangled his child further and further over the side of the river-

[F/N] knew what it was.

The cold blade of the knife was pressed against the little neck of her baby sibling, The sharp end barely grazing their throat. It was barely developed, Their chubby little cheeks covering what little neck they had.

The blade drew forward, Momentum starting to build.

[F/N] cried out from behind the wall, Hands slamming against the glass to try and stop this. Anything, To try and stop what was going to happen. Tears of her own starting to build up and burst down her face.

SILSH!

The shrill cries of the baby stopped.

[F/N]'s eyes widened.

Unable to pry her eyes off the sudden splash of red dripping down from across the field.

☆♡☆

The cold summer morning's air brushed over the high mountain, A cool breeze tickling at the skin and soaking into the bone.

The sun was still on the horizon, By normal time it would be the very break of dawn but for the sunlight village it stayed eternally light within the closed off confines of it's walls. The ferns flourished with the constant nourishment along with all the other wildlife accustomed to the bright atmosphere.

[F/N] slowly opened the wooden door, Careful to dim the noise of the creak it let out. As soon as she stepped out into the wide open plain of their estate she was hit with the cold spring breeze.

It made her shiver as her little legs hopped down the accompanying steps, Careful not to trip over on her own feet.

The timber-built bucket she had held under her arm was throwing off her balance by a bit, Making her stumble slightly in her step as she trotted over to the accompanying river. It was rushing as usual, Spurts of water foam bursting up and falling back into the stream.

[F/N] waddled onto the edge of the river, Peering over she looked once. Then back towards the house, Left to right before lowering down onto her knees and starting to scoop up the river water.

While the water was chilling it wasn't anything a small fire couldn't heat up, [F/N] learning the tricks of it from running her own baths for years. The few servants employed within her family weren't up at this time, Leaving [F/N] to her own devices.

However she preferred it that way, Not having to worry about interactions with the mean adults living in her house. Nor did she have to deal with the stuffy air flowing about in there, The crisp breeze of the outdoors being a highlight of her eternal day.

She had always felt more mature than the other kids in the village, Always like she was retaking a lesson she had done before. She didn't know why, But sometimes she could swear like she was an adult in a kids body.

Besides, With the upcoming birth of the next child it's been more and more hectic. The woman's pregnancy hitting nine months, The baby due to be born any day now and making both the man and the servants more stressed.

The yelling had gotten louder too, With the man promising and threatening the woman with something [F/N] couldn't make out.

The woman.

The woman was a sorrowful spindly figure, One with bony hands and a slim waist. She was beautiful but in a similar way that you would call a dark tragedy beautiful. Her fuzzy face always facing away from [F/N], Never letting her get a good look at her.

She never talked either, Not in person. Always such a silent and unreactive person whenever [F/N] had been around her, [F/N] only knowing her shrill voice from the screaming.

The man.

The man was a dark hulking figure, His limbs too big on his wide body and he heaved his arms like paperweights. He had horns, Tall winding talons and angry luminescent eyes that seemed to follow in a room.

But his appearance wasn't what sprung to mind when [F/N] thought of him, No. Instead it was his footsteps.

How heavy and thundering they were, How her ears had trained to pick them up from the furthest corner of her house. The way the floorboards decreased under his boot as well as the way she would wait on baited breath, Begging silently for them to pass by on her room.

He wasn't someone that [F/N] liked all that much, Despite the little contact she had with him. He had killed several of her siblings, Even [F/N]'s young mind recognising so.

The only reason she had survived is because she had falsely passed the test when she was born, The test to prove whether she had the divine power of the hands or not.

The test was done as soon as the baby born had fell into a soundless sleep, When it had stilled and calmed down. That was when the feather was brought out, A primary golden feather with a shine that rivalled the sun.

It was a feather said to have been left behind from the bird of the gods, Hou-Ou. One given to her families ancestors long ago. It had been combed several times, Preened and prepped until the touch was ironically featherlight and unfeeling.

The feather would be grazed across the child's hands, For only a second. If the baby awoke and started crying then that would mean that they had been born with the hands, The only thing being able to feel the pristine brush of the plume.

However, If they failed..

[F/N] shook off the jolting chill running down her back as the wooden bucket in her hands finally filled up with enough water to fill her shallow bath. She didn't want to remember the last loss a year ago, No matter how much it filled her head every night.

It appeared in the corners of her eyes, The splash of red. As soon as she snapped her head around to catch a glimpse, It would be gone. It also appeared in her dreams, The visions of the blade wringing the neck of another child. She had issues sleeping because of it, Keeping her eyes wide open in the middle of the night.

The worst part is it had happened every year, The keyword being had as the number of children being slaughtered had risen. The man, Deciding that the woman was not good enough had turned to others within the village for what he called a proper heir.

However, None were good enough. None were born with the hands that would finally appease the mans hunger for blessed blood. The splash of red appearing every three or four months by now. She remembered the woman's voice, What few words were ever spoken directly to [F/N] herself.

"Some are just made wrong, Don't cry over someone you haven't met."

[F/N] pulled up the bucket of water, Droplets running down the side of the bark and dropping onto the lush grass of the mountain. It sloshed around inside as she tried hauling it in her tiny hands.

[F/N] didn't know why she was still alive, A trick of fate perhaps. When the feather was brushed over her hands as a baby she had woken up and started crying, Making it seem as if she was born with the hands.

However when she had grown up it had become obviously apparent that she hadn't been born with such hands, Just waking up at the right time to avoid her demise. And by then the man couldn't kill her, Already having paraded her around the village.

Her father had tossed her aside after that, Just like leftovers. Thrown her into a cage to call her own and the servants were to raise her however distant they liked. He never talked or acknowledged her other than commands, But [F/N] could tell he thought of her like a rat in the gutter.

A disgrace and a failure of a child he was stuck with until he could find a proper husband to throw her away to. A child born without the conditions met to gain his love, The touch just out of her grasp.

But as her hands were graced with the tiny chill of cold droplets running down her fingers, The splintering wood pricking at her little hands. [F/N] was reminded very well that she wasn't of divine blood or of blessed heritage.

She lugged the bucket of limber wood by her side, Careful not to spill anymore of the river water down the sides of the bark. Her feet tapped against the overgrown grass, Wandering towards the main door.

Why she was the one to survive, Why she was the one destined to outlive all the children who didn't even get their chance. Her siblings, The ones that had been tossed away and the one's of whose blood flowed within the river.

They were her siblings, They were her blood and her only family. Each one of them had been given a name, Not by the man or the woman, But by her. Mariko, Amane, Eito and Tarou. The first four off the top of her head.

They hadn't even survived a day outside the womb yet [F/N] made sure to name every single one, Mark every little name into the corner wall of her room. They hadn't lived through breath but instead through their names, That's the least she thought she could do for them.

She loved them, Every single one of them.

Their little hands and their tiny feet, Their chubby little cheeks and their adorable mimicry of human speech. She adored it, Never getting to see what was of her sibling before they were slaughtered like all the others.

She couldn't bare it, Though she was only six she knew how wrong it was. How much pain she felt every time another was killed.

[F/N] tried to smile however. It wasn't all that bad, At least that's what she told herself. Today marked the day of the solstice festival, The one thrown in favour of The Sun Goddess Amaterasu for their eternal brightness.

It had always been fun for the few times she had remembered it, She was only six after all. [F/N] always had fun running about and handed out free food samples, Often partaking in some of the games and watching Shinto-based plays, They were her favourite.

So as she lugged along the bucket back to her house, She tried to keep a big smile on her face in thought of all the fun she was going to have today. What goldfish she was going to try and catch, What plays she would go see.

It was exciting, Fun and ex-

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH-!"

A muffled scream echoed out from within the house, One that made [F/N] yelp and surprise and drop the bucket towards the ground.

It clattered on the foot of the steps, Water flying out and splashing against the andesite stairway as she stumbled forward yelping. She fell to her knees and tipped up the bucket, Exclaiming once she saw the emptiness.

But the screaming didn't stop, It kept up on a higher notch. Wailing louder and louder as [F/N] snapped her head up towards the shrieks, Recognising the high-pitch of them very well.

It was the woman, The pain of her yelling was felt in [F/N]'s bone marrow. It was a string of unintelligible curses and proclamations of agony, For no doubt waking up the entirety of the previously slumbering house as she heard frantic shuffling come from inside.

The screams.

[F/N] knew it well.

Her water had broken.

Her tongue had dropped to her throat, Suddenly feeling limp in her mouth. Sweat started to rise up on the palms of her hands and trickle down her forehead as her lungs started going in and out at a much quicker pace.

Another would be killed.

Another.

And Another.

That was enough for [F/N] to push herself up from the stone steps and yank the door open with what strength her young body had, Abandoning the bucket and running into the labyrinth of her house to seek cover in her room.

Already knowing of the storm that would be approaching as she heard the thundering voice of her father kick up.

☆♡☆

The whines of the woman echoed throughout the house, The soundwaves bouncing off the walls.

It had been a few hours now and [F/N] had barricaded herself within her room. She had to, The man would've kept her inside for preparation of the next child. The hopes of this one finally having the hands he so craved.

He had come around once, Peeking inside her room and barking at her to stay put before leaving once more. All the servants had ran to the woman's side too, Leaving her completely alone.

To keep her mind occupied out of the oncoming demise of another child, She had sat atop a desk next to the windowsill, Longingly staring out into the festival just gracing the borders of her house so closely.

The colourful streamers were shot into the air, Laughing and yells of pleasure were there to cover up the sounds of muffled agony coming from deep within the house. All the lights, What few of them were were lit up in celebration of the goddess.

[F/N] imagined herself running around with the other kids, Envisioned herself catching goldfish with a bag of sweet treats in her other hand as she did. The way her face would light up in favour of the sun deity above.

But instead she was caged within the walls of her house, Forced to listen to the wails of the woman and the yelling of the man. The servants storming footsteps chattering past her door every so often to grab something new for the woman.

The one day when she was going to have an escape, If only for a few hours. Taken away from her.

It was a distraction from her everyday life, Every time she ran through the streets and bit into a piece of mochi she felt as if she was like everyone else. Like she was never trapped in the first place.

But it's not like she could ever get out.

[F/N] closed her eyes, Arms around her chest cuddling herself closer as the screams reached a peak. It was compelling, A siren's shriek that made her want to throwaway all her orders to stay in the room and run to see the face of her sibling.

She never got to see them, She just wanted to see one.

Only one, The glimpses she got of the previous just wasn't enough. She never got to hold their hand or even commit their face to memory. That's all she wanted, All she's ever wanted for herself.

She didn't even have control over her body when she hopped down from the desk, Her bare feet hitting the floor and starting to patter against the floorboards as she quickly made her way to the door of her room.

The door clicking open, She peered out to check if the coast was clear.

Left then right, Before snaking out the crack in the doorway and running towards the room.

☆♡☆

The child had been born.

Hours after labour had started, The woman had finally given birth to a young boy. A child smaller than usual, One that had taken forever to calm down and lulled into a deep sleep. But the servants had managed, Swaddling him in an earth-coloured cloth.

The room that they were in was the main bedroom of the house. It was dark, The blinds shut over to prevent any of the worshipped sun flooding into the room. Candles were lit in it's place, Surrounding the woman who lain strewn on the bed.

Her spindly, Starving figure was exhausted. Long limbs stretched out across the entire surface of the bed with the child placed firmly on her hollow chest as a part of the so-called imprinting.

A wet cloth was placed upon her forehead. What bloody mess of fluids she had made while giving birth were quickly cleaned up, A blanket thrown over the lower half of her body for little warmth.

[F/N] could see through the peek of the door she looked through that the servants had left, Assumedly to give privacy for the ceremony. She had tried peeking over the top side of the bed, Her height a hinderance as she tried to get a good look at her new sibling.

She finally caught a glimpse of them, A faint smile appearing on her face as she saw his young face. The way they slept without noise in their sleep. Their little nose and their big eyes shut down to sleep.

They were adorable.

However it wasn't just the woman in the room. The man had remained too, His back facing the blinded windows with a box gripped tightly in his hands.

[F/N] watched as he turned, Unlatching the box and flipping open the lid. Rummaging around, It didn't take him long to fish out the idolized plume from inside. The candlelight reflecting of the glistening surface of the feather.

He held it up high, [F/N]'s eyes lighting up at the view of it as he presented it up. It was beautiful, The box it was contained in kept it in very good condition. Looking freshly plucked from the crest of Hou-Ou.

Beautiful, The first time she had ever seen it so close.

This was the test, The one that would decide if this would be the child that would end her siblings deaths. [F/N]'s eyes landed on the sleeping face of her new younger brother, His closed eyes and the way he was tightly wrapped within the cloth.

The baby still swaddled lay against the woman's chest, Resting within a post-born sleep. It didn't take long for the man to lower the flower towards the boy, The fluff of the feather dancing in the wind as it lowered ever so slightly.

Would he pass? Would they be the one to finally end all of this, So her and the adults could finally live happily without anymore death? Only the feather would tell, Only the graze of the lightest touch would be the one to determine that fate.

It fell down even further, The baby babbling something incoherent in it's sleep. [F/N] felt as if her little heart had stopped beating entirely, Her body frozen in anticipation of the outcome.

"Please.. Please.. You can do this..!" [F/N] breathed out, It was so quiet and carried no weight in the indoor wind. But it held such pleading tone, A silent prayer to whatever god would listen to her. This would be the one, This would be the one! She could have a sibling and a family, She would have it. Her!

The feather was only inches away from their hands, Mere millimetres apart as every second ticked by with an audible tock. All until the sunrise plume completed its descent, The very tips of the feather grazing the baby's hand.

Time froze along with [F/N]'s body.

The feather stood still, Brushed up against the tips of his fingers.

The baby did nothing, Made no sound nor stir.

The man's eyes lit up. His mouth opening to bare his fangs and the talon dangling the feather was yanked away from the baby's hands, His luminescent angry eyes lit up. A glow burning brighter and brighter.

[F/N]'s eyes expanded, Her mouth going dry.

cry.. Cry- Please cry or anything-! H-He'll kill you! Do something-! SOMETHING, ANYTHING!

The yelling started up once more, Animalistic cries beginning to kick up once more as it shook the room with the sheer magnitude. So loud that the woman jolted up from her position on the bed, Predatory eyes shaking up in surprise.

"ANOTHER ONE! ANOTHER FUCKING FAILURE- "

The woman who was freshly awoken got up onto a sitting position as if doing this a hundred times before, The baby nudged down to the side and abandoned. Her blurry face seeming to get more static as she started to scream right back at him.

"FOR FUCK'S SAKE DO YOU THINK I'M TRYING TO DO TH-"

[F/N] stumbled back, Her feet barely landing their mark as she covered her mouth.

The screams turning into nothing but white noise as the darkness of the hallway started to envelop her more and more, Each step she took back was one more closer to her inevitable cries.

By now, The baby had woken up and had started wailing. Shrill cries mixing in with the wrath of the adults, Confused and helpless with no prior experience to this world. It was screaming, It was screaming so goddamn loud.

[F/N] whined, The hot spill already dripping down her face. Turning her back to the door she turned and ran, Her instincts kicking in. That need to escape pumping through her blood as she sprinted back towards her room.

Feet thumping against the floorboards as she ran through the door to her room, Instantly falling to the floor.

Another one.. Another one would be taken.

Again and again.

Hands bathed in the blood of the monster who took them all from her.

☆♡☆

"B-But- Can't you keep this one? J-Just this one? You don't even need to care for him, I-I'll do it!"

[F/N]'s shrill voice called out, Her discordant voice cried as she watched the man's hulking body stop just beside her doorway.

He had come in, Not even a few minutes ago to command her to stay inside for the next week or so. Bursting into her doorway to find [F/N] huddled under the sheets of her futon, Proceeding to ignore that and hiss at her to obey his orders.

The festival outside still roared with life, People dancing and laughing as they played along the riverbank. [F/N] was thankful that they were, It was the only thing preventing the death of her little sibling.

Due to the copious amounts of people surrounding the riverbank, It was made impossible to kill and dispose of the baby and it's corpse as if he did then the village people would see the blood running in the water and get alarmed.

[F/N] had heard the yell come from him a few minutes after she had ducked into the safety of her room. He would be killed tomorrow when the festival clears, When the people have dispersed and the water made private once more.

It gave [F/N] time as she stood below the figure of the man, Her little body was an ant compared to the mountain of his pitch-black body. His talons and horns reflecting the light of the window parallel.

[F/N] had somehow found the confidence to stand up to him, Though under his height she didn't stand that tall. But she had to try, There was an opportunity to save him, To save her little brother.

She tried to look big, Similar to a cat would as she raised her shaky shoulders and bared her baby teeth. Tears brimming in her eyes with horror as the horrifying man turned around to look at her, Wrathful irises staring death into her.

His needled teeth bore, Maw opening wide.

"No, For fucks sake just stay in your goddamn room and pipe down like a good little girl. Stop arguing back and stay quiet, Don't talk back to me." He rumbled, Voice like thunder in the distant as it struck [F/N] through the heart.

His neck cracked and his limbs settled within there sockets as he moved, Lunging forward as if to pounce. [F/N] flinched, But he pulled himself back at the last second to turn back around towards the door. His claws encircling the knob as he started to yank it open.

[F/N] regained her footing, Heart drumming in her chest as she opened her mouth.

"I-I'll tell the village what you're doing! They'll save him!" She exclaimed as her palms grew clammy at her words.

The man stopped in his tracks.

He turned around, His face revealing the angry glow of his eyes that pierced into her. What little [F/N] could make out of his face seemed to get angrier, His muscles pushing back to reveal a burning rage upon him.

[F/N]'s tears started to spill now, Raising over the brink and piling over the edge.

She backed up, What balance she had seemed to vanish as she watched the man turn around fully now. Baring his shoulders and pushing out his chest as he took a step towards her.

"W-Wait.. No- I'm sorry-!" [F/N] cried out but she was cut short by the icy cold grip of a clawed hand on her cheek.

The man had lowered onto a single knee now, The floorboards decreasing under the weight of his body and almost breaking them in half. What angry expression he had before seemed to have changed now.

It almost looked friendly, Almost as if there was a heart buried within the empty void of his body. But it also looked as if he wanted something, Like he was sucking up to someone just to get something out of them.

[F/N] froze as the grip on her cheek tightened.

"Sweetheart.. You know this is just a family tradition, Right? It's not wrong to get rid of some deficient children." His bestial voice seemed to have been tamed, If only a little bit as he over-emphasised his words. Talking down to her as his facial muscles turned upwards.

Her mouth was dry. [F/N] didn't know what to do, This was the first time he had ever lain a hand on her in such a way. Though it wasn't warm or comforting, It was cold like the hand of a rotting corpse. It made her want to cry and run away.

"N-No..?" She coughed out, Lip trembling as she tried not to invoke his anger any further. Confused as to why he was acting so nice all of a sudden, So friendly as if he was her friend with well meaning intentions.

But [F/N] knew better as he smiled further, Exposing the pointed bone lodging out his gums.

"Well it is. This is completely natural." The man answered. His faux smile stayed strong, Though [F/N] could almost see it falter as he saw the continued confused look on her face. "You know what? How about I tell you a story.."

It wasn't something [F/N] was meant to answer as his hand moved down to her shoulder, Almost as if he was trying to hold her in place as he talked.

"So.. Once upon a time there was a.. A farmer and his livestock. The farmer was the best in all of the land, He especially had these prized sheep. Beautiful fleeces, Their meat was the most delicious and everyone in his village loved the farmer for making it." He started.

[F/N] blinked, Nodding slightly as he spoke. She was still puzzled, Still lost within the mist of her mind as she tried to follow along with what he was saying. Wait, What was he saying? [F/N] didn't know just yet as he continued.

"One day one of the prized sheep gave birth to her lambs, The farmer had been waiting months for them to arrive… But when they did, They came out wrong." The man said, His voice lowering an octave as he got closer to her.

"Wrong.. Wrong how?" [F/N] said slowly. The story he was telling about the lambs and their so-told unfortunate birth still hadn't weighed in on her. Though she was curious, How could something be born wrong.

The man took a second to think.

"..Well their fleeces were dirty and all their limbs were thin and bony. The weren't like the prized sheep that the farmer had raised, And their meat would be dry and tasteless if he decided to make his next batch of sheep with them." The man answered, Looking over [F/N] as she hummed.

The lambs he was describing sounded nothing like the ones she had seen in the village, The ones that were kept in livestock were always floundering about within their pens. They looked healthy and happy.

Though ones that he told of sounded rather sad, [F/N] imagined the little stubs of the usual lamb as the ones he described and how unhappy the lambs would be. She also remembered how the villagers would favour the nicer looking lambs while feeding them, The ones with fluffier coats or the ones that were friendlier.

"The villagers wouldn't like it.." [F/N] mumbled to herself, Deep within the thralls of her mind as she considered his tale. The man's eyes lowered in contentment, Seeing that his point was being told.

"Exactly, [F/N]. The villagers wouldn't like it if the meat turned tasteless, They wouldn't like it if the fleeces became dirty. Now, The farmer didn't know what to do.. These were the only lambs born this season." The man told, Nodding along.

[F/N] blinked, Bringing her hand to her chin in thought.

"..What did he do?" She asked slowly, Her little self looking up towards him. Her eyes still scared and on guard as she stared into the intense shine of his eyes, Though curiosity was laced in within her eyes. The man's hyenic grin widened, Sickeningly so.

"Well it just so happened that the village was being terrorized by a mountain lion for a few months now, And the lion was there to see the lambs. So it told the farmer that if he gave the lion the lambs, It would stop terrorizing the village.." The man started.

"And..?" [F/N] queried.

"And the farmer gave the lion the lambs. It meant that the village would be peaceful and the genes of the prized sheep would be spared, Though he wouldn't be able to provide the village with any meat: It would mean that future lambs would be much better in quality." The man finished. The hand on her shoulder dropping to his side.

[F/N] paused for a moment, Slowly nodding to the story in understanding. The lambs were sacrificed to the lion in order to keep peace in the village as well as the quality of the stock. For the greater good, Was that the moral of the story?

[F/N] didn't quite understand the roles in the story. The lambs she knew, They were the babies: Her siblings. The farmer was the man, The poor man who was tasked with producing quality meat.

But the lion?

"Then.. Whose the lion?" [F/N] asked as she looked up at him, Tilting her head and blinking in confusion. The man just looked at her through the void of his face, Contemplating over his words before speaking.

"The lion is The God Kagutsuchi, [F/N]." The man answered. "He's our ancestor, He's the man who gave this clan the hands in the first place. He wouldn't want it to go to waste, Would he?"

"..No.. He wouldn't." [F/N] concluded as she watched the man get up from his position. Pushing himself up with a hand and getting up onto his feet, Back to his entire height now as he smiled at her.

"Good. You understand now. This is all for the greater good, [F/N]. Telling the villagers would be wrong, You wouldn't want to upset your ancestor." He said as he turned around towards the door.

His claws wrapped around the knob on the door, His claws encircling the silver in-between his palms as he started to open it.

Though, He looked back. His smile completely gone from his face and replaced with that familiar anger painted across his visage.

"Now stay inside the house, Don't dare try to leave."

That was all he said before the door yanked open, The cold air of the outside hallway blowing against her face before it was gone. The door slammed shut and the man gone from within her room.

[F/N] just stood there, Feet fixed in place for several minutes. She just thought over his words as they reeled within her mind and went back over and over again, It was strange.

He said it was for the greater good, That was what he was trying to convey in his story. But something in her gut argued with that sentiment will all their might, Something that just felt so wrong.

Maybe it was the question mixed in with the thoughts in her mind. If the lambs were the siblings that were sacrificed to the lion, Then why was she the one that the lion turned over?

☆♡☆

Feet pitter pattered against the wooden floorboards, The lumber hard against the soles of her toes as she moved along the hallway.

An occasional servant passed her as she wandered down the passage, Barely paying her any mind in favour of getting to their next tasks. Some with plates of food and others with cleaning equipment overflowing in their arms.

[F/N] didn't pay attention to them either as they passed by, Too enveloped within her own thoughts to care about who they were or where they were going. Her shoulders dropped to their low, Her head fallen with them.

Though the story told to her eased her nerves if not a little bit, The build-up of years of seeing her siblings die was not easily broken down. It was still hard to forget the splatter of red across the grass, The blood mixing in with the river water.

The way the body was just wrapped in cloth and tossed away into the river, How their curled fingers went limp and the body turning cold within the freezing chill of the mountains stream.

It was horrifying.

But the man said it was for the greater good, Did he not? The Hands were of the utmost sacred abilities, A rite of passage into the clan. The lambs that were born needed the hands and the lion that had beginned them needed them to be passed on.

She wouldn't want to disrespect the gods, She wouldn't want to go against them in the slightest so why was she still feeling this way? [F/N] still didn't know, Her young mind still not made to handle this stress.

She stopped in her tracks, A sudden light entering her vision.

It broke her out of her wandering trance, The warming light dancing off the floorboards came from the crack in the door beside her. Only noticing it now, She peered over towards the tall frame.

She saw it, And recognised it instantly.

It was that woman's room, The same one she had peered into earlier. Where she witnessed the birth of her sibling and the subsequent fight that had broken out over his birth, Just like the others again and again.

She stared through the crack in the doorway, The small glimpse of the inside showed nothing but a slice of the bed. Curiosity killed the cat, But that notion didn't move [F/N] as she moved a little closer to the doorway.

Could he still be there?

Maybe. Maybe he could still be laying within the chambers, From what sliver she saw of the inside she could tell that the woman wasn't present within. She had never cared for who she had made, Never held them consciously for any reason.

She could've left him within her chambers, Left him out and waited for him to be slaughtered in the coming morning. Not that there was any tell of daybreak, But what if..

[F/N] looked left then right, Making sure nobody was watching her as she pushed open the door to the chambers. It opened with an audible creak, Making [F/N] jolt as she once again checked to make sure nobody was watching her.

Once she made sure of it, She quickly stepped a guilty foot inside and close the door behind her to cover her actions. Leaving her inside the walls of the room.

The blinds were still shut together, Blocking out the natural light of the outside world and leaving the burning embers of the half-melted candles to do the job instead. The shadows long and thick due to the result.

It also made it humid as [F/N] scanned her eyes over the room. Everything was basically the same. The side table, The half-done bed, The nightstands and the closet off to the side. It was all the same as normal.

Except there was something placed upon the table, [F/N] squinted her eyes to get a better look at it. Once her vision cleared she had realised it was a basket, Woven of thatch and twine laying upon the table.

[F/N] stumbled closer to it, Understanding what it was as she rested her hands on the accompanying chair. Pushing herself up onto it she sat on her knees, Peering over into the contents of the basket. Her pursed lips turned into a soft smile at the sight.

It was her baby brother swaddled in the same earth-coloured cloth. He was awake now, Babbling out incoherent speech from within his makeshift cradle. He looked so precious, [F/N] couldn't help but lean over further.

"Hello, Nii-san..!" [F/N] called out in a hushed whisper, Speaking to the baby with a fondness like no other and saying it with such a burning love in her eyes. The baby in turn giggled at her speech, A giddy smile appearing upon his face.

[F/N] gasped as he responded to her words.

"You're so cutee.. My name is [F/N], You're my brother..!" [F/N] told him lightly as she lifted a hand towards him, Holding out her pinky as she peered at her brother.

The baby laughed again. His chubby little hand reached out towards her hand, Grabbing and clenching his hands before it finally grasped onto her pinky finger. [F/N]'s jaw dropped as she felt his hand wrap around hers.

"Ohmygosh-" She breathed out as she watched him rock around within his cradle, The grasp on her pinky finger never letting down. [F/N] in that moment looked at him and saw the world, The candlelight shining in her eyes.

She smiled, Pondering to herself for a moment.

"I should probably name you, You know! What sounds good to you..?" [F/N] asked him, Leaning over the side just a little bit more. She understood that he couldn't answer so she brought a hand to her chin in thought.

"How about.. Kaito? No.. Aito? No.. Akai? Denji? Enmei?" She listed off, Going off the few names off the top of her head and striking a line through the ones she had already used. Her lips pursed back up in thought, Her eyebrows furrowing.

[F/N] gasped, Suddenly snapping her fingers.

"How about Shizuko? I don't know if it's a girl or a boy name.. But I think it's really cute!" [F/N] exclaimed, Eyes sparkling as the now named 'Shizuko' babbled out what [F/N] took as confirmation.

He liked it, Shizuko liked it and that made [F/N] happy. Her other hand reached into the basket, Carefully lifting him up and making sure to support the head like the women in the village carried their own children.

She brought him down into her chest, Making sure his head was held up by her shoulder and her hands keeping him steady. Her smile was like the sun in that moment, The sheer joy she felt from holding Shizuko was coursing through her veins.

"You're not even crying.. It's just.. Amazing.." [F/N] trailed off as her hand rubbed over the cloth covering his back. Her smile dimmed ever so slightly, Turning down until it reached a frown.

This was the first time she's ever got to held her siblings, All been killed before she could. She remembered the mans tale of the lion and the lamb, How to sacrifice the few meant the purification of the future's many.

But how could sacrificing such a child be so good, How could killing him just because he wasn't born with the proper hands such a righteous thing to do? It didn't make sense, The story becoming much more grey as she thought about it more and more.

The hand holding his back made sure the cloth was covering him, Though the grasp she had started to harden. Gripping him and holding him closer towards her, Leaning over and almost protecting him with her body.

The light in her eyes fell. He would be killed in the morning, That was to be sure of. The lion would be provoked and the farmer would need to sacrifice another lamb. But the way the man spoke of it wasn't like sacrifice but instead disposal.

[F/N]'s hand moved down to his midsection, The hands holding him tight as she held him up towards the ceiling above. As if presenting him to the whole world which she saw in him, The tears bubbling in her eyes starting to spill over.

"You don't deserve to die.. Do you?" [F/N] whispered to him. Shizuko giggled once more, His little arms flailing about and treating this like a game of upsies. [F/N] smiled forlornly at him, He looked so happy.

[F/N] saw his face and tried to smile back as happily as she could, Trying to wash away the sadness in her smile to put on appearances for him. It just wasn't fair, Kagutsuchi didn't deserve Shizuko's life. He didn't even deserve to ask for it in the first place.

But what could she do? She was nothing, She couldn't stop the god's will. She was nothing but a mortal soul going throughout the motions. She couldn't even get out the house, The servants were there by the door, Most likely put there for precaution due to her outburst earlier.

Nothing, There was no esca-

"Aaah… Ahh.."

Shizuko babbled out once more, Snapping [F/N] out of her thoughts. His babbling was no more different from what she had heard before but she understood it well along with the hand motions he made. She lowered him down to her eye level, Meeting the dark ebony of his eyes.

[F/N] sniffled, Trying to dry her tears to a fruitless result.

"What is it..? Are you hungry?" [F/N] asked.

Shizuko made no verbal response, Instead [F/N] felt the sensation of a tiny palm hitting her cheek.

It was a suprise, Her body jolting at the sudden touch from him. His hand resting on her cheek and grabbing at it, The tears beneath them subsequently blocked from going any further.

Her eyes widened, Jaw dropping only slightly as her shoulders tensed. Her arm raised up towards him, A hand of her own resting over his own and taking it within her warm grasp and cradling it close to her face.

Was he.. Was he trying to dry her tears?

No way, He was too young to even understand that sort of thing. But as he lightly tried to hit at her face over and over again, Specifically towards the warm spillage going down her cheeks. She could only interpret it as such.

"I.. I.. Shizuko.. You don't need to do that.." [F/N] choked out. The action made striking the chords of her heartstrings, Resonating something deep inside her. Something warm and something she thought long lost.

Shizuko only responded in babbles, Repeatedly trying to rub his hands over her cheeks as more tears spilled out of her ducts. She couldn't stop crying anymore, She brought him close, Hugging him tight.

"I-I can't let you die.. I don't want you to die. Y-You.. I don't want another to leave me.. Y-You just can't die." [F/N] choked out as she sniffled hard, Taking her little brother into her arms and cradling him close.

Though as her blurry vision raised she met the doorway of the room. Sniffling once she dried the tears and snot off her face, Trying to steady herself.

"I.. I won't let you die. N-Not another one.." [F/N] mumbled to him, Settling him back down into the woven cot and positioning him to be as comfortable as he could. She picked up the cot into her hands, All before scampering over to the doorway.

A free hand lightly pushed the door open, Her head poking out to make sure no one was there. But hearing the sounds of footsteps approaching rapidly she hid back inside the room, Watching as another servant passed by through the crack before making a break for it.

She moved quickly and as silently as she could. Her ears perking up at any little sound, The settling of the house or the sound of faraway footsteps. Begging them not to come any closer to where she was. Shizuko babbled out, But [F/N] quickly moved a finger over her lips.

"Sssh! We gotta be quiet now.. Shizuko. We need to be quiet.." She hushed to him. Sweat starting to gather on her skin and the grip she had on his woven cot was grasped harder. She gulped, The implications of what she was doing starting to soak in.

As she made her way throughout the labyrinth of her house she found her way back to her room.

Shoving open the door with her shoulder she quickly shut it with a swift kick to the other side. She didn't bother listening to the slam as she ran over to her futon and set Shizuko down ontop of it.

"O-Okay.. Uhm.. You stay there, Shizuko! Give me a minute okay?" [F/N] told him, Leaning over to make sure he was okay before jerking around and stumbling over towards her closet. Opening it, She could feel the sheer weight of what she was about to do.

What was she about to do? [F/N] didn't know. She wasn't thinking nor did she have a plan. All she knew was the thundering of her heart was directing her every movement as she started scavenging through what she had inside the closet.

Messes of old baby clothes she kept in there, Formal clothes she put on for show. Both were left behind in favour of an old leather rucksack being tossed to the floor behind her. Both followed by a few kimonos and other assorted necessities from inside.

[F/N] could feel the sweat pooling in on her skin. How was she going to get out? There was a servant guarding the door and there was no way she would be able to sneak out Shizuko and a rucksack full of incriminating evidence.

Damnit.. She had no time to think as she started stuffing the rucksack full of clothes. At any moment a servant or god forbid the adults walk into that bedroom, Find that he's gone and start a manhunt.

Any moment they could burst through her door, Any moment they could catch her in the act.

If they did.. If they did then she was sure she'd be seeing the rest of her siblings soon.

[F/N] gulped. Shizuko let out a few more babbles from within his cot, Still not understanding the risk of the situation. She shook it off however, While the main door was completely guarded that didn't mean that there was no way out.

The light from the window shown in on her face, The ethereal light dancing on the smooth of her skin giving her an idea. The way the wooden frame of the window was built, It was a blessing it was able to open.

[F/N] pulled up the leather strap of the rucksack, Throwing it over her shoulder before running back over to the side of her futon.

Shizuko looked up at her, Not understanding what she was doing when she picked up the cot into both her arms. [F/N] smiled as best as she could, Trying to keep him calm and quiet as she made her way over to the window.

"Okay.. We're gonna go on a adventure now. Okay, Shizuko..?" [F/N] whispered to him, Pushing the cot up onto the mahogany desk with her following closely behind on the chair. Shizuko let out a few more noises, And [F/N] didn't hesitate to take them as his confirmation.

[F/N] got up onto the desk quickly afterwards. The latch on the door was stiff as her hands went to open it, Hardened in place from years of no use.

"Gh-!" [F/N] exclaimed lightly as her hands pulled at the latch. Her other hand joining the first as she tried with all her might to push it open. It dug into her palms, It didn't matter as she just tried harder and harde-

SLT!

The latch finally pushed forward, Opening so suddenly it made [F/N] yelp out .

She could feel the sudden gush of cold mountain air hit her knees, A breeze pushing into her hair and blowing it back. It felt glowing, It felt like the key to the door she had went mad looking for her entire life.

[F/N] was near distracted by it, She had felt it many times in her life but this one felt more freeing. An opportunity relished and ready for the taking. Though it was broken when she heard the terrified scream from one of the servants.

"THE BABY IS GONE!"

It was one of the adults personal servants, Loyal like a dog.

[F/N]'s body jolted up in fear, The cold breeze turning into a terrifying chill running down her spine like ocean water. Her hands lunged to the cot, The uproar of muffled footsteps starting to fill the house.

"We've got to go-! We've got to go!" [F/N] shrieked, Her arms wrapping around the cot and her legs throwing themselves out of the window with it in her lap. Thank the gods she was on the first floor.

The footsteps started to drum at the structure, [F/N] could feel it in her bones as they rapidly approached her room.

But by then she had already slipped out the window with the cot in her arms. The chill only fueling her newfound courage, The one that was determined to make sure that this child would survive.

The only one that would survive.

As soon as the grass brushed at the sides of her sandals she didn't waste time on the sensation, Already running down the slope of the hill her house was set on. Shizuko babbled.

The wind rushing in the opposite direction, The sun in the other. Neither bothered her any longer, Her mind was one track and she was determined to get to her destination of who knows where.

The yelling picked up from behind her as she ran, Now the sounds of the man mixed in with the servants. But it grew distant the further she went, As the house grew smaller and smaller atop the hill until it was nothing but a speck anymore.

The village was no option for her to travel through. The people there would question why she had a baby and if they did that would only give the adults time to catch up to her, They'd figure out where Shizuko went eventually.

So instead she diverted through the forest beside the village, Running behind the houses with the sweat flying off her face. Her legs picking up in speed, Going so quick like they never had before.

The alleyways she passed shone the street markets and the people laundering about their days, Flashes of happy smiles she would never see again. While she never had any good friends here, There were still people she would miss dearly.

Hopping over the rocks jutting out the river, Barely missing the sloshing sea foam bursting out the rush of the river. She made it to the other side with Shizuko still untouched and in her grasped.

"Come on.. You can do this.." [F/N] mumbled, Not knowing whether it was dedicated to herself or Shizuko. But it didn't matter anymore as she ran down the mountain, The outskirts of the village growing small just like it did her house.

As the tall acres of tree's rushed by her, As the rocks scattered throughout the forest floor were barely dodged. The freedom grew more and more along with the darkening of the clear blue above.

Liberty, That's what she felt. The emancipation of her and her little brother, She had escaped. But she didn't stop to savour that moment, Running quicker and quicker to make sure that the chains were untethered entirely.

She was out, She had escaped The Sunlight Village.

☆♡☆

The moon hung over the speckled ebony of the night.

The grace of the pale blue moonlight shone down onto the streets below, The air much colder now yet it was comforting to the village it was sired under.

The streets were barren, Most of the residents either huddled in the pubs or the drinking taverns. Loud laughter could be heard from inside and it echoed out into the quiet roads harboured outside.

It was much less developed than The Sunlight village. The houses made not out of stone and manufactured wood but instead crafted from unprocessed lumber and thatch. The lanterns lining the streets illuminating that glow, The warm light providing heat in the chilling night.

[F/N] however didn't care about the people bustling inside the buildings, Nor did she care about how quiet the streets outside were. Instead her head was locked to look straight up, Eyes reflecting the serenity of the moon above.

It glowed in her irises, Her eyes widening to capture all of it. The first time she had ever seen the beauty of the moon, What it was described as in the books was nothing compared to seeing it in person.

"Shizuko.. Look at it, Can you really believe it?!" [F/N] squealed with the biggest smile crossing her face. After running for hours and hours throughout the dangerous wild she finally had time to admire it.

Shizuko by now was fast asleep. His big eyes were shut as he was tucked carefully into the earthy cloth, Warming him up in the brisk of the night. It was nothing like the harsh wintry gales on the mountainside.

This was comforting, It was a cold she let sink into her skin no matter how much she shivered.

She had travelled for hours down the mountain, Then some over unfamiliar flatlands. She had felt hungry, Vulnerable and dehydrated. But she had somehow made it hours later to this village, Assumedly miles upon miles away from where she started off from.

In that time her kimono had gotten ragged, Dirt staining the edges and tiny holes were ripped into the fabric. It didn't bother her however, The mere fact that she was free was more than enough to overpower that.

[F/N] smiled as she looked down upon the sleeping face of her little brother, The hands still holding his cot setting him down onto the stone pavement she stood beside. The noise from the tavern she was leaning against not even waking him.

[F/N] kneeled down, Looming over the cot as she looked at him. She smiled softly, Running a hand over his little face. She wasn't sure what she was going to do next, She had gotten out. But what now. [F/N] hummed.

"You must be hungry.. We've been running for hours without stop so.. I guess I should get you something, Huh?" She spoke to him softly. Watching him rock back and forth within his sleep she pulled the cloth over him.

She hoisted the cot back up into her arms before standing back to her full height of only a few feet. Taking in the deep breath of the night's air her eyes sparked, The moonlight dancing within her vivid colours.

[F/N] took off. Now that she was outside of The Sunlight Village, She wasn't quite sure how she was able to get food. Back then she'd get it every so often delivered to her room while the adults ate in the dining room, But now?

She wasn't quite sure how people got food. She knew how it was made from animals and plants, But where to get it was another story entirely. The shops here all smelled of the stuff she'd catch the man drinking on occasion, She had tried it once and it was nasty meaning it was no good for Shizuko.

So as she passed by the welcoming lights of the pubs and taverns, She tried to keep her eyes out for something else.

Maybe a food stand, But for some reason there was none around in the dead of night. There was no one on the streets she could ask help from, So as she examined all the comparatively tall walls she started to get antsy.

The hopeful smile she had on her face started to dim, The way she fiddled with her ruined kimono sleeves didn't help to soothe her nerves. She bit her lip as her eyes went back and forth again and again to try and find some sense of familiarity or shelter.

"Ehm.. I.. I don't think there's much around.." [F/N] mumbled under her breath, Coming to a halt within the streets. The barren wasteland of the urban landscape yielding no hope to her, Though glancing down at Shizuko she smiled once more.

"..It's fine, We'll keep going.." [F/N] said as she started to pick up her footsteps, Pattering against the stone wood she held her head high and decided to k-

"Hey.. Kid."

A low voice called out from beside her.

[F/N] stopped in her tracks from the sudden voice. The only noise before was the chirping of crickets and the faraway chatter of drunken festivities, So hearing something so close was rather surprising to say the least.

[F/N] turned her head to the side, Blinking as she came face to face with an dark alleyway. It was lodged between two tall fences and combined with their shadows and the night it made it nigh impossible to see a few feet into it.

But she heard the voice of an older man from within it, She couldn't deny it.

"Hello..?" [F/N] called out back into the alleyway, Her voice reverberating against the wooden fences as it went. No one answered, Not for a few dragging moments before the voice spoke out again.

But now with an associated body.

"Heyyyy~…" The man drawled as his body emerged from within the shadows.

His body was tall, Taller than the usual person. He seemed lean or rather thin, But [F/N] could see the muscles hiding under his loose yukata. He stood high with no hunch and had a half-empty bottle of sake swinging within his vulture-like hands.

His face too, It was like the mentioned bird's as well. Skin drooping and furrowed into a point with his nose and chapped lips. But his appearance didn't put-off [F/N], Too innocent to sense the vileness coming off of him.

"What'cha looking for there, Girlie..? Ain't you too young to be out this late..~?" The man drawled as he took a swig from the sake bottle, Liquor dribbling down his chin without care. [F/N] blinked as she looked at him.

"I'm just looking for any places I can get some food.. Do you know where I can get it?" [F/N] asked, Putting on the best smile that she could. The man smiled as he stalked a few steps closer to her in the dead night.

"Well I mean maybe~ Your parents about..? Oh.. What'cha got in there..?" He asked, Now looming over her to create a new shadow. [F/N] held Shizuko tighter in her arms yet her happy demeanour dropped.

She took a moment to think however.

"..No, My parents aren't really here right now. And this is my little brother, He's hungry, That's why I'm trying to find food." [F/N] told him. She watched as his crooked smile grew wider to expose his gums.

"..Well, You're in luck then..~" The man said.

"I am?" [F/N] asked, Tilting her head.

"Mhmm.. I got food back at my place~ How'sa bout I bring you and ya' brother back with me..? How'sa bout that?" The man said, Taking a final swig of his bottle before tossing it aside far into the alleyway with an audible clatter.

[F/N] hummed. Her first time talking with someone outside the village, She had been told how different it was down here but in person she could see what they meant. He was an adult, Adult's were meant to be trusted if you excluded the ones in her house.

The one's in the village were always nice to her, Giving her free food during festival times and always fawning over her lineage. Even so they were always cordial, How different could this one be? Plus he was offering food, That was something she couldn't give up.

[F/N] smiled bigger.

"Okay then! As long as you reall-" [F/N] stopped in the middle of her speech, Jaw left open as she froze in place.

The man raised an eyebrow, His drunken grin turning into a tight-lipped grimace.

"What..? What's wrong..?" He asked, But [F/N] couldn't hear him as she was invested within her own thoughts.

Mid-way through her sentence, Through her acceptance of his offer. She had suddenly been hit with a disgusting sense striking through her heart like a spear, A sudden jolt of concentrated fear radiating within her heart.

It wasn't like anything she had felt before, Nothing at all. But where could it be coming from? What did it mean. It smelt like rotten eggs and the pungent smell of liquor doused on top of it.

[F/N] looked back up at him, Her question answered by the look on his face.

It was coming from him.

"I.. N-Nevermind, I think I'll just continue searching on my own now.." [F/N] said as she backed away. What safety she had felt before gone in an instant, Replaced with an overwhelming terror pumping through her blood stream.

She had went to turn, But the cold hand that lunged out onto her shoulder stopped her motion.

"No, No.. You better come with me if you're hungry~ Come on.. I'll take good care of you.." The man said but the overly-friendly charade had started to break down more and more. The tug of his hand more insistent.

[F/N] started to tremble, The hold on Shizuko's cot becoming that of steel as she tried to shake off his hand.

"Please.. I don't wanna go with you.. Let me go.." [F/N] whispered out with a pleading look on her face. Something was wrong, Something was really wrong and it was confirmed how she was yanked back by his hand.

His grin now gone with the night's wind. Angry eyes reflecting his true intentions as [F/N] yelped out in terror.

"No, No.. Come on now.. You're comin' with me.." He hissed out lowly as he started to drag her out of the alleyway by the wrist, Near sweeping her off her feet and dropping Shizuko as he lugged her along with him.

"N-No! Get off me, Get off!" [F/N] screamed but there was no one to hear. The streets still empty and barren, No soul around but the stars to hear her cries of helplessness. Shizuko woke up too, Sensing the situation he started to cry.

"Shut up-!" The man snapped at her as Shizuko's cries grew louder.

"Let go- L-Let go!" [F/N] cried out.

"Shut it, You little bitch!" The man spat.

[F/N] didn't know what she was doing. But one moment she was being pulled out the alleyway by the wrist, The next her foot connected with the start of his bare knee. Slamming her soles into them as hard as her little body could.

The man screamed in agony as his leg near toppled on itself.

"You bitch- You little whore- YOU GET BACK HERE YOU-!" [F/N] didn't wait any longer to hear what words he would call her next.

Instead grasping onto the cot harder and turning towards the alleyway, Eyes brimming with tears as she sprinted into the darkness. She ran. Feet thundering against the textured stone of the alleyway.

Shizuko crying and firmly within her grasp as she passed by piles of trash and unpolished wood laying around. The scenery was filthy and infested with grime, But she had no time to smell the roses as she heard the man start to run behind her.

He was yelling.

Yelling obscenities she just couldn't make out nor could understand. She ran and ran, Her little legs trying their best to make distance but it was no matter anymore. Turning a corner her feet skittered to a halt.

A wall.

There was a wall.

There was no exit, There was just the end of the alleyway. A single wooden fence with dirt and rubbish piling up against it, Rats and mice scavenging the leftovers. There was no detour or route she could run for.

No.. This can't be-! This can't be it- No- No- NO!

[F/N] felt her heart drop.

Her body started to shake even harder as she took a step back, Looking at the sight with disbelief. The fences were too high to climb for someone of her height, Too tall to scale and her The feet behind her came to halt, Only a metre away.

[F/N] wanted her bed right then and there.

"Alright.. Fucking slut-!" He wheezed out as she turned around in horror to face the monster so close to her and her little brother. He took a few more steps closer, Further and further towards her as she backed up into the alleyway.

"I- I'm sorry-! Please let me go, Pleas- I won't tell no one! J-Just let us go okay, We won't tell-" [F/N] felt her back slam against the wall, Her body collapsing down into a ball. Shizuko's cot in the centre, His cries echoing out in the alleyway.

The man sneered. His body almost doubling in size as he approached closer and closer. A mixture of saliva and booze trailing down his chin, A horrid stench made very clear now. [F/N]'s heart thumped harder and harder, Her hands growing sweaty.

"Fucking ungrateful little shit.. I offer you food and a place to stay- And this is how you act? Not very respecting of your elders, Eh? Ya' mommy and daddy never teach you that?" He rumbled. A tone just dripping with mockery and he grew closer and closer.

What could she do? What would she do? There was nothing, No exit or place to run was made available. Was this really what the world was like?

The green grass fields that were illustrated in the books, Dandelions and bustling cities full of friendly people to talk with. Would she ever get to see that now? Were they real in the first place?

She would never know, Not now. Not by the way she sensed him. Her shaky hand brushed up against cold glass, Dragging her eyes away from him for only a moment.

"Fucking bitch.. You know what..? Pass the little boy you got in there, Teach you a little lesson.. Eh?" His hands lunged out, Time slowing with it as he reached down towards the woven cot.

Towards Shizuko.

In that moment, Looking back. [F/N] wasn't sure what came over her in that single second, She didn't know what divine force drove her actions as her hand wrapped around the sake bottle he had tossed earlier.

She lunged it upwards, Forgetting Shizuko for only a moment as her body turned within the air.

But it was over soon. The hands that were ready to grab her little brother were soon a pallete of red, Fallen to the floor.

His body twitched, Garbled speech dying on his tounge.

The broken bottle was stuck dead within his throat, Shards broken off and splintering into the skin of his shoulders. It was over in an instant, [F/N] somehow striking a vital point within him.

He had fallen to the floor, Covering her with his blood.

What.. What happened?

She sat there wide eyed. Her body didn't move a single inch, Petrified about what had happened. Shizuko tucked in beside her.

The man was easily ten times bigger than him, His muscles toned for a drunkard could've easily overpowered her.

But somehow she was able to overpower him, Somehow knew where to puncture and made a perfect move to lodge it in. Like a blood-borne ability it came off naturally, Like she had done it ten times before.

But she sat there for what felt like hours. Her mouth open and her grey kimono drowned in the intoxicated blood of the man she had slain by her hands.

As her eyes drifted down the corpse only a few feet away, She raised a hand.

The blood dripping down her fingertips, The iron stench flooding the alleyway.

It brought her back to all those times before, How the man dragged all of her siblings to the river and that splash of red would burst from their little necks. How it would fall into the river, Iron flowing in the water.

Did.. Did she do that?

"Woah.. Looks like someone already got him.."

Another voice called out from down the alleyway.

[F/N]'s body tensed up, The primal glint in her eyes stiffening as she pulled Shizuko closer to her. Her eyes wild and ready for the next one, Locking in on a trio of men walking down the alleyway and stopping at the sight.

One of the men looked to the side, Spotting her crouched form deeper within the passage. Tapping his comrades on the shoulder he pointed towards her, Which only made her back further into the shadows.

"Hey- Hey kid, You good there?" One of the men called out. A gruff voice like a smoker, One that seemed scarred as he looked at the young girl hiding within the darkness.

[F/N] didn't respond, Only looked at them with vigilant eyes.

Another man took the opportunity to speak.

"Hey.. Did you do this?" The other man spoke, Daring to take a few steps closer as he pointed at the bloody cadaver. The man's body muscular and marked, Tattoo's running all throughout his body.

[F/N] blinked. Scanning over him before nodding.

The man took a few steps back towards the group, Tapping them on the shoulder and whispering a few things that [F/N] just couldn't make out. They seemed to be in some sort of debate.

She tried to take a few cautious steps forward, Trying to get a better listen to what they were saying. Only understanding a few phrases like "She took him down" "Suzuki? Seriously? That little girl?"

But by the time she could make out the rest they were already done. Turning back to her.

"How about you come with us? You must be starving right? You live out on these streets, Kid? Need some money?" The first man offered as he stepped closer to her. Instinctively she pulled Shizuko closer.

As the man crouched down, [F/N] felt that same sense perk up again. His feel.. No, His soul maybe. His soul was disgusting and torn, It was horrid and it felt like nails on a chalkboard to her.

But it didn't feel dangerous.

Not like the dead man, This one had no intention of harming her or her brother. Not physically at least. It should've deterred her by all means but the promise of money.. That was what she could tell.

So she picked Shizuko up, Hoisting him over her bloody shoulder making sure to support his head as she stumbled over to him. Still petrified and muddled from what had happened but it didn't stop her as she walked over to him.

The man lain a hand on her back and her forward towards the group, Signalling them with some kind of hand gesture. They turned and started to walk out of the alleyway, Marching towards the moonlight shining on the outside.

She followed them, Too confused to understand what was happening as she cradled Shizuko close. Her only sense of comfort as she made her way forward with the man behind her leading the way.

The blood stayed stained on her kimono, Dripping down her head and in her hair. The lifeblood of the man she had slaughtered drenched her, But not just her body now.

That one single scene from the river, The sword against the throat of her siblings. The way she had felt for every single one of them.

The way she could no longer see the face of the man behind the blade, But instead her very own.

Next Chapter

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muzansfangs · 1 year

Text

Guilty pleasure.

Starring: Muzan x f!reader; Douma, Akaza and Kokushibo.

General warnings for the next chapters: nsfw (minors do not interact), modern au, age gap, dom!muzan, sub!reader, sugar daddy dynamics, choking, semi-public sex, car sex, spanking, vaginal sex, virgin reader, business agreement, murder, death, torture, trauma.

Warning for this part: none! Just Muzan sending Douma and Kokushibo to stalk you.

Plot: Kibutsuji Muzan, the ambitious, high-flying politician the world needed, knew that in order to resemble the incarnation of the perfect man, ready to lead the Country, he would have needed a beautiful, young girl by his side. He did not care if it was real love, or just a façade. All he cared about was to make a certain impression. Meeting you was literally a manna from heaven. You signed the agreement, he treated you like a goddess. This was the beginning of a twisted fairytale, but you knew better than falling for him and, surely, he was not going to lose his mind for you. Or so you thought.

﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

THE AGREEMENT.

Muzan stared at the pictures scattered on his desk. He had made up his mind. You were truly a delicacy, indeed. It appeared like Douma had done a pretty decent job in searching the city for a woman whose appearence whetted Muzan’s appetites.

You were young, cheerful, working at a local restaurant to pay for your studies: the perfect candidate for being the future First Lady.

He knew everything about you. Your address, your friends’s names, your zodiac sign, your favorite ice-cream flavor and even your ex’s identity. Tracking you down and spying on you was easy. How could you, a sweet, lovely girl, imagine that the soon to be President had his plum red eyes on you? Your naivety intrigued him. He could play you like a doll, spoil you like a child and treat you like a princess. He did not care if your heart was going to belong to someone else. All you had to do was smiling for the pictures, being his future wife, show the world you were head over heels for him and, naturally, tell the medias you were his property.

He was confident about the outcome of your first, fateful encounter. He was a good-looking man, persuasive and pretty intimidating even. You would have probably fallen for his charm and forgotten about the terms of the contract anyway.

A knock on the door was the signal that you had arrived. Sending Douma to pick you up would have probably been detrimental to the mission and he knew better than letting you slip from his fingers. Kokushibo, on the other hand, was the best choice he could have ever made. Prefessional, authoritative and precise, he had apparently fulfilled his mission.

“Come in” Muzan said, flicking his gaze up to the door.

A second later, the door creaked open to reveal Kokushibo. He took a step forward, taking his sunglasses off and bowing his head to his boss as a sign of respect “She’s waiting for you in the dining room” he announced flatly, causing a smirk to cross Muzan’s face.

What an obedient girl you were. He was almost taken aback by the way you had decided to follow a stranger in a Maserati and trust what he had said. Either you were smart, or far too easy to play with.

“Thanks, Kokushibo. – Muzan stated, straightening his tie and grabbing the contract from the messy desk behind him – You are dismissed” he added shortly, walking past the tall dark-haired man and making his way to you, the new branded attraction of his house.

You were sitting on a black-leather chair, the goblet of red wine, a Chianti, that the dapper bodyguard had poured for you was settled on the crystal table, inviting you to take a sip. You resisted the tempation, it would have probably offended Mr. Kibutsuji, if you had not waited for him.

Yes, you knew who was requiring your presence. You had a really good photographic memory and you had recognized the shiny car of the politician’s bodyguards. You had watched it on the tv’s reports, you had seen it parked nearby your house for the past six months. He had probably sent his dogs to stalk you.

What truly puzzled you was why he wanted to see you. Kokushibo did not answer your questions. You had not told him you knew who he was working for, or that you had figured out who was asking for you. You had just followed him to the car without making a scene. He was a kind man, after all, just a bit frosty.

To snap you out of your stream of consciousness was the deep, velvet voice that kept you company during your lunch breaks, when you turned the tv on in a pathetic attempt to catch up with the daily news.

“Y/N L/N, welcome to my residence” Muzan said, a small smile curling his lips.

He was handsome, tall, elegant, standoffish and filthy rich. You were not used to interact with people coming from the upper class, let alone trying not to embarrass yourself in the presence of the man of the hour, the man that people loved and loathed at the same time.

“Good evening, Mr. Kibutsuji. – you said, standing up quickly from your seat and walking up to him – How may I help our soon to be President?” you quizzically asked him, eyes downcast not to falter under his piercing gaze.

You had stopped three, or four strides away from him not to invade his personal space, but your breath hitched in your throat when he met you midway. The alluring perfume he was wearing intoxicated you and, when he gently grabbed your hand, you were forced to shift your attention on him again. You were paralyzed, his eyes searching yours to make sure you were focused on him and him alone. He brought your hand to his lips, letting them brush over the back of your hand in a drammatically slow and intimate demeanor.

Shivers ran down your spine and you released a breath you did not know you were still holding, when he flashed you a sly grin, the same he directed to the camera, when he made his glorious appearences on the most popular talk-shows of the Country.

“Please, darling, call me Muzan. – he cooed, gesturing for you to take a seat and hesitantly letting go of your hand – I’m so glad you’ve accepted my anonymous invitation. You’re brave” he commented, walking over to the table and filling his own goblet of wine.

You softly smiled and made your way to your seat “Just observant. I thought I had recognized the car and your bodyguard” you admitted, reaching your hand out to grab your own glass.

The dark-haired man hummed, as he swirled the reddish drink into the cup “I should have known you were smart, a quality I absolutely adore finding in a woman. – he purred, sliding some papers towards you on the polished surface of the table – To answer your question, the reason why you are here lays within the lines of this contract”.

A contract?

You forrowed your brows, your eyes settling on the neat pile of papers under your nose. Did he want to hire you for something? You thought he already had a secretary and you clearly were not suited to be his bodyguard. What did Kibutsuji Muzan want from you, a mere student, then?

“I’ve personally drew up the contract. We can discuss some terms, if you are not comfortable with them” he explained, taking a sip of his drink and walking towards the stained glass windows of the large dining room. The landscape was breathtaking. The city lights, the skyscrapers dominating the industrialized area of the city and the yellowish lights of the cars rushing down the avenues were the spectacular view you were beholding.

Reading the whole contract would have probably taken you hours. There was no way in Hell you would have signed it without pondering each and every clause, but you gave it a quick reading and some words were now permeating your brain.

‘Wife, payment, tv, affectio maritalis, sexual performances, moving, money’.

You swallowed the lump in your throat, your shaking fingers fidgeting with the charm of your necklace, a small, silver crescent moon, as you blurted out your question “What do you exactly want me to do?”.

Muzan did not turn to face you, he kept his intense gaze trailed on the city line instead “Be my wife” he simply said, earning a gasp from you.

“I’m sorry, what?” you breathed out.

“Adore me in public, love whoever you want privetely. Just a yes and I will shower you in money, gifts, respect and a life you could only dream of for the rest of your life… Are you in, my sweet Y/N?” he taunted you, turning towards you with the most dazzling and wicked smile you had ever seen in your whole existence.

You did not know what crossed your mind in that very instant and the following moments were fuzzy and fragmented, but all you knew on your way back to your small flat was that you had agreed and, when Kokushibo told you that he would have come to pick you up in the weekend, you were ready to start this new life as Kibutsuji’s ‘babygirl’ , as he had called you before you left.

You slumped onto your bed, droopy eyes and tipsy, unaware that a pair of golden and rainbow-colored eyes were watching you slipping into a well-deserved slumber.

AUTHOR NOTE.

Hi, there!

It’s my first post on this platform and I still need to understand a few basic things about Tumblr. Hopefully, I’ll be able to give you weekly updates, but I make no promises. This is going to be a small fan fiction and my main project for a little while. However, don’t worry, I’ll try to update some other one-shots & scenarios about other characters. Likes, comments and reposts are really appreciated!

X O X O

#muzan x reader #muzan x you #muzan x y/n #demon slayer #muzan smut #douma #kny au #kimetsu no yaiba #kokushibo #michikatsu tsugikuni #akaza #modern au #smut #demon slayer smut #douma x reader #akaza x reader #kokushibo x reader

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akazzzaa · 5 months

Text

A/N- I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was so cute so I wanna try and write about child! reader x demons (platonic obvs) Credit goes to the artist @lll_123_lll

Summary- Short story for each demon interacting with a human child- Kokushibo, Akaza, Douma, Hantengu, Gyokko, Daki

Genre- Fluff

Warnings- None

Kokushibo

As Kokushibo walks through a peaceful village, he notices a small child playing with a wooden sword. Intrigued by the child's innocence, he decides to approach and kneels down to the child's level. The child stopped and looked at him wide eyed, '' Are you a samurai, mister?'' Kokushibo expression softened, ''Indeed, little one.''

The child jumped up in excitement, ''Wow, Can you show me some cool moves? Pretty please!?''

For a moment, Kokushibo, contemplates the request. Surprisingly, he decides to humour the child. With grace and precision, he performs a series of fluid sword movements, creating an intricate display of swordsmanship.

The child clapped in glee, '' That was amazing! Can I try too?''Kokushibo hands the child a small, wooden practice sword, showing them a basic stance. The child mimics his movements, albeit with less finesse. ''Excellent effort, young one... With dedication, you may become a skilled warrior.''

Douma

''Why do you have fangs? Are you a scary monster?"

Douma was taken aback but then chuckled softly, amused by the innocence of the child. "These fangs are a part of what I am, I need them to eat!''

The child, not completely satisfied with the answer, pointed to Douma's mouth and said, "Can I see them up close? I want to look!!''

Douma hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to allow the child to get so close. However, he had no ill intentions and decided to humour her curiosity. With a nod, he opened his mouth wide, revealing his sharp fangs. Unfazed by the intimidating sight, The child leaned in closer to inspect the fangs. She reached out tentatively and touched one of them with her small fingers.

"They're sharp," she observed with wide-eyed wonder.

Douma, surprised by the child's boldness, couldn't help but smile. "Indeed, they are. But remember, appearances can be deceiving. It's essential to look beyond what you see on the surface."

Akaza

The moment the girl spotted Akaza, her eyes widened with excitement. She approached him fearlessly, her curiosity overcoming any apprehension she might have had. "Wow! Your hair is so pink! It's like cherry blossoms! Can I touch it?" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

Akaza, taken aback by the girl's boldness, hesitated for a moment. Demons were not accustomed to such innocent interactions. However, something about the child's pure fascination touched a chord within him. "Uh, well, it's not something people usually ask," he replied, unsure of how to respond to such an unusual request.

The little girl beamed, undeterred by Akaza's initial uncertainty. "Please? I promise I won't pull it or anything. I just want to feel it! It looks so soft and pretty!"

Akaza couldn't help but crack a small smile at the girl's sincerity. Slowly, he nodded, allowing her to approach. Gently, she reached out and delicately ran her fingers through the strands of his pink hair. The texture surprised her, and a giggle escaped her lips. "It's softer than I imagined! Your hair is really nice, mister demon!"

Akaza found himself chuckling. Emboldened by the positive response, the girl continued to play with Akaza's hair, creating impromptu hairstyles and sharing her infectious laughter.

Hantengu (Main body)

The child's eyes fixated on the peculiar lump on Hantengu's head. "What's that big lump on your head?" she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

Hantengu's faces displayed a mix of embarrassment and discomfort.'' I- I dont know, I've always had it! I'm not lying this time either!''

The child, being a compassionate soul, couldn't bear to see anyone in distress. Without a second thought, she took a step forward and planted a small, innocent kiss on the lump. Hantengu's face immediately transformed into expressions of surprise and gratitude.

"There, now it's better," The child said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with kindness.

Hantengu, touched by the child's pure heart, felt a warmth spreading through his body. "Thank you, little one. You possess a kindness that is rare even among humans."

Gyokko

Gyokko observed the child doodle in the dirt with a small stick, a display of untapped creativity. Intrigued, Gyokko decided to share his passion for painting with the young artist.

Gyokko teleported beside the child. In his hands, he conjured a set of vibrant paints and brushes, as if summoning colours from the very air. The child's eyes widened in amazement as Gyokko presented the tools of creation.

"Art is like the dance of a butterfly," Gyokko spoke, his voice gentle like a breeze. "Let the colors flow, and your heart guide the brush."

Gyokko dipped his brush into a pool of blue paint and began to demonstrate fluid strokes on a blank canvas. the child, fascinated, mimicked the motions with a mixture of excitement and concentration.

Gyokko and the child painted side by side, creating a masterpiece that mirrored the beauty of their newfound friendship.

In the quiet of the night, Gyokko spoke words of encouragement to the child. "Every stroke tells a story, and every colour holds an emotion. Let your imagination soar like a bird in the sky, young one."

Under Gyokko's guidance, the child discovered not only the art of painting but also the power of expression and self-discovery.

Daki

Daki's beauty was enhanced by the intricate layers of silk, vibrant colours, and elegant accessories. She moved through the crowd gracefully, her presence drawing both admiration and whispers. Unknown to her, a wide-eyed human had been trailing behind, mesmerized by the ethereal vision.

With her innocent curiosity, tugged on the hem of Daki's exquisite kimono, her eyes filled with admiration. Daki, though known for her short temper, couldn't help but soften at the sight of the little girl.

"Wow, you look so pretty!" The child exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

Daki turned her attention to the child, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, little one. You seem to have an eye for beauty," she replied, her voice as silky as her attire.

Undeterred by the imposing aura of a demon, asked, "Can I look pretty like you too? I want to wear such beautiful clothes!"

Daki crouched down to the child eye level, her long, silky hair cascading around her. "Of course, you can, little one. Beauty is not just in the clothes we wear but in the kindness of our hearts.''

As Daki spoke, she noticed the simple charm bracelet on the child's wrist. She reached into the folds of her kimono and took a delicate flower hairpin. "Here, take this. It will make you look even more beautiful."

The child's eyes widened as she accepted the gift, a radiant smile spreading across her face. Daki, for a moment, found herself enchanted by the purity of the child's joy.

"Thank you, miss!" The child exclaimed, twirling around with newfound delight.

Daki watched as she skipped away, her heart touched by the innocence of a child who saw beyond the dangers of the world. As the festival continued, Daki couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart, a reminder that beauty, in its truest form, transcends appearances and lies within the bonds that connect people.

A/N=Added Gyokko and Daki

#demon slayer #kny #kny x reader #douma x reader #akaza x reader #kokushibo x reader #hantengu x reader #akaza #douma #kokushibo #hantengu #gyokko #gyokko x reader #daki #daki x reader

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doumansshrine · 1 year

Text

Kokushibo x Wife Reader/Soft Wife Reader

You were his wife that is living a happy life with him in the Sengoku Era after he turned into a demon. You knew he abandoned his previous family to become more stronger and looked for a fresh start to have a new family since he couldn't bear to go back to his previous family, though you were upset at the fact you couldn't have children with him after many attempts to get yourself pregnant with his child you loved him with the pureness in your heart to the point where when he asked if you would want to stay with him forever, you said yes and like the faithful wife you are, drank the blood that he offered to you.

After becoming a demon you were sheltered from the horrible things a demon would commonly see, he loved the fact that you were an innocent thing that hardly ever knew about negative things as you were from a noble family that was loved and cherished and was hidden from this wicked world and escaped due to forced marriage.

Kokushibo kept a close eye on you even after you turned into a demon, he never left your side whether you were sleeping, eating, or just laying on his lap like a cat who loved their owner but he respected the boundaries like when you are taking a bath or changing. You and him fought sometimes but after an argument you would calm yourselves down and try to listen to each other first and solving whatever came in the way of your relationship.

When demon slayers came to trouble the peaceful life, Kokushibo would put your safety first even though you have told him you were fine each time, he had a fear in is heart that someone would slice you while he didn't notice and would lose you forever.

The very reason why he made you into a demon was to preserve your beauty and your personality, though it worked, he felt guilty to see you filled with disgust when you saw raw human flesh he couldn't stand seeing your weak figure as you starved yourself not wanting to eat the flesh that he forces in your mouth, you gave in sometimes but ate very little and at times you would be the one to actually prepare it first and wait for him to come home after a task that as offered to him by Muzan, though you watched him eat the meat you didn't want to even put it inside your mouth resulting in Kokushibo feeding you in unique ways to get your hunger rising.

The Fight of Kokushibo Part:

You were spending time with your husband like the usual as you sat on his lap resting your head on his shoulders and giving each other affection from time to time.

Until.. a fight broke out and disturbed the peace, Hashiras came in the room like hostile creatures preparing to fight, Kokushibo kissed your forehead and left you on the floor panicked and scared as he protected you, he fought and fought until he was gravely injured, you ran to him despite knowing you might get hit, you clung to him for dear life and healed him with all your strength while crying and pleading for him to retreat before he dies in the battle, but he became cocky in his abilities and placed you aside in a hurry and began to battle them once again.

The Hashiras stopped fighting seeing you being laid aside crying and asked if you two wanted to live, Kokushibo barks that he didn't want humans interfering with what he's doing with his wife, even though you were pleading for him to retreat and go somewhere far with you where you two wouldn't be touched.

He didn't care and fought till he turned into his 2nd formed and upon seeing his reflection he was disgusted to see that you still loved him despite himself not being handsome as he used to be when he was human, he looks at you still crying while you ran towards him in a panic as you grabbed him away from the blades and glided to the other side of the room holding him in your arms, you plead for them to stop and hugged your husband tightly as he slowly disintegrated.

You clung tightly to him and healed him to the best of your abilities but nothing worked, as he disintegrated slowly you watch him cup your face and kiss your forehead, telling you to leave him and find safety, you refused and sacrificed yourself infront of Kokushibo, trying to get the Hashiras to land a slice on your head.. Without him you didn't want to be alone where no one would protect you, or tend to your needs but mostly you didn't want him to be alone, burning in hell alone, you'd rather burn with him to keep him company...

"I'll stay with you forever, Michikatsu.. no.. Kokushibo.. it's what I wanted even if I'm a burnden, useless, or failed wife.."

#kny x y/n #kokushibo #kokushibo x reader #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #michikatsu tsugikuni #michikatsu x reader #kny michikatsu

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kyojurismo · 1 year

Note

Hiya! Hope your day’s going well. Could I maybe request Douma and Kokushibo with a rlly small an cute s/o? Could it just be like rlly fluffy, cuddles all around type of thing?

▸ ANSWERING. hello !! of course you can, thank you for the request <3

▸ FANDOM. kimetsu no yaiba

▸ CHARACTERS. kokushibo (upper rank one) & douma (upper rank two) x gn!reader

▸ RATING. sfw

▸ WARNINGS. small reader i guess, fluff, soft kokushibo, i’m sorry that this is quite short tho + not proofread

KOKUSHIBO

would have you sitting in his lap all the time

loves holding your tiny hands

definitely helps you getting something out of your reach by lifting you up from under your armpits, like children you know

since you’re very slow when you walk up stairs he lifts you up and carries to the top

koku lets you hold his katana only to see you struggle because it touches the ground when it’s in your hands

actually enjoys watching you rearrange your kimonos since they’re longer

sometimes he would rest his elbow on your head

would picks you up and let you sit on his shoulders to avoid losing you in the crowd of people

DOUMA

oh my, douma would mess with you a lot

you can’t reach something? “oh baby, i’m sure you can do it if you stretch more.”

he’s too fast when you two walk together? “oh, sorry petal. i forgot you walk like a toddler.”

douma uses your head to rest his elbows all the time

randomly picks you up to get you of his way (not in a harsh manner of course)

he’s the one to lose you in a crowd of people 💀

“oh my! darling??” he’s not too worried tho

when you sit on his lap it seems like he’s absorbing you

[now i have ptsd as a manga reader]

his big arms wrap around you and keep you secured to his muscular body

if he has to meet someone from the paradise cult he simply rests his chin on your head and listen to them while you’re casually reading or minding your own business

douma loves making you wear his clothes just to see you struggle

“you’re tiny, petal. lemme help you,” and he picks you up like he would with a child, while you send him a death glare

*coff coff* size kink *coff coff*

▸ BEFORE LEAVING. reblog and comments are super appreciated. thank you so much for reading everybody !! <3

#📂 — writing !!#kokushibo x reader #douma x reader #kokushibo fanfic #douma fanfic #kny kokushibo #kny douma #kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba fanfic #demon slayer #demon slayer fanfic

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reallyromealone · 1 year

Note

Some fluff between Kokushibo and his son could be adorable! Maybe the two can go out during the night to some type of festival and spend some quality family time together <3

YESSS

Male reader, child reader, fluff

Kokushibo held his son as they walked around the festival both wearing masks in case of any slayer's nearby the tiny boy excited at all the things to do "fish!" The tot pointed to a fish catching stand and Kokushibo hummed at it "can we papa?" (Name) asked hopefully and the demon set the boy down and they went to the stand, kokushibo paying the stall owner, the man giving the tot three paper nets.

(Name) looked focused as he crouched at the small pool, trying to catch himself a fishie, his eye on a specific one.

The first net broke, the boy pouting but refused to give up.

The second bet broke and the boy let out an anxious whine as he tried again but alas no fishie for him.

Then kokushibo tried, not wanting his son to be upset on a day specifically meant to bring him joy, the demon getting the fish first try much to the tots excitement, the boy holding the bag with love and care "thank you papa..." He said sweetly as the demon lifted him up, the child had short legs and was pretty slow so it was easier.

"I'm gonna name him (fish name)!" (Name) said happily as they went to get food for the boy, the elderly stall owner commenting fondly at their matching Yukatas and masks.

By the end of the night little (name) was pooped, the boy barely awake and Kokushibo tucked his son in before grabbing a bucket and filling it with water and putting the fish in, the stall owner giving them some feed for a few days.

Kokushibo was a distant man but he cared deeply for his son, happy this day would be remembered fondly to the boy, wanting him to have many special memories.

#demon slayer x male reader.#demon slayer x male reader #demon slayer x reader #kokushibo x reader #kokushibo x male reader #male reader #child male reader

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wisteriaw0rld · 10 months

Note

Your writings are literally so good like omgg and I love the way you write the characters!

That's why I have a scenario about Muichiro x fem reader with Kokushibo. How Kokushibo will react about his offspring has a lover (like he just know when he saw them)? Especially when she's an offspring of someone he knew (the first stone pillar), will Muichiro and the reader ended up die if the situation is different? (of course I hope they will survive:"))

-ˋˏ ༻muichiro x fem! reader༺ ˎˊ-

||Synopsis: Becoming a hashira, you knew this day would eventually come. Fighting Muzan and the three upper moons along side your fellow pillars. But everything that the upper moon one, Kokushibo, had been telling both you and Muichiro was something you didn’t expect.

(SPOILERS FOR INFINITY CASTLE ARC)

(thank you for requesting!)

“Say yes to heaven, say yes to me.” -Lana Del Rey

It had been a coincidence. An interesting one, at that. Out of the different Hashira’s in the demon slayer corps, the first upper moon had essentially encountered two younglings. A young boy, black hair with turquoise tips who he had then found out was his offspring. A girl, seemingly his age, accompanied him. The offspring of someone he knew. The first stone pillar in the sengoku era. The way the two of you seemed to care so deeply for each other made the love between the two of you obvious.

“Your skills were expected as a descendant from the first stone hashira.” The Upper Moon spoke in a low tone as you attempted to attack from behind, only for yourself to get kicked back. A groan left your lips as you stood up almost the very same moment you fell. “Two descendants from powerful successors must make a great duo.” Kokushibo spoke in an almost sarcastic sounding voice. But of course it had been hard to tell with his cold tone.

The demon had been rather intrigued in the relationship between both you and the most pillar. You had already known why. Throughout the battle with him, he mentioned about how you were a descendant of someone you knew. The first stone pillar. And while he told you that, he informed Muichiro that he was his own offspring. Everything had felt vague.

Up and up, again and again. Slowly, your energy had been draining in the way you had to constantly trying to land a blow on Kokushibo. It seemed impossible almost.

“MUICHIRO!” You yelled loudly, attempting to tell the boy to turn the other way and dodge Kokushibo’s attack. Suddenly, the upper moon did a quick turn, placing the attack on you instead. Your eyes widened although your body hadn’t reacted quickly enough. From a distance, you saw Gyomei appear. Then, you felt a sharp pain in your stomach, making you cough up blood.

Before you knew it, you were laying on the floor, your arms supporting you up. Kokushibo’s sword was still in your stomach as his hand rested on the handle of the katana.

“Y/n!” Your tired gaze moved away from the sword pierced in your upper abdomen and over to Muichiro who was running to you in fear for your health. Almost immediately, the katana was pulled out of your stomach in a quick manner, making more blood escape your mouth with wide eyes.

“You care too much about each other.” You heard Kokushibo say, drawing his blade at Muichiro once more. Your vision was slowly becoming a haze as your ears began ringing.

“My child… apply pressure to the wound of yours. The blade didn’t fully pierce through you.” A large folded green haori was handed to you as the comforting voice of Gyomei overpowered the unending ringing in your ears.

Your shaky hand reached out to the haori before you grabbed it and pushed it against your wound. A groan escapes your lips once more as something Kokushibo had previously told you wouldn’t leave your mind. “A descendent from such a powerful pillar. Your only weakness might just be your love for my offspring.”

An opening. Despite hardly being able to see anything, you saw a small opening as Gyomei, Muichiro and Sanemi each struggled fighting the upper moon number one. With one hand pressing the haori against your gash, you slowly reached out your shaky one to your f/c katana at your side.

With the little strength you had stored up, you closed one eye, aiming right at the demons stomach for a distraction. He was already fending off three pillars. He wouldn’t see this attack right?

You threw your blade as hard as you could, and as you expected it pierced right through his stomach, enough to distract him. You couldn’t really see the rest yourself as you felt yourself slowly losing consciousness.

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀

Your waist felt ever so slightly wet. A single arm was laid across your stomach as small weeps were heard. A few voices were heard as well. Each of which were muffled. Slowly by the second they became more clear.

“I’m sorry, Tokito. But i…I’m not sure if she’ll wake up. I’m just used to shinobu helping me..” You heard the familiar voice of Aoi Kanzaki. She sounded upset as she whispered the last part. “She’s been like this for two days already. If she doesn’t wake up by tomorrow I don’t know if-“ The girl cut herself off as she looked over at you. Your eyes were closed.

Despite being awake now, you felt drained. It felt as if you couldn’t get even open your eyes.

“Tokito, you’ve been here for a while. I need to check up on Y/n, now.” The voices went back to being muffled. The arm that was left around your waist got off. You heard small footsteps coming towards you.

A small warmth that was previously with you disappeared as you felt what assumed to be a blanket get pulled off of you. Your shirt got pulled up only to reveal your stomach that had been bandaged up very carefully.

A hand dragged itself against the bloody bandage wrap on your stomach. Fortunately it hadn’t been too bloody as the young blue eyed girl made sure to change it often.

“Aoi..?” You questioned, hoping you were correct about the voice as your eyes slowly fluttered open, adjusting to the light.

The hand touching your bandage paused. You squinted your eyes at the girl. You were right. Aoi. Her eyes were wide and she almost dropped the cup of medicine she had been holding in her other hand for a patient.

“Y/n…?” She asked gently, looking at you as if it had been a miracle you were awake. “Y/n!” She repeated, carelessly setting the cup on the small table at your side making it fall over and spill.

Aoi gave you a gentle hug, afraid of only making your wound worse. “Y/n, wait here. I need to get everyone else.” Aoi let go of you, quickly running off likely to find the remaining three Hashira’s and the rest of your friends.

Although your mind had been set on one person only. Muichiro. You looked down at the bandage on your stomach. It didn’t hurt too much. And you noticed the right side of the bandage was wet. You remembered Muichiro being here. His tears are what had gotten it damp.

Ignoring Aoi’s instructions, you pulled your shirt down to cover your obvious stomach wound. You hopped out of the bed, your stomach scar thankfully still not hurting.

Racing through the estate, all the people that saw you seemed shocked. Especially when you passed a certain room that Naho, Kiyo, and Sumi had been in. As shocked as they were to see you awake, there first thoughts were to get you to go back to bed. But you were a hashira. Of course it was hard for them to catch up to you, even in your injured form.

“Y/n, please!” The three little girls yelled in unison as they chased you down the halls of the butterfly estate. While running, you ran past a room. The same room Aoi was in, informing kanao and tanjiro that you had woken up.

“Y/n!! Slow down!!” Kilo’s pleading voice grabbed the attention of Aoi, Kanao and Tanjiro. Next thing you knew you had all of them chasing after you yelling for you to slow down.

“Muichiro!” You yelled loudly, turning a corner and almost slipping while doing so. Your voice was quick to catch the mist pillars attention. He turned around, seeing you awake and running over to him as fast as you could with a small group behind you.

Almost immediately, you jumped into Muichiro’s arms, the two of you in each others warm embrace once again.

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀ ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀

Time for a Taisho Secret!: The two days that you were healing from the battle with Kokushibo, Muichiro refused to leave your bed side. It got so bad to the point Tanjiro and Kanao had to both drag him out of the room and force him to eat Aoi’s cooking. Although throughout the entire time he was eating with them, he would constantly be asking questions about you or simply bringing you up.

#demon slayer #demon slayer x y/n #kimetsu no yaiba #x reader #demon slayer fluff #x y/n #tokito muichiro #kimetsu muichiro #kny muichiro #tokito muichiro x reader #muichiro x you #muichiro x y/n #muichiro x reader #Tokito Muichiro x reader #kny x reader

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mrskokushibo · 11 months

Text

From Desire

I NSFW I 18+ I MDNI I

A/N: This story is inspired by an Ask from the lovely @cursetopia ❤️ as well as my rp with Kokushibo involving an o/c I created. It is very au-ish and not my usual style. But let's see what you guys think. Next week I will be back with a "proper" smut: the requested Kokushibo x nun!reader- it will be dirrrrty 😁😁🔥

Synopsis: Kokushibo has an affair and it results in his mistress getting pregnant.

Warnings: SMUT. Oral. Vaginal penetration. Kokushibo x o/c.

Word count: 3832

Masterlist

She was sitting peacefully with her eyes closed listening to the sounds of swords clashing coming from the courtyard. To her, it was the closest thing to music, being a seasoned warrior and a swordsman herself she could distinguish each different strike and parry by only listening to how the metal resonated upon contact. The force, the angle of attack, and the type of blow gave out a unique tone, not dissimilar to singing or an instrument, that created a unique musical score. This always triggered her senses to pick up a katana and join in the lethal dance.

She loved nothing more than to practice her sword techniques, but it brought her almost as much joy knowing, that her beloved child was learning from the same man that once taught her. A few deep breaths and she was done with her meditation. She stood up and straightened her exquisite kimono, it was black and adorned with red and purple dragonflies. The obi was golden with one single red dragonfly on one side. Slowly and quietly, she walked up toward the open shoji door and without getting noticed, leaned on the frame with her arms crossed, observing the two warriors training in the courtyard. The dimmed light from the lanterns illuminating the enclosed space was causing orange flashes to reflect on the metal of the blades, giving the sparring a resemblance to lightning flashes crashing at immense speeds.

They were magnificent to watch. The two Upper Moons, Kokushibo and her son, Hayate. Their technique was flawless, it was almost like a dance with both opponents striking and parrying with pre-calculated precision. They were such impressive men too, her son’s resemblance to Upper Moon One was striking: he had the same tall and massive build, and he also shared a similarly handsome face with six eyes, though these eyes were pale jade green, just like hers. He had long, thick unruly black hair with purple streaks, that he tied up in a half ponytail, with most of the glorious locks hanging down freely and cascading like a cape down his back.

But he was also so different from his father: where Kokushibo was stoic and reserved, with very few words to ever say to anyone, Hayate was playful and chatty and he was never far away from firing the most charming of smiles. His personality was mischief personified and he was so alike her in character that it often made her shake her head at his adventures. His popularity with the female demons was immense, but luckily the young man was also just as ambitious and focused as his father, so these types of adventures were relatively under control. Although, she did hear rumours about a few hearts getting broken thanks to Hayate. She knew all too well how that felt and secretly sympathised with the females. But she did not have much influence over his romantic choices, just as she did not have any control over his father’s …. If only things were different… she sighed, but quickly rejected the thought.

The two males stopped practicing and the younger threw his head back in laughter:

‘You are getting slow, father. A few more years and we will be swapping places’

His eyes sparkled as he sheathed his katana sticking it under the obi of his sober black outfit.

Kokushibo’s reaction was as expected, a shake of the head and a sigh

‘Son, you do not wish to change the hierarchy. It will cause uproar.’

His limited sense of humour was funny on its own and caused Hayate to often tease him almost to a breaking point. Throughout the years she always admired Kokushibo’s patience with the head-strong and energetic boy. She only wished that these moments together were more frequent, but this would not have been possible.

At the time that Hayate was conceived, Kokushibo already had a fiancée, a stunning Upper Moon demon, so her own existence had to quickly be hidden away. With the exception of Muzan, who needed to know everything that was happening at the Infinity Castle, and surprisingly Douma, who was more supportive of her than of the prudish Kokushibo in that specific instance. Her affair with Upper Moon One caused enough of a scandal and the presence of his pregnant mistress would simply be damaging to his reputation. So, together with Muzan, Kokushibo organised for her to stay in a lavish mansion within the confines of the Infinity Castle, but hidden away well enough that not even Nakime knew of its existence. Well, especially not Nakime…

She never lacked anything and her life raising Hayate was one filled with joy. Her sociable nature allowed her to gain a tight-knit circle of friends, and…she became close with Douma. A very physical relationship that never seemed to drain out of fuel for the carnal passion they shared. As for Kokushibo…well, they still shared their moments… but overall, the friendship they shared was the foundation of their interactions and a prerequisite to being able to raise Hayate without conflicts.

Her train of thought was interrupted by Kokushibo.

‘I must go now. Muzan summoned me on a mission again. By the way, our son is progressing well. This makes me glad’

Hayate butted in on the conversation: ‘Progressing well? But Father, I am beyond that, I nearly beat you.’ He laughed again and winked at her.

‘Only because I let you’

Kokushibo replied, but now with a little smirk in the corner of his mouth. He gave his son a pat on the back. There was so much love in their interaction and she could not have been more grateful for that. Fathers and sons not always got along, Kokushibo experienced that on his own skin, and maybe that was part of the reason he was such a great parent to Hayate.

He turned to her again:

‘Are you going to be …. alone tonight?’

It always amused her, how from the very beginning of their interactions, he was so concerned over her romantic interests. Odd for someone claiming to have no real interest in her…

‘You know I won’t be.’

She smiled gently and blushed at the thought of what she and her lover had in store for tonight. Especially, since Hayate was out of the mansion pursuing his own desires with some new female.

Upon his leave, she gave Kokushibo a hug and he reciprocated, squeezing her small body in friendly affection.

‘Please, stay safe’ she whispered to him.

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

18 years earlier

It was a lazy week, with all missions called off and Infinity Castle more quiet than usual. Kokushibo was resting in his large mansion awaiting a visit from a female lower-rank demon. It was unusual for him to have visitors other than his fiancée, but he made an exception for this one. The female demon requested the visit with endorsement from Muzan-sama himself, which sparked Kokushibo’s interest.

‘Master, she is here’ a servant appeared bowing to him.

Without a word and with a subtle hand gesture Kokushibo indicated that she could be let in. The servant moved to the side to let the female in and left quietly sliding the door behind him. He observed the female in silence as she slowly moved to the middle of the room and bowed politely, accompanied only by the gentle shuffle of silk upon silk. She was dressed in an expensive black kimono with red, gold, and purple details, that was hugging her hourglass figure. Her hair was long, shiny, and dark purple. And when she finally lifted her gaze to him, he was met with a pair of large, sparkling pale jade green eyes. But what caught his attention was that she had a katana at her side.

‘What is your name, demon?’ He decided to break the silence.

‘Akatsuki, my Lord.’

‘Hmm, tell me, Akatsuki. What brings you here?’

She was becoming a little wary, his deep voice and presence intimidating her more than she expected. She steadied herself and responded.

‘I am here by Lord Muzan’s recommendation. I would like to respectfully ask you to train me.’

Kokushibo was taken aback by her directness. Train her? Why would he do something like that? He looked her up and down and tilted his head back pursing his lips and narrowing his eyes.

‘That is a very bold request. Who are you to ask such a thing of me?’

Akatsuki’s heart sank for a moment. But then she remembered Lord Muzan’s instructions: *tell your story in a compelling manner and you will see that he is not as scary as he comes across*

She straightened her back and started talking.

‘Very well, my Lord. Would you care to hear my story if that is what is required for you to make up your mind?’

‘Yes, go ahead.’ He had time and did not mind a good story, as long as it was not him doing the talking.

‘Well, Master. I come from a faraway place called Europa. I lived in a time before you even were born. I always enjoyed books and learning how things worked, I gained knowledge in how to treat wounds and deliver children, and soon enough I was busy helping the local people with their health problems. Unfortunately, I also attracted the attention of men, and when that attention was given by the wrong one, upon rejection, his hurt pride made him report me to the Church for practicing witchcraft. When the inquisitors tormented me, I no longer prayed to God for mercy, because what evil deity would allow for such misdoing? No, I prayed that demons would avenge me, if hell was where they thought I belonged that it might just as well be hell that saves me.’

‘ And so, on the night preceding my execution, a demon approached me in my dark cell and offered me a transformation. And I accepted. I never once regretted my decision as my life has been an adventure, I never thought possible. I traveled the continent as I pleased, learned magic from the WItchers of Eastern Europe, and entertained powerful men in the courts of the West and in the Harems of the exotic Middle East. Eventually, the people over there learned how to kill demons and my life was in danger once again. But as it seems to be my fate I got lucky once more, in the Harem of the Sultan of Turkey I met a courtesan, a stunning oriental beauty and she told me tales of the new powerful Demon King, Muzan, that was gaining power in Japan.’

‘For me, the decision was an easy one. I arrived in Japan in the late Sengoku era. I was quickly introduced to lord Muzan who was curious about a demon not originating from his own blood. This was also the reason I could never rise in the ranks as my powers were so different from the local demons. Nevertheless, I gained his trust and since then I have served him well. You know, Master, I spotted you on one of my first visits to Lord Muzan, but never dared approach you. It took me decades and a lot of sword training to even dare ask Lord Muzan to put in a word for me with you. Thank you for giving me your time to listen to my story.’

She bowed to him and went silent.

Kokushibo was clearly fascinated by her story. He had his eyes fixated on her all the while she was talking and when she stopped, after a moment of silence, he responded.

‘Very well, then. I will train you if you have the aptitude. Be ready tomorrow. I will summon you.’

‘Thank you, my Lord’ She gave him a deep bow and quietly left the room.

In the weeks and months that followed, their training progressed seamlessly. Her aptitude and skills were more than sufficient and he was amazed that she really was one of the best sword fighters he has ever encountered. Of course, he knew she would never reach his level as he was the best there was, but the effort and steady progress were leaving him very satisfied. To her surprise and relief, he was a very patient and fair sensei. Never losing his temper or trying deliberately to harm her.

Their relationship slowly evolved into friendship, she even noticed he was beginning to understand her sense of humour. As for him, he really enjoyed how lively she was, he was never bored around her and it was almost as if she had the ability to bring out the child in him. Everything seemed perfect until that fateful night. As friendly as their interactions were, she was a very hotblooded female, and being around him did not leave her unmoved...

She was extremely attracted to him sexually. He was impressive and her senses were sometimes playing tricks on her, beyond what she could have any control over. Her thoughts wandered to dirty places and she was undressing him in her mind, imagining him doing things to her. She tried to never think like this with him present, but afterward, she was forced to touch herself. She was always worried whether he could sense her feelings, him having constant and uninterrupted access to the transparent world…

On that night, she was interrupted in her sleep by someone barging into her chamber. It was Kokushibo, standing there at the foot of her futon with his katana drawn, ready to attack. She sprang out of bed, wearing essentially nothing more than her breast binding and a minuscule fundoshi. She quickly grabbed her katana from underneath her bed and positioned herself in a defensive stance.

‘What are you doing here, my Lord?’

‘A warrior should always be prepared. See this as a surprise training.’

Without giving her a chance to get dressed, he attacked. She quickly parried and rolled away, but he kept on going. A thought struck her and she smiled, *how about this, Master. I’m not decent, so neither should you be* With a quick and light strike of her katana, she slashed through both his obi and the belts holding up his hakama, making all his clothes drop to the floor. He was furious.

‘You will pay for this.’

His attack was powerful, and when she attempted to block, his sheer weight made her fall backward resulting in them both tumbling down onto the futon. He was now on top of her with his sword pressing hers down toward her neck. And it was then that she felt it, the familiar bulge pressing on her thigh. He was getting an erection... She was quickly distracted from any indecent thoughts forming as the pressure from his sword was so hard that her katana suddenly snapped in two, her barely managing to roll out from underneath him, barely escaping having her throat cut.

As she lifted her head up, she saw him shift to the side, he was facing her, about to speak and that is when her thoughts started to drift off in a dangerous direction. She was scanning his magnificent body, his broad shoulders and voluminous chest, the perfect triangle running down to his groin, and … the huge, now fully erect cock. Her instinct took over and she slowly crawled back to him, sitting down next to him, she placed her hand on his chest at the level with his heart and used the other to run through his hair. She looked him straight in the eye and spoke:

‘Master, I know this is wrong to ask of you, but I would like you to take me, here and now. I am yours to do what you please with. I want to serve you, worship you…’

He did not pull away, nor stopped her hands from touching him. He was nearly double her size and shamelessly strong, yet he took no action to halt her.

‘I will do no such thing. I did not choose to unrobe. This was your doing.’

He spoke, keeping up the appearance of defiance. It was as if he wanted her to act, to unburden him from a decision he did not want to make, but at the same time initiate something he so deeply desired to happen.

She could feel his heart beating faster under the palm of her hand, and his chest heaving with strained breathing. With the same hand, she started to trace down his chest and when she reached his groin, she started massaging gently around his cock, without touching it yet. Pearls of precum started to leak out of the tip and she could hear him sigh quietly.

‘Do not do this. I warn you. I am a samurai, my honour does not allow for this. Stop or you will pay.’

But she knew better than to listen to futile threats.

‘Samurai, my Lord, had concubines.’

She did not seize her movement, instead, she snaked her delicate hand on the shaft of his cock, grabbed hold of it, and began to slowly, but firmly pump it up and down, smearing the precum on the entire length. Her hand barely fit around his sizeable manhood, so she leaned down and wrapped her mouth around the leaking tip. She became completely engulfed in the action, mesmerised by his taste and the feel of both the softness of his skin and the hardness of the cock it covered.

‘You need to stop…..doing this.’

His whisper sounded more like a moan now. She pulled away from him, her lips wet and pouting from the sucking action and she gave him the most innocent look with her big green eyes:

‘Master, make me stop then, it is your choice, you could overpower me with ease…but… you are still here.’

She moved closer to his face and placed her hand on his chest again, whispering

‘I know there is a beast sleeping inside you, I want to see it awaken. Ravage me, Master. Show me how powerful you truly are.’

There was complete silence after this. Him gazing at her with narrowed eyes.

A second later he flipped her on her back and pushed her down into the mattress with nearly his full body weight. He hissed in her ear:

‘I am furious, that you drove me to do this.’

And with that, he shoved the entire length of his huge cock into her, without any consideration for whether she was ready or not. And was she ever more ready… her arousal has been driving her crazy throughout their entire verbal exchange, making her pussy sopping wet and aching from clenching on nothing. So, him filling every last inch of her insides like this made her instantly moan in pleasure. He was literally plowing into her. His thrusts hard and deep. Every sensitive spot inside her was now being stimulated, she was tracing her hands all over his strong, brawny back and through his thick mane.

She was about to burst, edging for what felt like an eternity, and when her orgasm finally came, she was about to scream uncontrollably. He was quick to put his large hand on her mouth to muffle the scream. Her body was still arching in the after-spams of her pleasure, her bucking her hips into him, when he slowly stopped and removed his hand from over her mouth. She pulled his head down into a kiss and he reciprocated, their tongues exploring their mouths hungrily, tasting, devouring each other.

He pulled his head back and placed her in a mating press, his large hands pressing her thighs tight down toward her torso. He resumed thrusting his hips into her at an ungodly pace, the tip of his cock kissing the entrance to her cervix. She could tell he was slowly losing control, dissolving into his pleasure. All of a sudden, he leaned over her, put his face on the side of her neck, and sank his fangs into her soft skin, drawing just a little bit of blood. She moaned loudly as this elicited indescribable pleasure.

He cupped one of her breasts and started squeezing it while playing with her nipple. Each squeeze made her back arch in overstimulation. His thrusts were getting faster and the room was filled with her moaning and the lewd sound of skin slapping against skin. His thrusts became sloppy, deeper, and needier, with the tip of his cock now entering her cervix. At last, he lost all control and came with a growl, pumping her full of his fertile cum.

He stayed inside her for a while, collapsed lying on top of her, in complete silence with only their hearts beating in sync. Eventually, he moved off her, pressed his head to hers, and placed his huge arm on top of her until they both drifted off to sleep.

---

During the following weeks, the shame of what happened between them kept them apart. Both of them too proud to give each other the satisfaction of showing remorse. However, Akatsuki was starting to feel … strange. Her heat never came since they fucked and she started feeling nauseous in the mornings. She realised that she was pregnant. She gathered her courage and approached him.

‘Good evening, my Lord’

She was pale, her hands were shaking and she had to hide the tears steadily pooling in her eyes.

‘I need to tell you something. I am afraid that our little…encounter, had consequences, more precisely one consequence. You are going to be a father.’

She was prepared for the potential punishment. Him driving her away or worse: killing her. But his reaction stunned her more than anything of the above. Without a word he walked up to her and grabbed her shaking hands, steadying them. His breathing was heavy and his speech almost stammering.

‘I will love this child with all my heart. We will need to make arrangements so you receive all the help you need with raising it. I believe it will have great powers. As for us, due to my status, I am not in a position to offer you my love, but my friendship is something you will never lose. There is nothing you can do to lose it. Do you understand?’

And with that, he hugged her and held her like this for a long time.

‘I will have a new katana made for you, you will need one to keep your practice up as I want someone to train my son the times I am not available to do so’

His words put a big smile on her face.

And thus, arrangements were made, she was looked after during her pregnancy and when the male child finally arrived in this world, she named him Hayate, the name synonymous with a suddenly approaching hurricane, as that is how he entered her world from the very moment of the stormy night of his conception.

A child born from desire and into love.

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

Banner by @cafekitsune

Artwork downloaded from Wallpapers.com

Huge thanks to my friend @kokusfluffyhair for inspiration and for her amazing rp blog @koku-shibou 🙏❤️❤️😘. My o/c has so much fun with your muse 😊😍💕

Tagging my lovelies ❤️: @tired-writer04 @koyuki-the-flower @akaza-dono-the-basketball @doumadono @paintoreos @fuckkyourlife @abandonedhhearts @cursetopia

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dragon-stones · 1 year

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Kokushibo Headcanon

Kokushibo takes you in as his kid (pt 2)

- After the transformation, Kokushibo has found you trying to eat human food many times. Every time ended up with you throwing up and him having to put you to bed. He’s every annoyed every time you do this.

- “Stop... trying to eat... human food. Your making yourself ill.” Kokushibo would say every time you do this. Of course, you would pout about the issue, but you do understand his concern.

- You know that Kokushibo doesn’t like to leave you alone when you had first transformed, but when he had to leave, the demon would have Akaza or Nakime watch you.

- After some time, you’ve grown stronger and this had made Kokushibo proud. Though he doesn’t show it publicly, when the two of you are alone, Kokushibo would pick you up and happily nuzzle his nose against your face. He even purrs as you giggle.

- Years go by and your in Kokushibo’s training Dojo. He’s been training you in Moon Breathing, but you have a habit of breaking the swords he’s has ‘borrowed’ stolen. Kokushibo knows that you’re not able to produce a sword from your own flesh yet, so he has to find swords for you to train with. He used to use wooden ones, but you shattered those quickly.

#kokushibo #kny kokushibo #kimetsu no yaiba kokushibo #demon slayer kokushibo #kokushibou #kokushibo x child reader #kokushibo x child you #kokushibo x child oc #kokushibo headcanon #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #long post #longish post

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trancylovecraft · 23 days

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(KNY) YANDERE PLATONIC! KOKUSHIBO x SISTER READER: You, Shibou. I, Kokoro (CHAPTER SEVENTEEN)

Previous Chapter ☆♡☆ Masterlist ☆♡☆ Next Chapter

AO3 link

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: "But it's cool in a weird way that I wish I could be"

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into a paste and molded into shapes. It can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in various dishes and desserts.

It is often eaten on new years as a tradition, Being a favoured treat among many.

Women paraded back and forth, All tending to the woman resting within her futon.

His mothers chambers, Michikatsu had been awoken by her cries reverberating through the house during the middle of the night. He had been expecting this, Of course. His mother's pregnancy had been long awaited, Only now had it come to fruition.

It had taken hours, Michikatsu unable to sleep had decided to wait outside of her room, Listening to the wails of Akeno and the feverous support of the midwives hired by his father.

His father, Of course, Was nowhere about.

But finally, It was all over. Though he had meant to return to bed once Akeno calmed down, Michikatsu had decided to stick around.

Though he really could care less about his new sibling, He supposed it would only be right to get a first glance.

So here he was, Stood within his parents chambers.

The midwives took no heed to young Michikatsu who shuffled around awkwardly near the corner of the room. It was barely even early morning, The sky outside shining in a light shade of marigold, The sun barely cracked over the horizon to let it in through the window.

None of them wanted to bother with the young master, All of the mid-wives focusing on his mother who had just given birth.

Akeno layed atop her futon, Long ebony hair splayed out around her as she breathed in and out, Closed eyes as she tried to catch her breath.

What loose satiny bedwear she wore was splayed out, Especially at the chest to make way for the new-born resting upon her skin. They were freshly washed, Cleaned of all the grime from her birth.

Michikatsu could barely make them out, Mostly due the the cerulean blue of cloth she was swaddled in.

"Michikatsu.. Come closer."

Michikatsu blinked, Looking towards his mothers face to find out she had finally noticed he was in the room. She breathed, A small yet exhausted smile on her face as she turned to face her eldest son.

Michikatsu obliged, Slowly walking forward amongst the pandemonium of midwifes still hustling about. Almost nervously he approached his mother before him, Who smiled up at her son from her futon.

A tired, Yet genuine smile.

"Closer. Do you want to hold her, Michikatsu..?" Akeno asked, Cradling her daughter close to her chest as she looked up at him with a smile. Michikatsu however, Looked down at her with apprehension.

Holding a new-born, A child that wasn't even birthed an hour ago? That itself wasn't appealing, Coupled with the fact that he himself shouldn't even be here right now, His father always saying that he shouldn't bother to interfere with the more feminine matters of the clan.

But he stepped closer anyways, Just as his mother asked.

"Here, Stretch out your arms.. Michikatsu." Akeno said, The baby cradled near her chest was scooped up into her arms. A hand carefully holding her head, The other on her little back to steady her in Akeno's arms.

"Akeno-hime! Please, You must rest!"

Akeno propped herself up, The mid-wives in the room calling for her to be careful as they continued to tend to her needs. Akeno only ignored their concerns, Beckoning her son as she presented his newest sibling to him.

Michikatsu swallowed back his apprehension, An unsure and rather averse expression as he laid out his hands infront of him. Akeno smiled, The baby still swaddled in her cerulean cloth as she was outstretched to him.

She was lowered, Michikatsu's fingers twitched as his palms finally came in contact with her.

"There you go, Michikatsu. Hold her to your chest, Give her support." Akeno said as she watched Michikatsu react to her. He stared down at her, Examining her almost.

She wasn't even crying, Instead sleeping soundly, Cuddled up warm in her blanket.

Michikatsu gulped, Swallowing down that unfamiliar feeling rising in his throat with a slight frown. Nodding slightly at Akeno's words as he brought her closer to him, Resting her against him, An odd warmth starting to come from her.

Michikatsu could barely speak, Only stare down at her resting face. Her little nose, Her little ears, Her big eyes that were shut soundly asleep. Michikatsu could even see a few tufts of baby hair resting on her head. All of it seemed so..

"No, No.. You need to support her head." Akeno corrected, Gesturing towards the baby's head which laid drooped to it's side, Making her little face start to scrunch up. Michikatsu quickly moved a hand to the back of her head, Lifting it up onto his shoulder.

"Uhm.. Like this?" Michikatsu asked, Her tiny body resting comfortably against him as he showed his mother.

"Yes. You're doing amazing." Akeno nodded with a tired sigh as she lowered back down onto her futon, Her weary body needing the rest, Head laying against the fluff of her pillow as she oversaw her children getting along.

Akeno beamed, Watching her children get along, Just like she had wanted.

"Michikatsu, This is [F/N].. She's your little sister." She spoke with a gleam in her eyes.

"[F/N].." Michikatsu whispered.

Michikatsu only rocked her slightly in his arms, Swearing that once her head hit his shoulder, Her breathing grew lighter than it did before. Still fast asleep, Her curled fingers clutched together in tiny fists.

Michikatsu didn't know what to think, Why he even went to hold her in the first place was a mystery to himself. But he supposed he was happy that he did, Though happiness wasn't quite the right word as his emotions were at war with one and other.

Father had always said he shouldn't get involved with gynecian matters of the family, The one's concerning women. Even leading up to the birth of his next sibling, He had warned Michikatsu to pay no heed entirely, As doing such would distract from his studies as the Tsugikuni's next Daimyo.

It was like that with Yorichii too, Unable to speak or interact with him either, But Michikatsu never obeyed that rule too well just as he was doing now.

Michikatsu knew that his father wouldn't be proud, But Akeno very much was as she watched him rock his little sister back and forth, And right now that was enough.

"She must really like you.. You know, I can already tell you'll be an amazing big brother to her. Treat her well.. Understand?" Akeno spoke, Feeling her body start to relax upon her futon, Growing tired once more.

"Yes, Mother.." Michikatsu muttered, Too focused to listen to her words yet his agreement meant all the same. He held her close, Tight as he could without the worry of harming her. Michikatsu tried not to let his smile show through, Though that task seemed much more herculean by the second.

He'd be the best big brother to [F/N], Michikatsu knew.

☆♡☆

[F/N]'s eyes snapped open, Her body jerking, Gasping for air.

The darkness of her room was the first thing she acknowledged, Only the bare outlines made out from within the complete blackness.

Perspiration dampened her brow as she heaved in and out.

Her body was numb, Pins and needles itching in her legs. [F/N] groaned as she raised a achy hand to her head, Swiping the lather off of her brow before thumping it back down onto the mattress.

Fuck, Her visions had returned. This one was unlike the others as it was much more abstract and splotchy, Not unlike a murky pond.

It wasn't much of a vision, But more of a feeling. Though there were glimpses of settings, Women rushing back, Blurry figures who's faces couldn't be made out- All and all it felt more like a sequence of feelings.

What felt like her head resting against the welcoming warmth of a chest, Her body wrapped in something soft and delicate. It was nothing like her other visions where she had full sight of what she was perceiving, No, This was different.

It was weird.

[F/N] breathed, Steadying her breath and calming the drum of her heart. What it meant, She never knew. [F/N] supposed she'd just need to wait and see, To find out what it meant the next night. Or day, [F/N] could never tell when she was in this pit of a hellhole.

[F/N] groaned, Hands aimlessly grasping at the covers to toss them off. Her body was hit with the cold chill of the shrine once they were finally tossed to the side, [F/N] barely shuddering anymore, Having adapted to the gelidity.

She breathed out as her soles of her feet hit the floorboards, Vapour turning to mist. Feeling an itch, She yawned as she raised another hand to the back of her head. Though instead of the fibres of her hair, [F/N] instead felt the solid touch of something cold.

A brow raised.

[F/N] cupped it in her hands, Feeling around before realising what it was.

It was her hairpin, The little rose shaped sapphire with pretty little perals draping down from it. It was clipped into her hair, [F/N] feeling the cool hardened gem under her touch, She hummed.

She must've put it on and forgotten to take it out when she went to sleep..

"Strange.." [F/N] breathed, Still groggy.

Finally scratching the itch at the back of her head, She rolled her shoulders before pushing herself off of the bed. [F/N] huffed, Knowing that Akaza would bother her if she didn't eat. Eyes still heavy, She turned towards the dresser where a simple meal was scheduled to lay.

[F/N] stopped however, Freezing in her place. It was still there, A plate of tempura laid on the table. But it wasn't what [F/N] focused on as her eyes narrowed onto a shape.

It was.. A book.

One with a hardcover, Thick and sure to have a hefty page count, All of it being bound by silver twine. It sat huddled amongst the piles of bowls and cutlery that had been building up for ages now, [F/N] seeming to loose her clean-streak ever since she got here.

But even so, She didn't remember having any kind of reading material here.

"What the hell.." [F/N] muttered to no one but herself as she stepped forward towards the dresser. Floorboards creaking, Her hands reached out towards the periwinkle cover of the book, A colour she could only make out once she grew closer.

She picked it up, Feeling the texture of the hardcover's cloth under her thumb. [F/N] squinted her eyes, Bringing the book up to her face to translate the title through the shadows.

One.

[F/N]'s face scrunched up once she read the text illustrated on the front cover, There was no title she could recognise. She wasn't even able to make out an author, As there was none listed on the cover. Why it was on her dresser eluded her.

One? The title didn't make any sense to her. Was that simply.. It? Or was it saying that it was the first in some mystery series, One with no name and no author to identify it. [F/N] scoffed slightly.

Moving over to the wall beside her bed space, [F/N] figured she might as well skim through the pages. Leaning over to the wall, She lowered down to see the groupings of tally marks behind her bed. Too many to count at first glance now, But she reached over and began to scratch another one in anyways.

As her nail etched away at the rotting wood of her walls, She thought she might as well find somewhere comfortable to look through the book. The courtyard perhaps? It was the warmest part of this entire place, But it had become rather.. Repetitive to always head there. Another thought came to mind, Making [F/N] hum.

The library.

It had been ages since she had stepped foot in there, Only dipping her toes in the shallow end when she explored the layout of The Infinity Shrine (The name [F/N] used for this place to separate it from the proper shrine, Though now defunct)

[F/N] decided that she should probably go check it out further, Besides it would only be right to read some mystery book in some mystery shrine. Another line was finally added to the tally as she retracted her hand from the wall.

Yawning, [F/N] snatched the plate of tempura before turning on her heel and dragging her feet towards the door. She brushed past the rickety old closet, Too apathetic to change out of her nightwear.

[F/N] groaned, Pinching her temple as she lugged the shoji-door open with her free hand.

☆♡☆

It was a beautiful morning, The sun raising over the skyline.

A quaint village sat within the vastness of a flatland valley, Surrounded by a ring of rocky mountainside. Snow-capped peaks to contrast the morning warmth flooding through the little town, The one that only just started to awaken not long ago.

It was beautiful, The scenery straight out of painting.

Tree's abloom in rosy shades of pink flourished from the branches, Swaying in the gentle wind, Their petals detaching and dancing as they fell down onto the timberland grass. A beautiful scent, The subtle sweet of their saccharine invading the senses.

As the oaken wheels of the coach rattled along the pathway, She breathed it in.

Mitsuri was perched at the back, Sitting comfortably on the ledge as she took in the scenery with a smile. Admiring the forestry, Glancing at the birds chirping in the trees and the critters running around.

She had only awoken a bit ago, Her braided hair unbrushed and her eyes still a little heavy. Even so she wanted to enjoy the slight chill of the breeze, The building warmth of the day.

The village of Hiyohara, It wasn't too big but it wasn't too small either. Mitsuri could tell that they were coming near as she could hear the faraway call of quiet morning chatter start to build, Hiyohara starting to come alive.

Mitsuri breathed, Almost drinking in the brisk of the air.

"Ah.. I see you're up, Mitsuri-chan!" Shinobu half-yawned with her patron smile. The backdoor of the coach creaked open as Shinobu looked down at her colleague, The wheels still rattling along the trail.

Mitsuri hummed.

"Yeah, Just thought I'd get some air before we do some reconnaissance! Besides, Look at all the pretty blossoms! Perfect time for a mission, Eh~?" Mitsuri chirped as she gestured to all the flourishing scenery rolling by.

"Mhm! We'll be arriving soon, But I suppose stopping to smell the roses won't hurt.." Shinobu's smile widened as she finally stepped out onto the ledge, Holding onto the door handle for balance as the coach continued to roll along the pathway.

Mitsuri looked away from Shinobu in favour of watching her feet dangle from the coach ledge. She breathed, Letting spring air flood through her lungs. Shinobu in turn joined her to metaphorically smell the roses as she said, Staring off into the forest line beside them.

Mitsuri felt the silence weigh on her like paperweights, Shoulders sagging only slightly as her legs swung back and forth.

Turning back towards Shinobu, She smiled.

"Ever been out around here, Shinobu-chan?" Mitsuri asked, Tilting her head slightly as she looked up at her.

Shinobu shook her head.

"Not this area, No. Only knew about it since it had a few resources I needed." She replied shortly as she continued to stare out into the timberland, Watching the scampering of squirrels and the sparrows.

Mitsuri nodded slightly, Her smile quirking only a bit as she gripped the hem of her morning kimono. She sighed slightly as the wagon continued to roll along the pathway, The tree's becoming much less frequent in favour of valley grass now.

Mitsuri fiddled with her fingers a bit, A smile returning to her face.

"..Shinobu, I've actually been meaning to talk to you. Since Gyomei's still asleep and all, I think this a good time to talk! You know, Girl to girl? Friend to friend?" Mitsuri asked as Shinobu turned back down to face her.

Mitsuri paused, Considering her words.

"..I just wanna ask if you're doing alright, You seem a bit off is all." She said slowly, As if testing the waters. "I don't wanna intrude or anything, But if you need someone to talk to, You know I'm here for y-"

"Ah! Apologies to cut you off, Mitsuri-chan!" Shinobu interrupted as the coach began to rattle to a stop, Shinobu's smile as present as the daybreak sun. "But it appears that we've arrived~!"

Mitsuri blinked, Slightly taken aback at the interruption as she watched Shinobu swiftly turn on her heel and swing the door open. Leaning on the doorframe, She peeked inside.

"Himejima-san! We have arrived, It's time to wake up now~!" Shinobu warbled into the dimly lit cabin, Eyes landing on Gyomei who was sat sleeping upright in the far corner. Too big of a build to lay down, Almost crampt in the coach (Bless the man that made this vehicle)

He stirred, Shoulders rolling as if waxing off the numbness of the night. That was all the confirmation that Shinobu needed as the cart finally stopped in place. Shinobu quietly shut the backdoor, Smiling as she turned to breathe in the revitalising air.

The coach stopped just before the gates that began the village, Horses neighing as they paused in their pathway.

Mitsuri hopped down from the ledge as a smile crept up on her, The village being a resplendent, Almost otherworldly sort of scene.

It seemed rich for a village, The houses lined up on the minor gradient all seemed so well made. Expensive wood that didn't seem to splinter, Plants flourishing from their clay pots where they sat upon the rocky walls.

Along with statues of assorted creatures, Polished and carved, Sitting like decorative guard dogs along. It certainly seemed religious.

An elevated pathway lined with smoothen andesite rocks. The village was nestled by the steep start of the rocky mountainous ring, Beautiful leaves burst over the edges of the house tiles and swayed slightly in the higher wind.

Mitsuri could smell the freshness of the air, The chilled natural feeling in her lungs as she breathed in. Feeling it on her bare skin, Waving her braids back and forth as the wind ran throughout the entire valley, Making everything sway.

All of it, It was all beautiful.

"Kya~! How come I've never heard of this place before! Oh- Isn't this just adorable, Shinobu-chan~!" Mitsuri squealed as she ran to cup the face of a miniature Maneki-neko statue, Mitsuri admiring the little feline and the golden coin it held.

Shinobu suppressed a flutter of giggles with her hand.

"Quite! However I do believe we shouldn't be touching what's not ours.." She chided softly as she saw the statue was sitting on the wall of one of the houses, Rolling her eyes slightly at her antics.

"Oh, Right!" Mitsuri gasped, Jumping away from the statue as her hand retracted from it like hot coal. "Still.. I need to get one for myself- Oh! I wonder if there's any shops around~!"

Gyomei finally stepped out of the side-door, Making the carriage depressed on his wheels as he stepped onto the foot-ledge. He breathed in the air, Hummed before stepping off onto the stony floor as he turned to Mitsuri.

"Focus.. Kanroji-san, We're here on investigations purposes only.. Perhaps if the reconnaissance goes well you can have time to browse around." He said as he took a moment to settle.

"Ah, Right!" Mitsuri squealed, Slapping the burn of her rosy flush cheeks. "Focus, Mitsuri, Focus..!"

"Well I suppose we should start investigating and questioning locals!" Shinobu piped in, A voice lower than it usually was as she looked back and forth for any prying locals, Finding none, She turned back towards the two.

"Remember what we discussed? If anyone asks, You are headed to the next village over and only lingering as a pitstop, Understand? Don't make yourself seem suspicious." Shinobu uttered.

"Right!" Both Mitsuri and Gyomei nodded in unison. That was all there was left to say as Shinobu straightened out her spider-black kimono and speed walk off somewhere into the village, Her light-wood sandals clacking as she went.

Gyomei in turn, Did the same. Straightening out his own stone-coloured yukata, Gyomei breathed in before turning to walk off in the opposite direction Shinobu did, Hoping to cover more ground while doing so.

Mitsuri, Left alone. Grinned as she fixed up her bed-hair braids. Making sure to pay the driver of the coach, Where the village broke into three separate pathways, Mitsuri skipped through the middle.

Determined to get her answers, Both for Shinobu and [F/N]'s sake.

☆♡☆

Akaza couldn't find [F/N].

Akaza's face scrunched up, His nose twitching as he continued to wander around The Infinity Shrine. Usually she would be lingering somewhere in the courtyard, Occasionally dragging her feet somewhere within the hall.

It's not like he had trouble locating people, Usually that is. Akaza's sense for the fighting spirit was often enough to find someone, Even. As even the most mildest of human had at least some spark he could pick up perhaps even from miles away.

But not [F/N], She was annoying like that in the way she had no fighting spirit, At least none that was able to be picked up.

It was different back then, When they had fought upon the roof of the very shrine Akaza was walking through. Back then it was like a forest fire, A roaring, Wrathful sort of spirit that could bring a man to his knees just from minor exposure.

It almost did to Akaza too. He remembered how crippling it felt, How for once in centuries had he genuinely felt shaken to his core. Hair raised straight from his skin and his punches becoming sloppy. Her aura, It was rancid, It was so disgustingly detectable.

If only it was still like that now, It would be almost too easy to locate her.

Akaza's teeth gritted, Hands clenching into fists.

"HEY! Bastard! Where the hell are you?!" Akaza hollered, Irritation simmering in his voice as his voice echoed down old hallway, Terrifying all invertebrates hurriedly scuttling away.

"KOKUSHIBO'S NOT HERE RIGHT NOW!" A muffled voice replied, Seemingly just as annoyed as he was. It sounded not too faraway, Somewhere round the corner and further down the corridor.

Akaza groaned, Muttering curses under his breath as he marched off towards the root of the voice. The box in his hand shook, The floorboards creaking under his weight as he turned the corner. Count on [F/N] to be a pain in Akaza's ass.

He came face to face with double doors, Not one of the shoji-makes but the kind with a silver doorknob and semi-translucent window in the middle. Part of the weird architecture, Akaza couldn't be bothered to care.

He slammed the wooden doors open, A scowl on his face.

"I've been looking for you for ages! Where the hell have you been?!" Akaza hissed

"It warms my heart to know that you were looking for me." [F/N] said flatly, Not taking her eyes off of the book she appeared to be reading as she sat at a desk. Akaza scoffed, Rolling his eyes as he stepped forward.

"What the hell is this place anyways?" He asked. Glancing back and forth the noticeably large room, Noticing it wasn't one he had ventured through before.

"Akaza, How about you look around and then you tell me?" [F/N] groaned as she licked her thumb and used it to turn the page, Face not bothering to turn and look at him, Instead boring into the ink.

Akaza rolled his eyes, Spitting an insult under his breath but ultimately doing as she said.

As he had noted before, It was large. Tall ceilings that seemed to even cut into the second floor. And unlike the rest of the shrine, It was much better lighted. Most likely from the large window peeking out from the end of the room.

Akaza could see out to the docks, The lambent ocean sloshing outside. Though the entire place was still dimly lit, An ultramarine shine rolled off the edges in the room, Giving the entire room a luminescence much more potent than the rest of the shrine.

It would've been wide open if not from the bookcases, Ones that were almost as tall as the ceiling. But what was weird was that they were empty, Webs and dust piles in favour of books. None to be seen, Not on any shelf.

His eyes narrowed.

"A library." Akaza stated, Continuing to scan the area.

"Wow, What an astute observation..!" [F/N] droned on as her eyes intently read the words on the page. Akaza shook his head as he moved forward to where she was sitting, Almost hidden between two of the bookshelves.

"Who shoved you down the stairs?" Akaza remarked with a jeer on his face. Noticing her rather sour behaviour towards him, It was assumedly gonna Akaza in a few minutes if she kept it up.

[F/N] turned to look up at him, Finally prying her eyes away from whatever book she was reading before sighing.

"No one.. Sorry, I just get a bit annoyed when I'm bothered while reading." [F/N] apologised, Glancing back to the book for only a second as she placed it down onto her desk paper down.

Akaza huffed, Free hand moving to push away some of the decorations on the desk.

"Whatever, Here's your food.." He said, Placing the wooden lunchbox . Candles, Ink jars and spare paper side-lined to the edges in favour of the fairly hefty lunchbox, The one [F/N] looked at with apprehension.

"Thanks, But I've kind've already got Tempura." She said, Freehand moving to the other side of the desk where she picked up and presented a plate with untouched tempura, Giving him an apologetic look.

Akaza rolled his eyes.

"Uneaten Tempura." He corrected. "Besides, You'll need all the energy you can get."

Akaza watched as her face scrunch up slightly, Giving him the same look as a kid would do while doing some tedious chore. Akaza was almost ready to tell her off like he did last time, But instead she just rolled her eyes and slumped her shoulders in defeat.

"..Fine, Seems a bit excessive but I'll have it I guess. Don't think you'd let me leave any scraps anyways.." [F/N] sighed.

"Nope. Also got more of the rope you wanted in there, Few more of the nails too."

"Oh.. Yeah, Forgot about that. Really need to start making that rope.." [F/N] muttered, A sort of epiphany-induced look coming over her as she seemed to get lost in thought. Hand wandering, She aimlessly picked up the book.

Akaza huffed.

"You better.." He replied shortly.

He got no response after that.

Akaza watched as she flipped the book back up to face her, Bury her head back into those pages as she hunched over on the desk. [F/N] was out of it, Akaza could tell. Even to the point of momentarily forgetting her own plan of scaling The Infinity Castle.

She didn't really pay attention to him afterwards, Leaving Akaza feeling only slightly uncomfortable as he watched her flick through the book. He could only put up with it for a few moments before deciding to saunter round to her other side.

Sighing, He leant himself up against the wall where the desk was cozied in.

"So.. What are you reading?" Akaza asked, Trying to break the air of awkwardness that seemed to be present around them.

"Some weird old diary." [F/N] responded curtly, Continuing to flick through the pages.

Akaza huffed.

"Looks like a book to me." He remarked as he eyed up the hardcover spine of the book, Examining the blue it was bound in and the hefty page number it was sure to have.

"Looks like a book, Is actually some girl's journal." [F/N] corrected, Slightly flaunting it with the single hand she held it in. "Found it on my dresser and decided to skim through. Don't know how it got there but.. It's kind of interesting so I'll let it go for now."

Akaza frowned.

"I wouldn't, I'd figure out how the hell it got there." He said, Leaning over to take a good scan of the page she was reading.

[F/N] side-eyed him for a second, Glancing back between him and the book.

"..Maybe I just never noticed it before, I'm not exactly the brightest and my room is pretty dark." [F/N] muttered, More to herself than to Akaza as she turned back to the journal. Even she didn't believe it, [F/N] knew it wasn't there before but..

She supposed she just didn't have the energy right now to question it further. Maybe once she choked down the rather excessive amount of food surrounding her, Would she find the will to question how it got there.

She sighed, Feeling the stagnancy in her chest.

Noticing the silence, [F/N] bit her lip.

"..It's about some girl called 'Akeno Matsubara'" [F/N] spoke, Looking up at Akaza without turning her head at all. "Right now I'm just reading about her upcoming marriage to some man. Apparently she was some noblewoman of sorts from the Sengoku period.."

Akaza 'hmphed' before leaning over a bit further, Scrutinizing both her and the pages.

"Sound's boring." He stated simply as he read a few lines himself, Mundanity being the takeaway.

"Well it's not like I've got much else to read here.." [F/N] sighed as she half-heartedly gestured to the empty rows on the bookshelves, Voice and movement dripping in boredom "If you haven't noticed.. I don't have much to do."

Akaza didn't need to look again to notice the significant emptiness of it all, He felt it in his skin. Akaza huffed, Almost, Almost feeling pity for her. He could leave whenever he wanted, She could not.

Pitiful, That's what she was. Akaza almost debated getting her a few more books to fill the shelve-

CREAK!

Both bodies at the desk jolted. [F/N] quickly slapping the journal down while Akaza instantly shoved himself up from the wall he leant on.

Both on guard, Both of their muscles tensing.

The noise that echoed out, Both knew very well what it was. Akaza especially as he had caused it only a few minutes ago, From him slamming open that door, The creak erupting from the hinges had happened again.

[F/N] swallowed though her mouth was dry, Due to the way they were positioned, They were unable to see the double-doors due to a bookshelf being in the way. [F/N]'s breath hitched.

Was it Kokushibo? He couldn't be here- Not while Akaza was present! He'd catch him-

"Oh, Goddamnit.. Who the hell let you in here?!"

Akaza hissed, Making [F/N] whip her head up to glare at him. But Akaza wasn't focused on her, Only staring at the figure lingering by the bookcase. [F/N] noticing this, Drew her attention towards the person.

And suddenly, [F/N] groaned.

"I could say the same thing about you, Akaza-dono!" Kaigaku stood in his full unshameful glory by the bookcase. His beady, Electric blue eyes glaring into Akaza as he held some kind of basket in his hands.

Though he eventually noticed [F/N], His demeanour instantly softening up as he raised the basket in his hands.

"Oh, Um! [F/N]-sama! I brought you food!" Kaigaku grinned, Holding up a fair wicker of assorted peaches like a cat with a bloody mouse in it's maw. Proudly displaying it as if he didn't see the building mountain of food surrounding her.

If the look on [F/N]'s face could kill, Kaigaku would be a bloody smear across the library floor.

☆♡☆

Skipping along the stony pathway, Mitsuri's blush flourished under the morning rays.

The feeling of the air seeping into her skin, Her braids dancing as she pranced around the expanse of the village-space. It was revitalising, Even though Mitsuri travelled all over, The air here seemed much fresher around here, It was energising.

Though she was focused on her mission to the core, She couldn't deny that she enjoyed the scenery. The architecture of the lined buildings was traditional, All decorated to the nines statues and flourishing in plant life. Hanging from the windows, Potted in clusters by the doors.. Botany thrived.

Mitsuri breathed in the air once more, Though this time she picked up a rather enticing scent. Her eyes lit up, Sniffing the air once more she could definetly smell it now, Much more potent.

That smells good. For the notorious glutton that Mitsuri was, That was the least of her thoughts as she turned on her heel and headed in the direction of that saccharine scent. Mitsuri grinned, An opportunity for both food and investigation.

"Hello~?"

Mitsuri chirped as she peered around the corner of one of the houses, Bright in the eyes as she noticed what looked to be a merchants stall starting to open. A few boxes of assorted items surrounded it, A water filled pot hung over a little ember at the side.

An older man standing behind the counter. He looked up, A kind smile on his weathered face.

"Ah, Greetings! I see you're up rather early!" He commented with mirth as he knelt down to lug a few boxes up onto the stand.

"Oh my! I'm so sorry, Should I come back later?" Mitsuri spoke almost apologetically as she bowed down.

The man shook his head, Instead waving her over.

"No, No! Come sit down, I'll make you something to eat! I'm always happy to serve customers!" He laughed as he started to unbox some of the packages, Waving her over with one hand.

Mitsuri smiled, Praising how kind he was both in her head and out loud as she pranced over to the stool-setup he had at the stand. Quickly sitting down on one of the tall stools, She leaned over on the counter.

"Kyah~! Thank you so much! Apologies, I'm not from around here..!" Mitsuri explained with a smile as the man started to unpack the food from the boxes, Mitsuri now realising that this was a breakfast stand.

Her eyes started to shimmer as she watched him lift mochi-dough from the boxes, Realising that this was where that beautiful smell was coming from.

"I can tell, Would probably remember you from your hair!" The man commented as he placed the roll of mochi-dough down onto the counter. "So tell me, Traveller, What brings you around these parts?"

Mitsuri hummed, Swinging her legs like an excited child as she scratched the back of her head.

"Ah- Was on my way to the next village over but decided to stop here for some food before heading off~!" Mitsuri answered with a grin, Happily keeping up her calm as she chatted to the man.

"Well, I suppose you're in at the right time! Though, Don't really have the ingredients for much at this time, But I do have some left over ingredients for Mochi. I understand dessert is not ideal breakfast food but.."

"Oh don't worry, That's no problem to me at all~!" Mitsuri cheered much more enthusiastically than she probably should have, Her blush burning like an inferno on her cheeks.

The man chuckled slightly.

"Good to know! Red bean paste fine by you?" The man asked, Beginning to knead the dough with his seasoned hands.

"Fine by me~!"

"Aha~! Umeko, I finally found you!"

Mitsuri's eyes widened as a familiar, Jovial voice called out from behind her. Whipping her head behind her, She was met with Shinobu strolling towards them in leisure. Mitsuri raised a brow, Watching as she came closer.

"Umeko..?" Mitsuri muttered to herself, Watching her saunter.

Shinobu's smile widened as she approached, Her glossy eyes meeting with the green of Mitsuri's. A quick look shared between them, It made Mitsuri gasp softly before jerking her head back towards the man.

"Ah- Yes! I forgot to introduce myself, My name is.. Fujimori, Umeko! This is my sister and one of my travel companions, Hina." Mitsuri introduced, Gesturing towards Shinobu.

Shinobu, Her eyes widened slightly at the choice of last name, Before regaining her exterior smile and turning towards the man with a courteous bow. Quickly moving to sit on the adjacent stool to Mitsuri, She beamed at her.

"Aha.. Umeko, I almost lost you there for a minute! You should know by now not to get distracted by the smell of food." Shinobu chided softly as she turned to Mitsuri, The man continuing to knead the dough.

"Aha.. Well you know me.." Mitsuri laughed off, Rubbing the back of her head.

The man smiled as he massaged the dough with his hands.

"I see..! My name is Takashi, Tenko. As you can see, I'm a noticeably passionate chef!" Tenko chuckled as he gestured towards the dough he pressed in his hands, Glancing at Shinobu. "You want some? This mochi is the best in the village, If I must say!"

"Ah.. No, No. I must decline! " Shinobu agreed before looking back towards the busy man. "However, On the topic of this village, I must admit I'm interested! It's a rather beautiful place, Pretty prosperous too~?"

Tenko nodded along to her words, A smile on his face as grasped onto a smaller knife and begin to cut the dough into eighths.

"Suppose so! Business is never slow.. Crime isn't a particular issue here-" Tenko listed off as he reached into one of the box, Pulling out a little bag filled with red paste. "Personally, Everyone here is like family to one and other. We help each other out, It's how we operate! Also the reason why we prosper, If you ask me."

Shinobu nodded as she watched him continue to dice the dough, A somewhat thoughtful smile as she happily sat on the stool.

Tenko chuckled under his breath, His smile broadening only a little wider.

"That, And the faith, That is..!" He laughed slightly, A joke he easily dismissed as he shook his head.

Both Shinobu and Mitsuri perked up at that, Their minds flipped like a switch as both of them got on game. Shinobu especially, His words seeming to catch her fancy as she leaned just a bit closer to Tenko.

"Faith? What do mean by that?" Shinobu asked with a sweet little tune to her voice, Almost sickeningly so. However Tenko didn't seem to mind as he began to divide the paste between the eighths.

"Ah.. This village you see is housed next to some religious group, They work closely with the village and such. We export food to them for a fee.. They come down during festivals, Business usually booms with the extra lot of people around you see!" Tenko explained as he began to roll the dough.

"Oh! How interesting!" Shinobu cheered slightly. "Do you mind telling me more? I must say you've peeked my interest!"

Mitsuri internally sighed as she listened to Shinobu and Tenko idly chat, Despite her elation that they had gotten something from the conversation- Mitsuri was simply glad that she didn't need to ask the questions.

She smiled at Shinobu, Who intently played along with Tenko's words. Mitsuri was never that good with acting gigs, So she was glad that there was someone here that had the guts to do it.

Mitsuri's lips thinned.

Surprisingly well.

Tenko hummed as he started to fold the mochi dough over the filling.

"Can't exactly remember their name but.. I'm pretty sure it's a gathering of Shinto-Buddhist believers. Some splinter group, Actually. Only thing I really remember about them is that they believe in some sort of 'Lotus' thing.." Tenko trailed, Waving his free hand around as if throwing his words to the wind.

Shinobu's eyes narrowed on him, Her lips pursing only slightly.

"And.. Do you believe in their doctrines at all? Any truth to them?" Shinobu asked, Tilting her head.

"Oh, Who knows! Me and my wife have never been particularly religious, But we can't deny the fortune that has came to the village!" Tenko laughed as he finished rolling the dough into little cream coloured chunks.

"Right, I see.." Mitsuri mumbled, Her mind somewhere further off as she listened to them speak.

"I must admit I am rather curious about the faith, You've peaked my interest! Me and Umeko here have always been quite religious, And before we head out again it would be pleasant to go make a few offerings to the Kami we worship! For good luck, And such.." Shinobu said, Eyes not removing from his.

Tenko frowned, Shaking his head.

"Oh, Erm- It's rather high up within the mountain, I'm not quite sure you'll make it up there and down if you want to make it to the next village over.." He said, Slightly awkward now as her stare got just the tiniest bit more intense.

"Our schedule is flexible." Shinobu stated, Her voice holding much more urgency than it did before yet her face stayed the same.

The little cream coloured chunks sat steady on Tenko's palm, His movements paused as he was about to place them in the metallic pot beside the stand. Looking into Shinobu's eyes, His own narrowed.

Mitsuri bit her lip, Breathing in a sharp hitch of that energizing air. It didn't do much to help however, As she wondered if Tenko had decided that something might be up with them. Could he know? Was he involved with this so called cult somehow?

But before long, Tenko raised his hand, Gesturing up towards one of the unfathomably high mountainsides that suffocated the village in a ring.

"Up on the mountains, Over by the north side..! They're a secluded bunch but when they come down for festivals and such, They're rather polite and respectful. I'm sure they wouldn't mind accepting a few offerings." Tenko said, Finally plopping the little mochi balls into the heated water.

Shinobu's smile started to soften, Finally relaxing on her barstool as she laid back.

"I see! I apologise for bothering you so much!" Shinobu said as she bowed her head towards him, A gesture of apologia as she spoke.

"It's alright, I don't mind. Besides," Tenko said, Bending down to pick up a metallic lid and placing it over the steaming pot. "Your food will be ready in about twenty minutes, You can come back later to pick them up if you want to continue exploring the village. Is that good with you, Fujimori-san?"

Mitsuri's eyes widened.

"Oh, Um! How much do I owe you?" She gasped, Chiding herself about forgetting payment as she reached into her obi for the money she stored in there. Completely ignoring the weird look Shinobu gave her as she did.

However before Mitsuri could pull out her purse, A hand softly gripped onto her wrist.

"Ah, Don't worry about it! It's free of charge." Tenko assured, Relenting his easy grip on her wrist with a kind smile. Mitsuri shook her head, Almost jumping up from the stool she was perched on.

"Oh, No! Theres no possible way I can accept this, You've been so kind and helpful.. Please, Let me pay!" Mitsuri implored as she leaned towards him, Her heart aching as she fished out her purse-pouch and presented it to him.

But Tenko just shook his head and smiled, Nudging her purse away from him..

"No, No. Think of this as a welcome to town gift, Besides if you're going to be travelling up the mountain then you'll need plenty of energy! I'll set some extra's on for your journey there too.."

Mitsuri's blush burned bright, Her smile sweet and wide as she looked at him with her trademark adoration. Her hands ran to grasp his, Tenko's eyes widened as he was suddenly faced with the burning up visage of his customer.

She grinned, Pulling him into an over the counter bear hug. Mitsuri's strong grip holding him as tight and as gratefully as she could.

"Thank you so much sir, You have no idea how much this means to me!"

Tenko sighed with a kind smile, Lightly patting her back as he returned the favour.

Mitsuri spoke her goodbyes to the man, Shinobu's following after as they departed from the stand. Mitsuri skipped behind Shinobu as she strode off, Her stride determined as they both headed to find their third colleage, Gyomei.

Mitsuri breathed, Skipping behind Shinobu as they searched for him. The village became more alive by the minute, People starting to venture out from their homes and wander the streets as they went.

Smiling, Mitsuri greeted them all with a chipper tone.

Smiling, Shinobu's pace only quickened.

☆♡☆

"The hell are you even here for? You're not exactly welcome here, You little shit."

"Why I'm here is none of your business!"

"The annoying fucking voice in my ear is making it my goddamn business!"

[F/N]'s brows were knitted as she continued to read the next passage in the journal, Though it felt harder and harder by the second from the constant drone of argument in the background.

Her hands gripped the pages, Needing to restart the same line for the fifth time as she was interrupted again. Her breathing became manual, And if either of them bothered to look closer they would've seen veins start to burst in her forehead.

Kaigaku scoffed at Akaza's words, Nose pointing into his face.

"I think that's just the Tinnitus, Akaza-dono! Oh excuse me for saying, But with how horribly sickly you look, I wouldn't put it past you!"

"Oh, That's it! I'm going to fucking tear you a new on-"

"SHUT UP!"

[F/N] finally snapped, Whipping her head over to the two demons spatting on the other side of the room. Both of them instantly wound their jaws shut once they heard her shrill scream, Both taking glances back from her to each other.

[F/N] muttered curses under her breath as she turned back towards the journal, Her hand sluggishly wandering up to the basket of peaches. The mountain of food surrounding her barely half-eaten as she grasped another ripe peach into her hand.

Akaza groaned, Harshly shoving Kaigaku out of his face who shot him a nasty look. He didn't bother returning it as he waltzed over to [F/N], Who half-nibbled into the punchy skin of the peach with her focus entirely on the book.

Leaning up against the wall beside her, He spoke.

"..The hell are you gonna do about him?" Akaza said lowly, Eyes darting from [F/N] to Kaigaku who lazed against the wall from the other side of the room, Staring them down from afar.

She didn't look at Akaza, [F/N] only continued to nibble on the peach.

"What can I do about him, Akaza?" [F/N] sighed. She single-handedly flipped the page, Taking a rather generous bite into the lush peach in her hand. "He's under Kokushibo, I tell him to leave and he'll snitch." She finally took her eyes off the journal for a second, Shooting him a calm yet irritated look to which Akaza sneered at.

"Oh, Come on. You can read that journal thing later, Don't you think you should be dealing with that brat first? Especially if that thing has actual information about.. You know." Akaza eluded, His voice low and quiet.

Her escape, Those were the words that Akaza meant to say. But she knew he wouldn't dare to speak them while Kokushibo's lap dog was around. [F/N] could see him watching intently from the farther side of the library, Knowing that his enhanced hearing was enough to listen in.

"Yeah, About that training regiment you mentioned a while back." [F/N] lied, Trying to keep her eyes as conspicuous as possible and away from Kaigaku. "Besides, I'll take care of it later, I've got better things to do right now than deal with you two."

Akaza scoffed, Rolling his eyes.

"Like what? Aren't you gonna come up with some plan to get him out of your hair? Come on, The hell you acting so bored for?" Akaza questioned as she watched her shoot him an exasperated look.

[F/N] shook her head. It was none of his business why she felt so lacklustre and he had no right to be questioning her as such. Taking another chunk out of the ripeness of the peach, She shrugged her shoulders.

"Like reading the journal, It's actually getting interesting. Not to mention sleep, It's only been an hour or two since I woke and I'm honestly still a bit groggy." [F/N] said calmly, Yet there was a firm pique to her voice. "Besides, If he was gonna tell Kokushibo that you were here he would've done it by now. Quite frankly, I don't even know why he hasn't snitched."

"He hasn't snitched yet because he's a weaselly little bitch who likes snapping his jaws at the bigger dogs." Akaza retorted, Folding his arms firmly.

"What was that, Akaza-dono?"

Both of them drew their attention to Kaigaku, Who had moved closer in the time that they talked with one and other. That bootlicking expression was prominent on his face, Toothy smile and all.

Akaza didn't like the look of it as he gritted his teeth, Veins almost popping from his clenched fists as he pushed himself up from the wall.

"I said that you're a weaselly little bitch who likes picking fights with people that could bench you like a paperweight." Akaza repeated, Slowly so that Kaigaku could pick up every syllable on his tongue.

He snarled as he looked at Akaza, Kaigaku's claws itching to get to his neck as he stepped closer.

"Just because you consider yourself strong right now, You know you can't attack me." Kaigaku eluded, A putrid memory appearing in Akaza's mind. The warning of how Kaigaku wouldn't hesitate to go run off and tell Kokushibo.

It made him feel weak, Akaza almost rolled his shoulders back in anticipation for a fight.

Though an hand gently, Yet firmly pulled him back by the wrist.

"Can you two just.. Not start another fight? Peace and quiet is a very viable option, You know." [F/N] sighed as she softly tugged Akaza away from Kaigaku, An exasperated expression on her face as her stare bored into the boy in front of him.

Kaigaku's eyes widened, His body jolting as if from a shock.

"Y-Yes [F/N]-sama!" Kaigaku chirped, His demeanour flicking like a switch at the first sound of her words. Instantly the scowl on his face dissolved into that of submission, His eyes focused intently on the woman in front of him.

Akaza sneered.

"Fucking dog.." He muttered under his breath as [F/N] let go of his wrist, The warmth fading on his skin.

"Thank you.." [F/N] sighed as she picked up her half-eaten peach once more, Taking another few chunks out of the fruit. A glint appeared in Kaigaku's eyes as he watched her take a bite.

"..Do you like them? They're handpicked!" Kaigaku asked with a toothy grin.

[F/N] chewed into it, Tasting the punchy lushness of the peach on her tongue as she glanced at him.

"..They're fine, Thank you." [F/N] nodded slightly through her consumption, A bored somewhat monotone reply that seemed to make him wag his metaphorical tail.

Akaza rolled his eyes, Scrutinizing Kaigaku.

"You know.. We're trying to have a private conversation here, Don't you have anything else to do? At all? Neither of us want a fucking rat around." He said which earned him a look from [F/N], Warning him not to start another draining fight.

"..I'm not a rat." Kaigaku's grin got more strained as it turned to Akaza, Most definetly trying not to go for the jugular.

"Erm.. Well I mean, Aren't you? You must be an informant for Kokushibo, Otherwise why would you be here?" [F/N] asked lazily as she watched him turn to her with a sort of quizzical look.

Kaigaku scratched the back of his head.

"Uh.. I wouldn't put it that way, [F/N]-sama! I'd see me more.. As your assistant!" Kaigaku chimed, Snapping his fingers. "Sure I might tell my master a few things, But that's just for your sake! Besides, If you want anything, I'm willing to get you a few things!"

"..I get all that from Akaza, Just without the cons." [F/N] bluntly said, Making Kaigaku's smile instantly drop from his face.

"Exactly, So get out of here." Akaza ordered, An arm raising to point in the general direction of the door, His broken-glass eyes kept focused on the way Kaigaku's face contorted at his verbal contribution.

Kaigaku could barely supress a sneer as he glared at him. How dare he try to order him around when Akaza wasn't even suppose to be here in the first place? It almost surprised him, His lack of good conscious.

The gall he had, Kaigaku thought. If he wanted to survive he should keep his mouth shut.

He 'hmphed', Narrowing his eyes in on him.

"I'm here full time now, Since you revealed my position to my master that means I don't need to watch from afar now. Sorry but.. I'm not going anywhere, Not while Akaza-dono is here." Kaigaku said, Almost smugly as he eyed him up and down.

Full-time? Akaza felt something start to burn in his chest. Remembering the rope still stored in the food crate, There was no way [F/N] would be able to construct it with him around. There would be no way for her to get out and give him his end of the deal.

Akaza sighed, Stepping forward as he pinched his temples.

"..You know what? Fuck it."

"ACK-"

Suddenly a fist slammed into the side of Kaigaku's head, Flesh tearing in two as the top half of Kaigaku's flew off from his jaw.

It slammed against the wall, Splattering ichor everywhere. Blood bursting from both his stumbling body and the half-head flopping down with a wet slap onto the old wooden floorboards.

"Akaza!" [F/N] scolded, Her eyes widening as she glared at the dripping red coming down from his fist.

Akaza breathed an almost relieved sigh as he glanced at her.

"What? The little bastard deserved it." He shrugged. Kaigaku's body stumbled aimlessly before he regenerated, Flesh growing back into his head with those same black tufts drooping from his head.

"Y-You basta- ACK-!" Akaza's fist collided with him again, Shooting another spray of blood across the floorboards and another headpiece against the wall.

"I'm not comfortable with harming children, Akaza. Human or demon." [F/N] stated as she watched Kaigaku's near-headless body stammer and stumble around, Hands grasping at where his missing crown was.

"Brat. How old are you?" Akaza asked as his head regenerated once more.

Kaigaku hissed.

"I-I'm nintee- ACK!"

"Well, He's not a child." Akaza stated as he shook the blood off like dirt from his fists, A sort of ick on his face as it hit the floor.

"..I guess so?" [F/N] shrugged though she still didn't seem satiated, Watching on edge, Shoulders raised as she squirmed at the sight of all the blood splattered and festering on the floorboards.

Kaigaku's body finally wobbled back out of Akaza's range, His feet trying to balance themselves as his head finally grew back up to it's full unglory, An enraged scowl on his face that landed on Akaza.

"Y-You bitch!" Kaigaku stammered out, His face lit up like a flame He growled, Almost like a wild animal as he stomped towards him.

"That's it! That's it- You're fucking dead, Akaza- You're fucking dead! I'm gonna make sure he rips you apart like butchered meat-" Kaigaku ranted off as marched towards Akaza, Almost ready for a fight.

"Oh, You really wanna do this?" Akaza readied himself, Stepping forward as he was ready to throw another punch.

[F/N] on the other hand, Stiffened up.

[F/N]'s eyes finally lit up for a second, That monotone, Dull look started to shake off as she finally pushed herself up from the desk. Akaza whipped his head around to look at her, Eyes wide as he heard her sigh.

[F/N] shook her head, Casually placing the peach down onto the desk.

"Counter offer."

It happened in a single moment.

One second, [F/N] was sat down against the little library desk. The next, The sapphiric pin was unsheathed from her hair, Flicked like a butterfly knife against her neck.

"[F/N]!" Akaza yelled as he watched her pace back away from the two, Who looked at her in absolute shock as she held the firm nichirin silver against her jugular. Her eyes darted back and forth from them.

"[F/N]-sama!" Kaigaku gasped as the oncoming fight was broken up immediately at her actions, Blackened eyes darting towards her.

[F/N] just stood there soundlessly as her eyes dug into Kaigaku, Who stood frozen like a startled stag. It was almost challenging, Her stare. [F/N] holding the pin up like it was nothing to her at all.

She breathed.

"You're not telling Kokushibo anything, Alright? Not if you want this thing to draw some blood." [F/N] stated as she watched him stammer with a furrowed brow, Akaza beside her being prepared to lunge and disarm her at any moment.

Kaigaku gritted his teeth.

"Stop it, D-Do you not have any survival instincts?!" Kaigaku yelled, Shrill and loud as he watched her fiddle with the makeshift switchblade in her fingers, Ready to rush forward at any moment.

"Do you?" [F/N] asked, An almost bored look in her eyes as the silver of the hairpin pressed just a bit harder against the skin of her neck. "You wanna live right? My life is tied with yours, I die you die. So unless you wanna keep your head then I'd stay right there, Alright?"

"Y-You couldn't kill yourself with that thing!" Kaigaku yelled.

"Oh, No. Of course I couldn't," [F/N] agreed, Making him stare in horror/confusion as she spoke. "There's no way I could do any lethal damage with this little thing, Not while you two are here."

"But." [F/N] started. "Even if he doesn't believe me, Kokushibo will have no choice but to kill you off because I mean.. Isn't your job to make sure I stay alive and well? A few 'claw-shaped marks' on the neck should do the job.. So if you don't want your head rolling on the floor, I'd stay quiet."

Kaigaku's eyes were wide and wild, Staring in horror at the woman in front of him. Didn't she have any kind of survival instinct? None at all?! The thought of that was unfathomable to him, So much so that he could barely comprehend the sight in front of him.

There was no way he could loose his leverage here. Kaigaku's fingers shook as he watched her stare bore into him. But what could he do? He couldn't upset her, He couldn't attack her, He had to appease her- Otherwise-

Kaigaku's lip shook as he pried it open.

"..Fine." He spat out, Fingers curling into fists.

"Cool. Now get the hell out of here so me and him can have a private conversation." [F/N] ordered, Pointing towards the door in the exact same way that Akaza did only a few moments ago.

"..Yes, [F/N]-sama." Kaigaku gritted as he swiftly turned on his stiff heel, Breathing unnaturally steady as he marched out towards the door. [F/N] watched him go, A sort of tired look on her face as she watched him go.

SLAM!

And there it was, The crashing of the door that shook the frame of the room. It didn't bother her as she heard his angry footsteps walk out through the hallways, Calmly she stood there, Sighing in relief as she lowered the pin.

She wasn't out of the woods just yet however, As a hand gripped onto her shoulder and yanked her forward.

"The hell was that?! Are you fucking stupid?!" Akaza hissed as he pulled her close towards his face, So close that the saliva from his maw almost got on her face. [F/N] narrowing her eyes, Pushed him back.

"..For getting rid of the Kaigaku problem?" She said as paced back from him, Firmly removing his hand from her shoulder as she stared at him unshaken from the ordeal.

Akaza just stared at her, Looking at her in the eyes. The way she seemed so unbothered by it all, Looking at him like it was nothing.. It startled him. Akaza couldn't even sense how she felt from her aura, Though from the last time he supposed that was for the best.

But still, Akaza gritted his teeth as he tried to find something to say.

"Just- Just don't fucking do that shit, You hear..?!" Was all he could say, The thumping of his dead heart only beginning to calm. [F/N] shrugged.

"Okay, You haven't lost your ticket to number one yet, Akaza." [F/N] said as she sat back down onto her wooden chair, Picking up the peach and munching out a generous chunk of it.

Akaza just looked at her, Almost disgusted by her words. Pitiful he thought, The racing of his heart barely calmed. He watched as she picked up the book again, Going right from where she left off.

The way she acted, It would of been terrifying.

For a normal person, That is.

[F/N] on the other hand began to read again, Skimming through the lines as she singlehandedly clipped the pin right back into her hair. [F/N] yawned as flipped the page, Her placement in the book getting up to the part where this Akeno woman was getting hitched.

Though her eyes glimmered once she landed on a particular line, A memory resurfacing from within the depths of her mind as she read it. Brows furrowing, She read it again. The same result, [F/N]'s breath stopped.

'From this day forward, I am now known as Akeno Tsugikuni'

☆♡☆

"To start off.. I don't think this will work out, Not for me."

Gyomei's voice ruminated throughout the entire room, The confined walls keeping it firmly inside.

Shinobu, Mitsuri and Gyomei all sat around a table within the rented out room of the town's inn. The homely little set up being cosy to the three of them, A few futons laid out to the side with a small table and a few mats being the only furniture there.

Apart from the decorations that was, A few lanterns were lit up giving the room a flickering warm glow. The windows were locked shut, Doors locked and suspiciously eyed from time to time just in case anyone tried to come in.

The faint ember soaked into the skin, Warmth seeping in deep as they sat to converse around the table. The smell of the burning candles inside flooded into the nose, A beautiful scent that Shinobu breathed out.

"I must say that unfortunately.. I agree." She said with a little frown on her face, An almost contemplative look playing in her eyes as she spoke. "Do not take this the wrong way.. But you are a rather sore thumb when it comes to looks and demeanour, Himejima-san. I had hoped we would be able to scout around and skip straight to a fight.. However it's beginning to look a lot more complicated then I had imagined."

Shinobu said as she examined the rather bulky stature of the man in front of her, Him towering above the both of them by a wide margin with muscles large enough to wrestle a bear.

Though effective in combat, It had became all the more obvious as their discussion went on. Gyomei just was not suited for this kind of thing, For a stealth focused mission.

"Ah.. I'm sorry you came out all this way just to be sent back, Himejima-sama.. Are you sure there isn't any way you can come along? Not at all?" Mitsuri apologised as she bowed down slightly, A frown on her face.

Gyomei shook his head.

"No.. From the information we've gathered here today.. The best course of action is for me to stay out of this mission for now." Gyomei concluded with his hands still in prayer. "As much as I would like to go on.. It would not be right."

"Yes, From what we've heard it sounds like it would be tough to convince them to let us in." Shinobu started, Her brows knitted in thought. "I'll send out a crow to the slayers I have on my roster, Hopefully they'll be enough to make up for your absence."

"Aha.. When you said infiltration into the cult, I had assumed that you had meant finding what member was the demon then slaying them! Not playing pretend, Shinobu-chan!" Mitsuri joked, Smile reappearing on her face all the same.

"Yes.. I did too." She sighed as her hand slipped into the satchel attached to her ebony kimono, A thick wisteria-patterned pen quick to follow. "However it seems like we will be playing the long game. Not preferred, However doable."

"I'm fine with it!" Mitsuri chirped, Smiling as she grasped the hems of her candy pink kimono "Might even be a little interesting, You know! Being 'Umeko' was pretty fun!"

Gyomei nodded along to Mitsuri's words, His head turning towards her slightly as he listened on. Sighing, He would most likely need to head back home now, If not take an extended vacation just to stick around if backup was needed.

However Oyataka-sama would get suspicious, Especially if he takes it out of nowhere. Besides, He still had someone waiting at his estate, A rather important conversation needed to be said when Gyomei had nothing to say.

Though Gyomei's brows furrowed, Only for a second. His breath hitched, An idea coming to his head.

"..I shall request a contact of my own.. If that is alright with you, Kocho-san." Himejima spoke, The beads coiling his hands clacking together softly as he spoke. Shinobu looked up towards him as the tip of her pen pressed against the paper.

She hummed, A smile coming upon her face.

"I suppose if you trust this contact to keep this all confidential, Then I see no harm in it!" Shinobu answered, Nodding towards Gyomei before she began to write down upon the paper.

"Now I feel left out.. I don't really have anyone to ask for help..!" Mitsuri laughed as she scratched the back of her head awkwardly, Feeling a bit left out between the two of them together.

"No need to worry, Mitsuri-chan!" Shinobu laughed as she scribed into the paper. "With the people, We have more than en-"

CLANK!

Three heads jerked over to where the door was.

Shinobu shut her mouth immediately, The room going so silent that even the faint flicker of fire could be heard from within the lanterns. Outside, They could hear muffled movement. The stammer of footsteps, The faint cursing of a voice.

Shinobu's eyes darted back and forth from Gyomei to Mitsuri, Mitsuri meeting her wide-eyed stare with one of her own. Both of them shared a silent conversation, Gyomei sharing their quiet talk as they all froze up to listen to more.

Shinobu sat down her pen, Making sure it didn't even make a tap on the table. Silently she pushed herself up onto her feet, Both Gyomei and Mitsuri waiting in anticipation as she began to sneak towards the door.

Shinobu moved quietly, The floorboards that would usually creak did not dare when she moved so swiftly. Her eyes on the silver of the doorknob, The little turn lock below it.

Reaching the door, Her hands moved towards the turn lock. One on the doorknob, Another pinching the lock, Ready to turn.

Mitsuri breathed in, Her hand ready to reach for her sword.

Gyomei stiffened, His fingers subconsciously curling into fists.

"AH-!"

In one swift move, Shinobu switched the lock and wrenched the door wide open. Something thumped against the floor in a yelp, A human shaped girl lying dizzy on the floorboards, Having previously leaned up against the door.

She was mousy, Much younger than the three of them. With blonde hair tied up in pretty little ribbons and a kimono that seemed rather oversized on her.

Though what suprised them the most, Was that Mitsuri and Shinobu recognised her.

Mitsuri spoke first, Her voice terribly shocked.

"..Maika Heihachiro!"

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