#Kokushibo singing

[kokusfluffyhair]

Hey everyone!

Did you know that Kokus Japanese v/o sings?

I found this playlist of his recordings on YouTube 😊:

You can even pretend that Koku sings you a romance song:

I think there's some songs by Muzans v/o and Doumas too, I'll find them as well!

[trancylovecraft]

can i have yandere kokushibo with a oiran fem reader who is very talented when it comes to singing dancing and arts i want like uh heian period hehe lets just jump back to heian era. sooo here oiran reader likes sakura blossom since kid because it always remind her of her dead mother and when kokushibo kidnapped her and locked her forever in the house he found the oiran reader will also tried to plant sakura blossom outside his house to keep her calm and know that she is still safe or whatever she's still fine

whenever she sees a beautiful sakura blusom (i know this is so random but this is my first time requesting T-T)

(KNY) YANDERE! KOKUSHIBO x READER: Renewal Season

Turn. Left foot. Right foot. Spin. Stray.

The movements of the girls body seemed to flow throughout the crowd like water. Her hips swayed along to the roaring music of the festival.

The people inside bustling crowd around her couldn't help but stop and stare as she danced past them, Only leaving a faint scent of Cherry blossom in her wake.

She gripped a branch of Sakura blossoms, Which in the dance she was doing would usually substitute for Wisteria instead. However the flush pink of the petals set her apart from the other dancers making their way around the festival.

Not to mention her soft voice singing along to the music, Of which one could only hear as she passed by.

The celebrations roared in honour of the announcement of the Heian period. Named after the city the festivities took place in, Heian-Kyo. The capital of Japan had been moved by the emperor Kammu.

So of course the party was in full swing. The courtesan houses that were hosted in the more scummy part of town of course had to take full advantage of this. They sent some of their workers to perform out in the streets to try and attract business.

This included [F/N], The respectable Oiran of the Haruka-House. Who was known for her particular finesse with a koto, Her enticing voice that resonated within your stomach and her particular adoration of Sakura.

She was beautiful, Both in looks, personality and movement. Her hair was decorated with bejewelled pins of all colour, All tied up into a beautiful style pinned up at the top. Her kimono was lined with gold twine and coloured a deep red which swayed about like a hypnotists watch as she moved.

The stares burned into her figure, Warm stares. The made her shift uncomfortably and tried to avert her own gaze away from theirs. She exhaled. You're an Oiran, You should be use to this by now, [F/N].

Push through it, [F/N]. You know exactly why you're doing this.

She swayed around again, Moving throughout the crowd swiftly. The stares only intensified as she went along.

She could pick out a particular stare from wherever it came from, She couldn't tell.

While the crowd's stare was warm, A light boil that made her squirm. The stare she could pick out was hot. Burning hot.

The kind of stare that made a shiver crawl up her back and make her shoulders tighten up in disgust.

She felt uncomfortable from the feeling. As soon as she took another turn she pulled the cherry branch up to her dolled up face and inhaled, Letting the subtle aroma invade and take over her senses as she closed her eyes. Letting the smell swallow her whole.

☆♡☆

The delicate breeze blew over the roseate coloured forest in the neigh afternoon. The light cold wind brushed over the woman's porcelain skin and ran through her hair, Making it sway lightly in the wind.

She examined a branch of the sakura tree's lining the forest and surrounded her families house, Which sat in a clearing on top of a valley overlooking the entire woodland. The house of a modest size, It's windows were open so the spring breeze could envelop the inside rooms and bring about an uplifting mood to the entire family living in it.

There was a rocky stone pathway leading up to the front steps of the house. The rocks that were lodged into the path were jagged and rough. Showing that they haven't been tended to in a good long while.

"Mum! Mum!" A young voice called out in the distance.

The woman looked up from the branch to see her daughter clamber down the porch steps and sprint over to her mothers position at the edge of the hill.

Her mother turned around just in time to see [F/N] jump onto her, Giving her mother a rather aggressive hug.

"Ah! [F/N]" Her mother exclaimed. She looked away from the sakura to look down at her daughter.

"Did I scare you? Did I scare you this time?!" [F/N] giggled. She shook her mother a little in excitement.

Her mother was graced with a small smile and she nodded. "Yes, You got me very good. Gave me the fright of my life, Sweetheart." Her mother laughed and [F/N]'s face lit up with achievement.

"Yay!" [F/N] cried and jumped down from hugging her mother who stumbled from the unexpected movement. The sakura branch she was holding was tugged along with her, Causing her mother to gasp.

"Careful! [F/N]. You almost made me break a branch off." Her mother tutted and went to examine the branch for any damage.

[F/N] pouted.

"I don't get it, Mum. Why do you like the big pink trees so much" She huffed, Stomping her foot.

Despite her mother's constant love and affection [F/N] couldn't help but feel a little envy towards the plants. Her mother adored them and was always the first one out of the house to look at the blooming roseate leaves. Not to mention her kimono was patterned with cherry blossom designs.

Her mother hummed.

"I don't really have a reason why, [F/N]. I don't really need one." She said. Not taking her eyes off the blooming leaves.

"Still! What do they even do?" [F/N] scoffed.

Her mother finally looked away from the leaves and gave her daughter a knowing smile, She sighed and crouched down onto one knee to look at her daughter straight in the eyes.

"Well… The reason they are here is to bring forth spring. As the sakura appear and go they will leave behind green leaves. That's a use, Without them you wouldn't be able to play in the fallen leaves which I know you love so much" Her mother explained. She booped [F/N]'s nose to which she giggled.

"I know, I know! But still. Is that really all?" [F/N] asked. Her mother shook her head.

"Well they also mean things too, [F/N]" She said. [F/N]'s face scrunched up in confusion, But decided to listen along.

"As the blossoms come and go they can symbolise life and the short time we have here." Her mother started, She turned back to the leaves.

"As the sakura tree's disappear in favour of the leaves they come back just as strong the next year meaning renewal." Her mother finished, Her voice filled with wonder.

[F/N] looked up at her mother. The same sense of wonder she felt seemed to rise in [F/N] as well.

"Just as strong?" [F/N] asked.

Her mother nodded and looked down at [F/N] as she smiled.

"Now come on you little rascal, Your father needs to head out to work soon and we better go prepare him breakfast." Her mother laughed and grabbed [F/N]'s little hand. Helping balance her on the heavy rocky pathway she set off.

She stumbled a little on the pathway, Lightly pulling [F/N] in her movements. She sighed.

"Better fix this pathway soon. I swear.. One day me, You or your father will have such a bad trip that our heads will be spinning for days" She complained softly to her daughter.

"Is that something we can do together?" [F/N] asked, Looking into her mothers eyes for the answer.

Her mother smiled.

"We'd be better off to wait until the summer. The petals from the cherry tree's will be an issue when they get onto the path." She explained. [F/N] tilted her head in confusion

"..That means yes, Sweetheart." She confirmed.

"Yay!" The young girl sqeaked.

[F/N] giggled. She followed her mother back to their house as sakura leaves fell from the tree's behind them.

☆♡☆

The festival had ended not so long ago.

While celebrations were still occurring their intensity wasn't as big as it was earlier. [F/N] felt so very tired from the performing, Her muscles ached and her only desire right now was to get an early nights sleep.

Her usual makeup and hair-do she wore was lightly ruffled from the events of the night.

With the calming down of the festivities [F/N] had long ago returned to the house of which she worked. As she entered she couldn't help but notice the rather large crowd at the entrance.

Her performance had done well, Really well. Both her flowing movements and her god-sent voice had attracted a large amount of men to her house, All more than willing to pay for their time with her.

[F/N] gripped the sakura branch tighter. The men had noticed her arrival and had rushed up to her. [F/N] stumbled back from the sudden intrusion as the men crowded around her and started yelling.

"Me first, I got here early and missed out on half the festival for this!"

"No way. I got here way earlier man, Back off"

"Liar!"

One of the men raised a fist and was about to swing it at the other. However a tutting sound rung loud from the far side of the room making the entire crowd drop silent.

Haruka-sama, The woman who owned and managed the house had quieted the crowd.

Haruka-sama was a small old lady who had a rather grouchy face and a greed stronger than any other. Her beady little eyes looked around at the crowd with an opportunistic glare, Similar to how a fox would glare at a defenceless rabbit.

"Step away from the girl now.. Step away!" Haruka said, Pushing her way easily through the crowd of men she grabbed [F/N] by the hand and pulled her out.

She dragged [F/N] to the front of the house and started positioning her body to be straight and proper. As she did [F/N] felt beads of sweat build up on her forehead and her jaw trembling.

Haruka-sama finished dolling [F/N] up. She seen the nervousness on [F/N]'s face before shooting her a warning look. One that [F/N] recognised well.

Pull yourself together, You're the Oiran of this house. Steady that jaw and wipe off the sweat and make me some money.

Despite [F/N]'s dear want to stand up to Haruka-sama, The want to deny all of these men and go to bed. She couldn't, Her contract could be revoked in a moment. She couldn't afford to lose it for a moment.

So instead of speaking up, She clenched her jaw and lightly wiped off the sweat from her brow. Her lips wrenched themselves into a lovely little smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She clasped her hands low and stiffened up her body, Giving her a more mannequin look than human.

Haruka hobbled round to the front of the house and faced the crowd of customers with a wide smile.

"Alright, Alright! It may be closing hours but I'm sure our lovely Oiran here can spare another session, But to decide who gets the slot we'll start a bidding. How about we start at about… 20,776 yen. Any takers?" Haruka called out to the crowd which went wild on the announcement of the bidding.

"25,970!" One of the louder men called out.

"27,701!" Another yelled.

The crowd kept shouting out higher and higher numbers, [F/N] felt her body shake despite her constant effort of steadying herself.

Voices yelled even higher than the numbers as the crowd grew closer to the front of the house.

The customers eyes burned into her like hot coals and she was scrutinized by all in the room. Her clasped hands built up sweat, Her breath steady yet heavy. She tried to look away when the sound of the shoji doors to the house slid open.

"500,000 yen."

The room went silent.

Haruka-sama's beady little eyes widened in shock to the man who had suddenly appeared, The money waved in his hand. Haruka's jaw opened slack.

"Sold!" She screamed, Pointing her finger to man standing in the doorway with the most giddy joy she had felt in years.

[F/N]'s body went rigid. Her mind went wild at the number, 500,00?! Who is this man? Who would want to pay that much just to have a single session with her of all people.

The man was tall, Taller than anyone else in the room. He wore a loose purple nagagi kimono with a intricate hexagonal pattern woven into it, It looked expensive which [F/N] figured. He also wore a dark hakama and a white uwa-obi as a belt tied fit around his waist which also held a katana and sheathe.

His hair was tied up into a pony-tail with spiky tips that faded into red at the ends. She looked to his face, However she was unable to see it as he wore a rather large kama, The typical hat a samurai would wear, That covered his face entirely.

He stood there in the doorway waving the money. And despite his face being covered [F/N] could still feel his stare through the thing… It felt hot.

[F/N] shivered as she remembered it was the same hot feeling from earlier, The man must of been the one looking at her during the festival.

All of crowd from earlier was hushed out of the house by Haruka-sama, Muttering curses to the final bidder who didn't seem to react to any of their words.

Finally when the house was evacuated. All there was left was [F/N], The man and Haruka-sama.

They sat in total silence. [F/N] stared dead eyed at the man, Who seemed to look back at her with that inferno of a gaze. She squirmed under the weight of it.

Suddenly a hand clapped out of nowhere.

They both turned to Haruka. Whose usual grouchy, Scrunched up face was contorted into a wide grin.

"Well then.." She said.

Haruka hobbled over to the sliding shoji door and pulled it open, She bowed down in respect to the man.

"After you."

☆♡☆

The tension in the air was thick, So much so that you could feel it seep into your skin.

The room the pair sat on was located on the highest floor of the courtesan house that towered over the other buildings around it. The room was home to a balcony that looked out over the dark night in Heian-Kyo, Only lit up by the paper lanterns from the long gone festival and the stars looking over the bustling streets like eyes.

The room was home to a small centre table, A dresser with a polished mirror on top and filled to the very brim with Sakura themed decorations. From paintings, To bedsheets to the very plant itself potted on the furniture. It was everywhere. Even the light scent resonated in the air.

It however, Just wasn't enough to calm the girl down as [F/N] nervously tuned the delicate strings on her koto from across the table. A single bead of sweat rolled down her side brow. Her eyes stead set on the knobs to avoid the hot gaze from across the table. Hot. She recognised it, He must of been the source of the scorching stare from within the crowd somewhere. It didn't help her situation in the slightest as it just made [F/N]'s figure freeze up, Her body on guard.

Ever since Haruka had lead them to [F/N]'s room he hadn't said a word, Just went to sit down on the tatami mat, Unmoving. The Kama overshadowed his face, Making it impossible to see his expression.

Was he sad? Angry? Or was [F/N] just overthinking things, It had been a long night after all and she was prone to a little paranoia now and then.

The sweat bead dropped to the floor and hit her kimono sleeve. Her lips twitched as she managed to drag her gaze up to the man, Whose large hat still covered his eyes. Twisting her mouth into the usual smile you'd see on an Oiran, She spoke.

"..If I may ask sir, What is a man like you doing around here? Samurai don't often come around these parts, You know." Her voice was light in tone. A tone that was friendly and gentle in nature, Enticing him on.

The man didn't make a move to speak however. Just sat there. Staring.

Her face quirked, Only for a moment.

"What about your name, Sir?" She tried again, Her voice only lilting in tone to a slight.

Again. Nothing.

[F/N] felt her hands on her koto clench up, Her eyes following the movement. The feeling felt-

"Kokushibo."

[F/N] looked up. The surprise pulsating in her chest as she realised the man, Now Kokushibo, Had spoken to her. Her previously ridged form fizzled into a more relaxed posture, The awkward air in the room dissolving just a little bit.

"Kokushibo.. What an interesting name" She said, Letting the name roll on her tounge. She stopped tuning her koto and thought for a moment, Pondering over the spelling

"I believe the kanji for that can mean 'Black Death'. If I am correct." She asked. The reason why a mother would name their child such a macabre title eluded her.

Kokushibo simply nodded.

"And yours is.. [F/N]. Yes?" He spoke. His voice was gravelly and deep that held a commanding undertone that made a shiver run down [F/N]'s back.

Stilling her form she nodded.

"While I do not understand the kanji.. Of your first name. I do believe your last name can mean.. 'Poetic Voice'" He said.

[F/N]'s brows raised. Her last name, Kotone. Did in fact mean those exact words. However that wasn't the thing that surprised her so much.

"How did you know my last name" She asked, Tilting her head to the man. Who sat in silence for a second.

"Your chaperone woman.. Mentioned it on the walk here." He said. [F/N] internally groaned. Of course the old woman had told him on the walk up here. She was always so talkative to the high-paying customers, It was her strategy. She'd talk to them about anything and everything relating the courtesan the customer had bought out, All to try and make the customer feel attached so they'd come back for more.

But something else seemed to click. Even if Haruka had mentioned her last name how could he have known the exact kanji spelling of her name. Was it a good guess or something more? Sensing the look on [F/N]'s face, Kokushibo piped up.

"If I may be honest.. I have been.. Infatuated with you, Your voice, for a long while now.. I learned the spelling from asking around.. I apologise." He explained. His head tilted down, His kama following the movement. Was he shameful?

No. He was shy. [F/N] felt a cordial smile creep up on her face, It explained a lot. His silence earlier wasn't due to any negative emotion or disturbing pathology but instead just a bout of stage fright.

"I see. I suppose you've been told of my talents from asking, too." She decided go along in a playful voice, The one she'd usually harness to tend to customers. Despite how much she felt uneasy using it, It did bring about tips.

"Yes.. In fact, It is the entire reason.. I have decided to come here in the first place." Kokushibo remarked. His hands previously positioned on his knees moved up to the tea-set placed on the table separating the two and poured himself a cup.

"I want you to play.. A piece on your koto for me." He said, Bringing the tea up to his mouth still cloaked by his hat. And took a sip. [F/N] nodded.

"Anything specific you want me to play?" She asked. Moving the koto in front of her body she finished the tuning process and rested a hand on the strings.

"One where.. I can hear your voice. One where you can sing." His voice contained a low tone of wonder, Seemingly reminiscing on a thought.

"Alright then.. Let's see here." [F/N] trailed off, Her mind wandered to her catalogue of songs. Trying to pick out one that she thought the man would enjoy.

Neurons connected. She'd gotten it.

Her carefully manicured hand ran over the spindly strings of her koto, Sounding out the first few delicate notes of her symphony. The strings resonated against the neat and polished birch wood of the koto. A rhythm started to form.

Kokushibo's shoulders seemed to relax at the soft tune, While she could not see his face she could tell he was entranced.

Her lips opened to annunciate the first lyrics to her malady, As soon as she did Kokushibo's relaxed figure stiffened up. The grip on his teacup tightened, He took a shaky breath.

The lyrics flowed out of her like running water, The chords on her koto harmonised with her heavenly voice and the music ruminated throughout the room and echoed from the wooden walls. Drowning out the noise of the street below them and replacing it with concentrated vocal artistry as she sung out the words.

"Well hello world, Wouldn't you know. Your nails were yellow and mine a miracle blue.." The first lyric to the chorus was announced and Kokushibo seemed to melt. Her voice sounded like a morning cardinals call, Like Benzaiten's being had graced her vocal chords in that single moment.

She seemed lost in her music, Too. Her eyes were closed and her body focused on moving along to the beat of the strings. A small smile lit up on her face as she went along.

"If you knew what I knew, You would too.." The final note on her koto rung out through the room, The song ending. It was such a short song, But as both [F/N] and Kokushibo were in drawn into the iron grip of the rhythm it had felt like an eternity.

[F/N] inhaled deeply for air, Her shoulders retracting. She set down her koto beside her with care.

"A beautiful song.. It is one of my favourites. I hope it was up to your standards, sir?" She asked, A playful tone masking her genuine and sincere question.

Kokushibo in turn put down his half-drunken cup onto the table. "It was.. The most beautiful song I've ever heard .." He proclaimed, His voice was ripe with wonder and awe which made [F/N] take in a deep breath, Taking in all of his praise she smiled wider.

"I am glad you liked it sir. Please, Would you like me to do anything else for you?" [F/N] offered. She went to the tea-set in front of them both and picked up the kettle.

"No.. But. I would wish to ask a question. If that is alright with you." He responded.

[F/N] gestured for him to continue on.

"Completely alright with me." She confirmed. She poured herself her own blend: Sakurayu. She filled the cup up with steaming water and mixed the little flower petals around.

Just as she brought the sweet smelling liquid up to her mouth he answered her.

"How much exactly.. Does your marriage contract cost?"

[F/N] choked on her tea.

The question had came out of left field making the tea she had just made burn her throat. She coughed and covered her mouth, Preventing any loose drops spilling out from her lips.

Kokushibo passed over a tissue, To which she gratefully accepted.

Once [F/N] finally churned out the last bit of tea out of her system she wiped her mouth. Careful to reserve her lipstick.

"T-That was a rather blunt way of asking." [F/N] said, Her throat still hoarse.

"I apologise.." He said. However his voice remained monotone, Sending mixed signals back to her.

"No, No. It's fine. In fact, I feel flattered that you would ask about that." She started, A nervous smile appearing on her face.

"But unfortunately my contract was bought out by another samurai only a day ago. I do apologise, If you were intending to buy." She explained, Her voice apologetic as she bowed her head lightly.

Kokushibo froze up.

His previously relaxed shoulders and lain hands both seemed to stiffen up. The warm look he used to gaze at [F/N] seemed to return to that hot, Boiling stare. The one from the festival, The one from before. Noticing the glare she had regressed to how she'd been at the start as well: Awkward and uncomfortable.

"I'm so sorry sir." She blurted out.

Kokushibo's kama lowered down to follow the movement of his head. He was quiet, Silent.

"Would you like me to play another song for you?" She asked. Trying to destroy the buildup of uneasy air.

Kokushibo shook his head, Making [F/N] feel just a little nervous down by his response.

"No.. I do believe.. That I have heard enough." He said. For some reason the way he said it made [F/N]'s lip twitch, But shook it off when Kokushibo got up from sitting down.

She followed him up, Fixing her kimono and her hair-do she bowed down to him in respect. A polite gesture to thank him for his civilised behaviour.

She figured that his session with her had decidedly ended, That was good. While she did enjoy his company and the song she sung for him it didn't change that fact that she was exhausted.

"Alright then. Please, Let me get the door for you." [F/N] said. Passing by the man she moved over to the decorated shoji doors and grabbed the handle. Sliding it open she went to-

SMACK!

[F/N]'s body fell to the floor, Her knees hit the tatami mat followed by her head which got hit off the wooden doorframe.

The hilt of Kokushibo's sword moved so fast that [F/N] couldn't even sense it crashing into the back of her skull, Leaving her dazed and barely conscious on the wooden floorboards. She was confused, Dizzy and completely unaware of what was going on, All she knew was the feeling of her fight or flight instinct kicking in.

She whined in pain. Her arms weakly extending out to try and get up, To get away, To run from the opposing danger looming over her. To survive.

But it proved futile as Kokushibo leaned down to pick up her seemingly weightless body into his arms.

She tried to scream, To yell and call out for any other courtesan in the area. Anyone who might hear. But it only came out as babbles of incoherent language as her assailant flung her over his shoulder with an inhuman strength.

"Please, Sir.. Why… What are you.. What are you doing?!" She groaned, Her vision cloudy and her head the raging storm that throbbed painfully in the place of impact. Kokushibo only let out a low hiss through his teeth.

"Quiet!" He spat. His previously shy behaviour now broken and replaced with an aggressive demeanour. His presence now dangerous and coupled with the vicious tone in voice made [F/N] shake.

"Please.. I.." She whispered as he carried her over his shoulder and made his way to the open balcony doors. She pushed at his chest, Kicked, Flailed about in his grasp all to try and get him off of her. But it didn't work, He never budged or even moved in the slightest. Only squeeze her tighter and tighter as a warning.

He had made his way out onto the balcony porch. Looking out over the sea of buildings and crowded life flowing up from the city below he walked over and put a single, Sandal-clad foot onto the balcony railway.

[F/N]'s eyes expanded in horror in realisation of what he was doing. She wailed out into the cold night air as Kokushibo put his final foot on the railing, Effectively balancing on the thin wood.

His figure wobbled on the railings, They dangled over the street below which was filled with people making their way around, If she fell it would be at least 90ft drop. She wouldn't survive that height.

[F/N] at this point was sobbing, Kokushibo's grip may have been strong but as she was faced with the height of the tower she felt like she would slip any moment, Fall the entire distance and hit the street with a loud crack.

She cried out.

"P-Please! Somebody! Help me!" She screamed out into the crowd below, Her voice cracking as it went.

"Quiet. NOW!" Kokushibo growled like a feral animal, She cried out at his tone

The feet on the banister spread out and his knees crouched down. [F/N] realised what he was doing and tried harder and harder to push away from his grip.

She yelled louder and louder at the people below. Screaming for help but it was useless. They were too high up for anyone to hear them.

And then, He jumped.

Going through the air at unnatural speeds her hair lashed all over her face like whips. The wind ran through them both as they went. She realised this was it, She was going to die. She closed her eyes tight in anticipation of the fall but-

The wind died down. [F/N]'s hair fell over her face.

Kokushibo stood strong on the tiled roof of the building adjacent from the courtesan house, His ponytail waved in the light breeze that now accompanied the two. He was unfazed.

"Wha.. What?" [F/N] choked out. The height even from the courtesan house to here was enough to severely injure someone, Yet he came out without a single scratch. She looked back at him.

She yelled at the sight of him, Finally breaking out of her dizzy stupor. His face. His bloody face had six eyes. Six eyes, Six. They were all red and strained, His pupils were golden and glowing. He wasn't human, He was a demon, An oni. And he was kidnapping her.

"No.. No no no no!" She wailed out, Her eyes were fixed onto his. She couldn't look away, Looking into his eyes was like looking out into a terrible accident. Blood, Guts and broken bones, It was horrible yet she could never bring her eyes away.

Her previous yells for help amped up into a panic attack as she struggled in his grasp. Punching, Kicking doing anything to escape.

Kokushibo made a noise in his throat speaking agitation and anger.

Bringing a single, Clawed hand up to the back of her neck he lunged it forward. Pinching a nerve point [F/N]'s entire body stopped moving.. Then went limp on his shoulder.

Her eyelids failed to lift, They were too heavy. Everything seemed to stop in time and nothing mattered anymore.

She faded into the dark haze. Going unconscious on the shoulder of the demon kidnapping her.

☆♡☆

The pot bubbled hanging over the fire. It crackled every now and then, Spitting up drops of water that fell down around it.

Outside the moon hung over the lush roseate forest, Only clothed by the young build of clouds forming in the sky.

Moonlight illuminated the rustling branches of the trees, They danced in the wind letting a few petals stray from their grasp and fall onto the overgrown grasslands that surrounded the family home on the hill.

Despite the cold air of the night the house was warm and lit up with life. The house was filled with noise of cooking. The pot boiling, The sound of knife on cutting board and the spark of fire all mixed together to create a lively atmosphere. The kitchen especially.

Inside, A man was currently facing the kitchen counter chopping vegetables with precision. [F/N] sat beside him on the counter swinging her legs back in forth. She huffed.

"Papa I'm booooooored.." She whined, Puffing up her cheeks she looked at her father.

"I know, Sweetheart. But you've got to be patient. After you've had your dinner your mother can take you outside, Alright?" Her father said, A soft smile coming across his face, He shook his head at his daughters antics and focused his attention back to the vegetables.

"But papaaaaaa I wanna do something now.." [F/N] groaned folding her arms with a dramatic flair.

Her father chuckled lightly. He paused his movements for a moment and set down the knife he was holding. Picking up a couple of onions he held them out to her.

"Well if you really want to do something, Then how about you peel these onions for me?" He said.

"That's not what I meant, I don't want to peel onions!" [F/N] groaned. Her father only responded in kind, Setting down the pair of onions beside her.

"Alright then! If you don't want to then I won't force you." He smiled knowingly, Turning back to his knife and veg.

As he continued cutting [F/N] kept eyeing the onions beside her, She tried to drag her eyes away from the pair but eventually the boredom took over. With a dramatic sigh she picked up the pair of onions and got to work.

"I thought you didn't want to peel the onions, [F/N]." Her father teased, The smile on his face victorious.

[F/N] just hummed.

"Making cooking go faster so I can go outside quicker!" She explained, Her tone suggests that her father should of already known this, While he did. [F/N] didn't notice.

"Now who wants to go outside?"

[F/N]'s head snapped around to the source of the new voice, It was her mother.

Stepping out from another room in the house her mother appeared with a sweet smile on her face. She carried a basket full of laundry in her arms and balanced it as she walked out into the kitchen.

"Mum! Mum!" [F/N] giggled, Raising one hand to wave wildly at her mother as she came over to set down the laundry basket.

Picking [F/N] up she raised her daughter up high, To whom only laughed harder in her grasp.

"Now what are you doing on the countertop, Sweetheart?" Her mother teased.

"She's helping me make dinner, Aren't you [F/N]?" Her father said.

"Really? Are you helping your father to make dinner?" Her mother smiled.

[F/N] grinned back at her mother.

"Yeah! I'm peeling the onions, See!" [F/N] exclaimed, Pointing down at the half-peeled onions with a proud expression. Her mother gasped.

"Oh, Wow! You've done such a good job!" Her mother said back. She brought her daughter down back onto the countertop. Turning to her husband she gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"How's dinner going?" She asked, A short smile appearing on her face.

"Just about done with the vegetables. The pot seems ready so all I need to do is get the bay leaves." Her father responded. Copying his wife's smile.

"Bay leaves.. Are you sure we stocked up on those?" Her mother asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Erm.. Yeah, I went out to the village and bought some last week, Remember?" Her father said. Her mothers expression turned into a look of doubt.

"Really? I thought you went out for those vegetables and rice. No offense but you do know how bad your memory is right, Kyuusei?" Her mother answered.

"Yeah! It was the veg!" [F/N] confirmed, Swinging her legs on the counter.

Kyuusei finished chopping the vegetables and stood still, Trying to recollect his memories.

"I.. I'd need to go check to make sure." Kyuusei said. Setting down his knife on the counter he was about to go and check before being stopped by his wife putting a hand on his shoulder.

"No, No. It's fine. I'll go check up on the bay leaves and you just focus on boiling the veg, Okay?" She told him, A reassuring smile on her face.

Kyuusei nodded.

"Thanks, Seishi." Her father said.

"No problem. Just make sure not to overcook the veg this time." Seishi teased with a grin. Kyuusei rolled his eyes and promised not to, Concealing the copied grin on his face.

As his wife walked off towards the door she previously came out of. Kyuusei collected the chopping board in his hands and moved over the steaming pot.

Readying his knife he loomed over the pot, Scraping the freshly cut vegetables into the boiling water they hit the surface with a splash.

The ripple created little droplets of water that flew up from the impact with a rather big one going up and hitting Kyuusei's bare skin.

He yelped and dropped the chopping board in his hands, Letting the unscraped vegetables scatter onto the floor with him following quickly behind. [F/N] yelled out and jumped down from the counter, Running over to her father.

"Dad? Dad! Are you alright? What's wrong?" [F/N] cried, Latching onto his wrist.

"Argh..!" Her father seethed, Looking down at the place where the water burned. The space had already started to create colour contrast and it stung badly.

The shoji door slid open and out rushed Seishi, Alerted by her husbands yelp and tightly clutching a few clovers in her hands. She gasped, Ignoring the spilled vegetables she stepped on she and hurried over to her husbands side.

"Kyuusei! Dear, Are you alright?" She worried and grabbed his burnt hand to examine the damage. Kyuusei nodded

"I-I'm fine.. Ah. It's just-" Kyuusei gestured vaguely to the floor below him "Dinner is ruined, The stuff in the pot isn't enough for all of us and we don't have anything left in the house. What are we gonna do?" He sighed.

Seishi pondered, Her eyes wandering away as she tried to work up an idea. Out of nowhere she snapped her fingers brining both her husband and daughters attention to her.

"The rice! You bought rice last week, Right?" Seishi exclaimed.

Her father slowly nodded, Getting the idea.

"Yes! Right, I left the bag in the shed down the hill. I'll go get it, Do we have enough Bay leaves? We can use that in the rice." He asked.

"No, I'll go down to get the rice. I haven't counted the bay leaves so you can stay here and do that" Seishi replied.

"Really? I can go get the rice no problem, Are you sure?" Kyuusei asked.

"I'm sure. Plus, You should make sure that hand's okay." Her mother smiled, Rubbing circles into her husbands hand. Kyuusei smiled, His other hand going over to rest on his wife's.

"I wish I had your quick thinking, Seishi. I really do." He muttered.

"And I wish I had your rice cooking skills." Seishi responded. Her eyes glinted like the stars outside, Capturing her husbands gaze into them.

He cupped her cheek and pressed his lips up to hers. A short, sweet kiss that's warmth lingered on the lips when he pulled away to beam down at her.

"Thank you, Dear." He said. Their faces still rather close, So much so that their foreheads touched.

"It's no problem." She chuckled. And with that she moved away and over to the front door.

[F/N], Who spaced out the entirety of her parents interaction, Finally clocked back into reality when her mother started turning the doorknob.

"Mum! Where are you going?" [F/N] called out, Tugging on her mothers sakura-woven kimono.

Seishi looked down to her daughter, Her hand still on the doorknob she kneeled down to her daughters level and rested her other hand on her head.

"Just going out to get some more rice for dinner, Alright? I won't be too long." Seishi said, Lightly brushing back loose strings of [F/N]'s hair.

"Can I come with you..?" [F/N] pouted, Trying to produce the best puppy dog eyes she could muster.

"I think it would be better if you stayed here.. After all" Her mothers tone grew into a whisper between them

"Your dad will need a lot of help, His hand hurts a lot and I think your gonna need to take care of him." Her mother muttered, Raising her hand as a barrier so it was only between them.

"Really?" [F/N] said.

"Really. You better promise to take care of him alright?" She said. Raising a single pinky finger up to her daughter, Beckoning her to take it.

Slowly, [F/N] raised her own pinky finger up to her mothers and wrapped it around her mothers larger one.

"Alright.." [F/N] spoke, A hint of disappointment still lacing her voice as her mother got up from kneeling down.

"Be back soon!" Seishi called out to Kyuusei who shouted back a goodbye from another room. Opening the door she stepped out into the night.

"Bye mum!" [F/N] said. Just as the door closed tight.

☆♡☆

[F/N]'s body felt limp.

The room she lay in smelled old, Reminiscent of dust filled air and a strange pungent smell of iron. She couldn't hear much, Only the settling of wood and insects occasionally buzzing around her at times.

She couldn't move her body. Everything from her head to her toes felt like it was too relaxed to get up. This extended to her eyelids as well as they felt like weights were hanging from her eyelashes, Tugging them closed every time she tried to open them up.

Her mind felt dazed too, A dull and throbbing pain pulsating through the back of her skull. She could barely render anything around her as she could only fixate on her overrelaxed body.

She tried wiggling her fingers first. A few small twitches going into the fingertips, It was a start.

From her fingertips it went to into her hands, Then her feet then her lower legs. All until she could move freely with only a leftover feeling akin to a sleeping leg.

Finally wrenching her eyes open she blinked a few times to try rub the feeling off and stared up towards the ceiling, Though hard to see in the darkness.

Her previously weighted eyelids shot open, A shock ran through her body. Where was she?

She felt around with her hands, She seemed to be laying on top of a futon

Panic coursed through her system along with the events that occurred some amount of time ago. How long has she been out?

Despite her breaking out of her bodies numb state the hangover feeling was still present and in full affect.

Bringing her shoulder back she tried to swing her body round onto its side. Failing the first few tries she landed straight back to where she was.

She breathed in and out to try and calm herself. Turning to the other side of the futon facing the wall she built up momentum, And in one swift move her body swung over onto its side to face the rest of the room.

She smirked triumphantly and finally let her gaze survey her surroundings.

The room she was in a long rectangle shape. It was old, Definetly, The cobwebs and dust particles proved the fact. Despite not being able to see well in the very dim lighting in the room [F/N] could see It was rather empty as well.

Housing only a rickety closet with doors barely hanging on its hinges, A dresser covered in dust with a couple of the drawers missing. There was also a rather ancient rug stretching the entire length of the room that seemed to have patterns on it which faded over time. As well as the strange lump laying on the far end of the ru-

Oh god..

Oh good god..

She screamed

[F/N] felt bile rise in her throat. Rising so high that her high pitched scream turned into choking and gagging noises until she finally keeled over and belched out the vomit onto the wooden floorboards, Sputtering and spitting out the rest.

She let out a loud wail. She stared wide eyed at the scene, At the mass of which she previously thought was a lump.

A human corpse or what remained of it lay scattered on top of the blood-stained carpet. It was mangled, From the limbs to the torso to the spilled innards it was mangled.

Limbs lay tossed around the dismembered torso, Barely holding on by the stringy tendons keeping them hanging from the ligaments.

The bits of flesh still kept on the bone seemed to have chunks ripped out of them, Torn off roughly from their structure. The mans organs and intestines were lain out like a buffet platter, Neatly ordered from largest to smallest in front of him.

And the head, Good god, The head. It sat facing her, Eyes bulging out of their sockets and dark pupils staring right at her, Bloodshot and strained. She stared back, Eyes almost as wide as his.

The worst part? She recognised him. It was the man who bought out her marriage contract, She had only met him once but it was him.

His heart was lodged into his mouth, Stuffed right down his throat and stretching his jaw so wide it creating a permanent look of horror on his visage. Maggots and flies had already started to infest his remains, Attracted to the corpse like worms to rain.

[F/N] screamed, Yelled and cried with her throat still suffering from the burn the vomit made.

She burrowed herself into the corner of her futon, Desperately trying to get away from the unspeakable horror laying only a few feet away from her. She pushed herself further and further into the corner, She buried her hands into her face trying to get the sight out a she flailed around.

Her mind was already racing with questions: How did this happen? Why was she here? Why is this happening to her? The questions were the roadblock her train of thought crashed into and the mangled body was the wreck she couldn't look away from.

She was so preoccupied that she never noticed the overshadowing presence grab onto her wrist and pry her hands away from her face. She looked up, It was him. All six eyes glaring down at her.

She yelled, Tears shot out of her face and she tried to get away. She kicked and struggled in his iron tight hold as she tried her best to push him off of him.

"Stop.. Struggling!" He hissed, Trying to wrangle her into being still. It proved no use however, No matter how hard he tried to sheperd her into a docile state she was inconsolable. Her cries were broken only by hiccups and his presence just made her heartrate skyrocket.

"I SAID STOP!" He hollered. Baring his shark-like canines at her she didn't need to realise how the chunks got ripped off her never-to be husbands corpse. Her choked sobs dissolved down into coughs and quiet cries of agony.

"P-Please.. I.. I.. Don't kill me please! I-I don't wanna die.. Please just bring me back to the courtesan house.. I-I need to go back there.. You don't understand I need.. I need to go back.." She bawled.

Kokushibo's nose twitched at her words.

"Silly girl.. I have no intention of killing you." He growled like a feral animal, His previously commanding voice progressing into a primal sort of wild grumble resonating deep within his throat.

[F/N] shook her head in a rapid movement, Confusion mixing into her previous terror.

"T-Then why.. Why am I alive.. I-I don't.. I don't understand.." She babbled. Her fingers digging into her scalp harder she tugged on her hair.

"If you haven't.. Figured it out by now then.. Let me clear the fog for you.." He muttered. His face moved closer to [F/N]'s who tried backing away further into the corner, However she was stopped when his hand lunged to the back of her head and forced it closer to his. So close that their foreheads touched.

"From now on.. You are to be my bride.. My wife." He proclaimed in the faintest of whispers. All six of his eyes focused on hers of which spoke terrified confusion.

"Y-You want me to be your wife?!" She spoke with a tone wobbling in pitch. She didn't understand, She couldn't understand.

His nose twitched again, His expression unreadable.

"Yes.. My wife." Kokushibo confirmed with a slight nod of his head, Finally pulling away from her terrified visage.

"W-Why me.. Why me of all people?!" She whimpered. Her head lightly shaking back in forth, A futile effort to cope.

"Ever since that day I heard you.. All those months ago when I heard that voice.. That beautiful voice hum such a beautiful malady.. I couldn't get enough.." He seemed to stop in place, His vision seemed far off. Gazing into a far away memory to reminisce.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing, He was following her for months. She had no idea, How could she not know he was stalking her? She was terrified.

Her mind seemed to be scrambled and misplaced like an unsolved puzzle. She felt one of the pieces of the puzzle in her throat, Taking only a very small peek towards the cadaver, She tried to put it down.

"T-Then what about.. H-Him.." She pointed a shaky finger at the rotting corpse behind him.

"Y-You didn't need to.. Kill.. Him. You could of just took me.. Why..?" She asked.

He didn't even look back at him, As if the mangled body was absolutely nothing to fret over. Instead his face seemed to grow dark and angry.

"It is a great dishonour.. For man to steal another's wife.. It is only right what he got." He hissed, A great venom running throughout his voice when he spoke about him and it terrified her. [F/N]'s form shook at his towering form overlooking her. Despite it all a rush of hubris ran through her, Only a small bit.

"I.. I am not your wife." [F/N] whispered so very quietly, But it was enough.

His nose twitched for a third and final time.

"Repeat that..?" He uttered.

"I-I am not your wi-"

He grabbed her by the jaw and roughly pulled her up to his level, Effectively cutting off her speech and fizzling out what confidence she had before and turning it into absolute terror.

"If the corpse of that vile man lying by your bedside.. Isn't warning enough. Then I'll tell you one thing.." He slowly moved his clawed hand from her collarbone, Slowly up to her throat. Pressing it in only enough to draw a single drop of red onto his fingertips. [F/N]'s breath grew heavier as her eyes went fixed onto the clawed nail, Begging not for any further pressure.

"You watch your tongue around me.. Or I won't hesitate to cut it out" He whispered.

Letting go of [F/N]'s jaw she fell back onto the futon and let out the biggest breath she didn't know she was holding. She shook in place, The words looped inside her head and ingrained themselves deep within her.

He brought his hand up to his mouth, The one he threatened her with. He lolled his tongue out of his mouth and licked the blood off his finger. [F/N] gagged at the sight.

"It seems that you need.. To be told of how things will work around here.." He said so stoic, As if he didn't threaten his captive only moments ago. [F/N] frantically nodded, Grabbing her throat to try and examine the damage.

"As my wife I expect you to follow the rules.. I set for you, So listen well.." He said, Beginning to slowly pace to and fro from one end of the futon to the other. [F/N] watched in scared anticipation, Intently watching for his next action. He stopped pacing and held up a single finger up to her.

"Rule number one.. You will perform your duties as my housewife. Cleaning the house.. Doing the dishes.. Be there to greet me at the door.. Along with polishing my swords. And if you even think about trying to use them to escape then.." He relaxed his free hand on his sheathed sword hilt. She didn't even need to know what he would say next, She got the message.

"Rule number two.. Every night before I come back from my.. Job. You will cook the meat that is left for you in the kitchen. Do not add anything to it.. Spices, Salts, Herbs.. Nothing." He emphasised the last point, Raising a second finger. Confusion spiralled in with her terror. Put nothing in it? She had no time to dwell on it however as he raised a third and final finger.

"Rule number three.. You are not allowed to leave this house… Though at night I will permit you to enter the garden.. Only at night. Once the sun comes up you must return inside immediately.." He finished. Lowering his fingers his eyes started to roam over her form.

"Do you understand me?" He asked.

[F/N] tried to steady herself on the mattress and steel her face.

Wiping the sweat off her face she nodded.

"Y-Yes.. I do." She replied.

Kokushibo hummed with a deep reverberation in his throat. When it stopped they were left in silence, Staring back at one and other with a wide split of emotions. The quiet was deafening between them.

And with that, Kokushibo turned away.

He walked towards the closed old door at the far end of the room, Walking with near silence. [F/N] felt her heartrate pickup, She called out.

"W-WAIT!.." She cried out.

Kokushibo held the doorknob in his hands. Although he stopped at [F/N]'s plea he faced the doorway and didn't look back at her. She sniffled.

"What about… him..?" She breathed, Only a touch higher than a whisper. The body of her dead fiance lay rotting still on the floor.

Kokushibo finally turned his head around to her, Only so all she could barely see was his left set of eyes staring her dead on.

"Rule number one.. Start cleaning.."

☆♡☆

The meat sizzled on the pan. The bloody raw juices burnt along with it, Creating an earthy aroma that filled the small kitchen it cooked it.

[F/N] sat crouched in front of the fire the pan hung from,

Occasionally poking and prodding at the meat with a stick to make sure it came out tender enough.

The professionally done makeup she had adorned before had degraded into smudged lips, Pudgy foundation and poorly done eyeliner. Not to mention her hair which looked like a wild animal got into it, Went berserk and was proceeded to be tied back up into an Oiran's usual up do.

Her charming personality couldn't save her appearance either. Her eyes that use to hold an enticing sparkle had dimmed into a dull gaze, All weighed down by the deep bags under her them from crying late at night. Her beautiful smile that could stun anyone was long gone and replaced by a permanent frown.

Since she had been swept away to her prison, It had been about two.. three.. Maybe four weeks? She couldn't remember, She had lost track after the first and after that it all had blurred into one, Hellish nightmare.

Even then she couldn't remember much of the first week, Not the first half anyways. She remembered the rules of course, And the awful man charading as her husband but everything that came after seemed to be a blur, After that all she knew was the red stain on the bedroom carpet that seemed to appear all of a sudden, How it got there was a mystery to her.

The second half of the first week was much more clear to her. It consisted entirely of a "Settlement Period" as that monster had put it. Do the dishes.. Greet him when he comes home, God save her if she didn't greet him.

One night she had completely forgotten to do so. She was so tired that night from all the cooking and cleaning that she didn't even notice him come home. He became unbelievably furious at her and had locked her in the bedroom closet for a good amount of hours. He didn't let her out no matter how loud her wails and screams became.

Before the settlement period ended he was much more distant, Per se. He kept away from her, Didn't speak much. As long as she did the rules set out for her he didn't interact with her at all. But he did stare.

Anywhere she went when he was home she could feel his eyes on her, That hot glare could melt ice with its intensity. It only served her to be more scared of him, To fear his next move, To flinch whenever he did.

After the period had ended however is when he started to get closer. He'd force her to lay with him at night in the same bed, Nothing came of it but the absolute inconsolable fear that resonated from within her every time he dragged her to their shared futon every time the sun came up was absolutely nauseating.

That was another thing, He goes out at the first show of the moon and comes home just before the wake of dawn. You figured it was a demon thing, It probably was. But this small little fact changed her sleep schedule to make her nocturnal, Which annoyed her greatly.

He'd start to try make light conversation if you could call it that, It was more of him asking questions such as 'What did you do today'. To which she had no answer, She was kidnapped. She had spent the entire day doing what he had forced her to do. However the only thing she could say to appease him was "Nothing much honey? What about you" while they sat over the meat she slaved away at.

The meat, She didn't want to think about the meat. She had no idea where it came from, Just that it restocked when she fell asleep.

When they ate together, When he forced her to she couldn't quite place the taste of it. It wasn't like anything she had tasted before and the closest thing she could place it to was pork, However seemed to be more sweeter and a just a little more stronger than any pork she's had before.

She didn't want to know what kind of meat it was, She didn't want to ask. It was probably better that way.

All she focused on was cooking it, Making sure that it turned the golden brown it was suppose to be.

To cook it she was given a simple pan and a few pieces of wood to make friction with. She wasn't allowed anything sharp so she had resorted to bamboo sticks and her bare hands to cut and prepare it.

The kitchen wasn't much help either. When she finally brought up the courage to venture into rooms other than the bedroom she discovered the absolute abandonment the rest of the house was in.

Like the bedroom which was bad enough the kitchen was horrendous. The wooden floorboards and structure were rotting. Cobwebs were infesting every little crook and cranny of the kitchen, So much so that it looked like clumps of yarn had been stuffed into them. Not to mention the tiny web landlords she found in them that she had to chase away with rocks.

She had to slave away day and night to even make it somewhat hygienic to cook in.

Apart from the kitchen she hadn't dared to go into any other room in the house. She didn't want to think about what was in there if the kitchen was this bad. The only rooms she went in and out of was the bedroom, Kitchen and bathroom.

Apart from that she hadn't explored any other room, Luckily enough it seemed like her captor didn't care if she didn't clean the other rooms. As long as the kitchen, Bedroom and bathroom were clean he didn't say a word about it.

But there was another area she loved to explore.

Outside of the house, When she was permitted she would enter the garden. While it was unkempt like the rest of the house with flowers and rye grass growing wild, [F/N] thought that gave it charm.

There were a good few amount of large tree's casting shade around the small field the garden covered with lush green leaves covering them. Unfortunately she couldn't escape as the gardens were fenced off by large walls covered head to toe in a rather severe form of poison ivy, If she tried to climb them she'd be writhing on the ground in seconds.

The flowers were vividly coloured and bloomed in a wide spectrum. They radiated such a beautiful fragrance, With her favourites being the pink ones as they reminded her of her beloved sakura blossom.

But despite the beautiful aroma coming from them it just didn't have the same smell of her cherry blossoms, Leaving the lovely smell bittersweet instead. Besides, The tree's in the garden just weren't the type to produce the blooms.

She'd find a way to escape. When she does she'll find her way back home, Back to him.

A loud sizzle of the meat on the pan snapped [F/N] out of her reflection.

The meat had turned into a rich brown, Signalling it's medium rare condition. [F/N] groaned and wiped the sweat off her brow that built up while she daydreamed.

Slowly poking the meat over the side of the pan she pushed it over onto a plate to collect it. Scraping the last bits of the slabs off onto the plate she got up from her perched position on the floor while stretching her aching legs.

Wobbling in place she moved over to the old kitchen countertop and set the meat down to cool off. She sighed and leaned back onto the counter beside it.

She realised she'd started cooking the meat too early as the moon outside usually rung of the time her captor got home. This gave her time to herself.

For a normal person this would be a good thing, However to [F/N] it just meant more time for her and her thoughts. She didn't want to think anymore about her situation as it would just make her overthink more. She needed something to do.

Looking around the small main room for an opportunity she came up barren. She recalled all the books Kokushibo had occasionally brought back for her, She had read them all at least fifty times over and had basically memorised every word so she supposed that was a no go.

Clean the house again? Both the kitchen and the house were both as spotless as an abandoned house could get, There would be nothing to clean. Though, The other rooms in the house were abandoned and unexplored, Bound to have some dust in there.

She didn't even like cleaning, Not in the slightest. Though she figured her situation had brought on new hobbies despite how depressing of a hobby cleaning is.

Though as she looked at the door she recalled back to all of the disturbing traits of her imprisonment: The mystery meat, The carpet stain, The infestations. Who know if these are the only the things she found in three rooms then the rest of the house must host only the Gods knows.

She eyed the door as if she was a rabbit to a wolf. Slowly, She shuffled over to the shoji door. The inside birch handle seemed to resemble a open maw to her. The scolded herself in her mind.

It was just a door, It was just a room. Why are you afraid of entering a dusty old room? You shouldn't be feeling like this, It's totally irrational [F/N]. Pull yourself together.

She exhaled, She knew she was right. It was just a room. She never had this problem before, Maybe her kidnapping has shook her up more than she realised. Go in, You might even find something that could help you escape. Just rip the bandage off.

Steeling herself with the hope of escape she grabbed the open maw handle she roughly pushed it open. Instantly she was met with a dust cloud that made her cough and cover her mouth with her kimono sleeve as she desperately tried to waft the air away with her hand.

When the cloud finally settled she lifted her head up to peek inside the room.

Peering around the corner she looked inside to see a storage room of sorts, Or at least that's what it looked like.

The inside dimensions was of a rectangular shape with a high ceiling. Like the rest of the rooms it was completely covered in dust and cobwebs, [F/N] could also see the scuttling of tiny bugs running around the floor to which she squirmed.

There was a large table in the middle of the room, On top of it sat pots and pots of dead old plants of a wide variety, [F/N] wasn't surprised, With the large biodiversity of the garden outside she should of known the previous owner of this place had a green thumb.

On the far side of the wall was three storage cabinets, They were built with 'Swing open doors' and luckily had no locks on them. Noticing this [F/N]'s curiosity was piqued, The possibility of escape tools was tantalizing.

She took a few steps into the room, Deeming it not to be of any danger. Looking left and right to confirm this she tiptoed over to the storage cabinets and reached the first one.

She ran her fingers over one of the hinged doors, Collecting a layer of dust while she searched for the handle. Finding the rise on the surface she gripped onto it and turned. Swinging the door open she peered inside to see the contents.

Inside there were several glass jars, All of them were of different sizes and shapes but in the end they all contained lots of kinds of herbs and spices, All of which were strangely still fresh.

Grabbing a few of the jars she examined them. The bottle's necks had a thin tag attached to them.

Paprika, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Oregano, Brahmi, Tumeric, Nutmeg, Pepper.

All of which she recognised. While none of the contents appeared to be of any use to her escape plot they did give her something to use with the meat, Though Kokushibo didn't want any in his it didn't mean she couldn't season hers at all.

She slid the containers back into their cabinet and closed the door. Feeling somewhat satisfied with her finds she moved onto the next one.

Opening it up she looked inside to find.. Little colourful pouches. The pouches were scattered within the cabinet. They were a wide range of colours from blue to pink, They were there. All of them had little floral patterns sowed into them with care.

[F/N] raised an eyebrow. The pouches were just laying there without any holder like the spices, No nametag either. She also doubted they would actually have anything in there that would assist in her get away.

But she couldn't be lazy, She needed to check.

Collecting the pouches she scooped them up into her palms and brought them to her chest. Surveying their condition and rubbing a few of their contents through her fingers she found they all contained different textures. Finally deciding to check them she pried open the mouth of them and examined the contents.

And there were.. Seeds.

The outside colour of pouch she had opened was yellow and the insides were sunflower seeds.

[F/N] hummed, Only mildly surprised. She continued on to the other ones.

Blue? Ocean lilies. Red? Roses. Black? Dahlia's. Each of the small pouches had a colour corresponding to their contents. She put the opened ones back inside the cabinet and sieved through the rest.

Putting away orchids and tiger lilies she finally reached the final pouch.

It was a baby pink with silver threads adorning it. Testing its weight, She tossed it up into the air and it landed back with a light thud into her hand. It wasn't unlike the others, Not at all.

Pulling open the string around its neck she opened up.

Inside of the little pink pouch were seeds. Big and round, Resembling something like a walnut. There were a total of four in there.

Her eyes expanded to that of saucers. Her jaw went slack open. She recognised them, How could she not? They were cherry blossom seeds, Yoshino to be exact.

She felt her heartrate rise up in her chest, A pounding sensation filling her entire body. She felt as if an exfoliating light was rising up from her palms, A glimmering hope in the darkest days of her life, All radiating from inside the sack in her palms.

[F/N] squealed at the sight and couldn't help but rapidly stomp her foot being unable to contain her excitement.

She swiftly clawed out one of the little nut-like seeds and felt in around in her hands. A burst of giggles erupted from her and she spun around in place at the sight of it. Without any thought she knew what she had to do.

She stuffed the pouch in her her obi and rushed out the room with a new found speed. She needed to plant the seeds, She needed to grasp onto the cherry blossoms, She needed to smell them.

Completely forgetting her previous escape plan and ignoring the amount of time it would take to grow the tree she took no time when she ran out into the main room towards the main door.

And stopped dead in her tracks.

Standing in front of the wide open door stood Kokushibo. He glared straight at her, All six of his eyes scrutinizing her entire form.

[F/N] froze up, Her previous excitement dying in her throat. Her fault hit her like brick and made her head spin round and round. She forgot to greet him.. She forgot..

Her knee's almost buckled under the weight of her mistake. She tried to speak, But no words came out.

Kokushibo looked at her, Then around the room. He moved his clawed hand and she flinched.

"The meat has gone cold.." He commented, Pointing at the left out meat.

[F/N]'s lip trembled. Suddenly building up the courage to speak she let it spill out.

"I.. I'm so sorry I.. I.. Lost track of time.. Forgive me, Please.." She spoke fast and stuttered as she went. Her eyes started to water at the prospect of being locked back in that small, closed off space.

Kokushibo was unfazed. Looking straight through her.

"Its.. Fine.." He said and with that, He turned away and trod off down the hallway.

[F/N] felt herself instantly relax as soon as he left the room. While the meat wasn't hot anymore and she'd need to heat it up, She wasn't punished or yelled at for failing to both greet him at the door and making the meat how he liked. She thanked whatever kami was looking over her.

However she noticed from the small crack of the closed door that the sun was rising. She wouldn't be able to go outside into the garden to plant the seeds.

At least, Not while Kokushibo is aware.

☆♡☆

It was the early hours of the morning, Only a few hours after [F/N] got a hold on the cherry blossom seeds.

Like every night before then her captor had dragged [F/N] back to their shared bedroom and had forced her onto the futon. As usual nothing came of it. It was just him facing away from her towards the wall while she looked the other way.

Normally this would end with her eventually falling into a dreamless slumber, But today she had a plan.

She decided to wait for Kokushibo to fall asleep, A task which she assumed would be boring but easy. But had turned out to be the complete opposite.

She herself had stilled her breath and relaxed her movements, Trying to make it seem that she herself was deep into REM. But this seemed to work a bit too well as Kokushibo bought into it.

She felt him run his claws through her hair, She had to steel her nerves just so she wouldn't squirm away from him. He kept moving around in bed, Too. Repeatedly repositioning himself to include her in his sleeping position: Wrapping his arms around her waist, Resting her head on his shoulder, Spooning. All of which made her want to vomit.

I should of just waited until night time to plant it. She thought. She was right as well. It would be much more convenient if she did wait, But her mind tossed it like a used cigarette immediately. She needed to plant the seeds, She needed her cherry blossoms.

In the end however he couldn't find a comfortable position, So he just reverted back to the original stare-at-the-wall form.

She had waited another two hours after that, Just to make sure he was asleep. Once she finally felt sure she had put her next step into motion.

Literally, She had to be extremely cautious in her steps as the floorboards had a tendency to creak. One single move could ruin everything.

Getting up, Slowly, Carefully. She swung her legs over onto the floorboards and pressed her feet down softly.

She waited.

No sound came. She was in the clear.

Fully getting up from the bed she creeped ever so sluggishly towards the main door, Carefully making sure not to touch any of the floorboards that were particularly old.

Reaching the door, The hardest part had came around.

The doorknob, The accursed doorknob. Every time [F/N] would turn it around to leave the mechanisms inside would create such a churn of noise so loud that you could hear it from the kitchen.

As gently as she could she relaxed her hand over the doorknob. Gripping it she began to gradually turn it, So slow you could barely see it move. The mechanisms from behind the door started to sound out too, Lowered and muffled by [F/N]'s sluggish pace but still enough to make a low scraping noise on the wood.

She winced at the sound, Her pace going even slower until she turned it around the entire way.

She pulled it open gently, Her hand still on the doorknob. The threat of the mechanisms reversing hung over her head like a guillotine, The sharp blade seeming to lower every time the noise jolted in volume.

She let the knob go. Glancing back at the slumbering demon, She found him still dead asleep on the futon.

She grinned, Wild and toothy. She was free to go.

She walked off down the hallway towards the front door. Pulling out the small baby pink pouch from her obi she confirmed it was still there. The adrenaline of the situation ran through her and the raw excitement of her find elated her so much so that she felt she was floating.

Reaching the door she swung it open and rushed out into the garden. It was early morning. Though you couldn't tell due to the thick blanketing clouds, So thick that it didn't even let a single crack of sunlight dawn through. As she ran barefoot, Stomping on the wild overgrowths of grass she noted that the soil seemed dry today.

[F/N] frowned, These weren't good agriculture conditions. But that didn't waver her stride nor did it shake her determination in the slightest, She was confident in her goal.

Running past the wild bursts of flower growth and foliage she reached the heart of the garden: A little rocky hill with a clearing at the top, The perfect position for a Yoshino blossom tree to be perched.

She swatted away hair strands blowing in her face from the light breeze, Tripping only once or twice on the way up she reached the top.

Falling to her knees, Dirtying her old kimono in the process she brushed away the grass to find the perfect spot.

Finding a small little dip located in the exact middle point she deemed it good enough to dig in.

[F/N] started to claw and scratch at the dirt with her bare nails, Pushing away soil left and right not caring about the mess she made. She knew she needed a hole at least a few feet deep.

She tossed the pouch to the side of the hole, Seeds rattling around inside it.

She dug further and further down, Soil was building up beside the dip that soon turned into a crevice. Soon enough though her nails hit a harder part of the soil and began to be proven useless.

[F/N] near-growled at the impasse. Thinking quickly, She extracted one of the sharp-tipped hairpins from her messed hair. Ignoring the hair flopping over from the removed support she raised the pin high up above her head.

Bringing it back to gather momentum she quickly brought it back down-

She froze. Goosebumps rose on the back of her neck.

She didn't need to turn around to know about the katana only inches away from her neck, Ready to pierce her skin at any moment.

"What exactly.. Do you think you're doing?" Kokushibo hissed. He was angry, He was so angry. His entire being shook with it. The blade he pointed directly at the back of her neck shook along with him.

[F/N]'s heart seemed to stop beating and her jaw lay open. His kimono wove in tandem to the wind and was brought apart from his rage. The hairpin she held dropped to the ground with a clang!

"I.. I.." She sputtered. She didn't dare turn around. She didn't dare turn around to see his bared teeth, His wide eyes scrutinising every atom of her, His free hand twitching around itching to dig into her skin.

A sound similar to what a feral animal would make rose from within his throat. The blade inched closer.

"An answer.. Now." He spat, Taking a step closer.

Despite his words he didn't wait for one. Alternating his blade to his other hand he reached down beside her he grabbed the pouch. [F/N] gasped.

"W-Wait!" She exclaimed. He brought the pouch up to his face to examine it. [F/N] tried to grasp and grab at the pouch but was nonchalantly shook off by Kokushibo, Who paid her no mind.

He wretched the mouth of the sack open and brought out one of the walnut-like seeds, Holding it with two claws up to his middle eyes. He ignored [F/N]'s protests, She felt her entire being break. Her one chance of comfort destroyed before her.

She broke down into quiet tears, Her retaliation growing weaker and weaker until she just slumped over on her knees.

"What.. What is this?" He asked, Not taking his eyes off the nut. "It's a cherry blossom seed.." [F/N] muttered through her soft cries. Kokushibo looked down at her, His face cooling off only a singe. He lowered the seed down to instead clutch it in his hand.

"You came out here.. To do gardening?" His voice sounded off, Like he was deep in thought. [F/N] nodded.

"Why?" He asked. The question seemed to elude [F/N]'s response. A war waged on in her mind, One side fighting to stay silent the other to just tell the truth. She shook it off, Going for the third party.

"Does it matter to you?" She said, Her voice a tone of defeat. In her somewhat right mind she would of never spoke to him with that level of audacity, But now it just seemed futile.

Kokushibo sucked in air through his teeth and huffed as if it was a stupid question.

"You are my wife.. I expect there to be no secrets hiding from me." He answered so casually.

"I am not your wife.. I've told you this before. There was no marriage, You kidnapped me." She sighed. Every inch of fear she had seemed pushed to the side now.

Kokushibo lowered his sword, He took a step forward closer to her. "..Why do you like them so much?" He asked, Ignoring her previous remark which would get her reprimanded. Her eyes narrowed, This brought on a sense of confusion to [F/N].

"Why do you want to know.." She repeated her previous question through her sniffles, Still looking down at the grass.

"Back at that courtesan house.. Your room was filled to the brim with those flowers. I had assumed it was a theme… That wretched old woman gave you to make you stand out.. From the other Oiran's in the area.." He explained.

"But I was proven otherwise when instead of escaping.. You came out to plant one of the tree's." His voice was filled with puzzlement.

[F/N] had nothing to say at his words, Nothing at all.

"Let me make you a deal." He proclaimed, His voice finally making [F/N]'s head rise up from the ground to look up at his looming figure. A deal? Her face scrunched up in confusion while she awaited his response.

"If you explain to me.. The reason for your love of sakura blossoms.. And start refering to me by my proper title.. I will let you plant this seed here.. As well as bringing you back whatever you desire when I leave the house. " He laid the bargain out in front of her. It wasn't the deal that puzzled her to no end, But instead his unyielding determination to know why she adored the blossoms.

"Why do you even want to know about it? It doesn't matter to you at all." Her final question escaped her lips. He stood quiet for only a moment as he pondered her words. Kokushibo's expression seemed to grow light as he looked at her.

"Because despite your silly beliefs.. I care about you. And I wish to know about you, To be a good husband for you" He said.

This pierced through [F/N] harder than anything his katana could of done. Her shoulders loosened up and she nodded.

"Alright then. I accept the deal."

☆♡☆

[F/N] layed by the boiling pot hanging over the fire, Swinging her legs around and fidgeting with her hands.

The clouds that had barely obscured the sky earlier had grown into a raging storm, One that neither she or her father predicted. The rain was heavy and came down like bullets along with the wind which was harsh and unforgiving. Outside the cherry tree branches hit each other back and forth creating loud rustling noises.

Along with the semi-boiled water she could smell the rain mixing with the wildlife from the halfway opened window. She kept glancing out it to see if she could catch a glimpse of her mother returning with the rice.

Her dad had commanded her to keep an eye on the water, And for the first ten minutes she did. However eventually her young mind grew bored and wandered off to other things.

[F/N] groaned and flopped her arms to her side.

"Dad, When's mum gonna be back?" [F/N] exclaimed with a lilt of annoyance.

Her dad stood over by the kitchen counter clutching a good few clovers of bay leaves in his hands.

"Don't know, Sweetheart. You know how your mother is with taking her time." Kyuusei replied. He shifted through the bay leaves and got to the very last one, Staring at them blankly for a moment he sighed. He turned back to his daughter.

"Be right back, [F/N]." He called out to her before turning away and walking towards the shoji door. [F/N] watched him slide it open and walk through.

Once he shut it closed, She perked up from lying down on the floorboards and got up.

Ignoring the boiling pot of water she rushed over to the open window. Gripping onto the frame she tried hauling her small self up onto the ledge, Failing twice before finally being able to pull her little body up onto the frame.

She looked out into the wild weather of the night and took it as nothing big. Jumping down onto the other side she pranced out into the rife atmosphere in search of her mother.

She ran off onto the rough stone path, Tripping both from the heavy winds and the jagged rocks. She had to pause just to regain her balance, However when she did she took off further down the path.

[F/N] ignored her soaked kimono and the hair whipping around her as she carefully maneuvered the stones. Lightning echoed out in the distance, But the noise didn't rock her from her path.

The warm light of her house grew farther and farther away, The cold chill of the night grew stronger the more she went.

Eventually reaching the peak of the ledge they sat on she looked out over the forest below. Her hair blowing around in her face made it hard to see below. When she finally gathered it all together she finally got a look below.

She saw the small shed there, Lightly rocking back and forth on its structure. The candles weren't lit inside implying her mother wasn't there.

[F/N] groaned, But suddenly she spotted her mother through the rain and wind.

She lay unconscious at the bottom of the hill, Her arms and legs spread out on her stomach. The bag of rice was spilt out a little way beside her. [F/N]'s eyes widened, Panic rising up into her chest. She heard her father yell out from behind her, But she ignored him and his calls.

"Mum! Mum!" She yelled out over the storm noise. Carefully, She made her way down the hill to get a better look at her. Climbing down onto a lower rock she narrowed her eyes to-

She wasn't unconscious

She wasn't unconscious.

Seishi's neck was twisted 180, Her broken neckbone dug out from her flesh making her head look barely attached. She lay in a thick puddle of blood diluted only by the rainwater. She had fallen on the path.

[F/N] screamed.

"MUM! MUM!" She wailed. Running down the path not caring about her stumbles and wobbles as she went.

She reached her mothers corpse, Her head was facing up while her body faced down. Her visage excreted fear, A final terrifying sculpture. [F/N] gripped onto her body and sobbed, Pulling at her kimono and burying her face into her mothers shoulder.

"[F/N]!" Her father had finally reached the scene and stood still at the top of the hill. He looked down on the rest of his family and he yelled, A loud guttural yell.

He rushed down the pathway and quickly enveloped his daughter in a hug, Shielding her away from the corpse of her mother. [F/N] latched onto her father and sobbed inconsolably.

"S-Seishi.. Seishi, My love.. It should of been me.. It should of been me.. I'm so, so sorry." Kyuusei cried, Looking upon the cold dead look of his wife. [F/N] cried along with him, Crying out for her mother to come back.

She shut her eyes tight, Hoping that when she opened them she'd awaken in her mothers arms. Wanting to be lightly scolded for staying up too late.

But when she opened them that never happened, Just the cold rainwater and the shaking arms of her father hugging her tight.

She cried. The last thing she remembered was the faint scent of her mothers cherry blossom perfume, Fading out into the iron smell of her mangled corpse.

☆♡☆

It was a sleepless night.

The morning after, The storm clouds dispersed away. Bringing in the warm sun shining over the revitalised forest.

The irony stung the both of them, As today was the day they'd need to carry her mother's cadaver to its burial site.

Her father had held [F/N] the entire night, Trying to find the words to console her when he knew none could comfort either of them. So instead they sat like that until the first eye of dawn.

After that they made their way back down to the death site. Picking up Seishi's cold body he pulled her close to him, He tried his best to put on a strong face for his daughter but he couldn't help the silent tears and hiccups erupting from his throat as he carried his wife's body through the forest.

[F/N] tailed behind him, Repeatedly calling out for her mother in small sobs. She repeatedly wiped away her tears with her sleeve yet they kept flooding out anyways.

They decided on the massive weeping sakura sat in the core of the woods as Seishi's final resting place, It was her most prized tree as it towered over all the other ones around it.

The digging of the grave took a good few hours for her father to complete, During that time he never said a single word and never for a second took his eyes off of his task.

Once the grave was finally done he had looked into his wife's eyes for a final time and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. He softly apologised to her, Professing his guilt over her death and how he loved her so.

He lowered her body into the grave and shut her eyes. Once both [F/N] and him said their final goodbyes, He got to filling the grave with a sombre expression.

After that her father had grown sad and bitter, The previous light and warmth that his presence radiated had grown cold. Most days he wouldn't leave his bed. He never said anything either, Not much anyways.

Unlike the cherry tree's symbolising life and renewal, Her mother had not come back to them in the spring.

This went on for years, It never ended. His depression had grown so severe that he had lost his job, Both for his horrible attendance and his sombre attitude. This had left the sole provider to be [F/N]

Her mothers death hit her terribly, She had broken down crying for weeks on end afterwards. She'd lay by her grave for hours on end, Only straying to go to sleep. Even then there were some days she'd fall asleep by her grave.

When the money ran out however, Is when [F/N] was forced to pick herself up and start providing for the both of them. She had to, For both her survival and her fathers.

To make money she had came up with a custom kind of tea blend made out of the sakura leaves surrounding her house. A sweet yet earthy blend that a lot of the younger and elder women seemed to love. It brought in money, Not a lot but enough to get by.

Everyday she'd travel out from the forest down to the village, Go door to door trying to advertise her blend of Sakurayu to the villagers. Then come home to make dinner for her and her father.

This cycle went on for years until she was a young woman. If it wasn't pity, She knew some of the villagers criticized her for being the one to take care of her parents. It didn't matter though.

She needed to take care of her father, Cause if she didn't, Nobody else would.

However one day, Years later. The village nearby had made merchant deals with hers. Trading food, Clothing the exact same sakura tea blend that [F/N] worked hard to make.

Unfortunately the villagers loved the imported tea more than [F/N]'s homemade blend, This had absolutely destroyed [F/N]'s income and instantly threw her into a panic.

The money she had made before had suddenly disappeared. So when she heard gossip from some of the younger girls at the village about the courtesan houses in the big city, She knew what she needed to do.

The next morning she kissed her father on the forehead, Leaving a letter and the last savings of money to keep him going while she was gone.

With that, She stowed away on a carriage ride going all the way to Heian-Kyo. In search of a better life.

All while she rubbed the soft pink petals, The same ones that always told her she was safe. Safe in the arms of her mother.

☆♡☆

[F/N] was crying now, Tears rolled down her face as she spilt out her past for her captor to hear.

"After that I just.. I found a house with vacancy and they took me in.. Then I just.. Worked my way up until I was Oiran." She choked out, Her face dug deep into her own palms.

Kokushibo held her close in his arms, He had started doing so once she had broke down at the explanation of her mothers death. He showed no emotion on his face, But his actions seemed to speak loudly enough for him.

"I-I sent money to my father when I could.. I haven't seen him in years.." She cried, Nuzzling closer into his chest. They were so close that she was basically sitting on his lap. She didn't care anymore, She needed the comfort and if it meant ignoring the morality of the situation to get it then she would never think another thought about it.

"Please.. I don't know how long it has been but I need to go back to the Oiran house.. I need to get the money for him.." She looked up at him, Tears in her eyes.

Kokushibo hummed, Moving an arm up to her shoulder he rubbed circles trying to provide comfort.

"I am unable to bring you back.." He said. [F/N] looked away from him, Sniffling. She knew it wasn't a matter of him being unable, It was a matter of he didn't want to.

"But I will be able to provide the money you seek." He finished. She looked back, Her eyes wide and full of life.

"What..?" She asked, Seeking confirmation of his words. He only nodded.

"If money is.. what you need then I can provide it.. It is no hassle for me" He proclaimed, Looking back into her own eyes.

[F/N] smiled, A wide, Genuine smile graced her face. A light blossoming within her like the leaves of her sacred tree.

"You.. You mean it?" She whispered, Looking deep into his eyes which only held the truth.

"Of course.. I do. As part of our deal.. Whatever you want." He replied, His voice contained such obsession care that she just couldn't see before. She melted in his hold.

"Also as a part of our deal.. I do believe its time for you to plant that seed." He said, Bringing up the seed he had in his hand he presented it to her like a wedding ring.

She smiled wider and took it from his palms.

Turning around, Still in his hold she looked down at the half dug hole. Picking up her hairpin to start digging again she was stopped by a gentle grasp on her wrist.

"Use this instead.." Kokushibo said, Handing over a small dagger. "It would be better than a hairpin.."

She thanked him and got to work. Using the wide surface area of the dagger she dug at a much better pace, Kokushibo watched her every movement the entire time.

Once she had dug a big enough hole she examined the knife. Kokushibo presented his hand, Signalling her to give back the knife. She held the hilt tight. Looking once at his hand then to the knife.

She sighed and dropped the knife into his hands. He nodded and tucked the knife away somewhere she couldn't see.

"Alright then.." She muttered, Holding the seed up to both of their eyes she reached the final step.

"Just let it go.." He replied, The same quiet tone echoing back at her. She looked at the seed and remembered her situation. The kidnapping, The living conditions, The punishment. All of it came back to her.

It was an awful feeling, Something she wanted to push away, Something she didn't want to feel ever again.

Knowing she was too wrapped up in her own mind to make the last move he guided her hands down to the crevice. He rested his head on her own, Her back up against his chest from where they sat.

He nudged the seed from her grasp and it fell into the hole. She snapped out of it and looked down to see the seed had been planted. "That was not so hard.. Was it?" He asked, Though he did not expect an answer.

She shook her head, The frown on her face was barely visible. Slowly, She began to refill the dug out hole covering the seed so it could grow in the right conditions.

She felt Kokushibo wrap his arms around her midsection, A sensation she had jolted at. It was an action she did not expect, Leaving her stiff.

Once the hole was fully covered and the seed was set to grow she was left to her own thoughts as she was embraced by her captor now husband.

This was fine, It wasn't okay. Gods, it was not okay by any means or context that could be given. She had been kidnapped and tortured for an amount of time she couldn't even remember, But it was fine. Just fine.

If the only thing she needed to do to provide for her father was become this man's wife, Then she would do as she had promised.

Though as her mind wandered off to her now gone plan of escape, The torture she had endured during her stay here she felt that same, Horrid feeling bubble up inside her.

She hated it, She hated it so much.

She tried to recall the aroma of the cherry blossoms, Imagining the sweet subtle smell invade her senses and take over her entire being head to toe.

And suddenly, Everything was fine.

[luxthestrange]

KNY Incorrect quotes#28 Men sizes

Gyutaro*Wanting this to be over*"Prepare foul beast"

He clears his throat and tries to get back into character.

Douma"Prepare foul beast, your time is done!"

Hashira!Y/n*Smirks* Oooh, if you don't mind could you kill me, and then sing?

The Upper and Lower moons laugh, Douma gets in your face

Douma: Be quiet!

Hashira!Y/n: Oh, come on, I'm just havin' fun with ya. That's actually a very nice leotard~

Douma*Smiles proudly* Thank you~

Hashira!Y/n: Do they come in men's sizes?

Everyone...EVERYONE starts to laugh

Muzan*Is actually chuckling* He, he- Now that be funny~

The crowd laughs again, You smile, enjoying how you screwing up the show

Part 2 of:

[that-one-weird-simp]

TSUGIKUNI TWINS AS ✨InCoRrEcT QuOtEs✨

Kokushibo: You're alive. Yoriichi: There's no need to sound so disappointed.

Kokushibo: What's two plus two? Yoriichi: Math. Kokushibo: …I will accept that answer.

Yoriichi: Pulls a glass a water from out of nowhere Kokushibo: Where did you get that? Yoriichi: My pocket. Kokushibo: How do you keep a glass of water in your pocket? Yoriichi: Skills.

Yoriichi: Everyone knows that Santa is an invention designed by the big five corporations to sell tinsel and video games to an unsuspecting public. Kokushibo: The whole “childhood wonder” stage just blew right past you, didn’t it?

Kokushibo, singing: He's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's on thin fucking ice Yoriichi, also singing: Santa Claus is calling you out!

Yoriichi: Wanna get out of here and grab a bite to eat. Kokushibo: I don’t usually eat with losers. Yoriichi: Neither do I but I asked you, didn’t I?

Yoriichi: Can you pass the salt? Kokushibo: Can you pass away? Yoriichi: Too much salt.

Kokushibo, teaching Yoriichi to drive: Okay Yoriichi, what does a green light mean? Yoriichi: Go! Kokushibo: A red light? Yoriichi: Stop! Kokushibo: And what about a yellow light? Yoriichi: If you floor it, you can make it! Kokushibo: …No—

Yoriichi, shooing Kokushibo away: Can you go be depressed over there? You’re bumming out my whole area.

Yoriichi: That was a joke. Say ha. Kokushibo: Ha. Yoriichi: Now do it again. Kokushibo: Ha. Yoriichi: Congratulations, you are officially the life of the party.

Yoriichi: GET BACK HERE YOU DUMB FUCK! Kokushibo: LET ME RUN FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS!

Yoriichi: Ayo, what the FUCK is this?!? Kokushibo, sitting down, surrounded by corpses: I won Mafia, that’s what.

Kokushibo: So the other day I sent Yoriichi out to get us some gas. Kokushibo: And instead of getting gas, he got us novelty cookie cutters. Kokushibo: Now everything we eat is shaped like a dinosaur. Kokushibo: … Kokushibo: I love them so much.

Kokushibo: What type of dog is this? Yoriichi: That’s a tortoise.

Yoriichi: I think you're still suffering the effects of your party last night. Kokushibo: All I drank was Redbull! Yoriichi: How many? Kokushibo: Eighteen.

@koku-shibou @ask-yoriichi

[anime-fan-05]

マスターリスト

Started: 10th September 2023

Last update: 1st November 2024

Total works: 83

My rules are here. Please, read them before asking me.

♥️: fluff

⚡: angst (my angst are never too violent or sad and they usually have a happy ending)

Sailor Moon

Nothing yet

Inazuma Eleven

Headcanons

With a reader like Roxy (Endou, Gouenji, Kidou, Kazemaru and Fubuki) ♥️

Mermaid Melody

Nothing yet

Hunter x Hunter

Headcanons

Nicknames (Gon, Killua, Kurapika and Leorio) ♥️

Ships

Sweet (KilluGon) ♥️

Nana

Headcanons

Boyfriend headcanons: Shin ♥️, Nobu ♥️, Ren ♥️, Takumi ♥️, Nobu and Shin part 2 ♥️, Yasu ♥️

With a legendary singer who's very connected with her singing partner (Nobu, Shin and Yasu) ♥️

Jealousy (Nobu, Shin, Yasu, Ren and Takumi) ♥️

Cuddling (Nobu, Shin, Yasu, Ren and Takumi) ♥️

With their crush (Nobu, Shin, Yasu, Ren and Takumi) ♥️

Boat's capsizing during your cruise (Nobu, Shin and Yasu) ♥️

With an idol reader (Nana) ♥️

With a professional dancer (Nobu, Shin and Yasu) ♥️

With a J-pop idol reader (Nobu, Shin and Yasu) ♥️

With Nana's younger sibling but totally different from her (1st part) (Shin) ♥️

With a very famous singer and dancer, chill and kinda flirty in public but actually shy and sweet reader (Nobu, Shin, Yasu, Ren and Takumi) ♥️

With an autistic reader (Nana) ♥️

Celebrating their birthday (Shin and Reira) ♥️

Scenarios

Wait, you're what?! (2nd part) (Shin) ♥️

Oneshots

Blindness (Takagi Yasushi x reader) ♥️

My Hero Academia

Headcanons

Receiving a kiss on the cheek from their crush as thanks (Midoriya, Bakugo, Shoto, Mirio, Tamaki and Hawks) ♥️

Kimetsu no Yaiba

Headcanons

Calling them 'handsome' 1st part (Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Genya and Yoriichi) ♥️

Calling them 'handsome' 2nd part (Giyuu, Kyojuro, Sanemi and Muichiro) ♥️

Calling them 'handsome' 3rd part (Kokushibo, Douma, Akaza and Gyutaro) ♥️

With a reader like Stitch (Muzan, Kokushibo and Akaza) ♥️

Calling them by their first name 1st part (Tanjiro, Giyuu, Kyojuro, Sanemi and Muichiro) ♥️

Calling them by their first name 2nd part (Obanai and Tengen) ♥️

Boyfriend headcanons: Muzan ♥️

With a young admirer (Obanai) ♥️

Falling asleep on them (Tanjiro, male Shinobu, male Mitsuri, Kokushibo and Akaza) ♥️

Scenarios

Cheater? (Muzan, Kokushibo, Douma and Akaza) ♥️⚡

Assassination Classroom

Headcanons

With a VKei singer reader (Karma and Itona) ♥️

Oneshots

Sick (Isogai Yuuma x reader) ♥️

Fullmetal Alchemist

Nothing yet

Haikyuu!!

Headcanons

Break up prank (Hinata, Kageyama, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, Nishinoya, Tanaka, Sawamura, Sugawara and Azumane) ♥️

Getting a girlfriend (Kenma) ♥️

Proposal and marriage (Kenma) ♥️

With a short reader 1st part (Hinata, Kageyama, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi and Nishinoya) ♥️

With a short reader 2nd part (Oikawa, Kuroo, Lev, Tendou, Goshiki and Atsumu) ♥️

Scenarios

Is that my jersey? (Kageyama, Sugawara, Oikawa, Kenma and Akaashi) ♥️

Akatsuki no Yona

Headcanons

Cupping their cheeks (Kija, Shin-Ah, Jae-Ha and Zeno) ♥️

SFW alphabet: Hak ♥️

Scenarios

Sleeping together 1st part (Kija, Shin-Ah, Jae-Ha and Zeno) ♥️

Sleeping together 2nd part (Hak, Yoon and Soo-Won) ♥️

Oneshots

Together (Shin-Ah x reader) ♥️

You weren't the right one (Hak x reader) ♥️⚡

Yu Yu Hakusho

Headcanons

Calling them 'handsome' (Yusuke, Kazuma, Kurama and Hiei) ♥️

With a reader who thinks they're funny (Yusuke, Kurama and Hiei) ♥️

With a very feminine reader (Yusuke, Kazuma, Kurama, Hiei and Koenma) ♥️

SFW alphabet: Kurama ♥️

Oneshots

Three times (Jin x reader) ♥️

Big proposal (Jin x reader) ♥️

Terrible day... but maybe not that much! (Jin x reader) ♥️

Attack on Titan

Headcanons

With a small reader (Eren, Armin, Levi and Jean) ♥️

Hugging them for the first time (Reiner, Bertholdt, Porko, Zeke, Colt and Falco) ♥️

General headcanons with OCs: 1 ♥️, 2 ♥️, 3 ♥️, 4 ♥️, 5 ♥️, 6 ♥️, 7 ♥️, 8 ♥️

Sweet domestic life's scene (Eren, Armin, Reiner, Bertholdt and Falco) ♥️

My children are titan shifters?! (Eren, Armin, Reiner, Bertholdt and Falco) ♥️

Kamisama Kiss

Nothing yet

Code Geass

Scenarios

First kiss (Lelouch, Suzaku, male Kallen and male Cornelia) ♥️

Ouran HighSchool Host Club

Headcanons

Finding out their crush is being bullied by their fans (Tamaki, Kyoya, Hikaru, Kaoru, Honey and Mori) ♥️

Naruto

Scenarios

First kiss 1st part (Naruto, Sasuke, Sai and Shikamaru) ♥️

First kiss 2nd part (Gaara, Kakashi, Obito and Itachi) ♥️

Oneshots

Forever (Madara x reader) ♥️⚡

I'll always stay with you (Naruto x reader) ♥️⚡

Death Note

Nothing yet

Blue Lock

Headcanons

Dating them includes... (Isagi, Bachira, Chigiri, Nagi, Reo, Rin and Sae) ♥️

Nanatsu no Taizai

Nothing yet

Jujutsu Kaisen

Headcanons

Being called 'darling' by their crush 1st part (Itadori, Fushiguro, male Nobara, Inumaki and Okkotsu) ♥️

Being called 'darling' by their crush 2nd part (male Maki, male Mai, Gojou and Getou) ♥️

Playing with their hair 1st part (Itadori, Fushiguro, male Nobara, Inumaki and Okkotsu) ♥️

Playing with their hair 2nd part (male Maki, male Mai, Gojou and Getou) ♥️

Oneshots

Cat called? Not when I'm around! (Inumaki x reader) ♥️

Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon

Headcanons

With a sweet, shy and awkward reader who has difficulty communicating (male Miyo, Kiyoka, Kouji, Kazushi and Arata): crush ♥️ and boyfriend headcanons ♥️

Marriage (Arata) ♥️

Children (Arata) ♥️

Pharaoh's Concubine

Nothing yet

Sabaku no Harem

Nothing yet

Tokyo Ghoul

Nothing yet

[febuary30thday]

Flora, Fauna

Pt 2

When you are first introduced, he doesn't mind your presence

You are a woman in a position of great power, and he respects that

Hence, he and you often talk plenty

He has never witnessed your blood demon art, so he is unsure

Sometimes, with how good you are at singing and with your calming voice, he assumed it was something like that

He happens to stumble upon you one day, devouring a man who had just tried to flirt with you

There you were, the moonlight shining on you, blood staining your lips as you ate, and a pile of demon slayers at your feet, with their crows laying there as well

"Ah, Upper 3! Care to join me in my feeding?"

No one's saying no to free food, and he isn't either

"Akaza, call me Akaza."

You talk as you eat, about your BDA and you find out about his thing with women

He is quite touched when you make an effort to not eat women around him

With how kind and gentle and elegant you are, how could he not fall for you?

However, when Douma decides you are now his biggest target and obsession, he needs to step in

Being Muzan's favorite demon does have perks, and one of them is that he is only sent out on special missions, so he isn't sent out often, which means he gets to spend all of his free time with you

Now that you aren't permitted to leave the castle, he can coddle and cuddle you all he wants

You don't mind his presence, but it seems the other two do

Kokushibo often makes him leave when you are together, and your little beg to let him stay always resonates in his heart

Douma, surprisingly, doesn't want Akaza there either

He won't outright say it, but there are clues that he's trying to make Akaza feel unwanted

He's extra clingy when Akaza is around and often taunts him

Akaza is possessive of you and doesn't like letting you go

He tells you about his adventures os you don't feel lonely, and brings you food and people he hunted to eat

Sometimes he brings them alive, just to watch you use your BDA in action

You enjoy his company and motivate him with just your presence

He is insecure about himself because he feels like there's going to be one day when he can't protect you properly

"Akaza, There you are. Would you like to spend time with me? I prepared tea."

"Are you sure that you don't want me to go out and hunt something for you? You must be hungry?"

"Nonsense."

She wasn't introduced to you

You met her by commenting on the amount of control she exalts and how level-headed she is

She doesn't speak much, and neither do you

She's not exactly possessive, but she's kept a watchful gaze on you

I mean, she controls the Infinity Castle, anywhere you, go, she's there in "spirit"

When you were allowed to leave, you often told her stories of your feedings

She seemed intrigued and so you continue

Your relationship spirals down from there

She plays her biwa for you sometimes and you sing along with her, harmonizing in perfect sync

The other demons would enjoy it, if she didn't keep tossing them around

Because you now aren't allowed to leave, she plays her biwa more and you harmonize more

She often praises your BDA and you praise her, so it's a very healthy relationship

The best relationship you'll get into is with her, so enjoy it while you still can

"It's amazing how you are able to have this much control and still be level-headed and not a prideful fool."

"Thank you."

His clones are so fine, let me tell you 😩

Hantengu was afraid of you the first time he met you

When you showed him your BDA, he cowered in fear

You thought he was weird but you weren't hostile

He enjoyed hearing you sing, and it made him come out of his shell a little more

He stuck around enough to listen to what you had to say and not cower

One time, a demon slayer cut his head off and you saw his two clones

You swear you felt something twitch

They were so handsome

His clones are often with you because he lets them out.

Sekido (Rage) is extremely possessive of you and is surprisingly, extremely clingy

Karaku (Relax) worships the ground you walk on, he praises you a lot and has masochistic tendencies

Please put flowers in his hair, he loves it

Aizetsu (Sorrow) He's just really smart and tells you about the opponents he fought and his analysis of them

You don't even realize how he's slowly drawing you in further

Urami (Resentment) isn't often let out because he would just degrade himself and say how's he jealous of you, and all that other nonsense. He acts kind of like Gyutaro

"Sekido, you have to let me go, I need to go hunt."

"One of the other forms will go get something for you, you have to stay in my arms"

"Karaku, you know that you remind me of a dog in a lot of ways."

"I'm so glad that you acknowledge me as someone loyal. Did I ever tell you how pretty you are?"

"Interestingly, you analyzed him like that, Aizetsu, do tell me more."

He tries his best, okay? Don't leave him because he's a little coward.

[doumadono]

DEMON SLAYER INCORRECT QUOTES - part 3

MASTERLIST

Akaza: I really enjoyed that trip! It was a successful expedition!

Kokushibo: Wait, we lost Douma

Akaza: That was a VERY successful expedition 😏

Douma: I saw Shinobu today!

Gyuutaro: And?

Douma: Guess!

Gyuutaro: Did she ask you out on a date?

Douma: No

Gyuutaro: Did she kiss you?

Douma: No

Gyuutaro: Then what did she do?

Douma: You won't believe it! She looked at me! 🥰

Gyuutaro:

Muzan: Why do I have an 80k debt on my credit card?

Douma: *singing in the background* I'm a material girl 🎶

Muzan: Get out of my mansion, Douma! NOW!

Douma: Hey, Akaza, what 34 + 35 equals?

Akaza: 69, why?

Douma: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Akaza: seriously??? 🙄

Douma: *exists*

Akaza: Could you please shut up? Or better yet, just die so I don't have to look at you. Ah! Right, I forgot. You're an idiot and don't understand what I'm saying to you. Let's try again. So, Douma, can you just kill yourself?!

Douma:

Douma: What have I ever done to you....

Douma: I found Akaza's phone!

Douma: Let's see what he's been searching for lately.

Search history: How to kill an annoying, psychopathic, blond guy with an obsession for eating women?

Douma:

Akaza: If anyone eats a woman in front of me, I will make sure they burn in hell and I will kill them in the way I'm sure they will suffer

Douma:

Douma: *quickly hides the bodies of women*

Douma: Well, who would have seen killing innocent women like this?!

Akaza: I once had such an annoying friend

Akaza: He was a bit taller than me, about 187cm, had blond hair and rainbow-colored eyes

Akaza: Unfortunately, he passed away. What a pity.

Douma:

Douma: Akaza, for God's sake, stop talking about me as if I'm dead just because I ate a woman in front of you

Akaza: *sighs* Sometimes I still feel like I can hear his annoying voice somewhere..

divider by @saradika

[sanriokamabodo]

Band!AU with Kokushibo, Douma, Akaza + Gyutaro

A/N: Here's something I've been thinking about... a lot ( ∩´͈ ᐜ `͈∩)

CW's: Douma sleazeball, suggestive content on Douma's part, mentions of sleeping with a fan on Douma's/Gyutaro's/Akaza's part not proofread

Kokushibo

Lead guitarist, backup vocalist

Has been playing the guitar since he was a toddler

Kinda took on the role of being their band's manager before they got one

Always has his hair in his signature ponytail and fans absolutely swoon over him

Fans often mimick his hairstyle when they go see him in concerts

Douma and Gyutaro once dared him to smash his guitar on stage and he gave them an earful about how much of a waste that would be and how he would rather just give it to someone with his autograph on it

Which he did, several times

Will stick up for his fellow band members, yes even Douma, when interviewers pry too much and will tell them to fuck off with poise

Doesn't know how social media works

On selfies with fans he looks like a dad, squinting with his glasses on into the camera, a confused look present on his face

Douma

Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist

Absolutely adores the spotlight and being in the center

The most scandalous member, having been officially kicked out of the band on more than one occasion

Akaza is usually fucked to share a room with him and it doesn't help their bond at all because he will still bring fans up to their shared rooms

Has like 10 names of different exes tattooed on him, broke up with all of them within a month of dating

His name is always headlining in the papers, but it's okay because his paparazzi pictures are just to die for

Also has the best selfies with fans, he somehow, always manages to look good

Writes songs that aren't appropriate to listen to with your parents in the car

Like absolute filth

When Kokushibo doesn't feel like dealing with annoying interviewers he hands them over to Douma who roasts the shit out of them, an innocent smile on his face during the whole ordeal

Always late to practice but Kokushibo lets him as he brings a lot of attention to the band

Akaza

Drummer

Has the sweetest singing voice ever, and writes the cutest songs to exist, like tooth rottingly sweet

Looks rough with all his tattoos and piercings but is the sweetest, kindest, loveliest bub

Does get a bit shy around fans though but always listens to them and gives them his time

Slept with a fan once and that fan is now engaged to them, they have the cutest relationship and the band loves his partner to bits too

Paparazzi photo's are almost always with his partner! Did once knock a pap's lights out as they were crowding around his partner and they got scared

Speaks the least during interviews, Kokushibo does try to get him out of his shell however by handing him the mic

You'll hear him stumbling over his words and Douma's just laughing ten times louder than Akaza's speaking because he finds his embarrassment amusing

Has the cutest selfies with fans where, for example; he and the fan in question make a heart together with their hands yes his partner's okay with that

Gyutaro

Bassist

Newest to the group but gets along well with everybody, especially with Douma

Douma dotes on him a lot, calling him his little brother and ... encourages him to enjoy the company of his fans

Doesn't have a lot of 'solo' fans yet but his band mates always keep an eye out for his fans and point at them for Gyutaro when they spot them in the crowd

Gyutaro gets really excited when he spots his fans and always waves sweetly at them, mouthing thank you's over and over at them

Also doesn't talk a lot during interviews. What Kokushibo does for Akaza, Akaza does for Gyutaro

What Akaza also does a lot is when he gets passed the microphone to speak by Kokushibo, he immediately passes it over to Gyutaro, a kind smile on his face as he encourages him to speak

Douma is the worst influence on him as they once got to band practice drunk and late

Wrote a song together with Daki and they performed it together where she sang

Was really uncomfortable with selfies with fans in the beginning but is getting better at it!

Still a blushing mess on all of them however

Didn't realize he didn't have to follow everyone back on instagram at first

[mamayan]

Welcome to my Followers Event!

This event is now closed!

Below will be the master list for all the prompts I answered!

Kokushibo “Let me hold you?” || Sleep || Tangled hair || Soulmates || GN! Reader

Giyuu Tomioka Somnophilia || Yandere || “You cry so pretty.” || “I need you like I need air in my lungs, like I need blood in my veins, like I need the earth to keep spinning.” || Fem! Reader

Giyuu Tomioka “I told you to sit on my face, not hover baby.”|| Lesson || Tangled hair || Enemies to lovers || Fem! Reader Coded (GN! Terms used)

Gojo Satoru “I’ll make you fucking sorry.”|| Lesson || Late autumn walk || Edging/Overstimulation || GN! Reader

Giyuu Tomioka Tender || Femdom || Best Friend || Laundry || Fem! Reader

Tomura Shigaraki “I’ll make you fucking sorry.” || Wartime || Fresh laundry || Enemies to lovers || Fem! Reader

Suguru Geto “You’re pathetic, you know that right?” || Cicadas singing || Exhibitionism || Throat fucking || GN! Reader

Tengen Uzui “I want to worship the ground you walk on.” || Saint || Soulmates || Praise/Worship || AFAB! Reader

Douma “You’re pathetic, you know that right?” || Taste of Iron || Size || Praise/Worship || Fem! Reader

Kento Nanami SHOT! || Fem! Reader

Sanemi Shinazugawa “I told you to sit on my face, not hover baby.” || Carnivore || Hot stove || Bully || Fem! Reader

Toji Fushiguro “Keep crying baby, maybe someone will save you?” || Asphyxiation || Dacryphilia || Degradation/Humiliation || GN! Reader

Sanemi Shinazugawa “You’re pathetic, you know that right?” || Lesson || Sensitive || Professor/Teacher || Fem! Reader Coded

Aizawa Shota “You’re pathetic, you know that right?” || Sleep || Nightmares when sick || Step!Parent || Fem! Reader

Suguru Geto SHOT! || GN! Reader

Tengen Uzui SHOT! || Fem! Reader

Tomura Shigaraki Graveyard Shift || Muddy boots || Stalker || Voyeurism || Fem! Reader

Choso “Keep crying baby, maybe someone will save you?” || Carnivore || Graveyard Shift || Stalker || Fem! Reader

Cute dividers hand drawn by @benkeibear ! ♡

[deathmetalunicorn1]

hey!

its ok if you couldnt do my last request

but if you want you could do this request if you want to!

daki reader X yandere Poseidon + Hades and Thor + Loki

the reader was just walking around and accidentally bumped into the gods and the reader was about to tell them to watch where they were going but didn't get to say it because Brunhilde told her it was her turn and the gods was in shocked and to stunned to speak but then Zeus/Odin told the gods it was their turn as well and soon they realises they were fighting with the reader and soon Hades / Loki was watching them fight and soon when Poseidon / Thor cut the readers head gyutaro came out of her back and put her head back into place and the reader and gyutaro fight together.

but soon ended up into a tie and soon both gods went to go find the reader but saw the reader asleep on her brother lap underneath a sakura tree while gyutaro sings a lullaby and they watched the two siblings in awe but the gyutaro sensed someones was watching them and gyutaro woke the reader up and gyutaro told her someone was nearby and they looked around but noting was there but then muzan came and both of them bowed down and muzan touched the readers face and she blushed and the gods was jealous of muzan.

soon when muzan left with kokushibo they both met the jealous gods and soon started fighting and the gods who was in the fight they had won and muzan and kokushibo was wounded really badly and reader and gyutaro came and saw this and protected muzan and kokushibo but then the gods left leaving the 4 demons confused and angry.

and the reader started to feel uncomfortable and asked her brother to stay with her more often and soon the two gods started to show up wherever they went and soon the two gods asked the reader to marry them but then the reader said she got a lover that is worthy of her love which is Qin Shi Huang and the two gods started to feel really angry and started to fight Qin

and Qin was wounded and had to be hospitalised and in a coma and the two gods asked the reader again.

you can chose what happens after that :)

-You were a stunning woman, beautiful and confident, so you were able to handle any man that would come your way, some liked your confidence, liking their women dominate, while others would try to intimidate you into being submissive.

-Those bastards wouldn’t last long. Nobody talks to you like that.

-You were hanging out the stadium, a bit bored, as you were one of the champions for humanity, as you were once a human yourself, and Muzan gave you his blessings to fight, as he wanted to see you fight against the gods.

-You were bored just sitting in your room, so you went on a walk, exploring a bit of the stadium during one of the other fights.

-You rounded a corner and slammed into a pair of gods (Poseidon/Hades or Thor/Loki), nearly falling backwards and instantly you glared, going to tell them off before Brunnhilde, who was with them, spoke, “There you are Y/N. It’s your turn next, against (Poseidon/Thor) here.”

-The god in question was shocked that his opponent was the stunning maiden before him and you instantly grinned sadistically, “Good, I hope you’ll give me a challenge!”

-Your arrogance and confidence stunned the two gods, annoying them slightly before (Hades/Loki) couldn’t help but grin, finding you an amusing woman.

-Your fighting style was very unique, you were very agile and used your sash to hack and slash at him, laughing as you were having fun, but you were a little over-confident.

-The crowds were screaming out in horror as you were sitting on your knees, your head in your lap, after (Thor/Poseidon) cut your head from your shoulders, but unlike most demons, you weren’t vanishing.

-You were crying, making your opponent stare lightly, he felt bad making you cry, feeling like a bully, before you screamed out, “Big brother!!”

-Instantly, your back began to hunch grotesquely, your head fell from your lap as you fell forward as your brother emerged.

-(Poseidon/Thor) went to attack and was stunned when Gyutaro instantly charged, slashing him across the chest while holding you in his arms, protecting you.

-Gyutaro kneeled down in front of you, helping your head reattach as you sniffled softly, hiccupping as he doted on you, “Don’t cry- big brother is here.”

-Gyutaro was much stronger than you, and since you were together, like a Volundr, he was allowed to fight with you.

-Being double teamed was much more of a challenge, Gyutaro was both strong and fast, while you were fast, it definitely turned into a good fight, one of the best ones of the tournament.

-In the end, combined with his strongest attack and you and your brother’s combined attack, it caused a massive shockwave, that knocked all three of you out, ending the match in the first draw of the tournament.

-The two brothers were quick to seek you out, taken by your determination, power, and looks, you were a deadly but desirable combination, one they wanted for their own.

-In their search for you, they heard someone singing, not loudly, more like a lullaby, and they followed the voice, hearing Gyutaro, and found the two of you.

-Gyutaro was leaning against the tree, relaxing while petting your hair as you were sleeping quietly, your head on his lap, smiling softly as you knew you were safe with your big brother.

-Gyutaro felt the eyes and his hand instantly stilled before giving you a small shake, waking you up, “Someone is watching us.”

-You sat up, on the defense and the gods flinched, not wanting a fight, before they froze, seeing two men approach you both, Muzan and Kokushibo, both bowing your heads in greeting in respect.

-Muzan patted your head, making you beam, a faint blush on your cheeks which angered (Poseidon/Hades or Thor/Loki), seeing another man touching you.

-They weren’t bothered by the fact they knew nothing about you, only that they wanted you, and they were going to have you. One way or another.

-When Kokushibo and Muzan left you two, they started heading out, only to run into the brothers nearby, seeing the gods were furious.

-Gyutaro heard the shouting before you did, his hearing better than yours and took off running and you called out after him, running after your brother.

-You gasped in shock, seeing Muzan and Kokushibo being violently attacked by (Poseidon/Thor) and his brother (Hades/Loki).

-You shouted at them to stop as your brother ran into the fray, jumping in front of the gods, blocking their blows and you ran forward, putting yourself in front of the two strongest demons in Valhalla, your sash belts swaying, preparing for an attack.

-Just as quickly as the attack started, the attack ended, the gods lowering their weapons and turned, leaving the four of you confused and battered.

-You helped Muzan while your brother carried Kokushibo, taking them to the infirmary, because even though they were demons, their wounds weren’t healing very fast, due to being attacked by weapons of the gods.

-Gyutaro could see the way the gods were looking at you, and you would have too, had you not been so angry and worried, and he confided in you, telling you what he had seen.

-You grew scared, holding onto your brother’s hand, not wanting to be apart from him, as you knew he would keep you safe, since the gods were stronger than you, but not your brother; however, seeing what they did to the two strongest, made you worried, if terrified you.

-Muzan patted your head gently, seeing you were upset, comforting you, as he too was mad that these gods attacked them so cowardly and seemed to be after you for some reason, before he spoke, “Go calm down, Y/N. Go see that human of yours.”

-Your eyes lit up and smiled brightly, your boyfriend, the only man that you actually liked, and he liked you for you, Qin Shi Huang, and both Gyutaro and Muzan approved over him, and were okay with you dating the human.

-(Poseidon/Hades or Thor/Loki) were both stunned to see you shortly after leaving the infirmary, looking around like you were looking for someone.

-They approached you and you glared lightly, not trusting them as they had attacked Muzan and Kokushibo, “What do you want?”

-They didn’t hear the bite in your voice, or if they did, they chose to ignore it and your mouth dropped open and eyes went wide as they spoke in unison, “‘Y/N will you marry us?’”

-You instantly glared at them but did your best to keep your temper in check, “No, I’m already with someone that I love.” Their love-struck looks instantly melted into anger, trying to demand you to tell them who, which you refused, turning and heading away quick, making a mental note to tell your brother.

-When the two brothers saw you about a half hour later, as they had been stunned when you walked away, they went to approach to ask you to marry them again, when you called out happily, “Zheng~~” and their blood boiled, seeing you leaping into the open arms of a human of all things, pure joy on your face as your lover caught you in his own hug, spinning you around before asking if you were okay from your fight.

-You puffed up your chest a bit, a grin on your face, “Of course I am, my big brother and I can handle anything!” he laughed warmly, pecking your cheek which made you give a small happy squeak.

-Instantly the gods charged, attacking Qin and you screamed for them to stop, attacking them yourself to defend your lover, as while he was strong, he was a human against two gods and had no weapon.

-Your brother, Kokushibo, and Muzan heard your screams and ran to your aid, finding you holding the heavily injured body of your lover, while Brunnhilde was trying to get the two gods back away from you.

-Gyutaro didn’t hesitate and charged in with a war cry, seeing you upset and the other two demons were quick to join.

-Brunnhilde ended up having to call in Zeus and Odin, as well as the other Valkyries to get the two groups apart while you had taken your lover to the infirmary with Goll.

-Brunnhilde, Zeus, and Odin came to the infirmary, where Zheng now was, bandaged, but in a coma, with you sitting next to him, holding his hand while Goll was trying to get you to drink some water.

-You gave your statement of what happened, both times, with them attacking Muzan, their proposal, and then nearly killing your lover, had your brother and leader not shown up, and they confirmed it with other witnesses who had seen the fight, the gods struck first.

-You learned all 5 of them were thrown into holding cells, the two gods in one and the three demons in the other, pending the investigation.

-You weren’t happy to learn your brother was locked up, but you agreed, for the moment, because the attackers were also locked up.

-You were worried, knowing that gods did whatever benefitted them the most over humans and demons, and you were afraid because they were the family members of (Zeus/Odin) that they were going to get out with no repercussions for their actions.

-It was three days later when they were all released, with strict orders, punishable by going straight to Tartarus, that there was so be no contact between the two sides, meaning the two gods couldn’t bother you or Zheng any longer.

-The day Zheng opened his eyes, you were overjoyed, wanting to leap into his arms, but you didn’t want to hurt him, keeping his hand in your own instead, smiling down at him, “Waking up to an angel is the best way to do so.”

-Your face turned bright red at his flirtation, as he was the only person, except for Muzan when you were younger, to make you blush, but it made you happy, seeing your lover still had his sense of humor.

-Even though they couldn’t approach you without repercussions, you could never shake the feeling of eyes watching you, almost all day, following you, but you could never find who it was.

-You knew, deep down, who it was, but since you couldn’t find them, you didn’t say anything.

-No matter who you were with, Zheng, your brother, the other Upper Ranks, even by yourself, you could always feel eyes piercing into you, stalking you, hunting you.

-You were the predator; you were ½ of the Upper Rank Six! You weren’t scared! You couldn’t be scared…. could you?

[thebottomfromhell]

Y/N, singing in spanish: Luna quieres ser madre! Y no encuentras querer que te haga mujer! Dime, luna de plata! Qué pretendes hacer con un niño de piel? Ahh-ah-ah-ah! Ahh-ah-ah-ahhhhh!

Kokushibo, just done with you: WHY?! Why is that you always sing that when you see me?

Y/N: .....

Kokushibou: What does the lyrics even mean?!

Y/N: .....

Y/N, singing again: Hijo de la luna!

[Translation: Moon you want to be mother. But you can't find love to make you a woman. Tell me moon of silver. What are you planning to do with a child of skin? (Ahh-ah-ah-ah x2) Son of the moon.]

[trancylovecraft]

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

Previous Chapter ☆♡☆ Masterlist ☆♡☆ Next Chapter

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN: "..So much more than a rat."

A martyr is defined as a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion. Though in more recent times it has been used to define a person willing to give up their life for a cause not needing to be fuelled by religion or politics.

The man throughout the night, Feet thundering against the cold stone.

His breath was ragged as he sprinted across the empty streets, Cold air singing as a juxtaposition to his burning lungs. The warm blood trickled down his forehead, His eyes wide and wild as he searched for sanctuary.

Faster and faster he went, Tall houses rushing past him in a flash. His head kept jerking back behind him, Terrified of something following him. Something seeking, Something hidden deep within the depths of the night. Something keeping close behind.

He didn't know what happened, One minute he had gotten back from work and the next he was running away. A thick slash mark across his forehead, Oozing out iron ichor from the deep cut.

Like a rabbit running away from the fox, He scampered away.

He felt like it got closer and closer. Almost hearing the faint drumming of footsteps gaining on him, Echoing throughout the night. Hitting like hail against the ground, Making a bitter chill run down his spine.

Who was it? Who was chasing him. Was there someone chasing him? Is he being paranoid?

His sweat dropped, He yelped out in fear.

"Help-! Help me! HELP, ANYONE-!" He cried through the raw dryness of his throat. Tears started to swell at this point. The patter of footsteps grew and grew, So loud like thunder strikes.

They were approaching, They were going to get him-!

"PLEASE- ANYONE!" He screamed. Hollering throughout the night and bouncing off the village walls. It was so blaring, So loud yet there was no one who came to help. There was no one who was going to save him.

He was going to die- HE WAS GOING TO DI-

A sword ran through his neck. Struck like lightning and flowing like a river as it went through his skin and muscle with no effort.

His screaming was cut short by his head hitting the rocky street. A burst of blood erupting from his severed neck.

It bounced once, Then twice then swivelled into place.

A permanent petrified expression laid upon the mans face, Eyes wide and bulging with his mouth eternally open to catch flies. His body wobbled, Thin legs shaking before falling down onto it's knees, Then it's chest.

The footsteps following him finally stopped as well, If only for a moment. The silence rang throughout the street as the blood pooled around the carnage. All before the tiny pair of footsteps turned into a walk, Stalking over to the corpse.

[F/N] looked down at the body, Pausing just where the puddle of red stopped gathering, Careful not to stain her sandals.

The blade clenched in her hand was drenched in blood, Ichor dripping off the tip and onto the rocky pavement below. The imperfect hilt and the makeshift construct of the blade made it all the more strange for such a child to be wielding it.

She looked at the man with no pity nor disgust. There wasn't any anger or drive behind her strike, Just apathy as she stared down at the bloody mess she had made. Her grip on the hilt of her sword grew tighter.

She crouched down, Knees turning as she got closer to the severed head of the decapitated man. Nudging the body out the way with her free hand she finally reached down to the head, Arm extended towards it.

Her hand grasped a firm clutch of his matted hair, Already entangled with blood as her fingers got a good hold on his locks. She pulled it up, The head following her hand as she held it dangling from her fingertips.

She walked. The severed cut of it's neck dripped a thick trail of blood to follow her footsteps, Hand already covered in the pungent liquid that splattered her fingers.

The head swayed from her hands as she walked away. She could of only been about eight or maybe nine yet the way she carried herself was so old and practiced, She could of been mistaken as a woman from a distance.

She didn't look back, Moon raised high within the cold night. She walked towards it, The headless corpse left alone in the street to squeeze out all of its remaining liquids onto the floor.

And soon enough she was gone just as soon as she came. No trace of her ever being here except for a thick trail of blood dragging out of the village and into the depths of the woods.

☆♡☆

"It's just.. It's been tough with my father being ill, You know?" The smell of sizzling meat and the punching kick of spices hit the noses of the passers-by, The enticing aroma being like a siren's song to anyone who would dare enter the proximity of their lulling call from the market.

The sun was raised high in the sky, A morning blessed with the cool heat of the summer sun and the chilling breeze to chase it. It was beautiful and the villagers were aware, All out and about to enjoy the weather and do errands to match.

The market sat under the suns rays, Stalls lined with both food and material products. Meat grilled right at the table, Vivid bursts of tapestries hanging for all to view and contemplate buying.

It was a wonderous place filled with crowds in the dozens. Chatter was live and roaring throughout the street, Sounds of bargaining and laughter were common and all around. It was scenic as it travelled through the village.

[F/N] stood by one of the stalls, Just tall enough to peek over the edge. It was a stall with colourful pouches of spices laying about, Hanging rabbits and cattle meat from the hooks on the wooden structure above.

Her skeletal figure stood awkwardly, Her bony fingers twiddling themselves as she shied her eyes away from the merchant in front of her. She looked downtrodden, Turtling into the oversized scarf wrapped around her neck.

"I.. I'm sorry that I can't pay, Nevermind, I'll stop bothering you.. Apologies!" [F/N] called out rather forlornly as she turned around slowly, Starting to walk a few steps in the opposite direction with lowered head.

The merchants smile turned into a frown, Watching the frail girl trod off down into the busy streets.

"Hold on!"

[F/N] stopped in her tracks as soon as she heard the merchant's voice call out her name. Her head turned over lightly, Eyes peeking out from the tattered blue of her scarf to look at him from afar.

The merchant sighed, A look of pity plastered upon his face as his hands reached up to the fresh meat hanging above him. Picking a cream-fleeced rabbit off one of the hooks he walked out from behind the stall towards her.

"Here you go, Okay? I hope your father gets well soon, Send him my regards, Kid." He said with a small smile as he presented the little rabbit to her, Gesturing for her to take it.

[F/N]'s eyes widened, The sparkle in her eyes starting to bloom as the sun reflected off the hues of her irises. Her bony fingers reached out towards the rabbit, Wrapping around the hide of it's neck before bringing it into her arms.

"Thank you, Sir! You don't know how much this means to me and my father!" [F/N] said, Her hollowed out cheeks parting to give him the sweetest smile possible on her face. The merchant nodded, Hand reaching out to pat her shoulder before turning around to go back to his stall.

[F/N] watched him go for a second, The rabbit in her hands held close. It was such a pristine and fresh piece of meat, It's coat was the colour of beige and it's big ears were flopped down to it's side. The clean cut on it's neck being the culprit.

She turned away, Clutching it close as she began weaving her way through streets of people. Her small body slipping through the cracks without a single trace, Finally leaving the area entirely.

As soon as it did, Her smile changed into something more triumphant.

The merchant had fallen for her lie, Just like all the ones before him. The old trusty one about her father or how she had no money. The latter wasn't much of a lie but it was overexaggerated and it worked every time.

She shoved what little coins she had within her haori pockets, The dragon patterned blue being newly acquired from a pretty white fox she had found while travelling through the woods.

It had the fabric in it's mouth. Being curious she had wrestled it out of the beasts maw and had found it to be a haori of cerulean blue, Liking the design of it she had decided to keep it and wear it now.

The coins shoved into the inner pockets were sparse and everything she had. She chided what little wages she got from her job, Exploiting the young and desperate to fatten their own pockets.

She sighed however, There wasn't much she could do or no one she could argue against as she travelled down the bustling streets. Of which people seemed to grow thinner and thinner as she went along until there was barely anyone there.

This village was poor, [F/N] could tell. From the crime running rampant in the night to the poor architecture of the houses, It was obvious. The merchant would be no different, From what she could deduce was that he was a poor man struggling to make money for his family.

She tried not to think about taking advantage of his good graces, Pushing it to the back of her mind.

[F/N]'s stomach growled, Making her free hand lunge down to her midsection and hold it in effort to soothe the ravenous feeling inside of her.

Either way it didn't matter what wages she earned or how she had lied to the merchant back in the market. She would be out of this village soon enough, She had a job to do after all and she had no time to mull over her situation.

"GET AWAY!"

A voice yelled out from in front of her, Making [F/N] snap her head up at the familiar voice.

A good few metres away from her was a group of boys, Younger than her but a bit older than the young child they surrounded. [F/N]'s eyes widened, The embers in her eyes bursting out into an angry flame once she realised what was happening.

"HEY!" [F/N] yelled out as her legs picked up, The rabbit in her hand tightened as her free hand clenched into a fist. Running over to the crowd of boys she saw they were kicking and tugging at the hair of the child they surrounded.

The leader of the group barely had any time to react as [F/N]'s fist connected with his face, Slamming into the side of his cheek.

The boy shouted in a yelp as his body hit the hard dirt of the ground with a thud, Blood erupting from his mouth. The other boys around him stopping the assault of the child to assess the situation with fearful eyes as they met the imposing figure of [F/N].

"The fuck do you think you're doing! Get the hell away from him you bastards!" [F/N] yelled at them. A grovel in her voice as the surrounding boys rushed to their leaders aid, Of which had already snapped out of his daze to look up at her.

"T-The hell are you?! We ain't bothering you at all-" The boy spat but was cut off once he came face to face with the enraged visage of [F/N]. Veins popping out the side of her forehead, Eyes containing a fire that spoke more than words ever could as his jaw snapped shut.

The boys beside him threw looks towards [F/N], Almost ready to pounce before their leader spoke.

"..C-Come on, Let's just get outta here." He mumbled yet spoke with such ire. The boys picked him up by the shoulders and helped him onto his feet, He threw one more cautious look towards [F/N] before he signalled his group to leave the area.

[F/N] watched them scamper out of the area, Spouting curses and cusses as they ran away down the street. [F/N]'s raised guard didn't dare to drop until they were finally gone, Leaving only her and the young boy in the village street.

Her head looked over to the boy, Her eyes softening as she laid upon him.

"Shizuko..! Hell.. Are you alright?" [F/N] asked as she crouched down beside him, Laying the rabbit beside her. Shizuko, Her younger brother. He was lain out on the ground, His fluffy hair was a mess with dirt coursing through his curls from the beating.

The green yukata and haori he wore was messed up with the grounds soil, Dirtied with splotches. It was unfortunate, It was newly thieved and of high quality. [F/N] doubted she'd find anywhere to wash or steal a new one anytime soon.

[F/N] reached over to him. Shizuko looked up at her with relieved eyes as she wiped the trickling blood off of his forehead. He hummed, Scratching at the wool of his gloves as he looked away from her.

"I.. I'm fine, Onee-san. Just a bit dizzy." He mumbled as he continued to scratch at his hands. He didn't dare look back up at [F/N], Not wanting to see the reaction she wore on her sleeve. Or more accurately- Her face.

[F/N] sighed as she used the sleeve of her kimono to dry the blood.

"What happened? Why were they picking on you.. I swear, If this isn't the first time.." [F/N] hissed as she scanned over his young self. He was only around four or maybe five, It was hard to keep track of time yet he was too young to hold the dirty bruises scattering his legs. Shizuko's scratching got more intense as he shrugged.

"Dunno.. I saw them playing and I wanted to join them.. But when I went to they made fun of my gloves and called me names.. So I called them one back and they just started kicking me.." Shizuko admitted as he showed [F/N] his hands.

[F/N] hand which was holding his cheek grew much more firm, Angrier. Her nose upturned into a snarl and her teeth bared at the mere imagining of what happened, All backed up by the bruises on his skin and the dressing of blood dripping down it.

"Those little- I should of given them more than just a punch.." [F/N] muttered as her hands ran down his body, Checking for any more injury on his little body with care and skill.

"..I'm sorry.. I don't wanna make you mad, Onee-san.." Shizuko said as he looked up at [F/N] with his dark eyes. They were reluctant, That was what [F/N] could tell as she stared back into them with a light gaze.

[F/N] sighed, Her hands raising to meet his own. She squeezed them once, A reassuring gesture.

"No, I'm not mad Shizuko. Not at you. You need to tell me these things, I'll take care of it. You know you can rely on me, Right?" [F/N] smiled as she stared into his eyes, Warm and inviting.

Shizuko smiled back, Though rather lopsidedly.

"Yeah, Nee-chan. I know.." He nodded. [F/N] nodded back at him before her hand hooked under his armpits. And with a small comment of "One, Two, Three!" Shizuko was brought up to his feet.

[F/N], Still kneeled down, Brushed off his emerald yukata with her hands. Making sure everything was in place before she got up herself.

"Now come on, You hungry? Cause look what I got!" [F/N] said triumphantly as she picked up the rabbit to display to her younger brother. Holding it high like a treasured prize. Shizuko's eyes widened, Sparkling in the warm sunlight.

"Woah! You got a rabbit? Does that mean we can have actual meat tonight?!" Shizuko squealed as he jumped up and down excitedly. His smile ear to ear, Brighter than the sun in the sky as he exclaimed it. [F/N] nodded.

"Correct! If I'm right there's some spices back at that old house, So we'll be eating good tonight." [F/N] exclaimed happily. It wasn't something usual kids were excited about, Rabbit wasn't a luxury nor was it a rarity for them to have.

But for them it was a good day. Any day where they ate meat instead of left-over vegetables was a good day.

"You won't burn it this time.. Will you, Onee-chan?" Shizuko questioned, Tilting his head to look up at her with slight caution.

[F/N] rolled her eyes.

"That was one time, I won't do it again!" She said adamantly. Lowering the rabbit to her side in favour of placing her hands on her hips. Shizuko giggled as he watched her reaction, His gloved hand raising to tug at the one on her hips.

"Come on! I want rabbit- I'm hungry! I'm hungry!" Shizuko pleaded as his little hand tugged at the arm of his older sister. [F/N] rolled her eyes but the smile on her face couldn't dim as she let Shizuko hold her.

She was happy that his spirits were raised from the low of the beating. As they started walking, [F/N] started to remember how this wasn't the first time this had happened to him and it put a damper on her mood.

Each town or village they had went through, From the valleys to the mountains the same things were to be expected. Newcomers were looked at with suspicion, Especially at two young kids with Shizuko was an easy target for the boys. He was small and wasn't able to fight back against the older boys, Especially targeted since it was obvious he didn't have any parent to snitch to. Which is why [F/N] took up the mantle of caretaker.

It didn't help that the constant scratching of his hands made him seem odd to any passer-by's. It made [F/N] angry, He couldn't control how his hands processed touch and how he chose to show it.

She wished people would have more empathy sometimes, Though by now she had become use to the opposite of it. Still, She had some hope. Not for her but for her younger brother at least, He didn't deserve it.

Her hand squeezed Shizuko's, His fingers curling around her palm to share body heat. A comfort between two siblings and the only touch the younger could ever stand, His hand grasping tighter at his sister's.

What a fool that man was. The concept of a late bloomer was never a thing to him, Just taking the child by the heel to dangle them over the river and not hesitating to let it run red. In truth, Shizuko wasn't defective as he said.

He never was, Never would be in her eyes no matter if he had the hands or not. But he did, He had the hands. He had failed the test, Yes, But he had been a late bloomer. His ability becoming more and more prevalent as he grew.

More and more until it had became way more than what that man's abilities could wield, So much so that he could identify the exact make of a fabric or the location it was made in. He could identify a fake from an authentic. In other words, It was divine.

But it was too powerful, Growing painful as he got older. He had gotten a disgust for the feeling of any object he touched, Feeling near sick once it connected with his fingertips.

[F/N] had trouble keeping up, The only solution she could think of was a pair of finely woven woollen gloves of the highest quality. The softest, A mild solution as it barely helped his discomfort.

But even so he held onto [F/N]'s hand, Her touch warm and being the only one ever to make him feel at ease.

As they walked along the street, [F/N] smiled. They weren't well off nor was there ever a day they had time to just sit back and relax. But they had each other, And that was enough for them.

But a thought lingered in her mind, One that never left her for a second. Even when she smiled it was still in the back of her mind, Eating way like a brain disease, Every second of the day that thought stayed with her.

If Shizuko was a late bloomer, Then what about all the others?

☆♡☆

"..You actually didn't burn it this time."

The moon was placed in the low sky, Signalling the early night.

The mix of luminescent blues and the darkest of ultramarines painted the heavens above, A beautiful mural speckled by the sparks of faraway inferno's. Lighting up the night and the village streets below with soft moonlight.

The luminous light took no heed in flowing through the partly stained window, The orchid blue igniting the floorboards below and the ombre shades of the abandoned bedroom. It glowed on the ledges of the dusty furniture, Outlining the bold shapes in the dark.

[F/N] sat on the bed. The alluring smell of slightly-overcooked rabbit invaded the room, Luckily overpowering the rotting stench of the decaying old woman in the other. Died from old age, Not by her hand.

This house was only a temporary hideout, Only a place to pass through and rest up before they moved onto the next. The old woman passing of natural causes was a blessing in disguise as it gave them time to reside here before her neighbours got suspicious.

"Well, You didn't burn it as much as last time." Shizuko teased lightly, Giggling as he bit into his rabbit.

He sat beside [F/N], Comfortably placed upon the mattress with his legs folded in a basket. His gloved hand clutched on a cooked leg, Only singed slightly at the sides. The smell of the spices and herbs drifted in the air, A running rosemary and pungent paprika.

[F/N] tossed her head to the side, Smiling as she held a small arm. A much smaller portion compared to her younger brother as her bony fingers wrapped around the forearm.

"Shush! You're lucky I was able to get the grill in here working, Just eat your rabbit in peace. Okay?" [F/N] bit back as she started to nibble on the rabbit's paw, Barely chewing off any of the skinned meat from the bone.

For a good few minutes they sat in silence. The dust particles floating about the room only illuminated by the glossy radiance. They took it in, Both chowing down on their meal, The rabbits ravaged skeleton sitting only a few feet away on a bedside.

Though it was interrupted when Shizuko slowly stopped chewing the meat from his half-eaten leg, Eyes focusing down onto the exposed bone in thought before glancing up towards [F/N].

"Onee-san..?" He mumbled, A stark contrast to his chipper tone turned sour.

[F/N] blinked, Looking down at him.

"Yes? What do you need?" [F/N] asked.

Shizuko didn't answer for a moment, Taking a look back down at his rabbit as he seemed to ponder his words. His frown deepened, Looking back up at her.

"Why do we never have rabbit often like the other kids?" Shizuko asked, Staring into her eyes with his own charcoal hues. He looked conflicted, Confused even. [F/N] swallowed down a chunk of meat as she looked at him.

"..What do you mean?" [F/N] asked slowly.

Shizuko hummed, Frown sharpening.

"Everywhere we go it seems like the other kids always have some kind of fancy meal like udon or ramen while we only have it sometimes.. We always have boiled vegetables or berries.. Why can't we have fancy food like the other kids too?" Shizuko asked, Tilting his head.

[F/N] didn't speak, Her mouth locked firmly shut.

The rabbits arm lowered in her hands, Dropping to her thinning thighs as she turned to stare towards the moonlight's grace. Her eyes searched within the room's darkness, Sentences fizzling out on her tongue as she desperately tried to grab at the proper words to say.

She didn't even want to say, She didn't even want the question to be prompted in the first place. Telling him would be wrong, Telling him wouldn't do him any good nor would it do her any good.

But she knew it would come along eventually, So she spoke.

"Well.. We don't have ramen or udon because.. It's not too good for your health." [F/N] finalised. Looking down at Shizuko as he took in her words, Silently praying to whatever god up there that he would buy it.

Shizuko only stared back up at her, Eyes narrowing in on her face.

"Why? All the other kids have it every other day..?" He asked. [F/N] bit her tongue, She guessed the curious mind of a child really was unmatched. She gripped the ledge of the bed as she spoke.

"It's because you're special, You know, 'Cause of your hands." [F/N] lied through her teeth as one of her hands snaked over to his, Wrapping around his palm in a comforting manner as she spoke.

"My hands affect food..?" Shizuko asked, Confused.

"Yeah.. If you ate too much of the fancy food then your hands would loose all their power, That's why we can only have it every so often." [F/N] explained. It wasn't the best explanation, Nor was it thought out, But it was the best she could think of as she spoke.

Shizuko looked away from her, Turning back down to the rabbit leg he had in his hands. The gloves clutching onto the rabbits wrist moved a little, His eyes honing in on them.

"Are you okay, Shizuko?" [F/N] asked, Suddenly feeling concern from his actions.

Shizuko raised the rabbit leg, Only nibbling off a chunk from the thigh. Chewing slowly, He scoffed.

"It's just.. Why are we so different from everyone else? The other kids don't move houses every week.. They always have new clothes but not us and they have parents that look after them! Where's our parents, Nee-chan?!" Shizuko exclaimed, Hands slamming down onto the bed.

[F/N] was taken aback, Her eyes widening for a moment. Shizuko seemed angry, In a split second he had seemed to let out whatever was building up inside of him. [F/N] swallowed, Trying to think.

Lying to him, That was something she never wanted to do yet had done it more times than she could count anyways. Not to mention the merchants and the sellers, It always left a sour taste in her mouth when she did.

But was lying to him as bad as telling him the truth? To what lengths was a lie morally wrong and what ways did a truth truly hurt? She didn't know, She really didn't know.

But her heart followed her mouth, Tongue guiding her way.

"Shizuko.. " [F/N] said softly, Getting down from her perch on the bedside to kneel in front of him. Her hands still ran to grasp his as he seethed slightly from his outburst, He looked into her eyes, The moonlight's radiance reflecting off of them.

The warmth of her hand cradled his, Soothing him for a second.

"The reason we don't have parents is because.." [F/N] swallowed back her hesitation. "..They died years ago, Leaving us alone."

"W-What?! How? How did they die, Nee-chan?!" Shizuko exclaimed, Eyes going wide.

Sweat ran down his brow, His jaw going agape at the revelation. The hand wrapped around his squeezed slightly, Though she wasn't sure if it was for her comfort or his this time as she tried her best to steady her shaking jaw.

"Bad people killed them when I was just a kid and you were still swaddled in cloth.. I was barely able to get you out of there before they got to us too, I had to carry you through storms, You know." [F/N] said finally as she looked up at him.

Shizuko didn't speak, Just stared blankly with a shaky frown. The rabbit leg had been long dismissed to the side, The luminosity shining across their faces and the serene surroundings was a silent soliloquy in that one frozen moment.

Shizuko swayed his feet slightly, A sombre expression washing over him.

"You won't die too, Right..? You won't leave me will you, Onee-san..?" He asked, The first tinge of insecurity shone through his voice. It made her frown deepen in the lines, The worry seeping into his voice was repugnant to her.

Her hands parted from his for only a second.

"Shizuko.. I will never leave you. You will never have to be alone, Okay? I'll be here to take care of you, I'll make sure that you never need to worry about things like clothes or food.." [F/N] hummed so low within the bask of the moonlight, Her voice just as soft.

Shizuko looked back at her, Their eyes connecting in an understanding not uncommon for the siblings. The way both of their eyes shined, The way both of their expressions turned into something more warm and familial as each second passed by.

It was comfortable.

"..You promise?" Shizuko smiled, His voice nothing but the pass of the wind. [F/N] smiled back as her hand reached out, Her hand reaching out and her pinky entwining with Shizuko's.

And suddenly, The room didn't seem as cold anymore.

"I promise you that I will never leave you.. Death would need to pry us apart for that ever to be the case.." [F/N] confirmed, Her pinky squeezing around his in such a comforting manner.

"..Were they nice? Our parent's..?" He asked. His voice so quiet yet in the quiet of the room seemed so loud.

[F/N] smiled once more, A familiar love growing between the two despite the sour taste pooling in her mouth. She nodded her head slowly, Though the splash of red appeared in her peripherals.

"Very. Now finish your rabbit and get under the covers, It's well past your bedtime." [F/N] said finally, Getting up from her knee to stand in front of him. Shizuko smiled brightly, Snatching the rabbit leg and hastily chowing down the meat before shuffling back on the bed.

[F/N] helped him take off his haori. They had no nightwear so they slept in their yukata's. Raising the covers, Shizuko buried his legs under them. The old woman's bed providing warmth as she blanketed him with the thick duvets.

Shizuko laid his head against the pillow, Still smiling as he got comfortable.

"Night, Shizuko.." [F/N] said, Turning and trailing away from the bedside into the ombre casting in the room. The luminescence leaving her, Yet Shizuko's eyeline never straying as he raised a brow.

"Huh? Where are you going this time, Onee-san?" He mumbled, Nuzzling into the soft bristles of the feathered pillow. Ebony eyes as dark as the shadows staring into her with concern.

[F/N] smiled once more, Turning back to him.

"..I'm going to go fight the bad people, Okay? If anyone comes knocking, You know what to do." [F/N] comforted.

Shizuko smiled.

"Leave through the window and hide in the spot you told me to..?" Shizuko giggled as he pulled the sheets over him just a little more. [F/N] nodded, Turning back into the darkness.

"Exactly. Sweet dreams, Okay?"

That was the last thing she said before she walked further into the dark, Her pencil thin figure getting more and more fuzzy the more she traversed in. As she reached the wall she leaned down, Hand connecting with the faulty hilt of a sword hidden within the black.

She picked it up, Careful not to make any noise as she opened the door. Slipping through the crack with the blade following close behind.

Taking one more look at her little brother, She sighed.

She had to do this.

Then the door clicked shut.

☆♡☆

The moon still held high within the vastness of the atmosphere.

It was cold outside, A chill running down the spine of any bare skin that dared to be exposed within its domain. Not that there was anyone out at this time of night, Even if they tried they'd be deterred by the horrid weather.

But not [F/N]. The light taps of her footsteps lead her down the abandoned stone pathway, Devoid of the usual day-life within the village. Market's empty, No more adults standing about for idle chat or conversation. Just the whisper of what spoke drifting in the cold wind.

The grip on her sword tightened, Her hands shaking didn't bother her as her face was just as freezing as the weather surrounding her. It was such a large blade to be cradled within the small hands of such a young girl, Almost comical in her grasp.

She couldn't think about that though, What scraps of agency she had was left behind with her little brother. She had a job to do, Her sole sword was the only thing she needed to bring with her.

Nothing else.

The meetup point was suppose to be only a few metres away behind a closed sukiyaki stand. This village, Despite it's lovely exterior, Was rife with a disgusting underbelly laying below the flowers and flair above.

That's what [F/N] was told anyways, She wasn't paid leftovers to question why or who she was here for. She was told to listen, She was told to obey. That's all [F/N] needed to do and all she had ever done, Ever since she had been on payroll at least.

She walked further and further, The sukiyaki stand now in sight. It was located within the dingier part of town, Where bars were more frequent and the only company you could acquire was drunkards and tipsy old women on the prowl.

This however was one of the only non-alcoholic food stands around. It stuck out like a sore thumb, Probably why it was the meet-up area in the first place. Easy for someone to spot yet not out of place for the locals around.

[F/N]'s footsteps stopped, Now standing directly infront of the closed wooden shutters of the stalls. Everything was quiet now, Nothing but the friendly chitters of crickets and the hush of the wind dancing in the air.

She waited, Not moving a muscle.

.

..

..

"You're here."

A voice echoed out from behind the stall, A familiar tune to the tone of monotone.

[F/N] blinked, Turning around she had already sensed the man by the shade he cast over the moonlight. By the stench of tobacco and the lingering scent of alcohol, She knew he was there.

"I said I would." [F/N] stated. Not a snarky response like one you'd banter back to a good friend, But just a statement. No emotion of affection behind it, No kind of fondness but a simple brash cordiality.

The man looked back at her, A scruffy beard haphazardly grown on his face with tired eyes. Yet they were vigilant, They were prying and they scrutinized the girl who was more than a foot smaller than her.

She didn't shake however, Her stance didn't stumble nor did it stutter. She stood strong, Stronger than someone like her should of been standing for. Staring him dead in the eyes he spoke once more.

"You have a large bounty tonight. This village is a hotbed for the lowest of the low, The payment will be better than the last, Around 5598 yen is up for grabs. You taking it?" The man asked, Taking and throwing the cigarette hanging from his mouth onto the ground. Stomping it out.

[F/N] nodded slowly, Calculating the amount of money she would earn. Was it enough for a single bowl of udon? Maybe two.. Shizuko did say he wanted to have more of the 'Fancy Food'.

Even so would she have any left afterwards? She'd need to be smart about this. Maybe once she got older she could earn more money like the adults taking contracts, Maybe then she'd be able to afford nicer things for him or perhaps even herself.

"Yes.. I'll take it." [F/N] confirmed, Her free hand extended and uncurled on instinct. The man blinked, Blowing out the last remnants of his cigarette in smoky wisps before reaching behind his back and fishing for something in his back pocket.

And then a scroll was dropped into her palm. Tossed by the man as her hand grabbed onto the chilled fibre, Pulling it back to her and uncurling the rolled paper.

"Okay, Have fun then. Report back the next night for your reward. You know the rules: If anything goes sour I'll find out.. And won't be back, Once you off the targets you bring the heads back for proof of kill and of course, Don't get caught." The man said, Turning around.

[F/N] didn't bother to watch him go, Eyes already skimming the names and locations written down on the paper. He had already disappeared into the dark of the night before she even bothered to glance up at him.

The paper had listed several unknown names and vaguely familiar locales, Just as usual. There seemed to be around six on this one, Six separate criminals for her to slaughter with their blood turning into her money.

That was her job. Ever since those men had lured her away with her baby brother in her hands she had been doing this. While [F/N] hadn't been born with the sensitive touch of the hands, She was born with something else.

A finesse with a sword, Or any weapon for that matter. Her hands were special in the way it swung a blade or jabbed it into flesh. Like a honey badger, It was a wonder how she could take on people so much bigger than her and come out on top.

Not even a skill but a talent, Not even needing much training from the group of mercenaries that had took her in. She didn't see much of them but she didn't need to either, Just travel from whatever village or city she was told to go to.

Killing criminals is what she did, The scum of the earth and the barnacles on the bottom of the ocean floor. Though as she thought about it more and more, It was more like the snake swallowing it's own tail.

She shook her head. Thinking wasn't something a mercenary was meant to do, Not in this kind of scenario. [F/N] squeezed the hilt of her sword, Her legs picking up in what she was meant to do as she took off into the vastness of the night.

[F/N] ran, Faster and faster as she didn't even make a sound running through the street. The first location was already engraved in her mind, Locked to the task, Her eyes went straight forward.

Morality was nothing but a hinderance when survival was a priority.

☆♡☆

The blood runs off the blade in rolls, Dripping carmine onto the cold dirt of the floor.

It splashes against the ground in splotches, Life returning to it's mother and seeping into the miniscule crack lining the muck. The wind did nothing to move the sword which it came from, Didn't freeze nor flare in the nights lukewarm air.

Popped vessels, Ligaments snapped like faulty twine, Jugulars punctured with polished canines and fingers chopped like fresh produce. None of these made her bat an eye, Not anymore.

The human body was like putty in her hands, Or bamboo against the edge of her blade. Once you do this for long enough, You learn to map out the nerves from foot to forehead. Memorise where to cut to cause most misery, What splatter of blood will come out if I puncture here?

Decapitating heads especially, Becoming akin to breathing over the years. Just one flick of her wrist and the spray of blood would burst into the air, The leftover bouncing away onto the ground.

[F/N] had to learn, Needed to if she wanted to survive. The severed head of both men, Women and even kids her own age being the singular trophy she needed to return with. Like a dog, She followed. Because if she didn't, She wouldn't be fed.

Being trained by a gang of mercenaries was nothing short of altering, Though [F/N] couldn't even remember what she had changed from in the first place. The only memory she carried was fast asleep in his bed, One where she worried for constantly.

When the blood runs into the river water, What's to say it won't reach the stream ahead? [F/N]'s tried her best to shepherd him away from her own life, Still tasting the lies on the tip of her tongue.

But their future, His future. Both of them were unsure, But [F/N] knew that she couldn't keep him away forever, Not when he started to grow and foster curiosity.

So she stood within the confines of the old rotting walls, Silently looking down at the carnage caused by her own blade. His severed head still spilt his own ichor, Eyes bulging and staring lifeless at his own decapitated body.

He wasn't the first, And he wasn't going to be the last either. Not for a while, Not for a long time coming.

[F/N] still had one more target to hit by the end of the night, And if she wanted her brother to eat by tomorrow she'd need to aim well.

So she entangled her fingers amongst the mans bloody locks once more, Yanking his head up and tossing it into the rucksack filled with all the rest, Making it feel right at home amongst all the other heads she carried.

And [F/N] left without a sound, Silent as she moved throughout the shadows of the room and out the drafty window cooling off the blood. No one spotted her, Not as her ravenous figure melded into the shadows.

On route to the next one.

☆♡☆

The darkness of the night, A curse to many that wandered the streets of this lone village yet it was a blessing for [F/N] as she moved throughout the shadows.

Her body was concealed. What few people were about had no idea about the young girl only feet away as she passed, Only a drift of the wind as her body circled the perimeter of the house.

It was her final target, Her final stop and that money would be hers. [F/N] was exhausted, Absolutely drained yet her heart kept pumping and her lungs working. She needed to keep going, Keep working until she broke.

That was what a good mercenary was, What a good tool was.

The house was bigger than the others in the village, In the nicer section of houses and streetways. It had two stories and was rather tall for it, The first floor being triple her height as a pre-teen.

She hopped the high fence with relative ease, No noise made as her legs swung over the lumber bar and feet thumping against the grassy floor. She hadn't been spotted, Not by any possible bystanders or the residents themselves.

[F/N] needed to move quickly. From what she had scouted, Her last target was inside. She hadn't spotted any others inside though the scroll did describe him as having a wife and child of some sorts, But from what she had seen they weren't home.

Her hands brushed against the splintered wood of the housing walls, Trailing her way towards the nearest window. It was so easy, For a usual criminal he definetly didn't have any survival instincts as it was open ajar.

Strange, But she didn't think much of it.

As she shuffled closer towards the window, She peered inside. Hands resting on the frame as her eyes barely peeked over the edge.

A simple table and tatami mat was the only thing inside. The lantern placed atop it wasn't lit, Even slightly broken, Making the room just as dark as it was outside. There were several doors, All shut.

But the centrepiece of the entire room, Was the man sitting at the head of the table.

He wasn't anything special, Though [F/N] couldn't see much of him as his back was turned to her. Just the scalp full of dark hair and a thinly green yukata that clothed him, Average too, This really did seem like an easy job.

The hands gripping onto the ledge tightened, Careful not to make a sound as she pulled herself up from the dirt and grass she stood on before. Worn sandals pressing on the old wood with no noise, She climbed inside.

Her feet hit the old floorboards, The creak being near melded into the silence. [F/N] stared at the man, Eyes not wandering for a single second. This was it, His nape was in sight and so ready to be cut.

Moving forward, He didn't suspect a thing. None of them did, Neither him nor the rest.

Her sword slid out of the hilt, Rusty blade not shining though the moonlight shone through the open window. Her grip tightened around it, Careful as she raised it up, High towards the gods that guided her blade.

"..Papa?"

[F/N] stopped.

For a moment she felt as if time itself had stopped around her, Just to observe to moment.

[F/N]'s eyes darted over to a door she hadn't noticed before, One along the far wall. It was tilted open, Just a crack. [F/N] didn't even notice that it had opened, But she certainly took note of the young girl looking through from the other side.

She was mousy with golden blonde hair, Dark eyes that peered through the crack. [F/N] could make out that she was young, Younger than her with pretty ribbons tied up in her honeyed-hair.

She was Shizuko's age..

[F/N]'s eyes connected with the girls, Her own widening as the sword in her hands was still raised in the air, Ready to strike down on her father.

But the man froze up, Shoulders raising as [F/N] realised the dark shape cast by her blade was in his full view.

He turned around, Terrified eyes meeting with the ones that were destined to kill him.

But in a split second he acted, Jerking his head back to meet his daughter, Eyes pleading as his mouth opened up to call out to her.

"M-"

He didn't even get past the first syllable.

[F/N]'s sword was brought down onto him like the striking tide against the shoreline, Blade cutting through the fibres of skin, Hardened bone to muscle. It didn't even take a second for his head to fly off his body in a spray of hot blood, Tossing around until it slammed into the front wall.

The head rolled onto the floor, Bruised and battered until it stopped.

Right in front of his daughter, Who looked down at it in horror.

The girl screamed, High and shrill as her dark eyes widened to their very limits.

[F/N] didn't know what happened, Her face splattered with the mans ichor as she looked over towards his severed cadaver of a head. The droplets of blood ran down her cheek to her chin, Nesting in the corners of her face.

From the corners of her eyes to between her lips, The ichor had infested.

Every inch of me is covered in the blood of an innocent man. She didn't have control of her body, Not her hands nor her blade. Instinct to kill acting on it's own. [F/N]'s eyes trailed down to her hands, Where the blood was most potent. Drenched entirely in red, Spilling onto her hilt and the metal of the rusty blade.

Holding her weapon up to her face, She looked at herself in what little reflection remained and just stared.

Don't get caught.

That's what he had said, That's what rung in her ears every time she hunted.

[F/N]'s eyes darted back over to the girl, Her screams still piercing and echoing around in the room. It was silencing, It was like air raid sirens hollering throughout the night. It was all [F/N] could hear, Not even listening to her ragged breathing no longer.

The girl pressed herself to the very back wall of the room she was in, Legs near crushing themselves into the wall in desperate attempt to keep the growing pool of blood away from her.

Did.. Did she do that? He had a child..? He had a child. He.. This man..

The mans head, Her fathers head. It stared up at the girl, Thanatoid eyes gazing up at his daughter.

It only made the girl cry harder.

"I.. I'm-" [F/N] didn't even acknowledge her parting of her lips or the strum of her vocal chords. Her fingers shook, Almost dropping the lowered blade in her hands.

"G-GET AWAY! G-GET AWAY!" The girl screamed, Eyes finally turning up to her and staring like a cornered animal. Like she was a ravenous wolf, Like the blade in her hands was the sharpened point of canines.

Ready to bite down onto her.

"D-DEMON, DEMON!! SOMEONE, H-HELP ME!!" The girl continued to scream as her knees almost buckled on her, Shaking, Trying not to collapse against the decapitated head of her father.

[F/N] stumbled back, Legs acting on their own.

She needed to go-! She needed to get out of here! The girl's wails would alert the neighbours soon if not already, Soon enough they'd find her- They'd get her-! In all protocol she should kill the girl- The girl-

The girl looked like Shizuko.

[F/N] ran.

Her body moved for her once more, Jerking around towards the open window and near lunging herself through it. Hands gripping the ledge, She felt herself snake through and the soles of her sandals slam against the dirtied ground.

The girls cries never stopped, Not as they ran through the window and echoed out into the empty night. [F/N] could already hear the calls of concerned neighbours, Watch as the bursts of lantern-lit light shine through the cracks of the houses around them.

[F/N] didn't wait to see their faces.

She sprinted away, Hopping the high fence with ease. This wasn't in the job, This wasn't in the deal! The man who she had slaughtered like cattle, From what she read on the list he hadn't had any daughter mentioned-!

It said he lived alone-! It said he-

[F/N] felt herself break.

They lied.

They lied to her.

[F/N] kept running, Making her way onto the streets as she heard the uproar of crowds. Yelling, Screaming and crying. All noises ran throughout the streets like a pack of dogs, Chasing her, Following her and ready to drag her back.

Those men, The people that had gave her the job. They had told her he was a criminal that lived alone in this town, No family of the sorts to be found. But he did, His daughter was there.

She looked well-cared for- She seemed healthy-

But they had lied.

And [F/N] had taken that away from her.

Tears started to drop down her hollowed cheeks, Shaking legs trying not to tumble over. She was still covered in that man's blood, Head to toe, But she ran like hell to the place her body took her.

Shizuko.

[F/N] needed to get to him immediately.

They needed to get out of this town, That girl had seen her and knows what she had looked like. Everyone would know, They'd be searching-

That man.

He wouldn't be back for her, Not for her bounty. With the way the village seemed up in arms, Screams piercing through the night and chasing her down, He would know exactly what had happened.

There would be no one to save her. Not her, Nor Shizuko.

So she ran, Faster than she ever did before.

Covered in the blood slaughtered innocence.

☆♡☆

"Careful-! We need to move quickly.."

[F/N] hissed lowly to Shizuko, Though it was not venomous in tone. The light of the daylight was a malison to them, Most ironically like a shadow, Following her like a curse.

Her hand gripped onto Shizuko's, His young undeveloped fingers wrapping around the thin and spindly phalanges of [F/N]'s. He looked up at her, Worried and confused eyes staring at the focused one's of his sister's as she peered around the corner.

[F/N]'s back was pressed firmly against the outer wall of the house, Located near the edges of the village. Her head poked around the corner, Observing the stroll of pedestrians nearby.

They were on edge, High alert. [F/N] could tell by their raised shoulders, The way their eyes darted back and forth as if something would jump out at them. They were very aware something was out there, Something dangerous.

They had her description, They most definetly did.

[F/N] heard the worried gossip of the locals in town, She heard the way they discussed the murders and the one who had hailed them. Her hair colour, Eye colour, Skin to her clothing was all rumoured about.

She couldn't be seen, Not even a glimpse.

"Onee-san.. What is happening? Why are we running?" Shizuko whispered, Hurriedly and hushed. His little hand gripped onto hers so tightly, Confused as to why she was so disturbed.

[F/N] glanced back at him, Trying to keep her horror to a minimum. "..Don't worry about it, We just need to lea- ACK-"

Though before she could finish her sentence she keeled over, Hand resting on the edge of the house lunged to her belly as she suddenly groaned in pain.

Shizuko gasped, Instantly coming to her side.

"Onee-san! Are you okay?! What's wrong?!" Shizuko cried as he watched [F/N] grasp desperatley at her tummy. It felt as if her stomach was eating itself whole, Not having anything in days, Her body started to feel woozy.

Drool ran down her lips, Aching for a bite of food she so desperately craved. But she wiped it off anyways, Trying to supress her hunger.

"..I-I'm fine.. D-Dont worry about me." [F/N] coughed as she finally released the hold on her stomach. [F/N] raised from her position, Back straightening out to display the ridges of her spine poking through it.

Though her answer was quick, Shizuko didn't believe it any longer. "No way! S-Something's wrong.. I.. Nee-chan, What's wrong with you..?" Shizuko whispered as he looked over [F/N]'s skeletal form.

There was no way they could get food here, Not anymore. The vendors would notice her, Especially the ones she had already swindled. Anyone she had interacted with in the past few days would recognise her description, So there was no feasible way she could get any sustenance.

Besides, It's not like she had the money to pay for it.

They needed to get out of here, But that was easier said than done. With the several murders, Some residents have taken to night patrols. Others who fancied themselves heroes have kept their eyes open, Searching for the person who could've done this.

Their loved ones, That was no doubt.

"..Please, Shizuko. I'll tell you everything later, I promise you.. But we need to leave now! We can't stay.." [F/N] pleaded with him, Squeezing his hand as tightly as she could with what little strength she had.

Shizuko looked back up at her, Eyes starting to water. Though he was young and unaware of the situation, He understood the severity. Especially when he looked into the eyes of his older sister, The ones that looked like they were about to shut down.

"Come on now.. The exit is only a bit away. We'll get some food and shelter for you soon.." [F/N] smiled through her pain, Hand starting to tug Shizuko along as she walked out of the corner.

It was a lie, This town was so far from it's neighbouring villages that it would take hours just to get to the nearest settlement. But [F/N] so desperately wanted to believe that they would get out, She had to, She had no other choice.

She'd get Shizuko out of this, Out of the mess she had made. Even though her body was failing, So close to collapsing altogether, The only thing she could think about was her younger brother's safety.

So she tugged him along, Carefully making her way through the streets. Scurried through alleyways and back routes, Making sure that no one would see her, That they would get out and she would somehow figure out a way to safety.

Her legs carried her forward, Thinning and whittling away by the second as she ambled towards where the town edge muddled into wilderness. Carried along the sides of the streets, She pulled the scarf over her head just a little further.

"Come on.. Almost there.." [F/N] assured Shizuko as she finally caught a glimpse of that finish line. Eyes shining with hope, She picked up the pace.

[F/N] finally saw the ending. The wilderness blurring from the town streets. She saw the lush clusters of leaves burst out from the branches in the trees, She saw the way the fields of rye-grass blow in the gentle wind.

She saw the sun high in the picturesque sky, And her stomached ached with hunger.

[F/N] stumbled towards it, Desperate as her legs shook like a new born-foals. Shizuko in hand she yearned for the sun, Wobbling towards it. Her vision growing deluded, Woozy in the head from the dire hunger in her stomach.

So close-! So close to-

[F/N] collapsed.

Her legs finally gave out, Knee's buckling under her as she fell to the ground. Her body hit the smoothed out dirt pavement with a thump! Fortunately letting go of Shizuko's hand in time, Not letting him fall with her.

"ONEE-SAN!" Shizuko yelped as he ran over to her fallen form. Lowering down onto his knees as he watched his older sister wheeze and sputter out what moisture she still held in her throat.

[F/N] picked up her head, Eyes straining towards the blue of the sky.

She needed to get up, [F/N] couldn't fail here! She had luckily fallen next to a wagon and horse duo that had luckily concealed her form from the passer-by's a few streets down, But [F/N] knew it would only be a temporary hide out.

Fingers dug into the dirt of the pavement, Muck getting under her hardened nails. [F/N] tried to get up, To get out of this situation and get Shizuko to safety. She needed to try.

Get up, Get up now! You can't fail here.. Useless- Get up-

"..Looks like you could use some help."

A man's voice called out.

[F/N] jerked her head up towards the wagon, What little spike of adrenaline helping her up. Her eyes widened, Strained and shaking as she watched the figure of an older man hobble around the side of the wagon.

He cast a shadow over her and her brother who had rushed to her side. Grey haired and weathered stature looming over them, [F/N] stared back up at him with wild eyes, Almost challenging him to do something.

"..Y-You. Who are you..?!" [F/N] interrogated, That coarse of adrenaline in her veins helping her to her knees along with Shizuko guiding her movements. She stared at the man, Arm moving in front of Shizuko as if to protect him.

The man took the cigarette out of his mouth, Staring back down at her as he tossed it on the floor and stomped it out.

"I'm a merchant 'round here. Was about to leave for the next town over with my exports before you two collapsed against my wagon, So'? You need help or what?" The man asked rather bluntly, Watching as [F/N] stumbled to her feet.

[F/N]'s eyes rushed to the wagon. Confirming his claims once her eyes laid on the clusters of jars, Crates of fresh produce and barrels filled assumedly to the brim of wines and juices of all kind.

It made her mouth water on command once more, Stomach lusting after the sweet-sour taste of the fruits inside.

The man caught quick wind of this, Instantly moving in front of his wagon.

"Ah, Ah! You ain't takin' any of my stock without a fee, Little Lady." The merchant remarked, Standing rather defensively between her and his wagon. [F/N] gritted her teeth in turn, The greed of this man making her want to punch his jaw in.

But before she could say anything, The merchant spoke up once more.

"I recognise you, Ya' know." He started, Leaning up against the Wagon. "You're that kid who killed some of the people around here, You match the description from what I've heard. Or am I wrong about that?"

"..Yeah, So what?" [F/N] huffed, Nose curling up into a snarl as she almost challenged him with her eyes. So he did recognise her, Word has spread even to the travellers passing through.

The mans lips upturned into an opportunistic grin, Standing up to his full height.

"I could get cha' outta here, Both you and that one there." He said, Pointing a fine finger towards Shizuko. "It just so happen's that I'm passing by a pretty lovely village to sell my stock, Maybe I could drop you off there."

[F/N]'s eyes narrowed in on him.

"What's the catch?" She prompted.

"The catch is 5000 yen." The man replied as he fished a hand into his yukata pocket, Reeling out a cigarette which he promptly stuck in his mouth. "I ain't wavering on the price, It's sittin' firm."

"5000 yen..?" Shizuko asked lowly, Glancing back towards [F/N] who instantly started to search through the pockets of her haori.

Her hands searched desperately, Trying to scrounge as much coins as possible from within her pockets. Fingers touching cool material, They snatched every little penny from inside and yanked them out into her palms.

Shizuko watched as [F/N] started to count the coins laying within her palms, Shifting through every last one as she tallied the number in her head.

[F/N]'s lips thinned.

She counted them again, Flipping through the coins once again with just a little more urgency than before. Come on, Please- 5000 yen. [F/N] prayed to whatever god was listening, Whatever one could help her, Prove the number wrong-

"Nee-chan.. Do we have enough..?" Shizuko asked, Tugging on her haori as he noticed her crestfallen expression.

"I.." [F/N] stuttered, At lost for words as she stared at the amount carried in her hands.

2530.

2530 was all she had.

The man seemed to take note of her expression, Watching as her face just went blank, Staring dead at what could've almost been her death sentence laying in her palms.

"Ah, Well. If you don't have enough money, Can't take you and the kid there. It'd be a long journey and you'd need to take some of my produce, The stuff I'm tryna sell here." The man explained, Shrugging as he lit his cancerette and turned away.

[F/N]'s expression grew frantic, Watching as he started to just waltz away from her and her brother. She loathed him, She hated him. A man who had more than others yet yearned for their riches anyways.

He was greedy, He was mammonish. Everything [F/N] hated in a man yet he was the only one who could get them out of here.

Looking down at the pennies in her hand, She knew that she wouldn't be able to afford their journey out of here. Their journey. [F/N] looked down towards Shizuko, Watching his eyes start to loose that glimmer.

It made something in her just.. Stop.

That frantic look in her eyes started to die, Her hunger slowly fading to nothing but white noise in the background as she looked at him with something more akin to acceptance. Shizuko, Her younger brother, The boy who she loved and cared for his entire life.

They had fought through hunger, Fought through thunder and storm and won against all odds. She had lied and swindled hundreds, Killed even more, All to make sure that her little brother would survive.

But what were the odds now?

Her head turned up towards the sky, Where the sun was held. It was almost looking down at her like the gods from the heavens above, The beautiful blue sky that reflected in her eyes, The birds soaring free through the clouds.

They wouldn't get out of here, They would not live.

Not together.

"..Then just take him, Take my brother."

The man turned around, Lit cigarette in mouth as he turned to look at the girl stood still beside his wagon.

Shizuko's eyes widened, The grip he had on her haori tightening.

"Nee-chan! What do you mean just me?!" Shizuko yelled, Tugging harshly on her haori to try and get her to look at him. "What about you..?! You're coming too, Right? Come on, Don't be like that!"

Despite his cries, [F/N] didn't look down at him. She didn't move or budge a bit, Almost despondent, Her eyes wandering somewhere far off into the distance.

"The price for both of us is 5000 yen. I have 2530, That is half of that number. So just taking my brother would be enough fee." [F/N] spoke. Soft in tone as she smiled, Finally turning down to look at Shizuko.

He stared back at her with terror unlike she had ever seen, But her eyes only held acceptance. Acceptance of her fate, Acceptance of his.

She smiled at him, And Shizuko felt himself shatter.

"Mmm… Yeah, Alright' I'll take that deal." The man broke through their silent conversation, Shrugging as he walked forward towards them with an expecting palm out. "Hand it over and the deal's done."

[F/N] outstretched the fist that clutched the last of her saving tightly, Hovering it over his hand.

"Before I give you this.. You need to promise me something." [F/N] said, Her voice darkening along with the sharpen of her eyes.

"Shoot." The man prompted.

"You must promise that Shizuko will be taken care of." [F/N] insisted, Staring him dead in the eyes. "You make sure that he'll be fed and housed somewhere, With good people. Make sure he has a damn good life."

"Nee-chan.. What are you doing..?" Shizuko muttered. The look in her eyes, The one that reflected the suns greatness. The acceptance within them, Shizuko did not understand even a little bit.

The man almost laughed at that, Humourlessly, But almost.

"Yeah, Sure, Whatever. There's a nice little rundown temple where some monk takes care've a buncha kids like you. He'll be fed real good there." The man said, Rolling his eyes before blowing out a puff of cigar smoke.

[F/N] eyed him like a rabid dog before finally letting go of the coins in her hand, Letting them fall into his hands.

She has no other choice.

He quickly snatched them up, Stuffing them in his already filled pockets before waving a hand and turning towards the front of the wagon.

"Alright then'. Then say your goodbyes quickly and get your brother in the back. I gotta head out quickly if I want to make it there by dawn." The man said as he strode off around the side of the wagon, Going off to tend to the twin horses sat idle in front of it.

[F/N] didn't remove her eyes from the back of his fine-woven yukata, Though her gaze was somewhere far-off. Despondent, She didn't move.

But Shizuko kept tugging on her arm, What little strength his age had started to plead with her.

"Nee-chan! What do you mean just me?! What about you? You're coming with me right..? You promised you would stay with me! You said that you would so don't break your promise!" Shizuko asked rather urgent, Eyes pleading with the ones that didn't meet his.

[F/N]'s lips parted, Letting out a small sigh as she finally turned her head around to meet him.

A smile still there, Plastered on her face.

But her eyes spoke differently, And Shizuko couldn't comprehend what they meant.

"..Of course." [F/N] spoke, Her thumb starting to rub circles into his hand. "But right now.. I'm going to need you to be brave, Okay? You're going to go away somewhere for a while, Somewhere I can't follow.."

[F/N] bent down onto a single knee, Barely keeping her up as she lowered down to meet Shizuko's eyes. He looked back at her, Turtling back into his shamrock yukata. He seemed at a loss for words, Barely able to stutter out a sentence.

"What.. You're not coming with me?" Shizuko mumbled, Shaking his head. "What will happen to you? Where will you go..?"

[F/N] continued to look him in the eyes, Smile still on her face yet it faltered.

It was if her lips had tightened, Pressed together to make sure the words she had wanted to say would not get out. [F/N] didn't dare speak them no matter how much she may have wanted to, No, Instead she looked up towards the sun.

The blue sky was as vibrant as it always was, The birds sailing free across the expanse of their sea. Hark, [F/N] could hear their calls, It echoed throughout the sky above, Making her long for the heavens.

But the birds raised higher and higher, The sun above seemed much more dull than it usually did. [F/N] watched as the clouds drifted away, Away from her. The sun continued on as the birds soared off into the distance.

They would continue, She would not.

"..I'll be fine, Shizuko, You know I will.. I.. We'll just be apart for a while, Okay? Once I'm settled and doing better, I'll come find you, Okay?" [F/N] tasted the sour flavour on her tongue, The same one that appeared when she talked to town merchants.

Disgusting.

Even so, Shizuko didn't seem to accept this, Heartrate spiking as he lunged into her arms.

"N-No! I don't want to leave! I wanna stay with you Nee-chan! Don't let me go, I-I don't to leave- You promised, You promised!" Shizuko cried as he wrapped his tiny arms around her mid-section and buried his head into the hollow crook of her shoulder.

[F/N], Even though her strength was dwindling quickly could very well pull him off of her. She could of very well picked him up and set him down onto the back of the wagon, But she didn't.

Instead, She wrapped her own spindly arms around him, Resting her head atop his mop of curls and sigh.

She closed her eyes, She had to do this.

"Shizuko.. How about I tell you a story?" [F/N] whispered, Pulling him closer towards her.

Shizuko blinked, Tightening his hold around her. [F/N] didn't hear a single word from him, Not whisper or wail. She sighed once more, Knowing very well that Shizuko wouldn't say anything.

So [F/N] took a deep breath in and started.

"…So, Once upon a time there was.. A boy and his lamb." [F/N] began, Digging her nose deeper into the curls of his hair. "The boy and the lamb were very close, They had basically been together since birth.. The boy was the lamb's very best friend.."

"..The lamb was the boy's best friend too, Right?" Shizuko finally mumbled, Head still firmly pressed into her neck like an anchor, Unwilling to let her go.

[F/N] smiled.

"Maybe. I suppose it depends on how you decide to look at the story.." She said, Staring up towards the sky once more.

"The boy and the lamb did everything together. They ate together, They slept together, They were never apart and both of them were very happy about that.. The boy loved the lamb, And the lamb loved the boy." She whispered.

"Until..?"

"..Until the lamb wandered too far from home one day." [F/N] said, Now unable to stop the water boiling up over the rims of her eyes. "T-The lamb was careless and cocky, It had wandered into a lions den."

Shizuko noticed the wobble in her tone, Eyes darting over to see the face he just couldn't make out from this angle. [F/N] kept his head pressed softly down on the crook of her neck, Not wanting him to worry.

"And the lamb was stupid enough to drag the one person it loved most into the den with it, The boy had followed the lamb and now they would both be eaten alive for it.. They both would die." [F/N] whispered.

[F/N] now had a hard time keeping her voice steady, Keep herself from hugging Shizuko tighter and never letting go. [F/N] didn't want this, She didn't want to die. She wanted to live but-

"..N-Now, The lamb was much faster than the boy. It could very well just run away to leave the boy to die, It could save itself but.." [F/N]'s words died out into nothing more than a whisper now, The grip on her younger brother softening to a featherlight grace.

Tears flooded over, There was no other option.

"The lamb had gotten them into that situation, T-Therefore the lamb decided that it would get eaten while the boy ran. The lamb would give itself up for the boy, Because.. T-The lamb loves the boy, The lamb would do anything for him.." [F/N] croaked, Holding him closer to her chest.

Shizuko couldn't feel the hot tears melting into the curls of his hair, He wouldn't see where they came from even if he did. But his eyes started to wobble, Specks of saline starting to dust his eyes.

He gripped onto her tighter, Tighter than he ever did before.

"What does it mean.. Nee-chan, W-What does the story mean?" Shizuko whispered.

"..I-It means that the boy needs to run now. No matter if the boy and the lamb don't want to separate, E-Even if they had promised to stick together. It means that he must go now and leave the lamb behind.." [F/N] whispered.

Her grip loosened on him ever so slightly, Almost debating whether she should stay like this forever or let him leave. But the way her stomach ached, The way she felt that she would fall apart any minute now.

It told her what she needed to do, What she must.

[F/N] let go of Shizuko, And with whatever little strength she had left in her body she snaked her thinning arms under his armpits and hauled him up towards the back of the wagon, Nestling him amongst the piles of cargo.

Shizuko didn't cry, But his eyes became an angry red. He didn't take his eyes off of her either, And [F/N] was too dehydrated to cry any longer. So she just stood, Smiled as she stumbled back away from him.

"Nee-chan.. You'll come find me, R-Right?" Shizuko pleaded as he laid in-between the goods, Settled between boxes and jars filled with everything that he'd ever need. "You won't forget about me.. You.. I'll see you again, Right?"

Shizuko, Born from the blood of his predecessors and raised through storm and slaughter. His hands were blessed by the gods, His palms were divine. He was curious, He was intuitive, Headstrong to the letter.

He was smart, He was clever.

Yet just not enough to know that here today, He would be the only one to see the glory of the moon tonight.

"Of course. I'll find you after all of this is over.. Sooner or later." [F/N] smiled, Weak and feeble as she tried to quell the way her organs started to die. The way her muscles started to fail, Her eyes grow foggy.

In her barely-working heart she knew it was a lie, And it disgusted her to her very core. But he didn't need to know that, He only needed to survive.

"Leavin' now!" The merchant called out from the head of the wagon, Sat with the reigns of the twin horses clutched tightly within his palms. He had a lazy look as he glanced back at them, Only needing the confirmation of the back of Shizuko's head and [F/N]'s distance away from his wagon to take off.

It happened in a single whip of the reigns, A squeal of the twin horses' rally and the rattle of the wagons wooden frame.

The horses raised their front hooves, The shine of their sleek chestnut coat shone under the sun as they slammed them back down onto the smoothed out pavement.

They took off, Dust in their wake as the wagon was pulled along with their trailblazing gallop. Stallions, They had to be, Otherwise how could they have dragged them apart so quickly?

The sound of clopping hooves, The neigh of the equines. [F/N] stood by, As still a broken clock as the dust of the stallions gallop drift around her emphasised ankles. She watched, Eyes still connected to Shizuko's with the saddest smile she had ever worn painted on her face.

He stared back at her, Still sat on the back of the cargo. He rocked back and forth along with the movements of the wagon, Though his eyes remained fixed to her no matter what. An unsure, Tight lipped frown on his face.

He got smaller and smaller, Almost like a speck of dust. [F/N] didn't know how long she stood there, How long until the beautiful blue sea above them became one with the horse and wagon.

And Shizuko was gone, Disappearing on the horizon.

The sun still shone bright in the sky as ever, The clouds drifted further and further away from her and the birds became nothing but a memory she could recall in her far mind. And as ever, She was starving, Soon to die.

The wind brushed through her untended hair, Dancing in the wind. It tickled at her skin, Lukewarm summer heat seeping into the skin that hung thinly on her skeletal frame. She took it in, The last she would ever feel.

[F/N] turned, Eyesight becoming two-timed and foggy. She stumbled in her walk, Mind working slower than it would ever normally but she knew what she had to do as she tried to keep her footing in stride.

[F/N] found it funny, What little strength she had was used to recall a fact. One she had read from a book she'd stolen once, It was a fun piece of trivia. One she recalled as she turned in the other direction and stumbled off.

When cats grew old, When their time came and they were going to die. That cat was said to sense it, To know when it was going to pass on to the next life.

When it did, When that cat got that impending sense of their life-string shortening it was spoken to go off and find a place to die. They do this because they know that they are weak and vulnerable to predation, They do it because it's peaceful.

But a cat doesn't want to die alone, A cat would much rather pass on surrounded by what little loved ones it had. But it's a complicated answer as to why they would prefer isolation, Aside from the benefits it might give.

There is no one answer as to why the cat chooses solidarity, Some even go the opposite route and become much more affectionate to their owner.

But if they do isolate they will often curl up to numb their pain, They go to sleep, Unconscious after days and nights of walking. Somehow still alive despite their fragile state.

Laid against the steps of a shrine, Shadow protecting them from the scorching heat of the cruel morning.'

☆♡☆

The slosh of the cold ocean waves hit the legs of the rickety wooden docks as always, Aquamarine seafoam was their residue, Running down their supports in rolls.

The shrine stood tall, Decaying support and dying candle-light still visible through the paper-thin windows. Like a god above everything else, It towered. Her prison still there to loom over her, Cast a shadow on her back.

The dark void of the infinity castle still hung overhead, The emptiness almost audible and reverberating through the entire passage. It was so null here, So completely nothing. It was lonely, It was isolating. Alone, As always.

And Akaza's hand was still gripped firmly with [F/N]'s, Fingers hesitantly interlocking in a union unfamiliar to both.

"..I have killed hundreds, Akaza. Not demons, But human beings. People who did nothing to provoke me or my ire.." [F/N] spoke, So low that it could've melted into the sloshing of the luminescent sea around them.

But Akaza heard it well, He heard it all.

The slaughtered newborns, The slaughtered men, The starvation and the sacrifice. The lion and the lamb.

His eyes were focused into a point of the docks below him, The broken glass of his golden eyes didn't look up at her, Not as their fingers were still entwined. The story that she had told him, The one where she had starved against a shrine not unlike the one they were perched before.

His stare intense against the docks, His lips thinned.

The story she had told him, To survive as the strongest of the weak. It made something in him turn, Something he did not like.

"..You had to survive. You killed because you needed to feed your brother and yourself, It is just simple survival of the fittest." He didn't have control of his tongue in that moment, He himself was not even sure why he was saying this. But he didn't make a move to stop it, Just squeeze her hand tighter.

[F/N] glanced over to him with sorrowed eyes, An angry strained red appearing in them. There was no light reflecting in them, A frown deeper than her eyebags appearing on her face.

Still sodden wet with the ocean's salty water, From her hair to her clothes she was drenched. Droplets running down her skin like rain on a tiled roof, Chilled, She was shaking. Still curled up into a fetal position as if trying to calm herself down.

Like a cornered animal she sat, Terrified and alone.

"Thats the thing.. Akaza." [F/N] sighed, Looking back over towards the colliding waves of the ocean. "I have killed innocence. I have killed fathers, Mothers, Daughters and brothers. Every inch of me is drenched in their blood.."

She spoke, Her words turning into cold vapour floating off into the air.

"I am nothing but an abandoned beast.. I have broken my promises, My word is my lie- Just.. Don't try to convince me I'm a good person, I don't want to hear that right now.." [F/N] whispered as she dropped her head down, Closing her eyes as if to wake up from some terrible dream.

But reality was a horrid reminder not many could escape. Akaza didn't say much after that, How could he? What words were right to speak? Would he even dare? Why the hell did he even care in the first place?

[F/N] shook her head, Water still dripping down her defeated form.

"..What about you?"

"..What?" Akaza responded as his eyes darted over to hers for only a moment, Confused to her prompt.

"..Why'd you save me? You know.. Apart from getting to kill Kokushibo. You seemed pretty adamant that I still had something to offer.. But.." [F/N] pursed her lips, Her brows knitting together as if picking her words carefully.

"..You broke your principle. You hurt me, A woman." [F/N] finally said, Turning her dropped head to look at him. She recalled how he had punched her mid-fall, Pushing her over just far enough so that she would land in the water.

Blood had came out, He had injured her.

Akaza's body instantly tensed up, Muscles flexing up into something that seemed defensive as a scowl appeared on his face. [F/N] could feel his grip grow tighter around her palm, Something she didn't react to.

"..I didn't hurt a woman." Akaza remarked, Spitting out his words like a snake shooting venom. "..I stopped the strongest Hashira from making the worst decision of their life, From throwing away their strength."

[F/N] almost rolled her eyes if it wasn't for that unwanted flicker of gratitude still harboured in her soul, She clicked her tongue.

"..Whatever. It's not like it matters anymore.. Inari isn't real, Kaigaku is still alive and.. There is no way I'll ever get out of here, Out of this hell, Not alive anyways.." [F/N] whispered into the voids cool air, Almost wanting to glance up at the heavens before ultimately deciding against it.

[F/N] didn't say anything more after that, Neither did Akaza have a response. Instead the noise was filled with the settling of the old shrine behind them, The battle of the waves against the docks and the infinite emptiness of the void.

She sat there, Hands still covered in slick cardinal ichor. It would never wash off, No matter how much she'd scrub and scrub in the bath until her skin peeled off. It would remain forever, Wet and undried. Disgusting and dirty.

[F/N] had ruined hundreds, If not thousands of lives.

What redemption was in letting her stay alive when she had taken the souls of the many? What reason did she have to exist, To still be standing when everything around her just fell apart at her hand. Shizuko, Mitsuri, Everyone.

[F/N] was their curse, Their burden.

Tears started to reform in her eyes.

Why was she still alive?

Akaza sighed, Mind working thousands of miles per hour. He didn't know how to feel or what to do, How to comprehend all that happened in the last few hours. Kaigaku, The Soul Hashira and her suicide attempt-

How could he possibly react?

"..There is nothing I can do anymore.. I.. I just can't go on like this. Everyday it feels harder and harder just to not breakdown and give up.. I.. I just wanna give in, What more can I do?" [F/N] whispered not to Akaza but herself, Still staring intently at her palms.

Akaza still sat staring down at the old wooden stairs, His lips still thinned into a prominent line. He was lost in thought, Words spoken by the woman beside him swirling in his mind like an oncoming storm.

What could she do? What could she possibly-

Akaza's eyes widened.

"..What? You got something to do or..?" [F/N] took notice of the sudden change in his actions. Especially once his head perked up and snapped towards her, Almost able to see the lightbulb sparking over his head.

"Shit.. No.. Actually, There is something you can do." Akaza spoke and [F/N] instantly scowled at him. Great, Another lecture. She tossed her head to the side and lowered her head.

"..Akaza, I don't want some misguided speech about how it's all worth it. Please, Just keep it to yourse-"

"No-! No, I mean like there is something you can do to actually get out of here!" Akaza butted in, Exasperated as he looked back at her with an annoyed glare. [F/N] narrowed her eyes on him, Drifting her vision over to him.

What plan could he possibly have to get her out of here?

"You said that you and Kokushibo don't have a good relationship, Yes?" Akaza asked, Urgent in the eyes and voice.

"..Yeah? What of it?" [F/N] asked, Rather suspicious as she eyed him up and down.

"Then maybe that's the way to getting you out of here." Akaza stated, Almost as if he had this thought out in the minute he had planned it. "You need to gain his trust, You need to make him lower his guard."

[F/N] gawked at this, Eyes widening.

He was suggesting of all things, Of all possible ways to get her out of here.. Was getting friendly with her captor? A demon who had certainly killed thousands, Kidnapped her and destroyed her shrine. He was suggesting she played nice with him?

"Oh, Absolutely not." [F/N] rebutted, Shaking her head adamantly as she curled tighter into that sitting fetal position. There was absolutely no way she would ever try to please that monster, The one that she deemed worse than herself.

Akaza scoffed, Starting to pinch his temple in frustration.

"Oh come on, [F/N]. I'm giving you a way to get out of here, Gain the bastards trust. It sounds like he likes you and that is a fucking miracle here." Akaza snapped as he grew closer to her. "You would be the only person he would ever relax around, So you fucking take advantage of that."

[F/N] stared at him as if he had grown two heads, As if he had spoken absolute gibberish and expected her to understand it.

She opened her mouth, Angry and ready to argue.

"No, No, No! I'm not getting friendly with that goddamn degenerate. I-I don't wanna play house with him! I don't want to pretend to be his sister or.. Oh for fucks sake he's uppermoon one, He's a bastard. He's- HE'S-"

"-He's giving you any other choice?" Akaza cut in, Making [F/N] silence herself immediatley as she was met with the determined and unwavering stare of Uppermoon three looking her dead in the eyes.

[F/N]'s mouth hung open, Ready to argue and rebut everything he said but-

Nothing came out, Not a single word.

[F/N] shut her mouth, Slowly guiding it to close. Was she really given any other choice, In this vacant hell there was nothing but her and her captor. But was she really willing to give up her morals for..

Morals. Why would morals matter now? It didn't when she swindled family men out of their well-earned goods, Wrung the necks of hundreds and broken the promises she had held so deeply to her heart.

She was already at the bottom of the barrel, She couldn't sink any lower.

"..No. I don't have any other choice." [F/N] whispered as she turned away from Akaza, Eyes no longer wanting to linger on him and look at that determined expression. Jealous of his tenacity.

Akaza smirked, Getting through to her.

"Then you start playing nice with that bastard. You make him think that you want to be near him, All the while planning your escape out of here." Akaza said, Almost commanding as he squeezed her hand.

[F/N] sighed.

The grasp on Akaza's hand started to loosen, Fingers slipping away from their knot before retracting altogether. Akaza's watched [F/N] pull herself to her feet, The step underneath creaking with her weight.

"..Yeah, Okay. Whatever." [F/N] sighed. "I'll.. Play nice."

Akaza's smirk died, His eyes narrowing in on her as he watched her walk aimlessly up the stairs, Towards the shrine.

"[F/N]..!"

She turned her head almost despondently towards Akaza, A look in her eyes that told him she was lost. That her feet carried her somewhere she did not know, That something was still very long with her.

"I still have a question.." Akaza called out to her, Putting a hand beside him to push Akaza to his feet. "The Sunlight Village, The one you said you grew up in. It's still apart of the demon slayer corps, No?"

[F/N] looked at him as if she knew what he was about to ask. It was out of curiosity, Out of genuine want to know. To him, It just didn't add up.

"..If you were apart of the demon slayer corps as a prominent member, Your father, The head of the sunlight village would've been able to recognis-"

"-I killed my father, Akaza."

[F/N] called out and her voice echoed throughout the entire void. Akaza stopped, Falling silent instantly at her quick answer. [F/N] smiled as she looked at him fully now, Humourless, Sad more than anything.

"I returned to The Sunlight Village, This time with a sword in my hand. By the time I had returned my mother had died from a miscarriage years before, So I couldn't get to her. But unfortunately for me, My father was still alive." [F/N] started.

"I severed his head with my own blade, I dragged his body to the river by the house and squeezed him until he popped every last drop of blood into the water." [F/N] stated so calmly, As if stating the sky was blue or that the grass was green.

Akaza could only stare dead as she turned back around, Not moving, Still as the wind now as they sunk in the silence.

"..If there was one person in this world that I do not regret slaughtering, Then it was him." [F/N] finished, A sort of fire in her voice so sure of itself. "That monster deserved it and so much more, I was merciful for giving him death."

And as soon as the words left her mouth she had raised her foot, Stepping forward and ambling towards the entrance of the shrine.

Akaza didn't speak up after that, His question answered and so much more as he watched the woman he thought he had figured out start to walk off. Would she be okay? Akaza knew deep down somewhere in his cold heart that she'd be fine.

For now, At least. She'd be alright for now.

But.. She didn't tell him the full story.

From where she had finished off, Any person listening from an outside view would've assumed she had starved and died. Though she was still standing, Barely, But still alive she was.

She didn't tell him how she survived, How she got mixed up with the slayers or kill one thousand of his kind. She didn't say how she became a man when she worked as a Hashira, Nor did she say why she wanted to kill demons in the first place.

Akaza didn't ask anymore questions however, Today had enough of them. He didn't have the energy nor the guts to question her any longer. Instead, He'd let it settle, Just for a little while.

She didn't want to tell him, And that was fine.

He'd let it go, Just for today.

Akaza turned around, Beginning to wander off down the rickety yet trusty docks. The still wind started to pick up and start to dry of his corpse-coloured skin, Making the small tufts of salmon hair start to wave in the air.

And just as fast as he came, He left. Disappearing in a burst of wind and the strum of the biwa woman he called out to.

☆♡☆

The sunlight flooded in through the cross-paned window, Illuminating the specks of dust drifting through the inner spring air.

The emboldening light reached the desk of the makeshift office sat in the infirmary of the butterfly mansion, Amaterasu's radiance smiling down on the petite woman idling by the bookshelf adjacent to the desk.

Shinobu shut the hard-cover book, Carefully reaching upwards to place it back with it's family of similar literature. Biology, General medicine, Botany. All of these were keywords in all the titles, Each sorted and ordered neatly on the shelf.

It was a slow day in the infirmary, Only one or two patients laying fast asleep on the beds lain out for them. This gave Shinobu some time to herself, Time she usually dedicated to practicing her craft or getting her usual one-hour in for sleep.

But she didn't feel like sleeping, And she had flicked through every book in her library a good few thousand times. Other tasks she usually did like feeding her pet goldfish, The one sat on a cosy fishbowl on her desk had already been tended to.

So Shinobu wandered over to the windowsill, Where a sudden floral aroma hit her nose like it usually did. But unlike flicking through her books it never got old, Instead making her smile something more genuine than she usually wore.

Petunias, They were her favourite flower.

In the past few months or so, Shinobu had taken a hobby to gardening. Often spending more and more time out in the mansion's lush gardens, Planting and potting flowers, Digging up produce grown in the soil.

She found something comforting about watching something so small as a seed grow into a budding flower. The petunias she grew on the long pot across her windowsill being a particular example.

Shinobu reached a delicate hand out, Cupping the base of where the stem met the petals with a polite touch. Leaning down just a little bit she closed her eyes, Taking a long breath of the sugar-like scent, Inhaling every ounce of it into her lungs.

It calmed her, If only a little bit.

TAP! TAP!

Shinobu opened her eyes.

She raised back up to her full height, Hand falling away from the flower as she spied the visitor on the other side of the windowsill. It was her crow, Kamakiri, A sleek ebony feathered bird with a decorative butterfly charm collar around it's neck.

Shinobu smiled, Reaching over and flicking open the latch to the window. She pulled it up with a mindful screech, Careful not to wake what little patients she had in the infirmary.

"Ah.. Kamikiri~! I see you're back from your scouting." Shinobu greeted. "Though I suppose that's not entirely why you're here.."

Between the beak of the crow was a pristine white envelope, One the colour of doves. Kamikiri nudged it forward and Shinobu took no time in fishing it from her birds mouth, Stretching out a single finger on her free hand for her bird to sit on.

Kamikiri happily took the perch, Flapping its wings upwards before settling down on top of her mistress' finger. Shinobu, With her free hand, Managed to unseal the letter from within the envelope with relative ease.

She held it up to the sunlight, Letting Amaterasu guide the words dotted with ink on the paper. Her glossy eyes scanned every symbol, Her lips pursed as she continued on, An intrigued expression appearing on her face.

"..A cult near Fukushima, I see.." Shinobu muttered as she continued scanning the letter, Observing the official report from the head kakushi. She continued on, Eyes reading every word with consideration.

But her breath hitched in her throat.

Kamikiri squawked, Her wings flapping once, Then twice before lowering down and taking off out the window. She soared out yet stayed close to the mansion, Circling back to go assumedly perch in the makeshift bed that was made for her here.

Eyes widening, Shinobu's shoulders raised. What resemblance of a smile on her face broke down into a monotone line, Eyes staring blankly at the keyword written plain on the piece of paper.

Shinobu's eyes darkened, The petunia's smell becoming all the more potent.

"UPPERMOON TWO"

Next Chapter

[luxthestrange]

KNY Incorrect quotes#27 Kidnapped

How Hashira You got kidnapped...and was forced to be killed in a theater-like way by Douma for Muzan and Kokushibo to witness

Douma"Who is this terrible ugly fiend who so rudely intervened?"

Upper and Lower Moon dance in from the wings, The Lower Moons "Will Charming fight? Or will he flee?"

Daki*Was cast as the princess demon*"Oh please, rescue me!"

Lower Moons*Singing* "From this monstrosity!"

Douma takes a dramatic pause and sings in an ultra-high voice of a castrato

Douma "Fear thee not Honey Lamb! I will slice this thing up like a HAM!"

Hashira!Y/n*Rolling eyes*Oh boy

Douma relishes the moment, pulling out your Nichirin sword and aiming it at Your chest, Douma's voice climbs even higher

Douma: You are about to enter a world of pain with which you are NOT-FamiliaAAAAAAR!

He holds the last, highest note. You wince, Goblets, Muzan's glasses, a daki's glass tiara, and her glass pearls all break in the audience, Douma smiles, and You look at him with contempt.

Hashira!Y/n: Well it can't be any more painful than the lousy performance you're giving

The audience laughs at Your remark, and Douma is thrown by their reaction. From a trap door underneath the stage, Gyutaro tries to help Douma out by feeding him his next line

[creative-kny-fics]

Hiiiiii! I don't know if you are taking requests right now but if you are I would like to request lee!kokushibo with your choice of ler. In my not so humble opinion there can never be enough of this. Thank you!!!!

The only one brave/intelligent/idiot enough to do it is Douma (he is not afraid of dying or punishment).

Take it as a friendship or a relationship (although I suck at writing scenarios like that-).

Ler: Douma (UpperMoon 2)

Lee: Kokushibo (UpperMoon 1)

A change is noticeable, right? At least that's how it was for Akaza, why?

Well, he was used to EVERY day he was in the Infinite Fortress, Douma was willing to "bother" him but now it was strange... It would have been almost a week, maybe even a week and a half since the last time Douma decided to bother him, it was strange, and although he wanted to have left it that way, curiosity invaded him.

'We haven't seen him either, you could ask Daki or Gyutaro, they probably...-' 'They don't know, I talked to them and they just shrugged, so, it doesn't help me much,' he sighed as he finished.

He opened his eyes and looked at both of them, his gaze was fixed but confused, great, now he had to give them explanations. 'And why so much interest in knowing about Douma? I thought you hated him...'

'And I do, but I find only one thing strange, so shut up and start selling your shit, that's the only thing you're good for. Goodbye'

Akaza simply walked away as he heard Hantengu trying to hold Gyokko back, but it wasn't that necessary, he left as quickly as he could.

This is where random things appear and that was a notebook, it may be normal in another scenario, but not in this one.

'It must be one of Muzan-Sama's research books. I better give it back', was a good idea until the separator fell off.

Akaza cursed in his thoughts, trying to "solve" the "trouble" he would get into if he lost the page. And it wasn't difficult, they were just blank pages, whoever was the owner would only be using half of the notebook.

'Well, that helps me... I think... Wait, this doesn't seem like information on some medicinal flower or plant...'

'Where can it be?! I know I had it with me... It can't go away, and I doubt the employees took it. They wouldn't be able to, so where is it?!', someone finally realized that they lost something. 'Is this the shit you're looking for...?'

'Oooooh it's Akaza-Dono's voice, I'm sorry I can't receive you properly, but I'm on a quest and...-! AGH!!'

Akaza did not plan to continue with this stupid game and grabbed him forcefully by the neck, demanding explanations.

Douma looked at the book and took it lovingly, apparently unaware that Akaza was trying to kill him by hanging him.

'Thank you for bringing it! You don't know how important it is to me, tell me, how can I thank you for your generosity~?'

'How about explaining to me that shit you have written there and why the hell I have the highest percentage...'

'Did you read it? Do you know it's rude to read things that belong to you? But I can forget it because you knew it was mine~'

Douma took the time to explain to Akaza what he had written, it was his "diary", although any book he had would be considered one, no one could read it.

What was written in that book was a kind of record of the UpperMons, but one that indicated how sensitive they were, I guess you already understood what he mean and why Akaza was so upset.

'There may still be some errors, but it is in progress, do you think I got your file right?' Douma smiled "innocently."

But how could Akaza respond? Douma had literally locked him up with his BDA, he didn't want to take the risk of Akaza confusing him and having to repeat history.

He didn't care that he hit him, it was his form of "friendship."

'And why the hell do I have that percentage? If I...-'

'Please Akaza-Dono, are you going to tell me that you don't laugh immediately when someone tickles your stripes~? How about we try it?'

'Touch me and you'll see how I destroy your face with a single blow. Besides, I'll burn your stupid book and tell the others about...', he couldn't continue, Douma silenced him by putting a finger over his mouth.

He only had Daki, Gyutaro and Akaza written, when he asked why the others were not there, his answers were.

"Honestly, with Gyokko I don't even know where I could touch him, his body is like gelatin and it gives me chills a little. I tried to get close to Nakime-Chan, but as soon as she saw me, she strummed her biwa and I was sent back to my cult. And with Hantengu, I just touched him and he started screaming asking me not to hurt him, so I left him..."

Douma shrugged looking at his "friend" and in front of him, he didn't speak and it seemed like he didn't would do. He hated seeing his friend like this, after thinking for a while, he found the solution

'Listen this, I proposed you the following. If you help me with Kokushibo-Dono, I will modify your percentages and give them less, what do you think?'

'It seems totally idiotic of you to think that I'm going to agree to help you do this shit...'

Now we move the scene to Douma explaining to Akaza what he's going to do, while the poor striped demon was trying to believe how the hell he had been dragged into that stupid game

He swore to god that if Douma made Kokushibo tickle him too, he was going to kick him so many times that it would leave him with a pain in his groin. 'And that's all you'll do, I don't think it'll be that hard for you, right?'

'You just want me to write if it's ticklish or not? And how the hell do I put the fucking percentages?'

'I'll take care of that~. Now, let the master do his job!', Douma stretched before slowly approaching Kokushibo.

Akaza still didn't believe it, he could have been doing anything else right now, he was here being Douma's damned slave.

Although the fun part was when Douma tried to lunge at Kokushibo and dodging it, causing Douma to fall to the ground, it was absolutely worth it.

'Can I ask?' 'Nope~ but you can laugh!' 'Laugh about what?'

Kokushibo stopped Douma's hands before he even did anything, making Akaza get excited, maybe something good would come of this after all.

Douma did not seem scared, internally his desires were growing little by little, although with his hands imprisoned he could not do much.

'And?' 'I just want to try something! So if you make yourself comfortable and let me do it...'

'And who said I'm willing to do something I have no knowledge of?', Kokushibo let go of Douma's wrists, crossing his arms.

Douma was still smiling and shrugged, then remembering what Kokushibo said the first time they made a surprise attack on him.

'I want to tickle you, will you let me?' 'Was that all? Well, go ahead you can do it. I highly doubt you'll get a reaction from me, so I'd like to see you try.'

Akaza's jaw dropped to the floor, he couldn't believe it... Were they all idiots now for paying attention to Douma's little game?!

He growled as he tried not to tear the book in one bite.

'I knew you would accept! Now make yourself comfortable and let me do my job!'

Kokushibo took out his katana sheath from his sash and left it a little away, sitting down while supporting his weight on his right arm.

Well, it was moment of truth, can Douma make Kokushibo laugh? We'll see it in the next fic, no lie, we'll know it next.

'Oh man... You really aren't that ticklish...'

'Sorry, it's a nice feeling for me but it doesn't always work. Maybe it only worked the first time just because there were 3 of them, but it's just you...' 'Mmmm, you just gave me an idea!', probably the worst for Akaza, but anyway, we're talking about Kokushibo.

Have you noticed how small the Douma clones can be? No doubt it would break someone's heart to destroy them because of their size, and that someone could be Kokushibo? Maybe...

'What are you planning to do? Oh, I get it... Apparently you need help making me laugh because you can't do it yourself?'

'Mmmm, nope, I just need support to hold you up. I was just warming up, my real test begins... HERE!'

Akaza had long ago given up imagining that Kokushibo would laugh, but that day he was so surprised that he was "asleep with his eyes open" for a while. 'Mmmm, what is that I hear~? Are they giggles perhaps...~?'

'Mhmhmhm n-nooohoho... Wa-wahihit... Do-Dohoumahaha...!'

'That's my name Koku-Dono! Well, it seems that my theory was true! You are more ticklish in places that almost no one would expect to be ticklish! For example...', Douma muttered for a moment.

He couldn't decide whether to go straight for the kill or "take his time", maybe he could also get his ice clones to help him, but he didn't want to risk being, like Akaza, kicked in the face by Kokushibo because of his cold fingers.

Although, we're talking about Douma, so whatever he plans couldn't be anticipated, not even by Kokushibo (lie, he could have known).

'WAITWAITWAIT!! DOHOUMAHAHAHA!!'

'Aaaaaah! So behind your knees, huh? And what happens if...~?' 'GEHEHET AWAHAHAY!! NOHOHOT MY TIHIHI-...!! Aaaaaah... Fuhuhuhuck...'

He couldn't help but laugh, he found it ironic that it was only a few seconds and it made him scream and almost roll on the floor. And Akaza?

Akaza was still in his trance because he couldn't believe what he saw. 'Wow, I didn't realize you had back dimples! Awwww and they're ticklish too~'

'Sto-stohohop sayihihing that wohohord...' 'Eeeeh? What word? Tickle? Are you embarrassed that I say it? Because? Does it remind you that you are ticklish? But if the first time you said tickle me and recently you allowed me to tickle you, can't you stand it~?'

If the Douma clones weren't holding him back, Kokushibo would have covered his face in shame.

But if Kokushibo surpassed Douma in strength, why didn't he? Well, I think you guys already know *wink*

'Look at that face! You're embarrassed hahahaha! I wouldn't have thought that from you, but it's not like you surprised me... Well, ready for my test?'

'Eeeeh? What test are you talking about?' 'Didn't I mention it? You are part of my experiment! I already have some information about you! Do you want to know them? I won't tell you stupid, it's a secret. And I hope my right hand is helping me write down what he's seeing!', Douma looked towards Akaza, laughing as he drew a sign of death and showed it to him.

After giving Kokushibo "enough" time to get some air and stuff, he asked his clones to turn him upside down and try, hypothesizing that if he didn't see, he would laugh more.

And judging by the screech, apparently unhearable according to Kokushibo, it seems he was right.

'Perfect! Akaza, my best friend, come here, I wouldn't want to shout so much and expose our friend more!'

'Number 01, I'm not your friend. Number 02, if Kokushibo does anything to me I will rip out your intestines. And number 03...' 'Calm down! Koku likes attention, he's just too shy to accept it!'

Akaza raised an eyebrow, questioning what Douma just said and expecting a 'forget what I said', but it never came, so he assumed he was messing with her mind, AGAIN.

He took the pencil, ready to write down anything Douma told him, all against his will...

'Well, write down first... Aaaah I know, hands!', Akaza sighed, it was silly for him, but he knew it.

He stopped when he started to hear a few giggles from Kokushibo. And so the dynamic continued, Douma showed him the place, tickled him and said the percentage based on what he believed.

Was there an order? Not at all, he decided the place and seemed to hit the target, he was quite amused by that. 'Dohoumahaha...Are you done...?'

'Mmmm... Noooo~ hahahaha just kidding! Of course we're done! You should have seen that face of yours, so cute!' 'Are you going to let me go...?'

Douma refused, after saying goodbye to Akaza and giving him time to escape, he let him go, using his clones for the last time to put his head on his lap, stroking his hair and playing with him.

'You owe me a big one, UpperMoon 2...' 'Hehehe I know, but it'll be fun, so...~'

'You better not edit your book and give me a high percentage...', both They fell silent when someone coughed.

And yes, Akaza had never left, although his best option would have been to leave before seeing that spectacle between them.

Kokushibo looked at him and smiled, taking Douma by the wrists and reversing positions. 'Well, since we still have the joy of having your guest present, how about we also show him what your reaction is to your own test, hmmm~? If you help me with this, Akaza, I won't take revenge on you for helping.'

'Ooooh now we speak my language UpperMoon 1! Try on your hips, does that always make you scream?'

'Wa-wahahit... You guys can't... The test is for you! It's not for... AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!', oh man, here we go again...

Fic 2: Swap AU

Ler: Douma (Ice Hashira)

Lee: Michikatsu Tsugikuni / Kokushibo (Moon Hashira)

Of all the hashiras, the most difficult to talk to were undoubtedly Hakuji and Michikatsu.

Maybe it was because it was Douma, that Hakuji never directed him, in fact, he seemed to hate him, because he didn't behave like that with children or women...

'Hakuji-Dono, do you think that if I tell Tsugikuni-San to train or go out to eat with me, would you accept me?'

'Why the hell are you talking to me like we're friends? If that's your fucking doubt, then go and ask him, you have the mouth and legs to go there and find rejection!', Hakuji said before speeding up his pace and walking away from Douma.

Douma sighed, Hakuji was so mean and so aggressive towards him, but he was right about something, he should go ask Michikatsu himself. And if the answer was no?

No problem, Douma can be a little "persuasive" and he wouldn't take no for an answer

'Hey Tsugikuni-San! How are you doing?!'

'Good.' 'I'm glad to hear it! I'm fine too! I wanted to ask if you wouldn't like to come with me to eat a little and then train! Or vice versa, what do you say?'

Michikatsu didn't give a response, he just walked away without saying anything else and left Douma without a response.

0Either Douma was very stubborn or he had an extremely high level of self-esteem because for him it didn't mean a "yes" or a "no", so, it was a maybe! It was better than he thought!

'Well Ume-Chan, I need your help to get Michikatsu-San to go out with me!' 'Douma-San, it's not to be indiscreet or a bad person but... You look and sound like a gay...'

'Hahahaha oh Ume-Chan, don't be silly! I just want to be your friend!', Ume raised her eyebrow questioningly, but in the end she agreed, she still doesn't know how, but Douma managed to convince her.

Douma follows Ume's advice to the letter, but despite this, the result is not what he expected, but that does not stop Douma and he swears that he will find the right way to get along with Michikatsu.

'Please Hakuji-Dono! Help me, I just want to get along with him!'

'Douma, for the last time, don't talk to me because I'm not your friend! Number two, why are you putting me in your trouble?! Find a way to talk to him and leave me alone...' 'Ooooh, I notice a small moment of anger in your body, why don't you come here and we solve it together?', Hakuji frowned but started to walk away pretending to be upset, although we all know why he ran away.

Douma would be annoying, but at the same time he is quite persuasive and found a way to get Hakuji's help.

'So, will you help me with my problem?' 'YEHEHEHES!! I SWEAR!! STOHOHOP TIHIHICKLIHING ME!!'

'I'm so glad we get along! Now come on, we have a lot to talk about!'

Hakuji was picked up by Douma so they can start "talking" about their new plan.

No plan was reaching its goal and Hakuji was already starting to get fed up with it, but he knew Douma and knew that he would be able to tickle him in public and humiliate him so that he would continue to help him. 'I have an idea! Why don't you go to Michikatsu, hurt his pride by saying he's not as strong as he thinks and then have your little moment with him...!'

'THAT is an excellent idea! Thank you Hakuji-Dono! See you!', Hakuji watched him leave and sighed in annoyance. 'The worst part about being sarcastic is when people don't know when you're lying or being serious...'

Now with Hakuji's advice in mind, he approached Michikatsu but he walked away knowing what Douma would try and he wasn't going to accept it.

Douma made a huge jump and stood in front of him to make the proposal and Michikatsu obviously rejected it, earning a victorious smile from Douma. 'Ooooh that's wrong with you Michikatsu-San... I thought you were strong but you're just a scaredy cat...'

'What the fuck did you say...?!' 'I say that you sure don't confront me because you are someone weak. Hakuji-San challenges me and always shows his strength, but what about you?', oh no...

'May I know how the hell you ended up with cuts all over your body?! Douma-San, are you crazy?!'

'Hahahaha calm down my child! I'm fine, weeds never die!'

Well, you'll know what happened, the training was a success! More or less... 'And you Michikatsu-San?! How is this possible?! Well, I'm not going to stand or deal with you guys fighting so you and you, friends, now!', Inosuke exclaimed before walking out and locking the door.

Douma smiled at Michikatsu and he blamed him because now they had been scolded and Muzan would probably give them a long explanation about coexistence between teammates and so on. Douma calms down and approaches him and tells him that they can lie saying that it was training.

Michikatsu raised his eyebrow in disapproval and lay down, but Douma sat next to him and smiled, well, Michikatsu had to accept that his smile was cute and inspired confidence, but he didn't like the idea that they would now be scolded.

'Sorry, I just wanted to train with you and know your strength! I didn't mean to insult you like that, I'm so sorry Michikatsu-San...' 'It's okay, no problem'

'Of course there is a problem, I can tell that you are worried about what Muzan-Sama will say, but if we work together it may not be things are going so badly for us', was probably the most honest and sensible thing he has heard Douma say.

He had to admit, he had nerves but he didn't think they were that noticeable, although he accepted Douma's apology, he didn't sound completely convinced, something was wrong...

Douma crossed his arms and smiled, Michikatsu saw it and felt like he had seen that smile before, but he didn't remember where until the image of Hakuji screaming and running from Douma came to his mind.

'Douma, if you dare I'll...' 'Don't you want a massage? Maybe you are very tense, I am a doctor and I can help you reduce your stress! Trust me!', tip of the day, don't trust Douma and his "massages"

Michikatsu tried to refuse but Douma found a way to roll him onto his stomach and sit on his hips, not good.

Although he tried to complain to him, he couldn't do anything, he couldn't even get up because Douma put all his weight on his back to indicate that if he moved too much, it would hurt more. 'Well, I guess I should start with the knots in your neck, one wrong move and you could bend it... Let's see... Hey, why are you laughing?'

'I'm nohohot...! Yohohou're ju-just he-hehahaharing things...!' Douma smiled "innocently."

'Awwww, Michikatsu-San, you're ticklish!' 'N-No! Yohohou...!'

'Ooooh~? I detect a liar among us~ lying is bad Michikatsu-San...~'

Douma's chant was not a good sign, plus it was embarrassing enough to make Michikatsu blush with embarrassment and earned a snort from Douma.

What do you think? Will Michikatsu be able to resist the tickling or will he simply succumb? I consider the answer to be very clear...

'Do-Dohoumahaha! Stohohohop! T-this is incohohonceheivahahable!' 'I'm sorry, but you need a massage and since I'm the closest to you...'

'But this isn't a massage! It's anything but a massage!', 50/50 if it was a massage, maybe Michikatsu was just too ticklish for his own good right now.

Douma laughed and pointed out that it was adorable since with Hakuji it took a few more minutes to make him laugh but with him it was different, earning a growl from Michikatsu which only encouraged him.

Believe me, dear readers, Michikatsu will know how relentless Douma can be and how stubborn Inosuke is and that he won't let him out until Douma ends his tickling assault.

'DO-DOUMA!' 'Aha! So those are your hips, hmmm~? Let's see! Woaaah! Hahaha your hips don't lie! Just one squeeze and you'll scream!', he denied, I mean it was true but he wasn't going to admit it.

It didn't take Douma long to find the right rhythm to have Michikatsu in hysterics for a while, he only needed a small squeeze, for a few seconds he used his thumbs to dig into the bones of his hips and then, he used the same ones to repeat the action above his hip bones. 'DOUMA!! STOHOHOHOP!!'

'Aaaaw! You have to admit, you're more ticklish than Hakuji! Oh man, I can't wait for Hakuji to know! Hey, how do you react to baby talk~? Ooooh a snort? Aaaaw what a cute and smiling baby~!'

Michikatsu covered his face with his hair, he felt so embarrassed with his own reactions that he didn't even know whether to fight or accept that it was just so Douma would stop and thus stop feeling humiliated

'Hey, you didn't ask me to stop. Maybe by chance, you like tickling~? Come on, say it and I'll stop~! Say you're a ticklish baby and I'll stop, I know you want to~'

'I'M TIHICKLIHISH!! I SAHAHIHID IHIHIT!! PLEHAHASEHE DOHOUMAHAHA!!'

'Mmmm well, a promise is a promise!', saying that, he let go.

Inosuke finally opened the door and complained to them about the scandal but Douma assured him that they were just playing and that they are friends now.

Obviously, Inosuke doesn't believe him but he looks at Michikatsu and he confirms what Douma said. 'Well, then I guess they can stay alone for a while without adult supervision.'

'Sure! We're adults now, right Mich-?! AYIE!! O-oh... Hehehe Inosuke... Can you help me?'

'No', it was to be expected.

Douma looked nervously at Michikatsu and laughed in anticipation as he climbed on top of him and using one hand, grabbed his wrists and placed them above his head, slowly bringing his fingers closer together as he moved them.

Inosuke closed the door and as soon as he did, he began to hear Douma laughing and shouting for help, which was ignored by Inosuke, there was real work to do.

Fic 03: KIMETSU ACADEMY

Ler: Douma (scammer)

Lee: Michikatsu Tsugikuni (Muzan's assistant)

If Michikatsu had to describe his work in one word, he wouldn't find the right one.

It was exhausting? Yes. Was it funny in a certain part? Yes. He need a break but his body refused to accept it? Yes. Would Muzan let him take a break? No.

'I notice you are more serious than normal... This is the 5th cup of coffee you've had, why don't you take the day off?' 'I can't, I have to go to work...'

'Katsu... Today is Sunday...', Douma crossed his arms and huffed when Michikatsu realized that it was, indeed, Sunday.

He didn't think that the week would take so long, if Douma didn't tell him anything, he was capable of going to work and finding everything closed, oh well, it was Sunday and he had to enjoy it.

'Haven't you ever relaxed? You seem to be trying to figure out how to do it...' 'I'm trying, maybe this pillow isn't comfortable enough.'

'Well, I know of another pillow that might be comfortable for you!'

Michikatsu raised his eyebrow, the poor guy doesn't know how to take hints and Douma sometimes finds it humorous but also discourages him.

After laughing for a while, he sat down near Michikatsu and placed his head on his lap, caressing his hair and cheek. 'Better?'

'Surprisingly, yes. Thank you. I didn't think I would find comfort in a lap...', virg- ehem, how cute-.

Douma laughed and continued with his "work" of helping him relax, until Michikatsu held his hand, not tightly but Douma stopped to know what he needed. 'Douma... Do you... Do you think you can...? You know... The thing...'

'It depends on what we're talking about, does it start with "s" or with "t"?' 'It starts with...? Wait... DOUMA!', Douma snorted.

It was fun to know that Michikatsu was good and brave for other things except a slightly off-color joke.

Anyway, Michikatsu's response was again the same and, as we already know, Douma doesn't like that and wants Michikatsu to be direct and tell him what he wants.

'Are you too embarrassed to tell me what you want?' 'If I don't tell you, you won't do it, right?'

'I just want to check that you're serious, every time I try you end up rejecting the game and asking me to stop. So, it's to make sure that you are comfortable and that I won't get kicked or slapped!'

Michikatsu took a breath but the only thing he could say was "can you make me t-word?", he wasn't able to mention the full word.

He was ashamed? It is probable. Did Douma find it funny? You already know that yes. Am I making this too long? I like to lengthen

'Aaaaw, I forgot that you're too shy for these things... Okay, how do you say...~?'

'P-please...' 'Good boy!', let this stay between us and Muzan doesn't find out, so shhhh.

The hand Douma used to caress his cheek moved a little to start playing with his ears, smiling slightly when Michikatsu started to blush and fought a smile on his face.

He avoided the teasing, considering that it wasn't time yet, just a few more seconds... 'Is this okay?'

'Ye-yehehes...' 'Do you want more?'

Michikatsu nodded slowly and covered his face with his hand when he felt a pair of fingers caress his neck and caress him slowly.

Douma wanted to ask him if that's why he always wears his suit covering his neck, do you think Michikatsu's embarrassed squeal is the answer?

'Dohohoumahaha! Dohohohon't tahahalk!'

'You know well that I like to talk! Why don't you want me to talk? Aaaaw I already remembered, is it because I talk to you with a baby voice~? Does it frustrate you to remember that you are ticklish and that I am the only person who has the privilege of doing it to you~? Is it because you're a ticklish baby~?'

'All thahahahat! Shuhuhut up! Ple-plehahasehe!', short answer, no.

Douma muttered although he wouldn't do it anyway, it was too adorable and he didn't plan on stopping anytime soon!

But after he thought about it, Michikatsu might want him to stop, although he's probably lying. 'Hey Katsu, do you want raspberries?'

'... Yes' 'That's fine! Come sit on my lap!'

Michikatsu sat down and although he was a little hesitant about what he would do next, he walked over and sat on his lap, although from the look on Douma's face, it might have been too much weight for him.

Anyway, once he made sure everything was fine, he smiled at him and couldn't help but kiss and nibble his ears a little and laugh when Michikatsu tensed but made no effort to escape.

'I'm sorry! I could not avoid it. Well, do you remember the security password?'

'Lotus...' 'Good!', Michikatsu took a breath and prepared himself, he wasn't planning on laughing.

Although when he thought he had it under control, Douma just blew on his neck and when Michikatsu saw him out of the corner of his eye in confusion, he actually blew the raspberry on his neck.

Stopping, he smiled when he saw how Michikatsu had covered his completely red face, but despite this, he was willing to receive more raspberries...

'So... Do you feel better?' 'Yes... Thank you for helping me relax...'

Douma kissed his forehead while resting his head on his shoulder and caressing his cheek, now they were both happy.

[mushroomly]

douma x female reader headcanons

A/n: douma is my favorite character in kny! I love him sm lmao. (Not proofread)

Tws: fluff, Douma, mentions of eating humans

- Right off the bat, I'm gonna say that you give douma emotions

- You were probably one of the newest women in the cult when you met

- He probably didn't fall for you immediately

- As time went on, he thought of eating you less and less

- When you first gifted him something, he felt this weird warmth spreading through his chest

- Once you finally get together, expect to be showered in gifts and affection

- I canon that Douma actually runs hot

- His bda is ice, and he can't really function if he is frozen too

- He'd survive, but still

- He'd have to wait to thaw out lmao

- Cuddling him is great in winter, and great in summer because he can easily cool you down

- Prepare to sit next to him or in his lap during meetings

- Please fall asleep, he'd react adorably

- I once mentioned that I though douma would like ice skating and dancing

- He does both with you!

- He will dance to traditional or western style music

- He just adores dancing Same with ice skating

- He will buy fancy skates for the both of you and you will spend hours on the ice, watching him do tricks (and, if you can, he'll watch you too)

- Douma will also make little ice skates out of ice for his ice doumas

- They are low key like your children

- Steal his hat and wear it.

- Please.

- Douma will rush up to you and be like "omg you look so cute askcjdjsjskka"

- He calls you little lotus, snowflake, my love, darling, and my heart

- Like kokushibo, he doesn't sleep, but he will cuddle you and maybe drift off just for fun

- If a follower talks bad about you expect them never to be seen again

- he will know every little thing about you, but he can't seem to remember your anniversaries lmao

- Poor bean feels so bad for haven forgotten that he literally will buy out an entire store to make it up to you

- You guys probably own like ten cats

- All of which are named

- Please adopt daki and gyuutaro, they need affection

- Douma will shower you with compliments, all of which he means

- He always makes you feel loved and safe

- If you are upset, he will envelop you with his whole body while softly singing

- We all know his singing voice is great

- He is similar to kokushibo only because they both love it when their partner plays with their hair

- Put doumas hair in a high ponytail, i need to see that

[echantedtoon]

LOOK AT THESE TIKTOKS OF KOKUSHIBO SINGING I FOUND!!

Not mine credit to the original creator. Found on Pinterest

@lavenderdropp

@mrskokushibo