#platonic Kokushibo

[xjulixred45x]

I'm suddenly inspired thanks to the new season of KNY and the announcement of the trilogy for the infinite castle arc, so this idea came to me while listening to, what a surprise, Epic The Musical.

BIG SPOILERS FOR THE MANGA FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ IT, ESPECIALLY FOR KOKUSHIBO'S STORY!!!

Kokushibo and Son reader

Did you see that Kokushibo when he was human had an entire family? wife and two children.

I like to imagine that he really loved them, it's just that his desire for power far exceeded his love for his family.

that + being turned into a demon caused his paternal instinct to drop considerably from "decent" to "sea turtle"...something like that.

Imagine that Kokushibo, watching over his family from afar, especially his eldest son, ends up...missing that feeling.

He won't admit it, obviously, but he's strong enough that he ends up watching and "taking care" of his children from a distance. but with a special emphasis on his eldest son. who, because he is his next heir, has to learn martial arts and weapons handling...

and he is GOOD with them..

I don't think the Son/reader is a Yorichi-level prodigy, but he's definitely cunning and intelligent enough to pass the average age and compensate for his lack of muscle mass (for being so young).

and Kokushibo feels INTERESTED in this.

He sees the opportunity to, in a way, "save" his son, "help" him get better.

although in reality it is a way of saying that he misses his son and that he does not want him to die as a human. but he would never admit it.

Then, when the child is old enough to go on expeditions on his own, Kokushibo gives him certain "tests", some that require strategy, brute force or intellect, but indifferently the child/reader manages to pass them.

The interesting thing is that at first, the son/reader doesn't really know why such strange creatures or obstacles appear out of nowhere 😅 but little by little he begins to suspect that a demon could have something to do with it...

What the boy did not expect was that that demon was his father!

The same father who abandoned him, his brother and mother...was he taking care of him?

Let's just say that when Kokushibo finally decides to appear before his son, he doesn't really give concrete answers, and it's not a good idea to try to force him. so son/reader simply settles for this strange new dynamic.

They're like Omniman and Mark but less extreme in a way. Or more like Athena and Odysseus. They act like Friends, but the GIANT difference on power/mortalilty and authority make them not actually be.

Kokushibo wants his son to improve as a swordsman as he grows up and proves to be a great fighter both with and without weapons, but at the same time he wouldn't act in a paternal way per se.

because, after all, Kokushibo is no longer the father of son/reader, he knows it. And deep down the reader also knows it, as much as he wanted to have a relationship with his father again, because he knows that if his father takes care of him it is because he loves him, but if he loves him, why does he push him away?

It's a dynamic in which the son/reader wants to have hope that his father is still out there somewhere, while what Kokushibo wants by being a demon is to leave what stopped him once being human, so he wants to drag his own son on the side of the demons.

Probably in the years in which Kokushibo meets his son and trains him (either in the Moon Breath or a variant) he also tries to teach him how to be the closest thing to a human demon, that is, to only look out for his interests. and HIS power, since after all, what good is everything he has achieved if it is not for him?

son/reader is a good boy, but thanks to these years of basically grooming he ends up being a ruthless and socially very inept warrior. being somewhat isolated from others.

However, when son/reader officially enters the demon hunting guild (by order to cover Michikatsu's place), he begins to be more exposed to people in general, people who do not feel particularly intimidated by him... who see him like a companion.

It would be especially interesting (especially for a yandere scenario) if the son/reader found a new father figure in the group of pillars (to which he ascended very young, to Kokushibo's satisfaction) who precisely tries to teach him that power and techniques are not everything, you do not have the guarantee that something precedes you, so you should focus more on living happily.

(It would add insult to injury if that father figure turned out to be Yorichi taking care of his nephew from his demonic father figure).

However, the more son/reader begins to doubt and falter in his ideology, the more pressure he receives from Kokushibo not to "disappoint" him, not after everything he has progressed, everything he has taught him, son/reader is a special warrior, he can't afford this.

especially not when Kokushibo is going to give him a very important test, in which it will be decided whether or not he is worthy of becoming a demon.

Let's say that the son/reader is sent on a mission, in which, together with a group of hunters, they must go after a high-ranking demon.

That's not the part Kokushibo is interested in.

He knows that his son/reader's companions are not going to survive this, they are very weak compared to his son, but if he uses them as decoys, he can easily kill the demon.

easy right? well, not for son/reader.

At first everything went well, as they had planned in case they ran into a high-ranking demon, attack from behind, keep their distance, be in the blind spot--

but in a moment, almost without realizing it, one of his companions was already dead, crushed to the ground...

and then another...

and other..

son/reader realized that he could handle this demon, but his companions couldn't, at this rate they would all die. and he DIDN'T WANT THAT.

So he did something he had never done before.

son/reader took his few remaining companions and RUN AWAY. as fast as he could. away from the devil. where the sun would rise shortly.

and oh god, Kokushibo was FURIOUS.

and practically right there they have their Epic My Goodbye moment.

Kokushibo is disappointed, his son not only ended up being reckless, but sentimental at best, SOFT. something that even his dead companions would be ashamed of. He's supposed to suppress any nagging feelings for the victory, and not only does he ignore this, he fails every stage of his final test.

So, Kokushibo leaves.

Maybe that's how he learns his place, maybe that's how he learns not to cross it, not to waste his time, NOT TO DISAPPOINT HIM.

but this time, son/reader has SOMETHING TO SAY.

...he's not surprised...

It is something very in character for his father, selfish, pridefull and VAINE, because after all, what does he know now about BEING HUMAN? What is it like to have blood on your hands and feel bad about it?

All the respect that the son/reader had for his father has disappeared, replaced by great bitterness. ENCOURAGES him to leave, he already did it once, he will no longer run after him, he will no longer cry for his attention, because he will no longer be plaguing his life to begin with.

He will get what he wants and he doesn't care in the slightest.

and that makes Kokushibo EVEN more angry, how could he think that such a disrespectful CHILD could become a good acquisition? what a waste of time.

but at least the son/reader knows why he did things, he knows why he is fighting now, WHAT HE WANTS, if his father were so powerful and he felt better now as a demon...then why is he there with him, in that moment?

.....

As the son/reader goes towards where the sun begins to rise, he can still hear his "father" speaking to him from behind.

-"...someday...you will understand what I tell you....someday...you may listen to me...someday...but not today, after all...you are just a man "-

a mortal man, who would die like the rest.

-"everything you worked for...will be lost...you have condemned...yourself...you have lost ...EVERYTHING"-

_"..... Goodbye father..."-

as he slowly walks towards the sunlight, with the rest of his group, but not before watching as the silhouette in the shadows blinks briefly before simply. disappear.

This feelt so OOC but I HAVE TO DO IT!!! I HAVE THIS IDEA FOR MONTHS NOW AND WITH TJE SUDDEN BRUST OF INSPIRATION FINNALY I DID IT!

It's kind of weird how the characters of the family of Kokushibo are barely used on fanfic, so i Made My two cents i Guess.

The songs i used of refference:

Hope You all enjoy!

[reticent-writer]

back to the half demon half human reader thing: this time, upper moons? i think it would be cute

Demon slayer masterlist

Baby demon - hashira

✿✼:*ﾟ:.｡..｡.:*･ﾟﾟ･**･ﾟﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*ﾟ:*:✼✿

Muzan walked into your room. You haven't made a noise since he put you down for a nap.

He found you staring at the flower themed mobile. He cooed at you as he picked you up.

He had you in his hip while he took a walk around the castle letting you see each demons domains.

You babbled as you played with the buttons on his best.

"My Lord I didn't know you had a kid." Douma commented, seeing him walk by.

"I Don't."

--------

"Please stop pulling my hair." Kokushibo said while grabbing your hands that were tangled in his long locs. You were standing on one of his legs while he was sitting.

Once he got a hold of both of your hands you started to dance

"Da Da Da" You babbled.

"Yeah, that's right dada. Can you say it?"

"Da da... Dadaa."

"Yeah, I'm dada." His blew raspberries into your cheeks.

You giggled and squirmed.

--------

He knew you were a half demon from the start.

You were presented to Douma as a present from one of his followers, you're unique like him. Visually different (I was thinking something like an albino or vitiligo) but still adorable to look at.

"Aww you look so cute Y/n!" He exclaimed as he took you from his follower's arms. You had on an outfit identical to his with a matching hat.

You giggled as he tickled your stomach before sitting you on a soft pillow next to his own.

You always sat next to him and his followers came and visited.

--------

"Do you want your binkie?" Akaza tried to calm you down but nothing was working.

He tried feeding you, cradling you, swaddling you, putting you down for a nap and more.

You would not stop crying.

There was one thing they he hadn't tried yet but he was too embarrassed to do it. Your screams were enough to drive him to do it.

He sung to calm you down.

It worked.

--------

"Ready or not here I come." Daki took of running to find you.

You giggled, not so quietly, as you watched her run around while you were hiding behind Gyotaro.

"Gyotaro where did they go?" Daki whispered as if she didn't know you were behind him. He shrugged cause you to giggle harder.

"GOTCHA" She exclaimed and tried to reach around her brother. You screeched and tried to run but she caught you and threw you in the air.

"HAHA I WIN."

"DON'T THROW THEM!"

---------

✿✼:*ﾟ:.｡..｡.:*･ﾟﾟ･**･ﾟﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*ﾟ:*:✼✿

Guess who's my favorite

Who was your favorite

[animekpopsimp]

The Upper Moons With A Demon Child Reader (Platonic)

Kokushibo

Kokushibo often doesn't interact with any other demons, as long as they're useful to Muzan

But when it comes to you, he does take a slight interest in you

He tells himself it's just because you're so young, even younger than Daki

But deep down, he starts to have a weird feeling inside of him

He finds himself spending more time with you, and the other upper moons start to notice as well

Kokushibo doesn't say much, but he silently grows fond of you, no that he would ever admit that out loud

He'll offer to train with you on occasion, which he secretly enjoys

You grow fond of him, seeing him as a father figure

He even believes that you could become an upper moon someday

Douma

When he first meets you, Douma is very enthusiastic

He acts very childishly most of the time, but around you, it's ten times worse

He quickly befriends you, often taking you to his domain

He'll even share food with you, saying you're so cute that you deserve it

He kind of treats you as a younger sibling, and though you're weary of him at first you slowly grow close to him

He encourages you to get stronger, excited to see you become an upper moon like him

Douma keeps a close eye on you when he can, and though he won't say it out loud, he is worried about your safety

He's even killed demon slayers who had been targeting you once without you noticing

He may be eccentric, but Dauma genuinely wants to see you excel

Akaza

Akaza is surprised to meet you

He knew Daki was young when she became a demon, but you were even younger

You instantly take a liking to him, and he does as well

He likes to fight, and you love sparing with him as well

He kind of adopts you as his younger sister

He and Douma often fight over who gets to spend time with you, which only makes Akaza like him less

He tries to get you to stay away from Douma, but can't really stop you most of the time

Akaza always encourages you to grow stronger

He's very sweet around you

Gyutaro/Daki

Daki finds you adorable

She finds herself wanting to protect you like her brother does for her

She'll sit with you and do your hair and makeup, she just loves spending time with you

Gyutaro is hesitant at first, but he grows close to you with encouragement from his sister

They both feel the need to protect you since you remind them of themselves when they were younger

You often visit the entertainment district to spend time with them

Daki will even share food with you

They basically adopt you as part of their family

[trancylovecraft]

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

YSIK Masterlist // Next chapter

A Cherry Blossom is a pretty flower, Blooming in the spring and representing renewal and joy. However it is quick to die out in the winter, Shrivelling up with it's beautiful colour following with it. Leaving the memory of it gone yet never forgotten.

The moon shun bright in the obsidian black sky.

The light that came down illuminated a small, yet well kept gravestone.

It was old, Ancient probably, Cracks were illustrated boldly into the corners and wrapped around the granite like spider webs. it seemed it was about to fall apart at the seams, yet held strong.

Flowers of all colour bustled around the bottom, Fresh, Newly planted.

A man sat on his knees in front of the stone, the only motion he made was the light breeze running through his hair, making his ponytail sway in the wind.

This was no man but instead a demon.

All six of his eyes lay transfixed on the carving written dead-centre on the tombstone, Carved with great care and precision to get it just right.

'[F/N] Tsugikuni'

The mans face was stoic and unreadable, but his eyes were filled with great sorrow and regret.

Kokushibo's arm reached out to the stone, Clawed hands tracing over the lettering carved out.

He asked himself

'How did it come to this?'

☆♡☆

"Michi-Nii!"

A young girl in a blue dragon-patterned haori called out from a distance, She could of only been about four or five yet her little legs were fast and let her catch up to her older brother.

Michikatsu turned around, Mildly surprised at his sister's sudden appearance he stopped in his tracks letting her finally reach him.

"[F/N]. I thought I told you to stay at home and help mother today, You know she needs someone to help her out." Michikatsu said, A little white lie.

His mother, While she wasn't in the best condition, Didn't currently need any help and even if she did little [F/N] would not of been able to do much about it. After all, She was still very young.

[F/N] heaved trying to catch her breath from all that running.

"I know Michi-Nii! but I wanted to come watch you fight!" [F/N] said excitedly, A big expecting smile on her face.

Michikatsu looked into [F/N]'s big puppy dog eyes and sighed. He just couldn't resist.

"..Well alright.. But for the record it's not 'fighting' it's sword training, I'm not fighting anyone, Just preparing for the day when I do, When I become a samurai!" Michikatsu said triumphantly.

[F/N] squealed.

"That's so cool! When I'm a big kid I wanna fight with swords and become a sam-u-mai!" She exclaimed.

"Samurai" Michikatsu corrected.

"Samai!" She responded.

"Samurai" Michikatsu said, Extra slowly so [F/N] could pick up the syllables.

"Samrai!" She said with complete confidence.

Michikatsu snorted and ruffled the girls hair, Who laughed in return.

"Nevermind, Let's get a move on then."

☆♡☆

The sun was high in the sky naming afternoon.

[F/N] sat on the grassy hill next to her brother, Yorichii.

They sat together watching Michikatsu over yonder train his sword swings by hitting dummies out in the field. She watched in wonder at his determination and focus to his craft

Yorichii was the middle child of the family, Michikatsu the oldest and [F/N] the youngest.

Yorichii was a mute. Never spoke or made any motion to communicate, However that never stopped [F/N]'s undying attempts of trying to.

This mostly just consisted of [F/N] following him around, Sleeping in his futon when she had a nightmare or just simply talking her little heart out to him, To which he'd always respond with a little smile and a nod, Showing that he was listening.

He was usually a daydreamer, But today he seemed just as transfixed as she was at their older brother's training.

"Yor-Nii, Where are you going?" [F/N] asked as she watched Yorichii wander down the hill towards Michikatsu.

As usual she got no answer, So she got up and followed him down.

Michikatsu was so fixated on his sword swings that he never noticed Yorichii standing behind him.

So when the physics of one of his sword slashes brought him back stumbling into Yorichii that snapped him out of his training fever.

"Yorichii? What is it?" Michikatsu said surprised. His brother had never interfered while he was training

Yorichii stood still and took in a deep breath, He clenched his fists as if bracing for impact. He opened his mouth.

"...I want to be a samurai like you!" Yorichii stammered not only in his speech but also in his stance.

Michikatsu's sword dropped to the ground with a clang!

A shockwave went through both Michikatsu and [F/N], Their brothers first words to them leaving them speechless.

[F/N] however was the first to speak up.

"Yor-Nii! You can speak! Now we can really talk to each other!" She proclaimed excitedly, Making Yorichii wobble when she jumped to hug him.

Michikatsu stood there, It was hard to tell whether he was shocked at Yorichii's sudden speech or the proclamation of his goal which happened to coincide with both his and [F/N]'s.

"Yorichii.." Michikatsu said just above a whisper.

Yorichii looked back at him with a shaky determination, it shook and swayed but despite the odds it stood strong.

Michikatsu's form deflated, Going back to his calm and stoic demeanour.

"Yorichii. You know what will happen when you're ten, Right?" He said quietly, Only hinting at Yorichii's fate as [F/N] had no idea.

Yorichii nodded. Only taking a glance down at [F/N].

"I know. But I still want to be a samurai, I want to be like you." Yorichii said, Still not given up.

[F/N] perked up.

"Me too! I wanna be a.. samurai too! Like Michi-Nii!" She said, Making sure to pronounce 'Samurai' slowly to pronounce the syllables.

"Hey, You got it right" Michikatsu pointed out, Mildly proud.

Yorichii looked down at [F/N] who still was hugging his waist, He smiled.

"Really? All of us want to be swordsmen?" Yorichii asked now a bit more reserved. He scratched the back of his head.

"Swordgirl!" [F/N] said confidently.

"Swordswoman" Both Yorichii and Michikatsu corrected at the same time.

"Swordgirl?"

This will take a while.

☆♡☆

A good few years have passed since then.

The five-year old little girl [F/N] had grown into a blossoming young woman and is now a little younger than her big brothers were back then.

She still wore a resized version of her blue dragon-patterned haori, The only thing that really stayed the same and came with her through her walk of life.

"You know [F/N], I could convince your father to buy you a new haori" Akeno Tsugikuni, Her mother said to her while running a needle through her haori, resizing the fabric to fit [F/N]'s bigger self.

"This is about the fifth time I've had to refit this old thing. I'm sure your dad would prefer you to have a new one, You are coming up on marriage age after all" She softly spoke to [F/N], But her eyes were fixed on the fabric, Stitching with care.

[F/N] shook her head nonchalantly.

"No, Mom. This was a gift from you, It was homemade. You can't just buy that kind of thing from a tailor." She huffed.

[F/N] sat on the edge of her mothers sick-bed, Her mother laid propped up so she could

Akeno smiled.

"Besides, I don't even think I'd want to get married. I like how my life is right now and you know I still want to be an onna-musha, right?" [F/N] said.

True, Even after all these years [F/N] still held onto the goal of becoming a Female samurai, An onna-musha.

However it seemed like a pipe-dream. With her father's influence and strength she had never picked up a sword, No matter how hard or surreptitiously tried to steal or borrow one of her brothers swords she was always caught in the end and given a right punishment for it.

Still, This never changed her mind on the matter.

"I see... Still haven't given up on that dream, have you?" She hummed.

"Well anyways, If you're so invested into my own sowing then maybe-" Akeno broke out into a fit of coughs, She dropped the needle in favour of covering her mouth.

[F/N] quickly rushed over to her side.

"Mom? Mom, Are you alright" She said, Lightly patting her mothers back.

Akeno stopped sputtering out coughs but still softly wheezed during breaths.

"I'm.. Fine, Sweetheart" She spoke, However her hoarse throat said otherwise.

"No, You're not! You don't need to fix my haori, We can continue later but right now you should lay down." [F/N] worried.

Akeno shook her head.

"I said I'm alright but.. could you go fetch me.. Some water?" She breathed heavily as if all the air around her had thinned.

[F/N] quickly nodded and rushed out the room to complete the task.

She swiftly opened the shoji doors to her house and made her way over to the water-well sat upon the hill. She hoped to the gods above that the well hadn't dried up in the early summer heat.

She reached the small little well and peered inside, The water in the well was plentiful. [F/N] sighed in relief and proceeded to wheel the bucket on the rope down the stony passageway.

CLASH!

[F/N] jumped at the sound, Letting the rope slip from her grasp she watched the bucket fall from its steady pace and hit the water with a loud splash!

"No!" [F/N] yelled. The well was too far down for her to reach the bucket. She cried out in frustration and looked over at the source of noise that dominoed the bucket falling.

Over in the valley beyond the hill was Michikatsu, Still out training with his sword. It was fairly early in the morning and judging by the sweat-beads on his face and the mess of his clothes [F/N] could tell he's been up training since six at least.

That's right, Along with her, Michikatsu had changed as well.

From the strong yet stoic young man that [F/N] had grown up with he had festered into a more strength obsessed yet quiet young man than what he had been before.

[F/N] knew the catalyst well, He was her brother after all.

Yorichii from that day he proclaimed his want to be a samurai, Had demonstrated an inhuman talent for the skill. A man who was working with their father had humoured Yorichii and decided to teach him a basic stance.

However to everyone's surprise, Yorichii had landed four blows on the man and swiftly defeated him. Which is something that Michikatsu never could.

From then on Michikatsu grew a bit darker, Maybe not noticeably. Not noticeable from her father, mother or even Yorichii. But [F/N] could tell.

She barely saw him anymore, Well it was more of she never talked to him anymore. She still watched him train, at least from afar.

An idea clicked in her head.

The bucket in the well was too far down for her to reach, Yes. However it wasn't too far for Michikatsu who was a foot taller than her.

She walked down the hill, Calling out for him.

"Michi-Nii!" She called out to him.

Michikatsu stopped swinging his sword and turned around to look at his little sister with an annoyed scowl on his face.

"What? Can't you see I'm a bit busy at the moment" Michikatsu hissed.

[F/N] froze for a moment.

"I just need a little help, the bucket in the well fell into the water" She explained softly, Scared to entice her brothers wrath.

Michikatsu groaned.

"Alright." He said simply and quickly headed over to the well. [F/N] followed after, Smiling.

"Thank you, Michi-Nii!" She said thankfully.

[F/N] grabbed onto his hand to hold it, But she was shaken off by Michikatsu.

"I told you to stop calling me that, It's stupid and childish" He said, grimacing.

[F/N]'s smile was put out like a light, But she nodded. Trying to respect his wishes.

They got to the well and Michikatsu fished out the bucket with ease and handed it over to [F/N] who bowed down in thanks but with much less emotion put into it.

With that, Michikatsu walked away without a goodbye. Off to go and continue training for the rest of the day and coming back home in the dead of night, Just to go to sleep and repeat the process over and over again.

[F/N] frowned but took the bucket of water back to the house.

Sliding open the Shoji doors she entered the house, remarkably more downtrodden than before.

As she walked the halls towards her mothers room she heard two voices arguing in a hushed tone.

"She doesn't want to get married."

"Too bad. She's coming upon marriage age and if she doesn't want to disrespect this family she will do as she's told and marry the man we've picked out for her"

The two voices, Her mother and father.

She slipped quietly behind the half-open shoji door, Intently listening in on their conversation

"She want's to be an onna-musha, You know." Her mother admitted.

"An onna-musha. Really." Her father responded, A tone full of disgusted shock ran through his voice.

"That girl is too weak to even tend to the horses. Not to mention the girl's only worth will be to marry her off to a nobleman. Her being a samurai along with the men would just be wrong" He said.

There was a silence not just between [F/N]'s parents, But her too.

She's known her father hadn't particularly paid attention to her nor did he show any affection but to think he thought this lowly of her was a gut punch to the stomach.

"Don't say that, Akuhei. She could be listening" Her mother said in a whisper.

"I hope she is. She needs to learn the truth sooner or later or she'll grow up and be delusional to the real world."

[F/N] let tears flow from her cheeks, Dripping down onto the floor.

If she couldn't even get a bucket out from a well, Could she really be a swordswoman?

☆♡☆

Something wasn't right.

It had been a good few hours after [F/N] had eavesdropped on her parents conversation and it had fallen into night-time.

[F/N] had long gone to bed but she wasn't able to fallen asleep easy. It was strange, No matter the situation she had always had no issue with falling into unconciousness.

She rolled and scuffled around on her futon uncomfortably. Could it of been the conversation earlier? No. Couldn't be that, It was something else.

[F/N] rubbed her eyes and got up from her futon. She shuffled on her sandals and quickly draped her newly-sized blue dragon haori around her figure for warmth.

She decided to go for a walk to clear her head.

[F/N] walked softly in the darkened hallways of her home, The soft moonlight illuminated her pathway through the house. She was lost in her own thoughts from the events of the day.

Her father's words, Michikatsu's attitude, Her mother's illness. It all swirled in her mind like a hurricane.

"..I like my life how it is right now"

The words she had told her mother. A lie.

She hated how everything was right now. Her dad saw her as an object to be bid on. Michikatsu acted like she was nothing but a burden to him and Yorichii was nowhere to be found.

Besides, Even if Yorichii and Michikatsu weren't talking either they were obviously the more important in the family.

They were the Sun and the Moon, Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi.

[F/N] wasn't a celestial deity or a celestial body, She was just the terrestrial afterthought. Yorichii and Michikatsu were both skilled and talented in their own rights, They were fawned over by the girls and even some of the boys in the village. They were praised and respected.

[F/N] wasn't even allowed to leave the house.

Now that she thought about it, There was only was her and her mother.

Her mother.

While walking she had stopped in her tracks. Light shone in through the hallway from an open door.

Her mother's door.

[F/N]'s brow quirked. Was her mother up this late as well? She should be asleep, She was very ill after all.

[F/N] peeked through the doorway, Her eyes widened.

Yorichii stood over the bed, Her mother layed motionlessly on the bed.

"Yor-Nii?" [F/N] asked.

Yorichii turned around, A strained look in his eyes. His jaw stood locked tight as if there was something painful he had to say.

"Mother has passed on" Yorichii whispered.

What?

No, No. No no no no no. That couldn't be right, No. It couldn't be right.

[F/N] stumbled over to her mother, Shoving Yorichii out of the way to whom backed off.

"Mum, Mum. Wake up, Hey. Hey, Do you hear me?" [F/N] cried, She grasped onto her mother's limp hand, She shook it in futile attempt to wake her.

"Mum you can't, Mum please." Tears started rolling down her cheeks now, Her breathing laboured.

"Yorichii, Please did you try-"

She turned around, Yorichii was nowhere to be seen.

He had left.

He had left and hadn't even bothered to try and comfort her.

She stared in shock, Not believing her situation

She was brought back by a hand squeezing her own.

She snapped her head back down to her mother, Whose eyes lain weakly on [F/N]'s. A soft yet painful smile appeared on her face.

"Mum!" [F/N] choked.

"[F/N]..." Akeno whispered. "Come closer.."

[F/N] Nodded and leant down closer to her mother, Kneeling down now to listen closely. Her eyes never leaving her mothers

"I never wanted to be married... My father had sold me off at a young age as well." Akeno started.

"I had a chance.. Once.. To leave this place, To get out of my marriage but do you know what happened?" She asked, Looking mournfully into the eyes of her youngest, Who was now choking on her sobs and tears rushing out from her eyes.

Akeno didn't wait for an answer

"I didn't take it.. I was too afraid." A sad smile came upon her.

"My life had ended right there since I never took that chance.. And the only good thing to ever happen after that... were you three."

"[F/N].. Yorichii.. Michikatsu. My beautiful children" Akeno let tears roll down her face now, Reminiscing on her life that was flashing before her now.

"Please.. You now have a chance. Get away while you still can.." Her other hand wiped the tears off of [F/N]'s face weakly, However her hand started to fall.

"Run.. and I promise I will see you again, The kami will reunite us... I love you, [F/N]" She whispered, Her hand falling to her side and the others grip becoming limp. The light in her eyes fading.

"Mum... Mum! No! no no!" [F/N] sobbed, Shaking her mothers now lifeless corpse she collapsed to the floor and cried out for her mum to come back, to speak to her.

"Run, You still have your chance"

Her mothers voice rang in her head, It echoed throughout her entire being.

And with love and tears, She kissed her mother on the forehead and closed her dead eyes. Akeno's face displayed rest, peace.

She said her final goodbye's to her mother and left the room to go back to her own.

And with a heavy heart and a rucksack full of essentials, She climbed out her rooms window and left in the dead of night.

☆♡☆

[F/N] trudged through the woodlands.

It was now daybreak, The sun rose upon the distance and shown through cracks in the tree's.

Through all that time [F/N] never stopped walking, Never took a break. The only thing on her mind was escape to a better place.

It was only once she appeared upon a clearing did she stop walking.

In front of her was a rundown Shinto shrine placed upon the mountainy and rocky terrain of the woods.

It had obvious that people hadn't been here in decades by the dust, cobwebs and poor conditions of all the archways and cracked stone lanterns lining the pathway up to the shrine entrance.

Back in it's heyday it would of been grand. A massive shrine that could of held a good few hundred people, As there was a large amount of corridors and a second floor.

Not to mention the vast courtyard [F/N] now found herself standing in.

She breathed in the highland forest air, Took in the birds chirping and the warm light of the sun on her skin.

She looked upon the sign hanging from the archway.

"Inari Ōkami"

The kami of Foxes, Agriculture, Fertility, Tea, Sake and Swordsmiths.

[F/N] frowned at the state of the shrine, Thinking of it as a great disrespect to Inari.

Another thought ran through her mind.

Home. A rundown one for sure, But nothing she couldn't fix.

And that's what she did.

For the next ten years that's what [F/N] did. She fixed the Archways, Refilled the stone lamps, Rebuilt the structuring, Cleaned up the cobwebs and dust all until it looked newly built.

Everyday since she came across it she would give offerings to Inari Ōkami. Ranging from nuts and fruit she would pick up while scavenging to Flowers and pieces of jewellery.

She'd light candles in their honour, Pray to them not for good fortune but for the reformation of the shrine.

She'd grown attached to the shrine, So much so that she had completely forgotten her goal of becoming a swordswoman in favour of being the sole shrine-maiden.

And in that time she had finally bloomed into a beautiful young woman and if anyone should come across her they would describe her as such.

Not that anyone came along though, The shrine was in the middle of nowhere and [F/N] had seen no one in the past decade.

As [F/N] got up for another day to tend to the shrine she wondered what her brothers were doing now.

☆♡☆

[F/N] carried her basket full of fruits, Satisfied from a successful scavenge.

She headed back up towards the large archway that was there to greet people into the temple. It use to be covered in splintered wood but thanks to the efforts of [F/N] the archway was restored with a fresh coat of paint and smoothing of the wood.

When she got up there she stopped, Her eyes widened.

The massive wooden doors to the thick stone wall gate were left wide open.

She was sure she had closed them when she had left.

Her body stiffened and her palms became sweaty.

Who could be in her shrine? Nobody came up the mountains and the nearest village was a good few dozen kilometres away on the far other side of the forest. No one who was just wandering could come across the temple.

[F/N] slowly put the basket of fruit onto the ground, Making sure not to make a sound.

She unsheated her Kaiken from her obi and slowly made her way inside to the courtyard, Which seemed empty.

But she looked upon the main building and just like the gate doors the shoji to the main building were left wide open.

[F/N] confirmed her suspicions. Someone was definetly here.

She made her way inside, Checking the main hallways she found no one around however that never made [F/N] let down her guard.

THUMP!

[F/N] flinched. The sound of an object knocking over came from just down the hall she was facing. Gripping her Kaiken tighter she moved forward towards the sounds

As she got closer, She heard a duo of voices arguing.

"Stop moving, Brother."

"Argh, If you'd let me do it by myself this would go much faster."

"No. You're injured, let me do it."

Wait..

"I'm told you I'm fine. It's just a cut."

Those voices..

[F/N] lowered her Kaiken. She stood, legs shaking. Heart pounding as she slowly called out.

"Michi-Nii? Yori-Nii?"

A sudden shuffling was heard in the room across from her.

The semi-shut shoji doors slammed open and out first came Michikatsu, Who had a semi-wrapped bandage around his arm with Yorichii following close after.

They were in their twenties now and were much older and their faces had changed a lot. But no matter how much they had physically changed [F/N] recognised her brothers, Who both now had surprised yet unrecognisable expressions in their face.

[F/N]'s mouth was open, Her eyes wide and sparkling with recognition.

"[F/N]..." Yorichii said.

"Yori-Nii! Michi-Ni-" She was cut off by the sudden arms pulling her into a tight hug. Michikatsu had moved so fast that she didn't see him move.

"[F/N].." He stuttered, Swaying back and forth while hugging her.

"Nii-san.." [F/N] cried, Gripping the back of his purple hexagonal hakama tightly as she buried her head into the side of his neck.

"You've grown so much.. And look at that" [F/N] grazed the hilt of of his sword, taking in the craftsmenship.

"You've both become swordsmen. I'm so proud, I wish I could've been there to see your ceremony" She whispered.

Michikatsu never responded to her words, instead going into a speech of his own.

"[F/N].. I lost you. You disappeared out of nowhere.. I searched for you for years.." Michikatsu was lost for words. If [F/N] didn't know better she could of sworn he was crying.

"I'm sorry, Michi-Nii. I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I went" [F/N] whispered.

The bear hug grip on her got tighter.

"Never. And I mean never leave me again. You have no idea what you put me through... You better promise" He scolded. [F/N] nodded vigorously.

"I promise."

☆♡☆

"So this is where you've been living for the past ten years?" Michikatsu asked, Looking around the haiden.

The place was a massive hall dedicated to worship of Inari. at the very end was the main worship shrine, Which was bustling with hand-woven straw baskets filled with offerings and lit candles in Inari's honour.

"Yeah.. When I ran away ten years I came across this place and made it my home. Been like that ever since." [F/N] smiled, Proud of the hall.

It was indeed very pretty, The new refurbished decorations of flowers, candles and banner-work created a grandiose appearance. The wooden pillars supported the tall height of the room and had beams at the top connecting them all with baskets filled with flowers hanging from them.

The entire room looked like it was built and cared for by an entire team of shrine maidens, Not a single dust spot to be seen.

Yorichii and Michikatsu stared in awe at the work.

"And you maintained this place all by yourself?" Yorichii asked, Genuinely in wonder at the décor.

"Well.. Apart from the occasional seller I meet when I'm scavenging for food nearest the road.. They sell me candles, Banners and other things needed for maintenance.. It's all done by me." [F/N] explained.

"It's.. Impressive. To think how you learned all this.." Michikatsu said.

"I get all my information from the shrine's library, From then on you figure it out on the way." [F/N] responded, Completely humble to the praise she received.

She turned around to her brothers with a smile.

"What about you two? Tell me what's been happening, And how'd you get that cut?" She asked innocently, Pointing to Michikatsu's bandaged arms

The two twins looked at each other, Having a silent conversation with each other. Contemplating what they should tell. Both of them very apprehensive, they shared a knowing look between them.

[F/N] frowned.

"..Is it not something you want to tell me?" She asked.

"Well.. It's hard to believe but-" Yorichii started.

"It’s just a mistake from sword training. Don't you worry about it." Michikatsu finished.

Yorichii looked over at him, Surprised at his sudden interruption.

[F/N]'s eyes narrowed. She felt curious but decided to drop the subject.

"Well anyways.. I need to go retrieve my fruit basket from outside and do my morning rounds around the shrine. Feel free to have a look around, Just please don't touch anything " [F/N] said, bowing her head low and heading towards the exit.

"Hold on, I'll come with you" Michikatsu said, He went to follow after his sister but was stopped when a hand pulled him back.

"Go on ahead, [F/N]. Michikatsu-Nii will catch up." Yorichii said. [F/N] nodded.

She said goodbye in the form of a hug, Michikatsu then Yorichii.

Michikatsu shot Yorichii a scorning look.

"What do you want?" Michikatsu hissed, The usual irritation of his brother turned up a notch.

"We need to tell her, Nii-san. So we can help her set up wisteria around the place." Yorichii argued.

Michikatsu gritted his teeth.

"Wisteria would be a good idea. But we don't need to tell her about demons, I mean look at her! She's still young" Michikatsu said, exasperated.

"She's eighteen, Nii-san. More than old enough to know about demons, about how to protect herself." Yorichii countered.

"She won't need to learn how to protect herself If I'm there to do it for her" Michikatsu hissed.

Yorichii's face scrunched up. He took a step forward towards Michikatsu and stood steady.

"Nii-san, I know you and [F/N] were attached by the hip when she was young but you can't always be there for her, She's strong enough to survive on her own but not strong enough to survive a possible demon attack, So we need to inform her. She won't let us plant wisteria around the shrine without a very good reason " Yorichii argued, His point stood stronger than he did.

Michikatsu's teeth gritted and his face was a visage of concealed anger like they were standing in the eye of the storm waiting for the inevitable onslaught.

"You always need to know better, Don't you Yorichii?" Michikatsu spat in a low tone.

Yorichii was surprised at Michikatsu's sudden animosity towards him, He was confused. This had never happened before.

"What do you mean to imply by that, Nii-san?" Yorichii asked, Slight worry coming over him for his brother who seemed restless.

Michikatsu suddenly became aware of his sudden outburst, His shoulders dropped from their previously stiff position. He sighed.

"Nothing... I shouldn't of spoke out like that." Michikatsu said, Quickly bowing his head to Yorichii he began to leave the shrine hall.

"Where are you going?" Yorichii called after him.

"To go find [F/N]. And make sure she's alright" He responded, Leaving the hall in search of his little sister.

☆♡☆

Michikatsu looked around the shrine for [F/N].

He walked the halls, checked the empty rooms, searched the courtyard, looked around the perimeter of the shrine and scoured through the shrine's impressively large and overflowing gardens but turned up empty.

He was frustrated. Where could she be? The forest surrounding the temple was fairly thick and shading and who knows? A demon might of been able to cover itself in the foliage and maybe she had left the shrine to pick up her basket only to come face to face with the monster and-

Michikatsu couldn't think anymore about it.

Sweat beads started forming on his head, What if she ran away? She couldn't, she sworn to him that she'd never leave him again. She couldn't of done that to him! What if she wasn't happy to see him and took the chance to leave while he was being lectured by Yorichii?

Yorichii.

Did she favour him over Michikatsu? When you were hugging him to say goodbye he could of sworn you had hugged Yorichii just a little bit tighter than him, Smiled a little bigger, Looked a little happier.

As he searched the halls for a second time he felt another burst of envy rise up in him, Something that had been occurring more and more lately.

His thoughts stopped when he stepped on an uneven dip in the ground. He felt around with his foot and outlined a frame of sorts.

He looked down to see he was standing on a rug. He then looked up realising that he was at the end of the hallway.

He reached down and pulled away the rug revealing a trapdoor, Assumedly leading down to the basement of the shrine.

A basement? Shrines don't usually have basements, He thought to himself.

He noticed the padlock on the handle was unlocked It was also spotless without a trace of dust, Indicating that it was used often.

He opened the door with a small creak of the wood. It revealed a short stone staircase which lead down to a low-ceiling hallway.

Michikatsu raised an eyebrow. He looked left and right before going down the stairs slowly. One step at a time.

He got down to the bottom of the stairs. The ceiling was certainly low as it grazed the top of Michikatsu's head making him feel uncomfortable in the small passageway.

He walked along the tunnel, each of his footsteps producing a faint echo as he went along. The tunnel was comparably cold to the early summer heat from up top.

At the end of the passageway was a wooden door, It looked old and rigid. Looking at the rest of the shrine this was a surprise for Michikatsu as the rest of it was pristine and in perfect shape compared to the derelict looking door.

He reached the door which he now realised was opened just a slight amount.

He pressed his ear to the door, Listening intently.

The sound of cloth on metal sounded on the other side. It was a sound he recognised well, It was polishing of a sword.

He pushed the door open to find [F/N] sitting on her knees with a strange looking sword in hand, a dry cloth in the other.

"Michi-Nii!" [F/N] jumped in surprise and dropped the cloth.

She sat in a much wider room than the hallway. The stone walls were filled with holding frames and shelves, The majority of them empty but still a good few holding rather precious looking trinkets.

At the end of the room which was facing the door and [F/N] held a sort of table harbouring a headpiece stand, Which was obviously suppose to hold the sword in her hands. It was also home to a kitsune mask hanging above it with eyes that looked like it was staring right through him.

"How'd you find the room?" [F/N] said rather surprised.

"Never mind how I found it. Why are you here?" He asked sternly, As if he was scorning a misbehaving child.

"Why am I in a room inside my own shrine?" [F/N] scoffed lightly.

"More of why didn't you tell me where you were, I was worried and I couldn't find you anywhere." He asked more forceful in tone.

[F/N] seemed confused at his reasoning but chalked it up to him still being a little shaken by their reunion.

"...I'm sorry... Coming in here to tend to the artefacts here is apart of my weekly rounds." She explained. A meek look appearing on her face.

Michikatsu sighed.

"Alright then. But please, Tell me next time you wander off into some hidden basement." He said in a softer voice leading to [F/N] calming down.

"What is this room anyways?" Michikatsu asked, Examining the room.

[F/N] peaked up, A sparkle of excitement in her eyes.

"Oh! Well according to the blueprints and builders logs I've found in the library this room was specially built to hold the shrine's treasures. Oh! Wait, hold on!" [F/N] exclaimed.

She reached over to the table in front of her and pulled out a fairly tiny roll of parchment paper, Unfolding it she displayed it to Michikatsu who looked down reading it.

"Apparently one of the noble-clanswoman paying for the building of the shrine here had a really steamy affair with some hot-shot samurai who use to gift her a TON of gifts" [F/N] explained with a passion, Her eyes held a glint of story.

"So to hide them away from her husband she built this little hidey-hole so he wouldn't discover them" She finished.

"What happened to her?" Michikatsu asked, Entertaining her passion.

She only shrugged though.

"No clue, The rest of the parchment was torn and I haven't found the other half..." She said, Disappointment filling her voice.

Michikatsu nodded and looked towards the sword in [F/N]'s lap.

"I can understand the other little objects around here but a sword?" Michikatsu said dumfounded.

[F/N] shook her head.

"No! No. The only two items in the room that weren't a gift was this sword and the kitsune mask hanging over there" She said, Pointing towards the kitsune mask hung by rope.

"Then what are they doing here?"

"They're the shintai that were suppose to be worshipped here at the shrine." [F/N] stretched over and tugged the hanging mask off the rope and presented both it and the sword to Michikatsu, Signalling him to take it.

As he did she told him to be careful while holding them.

The sword was nothing similar to any Katana he's wielded, Nor was it like anything he'd seen in the country. Instead it was built like a very large medieval English sword with the only hint of Japanese influence being the blue hilt which resembled the typical katana.

One side of the sharpened blade was covered in a sort of second sharper metal which glimmered azure in the dim light of the room.

The mask however was oddly designed compared to the usual festival mask. It was made of porcelain and its eyes were carved in a sort of wide eyed stare, The whites of it being a dark black and the pupils sapphire.

Thick cerulean marks adorned the mask, Swirling around the mask and centring at the bullseye of the mask. Except for the ears which were deeply patterned with swirls and flower-esque designs culminating at the covered tips.

The two items radiated a sort of energy from both which Michikatsu couldn't place.

"They're twin artefacts. It's said in the shrines folklore that they belonged to Inari Okami themselves gifted to them by their father, Izanagi. And from the heavens above they dropped them on accident and both the sword and the mask fell to here, The mortal realm" She explained with low wonder.

"The sword is named very bluntly as "The Soul Sword". It's called that because it's said by the previous shrine maidens that when a person is killed by the blade the soul of the person is absorbed into it and prevented from passing onto the afterlife. An eternity in the blade." She told as if it was rehearsed, It probably was.

She pointed to the Mask

"The mask however isn't named but it's said to warp the body of the user to their desire, Disguising themselves completely." She said.

"And does it work?" Michikatsu asked, Studying the mask.

"Haven't tried. It's a sacred artefact of the shrine. It would be a disrespect to Inari if I did." She stated.

Michikatsu examined both of the artefacts as [F/N] rambled away on the tale of the two, They were very well kept.

"You really know a lot about this stuff. Don't you?" He said more of to himself.

[F/N] nodded.

"Yeah. I guess it's just something I'm passionate about" She muttered.

Suddenly, Their conversation was interrupted by a voice upstairs calling out.

"Nii-San! [F/N]!" Yorichii called out from up above them, Voice faint and muffled from the thick stone walls.

Michikatsu groaned being mildly annoyed at being interrupted by Yorichii. [F/N] perked up however.

"That's Yorichii. Better go see what he needs!" She said. [F/N] grabbed both the sword and the mask from Michikatsu's grasp and settling them back with care onto their designed positions, As well as rolling up the parchment paper and putting it under the table

She dusted off her beryl coloured haori and got up from the tatami mat she was sitting on.

"Come on, Better not keep him waiting!" [F/N] said making her way out without waiting for Michikatsu, Who quickly followed after.

They made their way back up the stairs to find Yorichii a few metre's down the hall. He was standing there watching them come up with an arm stretched out, A crow perched neatly on it with a small roll of parchment paper tied to its neck by a string.

"What is it, Yorichii?" Michikatsu asked eyeing the crow.

"Oyataka-sama has summoned us to the headquarters, Urgent meeting." Yorichii said, a tint of unhappiness in his voice.

Michikatsu's face scrunched up in resentment, Obviously not excited by the news.

[F/N] frowned.

"..You've got to leave?" She asked looking up at Michikatsu who looked back with her with an expression saying that he didn't want to. But Yorichii's voice maintained importance.

"..I suppose so.." He said reluctantly. Not wanting to leave his sister alone. His eyes expanded with an idea formed in his head.

"Why don't you come with us, [F/N]?" Michikatsu asked going to stand next to Yorichii. The crow once perched on his arm squawked once. And with a flap of its wings it took off out an ajar window.

[F/N]'s palms suddenly got sweaty at the thought. Her shoulders felt heavy and slumped down with her face portraying one of heavy adversion

She shook her head, Michikatsu's face fell.

"It's not a long trip if that's what you're worried about, If you get tired we can get a horse or I could carry you-" Michikatsu was cut off by [F/N]'s hum of disapproval.

"It's not the trip. It's just I really don't want to leave the shrine unattended y'know?" She asserted. Evidently after spending an entire decade in it's walls she had grown dependant and attached so much to the point she couldn't journey far out of it.

"You can leave the shrine for a few days. Just please come with us, It'll be fine." Michikatsu reasoned, a small ounce of anxiety rising up into his chest at the thought of her being left.

[F/N] shook her head again.

"No, I'm sorry. But it's not forever, You can still come visit!" She spouted in an asking tone, Waiting for him to confirm.

Michikatsu shared a look with Yorichii. Yorichii's look told him he agreed with their sister while Michikatsu's only told of aversion.

However feeling outnumbered in the situation he reluctantly sighed and agreed to [F/N]'s proposal.

With a heavy heart and bag of food [F/N] prepared for their journey, Michikatsu spared one last look to see her before heading out into the forest.

☆♡☆

In the five months that passed from that day forward were probably the happiest days of [F/N]'s life.

Every few days her brothers would come and visit her at the shrine after a mission and they'd stay for around two days before the crow came along and the process started all over again.

She'd even arranged them their own little rooms and the crow would come in advance to announce their arrival so she could prepare them food.

It was nice to be reunited with her family after a decade of solitude. The routine they got into was nice and became sort of domestic.

Though, Over the months [F/N] couldn't help but notice a sort of tension between Michikatsu and Yorichii however it was one-sided. Only Michikatsu initiated it while Yorichii was none the wiser.

It seemed more aggressive as the months went on. Michikatsu focused more on his training similar to what he did when they were younger. He'd have more hostility towards Yorichii and weirdest of all he seemed much more clingy and possessive towards her.

However [F/N] didn't like to think of it. While she knew it was there and she knew they'd have to talk about it at some point, She decided that it'd be better to wait for the right time to bring it up.

Everyday [F/N] would get up at around seven in the morning to do her rounds, Collect food and pray to Inari for an hour or two before going out to the main wooden shrine steps to sit and wait for her brothers to return.

When they did they would eat together, They'd tell stories of their mission no matter how surface level and vague they described it. They'd train outside in the courtyard while [F/N] watched from the steps in awe at their skill.

She recalled back to her childhood and her dream of becoming a samurai like her brothers, While it was true she now favoured the shrine over that old fairy-tale it didn't mean that she still didn't ponder over it often, Daydream while she brushed the floors, Envision the swing of a sword when she spun the brush around.

However of course, It was just a pipe dream. Just a silly pipe dream. But often she asked herself: Why not both?

[F/N] watched Michikatsu from the steps as he practiced sword swings in the shrine courtyard, Taking occasional glances at his sister to make sure she was watching him. The thought ran throughout her head. While she hadn't picked up a sword before other than The Soul Sword (Which at times, She lightly swung it around before setting it down. Then right after feeling ashamed for using a sacred artefact she proceeded to pray for forgiveness at the altar)

She was sure she could try.

While Michikatsu was swinging his sword she had got up from the step with a stumble. She wobbled a little and grabbed the handle bars to steady herself.

She took a deep breath and slowly walked down the stairs which suddenly seemed like a herculean task.

She set her sandal-covered feet onto the courtyard with an unnecessary effort and started walking towards Michikatsu who was only a few metre's ahead of her.

With every step she took her body seemed to get heavier. It felt like weights were being tied to her ankles every time she lifted her foot.

The distance seemed to widen between her and her brother. Her eyelids seemed to get heavier too.

And with another single undignified step her knees collapsed on her. She fell down to the floor with a thump! as her body relaxed and crumpled over on the ground.

Her eyes got blurry as she saw Michikatsu rush over to her tired body and listened to him shout out something she couldn't hear

She closed her eyes and untensed her body. Falling into the pitch black void of unconciousness.

☆♡☆

[F/N] lay motionless in her bed.

A wet cloth lay over her forehead and a light blanket was lain on top of her.

It was two months since that day she collapsed. She was carried by Michikatsu and was rushed to the nearest village where she was seen by a doctor who gave her the diagnosis.

It was her mothers illness, Turning out to be hereditary and passed down onto [F/N]. However this seemed to be more severe and had developed into later stages quickly.

The doctor had said that she should be put in bedrest but despite Michikatsu's yelling and paranoid yelling there was no cure.

The first few days consisted of Michikatsu being hunched over her bed refusing to leave her side. Over the two months he had grown even worse than he did before.

He was angry before. Competitive, Hostile, Aggressive you name it. But now?

Now he was paranoid, Jumpy, Clingy piled on with all of those traits before.

Yorichii couldn't get through to him, He didn't hide his ire towards Yorichii now and hissed insults at him whenever he tried to speak to Michikatsu.

The first month was Michikatsu searching for a cure. He'd travel from village to village trying to find a doctor who could cure [F/N]. He scoured the Shrine's libraries and had gone mad trying.

Four days ago he had told [F/N] that he was going out again and that she was not to leave her bed unless she was going to get food or do her prayers, Which [F/N] had begged to be allowed.

He had stocked up enough food and water in the pantry for his trip when he left.

He told her that he would be back in two days, It was four now. Yorichii had been with her the first month but after he was called out on a very important mission he never came back.

When she asked Michikatsu what happened to him, He wouldn't tell her.

To say [F/N] was worried was an understatement. Michikatsu was never late, He'd always sent his crow to let her know even if he was.

Suddenly she was aware of a loud creaking. The main shrine gates.

Michikatsu must be back, [F/N] thought. A rush of excitement ran through her and overpowered the cold sweat of her sickness.

She'd gotten up from her futon and wrapped herself in her blanket to prevent the cold winter air from bothering her too much.

It was snowing outside. A blizzard had grown strong while she had slept earlier. Before when she was well in the health department she had prepared well for the winter and could survive during it, Making the inside of the shrine warm all throughout the season.

Now however that she depended on her brothers who were nowhere to be found the cold permeated the hallways and stung the tips of her fingers and nose.

She shivered and slid open the shoji doors to hobble through the hallways towards the courtyard, Ready to greet Michikatsu.

However when she quietly opened the door she wasn't greeted by Michikatsu. But instead two strange men with swords standing in the snowstorm. who hadn't seem to notice her yet

"This is it? Seems rundown." One of the men said

"According to his crow this is where he has been staying for the past few months. He must be here, Someone must pay for what he did and hiding here won't prevent what's coming to him." The other growled, Anger etched onto his features.

[F/N], A little insulted at her shrine being called run down, Made herself known by letting out a loud cough.

"Who are you? And what are you doing at my shrine?" The girl asked

The two looked up at the source. Their hands jumped to their sheathed swords as they looked up at her in antagonism.

They slowly approached her, So much so that they were now standing under the wooden porch roof.

[F/N] stumbled back in a way of getting distance between her and the men.

The one that called her shrine rundown stepped forward. He bowed down in respect to her.

"Greetings there. We're sorry to trouble you but we're looking for a man. His name is Yorichii Tsugikuni. He wears hanafuda earing's and his hair in a ponytail. Have you seen him anywhere?" He said.

Swords. Right. These must be Yorichii's colleagues. [F/N] relaxed slightly.

"Oh, You two must be his co-workers!" She exclaimed, Relief flooding her system.

She curtsied in respect.

"My name is [F/N] Tsugikuni. I am his younger sister, Unfortunately I haven't seen him for a month or two and I don't know where he's been. Apologies." I sighed.

The two men looked at each other.

"Sister? You're his sister?" The angrier one said, A hint of hostility in his voice.

Suddenly a chill ran up her spine, Something was wrong.

"Uhm.. Yes." [F/N] said with caution. Though she was tempted to lie, It just wasn't in her nature.

The angrier man now referred to as Man A gripped the hilt of his sheathed sword tighter.

"Well. I don't know if you know this but two months ago your brother... Messed up, Per se. Causing a great loss towards the demon corps..." He said. His words implied something unknown to [F/N]. The corners of her lips twitched. Demon corps? Messed up? The meaning eluding her.

"A lot of people got hurt. Including our father." Man A sneered. His face the exact visage of vengeance.

Man B behind him wasn't as such but still held a face of stone.

The realisation of what was happening hit [F/N] like a freight train. Her hands grew sweaty as they quickly rushed the shoji doors.

"I... I am so sorry to hear that. B-But unfortunately my brother isn't here right now... I've got to go tend to the haiden. Please, Come back later." Her voice trembled and shook despite how much she tried to keep her tone steady and confident.

As her hands tried to quickly shut the shoji doors the metal of a sword stopped the doors from opening fully.

[F/N] yelped and stumbled back from the door. The two men forced their way into the shrine hallway. [F/N] felt her back hit the wall.

"I'm sorry about what is to happen. But Yorichii Tsugikuni needs to pay for what he did and the death of his sister will bring about our revenge. Please forgive us." Man B said finally unsheathing his sword.

Run.

[F/N]'s feet grew light as she took off down the shrine hall, The two men hot on her tail as she careened round the corners and throughout the shrine.

She felt her heart pound heavy in her chest. Both from the almost paralysing fear and the illness coursing throughout her system.

Her legs felt weak but carried on. Her pace just a little bit faster than the men behind her despite all odds, She unconsciously thanked the hours she spent out in the woods running around for resources.

Tears burst like a dam from her eyes and flew from her eyes as she sprinted. Choked sobs periodically interrupted the heavy breaths she took from running.

The faster she ran, The more corners she turned the more thoughts ran rampant throughout her head.

Exits? Only the main gate which she was currently running away from and were closed on the way in, It takes too much time to open those doors and the men would catch up to her in no time. Convince them to stop? Impossible. The men seemed determined in their goal and no amount of talking would change anything. The hidden room? On the other side of the shrine and she didn't have the key on her

[F/N] had gained a bit of distance from the men at this point, Having shook them off her trail for a very short amount of time.

She ran to where her heart took her, To the place she felt safest.

The offering hall which use to look bright and full of flowers, baskets of food and was spotless now was empty and cold. The candles went long unlit and a bit of dust built up and went into the air when she slammed open the doors, Making her cough.

[F/N] ran to the altar with her legs trembling. She fell to her knees in front of it crying her eyes out. Her body positioned into its usual prayer formation as she choked out her sobs.

"Please! Inari. I-I'm going to die... I haven't asked for anything from the day I've got here... Please spare my life.. L-Let me live! I don't want to die, Inari. Please.. Please.." [F/N] broke down in front of the altar as she chanted please over and over again like a sacred sutra.

She wailed quietly in front of the shrine letting all her emotions out from her eyes.

She never noticed the men standing behind her as she prayed. Their expressions serious and unaffected by the girl's unheard prayers.

Man A raised his katana. Holding it in his grasp he raised it high above his head.

And with a yell he swiftly brought it down.

Blood splattered the offerings room. Drenching the two men and the girl below, The blade going straight through her back.

☆♡☆

Cold.

It was so cold.

The men had left her there bleeding, How long ago she didn't know.

She had made her way out of the shrine. Past the main doors, Past the entrance gate and the pathway and out into the main part of the forest.

The blade had went right through her chest out the other side, She gripped it tightly while the blood stained her dragon-patterned haori colouring it crimson.

It was a miracle she had got this far out into the blizzard. The tip of her nose had frozen and her jaw chattered letting out cold air.

She weakly turtled into her haori for warmth however it proved futile.

The white snow behind her left a red trail as she walked.

Soon enough it was too much.

Soon enough, She collapsed.

☆♡☆

Quickly throughout the forest, Kokushibo ran quickly up the mountain through the unrelenting blizzard, Which never stung him in the slightest.

It had only been a few hours since he woke up from consuming that man's blood. His appearance now changed from the transformation which took three days to complete.

He carried a vial of that mans blood in one of his hands. He remembered the deal vividly in his mind.

Strength for him, A way to become stronger. Stronger than his brother. A way to avoid the eventual fate of all those who bore the demon slayer mark.

And a vial of that man's blood to save his dying sister.

He ran like hell. Snow crunching from the rapid footsteps behind him.

He stopped however, When the faintest scent of blood invaded his senses.

All three sets of his eyes widened.

He picked up his pace again. Now heading toward the smell.

His heartrate picked up. It couldn't be. It can't. [F/N] was alright. She was okay. Even now after becoming a demon, He still felt possessiveness affection towards his sister.

He came to a halt.

His heart dropped to his stomach as he tried to comprehend the sight in front of him. His eyes widened and his jaw slack open.

There in the snow, Lay a body curled up in a fetal position.

Snow had built up on it. It lay motionless buried in the snow.

He recognised it as [F/N].

"[F/N]!!" He yelled, running over to the body.

He fell to his knees in front of her and shoved off all the built up snow.

He pulled her body so her head was laying down on his lap. He shook her gently.

"...[F/N].. Wake up. Come on." He whispered. His shaking now growing more frantic to her lack of response.

He looked at the vial in his right hand.

Opening her mouth he popped open the seal and poured the red liquid into her mouth.

He watched it pour onto her tongue and down her throat. He waited for the reaction.

However, Nothing came.

He waited and waited. Nothing.

He felt his eyes water and flow out from them as the dawning realisation hit him.

He was holding his little sister's corpse in his arms.

He couldn't protect her. She had died and he wasn't there to protect her.

He yelled, Screamed and cried. In anger, Frustration, Sorrow, Guilt and mourning for his loss. He couldn't do anything.

However when he finally noticed the stab wound he realised this was murder. He could do something.

He carried his sister's body in his arms and pulled her close to his chest as he quietly grieved for her.

He brought her body back to her beloved shrine and set her down at the head of the shrine where she loved the most.

He'd deal with her body later. But for now he had to get revenge for the death of his little sister.

Using his blood demon art to make a sword he gripped it tight.

He set off into the blizzard already with a scent on the targets.

He looked back once at the shrine. The last remaining parts of his humanity dying in there with his sister

And with that he left. Never to look back again.

☆♡☆

It was five hundred years ago.

Kokushibo began reminiscing when he sat in front of her gravestone. What he did that night.

He had gotten his revenge, The two slayers slowly tortured and then eaten by him. Their screams and their pleads for mercy when they showed [F/N] none.

He had started with the fingers and toes, Then he moved up to the lower limbs, Slowly he ate them alive. He made one of them watch him while he ate, All before he moved onto them.

He made them confess who killed her to which after a little persuasion they admitted easily.

They got the worst of it, He didn't even eat him after the torture. Just left him pinned to a tree bleeding out. He had put him up high only giving him the options of freezing to death, bleeding out or dying from the fall.

The memories rewound in his head like a film. Flashing memories of when she was born and he got to cradle her in his arms. All the way up until he only held her lifeless corpse, Killed too soon.

He had mourned for a long time after that, Never really getting over her death, Not even now as he set down the new flowers on her grave built near the house they grew up in.

He couldn't bring himself to consume her body, He could never. It was too much.

He got up and dusted himself off, Just like she use to do.

He turned away and walked into the night, Melding into the shadows as he went off to find his next meal.

☆♡☆

The morning rays shun down on the Ubuyashiki Estate. Flowers in full bloom with wisteria ripe in the air.

Birds chirped and grasshoppers hummed in the bushes. The neatly trimmed and well kept garden a fit home for them

The Hashira had gathered and stood in front of the porch awaiting the arrival of their master. They talked amongst themselves in the meantime.

Mitsuri, The Love Hashira tugged on the hand of another. A soft smile gracing her face.

"Fujimori-san! You should really come out with me sometime, It's been ages since we've done something together!" Mitsuri teased lightly.

Fujimori laughed lightly from behind the kitsune mask with cerulean markings he (he?) wore. The medival english looking sword positioned in front of him pointing downward, His two hands gripping the katana-like hilt.

He was tall and muscular but had more of an athletic build. He had tattoo's from his neck to his lower arms describing pictures typically seen in shrine art.

His blue dragon-patterned haori that was draped around his lower arms lightly wove in the wind along with his [H/C] locks tied into a ponytail.

"What do you mean? We went on a mission together last week!" He chuckled.

Mitsuri huffed and lightly gripped his hand

"When I mean spend time together I mean like we should go to a hot spring or go out to eat together or-" Mitsuri continued rambling on as she listed off possible activities they could do together.

Fujimori, [F/N] listened intently onto her as she talked.

She (She? She.) however was only thinking of his visions: A sick woman, A woman with fox markings and a man in a purple hakama.

She'd need to figure it out later.

Next chapter

[komoboko]

okie hihi its me again, I'll resending the request plantonic with teen-reader and (fatherfigure)kokupuffs

It will be simple same sitution with tanjiro and nezuko, but differeny dymanic, kokupuffs trained reader with his moon breathing(as a spy in the corps), and he continues teaching them until somewhere along the year, he grow attach to them so he discards the die of the spy in the corps and continues to train and raise reader, and reader grow wonderfully, time skip- reader hearing about what happened to tanjiro in hashira meeting, and just have a blow oit panic attack, what if someone found out their teacher(father) is a demon? a upper rank one? and just kokushibo comforting them quietly, pat pat the head of smt.

just fatherly love.

𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭

Platonic kokushibo tsugikuni x teen!reader

I wrote this three different times to get to the same ending the writing block is killing me

Your method of training was much more unconditional compared to any other slayer to say the least.

You still learned all the basic, excelled well in them to. Techniques came much easier to you and you had a great mentor, it was only the little things that made it different. Maybe the small part that you started to adapt moon breathing into your skills, a breathing style not picked up or used by slayers for a long time. That’s fine, maybe you were just ahead of your game.

Maybe it was the fact that you mentor just happened to be a demon, an upper moon. Which demons are obviously prohibited in the corps, but upperanks specifically? If they even find out about it they’ll be hunt down and hopefully executed immediately. That’s not to good is it..

Kokushibo was an interesting man. His way of going about things is different, this thought process is different, his entire body structure is different. Everything about him was strange. Some ways it still surprises you that he even decided to help you in the first place.

He never planned keeping you around for this long in the first place. It was only so he could blend in with the rest of the slayers nearby, making him less suspicious in case anything happened. He trained you for a while, he was more surprised by how quickly you grown. He didn’t expect himself to grow attached to you. He tried to fight it off for a while he really did but it just wouldn’t work.

So reluctantly he persisted, trained you much longer than a spy mission would require. As much as he denies it he can’t say he doesn’t look out for you. He’ll tell you it’s nothing and you’ll just need to repay him for doing this but you know he doesn’t want anything from you in return. He’s surprised at how far you’ve grown in moon breathing. He’s proud of your growth and he doesn’t regret taking you in while he could.

You’ve been practicing for awhile with kokushibo and with others in the corps. You wouldn’t ever tell them how you learned it, you’d just tell them it came natural to you. That’s all the information they need to know, especially after what you seen today.

You didn’t mean to eavesdrop you just happen to be in the area at the same moment and the same time. The new boy you seen at the corps was outed for smuggling a demon, having been protecting his little sister in the giant box he carried around. You could sympathize for him as you had your own situation with handling a demon. You couldn’t blame him for his actions, but you’d never say this out loud. You wouldn’t dare.

It surprised you how harsh the boy was treated, even more so at how his little sister was treated. It brought you even more fear at realize the repercussions of anybody finding out how you’ve even trained. Seeing how bad this boy was treated despise being here for such little time, it would be devastating if they figured out how long this “scandal” has been going on.

Panic soon began to consume you as your breathing picked up and your eyes widen more as you darted off. Running into the woods in no particular direction as your breathing soon became much more intense as fear only seemed to control your actions even more. Your body leans up against a tree as you slowly shuffle down. Your knees pressed to your chest as you stare at the leaves on the grassy floor.

You were unaware of kokushibo presence who awkwardly stood behind the tree. He was aware of the demon child and its slayer brother as muzan had informed him. Your mumbling only confirmed his suspicions on what he believed happened. He walks to stand beside you unsure if the first way to approach this, he never needed to really comfort you in this manor. The only time he did so was to motivate you to train more, nothing like this.

His hands finds it way to the top of your head as he stiffly attempts to pat your head to comfort you. You only stare up at him as your distress is still present, “what if they find out? Especially if they realize hiw long this has been going on?!” You mumble as the fear in your voice is evident. Kokushibo only shakes his head at you to stop yourself from continuing on.

“Nonsense child, mortals like you are easy to deceive. If they ever do I..” he stops himself he can’t tell you he would kill them, it would only cause you to fall deeper into despair than you already are. “I will personally come to defend your honor.” He finishes his sentence before looking down at you again, hoping to bring you so firm of closure.

You couldn’t help but still fear some fear, no matter how calming the demon’s words were meant to be. “I know I know, but if they even find out for a second I’d be cursed. Banished from the corps, I’d be persecuted by every slayer around. It would be an unforgivable action possibly.” You ramble out as kokushibo only kneels down to get closer to your eye level. Before you can continue he only stops you before you can say more.”

“Being a child like yourself should not be some sort a sin.” He states staring back at you with all six of his eyes. “If they even have any theory of you working under me I shall take the weight and th blame. A child like yourself shouldn’t and won’t feel any remorse nor any pain. I will make sure of this myself.” His words are meaningful in deep despite the strange way he puts it.

Your eyes only drift back to the ground as silence falls between the two of you. Your knees shift before your head turns to look at kokushibo. Who can tell hopes you understand what he was trying to tell you. He shifts as he stares out into the distance becoming stiff when he feels a pair of arms around him. He blinks when you hug him not very sure on how to react quickly.

He sits still for a moment before slowly just letting you hug him. One of his arms wrap around you in hopes to comfort you a little bit more. He feels you calming down more and it eases him to know your original state of panic washes away. Even to this day despite how long he’s been strolling the earth he does not get why he feels any attachment towards you in the first place. Never the less he embraces it.

You on the other hand are grateful for his presence just being here with you in the first place. You know he’s gonna go on with his “mortals are insignificant” and his “humans are so stubborn and so weak at the same time” rambles later on. You can appreciate him being here to give you his piece of mind now and to really tell you he’s here for you even if he can’t express it right.

Your mentor still is pretty weird, immoral to others. You can’t say you don’t appreciate him being him whether others will like it or not.

[5cookiekitty]

Could you do a fanfic with you demon slayer fanfic idea with reader having the same personality as daki but worst and visiting them and was attacked by a hashira and had to call one of her siblings

*『koku-nii』

Yandere uppermoon {kokushibo} × little sister reader

Fanfic idea

'This is to easy.' The hashira avoided the array of pin like crystal that came flying towards him with a slash of his breathing. 'Somthing isn't right here.' He could feel it in his bones a she watched uppermoon zero send out more crystal's from the ground in which he weaved and dodge once more. The crystal's on her face that formed in the middle of head in the shape of a butterfly glowed allowing for crystal like butterfly to fly through the air.

"I can you feel you getting weaker and slower! Your a hashira right! If I kill you here I will certainly expect some praise!" The demons voice was sickenly gleeful on such a beautiful face. Her Kimono , that split open to show a leg that wore geta sandals and a ankle long white sock , fluttered in the wind like falling angel wings. Maybe she was one.

The hashira stared at the demon who was taunting him much like how a child would. ‘Something isn't right here.’ he thought as he easily deflected away another array of crystals coming his way. ‘There's no way it should be this easy right.’ this was an uppermoon of course but even he was getting bored with this battle. ‘Doesn't matter anyway…’ he activated his breathing as he slashed forward in an instant and behind the demon. “Cause your through” 

The demon was quick to try to snap her head around with the anger on her beautiful face clear as day. “What did you just say to me you li-” and then suddenly the world was upside down and spinning as she collapsed like a marionette without its strings attached as her head gently rolled on the ground as her body slumped to the ground on its side. “Huh?”

“Do you mind telling me where your little demon friend is hiding.” he watched those e/c eyes glare at him from the floor. “Since you're too weak to be the one who killed all those slayers.” he got an angry screech in response. “What is that supposed to mean! I really am an uppermoon ,I am! I'll kill you for your insolence!” he looked down at the demon on the floor with confused eyes. “Can't kill me if you're dead.” His voice was flat and deadpanned.

“It's not over yet , You just caught me off guard! If I put my head back on, I'll show you! You wont get me a second time”

“You're right I won't get you a second time cause there isnt going to be a second time.”

“But-”

“Stop it , it's over. You're over so why don't you just go ahead and die already. Your reign of terror is over.” he was about ready to stop entertaining this soon-to-be-dead demon when suddenly he felt something. ‘What the-’ all the hairs on his body stood to attention as he narrowly avoided a thin crystal needle coming at him. ‘Hold on, wait a minute, why isn't she disintegrating.’

“How dare you!How dare you! How dare you!” the shrill voice on the angry demon renovated throughout the forest as she sat up onto her hands and knees, head forgotten in favor of slamming the ground down in anger. “DIE! DIE! DIE! all of you slayers can die!” the demon continued her babbling angry rant as the hashira stared on in growing confusion. “I'm an upper moon!i'm strong and i'm getting stronger everyday! I'm better than you!I'm better than you, you hear me!” The woman now had angry frustrated tears streaming down her face looking and acting too much like a child in dire need of comfort.

“My head got cut off! It got cut off! He cut it off!”

‘Wait hold on , who is she complaining to-’

And suddenly with a hand raised in the air that once more slammed onto the ground she released what felt like death itself.

“KOKU-NIIIIIIIIIIII”

And before the hashira could comprehend what was happening there was a sudden burst of unimaginable bloodlust throughout the area as something started to emerge from the female demon's back. Suddenly he was swinging forward as every instinct in his body since becoming a demon slayer activated in a sudden urge and need to kill the literal death-bringing-thing coming out from where it was hidden with his katana. And yet as soon as he neared the thing , inches away , his katana cut through nothing.

And then he heard sniffling and a whine and his head quickly snapped behind him to see the demoness , crying softly into a hand that cupped the side of her face gently as she tried in vain to whip away her rapidly falling tears. Head now attached to her body with a person crouched in front of her. “Y-you saw what he did right.” Her voice was soft and shaky , reminding the slayer of a crying child and not of a heartless demon that he knew she was. “I wasn't doing anything and yet-” she sounded like another slot of tears was going to come out as the last of her sentence wobbled out.

The slayer stood to the back , uncertain of what to do. Even for someone like him the back to back abnormalities were coming quickly and he felt as though he needed some time to rest.readying himself he quickly zipped across the room only to jump back when his face came too close to being sliced in half by a sword. ‘Shit.’ He could feel blood begin to dribble down from his head as his eyes finally found the new occupant in the room. ‘Double shit.’ cause staring back at him were six eyes , the middle pair having kanji written in it.

Uppermoon 1 

“I knew something was off.” the slayer mumbled as he looked the upper moon up and down. ‘This is bad. I can feel it in my bones.’ He watched as the girl, not a woman , never to grow up and be one continued to cry to herself in the background. ‘Not to mention that one aint exited from the land of the living yet. What the absolute hell is going on here.’ he stepped back , a bit nervously , when uppermoon took a stance that blocked most of his view of the woman.

“You must be a hashira.” The demon talked slowly, giving his tone that of a gravitas one. ‘His whole aura screams unnerving tranquility.as if he's in control of everything.’ The hashira got into a stance , hands on the handle of his katana ready to strike at a moment's notice. “Yes I am.” he watched as the demon brought down his katana also into a stance ready to fight. “Good.” he said. “Maybe you'll last longer…than the others.” and with a swing of the katanas and the swirl of crystals the fight was on.

hours later y/n would give kokushibo her gift she meant to give him before she attacked in the midst of a bloody massacre. A hand carved comb with little dragons painted onto it to with white crystals. It would the next night when y/n had combined herself with him that he would genly touched the comb hidden away in his kimono as he stared up at the moon.

[koridoru]

Might I ask for more of the upper moons interacting with a child! I’ve gotten a craving for it

(this is super old but im really trying to cut down on asks!)

"This child... won't go away... why?" Kokushibo asked himself, although he had sort of grown to like this child. The small child they once encountered had stuck around for quite a while now.

None of them were really sure why this child wasn't afraid of them.

Innocence perhaps.

The tiny tot no older than 5 trotted around Kokushibo's section of the infinity palace.

It was just then when Akaza, begrudgingly followed by Doma, entered the room.

"We came for the kid, Koku."

Akaza said with a serious look on his face.

"Yes indeed! It's our turn to play with it!" Doma chimed in, all cheery and bubbly, contrast to Akaza.

"Why so serious, Akaza?" Kokushibo asked, picking up the child like you would a football.

"Because you need to learn to share, six eyes!" He said.

So that's what the attitude was about, he was jealous.

"May we have the yummy little tyke pleeeease!" Doma begged.

Akaza smacked him over the head for his comment of the childs taste.

Kokushibo handed the kid over, holding them by the back of their little kimono.

Akaza darted out of the room, not wanting to deal with Doma any longer.

He didn't get to be alone, however.

He was caught by Daki and Gyutaro, who had also taken a liking to the child.

Akaza had to negotiate with Daki that she can dress the child up but he still gets to be with them.

Daki started squealing with glee as the child's hair was now riddled with bows, and they were wearing a furisode that was much too large for them.

Gyutaro wanted to play with them next.

Let's just say he isn't the best influence.

"Say shit." Gyutaro ushered.

"Sit!" The child squealed.

"No, say shit."

"Siiiit!!"

Daki came out to investigate the commotion, and berated Gyutaro for what he was doing, much to his annoyance.

It was getting bright out, and the child had actually developed the demons habit of being nocturnal, so they took Gyokko's pot to Nakime's room and slept in the little hammock she set up in the tree for them.

[warringwarrioridiot]

hi i dont know if you take requests im so sorry if you dont but can you do like immagine if kokushibo adopts a 16 year old and they try to take her away cause they think he kidnapped them and they try to jump cause she just cant stay away from him (can be any gender sorry if this sounds dump or idk)

OGHDHSHSUS OMG OMG MY FIRST KOKU REQUEST

*happy feral Italian noises*

YOU BET YOUR ASPHALT ILL DO THIS!

Platonic Kokushibo with Teen! Fem Reader.

C-Warnings: Mentions of Kidnapping, Running away, Fem reader, I don't have a lot of Koku images so bare with me, shitty home life, language, etc.

__________________________________

You came from a shitty house, and I mean shitty. (Talking about constant fighting and shit)

So you ran away from home, not being able to take the nagging and guilt-tripping anymore.

You stumbled upon Kokushibo, and immediately realized you were going to die.

You were just about to embrace the bittersweet feelings of death when

*Shink*

Long story short, Kokushibo couldn't bring himself to kill you, and he didn't know why. (He still doesn't.)

Kokushibo offered to take you in, and lets just say that you made a good choice saying yes.

He managed to find an abandoned house nearby, where he provided essentials and a warm home, something you barely remember having.

__________________________________

Kokushibo is actually a very good dad, being able to cook and teach you things.

He refrained from eating people in front of you, not wanting to scare you away.

You obviously knew he was a demon, but he still refused.

You genuinely cared for him, and he cared for you.

Unfortunately, the shitty family from before didn't realize that you ran away, and assumed you were kidnapped.

So they searched for you, aka paid someone else to search.

I told you they were shitty.

Now Kokushibo, being the Chad he is, didn't want to traumatize you by killing the hired searchers. (is that a word? Idk)

Instead, he took you and ran down to another abandoned house, and managed to keep the same warm household you and him shared.

Now remember, this is fem reader, so you have a thing called a POOSAY, and a period.

And he kinda freaked out inside, not really understanding what to do-

Bros face was just 🗿

But he grew his balls back and figured it out, thank God.

__________________________________

When Muzan found out about you, it made Koku melon panic, but the smooth criminal himself was just like:

"Just do your job, and nothing will happen to her."

Aka, Muzan favs him, and probably trusts him enough to do his job.

Bro is very suspicious of Douma being around you.

He's genuinely afraid that Douma might hurt you, or worse.

Same thing with the Mutated Baby, Gyokko.

(Kokushibo was cracking up inside when you called Gyokko that.)

He trusts Akaza, knowing he won't lay a hand on you due to his own morals.

He maybe lets him and Nakime babysit you when he's not around.

(dunno about the others)

in the end, Kokushibo's an excellent dad. I don't think you wanna know what happened to your shitty family.

__________________________________

[starsharkxp]

@captain-astors You said the people wish to see, so I provided😸

This was made in school and my school banned phones so stuff are out of memory, therefore not very accurate. No I will not redraw this or digitally trace it, I like having my hands not hurting.

[zen1dol]

i dont care if its ooc . i dont care if i drew their hair wrong . comfort doodle

[xjulixred45x]

okay, I think I'll focus on making a few requests before doing the final work on HADES....BUT FIRST ONE LAST WORK ON KNY.

in this case from Kimetsu Gakuen/Kimetsu Academy.

mainly to make up for the Angst of Kokushibo and his son, so here we go (I'll just refer to reader as "son" because it's easier).

We already know that Kokushibo is dedicated to being Muzan's "bodyguard", and probably thanks to this no one entertains the idea that this man has children or a family in general.

but no, he does have them.

He and his wife (Haruhime seems to be a popular name for Michikatsu's wife so I will use it here) taking into account their work they do everything possible to keep their children's lives anonymous, whether teaching them at home or in high-level private institutions. They will not settle for less for their children.

and I can imagine His oldest child (reader) being especially gifted in those types of areas, the type of child who has the best grades as a child, and has a higher than average IQ level. which makes his parents very proud. that's for(due to recommendations) they decide to put him in various activities to "stimulate" him and have many possibilities in the future.

This causes son to unintentionally become an Overarchiver, that is, he goes to MANY activities at the same time, some he likes, others not so much, but he doesn't dare to tell his parents (especially his father) for fear of disappointing them. .

When he is very Burnout, he does REALLY innocuous and intricate things to miss his activities and his father doesn't notice, it is literally easier to do a stunt.

Kokushibo is not a bad father here, if he comes from the same background as in the original manga, he himself does not know how to have a normal upbringing for any of his children, so he tries to be the opposite in every way of his father, encouraging his child and not discourage him. apart from the fact that he personally fears that his son will be afraid of him (which ironically in a sense is already happening...)

Probably despite being so talented and deadly, he doesn't even realize how negatively this affects his son, his high expectations of him come more from ignorance (of not being very emotionally intelligent) than from a real urgency for his son to stand out in everything.

Other than that, he's a pretty decent father. when he gets the chance, he brags about his son and how smart he is to "trusted" people, tries to go to his son's sports/debate shows, supports him when he gets in trouble (even if he gets in trouble at home ), etc.

I imagine that being an Overarchiver, Kokushibo's son receives many MANY comparisons from both teachers and parents of other students, so he is not very popular so to speak...

You can see Kokushibo even forcing Kaigaku to give him certain reports about his son😅 and ironically they both end up becoming friends (Kokushibo doesn't know whether to be happy or worried, on the one hand his son finally has a friend, but it turns out to be the worst influence possible) .

Kaigaku even ends up helping Kokushibo's son get away with his escapades and relax a little, which would be nice in a way.

(he also tried to convince him to vandalize the bike of a boy who was especially mean to him, but son ran away).

the meetings at the Tsugikuni house when Kaigaku and Kokushibo are there at the same time must be VERY awkward.

some extra information about this:

*I think Kokushibo's other daughter (the youngest, I'll call her Mitsuki) is also an overarchiver, but more inclined to art, things like theater, ballet, choir, etc.

*I can't decide if Haruhime and Kokushibo would be separated. But let's say yes because I enjoy an intimidating woman who is soft on her family(same with Koku).

*Kokushibo's eldest son takes martial arts, debate classes, history, mathematics and probably knows how to play at least one instrument.

*as I said, Koku doesn't usually talk about his kids to many people, but his desk probably has several hidden photos of his kids (as children or at certain important events, he's that kind of dad).

*Koku is the overprotective father, Haruhime is the loving but strict mother.

*Muzan has probably tried to infiltrate his son or Mitsuki into Kimetsu Academy, but Haruhime (and lowkey Koku) WILL DIE before their children set foot in a public school.

*(what none of them know is that Kaigaku already put his son in school several times, just because).

*Haruhime definitely doesn't like Kaigaku, Mitsuki tolerates him. Kaigaku is afraid of Haruhime.

*Jigoro adores Son, thinks he's a good influence and probably threatens Kaigaku not to do anything to the poor boy🤣Zenitsu can't believe Son is so nice and at the same time is Kaigaku's friend ("blink if he's holding you against your will")

*Yoriichi probably knows about his nephews and they know about him. but they try to see each other without Koku being there (since he gets angry with their mere presence). They think it's funny.

Overall, just a weird family with communication problems, but who love each other.

Shares, reblogs and comments are very welcome!

[shytastemakerthing]

Can I request when Kokushibo energetic adult demon son gift his father a rock cause he see's his father as strong as a rock?

A/N: You certainly can! I did not specify whether or not that the reader is his biological child or not so I will leave that up for all of you to decide. Also, the reader is more gender neutral for this.

I hope that you enjoy!

In the time that Upper moon 1 has known you, in all of those years, watching you grow older, eventually becoming a demon yourself, he had known of your more energetic personality as opposed to his more calm demeanor, but, he will find it rather endearing.

Not that he has ever told you that tho-

Everyone who saw both of you knew, you were family. Though, it hasn't been confirmed by Kokushibo whether or not both of you are blood related or not.

The votes are split down the middle between the yes and no's/ Not even Muzan knows (though he is in favor of thinking that you both are related to one another, the resemblance is uncanny)

Back to the topic at hand

Kokushibo is well aware of how you see him

And this is strength that did not just happen over night

He has been training for well over 400 years now, so the fact that you share the same drive certainly has his utmost respect.

But then came your gift

It really wasn't much, just a rock

Nothing special, it wasn't shiny or held a myriad of colors that reflected any sort of light

It was just that, a simple rock

One that you would see just laying around on the road

But it was the expression on your face, the excitement in your eyes.

That's what prompted his question

"A.... rock?"

Followed by your reasoning

As strong and as solid as a rock, unbending to the throes of nature and time. Sure, the rock gets cut up and chipped, and worn down, but never destroyed. It stands firm, just like Kokushibo

Don't let your father's words trick you, yes that was the tiniest hint of a smile that came to his face

It wasn't such a feeling of pride that came over Upper Moon 1, no, this felt much better than something as simple as one's pride

His hand came to your shoulder in thanks, the most reaction you had ever seen from him, but it meant more to you than he could possibly ever know.

[fourtyfourcatss]

you can find my husbands when yiu go to my pinned page but who are yours?

i got none

but all main protagonists in media i have claimed as my younger siblings 🫡

[trancylovecraft]

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

Previous Chapter ☆♡☆ Masterlist ☆♡☆ Next Chapter

AO3 link

CHAPTER NINETEEN: "Your act is a ruse."

A cult is a group requiring unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices which are considered deviant outside the norms of society, which is typically led by a charismatic and self-appointed leader who tightly controls its members.

SLASH!

The demons head was swiftly removed from it's neck, A splatter of blood erupting from the stump as the head hit the forest floor.

It hit the ground hard, Bouncing once, Twice and a final third before it rolled away into the nearby shrubbery, Bound to burn up into nothing but sundust.

It was killed in an instant.

In a blink of an eye it.. It was dead..

The girl was sat within the clearing of the forest, Fallen to the ground and her body beaten up from the attack. Her slayer uniform was ragged, Torn at the edges and covered head to toe in filth, A mixture of grime and blood staining on the fabric.

Blood dripped down her forearm. Haori sleeve rolled up to get a view of the monstrous bite mark now embedded into her skin, With entire intent to have ripped off flesh from her bones and scarf down the rest.

Shinobu's breath was rapid and ragged, Chest going up and down with her heart racing miles an hour. Adrenaline still coursed through her punctured veins, Not yet worn off from the promise of death that gone unfulfilled.

Eyes turned up to the girl that prevented it.

She stood there like an Onna-musha of old, The moonlight graced by her figure. The luminosity rolled down the reflective edge of her blade, Barely even coated in the blood of the demon she had slayed.

Shinobu's breath was caught in her throat, Watching as her dragon blue haori danced in the midnight breeze. Enraptured in her form as she turned around, Eyes like spotlights meeting with Shinobu's.

"Are you alright?"

Her voice just as resonating as she was.

"Y-Yes.. I'm fine, I.. I'm alright." Shinobu stammered out as she steadied herself, Grasping at clumps of grass below her. Shinobu watched as the girl walked towards her, A strange looking sword sheathing into a hilt.

"Your arm.. It's injured." The girl observed. She bent down and Shinobu stifled a gasp once the girl grasped her arm, Gently raising it to examine the bite-shaped puncture marks in her skin. Watching the blood trickle down from the wound.

Her eyes narrowed.

"A close call, I'm sorry we didn't get here sooner.. Do you have any medical supplies on you?" She asked simply as she reached out towards the wound, Her eyes unaverred, Almost as if she hadn't slaughtered that demon like it was nothing only a few moments ago. Shinobu raised a finger, Pointing towards her satchel lain only arms-length away.

"I-In my bag, I keep supplies on me at all times.." She sputtered as her arm was let go of, Watching as the girl reached out over to her satchel and begin to shuffle through the compartments.

She fished out bandages, A cloth and cleaning alcohol. Shinobu knew very well that she could've tended to herself, But she found herself unable to do something as the girl dampened the cloth with alcohol and began to press it onto the wound.

"Ah!" Shinobu gasped, Body jerking from the sudden burning sensation on her arm.

"Sorry.. I should have warned you." The girl apologised, Pausing momentarily. She only continued once Shinobu gave her the go ahead with a small nod, Letting her continue to disinfect the wound with the cloth.

Shinobu stiffened as it ran across her skin, Though much more delicately this time. The girl glanced back up towards Shinobu, Examining her face.

"My name is Fujimori [F/N]. Your name is Kocho Shinobu, Am I right?" [F/N] asked as she cleaned away the ichor. Her other hand steadied Shinobu's arm, The warmth of her palm radiating nothing but unusual comfort to Shinobu.

It was almost enough to make her calm down entirely.

That otherworldly warmth.. Shinobu almost leaned into it.

"Yes, That's right.. I remember you and that other girl from final selection.." Shinobu confirmed, Recalling her face from only a month ago when they had passed the final selection.

How could she not? [F/N] that other girl had wiped the board. Most, If not all demons in there were slaughtered by them and them alone.

"How did you do that- You.. You decapitated it so fast." Shinobu muttered to herself, Memories rushing back to her of that night in Final Selection. How the burning scent of demonic ash flooded the air, How the very person bandaging her arm had emerged from the wisteria scented by the overwhelming tinge of demonic blood.

Shinobu's breath was caught as [F/N] began to open up the roll of bandages, Humming.

"It was distracted by you and I had a pretty good angle, I guess." [F/N] said as she began to bandage up the bitemark on Shinobu's arm. Shinobu shook her head.

"That's not what I.." She trailed off, Her voice dying down at the pain of her wrenching heart. That demon almost killed her because of Shinobu's stupid emotions, They were what had almost lead her to her grave.

"Any other demons in the area?"

"A-Another inside the house, I think.. I didn't get too good of a look."

"Alright. Any other slayers with you that we should know of? Any slain?"

"N-No.. I came out here on my own. This.. This isn't an official mission."

"Any family we can get you back to?"

"No.. Not anymore."

[F/N]'s steady eyes softened, Just a little bit.

"I see." She said, Continuing to bandage her arm.

Kanae.

Kanae, Her older sister. It hadn't been long since Shinobu watched her bleed to her death, Not long since Shinobu screamed and wept over her corpse, The breaking sun shining on her listless face.

Her hand had gone limp in hers, Her eyes loosing that shine that looked at Shinobu so brightly before. Shinobu had been so distraught, So destroyed by her death.. She should've known that her emotions were gonna cloud her judgement.

Lead her here, All for some stupid form of vengeance.

"There you go, All done.." [F/N] said as she finally finished bandaging Shinobu's arm, Letting go of it to let Shinobu get a look at the treated limb. "You shouldn't go hunting demons without anyone aware of where you are, Don't do it again, Okay?"

Shinobu nodded, Her eyes trailing away from [F/N]. How stupid she was.. She wasn't thinking logically.

"I-I understand, Thank you for bandaging my arm.."

"Heeeey~!"

A high pitched voice echoed out from behind them.

Shinobu's eyes widened, Peeking behind [F/N]'s figure to see a girl prancing out of the busted down door of the house, The one the demon had previously resided in. She was flailing around a blood speckled sword in the air, A goofy smile plastered on her face.

She had hair the colour of strawberries, Both cap and flesh. Her cheeks chubby and rosy, There was no doubt about who she was.

"I got the demon inside the house! Did you get the one- Oh!" Mitsuri skittered to a halt once the chartreuse of her eyes landed on Shinobu's crumpled figure, Her shoes causing digs in the ground as she stopped infront of her.

There was a glint in her eyes, That smile she wore widened.

"You're Kocho Shinobu, Aren't you?" Mitsuri gasped, Her cheeks growing a hotter shade as she looked down at her.

Shinobu blinked, Nodding slowly.

"Y-Yes-"

"-Oh my gosh, I'm Kanroji Mitsuri!" Mitsuri exclaimed, Accidentally cutting her off as she waved to Shinobu. Mitsuri spun on her heal to face [F/N] who stood awkwardly off to the side. "We saw her at Final Selection, Didn't we, [F/N]?"

"Yeah, She was there." [F/N] responded, Nodding curtly as she watched the exchange between the other two.

"Of course, I knew it..! Oh my gosh, I could never mistake that haori!" Mitsuri beamed as she sheathed her sword, The one with blood still rolling down the tip to the edge. Shinobu shook her head.

"I-I'm sorry, I.. How did you both get here? I.. I wasn't aware there was any other slayers around.." Shinobu blurted out as her eyes shook, Just the same as her fingers as she grasped clumps of grass between them.

Mitsuri grinned.

"We saw you a little bit ago in the nearby village, It was complete coincidence that our mission was the same as yours!" Mitsuri explained airily, Ignorant to Shinobu's true intentions here. "You know we keep getting missions left and right with no break, Honestly! You should come along to see it sometime!"

Mitsuri gasped suddenly, Eyes widening that made Shinobu jump.

"Oh! That'd be so fun, It's just been me and [F/N]-chan for ages now, It'd be so nice to have another girl around!" Mitsuri clapped her hands, Glancing towards [F/N] who raised an eyebrow.

Shinobu's lips parted, Her jaw dropping. Was Mitsuri saying what Shinobu thinks she is?

"Wait, You want me to come with you..? Just like that? You don't even know me.. I.." Shinobu trailed off, Voice dying with her words. Her eyes were dead set on Mitsuri's who looked back at her with nothing but amicability.

"Of course you can come with us! It'd be fun and you can't keep going on solo missions, It's not safe!" Mitsuri exclaimed as she gestured towards Shinobu's injuries, Her wounded arm and the dirt across her face, Mitsuri looked at it with worry.

[F/N] 'hmphed' from the side, A sort of humour in her voice.

"Either run now, Or you're with us forever. Trust me, She's insistent." [F/N] mused from the side with a glint in her eyes, Watching as Mitsuri spun around to meet her eye.

"Hey! It's not like I'm forcing her!" She huffed, Shooting [F/N] a childish look.

Shinobu watched as the two girls began to bicker back and forth, Her heart still freshly thundering in her chest. Though she felt it begin to slow, Calming. Though the two girls in front of her fought, It seemed to soothe Shinobu's heart, If only a little bit.

She didn't know why, Maybe it was the simple silliness of such an argument, The light-heartedness simply being the confirmation that Shinobu was alive to see such a tone.

When offered, Shinobu gratefully took the hand that helped her up to her feet. That and the assistance when she found out her ankle was sprained, Both [F/N] and Mitsuri acting as crutches to hobble her to the nearby village for proper inspection.

Though Shinobu couldn't help but feel a little sorry, Sorry that the both of them had to hold her up by the armpits just to keep her steady, Sorry that if she was just a little stronger they wouldn't need to bother.

Come morning, Shinobu couldn't help but accept Mitsuri's offer, The one that asked if she would join them on their missions. Mitsuri seemed so excited to have another girl around, The joy near radiating off her.

[F/N] didn't seem to mind either, Even rather understanding when Shinobu held them back due to her dodgy ankle.

The both of them seemed like the golden standard to Shinobu, She didn't wanna let them down.

So when she was given the go-ahead from the village doctor, They set off down the pathway, Harked by the call of the crow to the next big thing. Shinobu trailed beside them, Skipping, Laughing, Contributing to the small talk.

She smiled too. One sweet, Disingenuous, Smile.

☆♡☆

"Hey.. Hey..! Shi- Hina, Are you okay?"

Shinobu blinked, Her eyes focusing back into reality.

Mitsuri's voice was full of concern as her eyes darted towards Shinobu, Her lips pursed together and a worried look shining in her eyes. Shinobu's expression was blank for a minute, Almost as if she was registering what Mitsuri was saying.

But she shook her head, Turning back to the path in front of her.

"I'm.. Sorry. I let my mind wander off again, How strange, That's unlike me.." Shinobu mumbled to Mitsuri, Who looked back at her with an unsure look in her eyes. Shinobu didn't mind it, Instead breathing in, The scent of Lotus growing ever more poignant.

They all continued on, Following on the trail of the woman that had came across them all. The one with the fruit basket swinging in her hands, The one dressed in all white with a kindly face to match.

She led them through the mountainside, Passing through the abundance of trees and frosted fernery. She guided them further and further into the maws of the woodlands where it got darker and darker, The sunlight barely peeking through the gaps in the leaves.

It was strange. Though the usual scents of melting snow and rife forest air were flooding their senses, A strange undercurrent of bitter lotus seemed to grow stronger and stronger with each passing step.

They were getting closer, Shinobu could tell.

That same scent was one she recognised. Not like the airy scent of the lotus blooming in a pond, Not like the subtle perfume [F/N] use to wear when she was still around- No.

It was the same smell that tinged the metallic scent of Kanae's blood when Shinobu came across her dying body.

She pursed her lips, Eyes narrowing just a touch as she followed on with the woman and her child.

No one dared to speak, No one had the guts to. Not even the usual chipper attitude of someone like Mitsuri was present in their midst, Instead a rather thick air surrounded them like a fog.

Kanao and Maika trailed behind them, Nezuko still safely nestled in the box that appeared to simply be luggage.

"We're getting closer.. Please, Keep in mind before you enter to cleanse yourself as soon as we get inside."

Shinobu's eyes widened along with the rest, The premises finally coming into frame.

And it was a temple.

A Buddhist temple with blood-red accents adorning the support beams, One's that held the tiled rooftops so high that they pierced through the spruce tree's surrounding it. The inside couldn't be seen too well, Stone-brick walls towered over the area like a pen, The inside unable to be seen even if Shinobu had stood atop Mitsuri's shoulders and then some.

The temple itself however could be seen along with the sister buildings surrounding it, All with tiles lining the rooves and the wafting smell of smouldering incense drifting out from the inside. Lotus, No doubt that had been where the scent was coming from. Mitsuri's nose twitched at it, Slightly.

Sunlight cracked through the leaves, Shining on the moss and growing sublimity within the cracks of the walls. Nature seemed to go wild here, Flowers flourished in alluring colours of flush and vivid bursts of rainbow.

Anthuriums among the ferns, Roses and hydrangeas among the gardenia's. Mitsuri couldn't deny that the revitalising air they gave off was calming, Neither could the rest of the girls approaching the tall gates only a good few metres away.

Shinobu however, She felt imposed by the sheer size of the place, Looking left and right she couldn't even see a corner in the stone fencing surrounding the area, Only view it disappear into the thick line of trees and shadow.

From inside they could hear far away chatter along with the sublime sound of sloshing waves, No doubt from a mountain river nearby.

It was.. Tranquil?

"Ah, I see you're interested in the architecture..!" The woman observed, Eyes darting over to Shinobu's wandering gaze. Her lips upturned. "While we do practice Buddhism here, Shintoism is also a firm core in our belief, So don't worry about differences in tradition and such.."

"I see.. I must say I am rather impressed by the construction!" Shinobu's smile returned to her face as she trailed along with the woman, Her eyes narrowing slightly. "It is rather large, Yes? I suppose it must've taken a long time to build.."

"Ah.. Yes, Though I wasn't here when our convent was first made.." The woman trailed off, A light smile on her face. "I suppose you may like to see some of the wonderous scenery inside, The ponds and the prayer hall's and the.. Oh! I seem to be rambling.. I suppose you may need to see on your way to meet our grace..!"

Mitsuri hummed from behind Shinobu, Her lips pursed.

"Our Grace..?" She questioned.

"Yes! It is important to make yourselves known to Our Grace, Tradition may I say.. If you are nervous I can assure you that he is upmost kind and welcoming." The woman praised, Her wicker basket swinging in her hand. "Of course, Folk of faith such as ourselves are to always be gracious to one and other, Even those who may not believe in our ways specifically.."

The person who must be in charge of this place, The ringleader running the circus. Shinobu had no idea who they could've been, However judging by the open communications with Hiyohara village it had to be assumed that they were charismatic.

Obviously, It fitted the profile of a cult leader anyways.

But for them to go be meeting with him, Some kind of glorified prophet? It made hearts drum in the group's chest, Just a little bit faster. The way she referred to them by 'Our Grace' certainly raised a few brows on cue.

"That's.. Lovely. It's nice that you have that sort of view..!" Mitsuri chimmed in, An awkward yet earnest smile on her face. The woman glanced back towards her, Nodding along to her words as she soaked them in.

She hummed.

"To be courteous and kind to others of faith, Even outside of our own community.. It is only apart of our good nature." The woman proclaimed softly, A sort of proud smile adorning her face.

Too proud, If you asked Shinobu. Who hummed politely as the woman spoke.

"And your own belief, This community.. What is it that you would call it?" Shinobu asked, Now walking next to the woman with an intrigued glint in her eyes. The woman glanced towards her child following beside her, Before looking back up with a soft expression.

"The Eternal Paradise Faith, That's what we call our doctrine.." She answered, Her voice prideful yet soft as she spoke.

The corners of Shinobu's lips twitched, Wrenching themselves into an even wider smile.

"What an interesting name.." She commented.

☆♡☆

"Kanae-nee..!"

The sun rose on the horizon, Cracking over the small town, Where the only thing heard was the strained cries of a young girl.

Shinobu collapsed onto the dirt pathway next to the crippled body of her older sister, Her hair splayed out and dampened with her own blood. Her eyes stared up towards the blue expanse above, Watching as the morning clouds drift away from her. A chilled breeze dusting her burning cheeks.

Shinobu grasped onto what she could of her older sister, Scalding tears bursting out from her eyes as she saw the blood pooling around her gut. Kanae barely registered her younger sisters presence, The delicate lavender of her eyes only now turning over to look at Shinobu.

A flicker still remained in them, One of recognition.

"Shinobu.. Y-You shouldn't be here, There's a demon.." Kanae sputtered, Blood spitting out of her mouth with each syllable, Her chest heaving with each breath. Kanae felt her head lifted and placed against a chest, An arm supporting her, A dull throb in her midsection.

Shinobu sobbed, Her eyes red and irritant as her hands ran over the wound.

"T-The demon's gone, Nee-chan- It's gone..! But you're wounded- Oh gods.. You're wounded!" She wailed. Hands twitching, Roaming, Mind racing as she tried to figure out what to do about her dying sister.

Every second it seemed like more and more blood spilled around her. Her uniform, Her hair, Her skin and her hands were all drenched in it. Looking down, Kanae's eyes narrowed.

"Ah, Would you look at that.." She stammered as she raised a hand towards her eyeline, Fingers shaking as she observed the strange red liquid trickling down them. Shinobu wept, Desperately begging, Praying, Trying to figure out what to do.

Kanae glanced towards her, The expression on her face softening as Shinobu sputtered out some string of words that Kanae just couldn't understand anymore.. Not over the ringing in her ears, Like resonating bells in a procession.

Kanae smiled, No matter how difficult it was to do now.

Shinobu was in pieces, Voices screaming across her mind. One wailing from her mind to her mouth, Another praying, Begging whatever god could be listening to save Kanae. And another- One screaming at her, Asking where her med kit was.

It was at home, Shinobu knew. It wasn't with her, Unable to be accessed.

Tears flooded down her face just a bit faster, Hands shaking as she let out choked cries.

"S-Stay with me..! You're gonna be okay, Nee-chan..! Backup is on the way.. I-It's on the way, I promis-"

Shinobu was cut off by the feeling of warm palms cupping her cheek, Weakly grasping onto them, Turning her to face Kanae. Shinobu found herself breathless once she saw her delicate expression, Peaceful, Comforting as she looked into Shinobu's eyes. She hummed.

"I-It hurts.. Shinobu, It hurts to see you frown like this.. Where is that smile I always loved..?" Kanae asked, Ichor trickling down her lips onto her chin, Lungs heavy and burnt. Shinobu could barely understand, Shaking her head.

"N-Nee-chan don't worry about me, You're bleeding out- You're injured-"

"I'm dying, Aren't I, Shinobu..?" Kanae cut in once more, Her ears ringing the ache in her gut. It was only now that tears began to speckle her eyes, Though the smile remained on her face, They dripped down her cheeks.

Shinobu couldn't answer her, Lips parted but no words emerged. It felt like too much, Heart ready to explode out of her chest as her eyes trailed back down towards her wound. Shinobu's breathing grew ragged, Wincing at the sight of her exposed flesh and pond of red within it.

How would she respond, How could she respond? There was no way she could have ever answered such a question, No matter how much time she was given. Shinobu wished she was given time, Time to think, Time to talk, Time for backup to arrive with the needed medical supplies to save her sister.

But the sun continued to rise over the horizon, The cool breeze continuing to run through the village streets.

And it continued to be silent. No footsteps rushing over to the scene, No yells of concern from the villagers or the backup that should have arrived by now. There was no one, Not even the demon that did this to her anymore, Just her and Shinobu.

She wept, Her voice aching as she spoke.

"..Who did this to you..?" Shinobu croaked, Gripping Kanae closer as she swept the matted hair out of her eyes. Her voice shook with both grief and rage, Grief at the sight and anger at the cause.

Kanae's eyes lowered, Her bloodied lips pursing.

"It.. It was a demon moon.. Upper Two, Y-Yes.. That was it." Kanae said slowly, A sort of sorrowed look running across her face. It was the first time Shinobu had seen such an expression on her sister's face, Such a sad little frown on her lips.

"I.. Upper Two.. Upper Two did this to you.." Shinobu accounted, Eyes searching, That sorrowed glint beginning to burn as she gritted her teeth. "Where did it go, Nee-chan, Where did it go..?!"

"It was so strange, Such colourful eyes.. Yet I saw no life behind them." Kanae recalled, Her brows furrowing as the memories flashed before her eyes. "It was sad.. I felt bad for him. He smiled and laughed like anyone else yet.. Such a pitiful existence, I couldn't imagine living like that.."

Shinobu couldn't comprehend Kanae's words, Just held her tighter. She was bleeding out, Her innards severed and her lungs aflame with frost.. Yet she felt bad for the demon, Felt pity for it-

Shinobu choked out another sob.

"N-Nee-chan.. Please.." She wheezed out as she felt the hands cupping her cheeks soften, Kanae's thumbs moving towards the corners of her mouth, Guiding them up until Shinobu was wearing a caricature of a smile.

"S-Shinobu.. Come on, Smile for me.. Don't look so sad, It doesn't suit you well.." Kanae whispered, Her fingers beginning to shake as she heard the ringing grow louder in her ears. The clouds in the sky drifting off further, The breeze on her skin no longer registering in her mind.

The thumbs holding up Shinobu's smile trembled, Shinobu's eyes widened.

"K-Kanae..?"

Her eyes, The light in them faded. Kanae just stared at her with nothing else to be found as her body went limp. A smile could still be found on her face, Blood staining her lips, The rising rhythm of her chest was no more.

"N-No.. NO!" Shinobu screamed as Kanae's hand fell to the ground, Her head fallen to the side. Shinobu hollered as she shook her body, Screaming, Crying, Bile rising at the back of her throat as she hollered out.

"K-Kanae- Don't leave me- Y-YOU'RE ALL I HAVE..! Kanae.. KANAE-!"

Footsteps could be heard pounding their way towards her, Rapidly hitting the ground but Shinobu couldn't hear them anymore over her wailing. She begged, Desperatley hollering out her sisters name.

Over and over like a mantra.

The smile remained on Shinobu's face. No matter how much retch fell down her chin, No matter how much it mixed with the saliva in her mouth as she screamed. It stayed firm where Kanae had fit it.

Like carved stone, It stayed etched.

No matter how much it cracked.

☆♡☆

Shinobu breathed out, A polished smile on her face as her eyes laid firm on the door in front of them.

They stood before a door unlike any other, Not like the usual Shoji used within the rest of the building they were lead into. It was made of actual firm, Polished wood that seemed scrubbed to shine like the ceramic pots surrounding it.

Shinobu had tried to peak behind the crack, However it was impossible to make out except for speckles of light and shadow from within. It left her with slight disappointment, Leaving her to step back and simply wait.

They had entered into the convent, The gates pulled open with a croak as they were lead through the courtyard. The woman was right when she said it was wonderous, The place was grand in design, Beautiful architecture spanning the entire grounds.

The pathways were stone and smoothened down, The tall buildings were decorating with talismans and statues: Maneki-Neko and Tanuki being a common design as they were littered across the decks.

People of all kinds roamed around the place, The population count of this place being higher than expected, Making the group share some looks. They all seemed to laugh, The women carrying baskets of fruit, The men hauling tools around their back as they bantered and children chasing each other in thrilling games of tag.

Shinobu had waved to one of them as they ran by, The smile on her face sharpening once they left.

But now?

The group had been led towards the main building, A tall construction that looked half-way between a Buddhist and Shinto temple. It had the imposing red arches leading up to the entrance, The rooves decorated in Omamori which was usually held on person, Now tangled from the edges like hanging wisteria.

It had spider legs expanding out from it, Running around the entire convent, Connecting to each sister building with long pillared pathways. Shinobu breathed out at the sheer size of it, Eyes narrowing.

How were they going to find the demon here?

As the group approached they were stopped by two monks, Both with shaven heads and dressed head to toe in a pure blinding white. The woman had walked up the leading stairs, Talking to them in a hushed whisper that Shinobu couldn't make out no matter how hard she tried.

Eventually they were let in, The monks parting as they were brought inside.

"Hina-chan.. What are we gonna do?"

That familiar voice cut through the air, Quiet but urgent.

"Go in, Greet the leader behind this place and then get to work." Shinobu responded, Her voice but a whisper in the air as she glanced towards Mitsuri. Mitsuri in turn frowned, However nodded and turned back to face the door.

Shinobu breathed out, Smile still remaining on her face. Maika and Kanao had been standing off to the side of the little waiting room they were brought into, Both sharing concerns and looks of their own.

Shinobu breathed.

It's not like this was going to be difficult, Shinobu told herself. Charming people was as easy as drawing a breath to her, It wasn't going to be tough to convince the leader to let them in, At least that's what she hoped.

CREAK!

The sound of a door opening rang out.

Bodies flinched at the piercing sound. Shinobu and Mitsuri had to quickly step a few feet back to avoid the opening doorway. Their eyes widened, Especially once a bald-headed monk stepped out the open-crack.

He cleared his throat, His kindly face observing them.

"Ah, Our guests.. All doing well I presume?" He began, A small smile on his face as he lightly bowed to each one of them. "Our grace is ready to meet you all.. I hope you are all ready to greet him?"

Shinobu and the rest of the group shared a look with each other before glancing back to the man.

"Of course..! We must thank him after all, He is giving us the time out of his assuredly busy day to hear our story..!" Shinobu smiled back at the man, Bowing her head slightly towards him. The man bowed back, Stepping further out into the room.

"Then I'll let you all through, Please, Be respectful once you enter."

With that the doors began to open.

A gust of wind hit their faces, Making them flinch slightly from the way it hit their eyes and moved their hair. Shinobu didn't have any time to focus as she was beckoned forward, The old monk guiding her and the rest of the group into the winding room waiting on the other side.

The lotus scent was almost unbearable here, A singe in their noses as they moved into the hall.

The entire area was lined with archways that reached the ceilings. Water rippling echoed out through the room, Flowing adjacent to the carpeted pathway they moved forward on. Shinobu's smile hardened.

And strangely enough.. It grew colder.

Like snow, The kind that burned at your skin and lingered on your shoulders even after stepping inside. It made a chill run down Shinobu's spine, Whose expression matched the frigid atmosphere around them.

Shinobu breathed out, Her eyes unfocused.

What was going o-

"Ah, Greetings to you all..! You are the travellers, Right?"

A voice called out to them, Echoing across the room.

Shinobu paused, Her eyes stinging from that putrid lotus that infested the air. The group around her- Mitsuri, Maika, Kanao- All of them going deathly silent. Shinobu subtly wiped away the tears boiling in her eyes.

Raising her head.

Heart pounding.

Breath stilling.

Eyes widening.

At the head of the room, Elevated above them on a cushion was a man unlike any she had seen before. Shinobu felt like time itself had stopped as her eyes examined him, Raking over him, Her heart near exploding inside her chest.

He lazed on the cushion like a resting lion, With a solid golden fan fluttering around his face aimlessly. He was dressed in the regalia expected of him. A black ribboned crown decorated in gold- Draped in a matching cloak over his shoulders-

"..You are the travellers requesting sanctuary, Are you not?"

Shinobu didn't hear that voice dripping in friendliness, Not over the ringing in her ears. She didn't focus on his pale hair, Or his even paler skin.

His eyes.

Such colourful eyes..

"…-We are! Yes, I'm sorry.. We're just a bit shaken from our journey- Your grace!" Mitsuri stepped forward, Her eyes darting back and forth between Shinobu and the founder. Her lips raised to form a smile, Bowing before him.

The rest of the girls followed her actions, Bowing down with her. The hand Mitsuri laid on Shinobu's back guided her down too, Her eyes connecting with Shinobu.

Shinobu.

She looked-

"Oh, I understand..! The area around here is quite difficult to navigate, You all must be very tired..!" The man proclaimed with a wide smile, The fan in his hand fluttering around. "Hm.. Not to mention the weather too.. I see.."

The man raised from his position on the cushion, His cloak sweeping behind him as he was gently brought to his feet. The group and the monks surrounding them watched as he bowed back towards them, That smile on his face remaining all the same.

"My name is Douma." The man, Now Douma said as he raised back up to his full towering height. The fan flicked over his mouth to conceal his amusement. "Though I hear you've already picked up on my title- How perceptive!"

Douma.

This man was no man- It was a demon- It was an Upper Moon, There was no doubt about it.

Mitsuri knew that Shinobu knew, She could see it on her face. Mitsuri swallowed, Her eyes filled with concern- Confusion- Fear- All mixed together as she observed the unforeseen reaction upon Shinobu's face.

But she swallowed back her emotions, A smile appearing on her face.

Mitsuri giggled a little, Trying to build some repour between the two.

"Ah- Yes..!" She responded as she happily brushed the hair out of her face, Trying her best not to freeze at the colour in Douma's eyes. Mitsuri raised from her bow along with the rest of the girls, All of them having varying looks on their faces.

Mitsuri swallowed, Her mind racing like a horse.

"..My name is Fujimori Umeko. Me and my sisters were travelling to Fukushima when our carriage broke down.. Ehm.." Mitsuri shook her head slightly, Trying to recollect her thoughts.

Instead she stepped a side, Gesturing to the rest of the girls

"My name's A-Asuna..!"

"..Kariya."

A moment of silence passed between them, Mitsuri glancing towards Shinobu.

"Hina..?"

Shinobu was breaking.

The look in her eyes didn't even seem human anymore, Akin to a body frozen in ice. The smile on her face was stretched to it's limits, Contorted over her muscles and flesh as she stared dead at the floor.

Sweat began to build on her forehead, A vein near popping in her brow. Mitsuri watched with widening eyes as her hand twitched, Reaching, Almost on instinct to the missing holder around her waist.

Douma's head tilted to the side, The fan spread across his face.

"Hina.. You.." Mitsuri's breath near caught in her chest, Her mind trying to comprehend what was happening. Never in her life had she seen Shinobu act like this, Never. Never this strangely- This different- Mitsuri felt like she'd stop working entirely.

Her eyes looked at the narrowing of Douma's, Fingers twitching.

Shinobu's mouth opened.

"Y-You're sick..!" Maika suddenly cut in, Quickly rushing to Shinobu's side. She rested a hand on Shinobu's forehead, Pretending to check her temperature with a skittish look upon her face. "Oh no.. She's burning up!"

Mitsuri blinked- Though quickly shook it off as she turned her attention back towards Shinobu.

"Oh my.. Do you think she caught something while we were travelling..!? It is rather cold outside!" Mitsuri quickly added as she moved a bit further in front of Shinobu, Trying to conceal the look displayed on her face.

They could hear Douma gasp, The fan flicking once more.

"Oh.. You poor thing..!" He exclaimed, His smile instantly turning into frown as he looked them over from where he stood above them. Mitsuri watched as tears already began to form in his eyes, Looking down at Shinobu like an injured dog.

"We.. We're so sorry. We had no idea that she came down with something!" Maika piped up, Her lips shaking as she spoke. "We.. had no idea"

"Oh- Hina.. It doesn't look like a regular cold..!"

"D-Do you think it's something else..? Oh my.."

"Hina.. You've always had such a weak heart..!"

Douma hummed, That expression of hurt and concern still lain upon his face as he stepped away and lowered back onto the cushion. He looked as if he was thinking, Almost processing their words with a heavy lump in his throat.

He listened to the girls converse, His frown deepening.

"Please.. It hurts my heart to see such pretty faces look so distressed!" Douma spoke, His hand raising over his heart, A frown still prominent on his face. All girls but Shinobu looked up at him, Their eyes flicking between each other. "What could I possibly do to assist.. I wonder.."

"W-We just ask if he could stay here- Just until our sister get's better..!" Mitsuri asked, Her voice dripping with desperation and need as she spoke.

Douma chuckled, Cocking his head to the side as his vivid eyes stared into them.

"Ah.. Of course, Who would I be if I did not assist those in need?" Douma spoke as his eyes lingered on Shinobu, Eyelashes fluttering as he rested upon his comfortable throne. "We have plenty of room here.. So I suppose it should be alright!"

Douma's eyes trailed over to some of the monks, The ones that were lingering in between the archways- He beckoned them forward with a single shake of his hand, Wiping away his tears with the other.

"Ah.. Please, Go prepare some of the guest rooms for our visitors..! Make sure to summon one of our doctor's too.." Douma ordered to which the Monks bowed, Turning towards the group of girls. Douma did the same, Looking at them with an understanding expression..?

"T-Thank you- Your grace, It means so much to us..! As soon as our sister gets better we'll get out of your hair..!" Mitsuri called out as the monks in white began to guide them back towards the doors, Shepherding them away, Though Douma's eyes continued to linger.

He giggled slightly.

"Oh no.. Feel free to stay here as long as you like! Enjoy the scenery- The art! Please, Treat yourself as if you're one of our own..!" Douma proclaimed with a smile, Hidden behind his shimmering fan as he watch them be pushed towards the door.

Shinobu could barely move herself, Only let her be dragged along by Mitsuri who tried desperately to keep her act up. Shinobu's fists clenched together, Knuckles almost bursting as she raised her head.

Shinobu gritted her teeth. Their eyes connected through the crack of the door, The one beginning to be pushed closed by the monks.

Douma smiled.

"Enjoy your stay here, Fujimori-san..!"

The door shut closed.

☆♡☆

"Damn.. I'm exhausted."

"At least the mission was easy, Yes~? No second demon to slay or lower moon to run into."

"I suppose so.. Still. I feel like I'm going to pass out at any moment."

The air was cool, The wind gently dusting across their skin, Leaving a faint chill in their wake.

The sky was a dark sea speckled with stars spanning the entire length, Clouds only daring to dust on the horizon now, Watching over the land so far below as the dots of village lights flared in the distance.

Two girls sat together on top of a mountain ledge, Not close to the ground but not yet touching the sky. They leant against the rough trunks of the tree's around them, Leaves swaying in the revitalising wind.

Shinobu's eyes looked out over the ledge, Her fuzzy eyes reflecting the moon and it's shine as she examined the far-away village. Her needle-like sword laid on her lap, Her hand grasping a cloth which she absentmindedly ran over the blade, Washing off the ichor.

[F/N] herself sat adjacent to her, Head resting back against the tree with her knees pulled up to her chest. Her dragon-blue haori flowed in the wind along with her skirt, A blank yet enraptured expression upon her face as she looked up towards the night sky-

Almost longingly.

"Mitsuri-chan should be back soon, So when she is we can start heading to the next village over and we can see if there's any food stalls open, Yes~?" Shinobu asked, Her eyes trailing towards [F/N] with a small smile on her face.

[F/N] nodded, Though her eyes never left the night sky.

"Sure, Sounds good.."

There weren't many words said after that. No, Instead the both of them sat in silence to examine the far off surroundings. Feeling as the wind danced across the entire area, From their hair to their haori's.

Shinobu breathed out for a second, The smile on her face lowering only slightly. Both of them felt rather exhausted, Especially due to the uptick in missions they've all been assigned- It seemed like nowadays they barely had any time to themselves.

Shinobu continued to wipe off what little blood was on her blade, Her eyes enraptured on the way in shone under the moonlight. The way the cloth moved against the nichirin felt practiced, Polished, Like she had done it a thousand times before-

When in reality Shinobu was barely ever able to pierce her blade through flesh, Wet the blade with blood and proclaim herself a completed bounty.

"Shinobu-san, Are you.. Okay?"

[F/N]'s eyes finally looked away from the night, Now staring into the eyes of Shinobu from where she sat. Her expression was softer, The stars above reflecting in the warmth of her eyes.

Shinobu blinked, The smile on her face raising once more as she glanced back towards [F/N]. The question made her cock her head to the side, Looking at her in confusion.

"..Of course I am, Why do you ask?" Shinobu responded as her voice rang out across the cliff's edge. [F/N] stayed quiet for a moment, Her eyes just resting on Shinobu's face, Almost examining it.

But she just slowly shrugged, Pulling her knees closer to her chest.

"It's just.. I have a kind of sense you know?" [F/N] admitted, Almost looking sheepish as she looked at Shinobu. "..I don't really know how to explain it, But I'm good at reading people I suppose. It might just be me, But.. You seem.. Angry, Maybe?"

As soon as the words left [F/N]'s lips, Shinobu stopped moving entirely. Her eyes didn't blink as she continued to stare [F/N] dead in the eyes, Though her own seemed blank, Smile still raised on her face.

But she collected herself soon enough, Blinking, Regaining her composure.

"..Where are you getting that from, [F/N]-chan? I'm not angry right now." Shinobu answered kindly, Keeping her head tilted to the side in question as she looked over at [F/N].

Of whom sighed, Scratching the back of her head.

"It's just.. I guess I can sense it, You know?" [F/N] admitted, Her eyes kept on her fidgeting fingers. "You ever get that feeling, The kind that you can feel throughout your entire body whenever you're around someone..? Like you can sense who they are- Or.. Maybe what they are, Do you know what I'm talking about?"

"No.. I don't think I do." Shinobu answered, Her voice gentle, An eyebrow raised only slightly.

"Oh.. I see." [F/N] muttered, Her knees kept close to her chest.

Shinobu hummed at her response, Eyes trailing back off to the far away specks of the village lights. Though her posture was relaxed, She breathed a little too much out into the air, Her jaw a bit stiff.

"So this sense you have.. It's telling you that I'm angry?" Shinobu questioned, Almost curious in tone.

"Yeah, It has been for a while now." [F/N] responded slowly, As if choosing her words. "I didn't want to ask in front of 'Tsuri, Because as much as she's our friend, She's.. Never really been the best with her words or.. Subtlety."

"Hm, I suppose you're right..!" Shinobu responded, Rather amused? "Mitsuri-chan always has been a bit.. Dramatic?"

[F/N] smiled slightly, Though it came off more awkward than it should have.

"You're my friend too, Shinobu-san. I want you to be happy, I.. Admire you and I only want you to be content with yourself.." [F/N] sighed as she spoke.

Shinobu's eyes however, Perked up.

"Wait- Wait.. You admire. Me?" Shinobu stammered slightly, Letting it slip through as she almost looked taken aback. Her eyes seemed to widen, Not daring to take them off the girl in front of her as if she had heard something.. Outrageous.

A sigh came out from [F/N].

"I mean, Yeah." She responded, As if she was pointing out something obvious. "You're smart, Smarter than I am. You make poisons that could kill so painlessly.. Or aggressively, All depending on how you choose. Besides. You're so good at talking to people, Honestly I wonder how you do it.."

[F/N] trailed off, Her words flowing out of her mouth until they could no more. Her eyes narrowed. Arms tightening around her knees. Shinobu couldn't even speak as she watched her head raise once more.

An awkward, Small smile on her lips.

"You don't need to tell me what's bothering you, Shinobu-san, But you don't need to tell me you're alright either.." [F/N] said, Her eyes connected with Shinobu's. "You're not alone. I know I'm not the best company, Not the best at words or.. Even just being a human being. But if I'm the best you've got right now, Then I'll do my best to listen. Only if you want to, Though.. Okay?"

Shinobu just looked at her, The breeze continuing to brush against her skin. Unblinking. Lips parted only by a slight. It was almost if the world slowed down even just a bit, Just sitting, Looking at each other from across the ledge.

Though Shinobu's eyes lowered, Her smile returning to her face. This time, Perhaps on it's own.

"..Mitsuri-chan is taking her time, Yes? We should go make sure that she hasn't gotten into trouble this time." Shinobu said with a hint of amusement in her voice, Her hand gripping her sword as she dusted herself off and began to get up.

[F/N] paused for a moment, But then nodded and followed her up.

"You're right. It's not like her to stay away this long.." She agreed as she adjusted the blue of her haori over her uniform, Tugged her skirt into place and settled her sword behind her back.

Both nodded, Beginning to make their way down the mountain. Both taking looks at each other when the other didn't.

No words were spoken, None were needed.

☆♡☆

"That was him, Wasn't it- Upper Moon Two..!"

The lotus smell festered like a plague in the air, Nipping at the eyes, The skin.

They had been lead through the halls of the convent, Through the shoji and the scenery. Past tapestries and talismans to be brought to a secluded section, Where they had been introduced to the sleeping quarters reserved for guests.

The group of four had been separated into two rooms, The monks then leaving them to go find a resident doctor for Shinobu's 'illness'. Mitsuri now stood off in the far corner of the room, Next to one of the two beds, Biting her nail in thought.

Mitsuri could barely understand what was happening. They had assumed that Upper Two had to have been feasting on the members, Perhaps was a sort of beast they had sacrificed their devout to- Something that could be considered common for demons, To find a supplying food source.

But for him to be the leader? A devout figure seen as nothing but good?

For him to be the demon, The Upper Moon Two-

"Shinobu-chan.. What.. What happened out there?" Mitsuri asked quietly, Her lips pressing together, Looking at the other woman from across the room with a hesitant eye.

Shinobu stood there at the far end of the room, One hand gripping the vanity, Facing the wall and staring dead into the wood. She just stood there, As still as the air around them. Mitsuri couldn't see her face from where she was, Just the back of her kimono and the hand rested on the table.

Though for some reason, The room grew colder.

More and more frigid by the second.

Mitsuri swallowed.

"..I know it was a demon, Upper Two- But what happened out there- It was like you just froze.. I.. I've never seen you look like that, Shinobu-chan." She continued slowly, Mitsuri's voice delicate as she spoke. Shinobu didn't answer.

"I-It was like I wasn't looking at you anymore, It was like I was looking at an entirely different person.. Shinobu-chan, Please, You need to tell me what happened out there..!" Mitsuri pleaded with her, Her voice quiet as if not to disturb anyone else yet it was desperate.

Shinobu stayed silent.

Mitsuri swallowed, Unsure of what to do.

It was like the entire room stilled. The ember in the lantern dimming, The croaking of the wood abnormally quiet. Mitsuri bit her lip, Knowing that Shinobu was probably in thought, Maybe she just didn't hear her.

Mitsuri took a step forward towards her, The floorboard creaking quietly below her sandals as she neared Shinobu. Mitsuri didn't even notice that she had stopped breathing, Slowly, Reaching her hand out towards Shinobu.

"Shinobu-chan.."

Mitsuri's fingers almost touched the fabric on her shoulder.

"Are you okay?"

.

..

…

"Okay?"

Mitsuri yelped out as her hand was roughly shoved off from Shinobu's shoulder. She stumbled back in surprise. Eyes widening as she looked up at her friend.

"Am I.. Okay, Mitsuri..?"

Shinobu's voice was low as she spoke, Her tone sickeningly sweet, Revolting, Enough to make bile spill out of a person's throat.

Shinobu. She looked back at Mitsuri with a smile that was painfully stretched from ear to ear, Her eyes wide and wild looking back at Mitsuri. Teeth gritted together as her expression contorted into a mix between a smile and a snarl.

"I.. I.." Mitsuri stammered over her words as she took a step back, Her shoulders raised to a peak. Shinobu's expression kept dead on her face as Mitsuri tried to figure out what was happening.

"You're asking me.. If I'm okay?"

The room grew colder like winter had found it's way into the room. What was happening? Mitsuri didn't know. Her eyes were unable to look away from the horrific sight that was Shinobu's toothed grin.

"Shinobu.. Chan..?" Suddenly Mitsuri felt like she was a cornered animal. Was she okay? What was wrong? Her smile.. Thoughts ran through her head like the wind outside crashing against the walls. She swallowed.

Mitsuri took a step back.

Shinobu took a step forward.

Before Mitsuri could even process a hand was tugging onto her arm, Grasping it as tightly as it could around her wrist. It was weak, It was frail but Mitsuri felt like it was steel digging into her skin in that very moment.

Shinobu giggled, But it sounded more like a hiss.

"You're so strong, Mitsuri, You know that right?" Shinobu said out of the blue, Her tone so disgustingly saccharine as she looked up into Mitsuri's eyes, Her own capable of melting flesh. "You're so talented, You're so skilled..! You can cut off a demons head just like that, So easily, Like their neck was simply paper.. I'm just so.. Amazed."

Mitsuri listened, Her head shook in confusion. Her breath began to pick up, Feeling her heart thrum in her chest. This was nothing like Shinobu, It was nothing like her at all. It was like looking into the eyes of a stranger-

A stranger that gripped Mitsuri's wrist like she wanted to dig her nails into it.

She swallowed back her unease.

"Shinobu-chan.. W-Where is this coming fro-?"

"You know.. I was never born with such incredible strength." Shinobu cut in, Not giving Mitsuri any chance to speak. "I could never slice a demon's head off like you do. All of that natural born strength.. I guess that's why you're considered one of the strongest Hashira, Right?"

Shinobu took a breath in, Shaky, Unsteady, Looking up at Mitsuri with nothing but wildfire in her eyes.

"You know, No matter how hard I train I'll still be known as the weakest Hashira, The only one whose so useless that they can't even cut off a demon's head!" Shinobu laughed like it was the funniest joke in the world. "You know the rest of the Hashira worked for that kind of physical power, Each and every one of them but.. You were just.. Born with it! Isn't that amazing how you can just look at me and think we're on equal standing..?"

Shinobu praised though it sounded like venom on her tongue, Burning, Acidic in Mitsuri's ears. Mitsuri shook her head, Her head beginning to spin as Shinobu stepped ever closer.

Her grip grew tighter on Mitsuri's arm, But not by much.

"I guess that's why I'm just so amazed by you.. So amazed that someone like you could ask if I'm okay." Shinobu breathed out, Her eyes piercing into Mitsuri's as she looked into them with ire.

"S-Shinobu-chan.. Let go of me-"

"-I mean you've been asking me that question for the past few days, Haven't you? Every. Single. Day." Shinobu laughed, Spitting out every little word like it rotted in her mouth. "Do you know how irritating that is, Mitsuri-chan~? How you keep asking and asking and asking and asking.."

Shinobu continued on as Mitsuri stood in shocked silence, Her lip trembling as she listened to Shinobu's voice crack as if it would break any moment now.

"T-The demon, You know it- Shinobu-chan- Please let go of me, What has gotten into you..-!"

"That thing killed my sister, Mitsuri-chan." Shinobu hissed out now, Not even concealing it as her smile wretched into a scowl.

Mitsuri's breath hitched.

Kanae.

Mitsuri hadn't met her but the stories she had heard were grand, At one point Kanae growing to be known as one of the strongest Hashira of their time. Shinobu had spoke of her sometimes, About her smile- About the way she spoke to people with the upmost kindness in her voice- The way she fought so gracefully on the battlefield.

But never about her death, Never. The topic was always shut down whenever it was brought up. It was figured to be a sore spot for both Shinobu and the Hashira that were old enough to remember her, The newer additions never bothering to ask out of respect.

But now?

"Shinobu-chan- I-I'm so sorry, I didn't know-"

"Don't." Shinobu hissed, Her expression darkening at Mitsuri's words. "Just don't. I don't want to hear your pity for me. It's already insufferable-"

Shinobu scoffed as she let go of Mitsuri's arm, Making Mitsuri stammer back away from her and grip the part where Shinobu grabbed her. Shinobu turned away, Her breath ragged as she paced about the room, Her footsteps hitting against the floor.

Mitsuri felt her hands shake, Trying her best to steady them as she breathed out. Her mind continued to race, Trying to find something, Anything to say to Shinobu- Anything that won't get her cut off or irritate her even further.

Mitsuri swallowed.

"S-Shinobu.. I'm not pitying you, I promise that- We are equal, You are because you're my friend..! You're amazing, You are strong-! Please, You need to listen to me..!" Mitsuri pleaded as she looked at her friend, Someone she has known for years.

Shinobu's laugh was cruel.

"No.. No, Mitsuri.. You don't get it. You don't get how lucky you are, Do you?" She asked, Shaking her head as she approached Mitsuri once more. Her footsteps making the floorboards creak, Making Mitsuri's breath hitch.

Shinobu's smile twitched, Her eyes burning into her.

"You had it good, Mitsuri. No one becomes a slayer because they had it good, Except for you. You never had anyone die in your arms, You never watched your family get slaughtered by demons. Never had to wash their blood out from your hair and still find bits of them under your nails the next morning."

Mitsuri felt tears begin to prickle in her eyes, Feel her lip tremble as she shook her head- Try to find anything to say.

But nothing came out.

Shinobu scoffed at her reaction when she heard no response, Her brow twitching.

"You didn't have it bad, Not like everyone else.. Not like Himejima-san, Not like Iguro-san, Shinazugawa-san- Not like [F/-!" Shinobu cut herself off, Her expression falling, Refusing to finish the name.

Mitsuri's eyes snapped up at the name, The one that made her heart skip a beat and clench all the same. Her eyes glinted with something almost like.. Hesitance, Feeling her stomach turn as Shinobu frowned- Frowned-!

But it quickly fell along with her expression, Slowly shaking her head.

"You didn't deserve [F/N], Neither of us did." Shinobu said quietly, Turning away from Mitsuri now as she looked nowhere in particular within the room. She scoffed. "But you know what Mitsuri..? You were right back then, You should have tried harder. You knew she wasn't doing well and you didn't do anything."

Mitsuri froze at Shinobu's words, Feeling like a punch to the gut made her expression turn crestfallen. She tried her best to keep her composure, To not break down when Shinobu was already doing the same.

But her expression began to crack, Beginning to chip at the edges.

"I-I know, Shinobu-chan, I know." Mitsuri spoke, Her voice gentle and trying it's best to stay levelled. "It's all I can think about, Every second of the day what I could've done to stop all of this. M-M'sorry.. Shinobu- I'm trying. I'm trying my best to make this right."

Shinobu scoffed, Turning around, Her glare burning into Mitsuri.

"Doesn't matter anymore, Mitsuri, Doesn't matter how hard you try. The only reason you're trying so hard to find her now is to get rid of the guilt of her death, Isn't it? But.. [F/N] is dead, And if she isn't- She's a demon by now and would tear either of us limb from limb without a second thought."

She stepped forward, Shinobu's voice grew low.

"The worst part is that I'd let her."

Mitsuri couldn't help but choke out, Tears burning in her eyes and threatening to spill over the edge. And they did. Tears trickling down her face made burns across her cheeks. Mitsuri sniffling only slightly as she listened to Shinobu's words.

They cut so deep, So very deep.

Mitsuri tried not to break as she hugged herself in her kimono.

The flame in Shinobu's eyes began to build once more, Her fallen expression building back up as she looked at Mitsuri with such anger unlike any other. Shaking her head she moved closer.

"She killed herself because of you, Mitsuri. You're the reason she's dead." Shinobu hissed, Her voice aching as she looked dead into Mitsuri's eyes.

"..I-I know." Mitsuri whispered.

Tears continued to spill down her cheeks, Sniffling as her expression broke more and more by the second. Neither of them spoke, Silence except for the small choked sobs under Mitsuri's breath and the ragged breathing of Shinobu.

Both just stared at each other. Shinobu's breathed out, Her eyes shrinking back only slightly as she stepped away from her. She swallowed, Trailing down to look at the floor as her head shook.

"Just.. Get out." Shinobu hissed quietly. "Go tell those.. Those monks that you're allergic to the bedding- Or something.. Just. Just get out of my sight..!"

"S-Shinobu..-!"

"Get out..!" Shinobu butted in once more. Firmer, Louder as she turned away to face the wall- Not wanting to look at her any longer as she stepped back near the corner of the room.

Mitsuri didn't need any more signs as sniffled, Wiping the tears trickling down her face on her kimono sleeve, Trying to steady her breathing. Mitsuri's eyes began to sting as she dragged her feet over to the sliding door.

She gripped the handle, Wanting to say something- Anything to Shinobu. But Mitsuri knew that she wouldn't get the results desired.

So instead she just breathed in, Trying her best not to cry any further as she walked out of the room.

Leaving Shinobu alone, Her expression unseen as the door shut closed.

[vrystalius]

💕 Love Languages of the Upper Moons + Muzan

How the Upper Moons and Muzan express their love language for you!

Here is my masterlist for the hashira.

Here is my masterlist for the demons.

Note: I added Daki as a platonic bonus. Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Brief mention of being parents in Douma’s part. It’s right at the end and just one sentence <3

Pairing: Muzan, Kokushibo, Douma, Akaza, Gyutaro, Daki x gn!reader

❤️ Muzan Kibutsuji ❤️

Quality Time (intensity: 9/10)

Muzan would call himself a busy man, but he likes having you around while doing his experiments. Just having your presence near him just makes him calm and able to concentrate on his experiments. But besides that, Muzan likes to spend time with you. Over his thousands of years of living, he’s spend a lot of time doing many things, and yet spending his valuable time with you made him the happiest and content he’s ever been. Even if he won’t admit.

Also, Muzan enjoys holding you in bed. He himself doesn’t need sleep, not that he can sleep, but he will hold you and caress you until you fall asleep. He will remain the whole night, just silently laying there watch your chest go up and down, brushing your hair out of your face.

Giving/receiving gifts (intensity: 8/10)

Gifts don’t mean anything to Muzan, but you giving him little trinkets you found on the market, or a new article of clothing you thought would suit him makes him feel happy. Those things have a meaning to him, unlike the other meaningless garbage. Muzan will make sure to wear the clothes or keep the trinkets close to show how much he appreciates him.

But what Muzan loves even more is to shower you in gifts. Thanks to Gyokko and the pot selling business, Muzan is very wealthy. That means he can buy you all the food you like, all the clothes you want, and all the little trinkets your heart desires. That man will spoil you, and he will do it until the end of time.

“Would you like to go to a new restaurant that just opened in the southern district, my light? I heard your favourite dish is server there.”

💜Kokushibo💜

Words of affirmation (intensity: 9/10)

Kokushibo doesn’t talk a lot, but he likes listening to you. You talking about your day makes him content, almost a little envying your simple life. No matter how simple or boring something may seem to you, he’d want to hear it. Not being able to go outside with you during the day kind of kills him.

Also, you complimenting him boasts his confidence and pride, especially when you compliment his skill. He has trained for centuries and always envied his brother for being more talented and stronger, so you admiring something he worked so hard for makes him beam of pride.

Kokushibo also likes praising you for your skill in whatever you’re doing right now. Sketching, writing, training or whatever. Kokushibo likes to admire you and express his affections with compliments.

Receiving/Giving gifts (intensity: 6/10)

Kokushibo used to work with wood, carving small things like animals out of wood. He lost interest in that little hobby shortly after becoming a demon, but picked it back up after starting a relationship with you. You once found a very, very old wooden figure he carved and told him you liked it, so he started carving those things again. It relaxes him, but also he likes seeing you happy and appreciate his art.

He showed you everything he carved, almost childishly begging for you to praise his artwork

“My moon, would you like to see the new project I’m working on? … Yes, it’s a little statue of you…. Do you like it?”

🩵 Douma 🩵

Physical affection (intensity: 10/10)

Douma wants to be near you, preferably on you, on all times. His hand has to be somewhere on your body, may it be on your shoulder, around your waist, on your thigh or just holding your hand. You’re near him during sermons, near him during his free time, and in his arms when you sleep. He doesn’t need sleep, just like the other demons, but he likes cuddling you while you do so. It kind of gives him a power trip, you being all trusting and vulnerable while he, a man-eating demon, cuddles and watches over you.

Just to test your limits, he likes teasing you as well. Pinching and squeezing your skin on all kinds of areas, watching your reactions and laughing at them. You’re so adorable, do you know that? He could eat you right up!

Acts of service (intensity: 8/10)

People serve Douma every day and night, giving gifts from all kinds of people, poor or rich. It’s boring and meaningless to him, because he probably got every gift in the world at least twice or trice (expect the blue spider lily of course). What Douma does like to do, is to “serve” you., instead of being served for once. Massages, kisses, cooking (he’s trying) or just doing little chores for you. The only thing he wants in return is the appropriate amount of kisses, cuddles and praises!

Quality time (intensity: 6/10)

Douma adores spending time with you doing whatever! Sometimes it’s just you sitting with him during the sermons, or sitting together in the bathhouse, or you watching him make his little Douma ice sculptures. He likes making little you’s out of ice and play house with you. His little Douma’s are the papa, and the little you’s the mama. It sounds silly, but it’s adorable and he loves it

“My dear lotus! Where are you going, hmm? I’m not finished kissing and coddling you yet! And don’t give me any excuses this time!”

💛Akaza💛

Receiving/Gifting gifts (intensity: 6/10)

Akaza would occasionally steal things for you from people’s homes, dressing you in nice clothes and beautiful hairpins. He picks up everything he believes would suit you. He also likes stealing sweets and food for you, making sure to grab all your favourite foods. He can’t eat them himself, but he likes sitting beside you while you eat, and it makes him very proud when you wear the things he stole for you.

Akaza also melts when you gift him things, whatever it is. He likes handmade things the most. Whimsy flower-crowns or handmade bracelets make him all giddy and warm inside, and he will wear them with pride (enduring all the side eyes and teasing he will receive from the other Upper Moons).

Quality Time (intensity: 8/10)

Akaza likes being around you. That’s when he feels the safest and most welcome. Something he enjoys doing the most is watching fireworks with you, when another festival comes around. The moment between you two as he holds you close, sitting together on a rooftop just makes him feel… human. It remind him of something he once had once but then lost, and you keep reminding him of it. Akaza can’t quite put the finger on it what exactly it is you remind him off, but he doesn’t really mind. He just wants to savour the moment with you and hold you a little longer, just until the fireworks are finished and the sun starts coming up.

“My, my Akaza-dono!~ What’s this? A bracelet? It looks so colourful!”

“Take your damn eyes of it and then kill yourself.”

💚 Gyutaro Shabana 💚

Words of affirmations (intensity: 10/10)

At the start of your relationship, Gyutaro hated it when you called him handsome or pretty, or compliment anything on his appearance. It makes him feel itchy and dirty, as if you’re just lying straight to his face.

But after a while, he warmed up to them more and more. Now, Gyutaro out right craves your words and compliments. It boosts his pride and confidence, and it makes him feel wanted and cherished for. Just one nice word makes his complete day, maybe even week. It’s like he’s addicted to your praise.

He’ll try to return the favour, but he just can’t out into words how MUCH he really loves you. Gyutaro can’t decide what he should praise you on. There are just so many things about you that are beautiful to him, he just can’t decide and starts stuttering, sometimes accidentally throwing an insult your way.

Physical touch (intensity: 8/10)

Just like praises, physical touch was something Gyutaro resented at the beginning of the relationship. Why do you want to touch him anyway? He’ll just end up ruining your clothes, or worse, make you hate him even more than you probably do!

After a while, a very long time, he starts getting used to it. Now, he’s very addicted to that as well. Gyutaro is very similar to a feral cat that needs to learn how to love and get loved, and when you show him enough patience, he’ll be a cuddle bug. He wants to hold you, cuddle you and be wrapped in your arms as well.

“A-Are you done talking w-with your pretty lips? I-I wanna be h-held now. I-I’m clean, I swe-swear!”

Bonus:

(Platonic)

🩷Daki Shabana🩷

Receiving/Giving gifts (intensity: 9/0)

Daki is used to being spoiled, and she likes giving you gifts as much as you give her some. In her eyes, it’s some sort of competition. You gift her a golden hairpin, she’ll give you a diamond-golden-hand made hairpin. You give her a new kimono, she’ll give you the most high quality silken kimono on the market.

Daki will appreciate your gifts though. She’ll boast it to her brother about it, priding herself in the fact that you gifted her something. You thought about her while you choose the gift! It just makes her very happy.

Quality Time (intensity 10/10)

Daki likes spending time with you. Gyutaro barely comes out of her anymore, so she really appreciates you hanging out with her. You two gossip about the other oirans from the other brothels while Daki paints your nails, or she does your hair while she rants about Muzan and the other Upper Moons. Sometimes Gyutaro joins in, and you two do his make up. He doesn’t like it, put he puts up with it. Since Daki likes you so much, he will tolerate you.

“Those nails look so pretty on you! Not as pretty as on me, but you get it. Oh, oh! How about we do onii-chan’s next?”

💠

I added Daki as a platonic bonus. Hope you guys enjoyed!

Anyways, make sure to EAT, SLEEP and DRINK enough!

Take care of yourselves <3

[koridoru]

Not an x reader, I hope its okay! 😅🙏

I don't remember if I've sent this specific request before, so ignore this I have or if you don't want to write this! ^^

Some HCs where Muzan is REALLY just a timid and easily scared guy, who everyone somehow thinks is terrifying and evil.

Only the uppermoons knows what he's really like and is very protective of him because if his kind and timid personality.

Could I have short headcanons about their thoughts on this Muzan? Pure fluff, and platonic stuff!

Why is this cute lol

He's a little scaredy cat, bro jumps at everything.

"Lord Muz-" "BWAHHHHHH"

Kokushibo is his bodyguard

Do not sneak up on him.

He only trusts the uppermoons with this information. I mean, what would his demon subjects think of him if they knew how he really was? They would never respect him.

His reputation mostly comes from his appearance and actual strength, he doesn't talk to the non-kizuki demons much due to his timidity, also because he thinks some are too ugly.

Sometimes the moons, mainly Gyutaro and Akaza, will get a threat from Muzan, only to respond with "Shiver me timbers 😐".

Wax earplugs to stop loud noises (1920s technology lol).

He likes to relax to Nakime's biwa music.

Big baby, literally, and not just his actual giant baby form.

He'll start tearing up if you yell back at him.

He'll turn into his kid form to make people feel bad for talking back to him.

He's actually nice to the uppermoons, when he's not upset about something.

Basically like the manchild they take care of, reverse of the mother spider demon who was actually the youngest of the group.

Douma piggyback rides.

Demands that Hantengu turns tiny so he can cuddle him like a doll.

"Y-you better cut it out!"

For their thoughts, I'll write each of them:

Kokushibo: Thinks it's strange, but still respects his lord, and protects him.

Douma: Sees him as adorable, like a child of his own (does not care how old Muzan is).

Akaza: Doesn't really like it, but respects his strength. He just thinks Muzan should act his strength and his age.

Gyokko: Hates it. He thinks Muzan is acting like a child, and we all know what he thinks about children.

Hantengu: His only complaint is the involuntary cuddling.

Nakime: Almost motherly to him, plays her biwa for him.

Daki: She makes fun of him a lot, but they do get along. They're like siblings almost.

Gyutaro: Oh god, he has two little crybabies to look after now, great.

Kaigaku: It reminds him of Zenitsu and he wants to stab his brains out every time Muzan starts crying.