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littleeyesofpallas · 2 years ago

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Shihouin[四楓院] Chika[千日]

Shi[四]: "4"

Hou[楓]: "Maple(tree)"

In[院]: "Temple/House(of governmetn)/Institution"

Chi[千]: "1,000"

Ka[日]: "(The)Sun"/"Day"

Given the naming pattern with Yoruichi and Yuushirou reading "Night 1" and "Night 4 Son", it would follow that Chika's name here reads as "1000 Days" or "1000th Day" A curious notion when the Shihouin crest has a moon on it, which was obviously where the night motif in the later heirs came from. Is Chika a blacksheep of the family for not having a night name? Or did the Shihouin change their motif at some point from day/sun to night/moon?

And very noticeably he's wearing what looks like a chinese style of lamellar belt(it's hard to say when there isn't an accompanying suit of armor to go with it) but it evokes to me a lot of Ming dynasty period pieces(or alternatively very anime-ass Romance of the Three Kingdoms designs) and incidentally Journey To The West was written in the Ming Dynasty, and combined with his complexion and his distinctive Xiangyun[祥云]:"auspicious clouds" scarf (and of course my ongoing crackpot theory about there being an unspoken theme of pre-Japanese Buddhism underlying the foundation of Soul Society) makes me think he's specifically Indian but having travelled East across China(or whatever the Soul Society equivalents are)

Izuhara[嚴原] Kinroku[金勒]

Izu[嚴]: "Strict/Stern"

Hara[原]: "Plain/Field/Wilderness"

Kin[金]: "Gold"

Roku[勒]: "Bit/Bridle(like a horse's)"

Makes him sound like a wild stallion type who was only tamed by being bribed with wealth and luxury. At first glance I had pegged him for a cold corporate or medical type, but looking at him again he has a certain yakuza look about him too. Less an overt thug and more a grifter, a penny pincher, a coldblooded loan shark type, and this name seems to vibe with that. It's hard to tell but it looks like he has the archetypal yakuza/laborer bellywarmer like Tetsuzaemon did too.

Shijima[志島] Chikiri[知霧]

Shi[志]: "Will/Resolution/Ambition"

Jima[島]: "Island"

Chi[知]: "Wisdom/jnana"

Kiri[霧]: "Mist/Fog/Haze"

Same root word Shi[志] as in the Shiba family and in Okikiba Genshiro's given name. Weird that all three of these are associated with the water; waves/ripples, islands, and distant waters.

The given name is fun because it seems to describe him as wise but in a hazy way, his wisdom is obscured or unclear; whether that means it's unclear to others, or even to him isn't clear. Either one seems to fit his kind of disheveled appearance.

Now that we can see him properly, he kind of reminds me of Wonderweiss.

Obana[尾花] Danjirou[彈児郎]

O[尾]: "Tail"

Bana[花]: "flower"

Dan[彈]: "Bullet/Pellet/(musket)Ball"

Ji[児]: "newborn baby"

Rou[郎]: "son"

On the one hand the compound [尾花] appears to refer to "(ear of) Japanese pampas grass" which is also known as the Chinese Silver Grass. But it's also part of the compound [鸟尾花] refering to the Crossandra infundibuliformis, the Firecracker Flower. And also [鸢尾花] referring to irises in general. Since, as the 5th division captain, he's not the one with an iris insignia, I'm going to go with the silver grass reference. It does evoke a certain rugged and pastoral landscape that seems to suit the rustic almost hick-ish vibe he has going on.

As for Bullet baby.... I have no idea what to make of it...

Saitou[齊藤] Furofushi[不老不死]

[齊]: "...-Like/as if..."

[藤]: "Wisteria"

[不老]: "No grow old"

[不死]: "No die"

"Wisteria-like" has obvious evocations in her hair color and pigtails. The given name all together is actually a phrase meaning "immortality/perpetual youth." Pretty straight forward.

Shigyou[執行] Nobutsuna[乃武綱]

Shigyou[執行]: "execution/enforcment"/"executive/executor"*

No[乃]: "<possessive indicator>"

Bu[武]: "Military/Martial"

Tsuna[綱]: "Cord/Rope"

*can also refer to a "lead monk performing various tasks in a (buddhist)temple" although his overall appearance is anything but monk-like; certainly there are other captains here that would suit that reading better. So, the "rope or military enforcement."

(The random 3rd division guy with the "Winter Whistle" sword was named Taketsuna[武綱])

Katori[鹿取] Batsuunsai[抜雲齋]

Ka[鹿]: "Deer"

Toribatsu[取抜]: "Drain/Extract"

Un'[雲]: "Cloud"

Sai[齋]: "<indicates a penname>"

Ok, first of all... "Deer Extraction"??? And then her given name is either "Penname: Cloud" or if taken together [雲齋]: "cotten drill" as in the twill weave fabric used for things like khakis?? But that feels like a weird way to go. She is quite bookish looking (i mean... as if she can avoid it in the proximity of Nanao and Risa...) so perhaps she's an author on the side? Hence the penname. But as for the deer collecting... it feels like a weird way to phrase it, but I'm assume it's trying to conjure a disney princess-like scene of her attracting deer to her to show her purity and trustworthiness? Maybe???

Also she has a distinctive, Zhōngguó jié[中國結]: "Chinese knot" ornament at the end of her naginata(?) which wasn't shown in the poster. Although the coloration on this sheet is oddly gold rather than the more typical red. What is probably the most common and recognizable design is the Pán zhǎng jié[盤長結], sometimes called an "endless knot" or "eternal knot" and is used to represent various Buddhist virtues.

[edit]: so i changed the split on the first and last name according to what seems like the confirmed canon, but I stand by "batsuunsai" sounding extremely weird.

Kumoi[久面井] Entetsu[煙鐵]

Ku[久]: "A long time"

Mo[面]: "Face/Mask/Surface"

I[井]: "Well(water source/hole in the ground)"

En'[煙]: "Smoke"

Tetsu[鐵]: "Iron"

He sounds and looks very much like a jailer/torturer, not unlike some vibes Urahara's backstory gave off. Kumoi's zanpakuou is also a Tiěbiān[鐵鞭], a sectioned iron rod, part of a broader family of weapons/tools all called "iron whips."

Interestingly it's the same type of weapon Sui-feng's bankai, Jakuhou Raikouben[雀蜂雷公鞭], is named after.

Outokawa[王途川] Furuoki[雨緒紀]

Ou[王]: "King"

To[途]: "Road/Way"

Kawa[川]: "River"

Furu[雨]: "Rain"

O[緒]: "Cord/String(of an instrument)"

Ki[紀]: "Era/Period(of time)" or "Rule/(Written)Record"

"King's Way River" is a very pompous sounding family name... Interestingly the name Furuoki uses the kanji [雨] for rain, but is pronounced here like furu[降る] which is the verb for "to fall" referring specifically to rain or snow. The "Era of Rain(fall) String." It might be a stretch but I want to interpret that as the lines of rain falling being equated to the string of an instrument, and by proxy comparing the sound of rain fall as music.

But alternatively it could be another play into Kubo's on-again-off-again rain symbolism. Sometimes it's Ichigo's depression, sometimes it's Uryuu's legacy as the last Quincy, sometimes it's Orihime making confusing statements about joining earth and heaven, in direct contradiction to her Tanabata namesake... Is it "The Rule of Rainfall" as in the downpour comes eventually no matter how you run from it? Or as in, heaven and earth are joined eventually if your just wait? Or as in heavens will be clouded over and separated eventually? Or as in, relief comes eventually and even the worst drought can't last forever?

Zenjouji[善定寺] Uhin[有嬪]

Zen'[善]:"Virtue/Goodness/Good deeds

Jou[定]: "certainty/reality/samadhi"

Ji[寺]: "temple"

U[有]: "bhava/becoming/existence"

Hin'[嬪]: "court lady/virtuous woman/concubine"

So I can't quite tell if Kubo's just leaning into the on'yomi here, or if he's specifically aiming for a Chinese reading. I want to say On'yomi, but it is fairly close to the Chinese reading Shàndìngsìyǒ[善定寺] upín[有嬪] it's just the dìng[定] vs jou[定] throwing a wrench in it. And I'm hung up on Jiuhin's name sounding Chinese because with the mandarin style collared shirt and the fact that he has... for some reason two... queue... it all points to a distinctly Chinese influence in the design.

Arguably the face paint could also be pulled erroneously from the broader aesthetic of Chinese opera --as in maybe Kubo was going for a Chinese opera inspired look, but what's here definitely isn't accurate to the style-- but it feels very in line with Kubo's own funky sensibilities either way.

Sakahone[逆骨] Saizou[才藏]

Saka[逆]: "Reverse"

Hone[骨]: "Bone"

Sai[才]:"Talent/Ability"

Zou[藏]: "Hidden"

....the idea that this decrepit old man is named "Reverse Bones" as if he's like that because his bones are just "wrong" is for some reason hilarious and horrifying to me. "Hidden Talent" seems self-explanatory given he looks like he should barely be able to move, let alone fight or kill a person.

#bleach #shinigami #gotei 13 #not tagging all those #just wanted to give thees all a quick once over while it was slow at work #didn't think too hard about them honestly #but given there's literally no content to cross reference...#I don't know that there's anything i'd have added given more time #mostly just played fast and loose with the visual assocaitions #as ever im really just looking at kanji choice #and not digging around for homonyms and puns all that much

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usagimen · 6 months ago

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𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐊𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈: One of the oldest power houses in Kyoto, the illusive women of the Kobayashi bloodline prefer to seek refuge among themselves. In the world of Willow && Flowers, the name invokes that of iron will && power. Girls who align themselves with Okiya Kobayashi are often hailed as famous Geiko who will live a life of abundance, never to know anything more than the servitude that the art requires, they will ask for nothing && desire nothing. For those who are special && can invoke the inherited technique of Miyako Odori, they will prime themselves as candidates for a faction of the estate known as ‘no face women’, beings that are able to take the likelihood of others. In days of yore, the Kobayashi’s pride themselves as problem solvers, the end && beginning, one who would bring harmony when the balance shifts. Assassins by nature, their secrecy is rooted in protecting those they hold dear to their hearts && one another, they emphasize to be one of them is to know the song of sorrow. The inevitable one must live between deception && truth, that this life they were born into requires all, there is no moderation. Their family crest is that of the towering wisteria tree that has hailed for generations, a sea of lilac that blooms && dissipates, holding in each petal another tragedy marked with heartache while in other cases, death && dishonor. They have lived in three factions, the Era of the Full Moon, The Age of Gold, most recently after Kobayashi Sayuri’s ascension into Godhood - The rule of the Lunar Eclipse. Their ferocity is to move as one, a unit where even the weakest shall show their worth, to love a Kobayashi is to know even in the beyond you shall never be forgotten && remain immortalized in their bountiful gardens. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: a Matriarchal dominant clan, there are few traits one can tell easily when speaking to such beings. They are petite women with small dainty features, long black hair or auburn easily swept in traditional styles. Gray eyes are common amongst the family; the rare more prized are gold to hazel. It is rumored that many of the women are cursed by yokai blood, leading to their own tragic lives, in candlelight or that of pale moon, one can see such monstrous features. When not garbed in costume or public appearances, they are often seen in colorful yukata that are bold, arrogant, even flashy for the younger generation while the older prefer more subdued looks with luxurious fabrics. 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡: The Inumaki Clan, they are particularly fond of the family considering both were known for their lineage of natural born assassins. It is common for the women of the Kobayashi clan to marry into the Inumaki family. Though, on the other hand they have entangled themselves into a generational feud with the Zen’ins. Though arranged marriages are also known to happen in order to smooth political in fighting.

#––– ❛ headcanons 【 shoganai 】#clan lore.#endless edits.#// it's a brief synopsis BUT long overdue

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underwaterl · 7 months ago

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KnY anime screenshot stitches 2

Part 1. Part 3.

Episode 8: The Smell of Enchanting Blood

Episode 9: Temari Demon and Arrow Demon

Episode 10: Together Forever

Episode 11: Tsuzumi Mansion

Episode 12: The Boar Bares its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps

Episode 13: Something More Important Than Life

Episode 14: The House with the Wisteria Family Crest

Episode 15: Mount Natagumo

Episode 16: Letting Someone Else Go First

Part 1. Part 3.

#kimetsu no yaiba #kny #nezuko kamado #tanjiro kamado #zenitsu agatsuma #inosuke hashibira #tamayo

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sleepykye · 1 year ago

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You, and only you !

Tangiro does something for you, and only for you infront of the kamaboko squad ! Oh how exciting ~

This fanfic is specifically for you ~ flowercrownsresting ~ I really appreciate you and thank you for all the time you've spent on my fanfics <3

MUAH ! ♡

While you were with the kamaboko squad, all four of you were travelling down the mountain, you began shivering. The rainy weather last night definitely did not make things better, instead, it made the temperature up the mountains colder.

You didn't think inosuke was human, how could he survive this weather, he wore less clothing than you. Actually no, HE WAS SHIRTLESS !

You admired how inosuke didn't even think it was cold at all, perhaps he was used to this kind of weather, but not you. The demon ripped off you sleeves and some parts of your uniform.

If you were cold just now, your freezing now. You were about to turn into a popsicle when Tangiro, being the kind one here, offered his haori for you. Zenitsu, seeing this, also offered his to you ! How kind ! Unless you are a boy. He wouldn't give jackshit if you were a boy.

But you saw Zenitsu was also shivering from the cold just now, so you declined both of their offer kindly. But tangiro being tangiro, he refused and helped you to put on his haori and clasped both of your hands with his.

" The haori is something precious given to me as a symbol of my family, but I will give it to you without thinking about it, I am very happy to help and I would do absolutely anything to make others happy, even if that means that I would sacrifice even the only thing that reminds me of my family, the haori. " was what tangiro said.

But you were shocked hearing that, did he just say that he will GIVE you his haori or he just meant that he is lending you his haori. You were downright confused at this. But Zenitsu and inosuke just stared at the both of you, your hands in tangiro's hands. It was so warm...you thought. Your eyes gazed into his before he let your hands go and apologised if he had crossed any boundaries.

THIS BOY IS SO SWEET, PLEASE GIVE HIM A HUG !

Anyway, *cough cough*,

The four of you stopped at the house with the wisteria family crest. ( basically free hotel service )

After the old lady treated all four of your injuries and got all of you into new clothes, dinner was ready by then. After dinner, the four of you fooled around with nezuko of course.

When it was bed time and everyone was asleep, tangiro's bed was beside yours as he reached out his hand and tapped your shoulders.

You turned when you felt someone tap your shoulders only to be met with tangiros face near yours. He whispered to you if you wanted to go outside for some fresh air with him because he noticed that you couldn't sleep.

SUCH A SWEET BOY FR !!

Of course, you agreed to his offer and the both of you went outside quietly without disturbing zenitsu and inosuke from sleeping. When the both of you stared into the moon, sitting on the wooden floor, tangiro suddenly said " Y/n, I like you, do you feel the same ? " while he fidgeted around with his fingers.

Upon hearing that, your face became red, like very red. The words in your throat died out as you suddenly forgot how to speak. You've been friends with tangiro for over 4 long years, you didn't expect him to fall for you and actually feel the same for you. Your brain tried to think of what to say as you opened your mouth, but no words came out. You were a nervous wreck by now, face all red, palms sweaty, your fingers fidgeting around as well.

Tangiro could smell your nervousness and just said " just nod your head if you do, no need to say anything fancy or come up with long sentences, just do you. "

You nodded your head while averting your gaze upon hearing that. You were a blushing mess infront of tangiro as he just said " I see. " before pulling you back into bed and you guys slept together on one bed and cuddled to sleep.

Of course, the next morning, zenitsu freaked out as he yelled at tangiro for doing that to a girl. You saw him wink at you and you immediately understood. Your relationship and his, was a secret. You intend to keep it until he's ready to tell them.

I hope you enjoyed reading this ! I'm sorry if it was short though 😔 . I'm bad with coming up of ideas ehe ~

#kny x y/n #kny x reader #kny #zenitsu agatsuma #zenitsu kimetsu no yaiba #inosuke hashibira #hashibira inosuke #tangiro #kamado tangiro #tangiro x reader

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demonslayedher · 2 years ago

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Why is it that demons are averse to wisteria? I have been trying to look into the meanings behind wisteria but I can only find what wisteria symbolises in European cultures. Is the relationship between demons and wisteria something that already exists in Japanese folklore, or something Gotoge decided, and if so, what might have been the reasoning/symbolism for choosing that particular plant over others?

AHA!!!! I knew I had written this up before, I just couldn't find it! I finally remembered that is was in my longer post theorizing that Muzan was from an offshoot of the Fujiwara clan! That wasn't exclusively about wisteria, but I'm copying-and-pasting here the long part that was, see below the cut. The Prof. Owada I refer to below is a retired Shizuoka University professor who wrote a book called “Japanese History of Demon Slayers” to directly capitalize on the success of Kimetsu no Yaiba, and to dive into a lot of ties between the series and what it may pay homage to throughout Japanese history and culture. It is not an official Shueisha publication and therefore not canon material, but it takes canon and fan theories into according pretty thoroughly. Since he's already done the breakdown of "why wisteria" I'm simply borrowing it. Short answer: No, this does not already exist in Japanese folklore and is unique to KnY. However, Gotouge usually has reasons for things and people love to ponder those reasons.

One such question is, why were wisteria lethal to demons? According to Prof. Owada’s research, there is no historical basis for this. Some of the talk online is that: 1. Wisteria are in fact poisonous, and consuming too much of them would cause vomiting and diarrhea (though I’ve also seen people make jam out of them because of the fragrance, so, like???) 2. Beans are thrown around at Setsubun to ward off demons (like so, Feat. Muzan and Kimetsu Beans), and wisteria are of the bean family 3. Wisteria like sunlight, so perhaps like Nichirin, they soak up some of the sun’s properties that are lethal to demons 4. In the language of flowers (Hanakotoba), wisteria symbolize kindness, welcomeness, refusing to leave someone’s side, being drunk with love, being straightforward and truthful, not losing the humanity in one’s heart, thereby containing a lot of meaning contrary to the conduct of demons Interesting, but some of its kind of a stretch. While still finding it a stretch to apply it to wisteria being poisonous to demons, Prof. Owada goes on to say that since ancient times, while the wisteria has some negative connotations of how it was sometimes written with characters meaning “doesn’t heal” (不治) and growing downward with smaller and smaller flowers like symbolize the slow downfall of a family line, it conversely also carries positive connotations of longevity and flourishing family due to the fact that its vines grow upward.

Now, you might picked up at some point that the Japanese word for wisteria is “fuji.” Not to be confused with Mt. Fuji (that’s written differently), it IS the same fuji as in “Fujiwara”: 藤.

Prof. Owada goes on to explore the association with the use of Wisteria crests in Kimetsu no Yaiba, especially on the houses of supporters of the Demon Slayer Corp. His recurring thesis is that the pandemic is partly responsible for Kimetsu no Yaiba’s popularity since demon legends have long since had origins in epidemics, and he supposes the Wisteria crest has a protective effect on the houses, similar to a talisman used in a lot of real life rituals for warding off illness and then often displays in or on the entries of houses to protect the family every year (I have one such item gifted to me, it stays by my doorway, along with a couple sticks of charcoal (but the culture of charcoal is a post for some other day)). The talisman is in reference to a god of Hindu/Chinese origins being treated with hospitality by the So clan, so although other families perished in disaster/disease, he promised to always protect the So clan descendants, so the talisman says “Descendants of the So Clan” so that any household may try to claim that divine protection. The gratitude-exchange of hospitality and protection and sure sounds familiar! Prof. Owada isn’t done yet. While the crest design used in Kimetsu no Yaiba isn’t an actual family crest in in real life, there are lots and lots and lots of family crests that use a wisteria design and have the character for “wisteria” in the name. Any time you hear “—tou”, like Satou, Saitou, or even Gotou, you can typically assume it’s 藤. It’s very common nowadays, but the first family to be granted the use of this name was the Fujiwara clan, when one of the pre-Heian and very powerful emperors granted their clan head this surname, which was a major honor, and it marked the start of the Fujiwara clan’s political dominance (there was already influence leading up to this, but meh, we like clear-cut stuff to simply centuries of history, don’t we?). Furthermore, although we often think of the Fujiwara clan for their influence at court, and we might think of the Minamoto clan for warrior heroes who fought demons, Prof. Owada concludes his argument of wisteria’s protective influence by pointed out a long list of Heian period Fujiwara warriors who also were the heroes of demon slaying legends, stating that their name has also long been tied with demon slayer culture.

#kny nerdery

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mariana-oconnor · 1 year ago

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Wisteria Lodge pt 3

We return to the cautionary tale of Mr Scott Eccles who unknowingly spent the night with a Victorian Era catfish.

And also my quest to live in a fictional house, because it sounds pretty and apparently no longer has an owner.

A cold and melancholy walk of a couple of miles brought us to a high wooden gate, which opened into a gloomy avenue of chestnuts. The curved and shadowed drive led us to a low, dark house, pitch-black against a slate-coloured sky.

It's not at its best on rainy days, that's fine. It's very atmospheric and totally going for that witchy aesthetic. I can work with that.

“Well, sir, it's this lonely, silent house and the queer thing in the kitchen. Then when you tapped at the window I thought it had come again.” “That what had come again?” “The devil, sir, for all I know. It was at the window.”

And there are friendly neighbours checking in when things look weird. Aw, how nice of them.

Outside of the joke, I have an unpleasant suspicion that the 'devil' will be the cook and this is going to be retroactively racist. But Maybe it's Aloysius himself risen from the grave. Or not-grave as the case may be (the body was not recognisable, we can't assume).

"Lord, sir, what a face it was! I'll see it in my dreams. [...] It wasn't black, sir, nor was it white, nor any colour that I know but a kind of queer shade like clay with a splash of milk in it."

Yep. It's going to be the cook. Yep. OK then. Sometimes being proven right is wonderful, sometimes it's just...

Odds and ends, some pipes, a few novels, two of them in Spanish, and old-fashioned pinfire revolver, and a guitar were among the personal property.

Well you can't trust a man who leaves his books and guitar behind.

And then I guess the racism intensifies? We're now in the realms of some sort of reference to... maybe a Victorian idea of a Voodoo-like culture/religion? I don't know much about that family of religions, but this seems like it would match the western portrayals I do know of animal sacrifice, burnt offerings kind of things. That leads me to believe we're probably not talking about mainland Spain, but one of the colonial territories. Caribbean, perhaps?

Puerto Rico's crest looks green and white, though their flag isn't, and they had a revolutionary movement going on in the late 19th century, it looks like. This could be related to that? Like I said, my knowledge of the history of Spain and its colonies is not exactly good.

“I must congratulate you, Inspector, on handling so distinctive and instructive a case. Your powers, if I may say so without offence, seem superior to your opportunities.”

High praise there from Holmes. We finally have a detective character who is being recognised as good at his job. I'm almost speechless.

Of course, he still decides that he wants to try solving the case on his own out of some sort of pride, which seems counter to actual good policing, but sure.

"I could tell by numerous subtle signs, which might have been lost upon anyone but myself, that Holmes was on a hot scent. As impassive as ever to the casual observer, there were none the less a subdued eagerness and suggestion of tension in his brightened eyes and brisker manner which assured me that the game was afoot."

Watson comparing Holmes to a hunting dog again, and once again delighting in his own ability to read his bff so well. Aww... they're so sweet sometimes.

I waited, therefore—but to my ever-deepening disappointment I waited in vain. Day succeeded day, and my friend took no step forward. One morning he spent in town, and I learned from a casual reference that he had visited the British Museum. Save for this one excursion, he spent his days in long and often solitary walks, or in chatting with a number of village gossips whose acquaintance he had cultivated.

Watson: Why isn't he doing anything?

Holmes: *researches things at the British Museum, does recon, and gathers witness statements from the locals*

Watson: He's not doing anything!

The Oxshott Mystery a solution Arrest of Supposed Assassin

Well, that's disappointing. Now I know it isn't an assassin at all.

But it doesn't seem like they think that Mr Garcia is still alive, although I'm holding out hope on that one. The Body. Wasn't. Recognisable. There are only two reasons to beat a person's face in like that and one is extreme rage, the other is to conceal the identity. They're currently going the racist route of calling the cook a 'savage' etc., trying to sell the vicious rage narrative, but I'm still not convinced. Baynes, don't give into the racism. Come on, man. You were doing so well.

Also, I love the word 'ambuscade'. I don't think I've seen it before. It's just another term for ambush, but still. It's a lot nicer.

“Really we must see Baynes at once,” cried Holmes, picking up his hat. “We will just catch him before he starts.”

So he's definitely got something wrong, but we already knew that because there's an entire half of this section and another section to go.

“I can't make the man out. He seems to be riding for a fall. Well, as he says, we must each try our own way and see what comes of it. But there's something in Inspector Baynes which I can't quite understand.”

Hmm... Does Baynes have a secret plan? Is he trying to draw out someone else by taking the cook prisoner? Lure someone into a false sense of security. He does seem several degrees more competent than the average law enforcement professional in these stories.

“We may put aside this idea of Baynes's that Garcia's servants were concerned in the matter. The proof of this lies in the fact that it was he who had arranged for the presence of Scott Eccles, which could only have been done for the purpose of an alibi. It was Garcia, then, who had an enterprise, and apparently a criminal enterprise, in hand that night in the course of which he met his death. I say ‘criminal’ because only a man with a criminal enterprise desires to establish an alibi."

He could have been in collusion with his servants, of course, but other than that, yes. Also, I'm pretty sure people want alibis for non-criminal things. Not good things, sure, but non-criminal things. Like sneaking out to a party or... playing a prank. idk.

“We can imagine that in the confusion of flight something precious, something which he could not bear to part with, had been left behind. That would explain his persistence, would it not?”

Should have had a bug-out bag. Clearly not prepper enough for a life of crime. Always have your most precious possessions on you, or located conveniently enough to grab and go. You've got to be smart about these things if you're going to go around doing politically motivated murders - or other crimes, I suppose.

"The other mansions belonged to prosaic and respectable people who live far aloof from romance. But Mr. Henderson, of High Gable, was by all accounts a curious man to whom curious adventures might befall. I concentrated my attention, therefore, upon him and his household."

Alas, Mr Hynes Hynes, we never got a chance to know you.

But also HA, Watson. And you thought he wasn't doing anything. What did you want him to do?

"the step of a deer and the air of an emperor"

That's one hell of a description.

The step of a deer you say?

He's beauty, he's grace, he's falling on his face.

Also, the fact that their names are Henderson and Lucas.

I have to.

"Henderson has two children—girls of eleven and thirteen. Their governess is a Miss Burnet, an Englishwoman of forty or thereabouts."

Oh no... is this a kidnapping plot? In which case, I'm glad Mr Garcia died. If he is dead. it's looking more likely that he's dead, though, as nothing seems to have happened at the Henderson household. Or he wants everyone to think he's dead, at least. Kidnapping is a terrible thing to do. Why couldn't this have been a nice, clean assassination. There's no need to bring the children into it.

And I feel like the governess is probably involved, in which case the finger of shame points at her. Was she also seduced by Mr Garcia? Is he the Spanish bisexual James Bond of the Victorian era?

The emperor reference doesn't seem like it's being used lightly, and the emphasis on 'Henderson's' riches added to it. I'm thinking maybe foreign potentate in hiding? Deposed royalty in exile? Assassination is looking more likely, but also kidnapping is still a possibility. The directions could be directions to the nursery/children's bedroom.

"It was my system which enabled me to find John Warner, late gardener of High Gable, sacked in a moment of temper by his imperious employer."

There's the 'imperious' thing again. Definitely the air of some kind of royal in disguise going on. Also, I'm so used to servants who have been fired being suspects in these things, my brain immediately though he must have been in cahoots with Garcia, but apparently he is in cahoots with Holmes instead.

"They are very violent. Twice Henderson has lashed at folk with his dog-whip, and only his long purse and heavy compensation have kept him out of the courts."

OK, maybe the kids need to be taken away from him if he goes around whipping people. Also, now I'm sad Garcia didn't assassinate him. Horrible man.

"I may add that Miss Burnet's age and character make it certain that my first idea that there might be a love interest in our story is out of the question."

Excuse me? Excuse me? Her age makes a love interest out of the question? Her age? She's 40, she's not dead. Her character, maybe, I don't know, never met her, but her age. Holmes you're channelling 'fourteen year old in fandom' right now and it's not a good look.

That comment alone makes me hope that she and Garcia had the fling to end all flings. I hope she and that bisexual assassin went to town. I hope they had so much sex. I hope they had a romance for the ages. Tragic and doomed and so very very dramatic and passionate.

I hope, if their plan was to kidnap children, that they met a sticky end, but before that, I hope they were at it like rabbits.

Her age... really. Pshaw.

"Miss Burnet has not been seen by any human eye since the night of the murder. From that evening she has utterly vanished. Is she alive? Has she perhaps met her end on the same night as the friend whom she had summoned? Or is she merely a prisoner?"

Super dead. His majesty Mr Henderson does not seem the type to take prisoners. Although maybe he wants information. Eh, I guess she's probably alive, though, that way we can get someone to tell us what happened in their own words, since it seems that, in spite of the shoddy method of identification, it seems that Mr Garcia is indeed dead.

Unless he did fake his death and he and Miss Burnet have run off together.

“I know which is her room. It is accessible from the top of an outhouse. My suggestion is that you and I go to-night and see if we can strike at the very heart of the mystery.”

OK, yes, she's alive and Watson and Holmes are once again breaking and entering to free a woman from captivity. Only this time the woman might be a kidnapper. But also her employer seems to be a monumental dick - as I'm assuming that Holmes' information comes from more sources than just the ex-employee.

So, next time I imagine Miss Burnet will be discovered and tell us her side of the sorry tale. I'm currently in the foiled kidnapping way of thinking. And I'm 90% sure Garcia is actually dead, even if their method of identifying him does leave me groaning. And I'm sad he does not appear to have been the cunning bisexual assassin of my dreams.

Oh, and apparently the house is a rental, so that's a shame. But it does come fully furnished and now with extra guitar, books and remains of potential ritual animal sacrifice... so upsides.

#Letters from Watson #Wisteria Lodge #Sherlock Holmes #long post #racism #so very much of it although I did not include most of it in the post

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definitelynotgideon · 8 months ago

Text

This is a Genya Shinazugawa x OC (Gideon Azulyss) MLM Fic 🏳️‍🌈

AN/ Please be nice to me I never write fics lol

CW/ Strong Language, Nudity

Word count: 1049

The Demons We Face | Chapter 1, Storm in a Room

Evening had set in. This time of year, the light may have remained in the sky longer to aid travelers in their journeys. However, rain clouds loomed overhead and the threat of a storm whispered in the wind. It'd be a rainy night to be caught out in the forest… a bad plan.

There was a village not far off to the north, and one young demon slayer was making his way there on assignment. He breached the forest treeline, walking a well-treaded path and seeing lights flicker in houses. The streets of the village were quiet, most residents had tucked inside anticipating the storm...

The 5’8” young man wears a blend of eastern and western style clothing, a very taisho-era, practical outfit befitting him. The demon slayer corps standard uniform rested under a grey haori, and he wore black boots he'd acquired from Tokyo. Short, fluffy silver hair parted to one side, revealing an undercut and verdent eyes searched the doors… he was looking for a particular house.

One clad in the wisteria family crest, a beacon of hospitality. If he couldn't such a house here, he'd settle for an inn… but he was certain that there was one in the area.

And then he spotted it. Relief filled his chest as he exhaled, shifting the weapon on his back and marching forward.

He ducks under a small set of curtains into a foyer area, and works to remove his boots. Peeking his head into the main part of the house where he hears people, he speaks. “Sorry for the imposition! I was told to come-”

He cut off mid sentence because he saw another slayer already there. “O-oh! Hi!” he said, very surprised. He wasn't aware that more than one corps member had been sent out.

The slayer in the house had been set at the table, and his eyes seemed to pierce right through the silver haired boy. There was an heir of intensity about him, from the scar across his face to the way his hair was styled in a mohawk…

The boy at the table also didn't really bother to greet the newcomer. Well… damn. Green eyes blinked in slight surprise and averted from his peer, but he said nothing further about it.

The lady of the house came over with a gentle smile on her face. She was quite elderly and very short, but she looked up to the new boy warmly. “Come child, come sit and have a meal. Afterwards I'll wash you and your friend's clothing for you-”

“*He's not my friend.*”

The mohawk kid scowled, glaring at the silver haired boy and old woman. “And I'm not sharing space with him. I was called out here to deal with the demon and I'll do it *by myself.* Do you hear me?”

The two boys didn't even know each other's names and this kid was *so hostile,* as if the newcomer had pissed on his udon. What was the matter with him?

The boy met the harsh gaze with another soft blink. “...I don't intend to cause you trouble. I wasn't aware another had been called here too. Perhaps it was purposeful that we are both here?”

“Shut the fuck up, cloud boy.”

“C-*cloud* boy?!” He puffed his chest a little. “Don't call me names, you don't even know me!”

The kid at the table glared, eyes shifting subtly. “I know enough. Your name is Gideon. You're a thunder breather, you weild a rediculously large hammer and you're a pissbaby who hates the butterfly mansion.”

Gideon gasps, offendedly. “I don't *hate* the butterfly mansion! I hate-” He groans, sharply shifting to look at the floor. Frustrated. He can't tell this boy what he actually hates.

His eyes shift to the old woman and he bows. “Thank you so much, ma'am. I'm pretty tired, so I'll simply turn in for bed.”

“Hey!!” frustration from the table. “I'm not sharing a room with-”

“Oh dear, yes. Right this way.” She takes Gideon's hands, pats them and leads him to the sleeping area for guests. He has to sort of comically bend down with her as she tugs him.

*She* knew there would be two travelers, so there were two futons on the floor. “Don't mind young mister Shinazugawa, dear. He's a bit brash by nature, sort of like his older brother in a way, hehe~”

“STOP TALKING ABOUT ME!” a shout came from the other room.

Gideon cracked a smile. “I see. Well… I'll stay out of his way.”

She shuffled over to fetch a kimono for him to change into. “You may wear this, dear, while I wash your clothes.” It was the same color as the one that the Shinazugawa boy was wearing, so he must have changed earlier.

She stepped out so he could change. But unfortunately, pretty much as soon as Gideon was fully nude, a very pissed off slayer stormed in, making him help in surprise.

“Get out!!”

“I’m- No? I'm naked?!”

“I don't give a shit, I told you I'm not sharing space with you!”

“The fuck is your deal, man?! I'm not leaving, I was literally assigned here and look, there are two futons! *Two!* Meaning I was expected as well as you. So I'm staying!”

The boy was entirely too close. Gideon had unintentionally backed himself into a corner, but there was the problem for *both* of them that he was unclothed. He clutched his given kimono and looked up into the taller boy's eyes, an odd mix of emotions swirling in his earthy depths…

Fear, confusion, pleading… Would he have to fight this boy? Could he hope to at least stand his ground? He could tell through his kimono that he was *jacked,* so fighting him would fucking *hurt…* He tried locking into his deep purple eyes to drive his stance home… it was hard though.

Because the other boy kept blinking and looking down only to look back up looking *more pissed,* and then finally he shouted “FINE,” and turned to storm out of the room.

And then there was silence. Followed by the puttering of rain on the roof… All the intensity of a storm in a room, gone as quickly as it came.

#genya shinazugawa #demon slayer #demonslayer oc #genya x oc #fanfic #ao3 crosspost #ao3 #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #demon slayer fanfic #fanfiction #gideon azulyss

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v-era-18 · 1 year ago

Text

Sweven ( Apple Black x Demon Slayer )

(The characters of ‘Apple Black’ by Whyt Manga meets ‘Demon Slayer’ by Koyoharu Gotouge!)

In Taisho-era Japan, two partners by the names of Sano Bengote Tamashii and Opal Wantmore are content with their lives of slaying demons in order to avenge human lives that have fallen to their weak stomachs and horrendous nature.

Their lives are changed however after a mission to an Opera house, Sano runs into Kibujiski Muzan and is turned into a demon! Determined to turn her partner back to normal, Opal sets out to find answers to a cure in order to turn him back.

Embarking on her adventure for answers, she soon joins up with her other six friends to help aid her in her journey. Faced with even more challenging demons to have Opals and Sanos heads by orders of Muzan would normally be a setback; However how will these characters react once they find out Sano isn't the only demon to live a life without eating humans.

And the true reason Sano was turned into a demon rather than being killed in the first place.

Prologue : Toska

(n.) a dull ache of the soul, a sick pinning , a spiritual anguish

Despair, anguish, or tragedy. Opal couldn't find which word to describe the situation at hand. It seemed only an hour ago she was thrown against the tall stone pillar damning her unconscious. In her dazed state she inadvertently listened to the heart retching sounds of death and agony, before black dots consumed her vision. The girl remained on the marbled floor stained red with previous and new accounts of blood from fellow demon slayers listed on the mission inside the opera house.

Bodies continued to drop one after another, blood curdling screams and manic laughter filling the subconscious as if it was one horrible nightmare. A state of purgatory one might even argue, to hear and feel the pressure of the overwhelming chill knowing someone was being eaten, a fellow member trying to save humanity and her body couldn’t even move.

Weak, inexperienced, and fearful. So many of them didn’t have what it takes to wield a sword. But they give their hearts souls and minds for the corps, but at what cost? How long will it be before a pillar of hope arrives? How long will it be before half of the humans-teens risking their lives for peace will be eaten by demons they couldn’t finish off.

The mission was supposed to be straightforward: head to the old abandoned opera house, bring their blades down upon the demons' heads, and look for survivors. However, they hadn’t anticipated each level to have three demons each, or that Kabusiki Muzan would be paying a visit. They worked so hard, only for them to die such a death at the hands of that monster. May the gods have mercy on their souls.

~*~

Five hours prior to the incident, two crows flew into view following a cobblestone path towards a wall surrounding the wisteria house appeared within their black hollow eyes. The building was surrounded by towering trees of protection, warding off any demons that dared to run across the premises.

The house's front gate was worn down, but kept seeming to be replaced every few years or so to provide the utmost protection for the slayers recovering from hard work from saving others from man eating oni. Passing from the gate two demon slayers exited the house following one of the house keepers. The keeper of the house's hair was tied up into a high pony cascading down to the middle of her back. She wore a purple and white kimono with a wisteria family crest with pride on the back. The young woman couldn’t be any older than her twenties.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality!” The black haired boy exclaimed with a wide smile stretched across his face.

The teen had a blue and white haori over his dark gray demon slayer uniform, the pattern resembled multiple circles with three lines running through reflecting the young boy's family crest. The arm he didn’t lift had an elongated sleeve covering up his well bandaged arm that remains with no invert inflicted . His hair was tied back, blue eyes holding wonder and joy reflecting the morning sky; a blue and white katana was strapped along his waist

A girl with a tangerine twin puffed fro bowed in respect with a soft smile, her rainbow dyed haori flowed slightly with the morning breeze with her black uniform. She had brown freckled skin, with bright orange eyes matching her colored hair. Black leather hand warmers were snug against her hands, the sword on her hip matched beautifully with the light green scabbard that withheld gold on the end just like the guard and buttcap. The girl stood up straight, the jewel attached to her hair shined brightly underneath the morning sun.

Two crows cawed over their heads, gaining the two demon slayers attention, “Kaw! Kaw! Sano Bengote Tamsii! Opal Wantmore! Report to the opera house to the north! Immediately!” The blue clothed crow cawed above the Tamasiis head, much to his dismay.

“Already?!” Sano sighed in exasperation, “We just recovered from our last mission! Not to mention the last demon we faced was horrific.”

Opal twisted her face in discomfort, displeased with the mention of the last demon they fought. Even though the mission occurred a month ago, it seemed only a few days since they last fought off the hysterical she-demon.

Apparently the demon wanted a baby so badly that they started stealing them from neighboring villages. She wondered if it was even possible for a demon to have a family; how would reproduction even occur under Muzans curse?

A chill ran down her spin; what would happen to the kids if they came out human? The demon they’d encountered two weeks ago was not motherly at all, it takes patience and love to raise a child happily and healthy. During the intense monolog the she-demon had placed Sano especially on edge hearing about her parenting methods to kids before she switched to babies that could barely even crawl. If the child acted out of line or ‘misbehaved’ well, let’s just say the demon had a snack.

Her stomach lurched and twisted remembering the chilling sight before her as she found one of the infants alive. The nursery was bloodied, the once white walls seemed to be stained pink with dried blood before gradient into a mature burgundy with fresh blood from twenty four hours before their arrival. And oh god, don’t even get her started on the cribs; it was almost as if she wanted a foster home but didn’t want the infants to grow and walk out the large pleasant doors that awaited their future.

Wouldn’t a parent hold their child and wish them the best of luck before their departure? To utter the words every child would love to hear, the praise, the acceptance, and overall bond they’d share between them as a whole.

It’s not like Opal would know the feeling, her parents died when she was around the age of five, they probably would’ve loved to know how it would feel; to sit and watch your kin grow into the next generation to surpass the old. Instead they had to watch from above without voicing their approval or dismay with each action she took as a swordsman or a growing woman.

Instead she had to remember the night her fathers crow sat in front of her older sister, her wails and pleas to the gods falling upon deaf ears. The two of them were left alone, Opal couldn't remember the last time her eldest sibling withheld a truthful smile.

“Let’s not talk about that one,” Opal lifted her hand up to her crow, it landed swiftly on her palm.

The crows name was Orion, after a while Opal decided it was best to give her new feathered guide a name to call it as they accompanied her on missions. The bird still had the gold beaded bracelet she made when she was younger, it was loosely around its neck. It still makes her smile a bit to know the crow hadn’t lost it, a silent loyalty. “I’m still not over the ‘nursery’.”

Sano waved his hands around panicked, “Sorry! I thought you’d be over it by now-not to say that you can’t take all the time you need in order to!,” his face became concerned, eyes laced with worry for her mental health. “Do you need a bit more time-”

“I’m fine Sano, I'd rather not think about anything that has to do with that demon who was a horrible excuse as a ‘mother’.” Her crow was now being fed birdseed along with the boy's crow, ‘Winswerth’ Sano decided to name it, landing on her forearm to join in on the meal. “I’m glad you finished her off quickly while I tended to the boy.”

“No problem, it was pretty easy! Although I’d have to be honest in all the demons I’ve killed so far, that one I couldn’ t have any remorse for. Even while she cried for her lover who she wanted to give an heir to so badly. I couldn’t help but think of the future the children never got to see.” Sanos words were soft, yet laced with guilt for the lives they couldn’t save.

Opal smiled, it was of the things she admired about her partner. Sano always thought of others as equals, demons and humans. In all her life she'd never heard or seen a demon slayer have sympathy for demons and compared them to humans. Oni that ate humans in order to grow stronger. She had to admit, after being beside her partner the past year and slaying demons together, and what she witnessed personally, she was torn.

Not all demons were bad. Some had turned and had no other choice but to kill in order to survive. The demon they faced last month was the same. A former human wife who couldn't conceive for her husband she adored.

However that didn’t excuse their nature and the part Opal loathed the most was from her own horrible experiences with them.

“The world we live in is complicated,” Sano began as they soon followed the two birds flying overhead towards their destination, “On one hand we control our fate, on the other we let others or our upbringing impact on how we live and our decisions.”

“The demon was no different. I’m sure she grew up in a loving household, her father or mother found her a well suited fiancé they thought was perfect for her and thought she’d be taken care of-“

He cut off, looking back towards the wisteria gate that soon faded from view. No doubt he was thinking about the husband and wife that ran the mansion with their two kids. It was an arranged marriage but they were happy, and even acted like friends. A warm family that devoted their lives to helping the corps for no doubt helping them from demons in the past.

“I see now not everyone is fortunate to have that dream. I should know better.”

Opal casted a woeful glance to her partner. Tamashii was an orphan, unlike her, he lost his whole family and clan within one night to a huge massacre from demons.

The last name Tamashii is well known throughout the corps. A man by the name of Sergo Abraham Tamashii was a famous demon slayer for his strength and mysterious breathing styles no tuskuo could copy no matter how hard they tried. The man was so strong he defeated several hashiras in a fight for training and guidance. He was feared by all demons, especially the upper moons themselves. The head of the demon slayer corps requested the highest honor to be given, the status of a hashira. He turned it down. Instead, it was rumored he headed back home to his clan and retired early. Devoting himself to his research and settling down.

The Tamashii clan was burned down to the ground eight years later.

“It doesn’t hurt to dream, to hope,” Opal began slowly, the breeze was cold and nipped at her chapped lips from jack frost's excitement for the last leaf to fall, “The world is cruel that we know, but it doesn’t matter your upbringing or how bad your beaten into oblivion. It matters how you change your future for the better, to grab onto that string of faith until you make it and see the light.”

Sano’s mouth was agape before shifting up into a bright smile, “Your right sorry to bring the mood down! We still have a long way to go before we finally have peace!”

He grabbed the girl's hands catching her off guard as they stood in the midst of the dirt road. Sano would have these sudden bursts of excitement here and there, although she has gotten used to it, it still startled her since she isn’t used to being touched often. Orion and Wiiwerth circled above, casted shadows above her and there from the warm sun.

“Opal I know the others think I’m crazy when I say this but, I’m sure of it! We can make peace with demons!” His face was determined and firm, unwavering as he looked at her. His blue eyes scanned her face for a reaction, what he received was a small smile. With another smile he released her.

“Alright! Let’s go finish the job so we can meet back up with Angelo-san!” The boy stormed off as the girl stood crossing her arms with a playful look.

“Tamashii.”

“Yes?”

“You’re heading back from when we came.”

It was hours before they arrived at the designated spot, Opal wondered how many demon slayers were assigned here since they couldn’t get the job done.

They would’ve been there two hours earlier if Sano didn’t keep getting lost on breaks. She doesn't call him ‘lost boy’ for nothing.

The exterior of the opera house was one to behold. The building was big as expected, however the windows were cracked and busted with age but any eye could see the golden dragon statues in front. They seemed to be tarnished with age on the stairs case, the steps were pure concrete with cracks infiltrated with moss and weeds.

“It’s a shame it was replaced in the city.” Sano muttered looking at the missing third pillar on the second floor in front . A wash of euphoria flowed through him for a minute as a familiar symphony filled his memory. “Are you a fan of music, Opal?”

“I appreciate it, it’s really beautiful when people put hard work into their craft. Why are you?” She asked, looking around the entrance to see if there was a discreet way to enter.

He walked over beside her, a soft look took over his features grabbing her attention. She knew the look too well and fell into the same expression, not out of pity, but a safe welcome for him to share.

“My mother, she used to play-“

An ear piercing scream cut him off as they gazed towards the building, the two of them drew their swords as a figure flew out the second floor cracked window.

Swathing his sword quickly Sano breathed before catching her mid air and landing on both feet safely. Opal moved towards them, it seemed like a girl two years older than them. Her mouth pooled out blood, her arm sliced clean off with eyes wide with despair.

“Sano lay her down.”

The boy did as instructed by a nearby tree, he laid the girl down comfortably as he could. Her gaze was cased over as she looked at him.

“Papa…..I’m sorry-could…come..home…”

Sano inhaled, his shoulders shaking as the girl cried believing the boy in front of her was her father she missed dearly.

One last tear fell, one last breath was taken, and one soul was gone.

Opal got on her knees and sent a quick prayer of respect, before getting back up and wafting her hand over the girl's eyes to close them.

“Opal.”

“I know. No more lives can be lost today.”

~*~

After it seemed like an eternity, the screams ceased. Amber eyes continued to open and close before widening at the sound of a large faint creak. The girl sat up with a pained whine, her tangerine tinted fro was drenched in blood. Brown skin littered in cuts from the scratches the demons she encountered earlier that month laid waste upon her body. Her rainbow died haori stained red, ripped and torn, her corps uniform didn’t look any better. Another creak sounded out, followed by a thump, then a low growl.

Opal’s head shot up with an attentive look, her eyes scanning around the room zoning back in on the situation at hand.

The entrance to the opera house's walls were a muddied maroon red, whereas the marbled floor and pillars added a nice royal touch. imagining how it would’ve been years before, the chandelier would be lit, along with the other candles posted along the walls and pillars would give the room more life. Soft maroon velvet carpet in the halls worn slightly by high quality soles of the rich enjoying the shows as the melodic symphony reached their ears . It was a shame so much wear and rot along the building took over the craft and beauty it had so many years ago.

Twelve other bodies laid waste upon the floor, six mizuno, four kanoto, and two kanoe. Looking around the old marbled blood drenched floor, she looked around for the signature white and indigo blue haori.

‘Sano?’ She pursed her lips, none of the uniforms or haori’s displayed her partners colors or the signature patterns she’d grown accustomed to. Letting out a pained groan she stood clutching her side, her eyes locked on the exit she remembered her partner leaving through in fury. ‘That idiot better be alive-‘ her thought was cut short as a sinking feeling entered her stomach.

Knowing Sano he should’ve been back by now; accessing their injuries and the situation at hand. She allowed her body to lumber out the room, trying to keep her groans and whimpers to a minimum. She could feel her ribs move slightly with each step, her ankle was most likely sprained, not to mention her keen sight was affected from the blunt force to her head.

The opera house halls were littered in dust, dim candles lit along the hall with an orange hue in its wake. Heading down the hall the smell of protruding ash would’ve been faint to an average human, but to a slayer it was very potent, if Opal guessed correctly seven demons died in the hall alone.

It took everything in her not to wheeze or gag due to how much ash had lifted into the air alone. It didn’t help there weren't any windows unless you were in a room, the halls weren’t cramped, yet they were just enough to fit two people walking side by side in an appropriate fashion, three if someone was trying to get by.

The growl and creaks grew louder as she turned a corner leading to what it would seem as a dining hall. The doors were off the hinges, the moon providing light in the dark room. She stepped inside releasing her teal gold sword from its scabbard ,withholding it in a tight grip. The center dining table was smashed right through the middle; large claw-like slashes penetrated the chipping old wallpaper all around the room. Broken glass, porcelain plates, and paintings were trashed and thrown all over the place.

The teen froze, amber eyes widening at the sight of the teen boy wearing blue and white haori. His hands gripped his head, eyes covered with bangs from his raven tied hair. She took in the scene a breath of relief leaving her lips, but soon a concerned look took place.

Don’t get her wrong she was happy to see her friend alive, but even she could see there wasn't something right with the scene displayed in front of her.

“Sano! Thank god you're okay-” Opal cut off as the boy lifted his head, sharp piercing blue eyes took her breath as he let out a low growl from his throat.

There was no way she was seeing what she thought she was seeing, her hands loosened on the sword trembling in her unsteady grip, backing slowly back to the wall. Sano took a step, then another lifting his head into the full moon light from the large dining window.

His eyes, the ones that reflected the sky, filled with hope and wonder, were now filled with hunger, sharp with blind rage; another way to simply describe them would be to a snake that was irritated by intruders. Primal incisors were bared in a snarl that didn’t suit the boy's kind nature. Opal couldn't help but feel her stomach drop at the sight, she lost so many people to demons, she never wanted to admit it to herself-.

The boy’s steps got faster, heading straight towards the entrance where she stood, fangs bared for a bite of his first meal as a demon. The moon seemed to freeze them in time as Sano leaped at her, her orbs filled with tears, rejecting the harsh reality, refusing to believe the boy who believed in peace would succumb to the evil that was thrusted upon him.

-She never wanted to admit that she couldn't stand losing anyone else to the fates laid out before them.

In the pit of her stomach it finally hit her, the rage and agitation with the curse that's been inflicted upon him. The sorrow and tears she wanted to spill wouldn’t fix this, how many people had to suffer due to Muzans past actions and tracery! So many people die, limbs being pulled, organs spilling out on the floor only for demons to devour them whole with no remorse, only concerns for their soul appetite. Opal loathed the world they were tossed in, she couldn't accept it no longer, Tamshii wasn’t them! He fought bravely to the very end each time they were together and away. The letters they exchanged, the memories of laughter and friendship was all she was going to have left of him?

No, to hell with fate!

Quickly with one swift motion, she threw her sword to the side still facing the approaching threat in front of her, grabbing his shoulders as he tried to take a bite, Opal twisted them onto the floor placing her on top.

Sano struggled and bucked, releasing one growl after another ; she pinned his arms over his head in one hand, using the other to grab a hold of the loose blue knitted scarf to thrust into his mouth, preventing any form of biting to take place.

“Sano! I know you're in there somewhere!” Opal started, her eyesight growing ever more fuzzy due to the tears threatening to spill over, “You got this, every trial we always face it together! We came so far….I'm not going home without you so please! Don’t give in!”

The blue eyed boy struggled harder, biting hard on the knitted scarf, in retaliation he started to grow in size. Amber eyes widened at the strength he grew under five seconds, that wasn’t all, it was the left arm the boy always hid underneath the blue elongated sleeve of his haori. ‘His arm is completely black?! And…. dare I say glowing?’

Tamasii always had his arm fully wrapped up from anyone’s sight, one of the many secrets that the boy withheld. But this wasn’t something she expected to be underneath the covering, she expected a burn scar from the fire his family died under, not a full black arm of mystery.

The boy slipped out of her hold, grabbing by her neck as she was lifted in the air, Opal struggled clawing at the tight grip he started to produce.

‘Damn it! I lost my focus’ She struggled to stay calm as she looked at the boy below her, tears streaming down her face as hop slowly slipped away with each breath that was lost. Opal placed her foot on the tall demon's chest in protest to the assault, attempting to pry herself from the tightening grip around her windpipe.

“Sa-no! P-please,” She wheezed, instinctively leaning her head back trying to gain more air, “d….don’t leave me too…”. Her vision seemed to be fading with each breath she failed to take in the room.

Opal closed her watered eyes, accepting the fact it was over, if anything she would at least die at the hands of someone she secretly adored and held close to her heart. She tried her best, that was a well known fact; now she would suffer the same fate many other fellow slayers have before. A flash of familiar faces filled with smiles filled her conscience, a certain black haired boy stood tall and proud with a raised cup, declaring a toast to a hopeful future filled with peace.

‘I wish I could've said goodbye to the others-’ Her thoughts of despair were cut off abruptly , with her falling to the floor with a hard ‘thump’.

Opal inhaled at last gasping air as if she'd never get the chance ever in her life, coughing as she looked up at the boy, inessail shock taking over her features as she took him in. A sobbed left from his lips as he looked down at his hands then back to her.

“Sa-” She coughed and wheezed again, trying to gain her bearings. A warm heavy weight enveloped her, arms wrapped around her frame, trembling. Opal looked to the side, seeing the familiar sight of black hair tied to the back, she wrapped her arms around him as well, a soft whimper leaving her lips. She can’t remember the last time she cried, gripping his hiori tighter as the girl sniffed.

“Hey lost boy? Can you understand me?” She hadn’t expected him to speak, he was still shaking.

Opal knew Sano treasured their friends and especially their friendship, it'll take him a while to get over the fact he tried to eat her after she tried talking to him. A simple nod is all she received, ‘Close enough’.

Her partner released her, his hand resting on the back of her neck, kneading it softly as if to get rid of the pain he inflicted earlier. His thick eyebrows furrowed, his lips frowned, his eyes still remained demonic but glossed over with tears. She offered a loose smile showing him that she was just glad he was somewhat alright.

A large bang could be heard through the house of music, startling the two. Voices were heard along with orders given. Opal looked at Sanos' predicament in alarm, realizing a crucial detail.

‘Sano is a demon now, even though he's showing emotions and hasn't killed anyone he would still be killed. It's against the corp’s rules to let him live!’.

She stood up in one go instantly regretting it as a wave of nausea and the condition of her injuries caught up with her. Opal wobbled on her feet, the dining room spinning. Her partner was there in a flash, throwing her arm over his shoulders to provide support they’d done so many times before.

“Sano,” She started with a low whisper, “You have to leave. Now.”

Looking over at the boy, she was met with an intense stare and frown. Knowing how stubborn Tamashii was, there was no hope for them splitting up due to her injuries. He simply moved her over near where her sword was thrown to the floor. He swiftly picked it up along with his scarf, making sure not to jostle Opal too much around his shoulder.

“We have no time to argue on this!,” Her tone was sharp, expressing the intense emotions that wound up in the depths of her mind, “Due to the situation a Hashira has most likely been sent here to help! You do know what that means don’t you-“

The girl was cut off by her partner throwing her over his shoulders onto his back. Opal was so hellbent on having her partner escape she didn’t even realize they had teleported a good way away from the house of music. It was a habit the boy had to let her ramble as he continued to use his breathing style in order to get them to their destination faster. He didn’t use it all the time though, just in case they ran into a demon unexpectedly one night without proper rest from their last mission.

Once the demon boy adjusted her as comfortably as possible, gripping her thighs for support he broke out into a sprint, although the girl would’ve laughed, fought, and pointed out how childish the ‘piggyback ride’ was; she simply didn’t have any more energy left. Opal wanted to question where they were going as they passed by streams, bushes and wide clearings they’d used to rest near after a mission. Her eyes could barely stay open, each breath she took led the world as she knew to become fuzzy and merged.

Sano must've noticed the girl's current state as he started to run faster, teleporting every now and then to make up for time. He moved his left shoulder in a jerk that her head laid upon, a silent ‘stay awake’ of an order.

Her partner knew she was trying, but she couldn’t anymore. The grip she once had around his shoulders loosened, soon falling at her sides, resulting in the boy leaning forward so she wouldn’t fall off. Opal glanced up at the moon, the night seemed so pretty even though a series of deaths for so many demon slayers happened every night without fail.

For a moment, as her eyelids closed, her breathing becoming shallow, the steps of her partner silent yet concentrated to get them to their destination.

‘I wonder if demons admire the beauty the night has to offer?’

#Apple Black #Sano Bengote Tamashii #Opal Wantmore #Whyt Manga #demon slayer #demon slayer universe

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wysteriaz-blog · 2 years ago

Text

Two Worlds Collided & They Could Never Tear Us Apart

Chapter 4: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Just when some progress is made between the group, another argument sets it back.

Or read the series on Ao3 / Wattpad!

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After three and a half, painstakingly long, awkward, and silent hours of walking through the forest, the group stumbles upon their destination. It became night just within the last hour of traveling and they're all happy to have finally made it. A house with a wisteria family crest on the doors of the outside wall looms before them in the dark. No one speaks. Not a single word has been spoken since the fight earlier, as they've all been too tired and trapped in their own thoughts. While the embers of anger have already burned out, there was still tension among them.

Tanjiro's crow swoops down and lands in his hands, squawking loudly and flapping its wings. "CA-CAW!! IT'S TIME TO REST! YOU'VE ALL HAD A LONG DAY, REST UP NOWWW!"

"So loud... let's eat that thing," Inosuke mutters lowly, turning his gaze towards the bird.

The crow freezes in its spot at the suggestion before it shoots back up to the sky, squawking and flying away as fast as it can.

Just then one of the doors in front of them opens up to reveal a small elderly woman, who greets them with a polite smile.

"Hello. Should I presume you are all demon slayers?" She asks kindly, her eyes landing on you in Inosuke's arms.

Inosuke shifts you in his arms slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable. You weren't a demon slayer... did she know? Would you be allowed in? Wait, why is he worrying? No, he isn't worrying about you, he's just wondering if it would matter to the woman or not. They all looked pretty beat up and tired. And this lady seemed too hospitable, so surely she wouldn't send you away. That'd be dumb.

They all nod and she smiles again, bowing lightly before guiding them through the door. "Please come in."

They all follow the woman on a stone path leading up to the house. She walks them through the front door and shows them their room with a spare change of clothes and food already prepared. They all stare in surprise, not expecting all of this. It's like she knew they were coming! The smell of the delicious looking food collects all of their attention and they immediately descend upon it. Tanjiro almost yells at Inosuke, as he'd quickly dropped you onto one of the futons on the floor before scrambling back to the table of food. He wasn't completely careless in dropping you though, so he just lets it slide for the time being. They didn't need anymore fighting for today.

They all sit around the small table and begin eating, except Tanjiro, who starts with saving you some before he eats. Zenitsu watches and stops mid-bite before he quickly drops it and reaches over to help, which causes Tanjiro to flash an appreciative smile. Inosuke doesn't notice as he's too focused on shoving as much food as he can down his throat, grinning and cackling happily to himself.

"Use your chopsticks," Zenitsu sighs, finally breaking the silence between them all.

Inosuke just grins more and ignores him, grabbing another piece of food and obnoxiously eating it. After he swallows that piece he snatches one of Tanjiro's, waiting for his reaction. Zenitsu looks shocked and disgusted while Tanjiro looks stupefied at the way he ravenously eats.

"Uhh..." Tanjiro awkwardly grabs a bowl and holds it up to him, trying to smile. "If you're really that hungry, you can have this as well..."

Inosuke furrows his brows and grabs at his hair, groaning loudly before promptly ignoring him to eat some more food aggressively.

Tanjiro just blinks and nods, all of them continuing to eat in silence again. After they finish their meal the old woman comes to clear the table and takes the extra food they saved for you back to be safely stored. She returns a few minutes later and asks them if they would all like to get cleaned up and they agree, following her outside to a bathhouse. She leaves them be and the silence that washes over them is still awkward but more peaceful now as they begin to fully relax. The water is steaming and the warmth soothes their aching muscles as they sink further in. They sigh collectively, closing their eyes while leaning back against the bath walls.

The silence continues for a few more minutes until Tanjiro opens his eyes and clears his throat.

"We need to talk..."

"What about?" Inosuke huffs, throwing his hands behind his head.

Zenitsu frowns in annoyance and mutters under his breath, "Your attitude, for one thing."

"Huh?! Wanna say that again?!"

Tanjiro sighs. "Don't start fighting again. Please, we need to be calm about this."

"He started it!" they yell simultaneously, while glaring at each other.

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that we work together now and help Y/n-san."

"Why should I help?"

"Because you owe her—and me—an apology," Zenitsu scoffs with contempt.

Inosuke puffs air through the nose of his mask and turns his head up. Tanjiro slumps in his spot and looks up momentarily, gathering his thoughts before speaking up again, tone more sharp.

"He is right, Inosuke, you really should apologize. What you did was nearly unforgivable and goes against what the Corps stands for. You not only attacked a fellow slayer but someone completely innocent." His gaze slides back down to find them both staring at him with their full attention. "Y/n-san isn't like us. We're demon slayers and we're strong, but even we get hurt and scared. So, think about how she feels being attacked by not only demons... but people too."

"I.. I didn't know she wasn't one of us! I don't worry about asking questions first. Hesitating for even a second gets you killed where I'm from," Inosuke tries to explain, but even he knows it wasn't an acceptable excuse.

You weren't like a wild animal or something that he needed to worry about when he was living alone on a mountain. He wasn't thinking and was completely out of line. He just can't admit it... yet.

"That doesn't matter," Tanjiro says simply. "If you want to be around people, you have to learn to control yourself and not act impulsively..."

"HAHH—"

"And Zenitsu, you really shouldn't provoke him so much. You aren't helping."

"B-But—" He instantly shuts his mouth when Tanjiro gives him a pointed look. "Okay... yeah, you're right. I apologize..."

They turn to Inosuke and he just stares back. It's really getting on his nerves the way they're looking at him, it's like they're looking down on him. He can't stand being looked down on, like he's lesser than anyone, or some kind of monster—like a demon! He wasn't dumb or weak or some kind of monster! They want an apology? Fine, he can do that and he'll do it better than anyone else!

He turns away, taking a long ragged breath before gritting his teeth and grumbling. "I'm.. s o r r y...!"

Zenitsu slowly smirks. "Huh? What was that? I didn't hear you," he asks, holding a hand up to his ear.

Inosuke glowers at him and huffs loudly through his mask. "I'M NOT SAYING IT AGAIN, SO LISTEN UP! I'M SORRY, ALRIGHT?!"

Zenitsu starts laughing and kicks his feet, splashing Inosuke in the process, who yells and dives across the water to get back at him. Tanjiro can't help but smile watching them splash each other, sort of getting along now. He just hopes it stays this way or gets even better, as they all need to stick together and help each other out. They're comrades but maybe.. they could even be great friends. They haven't completely solved their problems but for now, they'll just enjoy this little moment. After about an hour of them soaking in the water and cleaning up, they get out and get dressed into the clean clothes the woman had provided earlier. They head back out across the estate and shuffle into the house where they find the old woman waiting for them in their room. They all immediately notice one thing as they step inside...

You were gone!

The old woman clears her throat, gaining their attention. "The young lady who was with you had woken up while you were away, so I took care of her."

"Oh, thank goodness. Where is she at?" Zenitsu asks with a tilt of his head.

"She is in the next room over," she chuckles out quietly, having sensed their worries. "Now, it is time for you all to rest. Goodnight."

They watch as she bows once more and slowly walks away, waiting until she turns a corner and disappears from sight before they step out of their room. They slowly tiptoe their way to where the old woman had said you were staying and stop a couple of feet in front of your door. They stay there in silence for a few moments just looking at each other and the door. They're unsure if you're still awake or if you've gone to bed and while they're all very curious, none of them dares to make a move and knock.

They quietly whisper to each other, urging someone to do it, but no one dares to be the one to disturb you. Just as they give up and turn to go back to their room, the door slides open and you peer outside. Zenitsu gets startled by the sudden noise and jumps away while Inosuke freezes in his spot and Tanjiro calmly looks back over his shoulder. Tanjiro's eyes widen when he sees you and he smiles softly.

"Y/n-san, you're awake! I'm glad you're okay," he says warmly, stepping closer.

Zenitsu rushes to stand next to Tanjiro while Inosuke quietly slinks over. You're a little surprised to see them and a bit overwhelmed if you were being honest. You'd only woken up a while ago and everything still hurts, but not as much as before since a kind old lady gave you something to drink when you'd woken up. It'd look like a herbal tea of some kind and she'd offered you food too, but you weren't feeling well, so you politely refused. While everything still hurts, you could at least move a little better now.

The little old lady also led you to another bathhouse on the opposite side of the estate and you took the opportunity to clean up and relax your aching muscles for a bit. You didn't stay in there for long, just taking a couple minutes to freshen up. The woman had stayed nearby to help if needed and once you were done she guided you back to the house, showing you to your own room. You'd sat near a window for a while, staring at the moon and getting lost in thought.

It was a hectic day and you just wanted to go home—wherever that was. You still don't remember anything besides your own name and it's frustrating. Your emotions are all over the place. You were just getting ready to go back to bed when you heard a bunch of footsteps outside your room. After a minute of listening to whoever was out there whispering back and forth, you decided to get up and check it out.

And there you found yourself staring at three awkward men, who now crowd around you.

"HEY!!"

You're startled by the boar man pushing himself into your personal space and you stumble backwards. Inosuke shoves the door open and follows you with his arms crossed. He's staring at you like he has something important to say but you weren't sure since he had his mask on. You have to go by his body language and he seems a little tense and impatient at the moment. You just blink at him while the other two come scurrying inside as well.

"Inosuke, don't shout so loud! And you shouldn't just barge into someone's room like that—especially a woman!" Zenitsu admonishes.

He ignores him and takes a step closer, hands now resting on his hips. "I'm here to apologize, so listen up, because I won't do it again!"

You blink again, not knowing what he's saying and glance over at the other two, hoping they'd be able to help somehow.

"What the hell?! Why isn't she saying anything?"

"She doesn't understand you, remember?"

"Oh yeahhh..." He scratches his head—or well mask—huffing loudly. "How the hell do I apologize then?!"

"I'm sure if you act sincere and show her that you're sorry, she'll understand," Tanjiro suggests kindly with a nervous smile.

"I'm always sincere!"

He glares when Zenitsu snorts and starts snickering at him. He stomps over and threatens to beat the hell out of him again but Tanjiro quickly places a hand on his shoulder and redirects him back towards you, encouraging him to ignore Zenitsu and try again. Inosuke just stands there and grumbles some more under his breath, not quite sure what to do since you don't understand a word he says. How else could he apologize? He's actually never really apologized in his life. All he knows is the words and that they're supposed to make things better but you wouldn't get it. Tanjiro suggested to act sincerely and show you he's sorry... but how is he supposed to do that? Well, he can't use words so he has to show you through actions.

That's right, he's always been better with actions than he has with words, so he'll show you in that way!

He grabs your hand and raises it up, forming it into a fist then guides your fist to his chest before letting go and putting his arms down, showing you that he's giving you the chance to punch him. This is how he'll apologize! He'll let you get back at him. Just this once though. And he wasn't worried about it hurting, it's not like you could do much, you were just a normal girl. But this would surely make you feel better, right?! He puffs a stream of air through his mask proudly. He's a genius!

You just quirk your brow in confusion and let your hand fall, watching as he stands there with his chest puffed out. He wanted you to... hit him? But why? This guy seemed like he wasn't one to let someone attack him without putting up a fight and wasn't willing to lose. Yet here he was, exposing his body to you. You had a feeling that maybe... he was letting you get back at him. In a weird way, it was nice and you appreciated it, but you weren't going to punch him—at least not that hard. With an amused grin you raise your fist back up and lightly punch his chest before stepping away. You didn't really need or want to get back at him. Besides, you'd already scratched him pretty hard earlier and you kind of felt bad about it.

He grunts in confusion and cocks his head down to look at you, wondering why you weren't going all out. Here he is, giving you the chance to punch him with all your might, and you just lightly tap him? What the hell? Did you think you were too good to punch him or something?! He could definitely take it!

You smile at him and nod your head, hoping he'd understand that there were no hard feelings. Sure, he'd been awful before but you believed in second chances and he seemed to be trying—in his own eccentric way.

"HEY—"

He's about to yell at you for thinking you're better than him but immediately stops as you reach for his hand and give it a friendly shake, lightly squeezing it with both of your hands. His eyes follow you as you quickly walk away and dip a piece of cloth into a bowl of water, coming back to gently place it on his shoulder. The old lady had been putting it on your forehead earlier, as you were running a bit of a fever, but she had left it there in case you still needed it.

You place the cloth on the spot where you'd scratched him and dab it a few times. It stings just a little bit but he doesn't show it and remains completely still. He just stands there dumbfounded and lets you gently press it there until you're satisfied and put the cloth back by the bowl. His head is absolutely blank for once and he stops breathing for a moment as he stares straight at a wall.

"Hu—wahhh~..."

You go to Tanjiro and Zenitsu, smiling at them and then bow down like they had done so many times before. Then you very timidly and awkwardly wrap your arms around their shoulders in a small and quick hug before stepping away. You hoped it was the right thing to do, you didn't know how else to show your gratitude. They were all here to check on you and you greatly appreciated it. At first you had wanted to be left alone.. but you realized you actually didn't want that, you were just overwhelmed. What you needed was a little time to process things, but you needed people to be there for you still.

And these three men were here, checking on you and keeping you company, even though there were few bumps in the road. They've helped you and quite literally saved your life a few times. You owed them a lot. They were good people and you wanted to continue sticking by their sides, you wanted to do whatever you could to help them in return. Zenitsu looks owlish and has a tinge of pink dusting his cheeks, while Tanjiro just has a soft smile playing on his lips.

Zenitsu sighs. "Wow, she's.. so nice—she must be an angel. If I'm being honest though, I'm actually a little upset..."

"Why is that?" Tanjiro asks curiously, but immediately regrets doing so.

"BECAUSE THAT PIG GOT TO HAVE HIS HAND HELD BY HER!!!" He screeches, throwing his body around while pulling at his hair. "HE DESERVED TO BE BEATEN TO A PULP BUT SHE JUST TOOK CARE OF HIM—THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!! I WANT TO HOLD HANDS WITH HER AND BE TAKEN CARE OF, I GOT HURT TOO!! WHY DOES HE GET TO BE ALL CUTE WITH HER?!? IM GONNA—"

Tanjiro chops the back of his neck, effectively cutting him off as he hits a nerve and Zenitsu makes a weird face as he flops over.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop this nonsense? Y/n-san showed care for us too. You're being a bit dramatic again, don't you think?"

Zenitsu just groans and Tanjiro lifts him by the back of his collar, slinging his other arm around Inosuke's shoulders, who just stumbles beside him. He leads them out the door and bows to you a few times with an apologetic smile. You can't help but laugh under your breath. Like usual, you have no clue what's going on but it's amusing all the same and they've definitely lifted your mood up a bit. You close your door and crawl onto the futon on the floor, snuggling into the comforter.

Tanjiro brings Inosuke and Zenitsu into their room and slides the door shut. He lets Inosuke go and sets Zenitsu on a futon, turning around to see Inosuke still frozen but seeming to come out of it as his hand twitches. He chuckles and eases the box off his back and pushes it to a corner, tiredly walking back to sit on his own futon. Inosuke finally snaps out of whatever stupor he was in and looks around, grunting as he spots Tanjiro.

"Wait... Monjiro, where'd that girl go?"

"Huh? Who are you talking to?"

"You of course!"

"No you're not! I already told you my name, it's Tanjiro Kamado."

Inosuke stares at him and says with complete seriousness, "Alright, Gonpachiro Kamaboko. Where'd she go?"

Tanjiro sighs in exasperation and just smiles tiredly. "She's in her room. We were just there. We should leave her alone and let her rest now."

"Fine," he huffs. "What's her name?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself, tomorrow morning?"

"But she doesn't understand me!" he groans, throwing his hands up.

"I'm sure if you tried hard enough, she'd understand what you're trying to say. Zenitsu and I have done it, so I'm sure you can too. We did say her name before, by the way... do you not remember?"

Inosuke pauses, not remembering them saying your name. He was really bad with names. He could barely get Santaro and Kenitsu's name right.

"Aughh, no! Why won't you just tell me?!"

"Because I think it'll be good for you. She seemed to forgive you earlier, even if your way of apologizing was a little odd..." He scratches his cheek but smiles encouragingly at him. "You almost had it, Inosuke! You should give it another try!"

Inosuke grits his teeth. "Don't tell me what to do!!"

"How about we just go to sleep now...?"

Inosuke huffs and grumbles some more as he stomps to his own futon. He grabs a pillow and chucks it at Zenitsu's face, who doesn't react to the impact as he's already dead asleep and snoring soundly. Inosuke wanted to throw it at Tanjiro but he decided at the last second to smack Zenitsu with his pillow instead. It did make his snoring a little quieter. He lays down and spreads his arms and legs out, sighing as he stares at the ceiling. Tanjiro rolls onto his side and closes his eyes, slowly falling asleep. Inosuke stays there and listens to their slowed breaths for a while before getting out of his bed. He looks over to make sure the other two are still sleeping before he sneaks outside of the room and over to yours. He carefully presses his head to the door and strains his ears for any sounds but doesn't hear anything but more soft breathing.

Damn it.. you were already asleep, too.

It was really bothering him that the other two knew your name but he didn't! He was told you should be left alone and that he should ask for your name in the morning but since when does he listen to anyone? He never really has before and he certainly won't start now! He almost barges into your room to demand that you tell him your name. But his hands stop suddenly and his head aches a little.

He remembers what Zenitsu told him about barging into rooms and how Tanjiro told him you needed to rest. He drops his hands and huffs, cursing them for getting into his head. He isn't one to hesitate and will do anything he wants, when he wants, but since meeting you three he's been made to think about things more than he would have before. He feels like he's been told nothing but 'do this—don't do that' and it was really annoying. He isn't used to it and doesn't like it but it was a bit of a challenge... and he does like challenges. He feels so conflicted.

He curses some more under his breath and paces around until your door suddenly opens. He stops in his tracks and slowly turns to face you, almost holding his breath as you blink at him, brows scrunching together. You both just stand there for a few moments, neither of you quite sure what to say or do. You finally decide to break the silence and figure out what the masked man was doing up still. You open the door more and he drops his hands from where they were hanging in the air. He doesn't make a sound or move a single muscle as you step outside the door and eye him curiously.

"Hey," you greet quietly, "...something wrong?"

You don't know why you asked, it wasn't like he would understand. And you can't tell what he could possibly be thinking because of his mask. The boar mask eyes are so beady and emotionless, it's a little creepy and you wonder why he wore it. It can't be because he's ugly—he was far from it— so why did he wear it? Maybe that'll be another question for you to find out someday, but it could wait as you have more important questions to be answered first.

He barely tilts his head and a slight puff of air escapes his mask. Neither of you could understand each other, so it was going to be difficult to communicate. He watches as you timidly step closer and waits to see what you'll do next but you stop, looking unsure of yourself. It was already hard trying to understand the other two sometimes, all you had was body language. But this man was so boar-ish in nature, he was extremely aloof and you couldn't read his face at all because of the mask, so what hope did you have of understanding him?

You mindlessly play with your fingers as you think of how you're going to communicate, trying hard to work up the courage, but he surprises you by speaking quietly for the first time... although still a little gruff around the edges.

"What's your name, lady?"

You blink and furrow your brows in concentration as you desperately try to think of what he just said. It sounded like a question and it sounded a little familiar.. but worded differently. Then it clicks. You've been asked this a few times before, by Tanjiro and Zenitsu, when they were trying to learn your name!

You point to yourself, tapping your sternum as you carefully say, "Y/n."

He grunts in response and you aren't sure if that means he understood you or not. Wait, did you get it wrong? Possibly... but no matter, you wanted to try and keep this going while he was still calm. He wordlessly watches as you point at him, saying something back to him. You also asked for his name but he has no clue what you said, so he just frowns under his mask and stays quiet as you look at him expectantly. You start to feel a little awkward the longer you stand there staring at each other, no words being exchanged. He hasn't said anything else and you don't know what he's thinking. You debate whether you should just go back to your room now or maybe try to talk to him some more. Who knows if you'd get another chance to talk to him in such a peaceful manner.

But he decides for you by nonchalantly turning and walking away. Without even thinking you reach out and grab onto the fur of his pants. He stops and knocks your hand away, quickly facing you and standing defensively. You bring your hand back and hold it close to you, startled at how fast he reacted.

"I-I... I'm sorry," you squeak, slightly bowing your head down. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or angry.. I just wanted to talk and—"

The more he listens to you quietly ramble on, the more his muscles relax as he remembers that you weren't a threat at all. You aren't from here and weren't like them—you're just a normal girl. He notices you take a few tiny steps back, obviously nervous now. You were definitely more wary around him and were putting distance between you both... but you didn't run away from him. You probably should have, but you were much braver (or maybe dumber) than you looked.

He suddenly strides closer and you stand rigid as he slowly circles around you. You hold your breath, your nervousness bubbling even more as he comes to a stop in front of you and leans in, the snout of his mask inches from your face. He observes you closely under the mask then leans back crossing his arms. He's not really great at reading people, not in the way of thoughts and feelings, but he is good at reading energy.

Even through your nerves he could sense your energy was very light. He didn't sense any strong negativity of any kind, which he was pretty curious about. You were really odd. The same could be said for Tanjiro, as you were both sort of similar, you were much more kind and patient than most other people. Had it been anyone else, he's sure they wouldn't have hesitated to punch him and fight back after he had attacked them. He gave you the chance to do just that earlier but you didn't take it. While Tanjiro did fight him, he was reluctant to do so and wouldn't continue the fight after it ended the first time either. And Zenitsu... he was another story of weirdness that he didn't really want to get into.

You were all weird—interesting—but weird.

He isn't one to be around people for long.. but maybe he'll stick around this time. He had to admit he was really impressed with Tanjiro's headbutt and wanted to know how he did it. He held some respect for him as he was no doubt strong. He wants to be as strong as him—no even stronger! He also wanted to actually fairly fight with Zenitsu to see what he was really made of, as he had a feeling there was more to him than he put out. And like the others, he wanted to know why and how you were here. He blinks his thoughts away before they could get any deeper, his head kind of hurt after everything they've all been through.

You stop rambling when you realize he'd leaned into your space again.

"You sure talk a lot, for someone so quiet," he remarks with a light huff.

You stare at him but your eyes shift to a point past him and widen when you see another figure standing ominously in the dark. He notices and turns around, spotting the figure and tensing up as it makes its way closer. Your heart starts pounding in your chest, thinking it may be something dangerous. You don't think you could handle another monster trying to kill you. You almost run away in complete panic as it gets closer, but relief floods your system when you realize what—or who—it was.

"What are you doing out here alone with Y/n-chan?" Zenitsu grumbles suspiciously, voice still ladled with sleep. "I heard something... and I'm glad I checked, you're obviously up to no good."

"Huhh.." He slowly faces Zenitsu and growls threateningly. "What's that supposed to mean? You wanna fight, Monitsu?!"

"No! No way! Didn't you learn anything from your fight with Tanjiro?"

"C'mon, quit being a coward and fight me! You came out here for a reason, didn't you?!"

Things were escalating way too quickly all of sudden and you were getting worried about them fighting again, waking anyone else up, and hurting each other. Just as the man with the boar mask takes a step towards Zenitsu you reach out and grab his hand, squeezing it as you pull him back. He makes a disgruntled noise as he's suddenly dragged back. His gaze flicks down to where you're holding onto his hand and he pulls it away, flinging yours back with the quick movement, then looks back up to your face.

He's still tense but he's completely quiet and still as he regards you. You're pleading for him to not do anything, hoping he could see it in your eyes. You'd seen enough blood and pain today. You don't know why he was so aggressive a lot of the time, or what Zenitsu said to set him off in this very moment, but you knew he was a good person deep down and maybe he just needed a little help in the right direction.

You give a wobbly smile, hoping he would understand you were just trying to help and keep the peace.

"Y/N-CHAN, YOU SHOULDN'T BE NEAR HIM," Zenitsu protests loudly, speeding over and getting into between you both. He grabs your hand, twisting and turning it worriedly. "Did he hurt you again?! Here, I'll take you back to your room."

Zenitsu yelps when Inosuke shoves him out of the way and snatches your hand back into his before snarling out, "I didn't do anything to her!"

Zenitsu grabs your other hand. "I don't trust you, I saw you grab and throw her hand away!"

"You saw it wrong! She grabbed onto me and I don't like people just doing that," he grits out.

You're being pulled between them now, grimacing as they both tug you from side to side. You tried to interject but they were too caught up in arguing with each other to notice your discomfort.

"Fine, if that's the case then let go of her," Zenitsu demands.

"No, you let go!"

"You're way too rough—you'll hurt her again! She needs to rest, so let me take her back to her room."

"No, I won't! I can take her back, so you let go!"

"She doesn't want you to!"

"How do you know?! She's the one who grabbed my hand first—not yours—so, that must mean she wants me to take her back, because she knows I'm stronger!"

Zenitsu starts sparking, sending little tingles through your hand on one side and Inosuke growls, the sound traveling from his chest and vibrating all the way to your other hand. Oh dear... is this how you were going to actually die? Not by the hands of some monster, but between two equally loud, raging, uncontrollable men?!

You try to gain their attention again but it's like you aren't even there anymore, but an idea quickly comes to mind and you hope it worked. You relax and let your body suddenly drop in between them, letting your dead weight bring you down. It works as they both gasp and catch you from falling all the way, holding onto your arms to keep you slightly lifted, but your head lolls forward so they quickly set you down.

"W-WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Zenitsu screeches dramatically.

"I didn't do anything! Maybe YOU did something!"

They crouch and kneel right next to you laying on the ground and you slow your breathing down as much as possible. You almost crack a smile as you listen to Zenitsu's voice get even higher and more panicked sounding. It was a bit of a mean trick... but it was funny and they kind of deserved it. You're curious if this will work and get them to stop arguing about who knows what.

"AHHH, WHAT DO WE DO?! IS SHE DYING?!?"

Someone starts prodding you and shaking your shoulder and you try your best to not react and laugh. You feel something furry drop next to your hand and slightly tense up, holding your breath with your heart pounding again when you feel something also plop onto your chest without any warning. There's a deafening shriek and the pressure is quickly removed.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!?!"

"Well, she isn't dying. She's still breathing fine, and I can hear her heartbeat," Inosuke states as he grabs his mask, putting it back on.

"Keep your filthy hands and head to yourself!!!"

"I was making sure she wasn't dead, since you were making such a fuss about it! What's your problem now?!"

"My problem is that you keep touching her and it's really pissing me off!!"

Inosuke snorts and states matter-of-factly, "You're just whining because she grabbed my hand and not yours. What's the big deal, anyways? I'm just stronger, so naturally someone will want me close by to help them."

"No, I'm not whining! And that is not the reason at all, she only did that to stop you from doing anything! You try to maul someone when they even look at you, so do you really think she'd want to grab your hand otherwise?!"

"Whatever! Like she'd want to grab yours either! You're always yelling and crying like a big baby," he retorts, sticking his nose up.

You peek an eye open, sensing things are heating back up again so you start moving your hands and groan quietly. They stop their bickering once they notice you trying to sit up. Zenitsu grabs your elbow and helps you up and you purse your lips as you look between them.

"Y/n-chan, are you okay?" Zenitsu fusses over you, scooting close and wrapping an arm around yours. "That was scary, I thought something bad happened to you! A-Are you feeling alright? Are you sick?!

You blink at him and smile awkwardly, patting his arm in reassurance, which seems to settle him down a little. You look over to see the masked man just sitting there and staring, so you give a thumbs up but he doesn't do anything. You all stand up and Zenitsu grabs your hand again but Inosuke is quick to grab your other one. They stare at each other in silence and you can feel the tension rising.

Oh no... not again! What are they even fighting about?! Why did you seem to be caught in the middle of it?

"I thought I made it clear that we need to respect Y/n-san more... but I see we need to have another talk."

You all turn to the new voice to see Tanjiro standing off to the side, his expression is calm but still very much intimidating. It was like a storm hidden beneath gentle waves. How long has he been standing there? Zenitsu straightens up and Inosuke slightly stiffens, both of their hands immediately dropping yours. Tanjiro's eyes are sharp as he regards them but soften as they shift to you. He walks over smiling as he places a warm hand on your arm, leading you back to the door of your room. He bows his head to you at the entrance, bidding you a goodnight as you slowly close the door.

You stand there for a few seconds with your head feeling scrambled as you try to make sense of things. You seriously wish you could understand them, this was driving you crazy! One second they're all nice and peaceful and then the next second they're at each other's throats, looking like they're ready to tear limbs apart. You walk back to your bed and lay down, pulling the covers over you.

Today was pretty confusing, sad, and even scary at some points but it also had some pretty interesting moments. You may not know where you're at or how you got here but there's one thing you do know now—you were supposed to meet them. You don't know why, but you get this feeling that something awaits you in the future and that they would be a part of it. Hopefully things will get better and sooner rather than later. Or else these boys just might actually make you lose your marbles, if the monsters or other strange things don't do it first.

Now that you've gone back to bed Tanjiro turns and walks past the other two and they silently follow him back to their room. Tanjiro doesn't acknowledge them at all as they walk inside and just gets back in bed, turning his back to them and going to sleep. They wordlessly get back into their own beds and stare at the ceiling in silence. They messed up big time.

"I think we're dead..." Zenitsu whispers quietly.

☽☼☾☽☼☾☽☼☾

Taisho Secrets

* Inosuke is very competitive and prideful, he likes to prove to himself and others that he is just as capable and strong (if not more) as others. He hates being told what he can or can't do. He actually believes that Zenitsu thinks he's inferior, which is why he argues and fights back so much, especially when Zenitsu tries to get in between him interacting with you. Inosuke isn't fighting Zenitsu over you, it's more like he's fighting him because he's trying to show he's just as good as he is, or even better!

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