Genya doesn’t remember when he stopped feeling pain.
It isn’t something he is unaware of. He realized in the midst of battle, demonic blood coursing through his veins, where injuries that would have incapacitated him otherwhere were ignored like water off his back. Genya used to feel it later, after his arm had stitched back together slowly over the course of the night. It was the ache of humanity catching up with him that left the scars to remind him of the choices he’d made to be here.
This made sense back then. He had been a demon under the moonlight, and demons don’t feel pain... right?
Genya realized even that ache of humanity had dulled when slicing vegetables with Tanjiro to share a meal with the group. He watched those bright maroon eyes widen while he spoke about this or that, following Tanjiro’s gaze until he was met with the sight of radish chunks sitting in a pool of blood. He’d cut the meat of his hand and hadn’t felt it at all — and it wasn’t due to the sharpness of the blade.
So it’s funny, Genya thinks, that I don’t feel this at all.
What he does feel is cold as the blood rushes from his body. He would have been dead ages ago had it not been for the demonification. Genya sees the puddle beneath him grow with every passing moment, but focus instead is on his sibling hovering and screaming. His vision is starting to whiten.
He hears little past the sharp ringing in his ears, but speaks anyway. This is his only chance, you know? To tell Sanemi how he feels. Tanjiro said it was okay...
He’s sorry.
He didn’t mean to blame you.
He was a burden.
Thank you.
He wanted to protect you.
Please don’t die.
In a weird way Genya feels himself crumbling away, but that isn’t painful either. It feels more like... an absence. It feels like how he imagines the space inside an empty hole feels. His vision is already white.
He wanted to see Sanemi smile one more time. The last time was...
In the distance he hears something. He hears it again, and again. It’s so faint that he can barely hear it, but that ringing keeps—
❝Genya-nii-chan!!❞ ❝Nii-chan!!❞ ❝’Ya-nii!❞
A little body slams into the back of his knees and he stumbles forward. In an instant Genya is standing again. Standing in clothes he hasn’t worn in years with a pounding in his chest that he’s forgotten. He knows that voice. Those voices.
Grin splits across his face that hasn’t made the light of day since his family was torn apart and he whips around to embrace his siblings. Sumi and Teiko are pulling at his shirt, bouncing and laughing and smiling as Genya kneels to pull them into his arms. Shuya, Hiroshi and Koto are not far behind, each of them jumping over one another to hug their big brother.
Genya laughs and squeezes the two, now three as Hiroshi bullies his way in between the others, in his arms and touches Shuya and Koto’s cheeks with a warm hand. He’s sure they’re older, or maybe that’s just his imagination. Sis sisters look just like their mother, and Shuya is already as tall as he was at that age. Everything was worth it if this was had been awaiting him in the afterlife. Time with his siblings.
‘Nemi can join them later, once he’s helped defeat Muzan and lived a long and happy life. He can find someone to love him as much as he deserves, have a family and treat them like they all should have been. They’ll be waiting here. Together.
❝Where’s ma—❞
❝You can’t stay here, Genya-nii-chan.❞
It is Shuya that speaks, the oldest below Genya, and Genya’s head snaps up from pressing his cheek against his littlest sister’s hair. ❝What—❞
❝You can’t stay!❞ Koto follows, her small hands balling into fists in front of her. ❝You have to protect ‘Nemi-nii-chan!❞
Genya’s eyes slowly widen, gaze juggling between the two eldest siblings. ❝You...❞ The little hands fists in his shirt shake and pull at the fabric and he looks down at the three still nestled in his arms.
❝You said you would!❞ ❝You made a promise!❞ ❝We’ll be mad at you forever if you don’t!❞
He’s stunned into silence, eyes welling with tears that slowly spill over onto his cheeks. Sumi, Teiko and Hiroshi hold onto him tightly for a moment longer before each of them are pushing and shoving at his chest. Genya’s shock makes him flounder back to his feet as the five of them huddled together opposite where he stood.
❝I can’t go back, I.. I have to stay with you guys!❞ He shakes his head in disbelief, unable to fully grasp what they’re asking of him. Genya was... he was dead. His body has crumbled to ash. In his mind he shouldn’t even be here, in all this white, with them.
Once again it is Shuya who has stepped up. He’s been a good big brother without him and Sanemi... He should be proud. ❝You have to go!!❞ Shuya yells and shoves at Genya’s chest. Hard. The eldest two weren’t the only ones who inherited their father’s monstrous strength.
Genya takes one, two quick steps back and a third that feels like the ground has given out from under him. He slips and falls backward, his stomach rising into his throat as he reaches for his brothers and sisters. ❝Shu—❞
❝Go protect ‘Nemi!!❞ Each of the five have rushed to the invisible edge. They smile wide and rub at their eyes, waving as he falls backward into... Wherever he will go. ❝We’ll be okay! Promise!❞
Genya blinks as the wind rushes past his ears. It’s black again. He hears a roaring yell in his left ear and feels arms gripped tightly around his back. Pain shoots through his left side and his body jerks with an uncomfortable groan. Eyes — eye? — peel open only just,
Sanemi’s familiar white hair, stained red with blood that’s probably his (probably...? Why can’t he...) is the first thing he sees, torn Death haori, scarred skin. Gyomei is kneeling some ways away. Weakly, he reaches left arm around his brother’s back. Fingers curl limply into the Wind Hashira’s at the same time he presses his right cheek to Sanemi’s neck.
He realizes then half his vision isn’t just blurry, but gone, when his other arm snakes around Sanemi’s back and he can’t see it until fingertips are at the edge of his sight picture. That isn’t important now.
Only the promise he made.
❝Ani... ‘Nemi... Sanemi. They made me promise.❞
13 notes
·
View notes
Welcome to Tsumsted Wonderland 2 – Part 5
Following is part 5 of my translation of the Welcome to Tsumsted Wonderland 2 event. This part contains Chapter 12 (Jade and his tsum), Chapter 13 (Rook and his tsum), and Chapter 14 (Azul and his tsum).
Spoilers after the cut!
Chapter 12
Jade: Now then, let us conclude our stroll here. It’s about time we return to the dorm, and I still need to explain to you about your job at the Monstro Lounge… …What’s this?
Ruggie: Did ya find ‘im?
Jack: Nope. Where the heck is he….
Jade: Ruggie-san, Jack-san. Is something the matter?
Jack: Ah, Jade Senpai. Have you seen Leona Senpai anywhere? We’ve been looking for him almost all day today….
Ruggie: Soon as he heard those tsums came back, he said he didn’t want anythin’ to do with ‘em and went off somewhere. He at least coulda stuck around long enough to sign some paperwork we need ‘im to, ‘cause the deadline’s comin’ up fast. Coulda spared us havin’ to run around the whole school lookin’ for ‘im. Ugh, why do his problems always end up bein’ mine.
Jade: Oh, my. So that’s what happened….
Tsum!Jade: ………
Jade: I must say, it’s rather unusual for all of Savanaclaw to come up fruitless in a search. As you have beastfolk amongst you, I’d gathered you could at least pin down a general area where he might be.
Jack: Normally, that’s the case… But for some reason, we lost his scent when we got to the botanical garden.
Jade: You…. lost his scent?
Ruggie: Geez. Where the heck did he go? I know the tsums showed up again an’ all but it ain’t like they came over to Savanaclaw this time. Jade-kun, if you run into Leona-san somewhere, could ya tell ‘im to come back to the dorm?
Jade: As you all have been unable to find him, I fear my endeavors wouldn’t fare any different… However, I understand. In the event I do come across Leona-san, I shall certainly convey your message to him.
Ruggie: Well, he’s probably gonna be on high alert since you got that tsum taggin’ along with ya, but… I ‘ppreciate it. Shishishi.
(Jack and Ruggie depart)
(Tsum!Jade jumps up happily)
Jade: Tsum-san, you appear to be enjoying yourself. For you to express such delight over watching Savanaclaw descend into chaos… I must applaud your good taste.
Tsum!Jade: ….
Jade: Oh? You’re saying I have no room to talk? Heh heh. I won’t deny that. Nevertheless, you’ve done exceptional work, tsum-san. Not only were you able to approach Leona-san with ease while we were in the gardens, you removed all traces of him even being there.
Tsum!Jade: ???
Jade: Heh heh. You needn’t try to hide anything from me, for I’ve already puzzled out what’s going on.
(A flashback starts from when Jade, the tsum, and Leona were in the botanical gardens.
(Tsum!Jade drapes something over Leona)
Jade (whispering): You even draped a blanket over Leona-san…. Your work certainly is laudable – or should I say – thorough. ……Actually, is that one of the covers we use for the plants? I’m not quite sure you should use that as a blanket…
(The flashback ends)
Jade: When you draped that plant cover over Leona-san, you did so with the intention of camouflaging him, did you not?
(Tsum!Jade makes a “ding ding” noise)
Jade: Those covers are just the right color to blend in with the surrounding soil and foliage in the gardens… And as we utilize them quite often, it’s nothing out of the ordinary to come across one spread across the ground. Furthermore, I grow my mushrooms in that area we encountered Leona-san. Though it is quite the shame you trampled them…. By doing so, the mushrooms expelled much more of their fragrance than usual, so much so as to cover up Leona-san’s scent. Don’t tell me, you noticed that Leona-san was hiding away while you were busy squashing my fungi?
(Tsum!Jade blinks in agreement)
Jade: As you approached Leona-san, you kept in mind that the Savanaclaw students would surely be out looking for him, so you covered up his scent… It is no mere accident that their dorm is embroiled in such chaos right now. This was all your well-orchestrated plan. Heh heh…. You’re as slippery as an eel, tsum-san. What a truly interesting creature.
(tsum!Jade smiles)
Jade: Ah, that’s right. How about you and I stop by the gardens once more before we return to the dorm? You see, when you’re trying to gain a person’s favor, you must gain their understanding, as well. Were Leona-san to awaken right this moment, he might tear off that plant cover from himself, thinking it was in the way. Let us go explain to him why all this came about, and where the Savanaclaw students are searching for him… And we’ll have him think of us as his allies. I’m sure it will come in use down the line. Heh heh…. Then let us go, tsum-san.
(Ruggie and Jack appear)
Jade: ….Ah.
Jack: That’s weird. I coulda swore I heard Leona Senpai’s name just now.
Ruggie: What a coinkydink. I heard it, too. And I heard somethin’ about gainin’ somebody’s favor?
Jade: Oh, my…. Hello, again. Did the two of you forget something, perchance?
Ruggie: Call it my animal instincts, but I kiiiinda felt like you were hidin’ somethin’ from us. And judgin’ by the way you’re clearly playin’ dumb right now, looks like my instincts were right on the mark.
Jack: You really do know where Leona Senpai is right now, don’t you?
Jade: No, no, of course I don’t. And I can’t imagine why I’d have any reason to hide something from you? I was simply discussing with tsum-san about where Leona-san might possibly be…. Isn’t that right, tsum-san?
Tsum!Jade: ???
Jade (whispering): Wha- Why are you saying “?” right now? Please, you need to go along with me!
Jack: You are way too suspect….
Ruggie: Oooh, I’d just love to hear what you gotta say~ Shishishi.
Jade: As I said, you are mistaken. I’ve nothing to discuss with you two…
Jade (whispering): Ahh, why has it come to this. Don’t tell me, tsum-san had me in his sights, as well…!
Tsum!Jade: …..
(tsum!Jade jumps around happily)
Chapter 13
Vil: Now I understand. So this tsum has an eye for beautiful things, and that’s why it keeps fixating on me like that. ….Hah! It really does know what beauty is, doesn’t it!
(Tsum!Rook jumps up happily)
Vil: And it also knows to keep its distance and appreciate things from afar. I’m glad it understands good etiquette. I can’t even count the numbers of times I’ve had fans totally invade my personal space…
Rook: Why, of course it knows to be courteous. ‘Tis only natural to conduct oneself so when faced with such beauty - for selfish behavior isn’t beautiful at all. We would never mean to trouble you and have that countenance of yours marred by a frown.
Vil: And I hope things stay that way. So, are you guys satisfied now? I have plans with the film studies club later.
Rook: Oh, I shan’t ever grow tired of gazing upon you…. However, I would never be so boorish as to detain you.
Vil: Alrighty. I’ll be off, then.
Rook: Take care, Vil.
(Vil departs)
Rook: Now then, Monsieur Tsum. What would you like to do next?
(Beside Mister S’s Mystery Shop)
Epel: Okay, guess it’s about time to head back to the dorm…
(Tsum!Rook runs across the screen)
Epel: Huh? Was that Rook-san’s tsum just now? I thought he was showing it around the dorm… W-Waaait…! You can’t just go outside on your own like that…
(Rook appears behind Epel)
Rook: Non. You need not worry.
Epel: Waaaah!? Rook-san!?
Rook: Shhh. Be quiet now. I’m in the midst of observing the tsum, and wish to keep my distance.
Epel: You’re tailing it? But why…
Rook: His eyes were sparkling with such powerful determination earlier, and I felt there must be some destination he’s yearning for. Consider, he has already witnessed great beauty in our dorm, and yet he’s still looking for something else. And I want to find out just what that is.
Epel: Its eyes were sparkling… with determination…?
(Tsum!Rook just sits there)
Epel: Ahhh… They just look like a normal pair of tsum eyes, if you ask me….
Rook: Come join me, Epel. I’m sure we’ll witness something entertaining…. No, something beautiful.
Epel: Huh? I-I have to come, too….!?
(Tsum!Rook runs off into the woods)
Epel: Wait, it just disappeared into the thicket…. But it was sticking to the sidewalk the whole time until now.
Rook: Let us go after him. There might be some reason he’s doing this.
Epel: Maybe…. Well, I already came all the way out here, so I might as well tag along.
(Woods behind campus)
Epel: Argh, the branches keep pricking me…… And I’m really tired from having to crawl around like this…. Tsum, just how far are you gonna keep on going?
Rook: Wait, he’s come to a halt. And his gaze is directed at…
???: Cut!!
Rook: Hm…?
(Main Street)
Vil: Let me see. Okay, good. This shot turned out great, and the acting is right on the mark. Let’s end the rehearsals here. We need to get this scene wrapped up before the sun goes down. Focus, people!
Film Studies Club Students: Yes, sir!!
Epel: It’s Vil-san….. And people from the film studies club? Guess they were filming out on Main Street today.
Rook: Now I understand…. This is why he dove into the bushes earlier. Yes, I understand completely, Tsum-san. You wish to observe beauty without intruding upon it….!
Epel: What do you mean?
Rook: When we were talking with Vil earlier, he must’ve got the thought to go see the club’s filming endeavors for himself. And yet, he wished not to disturb Vil and the other students at their work….. And so he elected – the refined gentleman he is - to watch them from within the bushes. From here, he shall neither intrude into any of their shots, nor shall he be seen by any of the performers. This is the ideal spot for observing them, and you did a splendid job finding it, Monsieur Tsum. As I thought, you and I truly are fellow beauty aficionados!
(Tsum!Rook jumps up happily)
Epel: Ah, haha…. It really is just like you, Rook-san…
Rook: Ahh, just look how committed Vil is towards his directorial duties, and how earnestly the club members support him… It’s all so beautiful!
Epel: Okay, I’ll be going now…
Rook: Don’t move, Epel-kun. Won’t your face pop out from the bushes?
Epel: Wha- Are you saying we gotta stay here until they finish filming!?
Rook: Shh. If you speak too loudly, you’ll disturb them. Do not forget, we are in the pursuit of beauty here.
Epel: Aauugh… I-I wanna go back to the dorm…
Rook: And now starts the main event. Let us feast our eyes upon Vil and the other club members as they go about their work – together with the tsum!
Chapter 14
Azul: Come along, tsum. It’s time to go to our next stop.
(Tsum!Azul jumps up happily)
Azul: I see you still have enthusiasm to spare. Please do keep up that good attitude.
Floyd: Man, sea snake-kun’s cooking sure was tasty. Where are we goin’ next? And what’re we gonna do?
Azul: You’re about to find out. Here, tsum. We’ve arrived. Please go ahead first.
(Classroom)
Floyd: …..A classroom? You gonna have the tsum take a test or something?
Azul: No, this classroom is actually the one we use for our boardgame club activities. You and I will be playing this board game, “Business Magic”, with the tsum…. My aim is to see for myself if it possesses the desire to earn madol, and determine what sort of overall decision-making abilities it has.
Floyd: ….And you’re gonna figure all that out by playin’ a board game with it?
Azul: “Business Magic” is a type of management strategy game. You roll the dice and pick up a card based on the number you rolled. Each card determines if you’ll be starting a new business, developing and expanding your products, putting out advertisements, and etc… And you can also deploy various strategies such as going public or buying out other companies. In the end, you’re competing to see who can acquire the largest amount of total assets.
(Tsum!Azul jumps up happily)
Azul: As expected, my tsum is quick to the draw. When I said you can acquire other companies, that means you can also buy out your opponent’s companies. If you don’t remain vigilant, you’ll plummet to the bottom of the ranks and watch your business get taken over by the other players. It’s a cut-throat game. If the tsum truly possesses the desire to earn madol, it will strive to amass as many assets as it can.
Floyd: Long story short, you’re saying just play like normal? Then let’s hurry up and get to it.
Azul: I’m glad you’re so proactive. Then without further ado, let’s get started…
Floyd: Wait, hang on a sec. I just thought of somethin’ good. How about we come up with some kind of punishment for the loser?
Azul: Are you really sure you want to do that? I’m an experienced player, you know. Well, if you want to come up with something, I’m not going to stop you.
Floyd: I ain’t gonna lose, man. But I mean, I guess it might be kinda boring just to watch the tsum end up getting the punishment.
(Tsum!Azul stares at Floyd)
Floyd: …The heck, tsum? You’re lookin’ pretty cocky right now…. What, you honestly think you can beat me?
Azul: Heh. It appears none of us will be backing down. Then let us compete to our heart’s content, shall we?
Floyd: You’re talkin’ big, dude. Hope you’re ready for what’s waitin’ for ya once you lose.
Azul: You stole the words right from my mouth. …Bring it on!
(Tsum!Azul rolls the dice)
Floyd: The tsum rolled a ….6! Woooah, your company’s market cap is over 3 billion madol now.
Azul: Hmm…
(Tsum!Azul rolls the dice)
Floyd: Tsum rolled another 6. Good going. Okay, let’s see… The card says, “Business is booming! Your profits increase by 200,000,000 madol.”
Azul: I see, I see.
Floyd: The heck do you keep reactin’ like that? I thought for sure you’d be all salty by now.
Azul: Ah, don’t mind me. I was just thinking about how fascinating this game is.
Floyd: Oh yeah? You sure are persistent, Azul. ‘Cause me and the tsum are running laps around ya.
Azul: …Heh heh.
Floyd: Huh? It looked like Azul and the tsum were winking at each other just now.
Azul: Seeing as we’ve reached the midpoint of the game…. I think I’d like to form a business partnership with another player.
Floyd: Who’d wanna team up with you? You’re waaaay behind me an’ the tsum. Hard pass.
Azul: You never know… How about you, tsum? Would you like to form a business partnership with me?
(Tsum!Azul jumps up excitedly)
Azul: Heh heh. I figured you’d be delighted to do so.
Floyd: Wait, why?
Azul: It’s ability to roll 6’s one after another, and its aptitude in steadily growing its company… Seeing all of that has confirmed it for me: the tsum resembles me not just on the outside, but on the inside, as well. I set my eyes on working together with the tsum, and have been working diligently to expand my market reach, rather than focusing on profits. ….All so that we can grow each other’s businesses efficiently.
Floyd: I didn’t see that coming!! …Now things are really gettin’ interesting!
Azul: Now then, tsum! Let us join forces! Let us expand our ventures together and make Floyd’s company ours!
Floyd: Aaaah, finally made it to the finish line. And the result is….
Azul: You came dead last, Floyd. What a pity. You were doing so well up until midgame.
Floyd: Now hang on a second. Something stinks here. Were you planning on whooping my ass soon as we got to midgame?
Azul: Don’t be absurd. If my goal had been to throttle you, then I would’ve bought you out right at the start of the game. Now then, there was a slim margin between the tsum and I… But I ended up victorious. Focusing on marketing turned out to be the decisive move. Nevertheless, it certainly was a splendid match. Let’s play a different game now.
Floyd: Man, I’m beat. You seriously gonna keep going? So much for testin’ the tsum on its business skills or whatever, sounds like your goal now is just to play around. You guys got all buddy-buddy so fast... It’s like there’s two Azuls now…
Azul: Tsum, how about this one next? It’s a management simulator game that I often play….
(Tsum!Azul jumps up excitedly)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 6
109 notes
·
View notes