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trancylovecraft · 4 months

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

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: "Where you go, I'm going."

Daimyo are feudal lords or magnates from ancient Japan. They ruled the majority of Japan through their hereditary land ownings, Being only subordinate to the Shogun and the Emperor.

The moon was held high in the sky, The lunar signalling midnight amongst the dark sea it hung on.

It filtered through the estate, Cracks in the pristine wood and the miniscule gaps in the windows. It was soft and sublime, A kind of light that chilled the skin in such a comforting way, A way where you just had to take a moment to take it all in.

It danced across his skin, Michikatsu's eyes shut gently as he slept quietly within his futon. The sliding window above him let the light through, Shining down onto his face as he breathed in and out.

It was the only thing illuminating the darkness of his room, The luminescence rolling off the silhouettes of what grandiose furniture was in his chambers. Mirrors, Storage units, Plants regularly watered by the servants. All of it was shrouded within darkness yet illuminated by the light just enough to make out the shape.

His eyes strained, Eyelids clenching together, However it was not due to the light.

A strange rocking sensation stirred him in his sleep, A gentle pressure on his side as he groaned softly in his sleep. He tried to shake it off as his mind was still enraptured within the thrall of his sleep, His breath only hitched for a moment before going back to its rhythm.

"Michi-nii..! Michi-nii..!"

A sort of shaky, Familiar voice called out to him in a hushed whisper. Michikatsu murmured something unintelligible through his sleep, The dark hair sprawled across his pillow and face only muddled his eyesight just a bit as he took a groggy peek.

His vision blurry, But he could make out the figure of his little sister shifting uncomfortably through the muddled darkness. He lazily lifted his head from the comfort of his pillow, Slightly shaking the hair out of his eyes.

"[F/N]..?" Michikatsu asked as he looked up at her, His vision dazed as he saw her look down at him with skittish eyes. She shifted in her oversized kimono robe she had most definetly just thrown on, Grasping onto the hems of her sleeves as she spoke.

"Michi-nii..! I'm sorry- Uhm.." She babbled slightly, Stumbling over her whispered words as she strayed her gaze away from him.

Michikatsu groaned as he propped himself up with one hand, The other moving to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

"[F/N]..? What's wrong, You know father wouldn't like it if he knew you were out here at night.." Michikatsu warned softly as he watched her try to gather her words, Remembering how their father was rather.. Adverse to his offspring wandering at night.

"I-I.. Uhm.. I had a nightmare." [F/N] admitted as she finally looked down at him, Almost expecting a sort of negative reaction from him. Like how their father often did. "It was scary.. I don't wanna be alone right now.."

"A nightmare..? What do you mean?" Michikatsu asked, Still half-asleep.

"I was being chased by a monster!" [F/N] hush whispered to him, Meek eyes staring down at him. "It was so big, It had so many eyes- I was running through a town with bright lights- I could hear it running behind me! It chased me for hours before it caught me- It hurt me- It dragged me away!"

Michikatsu listened onto her rather paranoid voice, Watch as her eyes darted back and forth for any sign of the monster throughout the darkness. He could tell she was terrified, Especially as she nudged closer towards him, Gripping onto the hems of her kimono sleeves.

"..I wanna sleep in here tonight, I don't wanna be alone." [F/N] begged quietly, Almost pleading as he looked into her eyes.

Michikatsu's lips thinned as he looked at her. In any other scenario he would have no problem saying yes to her, It was difficult to say no to begin with. But recalling the time she had been caught running around the garden late at night.

Their father called it unlady-like, Especially once he found her rather fancy kimono dirtied with muck. If her future suitors knew about her unfavourable behaviour..

It didn't end good, That was the understatement. Michikatsu couldn't tell if it was bravery or audacity that she was still okay with asking him again now. But it didn't matter. Michikatsu shook his head, Pushing himself up to a sitting position.

"[F/N].. You remember what happened last time father caught you in the garden? Who knows what he'll do if he finds you here.." Michikatsu sighed as he shook his head, Giving her a rather apologetic look.

[F/N]'s eyes widened, Stepping forward towards him.

"Please.. I'm scared, What if the monster in my nightmare comes back again?" [F/N] blurted out, Stamping her little foot slightly on the floor. "I couldn't help it, I don't wanna. It's so dark and quiet- I don't like it!"

Michikatsu opened his mouth to speak once more, However [F/N] beat him to it.

"Please, Michi-nii! I don't wanna be alone.." She begged, Her voice as quiet as mouse.

Michikatsu watched as her eyes pleaded with his, Feeling like his heart was being squeezed within his chest. There it was, The difficulty to say no. Michikatsu watched her lip tremble, The shake almost extending to the rest of her body as she feared leaving the room.

He knew it was for the best if he said no..

But he sighed, Almost in defeat.

"..Alright, Come here." Michikatsu said as he beckoned her forward, Pushing the sheets off off of his body as he shimmied to the side.

[F/N] beamed, Wide and bright in contrast the the dark of his room.

"Yay! Thank you, Michi-nii!" [F/N] cheered quietly as she excitedly lowered and sat herself down next to him on the futon. Michikatsu sighed as he pulled her closer, Watching her kick off her sandals to the side of the room as she happily rested her head down on the pillow.

Michikatsu breathed out a discontented sigh, But the small smile creeping up on his face couldn't be concealed.

"But you gotta leave in the morning, Okay? Father will be coming to collect me for training and he can't find you here." Michikatsu said as he laid back down onto his futon, [F/N] by his side who eagerly cuddled up to him when Michikatsu wrapped his arms around her.

She nodded before resting her head on his shoulder.

"That's fine.. As long as the monster doesn't get me, I'll be okay." [F/N] mumbled as Michikatsu pulled over the covers to get at ease himself, Nesting herself into the blankets comfortably.

"The monster isn't real, Don't worry.. And if it is- I promise I'll protect you, Okay? That's my job as the next head of this clan.. And as your brother." He assured as he rested his head on top of hers, Shutting his eyes.

[F/N] smiled quietly as her eyes shut as well, Getting comfortable as he held her closer to him. The night terror that had haunted her before became only an afterthought as she already felt at ease under the covers, Knowing that his words would be true.

She breathed out, Nesting further under the covers.

"Okay."

☆♡☆

Obanai Iguro had no idea why he was here.

He strode through the passage of some hallway in an admittedly cosy Inn, One in the middle of absolutely nowhere he recognised. It was safe to say he was irked, The slight narrow of his mismatched eyes shown that fact rather clearly.

Kaburamaru slithered loosely around his neck, Sensing his discomfort as he flicked his lounge in and out. Obanai sighed out through the bandages making up his mask, A slight scowl still on his face as he folded his arms.

He had been called by the crow to the village of Hiyohara, A small yet beautiful little township located near Fukushima. The scroll kept within the talons of the bird had detailed little as to why he was here, Only outlining that it was important and sent by the Insect Hashira of all people.

Kaburamaru would be pleased at least.

Obanai rolled his eyes as he remembered the little crush his beloved snake had on her, Nodding to a local as they passed him by on the hallway. The number listed should've been at the end of the hallway, Where he absentmindedly strode to.

As he drew nearer and nearer to the end, He could see the final oaken door within the rather quaint hall. Though as he stepped forward once more on the floorboards, Obanai listened closer.

Noises could be heard behind it, Chatter from several different voices to be precise. Some were soft and delicate, Others were rough and steady. Male and female, Obanai furrowed his brow as he had recognised a majority of the voices.

He stopped, Pausing in front of the door. Kaburamaru coiled just a bit tighter as they stilled to listen on.

His stomach churned as he raised a fist to greet the door.

"Iguro-san!"

Obanai eyes widened as the door was swung open before his knuckles could knock against the wood, His arm swiftly lunged back to his side as his body grew rigid. Once his eyes focused, Obanai felt his heart skip a beat.

Mitsuri Kanroji stood there, Her candy coloured kimono loose-fitting and draped around her body. Beautifully vivid hair was done up in a bun decorated with jewelled pins, And she was looking at him with her signature smile.

Obanai found himself shy, Eyes darting away from her.

"I didn't know you would be here.. It's nice to see you again, Kanroji-san." He muttered.

Though he gasped once he felt her arms throw themselves around him, Pulling him closer until his head was resting upon Mitsuri's shoulder. Obanai hitched a breath, Mitsuri grinning ear to ear as she felt his warmth against hers.

"It's amazing to see you too, Iguro-san! You know, I thought you wouldn't show up! You came pretty late compared to everyone else and I assumed you might not make it!" Mitsuri squealed as she hugged him tighter, Her head resting on his shoulder and vice versa.

"Uhm.. There were a few detours I had to take to get here, I got rather lost- I apologise"

It had only taken him a day to get here, Detours taken because the directions provided were rather vague. Hiyohara was a town he hadn't visited, Fukushima being a city where he barely tread in the first place as he usually operated in the south.

"Kyah~! Don't worry about it, You're here now!" Mitsuri assured as she pulled away from him, Leaving a sort of warmth that Obanai tried to burn into his memory. "Come in, Come in! Shinobu-chan can fill you in."

Mitsuri beckoned him forward with a call of her hand, Stepping back to allow him into the neat little room they were situated in. Obanai took her invitation as he wandered inside, The view of the room finally made available to him.

It was warm, Warm enough to feel through the fabric of his slayer uniform and striped black haori. It was also a rather homely set up with a few simple futons set off to the side and minimal furniture decorating the place.

There were several people he recognised here, Shinobu and Gyomei who sat conversing off to the side who called out a greeting once he walked in. And for some reason, There was a blonde haired girl who had her hands bound to her feet with bandages, Looking rather terrified with another bandage covering her mouth.

Before he could question the bizarre sight however, His eyes caught onto something else entirely. Obanai scowled, His eyes landing on a single group in particular.

"What is he doing here." Obanai hissed as he threw out an accusing finger towards a specific spot of the room, An instant jeer taking him over as he glared hot at the group across him.

Sat at the little table in the middle of the room was Tanjiro Kamado and his sister, Followed by Shinobu Kocho's Tsuguko, Kanao and Gyomei Himejima's Tsuguko, Shizuko sitting next to some Boar-headed kid. They seemed to be drinking some blend of tea they must've acquired from the village merchants, Their cups still mildly warm.

"Oh, Hello Iguro-sama!" Tanjiro waved as he saw Obanai enter inside, Nezuko followed suit, Eagerly waving her own silent greeting as she hummed through her bamboo muzzle. Obanai only shot daggers at him, His hand itching for his blade at the sight of the girl.

"Aha.. How about we move on?" Mitsuri giggled awkwardly as she urged Obanai along, Who continued to glare at the boy and his demon sister. Guiding him past the group, They made their way towards the other two Hashira in the room.

"Iguro-san! It's great to see that you've finally arrived, I assume there was some trouble getting here?" Shinobu asked with a smile as they approached, Kaburamaru perking up at the sight of the woman, Slithering just a bit further around Obanai's neck.

Ignoring his beloved snake, His eyes narrowed on Shinobu.

"Yes.. " Obanai drawled as he eyed her up and down. "Your directions were quite vague. And you failed to mention the prescence of that boy and his demon sister. What exactly is the meaning of this?"

Shinobu hummed, A rather small and placid smile appearing on her face as he asked his question. Tilting her head to the side, She spoke.

"Aha.. I see you're still sour about a demon being in the corps, Iguro-sama." Shinobu observed as she saw his scowl. "The reason why your here on vague directions is for a mission, No need to worry!"

Obanai's face scrunched up for a second, Almost wanting to say something but instead rolled his eyes.

"..Whatever, And the girl over there? What is that about?" Obanai asked as he motioned towards the girl still tied up in the corner, Who this entire time had been making muffled pleas for help from behind the bandage covering her mouth.

"Maika Heihachiro.. One of our shrine maidens that somehow made her way here." Gyomei spoke up from beside Shinobu, Beads rattling in his hands. " An eavesdropper from what we can assume.. We caught this one listening outside the door."

"A shrine maiden, All the way out here?" Obanai 'hmphed' as he continued to look at her. Maika felt like a mouse once Kaburamaru took a rather distasteful interest in her, Hissing lowly under his breath.

Kaburamaru flaunted his fangs, Maika yelped once he near lunged towards her.

"Oh, How could I forget about you, Kaburamaru?" Shinobu giggled as her hand reached into the inside of her haori, Mitsuri and Obanai had to double take when she slipped out a little mouse from inside. Tail pinched carefully between her fingers.

"Do.. Do you keep them on you at all times?" Mitsuri gawked as she watched Kaburamaru's eyes light up, His attention drawn to the dead little mouse being lowered towards him eagerly.

"Oh, No! I just assumed my favourite serpent would want a snack after such a long journey, Doesn't he?" Shinobu cooed as she teased the mouse in front of Kaburamaru's jaw, Lowering so he could get a better grasp on the rodent.

Obanai groaned. His shoulders drooping once Kaburamaru excitedly latched onto the mouse, Shinobu letting go of the rodent to let him scarf it down almost ravenously.

"Can you stop feeding my snake, Kocho-san?" He groaned as Kaburamaru happily choked down the mouse, Shinobu not even turning to look at him as she focused her efforts on Kaburamaru.

"Aha.. Yes, I suppose we really should get down to business, Shouldn't we!" She giggled once Kaburamaru was done, Slithering back around Obanai's neck while affectionately looking at Shinobu.

She raised back up, Finally turning to look at Obanai.

"Now, Let's get to talking!"

☆♡☆

[F/N] breathed out, Feeling herself come into consciousness.

Her eyelids were heavy and she could feel the weight of her blanket cover her body. A pillow under her head, Another she hugged within her arms. [F/N] took a moment to gather herself, To bring herself back to reality.

Another sleep, Another vision.

This one was one of the unfamiliar ones, Not from her past. [F/N] could only assume that it would've been from her past life, No matter how ridiculous that sounded to anyone out of the loop.

[F/N] sighed.

Fuck, It still sounded ridiculous to her anyways.

It was still nothing, It was just another one out of the blue that meant nothing to her current situation. Apparently she had some nightmare as a child and had tried to find comfort in Kokushibo, Or perhaps it was more accurate to call him Michikatsu.

Michikatsu Tsugikuni, That was his name.

Tsugikuni, A neuron connecting in her brain.

Akeno Tsugikuni.

[F/N] had put down the journal once she had read that name yesterday. It was like a jolt to the heart once it came to her, Needing to fully put the diary down and gather her thoughts as to what she was reading.

Tsugikuni, That was the clan name that Kokushibo had provided on her very first day here. Proclaiming that Tsugikuni was her clan name too.

But who was Akeno?

Could she be a wife to another clansmen? Another sibling perhaps? A Mother maybe. [F/N] figured it was best that she'd find out during her next read, The read she was bound to get in once she finally pried herself out of bed.

[F/N] scrunched up her face. To be honest, She hadn't a clue about whatever family could've been in the Tsugikuni clan. She really didn't know anything about her so-called past life, And why Akeno's journal had suddenly appeared out of nowhere for her to read.

Currently it was lying amongst the cutlery on her bedside, [F/N] being too lazy to put it in with her rope and nails that Akaza had provided for her, Currently lying underneath her mattress. [F/N] deeming that it would be a good enough hiding place for her contraband to stay.

[F/N] stilled for a second.

She noticed something strange, Something weird in the room.

The frigid draft that usually flooded the room was so much more present than it was before, So much so that she could feel it even under the warmth of her covers. The ultramarine light that was usually outside seemed to enter in. Though she couldn't see, [F/N] could tell it was.. Much brighter than it was suppose to be.

CREAK!

Her breath hitched, Just for a moment.

Though it stilled just as fast, Returning back to a forced rhythm of pretend sleep. Up and down, She tried not to react to the depressing of the floorboards only a few feet away from her.

A sudden aura came to her, One that removed any remaining grogginess in her mind. It took everything in [F/N] to not reveal that she was awake, Not to gag or jolt at the mere presence.

Kokushibo.

He was here.

From what [F/N] could tell, He was only a few feet away from her at the other end of the room. She could already feel the burning pricks of his eyes look over her sleeping body, [F/N] trying not to shiver under that bloodcurdling gaze.

Calm yourself, [F/N].

She could feel his weight move forward, Another board creaked, A footstep placed in front of the previous.

How long had he been here? Had he just came in? [F/N] chided herself for being so caught up in her own head to ignore his presence entering the room. That foul aura, Toxic and rotten like spoiled milk and vulture chow.

It moved forward towards her, Even closer.

[F/N] listened as he began to draw near, Moving closer towards where she slept. She intently listened to every little creak of the floor, Felt that aura draw closer, Pungent and rotten.

All until that light was blocked out from what she could perceive through her eyelids.

Kokushibo standing right in front of her, Eclipsing the light.

The silence was so loud, So loud that it almost made [F/N] break the rhythm of her breath. [F/N] tried to keep up her sleeping façade, Pleading, Almost begging for him to do something to break that silence.

He was probably just here to drop off her breakfast- That was all- Everything would be-

[F/N] stilled.

What?

She almost needed to take a moment to process what was happening, Almost opened her eyes to confirm that what she was feeling.

A hand was touching her hair.

[F/N] felt Kokushibo cup his palm around her hair, His fingers somehow making their way into the strands of her hair to almost cradle the back of her head. [F/N] felt his icy cold grip like ice on her skin, So cold that the gelid ocean outside couldn't compete.

She heard him lower and a plate clatter settle down on her side table. His hand stroked her hair, Almost fondly, As if stroking the coat of a dog. She felt his clawed thumb rub circles into her skin, Gently and featherlight as if not to wake her.

She wanted to puke, Wanted to scream and shy away from his touch. [F/N] almost felt disgusted when she remembered she had to get closer to him.

Thankfully it was over in a minute, Feeling his hand leave the hair on her scalp and retract back to his side. He breathed out, Stepping back away from her only slightly as she continued to stare at her. Closer to him.

Kokushibo looked over her, Watching the sheets rise up and down in tandem with [F/N]'s breath. The platter of assorted Sashimi still laying within the cluster of bowls and plates piling up together.

He turned on his heel, Ready to exit the room like he had done everyday-

In a moment, A hand gripped onto arm.

A palm wrapping around his wrist made him still in place.

"Stay..!"

Kokushibo turned around, Eyes near bulging out of their sockets.

☆♡☆

"Master.. May I speak with you for a minute?"

Shizuko turned his head to look up at Gyomei, His master, Who overtime had made his way out of the group of other Hashira. Shinobu and Iguro seemed to be in rapt debate, Mitsuri scrambling with a nervous smile to try and calm the both of them down.

Gyomei had long abandoned trying to quell the situation, As it had proven fruitless. Obanai had grown rather understandably alarmed at the prospect of going behind Oyataka-sama's back, Decidingly getting mad about it.

Shinobu tried to calm him down along with Mitsuri, Their chatter going loud in the background as Shizuko and Gyomei stood off to the side. The other non-Hashira still conversing around the side table.

Gyomei rattled the beads snaked around his hand, Trying to shut out the differing conversations.

"I already am aware of what you wish to ask.. But please, Go ahead." Gyomei said as he heard Shizuko fold his arms next to him, Sensing his eyes narrow, A abased confusion dawning on him.

Shizuko sighed.

"Are we just not going to talk about a few days ago? You promised you would speak with me once we met again and here I am." He said, Gesturing to the whole of himself as he looked up at Gyomei. "So please, Master, Can you tell me what you know..?"

Gyomei's brows furrowed. Even though he already expected it, It was still a rather sour topic to him. When Shizuko came to him and had deduced that he, Gyomei, Had known something about the As much as he would like to tell him, It was not his story to say.

Gyomei sighed, Sad expression broadening further across his face. "No.. I cannot." He finalised as he turned towards his Tsuguko, His sorrowful expression sincere as he spoke.

Shizuko near scoffed, Almost in disbelief as he shook his head.

"Master-"

"Please.. Let me finish, Shizuko. I have my reasons for staying silent on this topic." Gyomei cut in with an assuring tone, A surprised expression flashing across Shizuko's face at his interruption.

"It is why I wished for you to be here instead of Genya, Or any other slayer.. I believe that going on this mission will do well for you"

"I still don't get it, Master." Shizuko exasperated, Shaking his head impatiently. "I've been wanting to know for years of my life who it was that held my hand, Why can't you just tell me..?"

Gyomei sighed as he listened to Shizuko's words, Knowing full well that this wasn't fair on him. Shizuko looked up at him and even though Gyomei was unable to see, He could feel the desperation within his eyes.

Gyomei's lips thinned, Brows knitting together as he tried to find the right words to say.

"Shizuko.. The reason I put our conversation off in the first place was because.. I am not the right person to have it with you." He explained slowly. "If I told you what I knew.. You would have much more questions than you would answers.. It would not be right."

"Then who is the right person?" Shizuko urged, Desperation in his voice as he stepped forward.

"Someone who will be able to explain it entirely to you." Gyomei, Unknowingly tuning into arguments only a bit away from the two of him. The higher pitched voice of Mitsuri Kanroji becoming much more prominent than it did before.

Gyomei sighed, Hearing as they continued to bicker.

Shizuko just stared at Gyomei, Desperation almost burning within his eyes. Without thought his hand trails up to his head, Fingers itching as they moved under his hair to graze over his scar, Almost begging to remember what he wanted to know.

His hand burned, The scar even more so.

"..I need to know." He whispered, More to himself now as his sight went unfocused. It was almost if he wasn't seeing what was in front of him now, Instead just a muddled memory kept locked inside his mind.

He was snapped out of it however. The wretched feeling of a hand rested on his shoulder, A horrid sensation yet more comforting than the others as he looked up.

Gyomei stared down at him, A small smile spread on his lips.

"I promise you, Shizuko.. You will know in time. Just please, Promise me you will be patient." He assured, His voice though mournful was warm enough to bring Shizuko back to reality if just for a moment.

Shizuko smiled back, Though it seemed awkward, Almost unfamiliar on his face.

"I promise. Thank you, Master." Shizuko replied, His body visibly relaxing as Gyomei's hand rested on his shoulder. Even though his touch repelled him just like the others, Shizuko could take comfort in the silence they shared, No more words needing to be spoken.

They shared a moment together, Simply like that. The sounds of argument in the background

"Mmph! Mmph!"

Both heads snapped down, Looking towards the blonde girl still restrained in the corner. It appeared that she had been here the entire time, A terrified expression still on her face as she pleaded with them to let her go through the bandage covering her mouth.

"Ah.. I had forgotten that she was there." Gyomei remarked as Maika struggled in the ropes, Trying but failing to get out.

Almost on cue, Inosuke kicked up at the other table. Yelling something with his voice sounding like pig-latin, Tanjiro and the others moving to pull him back into a more. Most definetly causing a disturbance throughout the entire inn.

Shizuko rolled his eyes.

"I should probably go deal with that.. Thank you anyways, Master." Shizuko shrugged as he pushed himself up from the wall, Smile dropping and returning to his signature Shooting Maika a glare that made a shiver run down her spine.

With that, He stalked off towards the table. Barking out a 'What are you idiots doing' as heads turned to look at him.

Gyomei shook his head as he watched Shizuko walk off, Forgetting his rather harsh tone when dealing with people.

"Hello, Gyomei-san!"

A voice called out from beside him, Happy and cheerful as he noticed it was Mitsuri. He realised that the bickering could no longer be heard in the background, With good reason hopefully, Mitsuri deciding to check-up on him afterwards.

He nodded, Turning towards her.

"Ah.. Kanroji-san. I hope Iguro-san has came around to the idea of infiltrating the cult.." Gyomei asked as she looked up at him with a rather relieved expression, Her smile widened, Just a little bit more awkwardly.

"Aha.. Took some convincing and some appealing to Kaburamaru, But he agreed to keep everything quiet eventually!" Mitsuri laughed as she scratched the back of her head, Recalling the efforts both her and Shinobu had to take to get Obanai on their side.

"And how are you doing?" Gyomei asked in return.

"Amazing now, Thanks! We finally got our business in order, So.. What's happening?" Mitsuri asked with a peppy smile as she looked up at the older man, An unknowing shine in her eyes as she looked up at him.

"Mmph! Mmph!"

Gyomei sighed as he heard Maika struggling once more.

Time to deal with this..

☆♡☆

[F/N] felt nervous.

She felt like a mouse in a trap, Caged within walls bigger than her with no way out. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that she felt like a mouse in a laboratory, Under dissection or observation from a scientist.

It would account for the staring, After all.

[F/N] sat upon her bed, Legs folded in a basket with a plate of sashimi nestled on her lap. Her eyes were focused entirely on the seafood, Smelling the saltwater still fresh on the fish and the soy sauce it was drenched in.

Within the darkness, Were three pairs of eyes staring dead at her.

[F/N] tried not to bring attention to it as she picked up another salmon slice from her platter, Bringing it up to her lips and half-heartedly nibbling on the salinic meat. The golden eyes like stars in the night burning into her skin.

She couldn't even see him from within the darkness, His body entirely consumed by the shadow. Only the spotlights of his eyes staring dead at her, Never leaving for a moment as he sat on his knees, Watching her eat the food he had prepared for her.

[F/N] placed the salmon slice into her mouth, Slowly chewing so the taste would ruminate on her tongue. Why she asked him to stay in the first place- She regretted even asking, Believing it to be a stupid move.

To get closer to him, That was her plan. The word 'Stay' just came out of her mouth without thought. It was almost as if second nature, Even though being around him was the last thing [F/N] wanted in the first place.

[F/N] wasn't quite sure where it came from, But didn't have any basis to find out either.

So she ate her meal, Quietly and without sound as Kokushibo sat knelt in the corner, Watching [F/N] like an insect on a dissecting table. All while she tried to come up with a game plan, To try and worm her way out of this situation.

That- Or try to make the most of it.

Get closer to him like she was suppose to, Take advantage of the situation and like she was suppose to.

Either way, This was a chance to try and get him to trust her more. Even though the words were caught in her throat, Even though she wanted to shrivel up into a corner and never come out- [F/N] needed to try.

Her lips thinned.

"..The journal, Did you put it on my nightstand?"

[F/N]'s voice rang out louder than it was spoken, Her eyes still focused on her food as she blurted out her words.

Kokushibo didn't stutter, Continuing to stare at her from within the shadows of the room. It was again silent, No word spoken. [F/N] swallowed, Almost expecting him to not answer at all.

"..Yes." Kokushibo rasped, His voice that same deep drone as it always was. [F/N] tried not to release a sigh from her lips, Instead keeping them thinned and pressed together as to not reveal her discomfort.

"I see.." She mumbled as she selected another slice of sashimi, A vibrant red tuna slice bound to make mouths water, That of which was proven once [F/N] placed it onto her tongue. "I was just wondering, That's all.."

Kokushibo hummed in acknowledgement as he watched her consume the meal he made. [F/N] didn't know why she felt the need to explain herself to him, Perhaps to confirm she was in his good graces?

She swallowed the tuna, The explanation more sour than her stomach right now.

"..No offense, Kokushibo-sama but.. Why?" [F/N] asked with a cautious tone. Eyes daring to take a peak at him before catching those angler eyes in her vision, Sight quickly moving back down to her food.

"A few months ago.. You had mentioned that your breathing style requires a calm mind.. I assumed that it might assist in that perspective. Reading and meditation were two activities you mentioned.." Kokushibo explained lowly.

[F/N] hummed as she bit into another tuna chunk.

"A diary is a strange choice for reading material.." She spoke through her chews, Poking at the rest of the fish.

Kokushibo didn't answer for a while after that, Letting the silence seep back in from the absense of conversation. [F/N] began to feel the cold of her sweat build up on her back once more, Breathing much more shallow.

Kokushibo's eyes narrowed on her, Watching as she shied her gaze away from him once more.

"..Instead of questioning me, How about you tell me why you asked me to be here..?" He asked slowly, Eyes focused much hotter on her before.

[F/N] froze slightly, Her movements paused just for a second.

There was the million dollar question, The one that she had dreaded coming out of his mouth. Even though she had been expecting it, It still made a pit form in her stomach like stones.

Though her mouth was dry, She began to speak.

"I.. I don't know, I guess I just wanted to have a conversation with someone. I haven't really been able to talk with anyone in months so.." [F/N] shrugged, Shaking her head as it was the best she could come up with.

"You have that boy, Kaigaku.. Despite his rather obvious shortcomings, He should provide enough social interaction for you.." Kokushibo countered, Recalling giving Kaigaku permission to speak with her, No matter how much he detested otherwise.

[F/N] could've almost laughed at how out of touch he was. Despite being a rather solidary person, Even she needed a bit of small talk from time to time and most definetly not with one person and one person alone.

It was almost funny how deluded he was.

Despite her cold humour in the situation, She kept her face still, Though she shook her head.

"I don't like Kaigaku.. It's nothing personal, He's just not good at holding a worthwhile conversation." [F/N] sighed, More in relief as it seems that Kaigaku didn't tell Kokushibo of what happened only yesterday.

Kokushibo's face sharpened at her words.

"And you assumed that I would want to speak with you instead..?" He asked with an apathetic yet brutal expression, Eyes digging into her skin. [F/N] felt herself supress a rather nasty scowl.

What the hell was his deal?

She was trying her best to be polite with him. Despite it all, How much she despised him to the very bone, How his presence even metres away made her want to puke. His aura was rotten, But she was trying her very best to endure it.

Even he, Kokushibo had specifically told her that he would be 'withholding affection' until she got out of her 'rebellious phase'. And she was doing just as he said, She wasn't throwing passive aggressive remarks. She even made the effort to talk to him like she was doing now, Even though it made bile rise in her throat.

So why the hell did he sound so unhappy to be here right now? In fact, [F/N] felt like he was acting much more opposed to her than he usually seemed to be. Could he be suspicious? Perhaps it was because it was still a very new change in her attitude, Maybe that was it..

But it didn't add up, Not at all.

"..You can just go, I don't mind being alone" [F/N] mumbled as she turned back towards her food, Gesturing towards the door with a shake of her head. "..Sorry for keeping you from whatever you do."

She was probably gonna go back to sleep again once he left anyways, At least until Akaza returned. She'd probably just have another vision. A nightmare, Perhaps. At least that would be able to take her mind off the one that she was currently living through.

Kokushibo breathed out, Once more.

Through the silence she could her the faint patter of his hand placing onto the ground. [F/N] listened as she heard the floorboards croak, Kokushibo pushing himself up to his full staggering height.

[F/N] sighed as she heard him stand up, Waiting for him to leave as she ate the remains of her sashimi. At least he wouldn't be bothering her anymore, Expecting the ultramarine shine of the light outside to hit her face any moment now.

[F/N] chewed on her salmon slice.

Her eyebrows furrowed.

She swallowed it, The taste lasting on her tongue.

She blinked, A few moments passing as she looked up to see what was wrong. That turquoise light didn't hit her face after the usual time it took to-

[F/N] felt her heart stop entirely.

He was standing right in front of her, Not even moving an inch as he imposed over her from where she sat. They were only a feet apart, His face steeled in that omnipresent scowl that looked [F/N] felt her sweat drop, Her heart stop entirely in her chest. His eyes narrowed.

"The diary.. Have you been reading it?" He asked in a gravelly pitch, Eyes not departing from hers as his hand reached over to pluck the book from her bedside. [F/N]'s throat felt dry, Feeling herself almost shrivel up inside.

She double-taked however, Shaking off her shock.

"Erm.. Yes." [F/N] breathed out as she watched him flick open the book, Flipping through the pages at a rapid rate until it reached the page where she dog-eared to mark her place. Eyes snapped over to the letters, Beginning to read.

She watched as he scanned the lines with a quick pace, Almost jumping out of her skin once his eyes snapped back over to her.

"You have gotten a fair bit into the journal.. A fast reader, I see.." What would sound like a compliment from any other lips sounded like an observation from him, The kind that would be noted down for a scientific thesis.

[F/N] nodded along, Not daring to speak.

"You are, However.. Only a fraction of the way through.." He continued as his eyes drew back to the book, Reading from where she had left off yesterday. [F/N] felt a question burn on the tip of her tongue. Her mouth opened.

"W-Who is Akeno..? The woman in the book?" [F/N] blurted out, Her eyes still shied away from his as he looked back at her. The words just flooded out of her mouth, Almost like a dam finally breaking down.

Kokushibo breathed out.

"Our mother." He spoke simply, Face not changing a single bit.

[F/N] took a moment to process before she nodded slowly. Strangely enough, Learning that the woman she had been reading about was her supposed mother was not something that brought out a reaction out of her.

Not a big one anyways. But [F/N] couldn't deny that she felt a bit.. Intrigued.

I mean, [F/N] didn't even like her actual mother. A bitter and foul woman. It was a celebration once she died, [F/N] might as well have played beer pong with the bucket that woman kicked.

So [F/N] felt curiosity build up in her.

Would Akeno be like that?

Kokushibo slammed the book shut with a single hand, Bringing [F/N] back to the current situation she was in as she jolted in surprise. His hand moved over, Setting the journal down on the bedside.

His eyes narrowed.

"You are.. Different." Kokushibo stated, Eyes running over her like she was nothing but a frog to be cut open. It was uncomfortable, Skin itching even as he seemed to examine every little blemish on her.

[F/N] averted her gaze back down to her tightly curled fists.

"What..?" She asked slowly, Puzzled by his words.

"It is strange, You do not act like you did before.. There is a rather stark difference, Much more.." Kokushibo trailed off, Eyes still trained intently on her as he paused in his speech. The room suddenly fell quiet once more-

Deathly so.

It felt like forever, As if time had decided to slow down just in this single moment. Her skin burned and blistered under his sight, And Kokushibo never strayed his vision away from her. [F/N] silently begged him to just finish what he wanted to say, To get it over with.

But his lips thinned, And [F/N] could feel the irritated tinge in his aura from miles away.

Kokushibo turned to leave, Not bothering to finish his sentence.

"Continue reading.. I will come back tomorrow to make sure you are.." He spoke as he began to leave, Slowly stalking off towards the door in the room. [F/N]'s lips thinned before they opened.

"Uhm.. What about training?" She asked, Gripping the platter between her hands just a little too tightly.

Kokushibo paused in his walk, But he didn't turn to look at her.

"Until you are confident you will be able to wield Soul Breathing.. You will spend your time focused on literature and other remedial activities.. " Kokushibo explained as [F/N] nodded slowly to his words.

"Kind of a lack of 'remedial activities' to do.. Maybe if the library was a bit more stocked up, I'd have at least something to occupy my time." She muttered more to herself than to him, Under her breath as her eyes wandered off somewhere else.

Kokushibo hummed, Acknowledging her remark before he turned on his heel once more and left. This time, [F/N] didn't stop him as he marched towards the door within the blinding darkness, Her eyes kept on his back at all times.

Pulling it open, He didn't look back at her as the light hit her face. Then it disappeared entirely, Along with Kokushibo's presence.

[F/N] gasped before she took the biggest breath of her entire life, The air finally ripening around her as his suffocating presence left her. That rotten aura like decaying cow carcasses in a field-

It was finally gone.

☆♡☆

"This is still a stupid plan, You should have told Oyataka-sama- You should've provided the information you got from your crow instead of going rogue and deciding to go on some death mission..!" Obanai hissed, Eyes hawked in on Shinobu with a rather menacing glare.

Shinobu didn't feel it a bit however, Not even bothering to shake it off as she smiled.

"No matter now, I suppose. You already agreed to go through with this 'stupid plan' and I don't take any second thoughts!" She hummed, Looking at them from the side as they stood off a bit away from the other groups.

"I'm only doing this because of her, You know my history associated with cults.." Obanai mumbled, His head tossed to the side with a rather sour expression on his face.

Shinobu smiled, Much more sly and knowing than it should've been as she looked Obanai up and down. There was a perfectly good reason why Shinobu had asked him here in particular, Her reasoning seemingly paying off as she watched Obanai almost ogle at Mitsuri who was currently chatting with Gyomei.

"Of course.. I didn't expect anything more." Shinobu remarked as she watched the two converse idly with each other, Both glancing down at the shrine maiden they had caught hours earlier, Still restrained. Shinobu sighed, Shaking her head.

"Ah.. I suppose we shouldn't keep everyone waiting any longer, Let's head off to the convent, Hm?" Shinobu proposed, Not waiting for his response as she stepped forward towards Gyomei and Mitsuri.

Obanai nodded, Following after her as they approached the other Hashira in conversation.

"The issue is.. I'm not quite sure what do to with her."

"Keeping her here sounds horrible though.. My heart hurts thinking about it!"

"Mmph!"

"Ah, I see that you're discussing what to do with the eavesdropper!" Shinobu chirped in as she peered in behind Gyomei's back, Glossy eyes resting upon the terrified shrine maiden who squeaked once Shinobu revealed herself.

"Ah.. Shinobu-san. We're not in agreement as what to do.." Gyomei states. "I suggest that we leave her here for the inns keeper to find while we leave.. Though on the other hand, Kanroji-san believes that would be inhumane.."

"Cause it is! Who knows how long she'd be here, What if the innkeeper doesn't even find her?" Mitsuri butted in as she gestured to Maika, A puzzled frown across her face.

Shinobu nodded.

"I see.. Well I was thinking of heading out soon, Since everyone's here now. So I would like it if you came to a decision soon enough!" She hummed with a smile as Obanai appeared from the other side of Gyomei.

He huffed.

"Though I dislike this plan altogether.. I would rather it go smoothly if I am meant to do it so.. I say we toss her in the near river with her hands and legs still tied."

"Iguro-san!"

"Mmph! Mmph!" Maika muffled out what sounded like hearty disagreement, Eyes bulging out of her sockets as she stared at Obanai like he was some kind of demon, Even more so when Kaburamaru began to hiss.

Shinobu sighed as she stepped forward, Kaburamaru snapping his jaw shut once he watched her approach Maika. Knees bending as she lowered before her.

With a smile, Shinobu ripped off the bandage covering Maika's mouth.

"Ah-!" Maika gasped for what seemed like the biggest breath she had ever taken. "P-Please don't kill me! I can explain why I was listening to you're conversation, I swear!"

"Then explain.." Gyomei said, Looking rather imposing to where the girl was sat on the floor.

"O-Okay.. Erm- Give me a second I.." Maika blinked, Trying to recompose herself. "I didn't come here to tell anyone about what you were doing.. I.. I actually came because I wanted to help."

"How can we tell that you're not lying to get out of a bad situation?" Obanai asked as his eyes narrowed on her.

Maika gulped.

"B-Because I wanna help [F/N]-sama. I overheard your conversation back at the butterfly mansion, About the plan to find out where she was. I.. I wanna help, [F/N]-sama was really kind to me and I feel bad.." She said, Her eyes shying away from the group and she stared to the floor, Still shaking.

She inhaled.

"I.. I feel like it's my fault that [F/N]-sama was kidnapped. She saw me during her fight with that demon and she held back so I wouldn't get hurt.. She made sure he wouldn't find me, Even after I was injured and I just don't think I could live with myself if she stayed missing.. "

"Even though I'm a shrine-maiden.. I'm also a licensed slayer.. S-So please! If it's not a bother.. Could I please go on this mission?" Maika asked just a little bit higher than before, Sweat rolling down her brow, The fear of being rejected burning through her body.

Her lip shook.

Ever since that day in the shrine, Ever since she had woken from that coma, Maika had felt horrible about herself. To think that it was she that got [F/N] in such a bad situation, The guilt Maika felt was indescribable.

No one spoke, Not for a good long while. Their eyes darted back, Trading looks speaking their own thoughts about the situation. Iguro and Shinobu seemed rather cautious and Gyomei seemed to wait for the opinions of the others before he weighed in his own.

It was Mitsuri whoever who decided to take action, Stepping forward towards Maika before kneeling down towards her. A smile brighter than the sun outside as she grasped onto her hands.

She squealed.

"Kyah~! Of course you can come along, Anyone who wants to help, Should help!" Mitsuri grinned as she held Maika's hands within her own, Grasping them warmly as the girl looked up at the woman with a rather shocked blush burning on her face.

"K-Kanroji-sama!" She stammered.

Gyomei stepped forward.

"Are you sure about this, Kanroji-san..?" He asked as he heard their interaction, Hands still in prayer.

"Yes, One hundred percent! Let's go now, Get everyone ready. Heihachiro-san can come with us!" Mitsuri said as sure as she had ever been as she looked back at him, A massive smile on her face. Shinobu stepped forward.

"Well.. If Mitsuri-chan trusts her, Then I suppose I do too!" She cheered, Smiling slightly as she turned towards the rest of the Hashira. "Get ready and discard your slayer uniforms! We'll head for the convent in half an hour."

"Ah.. I suppose I shall be making my leave then.." Gyomei remarked as he wandered past the group, Assumedly to grab his luggage and make his goodbyes before he heads back to his estate.

Shinobu followed him off, Going to tell the group of younger slayers at the table the same news. Mitsuri quickly untied the ropes around Maika's wrists and ankles, To whom thanked her and stretched her tired limbs.

Mitsuri gave a 'no problem' in reply and raised from her position, Turning back to look at Obanai.

"Isn't this great, Iguro-san? I know we're all going off to fight an Upper Moon, But I'm still happy to be able to spend it with all of you!" She cheered with a smile, Looking at Obanai.

He swallowed, Feeling exposed all of a sudden.

"I.. Suppose." Obanai said as he tossed his head to the side, Choppy black bangs covering his red hot face as he turned away from Mitsuri.

Her brow raised.

"Ehh..? Are you okay, Iguro-san? Are you feeling alright, Your face is pretty red!" Mitsuri observed, Stumbling forward as she spotted a hint of burning blush on his face. Obanai huffed, Stumbling back from her.

"I feel fine, Thank you for your concern. We should get going soon." Obanai blurted out as he began to walk away, Leaving a confused Mitsuri watch him go. Mitsuri hummed, Acknowledging the situation.

"Kanroji-san.."

Mitsuri turned her head, As soon as Obanai left, She heard the voice of Gyomei Himejima beckon her over from the other side of the room. He was stood tall, Seemingly preparing the luggage for his departure.

"Oh.. Himejima-san!" Mitsuri called back with her smile reappearing on her face, Not wasting any time to skip over to where Gyomei stood with a . "I guess you'll be leaving now, It's a shame that you won't be able to come along with us!"

Gyomei nodded slightly,

"Yes, It is.. However I just wish to speak with you for a slight second before I leave.." He asked cordially, Stepping closer towards Mitsuri. "It is about my Tsuguko, Himejima Shizuko."

"Shizuko..?" Mitsuri mumbled under her breath, A bell ringing in her head. It wasn't long before her eyes widened however, Shoulders tensing up. "You mean [F/N]'s brother..?! He's here..?!"

Mitsuri's head instantly shot back and forth, Eyes scanning everyone in the room.

"Correct, He was the one I decided to summon after all.." Gyomei replied, Fairly confused as to how Mitsuri hadn't noticed the boy beforehand.

Mitsuri quickly spun around towards the table where everyone sat, Eyes darting through the little crowd. It seemed like they were all getting ready to head off, But from amongst the group Mitsuri could spot a certain mess of hair.

Wide eyes, Scars, Rough braided hair.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"Oh my gods, That's where I recognise him from-! How did I not see it before..?!" Mitsuri gasped as she watched Shizuko put away his things, Barely held back from rushing over to greet him.

"Kanroji-san." The rumble of Gyomei's voice made Mitsuri double take, Turning her head back around to meet his solemn face.

"I came to ask that you do me a favour, By telling Shizuko about [F/N] and his past during this mission.."

"What..?!" Mitsuri gasped, Her eyes growing wide as saucers.

"He has not forgotten her entirely, It seems.. Only a few days ago he had admitted there were some surviving memories from his accident." Gyomei explained.

She shook her head slightly, Almost unbelieving.

"No way.. He actually.." Mitsuri mumbled under her breath, Seemingly collecting her thoughts before speaking once more. "I told this to you, I don't know the full story.. I.. I couldn't give him all the answers even if he did know."

Gyomei shook his head.

"But you know the most out of us all.. And it is right that he knows what you do, At the very least.. I am not the right person, You are." He said, Nodding in her direction.

Mitsuri just looked at him, Mind racing.

Mitsuri couldn't believe what she was hearing, What she thought was just going to be a farewell turned out to be much more than she was bargaining for. It was shocking enough to hear that Shizuko actually remembered something.

But for Mitsuri to also be given the duty of explaining said something? Even more unexpected. Her face turned into a rather apprehensive frown, Lips pressed tightly together.

"Himejima-san.. I understand what you mean but- You can't just leave me with this I mean.. I've never even spoken to him before.. And [F/N].. She herself said it was for the best if they were kept apart!" Mitsuri hushed under her breath, Pleading with him both in her tone and her eyes.

Gyomei nodded slowly, His brows knitting together in a sorrowful expression.

"You are right, I am deeply sorry for leaving you with this.. But he has the right to know, Just not from me." He explained, Hearing the rough voice of his Tsuguko in the background. "For whatever reason [F/N] wished to stay apart.. I believe that is not truly what she wants."

"I.." Mitsuri thought over his words, Ones that struck a cord within her. Mitsuri knew she didn't know the full story, But she knew [F/N] down to the atom, And her wanting to stay away from Shizuko?

Yeah, That wasn't like her at all.

"You're right. [F/N].." Mitsuri stumbled over her words, Shaking her head. "Just.. All I want is some time, Okay? I'll tell him but.. I'll need to put a few things together first, Just make sure everything is understandable."

Gyomei nodded, The expression on his face lightening ever so slightly as he turned around towards his luggage laid out in a satchel. Picking it up and tying the knot.

"Thank you, Kanroji-san.. This means a lot, Both to me and I leave him in your care.. I trust you will keep him safe." Gyomei said, Slinging his satchel over his shoulder before bowing towards the woman. Mitsuri copied his actions, Lowering down herself.

"You can trust me, I promise Shizuko will be safe.." Mitsuri said, Politely yet quietly so that no one could hear them. Gyomei raised from his bow, Settling his yukata over his chest once more before grasping onto his satchel.

They said their goodbyes, And the rest of the group did the same. As Gyomei was walking out, None of the crowd noticed the new air around him and Mitsuri, Some mutual feeling like understanding shared between the two.

Mitsuri sighed once he left, Another task put on her roster along with finding out what was wrong with Shinobu. She couldn't argue however, It was much better to deal with this than let it go untouched.

Mitsuri had learnt that the hard way.

So she turned, Prancing back towards the group to help the rest of them pack their stuff for the journey ahead. She had a smile on her face, No matter how terrifying the situation was about to be.

☆♡☆

[F/N] was left sitting on her bedside, Head dropped, Hands in lap as she tried to mull over what happened.

A sort of disgusting shiver wormed through her system as she remembered his aura, Not to mention their conversation. His behaviour too was particularly unpinnable, [F/N] having no idea why he's acting repulsed to her attempts to talk to him.

It was Kokushibo after all who encouraged this behaviour in the first place, And she was trying her best to play into it best she could. Yet he seemed so opposed to it, Perhaps even a bit aggressive when she admitted she wanted to speak to him.

Why?

There was no point in trying to unravel his behaviour, [F/N] supposed. She hadn't been able to do it before so there was no way she'd ever be able to, Not right now at least.

All [F/N] knew was that she hated him. That he was a centuries old demon with violent instincts, That he had siphoned her away to some mockery of her now defunct shrine. [F/N] knew that he was a horrible person.

Her teeth gritted.

She couldn't stay here, She couldn't bare to be in this decrepit shrine any longer.

[F/N] pushed herself off of the bed, Pins and needles in her legs not bothering her as she turned back and kneeled down so far, Face peeking under the bed.

The ropes.

[F/N] needed to get to work, Right away. Hands lunged under the bed, Snatching the thick spool of unassorted ropes in a single palm as she pulled them out. She needed to start making her way through the infinity castle if she wanted to find the exit door.

"[F/N]!"

A voice called out from somewhere down the hallway, It was Akaza's, About time that he'd show up since Kokushibo had left a good few hours ago. [F/N] paid no heed however as she lugged herself back up onto her bed, Spools of rope in hand.

She set them down on her lap as the door slid open.

"[F/N], You awake?" Akaza called out into the room, Though his question was instantly answered as he watched her begin to play with the ropes in her hand from within the darkness.

"Yep, Wide awake. Had a rather eye-opening conversation with you-know-who earlier and I haven't been able to get them closed since." [F/N] replied but she didn't look at him, Instead beginning to find the ends of two rope to tie.

Akaza's face scrunched up, Golden eyes glowing in the dark.

"Seriously? You actually had a conversation with him?" He scoffed slightly.

"I'll tell you about it if you lend me a hand, We're gonna work on the rope."

"Deal. Though I'm relieved you finally decided to start working on your escape, It was starting to get annoying.." Akaza muttered as he walked forward towards her in the dark, Lunchbox in hand. "Good timing though, Was able to bring you in a few tools for the nails or whatever."

Akaza held up the lunchbox in hand, Presenting it as something more that cutlery rattled around inside. A hammer, By the sounds of it. The spare nails laying around under her bed would finally be put to use.

[F/N] didn't smile, But a glint in her eyes spoke more than she could ever say. Looking up towards Akaza, She spoke.

"Perfect."

☆♡☆

They were high up, Thousands of feet above the air.

Clouds were below them now, Like a ring surrounding the horizon. The sky fading from a desaturated baby blue to a vibrant burst of yellow now that the clock was ticking. Winds were high, Not as much as to cause resistance, But enough so that fabrics and hair would dance violently in the gales.

It was chill too. Snow dusted the glaciated landscape like sand across a desert. From towering pine trees and bustling ferns and sprigs, Slush ice lain in the nooks and crannies' of every single one.

They trudged through the pebblish pathway up the mountain, Mitsuri often gazing out into the expanse of the valley like ants below. The air flourishing up here, So fresh that she couldn't help but take it all in.

Her eyes shone, The blinding sun reflecting in her irises.

"Come on now! We're almost there!" Shinobu called out, Her voice echoing slightly as they neared the grassy top of the mountains. It had been a few hours, If they weren't trained swordswomen, They would've taken much longer in accountancy of breaks.

Mitsuri turned to her, Guiding her hair out of the way as she smiled.

"Right! Let's get a move on, Girls!" Mitsuri called out to the two girls behind her, Kanao and Maika who had issues with keeping their hair out of their faces as well. They nodded, Picking up the pace as they pushed themselves up the slope.

They had decided to split up, The men approaching where the convent should be in a different direction. They had figured that going in one big group would be rather suspicious, And according to Shinobu's plan mixed with Gyomei's information, It was best split by gender.

Kanao had Nezuko's box resting on her back, Kanao's hands resting on the straps to makes sure it stayed steady on her back. Apparently the cult had some rather interesting gender dynamics, Having the women rest and leisure while the men were put to work.

It was strange, Shinobu could tell.

"U-Um-! Can we take a break, Please?" Maika called out to the two women in front of her who had already reached the rather dense woodland atop it all. Shinobu looked at her for a second, Smiling before Maika reached the top.

"Ah.. I suppose A break would be fine. Though not for long as we need to stay vigilant, Being in one spot for too long would be dangerous, I deem." Shinobu deduced as she turned to look at the breath-taking sight beside her, Barely batting an eye as she stared out into the expanse.

Mitsuri huffed as she stopped to stretch her numb legs, Feeling the cold air soak into her skin. She stood next to Shinobu, Taking in the sight together. Something rewarding after the trek up her.

She smiled, Remembering how much times she had to pop her ears.

"Beautiful, It's a pretty nice change from the village scenery, Eh? Not saying that it was bad but.. Come on, Look at that sky~!" Mitsuri wondered with a smile.

"Yes, I agree. Almost makes it worth the journey.." Shinobu spoke with a smile.

They took a moment to breathe it all in, Gaze off onto the horizon of bursting hues, A good reward for their trek up here. They didn't speak for a while, Letting the wind chill their sweat and cool them off.

Mitsuri smiled.

"This reminds me of the golden days, You know?" She spoke softly, Eyes finally peering over to Shinobu.

"Hm?" Shinobu hummed, Turning to look at Mitsuri.

"Oh come on. Me, You and [F/N]?" Mitsuri giggled slightly, Memories coming back to her. "Remember when we travelled around slaying demons together when we were younger? It's just kind of been a while since we've been on a mission together.."

Shinobu's smile, Mitsuri never noticed but it changed, Just a little bit more.. Real.

"Remember when we had to disguise ourselves as men to sneak into that nobleman's dinner? Ah.. I remember you had to put on that masculine voice. You know, I'm pretty sure you scared some of the poor Geisha serving us." Shinobu asked, A hand covering her teasing smile.

"Ah-! Don't remind me, That was so embarrassing!" Mitsuri laughed as she fanned her cheeks. Shinobu giggled. "I guess it was pretty fun, Though! Honestly I think about it more than I should.. I guess I miss it, You know?"

Shinobu nodded, Agreeing with her statement. Her smile dimmed just a little bit, However the genuinity never died.

"If only [F/N] didn't fall into that coma.." Shinobu mumbled, Eyes looking somewhere far off.

"If only we didn't go to that festival." Mitsuri corrected, The smile dimming on her face until it darkened into a frown.

The silence afterwards was much more dense than before, Neither of the girls feeling it was right to speak. Mitsuri felt awkward under the weight of the silence, Her hands coming together to fiddle with her fingers.

Looking at Shinobu, Mitsuri could see her mind work through her eyes. It was obvious from the meeting back at the butterfly mansion that this mission meant a bit more to Shinobu than she was letting on.

And they were about to go fight Upper Moon Two, Well, They weren't quite sure how long it would take to get to that point. But Mitsuri could tell something was wrong with her, And she needed to know what.

She sighed, Air turning to vapour.

"Shinobu-chan.."

Mitsuri finally broke the silence, Shattering like glass.

Shinobu turned her head back to look at her, Small frown still on her face.

"You know I've been meaning to talk to you for a while now, And.. I feel like it's best to bring this up before we leave, You know?" Mitsuri spoke as soft and caring as she could muster, Her eyes shining as she turned to look at her peer.

Shinobu's lips turned back up into a tight smile, A twitch in her eyebrow, Glancing back towards Mitsuri.

"Mitsuri-chan, Whatever this is about, I think it's best if we save it for later." Shinobu responded, Her voice sounding like it had been practiced. "We've spent too much time in one place, We better get movi-"

"No-!" Mitsuri cut in, Realising her tone she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Shinobu-chan. But I know you've been avoiding this conversation for a while now, I want to talk, You need to tell me what's wrong."

Shinobu's smile widened as she fully turned to meet Mitsuri, A noticeable strain on her lips as she beamed at her.

"..There's nothing to speak about, Mitsuri-chan! I'm completely alright, Perhaps a bit stressed.. Maybe that's what you're worried about?" Shinobu proposed, An eyebrow raised as she tilted her head.

"No, It's- It's more than that, I can tell!" Mitsuri exasperated, Her face turning more concerned by the second. "You need to say what's going on, You've not been yourself recently.. Please, You can talk to me!"

Shinobu's stare burned into Mitsuri like the sun glaring into vision. Mitsuri watched as Shinobu just stopped entirely, Her smile still plastered on her face, Making no move to speak.

Fingers curling, A vein in her forehead. Like a porcelain doll, It was if she needed time to process Mitsuri's words.

It was disturbing, Seriously distur-

"Greetings, Is anyone there?"

Heads jerked towards the source of the new voice, Belonging to none within the designated group.

By the edge of the forest-line stood a woman accompanied by a child, Both adorned in white robes. The women cradled a wicker basket in her hand, Half full with what seemed to be the fruit that grew here.

The child held one too, Both looking at the group of girls before them.

The smell of Lotus Flowers burned in the air, Noticeably so.

"Ah..! Greetings, Ma'am! We didn't think anyone would be out here!" Shinobu giggled, Readily stepping away from Mitsuri and towards the woman and child duo instead. "My name is Fujimori Hina, I apologise if we startled you!"

The woman watched as Shinobu lowered down into a respectful bow, Her eyes seemed apprehensive as they darted amongst the newcomers before her. Shinobu could spot the child shifting behind the woman, His eyes wide as he stared.

The woman's lips turned into a smile, Though it was very much faked.

"Ah.. No, I had just heard voices and thought it was best to come check it out." The woman explained, Examining Shinobu from head to toe. "What are you all doing up here..? This is rather far from the nearest village.."

Shinobu raised from her bow to see the woman, Suspicious already even with that kind smile, Shinobu could tell. The child behind her seemed rather hesitant towards them, Almost as if they were an oddity.

Shinobu nodded, Shooting a look towards Mitsuri that spoke plenty.

"We got lost, You see.. We've been meaning to head to Fukushima however our ride broke down and left us stranded!" Shinobu frowned and shook her head, An unfortunate expression on her face. "We figured we could find a village from this vantage point.. However it seems the one down there is a rather long journey.."

"Y-Yeah! It's been a while since we've ate is all.. " Maika piped up from where her and Kanao sat on the floor, Voice shaking, Eyes trained on the woman and her rather odd appearance.

The woman nodded slowly.

"Ah.. I understand. And you all are.."

"-They're my sisters." Shinobu finished. "And yes, Adopted before you ask. I realise we do not look similar, We get that question a lot." She laughed airliy, A smile reappearing upon her face.

"Umeko." Mitsuri said, Raising her hand to greet her.

"Asuna..!" Maika chimed in.

"Kariya." Kanao spoke.

"Right.. I see." The woman drawled, Eyes narrowing. For some reason she was suspicious, Rather apprehensive to the women she came across. "I suppose that you better start moving, It is a rather long journey to the village.."

The woman spoke, A sort of politeness in her voice that was. She almost looked like she was ready to leave, Prepared to grab the child by the wrist and beckon him off into the forest.

Acting quickly, Mitsuri stepped forward.

"Please, Ma'am. We don't mean to trouble you.. But is there anywhere we could stay for tonight?" She begged, Both in voice and her eyes. "We promise to repay you..! We just want somewhere to rest for a while, A bit of food and someplace to pray."

Mitsuri's tone pleaded with the woman, Who still looked rather apprehensive towards the group. Mitsuri, Though a little annoyed that she was cut off from reaching Shinobu, Still grasped the situation. Seeing how the woman appeared aloof.

Though her eyes shifted once the word prayer came from Mitsuri's tongue, A glint like stars in her irises.

They all waited on baited breath, One's they didn't know they were holding. Both Mitsuri and Shinobu both knew that this was no ordinary woman, Both by looks and by her actions. What reason she had to be suspicious, A dead give away.

Would she respond in kind or in aggression? Did she know they were slayers?

The woman breathed out.

"..Well, I suppose that it is only right if I help out my fellow women of faith." The woman smiled, Much more genuine this time. Shinobu's ears twitched at the word 'faith', Her eyes narrowing as the woman stepped towards them.

A wave of relief flooded amongst the group, Shoulders slumping, Held breaths released from lungs. The woman stepped to the side, Child following after her as she beckoned the group to follow her.

"You can follow me, I'm sure I can get you all fed and cared for. You're lucky..! Fortunately around here, We always make sure to tend to our fellow faithful." The woman smiled as she turned, Basket in hand as she began to wander off into the woods.

"Of course, Thank you so much, Ma'am! We appreciate it so much..!" Shinobu thanked her, Bowing her head lightly before taking the first skip to follow the woman. Mitsuri following after, The girls coming last.

They followed her, Trailing along her pathway through the tall forest she came from. The child skipping ahead, Seemingly not wanting to be near the group of girls.

Looks shared between them spoke more than what they could say. Looks of suspicion and fear, While Mitsuri and Shinobu's seemed much more steady as they walked. They both knew that this woman had to be associated with the cult.

Especially with the way she said 'faith'.

Some woman with some pungent scent. It wasn't bad, Per se, But it was strong. It was like freshwater and flowers, So freezingly refreshing yet bitter all the same. Her clothes were pure, No blemish to be found upon the dove white of her kimono.

It was like wedding attire, Was she going to be wed?

It looked so, Everything about her seemed perfectly done. Her hair was midnight yet glistened under the mountain sun, Her makeup could put the most gorgeous Oiran to shame..

It was strange, So beautifully strange.

So they followed along, Both hesitant and eager at the same time. Forest growing darker as they walked, More dense, Deeper and deeper they went.

And the smell of Lotus Flowers grew so much more potent.

Next Chapter

126 notes · View notes

echantedtoon · 4 months

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Promise Part 2 Oath

After spending years giving offerings to deities, and accidentally making an oath he tends to be sure you keep it.

Yeah I know. I'm still working on part 1 but my computer stupidly deleted it so I have to restart on it. In the meantime enjoy ch2 and 3 when I'm done editing Michikatsu's part

(picture relevant found on Pinterest. Kokushibo version coming soon.)

@lavenderdrxp

@thotfulwriter

@trancylovecraft

An oath is a promise.

A promise. The person's word. A verbal agreement. A contract.

Remember that what you will. Do not take lightly the things spoken as a promise for you cannot take it back for once they leave your voice. For they will seal your fate.

You jumped as a thunderclap in the distance overhead echoed throughout the sky. Your head looked up instinctively and stared at the still lit up sky and the dark grey storm clouds that scattered across it like some shattered jigsaw puzzle. The sight of it worried you making a frown appear on your perfectly make uped face. The chilly wind blowing over you making you shiver and the veil flow in the wind and over your face.

A hand reached up to push the lacey veil away from your face to give a clearer look at the looming figure in front of you.

The stories you've heard about the ancient Garden, the tales and whispers and rumors. Hone to decadence and luxury in the days of yore, now abandoned and mostly forgotten. The aura of mystery and lost inheritance tainted by misfortune and blood mixed with greedy ambition. It's shadow loomed over your form blocking most of what's left of the moonlight, casting the eerie darkness over your beautiful white dress. None of the rumors have done it justice, only instilling more creepiness to the overall visage. The whole place looked like the stereotypical image of a ghost story made. Old worm shrine. Creaking creepy metal fence. The old rock pathway leading up toit full of cracks and had weeds growing in the crevices. This place was obviously abandoned for most of its existence. So why doesn't it look like an overgrown forest by now? Why weren't the grounds more overgrown than expected??... Must've been the caretaker. There must've been a caretaker.

You've had many fond memories of this place growing up as a child. You remember flocking here in search of solice and peace when no ond else would give it to you. It had felt that way for many years. The garden welcomed you, almost sought you out whenever you were to come here to pray and give offering to the twin deities the garden was said to belong to. Elders always scolded you for going to the abandoned place saying that it was dangerous filled with poisonous plants and wild animals. The real superstitious ones told you that it was full of ghosts that would spirit you away from this world if you weren't careful. You never believed that..The part about the spirits being evil. If there was spirits here then they weren't evil or just went around minding their own business. They certainly never bothered you anytime you were there.

However tonight maybe they were onto something as the red moon shown bright.

The moon shined red as blood tonight as shadows moved.

Quiet night. Unholy night of beasts. Feasting their sights upon the stray women who dare stay out at night when the full moon rises, lighting the pathway for the beasts to claim their prey. Gnashing teeth, snarling fangs waiting to take a bite into innocent flesh where the terrible claws miss. Waiting to snatch you away down into their dark abyss never to return. She was none what so ever concerned about traveling alone tonight. She had better places to be and anyone who dared be foolish enough to tangle with the night would never be heard from again. One look at it would deter most creatures away. But hier business was not with them.

You shivered in the wind that picked up clutching your rings and the small bouquet of flowers closer as you rubbed your shoulders in a vain attempt to bring what limited warmth you had back to your body.

Partially through what was left of the limited moonlight, you passed by some wild trees that made your stomach flip but it came a different feeling.

The feeling of being watched.

It didn't start out that way. At first it was just an aspect in the back of your mind you brushed of as paranoia of the shrine's old ghost stories echoing in your mind. The feeling first came around when the sun had just started to set and it wasn't strong enough to warrant anything more than a two second thought and hand waving them off. However thing's changed. The sun soon disappeared over the horizon to be kissed good night by it's counterpart, the moon, and the walking woman was glad that it was a full moon, for it brought moonlight strong enough for you to see the pathway as your feet continued to walk. With it came the feeling but tenfold. You've only felt this way before back at home when your too clingy fiance wouldn't leave you alone, that same feeling also returned with the feeling of being followed, but every time your head snapped over your shoulder towards the Darkness behind you....

There would be nothing.

Literally nothing. Nothing but the cold wind starting to pick up. You brushed it off as just your paranoia getting the better of you and you set your jaw against the wind. There was nothing there anyways so what did you have to worry about?

Someone following you and dragging you back home. Your family would make you marry the most obnoxious man ever and you would never be able to come here again. You'd be damned if you weren't going to give your offerings one last time. And at least say goodbye to your childhood sanctuary.

The overgrown weeds hugged the hem of the bridal dress she wore. A ghost of white in the darkness. A warmth settling in with invisible eyes as you approached the large stone. It's carvings long since worn away to where you could barely make it out but as always you bowed against the wind and leaned down to place the roses you've brought as a final farewell gift to the deities whom lurked here if any lurked here at all. As if pleased with your gift, the wind temporarily stopped in its path. This was it. Once you returned, the ceremony would already be ready to start and you'd be a taken woman. It was a miracle you were able to sneak out this long.

"Good bye. Thank you for providing me many years of happy memories. I hope one day another person will be here in my place."

A hand reached out to brush away some of the overgrown vines from the cold stone. A barely visible carving of a sun was visible in the limited moonlight. You had once asked one of the superstitious elders about it and he had explained the legend of how there had been two deities long ago. One of the son and one of the moon. The sun deity had fallen in love with a human farm girl but before they were married she was killed by a demon. They say that his shrine and garden was built on the place that was once her farm. You didn't know how true that was or even if it was real, but you did find the take quite tragic.

"I was to be married too. I wonder if it was as heart breaking for you as it was for me."

Nothing but the lonely wind and crickets chirping answered you.

You didn't speak at first. Slowly standing up. Wind blowing the veil around you. The blood moonlight giving a reddish glint to the olden shrine.

You snorted at your situation despite yourself being angry. "I still can't believe my family saw anything in him. He couldn't even say his vows right at the rehearsal...I guess that was because he was imagining saying them to someone else the whole time." A different version of you he wanted most likely.

"What was his vows anyways? I bet they were so bland and and boring." You snickered thinking about his bumble at the rehearsal before you cleared your throat before in a bad impression of his voice you spoke in a cheesy lovestruck tone. "My beautiful love. Bind our blood in ceremony and let me share your name." A hand outstretched to no one as you fake acted out processing your love to an invisible imaginary person. "Under the stars of the heavens, I solemly swear, that this hand will always be kind and never cruel. That my voice will only speak truth. That this life is now forever yours." The outstretched hand pretended to take the imaginary person's hand. "Now as yours is mine."

You could hear imagine the look on his face if you told him how predictable his Making you smile and continue. Your engagement ring slipped off your finger as you pretended to use it as the wedding ring presenting it to the stone.

"Bind our souls to infinity and I will promise you love and devotion through sickness and health and beyond the realms of death." You continued to speak remembering the details of the day like it happened yesterday. "I will love you in all your forms now and forever. Through several lifetimes and back." Your voice was low and smooth now speaking it like you meant it with pride. "From now to infinity." You held the ring up as if actually presenting it to someone. "Unyielding. Untainted. Undeniable. With this voice I promise you my love and heart. With this ring, I ask you to be mine!" You held up the ring- only to accidentally again trip on your train and slip. "Crap!"

You ended up landing on just your knees his time. Both rings again falling to the ground and rolling away from sight. Not that you really cared about that as much as you cared about the soreness this goofy outfit was causing you.

You hissed slowly moving to stand back up. "Ugh. I keep tripping over my stupid dress."

You scrambled to grab your hem again and look around for the ring. Where'd they go? You looked around for the ring and eventually found them laying just in front of you in the grass. Ah. There they are. You were half tempted to just leave them there but your family would be angry. Your hand reached out to them-

Until something grabbed your wrist-

It was like the air itself had wrapped around your wrist and PULLED! You yelled out as you arm was tugged forward and you yelled as your other hand shot out to brace yourself against the ground. A horror feeling shot through your body as you looked up and saw..

Literally nothing there.

The moonlight illuminated the area in front of you and you could see nothing but you felt an iron grip on you arm. You couldn't help but let out a little yell of fright before you started pulling back in a panic. Pulling back and yanking at the otherworldly grip keeping you in place. Your other arm flying out to grip your arm and pull back as hard as you could. Pulling, yelling, and fighting back until whatever it was gave- You ended up falling onto your backside scrambling away from your position and hastily shooting up to your feet stand. Your lungs heaved in horror at nothing.

The wind howled around you blowing the veil around like some bridal cape. The clouds increased in the sky and the bloody moon oozed it's light down on misfortune.

THUMP-

Your mouth dropped in horror as the ground under your feet moved, as of a great beast was disturbed by your presence. The ground rumbled and shook as you teetered and waved your arms around to steady yourself from falling again. Pupils the sizes of pins as you gave small gasps and yelps as thunder crashed overhead thunder reigning through the sky and cold wind swirling around. Until the monster under the dirt finally ceased and all was still again. You gasped out and stood there panting heavily as everything just..

Stopped.

As if it didn't even happen. You panted looking around yourself but not seeing anything. What the hell just happened?!

BAM!!

A hollow push erupted from the ground in front of you. Eyes going small as something from the depths battered it's way from beneath the surface. A feeling of ice injected itself into your veins as something pushed out from under your feet. Dirt pushed up with each deep push upwards. Cracks formed between old roots and rocks. A shiny ring slowly rolled away from the jostling-

Only to be snatched up as a white hand burst from beneath the soil.

Body froze. Jaw opening. Eyes wide as the moon. Digits old and worn flexed out feeling against the nearly disturbed dirt until they found their target in a small rings. Fingers long and boney curled around them drawling them into it's cold dead palm before it retreated back down into the depths of the abyss leaving a disturbed dirt mound behind. The wind carried what sounded like a happy sigh of relief after the soft dirt stopped moving about.

"I do."

There was a grim pause. Wind howling. AND THEN THE GROUND BEGAN RISING UP WITH MORE FORCE-

She didn't hesitate for a moment. Not even a second. Not when the woman turned around and RAN.

Every runner knows that the first warning sign of danger is a sense of dread, a feeling of impending doom. You are about to run away from a monster. But how do you prepare for this? Y/n had always hated dark forests with its lumbering tall trees. It was a place where she felt fear. The dark teased like taunting bullies, each sway of a branch creaking it's maniacal glee and every whistle the wind whipped by your ears whistled their sick pleasure in watching her panicked state of mind. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK!! Went the sounds of her heels against the bricked ground and curling tree roots, like spiderwebs under her feet, ready to snag her and make her join the abyss any moment. The darkness caged you in with the mockery of noises, a canopy of night shrouding the way out. But for now you only knew one thing.

RUN.

Your body felt light, only being able to feel every time your feet slapped against the ground which would surely be sore later, but you didn't care. You could be hurting for the next ten years for all you cared! Please gods just let you get away! Your eyes darted around for any signs of escape only being shown endless darkness instead. Your only hope was to get back to Taylor! Or to get back to the manor! A place you could at least take refuge. Your arm were partially extended in front of you, to push and swipe down any bush, branches, and other plants in your way as you ran, other hand holding up your dress in a vain attempt to keep from tripping. Stumbling and half tripping over large tree roots and clumps of grass in your wake, but still making good distance. Until the burning in your lungs threatened to make you drop, and you were forced to start slowly down step by step until you were hugging the side of a tree for life, your arms desperately gripping the rough bark until the imprints were deep in your palm and your knuckles were deep white, forcing your body to step around the tree until you reached it's front and you hid yourself behind it from the direction you just ran from. Your back hit the hard tree and your head tilted towards the heavens, hands clutching your pounding heart. And there was silence other than the mockery of wind and branch creaks. Your throat and lungs were on fire. Your heart pounded almost painfully in your chest. And you did not dare move in fear of seeing that-...that-....MONSTER somewhere behind you.

That-....That wasn't real r-r-right? It COULDN'T be real! It was just a figment of your imagination projected by your fear! T-That must've been the case!...But then..How were you able to make contact with it if it was just a hallucination? You felt your hand make contact with that thing's grip and you felt the struggle you gave. You stood there, shaking harder than a tree in a tsunami in dead of winter. Other than the gasps of air your body forced you to make, you dared not make a sound. Not a noise. The whole time you stayed perfectly still as ever so slowly your heart rate decreased the longer the silence went on and the longer nothing appeared. Slowly your lungs and throat's fire extinguished with the help of the cold wind you swallowed, and what was left behind was just a dull soreness. The rapid beating of your heart calmed slowly until it was just a little above what it would normally be beating. Your eyes slowly regained focus from the sheer panic. And your body calmed down but not your mind. Your mind still raced in fear from what you just saw and you stared straight up at the creaking branches of the tree you hid behind. The panic still clear and making you do nothing but listen in anticipation, like a rabbit hiding from a pursuing fox. But still...nothing but silence. And when your eyes slowly looked to the right and your face followed until your cheek and side of the face was pressed against the rough tree bark awaiting for any sounds, but nothing still came.

It was a stupid decision...A bad one really but-..

You slowly scraped your back against the back of the tree slowly inching your way to the side of the tree, and ever so slowly, poked your head out. Not all the way. Just enough to look out at the direction you ran from and saw...nothing. Nothing but darkness and trees. And that made you pause. There was...nothing? Nothing at all? Slowly you pushed your head fully out to see better, and took your time grazing your eyesight around the darkness, straining your eyes in the limited light that seeped between the leaves and branches. Quietly listening for anything running after you, but still nothing came. ...You-..You must've lost whatever that was. You exhaled a shaky sigh of relief and slumped back against the tree. Eyes closing as a wave of relief washed over your tired body.

''What am I doing!? Don't just stand there like an idiot!! RUN!!''

You listened to your inner voice, you turned on your heels and began running again taking the opportunity given to you by the gods. You didn't care if you got lost this time, you only cared about living. And so through the darkness the abyss had to offer, you again ran. Not which direction you were heading. Not sure who you'd run into or if you got more lost, but you were darned determined to not be eaten tonight by anyone! Not today demons! Or..zombie.OR WHATEVER THE HECK THAT WAS! You only did what you did before. Your heels clicked against the ground which would surely be sore later, but you didn't care. Your f/c eyes darted around for any signs of escape only being shown endless darkness instead. Your arms were partially extended in front of you, to push and swipe down any bush, branches, and other plants in your way as you ran. Stumbling and half tripping over large tree roots and clumps of grass in your wake, but still making good distance. Until the burning in your lungs threatened to make you drop, and this time the roots claiming your feet snagged onto a particularly large root, and a few feet you went tumbling

Your screams of tumbling over a few feet were cut short as it felt like you hit every single root, rock, and hard spot on your way down. Pain exploded everywhere your body made contact with the ground until finally with a final thud, your body fell hard onto soft grass. Knocking the air out of your lungs and you gasping for air on your side. Your body was in pain from everywhere your body hit the ground and you were sure it would leave bruises and scratches later. You coughed and gasped for air, lungs burning but you nearly stopped breathing again when load ghost like moaning came from up the path that was DEFINITELY NOT wind making your body feel like it was dipped in ice as your heartbeats sore. No. Not more of them. Not again! Adrenaline kicked in now as your body wobbled and felt so light, not to mention hurt, as you forced yourself to stand and start walk-running away, swaying as you still gasped for air but your panicked state didn't care about the pain or anything as you somehow quickly got your balance back and started running through the dark. The sounds and darkness of the forest blocked almost all moonlight as you blindly ran to try and get away from the giant demons, to keep from being eaten. You ran...and ran...and ran blindly in the dark with your hands in front of you. Branches and other plants hitting your legs and face as you did, the sounds of the things behind you disappearing as you kept running. At one point you had the brilliant idea to look behind you to see if anything was following you-

"AH!"

Your foot once again got caught on something. You screamed as your body went tumbling head over heels down a hill in the dark. Your already sore and hurt body becoming even more so as you rolled and rolled and rolled until you finally came to a stop at the bottom of it onto your back, with your body facing the sky. Your vision swam and your head spun as you stared up dizzily at the sky as your vision slowly went around and around and around until it focused. And you gave a cough as your burning lungs heaved against your chest. Your heart feeling as if it'll explode any moment it was beating so fast, you couldn't stop it! You just sat there gasping and panting and clutching your chest. Your brain felt foggy. No...No. Don't black out now! Get up! COME ON GET UP!! Muscles burnt. Barely able to breath. The dirt and grass felt stinging cold and burnt your skin as you turned on your side to weakly lay on your stomach, your face gasping the sweet scent of grasses for a moment as you laid there for a sweet few silent seconds, before you allowed yourself to look up and you stopped..gasping heavily and staring at what was before you in awe.

THE SHRINE!!

If you could get inside then you could wait for someone to get help or until daylight broke. Ignoring the pain in your ankle, you gathered up your dress in your arms, you heaved in worry as you wobble ran as fast as your legs could carry your body. It felt like an eternity scrambling to and then around the mansion not daring to look back. You knew it was ALWAYS a bad idea to look back during chases! Especially in ghost stories. You'll be darned if you made the same mistake! You made for the front. Practically beelining it to the old doors as they creaked and groaned under your force to throw them open and then slam them closed behind you. Your back presses against the cold thick wood and there you stood panting heavily. It felt like two fists were squeezing your lungs out of any air they sucked in at all. Your heart pounded hard enough in your chest to be mistaken for a drum in a parade. Your senses on fire yet on the same time highly alert.

Whatever you woke up was out there. Whatever it was, was most definitely looking for you! What had you done to cause this?! The heartbeats were the only things heard in your mind. The wind howling in through the crevices of the old building and whistled like a thousand ghostly birds. It was so much to take in. You prayed as hard as you could to whoever deity this shrine houses to save you-

"You look at me with cold eyes. You see me me and turn away as if you didn't know me."

your body froze when the voice reverberated throughout the entire shrine. Coming from everywhere and no whe at once. Who...What was that?

"You know that I couldn't have shown you me. Gave you me. I couldn't show you my weakness so I put on a mask to see you but I still want you. A flower that resembles you blossomed in this garden of loneliness. I wanted to give it to you as I rip off this mask. But I know this can't go on forever."

"W-What do you want?" Her lips trembled as a presence closed in.

"It's not what I seek. It's what I desire. Wishing that love is as perfect itself. Wishing all my weaknesses are hidden." The room fell sideways in his mind. An oozing feeling on continuous falling for her over and over again. Swallowed by the monster that demanded he claim and the beast that roared at him for everything he did wrong to be made right again. "In a life where nothing was ever genuine, you carved a piece out of my heart that will never feel complete unless you yourself abide by it's beating. So you see..A vow is your word. Your word is an oath. An oath is a promise, Sunlight."

The doors rattled on their hinges making you shriek and back away. Gazing wife eyed in horror as the old wood rattled and creaked until the door opened for the creature that was summoned. A man as bright as the sun but as dark as the lightless shy stepped within. Your face fell body trembled as you watched him hold up a single large hand. The shining seal of the contract right there on his finger. A smile as soft and sweet as it was as dark and sinister gazed at you. An angel if his horns were at all a halo.

"W-What do you want with me?"

"Accept my devotion and become mine. A place not beneath but beside me. For we were lovers before we were ever born in this world. My name shall be your own, your blood shall be mine, and all combinations of life will be one. Accept all of me, as I already have all of you."

"I d-don't even know you."

"You will because now my light.." The smile widened. Arms enveloping her own. Eyes shining with some dark variety of adoration. "We'll be together forever."

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misslili265 · 2 years

Text

WELCOME TO THE... PART 9 / YANDERE KOKUSHIBOU

SO IT'S GONNA BE ALMOST ALL THE BOYS IN KIMETSU.

THE BOYS Tanjiro | Zenitsu | Inosuke| Genya

🛡 In this context none of the characters are married or minors all of them are adults.

⚠️WARNING: THIS IS A YANDERE SO YOU CAN SEE DARK THEMES

YANDERE KOKUSHIBOU

The warm night envelops your being who is slowly moving with your legs around on the body of water the shore of your house while you lean seated on the bank made of wood. The waves are beautiful to watch, the light that radiates from the full moon taking over the sky, splashes the glory of the figures that form with your rhythmic dance. It is a beautiful sight that keeps you distracted as the minutes go by. But as you lift your face and look to the horizon, something unlike anything you may have ever witnessed is mirrored in your eyes.

Long black hair finished with ends dancing with red palettes, and a peculiar face with six eyes that carry the message that confirms that the creature before you is not just any being the writing in kanji on his eyes "upperankingmoon one" frighten you, but who and why is it coming towards you? Elegantly the mythical samurai wrapped in a beautifully printed purple kimono with the rest of the garment as black as ebony, walking towards, leaves you in a hypnotic state. As you watch his slow and assertive movements, you can see that he lightly raises his hand to his hip, from where a sword is coming out, which seems to have a power, just like him, to watch everything around, the eyes all over the razor are horrendous and with that you lose the element of life that previously inhabited your lungs… Scream? Run? Whatever response you would have to have at this moment, your body simply chooses not to do any of your stimulus. Now before you lies death?

The creature has his face turned towards yours. He is tall and majestic, the few muscles that are on display are the purest marble art. Your mind is flooded with fear, questions and other things are interrupted.

"- Excuse me ma'am. May I question you something?"

The voice is no different from what he appears to be. A deep voice and even with such a polished phrase, you sense that anything he says is not a question but an order... It is not about a choice. With great difficulty you let out the obvious.

"- Yes Sir."

He tilts his head slightly to the side as if analysing you and inquires.

"- Why didn't you run as my footsteps were heading towards you?"

Your head shakes slowly, gesturing the same as your next words. "- I...I don't know. It's the first time I've seen someone like you."

"- Someone like me?"

"- Y-yes sir, it seems that you are powerful and strong."

And in a low thought, more than understandable to someone in shock like you, a whisper completes the sentence, unbeknownst to you.

"-And divine."

Kokushibou's eyes fixate even more on you... "Divine..." Not a monster, or screams of horror....but admiration? Your eyes dart to the sword that watches you with several glances. Realising that a threat would take you out of your current state, that even the number one doesn't seem to know the reason for wanting to keep you on it, the sword then moves back into place. Unhurriedly he acts... you watch the beautiful hands sheathing the intriguing razor. Your errant breathing and thuds are heard from afar to someone like Kokushibou who can practically feel your pulse and a rhythm touching his skin that is likely to compose something. As he returns the sword, wordlessly, he gives you the message that death may not be presented to you today.

He remains silent watching you. Kokushibou is the greatest predator of the night, he sees every detail as if the day were clear but without the most deadly enemy he possesses around, the Sun.

Kokushibou is well fed, his initial desire was to exert the power of a destroyer over you, as he would do by the simple fact of killing anyone who crosses his path, he always predicts, everyone runs screaming, to no avail ...but, has Kokushibou perhaps this time been caught in some trap? What is the power of the words … Can we know?..."Divine" ... is it possible that this meaning has him in some sort of cage? Of course, he could get out at any time. But... is this what he really wants?....

As the seconds fall like grains of sand in an hourglass, your body retreats, pulling your feet out of the water that had been cooling you until then, while your eyes remain on the glorious creature in front of you. But what can we do, y/n? You possess a curious nature, your eyes travel all over Kokushibou's face, he could perceive your careful study of the lines of the face he possesses, the beautiful structure he was gifted, and with that the dilation of your pupils as you looked at him.

Kokushibou has several ways of seeing, literally. As you retreated, the drops making their way to your ankle and slowly falling... the sight of your forms in a outfit ready for bed, which revealed by the slits of the beautiful and feminine garment you wear displays your legs, your gaze that as it changed waters before you to dive into Kokushibou's eyes, seemed similar to the whisper with which you pierced him, yes it was as if he could hear your flattering thoughts about him. Kokushibou's eyes in milliseconds explore all of you.

Your lips, which seemed to have a better texture to be touched than plucked, unlike any other human's.

Kokushibou hasn't experienced this feeling in a long time... All he knows daily is about the mantle of death he brings over many, every day to maintain the monumental strength he has.

But the night has just begun…he has the time to invite him to feel other sensations besides these ones. Until then, also in the waters he withdraws and now he decides to sit in front of you.

Your whole being follows every move that he makes.

He sits with the straight posture worthy of a warrior, and with one leg with the knee bent he supports one of the beautiful and strong arms on display. He looks around for a moment and when he returns his eyes to yours as he breaks the silence.

"- Could you tell me your name, ma'am?"

The beats in your chest have softened and you can respond with a little more calm now.

"- It's Y/n Sir."

After a long pause. "- Oh, It's a beautiful name."

It was only a few moments, but he tamed your entire existence. Your gasp after hearing this is as audible as a scream of horror, but it doesn't sound bad like one, this time Kokushibou realizes, he has power, something he loves is having power, he's always been looking for it, but this one is different than it usually exerts on everyone.

"- Thank you Sir. Could I know yours too?"

Kokushibou is in the softness of your tone, or perhaps the respectful title Sir. that you included in the middle of the words makes him feel even more "divine"... And he is, for you...you bring to his being a strange sensation... What would be, Kokushibou ?... Search in your various thoughts at this moment, for the first time in a long time it's not about wielding a sword or beating an opponent... Ah!... He found… And it's a pleasant feeling of appreciation.

Kokushibou may have turned into an oni, but he still has the heart and vanity of a man.

"- Kokushibou." He responds proudly.

Your eyes are shining even more now that you know the name of the most intriguing being you have encountered so far in your life without great emotions, until now...

The breeze touches your face and also moves the beautiful locks of the mysterious samurai, the time stops for you.

Kokushibou surprises you by move his index finger, silently directs towards your features. And he gently contours them, slowly, as he watches your skin tingle from his touch. Why is this more pleasurable to him than tearing up a victim? He could do that to you y/n, this same sentence goes through Kokushibou's mind, but it would be so, so easy…too easy for him… But since when could he, all over the centuries, even do that to anyone? Even Akaza comes to his mind. "Could this be one of the reasons why he doesn't kill women?"... Kokushibou while thinking, continues to draw on you. His finger goes down your neck, your beats are summoned to speed up again... And even with your heart beating hard like a tsuzumi, you close your eyes in front of him. Your innocent deprivation of what you see, in exchange for the delight of what you feel, was a smooth move, without threats or anything Kokushibou could have feared, but he didn't get away unscathed. It was an action of surrender, delight in HIS touch…

" Oh y/n… I could kill you y/n, right now." He thinks

There is anger reverberating in this monologue, yes he does, like the killing machine that he is.

But it dissipates like an oni whose head has been cut off by the sharpest Nichirin, any emotion of anger or hatred turning to ash, by the softness and heat of your skin, enveloping him.

And now Kokushibou? Who dominates whom?

But I'm sorry y/n…He won't be tamed. No… No, my dear, not the number one uppermoon.

You slowly open your eyes and look at him again, Kokushibou realizes what's overflowing inside you. And with that he turns inside out. Not just a finger, but now Kokushibou's hand grips your chin tightly, he looks impatient.

He approaches, and lightly nibbles your lips. What happened, Kokushibou? Wouldn't you pierce the soft lips you were contouring with your sharp fangs? And scare her? Kokushibou, what do you really want???... And you, in the face of this action of someone who took you completely, letting yourself be carried away, kiss him with a soft peck like the touch of a petal that falls from a cherry tree. Kokushibou, even if by your delicacy, is invaded savagely by you, your blows are low, y/n…making a vain creature feel so desired…how daring!

Your pheromones propagate through your predator's nostrils, quickly Kokushibou responds to it, and takes you in the strong arms he has. He kisses your mouth without any reservation, invading it like a Tsunami, with the waves that his tongue causes inside of it, along with the liquid he pours on your lips.

You softly sigh in a state of complete ecstasy.

Y/n… Oh y/n, I'll let you know a secret…

Kokushibou didn't count on you to taste so good, that your taste wasn't the metallic, typical death taste he took daily, but it was so sweet, smooth refreshment like the clouds he could never admire and full of everything he craved and even if it's night, in your embrace he finds the warmth of the sun that he can't see but now enveloping all of him.

For a moment Kokushibou gently withdraws from your lips, yes, it's painful, because you want more...while you're softened, surrendered and a mess in his arms. But…Kokushibou is "divine" and wants to be treated as such. He decides when and how things happen.

From now on, you belong to him. Everything that involves your entire life until now, was guided by your wills and decisions, but… no longer dear.

Kokushibou, "by your fault" becomes the most possessive of the Yanderes, you won't take a step without him knowing or watching.

With each breath, Kokushibou will dictate.

Suitors?... They will meet the most painful death that anyone could experience. Friends, family?... Sorry darling, say goodbye to all of them…

"You have me, it's more than enough" Koku's words..

.. "And just know y/n always be ready to give yourself to him with your kisses and hugs whenever and however he wants"…

But no reason to fear darling … Kokushibou has soft hands and arms, he appears to be bitter as gall and menacing as a tiger. But…Kokushibou tastes like the most exquisite and delicious dessert, and you will never want to stop tasting it.

Kokushibou doesn't want to destroy or even scratch what's his, but we know what he wants... Your sighs, your look into his, your entire being melting under his touch...and with this, feed him, for making him feel appreciated like never before...

And after tasting the "divine", I believe you don't object to not being forced to go back to having something so common, like a simple human…

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