Chapter Text
“Tanjiro-kun!” His head perked up at the sound of her voice crying out, the door of his box swinging open. “Tanjiro! Tanjiro the- the…” Watching her soon hunch over, hands braced on her knees as she panted like a dog to catch her breath. Snaking out the box in favor of the bench, her face red as a beet from running to him.
“The demon king was just- in the plaza and- and-!” The breath stifled in his throat when the words left her lips, eyes widening and staring directly at her who still was trying to catch her breath. “The girl out here was his daughter- I helped the demon king find his daughter!” Finally finishing off miserably, it all flew out of her in a rush whilst out of breath.
His eyebrows knitted in confusion, what was she talking about in any capacity? Was she suffering from heat exhaustion that made her crazy? Looking at her in worry, though it wasn’t soon before his eyes caught a glimpse of a young boy further behind her, leaning against a building ever so casually. Was he eavesdropping? Was this a pawn from Kagaya? God, his sister was in bad shape and he felt as though it was his fault for making her help the young girl.
“And- and- they’re a whole family of demons! Of demons, Tanjiro!” She seemed to be able to grasp her thoughts though, chest rising and falling at a much less frantic rate. “We’re dealing with like- five demon kings!” It still didn’t make sense at all.
“I should’ve never left you onii-chan! There’s too much to tell you!” He was not enjoying this in the slightest, trying to decode what all it meant that was leaving her and also to size up the threat of the young boy approaching them. Eyes narrowing at the looming threat, he did not want to get in a scuffle here but he’ll be damned if anything hurt his Nezuko.
“Put the claws down, Kamado.” Goosebumps formed on his skin, who was this kid? How did he know his name, and why were his eyes slitted? Another demon, here? Right now? Tanjiro really wanted to crawl back in his box right about now. The apparent fear traced on his face made her turn around, facing the boy that stepped ever so close.
“Oh, Tanjiro! This boy is fine, he’s safe! He’s friendly, just like you!” The term ‘friendly’ didn’t rub him the right way, a word used to describe a dog or a wild animal used on him. “This is- uh… what’s your..?”
“My name is Kiriya, I must guide you to our-”
“You know, you look a lot like the demon king! I’m actually not sure we should trust you!” Tanjiro wanted to smack the back of her neck for being so blunt and abrasive, in front of a clear threat of all things!
Kiriya didn’t react at all, just blinking at her with those slitted lavender eyes. A clear smile painted on those features, though it was clearly forced.
“I can… explain when we are not in the open.” He tripped over his words, a clear sign of vulnerability. Tanjiro was sure he could take this boy on if he dared to harm Nezuko. “I assure you, we mean no harm.” Tanjiro shook his head upon hearing the word ‘we’, there were multiple now?
He seemed to pick up on the fact though, glancing away in awkwardness. “Me and my mother, we’re both demons- but- but not like-” He gave up on the wording with a sigh, bowing his head. “Please, just follow me.” He even talked like he was weak! This demon must’ve been lower than him by a landslide, surely.
“Wait, where are we going?”
“Ah, our place has a cloaking spell to hide it from others' sight, we would be destroyed otherwise.” He informed helpfully, still gaining their weary eyes. “We’re… going now.” Immediately turning his heel and walking forward, making both of them hesitant before following him.
It was oh so awkward as he guided them through back routes and alleys in the illuminated city, there were a landslide of drunk people on the streets it was astronomical. Nezuko held Tanjiro’s hand, empty box on her back and followed that black blob of hair. There wasn’t very much distance between the park and the fenced home, though it was relatively quiet. Thankfully it was far enough from the city that the noise and lights didn’t affect the nice estate at all, two stories and with a lot of space. The architecture was very western, nothing like Nezuko has come to know in their sleepy village.
“We’re um… here.” Kiriya mumbled under his breath as if it needed to be clarified, leading them through the front door but not before Nezuko could catch a glimpse at a small sheet of paper pinned at the top of the doorway with intricate designs on it. “I’m back.” Saying flatly as the two of them filed in behind him. Immediately there was the white haired lady once more, seated next to a bed with an unconscious woman in the bed.
“Right! Is she alright?” Nezuko suddenly chimed in, stepping ahead of the both of them and towards the women. “I’m sorry for leaving her with you, is she a demon-?”
“No, not a trace.” The woman smiled at her softly with the tilt of her head, “Her husband is a different case. He is being held in the basement for your safety.”
“Thank you for… taking care of them.” Murmuring the words with slight embarrassment with how they caught her about to kill the man, but otherwise stable. “A demon dealing with humans- I mean- wow, you know?” Fiddling with her thumbs behind her back, trying to not be awkward but it was failing. “Like, doesn’t it make you uncomfortable having to handle those wounds with blood and-” She was promptly cut off when Kiriya yanked her back by her shoulder, staring at her with wide, deadly eyes.
“Do not ask my mother such question, you-”
“Kiriya, it is okay.” With those words, he let her go. Tanjiro sort of stood there, stunned. So, was the mother a weak spot? Got it, don’t touch Nezuko again though.
“Ah, I’ve yet to introduce myself. I am Amane, that is my son, Kiriya.” His cheeks were red in embarrassment, Tanjiro had to resist the urge to chuckle at the display. “Please try and get along with him, he is a great boy.” He could just feel the heat from Kiriya’s cheeks from here.
“As to answer your question, Kamado… I do not feel uncomfortable handling human injuries and wounds in the slightest. I am different from other demons, I am able to manipulate and change my body on a whim, including my bodily chemistry. With this, it was possible to burn Ubyashiki’s curse from within me.” The word curse stuck out to the siblings, who exchanged glances in worry for what they got themselves into.
“Wait so- you can burn this… curse out of Tanjiro’s body as well, right?”
“Getting ahead of ourselves, are we?” Amane informed with a smile, making Nezuko actively shrink in embarrassment. “I would have to examine him, but this act could take quite some time.” Standing up from her chair, a mere inch taller than Nezuko before leading the three to a more open area away from the unconscious woman.
“How long, you think?” Nezuko asked hopefully, settling on the floor along with the others who sat close. Tanjiro got his way and laid his head on Nezuko’s lap, fiery crimson hair cascading over her thighs.
“There’s no telling.”
“Okay, what about turning a demon into a human? Tanjiro hasn’t consumed a drop of blood, surely he must-”
“He’s what?!” Kiriya cut her off with a slight shout in shock, soon shutting himself up though.
“I’m… sorry, could you elaborate?” Amane asked in worry, eyebrows knitted together.
“Well, my brother was turned into a demon the night I was out. He hasn’t touched a drop of blood ever, I’ve made sure of it! I bleed in front of him and so has sensei, although sensei-” Eyes drifting towards his head in her lap, his eyes closed peacefully with her hand tangled in his hair. “Kyogai-sensei believes that it was an act of revenge, because the demon didn’t- eat the bodies of my family.” Voice growing wobbly, a lump growing in her throat. A telltale sign she was close to tears. “B- but-! Tanjiro hasn’t consumed anyone, and never will! S- so I’m sure, I’m very sure that there must be a way!”
“In my years, a demon that hasn’t consumed a drop is… unheard of, these demons that go through periods without flesh or blood fall into a berserk state until they drive themselves into death. However, Tanjiro doesn’t display a single sign of this, every sickness has a treatment or a cure, I must research further.” Nezuko leaned in hopefully, those eyes beaming with unfiltered hope.
“R-really?! What do I need to do? I’ll do it for Tanjiro!” Amane smiled thoughtfully at the sincerity.
“Well, I would have to examine a large amount of demon blood. This includes your brother and demons with a concentrated amount of Ubuyashiki’s blood in their veins, but; this won’t be easy in the slightest. These demons with his blood coursing in them have a massive amount of strength as well.”
“They call themselves the waxing moons, divided in-”
“Oh yes! Sensei told me all about it!” Cutting off Kiriya with her own excitement, gaining his silent and threatening glare.
“Yes, these demons are far beyond your strength at the moment. I know little about these waxing moons, however going against one is sure to be a death wish, Kamado.”
“I’ll do it, for Tanjiro and any other person it could help.” The selfless statement was quite commendable.
There was silence, the weight of this mission was crushing but of course- there was only one thing on her mind. “I have to ask, how do you know so much about demons?” Asking quite unabashedly towards Amane.
“That is hardly appropriate! Do not ask my mother such a question!” Kiriya jumped for her defense but she only bowed her head slightly.
“No, no. Kamado is laying her life on the line for us, I suppose I owe them an explanation.”
“Mother-” The twinge of a plea in his voice, eyes darting between her and Nezuko.
“I was once Ubuyashiki’s wife, before and… even after he was turnt.”
・───────・
“I can see the trail,” Solemnly speaking with his palms braced against the ground in a squat, mask pulled to the front of his face and hiding his features as he traced the path. “They went the long way.”
“That hardly matters, doesn’t it?” Checking her claws as one would with nails, “We’ll kill them no matter.”
“Makomo,” He started, pulling his mask to the side of his face once more and standing up to face her. “Two demons and the slayer traveled here, do you assume they killed her before us?” Slitted sapphire eyes scanned her whole face, not catching her falter in the slightest.
“Doesn’t stop the blood we just received, does it, Sabito?” Testing his name on her tongue and gaining no reaction, just him turning his back to her and pulling his mask once more. “It’s a win-win, either they kill her and gain nothing or we kill her and gain a rank.” Stating the obvious with a childish, fangy grin. “How swell, Sabito.”
“A threat to our Lord is still a threat, I doubt these demons killed her.”
“Hm? Then what do you think?”
“A demon or two is working with humans.”
・───────・
“As his wife, I was right below him. We turned many with little trial and error. He was the love of my life, I swore by it. He turnt our children as well, what I assumed was his wish for immortality was much more.” Her eyes closed, noting how the hands in her lap were soon grabbing at the fabric of her kimono as if to ground her. “He used me, he used all of us. I believed him, he deceived me- he deceived all of us! I hate that man, oh I hate that man!” Voice rising with her fists balling in the fabric, “Oh, but he made my heart flutter. He gave me my blessing, after all.” Hands unraveling from her kimono, eyes instead drifting towards Kiriya’s face glowing in color from embarrassment. “He looks just like him, doesn’t he?” Cooling her anger into indifference, a smile gracing her features. “There are times it strums a cord in my heart, but you are nothing like that man. You will never be like that man.” Directly speaking to Kiriya who avoided her gaze with reddened cheeks from her love.
“You are… very brave, Amane-sama.” Nezuko landed on, bowing her head towards the elder. “I apologize for the question- I didn’t-”
“Do not apologize, for you know now.”
“I- I swear I’ll strike him down, I swear by it.” Voice trembling, coming out far more fearful than she intended. She couldn’t help it, seeing Amane raise her voice just struck a thread of fear in her. Surely, surely she wasn’t thinking that… Amane was going to eat her like every other demon she’s come across, surely she was different.
“My daughters get their looks from me, don’t they?” Amane humored with a smile, “I… always regret being unable to break them from the curse.” Her bottom lip quivered, Kiriya was quick to pick up on it and offered her support. Arm draping over her shoulder and pulling her towards him, lips pressed in a line at seeing his mother like this.
“I think you two should… um- get going?” Kiriya offered in remorse, he didn’t want them to see mother like this- not now.
“Ye- yes! I think that is-” Starting by tapping Tanjiro on the shoulder three times until he awoke sleepily, blinking loopily at her face, smiling down at him. “We’re leaving now, onii-chan.”
“Don’t leave yet, we haven’t-” Amane began before getting cut off by a loud crash outside the home.
All four pairs of eyes darted across the room, Nezuko practically shot up from sitting and was already in the process of unsheathing her katana.
There was another crash, then another. It was getting closer until- a direct hole came from the ceiling, and then in the walls, then the outside wall- the house was getting attacked, and none of them expected it.
The house was going to crash in on itself, she was sure of it. The feeling of something wet seeped through her clothes, eyes barely catching into where the silhouette of a girl was through the destroyed outside wall. She looked young, but she couldn’t see her face at all. A fox shaped mask covered all facial features, though she looked like a child. A torrent of water droplets left holes all over the walls, she was the one causing it- and it was water based? Nezuko couldn’t think, eyes darting between Kiriya shielding Amane and the girl in the yard that was sending a terrible amount of attacks on the house.
The house couldn’t survive from these attacks, from the doorway the paper slip fell from the pin and exposed the home entirely. “Hmm, Sabito was right. A whole structure appeared where there wasn’t anything here before.” Makomo mused, holding a water ball in her left hand, already ready to throw before catching a glimpse of the inside of the home.
Eyes narrowing in on the slayer in question, one hanafuda earring hanging from her ear and Makomo knew she struck gold. The slayer was already standing up, eyes locked on her as well. Makomo wanted to moan that this wouldn’t be the easy mission she hoped for, but… it was whatever.
“You, girl.” Dropping the loaded ball to the ground with a loud splat, instead pointing directly at Nezuko who froze. “You’re not that strong, are you?” Makomo could practically hear Sabito’s groan in her ear. “You won’t last against me, you should give up already.” Maybe Makomo could worm her way out of fighting and just benefit from the Lord's blood..? There was a suffocating silence, Makomo could see movement behind the girl- there were other people in the home.
“Alright, I tried. I’ll kill you quick.”
“Kiriya, we need to evacuate and move the woman.” He could only muster a nod, unable to take his eyes off Nezuko’s stance. Being careful as to still cover and protect Amane’s head, standing up to his full height and helping her up as well. Rushing further into the home towards the injured woman who needed to be moved away from combat, leaving Nezuko and Tanjiro on the front lines of this mysterious demon.
“I dunno what the Lord sees in you, you seem really weak.” Nezuko watched in almost awe at the motion of how a sphere of water grew from her hand, simply holding it as a threat tactic. Makomo didn’t want to use up all of the Lord's blood in this fight against a weakling, that would be such a waste!
Though, it was abundantly clear that maybe she was a little stronger than she looked. Nezuko cut through the air, a murmur of ‘First form, water surface slash’ past her lips. Sword cutting directly through her left arm that held the sphere, making the demon spin around to face her with a bloodied limb on the ground.
“You really wanna do this?” Nezuko could hear the frown in the demon's voice, watching the limb grow back near immediately. Another sphere was quick to erect from her palm, there was no hesitation as she tossed directly towards Nezuko.
I can’t cut through water, what… What should I do? What would Michikatsu do?
“Mother- Kamado cannot do it on her own, I should-”
“You shouldn’t be near the fight.” Amane snapped slightly, guiding Kiriya back to where the fight remained. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Kamado will be killed, isn’t she the only hope?” Pleading with her, “Mother, please-”
“Let me selfish this once,” Turning back towards her son with a distinct sad look in her eye.
“Then what will we do?” Kiriya asked desperately, “I can do something, I know I can.”
“I will use my blood demon art, that’ll prove an end to this.”
“But I can-”
“You’re not fighting.”
“Why not?! Why won’t you let me-” Balling his fists up in anger, he wasn’t a kid in the slightest! He was nearly nine hundred years old!
“Just let me do this for you, Kagaya!” Crying his name past her lips, stifling a gasp and promptly covering her mouth with her hand. He still haunts her, deeply, she still yearns for him.
The silence is suffocating, he cannot bear to see her.
“I’m going to help her.” Amane cannot refute, frozen in shock of her own actions.
Breath of water, seventh style, piercing strike.
It’s the first one to her mind, the tip of her sword pierces through the droplet yet it still soars right toward her. Before she knows it, her head is encapsulated with a bubble of water- she can’t breathe and god it stings her eyes.
“Tanjiro!” The drowned out voice of Kiriya shouts, a surge of fear leaves goosebumps in its trail as she desperately tries to breath or think of anything- anything! Cautiously raising her sword and cutting through the water drop sealing off her head, her whole body is drenched as it pops on top of her. It was under a minute, yet it felt like forever inside the prison of water. Hunched over with her hands on her knees, coughing up water painfully that drips from her lips grossly.
Raising her head up enough to see the sight with blurry vision, stinging eyes soon widening at the view.
Tanjiro lunged at the girl and had her to the ground, she couldn’t take her eyes off it even when Kiriya was running directly at her with a slip of paper between his fingers. His mouth was moving, but she didn’t hear any of it until he was right in front of her.
“Kamado, Kamado!” Soon looking at him blearily, straightening up at his less than impressed look. “There are two demons, with my sight you can see the direction these objects are being sent.” Promptly pressing the slip to her forehead despite her having no idea what he was rambling about, “I- I’m sure me and Tanjiro will handle this one, get the other one.” Giving her a determined nod before yelping at the sound of one whooshing right past them and into the fence, leaving a direct hole in its wake.
With a pat on the shoulder from Kiriya, she was hesitant to leave them with this demon but no one else would get rid of the second one- she had to.
I have to collect their blood if I ever want a normal life for Tanjiro, I’ll face any demon- whatever it takes.
Charging further into the yard, the second demon is far more inconspicuous and hid his location well. It was a cheap tactic, thinking he could drop down on her and get the upper hand; not aware of the advanced sense of scent she held against him.
This demon seemed to have matching masks with the other one, a fluffy head of pink hair sticking out past the fox shaped mask with a prominent scar carved on it. They had the same lanky limbs and pale skin, Nezuko couldn’t help but wonder if they were related or were used to working together.
First form, water surface slash…
Strike sent directly to the trunk of the tree, unable to skid to a halt once the demon dropped down behind her from the branches. Leaving a solid cut through the tree that didn’t cut through the whole aged trunk, not wanting to damage the property more than it already was.
“You’re working with two demons, why is that?” The demon barked at her for answers, though she could finally get a good look at the boy spotting a green kimono patterned with hexagonal shapes and a white haori. “Why haven’t they eaten you?” She could feel the anger bubbling under that mask, though she decided to keep her mouth shut and slash at him. A dash forward and the distance was cut, yet all he did was tsk at her like a dumb child.
Eyes widened at the fact her sword didn’t even touch him, she had such a clear shot she was sure of it-! Head darting down at the suddenly now obvious bold arrow in the ground that pointed backwards, unable to stop her feet from landing on the directional arrow. Kiriya’s vision allowed her to see it, but she couldn’t stop her body from being sent backward forcefully until her back hit the tree painfully with a loud crash and an aching spine. God, the pain made her feel woozy. Tears were already welling up in her eyes before attempting to get up and stand her ground, once more there was an arrow on the ground underneath her. It sent her crashing into the fence, making her shriek from pain. It didn’t end there, he only stood there with indifference as he tossed her like a toy with these attacks, watching how she flung from tree to fence, even sending her crashing into the brick wall of the home.
“So why are two demons working with you?” The assault stopped for a moment, he took a step closer to her slouched body against the wall. Watching the quick rise and fall of her chest and the motion of spitting blood on the ground surely from a loose tooth. She looked pathetic like this, and he liked it. Those beady, teary eyes looking at him like she didn’t know why he was doing this- this was really the girl Master was after?
“Fuck… you.” Coughing out the words that made him frown from beneath the mask.
“Fine.” Was all he murmured, pointing one finger up before an arrow was sending her into the air. She didn’t even register it until the wind was blowing her haori, wide eyes looking at the ground that was just waiting for her arrival.
Eighth form, Waterfall Basin
Murmuring the quickest form she could remember to try and make the fall easier on her aching body, still crashing against the dirt and he had the gaw to snicker at the pathetic scene.
“Even two demons couldn’t help you, how the corp has fallen.”
Makomo was able to shake Tanjiro off with surprising ease, both arms shoving him off and leaving him sprawled out on the ground with Kiriya’s worried shout.
“You’re both demons… aren’t you?” Makomo spoke with unease, thoroughly confused as this had never happened before- not that she knew of! “Why won’t you kill that girl? Lord Ubuyashiki wants her, but me and Sabito are getting the rank up of course.” Her guard seemed to drop around two other demons, lost as to why they would work against her.
“We’re not like you.” Kiriya spat with venom, it actually felt unnatural coming out his mouth- he couldn’t believe he was trying to sound threatening!
“Oh, okay. We’ll kill the three of you then.” Speaking matter of factly, in just a blink there was an orb at her fingertips that was thrown directly at Kiriya’s frozen body.
He… never had battle experience like this- not without mother there. His wide eyes couldn’t take his eyes off the watery orb flying at him, shock paralyzing him. There was a muffled shriek, and Kiriya hit the hard ground. Tanjiro had tackled him away from the orb, pinned on top of the other boy who was in awe.
Tanjiro quickly popped up but Kiriya was still surprised with red cheeks of embarrassment. A nine hundred year old demon depending on a two year old demon for his safety? How humiliating-! The stand-off between Tanjiro and Makomo was terribly tense, giving Kiriya time to scamper off back into the home through the wide open hole in the wall. Surely mother would know what to do!
Nezuko had not one singular idea of what to do, this had to be it. The arrows would send her flying, she couldn’t follow through with her blade techniques when she would get flung around like a mere doll.
And now, finally on her feet once more there was a cluster of snake-like arrows heading directly towards her. She was at a loss, she couldn’t slice through them yet they wouldn’t disappear until they struck her.
“Watch as I tear you limb from limb.” He spoke with such coolness now that it was all going his way, an arrow snaking around her forearm and soon twisting at the flesh. Searing pain made her cry out, soon attempting the only thought of her mind which was twisting the same way as the arrow.
The action left her haori on the ground and shocked Nezuko, If I… go with the arrow and don’t fight against it-? Gah! I’m thinking too much, I just need to avoid contact with the damned arrows!
I can send the arrows in the same direction with sixth form, can’t I? And if I- Her thoughts were nowhere near clear, a scrambled and frenzied attempt of putting an end to this lead with the shout of Sixth form, Whirlpool Flow!
The footwork of third form with whirlpool left her sword engulfed in the arrows, seemingly twirling around the blade and leaving the blade far more heavier than it once was. Now for the slash! Second form, horizontal water wheel!
There was a pathetic thud of his head hitting the ground, and then a crash as she fell to the ground as well. Her bones ached and screamed at her, the pain was all too much to keep standing on.
“Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!” She had never heard such crude language before until it was flowing from the decapitated head's lips, hitting the trunk of the tree that was already halfway cut through. “Master would’ve finally seen my abilities if it wasn’t for you- you, you, you-!” It was seemingly blabbering. “I’ll kill you, no matter what! Makomo can get the rank for all I care! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” Screeching the words as the undeniable sound of footsteps approached behind her. His body didn’t give up, only his head did. She was done for.
Barely able to flip over from her stomach to her aching back to see his headless body approaching, glancing down at the arrows that had already pierced through her painlessly.
Oh, I’m dead here.
Unable to even finish the thought before she was crashing into the brick fence, in no time there was another arrow sending her upwards. From here, she could see his body dropping to the ground yet these arrows wouldn’t disappear just yet. The force behind it made her want to curl up in a ball, these were the most forceful and powerful of all in an all out attack against just her.
Eighth form, waterfall basin! Crashed against the ground, picked back up and sent flying towards the tree. Water wheel! CRASH Striking tide! CRASH Waterfall jar! I’m going to die here.
It was all happening so fast, mind scrambling for any form to take the blunt of the force before being flung once more. Her arms were burning, her whole body sore and aching. She never had to use so many techniques consecutively before and it was for sure taking its toll on her body now.
Twisting whirlpool! She crashed and skidded against the dirt, hitting the trunk of a tree- but she could see it. His body on the ground, his arm flaking to ashes already. Was it finally over?
Attempting to get up and grab her sword before she was collapsing once more, a searing white pain in her legs made her nearly pass out.
No… no, Tanjiro- Tanjiro needs me. Pathetically crawling to her sword, ignoring the black entering her vision on the brink of fainting. I’m.. I’m coming Tanjiro, I’ll… Her head hit the ground and she was out cold.
Makomo froze, only for a moment. Her connection to Sabito was severed, he must’ve died. How- How could you die to that lowly slayer?! Sabito you-! Standing across Tanjiro who only looked at her with narrowed eyes, her rock was dead and she was sure that the slayer was after her now.
“Get back!” Shouting the words in an attempt to keep control over the situation, taking a step back and lunging the orb towards the other demon. He made an attempt to catch it, she could see that but-
His arm plopped on the ground with a gross splat, Makomo wasn’t dealing with a strong demon at all! Loading another orb his way, a smile forming on her lips underneath the mask. Sabito surely weakened the slayer enough, she could kill them all easily!
“Demon!” She froze unfortunately at the sound of a new voice, past the lowly demon stood her target from earlier and-
Amane? The escapee? The lord's wife?! Right by her side stood a mini lord?! Was this a test- was Ubuyashiki going to kill her now!? Even Tanjiro turned to look at Kiriya next to Amane, his slitted eyes zeroing in on the blood tainting her fancy kimono and dripping down her fingers.
“Are you aware of Ubuyashiki’s true identity?” The words didn’t process, Makomo could only think of whether or not the man beside her was truly her master or just a cheap copy. “I assume not, for that man is just a coward.”
Makomo froze, that couldn’t be master right beside Amane- he would’ve killed her already, surely! “He is terrified of his own moons working together to strike him down, but you didn’t know that, did you?” Amane spoke bluntly and grimly, seeing the other demons' fists shake at her sides.
“T- take that back! You don’t- you don’t know him anymore!”
“Oh, but I do. He is scared at his core, he’s manipulating you.”
“Shut up, shut up, shut up! Lord Kagaya is-” The world seemed to still.
“He is a coward at heart.” Amane murmured, and Makomo fell to the ground, lifeless. It was clean and effective immediately, everything about Kagaya was clean and simple.
Tanjiro could only look at Amane with wide eyes, who didn’t meet his gaze. Instead looking at Kiriya comforting his mother who couldn’t even look at the scene. They were busy, and Tanjiro needed to find Nezuko.
Scampering past the lifeless body and disappearing past the bend of the house, finding Nezuko passed out on the ground near her haori and a pile of clothes from the dead demon.
A pang of guilt struck him for not being to protect her, soon picking up her worryingly light body in his arms. Leaving her haori and sword on the ground, he only cared for her even with his own missing hand. His bloodied stump supported her legs and the other holding her upper body. Surely Amane-sama could patch them up, she was a doctor after all!
・───────・
“Five broken ribs, he did a number, didn’t he?” Amane’s voice was a comfort to the very beaten up Nezuko. “I must commend your strength for killing that demon.”
“R- right! It was a demon moon, weren’t they?” Chiming in hopefully, yet Amane only looked away for a moment before shaking her head.
“Demon moons… have their rank carved in their eyes, while these demons didn’t have a rank at all.” The news made Nezuko deflate against the pillows of the nursery bed. Nezuko, of course, had to receive special attention due to being a human while Kiriya was entrusted with injecting Tanjiro with a tincture to regenerate his arm quicker. It worked in an instant, demon drugs were far more advanced from humans. Amane perfected her craft, it was a sight to see.
It didn’t stop at just demons, Amane perfected her craft towards humans too- giving Nezuko an injection that supposedly would speed up collagen production. Resulting in her broken ribs needing far less time to heal than usual. Still, Amane was a doctor above all and properly patched up Nezuko.
“I would offer you to stay but, we must move quickly, Ubuyashiki is too close and I don’t doubt he knows of our presence.”
“Ah, it’s really no worry! I’ll just- take it easy, mhm!” Amane smiled with those painted lips at her, though the moment was cut off once the door to the room was slammed open with a very worried Tanjiro in the doorway or was quick to rush over to Nezuko’s bed. His eyebrows furrowed in worry for her state, Kiriya on his heels.
“Nii-chan! I’m fine, really!” Nezuko offered with a grin, he didn’t completely buy it but there wasn’t anything he could do about it, sadly. Past Tanjiro, she could see Kiriya bent down and whispering in Amane’s ear, his hand covering his mouth to prevent Nezuko from knowing what was so confidential.
“Ah, Kiriya has brought up a great point to me just now.” Amane’s attention was directed to Nezuko once more, who couldn’t help but notice Kiriya avoiding her gaze purposely. “Nezuko, this is… quite the hefty question but.. With our relocation, the idea of Tanjiro staying with us has entered our mind.” The room went still, Amane continued due to Nezuko not immediately arguing with her. “We cannot fully promise him away from harm, but it is still far safer than the battlefield.” Silence filled the room, not a single word was uttered for a moment as thoughts began to run rampant in her mind.
That’s- that’s just ludicrous! They can’t just- he’s my only family member left alive, I need him! But, god that’s selfish, isn’t it? I should value his safety above all but- I’m thinking about myself again. I- I…
“It’s… Tanjiro’s choice.” The words made her stomach churn, she didn’t want to even think of losing Tanjiro once more. Three pairs of eyes looked at him expectantly.
There was a quick movement and Tanjiro was making a big ‘X’ motion with his arms over his chest, shaking his head with it as if it wasn’t obvious enough. Nezuko felt her heart flutter, eternally grateful.
“I understand, then I wish you the best for your upcoming battles. I fear what you faced here is only a stepping stone to stronger demons, Nezuko.”
“Nothing you can’t handle!” Kiriya chimed in hopefully, casting a smile her way. “Though, fath- Ubuyashiki’s eyes are on you now.” He explained, “The knowledge of you must have him scared, once we leave, there will be no trace of us but we will keep in contact.”
“Ri- right! I swear, I’ll face higher demons and collect their blood.”
“Speaking of, I still must extract blood from Tanjiro.” The sentence made Nezuko feel sick, but it was going to help him in the long run so- it must be worth it.
“Ah, Nezuko, we store human food for moments like these.” Kiriya offered, “Come, I’m sure you're hungry.” He must’ve read her mind, drool pooled in her mouth at the mere mention of food.
The thought of eating again made her spring out of bed quickly, ignoring the ache in her ribs before she was following Kiriya through the halls and leaving Tanjiro with Amane.
“You have a great sister, you know that, don’t you?” Amane said with a smile, getting him to shake his head yes quickly. “Now roll up your haori, I need at least three liters.” The sentence made his face go white.