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Inosuke peered over the tree branch, watching the stranger with yellow hair walking through his forest. He’d never seen hair that shiny and golden, maybe if he’s quick enough he could take some on his hair. He crouched, preparing to pounce on the boy who was right underneath him. The blond must of heard the wood creak as he began frantically looking around if anything was following him.
Just like the rabbits he would hunt.
“What are you doing?!” Inosuke gave his war cry after he jumped down, tackling the boy onto the forest floor. His knees went on either side of the skinny body as he dug his hands into yellow-orange haori covering his back.
“GYAAH!” The shiny haired boy’s cry was muffled as he face was dug into the ground. Inosuke smirked as the boy began kicking his legs in attempted to get free.
“You can’t defeat me! I’ve wrestled pigs since I could walk!” He announced proudly. “Stop squirming! I’m trying to talk to you!” Insouke shifted his weight as he rolled the boy to lay on his back.
“Get off of me! Then I’ll talk to you!” The blue haired boy growled when a pale hand smacked him in his face. He grabbed both his hands and held them above his head, smiling triumphantly.
“My mountain, my rules!”
“Your mountain?!” The boy suddenly stopped struggling as he stared at Inosuke’s face. “What’s with your face?” Golden eyes suddenly trailed down. “Why aren’t you wearing a shirt?!” He blushed and began struggling again.
“What’s with my face?” Inosuke parroted, moving his face closer to inspected the stranger.
“D-don’t come any closer!” He squeaked, snapping his eyes shut and turning his head to the side.
“Hey what’s this!” The blue haired boy grabbed the sword. “How come you get a sword! You’re kinda a crybaby, if you could have a sword, I should have one!” In a flash Inosuke was pushed off the boy, who got up on his elbows and began crawling away backwards.
“B-because I’m a demon slayer! It’s my job to hunt demons and I can’t do it without a sword!”
“Huh?! You?!” Inosuke crawled forward. “But I caught you! So, give me your sword!”
“What kind of reason is that?! You came from nowhere!” He defended. “And I’m on a very dangerous mission! I might need it if I get caught!” He violently shook. “Please think of me when I die!” Inosuke watched as the boy got up and walked on shaky legs deeper into the forest.
“Hey! I’m not done with you! Why are you heading that way?”
“I’m hunting a demon, who lives in these woods He’s very strong and lives with a lot of humans so I have to go undercover! …I gotta find a place to hide my uniform…”
“How do you know someone is a demon?” Golden eyes looked at him with uncertainty, before the boy sighed.
“They… they have this feeling to them. It’s like your heart knows a secret but your mind won’t listen, or it can’t listen. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell with more powerful demons, but they have a distinct sound… they all have that sound…” A shiver crawled down his boy.
“Heheh… HAHA I knew it! I’ve always hated him! I’ll shred that guy into pieces!” Was the taller boy’s proclamation as he raised a fist in the air.
“D-don’t say something scary like that!”
“I know where this demon is. Follow me, minion! From now on, you are the underling of Inosuke Hashibria!” He grabbed onto his yellow haori and proceeded to drag him through the forest.
“It’s Zenitsu Agatsuma, and I will not be your minion. Where are we going?”
“I know where the demon is.”
“Eh? How could someone like you know where a demon is? You look like a wild boy…”
“He’s the leader where grew up: Eternal Paradise.” Inosuke hissed as he dragged Zenitsu behind him. There was a flash of rainbow eyes in his mind, and that stupid fan he likes to wave around.
“That sounds like a CULT?... No wonder you’re weird…” He muttered under his breath as he was reluctantly pulled along. Zenitsu felt tears welled up in his eyes. “They never said anything about a creepy cult!!”
“Are you sure my sword is safe? You know that’s the only way we can defend ourselves…” Zenitsu tugged on the unfamiliar clothes as they walked closer towards the compound. He didn’t know what to expect, were they violent? If they were anything like Inosuke he’s sure he’d die! They’d probably hunt him for sport. He curses at his blond hair, now he’ll never be able to hide in the forest! They’d spot him from a mile away!
“Yeah, yeah!” Inosuke waved. “No one visits my cave. I marked it with my scent!” He smirked.
“Please tell me you’re joking…” The blond whined. “Hey, why did you tell me after I put this on!” He screeched as he motioned to the loose fitting shirt and pants he had on. “Why do you have an extra pair of clothes? Why don’t you wear a shirt? How long till we get there? Are you sure you can’t just let me run away?”
“Do you ever stop whining?” Inosuke huffed as he pulled the boy forward by his wrist when he stopped walking. “I don’t wear shirts ‘cause they’re uncomfortable and they always get dirty. And that shirt is one my mom made.”
“Is your mom…?”
“Inosuke! There you are!” A girl with short hair came into view. “Douma is looking for you, you know!” Her eyes slid over to Zenitsu, who immediately tensed, preparing to run for his life. He doubted he’d get far before Inosuke would tackle him to the ground. “Who do you have with you?”
“I caught a boyfriend! Monitsu!” He announced, holding up the wrist as proof. Zenitsu choked on his saliva as a blush burned his cheek. The woman seemed to notice his embarrassment and smiled warmly at the two of them.
“It’s Zenitsu.” He grumbled as he covered his red face.
“Oh, I guess you’re at that age now, huh?” She giggled as she covered her lips.
“Yep! I get older every year!” Inosuke stated proudly as he tugged Zenitsu towards one of the houses. “Well, gotta go!” He waved with his free hand. “Come on, I have to introduce you to him so you can tell me if he’s the one.”
“Boyfriend?! Boyfriend?! Why? Why would you say boyfriend?!” The blond harshly whispered back.
“We don’t take in any strangers, idiot!” Inosuke hissed.
“Friend! You could’ve just said we’re friends!” Zenitsu added exasperatedly.
“That’s what I said! I thought you said you had good hearing?”
“You said boyfriend, as in: dating, as in: in a relationship, they’ll expect us to kiss now, you know!”
“You want us to kiss, now?” Inosuke asked in confusion. “You’re weird. Is this all apart of your ‘undercover’ plan or something?” Zenitsu opened his mouth, but he was too frustrated to make a sentence and instead let out a long groan. He began to focus on everyone coming from small houses, looking to see who Inosuke had brought with him. Zenitsu could hear parts on conversations, whispers between the followers who were mostly women.
“... Inosuke’s with him…” “...I wonder if he’ll be mad…” “... does Kotoha know…?” “... look at his strange hair…”
The blond frowned at the realization that he was too strange for the cult’s standards. It didn’t look that creepy, it actually looked… relaxing. It was like wooden houses all connected by bridges and ponds scattered about. Everything was open to nature, open to any demon to come in at night, there would be no way of hiding. Flowers, like chrysanthemums and lilies, grew in abundance making the air smell fresh and pleasant. It was like paradise, if there wasn’t a flesh eating demon lurking around. The deeper Inosuke lead him, the deeper his heart was pulled into his stomach.
It shouldn’t be this scary, right? At least, not in the day time…
Zenitsu started shaking when his eyes landed on the biggest house of the community. It looked the prettiest, surrounded by a pound that had lotuses and water lilies all around. Even the house was painted with beautiful pastels and pictures of flowers. The smell of incense began to waft about them in a thick layer and the noise of people talking around them was drowned out the sound of rushing water from the various fountains.
Inosuke walked him up to the door and shot him a confident smirk, then he slid the front door open harshly.
“Inosuke! You’re back early from playing in the forest!” THE most beautiful woman Zenitsu had seen graced the boys with a loving smile. Her green eyes brightened when she saw them both. “Oh, you’ve brought a friend.” Her pink lips formed a deeper smile, making Zenitsu’s heart jump.
“Not playing, hunting!” Inosuke pouted.
“Right, right! Sorry! I can’t believe for big enough to hunt on your own.” She tilted her head, causing a cascade of black hair to fall around her shoulders to her back. She turned her attention back to Zenitsu, who tensed immediately. “How rude of me, not introducing myself to Ino’s new friend! I’m Kotoha, his mother.” Inosuke’s unusually beautiful appearance suddenly made sense to him, curse that pig head for being blessed with amazing genetics!
Why couldn’t’ve Inosuke inherited her charm??
“This is Ben-”
“I-I’m Zenitsu!” He bowed formally, causing the beautiful lady to giggle.
“What a gentleman, I’m happy Inosuke is making friend’s around his age.”
“Boyfriends!” Inosuke piped up, raising their joined hands. Zenitsu snapped his head to glare at him.
“Oh…” Zenitsu clenched his eyes shut, waiting for rejection. “Oh, how wonderful. It makes me happy to know my Inosuke’s happy. I promise we’ll get along great!” Kotoha gushed as she wrapped her arms around both of them, bringing them in for a tight embrace. Zenitsu nearly melted into the hug, wondering if this is what it’s like to have a mother. The warmth, the sound of love beating in her heart, it was too much for him, he might actually cry. It would be a terrible first impression is he started sobbing into her dress, right? She suddenly pulled away. “Inosuke, why is he wearing your clothes?”
“So everyone knows he’s mine!” The blue haired boy said it casually, pulling the blond towards other decorated door. Zenitsu felt his soul leave his body. “I’m going to go show him around.” Inosuke didn’t bother to knock as he slid open the door, revealing a huge bed and flowers crowding the room.
“Ah, Inosuke! It’s always a pleasure when you visit me!” Zenitsu clenched his hand around Inosuke’s at the voice that echoed in the room. It was a horrible voice, so soft but so… fake. There wasn’t a heartbeat of emotion behind those words, it as cold and empty. He’s never heard anything like it. Slowly, he slid his golden eyes to see a man relaxing on a pile of cushions. His rainbow eyes flickered with interest. “Who do you have with you? I know I would’ve remembered a boy like him, if I had seen him before.”
“This is…” He paused for a second, glancing over at the blond and then smiled triumphantly. “ZENitsu.” Zenitsu screamed internally at the fact that now this creep knew his name. Stupid Inosuke! Actually remembering his name!
“Zenitsu, huh?” A smile grew on the demon’s lips. “Well, well, look at that hair!” He snapped open his fan as he held it up to his lips. “It’s an unusually bright shade of yellow! I bet you were the freak of the town.” Zenitsu bowed his head in embarrassment. He wasn’t entirely wrong... “But there is a place for lost ones in Eternal Paradise! You’re welcome here, to our own piece of nirvana on Earth.” He was almost charming, almost. If Zenitsu didn’t have good hearing, he would’ve fallen for his charisma like everyone else. But he knew, behind that sweet voice was a bloodthirsty demon.
“Aren’t they such a cute couple!” Kotoha cooed from the doorway.
“Yes, they truly are. They grow up so fast, don’t they?” The demon sighed. “You know, there was a time when Inosuke would try to spend the entire day with us.” His rainbow eyes landed on the beautiful woman by the door. “Oh, how rude of me for not giving my name! I’m Douma, me and Kotoha are very close. Inosuke’s like a son to me, so I would love to get to know you some more, Zenitsu!” Douma placed a hand over his heart and Zenitsu dug his nails into Inosuke’s skin.
It must’ve hurt, but he didn’t say anything.
Lies, Lies! He’s telling flat out lies! Don’t believe him, Inosuke! Kotoha!
“I would love to!” Zenitsu smiled, thanking every deity in existence for how convincing he sounded. He could feel Inosuke’s eyes on him.
“I’m going to show Zenitsu my room!” The boy announced, deciding not to wait as he pulled Zenitsu away from the room.
“Have fun you too!” Douma waved. “I would love to have tea with you, Zenitsu.” The blond shivered as Inosuke closed the door.
“Well, that went well!” Kotoha cheered in excitement. “Oh, I don’t want to be so pushy Zenitsu, but could you please have dinner with me and Inosuke tonight? I truly want to get to know you.” Her emerald eyes were filled with love.
“S-sure…” Was all he managed before Inosuke lead him out of the house. He kept tripping over his feet which only aggravated Inosuke more, but they didn’t speak a word. It wasn’t until they inside, what he guessed was Inosuke’s room, that he dropped Zenitsu’s hand.
“So?” He asked with a little bit of pride in his voice. Zenitsu was suddenly appreciative of Inosuke’s vibrant expressions and they way his voice turned with emotions.
“We’re gonna die…” He sobbed out, dropping his face in his hands. The worst part was, Inosuke’s room had no place to hide!
“So he is a demon!”
“Of course he is!” Zenitsu snapped. “I’ve… I’ve never heard anything like it. It’s like he’s a void of a being, sucking in everything around him and draining the happiness away.” He whispered with tears in his eyes. “He must be strong, strong enough to cover most of his demon characteristics… Inosuke… how did you know?” Inosuke’s eyes flickered to the side.
“I dunno… I could just feel something was wrong… also too many people have been ‘running away’.” The boy added.
“He’s eating them…” Zenitsu muttered in realization. Inosuke growled.
“I’m going to slice him in half. When can we kill him?”
“You think we can kill him?” Zenitsu choked.
“When can I kill him?” He clarified.
“Inosuke! You can’t take him, he’s too strong. I’m a demon slayer, and when I said I’ve never heard anything like this, I mean it!” Zenitsu tried, stepping in front of the boy who just stared at him with those green eyes. Green eyes like paradise’s leaves, Zenitsu thought. “Please, come with me! Take your mom and runaway!”
“I’m not giving up!” The blond flinched at his insulted tone.
“You’re not giving up if you run away! If you run away, you live another day. You can get stronger, and train to become a demon slayer. You can defeat him later on your own, if you run away now! If… if you face him now, you’ll die, we’ll die!” He pleaded.
“You won’t die! I’m going to face him alone, you just stay behind me!” Inosuke closed the distance between the two of them.
“I can’t let you face him alone!” Zenitsu confessed, actually getting irritated. “That sword is mine! You think you could defeat a demon like him without using breathing techniques. You’re down right stupid!” The green eyed boy twitched in irritation.
“Who are you calling stupid, huuuh?” He asked. “You think if we run away he wouldn’t follow us?”
“I know a place that would protect you and your mother! Now stop being stubborn when I’m trying to save your life, stupid!” Inosuke’s eyes lit up wildy in excitement. Zenitsu took a step back in terror. The blue haired boy smirked, before tackling him to the ground. “Gah! Get off!” He yelled, but Inosuke continued to wrestle him to the ground. Zenitsu’s limbs started flailing around wildly, thumping against the ground as he tried to maneuver out of his grasp. Inosuke started laughing boisterously when he finally managed to pin the blond to the ground.
“Come on, you’ve got to try harder!” Inosuke sang as he held him on the ground.
“Ah! Ow! I-Inosuke-” Zenitsu cried out as he was getting crushed.
“Hey! What were you doing in there?” A voice called from outside.
“Kissing!” Inosuke yelled back and smirked at Zenitsu’s look of embarrassment.
“What??!!” He screeched, smacking away Inosuke’s hand when he tried to touch his burning cheeks.
Zenitsu sighed as he looked around, trying to spot a familiar mob of blue hair, but there was none in sight. He pushed himself away from the side of a house that he had been hiding behind. Inosuke had made it clear he wanted to kill Douma, but he must really be stupid to think he would even stand a chance! Now, Zenitsu, the smart one, has to sneak back into the forest to try to get Chuntaro to send a note to someone, anyone, who could help them.
He’d spent the better part of the day trying to lose Inosuke, and now that the sun was setting, he was finally free. But there was one problem: he has no idea where the cave is. He’s clueless to how people actually live in the forest and just know the terrain without any signs or roads.
“Where are you going?” He yelped when Inosuke’s voice came from behind him. Zenitsu turned around to find Inosuke’s face shoved in front of his, a little too close. His blue hair was damp, and clung around his face, complimenting his delicate features nicely. Wait, why was he focusing on that?
“Do you want to give me a heart attack?!” He hissed.
“You’re fun to mess around with. I like it when your face gets all red and hot.” The blond tried to sputter out a sentence, but failed miserably. Inosuke only smirked. “It’s cute that you think you could outsmart me.” Zenitsu frowned.
“I have to send my sparrow to deliver a message to the pillars. The situation has changed and we are clearly in over our heads… Just cover me, I’ll be back.” He tried to shoo him away.
“Cover? I’m going with you! There’s no way a baby like you can go into the woods at night and find your way back. Besides, there’s a strict curfew and if you get caught they’ll send you straight to Douma’s room. I know the fastest way out of here!” He proudly pointed at his chest. “Who’re the pillars?”
“The strongest demon slayers.” He rolled his golden eyes. “Wait, you guys didn’t think the curfew was weird!?!”
“Well I never followed the curfew, so no!” Inosuke crossed his arms. “So, if I fight a Pillar and win, will that prove to you that I’m strong?”
“If you fight a pillar and win, I’ll worship you like a King.” He quipped in response as he crossed his arms over his chest. Green eyes flickered with intense interest, making Zenitsu immediately regret his words.
“Will you do everything I say?”
“I suppose…” Zenitsu said uneasily. “But you’d never defeat a pillar!”
“Come on, the quickest way is back here!” He suddenly changed the conversation, rushing in another direction. Zenitsu softly laughed at the sound of Inosuke’s excitement. They crept between the houses slowly, trying not to draw any attention to them. It seemed most people in the community were too busy eating to notice the two boys making their way towards the forest.
They were sneaking past the side of Douma’s house when Zenitsu’s eyes widened. He snapped his head towards the window, which had just been opened. Both him and Inosuke froze midstep, looking at the window. Kotoha’s face peaked out as she watered the plants on the shelf outside, she didn’t seem to notice they were a few feet away, until she did. Her green eyes locked onto her son, before sliding over to Zenitsu.
She seemed confused, worried, but then her attention snapped to someone, or something beside her. “Douma!” He could hear how tense her voice was. She shot them one last look before she turned away from the window, disappearing from their sight. “I-I really enjoyed drinking tea with you last week, can we do it again? I can boil some water really quick!”
“Come on!” Inosuke hissed when Zenitsu remained frozen for a few seconds longer.
“Inosuke, we’re going to have to be careful! Now that the sun has set he’s going to be more confident.” Zenitsu whispered as they made their way back to the village.
“Yeah, yeah…” He muttered.
“Don’t ‘yeah, yeah’ me! This is serious, we’re going to die!” The blond shivered as he unconsciously clinged to Inosuke. The boy simply huffed and continued walking. “Hey, Inosuke… what do you think you and your mom will do after you guys run away?”
“Huh? Why’d you ask that?”
“Well, I mean… You said you wanted to be a demon slayer, right? Well… it’s just I was wondering… if you’d like to keep in touch?” Zenitsu sheepishly responded.
“‘In touch’?”
“Yeah, like write letters and check up on each other.”
“You think I can read?! Or write?!” Inosuke growled in anger. “Besides, I already told you I’d protect you, so what makes you think you’re not staying with me, by my side, huh?!”
“I-Inosuke!” Zenitsu hissed. “Don’t say something embarrassing like that...” He was about to open is mouth when
“Inosuke!” Kotoha angrily greeted them when they made it out of the forest. “What are you doing? You know how I feel about you sneaking off at night.” She tried to mask her tone with anger, but Zenitsu heard nothing but concern.
“Mom, you’re doing the same thing right now!”
“Wh-what? Th-this is different!” She stuttered out. “I’m a grown up and you’re still my baby!” Her eyes flashed between the two boys. “I-I understand that young couples want to have… alone time… together, but you two must-”
“It’s not like that!” The blond thought his face was going to melt off.
“Mom, listen!” Inosuke saved him.
“We have to run away.” Zenitsu interrupted her, his face was still red. “Please. Please trust me, we have to get out of here as quickly and as quietly as we can…”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s Douma. He’s a demon. He’s going to eat us.” Inosuke clenched his fists. “Zenitsu’s a demon slayer, he was sent to find Douma and report back. He’s been eating our friends! Ever since we came here he’s been lying to our faces!” Zenitsu placed a hand on Inosuke’s shoulder to calm him down.
“Wait, where is everyone…?” The blond asked in a horrified tone.
“There’s a special ceremony going on, for the full moon…” Kotoha answered.
“He’s going to eat them.” Inosuke whispered in realization. “We have to save them!”
“No,” Zenitsu’s grip tightened on the boy. “I-It’s too late… I can, I can hear him…” He wanted to cover his ears, but he couldn’t, not when he needed to know if Douma was coming towards them. “We have to leave, now. Please, please don’t fight me on this.” He pleaded as he looked into Inosuke’s eyes. “We wouldn’t stand a chance…”
“Mom, how come you didn’t go to the ceremony?” Inosuke looked at her.
“I was too worried about you.” She confessed, cupping his face in her hands. “I may not be smart, but I can tell when you’re troubled, Inosuke!” Tears began to gather in her eyes. “You’ve been troubled for a while, but I’ve been too stupid to see why. When you brought Zenitsu home, I… you seemed happy again, and I just wanted to believe that it could’ve been like this forever…”
“Mom…”
“I wanted to do something right. But now I’ve endangered the one thing in my life I’ve promised to protect.” Inosuke looked into her eyes before turning his attention to Zenitsu and nodding silently.
“We have to find a way out of here. The forest would hide us for a while, but we’d be too slow to out run him…” Zenitsu started.
“The river! There’s a river to the east, I’m sure of it. If we can all swim then I think that’s the fastest way, let the current carry us to the nearest town.” Kotoha offered, looking between both boys.
“I have to get my sword.” Zenitsu furrowed his brows in worry. “Inosuke, you go with your mom and I’ll meet up with you guys! Please hurry!” He started walking back into the forest.
“I know the forest better than anyone!” Inosuke shot his arm out to grab his wrist, stopping the blond from walking any further. “I’m coming with you, Zenitsu.”
“I-I think we should stay together.” Kotoha said firmly. “You may be a demon slayer Zenitsu, but Inosuke knows the forest better than anyone.” Inosuke smiled proudly. “And I know the cities around this region the best.”
“No! Will you guys stop being so stubborn!” Zenitsu pulled his hand out of Inosuke’s. “I can’t believe I’m saying this! I-I’ll be the distraction s-so you g-guys can leave! I’ve been told I’m fast as lightning when running away, so don’t worry! Just promise you’ll pray for me every now and again… ” He whimpered.
“Zenitsu…” Her voice was so kind, so understanding, it was unlike anything he’s ever heard before… That’s why, that’s why he has to protect them.
“B-besides, I think he’ll want to kill me first. You guys just get out of here, and head to a place called the “Wisteria Mansion.” Tell them that you need to speak with Shinobu Kochou, and tell her what happened here.” He muttered, turning away from them. He was suddenly yanked back.
“Shut up already!” Inosuke head butted the blond, who yelped and started to rub his forehead. “I promised I would protect you, didn’t I?! I’m going to be the one to take him down, and don’t you forget that you’re going to worship me.”
“Inosuke! You ruined my brave monologue-”
“Here’s what we’re doing! We all go into the forest together, once we find the cave and Zenitsu’s sword, we split up. Zenitsu you go west and we’ll go east. When the sun rises we can meet back up by a city called Kyoshi, it’s directly north of here. ” Kotoha suggested. “That way you don’t have to worry about Zenitsu being helpless in the woods, Inosuke. And Zenitsu, me and Inosuke will be safe, you won’t have to worry about protecting us… You don’t have to, but if you make a distraction and run fast as fast as you can, without getting hurt, then you should do it.” She gave him a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder.
“But…” Inosuke muttered.
“Inosuke, let me protect you guys tonight, and I promise you can protect me for the rest of your life.” Zenitsu blushed, not daring to meet his eyes. If I live long enough to get away from this creepy cult and never see Douma again. He can’t believe he’s saying this, but he does want to look cool in front of them…
“Pinky promise then, that we’ll all meet up together!” Kotoha held out her pinkys for both of the boys. Inosuke automatically wrapped his pinky around hers and nudged Zenitsu to do the same. The golden eyed boy tentatively did so.
“Pinky promise!” Inosuke cheered and looked at Zenitsu expectantly.
“... Pinky promise.” He muttered after the blue haired boy elbowed him in the stomach.
“Just you wait, when I become the strongest Demon Slayer you’ll be glad that you made a promise to stay by my side!” Inosuke proudly announced and Zenitsu groaned.
He had a feeling his peaceful days were entirely over.