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The night was dreadful. Eerie, just like any other. Well, when you live in a world full of demons, it will always be eerie. To know that your life's fate might end in a demon's hand. Or, to know that every day might be the last because of those filthy creatures.
Humans would desperately deny that demons do not exist. Or, that they could survive or protect themselves from it. But demons are superior creatures. They are higher on the system. Beasts who would step on the life of others. And the prey will only be able to run and hide.
It was horrid when he found his friends lying on the cold ground. How did it happen? He had just turned his back for a mere second. A second ago they were fine, thriving even. But now, so suddenly they were cut into bits. Pieces of lifeless meat. They all stared at him with dark and blank eyes. The view made him feel sick. It was never rare to see blood and dead bodies. No, not when he was a demon slayer.
Bloodshed and death were expected for every mission. For them, the loss was something normal. But even, if. It still hurts. It will always hurt. That's why they would train. To become stronger and protect other people from the same pain they've suffered. They train to survive and move on. And then, they made ranks. To divide their strength and put them in place.
These ranks also work to make people respect the superior ones. When his friend was coldly murdered, the Moon pillar can't help but feel a sense of despair. Worst of all, the demon killed them so easily, when they were all the same rank. They were as strong as each other.
They train together. They worked together for their missions, and they built trust. They were strong as one. But at their strongest point, a demon was able to kill them all with ease. Four of the hashira were defeated in one place, and they never even got a chance to fight back.
Killing the strongest slayers so easily. The moon pillar began to tremble. He was next.
If the demon manages to kill them easily, it won't be hard to kill him as well. He was no different. To the demon's eye, he was weak. And now, he was going to die. All those years of training and suffering. All of it will become a waste. Even if he was in the highest rank. There will always be something above him. Something he could never reach. Something that could always step on him, and put him back to his place.
He flinched upon hearing every single sound of the forest. Hearing the wind blows, and the bushes brush against each other. He quickly turns his body, overreacting to everything that dares to move. He needed to be alert. Yet, he was alone. And he was afraid.
The situation was overly frustrating. The demon have yet to come, and he was already breathing heavily. Tears were threatening to fall off. He was a man. But goddamn he was scared as fuck. It reminds him of his past self.
He struggled to hold his sword. His sweat was starting to bother him, it's hard to breathe-
Why was this happening? The past was no more. It has passed. He has grown. But, he became scared once more. He felt as if something suddenly came to his mind.
'The letter.'
The threat. It was two weeks ago. Two weeks ago when it all began to fall apart. He first saw his crow, laying in front of his house, sleeping on its pool of blood. The crow was a gift for him, from the master of the demon slayers himself. It was his loyal companion.
He found it stabbed right in its chest. And was left there to dry.
When he observed it, he find a piece of paper, stuffed on the crow's incomplete body part. He opened it to see a letter. And he cannot be more surprised, this wasn't the first one. There were tons of these kinds of letters, locked in his drawer, inside his room, with the purpose of only collecting dust. His friends have told him to throw it out, or even burn it.
But he can never get himself to shake it off. Not when he knows the writer was serious. They suppose this was just a prank. A prank that maybe came from the inferior slayers. The ones who might be jealous of his accomplishments. But this is too far to be a prank.
He knows this handwriting. He has seen it many times to confirm it. It was his brother. The traitor.
All of the letters. It was surely him. It have requested to meet with him many times, yet he always ignored it. Hoping this might be a joke. Hoping that it was someone that's just being mean to him. The letter was getting on his nerve. Too much has come, and it wasn't the end. His patience was tested.
The letter threatened that this was the final. The final straw. That it will take it seriously from then on if he dares reject the letter once more.
But why does his brother want this? Isn't he the one who walked out on him? Isn't he the one who abandoned him?
Tsugikuni Yoriichi. He was once someone to look up to. He brought light to the demon slayers. He was the one who created breathing styles. The golden age of the demon slayers. The strongest one there! But the power may not be enough for him.
He was hungry for more. And unfortunately, he submits to a dark path. What once was high and mighty, fell off his throne to be something dark and cruel. He was unrecognizable. He changed.
And he abandoned his family. His little brother, Michikatsu. His brother was visited the moment it was announced Yoriichi had become a demon. He and his brother were close. The closest. Yoriichi cared for him. So much so that not even the Kakushi is allowed to meet him. Michikatsu was special to him.
But. When he became a demon. He easily forgot about him. He left. Leaving Michikatsu confused and lost. No one was there to lead him anymore. They were afraid Yoriichi might come to reveal their base, so they have to move out. Luck was on the young boy's side as they decided to bring him with them.
It was dangerous for little Michikatsu to be in that house. Demons don't care who they eat. As long as it was human. But there was a special type of blood that gave more benefits. The Marechi blood was a rare blood that make demons stronger. Eating one person with a Marechi blood was almost equal to eating a hundred normal ones. But there was another. The blood of their own. Demons would go crazy for that rare blood.
The first thing a demon would eat was their family. They had the sense to eliminate anyone who had the same blood as them. They work alone and never wish for any sort of bond. And it only gets worst that, Michikatsu does have the Marechi blood. That was why Yoriichi tried so hard to protect him. But now, even he became a threat to his brother.
Michikatsu was saved from him. And just like his brother, he was talented and gifted. Yoriichi has said that he was too weak for sword practice or even fighting. Yet he mastered the skills easily. It's just that his older brother never gave him a chance. He was neglectful of his combat skills.
He always forbids him to get close to any sort of weapon. But now, when he left, they need to teach him self-defense. Yoriichi was no longer here to protect him. He was now the one who would hunt him.
When he first hold the sword, he mirrored his brother. The perfect move, each swing was in place and coordinated. And he wasn't weak too. Yoriichi had lied to hide him from the world. But that never hurt him. As a child, he knows the danger of demons, ever since their parents were killed by them. He understands why he needed to stay indoors every time. His brother just wanted him to be safe. They only have each other now.
Yet, the one thing that ever hurt him. That was when Yoriichi left to join the demon side. Even after he promised they were supposed to be together forever. After he told him, he was going to protect him, and that he will never leave.
Several years have passed. He followed the path to becoming a demon slayer. Yet a couple of months ago, he started getting letters. It begs him to meet. And it wanted to reconnect. It was a cruel joke from someone who'd thought that was a good idea. Or, it was his brother himself.
Reconnect? How can they reconnect? Yoriichi betrayed the demon slayers, and him. He broke his trust. And he'd thought he could just simply reconnect? To forget all that had happened? It was pure rage that he felt. Upon reading the first letter. It was the only one that he get rid of, he tore it out of spite.
Yoriichi left him to fend for himself. And he wanted to come back like nothing ever happen? How heartless is he?
But the second, to the last one. It was getting more and more threatening. He kept trying to ignore it. For months, he acted like he didn't care. He also like the fact, that if it was his older brother. He was desperate for him.
The one who had called him useless over and over. Needs him. Someone so perfect as his brother, a person who needed no one. Needs him.
Because they are the only ones left. As a family, they only had each other. But he was a demon now. All his humanity must be scrapped. It was just a trap. To win his heart, and maybe devour him right after. He has the special blood, after all.
Even if someone used to love him. When they took the poison, and become a demon. They're already far gone. No hope will ever shine for them anymore. He needed to accept that. He lost his brother years ago. He didn't want him back. He didn't need him. He was just.. hungry.
He'd curl up the papers and he wished to break it. But he can't. Not when it was the only thing left of his brother's humanity. It was the last reminder, that he had a brother. Someone who used to be so close to him.
But he learns to forget him. Yoriichi was still out there hurting the innocent. They are on different sides now. And he cannot back him up any longer.
He misses his brother, he wanted to do everything to get him back. But he was a fool. That would be something impossible to do and it is not healthy. Letting go was his only option.
Naturally. The demon would let go too. The human have shown many times, that they have no interest in him. But it never actually stop, he didn't give up. Until now, the demon loses his patience. He wanted his brother back.
The letter was true. If he was unwilling to come to him. The demon was going to be reaching for him. He would not bother with any obstacles. Until he gets his brother back.
His friends told him not to take it seriously. But how could he not? When the same friend who said that was now dead, rotting on the ground. They all said he was being paranoid. But for comfort, they were kind enough to accompany him to his mission. Just this once.
It was a mistake.
'They could have lived if they haven't- if I haven't-'
He felt a presence behind him. Someone was watching him. Intently, observing his every move. His chest was moving up and down, rapidly, trying to breathe. To see him once again after several years. To see him as a monster.
He had hoped some other slayer had killed him. In truth, he was always scared to face him again. But he was here. He was here, and he cannot run away. Not anymore.
He turns around to see a dark figure. A silhouette hiding behind the trees of the forest. Watching, waiting, for him. There was a dark atmosphere surrounding him. Red smoke coming out of his form. He can see his eyes glowing in the dark. Those red eyes rest on his figure once more.
He took a step. As always, he would be the first one who'd taken the first step. Revealing his form. Michikatsu swallowed his spit. He looks.. menacing. Truly like a monster. This was no longer his brother. It was nothing more than a monster. The once-loving eyes only looked at him as food.
He had six arms. A horn. And his red mark trailed even further. Yoriichi was no longer. It's... It's Uppermoon one.
The demon has started rankings as well, to show their status just like the slayers. And the strongest demon, just before the demon king himself. Was he, "the light of the demon slayers". It hasn't been a decade since he became a demon.
But here he is, with high status. Looking down at him. His stare was intimidating. Just by his looks, it was clear he had killed and devoured many innocent humans. He stepped on the body of the dead slayers, his previous friends. Like they were nothing. He was a Supreme being.
Michikatsu wanted to go onto his knees. He wanted to beg for forgiveness and mercy. He wanted to weep on his brother's leg. Just like he always do before, when he had done something wrong as a child.
He was too afraid to move. This demon could kill him at any second. He wonders why he hasn't done it so. Was he observing how he have grown? Or was he thinking about how to devour him most efficiently? A way where he can take all of his blood.
He had one of his pairs of arms, wrapped around his chest. The other ones are just on his side. He wanted to hear him. After several years, Michikatsu wanted to hear his brother's voice once more. Before he die, he wanted to know. Will his sound be as loving and caring as before? He wanted a chance. A chance that his brother was still in there. Even though it's impossible.
"Mi.. chi.. kat.. su... Yes. That is your name."
What? He has sent those letters, yet he may not remember his name. Was this actually a prank? Or was this a trap? Who would do such a thing? It didn't matter now though. he's here. Led by all those false letters, that was not even confirmed who it was from. All of it to know that his brother may have forgotten, even his name.
"I miss you."
He wanted to hear that. He wanted to hear his brother say that, full-heartedly. He wanted his brother. But how could he miss him, when he barely even thinks of him? How is it true that his brother was not lying? He had lied before. And unlike others, he was better at seeing through them.
"Michikatsu."
He moved once more. Walking to the stiffened human. Tears were already fallen off. He cannot control his emotions anymore. He didn't know if he wanted to scream or cry. Does he want to push, or hug him? Yoriichi answered that.
All of his hands were wrapped in the smaller frame. One was brushing his hair, one was patting his back. It holds him so tightly. So lovingly. Trying to assure him of something. But he doesn't know what the thing is. He has broken him. It was all too late. He was not able to accept him, not again. Not when he has been betrayed, and his heart crushed by his brother.
He was too stiff to push him away, but now he realized he didn't want to hug him back. He didn't miss him. He hates him. Yoriichi has left him. And he is mocking him, to think that he would accept him again so easily. He must've thought he was that innocent, clueless, dumb child. The one who'd do everything and anything he said. The one who would obey him.
Rage was soon to take over. He moved his leg to kick him, right on the chest. Giving a moment of shock to his elder brother, he took this moment to jump back. Having distance from each other, he fixed his posture and held his sword tightly. This demon was just a mere mockery of his elder brother. And he shall pay the price.
The demon took this time to realize, he had been rejected once more. Just like his letters. His once innocent little brother had changed. All because of the demon slayers. They're the ones who need to pay.
And they will. Once he had his brother back. He vowed to eliminate them all. He will kill them for interrupting his relationship with his brother. For making him think to hate him. Not even realizing it was his fault.
In less than a second. His sword broke. It turned into nothing but dust, it disappeared. Leaving him only the handle to hold. Yoriichi doesn't look like he moved. He was still in the same position when he was shocked by Michikatsu's actions before. He took a deep breath. Regaining his form. Looking at his little brother in the eye.
He offered an arm.
"Michikatsu. Let's go home."
Michikatsu was still surprised by this situation. His sword has just been broken. And the demon had just calmly invited him to go home. Where is home? Is he serious? Moreover, how is he so fast? He was an upper moon, yes. But all of those training. He was supposed to be the fastest. But his brother will always beat him in everything. He was perfect. He was faultless.
With nothing to defend himself, Michikatsu began to shake once more. What was he supposed to do? He can't win. The demon was too fast, too strong, for him to handle alone. What can he do? How will he survive this? He can't. His only option was to run.
He ran to the deep forest. Hoping to get away and avoid the demon. The sun is not going up until after several hours. He was doomed. He can't outrun him. He will be caught. And he will be killed!-
"Agh!"
He felt pressure on his back, as he stumbled to the ground. Yoriichi has put slight weight on his back, with his hands, careful not to hurt him. He holds him down and is still. He was on top of him. Waiting for him to calm down, and stop struggling. But he can't. His life was flashing before him.
He was too afraid. Like a prey who had just a few seconds left before its end. His brother was the one who's gonna end him. He was sure, the attack was coming. Yoriichi was going to kill him in some way, and all he can do is close his eyes. He hoped it would end soon. He just wished it wouldn't be painful..?
Suddenly, he was lifted. Yoriichi grabbed him, holding him with his arms. Just like when he was a little kid. Yoriichi has shown his love once more.
What was he thinking? Still, having the thoughts that he was an idiot? So stupid that he would fall for his trick, just because he gave his. affection once more? How dare he.
He struggled with his arm. Trying to get off of his hard grip. He wasn't faltering a bit. Yoriichi stayed unmoving and endured all of his attempts to escape. He carried him patiently, and carefully. Until they reached a house, a mansion inside the depths of the forest.
And in there, he saw a garden filled with flowers. His favorite kind of flowers. And a pond. With some koi fish swimming in it. They used to have a pet fish together- No. He cannot just win his heart by showing his house.
Maybe he was at least thinking of him. But how can he know, when just a moment ago, he had forgotten his own little brother's name? And this mansion must have belonged to someone else. Before he killed the owner, and claimed it for himself.
Everything about him cannot be justified. Every time he sees him. Every time he did something. He was to look at it from the negative side. He was sure there was nothing good out of his intentions.
Including bringing him home. Once they entered the house, the sun was about to rise, and Yoriichi had locked every door and window. The place looks great, it was well taken care of by Yoriichi. This has been his place to stay for the past years. And he was willing to call it home.
And now, his home was perfect. Just like before, he has got everything back. His brother was the last piece to the image of a perfect house he had on his mind. And now he's here, and they can be brothers once more.
Michikatsu slapped his hand. His attempts to feed him have failed once again. He have thrown the food on the ground, he refused to eat anything Yoriichi tried to give him.
He wondered, after all these years, was his body the only thing that have grown? Michikatsu still hasn't gotten out of the phase of disobedience. Just like before, he was hard to control. He was being stubborn. The elder brother can only sigh at his behavior. Maybe some things will never change, and he was going to be responsible for everything Michikatsu did.
Just like how the river will continue to flow. Michikatsu will keep on pushing him. And he will just have to endure it.
Michikatsu has tried several methods. Trying to get off of the demon's grip on him. But the door would be locked. And Yoriichi would always have his eyes on him. Running away was hard. But he didn't want to be stuck with his menace of a brother. So he kept trying.
No matter how many times he failed, or how many times Yoriichi scolded him. He didn't care. He was not going down like this. He will not be willing to take the poison of his life no more. He didn't want to.
He had tried everything, but it was getting frustrating to fail again and again. He was losing it. Yet he didn't remember. This wasn't the brother he used to have. Once again, Yoriichi too was able to lose his patience.
Yoriichi can't leave him for too long, but he had missions. He wanted to kill the remains of the demon slayer or find the flower his master longed for. But he can't, knowing his brother might be up to something. Michikatsu never succeeded. But not until when he had just returned from his work. He found Michikatsu outside of the house, running around in the garden.
He didn't want to play games. So he had to catch him quickly. He wonders if he should just chain him. Would that be evil? But he was too difficult...
He worries, that one day when he got home his brother will be nowhere to be found. He will lose his brother once more. He will be alone once more, he can't let it happen. It was just too painful.
When he had just come back to their mansion, and saw no one to greet him. The usual sweet sounds of welcome, and the sweet smile that would greet him every time was nowhere to be found. He thought that the slayer had taken his brother. For his sin of becoming a demon. Michikatsu was going to take the price for him.
He had been killing them brutally. Believing he have lost the one and only family he had left. The family he was supposed to protect. And it was all his fault. But, when he senses him once more. He couldn't mistake him for someone else.
When he saw that Michikatsu was alive. Just minding his own business in a small village. Eating some riceballs. He felt as if the warm sun has given its light to him again.
He hasn't failed when he see his brother was there. Not dead. Not as a ghost. He is just there. He wish to hold him, but it was in the afternoon. And he was hiding under the shadow of a tree. He wanted to run to him. Hug him and never let go.
The slayer had changed him. But he was still and forever will be his brother. It doesn't matter how he acts. He will always be willing to accept and endure it. Because he was the older one. And he will always be responsible to protect the younger sibling. No matter how much it bothers him. He will find the best ways to protect his little brother.
He found his method disturbing, but it was suggested by the demon king himself. And it might be the only way. He had decided.
"Michikatsu..."
He pulled Michikatsu to talk to him. He always tried this, even if Michikatsu kept rolling his eyes, and pretend that he didn't care. He will continue to talk. There is nothing he can do to ignore it anyway.
"I see I can never be able to lock you. Whatever I do. At this, I will always fail.."
"So?"
This has piqued the interest of Michikatsu, he glanced at his brother.
"If you know how fruitless it will be, then just let me go."
Yoriichi shook his head, showing disagreement. He can never let go. Not him. Michikatsu was incapable. He cannot be responsible, even for himself. He will always need his brother to protect him.
"I have.. figured a way."
A way that would free both of them. Where he doesn't need to be locked inside the house. And where Yoriichi doesn't have to be separated from him.
They will unite.
Michikatsu screamed as he begged his brother. Trying and pushing, the bigger body. Yoriichi had held him tightly with all of his arms. Unfaltering, he ignored all of the noise coming from the human. He knows what he's doing. Yoriichi was so much stronger, and he had the upper hand.
He had no trouble holding him still, giving no chance for him to escape. He hugged him while giving reassurance, and apologies to him. He know this must be uncomfortable, and that his little brother was scared. But, it's okay.
It will be over soon.
Michikatsu begs his elder brother to let him go. He was beyond scared at this point. And he kept screaming and promising that he'd change.
"Yoriichi! B-Big brother, please! I promise I won't try to run away again! I promise! I will be obedient! And I will listen to you! Please! Brother!-"
Yet all of it was unheard by Yoriichi, he didn't listen. It was all too late for him. Yoriichi has made up his mind. He wanted to be one. They will be perfect as one. They are supposed to be one.
"It's okay, Michikatsu. No need to be afraid. From now on, I will be with you. forever."
Michikatsu was going to be devoured. It's not like he didn't expect it. But still. He cried as he bit off his goodbyes with spite. His body has begun to sink in. It only was getting darker and darker. He sank into his elder brother's body until there was absolutely nothing left of him. His brother had become his tomb. The only thing he ever manage to leave behind was the tears that fell and soaked Yoriichi's cloth.
When all was done, Yoriichi felt a rush of power. The blood of his brother. The Marechi. It was so powerful. He can feel his body absorbing it. In the end, even he cannot ignore the temptation. He has been wanting this. His body was enjoying every single bit of his brother's blood. Savoring it. Now finally, they were one. And now, no one will ever be able to separate them. Again.